bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silencing of B Cell Receptor Signals in Human Naive B Cells
Authors: Feldhahn Niklas , Schwering Ines , Lee Sanggyu , Wartenberg Maria , Klein Florian , Wang Hui , Zhou Guolin , Wang San Ming , Rowley Janet D. , Hescheler Jürgen , Krönke Martin , Rajewsky Klaus , Küppers Ralf , Müschen Markus
Published: November 2002

To identify changes in the regulation of B cell receptor (BCR) signals during the development of human B cells, we generated genome-wide gene expression profiles using the serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) technique for CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), pre-B cells, naive, germinal center (GC), and memory B cells. Comparing these SAGE profiles, genes encoding positive regulators of BCR signaling were expressed at consistently lower levels in naive B cells than in all other B cell subsets. Conversely, a large group of inhibitory signaling molecules, mostly belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF), were specifically or predominantly expressed in naive B cells. The quantitative differences observed by SAGE were corroborated by semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and flow cytometry. In a functional assay, we show that down-regulation of inhibitory IgSF receptors and increased responsiveness to BCR stimulation in memory as compared with naive B cells at least partly results from interleukin (IL)-4 receptor signaling. Conversely, activation or impairment of the inhibitory IgSF receptor LIRB1 affected BCR-dependent Ca2+ mobilization only in naive but not memory B cells. Thus, LIRB1 and IL-4 may represent components of two nonoverlapping gene expression programs in naive and memory B cells, respectively: in naive B cells, a large group of inhibitory IgSF receptors can elevate the BCR signaling threshold to prevent these cells from premature activation and clonal expansion before GC-dependent affinity maturation. In memory B cells, facilitated responsiveness upon reencounter of the immunizing antigen may result from amplification of BCR signals at virtually all levels of signal transduction.
Concerted Action of Androgens and Mechanical Strain Shifts Bone Metabolism from High Turnover into an Osteoanabolic Mode
Authors: Liegibel Ute M. , Sommer Ulrike , Tomakidi Pascal , Hilscher Ulrike , van den Heuvel Loes , Pirzer Rainer , Hillmeier Joachim , Nawroth Peter , Kasperk Christian
Published: November 2002

Adhesion of bone cells to the extracellular matrix is a crucial requirement for osteoblastic development and function. Adhesion receptors connect the extracellular matrix with the cyto-skeleton and convey matrix deformation into the cell. We tested the hypothesis that sex hormones modulate mechanoperception of human osteoblastic cells (HOB) by affecting expression of adhesion molecules like fibronectin and the fibronectin receptor. Only dihydrotestosterone (DHT), but not 17β-estradiol, stimulated fibronectin (137%) and fibronectin receptor (252%) protein expression. The effects of deformation strain on HOB metabolism were investigated in a FlexerCell® strain unit. Cyclically applied strain (2.5% elongation) increased DNA synthesis (125%) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production (170%) without significantly affecting alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity, type I collagen (PICP), or osteoprotegerin (OPG) secretion. 10 nM DHT pretreatment abolished the mitogenic response of HOB to strain and increased AP activity (119%), PICP (163%), and OPG production (204%). In conclusion, mechanical strain stimulates bone remodeling by increasing HOB mitosis and IL-6 production. DHT enhances the osteoanabolic impact of deformation strain by increasing bone formation via increased AP activity and PICP production. At the same time, bone resorption is inhibited by decreased IL-6 and increased OPG secretion into the bone microenvironment.
Growth of leaves in transversely affine foliations
Authors: Wolak Robert
Published: November 2002

In this note we give estimates for the growth of leaves in transversely affine foliations which depend on the properties of the affine holonomy group.
Special-valued subgroups of lattice-ordered groups
Authors: Chen Yuanqian , Conrad Paul
Published: November 2002

We prove that the intersection of all maximal special-valued subgroups of a lattice-ordered group

G
G

is the special-valued quasi-torsion radical of a lattice-ordered group

G
G

, which extends our earlier result that the intersection of all maximal finite-valued subgroups of a lattice-ordered group

G
G

is the finite-valued torsion radical of

G
G

. We also show that the class

A
f

A_f

of almost finite-valued lattice-ordered groups is a quasi-torsion class, and the

A
f

A_f

quasi-torsion radical of a group is equal to the intersection of the group with the lateral completion of the finite-valued torsion radical of the group.
On the range and the kernel of the operator 𝑋\mapsto𝐴𝑋𝐵-𝑋
Authors: Mazouz A.
Published: November 2002

Let

L
(
H
)

L(H)

denote the algebra of (bounded linear) operators on the separable complex Hilbert space

H
H

, and let

(

I

;
‖

.

‖

I

)

(\mathfrak I;\|\,.\,\|_{\mathfrak I})

denote a norm ideal in

L
(
H
)

L(H)

. For

A
,
B
∈
L
(
H
)

A,B\in L(H)

, let the derivation

δ

A
,
B

:
L
(
H
)
→
L
(
H
)

\delta _{A,B}\colon L(H)\to L(H)

be defined by

δ

A
,
B

(
X
)
=
A
X
−
X
B

\delta _{A,B}(X)=AX-XB

, and let

Δ

A
,
B

:
L
(
H
)
→
L
(
H
)

\Delta _{A,B}:L(H)\to L(H)

be defined by

Δ

A
,
B

(
X
)
=
A
X
B
−
X

\Delta _{A,B}(X)=AXB-X

. The main result of this paper is to show that if

A
A

,

B
B

are contractions, then for every operator

T
∈

J

T\in \mathfrak J

such that

A
T
B
=
T

ATB=T

, then

‖
A
X
B
−
X
+
T

‖

J

≥
‖
T

‖

J

\|AXB-X+T\|_{\mathfrak J}\ge \|T\|_{\mathfrak J}

for all

X
∈

J

X\in \mathfrak J

.
Hölder absolute values are equivalent to classical ones
Authors: Garcia E.
Published: November 2002

We study generalized absolute values on a field or a commutative ring with unit element satisfying an approximate triangle inequality and an approximate multiplicative property. We prove that they are always Hölder equivalent to an absolute value. This implies geometric rigidity results for Lipschitz and Hölder deformations of metric rings.
Ultradifferentiable functions on lines in ℝⁿ
Authors: Neelon Tejinder
Published: November 2002

It is well known that a function

f
∈

C

∞

(

R

n

)

f\in C^{\infty }(\mathbb {R}^{n})

whose restriction to every line in

R

n

\mathbb {R}^{n}

is real analytic must itself be real analytic. In this note we study whether this property of real analytic functions is also possessed by some other subclasses of

C

∞

C^{\infty }

functions. We prove that if

f
∈

C

∞

(

R

n

)

f\in C^{\infty }(\mathbb {R}^{n})

is ultradifferentiable corresponding to a sequence

{

M

k

}

\{M_{k}\}

on every line in some ‘uniform way’, then

f
f

is ultradifferentiable corresponding to the sequence

{

M

k

}
.

\{M_{k}\}.
Composition series of modules over Prüfer domains
Authors: Olberding Bruce
Published: November 2002

A weakened version of the Jordan-Hölder theorem is shown to hold for torsion-free finite rank modules over an integral domain

R
R

precisely when

R
R

is a Prüfer domain.
Flux for mean curvature 1 surfaces in hyperbolic 3-space, and applications
Authors: Rossman Wayne , Umehara Masaaki , Yamada Kotaro
Published: November 2002

Using the Bryant representation, we define a flux on homology classes of CMC-

1
1

surfaces in

H

3

\mathcal {H}^3

, satisfying a balancing formula which is useful to show nonexistence of certain kinds of complete CMC-

1
1

surfaces.
A quasisymmetric surface with no rectifiable curves
Authors: Bishop Christopher
Published: November 2002

There is a quasiconformal mapping

f
f

of

R

3

{\Bbb R}^3

to itself such that the image of

R

2

×
{
0
}

{\Bbb R}^2 \times \{0\}

contains no rectifiable curves.
On the partition of the 2-sphere by geodesic nets
Authors: Heppes Aladár
Published: November 2002

The main result of the paper is that for every natural number

n
n

there exists a geodesic net with vertices of degree 3 or 4 partitioning the round 2-sphere into

n
n

regions.
Helly-type theorems for hollow axis-aligned boxes
Authors: Swanepoel Konrad
Published: November 2002

A hollow axis-aligned box is the boundary of the cartesian product of

d
d

compact intervals in

R

d

\mathbb {R}^d

. We show that for

d
≥
3

d\geq 3

, if any

2
d

2^d

of a collection of hollow axis-aligned boxes have non-empty intersection, then the whole collection has non-empty intersection; and if any

5
5

of a collection of hollow axis-aligned rectangles in

R

2

\mathbb {R}^2

have non-empty intersection, then the whole collection has non-empty intersection. The values

2
d

2^d

for

d
≥
3

d\geq 3

and

5
5

for

d
=
2

d=2

are the best possible in general. We also characterize the collections of hollow boxes which would be counterexamples if

2
d

2^d

were lowered to

2
d

−
1

2^d-1

, and

5
5

to

4
4

, respectively.
The repatriation of female international managers
Authors: Linehan Margaret , Scullion Hugh
Published: November 2002

This paper focuses on the repatriation of senior female international managers in western Europe and establishes that the repatriation phase of the international career move may be even more stressful than expatriation. It is argued that female international managers may experience more difficulties than their male counterparts because of their pioneering roles. Finally, the paper identifies that home‐based mentors and access to networks while abroad are important factors in contributing to the successful repatriation of international managers.
Ethical judgement, locus of control, and whistleblowing intention: a case study of mainland Chinese MBA students
Authors: Chiu Randy K.
Published: November 2002

The purpose of this study is to investigate the ethics of whistleblowing in Chinese society. A framework is suggested to explain whistleblowing behaviour in terms of the individual’s locus of control and subjective judgement regarding the intention of whistleblowing. Hypotheses derived from these speculations are tested with data from Chinese MBA students (n = 254). Statistical analysis largely supports the hypotheses, and the implications of the findings are discussed.
Governmental promotion of co‐operation between care providers: a theoretical consideration of the Dutch experience
Authors: van Raak Arno , Paulus Aggie , Mur‐Veeman Ingrid
Published: November 2002

Throughout Europe, there is an increasing number of independently living chronically ill patients who suffer from multiple and complex health problems. Several organisations which, individually, are not able to deliver all of the necessary services to these so‐called multiple problem patients, are involved in providing for their care. In countries like Sweden, the UK and The Netherlands, national governments consider co‐operation between providers to be essential in meeting the demands of these patients. In order to promote co‐operation, governments must know why and how particular relationships between providers come about. We argue that the nature of (resource) dependencies that are conditioned, shaped and secured by institutions determine the characteristics of these relationships. Using Dutch data, we illustrate the effect of legislation and government policies on dependencies and relationships. We indicate how government policy makers can shape dependence that is favourable to co‐operation.
The aerobic electron transport system ofEikenella corrodens
Authors: Jaramillo Rubén D , Barraza Beatriz C , Polo Alma , Sará Martín , Contreras Martha , Escamilla J Edgardo
Published: November 2002

The respiratory system of the fastidious β-proteobacterium Eikenella corrodens grown with limited oxygen was studied. Membranes showed the highest oxidase activity with ascorbate plus N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenyl enediamine (TMPD) or succinate and the lowest activity with NADH and formate. The presence of a bc1-type complex was suggested by the inhibition exerted by 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide (HOQNO), myxothiazol, and antimycin A on respiration with succinate and by the effect of the latter two inhibitors on the succinate-reduced difference spectra. Respiration with succinate or ascorbateTMPD was abolished by low KCN concentrations, suggesting the presence of a KCN-sensitive terminal oxidase. Cytochromes b and c were spectroscopically detected after reduction with physiological or artificial electron donors, whereas type a and d cytochromes were not detected. The CO difference spectrum of membranes reduced by dithionite and its photodissociation spectrum (77 K) suggested the presence of a single CO compound that had the spectral features of a cytochrome o-like pigment. High-pressure liquid chromatography analysis of membrane haems confirmed the presence of haem B; in contrast, haems A and O were not detected. Peroxidase staining of membrane type c cytochromes using SDSPAGE revealed the presence of five bands with apparent molecular masses of 44, 33, 30, 26, and 14 kDa. Based on our results, a tentative scheme of the respiratory chain in E. corrodens, comprising (i) dehydrogenases for succinate, NADH, and formate, (ii) a ubiquinone, (iii) a cytochrome bc1, and (iv) a type-cbb' cytochrome c oxidase, is proposed. Key words: Eikenella corrodens, respiratory chain, bc1complex, oxidase cbb'.
Lotus corniculatuscondensed tannins decrease in vivo populations of proteolytic bacteria and affect nitrogen metabolism in the rumen of sheep
Authors: Min B R , Attwood G T , Reilly K , Sun W , Peters J S , Barry T N , McNabb W C
Published: November 2002

Condensed tannins in forage legumes improve the nutrition of sheep by reducing ruminal degradation of plant protein and increasing crude protein flow to the intestine. However, the effects of condensed tannins in forage legumes on rumen bacterial populations in vivo are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the specific effects of condensed tannins from Lotus corniculatus on four proteolytic rumen bacteria in sheep during and after transition from a ryegrass (Lolium perenne)  white clover (Trifolium repens) diet (i.e., low condensed tannins) to a Lotus corniculatus diet (i.e., higher condensed tannins). The bacterial populations were quantified using a competitive polymerase chain reaction. Lotus corniculatus was fed with or without ruminal infusions of polyethylene glycol (PEG), which binds to and inactivates condensed tannins, enabling the effect of condensed tannins on bacterial populations to be examined. When sheep fed on ryegrass  white clover, populations of Clostridium proteoclasticum B316T, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens C211a, Eubacterium sp. C12b, and Streptococcus bovis B315 were 1.5 × 108, 1.1 × 106, 4.6 × 108, and 7.1 × 106mL1, respectively. When the diet was changed to Lotus corniculatus, the average populations (after 8120 h) of C. proteoclasticum, B. fibrisolvens, Eubacterium sp., and S. bovis decreased (P < 0.001) to 2.4 × 107, 1.1 × 105, 1.1 × 108, and 2.5 × 105mL1, respectively. When PEG was infused into the rumen of sheep fed Lotus corniculatus, the populations of C. proteoclasticum, B. fibrisolvens, Eubacterium sp., and S. bovis were higher (P < 0.010.001) than in sheep fed Lotus corniculatus without the PEG infusion, with average populations (after 8120 h) of 4.9 × 107, 3.8 × 105, 1.9 ×108, and 1.0 ×106, respectively. Sheep fed the Lotus corniculatus diet had lower rumen proteinase activity, ammonia, and soluble nitrogen (P < 0.050.001) than sheep that were fed Lotus corniculatus plus PEG. The Lotus corniculatus diet reduced rumen nitrogen digestibility (P < 0.05) and ammonia pool size and increased the flow of undegraded feed nitrogen to the abomasum. The nitrogen intake, rumen non-ammonia nitrogen pool size, rumen microbial non-ammonia nitrogen pool size, and abomasal microbial non-ammonia nitrogen fluxes were similar both in sheep fed only Lotus corniculatus and in sheep fed Lotus corniculatus plus PEG, but nonmicrobial non-ammonia nitrogen flux to the abomasum was higher (P < 0.01) for the sheep fed only Lotus corniculatus. Although condensed tannins in Lotus corniculatus reduced the populations of some proteolytic bacteria, total ruminal microbial protein and microbial protein outflow to the abomasum were unchanged, suggesting a species-specific effect of condensed tannins on bacteria in the rumen. Key words: condensed, tannin, rumen, bacteria, PCR.
Phylogenetic study and identification of human pathogenicVibriospecies based on partialhsp60 gene sequences
Authors: Kwok Anita Y.C , Wilson Jason T , Coulthart Michael , Ng Lai-King , Mutharia Lucy , Chow Anthony W
Published: November 2002

The use of hsp60 gene sequences for phylogenetic study and identification of pathogenic marine vibrios was investigated. A 600-bp partial hsp60 gene was amplified by PCR and sequenced from 29 strains representing 15 Vibrio species within the family Vibrionaceae. Sequence comparison of the amplified partial hsp60 gene revealed 7182% sequence identity among different Vibrio species and 96100% sequence identity among epidemiologically distinct strains with the same species designation. This degree of discrimination allows unambiguous differentiation of all Vibrio species included in the current study from each other, as well as from Aeromonas hydrophila and Plesiomonas shigelloides, which are often misidentified as Vibrio species by conventional biochemical methods. Based on the hsp60 gene sequences, two previously unidentified shrimp isolates were found to be more closely related to Vibrio alginolyticus (9394% sequence identity) than to Vibrio parahaemolyticus (89% sequence identity), whereas 16S rRNA gene analysis was unable to differentiate among these closely related species (9597% sequence identity). Our results indicate that the hsp60 gene may be a useful alternative target for phylogenetic analysis and species identification of marine Vibrios to complement more conventional identification systems.Key words: Vibrio, hsp60, 16S rRNA, phylogenetic analysis, species identification.
Metamorphosis in the Cnidaria
Authors: Müller Werner A , Leitz Thomas
Published: November 2002

The free-living stages of sedentary organisms are an adaptation that enables immobile species to exploit scattered or transient ecological niches. In the Cnidaria the task of prospecting for and identifying a congenial habitat is consigned to tiny planula larvae or larva-like buds, stages that actually transform into the sessile polyp. However, the sensory equipment of these larvae does not qualify them to locate an appropriate habitat from a distance. They therefore depend on a hierarchy of key stimuli indicative of an environment that is congenial to them; this is exemplified by genera of the Anthozoa (Nematostella, Acropora), Scyphozoa (Cassiopea), and Hydrozoa (Coryne, Proboscidactyla, Hydractinia). In many instances the final stimulus that triggers settlement and metamorphosis derives from substrate-borne bacteria or other biogenic cues which can be explored by mechanochemical sensory cells. Upon stimulation, the sensory cells release, or cause the release of, internal signals such as neuropeptides that can spread throughout the body, triggering decomposition of the larval tissue and acquisition of an adult cellular inventory. Progenitor cells may be preprogrammed to adopt their new tasks quickly. Gregarious settlement favours the exchange of alleles, but also can be a cause of civil war. A rare and spatially restricted substrate must be defended. Cnidarians are able to discriminate between isogeneic and allogeneic members of a community, and may use particular nematocysts to eliminate allogeneic competitors. Paradigms for most of the issues addressed are provided by the hydroid genus Hydractinia.
Neuropeptides in cnidarians
Authors: Grimmelikhuijzen Cornelis J.P , Williamson Michael , Hansen Georg N
Published: November 2002

Cnidarians are the lowest animal group having a nervous system. In the primitive nervous systems of cnidarians, peptides play important roles as neurotransmitters or neurohormones. So far, we have isolated and sequenced about 35 neuropeptides from different cnidarian classes (Hydrozoa, Scyphozoa, Anthozoa). All these neuropeptides have a C-terminal amide group, which protects against C-terminal degradation, but which also is important for receptor recognition. Also the N-termini of the cnidarian neuropeptides often contain different kinds of protecting groups (such as <Glu residues, L-3-phenyllactyl groups, and X-Pro or X-Pro-Pro sequences). Cnidarian neuropeptides are located in neuronal dense-core vesicles and are synthesized as preprohormones, which can contain up to 41 copies of a neuro peptide sequence. From Hydra, six different neuropeptide genes have been cloned so far. Each gene is expressed by a specific population of neurons, but in two instances coexpression of neuropeptide genes has been found. We have also cloned some of the cnidarian prohormone processing enzymes, among them the enzymes necessary for C-terminal amidation. These enzymes are closely related to their mammalian counterparts. All these data show that the primitive nervous systems of cnidarians have already acquired some of the sophisticated principles that we know from higher animals.
ANALYSIS AND COMPARISON OF EIGENSPACE-BASED FACE RECOGNITION APPROACHES
Authors: NAVARRETE PABLO , RUIZ-DEL-SOLAR JAVIER
Published: November 2002

Different eigenspace-based approaches have been proposed for the recognition of faces. They differ mostly in the kind of projection method being used and in the similarity matching criterion employed. The aim of this paper is to present a comparative study between some of these different approaches. This study considers theoretical aspects as well as experiments performed using a face database with a few number of classes (Yale) and also with a large number of classes (FERET).
Fetal activity following stimulation of the mother's abdomen, feet, and hands
Authors: Diego Miguel A. , Dieter John N. I. , Field Tiffany , Lecanuet Jean Pierre , Hernandez‐Reif Maria , Beutler Julia , Largie Shay , Redzepi Mercedes , Salman Fawwaz A.
Published: November 2002

Fetal activity during midgestation (M age=19.8 weeks) was studied in response to vibratory stimulation of the mother's abdomen (at the height of the fetal head), foot massage, hand massage, or control condition (no stimulation). Consistent with previous research conducted during midgestation, the fetuses of mothers who received two trials of 3‐sec, 60‐Hz vibratory stimulation did not show changes in movement. In contrast, the fetuses of mothers who received a 3‐min foot massage showed greater movement than the control fetuses. However, stimulating the mother's hand (another highly innervated area) did not increase fetal activity. By late gestation (M age=35.4 weeks), vibratory stimulation resulted in increased fetal activity. These findings replicate previous research indicating that vibratory stimulation to the mother's abdomen does not elicit fetal activity until later in gestation. Furthermore, our findings indicate that stimulating the mothers' feet, but not the hands, can evoke fetal activity in midgestation. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 41: 396–406, 2002. Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/dev.10071
First‐generation teeth in nonmammalian lineages: Evidence for a conserved ancestral character?
Authors: Sire Jean‐Yves , Davit‐Beal Tiphaine , Delgado Sidney , Van Der Heyden Christine , Huysseune Ann
Published: November 2002

The present study focuses on the main characteristics of first‐generation teeth (i.e., the first teeth of the dentition to develop in a given position and to become functional) in representatives of the major lineages of nonmammalian vertebrates (chondrichthyans, actinopterygians, and sarcopterygians: dipnoans, urodeles, squamates, and crocodiles). Comparative investigations on the LM and TEM level reveal the existence of two major types of first‐generation teeth. One type (generalized Type 1) is characterized by its small size, conical shape, atubular dentine, and small pulp cavity without capillaries and blood vessels. This type is found in actinopterygians, dipnoans, and urodeles and coincides with the occurrence of short embryonic periods in these species. The other type assembles a variety of first‐generation teeth, which have in common that they represent miniature versions of adult teeth. They are generally larger than the first type, have more complex shapes, tubular dentine, and a large pulp cavity containing blood vessels. These teeth are found in chondrichtyans, squamates, and crocodiles, taxa which all share an extended embryonic period. The presence in certain taxa of a particular type of first‐generation teeth is neither linked to their phylogenetic relationships nor to adult body size or tooth structure, but relates to the duration of embryonic development. Given that the plesiomorphic state in vertebrates is a short embryonic development, we consider the generalized Type 1 first‐generation tooth to represent an ancestral character for gnathostomes. We hypothesize that an extended embryonic development leads to the suppression of tooth generations in the development of dentition. These may still be present in the form of rudimentary germs in the embryonic period. In our view, this generalized Type 1 first‐generation teeth has been conserved through evolution because it represents a very economic and efficient way of building small and simple teeth adapted to larval life. The highly adapted adult dentition characteristic for each lineage has been possible only through polyphyodonty. Microsc. Res. Tech. 59:408–434, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Constrained Ramsey numbers of graphs
Authors: Jamison Robert E. , Jiang Tao , Ling Alan C. H.
Published: November 2002

Given two graphs G and H, let f(G,H) denote the minimum integer n such that in every coloring of the edges of Kn, there is either a copy of G with all edges having the same color or a copy of H with all edges having different colors. We show that f(G,H) is finite iff G is a star or H is acyclic. If S and T are trees with s and t edges, respectively, we show that 1+s(t−2)/2≤f(S,T)≤(s−1)(t2+3t). Using constructions from design theory, we establish the exact values, lying near (s−1)(t−1), for f(S,T) when S and T are certain paths or star‐like trees. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 42: 1–16, 2003
Maspin is up‐regulated in premalignant prostate epithelia
Authors: Pierson Christopher R. , McGowen Richard , Grignon David , Sakr Wael , Dey Jyotirmoy , Sheng Shijie
Published: November 2002

BACKGROUND

Maspin, a novel serine protease inhibitor, has been shown to inhibit prostate tumor cell motility and invasion in vitro and to inhibit prostate tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Maspin expression in high‐grade prostate carcinoma (PC) is reduced compared with that in low‐grade PC. Interestingly, however, compared with low‐grade PC, benign secretory prostate epithelial cells express significantly less maspin. This observation appears paradoxical to a putative tumor suppressive role of maspin in prostate carcinogenesis, and this finding issue needs to be clarified.

METHODS

We examined maspin expression simultaneously in benign basal cells, benign secretory cells, high‐grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), low‐grade PC, and high‐grade PC in 46 radical prostatectomy specimens plus 51 autopsy prostate glands by a combination of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.

RESULTS

Benign basal cells consistently expressed maspin at a high level. In PC, the loss of basolateral maspin expression coincides with loss of the basal cell layer. Maspin expression in secretory cells, on the other hand, appears to undergo a biphasic differential regulation, i.e., essentially absent in benign secretory cells, dramatically up‐regulated in HGPIN, then progressively down‐regulated through low‐grade PC to high‐grade PC. Maspin expression in PC is inversely correlated with tumor grade. Furthermore, maspin expression in HGPIN is inversely correlated with the Gleason's grade of the adjacent PC.

CONCLUSIONS

An up‐regulation of maspin expression precedes, rather than occurs at, the critical transition from premalignant prostate lesion of HGPIN to PC. Our data suggest maspin may mark an important transitional phase and play an important role in the premalignancy of the prostate gland. Prostate 53: 255–262, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
One-Stop Shopping?
Authors: Hess A.L.
Published: November 2002

The aim of this very ambitious volume is to provide information
about “the pragmatics of test selection, interpretation,
and report writing,” “a practitioner's guide
to actual test interpretation and integration,” and “a
comprehensive guide to neuropsychological assessment.”
Groth-Marnat decries the absence of such “a book,”
as if he expected that the broad base of neuropsychological
knowledge was to be found in a single volume. There was the
tacit assumption that the knowledge required for neuropsychological
assessment could be adequately and sufficiently obtained from
“a book” of this type. This expectation appears
quite unrealistic, naïve, and simple-minded. Based on current
guidelines in the profession (à la the Houston Conference),
it should be expected that most of the knowledge Groth-Marnat
seeks in one book can be acquired only with an extended,
specialized course of study followed by intense, supervised
experience. That is where one should obtain information about
test selection, interpretation and integration so that the end
product is “a clear, coherent description of the impact
that brain dysfunction has had on a person's cognitions,
personality, emotions, interpersonal relationships.” That
type of knowledge, and report-writing skill, is not to be had
by reading “a book.” Integrating the complexities
of test data, and writing effectively, are both exceedingly
difficult to teach even in an apprentice situation, and more
so through a single volume. This objection thus ventilated,
now on to the meat of the book.
The Genetics of Neurobehavioral Manifestation: Linkages and
Prospects
Authors: Hooper Stephen R.
Published: November 2002

While genetic linkages to a variety of disorders have
been suspected for decades, it has only been relatively recently
that these linkages have come to be understood to a greater
degree. The search for the genetic basis of some neurodevelopmental
disorders, such as learning disabilities, has been elusive and
fraught with complex hurdles, the genetic basis of other
neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Down syndrome, has been
much more clear. Other childhood disorders, such as Turner syndrome
and fragile X syndrome, also documented clearly defined genotypes.
Even when a clear genetic contribution is known (i.e., the
genotype), the exact neurobehavioral manifestations (i.e., the
phenotypes) remain unclear or poorly documented for many disorders.
This edited volume addresses this quest and, perhaps, provides
one of the most comprehensive descriptions of the available
literature in the interface between genetics and behavior in
childhood. As noted by the editors, one of the major objectives
of this text is to provide students, clinicians, and researchers
with a working knowledge base of behavioral genetics. In this
regard, the editors wanted to provide a comprehensive text that
was “organized in a framework that is understandable and
immediately useful in clinical practice” (p. 6).
From Observation to Theory
Authors: Tuokko Holly
Published: November 2002

In the latter half of the 18th century, Samuel Johnson noted
that, “there is a wicked inclination in most people to
suppose an old man decayed in his intellect. If a young or
middle-aged man, when leaving a company, does not recollect
where he laid is hat, it is nothing; but if the same inattention
is discovered in an old man, people will shrug their shoulders
and say ‘His memory is going.
Reading level attenuates differences in neuropsychological
test performance between African American and White elders
Authors: MANLY JENNIFER J. , JACOBS DIANE M. , TOURADJI PEGAH , SMALL SCOTT A. , STERN YAAKOV
Published: November 2002

The current study sought to determine if discrepancies in quality
of education could explain differences in cognitive test scores
between African American and White elders matched on years of
education. A comprehensive neuropsychological battery was
administered to a sample of African American and non-Hispanic
White participants in an epidemiological study of normal aging
and dementia in the Northern Manhattan community. All participants
were diagnosed as nondemented by a neurologist, and had no history
of Parkinson's disease, stroke, mental illness, or head
injury. The Reading Recognition subtest from the Wide Range
Achievement Test–Version 3 was used as an estimate of
quality of education. A MANOVA revealed that African American
elders obtained significantly lower scores than Whites on measures
of word list learning and memory, figure memory, abstract
reasoning, fluency, and visuospatial skill even though the groups
were matched on years of education. However, after adjusting
the scores for WRAT–3 reading score, the overall effect
of race was greatly reduced and racial differences on all tests
(except category fluency and a drawing measure) became
nonsignificant. These findings suggest that years of education
is an inadequate measure of the educational experience among
multicultural elders, and that adjusting for quality of education
may improve the specificity of certain neuropsychological measures.
(JINS, 2002, 8, 341–348.)
Apathy and executive function in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: McPHERSON SUSAN , FAIRBANKS LYNN , TIKEN SIBEL , CUMMINGS JEFFREY L. , BACK-MADRUGA CARLA
Published: November 2002

Apathy is a common behavioral disturbance in patients with
Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent studies have linked the
presence of apathy to alterations in frontal lobe functions,
but few studies have explored the relationship using standard
neuropsychological measures in patients with AD. We administered
a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests and a behavior
rating scale to 80 patients with AD. We explored the relationship
of apathy to executive dysfunction. AD patients with apathy
performed significantly worse on tests of executive function
(WAIS–R Digit Symbol, Trail-Making, Stroop Color Interference
Test) than AD patients without apathy. The presence of dysphoria
did not modify these results and no significant relationships
were found between tests of executive functions and dysphoria.
Performance on executive measures as a group were effective
in correctly classifying patients as apathetic or nonapathetic
with 75% accuracy. Neuropsychological measures not dependent
on executive functions were unrelated to apathy. Apathy is
associated with executive dysfunction and not with other
neuropsychological deficits. Apathy is distinct from dysphoria.
(JINS, 2002, 8, 373–381.)
Postural knowledge of transitive pantomimes and intransitive
gestures
Authors: MOZAZ MARIA , ROTHI LESLIE J. GONZALEZ , ANDERSON JEFFREY M. , CRUCIAN GREGORY P. , HEILMAN KENNETH M.
Published: November 2002

Patients with apraxia are more impaired when performing transitive
pantomimes than intransitive gestures. This dissociation might
be related to the differences in movement complexity.
Alternatively, the programs for intransitive gestures might
be better defined, more widely distributed, or easier to activate
than are those for transitive pantomimes. The purpose of this
study was to test the complexity versus representational
hypotheses. Twenty right-handed normal subjects both performed
and discriminated correct from incorrect transitive pantomimes
and intransitive gestures. The discrimination was performed
by having subjects point at illustrations of hand postures.
The subjects performed better when discriminating postures than
when performing gestures or pantomimes. On both the production
and discrimination tests, subjects performed better with
intransitive gestures than transitive pantomimes. Although the
finding that even normal subjects had more difficulty performing
transitive pantomimes than intransitive gestures might appear
to support the complexity hypothesis, that subjects also had
more difficulty discriminating transitive than intransitive
postures supports the representational activation hypothesis.
(JINS, 2002, 8, 958–963.)
Use of oral reading to estimate premorbid intellectual and
neuropsychological functioning
Authors: GLADSJO JULIE AKIKO , HEATON ROBERT K. , PALMER BARTON W. , TAYLOR MICHAEL J. , JESTE DILIP V.
Published: November 2002

Judgment of neuropsychological decline is typically
made by comparing a patient's current cognitive performance
to data from demographically similar normal individuals.
Even within narrowly defined demographic categories, however,
there is variability in level of performance, approximating
the normal curve. The present study explored the degree
to which oral reading scores on the American National Adult
Reading Test (ANART) could more accurately predict a person's
test performance relative to other demographically similar
individuals. In a sample of 141 neurologically healthy
participants, the ANART added modestly to the precision
of WAIS–R Verbal and Full Scale IQ and Learning score
predictions, beyond that achieved by demographics alone;
however, ANART score did not significantly improve estimation
of Performance IQ, Average Impairment Rating, or Memory
score. Use of the ANART tended to improve demographic predictions
primarily with “outlier” participants whose
oral reading skills were relatively poor. For Verbal IQ,
ANART helped with participants who had both poor ANART
and relatively high education. Oral reading can be useful
for estimating premorbid verbal intelligence and learning
in combination with demographic variables, but it does
not appear to improve estimates of other neurocognitive
abilities. (JINS, 1999, 5, 247–254.)
Editorial
Authors: Lyman Charles E.
Published: November 2002

Beginning with this issue Microscopy and
Microanalysis will be published by the Cambridge University
Press in New York. The high-quality production standards
established by our former publisher, Springer-Verlag, will be
maintained and improved over the coming years. Major changes
you may notice are the increased number of pages for scientific
articles and the decreased cost of subscriptions for institutional
libraries and for members of affiliated societies. An indication
of the quality and reputation of the journal is shown by our
favorable Impact Factor ranking from the Institute for Scientific
Information (ISI). In 1999, ISI ranked Microscopy and
Microanalysis the number four microscopy journal in the
world. The journal is affiliated with eleven microscopy and
microanalysis societies around the world making it truly an
international communications vehicle. In fact, Microscopy
and Microanalysis has the largest paid circulation of any
microscopy journal in the world. On behalf of the Editors and
the Editorial Board, I thank the authors, reviewers, advertisers,
and readers for supporting this journal during its formative
years. I look forward to your continuing support.
Collaborative HIV Prevention Research in Minority Communities Program: A Model for Developing Investigators of Color
Authors: Marín Barbara Vanoss , Díaz Rafael M.
Published: November 2002

The Collaborative HIV Prevention Research in Minority Communities Program was developed to address the simultaneous overrepresentation of communities of color among those with HIV and under-representation of researchers of color at the National Institutes of Health. The program is designed to help scientists develop their programs of research and obtain significant research funding. The 27-month program has the following elements: small grant funding, a structured summer program, individualized long-term research collaboration, access to behavioral science expertise, and internal peer review of all products. To date, the 19 program participants, eight of whom have not completed the program, have received almost $11,000,000 in research funding and have conducted culturally specific research with communities of color. In addition, a network of HIV prevention investigators of color has been created. Institutes throughout the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other entities could use this model to develop investigators of color, improve the quality of research with communities of color, and begin to address health disparities.
Vestibular Dysfunction in the Epistatic circler Mouse Is Caused by Phenotypic Interaction of One Recessive Gene and Three Modifier Genes
Authors: Cryns Kim , Van Spaendonck Michiel P. , Flothmann Kris , van Alphen Arjan M. , Van De Heyning Paul H. , Timmermans Jean-Pierre , De Zeeuw Chris I. , Van Camp Guy
Published: November 2002

Vestibular dysfunction is a frequent clinical problem, leading to dizziness and imbalance. Genes play an important role in its etiology, but the genetics are complex and poorly understood. In this study we have analyzed the complex inheritance pattern in the Epistatic circler mouse, which shows circling behavior indicative of vestibular dysfunction in the mouse. This phenotype exists in a proportion of the F2-generation from an intercross betweenC57L/J and SWR/J mouse strains. Genetic investigation indicates that the circling behavior is caused by a major recessively inherited gene derived from the SWR/J strain (theEcs-gene) in combination with at least three different modifier genes derived from C57L/J (the Ecl-genes). Genetic mapping made it possible to localize the Ecs-gene to chromosome 14 and the Ecl-genes to chromosome 3, 4, and 13. This study illustrates the feasibility of identifying genes for multifactorial traits in mice.
Four-Hundred Million Years of Conserved Synteny of Human Xp and Xq Genes on Three Tetraodon Chromosomes
Authors: Grützner Frank , Crollius Hugues Roest , Lütjens Götz , Jaillon Olivier , Weissenbach Jean , Ropers Hans-Hilger , Haaf Thomas
Published: November 2002

The freshwater pufferfish Tetraodon nigroviridis (TNI) has become highly attractive as a compact reference vertebrate genome for gene finding and validation. We have mapped genes, which are more or less evenly spaced on the human chromosomes 9 and X, onTetraodon chromosomes using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), to establish syntenic relationships between Tetraodonand other key vertebrate genomes. PufferFISH revealed that the human X is an orthologous mosaic of three Tetraodon chromosomes. More than 350 million years ago, an ancestral vertebrate autosome shared orthologous Xp and Xq genes with Tetraodon chromosomes 1 and 7. The shuffled order of Xp and Xq orthologs on their syntenic Tetraodon chromosomes can be explained by the prevalence of evolutionary inversions. The Tetraodon 2 orthologous genes are clustered in human Xp11 and represent a recent addition to the eutherian X sex chromosome. The human chromosome 9 and the avian Z sex chromosome show a much lower degree of synteny conservation in the pufferfish than the human X chromosome. We propose that a special selection process during vertebrate evolution has shaped a highly conserved array(s) of X-linked genes long before the X was used as a mammalian sex chromosome and many X chromosomal genes were recruited for reproduction and/or the development of cognitive abilities.

[Sequence data reported in this paper have been deposited in GenBank and assigned the following accession no:AJ308098.]
Protein Coding Palindromes Are a Unique but Recurrent Feature in Rickettsia
Authors: Ogata Hiroyuki , Audic Stéphane , Abergel Chantal , Fournier Pierre-Edouard , Claverie Jean-Michel
Published: November 2002

Rickettsia are unique in inserting in-frame a number of palindromic sequences within protein coding regions. In this study, we extensively analyzed repeated sequences in the genome ofRickettsia conorii and examined their locations in regard to coding versus noncoding regions. We identified 656 interspersed repeated sequences classified into 10 distinct families. Of the 10 families, three palindromic sequence families showed clear cases of insertions into open reading frames (ORFs). The location of those in-frame insertions appears to be always compatible with the encoded protein three-dimensional (3-D) fold and function. We provide evidence for a progressive loss of the palindromic property over time after the insertions. This comprehensive study of Rickettsia repeats confirms and extends our previous observations and further indicates a significant role of selfish DNAs in the creation and modification of proteins.
Acute effects of AdvanceTM: a potential reduced exposure product for smokers: Figure 1
Authors: Breland A B , Evans S E , Buchhalter A R , Eissenberg T
Published: November 2002

Objective:To examine the acute effects of AdvanceTM, a potential reduced exposure product (PREP) for smokers marketed as a means to reduce exposure to toxic gases and tobacco specific nitrosamines.

Design, setting, participants:Latin square ordered, three condition, laboratory based, crossover design with 20 smokers of light or ultra-light cigarettes (15 or more cigarettes/day). In each 2.5 hour condition, participants completed an 8-puff smoking bout from their own brand, AdvanceTM, or an unlit cigarette (that is, sham smoking) every 30 minutes for a total of four bouts.

Main outcome measures:Subject rated measures of tobacco/nicotine withdrawal; carbon monoxide (CO), and heart rate; plasma nicotine concentrations.

Results:Relative to own brand, AdvanceTMproduced similar withdrawal suppression and heart rate increase, lower CO boost, and higher plasma nicotine concentrations.

Conclusions:PREPs for smokers need to be evaluated using a comprehensive strategy that includes empirical examination of acute and long term effects. Adequate withdrawal suppression and potentially lower concentrations of CO associated with AdvanceTMuse are positive factors, although higher nicotine concentrations do not constitute “reduced exposure”. Overall, longer exposure periods are necessary to determine carcinogen delivery. PREP evaluation is complex and should be completed objectively.
Evidence for a role for the Dictyostelium Rap1 in cell viability and the response to osmotic stress
Authors: Kang Rujun , Kae Helmut , Ip Hermia , Spiegelman George B. , Weeks Gerald
Published: November 2002

The Dictyostelium genome contains a single rapA gene,which encodes a Rap1 monomeric G protein. As attempts at generating rapA-null Dictyostelium cells had been unsuccessful,expression of antisense RNA from the rapA gene under control of the folate repressible discoidin promoter was used to reduce cellular levels of the Rap1 protein. As Rap1 levels gradually decreased following antisense rapA RNA induction, growth rate and cell viability also decreased, a result consistent with the idea that rapA is an essential gene.

The Rap1-depleted cells exhibited reduced viability in response to osmotic shock. The accumulation of cGMP in response to 0.4 M sorbitol was reduced after rapA antisense RNA induction and was enhanced in cells expressing the constitutively activated Rap1(G12V) protein, suggesting a role for Rap1 in the generation of cGMP. Dictyostelium Rap1 formed a complex with the Ras-binding domain of RalGDS only when it was in a GTP-bound state. This assay was used to demonstrate that activation of Rap1 in response to 0.4 M sorbitol occurred with initial kinetics similar to those observed for the accumulation of cGMP. Furthermore, the addition of 2 mM EDTA to osmotically shocked cells, a treatment that enhances cGMP accumulation, also enhanced Rap1 activation. These results suggest a direct role for Rap1 in the activation of guanylyl cyclase during the response to hyperosmotic conditions. Rap1 was also activated in response to low temperature but not in response to low osmolarity or high temperature.