bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced selection of an anaerobic pentachlorophenol‐degrading consortium
Authors: Tartakovsky B. , Manuel M.‐F. , Beaumier D. , Greer C. W. , Guiot S. R.
Published: August 2002

A rapid enrichment approach based on a pentachlorophenol (PCP) feeding strategy which linked the PCP loading rate to methane production was applied to an upflow anaerobic sludge bed reactor inoculated with anaerobic sludge. Due to this strategy, over a 140‐day experimental period the PCP volumetric load increased from 2 to 65 mg L day−1 with a near zero effluent concentration of PCP. Dechlorination dynamics featured sequential appearance of 3,4,5‐chlorophenol, 3,5‐chloro‐ phenol, and 3‐chlorophenol in the reactor effluent. Profiling of the reactor population by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) revealed a correlation between the appearance of dechlorination intermediates and bands on the DGGE profile. Nucleotide sequencing of newly detected 16S rDNA fragments suggested the proliferation of Clostridium and Syntrophobacter/Syntrophomonas spp. in the reactor during PCP degradation. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 73: 476–483, 2001.
Engineering temperature‐sensitive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) polymers as carriers of therapeutic proteins
Authors: Uludag Hasan , Norrie Bryan , Kousinioris Niki , Gao Tiejun
Published: August 2002

This study was carried out to engineer N‐isopropylacrylamide (NiPAM) polymers that contain protein‐reactive N‐acryloxysuccinimide (NASI) and hydrophobic alkylmethacrylates (AMAs). These thermoreversible, protein‐conjugating polymers hold potential for retention of therapeutic proteins at an application site where tissue regeneration is desired. The lower critical solution temperatures (LCST) of the polymers were effectively controlled by the AMA mole content. The AMAs with longer side‐chains were more effective in lowering the LCST. Polymers without NASI exhibited a stable LCST in phosphate buffer and in serum over a 10‐day study period. The LCST of polymers containing NASI was found to increase over time in phosphate buffer, but not in serum‐containing medium. The LCST increase in phosphate buffer was proportional to the AMA content. The feasibility of localizing a therapeutic protein, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2), to a site of application was explored in a rat intramuscular injection model. The results indicated that polymers capable of conjugating to rhBMP‐2 were most effective in localizing the protein irrespective of the LCST (13–25°C). For polymers with no NASI groups, a lower LCST resulted in a better rhBMP‐2 localization. We conclude that thermosensitive polymers can be engineered for delivery of therapeutic proteins to improve their therapeutic efficacy. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 73: 510–521, 2001.
Fractionation of biological macromolecules using carrier phase ultrafiltration
Authors: Ghosh Raja
Published: August 2002

This article discusses a novel mode of operation for ultrafiltration processes termed Carrier Phase Ultrafiltration (CPUF). CPUF is based on a modification of dead‐end ultrafiltration. Macromolecular fractionation using ultrafiltration is strongly influenced by operating and physicochemical parameters and requires precise “fine‐tuning.” CPUF facilitates the fractionation of high value biological macromolecules at optimised conditions and has several advantages over conventional modes of ultrafiltration. In this article the fractionation of two model proteins, lysozyme (MW 14100) and myoglobin (MW 17000), by CPUF using 25‐kDa MWCO polysulfone membrane is discussed. Fractionation was carried out using two different CPUF modes, 1) pulse input CPUF and 2) step input CPUF. A high recovery of pure product was obtained in each case. These results are compared with those obtained from “conventional” ultrafiltration experiments. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 74: 1–11, 2001.
Microbial growth by a net heat up‐take: A calorimetric and thermodynamic study on acetotrophic methanogenesis by Methanosarcina barkeri
Authors: Liu J.‐S. , Marison I. W. , von Stockar U.
Published: August 2002

To answer the intriguing question whether or not endothermic microbial growth exists, and in particular, to verify Heijnen and van Dijken's prediction (1992), acetotrophic methanogen, Methanosarcina barkeri, has been cultivated in a highly sensitive bench‐scale calorimeter (an improved Bio‐RC1 reaction calorimeter) in a pH auxostat fashion. A growth yield of 0.043 C‐mol C‐mol−1 has been obtained and a cell density as high as 3 g L−1 was attained. Heat uptake during growth has indeed been quantitatively measured with calorimetry, resulting in a heat yield of +145 kJ C‐mol−1. Thermodynamics of the growth of acetotrophic methanogens was analyzed in detail. The changes in Gibbs energy, enthalpy, and entropy during growth of M. barkeri were compared with some typical aerobic and anaerobic growth processes of different microorganisms on various substrates. In the growth of M. barkeri on acetate, the retarding effect of the positive enthalpy change on the driving force of growth is overcompensated by the large positive entropy change, resulting from converting one organic molecule (acetic acid) to two gaseous products, CH4 and CO2. Both the enthalpy and the entropy increases are due partially to the transition of these two products into the gaseous phase. The thermodynamic role of this phase transition for the growth process is analyzed. Microbial growth characterized by enthalpy increase and correspondingly by a large increase in entropy may be called enthalpy‐retarded growth. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 75: 170–180, 2001.
Variations in size and in symmetry of foramina of the human skull
Authors: Berge Jennifer K. , Bergman Ronald A.
Published: August 2002

The goal of this report is to define an average size and size range for many of the skull's foramina and to determine in which paired foramina asymmetry is commonly found so that researchers and clinicians examining foramina may have an anatomical reference. The incidence of foraminal variations is also discussed. Information on skull foraminal size and symmetry is increasingly important because of the advancements in radiologic techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). These methods are making difficult diagnoses of pathologic conditions of skull foramina possible. The foramina of 100 randomly selected dry skulls were measured and the symmetry of paired foramina was noted. The average, largest, and smallest sizes for 29 different foramina and the length of one canal are listed. Information regarding the symmetry of 27 paired foramina and the length symmetry of the infraorbital canal was also gathered. Specific data collected for paired foramina include the percent of skulls in which (1) neither foramen of the pair was present, (2) both foramina of a pair were present, (3) both foramina of the pair are present and were both the same size within 0.5 mm, and (4) both foramina of a pair are present but there was greater than 0.5 mm difference in size between them. Clin. Anat. 6:406–413, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Abnormal digastric muscle with unilateral quadrification of the anterior belly
Authors: Çelik H.H. , Aldur M.M. , Özdemir B. , Akşit M.D.
Published: August 2002

During dissection of the submental region we observed that the anterior belly of the left digastric muscle had four separate insertions. These muscle bands united in a common tendon as they continued with the posterior belly. This is an anatomical variation in the mylohyoid digastric muscle group in the floor of the mouth. When an asymmetry in the floor of the mouth is detected during diagnostic procedures, such as radiologic studies, anomalies of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle should be considered besides other reasons of asymmetry. Additionally, possible occurrence of such anomalies should be remembered during surgical procedures involving the submental region. This unique variation has not been reported in the literature. Clin. Anat. 15:32–34, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conscription of children in armed conflict—a form of child abuse. A study of 19 former child soldiers
Authors: de Silva Harendra , Hobbs Chris , Hanks Helga
Published: August 2002

Armed combat in childhood is a form of child abuse. It may lead to serious consequences, including post‐traumatic stress disorder. The inherent emotional abuse and acts or omissions by caregivers may cause behavioural, cognitive, emotional or mental disorder in the child. Nineteen former child soldiers were interviewed in a rehabilitation centre using a standard questionnaire. Reasons for recruitment included: volunteered (18), hatred of enemy (revenge) (5), virtue of being a freedom fighter (martyrdom) (9), as a means of supporting their family (economic) (3). One child was abducted, 7 joined for fear of the ‘enemy’ abducting them, and in 5 a family member was killed by ‘enemy’ or own group. The children were involved in manual labour (15), guard duty (15), front‐line fighting (7), bomb manufacture (5), setting sea/land mines (5) and radio and communication (2). Fifteen were trained in firearms and 14 in self‐destruction. Twelve children attempted to or did run away and 11 refused to obey orders or argued. This led to various punishments, including kitchen duty, beatings, imprisonment, blackmail or death threats. A majority of the children felt sad and emotionally upset when they remembered their mother and family. Children's involvement in war, whatever the ‘justifications’ may be, should always be considered as forced, as they cannot truly comprehend their action in war. The responsibility must be taken by the adult caregivers. The following definition of the abuse of children in armed conflict is proposed: ‘The involvement of dependent, developmentally immature children and adolescents in armed conflict they do not truly comprehend, to which they are unable to give informed consent, and which adversely affects the child's right to unhindered growth and identity as a child’. Firm international agreement on guidelines for the lower age limit of recruitment of children into armed forces is required. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Honors programs: A case study of transfer preparation
Authors: Kane Herald R.
Published: August 2002

This chapter traces the design and development of the San Diego City College Honors Program and its successful implementation of intersegmental transfer agreements—chief among them being the Transfer Alliance Program (TAP), with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). It describes the recent historical context in which community college honors programs took on a strong leadership role in addressing deep systemic problems in the transfer function in California, a role that continues to this day. This chapter identifies the pivotal contributions of intersegmental transfer agreements like TAP in the development of honors programs at community colleges, and it emphasizes their implications for college students and faculty members.
Student transfer between Oregon community colleges and Oregon University system institutions
Authors: Arnold James C.
Published: August 2002

This chapter highlights findings from a recent study addressing the issues of students who transfer between community colleges and public universities in the state of Oregon. Implications for policymakers and institutional practitioners are discussed.
Unrestricted availability of intracoronary stents is associated with decreased abrupt vascular closure rates and improved early clinical outcomes
Authors: Suh W. Warren , Grill Diane E. , Rihal Charanjit S. , Bell Malcolm R. , Holmes David R. , Garratt Kirk N.
Published: August 2002

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the unrestricted availability of intracoronary stents is affecting abrupt vascular closure rates and early clinical outcomes. Intracoronary stents have improved procedural outcome despite their application in more complex lesions, but the impact of unrestricted availability of stents on abrupt closure and early clinical outcomes is unknown. Two cohorts were identified retrospectively from a coronary intervention registry: patients treated between 1988 and 1992 (n = 3,617) when stents were not generally available, and patients treated between 1994 and 1997 (n = 4,518) when stents were freely available. The late cohort patients consisted of more females; it also had greater comorbidity and more complex presentation. However, there was a significant reduction in the abrupt closure rates between the two time periods (7% vs. 4%, P < 0.0001). After adjusting for female gender, thrombus, and lesion angulation, the late cohort remained significantly associated with decreased odds of abrupt closure (odds ratio [OR] = 0.62, 95% upper and lower confidence intervals [CI] = 0.52–0.75, P = 0.0001). The late cohort also had decreased in‐hospital mortality (OR = 0.91, CI = 0.86–0.95, P = 0.0002) and major adverse clinical event (OR = 0.93, CI = 0.91–0.96, P = 0.0001). Unrestricted availability of intracoronary stents is associated with reduced abrupt closure rates and improved early clinical outcomes among patients undergoing coronary intervention despite treatment of high‐risk patients. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;55:294–302. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of left atrial compliance on left atrial pressure in pure mitral stenosis
Authors: Ko Young‐Guk , Ha Jong‐Won , Chung Namsik , Shim Won‐Heum , Kang Seok‐Min , Rim Se‐Joong , Jang Yangsoo , Cho Seung‐Yun , Kim Sung‐Soon
Published: August 2002

In mitral stenosis (MS), left atrial (LA) pressure is commonly elevated because of increased LA afterload. There is a wide spectrum of LA pressure in patients with MS, however, despite a similar mitral valve orifice area. LA compliance is an important determinant of both cardiovascular performance and pathological physiology. Few data are available, however, regarding the effects of LA compliance on LA pressure. We hypothesized that LA pressure may be higher in patients with decreased LA compliance. We analyzed the right heart and transseptal catheterization data in 47 patients (41 female, mean age 40 ± 10 years) with pure MS and sinus rhythm. The magnitude of LA a and v waves was measured from transseptal catheterization. Fick's method was used to determine cardiac output. LA compliance was calculated by dividing the systolic rise in LA pressure (ΔPLA = PLA(v) − PLA(x)) into the stroke volume. LA size, mitral valve area (MVA), mean diastolic pressure gradient (MG), left ventricular (LV) end‐diastolic and end‐systolic dimensions were obtained by using two‐dimensional and Doppler echocardiography. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify independent factors determining LA pressure. The mean MVA was 0.95 ± 0.22 cm2. MG and LA dimension were 11.2 ± 5.2 mm Hg and 50.6 ± 5.2 mm, respectively. The mean LA pressure and cardiac output obtained by cardiac catheterization were 23.4 ± 8.4 mm Hg and 4.3 ± 1.5 L/min, respectively. The calculated LA compliance was 4.9 ± 2.8 cm3/mm Hg. Univariate analysis showed that factors associated with increased LA pressure were smaller MVA (r = −0.33, P < 0.05), higher MG (r = 0.69, P < 0.01) and lower LA compliance (r = −0.55, P < 0.01); among them, MG (beta coefficient 0.59, SE 0.19, P < 0.01) and LA compliance (beta coefficient ‐0.26, standard error 0.34, P < 0.05) were the strongest predictors of LA pressure. In conclusion, LA compliance, along with MG that reflects the severity of MS, is an important contributing factor determining LA pressure in patients with pure MS and sinus rhythm. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;52:328–333. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Membrane‐covered stents: A new treatment strategy for saphenous vein graft lesions
Authors: Baldus Stephan , Köster Ralf , Reimers Jacobus , Kähler Jan , Meinertz Thomas , Hamm Christian W.
Published: August 2002

The restenosis rate after stenting of lesions in aortocoronary venous bypass grafts still has to be considered unsatisfactorily high. We investigated a new stent design characterized by an expandable polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) membrane in between two layers of struts. Five consecutive male patients (age 70 ± 6 years) were followed prospectively who presented with at least two de novo lesions in different grafts 13 ± 3 years after bypass surgery. A total of 11 lesions were treated located in grafts anastomosed to the circumflex (n = 3), to the LAD (n = 7), and to the right coronary artery (n = 1). Within the same procedure, every patient received membrane‐covered stents (n = 6) and conventional stents (n = 5) in either of their lesions. All patients underwent successful interventions. The minimal luminal diameter increased from 1.0 ± 0.5 to 2.9 ± 0.6 mm in lesions treated by the membrane‐covered stents and from 0.8 ± 0.4 to 2.4 ± 0.7 mm in the lesions treated by conventional stents. During follow‐up, four out of five patients required angioplasty for in‐stent restenosis of lesions covered by a conventional stent, whereas no patient underwent revascularization for a lesion treated by a membrane‐covered device. The mean minimal luminal diameter of lesions covered by a conventional stent decreased by 42% to 1.4 ± 0.6 mm; the mean minimal luminal diameter of the lesions treated by a stent graft declined by 9% to 2.8 ± 0.6 mm (P < 0.05). This series of intraindividual comparisons suggests that membrane‐covered stents may have the power to reduce in‐stent restenosis in obstructed aortocoronary venous bypass grafts. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;53:1–4. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trends in cardiac catheterization laboratories in the United States
Authors: Sheldon William C.
Published: August 2002

The Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions has periodically published a Directory of Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories in the United States. All known catheterization laboratories are surveyed and certain operational characteristics are queried. These surveys, in 1983, 1987, 1993, 1995 and 1998, have demonstrated a 2.5 fold increase in cardiac catheterization laboratories since 1983, corresponding increases in numbers of physicians that perform procedures, and in the numbers of procedures performed, reflecting advances in cardiovascular medicine and technology. These surveys have also documented the evolution of interventional techniques, and a shift away from film based imaging, to digitally based methods. These data provide a substrate for consideration of national cardiovascular objectives and planning of future resource allocation by cardiovascular physicians and their colleagues. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;53:40–45. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prediction of the physiologic severity of coronary lesions using 3D IVUS: Validation by direct coronary pressure measurements
Authors: Takayama Tadateru , Hodgson John McB.
Published: August 2002

This study was performed to determine whether three‐dimensional intravascular ultrasound (3D IVUS) could predict the physiologic significance of coronary lesions. Seventeen lesions were evaluated by means of 3D IVUS, pressure measurements, and quantitative coronary angiography. Physiologic parameters were calculated from the 3D IVUS measures using established equations and compared to values measured by pressure guidewire. IVUS minimum lumen area (MLA) correlated with fractional flow reserve (FFR; R2 = 0.55, P = 0.003) and pressure gradient (R2 = 0.52, P = 0.003). Lesion length (L) had a positive correlation with pressure gradient (R2 = 0.45, P = 0.007). By multivariate analysis, the only significant independent determinant of FFR was MLA/L measured by IVUS. The IVUS‐predicted pressure gradient and FFR were well correlated with values measured directly (R2 = 0.88, P < 0.001; R2 = 0.90, P < 0.001, respectively). The physiologic severity of coronary lesions is primarily influenced by lumen area and lesion length and can be established by 3D IVUS. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;53:48–55. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Direct coronary stenting without balloon or device pretreatment: Acute success and long‐term results
Authors: Stys Tomasz , Lawson William E. , Liuzzo John P. , Hanif Bashir , Bragg Lloyd , Cohn Peter F.
Published: August 2002

Improvements in coronary stents have made planned direct coronary stenting technically feasible, though safety, acute success, cost‐effectiveness, and long‐term results remain to be determined. Sequential patients eligible for direct stenting were prospectively characterized and treated with either direct or secondary stenting. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) such as cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel ischemia, or revascularization (TVR) were followed for 6 months post‐PCI. Enrollment included 128 direct (1.38 lesions/patient) and 69 secondary (1.39 lesions/patient) stented patients. Direct stenting was successful in 99% (with 5% crossover to secondary stenting) without major procedural complications and with a similar rate of vessel wall dissection or no‐reflow phenomenon (2.3% vs. 2.1%; P > 0.05) as the secondary stenting group. There was a trend toward less postprocedural CPK‐MB elevation in the nonacute MI patients with direct vs. secondary stenting (3% vs. 11%, respectively). At 6 months, there were no statistically significant differences in overall MACE. Direct stenting has a high success rate, low complication rate, and durable long‐term results. Procedural cost and time savings, less contrast use and radiation exposure make direct stenting attractive in properly selected patients. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;54:158–163. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stereoselective kinetics of warfarin binding to human serum albumin: Effect of an allosteric interaction
Authors: Fitos Ilona , Visy Júlia , Kardos Julianna
Published: August 2002

Kinetic and equilibrium binding studies were performed on the interaction of warfarin enantiomers with human serum albumin (HSA) in the absence and presence of lorazepam acetate (LoAc) enantiomers. Binding kinetics were followed by recording changes in the fluorescence of warfarin upon binding to HSA using the stopped‐flow technique. The binding of (R)‐warfarin displayed an exponentially increasing fluorescence, satisfying the two‐step mechanism reported previously for the racemate, i.e., a diffusion controlled pre‐equilibrium is followed by a slower rearrangement of the complex. In the case of (S)‐warfarin, the signal was biphasic: a fast fluorescence enhancement was followed by a slow decline. The different kinetic features indicate that the equilibrium conformations of the [(S)‐warfarin‐HSA] and [(R)‐warfarin‐HSA] complexes are achieved via different mechanisms. The phenomenon was seen in buffers of different pH and compositions. Equilibrium binding measurements indicated significantly lower molar intrinsic fluorescence for the (S)‐warfarin complex, suggesting differences in the microenvironments of the bound enantiomers. In the presence of (S)‐LoAc, the allosterically enhanced binding of (S)‐warfarin manifested itself in accelerated relaxation kinetics. In accordance with the low molar intrinsic fluorescence determined for the stable ternary complex, the amplitude of the decline in fluorescence became larger. Chirality 14:442–448, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlation between expression of MUC1 core protein and outcome after surgery in mass‐forming intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Matsumura Naoki , Yamamoto Masakazu , Aruga Atsushi , Takasaki Ken , Nakano Masayuki
Published: August 2002

BACKGROUND

It has been reported that MUC1 is an important prognostic factor in several cancers. This study investigated the importance of MUC1 as a prognostic factor in mass‐forming intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (m‐ICC).

METHODS

In 50 patients with m‐ICC who had undergone hepatectomy, expression of MUC1 was investigated. Expression of MUC1 was examined by immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibody HMPV, which recognizes the MUC1 core peptide. The immunohistochemical staining patterns of MUC1 were classified into three types: ductal type (the luminal surface membrane of neoplastic cells was stained), cytoplasmic type (the cytoplasm of neoplastic cells was stained dominantly), and negative type.

RESULTS

Expression of MUC1 was detected immunohistochemically in 38 (76%) of 50 cases of m‐ICC (ductal type, 18; cytoplasmic type, 20; and negative type, 12). Seventy‐five percent of patients with lymph node metastasis had the cytoplasmic type MUC1 expression. Lymph node dissection was performed in only 20 patients, but significant correlation was demonstrated between MUC1 expression and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0227). The location of MUC1 expression correlated with surgical outcome in m‐ICC. Patients with the cytoplasmic type expression showed significantly lower survival rates. Univariate analysis revealed that MUC1 expression was a statistically significant risk factor affecting outcome in m‐ICC (P = 0.0028). Furthermore, expression of MUC1 was found to be a statistically significant independent risk factor in multivariate analysis (P = 0.0063).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that evaluation of MUC1 expression may be very useful in predicting the surgical outcome in m‐ICC. Cancer 2002;94:1770–6. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10398
Ultrastructural features of the acetylcholine innervation in the developing parietal cortex of rat
Authors: Mechawar Naguib , Watkins Kenneth C. , Descarries Laurent
Published: August 2002

To follow on a recent quantitative study of the developing cholinergic (ACh) innervation in rat neocortex, axon varicosities identified by electron microscopic immunocytochemistry with a highly sensitive antibody against choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) were examined in the primary somatosensory area (Par1) of rats at postnatal ages (days) P8, P16, and P32. As visualized and measured in single thin sections, and compared with those of unlabeled varicosities selected at random in the same photomicrographs, the ChAT‐immunostained profiles displayed intrinsic and relational features very similar to those previously described in the same cortical area of adult rat (Umbriaco et al. [1994] J. Comp. Neurol. 348:351–373). At the three postnatal ages, the immunoreactive profiles were comparable in shape, size, and vesicular content in all cortical layers, but showed an increasing frequency of mitochondria with age, reaching 44% at P32. Synaptic junctions were observed on 6.3 to 8.7% of these sectional profiles, indicating an average synaptic incidence of 17% for whole varicosities, again comparable to that in the adult (14%). As in adult, the junctions made by the rare synaptic ChAT‐immunostained varicosities were always single, usually symmetrical, and more frequently found on dendritic branches than spines. Thus, cortical ACh varicosities displayed intrinsic and relational features similar to adult ones as soon as this innervation was installed, suggesting that a diffuse mode of transmission and ambient level of ACh could play a major role in the diverse effects of this neuromodulator during cortical development. J. Comp. Neurol. 443:250–258, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optic lobe commissures in a three‐dimensional brain model of the cockroach Leucophaea maderae: A search for the circadian coupling pathways
Authors: Reischig Thomas , Stengl Monika
Published: August 2002

The circadian rhythm of locomotor activity in the cockroach Leucophaea maderae is controlled by bilaterally symmetric, apparently directly coupled, circadian pacemakers in the optic lobes. Strong evidence predicts that ventromedial to the medulla, the accessory medulla with associated pigment‐dispersing hormone‐immunoreactive neurons is this circadian clock. In search for direct coupling pathways between both clocks, we performed horseradish peroxidase backfills from one optic stalk as well as dextran and horseradish peroxidase injections into one accessory medulla. Seven commissures with projections in the contralateral optic lobe were identified and reconstructed. Three of these commissures connected both accessory medullae. Two of these resembled the arborization pattern of the pigment‐dispersing hormone‐immunoreactive neurons, which are circadian pacemaker candidates in insects. This finding suggests that some of these pacemaker candidates form a direct circadian coupling pathway. For better visualization of reconstructed commissures, we implemented the reconstructions into a three‐dimensional model of the cockroach brain. J. Comp. Neurol. 443:388–400, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intrinsic connectivity of the rat subiculum: I. Dendritic morphology and patterns of axonal arborization by pyramidal neurons
Authors: Harris Elana , Witter Menno P. , Weinstein Gila , Stewart Mark
Published: August 2002

The dendritic and axonal morphology of rat subicular neurons was studied in single cells labeled with Neurobiotin. Electrophysiological classification of cells as intrinsic burst firing or regular spiking neurons was correlated with morphologic patterns and cell locations. Every cell had dendritic branches that reached the outer molecular layer, with most cells having branches that reached the hippocampal fissure. All but two pyramidal cells had axon collaterals that entered the deep white matter (alveus). Branching patterns of apical dendrites varied as a function of the cell's soma location along the fissure–alveus axis of the cell layer. The first major dendritic branch point for most cells occurred at the superficial edge of the cell layer giving deep cells long primary apical dendrites and superficial cells short or absent primary apical dendrites. In contrast, basal dendritic arbors were similar across cells regardless of cell position. Apical and basal dendrites of all cells had numerous spines. Superficial and deep cells also differed in axonal collateralization. Deep cells (mostly intrinsically bursting [IB] class) had one or more ascending axon collaterals that typically remained within the region circumscribed by their apical dendrites. Superficial cells (mostly regular spiking [RS] class) tended to have axon collaterals that reached longer distances in the cell layer. Numerous varicosities and axonal extensions were present on axon collaterals in the cell layer and in the apical dendritic region, suggesting intrinsic connectivity. Axonal varicosities and extensions were found on axons that entered presubiculum, entorhinal cortex or CA1, supporting the notion that these were projection cells. Local collaterals were distinctly thinner than collaterals that would leave the subiculum, suggesting little or no myelin on local collaterals and some myelin on efferent fibers. We conclude that both IB and RS classes of subicular principal cells make synaptic contacts in and apical to the cell layer. Based on the patterns of axonal arborization, we suggest that subiculum has at least a crude columnar and laminar architecture, with ascending collaterals of deep cells forming columns and broader axonal arbors of superficial cells serving to distribute activity across multiple columns. J. Comp. Neurol. 435:490–505, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure and functional connections of presynaptic terminals in the vertebrate retina revealed by activity‐dependent dyes and confocal microscopy
Authors: Miller Robert F. , Fagerson Mary H. , Staff Nathan P. , Wolfe Robert , Doerr Terry , Gottesman Jon , Sikora Michael A. , Schuneman Rachel
Published: August 2002

The fluorescent dyes sulforhodamine 101 (SR 101) and FM1‐43 were used as activity‐dependent dyes (ADDs) to label presynaptic terminals in the retinas of a broad range of animals, including amphibians, mammals, fish, and turtles. The pattern of dye uptake was studied in live retinal preparations by using brightfield, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy. When bath‐applied to the retina‐eyecup, these dyes were avidly sequestered by the presynaptic terminals of virtually all rods, cones, and bipolar and amacrine cells; ganglion cell dendrites and horizontal cells lacked significant dye accumulation. Other structures stained with these dyes included pigment epithelial cells, cone outer segments, and Müller cell end‐feet. Studies of dye uptake in dark‐ and light‐adapted preparations showed significant differences in the dye accumulation pattern in the inner plexiform layer (IPL), suggesting a dynamic, light‐modulated control of endocytotic activity. Presynaptic terminals in the IPL could be segregated on the basis of volume: bipolar varicosities in the IPL were typically larger than those of amacrine cells. The combination of retrograde labeling of ganglion cells and presynaptic terminal labeling with ADDs served as the experimental preparation for three‐dimensional reconstruction of both structures, based on dual detector, confocal microscopy. Our results demonstrate a new approach for studying synaptic interactions in retinal function. These findings provide new insights into the likely number and position of functional connections from amacrine and bipolar cell terminals onto ganglion cell dendrites. J. Comp. Neurol. 437:129–155, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of sequence, protein isoforms, and distribution of the hyaluronan‐binding protein RHAMM in adult and developing rat brain
Authors: Lynn B.D. , Li Xinbo , Cattini P.A. , Turley E.A. , Nagy J.I.
Published: August 2002

The protein RHAMM (for “receptor for hyaluronan‐mediated motility”; CD168) is a member of the hyaladherin family of hyaluronan‐binding proteins. RHAMM has a role in cell signaling, migration, and adhesion via interactions with hyaluronan, microtubules, actin, calmodulin, and components of the extracellular regulated kinase (erk) signaling pathway. Based on previous findings of potentially similar roles in neural cells in culture, we investigated the molecular characteristics, protein expression profile, and distribution of RHAMM in rat brain. Reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) using RNA isolated from adult rat brain yielded a single RHAMM sequence of 2.1 kilobases encoding a protein of 82.4 kDa. RHAMM is subject to alternate splicing in other systems, but no RT‐PCR evidence was found for splice variants in brain, although our analysis does not rule out this possibility. The amino acid sequence displayed homology with human and murine RHAMM (74% and 80%, respectively) but contained only one copy of a 21‐amino‐acid sequence that is repeated five times in the murine homologue. By using anti‐RHAMM antibodies, several RHAMM isoforms were identified in brain. Immunohistochemically, RHAMM was found in the vast majority of neurons and in many oligodendrocytes throughout brain, with heterogeneous levels among cell populations, and was confined to the somata and initial processes of these cells. RHAMM was detected in neurons of cerebral cortex and most subcortical and brainstem structures at postnatal day 1 and exhibited an adult distribution pattern by postnatal day 5. High levels were detected in oligodendrocytes by postnatal day 10. The widespread expression of RHAMM in adult and developing brain implies a role for this protein and its ligand hyaluronan in key events of cell signaling and cytoskeletal regulation in the CNS. J. Comp. Neurol. 439:315–330, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quenching of flames by fluid advection
Authors: Constantin Peter , Kiselev Alexander , Ryzhik Leonid
Published: August 2002

We consider a simple scalar reaction‐advection‐diffusion equation with ignition‐type nonlinearity and discuss the following question: What kinds of velocity profiles are capable of quenching any given flame, provided the velocity's amplitude is adequately large? Even for shear flows, the answer turns out to be surprisingly subtle.

If the velocity profile changes in space so that it is nowhere identically constant, (or if it is identically constant only in a region of small measure) then the flow can quench any initial data. But if the velocity profile is identically constant in a sizable region, then the ensuing flow is incapable of quenching large enough flames, no matter how much larger is the amplitude of this velocity. The constancy region must be wider across than a couple of laminar propagating front‐widths.

The proof uses a linear PDE associated to the nonlinear problem and quenching follows when the PDE is hypoelliptic. The techniques used allow the derivation of new, nearly optimal bounds on the speed of traveling wave solutions. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Improvement of the contraction‐type LP test algorithm for finding all solutions of piecewise‐linear resistive circuits
Authors: Yamamura Kiyotaka , Tanaka Shigeru
Published: August 2002

In this letter, an effective technique is proposed for improving the computational efficiency of the contraction‐type LP test algorithm, which is an algorithm for finding all solutions of piecewise‐linear resistive circuits. Using the proposed technique, all solutions of a large‐scale problem, where the number of variables is 100 and the number of linear regions is 10100, could be found in less than 10 min using a 360 MHz computer. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel flow cytometric technique for drug cytotoxicity gives results comparable to colony‐forming assays
Authors: Poot Martin , Silber John R. , Rabinovitch Peter S.
Published: August 2002

Background

Drug sensitivity is commonly determined by assays that utilize colony formation to discriminate between surviving and lethally treated cells. These assays require cells with high plating efficiency that form discernible colonies, are time‐consuming and laborious, and require manual counting of large numbers of colonies. To overcome these drawbacks, we developed a flow cytometric technique that assays survival of proliferative capacity in cultured cells.

Methods

Labeling with bromodeoxyuridine for 72 h followed by bivariate Hoechst 33258/ethidium bromide flow cytometry allows discrimination of nonproliferating cells from those that have undergone one to three divisions. Addition of an internal standard, chicken erythrocyte nuclei, permits determination of total cell number. To validate our assay, we used flow and colony‐forming assays to determine the sensitivity of cell lines derived from Werner syndrome patients and unaffected individuals to 4‐nitroquinoline‐1‐oxide (4NQO) and camptothecin.

Results

The flow and colony‐forming assays yielded comparable sensitivity for each drug and essentially identical increases in drug sensitivity exhibited by Werner syndrome cells.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the flow assay is a less laborious surrogate for colony‐forming assays. The flow technique will also facilitate the analysis of drug sensitivity in cells that are not amenable to colony‐forming assays. Cytometry 48:1–5, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy of metastatic soft‐tissue sarcomas to lymph nodes
Authors: Khirwadkar Nitin , Dey Pranab , Das Ashim , Gupta Subhash K.
Published: August 2002

This paper highlights the role of fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in 15 cases of metastatic soft‐tissue sarcomas involving lymph nodes. Histopathology reports of the primary tumor were available in all cases. Histological diagnoses correlated well with the cytology reports. The most common type of sarcoma to involve the lymph node was embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (6 cases), followed by synovial sarcoma (2 cases), leiomyosarcoma (2 cases), malignant fibrous histiocytoma (2 cases), fibrosarcoma (1 case), malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (1 case), and rhabdomyosarcoma (1 case). FNAC was thus helpful in the early diagnosis, proper staging, and management. Importantly, it obviated a lymph node biopsy in the majority of cases. Diagn. Cytopathol. 24:229–232, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy of a glomus tumor of the stomach
Authors: Vinette‐Leduc Danielle , Yazdi Hossein M.
Published: August 2002

A glomus tumor of the stomach was found as an incidental finding on routine ultrasound in a 72‐yr‐old asymptomatic woman. A fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was performed and was initially interpreted as a well‐differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasm, possibly a carcinoid tumor. The aspirate revealed tightly packed nests or clusters of uniform, small, round to polygonal cells with scanty, faintly eosinophilic or clear cytoplasm and ill‐defined cell borders. The nuclei were uniform, and round to oval, and contained a granular chromatin pattern and inconspicuous nucleoli. Very occasional intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions were seen. Laparotomy and a wedge resection of the stomach were performed. The surgical pathology findings revealed a glomus tumor which was confirmed by immunohistochemical stains and ultrastructural studies. Since glomus tumors of the stomach are essentially benign and are amenable to conservative excision, it is important to separate them, preoperatively, from more aggressive gastric neoplasms. FNAB offers a rapid, cost‐effective method of diagnosing this entity. We present the cytological, histological, ultrastructural, and immunocytochemical features of this particular gastric neoplasm, along with differential diagnoses. Diagn. Cytopathol. 24:340–342, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pseudallescheria: An underdiagnosed fungus?
Authors: Walts Ann E.
Published: August 2002

Pseudallescheria has been identified as one of the “clinically significant emerging mycoses” but has received little attention in the cytology literature. Recognition of this fungus is of particular importance clinically, because unlike most other fungi (including Aspergillus, with which it is most frequently confused), Pseudallescheria is not effectively treated with amphotericin B, the most frequently and often the only antifungal agent administered. Features helpful in the diagnosis of Pseudallescheria in cytologic material are presented. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2001;25:153–157. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of the effects of early handling and early deprivation on maternal care in the rat
Authors: Pryce Christopher R. , Bettschen Daniela , Feldon Joram
Published: August 2002

It has been reported in the rat that postnatal manipulations can induce robust and persistent effects on offspring neurobiology and behavior, mediated in part via effects on maternal care. There have, however, been few studies of the effects of postnatal manipulations on maternal care. Here, we describe and compare the effects on maternal behavior on postnatal days 1–12 of two manipulations, early handling (EH, 15‐min isolation per day) and early deprivation (ED, 4‐hr isolation per day), relative to our normal postnatal husbandry procedure. Maternal behavior was measured at five time points across the dark phase of the reversed L:D cycle. EH yielded an increase in arched‐back nursing across several time points but did not affect any other behavior. ED stimulated a bout of maternal behavior such that licking and arched‐back nursing were increased at the time of dam–litter reunion, although not at any other time point. Neither EH nor ED affected weaning weight significantly. Importantly, within‐treatment variation was high relative to these between‐treatment effects. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 38: 239–251, 2001
Breed better banners: Design automation through on-line interaction
Authors: Gatarski Richard
Published: August 2002

The aim of this article is to explore the use of an automated design system based on a Genetic Algorithm to design banner advertising. Just as genes encode traits in living organisms and propagate the most successful traits by natural selection, so this algorithm propagates features of the most successful banner advertisements and extinguishes the least successful traits. In the current experiment at a major on-line store selling CDs, the algorithm interactively evolved 320 different Web-banners over a period of 23 days. Although the algorithm exhibited some deficiencies, the results indicate that the method is viable. It created innovative designs that performed increasingly better than reference banners, improving the click-through rate from 0.68% for a standard banner to 3.1% by the 16th generation of design, without human intervention from the advertiser. The article concludes with a discussion of some conceptual issues and directions for future research.
Predictive modeling using segmentation
Authors: Levin Nissan , Zahavi Jacob
Published: August 2002

We discuss the use of segmentation as a predictive model for supporting targeting decisions in database marketing. We compare the performance of judgmentally based RFM and FRAC methods to automatic tree classifiers involving the well-known CHAID algorithm, a variation of the AID algorithm, and a newly developed method based on genetic algorithm (GA). We use the logistic regression model as a benchmark for the comparative analysis. The results indicate that automatic segmentation methods may very well substitute the judgmentally based segmentation methods for response analysis, and come only short of the logistic regression results. The implications of the results for decision making are also discussed.
Efficacy and safety of rosiglitazone plus metformin in Mexicans with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Gómez‐Perez Francisco J. , Fanghänel‐Salmón Guillermo , Antonio Barbosa Juan , Montes‐Villarreal Juan , Berry Rhona A. , Warsi Ghulam , Gould Errol M.
Published: August 2002

Background

Type 2 diabetes is a growing problem in Mexico. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rosiglitazone 2 mg or 4 mg twice daily (bd) in combination with metformin 2.5 g/day in Mexican patients whose type 2 diabetes was inadequately controlled with metformin alone.

Methods

This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was conducted at four centers in Mexico. A total of 116 patients were randomized to metformin 2.5 g/day plus placebo (n=39), metformin 2.5 g/day plus rosiglitazone 2 mg bd (n=37), or metformin 2.5 g/day plus rosiglitazone 4 mg bd (n=40) for 26 weeks.

Results

Mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels decreased significantly from baseline to Week 26 in the rosiglitazone 2 mg bd (−0.7%; p=0.0052) and 4 mg bd (−1.2%; p=0.0008) groups, but increased in the placebo group (+0.3%; p=0.2651). Mean fasting plasma glucose and fructosamine levels also improved significantly with metformin plus rosiglitazone therapy in a dose‐ordered manner compared with placebo (p≤0.0019 and p=0.0006, respectively). C‐peptide and immunoreactive insulin levels were decreased from baseline in both rosiglitazone groups. Although mean increases in total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol, and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol were observed in the rosiglitazone groups, the total cholesterol:HDL‐cholesterol ratio remained unchanged. The proportion of patients with one or more adverse events was similar across all three groups. There were no cases of hepatotoxicity.

Conclusion

Addition of rosiglitazone 2 mg bd and 4 mg bd to metformin therapy improved glycemic control in Mexican patients whose type 2 diabetes was inadequately controlled by metformin alone. Furthermore, the combination of rosiglitazone plus metformin was well tolerated. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.