bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of ZAP-70 is associated with increased B-cell receptor signaling in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Chen Liguang , Widhopf George , Huynh Lang , Rassenti Laura , Rai Kanti R. , Weiss Arthur , Kipps Thomas J.
Published: November 2002

We examined isolated leukemia B cells of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) for expression of zeta-associated protein 70 (ZAP-70). CLL B cells that have nonmutated immunoglobulin variable region genes (V genes) expressed levels of ZAP-70 protein that were comparable to those expressed by normal blood T cells. In contrast, CLL B cells that had mutated immunoglobulin variable V genes, or that had low-level expression of CD38, generally did not express detectable amounts of ZAP-70 protein. Leukemia cells from identical twins with CLL were found discordant for expression of ZAP-70, suggesting that B-cell expression of ZAP-70 is not genetically predetermined. Ligation of the B-cell receptor (BCR) complex on CLL cells that expressed ZAP-70 induced significantly greater tyrosine phosphorylation of cytosolic proteins, including p72Syk, than did similar stimulation of CLL cells that did not express ZAP-70. Also, exceptional cases of CLL cells that expressed mutated immunoglobulin V genes and ZAP-70 also experienced higher levels tyrosine phosphorylation of such cytosolic proteins following BCR ligation. Following BCR ligation, ZAP-70 underwent tyrosine phosphorylation and became associated with surface immunoglobulin and CD79b, arguing for the involvement of ZAP-70 in BCR signaling. These data indicate that expression of ZAP-70 is associated with enhanced signal transduction via the BCR complex, which may contribute to the more aggressive clinical course associated with CLL cells that express nonmutated immunoglobulin receptors.
Activin receptor–like kinase 1 is implicated in the maturation phase of angiogenesis
Authors: Lamouille Samy , Mallet Christine , Feige Jean-Jacques , Bailly Sabine
Published: November 2002

Activin receptor–like kinase 1 (ALK-1) is an orphan type I receptor of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) receptor family. In vivo studies have demonstrated that this endothelial-specific receptor is implicated in angiogenesis. In this study, we addressed the cellular function of ALK-1 in cultured human microvascular endothelial cells from the dermis (HMVEC-d's) using adenoviral expression of a constitutively active form of ALK-1 (ALK-1QD). We observed that ALK-1QD expression inhibits cell proliferation through an arrest in the G1 phase in the cell cycle. ALK-1QD expression also inhibited migration. This inhibition was also observed in other endothelial cells (human microvascular endothelial cells [HMEC-1's], HMVECs from the lung, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells [HUVECs]). Finally, ALK-1QD expression decreased readhesion and spreading to different matrices. This led us to examine the dynamic formation of adhesion complexes. We demonstrated that while β-gal–infected cells reorganized actin stress fibers and focal adhesion complexes at the edge of a wound, ALK-1QD–infected cells did not. To identify downstream genes implicated in ALK-1 cellular responses, we next performed a cDNA array analysis of the expressed genes. There were 13 genes found to be significantly induced or suppressed by ALK-1QD. Among them, 2 genes encoded cell cycle–related proteins (c-myc and p21/waf1), 3 encoded components of the cytoskeleton-focal adhesion complex (β-actin, paxillin, and zyxin), and 2 encoded members of the TGF-β family (BMPRII and GDF-15). Taken together, our results suggest that ALK-1 is implicated in the maturation phase of angiogenesis. Disruption of this latter phase of angiogenesis may be an important step in the development of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.
Identification of CD9 extracellular domains important in regulation of CHO cell adhesion to fibronectin and fibronectin pericellular matrix assembly
Authors: Cook George A. , Longhurst Celia M. , Grgurevich Svetozar , Cholera Shila , Crossno Joseph T. , Jennings Lisa K.
Published: November 2002

CD9, a 24-kDa member of the tetraspanin family, influences cellular growth and development, activation, adhesion, and motility. Our investigation focuses on the hypothesis that the CD9 second extracellular loop (EC2) is important in modulating cell adhesive events. Using a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell expression system, we previously reported that CD9 expression inhibited cell adhesion to fibronectin and fibronectin matrix assembly. For the first time, a functional epitope on CD9 EC2 that regulates these processes is described. Binding of mAb7, an EC2-specific anti-CD9 monoclonal antibody, reversed the CD9 inhibitory activity on CHO cell adhesion and fibronectin matrix assembly. This reversal of cell phenotype also was observed in CHO cells expressing CD9 EC2 truncations. Furthermore, our data showed that the EC2 sequence173LETFTVKSCPDAIKEVFDNK192 was largely responsible for the CD9-mediated CHO cell phenotype. Two peptides, 135K-V172 (peptide 5b) and168P-I185 (peptide 6a), selectively blocked mAb7 binding to soluble CD9 and to CD9 on intact cells. These active peptides reversed the influence of CD9 expression on CHO cell adhesion to fibronectin. In addition, confocal microscopy revealed that CD9 colocalized with the integrin α5β1 and cytoskeletal F-actin in punctate clusters on the cell surface, particularly at the cell margins. Immunoprecipitation studies confirmed CD9 association with β1 integrin. The cellular distribution and colocalization of focal adhesion kinase and α-actinin with cytoskeletal actin was also influenced by CD9 expression. Thus, CD9 may exhibit its effect by modulating the composition of adhesive complexes important in facilitating cell adhesion and matrix assembly.
Effects of phthalic anhydride modification on horseradish peroxidase stability and activity
Authors: O'Brien Anne Marie , Smith Andrew T. , Ó'Fágáin Ciarán
Published: November 2002

Phthalic anhydride (PA) modification stabilizes horseradish peroxidase (HRP) by reversal of the positive charge on two of HRP's six lysine residues. Native and PA‐HRP had half‐inactivation temperatures of 51 and 65°C and half‐lives at 65°C of 4 and 17 min, respectively. PA‐HRP was more resistant to dimethylformamide at room temperature and tetrahydrofuran at 60°C and to unfolding by heat, guanidine chloride, EDTA, and the reducing agent tris(2‐carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride. Binding of the hydrophobic probe Nile Red to the native enzyme and to PA‐HRP was similar. The kinetics of both HRPs with the substrates ABTS, ferrocyanide, ferulic acid, and indole‐3‐propionic acid were measured, as was binding of the inhibitor benzhydroxamic acid. Small improvements in the catalytic properties were detected. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 81: 233–240, 2003.
Effect of shear stress on expression of a recombinant protein by Chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Keane Julian T. , Ryan David , Gray Peter P.
Published: November 2002

A flow chamber was used to impart a steady laminar shear stress on a recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line expressing human growth hormone (hGH). The cells were subjected to shear stress ranging from 0.005 to 0.80 N m−2. The effect of shear stress on the cell specific glucose uptake, cell specific hGH, and lactate productivity rates were calculated. No morphological changes to the cells were observed over the range of shear stresses examined. When the cells were subjected to 0.10 N m−2 shear in protein‐free media without Pluronic F‐68, recombinant protein production ceased with no change in cell morphology, whereas control cultures were expressing hGH at 0.35 μg/106 cells/h. Upon addition of the shear protectants, Pluronic F‐68 (0.2% [w/v]) or fetal bovine serum (1.0% [v/v] FBS), the productivity of the cells was restored. The effect of increasing shear stress on the cells in protein‐free medium containing Pluronic F‐68 was also investigated. Cell specific metabolic rates were calculated for cells under shear stress and for no‐shear control cultures performed in parallel, with shear stress rates expressed as a percentage of those obtained for control cultures. Upon increasing shear from 0.005 to 0.80 N m−2, the cell specific hGH productivity decreased from 100% at 0.005 N m−2 to 49% at 0.80 N m−2 relative to the no‐shear control. A concurrent increase in the glucose uptake rate from 115% at 0.01 N m−2 to 142% at 0.80 N m−2, and decreased lactate productivity from 92% to 50%, revealed a change in the yield of products from glucose compared with the static control. It was shown that shear stress, at sublytic levels in medium containing Pluronic F‐68, could decrease hGH specific productivity. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 81: 211–220, 2003.
Height extrapolation of fire resistant non‐loadbearing steel framed walls
Authors: Collier P.C.R.
Published: November 2002

A review of height extrapolation methods used in the past, by BRANZ, has shown that complex techniques based on temperature rises inducing deflections, curvature and detachment of studs from channels can be reduced to a simple empirical formula. Given that a wall system comprising a certain stud and lining configuration has to be proven by a fire resistance test, a premise that the same or closely similar thermal and structural conditions will be reproduced within the wall is the basis of the proposed method. Four key features (of height, stud depth, lining and temperature difference across the studs) affecting the general performance of a wall were examined to determine some key dependencies and isolate irrelevant parameters from further consideration. This approach was possible by taking a macroscopic view of a system as a whole, and by assuming for all height and stud depth combinations of a given system that the behaviour is similar and predictable to a high degree. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biomedical implants and devices: Assessment of magnetic field interactions with a 3.0‐Tesla MR system
Authors: Shellock Frank G.
Published: November 2002

Purpose

To evaluate magnetic field interactions for 109 different biomedical implants and devices in association with exposure to a 3.0‐Tesla magnetic resonance (MR) system.

Materials and Methods

A total of 109 implants and devices (aneurysm clips, 32; clips, fasteners, and staples, 10; coils and stents, 10; heart valve prostheses and annuloplasty rings, 12; orthopedic implants, five; suture materials, 13; vascular access ports and accessories, 13; miscellaneous implants and devices, 14) were tested for magnetic field interactions at 3.0‐Tesla using previously‐described, standardized techniques to assess magnetic field translational attraction and torque.

Results

The deflection angles and torque measurements ranged, respectively, from 0 to 16° and 0 to +2 for the aneurysm clips; 0 to 90° and 0 to +4 for the clips, fasteners, and staples; 0 to 47° and 0 to +4 for the coils and stents; 0 to 4° and 0 to +1 for the heart valve prostheses and annuloplasty rings; 0 to 12° and 0 to +2 for the orthopedic implants; 0 to 13° and 0 to +2 for the suture materials; 0 to 52° and 0 to +4 for the vascular access ports and accessories; and 0 to 28° and 0 to +3 for the miscellaneous implants and devices.

Conclusion

Of the 109 implants and devices assessed for magnetic field interactions at 3.0‐Tesla, four (4%) are potentially unsafe based on deflection angle criteria. The implications of these results for patients undergoing MR procedures at 3.0‐Tesla is discussed. Notably, these results are specific to the 3.0‐Tesla MR system used for this evaluation. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:721–732. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic contrast‐enhanced myocardial perfusion imaging using saturation‐prepared TrueFISP
Authors: Schreiber Wolfgang Günther , Schmitt Melanie , Kalden Peter , Mohrs Oliver Klaus , Kreitner Karl‐Friedrich , Thelen Manfred
Published: November 2002

Purpose

To develop and test a saturation‐recovery TrueFISP (SR‐TrueFISP) pulse sequence for first‐pass myocardial perfusion imaging.

Materials and Methods

First‐pass magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of Gd‐DTPA (2 mL) kinetics in the heart was performed using an SR‐TrueFISP pulse sequence (TR/TE/α = 2.6 msec/1.4 msec/55°) with saturation preparation TD = 30 msec before the TrueFISP readout. Measurements were also performed with a conventional saturation‐recovery TurboFLASH (SRTF) pulse sequence for comparison.

Results

SR‐TrueFISP images were of excellent quality and demonstrated contrast agent wash‐in more clearly than SRTF images. The signal increase in myocardium was higher in SR‐TrueFISP than in SRTF data. Precontrast SNR and peak CNR were not significantly different between both sequences despite 57% improved spatial resolution for SR‐TrueFISP.

Conclusion

SR‐TrueFISP first‐pass MRI of myocardial perfusion leads to a substantial improvement of image quality and spatial resolution. It is well suited for first‐pass myocardial perfusion studies at cardiovascular MR systems with improved gradient hardware. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:641–652. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preoperative evaluation of gallbladder carcinoma: Efficacy of combined use of MR imaging, MR cholangiography, and contrast‐enhanced dual‐phase three‐dimensional MR angiography
Authors: Kim Jung Hoon , Kim Tae Kyoung , Eun Hyo Won , Kim Bong Soo , Lee Moon‐Gyu , Kim Pyo Nyun , Ha Hyun Kwon
Published: November 2002

Purpose

To determine the efficacy of the combined use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, MR cholangiography (MRC), and MR angiography (MRA) in the preoperative evaluation of gallbladder carcinoma.

Materials and Methods

During a 20‐month period, 41 patients with proven gallbladder carcinomas were referred for MR examination, including MR imaging, MRC, and gadolinium‐enhanced dual‐phase MRA to determine the operability of their gallbladder carcinoma. Eighteen patients who underwent surgery within six days of the MR examination were included in this study. All MR images were analyzed in order to assess bile duct invasion, vascular invasion, hepatic invasion or metastasis, lymph node metastasis, and invasion into adjacent organs.

Results

Surgical and histopathologic findings revealed hepatic invasion in nine patients, bile duct invasion in nine, vascular invasion in three, and lymph node metastasis in 10. The sensitivity and specificity of MR examination were, respectively, 100% and 89% for bile duct invasion, 100% and 87% for vascular invasion, 67% and 89% for hepatic invasion, and 56% and 89% for lymph node metastasis.

Conclusion

The “all‐in‐one” MR protocol, including MR imaging, MRC, and MRA, can be an effective diagnostic method in the preoperative work‐up for gallbladder carcinoma. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:676–684. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nitric oxide in patients with transitional bladder cancer
Authors: Eiján Ana María , Piccardo Inés , Riveros María Doris , Sandes Eduardo Omar , Porcella Hugo , Jasnis María Adela , Sacerdote De Lustig Eugenia , Malagrino Hector , Pasik Leonardo , Casabé Alberto Ricardo
Published: November 2002

Background and Objectives

One of the current challenges in clinical oncology is the identification of patients with superficial transitional bladder carcinoma (TBC) at high risk of recurrence or myoinvasive disease. Recently, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression was detected in urinary bladder cancers. Because iNOS produces a high concentration of nitric oxide (NO), we thought it possible that urine from TBC patients produces high levels of NO. The aim of this study was to determine urine NO levels in TBC compared with healthy controls and with patients bearing other nonrelated tumors, as well as to examine iNOS expression in bladder cancer tissue.

Methods

This study evaluated patients with TBC (n = 33), with gynecological tumors (GT) (n = 19), TBC patients with no evidence of tumor (no evidence of disease [NED]) (n = 19), and healthy subjects (n = 39). Urine NO levels were determined by Griess reagent, expressed as μM NO2−/100 mg creatinine.

Results

TBC patients produced significantly higher urine NO median values (4.2 μM; range, 2.1–91.6) than were produced by healthy individuals (2.1 μM; range, 0.4–4.9), by the NED group (1.7 μM; range 1.2–5.4), and by GT patients (2.0 μM; range, 0.8–58.1) (P = 0.000, Kruskal‐Wallis test). iNOS was detected by Western blot in 52% (13/25) of bladder tumors examined.

Conclusions

Although a wider study is necessary, our results suggest that the enhanced NO levels could perhaps be considered as a putative marker in TBC patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2002;81:203–208. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fisher syndrome or Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis? Anti‐GQ1b IgG antibody syndrome involving both the peripheral and central nervous systems
Authors: Ogawara Kazue , Kuwabara Satoshi , Yuki Nobuhiro
Published: November 2002

We describe a 27‐year‐old woman who showed the clinical triad of Fisher syndrome (ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia), a disturbance of consciousness, facial diplegia, and hemisensory loss. Her serum was positive for anti‐GQ1b immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody. The electroencephalographic findings (diffuse slow activity), median somatosensory evoked potential (absent cortical N20 with normal cervical N13), and blink reflex studies (absent R2) suggested central dysfunction, whereas results of facial nerve conduction studies (low amplitudes of compound muscle action potentials), F‐wave and H‐reflex studies (absent F‐waves and soleus H‐reflexes), and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (prolongation of wave I latency) suggested peripheral abnormalities. This case supports the hypothesized continuity between Fisher syndrome and Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis. These two conditions may represent a single autoimmune disease mediated by anti‐GQ1b antibody, usually involving the peripheral and occasionally the central nervous systems. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 26: 000‐000, 2002
Abnormalities of axonal excitability are not generalized in early multifocal motor neuropathy
Authors: Cappelen‐Smith Cecilia , Kuwabara Satoshi , Lin Cindy S.‐Y. , Burke David
Published: November 2002

The clinical and neurophysiological features of multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) indicate selective involvement of motor axons, but pathological abnormalities in sensory axons suggest a more widespread disease process. The present study was undertaken to determine whether the focal abnormalities are associated with widespread subclinical abnormalities in motor axons. Threshold tracking was used to measure excitability properties (stimulus‐response curves, strength‐duration properties, recovery cycle, and threshold electrotonus) of the median nerve in five patients with MMN with lesions proximal to the site of testing. Patients were compared with 25 healthy controls. The changes in excitability indices were similar to those in controls, and in one patient there was no alteration after treatment with intravenous gammaglobulin. In this patient, indices of axonal excitability were also measured before, during, and after ischemia of the arm for 10 min. Again no differences were detected. This study provides no evidence for a generalized subclinical abnormality in MMN, at least when disease duration is less than 6 years. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 26: 769–776, 2002
Electromyography of human cricopharyngeal muscle of the upper esophageal sphincter
Authors: Ertekin Cumhur , Aydogdu Ibrahim
Published: November 2002

The cricopharyngeus (CP) is a striated muscle sphincter situated at the pharyngoesophageal junction. The upper esophageal sphincter is comprised of the striated CP muscle and nonmuscular components at the level of the cricoid cartilage. This review describes the basic anatomy and physiology of the CP muscle, its central and peripheral relationship, methods of investigating it, and electrophysiological properties related to deglutition. The main function of the CP muscle is to control flow between the pharynx and esophagus. The CP sphincter muscle is tonically contracted at rest and relaxes during swallowing, belching, and vomiting. Electromyography (EMG) of the CP sphincter muscle has been undertaken frequently in a variety of subhuman species with the aim of understanding deglutition, whereas it has seldom been reported in healthy human subjects and patients. Increased knowledge of the physiology and anatomy of the human CP sphincter muscle is not only important scientifically but is necessary for advancing the diagnosis and treatment of oropharyngeal dysphagia, for which neurological causes are responsible in 80% of cases. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 26: 729–739, 2002
In vivo analysis of end‐plate noise of human extensor digitorum brevis muscle after intramuscularly injected botulinum toxin type A
Authors: Van Putten M.J.A.M. , Padberg M. , Tavy D.L.J.
Published: November 2002

To evaluate changes occurring in the neuromuscular junction after injection with botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoTx), three healthy volunteers were injected with 10 U BoTx in the right extensor digitorum brevis muscle. In agreement with previous observations, amplitude of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) decreased to ∼30% of the initial value at ∼day 8 and slowly returned to baseline values around day 250. Values of the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) open time were determined by spectral analysis of end‐plate noise and from single exponential fits to the decay phase of individual miniature end‐plate potentials (MEPPs). At baseline, the mean channel open times determined by end‐plate noise analysis and the exponential fits were 1.1 ± 0.2 ms and 1.20 ± 0.04 ms, respectively. After BoTx injection, initially no end‐plate noise could be recorded. From day 9 onwards, however, a gradual recurrence of end‐plate noise was observed, with mean channel open times of∼2–5 ms, being maximal between days 20 to 140. In addition, the shape of many recorded MEPPs was different from the typical fast rising MEPPs observed at baseline. After day 80, end‐plate noise gradually returned to normal and mean channel open times decreased slowly to baseline values. Our findings reflect the changed AChR characteristics of newly formed neuromuscular junctions, which are created after BoTx injection and gradually removed after restoration of the original neuromuscular junctions. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 26: 784–790, 2002
SK channels are necessary but not sufficient for denervation‐induced hyperexcitability
Authors: Jacobson David , Herson Paco S. , Neelands Torben R. , Maylie James , Adelman John P.
Published: November 2002

Skeletal muscle hyperexcitability is characteristically associated with denervation. Expression of SK3, a small conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channel (SK channel) in skeletal muscle is induced by denervation, and direct application of apamin, a peptide blocker of SK channels, dramatically reduces hyperexcitability. To investigate the role of SK3 channels in denervation‐ induced hyperexcitability, SK3 expression was manipulated using a transgenic mouse that harbors a tetracycline‐regulated SK3 gene. Electromyographic (EMG) recordings from anterior tibial (AT) muscle showed that denervated muscle from transgenic or wild‐type animals had equivalent hyperexcitability that was blocked by apamin. In contrast, denervated skeletal muscle from SK3tTA mice lacking SK3 channels showed little or no hyperexcitability, similar to results from wild‐type innervated skeletal muscle. However, innervated skeletal muscle from SK3tTA mice containing SK3 channels did not show hyperexcitability. The results demonstrate that SK3 channels are necessary but not sufficient for denervation‐induced skeletal muscle hyperexcitability. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 26: 817–822, 2002
Prenatal diagnosis of the Dandy‐Walker malformation and ventriculomegaly associated with partial trisomy 9p and distal 12p deletion
Authors: Chen Chih‐Ping , Chang Tung‐Yao , Shih Jin‐Chung , Lin Shuan‐Pei , Lin Chen‐Ju , Wang Wayseen , Lee Chen‐Chi , Town Dai‐Dyi , Pan Chen‐Wen , Tzen Chin‐Yuan
Published: November 2002

Objectives

To present the prenatal diagnosis and perinatal findings of partial trisomy 9p and distal 12p deletion.

Methods and results

Amniocentesis was performed at 17 gestational weeks due to a balanced reciprocal translocation t(9;12)(p11.2;p13.3) in the mother. The father's karyotype was normal. The family had a 5‐year‐old daughter with a Dandy‐Walker malformation and a trisomy 9p syndrome. Cytogenetic analysis of the cultured amniotic fluid cells revealed a 46,XY,der(12)t(9;12)(p11.2;p13.3)mat karyotype with partial monosomy 12p(12pter→p13.3) and partial trisomy 9p(9pter→p11.2). Sonographic examination of the fetal brain and skull showed bilateral ventriculomegaly, brachycephaly and a Dandy‐Walker malformation with an enlarged cisterna magna and absence of the cerebellar vermis. The pregnancy was terminated subsequently. At autopsy, the proband manifested agenesis of the cerebellar vermis and a typical trisomy 9p phenotype.

Conclusion

Fetuses with partial trisomy 9p(9pter→p11.2) may present a Dandy‐Walker malformation and ventriculomegaly on prenatal ultrasound in the second trimester. A dosage effect of genes located on 9pter→p11.2 may be associated with the abnormal development of the central nervous system in patients with partial or complete trisomy 9. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytogenetic analysis of human blastocysts
Authors: Clouston Hazel J. , Herbert Mary , Fenwick Jeanette , Murdoch Alison P. , Wolstenholme John
Published: November 2002

The human blastocyst is key to understanding the aetiology of constitutional chromosome abnormalities in our species.

Objectives

To investigate the range and incidence of chromosome abnormalities in a large series of human blastocysts, using classic cytogenetic techniques.

Methods

Using thymidine, cell division is synchronized in spare five‐to‐eight‐day‐old human blastocysts generated by IVF. A simple acetic acid disaggregation step produces discrete metaphases for G‐band analysis. Subsequent FISH analysis of both metaphase and interphase nuclei allows further exploration of an abnormality detected by G‐banding, including the investigation of any mosaicism.

Results

A total of 438 blastocysts have been prepared. Where analysis was possible, 3% appeared polyploid (mainly tetraploid), 29% were diploid : tetraploid mosaics and 68% were uniformly diploid. Abnormalities observed include triploidy, trisomy 16, trisomy 2, trisomy for unidentifiable D‐group chromosome, mosaic trisomy 3, and mosaic trisomy 3 and trisomy 7.

Conclusion

Comparison of results with existing data from both first trimester pregnancies and cleavage stage embryos suggests significant loss of haploid and monosomic embryos, as well as loss of some trisomies, prior to the blastocyst stage. It appears that the general range and incidence of most main groups of constitutional abnormalities observed in the first trimester (including mosaic forms) are in place by the blastocyst stage. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
POPULAR CULTURE IN INDUSTRIALIZING ENGLAND
Authors: GRIFFIN EMMA
Published: November 2002

This review traces historians' use of the concept of popular culture, since its entry into the discipline in the 1970s. ‘Popular culture’ was initially loosely understood as the values, pleasures, and pastimes of the poor, and research in the field was heavily influenced by both Marxism and cultural anthropology. By the 1990s, earlier conceptions of popular culture appeared crudely reductionist, and heterogeneity, diversity, and ‘appropriation’ were firmly established as key terms and concerns for the historian of popular culture. But in the search for social and cultural complexity, the role of politics and the simple force of power and social inequality have been neglected. I argue here that wealth and power have long been key determinants shaping the character of popular cultural practice, and that their operation needs to be incorporated into our analyses. In this way, the study of popular culture offers the promise of research that is both of intrinsic interest and of broader historical significance.
Betterment without Airs: Social, Cultural, and Political Consequences of De-industrialization in the Ruhr
Authors: Goch Stefan
Published: November 2002

At one time, the region of the Ruhr was one of the most important areas for coal, iron, and steel production in Europe. This is no longer the case. The once abundant production of coal and steel found in this region is steadily dwindling, and what remains of the industry can fairly be considered antiquated. On the whole, the region has already undergone economic structural change, although some problems connected with it still need to be resolved. A few abandoned industrial areas need to be redeveloped and not all economic structures in the region are trend-setting; there are deficits in the infrastructure, such as in the transportation system; and the level of unemployment is clearly above the average of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and of the Land North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). In light of the degree to which industrial jobs have been lost, the region has survived structural change better than other old industrial regions, albeit with an obvious variation in the rate of success within the region.
Effects of benthic diatoms, fluff layer, and sediment conditions on critical shear stress in a non-tidal coastal environment
Authors: Lund-Hansen Lars Chresten , Laima Mario , Mouritsen Kim , Lam Nguyen Ngoc , Hai Doan Nhu
Published: November 2002

Sixteen sediment samples were collected from a square grid (4×4) with a horizontal distance of about 150 m between positions in Århus Bay in the south-west Kattegat (14 to 15 m water depth). Critical shear stress (τc) was measured in all samples and related to sediment parameters: grain-sizes, organic matter, water content, porosity, and chlorophyll-a (chl-a) content, in upper layers. Samples were divided into a low (A) τc group and a high (B) τc group in relation to an erosion rate. A significant (P<0·001) difference in median τc was found between groups A (0·0284 N m−2) and B (0·0380 N m−2). Average chl-a concentrations in groups A (1·4 μg g−1) and B (1·8 μg g−1) were not significantly different (P=0·47) but there was a significant and positive correlation (r2: 0·7, P<0·001) between τc and diatom film abundance. Sediment organic matter and water content were significantly higher in group B compared with A, which contradicts that watery and organic rich sediments generally exhibit low τc. This was explained by the presence of a diatom film cover on the fluff layer that inhibits the action of erosive forces. A fluff layer is characterized by a high water and organic content. The fluff layer was present in the majority of the samples but the highest average chl-a content and a significant (P=0·020) higher abundance of diatom film was observed in group B (high τc). Benthic diatoms were dominated by Haslea crucigeroides, Pleurosigma strigosum, and Bacillaris paxillifer. Spatial variability of sediment parameters was high and variability of a stability/erodibility parameter even exceeded those recorded for highly heterogeneous tidal flats. The occurrence of benthic diatoms at 14–15 m of water depth in the eutrophic Århus Bay was supposedly related to a measured increase in Secci depth in the bay and thereby increased light penetration depth.
Zanclea (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) species from Bunaken Marine Park (Sulawesi Sea, Indonesia)
Authors: Puce S , Cerrano C. , Boyer M. , Ferretti C. , Bavestrello G.
Published: November 2002

Three species belonging to the genus Zanclea: Zanclea divergens, Zanclea tipis, sp. nov. and Zanclea exposita, sp. nov. have been described as epizoic of bryozoan from the coral reef of the Bunaken Marine Park (Sulawesi Sea, Indonesia). The record of Z. divergens is the second after its description from Papua New Guinea. Zanclea tipis is characterized by a polymorphic colony and a medusa with very extended exumbrellar pouches. Zanclea exposita shows a naked hydrorhiza creeping on the surface of the bryozoan skeleton.

An evolutionary trend among the Zancleidae, from species epibionts of algae and bivalve shells with the hydrorhiza covered by perisarc to species symbiotic with bryozoan with a naked hydrorhiza, is discussed.
Histochemical localization of constitutive nitric oxide synthases in amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri tsingtauense
Authors: Zhang Shicui , Li Li , Li Hongyan , Guo Huarong
Published: November 2002

The present study demonstrated histochemically that the enzyme activity was present in the cerebral vesicle, epidermis, muscles, endostyle and anus of amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri tsingtaunese. This is the first noted report on localization of constitutive nitric oxide synthases in a celphalochordate.
New data on the cuskeel, Ophidion rochei (Osteichthyes: Ophidiidae), from the eastern Adriatic
Authors: Dulčić J. , Matić S. , Kraljević M. , Franičević M. , Lipej L.
Published: November 2002

The occurrence, meristic, length frequency, condition factor, length–weight relationship and day/night differences in catch are reported for a population of cuskeel Ophidionrochei at Duće-Glava (43°26′N 16°41′E, Croatian coast, eastern middle Adriatic) from April 2000 to March 2001. The highest catches in shallow water occurred in June, with a second peak in September and October, and were always at night, indicating this species as nocturnal predator.
Faith as doxastic venture
Authors: BISHOP JOHN
Published: November 2002

A ‘doxastic venture’ model of faith – according to which having faith involves believing beyond what is rationally justifiable – can be defended only on condition that such venturesome believing is both possible and ethically acceptable. I show how a development of the position argued by William James in ‘The will to believe’ can succeed in meeting these conditions. A Jamesian defence of doxastic venture is, however, open to the objection that decision theory teaches us that there can be no circumstances in which ‘the evidence does not decide’, so a fortiori no occasion to permit belief on a ‘passional’ basis. I argue that this objection does not apply to certain ‘framework principles’ such as those presupposed by the framework of theistic belief and practice, and that there are good grounds for preferring a doxastic venture model of faith over a more austere alternative (advocated by Richard Swinburne) according to which reasonable faith cannot be more than the commitment to act on the assumption, with any (non-negligible) degree of confidence, that God exists and is to be trusted.
The fine-tuning argument: the Bayesian version
Authors: BRADLEY M. C.
Published: November 2002

This paper considers the Bayesian form of the fine-tuning argument as advanced by Richard Swinburne. An expository section aims to identify the precise character of the argument, and three lines of objection are then advanced. The first of these holds that there is an inconsistency in Swinburne's procedure, the second that his argument has an unacceptable dependence on an objectivist theory of value, the third that his method is powerless to single out traditional theism from a vast number of competitors. In the final section of the paper the fine-tuning argument is considered, not now as self-standing, but as one of a number of theistic arguments taken together and applied in the manner of the final chapter of Swinburne's The Existence of God. It is argued that points already made also block the way for this line of thought.
Averroes and the teleological argument
Authors: KUKKONEN TANELI
Published: November 2002

The proofs for God's existence advanced in the most prominent theological work of Averroes (d. 1198), the Kitaˆb al-kashf, have been neglected, largely because the book has commonly – and correctly – been viewed as being meant for popular consumption. This article argues that although Averroes' arguments are
non-technical, the Commentator nevertheless takes pains not to speak against his philosophical beliefs. Averroes distinguishes between inductive and deductive arguments, with conventional arguments from design falling into the former camp. Averroes also assigns a place for teleological argumentation when assigning a special role for the prime mover within the hierarchy of unmoved movers.
Clifford algebra of three dimensional geometry
Authors: Mullineux Glen
Published: November 2002

The
use of Clifford or geometric algebra for dealing with three
dimensional geometry is discussed. One issue is the representation of
the rigid body motions of rotations and translations as elements
within the algebra. The approach used is to work with
projective geometry and choose the square of an additional basis
element to be large (infinite). This allows Euclidean points to
be represented as vectors in the algebra and transforms on
these to be handled using bivectors. This paper looks at
the use of Clifford algebra for handling the types of
transforms required in robotic applications. A number of example applications
are given.
Continuity and development in the acquisition of inversion in yes/no questions: dissociating movement and inflection
Authors: SANTELMANN LYNN , BERK STEPHANIE , AUSTIN JENNIFER , SOMASHEKAR SHAMITHA , LUST BARBARA
Published: November 2002

This paper examines two- to five-year-old children's knowledge of inversion in English yes/no questions through a new experimental study. It challenges the view that the syntax for inversion develops slowly in child English and tests the hypothesis that grammatical competence for inversion is present from the earliest testable ages of the child's sentence production. The experimental design is based on the premise that a valid test of this hypothesis must dissociate from inversion various language-specific aspects of English grammar, including its inflectional system. An elicited imitation method was used to test parallel, lexically-matched declarative and question structures across several different verb types in a design which dissociated subject-auxiliary inversion from the English-specific realization of the inflectional/auxiliary system. Using this design, the results showed no significant difference in amount or type of children's errors between declarative (non-inverted) and question (inverted) sentences with modals or auxiliary be, but a significant difference for sentences with main verbs (requiring reconstruction of inflection through do-support) and copula be. The results from sentences with auxiliary be and those with modals indicate that knowledge of inversion is present throughout our very young sample and does not develop during this time. We argue that these results indicate that the grammar of inversion is present from the youngest ages tested. Our results also provide evidence of development relevant to the English-specific inflectional system. We conclude with a new developmental hypothesis: development in question formation occurs in integrating language-specific knowledge related to inflection with the principles of Universal Grammar which allow grammatical inversion.
Information Loss in Top to Random Shuffling
Authors: STARK DUDLEY
Published: November 2002

A top to random shuffle of a deck of cards is performed by taking the top card off of the
deck and replacing it in a randomly chosen position of the deck. We find approximations
of the relative entropy of a deck of n cards after m successive top to random shuffles.
Initially the relative entropy decays linearly and for larger m it decays geometrically at a
rate that alters abruptly at m = n log n. It converges to an explicitly given expression when
m =
[n log n+cn]
for a constant c.
Multiplicity results for the Yamabe problem on

S
n
Authors: Ambrosetti Antonio
Published: November 2002

We discuss some results related to the existence of
multiple solutions
for the Yamabe problem.
Solitary waves and Bohmian mechanics
Authors: Abbondandolo Alberto , Benci Vieri
Published: November 2002

We study a Schrödinger-like equation with a nonlinear term. This nonlinearity has the effect of allowing the existence of highly concentrated stable solitary waves of a topological nature. Such solitary waves tend to move according to Bohmian mechanics. Therefore our model can be considered a nonsingular realization of de Broglie pilot wave theory.
Crystalline variational methods
Authors: Taylor Jean E.
Published: November 2002

A surface free energy function is defined to be crystalline if its Wulff shape (the equilibrium crystal shape) is a polyhedron. All the questions that one considers for the area functional, where the surface free energy per unit area is 1 for all normal directions, can be considered for crystalline surface free energies. Such questions are interesting for both mathematical and physical reasons. Methods from the geometric calculus of variations are useful for studying a number of such questions; a survey of some of the results is given.
A chloroplast FKBP interacts with and affects the accumulation of Rieske subunit of cytochrome
bf
complex
Authors: Gupta Rajeev , Mould Ruth M. , He Zengyong , Luan Sheng
Published: November 2002

Immunophilins are intracellular receptors of the immunosuppressants cyclosporin A, FK506, and rapamycin. Although all immunophilins possess peptidyl-prolyl isomerase activity and are identified from a wide range of organisms, little is known about their cellular functions. We report the characterization and functional analysis of an FK506 and rapamycin-binding protein (AtFKBP13) from
Arabidopsis
. The AtFKBP13 protein is synthesized as a precursor that is imported into chloroplasts and processed to the mature form located in the thylakoid lumen, as shown by chloroplast import assays and Western blot analysis. Experiments show that AtFKBP13 is translocated across the thylakoid membrane by the ΔpH-dependent pathway. Yeast two-hybrid screening identified Rieske FeS protein, a subunit of the cytochrome
bf
complex in the photosynthetic electron transport chain, as an interacting partner for AtFKBP13. Both yeast two-hybrid and
in vitro
protein–protein interaction assays showed that the precursor, but not the mature form, of AtFKBP13 interacted with Rieske protein, suggesting that interaction between the two proteins occurs along the import pathway. When AtFKBP13 expression was suppressed by RNA interference method, the level of Rieske protein was significantly increased in the transgenic plants.
The effect of selection on a long wavelength-sensitive (
LWS
) opsin gene of Lake Victoria cichlid fishes
Authors: Terai Yohey , Mayer Werner E. , Klein Jan , Tichy Herbert , Okada Norihiro
Published: November 2002

In East African Lake Victoria >200 endemic species of haplochromine fishes have been described on the basis of morphological and behavioral differences. Yet molecular analysis has failed to reveal any species-specific differences among these fishes in either mitochondrial or nuclear genes. Although the genes could be shown to vary, the variations represent trans-species polymorphisms not yet assorted along species lines. Nevertheless, fixed genetic differences must exist between the species at loci responsible for the adaptive characters distinguishing the various forms from one another. Here we describe variation and fixation at the long wavelength-sensitive (
LWS
) opsin locus, which is selection-driven, adaptive, and if not species- then at least population-specific. Because color is one of the characters distinguishing species of haplochromine fishes and color perception plays an important part in food acquisition and mate choice, we suggest that the observed variation and fixation at the
LWS
opsin locus may have been involved in the process that has led to the spectacular species divergence of haplochromine fishes in Lake Victoria.
Neuroprotective autoimmunity: Naturally occurring CD4
+
CD25
+
regulatory T cells suppress the ability to withstand injury to the central nervous system
Authors: Kipnis Jonathan , Mizrahi Tal , Hauben Ehud , Shaked Iftach , Shevach Ethan , Schwartz Michal
Published: November 2002

The ability of rats or mice to withstand the consequences of injury to myelinated axons in the CNS was previously shown to depend on the ability to manifest a T cell-mediated protective immune response, which is amenable to boosting by myelin-specific T cells. Here we show that this ability, assessed by retinal ganglion cell survival after optic nerve injury or locomotor activity after spinal cord contusion, is decreased if the animals were immunized as neonates with myelin proteins (resulting in their nonresponsiveness as adults to myelin proteins) or injected with naturally occurring regulatory CD4
+
CD25
+
T cells immediately after the injury, and is improved by elimination of these regulatory T cells. In nude BALB/c mice replenished with a splenocyte population lacking CD4
+
CD25
+
regulatory T cells, significantly more neurons survived after optic nerve injury than in nude mice replenished with a complete splenocyte population or in matched wild-type controls. In contrast, neuronal survival in wild-type BALB/c mice injected with CD4
+
CD25
+
regulatory T cells immediately after injury was significantly worse than in noninjected controls. These findings suggest that the ability to cope with the sequelae of a CNS insult is affected unfavorably by nonresponsiveness to myelin self-antigens and favorably by conditions allowing rapid expression of an autoimmune response. The regulatory T cells might represent an evolutionary compromise between the need to avoid autoimmune diseases and the need for autoimmunity on alert for the purpose of tissue maintenance.
NCX-1015, a nitric-oxide derivative of prednisolone, enhances regulatory T cells in the lamina propria and protects against 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in mice
Authors: Fiorucci Stefano , Antonelli Elisabetta , Distrutti Eleonora , Del Soldato Piero , Flower Roderick J. , Clark Mark J. Paul , Morelli Antonio , Perretti Mauro , Ignarro Louis J.
Published: November 2002

NCX-1015 is a nitric oxide (NO)-releasing derivative of prednisolone. In this study we show NCX-1015 protects mice against the S. A. development and induces healing of T helper cell type 1-mediated experimental colitis induced by intrarectal administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). The beneficial effect of NCX-1015 was reflected in increased survival rates, improvement of macroscopic and histologic scores, a decrease in the mucosal content of T helper cell type 1 cytokines (protein and mRNA), and diminished myeloperoxidase activity in the colon. In contrast to its NO derivative, only very high doses of prednisolone were effective in reproducing these beneficial effects. NCX-1015 was 10- to 20-fold more potent than the parent compound in inhibiting IFN-γ secretion by lamina propria mononuclear cells. Protection against developing colitis correlated with inhibition of nuclear translocation of p65/Rel A in these cells.In vivotreatment with NCX-1015 potently stimulated IL-10 production, suggesting that the NO steroid induces a regulatory subset of T cells that negatively modulates intestinal inflammation.