bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urokinase‐mediated transactivation of the plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (PAI‐2) gene promoter in HT‐1080 cells utilises AP‐1 binding sites and potentiates phorbol ester‐mediated induction of endogenous PAI‐2 mRNA
Authors: Dear Anthony E , Costa Magdaline , Medcalf Robert L
Published: July 2002

Urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (u‐PA) bound to its receptor, u‐PAR, initiates signal transduction pathways able to induce expression of the activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) family member c‐fos [1]. Since transcription factors bound to AP‐1 recognition sequences within the PAI‐2 gene promoter play a role in basal and phorbol ester‐mediated induction of PAI‐2 gene expression, we hypothesised that u‐PA/u‐PAR‐mediated modulation of AP‐1 activity would in turn influence constitutive and inducible PAI‐2 gene expression. Treatment of HT‐1080 or U‐937 cells with high molecular weight u‐PA (HMW u‐PA) resulted in induction of nuclear proteins binding to a functional AP‐1 element in the proximal PAI‐2 promoter. This increase in AP‐1 activity correlated with a transactivation of the PAI‐2 gene promoter in transiently transfected HT‐1080 cells. We also demonstrate the u‐PA treatment potentiated phorbol ester (PMA)‐mediated induction of PAI‐2 mRNA, indicating that u‐PA binding produces a bone fide response in vivo.
Phosphorylation of a 72‐kDa protein in PDGF‐stimulated cells which forms complex with c‐Crk, c‐Fyn and Eps15
Authors: Hansen Klaus , Rönnstrand Lars , Claesson-Welsh Lena , Heldin Carl-Henrik
Published: July 2002

Ligand‐induced activation of the β‐receptor for platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) induces tyrosine phosphorylation of a number of downstream signaling proteins. In the present study, we used two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis to characterize the spectrum of proteins phosphorylated in response to PDGF stimulation in porcine aortic endothelial cells expressing PDGF β‐receptors. Several previously known substrates for the PDGF β‐receptor were identified as well as a novel substrate of 72 kDa. The 72‐kDa component could be co‐immunoprecipitated in complex with the adaptor protein c‐Crk, the non‐receptor tyrosine kinase c‐Fyn and the signaling molecule Eps15. The results obtained suggests that the 72‐kDa protein might play an important role in signaling via the PDGF β‐receptor, coupling non‐receptor tyrosine kinases of the Src family with c‐Crk and Eps15.
Modulation of cholinergic locus expression by glucocorticoids and retinoic acid is cell‐type specific
Authors: Berse Brygida , Blusztajn Jan Krzysztof
Published: July 2002

Modulation of mRNA expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) by the glucocorticoid dexamethasone and by retinoic acid was examined in two neuronal cell lines: basal forebrain‐derived SN56 and pheochromocytoma PC12. Dexamethasone up‐regulated ChAT and VAChT in SN56 cells, while it had inhibitory effects on these genes in PC12 cells. Retinoic acid stimulated the cholinergic markers in both cell types, but in SN56 cells its effect was partially additive with that of dexamethasone, whereas it was much smaller and abrogated by dexamethasone in PC12 cells. Acetylcholine content correlated with these mRNA changes. The presence of a glucocorticoid response element consensus sequence in the VAChT/ChAT gene locus suggests direct transcriptional regulation by glucocorticoids.
Molecular cloning and expression pattern of rpr‐1, a resiniferatoxin‐binding, phosphotriesterase‐related protein, expressed in rat kidney tubules1
Authors: Davies Jamie A , Buchman Vladimir L , Krylova Olga , Ninkina Natalia N
Published: July 2002

Bacterial phosphotriesterases are enzymes that hydrolyse phosphotriester‐containing organophosphate pesticides. Resiniferatoxin is a vanilloid that desensitises nociceptive neurons. By screening a rat cDNA library with labelled resiniferatoxin, we unexpectedly isolated a novel rat phosphotriesterase homologue, here named rpr‐1, that encodes a 349 amino acid, 39 kDa protein (confirmed by in vitro translation). Northern blotting and in situ hybridisation show expression primarily in proximal tubules of the kidney, in which rpr‐1 distribution correlates with resiniferatoxin‐binding activity. These results suggest an unsuspected link between the phosphotriesterase enzyme family and resiniferatoxin toxicity and pharmacology.
Cell‐cycle‐dependent phosphorylation of the basal transcription factor RAP74
Authors: Yonaha Masatomo , Tsuchiya Terumasa , Yasukochi Yukio
Published: July 2002

In this report, cell‐cycle‐dependent effects of TFIID on other basal transcription factors were investigated. We purified TFIID fractions from HeLa cells synchronized in the S/G2 phases and in early G1 phase, and show that RAP74 is phosphorylated more highly by the S/G2 phase TFIID fraction than by the early G1 phase TFIID fraction. Further analyses using deletion mutants of RAP74 revealed that amino acid residues 206–256 are phosphorylated by the TFIID fraction. Reconstitution of in vitro transcription activity indicates that the cell‐cycle‐dependent phosphorylation of RAP74 increases TFIIF transcription activity.
Sequence of two gonadotropin releasing hormones from tunicate suggest an important role of conformation in receptor activation
Authors: Craig A.Grey , Fischer Wolfgang H , Park Minkyu , Rivier Jean E , Musselman Brian D , Powell James F.F , Reska-Skinner Sabina M , Prakash Manish Om , Mackie George O , Sherwood Nancy M
Published: July 2002

The primary structure of two forms of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) from tunicate (Chelyosoma productum) have been determined based on mass spectrometric and chemical sequence analyses. The peptides, tunicate GnRH‐I and ‐II, contain features unprecedented in vertebrate GnRH. Tunicate GnRH‐I contains a putative salt bridge between Asp5 and Lys8. A GnRH analog containing a lactam bridge between Asp5 and Lys8 was found to increase release of estradiol compared with that of the native tunicate GnRH‐I and ‐II. Tunicate GnRH‐II contains a cysteine residue and was isolated as a dimeric peptide. These motifs suggest that the conformation plays an important role in receptor activation.
Molecular cloning and tissue expression of porcine β‐defensin‐1
Authors: Zhang Guolong , Wu Hua , Shi Jishu , Ganz Tomas , Ross Christopher R , Blecha Frank
Published: July 2002

Beta‐defensins constitute an emerging family of cysteine‐rich antimicrobial peptides, which are particularly prominent at mucosal epithelial sites in mammals. Here we report the identification of a novel β‐defensin from porcine tissues, porcine β‐defensin‐1 (pBD‐1). The cDNA sequence of pBD‐1 encoded a 64 amino acid prepro‐peptide, which contained the β‐defensin consensus sequence of six invariantly spaced cysteine residues. Northern blot analysis showed that pBD‐1 was expressed abundantly in tongue epithelia and that the expression was regulated developmentally. Using RT‐PCR, pBD‐1 mRNA was detected throughout the respiratory and digestive tracts and also in thymus, spleen, lymph node, brain, liver, kidney, urinary bladder, testis, skin, heart, muscle, bone marrow, peripheral blood neutrophils, alveolar macrophages, and umbilical cord. The wide expression of pBD‐1 suggests that this endogenous peptide antibiotic may contribute to both mucosal and systemic host defenses in pigs, which may have implications for the use of porcine tissues and organs in xenotransplantation.
Iron attenuates nitric oxide level and iNOS expression in endotoxin‐treated mice
Authors: Komarov Andrei M , Mattson David L , Mak I.Tong , Weglicki William B
Published: July 2002

The effect of exogenous Fe‐citrate complex (Fe doses of 120 and 240 μmol/kg) on nitric oxide (NO) production in vivo has been studied in blood and liver tissue of endotoxin‐treated mice. Fe‐citrate complex was administered to mice subcutaneously at the same time with intravenous injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Iron‐dependent decrease in NO−
2/NO−
3 and nitrosyl hemoglobin levels in blood of animals was detected at 6 h after LPS administration, suggesting systemic attenuation of NO generation. NO production in the liver tissue of LPS‐treated mice was decreased after Fe administration judging from the amount of mononitrosyl‐iron complexes formed in the tissue by diethyldithiocarbamate. The iNOS protein determination in the liver tissue of LPS‐treated mice demonstrated iron‐dependent inhibition of iNOS expression. We have found previously that exogenous iron does not affect systemic NO level when it is given at 6 h after LPS injection, i.e. after iNOS expression. This is a first report demonstrating iron‐dependent iNOS down‐regulation in endotoxin‐treated mice.
The cell adhesion molecule C‐CAM is a substrate for tissue transglutaminase
Authors: Hunter Irene , Sigmundsson Kristmundur , Beauchemin Nicole , Öbrink Björn
Published: July 2002

C‐CAM, a ubiquitously expressed cell adhesion molecule belonging to the carcinoembryonic antigen family, appears as two co‐expressed isoforms, C‐CAM‐L and C‐CAM‐S, with different cytoplasmic domains, that can form homo‐dimers in epithelial cells. In addition, C‐CAM‐L has been found in large molecular weight forms suggesting posttranslational, covalent modification. Here we have investigated the possibility that the cytoplasmic domain of C‐CAM‐L can act as a transglutaminase substrate. Glutathione S‐transferase fusion proteins of the cytoplasmic domains of rat and mouse C‐CAM‐L as well as free cytoplasmic domains, released by thrombin cleavage from the fusion proteins, were converted into covalent dimers by tissue transglutaminase. These results demonstrate that the cytoplasmic domains of rat and mouse C‐CAM‐L are substrates for tissue transglutaminase, and lend support to the notion that higher molecular weight forms of C‐CAM‐L are formed by transglutaminase modification.
Lovastatin and sodium phenylacetate normalize the levels of very long chain fatty acids in skin fibroblasts of X‐ adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Singh Inderjit , Pahan Kalipada , Khan Mushfiquddin
Published: July 2002

The present study underlines the importance of lovastatin, an inhibitor of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase, and the sodium salt of phenylacetic acid (NaPA), an inhibitor of mevalonate pyrophosphate decarboxylase, in normalizing the pathognomonic accumulation of saturated very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) in cultured skin fibroblasts of X‐adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) in which the ALD gene is either mutated or deleted. Lovastatin or NaPA alone or in combination stimulated the β‐oxidation of lignoceric acid (C24:0) and normalized the elevated levels of VLCFA in skin fibroblasts of X‐ALD. Ability of lovastatin and NaPA to normalize the pathognomonic accumulation of VLCFA in skin fibroblasts of X‐ALD may identify these drugs as possible therapeutics for X‐ALD.
Recombinant expression, purification and characterization of Kch, a putative Escherichia coli potassium channel protein
Authors: Voges Dieter , Jap Bing K
Published: July 2002

The Escherichia coli gene kch, similar in primary structure to eukaryotic voltage‐gated potassium channels, was cloned and overexpressed in E. coli. The protein was solubilized from the plasma membrane with dodecylmaltopyranoside, lauryldimethylamine oxide or N‐laurylsarcosine and was purified in milligram amounts by imidazole elution from a nickel‐chelate column. The molecular mass of the purified protein in a number of detergents with 12 carbon atom chains suggests that rKch forms primarily tetramers of the 50 kDa monomers. CD spectroscopy of the purified protein indicates a significant α‐helical content that is preserved upon addition of SDS.
Purification and characterization of α‐3′,4′‐anhydrovinblastine synthase (peroxidase‐like) from Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don
Authors: Sottomayor M , López-Serrano M , DiCosmo F , Ros Barceló A
Published: July 2002

An H2O2‐dependent enzyme capable of coupling catharanthine and vindoline into α‐3′,4′‐anhydrovinblastine (AVLB) was purified to apparent homogeneity from Catharanthus roseus leaves. The enzyme shows a specific AVLB synthase activity of 1.8 nkat/mg, and a molecular weight of 45.40 kDa (SDS‐PAGE). In addition to AVLB synthase activity, the purified enzyme shows peroxidase activity, and the VIS spectrum of the protein presents maxima at 404, 501 and 633 nm, indicating that it is a high spin ferric heme protein, belonging to the plant peroxidase superfamily. Kinetic studies revealed that both catharanthine and vindoline were substrates of the enzyme, AVLB being the major coupling product.
Evidence that cytosolic phospholipase A2 is down‐regulated by protein kinase C in intact human platelets stimulated with fluoroaluminate
Authors: Nucciarelli Fabio , Gresele Paolo , Nardicchi Vincenza , Porcellati Serena , Macchioni Lara , Nenci Giuseppe G. , Goracci Gianfrancesco
Published: July 2002

We reported that protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors increase the release of arachidonic acid induced by fluoroaluminate (AlF4
−), an unspecific G‐protein activator, in intact human platelets. Now we demonstrate that this effect is independent of the extracellular Ca2+ concentration and that AlF4
−‐induced release of AA is abolished by BAPTA, an intracellular Ca2+ chelator, even in the presence of GF 109203X, a specific and potent PKC inhibitor. This compound also blocks the liberation of the secretory phospholipase A2 in the extracellular medium, indicating that this enzyme is not involved in the potentiation of arachidonic acid by PKC inhibitors. On the other hand, the latter effect is completely abolished by treatment of platelets with AACOCF3, a specific inhibitor of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). These observations indicate that cPLA2 is responsible for the AlF4
−‐induced release of arachidonic acid by a mechanism that is down‐regulated by PKC.
Induction of 12‐lipoxygenase expression by transforming growth factor‐α in human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells
Authors: Chen Lei-Chin , Chen Ben-Kuen , Liu Yi-Wen , Chang Wen-Chang
Published: July 2002

Transforming growth factor‐α (TGF‐α) increased the expression of 12‐lipoxygenase activity in a time‐dependent manner in human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells. The increase of 12‐lipoxygenase activity was accompanied by an increase in 12‐lipoxygenase mRNA. The effect of TGF‐α on the promoter activation of 12‐lipoxygenase gene was analyzed by using the luciferase fusion vectors. A dose‐dependent effect of TGF‐α on the reporter activity was observed, which paralleled with its effect on enzyme activity. Transient transfection with a series of 5′‐deleted constructs showed that the 5′‐flanking region spanning from −224 to −100 bp from translation starting site played an important role for TGF‐α response. Site‐directed mutagenesis and gel mobility shift assay indicated that two Sp1 binding sequences residing at −158 to −150 bp and −123 to −114 bp were responsible for the TGF‐α in activation of human 12‐lipoxygenase gene transcription. Expression of Sp1, but not Sp3, stimulated the promoter activity of 12‐lipoxygenase in SL2 cells, indicating that the binding of Sp1 with Sp1 binding sequences played a significant role in the regulation of 12‐lipoxygenase gene.
Comparison of the roles of the C1a and C1b domains of protein kinase C alpha in ligand induced translocation in NIH 3T3 cells
Authors: Bögi K. , Lorenzo P.S. , Ács P. , Szállási Z. , Wagner G.S. , Blumberg P.M.
Published: July 2002

To explore the relative roles of the two C1 domains of protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) in the response to phorbol esters and related analogs, we mutated the individual C1 domains, expressed the mutated PKCα in NIH 3T3 cells, and then examined the ability of ligands to induce its translocation to the membrane. The C1a and C1b domains play equivalent roles for translocation in response to phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate, mezerein, and (−)octylindolactam V. These results contrast with those previously reported for PKCδ, suggesting that the domains play different roles in different PKC isoforms.
In vitro endosome‐lysosome transfer of dephosphorylated EGF receptor and Shc in rat liver
Authors: Authier François , Chauvet Geneviève
Published: July 2002

We have studied the endosome‐lysosome transfer of internalized epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) complexes in a cell‐free system from rat liver. Analytical subfractionation of a postmitochondrial supernatant fraction showed that a pulse of internalized [125I]EGF was largely associated with a light endosomal fraction devoid of lysosomal markers. After an additional 30 min incubation in vitro in the presence of an ATP‐regenerating system, the amount of [125I]EGF in this compartment decreased by 39%, with an increase in [125I]EGF in lysosomes. No transfer of [125I]EGF to the cytosol was detected. To assess the fate of the internalized EGFR protein over the time course of the endo‐lysosomal transfer of the ligand, the effect of a saturating dose of native EGF on subsequent lysosomal targeting of the EGFR was evaluated by immunoblotting. A massive translocation of the EGFR to the endosomal compartment was observed in response to ligand injection coincident with its tyrosine phosphorylation and receptor recruitment of the tyrosine‐phosphorylated adaptor protein Shc. During cell‐free endosome‐lysosome fusion, a time‐dependent increase in the content of the EGFR and the two 55‐ and 46‐kDa Shc isoforms was observed in lysosomal fractions with a time course superimposable with the lysosomal transfer of the ligand; no transfer of the 66‐kDa Shc isoform was detected. The relationship between EGFR tyrosine kinase activity and EGFR sorting in endosomes investigated by immunoblot studies with anti‐phosphotyrosine antibodies revealed that endosomal dephosphorylation of EGFR and Shc preceded lysosomal transfer. These results support the view that a lysosomal targeting machinery distinct from the endosomal receptor kinase activity, such as the recruitment of the signaling molecule Shc, may regulate this sorting event in the endosome.
X‐ray diffraction study of feline leukemia virus fusion peptide and lipid polymorphism
Authors: Darkes Malcolm J.M , Davies Sarah M.A , Bradshaw Jeremy P
Published: July 2002

The structural effects of the fusion peptide of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) on the lipid polymorphism of N‐methylated dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine were studied using a temperature ramp with sequential X‐ray diffraction. This peptide, the hydrophobic amino‐terminus of p15E, has been proven to be fusogenic and to promote the formation of highly curved, intermediate structures on the lamellar liquid‐crystal to inverse hexagonal phase transition pathway. The FeLV peptide produces marked effects on the thermotropic mesomorphic behaviour of MeDOPE, a phospholipid with an intermediate spontaneous radius of curvature. The peptide is shown to reduce the lamellar repeat distance of the membrane prior to the onset of an inverted cubic phase. This suggests that membrane thinning may play a role in peptide‐induced membrane fusion and strengthens the link between the fusion pathway and inverted cubic phase formation. The results of this study are interpreted in relation to models of the membrane fusion mechanism.
Human immunodeficiency virus‐1‐tat induces matrix metalloproteinase‐9 in monocytes through protein tyrosine phosphatase‐mediated activation of nuclear transcription factor NF‐κB
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Dhawan Subhash , Mukhopadhyay Asok , Aggarwal Bharat B.
Published: July 2002

We have previously shown that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1‐tat induces the production of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) in human monocytes by a mechanism that is not understood. In the present report, we demonstrate that HIV‐tat‐induced expression of MMP‐9 is blocked by inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases). PTPase inhibitors also blocked HIV‐tat‐induced nuclear transcription factor NF‐κB activation and IκBα degradation required for MMP‐9 induction. These results suggest that HIV‐tat induces MMP‐9 in human monocytes through activation of PTPase and NF‐κB.
Homophilic NCAM interactions interfere with L1 stimulated neurite outgrowth
Authors: Kristiansen Lars V , Marques Filipe A , Soroka Vladislav , Rønn Lars C.B , Kiselyov Vladislav , Pedersen Nina , Berezin Vladimir , Bock Elisabeth
Published: July 2002

The cell adhesion molecules NCAM and L1 are considered to play key roles in neuronal development and plasticity. L1 has been shown to interact with NCAM, possibly through NCAM binding to oligomannosidic glycans present in L1. We investigated the effect of recombinant immunoglobulin (Ig) modules of NCAM involved in homophilic NCAM binding, on L1 induced neurite outgrowth from PC12‐E2 cells and found a complete inhibition of L1 induced neurite outgrowth after addition of Ig‐modules 1, 2 and 3 of NCAM, suggesting that the ligation state of NCAM is crucial for normal L1 signaling.
Measles in pregnancy: Maternal morbidity and perinatal outcome
Authors: Ali M. Elamin , Albar H.M
Published: July 2002

Objective: In this article, we studied the maternal morbidity and the perinatal outcome of 40 women who had measles in pregnancy and that was compared to 120 women who had pregnancy without measles and 37 women who had measles without pregnancy.Method: The medical records of all the case and control subjects were reviewed and significance was tested at the 5% level.Results: The 40 cases of measles with pregnancy had significantly more hospital admission for pneumonia and fever when compared to cases of measles with no pregnancy (P<0.001). The perinatal morbidity is significantly higher in cases of measles with pregnancy as expressed by the higher incidence of prematurity, neonatal hospital admission and length of stay in hospital (P<0.003,P<0.0005 andP<0.0001, respectively).Conclusion: Formulation of an appropriate strategy utilizing the available resources for measles vaccination is mandatory.
New once‐a‐month injectable contraceptives, with particular reference to Cyclofem®/Cyclo‐ProveraTM
Authors: Hall P.E
Published: July 2002

Once‐a‐month injectable contraceptives containing a progestogen and an estrogen have been developed that disrupt vaginal bleeding patterns less than the widely used progestogen‐only preparations. Pharmacokinetic studies were undertaken of dosages and ratios of the progestogens and the respective estrogens. In Phase III clinical trials, annual pregnancy rates were below 0.4% for Mesigyna® (norethisterone enanthate/estradiol valerate, Schering AG, Berlin, Germany) and below 0.2% for Cyclofem® (MPA/E2C) (medroxyprogesterone acetate/estradiol cypionate, Aplicaciones Farmaceuticas, SA, Mexico and PT Tunggal, Indonesia). More than two‐thirds of women had predictable, regular cycles, and discontinuation due to bleeding‐related problems occurred less than half as often as with progestogen‐only injectables. With MPA/E2C, return to fertility is similar to that observed with other hormonal or intrauterine methods, and both products have little effect on lipids or hemostasis. Introductory trials of MPA/E2C in 12 000 women with 100 000 woman‐months of experience confirmed the high efficacy of the product in routine use. The use of Cyclofem in a non‐reusable injection device, Uniject® (Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, NJ) is discussed. Once‐a‐month hormonal contraceptives have been shown to provide a safe contraceptive option for all women and an alternative for women who wish to use injectable formulations that cause less disruption in vaginal bleeding and minimal side effects.
Pushing the frontiers of science — the WHO/Rockefeller Foundation Initiative on implantation
Authors: Griffin P.D.
Published: July 2002

One approach to fertility regulation for which there is still a large unmet need is a once‐a‐month method that can be taken at the end of the luteal phase as a menses‐inducer. Such a method would have a number of logistical and economic advantages for many women over other currently available methods. However, to be acceptable, menses‐inducers of this type must not produce disturbances in subsequent menstrual cycles that would lead to unpredictable menstrual patterns or advance or delay subsequent ovulations. A number of structural and functional factors associated with the cyclical development and demise of the endometrium and corpus luteum in fertile and infertile women have been identified and the opportunity is now presented for interfering with implantation by disrupting the function of these factors at the local level in these tissues without systemic involvement or prolonged activity. The Rockefeller Foundation and WHO are supporting six centers and investigators around the world, as an international collaborative research initiative, to investigate the molecular biology of these factors and the effect on fertility of their manipulation. It is intended that promising leads identified and selected in this way will be developed into new products with industry.
NGF but not GDNF or neurturin enhance acetylcholine tissue levels in striatal organotypic brain slices
Authors: Fischer H.P. , Marksteiner J. , Ransmayr G. , Saria A. , Humpel C.
Published: July 2002

Trophic factors play important roles in survival and nerve fiber growth of cholinergic interneurons in the striatum in vivo and in vitro. In this study an organotypic slice model was used to investigate the effects of nerve growth factor and the novel factors glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor and neurturin as well as other trophic factors on the striatal acetylcholine tissue levels. During culturing over 2 weeks acetylcholine tissue levels markedly decreased, representing degeneration of cholinergic neurons. When striatal slices were cultured for 2 weeks in the presence of 100 ng\ml nerve growth factor tissue levels of acetylcholine and the expression of choline acetyltransferase‐like immunoreactivity and mRNA, as well as the muscarinic M2 autoreceptor mRNA were markedly enhanced compared to slices cultured without or with 10 ng\ml nerve growth factor. A single administration of nerve growth factor had no effect on acetylcholine tissue levels suggesting that nerve growth factor does not directly increase acetylcholine synthesis. All other trophic factors (glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor, neurturin, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin‐3 and ‐4\5, fibroblast growth factor‐2, insulin like growth factor‐I) had no effects on acetylcholine tissue levels. Thus, the organotypic slice model is a suitable system to study the effects of trophic factors and it is concluded that nerve growth factor selectively enhances acetylcholine tissue levels, indicating protection of cholinergic interneurons in the dorsal striatum.
Achalasia and megaesophagus misdiagnosed as anorexia nervosa
Authors: Gravier V , Naja W , Blaise M , Cremniter D
Published: July 2002

A 40-year-old woman initially considered as suffering from anorexia nervosa was later diagnosed as having achalasia and megaesophagus.
Information conveyed by seasoned security offerings: evidence from components of the bid–ask spread
Authors: Brooks Raymond M , Patel Ajay
Published: July 2002

We examine the relationship between the degree of informational asymmetry surrounding a firm and the equity market's reaction to a firm's announcement to sell seasoned securities. We use the adverse‐selection component of the bid–ask spread as a proxy for the informational asymmetry of a firm. For equity offers, we find that the greater the change in information asymmetry at announcement, the greater the decline in wealth. In addition, the largest decline in wealth for seasoned equity announcements is observed for firms with the largest level of pre‐event adverse‐selection components. For debt offers, the wealth decline is only significant for firms with the largest pre‐event levels of asymmetric information.
Portfolio rebalancing, institutional ownership, and the small firm‐January effect
Authors: Porter David C. , Powell Gary E. , Weaver Daniel G.
Published: July 2002

We use monthly reported firm share ownership by institutions to provide direct evidence that portfolio rebalancing exists in the U.S. We find rebalancing exists in sufficient size to affect prices around the turn‐of‐the‐year and conclude that portfolio rebalancing may be a substantial part of the small firm‐January effect in the U.S. The findings are more important than simply evidence leading to the resolution of an anomaly since they cast doubt on our current asset pricing models and on previous efficient markets studies. The findings also suggest that investor's asset allocations may not be optimally determined without the inclusion of a portfolio rebalancing parameter.
The impact of dealer failures on primary dealers and on the market for repurchase agreements
Authors: Whyte Ann Marie
Published: July 2002

This study examines the impact of the failures of government securities dealers and the eventual passage of the Government Securities Act (GSA) of 1986 on the stock prices of primary dealers and on repo rates. Results provide evidence that several failures elicited a negative stock market reaction although the results vary based on the type of dealer. The study provides evidence that average spreads in the repo market were significantly affected by several events although the direction of the change in spread varied. Additionally, there is evidence that the events surrounding the GSA's passage had a positive impact on bank dealers and elicited a mixed reaction in the repo market.
The HEART FAILURE Journal Club: a review of publications on heart failure in American Heart Journal
Authors: Martin Jennifer , Krum Henry
Published: July 2002

The following paper reviews the heart failure literature that has been published by the American Heart Journal over the last year. Specifically the literature has been divided up into the areas of epidemiology, pathophysiology, autonomic function, neuroendocrine activation, exercise, imaging, surgery, pharmacological therapies and prognosis.
Perceived benefit after participating in positive or negative / neutral heart failure trials: the patients' perspective
Authors: Yuval Rita , Uziel Klari , Gordon Nomi , Merdler Amnon , Khader Nader , Karkabi Basheer , Flugelman Moshe Y. , Halon David A. , Lewis Basil S.
Published: July 2002

Background:

Clinical trials, the gold standard for the evaluation of new therapeutic strategies, may prove a drug to be beneficial, harmful or neutral according to its effect on the end‐point(s) under study.

Aims:

To study the reaction and perspective of the patients participating in a clinical heart failure trial, particularly in relation to whether the trial subsequently proved to be positive, negative or neutral.

Methods:

Anonymous self‐completed questionnaire was sent to 78 and returned by 70 consecutive patients 1–6 months after participating in six clinical heart failure trials. The trial was neutral or negative regarding the primary end‐point in four (47 patients) of the six studies (MACH‐1 trial of mibefradil, REACH trial of bosentan, CASCO trial of calcium sensitizer, ecadotril trial of neutral endopeptidase inhibitor) and positive in two (23 patients) (ICARUS Israel carvedilol study, exercise study of candesartan cilexetil).

Results:

Most patients reported subjective global clinical benefit (78% for positive, 74% for negative or neutral trial, NS) after participating in a clinical trial. After adjustment for age, sex, level of education, previous research, perceived comprehension, and treatment allocation (active drug/placebo) in a stepwise regression model, perceived global improvement was greater in older patients (P ‐ 0.02), after participation in a positive trial (P ‐ 0.05) and in females (P ‐ 0.07). The major reason given by the patient for perceived clinical improvement was better follow‐up, some believed it was due to change in medication, particularly those who had participated in a positive trial.

Conclusions:

More than 70% of patients participating in clinical trials of new drugs for heart failure reported perceived global improvement. Clinical improvement was greater in, but not limited to, patients who participated in positive trials. These salutary findings support the continued recruitment of patients to clinical heart failure trials.
Exercise‐induced ST‐elevation is related to left ventricular dysfunction but not to myocardial viability in patients with healed myocardial infarction
Authors: Manrique Alain , Koning René , Hitzel Anne , Cribier Alain , Véra Pierre
Published: July 2002

Background:

Exercise‐induced ST‐segment elevation was proposed as a marker of myocardial viability after a recent myocardial infarction.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether exercise‐induced ST segment elevation is related to viability or to left ventricular dysfunction in patients with history of old Q wave myocardial infarction.

Methods:

Fifty patients (43 men, age 57±11 years) were studied 31±49 months after a Q wave myocardial infarction. They all underwent stress, reinjection‐redistribution, and late redistribution Tl‐201 SPECT, completed by equilibrium radionuclide angiography. Viability was defined by defect reversibility or significant (>60%) persistent Tl‐201 uptake in dyssinergic segments on late redistribution SPECT. Relative post‐exercise and reinjection‐redistribution LV volumes were calculated using validated software (QGS).

Results:

Twenty‐one out of 50 patients (42%, G1) had significant stress‐induced ST‐elevation (>1 mm 80 ms after J point in at least 2 ECG leads with Q wave), and 29/50 (58%, G2) did not. Seventeen out of 50 patients (34%) demonstrated myocardial viability on late redistribution scan. The diagnostic accuracy of exercise‐induced ST‐elevation was only 52% for viability assessment. Significant LVEF reduction and increased relative LV volumes were observed in G1 compared to G2 (LVEF: 39±10% vs. 49±11%, P‐0.003; post‐stress LV volume: 134±98 ml vs. 81±41 ml, P<0.02; reinjection‐redistribution LV volume: 123±86 ml vs. 79±40 ml; P<0.02). Perfusion defects were similar in G1 and G2 (post‐exercise: 38±12% vs. 37±14%, ns; reinjection‐redistribution: 31±11% vs. 30±11%, ns; late redistribution: 30±10% vs. 28±11%, ns).

Conclusion:

These results suggest that, in patients with history of myocardial infarction, exercise‐induced ST‐segment elevation is not related to persistent myocardial viability but is associated to left ventricular dysfunction.
Genetic Tuning of Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Size, Shape, and Surface Properties in Magnetospirillum magneticum
Authors: Furubayashi Maiko , Wallace Andrea K. , González Lina M. , Jahnke Justin P. , Hanrahan Brendan M. , Payne Alexis L. , Stratis‐Cullum Dimitra N. , Gray Matthew T. , Liu Han , Rhoads Melissa K. , Voigt Christopher A.
Published: October 2020

Different applications require iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) of varying size, shape, crystallinity, and surfaces that can be controlled through the synthesis reaction conditions. Under ambient conditions, Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB‐1 builds uniform Fe3O4 IONPs with shapes and crystal forms difficult to achieve with chemical synthesis. Genetic engineering can be used to change their properties, but there are few tools to fine‐tune expression over a wide range. To this end, ribosome binding sites, minimal constitutive promoters, and inducible systems (IPTG, aTc, and OC6) with large dynamic range are designed. These are used to control M. magneticum genes that affect IONP properties, including size (mamC), morphology (mms6), chain length (mamK), and surface coating (mamC fusions). These systems increase the fraction of IONPs that are less than 30 nm, produce rounded particles, and lead to the production of intracellular chains with 24 or more IONPs. In addition, the R5 peptide from diatoms is found to silica coat the surface of metal oxide nanoparticles (Fe, Ti, Ta, Hf) and can be genetically directed to the IONP surface. This work demonstrates the genetic control of IONP properties, but also highlights the robustness of the system, which complicates genetic engineering to produce radically different particles and structures.
Recent Advances in Wearable Sensors and Integrated Functional Devices for Virtual and Augmented Reality Applications
Authors: Kim Hojoong , Kwon Young‐Tae , Lim Hyo‐Ryoung , Kim Jong‐Hoon , Kim Yun‐Soung , Yeo Woon‐Hong
Published: October 2020

The advancement in virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) has been achieved by breakthroughs in the realistic perception of virtual elements. Although VR/AR technology is advancing fast, enhanced sensor functions, long‐term wearability, and seamless integration with other electronic components are still required for more natural interactions with the virtual world. Here, this report reviews the recent advances in multifunctional wearable sensors and integrated functional devices for VR/AR applications. Specified device designs, packaging strategies, and interactive physiological sensors are summarized based on their methodological approaches for sensory inputs and virtual feedback. In addition, limitations of the existing systems, key challenges, and future directions are discussed. It is envisioned that this progress report's outcomes will expand the insights on wearable functional sensors and device interfaces toward next‐generation VR/AR technologies.
Computation‐Guided Synthesis of New Garnet‐Type Solid‐State Electrolytes via an Ultrafast Sintering Technique
Authors: Wang Ruiliu , Ping Weiwei , Wang Chengwei , Liu Yunsheng , Gao Jinlong , Dong Qi , Wang Xizheng , Mo Yifei , Hu Liangbing
Published: October 2020

The discovery of new solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) can be guided by computation for next‐generation Li batteries toward higher energy density and better safety. However, conventional synthetic methods often suffer from severe loss of Li and poor material quality, therefore preventing the promise of the predicted SSE candidates to be realized. In this study, computationally predicted SSEs with desirable material quality are synthesized via an ultrafast sintering technique. Three new garnet‐type Li+ conductors, including Li6.5Nd3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12 (LNZTO), Li6.5Sm3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12 (LSZTO), and Li6.5(Sm0.5La0.5)3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12 (L‐LSZTO), are screened by density functional theory to exhibit good synthesizability and stability. The ultrafast sintering method by Joule heating effectively shorten the sintering time from several hours to <25 s, thereby reducing the Li loss and effectively merging the grains toward high material quality. In agreement with the computational prediction, LNZTO demonstrates the best synthesizability and phase stability, thereby achieving the highest conductivity of 2.3 × 10−4 S cm−1 among the three new SSE candidates. Using a current density of 0.2 mA cm−2, the Li/LNZTO/Li symmetric cell can cycle for ≈90 h without obvious increase of overpotentials. This study showcases the successful realization of computational predictions by the ultrafast sintering technique for the rapid optimization and screening of high‐performance SSEs.
Untraditional Deformation‐Driven Pressure Sensor with High Sensitivity and Ultra‐Large Sensing Range up to MPa Enables Versatile Applications
Authors: Kong Huijun , Song Zhongqian , Xu Jianan , Qu Dongyang , Bao Yu , Wang Wei , Wang Zhenxin , Zhang Yuwei , Ma Yingming , Han Dongxue , Niu Li
Published: October 2020

A piezoresistive flexible pressure sensor with high sensitivity as well as ultra‐large sensing range up to MPa is proposed based on inelastic metallic microstructures and flat elastic polymer films. During the pressure loading process, the metallic microstructures continuously penetrate into the polymer film due to the rigid characteristic, resulting in continuous contact area variation and ultra‐large pressure sensing range of the pressure sensor. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) are introduced to construct flexible pressure sensors, achieving elastic modulus tunable sensing performance. The pressure sensors exhibit high sensitivity, superior sensing range (300 kPa for PDMS, 1.4 MPa for PVDF), ultra‐fast response time (≈3.5 ms) as well as high stability (>10 000 cycles), enabling potential applications in monitoring human vital signs, such as wrist pulse, human movements, and gait recognition. In addition, an acceleration sensor is constructed based on the as‐fabricated pressure sensor, which is utilized for extensive applications in action identification, virtual reality, and vehicle safety systems. This work provides an alternative strategy to construct high performance pressure sensors.
Solar‐Driven All‐in‐One Interfacial Water Evaporator Based on Electrostatic Flocking
Authors: Guo Yang , Javed Muhammad , Li Xiaoyan , Zhai Shixiong , Cai Zaisheng , Xu Bi
Published: October 2020

Solar‐driven interfacial water evaporation is a promising strategy to produce clean water by effectively converting abundant solar energy into localized heat. However, many previously reported interfacial evaporation systems are separate and costly. In this work, an all‐in‐one interfacial water evaporator with flexibility, low‐cost, and large‐scale production based on electrostatic flocking technology is proposed. Hydrophilic microfibers (flocks) are vertically planted on the upper side of the textile substrate to enhance the light trapping for photothermal conversion and lower the latent heat for more efficient evaporation. On the other side of the textile, a highly dense and vertically aligned array of hydrophobic flocks are prepared to form a continuous air layer, reducing heat conduction from absorber to bulk water. Taking advantage of those features, the all‐in‐one evaporator achieves a good evaporation rate of 1.32 kg m−2 h−1 for pure water and 1.10 kg m−2 h−1 for seawater. Simultaneously, the evaporator demonstrates resistance to salt accumulation, resulting in its stability in brine. This all‐in‐one evaporator represents an innovative way for designing interfacial evaporators and a convenient approach to mitigate the global freshwater scarcity.
An Amphiphilic Sulfonatocalix[5]arene as an Activator for Membrane Transport of Lysine‐rich Peptides and Proteins
Authors: Pan Yu‐Chen , Barba‐Bon Andrea , Tian Han‐Wen , Ding Fei , Hennig Andreas , Nau Werner M. , Guo Dong‐Sheng
Published: October 2020

Lysine (K) is an important target residue for protein and peptide delivery across membranes. K is the most frequently exposed residue in proteins, leading to high demand for the development of K‐compatible transport activators. However, designing activators for K‐rich peptides and proteins is more challenging than for arginine‐rich species because of the kosmotropic nature of K and its recognition difficulty. In this study, we designed a new amphiphilic sulfonatocalix[5]arene (sCx5‐6C) as a K‐compatible transport activator. sCx5‐6C was tailored with two key elements, recognition of K and the ability to embed into membranes. We measured the membrane transport efficiencies of α‐poly‐l‐lysine, heptalysine, and histones across artificial membranes and of α‐poly‐l‐lysine into live cells, activated by sCx5‐6C. The results demonstrate that sCx5‐6C acts as an efficient activator for translocating K‐rich peptides and proteins, which cannot be achieved by known arginine‐compatible activators.
Copper‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Coupling of Allenyl Radicals with Terminal Alkynes to Access Tetrasubstituted Allenes
Authors: Dong Xiao‐Yang , Zhan Tian‐Ya , Jiang Sheng‐Peng , Liu Xiao‐Dong , Ye Liu , Li Zhong‐Liang , Gu Qiang‐Shuai , Liu Xin‐Yuan
Published: October 2020

In contrast to the wealth of asymmetric transformations for generating central chirality from alkyl radicals, the enantiocontrol over the allenyl radicals for forging axial chirality represents an uncharted domain. The challenge arises from the unique elongated linear configuration of the allenyl radicals that necessitates the stereo‐differentiation of remote motifs away from the radical reaction site. We herein describe a copper‐catalyzed asymmetric radical 1,4‐carboalkynylation of 1,3‐enynes via the coupling of allenyl radicals with terminal alkynes, providing diverse synthetically challenging tetrasubstituted chiral allenes. A chiral N,N,P‐ligand is crucial for both the reaction initiation and the enantiocontrol over the highly reactive allenyl radicals. The reaction features a broad substrate scope, covering a variety of (hetero)aryl and alkyl alkynes and 1,3‐enynes as well as radical precursors with excellent functional group tolerance.
One‐Step Synthesis of Acylboron Compounds via Copper‐Catalyzed Carbonylative Borylation of Alkyl Halides**
Authors: Cheng Li‐Jie , Zhao Siling , Mankad Neal P.
Published: October 2020

A copper‐catalyzed carbonylative borylation of unactivated alkyl halides has been developed, enabling efficient synthesis of aliphatic potassium acyltrifluoroborates (KATs) in high yields by treating the in situ formed tetracoordinated acylboron intermediates with aqueous KHF2. A variety of functional groups are tolerated under the mild reaction conditions, and primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl halides are all applicable. In addition, this method also provides facile access to N‐methyliminodiacetyl (MIDA) acylboronates as well as α‐methylated potassium acyltrifluoroborates in a one‐pot manner. Mechanistic studies indicate a radical atom transfer carbonylation (ATC) mechanism to form acyl halide intermediates that are subsequently borylated by (NHC)CuBpin.
High‐Intensity Ultrasound‐Induced Crystallization of Mango Kernel Fat
Authors: Sonwai Sopark , Ornla‐ied Pimwalan , Martini Silvana , Hondoh Hironori , Ueno Satoru
Published: October 2020

The crystallization behavior of mango kernel fat (MKF) at 25 °C with and without the application of high‐intensity ultrasound (HIU) (20 kHz, 125 W) was studied as a function of ultrasound amplitude level (30%, 50%, and 70% of the maximum amplitude of 180 μm). The irradiation period was fixed at 5 s. It was found that HIU induced MKF crystallization. The crystallization induction time decreased with a decrease in crystal size and an increase in the number of crystals as the HIU amplitude increased. The β' → β transformation was also accelerated with HIU application. This work has shown that there is great potential for the use of HIU in the food industry to achieve a shorter and more controllable crystallization process. In particular, HIU could be used as an efficient tool for controlling the polymorphic transition of fats.
Efficient Exciplex‐based Green and Near‐Infrared Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes Employing a Novel Donor‐Acceptor Type Donor
Authors: Zhao Juewen , Ye Jun , Du Xiaoyang , Zheng Caijun , He Zeyu , Yang Haoyu , Zhang Ming , Lin Hui , Tao Silu
Published: October 2020

Widely investigated thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) can be achieved by intramolecular and intermolecular charge transfer between an electron donor and electron acceptor which corresponds to a TADF material and exciplex, respectively. However, the development of efficient organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on an exciplex lags far behind the development of those based on efficient TADF materials. In this work, a novel D‐A type electron donor TPAFPO was designed and synthesized. TPAFPO:PO‐T2T exhibits a small ΔEST of 79 meV and significant delayed emission, demonstrating TADF characteristics. OLEDs based on TPAFPO:PO‐T2T exhibit a low turn‐on voltage of 2.4 V and high an EQE value of 17.0%. Besides, NIR OLEDs utilizing TPAFPO:PO‐T2T as host exhibit a turn‐on voltage of 3.0 V and high EQE of 9.2% with a NIR emission peak at 690 nm. Furthermore, solution‐processed exciplex and NIR devices also can maintain high efficiencies of 15.1% and 8.1%, respectively.