bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Presence of a Ferrocenyl Unit on an Estrogenic Molecule is Not Always Sufficient to Generate in vitro Cytotoxicity
Authors: Vessières Anne , Spera Daniela , Top Siden , Misterkiewicz Boguslav , Heldt Jan‐Martin , Hillard Elizabeth , Huché Michel , Plamont Marie‐Aude , Napolitano Elio , Fiaschi Rita , Jaouen Gérard
Published: October 2006

We recently reported the dual (antihormonal and cytotoxic) functionality of ferrocifens, which are organometallic complexes derived from hydroxytamoxifen, the standard molecule in the treatment of hormone‐dependent breast cancers. To test the hypothesis that the presence of a ferrocenyl substituent on molecules with an affinity for the estrogen receptor is sufficient to give them cytotoxic properties in vitro, we prepared complexes derived from estradiol with a ferrocenyl substituent at positions 7α and 17α. The complexes thus obtained retain a satisfactory level of affinity for the estrogen receptor (RBA values higher than 12 %). At low concentrations (0.1–1 μM) the complexes show an estrogenic effect in vitro equivalent to that of estradiol on hormone‐dependent (MCF‐7) breast cancer cells, and no cytotoxic effect on hormone‐independent (MDA‐MB‐231) breast cancer cells. At high concentrations (up to 50 μM) the 17α‐ethynylferrocenyl estradiol and 7α‐ferrocenylmethylthio estradiol become cytotoxic (IC50=13.2 μM and 18.8 μm, respectively) while the 17α‐ferrocenylestradiol remains non toxic. The low toxicity of these compounds support our hypothesis that electronic communication between the ferrocenyl and phenol moieties in the hydroxyferrocifens series is a key parameter in the generation of cytotoxic effects at submicromolar concentrations.
Effect of the Electrolyte Concentration on Cation Binding in Aqueous Surfactant Solutions
Authors: Jakubowska Anna
Published: October 2006

Electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) is used for the qualitative and quantitative study of ion binding to interfaces. The ESI‐MS measurements are carried out in aqueous solutions of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) in the presence of NaCl, NH4ClO4 , KCl, or Mg(ClO4)2 . The effect of the electrolyte concentration on the fractions, y, of the DS− monomers bound to the cations is shown. Moreover, the binding stability of different cations with DS− monomers is determined versus the electrolyte concentration. This stability and the y values (the Na+ ions derived from SDS), estimated in the presence of a given electrolyte, are quantitatively correlated with the electrolyte cation effect on the water structure. We also present calibration curves from which the molar concentrations of the sodium ions (derived from SDS) and of the other cations (derived from the electrolyte), bound to the SDS‐micelle surface at a given electrolyte concentration, can be obtained. Besides, specific ion effects (Hofmeister effects) are considered for 1:1 electrolytes.
Performance analysis of a file delivery system based on the FLUTE protocol
Authors: Peltotalo Jani , Peltotalo Sami , Harju Jarmo , Walsh Rod
Published: October 2006

This paper presents the results of performance tests carried out for a file delivery system based on the file delivery over unidirectional transport (FLUTE) protocol. FLUTE is a file transport protocol used to deliver files over IP networks, including the Internet and unidirectional systems, from a sender to one or more receivers. FLUTE uses UDP, an unreliable transport protocol, and so reliable delivery must be guaranteed by other means. This paper shows how FLUTE manages to recover from packet losses using forward path redundancy (forward error correction (FEC) and repeat transmissions in a data carousel), and a simple HTTP‐based point‐to‐point file repair scheme which is specified in 3GPP and DVB standards. The results presented in this paper show that careful optimization of FEC overhead, and the number of repeat transmissions, gives the best system performance in most cases. Based on the simplified error reception and distribution model depicted in this study, it is illustrated that the simple client‐server point‐to‐point file repair is optimal only for small groups. Several options to improve the configuration of FLUTE senders are provided, to deliver reception guarantees with optimal data expense from the system point of view. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of Nonsteroidal Anti‐inflammatory Drugs in Serum by Microchip Capillary Electrophoresis with Electrochemical Detection
Authors: Ding Yongsheng , Garcia Carlos D.
Published: October 2006

A simple and rapid method has been developed for the analysis of four nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in serum using microchip capillary electrophoresis with pulsed amperometric detection. The selected NSAIDs (salicylic acid, acetaminophen, diflunisal, and diclofenac) are among the most commonly used drugs to treat fever, inflammation, and pain. Used above the therapeutic levels, these drugs can cause a wide variety of adverse effects and their fast analysis could have a significant impact in treatment and recovery of the patients. Several conditions, including separation potential, pH, and concentration of the electrolyte solution were studied to optimize the separation and detection. In this study, salicylic acid, acetaminophen, diflunisal, and diclofenac were separated in less than 2 minutes using a 5 mM borate buffer at pH 11.5 and a separation potential of +1200 V. Linear relationships were obtained between the concentration and peak current in the 0.5–15.3 μg/mL range and detection limits around 0.26 μg/mL. After 30 consecutive injections, the stability of both the response and migration time of the analytes showed relative related deviations of less than 4.6% and 1.0%, respectively. The potential of this method was verified by spiking a bovine serum sample with the four NSAIDs and analyzing the recovery ratio.
High interleukin‐6 plasma levels are associated with functional impairment in older patients with Vascular dementia
Authors: Zuliani G. , Guerra G. , Ranzini M. , Rossi L. , Munari M. R. , Zurlo A. , Blè A. , Volpato S. , Atti A. R. , Fellin R.
Published: October 2006

In older individuals, inflammatory mechanisms have been linked to the pathogenesis of both dementia and functional impairment. In this cross‐sectional study we have investigated the possible association between some markers of systemic inflammation and functional status, in a sample of one hundred and forty older demented patients including 60 patients with late onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) and 80 with vascular dementia (VD). Functional status was evaluated by Barthel Index (BI); the total score ranged from 0 (total dependency) to 20 (total autonomy). Interleukin‐1β, Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α, Interleukin‐ 6, Interleukin‐ 8, and Transforming Grow Factor β were quantified by ELISA. Among the cytokines evaluated, only IL‐6 was correlated with the BI (r: −0.32, p < 0.001). The mean levels of IL‐6 progressively decreased from I (9.50 pg/mL), to II (6.40 pg/mL), to III BI tertile (4.80 pg/mL) (p < 0.02).

At multiple regression analysis, IL‐6 was associated with BI in the whole sample and in VD, but not in LOAD, independent of age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, previous stroke, and mini mental state examination score.

Our study suggests the existence of an independent and negative relationship between IL‐6 plasma levels and functional status in older individuals with vascular dementia. This finding might contribute to explain the ‘excess of disability’ phenomenon described in older demented patients. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Repeatability of a reference region model for analysis of murine DCE‐MRI data at 7T
Authors: Yankeelov Thomas E. , DeBusk Laura M. , Billheimer D. Dean , Luci Jeffrey J. , Lin P. Charles , Price Ronald R. , Gore John C.
Published: October 2006

Purpose

To test the repeatability of a reference region (RR) model for the analysis of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) in a mouse model of cancer at high field.

Materials and Methods

Seven mice were injected with 106 4T1 mammary carcinoma cells and imaged eight to 10 days later on a Varian 7.0T scanner. Two DCE‐MRI studies were performed for each mouse (separated by 2.5 hours). The RR model was used to analyze the data, and returned estimates on the perfusion‐permeability index (Ktrans) for the RR and the tissue of interest (TOI), as well as the extravascular extracellular volume fraction (ve) for the TOI.

Results

When the first injection was compared with the second injection, all parameters tested were highly correlated (r2 = 0.90, 0.62, 0.82 for the RR Ktrans, TOI Ktrans, and TOI ve, respectively, with P < 0.001 for all). To observe a statistically significant change (at the 5% level) in a treatment study with seven animals in each group, log10 changes of 0.084 and 0.077 in the tumor Ktrans and ve, respectively, are required.

Conclusion

If a reliable arterial input function (AIF) is unavailable, the RR model is a reasonable alternative to measuring MRI contrast‐agent (CA) kinetics in mouse models of cancer at high field. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Respiratory‐triggered MRCP applying parallel acquisition techniques
Authors: Asbach Patrick , Dewey Marc , Klessen Christian , Stemmer Alto , Ockenga Johann , Huppertz Alexander , Sander Bernhard , Hamm Bernd , Taupitz Matthias
Published: October 2006

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of parallel imaging on the image quality of respiratory triggered magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).

Materials and Methods

A total of 30 consecutive patients underwent MRCP applying a respiratory triggered T2‐weighted (T2w) turbo spin‐echo (TSE) sequence without and with parallel imaging (acceleration factor of 2). Acquisition times of both sequences were recorded. Quantitative evaluation included measurement of a contour sharpness index of two segments of the pancreaticobiliary tree as well as calculation of the relative contrast between ductal structures and organ parenchyma at four different segments. The qualitative evaluation was performed by two independent radiologists who graded overall image quality, depiction of eight segments of the pancreaticobiliary tree, and the frequency of artifacts.

Results

The application of parallel imaging significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the acquisition time of the respiratory triggered MRCP sequence by 37.7% (six minutes and two seconds ± one minute and 26 seconds vs. three minutes and 46 seconds ± 58 seconds). The quantitative and qualitative evaluation revealed no statistically significant differences between the two sequences (P > 0.05). The frequency of artifacts was at the same level for both sequences as well.

Conclusion

The application of parallel imaging for respiratory triggered MRCP significantly reduces the acquisition time without relevant influence on image quality. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural Basis of Chemokine Receptor Function—A Model for Binding Affinity and Ligand Selectivity
Authors: Rajagopalan Lavanya , Rajarathnam Krishna
Published: October 2006

Chemokine receptors play fundamental roles in human physiology from embryogenesis to inflammatory response. The receptors belong to the G-protein coupled receptor class, and are activated by chemokine ligands with a range of specificities and affinities that result in a complicated network of interactions. The molecular basis for function is largely a black box, and can be directly attributed to the lack of structural information on the receptors. Studies to date indicate that function can be best described by a two-site model, that involves interactions between the receptor N-domain and ligand N-terminal loop residues (site-I), and between receptor extracellular loop and the ligand N-terminal residues (site-II). In this review, we describe how the two-site model could modulate binding affinity and ligand selectivity, and also highlight some of the unique chemokine receptor features, and their role in function.
Chronic oral ascorbic acid therapy worsens skeletal muscle metabolism in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Nightingale Angus K. , Crilley Jenifer G. , Pegge Nicholas C. , Boehm Ernie A. , Mumford Catherine , Taylor Doris J. , Styles Peter , Clarke Kieran , Frenneaux Michael P.
Published: October 2006

Background:

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with abnormalities of skeletal muscle metabolism. This may be due to impaired oxygen delivery as a result of endothelial dysfunction.

Aims:

We postulated that ascorbic acid would improve oxygen delivery to exercising muscle and improve skeletal muscle metabolism.

Methods:

We studied skeletal muscle metabolism using 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy in 39 CHF patients. Endothelial function was assessed by changes in pulse wave velocity. Subjects were randomised to receive 4g ascorbic acid daily for 4weeks in a placebo‐controlled double‐blind study.

Results:

Ascorbic acid significantly increased phosphocreatine utilization during exercise. In addition, glycolytic ATP synthesis increased in the ascorbic acid group (change in rate of ATP synthesis at 1min −0.21±0.76 with placebo, 2.06±0.60 following ascorbic acid; p<0.05). Phosphocreatine and ADP recovery after exercise were not changed. The fall in pulse wave velocity during reactive hyperaemia was increased by ascorbic acid from −6.3±2.6% to −12.1±2.0% (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that ascorbic acid increased both phosphocreatine utilization and glycolytic ATP synthesis during exercise in patients with CHF implying worsened skeletal muscle metabolism despite improvements in endothelial function.
Extrahepatische Manifestationen von Leberkrankheiten: Skelett
Authors: Leuschner
Published: October 2006

Durch die in den letzten Jahren immer häufiger diagnostizierten Leberkrankheiten und die steigende Zahl von Patienten nach Lebertransplantation werden auch immer mehr Patienten mit Skelettveränderungen beobachtet. In erster Linie handelt es sich hierbei um die Osteoporose mit der gefürchteten Komplikation von Frakturen. Knochendichtemessungen erlauben es heute ziemlich sicher zwischen normal, osteopenisch und osteoporotisch zu unterscheiden. Andererseits ist die Fülle der Daten zu der Frage, welche Patienten mit Hepatopathien wann eine Osteoporose oder sogar Frakturen entwickeln werden, widersprüchlich. Die Therapie, für die ausreichend grosse Langzeitstudien mit gut stratifizierten Patientenkollektiven derzeit noch fehlen, sollte zum Ziel haben, die Osteoporose und Frakturen zu verhindern und nicht erst dann beginnen, wenn die Skelettveränderungen bereits ein Problem geworden sind.
Frequency hopping millimeter-wave reflectometry in ASDEX upgrade
Authors: Cupido L. , Graca S. , Conway G. D. , Manso M. , Serra F. ,   ASDEX Upgrade Team
Published: October 2006

Millimeter-wave reflectometers for performing density fluctuations have traditionally used either tunable fixed frequency (heterodyne and homodyne) systems or multichannel fixed frequency arrangements. Only recently novel systems were brought into operation with the ability to hop from one frequency to another over a large bandwidth, during each plasma discharge, while retaining the quality of fixed frequency phase locked sources. The new broadband fast hopping millimeter-wave reflectometer incorporates frequency synthesizers for both plasma signal and local oscillators, and the receivers are heterodyne producing full phase/amplitude outputs. Two identical systems were recently installed in (ASDEX upgrade tokamak - IPP-MPG Germany) covering the Q band (33–50 GHz) and the V band (50–75 GHz). In the present article the system is described and the particular implementation on ASDEX, using monostatic antenna system, is presented showing the possibility of correlation studies in fully optimized antenna scenarios. With both Q and V channels in operation it was possible to devise several operation schemes that are described here and a result showing the radial localization of magnetohydrodynamic activity is also presented.
Design and performance of a piezoelectric actuated precise rotary positioner
Authors: Wang Y. C. , Chang S. H.
Published: October 2006

Industries including semiconductor, biotechnology, and nanotechnology are seeking compact and reliable nanometer resolution positioning techniques. To address this demand, this article presents a friction-drive rotary stage driven by a piezoelectric transducer (PZT) actuator. This stage includes a multilayer PZT actuator, the Scott-Russell mechanism, an actuation stage, a preload spring, and an output shaft. Its rotary positioning is accomplished by the stick-slip effect between the wire electrodischarge-machining rotary stage and the output shaft. Finite element analysis and Taguchi optimization method were extensively conducted to analyze the displacement, stress, and vibration behavior for optimum design. As shown by the experimental results, the stage achieved a resolution of 0.13μrad and a speed of 0.15°∕h by tuning of the preload spring.
High resolution photofragment translational spectroscopy studies of the near ultraviolet photolysis of phenol
Authors: Nix Michael G. D. , Devine Adam L. , Cronin Bríd , Dixon Richard N. , Ashfold Michael N. R.
Published: October 2006

The fragmentation dynamics of gas phase phenol molecules following excitation at many wavelengths in the range 279.145⩾λphot⩾206.00nm have been investigated by H Rydberg atom photofragment translational spectroscopy. Many of the total kinetic energy release (TKER) spectra so derived show structure, the analysis of which confirms the importance of O–H bond fission and reveals that the resulting phenoxyl cofragments are formed in a very limited subset of their available vibrational state density. Spectra recorded at λphot⩾248nm show a feature centered at TKER ∼6500cm−1. These H atom fragments, which show no recoil anisotropy, are rationalized in terms of initial S1←S0 (π*←π) excitation, and subsequent dissociation via two successive radiationless transitions: internal conversion to ground (S0) state levels carrying sufficient O–H stretch vibrational energy to allow efficient transfer towards, and passage around, the conical intersection (CI) between the S0 and S2(π1σ*) potential energy surfaces (PESs) at larger RO–H, en route to ground state phenoxyl products. The observed phenoxyl product vibrations indicate that parent modes ν16a and ν11 can both promote nonadiabatic coupling in the vicinity of the S0∕S2 CI. Spectra recorded at λphot⩽248nm reveal a faster, anisotropic distribution of recoiling H atoms, centered at TKER ∼12000cm−1. These we attribute to H+phenoxyl products formed by direct coupling between the optically excited S1(π1π*) and repulsive S2(π1σ*) PESs. Parent mode ν16b is identified as the dominant coupling mode at the S1∕S2 CI, and the resulting phenoxyl radical cofragments display a long progression in ν18b, the C–O in-plane wagging mode. Analysis of all structured TKER spectra yields D0(H–OC6H5)=30015±40cm−1. The present findings serve to emphasize two points of wider relevance in contemporary organic photochemistry: (i) The importance of π1σ* states in the fragmentation of gas phase heteroaromatic hydride molecules, even in cases where the π1σ* state is optically dark. (ii) The probability of observing strikingly mode-specific product formation, even in “indirect” predissociations, if the fragmentation is driven by ultrafast nonadiabatic couplings via CIs between excited (and ground) state PESs.
One-step production of optimized Fe–Ga particles by spark erosion
Authors: Hong J. I. , Solomon V. C. , Smith David J. , Parker F. T. , Summers E. M. , Berkowitz A. E.
Published: October 2006

Spherical Fe–Ga particles were prepared by spark erosion in liquid Ar, which directly incorporated the desirable rapid quench from high temperatures. The compositions of the particles investigated were 15.0, 16.3, and 18.9at.% Ga, respectively, as determined from electron-probe microanalysis, x-ray diffraction, and Mössbauer spectra. Composites for magnetostriction measurements were prepared by mixing particles with epoxy at the volume fraction of 48% and curing in a magnetic field. Magnetostriction values of the composites were comparable to those of polycrystalline chill-cast alloys of the same compositions. Composites with particles having Ga concentrations of 18.9at.% had the highest magnetostriction, similar to results reported for bulk Fe–Ga alloys.
Interfacial chemical structure of HfO2∕Si film fabricated by sputtering
Authors: Jiang Ran , Xie Erqing , Wang Zhenfang
Published: October 2006

The interfacial structure for HfO2 dielectrics on Si (100) substrate was investigated using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The Hf 4f binding energy changes with the depth, which confirms the presence of Hf–O–Si state. Together with the analysis of O 1s and Si 2p spectra, it is believed that the interfacial structure includes both SiOx and Hf silicates. The electrical measurement is also consistent with the above conclusions. According to the theoretical and experimental results, a cursory model of the interfacial structure was established: The main body is SiOx species, on the top of SiOx is HfSixOy species, and Hf silicides are embedded in the Hf silicates.
Demonstration of microfiber knot laser
Authors: Jiang Xiaoshun , Yang Qing , Vienne Guillaume , Li Yuhang , Tong Limin , Zhang Junjie , Hu Lili
Published: October 2006

The authors demonstrate a 1.5μm wavelength microfiber laser formed by tightening a doped microfiber into a knot in air. The 2-mm-diameter knot, assembled using a 3.8-μm-diameter microfiber that is directly drawn from Er:Yb-doped phosphate glass, serves as both active medium and resonating cavity for lasing. Single-longitudinal-mode laser with threshold of about 5mW and output power higher than 8μW is obtained. Their initial results suggest a simple approach to highly compact lasers based on doped microscale optical fibers.
Epizootics of wild fish induced by farm fish
Authors: Krkošek Martin , Lewis Mark A. , Morton Alexandra , Frazer L. Neil , Volpe John P.
Published: October 2006

The continuing decline of ocean fisheries and rise of global fish consumption has driven aquaculture growth by 10% annually over the last decade. The association of fish farms with disease emergence in sympatric wild fish stocks remains one of the most controversial and unresolved threats aquaculture poses to coastal ecosystems and fisheries. We report a comprehensive analysis of the spread and impact of farm-origin parasites on the survival of wild fish populations. We mathematically coupled extensive data sets of native parasitic sea lice (
Lepeophtheirus salmonis
) transmission and pathogenicity on migratory wild juvenile pink (
Oncorhynchus gorbuscha
) and chum (
Oncorhynchus keta
) salmon. Farm-origin lice induced 9–95% mortality in several sympatric wild juvenile pink and chum salmon populations. The epizootics arise through a mechanism that is new to our understanding of emerging infectious diseases: fish farms undermine a functional role of host migration in protecting juvenile hosts from parasites associated with adult hosts. Although the migratory life cycles of Pacific salmon naturally separate adults from juveniles, fish farms provide
L. salmonis
novel access to juvenile hosts, in this case raising infection rates for at least the first ≈2.5 months of the salmon's marine life (≈80 km of the migration route). Spatial segregation between juveniles and adults is common among temperate marine fishes, and as aquaculture continues its rapid growth, this disease mechanism may challenge the sustainability of coastal ecosystems and economies.
Mast cells in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma; their role in fibrosis
Authors: Fukushima H , Ohsawa M , Ikura Y , Naruko T , Sugama Y , Suekane T , Kitabayashi C , Inoue T , Hino M , Ueda M
Published: October 2006

Aims Mast cells (MCs) are associated with fibrosis in various diseases. MCs comprise two phenotypes: the MCTC phenotype contains tryptase and chymase, whereas the MCT phenotype contains tryptase. Interleukin (IL)‐4 promotes the development of MCTC from the MCT phenotype. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between MC phenotypes and fibrosis in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Methods and results We examined the distribution and density of MCs in 50 DLBCL and 20 reactive lymph nodes, and evaluated MC phenotypes and IL‐4‐expressing cells. To detect MCs, immunohistochemistry for tryptase and chymase was performed. The 50 DLBCLs were histologically divided into three groups: no fibrosis (32 cases), reticular type (eight cases) showing reticular fibrosis, and bundle type (10 cases) showing collagenous bundles. The density of tryptase‐positive MCs was higher than that of chymase‐positive MCs. The densities of tryptase‐positive and chymase‐positive MCs in fibrotic areas were significantly higher than those in the cellular areas in the reticular and bundle groups. Double immunostaining revealed that MCs in DLBCL comprised MCT and MCTC phenotypes. Chymase‐positive MCs and T lymphocytes expressed IL‐4. Although there were few chymase‐positive MCs in reactive lymph nodes, the density of tryptase‐positive MCs was not different from that in the ‘no fibrosis’ group.

Conclusions Tryptase‐positive and chymase‐positive MCs are associated with fibrosis in DLBCL.
Heart failure alters matrix metalloproteinase gene expression and activity in rat skeletal muscle
Authors: Carvalho Robson Francisco , Dariolli Rafael , Justulin Junior Luis Antonio , Sugizaki Mário Mateus , Politi Okoshi Marina , Cicogna Antonio Carlos , Felisbino Sérgio Luis , Dal Pai‐Silva Maeli
Published: October 2006

Heart failure is associated with a skeletal muscle myopathy with cellular and extracellular alterations. The hypothesis of this investigation is that extracellular changes may be associated with enhanced mRNA expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). We examined MMP mRNA expression and MMP activity in Soleus (SOL), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and diaphragm (DIA) muscles of young Wistar rat with monocrotaline‐induced heart failure. Rats injected with saline served as age‐matched controls. MMP2 and MMP9 mRNA contents were determined by RT‐PCR and MMP activity by electrophoresis in gelatin‐containing polyacrylamide gels in the presence of SDS under non‐reducing conditions. Heart failure increased MMP9 mRNA expression and activity in SOL, EDL and DIA and MMP2 mRNA expression in DIA. These results suggest that MMP changes may contribute to the skeletal muscle myopathy during heart failure.
MCP‐1/CCR2 signalling pathway regulates hyperoxia‐induced acute lung injury via nitric oxide production
Authors: Okuma Toshiyuki , Terasaki Yasuhiro , Sakashita Naomi , Kaikita Koichi , Kobayashi Hironori , Hayasaki Takanori , Kuziel William A. , Baba Hideo , Takeya Motohiro
Published: October 2006

To clarify the role of the monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1)/C–C chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) signalling pathway in hyperoxia‐induced acute lung injury, CCR2‐deficient (CCR2−/−) and wild‐type (CCR2+/+) mice were exposed to 85% O2 for up to 6 days. At day 3, body weight significantly decreased and total protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was higher in CCR2−/− mice compared with CCR2+/+ mice. Cumulative survivals were significantly lower in CCR2−/− mice than in CCR2+/+ mice. However, the two groups showed no significant differences in both histological changes and number of macrophages in BALF. Real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction revealed increased mRNA levels of MCP‐1, interleukin‐1β thioredoxin‐1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in lung tissues in CCR2−/− mice compared with CCR2+/+ mice. Increased iNOS mRNA levels in alveolar macrophages exposed to 85% O2 for 48 h in vivo or in vitro were significantly higher in CCR2−/− mice than in CCR2+/+ mice. These results suggest that the MCP‐1/CCR2 signalling pathway is protective against hyperoxia‐induced tissue injury by suppressing induction of iNOS and consequent production of reactive oxygen species by activated alveolar macrophages.
Analysis of the expression of HLA class I, proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in primary tumors from patients with localized and metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Romero J. M. , Aptsiauri N. , Vazquez F. , Cozar J. M. , Canton J. , Cabrera T. , Tallada M. , Garrido F. , Ruiz‐Cabello F.
Published: October 2006

Changes in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression and cytokine and chemokine production both by cancer cells and by normal surrounding tissue are believed to be responsible for immune escape and tumor progression. In this study, we compared the tumor expression levels of HLA heavy chain (HLAhc), beta‐2‐microglobulin (β2m), chemokines (Interferon‐gamma‐inducible Protein‐10 (IP‐10), Interferon‐inducible T‐cell Alpha‐Chemoattractant (I‐TAC), Stromal cell‐Derived Factor‐1 (SDF‐1), Macrophage Inflammatory Protein‐1‐alpha (MIP‐1‐α) and Regulated upon Activation, Normally T‐Expressed, and presumably Secreted (RANTES)) and cytokines (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), Tumor Growth Factor‐beta (TGB‐β)) in primary tumors and adjacent normal tissues from patients with localized and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) using a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction technique. We report that the expression of HLAhc, β2m and the studied cytokines and chemokines (except for SDF‐1) was significantly higher in the tumor (29 samples) than in the normal tissue (14 samples). When we compared the tumor expression levels between patients with localized RCC and patients with advanced metastatic stage, we found that the messenger RNA expression levels of HLAhc and β2m were much lower in patients with metastatic RCC (6 cases) than in patients with localized cancer (23 cases), with levels similar to those in normal tissue. This was also confirmed on a protein level by immunohistological labeling of tumor tissues. Thirty‐nine percent of the analyzed RCC tumors showed partial loss of HLA class I molecules, while 6% of the tumors showed HLA class I total loss. The expression of IP‐10, SDF‐1 and VEGF‐c was also significantly lower in patients with advanced tumor, while the IFN‐γ expression in metastatic RCC was not detectable. Our findings show that primary RCC tumors are characterized by a high expression of HLAhc and a presence of proinflammatory mediators and chemokines. We also observed that disease progression and development of metastasis in RCC are associated with decreased expression of HLAhc, β2m, IP‐10, SDF‐1 and IFN‐γ. This microenvironment may suppress the cytotoxic response, creating conditions that favor tumor escape and cancer progression.
Metamorphoses of the early medieval signum of a ruler in the Carolingian world
Authors: Garipzanov Ildar H.
Published: October 2006

This article uses the approach of diplomatic semiotics to explore early medieval signs of authority in charters and on coins, especially the monogram and the sign of the cross used as an individual ‘signature’. Coins and charters used these signs communicating royal or imperial authority differently, addressing diverse regional and social audiences. From the fifth through the ninth centuries, the early medieval signum of a ruler gradually transformed from the individualizing sign of a particular monarch, designed to differentiate him symbolically from other rulers, to the generalizing sign of the king by the grace of God, which as a visual attribute of authority could be shared by several rulers. This transformation signified the inauguration of a new ‘medieval’ tradition in the communication of authority in late Carolingian times.
HEXOSE TRANSLOCATION ACROSS THE BLOOD‐BRAIN INTERFACE: CONFIGURATIONAL ASPECTS1
Authors: Bidder T. George
Published: October 2006

Abstract— The translocation of intravenously administered tritiated 3‐O‐methyl‐d‐glucopyranose (3‐OMG) into brain has been studied in an intact nephrectomized rat preparation by infusing a series of hexoses into one internal carotid artery.

3‐OMG rapidly penetrated into brain with peak concentrations, attained 5–8 min after injection, declining to relatively constant values thereafter.

3‐OMG penetration exhibited saturation characteristics as shown by a levelling‐off in the rate of translocation as its calculated blood concentration was elevated above 50 m‐moles per 1000 ml.

Infusion of d‐galactose, d‐glucose, 2‐deoxyglucose, d‐xylose and d‐mannose significantly reduced the translocation of 3‐OMG into brain on the side on which each was infused. d‐glucosamine, d‐mannitol and d‐arabinose were without effect.

The phenomenon of countertransport was demonstrated in the nephrectomized rat given tritiated 3‐OMG 20 hr prior to infusion of d‐glucose or d‐mannose into one carotid artery. Each of these hexoses reduced brain 3‐OMG concentration on the side on which it was infused.

These results support the hypothesis that the translocation of certain hexoses across the blood‐brain interface is a carrier‐mediated process.
CHANGES IN NUCLEAR RNA OF BRAIN INDUCED BY OLFACTION IN CATFISH
Authors: Rappoport D. A. , Daginawala H. F.
Published: October 2006

Abstract— —Studies were undertaken to correlate the changes in the synthesis of brain nuclear RNA during olfactory stimulation in saltwater catfish (Galeichthys felis). Catfish allowed to swim for 1 hr in sea water containing morpholine (10−4 M) showed an increase in brain nuclear RNA and a change in base ratios in contrast to controls in plain sea water. These changes in brain nuclear RNA were reversed within 24 hr to the levels of unstimulated controls when morpholine stimulated fish were transferred to fresh sea water.

In a split‐brain preparation in an isolated catfish head, one naris was washed with morpholine in sea water (10−6 M), while the other naris was washed with plain sea water. The stimulated half of the brain, compared to the unstimulated half, showed the same changes in nuclear RNA as those noted in free swimming catfish. Brain cytoplasmic fractions did not exhibit any changes in RNA following olfactory stimulation. Amyl acetate, shrimp extract, and extracts from red fish skin as odorants also elicited changes in brain nuclear RNA. With each odorant there was an increase in amount of RNA and also a change in base ratio, where the base ratio changes were different for each odorant tested. With camphor as an odorant, there was an increase in brain nuclear RNA, while with menthol as an odorant, there was a decrease in brain nuclear RNA. In both instances the base ratio of the RNA did not change in contrast to the controls. These studies suggest that olfactory stimulants affect a change in content and character of the RNA in brain nuclei, whereas irritants to the olfactory epithelium change the content of brain nuclear RNA but do not alter the base ratio.
BRAIN GLYCOGEN AFTER INTRACISTERNAL INSULIN INJECTION
Authors: Mellerup E. T. , Rafaelsen O. J.
Published: October 2006

Abstract—Intracisternal injection of 0·1 i.u. of insulin to rats caused an increase in the brain glycogen content. Intravenous and intraperitoneal injection of the same amount had no effect on brain glycogen. The increase after intracisternal injection was first observed after 3–4 hr.
LEVELS OF METABOLITES AND PRODUCTION OF GLUCOSE IN THE LAMPREY BRAIN 1
Authors: Rovainen C. M. , Lowry O. H. , Passonneau J. V.
Published: October 2006

—The levels of ATP, phosphocreatine, glucose, glucose‐6‐P., lactate, and glycogen have been measured in brains and spinal cords of lamprey larvae. Levels of glycogen in the brains were high, sometimes exceeding 100 m‐moles of glycosyl units/kg wet weight. Isolated brains incubated in oxygenated saline exhibited the same levels of ATP and phosphocreatine as brains of intact animals. The level of glucose in tissue water of isolated brains approximated that found in the medium, except at low concentrations where the brains maintained levels of glucose many times that of the medium. It is demonstrated that under metabolic stress lamprey brains produce glucose by the breakdown of glycogen and the probable action of a glucose‐6‐phosphatase. The hypothesis is proposed that cells of the brain exchange glucose by this mechanism.
PYRIDOXINE DEFICIENCY IN THE NEONATAL RAT
Authors: Dakshinamurti K. , Stephens M. C.
Published: October 2006

—Production of congenital Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) deficiency in the neonatal rat is reported. Maternal pyridoxine deficiency resulted in pups with retarded neurological development and in some cases, convulsions. Litters were analysed in the neonatal period for the following: pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate and glutamic decarboxylase in whole brain, glutamic‐oxalacetic and glutamic‐pyruric transaminases in plasma and erythrocytes together with concentration of haemoglobin. The biochemical determinations confirm the existence of pyridoxine deficiency at birth.
TETRODOTOXIN ON THE SODIUM AND OTHER IONS OF CEREBRAL TISSUES, EXCITED ELECTRICALLY AND WITH GLUTAMATE
Authors: McIlwain H. , Harvey J. A. , Rodriguez G.
Published: October 2006

Abstract—

Guinea pig neocortical tissues incubated in glucose‐bicarbonate salines maintained defined intracellular Na concentrations which were about 0.25 those of the salines and were unaffected by tetrodotoxin.

Electrical stimulation or the addition of 5 mm‐l‐glutamic acid allowed tissue Na to increase at about 400,μequiv./g hr. Tetrodotoxin almost completely prevented the increase induced electrically, and partly inhibited that induced by glutamate. Influx of22Na induced by glutamate was also partly inhibited by the toxin. The extrusion of Na following electrical excitation was unaffected by tetrodotoxin.

The concentration of tetrodotoxin needed for half‐maximal inhibition of Na movement induced electrically, was 25–30 mμm. Action of the toxin was reversed by washing the tissue, and the tetrodotoxin associated with the tissue during its action was probably no more than 0 15 mμmoles/g tissue.

Structurala factors common to the molecules of tetrodotoxin, glutamic acid and membrane components considered to be involved in cation movements, are indicated.
CHANGES IN METABOLITES OF THE ENERGY RESERVES IN INDIVIDUAL LAYERS OF MOUSE CEREBRAL CORTEX AND SUBJACENT WHITE MATTER DURING ISCHAEMIA AND ANAESTHESIA1
Authors: Folbergrová Jaroslava , Lowry O. H. , Passonneau Janet V.
Published: October 2006

Abstract—

The distribution of glucose, glycogen, ATP, P‐creatine and inorganic phosphate was measured in layers I, III, IV, V and VI of cerebral cortex and subjacent white matter of mouse brain. ATP, P‐creatine and inorganic phosphate were evenly distributed in all regions examined, whereas levels of glucose and glycogen were higher in white matter than the average for the other layers. Anaesthesia increased levels of glucose and P‐creatine in layers I and V and subjacent white matter (other layers were not examined). Anaesthesia doubled the level of glycogen in molecular layer I with lesser increases in layers III, IV, V and VI, but with no change in white matter from the unanaesthetized control value.

The metabolic rates in the individual layers were estimated from the rates of expenditure of energy reserves during total ischaemia. In non‐anaesthetized mice, white matter had a higher metabolic rate than either layer I or V. Anaesthesia reduced the metabolic rates in all layers; however, the largest reduction occurred in subjacent white matter (86 per cent), with reductions of 54 per cent and 76 per cent respectively in layers I and V.
CHANGES IN FREE FATTY ACIDS OF BRAIN BY DRUG‐INDUCED CONVULSIONS, ELECTROSHOCK AND ANAESTHESIA
Authors: Bazán N. G.
Published: October 2006

Abstract— The size of the free fatty acid pool in rat brain was significantly increased following convulsions induced by pentylenetetrazol as well as by electroconvulsive shock. Other convulsants such as d‐methionine‐dl‐sulphoximine and the dibutyryl analog of adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate did not alter the levels of free fatty acids.

Diethyl ether anaesthesia suppressed the stimulatory effect of electroshock on the generation of free fatty acids in brain, but the effect was not seen with the anaesthetic pentobarbitone sodium. The lack of an inhibitory effect of either anaesthetic on the free fatty acid production which was induced in brain by ischaemia supported the view that the action of electroshock was not merely the result of anoxia.

The prominent increase in size of the free fatty acid pool in brain thus appeared to be specific for electroshock‐ and pentylenetetrazol‐convulsed rats.

We have proposed that the changes in the free fatty acids might be involved in the regulation of membrane functioning.
AMINO ACID DISTRIBUTION AND INCORPORATION INTO PROTEINS IN ISOLATED, ELECTRICALLY‐STIMULATED CEREBRAL TISSUES
Authors: Jones D. A. , McIlwain H.
Published: October 2006

—The uptake of radioactive amino acid by incubated cerebral cortex slices is found to be a first order process. Incorporation of the radioactive amino acid into tissue protein is from a precursor pool that has first equilibrated with the intracellular endogenous free amino acids. Ways of calculating the amino acid incorporation in molar quantities from the observed incorporation of radioactivity are discussed, and it is concluded that the specific radioactivity of the intracellular acid‐soluble fraction is the best basis for such estimates. The in vitro incorporation of leucine into tissue protein is estimated to be approximately 1±2 mμnol/mg protein/h, and of valine 0±4 mμmol/mg protein/h.

Addition of free amino acids to the media had little or no effect on the calculated rates of incorporation. On incubation for 1 h the total free valine in tissue and medium increased by 0±43 μmol/g and leucine increased by 0±55 μmol/g. Estimates of amino acid incorporation based on the specific radioactivity of the media amino acids can give misleading results if this considerable release of amino acids into the medium is not taken into account. Electrical stimulation of neocortical slices with a variety of types of pulses was either without effect or decreased incorporation into portein. The decrease could not be directly correlated with changes in tissue K+ nor with the utilization of ATP. Mild, local stimulation of the lateral olfactory tract of piriform cortex slices was without effect on tissue phosphocreatine, K+ or amino acid incorporation.
MONOAMINE OXIDASE: AN APPROXIMATION OF TURNOVER RATES
Authors: Goridis C. , Neff N. H.
Published: October 2006

One hour after the intravenous injection of pargyline (10 mg/kg), the activity of monoamine oxidase (EC 1.4.3.4) in various brain regions, in the submaxillary gland and in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat was inhibited by about 95 per cent. From the return of monoamine oxidase activity with time, we estimated that the half‐life of the enzyme is about 11 days in the brain and 4 days in the submaxillary gland and superior cervical ganglion. The return of activity was inhibited by treatment with cycloheximide. The half‐life of monoamine oxidase in brain regions bore no relationship to the turnover rates of the monoamines.
STIMULATION OF BRAIN DOPAMINE SYNTHESIS BY GAMMA‐HYDROXYBUTYRATE
Authors: Spano P. F. , Tagliamonte A. , Tagliamonte P. , Gessa G. L.
Published: October 2006

Abstract— Gamma‐hydroxybutyrate administration produces a marked selective increase of brain dopamine in different animal species. Following γ‐hydroxybutyrate administration, dopamine accumulated in the basal ganglia of the rat and in the caudate nucleus of the rabbit at a rate which greatly exceeded the normal synthesis rate of the amine in these species. Dopamine accumulation was prevented by α‐methyltyrosine. These data indicate that γ‐hydroxybutyrate stimulates dopamine synthesis. In addition, γ‐hydroxybutyrate increased the homovanillic acid level in the rat basal ganglia to a maximum of about 300 per cent of the normal level indicating that γ‐hydroxybutyrate inhibits neither monoamine oxidase nor catechol O‐methyltransferase in vivo. The possible mechanisms of dopamine accumulation following γ‐hydroxybutyrate administration are discussed.
INCORPORATION OF [14C]GLUCOSAMINE INTO SYNAPTOSOMES IN VITRO1
Authors: Festoff B. W. , Appel S. H. , Day E.
Published: October 2006

Abstract— Synaptosomes isolated from rat cerebral cortex by zonal centrifugation in‐corporated radioactive glucosamine into macromolecules in vitro as glucosamine, galactosamine, N‐acetylneuraminic acid, and glucuronic acid. The largest percentage of incorporated radioactivity was recovered in the particulate fraction in which radioactive carbohydrates were bound in covalent linkage requiring acid hydrolysis or enzymatic digestion for release. Less than 20 per cent of the particulate radioactivity represented incorporation into gangliosides. Some 20 per cent of the radioactivity was incorporated into proteins as glucosamine, identified in hydrolysates by paper chromatography and by the amino acid analyser. After incubation, radioactivity was demonstrable in the proteins as sialic acid by paper chromatography and specific enzymic digestion; and as glucuronic acid by chromatography, electrophoresis, and digestion with hyaluronidase.

Incorporation of carbohydrate was stimulated by sodium and potassium at concentrations demonstrated to enhance incorporation of amino acids, and involved the macro‐molecules of all subsynaptosomal fractions. Significant incorporation of radioactivity was found in the synaptic plasma membrane. The synthesis of glycoproteins was suggested by simultaneous incorporation of [14C]glucosamine and [3H]leucine into glycopeptides subsequently hydrolysed and subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and two‐dimensional paper chromatography and electrophoresis. Such studies demonstrated that amino acids and carbohydrates may be incorporated into glycoproteins of the synaptic membrane and suggest the possibility of local synthesis as well as modification of material brought to the nerve ending by axoplasmic flow.
THE INCORPORATION OF [14C]PALMITIC ACID INTO THE LIPIDS OF MOUSE BRAIN IN VIVO1
Authors: Sun Grace Y. , Horrocks L. A.
Published: October 2006

Abstract— The half‐life of free [14C]palmitic acid injected intracerebrally into C57BL/10J mice was less than 5 min. The rapid disappearance of radioactivity as palmitic acid was accompanied by increases in the radioactivity of the phosphatidic acids and the diacyl‐glycerols. The peak specific radioactivity of the diacylglycerols occurred at about 6‐8 min after injection. The triacylglycerols, phosphatidyl ethanolamines and phosphatidyl cholines exhibited increasing amounts of radioactivity during the first 40 min. At 160 min after injection, the distribution of radioactivity was similar to the pattern observed at 12 h. The biosynthetic pathway through the phosphatidic acids and the diacylglycerols to triacylglycerols, phosphatidyl ethanolamines and phosphatidyl cholines is apparently the major pathway in vivo for the esterification of free fatty acids in the brain.
ERGOTHIONEINE IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
Authors: Briggs I.
Published: October 2006

Abstract— Further investigations have been made into ergothioneine in the brains of several mammalian species, and the distribution of ergothioneine in the brain of the ox is described. It has not been possible to confirm many of the findings of earlier workers and the results do not appear to support their conclusion that ergothioneine is identical with the cerebellar factor.