bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐step metal‐affinity purification of histidine‐tagged proteins by temperature‐triggered precipitation
Authors: Stiborova Hana , Kostal Jan , Mulchandani Ashok , Chen Wilfred
Published: March 2003

The feature of elastin‐like proteins (ELPs) to reversibly precipitate above their transition temperature was exploited as a general method for the purification of histidine (His)‐tagged proteins. The principle of the single‐step metal‐affinity method is based on coordinated ligand‐bridging between the modified ELPs and the target proteins. ELPs with repeating sequences of [(VPGVG)2(VPGKG)(VPGVG)2]21 were synthesized and the free amino groups on the lysine residues were modified by reacting with imidazole‐2‐carboxyaldehyde to incorporate the metal‐binding ligands into the ELP bio‐ polymers. Biopolymers charged with Ni2+ were able to interact with a His tag on the target proteins based on metal coordination chemistry. Purifications of two His‐tagged enzymes, β‐D‐galactosidase and chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, were used to demonstrate the utility of this general method and over 85% recovery was observed in both cases. The bound enzymes were easily released by addition of either EDTA or imidazole. The recovered ELPs were reused four times with no observable decrease in the purification performance. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 82: 605–611, 2003.
Adding business value: a strategy for identifying and patenting environment‐related inventions and avoiding patent infringement
Authors: Higgins Brian Wm.
Published: March 2003

For many environmental companies, reaching financial goals is a function of identifying and protecting intellectual property assets, keeping those assets from falling into the hands of competitors and avoiding litigation disputes over the use of those assets. Recognizing that intellectual assets are valuable tangible and intangible assets of a company is the first step in maximizing the value of those assets. However, many environmental companies are not aware that some of their technologies, ideas, concepts and know‐how are potentially patentable and, therefore, fail to maximize the value of those assets by taking advantage of the limited monopolies that patent systems provide to the owners of patents. In the ever‐increasing competitive global market, companies should evaluate their intellectual assets to ensure they are adequately protecting those assets by obtaining patents for ideas that are patentable. As more patents for environmental technologies issue from patent offices around the world, however, the likelihood of infringing one of those patents can increase. Therefore, avoiding infringing others' patents while at the same time identifying and patenting the company's own technologies should be a key business strategy regardless of the size of the environmental company. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
Polyglycine II Nanosheets: Supramolecular Antivirals?
Authors: Tuzikov Alexander B. , Chinarev Alexander A. , Gambaryan Alexandra S. , Oleinikov Vladimir A. , Klinov Dmitry V. , Matsko Nadezhda B. , Kadykov Vasily A. , Ermishov Mikhail A. , Demin Il'ya V. , Demin Victor V. , Rye Phil D. , Bovin Nicolai V.
Published: March 2003

Tetraantennary peptides [glycinen‐NHCH2]4C can form stable noncovalent structures by self‐assembly through intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The oligopeptide chains assemble as polyglycine II to yield submicron‐sized, flat, one‐molecule‐thick sheets. Attachment of α‐N‐acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Acα) to the terminal glycine residues gives rise to water‐soluble assembled glycopeptides that are able to bind influenza virus multivalently and inhibit adhesion of the virus to cells 103‐fold more effectively than a monomeric glycoside of Neu5Acα. Another antiviral strategy based on virus‐promoted assembly of the glycopeptides was also demonstrated. Consequently, the self‐assembly principle offers new perspectives on the design of multivalent antivirals.
The Binding Mode of Progesterone to Its Receptor Deduced from Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Mordasini Tiziana , Curioni Alessandro , Bursi Roberta , Andreoni Wanda
Published: March 2003

An unambiguous understanding of the binding mode of human progesterone to its receptor still eludes experimental search. According to the X‐ray structure of the ligand‐binding domain, only one (O3) of the two keto groups at the ligand ends (O3 and O20) should play a role. This result is in conflict with chemical intuition and the results of site‐directed mutagenesis experiments. Herein, we report classical molecular dynamics simulations that reveal the dynamic nature of the binding in solution, elucidate the reasons why X‐ray studies failed to determine the role of O20, and clarify the effects of the mutations. The predictive power of the force field is ensured by the consistent introduction of a first‐principles representation of the ligand.
DMACM‐Caged Adenosine Nucleotides: Ultrafast Phototriggers for ATP, ADP, and AMP Activated by Long‐Wavelength Irradiation
Authors: Geißler Daniel , Kresse Wolfgang , Wiesner Burkhard , Bendig Jürgen , Kettenmann Helmut , Hagen Volker
Published: March 2003

The development of new photocleavable adenosine nucleotides based on the photochemistry of [7‐(dimethylamino)coumarin‐4‐yl]methyl (DMACM) esters is described. The phototriggers liberate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), diphosphate, and monophosphate upon UV/Vis irradiation between 334 and 405 nm. The efficiency of photocleavage at long wavelengths is high as a result of a combination of appropriate quantum yields and intensive absorptivities. By using time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, we determined a lower limit of 1.6×109 s−1 for the rate constant of the release of ATP from DMACM‐caged ATP. The favorable properties of DMACM‐caged ATP were confirmed in physiological studies by confocal laser scanning microscopy. We were able to uncage DMACM‐caged ATP in cultures of mouse astrocytes and in brain tissue slices from mice and were also able to measure the effect of photoreleased ATP on the cellular response of astrocytes, namely the ability of the ATP to evoke Ca2+ ion waves.
Needle Crystal Morphology Explained
Authors: Meekes H. , Boerrigter S.X.M. , Hollander F.F.A. , Bennema P.
Published: March 2003

The morphology of needle shaped crystals is, usually, ill‐predicted when using the common attachment energy approach. Here we explain the needle shape of triacylglycerol crystals on the basis of a two‐dimensional nucleation growth mechanism. For that the edge energies of 2D nuclei on the surfaces of the various crystal faces is determined and turns out to be much lower than expected when applying the attachment energy criteria. The edge energies are found by determining the connected nets of the various faces that follow from the crystal structure and the interaction energies between the molecules. The results are confirmed by Monte Carlo simulations.
An Analysis of Mixing in a Typical Experimental Set‐up to Measure Nnucleation Rates of Precipitation Processes
Authors: Roelands C.P.M. , Derksen J.J. , ter Horst J.H. , Kramer H.J.M. , Jansens P.J.
Published: March 2003

Mixing in a typical experimental setup to measure nucleation rates in precipitation processes was assessed. To determine these rates as a function of the driving force for concomitant polymorphs, it is necessary to perform these experiments at constant supersaturation. Therefore, the mixing time must be shorter than the time for the first nuclei to appear. For fast precipitation processes complete mixing has to be achieved within milliseconds. The mixing performance of a wide angle Y‐mixer was studied to see whether this is possible. An analysis of characteristic mixing times as a function of the average energy dissipation rate showed that turbulent dispersion of the feed streams determined the rate of the mixing process. The characteristic time for turbulent dispersion was of the same order as an arbitrarily set residence time in the Y‐mixer. However, CFD simulations of the flow showed large variation in the spatial distribution of the dissipation rate and revealed unsatisfying macromixing.
Pseudo‐polymorphic Behavior of Precipitated Calcium Oxalate
Authors: Haselhuhn F. , Kind M.
Published: March 2003

The precipitation of calcium oxalate pseudo‐polymorphs was studied in a Y‐mixer in series with a reaction tube. Experiments were performed with the aim to identify the decisive variables influencing the phase composition of the precipitate. Initial supersaturation, stoichiometric ratio of the lattice ions, ionic strength and pH were varied. The resulting phase distribution was determined with the help of DSC measurements. Mixing conditions were chosen such that mixing of the reactants had no influence on the experiments. Increasing supersaturation, ionic strength and pH each favor formation of the metastable calcium oxalate dihydrate over the thermodynamic stable monohydrate, although the influence of the two latter parameters is comparatively weak. If the ratio from calcium to oxalate activities was increased in the experiments a steep change in the phase composition from approximately 50 mass percent of the monohydrate to pure monohydrate was observed. Modeling of the experimental results is successful using a combination of classical nucleation theory with an equation that relates the adsorption of potential determining ions to the interfacial tension. The interfacial tension for the uncharged particles was obtained by regression from the experimental determined dependence of the phase distribution on the supersaturation.
Zerfall von Tropfen in beschleunigten Gasströmungen
Authors: Schmelz F. , Walzel P.
Published: March 2003

No abstracts.
Numerische Simulation des Betriebsverhaltens von Hydrozyklonen
Authors: Mayer G. , Lehmann T. , Schütz S. , Piesche M.
Published: March 2003

No abstracts.
Entwicklung eines integrierten Verfahrens zur Herstellung natürlicher Aromaester
Authors: Ehrenstein U. , Kabasci S. , Kümmel R. , Dörmö N. , Bélafi‐Bakó K. , Gubicza L.
Published: March 2003

No abstracts.
Sensorsystem zur Überprüfung der Vergärbarkeit von Mosten und zur Steuerung der alkoholischen Gärung
Authors: Gandert E. , Schrader J. , Sell D.
Published: March 2003

No abstracts.
Untersuchungen zur Vergärbarkeit proteinreicher Substrate
Authors: Griehl C. , Bieler S. , Platz A. , Junghannß U. , Vollmer R.
Published: March 2003

No abstracts.
The presence of human papillomavirus type 16/18 DNA in blood circulation may act as a risk marker of lung cancer in Taiwan
Authors: Chiou Hui‐Ling , Wu Ming‐Fang , Liaw Yu‐Ching , Cheng Ya‐Wen , Wong Ruey‐Hong , Chen Chin‐Yi , Lee Huei
Published: March 2003

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Taiwan, and the paucity of dependable risk markers has impeded the early management of lung cancer. An association of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16/18 infection with lung cancer among nonsmoking Taiwanese women was revealed in our previous study.

METHODS

Nested PCR was employed to detect HPV 16/18 DNA in the blood circulation of 149 lung cancer patients and 174 noncancer controls. In addition, correlation of prevalence of HPV DNA between the blood circulation and lung tumor tissue was compared from 70 sets of paired tumor tissues and peripheral blood samples available.

RESULTS

The results showed that the prevalence rate of HPV 16/18 in the blood circulation of lung cancer cases was significantly higher than that of noncancer controls (47.7% vs. 12.6% for HPV 16, P < 0.0001; 30.9% vs. 5.2% for HPV 18, P < 0.0001). A significantly higher HPV 16 prevalence was detected in female lung cancer patients than that of male (57.6% vs. 41.1%, P = 0.048), as well as in cases with tumor Stages III/IV than those with tumor Stages I/II (54.6% vs. 29.3%, P = 0.006). After adjusting the effects of age, gender, and smoking status, a 6.5‐fold greater risk of lung cancer was demonstrated for those subjects with HPV Type 16 positive (95% CI 3.7–11.3, P < 0.0001), a 9.2‐fold for HPV Type 18 positive (95% CI 4.2–20.2, P < 0.0001), and a 75.7‐fold greatest risk for those with both HPV Type 16 and 18 positive (95% CI 9.8–582.1, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that the presence of HPV DNA in the blood circulation may serve as a feasible risk marker of lung cancer. Cancer 2003;97:1558–63. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11191
Cost of chemotherapy‐induced thrombocytopenia among patients with lymphoma or solid tumors
Authors: Elting Linda S. , Cantor Scott B. , Martin Charles G. , Hamblin Lois , Kurtin Danna , Rivera Edgardo , Vadhan‐Raj Saroj , Benjamin Robert S.
Published: March 2003

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to estimate the mean incremental cost of chemotherapy‐induced thrombocytopenia and the drivers of cost. Another goal was to estimate the impact of depth and duration of thrombocytopenia on the cost of thrombocytopenia.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort, consisting of a random sample of 75 solid tumor or lymphoma patients who developed chemotherapy‐induced thrombocytopenia (≤ 50,000 platelets per μl), was chosen. The number of each type of resource used during 217 cycles with and 300 cycles without thrombocytopenia were multiplied by the cost of each resource and summed to yield the total cost of care (in 1999 dollars from the provider's perspective).

RESULTS

Compared with cycles without thrombocytopenia, the mean incremental cost of thrombocytopenia was $1037 per cycle. However, 60% of cycles were usual cost, with a mean cost of thrombocytopenia of $43 per cycle less than control cycles. Twelve percent of cycles were high cost (mean incremental cost = $612 per cycle); 28% were very high cost (mean incremental cost = $3519). The excess cost during high‐cost cycles was due to high consumption of prophylactic platelet transfusions and during very high‐cost cycles to both higher platelet transfusion consumption and to a high incidence of major bleeding episodes.

CONCLUSIONS

Although thrombocytopenia is a common complication of chemotherapy, only 40% of cycles with thrombocytopenia would be considered high or very high cost. Interventions targeted at this subset of cycles could significantly reduce the cost of thrombocytopenia provided they are initiated early enough in the chemotherapy experience to be effective. Cancer 2003;97:1541–50. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11195
Hormone replacement therapy containing progestins and given continuously increases breast carcinoma risk in Sweden
Authors: Olsson Håkan L. , Ingvar Christian , Bladström Anna
Published: March 2003

BACKGROUND

The authors previously reported an increased risk of breast carcinoma with longer duration of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use. It is unclear if different types of HRT confer different risks.

METHODS

In this study, a population‐based cohort of 29,508 women were interviewed during 1990–1992 to determine whether there are any differences in breast carcinoma risk according to different types and duration of HRT use.

RESULTS

At the end of the follow‐up period in December 2001, the cohort constituted 298,649 person‐years. Slightly more breast carcinoma cases were seen (n = 556) than expected (n = 508.37; standardized morbidity ratio =1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00–1.19). Approximately 3663 women had ever used HRT. In Cox regression models, time to breast carcinoma in relation to duration and type of HRT use was analyzed, adjusting for age at menarche, age at first full‐term pregnancy, parity, age at menopause, family history of breast carcinoma, and age at interview. In women with a natural menopause, a significantly higher risk was observed for longer duration of combined continuous HRT use compared with never users (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.60, 95% CI = 2.39–8.84). Nonsignificant elevated risks also were observed for longer combined sequential (HR = 2.23, 95% CI = 0.90–5.56), gestagen only (HR = 3.74,9 5% CI = 0.94–14.97), and estriol use (HR = 1.89, 95% CI = 0.81–4.39). No increased risk was seen in women after 5 years of nonuse. When studying women who ever used only one type of HRT, even more elevated HRs for gestagen‐containing preparations were seen. The highest risks were associated with the combined continuous and gestagen‐only therapy in women with ≥ 48 months of use. Use of estradiol without progestins did not increase breast carcinoma risk significantly. The authors estimated the cumulative risk of breast carcinoma in a 50‐year‐old woman with gestagen‐containing therapies for ≥ 48 months, with a follow‐up of 10 years, to be 7% (95% CI = 5.4–11.4%) compared with 2% (95% CI = 1.6%–2.9%) for never‐users of HRT.

CONCLUSIONS

Longer use of HRT containing progestins significantly elevates breast carcinoma risk whereas estradiol use does not. Continued use of progestins rendered the highest risks. The yearly risk of breast carcinoma for long‐term users of progestins is of the magnitude of 50% the risk of a BRCA1 mutation carrier. Cancer 2003;97:1387–92. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11205
Frequency of loss of hMLH1 expression in colorectal carcinoma increases with advancing age
Authors: Kakar Sanjay , Burgart Lawrence J. , Thibodeau Stephen N. , Rabe Kari G. , Petersen Gloria M. , Goldberg Richard M. , Lindor Noralane M.
Published: March 2003

BACKGROUND

The correlation between age at diagnosis and loss of expression of hMLH1 protein in patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC) has not been evaluated systematically.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was performed for hMLH1 protein in tumor samples from 867 patients with CRC. The authors defined tumors arising in the cecum, ascending colon, and transverse colon as right‐sided and tumors arising in the descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum as left‐sided. Patients' gender, tumor location (side), and hMLH1 expression were analyzed by age groups.

RESULTS

The percentage of tumors with hMLH1 expression loss increased significantly with advancing age (P < 0.0001): There were no tumors in patients age < 40 years that manifested loss of hMLH1 expression, compared with 29% of tumors that manifested loss of hMLH1 expression in patients age > 90 years. Loss of hMLH1 expression occurred more often in patients with right‐sided tumors (32.7% vs. 5.2% of patients with left‐sided tumors; P < 0.0001) and in tumors from female patients (24.3% vs. 11.5% of tumors from male patients; P < 0.0001). There was no evidence of interaction between gender and tumor location.

CONCLUSIONS

Loss of hMLH1 expression in patients with CRC was associated strongly with increasing age. hMLH1 expression loss was more pronounced in tumors from female patients and in tumors that originated on the right side of the colon. Loss of hMLH1 expression in right‐sided tumors occurred in nearly 50% of patients age > 90 years. This age‐related trend also was observed for males and in tumors that originated in the left colon. Cancer 2003;97:1421–7. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11206
Lineage specific treatment of adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in first remission with anti‐B4‐blocked ricin or high‐dose cytarabine
Authors: Szatrowski Ted P. , Dodge Richard K. , Reynolds Carol , Westbrook Carol A. , Frankel Stanley R. , Sklar Jeffrey , Stewart Carleton C. , Hurd David D. , Kolitz Jonathan E. , Velez‐Garcia Enrique , Stone Richard M. , Bloomfield Clara D. , Schiffer Charles A. , Larson Richard A.
Published: March 2003

BACKGROUND

Anti‐B4‐blocked ricin is an immunotoxin comprised of an anti‐CD19 murine monoclonal antibody (B4) conjugated to blocked ricin, which has cytotoxic activity in patients with lymphoid malignancies.

METHODS

Adults with untreated acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were treated with a previously developed and tested chemotherapeutic regimen. Patients with CD19 positive ALL were given anti‐B4‐blocked ricin as 2 7‐day continuous infusions 1 week apart. Patients with CD19 negative ALL received high‐dose cytarabine. Serial polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays of BCR‐ABL, immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH), and T‐cell receptor (TCR) genes were used to measure the impact of lineage specific intensification treatment on minimal residual disease.

RESULTS

Eighty‐two adults were enrolled, and 78 were eligible. The median age was 34 years (range, 17–81 years). Sixty‐six patients (85%) achieved complete remission. Forty‐six patients received the anti‐B4‐blocked ricin, which generally was well tolerated; 80% were able to receive both courses. The most common toxicity was asymptomatic transient elevation of liver function tests in 72% of patients. Lymphopenia occurred in 46% of patients. Two patients developed antibodies to the anti‐B4‐blocked ricin. Molecular monitoring before and after the experimental course of intensification did not show a consistent change in the number of leukemia cells remaining, and the immediate posttreatment PCR studies did not correlate with remission duration.

CONCLUSIONS

Intensification therapy with anti‐B4‐blocked ricin is feasible for patients with CD19 positive ALL, although there is little evidence of an additional clinical benefit from the anti‐B4‐blocked ricin. Cancer 2003;97:1471–80. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11219
Prognostic index for patients with parotid carcinoma
Authors: Vander Poorten Vincent L. M. , Hart Augustinus A. M. , van der Laan Bernardus F. A. M. , de Jong Robert J. Baatenburg , Manni Johannes J. , Marres Henri A. M. , Meeuwis Cees A. , Lubsen Herman , Terhaard Chris H. J. , Balm Alfonsus J. M.
Published: March 2003

BACKGROUND

Validation of the prognostic indices for the recurrence‐free interval of patients with parotid carcinoma, the development of which was described in a previous report, is needed to be confident of their generalizability and justified prospective use.

METHODS

The Dutch Cooperative Group on Head and Neck Cancer database contains 231 patients with parotid carcinoma from six tertiary referral centers who were seen between 1985–1994. This database was used to validate the predictive value of the prognostic indices, PS1 (pretreatment index predicting recurrence) and PS2 (posttreatment index predicting recurrence), in patients with parotid carcinoma. Validation methods included calculation of both indices for each patient, comparison of coefficients, construction of survival curves using the published cutoff points, and calculation of concordance measure C. Wald tests for optimization of scale and weights of the contributing variables, and for possible score improvement by including other variables, were also performed.

RESULTS

The 5‐year disease‐free rate was 62% (standard error = 4%). PS1 was calculated for 183 patients. The previously set cutoff points resulted in 5‐year disease‐free rates that ranged from 92% (PS1 = 1) to 42% for the least favorable group (PS1 = 4). Concordance measure C was 0.74. The postoperative score, PS2, was calculated for 171 patients. Previous cutoff points resulted in 5‐year disease‐free rates that ranged from 90% (PS2 = 1) to 40% (PS2 = 4). Concordance measure C was 0.71. Both PS1 and PS2 did not improve using the findings in this independent material.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognostic indices performed adequately in this validation sample. This finding demonstrates that the prognosis of a parotid carcinoma patient can be quantified by using a weighted combination of the parameters of age, pain, clinical T (cT) classification, clinical N (cN) classification, skin invasion, facial nerve dysfunction, perineural growth, and involved surgical margins. A quantified prognosis, in terms of the recurrence‐free interval, can be used to provide information to the patient, to perform clinical trials, and eventually to make clinical decisions. A user‐friendly translation and computerized calculation of the indices should be the next step toward generalized prospective use and repetitive evaluation of the indices. Cancer 2003;97:1453–63. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11254
Subzonal organization of olfactory sensory neurons projecting to distinct glomeruli within the mouse olfactory bulb
Authors: Levai Olga , Breer Heinz , Strotmann Jörg
Published: March 2003

Olfactory sensory neurons located in the nasal neuroepithelium send their axons directly into the olfactory bulb, where they contact the dendrites of second‐order neurons in specialized spherical structures called glomeruli; each sensory neuron projects to a single glomerulus. All neurons expressing the same odorant receptor gene are confined to distinct zones within the epithelium and converge their axons onto a small number of common glomeruli. In the present study, we analyzed transgenic mouse lines in which the projection of a neuron population expressing a particular receptor gene can be visualized as a result of axonal markers that are coexpressed. The target glomeruli could thus reproducibly be identified and allowed to deposit retrograde tracers precisely. After an appropriate incubation time, olfactory sensory neurons within distinct areas of the olfactory epithelium were labeled. The two subpopulations of neurons retrogradely stained by differently colored fluorescent dyes deposited at the dorsal and the dorsomedial glomerulus, respectively, were found to be segregated within distinct areas of the expression zone, where the cells expressing the same receptor type displayed a stochastic distribution. J. Comp. Neurol. 458:209–220, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrastructural features of sprouted mossy fiber synapses in kindled and kainic acid‐treated rats
Authors: Cavazos José E. , Zhang Peisu , Qazi Romena , Sutula Thomas P.
Published: March 2003

The mossy fiber pathway in the dentate gyrus undergoes sprouting and synaptic reorganization in response to seizures. The types of new synapses, their location and number, and the identity of their postsynaptic targets determine the functional properties of the reorganized circuitry. The goal of this study was to characterize the types and proportions of sprouted mossy fiber synapses in kindled and kainic acid‐treated rats. In normal rats, synapses labeled by Timm histochemistry or dynorphin immunohistochemistry were rarely observed in the supragranular region of the inner molecular layer when examined by electron microscopy. In epileptic rats, sprouted mossy fiber synaptic terminals were frequently observed. The ultrastructural analysis of the types of sprouted synapses revealed that 1) in the supragranular region, labeled synaptic profiles were more frequently axospinous than axodendritic, and many axospinous synapses were perforated; 2) sprouted mossy fiber synaptic terminals formed exclusively asymmetric, putatively excitatory synapses with dendritic spines and shafts in the supragranular region and with the soma of granule cells in the granule cell layer; 3) in contrast to the large sprouted mossy fiber synapses in resected human epileptic hippocampus, the synapses formed by sprouted mossy fibers in rats were smaller; and 4) in several cases, the postsynaptic targets of sprouted synapses were identified as granule cells, but, in one case, a sprouted synaptic terminal formed a synapse with an inhibitory interneuron. The results demonstrate that axospinous asymmetric synapses are the most common type of synapse formed by sprouted mossy fiber terminals, supporting the viewpoint that most sprouted mossy fibers contribute to recurrent excitation in epilepsy. J. Comp. Neurol. 458:272–292, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Not all butterfly eyes are created equal: Rhodopsin absorption spectra, molecular identification, and localization of ultraviolet‐, blue‐, and green‐sensitive rhodopsin‐encoding mRNAs in the retina of Vanessa cardui
Authors: Briscoe Adriana D. , Bernard Gary D. , Szeto Allan S. , Nagy Lisa M. , White Richard H.
Published: March 2003

Surveys of spectral sensitivities, visual pigment spectra, and opsin gene sequences have indicated that all butterfly eyes contain ultraviolet‐, blue‐, and green‐sensitive rhodopsins. Some species also contain a fourth or fifth type, related in amino acid sequence to green‐sensitive insect rhodopsins, but red shifted in absorbance. By combining electron microscopy, epi‐microspectrophotometry, and polymerase chain reaction cloning, we found that the compound eye of Vanessa cardui has the typical ultrastructural features of the butterfly retina but contains only the three common insect rhodopsins. We estimated lambda‐max values and relative densities of the rhodopsins in the Vanessa retina (0.72, P530; 0.12, P470; and 0.15, P360) from microspectrophotometric measurements and calculations based on a computational model of reflectance spectra. We isolated three opsin‐encoding cDNA fragments that were identified with P530, P470, and P360 by homology to the well‐characterized insect rhodopsin families. The retinal mosaic was mapped by opsin mRNA in situ hybridization and found to contain three kinds of ommatidia with respect to their patterns of short wavelength rhodopsin expression. In some ommatidia, P360 or P470 was expressed in R1 and R2 opposed receptor cells; in others, one cell expressed P360, whereas its complement expressed P470. P530 was expressed in the other seven cells of all ommatidia. P470‐expressing cells were abundant in the ventral retina but nearly absent dorsally. Our results indicated that there are major differences between the color vision systems of nymphalid and papilionid butterflies: the nymphalid Vanessa has a simpler, trichromatic, system than do the tetrachromatic papilionids that have been studied. J. Comp. Neurol. 458:334–349, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ribosomal RNA transcriptional activation and processing in hamster rubrospinal motoneurons: Effects of axotomy and testosterone treatment
Authors: Storer Paul D. , Jones Kathryn J.
Published: March 2003

Rubrospinal motoneurons (RSMN) represent a population of androgen receptor‐expressing central motoneurons with limited regenerative potential relative to their peripheral counterparts. A key determinant of regenerative capability lies in the nucleolar reaction of injured neurons. To date, characterization of the nucleolar reaction in injured central motoneurons has not been accomplished. Furthermore, it has been documented that testosterone propionate (TP) augments peripheral motoneuron regeneration through regulation of the nucleolar reaction to injury. In this study, the effects of injury alone, or in conjunction with TP, on the nucleolar response of injured RSMN were examined using in situ hybridization (ISH) techniques. Castrated adult male hamsters were subjected to right spinal cord hemisection at the C7/T1 vertebral level. Half the animals were subcutaneously implanted with one Silastic TP capsule, with the other half sham implanted. ISH for precursor 45S and mature 28S rRNA was accomplished with a 3H‐labeled ribosomal DNA probe specific to the external transcribed spacer region or to the 28S region of the ribosomal gene, respectively. Postoperative times of 2, 6, and 24 hours were selected for examination of precursor 45S rRNA (i.e., rRNA transcriptional activation) levels and 0.25, 2, 4, and 14 days for examination of mature rRNA (i.e., ribosome) levels. Transcriptional activation of the rRNA gene was rapidly and transiently increased in injured RSMN, analogously to previously documented effects of injury on rRNA transcription in peripheral motoneurons, but, in contrast, this did not translate into an increase in mature ribosomes. TP administration failed to affect positively the nucleolar response of injured RSMN at all. From this study, a key component underlying inherent differences in the regenerative capacity of peripheral vs. central motoneurons has been identified, which can be targeted in future experiments designed to enhance the regenerative potential of selective neuronal populations. J. Comp. Neurol. 458:326–333, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new approach for edge detection of noisy image based on CNN
Authors: Zhao Jianye , Wang Haiming , Yu Daoheng
Published: March 2003

A new approach for edge detection of noisy image by cellular neural network (CNN) is proposed in this paper. In order to get the reasonable template, the statistical characteristics of image are utilized, and Gibbs image model is employed to describe the stochastic dependence of an edge pixel on its neighbourhood. Based on stochastic edge image models, edge detection of noisy image is equivalent to seeking a minimum of a cost function. If the template of CNN is designed carefully, the energy function can be mapped properly to the cost function of stochastic edge image model, then CNN can be used for seeking the minimum of cost function. Genetic algorithm is efficient in the field of optimization, and we also utilized this algorithm to get the correct form of template. The results of computer simulation confirm that the new approach is very effective. Furthermore, this result also confirms that we can design template for many different questions based on statistical image model, and the area of application of CNN will be widened. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of ThinPrep® monolayer technique and cytospin preparation in urine cytology: A comparative analysis
Authors: Nassar H. , Ali‐Fehmi R. , Madan S.
Published: March 2003

We compared the ThinPrep® (TP) technique to the cytospin (CS) preparation in the cytological diagnosis of urine by processing 79 specimens by these two techniques. Ten cases were positive for malignancy (six high grade (HG)/carcinoma in situ; four low grade (LG) transitional cell carcinomas (TCC)). Forty‐eight cases were within normal limits (59%) and 21 cases had atypical cytological features (19%). The TP technique was better in terms of a cleaner background with fewer obscuring inflammatory cells and blood and with a more even distribution of cells. In general, the cytomorphology was comparable in both techniques. However, in cases with malignancy, CS was relatively superior in the cytomorphologic details; in TP, the diagnostic cells were mostly dispersed as single cells with loss of architectural features and were difficult to find. Artifactual empty spaces and air‐drying were more frequently present in TP. In cases contaminated with squamous cells, the urothelial cells were difficult to find in TP. Screening time was comparable for both techniques. In conclusion, to avoid false‐negative diagnosis, CS would be complementary to the TP technique in malignant cases and, in particular, those with low cellularity. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2003;28:115–118. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endothelial cell dysfunction in type I and II diabetes: The cellular basis for dysfunction
Authors: Pannirselvam Malarvannan , Anderson Todd J. , Triggle Chris R.
Published: March 2003

Micro‐ and macrovascular complications are the leading causes of mortality in Types I and II diabetes. Hyperglycemia results in increased advanced glycosylation end (AGE) products, oxidative stress, increased sorbitol levels, and increased activation of protein kinase C. These effects of hyperglycemia eventually lead to impaired endothelium‐dependent relaxation to vasoactive substances such as acetylcholine and bradykinin. Increased oxidative stress, which will reduce levels of nitric oxide (NO), and/or decreased bioavailability of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), a cofactor for endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), may lead to a phenomenon called “uncoupling” of eNOS and this leads to endothelial dysfunction. Uncoupled NOS produces superoxide anions which lead to a further reduction in NO bioavailability. Thus, restoring BH4 levels and antioxidant activity could prove to be novel approaches for the treatment of endothelial dysfunction in Type I and II diabetes. Drug Dev. Res. 58:28–41, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of sarcolemmal and mitochondrial KATP channels and EDHF‐mediated relaxation in coronary microarteries
Authors: Yang Qin , Zou Wei , Yim Anthony P.C. , Arifi Ahmed A. , He Guo‐Wei
Published: March 2003

To investigate the role of mitochondrial KATP (mitoKATP) channels in potassium channel opener (KCO)‐induced relaxation and its relationship with the endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)‐mediated relaxation, isometric force was measured in porcine coronary microarteries (100–400 µm) mounted in a four‐channel myograph. In the rings precontracted with U46619 (−8 logM), in the presence of glibenclamide (GBC, 3 µM) or 5‐hydroxydecanoate (5‐HD, 100 µM), concentration–relaxation curves for KRN4884 or diazoxide were established. The EDHF‐mediated relaxation was induced by bradykinin (BK) in the presence of indomethacin (Indo), NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine (L‐NNA), and oxyhemoglobin (HbO). Both KRN4884 and diazoxide caused concentration‐dependent but endothelium‐independent relaxations. GBC but not 5‐HD inhibited these relaxations with increased EC50s (P<0.001). The EDHF‐mediated relaxation was unaffected by either GBC or 5‐HD but was reduced by the large and small conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channel (KCa) blocker charybdotoxin and apamin. Thus, both KRN4884 and diazoxide cause endothelium‐independent vasorelaxation through opening sarcoKATP channels. While KCa channels play a role in mediating the EDHF‐mediated relaxation, neither sarcoKATP nor mitoKATP channels are likely involved in this vasculature. Drug Dev. Res. 58:90–95, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of the presence of the father on pup development in California mice (Peromyscus californicus)
Authors: Vieira Mauro L. , Brown Richard E.
Published: March 2003

Pup development and behavior in California mice were studied in litters housed with single mothers, or with fathers and mothers living together. Behavior of pups was recorded during a 15‐min session every 2 days from 10 to 30 days of age. Physical contact, locomotion, grooming, and physical development indicators were recorded. It was found that the physical contact between siblings was greater and there was a tendency to have more contact between pup and either parent in the group in which the father was present. Finally, it was noted that the presence of the father did not affect either the first appearance of pup behavior during development or physical growth. In conclusion, the results indicate that the presence of the father had a greater influence on social contact between the different members of the litter than on pup behavioral development and physical growth. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 42: 246–251, 2003.
Ethanol consumption by rat dams during gestation, lactation and weaning increases ethanol consumption by their adolescent young
Authors: Honey P. Lynne , Galef Bennett G.
Published: March 2003

In two experiments, we examined effects of ethanol consumption in rat dams during gestation, lactation, and weaning on voluntary ethanol consumption by their adolescent young. We found that exposure to an ethanol‐ingesting dam throughout gestation, lactation, and weaning enhanced voluntary ethanol consumption by 26‐ to 33‐day‐old adolescents. We systematically examined effects on adolescent ethanol intake or requiring dams to drink ethanol during various periods in their pups' development. We found that exposure to an ethanol‐consuming dam during weaning enhanced adolescent ethanol consumption and exposure to a dam drinking ethanol during either gestation or while nursing enhanced adolescents' ethanol consumption only if pups also had access to ethanol during the weaning period. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 42: 252–260, 2003.
Behavioral inhibition and behavioral activation in young children: Relations with self‐regulation and adaptation to preschool in children attending Head Start
Authors: Blair Clancy
Published: March 2003

We examine a parent‐report version of the measure of behavioral inhibition and behavioral activation of Carver and White (1994), the BIS/BAS scales. Participants included 42 children (mean age = 4 years, 9 months) attending Head Start programs. Information was collected on aspects of physiological and cognitive regulation, temperamental emotionality, BIS/BAS sensitivity, and teacher report of social competence and on‐task behavior in the classroom. Physiological regulation was assessed by cardiac vagal tone and was measured during a baseline period and during the administration of a mildly effortful cognitive task. Cognitive regulation was assessed by executive function and was measured using two tasks that require children to inhibit a prepotent response while remembering and executing the rule for correct responding. Parents reported on behavioral inhibition and behavioral activation and aspects of child negative emotionality associated with fear and anger. Results indicated that the BIS scale was positively related to teacher reported social competence but negatively related to on‐task behavior. Associations between the BIS and each of the outcome variables were independent of relations of physiological and cognitive regulation to outcomes and were present when relations between fearful emotionality and the outcomes were not. No relations were observed between any of the BAS scales and the outcome measures. Results recommend the application of neurobiological and psychophysiological approaches to the study of children's adaptation to preschool. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 42: 301–311, 2003.
Extending the table of stages of normal development of the axolotl: Limb development
Authors: Nye Holly L.D. , Cameron Jo Ann , Chernoff Ellen A.G. , Stocum David L.
Published: March 2003

The existing table of stages of the normal development of the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) ends just after hatching. At this time, the forelimbs are small buds. In this study, we extend the staging series through completion of development of the forelimbs and hindlimbs. Developmental Dynamics 226:000–000, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4): A regulator of capsule chondrogenesis in the developing mouse inner ear
Authors: Liu Wei , Oh Seung Ha , Kang Yong koo , Li Geming , Doan Thao M. , Little Markus , Li Lijun , Ahn Kyung , Crenshaw E. Bryan , Frenz Dorothy A.
Published: March 2003

Formation of the cartilaginous otic capsule is directed by otic epithelial–periotic mesenchymal interactions. In response to induction by otic epithelium, condensations of mesenchyme appear in the periotic region and form a chondrified otic capsule that serves as the template for the subsequent formation of the endochondral bony labyrinth. Previous studies indicate that members of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily, including transforming growth factor beta1, participate in guiding these tissue interactions. In this study, we report the localization of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) to the mesenchymal and epithelial‐derived tissues of the mouse inner ear between 10.5 and 14 days of embryonic development. We demonstrate modulation of chondrogenesis in cultured mouse periotic mesenchyme by exogenous BMP4 protein and investigate the function of endogenous BMP4 in otic capsule chondrogenesis. We show that in the presence of the BMP antagonist, Noggin, otic capsule chondrogenesis is suppressed in culture in a dose‐dependent manner. Consistent with this finding, addition of BMP4‐specific antisense oligonucleotide to cultures of mouse periotic mesenchyme containing otic epithelium decreases levels of endogenous BMP4 protein and suppresses the chondrogenic response of the cultured periotic mesenchyme, providing evidence of the necessity for BMP4 in mediating otic capsule chondrogenesis. Supplementation of either Noggin‐ or BMP4 antisense oligonucleotide‐treated cultures with BMP4 protein can restore the extent of chondrogenesis to normal levels. Our findings support BMP4 as an essential mediator of chondrogenesis in the developing otic capsule in situ. Developmental Dynamics 226:000–000, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Osteoporosis in anorexia nervosa: Prevention and treatment
Authors: Mehler Philip S.
Published: March 2003

Background

Osteoporosis is a very prevalent complication of anorexia nervosa. In contrast to the many other medical complications of anorexia, osteoporosis and its sequelae of fractures, kyphosis, and pain may persist regardless of the overall treatment outcome.

Discussion

Traditional well‐proven therapies for postmenopausal osteoporosis are not as effective against osteoporosis in anorexia nervosa. Therefore, clinicians who treat these patients must become increasingly vigilant about osteoporosis in regards to preventive, diagnostic, and treatment strategies. © 2003 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 33: 113–126, 2003.
Ethnicity and differential access to care for eating disorder symptoms
Authors: Becker Anne E. , Franko Debra L. , Speck Alexandra , Herzog David B.
Published: March 2003

Objective

The impact of ethnicity on access to health care for eating disorder symptoms among participants in the 1996 National Eating Disorders Screening Program (NEDSP) was examined in two studies.

Method

Self‐report and clinician‐assessed data were analyzed from 9,069 participants in an educational and two‐stage screening program for eating disorders in Study I. In Study II, both cross‐sectional and prospective data from a randomly selected sample of 289 participants from the same program were analyzed to investigate the impact of ethnic minority status on both help‐seeking patterns and clinician referral patterns for eating disorder symptoms.

Results

Even after controlling for severity of self‐reported eating disorder symptoms, both Latino and Native American participants in the NEDSP were significantly less likely than Whites to receive a recommendation or referral for further evaluation or care. Ethnic minority subjects with self‐acknowledged eating and weight concerns were also significantly less likely than non‐minority participants to have been asked by a doctor about eating disorder symptoms. Only one marginally significant difference was found between ethnic minority and non‐minority respondents with respect to their help‐seeking behaviors, namely, ethnic minority subjects were less likely (at the level of a trend) to seek eating disorders treatment within 1½–2 years following the NEDSP.

Discussion

These data suggest that clinician bias may be an important barrier to access to care for eating disorder symptoms in ethnic minority populations. © 2003 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 33: 205–212, 2003.
Design of data‐dependent α‐trimmed mean filters using counterpropagation networks
Authors: Ochiai Takashi , Muneyasu Mitsuji , Sasaki Kazuya , Hinamoto Takao
Published: March 2003

Elimination of mixed noise consisting of white Gaussian noise and impulsive noise is one of the important problems in image processing. In this paper, a data‐dependent α‐trimmed mean filter using backpropagation networks is proposed. In order to determine an appropriate value of α for each processing point, the pattern classification capability of the backpropagation networks is used. Further, by processing taking into account the edge portions, both edge preservation and mixed noise elimination are attained simultaneously. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by simulation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 86(7): 30–40, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjc.10061