bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laminar organization of the developing lateral olfactory tract revealed by differential expression of cell recognition molecules
Authors: Inaki Koichiro , Nishimura Sachiko , Nakashiba Toshiaki , Itohara Shigeyoshi , Yoshihara Yoshihiro
Published: September 2004

The projection neurons in the olfactory bulb (mitral and tufted cells) send axons through the lateral olfactory tract (LOT) onto several structures of the olfactory cortex. However, little is known of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying establishment of functional connectivity from the bulb to the cortex. Here, we investigated the developmental process of LOT formation by observing expression patterns of cell recognition molecules in embryonic mice. We immunohistochemically identified a dozen molecules expressed in the developing LOT and some of them were localized to subsets of mitral cell axons. Combinatorial immunostaining for these molecules revealed that the developing LOT consists of three laminas: superficial, middle, and deep. Detailed immunohistochemical, in situ hybridization, and 5‐bromodeoxyuridine labeling analyses suggested that the laminar organization reflects: 1) the segregated pathways from the accessory and main olfactory bulbs, and 2) the different maturity of mitral cell axons. Mitral cell axons of the accessory olfactory bulb were localized to the deep lamina, segregated from those of the main olfactory bulb. In the main olfactory pathway, axons of mature mitral cells, whose somata is located in the apical sublayer of the mitral cell layer, were localized to the middle lamina within LOT, while those of immature mitral cells that located in the basal sublayer were complementarily localized to the superficial lamina. These results suggest that newly generated immature axons are added to the most superficial lamina of LOT successively, leading to the formation of piled laminas with different maturational stages of the mitral cell axons. J. Comp. Neurol. 479:243–256, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Colocalization of urocortin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the hypothalamus and Edinger‐Westphal nucleus of the rat
Authors: Spina Mariarosa G. , Langnaese Kristina , Orlando Gabriella F. , Horn Thomas F.W. , Rivier Jean , Vale Wylie W. , Wolf Gerald , Engelmann Mario
Published: September 2004

Different lines of studies suggest that both the corticotropin‐releasing hormone‐related peptide Urocortin I (Ucn) and the neuromodulator nitric oxide (NO) are involved in the regulation of the complex mechanisms controlling feeding and anxiety‐related behaviors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible interaction between Ucn and NO in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), an area known to be involved in the modulation of these particular behaviors. Therefore, we mapped local mRNA and peptide/protein presence of both Ucn and the NO producing neuronal NO synthase (nNOS). This investigation was extended to include the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus (SON) and the Edinger‐Westphal nucleus area (EW), the latter being one of the major cellular Ucn‐expressing sites. Furthermore, we compared the two predominantly used laboratory rat strains, Wistar and Sprague‐Dawley. Ucn mRNA and immunoreactivity were detected in the SON and in the EW. A significant difference between Wistar and Sprague‐Dawley rats was found in mRNA levels in the EW. nNOS was detected in all brain areas analyzed, showing a significantly lower immunoreactivity in the PVN and EW of Sprague‐Dawley versus Wistar rats. Contrary to some previous reports, no Ucn mRNA and only a very low immunoreactivity were detectable in the PVN of either rat strain. Interestingly, double‐labeling immunofluorescence revealed that in the SON ∼75% of all cells immunoreactive for Ucn were colocalized with nNOS, whereas in the EW only ∼2% of the Ucn neurons were found to contain nNOS. These findings suggest an interaction between Ucn and NO signaling within the SON, rather than the PVN, that may modulate the regulation of feeding, reproduction, and anxiety‐related behaviors. J. Comp. Neurol. 479:271–286, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Time course of embryonic midbrain and thalamic auditory connection development in mice as revealed by carbocyanine dye tracing
Authors: Gurung Bina , Fritzsch Bernd
Published: September 2004

Central auditory connections develop in mice before the onset of hearing, around postnatal day 7. Two previous studies have investigated the development of auditory nuclei projections and lateral lemniscal nuclear projections in embryonic rats, respectively. Here, we provide detail for the first time of the initiation and progression of projections from the inferior colliculus (IC) to the medial geniculate body (MGB) and from the MGB to the auditory cortex (AC). Overall, the developmental progression of projections follows that of terminal mitoses in various nuclei, suggesting the consistent use of a developmental timetable at a given nucleus, independent of that of other nuclei. Our data further suggest that neurons project specifically and reciprocally from the MGB to the AC as early as embryonic day 14.5. These projections develop approximately a day before the reciprocal connections between the MGB and IC and before development of projections from the auditory nuclei to the IC. The development of IC projections is prolonged and progresses from rostral to caudal areas. Brainstem nuclear projections to the IC arrive first from the lateral lemniscus nuclei then the superior olive and finally the cochlear nuclei. Overall, the auditory connection development strongly suggests that most of the overall specificity of nuclear connections is set up at least 2 weeks before the onset of sound‐mediated cochlea responses in mice and, thus, is likely governed predominantly by molecular genetic clues. J. Comp. Neurol. 479:309–327, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
GABAergic and glycinergic presympathetic neurons of rat medulla oblongata identified by retrograde transport of pseudorabies virus and in situ hybridization
Authors: Stornetta Ruth L. , McQuiston Travis J. , Guyenet Patrice G.
Published: September 2004

Electron microscopy suggests that up to half the synaptic input to sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPGNs) is GABAergic or glycinergic. A proportion of this input is suspected to originate from neurons located within the medulla oblongata. The present study provides definitive evidence for the existence of these supraspinal presympathetic (PS) neurons with inhibitory phenotypes. PS neurons were identified by retrograde trans‐synaptic migration of pseudorabies virus (PRV) injected into the adrenal gland. GABAergic or glycinergic cell bodies were identified by the presence of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD)‐67 mRNA or glycine transporter (GlyT)‐2 mRNA detected with in situ hybridization (ISH). Neither GABAergic nor glycinergic PS neurons were tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐immunoreactive (ir). GABAergic PS neurons were located within the ventral gigantocellular nucleus, gigantocellular nucleus alpha, and medial reticular formation, mostly medial to the TH‐ir PS neurons. About 30% of GABAergic PS neurons were serotonergic cells located in the raphe pallidus (RPa) and parapyramidal region (PPyr). Glycinergic PS neurons had the same general distribution as the GABAergic cells, except that no glycinergic neurons were located in the RPa or PPyr and none were serotonergic. PRV immunohistochemistry combined with ISH for both GlyT2 and GAD‐67 mRNAs showed that at least 63% of midline medulla GABAergic PS neurons were also glycinergic and 76% of glycinergic PS neurons were GABAergic. In conclusion, the rostral ventromedial medulla contains large numbers of GABAergic and glycinergic neurons that innervate adrenal gland SPGNs. Over half of these PS neurons may release both transmitters. The physiological role of this medullary inhibitory input remains to be explored. J. Comp. Neurol. 479:257–270, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seismic tests on reinforced concrete and steel frames retrofitted with dissipative braces
Authors: Molina F. J. , Sorace S. , Terenzi G. , Magonette G. , Viaccoz B.
Published: September 2004

Seismic tests have been conducted on two 3‐storey structures protected with pressurized fluid‐viscous spring damper devices. One of the structures was a reinforced concrete frame with clay elements in the slabs, while the other one was a steel frame with steel/concrete composite slabs. The spring dampers were installed through K bracing in between the floors. The tests were performed by means of the pseudodynamic method, which allowed the use of large and full‐size specimens, and by implementing a specific compensation strategy for the strain‐rate effect at the devices. The test results allowed the verification of the adequacy of the attachment system as well as the comparison of the behaviour of the unprotected buildings with several protected configurations, showing the benefits of the application of the devices and the characteristics of their performance. The response of the protected structures was always safer than that of the unprotected ones mainly due to a significant increase of equivalent damping. The increase in the damping ratio depends on the level of deformation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response of SDOF system to non‐stationary earthquake excitation
Authors: Jangid R. S.
Published: September 2004

Earthquake excitation is often modelled by non‐stationary random process (i.e. uniformly modulated broad‐band excitation) for analysis of structural safety subjected to seismic hazards. In this paper, the non‐stationary response of a single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) system to non‐stationary earthquake motion is investigated for different shapes of modulating functions. The evolutionary power‐spectral density function (PSDF) of the displacement of the SDOF system is obtained using the time‐varying frequency response function and the PSDF of the earthquake excitation. The close form expressions for time‐varying frequency response function are derived for different shapes of the modulating functions. In order to study the effects of the shape of the modulating function, a comparison of the non‐stationary earthquake response of the SDOF system is also made for different modulating functions having the same energy content. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inelastic spectra for infilled reinforced concrete frames
Authors: Dolšek Matjaž , Fajfar Peter
Published: September 2004

In two companion papers a simplified non‐linear analysis procedure for infilled reinforced concrete frames is introduced. In this paper a simple relation between strength reduction factor, ductility and period (R–µ–T relation) is presented. It is intended to be used for the determination of inelastic displacement ratios and of inelastic spectra in conjunction with idealized elastic spectra. The R–µ–T relation was developed from results of an extensive parametric study employing a SDOF mathematical model composed of structural elements representing the frame and infill. The structural parameters, used in the proposed R–µ–T relation, in addition to the parameters used in a usual (e.g. elasto‐plastic) system, are ductility at the beginning of strength degradation, and the reduction of strength after the failure of the infills. Formulae depend also on the corner periods of the elastic spectrum. The proposed equations were validated by comparing results in terms of the reduction factors, inelastic displacement ratios, and inelastic spectra in the acceleration–displacement format, with those obtained by non‐linear dynamic analyses for three sets of recorded and semi‐artificial ground motions. A new approach was used for generating semi‐artificial ground motions compatible with the target spectrum. This approach preserves the basic characteristics of individual ground motions, whereas the mean spectrum of the whole ground motion set fits the target spectrum excellently. In the parametric study, the R–µ–T relation was determined by assuming a constant reduction factor, while the corresponding ductility was calculated for different ground motions. The mean values proved to be noticeably different from the mean values determined based on a constant ductility approach, while the median values determined by the different procedures were between the two means. The approach employed in the study yields a R–µ–T relation which is conservative both for design and performance assessment (compared with a relation based on median values). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Erratum
Authors: Nolte Christiane , Gore Ariel , Sekler Israel , Kresse Wolfgang , Hershfinkel Michal , Hoffmann Anja , Kettenmann Helmut , Moran Arie
Published: September 2004

The article to which this Erratum refers was published in Glia (2004) 48( 145–155
X‐ray crystallographic analysis and differential scanning calorimetry of two polymorphic forms of 2,6‐diphenyl‐1,4‐dithiin
Authors: Piao Xuehua , Sugihara Yoshiaki , Nakayama Juzo
Published: September 2004

2,6‐Diphenyl‐1,4‐dithiin 2 exists in the two polymorphic forms. The dithiin 2L, mp 62–63°C, was assigned as the metastable form, while the dithiin 2H, mp 79–80°C, was assigned as the stable form, mainly on the basis of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. X‐Ray crystallographic analysis showed that the largest difference in the molecular structure between 2L and 2H is found in the coplanarity between the benzene ring and the double bond part of the dithiin ring; the benzene ring and the double bond are nearly coplanar for 2L, whereas these are far from being coplanar for 2H. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 15:424–427, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20035
Zeolite‐catalyzed simple synthesis of different heterocyclic rings, part 2
Authors: Hegedüs Adrienn , Vígh Ilona , Hell Zoltán
Published: September 2004

A simple and environmentally friendly synthesis was developed for the preparation of 2‐arylimidazoline derivatives and 2‐arylbenzoxazole derivatives using a small pore size zeolite. The similar reaction was not applicable to the preparation of the sulfur‐containing analogs cysteamine or 2‐aminothiophenol, probably because of a disadvantageous reaction between the zeolite and the thio compound. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 15:428–431, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20036
Indolizines, triazolo[4,3‐a]pyridines, benzimidazo[1,2‐d]oxadiazoles, and pyrazolo[1,5‐c]triazoles via nitrogen and sulfur ylides
Authors: Dawood Kamal M.
Published: September 2004

The pyridinium salts 2a,b reacted with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD) to give the indolizine derivatives 6a,b. Pyridinium salts 2a,b also reacted with pyrazole‐5‐diazonium salt to afford the hydrazonoyl bromides 8a,b, which on treatment with aqueous ethanolic sodium carbonate furnished the 8aH‐1,2,4‐triazolo[4,3‐a]pyridine 10. When sulfonium bromide 11 was treated with nitrous acid and with pyrazole‐5‐diazonium salt, it afforded the new hydroximoyl and hydrazonoyl halides 12 and 17, respectively. Compound 12 reacted with 2‐methylthiobenzimidazole to furnish benzimidazo[1,2‐d]‐1,2,4‐oxadiazole derivative 14. Treatment of either 12 with 3‐phenyl‐5‐aminopyrazole or 17 with triethylamine resulted in the formation of the same product: pyrazolo[1,5‐c]‐1,2,4‐triazole derivative 16. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 15:432–436, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20037
Reaction of chlorides of phosphoric, sulfonic, and carboxylic acids on solid potassium carbonate surface under PTC circumstances
Authors: Jászay Zsuzsa M. , Petneházy Imre , Tőke László
Published: September 2004

Simple syntheses of phosphoric (4) and carboxylic (6) acid anhydrides have been elaborated by means of solid potassium carbonate in phase‐transfer catalytic acylation. Behavior of various acid chlorides, phosphoric (1), sulfonic (2), and carboxylic (8), have also been studied toward potassium carbonate in the presence of lipophilic quaternary ammonium salt. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 15:447–450, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20039
Synthesis and characterization of two novel tin(IV) compounds containing 12‐membered metallarings
Authors: Vargas‐Pineda Gabriela , López‐Cardoso Marcela , García Patricia García y , Cea‐Olivares Raymundo
Published: September 2004

12‐Chloro‐12‐n‐butyl‐1,11‐dioxa‐4,8‐ dithia‐12‐stannacyclododecane (3a) and 12‐chloro‐ 12‐n‐butyl‐1,4,8,11‐tetrathia‐12‐stannacyclododecane (3b) have been prepared by reacting n‐butyltin trichloride with 1,11‐dioxa‐4,8‐dithiaundecane and 1,4,8,11‐tetrathiaundecane, respectively. Complexes 3a,b were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, electron impact mass spectrometry, and multinuclear NMR (1H, 13C, and 119Sn). The spectroscopic data are consistent with bonding of the ligands through both sulfur and oxygen atoms in 3a and through all sulfur atoms in 3b to the Sn(IV) center. We suggest hexacoordination around the Sn atoms. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 15:451–453, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20040
A challenging synthesis of new 1,3,4‐thiadiazole derivatives starting from 2‐acylamino‐3,3‐dichloroacrylonitriles
Authors: Golovchenko Oleksandr V. , Pilyo Stepan G. , Brovarets Vladimir S. , Chernega Alexander N. , Drach Boris S.
Published: September 2004

Available 2‐acylamino‐3,3‐dichloroacrylonitriles, when treated with hydrazine hydrate, provide 2‐alkyl‐ or 2‐aryl‐5‐hydrazino‐1,3‐oxazole‐4‐carbonitriles that readily add alkyl or aryl isothiocyanates and the adducts formed recyclize on heating. Finally, the synthesis results in 5‐alkyl(aryl)amino‐1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl(acylamino)acetonitriles or the products of their further cyclization, 2‐(5‐amino‐1,3‐ oxazol‐2‐yl)‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole derivatives. The structures of the novel substituted 1,3,4‐thiadiazoles are corroborated spectroscopically as well as by X‐ray diffraction method. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 15:454–458, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20041
Nitrogen heterocycles from trimethylbenzenes
Authors: Shklyaev Yu. V. , Ismagilov R. R. , Rozhkova Yu. S. , Fatykhov A. A. , Abdrakhmanov I. B. , Tolstikov A. G. , Dembitsky V. M.
Published: September 2004

The reaction between 1,2,4‐trimethylbenzene 1, isobutyric aldehyde, and cyanoacetic ester afforded a mixture of three products: 3,3,5,6,8‐ pentamethyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetraisoquinolylidene‐1‐acetic acid ether (2) and its 3,3,5,6,7‐pentamethyl‐(3)‐ and 3,3,6,7,8‐pentamethyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetraisoquinolyli‐ dene‐1‐acetic acid ether isomers (3) in ratio 1:5:1. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 15:471–476, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20045
Fossil hyrax dung and evidence of Late Pleistocene and Holocene vegetation types in the Namib Desert
Authors: Scott Louis , Marais Eugene , Brook George A.
Published: September 2004

Pollen was derived from fossil dung of herbivorous hyraxes, deposited in a rock shelter on the highest mountain in Namibia, Dâures or Brandberg, situated on the Namib Desert margin. Radiocarbon dating ranging in age between modern times and 30 000 yr BP showed it represents the first empirical pollen evidence of continental palaeovegetation during the Late Pleistocene along the western escarpment of southern Africa. The initial results indicate Last Glacial Maximum vegetation differed totally from the current pattern as vegetation types were dominated by small Asteraceae shrubs, in contrast to those of the Holocene and modern times which show more succulents, grass and woody elements (arboreal pollen). The results suggest that Cape floral communities did not reach into the tropics along the western escarpment of Africa, despite such pollen types occurring in marine cores. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering of 3‐mercaptopropionic acid adsorbed on a colloidal silver surface
Authors: Castro J. L. , López‐Ramírez M. R. , Arenas J. F. , Otero J. C.
Published: September 2004

Chemisorption of 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (3MPA) on a colloidal silver surface was investigated using surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The ν(SH) vibration has never been observed in the SERS of 3MPA recorded over a wide range of pH. That behaviour enables us to deduce that the SH group is deprotonated and links to the metal forming an AgS bond but, in contrast, the carboxylic or carboxylate groups do not link to the metal. The carboxylic group is preserved even at pH values at which they should be deprotonated and only under rather basic conditions (pH ≥ 8) do the carboxylic groups dissociate. Consequently, the behaviour of 3MPA adsorbed on colloidal silver is analogous to that observed by Kudelski on a silver electrode. Finally, it is observed in all the SERS spectra recorded at any pH that it is the T‐conformer, defined around the C(2)C(3) bond, which adsorbs preferentially. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micellar effects on a ligand substitution reaction: Kinetics of the formation of [Fe(CN)5(μ‐pz)Ru(NH3)5]−, from [Fe(CN)5H2O]3− and [Ru(NH3)5pz]2+, in the presence of anionic micelles
Authors: Jiménez Rafael , Bueno Elena , Cano Israel , Corbacho Elizabeth , Fernández M. Eugenia , Gómez Lidia , Graciani Jesús , Hernández María , Matitos M. Teresa , Ortíz José , López‐Cornejo Pilar , Prado‐Gotor Rafael
Published: September 2004

The kinetics of substitution of H2O by Ru(NH3)5pz2+ (pz = pyrazine) in Fe(CN)5H2O3− have been studied in micellar aqueous solutions of sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS). Experimental results are discussed by using an approach based on the transition‐state theory. This approach is better than others based on the pseudophase model, which can also be used, because it is able to give a clear meaning to the parameters of the model. Trends in the observed reactivity are explained by a change in the degree of association of one of the reactants to the micelles (Ru(NH3)5pz2+ in the present work). This association is governed by an equilibrium constant that depends on the electrostatic potential at the surface of the micelles. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 36: 627–633, 2004
Kinetics of N‐bromination of 2‐oxazolidinone
Authors: Amoedo F. A. , Antelo J. M. , Arce F. , Parajó M. , Teixeiro E.
Published: September 2004

The kinetics of N‐bromination of 2‐oxazolidinone by transfer of Br from sodium hypobromite, N‐bromosuccinimide (NBS), or N‐bromoacetamide (NBA) were determined spectrophotometrically, at pH between 4.6 and 12.45 (depending on the brominating agent). The reaction with hypobromite was of first order with respect to both the hypobromite and the substrate. The bromination of oxazolidinone with NBS (or NBA) has been found to be a reversible process of order one with respect to both NBA (or NBA) and oxazolidinone in the forward direction, and order one with respect to SI (or ACAM) and the resulting N‐bromo‐oxazolidinone in the other. The pH dependence of the reaction rate was in keeping with a mechanism in which all the brominating agents (HOBr, BrO−, NBS and NBA) react predominantly with the anion of the substrate. Bimolecular bromination rate constants increased in the order BrO− < NBA < NBS < HOBr. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 36: 642–649, 2004
A study on the hydrolysis of bis(nitrophenyl)phosphate catalyzed by N‐methyldiethanolamine‐Ce(III) complex
Authors: Yuanqin Zhang , Fan Liu , Qingxiang Xiang , Junru Xiong
Published: September 2004

The hydrolysis of bis(p‐nitrophenyl)phosphate (BNPP) catalyzed by N‐methyldiethanolamine‐Ce(III) complex in the presence and absence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and Brij35 surfactants at pH 7.20 and 303 K has been studied. The experimental results indicate that N‐methyldiethanolamine‐Ce(III) complex remarkably accelerates the hydrolysis of BNPP. The observed first‐order rate constant of the hydrolysis of BNPP catalyzed by N‐methyldiethanolamine‐Ce(III) complex at pH 7.20 and 303 K is 1.22 × 10−2 s−1, which is 1.09 × 109 times of that of spontaneous hydrolysis of BNPP at pH 7. It is close to the activity of natural enzyme. A general quantitative treatment of the catalytic reaction involved a ternary complex as MmLlS has also been proposed in this paper. Applying this method to the catalytic hydrolysis of BNPP, we have obtained its thermodynamic and kinetic parameters. CTAB and Brij35 surfactant micelles obviously influence the rate constants of the catalytic hydrolysis of BNPP. Brij35 micelles promote the catalytic hydrolysis of BNPP, while CTAB micelles inhibit it. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 36: 687–692, 2004
Tcf binding sequence and position determines β‐catenin and Lef‐1 responsiveness of MMP‐7 promoters
Authors: Gustavson Mark D. , Crawford Howard C. , Fingleton Barbara , Matrisian Lynn M.
Published: September 2004

The matrix metalloproteinase‐7 (MMP‐7) gene is a target of β‐catenin transactivation. Expression of the T‐cell factor, Lef‐1, enhances transcriptional activation of the human MMP‐7 promoter by β‐catenin, but represses activation of the mouse MMP‐7 promoter, both activities through consensus Tcf binding sites. The mouse promoter has a single Tcf binding element (mTBE) located downstream of the transcriptional start site, while the human promoter has two Tcf binding elements (hTBE1, hTBE2), both located upstream of the transcriptional start. hTBE1 and hTBE2 also differ in sequence from mTBE. Here we demonstrate that positioning of mTBE, upstream or downstream of the transcriptional start site dictated whether Lef‐1 functioned as an activator or repressor, respectively. Sequence differences between mTBE and hTBE sites determined the potency of these activities, with hTBE sites being weaker. Mutational analysis of mTBE showed that increased Lef‐1 activity mapped to G · C base pairings at 5′ and 3′ ends, and correlated with a threefold increase in Lef‐1 binding affinity in vitro. Heterologous promoters with high affinity binding sites were 115‐fold more responsive to β‐catenin than those with low affinity sites. Converting low affinity Tcf binding sites to high affinity sites increased β‐catenin responsiveness of the mouse and human promoters by 2–3 fold, and ectopic expression of Lef‐1 increased β‐catenin responsiveness for promoters with low affinity binding sequences. We concluded that sequence and position of Tcf binding sites can determine the extent of β‐catenin‐Lef‐1 responsiveness for β‐catenin target genes. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunolocalization of bovine sperm protease BSp120 by light and electron microscopy during capacitation and the acrosome reaction: Its role in in vitro fertilization
Authors: cesari Andreina , Sánchez Jorge J. , Biancotti Juan C. , Vazquez‐Levin Mónica H. , Kaiser Germán , Palma Gustavo A. , Alberio Ricardo , Vincenti Amanda E. , FornÉs Miguel W.
Published: September 2004

Mammalian fertilization involves various steps in which the participation of specific enzymes has been demonstrated by numerous studies. Acrosin is one of the most widely acrosomal protease in mammalian spermatozoa studied, including bovine; however, other proteases have also been described. A new trypsin‐like serine protease named bovine serine protease of 120 kDa (BSp120) and its pre‐cursor BSp66 (66 kDa) were identified in bovine spermatozoa. Cytological and ultrastructural immunolocalization studies on BSp120 were performed in live and fixed cells. Immunoflorescence assays with specific polyclonal antibodies revealed localization of BSp120 on the sperm head, with a signal homogeneously distributed over the acrosome resembling a horseshoe. After the acrosome reaction, sperm showed a patchy pattern in the acrosomal cap. Immune electron microscopy analysis indicated that BSp120 is located over the head plasma membrane of capacitated spermatozoa and acrosome reacting spermatozoa. To assess BSp120 function in sperm‐oocyte interaction, in vitro fertilization studies were conducted. Oocytes were incubated with spermatozoa pre‐treated with anti‐BSp120, anti‐guinea pig acrosin, and anti‐BSp120 plus anti‐guinea pig acrosin. Pre‐treatment of bovine spermatozoa with antibodies towards each protein did not significantly modify fertilization rates. However, when both anti‐acrosin and anti‐BSp120 antibodies were simultaneously added, there was a significant decrease in the fertilization rate, suggesting that both enzymes may be required for fertilization. Altogether, the results from the present study described the localization of BSp120 over the acrosome of bovine sperm, and suggest its involvement in fertilization. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 69: 411–418, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Species‐related differences in blastocyst quality are associated with differences in relative mRNA transcription
Authors: Rizos Dimitrios , Gutierrez‐Adan Alfonso , Moreira Pedro , O'Meara Ciara , Fair Trudee , Evans Alex C.O. , Boland Maurice P. , Lonergan Patrick
Published: September 2004

The objective of this study was to compare the relative transcript abundance of several important candidate genes between ovine and bovine blastocysts. Blastocysts were produced by in vitro maturation, fertilization, and subsequent culture in one of two formulations of synthetic oviduct fluid medium (SOF1 and SOF2). From each IVF replicate groups of 10 bovine and 10 ovine blastocysts from each of the two media were used for analysis of mRNA relative abundance. Transcript levels for mitochondrial Mn‐superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), survivin, and glucose transport 5 (Glut‐5) were significantly higher in ovine blastocysts than bovine (P < 0.05), while transcripts for Connexin 31 (Cx31), interferon tau (IFN‐τ), and sarcosine oxidase (SOX) were significantly more abundant in bovine blastocysts (P < 0.01). For the two remaining transcripts, E‐cadherin (E‐cad) and Na/K ATPase (Na/K), there was no difference. Culture of bovine embryos in SOF2 resulted in a significant increase in the level of expression of MnSOD and Glut‐5 (P < 0.05) compared to those bovine embryos cultured in SOF1. For all the other transcripts, except survivin, there was a significant decrease in the relative abundance. Culture of sheep embryos in either SOF1 or SOF2 did not have a major influence on transcript abundance; of the eight transcripts examined, the relative abundance of only one, SOX, was significantly altered. Bovine blastocysts produced in SOF2 had significantly higher survival rates at 24, 48, and 72 hr and significantly higher hatching rates following vitrification and warming than those cultured in SOF1 (P < 0.001). In conclusion, we have quantified for the first time the mRNA expression of a set of important developmental genes in sheep blastocysts and we have demonstrated that these differences between species in their adaptability to culture conditions, manifested in differences in embryo morphology and cryotolerance, are related to differences in mRNA relative abundance. The results also highlight the usefulness of transcript analysis as a marker of embryo quality. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 69: 381–386, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chorionic gonadotropin regulates the transcript level of VHL, p53, and HIF‐2α in human granulosa lutein cells
Authors: Herr D. , Keck C. , Tempfer C. , Pietrowski Detlef
Published: September 2004

The ovarian corpus luteum plays a critical role in reproduction being the primary source of circulating progesterone. After ovulation the corpus luteum is build by avascular granulosa lutein cells through rapid vascularization regulated by gonadotropic hormones. The present study was performed to investigate whether this process might be influenced by the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)‐dependent expression of different tumor suppressor genes and hypoxia dependent transcription factors. RNA was isolated from cultured granulosa lutein cells, transcribed into cDNA, and the transcript level of following genes were determined: RB‐1, VHL, NF‐1, NF‐2, Wt‐1, p53, APC, and hypoxia inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1), ‐2, and ‐3α. Additionally, the influence of hCG on the expression of VHL, p53, and HIf2α were investigated. We demonstrate that in human granulosa lutein cells the tumor suppressor genes RB‐1, VHL, NF‐1, NF‐2, Wt‐1, p53, and APC and the hypoxia dependent transcription factors HIF‐1α, ‐2α, and ‐3α are expressed. In addition, we showed that hCG regulates the expression of p53, VHL, and HIF‐2α. Our results indicate that hCG may determine the growth and development of the corpus luteum by mediating hypoxic and apoptotic pathways in human granulosa lutein cells. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 69: 397–401, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protein synthesis and mRNA storage in cattle oocytes maintained under meiotic block by roscovitine inhibition of MPF activity
Authors: Vigneron Céline , Perreau Christine , Dalbiès‐Tran Rozenn , Joly Catherine , Humblot Patrice , Uzbekova Svetlana , Mermillod Pascal
Published: September 2004

Roscovitine, a specific inhibitor of MPF kinase activity, has been shown to block efficiently and reversibly the meiotic resumption of oocytes from different species, including cattle. In view to verify that oocytes maintain germinal vesicle like molecular activities under roscovitine treatment, we compared in the present study the M‐phase Promoting Factor (MPF) and Mitogen Activated Protein (MAP) kinase activities; protein synthesis and phosphorylation patterns in oocytes and cumulus cells; and CDK1 and Cyclin B messengers storage under control culture and under roscovitine inhibition. We observed that roscovitine induced a full and reversible inhibition of MPF kinase activity and of the activating phosphorylation of both ERK1/2 MAPK. During in vivo maturation, there was a highly significant increase in the relative mRNA level of both cyclin B1 and CDK1 whereas during in vitro culture, the relative amount of CDK1 messenger was reduced. These messengers may be used as markers for the optimization of in vitro maturation treatment. Roscovitine reversibly prevented this drop in relative quantities of CDK1 messenger. Oocytes cultured in the presence of roscovitine maintained a GV like profile of protein synthesis except that two proteins of 48 and 64 kDa specific of matured oocytes also appeared under roscovitine treatment. However, roscovitine did not prevent most of the modifications of protein phosphorylation pattern observed during maturation. In conclusion, results of this study revealed that the use of roscovitine did not prevent all the events related to maturation of bovine oocytes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 69: 457–465, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate‐induced tyrosine phosphorylation of syk protein tyrosine kinase in the flagella of boar spermatozoa
Authors: Harayama Hiroshi , Muroga Mai , Miyake Masashi
Published: September 2004

A cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cAMP)‐dependent protein tyrosine phosphorylation is involved in the expression of fertilizing ability in mammalian spermatozoa. However, there are only limited data concerning the identification of protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) that is activated by the cAMP signaling. In this study, we have shown data supporting that boar sperm flagellum possesses a unique cAMP–protein kinase A (PKA) signaling cascade leading to phosphorylation of Syk PTK at the tyrosine residues of the activation loop. Ejaculated spermatozoa were washed and then incubated in a modified Krebs–Ringer HEPES medium (mKRH) containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) plus 0.1 mM cBiMPS (a cell‐permeable cAMP analog), 0.25 mM sodium orthovanadate (Na3VO4) (a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibitor) or both at 38.5°C for 180 min. Aliquots of the sperm suspensions were recovered before and after incubation and then used to detect sperm tyrosine‐phosphorylated proteins by Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescence. In the Western blotting, the anti‐phosphotyrosine monoclonal antibody (4G10) recognized several bands including 72‐kDa protein in the protein extracts from spermatozoa that were incubated solely with cBiMPS. The tyrosine phosphorylation in these sperm proteins was dependent on cBiMPS and enhanced by the addition of Na3VO4. The 72‐kDa tyrosine‐phosphorylated protein was apparently reacted with the anti‐phospho‐Syk antibody (Tyr525/526). Indirect immunofluorescence revealed that the connecting and principal pieces of spermatozoa incubated with cBiMPS and Na3VO4 were stained with the anti‐phospho‐Syk antibody. However, the reactivity of the 72‐kDa protein with the anti‐phospho‐Syk antibody was reduced by the addition of H‐89 (a PKA inhibitor, 0.01–0.1 mM) to the sperm suspensions but not affected by the pretreatment of spermatozoa with BAPTA‐AM (an intracellular Ca2+ chelator, 0.1 mM). Fractionation of phosphorylated proteins from the spermatozoa with a detergent Nonidet P‐40 suggested that the 72‐kDa tyrosine‐phosphorylated protein might be a cytoskeletal component. Based on these findings, we have concluded that the cAMP–PKA signaling is linked to the Ca2+‐independent tyrosine phosphorylation of Syk in the connecting and principal pieces of boar spermatozoa. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 69: 436–447, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytoplasmic localization during testicular biogenesis of the murine mRNA for Spam1 (PH‐20), a protein involved in acrosomal exocytosis
Authors: Morales Carlos R. , Badran Haitham , El‐Alfy Mohamed , Men Hongsheng , Zhang Hong , Martin‐Deleon Patricia A.
Published: September 2004

The Sperm Adhesion Molecule1 (SPAM1) is the most widely conserved sperm antigen with important roles in mammalian fertilization. Light and electron microscopy were used to localize, by in situ hybridization, the cellular and subcellular sites of Spam1 mRNA in the murine testis. Transcripts were first detected in step 3 round spermatids, gradually increased until step 8 and abruptly decreased between steps 9–11. They were predominantly localized near the ER and were not dispersed throughout the cytoplasm. Immunohistochemistry revealed that Spam1 is present on both the head and tail of sperm in the seminiferous tubules, and provided support for transcriptional regulation of its transcript. Immunocytochemistry confirmed the location of Spam1 on the tail of testicular sperm and demonstrated that it is localized to both the principal piece and the midpiece. Spam1 on epididymal sperm is localized to the midpiece of the tail and changes from a uniform distribution on the head in the caput to a regionalized pattern, first on the posterior and then on the anterior head, in caudal sperm. Spam1 on the surface of caudal sperm was shown to mediate the increase in acrosome reactions induced by the synergistic effects of HA and progesterone, as confirmed in sperm from the Rb(6.16) translocation‐bearing mice which are Spam1 mutants. The similar response of human and mouse sperm to these agonists of the acrosome reaction, underscores the usefulness of the mouse as a model to study physiological aspects of SPAM1 in humans where, unlike the mouse, it is the only sperm hyaluronidase. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 69: 475–482, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Copolymerization of 3‐buten‐1‐ol and propylene with an isospecific zirconocene/methylaluminoxane catalyst
Authors: Hagihara Hideaki , Tsuchihara Kenji , Sugiyama Junichi , Takeuchi Kazuhiko , Shiono Takeshi
Published: September 2004

The copolymerization of propylene and 3‐buten‐1‐ol protected with alkylaluminum [trimethylaluminum (TMA) or triisobutylaluminum] was conducted with an isospecific zirconocene catalyst [rac‐dimethylsilylbis(1‐indenyl)zirconium dichloride], combined with methylaluminoxane as a cocatalyst, in the presence of additional TMA or H2 as the chain‐transfer reagent if necessary. The results indicated that end‐hydroxylated polypropylene was obtained in the presence of the chain‐transfer reagents because of the formation of dormant species after the insertion of the 3‐buten‐1‐ol‐based monomer followed by chain‐transfer reactions. The selectivity of the chain‐transfer reactions was influenced by the alkylaluminum protecting the comonomer and the catalyst structure. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 5600–5607, 2004
Comparative study of 2‐amino and 3‐aminobenzoic acid copolymerization with aniline synthesis and copolymer properties
Authors: Salavagione Horacio J. , Acevedo Diego F. , Miras Maria C. , Motheo Artur J. , Barbero Cesar A.
Published: September 2004

Polyanilines soluble in an aqueous basic medium were synthesised by copolymerization of aniline (ANI) with both 2 and 3‐aminobenzoic acids (ABA). Different composition copolymers were prepared by varying the ANI/ABA feed ratio. Poly(aniline‐co‐2‐aminobenzoic acid) (PANI2ABA) and poly(aniline‐co‐3‐aminobenzoic acid) (PANI3ABA) displayed differences in their properties, such as specific charge and fluorescence behavior because the reactivity of 2‐aminobenzoic (2ABA) and 3‐aminobenzoic (3ABA) acids are very different. The new materials were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron, Fourier transform infrared, and Raman spectroscopies. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 5587–5599, 2004
Deformation behavior of thin, compliant layers under tensile loading conditions
Authors: Shull Kenneth R. , Creton Costantino
Published: September 2004

In this article, a connection is made between the behavior of thin layers of Newtonian liquids under tensile loading conditions and the behavior of highly deformable elastic or viscoelastic solids, which are more commonly used as adhesives. The behavior of Newtonian liquids is understood in the most quantitative detail and serves as a starting point for understanding the origins of fingering and cavitation instabilities that appear when the tensile deformation rates applied to these layers are sufficiently large. Similar instabilities appear in solid systems and can be attributed to common features of the stress distribution for incompressible liquids and solids. A unifying treatment is presented that can be used to understand the overall deformation behavior and adhesive performance of a wide variety of solid and liquid systems that are typically applied as thin layers. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 4023–4043, 2004
Rettungsboote werden nicht im Sturm gebaut: Risk Handling Advice — Eine gesetzliche Auflage wird zum zentralen Element der Unternehmenssteuerung
Authors: Herold Bodo
Published: September 2004

„Die Welt ist riskanter geworden”︁ schrieb die FAZ am 19. 02. 2004 — unter anderem durch den neuen Terrorismus, die immer schnellere Technisierung, den Zwang zu kurzfristigem Erfolg, den Spagat der Unternehmensziele zwischen Umsatz‐ und Gewinnsteigerung und schließlich die Irrationalität der Börse.
Der Blick über die Grenzen lohnt — Management von Währungsrisiken bei unsicheren Cashflows
Authors: Wiedemann Arnd , Hager Peter
Published: September 2004

Im Währungsmanagement werden zahlreiche Derivate und Optionsstrategien angeboten, deren Weiterentwicklung sich Banken mit Faszination widmen. Damit rückt die Steuerung einer Risiko‐Position in den Vordergrund, deren Messung häufig noch nicht vollständig erfolgt. Eine effiziente Steuerung ist so kaum möglich. Der vorliegende Beitrag widmet sich der Messung von Cashflow‐ und Value‐Exposures bei Unsicherheit über die zukünftige Umsatzentwicklung.
Sprachrohr für Risikomanager
Authors: Sieler Carina , Rauchhaus Rolf
Published: September 2004

Seit Inkrafttreten des KonTraG im Mai 1998 sind Kapitalgesellschaften verpflichtet, ihren (Konzern‐)Lagebericht um eine Berichterstattung über die Risiken der künftigen Entwicklung zu erweitern (vgl. §§ 289 (1), 315 (1) HGB). Die Stichhaltigkeit der Darstellung ist zudem vom Abschlussprüfer zu testieren (vgl. § 317 (2) HGB).

Da der Lagebericht selbst — zusammen mit Bilanz, Gewinn‐ und Verlustrechung und Anhang — notwendiger Bestandteil des Jahresabschlusses großer Kapitalgesellschaften ist (vgl. § 264 (1) HGB), wird damit auch der Risiko‐Bericht implizit zu einem wichtigen Bestandteil des externen Financial Reporting. In dieser Eigenschaft gewinnt das Risiko‐Reporting immer größere Bedeutung. Analysten, institutionelle Investoren und Rating‐Agenturen fordern höhere Risiko‐Transparenz und honorieren verlässliche Risiko‐Informationen zunehmend durch entsprechend geringere Risiko‐Zuschläge auf ihren Kapitalverzinsungsanspruch.
Ölpest
Authors: Erben Roland Franz
Published: September 2004

Die Metallgesellschaft wurde 1881 gegründet und konzentrierte sich zunächst auf den Metallhandel. Doch sehr rasch entwickelte sich das Unternehmen zu einem erfolgreichen Bergbau‐ und Rohstoff‐Konzern. Im Jahr 1993 ist das breit diversifizierte Unternehmen mit 746 Firmen in zwölf Geschäftsfeldern tätig, die Schwerpunkte in den Bereichen Handel, Maschinenbau und Chemie. Die Metallgesellschaft gehört zu den Top 20 der deutschen Industrie, ihr Börsenwert beträgt etwa 1, 9 Milliarden Euro. Am 17. Dezember 1993 werden der Vorstandsvorsitzende, Heinz Schimmelbusch, sowie vier weitere Vorstände entlassen. Zuvor war bekannt geworden, dass der Frankfurter Konzern bei missglückten Spekulationen auf dem Ölmarkt einen Verlust von über 1, 7 Milliarden Euro erlitten hatte. Die drohende Pleite der Metallgesellschaft konnte nur durch das Eingreifen eines Bankenkonsortiums (insbesondere sind hier die Deutsche und die Dresdner Bank zu nennen) abgewendet werden. Dabei hatte alles ganz harmlos begonnen …
Bausteine für das Risikomanagement: Interview mit Dr. Patrick Adenauer und Dr. Werner Gleißner
Authors: Romeike Frank , Erben Roland Franz
Published: September 2004

Kaum ein anderer Wirtschaftszweig steht derzeit unter stärkerem Druck als die Bauindustrie: die rückläufige Konjunktur, die klammen öffentlichen Haushalte und die Billigkonkurrenz aus Osteuropa machen der Branche schwer zu schaffen. Wie sprachen mit Patrick Adenauer und Werner Gleißner, welchen Risiken sich die Bauindustrie gegenüber sieht und wie diese optimal gesteuert werden können.
Agil statt labil — Mit Agilem Projektmanagement im globalen Dorf gegen Veränderungen gewappnet
Authors: Roehrl Armin , Schmiedl Stefan
Published: September 2004

Projekte sind auch nicht mehr das, was sie einmal waren. In einer Zeit knapper Budgets und kurzer Planungshorizonte sind für erfolgreiches Projektmanagement neue Ansätze gefragt, die mit den garantiert auftretenden Änderungen besser umgehen können, als es die althergebrachten Methoden können. Gerade in der IT‐Branche scheinen Projekte notorisch unpünktlich zu sein oder den veranschlagten Kostenrahmen zu sprengen. Und das Resultat wird oft als unbrauchbar eingestuft. Woran liegt das?