bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of carton packing rules for high volume operations
Authors: Heady Ronald B. , Toma Alfred G. , Ristroph John H.
Published: July 2002

Warehouse operations often include a step where large numbers of boxed products must be rapidly packed into shipping cartons, but little attention has been paid to the benefits that can be obtained by using a good packing rule. The work reported here is directed at determining the connection between packing rule and packing performance. First, the components of a packing rule are determined. Then, the components are combined into sixteen different packing rules and are analyzed to determine the resultant packing performances. The analysis is made using a computer program that simulates carton packing. Actual data from a company's operations are used as well as a set of synthetic data with known best‐case packing characteristics.

The best packing rule is to pack the largest boxes first and align the longest‐middle‐shortest box dimensions with the longest‐middle‐shortest carton dimensions. This packing rule reduces the carton's average empty space by about one third when compared to disorganized procedures, and reduces the worst‐case results by about half. Despite these significant improvements, even the best rules could not reduce the average amount of empty space below about 20%.
The relationship between JIT manufacturing and performance in Mexican plants affiliated with U.S. companies
Authors: Lawrence John J. , Hottenstein Michael P.
Published: July 2002

This paper presents the results of a mail survey used to investigate the relationships between JIT manufacturing and performance in Mexico. Multi‐item scales were developed and used to measure key components of JIT. Four dimensions of performance were measured: productivity, quality, lead time, and customer service. Despite the existence of obstacles to its use in Mexico, JIT manufacturing was found to be significantly and positively correlated with performance. Plant size, industry, and the type of production process were all found to affect the relationship between JIT and performance. Results also indicated that the plant manager's citizenship may affect JIT implementation success. The paper concludes with recommendations for managers and researchers.
ATP synthase subunit c storage in the polymorphonucleocytes of late infantile and juvenile batten patients
Authors: Ansari Naseem H. , Cook Jay D. , Khanna Peeyush , Srivastava Satish K.
Published: July 2002

In late infantile and juvenile forms of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, commonly known as Batten disease (BD), ATP synthase subunit c accumulates in the lysosomes of neural cells. By using polyclonal antibodies, raised against bovine liver subunit c and an image analysis system for the quantification of antibody‐linked alkaline phosphatase reaction, we have demonstrated that polymorphonucleocytes (PMN) from a late infantile and a juvenile BD patient stored several‐fold more subunit c as compared to normal PMN.
Human leptomeningeal‐derived cells express GFAP and HLADR when grafted into rat spinal cord
Authors: Bernstein Jerald J. , Karp Sean M. , Goldberg William J. , DeGiorgio Lorraine A. , Blass John P.
Published: July 2002

The following series of experiments explores the post‐xenografting differentiation of a naturally occurring, non‐neuronal cell cultured from the leptomeninges of an 84‐year‐old woman. In culture, flat process‐bearing human cells from the leptomeninges were positive for GFAP and 200 kDa neurofilament protein (negative for 68, 160 kDa neurofilament protein). The C3 spinal cord was exposed in 30 adult athymic rats. The hindlimb dorsal columns were transected at C3 and the nerve fibers aspirated to form a pocket, into which 106 fast blue‐labeled, human leptomeningeal‐derived cells were placed. The C3 spinal cord was studied immunohistochemically over 60 days. Three days later the dorsal horn contained fast blue‐GFAP‐positive astrocyte‐like cells that were negative for neurofilament protein. By 7 days, large, process‐bearing, fast blue‐GFAP‐positive (neurofilament protein‐negative), astrocyte‐like cells joined the native astrocytes of the pia‐glia membrane and were in the gray matter of the spinal cord. Some of these astrocyte‐like cells were also positive for the human specific histocompatibility complex, HLADR. These data extend the age, species and tissue of origin for pluripotential cells for CNS transplantation.
Effects of nerve growtfactor on sympathetic neuron development in normal and limbless chick embryos
Authors: Saltis Johanna , Rush Robert A.
Published: July 2002

Wing bud removal in chick embryos has been shown to affect the generation of sympathetic neurons prior to the normal period of limb innervation [Saltis and Rush (1995) J. auton. nerv. Sys., 51, 117–127.]. Pyknotic activity occurred earlier within the peripherally deprived ganglion, suggesting that a precocious cell death of dividing sympathoblasts led to the reduced neuronal population. We have now sought to test whether the effect of limb bud extirpation can be overcome by the administration of nerve growth factor (NGF). Specifically, the peripherally deprived ganglion has been examined for mitotic activity and total neuronal numbers. In brachial ganglia from the operated side, neuron numbers decreased by 67% by embryonic day (E) 13, but by only 28% when NGF was administered from E9. Ganglia on the unoperated side were unaffected by the NGF treatment. In contrast, in embryos receiving NGF from E5 to E9, neuron numbers in the ganglia increased by more than 100%, on both the intact and operated side. This increase was accompanied by a greater proportion of 3H‐thymidine‐labelled neurons. We therefore conclude that NGF, in addition to its previously described role of preventing naturally occurring neuron death, can also affect the generation of sympathetic neurons. This ability of NGF to affect gangliogenesis is most likely achieved by increasing the survival of dividing neuroblasts, although a direct effect on mitosis has not been excluded.
Redoxal as a new leadstructure for dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitors: a kinetic study of the inhibition mechanism
Authors: Knecht Wolfgang , Löffler Monika
Published: July 2002

Mitochondrial dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHOdehase; EC 1.3.99.11) is a target of anti‐proliferative, immunosuppressive and anti‐parasitic agents. Here, redoxal, (2,2′‐[3,3′‐dimethoxy[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4,4′‐diyl)diimino]bis‐benzoic acid, was studied with isolated mitochondria and the purified recombinant human and rat enzyme to find out the mode of kinetic interaction with this target. Its pattern of enzyme inhibition was different from that of cinchoninic, isoxazol and naphthoquinone derivatives and was of a non‐competitive type for the human (K
ic=402 nM; K
iu=506 nM) and the rat enzyme (K
ic=116 nM; K
iu=208 nM). The characteristic species‐related inhibition of DHOdehase found with other compounds was less expressed with redoxal. In human and rat mitochondria, redoxal did not inhibit NADH‐induced respiration, its effect on succinate‐induced respiration was marginal. This was in contrast to the sound effect of atovaquone and dichloroallyl‐lawsone, studied here for comparison. In human mitochondria, the IC50 value for the inhibition of succinate‐induced respiration by atovaquone was 6.1 μM and 27.4 μM for the DHO‐induced respiration; for dichlorallyl‐lawsone, the IC50 values were 14.1 μM and 0.23 μM.
Biotic and abiotic stress can induce cystatin expression in chestnut
Authors: Pernas Mónica , Sánchez-Monge Rosa , Salcedo Gabriel
Published: July 2002

A cysteine proteinase inhibitor (cystatin) from chestnut (Castanea sativa) seeds, designated CsC, has been previously characterized. Its antifungal, acaricide and inhibitory activities have allowed to involve CsC in defence mechanisms. The CsC transcription levels decreased during seed maturation and increased throughout germination, an opposite behavior to that shown by most phytocystatins. No inhibition of endogenous proteinase activity by purified CsC was found during the seed maturation or germination processes. CsC message accumulation was induced in chestnut leaves after fungal infection, as well as by wounding and jasmonic acid treatment. Induction in roots was also observed by the last two treatments. Furthermore, CsC transcript levels strongly raised, both in roots and leaves, when chestnut plantlets were subjected to cold‐ and saline‐shocks, and also in roots by heat stress. All together, these data suggest that chestnut cystatin is not only involved in defence responses to pests and pathogen invasion, but also in those related to abiotic stress.
Tau aggregation into fibrillar polymers: taupathies
Authors: Avila Jesús
Published: July 2002

Different neurological disorders, known as taupathies have been recently described. In these disorders it has been suggested that modifications in the microtubule‐associated protein tau could cause neural degeneration in specific regions. Although these regions are different in the different taupathies, some common features appear to occur in all of them: abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau and aberrant tau aggregation. These two features are commented upon in this review.
Structural diversity of human class II histocompatibility molecules induced by peptide ligands
Authors: Georges Bertrand , Loing Estelle , Neveu Raphaële , Melnyk Oleg , Gras-Masse Helene , Auriault Claude
Published: July 2002

SDS–PAGE analyses of stable HLA‐DR1 complexes indicate that the binding of T cell epitopes can lead to multiple conformational variants. Whereas short T epitopes (<14‐mer) induce complexes with apparent MW ranging from 47 to 57 kDa, longer peptides form generally high mobility complexes (44–45 kDa). The generation of HLA‐DR1 conformational variants appears dependent on core peptide residues fitting inside the groove but can additionally be attributed to the presence of N‐ and C‐terminal flanking residues (PFRs) acting as a complementary mechanism. These PFRs can jointly affect major histocompatibility complex class II conformation and stability, supporting the existence of alternative contacts at a distance from the classical binding site.
Preferential interaction of loach DNA polymerase δ with DNA duplexes containing single‐stranded gaps
Authors: Sharova Natalya P , Abramova Elena B , Dmitrieva Svetlana B , Dimitrova Diana D , Mikhailov Victor S
Published: July 2002

We studied the interaction of DNA polymerase δ (pol δ) purified from the eggs of the teleost fish Misgurnus fossilis (loach) with DNA duplexes containing single‐stranded gaps of 1–13 nucleotides (nt). In the absence of processivity factors (PCNA, RF‐C, and ATP), pol δ elongated primers on single‐stranded DNA templates in a distributive manner. However, the enzyme was capable of processive synthesis by filling gaps of 5–9 nt in DNA duplexes. These data suggest that, upon filling a small gap, pol δ interacts with the 5′‐terminus downstream of the gap as well as with the 3′‐terminus of the primer. Interaction of pol δ with the proximal 5′‐terminus restricting the gap was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Analysis of the enzyme binding to DNA duplexes containing gaps of various sizes showed a much higher affinity of pol δ for duplexes with gaps of about 10 nt than for DNA substrates with primers annealed to single‐stranded templates. The most efficient pol δ binding was observed in experiments with DNA substrates containing unpaired 3′‐tails in primers. The data obtained suggest that DNA molecules with small gaps and single‐stranded tails may serve as substrates for direct action of pol δ in the course of DNA repair.
Genomic Exploration of the Hemiascomycetous Yeasts: 14. Debaryomyces hansenii var. hansenii
Authors: Lépingle Andrée , Casaregola Serge , Neuvéglise Cécile , Bon Elisabeth , Nguyen Huu-Vang , Artiguenave François , Wincker Patrick , Gaillardin Claude
Published: July 2002

By analyzing 2830 random sequence tags (RSTs), totalling 2.7 Mb, we explored the genome of the marine, osmo‐ and halotolerant yeast, Debaryomyces hansenii. A contig 29 kb in length harbors the entire mitochondrial genome. The genes encoding Cox1, Cox2, Cox3, Cob, Atp6, Atp8, Atp9, several subunits of the NADH dehydrogenase complex 1 and 11 tRNAs were unambiguously identified. An equivalent number of putative transposable elements compared to Saccharomyces cerevisiae were detected, the majority of which are more related to higher eukaryote copia elements. BLASTX comparisons of RSTs with databases revealed at least 1119 putative open reading frames with homology to S. cerevisiae and 49 to other genomes. Specific functions, including transport of metabolites, are clearly over‐represented in D. hansenii compared to S. cerevisiae, consistent with the observed difference in physiology of the two species. The sequences have been deposited with EMBL under the accession numbers AL436045–AL438874.
Expression of β‐arrestins in toxic and cold thyroid nodules
Authors: Voigt Carsten , Holzapfel Hans-Peter , Paschke Ralf
Published: July 2002

β‐Arrestins mediate agonist dependent desensitization of G protein‐coupled receptors. Somatic TSH receptor mutations were identified in the majority of hot thyroid nodules. When transiently overexpressed in COS 7 cells these mutations resulted in constitutive activation of the cAMP pathway. However, the in vivo mechanisms and the in vivo desensitization of these TSH receptor mutations are unknown. Moreover, constitutively activated β‐adrenergic receptors are known to be constitutively desensitized. Therefore, we investigated the expression of β‐arrestins in toxic thyroid nodules (TTNs) with and without somatic TSH receptor mutation and in cold thyroid nodules (CTNs) by Western blotting and ELISA. Expression of β‐arrestin 2 was increased in all TTNs while β‐arrestin 2 expression was decreased in CTNs compared to their corresponding surrounding tissue. The mean β‐arrestin 1 expression was unchanged in the cytosol of TTNs, in membranes and cytosol of CTNs and decreased in the membranes of TTNs compared to their surrounding tissue. Transient coexpression of β‐arrestins 1 or 2 with the TSH receptor in HEK 293 cells and subsequent determination of cAMP showed that in vitro both β‐arrestins interact with the TSH receptor and are able to desensitize the receptor. The increased β‐arrestin 2 expression in TTNs and the desensitization of the TSH receptor by β‐arrestin 2 in vitro suggest that the β‐arrestin 2 expression is cAMP dependent and that β‐arrestin 2 very likely desensitizes the constitutively activated TSH receptor in toxic thyroid nodules.
The 70‐kDa major DNA‐compacting protein of the chloroplast nucleoid is sulfite reductase
Authors: Sato Naoki , Nakayama Masato , Hase Toshiharu
Published: July 2002

The chloroplast nucleoid is a complex of chloroplast DNA and various, mostly uncharacterized proteins. An abundant 70‐kDa protein of the isolated nucleoids of pea chloroplasts was identified as sulfite reductase by N‐terminal sequence analysis as well as immunoblot analysis, spectrophotometry and enzyme activity analysis. Recombinant maize sulfite reductase was indeed able to compact chloroplast DNA and to form nucleoid‐like particles in vitro. The role of sulfite reductase in the structural organization of the nucleoid is discussed.
Electrophysiological characterization of BmK M1, an α‐like toxin from Buthus martensi Karsch venom
Authors: Goudet Cyril , Huys Isabelle , Clynen Elke , Schoofs Liliane , Wang Da-Cheng , Waelkens Etienne , Tytgat Jan
Published: July 2002

The present study investigates the electrophysiological actions of BmK M1, an α‐like toxin purified from the venom of the scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch, on voltage‐gated Na+ channels. Using the voltage clamp technique, we assessed the BmK M1 activity on the cardiac Na+ channel (hH1) functionally expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The main actions of the toxin are a concentration‐dependent slowing of the inactivation process and a hyperpolarizing shift of the steady‐state inactivation. This work is the first electrophysiological characterization of BmK M1 on a cloned Na+ channel, demonstrating that this toxin belongs to the class of scorpion α‐toxins. Our results also show that BmK M1 can be considered as a cardiotoxin.
Mathematical analysis of a mechanism for autonomous metabolic oscillations in continuous culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Wolf Jana , Sohn Ho-Yong , Heinrich Reinhart , Kuriyama Hiroshi
Published: July 2002

Autonomous metabolic oscillations were observed in aerobic continuous culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Experimental investigation of the underlying mechanism revealed that several pathways and regulatory couplings are involved. Here a hypothetical mechanism including the sulfate assimilation pathway, ethanol degradation and respiration is transformed into a mathematical model. Simulations confirm the ability of the model to produce limit cycle oscillations which reproduce most of the characteristic features of the system.
An activating mutation in the γ1 subunit of the AMP‐activated protein kinase
Authors: Hamilton Stephen R. , Stapleton David , O'Donnell John B. , Kung Jacqueline T. , Dalal Sushila R. , Kemp Bruce E. , Witters Lee A.
Published: July 2002

The AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a heterotrimeric protein composed of a catalytic α subunit and two regulatory subunits, β and γ. The γ subunit is essential for enzyme activity by virtue of its binding to the C‐terminus of the α subunit and appears to play some role in the determination of AMP sensitivity. We demonstrate that a γ1R70Q mutation causes a marked increase in AMPK activity and renders it largely AMP‐independent. This activation is associated with increased phosphorylation of the α subunit activation loop T172. These in vitro characteristics of AMPK are also reflected in increased intracellular phosphorylation of one of its major substrates, acetyl‐CoA carboxylase. These data illustrate the importance of the γ1 subunit in the regulation of AMPK and its modulation by AMP.
Inhibition by insulin of resistin gene expression in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Haugen Fred , Jørgensen Aud , Drevon Christian A , Trayhurn Paul
Published: July 2002

Expression of the gene encoding resistin, a low molecular weight protein secreted from adipose tissue postulated to link obesity and type II diabetes, was examined in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Resistin mRNA was detected in 3T3‐L1 cells by day 3 following induction of differentiation into adipocytes; by day 4 the level of resistin mRNA peaked and remained high. The PPARγ activators, rosiglitazone or darglitazone, reduced the level of resistin mRNA. Dexamethasone upregulated resistin mRNA level, but no effect was observed with the β3‐adrenoceptor agonist, BRL 37344. A substantial reduction in resistin mRNA level was observed with insulin, which induced decreases at physiological concentrations. Insulin may be a major inhibitor of resistin production, and this does not support a role for resistin in insulin resistance.
Primary structure and allergenic activity of trypsin inhibitors from the seeds of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench)
Authors: Park Sung-Soo , Abe Kei , Kimura Makoto , Urisu Atsuo , Yamasaki Nobuyuki
Published: July 2002

The complete amino acid sequences of two trypsin inhibitors BWI‐2a and BWI‐2b from the seeds of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) were determined. BWI‐2b consists of 51 amino acid residues containing two disulfide bonds. BWI‐2a shares all amino acids with BWI‐2b except for the C‐terminal tripeptide: BWI‐2a lacks Glu‐Gly‐Asn and ends with the Asp residue, making a total of 48 residues in the chain. The two disulfide bonds connect Cys11 to Cys32 and Cys15 to Cys28. BWI‐2b shows no relatedness to the other buckwheat trypsin inhibitor reported [Belozersky et al. (1995) FEBS Lett. 371, 264–266]. Sequence comparison of BWI‐2b with those of the other proteins included in PIR showed that BWI‐2b is significantly homologous to the N‐terminal region of storage proteins classified in the vicilin family. Furthermore, the allergenic activity of BWI‐2b and the other buckwheat trypsin inhibitor BWI‐1 was examined using the radioallergosorbent test. The result indicated that both inhibitors BWI‐2b and BWI‐1 have IgE binding activity, albeit to a low extent, suggesting that they might be minor allergenic proteins in buckwheat seeds.
cDNA cloning of porcine p42IP4, a membrane‐associated and cytosolic 42 kDa inositol(1,3,4,5)tetrakisphosphate receptor from pig brain with similarly high affinity for phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)P3
Authors: Stricker R , Hülser E , Fischer J , Jarchau Th , Walter U , Lottspeich F , Reiser G
Published: July 2002

We previously identified a 42 kDa Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 (InsP4) receptor protein (p42IP4) in brain membranes from several species. Here the cDNA sequence of p42IP4 was obtained by PCR using degenerate primers derived from peptide sequences of proteolytic fragments of the porcine protein and by subsequent screening of a pig brain cDNA library. The derived peptide sequence of 374 amino acids for porcine p42IP4 is 45 amino acids shorter at the C‐terminus than centaurin‐α from rat (84% homology) and has a calculated molecular mass of 43 kDa. From the InsP4 binding activity present in brain tissue homogenate about 25% is found in the cytosolic fraction and 75% associated with microsomes. Both activities are due to p42IP4 since (i) a peptide‐specific antiserum recognizing specifically p42IP4 labels the InsP4 receptor protein in membranes and in the cytosol, (ii) the antiserum immunoprecipitates both the membrane protein and the cytosolic protein of 42 kDa, (iii) the InsP4 binding activity released by high salt or by alkaline extraction from membranes is identified immunologically as the 42 kDa protein, and (iv) the affinity for InsP4 and specificity for various inositolphosphates are similar for the membrane‐associated and for the soluble p42IP4. The functional importance of p42IP4 is highlighted by the identical affinity for InsP4 and for phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)P3 (Ki=1.6 and 0.9 nM, respectively). Thus, the InsP4 receptor, apparently a peripheral membrane protein, which exists also as a cytosolic protein can transfer the signals mediated by InsP4 or by PtdInsP3 between membranes and cytosolic compartment. © 1997 Federation of European Biochemical Societies
Circular dichroism spectroscopy of Lucina I hemoglobin
Authors: Boffi Alberto , Wittenberg Jonathan B , Chiancone Emilia
Published: July 2002

The monomeric hemoglobin from the mollusc Lucina pectinata (HbI) represents an interesting model system for the study of heme‐related circular dichroic (CD) bands in view of the highly asymmetric distribution of aromatic residues around the heme pocket revealed by the X‐ray crystal structure. The CD spectra of both ferrous and ferric HbI derivatives exhibit negative CD bands in the Soret and ultraviolet region with an enhanced ellipticity of the heme N and L bands in the near‐UV region. In contrast, the magnitude of the Cotton effect in the visible and Soret regions is comparable to that observed in other hemoproteins. The spectrum of the carbon monoxide derivative shows a surprising similarity with that observed for the soybean leghemoglobin carbon monoxide adduct. A common structural feature in the two proteins is the presence in the distal pocket of two Phe residues (B9 and B10) the aromatic rings of which are perpendicular to the heme plane.
Preliminary NMR studies of Thermus thermophilus ribosomal protein S19 overproduced in Escherichia coli
Authors: Davydova Natalia L , Rak Alexey V , Gryaznova Olga I , Liljas Anders , Jonsson Bengt-Harald , Berglund Helena , Härd Torleif , Garber Maria B
Published: July 2002

The gene for the ribosomal protein S19 from Thermus thermophilus was cloned, sequenced and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. A simple procedure for isolating the recombinant protein was developed. Preliminary NMR studies revealed a high content of α‐helical secondary structure in the protein.
Continuous monitoring of ATP levels in living insulin secreting cells expressing cytosolic firefly luciferase
Authors: Maechler Pierre , Wang Haiyan , Wollheim Claes B
Published: July 2002

The second messenger role of ATP in insulin secretion was investigated in living INS‐1 insulinoma cells. ATP‐dependent luminescence was monitored in cells expressing high levels of firefly luciferase under the control of the tetracycline‐dependent transactivator. The calibration of luminescence in permeabilized cells yielded similar ATP levels as those obtained in cell extracts with a conventional ATP assay. Stimulation of insulin secretion by glucose or methyl‐succinate was correlated with rises of cellular ATP in simultaneous measurements. ATP generation was decreased by inhibition of the ADP‐ATP translocase. This approach demonstrates the feasibility of defining the dynamic relationship between ATP and other parameters involved in metabolism‐secretion coupling.
Phenobarbital induces cytochrome P4501A2 hnRNA, mRNA and protein in the liver of C57BL/6J wild type and aryl hydrocarbon receptor knock‐out mice
Authors: Corcos Laurent , Marc Nathalie , Wein Sharon , Fautrel Alain , Guillouzo André , Pineau Thierry
Published: July 2002

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor mediates the transcriptional response to a variety of hydrocarbons of members of the aryl hydrocarbon gene battery. Phenobarbital does not bind the aryl hydrocarbon receptor with high affinity but induces, in liver cells, expression of cytochrome P4501A. Using both wild type and aryl hydrocarbon receptor knock out C57BL/6J mice, we demonstrate that phenobarbital induced hnRNA, mRNA and protein for the cytochrome P‐4501A2 gene in the presence or absence of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Using the DNA binding site for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a probe, gel retardation analyses showed that phenobarbital treatment induced protein binding, regardless of the presence of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor.
Mechanical stress induces DNA synthesis in PDL fibroblasts by a mechanism unrelated to autocrine growth factor action
Authors: Kletsas Dimitris , Basdra Efthimia K , Papavassiliou Athanasios G
Published: July 2002

Periodontal regeneration is thought to require the proliferation of stress‐sensitive periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblast cells. The influence of physiological amounts of mechanical stretching on the DNA synthesis potential of human PDL fibroblasts was examined by means of an established, simple in vitro system of stretch application. A significant increase in the relative levels of incorporation of tritiated thymidine was observed in cultures stretched for 1–6 h. Neutralising antibodies for platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) did not blunt the DNA synthesis induction. This mitogenic response to stretch appears to be independent of an autocrine mechanism involving growth factors in general, because stretch‐conditioned medium, when transferred to non‐stretched fibroblasts, did not mimic the mitogenic effect of stretch.
Evidence for a new class of scorpion toxins active against K+ channels
Authors: Legros Christian , Céard Brigitte , Bougis Pierre E , Martin-Eauclaire Marie-France
Published: July 2002

cDNAs encoding novel long‐chain scorpion toxins (64 amino acid residues, including only six cysteines) were isolated from cDNA libraries produced from the venom glands of the scorpions Androctonus australis from Old World and Tityus serrulatus from New World. The encoded peptides were very similar to a recently identified toxin from T. serrulatus, which is active against the voltage‐sensitive ‘delayed‐rectifier' potassium channel, but they were completely different from the long‐chain and short‐chain scorpion toxins already characterised. However, there was some sequence similarity (42%) between these new toxins, Aa TX Kβ and Ts TX Kβ, and scorpion defensins purified from the hemolymph of Buthidae scorpions Leiurus quinquestriatus and A. australis. Thus, according to a multiple sequence alignment using CLUSTAL, these new toxins seem to be related to the scorpion defensins.
Targeting signals for a bacterial Sec‐independent export system direct plant thylakoid import by the ΔpH pathway
Authors: Wexler Margaret , Bogsch Erik G. , Klösgen Ralf Bernd , Palmer Tracy , Robinson Colin , Berks Ben C.
Published: July 2002

Preproteins targeted to the Sec‐independent protein transport systems of plant thylakoids and of bacteria both have unusual transfer peptides bearing a consensus twin‐arginine motif. Possible mechanistic similarity between the two Sec‐independent transport pathways was investigated by assessing the ability of bacterial twin‐arginine transfer peptides to direct thylakoid import. High efficiency import was observed. This process was demonstrated to occur specifically via the Sec‐independent ΔpH pathway and to depend on an intact twin‐arginine motif on the transfer peptide. These results provide strong evidence for the operation of mechanistically related Sec‐independent protein transport pathways in chloroplasts and bacteria.
Molecular cloning of two novel types of peptidylarginine deiminase cDNAs from retinoic acid‐treated culture of a newborn rat keratinocyte cell line
Authors: Ishigami Akihito , Kuramoto Masashi , Yamada Michiyuki , Watanabe Kazutada , Senshu Tatsuo
Published: July 2002

Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) are a group of enzymes which convert protein arginine residues to citrulline residues. Using rat muscle PAD cDNA as a probe, we obtained two novel cDNAs, PAD‐R11 and PAD‐R4, from immortalized rat keratinocytes treated with all‐trans retinoic acid. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences with those of muscle and hair follicle enzymes showed high conservation in the C‐terminal region. Recombinant proteins encoded by both PAD‐R11 and PAD‐R4 showed the enzyme activities. That of PAD‐R11 showed a characteristic feature of the enzyme found in the epidermis.
Isolation of PSD‐Zip45, a novel Homer/vesl family protein containing leucine zipper motifs, from rat brain1
Authors: Sun Jie , Tadokoro Satoko , Imanaka Takanobu , D. Murakami Seiko , Nakamura Mako , Kashiwada Kouji , Ko Jiae , Nishida Wataru , Sobue Kenji
Published: July 2002

Using monoclonal antibody against the 45 kDa postsynaptic density protein, we isolated a novel isoform of Homer/vesl. The NH2‐terminal region containing a PDZ domain of this protein is identical to that of Homer/vesl, and the COOH‐terminal region containing unique leucine zippers shows self‐multimerization. We named this protein PSD‐Zip45. In addition to specific binding of PSD‐Zip45 mediated by a PDZ domain to the metabotropic glutamate receptors 1α or 5, the distribution of PSD‐Zip45 transcripts is highly consistent with that of metabotropic glutamate receptor transcripts. The PSD‐Zip45 is, therefore, the first candidate as receptor anchoring proteins containing leucine zipper motifs in the central nervous system.
Mcx1p, a ClpX homologue in mitochondria of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: van Dyck Luc , Dembowski Markus , Neupert Walter , Langer Thomas
Published: July 2002

Members of the Hsp100/Clp‐family of molecular chaperones form regulatory subunits of ATP‐dependent Clp proteases and fulfill crucial roles for cellular thermotolerance. We have identified a Clp‐like protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Mcx1p, which shares approximately 30% sequence identity with ClpX‐proteins in bacteria, plants and nematodes. Mcx1p localizes to the matrix space of mitochondria and is peripherally associated with the inner membrane. A homologue of E. coli ClpP protease was not identified when screening the yeast genome. We therefore propose that Mcx1p represents a novel molecular chaperone of mitochondria with non‐proteolytic function.
Hydrogen peroxide generation by higher plant mitochondria oxidizing complex I or complex II substrates
Authors: Braidot Enrico , Petrussa Elisa , Vianello Angelo , Macrı̀ Francesco
Published: July 2002

The generation of H2O2 by isolated pea stem mitochondria, oxidizing either malate plus glutamate or succinate, was examined. The level of H2O2 was almost one order of magnitude higher when mitochondria were energized by succinate. The succinate‐dependent H2O2 formation was abolished by malonate, but unaffected by rotenone. The lack of effect of the latter suggests that pea mitochondria were working with a proton motive force below the threshold value required for reverse electron transfer. The activation by pyruvate of the alternative oxidase was reflected in an inhibition of H2O2 formation. This effect was stronger when pea mitochondria oxidized malate plus glutamate. Succinate‐dependent H2O2 formation was ca. four times lower in Arum sp. mitochondria (known to have a high alternative oxidase) than in pea mitochondria. An uncoupler (FCCP) completely prevented succinate‐dependent H2O2 generation, while it only partially (40–50%) inhibited that linked to malate plus glutamate. ADP plus inorganic phosphate (transition from state 4 to state 3) also inhibited the succinate‐dependent H2O2 formation. Conversely, that dependent on malate plus glutamate oxidation was unaffected by low and stimulated by high concentrations of ADP. These results show that the main bulk of H2O2 is formed during substrate oxidation at the level of complex II and that this generation may be prevented by either dissipation of the electrochemical proton gradient (uncoupling and transition state 4‐state 3), or preventing its formation (alternative oxidase). Conversely, H2O2 production, dependent on oxidation of complex I substrate, is mainly lowered by the activation of the alternative oxidase.
Activation of caspase‐3 in axotomized rat retinal ganglion cells in vivo
Authors: Kermer Pawel , Klöcker Nikolaj , Labes Monika , Thomsen Susanne , Srinivasan Anu , Bähr Mathias
Published: July 2002

Recently, we have shown that inhibition of caspase‐3‐like caspases is the most effective treatment strategy to protect adult rat retinal ganglion cells from secondary death following optic nerve transection. In the present study, we localized active caspase‐3 in axotomized retinal ganglion cells in vivo and demonstrated a co‐localization of the active p20 fragment and TUNEL‐staining in some of these cells. In line with this, we detected an enhanced cleavage and activity of caspase‐3 protein in retinal tissue after lesion, while caspase‐3 mRNA expression remained unchanged. These data suggest caspase‐3 as an important mediator of secondary retinal ganglion cell death following axotomy in vivo.
Characterization of a plant mitochondrial active chromosome
Authors: Fey Julien , Vermel Matthieu , Grienenberger Jean-Michel , Maréchal-Drouard Laurence , Gualberto José M.
Published: July 2002

A method is presented for the partial purification of a plant mitochondrial active chromosome (MAC). This method is based on the presence of the mitochondrial chromosome in the insoluble mitochondrial fraction which allows for its rapid purification from the bulk of detergent‐solubilized proteins by ultra‐centrifugation. The resuspended MAC carrying DNA and RNA‐binding proteins retains DNA synthesis and transcription activities comparable to the ones found in isolated mitochondria. In comparison, tRNA‐nucleotidyl terminal transferase taken as an example of RNA modifying activities remains in the soluble fraction. MAC purification is proposed as a rapid and efficient first step in the purification of DNA‐binding proteins involved in DNA replication and transcription.
Monoclonal antibodies against the Androctonus australis hector scorpion neurotoxin I: characterisation and use for venom neutralisation
Authors: Clot-Faybesse Olivier , Juin Marianick , Rochat Hervé , Devaux Christiane
Published: July 2002

A series of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for the α‐neurotoxin I (Aah I) from the venom of the dangerous Androctonus australis hector scorpion were obtained using carrier protein‐coupled toxin. Competitive RIA, receptor assays and mouse toxicity tests were performed to characterise mAbs in terms of affinity and neutralisation. Cross‐reactivity studies and two‐site ELISA results allowed some classification of mAbs into three groups. One mAb, 9C2, was particularly interesting since it recognised the parent toxin I with a K
D of 0.15 nM and was also reactive with toxins of the same immunological group. Its ability to neutralise the toxic effect of the parent toxin and the venom fraction has been investigated. This anti‐Aah I mAb 9C2, associated with anti‐Aah II mAb 4C1, provides a valuable tool to neutralise the toxicity of the venom.
Peroxyl radicals are potential agents of lignin biodegradation
Authors: Kapich Alexander N , Jensen Kenneth A , Hammel Kenneth E
Published: July 2002

Past work has shown that the extracellular manganese‐dependent peroxidases (MnPs) of ligninolytic fungi degrade the principal non‐phenolic structures of lignin when they peroxidize unsaturated fatty acids. This reaction is likely to be relevant to ligninolysis in sound wood, where enzymes cannot penetrate, only if it employs a small, diffusible lipid radical as the proximal oxidant of lignin. Here we show that a non‐phenolic β‐O‐4‐linked lignin model dimer was oxidized to products indicative of hydrogen abstraction and electron transfer by three different peroxyl radical‐generating systems: (a) MnP/Mn(II)/linoleic acid, (b) arachidonic acid in which peroxidation was initiated by a small amount of H2O2/Fe(II), and (c) the thermolysis in air of either 4,4′‐azobis(4‐cyanovaleric acid) or 2,2′‐azobis(2‐methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride. Some quantitative differences in the product distributions were found, but these were attributable to the presence of electron‐withdrawing substituents on the peroxyl radicals derived from azo precursors. Our results introduce a new hypothesis: that biogenic peroxyl radicals may be agents of lignin biodegradation.
Transvaginal sacrospinous colpopexy for marked uterovaginal and vault prolapse
Authors: Guner H , Noyan V , Tiras M.B , Yildiz A , Yildirim M
Published: July 2002

Objective: The transvaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation technique was used as part of the vaginal repair procedure for marked uterovaginal prolapse, and in the treatment of vault prolapse. Method: Out of the 26 women treated with sacrospinous ligament suspension of the vaginal vault, 23 had marked uterovaginal prolapse and three had vault prolapse following hysterectomy. Patients with vault prolapse underwent posterior vaginal repair, obliteration of the enterocele sac and sacrospinous colpopexy. Patients with marked uterovaginal prolapse underwent vaginal hysterectomy with high ligation of the enterocele sac, anterior and posterior vaginal repair, and sacrospinous colpopexy. Bilateral salpingoopherectomy was added to the procedure in five patients. All patients were examined 6 weeks after the operation and, subsequently, on an annual basis. The mean follow‐up period was 2.6 years (1–5 years). Results: Out of the three patients with previous vault prolapse, none had recurrences. Out of the 23 patients with previous marked uterovaginal prolapse, only two had small cystocele, and one had small enterocele at 36 months following the operation. These patients were asymptomatic and did not need an operation. Vaginal vault prolapse was not observed in any of these patients. Two women had post‐operative urinary tract infection and five had buttock discomfort, which subsided after 2 months. No other intra‐ or post‐operative complications occurred. Conclusion: Transvaginal sacrospinous colpopexy can be performed together with vaginal hysterectomy, and anterior and posterior vaginal wall repair in patients with marked uterovaginal prolapse because of its high success in avoiding possible vault prolapse, and low intra‐ and post‐operative complication rates.
A nonlinear oblique derivative boundary value problem for the heat equation Part 2: Singular self-similar solutions
Authors: Mehats Florian , Roquejoffre Jean-Michel
Published: July 2002

This paper continues the study started in [12]. In the upper half-plane, consider the elliptic equation

−U_{xx}^ε−εU_{zz}^ε-\frac{1}{2}(xU_x + zU_z) = 0

, submitted to the nonlinear oblique derivative boundary condition

U_x = UU_z

on the axis

x = 0

. The solution of this problem appears to be the self-similar solution of the heat equation with the same boundary condition. As

ε

goes to

0

, the function

U^ε

converges to the non trivial solution

U

of the corresponding degenerate problem. Moreover there exists

z_0 > 0

such that

U

vanishes for

z ≥ z_0

, is

C^∞

on

]0, z_0[× ℝ_+

, is continuous on the boundary

x = 0

and is discontinuous on the half-axis

\{z = 0, x > 0\}

.

Cet article poursuit l’étude commencée dans [12]. Soit, dans le demi-plan supérieur, l’équation elliptique

−U_{xx}^ε−εU_{zz}^ε-\frac{1}{2}(xU_x + zU_z) = 0

, soumise à la condition aux limites à dérivée oblique non linéaire

U_x = UU_z

sur l’axe

x = 0

. La solution de ce problème apparaît comme la solution autosemblable de l’équation de la chaleur soumise à la même condition aux limites. Lorsque

ε

tend vers

0

, la fonction

U^ε

converge vers la solution

U

du problème dégénéré correspondant. De plus il existe un réel

z_0 > 0

tel que

U

s’annule pour

z ≥ z_0

, est

C^∞

sur

]0, z_0[× ℝ_+

, est continue sur la frontière

x = 0

et discontinue sur le demi-axe

\{z = 0, x > 0\}

.
Exotic solutions of the conformal scalar curvature equation in ℝn
Authors: Leung Man Chun
Published: July 2002

We construct global exotic solutions of the conformal scalar curvature equation

Δu+[n(n−2)/4]Ku^{(n+2)/(n−2)}=0

in

ℝ^n

, with

K(x)

approaching

1

near infinity in order as close to the critical exponent as possible.

Nous construisons des solutions globales exotiques de l’équation courbure scalaire conforme

Δu+[n(n−2)/4]Ku^{(n+2)/(n−2)}=0

dans

ℝ^n

, avec

K(x)→1

quand

|x|→∞

.
Local calibrations for minimizers of the Mumford–Shah functional with a regular discontinuity set
Authors: Mora Maria Giovanna , Morini Massimiliano
Published: July 2002

Using a calibration method, we prove that, if

w

is a function which satisfies all Euler conditions for the Mumford–Shah functional on a two-dimensional open set

Ω

, and the discontinuity set

S_w

of

w

is a regular curve connecting two boundary points, then there exists a uniform neighbourhood

U

of

S_w

such that

w

is a minimizer of the Mumford–Shah functional on

U

with respect to its own boundary conditions on

∂U

. We show that Euler conditions do not guarantee in general the minimality of

w

in the class of functions with the same boundary value of

w

on

∂Ω

and whose extended graph is contained in a neighbourhood of the extended graph of

w

, and we give a sufficient condition in terms of the geometrical properties of

Ω

and

S_w

under which this kind of minimality holds.
On the number of single-peak solutions of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Grossi Massimo
Published: July 2002

In this paper we consider uniqueness and multiplicity results for single-peak solutions for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. For a suitable class of potentials

V

and critical points

P

we are able to establish exact multiplicity results. In particular we show that for any nondegenerate critical point of

V

there are only one solution concentrating at 

P

. Moreover some examples of single-peak solutions concentrating at the same point

P

are provided.

Dans ce papier nous considérons les résultats d'unicité et de multiplicité pour les solutions de seul-pic pour l'équation de Schrödinger non linéaire. Pour une classe convenable de potentiel

V

et critiques points

P

nous peuvons établir une multiplicité exacte.
On the arithmetic sum of regular Cantor sets
Authors: Palis J. , Yoccoz J.C.
Published: July 2002

We prove here that for any pair of regular Cantor sets in the line, either its arithmetic sum has Lebesgue measure zero or the pair can be approximated (through the image of a smooth diffeomorphism) by another one whose arithmetic sum contains an interval. The latter occurs when the Hausdorff dimension of the product of the sets is bigger than one.

Nous démontrons que pour toute paire d’ensembles de Cantor réguliers sur la droite, ou bien leur somme arithmétique est de mesure de Lebesgue nulle, ou bien la paire peut être approchée (par l’image d’un difféomorphisme) par une autre dont la somme arithmétique contient un intervalle. Le dernier cas se produit quand la dimension de Hausdorff du produit des ensembles est plus grande que 1.
Liouville theorems for semilinear equations on the Heisenberg group
Authors: Birindelli I. , Capuzzo Dolcetta I. , Cutrì A.
Published: July 2002

In this paper we consider problems of the type

\tag{1}
\begin{cases}
\Delta _{H}u + h\left(x\right)u^{p} \leq 0, & \text{in }D \subset ℝ^{2n + 1}, \\
u \geq 0 & \text{in }D,
\end{cases}

where

ΔH

is the Heisenberg Laplacian,

D

is an unbounded domain and

h

is a non negative function.

We prove that, under suitable conditions on

h, p

and

D

, the only solution of (1) is

u ≡ 0

.

Dans ce travail nous considérons des problèmes du type

\tag{1}
\begin{cases}
\Delta _{H}u + h\left(x\right)u^{p} \leq 0, & \text{dans }D \subset ℝ^{2n + 1}, \\
u \geq 0 & \text{dans }D,
\end{cases}

où

ΔH

est le Laplacien de Heisenberg,

D

est un domaine non borné et

h

est une fonction positive.

Nous démontrons que sous certaines hypothèses sur

h, p

et

D

, la seule solution de (1) est

u ≡ 0

.
Generic properties of singular trajectories
Authors: Bonnard B. , Kupka I.
Published: July 2002

Let

M

be a

σ

-compact

C^∞

manifold of dimension

d ≥ 3

. Consider on

M

a single-input control system :

\.{x}(t) = G_{0}(x(t)) + u(t)F_{1}(x(t))

, where

F_0

,

F_1

are

C^∞

vector fields on

M

and the set of admissible controls

U

is the set of bounded measurable mappings

u : [0,T_u]↦\mathbf R

,

T_u > 0

. A
singular trajectory
is an output corresponding to a control such that the differential of the input-output mapping is not of maximal rank. In this article we show that for an open dense subset of the set of pairs of vector fields

(F_0, F_1)

, endowed with the

C^∞

-Whitney topology, all the singular trajectories are with
minimal order
and
the corank of the singularity is one
.

Soit

M

une variété

C^∞

, à base dénombrable et un système mono-entrée sur

M:\.{x}(t) = F_{0}(x(t)) + u(t)F_{1}(x(t))

, où

F_0

et

F_1

sont des champs de vecteurs

C^∞

, la classe des contrôles admissibles

U

étant l’ensemble des applications

u :[0,T_u]↦\mathbf R

,

T(u) > 0

, mesurables et bornées. L’objet de cette note est de montrer que pour un ensemble ouvert et dense de couples de champs de vecteurs

(F_0, F_1)

, pour la topologie

C^∞

de Whitney, toutes les
trajectoires singulières
sont d’
ordre minimal
et la
singularité est de codimension un
.
Nontrivial periodic solutions for strong resonance Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Chang K.C. , Liu J.Q. , Liu M.J.
Published: July 2002

For a Hamiltonian system, in which the Hamiltonian is assumed to have an asymptotically linear gradient, the existence of nontrivial periodic solutions is proved under the assumption that the linearized operators have distinct Maslov indices at 0 and at infinity. Both the linearized operators may be degenerate. In particular, the results cover the “strong resonance” case.

Pour un système hamiltonien dans lequel l’hamiltonien est supposé avoir un gradient asymptotiquement linéaire, on montre l’existence de solutions périodiques non triviales, sous l’hypothèse que les opérateurs linéarisés ont un indice de Maslov différent en 0 et en l’infini. Les opérateurs linéarisés peuvent même être dégénérés. En particulier, ces résultats comprennent le cas de « résonance forte å.