bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equilibrium unfolding of a small bacterial cytochrome, cytochrome c551 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Bigotti Maria Giulia , Travaglini Allocatelli Carlo , Staniforth Rosemary A , Arese Marzia , Cutruzzolà Francesca , Brunori Maurizio
Published: July 2002

The unfolding of the small cytochrome c
551 from the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been characterized at equilibrium by circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The process can be described by a two state mechanism and the thermodynamic stability of cytochrome c
551 is found to be smaller than that of the larger horse cytochrome c (ΔG
w=−8.2 vs. −9.7 kcal/mol); we propose that this finding is related to the absence of an `omega' loop in the bacterial cytochrome. Cytochrome c
551 loses most of its secondary structure at pH 1.5. The acid transition (pK
A≈2) is highly cooperative (n≥2); analysis of optical titrations and contact map suggests that (at least) His‐16 (proximal Fe3+ ligand) and Glu‐70 are both involved in the acid transition. The role of selected hydrophobic, electrostatic and conformational contributions to the overall stability has been investigated by protein engineering. The equilibrium characterization of wild‐type and mutant cytochrome c
551 supports the view that this small cytochrome is an interesting protein to analyze the thermodynamics and the kinetics of folding in comparison with the widely studied horse cytochrome c.
The cytochrome bc1 complex of Rhodobacter capsulatus: ubiquinol oxidation in a dimeric Q‐cycle?
Authors: Gopta Oxana A , Feniouk Boris A , Junge Wolfgang , Mulkidjanian Armen Y
Published: July 2002

We studied the cytochrome bc
1 complex (hereafter bc) by flash excitation of Rhodobacter capsulatus chromatophores. The reduction of the high‐potential heme b
h of cytochrome b (at 561 nm) and of cytochromes c (at 552 nm) and the electrochromic absorption transients (at 524 nm) were monitored after the first and second flashes of light, respectively. We kept the ubiquinone pool oxidized in the dark and concerned for the ubiquinol formation in the photosynthetic reaction center only after the second flash. Surprisingly, the first flash caused the oxidation of about one ubiquinol per bc dimer. Based on these and other data we propose a dimeric Q‐cycle where the energetically unfavorable oxidation of the first ubiquinol molecule by one of the bc monomers is driven by the energetically favorable oxidation of the second ubiquinol by the other bc monomer resulting in a pairwise oxidation of ubiquinol molecules by the dimeric bc in the dark. The residual unpaired ubiquinol supposedly remains on the enzyme and is then oxidized after the first flash.
Processing by CD26/dipeptidyl‐peptidase IV reduces the chemotactic and anti‐HIV‐1 activity of stromal‐cell‐derived factor‐1α
Authors: Proost Paul , Struyf Sofie , Schols Dominique , Durinx Christine , Wuyts Anja , Lenaerts Jean-Pierre , De Clercq Erik , De Meester Ingrid , Van Damme Jo
Published: July 2002

The chemokine stromal‐cell‐derived factor‐1α (SDF‐1α) chemoattracts lymphocytes and CD34+ haematopoietic progenitors and is the ligand for CXCR4 (CXC chemokine receptor 4), the main co‐receptor for T‐tropic HIV‐1 strains. SDF‐1α was NH2‐terminally cleaved to SDF‐1α(3‐68) by dipeptidyl‐peptidase IV (CD26/DPP IV), which is present in blood in soluble and membrane‐bound form. SDF‐1α(3‐68) lost both lymphocyte chemotactic and CXCR4‐signaling properties. However, SDF‐1α(3‐68) still desensitized the SDF‐1α(1‐68)‐induced Ca2+ response. In contrast to CD26/DPP IV‐processed RANTES(3‐68), SDF‐1α(3‐68) had diminished potency to inhibit HIV‐1 infection. Thus, CD26/DPP IV impairs the inflammatory and haematopoietic potency of chemokines but plays a dual role in AIDS.
Gos1p, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae SNARE protein involved in Golgi transport
Authors: McNew James A. , Coe John G.S. , Søgaard Morten , Zemelman Boris V. , Wimmer Christian , Hong Wanjin , Söllner Thomas H.
Published: July 2002

Specific transport between secretory compartments requires that vesicular carriers contain targeting proteins known as SNAREs. Ten v‐SNAREs have been identified in the genome of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by sequence analysis. We report here the characterization of Gos1p, a v‐SNARE localized to the Golgi compartment and likely homolog of the mammalian protein GOS‐28/GS28. Gos1p is a type II membrane protein with characteristic SNARE sequence hallmarks and is functionally a SNARE protein. Gos1p was originally identified as a 28 kDa protein in an immunoprecipitate of the cis‐Golgi t‐SNARE Sed5p. This interaction between Sed5p and Gos1p is direct as demonstrated by in vitro binding with recombinant proteins. Deletion of GOS1 results in viable haploids with modest growth and secretory defects. Close examination of the secretory phenotype of GOS1‐disrupted cells suggests that Gos1p may play a role in multiple transport steps, specifically ER‐Golgi and/or intra‐Golgi transport.
The activation of p38 MAPK by the β‐adrenergic agonist isoproterenol in rat epididymal fat cells
Authors: Moule S.Kelly , Denton Richard M.
Published: July 2002

Here we report that the β‐adrenergic agonist isoproterenol increases the activity of the stress‐activated kinase p38 MAPK over 10‐fold in freshly isolated rat epididymal fat cells. Stimulation of the kinase was rapid, sustained for at least 60 min and sensitive to the specific p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB 203580. Half‐maximal stimulation of p38 MAPK by isoproterenol occurred at 13 nM isoproterenol. The cell permeable cyclic AMP analogue, chlorophenylthio‐cyclic AMP increased p38 MAPK activity to a similar extent to isoproterenol, suggesting that the effect of the β‐adrenergic agonist is mediated via increases in the activity of cyclic‐AMP dependent protein kinase. Although it had little or no effect on the activity of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, isoproterenol and a number of other treatments which activated p38 MAPK were found to stimulate AMP‐activated protein kinase in fat cells. Activation of AMPK and p38 MAPK were not, however, found to be directly linked.
Application of magnetic chromatography to the isolation of lysosomes from fibroblasts of patients with lysosomal storage disorders
Authors: Diettrich Ole , Mills Kevin , Johnson Andrew W , Hasilik Andrej , Winchester Bryan G
Published: July 2002

A method for the purification of lysosomes from fibroblasts has been developed which uses endocytosis of superparamagnetic colloidal iron dextran particles followed by separation of the iron‐containing lysosomes in a magnetic field. This permitted isolation of lysosomes from fibroblasts from patients with infantile sialic acid storage disorder and other lysosomal storage diseases in which a shift in lysosomal density induced by the storage material prevents purification by centrifugation in a Percoll gradient. The magnetic lysosomes isolated from these cells are very similar to those from normal cells as judged by lysosomal marker enzyme activity and 2D‐PAGE analysis of the enriched proteins.
2‐Isopropylidenehydrazono‐4‐oxo‐thiazolidin‐5‐ylacetanilide (OPB‐9195) treatment inhibits the development of intimal thickening after balloon injury of rat carotid artery: role of glycoxidation and lipoxidation reactions in vascular tissue damage
Authors: Miyata Toshio , Ishikawa Shintaro , Asahi Koichi , Inagi Reiko , Suzuki Daisuke , Horie Katsunori , Tatsumi Kunihiko , Kurokawa Kiyoshi
Published: July 2002

We have pursued the hypothesis that the carbonyl modification of proteins by glycoxidation and lipoxidation reactions plays a role in atherogenesis. Human atherosclerotic tissues with fatty streaks and uremic arteriosclerotic tissues were examined, with specific antibodies, to detect protein adducts formed with carbonyl compounds by glycoxidation or lipoxidation reactions, i.e. advanced glycation end products (AGEs) or glycoxidation products, such as carboxymethyllysine (CML) and pentosidine, and lipoxidation products, such as malondialdehyde (MDA)‐lysine and 4‐hydroxy‐nonenal (HNE)‐protein adduct. All the four adducts were identified in the proliferative intima and in macrophage‐rich fatty streaks. If the carbonyl modification is not a mere result but is a contributor to atherogenesis, inhibition of glycoxidation and lipoxidation reactions might prevent vascular tissue damage. We tested this hypothesis in rats following balloon injury of their carotid arteries, a model exhibiting a remarkable intimal thickening, which are stained positive for all the four adducts. Oral administration of 2‐isopropylidenehydrazono‐4‐oxo‐thiazolidin‐5‐ylacetanilide (OPB‐9195), an inhibitor of both glycoxidation and lipoxidation reactions, in rats following balloon injury effectively prevented the intimal thickening. These data suggest a role for the carbonyl modification of proteins by glycoxidation and lipoxidation reactions in most, if not all, types of vascular tissue damage (‘carbonyl stress'), and the usefulness of inhibitors of carbonyl reactions for the treatment of vascular tissue damage.
Identification of novel interaction partners for the conserved membrane proximal region of α‐integrin cytoplasmic domains
Authors: Wixler Viktor , Laplantine Emmanuel , Geerts Dirk , Sonnenberg Arnoud , Petersohn Dirk , Eckes Beate , Paulsson Mats , Aumailley Monique
Published: July 2002

The α3Aβ1 integrin is a laminin receptor with a broad specificity for different laminin isoforms. Furthermore, it regulates the function of other integrins, like α2β1, α5β1 and α6Aβ1. In a yeast two hybrid screen of a human placenta cDNA library, we identified cDNAs coding for four different proteins that strongly interact with the conserved region of the cytoplasmic domain of the α3A integrin subunit. In addition to the cDNA for nucleotide exchange factor Mss4 and the putative tumour suppressor protein BIN1, two novel cDNAs were identified. Association analysis with different integrin subunits revealed them as cDNAs that encode binding proteins which react with a broad spectrum of α subunits. The conserved membrane proximal region of the α3A chain was identified as the binding site for all four proteins. They, therefore, may be involved in the regulation of general functions of integrins.
Bleaching of bacteriorhodopsin by continuous light
Authors: Dancsházy Zsolt , Tokaji Zsolt , Dér András
Published: July 2002

A new two step photobleaching process is observed under continuous illumination of bacteriorhodopsin. This photobleaching is considerable even at physiological temperatures and becomes large at 50–60°C. The photobleaching also increases with increasing pH from 7 to 10. We suggest that the bleaching at its final stage could be due to the dissociation of the retinal and a local thermal denaturation‐like process. These facts may question the generally held belief that BR is a stable protein in vivo for a long period of time. Our results may have relevance also to practical applications of bacteriorhodopsin where the stability of bacteriorhodopsin is a key issue. In certain instances, the use of bacteriorhodopsin may require cooled conditions. Here, we defined the conditions under which bacteriorhodopsin is stable. The permanent photobleaching offers a new way of picture imaging and information input for bacteriorhodopsin‐based optical devices.
Identification of human GC‐box‐binding zinc finger protein, a new Krüppel‐like zinc finger protein, by the yeast one‐hybrid screening with a GC‐rich target sequence
Authors: Lisowsky Thomas , Loguercio Polosa Paola , Sagliano Amelia , Roberti Marina , Gadaleta Maria Nicola , Cantatore Palmiro
Published: July 2002

A new human zinc finger DNA‐binding protein was identified by using a yeast one‐hybrid selection system. Two versions of the cDNA, encoding the same protein, were detected that differ for a 584 bp extension at the 5′ region. Sequence analysis showed that the longer clone is a full length version containing part of the 5′ untranslated region. The smaller version was fused in frame with the yeast GAL4 activation domain whereas the 5′ region of the longer clone displayed a stop codon interrupting the fusion with the GAL4 domain. Nevertheless, this clone activated the yeast HIS3 reporter gene with the same efficiency as the smaller version. Sequence comparison of the derived protein with the database showed that it belongs to a family of zinc finger DNA‐binding proteins which regulate the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation. Expression of the protein in an in vitro system, DNA‐binding studies and genetic experiments identify this factor as a new zinc finger DNA‐binding protein which binds GC‐rich sequences and contains a domain probably functioning as a transcriptional activator. The new human protein identified in this study was therefore named GC‐box‐binding zinc finger protein).
Cloning and heterologous expression of a cDNA encoding 1‐deoxy‐D‐xylulose‐5‐phosphate reductoisomerase of Arabidopsis thaliana1
Authors: Schwender Jörg , Müller Christian , Zeidler Johannes , Lichtenthaler Hartmut K.
Published: July 2002

Various plant isoprenoids are synthesized via the non‐mevalonate pathway of isopentenyl diphosphate formation. In this pathway, 1‐deoxy‐D‐xylulose 5‐phosphate (DOXP), the first intermediate, is transformed to 2‐C‐methyl‐D‐erythritol 4‐phosphate (MEP) by an enzyme which was recently cloned from Escherichia coli. In order to find a plant homologue of this 1‐deoxy‐D‐xylulose 5‐phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) we cloned a cDNA fragment from Arabidopsis thaliana which has high homology to the E. coli DXR. By expression of this fragment in E. coli we could demonstrate that it encodes a protein which transforms DOXP to MEP. The antibiotic fosmidomycin specifically inhibits this DXR enzyme activity.
Kinetic properties of myosin heavy chain isoforms in single fibers from human skeletal muscle
Authors: Hilber Karlheinz , Galler Stefan , Gohlsch Bärbel , Pette Dirk
Published: July 2002

The head portion of the myosin heavy chain is essential in force generation. As previously shown, Ca2+‐activated muscle fibers from rat and rabbit display a strong correlation between their myosin heavy chain isoform composition and the kinetics of stretch activation, corresponding to an order of velocity: myosin heavy chain Ib>myosin heavy chain IId(x)>myosin heavy chain IIa≫myosin heavy chain I. Here, we show a similar correlation for human muscle fibers (myosin heavy chain IIb>myosin heavy chain IIa≫myosin heavy chain I), suggesting isoform‐specific differences between the kinetics of force‐generating power strokes. The kinetics of myosin heavy chain I are similar in human and rodents. This holds also true for myosin heavy chain IIa, but human myosin heavy chain IIb is slower than rodent myosin heavy chain IIb. It is similar to rodent myosin heavy chain IId(x).
Sphingosylphosphorylcholine induces cytosolic Ca2+ elevation in endothelial cells in situ and causes endothelium‐dependent relaxation through nitric oxide production in bovine coronary artery
Authors: Mogami Kimiko , Mizukami Yoichi , Todoroki-Ikeda Natsuko , Ohmura Masato , Yoshida Kazuki , Miwa Saori , Matsuzaki Masunori , Matsuda Masako , Kobayashi Sei
Published: July 2002

Sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and nitric oxide (NO) production in endothelial cells in situ on bovine aortic valves, and induced endothelium‐dependent relaxation of bovine coronary arteries precontracted with U‐46619. The SPC‐induced vasorelaxation was inhibited by N
ω‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine, an inhibitor of both constitutive and inducible NO synthase (NOS), but not by 1‐(2‐trifluoromethylphenyl) imidazole, an inhibitor of inducible NOS (iNOS). Immunoblotting revealed that endothelial constitutive NOS, but not iNOS, was present in endothelial cells in situ on the bovine aortic valves. We propose that SPC activates [Ca2+]i levels and NO production of endothelial cells in situ, thereby causing an endothelium‐dependent vasorelaxation.
Risk factors for meconium aspiration syndrome in infants born through thick meconium
Authors: Meydanli M.M. , Dilbaz B. , Çalişkan E. , Dilbaz S. , Haberal A.
Published: July 2002

Objective: To determine risk factors for meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Method: A cohort study was conducted of 70 consecutive singleton pregnancies complicated with thick meconium‐stained amniotic fluid delivered at ≥37 weeks’ gestation. Cases were randomized either for elective abdominal delivery or spontaneous vaginal delivery after 20 min of external fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring. Risk estimation analysis for MAS was performed calculating relative risks (RR) and odds ratios (OR). Results: The presence of meconium below the vocal cords (RR=7.3, 95% CI=2.6–20.3), non‐reassuring FHR tracings (RR=3.0, 95% CI=1.2–7.5), Apgar score ≤6 at 5 min (RR=3.8, 95% CI=1.7–8.4) and an umbilical cord plasma erythropoietin (UCPer) level >50 mlU/ml (RR=5.0, 95% CI=2.1–12.0) were found to be significant risk factors for MAS. The presence of meconium below the vocal cords (OR=33.4, 95% CI=3.6–303.7) and non‐reassuring FHR tracings (OR=12.2, 95% CI=1.3–111.7) remained as significant risk factors at the end of the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Non‐reassuring FHR tracings and the presence of meconium below vocal cords are associated with an increased risk for MAS in infants born through thick meconium.
Prior third‐ or fourth‐degree perineal tears and recurrence risks
Authors: Payne T.N. , Carey J.C. , Rayburn W.F.
Published: July 2002

Objective: The objective of the present study is to determine the recurrence risk of a third‐degree (into the anal sphincter) or a fourth‐degree (into the rectum) perineal tear in women with a prior extensive laceration. Methods: Data were gathered from our computerized perinatal database between January 1990 and December 1994. Women who had two consecutive singleton deliveries were chosen as subjects. Results: The rate of an extensive perineal laceration was greater if a tear had occurred in a previous pregnancy (19 of 178 cases, 10.7% vs. 56% of 1563 cases, 3.6%, odds ratio 3.4. A 95% confidence interval: 1.8–6.4; p<0.0001). A prior tear remained a risk factor after controlling for other variables (epidural analgesia, episiotomy, oxytocin use, operative vaginal delivery, fetal macrosomia). Conclusion: A prior third‐degree or fourth‐degree perineal tear is associated with a 3.4‐fold increased risk of a recurrent severe obstetrical laceration.
Neurogenesis of GABAergic cells in the chick retina
Authors: da Costa Calaza Karin , Hokoç Jan Nora , Gardino Patrı́cia Franca
Published: July 2002

Two classes of retinal neurons in the chick retina, the horizontal and the amacrine cells, are GABAergic. This study evaluates the neurogenesis of glutamic acid decarboxylase immunoreactive cells in the chick retina. Twenty‐five μCi [3H]thymidine was injected into eggs of 2–10 days and the embryos were sacrificed at embryonic day 18 (E18). Glutamic acid decarboxylase immunohistochemistry was revealed by avidin–biotin complex method followed by autoradiography of thymidine. We used the cumulative method for counting autoradiographic grains. At E3, 10% of the amacrine cells were thymidine negative/glutamic acid decarboxylase positive and this rate remained constant until E6. From E6 to E8 about 80% of the amacrine cells were thymidine negative/glutamic acid decarboxylase positive. At E9, 100% of these neurons had been generated. On the other hand, at E3 only 1.5% of the horizontal cells had been generated (thymidine negative/glutamic acid decarboxylase positive) while at E6 this number increased to 10%. From E6 to E9 the neurogenesis pattern was similar to that found for amacrine cells. Our data show that the great majority (80%) of glutamic acid decarboxylase positive amacrine and horizontal cells proliferate between E6 and E9, i.e. the last 3 days of the neurogenesis period. From E3 to E6 only 20% of the glutamic acid decarboxylase positive amacrine and horizontal cells are generated, which suggests that glutamic acid decarboxylase positive cells may require a specific signal at about E6, which triggers their withdrawal from the cell cycle.
Essential role of thyroid hormones in maturation of olfactory receptor neurons: An immunocytochemical study of number and cytoarchitecture of OMP‐positive cells in developing rats
Authors: Paternostro Mark A. , Meisami Esmail
Published: July 2002

Neurogenesis and proliferation of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) in the olfactory epithelium (OE) are reduced in postnatal hypothyroid rats and upregulated following restoration of thyroid function, leading to compensatory growth and restitution of these deficits [Paternostro M. A. and Meisami E. (1993).Dev. Brain Res.76, 151–161; Paternostro M. A. and Meisami E. (1994).Dev. Brain Res.83, 151–162]. To investigate thyroid hormonal role on maturation of ORNs, serial sections of the septal OE from normal newborn, 25‐ and 90‐day‐old rats were immunostained for olfactory marker protein (OMP), a marker for mature ORNs, and compared with the same from age‐matched hypothyroid rats and those allowed to recover from thyroid deficiency at the time of weaning (day 25). The parameters studied were the localization and distribution of the OMP(+) cells within the OE and their density and total number. Hypothyroidism was induced by adding the reversible goitrogen propylthiouracil (PTU) to the rats' drinking water (1 g/l) from birth to days 25 or 90. Recovery from hypothyroidism was induced by withdrawal of PTU at day 25. The OMP(+) cells occupied a distinct, broad band in the normal rat OE, while in hypothyroid animal, this band was narrow and restricted to OE's apical zones. Recovery resulted in broadening of the OMP(+) cell band and normalized distribution of OMP(+) cells as evident in the 90‐day‐old recovery animals. In normal control rats, density of OMP(+) cells increased by 2.5‐ and 1.3‐fold during the suckling and post‐weaning period (days 25–90), while total numbers of these cells increased by 12‐ and 3‐fold, respectively, during the same age periods. Hypothyroidism decreased the growth in density by 25 and 30%, while total number of OMP(+) neurons were reduced by 40 and 70% in the 25‐ and 90‐day‐old animals, respectively. Withdrawal of PTU resulted in marked restoration of these deficits so that, at 90 days, the total number of OMP(+) cells were only 20% less than 90‐day‐old controls. These results indicate that thyroid hormones are essential for maturation of single ORNs and accretion of new mature ORNs in the OE of suckling and post‐weaning rat. Also, the process of maturation and the final number of mature ORNs show remarkable recovery from hypothyroid‐induced growth retardation.
Effect of thiocyanate on microtubule assembly in rat brain during postnatal development
Authors: Lakshmy R. , Srinivasarao P.
Published: July 2002

The effects of feeding thiocyanate (a goitrogen derived from thioglucosides, which are naturally occurring in certain foods) to female rats throughout gestation and lactation on a microtubule assembly of pups during postnatal development were examined. Microtubules, which are important components of the neuronal cell cytoskeleton, may serve as markers of neurite growth. A progressive increase with age in the initial rate of microtubule assembly was apparent in both untreated control and thiocyanate‐treated rat pups in the cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem. Thiocyanate treatment did not alter the tubulin content at any of the developmental stages studied (7, 14 and 21 days postnatal). However, examination of the microtubule assembly revealed a markedly reduced polymerization of tubulin into microtubules in brain regions of thiocyanate‐treated rats compared with untreated controls. The effect of thiocyanate on microtubule assembly was evident at all three ages (7, 14 and 21 days). Thiocyanate‐induced hypothyroidism increased the lag period for initiation of assembly and also altered the initial rate of microtubule formation. This study suggests that a partial suppression of thyroid function by thiocyanate, as evidenced by a decrease in circulating concentrations of thyroxine, could bring about alterations in microtubule formation during brain development and suggests the possibility of an impairment in the process of microtubule metabolism.
Arachidonate transport through the blood‐retina and blood‐brain barrier of the rat after reperfusion of varying duration following complete cerebral ischemia
Authors: Strosznajder Joanna , Chalimoniuk Malgorzata , Strosznajder Robert P. , Walski Michal , Lupo Gabriella , Anfuso Carmelina D. , Albanese Vincenzo , Alberghina Mario
Published: July 2002

The permeability‐surface area product (PS) of [1‐14C]arachidonate at the blood‐retina and blood‐brain barrier was determined by short carotid perfusion in young Wistar rats 1 or 6 h after recovery period following complete cerebral ischemia induced by temporary cardiac arrest. For the retina and structures of visual system, hypothalamus and olfactory bulb there was no significant difference over sham‐operated rats among mean PSs. For cortex, hippocampus and striatum, significant increases were found at both time intervals of recovery after cardiac arrest. The ischemia‐reperfusion model was characterized by a significant increase in tissue conjugated diene in the hippocampus and microsomal lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase activity in the cortex. Consistent with these findings, we also show ultrastructural evidence mainly represented by partial opening of interendothelial junctions and mild signs of tissue edema in surrounding neuropil, suggesting barrier leakiness predominantly in the cortex, hippocampus and striatum but almost absent in the retina microvessels. Our results indicate that ischemia‐reperfusion does affect influx through blood‐brain barrier into regional structures of rat central nervous system of arachidonate, a metabolic substrate and lipid mediator rapidly incorporated into microcapillary and brain lipids. The data also suggested that : (i) reactive oxyradicals were moderately generated during the early phase of ischemic‐reperfusion process in the rat ; (ii) after reperfusion, in vitro susceptibility of different brain regions to iron‐induced peroxidation was highest in the hippocampus and lowest in the cortex and striatum ; (iii) membrane phospholipid repair mechanisms were activated at the same time.
Neuron loss in the mouse hippocampus following prenatal injection of tritiated thymidine or saline
Authors: Schmitz Christoph , Bültmann Eva , Gube Monika , Korr Hubert
Published: July 2002

To investigate possible effects of injections of tritiated thymidine ([3H]dThd) into pregnant mice or the injection procedure itself on the proliferation of neuronal precursor cells in the fetuses, pregnant mice received intraperitoneal injections of either [3H]dThd or saline on embryonic days 12, 14, and 19, while their offspring remained untreated. A second group of dams was not injected but their male offspring received a subcutaneous injection of again either [3H]dThd or saline on postnatal day 10. Then total numbers of hippocampal pyramidal cells (areas CA1 to CA3) and granular cells (dentate gyrus) were determined stereologically for 20‐day‐old as well as for 80‐day‐old male pups. No significant differences were found for the mean total number of pyramidal cells between the investigated groups of pups. However, the mean total number of granular cells was significantly reduced in those groups in which the dams had received an intraperitoneal injection, irrespective of whether [3H]dThd or saline was injected. This revives the repeated warning in the literature to consider the effect of the injection procedure on the developing brain when interpreting possible effects of agents administered during pregnancy.
Neurofilament proteins are constitutively expressed in F9 teratocarcinoma cells
Authors: Murtomäki Sanna , Virtanen Ismo , Liesi Päivi
Published: July 2002

We examined neuronal differentiation of F9 teratocarcinoma cells using retinoic acid (RA) and cyclic AMP (cAMP) as inducing agents. Neuronal differentiation was monitored using (1) cDNA probes for the rat 68‐kDa neurofilament gene, (2) RT‐PCR for neurofilament genes and (3) antibodies against several neuronal differentiation markers. We found by Northern blotting that the uninduced F9 cells, grown in 10% serum, expressed mRNA for the 68‐kDa neurofilament protein whereas the control cells, grown in 3% serum, failed to express detectable levels of the 68‐kDa neurofilament transcripts. However, RT‐PCR allowed detection of both the 68‐ and 200‐kDa neurofilament gene transcripts in F9 cells with or without the inducing agents. Under serum deprivation, a prolonged (>10–15 days) cultivation of the F9 cells in the presence of RA and cAMP was required for the expression of detectable levels of the 68‐kDa neurofilament transcripts and immunocytochemically detectable neurofilament proteins. Treatment of the F9 cells with RA and cAMP was also required for induction of their neuronal phenotype.

Immunocytochemically, the uninduced F9 cells expressed several neuronal antigens including the 68‐kDa neurofilament protein, the 200‐kDa neurofilament protein, neural cell adhesion molecule (N‐CAM) and a neuronal specific tubulin isoform (TUJI). The control cells expressed N‐CAM and TUJI, but failed to express the neurofilament proteins. A subclone, D9L2, derived from a single F9 parent cell, expressed both TUJI and neurofilament proteins, but no N‐CAM molecule.

The present results indicate that both the 68‐ and the 200‐kDa neurofilament genes are constitutively active in uninduced F9 teratocarcinoma cells. Under serum deprivation both RA and cAMP are required for expression of detectable levels of neurofilament mRNA and protein. Thus, serum deprivation of the F9 cells either down‐regulates the NF gene expression, stability of mRNA or degradation of the NF‐proteins. Importantly, expression of a neuronal phenotype by a subpopulation of F9 cells appears to require administration of RA and cAMP, although expression of neuronal marker proteins is not dependent on these agents. Lastly, we demonstrate cloning of a novel cell line (D9L2), derived from a single F9 parent cells, capable of extending neurites and expressing several neuronal antigens under serum deprivation without the requirement of RA and cAMP. We propose that the D9L2 cell line may offer a simplified F9 cell model system to investigate the mechanisms of neuronal differentiation.
Functional and biochemical criteria for investigation of brain development disorders
Authors: Pavlova Natalia G. , Konstantinova Natalia N. , Arutjunyan Alexander V.
Published: July 2002

Functional state and creatine kinase (CK) activity in the amniotic fluid and blood of anencephalic fetuses was studied in the second trimester of pregnancy with the following pathomorphological investigation of the state of their CNS to reveal possible markers of development disorders. The extent of neurological disorders in newborn infants was retrospectively compared with data from functional studies of components of a biophysical profile (motor‐cardiac reflex, heart rhythm oscillations, respiratory movements) and with CK activity in the amniotic fluid and blood of fetuses with hemolytic disease and fetuses of diabetic mothers and normal mothers in the third trimester of pregnancy. The results revealed informative indices of fetal CNS developmental disorders in the prenatal period that are of importance for predicting a prognosis of the extent of neurological disorders in newborn infants. These results will allow the establishment of criteria for evaluation of fetuses to reveal possible disorders in the formation of the CNS.
Frequency of neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a large psychiatric hospital in Moscow
Authors: Spivak B. , Maline D.I. , Kozyrev V.N. , Mester R. , Neduva S.A. , Ravilov R.S. , Weizman A.
Published: July 2002

A ten-year prospective survey of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) was performed in a major psychiatric hospital (1,510 beds) in Moscow. All inpatients who developed a persistent and severe extrapyramidal rigidity accompanied by fever after exposure to neuroleptic medication were screened for NMS. The diagnosis of NMS was established according to Levenson’s criteria and at a later stage all NMS cases were reevaluated using the DSM-IV research criteria. Data on age, gender and psychiatric diagnoses were analyzed. Of the 78,708 inpatients treated with neuroleptic agents, 19 separate patients had an episode of NMS, for a frequency of 0.02%. Mortality rate was 10.5% (2/19 patients). Of the three potential risk factors studied, only young age (≤ 25 years) was significantly associated with an increased frequency of NMS (P < 0.01). The low rate of NMS found here compared to studies in other countries may be due to the stringent demands for NMS diagnosis. More large-scale prospective studies including detailed clinical and laboratory data are needed to clarify these differences and their impact on the prevalence and risk factors of NMS.
Post-stroke patients in rehabilitation. The relationship between biological impairment (CT scanning), physical disability and clinical depression
Authors: Bjerg Bendsen B , Bjerg Bendsen E , Lauritzen L , Vilmar T , Bech P
Published: July 2002

A study of 128 consecutive patients with thromboembolic stroke in a rehabilitation hospital from July 1988 to September 1990 found a prevalence of major depression of 17%. The patient population was described according to the principles of the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps (ICIDH) according to biological impairment, measured by computerized tomography (CT) scanning of the brain and side of hemiparesis and physical disability, measured by functional movement and activities of daily living. Handicap, referring to the interaction between disability and the environmental situation, often defined as the subjective disadvantage of being ill, was not measured in this study. A stroke index with four items was generated from the parameters describing biological impairment and physical disability. The psychiatric rating scales (the 17-item Hamilton Scale for Depression (HAM-D), the Melancholia Scale [MES]and the Newcastle Diagnostic Depression Scale), and the new stroke-index showed adequate coefficients of Cronbach's alpha and Loevinger, suggesting that these scales have both adequate item correlation and homogeneity (adequate hierarchical structure). The impairment disability index of stroke thus seems to be a meaningful measurement of the specific factors of this disease. There was no correlation between the stroke-index and the psychiatric rating scales measuring the emotional dimension of disability caused by the disease expressed as depression. The results suggest that the depression found among stroke patients is not a simple reaction to the physical disability of the stroke.
Two cases of risperidone-induced tardive dyskinesia and a review of the literature
Authors: Lykouras L. , Yannakis R. , Hatzimanolis J. , Christodoulou G.N
Published: July 2002

A case in which a 26 year old patient with undifferentiated schizophrenia, showing abnormal oral, lingual and jaw movements suggestive of tardive dyskinesia during a dose reduction of risperidone, is presented. A second case, relating to a 39 year old married woman diagnosed as having a DSM-IV schizophreniform disorder is also presented. These two cases are discussed in relation to the existing literature.
Impact of headland area on whole field and farm corn silage and grain yield
Authors: Sunoj S. , Kharel Dilip , Kharel Tulsi , Cho Jason , Czymmek Karl J. , Ketterings Quirine M.
Published: October 2020

Use of agricultural equipment on corn (Zea mays L.) fields can contribute to soil compaction, especially on headland (HL) areas where wheel traffic is more intense than on non‐headland (NHL) areas. Better decisions about HL management (investment to improve production potential, discontinue, or plant another crop) can be made when the HL contribution to field and farm yield is known. We quantified yield differences between HL and NHL areas, at field‐, and at farm‐scale using corn grain and silage yield data from 4,145 fields (∼20,000 ha) across 63 farms in New York. Further, we quantified the yield impact of HL areas across years from four farms with 8–11 yr of yield records. Per field and farm “potential production gain” was determined as the potential gain in production if HL yield could be increased to equal NHL yield. Yields per hectare were 14% (grain) and 16% (silage) lower in the HL areas. Production gain per field averaged 4% for both grain and silage, reflecting the smaller proportion of HL per field. For about 70% of the fields potential production gain was <5%, vs. 5–20% potential production gain for about 25% of the fields. Small, low‐yielding fields had the highest potential production gain (>20%). Production gains across years ranged from 1 to 7% (grain) and 0.4 to 6% (silage), independent of growing season precipitation. We conclude potential production gains are sufficiently large to warrant headland management, but management should be directed to fields with the greatest potential for yield increase.
Parenting stress in families of children with Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Wong Shi‐Bing , Wang Tzong‐Shi , Tsai Wen‐Hsin , Tzeng I‐Sheng , Tsai Li‐Ping
Published: October 2020

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple endocrine, metabolic, respiratory, cognitive, and behavioral/psychiatric symptoms that may lead to severe emotional strain in their caregivers. In this study, we evaluated parenting stress by the Parenting Stress Index‐short form (PSI/SF) and parent‐reported behavioral symptoms by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL/6–18) in families of children with PWS. Sixty‐seven home‐resident PWS patients and their families were recruited in this study. The patients' mean age was 14.9 ± 8.3 years, and 33 (50.8%) were male. High parenting stress was reported by 41.5% families, as determined by high total stress scores of PSI/SF. The patients in high stress families were significantly older than those in low stress families (18.2 ± 8.0 vs. 12.6 ± 7.8 years, p = .007). CBCL/6–18 was used to evaluate the somatic and neuropsychiatric symptoms of PWS patients aged between 6 and 18 in the subgroup of the 35 families. In this subgroup, 37.1% of families reported high parenting stress. High stress families reported a higher T‐score in anxiety/depression, withdrawn behavior, somatic complaints, thought problems, attention problems, and delinquent and aggressive behavior of their children with PWS. After multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis, the T‐score of somatic complaints was the only factor related to high parenting stress, with an odds ratio of 1.279. Our data demonstrated the high care burden of families with PWS and highlighted the importance of having dedicated medical care for both somatic and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
The evolution of conservation education and its role in saving apes in Africa
Authors: Bettinger Tammie , Leighty Katherine
Published: October 2020

The current paradigm of conservation initiatives promotes activities that benefit conservation of wildlife while at the same time improving the welfare of humans living near wildlife habitats. This dual focus of conservation has resulted in an increase in activities that engage local communities. The past decade has seen a shift in how conservation practitioners define the role of conservation education. While once limited to a focus on increasing knowledge and influencing attitudes and behavior of local communities, today the term is used to encompass a range of activities from traditional education to training local people in alternative livelihoods that can positively impact conservation outcomes. This change in the use of the term, as well as the increased awareness of the need to involve local communities in all aspects of conservation activities, has resulted in complex programs that cross many disciplines. This special edition provides examples of current practices at conservation sites focused on apes in Africa.
An insight into phenomenal optical non‐linearities arising from synergistic relationship between selected BODIPYs and noble metal nanoparticles
Authors: Edappadikkunnummal Shiju , Prasannan Dijo , Francis Jaismon , Desai Narayana Rao , Keloth Chandrasekharan
Published: October 2020

Materials with large and quick non‐linear optical response, excellent photo thermal stability, cost effectiveness and off resonant non‐linear absorption (NLA) are essential requirements for a good optical limiting (OL). Among them, organic systems and π‐conjugated polymers are getting special interest because of their flexibility in structural modification that leads to the tuning of optical and electronic properties that are suitable for working under large bandwidth. Here, we report a drastic enhancement of non‐linear optical activity and exceptional OL action of two organic–inorganic hybrid system based on BODIPY and Au and Ag nanoparticles (NPs). The organic system taken was certain set of BODIPYs with different substitution at the para and meta positions. All the compounds were found to be exhibiting good reverse saturable absorption (RSA) behaviour and negative non‐linear refraction property. An attempt was made to improve the non‐linear optical (NLO) property of the BODIPY by forming nanohybrids with Au and Ag NPs, and the best NLO active candidate among the studied system was chosen for it. A significant enhancement in NLO property was observed on hybrid system formation. The optical limiting (OL) threshold of the hybrid (1 J/cm2) was reduced almost 1/5 times than that of the parent compound (5.2 J/cm2), and this value is comparable with the benchmark OL materials like C60. The mechanism behind the NLA is found to be the combination of excited state absorption (ESA) and two‐photon absorption (TPA). The enhanced NLA and OL action of CAg/Au nanohybrids are attributed to the synergetic effect among the two parent components as well as the local field effects of NPs. Enhancement in non‐linear optical property is found to be stronger in hybrid system with Au NPs and is due to the resonant charge transfer and intense local field effect on exciting with 532‐nm pulse compared with that of Ag NPs. Both the parent compounds and the nanohybrids exhibit negative non‐linearity, and the non‐linear refraction is also found to be enhanced. The improved NLA and OL property of hybrid system guarantees successful usage of the strategy in OL applications.
Optimization of switched interconnected positive systems under state dependent switching with dwell time
Authors: Lian Jie , Wu Feiyue , Yang Yanjun
Published: October 2020

This paper investigates the optimization problem for a class of switched interconnected positive linear systems (SIPLSs), of which each subsystem is composed of several positive interconnected components. Both the continuous‐time and periodic sampling control schemes are considered. Combining with the characteristics of the interconnection and positivity, a novel class of multiple co‐positive Lyapunov functions is constructed. Based on the multiple Lyapunov functions method, a state‐dependent switching law with a dwell time constraint is introduced so that the state is continuously evaluated after the dwell time. Furthermore, the designed switching law is extended to a new sample‐based scenario where the state is periodically evaluated after the dwell time. In both cases, suitable cost functions are selected to estimate the performance of the SIPLSs, and the upper bounds are calculated. Finally, numerical examples are considered to illustrate the effectiveness of the presented results.
Energy‐optimal transport trajectory planning and online trajectory modification for holonomic robots
Authors: Kim Hongjun , Kim Byung Kook
Published: October 2020

To maximize energy efficiency, we suggest minimum‐energy trajectory planning and online trajectory modification algorithms for three‐wheeled omni‐directional mobile robots (TOMRs). First, minimum‐energy multisection trajectory planning for various constraints is performed using Pontryagin's minimum principle. Two strategies are established to formulate an efficient minimum‐energy, multisection trajectory generation algorithm: an online trajectory modification and a control algorithm that maintains energy efficiency are investigated using novel heuristic functions. Compared with the conventional trajectory using the trapezoidal velocity profile, the generated transport trajectory can save energy.
A robust state estimation for a class of uncertain linear time‐invariant descriptor systems
Authors: Saeed Jalali Seyed Mohsen , Akbarzadeh Kalat Ali
Published: October 2020

This paper proposes a robust state observer for linear time‐invariant descriptor systems in which parametric uncertainty exists in the derivative, the system, and the input matrices of the system. The proposed approach is based on a new parameterization in state variables such that in the new model, the derivative matrix is known. An observer is suggested for estimating the state of the new model. Sufficient conditions are obtained for the convergence of the observer in the form of a linear matrix inequality (LMI), which can be solved by the YALMIP toolbox. Numerical examples accompanied by comparison are presented to demonstrate the efficient performance of the proposed observer.
A bench‐scale study of potable reuse impacts on surface water treatment
Authors: Adelman Michael J. , Smith Mia S. , Hancock Tony D. , Borchardt James H. , Williams Michael D. , Quicho Joseph , Weber‐Shirk Monroe L.
Published: October 2020

Water utilities are considering raw water augmentation schemes to blend potable reuse water directly into the raw water for existing water treatment plants (WTPs). In this study, bench‐scale testing evaluated the impacts of introducing advanced‐treated reuse water (treated by ozonation, biological active carbon, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and advanced oxidation) into the raw water supply of an existing WTP. To determine whether treatment would remain effective, blends of raw water and reuse water were coagulated, flocculated, and settled in a jar test apparatus matching the flocculator energy dissipation rate of the full‐scale WTP and were tested for filterability, defined as positive removal of turbidity through 5‐μm filter paper. The testing demonstrated that blends were treatable across a range of conditions, and alkalinity was the main observed limitation for treatability. Conditioning the advanced‐treated reuse water to add both hardness and alkalinity buffered against extreme pH drops during coagulation. This also achieved pH and calcium carbonate indexes after treatment that matched the current finished water, but some stability indexes shifted in a more corrosive direction, suggesting a topic for future research. Overall, this study demonstrated that the coagulation, flocculation, settling, and filtration processes of an existing WTP can treat potable reuse blends provided alkalinity is sufficient, and this is an important finding for the viability of raw water augmentation.