bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphologic and functional evaluation of peripheral nerve fibers regenerated through polyimide sieve electrodes over long‐term implantation
Authors: Ceballos Dolores , Valero‐Cabré Antoni , Valderrama Elena , Schüttler Martin , Stieglitz Thomas , Navarro Xavier
Published: August 2002

We evaluated by morphologic and functional analysis the regeneration of peripheral nerve fibers through polyimide regenerative‐type electrodes over long‐term implantation. Polyimide sieve electrodes were placed in silicone chambers and implanted between the severed ends of the sciatic nerve in rats. The sieve part had 281 round via holes of 40 μm in diameter, with nine integrated recording–stimulating electrodes arranged around the via holes. The degree of axonal regeneration was examined at 2, 7, and 12 months postimplantation (mpi). Regeneration was successful in 12 of the13 animals implanted. Reinnervation of distal muscle and nerves increased with time, reaching a plateau about 7 mpi. The number of myelinated fibers increased from 2 to 7 months, at which time it was similar to control values. With time the myelinated fibers matured, with significant increases in axon diameter and myelin thickness. Only 0.6% of the regenerated axons showed evidence of compression near the implanted electrode. The majority of the myelinated fibers that crossed the via holes and had been regenerated through the distal nerve had a normal appearance. Sieve electrodes were useful for nerve stimulation at postimplantation. Stimulation through different active electrodes excited nerve bundles, evoking compound muscle action potentials of varying shape and amplitude, indicative of selective axonal stimulation. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 60: 517–528, 2002
Effects of ion concentration and pH on hydroxyapatite deposition from aqueous solution onto titanium by the thermal substrate method
Authors: Kuroda Kensuke , Ichino Ryoichi , Okido Masazumi , Takai Osamu
Published: August 2002

A new hydrocoating method (the thermal substrate method) has been proposed for coating calcium phosphates, such as hydroxyapatite, onto titanium substrates in an aqueous solution. The influences of several solution properties on the thermal substrate method were examined. The solutions used included 3 mmol dm−3 Ca(H2PO4)2 and 7 mmol dm−3 CaCl2 as a reference concentration solution. The ion concentration was changed from 0.1 to 2 times with respect to the reference concentration. The experimental studies were conducted under the following conditions: temperature = 140°C, heating time = 10–20 min., pH = 4–8 and Ca/P = 0.0167–16.7. The type of precipitate changed, depending on the pH and ion concentration. In the reference solution with pH > 6, predominantly hydroxyapatite was precipitated onto titanium. By contrast, only CaHPO4 was formed in the solution of pH 4. In the solution with an ion concentration of one‐tenth the reference solution, CaHPO4 was also precipitated. The addition of H3PO4 to the 0.1‐times solution accelerated the precipitation rate of HA. It is suggested that the PO43− concentration was insufficient to form HA in the Ca/P = 1.67 solution. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 61: 354–359, 2002
Questionable efficacy of plasma exchange for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura after bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Teruya J. , Styler M. , Verde S. , Topolsky D. , Crilley P.
Published: August 2002

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is an uncommon complication presumably associated with extensive endothelial cell damage due to Cyclosporine, total body irradiation, or other drugs. While the majority of patients with primary TTP, which is considered to be an autoimmune process, respond to plasma exchange, TTP after BMT has a very poor prognosis. A total of 7 patients out of 307 patients who underwent BMT were diagnosed with TTP during 1989–1999. The diagnosis of TTP was made based on thrombocytopenia and microhemangiopathic hemolytic anemia characterized by an elevated LDH and the presence of schistocytes on the peripheral blood smear. Five patients were treated with plasma exchange (PE) using fresh frozen plasma and/or cryoprecipitate poor plasma as replacement fluid. One patient was treated using a protein A column. One patient did not receive plasma exchange because the 125 patient was clinically stable and was discharged. It was hard to assess the efficacy of PE due to the multiplicity of the patients' clinical condition and laboratory data. At least 4 patients did not respond to PE and 2 patients were not able to be evaluated due to multi organ failure. However, all patients died. It is not clear at this moment if PE for patients with TTP after BMT is truly beneficial. J. Clin. Apheresis 16:169–174, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new continuous‐flow cell separation method based on cell density: Principle, apparatus, and preliminary application to separation of human buffy coat
Authors: Ito Yoichiro , Shinomiya Kazufusa
Published: August 2002

With the recent progress in transfusion medicine, separation and isolation of cells in a large quantity is becoming increasingly important. At present, the continuous cell separation method in a preparative scale is limited to apheresis and elutriation: the former is mainly used for collection of platelet and buffy coat from the whole blood, while the latter separates cells virtually according to their size. Here we introduce a continuous flow method that separates cells entirely based on cell density. The method is gentle and capable of processing a large number of cells. The potential capability of the method was demonstrated on separation of lymphocytes and granulocytes from human buffy coat. Lymphocytes were enriched to 90% in the fraction at density = 1.065 and granulocytes are isolated in fractions at density = 1.075–1.080 while red cells were completely retained at the periphery of the channel. CD34 cells were distributed around 1.065 and coeluted with lymphocytes, suggesting that further enrichment requires focusing the density gradient around 1.070. The method could process 109 nucleated cells in 2 hours. Our preliminary results suggest that the present method is an effective and efficient means to separate blood cells. J. Clin. Apheresis 16:186–191, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence for selective induction of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene expression by unsaturated and nonmetabolized fatty acids in adipocytes
Authors: Duplus Eric , Glorian Martine , Tordjman Joan , Berge Rolf , Forest Claude
Published: August 2002

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and 3‐thia fatty acids are hypolipidemic and decrease insulin resistance in Type II diabetic animals. To exert such an action, these FAs could decrease adipose tissue lipolysis or increase esterification. Glyceroneogenesis is an important metabolic pathway in adipocytes for re‐esterification of FAs originating from lipolysis and in hepatocytes for triacylglycerol synthesis during fasting. Cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) plays a key role in this pathway. Here we show that the PUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) stimulates PEPCK mRNA in glucose‐deprived adipose tissue explants from fed rats and in 3T3‐F442A differentiated adipocytes. This effect is maximum at 3 h, stable up to at least 11 h of treatment, and affects the transcription of the gene. PEPCK mRNA half‐life is not affected. Among a series of adipocyte transcripts, only the adipocyte lipid binding protein mRNA is also increased by DHA, although later than the PEPCK mRNA and at a much lower extent. DHA has no effect on PEPCK gene expression in the H4IIE hepatoma cells in which this gene is responsive to other inducers like cAMP. This lack of effect is not due to a failure of DHA to act in H4IIE cells since it induces the carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT‐1) mRNA. Therefore, the DHA effect appears to be cell‐selective. Results of experiments using either tetradecylthio acetic acid and α‐bromopalmitate, two nonmetabolized Fas, or a series of inhibitors of FA metabolism show that the FA effect on PEPCK mRNA is not due to a product of its metabolism. Hence, polyunsaturated and nonmetabolized FAs stimulate adipose PEPCK, therefore potentially enhancing glyceroneogenesis and reducing FA output. This mechanism could participate in the hypolipidemic action of PUFAs. J. Cell. Biochem. 85: 651–661, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trichostatin a inhibits β‐casein expression in mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Pujuguet Philippe , Radisky Derek , Levy Dinah , Lacza Charlemagne , Bissell Mina J.
Published: August 2002

Many aspects of cellular behavior are defined by the content of information provided by association of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and with cell membrane receptors. When cultured in the presence of laminin‐containing ECM and prolactin (Prl), normal mammary epithelial cells express the milk protein β‐casein. We have previously found that the minimal ECM‐ and Prl‐responsive enhancer element BCE‐1 was only active when stably integrated into chromatin, and that trichostatin A (TSA), a reagent that leads to alterations in chromatin structure, was able to activate the integrated enhancer element. We now show that endogenous β‐casein gene, which is controlled by a genetic assembly that is highly similar to that of BCE‐1 and which is also activated by incubation in ECM and Prl, is instead inhibited by TSA. We provide evidence that the differing response of β‐casein and BCE‐1 to TSA is neither due to an unusual effect of TSA on mammary epithelial cells, nor to secondary consequences from the expression of a separate gene, nor to a particular property of the BCE‐1 construct. As a component of this investigation, we also showed that ECM mediated rapid histone deacetylation in mammary epithelial cells. These results are discussed in combination with previous work showing that TSA mediates the differentiation of many types of cancer cells but inhibits differentiation of some nonmalignant cell types. J. Cell. Biochem. 83: 660–670, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Can we understand the different coordinations and structures of closed‐shell metal cation‐water clusters?
Authors: Derepas A.‐L. , Soudan J.‐M. , Brenner V. , Dognon J.‐P. , Millié Ph.
Published: August 2002

We present a model potential for studying Mq+(H2O)n=1,9 clusters where M stands for either Na+, Cs+, Ca2+, Ba2+, or La3+. The potential energy surfaces (PES) are explored by the Monte Carlo growth method. The results for the most significant equilibrium structures of the PES as well as for energetics are favorably compared to the best ab initio calculations found in the literature and to experimental results. Most of these complexes have a different coordination number in cluster compared to experimental results in solution or solid phase. An interpretation of the coordination number in clusters is given. In order to well describe the transition between the first hydration sphere and the second one we show that an autocoherent treatment of the electric field is necessary to correctly deal with polarization effects. We also explore the influence of the cation properties (charge, size, and polarizability) on both structures and coordination number in clusters, as well as the meaning of the second hydration sphere. Such an approach shows that the leading term in the interaction energy for a molecule in the second hydration sphere is an electrostatic attraction to the cation and not a hydrogen bond with the water molecules in the first hydration sphere. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 23: 1013–1030, 2002
Quantum chemical calculation of vibrational spectra of large molecules—Raman and IR spectra for Buckminsterfullerene
Authors: Neugebauer Johannes , Reiher Markus , Kind Carsten , Hess Bernd A.
Published: August 2002

In this work we demonstrate how different modern quantum chemical methods can be efficiently combined and applied for the calculation of the vibrational modes and spectra of large molecules. We are aiming at harmonic force fields, and infrared as well as Raman intensities within the double harmonic approximation, because consideration of higher order terms is only feasible for small molecules. In particular, density functional methods have evolved to a powerful quantum chemical tool for the determination of the electronic structure of molecules in the last decade. Underlying theoretical concepts for the calculation of intensities are reviewed, emphasizing necessary approximations and formal aspects of the introduced quantities, which are often not explicated in detail in elementary treatments of this topic. It is shown how complex quantum chemistry program packages can be interfaced to new programs in order to calculate IR and Raman spectra. The advantages of numerical differentiation of analytical gradients, dipole moments, and static, as well as dynamic polarizabilities, are pointed out. We carefully investigate the influence of the basis set size on polarizabilities and their spatial derivatives. This leads us to the construction of a hybrid basis set, which is equally well suited for the calculation of vibrational frequencies and Raman intensities. The efficiency is demonstrated for the highly symmetric C60, for which we present the first all‐electron density functional calculation of its Raman spectrum. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 9: 895–910, 2002
Molecular mechanics calculations on carbonyl compounds. III. Cycloketones
Authors: Langley Charles H. , Lii Jenn‐Huei , Allinger Norman L.
Published: August 2002

Molecular mechanics (MM4) calculations were carried out on cycloketones for ring sizes ranging from 4 to 11 carbon atoms. The MM4 relative energies for the various conformations of the cycloketones were compared to density functional theory (DFT) calculations (B3LYP/6‐31G*), which were also carried out in this work. For small ring sizes (n=4–6), calculated molecular geometries, dipole moments, moments of inertia, and vibrational spectra were compared to experimental data. The axial–equatorial energy differences in methyl‐substituted cyclohexanones were also calculated by MM4 and compared to ab initio, DFT, and experimental results. The results of the MM4 studies on cycloketones showed significant improvement from those of MM3 calculations performed in parallel with the MM4 calculations. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 1451–1475, 2001
Density functional studies of AnF6 (An=U, Np, and Pu) and UF6−nCln (n=1–6) using hybrid functionals: geometries and vibrational frequencies
Authors: Han Young‐Kyu
Published: August 2002

We have compared the performance of widely used hybrid functionals for calculating the bond lengths and harmonic vibrational frequencies of AnF6 (An=U, Np, and Pu) and UF6−nCln (n=1–6) molecules using “small‐core” relativistic effective core potentials and extended basis sets. The calculated spectroscopic constants compare favorably with experimental data for the bond lengths (average error ≤ 0.01 Å) and vibrational frequencies (average error ≤ 7 cm−1) of the AnF6 molecules. The experimental vibrational frequencies of the stretching modes were available for most of the UF6−nCln (n=1–6) molecules. The calculated vibrational frequencies are in good agreement with the experimental data to within 4.6 cm−1 and 7.6 cm−1 for selected Becke1 and Lee, Yang, Parr (B1LYP), and Becke3 and Perdew, Wang (B3PW91) functionals, respectively. We conclude that one can predict reliable geometries and vibrational frequencies for the unknown related systems using hybrid density functional calculations with the RECPs. The geometries and vibrational frequencies of the UF6−nCln (n=1–6) molecules that have not been determined experimentally are also presented and discussed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 2010–2017, 2001
There exists no (15,5,4) RBIBD†*
Authors: Kaski Petteri , Östergård Patric R. J.
Published: August 2002

An (n, M, d)q code is a q‐ary code of length n, cardinality M, and minimum distance d. We show that there exists no (15,5,4) resolvable balanced incomplete block design (RBIBD) by showing that there exists no (equidistant) (14,15,10)3 code. This is accomplished by an exhaustive computer search using an orderly algorithm combined with a maximum clique algorithm. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Combin Designs 9: 357–362, 2001
Plasma and urinary endothelin‐1 in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Chen Hung‐Chun , Guh Jinn‐Yuh , Chang Jer‐Ming , Tsai Jer‐Chia , Hwang Shang‐Jyi , Lai Yung‐Hsiung
Published: August 2002

The kidney is an important site of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) production and is particularly susceptible to ET‐1 action. Infusion of ET‐1 in rats induces both functional and morphological alterations in the kidneys. Increased plasma level of ET‐1 has been reported in patients with chronic renal failure. However, there are still no reports on the plasma and urinary ET‐1 levels in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). In the present study, we have measured the plasma concentration and urinary excretion rate of ET‐1 in 15 patients with nephrotic syndrome due to FSGS, and observed the serial changes of plasma and urinary ET‐1 in nephrotic rats with FSGS, induced by repeated injection with puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN). ET‐1 was measured with radioimmunoassay. The results showed that plasma ET‐1 concentration in FSGS patients was significantly higher than in normal controls (P < 0.05), and that urinary ET‐1 excretion rate was also significantly higher in FSGS patients than in normal controls (P < 0.01). In FSGS patients, the plasma and urinary ET‐1 was significantly correlated (P < 0.05), and the urinary ET‐1 excretion rate was significantly correlated with the amount of proteinuria (P < 0.05) and the glomerular sclerosing score (P < 0.01). In the ten rats with PAN‐induced FSGS, serial examination showed a significant increase in plasma ET‐1 after 8 weeks of injections, while the urinary ET‐1 excretion rate showed a biphasic increase that showed a peak after 4 to 6 weeks. The same changes in plasma and urinary ET‐1 levels were not observed in control rats injected with normal saline at the same frequency. Our results suggest that ET‐1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of FSGS in both humans and rats. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 15:59–63, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Introduction: Perspectives on therapy with gay, lesbian, and bisexual clients
Authors: Campos Peter E. , Goldfried Marvin R.
Published: August 2002

The approach that mental health professionals have taken in working with gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) clients has changed dramatically over the past 25 years. Once viewed as being pathological in nature—either a sociopathic personality disorder or a sexual deviation—homosexuality is no long conceptualized as a “disorder” and instead is viewed within the broader context of human diversity. Even with such changes, many mental health professionals nonetheless retain subtle biases against working with gay, lesbian, and bisexual clients, and often lack the necessary information for working with them effectively. This issue of In Session provides a series of articles designed to help practicing therapists to become better aware of those clinical issues if they are to work with GLB individuals—which they are likely to do. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol/In Session 57: 609–613, 2001.
Ethical beliefs of mental‐health professionals and undergraduates regarding therapist practices
Authors: Pomerantz Andrew M. , Grice James W.
Published: August 2002

Psychotherapists should be aware of any discrepancies of opinion between themselves and those outside the mental‐health profession regarding the ethicality of therapist actions. In this study, the beliefs of mental‐health professionals and nonprofessionals (represented by undergraduate students) regarding the ethicality of therapist behaviors were compared. Factor analysis of 82 specific therapist behaviors yielded three factors: nonsexual dual relationships, assertive or discomforting therapist actions, and sexual dual relationships. A comparison of factor composite scores indicated that undergraduates, in relation to professionals, rated nonsexual dual relationships as more ethical and assertive or discomforting actions as less ethical. Although these effects may diminish with age, these results nonetheless suggest that mental‐health professionals may hold ethical beliefs that are inconsistent with those who seek their services. Implications of these findings are discussed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 57: 737–748, 2001.
Discriminative validity of the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale with Cluster B personality disorders
Authors: Smith Steven R. , Hilsenroth Mark J.
Published: August 2002

This study was designed to assess the ability of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI‐2) MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale (MAC‐R) to differentiate between outpatients with personality disorders with Substance‐Related Disorders (SRDs) and without SRDs. MMPI‐2 validity, clinical, and MAC‐R scale scores were compared in an SRD Cluster B group (comprised of Narcissistic, Antisocial, Borderline, and Histrionic; n = 15), a non‐SRD Cluster B group (n = 33), and a non‐SRD group with personality disorders from Clusters A and C (n = 18). Results revealed that the substance‐abusing Cluster B group scored significantly higher on the MAC‐R ( p < .0001) as well as the Psychopathic Deviate scale ( p < .01). Dimensional analyses illustrated that MAC‐R scores were related to the presence of an SRD diagnosis (rpb = .70, p < .0001) and diagnostic criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder (r = .60, p < .0001). Stepwise regression revealed that (in order of magnitude) the presence of a substance‐abuse diagnosis followed by diagnostic criteria for Antisocial and Histrionic Personality Disorders were most related to MAC‐R scores (R = .78, R2 = .60). This indicates that the MAC‐R may be more related to the presence of an SRD than has been suggested, and when used in outpatient settings as MacAndrew (1965) intended, the MAC‐R may be useful as a screening device for assessing SRD among outpatients with Axis II psychopathology. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 57: 801–813, 2001.
Relations between personality and depressive symptoms: A multimeasure study of dependency, autonomy, and related constructs
Authors: Burke Ainsley , Haslam Nick
Published: August 2002

Seventy‐four patients seeking treatment for major depression completed four measures of dependent and autonomous personality and two measures of depressive symptomatology. Relationships among the personality measures were investigated by principal‐components analysis, enabling systematic comparison of their composition. Relationships between personality components and symptom dimensions were examined to clarify specific associations that have been proposed but inconsistently obtained in previous research. Neither dependency nor autonomy were unitary constructs, and alternative measures had substantial differences in composition. Some support for symptom specificity was obtained. Dependency and autonomy have distinctive associations with depressive symptoms, but their correspondence to unitary personality dimensions and the equivalence of their alternative scales cannot be assumed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 57: 953–961, 2001.
A motivational interviewing perspective on resistance in psychotherapy
Authors: Moyers Theresa B. , Rollnick Stephen
Published: August 2002

This article applies the motivational interviewing approach to resistance, which is conceptualized as the product of an interaction between the therapist and client rather than a static client characteristic. The underlying principles of motivational interviewing also are discussed, as are the overall therapeutic goals when using this approach. Sources of the resistance between the therapist and client are reviewed, as well as specific recommendations for responding. The motivational interviewing approach to resistance is applied to each of the three case vignettes. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol/In Session 58: 185–193, 2002.
Resistance in psychotherapy: What conclusions are supported by research
Authors: Beutler Larry E. , Moleiro Carla , Talebi Hani
Published: August 2002

Theoretical literature is contradictory in most areas, but virtually all theories agree on the existence of patient resistance and propose similar implications, meanings, and effects of its manifestation. However, theories differ widely in both the assumed causes of resistance and the methods of dealing with resistant patients. Common to various theoretical definitions is an assumption that resistance is both a dispositional trait and an in‐therapy state of oppositional, angry, irritable, and suspicious behaviors. Reactance is a special class of resistance that is manifest in oppositional and uncooperative behavior. Resistance bodes poorly for treatment effectiveness. Nondirective and paradoxical strategies have been found to be quite successful in overcoming resistant and reactant states, while matching low‐directive and self‐directed treatments with resistant patients circumvents the effects of resistance traits. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol/In Session 58: 207–217, 2002.
Effects of TGF‐α gene knockout on epithelial cell kinetics and repair of methotrexate‐induced damage in mouse small intestine
Authors: Xian Cory J. , Cool Jo C. , Howarth Gordon S. , Read Leanna C.
Published: August 2002

While previous studies have indicated that exogenous TGF‐α stimulates epithelial growth, maintenance, and repair of the gut, roles of endogenous TGF‐α are less well‐defined particularly in the small bowel. The current study examined effects of TGF‐α knockout on adult small intestinal epithelial cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and damage/repair response after methotrexate treatment. Compared to normal mice, TGF‐α gene knockout did not affect crypt cell production, mitosis position, migration, and apoptosis in non‐injured intestine. RT‐PCR gene expression analysis revealed presence of four out of six TGF‐α related EGF family ligands in the normal intestine, suggesting a possible functional redundancy of the EGF family in maintenance of the intestine. Although TGF‐α gene knockout did not significantly impair the overall mucosal repair in methotrexate‐induced acute damage in the small intestine, it resulted in a higher apoptotic response in the early hours following methotrexate challenge, and a delayed and reduced crypt cell proliferation during repair. Consistently, after methotrexate challenge, intestinal TGF‐α mRNA was found to be markedly upregulated in the early hours and during repair in the wild type, and there were similar profiles in the increased expression of all other ligands (except EGF) between the wild type and knockout intestines. Therefore, despite a possible functional redundancy among the EGF family ligands in the normal small intestine, TGF‐α may play a role in modulating the early apoptotic events and in enhancing the subsequent reparative proliferative response in the methotrexate‐damaged intestine. J. Cell. Physiol. 191: 105–115, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Signaling of monocytic differentiation by a non‐hypercalcemic analog of vitamin D3, 1,25(OH)2‐5,6 trans‐16‐ene‐vitamin D3, involves nuclear vitamin D receptor (nVDR) and non‐nVDR–mediated pathways
Authors: Ji Yan , Wang Xuening , Donnelly Robert J. , Uskokovic Milan R. , Studzinski George P.
Published: August 2002

Exposure of leukemia cells to the physiologically active form of vitamin D3, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3(1,25D3) normalizes their phenotype to cells that resemble mature monocytes. One of the earliest detectable events in this process is an upregulation of the nuclear receptor for 1,25D3, the vitamin D receptor (nVDR). In contrast, the novel analog of 1,25D3, 1,25‐dihydroxy‐5,6 trans‐16‐ene‐vitamin D3(5,6‐16D3), which has recently been reported to have low calcium‐mobilizing activity in vivo, rapidly induced the expression of CD14, CD11b, and monocyte‐specific esterase (MSE), classical markers of the mature monocyte, but upregulated nVDR expression less than 1,25D3. This upregulation was shown to be the result of altered degradation of the nVDR protein, while the levels of nVDR mRNA were constant. Knock‐out of nVDR transcriptional activity by a decoy VDRE double‐stranded deoxyoligonucleotide, markedly abrogated 1,25D3‐induced differentiation, but incompletely inhibited 5,6‐16D3‐induced differentiation. These findings suggest that the unique ability of 5,6‐16D3to induce cell differentiation but not systemic hypercalcemia, may be due to the activation of pathways which initiate differentiation independently of nVDR. J. Cell. Physiol. 191: 198–207, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The gene PC3TIS21/BTG2, prototype member of the PC3/BTG/TOB family: Regulator in control of cell growth, differentiation, and DNA repair?
Authors: Tirone Felice
Published: August 2002

PC3TIS21/BTG2 is the founding member of a family of genes endowed with antiproliferative properties, namely BTG1, ANA/BTG3, PC3B, TOB, and TOB2. PC3 was originally isolated as a gene induced by nerve growth factor during neuronal differentiation of rat PC12 cells, or by TPA in NIH3T3 cells (named TIS21), and is a marker for neuronal birth in vivo. This and other findings suggested its implication in the process of neurogenesis as mediator of the growth arrest before differentiation. Remarkably, its human homolog, named BTG2, was shown to be p53‐inducible, in conditions of genotoxic damage. PC3TIS21/BTG2 impairs G1–S progression, either by a Rb‐dependent pathway through inhibition of cyclin D1 transcription, or in a Rb‐independent fashion by cyclin E downregulation. PC3TIS21/BTG2 might also control the G2 checkpoint. Furthermore, PC3TIS21/BTG2 interacts with carbon catabolite repressor protein‐associated factor 1 (CAF‐1), a molecule that associates to the yeast transcriptional complex CCR4 and might influence cell cycle, with the transcription factor Hoxb9, and with the protein‐arginine methyltransferase 1, that might control transcription through histone methylation. Current evidence suggests a physiological role of PC3TIS21/BTG2 in the control of cell cycle arrest following DNA damage and other types of cellular stress, or before differentiation of the neuron and other cell types. The molecular function of PC3TIS21/BTG2 is still unknown, but its ability to modulate cyclin D1 transcription, or to synergize with the transcription factor Hoxb9, suggests that it behaves as a transcriptional co‐regulator. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Requirement of protein kinase Cα, extracellular matrix remodeling, and cell–matrix interaction for transforming growth factorβ‐regulated expression of E‐cadherin and catenins
Authors: Wang Hongmei , Chakrabarty Subhas
Published: August 2002

A hallmark of transforming growth factorβ (TGFβ) action is the induction of the synthesis and secretion of extracellular‐matrix adhesion molecules and induction of the cell‐surface expression of integrin receptors for these molecules (termed extracellular‐matrix remodeling). The signal pathways leading to extracellular‐matrix remodeling and the significance of extracellular‐matrix remodeling in TGFβ function is not well‐understood. In the epithelium‐derived human colon cancer cell line Moser, TGFβ induces extracellular‐matrix remodeling in a protein kinase Cα‐dependent manner. In this study we showed that TGFβ was a potent inducer of the homotypic cell–cell adhesion molecule E‐cadherin and its undercoat‐associated proteins, the catenins and dramatically increased the amount of E‐cadherin/γ‐catenin complex formation. We found that the induction of E‐cadherin and α‐ and β‐catenin by TGFβ was also dependent on protein kinase Cα, whereas the induction of γ‐catenin was independent of protein kinase Cα but dependent on other protein kinase C isoforms. We also found that protein kinase Cα‐dependent induction of extracellular‐matrix remodeling and subsequent cell–matrix interaction requiring both fibronectin and laminin were a prerequisite for the induction of E‐cadherin (and α‐ and β‐catenin but not γ‐catenin) by TGFβ. We therefore concluded that two signal pathways exist in TGFβ‐regulated expression of E‐cadherin and the catenins. We also concluded that a functional significance of TGFβ‐induced extracellular matrix remodeling is the activation of signal transduction mechanisms through increased interaction between extracellular matrix fibronectin and laminin and their cell‐surface integrin receptors, which lead to the induction of E‐cadherin (and α‐ and β‐catenin). © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pigment epithelium‐derived factor inhibits retinal and choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Mori Keisuke , Duh Elia , Gehlbach Peter , Ando Akira , Takahashi Kyoichi , Pearlman Joel , Mori Keiko , Yang Hoseong S. , Zack Donald J. , Ettyreddy Damodar , Brough Douglas E. , Wei Lisa L. , Campochiaro Peter A.
Published: August 2002

In this study, we investigated whether overexpression of pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) by gene transfer can inhibit neovascularization by testing its effect in three different models of ocular neovascularization. Intravitreous injection of an adenoviral vector encoding PEDF resulted in expression of PEDF mRNA in the eye measured by RT‐PCR and increased immunohistochemical staining for PEDF protein throughout the retina. In mice with laser‐induced rupture of Bruch's membrane, choroidal neovascularization was significantly reduced after intravitreous injection of PEDF vector compared to injection of null vector or no injection. Subretinal injection of the PEDF vector resulted in prominent staining for PEDF in retinal pigmented epithelial cells and strong inhibition of choroidal neovascularization. In two models of retinal neovascularization (transgenic mice with increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in photoreceptors and mice with oxygen‐induced ischemic retinopathy), intravitreous injection of null vector resulted in decreased neovascularization compared to no injection, but intravitreous injection of PEDF vector resulted in further inhibition of neovascularization that was statistically significant. These data suggest that sustained increased intraocular expression of PEDF by gene therapy might provide a promising approach for treatment of ocular neovascularization. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chitosan‐treated polypropylene matrix as immobilization support for lactic acid production using Lactobacillus plantarum NCIM 2084
Authors: Krishnan Sudha , Gowthaman M K , Misra M C , Karanth N G
Published: August 2002

Adsorption coupled with electrostatic interaction as an immobilization technique is an important microbial cell immobilization technique. Treatment of the polymer matrix with the cationic surface treating agent chitosan for lactic acid production has been studied. Cells of Lactobacillus plantarum NCIM 2084 were immobilized on a polypropylene (PP) matrix treated with different concentrations of chitosan. The biocatalyst adsorbed on the 1.0 g dm−3 chitosan‐treated PP matrix proved to be most effective. Repeated batch fermentation experiments showed that the immobilized biocatalyst could be recycled effectively 11 times. Studies were also carried out in a packed bed reactor with media recirculation. A high productivity of 7.66 g dm−3 h−1 could be obtained with a conversion of 94% and a yield of 97% at an average residence time of 30 h.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Kinetic study of fast pyrolysis of sawdust in a conical spouted bed reactor in the range 400–500 °C
Authors: Olazar Martin , Aguado Roberto , San José María J , Bilbao Javier
Published: August 2002

An original reactor (a conical spouted bed reactor) is used for the kinetic study of Pinus insignis sawdust pyrolysis in the range 400–500 °C under the usual conditions of this reactor for pyrolysis in a continuous regime. The equipment meets the requirements for pyrolysis kinetic study (bed isothermality, high mass and heat transfer between phases and short residence time of gaseous products). The results of yield of products are evidence of the good performance of the conical spouted bed reactor for obtaining a liquid product, with a maximum yield of 70 wt% in the range 440–460 °C.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Simulation of transient state in enzymatic membrane reactors for resolution of DL‐valine and experimental validation
Authors: Bódalo Antonio , Gómez José L , Gómez Elisa , Máximo M Fuensanta , Hidalgo Asunción M
Published: August 2002

A simple model, based on kinetic studies, is shown to be capable of describing the transient state of an ultrafiltration membrane reactor (UFMR) for the continuous resolution of DL‐valine. The reactor has been modelled as a perfectly mixed tank reactor. The model has been validated in different conditions (five different flow rates and three feeding concentrations) using the asymmetrical hydrolysis of N‐acetyl‐DL‐valine catalysed by L‐aminoacylase as experimental system, with an overall mean error of 4.08%.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantitative studies on the movement of fluid and lymphocytes through periodontal tissue and into the draining lymph
Authors: Au Binh , McCulloch Christopher A. G. , Hay John B.
Published: August 2002

Chronic lymph drainage techniques in sheep have been used to map the pathways and to quantify the fluid and cell traffic through periodontal tissues. The continuous collection of cervical and prescapular lymph has demonstrated that 65% of labelled protein tracer injected into the periodontal tissues could be found in lymph over a period of 7.5 hours. Nearly 90% of the total radioactivity could be accounted for between the lymph and the tissue site. When silk was impregnated with radiolabelled albumin and a tooth ligated, the kinetics of the subsequent appearance of the tracer in lymph emphasized the ease with which macromolecules surrounding the teeth gain access to the lymphatics, regional lymph nodes, and immune apparatus. Animals were primed with BCG and then tuberculin (delayed hypersensitivity) lesions were simultaneously induced in the skin, bowel, and periodontium. When T cells were labelled with radioisotopes and their migration from blood to lymph measured, the periodontal tissue traffic pattern was distinct from the traffic pattern through DTH in the skin and also distinct from the pattern through the small intestine. This indicates that the lymphocyte traffic through the inflamed periodontium has unique features. This tissue specificity was not apparent when lesions were induced with TNFα. The static assessment of lymphocyte subsets within the tissues was also assessed with immunohistochemistry. Microsc. Res. Tech. 56:66–71, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The pars intercerebralis of the locust brain: A developmental and comparative study
Authors: Ludwig Peter , Williams Leslie , Boyan George
Published: August 2002

The anterior midline of the brain, also known as the pars intercerebralis, contains the largest collection of neurosecretory cells in the central nervous system of the grasshopper. In this study, we use immunocytochemical, intracellular staining, and histological methods to establish the ontogenies of the various cell types in the brain midline, and show how these cells contribute to the pars intercerebralis of the adult brain. We show that the adult pars intercerebralis develops from three distinct embryonic cell groups: (1) the median neurosecretory cells, which derive from a subset of neuroblasts in the protocerebral hemispheres, and which project axons to the corpora cardiaca; (2) the paired primary commissure pioneers, which derive directly from the mesectoderm of the dorsal median domain and whose axons project to the ventral nerve cord via the midline tract; and (3) the six progeny of the median precursor in the dorsal median domain, which share a common axonal projection with the primary commissure pioneers. Since the adult pars intercerebralis is a fusion product of these independent cellular components, it can only be understood in terms of its origins in the embryonic brain. When the expression pattern of the TERM‐1 antigen is compared in subsets of median neurosecretory cells in a wide range of insect orders, the results suggests a common organizational Bauplan for the pars intercerebralis. This hypothesis is supported by the identification of putative homologs of the grasshopper primary commissure pioneers in all these insects. Microsc. Res. Tech. 56:174–188, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular phenotype of Fragile X syndrome: FMRP, FXRPs, and protein targets
Authors: Kaufmann Walter E. , Cohen Sonia , Sun Hong‐Tao , Ho George
Published: August 2002

Fragile X syndrome (FraX) is one of the most prevalent genetic causes of mental retardation. FraX is associated with an unstable expansion of a polymorphism within the 5′ untranslated region of the FMR1 gene. The main consequence of this mutation is a reduction in the levels of the gene product (FMRP). FMRP is an RNA‐binding protein with multiple spliced variants (isoforms) and high levels of expression in a variety of tissues, including neurons. In the latter cells, it is localized not only to the perikaryon but also to dendrites and dendritic spines. FMRP belongs to a family of proteins that includes the Fragile X Related Proteins or FXRPs. FXRPs share high homology in their functional domains with FMRP, and also associate with mRNA and components of the protein synthesis apparatus. However, FXRPs do not have the same temporo‐spatial pattern of distribution (and other properties) of FMRP. Immunochemical assays have confirmed that a functionally uncompensated FMRP deficit is the essence of the FraX molecular phenotype. Here, we report our preliminary study on FXRPs levels in leukocytes from FraX males. By immunoblotting, we found that a marked reduction in FMRP levels is associated with a modest increase in FXR1P and no changes in FXR2P levels. The consequences of this reduced FMRP expression on protein synthesis, in other words, the identification of FMRP targets, can be studied by different molecular approaches including protein interaction and proteomics methods. By two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, we showed that in FraX leukocytes there is a defect in acetylation that involves prominently the regulatory protein annexin‐1. Extension of current studies of the molecular phenotype to more brain‐relevant tissue samples, a wider range of proteomics‐based methods, and correlative analyses of FMRP homologues and FMRP targets with multiple behavioral measures, will greatly expand our understanding of FraX pathogenesis and it will help to develop and monitor new therapeutic strategies. Microsc. Res. Tech. 57:135–144, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
From theory to therapy: Implications from an in vitro model of ramified microglia
Authors: Rosenstiel Philip , Lucius Ralph , Deuschl Günther , Sievers Jobst , Wilms Henrik
Published: August 2002

Microglia are the principal immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by a highly specific morphology and unusual antigenic phenotype. An increasing number of studies have focused on the role of microglia in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. To elucidate the function of microglial cells under several neuropathological conditions, we have studied and established a cell culture model that allows us to cultivate microglial cells in their inactive, resting (ramified) phenotype. In the first part of this work, we describe the interaction of microglia cells with their epithelial (astrocytic) microenvironment. The second part reviews experiments with microglia cell cultures to elucidate underlying signalling pathways and summarizes recent advances of our knowledge in microglial molecular pathways that may ultimately lead to neurodegeneration. Microsc. Res. Tech. 54:18–25, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution and regulation of substance P‐related peptide in the frog visual system
Authors: Debski Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2002

Modulation of visual signal activity has consequences for both signal processing and for activity‐dependent structuring mechanisms. Among the neuromodulatory agents found in visual areas are substance P (SP)‐related peptides. This article reviews what is known about these substances in the amphibian retina and optic tectum with special emphasis on the leopard frog, Rana pipiens. It is found that the distribution of these SP‐related peptides is remarkably similar to that seen in mammals. This suggests that study of model amphibian systems may significantly enhance our understanding of how neuropeptides contribute to visual system function and organization. Microsc. Res. Tech. 54:220–228, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intensity‐dependent phase‐adjustments in the locomotor activity rhythm of the nocturnal field mouse Mus booduga
Authors: Sharma Vijay Kumar , Chidambaram R.
Published: August 2002

The locomotor activity rhythm of the nocturnal field mouse Mus booduga was monitored under constant darkness (DD) and free‐running periods (τ) were estimated. Following a free‐run of about 15 days in DD, the animals were exposed to periodic light pulses (LPs) of various intensities (1 lux, 10 lux, 50 lux, 100 lux, and 1,000 lux) and 15 minutes duration for 65 days at intervals of 24 hours to investigate the influence of intensity of light on the phase‐angle‐difference (ψ) between the onset of locomotor activity and the time of LP administration. The experimentally observed values of ψ and τ for a LP of 1,000 lux intensity used for 15 minutes every 24 hr, showed a sigmoid shaped relationship with τ. This relationship was similar to that predicted based on the nonparametric model of entrainment, which uses the τ and the LP phase response curve (PRC) constructed using LP of similar duration and intensity. The functional nature of the relationship between ψ and τ was not found to change significantly with increasing intensities of LP used to entrain the locomotor activity rhythm. However, ψ was significantly modulated by the intensity of LP. These results suggest that the periodic sensitivity of the circadian pacemaker underlying the locomotor activity rhythm in the nocturnal field mouse M. booduga to LPs plays an important role in maintaining a characteristic ψ with the zeitgeber and the ψ changes in a light intensity‐dependent manner. J. Exp. Zool. 292:444–459, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of motility in embryonic development I: Embryo movements and amnion contractions in the chick and the influence of illumination
Authors: Wu K.‐C. , Streicher J. , Lee M.L. , Hall B.K. , Müller G.B.
Published: August 2002

This study provides a quantitative analysis of the active movements of the chick embryo and of the contractions of the amnion over the entire developmental period of 21 days. Four types of embryo movements are distinguished. The motor activity of the embryo shows two characteristic peaks, with maximum contraction frequencies on the 12th and on the 16th day. In contrast, the amnion activity is higher at earlier stages and decreases as the body activity increases. The amnion activity is largely independent of the body activity. Illumination has a strong influence on embryo movements. It is shown that increases of light intensity affect the patterns of activity of both the embryo and the amnion. While the effect of light on the embryo can be interpreted as being transmitted via the optic system, the mechanism of the amniotic response is unclear. The results suggest that the amnion itself may be sensitive to light. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 291:186–194, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.