bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstimulation of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Biases Saccade Target Selection
Authors: Opris Ioan , Barborica Andrei , Ferrera Vincent P.
Published: May 2005

A long-standing issue concerning the executive function of the primate dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is how the activity of prefrontal neurons is linked to behavioral response selection. To establish a functional relationship between prefrontal memory fields and saccade target selection, we trained three macaque monkeys to make saccades to the remembered location of a visual cue in a delayed spatial match-to-sample saccade task. We electrically stimulated sites in the prefrontal cortex with subthreshold currents during the delay epoch while monkeys performed this task. Our results show that the artificially injected signal interacts with the neural activity responsible for target selection, biasing saccade choices either towards the receptive/movement field (RF/MF) or away from the RF/MF, depending on the stimulation site. These findings might reflect a functional link between prefrontal signals responsible for the selection bias by modulating the balance between excitation and inhibition in the competitive interactions underlying behavioral selection.
Subliminal Convergence of Kanji and Kana Words: Further Evidence for Functional Parcellation of the Posterior Temporal Cortex in Visual Word Perception
Authors: Nakamura Kimihiro , Dehaene Stanislas , Jobert Antoinette , Bihan Denis Le , Kouider Sid
Published: May 2005

Recent evidence has suggested that the human occipito-temporal region comprises several subregions, each sensitive to a distinct processing level of visual words. To further explore the functional architecture of visual word recognition, we employed a subliminal priming method with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during semantic judgments of words presented in two different Japanese scripts, Kanji and Kana. Each target word was preceded by a subliminal presentation of either the same or a different word, and in the same or a different script. Behaviorally, word repetition produced significant priming regardless of whether the words were presented in the same or different script. At the neural level, this cross-script priming was associated with repetition suppression in the left inferior temporal cortex anterior and dorsal to the visual word form area hypothesized for alphabetical writing systems, suggesting that cross-script convergence occurred at a semantic level. fMRI also evidenced a shared visual occipito-temporal activation for words in the two scripts, with slightly more mesial and right-predominant activation for Kanji and with greater occipital activation for Kana. These results thus allow us to separate script-specific and script-independent regions in the posterior temporal lobe, while demonstrating that both can be activated subliminally.
Unconscious Detection of Implicit Expectancies
Authors: Rose Michael , Haider Hilde , Büchel Christian
Published: May 2005

The detection of unexpected events is a fundamental process of learning. Theories of cognitive control and previous imaging results indicate a prominent role of the prefrontal cortex in the evaluation of the congruency between expected and actual outcome. In most cases, this attributed function is based on results where the person is consciously aware of the discrepancy. In this functional magnetic imaging (fMRI) study, we examined violations of predicted outcomes that did not enter conscious awareness. Two groups were trained with nearly identical material and the effects of new stimuli were assessed after learning. For the first group, the material was arranged with a hidden regularity. In this incidental learning situation, volunteers acquired implicit knowledge about structural response regularities as was demonstrated by an increase in reaction time when introducing new stimuli that violated the learned relations. To differentiate the detection process of stimuli that deviate from learned expectations from more un-specific effects generated by novel, unfamiliar stimuli, the second group was trained with rearranged material without a hidden regularity. No behavioral effects were found for the introduction of new stimuli in the group without implicit learning. Comparing the two groups, specific fMRI effects concerning the violation of implicitly learned expectations were found in the ventral prefrontal cortex and in the medial-temporal lobe.

In accord with theories of learning, the results show a direct influence of the detection of prediction errors on the neuronal activity in learning related structures even in the absence of conscious knowledge about the predictions or their violations.
Nuancing Augustine's Hermeneutical Jew: Allegory and Actual Jews in the Bishop's Sermons
Authors: Harkins Franklin
Published: May 2005

By investigating Augustine's preaching on the Jews, this paper seeks to nuance recent scholarship that maintains that the bishop's doctrine of the Jews took shape not in the context of his daily interactions with real Jews in Hippo Regius but rather against the backdrop of various aspects of his theology. A consideration of Augustine's homiletic corpus reveals a biblically-constructed and theologically-crafted "hermeneutical Jew." At the same time, however, Augustine the preacher also repeatedly refers to actual Jews in his late antique North African context. After reviewing the basic historical and historiographical evidence for Jews in ancient North Africa, it is here argued that it is precisely for actual Jews and their potential proselytes that Augustine spins the hermeneutically-crafted Jew (indeed, several of them) out of his allegorical interpretation of various biblical stories.
Multiple pathways of amino terminal processing produce two truncated variants of RANTES/CCL5
Authors: Lim Jean K , Burns Jennifer M , Lu Wuyuan , DeVico Anthony L
Published: May 2005

The CC chemokine regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES)/CC chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) is expressed by macrophages, endothelial cells, keratinocytes, and T cells during a wide variety of immune responses. Post-translational proteolysis is expected to play an important role in regulating such broad-based expression; however, the rates and modes of RANTES processing by primary cell systems remain poorly understood. Here, we show that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) secrete RANTES as an intact molecule that is subject to three post-translational processing pathways. One occurs in the presence of serum or plasma and rapidly generates a RANTES variant lacking two N-terminal residues (3–68 RANTES). Such processing is mainly attributable to soluble CD26. A second pathway, which is evident in the absence of serum or plasma, generates 3–68 RANTES in concert with the expression of cell-surface CD26. The third pathway is unique and generates a novel variant lacking three N-terminal residues (4–68 RANTES). This variant binds CC chemokine receptor 5, exhibits reduced chemotactic and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-suppressive activity compared with 1–68 and 3–68 RANTES, and is generated by an unidentified enzyme associated with monocytes and neutrophils. Overall, these results indicate that the production of RANTES by primary cells is regulated by multiple processing pathways which produce two variants with different functional properties. Such findings have important implications for understanding the immunological and HIV-suppressive activities of native RANTES.
Exchange of clathrin, AP2 and epsin on clathrin-coated pits in permeabilized tissue culture cells
Authors: Yim Yang-In , Scarselletta Sarah , Zang Fang , Wu Xufeng , Lee Dong-won , Kang Young-shin , Eisenberg Evan , Greene Lois E.
Published: May 2005

Clathrin and clathrin adaptors on clathrin-coated pits exchange with cytosolic clathrin and clathrin adaptors in vivo. This exchange might require the molecular chaperone Hsc70 and J-domain-protein auxilin, which, with ATP, uncoat clathrin-coated vesicles both in vivo and in vitro. We find that, although Hsc70 and ATP alone could not uncoat clathrin-coated pits, further addition of auxilin caused rapid uncoating of clathrin but not AP2 and epsin. By contrast, cytosol uncoats clathrin, AP2 and epsin from pits in permeabilized cells, and, concomitantly, these proteins in the cytosol rebind to the same pits, establishing that, like in vivo, these proteins exchange in permeabilized cells. Dissociation and exchange of clathrin in permeabilized cells can be prevented by inhibiting Hsc70 activity. The presence of clathrin-exchange in the permeabilized system substantiates our in vivo observations, and is consistent with the view that Hsc70 and auxilin are involved in the clathrin-exchange that occurs as clathrin-coated pits invaginate in vivo.
Characterization of basolateral-targeting signals in the neonatal Fc receptor
Authors: Newton Estelle E. , Wu Zhen , Simister Neil E.
Published: May 2005

The neonatal Fc receptor, FcRn, transports proteins through cells, avoiding degradative compartments. FcRn is used in many physiological processes where proteins must remain intact while they move through cells. These contexts include the transport of IgG antibodies from mother to offspring, and the protection of IgG and albumin from catabolism. In polarized cell models, FcRn in the plasma membrane is predominantly at the basolateral surface. This distribution depends on two signals that overlap endocytosis signals. One of these signals resembles a YXXΦ motif, but with a tryptophan in place of the critical tyrosine residue; the other is a DDXXXLL signal. We examined the effects of mutations in and around these signals on the basolateral targeting of rat FcRn in rat inner medullary collecting duct cells. We also studied a second acidic cluster, Glu331/Glu333, some distance from either endocytosis signal. Some amino acid substitutions in the W–2 and W+3 positions disrupted the tryptophan-based basolateral-targeting signal without impairing its function in endocytosis. The tryptophan-based basolateral targeting and endocytosis signals are thus distinct but overlapping, as has been seen for collinear tyrosine-based signals. Surprisingly, the tryptophan-based basolateral-targeting signal required the aspartate pair of the dileucine-based signal. This acidic cluster, separated by two amino acids from the Φ residue of the tryptophan signal, is therefore a component of both of the basolateral-targeting signals. The acidic cluster Glu-331/Glu333 was not required for basolateral targeting, but its replacement reduced endocytosis.
Bone marrow-derived SP cells can contribute to the respiratory tract of mice in vivo
Authors: MacPherson Heather , Keir Pamela , Webb Sheila , Samuel Kay , Boyle Shelagh , Bickmore Wendy , Forrester Lesley , Dorin Julia
Published: May 2005

Recent work has indicated that adult bone marrow-derived cells have the ability to contribute to both the haematopoietic system and other organs. Haematopoietic reconstitution by whole bone marrow and selected but not fully characterised cell populations have resulted in reports indicating high-level repopulation of lung epithelia. The well-characterised cells from the side population have a robust ability for haematopoietic reconstitution. We have used freshly isolated side population cells derived from ROSA26 adult bone marrow and demonstrate that despite being unable to contribute to embryos following blastocyst injection, or air liquid interface cultures or denuded tracheal xenografts, they could contribute to the tracheal epithelium in vivo. Epithelial damage is reported to be important in encouraging the recruitment of marrow-derived stem cells into non-haematopoietic organs. Here we demonstrate that mice engrafted with side population cells have donor-derived cells present in the epithelial lining of the trachea following damage and repair. Donor-derived cells were found at a frequency of 0.83%. Widefield and confocal microscopy revealed donor cells that expressed cytokeratins, indicative of cells of an epithelial nature. These results imply that SP haematopoietic stem cells from the bone marrow do not have the ability to contribute to airway epithelia themselves but require factors present in vivo to allow them to acquire characteristics of this tissue.
Tuberculosis of the parotid gland
Authors: Iserì Mete , Aydìner Ömer , Çelìk Levent , Peker Önder
Published: May 2005

Tuberculosis of the parotid gland is very rare and clinically indistinguishable from a neoplasm. Thus the diagnosis of parotid gland involvement with tuberculosis has traditionally been made after surgical resection. We present a case which was diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology and managed medically.
Genetically-induced deep venous thrombosis presenting as acute mastoiditis
Authors: Barbara Maurizio , Consagra Calogera , Buongiorno Giuseppe , Monini Simonetta , Bandiera Giorgio , Filipo Roberto
Published: May 2005

Sigmoid sinus thrombosis (SST) usually follows acute as well as chronic otitis media with coalescent mastoiditis. A singular case of noncoalescent mastoiditis complicated with thrombosis of deep cerebral sinuses occurring in a young child is presented. A genetic thrombophilic disorder (prothrombin G20210A allele mutation) was identified as the predisposing factor for this unusual complication. Particular emphasis is placed on the course of the disease, which showed regression only after surgical exploration and additional anticoagulant therapy. We conclude that a thorough and early assessment of coagulation factors should always be performed, especially in the population at risk, in order to rule out unusual aetiologies of these rare but still life-threatening pathological processes.
Marked Differences in Tissue-specific Expression of Chitinases in Mouse and Man
Authors: Boot Rolf G. , Bussink Anton P. , Verhoek Marri , de Boer Piet A.J. , Moorman Antoon F.M. , Aerts Johannes M.F.G.
Published: May 2005

Two distinct chitinases have been identified in mammals: a phagocyte-specific enzyme named chitotriosidase and an acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) expressed in the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. Increased expression of both chitinases has been observed in different pathological conditions: chitotriosidase in lysosomal lipid storage disorders like Gaucher disease and AMCase in asthmatic lung disease. Recently, it was reported that AMCase activity is involved in the pathogenesis of asthma in an induced mouse model. Inhibition of chitinase activity was found to alleviate the inflammation-driven pathology. We studied the tissue-specific expression of both chitinases in mice and compared it to the situation in man. In both species AMCase is expressed in alveolar macrophages and in the gastrointestinal tract. In mice, chitotriosidase is expressed only in the gastrointestinal tract, the tongue, fore-stomach, and Paneth cells in the small intestine, whereas in man the enzyme is expressed exclusively by professional phagocytes. This species difference seems to be mediated by distinct promoter usage. In conclusion, the pattern of expression of chitinases in the lung differs between mouse and man. The implications for the development of anti-asthma drugs with chitinases as targets are discussed.
Localization of Type 8 17β-hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase mRNA in Mouse Tissues as Studied by In Situ Hybridization
Authors: Pelletier Georges , Luu-The Van , Li Songyun , Labrie Fernand
Published: May 2005

The enzyme type 8 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) selectively catalyzes the conversion of estradiol (E2) to estrone (E1). To obtain detailed information on the sites of action of type 8 17β-HSD, we have studied the cellular localization of type 8 17β-HSD mRNA in mouse tissues using in situ hybridization. In the ovary, hybridization signal was detected in granulosa cells of growing follicles and luteal cells. In the uterus, type 8 17β-HSD mRNA was found in the epithelial (luminal and glandular) and stromal cells. In the female mammary gland, the enzyme mRNA was seen in ductal epithelial cells and stromal cells. In the testis, hybridization signal was observed in the seminiferous tubule. In the prostate, type 8 17β-HSD was detected in the epithelial cells of the acini and stromal cells. In the clitoral and preputial glands, labeling was detected in the epithelial cells of acini and small ducts. The three lobes of the pituitary gland were labeled. In the adrenal gland, hybridization signal was observed in the three zones of the cortex, the medulla being unlabeled. In the kidney, the enzyme mRNA was found to be expressed in the epithelial cells of proximal convoluted tubules. In the liver, all the hepatocytes exhibited a positive signal. In the lung, type 8 17β-HSD mRNA was detected in bronchial epithelial cells and walls of pulmonary arteries. The present data suggest that type 8 17β-HSD can exert its action to downregulate E2 levels in a large variety of tissues.
Degradation of low density polyethylene during transformation and ageing
Authors: Zámorský Z. , Tomis F.
Published: May 2005

Results of an investigation of the influence of processing conditions on the structure of branched polyethylene are presented. Under extreme conditions of processing the polymer was found to undergo changes of the molecular weight distribution, and small quantities of oxygen are bound in the form of carbonyl groups. These chemical changes act as active centers at weathering.
A new type of falling‐body viscometer for measuring the effect of pressure on the viscosity of deoxyribonucleic acid solutions
Authors: Uchida Y. , Ali Sabz , McAtee J. L. , Claesson St.
Published: May 2005

The effect of pressure on the viscosity of DNA solutions was measured using a new type of falling‐body viscometer. The viscometer is made of transparent plexiglass which allows to observe visually the fall‐time of the plummet. The viscometer was calibrated using glycerol solutions in water. A few examples of the results obtained with DNA solutions are described.
Design of conducting redox polymers: A polythiophene‐Ru(bipy)3;n⊕Hybrid Material
Authors: Zhu S. Sherry , Swager Timothy M.
Published: May 2005

The thiophene‐substituted Ru(L) complex shown in the Figure was synthesized and found to undergo polymerization when electrochemically oxidized. The electrochemical characteristics of the resultant polythiophene‐Ru(L) hybrid material were found to be a composite of those displayed by isolated Ru centers and the polymer prepared from the metal‐free ligand. This represents a promising approach to novel redox conductors.

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Growth and structural characterization of the Quasi–2D single crystal of α‐octithiophene
Authors: Fichou Denis , Bachet Bernard , Demanze Fréderic , Billy Isabelle , Horowitz Gilles , Garnier Francis
Published: May 2005

α‐Octithiophene, the highest non‐substituted member of the α‐oligothiophene family known to date, has been obtained as razor‐blade thin, bright red single crystals shown between crossed polarizers on the cover of this issue. The synthesis, purification, crystal growth, and X‐ray analysis of the crystals are reported. The ratio of the a and c cell parameters is found to be exceptionally high (a/c, is nearly 10), making α‐oligothiophene the record holder for structural anisotropy among organic crystals.
Substrate‐induced lateral micro‐phase separation of a diblock copolymer
Authors: Spatz Joachim P. , Sheiko Sergei , Möller Martin
Published: May 2005

“Ultra‐monomolecular” films of block copolymers, i.e., films whose surface concentration is so low that the substrate cannot be covered homogeneously without affecting the structure of the macromolecules very strongly, have been studied using tapping‐ and friction‐mode SFM. Two‐dimensional phase separation yielding an ordered pattern of polystyrene and poly‐2‐vinylpyridine surface domains is observed. SFM is shown to distinguish topological features and also to discriminate between chemically different components. The surface features generated and the formation mechanisms involved are discussed.
Photolithographic patterning of electroactive polymer films and electrochemically modulated optical diffraction gratings
Authors: Schanze Kirk S. , Bergstedt Troy S. , Hauser Brian T.
Published: May 2005

Spatial patterning of electroactive films consisting of redox or π‐conjugated polymers has important implications for the applications of the films, for example in electronic and electro‐optic devices. New methods for photolithographic patterning of electroactive films in the plane parallel to the surface of a substrate are presented and examples are given of electrochemically switchable optical diffraction gratings constructed from such films.
Extrusion, thermoforming and stretch‐blow‐molding of polypropylene
Authors: Winkel E. , Gross H. , Masberg U. , Wortberg J.
Published: May 2005

The increasing significance of polypropylene for packing materials is leading to a more widespread use of this semi‐crystalline thermoplastic as film, vacuum‐formed packagings and blow moldings. This paper deals both with the extrusion of semi‐finished ware (film/sheet) and with the biaxial stretching, thermoforming and stretch blow molding of PP. It begins with the influence of cooling on the crystallization and the structure, taking into account various nucleation possibilities. It was found that regranulated scrap as a nucleation additive with PP homopolymer can lead to a fine, spherulitic structure of high crystallinity, which is of particular significance for its use as thermoformed sheet. The relationship between crystallinity or density and mechanical properties was not clear provided there was an influence of defects (e.g. in the spherulite border in the case of a coarse structure). What proved to be dependent on this was both an increase and a decrease in the modulus of elasticity with rising density.

With the biaxial stretching of the sheet of PP homopolymer and copolymer in a stretching frame, there were marked differences in the overall properties of the stretched sheets as far as the mechanical strength data were concerned. Whereas, in the case of the copolymer, the stress at break and modulus of elasticity could only be raised slightly, in the case of the homopolymer, increases in Young's modulus of 100% and more were achieved.

With biaxial stretching, only a small influence on the cooling rate was noticeable, and yet the effect of the thermal history from the extrusion was particularly marked during the subsequent thermoforming process. There, a coarse structure led to poorer product properties, it is impossible to compensate this by varying the forming temperature or the mold temperature. The forming temperature nevertheless proved to be the decisive parameter for the quality of the molding; as the forming temperature rises, there is a major increase in the molding accuracy of the radii and in the gloss. The thermal shrinkage drops. We can conclude from this that polypropylene should be formed just below its melt point.

With the aid of theoretical observations, the cooling and conditioning phase for a PP stretch‐blowing process are explained “out of first heat”, which was realized and examined in a machine concept—8‐stage machine. With cycle times of approximately 15 s, it was possible to manufacture 1 1 bottles with a crystallinity of 40–45%.
Photoswitch based on bacteriorhodopsin Langmuir–Blodgett films
Authors: Wang Jian Ping , Li Jin Ru , De Tao Pei , Li Xing Chang , Jiang Long
Published: May 2005

Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) without addition of lipids were deposited on indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive electrodes. A sandwich photocell with a juction structure of ITO/bR/electrolyte/ITO has been constructed in which the bR LB film was put into contact directly with an aqueous electrolyte immobilized in an agar gel. Under visible light irradiation a transient photocurrent due to a change in light intensity can be observedl showing the property of vision‐imitative material. It can be used as a multiple optical switch, since it gives positive and negative transient photocurrnts during application and removal of light irradiation respectively and has a photoresponse repeatedly in the same direction when the light intensity increases or decreases stepwise. A photoalarm consisting of the bR photocell and an amplifier was set up by utilizing the switching function of the bR LB film.
Episodic nocturnal wanderings responsive to anticonvulsant drug therapy
Authors: Pedley Timothy A. , Guilleminault Christian
Published: May 2005

Six patients between the ages of 17 and 32 years presented with unusual sleep‐walking episodes characterized by screaming or unintelligible vocalizations; complex, often violent automatisms; and ambulation. Two or more attacks could occur in a single night and were most common in the early morning hours. Family and personal histories did not show epilepsy, psychiatric disorders, or (with 1 exception) previous somnambulism. Electrographic investigation revealed that all patients had normal waking‐sleep cycles but that 4 of them had epileptiform abnormalities on their electroencephalograms. All patients were treated with either phenytoin or carbamazepine, with cessation of the abnormal nocturnal behavior during follow‐up periods ranging from 9 to 48 months. This syndrome appears to be distinct from more typical non–rapid eye movement dyssomnias and suggests an atypical form of epilepsy.
Neonatal endotoxin encephalopathy
Authors: Gilles F. H. , Averill D. R. , Kerr C. S.
Published: May 2005

Telencephalic white matter of the neonatal kitten frequently contained diffuse astrogliosis or focal necrosis (sometimes including the thalamus and the caudate) following a single intraperitoneal injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide. No evidence for a disseminated intravascular coagulopathy was found. Telencephalic lesions in neonatal monkey and rabbit were also hemorrhagic. Enhanced karyorrhexis of glial nuclei was present in the telencephalic white matter of the neonatal rat. In the kitten, a delay in the generation of macrophages and hypertrophic astrocytes occurs following transient neonatal endotoxemia. Marked weight loss and temperature fluctuation are prominent systemic effects. Large hemispheric cavitary lesions are not accompanied by obvious neurological deficits in the kitten.
Absence of tonic electromyographic activity during sleep in normal and spastic nonmimetic skeletal muscles in man
Authors: Tauber Edward S. , Coleman Ms Richard M. , Weitzman Elliot D.
Published: May 2005

An electromyographic study of nonmimetic skeletal muscles was carried out in 8 normal adults and 4 patients with spastic hemiparesis during all stages of sleep for a total of 21 nights. All normal subjects showed absence of tonic electromyographic activity in all nonmimetic skeletal muscles in all stages of sleep. Also, during quiet, relaxed wakefulness, tonic muscle discharges disappeared in the normal subjects. Three patients with upper motor neuron spasticity demonstrated results during sleep similar to those obtained in the normal subjects. In the fourth patient, tonic muscle discharges persisted into stage 2 non‐REM sleep, disappeared within 30 to 240 seconds following the onset of stage 2 sleep, and were absent during stages 3 and 4 sleep and REM sleep.
Altered synaptic organization in facial nucleus following facial nerve regeneration: An electrophysiological study in man
Authors: Bratzlavsky Marc , Eecken Henri Vander
Published: May 2005

Seven patients with postfacial palsy contracture and mass contractions were investigated electrophysiologically. In 3 patients the early blink reflex showed an unusually high amplitude, which can be attributed to enhanced excitability of facial motor neurons. In 5 patients the early blink reflex had acquired a crossed character. It is assumed that changes in organization of the facial nucleus contribute to the altered function of reinnervated facial muscles.
Effects of leukocytes on brain metabolism in granulocytic brain edema
Authors: Fishman Robert A. , Sligar Kurt , Hake Randall B.
Published: May 2005

An in vitro model has been used to study the effects of granulocytic leukocytes (WBC) on brain metabolism to elucidate the mechanism of the encephalopathy and cerebral edema of purulent meningitis and brain abscess. Single first rat cortical brain slices were incubated in normal medium or medium containing a membrane fraction of WBC prepared from rat peritoneal exudate cells induced by intraperitoneal glycogen. Membrane fraction caused “cytotoxic” brain edema with increased brain water, cellular swelling (decreased inulin space), increased intracellular sodium, and loss of intracellular potassium. The brain also showed increased glucose oxidation and lactate production associated with energy depletion demonstrated by decreases in phosphocreatine, adenosine triphosphate, and energy charge potential. The low glucose and high lactate of purulent cerebrospinal fluid reflect these changes in brain metabolism. The model of granulocytic brain edema was not affected by dexamethasone. The factors in WBC responsible for these changes were membrane bound, absent from the cytosol, and heat labile. The concentrations used are compatible with concentrations in pathological exudates. Toxic factors in pus alter the integrity of brain cell membranes and thus contribute to the encephalopathy and brain edema associated with purulent meningitis and brain abscess.
Levodopa‐Induced dopamine receptor hypersensitivity
Authors: Klawans Harold L. , Goetz Christopher , Nausieda Paul A. , Weiner William J.
Published: May 2005

Chronic administration of levodopa with a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor to young guinea pigs resulted in increased behavioral response to levodopa itself as well as tod‐amphetamine and apomorphine. The chronic levodopa pretreatment resulted in a decreased threshold for stereotyped behavior for all three types of dopamine agonists. Our results suggest that chronic agonism with levodopa can produce postsynaptic dopaminergic hypersensitivity within the striatum. These experiments act as a model of levodopa‐induced dyskinesia in patients receiving long‐term levodopa therapy. The results reported here suggest that receptor site hypersensitivity may play a role in levodopa‐induced dyskinesias and that chronic levodopa (dopamine) agonism may itself be involved in the pathogenesis of this movement disorder.
Clinical features and ictal patterns in epileptic patients with EEG temporal lobe foci
Authors: King Don W. , Marsan Cosimo Ajmone
Published: May 2005

The clinical features and subjective ictal phenomena in 270 epileptic patients with electrographic temporal lobe foci are reported. The ictal manifestations observed in 199 of these patients are described and compared with those in epileptic patients with extratemporal foci reported previously. Sixty‐four percent of the patients reported historical data of possible etiological importance, but one could be reasonably certain of the cause in only 27%. Eighty‐three percent of the patients reported auras, 80% exhibited localized motor activity, and 95% demonstrated automatic behavior. Compared to patients with extratemporal foci, the patients reported here had a higher incidence of visceral (41%), complex (52%), and olfactory‐gustatory (13%) auras and of automatic behavior. On the other hand, no ictal phenomenon was unique to patients with temporal localization. The data do not support the concept of an association between “temporal lobe epilepsy” and violence.
Prolactin‐Secreting pituitary tumors
Authors: Antunes J. Lobo , Housepian Edgar M. , Frantz Andrew G. , Holub Donald A. , Hui Robert M. , Carmel Peter W. , Quest Donald O.
Published: May 2005

Prolactin secretion was evaluated in 69 patients with pituitary tumors. Among the 47 who were seen prior to treatment, hyperprolactinemia was present in 37 (79%). Excluding patients with galactorrhea, hyperprolactinemia was present in 19 (70%) of those seen before treatment. There was little correlation between tumor size and level of serum prolactin. Both transspheoidal surgery and radiotherapy greatly reduced the hyperprolactinemia, but a more rapid decrease was achieved with microsurgical removal of the secreting adenoma.
Estimation of tyrosine by the attenuation of 4‐iodophenol enhanced chemiluminescence
Authors: Candy Thomas E. G. , Mantle David , Jones Peter
Published: May 2005

Tyrosine markedly attenuates the chemiluminescence output intensity from the 4‐iodophenol enhanced chemiluminescence assay system in a manner consistent with competition between the amino acid and luminol for the 4‐iodophenoxy radical. This effect provides the basis for a sensitive assay of tyrosine. Interference by the other amino acids has been assessed; major interference by cysteine can be removed by incubation with iodoacetic acid.
Amino acid composition analysis of minute amounts of cysteine‐containing proteins using 4‐(Aminosulfonyl)‐7‐fluoro‐2,1,3‐benzoxadiazole and 4‐fluoro‐7‐nitro‐2,1,3‐benzoxadiazole in combination with HPLC
Authors: Toyo'oka Toshimasa , Miyano Hiroshi , Imai Kazuhiro
Published: May 2005

The simultaneous determination of amino acid composition including cysteine of egg albumin, a model protein containing a/s cysteine residue, is reported. All the thiol groups of the cysteine residue(s) of egg albumin were labelled with 4‐(aminosulfonyl)‐7‐fluoro‐2,1,3‐benzoxadiazole, a fluorogenic reagent for thiol groups. The labeled egg albumin was hydrolyzed in 6N HCl at 110°C for 24 h. The hydrolysate was lyophilized, derivatized with 4‐fluoro‐7‐nitro‐2,1,3‐benzoxadiazole, a fluorogenic reagent for amines, and subjected to HPLC. 18 derivatized amino acids including double labelled cysteine were separated within 90 min on a Nucleosil ODS column (150 mm × 4.6 mm i.d.; 5 μm), and detected at 530 nm (ex. 470 nm) in a range from 90 fmol (aspartic acid) to 1.3 pmol (cysteine) (S/N = 3). Composition ratios of amino acids of egg albumin were similar to theoretical values except for methionine, which would be destroyed under the present acid hydrolysis condition. Analytical methods for cysteine residues are reviewed, and the availability of fluorogenic reagents having the benzofurazan structure is also discussed.
Thin layer chromatography overlay technique in the analysis of the binding of the solubilized protoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki to an insect glycosphingolipid of known structure
Authors: Dennis R. D. , Wiegandt H. , Haustein D. , Knowles B. H. , Ellar D. J.
Published: May 2005

The hypothesis tested was that a particular glycoconjugate(s) in the exposed cell‐surface membrane of susceptible insect cells acts as a receptor and/or modulator for the specific interaction with the protoxin/activated toxin of the δ‐endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki. As candidates, the total neutral and acidic fraction glycolipids, and the isolated neutral glycosphingolipid components, were screened for binding activity by the thin layer chromatogram overlay technique. The main protoxin/activated toxin‐binding glycolipid in the neutral fraction (5B) had the structure: Gal(α1‐3)GalNAc(β1‐4)GlcNAc(β1‐3)Man(β1‐4)Glc(β1‐1)Cer. The main protoxin/activated toxin‐binding glycolipid in the acidic fraction was designated band 1, the structure of which is at present unknown. The possibility that the component 5B carbohydrate sequence may also function as a toxin‐binding site of relevant insect plasma membrane glycoproteins is discussed.
Efficient hplc separation of N‐p‐nitrophenylglycosylamines derived from complex oligosaccharide mixtures. Human orosomucoid as a model
Authors: Kurth Holger , Lehmann Jochen
Published: May 2005

With human orosomueoid as model compound, a new method was developed to separate neutral oligosaccharides as N‐p‐nitro‐phenylglycosylamines. Asialo orosomueoid was prepared by treatment with neuraminidase and purified by size exclusion HPLC on TSK 2000 SW. Oligosaccharides were isolated by reversed phase HPLC on Hamilton PRP‐1 after hydrazinolysis and re‐N‐acetylation. Glycosylamination was performed with p‐nitroaniline in DMSO‐formic acid‐water, where the whole mixture of oligosaccharide derivatives was isolated by reversed phase HPLC on Hamilton PRP‐1 and separated into single glycosylamines on Shandon Hypersil ODS. The purified glycosylamines could be methylated by a new rapid method with sodium hydroxide and methyl iodide in DMSO, isolation and purification were carried out on Hamilton PRP‐1 and Spherisorb ODS 2, respectively, as described for the glycosylamines. Preparative scale HPLC separations were performed on analytical columns using repetitive collection mode and automatic sample loading by means of a peristaltic pump operated by the HPLC controller. The purified glycosylamines can be used for sugar analyses or, after permethylation, for methylation analyses or related procedures.
Use of biological fluids for the rapid diagnosis of potentially lethal inherited disorders of human purine and pyrimidine metabolism
Authors: Morris George S. , Simmonds H. Anne , Davies Phillip M.
Published: May 2005

Inherited purine and pyrimidine disorders may be associated with serious, sometimes life‐threatening consequences. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential. Difficulties encountered when using existing high pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) methods led to the development of an improved method based on prior fractionation of urine. The advantages are as follows. 1. Production of fingerprints demonstrating altered urinary excretion patterns characteristic of any one of ten different disorders, in 30 minutes. 2. Positive identification and quantification by comparison with established methods (using conventional chromatography, electrophoresis and UV spectrophotometry) in addition to specific retention times and characteristic UV absorbance ratios at two separate wavelengths (245 and 280 nm) by HPLC. 3. Direct analysis of all the purines and pyrimidines normally found in human body fluids as well as identification of abnormal compounds. 4. Short time between successive analyses while maintaining excellent resolution between compounds of interest and column longevity. 5. Improved separation of the different adenine‐based compounds encountered in some disorders, plus demonstration of potential interference by dietary or drug metabolites. 6. Applicability to the monitoring of therapy involving a variety of different purine and pyrimidine analogues.

Particular attention should be paid to sample preparation. Plasma profiles will confirm the diagnosis in some, but not all, of these disorders.
Metabolic studies of explosives. 5. Detection and analysis of 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene and its metabolites in urine of munition workers by micro liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Yinon J. , Hwang D.‐G.
Published: May 2005

Metabolites of 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT) were found in the urine of a group of TNT munition workers. The urine extracts were analysed by micro liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The metabolites found included 2‐amino‐4,6‐dinitrotoluene, 4‐amino‐2,6‐dinitrotoluene, 2,4‐diamino‐6‐nitrotoluene, 2,6‐diamino‐4‐nitrotoluene and untransformed TNT. The detection limit of the metabolites in urine was 0.1 ng/ml for 20 ml urine samples.
Automated and routine liquid chromatographic analysis of antiepileptic drugs
Authors: Pang Chi‐Pui , Ho Kwok‐Chu , Cheung Chi‐Keung
Published: May 2005

We describe an optimized automated liquid Chromatographic method for simultaneous measurement of primidone, phenobarbitone, phenytoin, carbamazepine and clonazepam. A Waters Tri‐Module automation system is used and it provides direct read‐out of results after chromatography. A one‐step extraction with ethyl acetate is used to extract the drugs from 100 μL serum samples. We use an isocratic mobile phase and monitor the column effluent at 210 nm. Drug levels as low as 5 μmol/L can be detected. The within‐run CV's range from 1.4 to 2.7%, and the between‐run CV's range from 5.2 to 6.1%. Analytical recovery is in the range from 94–108%. The method compares favourably with the enzyme multiple immunoassay technique for routine antiepileptic drugs monitoring, in accuracy, efficiency and cost‐effectiveness.
Determination of galactose in human plasma by HPLC with electrochemical detection
Authors: Watanabe Noriyuki , Kawasaki Seiji
Published: May 2005

Galactose in plasma from patients with hepatic diseases who had undergone low level galactose infusion was determined by using HPLC with electrochemical detection (LCEC). Agreement between galactose concentration determined by the LCEC and a fluorometric method was remarkably good at moderate levels of galactose in plasma. However, the fluorometric method is not suitable for samples containing very small amounts of galactose (blood from hepatic veins) and even for a few samples at moderate galactose content (blood from peripheral veins), suggesting the presence of an endogenous interference. There was no interference for the quantitation of galactose by the LCEC method, by virtue both of the specificity involved in the electrochemical detection and the separation by liquid chromatography. The detection limit of the LCEC method was 0.4 mg galactose/L blood.
The determination of cysteamine in physiological fluids by HPLC with electrochemical detection
Authors: Kelly Michael J. , Perrett David , Rudge Susan R.
Published: May 2005

Cysteamine, an amino thiol, was separated by rapid isocratic cation exchange chromatography and detected by electrochemical oxidation at a platinum electrode maintained at +0.45 V relative to an Ag/AgCl reference electrode. Eluent pH and electrode working potentials were optimized and the effects of alternative buffers and organic modifiers have been examined. On column sensitivity for cysteamine was 1.5 pmol at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 5. Although the specificity was good, plasma samples required maximal sensitivity whereas urine samples required greater selectivity, which was achieved by use of lower working potentials. Cysteamine concentrations were determined in serial samples of plasma and urine from volunteers who had received a single oral dose of 200 mg of the drug. Cysteamine was rapidly oxidized in vivo, and detection required prior reduction with dithiothreitol before analysis.
Determination of 4‐methylpyrazole in plasma using solid phase extraction and HPLC
Authors: Diczfalusy Ulf , Eklöf Roland
Published: May 2005

A rapid method for the determination of 4‐methylpyrazole in plasma is described. Internal standard (3‐methylpyrazole) is added to the plasma which is subsequently applied to a BondElut SCX column. After washing the column the 3‐ and 4‐methylpyrazoles are eluted with a phosphate buffer and analyzed by isocratic reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. The concentration of 4‐methylpyrazole is calculated from the 4‐methylpyrazole/3‐methylpyrazole peak high ratio. The method is linear between 2.5 and 100 μmol/L with a within‐day precision (CV) of 2.2% (n = 10) and a day‐to‐day precision of 2.8% (n = 30). The sensitivity is sufficient for analysis of plasma levels in the low micromolar range.
Structural characterization by chromatographic profiling of the oligosaccharides of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) recombinant envelope glycoprotein gp120 produced in chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Mizuochi Tsuguo , Spellman Michael W. , Larkin Margot , Solomon Julie , Basa Louisette J. , Feizi Ten
Published: May 2005

This report together with the paper by T. Mizuochi, M. W. Spellman, M. Larkin, J. Solomon, L. J. Basa and T. Feizi (1988) Biochem. J. 254, 599–603 describes the structural elucidation of the N‐linked oligosaccharides of the HIV envelope glycoprotein, gp120 (cloned from the HTLV‐III B isolate and expressed as a secreted fusion protein after transfection of Chinese hamster ovary cells), which is known to bind with high affinity to human T4 lymphocytes. Oligosaccharides were released from peptide by hydrazinolysis, fractionated by paper electrophoresis, high performance lectin affinity chromatography and Bio‐Gel P‐4 column chromatography, and their structures determined by sequential exoglycosidase digestions in conjunction with methylation analysis. The glycoprotein was found to be unique in its diversity of oligosaccharide structures. These include high‐mannose type and hybrid type, as well as four categories of complex type chains: mono‐, bi‐, tri‐ and tetra‐antennary, with or without N‐acetyllactosamine repeats, and with or without a core region fucose residue. Among the sialidase‐treated oligosaccharides no less than 29 structures were identified as follows:
magnified image
where G=galactose; GN=N‐acetylglucosamine; M=mannose; F=fucose; ±=residues present in a proportion of chains. The actual number of oligosaccharide structures is much greater since before desialylation there was evidence that among the hybrid and complex type chains all but 6% contained sialic acid at the C‐3 position of terminal galactose residues, and partially sialylated forms of the bi‐ and multiantennary chains were present.
Solid phase extraction and HPLC determination of spiramycin in plasma and vitreous concentrations
Authors: Carlhant D. , Le Bot M. A. , Guedes Y. , Riche C. , Mimouri F. , Colin J. , Berthou F.
Published: May 2005

A method for extracting spiramycin by an octadecylsilica cartridge is described for plasma or vitreous samples. The macrolide antibiotic is then measured by reversed‐phase HPLC with UV detection. The limit of detection is estimated to be 50 ng/mL. The coefficient of variation for the procedure is 6.1% and 5.2% for the range of concentrations 0.2 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL respectively. By this method, pharmokinetic profiles were performed for five adult patients. Spiramycin could be accurately measured in the vitreous humour, allowing the determination of antibiotic at its site of action.
A simplified method for the preparation of wga‐sepharose 4B and its use in the purification of MN blood group antigens
Authors: Shimin Zhang , Jianxin Li , Yaomei Wei , Zhiming Yang
Published: May 2005

A simplified method for the preparation of wheat germ agglutinin(WGA)‐Sepharose 4B by coupling highly purified WGA, prepared by improved affinity chromatography, with BrCN activated Sepharose 4B in a solution of high carbonate buffer is described. The amount of WGA linked to Sepharose 4B was 82.40% (3.07 mg WGA per ml Sepharose 4B). MN blood group antigens of human erythrocyte membranes purified with WGA‐Sepharose 4B affinity chromatography showed a single band on sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS/PAGE). The yield of the antigens from 400 mL fresh blood was 32–40 mg. The WGA‐Sepharose 4B column could be used several times without loss of activity.
High‐performance liquid chromatography/chemiluminescence determination of biological thiols with n‐[4‐(6‐dimethylamino‐2‐benzofuranyl)phenyl]maleimide
Authors: Nakashima Kenichiro , Umekawa Chiemi , Nakatsuji Shin'Ichi , Akiyama Shuzo , Givens Richard S.
Published: May 2005

The peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence detection of biological thiols combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is described. SH groups of the thiol compounds including glutathione (GSH), cysteine, N‐acetylcysteine, cysteamine, and D‐penicillamine were labelled with N‐[4‐(6‐dimethylamino‐2‐benzofuranyl)phenyl]maleimide (DBPM), a specific fluorogenic reagent for SH group. The labelling reaction was carried out at 60°C for 30 min and at pH 8.5 and a sample of the resulting reaction mixture was subjected to HPLC. Five kinds of labelled thiols were separated within 12 min on ODS‐80 column (150 × 4.6mm ID; 5 μm) and detected in the ranges from 500 fmol to 2 pmol/100 μL (cysteamine and N‐acetylcysteine), to 3 pmol/100 μL (cysteine) and to 5 pmol/100 μL (GSH and D‐penicillamine). The lower detection limits were from 7 fmol (cysteamine) to 113 fmol (GSH) per 100 μL (S/N = 2). The method was applied to the determination of thiols in a rat liver. The amounts of glutathione and cysteine were 1.23±0.15 μmol/g (n = 5) and 0.15±0.04 μmol/g (n = 5), respectively.