bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential roles for neuropeptide Y Y1 and Y5 receptors in anxiety and sedation
Authors: Sørensen Gunnar , Lindberg Camilla , Wörtwein Gitta , Bolwig Tom G. , Woldbye David P.D.
Published: June 2004

Central administration of neuropeptide Y (NPY) causes both anxiolysis and sedation. Previous studies suggest that both effects are mediated via NPY Y1 receptors. However, most of these studies were carried out before the advent of specific NPY receptor ligands. Therefore, a potential role for other NPY receptors in anxiety and sedation remains a possibility. In the present study, we addressed this issue by testing the effects of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of NPY as well as specific receptor agonists for the Y1 receptor ([D‐His26]NPY), Y2 receptor (C2‐NPY), and Y5 receptor ([cPP1–7,NPY19–23,Ala31,Aib32,Gln34]hPP) in the elevated plus maze and open field tests. As with NPY, the Y1 agonist had a dose‐dependent anxiolytic‐like effect in both behavioral tests. In contrast to NPY, which caused significant sedation in the open field test, the Y1 agonist was without sedative effect. The Y2 agonist showed neither anxiolytic‐like nor sedative effects. The Y5 agonist showed anxiolytic‐like activity in both behavioral tests and caused sedation in the same dose range as NPY in the open field test. These results indicate that anxiolytic‐like effects of i.c.v.‐administered NPY in rats are mediated via both Y1 and Y5 receptors, whereas sedation is mediated via Y5 receptors. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional reconstitution of γ‐secretase through coordinated expression of presenilin, nicastrin, Aph‐1, and Pen‐2
Authors: Periz Goran , Fortini Mark E.
Published: June 2004

The γ‐secretase complex has emerged as an unusual membrane‐bound aspartyl protease with the ability to cleave certain substrate proteins at peptide bonds believed to be buried within the hydrophobic environment of the lipid bilayer. This cleavage is responsible for a key biochemical step in signaling from several different cell‐surface receptors, and it is also crucial in generating the neurotoxic amyloid peptides that are central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Active γ‐secretase is a multimeric protein complex consisting of at least four different proteins, presenilin, nicastrin, Aph‐1, and Pen‐2, with presenilin serving as the catalytically active core of the aspartyl protease. Presenilin itself undergoes endoproteolytic maturation, a process that is tightly regulated during the assembly and maturation of γ‐secretase, and that depends on the three cofactors nicastrin, Aph‐1, and Pen‐2. Recent studies have demonstrated that presenilin and its three cofactors are likely to be the major proteins needed for functional reconstitution of active γ‐secretase and have begun to elucidate the specific functions of the cofactors in the ordered assembly of γ‐secretase. Published 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dielectric properties of frozen maltodextrin solutions with added NaCl across the glass transition
Authors: Kilmartin Paul A , Reid David S , Samson Irene
Published: June 2004

The change in the dielectric properties of frozen 200 g kg−1 maltodextrin solutions upon warming has been recorded using a capacitance meter and a dielectric thermal analysis instrument. The capacitance and permittivity increased by several orders of magnitude after melting, and higher values were obtained at a higher measurement frequency or with added NaCl, while a marked increase (labelled Trise) was seen close to the glass transition temperatures measured by differential scanning calorimetry. The transition temperatures shifted to more negative values by 4–6 °C upon the addition of 0.1 mol kg−1 NaCl, consistent with the freezing point depression of the freeze‐concentrated solutions. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Management of lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma: Seminars in surgical oncology
Authors: Arlette John P. , Trotter Martin J. , Trotter Theresa , Temple Claire L.F.
Published: June 2004

Lentigo maligna (LM) and lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) represent a character, histogenetic subclass of melanocytic malignancies. They often present with a prolonged phase of slow growth but once invasion has occurred, the prognostic features are identical to all other melanomas. These lesions occur primarily on the head and neck where they evolve from areas of pigmented staining to the more typical features identifiable with malignant melanomas on other skin surfaces. The treatment options and recent advances in management are reviewed. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;86:179–186. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Using farmer knowledge to combat low productive spots in rice fields of a Sahelian irrigation scheme
Authors: van Asten P. J. A. , Barro S. E. , Wopereis M. C. S. , Defoer T.
Published: June 2004

In the oldest sections of Burkina Faso's largest irrigation scheme in the Sourou Valley (13° 10′ N, 03° 30′W) rice (Oryza sativa L.) yields dropped from about 5 to 6 t ha−1 in the early 1990s, shortly after establishment of the scheme, to 2 to 4 t ha−1 from 1995 onwards. Farmers blamed this yield decline on the appearance of 2 to 20 m diameter low productive spots. According to farmers and field measurements, the low productive spots decreased yields by 25–50 per cent. The low productive spots are caused by Zn deficiency. Low Zn availability is related to the very low DTPA‐extractable Zn content of the soil (0·08–0·46 mg kg−1), the alkaline‐calcareous character of the soil, the non‐application of Zn fertilizers, and a relatively large P fertilizer dose (21 kg P ha−1). Farmers were correct in relating the calcareous nature of the soil to the presence of the low productive spots. They were instrumental in identifying application of decomposed organic resources (e.g. rice straw at 5 t ha−1) as a short‐term solution that increases yields by 1·5 to 2·0 t ha−1. Application of Zn fertilizer (10 kg Zn ha−1) in 29 farmer fields in the 2001 dry season eradicated the low productive spots and increased yields from 3·4 to 6·0 t ha−1. Although application of Zn fertilizer is strongly recommended, it is not yet available in Burkina Faso. Based on a comparison of fertilizer prices on the world market and the local market, we expect that the use of Zn fertilizers will be highly profitable (cost/value ratio ≫ 2). Despite the relatively recent introduction of irrigated rice cropping, most farmers showed a good understanding of cropping constraints and possible solutions. Both farmers and researchers mutually benefited from each other's knowledge and observations. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring of soil erosion and assessment for contribution of sediments to rivers in a typical watershed of the Upper Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Fan J. R. , Zhang J. H. , Zhong X. H. , Liu S. Z. , Tao H. P.
Published: June 2004

An assessment of the effectiveness of soil conservation practices is very important for watershed management, but the measurement over a small area does not necessarily represent the truth over a large area. Monitoring of soil erosion and analysis of sediment delivery were carried out in the Lizixi watershed (which is typical of the Upper Yangtze Basin, China), using remote sensing and a geographic information system (GIS). Land‐use and land‐cover maps were prepared by an interpretation of 1986 and 1999 images from SPOT and Landsat TM. Slope‐gradient maps were created from digital elevation model (DEM), while merged images of SPOT and Landsat TM were used to obtain land‐use information. The area of soil erosion was classified by an integration of slope gradients, land‐use types and vegetation cover rates, and soil erosion rates and their changes were calculated in a grid‐based analysis using an Erdas GIS. The change in sediment delivery ratio was estimated based on the changes in soil erosion rates from both monitoring and the truth survey. There was a reduction in soil erosion rate of 4·22 per cent during a 13‐year period after soil conservation practices were adopted in the Lizixi watershed. The amount of sediments transported into rivers has decreased by 51·08 per cent during the same period due to an integrated application of biological and engineering measures. The comparison of soil erosion severity between pre‐conservation and post‐conservation revealed that soil loss has been obviously diminished and the measures were quite effective. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determinants of farmers' willingness to pay for soil conservation practices in the southeastern highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Asrat P. , Belay K. , Hamito D.
Published: June 2004

This paper examines the determinants of farmers' willingness to pay for soil conservation practices in the highlands of Bale, southeast Ethiopia. The paper is based on analysis of data collected from 100 randomly selected household heads. The study applied Contingent Valuation Method for the purpose of eliciting farmers' valuation of soil conservation practices in terms of both cash payment and labour contribution. The results reveal that farmers in the study area are less willing to pay cash for soil conservation measures. In terms of labour contribution, however, it was found that they are willing to spend a substantial amount of time per week. Results from logistic regression analysis show that farmers' decisions to participate in soil conservation practices are influenced by a host of factors. The implication is that taking these factors into account while planning soil conservation measures enables policy makers to come up with projects that win acceptance by the local people. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of litter decomposition in a natural versus coal‐slurry pond reclaimed as a wetland
Authors: Taylor J. , Middleton B.A.
Published: June 2004

Decomposition is a key function in reclaimed wetlands, and changes in its rate have ramifications for organic‐matter accumulation, nutrient cycling, and production. The purpose of this study was to compare leaf litter decomposition rates in coal‐slurry ponds vs. natural wetlands on natural floodplain wetlands in Illinois, USA. The rate of decomposition was slower in the natural wetland vs. the coal pond (k = 0·0043 ± 0·0008 vs. 0·0066 ± 0·0011, respectively); the soil of the natural wetland was more acidic than the coal pond in this study (pH = 5·3 vs. 7·9, respectively). Similarly, higher organic matter levels were related to lower pH levels, and organic matter levels were seven‐times higher in the natural wetland than in the coal pond. The coal slurry pond was five years old at the time of the study, while the natural oxbow wetland was older (more than 550 years). The coal‐slurry pond was originally a floodplain wetland (slough); the downstream end was blocked with a stoplog structure and the oxbow filled with slurry. The pattern of decomposition for all species in the coal pond was the same as in the natural pond;Potomogeton nodosusdecomposed more quickly thanPhragmites australis, and both of these species decomposed more quickly than eitherTypha latifoliaorCyperus erythrorhizos(k = 0·0121±0·0008, 0·0051 ± 0·0006, 0·0024 ± 0·0001, 0·0024 ± 0·0004, respectively). Depending on how open or closed the system is to outside inputs, decomposition rate regulates other functions such as production, nutrient cycling, organic‐layer accumulation in the soil, and the timing and nature of delivery of detritus to the food chain. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social resilience as a controlling influence on desertification in Senegal
Authors: Bradley D. , Grainger A.
Published: June 2004

While ecological resilience may explain why apparent symptoms of desertification are often temporary, social resilience can prevent degradation resulting from overexploitation of land in response to drought and other constraints. This paper describes a Social Resilience Model in which actors switch from performance strategies to survival strategies when the perceived severity of constraints exceeds a critical performance–survival threshold (PST). This is determined in comparison with a reference mode that depends on a learning facility developed by repeated exposure to cycles of constraint, search and feedback. Actors select particular strategies by comparing welfare gains with their aspiration levels—a concept that allows more flexible decision making than profit maximizing or satisficing alone. The model is tested in the silvopastoral zone of Senegal, where desertification is not as widespread as commonly assumed, despite severe constraints. The two major ethnic groups, the Wolof (mainly croppers) and the Peul (mainly pastoralists) anticipate and respond to environmental and socio‐economic constraints differently, and have different performance and survival strategies. The Peul have the higher social resilience, with more flexible decision‐making objectives, greater mobility, a more extensive action space, a learning facility supporting efficient search and feedback processes, a reference mode attuned to high anticipation and recognition of stress, and a high PST. They also exhibit more continuous performance–survival switching than the Wolof, who make a radical change from cropping to labour migration and reliance on external support. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Front Cover: Macromol. Biosci. 6/2004
Authors: Brzezinska Krystyna R. , Deming Timothy J.
Published: June 2004

Front Cover: The picture on the front cover shows the synthesis of poly(methyl acrylate)‐block‐poly(γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate) (PMA‐b‐PBLG) diblock copolymers, performed using atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl acrylate and living polymerization of γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate‐N‐carboxyanhydride (Glu‐NCA). Amido‐amidate nickelacycle end groups were incorporated onto amino‐terminated poly(methyl acrylates) (PMA‐NH2), and the resulting complexes were successfully used as macroinitiators for growth of polypeptide segments. This method allows the controlled preparation of polypeptide‐block‐poly(methyl acrylate) diblock architectures with control over polypeptide chain length and without formation of homopolypeptide contaminants.

Further details can be found in the Communication by K. R. Brzezinska, T. J. Deming* on page 566.
Non‐Isothermal Crystallization Behavior of Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) Synthesized with Different Catalysts
Authors: Chen Kequan , Tang Xiaozhen , Shen Jie , Zhou Yan , Zhang Biao
Published: June 2004

Summary: Non‐isothermal crystallization behavior of PTT resins synthesized with different catalysts was studied by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized light microscopy (PLM). The results showed that with the increase of the cooling rate, the crystallization temperature for poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) resin decreased, which indicated that the crystallization process was controlled by the nucleation. Catalyst had no effect on the crystallization development process, but had somewhat effect on the non‐isothermal crystallization mechanism. The average values of Avrami exponent, for PTT with different catalysts were between 3 and 4. It was assumed that the non‐isothermal crystallization mechanism for PTT with or without catalyst was the combination of homogenous and heterogeneous nucleation and spherulite growth, but it mainly depended on the latter. For sample 4, the non‐isothermal crystallization underwent secondary crystallization process when cooling rate was over 20 °C/min. At the same cooling rate, the crystallization temperature, the crystallization ability and the crystallization rate of PTT resins followed the sequence as: sample 2 > sample 1 ≈ sample 3 ≈ sample 4, which proved that catalysts could significantly prompt crystallization. The cooling rate had significant effect on the crystallization ability parameters of PTT, i.e., with the increase of cooling rate, the crystallization ability declined. Although catalyst could increase the crystallization ability of PTT, the effect was very limited because the effect of the molecular weight on the crystallization ability would be superior to the catalyst when the molecular weight of PTT was significantly high. The specific surface area of catalyst had also a great influence on the spherulitic morphology of PTT formed in the cooling process. The spherulite dimensions decrease with increasing the specific surface area of catalyst because of an increase in the nucleation rate, which produces more and smaller spherulites that can not grow larger before impinging on each other.

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Effects of amifostine on healing of microvascular anastomoses, flap survival, and nerve regeneration with preoperative or postoperative irradiation
Authors: Aydin Atakan , Özden Burcu Çelet , Mezdeği Ali , Kurul Sidika , Meral Rasim , Solakoğlu Seyhun
Published: June 2004

Amifostine is an organic thiophosphate compound, which has both cytoprotective and radioprotective effects. An experimental study was undertaken to investigate the effects of its use on reconstructive surgery in cancer treatment. One hundred and twenty guinea pigs were divided into three equal groups to investigate flap survival and healing, patency of microvascular anastomoses, and nerve regeneration, respectively. The groups were subdivided in such a way that they were given either preoperative or postoperative radiotherapy, with or without amifostine treatment. Macroscopic and planimetric examination, light and electron microscopy, and histomorphometric analyses were performed to evaluate flap survival and healing, patency of arterial anastomoses, and nerve regeneration. Although flap survival rates were not affected, significantly better flap healing was observed in the postoperative radiotherapy subgroup with amifostine treatment. However, amifostine treatment did not result in a statistically significant difference in terms of anastomotic patency and nerve regeneration with either preoperative or postoperative radiotherapy. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 24:1–8 2004.
Myasthenia gravis and premature ovarian failure
Authors: Ryan Monique M. , Jones H. Royden
Published: June 2004

We describe a patient who developed seropositive myasthenia gravis 16 years after she was diagnosed with autoimmune premature ovarian failure with antibodies to the receptor for follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH). Although thymectomy led to improvement of her myasthenic symptoms, menses did not resume. Such combined seropositivity for antibodies to acetylcholine and ovarian hormone receptors in a patient with myasthenia gravis and premature ovarian failure may reflect common disease mechanisms, although the precise pathogenesis of these disorders remains ill‐defined. Muscle Nerve 30: 231–233, 2004
Effect of size and pressure of surface recording electrodes on amplitude of sensory nerve action potentials
Authors: Ven Antoon A. , Van Hees Johan G. , Stappaerts Karel H.
Published: June 2004

The influence of electrode size on sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LACN) and sural nerve (SN) was studied in 63 healthy volunteers. The SNAP amplitudes were measured using surface recording electrodes of three different sizes, positioned across the nerve. Mean amplitudes using a 5‐mm electrode were 9.0% (SN) and 15.3% (LACN) higher than with a 20‐mm electrode and 19.4% (SN) and 25.8% (LACN) higher than using a 40‐mm electrode. To study the influence of pressure on surface recording electrodes, studies were performed on the LACN in 31 healthy volunteers. Light pressure of the recording electrodes on the skin gave lower amplitudes (15.3%) than did greater pressure or pressure applied between active and reference electrodes. These studies demonstrate that standardized surface recording electrode size and pressure are imperative for obtaining valid and reliable results in experimental studies or in clinical follow‐up of patients undergoing nerve conduction studies. Muscle Nerve 30: 234–238, 2004
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy in patients with liver transplantation
Authors: Echaniz‐Laguna Andoni , Battaglia Fabrice , Ellero Bernard , Mohr Michel , Jaeck Daniel
Published: June 2004

We report two patients with orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) who developed a syndrome that fulfilled criteria for definite chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). One patient had OLT because of alcoholic cirrhosis and one following hepatitis C–induced hepatic failure. Both had immunosuppressive therapy, with cyclosporine and prednisolone in one case and tacrolimus in the other case. Treatment with intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) significantly improved the neuropathy in both patients. In patients with OLT developing disabling sensorimotor neuropathies, CIDP should be considered as should the use of potentially beneficial immunosuppressive treatment. Muscle Nerve 30: 501–504, 2004
Phenotypic variability associated with Arg26Gln mutation in caveolin3
Authors: Fee Dominic B. , So Yuen T. , Barraza Carlos , Figueroa Karla P. , Pulst Stefan‐M.
Published: June 2004

Caveolin3 (CAV3) is a protein associated with dystrophin, dystrophin‐associated glycoproteins, and dysferlin. Mutations in the CAV3 gene result in certain autosomal‐dominant inherited diseases, namely, rippling muscle disease (RMD), limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 1C (LGMD1C), distal myopathy, and hyperCKemia. In this report we show that a previously reported family with RMD has a mutation in the CAV3 gene. Affected individuals had either a characteristic RMD phenotype, a combination of RMD and LGMD1C phenotypes, or a LGMD1C phenotype, but one mutation carrier was asymptomatic at age 86 years. This phenotypic variability associated with mutations in CAV3 has been reported previously but only in a few families. It is important to remember the significant phenotypic variability associated with CAV3 mutations when counseling families with these mutations. These observations also suggest the presence of factors independent of the CAV3 gene locus that modify phenotype. Muscle Nerve 30: 375–378, 2004
Clinical, electrodiagnostic, and sonographic studies in ulnar neuropathy at the elbow
Authors: Beekman Roy , Van Der Plas Jeroen P. L. , Uitdehaag Bernard M. J. , Schellens Ronald L. L. A. , Visser Leo H.
Published: June 2004

The aim of this study was to determine possible correlations between the clinical characteristics, electrophysiological features, and sonographic ulnar‐nerve diameter in patients with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE). We prospectively performed clinical, electrodiagnostic, and sonographic studies in 102 patients having either purely sensory signs (35%) or sensorimotor signs (65%) of UNE. Nerve conduction studies had a sensitivity of 78%, and the addition of sonography increased this to 98%. The diagnostic value of both tests was not different among cases with and without motor deficit. Motor studies with recording from the abductor digiti minimi and first dorsal interosseous muscles were equally sensitive for the detection of conduction block or velocity slowing across the elbow, but the combination yielded more positive cases than when only one study was performed. There were modest negative correlations between the electrodiagnostic parameters and the sonographic ulnar‐nerve diameter. Electrodiagnostically and sonographically, there were no significant differences between clinically pure sensory and mixed sensorimotor cases of UNE, except for electrodiagnostic findings suggesting loss of motor axons in cases with motor signs. Almost half the patients with only sensory signs had electromyographic evidence of motor axonal loss. We conclude that, although UNE is clinically heterogeneous, the electrophysiological and sonographic findings are fairly consistent despite the clinical manifestations. Muscle Nerve 30: 202–208, 2004
Modeling and analysis of flexible queueing systems
Authors: Gurumurthi Suri , Benjaafar Saif
Published: June 2004

We consider queueing systems with multiple classes of customers and heterogeneous servers where customers have the flexibility of being processed by more than one server and servers possess the capability of processing more than one customer class. We provide a unified framework for the modeling and analysis of these systems under arbitrary customer and server flexibility and for a rich set of control policies that includes customer/server‐specific priority schemes for server and customer selection. We use our models to generate several insights into the effect of system configuration and control policies. In particular, we examine the relationship between flexibility, control policies and throughput under varying assumptions for system parameters. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2004
Cellular bases of activity‐dependent paralysis in Drosophila stress‐sensitive mutants
Authors: Trotta Nick , Rodesch Chris K. , Fergestad Tim , Broadie Kendal
Published: June 2004

Stress‐sensitive mutants in Drosophila have been shown to exhibit activity‐dependent defects in neurotransmission. Using the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), this study investigates synaptic function more specifically in two stress‐sensitive mutants: stress‐sensitive B (sesB), which encodes a mitochondrial ADP/ATP translocase (ANT); and Atpα2206, a conditional mutant of the Na+/K+ ATPase α‐subunit. Mechanical shock induces a period of brief paralysis in both homozygous and double heterozygous mutants, but further analysis revealed distinct activity‐dependent neurotransmission lesions in each mutant. Basal neurotransmission appeared similar to wild‐type controls in both mutants under low frequency stimulation. High frequency stimulation, however, caused pronounced synaptic fatigue as well as slow and incomplete synaptic recovery in sesB mutants while Atpα2206 mutants displayed an increase (25‐fold) in synaptic failures. Perhaps to compensate for these activity dependent defects, the neuromuscular synapse was found to be overgrown in both mutants. Passive electrotonic stimulation, which initiates synaptic transmission independent of action potentials, ameliorated synaptic failures and resulted in increased neurotransmission amplitude in Atpα2206 mutants. In addition, spontaneous synaptic vesicle fusion rates were increased in Atpα2206 mutants, suggesting that, in the absence of action potential requirements, these synaptic terminals are healthy, if not hyperactive. Dye labeling studies revealed aberrant synaptic vesicle cycling in sesB mutants indicating a reduction of functional synaptic vesicles. We therefore postulate that both stress‐sensitive mutants harbor unique neurotransmission defects: Atpα2206 mutants are unable to maintain ionic gradients required during repetitive action potential propagation, and sesB mutants cannot maintain synaptic vesicle cycling during periods of high demand. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 60:328–347, 2004
Exogenous testosterone prevents motoneuron atrophy induced by contralateral motoneuron depletion
Authors: Fargo Keith N. , Sengelaub Dale R.
Published: June 2004

Gonadal steroids exhibit neuroprotective and neurotherapeutic effects. The lumbar spinal cord of male rats contains a highly androgen‐sensitive population of motoneurons, the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB), whose morphology and function are dependent on testosterone in adulthood. Unilateral SNB motoneuron depletion induces dendritic atrophy in contralateral SNB motoneurons, but this atrophy is reversed in previously castrated males treated with testosterone. In the present experiment we test the hypothesis that the morphology of SNB motoneurons is protected from atrophy after contralateral motoneuron depletion by exogenous testosterone alone (i.e., with no delay between castration and testosterone replacement). We unilaterally depleted SNB motoneurons by intramuscular injection of cholera toxin conjugated saporin. Simultaneously, some saporin‐injected rats were castrated and immediately given replacement testosterone. Four weeks later, contralateral SNB motoneurons were labeled with cholera toxin conjugated HRP, soma sizes were measured, and dendritic arbors were reconstructed. Contralateral SNB motoneuron depletion induced somal atrophy and dendritic retraction, but testosterone treatment prevented both of these effects. Thus, the presence of high‐normal levels of testosterone prevents motoneuron atrophy induced by contralateral motoneuron depletion. These data support a therapeutic role for testosterone in preventing atrophy induced by motoneuron injury. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 60:348–359, 2004
Leech filamin and Tractin: Markers for muscle development and nerve formation
Authors: Venkitaramani Deepa V. , Wang Dong , Ji Yun , Xu Ying‐Zhi , Ponguta Liliana , Bock Katie , Zipser Birgit , Jellies John , Johansen Kristen M. , Johansen Jørgen
Published: June 2004

The Lan3‐14 and Laz10‐1 monoclonal antibodies recognize a 400 kDa antigen that is specifically expressed by all muscle cells in leech. We show that the antigen recognized by both antibodies is a member of the filamin family of actin binding proteins. Leech filamin has two calponin homology domains and 35 filamin/ABP‐repeat domains. In addition, we used the Laz10‐1 antibody to characterize the development of the segmentally iterated dorsoventral flattener muscles. We demonstrate that the dorsoventral flattener muscle develops as three discrete bundles of myofibers and that CNS axons pioneering the DP nerve extend only along the middle bundle. Interestingly, the middle dorsoventral muscle anlage is associated with only non‐neuronal expression of the L1‐family cell adhesion molecule Tractin. This expression is transient and occurs at the precise developmental stages when DP nerve formation takes place. Based on these findings we propose that the middle dorsoventral muscle anlagen provides a substrate for early axonal outgrowth and nerve formation and that this function may be associated with differential expression of distinct cell adhesion molecules. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 60: 369–380, 2004
Bilateral song production in domestic canaries
Authors: Suthers Roderick A. , Vallet Eric , Tanvez Aurélie , Kreutzer Michel
Published: June 2004

We studied the mechanism of song production in the outbred common or domestic canary (Serinus canaria). The contribution that each side of the syrinx makes to song was investigated by observing the effect of unilaterally occluding the left or right primary bronchus, followed by section of the ipsilateral branch of the tracheosyringeal nerve. In other birds with a bilaterally intact vocal system we monitored airflow through each side of the syrinx, together with subsyringeal pressure, during spontaneous song. Song production by domestic canaries is not strongly lateralized as it is in the conspecific song‐bred waterslager strain. Some syllables are produced entirely on the left or right side of the syrinx, whereas others contain sequential contributions from each side. Low fundamental frequencies are produced with the left syrinx and high frequencies by the right syrinx, increasing the frequency range of domestic canary song compared to that of the waterslager strain. Midrange frequencies can be generated by either side. Syllables at repetition rates below about 25 s−1were accompanied by minibreaths, which were usually bilateral. Unilateral minibreaths were typically on the left side. At higher syllable repetition rates, minibreaths were replaced by a respiratory pattern of pulsatile expiration. Our data show that strong unilateral dominance in song production, present in the waterslager strain, is not a trait of the species as a whole and that the pattern of song lateralization can be altered by selective breeding for particular song characteristics. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 60: 381–393, 2004
Possible linkage between specific histological structures and aberrant reactivation of the Wnt pathway in adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma
Authors: Kato Keisuke , Nakatani Yukio , Kanno Hiroshi , Inayama Yoshiyuki , Ijiri Rieko , Nagahara Noriyuki , Miyake Tetsumi , Tanaka Mio , Ito Yumi , Aida Noriko , Tachibana Katsuhiko , Sekido Ken‐ichi , Tanaka Yukichi
Published: June 2004

This study concerns the significance of nuclear/cytoplasmic expression of beta‐catenin and mutation of the beta‐catenin gene in craniopharyngiomas. Fourteen adamantinomatous type and one squamous papillary type craniopharyngiomas were studied. Histologically, 13 of 14 adamantinomatous type craniopharyngiomas showed typical features, ie mixtures of ‘palisading cells’, ‘stellate cells’, and ‘ghost cells’. In addition, ‘whorl‐like arrays’ of epithelial cells were frequently observed in the areas of stellate cells. On immunohistochemistry, all typical adamantinomatous type craniopharyngiomas showed nuclear/cytoplasmic expression of beta‐catenin predominantly in cohesive cells within the whorl‐like arrays and in cells transitional towards ghost cells, where immunoreactivity for Ki‐67 was almost absent. The cohesive cells in the whorl‐like arrays also demonstrated loss of cytokeratin isoform expression. Using direct sequencing of amplified nucleic acids, nine of the 13 typical adamantinomatous type craniopharyngiomas with nuclear beta‐catenin accumulation showed heterozygous one‐base substitution mutation of the beta‐catenin gene. The other unusual adamantinomatous type and squamous papillary type craniopharyngiomas showed no obvious nuclear/cytoplasmic beta‐catenin immunoreactivity and no mutation of the beta‐catenin gene, suggesting molecular heterogeneity. These findings suggest that the pathogenesis of typical adamantinomatous type craniopharyngioma is associated with abnormalities of Wnt signalling that act as a morphogenetic signal towards whorl‐like arrays and ghost cells rather than as simple proliferation stimuli. Copyright © 2004 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression of E2F‐4 in invasive breast carcinomas is associated with poor prognosis
Authors: Rakha Emad A , Pinder Sarah E , Paish E Claire , Robertson John F , Ellis Ian O
Published: June 2004

The E2F family of transcription factors plays a key role in the control of cellular proliferation and apoptosis. Some family members act as oncogenes and others act as tumour suppressor genes (TSGs), behaviour which appears to be tissue‐specific. E2F‐4 is a member of the E2F family, located at chromosome band 16q22.1, that shows frequent deletion in breast cancer, suggesting that it may function as a TSG in breast carcinogenesis. In the present study, the expression of E2F‐4 was assessed immunohistochemically on paraffin wax sections from 265 breast carcinomas and expression was compared with both clinicopathological variables and disease outcome in an attempt to identify its possible role as a TSG and to assess its prognostic value, if any, in breast cancer. E2F‐4 protein expression was detected in the nuclei and in the cytoplasm of normal and malignant breast epithelial cells. In the malignant tissues, no significant loss or decrease of expression was seen in association with any specific tumour type. There was a correlation between increased nuclear expression of E2F‐4 and indicators of poor prognosis including larger tumour size (p = 0.000), grade 3 lesions (p = 0.033), lymph node stage (p = 0.037), and poorer Nottingham prognostic index group (p = 0.003). Increased immunoreactivity was also seen in association with the development of recurrent disease (p = 0.004), distant metastasis (p = 0.001), and poorer outcome including poorer overall survival time (p = 0.002) and shorter disease‐free interval (p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, E2F‐4 was of independent prognostic significance along with grade and lymph node stage. These results suggest that E2F‐4 may play a role in breast cancer progression and that increased nuclear expression is associated with more advanced tumours with poor outcomes. E2F‐4 appears to have an oncogenic role rather than a tumour suppressor role in breast carcinogenesis and, hence, it is not the gene targeted by 16q22.1 loss in breast carcinoma. Copyright © 2004 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gastrokine 1 is abundantly and specifically expressed in superficial gastric epithelium, down‐regulated in gastric carcinoma, and shows high evolutionary conservation
Authors: Oien Karin A , McGregor Fiona , Butler Sharlene , Ferrier Rod K , Downie Ian , Bryce Steven , Burns Sharon , Keith W Nicol
Published: June 2004

Through previous large‐scale gene expression profiling we identified a transcript that was abundant in normal stomach and down‐regulated in gastric cancer. Genes expressed at similar levels included gastrin, MUC5 and pS2, which are important in gastric function. We aimed to characterise this candidate, gastrokine 1 (GKN1), at mRNA, DNA, protein and tissue levels. The gene was studied in human, mouse, rat and cow, and was highly conserved across these species. The mRNA transcripts averaged 750 bp in length. The human, mouse and rat genes all contained six exons spanning 6 kb, and were located on chromosomes 2, 6 and 4 respectively. The full‐length translation products were 183–185 amino acids long, reducing to the mature protein of 18 kDa following signal peptide cleavage; these predictions were confirmed by Western blotting. Tagged gastrokine 1 yielded granular cytoplasmic staining with perinuclear accentuation, representing the Golgi apparatus, in keeping with secretion or expression on the extracellular surface. Gene expression in tissues was profiled extensively by Northern blotting, in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry. Gastrokine 1 was highly expressed in normal stomach, where it was located in the superficial/foveolar gastric epithelium, but was absent from gastric carcinomas. Outwith the stomach, gastrokine 1 was found only in epithelia showing gastric metaplasia eg Barrett's oesophagus, the ulcer‐associated cell lineage and ovarian mucinous neoplasms. In conclusion, we have characterised gastrokine 1, previously known as CA11, AMP‐18 or foveolin. Its abundance in, and specificity for, native or metaplastic gastric epithelium, down‐regulation in gastric carcinoma and evolutionary conservation suggest that this gene is physiologically important in the stomach. The function of gastrokine 1 is unknown but a role in mucosal protection is postulated. Copyright © 2004 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PCB research results derive from a false belief system: You've come the wrong way, baby!
Authors: Cicchetti Domenic V. , Kaufman Alan S. , Sparrow Sara S.
Published: June 2004

In this paper we address the points raised by groups of scientists who were invited to respond to our initial critique of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) research in this special issue. In that article, we applied six objective criteria to more than two decades of published PCB research and concluded that much of the research was badly flawed. The PCB researchers responded to our criticisms by stating that our criteria are either irrelevant or require major revision to be applicable to health areas of research. In response, we know of no methodologic criteria or laws of probability that apply solely to toxicology research. Although we support strong environmental regulations, such should be based upon solid scientific evidence rather than upon methodologically flawed research and false belief systems. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 41: 715–723, 2004.
Prospective studies of exposure to an environmental contaminant: The challenge of hypothesis testing in a multivariate correlational context
Authors: Jacobson Joseph L. , Jacobson Sandra W.
Published: June 2004

In this paper, we respond to the criticisms and concerns raised by D.V. Cicchetti, A.S. Kaufman, & S.S. Sparrow (this issue) in their review of the PCB literature, with particular attention to our own research in Michigan. We agree that multiple comparisons and functional significance are issues that would benefit from more discussion. However, because the effects associated with exposure to environmental contaminants are generally subtle, the risk of Type II error would be unacceptably high if researchers were to adopt the authors' recommendation to use a Bonferroni correction. We describe the hierarchical approach we have used to deal with the issue of multiple comparisons, which emphasizes the need to base interpretation on consistent patterns in the data and on replicated findings. The issue of confounding is one that has received considerable attention in the PCB studies and, given that one can never measure every possible confounder, the range of control variables that have been evaluated is impressive. We disagree with the authors' assertion that only standardized test scores are sufficiently reliable for use in these studies; behavioral teratogens often involve subtle effects, which can be identified most effectively by innovative, narrow‐band tests that have not yet been normed. Moreover, longitudinal statistical analysis is not necessarily the method of choice for the issues being addressed in this literature. One important new development that Cicchetti et al. fail to note is the emergence of evidence from both the Michigan and Dutch cohorts indicating that breast‐fed children are markedly less vulnerable. It is not yet clear to what degree this protective effect is attributable to nutrients in breast milk or to more optimal intellectual stimulation by nursing mothers, or both. However, the discovery of effect modifiers that can explain individual differences in vulnerability marks an important advance in our growing understanding of the teratogenic effects of exposure to environmental contaminants on child development. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 41: 625–637, 2004.
Strong opinions are no substitute for balanced arguments: Comments on Cicchetti, Kaufman, and Sparrow's critical appraisal of PCB cohort studies
Authors: Winneke Gerhard , Walkowiak Jens , Krämer Ursula
Published: June 2004

This paper comments on a critical review of cohort studies on PCB‐related neurodevelopmental deficit in young children by D.V. Cicchetti, A.S. Kaufman, and S.S. Sparrow (CKS). Major points of criticism of CKS, namely alleged violation of statistical principles, presumed lack of clinical significance of findings, and alleged insufficient control of confounding are dealt with in appropriate detail. It is argued that much of this criticism is inappropriate and biased, and that, in particular, arguments dealing with basic rules of statistical inference rely too heavily on the narrow principles of Neyman‐Pearson testing which are discussed controversially in modern epidemiology. Other critical arguments concerning the presumed lack of validity of assessment instruments, the apparent lack of reliability checks in some studies, and the presumed inappropriate treatment of longitudinal data are also discussed as being poorly founded. It is finally concluded that, although there are inconsistencies and weaknesses both within and between individual PCB‐studies, the almost unconditional rejection of the full set of cohort studies by CKS is in no way supported by good reasoning. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 41: 655–663, 2004.
Reply to Cicchetti, Kaufman, and Sparrow
Authors: Weisglas‐Kuperus Nynke , Vreugdenhil Hestien J. I. , Mulder Paul G. H.
Published: June 2004

The aim of the review of D.V. Cicchetti, A.S. Kaufman, and S.S. Sparrow (funded by the General Electric Company; this issue) is “to evaluate [the] literature relating the effects of prenatal and postnatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) upon neurobehavioral, health‐related, and cognitive deficits in neonates, developing infants, children, and adults” (p. 589) on the basis of data derived from seven cohorts. One of these cohorts is the Dutch PCB/dioxin study. The paper of Cicchetti et al. presents a long, winding exercise in criticizing aspects of the design of the seven studies. Here we will give a comment on their review, as far as it concerns our own work. We applied the six fundamental sets of scientific criteria as proposed by Cichetti et al. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 41: 665–668, 2004.
Much ado about something: The weight of evidence for PCB effects on neuropsychological function
Authors: Schantz Susan L. , Gardiner Joseph C. , Gasior Donna M. , McCaffrey Robert J. , Sweeney Anne M. , Humphrey Harold E.B.
Published: June 2004

D.V. Cicchetti, A.S. Kaufman, and S.S. Sparrow (this issue) use six criteria to evaluate the published findings from seven different studies of PCB exposure and neuropsychological function. They point out a number of weaknesses or flaws in each study and conclude that these weaknesses make the overall conclusion that PCB exposure negatively impacts neuropsychological function untenable. While we agree that all of the studies have weaknesses, we take issue with some of the specific criticisms Cicchetti and colleagues make including their comments on exposure assessment, statistical control of multiple comparisons, validity of test instruments and clinical relevance of the findings. We argue that—despite the weaknesses of each individual study—the consistency of effects across studies is remarkable, and we conclude that the weight of evidence for a negative association between PCB exposure and intellectual function in childhood is very strong. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 41: 669–679, 2004.
Use of surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization ‐time of flight to explore bacterial proteomes
Authors: Barzaghi Dagania , Isbister Jenefir D. , Lauer Kimberly P. , Born Timothy L.
Published: June 2004

Surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization (SELDI)‐time of flight is a recent technology that allows proteomic analysis with limited material requirements. This characteristic makes it a valuable technique for microbiologists handling problematic samples, such as low cell number cultures. We compared three simple procedures for protein extraction from bacteria for compatibility with the ProteinChip Array; we also determined the amount of protein required for each analysis. The protocol for the SELDI analysis was evaluated by generating protein expression profiles of a Streptococcus pneumoniae strain grown in different conditions and those of different strains of the same species. The protocol also was successfully applied to a wide range of Gram positive and negative bacteria. The results of this study suggest the appropriateness of this technology for microorganism protein profiling as complementary or alternative to two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis.
Studies of the polymerization of diallyl compounds. XI. Polymerization of styrene in the presence of diallyl compounds
Authors: Matsumoto Akira , Oiwa Masayoshi
Published: June 2004

Radical polymerization of styrene in the presence of various diallyl compounds was carried out at 60°C, with the use of 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator. The chain transfer constant Cs of the styryl radical to diallyl compounds was determined graphically by solving the Mayo equation. The Cs values of diallyl esters are quite small compared to those of diallyl acetals. The polymerization mechanism of styrene in the presence of diallyl compounds was also discussed in connection with the results obtained previously.