bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural elucidation and complete assignment of a novel class of sulfonamides: bridgehead tricyclic sultams
Authors: Jolivet Catherine , Long Daniel D. , Dahl Russel S. , Termin Andreas P.
Published: August 2002

Endocyclic sulfonamide templates bearing both an exocyclic ketone function and an internal olefin underwent reaction with a variety of hydroxylamines to effect an intramolecular nitrone–olefin cycloaddition to afford a new class of compounds suitable for derivatization by high‐throughput medicinal chemistry. Structural elucidation via complete assignment of the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of this new class of compounds was achieved using gradient‐COSY, gradient heteronuclear multiple quantum‐coherence spectroscopy and gradient heteronuclear multiple bond correlation spectroscopy. Additionally, double pulsed field gradient spin echo–nuclear Overhauser effect experiments were carried out in order to study the spatial conformation of this new type of molecule and assess the stereo‐ and regio‐selectivity of the chemical transformation. The unequivocal molecular framework and structural conformation was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
35Cl NQR studies of 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene and 1,2‐dichloro‐3‐nitrobenzene as a function of pressure and temperature
Authors: Srinivas Jandhyala , Subramanian Raman K. , Ramesh Keralapura P. , Ramakrishna Jandhyala , S. Suresh Kalkunte , Raghavendra Rao Chdaghatta
Published: August 2002

The temperature and pressure dependences of 35Cl nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) frequency and spin–lattice relaxation time (T1) were investigated for 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene and 1,2‐dichloro‐3‐nitrobenzene. T1 was measured in the temperature range 77–300 K. Furthermore, the NQR frequency (ν) and T1 for these compounds were measured as a function of pressure up to 5.1 kbar at 300 K. Relaxation was found to be due to the torsional motion of the molecule and the reorientation motion of the nitro group. By analysing the temperature dependence of T1, the activation energy for the reorientation motion of the nitro group was obtained. The temperature dependence of the average torsional lifetimes of the molecules and the transition probabilities W1 and W2 for the Δm = ±1 and Δm = ±2 transitions, were also obtained. Both compounds showed a non‐linear variation of NQR frequency with pressure. The pressure coefficients were observed to be positive. A thermodynamic analysis of the data was carried out to determine the constant‐volume temperature coefficients of the NQR frequency. The spin–lattice relaxation time T1 for both the compounds was found to be weakly dependent on pressure, showing that the relaxation is mainly due to the torsional motions. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EPR study of radicals generated from bioactive S‐nitrosothiols and related thiols
Authors: Jin Jing , Wu Longmin , Zhang Ziyi
Published: August 2002

Thermal or photolytic reactions of bioactive S‐nitrosothiols and related thiols in the presence of radical generators in deaerated DMSO or aqueous solutions under argon or saturated with nitric oxide (NO) produced nitroxides and an oxyaminyl radical, which were well characterized by EPR spectra. Nitroxides containing a thiyl substituent were obtained. Possible mechanisms are proposed. Bioactive S‐nitrosothiols such as S‐nitrosoglutathione, S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine and related thiols such as glutathione and N‐acetylpenicillamine were used for the investigation. Radical generators utilized as transient radical sources were 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile, 2,2′‐azobis(2‐methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride, tert‐butyl peroxide and benzoyl peroxide. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NMR analysis of 6‐(2′,3′‐dihydro‐1′H‐inden‐1′‐yl)‐1H‐indene
Authors: Spiteller Peter , Spiteller Michael , Jovanovic Jovan
Published: August 2002

1H, 13C and two‐dimensional NMR analyses were applied to determine the NMR parameters of 6‐(2′,3′‐dihydro‐1′H‐inden‐1′‐yl)‐1H‐indene. The measurements were accomplished with 0.5 mg of the substance, this quantity being sufficient to determine the chemical shifts of all the H and C atoms, and also the appropriate coupling constants and to give the complete NMR resonance assignments of the molecule. The predicted patterns of the four different H atoms of the methylene groups of the indane structural element coincided completely with the complex patterns in the NMR spectra. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1H and 13C NMR assignments of new oligo‐bipyridine–phenanthroline hybrids as potential precursors of helicate complexes
Authors: Annunziata Rita , Benaglia Maurizio , Bologna Alberto
Published: August 2002

A series of oligo‐bipyridine–phenanthroline hybrids, a new class of potential model ligands, were synthesized and their 1H and 13C NMR spectra assigned. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reassignment of the 1H NMR spectrum of fusidic acid and total assignment of 1H and 13C NMR spectra of some selected fusidane derivatives
Authors: Rastrup‐Andersen Niels , Duvold Tore
Published: August 2002

Reassignment of the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of fusidic acid and the total assignment of lumifusidic acid and some important di‐ and tetra‐hydrofusidic acid derivatives are reported. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Substituent effects on 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts in α‐monosubstituted ethyl acetates: principal component analysis and 1H chemical shift calculations
Authors: Tasic Ljubica , Abraham Raymond J. , Rittner Roberto
Published: August 2002

A principal component analysis is applied to α‐monosubstituted ethyl acetates (YCH2CO2Et), where the observed chemical shifts for the α‐carbon atom, the carbonyl carbon, and the α‐hydrogen atoms are correlated with theoretically derived molecular properties, i.e. the partial charges on the same atoms and the electronegativity and hardness. The effects on 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts of 12 α‐substituents: F, Cl, Br, I, OMe, OEt, SMe, SEt, NMe2, NEt2, Me, and Et were investigated. A strong grouping of the same heteroatom substituents is observed, showing the chemical shift dependence on the type of substituent. Halogenated compounds represent a heterogeneous group, where the large effect of the fluorine substituent is similar to that of the oxygen derivatives (OMe and OEt). Theoretical calculations show that fluorine and oxygen derivatives exhibit similar energy curves with respect to the YCCO dihedral angle and the same conformational equilibrium between cis and trans rotamers. Sulfur, neutral substituents and halogen derivatives (Cl, Br and I) give an equilibrium between cis and gauche rotamers, with a predominance of the gauche conformers. The rotational equilibrium in solution was confirmed by 1H chemical shift calculations utilizing the CHARGE 7H program. The calculated α‐hydrogen atom chemical shifts are in very good agreement with the measured values. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐reactivity of s‐triazine and its radical cation: an electron/proton transfer process driven by ionizing radiation
Authors: Rhodes Christopher J. , Moynihan Humphrey A.
Published: August 2002

Exposure of solutions of s‐triazine in a trichlorofluoromethane matrix at 77 K to γ‐radiation resulted in the formation of s‐triazinyl radicals by deprotonation of the primary radical cations. The results indicate that neutral s‐triazine molecules dissolve in an associated state in the Freon solvent. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complete assignments of the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of six highly functionalized neoclerodane diterpenoids
Authors: Rodríguez Benjamín
Published: August 2002

An NMR study of six highly functionalized neoclerodane diterpenes belonging to both A/B cis and trans series is described. In addition to 1D NMR methods, 2D shift‐correlated experiments [1H,1H‐COSY, 1H,1H‐TOCSY, 1H,13C‐gHSQC‐1J(C,H), 1H,13C‐gHMBC‐nJ(C,H) (n = 2 and 3)] and 2D 1H,1H‐NOESY were used for the complete and unambiguous 1H and 13C chemical shift assignments of these structurally complex diterpenoids. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1H and 13C NMR conformational study of N‐substituted hexahydrocyclopent[e][1,3]‐oxazin‐4‐ones and hexahydro‐2H‐1,3‐benzoxazin‐4‐ones
Authors: Shaikhutdinov Roustem A. , Klika Karel D. , Fülöp Ferenc , Pihlaja Kalevi
Published: August 2002

A 1H and 13C NMR conformational study of four cis‐fused N‐substituted hexahydrocyclopent[e][1,3]oxazin‐4‐ones and four cis‐fused hexahydro‐2H‐1,3‐benzoxazin‐4‐ones at various temperatures revealed several dynamic conformational processes to be in effect. These included a clear conformational equilibrium between the O‐in (major conformer) and O‐out ring forms in the hexahydro‐2H‐1,3‐benzoxazin‐4‐ones, an equilibrium consisting of two intramolecularly hydrogen bonded forms (between the hydroxyl proton and the carbonyl oxygen attached to C4 or the ethereal oxygen) and a non‐hydrogen bonded form in two compounds, and a restricted rotation about the amide C N bond in the CH2OCONHC6H4X‐p substituents (X = H, Cl) in three other compounds. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
13C CP/MAS NMR studies of flavonoids
Authors: Wawer Iwona , Zielinska Agnieszka
Published: August 2002

13C CP/MAS NMR spectra were recorded to characterize the solid‐state conformation of flavonoids: galangin, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, chrysin, apigenin, luteolin, acacetin, hesperetin and naringenin. Correct assignment of the signals in solution‐state spectra (using APT, HSQC and HMBC) and solid‐state spectra (using dipolar dephased and short contact sequences) for the above flavonoids is reported. The locked conformation of OH and OCH3 groups in solids results in an increased shielding of carbon adjacent to C—OH or C—OCH3 hydrogens, enabling conclusions as to the orientations of these groups to be drawn. The C‐5—OH hydroxyl (and C‐3—OH) points towards the carbonyl group oxygen, forming intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Considerations of C2′ and C6′ carbon shielding suggest that ring B is not coplanar with the benzopyran fragment in kaempferol, acacetin and myricetin. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
C—H···X (X = N, O, S) intramolecular interaction in 1‐vinyl‐2‐(2′‐heteroaryl)pyrroles as monitored by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Afonin Andrei V. , Ushakov Igor A. , Kuznetsova Svetlana Yu. , Petrova Ol'ga V. , Schmidt Elena Yu. , Mikhaleva Al'bina I.
Published: August 2002

1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy of a series of 1‐vinyl‐2‐(2′‐heteroaryl)‐pyrroles were employed for the analysis of their electronic and spatial structure. The C—H···N intramolecular interaction between the α‐hydrogen of the vinyl group and the pyridine nitrogen, a kind of hydrogen bonding, was detected in 1‐vinyl‐2‐(2′‐pyridyl)pyrrole, which disappeared in its iodide methyl derivative. It was shown that this interaction is stronger than the C—H···O and C—H···S interactions in 1‐vinyl‐2‐(2′‐furyl)‐ and ‐2‐(2′‐thienyl)‐pyrroles. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
α‐Pinene and myrtenol: complete 1H NMR assignment
Authors: Lee Sueg‐Geun
Published: August 2002

The complete analysis of the 1H NMR spectra of α‐pinene and myrtenol is reported and earlier results are corrected. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel seminal plasma glycoprotein of a teleost, the nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), contains a partial von Willebrand factor type D domain and a zona pellucida‐like domain
Authors: Mochida Kazuhiko , Matsubara Takahiro , Andoh Tadashi , Ura Kazuhiro , Adachi Shinji , Yamauchi Kohei
Published: August 2002

Our previous study shows that seminal plasma of a teleost, the Nile tilapia, contains a glycoprotein Mr = 120,000 named as SPP (Seminal plasma glycoprotein)120 which forms a homopolymer that has sperm immobilizing activity. In order to elucidate the mechanisms of the formation of the homopolymer and the immobilization of sperm, molecular cloning of SPP120 was conducted. The cDNA for SPP120 contains a complete open reading frame encoding 797 amino acid residues with 14 potential N‐glycosylation sites. The predicted amino acid sequence of SPP120 contains a partial von Willebrand factor type D domain and a zona pellucida domain, that are involved in protein–protein adhesion that form filamentous structures in various kinds of cells. This result suggests that SPP120 forms a homopolymer via these domains in seminal plasma and probably interacts with spermatozoa. Northern blotting reveals that the gene is also expressed in ovary, even in ovulated eggs. The results of in situ hybridization indicate that in testis the gene is expressed in Sertoli cells and epithelial cells of sperm ducts, and the localization corresponds to that of the protein analyzed by immunohistochemistry. In the ovary, the gene is expressed at the perinucleolus stage of oocytes; however, the protein is not detected in any cells other than oocytes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 62: 57‐68, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of matrix metalloproteinase ‐2, ‐9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase ‐1, ‐2, ‐3 mRNAs in rat uterus during early pregnancy
Authors: Zhao Yun‐Ge , Xiao Ai‐Zhen , Cao Xiu‐Mei , Zhu Cheng
Published: August 2002

Zymography and in situ hybridizition were used to investigate matrix metalloproteinase‐2, ‐9 (MMP‐2, ‐9) activities, and expression of mRNAs for MMP‐2, ‐9 and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3) in the rat uterus during early pregnancy (day 1–7). The zymography results showed two forms of MMP‐2 (64 and 67 kDa) in the rat uteri during early pregnancy. The 64‐kDa MMP‐2 activity was the highest on day 2 (P < 0.01) and higher on day 5 and 6 (P < 0.05). The 67‐kDa MMP‐2 activity reached the highest on day 5 and 6 (P < 0.01). The 64‐kDa MMP‐2 activity at the implantation sites was higher than those at interimplantation sites (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the 67 kDa MMP‐2 can be converted to 64 kDa forms by incubation with p‐aminophenylmercuric acetate (APMA) and trypsin in vitro. The 92‐kDa MMP‐9 activity was only detected on day 5 and 6 of pregnancy (P < 0.01). In situ hybridization showed that on day 1–4 of pregnancy, both MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 mRNAs were evidently localized in the basal stromal cells. On day 5, MMP‐2 mRNA signals were decreased in the basal stromal cells and mRNA for TIMP‐2 was expressed in the epithelial cells and subepithelial stromal cells. The mRNAs for MMP‐9, TIMP‐1, and ‐3 were mainly expressed in epithelial cells on day 1–5. At the implantation site on day 6, the mRNAs for MMP‐2, ‐9, TIMP‐1, ‐2, and ‐3 were highly expressed in the primary decidual zone surrounding the implanting embryo, and in the whole decidualized stromal cells (the primary and secondary decidual zones) at the implantation site on day 7. The intensities of mRNAs for the TIMPs in decidualized stromal cells at the implantation site on day 6 and 7 were stronger than those for the MMPs. The weak mRNAs for MMP‐2, ‐9, TIMP‐1, and ‐3 but not TIMP‐2 were also observed in the ectoplacental cone/trophoblastic cells of the implanting embryos. However, at the interimplantation sites on day 6 and 7, MMP‐2, ‐9, TIMP‐1, ‐2, and ‐3 mRNAs were weakly expressed in the epithelial cells, subepithelial stromal cells, and myometrium. The results suggested that the implanting rat embryo strongly induced MMP‐2 and ‐9 proteins and gene expression for decidulization and embryo invasion, which were strictly controlled and balanced by the simultaneous expression of TIMP‐1, ‐2 and ‐3. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 62: 149–158, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spermatid manchette: Plugging proteins to zero into the sperm tail
Authors: Kierszenbaum Abraham L.
Published: August 2002

Spermiogenesis pursues three major objectives: (1) The safeguard of the male genome within the confines of a compact nucleus. (2) The accumulation of enzymes in the acrosome of be released at fertilization. (3) The development of a sperm propelling tail consisting of an axoneme surrounded by a scaffold of keratin‐containing outer dense fibers and a fibrous sheath. Recent experimental data indicate that three keratins‐Sak57, 0df1 and 0df2‐and other proteins (the 26S proteasome and the 0df1‐binding protein Spag4) are temporarily stored in the manchette before being sorted to the developing sperm tail. These findings support a general model for the manchette as an ephemeral structure timely developed and strategically positioned to provide a transient storage to both structural and signaling proteins. Some of the proteins are later sorted to the developing tail; others may participate in the reciprocal nuclear‐cytoplasmic signaling pathways as the gene activity of the male genome gradually becomes silent. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 59: 347–349, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification and characterization of P31m, a novel sperm protein in Cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Lamontagne Nathalie , Légaré Christine , Gaudreault Christian , Sullivan Robert
Published: August 2002

We have previously described a hamster sperm glycoprotein, P26h, which is implicated in the cascade of events occurring during the interaction between mature spermatozoa and the oocyte's zona pellucida. The P26h is acquired on the acrosomal cap of the spermatozoon during its maturation arising within the epididymis. Lately, using a polyclonal antiserum raised against P26h, a 34 kDa protein, P34H, has been identified on the acrosomal cap of the human spermatozoon. The cloning and sequencing of the cDNA encoding P34H has revealed a 65% similarity between the P34H and P26h amino acid sequences. Considering that P26h shows total immunocontraceptive properties in the hamster, it is of relevant importance to have an animal model phylogenetically closer to the human. Using the Cynomolgus monkey, we searched for a protein autologous to the human P34H. A 31 kDa protein, the P31m, localized on the acrosomal cap of the monkey spermatozoon has been identified by a Western blot analysis and by immunohistochemical techniques using an anti‐hamster P26h antiserum. Northern blot analysis showed increasing high levels of the P31m mRNA through the epididymis and at lower levels in the testis. In situ hybridization showed the presence of the P31m mRNA in the principal cells of the epididymis. The cloning and sequencing of the cDNA encoding the P31m showed a high homology of 97% identity between the P31m and P34H nucleotidic sequences. This study clearly demonstrates that the monkey P31m is the homologous protein of the hamster P26h and of the human P34H. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 59: 431–441, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel human testis‐specific cDNA: Molecular cloning, expression and immunobiological effects of the recombinant protein
Authors: Santhanam Ramasamy , Naz Rajesh K.
Published: August 2002

A differential display‐polymerase chain reaction was employed to obtain a testis‐specific cDNA fragment. On screening the human testis‐λgt10‐cDNA library with testis‐specific cDNA fragment, a novel cDNA encoding for a sperm antigen, designated TSA‐1, was obtained. It has a novel open reading frame (ORF) of 471 base pairs encoding for 156 amino acids. The computer generated translated protein has a calculated molecular mass of 17.4 kDa and contains a potential N‐glycosylation site at amino acids 122–124. The hydrophilicity analysis of the amino acid sequence suggested that this protein is a membrane‐anchored peptide. Extensive analysis for tissue‐specificity by Northern blots and RT‐PCR‐Southern blot procedures using various human tissues indicated that TSA‐1 was specifically expressed only in the human testis. Based on the results of in vitro transcription and translation experiments, the TSA‐1 (ORF) was subcloned into pGEX‐6P‐3 vector and expressed using the glutathione S‐transferase gene fusion system. Antibodies (Ab) against the purified recombinant protein specifically recognized the ∼17 kDa recombinant TSA‐1, and a ∼24 kDa band in human sperm extract in the Western blot procedure. The recombinant TSA‐1 Ab recognized the acrosomal, equatorial, mid‐piece, and tail regions of human sperm cell in indirect immunofluorescence, bound to live human sperm in the immunobeads binding technique (IBT) and caused a significant concentration‐dependent inhibition of human sperm acrosome reaction. These findings indicate that the novel sperm‐specific recombinant TSA‐1 has a role in sperm function and may have applications in the development of a contraceptive vaccine, and in the specific diagnosis and treatment of male infertility. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 60: 1–12, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surface of human sperm bears three differently charged CD52 forms, two of which remain stably bound to sperm after capacitation
Authors: Giovampaola C. Della , Flori F. , Sabatini L. , Incerti L. , La Sala G.B. , Rosati F. , Focarelli R.
Published: August 2002

gp20 is a sialoglycoprotein of the human sperm surface with a core peptide homologous to the leukocyte antigen CD52, a GPI‐anchored glycosylated protein which is described by the monoclonal antibody CAMPATH‐1. Comparative analyses, by means of CAMPATH and anti‐gp20, indicated that they describe it in morphologically and functionally different ways, suggesting that the respective epitopes are different but also casting doubt on the immunological identity of the antigen. In the present study, we used immunodepletion to demonstrate that CAMPATH and anti‐gp20 interact with the same antigen, but that anti‐gp20 has a much higher avidity for the antigen than CAMPATH. Anion exchange fractionation analysis of the antigen revealed three differently charged gp20‐CD52 forms, the least charged of which, was largely without a GPI‐anchor. All three forms were associated with freshly ejaculated sperm, whereas capacitated sperm only contained the two GPI‐anchored, more charged forms, which were also the ones found in the prostasome fraction of seminal plasma and in leukocytes. The two charged, GPI‐anchored forms were described as homogeneous by anti‐gp20, since they ran as a singlet; the third form ran as a doublet. When tested for insertion into Jurkat T cells, the medium charged form inserted the most readily and the less charged one could not be inserted at all. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 60: 89–96, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression and action of hepatocyte growth factor in bovine endometrial stromal and epithelial cells in vitro*
Authors: Murakami Shuko , Miyamoto Yoko , Fujiwara Chikako , Takeuchi Sakae , Takahashi Sumio , Okuda Kiyoshi
Published: August 2002

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a pleiotropic growth factor that acts on various epithelial cells. The objectives of this study were to determine whether HGF altered the proliferation and prostaglandin (PG) secretion of bovine endometrial stromal and epithelial cells in vitro. We also observed HGF and HGF receptor (c‐met) mRNA expression in cultured bovine endometrial stromal and epithelial cells by RT‐PCR. Stromal and epithelial cells obtained from cows in early stage of the estrous cycle (days 2–5) were cultured in DMEM/Ham's F‐12 supplemented with 10% calf serum. The cells were exposed to HGF (0–10 ng/ml) for 2, 4, or 6 days. HGF significantly increased the total DNA in epithelial (P < 0.05), but not stromal cells. In another experiment, when the cells reached confluence, the culture medium was replaced with fresh medium with 0.1% BSA containing HGF 0–100 ng/ml and the cells were cultured for 24 hr. The HGF stimulated PGF2α secretion in epithelial, but not stromal cells. RT‐PCR revealed that mRNA of HGF is expressed only in stromal cells, and that c‐met mRNA is expressed in both stromal and epithelial cells. These results suggest that HGF plays roles in the proliferation and the regulation of secretory function of bovine endometrial epithelial cells in a paracrine fashion. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 60: 472–480, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cyclic ADPR and calcium signaling in sea bream (Sparus aurata) egg fertilization
Authors: Polzonetti Valeria , Cardinali Marco , Mosconi Gilberto , Natalini Paolo , Meiri Iris , Carnevali Oliana
Published: August 2002

The cell egg is in a state of quiescence and only after its fusion with the sperm, a series of pre‐programmed metabolic processes will be activated, culminating with embryonic development. The egg/sperm fusion induces a transitory increase of Ca2+ in the cytoplasm, which is responsible for the activation of both precocious and late reactions. The release of Ca2+ occurs by stimulation of the ionic specific channels. In addition to IP3, a new Ca‐release inducer was recently evidenced, cyclic ADP ribose (cADPR), in some invertebrates and mammals.

Here, we report the first evidence of the cADPR presence in fish. Our data also demonstrate that in the sea bream egg, cADPR is involved in the fertilization process; in fact, its level increases after the entrance of the sperm. By in vitro experiments, it was shown that cADPR induces a release of Ca2+ in the egg homogenate, indicating that in sea bream, the increase of cADPR can induce an intracellular Ca2+ release. Since cADPR is a product of NAD+ metabolism, the activity of several enzymes involved in the NAD+ metabolism was investigated. Sea bream eggs are pelagic and only floating eggs after insemination develop into viable embryos. In the present work, NAD+ metabolism was studied in both types of egg. All the tested enzymes showed similar specific activity in both floating and sinking eggs. In the latter, cADPR was not detectable and the nucleotides content was significantly lower, evidencing a scarce energetic charge in sinking eggs. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 61: 213–217, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neonatal encephalopathy in the term infant: Neuroimaging and inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Foster‐Barber Audrey , Ferriero Donna M.
Published: August 2002

The interrelationship between inflammation and ischemia is complex and poorly understood in the developing nervous system. In the preterm newborn, maternal infection may predispose to white matter injury and may be associated with cytokine elevation. In the term infant, few studies exist linking elevation of cytokines with encephalopathy and poor neurodevelopmental outcome. This review discusses the interplay among inflammatory cytokines, neonatal encephalopathy, and neuroimaging parameters. MRDD Research Reviews 2002;8:20–24. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Motion artifact reduction and vessel enhancement for free‐breathing navigator‐gated coronary MRA using 3D k‐space reordering
Authors: Huber Michael E. , Hengesbach David , Botnar René M. , Kissinger Kraig V. , Boesiger Peter , Manning Warren J. , Stuber Matthias
Published: August 2002

Breathing‐induced bulk motion of the myocardium during data acquisition may cause severe image artifacts in coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Current motion compensation strategies include breath‐holding or free‐breathing MR navigator gating and tracking techniques. Navigator‐based techniques have been further refined by the applications of sophisticated 2D k‐space reordering techniques. A further improvement in image quality and a reduction of relative scanning duration may be expected from a 3D k‐space reordering scheme. Therefore, a 3D k‐space reordered acquisition scheme including a 3D navigator gated and corrected segmented k‐space gradient echo imaging sequence for coronary MRA was implemented. This new zonal motion‐adapted acquisition and reordering technique (ZMART) was developed on the basis of a numerical simulation of the Bloch equations. The technique was implemented on a commercial 1.5T MR system, and first phantom and in vivo experiments were performed. Consistent with the results of the theoretical findings, the results obtained in the phantom studies demonstrate a significant reduction of motion artifacts when compared to conventional (non‐k‐space reordered) gating techniques. Preliminary in vivo findings also compare favorably with the phantom experiments and theoretical considerations. Magn Reson Med 45:645–652, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differentiation of nonmetastatic and metastatic rodent prostate tumors with high spectral and spatial resolution MRI
Authors: Fan Xiaobing , River Jonathan N. , Zamora Marta , Tarlo Kirk , Kellar Kenneth , Rinker‐Schaeffer Carrie , Gregory S. Karczmar
Published: August 2002

MR images can be acquired with high spectral and spatial resolution to precisely measure lineshapes of the water and fat resonances in each image voxel. Previous work suggests that the high‐resolution spectral information can be used to improve image contrast, SNR, sensitivity to contrast agents and to physiologic and biochemical processes that affect local magnetic susceptibility gradients. The potential advantages of high‐resolution spectroscopic imaging (SI) suggest that it might be useful for early detection and characterization of tumors. The present experiments evaluate the use of high‐resolution SI to discriminate between metastatic and nonmetastatic rodent Dunning prostate tumors. SI datasets were obtained at 4.7 Tesla with an in‐plane resolution of 350–500 μ in a single 1.0‐mm slice, and 6–8 Hz spectral resolution, before and after i.v. injection of an iron oxide contrast agent. Images of water signal peak height in nonmetastatic tumors were smoother in the tumor interior than images of metastatic tumors (P < .004 by t‐test) before contrast media injection. This difference was stronger in contrast‐enhanced images (P < .0004). In addition, the boundary between the tumor and muscle was more clearly demarcated in nonmetastatic than metastatic tumors. Combinations of image texture, tumor edge morphology, and changes in T following contrast media injection improved discrimination between metastatic and nonmetastatic tumors. The data presented here do not demonstrate that effective discrimination between metastatic and nonmetastatic tumors depends on the use of high‐resolution SI. However, the results suggest that SI and/or other MR methods that provide similar contrast might be used clinically for early and accurate detection of metastatic disease. Magn Reson Med 45:1046–1055, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential routing of choline in implanted breast cancer and normal organs
Authors: Katz‐Brull R. , Margalit R. , Degani H.
Published: August 2002

Choline is an essential nutrient participating as the initial substrate in major metabolic pathways. The differential metabolic routing of choline was investigated in MCF7 human breast cancer implanted in nude mice and in the kidney, liver, and brain of these mice. The distribution of metabolites following infusion of [1,2‐13C]‐choline was monitored by 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This infusion led to an 18‐fold increase in plasma choline and to concomitant changes in the content and distribution of choline metabolites. In vivo kinetic studies of the tumor during the infusion demonstrated accumulation of choline in the interstitium and intracellular synthesis of phosphocholine. The amount of unlabeled choline metabolites was 7.1, 4.1, 3.5, and 1.4 μmol/g in the kidney, liver, tumor, and brain, respectively. The variations in the labeled metabolites were more pronounced with high amounts in the kidney and liver (8.0 and 4.3 μmol/g, respectively) and very low amounts in the tumor and brain (0.33 and 0.12 μmol/g, respectively). In the kidney and liver, betaine (unlabeled and labeled) was the predominant choline metabolite. The dominant unlabeled metabolite in breast cancer was phosphocholine and in the brain glycerophosphocholine. Magn Reson Med 46:31–38, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy of myoglobin de‐ and reoxygenation in skeletal muscle: Reproducibility and effects of location and disease
Authors: Kreis R. , Bruegger K. , Skjelsvik C. , Zwicky S. , Ith M. , Jung B. , Baumgartner I. , Boesch C.
Published: August 2002

1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) of deoxymyoglobin (DMb) provides a means to noninvasively monitor the oxygenation state of human skeletal muscle in work and disease. As shown in this work, it also offers the opportunity to measure the absolute tissue content of DMb, the basic oxygen consumption of resting muscle, and the reperfusion characteristics after release of a pressure cuff. The methodology to determine these tissue properties simultaneously at two positions along the calf is presented. The obtained values are in agreement with invasive determinations. The reproducibility of the 1H‐MRS measurements is established for healthy controls and patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). A location dependence in axial direction, as well as differences between controls and patients are demonstrated for all parameters. The reoxygenation time in particular is expected to provide a means to quantitatively monitor therapies aimed at improving muscular perfusion in these patients. Magn Reson Med 46:240–248, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Design of a logarithmic k‐space spiral trajectory
Authors: Cline Harvey E. , Zong Xuli , Gai Neville
Published: August 2002

Spiral acquisitions are used in fast cardiac imaging because they traverse k‐space efficiently and minimize flow artifacts. A variable pitch logarithmic spiral trajectory is designed to critically sample the low‐frequency region in k‐space and gradually undersample the high‐frequency region. An approximate analytical expression for the trajectory provides a fast means to calculate the gradient waveforms and the sampled data points. A numerical method is introduced based on the trajectory curvature and the rate of change in the gradient magnitude with time for the composite Archimedean‐logarithmic trajectory. The pulse sequence is implemented and images are acquired on phantoms and human hearts. The images show improved image resolution and some improvement in image quality as a result of increased extent in k‐space and reduction in aliasing artifacts, respectively. Magn Reson Med 46:1130–1135, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lipofuscin accumulation in the vastus lateralis muscle in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Allaire Joakim , Maltais François , LeBlanc Pierre , Simard Pierre‐Michel , Whittom François , Doyon Jean‐François , Simard Clermont , Jobin Jean
Published: August 2002

Exercise‐induced oxidative stress has been reported in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and may play a role in muscle fatigue. It is speculated that oxidative stress during exercise originates from the contracting muscles but this has not been documented. The accumulation of lipofuscin, a marker of cellular oxidative damage, was evaluated in the vastus lateralis muscle in 17 patients with COPD and 10 healthy subjects of similar age. Each subject performed a stepwise exercise test up to maximal capacity during which oxygen uptake (& pVO2) was measured. Resting and peak exercise blood gases were also obtained. Two indices of lipofuscin accumulation were used: lipofuscin inclusions/fiber ratio (LI/F) and lipofuscin inclusions/fiber cross‐sectional area ratio (LI/CSA). These ratios were also determined for each specific fiber‐type. LI/F (P < 0.01) and LI/CSA (P < 0.01) were greater in COPD compared to healthy subjects. LI/F and LI/CSA for all fiber types were also greater in COPD (P < 0.001). In both groups, LI/F (P < 0.001) and LI/CSA (P < 0.01) were higher in type I than in type II fibers. LI/F and LI/CSA did not correlate significantly with resting PaO2 and SaO2, peak VO2, and ΔPaO2 and ΔSaO2 during exercise (P > 0.05). Increased lipofuscin accumulation, a marker of oxidative damage, was found in the vastus lateralis muscle in patients with COPD compared to healthy subjects. Oxidative damage of muscle tissue may thus be involved in skeletal muscle dysfunction and wasting in COPD. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 25: 000–000, 2002 DOI 10.1002/mus.10039
Vibration injury damages arterial endothelial cells
Authors: Curry Brian D. , Bain James L.W. , Yan Ji‐Geng , Zhang Lin Ling , Yamaguchi Mark , Matloub Hani S. , Riley Danny A.
Published: August 2002

Prolonged exposure to hand‐transmitted vibration can cause debilitating neural and vascular dysfunction in humans. It is unclear whether the pathophysiology involves simultaneous or sequential injury of arteries and nerves. The mechanism of vibration injury was investigated in a rat tail model, containing arteries and nerves structurally similar to those in the human hand. Tails were selectively vibrated for 1 or 9 days with the remainder of the animal at rest. One vibration bout of 4 h/day, 60 HZ, 5 g (49 m/s2) acceleration, injured endothelial cells. Injury was signaled by elevated immunostaining for NFATc3 transcription factor. Electron microscopy revealed that vibration for 9 days produced loss and thinning of endothelial cells, with activated platelets coating the exposed subendothelial tissue. Endothelial cells and arterial smooth muscle cells contained double membrane–limited, swollen processes indicative of vasoconstriction‐induced damage. Laser doppler surface recording demonstrated that 5 min of vibration significantly diminished tissue blood perfusion. These findings indicate that early injury involves vasoconstriction and denuding of the arterial endothelium. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 25: 000–000, 2002
Is the cutaneous silent period an opiate‐sensitive nociceptive reflex?
Authors: Inghilleri Maurizio , Conte Antonella , Frasca Vittorio , Berardelli Alfredo , Manfredi Mario , Cruccu Giorgio
Published: August 2002

In humans, high‐intensity electrical stimuli delivered to the fingers induce an inhibitory effect on C7–T1 motoneurons. This inhibitory reflex, called the cutaneous silent period (CSP) is considered a defense response specific for the human upper limbs. It is not clear whether the CSP—like other defense responses such as the corneal reflex and the R III reflex—is an opiate‐sensitive nociceptive reflex. Because opiates suppress some, but not all, nociceptive reflexes, we studied the effect of the narcotic‐analgesic drug fentanyl on the CSP and the R III reflex. The CSP was recorded from the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle in seven normal subjects during voluntary contraction, before and 10 and 20 min after fentanyl injection. To assess possible fentanyl‐induced changes, we also tested the effect of finger stimulation on motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited in the FDI muscle by transcranial magnetic stimulation before and after fentanyl injection. Fentanyl‐induced changes were also studied on the R III reflex recorded from the biceps femoris muscle. Fentanyl, as expected, suppressed the R III reflex but failed to change the inhibitory effect of finger stimulation on FDI motoneurons. Finger stimulation reduced the size of MEPs in the FDI, and fentanyl injection left this inhibitory effect unchanged. The differential fentanyl‐induced modulation of the CSP and R III reflex provides evidence that the CSP circuit is devoid of μ‐opiate receptors and is therefore an opiate‐insensitive nociceptive reflex, which may be useful in the assessment of central‐acting, non‐opioid drugs. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 25: 000–000, 2002
Lower body negative pressure: A test of cardiovascular autonomic function
Authors: Patel Akash R. , Engstrom Jennifer E. , Tusing Lora D. , McNeeley Kevin J. , Chelimsky Thomas C.
Published: August 2002

Lower body negative pressure (LBNP) may provide an alternative test of cardiovascular autonomic function for patients unable to perform the Valsalva maneuver (VM). LBNP at −40 mmHg for 30 s was compared to the VM at 40 mmHg for 15 s with heart rate and blood pressure measured continuously in three age groups: 10–25 years; 26–40 years; and 41–55 years. Heart rate and blood pressure responses were comparable, with moderately diminished changes in blood pressure and heart rate in the LBNP test. When heart response to LBNP was converted to a ratio similar to that calculated for the VM, a high degree of correlation was found (R2 = 0.5711). The LBNP test shows promise as an alternative test of cardiovascular autonomic function based on studies in normal subjects. The less marked changes may relate to the more passive nature of the applied stress. Future work should improve the device's accessibility and establish values for patients with autonomic disorders. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 24: 481–487, 2001
Molecular mechanisms of neurotransmitter release
Authors: Fon Edward A. , Edwards Robert H.
Published: August 2002

The release of neurotransmitter from neurons represents one of the pivotal events in synaptic transmission. Neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles in presynaptic neurons in response to neural activity, diffuse across the synaptic cleft, and bind specific receptors in order to bring about changes in postsynaptic neurons. Some of the molecular processes that govern neurotransmitter release are now becoming better understood. The steps involved can be broken down into two partially overlapping presynaptic cycles, the neurotransmitter cycle and the synaptic vesicle cycle. The neurotransmitter cycle involves transmitter biosynthesis, storage, reuptake, and degradation. The synaptic vesicle cycle involves targeting to the nerve terminal, docking, fusion, endocytosis, and recycling. Biochemical and structural studies have yielded important insight into our understanding of each of these two cycles. Further, both pharmacological and genetic interference with either of these cycles results in profound alterations in synaptic transmission and behavior, demonstrating the crucial role of neurotransmitter release. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 24: 581–601, 2001
A novel stimulation pattern improves performance during repetitive dynamic contractions
Authors: Kebaetse Maikutlo B. , Lee Samuel C. K. , Binder‐Macleod Stuart A.
Published: August 2002

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of three different stimulation patterns on repetitive knee movements. Each subject's quadriceps femoris was stimulated with: (1) a constant‐frequency train (CFT) with an interpulse interval (IPI) of 50 ms; (2) a variable‐frequency train (VFT)—similar to the CFT, except with an initial doublet with an IPI of 5 ms; and (3) a doublet‐frequency train (DFT) with multiple doublets (doublet IPI 5 ms) separated by 50 ms, while the muscle was resisted by a load equal to 10% of the muscle's maximum voluntary isometric contraction. The muscle was stimulated while the knee moved through a 50° arc of motion (90° to 40° of flexion). Testing was stopped when the subject failed to reach the target three consecutive times. Results showed that DFTs reached the target (mean ± SD) 36.4 ± 14.4 times, followed by VFTs (25.4 ± 17.9) and CFTs (17.4 ± 11.9). The DFT was the best pattern for producing shortening contractions. The results suggest that DFTs may have significant benefits during clinical functional electrical stimulation. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 24: 744–752, 2001
Nuclear alterations in autosomal‐dominant Emery‐Dreifuss muscular dystrophy
Authors: Sabatelli Patrizia , Lattanzi Giovanna , Ognibene Andrea , Columbaro Marta , Capanni Cristina , Merlini Luciano , Maraldi Nadir M. , Squarzoni Stefano
Published: August 2002

Electron microscopy study of muscle biopsies from patients with autosomal‐dominant Emery‐Dreifuss muscular dystrophy revealed nuclear alterations in about 10% of the preserved muscle fibers. The major findings consisted of peripheral heterochromatin loss or detachment from the nuclear envelope, and of interchromatin texture alterations. These abnormalities are similar to those reported in an animal model of the disease and to those found in the X‐linked form of Emery‐Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. These results suggest that an abnormal ultrastructural arrangement of the nuclear periphery is a common feature in the known forms of Emery‐Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, and that several proteins of the nuclear scaffold are necessary in muscle cells to maintain the nuclear structural/functional integrity and a normal muscle cell metabolism. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 24: 826–829, 2001
Variability of frequency and phase between antagonistic muscle pairs in pathological human tremors
Authors: Lauk Michael , Timmer Jens , Guschlbauer Brigitte , Hellwig Bernhard , Lücking Carl‐Herrmann
Published: August 2002

We investigated the electromyographic activity (EMG) of flexor and extensor muscles with different hand positions in patients with essential (ET) and parkinsonian (PD) tremor. Using a previously developed bootstrap method and standard cross‐spectral analysis, we performed statistical tests to assess the effect of hand position on: (1) the frequency of the EMG; and (2) the phase between the EMGs recorded from antagonistic muscle pairs. Frequency as well as phases changed significantly with different positions of the hands but not during the recordings when the position was left unchanged. Besides confirmation that frequency and phase are stationary and reliable parameters during short‐term recordings under controlled laboratory conditions, these results are of particular interest for ambulatory long‐term tremor measurements. A higher variability of the estimated parameters reported in long‐term recordings may perhaps reflect a patient's mobility only. Our study shows that long‐term recording systems should have the means to monitor the patient's movements to provide reliable results. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 24: 1365–1370, 2001
Clinical and genetic aspects of distal myopathies
Authors: Saperstein David S. , Amato Anthony A. , Barohn Richard J.
Published: August 2002

Although most muscle disorders produce proximal weakness, some myopathies may manifest predominantly or exclusively distal weakness. Although several congenital, inflammatory, or metabolic myopathies may produce mainly distal weakness, there are several distinct entities, typically referred to as distal myopathies. Most of these are inherited conditions. The distal myopathies are rare, but characteristic clinical and histological features aid in their identification. Advances in molecular genetics have led to the identification of the gene lesions responsible for several of these entities and have also expanded our understanding of the genetic relationships of distal myopathies to other inherited disorders of muscle. This review summarizes current knowledge of the clinical and molecular aspects of the distal myopathies. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 24: 1440–1450, 2001
Effect of recording window and stimulation variables on the statistical technique of motor unit number estimation
Authors: Lomen‐Hoerth Catherine , Olney Richard K.
Published: August 2002

A variety of methods are used for the selection of recording window sizes and stimulation current levels for statistical motor unit number estimation (MUNE). This study compares different recording window sizes and stimulation current levels within those windows in the same subjects to determine the effect on MUNE value and reproducibility. Four recording windows of 10% size were compared with four of 5%, with the stimulation current set in the lower quarter, middle half, and upper quarter of the recording window. MUNE for stimulation current set in the lower quarter of the window was 81 (62–103) for 10% recording windows and 120 (108–135) for 5% recording windows, and 91 (61–123) and 133 (120–154) for stimulation current set in the middle half. Increasing the recording window size from 5 to 10% lowers the MUNE value in controls, but tends to improve reproducibility; and setting the stimulation current in the lower quarter of the window, changes the MUNE value minimally, while tending to improve further reproducibility. Excellent reproducibility of MUNE was obtained when applied to a pilot group of 10 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Based on this study, we conclude that the ideal method for statistical motor unit estimation involves using 10% recording windows and setting the stimulation current in the lower quarter of the recording window. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 24: 1659–1664, 2001