bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Intraocular Retinoblastoma With Vincristine and Carboplatin
Authors: Rodriguez-Galindo Carlos , Wilson Matthew W. , Haik Barrett G. , Merchant Thomas E. , Billups Catherine A. , Shah Nirali , Cain Alvida , Langston James , Lipson Mindy , Kun Larry E. , Pratt Charles B.
Published: May 2003

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of chemoreduction using vincristine and carboplatin in preventing or delaying external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) or enucleation in patients with intraocular retinoblastoma.

Patients and Methods: Twenty-five patients (43 eyes) with newly diagnosed intraocular retinoblastoma received primary treatment with eight courses of vincristine and carboplatin. Focal treatments were delayed until documentation of disease progression. Outcome measures for each eye were length of time to disease progression, avoidance or delay of EBRT, and globe survival. Event-free survival was defined as the length of time to EBRT or enucleation.

Results: Disease in all eyes responded to chemotherapy and progressed in only two patients before completion of the eight courses of therapy. Disease in all but four eyes progressed and required focal treatments. Event-free survival estimates at 2 years were 59.2% ± 12.0% for Reese-Ellsworth group I, II, and III eyes and 26.3% ± 9.2% for group IV and V eyes. Nineteen eyes (44.2%) required EBRT and 13 eyes (30.2%) were enucleated. The ocular salvage rate was 83.3% for Reese-Ellsworth group I to III eyes and 52.6% for group IV and V eyes. For those patients receiving EBRT, the median time from enrollment to EBRT was 9.5 months (median age at EBRT, 21 months).

Conclusion: In combination with appropriate early intensive focal treatments, chemoreduction with vincristine and carboplatin, without etoposide, may be an alternative treatment for patients with early-stage intraocular retinoblastoma, although additional studies are needed. Patients with advanced intraocular disease require more aggressive treatments.
Role of phlebotomy in the management of hemoglobin SC disease: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Markham Merry Jennifer , Lottenberg Richard , Zumberg Marc
Published: May 2003

Marked variability is a keynote in the disease course of patients with hemoglobin SC (Hb SC) and hemoglobin S/β+‐thalassemia (Hb S/β+‐thal), with some patients having a frequency of complications and painful episodes similar to patients with homozygous sickle cell (Hb SS) disease. One possible explanation is that the higher hematocrit in these syndromes may contribute to an increase in blood viscosity, leading to vaso‐occlusive pain episodes as well as an increased incidence of thromboembolic complications and retinopathy. We present a patient with Hb SC disease with an excellent baseline functional status who developed splenic infarction at a high altitude. Following splenectomy, the patient developed a sustained increase in hematocrit, an increase in the frequency of painful episodes, as well as new‐onset dizziness and malaise. We initiated a therapeutic phlebotomy program in order to lower the hematocrit to pre‐splenectomy values, as well as to induce iron deficiency. Repeated phlebotomy resulted in a dramatic decrease in symptoms. Our patient no longer requires narcotic analgesics for pain, has resolution of constitutional symptoms, and has not required further hospitalizations for vaso‐occlusive pain crises. The correlation between symptoms and hematocrit levels supports the importance of blood viscosity in contributing to this patient's symptoms. A trial of phlebotomy to reduce viscosity in patients with higher hematocrit values should be considered as an intervention for symptomatic patients with sickle cell disease. Am. J. Hematol. 73:121–125, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pulmonary and intracerebral plasmacytomas in a patient without multiple myeloma: A case report
Authors: Hayes‐Lattin Brandon , Blanke Charles D. , Deloughery Thomas G.
Published: May 2003

Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the lung or brain parenchyma is rare. We report herein a case of extramedullary plasmacytoma involving both the lung and parenchymal brain. We review the literature, comparing and contrasting the current case. Am. J. Hematol. 73:131–134, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coenzyme Q10 levels in Prader‐Willi syndrome: Comparison with obese and non‐obese subjects
Authors: Butler Merlin G. , Dasouki Majed , Bittel Doug , Hunter Susan , Naini Ali , DiMauro Salvatore
Published: May 2003

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and an important scavenger of reactive oxygen species. Low levels are found in individuals with reduced energy expenditure, cardiac and skeletal muscle dysfunction, and mitochondrial disorders, many of these manifestations are seen in individuals with Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS). In addition, CoQ10 supplementation frequently is given to individuals with this syndrome. To determine if CoQ10 levels are decreased in PWS, we studied plasma CoQ10 levels in 16 subjects with PWS, 13 with obesity of unknown cause, and 15 subjects without obesity but of similar age and compared with body composition. Plasma CoQ10 levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), using several statistical approaches in subjects with PWS (0.45 ± 0.16 μg/ml), compared to subjects without obesity (0.93 ± 0.56 μg/ml), but not different from subjects with obesity (0.73 ± 0.53 μg/ml). When plasma CoQ10 was normalized relative to cholesterol, triglyceride, and creatinine levels and fat and lean mass [determined by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA)] in the subjects with either PWS or obesity, no significant differences were observed. However, a lower muscle mass was found in the PWS subjects. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic and clinical characterization of patients with an interstitial duplication 15q11‐q13, emphasizing behavioral phenotype and response to treatment
Authors: Thomas J.A. , Johnson J. , Peterson Kraai T.L. , Wilson R. , Tartaglia N. , LeRoux J. , Beischel L. , McGavran L. , Hagerman R.J.
Published: May 2003

The clinical significance of an interstitial duplication of (15)(q11‐q13) remains unclear and controversial. The reported phenotypes vary widely and appear to be influenced by the parent of origin of the duplication. Aside from cases of dup(15) reported with autism, the behavioral phenotype of individuals with dup(15) has not been described. We present three families, two with intrachromosomal duplication (15)(q11‐q13) ascertained because of developmental delay in a relative. Two families show clear evidence of multigenerational maternal inheritance. The individuals discussed in this paper have minor anomalies and developmental delays. In addition, we describe a behavioral phenotype which often includes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autistic spectrum disorder. Responses to medications used to manage these behaviors are also described, including a positive response to methylphenidate and a poor response to fluoxetine. The duplication in each presenting individual, and available family members, was investigated utilizing cytogenetic and molecular techniques including high resolution cytogenetics, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), DNA methylation studies, and quantitative fluorescence PCR. High resolution cytogenetic techniques alone missed some cases, demonstrating the need to confirm results with other methods. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New syndrome of simplified gyral pattern, micromelia, dysmorphic features and early death
Authors: Basel‐Vanagaite Lina , Marcus Nufar , Klinger Gil , Shohat Mordechai , Levit Orly , Karmazin Boaz , Taub Ellen , Sirota Lea
Published: May 2003

We report two sisters with a new syndrome of simplified gyral pattern, normal head circumference at birth but with subsequent development of microcephaly, intractable seizures, and early death. Dysmorphic features included coarse face, hypertrichosis, short nose, paranasal widening, long philtrum, short neck, upper limb micromelia, single transverse palmar lines, and clasp thumbs. The proband had repeated convulsions from shortly after birth and she required continuous artificial ventilation. Neurological examination showed absent sucking, rooting, Moro and grasping reflexes. MRI revealed a diffuse simplified gyral pattern with apparent agyria over the frontal lobes. Biochemical screening gave normal results. Her older sister had bilateral renal pelvic dilatation on prenatal ultrasound. She also developed severe convulsions on the first day of life, and she had to be artificially ventilated for 38 days. She had severe developmental retardation and neurological examination showed absence of spontaneous movements and Moro reflex, weak sucking reflex, and hypertonicity. CT scan of the brain showed a simplified gyral pattern. At 3 months, she developed hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia with normal levels of vitamin D and alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone level was low. Other biochemical tests gave normal results. She died at 5 months due to a massive aspiration event. Based on the unique clinical and radiological features found in our patients, we propose that this is a new syndrome. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mortality and apolipoprotein E in African‐American, and White Elders: An attempted replication
Authors: Fillenbaum Gerda G. , Burchett Bruce M. , Lee Joseph H. , Blazer Dan G.
Published: May 2003

We have tried, with only partial success, to confirm findings in a recently reported study in this journal on the relationship of APOE genotype to mortality in community representative Hispanics (n = 659), Whites (n = 272), and African‐Americans (n = 450), aged 65 and over, living in Northern Manhattan, New York. That study found that using proportional hazards models adjusted for sex and lipid levels, Hispanics and Whites with the E2/E3 genotype, but not African‐Americans, had the lowest mortality risk. Those under age 75 had risks comparable to those over age 75, suggesting minimal survivor bias. Nearly 50% of the mortality risk associated with the APOE genotype appeared to act through heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. The current study of African‐Americans (n = 1,083) and Whites (n = 915) aged 71 and over living in the more rural Southeastern US, found no protective effect of the E2/E3 genotype for either African‐Americans or Whites. Among younger Whites (age 71–75), point estimates suggested that the E2/E3 genotype might be protective, but at a nonsignificant level; self‐reported African‐American race, but not genotype, was a risk factor for mortality in this age group. Neither lipid level nor health condition attenuated the effect of APOE genotype. Differences in findings may reflect issues of sampling, age, the relative distribution of the APOE alleles, or some other factor. Until such time as studies use truly representative samples and include younger ages, findings in this area must be treated with caution. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cage opening of 1,2‐(CH2OH)2‐closo‐1,2‐C2B10H10 with 2‐(aminomethyl)‐pyridine: synthesis and structure of a cobalt salt of functionalized nido‐C2B9H10 mono anion
Authors: Oki Aderemi R. , Gilbes Blanca , Tarasyuk Faina , Emge Thomas J.
Published: May 2003

The reaction of 1,2‐(CH2OH)2‐closo‐1,2‐C2B10 H10 carborane with 2‐(aminomethyl)‐pyridine in methylene chloride at room temperature led to the partial cage degradation of the closo carborane and its conversion to the nido derivative. The addition of cobalt chloride hexahydrate in methanol to the mixture produced orange crystals 1. The crystal structure of the orange compound has been determined. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and structures of [Yb {η5‐(C5H4)B(NiPr2)NHtBu} 2 {N(SiMe3)2} ] and [Zr {η5‐(C9H6)B(N(SiMe3)2)(C9H7)} Cl2]
Authors: Braunschweig Holger , Kraft Mario , Homberger Melanie , Breitling Frank M. , White Andrew J. P. , Englert Ulli , Williams David J.
Published: May 2003

Both amido‐(cyclopentadienyl)boranes and bis(cyclopentadienyl)boranes of the types R2NB(CxHy) (NR′) and R2NB(CxHy)2 (R = alkyl, trimethylsilyl; R′ = Ph; CxHy = C5H5 (cyclopentadienyl), C9H7 (indenyl), C13H9 (fluorenyl)) were recently shown to form corresponding boron‐bridged Group 4 metallocenes that exhibit high activities in Ziegler–Natta‐type catalysed olefin polymerization. Here, the same boranes were utilized in the formation of metallocenes of ytterbium and zirconium, where the ligands selectively bind in a non‐chelate fashion. The resulting complexes [Yb { η5‐(C5H4)B(NiPr2)NHtBu} 2 {N(SiMe3)2} ] (2) and [Zr {η5‐(C9H6)B(N(SiMe3)2)(C9H7)} Cl2] (4) allow studies on these ligands in a metal‐bonded, though unstrained, environment. Furthermore, these complexes might find use as precursors in the formation of organometallic polymers, since they exhibit a readily available moiety for the coordination of further transition metal centres. Both complexes were fully characterized by multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and X‐ray structure determination. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy–architectural patterns among the five‐ to twelve‐vertex closo‐carboranes
Authors: Williams Robert E. , Bausch Joseph W.
Published: May 2003

In 1969 the order of stabilities of all possible neutral two‐carbon closo‐carboranes, i.e. from closo‐C2B3H5 to closo‐C2B10H12, was forecast. It was wistfully anticipated that all 52 skeletal structures would be based solely upon the most spherical deltahedra (polyhedra consisting exclusively of triangular faces, closo‐n〈III〉; n = 5 to 12) and that the order of stabilities would be based upon the presumed preference of the two carbon atoms to occupy (a) low‐coordinated and (b) nonadjacent sites.

The 52 potential isomers reduce to 42 isomers upon optimization (using the DFT B3LYP/6‐311G* level of theory and the Gaussian 94 program), as seven isomers rearrange spontaneously into more stable isomers and three isomers rearrange spontaneously into two structures incorporating four‐membered open faces within which are accommodated both carbon atoms, in adjacent 4k‐edge sites. The order of stability of the ‘surviving’ 42 closo‐carborane configurations comports nicely with the 1969 projections with the exception of three intimately related closo‐11 vertex isomers. An explanation for the marginally increased stability of these three intimately related closo‐11 vertex isomers is offered. For the remaining 39 isomers, the differences, between the calculated and estimated stability values, seldom exceed 6 kcal mol−1. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Condensed polyhedral boranes and analogous organometallic clusters: a molecular orbital and density functional theory study on the cap–cap interactions
Authors: Jemmis Eluvathingal D. , Pancharatna Pattath D.
Published: May 2003

The interactions between the non‐bonded atoms on adjacent units were assumed to be one of the major factors that hinder the exploration and advancement of macropolyhedral borane chemistry. In sandwich complexes involving boron as the bridging atom, the interaction between non‐bonded atoms tends to be antibonding, but a closer analysis of various condensed systems shows that this cannot be generalized. The overlap populations (OPs) calculated for structures optimized at the B3LYP/6‐31g* level [B21H181− (5), B20H16 (6), [Al(C2B4H6)2]1− (7), B12H102− (8), B10H82− (9 and 14), B11H13 (10), B10H14 (11), C2B8H12 (13) and B20H182− (15)] indicate bonding interactions between the caps, except for 7 and 13. This is substantiated by a detailed extended Hückel‐based molecular orbital (MO) study using B10H14 as a model system to represent macropolyhedral boranes with higher fusions. An isolobal equivalent structure, [C8H6(Ru(CO)2Me)2] (17), studied at the B3LYP/LANL2DZ level has weak RuRu interactions. An analysis of the nature of the MOs in B10H14 (11) shows that there is no direct head on overlap of the cap orbitals that are antibonding; this is in contradiction to sandwiched molecules (7), where there are two occupied MOs with antibonding interactions. The m + n + o electron pair count (m is the number of cages involved in condensation, n is the number of vertices and o is the number of single vertex condensations) of sandwich complexes requires the filling of these two MOs. The negative OP between the carbon atoms in 13 is attributed to the greater electronegativity of carbon and is substantiated by a fragment MO analysis. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radial basis functions for solving near singular Poisson problems
Authors: Chen C. S. , Kuhn G. , Li J. , Mishuris G.
Published: May 2003

In this paper, we investigate the use of radial basis functions for solving Poisson problems with a near‐singular inhomogeneous source term. The solution of the Poisson problem is first split into two parts: near‐singular solution and smooth solution. A method for evaluating the near‐singular particular solution is examined. The smooth solution is further split into a particular solution and a homogeneous solution. The MPS‐DRM approach is adopted to evaluate the smooth solution. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of gain versus loss and certain versus probable outcomes on social value orientations
Authors: Poppe Matthijs , Valkenberg Huib
Published: May 2003

In an experiment, the effects of types of outcomes on social value orientations (individualism, competition, pro‐social orientation) were investigated. Ninety‐nine students made 28 choices which affected outcomes (points to be converted into money) for themselves and another (unknown) person. About half of them started out with nothing but they could allocate positive outcomes (gains) to themselves and/or the other. The other half were told that they themselves and another person would start out with some outcomes but they could lose outcomes depending on the choices. For about half the participants it was certain that their choices would result in outcomes while for the other half outcomes would be likely rather than certain. The expected utility of the outcomes was the same in the four conditions. In accordance with prospect theory, it was expected and found that participants would be more individualistic in the conditions with losses than in the conditions with gains. In accordance with social comparison theory, it was expected and found that participants would be more competitive in the conditions with probable outcomes than in the conditions with certain outcomes. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of approach and avoidance motor actions on food intake
Authors: Förster Jens
Published: May 2003

Two experiments explored the effect of arm positions of approach and avoidance on food intake. In Experiment 1, arm extension, an expression of avoidance behavior, led to smaller food intake than arm flexion, an expression of approach behavior. In Experiment 2, this effect was found only for a delicious drink (i.e. orange juice), but not for a neutral drink (lukewarm water). Different theoretical accounts for explaining the findings are discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sox18 mutations in the ragged mouse alleles ragged‐like and opossum
Authors: James Kristy , Hosking Brett , Gardner Jennifer , Muscat George E.O. , Koopman Peter
Published: May 2003

Summary: The ragged (Ra) spontaneous mouse mutant is characterised by abnormalities in its coat and cardiovascular system. Four alleles are known and we have previously described mutations in the transcription factor gene Sox18 in the Ra and RaJ alleles. We report here Sox18 mutations in the remaining two ragged alleles, opossum (Raop) and ragged‐like (Ragl). The single‐base deletions cause a C‐terminal frameshift, abolishing transcriptional trans‐activation and impairing interaction with the partner protein MEF2C. The nature of these mutations, together with the near‐normal phenotype of Sox18‐null mice, suggests that the ragged mutant SOX18 proteins act in a dominant‐negative fashion. The four ragged mutants represent an allelic series that reveal SOX18 structure–function relationships and implicate related SOX proteins in cardiovascular and hair follicle development. genesis 36:1–6, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tolerance to the memory disruptive effects of cannabinoids involves adaptation by hippocampal neurons
Authors: Hampson Robert E. , Simeral John D. , Kelly Erica J. , Deadwyler Sam A.
Published: May 2003

The effects of chronic exposure to cannabinoids on short‐term memory in rats were assessed during repeated daily injections of an initially debilitating dose (3.75 mg/kg) of the potent CB1 cannabinoid receptor ligand, WIN 55,212‐2. Delayed nonmatch to sample (DNMS) performance was assessed over a 35‐day exposure period in which performance was initially disrupted during the first 21 days of exposure but recovered by day 30 and was stable at pre‐drug levels for 5 days thereafter. Withdrawal was precipitated by injections of the CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716A and transiently reduced performance for 2 days but was restabilized to pre‐drug levels within 3–4 days. Concomitant recording from identified CA1 and CA3 hippocampal neurons demonstrated a marked correspondence in the time course of suppression of peak firing in the sample and delay phases of the task to the drug‐induced performance deficits over the same days of exposure. Hippocampal encoding of task‐relevant events and performance levels “tracked” each other on a daily basis throughout the chronic cannabinoid treatment and withdrawal regimen. However, hippocampal neuronal activity in the nonmatch phase of the task was unaffected by the chronic cannabinoid treatment or withdrawal, suggesting that only a select population of hippocampal neurons and synapses are involved in cannabinoid‐sensitive short‐term memory processes. Hippocampus 2003;13:543–556. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Downregulation of the α5 subunit of the GABAA receptor in the pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Houser Carolyn R. , Esclapez Monique
Published: May 2003

Specific subunits of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors may be regulated differentially in animal models of temporal lobe epilepsy during the chronic stage. Although several subunits may be upregulated, other subunits may be downregulated in the hippocampal formation. The α5 subunit is of particular interest because of its relatively selective localization in the hippocampus and its potential role in tonic inhibition. In normal rats, immunolabeling of the α5 subunit was high in the dendritic layers of CA1 and CA2 and moderate in these regions of CA3. In chronic pilocarpine‐treated rats displaying recurrent seizures, α5 subunit‐labeling was substantially decreased in CA1 and nearly absent in CA2. Only slight decreases in immunolabeling were evident in CA3. In situ hybridization studies demonstrated that the α5 subunit mRNA was also strongly decreased in stratum pyramidale of CA1 and CA2. Thus, the alterations in localization of the α5 subunit peptide and its mRNA were highly correlated. The large decreases in labeling of the α5 subunit did not appear to be related to loss of pyramidal neurons in CA1 or CA2 since these neurons were generally preserved in pilocarpine‐treated animals. No comparable decreases in labeling of the α2 subunit of the GABAA receptor were detected. These findings indicate that the α5 subunit of the GABAA receptor is capable of substantial and prolonged downregulation in remaining pyramidal neurons in a model of temporal lobe epilepsy. The results raise the possibility that presumptive extrasynaptic GABAA receptor subunits, such as the α5 subunit, may be regulated differently than synaptically located subunits, such as the α2 subunit, within the same brain regions in some pathological conditions. Hippocampus 2003;13:633–645. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid induction of BDNF expression in the hippocampus during immobilization stress challenge in adult rats
Authors: Marmigère Frédéric , Givalois Laurent , Rage Florence , Arancibia Sandor , Tapia‐Arancibia Lucia
Published: May 2003

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is strongly expressed in the hippocampus, where it has been associated with memory processes. In the central nervous system, some learning processes, as well as brain insults, including stress, induce modifications in BDNF mRNA expression. Because stress and memory appear to share some neuronal pathways, we studied BDNF mRNA and BDNF peptide variations in response to short times of immobilization stress. Using an RNase protection assay, we demonstrated that short‐time stress application induced a significant increase (at 60 min) in BDNF mRNA levels in the whole rat hippocampus. Changes in BDNF mRNA content appear to reflect increased expression of BDNF transcripts containing exons I, II, and III, that were also significantly modified at this time. The time course of stress‐induced changes in BDNF transcript levels revealed that mRNA containing exon III was the first increased, significantly elevated by 15 min, attaining maximal levels at 60 min, as BDNF transcripts containing exons I and II. However, at longer times of stress (180 min), BDNF mRNA levels were decreased as well as mRNA containing exon IV. In situ hybridization analysis of discrete hippocampal layers demonstrated that BDNF mRNA expression increased as early as 15 min in most hippocampal regions, with no modification in the number of labeled cells. The same signal pattern, although less pronounced, was determined at 60 min, but at this time a significant increase in BDNF‐positive cells was visualized in the CA3 layer. The peptide, measured by immunoassay, was significantly augmented after 180 min of stress exposure whereas at 300 min, levels were similar to those measured in control animals. These data suggest that rapid changes in BDNF expression may be part of a compensatory response to preserve hippocampal homeostasis or a form of neuronal plasticity to cope with new stimuli. Hippocampus 2003;13:646–655. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuropeptide Y delays hippocampal kindling in the rat
Authors: Reibel Sophie , Benmaamar Ramla , Lê Bich Thuy , Larmet Yves , Kalra Satya P. , Marescaux Christian , Depaulis Antoine
Published: May 2003

Chronic intrahippocampal infusion of the neurotrophin brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown to delay kindling epileptogenesis in the rat and several lines of evidence suggest that neuropeptide Y could mediate these inhibitory effects. Chronic infusion of BDNF leads to a sustained overexpression of neuropeptide Y in the hippocampus, which follows a time course similar to that of the suppressive effects of BDNF on kindling. In vivo, acute applications of neuropeptide Y or agonists of its receptors exert anticonvulsant properties, especially on seizures of hippocampal origin. In this study, we examined how chronic infusion of this neuropeptide in the hippocampus affected kindling epileptogenesis. A 7‐day continuous infusion of neuropeptide Y in the hippocampus delayed the progression of hippocampal kindling in the rat, whereas anti‐neuropeptide Y immunoglobulins had an aggravating effect. These results show that neuropeptide Y exerts anti‐epileptogenic properties on seizures originating within the hippocampus and lend support to the hypothesis that BDNF delays kindling at least in part through upregulation of this neuropeptide. They also suggest that the seizure‐induced upregulation of neuropeptide Y constitutes an endogenous mechanism counteracting excessive hippocampal excitability. Hippocampus 2003;13:557–560. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Age‐related differences in the functional connectivity of the hippocampus during memory encoding
Authors: Grady Cheryl L. , McIntosh Anthony R. , Craik Fergus I.M.
Published: May 2003

The purpose of the current experiment was to examine the functional connectivity of the hippocampus during encoding in young and old adults, and the way in which this connectivity was related to recognition performance. Functional connectivity was defined as the correlation between activity in the hippocampus and activity in the rest of the brain, as measured by neuroimaging. During encoding of words and pictures of objects in young adults, hippocampal activity was correlated with activity in the ventral prefrontal and extrastriate regions, and increased activity in all these regions was associated with better recognition. In contrast, older adults showed correlations between hippocampal activity and the dorsolateral prefrontal and parietal regions, and positive correlations between activity in these regions and better memory performance. This ventral/dorsal distinction suggests a shift in the cognitive resources used with age from more perceptually based processes to those involved in executive and organizational functions. The results of this study provide evidence that aging is associated with alterations in hippocampal function, including how it is functionally connected with prefrontal cortex, and that these alterations have an impact on memory performance. Hippocampus 2003;13:572–586. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of deep hypothermia on nitric oxide‐induced cytotoxicity in primary cultures of cortical neurons
Authors: Varathan Sriranganathan , Shibuta Satoshi , Varathan Vidya , Takemura Motohide , Yonehara Norifumi , Mashimo Takashi
Published: May 2003

Nitric oxide (NO) is thought to play a major role during cerebral ischemia. However, the protective efficacy of hypothermia against NO‐induced neurotoxicity remains to be examined. In the present study, the degree of neurotoxicity induced by NO was analyzed in two temperature groups (normothermia, 37°C; deep hypothermia, 22°C) of cultured E16 Wistar rat cortical neurons. Two different NO donors, 1‐hydroxy‐2‐oxo‐3‐(N‐ethyl‐2‐aminoethyl)‐3‐ethyl‐1‐triazene (NOC‐12) and 1‐hydroxy‐2‐oxo‐3‐(3‐amynopropyl)‐3‐isopropyl‐1‐triazene (NOC‐5), that have equal half‐lives at 37°C and 22°C, respectively, were used. Cultured neurons in each temperature group were exposed to 30 and 100 μM NOC for three different time courses, 6 hr, 12 hr, and 24 hr. The survival rates of neurons were evaluated by assessing viable neurons on photomicrographs before and after the experiments. The highest survival rate (approximately 93%) was seen in both temperature groups when neurons were exposed to 30 μM NOC for 6 hr and 12 hr, and there was no significant difference observed between these two groups (P > 0.05). Almost equal survival rates were observed in both temperature groups following exposure to 30 μM NOC for 24 hr (at 37°C, 80.4% ± 2.6%; at 22°C, 83.2% ± 1.6%; P > 0.05). During exposure to 100 μM NOC, although the survival rate linearly decreased (approximately from 70% to 5%) in both temperature groups when exposed for 6–24 hr, there were no significant intergroup differences observed (P > 0.05). In conclusion, hypothermia does not provide adequate protection to the neurons by acting on the mechanisms evoked by NO, so we speculate that hypothermia may not confer neuroprotetcion once NO is released during ischemia. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of antipsychotic drugs on brain‐derived neurotrophic factor expression under reduced N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor activity
Authors: Fumagalli Fabio , Molteni Raffaella , Roceri Mila , Bedogni Francesco , Santero Raffaella , Fossati Claudia , Gennarelli Massimo , Racagni Giorgio , Riva Marco Andrea
Published: May 2003

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes a variety of neuromodulatory processes during development as well as in adulthood. This neurotrophin has been associated with synaptic plasticity, suggesting that its regulation may represent one of the mechanisms through which psychotropic drugs alter brain function. Because reduced glutamatergic function represents a major feature of schizophrenia, we investigated the effects of the concomitant administration of haloperidol or olanzapine with the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK‐801 on BDNF expression. MK‐801 reduces the hippocampal expression of the neurotrophin; this effect was exacerbated by haloperidol, but it was normalized by olanzapine. Our data reveal a fine tuning of BDNF biosynthesis and a differential modulation by antipsychotic drugs when NMDA‐mediated transmission is reduced, suggesting that haloperidol and olanzapine can produce different effects on brain plasticity through the modulation of BDNF expression. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 decreases endogenous amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) levels and protects hippocampal neurons from death induced by Aβ and iron
Authors: Perry TracyAnn , Lahiri Debomoy K. , Sambamurti Kumar , Chen Demao , Mattson Mark P. , Egan Josephine M. , Greig Nigel H.
Published: May 2003

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1(7–36)‐amide (GLP‐1) is an endogenous insulinotropic peptide that is secreted from the gastrointestinal tract in response to food. It enhances pancreatic islet β‐cell proliferation and glucose‐dependent insulin secretion and lowers blood glucose and food intake in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. GLP‐1 receptors, which are coupled to the cyclic AMP second messenger pathway, are expressed throughout the brains of rodents and humans. It was recently reported that GLP‐1 and exendin‐4, a naturally occurring, more stable analogue of GLP‐1 that binds at the GLP‐1 receptor, possess neurotrophic properties and can protect neurons against glutamate‐induced apoptosis. We report here that GLP‐1 can reduce the levels of amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) in the brain in vivo and can reduce levels of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in cultured neuronal cells. Moreover, GLP‐1 and exendin‐4 protect cultured hippocampal neurons against death induced by Aβ and iron, an oxidative insult. Collectively, these data suggest that GLP‐1 can modify APP processing and protect against oxidative injury, two actions that suggest a novel therapeutic target for intervention in Alzheimer's disease. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Myelination and motor coordination are increased in transferrin transgenic mice
Authors: Saleh Maria‐Carla , Espinosa de los Monteros Araceli , de Arriba Zerpa Gonzalo A. , Fontaine Isabelle , Piaud Oriane , Djordjijevic Dragan , Baroukh Nadine , Otin Angel Luis Garcia , Ortiz Esteban , Lewis Sandra , Fiette Laurence , Santambrogio Paolo , Belzung Catherine , Connor James R. , de Vellis Jean , Pasquini Juana M. , Zakin Mario M. , Baron Bruno , Guillou Florian
Published: May 2003

Myelin deficiency in the central nervous system (CNS) can cause severe disabling conditions. Most of the transgenic mice models overexpressing myelin components have limitations for investigators of myelin deficiency and myelin therapy as they severely alter CNS architecture. It has been postulated that transferrin (Tf) is involved in oligodendrocyte (OL) maturation and myelinogenesis. Because Tf is not an intrinsic myelin constituent, we decided to investigate if its overexpression could have an impact on the myelination process without affecting myelin integrity. We generated transgenic mice containing the complete human Tf gene specifically overexpressed in OLs. This overexpression leads to more than a 30% increase in myelin components, such as galactolipids, phospholipids, and proteins. Electron microscopy showed that myelin is structurally normal in terms of thickness and compaction. Behavior analysis showed that mice do not display significant modifications in their locomotion and cognitive and emotional abilities. Furthermore, in one of the genetic background, animals presented a significant increase in motor coordination. We did not find any modification in OL number during early postnatal development, suggesting that Tf does not act on OL proliferation. In addition, the levels of iron and ferritin remained unchanged in the brain of transgenic mice compared to control mice. Our findings indicate that, besides its known iron transport function, Tf is able to influence myelination process and induce behavioral improvements in mice. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Planar inverted‐F antenna with a bent meandered radiating arm for GSM/DCS operation
Authors: Teng Pey‐Ling , Chiou Tzung‐Wern , Wong Kin‐Lu
Published: May 2003

An innovative dual‐frequency planar inverted‐F antenna (PIFA) mounted at the bottom end of the ground plane of a folder‐type mobile handset is presented. The proposed PIFA has a bent meandered radiating arm and is first printed on a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), which is then bent by 90° and attached to and supported by a foam base of size 40 × 8 × 7 mm3. The proposed PIFA is capable of GSM/DCS operation, and the experimental results of a constructed prototype are presented and discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 38: 73–75, 2003
Sub‐lethal hydrops as a manifestation of dehydrated hereditary stomatocytosis in two consecutive pregnancies
Authors: Grootenboer‐Mignot Sabine , Crétien Aurore , Laurendeau Ingrid , Poissonnier Marie‐Hélène , Doireau Valérie , Brossard Yves , Tchernia Gil , Cynober Thérèse , Delaunay Jean
Published: May 2003

Dehydrated hereditary stomatocytosis (DHS) is a rare congenital hemolytic anemia mapping to 16q23–q24. We showed recently that it is part of a pleiotropic syndrome likely to display pseudohyperkalemia and/or different forms of fetal and placental fluid collections. Here, we report a woman with DHS. She had two consecutive pregnancies associated with severe fetal hydrops. Hydrops would probably have been lethal in the absence of appropriate removal of ascites and excess amniotic fluid. In utero exchange transfusion, performed once, was useless, because anemia was not pronounced enough to be the cause of the hydrops. In both newborns, ascites resolved within a week following birth and never recurred. The association of hydrops and hemolytic anemia suggests the possibility of DHS. Symptomatic treatment of the hydrops assists survival until spontaneous resorption occurs. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasonic spectroscopic evaluation of the ring‐opening metathesis polymerization of dicyclopentadiene
Authors: Constable Gregory S. , Lesser Alan J. , Coughlin E. Bryan
Published: May 2003

An in situ ultrasonic spectroscopy technique was used to study the ring‐opening metathesis polymerization of dicyclopentadiene catalyzed by bis(tricyclohexylphosphine)benzylidene ruthenium dichloride. A reaction cell employing a flexible poly(ethylene terephthalate) window for pulse echo ultrasonic spectroscopy was used to monitor the polymerization. The changes in the density, wave speed, acoustic modulus, and attenuation were all simultaneously monitored. In comparison with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy data, the changes in the density, velocity, and modulus only accurately measured the rate constant for the metathesis of the cyclopentyl unsaturation. The ultrasonic values were within 6% of the values determined by FTIR. The activation energy for metathesis of the cyclopentyl unsaturation was 84 kJ mol−1, following first‐order kinetics. Rate constants for the polymerization of the norbornyl unsaturation could not be determined by ultrasound. The gel point, vitrification, and qualitative information about the reaction rate could be determined from the change in the attenuation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1323–1333, 2003
Laser‐induced periodic surface structure on a polymer surface: The effect of a prerubbing treatment on the surface structure
Authors: Lu X. M. , Lu Q. H. , Yin J. , Zhu Z. K. , Wang Z. G.
Published: May 2003

The influence of the mechanical rubbing of a polyimide (PI) film on the laser‐induced periodic structure (LIPS) was demonstrated. The periodicity and amplitude of LIPS were greater when the rubbing direction was parallel to the laser polarization direction. The amplitude became small and the periodicity of LIPS did not show an obvious change when the rubbing direction was perpendicular to the laser polarization direction. The effect of the rubbing pretreatment on LIPS was explained on the basis of the wave‐guide effect of rubbing‐induced microgrooves on LIPS formation. The orientation of PI chains induced by mechanical rubbing was relaxed after laser irradiation, and a new orientation of PI chains was formed during the LIPS formation. When the rubbing direction was perpendicular to the laser polarization direction, the orientation of PI chains remained in the rubbing direction. The laser‐irradiated, perpendicularly rubbed PI surface could be used to verify the effects of surface morphologies and intermolecular interactions on liquid‐crystal alignment. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1273–1280, 2003
Conductance and capacitance–frequency characteristics of polypyrrole/p‐type silicon structures
Authors: Çakar M. , Biber M. , Saǧlam M. , Türüt A.
Published: May 2003

We formed a polypyrrole/p‐type silicon device by an anodization process. An aluminum electrode was used as an ohmic contact. From the current–voltage characteristics of the device, barrier height and ideality factor values of 0.662 eV and 1.734, respectively, were obtained from a forward‐bias current–voltage plot. Low capacitance–frequency and conductance–frequency measurements from 0.00 to 0.30 V with steps of 0.02 V were made. At each frequency, the measured capacitance decreased with increasing frequency because of a continuous distribution of the interface states in the frequency range of 5.0 Hz to 2.0 MHz. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1334–1338, 2003
Thermally stimulated depolarization currents of crosslinked polyethylene relaxations in the fusion range of temperatures
Authors: Tamayo I. , Belana J. , Cañadas J. C. , Mudarra M. , Diego J. A. , Sellarès J.
Published: May 2003

With thermally stimulated depolarization currents, we researched the relaxations of crosslinked polyethylene as it is used in medium‐voltage cable insulation. Through conventional polarization two heteropolar peaks stand up in the spectra, at 80 and 105 °C. As the sample is annealed, a homopolar peak is developed at about 99 °C. With window polarization, our results indicated that the 80 °C peak is a structured peak related to polar crosslinking subproducts and impurities. The 105 and 99 °C peaks are fitted to the general kinetic‐order model because the 105 °C peak is related to free‐charge detrapping at the crystalline phase, in the bulk and maybe at the amorphous‐crystal interphases, and the peak that is observed at 99 °C is due to injected charge. Annealing at high temperatures promotes the creation of traps in the material. Charge trapping at T < 70 °C seems to be related to the increased insulator resistivity with annealing time. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1412–1421, 2003
Screening of Tanzanian plant extracts for their potential inhibitory effect on P‐glycoprotein mediated efﬂux
Authors: Deferme S. , Kamuhabwa A. , Nshimo C. , de Witte P. , Augustijns P.
Published: May 2003

For years, many efforts have been made to discover new drugs using plants as natural screening libraries. In this study, extracts of 43 Tanzanian medicinal plants were screened for their potential inhibitory effect on P‐gp, using the secretory transport of Cyclosporin A (CsA) in the Caco‐2 system as a measure of the functionality of P‐gp efﬂux. Two out of these 43 plant extracts (extracts of Annickia kummeriae and Acacia nilotica) appeared to have a modulatory effect on P‐gp related efﬂux carriers. In presence of the extract of Annickia kummeriae, a concentration dependent decrease on the polarity in transport of CsA was observed; the inhibitory effect of this extract on P‐gp was comparable to that of valspodar, a known P‐gp inhibiting agent. The exact nature of the active components of these botanicals remains to be identiﬁed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro peroxynitrite scavenging activity of diarylheptanoids from Curcuma longa
Authors: Kim Jung Eun , Kim Ae Ra , Chung Hae Young , Han Shin Young , Kim Byung Soo , Choi Jae Sue
Published: May 2003

Peroxynitrite is a cytotoxic intermediate produced by the reaction between the superoxide anion (O2) and nitric oxide (NO). The aim of this study was to investigate the scavenging effects of Curcuma longa L. on authentic peroxynitrite, and further studies are planned that will attempt to identify the active principles from the active fractions. The methanolic extract of C. longa showed 50% scavenging activity (IC50) at concentration of 1.7 ± 0.08 µg/ml, and was thus fractionated with several solvents. The peroxynitrite scavenging activity potential of the individual fraction was in the order of ethyl acetate > dichloromethane > water fraction. The ethyl acetate soluble fraction exhibiting strong scavenging activity was further puriﬁed by repeated silica gel column chromatography. Peroxynitrite scavenging diarylheptanoids, curcumin I (1), curcumin II (2), and curcumin III (3) were isolated as active principles. Compounds 1–3 showed the peroxynitrite scavenging activities with IC50 values of 4.0 ± 0.04, 6.4 ± 0.30, and 29.7 ± 1.29 µM, respectively. Penicillamine as positive control exhibited IC50 value of 2.38 ± 0.34 µM. The structure‐activity relationship of diarylheptanoids on peroxynitrite was also discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biological activity of persimmon (Diospyros kaki) peel extracts
Authors: Kawase Masami , Motohashi Noboru , Satoh Kazue , Sakagami Hiroshi , Nakashima Hideki , Tani Satoru , Shirataki Yoshiaki , Kurihara Teruo , Spengler Gabriella , Wolfard Krisztina , Molnár Joseph
Published: May 2003

Fractionated extracts of persimmon (Diospyros kaki) peels were studied for cytotoxic activity, multidrug resistance (MDR) reversal activity, anti‐human immunodeﬁciency virus (HIV) activity and anti‐Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) activity. The potent cytotoxic activity against human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells (HSC‐2) and human submandibular gland tumor (HSG) cells was found in the acetone fractions (A4 and A5) with IC50 ranging from 21 to 59 µg/mL. However, the cytotoxic activity was not correlated with the radical intensity of the fractions. Three 70% MeOH extract fractions (70M2‐4) produced radical and efﬁciently scavenged the O2− produced by hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase reaction. All of the fractions tested were not effective for anti‐H. pylori and anti‐HIV. Fractions H3 and H4 of hexane extract, and M2 and M3 of MeOH extract showed a remarkable MDR reversal activity comparable with that of (±)‐verapamil (a positive control). These results indicate the therapeutic value of persimmon peel extracts as potential antitumor and MDR‐reversing agents. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TNF‐α inhibits glucose‐induced insulin secretion in a pancreatic β‐cell line (INS‐1)
Authors: Zhang Shaoying , Kim Ki-Han
Published: May 2003

Recent studies suggest that TNF‐α affects various biochemical and physiological processes which may be linked to the etiology of non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). For example, TNF‐α interferes with the signaling of the insulin receptor and the metabolism of glucose transporters. The possibility that TNF‐α might directly reduce glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic β‐cells was examined by using an established pancreatic β‐cell line (INS‐1). TNF‐α did not affect glucose‐induced acute insulin secretion (30 min). However, over a longer time period (24 h), TNF‐α decreased glucose‐induced insulin secretion without affecting the total amount of insulin in the cell. In the presence of TNF‐α levels of 0, 10, 100 and 1000 U/ml, the respective 20 mM glucose‐induced insulin secretion was 1.736 ± 0.166, 1.750 ± 0.302, 1.550 ± 0.200, and 1.400 ± 0.112 mU/ml per 3 × 105 cells in 24 h.