bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycogen synthase kinase 3β is identical to tau protein kinase I generating several epitopes of paired helical filaments
Authors: Ishiguro Koichi , Shiratsuchi Akiko , Sato Showbu , Omori Akira , Arioka Manabu , Kobayashi Shunsuke , Uchida Tsuneko , Imahori Kazutomo
Published: July 2002

We previously reported that tau protein kinase I (TPKI) induced normal tau protein into a state of paired helical filaments (PHF); this is further confirmed here by immunoblot analysis using several antibodies. We also present the amino acid sequence of TPKI, which is identical to glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). Moreover, we found that TPKI activity was inseparable from GSK3 activity throughout the purification procedure. These results indicate that TPKI is identical to GSK3β.
Novel antimicrobial peptides from skin secretion of the European frog Rana esculenta
Authors: Simmaco Maurizio , Mignogna Giuseppina , Barra Donatella , Bossa Francesco
Published: July 2002

Three antimicrobial peptides were isolated from skin secretion of the European frog, Rana esculenta. Two of them show similarity to brevinin‐1 and brevinin‐2, respectively, two antimicrobial peptides recently isolated from a Japanese frog [Morikawa, N., Hagiwara, K. and Nakajima, T. (1992) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 189, 184‐190]. The third one, named esculentin, is 46 residues long and represents a different type of peptide. All these peptides have as a common motif an intramolecular disulfide bridge located at the COOH‐terminal end. The peptides from R. esculenta show distinctive antibacterial activity against representative Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacterial species. In particular, esculentin is the most active against Staphylococcus aureus, and has a much lower hemolytic activity.
Characterisation of a chimeric hD3/D2 dopamine receptor expressed in CHO cells
Authors: McAllister George , Knowles Michael R. , Patel Shil , Marwood Rosemarie , Emms Frances , Seabrook Guy R. , Graziano Michael , Borkowski Doreen , Hey Patricia J. , Freedman Stephen B.
Published: July 2002

The D2 dopamine receptor is known to be functionally coupled when expressed in CHO cells, whereas the effector systems for the D3, dopamine receptor remain unclear. A chimeric, human D3/D2 receptor (hD3/D2) was constructed containing the third intracellular loop region of the D2 receptor. CHO cells stably expressing the D2, D3, or hD3/D2 receptors were created and the pharmacology of the receptors was examined. The chimeric hD3/D2 receptor retained D3‐like affinities for dopaminergic ligands. However, in contrast to the D2 receptor neither the D3 receptor nor the hD3/D2 receptor could functionally couple to the adenylate cyclase or arachidonic acid release mechanisms.
Isolation, characterization and partial sequencing of Pregnancy Associated Mouse Protein PAMP1 identifies it as a novel female specific protein, unrelated to the α‐2‐macroglobulin family of proteinase inhibitors
Authors: Van Leuven Fred , Torrekens Sophie , Van den Berghe Herman
Published: July 2002

Pregnancy Associated Mouse Protein 1 (PAMP1) was isolated from plasma of female mice. An antiserum raised against the purified protein confirmed its immunochemical identity with the originally described PAMP1. Pregnant females were observed to have plasma levels of PAMP1 that are increased two‐fold at day 10–13 of gestation relative to non‐pregnant females, while male mouse plasma did not contain PAMP1. The purified protein displayed an apparent subunit molecular mass of 70 kDa, irrespective of cystine reduction. The native molecular mass, estimated by gel‐filtration, was about 140 kDa, indicating that PAMP1 is circulating as a non‐covalent homodimer. The amino‐terminal sequence of the intact protein and the internal sequences of four cyanogen bromide fragments demonstrated that this protein is not related to any known member of the α‐2‐macroglobulin family nor to any protein in the sequence databases. The physicochemical and the sequence data thus establish this protein as a novel, female‐specific protein, but unrelated to the Macroglobulin proteinase inhibitor family.
A comment on the absence of calcium regulation of human thioredoxin reductase
Authors: Oblong John E. , Powis Garth
Published: July 2002

It has been previously suggested that human thioredoxin reductase activity is regulated by calcium. However, the activity of a purified form of human placental thioredoxin reductase was found to not be affected by mM concentrations of calcium, well above intra‐ and extracellular physiological levels. Furthermore, the suggestion that an E‐F hand is present in Escherichia coli thioredoxin reductase is strongly contested. These current results suggest that human thioredoxin reductase is not regulated by calcium.
HIV‐1 gp120‐dependent induction of apoptosis in antigen‐specific human T cell clones is characterized by ‘tissue’ transglutaminase expression and prevented by cyclosporin A
Authors: Amendola Alessandra , Lombardi Giovanna , Oliverio Serafina , Colizzi Vittorio , Piacentini Mauro
Published: July 2002

We investigated the effect of cyclosporin (CsA) on HIV‐gpl20‐dependent induction of cell death by apoptosis of human T cell clones specific for influenza virus haemagglutinin and restricted by HLA‐DR1. Preincubation of the clones with gp120 induced a large inhibition of their proliferation which was paralleled by the induction of apoptosis. Exposure to the specific antigen alone was able to trigger apoptosis in a significant fraction of cells, this effect was potentiated by pretreatment with gp120. Apoptosis was characterized by the typical morphological changes and by the expression of ‘tissue’ Transglutaminase (tTG), one of the few characterized effector elements of programmed cell death. Interestingly, the tTG protein induction was detectable within the first 24 hours following the gp120 treatment and preceded the appearance of the typical apoptotic phenotype. Noteworthy, CsA treatment prevented the gp120‐dependent induction ofapoptosis by blocking the activation of the Ca2+‐dependent effector elements such as tTG.
Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate inhibits actin nucleation and pseudopodium formation to control cell motility of mouse melanoma cells
Authors: Yamamura Soichiro , Sadahira Yoshito , Ruan Fuqiang , Hakomori Sen-itiroh , Igarashi Yasuyuki
Published: July 2002

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (Sph‐1‐P), the initial product of sphingosine (Sph) catabolism, has been reported to inhibit motility of mouse melanoma B16/F1 and other types of cells at very low concentrations (10–100 nM). Sph‐1‐P (100 nM–1 μM) inhibited pseudopodium formation by blocking polymerization and reorganization of actin filaments in newly formed pseudopodia, and reduced F‐actin by ∼ 25% in F1 cells. A pyrene‐labeled actin nucleation assay revealed that Sph‐1‐P (100 nM) inhibits actin nucleation mediated by F1 cell plasma membranes. These results suggest that Sph‐1‐P interacts with molecules associated with actin nucleation to inhibit reorganization of pseudopodium formation and cell motility.
NB‐506, an indolocarbazole topoisomerase I inhibitor, binds preferentially to triplex DNA
Authors: Ren Jinsong , Bailly Christian , Chaires Jonathan B.
Published: July 2002

A novel competition dialysis method was used to study the structural selectivity of the nucleic acid binding of NB‐506, a promising indolocarbazole anticancer agent. A pronounced preference for NB‐506 binding to the DNA triplex poly [dA]:(poly[dT])2 was observed among potential binding to 12 different nucleic acid structures and sequences. Structures included in the assay ranged from single‐stranded DNA, through a variety of right‐handed DNA duplexes, to multistranded triplex and tetraplex forms. RNA and left‐handed Z DNA were also included in the assay. The preferential binding to triplex was confirmed by UV melting experiments. The novel and unexpected structural selectivity shown by NB‐506 may arise from a complementary shape between its extended aromatic ring system and the planar triplex stack.
Chloroplast development in Arabidopsis thaliana requires the nuclear‐encoded transcription factor Sigma B
Authors: Shirano Yumiko , Shimada Hiroshi , Kanamaru Kengo , Fujiwara Makoto , Tanaka Kan , Takahashi Hideo , Unno Kazutoshi , Sato Shuusei , Tabata Satoshi , Hayashi Hiroaki , Miyake Chikahiro , Yokota Akiho , Shibata Daisuke
Published: July 2002

Development of plastids into chloroplasts, the organelles of photosynthesis, is triggered by light. However, little is known of the factors involved in the complex coordination of light‐induced plastid gene expression, which must be directed by both nuclear and plastid genomes. We have isolated an Arabidopsis mutant, abc1, with impaired chloroplast development, which results in a pale green leaf phenotype. The mutated nuclear gene encodes a sigma factor, SigB, presumably for the eubacterial‐like plastid RNA polymerase. Our results provide direct evidence that a nuclear‐derived prokaryotic‐like SigB protein, plays a critical role in the coordination of the two genomes for chloroplast development.
Amyloid‐like fibrils from an 18‐residue peptide analogue of a part of the central domain of the B‐family of silkmoth chorion proteins
Authors: Iconomidou Vassiliki A. , Chryssikos Georgios D. , Gionis Vassilis , Vriend Gert , Hoenger Andreas , Hamodrakas Stavros J.
Published: July 2002

Chorion is the major component of silkmoth eggshell. More than 95% of its dry mass consists of the A and B families of low molecular weight structural proteins, which have remarkable mechanical and chemical properties, and protect the oocyte and the developing embryo from the environment. We present data from negative staining, Congo red binding, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform‐Raman, attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy and modelling studies of a synthetic peptide analogue of a part of the central domain of the B family of silkmoth chorion proteins, indicating that this peptide folds and self‐assembles, forming amyloid‐like fibrils. These results support further our proposal, based on experimental data from a synthetic peptide analogue of the central domain of the A family of chorion proteins, that silkmoth chorion is a natural, protective amyloid [Iconomidou et al., FEBS Lett. 479 (2000) 141–145].
Regulation of intracellular chloride concentration in rat lactotrophs: possible role of mitochondria
Authors: Garcia L , Rigoulet M , Georgescauld D , Dufy B , Sartor P
Published: July 2002

Increasing evidence is accumulating for the involvement of chloride ions in the stimulus‐secretion coupling of pituitary cells. We show that the mean intracellular chloride concentration [Cl−]i of rat lactotroph cells maintained in culture is high, close to 60 mM (59.4 mM), using the Cl−sensitive fluorescent probe 6‐methoxy‐N‐(3‐sulfopropyl) quinolinium (SPQ), coupled with whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings. We demonstrate that this high level is correlated with the presence of mitochondrial stores of Cl−as shown by the release of Cl−in response to various metabolic inhibitors. We determine that CCP (50 μM) induces a mean [Cl−]i increase of 15.8±5.8 mM, using combined electrophysiology and microspectrofluorimetry methods. These data strongly suggest that cell metabolism, including the mitochondrial function, modulate [Cl−]i.
Contributions of cloned type I interferon receptor subunits to differential ligand binding1
Authors: Cutrone Elizabeth Cali , Langer Jerome A
Published: July 2002

© 1997 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.
Fatty acids induced uncoupling of Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondria requires an intact ADP/ATP carrier
Authors: Polčic Peter , Šabová Łudmila , Kolarov Jordan
Published: July 2002

Fatty acids stimulate the oxidation rate of mitochondria isolated from the wild‐type Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but do not affect significantly the respiration of mitochondria isolated from mutants, in which the ADP/ATP carrier (AAC) was either modified (R96H) or deleted (Δaac2). Similarly as in mammalian mitochondria, the transmembrane electrical potential difference (Δψ) in the wild‐type yeast mitochondria was dissipated by low concentrations of free fatty acids, and this was partially inhibited by bongkrecate. In contrast to the wild‐type mitochondria, the addition of increasing concentrations of fatty acids to the op1 (R96H) mutant mitochondria abolished only a small portion of Δψ, as compared to the change induced by classical uncouplers. The different effects of fatty acids on both, the respiration and the Δψ of mitochondria isolated from the wild‐type and the aac mutants, respectively, demonstrates that the intact AAC is essential for the fatty acids induced H+ permeability of mitochondrial membrane.
Dramatic enhancement of the catalytic activity of coagulation factor IXa by alcohols
Authors: Stürzebecher Jörg , Kopetzki Erhard , Bode Wolfram , Hopfner Karl-Peter
Published: July 2002

The coagulation factor IXa (FIXa) exhibits a very weak proteolytic activity towards natural or synthetic substrates. Upon complex formation with its cofactor FVIIIa and Ca2+‐mediated binding to phospholipid membranes, FIXa becomes a very potent activator of FX. The presence of FVIIIa has no effect on the cleavage of peptide substrates by FIXa, however. We found that several alcohols dramatically enhance the catalytic activity of human FIXa towards synthetic substrates. Substrates with the tripeptidyl moiety R–d‐Xxx–Gly–Arg are especially susceptible to the enhanced FIXa catalysis. Maximal increase up to 20‐fold has been measured in the presence of ethylene glycol. We suggest that alcohols modify the conformation of FIXa rendering the active‐site cleft more easily accessible to tripeptide substrates with a hydrophobic residue in the P3‐position.
Impaired expression of transcription factor IUF1 in a pancreatic β‐cell line derived from a patient with persistent hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia of infancy (nesidioblastosis)
Authors: Macfarlane Wendy M , Cragg Helen , Docherty Hilary M , Read Martin L , James Roger F.L , Aynsley-Green Albert , Docherty Kevin
Published: July 2002

Persistent hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia of infancy (PHHI), or nesidioblastosis, is a rare disorder which may be familial or sporadic, and which is characterized by unregulated secretion of insulin and profound hypoglycaemia in the neonate. The defect has been linked in some patients to mutations in the sulphonyl urea receptor gene (SUR). The present study investigated potential defects in the regulation of the insulin gene by glucose in a β‐cell line (NES 2Y) derived from a patient with PHHI. The results show that the insulin promoter is unresponsive to glucose in PHHI, and that this defect can be attributed to impaired expression of the transcription factor IUF1. Because IUF1 is involved not only in linking glucose metabolism to the control of the insulin, but is also a major regulator of β‐cell differentiation during embryogenesis, we propose that impaired expression of IUF1 contributes to β‐cell dysfunction in PHHI by leading to abnormal β‐cell differentiation.
Recombinant full‐length murine prion protein, mPrP(23–231): purification and spectroscopic characterization
Authors: Hornemann Simone , Korth Carsten , Oesch Bruno , Riek Roland , Wider Gerhard , Wüthrich Kurt , Glockshuber Rudi
Published: July 2002

The cellular prion protein of the mouse, mPrPC, consists of 208 amino acids (residues 23–231). It contains a carboxy‐terminal domain, mPrP(121–231), which represents an autonomous folding unit with three α‐helices and a two‐stranded antiparallel β‐sheet. We expressed the complete amino acid sequence of the prion protein, mPrP(23–231), in the cytoplasm of Escherichia coli. mPrP(23–231) was solubilized from inclusion bodies by 8 M urea, oxidatively refolded and purified to homogeneity by conventional chromatographic techniques. Comparison of near‐UV circular dichroism, fluorescence and one‐dimensional 1H‐NMR spectra of mPrP(23–231) and mPrP(121–231) shows that the amino‐terminal segment 23–120, which includes the five characteristic octapeptide repeats, does not contribute measurably to the manifestation of three‐dimensional structure as detected by these techniques, indicating that the residues 121–231 might be the only polypeptide segment of PrPC with a defined three‐dimensional structure.
Cytotoxicity of spin trapping compounds
Authors: Haseloff Reiner F , Mertsch Katharina , Rohde Elvira , Baeger Ingo , Grigor'ev Igor A , Blasig Ingolf E
Published: July 2002

Spin trapping compounds are used frequently to detect free radicals released by cells. Their cytotoxicity has to be considered in order to prevent perturbations of normal cell growth and viability. Eleven spin traps (eight nitrones and three nitroso traps) have been tested for their effects on bovine aortic endothelial cells (toxicity range, 50% survival rate). The lowest cytotoxicity was found for 5,5‐dimethylpyrroline‐1‐oxide and 2,2,4‐trimethyl‐2H‐imidazole‐1‐oxide whereas nitrosobenzene and 2‐methyl‐2‐nitrosopropane exerted the strongest cytotoxic effects. In addition, three nitronyl nitroxides were tested. Their cytotoxicity was found to be dependent on substitution, and the toxic concentration of a lipophilic derivative was found to be more than two orders lower as compared to a hydrophilic derivative. The results of this study indicate that most spin traps can be used in cell cultures at customary (i.e. millimolar) concentrations; caution is recommended when nitroso spin traps are applied to cells.
Dexamethasone stimulates the expression of GLUT1 and GLUT4 proteins via different signalling pathways in L6 skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Ewart H.Stephen , Somwar Romel , Klip Amira
Published: July 2002

It was recently demonstrated that dexamethasone treatment of L6 skeletal muscle cells resulted in an elevation of GLUT1 protein. However, the level of GLUT4 protein under these conditions was not examined. In addition, the signalling mechanism(s) leading to dexamethasone‐induced expression of GLUT1 protein was not investigated. In the present study we investigated the effect of dexamethasone on the expression of GLUT1 and GLUT4 proteins in differentiated L6 muscle cells and the signalling mechanism(s) via which dexamethasone may act. Dexamethasone (300 nM) treatment for 24 h elevated GLUT1 and GLUT4 proteins by 68% and 94%, respectively, above control levels. These increases were due to de novo synthesis as shown by metabolic labelling with [35S]methionine. Incubation of cells with 100 nM wortmannin or 30 ng/ml rapamycin prevented the dexamethasone‐stimulated elevation of GLUT1 protein. In contrast, neither of these inhibitors affected the elevation of GLUT4 protein by dexamethasone. Furthermore, dexamethasone down‐regulated insulin receptor substrate‐1 protein content by 42% and insulin‐induced tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate‐1 by 28%. The p70 ribosomal S6 kinase was not activated by dexamethasone and instead, dexamethasone attenuated the stimulation of this enzyme activity by insulin. These results suggest that dexamethasone induces the expression of GLUT1 and GLUT4 protein by independent signalling mechanisms with a concomitant depression of intracellular signalling by insulin.
Identification of a new intermediate state that binds but not activates transducin in the bleaching process of bovine rhodopsin
Authors: Tachibanaki Shuji , Imai Hiroo , Terakita Akihisa , Shichida Yoshinori
Published: July 2002

Using time‐resolved low‐temperature spectroscopy, we have examined whether or not bovine rhodopsin has a unique transducin‐binding state, meta Ib, previously detected from chicken rhodopsin. Unlike chicken meta Ib, bovine meta Ibwas detected only by detailed kinetics analysis of the bleaching process, but it was stabilized by transducin and visualized in the observed spectral changes. From the effect of GTPγS, it was revealed that meta Ibinduced no GDP‐GTP exchange reaction in transducin. Thus meta Ibis a common intermediate of vertebrate rhodopsin and transducin is activated in two steps by meta Iband meta II.
The X‐ray structure of a divergent cyclophilin from the nematode parasite Brugia malayi
Authors: Taylor Paul , Page Antony P , Kontopidis George , Husi Holger , Walkinshaw Malcolm D
Published: July 2002

A structure of residues 1–177 of the cyclophilin domain of a large divergent cyclophilin from the filarial nematode parasite Brugia malayi has been crystallised and solved in two different crystal forms. The active site has a similar structure to that of human cyclophilin A. Two of the 13 residues important in forming the human cyclophilin A/cyclosporin A complex are altered in the B. malayi cyclophilin and explain the relatively poor inhibition of peptidyl prolyl isomerase activity by cyclosporin A.
Rat dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) exhibits endopeptidase activity with specificity for denatured fibrillar collagens
Authors: Bermpohl Felix , Löster Klemens , Reutter Werner , Baum Oliver
Published: July 2002

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV, CD 26) is an integral membrane serine protease exhibiting a well characterized exopeptidase activity. The present study shows that DPP IV also possesses a novel gelatinase activity and therefore endopeptidase activity, which was directly demonstrated by gelatin zymography. Protease inhibitor profile analysis showed that the endo‐ and exopeptidase activities of DPP IV share a common active site. Substrate specificity was detected for denatured collagen types I, II, III and V suggesting that DPP IV might contribute to collagen trimming and metabolism. On the basis of these data we propose that DPP IV and the recently sequenced gelatinolytic seprase (FAPα) represent a new subfamily of gelatinolytic integral membrane serine proteases.
Temperature/light dependent development of selective resistance to photoinhibition of photosystem I
Authors: Ivanov A.G , Morgan R.M , Gray G.R , Velitchkova M.Y , Huner N.P.A
Published: July 2002

Exposure of winter rye leaves grown at 20°C and an irradiance of either 50 or 250 μmol m−2s−1to high light stress (1600 μmol m−2s−1, 4 h) at 5°C resulted in photoinhibition of PSI measured in vivo as a 34% and 31% decrease in ΔA820/A820(P700+). The same effect was registered in plants grown at 5°C and 50 μmol m−2s−1. This was accompanied by a parallel degradation of the PsaA/PsaB heterodimer, increase of the intersystem e−pool size as well as inhibition of PSII photochemistry measured as Fv/Fm. Surprisingly, plants acclimated to high light (800 μmol m−2s−1) or to 5°C and moderate light (250 μmol m−2s−1) were fully resistant to photoinhibition of PSI and did not exhibit any measurable changes at the level of PSI heterodimer abundance and intersystem e−pool size, although PSII photochemistry was reduced to 66% and 64% respectively. Thus, we show for the first time that PSI, unlike PSII, becomes completely resistant to photoinhibition when plants are acclimated to either 20°C/800 μmol m−2s−1or 5°C/250 μmol m−2s−1as a response to growth at elevated excitation pressure. The role of temperature/light dependent acclimation in the induction of selective tolerance to PSI photoinactivation is discussed.
Operation of glyoxylate cycle in halophilic archaea: presence of malate synthase and isocitrate lyase inHaloferax volcanii
Authors: Serrano Juan Antonio , Camacho Mónica , Bonete Maria José
Published: July 2002

The occurrence of the glyoxylate cycle has not previously been demonstrated in any of the Archaea. In halophilic archaea, only isocitrate lyase activity has been detected. The halophilic archaeonHaloferax volcaniiwas tested for the presence of the other key enzyme of this pathway, malate synthase. High activities of this enzyme were detected when the carbon source was acetate. Both glyoxylate cycle key enzymes, isocitrate lyase and malate synthase, fromHf.volcaniiwere purified and characterized.
Tetrahydrobiopterin‐dependent stabilization of neuronal nitric oxide synthase dimer reduces susceptibility to phosphorylation by protein kinase C in vitro
Authors: Okada Daisuke
Published: July 2002

Binding of (6R)‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐l‐biopterin (H4B) stabilizes the homodimeric structure of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). In the present study, low‐temperature sodium dodecylsulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed differential susceptibility of stabilized and non‐stabilized dimers to in vitro phosphorylation by protein kinase C. Protein kinase C preferentially phosphorylated the non‐stabilized dimer. Although a low extent of phosphorylation was detected in the stabilized dimer, most of it was estimated to be due to phosphorylation of the dimer before its stabilization. Phosphorylation did not affect the stabilizing effect of H4B. These results indicate that H4B‐dependent dimer stabilization prevents nNOS from protein kinase C‐dependent phosphorylation in vitro.
Liposome oligomannose‐coated with neoglycolipid, a new candidate for a safe adjuvant for induction of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes
Authors: Fukasawa Masashi , Shimizu Yoshitaka , Shikata Kohdoh , Nakata Munehiro , Sakakibara Ryuzo , Yamamoto Naoki , Hatanaka Masakazu , Mizuochi Tsuguo
Published: July 2002

The cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response has recently been shown to play a role in protection against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and it is therefore thought that a vaccine against HIV must be able to elicit a CTL response. The development of a safe, effective adjuvant is very important because alum, the only adjuvant available for use in humans at present, can barely induce a response of this type. We demonstrate here that liposomes that contain an immunodominant peptide (15 amino acids) of the envelope glycoprotein gp120 of HIV‐1 and that are coated with mannopentaose‐dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine conjugate induce a major histocompatibility complex class I‐restricted CD8+ CTL response in mice with a single subcutaneous immunization, whereas non‐coated liposomes do not. Since no damage to the skin at the injection site was caused by the liposomes, and since the oligomannose‐coated liposomes consist of innocuous materials ubiquitously distributed throughout the human body, they may be highly suitable for use as a safe adjuvant in vaccines inducing a CTL response against HIV.
Determination of the distance between Yox⋅Z and Q−⋅A in photosystem II by pulsed EPR spectroscopy on light‐induced radical pairs
Authors: Zech Stephan G. , Kurreck Jens , Renger Gernot , Lubitz Wolfgang , Bittl Robert
Published: July 2002

Out‐of‐phase electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) spectroscopy was used to determine the distances within two consecutive radical pair states initiated by a laser flash in photosystem II membrane fragments at pH 11. The distance between the spin density centers of the primary electron donor cation radical, P+⋅
680, and the reduced plastoquinone acceptor, Q−⋅
A, has been found to be 27.7±0.7 Å in agreement with previous results. Near room temperature and at high pH, P+⋅
680 is reduced by YZ, a redox active tyrosine residue, on a sub‐microsecond timescale. As a consequence, the subsequent radical pair state, Yox⋅
ZQ−⋅
A, could be investigated after almost complete reduction of P+⋅
680 by YZ. The determined dipolar electronic spin‐spin coupling within the radical pair Yox⋅
ZQ−⋅
A corresponds to a distance of 34±1 Å between the two molecules.
Ethanol rapidly inhibits IL‐6‐activated STAT3 and C/EBP mRNA expression in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes
Authors: Chen Jianping , Kunos George , Gao Bin
Published: July 2002

The ability of ethanol to inhibit regenerative processes in the liver is thought to play a key role in the development of alcoholic liver disease. To understand the underlying mechanisms, we investigated the effects of ethanol on the Janus kinase‐signal transducer and activator transcription factor (JAK‐STAT) signaling pathways in hepatocytes. Treatment of freshly isolated adult rat hepatocytes with 10–100 mM ethanol rapidly (<3 min) inhibits interleukin‐6 (IL‐6)‐induced STAT3 activation, tyrosine and serine phosphorylation and IL‐6‐induced CCAAT enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) α and β mRNA expression. Western analyses, in vitro kinase assays and in vivo cell labelling assays indicate that this inhibitory effect is not due to blocking the upstream‐located JAK1, JAK2 or Tyk2 activation. On the contrary, acute ethanol exposure significantly potentiates IL‐6‐induced JAK1 autophosphorylation in vitro and in vivo. Pretreatment with sodium vanadate, a non‐selective tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, or with MG132 and lactacystin, proteasome inhibitors, does not abolish the ethanol inhibition of IL‐6‐induced STAT3 activation, suggesting that activation of protein tyrosine phosphatases or the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway is not involved. In view of the critical role of IL‐6 signaling in liver regeneration, these findings suggest that the ability of biologically relevant concentrations of ethanol to markedly inhibit IL‐6‐induced STAT3 phosphorylation is one of the cellular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis and progression of alcoholic liver diseases.
Nuclear transport of photosensitizers during photosensitization and oxidative stress
Authors: Patito Ifat Amit , Rothmann Chana , Malik Zvi
Published: July 2002

Summry— The nuclear transport pathways of the photosensitizers meso‐tetra(4‐sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS4) and meso‐tetra(4‐N‐methylpyridyl)porphyrin (TMPyP) during photosensitization and oxidative stress were characterized in CT‐26 murine colon carcinoma cells using fluorescence microscopy and multi‐pixel spectral imaging. Prior to irradiation, TPPS4 and TMPyP localized mainly in the lysosomes, while irradiation or H2O2 treatment induced a relocalization into the nucleus and nucleoli. Flow cytometry analysis of isolated nuclei from the treated cells showed an increase in nuclear fluorescence accompanying the relocalization. Isolation and separation of the nuclear proteins according to molecular weight was performed using a sephadex G‐100 column. The protein fractions exhibiting high fluorescence were separated by high performance liquid chromatography. Five major classes of proteins with a retention time of 1, 7, 11, 12 and 15 min were obtained. Each photosensitizer was associated with a distinct class of proteins. While TPPS4 fluorescence was detected in the protein fraction with a retention time of 11 min, TMPyP fluorescence was associated with a protein fraction having a retention time of 7 min. We conclude that although oxidative stress triggers entry into the nucleus of both TPPS4 and TMPyP, each sensitizer uses a distinct transport mechanism based on its chemical properties.
An analysis of process industry production and inventory management systems
Authors: Dennis Daina R , Meredith Jack R
Published: July 2002

The process industries — those firms that add value by mixing, separating, forming and/or chemical reactions by either batch or continuous mode — continue to lag behind the discrete industries in the identification and implementation of effective production and inventory management (P&IM) techniques. A contributing factor is that the process industries have traditionally been lumped together and contrasted from the discrete industries as a whole, thus leading to misunderstandings regarding individual process industries. From site interviews and the literature, we identified four critical dimensions — planning resource requirements (for materials and capacity), tracking resource consumption, control of work‐in‐process (WIP), and degree of computerization — represented by seven variables by which to contrast and analyze process industries. Based on in‐depth field studies of 19 diverse process plants, we find that there exist at least four distinct types of process industry P&IM systems: (1) simple, (2) common, (3) WIP‐controlled, and (4) computerized.
The evaluation of a rat model for the analysis of densitometric and biomechanical properties of tumor‐induced osteolysis
Authors: Kurth Andreas H. A. , Wang Conrad , Hayes Wilson C. , Shea Marie
Published: July 2002

Pathologic fractures from a reduction in bone mass and strength are a debilitating complication affecting the quality of life of individuals with metastatic lesions. There are a number of existing animal models for studying the effects of bone metastases experimentally, but these models are unsuitable for measuring structural changes in metastatic bone. Our goal was to present an in vivo model for directly investigating the densitometric and structural consequences of tumor‐induced osteolysis in long bones. One femur from female Sprague Dawley rats was implanted with Walker Carcinosarcoma 256 malignant breast cancer cells or with a Sham implant. After 28 days, the animals were killed, and both femora of each animal evaluated using histomorphometry, densitometry, and mechanical testing. Compared to Sham‐operated controls, we found an 11% decrease in bone mineral content, a 9% decrease in bone mineral density using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry, and a 16% decrease in bone density using peripheral quantitative computed tomography in the group with tumor cell implants. In addition, failure torque was decreased by 35% compared to the contralateral controls and by 41% compared to the Sham‐operated controls. Torsional stiffness in the tumor cell‐implanted femora was decreased by 35% compared to contralateral controls and by 39% compared to Sham‐operated controls. Bone density was only weakly to moderately associated with bone strength in our model. By creating reproducible localized tumor‐induced osteolytic lesions in a long bone, this model provides the most direct evaluation of the structural consequences of bone metastases. In the future, this model may provide a method for determining the effects of new therapeutic approaches on the preservation of bone mass and bone strength in the presence of metastatic bone disease. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Fetuin in neurons of the retina and cerebellum duringfetal and postnatal development of the rat
Authors: Kitchener P.D. , Dziegielewska K.M. , Hutton E.J. , Hinrichsen C.F.L. , Saunders N.R.
Published: July 2002

Although long known to be a liver‐derived fetal plasma glycoprotein, fetuin has morerecently been shown to be present in sub‐populations of neurons in the developing nervous systemof a number of mammalian species. We have extended these observations to examine the fetuinimmunoreactivity (IR) in developing rat retina and cerebellum. Fetuin–IR was first seen in theretina on embryonic day (E)19 in a sub‐population of cells in the retinal ganglion cell layer and asmall proportion of cells in the neuroblastic layer. The proportion of cells in the ganglion layerexhibiting fetuin‐IR increased until postnatal day (P)10 when all cells in this layer were stronglyimmunoreactive. From P14 onwards fetuin–IR was absent or very weak and restricted to a smallproportion of ganglion cells. In the developing cerebellum, the outer and inner granule cell layers,the deep nuclei and cells in the sub‐cortical white matter exhibited fetuin–IR from E19 to P10.There was little fetuin–IR in the cerebellum at ages P14 and older, and Purkinje cells did notexhibit fetuin–IR at any time. The results show that fetuin appears in many neurons in the retinaand cerebellum that are differentiating during the period from E19 to P10. The concentration offetuin in cerebrospinal fluid is at its highest in this same period which suggests that somesub‐populations of neurons could obtain fetuin from extracellular fluid during this period ;however, the lack of fetuin–IR in other neuronal populations suggests that fetuin uptake is not ageneral property of developing neurons.
Depressive symptoms as measured by the CDI in a population of northern Italian children
Authors: Frigerio A. , Pesenti S. , Molteni M. , Snider J. , Battaglia M.
Published: July 2002

The aim of this study was to evaluate some Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) psychometric properties and the prevalence of depressive symptoms in an unselected Italian sample of two hundred and eighty-four children aged 8 years. The CDI internal consistency was adequate (Cronbach’s alpha: .80). The mean and standard deviation of CDI and the percentage of children at risk of depression (10.6%) in this sample are consistent with the figures reported by other studies carried out in northern Europe and North America. There were differences in gender and socioeconomic level in that boys scored higher than girls, and in the lower socioeconomic level there were more children at risk of depression. Ten items best discriminated children at risk for depression with 94% of correct classification. Most of these items consisted of observable signs. It is suggested that the CDI has noteworthy consistency across samples of relatively different cultures, that it can reliably be employed in the assessment of young children, and that observable signs outnumber internalizing symptoms of depression among children at risk.
Development and Governance of Smart and Connected Communities
Authors: Andris Clio , Neal Zachary P.
Published: March 2021

This entry describes the beginnings, maturation, and potential future of smart and connected communities (SCC) as a research topic. While there are multiple dimensions of SCC, the focus of the entry is on the development and governance of SCC and the role of participants from government, commerce, and applied research.
Effect of diabetes control status on the progression of Parkinson’s disease: A prospective study
Authors: Ou Ruwei , Wei Qianqian , Hou Yanbing , Zhang Lingyu , Liu Kuncheng , Lin Junyu , Jiang Zheng , Song Wei , Cao Bei , Shang Huifang
Published: March 2021

Objective

To evaluate whether the control status of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) influences the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study from March 2009 to August 2020. Patients at baseline were categorized into DM and non‐DM groups, and those with DM were further classified into the well and poorly controlled DM groups based on the 7.0% of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to explore the predictors for PD‐related outcomes by hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Of the 379 patients enrolled, 49 (12.9%) had DM, and 22 of DM (44.9%) were poorly controlled. The adjusted HRs were 2.060 (95% CI 1.165‐3.641) for United Rating Scale (UPDRS) III score increased ≥14 in the poorly controlled‐DM group, and 1.066 (95% CI 0.572‐1.986) in the well‐controlled DM group, relative to the non‐DM group (p trend = 0.025), after adjusting for sex, age, age of onset, body mass index, and UPDRS III and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores at baseline. The adjusted HRs were 2.079 (95% CI 1.212‐3.566) for reaching Hoehn & Yahr stage ≥3 in the poorly controlled DM group, and 0.879 (95% CI 0.413‐1.871) in the well‐controlled DM group, compared with the non‐DM group (p trend = 0.021). Time to death or time to MoCA 3‐point decrease were not significantly different among the three groups.

Interpretation

Poorly controlled DM is an independent risk factor contributing to motor progression in PD. Our study highlights the importance of adequate control of diabetes in PD.
Suboptimal control for nonlinear slow‐fast coupled systems using reinforcement learning and Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy methods
Authors: Liu Xiaomin , Yang Chunyu , Luo Biao , Dai Wei
Published: March 2021

In this article, by using singular perturbation theory, reinforcement learning (RL), and Takagi–Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy methods, a RL‐fuzzy‐based composite suboptimal control method is proposed for nonlinear slow‐fast coupled systems (SFCSs) with unknown slow dynamics. First, the SFCSs is decomposed into slow and fast subsystems and the original optimal control problem is reduced to two subproblems. Then, for the slow subsystem, a nonlinear coordinate transformation is introduced to transform the nonquadratic slow utility function into the quadratic form. Unmeasurable virtual slow subsystem state is reconstructed by the state measurements of original system and slow controller design algorithm is proposed in the framework of RL by utilizing the actor‐critic neural networks to approximate the controller and cost function. For the fast subsystem, T‐S fuzzy model is established and state measurements of the original system are exploited to reconstruct the unmeasurable fast subsystem state. Fast controller is designed with the approach of parallel distributed compensation. The obtained slow and fast controllers form the composite suboptimal controller for the original SFCSs. Considering the state reconstruction error, convergence of the slow controller design algorithm, suboptimality of the composite controller, and stability of the closed‐loop SFCSs are analyzed. Finally, the effectiveness of our proposed method is illustrated by examples.
Effective Intratumoral Retention of [103Pd]AuPd Alloy Nanoparticles Embedded in Gel‐Forming Liquids Paves the Way for New Nanobrachytherapy
Authors: Fach Matthias , Fliedner Frederikke P. , Kempen Paul J. , Melander Fredrik , Hansen Anders E. , Bruun Linda M. , Köster Ulli , Sporer Emanuel , Kjær Andreas , Andresen Thomas L. , Jensen Andreas I. , Henriksen Jonas R.
Published: March 2021

Local application of radioactive sources as brachytherapy is well established in oncology. This treatment is highly invasive however, due to the insertion of millimeter sized metal seeds. The authors report the development of a new concept for brachytherapy, based on gold‐palladium (AuPd) alloy nanoparticles, intrinsically radiolabeled with 103Pd. These are formulated in a carbohydrate‐ester based liquid, capable of forming biodegradable gel‐like implants upon injection. This allows for less invasive administration through small‐gauge needles. [103Pd]AuPd nanoparticles with sizes around 20 nm are prepared with radiolabeling efficiencies ranging from 79% to >99%. Coating with the hydrophobic polymer poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) leads to nanoparticle diameters below 40 nm. Dispersing the nanoparticles in ethanol with water insoluble carbohydrate esters gives “nanogels”, a low viscosity liquid capable of solidifying upon injection into aqueous environments. Both nanoparticles and radioactivity are stably retained in the nanogel over 25 days (>99%) after formation in aqueous buffers. Animals bearing CT26 murine tumors are injected intratumorally with 25 MBq of the 103Pd‐nanogel, and display tumor growth delay and significantly increase median survival times compared with control groups. Excellent retention in the tumor of both the 103Pd and the nanoparticle matrix itself is observed, demonstrating a potential for replacing currently used brachytherapy seeds.
Nanotechnology‐Based Strategies to Evaluate and Counteract Cancer Metastasis and Neoangiogenesis
Authors: Şen Özlem , Emanet Melis , Ciofani Gianni
Published: March 2021

Cancer metastasis is the major cause of cancer‐related morbidity and mortality. It represents one of the greatest challenges in cancer therapy, both because of the ability of metastatic cells to spread into different organs, and because of the consequent heterogeneity that characterizes primary and metastatic tumors. Nanomaterials can potentially be used as targeting or detection agents owing to unique chemical and physical features that allow tailored and tunable theranostic functions. This review highlights nanomaterial‐based approaches in the detection and treatment of cancer metastasis, with a special focus on the evaluation of nanostructure effects on cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment.
AC Magnetron Sputtering: An Industrial Approach for High‐Voltage and High‐Performance Thin‐Film Cathodes for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Rikarte Jokin , Madinabeitia Iñaki , Baraldi Giorgio , Fernández‐Carretero Francisco José , Bellido‐González Víctor , García‐Luis Alberto , Muñoz‐Márquez Miguel Ángel
Published: March 2021

Industrial‐oriented mid‐frequency alternating current (MF‐AC) magnetron sputtering technique is used to fabricate LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 high‐voltage thin‐film cathodes. Films are deposited on bare stainless‐steel substrate at room temperature and then annealed to induce crystallization in disordered spinel phase. In situ X‐ray diffraction is used to follow film structural evolution from room temperature to 900 °C. Scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy are used to study the evolution with temperature of film morphology, surface chemical composition, and crystal structure arrangement, respectively. Film structure evolves almost continuously in the studied temperature range. A pattern corresponding to spinel phase is observed after annealing at 600 °C, while poor crystallization is obtained for lower temperatures, and additional unwanted phase changes are observed for higher temperatures. Cyclic voltammetry, rate capability, and cycling performance of fabricated films are tested. Only the film annealed at 600 °C shows redox peaks corresponding to Ni oxidation from 2+ to 3+ and 3+ to 4+ oxidation states, confirming that this film crystallizes in disordered spinel phase. The thin‐film cathode shows good rate performance and outstanding cyclability, despite the impurities formed upon electrolyte decomposition at high voltage.
Gold Nanohelices for Chiral Plasmonic Films by Templated Electroless Plating
Authors: Chiu Po‐Ting , Yang Chih‐Ying , Xie Zhi‐Hong , Chang Ming‐Yao , Hung Yu‐Chueh , Ho Rong‐Ming
Published: March 2021

Chiral plasmonic films with gold nanohelices in polymer matrix are fabricated by templated electroless plating using self‐assembled enantiomeric polylactide‐based block copolymers (BCPs) as templates. By taking advantage of the helicity control of forming helical phase from the self‐assembly of chiral BCPs, mirror‐image signals from Cotton effect in electronic circular dichroism spectra can be clearly identified. The polymeric films with gold nanohelices show chiral plasmonic properties, as further evidenced by simulation from finite‐difference time‐domain method. This study may shed the light on fabrication of chiral plasmonic materials with adaptability in the applications for optical devices.
Impact of changes in the frequency of food pantry utilization on client food security and well‐being
Authors: Leonard Tammy , Andrews David , Pruitt Sandi L.
Published: March 2021

Food pantries have traditionally focused on meeting emergency food needs. However, for many clients, food assistance is a long‐term need. The frequency with which long‐term clients visit food pantries varies; and in general, visiting frequency has been understudied because the focus has largely been on emergency, rather than long‐term, food assistance impacts. We leveraged a program innovation to identify the impact of visiting frequency on client outcomes. Using fixed‐effect models, we analyzed a panel of 1663 long‐term food pantry users observed monthly from 2017 to 2019. Within‐client increases in visiting frequency were associated with within‐in client improvements in food security and health.