bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased expression of F1ATP synthase subunits in yeast strains carrying point mutations which destabilise the β subunit
Authors: Aschenbrenner Marketa , Mueller David M. , Zak Radovan , Wiesner Rudolf J.
Published: July 2002

In yeast strains (S. cerevisiae) carrying a point mutation of the ATP2 gene, which destabilizes the β subunit of F1, ATP synthase in vitro, the growth rate was reduced significantly, demonstrating that the mutation is also deleterious in vivo. Immunoblots showed that levels of the mutated β, but also of the wild‐type α subunit were increased in the mutated strains, together with levels of the corresponding mRNAs (approximately 1.6‐fold). Northern analysis showed that this was due to both the appearance of new transcript species as well as upregulation of the cognate transcripts, strongly indicating that the increase was probably due to activation of transcription. Levels of other mitochondrial proteins, e.g. cytochrome c oxidase, were unaffected. We conclude that a specific signal communicates the actual performance of the ATP synthase inside the mitochondria to the nuclear genes encoding its subunits.
The transit sequence of a chloroplast precursor protein reorients the lipids in monogalactosyl diglyceride containing bilayers
Authors: Chupin Vladimir , van't Hof Ron , de Kruijff Ben
Published: July 2002

The interaction of the chloroplast precursor protein of ferredoxin with mixed model membranes composed of 2H chain labeled monogalactosyl diacylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine was studied by 2H and 31P NMR. The bilayers were found to have special chain packing properties which most likely are the result of a specific arrangement of head groups at the interface. The precursor and not the corresponding apoprotein induced a bilayer → isotropic transition in lipid organization as a result of the transit sequence—lipid interaction. The implications of these observations for proteins import into chloroplasts are indicated.
On the origin of the genetic code
Authors: Kuhn Hans , Waser Jürg
Published: July 2002

A series of stages in the evolution of the genetic code is postulated, representing a chain of logical steps that leads to the present‐day code. The stages described are based on translation machinery between the RNA world and that of amino acids, a model that consists of an RNA assembler strand along which RNA hairpin molecules are lined up, forming a picket‐fence‐like aggregate. Each hairpin carries an amino acid at the bottom of one of its legs, and the mutual proximity of amino acids achieved in this way facilitates their linkage into oligopeptides, in a sequence governed by the nucleotide sequence along the assembler strand, the code. The order in which amino acids are introduced into the code is in the approximate order of their availability, tempered by polarity and structural considerations.
Golgi apparatus mammary gland casein kinase: monitoring by a specific peptide substrate and definition of specificity determinants
Authors: Lasa-Benito Marina , Marin Oriano , Meggio Flavio , Pinna Lorenzo A.
Published: July 2002

The casein kinase from the Golgi apparatus of lactating mammary gland (GEF‐CK) is distinct from ubiquitous ‘casein kinases’ termed protein kinases CK1 and CK2 and appears to define a family of secretory pathways protein kinases that phosphorylate seryl residues followed by an acidic residue at position +2. In this report we show that a new synthetic peptide substrate derived from β‐casein (β[28–40]) is suitable for the fast, efficient and selective monitoring of GEF‐CK, being unaffected by CK1 and CK2, and we define the consensus sequence of this protein kinase as being Ser‐Xaa‐Glu/SerP, distinct from that of CK2 (Ser/Thr‐X‐X‐Glu/Asp/SerP/TyrP). In particular, the failure to recognize Asp as crucial specificity determinant prevents the phosphorylation of the specific CK2 peptide substrate RRRADDSDDDD by GEF‐CK. Thus, peptide substrates are now available for the fast and specific monitoring of all the three classes of ‘casein kinases’, CK1, CK2 and GEF‐CK.
Tentoxin has at least two binding sites on CF1 and ϵ‐depleted CF1 ATPases isolated from spinach chloroplast
Authors: Pinet Eric , Gomis Jean-Marie , Girault Guy , Cavelier Florine , Verducci Jean , Noël Jean-Pierre , André François
Published: July 2002

A new procedure for synthesis of 14C‐labeled tentoxin [14C‐MePhe[(Z)Δ]3‐tentoxin], with a high specific activity, is described. Binding experiments with CF1 or CF1‐ϵ isolated from spinach chloroplast have been carried out using equilibrium dialysis technique. The results show the presence of two classes of binding sites. The association constants of the two major binding sites were derived from non‐linear fitting of the binding curves. At 4°C, the first binding site has a value of K

a1 = 8.2 × 105 M−1 in CF1 and 8.7 × 105 M−1 in CF1‐ϵ, while the second binding site has lower affinity with K

a2 = 1.5 × 104 M−1 in CF1 and 2.3 × 103 M−1 in CF1‐ϵ.
Evaluation of scheduling rules with commensurate customer priorities in job shops
Authors: Jensen John B. , Philipoom Patrick R. , Malhotra Manoj K.
Published: July 2002

Much of the existing job shop scheduling literature has focussed on scheduling rules and heuristics that typically do not incorporate customer specific characteristics into their scheduling decisions. This paper specifically considers the situation in which depending upon the identity of the customer, different jobs have different tardiness penalties associated with them. In addition, the tardiness penalties associated with different customers are comparable in magnitude with one another. We propose here and test four different types of scheduling rules which utilize the jobs' tardiness penalty information, and show that the performance of the shop is only mildly affected by the shape and dispersion of the weighting scheme used in determining the tardiness penalties. The performance of scheduling rules is however contingent on due‐date tightness. In general, apart from the traditionally well performing shortest processing time rule, the ATC rule works well on the mean flow time measure in loose due‐date situations, while COVERT performs well on mean flow time under tight due‐date conditions. Lesser differences are seen to exist between mean tardiness and root mean square tardiness (TRMS) performance of different scheduling rules. Weighted mean tardiness deteriorates with increasing due‐date tightness and coefficient of variation of job tardiness penalties. Finally, customer service performance worsens considerably with weighted dispatching rules when the performance criteria are not weighted by each job's tardiness penalty. Implications of our results for providing more effective management of job shops, and exploring future research directions in this area are also presented and discussed.
Embryonic rat motoneurons express a functional P‐type voltage‐dependent calcium channel
Authors: Hivert Bruno , Bouhanna Sylvie , Diochot Sylvie , Camu William , Dayanithi Govindan , Henderson Christopher E. , Valmier Jean
Published: July 2002

Only L‐ and N‐type high voltage‐activated calcium currents (HVA ICa) have been demonstrated in identified embryonic spinal motoneurons. However, pharmacological experiments suggest that other HVA ICa, including P‐type, govern neurotransmitter release at the adult neuromuscular junction. We sought to analyse if embryonic motoneurons express these other ICa, using the whole‐cell voltage‐clamp method on motoneurons purified by a new metrizamide‐panning technique from E15 rat embryos. In addition to L‐type dihydropyridine‐sensitive and N‐type ω‐GVIA‐sensitive currents, motoneurons express two other HVA ICa. One has properties related to the P‐type channel currents described in Purkinje cells: it is inhibited by the peptide ω‐agatoxin‐IVA with a maximal effect at 100–200 nM. The inhibited current has a characteristic sustained component during depolarizing test pulses. Furthermore, 50–100 nM concentration of ω‐agatoxin‐IVA reduce the increase in cytoplasmic calcium concentration observed after depolarization. The other HVA ICa is resistant to saturating concentrations of verapamil, ω‐conotoxin GVIA and ω‐agatoxin‐IVA which block L, N and P‐type HVAICa, respectively. These results suggest that it is now possible to dissect, using a simple method of purification, the properties of the ICa in embryonic mammalian motoneurons and to provide pharmacological evidence for multiple calcium channels which may be involved in regulation of their activity during development.
Synergistic effect of a clozapine-nimodipine association
Authors: Lenzi A , Rotondo A , Marazziti D
Published: July 2002

A thirty-eight year old woman, suffering from schizoaffective disorder for approximately 17 years, improved significantly with the association of clozapine (CPZ) and nimodipine.
Carboxyl‐terminal propeptide of type I collagen (c‐propeptide) modulates the action of TGF‐β on MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic cells
Authors: Mizuno Morimichi , Fujisawa Ryuichi , Kuboki Yoshinori
Published: July 2002

Previously we found that the carboxyl‐terminal propeptide of type I collagen (c‐propeptide) is a major secretory protein of MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic cells. In this study, we found that c‐propeptide suppresses collagen synthesis and alkaline phosphatase activity of MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic cells at the early‐differentiated stage in a dose dependent manner. Mature osteoblasts did not respond to c‐propeptide. These findings imply that c‐propeptide modulates the function of osteoblasts at an early differentiation stage. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) is stored in bone and released from bone matrix after the resorption by osteoclasts. We investigated the effect of c‐propeptide on the action of TGF‐β, and found that it enhanced the effect of TGF‐β. We conclude that c‐propeptide is a physiological modulator of TGF‐β in bone metabolism.
Membrane topology of VacA cytotoxin from H. pylori
Authors: Wang Xiao-Ming , Wattiez Ruddy , Paggliacia Cristina , Telford John L. , Ruysschaert Jean-Marie , Cabiaux Véronique
Published: July 2002

The interaction of VacA with membranes involves: (i) a low pH activation that induces VacA monomerization in solution, (ii) binding of the monomers to the membrane, (iii) oligomerization and (iv) channel formation. To better understand the structure–activity relationship of VacA, we determined its topology in a lipid membrane by a combination of proteolytic, structural and fluorescence techniques. Residues 40–66, 111–169, 205–266, 548–574 and 723–767 were protected from proteolysis because of their interaction with the membrane. This last peptide was shown to most probably adopt a surface orientation. Both α‐helices and β‐sheets were found in the structure of the protected peptides.
Heparan N‐sulfatase: cysteine 70 plays a role in the enzyme catalysis and processing
Authors: Daniele Aurora , Di Natale Paola
Published: July 2002

Sulfatases are members of a highly conserved family of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of sulfate ester bonds from a variety of substrates. The functional correlation reflects a high degree of amino acid sequence similarity along the entire length, in particular in the active site where the C(X)PSR consensus sequence is present. Cysteine undergoes an important co‐ or post‐translation modification essential for the accomplishment of catalytic activity: conversion in formylglycine. In this work, the cysteine of heparan N‐sulfatase (NS) was replaced either by a serine (C70S) or by a methionine (C70M) using site‐directed mutagenesis. C70S and C70M mutant cDNAs were expressed and analyzed in COS cells; both mutations caused a loss of NS activity; however, while C70S showed a normal precursor form undergoing processing to a reduced mature form within the lysosomes, C70M was poorly synthesized and formed a complex with the molecular chaperone immunoglobulin binding protein.
Re‐face stereospecificity at C4 of NAD(P) for alcohol dehydrogenase from Methanogenium organophilum and for (R)‐2‐hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase from Acidaminococcus fermentans as determined by 1H‐NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Berk Holger , Buckel Wolfgang , Thauer Rudolf K. , Frey Perry A.
Published: July 2002

The two diastereotopic protons at C4 of NAD(P)H are seen separately in 1H‐NMR spectra. This fact was used to determine the stereospecificity at C4 of NAD(P) for the NADP‐dependent alcohol dehydrogenase from Methanogenium organophilum and for the NAD‐dependent (R)‐2‐hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase from Acidaminococcus fermentans. The reduction of NADP+ with [2H6]ethanol was found to yield (4R)‐[4‐2H1]NADPH and the oxidation of (4R)‐[4‐2H1]NADH with 2‐oxoglutarate to yield unlabelled [4‐1H]NAD+. These results indicate that both enzymes are Re‐face stereospecific at C4 of the pyridine nucleotides.
Crystallization and preliminary X‐ray analysis of restriction endonuclease FokI bound to DNA
Authors: Hirsch Joel A , Wah David A , Dorner Lydia F , Schildkraut Ira , Aggarwal Aneel K
Published: July 2002

© 1997 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.
S‐Carbocysteine‐lysine salt monohydrate and cAMP cause non‐additive activation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator channel in human respiratory epithelium
Authors: Meyer Giuliano , Doppierio Sonia , Daffonchio Luisa , Cremaschi Dario
Published: July 2002

© 1997 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.
Molecular cloning and expression of subunit 9 of the 26S proteasome
Authors: Hoffman Laura , Rechsteiner Martin
Published: July 2002

© 1997 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.
Neokyotorphin and neokyotorphin (1–4): secretion by erythrocytes and regulation of tumor cell growth
Authors: Blishchenko Elena Yu , Mernenko Olga A , Yatskin Oleg N , Ziganshin Rustam H , Philippova Marina M , Karelin Andrei A , Ivanov Vadim T
Published: July 2002

Human erythrocytes release neokyotorphin, the 137–141 fragment of hemoglobin α‐chain into the supernatant of red blood cells primary culture. However, the neokyotorphin fragment 1–4 that is formed together with neokyotorphin inside the red blood cells and in various tissues is not found in the supernatant. Both neokyotorphin and its 1–4 fragment were shown to stimulate proliferation of L929 tumor cells.
Induction of manganese superoxide dismutase by thyroid stimulating hormone in rat thyroid cells
Authors: Nishida Shozo , Nakano Takayuki , Kimoto Saori , Kusunoki Takashi , Suzuki Keiichiro , Taniguchi Naoyuki , Murata Kiyotaka , Tomura Takanori T.
Published: July 2002

Alterations in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) content of thyroid tissues occurring in association with thyroid dysfunction have been reported. In this study, the Mn‐SOD content was found to increase in thyroid tissues of rats administered thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and in thyrocytes cultured in medium supplemented with TSH. Furthermore, in the thyroid glands of rats whose serum TSH level was elevated by inhibiting the synthesis of T3 and T4 by 6‐methyl‐2‐thiouracil, the Mn‐SOD increased as the TSH concentration increased. In the cultured thyrocytes, the increase in Mn‐SOD induced by TSH was inhibited by the C‐kinase inhibitor H7. These findings suggest the induction of Mn‐SOD by TSH in thyroid cells and point to a role of C‐kinase in this process, thereby indicating that a close relationship exists between the serum TSH level and the change in Mn‐SOD content in thyrocytes with thyroid dysfunction.
Hyaluronectin blocks the stimulatory effect of hyaluronan‐derived fragments on endothelial cells during angiogenesis in vitro
Authors: Trochon Véronique , Mabilat-Pragnon Christelle , Bertrand Philippe , Legrand Yves , Soria Jeannette , Soria Claudine , Delpech Bertrand , Lu He
Published: July 2002

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan of the extracellular matrix. Its fragmentation by the hyaluronidase, secreted by tumor cells, facilitates tumor invasion and the HA degradation products generated stimulate angiogenesis. We report here that the HA‐binding protein hyaluronectin (HN) inhibits the stimulatory effect of HA‐derived fragments on the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells in vitro, and hampers the organization of endothelial cells into capillary‐like structures. Since HN strongly inhibits endothelial cell adhesion to immobilized HA, it is postulated that HN acts by impairing the binding to endothelial cells of HA fragments generated by hyaluronidase, thereby neutralizing the effect of HA degradation products on angiogenesis. Our results reveal a new mechanism by which the angiogenesis induced by HA fragments is modulated by HN.
Human monocyte‐derived and CD34+ cell‐derived dendritic cells express functional receptors for platelet activating factor
Authors: Sozzani Silvano , Longoni Daniela , Bonecchi Raffaella , Luini Walter , Bersani Laura , D'Amico Giovanna , Borsatti Alessandro , Bussolino Federico , Allavena Paola , Mantovani Alberto
Published: July 2002

Dendritic cells (DC) are a heterogeneous population of specialized antigen presenting cells that exhibit complex trafficking properties. DC differentiated in vitro from both peripheral monocytes and CD34+ cells expressed mRNA for platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor. Expression of PAF receptor was increased by TNFα, a prototypic inflammatory cytokine that induces differentiation and in vivo mobilization of DC. PAF induced in vitro directional migration of DC obtained from both precursor cells through its specific receptor. Since DC are highly motile cells, protein chemoattractants as well as bioactive phospholipids are likely to contribute to tissue localization of DC, in vivo.
Domains of phenylalanyl‐tRNA synthetase from Thermus thermophilus required for aminoacylation
Authors: Lechler Armin , Kreutzer Roland
Published: July 2002

The contribution of entire domains or particular amino acid residues of the phenylalanyl‐tRNA synthetase (FRS) from Thermus thermophilus to the interaction with tRNAPhe was studied. Removal of domain 8 of the β subunit resulted in drastic reduction of the dissociation constant of the FRS·tRNAPhe complex. Neither the removal of arginine 2 of the β subunit, which makes the only major contact between domains β1–5 and the tRNA, nor the replacement of the conserved proline 473 by glycine had an influence on the aminoacylation activity of the FRS. Thus, the body comprising domains 1–5 of the β subunit may not be essential for efficient aminoacylation of tRNAPhe by the FRS and rather be involved in other functions.
Folding and binding activity of the 3′UTRs of Paracentrotus lividus bep messengers
Authors: Montana Giovanna , Sbisà Elisabetta , Romancino Daniele P , Bonura Angela , Di Carlo Marta
Published: July 2002

Bep mRNAs are localized at the animal pole of P. lividus eggs. In the present communication the secondary structures of the 3′UTRs of the bep1, bep3 and bep4 mRNAs are reported. The minimal lenghts of these regions required to bind the 54‐kDa protein, previously shown to be involved in localization and anchoring of these RNAs, is estimated. Microinjection of the bep3 3′UTR into egg shows that this RNA fragment is also able to become localized to one of the egg poles, as happens for the entire bep3 RNA.
Moderate discrimination of REP‐1 between Rab7⋅GDP and Rab7⋅GTP arises from a difference of an order of magnitude in dissociation rates1
Authors: Alexandrov Kirill , Simon Iris , Iakovenko Andrei , Holz Birgit , Goody Roger S , Scheidig Axel J
Published: July 2002

The kinetics of the interaction of Rab7 with REP‐1 have been investigated using the fluorescence of GDP and GTP analogs at the active site of Rab7. The results show that REP‐1 has higher affinity for the GDP bound form of Rab7 (K
d=1 nM) than for the GTP bound form (K
d=20 nM). Both affinities should still be sufficient for the formation of stable complexes in the cell. The association reaction proceeds in two steps for the GDP bound form. The initial step is fast (k
+1=ca. 107 M−1 s−1) and concentration dependent while the second represents a slow equilibration (k
+2+k
−2=3.5 s−1) which has little effect on the overall equilibrium. The difference in affinity of the two nucleotide bound forms arises from a difference in dissociation rates (0.012 s−1 for Rab7⋅GDP and 0.2 s−1 for Rab7⋅GTP).
Characterization of random‐sequence proteins displayed on the surface of Escherichia coli RNase HI
Authors: Doi Nobuhide , Yomo Tetsuya , Itaya Mitsuhiro , Yanagawa Hiroshi
Published: July 2002

In a previous study, random‐sequence proteins of 120–130 amino acid residues were inserted into the surface loop region of the enzyme, Escherichia coli RNase HI [Doi et al. (1997) FEBS Lett. 402, 177–180]. Here we established that the RNase H activity of the insertion mutants is correlated with their secondary structure contents evaluated by circular dichroism measurement at 222 nm. The random‐sequence insert of a mutant enzyme possessing relatively high RNase H activity was detached from the RNase HI scaffold, and its characterization indicated that the random‐sequence protein maintains its secondary structure after separation from the scaffold. Thus, the structural features of random‐sequence proteins were suggested to be monitored by measuring the activity of the scaffold enzyme into which these proteins have been inserted.
Enhancement of transcriptional activity of T7 RNA polymerase by guanidine hydrochloride
Authors: Das Mili , Dasgupta Dipak
Published: July 2002

T7 RNA polymerase shows an increase in processive transcription in the presence of low concentrations of guanidine hydrochloride (GdnCl) upto 60 mM, which is not observed when the enzyme is treated with urea. Higher concentrations of the denaturant lead to a progressive loss in the processive transcriptional activity of the enzyme. We have attempted to explain the above phenomenon in terms of the structural change in the enzyme. Fluorescence and CD studies suggest that the tertiary structure of the native enzyme undergoes an alteration upon addition of low concentration of guanidine hydrochloride. This is also indicated from the decreased susceptibility of the enzyme to limited proteolysis by trypsin.
An attempt to transform class characteristics within the alcohol dehydrogenase family
Authors: Hedberg Jesper J , Strömberg Patrik , Höög Jan-Olov
Published: July 2002

Human class I alcohol dehydrogenase was mutated at positions 57 and 115, exchanging for Asp and Arg respectively, in an attempt to introduce glutathione‐dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase characteristics. In addition, class III alcohol dehydrogenase, identical to glutathione‐dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase, was mutated at position 115, introducing Ser or Lys. The attempted class transformation was partly successful considering a higher affinity for 12‐hydroxydodecanoate and a lower affinity for ethanol that was monitored for the class I mutant. However, the class I mutant displayed neither glutathione‐dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase activity nor fatty acid activation of alcohol oxidation. Interestingly, both class III mutants showed reduced activities for S‐hydroxymethylglutathione and 12‐hydroxydodecanoate through increased K
m values. Overall results show that it is not possible, by single point mutations, to completely transform enzyme characteristics between these two classes of alcohol dehydrogenase.
The enhancing of a cysteine proteinase activity at acidic pH by protein engineering, the role of glutamic 50 in the enzyme mechanism of caricain
Authors: Ikeuchi Yoshihide , Katerelos Nikolaos A , Goodenough Peter W
Published: July 2002

Carica papaya produces four cysteine proteinases. Calculations show that the Cys25, His159 essential ion pair is fully ionised at pH 2.99, where activity cannot be detected, but apparently an additional ionisation with a pK
a of 4 is essential for activity (an electrostatic switch). Caricain (EC 3.4.22.30) wt and D158E genetic backgrounds were used to study the contribution of E50A to activity. E50 or E135 are candidates for the switch, E50A would be expected to reduce activity. However, activity increased at pH 5.0 in both backgrounds and at the pH optimum in D158E E50A but decreased slightly in the wt background. This challenges the hypothesis of an electrostatic switch.
Complete exon‐intron organization of the mouse fibulin‐1 gene and its comparison with the human fibulin‐1 gene
Authors: Pan Te-Cheng , Kostka Günter , Zhang Rui-Zhu , Timpl Rupert , Chu Mon-Li
Published: July 2002

Fibulin‐1 is a 90 kDa calcium‐binding protein present in the extracellular matrix and in the blood. Two major variants, C and D, differ in their C‐termini as well as the ability to bind the basement membrane protein nidogen. Here we characterized genomic clones encoding the mouse fibulin‐1 gene, which contains 18 exons spanning at least 75 kb of DNA. The two variants are generated by alternative splicing of exons in the 3′ end. By searching the database we identified most of the exons encoding the human fibulin‐1 gene and showed that its exon‐intron organization is similar to that of the mouse gene.
Role of ERK1/ERK2 and p70S6K pathway in insulin signalling of protein synthesis
Authors: Sale Elizabeth M. , Atkinson Peter P.G. , Arnott Caroline H. , Chad John E. , Sale Graham J.
Published: July 2002

The signalling pathways by which insulin triggers protein synthesis were studied using an antisense strategy to deplete ERK1/ERK2 and rapamycin to inhibit the p70S6K pathway. The results indicated that ERK1/ERK2 principally regulated the amount of the protein synthesis machinery available in the cell while the p70S6K pathway contributed to modulating its activation in response to insulin. ERK1/ERK2 also mediated in a small proportion of insulin‐stimulated protein synthesis which included the induction of c‐fos protein. When c‐fos induction was blocked the majority of insulin‐stimulated protein synthesis still occurred and thus did not require transcriptional regulation of c‐fos or its targets.
Aromatic ring cleavage of a non‐phenolic β‐O‐4 lignin model dimer by laccase of Trametes versicolor in the presence of 1‐hydroxybenzotriazole
Authors: Kawai Shingo , Nakagawa Makoto , Ohashi Hideo
Published: July 2002

The novel cleavage products, 2,3‐dihydroxy‐1‐(4‐ethoxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)‐1‐formyloxypropane (II) and 1‐(4‐ethoxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)‐1,2,3‐trihydroxypropane‐2,3‐cyclic carbonate (III) were identified as products of a non‐phenolic β‐O‐4 lignin model dimer, 1,3‐dihydroxy‐2‐(2,6‐dimethoxylphenoxy)‐1‐(4‐ethoxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)propane (I), by a Trametes versicolor laccase in the presence of 1‐hydroxybenzotriazole (1‐HBT). An isotopic experiment with a 13C‐labeled lignin model dimer, 1,3‐dihydroxy‐2‐(2,6‐[U‐ring‐13C]dimethoxyphenoxy)‐1‐(4‐ethoxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)propane (I‐13C) indicated that the formyl and carbonate carbons of products II and III were derived from the β‐phenoxy group of β‐O‐4 lignin model dimer I as aromatic ring cleavage fragments. These results show that the laccase‐1‐HBT couple could catalyze the aromatic ring cleavage of non‐phenolic β‐O‐4 lignin model dimer in addition to the β‐ether cleavage, Cα‐Cβ cleavage, and Cα‐oxidation.
Endometrial expression of cellular protooncogene c‐ski and its regulation by estradiol‐17β
Authors: Yamanouchi Keitaro , Soeta Chie , Harada Rie , Naito Kunihiko , Tojo Hideaki
Published: July 2002

The expression of the cellular protooncogene c‐ski was examined in the rat uterus. In situ hybridization revealed that c‐ski mRNA was expressed in the uterus of the adult rat on the day of estrous and localized mainly in the luminal and glandular epithelia. To test the possibility that the expression of c‐ski mRNA is induced by estrogen, rats were ovariectomized and estradiol‐17β (E2) was injected. The expression of c‐ski mRNA was upregulated 3 h after E2 treatment, reaching the highest level at 6 h and this persisted until 24 h; the E2‐induced expression of c‐ski mRNA was restricted to the luminal and glandular epithelia. These results suggest that the c‐ski gene plays a role in uterine epithelial cell proliferation and mediates the proliferative action of E2.
Activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase by the bradykinin B2 receptor is independent of receptor phosphorylation and phosphorylation‐triggered internalization
Authors: Blaukat Andree , Pizard Anne , Rajerison Rabary M. , Alhenc-Gelas François , Müller-Esterl Werner , Dikic Ivan
Published: July 2002

Recent evidence suggests that serine/threonine phosphorylation and internalization of β2‐adrenergic receptors play critical roles in signalling to the mitogen‐activated protein kinase cascade. To investigate whether this represents a general mechanism employed by G protein‐coupled receptors, we studied the requirement of these processes in the activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase by Gαq‐coupled bradykinin B2 receptors. Mutant B2 receptors impaired in receptor phosphorylation and internalization are fully capable to activate mitogen‐activated protein kinase. Bradykinin‐induced long‐term effects on mitogenic signalling monitored by measuring the transcriptional activity of Elk1 were identical in cells expressing the wild‐type or mutant B2 receptors. Therefore, G protein‐coupled bradykinin receptors activate the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway independently of receptor phosphorylation and internalization.
Oxysterols from oxidized LDL are cytotoxic but fail to induce hsp70 expression in endothelial cells
Authors: Pirillo Angela , Zhu Weimin , Roma Paola , Galli Giovanni , Caruso Donatella , Pellegatta Fabio , Catapano Alberico L.
Published: July 2002

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL) possesses several proatherogenic characteristics, among which a marked cytotoxicity. In vitro, cytotoxicity of OxLDL to endothelial cells is associated with an increase in the expression of the inducible form of heat shock protein 70 (hsp70), generally regarded as a cytoprotective protein. Oxidized derivatives of cholesterol which form upon LDL oxidation are cytotoxic. Moreover, most of the OxLDL cytotoxicity is due to its lipid moiety, in particular to oxysterols. In this report we demonstrate that although oxysterols identified in OxLDL are cytotoxic, they cannot trigger the increase in hsp70 expression observed with intact oxidized lipoproteins. We speculate therefore that oxysterols may represent the most toxic form of oxidized lipids in LDL because they cannot activate a rescue mechanism (i.e. the hsp response) and may contribute significantly to cell death within atherosclerotic plaques.
Nerve growth factor stimulates MAPK via the low affinity receptor p75LNTR
Authors: Susen Kathrin , Heumann Rolf , Blöchl Andrea
Published: July 2002

Apart from its high affinity receptor TrkA, nerve growth factor (NGF) can also stimulate the low affinity receptor p75LNTR and induce a Trk‐independent signaling cascade. We examined the possible involvement of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) in this signaling pathway in neuronal cultures of the cerebellum of P2‐aged rats and PCNA cells; both cell types express p75LNTR but not TrkA. We found a fast and transient phosphorylation of p42‐ and p44‐MAPK after stimulation with NGF or C2‐ceramide which proved to be sensitive to inhibition of MAPK kinase and protein kinase A (PKA). As stimulation with NGF also activated p21Ras it can be concluded that at least part of the observed MAPK activation was effected via p21Ras and via PKA.
A population‐based case‐control teratologic study of nalidixic acid
Authors: Czeizel A.E. , Sørensen H.T. , Rockenbauer M. , Olsen J.
Published: July 2002

Objective: Quinolones, mainly nalidixic acid, are frequently used in Hungary to treat bacterial infections in pregnant women, but so far no controlled epidemiological studies of congenital abnormalities among infants born to women treated with nalidixic acid during pregnancy have been reported. Methods: The analysis of oral nalidixic acid use during pregnancy in the mothers of cases with congenital abnormalities and in their matched population controls without congenital abnormality was carried out in the population‐based dataset of the Hungarian Case–Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities between 1980 and 1996. The study included 22 865 women who had newborns or fetuses with congenital abnormalities, and 38 151 pregnant women who had newborn infants without any defects (controls). Results: In the case group, 242 (1.1%) and in the control group, 377 (1.0%) pregnant women were treated with nalidixic acid (crude OR: 1.1 with 95% CI: 0.9–1.3). Seventeen different congenital abnormality groups were evaluated and a higher prevalence of pyloric stenosis was found in seven case infants born to mothers who received nalidixic acid treatment during the last months of pregnancy (adjusted OR: 11.0 with 95% CI: 1.3–91.4). Conclusions: Treatment with nalidixic acid during pregnancy may increase the risk of pyloric stenosis, though the chance effects cannot be excluded.
Ultrasound or ultrasound and hormonal determinations for in vitro fertilization monitoring
Authors: Murad N.M.
Published: July 2002

To compare pregnancy rate, cost effectiveness, patients effort, related stress, and the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) rate, between patients monitored for ovarian hyperstimulation using a combination of ultrasound and hormonal determination (combination protocol), in contrast to applying ultrasound only, in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF ET). Method: This study was carried out on a total of 206 patients who underwent ovarian hyperstimulation with human menopausal gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin (hMG/hCG) protocol. The first 110 patients were monitored every other day by ultrasound only protocol (Group I) while the next 96 patients were monitored daily by a combination protocol (Group II). The pregnancy rate, taking home baby rate, OHSS rate and total cost of monitoring for each patient in both groups were calculated and compared. The patients and the IVF team effort and stress were also compared. Result: Analysis of this study showed no statistical significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate and taking home baby rate between patients in protocol I and II (23.4% vs. 22.9%) and (14.8% vs. 14.3%), respectively. OHSS developed in only two patients — one in each group. The average cost of monitoring was significantly cheaper in Group I — 78 Jordanian dinars (JD) vs. 222 JD in Group II (P < 0.0001). (NB: 1 USD = 0.7 JD). Conclusion: Ultrasound monitoring only proved to be cheaper, more convenient and less time consuming for both the patients and the IVF team. However, no significant difference was found regarding the clinical pregnancy rate and taking home baby rate between the two protocols.
Maternal mortality due to violence
Authors: Rizzi R.G. , Ruiz Córdoba R. , Maguna J.J.
Published: July 2002

The objectives were to investigate the death of women by violent injuries, including induced abortion, in the Province of Córdoba, Argentina, 1992–1996 and to perform a bibliographic review on maternal death due to violence. Reports of autopsies of all violent deaths in women aged 12–44 years were reviewed to determine the cause of death for cases of suicide, homicide, accident or induced abortion and a bibliographic review was performed through MEDLINE. Two hundred and seventy two women died due to violence, including 22 which were due to complications of induced abortion. The remaining 250 deaths were: 44 (17.6%) by suicide, 51 (20.4%) by homicide and 155 (62%) by traffic accidents, including 6 pregnant women (2 died by suicide, 1 by homicide and 3 by accidents). Violence against women and pregnant women is a growing problem in developing countries. The implication of a simplified screening has been proposed to identify abuses against women, searching for frequency of abuse, its severity and to determine who provokes it.
Prevention of preterm delivery: nifedipine or magnesium sulfate
Authors: Haghighi L.
Published: July 2002

Objective: to establish the efficacy and safety of nifedipine and magnesium sulfate in arresting preterm labor. Method: seventy‐four patients with singleton pregnancies at 23–36 weeks in preterm labor, were selected randomly to receive either oral nifedipine or intravenous magnesium sulfate.Results: both drugs had similar tocolytic efficacy and side effects while nifedipine was faster than magnesium sulfate in arresting uterine contractions (4.8±4.23 vs. 2.98±3.03 h) P=0.04. Conclusion: this data suggests that oral nifedipine with the same efficacy, side effects and faster action could be a suitable and more convenient alternative to intravenous magnesium sulfate in arresting preterm labor.
Medical management of non‐viable early first trimester pregnancy
Authors: Autry A. , Jacobson G. , Sandhu R. , Isbill K.
Published: July 2002

Objective: To compare the efficacy of intramuscular methotrexate plus vaginal misoprostol to vaginal misoprostol alone in completing abortion in women with non‐viable early first trimester pregnancy. Method: Twenty‐one women with non‐viable pregnancy up to 49 days gestation were randomized to receive intramuscular methotrexate, followed 2 days later by vaginal misoprostol or misoprostol alone. We also collected patient satisfaction information. Result: Complete abortion occurred in all 12 (100%) women in the combined group and eight of nine (89%, RR=1.13, CI 0.89–1.42) women in the misoprostol only group. Of the women, 75% rated their experience as good and would choose medical management again. Conclusion: Either methotrexate plus misoprostol or misoprostol alone effectively completed abortion in women with non‐viable early pregnancy and represent acceptable medical alternatives to surgery or expectant management.
Effects of oophorectomy on functional properties of resistance arteries isolated from the cancellous bone of the rabbit femur
Authors: Hansen Vibeke B. , Forman Axel , Lundgaard Annette , Aalkjaer Christian , Skajaa Kristjar , Hansen Ebbe S.
Published: July 2002

Information is sparse concerning the effect of oophorectomy (OOX) on bone vascularization and blood flow of possible significance for altered remodeling. Whether OOX affects functional characteristics of isolated bone resistance arteries was investigated. Ring preparations (diameter ∼250 μm) of small femoral bone arteries from oophorectomized and sham‐operated rabbits were mounted on a myograph six weeks postoperatively. Cumulative concentration‐response curves were obtained for various agonists at a normalized lumen diameter. Oophorectomy did not significantly influence lumen diameter, maximal response to high potassium, or maximal response to high potassium and 10−5 M noradrenaline. However, OOX significantly increased the maximal response to noradrenaline (OOX 2.14 ± 0.36 N/m, Sham 1.25 ± 0.14 N/m) and endothelin‐1 (OOX 1.76 ± 0.32, Sham 0.95 ± 0.15) in meta‐physeal arteries. Moreover, the corresponding maximal active pressure for the agonists was significantly increased. OOX did not influence endothelial function assessed by the effects of acetylcholine or substance P. The functional responses of diaphyseal arteries were unaffected by OOX. The study demonstrates regional differences in the effects of OOX on small arteries of importance for control of vascular resistance in bone which suggests a relation between altered vascular function after ovarian hormonal withdrawal and the changes in bone turnover associated with osteoporosis. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Temporal characterization of microglia, II‐1β‐like immunoreactivity and astrocytes in the dentate gyrus of hippocampal organotypic slice cultures
Authors: Coltman Bertram W. , Ide Charles F.
Published: July 2002

These studies demonstrate that murine hippocampal slice cultures possess neural‐immune elements that show responses parallel to comparable in vivo models of neural‐immune activation. Using immunocytochemical techniques, this study characterized the phenotypes of specific glial elements and the expression of the cytokine, interleukin‐1 (IL‐1β), in the hippocampal dentate gyrus over a period of 10 days in vitro (DIV). Preparation of organotypic slice cultures of neonatal mouse hippocampus produced cellular damage including axotomy of afferent fibers within the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus. This form of lesion‐induced injury caused activation of neural‐immune elements in the slice cultures. Staining with the microglial specific, biotinylated Griffonia simplicifolia B4‐isolectin revealed reactive microglia were most prevalent at 2 DIV and decreased in number from 4 to 10 DIV, whereas the initial population of resting microglia at 2 DIV increased approximately four‐fold from 4 to 10 DIV. The presence of a round IL‐1β‐like immunophenotype closely paralleled the temporal and spatial distribution of the reactive form of microglia observed in the dentate gyrus. In addition, between 4 and 10 DIV, some IL‐1β‐like immunoreactive cells exhibited a stellate‐like morphology with numerous branching processes, similar to resting microglia. At 2 DIV, astrocytes showed minimal labeling with antibodies directed against glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), while from 4 to 10 DIV, a dramatic hypertrophic astrocytic response occurred, resulting in a gliotic scar forming over the entire dentate gyrus. We conclude that neural‐immune activation in the hippocampal organotypic slice culture preparation closely parallels similar responses observed in vivo and thus slice cultures represent an excellent model for further studies of neural‐immune interactions resulting from lesion‐induced injury in the central nervous system.
Different vascular patterns of medulloblastoma and supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors
Authors: Goldbrunner Roland H. , Pietsch Torsten , Vince Giles H. , Bernstein Jerald J. , Wagner Sven , Hageman Heather , Selby Dena M. , Krauss Juergen , Soerensen Nils , Tonn Jörg‐Christian
Published: July 2002

Astrocytoma vasculature patterns differ according to histological grade of malignancy with glioblastoma multiforme (WHO grade IV) showing most extensive endothelial proliferation. Here, we determined whether the vascular patterns of medulloblastoma and supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs), which can be hardly distinguished histopathologically, differ. We evaluated the spatial organization of vessels in medulloblastomas and PNETs using antibodies to von Willebrand factor (vWF) and CD34. Medulloblastoma capillaries showed slight endothelial cell hyperplasia. Microvessels sprouted from the capillaries and formed glomeruloid clusters. There were areas with chains of unopposed endothelial cells (3–10 cells). Supratentorial PNETs had highly branched capillaries with extensive endothelial cell hyperplasia. Glomeruloid arrays of microvessels extended from the capillaries. Small fragments of endothelial tubes were scattered throughout the tumor. Therefore, medulloblastomas and supratentorial PNETs showed different spatial organization of tumor vessels which can be used for differentiation of each tumor entity. These vascular patterns may reflect different tumor derived angiogenic stimuli.
Preferences for treatment during a first psychotic episode
Authors: de Haan L. , van Raaij B. , van den Berg R. , Jager M. , Houweling P. , Stockmann M. , Delsing P. , Linszen D. , Peters B. , Wouters L.
Published: July 2002

Psychiatric services providing care for patients and their families confronted with a first psychotic episode need to be sensitive towards patients’ and families’ preferences. Ten patients, ten family members and ten professional caregivers composed a list of 42 preferences in the treatment for a first psychotic episode. In total 99 patients, 100 family members and 263 professional caregivers evaluated these preferences, thus producing an order of priorities. There appears to be considerable agreement among the groups of respondents regarding their top ten priorities, especially concerning information on diagnosis and medication. However, we found important differences between groups of respondents. The results suggest that in psychiatric services great attention should be given to psycho-education and early outpatient intervention.
Implications of Epidemiological Findings for the Management of Mental Disorders Encountered in Primary Care Settings
Authors: Goldberg D
Published: July 2002

Recent epidemiological surveys that have attempted to include the need for treatment of mental disorders are reviewed, and it is concluded that the greatest unmet need is for those with non-psychotic disorders. Recent studies on factors that influence the natural history of such disorders reveal that these are largely social and environmental; one study suggests that genetic factors are only important in the group that have longer time courses. Those factors within the medical encounter that produce better outcomes are reviewed, and non-specific factors and supportive therapy are found to be important. Some additional advantages are to be obtained with specific antidepressant treatments (either pharmacological or problem-solving) and with re-attribution skills for psychologically determined somatic symptoms. The implications of these findings are discussed from the standpoint of the primary care team, the community mental health team and self-help materials.
Sterilisation and sexuality in the mentally handicapped
Authors: Giami A
Published: July 2002

This article analyses the historical and psychosocial background of the sterilisation of mentally handicapped individuals in France and investigates the relationship between their sexuality and their sterilisation. Sterilisation of the mentally handicapped has been used as a method for controlling their sexual activity. The processes and situations leading to the sterilisation of the mentally handicapped are described and discussed.
A stochastic model of superstardom: evidence from institutional investor's All‐American Research Team
Authors: Cox Raymond A.K. , Kleiman Robert T.
Published: July 2002

In this paper, we investigate the superstar phenomenon in the security analysis industry through an analysis of the probabilistic mechanism by which security analysts are selected for inclusion in Institutional Investor's All‐American Research Team (II AART). Specifically, we examine whether the statistical distribution of the number of first team appearances by security analysts conforms to the Yule distribution, which implies that luck rather than differential talent explains success. This is an important issue since an analyst's position on the AART is an important determinant of the individual's pay and reputation. Our research results reject the Yule distribution. Thus, consistent with previous empirical studies by Stickel [Stickel, S. E. (1992). Reputation and performance among security analysis. J Finance 47, 1811–1836; Stickel, S. E. (1995). The anatomy of the performance of buy/sell recommendations. Financ Anal J 51, 25–39] and Brown and Chen [Brown, L. D., & Chen, D.M. (1991). How good is the All‐American Research Team in forecasting earnings. J Bus Forecast 9, 14–18], we find that selection to the AART can be attributed to skill rather than luck.
FINDINGS FROM THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF NURSE‐MIDWIVES‘ ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP SURVEY, 1995–1999
Authors: Kovner Christine Tassone , Burkhardt Patricia
Published: July 2002

American College of Nurse‐Midwives (ACNM) membership data collected from 1995–1999 offer a description of the evolution of the profession of midwifery, as shown in the characteristics of certified nurse‐midwives and certified midwives, including basic demographics, practice characteristics, and employment components. During the period studied, slight increases were noted in age, number of years in practice, salary, and education level. Although the overall proportion of midwives of color did not change appreciably during the 5‐year period, the absolute numbers of culturally diverse midwives increased. Student midwives were found to be younger and more culturally diverse than they were in the early 1990s. Data about midwifery practice provide valuable information to health care managers, educators, policy makers, legislators, and professional organizations, which may guide allocation of resources and reflect how members of the professions can influence access to health care for women and their families.