bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidation of reduced cytochrome c by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Vandewalle P.L. , Petersen N.O.
Published: July 2002

Hydrogen peroxide, formed directly or as a product of Superoxide dismutation, can oxidize ferrocytochrome c at rates comparable to those at which ferricytochrome c is reduced by Superoxide. This reoxidation can significantly affect estimates of rates and amounts of Superoxide production using absorbance changes for cytochrome c at 550 nm as the assay. The oxidation can be inhibited by catalase.
Enhancement by streptozotocin of O−2 radical generation by the xanthine oxidase system of pancreatic β‐cells
Authors: Nukatsuka Mamoru , Sakurai Hiromu , Yoshimura Yoshiyuki , Nishida Mikio , Kawada Jun
Published: July 2002

Spin‐trapping techniques and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy were used to study the relationship between the effect of streptozotocin (STZ) on pancreatic β‐cells and free radical formation by these cells. Results showed that STZ enhanced generation of the DMPO‐OH radical adduct, which is a degradation product of the superoxide anion (O−
2) in the presence of cellular components, in a hypoxanthine‐xanthine oxidase (XOD) system with a homogenate of β‐cells. This enhancing effect was also observed in a system without cellular components; STZ increased the signal height due to the O−
2 radical in a concentration‐dependent manner and caused a maximum of 150% enhancement at a concentration of 1.5 mM. Thus, STZ seemed to enhance the generation of the O−
2 radical in the XOD system, probably by some mechanism of its interaction with XOD. Pancreatic β‐cells exhibited a high XOD activity and a very low superoxide dismutase activity. Therefore, the present result supports the possibility that the cytotoxic effect of STZ is closely related to free radical generation in pancreatic β‐cells.
Rack‐induced bonding in blue copper proteins: Spectroscopic properties and reduction potential of the azurin mutant Met‐121 → Leu
Authors: Karlsson B.Göran , Aasa Roland , Malmström Bo G. , Lundberg Lennart G.
Published: July 2002

Site‐directed mutagenesis has been used to prepare azurin in which the methionine‐121 residue has been replaced by leucine. The oxidized mutant protein displays the strong blue color and characteristic EPR signal of a type 1 Cu(II) ion, showing that methionine is not an obligatory component of a blue copper site. The optical absorption maximum is shifted 5 nm towards longer wavelength and the extinction coefficient increased by about 10% compared to the wild‐type protein. In addition, there are small changes in the EPR parameters, in particular the copper hyperfine splitting. The reduction potential is increased by 70 mV. The results show that a small change in primary structure without any alteration in the three strong ligands can perturb the Cu(II) site and shift the reduction potential, in accord with the concept of rack‐induced bonding in blue copper proteins.
Immunochemical detection of photoaffinity‐labelled capsaicin‐binding proteins from sensory neurons
Authors: Wood John N. , Walpole Christopher , James Iain F. , Dray Andy , Coote Paul R.
Published: July 2002

Capsaicin is a plant neurotoxin which depolarises a subset of mammalian sensory neurons. A photoaffinity probe (4‐azidophenylpropionamide) with capsaicin‐like agonist activity (EC50 5 μM) has been used to covalently label rat and chick sensory neurons in culture, as well as membrane preparations from both neurons and other tissues. Dorsal root ganglion cell specific capsaicin‐binding proteins, including a major band of apparent molecular mass 58 000, have been identified by means of Western blotting, using a specific anti‐capsaicin antiserum characterised by radioimmunoassay with a large range of capsaicin congeners. Using the same radioimmunoassay, no endogenous capsaicin‐like immunoreactive material in normal or inflamed tissue has, however, been detected.
Characterization of side‐directed mutations in conserved domains of MalK, a bacterial member of the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) family
Authors: Walter Claudia , Wilken Sylke , Schneider Erwin
Published: July 2002

Site‐directed mutagenesis was used to change four amino acid residues (Q82, P152, L179, H192) in the MalK subunit of S. typhimurium maltose transport system which are highly conserved among members of the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) family. Replacement of H192 caused complete failure to complement the transport defect of a malK strain whereas changes of the other residues resulted in reduced or wild‐type activity. The purified mutant proteins exhibited ATPase activity comparable to wild‐type MalK.
Influence of amphipathic peptides on the HIV‐1 production in persistently infected T lymphoma cells
Authors: Wachinger Michael , Saermark Torben , Erfle Volker
Published: July 2002

The effects of several amphipathic peptides on HIV‐1 production in persistently infected cells are described. Melittin, a 26 amino acid α‐helical amphipathic peptide, reduces HIV‐1 production dose‐dependently, whereas other amphipathic peptides do not. Six melittin derivatives which retain the α‐helical portion have similar effects as melittin. The reduction of viral infectivity is not due to an effect of melittin on the virus particles but to an intracellular action of the peptide, which is readily taken up into cells, as shown by quantitative ELISA, Western blots of cells from melittin‐treated cultures suggest that the processing of the gag/pol precursor is impaired.
Insulin and noradrenaline independently stimulate the translocation of glucose transporters from intracellular stores to the plasma membrane in mouse brown adipocytes
Authors: Omatsu-Kanbe Mariko , Kitasato Hiroshi
Published: July 2002

The mechanism of the effect of noradrenaline on the transport of 3‐O‐methyl‐d‐[14C]glucose ([14C]‐MG) was studied in mouse brown adipocytes. When cells were exposed to low concentrations (< 10−8 M) of insulin, the [14C]‐MG uptake by cells was enhanced by noradrenaline additively. The action of noradrenaline was mimicked by isoproterenol, and was completely blocked by propranolol. Exposing cells to noradrenaline induced both an increase in the transport activity of plasma membrane fractions and a decrease in that of microsomal fractions similar to insulin exposure, indicating that noradrenaline also induces the translocation of glucose transporters to the plasma membrane. The ratio of an increase in the transport activity of plasma membrane fraction to a decrease in the activity of the microsomal fraction was lower in cells exposed to noradrenaline than in cells exposed to insulin. This quantitative disagreement suggests that there are at least two different modes involved in the regulation of the translocation of glucose transporters in mouse brown adipocytes.
Activation of exocytosis by GTP analogues in adrenal chromaffin cells revealed by patch‐clamp capacitance measurement
Authors: Burgoyne Robert D. , Handel Susan E.
Published: July 2002

The role of GTP‐binding proteins in exocytosis in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells was examined using patch‐clamp capacitance measurement. Internal dialysis with the non‐hydrolysable GTP analogue guanosine 5′‐[βγ‐imido]triphosphate and xanthosine triphosphate (XTP) activated a capacitance increase. Exocytosis triggered by XTP was blocked by guanosine 5′‐[β‐thio]diphosphate (GDPβS) but Ca2+‐induced exocytosis was unaffected. The capacitance increase due to XTP could not be explained by Ca2+ mobilisation since Ins(1,4,5)P3 and caffeine did not mimic the response. Chromaffin cells appear to possess a Ca2+‐independent pathway for exocytosis that involves GTP‐binding proteins. The magnitude of the response to XTP suggested that GTP analogues stimulate both exocytosis and recruitment of secretory granules.
Role of ascorbic acid in the metabolism of S‐nitroso‐glutathione
Authors: Kashiba-Iwatsuki Misato , Yamaguchi Makiko , Inoue Masayasu
Published: July 2002

Although nitric oxide (NO) has been known to generate S‐nitroso‐thiols (RSNOs), dynamic aspects of their metabolism remain to be elucidated. The present work reports the reactivity of S‐nitroso‐glutathione (GS‐NO) with various compounds with reducing activity. Kinetic analysis revealed that among various reagents tested, ascorbic acid showed a potent activity to decompose GS‐NO to glutathione and oxidized products of NO. During the reaction of GS‐NO and ascorbic acid, monodehydroascorbate was found to appear as an intermediate. These results suggest that ascorbic acid might be an important modulator for RS‐NO metabolism.
Simvastatin does not normalize very long chain fatty acids in adrenoleukodystrophy mice
Authors: Cartier Nathalie , Guidoux Sylvie , Rocchiccioli Francis , Aubourg Patrick
Published: July 2002

X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a genetic demyelinating disorder characterized by accumulation of very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) in tissues. Lovastatin, an inhibitor of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, normalizes VLCFA in fibroblasts and plasma from ALD patients. We dietary treated ALD mice with simvastatin, an analog of lovastatin with similar pharmacokinetics and effects on plasma VLCFA in ALD patients at 20 or 60 mg/kg/day for 6–12 weeks. No decrease of VLCFA content was observed in mouse tissues, including the brain. A significant increase of VLCFA was rather observed in the brain of ALD mice at 60 mg/kg/day.
Gene synthesis, high‐level expression and assignment of backbone 15N and 13C resonances of soybean leghemoglobin
Authors: Prytulla Stefan , Jane Dyson H. , Wright Peter E.
Published: July 2002

A synthetic gene for apoleghemoglobin‐a from soybean, optimized for expression in Escherichia coli has been designed and synthesized by a recursive polymerase chain reaction technique. The protein has been expressed with high efficiency and a purification protocol has been developed. The holoprotein is readily reconstituted by the addition of heme. 15N‐ and 15N, 13C‐labeled samples were produced and backbone 15N and 13C assignments were determined by 2D and 3D NMR spectroscopy. Comparison of the chemical shifts of 13Cα and 13CO with random coil shifts revealed a pattern of secondary structure which correlates well with the one previously derived from homonuclear NMR data and low‐resolution X‐ray crystallography.
Comparison of the amide proton exchange behavior of the rapidly formed folding intermediate and the native state of an antibody scFv fragment
Authors: Freund Cristian , Gehrig Peter , Holak Tad A , Plückthun Andreas
Published: July 2002

We have investigated the stability of backbone amide protons of the intermediate and the native state of the scFv fragment of an antibody. Stopped flow experiments analyzed by MS and NMR detected the formation of an exchange protected intermediate within the deadtime of the stopped flow apparatus (17 ms). H/D exchange rates of the native protein identified a number of very stable backbone amide protons in the VL and the VH domains. In the VL domain, this slowly exchanging core of the scFv fragment is similar to the folding core of the intermediate, while the VH domain possesses a great number of very stable amide protons which are not stabilized to a significant degree in the folding intermediate of the scFv fragment.
Mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis: a relic of endosymbiontic origin and a specialized means for respiration
Authors: Schneider Regina , Brors Benedikt , Massow Michael , Weiss Hanns
Published: July 2002

Genes that encode mitochondrial homologues to the bacterial enzymes of fatty acid synthesis were found in various eukaryotic species. Inactivation of these genes leads to a disturbed mitochondrial respiration and an increase in mitochondrial lysophospholipids. We postulate that there is a mitochondrial biosynthetic system providing fatty acids for phospholipid repair. The mitochondrial acyl carrier protein may also play another role, supporting the formation of the respiratory NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase.
Stimulation of human keratinocyte growth by alginate oligosaccharides, a possible co‐factor for epidermal growth factor in cell culture
Authors: Kawada Akira , Hiura Nozomi , Shiraiwa Masakazu , Tajima Shingo , Hiruma Masataro , Hara Kenji , Ishibashi Akira , Takahara Hidenari
Published: July 2002

Oligosaccharides, involved in regulation of plant developmental and defensive processes, were tested to determine their ability to enhance proliferation of human keratinocytes. A mixture of alginate oligosaccharides remarkably stimulated keratinocyte growth and [3H]thymidine uptake in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF). The activity was comparable to bovine pituitary extract, a common complement in keratinocyte culture, and additive on BPE‐induced stimulation. The most effective oligosaccharide in the mixture was identified and its chemical structure was determined. These findings demonstrate a novel activity of alginate oligosaccharide(s) in keratinocyte growth and suggest a possible co‐factor for EGF‐dependent stimulation in medium for keratinocytes.
Secondary structure and thermal stability of the extrinsic 23 kDa protein of photosystem II studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Haoming , Ishikawa Yasuo , Yamamoto Yasusi , Carpentier Robert
Published: July 2002

The secondary structure and thermal stability of the extrinsic 23 kDa protein (OEC23) of spinach photosystem II have been characterized in solution between 25 and 75°C using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Quantitative analysis of the amide I band (1700–1600 cm−1) shows that OEC23 contains 5% α‐helix, 37% β‐sheet, 24% turn, and 34% disorder structures at 25°C. No appreciable conformational changes occur below 45°C. At elevated temperatures, the β‐sheet structure is unfolded into the disorder structure with a major conformational transition occurring at 55°C. Implications of these results for the functions of OEC23 in photosystem II are discussed.
Photoaffinity labeling as an approach to study supramolecular nucleoprotein complexes
Authors: Knorre D.G. , Godovikova T.S.
Published: July 2002

The modern approaches for studying the detailed structure of nucleoprotein complexes involved in replication and transcription, based on the use of nucleic acids with photoreactive groups incorporated into definite positions of polynucleotide chain, are considered. Methods of preparation of photoreactive nucleic acids of this type are presented. Their use for positioning of RNA polymerase III and transcription factors as well as of the main participants of the replication machinery at the respective templates is described. A survey of the data concerning the amino acid residues modified in the course of photoaffinity labeling of proteins is also presented and some complications are discussed.
Inhibition of voltage‐gated cationic channels in rat embryonic hypothalamic neurones and C1300 neuroblastoma cells by triphenylethylene antioestrogens
Authors: Hardy S.P. , deFelipe C. , Valverde M.A.
Published: July 2002

The effect of the non‐steroidal antioestrogens tamoxifen and toremifene on voltage‐gated cationic currents was examined in primary cultures of rat hypothalamic neurones and the C1300 mouse neuroblastoma cell line using the whole‐cell patch clamp technique. When applied to the external bathing solution both tamoxifen and toremifene were able to inhibit TTX‐sensitive sodium currents with IC50 values of 1–2 μM and delayed rectifier type potassium currents (IC50, 2–3 μM). However, only toremifene showed a significant inhibition of the IA current (IC50 3 μM). Inhibition of voltage‐gated cationic currents was significantly impaired when tamoxifen was applied in a serum‐containing solution. The steroidal antioestrogen ICI 182,780 did not inhibit any of the currents at 10 μM.
Diacylglycerol pyrophosphate: a novel metabolite in the Trypanosoma cruzi phosphatidic acid metabolism1
Authors: Marchesini Norma , Santander Verónica , Machado-Domenech Estela
Published: July 2002

This work provides evidence that phosphatidic acid (PA) is metabolized to diacylglycerol pyrophosphate (DGPP) in Trypanosoma cruzi. Also the presence of the enzymatic activities involved in its regulation, phosphatidate kinase (PA‐k) and phosphatidate phosphatase, is demonstrated. The increase of DGPP levels in T. cruzi epimastigotes or in its membrane fraction after exogenous PA addition or phospholipase (PLD) pre‐treatment suggests that PA‐k may be involved in the regulation of PA levels after its stimulation.
Identification of the catalytic glutamate in the E1 component of human pyruvate dehydrogenase
Authors: Fang Rui , Nixon Peter F. , Duggleby Ronald G.
Published: July 2002

The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl‐CoA. The first component (E1) converts pyruvate to bound acetaldehyde using thiamine diphosphate (ThDP) and Mg2+ as cofactors. There is no 3D structure of E1 available but those of other ThDP‐dependent enzymes show some similarities including a glutamate residue that assists in ThDP activation. Eukaryotic E1 has an α2β2 structure and the conserved Glu89 of the β‐subunit was identified as a possible catalytic residue by sequence alignment. Human E1 was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. Mutating Glu89 to glutamine, aspartate and alanine markedly reduces catalytic activity and the affinity for ThDP, consistent with a role as the catalytic glutamate.
Homomultimeric protease in the hyperthermophilic bacterium Thermotoga maritima has structural and amino acid sequence homology to bacteriocins in mesophilic bacteria
Authors: Hicks Paula M , Rinker Kristina D , Baker Joey R , Kelly Robert M
Published: July 2002

A novel homomultimeric protease (>669 kDa), based on 31 kDa subunits, was purified from cell extracts of the hyperthermophilic bacterium Thermotoga maritima. This protease exhibits activity toward chymotrypsin and trypsin substrates, optimally at 90°C and pH 7.1, and has a half‐life of 36 min at 95°C. Transmission electron microscopy established that the protease consists of a large globular assembly which appears circular from the front view. The function of this protease in T. maritima remains unclear, although putative homologs include a 29 kDa antigen from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and a 31 kDa monomer of a high molecular weight bacteriocin produced by Brevibacterium linens [Valdes‐Stauber, N. and Scherer, S. (1996) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 62, 1283–1286]. The relationship of these mesophilic proteins to the T. maritima protease suggests that their antibacterial activity may involve elements of proteolysis, and raises the prospect for anti‐microbial ecological strategies in hyperthermophilic niches.
Effects of nucleoside analog incorporation on DNA binding to the DNA binding domain of the GATA‐1 erythroid transcription factor
Authors: Foti Matthew , Omichinski James G , Stahl Stephen , Maloney Donna , West John , Schweitzer Barry I
Published: July 2002

We investigate here the effects of the incorporation of the nucleoside analogs araC (1‐β‐d‐arabinofuranosylcytosine) and ganciclovir (9‐[(1,3‐dihydroxy‐2‐propoxy)methyl] guanine) into the DNA binding recognition sequence for the GATA‐1 erythroid transcription factor. A 10‐fold decrease in binding affinity was observed for the ganciclovir‐substituted DNA complex in comparison to an unmodified DNA of the same sequence composition. AraC substitution did not result in any changes in binding affinity. 1H‐15N HSQC and NOESY NMR experiments revealed a number of chemical shift changes in both DNA and protein in the ganciclovir‐modified DNA‐protein complex when compared to the unmodified DNA‐protein complex. These changes in chemical shift and binding affinity suggest a change in the binding mode of the complex when ganciclovir is incorporated into the GATA DNA binding site.
Gastrin stimulates the formation of a p60Src/p125FAK complex upstream of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase signaling pathway
Authors: Daulhac Laurence , Kowalski-Chauvel Aline , Pradayrol Lucien , Vaysse Nicole , Seva Catherine
Published: July 2002

The molecular events whereby gastrin occupancy of G/CCKB receptors leads to phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3‐kinase activation have been examined. We report here that this peptide promotes the association between two non‐receptor tyrosine kinases, p60Src and p125FAK, and elicits a parallel increase in tyrosine phosphorylation and activity of both kinases. Gastrin‐induced PI 3‐kinase activity was coprecipitated with p60Src and p125FAK and was inhibited by herbimycin A, the selective Src inhibitor PP‐2 or cytochalasin D, which disrupts the actin cytoskeleton and prevents p125FAK activity. These results indicate, for the first time, that a p60Src/p125FAK complex acts upstream of the gastrin‐stimulated PI 3‐kinase pathway.
Differential effects of free and liposome‐associated 1‐O‐octadecyl‐2‐O‐methylglycerophosphocholine on protein kinase C
Authors: Spiegel Sarah , Olah Zoltan , Cuvillier Olivier , Edsall Lisa C. , Janoff Andrew S.
Published: July 2002

Incorporation of ET‐18‐OCH3 into well‐characterized liposomes known as ELL‐12 has eliminated its gastrointestinal and hemolytic toxicity without loss of growth inhibiting activity. ET‐18‐OCH3, but not ELL‐12, blunted the increase in membrane protein kinase C (PKC) activity induced by 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol 13‐myristate (TPA) and markedly reduced levels of PKCα in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Furthermore, prolonged treatment with ELL‐12 neither inhibited TPA‐induced translocations of PKCα and PKCδ to the particulate fraction nor caused down‐regulation, and did not affect the cellular distribution of TPA‐insensitive PKCζ. In Jurkat T cells, where ELL‐12 markedly induced apoptosis that was blocked by an inhibitor of caspase‐3‐like activities, it had no effect on PKC activity or translocation induced by TPA. Thus, it seems unlikely that PKC is involved in the therapeutic effects of ELL‐12.
Cloning, recombinant expression and biochemical characterization of the murine CD83 molecule which is specifically upregulated during dendritic cell maturation
Authors: Berchtold Susanne , Mühl-Zürbes Petra , Heufler Christine , Winklehner Patrizia , Schuler Gerold , Steinkasserer Alexander
Published: July 2002

Human CD83 (hCD83) is a glycoprotein expressed predominantly on the surface of dendritic cells (DC) and represents the best marker for mature DC. Here, we report the cloning of the cDNA encoding mouse CD83 (mCD83) from a murine bone marrow‐derived DC (BM‐DC) cDNA library. DNA sequence analysis revealed a 196 amino acid protein including a signal peptide of 21 amino acids which shares 63% amino acid identity with hCD83. Using Northern blot analyses, mCD83 mRNA was found to be strongly expressed in mouse BM‐DC and its expression was upregulated following stimulation with LPS or TNF‐α. Transfection experiments using COS‐7 cells revealed that mCD83 is glycosylated. Furthermore, the extracellular CD83 domain was recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli and one‐dimensional NMR data strongly support that the protein is structurally folded.
Differential gene expression of mammalian SPO11/TOP6A homologs during meiosis1
Authors: Shannon Mark , Richardson Laura , Christian Allen , Handel Mary Ann , Thelen Michael P.
Published: July 2002

As the initiator of DNA double‐strand breaks during meiosis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the SPO11 protein is essential for recombination. Similarity between SPO11 and archaebacterial TOP6A proteins points to evolutionary specialization of a DNA cleavage function for meiotic recombination. To determine whether this extends to mammals, we isolated and characterized mouse and human SPO11 cDNAs. Mammalian SPO11 genes were found to be expressed at high levels only in testis, wherein mouse Spo11 transcript is restricted primarily to meiotic germ cells and is maximally expressed at mid‐pachynema. Mouse Spo11 is located near the distal end of chromosome 2, while human SPO11 is found in the homologous position of chromosome 20q13.2–13.3, a region that is amplified in some breast cancers. Sequence homology and differential expression together support a highly conserved role for SPO11 in the enzymatic cleavage of DNA that accompanies meiotic recombination.
Toward a taxonomy of manufacturing flexibility dimensions
Authors: D'Souza Derrick E , Williams Fredrik P
Published: July 2002

Researchers agree on the importance of manufacturing flexibility but are somewhat divided on the dimensions of this important construct. This paper seeks to find a middle‐ground by working toward a generally acceptable taxonomy of manufacturing flexibility dimensions. The authors build on extant literature and propose a theoretically grounded operationalization of the manufacturing flexibility construct. Operational measures of manufacturing flexibility dimensions are identified and tested on a sample of 240 manufacturing firms. Results indicate good support for the theorized taxonomy.
A new approach to young measure theory, relaxation and convergence in energy
Authors: Sychev M.A.
Published: July 2002

The main idea of this paper is to reduce analysis of behavior of integral functionals along weakly convergent sequences to operations with Young measures generated by these sequences. We show that Young measures can be characterized as measurable functions with values in a special compact metric space and that these functions have a spectrum of properties sufficiently broad to realize this idea.

These new observations allow us to give simplified proofs of the results of gradient Young measure theory and to use them for deriving the results on relaxation and convergence in energy
under optimal assumptions
on integrands.

We think that this work helps to clarify role of Young measures.

L’idée principale de cet article est de ramener l’analyse du comportement de fonctionnelles intégrales portant sur des suites faiblement convergentes à des opérations sur les mesures de Young associées à ces suites. Nous montrons que les mesures de Young peuvent être caractérisées comme des fonctions mesurables à valeurs dans un certain espace métrique compact et que ces fonctions ont un ensemble de propriétés suffisament large pour mettre en œuvre cette idée.

Ces nouvelles observations nous permettent de donner des démonstrations simplifiées de résultats en théorie du gradient des mesures de Young et de les utiliser pour obtenir des résultats sur la relaxation et la convergence en énergie sous des hypothèses optimales sur les intégrandes.

Nous pensons aussi que ce travail aide à clarifier le rôle des mesures de Young.
Weak compactness of wave maps and harmonic maps
Authors: Freire Alexandre , Müller Stefan , Struwe Michael
Published: July 2002

We show that a weak limit of a sequence of wave maps in (1 + 2) dimensions with uniformly bounded energy is again a wave map. Essential ingredients in the proof are Hodge structures related to harmonic maps,

\mathcal{H}^{1}

estimates for Jacobians,

\mathcal{H}^{1}

-BMO duality, a “monotonicity” formula in the hyperbolic context and the concentration compactness method. Application of similar ideas in the elliptic context yields a drastically shortened proof of recent results by Bethuel on Palais–Smale sequences for the harmonic map functional on two dimensional domains and on limits of almost

H

-surfaces.

La limite faible d’une suite d’applications d’ondes bornée en énergie est de nouveau une application d’ondes (au sens faible). La démonstration utilise de façon essentielle les structures de Hodge associćes aux applications harmoniques (ou aux applications d’ondes), des estimations dans l’espace

\mathcal{H}^{1}

de Hardy pour les Jacobiens (dualité

\mathcal{H}^{1}

-BMO), une « formule de monotonicité å dans le contexte hyperbolique, et la méthode de concentration-compacité. Dans le cas elliptique, nos idées fournissent une démonstration très simple et naturelle de résultats récents pour la convergence de suites Palais–Smale pour la fonctionnelle liée aux applications harmoniques en dimension deux et pour les surfaces à courbure moyenne prescrite, dues à Bethuel.
Reduced expression of voltage‐gated sodium channels in neurons cultured from trisomy 16 mouse hippocampus
Authors: Stoll James , Galdzicki Zygmunt
Published: July 2002

Voltage‐gated sodium channels are responsible for the initial depolarizing phase of the action potential. In hippocampal neurons cultured from trisomy 16 (Ts16) mice (a model for Down's syndrome), the maximum inward conductance mediated by these channels was reduced 47% relative to control diploid neurons. This reduced conductance was reflected in a 35% decrease in binding of radiolabeled saxitoxin, a sodium channel‐specific ligand, indicating expression of fewer channels in these neurons. The mRNAs encoding the α and β1 subunits were, however, present at the same levels in Ts16 neurons and control diploid neurons. Thus, the altered regulation of voltage‐gated sodium channels in Ts16 neurons is apparently a post‐transcriptional event and possible mechanisms are discussed.
Predictors of improvement in quality of life of long-term mentally ill individuals receiving case management
Authors: Björkman T. , Hansson L.
Published: July 2002

One hundred and thirteen long-term mentally ill clients receiving case management were investigated with regard to psychosocial and clinical predictors of changes in subjective quality of life during an 18-month follow-up. Better psychosocial functioning and fewer psychiatric symptoms at baseline predicted a greater improvement in quality of life. A larger decrease in symptom severity and a greater improvement in the social network during the follow-up were identified as the most important predictors of a greater improvement in subjective quality of life. The results of the study suggest that an emphasis should be put on effective symptom management, a reduction of needs for care and social support in order to fulfill the aims of improving subjective quality of life in patients receiving case management.
Computed tomography study of pineal calcification in schizophrenia
Authors: Bersani G , Garavini A , Taddei I , Tanfani G , Nordio M , Pancheri P
Published: July 2002

Computed tomography studies concerning pineal calcification (PC) in schizophrenia have been conducted mainly by one author who correlated this calcification with several aspects of the illness. On the basis of these findings the aim of the present study was to analyze size and incidence of pineal gland calcification by CT in schizophrenics and healthy controls, and to verify the relationship between pineal calcification and age, and the possible correlation with psychopathologic variables. Pineal calcification was measured on CT scans of 87 schizophrenics and 46 controls divided into seven age subgroups of five years each. No significant differences in PC incidence and mean size between patients and controls were observed as far as the entire group was considered. PC size correlated with age both in schizophrenics and controls. We found a higher incidence of PC in schizophrenics in the age subgroup of 21–25 years, and a negative correlation with positive symptoms of schizophrenia in the overall group. These findings could suggest a premature calcific process in schizophrenics and a probable association with `non-paranoid' aspects of the illness. Nevertheless the potential role of this process possibly related to some aspects of the altered neurodevelopment in schizophrenia is still unclear.
Low‐Temperature‐Deposited TiO2 Nanopillars for Efficient and Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Zhongwei , Li Peng , Zhao Jie , Xiao Ting , Hu Hong , Sun Peng , Wu Zehan , Hao Jianhua , Sun Chunlin , Zhang Haoli , Huang Zhifeng , Zheng Zijian
Published: December 2020

Organometal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are promisingly applied to flexible solar cells because of the high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and intrinsic softness of perovskite materials. In the most efficient PSCs, mesoporous TiO2 generally functions as the electron transporting layer. However, the mesoporous TiO2 is typically generated through high‐temperature thermal annealing that is not suitable for producing flexible PSCs. In this work, TiO2 nanopillar arrays are directly deposited on flexible substrates using glancing angle deposition at low substrate temperature. The TiO2 nanopillars strongly adhere to the flexible substrates, improving light harvesting in the perovskite layers, facilitating electron extraction and transportation, and enhancing the mechanical flexibility of the PSCs. The flexible PSCs hybridized with the TiO2 nanopillars show a PCE as high as 13.3% and excellent photovoltaic stability after 500 cycles of bending at a small radius of curvature.
Diagnostic power and clinical impact of exome sequencing in a cohort of 500 patients with rare diseases
Authors: Quaio Caio Robledo D'Angioli Costa , Moreira Caroline Monaco , Novo‐Filho Gil Monteiro , Sacramento‐Bobotis Patricia Rossi , Groenner Penna Michele , Perazzio Sandro Felix , Dutra Aurelio Pimenta , da Silva Rafael Alves , Santos Monize Nakamoto Provisor , de Arruda Vanessa Yurie Nozaki , Freitas Vanessa Galdeno , Pereira Vinícius Ceola , Pintao Maria Carolina , Fornari Alexandre Ricardo dos Santos , Buzolin Ana Lígia , Oku Andre Yuji , Burger Matheus , Ramalho Rodrigo Fernandes , Marco Antonio David Santos , e Ferreira Elisa Napolitano , Pereira Otavio Jose Eulalio , Cantagalli Vanessa Dionisio , Trindade Ana Carolina Gomes , de Sousa Rafaela Rogerio Floriano , Reys Furuzawa Cintia , Verzini Fernanda , Matalhana Shirley Dezan , Romano Naiade , Paixão Daniele , Olivati Caroline , Spolador Gustavo Marquezani , Maciel Gustavo Arantes Rosa , Rocha Viviane Zorzanelli , Miguelez Javier , de Carvalho Mario Henrique Burlacchini , de Souza Alexandre Wagner Silva , Andrade Luis Eduardo Coelho , Chauffaille Maria de Lourdes , Perazzio Aline dos Santos Borgo , Catelani Ana Lucia Pereira Monteiro , Mitne‐Neto Miguel , Kim Chong Ae , Baratela Wagner Antonio da Rosa
Published: December 2020

Rare diseases comprise a diverse group of conditions, most of which involve genetic causes. We describe the variable spectrum of findings and clinical impacts of exome sequencing (ES) in a cohort of 500 patients with rare diseases. In total, 164 primary findings were reported in 158 patients, representing an overall diagnostic yield of 31.6%. Most of the findings (61.6%) corresponded to autosomal dominant conditions, followed by autosomal recessive (25.6%) and X‐linked (12.8%) conditions. These patients harbored 195 variants, among which 43.6% are novel in the literature. The rate of molecular diagnosis was considerably higher for prenatal samples (67%; 4/6), younger children (44%; 24/55), consanguinity (50%; 3/6), gastrointestinal/liver disease (44%; 16/36) and syndromic/malformative conditions (41%; 72/175). For 15.6% of the cohort patients, we observed a direct potential for the redirection of care with targeted therapy, tumor screening, medication adjustment and monitoring for disease‐specific complications. Secondary findings were reported in 37 patients (7.4%). Based on cost‐effectiveness studies in the literature, we speculate that the reports of secondary findings may influence an increase of 123.2 years in the life expectancy for our cohort, or 0.246 years/cohort patient. ES is a powerful method to identify the molecular bases of monogenic disorders and redirect clinical care.
On the potential of polyetheretherketone matrix composites reinforced with ternary nanolaminates for tribological and biomedical applications
Authors: Javaid Sabah , Dey Maharshi , Kaabouch Naima , Gupta Surojit
Published: December 2020

We report the synthesis and characterization of PEEK‐MAX (Ti3SiC2, Ti3AlC2, and Cr2AlC), and PEEK‐MoAlB composites by hot‐pressing. Detailed microstructure analysis by scanning electron microscopy showed that Ti3SiC2 particles are well dispersed in the PEEK matrix after the addition of 5 vol% Ti3SiC2 but at higher concentration (≥10 vol%), the Ti3SiC2 particles segregated at the phase boundaries and formed interpenetrating micro‐networks. PEEK‐Ti3AlC2 and PEEK‐MoAlB composites also showed similar structuring at the microstructural level. PEEK‐Cr2AlC composites showed a different behavior where Cr2AlC particles were well dispersed in the PEEK matrix. All the three PEEK‐MAX composites have lower hardness than PEEK‐MoAlB composites as MoAlB particulates are appreciably harder than MAX phases but were harder than PEEK. Due to heterogenous nucleation, the addition of MAX phases or MoAlB reduced the crystallization temperature (Tc) by a few oC. The formation of imperfect crystals also resulted in the lowering of melting point (Tm) of these composites. PEEK reinforced with 10 vol% Ti3SiC2, Ti3AlC2 and MoAlB showed plastic failure, and had higher strength than PEEK. Comparatively, PEEK reinforced with 10 vol% Cr2AlC did not show any enhancement. All the PEEK‐MAX and PEEK‐MoAlB composites showed triboactive behavior and enhanced wear resistance.
Silica solid particles toughening, strengthening and anti‐aging on epoxy resin
Authors: Ai Jie , Cheng Wei , Wang Peng , Qian Wei , Chen Qinhui
Published: December 2020

Solid particles used to toughen polymer can induce shear bands and crazing to release the internal stress of polymer. Herein, SiO2 particles with different sizes were prepared by sol–gel method and modified by triethylenetetramine (TETA) in water. 1, 2, 3 and 4 wt% of SiO2 and SiO2‐TETA particles are used to toughen epoxy resin (EP). They can form chemical bond with EP to heighten polymer's storage modulus and glass transition temperature. SiO2‐TETA containing active hydrogen atoms is a better cross‐linking agent than SiO2. Both SiO2 and SiO2‐TETA particles possess obvious strengthening effects on EP. Their toughening effect depends on size. The 100 nm SiO2 nanoparticles showed better toughening performance than 300 or 500 nm SiO2 particles attributing to their higher specific surface area. The impact strength of EP/SiO2‐TETA composites with 3 wt% of 100 nm particles is 16.26 kJ/m2, which is 27.67% and 8.00% higher than EP and EP/SiO2 respectively. In addition, its tensile strength is 63.13 MPa, which is higher than the other is too. The barrier effect of solid particles can effectively improve the heat and ultraviolet resistant properties of EP matrix; as a result, their anti‐aging property is improved significantly.
Betone aus Multikompositzementen mit Kalkstein und calciniertem Ton
Authors: Herget Christian , Proske Tilo , Graubner Carl‐Alexander
Published: December 2020

Eine Möglichkeit, um die mit der Betonbauweise verbundenen Treibhausgasemissionen zu reduzieren, ist die verstärkte Verwendung klinkerarmer Zemente. Allerdings stehen die klassischen Klinkersubstitutionsstoffe Steinkohlenflugasche und Hüttensand in Deutschland schon heute nicht in gewünschter Menge zur Verfügung. Daher sind kalksteinmehlreiche Bindemittel hier eine vielversprechende Option, wobei durch Zugabe von calciniertem Ton der Zementklinkergehalt weiter gesenkt werden kann. Zur Identifikation der Leistungsfähigkeit derartiger Zemente wurden Mörtel‐ und Betonproben aus Zementen mit Kalksteinmehl und unterschiedlichen calcinierten Tonen mit einer maximalen Substitutionsrate von 50 M.‐ % hinsichtlich der Frischmörteleigenschaften und auch verschiedener Festmörteleigenschaften wie Druckfestigkeit, Schwindverhalten und Karbonatisierungstiefe untersucht. Durch den kombinierten Einsatz von Kalksteinmehl und calciniertem Ton konnten gegenüber den Referenzproben aus Portlandzement (CEM I) vergleichbare 28‐d‐Druckfestigkeiten, allerdings bei verminderter Frühfestigkeit, erreicht werden. Sowohl der Widerstand gegenüber Karbonatisierung als auch die Schwindverformung sind bei gleichen Festigkeiten etwas geringer. Insgesamt wird durch die Verwendung derartiger Zementzusammensetzungen eine Minderung des Treibhauspotenzials der Betone von 40 % erreicht.
Rules of nomenclature versus principles of revision: An impudent debate
Authors: Neumann Paul E.
Published: December 2020

The rules of the anatomical nomenclature are sometimes in conflict with the principles of revision of the nomenclature. This is possibly most obvious is the debate about the use of the Latin words pudendus (“shameful”) and sacer (“holy”) in the anatomical nomenclature. The principles of revision stress preservation of traditional terms even if there are etymological concerns. On the other hand, the nomenclature rules state that anatomical names should, preferably, have informative or descriptive value and that the official Latin terms are the basis for translations of the international standard terminology into modern, vernacular languages. This issue of Clinical Anatomy contains responses to the removal of the noun pudendum and the replacement of the adjective pudendus with pudendalis in the second edition of Terminologia Anatomica.
The Known and Overlooked Sides of Zeolite‐Extrudate Catalysts
Authors: Yang Keyu , Zhang Dazhi , Zou Mingming , Yu Lili , Huang Shengjun
Published: December 2020

Zeolite‐based catalysts play the essential roles in the production of fuel and commodity chemicals for the modern society. In general, the main component of zeolites powder has to be transformed into particular shapes in order to match the overall imperatives properties for the industrial applications. Shaping of zeolites catalysts was once only considered as the scale‐up or size‐enlarging processes of their innovated‐form. From the viewpoint of fundamental research, the shaping process was mainly defaulted as a mixing‐fabrication process at the macroscopic level without alterations to the intrinsic active sites at the molecular level. Such understandings have been already updated by a series of pioneering investigations by the innovative characterization techniques and methodologies. In the case of the zeolites extrudates, the mutual interactions among the binder, zeolite, and other functional additives, plus their consequences on the “new acidities” and porosities, have been unprecedentedly confirmed and visualized. Besides these significant achievements, the overlooked zeolites extrudates catalysts are related to the supported metal/metal oxide catalysts. This review further highlights the significant impacts of binders on the catalytic performance of zeolite‐based catalysts for the selected catalytic processes. The exemplary processes of hydrocarbon transformations (hydroisomerization and metathesis) show significant dependences on the introduction of binders, which are closely related with the “competitive effect” or “synergetic effect” in the dispersion or transformation of active sites for the reactions. The ever‐increasing disclosure of the overlooked sides may deepen and widen the understandings of the insights into the shaped zeolites catalysts.
Emotionen pur – auch beim digitalen Wettbewerb
Authors: Woppowa Ljuba
Published: December 2020

Das Team „Die Salzigen TUKCars‟ von der TU Kaiserslautern sicherte sich den ersten Platz beim erstmals digitalen ChemCar‐Wettbewerb beim Jahrestreffen der ProcessNet‐Fachgemeinschaften „Prozess‐, Apparate‐ und Anlagentechnik‟. Ausgerichtet wurde der Wettb
Kompakt und Atex‐gerecht verpackt
Authors: Bennek Werner
Published: December 2020

Wasserstoff gilt als umweltfreundlicher Energieträger der Zukunft, weil er sehr flexibel einsetzbar ist, mit regenerativen Energietechnologien hergestellt werden kann und sich gut transportieren sowie speichern lässt. Bei der Verwendung von Wasserstoff in
Rührend für die Umwelt
Authors: Lindner Jörg‐Peter
Published: December 2020

Das weite Feld der Biogasfermenter mit den Aspekten Rührwerksaufgaben, Rheologie, Materialhandling sowie Rührelementoptimierung stellt CITplus in einer dreiteiligen Beitragsserie vor. Dieser erste Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit den Rühraufgaben selbst sowie
Biomethankonditionierung ohne Verdampfer
Authors: Betz Julian
Published: December 2020

Bevor Biomethan an private und industrielle Abnehmer geliefert werden kann, muss erst dessen Brennwert an das Erdgasnetz angepasst werden. Hierfür wird beispielsweise das Mischersystem Prolimix der Scharr Tec GmbH & Co. KG eingesetzt, mit dem Propan über
MOF‐Derived Zinc‐Doped Ruthenium Oxide Hollow Nanorods as Highly Active and Stable Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution in Acidic Media
Authors: Zhang Heng , Wu Bin , Su Jianwei , Zhao Kunyu , Chen Liang
Published: December 2020

It is highly desirable but challenging to develop active and stable electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acid media. Heteroatom incorporation is an effective strategy of defect engineering for optimizing the intrinsic electrocatalytic activities. In this research, zinc‐doped ruthenium oxide (Zn‐doped RuO2) nanorods were prepared by using the facile two‐step method. It is found that the OER activity of Zn‐doped RuO2 catalysts can be readily controlled by varying the amount of Zn dopants. The Zn‐doped RuO2 catalyst with 6.4 at.% displays the best electrocatalytic activity with a low overpotential of 206 mV at 10 mA cm−2, a Tafel slope of 49 mV dec−1 and a long‐term chronopotentiometry test at 10 mA cm−2 for 30 h towards OER in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. The enhanced OER performance may be attributed to the defective structures caused by Zn doping and the ultrasmall size of the RuO2 nanocrystals.
Giving too much and paying too little? The effect of corporate social responsibility on corporate lobbying efficacy: Evidence of tax aggressiveness
Authors: Lin Woon Leong
Published: December 2020

Though lobbying accounts for a significant proportion of corporate political expenditure, comprehensive research on its advantages is scarce. Further, research findings have been inconclusive in quantifying political lobbying expenditures' rate of return. Using data from Fortune's America's Most Admired Companies (AMAC) with publicly available financial statements for the period from 2008 to 2017, this study delved into the tax benefits of lobbying using the dynamic panel system GMM and quantile regression model. This study found strong evidence that corporate lobbying is associated with higher levels of tax aggressiveness. The results also show that firms that spend more on lobbying in a given year pay lower effective tax rates. Additionally, this study revealed that the reputational effects of corporate social responsibility lead to the increased effectiveness of corporate lobbying expenditures. Thus, political lobbying affects tax enforcement, resulting in lower tax burdens for politically active firms. These results are consistent with the conjecture that firms with high levels of social responsibility and political lobbying are more tax aggressive. This study has addressed the need to quantify the benefits of lobbying and corporate social responsibility activities, especially in terms of lower tax payments and better financial returns to shareholders while still meeting the needs of non‐owner stakeholders.