bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct involvement of NF‐κB and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways in serum deprivation‐mediated stimulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and its inhibition by 4‐hydroxynonenal
Authors: Liu Wei , Kato Masashi , Itoigawa Masataka , Murakami Hidetsugu , Yajima Michio , Wu Jianghong , Ishikawa Naohisa , Nakashima Izumi
Published: August 2002

Cytokine‐induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and concomitant production of nitric oxide (NO) involve activation of mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinases and are in most cases mediated by the transcription factor NF‐κB. We investigated the role of p38 MAP kinase activation and IκB phosphorylation in iNOS expression in a novel iNOS‐inducing model in mouse macrophages. Deprivation of serum from the culture medium of RAW 264.7 cells up‐regulated iNOS and NO production, which were inhibited by 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (HNE), a component of oxidatively modified low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Serum withdrawal induced phosphorylation of Akt, IκB, and p38 MAP kinase. Pretreatment with the potent PI3 kinase inhibitor wortmannin, the NF‐κB inhibitor PDTC or the specific p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB203580 each partially attenuated the induction of iNOS and NO production, demonstrating that both p38 activation and IκB phosphorylation are required for iNOS expression. SB203580, however, did not prevent the phosphorylation of Akt and IκB, suggesting that the p38 MAP kinase signal contributes to iNOS gene expression through an IκB‐phosphorylation‐independent pathway. HNE, which markedly inhibited iNOS expression and NO production, prevented the serum withdrawal‐triggered IκB phosphorylation but not that of Akt or p38 MAP kinase. A high concentration of HNE stimulated dephosphorylation of IκB but promoted activation of p38 MAP kinase. Taken together, these results suggest that NF‐κB and p38 MAP kinase lie in separate signal pathways for serum deprivation‐stimulated iNOS expression and NO production. HNE selectively suppresses the former pathway, targeting a site downstream of Akt. J. Cell. Biochem. 83: 271–280, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elfin is expressed during early heart development*
Authors: Kotaka Masayo , Lau Yee‐man , Cheung Kwok‐kuen , Lee Simon M.Y. , Li Hoi‐yeung , Chan Wood‐yee , Fung Kwok‐pui , Lee Cheuk‐yu , Waye Mary M.Y. , Tsui Stephen K.W.
Published: August 2002

Elfin (previously named CLIM1) is a protein that possesses an N‐terminal PDZ domain and a C‐terminal LIM domain. It belongs to the family of Enigma proteins. Enigma proteins are a family of cytoplasmic proteins that contain an N‐terminal PDZ domain and a series of C‐terminal LIM domains. By virtue of these two protein interacting domains, Enigma proteins are capable of protein–protein interactions. It has been proposed that Enigma proteins may act as adapters between kinases and the cytoskeleton. We have previously shown that Elfin is most abundantly expressed in the heart and it colocalizes with α‐actinin 2 at the Z‐disks of the myocardium. In this report, Elfin was shown to localize at the actin stress fibers of myoblasts, as revealed by green fluorescent protein (GFP) tagging. In situ hybridization and immunostaining showed that Elfin expression begins at an early stage in mouse development and is present throughout the developing heart. Taken together, our experimental results suggest that Elfin may play an important role in myofibrillogenesis and heart development. J. Cell. Biochem. 83: 463–472, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pattern recognition strategies for molecular surfaces. I. Pattern generation using fuzzy set theory
Authors: Exner Thomas E. , Keil Matthias , Brickmann Jürgen
Published: August 2002

A new method for the characterization of molecules based on the model approach of molecular surfaces is presented. We use the topographical properties of the surface as well as the electrostatic potential, the local lipophilicity/hydrophilicity, and the hydrogen bond density on the surface for characterization. The definition and the calculation method for these properties are reviewed shortly. The surface is segmented into overlapping patches with similar molecular properties. These patches can be used to represent the characteristic local features of the molecule in a way that is beyond the atomistic resolution but can nevertheless be applied for the analysis of partial similarities of different molecules as well as for the identification of molecular complementarity in a very general sense. The patch representation can be used for different applications, which will be demonstrated in subsequent articles. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 12: 1176–1187, 2002
Ab initio crystal structure predictions for flexible hydrogen‐bonded molecules. Part III. Effect of lattice vibrations
Authors: van Eijck Bouke P.
Published: August 2002

In crystal structure predictions possible structures are usually ranked according to static energy. Here, this criterion has been replaced by the free energy at any temperature. The effects of harmonic lattice vibrations were found by standard lattice‐dynamical calculations, including a rough estimate of the effects of thermal expansion. The procedure was tested on glycol and glycerol, for which accurate static energies had been obtained previously (Part II of this series). It was found that entropy and zero‐point energy give the largest contribution to free energy differences between hypothetical crystal structures, adding up to about 3 kJ/mol for the structures with lowest energy. The temperature‐dependent contribution to the energy and the effects of thermal expansion showed less variation among the structures. The overall accuracy in relative energies was estimated to be a few kJ/mol. The experimental crystal structure for glycol corresponded to the global free energy minimum, whereas for glycerol it ranked second at 1 kJ/mol. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 816–826, 2001
Evolution of physics‐based methodology for exploring the conformational energy landscape of proteins
Authors: Scheraga Harold A. , Pillardy Jaroslaw , Liwo Adam , Lee Jooyoung , Czaplewski Cezary , Ripoll Daniel R. , Wedemeyer William J. , Arnautova Yelena A.
Published: August 2002

The evolution of our physics‐based computational methods for determining protein conformation without the introduction of secondary‐structure predictions, homology modeling, threading, or fragment coupling is described. Initial use of a hard‐sphere potential captured much of the structural properties of polypeptide chains, and subsequent more refined force fields, together with efficient methods of global optimization provide indications that progress is being made toward an understanding of the interresidue interactions that underlie protein folding. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 23: 28–34, 2002
New difference sets in nonabelian groups of order 100
Authors: Golemac Anka , Vučičić Tanja
Published: August 2002

In two groups of order 100 new difference sets are constructed. The existence of a difference set in one of them has not been known. The correspondence between a (100, 45, 20) symmetric design having regular automorphism group and a difference set with the same parameters has been used for the construction. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Combin Designs 9: 424–434, 2001
Nondisconnecting disentanglements of amalgamated 2‐factorizations of complete multipartite graphs
Authors: Leach C. D. , Rodger C. A.
Published: August 2002

In this paper necessary and sufficient conditions are found for an edge‐colored graph H to be the homomorphic image of a 2‐factorization of a complete multipartite graph G in which each 2‐factor of G has the same number of components as its corresponding color class in H. This result is used to completely solve the problem of finding hamilton decompositions of Ka,b − E(U) for any 2‐factor U of Ka,b. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Combin Designs 9: 460–467, 2001
New compact‐type latex photometric immunoassay system for hemoglobin and three acute inflammation markers: Neutrophil count, C‐reactive protein, and anti‐streptolysin O
Authors: Fukumori Tatsuo , Ohta Hironobu , Okubo Akio , Hino Masayuki , Ohta Kensuke , Yamane Takahisa , Tatsumi Noriyuki
Published: August 2002

A new compact‐type latex photometric immunoassay system, SPOTCHEM IM SI‐3510 (ARKRAY, Inc., Kyoto, Japan), which assays three kinds of inflammatory markers—neutrophil count (NPC), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and anti‐streptolysin O (ASO)—was evaluated. Hemoglobin (Hb), which is a good marker for anemia, can also be measured with it. NPC and CRP are measured using antibodies against neutrophilic elastase and CRP, purified streptolysin O was used for ASO determination, and Hb was measured by an azide‐methemoglobin method. Whole blood, serum, and plasma specimens can be used as samples with this system. In this study, whole blood treated with dipotassium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid was used for evaluation. Linearity and reproducibility were good for all of the items studied. Good correlations were observed between the results obtained by this system and those obtained by routine methods. Since NPC exhibited a high correlation with the routine white blood cell (WBC) counts, it was judged to be useful as a substitute for WBC counting. Since this system is small and easy to operate, and evaluation revealed reliable results, it was judged to be practical for small laboratories, and satellite testing in hospitals and physicians’ office laboratories for patients suspected to have acute inflammation. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 16:95–102, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genotype resistance profiles in patients failing an NNRTI‐containing regimen, and modifications after stopping NNRTI therapy
Authors: Quiros‐Roldan Eugenia , Airoldi Monica , Moretti Francesca , Fausti Caterina , Pan Angelo , Casari Salvatore , Torti Carlo , Castelli Francesco , Carosi Giampiero
Published: August 2002

Resistance to non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) develops quickly and independently if they are used in combination with NRTIs or protease inhibitors (PIs) as rescue therapy, mainly due to the low genetic barrier of this class of drugs. In this study we examined clinical, therapeutic, and virologic characteristics in 88 patients with mutations conferring resistance to NNRTIs, and in 11 patients 1 year after stopping NNRTI therapy. Between patients administered Nevirapine (NVP) and those taking Efavirenz (EFV), no statistical differences were found in CD4 cell count, HIV viral load, time on NNRTI therapy, or number of PIs administered previously. A slow decline in the detectability of mutations encoding NNRTI resistance was found. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 16:76–78, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Albuminuria and proteinuria in hospitalized patients as measured by quantitative and dipstick methods
Authors: Pugia Michael J. , Wallace Jane F. , Lott John A. , Sommer Ronald , Luke Karl E. , Shihabi Zak K. , Sheehan Michael , Bucksa Jean M.
Published: August 2002

We tested patients’ urines for albumin, protein, and creatinine by quantitative and dipstick methods. The concentrations of these analytes were established by quantitative, cuvet‐based chemistry methods that we assumed gave the “correct” values. There was good to excellent agreement of the dipstick results with the quantitative methods for the above three analytes. We found many patients who excreted pathological amounts of albumin and/or protein who did not have a diagnosis of kidney disease or other likely causes of proteinuria, suggesting that albuminuria and/or proteinuria were underdiagnosed in our group of patients. Those with cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, or diabetes showed the greatest predictive value of a positive test for albumin or protein by dipstick. Dipstick testing for albumin, protein, and creatinine had good or excellent agreement with quantitative methods. The dipstick tests were easy to use, simple, and low in cost, and can serve well for point‐of‐care testing. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 15:295–300, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biological variability of thyroid autoantibodies (anti‐TPO and anti‐Tg) in clinically and biochemically stable patients with autoimmune thyroid disease
Authors: González Concepción , Hernando Monserrat , Cava Fernando , Herrero Eva , García‐Díez Luis Carlos , Navajo José Alejandro , González‐Buitrago José Manuel
Published: August 2002

The biological variation of anti‐TPO and anti‐Tg autoantibodies was studied in 17 clinically and biochemically stable female patients with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), at regular monthly intervals over a period of 6 consecutive months. The mean and standard deviation (SD), within‐subject coefficient of variation (CV), between‐subject CV, index of individuality, reliability coefficient, and critical differences were as follows: for anti‐TPO 238 (197) U/ml, 9.2%, 81.4%, 0.11, 0.96, and 27.6%; and for anti‐Tg 1,785 (3,170) U/ml, 6.9%, 174%, 0.04, 0.99, and 22.3%. The data indicate a low within‐subject CV, and a high between‐subject CV that is particularly pronounced for anti‐Tg. The high individuality of both autoantibodies indicates that an isolated result compared to conventional population‐based reference intervals is of very little value for diagnosis. Furthermore, the near to 1 reliability coefficient for both autoantibodies correctly classifies the patient with respect to his or her homeostatic mean antibody concentration in a 6‐month period of clinical and biochemical stability of thyroid disease. Imprecision goals for anti‐TPO and anti‐Tg antibodies are attainable with current methodology. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 16:37–39, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The psychologist's role in the collaborative process of psychopharmacology
Authors: Weene Kenneth A.
Published: August 2002

This is a discussion of a collaborative approach between psychologists, physicians, patients, and others in the administration of psychotropic medication. It is based on a systems point of view. In that perspective, not only are the people indicated above a system, but also the patient is considered from a holistic‐systems point of view. It requires that the psychologist not only be a member of the system, and a well‐versed in medication member at that; (s)he must also be an observer of the system, be able to take a meta perspective, in order to be able to exercise some unique functions—functions for which psychologists are well‐trained. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 58: 617–621, 2002.
Raising and lowering of heart rate variability: Some clinical findings of Thought Field Therapy
Authors: Callahan Roger J.
Published: August 2002

This clinical report presents some of the findings in Thought Field Therapy (TFT) that show both raising and lowering of heart rate variability (HRV). TFT algorithms are effective, but the specificity of diagnosed treatment gives results that are superior to algorithms. Some TFT treatments take only seconds to yield improved results on HRV. Toxins can undo a cured problem and lower HRV. TFT can overturn the effect of some toxins. It is hypothesized that TFT works by inputting a specific code that addresses and effects the healing system. HRV may be a measure of general physical and mental health. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 57: 1175–1186, 2001.
The measurement of wisdom: A preliminary effort
Authors: Jason Leonard A. , Reichler Arne , King Caroline , Madsen Derryk , Camacho Jennifer , Marchese Wendy
Published: August 2002

The Foundational Value Scale (FVS) is a newly developed assessment device to measure the construct of wisdom. Factor analysis of this scale indicated five components: Harmony, Warmth, Intelligence, Nature, and Spiritual. The factors had adequate internal reliability and test–retest reliability. These dimensions were only slightly related to several other constructs (e.g., stress and depression). The FVS was not significantly related to approval motivation. The FVS appears to be a useful scale that taps several wisdom‐related dimensions. Better knowledge about wisdom could be potentially useful in understanding topics about which community psychologists have particular interest. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
DNA mismatch repair and mutation avoidance pathways
Authors: Marti Thomas M. , Kunz Christophe , Fleck Oliver
Published: August 2002

Unpaired and mispaired bases in DNA can arise by replication errors, spontaneous or induced base modifications, and during recombination. The major pathway for correction of mismatches arising during replication is the MutHLS pathway of Escherichia coli and related pathways in other organisms. MutS initiates repair by binding to the mismatch, and activates together with MutL the MutH endonuclease, which incises at hemimethylated dam sites and thereby mediates strand discrimination. Multiple MutS and MutL homologues exist in eukaryotes, which play different roles in the mismatch repair (MMR) pathway or in recombination. No MutH homologues have been identified in eukaryotes, suggesting that strand discrimination is different to E. coli. Repair can be initiated by the heterodimers MSH2‐MSH6 (MutSα) and MSH2‐MSH3 (MutSβ). Interestingly, MSH3 (and thus MutSβ) is missing in some genomes, as for example in Drosophila, or is present as in Schizosaccharomyces pombe but appears to play no role in MMR. MLH1‐PMS1 (MutLα) is the major MutL homologous heterodimer. Again some, but not all, eukaryotes have additional MutL homologues, which all form a heterodimer with MLH1 and which play a minor role in MMR. Additional factors with a possible function in eukaryotic MMR are PCNA, EXO1, and the DNA polymerases δ and ϵ. MMR‐independent pathways or factors that can process some types of mismatches in DNA are nucleotide‐excision repair (NER), some base excision repair (BER) glycosylases, and the flap endonuclease FEN‐1. A pathway has been identified in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and human that corrects loops with about 16 to several hundreds of unpaired nucleotides. Such large loops cannot be processed by MMR. J. Cell. Physiol. 191: 28–41, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
P2P‐R protein localizes to the nucleolus of interphase cells and the periphery of chromosomes in mitotic cells which show maximum P2P‐R immunoreactivity
Authors: Gao Sizhi , Witte Michael M. , Scott Robert E.
Published: August 2002

P2P‐R is a nuclear protein that can bind both p53 and Rb1. Its functions include roles in the control of RNA metabolism, apoptosis, and p53‐dependent transcription. The expression of P2P‐R also is repressed in G1 arrested terminally differentiated cells. The current studies therefore evaluated if P2P‐R undergoes cell cycle‐associated changes in its abundance and/or localization. Western blots show that relative to G0 quiescent cells, P2P‐R protein levels are higher in populations of G2/M cells prepared by the physiological parasynchronization technique of serum deprivation followed by serum stimulation. More striking is the > 10‐fold enrichment of P2P‐R protein in specimens of highly purified mitotic cells prepared by the mitotic shake‐select technique, or by synchrony with the mitotic spindle disruption agents nocodazole or vinblastine. These changes in P2P‐R protein occur without a concomitant change in P2P‐R mRNA expression suggesting that P2P‐R immunoreactivity increases during mitosis. Confocal microscopy next established the localization of P2P‐R to nucleoli in interphase cells and at the periphery of chromosomes in mitotic cells that lack nucleoli. The high levels of P2P‐R localized to the periphery of chromosomes in mitotic cells suggest that P2P‐R shares characteristics with other nucleolar proteins that associate with the periphery of chromosomes during mitosis. These include: nucleolin, B23, Ki67, and fibrillarin. J. Cell. Physiol. 191: 145–154, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of pre‐adsorbed proteins on attachment, proliferation, and function of endothelial cells
Authors: Balcells Mercedes , Edelman Elazer R.
Published: August 2002

As certain proteins control cell adhesion, it has been hoped that cell transplantation and tissue engineering could be augmented by pre‐adsorption of specific proteins to biological or synthetic surfaces. The questions that remain, however, are whether such proteins can affect cell production as well as adhesion, and if so, whether in a protein‐specific manner. We examined the adhesion and the biochemical secretion of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) discs coated with fibronectin (Fn), laminin (Ln), or gelatin. The three coating proteins nonspecifically promote sub‐confluent and post‐confluent endothelial cell production of total protein up to 2.5‐fold of the reference value. Total soluble glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production slightly increased with the different coatings only at low cell density. In contrast, Ln and Fn, not gelatin, drastically enhanced post‐confluent BAEC production of prostaglandin (PGI2). However, antibody‐blockage of the α5 integrin, constituent of the Fn receptor in BAEC, appeared to inhibit the upregulation of PGI2 production observed on Fn‐coated surfaces. The results indicate that the cell adhesion mediators used as coating agents dictate cell biological production as well as adhesion and proliferation. J. Cell. Physiol. 191: 155–161, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Branched‐chain amino acids: A role in skeletal muscle proteolysis in catabolic states?
Authors: Busquets Sílvia , Alvarez Belén , López‐Soriano Francisco J. , Argilés Josep M.
Published: August 2002

A 48‐h starvation period resulted in a great increase in muscle proteolysis—as measured following the release of tyrosine into the medium—in incubated isolated rat extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles. We have quantified the contribution of the different proteolytic systems to the increased protein degradation and observed a considerable activation in the ATP‐dependent proteolytic (60%) and in the calcium‐dependent (125%) systems, while no increases were observed in lysosomal proteolysis. The addition of 10 mM leucine to the incubation medium did not result in any changes in either total proteolytic rate or the activity rates of any of the different systems studied. In addition, the presence of the amino acid did not influence the levels of mRNA for the different genes studied—ubiquitin, C8 proteasome subunit, E2 conjugating enzyme, m‐calpain, and cathepsin B. In a similar way, as observed during starvation, tumor growth resulted in increased protein degradation in incubated isolated EDL muscles from animals bearing the Yoshida AH‐130 ascites hepatoma. The increased rate of protein degradation affected all the proteolytic systems studied: ATP‐ and calcium‐dependent and lysosomal. Finally, leucine addition (10 mM), although not able to revert the increased proteolytic rate, resulted in a decrease in the gene expression for ubiquitin, C8 proteasome subunit and cathepsin B. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of endothelins on hepatic stellate cell synthesis of endothelin‐1 during hepatic wound healing
Authors: Shao Rong , Rockey Don C.
Published: August 2002

Endothelin‐1 production is increased after liver injury and the subsequent wounding response. Further, endothelin‐1 has prominent effects on hepatic stellate cells (key effectors of the hepatic wounding response), including on collagen synthesis, proliferation, and expression of smooth muscle proteins. We tested the hypothesis that endothelins (ETs) may regulate endothelin‐1 production during hepatic wounding, and have investigated potential mechanisms underlying this process. Studies were performed on isolated stellate cells from normal and injured livers; in addition, potential autocrine effects of ET were assessed in vivo using an ET receptor antagonist in a model of liver injury. In stellate cells isolated from either normal or injured rat livers, ET receptor stimulation with endothelin‐3 or sarafotoxin S6C (preferential ETB agonists) caused a dose‐dependent increase in endothelin‐1 production. Additionally, administration of a mixed ET antagonist in vivo during injury led to reduced stellate cell production of endothelin‐1. The mechanism by which ETs stimulated endothelin‐1 in this system appeared to be through upregulation of ET converting enzyme‐1 (which converts precursor ET to mature peptide), rather than by modulation of precursor endothelin‐1. We conclude that during liver injury and wound healing, stellate cell endothelin‐1 production is, at least partially, stimulated by ETs via autocrine mechanisms that occur at the level of ET converting enzyme‐1. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kinetics of endomitosis in primary murine megakaryocytes
Authors: Carow Catherine E. , Fox Norma E. , Kaushansky Kenneth
Published: August 2002

Megakaryocytes (MKs) develop from diploid progenitor cells via successive rounds of DNA synthesis in the absence of cell division, a process termed endomitosis (EnM). While the mechanism underlying EnM is not known, studies in yeast and leukemic cell lines have suggested that it may be due to reduced levels of cyclin B1 or cdc2, leading to a decrease in mitotic kinase activity. Using flow cytometry to study EnM highly purified marrow‐derived MK precursors, we found that: (1) on average, 36% of 8N‐32N MKs expressed abundant cyclin B during G2/M. The percentage of cells in G2/M decreased in >64N MKs, suggesting the limit of EnM, (2) the level of cyclin B per G2/M MK increased linearly with ploidy, (3) cyclin B expression oscillated normally in polyploid MKs, (4) MPM‐2, a phosphoepitope created by the action of mitotic kinases and specific to M‐phase cells, was expressed in a significant fraction of polyploid MKs, and (5) there was an apparent increase of cyclin B in G1‐phase in polyploid MKs. This study provides the first qualitative kinetic data regarding the cell cycle status of MKs within individual ploidy classes. It also demonstrates the feasibility of using anti‐cyclin B antibody and flow cytometry to resolve G1 from G2/M populations in polyploid MKs. Finally, these findings establish that neither a relative nor absolute deficiency of mitotic kinase components is responsible for EnM, suggesting that the departure from normal cell division kinetics seen in polyploid MKs is likely due to alterations in other cell cycle regulators. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An automated multi‐unit composting facility for biodegradability evaluations
Authors: Jayasekara Ranjith , Lonergan Greg T , Harding Ian , Bowater Ian , Halley Peter , Christie Gregor B
Published: August 2002

A system has been developed for studying the biodegradation of natural and synthetic polymeric material. The system is based on standard methods developed by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN TC 261) (ISO/DIS 14855) and the American Society of Testing Materials, ‘ASTM Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials under Controlled Composting Conditions’ (ASTM D 5338‐92). A new low‐cost compost facility has been used which satisfies the requirements of these standards. The system has been automated for data collection and has been run under the conditions specified by the standards. In the system, cellulose, newspaper and two starch‐based polymers were treated with compost in a series of 3 dm3 vessels at 52 °C and under conditions of optimum moisture and pH. The degradation was followed over time by measuring the amount of carbon released as carbon dioxide.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Removal of organic contaminants in paper pulp effluents by AOPs: an economic study
Authors: Pérez Montserrat , Torrades Francesc , Domènech Xavier , Peral José
Published: August 2002

The degradation of the organic content of a bleaching Kraft mill effluent was carried out using Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs). The study was focused on the identification of the AOP, or combination of AOPs, that showed the highest efficiency together with the lowest cost. Direct UV photolysis (UV), TiO2 assisted‐photocatalysis (TiO2/UV), Fenton, Fenton‐like, and photo‐Fenton reactions (Fe(II)/H2O/UV), UV‐assisted ozonation (O3/UV) and addition of Fe2+ and/or H2O2 to the TiO2/UV and the O3/UV systems, were used for the degradation of a conventional cellulose bleaching effluent. The effluent was characterized by the general parameters TOC, COD and color, and analyzed for chlorinated low molecular weight compounds using GC–MS. The costs of the systems per unit of TOC reduction were compared. Fenton, Fenton‐like and photo‐Fenton reactions achieved better levels of TOC degradation than photocatalysis and with lower cost's than photocatalytic treatments. Ozonation is an effective but rather expensive process. The use of UVA light, however, increased the effectiveness of ozonation with a significant decrease (>25%) in the operational cost.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Two‐phase anaerobic digestion processes: a review
Authors: Demirel Burak , Yenigün Orhan
Published: August 2002

This review provides a detailed comparative summary of the recent and current research activities in the area of two‐phase anaerobic digestion processes. The acid phase and the methane phase are first evaluated, individually, from microbiological, kinetic and modelling, process optimization, operation and control, inhibition, and toxicity points of view. The overall process performance is subsequently evaluated as a whole. Finally, areas requiring further research are determined.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Technique of color Doppler quantification of vascularity in transplanted kidneys
Authors: Gruenewald Simon , Skerrett David , Dolimier Damien , Nankivell Brian
Published: August 2002

A new technique for the quantification of vascularity based on the analysis of color Doppler images is described. We utilized velocity information obtained directly from cineloops transferred to a computer for off‐line analysis. This methodology was used in transplanted kidneys to assess parenchymal vascularity on the basis of percentage color pixel density and mean flow velocity in mid‐kidney cross‐sectional regions of interest and the distance from the most peripheral color pixels to the capsule of the kidney. Other color Doppler quantitative methods have lacked reproducibility, and therefore before evaluation of the clinical usefulness of this technique, intraobserver reproducibility and interobserver reliability were assessed in 42 patients; no statistically significant variation was demonstrated. In 13 patients with normally functioning transplants, the mean maximum color pixel density was 34.7±13.4%, the mean flow velocity was 5.2±0.9 cm/second, and the mean distance to the capsule was 3.3±1.1 mm. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 30:151–157, 2002; DOI 10.1002/jcu.10044
Detection and differential diagnosis of hepatic masses using pulse inversion harmonic imaging during the liver‐specific late phase of contrast enhancement with levovist
Authors: Yücel Cem , Özdemir Hakan , Gürel Safiye , Özer Şule , Araç Mehmet
Published: August 2002

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether late‐phase pulse inversion harmonic imaging (PIHI) increases conspicuity in hepatic masses, helps to differentiate benign from malignant lesions, and demonstrates a greater number of and smaller metastatic lesions than do conventional (fundamental) sonography and helical CT.

Methods

Thirty patients (17 women and 13 men; age range, 35–77 years; mean age, 54 years) with known or suspected liver masses were evaluated using both fundamental sonography and contrast‐enhanced PIHI during the liver‐specific late phase of Levovist. The patients also underwent contrast‐enhanced triphasic helical CT examinations within 1 week after sonography. In 4 of the patients, gadolinium‐enhanced MRI was also performed as a part of their clinical work‐up.

Results

The increase in the lesions' conspicuity on PIHI compared with fundamental sonography was significantly greater in malignant lesions than in benign lesions (p< 0.001). An echogenic rim was observed on PIHI in 8 (53%) of 15 malignant lesions. The mean number of metastatic lesions visualized on PIHI (5.5 ± 5.3) was significantly higher than the mean number visualized on fundamental sonography (2.5 ± 2.1, p < 0.05). Although lesions as small as 3 mm were observed on PIHI, the mean sizes of the smallest lesions demonstrated using fundamental sonography, PIHI, and helical CT were not significantly different.

Conclusions

Late‐phase PIHI is a useful technique for characterizing hepatic lesions and demonstrating both a greater number of and smaller metastases. It may help to differentiate benign from malignant liver masses and may obviate unnecessary and expensive further imaging. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 30:203–212, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI: 10.1002/jcu.10053
Structure and function of endothelial caveolae
Authors: Stan Radu‐Virgil
Published: August 2002

Caveolae are spherical invaginations of the plasma membrane and associated vesicles that are found at high surface densities in most cells, endothelia included. Their structural framework has been shown to consist of oligomerized caveolin molecules interacting with cholesterol and sphingolipids. Caveolae have been involved in many cellular functions such as endocytosis, signal transduction, mechano‐transduction, potocytosis, and cholesterol trafficking. Some confusion still persists in the field with respect to the relationship between caveolae and the lipid rafts, which have been involved in many of the above functions. In addition to all these, endothelial caveolae have been involved in capillary permeability by their participation in the process of transcytosis. This short review will focus on their structure and components, methods used to determine these components, and the role of caveolae in the transendothelial exchanges between blood plasma and the interstitial fluid. Microsc. Res. Tech. 57:350–364, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification and functional characterization of hypoxia‐inducible factor 2α from the estuarine teleost, Fundulus heteroclitus: Interaction of HIF‐2α with two ARNT2 splice variants
Authors: Powell Wade H. , Hahn Mark E.
Published: August 2002

The hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs) are dimeric transcription factors that mediate changes in gene expression during adaptation of animals to oxygen stress. Both alpha (HIFα) and beta (ARNT) subunits are members of the basic helix‐loop‐helix/Per‐ARNT‐Sim family of proteins. Mammals have at least three different HIF‐α subunits, paralogous proteins expressed in tissue‐specific fashion (HIF‐1α, HIF‐2α, and HIF‐3α). However, the diversity and functional properties of teleost HIFs are poorly understood. In efforts to characterize mechanisms of hypoxia adaptation in estuarine fish, we have isolated cDNAs encoding HIF subunits from Fundulus heteroclitus (Atlantic killifish or mummichog), including a HIF‐2α homolog and ARNT2alt, a splice variant of ARNT2 that contains an additional exon encoding 16 amino acids near the amino terminus. HIF‐2α protein synthesized in vitro binds cognate DNA elements in concert with either Fundulus ARNT2 splice variant or murine ARNT1. HIF‐2α, ARNT2, and ARNT2alt mRNAs are expressed in all organs examined. The HIF‐2α cDNA encodes a protein of 96.4 kDa, sharing 53–54% identity with mammalian and avian orthologs. The oxygen‐dependent degradation domain, however, exhibits substantial divergence from well‐conserved mammalian sequences, suggesting the possibility of important functional differences, perhaps in the sensitivity to induction of activity by hypoxia. Hypoxia‐tolerant fishes such as F. heteroclitus represent a unique opportunity for the study of functional and evolutionary aspects of adaptation to hypoxia at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. This study extends the understanding of hypoxia signaling in fish, the evolution and diversity of HIF function, and the evolution of the PAS family of proteins. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 294:17–29, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunocytochemical localization of hydroxyindole‐o‐methyltransferase (HIOMT) in the brain of Myoisophagos lacteus (Nemertea: Heteronemertea: Lineidae)
Authors: Arnoult Fabrice , Vernet Guy
Published: August 2002

In an attempt to identify the brain structures that synthesize melatonin and that probably mediate the photoperiodic response of the heteronemertean Myoisophagos lacteus, we utilized immunocytochemical techniques and employed immunoglobulins directed against hydroxyindole‐O‐methyltransferase (HIOMT, EC 2.1.1.4). This enzyme catalyzes the last step of melatonin biosynthesis. In immunocytochemically treated head sections of Myoisophagos lacteus, antibodies labelled a few cells in the dorsal region of the dorsal cerebral ganglia. Previous studies have shown that melatonin is present both in the brain and eyes of this nemertean species and that melatonin is involved in control of the worm reproduction. Other studies have demonstrated the presence of photoreceptor‐like cells in the same region of the worm brain that showed HIOMT immunostaining. Therefore, anatomical findings of the present study, coupled with results of previous works, provide strong evidence that this region of the worm brain houses a photoperiodic receptor involved in melatonin biosynthesis. J. Exp. Zool. 290:156–162, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential scanning calorimetry studies of intraembryonic freezing and cryoprotectant penetration in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos
Authors: Liu Xiang‐Hong , Zhang Tiantian , Rawson David M.
Published: August 2002

Nucleation temperatures of intraembryonic water and cryoprotectant penetration in zebrafish embryos were studied using differential scanning calorimetry. The effects of embryo developmental stage, dechorionation, partial removal of yolk, cooling rate, and cryoprotectant treatment on the temperatures of intraembryonic freezing were investigated. Embryo stages were found to have a significant effect on the nucleation temperatures of intact embryos. Freeze onset temperatures of –11.9 ± 1.5, –15.6 ± 0.3, and –20.5 ± 0.1°C were obtained for intact embryos at 6‐somite, prim‐6, and high‐pec stages, respectively. After dechorionation, the freeze onset temperatures of intraembryonic water shifted to significantly lower temperatures, being –23.5 ± 0.8, –18.7 ± 0.7, –24.9 ± 0.8°C for 6‐somite, prim‐6, and high‐pec stages, respectively. Yolk‐reduced high‐pec stage embryos showed significantly lower nucleation temperatures with an average onset at –27.9 ± 0.4°C. The effect of cryoprotectant treatment on the nucleation temperatures of intraembryonic water varies among different embryo stages and different cryoprotectants. Thirty‐minute treatment with 2 M methanol significantly decreased the nucleation temperatures of dechorionated 6‐somite embryos whilst no temperature decrease was observed for prim‐6 or yolk‐reduced high‐pec embryos. Thirty‐minute exposure to 1 M propylene glycol did not significantly affect the nucleation temperatures of dechorionated 6‐somite, prim‐6, or yolk‐reduced high‐pec embryos. In order to increase the permeability of embryos to cryoprotectants, the yolk sacs of dechorionated embryos at 6‐somite or prim‐6 embryos were punctured with a sharp micro‐needle before exposure to cryoprotectants. The punctured prim‐6 embryos showed significantly lower temperatures of intraembryonic freezing after 30 min of exposure to 2 M methanol following the multi‐punctures. The nucleation temperatures of punctured 6‐somite or prim‐6 embryos were also decreased significantly after exposure to 1 M propylene glycol for 30 min. These results suggested that in intact embryos, intraembryonic freezing appeared to be seeded by the external ice in the perivitelline fluid and that in dechorionated embryos (in the absence of external water) intraembryonic freezing was more likely a consequence of heterogeneous nucleation. Methanol was demonstrated to show a limited degree of penetration into prim‐6 stage embryos, but it did not penetrate later‐stage embryos such as prim‐6 and yolk‐reduced high‐pec. No propylene glycol permeation was observed for embryos at all stages. However, multi‐punctures of yolk resulted in the permeation of both cryoprotectants into prim‐6 embryos and propylene glycol permeation into 6‐somite embryos. These findings may have important implications in overcoming the problem associated with the low membrane permeability of zebrafish embryos to cryoprotectants. J. Exp. Zool. 290:299–310, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Current problems with the zootype and the early evolution of Hox genes
Authors: Schierwater Bernd , Desalle Rob
Published: August 2002

“Hox cluster type” genes have sparked intriguing attempts to unite all metazoan animals by a shared pattern of expression and genomic organization of a specific set of regulatory genes. The basic idea, the zootype concept, claims the conservation of a specific set of “Hox cluster type genes” in all metazoan animals, i.e., in the basal diploblasts as well as in the derived triploblastic animals. Depending on the data used and the type of analysis performed, different opposing views have been taken on this idea. We review here the sum of data currently available in a total evidence analysis, which includes morphological and the most recent molecular data. This analysis highlights several problems with the idea of a simple “Hox cluster type” synapomorphy between the diploblastic and triploblastic animals and suggests that the “zootype differentiation” of the Hox cluster most likely is an invention of the triploblasts. The view presented is compatible with the idea that early Hox gene evolution started with a single proto‐Hox (possibly a paraHox) gene. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 291:169–174, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modulation of fish phagocytic cells by N‐terminal peptides of proopiomelanocortin (NPP)
Authors: Sakai Masahiro , Yamaguchi Takafumi , Watanuki Hironobu , Yasuda Akikazu , Takahashi Akiyoshi
Published: August 2002

N‐terminal peptide of proopiomelanocortin (NPP, or pro‐γ‐MSH) has shown to exhibit biological activity such as stimulation of adrenal mitogenesis and prolactin release‐inhibiting factor activity. Structurally, studies reveal a significant difference between fish NPP from that of tetrapods, as NPPs from carp and salmonid lack γ‐MSH. Thus, fish NPP may exhibit functions different from that of mammals. The activation of phagocytic cells by NPP was analysed using rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and carp Cyprinus carpio. Rainbow trout and carp macrophages incubated with chum salmon NPP significantly enhanced the production of superoxide anion in comparison with control macrophages (without hormones). Both rainbow trout and carp macrophages had shown increased phagocytosis when stimulated administered with NPP. The above results were complemented by in vivo studies where NPP was administered to rainbow trout and carp. NPP significantly increased superoxide anion production as well as phagocytosis in macrophages. These results show that NPP in lower vertebrates activates the function of the phagocytic cells. J. Exp. Zool. 290:341–346, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of induced aestivation in Protopterus annectens: A histomorphological study
Authors: Sturla Maddalena , Paola Prato , Carlo Grattarola , Angela Masini Maria , Maria Uva Bianca
Published: August 2002

The aim of this research was to induce, at will in the laboratory, aestivation of the Dipnoan Protopterus annectens, in order to compare the structure of organs in lungfish adapted to aquatic or aestivating conditions. The animals were placed in a glass tank containing warm water, and the bottom of the tank was filled with clay and sand. To start aestivation the water was allowed to slowly evaporate; as soon as the fish was in a dry environment, it began to excavate a hole in the mud and to burrow into it. Scanning electron microscopy and histological techniques compared the morphology of skin, gills, and lungs in aestivating and free‐swimming animals. In the aestivating animals, the secondary lamellae of the gills became thick and were covered by mucus that pasted the lamellae together. The epidermis of the skin was thin and composed of layers of flattened cells. In contrast, in free‐swimming animals, the secondary lamellae of the gills were widely separated and the epidermis of the skin was thick and contained numerous mucus‐laden cells. The lungs, thin bloodless threads in the aquatic conditions, were, in the air‐breathing animals, rich in blood and showed thick walls with ridges and pillars that protruded into the lung cavity, producing small alveolar protrusions. The features of the skin and lungs were similar to that of amphibians, testifying to the convergence of some tissue morphology in aquatic animals utilizing land as a cohabitat. J. Exp. Zool. 292:26–31, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of crustacean (Callinectes sapidus) molt‐inhibiting hormone in insect cells using recombinant baculovirus
Authors: Lee Kara J. , Watson R. Douglas
Published: August 2002

Molt‐inhibiting hormone (MIH) negatively regulates the synthesis of ecdysteroid molting hormones by crustacean Y‐organs. We report here the expression of blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) MIH in insect cells using recombinant baculovirus. Insect Sf9 cells were transfected with recombinant baculovirus containing a DNA insert encoding the C. sapidus MIH prohormone (signal sequence plus mature hormone). The construct was designed to yield a mature, fully processed recombinant MIH (recMIH). Several baculovirus recombinants showing no contamination with wild‐type viral DNA were subsequently analyzed for their ability to direct expression of recMIH. Sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of proteins from infected cells revealed time‐dependent expression of two proteins of approximately the predicted size for the C. sapidus MIH prohormone and mature hormone. Western blot results (using antiserum against MIH of Carcinus maenas) indicated that the proteins were MIH‐immunoreactive. N‐Terminal amino acid sequence data and mass spectral analysis indicated the expressed proteins were of the correct sequence and molecular mass. Cell lysates containing the recombinant protein dose‐dependently suppressed the synthesis of ecdysteroids by Y‐organs in vitro. We anticipate the recombinant peptide will prove useful for studies of the structure and function of MIH. J. Exp. Zool. 292:41–51, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Projectivity and independent sets in powers of graphs
Authors: Larose Benoit , Tardif Claude
Published: August 2002

We investigate the relationship between projectivity and the structure of maximal independent sets in powers of circular graphs, Kneser graphs and truncated simplices. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 40: 162–171, 2002
Soft barriers to ICT application in development: trust and information quality in Russia
Authors: Chepaitis Elia V.
Published: August 2002

Research into the diffusion and use of ICTs often focuses on the adequacy of ‘hard’ factors in information infrastructures: technological elements which affect affordability and connectivity. This paper proposes that successful ICT application depends also upon ‘soft’ factors in domestic information infrastructures: legal, political, socio‐cultural, and economic characteristics that affect not only ICTs but also the quality of information resources handled by those ICTs. Based on research data from Russia, the paper argues that one soft factor—trust—is critical for information quality and, hence, for ICT‐based information systems success in transitional and developing economies. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of deuterium‐labelled 2,5‐Bis(4‐amidinophenyl)furan, 2,5‐Bis[4‐(methoxyamidino)phenyl]furan, and 2,7‐diamidinocarbazole
Authors: Stephens Chad E. , Patrick Donald A. , Chen Heidi , Tidwell Richard R. , Boykin David W.
Published: August 2002

The syntheses of 2,5‐bis(4‐amidinophenyl)furan‐d8 (1‐d8) and 2,5‐bis[4‐(methoxyamidino)phenyl]furan‐d8 (2‐d8) from bromobenzene‐d5 in six steps, and of 2,7‐diamidinocarbazole‐d6 (3‐d6) from biphenyl‐d10 in five steps, are described. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.