bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aquatic prey capture in ray‐finned fishes: A century of progress and new directions
Authors: Ferry‐Graham Lara A. , Lauder George V.
Published: August 2002

The head of ray‐finned fishes is structurally complex and is composed of numerous bony, muscular, and ligamentous elements capable of intricate movement. Nearly two centuries of research have been devoted to understanding the function of this cranial musculoskeletal system during prey capture in the dense and viscous aquatic medium. Most fishes generate some amount of inertial suction to capture prey in water. In this overview we trace the history of functional morphological analyses of suction feeding in ray‐finned fishes, with a particular focus on the mechanisms by which suction is generated, and present new data using a novel flow imaging technique that enables quantification of the water flow field into the mouth. We begin with a brief overview of studies of cranial anatomy and then summarize progress on understanding function as new information was brought to light by the application of various forms of technology, including high‐speed cinematography and video, pressure, impedance, and bone strain measurement. We also provide data from a new technique, digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) that allows us to quantify patterns of flow into the mouth. We believe that there are three general areas in which future progress needs to occur. First, quantitative three‐dimensional studies of buccal and opercular cavity dimensions during prey capture are needed; sonomicrometry and endoscopy are techniques likely to yield these data. Second, a thorough quantitative analysis of the flow field into the mouth during prey capture is necessary to understand the effect of head movement on water in the vicinity of the prey; three‐dimensional DPIV analyses will help to provide these data. Third, a more precise understanding of the fitness effects of structural and functional variables in the head coupled with rigorous statistical analyses will allow us to better understand the evolutionary consequences of intra‐ and interspecific variation in cranial morphology and function. J. Morphol. 248:99–119, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Blood perfusion of vertebral lesions evaluated with gadolinium‐enhanced dynamic MRI: In comparison with compression fracture and metastasis
Authors: Chen Wei‐Tsung , Shih Tiffany Ting‐Fang , Chen Ran‐Chou , Lo Hsin‐Yen , Chou Chen‐Te , Lee Jiunn‐Ming , Tu Hsing‐Yang
Published: August 2002

Purpose

To investigate blood perfusion of vertebral lesions using dynamic Gd‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI.

Materials and Methods

Dynamic MR studies were performed for cases of acute compression fracture, chronic compression fracture, metastatic vertebral lesions with or without compression fracture. A total of 42 patients (71 vertebral segments) were included. Five types of time‐intensity curves (TICs) were defined as: nearly no enhancement (type A), slow enhancement (type B), a rapid contrast wash‐in followed by an equilibrium phase (type C), a rapid contrast wash‐in followed by early wash‐out (type D), and a rapid contrast wash‐in with a second slower‐rising slope (type E).

Results

Metastatic vertebral lesions with or without fracture had a higher peak enhancement percentage and steeper enhancement slope than those of chronic compression fracture, but had no difference as compared to those of acute compression fracture. The type D curve had high positive predictive value for metastatic group (100%), and the type E curve had high positive predictive value for benign compression fracture (85.7%).

Conclusion

Type D and E curves are valuable in the differentiation of benign and malignant vertebral lesions. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;15:308–314. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of b value on contrast during diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging assessment of acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Pereira Raoul S. , Harris Ashley D. , Sevick Robert J. , Frayne Richard
Published: August 2002

Purpose

To examine the effect of varying the diffusion encoding strength (b value) on the contrast (signal difference, ΔS) between damaged and normal tissue during diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) assessment of acute ischemic stroke.

Materials and Methods

Phantoms with diffusion values approximating those expected in acutely infarcted and normal tissue were constructed from a mixture of agar and formaldehyde and imaged at varying b values (0–3000 mm−2 second). Ten patients were imaged with multiple b values (500–2500 mm−2 second) within 12 hours of stroke onset.

Results

Theoretical calculations showed that for any combination of diffusion coefficients there existed an optimal b value that was higher than the standard setting of 1000 mm−2 second, and this was confirmed by the phantom studies. In the patients, increasing b from 1000 to 1500 mm−2 second increased ΔS (average, 22.4%; P = 0.001), but no consistent benefit was seen at b = 2000 mm−2 second (P = 0.408). This compared favorably with the average optimal b value of 1662 mm− 2 second calculated from the patients.

Conclusion

These results suggest that increasing the b value from 1000 to 1500 mm−2 second would increase contrast between infarcted and normal tissue in the setting of acute ischemic stroke. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;15:591–596. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fast 13C‐glucose metabolite mapping in rat brain using 1H echo planar spectroscopic imaging technique at 2T
Authors: Morikawa Shigehiro , Inubushi Toshiro
Published: August 2002

For fast 13C metabolite mapping in rat brains, 1H‐detected 13C NMR spectroscopy using gradient‐enhanced heteronuclear multiple‐quantum coherence and 1H echo planar spectroscopic imaging were combined. 13C glucose and 3‐/4‐13C‐Glu/Gln images of rat brain were successfully constructed with 35‐minute temporal resolution under a 2T magnetic field. In the ischemic region of the suture middle cerebral artery occlusion model, glucose and Glu/Gln signals decreased and lactate signals appeared. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:787–791. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Volume‐localized two‐dimensional correlated magnetic resonance spectroscopy of human breast cancer
Authors: Thomas M. Albert , Binesh Nader , Yue Kenneth , DeBruhl Nanette
Published: August 2002

A localized 2D correlation spectroscopic sequence (L‐COSY) was implemented and applied in human breast cancer in vivo to evaluate the water to fat (both saturated and unsaturated) ratios and also to identify choline. Being in agreement with the conventional 1D magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) results, elevated water to lipids ratios were found in breast cancers and choline was observed only in a few cancer patients. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;14:181–186. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel approach of combining thin‐layer chromatography with surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (SALDI) time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Wu Jia‐Yi , Chen Yu‐Chie
Published: August 2002

A novel means of combining thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) with laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry using a liquid matrix is proposed. Surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (SALDI) mass spectrometry, which uses a mixture of a micrometer‐sized carbon powder (graphite or activated carbon, the SALDI solid) and 15% sucrose/glycerol, dissolved in an equal volume of methanol (SALDI liquid) as a SALDI matrix, is used for laser desorption mass analysis. The ablation of carbon powder from a pencil drawing was used as an alternative to the SALDI solid. The liquid matrix resembled that used in a conventional SALDI matrix system. A line was drawn before separation with a pencil on the track of the sample developed on the TLC plate. After TLC separation, ∼0.1 µl of SALDI liquid was directly applied to the chromatographic spots on the TLC plate. Porphyrins were used to demonstrate this combination owing to the visible colors of this type of compound. The analyte signal can be easily detected by irradiating the laser along the pencil line on the TLC plate. An additive, p‐toluenesulfonic acid, is added to the SALDI liquid to enhance the signal's intensity. This additive dramatically improves the signal‐to‐noise ratio. A detection limit of ∼500 pg is demonstrated for porphines, which is 50 times better than that corresponding to conventional TLC SALDI. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epstein‐Barr virus specific salivary antibodies as related to stress caused by examinations
Authors: Sarid O. , Anson O. , Yaari A. , Margalith M.
Published: August 2002

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) is prevalent in 90% of the population. After primary infection it remains in a latent state and the majority of the virus carriers are asymptomatic during their life. Among the immunocompromized patients such as organ and bone marrow transplant recipients, individuals lacking T cell immunity, and patients treated with corticosteroid, cancer, and AIDS patients EBV primary infection and reactivation can cause life threatening diseases. Immunosupression may occur also during stressful events, which induce corticosteroid release and thus activate EBV. The effect of examination stress on EBV reactivation among female students was studied by detecting the values of EBV specific IgG and IgA salivary antibodies. Sequential saliva samples were obtained from first year female students before, during, and after two important examinations. EBV specific IgG and IgA salivary antibodies were tested by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hepatitis A virus (HAV) salivary antibodies served as a non‐latent virus control. A statistically significant increase in the values of EBV specific IgG and IgA antibodies was detected in samples collected during the examinations, as compared to the samples collected two months before and one month after the exams (P < 0.05). HAV antibody levels did not change significantly between the four time points. The menstrual cycle had no significant effect on the results. No significant symptoms were reported during the whole study. These results indicate that among female students who endure stress during academic examinations, a significant increase in EBV specific IgG and IgA salivary antibody values could be detected. EBV reactivation should be confirmed by measuring salivary EBV DNA or infectious virus. J. Med. Virol. 64:149–156, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nucleotide sequence analysis and development of consensus primers of RT‐PCR for detection of norwalk‐like viruses prevailing in Japan
Authors: Kawamoto Hiroyoshi , Yamazaki Kenji , Utagawa Etsuko , Ohyama Tohru
Published: August 2002

A total of 177 different nucleotide sequences of the RNA polymerase region of Norwalk‐like viruses (NLVs) genomes, collected via a nation‐wide survey project in Japan between 1989 and 1998, were examined by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) employing various primer pairs. The nucleotide sequences of different strains showed great diversity, with a range of 57 to 100% identities among strains. The strains could be classified into five clusters: Norwalk (NV), Snow Mountain agent/Bristol virus (SMA/BV), Toronto virus/Mexico virus (TV/MX), and Japan specific cluster 1 and 2 (JP‐1 and JP‐2). Within each cluster there is greater than 85% identity of amino acid sequence (more than 75% identity of nucleotide sequences), based on sequence homology analysis. We believe that two of the five clusters, JP‐1and JP‐2, define new specific clusters found in Japan according to phylogenetic and pair‐wise comparison studies. An RT‐PCR procedure was designed using new consensus primer pairs, P1/P2, P1/P3, and Y1/Y2 based on multiple alignment of collected nucleotide sequences, that are expected to detect nearly all NLVs prevailing in Japan. The usefulness of the primers was tested by ten different laboratories in Japan using a panel of ten fecal samples containing different virus strains. The identification of these primer pairs will facilitate routine diagnosis of NLV infection by RT‐PCR and offers the potential for their direct detection in food and environmental samples. J. Med. Virol. 64:569–576, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epidemiological survey of neonatal non‐polio enterovirus infection in the Netherlands
Authors: Verboon‐Maciolek M.A. , Krediet T.G. , van Loon A.M. , Kaan J. , Galama J.M.D. , Gerards L.J. , Fleer A.
Published: August 2002

The epidemiological, virological, and clinical data of 119 infants less than 30 days of age with enteroviral infection collected from January 1993 to November 1995 by the diagnostic virology laboratories were analyzed retrospectively. Ninety‐eight isolates (83%) were obtained in the period of May 1 to December 1 with a peak in the summer months. Sixty‐five percent (n = 78) of neonates became ill within the first 2 weeks of life. Echoviruses and Coxsackie virus type B were isolated most frequently, in 77 (65%) and 29 (24%) infants, respectively. Diagnosis was made by viral isolation from stool, nasopharyngeal swab, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood. One hundred four (87%) infants developed fever and 25 (21%) infants had diarrhea. A clinical diagnosis of sepsis was made in 42 (35%) infants and meningitis was diagnosed in 28 (24%) cases. The great majority of sepsis cases (36/86%) occurred in infants less than 15 days of age. In conclusion, non‐polio enteroviruses (especially echoviruses) are a common and underreported cause of neonatal infection in the Netherlands in the summer months and are associated with a clinical diagnosis of sepsis or meningitis cases in the first 2 weeks of life in a high proportion of cases. J. Med. Virol. 66:241–245, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Local treatment of HPV‐induced skin lesions by Cidofovir
Authors: Stragier Ilse , Snoeck Robert , De Clercq Erik , Van den Oord Joost J. , Van Ranst Marc , De Greef Hugo
Published: August 2002

Human papillomavirus (HPV) induced epithelial cell proliferation is responsible for a broad range of lesions. Treatment of such lesions is characterized by a high relapse rate. Four patients are described who were treated locally with cidofovir (cream 1% or injection of 2.5 mg/ml solution) for multi‐treated relapsing HPV‐associated lesions. Three of the four patients had a complete response. The fourth patient showed a clinical response in the first cycle of treatment, but new lesions appeared during four successive cycles of cidofovir. J. Med. Virol. 67:241–245, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metabolic substrates other than glucose support axon function in central white matter
Authors: Brown Angus M. , Wender Regina , Ransom Bruce R.
Published: August 2002

We tested the hypothesis that non‐glucose energy sources can support axon function in the rat optic nerve. Axon function was assessed by monitoring the stimulus‐evoked compound action potential (CAP). CAP was maintained at full amplitude for 2 hr in 10 mM glucose. 20 mM lactate, 20 mM pyruvate, 10 mM fructose, or 10 mM mannose supported axon function as effectively as did glucose, and 10 mM glutamine provided partial support, but β‐hydroxybutyrate, octanoate, sorbitol, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate failed to support axon function. Our results indicated that a variety of compounds can sustain function in CNS myelinated axons. Axons probably use lactate, pyruvate, and glutamine directly as energy substrates, whereas mannose and fructose could be shuttled through astrocytes to lactate, which is then exported to axons. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brain armadillo protein δ‐catenin interacts with Abl tyrosine kinase and modulates cellular morphogenesis in response to growth factors
Authors: Lu Q. , Mukhopadhyay N.K. , Griffin J.D. , Paredes M. , Medina M. , Kosik K.S.
Published: August 2002

δ‐Catenin associates with adhesive junctions and facilitates cellular morphogenesis (Lu et al., ). Here we show that δ‐catenin colocalizes with actin filaments and Abl tyrosine kinase in the growth cones of cultured hippocampal neurons. PC12 cells induced to express δ‐catenin show accelerated neurite extension upon nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulation. STI571, an Abl family kinase inhibitor, further accentuates these stimulatory effects. δ‐Catenin is a potent substrate for Abl in vitro using an immunocomplex assay and most of the Abl‐induced tyrosine phosphorylation within cells is present in the N‐terminus of δ‐catenin. When δ‐catenin‐expressing epithelial cells are induced to scatter in response to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), STI571 leads to the rapid redistribution of δ‐catenin and changes in cellular morphology. We suggest that δ‐catenin is a possible Abl substrate and acts downstream of Abl to orchestrate actin‐based cellular morphogenesis. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Peptidyl α‐keto amide inhibitor of calpain blocks excitotoxic damage without affecting signal transduction events
Authors: Caba Ebru , Brown Queenie B. , Kawasaki Brian , Bahr Ben A.
Published: August 2002

The cysteine protease calpain is activated by calcium and has a wide range of substrates. Calpain‐mediated cellular damage is associated with many neuropathologies, and calpain also plays a role in signal transduction events that are essential for cell maintenance, including the activation of important kinases and transcription factors. In the present study, the hippocampal slice culture was used as a model of excitotoxicity to test whether the neuroprotection elicited by selective calpain inhibition is associated with changes in cell signaling. Peptidyl α‐keto amide and α‐keto acid inhibitors reduced both calpain‐mediated cytoskeletal damage and the concomitant synaptic deterioration resulting from an N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate exposure. The α‐keto amide CX295 was protective when infused into slice cultures before or after the excitotoxic episode. The slices protected with CX295 exhibited normal activation levels of mitogen‐activated protein kinase and the transcription factor nuclear factor‐κB. Thus, selective inhibition of calpain provides neuroprotection without influencing critical signaling pathways. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Baclofen is neuroprotective and prevents loss of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II immunoreactivity in the ischemic gerbil hippocampus
Authors: Babcock Alex M. , Everingham Andi , Paden Charles M. , Kimura Maki
Published: August 2002

Excessive release of glutamate during transient cerebral ischemia initiates a cascade of events that leads to the delayed and selective death of neurons located in the hippocampus. Activity of calcium calmodulin kinase II (CaM kinase), a protein kinase critical to neuronal functioning, disappears following ischemia. The in vivo link between glutamate excitoxicity and alterations in CaM kinase activity has not been extensively studied. Baclofen, a selective γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)B receptor agonist, has been shown to inhibit glutamate release. The present study evaluated the neuroprotective efficacy of this compound and assessed early changes in hippocampal‐dependent behaviors and CaM kinase immunoreactivity following transient cerebral ischemia. Baclofen (50 mg/kg) prevented both the loss of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells and the reduction in hippocampal CaM kinase immunoreactivity observed in control animals following ischemic insult. Cerebral ischemia produced a significant increase in working memory errors; however, baclofen failed to attenuate this memory deficit. Results confirm that baclofen is neuroprotective and support a link between glutamate excitotoxicity and reductions in CaM kinase immunoreactivity. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ethanol exposure enhances cell death in the developing cerebral cortex: Role of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and its signaling pathways
Authors: Climent E. , Pascual M. , Renau‐Piqueras J. , Guerri C.
Published: August 2002

Exposure to ethanol during fetal development induces brain damage, causing cell loss in several brain areas and affecting synaptic connections. Because neurotrophin signaling plays an important role in neuronal survival and differentiation, we have investigated the effect of ethanol exposure on cell death in the developing cerebral cortex and whether this effect correlates with alterations in brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, expression of its receptors, TrkB, and its signaling. We report that chronic ethanol intake during gestation and lactation enhances natural cell death and induces cell necrosis, decreases BDNF levels, and increases the ratio of the truncated to full‐length TrkB mRNA receptors during postnatal developing cerebral cortex. Furthermore, we provide evidence that during brain development BDNF activates the extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK1 and ERK2) and the phosphoinoside‐3‐kinase (PI‐3‐K/Akt) pathways. However, BDNF‐induced cell signaling throughout the above‐mentioned survival pathways is significantly reduced by ethanol exposure. These findings suggest that ethanol‐induced alterations in BDNF availability and in its receptor function might impair intracellular signaling pathways involved in cell survival, growth, and differentiation, leading to enhanced natural cell death during cerebral cortex development. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impairment of adenylyl cyclase and of spatial memory function after microsphere embolism in rats
Authors: Nagakura Akira , Miyake‐Takagi Keiko , Takagi Norio , Fukui Masato , Takeo Satoshi
Published: August 2002

The purpose of the present study was to characterize alterations in the adenylyl cyclase (AC), cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cAMP), and spatial memory function after sustained cerebral ischemia. Sustained cerebral ischemia was induced by injection of 900 microspheres (48 μm in diameter) into the right (ipsilateral) hemisphere of rats. Alterations in the AC and cAMP in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus were examined up to 7 days after the embolism. A decrease in the cAMP content was seen in the ipsilateral hemisphere throughout the experiment. Microsphere embolism (ME) decreased the activity of Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)‐sensitive AC in the ipsilateral hemisphere throughout the experiment, whereas the basal and 5′‐guanylyl imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p)‐sensitive AC activities were not altered. Immunoblotting analysis of AC subtypes with specific antibodies showed a decrease in the immunoreactivity of AC‐I in the ipsilateral hemisphere during these periods. No significant differences in the immunoreactivity of AC‐V/VI and AC‐VIII were observed after ME. The levels of GTP‐binding proteins Gαs, Gαi, and Gβwere unchanged. Furthermore, microsphere‐embolized rats showed prolongation of the escape latency in the water maze task determined on the seveth to ninth day after the operation. These results suggest that sustained cerebral ischemia may induce the impairment of the AC, particularly a selective reduction in the AC‐I level and activity, coupled with the decrease in cAMP content. This reduction may play an appreciable role in the disturbance in cAMP‐mediated signal transduction system, possibly leading to learning and memory dysfunction. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interferon‐β treatment of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis leads to rapid nonapoptotic termination of T cell infiltration
Authors: Schmidt Jens , Stürzebecher Steffen , Toyka Klaus Viktor , Gold Ralf
Published: August 2002

We investigated the possible mechanisms how interferon (IFN)‐β may control T cell infiltration in the CNS in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Adoptive transfer (AT) EAE was induced in groups of six female Lewis rats. Animals were treated with 3 × 105 units of recombinant rat IFN‐β s.c. once at 18 hr, or with 10 mg/kg methylprednisolone (MP) i.v. twice at 18 and 6 hr prior to dissection, or with a combination of both. T cell apoptosis was detected by immunohistochemistry on paraffin sections of spinal cord, using morphological criteria and TUNEL staining. Double labeling of immune cells was done for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and metalloproteinase (MMP) 2. Disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) was visualized by staining for albumin. In severe EAE, an increase of T cell apoptosis was seen after IFN‐β alone (all data presented as mean ± SD: 24.5% ± 2.2%, P < 0.05, vs. 19.4% ± 3.1% in controls), and in combination with MP (29.4% ± 7.3%, P < 0.05 vs. controls). Only the combination therapy decreased T cell infiltration (53.9 ± 17.7 cells/mm2, P < 0.05, vs. 99.5 ± 35.2 cells/mm2 in controls). In moderate EAE, the rate of T cell apoptosis was slightly increased after IFN‐β (21.2% ± 5.2% vs. 17.4% ± 5.0% in controls), whereas MP alone (25.5% ± 3.5%, P < 0.01 vs. controls) and the combination therapy (22.4% ± 4.8%, P < 0.05 vs. controls) had a clear augmenting effect. IFN‐β tended to decrease T cell infiltration (46.1 ± 12.7 cells/mm2) compared to controls (59.2 ± 18.5 cells/mm2). The rate of TNF‐α‐expressing T cells was significantly decreased by IFN‐β and in combination with MP. Also, TNF‐α expression in macrophages was significantly reduced by IFN‐β and by the combination therapy. The rate of MMP2‐expressing macrophages was lower after IFN‐β but clearly decreased only in combination with MP. BBB disruption was ameliorated after IFN‐β but significantly only in combination with MP. Our study indicates that IFN‐β affects the immunopathological process in EAE in several ways, but apoptosis appears as a minor component. In view of treatment of MS relapses, the synergistic effects in this study corroborate the use of a combination therapy with high‐dose MP and IFN‐β. J. Neurosci. Res. 65:59–67, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Axon‐Schwann cell interactions regulate the expression of fibroblast growth factor‐5 (FGF‐5)
Authors: Scarlato Marina , Xu Theodore , Bannerman Peter , Beesley Jacqueline , Reddy Usha R. , Rostami Abdolmohammad , Scherer Steven S. , Pleasure David
Published: August 2002

We screened for genes whose expression is significantly up‐ or downregulated during Wallerian degeneration in adult rat sciatic nerve with cDNA arrays. Fibroblast growth factor‐5 (FGF‐5) mRNA seemed to be induced. This was confirmed by northern blotting and in situ hybridization, as well as Western blotting for FGF‐5 in axotomized nerve. Axon‐Schwann cell interactions decreased the steady‐state level of FGF‐5 mRNA in regenerating sciatic nerves, and forskolin diminished its expression in cultured Schwann cells. We conclude that denervated Schwann cells synthesize FGF‐5, which is a secreted, neuronotrophic member of the FGF family. J. Neurosci. Res. 66:16–22, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selective effect of hypothyroidism on expression of myelin markers during development
Authors: Barradas Penha C. , Vieira Rafael S. , De Freitas Marta S.
Published: August 2002

Thyroid hormones are critical for maturation of the central nervous system. In a previous study, we showed a change in the pattern of mature myelinated nerve fibers by 2′3′‐cyclic nucleotide 3′‐phosphodiesterase (CNPase) in developing hypothyroid animals, which suggests a possible role for thyroid hormones in myelin compaction. The classical myelin markers myelin basic protein (MBP) and proteolipidic protein (PLP) are expressed later in oligodendroglial development, when myelin sheath formation is in progress. A myelin constituent designated myelin‐associated/oligodendrocytic basic protein (MOBP) has been identified and related to myelin compaction. We assessed the developmental sequence of appearance of CNPase, MBP, MOPB, and PLP proteins in cerebellum (Cb) and corpus callosum (cc) in an experimental hypothyroidism model. The appearance of both MOBP isoforms occurred at postnatal day (P)25 and P30 in cc and Cb, respectively, followed by an increase with age in the control group. However, all the MOBP isoforms were weakly detectable in both regions at P30 from the hypothyroid (H) group, and the higher molecular weight isoform remains decreased in cc, even at P90. The developmental pattern of expression of CNPase, MBP, and PLP proteins was also delayed in the H group. CNPase and MBP expression was recovered in cc and Cb, whereas PLP remained below control levels at P90 in cc. Our data show that the experimental hypothyroidism affects the developmental pattern of the oligodendrocytic/myelin markers. Furthermore, thyroid hormone may modulate specific genes, as demonstrated by permanent down‐regulation of MOBP and PLP expression in adulthood. J. Neurosci. Res. 66:254–261, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transforming growth factor‐β1 enhances expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and its receptor, TrkB, in neurons cultured from rat cerebral cortex
Authors: Sometani Ayako , Kataoka Hiroshige , Nitta Atsumi , Fukumitsu Hidefumi , Nomoto Hiroshi , Furukawa Shoei
Published: August 2002

The effects of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 on expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its high‐affinity receptor, TrkB, in neurons cultured from the cerebral cortex of 18‐day‐old embryonic rats were examined. BDNF mRNA was significantly increased from 24–48 hr after the TGF‐β1 treatment over 20 ng/ml. Accumulation of BDNF protein in the culture medium was also potentiated by TGF‐β1, although the intracellular content of BDNF was nearly unchanged. The enhancement of BDNF mRNA expression was suppressed by the co‐presence of decorin, a small TGF‐β‐binding proteoglycan that inhibits the biological activities of TGF‐βs. mRNA expression of full‐length TrkB, the bioactive high‐affinity receptor for BDNF, was also upregulated after treatment with TGF‐β1. These observations suggest that: 1) TGF‐β1 potentiates BDNF/TrkB autocrine or local paracrine system; and 2) the neurotrophic activity of TGF‐β1 is partly responsible for the BDNF induced by TGF‐β1 itself. To test this latter possibility, we examined the neuronal survival activity of TGF‐β1 with or without K252a, a selective inhibitor of Trk family tyrosine kinases. TGF‐β1 significantly enhanced neuronal survival, but the co‐presence of K252a completely suppressed the activity, demonstrating the involvement of Trk receptor signaling in TGF‐β1‐mediated neuronal survival in cultured rat cortical neurons. These results seem to be in line with recent findings by other investigators that some neurotrophic factors including BDNF require TGF‐βs as a cofactor to exert their neurotrophic activities. J. Neurosci. Res. 66:369–376, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Customer perceptions of justice in service transactions: the effects of strong and weak ties
Authors: Holbrook Robert L. , Kulik Carol T.
Published: August 2002

This research used a justice perspective to investigate the effects of outcome favorability, opportunity for voice, and interpersonal treatment in a service context. Results suggest that all three variables influenced customer reactions to bank loan decisions. Weak‐tie customers were more sensitive to outcome favorability than strong‐tie customers. Strong‐tie customers were more sensitive to opportunity for voice than weak‐tie customers. Implications for improving customer reactions to service transactions are discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Texaphyrins: a new approach to drug development
Authors: MODY TARAK D. , SESSLER JONATHAN L.
Published: August 2002

The texaphyrins are prototypical metal-coordinating expanded porphyrins. They represent a burgeoning class of pharmacological agents that show promise for an array of medical applications. Currently, two different water-soluble lanthanide texaphyrins, namely motexafin gadolinium ( Gd-Tex , 1) and motexafin lutetium ( Lu-Tex , 2), are involved in multi-center clinical trials for a variety of indications. The first of these agents, XCYTRIN®(motexafin gadolinium) Injection, is being evaluated as a potential X-ray radiation enhancer in a randomized Phase III clinical trial in patients with brain metastases. The second, in various formulations, is being evaluated as a photosensitizer for use in: (i) the photodynamic treatment of recurrent breast cancer (LUTRIN®Injection; now in Phase IIb clinical trials); (ii) photoangioplastic reduction of atherosclerosis involving peripheral and coronary arteries (ANTRIN®Injection; now in Phase II and Phase I clinical trials, respectively); and (iii) light-based age-related macular degeneration (OPTRIN™ Injection; currently under Phase II clinical evaluation), a vision-threatening disease of the retina. In this article, these developments, along with fundamental aspects of the underlying chemistry are reviewed.
Polyhedral boron derivatives of porphyrins and phthalocyanines
Authors: BREGADZE VLADIMIR I. , SIVAEV IGOR B. , GABEL DETLEF , WÖHRLE DIETER
Published: August 2002

The synthesis of compounds containing polyhedral boron cages and porphyrin or phthalocyanine units connected covalently in one molecule is reviewed. The importance of these compounds arises, on the one hand, from the use of polyhedral boron derivatives in neutron capture therapy for cancer; on the other hand, porphyrins and phthalocyanines are known as photosensitizers in photodynamic tumor therapy. Current interest in the binding of polyhedral boron compounds to porphyrins and phthalocyanines is due to the observation that porphyrins and phthalocyanines show improved uptake and good persistence in tissues. Medical applications of compounds containing polyhedral boron cages and porphyrin or phthalocyanine units in one molecule are briefly discussed.
Sea‐surface conditions in northernmost Baffin Bay during the Holocene: palynological evidence
Authors: Levac Elisabeth , Vernal Anne De , Blake Jr Weston
Published: August 2002

The analysis of cores collected in northernmost Baffin Bay, from within the area of the North Water Polynya, permits definition of a composite sedimentary sequence ca. 12 m thick spanning the last 10 000 14C yr, with only a few discontinuities. Palynological analyses were performed in order to reconstruct changes in surface water conditions and biogenic production. Transfer functions, using dinocyst assemblages, were applied to estimate sea‐surface temperature (SST) and salinity, as well as the seasonal duration of sea ice cover. At the base of the record, prior to 9300 14C yr BP, dinocysts and organic linings of benthic foraminifers are sparse, indicating harsh conditions and low productivity. After ca. 9300 14C yr BP, the increased concentration of benthic foraminifers (up to 103 linings cm−3) and dinocyst fluxes (102–103 cysts cm−2 yr−1) reveals high biological productivity related to open‐water conditions. The early to middle Holocene, from ca. 9000 to ca. 3600 14C yr BP, is marked by relatively high species diversity in dinocyst assemblages and the significant occurrence of autotrophic taxa such as Spiniferites elongatus, Pentapharsodinium dalei and Impagidinium pallidum. This assemblage suggests conditions at least as warm as at present. From ca. 6400 to ca. 3600 14C yr BP, transfer functions indicate warmer conditions than at present, with SST in August fluctuating up to 5.5°C. After 3600 14C yr BP, the dinocyst record suggests a trend of decreasing temperature toward modern values, marked by recurrent cooling events. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interglacial high‐tide coasts in the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary, southwest Britain: a comparison for the Ipswichian and Holocene
Authors: Allen J. R. L.
Published: August 2002

The Ipswichian high‐tide coast in the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary at the time of the highest sea‐levels (5–10 m OD) was wave‐dominated almost everywhere. It is defined by raised beaches and inshore sand shoals, and only in comparatively long but narrow inlets (Somerset Levels) are estuarine conditions evident. The modern Holocene seaway is wave‐dominated at high tide only up to and including the inner Bristol Channel. A muddy upper shore typifies the large, tide‐dominated Severn Estuary to the east and northeast. The larger depth and width of the Ipswichian seaway may explain its greater wave‐dominance, but it is also possible that differences in the sediment regime also contribute to the contrast observed. With water levels continuing to rise, the Holocene seaway could reach Ipswichian depths within a few thousand years and evolve toward greater wave‐dominance. A secondary effect may be the transgression and substantial removal of the Holocene estuarine sequence associated with the Severn Estuary Levels. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of cyanide in waste water by low‐resolution surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy on sol‐gel substrates
Authors: Premasiri W. R. , Clarke R. H. , Londhe S. , Womble M. E.
Published: August 2002

We introduce the concept of low‐resolution surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for cyanide as a potentially highly useful, cost‐effective approach to detection and analysis for monitoring water contamination. We present high‐sensitivity, low‐resolution measurements of cyanide in water using a solid‐state gold sol–gel substrate. These data suggest a sensitivity limit for low‐resolution SERS detection of cyanide in water in the region of 10 ppb. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of microbial transglutaminase on the functional properties of megrim (Lepidorhombus boscii) skin gelatin
Authors: Gómez‐Guillén M Carmen , Sarabia Ana Isabel , Solas M Teresa , Montero Pilar
Published: August 2002

This paper examines the effect of a microbial transglutaminase (TGase) on the gelling and viscoelastic properties of a gelatin from megrim (Lepidorhombus boscii) skins. Although TGase extended the setting time of fish gelatin, it was found that melting temperature, gel strength and viscosity in solution at 60 °C were considerably increased by the covalent cross‐linking action of the enzyme, as observed by SDS‐PAGE and SEM. Increasing concentrations of TGase increased the elasticity and cohesiveness of gelatin gels but reduced gel strength and hardness. Partial inactivation of the enzyme was achieved thermally without negatively affecting the properties of the gelatin; whether or not gelatin is thermoreversible depends essentially on the degree of enzyme inactivation.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of normal and branched chain volatile fatty acids during the fermentation process in the manufacture of fish sauce
Authors: Sanceda Norlita G , Suzuki Emiko , Kurata Tadao
Published: August 2002

The formation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) in fish sauce was investigated. When fish were allowed to spoil prior to salting, very high concentrations of VFAs were produced. The increase was probably caused by microbial action. Addition of salt to spoiled fish seemed to inhibit microbial action, thus suppressing the formation of VFAs. The contents of short and long straight chain VFAs in aerobically fermented sauces were significantly higher than in anaerobically fermented sauces, suggesting that straight chain VFAs developed from fish fats. Certain branched VFAs were derived from the degradation of specific amino acids, such as isobutyric acid from valine and isovaleric acid from leucine. Alanine and isoleucine did not have a clear influence on the production of VFAs.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Interstitial MR lymphangiography for the detection of sentinel lymph nodes
Authors: Torchia Mark G. , Nason Richard , Danzinger Rudy , Lewis Jerome M. , Thliveris James A.
Published: August 2002

Background and Objectives

The challenge for implementation of sentinel lymph node biopsy is to develop a reliable minimally invasive technique that identifies all possible sentinel nodes with high temporal and spatial resolution. This study evaluated the use of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent (USPIO) for preoperative sentinel node detection.

Methods

Anesthetized pigs received interstitial or intradermal injections of ultra small superparamagnetic of iron oxide (USPIO) (0.2 or 5 mg Fe) in the L/R posterior tongue and stifles (knee) respectively. MRI was done before, during injection and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 24, and 48 hr after which isosulfan blue sentinel node mapping was done.

Results

In the tongue, both doses of USPIO identified the sentinel node in the early images. No additional nodes were detected by MR at 24 or 48 hr. In the hind limb, sentinel nodes identified on the early MR images were also identified by the isosulfan blue. In both locations, the higher dose also identified secondary nodes some of which were also identified by the isosulfan blue. All sentinel nodes that were identified by USPIO on MRI were noted to be stained brown at the time of dissection.

Conclusions

Interstitial MR lymphangiography is a useful technique for the detection of sentinel lymph nodes. This method provides excellent simultaneous temporal and spatial resolution, is minimally invasive, and can be performed preoperatively. J. Surg. Oncol. 2001;78:151–156. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Co‐operatives in southern Spain: their development in the rural tourism sector in Andalucía
Authors: Barke Michael , Eden John
Published: August 2002

This paper examines the characteristics of a number of recently established rural tourism co‐operatives in Andalucía, southern Spain against the background of the theory of co‐operatives as economic organisations. The origins and composition of the co‐operatives are examined, their local impact, their policies on employment and remuneration, and their internal management characteristics. Few of the businesses in the sample appear to possess the characteristics of the ‘ideal type’ of co‐operative identified in the literature. Although small‐scale, beneficial impacts may be identified within their localities, these appear to be no different to those associated with any small business organisation in the rural tourism sector. Furthermore, it is concluded that their prospects for developing genuine alternative forms of employment structures are not strong, partly owing to the circumstances of their foundation and partly because of the very nature of rural tourism itself, where extreme seasonality imposes a very specific labour regime. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interpreting environmental degradation and development in the slums of Mumbai, India
Authors: Emmel N. D. , Soussan J. G.
Published: August 2002

Low‐income communities in the developing world lack essential services. The explanation for this is in the unplanned and illegal nature of these settlements. Such interpretations, this paper argues, fail to account for the dynamics of development within slums. Drawing upon the history of development of a slum in the extended suburbs of Mumbai and, in particular, the acquisition of water services in the slum, observations are made about the ways in which slum communities develop an organization to build their environment and acquire services. It is noted that in times of crises, such as eviction or disease epidemic, the geographical slum community develops collective organizations to tackle these crises. Invariably this is through community based organization. But it is also noted that geographical slums are not homogeneous. Some neighbourhoods within the slum have the organizational ability to negotiate for services in the slum and in the wider city, while others fail. This leads to accelerated development in some areas of the geographical slum and retarded development in others. There are vulnerable groups within a vulnerable community. It is also recognized that these dynamics of differential access to services are rarely recognized by sector providers. It is necessary for city authorities (and the donor agencies that support them) to develop strategies to include the most vulnerable groups who are, at present, most often excluded. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GIS‐based rapid assessment of erosion risk in a small catchment in the wet/dry tropics of Australia
Authors: Boggs G. , Devonport C. , Evans K. , Puig P.
Published: August 2002

Assessing the impact of various land uses on catchment erosion processes commonly requires in‐depth research, monitoring and field data collection, as well as the implementation of sophisticated modelling techniques. This paper describes the evaluation of a geographic information system (GIS)‐based rapid erosion assessment method, which allows the user to quickly acquire and evaluate existing data to assist in the planning of more detailed monitoring and modelling programmes. The rapid erosion assessment method is based on a simplified version of the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE), and allows the rapid parameterization of the model from widely available land unit and elevation datasets. The rapid erosion assessment method is evaluated through the investigation of the effects of elevation data resolution on erosion predictions and field data validation. The use of raster digital elevation model (DEM)‐derived data, as opposed to vector land unit relief data, was found to greatly improve the validity of the rapid erosion assessment method. Field validation of the approach, involving the comparison of predicted soil loss ratios with adjusted in‐stream sediment yields on a subcatchment basis, indicated that with decreasing data resolution, the results are increasingly overestimated for larger catchments and underestimated for smaller catchments. However, the rapid erosion assessment method proved to be a valuable tool that is highly useful as an initial step in the planning of more detailed erosion assessments. Copyright © 2001 Commonwealth of Australia.
Measurement of the surface temperature of the cornea during ArF excimer laser ablation by thermal radiometry with a 15‐nanosecond time response
Authors: Ishihara Miya , Arai Tsunenori , Sato Shunichi , Morimoto Yuji , Obara Minoru , Kikuchi Makoto
Published: August 2002

Background and Objective

The purpose of this work was to develop a temperature measurement system with a nanosecond time response to monitor the transient temperature of the corneal surface during laser refractive surgery.

Materials and Methods

Thermal radiation from the surface of the porcine cornea during ArF excimer laser irradiation was measured using a photovoltaic HgCdTe detector with a response bandwidth of 150 MHz.

Results

Maximum thermal radiation occurred at 31 ± 4 nanoseconds, which was longer than the time response of the measurement system. The temperature derived from the detected signal reached over 100°C at a fluence of 80 mJ/cm2, which was the ablation threshold, and reached 240°C at a fluence of 180 mJ/cm2.

Conclusion

The present system of temperature measurement with a time response of 15.7 nanoseconds revealed that the transient surface temperature of the cornea during ablation is much higher than that previously reported. Lasers Surg. Med. 30:54–59, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlation between near‐infrared Raman spectroscopy and the histopathological analysis of atherosclerosis in human coronary arteries
Authors: Silveira Landulfo , Sathaiah Sokki , Zângaro Renato A. , Pacheco Marcos T. T. , Chavantes Maria C. , Pasqualucci Carlos A. G.
Published: August 2002

Background and Objectives

Modern diagnostic methods such as near‐infrared Raman spectroscopy (NIRS) allow quantification and evaluation of human atherosclerotic lesions, which can be useful in diagnosing coronary artery disease. The objective of the present study is to obtain feasible diagnostic information to detect atheromatous plaque using NIRS combined with discriminant analysis.

Study Design/Material and Methods

An 830 nm Ti: sapphire laser pumped by an argon laser provides near‐infrared excitation. A spectrograph disperses light scattered from arterial tissue and a liquid‐nitrogen cooled CCD detects the Raman spectra. A total of 111 arterial fragments were scanned and Raman results were compared with histopathology. Principal components analysis (PCA) and Mahalanobis distance (m‐distance) were used to model an algorithm for tissue classification into three categories: non‐atherosclerotic (NA), non‐calcified (NC), and calcified (C) using Raman spectra. Spectra were randomly separated into training and prospective groups.

Results

It has been found that, for the NA tissue, the algorithm has sensitivity of 84 and 78% and specificity of 91 and 93% for training and prospective groups, respectively. For the NC tissue the algorithm has sensitivity of 88 and 90% and specificity of 88 and 83%. For the C tissue both sensitivity and specificity were maximum, 100%.

Conclusions

An algorithm using PCA and discriminant analysis based on m‐distance has been developed and successfully applied to diagnose coronary artery disease by NIRS obtaining good sensitivity and specificity for each tissue category. Lasers Surg. Med. 30:290–297, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.