bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular determinants of cysteine string protein modulation of N-type calcium channels
Authors: Miller Linda C. , Swayne Leigh Anne , Kay Jason G. , Feng Zhong-Ping , Jarvis Scott E. , Zamponi Gerald W. , Braun Janice E. A.
Published: June 2003

Cysteine string proteins (CSPs) are secretory vesicle chaperones that are important for neurotransmitter release. We have previously reported an interaction of CSP with both heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins (G proteins)and N-type calcium channels that results in a tonic G protein inhibition of the channels. In this report we directly demonstrate that two separate regions of CSP associate with G proteins. The N-terminal binding site of CSP, which includes the J domain, binds Gα subunits but not Gαβ subunits whereas the C terminal binding site of CSP associates with either free Gαβ subunits or Gαβ in complex with Gα. The interaction of either binding site of CSP (CSP1-82 or CSP83-198) with G proteins elicits robust tonic inhibition of N-type calcium channel activity. However, CSP1-82 inhibition and CSP83-198 inhibition of calcium channels occur through distinct mechanisms. Calcium channel inhibition by CSP83-198 (but not CSP1-82) is completely blocked by co-expression of the synaptic protein interaction site (synprint) of the N-type channel,indicating that CSP83-198 inhibition is dependent on a physical interaction with the calcium channel. These results suggest that distinct binding sites of CSP can play a role in modulating G protein function and G protein inhibition of calcium channels.
Effect of pathogenic mis-sense mutations in lamin A on its interaction with emerin in vivo
Authors: Holt Ian , Östlund Cecilia , Stewart Colin L. , Man Nguyen thi , Worman Howard J. , Morris Glenn E.
Published: June 2003

Mutations in lamin A/C can cause Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD)or a related cardiomyopathy (CMD1A). Using transfection of lamin-A/C-deficient fibroblasts, we have studied the effects of nine pathogenic mutations on the ability of lamin A to assemble normally and to localize emerin normally at the nuclear rim.

Five mutations in the rod domain (L85R, N195K, E358K, M371K and R386K)affected the assembly of the lamina. With the exception of mutant L85R, all rod domain mutants induced the formation of large nucleoplasmic foci in about 10% of all nuclei. The presence of emerin in these foci suggests that the interaction of lamin A with emerin is not directly affected by the rod domain mutations. Three mutations in the tail region, R453W, W520S and R527P, might directly affect emerin binding by disrupting the structure of the putative emerin-binding site, because mutant lamin A localized normally to the nuclear rim but its ability to trap emerin was impaired. Nucleoplasmic foci rarely formed in these three cases (<2%) but, when they did so, emerin was absent,consistent with a direct effect of the mutations on emerin binding. The lipodystrophy mutation R482Q, which causes a different phenotype and is believed to act through an emerin-independent mechanism, was indistinguishable from wild-type in its localization and its ability to trap emerin at the nuclear rim.

The novel hypothesis suggested by the data is that EDMD/CMD1A mutations in the tail domain of lamin A/C work by direct impairment of emerin interaction,whereas mutations in the rod region cause defective lamina assembly that might or might not impair emerin capture at the nuclear rim. Subtle effects on the function of the lamina-emerin complex in EDMD/CMD1A patients might be responsible for the skeletal and/or cardiac muscle phenotype.
The intracellular domain of teneurin-2 has a nuclear function and represses zic-1-mediated transcription
Authors: Bagutti Claudia , Forro Gaby , Ferralli Jacqueline , Rubin Beatrix , Chiquet-Ehrismann Ruth
Published: June 2003

Teneurin-2, a vertebrate homologue of the Drosophila pair-rule gene ten-m/odz, is revealed to be a membrane-bound transcription regulator. In the nucleus, the intracellular domain of teneurin-2 colocalizes with promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein in nuclear bodies implicated in transcription control. Since Drosophila ten-m acts epistatically to another pair-rule gene opa, we investigated whether gene regulation by the mammalian opa homologue zic-1 was influenced by the intracellular domain of teneurin-2. We found that zic-mediated transcription from the apolipoprotein E promoter was inhibited. Release of the intracellular domain of teneurin-2 could be stimulated by homophilic interaction of the extracellular domain, and the intracellular domain was stabilized by proteasome inhibitors. We have previously shown that teneurin-2 is expressed by neurons belonging to the same functional circuit. Therefore, we hypothesize that homophilic interaction enables neurons to identify their targets and that the release of the intracellular domain of teneurin-2 provides them with a signal to switch their gene expression program from growth towards differentiation once the proper contact has been made.
Development of a model and simulation of a water hydraulic manipulator joint
Authors: Dobson A , Roskilly A P , Jones E
Published: June 2003

Increasingly, governments are passing stringent laws on the use of environmentally damaging substances, and the success of alternative fluids has been short lived as the limitations of each has become evident which will ultimately result in their redundancy. History has shown that water is a more than viable fluid for use in hydraulic machinery, taking the place of oil and competing favourably with other power media. This paper details the development of a MATLAB-based computer simulation of the dynamic operation of a water hydraulic actuation system used in the development of a reduced rule self-organizing fuzzy logic control system.
Common generic block: Mass customization for shipbuilding
Authors: Storch R L , Sukapanpotharam S
Published: June 2003

Productive shipbuilders provide customized or made-to-order products to customers. To date, most of these ‘world class’ companies have succeeded by developing a series of repeatable type blocks which may be chosen and combined to form products that respond to customer needs. Type blocks have been developed as a result of long experience in customizing ships to specific needs while maintaining a repeatable build strategy. These are therefore empirically based. This paper reports on the early stages of work to develop a theory and methodology for developing type blocks for shipyards that do not currently have them in place and/or lack the historical base from which to extract common blocks. The concept of the common generic block (CGB) builds these using the principles of mass customization, a block complexity matrix, grouping using clustering techniques based on production attributes and applying a threshold value as a stopping criterion for the clustering.
The effect of local bending stiffness on the wrinkling of sandwich panels
Authors: Fagerberg L
Published: June 2003

The use of the face sheet elastic modulus versus the face sheet local bending stiffness while designing against wrinkling is discussed in this paper. It shows that there are several ways to improve the critical wrinkling load of a sandwich panel without replacing the core. It is often possible to increase the wrinkling load by as much as 25 per cent without virtually any increase in weight or cost of the sandwich. This is achieved by improving the local bending stiffness of the sandwich face sheet by either optimizing the stacking sequence, lowering the fibre volume fraction or adding some extra layers of a cheap fibre material to the sandwich face, creating a minisandwich within the face sheet. Experiments are performed that clearly show the potential for increasing the critical wrinkling load by means of altering the face sheet.
Low-temperature NMR and IR Spectra of Photomerocyanine Form of Spirophenanthrooxazine
Authors: Lee Duck-Hyung , Lee Myunghee , Chung Chinkap , Lee Weon-Hee , Lee In-Ja
Published: June 2003

Low-temperature 13C NMR and IR spectra of the metastable photomerocyanine (PMC) of spirophenanthrooxazine (SPO) show that PMC is in quinoidal structure. Especially, 13C NMR study directly evidences the formation of two quinoidal PMCs in CD2Cl2 upon UV irradiation. The quantum chemical study of SPO shows that among open forms TTC and CTC are more stable than TTT and CTT because of the formation of the intramolecular hydrogen bond.
Convenient One-pot Synthesis of Functional Alkenyl Pendant-containing Silylene-divinylene Polymers
Authors: Rao Tumula Venkateshwar , Yamashita Hiroshi , Uchimaru Yuko , Asai Michihiko , Takeuchi Kazuhiko
Published: June 2003

Successive treatment of PhSiH3 with 1,4- or 1,3-diethynylbenzene (1 equiv.) and functional alkynes (1.05 equiv.) in the presence of Pd2(dba)3-PCy3 (dba = dibenzylideneacetone, Cy = cyclohexyl) catalyst gave new functional alkenyl pendant-containing silylene-divinylene polymers.
The First Enantioselective Hetero Diels–Alder Reaction of Nitroso Compound Utilizing Tartaric Acid Ester as a Chiral Auxiliary
Authors: Ding Xia , Ukaji Yutaka , Fujinami Shuhei , Inomata Katsuhiko
Published: June 2003

The first regio- and enantioselective hetero Diels–Alder reaction of nitroso compound with dienol has been realized utilizing tartaric acid ester as a chiral auxiliary and the corresponding cycloadduct was obtained in complete regioselectivity with excellent enantioselectivity up to 92% ee.
Enantioselective Addition of 2-(Trimethylsilyloxy)furan to Aldehydes Using Cr(salen) as Catalyst. Effect of Water on Enantioselectivity
Authors: Matsuoka Yuko , Irie Ryo , Katsuki Tsutomu
Published: June 2003

Cationic (R,R)-Cr(salen) complex 2 was found to catalyze enantioselective addition of 2-(trimethylsilyloxy)furan to aldehydes to give 5-substituted butenolides, though diastereoselectivity was only modest. The presence of a small amount of water is essential for achieving high enantioselectivity.
Synthesis of Nanosized A-type Zeolites from Sodium Silicates and Sodium Aluminates in the Presence of a Crystallization Inhibitor
Authors: Hosokawa Hiroji , Oki Kazuo
Published: June 2003

Nanosized A-type zeolites (primary particle size: 30–40 nm), which exhibit higher cationic exchange rate than commercially available A-type zeolites (primary particle size: 2 μm), have been synthesized from sodium silicates and sodium aluminates by using a crystallization inhibitor such as a nonionic surfactant and polyethylene glycol.
Crystal Engineering of 3D Porous Coordination Polymers through Hydrogen Bonding to Coordination from 1D Helical Chains
Authors: Zhu Long-Guan , Kitagawa Susumu , Seki Kenji
Published: June 2003

The combination of salicylic acid and 4-aminopyridine leads to a 3D hydrogen bonding network while the replacement of 4-aminopyridine with 4,4′-bipyridine yields the same topological net with big channels via coordination.
Synthesis and Structure of a New 3D Porous Cu(II)–Benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate Coordination Polymer, [Cu2(OH)(BTC)(H2O)]n·2nH2O
Authors: Chen Jinxi , Yu Ting , Chen Zhenxia , Xiao Huiping , Zhou Guoqiang , Weng Linhong , Tu Bo , Zhao Dongyuan
Published: June 2003

The reaction of Cu(NO3)2·3H2O with benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (H3BTC) and H2O under hydrothermal conditions affords a new three-dimensional porous coordination polymer, [Cu2(OH)(BTC)(H2O)]n·2nH2O, which contains 5 × 7 Å dimension lozenge shaped 1D open channels along the crystallographic a axis.
Association between ACE Inhibitors and Acute Pancreatitis in the Elderly
Authors: Cheng Roger MS , Mamdani Muhammad , Jackevicius Cynthia A , Tu Karen
Published: June 2003

BACKGROUND:

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor–induced acute pancreatitis has been described in various case reports and drug surveillance databases. At present, no epidemiologic studies examining the potential association between ACE inhibitors and acute pancreatitis have been identified.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether there is an association between ACE inhibitor use and pancreatic events (acute pancreatitis, pancreatic surgery).

METHODS:

A retrospective cohort of Ontario residents aged ≥66 years was created using population-based administrative databases from January 1, 1994, through March 31, 2000. We compared the incidence of pancreatic events among new users of ACE inhibitors (study group), warfarin (null baseline group), and dihydropyridine calcium-channel antagonists (DCCAs; disease control group) using multivariate Cox proportional hazard models.

OUTCOME MEASURES:

The primary outcome measure was hospitalization with acute pancreatitis; the secondary outcome measure was incidence of pancreatic surgery.

RESULTS:

For acute pancreatitis, the crude incidence rates per 10 000 person-years were 9.0 for the ACE inhibitor group (n = 174 824); 7.1 for the DCCA group (n = 73 719), and 7.6 for the warfarin group (n = 40 057). Relative to warfarin users, neither ACE inhibitor users (adjusted rate ratio [aRR] = 1.35; 95% CI 0.94 to 1.93) nor DCCA users (aRR = 1.09; 95% CI 0.72 to 1.62) were at significantly higher risk of hospitalization for acute pancreatitis. For pancreatic surgery in the same population, the crude incidence rates per 10 000 person-years were 10.5 for the ACE inhibitor group, 10.6 for the DCCA group, and 10.7 for the warfarin group. Relative to subjects taking warfarin, neither ACE inhibitor users (aRR = 1.09; 95% CI 0.80 to 4.49) nor DCCA users (aRR = 1.11; 95% CI 0.79 to 1.56) were at significantly higher risk for pancreatic surgery.

CONCLUSIONS:

The use of ACE inhibitors does not appear to be associated with significant risk of acute pancreatitis among the elderly.
Hospital Guidelines for Use of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Authors: Nutescu Edith A , Lewis Richard K , Finley Jamie M , Schumock Glen T
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the development of guidelines for initial use of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) and other anticoagulants in acute-care hospitals that are part of a national group purchasing organization (GPO).

DATA SOURCES:

A systematic literature search (1970–December 2001) was conducted to identify evidence on the efficacy of various anticoagulants for initial therapy in deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and in treatment of acute coronary syndrome. A group consensus method was then used to develop guidelines. Guidelines were reviewed and revised by an internal expert panel as well as an external expert panel. Final guidelines were disseminated to GPO members and assistance was provided with implementation at the local level.

RESULTS:

The final set of guidelines is described. The guidelines are organized based on recommended therapeutic options for each indication. For each option, consensus opinion is provided on the level of evidence that exists in the literature, comparisons of cost and convenience, and additional dosing information. The guidelines were disseminated along with supporting material to interested GPO member hospitals, and teleconferences were held to facilitate implementation at the local level. The guidelines were initially implemented at 18 hospitals across the country.

CONCLUSIONS:

The process by which these guidelines were developed, plus the final set of guidelines, may be useful to hospitals and healthcare systems contemplating or engaged in a similar effort with this class of drugs.
Potential Nontraditional Applications of Statins
Authors: McKenney James M
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE:

To review the current evidence for use of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) in nontraditional lipid-related applications, including acute coronary syndromes, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, and renal disease, and to describe ongoing trials evaluating the role of statins in these conditions.

DATA SOURCES:

Clinical literature was identified by a MEDLINE search (1990–November 2002) using ≥1 of the following search terms: acute coronary syndrome(s), angina pectoris, atherosclerosis, atorvastatin, clinical trials, diabetes mellitus, end-stage renal disease, fluvastatin, lovastatin, myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease, pravastatin, simvastatin, statins, and stroke. Treatment guidelines issued by professional and governmental organizations, such as the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, National Cholesterol Education Program, National Kidney Foundation, and National Stroke Foundation, were reviewed.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:

Articles identified from the data sources were included if they pertained to the conditions described in the objectives and provided unique information concerning use of statins.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Substantial evidence exists for the use of statins in acute coronary syndromes. Meta-analyses of data from major clinical trials indicate that statins prevent first and recurrent stroke, and large-scale trials are underway to evaluate the efficacy of statins in this setting. Accumulating evidence suggests that statins may be beneficial in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with peripheral arterial disease and end-stage renal disease, and results from ongoing trials may confirm these benefits. Statins may also have a future role in amelioration of other conditions associated with atherosclerosis, such as diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSIONS:

A large body of evidence supports the evaluation of statins in clinical settings beyond primary and secondary prevention of morbidity and mortality associated with coronary atherosclerosis.
Effect of Practitioner Education on Adherence to Asthma Treatment Guidelines
Authors: Coleman Craig I , Reddy Prabashni , Laster-Bradley N Michelle , Dorval Sheila , Munagala Bharathi , White C Michael
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether a letter-based intervention program submitted to prescribers and pharmacists would improve drug therapy in users of high-dose β2-agonists (HDBs). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective drug utilization review.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

The intervention group consisted of 135 asthmatic patients (identified through ICD-9-CM codes) in the Connecticut Medicaid Program who submitted >1 claim per month for short-acting β2-agonists (over a 6-mo period). Patient-specific intervention packets were mailed to the patients' prescribers and pharmacists, and their use of long-term control agents and healthcare utilization was evaluated over 6 months. These variables were compared with a comparison group (n = 510) of asthmatics drawn from the same Medicaid program who were not considered to be high-dose users of short-acting β2-agonists at baseline.

RESULTS:

Prior to the intervention, the intervention group used fewer long-term asthma control agents as compared with the comparison group (58% vs. 96%; p < 0.001); there was no significant difference after the intervention program (65% vs. 71%; p = 0.169). The acquisition of spacers was greater in the intervention group than in the control group after the intervention (7% vs. 2%; p = 0.007). At the end of the 6-month intervention period, 46% of patients in the intervention group were no longer HDB users (p < 0.001). The higher frequency of prescriber office visits in the intervention group than the comparison group before the intervention (0.46 ± 0.82 vs. 0.25 ± 0.66; p < 0.001) was not evident after the intervention program (0.24 ± 0.63 vs. 0.18 ± 0.60; p = 0.283).

CONCLUSIONS:

This intervention program had modest impact on improving the use of long-term control agents and reducing prescriber office visits.
Levofloxacin-Induced Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: Oh Young R , Carr-Lopez Sian M , Probasco James M , Crawley Peter G
Published: June 2003

OBJECTIVE:

To report a case of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) secondary to levofloxacin.

CASE SUMMARY:

An 82-year-old white man was treated with levofloxacin 500 mg/d for cellulitis. Three days following completion of levofloxacin therapy, the patient presented to the emergency department with severe jaundice, dizziness, and loss of vision. He received packed red blood cells (PRBCs) and was discharged home. Two days later at the follow-up visit, he was diagnosed with AIHA secondary to levofloxacin. The patient was hospitalized and treated with a tapering dose of prednisone and additional PRBC infusion. He was discharged from the hospital in stable condition after 3 days. Repeated hematologic laboratory studies following discharge demonstrated that the hemolytic anemia had resolved.

DISCUSSION:

Hemolytic anemia due to levofloxacin is an extremely rare, but potentially fatal, adverse drug event. An objective causality assessment revealed that the adverse reaction was probable. To our knowledge, this is the first published case of levofloxacin-induced AIHA. However, there are published case reports of hemolytic anemia with other fluoroquinolones including ciprofloxacin (n = 12) and temafloxacin (n = 95). Temafloxacin was withdrawn from the market in 1992 due to this adverse effect. The mechanism by which levofloxacin triggers hemolytic anemia is unknown. We believe that an immune-mediated reaction is most likely.

CONCLUSIONS:

Levofloxacin-induced AIHA is a rare but serious complication of therapy. Immediate discontinuation of the offending medication and treatment of the hemolytic anemia are essential. Until more information is available, levofloxacin should not be prescribed for patients with previous reactions to any fluoroquinolone.
Perirhinal and parahippocampal cortices of the macaque monkey: Cytoarchitectonic and chemoarchitectonic organization
Authors: Suzuki Wendy A. , Amaral David G.
Published: June 2003

Findings from recent tract‐tracing studies examining the cortical and subcortical connectivity of the medial temporal lobe showed that the pattern of connections of areas TH and TF of the parahippocampal cortex were consistent with previous boundary demarcations of this region. In contrast, the connections of the perirhinal cortex (areas 35 and 36) indicated that the border of area 36 should be placed several millimeters more lateral than in earlier descriptions in the literature. The connections of this region also suggested that the perirhinal cortex extends rostrodorsally to include the medial portion of what is typically referred to as the temporal pole (areas TG, 38, or Pro). To determine if cyto‐ and chemoarchitectonic characteristics are consistent with the boundary scheme suggested by our tract‐tracing studies, we carried out a detailed analysis of Nissl‐ and SMI‐32‐stained material throughout the perirhinal and parahippocampal cortices of the macaque monkey. The staining patterns seen in both these preparations are in excellent agreement with the boundaries defined by earlier connectional studies. Based on these studies, we recognize areas 35 and area 36 of the perirhinal cortex and area 36 contains five subdivisions. The parahippocampal cortex is composed of areas TH and TF and area TF contains two subdivisions. For both the perirhinal and parahippocampal cortices, we provide descriptions of the cytoarchitectonic and chemoarchitectonic features that are most useful for defining each cortical subdivision, as well as the features most useful for defining the boundaries with adjacent cortical regions. We discuss these findings in the context of the results of previous tract‐tracing studies. J. Comp. Neurol. 463:67–91, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Systemic immune challenge induces preproenkephalin gene transcription in distinct autonomic structures of the rat brain
Authors: Engström Linda , Engblom David , Blomqvist Anders
Published: June 2003

The involvement of enkephalins in the immune response was investigated in rats injected intravenously with interleukin‐1β (2 μg/kg). In situ hybridization with a riboprobe complementary to intron A of the preproenkephalin (ppENK) gene showed distinct transcriptional activation within several brain regions known to be activated by immune stimuli, including the nucleus of the solitary tract, the area postrema, the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, and the oval nucleus of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and dual labeling confirmed that a large proportion of the intron expressing neurons co‐expressed c‐fos mRNA. Rats injected with saline (controls) showed little or no heteronuclear transcript in these structures. The induced signal was strongest after 1 hour but was present in some structures 30 minutes after interleukin‐1β injection. At 3 hours, transcriptional activity returned to basal levels. High basal expression of the heteronuclear transcript that appeared unchanged by the immune stimulus was seen in regions not primarily involved in the immune response, such as the striatum, the olfactory tubercle, and the islands of Calleja and in the immune activated central nucleus of the amygdala. The heteronuclear transcript colocalized with ppENK mRNA, demonstrating that it occurred in enkephalinergic neurons and was not the result of alternative transcription from the ppENK gene in other cells. These results demonstrated that enkephalin transcription is induced in central autonomic neurons during immune challenge, suggesting that enkephalins are involved in the centrally orchestrated response to such stimuli. J. Comp. Neurol. 462:450–461, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Digital watermarks for audio signal based on psychoacoustic masking model
Authors: Nakayama Akira , Lu Jinlin , Nakamura Satoshi , Shikano Kiyohiro
Published: June 2003

This paper describes one digital watermarking method for audio signals using the MPEG psychoacoustic model. It is important that a digital watermark be perceptually inaudible to the human auditory system. One watermark algorithm that takes this into account is the digital watermark algorithm using the MPEG psychoacoustic model proposed by Boney and colleagues. However, this method has several drawbacks such as it is susceptible to MPEG encoding and there is no synchronized detection measure. As a result, several improvements were made to increase the robustness of the digital watermark to MPEG encoding, and information from psychoacoustic tests was also used to introduce successive masking. These improvements enabled a watermark to be implemented that is even robust to MPEG encoding. To ensure robustness to D‐A/A‐D conversions or cropping attacks, a whitened cross‐correlation method (cross‐power spectrum phase) was used to implement synchronized detection. This enabled a watermark that is robust to D‐A/A‐D conversions to be implemented. This watermark was also shown to be robust to attacks such as noise addition, filtering, and downsampling. In addition, this paper shows the results of subjective evaluation experiments, which indicate that there is little quality deterioration due to watermarking. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 86(12): 65–75, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjc.10143
Characterization of the volatile compounds that constitute fresh sweet cream butter aroma
Authors: Peterson D. G. , Reineccius G. A.
Published: June 2003

The objective of this study was to determine which volatile compounds are primarily responsible for the aroma of fresh sweet cream butter. Static headspace analysis with gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC–O) was used to select key odourants and purge and trap–GC–mass spectrometry (MS) for their quantiﬁcation. Twenty odour‐active compounds were detected in the headspace (static) of fresh butter (hydrogen sulphide, acetaldehyde, dimethyl sulphide, 2,3‐butanedione, hexanal, 2‐methylbutanal, 3‐methylbutanal, 1‐hexen‐3‐one, butanoic acid, dimethyl trisulphide, 1‐octen‐3‐one, hexanoic acid, δ‐hexanolactone, nonanal, (Z)‐2‐nonenal, (E)‐2‐nonenal, δ‐octanolactone, skatole, δ‐decanolactone and γ‐dodecanolactone). Aroma recombination studies followed by sensory analysis indicated that our fresh aroma model was signiﬁcantly different from the reference (direct from manufacturing plant) but ranked the same (similarity) as the aroma of a commercial margarine or an unsalted fresh butter. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oils of two populations of Tanzanian Lippia javanica (Burm. f.) Spreng. (Verbenaceae)
Authors: Ngassapa Olipa , Runyoro Deborah K. B. , Harvala Evangelia , Chinou Ioanna B.
Published: June 2003

The chemical composition of essential oils obtained from leaves of two samples of Lippia javanica (Burm. f.) Spreng, collected from the same locality in Tanzania, was analysed by GC and GC–MS. Sixty constituents (91.3%) of one sample and 38 constituents (76.0%) of the other sample were identiﬁed. The main components of the two oils were geranial, neral, limonene, germacrene‐D, camphor, linalool, β‐caryophyllene and myrcene. The two oils were signiﬁcantly different in their chemical composition. This implies that the two L. javanica populations could be two different chemical races. Furthermore, antimicrobial activity of the oils was evaluated against six Gram‐positive or Gram‐negative bacteria and three pathogenic fungi, using the agar dilution technique. It was found that both oils exhibited moderate to strong activities against the bacteria tested, while both were inactive against the fungi tested. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical composition of essential oils of Senecio nutans Sch.‐Bip. (Asteraceae)
Authors: De Feo Vincenzo , Urrunaga Soria Emma , Urrunaga Soria Rosa , Senatore Felice
Published: June 2003

The essential oils from the aerial parts of Senecio nutans Sch.‐Bip., collected in two different localities at 3500 and 4800 m above sea level in the Department of Arequipa, Perù, were obtained by hydrodistillation in 0.16% and 0.18% yields, respectively, related to the fresh weight. The oils were characterized by GC and GC–MS analyses. In the oil from plants at the lower altitude, 21 of 25 components were identiﬁed; the oil from the higher altitude site showed the presence of 46 components, 41 of which were identiﬁed. Monoterpene hydrocarbons predominated in both oils, with sabinene and α‐terpinene as the main constituents. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Composition of fruit volatiles and annual changes in the volatiles of leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. growing in Greece
Authors: Tsiri Dimitroula , Kretsi Ourania , Chinou Ioanna B. , Spyropoulos Caroline G.
Published: June 2003

The chemical components of the essential oils obtained from fruits of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and of those obtained from its leaves during the course of one year, were analysed by GC and GC–MS. From the identiﬁed 52 constituents of the fruit essential oil, representing the 62.0% of the total oil, spathulenol (19.0%), β‐pinene (8.8%) and p‐cymene (4.8%) were found as the main components, while the concentration of 1,8‐cineole, the main leaf constituent, was relatively low (3.8%). The composition of the leaf essential oil varied qualitatively and quantitatively over the course of 1 year. Generally, from the identiﬁed 43 constituents representing the 74.7–94.2%, the main constituent was 1,8‐cineole (25.3–44.2%). Although spathulenol was the second most abundant constituent (highest concentration 19.2%), there were months when its concentration was exceptionally low (0.5%). Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
cDNA array technology in melanoma: An overview
Authors: Baldi Alfonso , Santini Daniele , uca Antonio De L , Paggi Marco G.
Published: June 2003

Genetic aberrations, mostly resulting in changes in gene expression, are critical events in cancer onset and progression. The advent of the cDNA array technology allows the screening and the efficient measurement of expression of thousands genes simultaneously in a wide spectrum of experimental and clinical models. This genomic scale approach is being currently used to obtain global views of human cancer gene expression and to identify genetic markers that might be important for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. This review discusses some recent findings obtained by means of cDNA arrays investigating the human melanoma. J. Cell. Physiol. 196: 219–223, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Sp1 transcription factor does not directly interact with the HIV‐1 Tat protein
Authors: Loregian Arianna , Bortolozzo Katia , Boso Silvia , Sapino Barbara , Betti Monica , Biasolo Maria A. , Caputo Antonella , Palú Giorgio
Published: June 2003

The role of Sp1 in regulating the trans‐activating activity of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) Tat protein has not yet been clearly defined. In fact, studies on the physical and functional interaction between Sp1 and Tat have yielded contradictory results. Here we investigated whether a physical interaction between Sp1 and Tat indeed occurs, exploiting both biochemical and genetic techniques that allow detection of direct protein–protein interactions. Studies performed with the yeast two‐hybrid system indicate that Sp1 does not directly interact with the HIV‐1 Tat protein. Control experiments demonstrated that both proteins are functionally expressed in the yeast cells. In vitro binding assays further confirmed that Sp1 does not physically bind Tat. These data suggest that in vivo Tat and Sp1 most likely take part of a multicomponent complex and thus encourage the search of the molecule(s) which mediate Tat–Sp1 interaction. J. Cell. Physiol. 196: 251–257, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Growth retardation as well as spleen and thymus involution in latent TGF‐β binding protein (Ltbp)‐3 null mice
Authors: Chen Yan , Dabovic Branka , Colarossi Cristina , Santori Fabio R. , Lilic Mirjana , Vukmanovic Stanislav , Rifkin Daniel B.
Published: June 2003

The latent TGF‐β binding protein (LTBP)‐3 is an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein that binds the small latent complex (SLC) of TGF‐β. Disruption of the Ltbp‐3 gene by homologous recombination in mice yields mutant animals that display multiple skeletal abnormalities. In addition, these mice have retarded growth. On an inbred 129 SvEv background, half of the Ltbp‐3 mutant mice die between 3 and 4 weeks after birth. These mice show severe involution of the thymus and spleen and a sharp reduction in the numbers of CD4/CD8 double positive T‐cells in the thymus. The thymus and spleen defect is caused by elevated corticosterone levels in the serum and can be reversed by injection of aminoglutethimide (AMG), an inhibitor of steroid synthesis. This result indicates that the thymus and spleen defect is a secondary defect due to high corticosterone levels probably induced by stress of unknown etiology. J. Cell. Physiol. 196: 319–325, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hyperoxia induces Egr‐1 expression through activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 pathway
Authors: Jones Nicole , Agani Faton H.
Published: June 2003

Early growth response gene (Egr‐1) is a stress response gene activated by various forms of stress and growth factor signaling. We report that supraphysiologic concentrations of O2 (hyperoxia) induced Egr‐1 mRNA and protein expression in cultured alveolar epithelial cells, as well as in mouse lung in vivo. The contribution of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), p38 MAPK and PI3‐kinase pathways to the activation of Egr‐1 in response to hyperoxia was examined. Exposure to hyperoxia resulted in a rapid phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 kinases in mouse alveolar epithelial cells LA4. MEK inhibitor PD98059, but not inhibitors of p38 MAPK or PI3‐kinase pathway, prevented Egr‐1 induction by hyperoxia. The signaling cascade preceding Egr‐1 activation was traced to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. Hyperoxia is used as supplemental therapy in some diseases and typically results in elevated levels of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) in many lung cell types, the organ that receives highest O2 exposure. Our results support a pathway for the hyperoxia response that involves EGF receptor, MEK/ERK pathway, and other unknown signaling components leading to Egr‐1 induction. This forms a foundation for analysis of detailed mechanisms underlying Egr‐1 activation during hyperoxia and understanding its consequences for regulating cell response to oxygen toxicity. J. Cell. Physiol. 196: 326–333, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biphasic effects of 17‐β‐estradiol on expression of occludin and transendothelial resistance and paracellular permeability in human vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Ye Lin , Martin Tracey A. , Parr Christian , Harrison Gregory M. , Mansel Robert E. , Jiang Wen G.
Published: June 2003

Tight junctions govern the paracellular permeability of endothelial and epithelial cells. Aberrations of tight junction function are an early and key event during the vascular spread of cancer and inflammation. This study sought to determine the role of estrogen in the regulation of tight junctions and expression of molecules making tight junctions in endothelial cells. Human endothelial cell, HECV, which express ER‐β but not ER‐α was used. 17‐β‐estradiol induced a concentration‐ and time‐dependent biphasic effect on tight junction. At 10−9 and 10−6 M, it decreased the level of occludin and increased in paracellular permeability of HECV cells, but at 10−12 M it decreased in paracellular permeability and increased the level of occludin. The transendothelial electrical resistance (TER), however, was reduced by 17‐β‐estradiol at lower concentrations (as low as 10−12 M). Furthermore, the time‐dependent biphasic effect was observed over a period of 4 days, with the first reduction of TER seen within 15 min and the second drop occurring 48 h after 17‐β‐estradiol treatment. It was further revealed that protein and mRNA levels of occludin, but not claudin‐1 and ‐5, and ZO‐1, were reduced by 17‐β‐estradiol, in line with changes of TER. This study shows that 17‐β‐estradiol can induce concentration‐ and time‐related biphasic effects on tight junction functions expression of occludin in endothelial cells and that this perturbation of tight junction functions may have implications in the etiology of mastalgia and the vascular spread of breast cancer. J. Cell. Physiol. 196: 362–369, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro fertilization and polyspermy in the pig: Factors affecting fertilization rates and cytoskeletal reorganization of the oocyte
Authors: Suzuki Hiroyuki , Saito Yosuke , Kagawa Noriko , Yang Xiangzhong
Published: June 2003

Polyspermy is a common phenomenon in the pig. Extensive information has become available from in vitro studies on not only the quality of oocytes but also the quality of spermatozoa. However, little information is available on the relative penetration rates of fresh and frozen spermatozoa from the same ejaculate from boars of different breeds. The present results, based on a total of 15 boars of three different breeds, revealed that the inter‐breed variation in fertilization and polyspermic rates is larger than intra‐breed variation. It was also shown that the incidence of polyspermy as well as penetration rate was greatly decreased by freezing and thawing, even if a higher number of sperm was coincubated with cumulus‐free oocytes for a longer period compared to fresh sperm of the same ejaculate. This study focuses on the cytoskeletal organization of the oocyte with respect to the status of cumulus investment, and monospermic and polyspermic fertilization. The status of cumulus cells correlated with the density of transzonal cumulus‐cell processes and with the maturation rate of oocytes and, to some degrees, the incidence of polyspermy. Polyspermic zygotes formed multiple microtubule domains in association with individual male pronuclei (PN), but in a high degree of polyspermy (more than trispermy), the pronuclear apposition did not proceed. The effect of multiple PN of paternal and maternal origin on the cytoskeletal reorganization is also discussed. Microsc. Res. Tech. 61:327–334, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multichannel surface EMG: Basic aspects and clinical utility
Authors: Zwarts Machiel J. , Stegeman Dick F.
Published: June 2003

The generation of the surface electromyogram (sEMG) is described with regard to the properties of the single muscle fiber action potential as source, the physical aspects of volume conduction and recording configuration, and the properties and firing pattern of motor units (MUs). The spatial aspect of the motor unit action potential (MUP) is emphasized in relation to the results of high‐density, multichannel sEMG measurements. The endplate zone, depth, size, and position of MUs can be estimated. The use of muscle fiber conduction velocity measurements in channelopathies and the changes in pathological fatigue are described. Using the unique patterns of spatial spread of MUPs over the skin (MU fingerprint), MU classification and the determination of firing moments is done noninvasively. Clinical applications of high‐density sEMG measurements are reviewed. Emerging possibilities provided by MUP size and fingerprint measurements in neuromuscular disease and motor control are discussed. We conclude that multichannel sEMG adds unique, and sometimes indispensable, spatial information to our knowledge of the motor unit. Muscle Nerve 28: 1–17, 2003
Muscle fiber number in the biceps brachii muscle of young and old men
Authors: Klein Cliff S. , Marsh Greg D. , Petrella Robert J. , Rice Charles L.
Published: June 2003

We have compared the number of muscle fibers in the biceps brachii muscle (BB) of six old men (82.3 ± 4.3 years) and six young men (21.2 ± 1.9 years). Muscle fiber number was estimated by dividing the maximal area of the BB, determined with magnetic resonance imaging, by the mean fiber area of the BB determined in a muscle biopsy. The percentage of type II fibers in the BB (∼60%) and the type I fiber area were not different between the groups. The BB area (−26%), type II fiber area (−24%), mean fiber area (−20%), and maximal voluntary contraction strength (MVC) of the elbow flexor muscles (−27%) were lower in the old than young group. However, the estimated number of muscle fibers was not significantly different between the young (253,000) and old (234,000) men. Consequently, the smaller BB area of the old men could be explained primarily by a smaller type II fiber size. These findings suggest that old age is not associated with a reduced number of muscle fibers in the BB. The relative contribution of a reduction in fiber number to age‐related muscle atrophy may be muscle‐dependent. Muscle Nerve 28: 62–68, 2003
Time and magnitude of torque generation is impaired in both arms following stroke
Authors: McCrea Patrick H. , Eng Janice J. , Hodgson Antony J.
Published: June 2003

Muscle strength, usually measured as the peak torque during maximal contraction, is impaired in persons with stroke. Time‐dependent properties of muscle contraction may also be altered but have not been quantified. We quantified both magnitude (peak torque) and time‐dependent parameters (times to develop and reduce torque) in eight different isometric joint actions. Parameters were compared among the more and less affected arms of 20 persons with chronic stroke and the nondominant arms of 10 similarly aged healthy persons. Torque‐generation parameters were independent from one another (i.e., low correlations) and highly reliable between trials and days. All parameters were impaired in the more affected arm, whereas peak torque and time to develop torque were impaired in the less affected arm. Following stroke, torque‐generation impairments include both magnitude and time‐dependent properties and exist not only in the more affected but also in the less affected arm. Clinicians attempting to improve upper‐extremity function should employ therapeutic exercises that challenge patients to improve both their strength and speed of muscle contraction. Muscle Nerve 28: 46–53, 2003
Extension of the GOOD assay for genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Sauer Sascha , Gut Ivo G.
Published: June 2003

Over the past years several methods using mass spectrometry for high‐throughput genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been developed. Most of these procedures require stringent purification. Only the GOOD assay does not need any sample purification. Here, several new implementations of this assay are presented. The molecular biological procedure of the GOOD assays is based on the principle that the analysis of DNA by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) is strongly dependent on the charge state. A 100‐fold increase in sensitivity can be achieved if the analyzed DNA product is conditioned by a chemical procedure termed ‘charge‐tagging’. The GOOD assay starts with a PCR; allele‐specific DNA molecules are generated by extension of modified primers. These contain up to three phosphorothioates and optionally a quaternary ammonium charged group with ddNTPs or α‐S‐ddNTPs. Then the unmodified part of the primers is digested by phosphodiesterase II and the negative charges of the phosphorothioates are neutralized by an alkylation reaction resulting in charge‐tagged DNA products. Through the use of a novel DNA polymerase for the primer extension, which preferably incorporates ddNTPs over dNTPs, an enzymatic degradation of residual dNTPs from the PCR is not required. Additionally, the unique property of charge‐tag technology is demonstrated to detect specifically on the same sample allele‐specific DNA products carrying a positive charge‐tag in the positive ion mode while products carrying a negative charge‐tag are analyzed in the negative ion mode. We also generated zwitterionic allele‐specific products that were detectable with high sensitivity in positive ion mode. The findings of this study raise interesting questions about the ionization process of nucleic acids in MALDI. The new variations of the GOOD assay were applied to genotype SNPs of a candidate gene for cardiovascular disease. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polycapillary x‐ray optics: manufacturing status, characterization and the future of the technology
Authors: Gao N. , Ponomarev I. Y.
Published: June 2003

The design, manufacturing and characterization of polycapillary x‐ray optics are essential to improve and verify the performance of the optics. Important issues with regard to each of these processes are reviewed and discussed. Specific topics include the optimum design to achieve small focal spot for focusing optics and small beam divergence for collimating optics. Different characterization methods for measuring spot size and beam divergence are compared and discussed. The performance of different types of optics was evaluated and the future development of the technology is reviewed and discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamical control of NH and SH winter/spring total ozone from GOME observations in 1995–2002
Authors: Weber M. , Dhomse S. , Wittrock F. , Richter A. , Sinnhuber B.‐M. , Burrows J. P.
Published: June 2003

The abnormal high wave activity in austral spring 2002 led to the first observation of a major stratospheric warming in the southern hemisphere resulting in a net winter increase of mid‐ to high latitude total ozone until September 2002. In previous years chemical ozone depletion inside the Antarctic vortex was sufficiently high to reduce mean total ozone south of 50° in September to values slightly below that of March (fall) as observed by GOME during the period 1995–2001. This unusual event permits us to examine the interannual variability in total ozone and OClO (the latter being an indicator of the level of chlorine activation inside the polar vortex) as measured by GOME combining data from the southern and northern hemisphere. It is shown that the absolute winter eddy heat flux between 43° and 70° latitudes at 100 hPa correlates extremely well (r = 0.97) with spring‐to‐fall ratio of total ozone polewards of 50° and anti‐correlates with the winter integrated maximum OClO column amounts (r = −0.94) using this combined data set. The unusual ozone ratio for austral winter/spring 2002 lies almost midway between typical values for Antarctica and those for recent cold Arctic winter/spring seasons.