bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can color doppler predict the uniformity of HIFU‐induced prostate tissue destruction?
Authors: Rouvière Olivier , Curiel Laura , Chapelon Jean‐Yves , Bouvier Raymonde , Ecochard René , Gelet Albert , Lyonnet Denis
Published: March 2004

Background

Tissue blood perfusion influences the results of some hyperthermia and thermotherapy procedures, but its role in the outcome of prostate cancer treatment by high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has not been evaluated yet. We evaluated preoperative prostate color Doppler as a predictor of the efficacy of HIFU treatment.

Methods

Thirty‐five patients underwent pre‐ and post‐contrast color Doppler examination of the prostate before HIFU treatment. Specific software was used to calculate, on color Doppler images, the color pixel density (CPD), and the specific flow (SF, i.e., mean velocity × CPD) in different regions of interest. Post‐treatment sextant biopsies were obtained in 31 patients, 5.8 ± 2.8 months after HIFU treatment.

Results

No significant correlation was found between the uniformity of HIFU‐induced tissue destruction observed on control biopsies and the pre‐treatment CPD/SF values in any region of interest, either before or after contrast injection. On the other hand, history of radiation therapy was significantly associated with homogeneous tissue destruction and history of hormone therapy was significantly associated with incomplete tissue destruction.

Conclusions

Color Doppler cannot predict the uniformity of HIFU‐induced tissue destruction. History of radiation therapy was found to be a factor of favorable prognosis and history of hormone therapy was found to be a factor of poor prognosis in our population. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of serum PSA to identify acute bacterial prostatitis in patients with fever of unknown origin or symptoms of acute pyelonephritis
Authors: Hara Noboru , Koike Hiroshi , Ogino Sojiro , Okuizumi Mina , Kawaguchi Mokoto
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND

Exclusion of prostatitis in screening for prostate cancer (Cap) is a matter of concern in the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) era. Yet, the identification of acute bacterial prostatitis (ABP), intentionally utilizing PSA in patients with pyrexia has been scarcely reported.

METHODS

In total, 39 men, who presented at our department with a fever higher than 38.3°C, were randomly selected. We investigated the fraction of patients who had serum PSA levels higher than 4.0 ng/ml and categorized them according to an initial diagnosis of pyelonephritis, ABP, other urogenital infections, and fever of unknown origin (FUO).

RESULTS

Six of nine cases initially diagnosed as pyelonephritis, presented with elevated PSA levels between 9.5 and 75.1 ng/ml. All six cases of clinically diagnosed prostatitis had PSA elevated between 4.1 and 13.6 ng/ml. In 8 of 18 FUO cases, PSA was elevated between 5.1 and 77.0 ng/ml. PSA levels significantly correlated with age (P < 0.005). All 20 patients with elevated PSA received antibiotics, and serum PSA was significantly reduced in all cases (P < 0.001) together with the alleviation of fever and normalization of CRP.

CONCLUSIONS

PSA is a prompt and steady diagnostic tool for identifying ABP that might be missed or misdiagnosed. We recommend the measurement of PSA in cases not only with urologic infection but also puzzling pyrexia. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A set of homology models of pore loop domain of six eukaryotic voltage‐gated potassium channels Kv1.1‐Kv1.6
Authors: Liu Hsuan‐Liang , Lin Jin‐Chung
Published: March 2004

Homology models of the pore loop domain of six eukaryotic potassium channels, Kv1.1‐Kv1.6, were generated based on the crystallographic structure of KcsA. The results of amino acid sequence alignment indicate that these Kv channels are composed of two structurally and functionally independent domains: the N‐terminal ‘voltage sensor’ domain and the C‐terminal ‘pore loop’ domain. The homology models reveal that the pore loop domains of these Kv channels exhibit similar folds to those of KcsA. The structural features and specific packing of aromatic residues around the selectivity filter of these Kv channels are nearly identical to those of KcsA, whereas most of the structural variations occur in the turret as well as in the inner and outer helices. The distribution of polar and nonpolar side chains on the surfaces of the KcsA and Kv channels reveals that they exhibit a segregation of side chains common to most integral membrane proteins. As the hydrogen bond between Glu71 and Asp80 in KcsA plays an important role in stabilizing the channel, the substituted Val residue in the Kv family corresponding to Glu71 of KcsA stabilizes the channel by making hydrophobic contact with Tyr residue from the signature sequence of the selectivity filter. The homology models of these Kv channels provide particularly attractive subjects for further structure‐based studies. Proteins 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Potent Trypsin‐resistant hGH‐RH Analogues
Authors: Izdebski Jan , Witkowska Ewa , Kunce Danuta , Orłowska Alicja , Baranowska Bogusława , Wolińska‐Witort Ewa
Published: March 2004

A series of analogues of hGH‐RH‐(1–29)‐NH2 designed to have metabolic stability has been synthesized. Standard Boc‐SPPS was employed, modified to permit the guanidinylation of amino side‐chains after chain assembly but before release from the resin. [Dat1, Har11, 12, 20, 21, 29, Ala15, Nle27, Asp28]‐, [Dat1, Har11, 20, 29, Orn12, Ala15, Nle27, Asp28]‐, and [Dat1, Gap11, 12, 21, 29, Ala15, Har20, Nle27, Asp28]‐hGH‐RH‐(1–29)‐NH2 were completely resistant to trypsin and about 50 times as potent as hGH‐RH‐(1–29)‐NH2 itself when injected subcutaneously in rats. These peptides are candidates for clinical application in the therapy of GH deficiency. Copyright © 2004 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical study of the valence and K‐shell spectra of atmospherically relevant CO2
Authors: Olalla E. , Martín I.
Published: March 2004

Calculations of intensities for E1 electronic transitions originating in the nonbonding orbitals of CO2 and ending in low‐Rydberg states, as well as the corresponding partial‐channel and total photoionization density of oscillator strength, have been performed with the molecular quantum defect orbital (MQDO) method. This article thus deals with both the nonbonding orbitals constituent of the outer valence shell and the atomic‐like K‐shell of CO2. A comparative analysis is made throughout the discrete and continuous spectral regions with the results of previously reported experimental and theoretical studies for this species. Good agreement is found in most cases. The MQDO approach in this and in previous applications to molecular Rydberg states has proved to yield results of quantitative quality as long as the involved states are not subject to strong perturbations. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Vibronic intensities in diatomic molecules
Authors: Wood D. M. , Hochmann P. , Klasinc L. , McGlynn S. P.
Published: March 2004

The object of this work is to use vibronic intensity distributions to determine the bond lengths of diatomic molecules in excited electronic states without having to evaluate Franck–Condon (FC) integrals. More specifically, the intent is to derive simple linear or quadratic expressions that provide good correspondence of bond lengths obtained from experimental vibronic intensity ratios with the experimental bond lengths. To that end, we will construct power‐series expressions for the FC integral in the harmonic approximation in terms of a parameter that approaches zero as the vibrational frequencies of the two combining electronic states approach equality, show how these expressions may be truncated, and evaluate the range of bond length changes over which the various approximate equations are valid. The study covered 60 different electronic transitions in 40 different diatomics. Of these, 40 electronic transition data sets were considered good enough to merit analysis. It will be shown that both approximations perform well within the limit of their applicability. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
DFT study of bridge atom dependence of absorption and emitting wavelength of tridentate ligand chelates of aluminum
Authors: Kan Ying , Wu Guo‐Shi , Wang Li‐Duo , Qiu Yong
Published: March 2004

The energy band structures of two promising organic light‐emitting compounds, Al(Saph‐q) [(salicylidene‐o‐aminophenolato) (8‐quinolinoato) aluminum] and Al(azb‐q) [(o,o′‐dihydroxyazobenzene) (8‐quinolinoato)aluminum], were investigated using the approaches of density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/ 6‐31G*//3‐21G* level, and the projected density of states (PDOS). The predicted maximum absorption wavelengths, 392 nm for Al(Saph‐q) and 496 nm for Al(azb‐q), were in good agreement with the experimentally determined, 420 nm and 504 nm. The different bridge atoms make considerable varieties of the frontier orbitals. The results were reasonably expounded via a detailed analysis of the electronic structure. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Quantum mechanical studies of isomeric and conformeric structures of methyl‐chloro‐peroxide
Authors: Drougas Evangelos , Kosmas Agnie M.
Published: March 2004

Ab initio quantum mechanical studies are carried out for the isomeric structures and the torsional potential of methyl‐chloro‐peroxide. These species are important intermediates in the atmospheric reactions of methyl, methoxy, and methylperoxy radicals with chlorine dioxide, chlorine monoxide, and atomic chlorine, respectively. The calculations indicate that the peroxide form, CH3OOCl, with a skew geometry for C, O, O, and Cl atoms, is the lowest minimum energy structure followed by CH3OClO. The CH3ClO2 adduct is found to be much higher in energy. The calculated isomerization barriers are found to be relatively high to permit possible interconversion pathways. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Hybrid QM/MM embedding approach for the treatment of localized surface states in ionic materials
Authors: Sokol Alexey A. , Bromley Stefan T. , French Samuel A. , Catlow C. Richard A. , Sherwood Paul
Published: March 2004

We present a hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical technique recently developed and implemented in the computational chemistry software environment, ChemShell, aimed at the study of reactions at the surfaces of ionic solids including reconstructed polar surfaces and interfaces. The method follows approaches commonly used for the treatment of point defects in the bulk of halide and oxide materials but also incorporates surface‐specific relaxation and electrostatic effects, which allows one to study adsorption of charged and strongly dipolar species as well as inherent structural and electronic surface defects. Applications of this embedding approach are illustrated with the investigation into electron trapping at the oxygen terminated polar surfaces of ZnO and related surface F centers. Processes discussed are of particular interest for heterogeneous catalysis as the species characterized prove to be active catalytic centers in methanol synthesis over ZnO. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Low‐frequency intra‐ and intermolecular vibration modes of H‐bonded nucleobases in oligonucleotide double helixes and hydrated nucleotide duplex: Application of the PM3 method
Authors: Kabanov Artem V. , Komarov Vladislav M. , Yakushevich Ludmila V. , Teplukhin Alexander V.
Published: March 2004

To understand the physical mechanisms of the structural–dynamic organization of the DNA double helix, it is important to investigate the spectrum of vibration modes of Watson–Crick base pairs with different models of H‐bonding complexes. Using the PM3 technique, we calculate the energy of low‐frequency intra‐ and inter‐molecular vibration modes of isolated canonical nucleoside and nucleotide pairs and analyze the dependence on the elongation of oligonucleotide double helix. The vibration spectrum of hydrated duplex [d(ApA) · d(TpT)]−2 · 47H2O was also calculated to elucidate the role of water in formation of the DNA spectrum. The results are compared with the available experimental data and analytical estimations. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Intact polar membrane lipids in prokaryotes and sediments deciphered by high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization multistage mass spectrometry—new biomarkers for biogeochemistry and microbial ecology
Authors: Sturt Helen F. , Summons Roger E. , Smith Kristin , Elvert Marcus , Hinrichs Kai‐Uwe
Published: March 2004

Lipids from prokaryotic cell membranes can serve as sources of information on the biogeochemistry and microbial ecology of natural ecosystems. Traditionally, apolar derivatives of the intact polar membrane molecules, e.g., fatty acids, have been the major target of lipid‐based biogeochemical studies. However, when still intact, i.e., as glycerol esters and ethers with attached polar headgroups, membrane lipids are diagnostic for living prokaryotes, which makes them excellent biomarkers for the study of in situ microbial processes in geological systems such as sediments or soils. Intact polar lipids (IPLs) are attractive analytical targets because they are taxonomically more specific than their apolar derivatives and avoid exclusion of signals from prokaryotes that primarily build their membranes with ether‐bound lipids such as archaea and some bacteria. Here we report results from analyses of IPLs in pure cultures of biogeochemically relevant prokaryotes and marine sediments by high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization ion‐trap mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI‐IT‐MSn). This technique is suitable for screening of biomass and environmental samples for distinctive taxonomic structural features such as distribution of polar lipid headgroups, types of bonds between alkyl moiety and glycerol backbone, and the chain length and degree of unsaturation in the alkyl moieties. We present analytical protocols to decipher structural information from mass spectral data. The IPL contents in selected archaeal and bacterial species are diverse and qualify as molecular fingerprints. Applied to marine sediments, the approach provided detailed information on the dominant microbial groups. The IPLs from bacterial members of anaerobic methanotrophic communities in surface sediments at Hydrate Ridge resemble those found in Desulfosarcina variabilis. The presence of dietherglycerophospholipids, however, suggests the presence of other bacteria possibly affiliated with the deepest phylogenetic branches in the tree of life. Sediments from ∼90 m below the seafloor on the Peruvian continental margin are dominated by intact archaeal tetraethers with glycosidically bound hexoses as headgroups, consistent with a significant fraction of the community being archaea. Additional calditol‐based tetraethers imply that the sedimentary archaea are taxonomically linked to the crenarchaeal Sulfolobales. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of impurities in pesticides and their degradation products formed during the wine‐making process by solid‐phase extraction and gas chromatography with detection by electron impact mass spectrometry. I. Vinclozoline, procymidone and fenitrothion
Authors: Jiménez Juan José , Bernal José Luis , del Nozal M. Jesús , Arias Elena , Bernal José
Published: March 2004

The presence of degradation products of vinclozoline, procymidone and fenitrothion, and of impurities from their commercial formulations, was studied in white and red wines elaborated from spiked must. After solid‐phase extraction the nature of the residues was established by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. The structures of several degradation products and impurities are discussed and elucidated on the basis of their electron impact spectra. In elaborated wines the concentrations of the degradation products and impurities are lower than those of the original active ingredients. Aminofenitrothion and acetylamino‐formyl‐fenitrothion‐oxon are the main residues of fenitrothion in wine. For dicarboximides, an alcohol derivative of vinclozoline was found in addition to 3,5‐dichloroaniline. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of cefuroxime in human serum or plasma by liquid chromatography with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Viberg Anders , Sandström Marie , Jansson Britt
Published: March 2004

Cefuroxime is a second‐generation cephalosporin used against different kinds of bacterial infections. To be able to optimize the dosing it is necessary to characterize the pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime which requires a selective and sensitive analytical method for cefuroxime in plasma or serum. A new rapid liquid chromatography/electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method, using cefotaxime as internal standard, was developed for analysis of cefuroxime in human serum. The work‐up procedure consisted of protein precipitation with acetonitrile/cefotaxime, and after centrifugation the supernatant was dissolved in mobile phase. The sample was injected on a SB‐CN column and the detection was performed using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The limit of quantification was determined to 0.025 μg/mL. The method was linear in the range 0.025–50 μg/mL with a coefficient of correlation >0.999. The limit of quantification and intra‐day variability were found to be the same for plasma samples, which indicates that the method is valid for serum as well as plasma samples. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Creation and comparison of MS/MS spectral libraries using quadrupole ion trap and triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometers
Authors: Josephs Jonathan L. , Sanders Mark
Published: March 2004

Searchable libraries of MS/MS spectra, obtained using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) with data‐dependent scan mode switching on both quadrupole ion trap and triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometers in conjunction with electrospray ionization, are presented. The effects on library search scores of changing the parameters for producing collision‐induced dissociation (CID) on both instrument types are systematically evaluated. These observations serve as a basis for determining a universal set of conditions for building MS/MS libraries. A group of 19 closely related steroids was used. The ability to obtain library‐searchable spectra at low concentrations is demonstrated for the analysis of a sample of progesterone spiked with hydroxyprogesterone impurities at 0.1 and 0.01%. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A mixed matrix of 3‐hydroxypicolinic acid and pyrazinecarboxylic acid for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry of oligodeoxynucleotides
Authors: Zhou Lihua , Deng Huimin , Deng Qinying , Zhao Shankai
Published: March 2004

A mixed matrix of 3‐hydroxypicolinic acid (3‐HPA) and pyrazinecarboxylic acid (PCA) was used for analysis of a variety of synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides ranging in length from 8–108‐mers by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The experimental results showed that DNA segments with masses in the range from 5000 to 10 500 Da can be analyzed with high resolution (isotopic peaks resolved) when 3‐HPA/PCA was prepared by mixing saturated 3‐HPA solution and saturated PCA solution (in 50% of a 0.5 mol/L solution of diammonium hydrogen citrate plus 50% acetonitrile) at the volume ratio of 4:1. Each component of a mixture of d(A)1–10 gave a well‐resolved peak. Moreover, when 3‐HPA/PCA was used to analyze two mixtures, one containing two 23‐mer DNA segments with a 9 Da difference (A and T) and the other with a 7 Da difference (AA and TG), the two 23‐mer ion peaks were well separated from each other and an isotopically resolved spectrum of each component was recorded. Under the identical experimental conditions, the sample‐to‐sample reproducibility, resolution, signal‐to‐noise ratio and the tolerance to metal salts, with 3‐HPA/PCA, were superior to those observed using 3‐HPA alone for analysis of DNA segments. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of brassinosteroids in the sub‐femtomolar range using dansyl‐3‐aminophenylboronate derivatization and electrospray mass spectrometry
Authors: Svatoš Aleš , Antonchick Andrey , Schneider Bernd
Published: March 2004

A selective and sensitive electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry based method for detection of brassinosteroids (BS) in plant samples was developed. The limit of detection (LOD) was dramatically reduced over existing analytical methods using a microbore (1.00 mm) C18 column and chemical derivatization of free BS to dansyl‐3‐aminophenylboronates. The LOD in the selected‐ion monitoring (SIM) mode for derivatized BS was 125 attomole (signal‐to‐noise ratio 3). The practical utility of the method is documented in Arabidopsis thaliana plant transformation of castasterone to brassinolide using a deuterium‐labeled precursor. The method could be very useful for the detection of native BS in plant tissue and biosynthetic studies. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iterative computation of marginally stable trajectories
Authors: Hiskens I. A.
Published: March 2004

Stability limits place restrictions on the economic operation of power systems. Calculation of these limits is therefore very important, but has traditionally been quite difficult. This paper proposes an iterative algorithm for determining parameter values that result in marginal stability of a system. (A system is marginally stable for a particular disturbance if the post‐disturbance trajectory lies on the stability boundary.) The algorithm is based on Gauss–Newton solution of a nonlinear least‐squares problem. Gradient information is provided by trajectory sensitivities. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical Identification of Limb Structures for Translational Parallel Manipulators
Authors: Fang Yuefa , Tsai Lung‐Wen
Published: March 2004

A systematic analytical method, based on the theory of screws, is presented for identification of limb structures of general and over‐constrained 3‐degree‐of‐freedom (DOF) translational parallel manipulators. Given a system of wrenches of constraint, the corresponding reciprocal basis screws are determined. Then, the joint screws of a limb are obtained by a linear combination of these basis screws. Feasible limbs that can be used for construction of translational platforms are enumerated according to the type of constraint and the number of joints making up the limbs. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mixing in time and space for lattice spin systems: A combinatorial view
Authors: Dyer Martin , Sinclair Alistair , Vigoda Eric , Weitz Dror
Published: March 2004

The paper considers spin systems on thed‐dimensional integer lattice ℤdwith nearest‐neighbor interactions. A sharp equivalence is proved between decay with distance of spin correlations (aspatialproperty of the equilibrium state) and rapid mixing of the Glauber dynamics (atemporalproperty of a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm). Specifically, we show that if the mixing time of the Glauber dynamics isO(nlogn) then spin correlations decay exponentially fast with distance. We also prove the converse implication for monotone systems, and for general systems we prove that exponential decay of correlations impliesO(nlogn) mixing time of a dynamics that updates sufficiently large blocks (rather than single sites). While the above equivalence was already known to hold in various forms, we give proofs that are purely combinatorial and avoid the functional analysis machinery employed in previous proofs. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2004
Methodical aspects in the surface analysis of supported molybdena catalysts
Authors: Briand Laura E. , Tkachenko Olga P. , Guraya Monica , Wachs Israel E. , Grünert Wolfgang
Published: March 2004

Supported molybdena catalysts, with TiO2, CeO2 and Al2O3 supports, were studied by XPS and ISS. It was found that reliable results are obtained only when samples are calcined and transferred into the ultrahigh vacuum system without further contact with the ambient atmosphere (‘in situ calcination’). This applies also to catalysts that were previously calcined but had been stored in the ambient atmosphere. Supported Mo oxide becomes reduced under x‐ray irradiation during extended XPS data acquisition. A slight decrease of the Mo/support cation intensity ratio as a consequence of this reduction was detected by ISS in MoO3/TiO2 and MoO3/CeO2, therefore ISS analysis should be performed on freshly calcined samples without prior extended exposure to x‐rays. Because ISS spectra change rapidly due to sputtering, a correct analysis of the surface properties of the supported Mo catalyst requires extrapolation of the trend to the start of the experiment. It was established by this methodology that the surface of a 7% MoO3/TiO2 catalyst (5.3 Mo nm−2) is completely covered by a monolayer of Mo oxide species, and no Ti cation is exposed. In a submonolayer MoO3/CeO2 catalyst the exposed support could be detected, as expected, whereas in an MoO3/Al2O3 catalyst with an Mo oxide loading equal to the monolayer coverage a slight exposure of the Al support cation also was noted probably because of the high curvature of the smaller Al2O3 particles. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐energy monochromated Cu Kα1 x‐ray source for electron spectroscopy of materials: initial results
Authors: Beamson G. , Haines S. R. , Moslemzadeh N. , Tsakiropoulos P. , Weightman P. , Watts J. F.
Published: March 2004

The construction of an x‐ray source for high‐energy XPS studies, based on Cu Kα1 radiation (hν = 8047.8 eV), is described. This source has been fitted to a Scienta ESCA300 electron spectrometer and initial results for pure iron, chromium and stainless steel are presented. The Fe 1 s and Cr 1 s core levels (at ∼7112 and 5989 eV binding energy, respectively) are readily observed at good resolution along with their KLL Auger series. It is concluded that the new source shows much promise for investigation of the electronic structure of ferrous and other alloys of scientific and technological importance. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Upregulation of striatal adenosine A2A receptor mRNA in 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned rats intermittently treated with L‐DOPA
Authors: Tomiyama Masahiko , Kimura Tamaki , Maeda Tetsuya , Tanaka Hiroyasu , Kannari Kazuya , Baba Masayuki
Published: March 2004

To determine whether the adenosine A2A receptor might play a role in L‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease, we analyzed changes in the expression of A2A receptor mRNA in response to intermittent treatment with L‐DOPA in rats with dopaminergic denervation by 6‐hydroxydopamine (OHDA) infusion into the medial forebrain bundle. Intermittent treatment with L‐DOPA increased A2A receptor mRNA levels in the dopamine‐depleted striatum of 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats exhibiting behavioral sensitization to L‐DOPA. These results suggest that A2A receptor activation is associated with the development of motor complications induced by L‐DOPA treatment. Synapse 52:218–222, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electron microscopic dual labeling of high‐affinity neurotensin and dopamine D2 receptors in the rat nucleus accumbens shell
Authors: Delle Donne Karen T. , Chan June , Boudin Helene , Pélaprat Didier , Rostène William , Pickel Virginia M.
Published: March 2004

The dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell is implicated in schizophrenia and in psychostimulant‐induced drug‐seeking behavior, both of which are affected by activation of the functionally opposed high‐affinity neurotensin receptor (NTS1). To determine the functionally relevant sites, we examined the dual electron microscopic immunocytochemical localization of D2R and NTS1 in the NAc shell of rat brain. Immunolabeling for each receptor was seen in association with cytoplasmic organelles, or more rarely, on the plasma membrane of both axonal and somatodendritic profiles. Some of the axonal and many of the dendritic processes colocalized the two receptors. The dually labeled axon terminals often formed symmetric synapses or appositional contacts with unlabeled dendritic profiles. The morphology of these terminals suggests that they contain either inhibitory amino acids or dopamine. Other axonal profiles expressing exclusively NTS1 or D2R were without synaptic specializations or formed asymmetric, excitatory‐type synapses mainly on unlabeled dendritic spines. In addition, however, several D2R‐immunoreactive terminals were observed presynaptic to dendrites containing NTS1. The somatodendritic profiles immunolabeled for NTS1 and/or D2R had morphological features typical of inhibitory spiny projection neurons in the NAc. These results suggest that activation of NTS1 and D2R can dually modulate transmitter release from the same or separate phenotypically distinct axon terminals in the NAc shell. These presynaptic receptors as well as the postsynaptic NTS1 distribution in neurons that also contain or receive input from terminals containing D2R may mediate the opposing actions of neurotensin and dopamine in the NAc. Synapse 52:176–187, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Does ultrasound examination when the cervix is unfavorable improve the prediction of failed labor induction?
Authors: Roman H. , Verspyck E. , Vercoustre L. , Degre S. , Col J. Y. , Firmin J. M. , Caron P. , Marpeau L.
Published: March 2004

Objective

To compare the Bishop score, ultrasound cervical parameters and fetal fibronectin assessment for predicting failed labor induction when the cervix is unfavorable.

Method

A prospective observational study was performed in 106 consecutive pregnant women with a Bishop score ≤5 undergoing labor induction. Assessment of fetal fibronectin and ultrasound measurement of cervical length, cervical wedging and cervical lip areas were performed. The relationship between these parameters and failure of labor induction was determined.

Results

Failure of labor induction was defined as failure to reach a cervical dilatation of ≥5 cm, and it occurred in 16 patients (15.1%). Induction failure was associated with low Bishop scores before (P = 0.004) and 6 h after the start of induction (P = 0.007), increased clinical cervical length (P = 0.02) and increased ultrasound anterior cervical lip area (P = 0.04). The logistic regression model identified the Bishop score before induction (odds ratio = 2.25; 95% CI, 1.30–3.91; P = 0.003) and the clinical cervical length (odds ratio = 3.95; 95% CI, 1.3–11.7; P = 0.01) as being independent predictors of failed induction. To predict an induction failure, the best Bishop score cut‐off value was 4, with a sensitivity of 87.5%, a specificity of 45.6%, a likelihood ratio of 1.58, a positive predictive value of 22.2% and a negative predictive value of 95.4%.

Conclusion

Compared with the Bishop score, cervical length by ultrasound is not a better predictor for the outcome of labor induction in an unfavorable cervix. Nevertheless, the Bishop score appears to be of poor predictive value for failed induction of labor. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TGA5 acts as a positive and TGA4 acts as a negative regulator of ocs element activity in Arabidopsis roots in response to defence signals
Authors: Foley Rhonda C , Singh Karam B
Published: March 2004

TGA/OBF family members are bZIP transcription factors that bind to the octopine synthase (ocs) element, a plant promoter sequence that has been strongly linked to defence/stress responses. Intron‐containing hairpin (ihp) constructs were used to generate Arabidopsis lines with reduced expression of TGA4 and TGA5. No visible phenotypic differences were observed between ihpTGA and wild‐type (WT) plants. However, the ihpTGA4 and ihpTGA5 plants had opposite affects on ocs element activity, with the ihpTGA4 lines enhancing, and the ihpTGA5 lines reducing, the response of an ocs element construct to the key defence signals, salicylic acid (SA) and H2O2, in roots.
ABC transporter architecture and mechanism: implications from the crystal structures of BtuCD and BtuF
Authors: Locher Kaspar P , Borths Elizabeth
Published: March 2004

ABC transporters are ubiquitous membrane proteins that facilitate unidirectional substrate translocation across the lipid bilayer. Over the past five years, new crystal structures have advanced our understanding of how ABC transporters couple adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis to substrate transport. In the following, we will briefly review the results of these structural investigations and outline their mechanistic implications.
cis‐Effect of DnaJ on DnaK in ternary complexes with chimeric DnaK/DnaJ‐binding peptides
Authors: Han Wanjiang , Christen Philipp
Published: March 2004

Chimeric peptides, comprising a DnaK‐binding sequence of L‐amino acid residues (motif k) and an exclusive DnaJ‐binding sequence of D‐amino acid residues (motif j) connected through a 22‐residue linker, were examined as minisubstrates for the DnaK chaperone system. The DnaJ‐stimulated ATPase activity of DnaK was three times higher in the presence of the chimeric peptides pjk or pkj than in the simultaneous presence of the corresponding single‐motif peptides ala‐p5 (k motif) plus D‐p5 (j motif). Apparently, pjk and pkj mimic unfolded proteins by forming ternary (ATP·DnaK)·peptide·DnaJ complexes which favor cis‐interaction of DnaJ with DnaK. Consistent with this interpretation, the specific stimulatory effect of the chimeric peptides was abolished by either single‐motif peptide in excess.
CcmFC involved in cytochrome c maturation is present in a large sized complex in wheat mitochondria
Authors: Giegé Philippe , Rayapuram Naganand , Meyer Etienne H , Grienenberger Jean Michel , Bonnard Géraldine
Published: March 2004

In land plant mitochondria, c‐type cytochromes are assembled via a mechanism similar to that found in Gram‐negative bacteria and different from that used by mitochondria from other eukaryotes. The wheat mitochondrial genome encodes CCM (for cytochrome c maturation) proteins, among them CcmFC, a protein similar to the C‐terminal part of the bacterial CcmF. The gene is transcribed into a 1.7 kb transcript at steady state. However, the 3′ termini of the transcript were found to occur upstream of the deduced gene termination codon. This discrepancy was solved by RNA editing that introduces a novel termination codon, thus shortening the reading frame by 27 codons. The processed transcript is translated into a protein integrated in the mitochondrial inner membrane. We also show that the protein is part of a large (700 kDa) protein complex, that possibly represents a cytochrome c assembly complex.
Up‐regulation of Na+,K+‐ATPase α3‐isoform and down‐regulation of the α1‐isoform in human colorectal cancer
Authors: Sakai Hideki , Suzuki Tomoyuki , Maeda Mizuki , Takahashi Yuji , Horikawa Naoki , Minamimura Tetsuji , Tsukada Kazuhiro , Takeguchi Noriaki
Published: March 2004

We investigated expression levels of Na+,K+‐ATPase α‐isoforms and their ATPase activities in human colorectal cancer tissue and the accompanying normal mucosa. A decrease in expression of the α1‐isoform protein was observed in all sampled cancer tissues compared with the normal mucosae. The level of ouabain (5 μM)‐sensitive Na+,K+‐ATPase activity in carcinomas was 81±5% that of in the normal mucosae. The mRNA expression of α2‐ and α4‐isoforms was decreased in almost all the carcinoma samples. Interestingly, the expression level of the α3‐isoform protein in the cancer tissue was higher than that of the normal mucosa. These results indicate that a decrease in the α1‐isoform expression and an increase in the α3‐isoform expression may be associated with colorectal cancer.
Adenine nucleotide translocase 3 (ANT3) overexpression induces apoptosis in cultured cells
Authors: Zamora Mònica , Granell Meritxell , Mampel Teresa , Viñas Octavi
Published: March 2004

Mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocase 1 (ANT1), but not ANT2, can dominantly induce apoptosis [Bauer et al. (1999) J. Cell Biol. 439, 258–262]. Nothing is known, however, about the apoptotic activity of ANT3. We have transfected HeLa cells with the three human ANT isoforms to compare their potential as inducers of apoptosis. Transient overexpression of ANT3 resulted, like ANT1, in apoptosis as shown by an increase in the sub‐G1 fraction, annexin V staining, low ΔΨ
m, and activation of caspases 9 and 3. Moreover, the apoptosis produced by ANT3 was inhibited by bongkrekic acid and by cyclosporin A. The pro‐apoptotic activities of the ANT1 and ANT3 isoforms contrast with the lack of apoptotic activity of ANT2. This finding may help to identify the specific factors associated with the pro‐apoptotic activities of ANT isoforms.
Increased state 4 mitochondrial respiration and swelling in early post‐ischemic reperfusion of rat heart
Authors: Bosetti F , Baracca A , Lenaz G , Solaini G
Published: March 2004

Isolated rat hearts were exposed to 30 min ischemia or to 30 min ischemia followed by 2, 5 or 40 min reperfusion and mitochondria were isolated at these different time points. ADP‐stimulated, succinate‐dependent respiration rate (state 3) was not significantly changed at the different time points examined. In contrast, state 4 (non‐ADP‐stimulated) respiration rate was significantly increased after 30 min ischemia, and it increased further during the first post‐ischemic reperfusion period. Mitochondrial swelling, as evaluated under conditions of the major controlled ion channels (i.e. permeability transition pore and ATP‐dependent mitochondrial K+ channel) closed, significantly increased in parallel. It is suggested that the inner mitochondrial membrane permeability is increased under exposure of the heart to ischemia and early reperfusion, and that the phenomenon is reversible upon subsequent long periods of reperfusion.
Regulation of the selenoprotein SelS by glucose deprivation and endoplasmic reticulum stress – SelS is a novel glucose‐regulated protein
Authors: Gao Yuan , Feng Helen C , Walder Ken , Bolton Kristy , Sunderland Terry , Bishara Natalie , Quick Melissa , Kantham Lakshmi , Collier Greg R
Published: March 2004

SelS is a newly identified selenoprotein and its gene expression is up‐regulated in the liver of Psammomys obesus after fasting. We have examined whether SelS is regulated by glucose deprivation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in HepG2 cells. Glucose deprivation and the ER stress inducers tunicamycin and thapsigargin increased SelS gene expression and protein content several‐fold in parallel with glucose‐regulated protein 78. The overexpression of SelS increased Min6 cell resistance to oxidative stress‐induced toxicity. These results indicate that SelS is a novel member of the glucose‐regulated protein family and its function is related to the regulation of cellular redox balance.
The effect of angiostatin on vascular leakage and VEGF expression in rat retina
Authors: Sima Jing , Zhang Sarah X , Shao Chunkui , Fant James , Ma Jian-xing
Published: March 2004

Angiostatin is a potent angiogenic inhibitor. The present study identified a new activity of angiostatin: reducing vascular leakage, which is associated with diabetic macular edema, tumor growth and inflammation. An intravitreal injection of angiostatin significantly reduced retinal vascular permeability in rats with oxygen‐induced retinopathy and in those with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes, but not in normal rats. Consistent with its effect on permeability, angiostatin downregulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in the retina in both the rat models but not in normal controls. These results suggest that the effect of angiostatin on vascular leakage is mediated, at least in part, through blockade of VEGF overexpression.
Identification of enolase as a plasminogen‐binding protein in excretory–secretory products of Fasciola hepatica
Authors: Bernal Dolores , de la Rubia Jose Enrique , Carrasco-Abad Ana M , Toledo Rafael , Mas-Coma Santiago , Marcilla Antonio
Published: March 2004

We have followed a combined proteomic approach to identify proteins of Fasciola hepatica that could be involved in host–parasite interactions. Using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, far Western immunoblot and mass spectrometry analyses, we have identified the enolase enzyme, present in the excretory/secretory materials of F. hepatica, as a human plasminogen‐binding protein. This enzyme has an apparent molecular weight of 47 kDa with pI ranging from 6.2 to 7.2. These results suggest that enolase could act as a plasminogen receptor.
Yeast mating for combinatorial Fab library generation and surface display
Authors: Weaver-Feldhaus Jane M , Lou Jianlong , Coleman James R , Siegel Robert W , Marks James D , Feldhaus Michael J
Published: March 2004

Yeast display of antibody fragments has proven to be an efficient and productive means for directed evolution of single chain Fv antibodies for increased affinity and thermal stability, and more recently for the display and screening of a non‐immune library. In this paper, we describe an elegant and simple method for constructing large combinatorial Fab libraries for display on the surface of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, from modestly sized, and easily constructed, heavy and light chain libraries. To this end, we have constructed a set of yeast strains and a two vector system for heavy chain and light chain surface display of Fab fragments with free native amino termini. Through yeast mating of the haploid libraries, a very large heterodimeric immune Fab library was displayed on the diploids and high affinity antigen specific Fabs were isolated from the library.
The composition of the RNA polymerase I transcription machinery switches from initiation to elongation mode
Authors: Bier Mirko , Fath Stephan , Tschochner Herbert
Published: March 2004

The amounts of RNA polymerase I (Pol I) and basal rDNA transcription factors were determined in yeast whole cell extracts. A 17‐fold excess of Pol I was found compared to the Pol I‐specific initiation factors upstream activating factor (UAF) and core factor (CF) which underlines that both initiation factors interact with a minor fraction of Pol I when rDNA transcription is active. Surprisingly, Rrn3p, another Pol I‐specific initiation factor, is more abundant in cell lysates than UAF and CF. Our analyses revealed that a large fraction of cellular Rrn3p is not associated with Pol I. However, the amount of initiation‐active Rrn3p which forms a stable complex with Pol I corresponds to the levels of UAF and CF which have been shown to bind the promoter. Initiation‐active Rrn3p dissociates from the template during or immediately after Pol I has switched from initiation to elongation. Our data support a model in which the elongating Pol I leaves the initiation factors UAF, CF and Rrn3p close by the promoter.
An improved understanding of neuropathic pain
Authors: Jensen Troels S.
Published: March 2004

Neuropathic pain represents a series of relatively uncommon chronic pain conditions, caused by lesions or dysfunctions of peripheral or central afferent pathways in the nervous system. The symptoms and signs of neuropathic pain can all be explained by a neuronal hyperexcitability at the site of the nerve lesion, which subsequently and in a dynamic fashion recruits more central sites. The manifestations of such neuronal hyperexcitability are therefore rather similar, irrespective of the causes or sites of the lesions. The key findings in neuropathic pain are: (a) pain in an area with sensory loss; (b) positive sensory symptoms such as dysesthaesia and allodynia in the injured area, where sensory discrimination is abolished; and (c) an abnormal sympathetic activity. Our understanding of the mechanisms underlying neuronal hyperexcitability has increased dramatically within the last decade, and accordingly, it has been suggested that pain be classified according to a mechanism‐based approach. The challenge for an improved understanding of neuropathic pain—which is the key for better treatment—lies in elucidating the relationships between symptoms, signs, aetiology, anatomical lesions, and underlying mechanisms. At present, this is not a trivial task. © 2002 European Federation of Chapters of the International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
The evolving nature of neuropathic pain: individualizing treatment
Authors: Smith Howard S. , Sang Christine N.
Published: March 2004

While it may be convenient to categorize neuropathic pain syndromes on the basis of anatomical distribution or disease state (e.g., diabetic neuropathy, radiculopathy, postherpetic neuralgia), the treatment of neuropathic pain, alone, should also consider the signs and symptoms and the underlying putative mechanisms that may then be inferred from each individual's signs and symptoms. A diagnosis‐based approach to treatment may not effectively relieve a patient's pain or improve his or her quality of life, the ultimate goal of treatment. Although research that supports a symptom‐and mechanism‐based approach to treating neuropathic pain is ongoing and dynamic, the preclinical and clinical data available thus far form an initial rational framework within which we may attempt to target putative pain mechanisms. © 2002 European Federation of Chapters of the International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Cytokines and Anti-Cytokine Therapy: Clinical Potential for Treatment of Feline Disease
Authors: Dunham Stephen P
Published: March 2004

Cytokines are soluble proteins produced by nucleated cells throughout the body. They have wide ranging effects on cell growth and differentiation, mediating immune responses, haemopoiesis and tissue repair. Advances in recombinant DNA technology have led to a vast increase in knowledge of their biological properties and subsequently their use in human clinical trials. The use of human cytokines in feline medicine has been of limited success as the action of cytokines is often species restricted or their activity may be neutralized due to antibody formation. Recently, however, many feline cytokines have been cloned which raises the possibility of their future use in the management and prevention of feline disease. Ultimately, they may find widespread clinical uses including the treatment of cancer, cytopenias and viral infections and as vaccine adjuvants.
Disseminated Mycobacterium Genavense Infection in a FIV-Positive Cat
Authors: Hughes M S , Ball N W , Love D N , Canfield P J , Wigney D I , Dawson D , Davis P E , Malik R
Published: March 2004

An 8-year-old FIV-positive Australian cat was presented with coughing, periocular alopecia, pyrexia and inappetence. Skin scrapings demonstrated Demodex cati mites. Antibiotics were administered and it was treated successfully for periocular demodectic mange, but the cat continued to exhibit respiratory signs and lose weight. Further investigation revealed an ascarid infection and active chronic inflammation of undetected cause affecting the lower airways. Repetitive treatment with pyrantel failed to eradicate the ascarid infection. The cat became cachectic and developed moist ulcerative dermatitis of the neck, severe non-regenerative anaemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia. Necropsy and histopathology revealed mycobacteriosis affecting skin, lungs, spleen, lymph nodes, liver and kidney. Attempted culture of frozen tissues at a mycobacteria reference laboratory was unsuccessful. Paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed tissue was retrieved and examined using PCR to amplify part of the 16S rRNA gene. A diagnosis of disseminated Mycobacterium genavense infection was made based on the presence of acid fast bacteria in many tissues and partial sequence of the 16S rRNA gene. Although M genavense has been identified previously as a cause of disseminated disease in AIDS patients, this is the first report of infection in a cat. It was suspected that the demodecosis, recurrent ascarid infections and disseminated M genavense infection resulted from an immune deficiency syndrome consequent to longstanding FIV infection.