bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conformational changes in seventeen cystine disulfide bridges of bovine serum albumin proved by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Nakamura Koji , Era Seiichi , Ozaki Yukihiro , Sogami Masaru , Hayashi Tomoya , Murakami Masataka
Published: July 2002

Conformational changes in cystine disulfide bridges of bovine serum albumin during acid‐induced isomerization (N→F and F→E transitions) have been studied with Raman spectroscopy. In an X‐ray crystallographic study of human serum albumin, Carter and Ho reported that all disulfide bridges of the albumin molecule are in the gauche‐gauche‐gauche conformation [1]. On the other hand, the solution structure of bovine serum albumin examined by Raman spectroscopy differs from its crystal structure in the conformation of some of the disulfide bridges. Two Raman bands were detected at 520 and 505 cm−1 in the disulfide stretching mode region, suggesting that the 17 disulfide bridges in the N‐form of bovine serum albumin solution take both the gauche‐gauche‐gauche and gauche‐gauche‐trans conformations. The ratio of the peak intensities at 520 and 505 cm−1 (I505/I520) is increased from 1.6 to 2.1 and from 2.1 to 6.3 on going from the N‐ to the F‐form and from the F‐ to the E‐form, respectively, indicating that the gauche‐gauche‐trans conformation of the disulfide bridges is converted to a gauche‐gauche‐gauche one which is the most energetically stable form during the acid‐induced isomerization. However, small amounts of gauche‐gauche‐trans conformation still remain even in the E‐form.
Enhancement of fibrin binding and activation of plasminogen by staplabin through induction of a conformational change in plasminogen
Authors: Takayasu Ritsuko , Hasumi Keiji , Shinohara Chikara , Endo Akira
Published: July 2002

Staplabin (0.3–0.6 mM), a fungal triprenyl phenol, enhanced 3–6‐fold the plasminogen activator‐catalyzed activation of Glu‐plasminogen and Lys‐plasminogen as well as their binding to fibrin. Staplabin was not stimulatory to the amidolytic activity of plasmin and plasminogen activators. Even in the presence of ϵ‐aminocaproic acid (EACA) and fibrinogen fragments, allosteric effectors for Glu‐plasminogen, staplabin increased the activation of both forms of plasminogen. In size‐exclusion chromatography of Glu‐plasminogen and Lys‐plasminogen, the molecular elution time, which varies as the conformation of a protein changes, was shortened by staplabin. These results suggest that staplabin causes plasminogens to be more susceptible to activation and fibrin binding by inducing a conformational change that is, at least in part, different from that induced by EACA and fibrinogen fragments.
Differential properties of D4/LyGDI versus RhoGDI: phosphorylation and rho GTPase selectivity
Authors: Gorvel Jean-Pierre , Chang Tsu-Chung , Boretto Joëlle , Azuma Toshifumi , Chavrier Philippe
Published: July 2002

RhoA/B/C and CDC42/Rac, which form two subgroups of the rho guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) family, regulate various aspects of actin cytoskeleton organisation. In cytosol, guanosine diphosphate (GDP) dissociation inhibitor (GDI) interacts with and maintains rho GTPases in their inactive GDP‐bound form. RhoGDI is a ubiquitously expressed GDI, whereas D4/LyGDI is hematopoietic cell‐specific and 10‐fold less potent than RhoGDI in binding to and regulating rho GTPases. We have combined microanalytical liquid chromatography with the use of specific antibodies in order to separate D4/LyGDI and RhoDGI‐complexes from the cytosol of U937 cells and to demonstrate that the two GDIs associate with different rho protein partners. RhoGDI can form a complex with CDC42Hs, RhoA, Rac1 and Rac2, while none of these GTPases was found to interact with D4/LyGDI. In addition, we found that stimulation of U937 cells with phorbol ester leads to phosphorylation of D4/LyGDI. Our results suggest that LyGDI forms complexes with specific rho GTPases expressed in hematopoietic cells where it may regulate specific pathways.
A scheme for designating enzymes that hydrolyse the polysaccharides in the cell walls of plants
Authors: Henrissat B , Teeri T.T , Warren R.A.J
Published: July 2002

A scheme is proposed for designating enzymes that hydrolyse the polysaccharides in the cell walls of plants. These enzymes are predominantly β‐1,4‐glycanases. The scheme is based on the classification of the catalytic domains of glycoside hydrolases into families of related amino acid sequences. The new designation for an enzyme indicates its family and, because all members of a family have these characteristics in common, its three‐dimensional fold and stereospecificity of hydrolysis. The scheme is intended to simplify comparison of the systems of enzymes produced by different microorganisms for the hydrolysis of plant cell walls.
The pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate‐dependent catalytic antibody 15A9: its efficiency and stereospecificity in catalysing the exchange of the α‐protons of glycine
Authors: Mahon Marrita M. , Gramatikova Svetlana I. , Christen Philipp , Fitzpatrick Teresa B. , Malthouse J.Paul G.
Published: July 2002

13C‐NMR has been used to follow the exchange of the α‐protons of [2‐13C]glycine in the presence of pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate and the catalytic antibody 15A9. In the presence of antibody 15A9 the 1st order exchange rates for the rapidly exchanged proton of [2‐13C]glycine were only 25 and 150 times slower than those observed with tryptophan synthase (EC 4.2.1.20) and serine hydroxymethyltransferase (EC 2.1.2.1). The catalytic antibody increases the 1st order exchange rates of the α‐protons of [2‐13C]glycine by at least three orders of magnitude. We propose that this increase is largely due to an entropic mechanism which results from binding the glycine‐pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate Schiff base. The 1st and 2nd order exchange rates of the pro‐2S proton have been determined but we were only able to determine the 2nd order exchange rate for the pro‐2R proton of glycine. In the presence of 50 mM glycine the antibody preferentially catalyses the exchange of the pro‐2S proton of glycine. The stereospecificity of the 2nd order exchange reaction was quantified and we discuss mechanisms which could account for the observed stereospecificity.
Rapid and irreversible inhibition of creatine kinase by peroxynitrite
Authors: Konorev Eugene A. , Hogg Neil , Kalyanaraman B.
Published: July 2002

We examined the ability of peroxynitrite and other ⋅NO‐derived oxidants to inhibit creatine kinase (CK). Peroxynitrite potently inhibited CK activity and depleted protein thiols. The rate constant for this reaction was 8.85×105 M−1 s−1. Glutathione did not reactivate CK activity nor did it regenerate protein thiol content. In contrast, glutathione reactivated CK, and regenerated protein thiols, after inhibition by either ⋅NO or oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Peroxynitrite did not irreversibly inhibit CK after it had been treated with GSSG to block protein thiols. We conclude that thiol oxidation is a critical event leading to inactivation of CK by peroxynitrite.
Cloning and expression of the gene for a vanadium‐dependent bromoperoxidase from a marine macro‐alga, Corallina pilulifera1
Authors: Shimonishi Manabu , Kuwamoto Shinsuke , Inoue Hiroyasu , Wever Ron , Ohshiro Takashi , Izumi Yoshikazu , Tanabe Tadashi
Published: July 2002

The cDNAs for a vanadium‐dependent bromoperoxidase were cloned from a marine macro‐alga, Corallina pilulifera. The open reading frame of one clone (bpo1) encoded a protein of 598 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 65 312 Da in good agreement with that of 64 kDa determined for the native enzyme. The deduced amino acid sequence coincided well with partial sequences of peptide fragments of the enzyme. From the same cDNA library we also isolated another cDNA clone (bpo2) encoding a protein of 597 amino acids with an identity of about 90% to BPO1, suggesting a genetic diversity of the bromoperoxidase gene of C. pilulifera growing in a relatively narrow area. The carboxy‐terminal 123 residues of the enzyme (BPO1) showed an identity of 45% to that of the marine macro‐alga Ascophillum nodosum. The homology search of the sequences of bromoperoxidases from C. pilulifera (this study) and A. nodosum, and chloroperoxidase from the fungus Curvularia inaequalis indicated highly conserved sequences PxYxSGHA and LxxxxAxxRxxxGxHxxxD. Furthermore, it was found that the histidine residue directly bound to vanadium, other residues building up the metal center and catalytic histidine residue forming the active site of the chloroperoxidase from C. inaequalis are conserved in the primary structure of the bromoperoxidase from C. pilulifera. The cloned bpo1 was introduced into Escherichia coli, and the expressed BPO1 was purified from the recombinant strain. The N‐terminal amino acid sequence of the purified BPO1 was identical to the deduced sequence from the cDNA except the N‐terminal methionine.
The mitochondrial small heat‐shock protein protects NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase of the electron transport chain during heat stress in plants
Authors: Downs Craig A , Heckathorn Scott A
Published: July 2002

Functional inactivation of the mitochondrial small heat‐shock protein (lmw Hsp) in submitochondrial vesicles using protein‐specific antibodies indicated that this protein protects NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I), and consequently electron transport from complex I to cytochrome c:O2 oxidoreductase (complex IV). Lmw Hsp function completely accounted for heat acclimation of complex I electron transport in pre‐heat‐stressed plants. Addition of purified lmw Hsp to submitochondrial vesicles lacking this Hsp increased complex I electron transport rates 100% in submitochondrial vesicles assayed at high temperatures. These results indicate that production of the mitochondrial lmw Hsp is an important adaptation to heat stress in plants.
Glucocorticoids decrease cytochrome c oxidase activity of isolated rat kidney mitochondria
Authors: Simon Nicolas , Jolliet Pascale , Morin Christophe , Zini Roland , Urien Saı̈k , Tillement Jean-Paul
Published: July 2002

The importance of mitochondria is rising as a target in pathologic processes such as ischemia. We have investigated the effects of hydrocortisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone and triamcinolone on oxidative phosphorylation, Ca2+ fluxes, swelling and membrane potentials in isolated kidney mitochondria. The measurement of respiration state 3 showed a significant decrease in presence of glucocorticoids whereas the other respiration states were not modified. When mitochondria were uncoupled and either the complexes III and IV or the complex IV were stimulated, the O2 consumption was decreased by glucocorticoids. These results suggest the cytochrome c oxidase is a target of the glucocorticoid effect on the respiratory chain. Indeed, the other mitochondrial functions investigated were unchanged, ruling out a direct effect on Ca2+ fluxes or swelling. A regulation of cytochrome c oxidase activity by glucocorticoids will be of particular interest in pathology involving metabolic insult.
Two tobacco genes induced by infection, elicitor and salicylic acid encode glucosyltransferases acting on phenylpropanoids and benzoic acid derivatives, including salicylic acid
Authors: Fraissinet-Tachet Laurence , Baltz Rachel , Chong Julie , Kauffmann Serge , Fritig Bernard , Saindrenan Patrick
Published: July 2002

Two tobacco genes (TOGT) with homology to glucosyltransferase genes known to be induced by salicylic acid (SA) also responded rapidly to a fungal elicitor or to an avirulent pathogen. SA, although an efficient inducer, was shown not to be essential in the signal transduction pathway regulating TOGT gene expression during the resistance response. Recombinant TOGT proteins produced in Escherichia coli exhibited low, but significant, glucosyltransferase activity towards SA, but very high activity towards hydroxycoumarins and hydroxycinnamic acids, with glucose esters being the predominant products. These results point to a possible important function in defense of these glucosyltransferases in conjugating aromatic metabolites prior to their transport and cross‐linking to the cell wall.
Activation of thiamine diphosphate in pyruvate decarboxylase from Zymomonas mobilis
Authors: Tittmann Kai , Mesch Kathrin , Pohl Martina , Hübner Gerhard
Published: July 2002

Replacement of tryptophan 392 located in the active site cavity of pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC; EC 4.1.1.1) from Zymomonas mobilis by methionine or glutamine yields enzymes with smaller catalytic constants of 8.5 s−1 and 3.6 s−1 at 4°C, compared to that of the wild‐type enzyme (17 s−1). The rate constants of the H/D exchange at the C2 of the coenzyme thiamine diphosphate have been determined to be 130 s−1 for the wild‐type enzyme, 56 s−1 for the methionine and 30 s−1 for the glutamine mutant, respectively. A group with a pK
a of about 5 has been identified to be essential for C2 deprotonation of the enzyme‐bound thiamine diphosphate from the pH dependence of the H/D exchange.
The latrophilin family: multiply spliced G protein‐coupled receptors with differential tissue distribution
Authors: Matsushita Hiroaki , Lelianova Vera G. , Ushkaryov Yuri A.
Published: July 2002

Latrophilin is a brain‐specific Ca2+‐independent receptor of α‐latrotoxin, a potent presynaptic neurotoxin. We now report the finding of two novel latrophilin homologues. All three latrophilins are unusual G protein‐coupled receptors. They exhibit strong similarities within their lectin, olfactomedin and transmembrane domains but possess variable C‐termini. Latrophilins have up to seven sites of alternative splicing; some splice variants contain an altered third cytoplasmic loop or a truncated cytoplasmic tail. Only latrophilin‐1 binds α‐latrotoxin; it is abundant in brain and is present in endocrine cells. Latrophilin‐3 is also brain‐specific, whereas latrophilin‐2 is ubiquitous. Together, latrophilins form a novel family of heterogeneous G protein‐coupled receptors with distinct tissue distribution and functions.
A lipid modified ubiquitin is packaged into particles of several enveloped viruses
Authors: Webb Jeanette H , Mayer R.John , Dixon Linda K
Published: July 2002

An anti‐ubiquitin cross‐reactive protein which migrates more slowly (6.5 kDa) by SDS‐PAGE than ubiquitin was identified in African swine fever virus particles. This protein was extracted into the detergent phase in Triton X‐114 phase separations, showing that it is hydrophobic, and was radiolabelled with both [3H]palmitic acid and [32P]orthophosphate. This indicates that the protein has a similar structure to the membrane associated phosphatidyl ubiquitin described in baculovirus particles. A similar molecule was found in vaccinia virus and herpes simplex virus particles, suggesting that it may be a component of uninfected cell membranes, which is incorporated into membrane layers in virions during morphogenesis.
Growth hormone induces insulin‐like growth factor‐I gene transcription by a synergistic action of STAT5 and HNF‐1α
Authors: Metón Isidoro , Boot Elmieke P.J. , Sussenbach John S. , Steenbergh Paul H.
Published: July 2002

Salmon insulin‐like growth factor‐I (sIGF‐I) expression is, as in mammals, induced by growth hormone (GH). To elucidate the mechanism by which GH stimulates the transcription of the IGF‐I gene, we transiently transfected Hep3B cells expressing the rat GH receptor with a sIGF‐I promoter‐luciferase reporter construct. Activation of the construct by GH added to the medium of the transfected cells was observed when two specific transcription factors, STAT5 and HNF‐1α, were simultaneously overexpressed in these cells. This finding demonstrates for the first time a GH‐dependent activation of an IGF‐I promoter construct in an immortalized laboratory cell line.
The human cadherin‐10 gene: complete coding sequence, predominant expression in the brain, and mapping on chromosome 5p13–14
Authors: Kools Patrick , Vanhalst Koen , Van den Eynde Eveline , van Roy Frans
Published: July 2002

In a quest for novel cadherin gene family members in the human dbEST database, an interesting EST clone was identified and chosen for subsequent analysis. Using the technique of 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends, we isolated the complete coding sequence and a large part of the UTRs of a novel gene. The sequence appeared to correspond to the human cadherin‐10 gene, whose sequence was only partially known before. The expression pattern of this cadherin was found to be largely brain‐specific, with additional expression in both adult and fetal kidney, and with minor expression in prostate and fetal lung. By FISH analysis the genomic location was determined at human chromosome 5p13–14, which is nearby the reported positions of the human cadherin‐6, ‐12, and cadherin‐14 (CDH18) genes. Cadherin‐10 shows high relationship to the human cadherin‐6 gene.
Enhanced transport of anticancer agents and leukotriene C4 by the human canalicular multispecific organic anion transporter (cMOAT/MRP2)
Authors: Kawabe Takeshi , Chen Zhe-Sheng , Wada Morimasa , Uchiumi Takeshi , Ono Mayumi , Akiyama Shin-ichi , Kuwano Michihiko
Published: July 2002

We established stable human canalicular multispecific organic anion transporter (cMOAT/MRP2) cDNA transfectants, CHO/cMOAT from non‐polarized Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)‐K1 and LLC/cMOAT from polarized pig kidney epithelial LLC‐PK1. Human cMOAT was mainly localized in the plasma membrane of CHO/cMOAT and in the apical membrane of LLC/cMOAT. The ATP‐dependent uptake of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) into CHO/cMOAT membrane vesicles was enhanced compared with empty vector transfectants. K
m values in CHO/cMOAT membrane vesicles were 0.24 μM for LTC4 and 175 μM for ATP. Drug sensitivity to vincristine and cisplatin in human cMOAT cDNA transfectants decreased, but not to etoposide. Cellular accumulation of vincristine and cisplatin in human cMOAT cDNA transfectants decreased, but not of etoposide. The uptake of LTC4 into CHO/cMOAT membrane vesicles was inhibited by exogenous administration of vincristine or cisplatin, but not that of etoposide. Moreover, this inhibition was more enhanced in the presence of glutathione. These consequences indicate that drug resistance to vincristine or cisplatin appears to be modulated by human cMOAT through transport of the agents, possibly in direct or indirect association with glutathione.
Enhancement of RNA self‐cleavage by micellar catalysis
Authors: Riepe Andrea , Beier Hildburg , Gross Hans J
Published: July 2002

It has been reported recently that naturally occurring catalytic RNAs like hammerhead and hairpin ribozyme do not require metal ions for efficient catalysis. It seems that the folded tertiary structure of the RNA contributes more to the catalytic function than was initially recognized. We found that a highly specific self‐cleavage reaction can occur within a small bulge loop of four nucleotides in a mini‐substrate derived fromArabidopsis thalianaintron‐containing pre‐tRNATyrin the absence of metal ions. NH4+cations and non‐ionic or zwitter‐ionic detergents at or above their critical micelle concentration are sufficient to catalyze this reaction. The dependence on micelles for the reaction leads to the assumption that physical properties, i.e. the hydrophobic interior of a micelle, are essential for this self‐cleavage reaction. We suggest that NH4+‐ions play a crucial role for the entry of the negatively charged RNA into the hydrophobic interior of a detergent micelle. A change of the pattern of hydration or hydrogen bonds caused by the hydrophobic surrounding enhances the reaction by a factor of 100. These findings suggest that highly structured RNAs may shift pKavalues towards neutrality via the local environment and thereby enhance their ability to perform general acid‐base catalysis without the participation of metal ions.
Heme binding and polymerization by Plasmodium falciparum histidine rich protein II: influence of pH on activity and conformation
Authors: Lynn Andrew , Chandra Shweta , Malhotra Pawan , Chauhan Virander S
Published: July 2002

The histidine rich protein II (HRPII) from Plasmodium falciparum has been implicated as a heme polymerase which detoxifies free heme by its polymerization to inactive hemozoin. Histidine‐iron center coordination is the dominant mechanism of interaction between the amino acid and heme. The protein also contains aspartate allowing for ionic/coordination interactions between the carboxylate side chain and the heme metal center. The pH profile of heme binding and polymerization shows the possibility of these two types of binding sites being differentiated by pH. Circular dichroism studies of the protein show that pH and heme binding cause a change in conformation above pH 6 implying the involvement of His‐His+ transitions. Heme binding at pHs above 6 perturbs HRPII conformation, causing an increase in helicity.
An investigation of the nature and function of module 10 in a family F/10 xylanase FXYN of Streptomyces olivaceoviridis E‐86 by module shuffling with the Cex of Cellulomonas fimi and by site‐directed mutagenesis
Authors: Kaneko Satoshi , Kuno Atsushi , Fujimoto Zui , Shimizu Daisuke , Machida Sachiko , Sato Yoko , Yura Kei , Go Mitiko , Mizuno Hiroshi , Taira Kazunari , Kusakabe Isao , Hayashi Kiyoshi
Published: July 2002

Although the amino acid homology in the catalytic domain of FXYN xylanase from Streptomyces olivaceoviridis E‐86 and Cex xylanase from Cellulomonas fimi is only 50%, an active chimeric enzyme was obtained by replacing module 10 in FXYN with module 10 from Cex. In the family F/10 xylanases, module 10 is an important region as it includes an acid/base catalyst and a substrate binding residue. In FXYN, module 10 consists of 15 amino acid residues, while in Cex it consists of 14 amino acid residues. The K
m and k
cat values of the chimeric xylanase FCF‐C10 for PNP‐xylobioside (PNP‐X2) were 10‐fold less than those for FXYN. CD spectral data indicated that the structure of the chimeric enzyme was similar to that of FXYN. Based on the comparison of the amino acid sequences of FXYN and Cex in module 10, we constructed four mutants of FXYN. When D133 or S135 of FXYN was deleted, the kinetic properties were not changed from those of FXYN. By deletion of both D133 and S135, the K
m value for PNP‐X2 decreased from the 2.0 mM of FXYN to 0.6 mM and the k
cat value decreased from the 20 s−1 of FXYN to 8.7 s−1. Insertion of Q140 into the doubly deleted mutant further reduced the K
m value to 0.3 mM and the k
cat value to 3.8 s−1. These values are close to those for the chimeric enzyme FCF‐C10. These results indicate that module 10 itself is able to accommodate changes in the sequence position of amino acids which are critical for enzyme function. Since changes of the spatial position of these amino acids would be expected to result in enzyme inactivation, module 10 must have some flexibility in its tertiary structure. The structure of module 10 itself also affects the substrate specificity of the enzyme.
Involvement of the NGFI‐A gene in the differentiation of neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Pignatelli M. , Cortés-Canteli M. , Santos A. , Perez-Castillo A.
Published: July 2002

The transcription factor NGFI‐A is an early response gene that has been implicated in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation and, more recently, in apoptosis. This gene is expressed in many tissues, and is very abundant in the brain. However, little is known about its functional role in the differentiation of this tissue. In the present work we investigated the role of NGFI‐A in serum withdrawal‐induced differentiation in N2A neuroblastoma cells. To do so, we studied the effect of NGFI‐A antisense oligonucleotides and NGFI‐A overexpression on this process. We show that neuroblastoma cells treated with an NGFI‐A antisense oligonucleotide do not undergo normal morphological differentiation after serum withdrawal, whereas N2A cells overexpressing this gene extend long neurites, even in the presence of serum. We also show that NGFI‐A overexpression is accompanied by an increase in the amount of phosphorylated microtubule‐associated protein MAP1B, which has been associated with neurite outgrowth. Our results suggest that the NGFI‐A gene plays an important role in neurite extension.
Transvaginal ultrasonography and the progestogen challenge test in postmenopausal endometrial evaluation
Authors: Bortoletto C.C.R. , Baracat E.C. , Gonçalves W.J. , Lima G.R. , Stávale J.N.
Published: July 2002

Objective: To analyze the morphologic and ultrasonographic aspects of the endometrium of postmenopausal women according to the progestogen challenge test. Methods: The study was conducted on 150 postmenopausal women. Each patient was submitted to transvaginal ultrasonography for measurement of endometrial echo thickness and to endometrial biopsies, followed by the progestogen challenge test. Results: Women with a negative test presented atrophic endometrium in 94% of cases. The other 6% have shown active endometrium, but none had hyperplasia. However, 56% of the patients with a positive test had atrophic endometrium. There was a correlation between endometrial thickness less than 5 mm and endometrial atrophy in patients with either positive or negative tests. Conclusion: Because the progestogen challenge test is cheap and easy to deal with, it can be done as a primary screening method in asymptomatic postmenopausal women. If the test is positive, ultrasonography is required in order to determine who needs a more accurate examination of the endometrium. If the test is negative, ultrasonography is not required due to the great number of women who have atrophic endometrium.
Integrating product mix and technology adoption decisions: a portfolio approach for evaluating advanced technologies in the automobile industry
Authors: Morgan Leslie Olin , Daniels Richard L.
Published: July 2002

Interactions with managers in the automobile industry indicate that efforts to bring potentially profitable new technologies into production are often frustrated by the traditional unit cost‐based approach that is used for evaluating new technologies. Opportunities for timely introduction of valuable or even preemptive technologies can be missed because unit cost comparisons, typically applied to a limited set of vehicle configurations with volumes based on current demand figures, invariably favor incumbent over new technologies. In this research, we develop a more complete technology adoption decision model that integrates product mix and technology adoption decisions. Specifically, we recognize that product mix and volume are important variables in determining the cost effectiveness of new technologies, and include in the model customer demand projections that reflect market trends (e.g. growing demand for increasingly sophisticated features and functions in vehicles). Anticipated experience benefits are then applied to the appropriate production volumes to more accurately predict the profit impact of adopting new technologies. The introduction of automotive multiplexing, a technology that is characteristic of current technological advances in the industry, provides a context for considering insights that can be derived from the decision model. Our interaction with a global Tier I automotive systems supplier allowed us to obtain representative cost data and other information relevant to the technology adoption decision.
Dynamic contributions to superior shoulder stability
Authors: Halder A. M. , Zhao K. D. , O'Driscoll S. W. , Morrey B. F. , An K. N.
Published: July 2002

It has been suggested that superior decentralization of the humeral head is a mechanical factor in the etiology of degenerative rotator cuff tears. This superior decentralization may be caused by muscular imbalance. The objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of individual shoulder muscles to superior stability of the glenohumeral joint. In 10 fresh frozen cadaver shoulders the tendons of the rotator cuff, teres major, latissimus, pectoralis major, deltoid and biceps were prepared. The shoulders were tested in a shoulder‐loading device in 0°, 30°, 60° and 90° of glenohumeral abduction. A constant superior force of 20 N was applied to the humerus. Tensile loads were applied sequentially to the tendons in proportion to their cross‐sectional areas and translations of the humeral head relative to the glenoid were recorded with a 3Space™ Fastrak system. Depression of the humeral head was most effectively achieved by the latissimus (5.6 ± 2.2 mm) and the teres major (5.1 ± 2.0 mm). Further studies should elucidate their possible in vivo role in the frontal plane force couple to counter balance the deltoid. The infraspinatus (4.6 ± 2.0 mm) and subscapularis (4.7 ± 1.9 mm) showed similar effects while the supraspinatus (2.0 ± 1.4 mm) was less effective in depression. Therefore, the infraspinatus and subscapularis should be surgically repaired whenever possible. The supraspinatus may be of less importance for superior stability than previously assumed. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selective activation by bryostatin‐1 demonstrates unique roles for PKCε in neurite extension and tau phosphorylation
Authors: Ekinci Fatma J. , Shea Thomas B.
Published: July 2002

Phorbol esters such as 12‐O‐tetradeonyl phorbol‐13 acetate (TPA) induce a time‐dependent biphasic effect on protein kinase C (PKC)‐mediated events by fostering translocation of cytosolic (latent) PKC to the plasma membrane (where it is activated). Continued treatment, however, depletes the cell's entire PKC complement and induces a functional stake of PKC inhibition. Previous studies from several laboratories have demonstrated that long‐term TPA treatment, like treatment with PKC inhibitors, induces neuronal differentiation. Bryostatin‐1 also induces translocation and overall downregulation of PKC following long‐term treatment, yet, unlike TPA or PKC inhibitors, does not induce neuronal differentiation, promoting controversy regarding the role of PKC inhibition in neuronal differentiation. We demonstrate herein that, despite overall downregulation in human neuroblastoma cells, membrane‐associated levels of one PKC isoform (PKCε) are actually increased following long‐term bryostatin‐1 treatment. Since previous studies have implicated this PKC isoform in phosphorylation of the microtubule‐associated protein tau and in neuritogenesis, we examined the consequences of long‐term bryostatin treatment on these phenomena. Treatment with 25 n‐100 M bryostatin‐1 for 72 h increased tau phosphorylation and inhibited neuritogenesis. By contrast, treatment with either TPA or the PKC inhibitor staurosporine did not induce tau phosphorylation and induced neurite elaboration. Bryostatin‐1 antagonized neurite induction by staurosporine. These findings provide additional evidence for a unique role of PKCε in the regulation of tau phosphorylation and neuronal differentiation, and demonstrate that bryostatin‐1 can function under certain conditions as a selective PKCε activator even following long‐term treatment.
Relapse and recurrence prevention in major depression: a critical review of placebo-controlled efficacy studies with special emphasis on methodological issues
Authors: Storosum J.G. , van Zwieten B.J. , Vermeulen H.D.B. , Wohlfarth T. , van den Brink W.
Published: July 2002

This article critically reviews the design and methodology of studies aimed at evaluating relapse and recurrence prevention in major depression. A literature search in MEDLINE was performed with the medical subject headings ‘depression’, ‘recurrence’, ‘relapse’, ‘prevention’ and ‘study’. This search covered the period from January 1990 to July 1999. Only long-term placebo-controlled studies that included patients with non-chronic major depression were selected. Two types of design could be distinguished: randomised withdrawal studies in responders/remitters (N = 11) and extension studies in responders without re-randomisation (N = 3).

Randomised withdrawal studies are suitable for demonstrating long-term efficacy for the duration of the study period. However, this design does not permit a clear differentiation between relapse or recurrence and, therefore, is not suitable to demonstrate unequivocally relapse prevention or recurrence prevention. Extension studies in short-term responders without randomisation are not even suitable to demonstrate long-term efficacy.

A novel design is proposed that overcomes the weaknesses of designs employed thus far. In essence, this design calls for a long-term randomised placebo-controlled study in patients who are free of medication for a substantial period of time and who fulfil the criteria of major depression (recurrent) in sustained remission (e.g., HDRS < 7) as a possible option.
The tridimensional personality questionnaire (TPQ) and depression
Authors: Hansenne M , Pitchot W , Gonzalez Moreno A , Machurot P-Y , Ansseau M
Published: July 2002

The relationships between the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ) and depression were examined in a sample of 53 major depressive patients and 33 healthy controls. Depressed patients exhibit higher harm avoidance scores as well as lower novelty seeking sub-scale exploratory excitability (NSI) scores as compared to healthy controls. However, the other dimensions and their sub-scales do not differ between depressive patients and controls. In the depressive group, the harm avoidance dimension is related to the severity of depression as assessed by the Hamilton scale. This study confirms the state dependence of the harm avoidance dimension and suggests a relationship between the novelty seeking sub-scale NSI and depression.
Validity of diagnoses and other clinical register data in patients with affective disorder
Authors: Kessing LV
Published: July 2002

Studies validating the clinical diagnoses of affective disorder recorded in case registers against research diagnostic criteria do not exist. In the present study, a random sample of 100 patients was selected among 21,734 patients who were recorded in the Danish Psychiatric Central Register with a diagnosis of manic-depressive psychosis at their first admission to psychiatric ward in a period from January 1, 1971 to December 31, 1993. Case notes from alt over Denmark were reviewed for all 100 patients and diagnoses were made with the use of OPCRIT. Patients who were still alive were contacted and interviewed face to face or by telephone. In total, 95 out of the 100 patients received an ICD-10 diagnosis of affective disorder computed with OPCRIT and confirmed at the interviews. Other clinical characteristics such as the age at onset and the number of affective episodes estimated from the register corresponded well with information from the case notes and the interviews.
Bread and circuses: shifting frames and changing references in ordinary Muscovites' political talk
Authors: Shevchenko Olga
Published: July 2002

The debates around the course of the Russian transformation, intensified by the sudden collapse of the Russian economic system in August 1998, typically deal with phenomena and issues involved by analyzing the structure and functioning of political elites, parties and institutions. While all of these provide interesting and revealing data, they fail to pay sufficient attention to everyday lives of the ordinary Russian people who face increasing hardships with endurance and ingenuity. This paper is a part of an ongoing project which focuses on the adaptive strategies developed by ordinary Russians in response to a drastically changing societal environment. This paper presents some early findings pertaining to the shifts adaptive strategies of Muscovites underwent after the economic collapse, and suggests that these shifts may start to explain why, despite the dramatic worsening of the economic situation, no major public protest actions have occurred so far.
Hedonic investment
Authors: Allen Douglas E. , McGoun Elton G.
Published: July 2002

Investing and consuming may not be so different as traditional economic theory has understood them. The consumer research literature has begun to view consumption not simply as rational decisionmaking, but as a more multisensory activity in which emotion and fantasy play important, if not essential, roles. This new perspective has been extended by Holt (1995) in a matrix of metaphors in which consumption can be viewed as an interaction with objects and/or other persons as an end in itself and/or a means toward toward other ends. This paper theorizes how this matrix might apply to investment and uses a literary analysis of the best-selling The Motley Fool Investment Guide to examine whether or not our knowledge of consumers might in this way inform our understanding of investors. © 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
Considering Technology: Living And Working In A Technocratic Society
Authors: Johnson Peter G.
Published: July 2002

In this article, a framework is provided for consideration of technologies that are frequently viewed as either a source of power or frustration. The two widely accepted paradigms of technological and social determinism are analyzed in relationship to women's health care. Those ascribing to the model of technological determinism believe that a technology, once created, takes on a life of its own. Those believing in social determinism view a technology as a neutral tool that can be used in any way that the user desires. Finally, a third model that addresses both of these propensities in conjunction with the technology and social factors underlying its use is presented and recommended for critical analysis of devices used when caring for women.
CD279 mediates the homeostasis and survival of regulatory T cells by enhancing T cell and macrophage interactions
Authors: Liu Yang , Gao Yuting , Hao Huiqin , Hou Tiezheng
Published: April 2020

CD279 is a cell surface protein predominantly expressed on T cells. Its ligands CD273 and CD274 are expressed on antigen‐presenting cells and tumors. CD279 has been shown to act as an important immune check point by inhibiting CD8 T cell activation, and antibodies against CD279 enhance T cell‐mediated cytotoxic function. However, whether CD279 has other functions in CD4 T cell homeostasis or in mediating T cell interactions with antigen‐presenting cells remains unclear. In the present study, we show that antibody‐mediated inhibition of CD279 reduces T cell survival in bone marrow in vivo. Unexpectedly, CD279 blockade also compromised regulatory T cell and macrophage interactions by reducing their contact time. The observation that the CD273 antagonist had little effect suggests that CD274 (the second ligand of CD279) plays a more central role in contact between conventional T cells (Tcon) and macrophages. The results of the present study suggest that both CD279 ligands contribute to the interaction length between T cells and macrophages as a mechanism of maintaining Treg homeostasis. Furthermore, CD273 and CD274 are not redundant ligands because CD274 may have unique effects on Tcon in this complex immune axis. Therefore, ligand selection for check point blockade as a tool for cancer immunotherapy has important implications with respect to anti‐tumor T cell activation and the avoidance of side effects.
Tuning 2D MXenes by Surface Controlling and Interlayer Engineering: Methods, Properties, and Synchrotron Radiation Characterizations
Authors: Wang Changda , Chen Shuangming , Song Li
Published: April 2020

MXenes, layered transition metal carbides/nitrides, have already received considerable attention in various research areas including but not limited to energy storage/conversion and photo/electrocatalysis. In fact, the intrinsic property of MXenes is highly tunable by controlling the surface terminations and interlayer spacing. Moreover, synchrotron radiation X‐ray characterizations have shown high potential for exploring the causal relationship between the properties and structure of MXenes. Particularly, operando X‐ray measurements could provide useful insight for better understanding the dynamic process of MXene‐based energy materials. In this review, a comprehensive summary of recent studies on surface controlling, interlayer engineering, and the synchrotron‐based characterizations of MXenes is presented. The outlook of MXenes and applications of advanced X‐ray characterizations are also discussed.
Stepwise Control of Crosslinking in a One‐Pot System for Bioprinting of Low‐Density Bioinks
Authors: Soliman Bram G. , Lindberg Gabriella C. J. , Jungst Tomasz , Hooper Gary J. , Groll Jürgen , Woodfield Tim B. F. , Lim Khoon S.
Published: April 2020

Extrusion‐based 3D bioprinting is hampered by the inability to print materials of low‐viscosity. In this study, a single initiating system based on ruthenium (Ru) and sodium persulfate (SPS) is utilized for a sequential dual‐step crosslinking approach: 1) primary (partial) crosslinking in absence of light to alter the bioink's rheological profile for print fidelity, and 2) subsequent secondary post‐printing crosslinking for shape maintenance. Allyl‐functionalized gelatin (Gel‐AGE) is used as a bioink, allowing thiol‐ene click reaction between allyl moieties and thiolated crosslinkers. A systematic investigation of primary crosslinking reveals that a thiol‐persulfate redox reaction facilitates thiol‐ene crosslinking, mediating an increase in bioink viscosity that is controllable by tailoring the Ru/SPS, crosslinker, and/or Gel‐AGE concentrations. Thereafter, subsequent photoinitiated secondary crosslinking then facilitates maximum conversion of thiol‐ene bonds between AGE and thiol groups. The dual‐step crosslinking method is applicable to a wide biofabrication window (3–10 wt% Gel‐AGE) and is demonstrated to allow printing of low‐density (3 wt%) Gel‐AGE, normally exhibiting low viscosity (4 mPa s), with high shape fidelity and high cell viability (>80%) over 7 days of culture. The presented approach can therefore be used as a one‐pot system for printing low‐viscous bioinks without the need for multiple initiating systems, viscosity enhancers, or complex chemical modifications.
Anomalously Suppressed Thermal Conduction by Electron‐Phonon Coupling in Charge‐Density‐Wave Tantalum Disulfide
Authors: Liu Huili , Yang Chao , Wei Bin , Jin Lei , Alatas Ahmet , Said Ayman , Tongay Sefaattin , Yang Fan , Javey Ali , Hong Jiawang , Wu Junqiao
Published: April 2020

Charge and thermal transport in a crystal is carried by free electrons and phonons (quantized lattice vibration), the two most fundamental quasiparticles. Above the Debye temperature of the crystal, phonon‐mediated thermal conductivity (κL) is typically limited by mutual scattering of phonons, which results in κL decreasing with inverse temperature, whereas free electrons play a negligible role in κL. Here, an unusual case in charge‐density‐wave tantalum disulfide (1T‐TaS2) is reported, in which κL is limited instead by phonon scattering with free electrons, resulting in a temperature‐independent κL. In this system, the conventional phonon–phonon scattering is alleviated by its uniquely structured phonon dispersions, while unusually strong electron‐phonon (e‐ph) coupling arises from its Fermi surface strongly nested at wavevectors in which phonons exhibit Kohn anomalies. The unusual temperature dependence of thermal conduction is found as a consequence of these effects. The finding reveals new physics of thermal conduction, offers a unique platform to probe e‐ph interactions, and provides potential ways to control heat flow in materials with free charge carriers. The temperature‐independent thermal conductivity may also find thermal management application as a special thermal interface material between two systems when the heat conduction between them needs to be maintained at a constant level.
Understanding the Film Formation Kinetics of Sequential Deposited Narrow‐Bandgap Pb–Sn Hybrid Perovskite Films
Authors: Wang Junke , Datta Kunal , Li Junyu , Verheijen Marcel A. , Zhang Dong , Wienk Martijn M. , Janssen René A. J.
Published: April 2020

Developing efficient narrow bandgap Pb–Sn hybrid perovskite solar cells with high Sn‐content is crucial for perovskite‐based tandem devices. Film properties such as crystallinity, morphology, surface roughness, and homogeneity dictate photovoltaic performance. However, compared to Pb‐based analogs, controlling the formation of Sn‐containing perovskite films is much more challenging. A deeper understanding of the growth mechanisms in Pb–Sn hybrid perovskites is needed to improve power conversion efficiencies. Here, in situ optical spectroscopy is performed during sequential deposition of Pb–Sn hybrid perovskite films and combined with ex situ characterization techniques to reveal the temporal evolution of crystallization in Pb–Sn hybrid perovskite films. Using a two‐step deposition method, homogeneous crystallization of mixed Pb–Sn perovskites can be achieved. Solar cells based on the narrow bandgap (1.23 eV) FA0.66MA0.34Pb0.5Sn0.5I3 perovskite absorber exhibit the highest efficiency among mixed Pb–Sn perovskites and feature a relatively low dark carrier density compared to Sn‐rich devices. By passivating defect sites on the perovskite surface, the device achieves a power conversion efficiency of 16.1%, which is the highest efficiency reported for sequential solution‐processed narrow bandgap perovskite solar cells with 50% Sn‐content.
Association of traumatic brain injury with dementia and memory decline in older adults in the United States
Authors: Grasset Leslie , Glymour M. Maria , Yaffe Kristine , Swift Samuel L. , Gianattasio Kan Z. , Power Melinda C. , Zeki Al Hazzouri Adina
Published: April 2020

Introduction

To examine associations of history of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) with loss of consciousness (LOC) with dementia incidence and memory decline.

Methods

We studied 2718 participants from the 1992 enrollment cohort of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) aged 65 years or older in 2000. History of TBI with LOC was self‐reported in 1992. Dementia was assessed using four algorithms established in HRS. Participants were followed from 2000 to 2014 with repeated measures of dementia and memory performance. Cox models and linear mixed‐effects models were used.

Results

In 1992, 11.9% of the participants reported a history of TBI with LOC. In fully adjusted models for all four algorithms, participants with a history of TBI with LOC had no statistically significant difference in dementia incidence nor in memory decline, compared to participants without TBI history.

Discussion

Our study did not find evidence of a long‐term association between history of TBI with LOC (of unknown frequency and severity) and dementia incidence or memory decline.
Energy conversion from wastewater sewage sludge
Authors: Billah Arif , Techato Kuaanan , Taweepreda Wirach
Published: April 2020

Natural rubber‐based industries in Southern Thailand are generating concentrated latex sewage sludge (CLS), which is commonly managed by landfilling practice that is causing serious environmental hazards. The purpose of this study was to develop a method to produce pellets using CLS and para‐wood sawdust as a potential biomass source for energy generation. The process started with dewatering the CLS through a decanter centrifuge. Then a flat die pellet mill was applied for copelletization. Finally, the pellets were investigated to evaluate the higher heating value and toxic heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cr, As, Cd, and Pb) using proximate ‐ ultimate analysis, fourier transform infrared analysis, scanning electron microscopy, calorific value, thermogravimetric analysis, atomic absorption spectrometer, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The results showed that the addition of the para‐wood sawdust resulted in higher heating value and lower ash content of 3,620 ± 12 kcal/kg and 4.93 ± 0.98%, respectively. Besides, it has increased the carbon content of the pellet from 28.23 to 46.26% highest among all the samples. Furthermore, the method developed in this study is not only environmentally friendly but also economically sound than the earlier management of CLS.