bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antigenic characterisation of influenza B virus with A new microneutralisation assay: Comparison to haemagglutination and sequence analysis
Authors: Ansaldi Filippo , Bacilieri Sabrina , Amicizia Daniela , Valle Laura , Banfi Federica , Durando Paolo , Sticchi Laura , Gasparini Roberto , Icardi Giancarlo , Crovari Pietro
Published: July 2004

Although the haemagglutination inhibition assay is considered the “gold standard” for antigenic characterisation of influenza viruses, some limitations of this technique are well known. A new microneutralisation assay, as a tool for antigenic characterisation of influenza B viruses, has been standardised and its performance evaluated in comparison with the haemagglutination inhibition test in the light of molecular characterisation of the haemagglutinin. Twelve B viruses belonging to the two lineages and the four sub‐lineages discriminated by phylogenetic analysis of HA were tested. The microneutralisation assay clearly distinguishes viruses belonging to different lineages and, in addition, discriminates strains belonging to different sub‐lineages that are poorly or not discriminated using the haemagglutination inhibition test. This new microneutralisation assay could provide a useful tool for antigenic characterisation of circulating influenza viruses and contribute, together with the haemagglutination inhibition test and sequence analysis of the haemagglutinin and neuraminidase, in the choice of the strain for use in vaccine composition. J. Med. Virol. 74:141–146, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Circulating cytokines and chemokines in acute symptomatic parvovirus B19 infection: Negative association between levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and development of B19‐associated arthritis
Authors: Kerr Jonathan R. , Cunniffe Victoria S. , Kelleher Peter , Coats Andrew J.S. , Mattey Derek L.
Published: July 2004

The aim of the study was to characterise the profile and clinical correlates (arthritis, rash, and fatigue) of cytokines, chemokines, and other mediators in symptomatic acute parvovirus B19 infection. Serum was examined from cases of acute B19 infection (as defined by serum anti‐B19 IgM positivity) (n = 84), and in normal persons (n = 43) for B19 markers (serum B19 antibodies and DNA), rheumatoid factor (RF), and antinuclear antibody (ANA). A panel of cytokines/chemokines was measured in duplicate using the Bioplex Protein Array system (BioRad Hemel Hempstead, UK). These included interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐13, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), macrophage chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), granulocyte‐monocyte colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), and neopterin. Acute symptomatic infection was characterised by specific IgG positivity (83%), serum B19 DNA positivity (96%), and raised levels of IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, MCP‐1, GM‐CSF, TGF‐β1, and ET‐1. Patients with acute B19‐associated arthritis were found to have lower levels of IL‐6, TNF‐α, and GM‐CSF than patients without arthritis, while those with rash had lower levels of TGF‐β1. It is concluded that cytokine levels following acute symptomatic infection with parvovirus B19 indicate a state of immune activation. The profile of circulating mediators may provide insights into the possible pathogenesis of particular clinical manifestations of this infection. J. Med. Virol. 74:147–155, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic diversity of respiratory syncytial virus isolated during an epidemic period from children of northeastern Brazil
Authors: Moura Fernanda Edna Araújo , Blanc Andrea , Frabasile Sandra , Delfraro Adriana , de Sierra María José , Tome Lorena , Gonçalves Ramos Eduardo Antônio , Siqueira Marilda Mendonça , Arbiza Juan
Published: July 2004

Outbreaks of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) are the leading cause of serious acute lower respiratory viral disease in many countries in different continents. Data on clinical and epidemiological aspects of HRSV infections in this country have been reported, but there is lack of data regarding the molecular epidemiology of this virus in Salvador. The genetic variability of HRSV isolated during an outbreak in Salvador, Brazil (1999) has been analysed. Partial sequences of the G protein gene of 13 isolates from antigenic group A and 4 isolates from antigenic group B of HRSV were determined. Nucleotide sequences of C‐terminal G gene were compared to sequences of HRSV isolates from countries of South America and from the rest of the world available at the GenBank. Brazilian group A and B isolates were clustered into previously characterised genotypes: GA5, GA2, GA7, and GB3, SAB3, respectively. This is the first study of GA7 and SAB3 genotypes circulation in South American countries. It is interesting to point out that viruses isolated in Salvador appear to be closer related with those from Montevideo‐Uruguay and Buenos Aires, Argentina strains, suggesting circulation of similar strains among different South American countries in different seasons. Moreover, viruses closely related genetically circulated in the same year in Salvador and distant places such as Mozambique, supporting the previous suggestion on the complexity of HRSV strain circulation patterns, and the high capability of HRSV spreading world‐wide. J. Med. Virol. 74:156–160, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nosocomial outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus subgroup B variants with the 60 nucleotides‐duplicated G protein gene
Authors: Nagai Kazushige , Kamasaki Hotaka , Kuroiwa Yuki , Okita Lisa , Tsutsumi Hiroyuki
Published: July 2004

In January 2001, 20 children among 40 residents under 2 years old at a nursery home in Sapporo, Japan had respiratory symptoms and were confirmed as having respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection by a conventional diagnostic kit. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from four RSV‐positive patients and total RNA was extracted directly from the specimens for the analysis of RSV grouping and genotyping. All four RSV strains had the same G protein gene sequence of subgroup B and were assigned to identical strains. Interestingly, the G protein gene had a duplication of 60 nucleotides at the C‐terminal third of the G protein gene in which three nucleotides differed each other. The predicted polypeptide is lengthened by 20 amino acids. The clinical picture of these cases was not different from those of patients with other RSV strains. These novel mutations were thought to be introduced in vivo. J. Med. Virol. 74:161–165, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of rotavirus strains from hospitalized and outpatient children with acute diarrhoea in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Compagnoli Carmona Rita Cássia , Tavares Timenetsky Maria do Carmo Sampaio , da Silva Fernanda Ferreira , Hernandes Granato Celso Francisco
Published: July 2004

From August 1994 to July 1995, 234 faecal samples from children with or without acute diarrhoea were collected and tested. The group of children with acute diarrhoea (A) was subdivided into two subgroups: subgroup A1was made up of children with severe diarrhoea, dehydrated and who needed hospitalization and subgroup A2was composed of children who only needed outpatient care. Group B was composed of children without acute diarrhoea (controls). Rotavirus was detected in 36.7% (18/49), 22.0% (15/68) and 1.7% (2/117) patients in groups A1, A2and B, respectively. Of the 35 positive samples in which rotaviruses were detected the VP7 genotypes G1, G2, G3, G5 and the mixture (G2 + G5) were found in 40.0, 11.4, 11.4, 22.9 and 2.9% of the samples, respectively. Also, the VP4 genotypes P[8], P[4] and P[6] were detected in 57.1, 31.4 and 5.7%, respectively. Rotavirus VP6 subgroups I and II were detected at a frequency of 22.4 and 54.3%, respectively. Rotavirus RNA segments had short and long electrophoresis profiles in 20.0 and 51.4% of the cases, respectively. The severity of the disease was not related to a specific G and P types, subgroup or electropherotype. J. Med. Virol. 74:166–172, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential expression of immunoregulatory genes in male and female Norway rats following infection with Seoul virus
Authors: Klein Sabra L. , Cernetich Amy , Hilmer Sara , Hoffman Eric P. , Scott Alan L. , Glass Gregory E.
Published: July 2004

Males of many species are more susceptible than females to infections caused by parasites, bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Following inoculation with Seoul virus, male rats have more virus present in target organs and shed virus longer than females. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that variation in the expression of genes associated with immune function mediates sex differences in hantavirus infection. Using DNA microarrays, we examined changes in gene expression in lung tissue during the early (when animals are viremic and shedding virus; Day 15 post‐inoculation (p.i.)) and late (animals have low levels of infectious virus, but high antibody titers; Day 40 p.i.) phases of infection in adult male and female rats. After normalizing the gene expression levels from infected animals to the gene expression levels from same‐sex uninfected controls, our data revealed that 1,813 genes were differentially expressed between the sexes during infection. The expression of key transcriptional factors (e.g., eIF‐2α, NF‐κB, IRF‐1, NF‐IL‐6, and STAT6) and genes that encode for proinflammatory (e.g., TNFαR, IL‐1R, and IL‐1RAcP), antiviral (e.g., IFNγR and Mx proteins), T cell (e.g., CD3 and TCR), and Ig superfamily (e.g., IgM, IgG, and MHC class I and II) proteins was higher in females than males. Conversely, males had higher expression of heat shock protein genes (e.g., hsp70) suggesting that cellular stress is elevated in males. These data provide candidate genes and cellular pathways that may underlie sex differences in responses to Seoul virus and possibly other hemorrhagic fever viruses. J. Med. Virol. 74:180–190, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
BDNF overexpression produces a long‐term increase in myelin formation in the peripheral nervous system
Authors: Tolwani Ravi J. , Cosgaya José M. , Varma Sushama , Jacob Reza , Kuo Lydia E. , Shooter Eric M.
Published: July 2004

The neurotrophin brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an endogenous regulator of the myelination process during development in the peripheral nervous system. Enhancement of myelin formation by BDNF is mediated by the neurotrophin receptor p75NTR. Although this neurotrophin is a positive modulator of myelination during early development, the final effects of BDNF on myelin sheaths after active myelination is completed are largely unknown. Using BDNF transgenic mice, we examined the long‐term effects of BDNF on myelination of the peripheral nervous system in vivo. Elevation of BDNF levels in the transgenic mice produced an increase in both the rate and extent of the myelination process. BDNF enhanced and accelerated myelin formation during early development and this increase in myelin content and thickness was maintained in adulthood. Besides enhanced myelination, BDNF also influenced axon caliber size but to a lesser extent. This lagging increase in axon caliber compared to myelin suggests that the axon size is not the only determinant of myelin thickness. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental shift in expression of netrin receptors in the rat spinal cord: Predominance of UNC‐5 homologues in adulthood
Authors: Manitt Colleen , Thompson Katherine M. , Kennedy Timothy E.
Published: July 2004

Netrins are a family of secreted proteins required for normal neural development. Netrin‐1 is expressed at similar levels in the adult rat spinal cord and the embryonic CNS, suggesting that it contributes to adult CNS function. Here we show that the netrin receptors dcc, neogenin, unc5h1, unc5h2, and unc5h3 are also expressed in the adult rat spinal cord. Lower levels of DCC and neogenin were detected in the adult relative to the embryonic CNS. Conversely, the adult spinal cord contains increased levels of UNC‐5 homologues in comparison with the embryo. Multiple mRNA transcripts detected by Northern blot analysis suggested that netrin receptors might be encoded by alternatively spliced mRNAs. We have identified a novel alternatively spliced mRNA encoding UNC5H1, UNC5H1ΔTSP1, which lacks the first of the two extracellular thrombospondin domains. This novel splice variant is the major transcript detected in the early embryonic CNS, although both splice variants are expressed in the adult. Previously identified alternatively spliced mRNAs encoding DCC and neogenin were also detected. Dcc, neogenin, unc5h1, unc5h2, and unc5h3 are expressed by subsets of neurons. Robust expression of unc5h2 was found in glia. These findings suggest that unc‐5 homologues constitute a major mode of netrin‐1 signal transduction in the adult spinal cord and may be involved in phenomena analogous to axon repulsion, such as inhibiting process extension and collateral sprouting. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
T‐cell hybridoma specific for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein‐35–55 peptide produced from HLA‐DRB1*1501‐transgenic mice
Authors: Chou Yuan K. , Culbertson Nicole , Rich Cathleen , LaTocha Dorian , Buenafe Abigail C. , Huan Jianya , Link Jason , Wands J.M. , Born Willi K. , Offner Halina , Bourdette Dennis N. , Burrows Gregory G. , Vandenbark Arthur A.
Published: July 2004

The goal of this study was to establish an unlimited and standardized source of humanized myelin peptide‐specific T cells for in vitro testing of biological function. Thus, we perpetuated myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)‐35–55 peptide‐specific T cells obtained from immunized HLA‐DRB1*1501‐transgenic (Tg) mice by somatic fusions with BW5147 thymoma cells or BW5147 T‐cell receptor (TCR) α−β− variant (BW5147 variant) cells. The resulting T‐cell hybridomas responded strongly to both mouse MOG‐35–55 (42S) and human MOG‐35–55 peptide (42P), regardless of which peptide was used for initial immunization, and were DRB1*1501 restricted. The MOG‐35–55‐reactive T‐cell hybridomas were CD3+CD4+CD8− and expressed intracellular Th1 cytokines upon concanavalin A stimulation. Clones from either human MOG‐35–55‐ or mouse MOG‐35–55‐selected hybridomas uniquely expressed the TCR BV8 gene in combination with AV17 and AV11 genes. V gene analyses confirmed the expression of TCR AV1, AV11, AV16, BV1, and BV5 gene segments in the widely used fusion partner BW5147 and demonstrated deletion of TCR AV1, AV11, and BV1 in the BW5147 variant. T‐cell hybridomas were positively stained with anti‐TCR β‐chain antibody on the cell surface, whereas neither BW5147 nor its variant had positive TCR surface expression. For functional application, we found that a monomeric form of the human HLA‐DR2‐derived recombinant T‐cell receptor ligand (RTL) covalently linked to human MOG‐35–55 peptide specifically inhibited proliferation of a hybridoma clone selected with human MOG‐35–55 but not a different hybridoma clone selected with myelin basic protein. The RTL‐induced inhibition in vitro of the human MOG‐35–55 peptide‐specific hybridoma reflected the ability of the RTL to inhibit experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis induced by human MOG‐35–55 peptide in HLA‐DR2 transgenic mice. Thus, the MOG‐35–55 peptide‐specific T‐cell hybridoma from DR2‐Tg mice represents a novel humanized T‐cell reagent useful for standardized biological screening of both DR2‐restricted stimulation and RTL‐dependent inhibition of response to human MOG‐35–55 peptide. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oxidative stress‐induced death in the nervous system: Cell cycle dependent or independent?
Authors: Langley Brett , Ratan Rajiv R.
Published: July 2004

Neuronal death, attributable to perturbed redox homeostasis, is the underlying factor in many acute and chronic neurological disorders. The mechanisms employed by oxidatively stressed neurons to commit to cell death pathways are beginning to be characterized, but this is hampered by a lack of good models that extrapolate readily to redox‐dependent neuronal death paradigms. In this Mini‐Review, we discuss mechanisms by which oxidative stress can result in neurodegeneration. We examine evidence on which terminally differentiated neurons might commit to death under conditions of oxidative stress. In some cases, death may be linked to an aberrant and uncoordinated reentry into the cell cycle and mitotic catastrophe. Other evidence suggests that cell cycle reentry is not mandatory for death execution. Rather, the reexpression of cell cycle proteins may induce apoptotic pathways in a cell cycle‐independent manner. In contrast to these models, there is also evidence that oxidative neuronal death is independent of cell cycle proteins. We conclude that oxidative stress‐induced neuronal death may be promoted via several pathways, which may be cycle protein dependent or independent. The determining factor for which or how many pathways are induced appears to be context dependent and determined by the level and duration of oxidative stress. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modulation of CREB expression and phosphorylation in the rat nucleus accumbens during nicotine exposure and withdrawal
Authors: Pluzarev Olivera , Pandey Subhash C.
Published: July 2004

The nucleus accumbens region of the brain has been shown to play a role in reward and reinforcing mechanisms of drugs of abuse. To understand the molecular mechanisms of nicotine addiction, the present investigation examined the effects of acute and chronic nicotine treatment and its withdrawal on cAMP‐responsive element binding (CREB) protein expression and phosphorylation (serine‐133) in nucleus accumbens (NAc) structures of rats. it was found that acute treatment (1 and 18 hr of withdrawal) with nicotine had no effects on total creb and phosphorylated CREB (p‐CREB) protein levels in shell or core structures of rat NAc. On the other hand, 18‐hr withdrawal after chronic nicotine exposure produced significant reductions in the total CREB and p‐CREB protein levels in the shell but not in core structures of nac. interestingly, nicotine withdrawal (1 hr) after chronic exposure maintained normal levels of total CREB and p‐CREB protein levels in the shell and core structures of NAc. These results suggest the possibility that decreased CREB activity in the shell of NAc may be associated with abnormal reward mechanisms during nicotine withdrawal after chronic exposure. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microarray analysis of acute and delayed gene expression profile in rats after focal ischemic brain injury and reperfusion
Authors: Lu X.‐C. May , Williams Anthony J. , Yao Changping , Berti Rossana , Hartings Jed A. , Whipple Rebecca , Vahey Maryanne T. , Polavarapu Ratna G. , Woller Kimberly L. , Tortella Frank C. , Dave Jitendra R.
Published: July 2004

Temporal changes in gene expression were measured using DNA microarrays after 30‐min or 2‐hr transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) in rats. Total RNA was extracted from the injured hemisphere at 30 min, 4 hr, 8 hr, 24 hr, 3 days, and 7 days after MCAo for GeneChip analysis using Affymetrix U34 Rat Neurobiology arrays (1,322 functional genes). In total, 267 genes were expressed differentially: 166 genes were upregulated, 94 genes were downregulated, and 7 genes were biphasically up‐ and downregulated. Among all differentially expressed genes, 88 were newly identified as associated with ischemic brain injury. Most affected genes were distributed among 12 functional categories. Immediate early genes, transcription factors, and heat shock proteins were upregulated as early as 30 min after MCAo, followed by the upregulation of inflammation, apoptosis, cytoskeletal, and metabolism genes, which peaked within 4–24 hr of injury. Neurotrophic growth factors exhibited a sustained upregulation beginning 24 hr after MCAo and persisting through 7 days post‐injury. Three classes of genes were downregulated with distinct temporal patterns: ion channel genes and neurotransmitter receptor genes were downregulated between 8–24 hr after injury, whereas synaptic proteins genes were downregulated between 3–7 days after MCAo. Downregulation of synaptic protein gene expression after ischemic injury is of particular interest because of its conspicuously delayed pattern as a functional group, which has not been reported previously and may play a role in post‐injury recovery. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dietary silicon affects bone turnover differently in ovariectomized and sham‐operated growing rats
Authors: Nielsen Forrest H. , Poellot Rhonda
Published: July 2004

An experiment was performed to test the hypothesis that low dietary silicon affects blood, bone, and urine indices associated with bone formation and breakdown, bone strength and physical characteristics, and the circulating amount of an extracellular matrix protein (osteopontin) involved in bone cell adhesion and activation. A second objective was to ascertain whether ovariectomy (estrogen deficiency) alters the effects of low dietary silicon on bone formation. Female rats weighing about 56 g were assigned to groups of 10 in a factorially arranged experiment. The variables were supplemental dietary silicon at 0 or 35 mg/kg and ovariectomy (estrogen‐deficient) or sham operation at the start of the experiment. The basal silicon‐low diet contained about 2 mg Si/kg. Low dietary silicon compared with adequate silicon decreased plasma osteopontin concentration, increased plasma sialic acid concentration, and increased urinary helical peptide excretion. Low dietary silicon also affected the response to estrogen deficiency. Ovariectomy increased plasma alkaline phosphatase in the silicon‐supplemented, but not in the silicon‐low rats. In contrast, ovariectomy decreased liver ornithine aminotransferase in silicon‐low but not in silicon‐supplemented rats. Ovariectomy increased the urinary excretion of deoxypyridinoline and decreased the femur concentration of sialic acid more markedly in silicon‐supplemented than silicon‐low rats. Silicon and an interaction between silicon and ovariectomy only mildly changed bone strength and physical measurements and did not affect femur calcium concentration. The findings suggest that silicon has a biochemical function that affects bone growth processes before bone crystal formation by affecting bone collagen turnover and sialic acid‐containing extracellular matrix proteins such as osteopontin. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 17:137–149, 2004. Published 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative quantative analysis of zinc, magnesium, and copper content in the scalp hair of healthy people and breast cancer patients
Authors: Kilic Eser , Demiroglu Asuman , Saraymen Recep , Ok Engin
Published: July 2004

A quantitative elemental analysis of scalp hair of female breast cancer patients (n = 26) and female controls (n = 27) was used to study to find out correlation and possible changes, between breast cancer and healthy controls. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer analysis of the quantitative method was used to determine copper, magnesium, and zinc levels. There were no differences in magnesium concentrations (P > 0.05) in breast cancer patients and healthy subjects. However, comparison of mean elemental contents of the breast cancer patients with controls showed a significant enhancement of copper (P < 0.05) but declining trends for zinc (P < 0.05) in breast cancer patients. The usefulness and significance of element status in cancer patients should be discussed more detailed in the light of the most these recent data. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 17:175–180, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oriented Quiescent Crystallization of Polyethylene Studied by USAXS.
Authors: Stribeck Norbert , Camarillo Armando Almendarez , Bayer Rüdiger K.
Published: July 2004

Summary: In a series of papers the crystallization of a commercial polyethylene (PE) material has been studied by in situ ultra small‐angle X‐ray scattering (USAXS) and it has been found that the placement of crystallites is predominantly a random car parking process, dealt with in the field of random sequential adsorption. Here we investigate the secondary effect, the generation of order from the chaos, and characterize how lamellae agglomerate to form clusters. Owing to the chaotic principle, clusters are of different size and thus the nanostructure is, in general, heterogeneous. During isothermal crystallization, we only find order inside sparse clusters of lamellae. Globally the nanostructure resembles a random blend of these clusters. A geometric relation couples the number fraction of lamellae to the size of the cluster they belong to. More longitudinal order is achieved if the material is subsequently quenched. Amorphous gaps of favorable width act as nests in which thin crystals are preferentially generated (harmonic completion). Together with their neighboring parents they imprint excess order. During continuous non‐isothermal crystallization we have observed that clusters with several members are selectively built from thinner crystals. Order is growing in the late state of crystallization. This violation of the common assumption of homogeneity makes the classic notion of a distorted lattice (convolution polynomial, paracrystal) become restricted to a subset of the global crystallite thickness distribution.

A weak (a) and a strong (b) order generating mechanism found during PE crystallization.

magnified image

A weak (a) and a strong (b) order generating mechanism found during PE crystallization.
Fragmentation pathways of protonated peptides
Authors: Paizs Béla , Suhai Sándor
Published: July 2004

The fragmentation pathways of protonated peptides are reviewed in the present paper paying special attention to classification of the known fragmentation channels into a simple hierarchy defined according to the chemistry involved. It is shown that the ‘mobile proton’ model of peptide fragmentation can be used to understand the MS/MS spectra of protonated peptides only in a qualitative manner rationalizing differences observed for low‐energy collision induced dissociation of peptide ions having or lacking a mobile proton. To overcome this limitation, a deeper understanding of the dissociation chemistry of protonated peptides is needed. To this end use of the ‘pathways in competition’ (PIC) model that involves a detailed energetic and kinetic characterization of the major peptide fragmentation pathways (PFPs) is proposed. The known PFPs are described in detail including all the pre‐dissociation, dissociation, and post‐dissociation events. It is our hope that studies to further extend PIC will lead to semi‐quantative understanding of the MS/MS spectra of protonated peptides which could be used to develop refined bioinformatics algorithms for MS/MS based proteomics. Experimental and computational data on the fragmentation of protonated peptides are reevaluated from the point of view of the PIC model considering the mechanism, energetics, and kinetics of the major PFPs. Evidence proving semi‐quantitative predictability of some of the ion intensity relationships (IIRs) of the MS/MS spectra of protonated peptides is presented. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 24:508–548, 2005
Cover Picture: Macromol. Theory Simul. 6/2004
Authors: Kornherr Andreas , Olaj Oskar Friedrich , Schnöll‐Bitai Irene , Zifferer Gerhard
Published: July 2004

Cover: The picture on the cover shows theoretical PLP‐SEC‐distributions (characteristic parameters as indicated) assuming various extents of axial dispersion (small: red; moderate: green and large: blue).

Further details can be found in the Full Paper by A. Kornherr, O. F. Olaj,* I. Schnöll‐Bitai, and G. Zifferer* on page 560.
Proto oncogene/eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) 4E attenuates mevalonate‐mediated regulation of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase synthesis
Authors: Buechler Robbie D. , Peffley Dennis M.
Published: July 2004

The rate‐limiting enzyme for mevalonate synthesis in mammalian cells is 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase. Products of mevalonate synthesis are required for cell cycle progression as well as cell growth and survival. In tumor cells, HMG‐CoA reductase is generally elevated because of attenuated sterol‐mediated regulation of transcription. However, tumor cell HMG‐CoA reductase remains sensitive to post‐transcriptional regulation by mevalonate‐derived isoprenoid intermediates of cholesterol synthesis. Isoprenoids suppress HMG‐CoA reductase synthesis through a mechanism that reduces initiation of translation on HMG‐CoA reductase mRNA. Because HMG‐CoA reductase mRNA transcripts have 5′‐untranslated regions (UTR) that are GC rich and contain stable secondary structure, we tested the hypothesis that overexpression of eIF4E would attenuate isoprenoid‐mediated regulation of HMG‐CoA reductase. eIF4E is elevated in many tumor cells and behaves as a proto‐oncogene by aberrantly translating mRNAs whose translation is normally suppressed by 5‐UTRs that are GC rich. A CHO cell line expressing high levels of eIF4E (rb4E) was developed by infecting cells with retroviruses containing a full‐length mouse cDNA for eIF4E. Levels of reductase synthesis were elevated fivefold in rb4E cells compared to noninfected CHO cells; HMG‐CoA reductase mRNA levels were not increased in rb4E cells compared to normal CHO cells. Total cellular protein synthesis was only increased by approximately 15% in rb4E cells compared to CHO cells. The mTOR inhibitor rapamycin lowered HMG‐CoA reductase synthesis by 50 and 60% in rb4E and CHO cells, respectively; no equivalent effect was observed for HMG‐CoA reductase mRNA levels with rapamycin treatment. These results indicate that HMG‐CoA reductase mRNA is in a class of mRNAs with highly structured 5′‐UTRs whose m7GpppX cap‐dependent translation is closely linked to the rapamycin‐sensitive mitogen activated pathway for protein synthesis. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chronic expression of RET/PTC 3 enhances basal and insulin‐stimulated PI3 kinase/AKT signaling and increases IRS‐2 expression in FRTL‐5 thyroid cells
Authors: Miyagi Eri , Braga‐Basaria Milena , Hardy Elena , Vasko Vasily , Burman Kenneth D. , Jhiang Sissy , Saji Motoyasu , Ringel Matthew D.
Published: July 2004

The RET/PTC3 oncogene is a genetically rearranged and constitutively activated tyrosine kinase receptor that is common in papillary thyroid cancer. Because RET/PTC3 is chronically overexpressed in these thyroid cancer cells, and RET/PTC3‐expressing tumors are associated with overactivity of tyrosine kinase signaling pathways and a more aggressive clinical course, we questioned whether chronic RET/PTC3 expression enhances cellular responses to thyroid mitogens in vitro. We stably transfected FRTL‐5 cells with the RET/PTC3 gene; transfected and control cell lines were cultured without insulin, TSH, or serum. Thymidine incorporation into DNA was enhanced in the RET/PTC3 cells, but transformation was not observed. RET/PTC3 cells demonstrated higher basal and insulin‐stimulated levels of activated Akt, both of which were reduced by LY294002, a PI3 kinase inhibitor, but not PD98059, a MEK inhibitor. By contrast, mitogen activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) was only minimally activated in RET/PTC3 cells before and after stimulation. Consistent with preferential activation of PI3 kinase, increased levels of total and phosphorylated IRS2 protein, relative activation of PDK‐1, and enhanced IRS2‐p85 interactions were identified in RET/PTC3‐expressing cells. RET/PTC3 cells were also sensitized to insulin‐induced thymidine incorporation; this effect was blocked by PI3 kinase (LY294002) rather than MEK 1/2 (PD98059) inhibitors. In summary, we have demonstrated that RET/PTC3 expression enhances basal and insulin‐stimulated DNA synthesis through PI3 kinase, cooperatively activates Akt with insulin via PI3 kinase, and preferentially activates the Akt rather than MAP kinase pathway in FRTL‐5 cells. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brain and cancer: The protective role of erythropoietin
Authors: Buemi Michele , Caccamo Chiara , Nostro Lorena , Cavallaro Emanuela , Floccari Fulvio , Grasso Giovanni
Published: July 2004

Erythropoietin (Epo) is a pleiotropic agent, that is to say, it can act on several cell types in different ways. An independent system Epo/Epo receptor (EpoR) was detected in brain, leading to the hypothesis that this hormone could be involved in cerebral functions. Epo/EpoR expression changes during ontogenesis, thus indicating the importance of this system in neurodevelopment. Moreover, the hypoxia‐induced production of Epo in the adult brain suggests that it could exert a neurotrophic and neuroprotective effect in case of brain injury. Epo could also influence neurotransmission, inducing neurotransmitters (NT) release. Epo therapy in anemic cancer patients is still a controversial issue, because of its possible action as a growth and an angiogenic factor. In our speculative hypothesis Epo could be involved in a “two steps process” that, after a neovascularization phase, leads to its down regulation. Moreover, Epo‐activated signaling pathways could be modulated as possible targets to interfere in neoplastic cells cycle. In conclusion, treatment with rHuEpo could change therapeutical perspectives in different pathological conditions, such as central nervous system (CNS) diseases, but further studies are needed to clarify its physiopathological activities in different clinical fields. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stability for the beam equation with memory in non‐cylindrical domains
Authors: Ferreira J. , Santos M. L. , Matos M. P.
Published: July 2004

In this paper, we prove the exponential decay as time goes to infinity of regular solutions of the problem for the beam equation with memory and weak damping

where ${\hat{Q}}$ is a non‐cylindrical domains of ℝn+1 (n⩾1) with the lateral boundary ${\hat{\sum}}$ and α is a positive constant. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pointwise stabilization of strings with non‐linear feedback
Authors: Berrahmoune Larbi
Published: July 2004

We consider an initial and boundary value problem for a homogenous string subject to an internal pointwise control. The solution resulting from a non‐linear feedback is studied. We give various explicit decay estimates depending on the control position and the feedback non‐linearity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A sharp interface model for phase transitions in crystals with linear elasticity
Authors: Blesgen T. , Weikard U.
Published: July 2004

A model describing phase transitions coupled with diffusion and linear elasticity in crystals under isothermal conditions is introduced. The elastic deformation as well as the phase parameter are obtained directly by the minimization of the free energy. After stating the model, the existence of strong solutions is proved. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical clock recovery from 10‐Gb/s NRZ signal
Authors: Betti S. , Bulli C. , Curti F. , Duca E. , Persia S. , Reale A. , Tosi‐Beleffi G. M.
Published: July 2004

All optical clock recovery has been experimentally demonstrated by an actively mode‐locked fiber ring based on the semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) from a 10‐Gb/s NRZ data stream. The system exploits the cross‐gain modulation (XGM) nonlinear effect in SOA, and a Fabry–Perot etalon suitably inserted in the loop improves the mode‐locking stabilization and efficiency. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 42: 435–437, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20328
Compact copper microstrip filters with spiral resonators
Authors: Huang Frederick , Yue Libin , Gulati Deepika
Published: July 2004

Copper microstrip filters using spiral resonators, with a centre frequency of about 1 GHz and bandwidths of 5% and 16%, are designed and tested. Their advantages over parallel‐coupled filters are smaller size and more convenient shape. The spirals alleviate deterioration in simulation accuracy, over‐etch tolerance, and losses due to the size reduction. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 42: 460–463, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20336
Bandwidth enhancement of a microstrip antenna using negative inductance as impedance matching device
Authors: Kaya Adnan , Kılınç Selçuk , Yuksel E. Yesim , Cam Ugur
Published: July 2004

In this study, a novel technique for bandwidth enhancement of a microstrip antenna with a floating negative inductor matching network is presented. A compensation network consisting of three gallium‐arsenide field effect transistors is employed at the input of a microstrip antenna operating at 10 GHz. The performance parameters of the designed microstrip antenna with and without compensation network are compared. The simulation results show that compensation network can improve the bandwidth from 17.21% to 32.67%. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 42: 476–478, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20342
Pulse alignment in an optical‐transmission system
Authors: Cheng D.
Published: July 2004

A pair of modulators is used to generate a return‐to‐zero (RZ) optical‐data stream. Dither signals and a microwave power‐detection module are used for error‐signal generation and detection, respectively. The relation between error signal and pulse misalignment is explicitly given. Prototypes are built to validate the design concept of the high‐speed pulse‐alignment control loop. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 42: 478–483, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20343
Accurate charge‐control model for analysis of noise properties for AlGaAs/GaAs hemt and AlGaAs/InGaAs phemt at microwave frequencies
Authors: Guru Vandana , Vyas H. P. , Gupta Mridula , Gupta R. S.
Published: July 2004

An accurate charge‐control approach to analytical noise modeling of a high electron mobility transistor, which provides excellent results in agreement with the experimental data, is presented. The small‐signal parameters, and the drain and gate‐noise sources are calculated to determine the noise coefficients, minimum noise figure Fmin and minimum noise temperature Tmin. The influence of drain current, frequency, and device parameters upon Fmin and Tmin for AlGaAs/GaAs HEMT and AlGaAs/InGaAs/GaAs PHEMT is presented. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 42: 489–494, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20346
Parametric amplifier for mid‐span phase conjugation with simultaneous compensation of fiber loss and chromatic dispersion at 10 Gb/s
Authors: Boggio J. M. Chávez , Guimarães A. , Callegari F. A. , Marconi J. D. , Rocha M. L. , deBarros M. R. X. , Fragnito H. L.
Published: July 2004

We demonstrate simultaneous compensation of loss and chromatic dispersion for 10‐Gb/s transmission over 90‐km of standard fiber using mid‐span phase conjugation with a fiber‐optic parametric amplifier that provides 9.4‐dB gain over a bandwidth of 17 nm. The observed power penalty is less than 1.5 dB (at BER < 10−9) relative to back‐to‐back measurements. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 42: 503–505, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20350
Comparison of preoperative and postoperative pressure transmission ratio and urethral pressure profilometry in patients with successful outcome following the vaginal wall patch sling technique
Authors: Mikhail Magdy S. , Rosa Hector , Palan Prabhudas , Anderson Patrick
Published: July 2004

Aims

We studied preoperative and postoperative pressure transmission ratio (PTR) and urethral pressure profilometry in patients undergoing the vaginal wall patch sling technique as a first surgical approach for genuine stress incontinence (GSI) with urethral hypermobility. The specific aims were to determine the exact urodynamic parameters, if any, that may be improved postoperatively and to report the urodynamic outcome of the vaginal wall patch sling technique in successful cases.

Methods

Preoperatively, all patients had a positive standing stress test, urethral hypermobility on Q‐tip testing, and normal postvoid residual volume. On urodynamics, all patients had equalization of maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) on cough profilometry, and absence of detrusor contractions on subtracted cystometry. The PTR for each cough was calculated. Cough spikes were assigned locations in the first, second, third, or fourth quartile of the functional urethral length (FUL). Urethral pressure profilometry was performed at bladder capacity in the sitting position. All urodynamic tests were repeated 3–6 months postoperatively. A two‐tailed t‐test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Forty‐eight patients demonstrated successful outcome at initial follow up and constituted the study population. There was a statistically significant increase in MUCP at stress as well as a statistical increase in PTR in the first, second, and third quartiles of the FUL postoperatively.

Conclusions

The vaginal patch sling technique appears to restore continence both by buttressing the urethra at times of stress as well as repositioning the proximal urethra into the intra‐abdominal pressure zone, thus, enhancing pressure transmission to the proximal urethra. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Histochemical and contractile properties of striated muscles of urethra and levator ani of dogs and sheep
Authors: Chen Xinmin , Creed Kate E.
Published: July 2004

Aims

To understand their possible importance in long‐ and short‐term control of continence, some properties of the striated muscles of the urethra and pelvic floor (levator ani) of dogs and sheep were investigated, especially fiber types and contractile characteristics.

Materials and Methods

Striated muscles of urethra and levator ani of 29 male and 6 female dogs and 11 male and 6 female sheep were removed and cut into strips. Some strips were frozen and stained for ATPase at pH 9.4 and 4.3 for fiber typing; others were set up in an organ bath to study contractile responses to nerve stimulation.

Results

All muscles contained both type I (slow) and type II fibers, ranging from 97% type II in female greyhound urethra to 60% in female sheep levator ani. For each muscle, there were fewer type II muscles in sheep than in dog. The diameters of the urethral fibers were about 60% of the levator ani in dogs and 34% in sheep. Contraction of the urethral muscle was faster than for levator ani and declined to about 80% of the peak, 500 msec after the beginning of stimulation at 20 Hz. The levator ani contraction rose to a steady level as long as stimulation continued.

Conclusions

Both the levator ani and urethral striated muscles contain slow and fast fiber types. The levator ani muscles are capable of sustained contraction with rapid onset which will produce long‐term closure of the urethra. The circular urethral muscle contraction was faster but less well maintained. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhanced lymphocyte proliferation responses in pediatric patients early after myelosuppressive chemotherapy
Authors: Stachel Daniel , Fütterer Agnes , Haas Rainer J. , Schmid Irene
Published: July 2004

Background

It has long been known that patients both after myelosuppressive chemotherapy (ChTh) and after myeloablative bone marrow transplantation (BMT) show a long lasting impairment of cellular immune functions. However, recent reports have revealed that early after BMT a passing state of augmented immune responsiveness exists. Adoptive T cell therapy in this period of lymphopenia‐induced (homeostatic) proliferation has shown better results than in steady state in murine studies.

Procedure

To determine whether also early after myelosuppressive ChTh enhanced immune responses can be found, we have determined proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes and calcium influx and performed immunophenotyping in pediatric patients recovering from myelosuppressive ChTh in comparison to immunoreconstituted patients late after BMT.

Results

The lymphocytes of the ChTh patients were found to proliferate vigorously in response to stimulation with a variety of antibodies and mitogens, while in the BMT patients any stimulation was severely reduced. The increase of intracellular calcium after stimulation was similar in both patient groups. ChTh patients showed an expansion of an activated “naïve” phenotype (CD45RO− HLA‐DR+) in both the CD4 and CD8 subsets. In contrast, BMT patients showed a prominent expansion of “memory type” T lymphocytes (CD45RO+ HLA‐DR+).

Conclusions

Early after ChTh, a period of immunoaugmentation seems to exist. Whether this observation can be used clinically to increase cure rates remains to be elucidated. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transformational leadership and the resource development professional
Authors: Weinstein Stanley
Published: July 2004

By inspiring team members to act in a concerted way to build enduring, values‐based organizations, resource development professionals help their nonprofit organizations to realize shared aspirations and visionary goals.
The CEO‐CDO relationship: In the groove or in the tank?
Authors: Gaylor Michael L.
Published: July 2004

One of the most important relationships in a nonprofit organization is that between the chief executive officer and the chief development officer. When they recognize and respond to potential sources of tension as well as opportunities for cooperation, the two can more effectively bring about a visionary future for their organization.
Expanding the supramolecular polymer LEGO system: Nitroxide‐mediated living free‐radical polymerization as a tool for mono‐ and telechelic polystyrenes
Authors: Lohmeijer Bas G. G. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: July 2004

Nitroxide‐mediated, controlled living radical polymerization was employed to introduce terpyridine ligands at one or two chain ends of polystyrene. For this purpose, a unimolecular initiator bearing both a terpyridine ligand as well as a mediating nitroxide was synthesized and used for the controlled polymerization of styrene. Moreover, a maleimide‐functionalized terpyridine was prepared in order to synthesize telechelic polymers, utilizing nitroxide substitution reactions. Kinetic studies of the polymerization of styrene were carried out. In all polymerizations, special attention was focused on the retention of end‐group functionality, in light of the effects of autoinitiation and autopolymerization. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 4016–4027, 2004
Low dielectric thermoset. IV. Synthesis and properties of a dipentene‐containing cyanate ester and its copolymerization with bisphenol A dicyanate ester
Authors: Lin Ching Hsuan , Hsiao Chu Nan , Li Chun Hung , Wang Chun Shan
Published: July 2004

A 2,6‐dimethylphenol‐dipentene dicyanate ester (DPCY) was synthesized from the reaction of 2,6‐dimethylphenol‐dipentene adduct and cyanogen bromide. The proposed structure was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), elemental analysis, mass, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. DPCY was then cured by itself or cured with bisphenol A dicyanate ester (BADCY). Thermal properties of cured epoxy resins were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), dielectric analysis (DEA), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). These data are compared with those of BADCY. The cured DPCY exhibits a lower dielectric constant (2.61 at 1 MHz), dissipation factor (29.3 mU at 1 MHz), thermal stability (5% degradation temperature and char yield are 429 °C and 17.64%, respectively), glass transition temperature (246 °C by TMA and 258 °C by DMA), coefficient of thermal expansion (33.6 ppm before Tg and 134.1 ppm after Tg), and moisture absorption (0.95% at 48 h) than those of BADCY, but higher moduli (5.12 GPa at 150 °C and 4.60 GPa at 150 °C) than those of the bisphenol A system. The properties of cured cocyanate esters lie between cured BADCY and DPCY, except for moduli. Moduli of some cocyanate esters are even higher than those of cured BADCY and DPCY. A positive deviation from the Fox equation was observed for cocyanate esters. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 3986–3995, 2004