bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Germline mutations in E‐cadherin do not explain association of hereditary prostate cancer, gastric cancer and breast cancer
Authors: Jonsson Björn‐Anders , Bergh Anders , Stattin Pär , Emmanuelsson Monika , Grönberg Henrik
Published: August 2002

Somatic mutations in the E‐cadherin (CDH1) gene have frequently been reported in cases with diffuse gastric and lobular breast cancers. Recently, germline mutations have been identified in families with diffuse gastric cancers. In families with hereditary prostate cancer (HPC), a significant association of prostate cancer, gastric and/or breast cancer has been observed in epidemiological studies. The aim of this study was to investigate if germline mutations in CDH1 could explain the risk for cancer in HPC families with an excess of gastric and breast cancer. In total, 17 members from 13 HPC families and 3 members from 3 families with hereditary gastric cancer (HGC) were screened for germline CDH1 sequence alterations using PCR/Denaturing HPLC for initial screening of nucleotide variants followed by confirmatory direct sequencing analysis. The frequency of identified novel germline mutations were tested for in 136 cases with hereditary prostate cancer and 215 cases of sporadic prostate cancer with 422 age matched controls in an allelic discrimination assay. In total, 8 sequence variants were detected in 20 samples tested. In the HPC families, we found 2 missense mutations, A592T in exon 12 and a novel D777N in exon 15 and a mutation in intron 5, 687+92T>A. A previously known polymorphism in exon 13 and 3 sequence variations in introns and untranslated regions were also found, of which the significance is unknown. In HGC‐023 with early onset diffuse gastric cancer a truncating mutation, R335X, was identified in exon 7. None of the missense mutations or 687+92T>A were found in the extended HPC material or in the sporadic prostate cancer cases with age‐matched controls in the allelic discrimination assay. We found several germline mutations of unknown clinical significance in the CDH1 gene that probably do not explain the association of prostate, gastric and/or breast cancers in the HPC‐families. Two missense mutations and a mutation in intron 5 were identified that do not influence the risk of hereditary or sporadic prostate cancer in general and are considered to be pedigree specific. In a family with hereditary gastric cancer of the diffuse type, we identified the first truncating germline mutation in a Scandinavian family. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
VEGF‐C induced lymphangiogenesis is associated with lymph node metastasis in orthotopic MCF‐7 tumors
Authors: Mattila Mirjami M‐T. , Ruohola Johanna K. , Karpanen Terhi , Jackson David G. , Alitalo Kari , Härkönen Pirkko L.
Published: August 2002

The spread of cancer cells to regional lymph nodes through the lymphatic system is the first step in the dissemination of breast cancer. In several human cancers including those of the breast and prostate, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF‐C) is associated with lymph node metastasis. Our study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of VEGF‐C on metastasis of poorly invasive, estrogen dependent human MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. MCF‐7 breast cancer cells transfected with VEGF‐C (MCF‐7‐VEGF‐C) were grown as tumors in the mammary fat pads of nude mice implanted with subcutaneous estrogen pellets. Tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis were studied immunohistochemically using antibodies against lymphatic vessel hyaluronan receptor ‐1 (LYVE‐1), VEGF receptor‐3 (VEGFR‐3), PECAM‐1, pan‐cytokeratin and estrogen dependent pS2 protein. Overexpression of VEGF‐C in transfected MCF‐7 cells stimulated in vivo tumor growth in xenotransplanted mice without affecting estrogen responsiveness. The resulting tumors metastasized to the regional lymph nodes in 75% (in 6 mice out of 8, Experiment I) and in 62% (in 5 mice out of 8, Experiment II) of mice bearing orthotopic tumors formed by MCF‐7‐VEGF‐C cells whereas no metastases were observed in mice bearing tumors of control vector‐transfected MCF‐7 cells (MCF‐7‐Mock). The density of intratumoral and peritumoral lymphatic vessels was increased in tumors derived from MCF‐7‐VEGF‐C cells but not MCF‐7‐Mock cells. Taken together, our results show that VEGF‐C overexpression stimulates tumor lymphangiogenesis and induces normally poorly metastatic estrogen‐dependent MCF‐7 tumors to disseminate to local lymph nodes. These data suggest that VEGF‐C has an important role in lymph node metastasis of breast cancer even at its hormone‐dependent early stage. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Downregulation of estrogen‐metabolizing 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase Type 2 expression correlates inversely with Ki67 proliferation marker in colon‐cancer development
Authors: Oduwole Olayiwola O. , Isomaa Veli V. , Nokelainen Pasi A. , Stenbäck Frej , Vihko Pirkko T.
Published: August 2002

The 17HSDs are a group of isozymes that catalyze the interconversion between high‐activity 17β‐hydroxysteroids and low‐activity 17‐ketosteroids. In the present study, we characterized the expression of 17HSD types 1 and 2 in normal and malignant gastrointestinal tissues and cells. Using the colon as a model for cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, expression of the 17HSD enzymes in cancer development was studied and correlated with proliferation and differentiation markers as assessed by Ki67 and mucin staining, respectively. In normal colon and small intestine, 17HSD type 2 mRNA was expressed in the surface epithelial cells and, to a lesser extent, in the cryptal epithelial cells. In colon‐cancer specimens, 17HSD type 2 expression was downregulated both in the tissues and in the cell lines and correlated inversely with the proliferation marker. No expression for the 17HSD type 1 enzyme was observed in normal or cancerous gastrointestinal tract tissues. In line with the expression studies, 17HSD activity measurements with colon cells showed that only the oxidative conversion of E2 to E1 was present, and Northern blot analysis showed the signal only for 17HSD type 2. Localization of the ERs α and β, assessed by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, showed the presence of ERβ in the lamina propria of the colon. Our study shows that 17HSD type 2 expression is associated with the functional integrity of the gastrointestinal tract. The decrease in expression of the type 2 enzyme may increase estrogen influence in colon cancer. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved detection of melanoma antigen‐specific T cells expressing low or high levels of CD8 by HLA‐A2 tetramers presenting a Melan‐A/Mart‐1 peptide analogue
Authors: Maeurer Markus J. , Necker Antje , Salter Russell D. , Castelli Chiara , Höhn Hanni , Karbach Julia , Freitag Kirsten , Neukirch Claudia , Knuth Alexander , Jäger Elke
Published: August 2002

MHC class I tetramers containing peptide epitopes are sensitive tools for detecting antigen‐specific CD8+ T‐cell responses. We demonstrate here that binding of HLA‐A2 tetramers to CD8+ T cells specific for the melanoma‐associated antigen Melan‐A/MART‐1 can be fine‐tuned by altering either the bound peptide epitope or residues in the α3 domain of HLA‐A2, which is important for CD8 binding. Antigen‐specific T cells expressing high levels of CD8 could be detected using HLA‐A2 tetramers containing the peptide AAGIGILTV, an epitope which is naturally processed and presented from Melan‐A/MART‐1. In contrast, low CD8‐expressing, antigen‐specific T cells could be detected efficiently only by using a mutated HLA‐A2 tetramer with an altered CD8 binding site or, less efficiently, using the wild‐type HLA‐A2 tetramer loaded with the peptide analogue ELAGIGILTV, which is superior in stimulating antigen‐specific T‐cell responses. Our results suggest ways to optimize the identification and expansion of antigen‐specific T cells with different requirements for the costimulatory CD8 molecule in facilitating T‐cell receptor binding to peptide variants. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High tumor tissue concentration of plasminogen activator inhibitor 2 (PAI‐2) is an independent marker for shorter progression‐free survival in patients with early stage endometrial cancer
Authors: Nordengren Johanna , Lidebring Margareta Fredstorp , Bendahl Pär‐Ola , Brünner Nils , Fernö Mårten , Högberg Thomas , Stephens Ross W. , Willén Roger , Casslén Bertil
Published: August 2002

Previous studies including various tumor types have shown different associations between tumor tissue levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor 2 (PAI‐2) and patient survival. High tumor tissue concentrations of PAI‐2 have been associated with good prognosis in patients with breast cancer, small cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer, but with poor histologic differentiation and poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer. On the other hand, high tumor tissue concentrations of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), uPA receptor (R) and PAI‐1 have more consistently been associated with poor histologic differentiation and poor prognosis. Our study quantified PAI‐2 and uPAR using specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays in homogenates of 274 samples of endometrial cancer tissue. The prognostic power of each factor was analyzed in the subgroup of patients with early stage disease, i.e., International Federation of Gynecology and Oncology (FIGO) surgical stage I–II (n = 188). This group had a median follow‐up time of 6.8 years (range 0.7–9.9), and 23 progressions were observed. The 80th percentile for PAI‐2 and uPAR was used to dichotomize the material, and the results were analyzed for associations with clinical data including progression‐free survival. The results were also compared with DNA ploidy status, S‐phase fraction, uPA and PAI‐1, which we reported in a previous study (Fredstorp Lidebring et al., Eur J Cancer 2001; in press). A high PAI‐2 level was associated with shorter progression‐free survival in univariate analysis and was an independent prognostic factor in bivariate analyses, which included PAI‐1, uPA and DNA ploidy status. In contrast, a high level of uPAR had no association with prognosis in early stage endometrial cancer. The combination of high PAI‐2 and PAI‐1 levels in tumors revealed a small group of stage I–II patients with an accumulative progression rate of 50%. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of collagenase‐3 (MMP‐13) enhances invasion of human fibrosarcoma HT‐1080 cells
Authors: Ala‐aho Risto , Johansson Nina , Baker Andrew H. , Kähäri Veli‐Matti
Published: August 2002

Collagenase‐3 (MMP‐13) is characterized by an exceptionally wide substrate specificity and restricted expression. MMP‐13 is 1 of the few MMPs primarily expressed by tumor cells in malignant tumors, e.g., squamous cell carcinomas and its expression correlates with their invasion capacity. In this work, we have constructed an expression vector and a recombinant adenovirus harboring human MMP‐13 cDNA to investigate the role of MMP‐13 in cancer cell invasion. Our results show that constitutive expression of MMP‐13 by HT‐1080 cells stably transfected with MMP‐13 expression vector or transduced with MMP‐13 adenovirus markedly increased their invasion both through type I collagen and reconstituted basement membrane (Matrigel) with no alterations in expression or activation of collagenase‐1 (MMP‐1), gelatinase‐A (MMP‐2), or gelatinase‐B (MMP‐9). The enhanced invasion capacity of MMP‐13 expressing HT‐1080 cells was dependent on MMP activity, as it was blocked by MMP inhibitor Batimastat (BB‐94) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐3 (TIMP‐3). Our data provide direct evidence for the role of MMP‐13 as a potent invasion proteinase, which alone can enhance the ability of malignant cells to penetrate through both basement membrane and fibrillar collagen. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic value of thymidine phosphorylase expression in breast carcinoma
Authors: Yang Qifeng , Barbareschi Mattia , Mori Ichiro , Mauri Francesco , Muscarà Maurizio , Nakamura Misa , Nakamura Yasushi , Yoshimura Goro , Sakurai Takeo , Caffo Orazio , Galligioni Enzo , Dalla Palma Paolo , Kakudo Kennichi
Published: August 2002

Thymidine phosphorylase (TP), also known as platelet‐derived endothelial cell growth factor (PD‐ECGF), is an enzyme that catalyzes the reversible dephosphorylation of thymidine, deoxyuridine and their analogs. TP has also angiogenic properties, although the precise mechanism by which it promotes angiogenesis is not known. We examined TP expression using immunohistochemistry (654‐1 Mab) in 182 invasive breast carcinomas (67 N0 and 115 N1/2; median follow‐up 78 months [range, 3–177]; 51 patients treated with adjuvant systemic cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5‐fluorouracil [CMF] chemotherapy and 82 with tamoxifen). High TP expression was found in 142 cases (78%) and correlated with lower histologic grade and low p53 expression. No correlation was found between TP expression and vascular density. TP‐positive tumors had a significant increase in both disease‐free survival (DFS; p = 0.0025) and overall survival (OS; p = 0.0070) in the total cohort of patients and in the subgroups of node‐positive patients and patients treated with CMF adjuvant therapy; no significant difference in either DFS or OS was observed in patients without CMF treatment. Our findings suggest that TP has little effect on tumor angiogenesis of breast carcinoma, whereas it could represent an interesting marker that could predict response to CMF chemotherapy. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High expression levels of collagenase‐1 and stromelysin‐1 correlate with shorter disease‐free survival in human metastatic melanoma
Authors: Nikkola Johanna , Vihinen Pia , Vlaykova Tatyana , Hahka‐Kemppinen Marjo , Kähäri Veli‐Matti , Pyrhönen Seppo
Published: August 2002

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes capable of degrading extracellular matrix. Their role has been emphasized in tumor invasion, metastasis and tumor‐induced angiogenesis. We studied the expression of collagenase‐1 (MMP‐1), stromelysin‐1 (MMP‐3) and collagenase‐3 (MMP‐13) in 70 melanoma metastases obtained from 56 patients treated with combined chemoimmunotherapy. The patients were divided into 2 groups using a cut‐off point of 0% for MMP‐1 expression and 20% for MMP‐3 expression. We found that patients with MMP‐1 positive metastases (n = 38) had significantly shorter disease‐free survival compared to patients with MMP‐1 negative metastases (n = 18) (median 11.2 vs. 17.0 months, p = 0.0383). The disease‐free survival of patients with high levels of MMP‐3 expression in their metastases (≥20% positive tumor cells, n = 14) was also significantly shorter compared to patients with lower levels of expression (n = 42) (median 5.1 vs. 14.0 months, p = 0.0294). The expression of MMP‐13 did not correlate to survival parameters. We also found that the presence of melanin, a pigment produced by melanocytes, correlated with high expression levels of MMP‐1 (p = 0.0002), MMP‐3 (p < 0.0001) and MMP‐13 (p = 0.0009). The high expression levels of MMP‐13 were also associated with the presence of visceral metastases (p = 0.0284). Our findings suggest that MMP‐1 and ‐3 may have a special role in melanoma metastasis formation and thus they could be used to measure the biological activity of the disease. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inactivation of the INK4a/ARF locus and p53 in sporadic extrahepatic bile duct cancers and bile tract cancer cell lines
Authors: Caca Karel , Feisthammel Jürgen , Klee Karen , Tannapfel Andrea , Witzigmann Helmut , Wittekind Christian , Mössner Joachim , Berr Frieder
Published: August 2002

The tumor‐suppressor genes p14(ARF), p16(INK4a) and Tp53 are commonly inactivated in many tumors. We investigated their role in the pathogenesis of 9 bile tract cancer cell lines and 21 primary sporadic extrahepatic bile duct carcinomas. p53 and p16 protein expression was examined by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Mutation screening of p53 was done by SSCP and direct sequencing. Inactivating mechanisms of p14 and p16 were addressed by screening for mutations, homozygous deletions, chromosomal loss of 9p21 (loss of heterozygosity [LOH] analysis) and promoter hypermethylation of the p14/p16 genes. p53 overexpression could be detected in 7 of 9 cell lines and 7 of 21 primary tumors, but mutations were found in 3 cell lines only. p16 expression was absent in all cell lines, due to homozygous deletion of the gene in 8 of 9 cell lines and hypermethylation of the p16 promoter in one cell line (CC‐LP‐1). p14 exon 1β was homozygously deleted in 6 of 9 cell lines, while retained in CC‐LP‐1 and 2 additional lines. No p14 promoter hypermethylation could be detected. p16 expression was lost in 11 of 21 primary tumors. p16 promoter hypermethylation was present in 9 of 21 primary tumors, all with lost p16 expression. Allelic loss at 9p21 was detected in 13 of 21 primary tumors, 10 of 11 with lost p16 expression and 8 of 9 with methylated p16 promoter. No p14 promoter hypermethylation or p14/p16 mutations could be detected. Neither Tp53 nor p16 alterations showed obvious association with histopathologic or clinical characteristics. In conclusion, inactivation of the p16 gene is a frequent event in primary sporadic extrahepatic bile duct cancers, 9p21 LOH and promoter hypermethylation being the principal inactivating mechanisms. Therefore, p16, but not p14, seems to be the primary target of inactivation at the INK4a locus in bile duct cancers. Other mechanisms than Tp53 mutations seems to be predominantly responsible for stabilization of nuclear p53 protein in bile duct cancers. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New international monetary arrangements and the exchange rate
Authors: Monacelli Tommaso
Published: August 2002

I show how to implement in a simple manner the comparison of alternative monetary policy rules in a two‐country model of the new generation. These rules are: Full Price Stability, Taylor, Fixed and Managed Exchange Rates. I find, first, that the exchange rate dynamic is non‐stationary unless some form of management is undertaken by the respective monetary authorities of the two countries. However, eliminating the excess volatility of the exchange rate does not significantly alter the overall macroeconomic volatility. Second, a floating exchange rate regime based on a Taylor‐type rule seems to better approximate the full price stability benchmark, but at the cost of boosting interest rate volatility. In this respect limiting exchange rate flexibility is desirable. Finally, in all cases the model delivers positive cross‐country correlation of interest rates but negative cross‐country correlation of output. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On holographic transform compression of images
Authors: Bruckstein Alfred M. , Robert J. Holt  , Netravali Arun N.
Published: August 2002

Lossy transform compression of images is successful and widespread. The JPEG standard uses the discrete cosine transform on blocks of the image and a bit allocation process that takes advantage of the uneven energy distribution in the transform domain. For most images, 10:1 compression ratios can be achieved with no visible degradations. However, suppose that multiple versions of the compressed image exist in a distributed environment such as the internet, and several of them could be made available upon request. The classical approach would provide no improvement in the image quality if more than one version of the compressed image became available. In this paper, we propose a method, based on multiple description scalar quantization, that yields decompressed image quality that improves with the number of compressed versions available. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 11, 292–314, 2000
A comparative study of primary and immortalized cell adhesion characteristics to modified polymer surfaces: Toward the goal of effective re‐epithelialization
Authors: Sigurdson Lynn , Carney Denise E. , Hou Yuanxue , Hall Leon , Hard Robert , Hicks Wesley , Bright Frank V. , Gardella Joseph A.
Published: August 2002

Facilitating tissue regeneration or replacement requires development of synthetic surfaces that promote cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. Two successful approaches have been to incorporate minimal cell adhesion recognition sequences at the biomaterial surface and to integrate the entire adhesion molecule into a compatible synthetic matrix. While adhesion assays using immortalized cell lines are important in evaluating synthetic materials, cell type and source play a significant role in the ability of such models to mimic real tissues. Models that utilize multiple cell types or primary cells are more representative of native tissues than models that use single cell types or primary cells. In this study we investigated primary respiratory epithelial cell (REC) adhesion to modified fluoropolymers incorporating simple functional groups and minimal peptide recognition sequences, and we evaluated the potential of hybrid biopolymer materials to support adhesion and proliferation. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to verify substrate surface composition. Significant differences were found in the adhesion characteristics of primary REC and in the A549 lung carcinoma cell line. Model systems composed of multiple cell types and/or primary cells necessarily represent increased levels of complexity for an investigation of cellular responses to synthetic surfaces. When evaluating biomaterials, adhesion studies using immortalized cell lines cannot necessarily be extrapolated to normal cell behavior. © 2001 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 59: 357–365, 2002
Sterically blocking adhesion of cells to biological surfaces with a surface‐active copolymer containing poly(ethylene glycol) and phenylboronic acid
Authors: Winblade Natalie D. , Schmökel Hugo , Baumann Marion , Hoffman Allan S. , Hubbell Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2002

Graft copolymers were designed that could spontaneously bind to biological surfaces and block subsequent recognition and adhesion at those surfaces. Phenylboronic acid (PBA) moieties in the polymer backbone provided binding to surfaces, forming reversible covalent complexes with cis‐diols found in many biological molecules. Pendant poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) side chains sterically protected those surfaces from subsequent interactions with other proteins and cells. The PEG and PBA grafting ratios on these poly‐L‐lysine‐graft‐(PEG;PBA) copolymers [PLL‐g‐(PEG;PBA)] were varied, and the polymers were tested in models relevant to undesirable wound‐healing responses such as peritoneal adhesion formation and posterior capsule opacification. PLL‐g‐(PEG;PBA) polymers spontaneously coated tissue culture polystyrene and completely blocked rabbit lens epithelial cell adhesion to the surface over a wide range of PEG grafting ratios. PLL‐g‐(PEG;PBA)s with optimal grafting ratios were able to coat adsorbed serum proteins or extracellular matrices and block cell spreading on the surfaces at 4 h, although the effect was lost within 24 h. The polymer also enhanced the efficacy of surgical lysis of peritoneal adhesions in rats. The reversible covalent complexes formed by the PBA moieties on the copolymer backbone were more effective at binding biological surfaces than electrostatic interactions formed via a copolymer lacking the PBA moieties, that is, PLL‐g‐PEG. © 2001 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 59: 618–631, 2002
Influence of bioresorbable, unsintered hydroxyapatite/poly‐L‐lactide composite films on spinal cord, nerve roots, and epidural space
Authors: Matsumoto Masanori , Chosa Etsuo , Nabeshima Kazuki , Shikinami Yasuo , Tajima Naoya
Published: August 2002

The effect of forged unsintered hydroxyapatite/poly‐L‐lactide (u‐HA/PLLA) composite films on spinal cord and nerve roots and its degradation behavior and osteoconductivity in epidural space were compared with those of calcined HA (c‐HA)/PLLA and unfilled PLLA films. Partial laminectomy was performed on 20 rabbits, and u‐HA/PLLA and PLLA films were implanted in the intervertebral space. Total laminectomy was performed on 30 rabbits to implant u‐HA/PLLA, c‐HA/PLLA, and PLLA films in both epidural and subcutaneous spaces. For up to 50 weeks, there were no histological changes in the spinal cord or nerve root, and no inflammatory cell infiltration into the epidural space around the films. The rate of decrease in viscosity average molecular weight of both composite films was initially higher than that of PLLA but eventually became lower, although there was no difference in the degradation behavior of the three films in either the epidural or subcutaneous spaces after 50 weeks. Scanning electron microscopic and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis indicated calcium phosphate deposits on the surface of composite films with new bone formation from 4 weeks. The u‐HA/PLLA composite film therefore has good biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and fast primary degradation rate, which may prove compatible with application to spinal surgery. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 60: 101–109, 2002
Macrophages take up triacylglycerol‐rich emulsions at a faster rate upon co‐incubation with native and modified LDL: An investigation on the role of natural chylomicrons in atherosclerosis
Authors: Carvalho Márcia D.T. , Harada Lila M. , Gidlund Magnus , Ketelhuth Daniel F.J. , Boschcov Paulo , Quintão Eder C.R.
Published: August 2002

Chylomicrons play a role in atherosclerosis, however, because the mechanisms involved in the cell uptake of these particles are not fully understood, investigations were carried out using a radioactively labeled protein‐free triacylglycerol‐rich emulsion incubated with peritoneal macrophages obtained from normal and apoE‐knockout mice. Experiments were done in the presence of substances that inhibit several endocytic processes: EDTA for low density lipoprotein receptor, fucoidan for scavenger receptor, cytochalasin B for phagocytosis, and a lipopolysaccharide for lipoprotein lipase. In addition, triacylglycerol‐rich emulsions were also prepared in the presence of native or modified radioactively labeled low density lipoprotein particles that are known to accumulate in the arterial intima. Probucol was also used to prevent the possible role played by an antioxidant in triacylglycerol‐rich emulsion uptake. We have shown that triacylglycerol‐rich emulsion alone is taken up by a coated‐pit‐dependent mechanism, mediated by macrophage secretion of apolipoprotein E. Furthermore, native, aggregated, acetylated, and moderately macrophage‐oxidized low density lipoprotein stimulate the uptake of a triacylglycerol‐rich emulsion through several mechanisms such as an actin‐dependent pathway, scavenger receptors, and lipolysis mediated by lipoprotein lipase. On the other hand, in spite of the interaction of low density lipoprotein forms with a triacylglycerol‐rich emulsion, the cellular triacylglycerol‐rich emulsion uptake is impaired by copper‐oxidized low density lipoprotein, possibly due to its diminished affinity towards lipoprotein lipase. We have also shown that macrophages take up aggregated low density lipoprotein better than the acetylated or oxidized forms of low density lipoprotein. J. Cell. Biochem. 84: 309–323, 2002. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endogenous regucalcin suppresses the enhancement of protein phosphatase activity in the cytosol and nucleus of kidney cortex in calcium‐administered rats
Authors: Morooka Yoshiko , Yamaguchi Masayoshi
Published: August 2002

The suppressive role of endogenous regucalcin (RC), which is a regulatory protein of calcium signaling, in the enhancement of protein phosphatase activity (PPA) in the cytosol and nucleus of kidney cortex in calcium‐administered rats was investigated. Calcium content in the kidney cortex was significantly increased at 0.5–5 h after a single intraperitoneal administration of calcium chloride solution (10 mg Ca/100 g body weight) to rats. The analysis with Western blotting of RC protein showed that RC levels in the cytosol and nucleus were significantly increased 0.5–5 h after the administration of calcium (10 mg/100 g). PPA toward phosphotyrosine, phosphoserine, and phosphothreonine was found in the cytosol and nucleus of kidney cortex. PPA toward three phosphoamino acids in the cytosol and nucleus was significantly increased by the administration of calcium (10 mg/100 g). The presence of anti‐RC monoclonal antibody (25 ng/ml) in the enzyme reaction caused a significant increase in PPA toward phosphotyrosine, phosphoserine, and phosphothreonine in the cytosol and nucleus of kidney cortex in normal rats. The effect of anti‐RC monoclonal antibody (25 ng/ml) in increasing PPA toward three phosphoamino acids in the cytosol and nucleus was significantly enhanced in calcium‐administered rats. The effect of anti‐RC monoclonal antibody (25 ng/ml) in increasing PPA in the cytosol and nucleus of normal rats and calcium‐administered rats was completely abolished by the addition of RC (10− 6 M) in the enzyme reaction mixture. The present study suggests that endogenous RC suppresses the enhancement of PPA in the cytosol and nucleus of kidney cortex in calcium‐administered rats. J. Cell. Biochem. 85: 553–560, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential sensitivity to apoptosis between the human small and large intestinal mucosae: Linkage with segment‐specific regulation of Bcl‐2 homologs and involvement of signaling pathways*
Authors: Gauthier Rémy , Laprise Patrick , Cardin Éric , Harnois Charlène , Plourde Annie , Reed John C. , Vézina Anne , Vachon Pierre H.
Published: August 2002

The small and large intestines differ in their expression profiles of Bcl‐2 homologs. Intestinal segment‐specific Bcl‐2 homolog expression profiles are acquired as early as by mid‐gestation (18–20 weeks) in man. In the present study, we examined the question whether such distinctions underlie segment‐specific control mechanisms of intestinal cell survival. Using mid‐gestation human jejunum and colon organotypic cultures, we analyzed the impact of growth factors (namely insulin; 10 μg/ml) and pharmacological compounds that inhibit signal transduction molecules/pathways (namely tyrosine kinases, Fak, PI3‐K/Akt, and MEK/Erk) on cell survival and Bcl‐2 homolog expression (anti‐apoptotic: Bcl‐2, Bcl‐XL, Mcl‐1; pro‐apoptotic: Bax, Bak, Bad). The relative activation levels of p125Fak, p42Erk‐2, and p57Akt were analyzed as well. Herein, we report that (1) the inhibition of signal transduction molecules/pathways revealed striking differences in their impact on cell survival in the jejunum and colon (e.g., the inhibition of p125Fak induced apoptosis with a significantly greater extent in the jejunum [∼43%] than in the colon [∼24%]); (2) sharp distinctions between the two segments were noted in the modulatory effects of the various treatments on Bcl‐2 homolog steady‐state levels (e.g., inhibition of tyrosine kinase activities in the jejunum down‐regulated all anti‐apoptotics analyzed while increasing Bax, whereas the same treatment in the colon down‐regulated Bcl‐XL only and increased all pro‐apoptotics); and (3) in addition to their differential impact on cell survival and Bcl‐2 homolog expression, the MEK/Erk and PI3‐K/Akt pathways were found to be distinctively regulated in the jejunum and colon mucosae (e.g., insulin in the jejunum increased p42Erk‐2 activation without affecting that of p57Akt, whereas the same treatment in the colon decreased p42Erk‐2 activation while increasing that of p57Akt). Altogether, these data show that intestinal cell survival is characterized by segment‐specific susceptibilities to apoptosis, which are in turn linked with segmental distinctions in the involvement of signaling pathways and the regulation of Bcl‐2 homolog steady‐state levels. Therefore, these indicate that cell survival is subject to segment‐specific control mechanisms along the proximal‐distal axis of the intestine. J. Cell. Biochem. 82: 339–355, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intensity‐carrying modes important for vibrational polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities of molecules: Derivation from the algebraic properties of formulas and applications
Authors: Torii Hajime
Published: August 2002

The intensity‐carrying mode (ICM) theory is developed for analyzing the vibrational motions that mainly contribute to vibrational polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities, which are important for describing intermolecular electrostatic interactions and nonlinear optical properties of molecules. The ICMs are derived from dipole derivatives, polarizability derivatives, and first hyperpolarizability derivatives by using algebraic properties of intensity formulas. The way to obtain explicit forms of ICMs, including the optimization method of the basis of the ICM vector space, is discussed in detail. One‐ and two‐dimensional models are constructed on the basis of the ICMs. The theory is applied to three molecules (a push–pull type polyene, a streptocyanine dye cation, and a symmetric neutral polyene) taken as typical examples. It is shown that the ICM theory provides a reasonable picture on the vibrational polarization properties of these molecules. On the basis of this result, the validity of the valence‐bond charge transfer (VB‐CT) model, which is a one‐dimensional model and is widely used to describe the electronic and vibrational properties of dye molecules, is also discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 23: 997–1006, 2002
Calculation of sequence‐dependent free energies of hydration of dipeptides formed by alanine and glycine
Authors: Loeffler Hannes H. , Sotriffer Christoph A. , Winger Rudolf H. , Liedl Klaus R. , Rode Bernd M.
Published: August 2002

The relative free energies of hydration of the dipeptides glycylalanine and alanyl‐glycine in their naturally occurring form have been calculated both for the zwitterionic and protonated species. Emphasis was laid on comparisons between the conventional cutoff method and the Particle Mesh Ewald method to account for possible differences in electrostatic contributions to the free energy. Furthermore, the convergence behavior of the total free energy and its individual contributions were examined. The results, obtained by means of the thermodynamic integration technique as implemented in the free energy module of the AMBER program suite, suggest that in aqueous solution glycylalanine is more stable than alanylglycine by 2.7 kcal/mol in the zwitterionic form and by 3.5 kcal/mol in the protonated form. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 846–860, 2001
Correspondence between GTO and STO molecular basis sets
Authors: Fernández Rico J. , López R. , Ramírez G. , Ema I.
Published: August 2002

We present a method for the characterization of the distance between two spaces: one generated by a Gaussian basis set, and another by a Slater basis set. The method is an extension of one previously developed for atoms that has been modified to cover molecular problems. The current version enables us to obtain Slater basis sets capable of reproducing the results (multielectronic wave functions and orbitals) obtained with Gaussian basis sets. The interest of this result arises from the fact that we will be able to profit from the effort invested in the optimization of high‐quality Gaussian basis sets. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 1655–1665, 2001
Theoretical study on the mechanism of the gas‐phase reaction of diborane(3) anion with carbon disulfide
Authors: Qu Zheng‐wang , Zhu Hui , Li Ze‐sheng , Zhang Qi‐yuan
Published: August 2002

The complex potential energy surface of the gas‐phase reaction of HB(H)BH− with CS2 to give three low‐lying products [B2H3S]−+CS, [BH2CS]−+HBS, and [BH3CS]+BS−, involving nine [B2H3CS2]− isomers and 12 transition states, has been investigated at the CCSD(T)/6‐311++G(d,p)//B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) level. Our calculations are in harmony with the recent experimental and theoretical results, and reveal some new bonding and kinetic features of this reaction system. Our theoretical results may help the further identification of the products [BH2CS]−+HBS and [BH3CS]+BS− and may provide useful information on the chemical behaviors of other electron‐deficient boron hydride anions. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 23: 414–419, 2002
Mechanisms of P2 receptor‐evoked DNA synthesis in thyroid FRTL‐5 cells
Authors: Ekokoski Elina , Webb Tania E. , Simon Joseph , Törnquist Kid
Published: August 2002

The expression of the P2 receptors and their functional responses were studied in rat thyroid FRTL‐5 cells. RT‐PCR analysis revealed transcripts for the G protein‐coupled P2Y2, P2Y4 and P2Y6 receptors, and for the transmitter‐gated ion channel P2X3, P2X4 and P2X5 subunits. In Fura‐2‐loaded cells, UTP, ATP, ATPγS or UDP increased [Ca2+]i, and behaved as potent full agonists, while 2‐Methylthio‐ATP (2‐MeSATP), α,β‐methylene‐ATP (α,β‐meATP) and pure ADP were weak agonists. The agonist‐mediated [Ca2+ ]i increases were diminished in Ca2+ ‐free buffer, and by pertussis toxin (PTX) or suramin treatments. ATP, UTP, UDP and ATPγS increased 3H‐thymidine incorporation into DNA and expression of the protooncogenes c‐Fos and c‐Jun, while 2‐MeSATP was ineffective, and α,β‐meATP gave a response only at 100‐μM dose. The ATP‐stimulated expression of c‐Fos and c‐Jun was dependent on Ca2+, and protein kinase C, but not on calmodulin or Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II. Extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK1 and ERK2) are also involved as the MEK inhibitor, PD98059, reduced both ATP‐evoked 3H‐thymidine incorporation and c‐Fos and c‐Jun expression. These results indicate that multiple P2Y receptor subtypes and at least the P2X5 subtype are functionally expressed in FRTL‐5 cells, and that nucleotides acting via P2 receptors are involved in the regulation of DNA‐synthesis. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reduction of c‐myc expression by an antisense approach under Cre/loxp switching induces apoptosis in human liver cancer cells
Authors: Ebinuma Hirotoshi , Saito Hidetsugu , Kosuga Motomichi , Wakabayashi Kanji , Saito Yoshimasa , Takagi Tamako , Nakamoto Nobuhiro , Okuyama Torayuki , Ishii Hiromasa
Published: August 2002

c‐Myc has been documented to be both a positive and a negative signal for the induction of apoptosis. It is well known that overexpression of the c‐myc gene induces apoptosis of normal cells, but the result of a reduction in its expression is not fully understood. We examined whether a reduction in c‐myc expression would induce apoptosis in human liver cancer cells. Specifically, antisense and sense oligodeoxynucleotides (oligos) against the human c‐myc mRNA were synthesized, mixed with a liposome reagent at various ratios, and were applied to the liver cancer‐derived cell lines, HCC‐T, HepG2, and PLC/PRF/5. To exclude effects resulting from using oligos, plasmid vectors expressing the full‐length c‐myc cDNA in both sense and antisense orientations under the control of the Cre/loxP system were generated. Monoclonal cell lines including these plasmid vectors were produced and Cre was supplied by adenovirus infection. Apoptosis was determined morphologically and c‐Myc and Bcl‐2 expression was examined by Western blotting. The antisense myc significantly inhibited the proliferation of the cells within two days, while neither the liposome reagent alone nor sense myc did so. Most of the cells were rounded up by the antisense‐treatment and nuclear fragmentation and DNA ladder formation were detected after two days in antisense c‐myc‐treated cells. Antisense c‐myc largely reduced c‐Myc and partially Bcl‐2 expression; overexpression of Bcl‐2 partially rescued from apoptosis in HCC‐T and HepG2 cells. These results suggest that the massive reduction in c‐myc mRNA induces apoptosis in liver cancer cell lines and consequent decrease in Bcl‐2 enhances the cell death. c‐Myc reduction under the Cre/loxP switching system may be a useful tool for the clarification of c‐myc‐related cellular mechanisms in differentiation and proliferation. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pyrolysis of tetra pack in municipal solid waste
Authors: Wu Chao‐Hsiung , Chang Hwa‐Shan
Published: August 2002

The pyrolysis of tetra pack in nitrogen was investigated with a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) reaction system. The pyrolysis kinetics experiments for the tetra pack and its main components (kraft paper and low‐density poly(ethene) (LDPE)) were carried out at heating rates (β) of 5.2, 12.8, 21.8 K min−1. The results indicated that the one‐reaction model and two‐reaction model could be used to describe the pyrolysis of LDPE and kraft paper respectively. The total reaction rate of tetra pack can be expressed by the summation of the individual class of LDPE and kraft paper by multiplying the weighting factors. The pyrolysis products experiments were carried out at a constant heating rate of 5.2 K min−1. The gaseous products were collected at room temperature (298 K) and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC). The residues were collected at some significant pyrolysis reaction temperatures and analyzed by an elemental analyzer (EA) and X‐ray powdered diffraction (XRPD). The accumulated masses and the instantaneous concentrations of gaseous products were obtained under the experimental conditions. The major gaseous products included non‐hydrocarbons (CO2, CO, and H2O) and hydrocarbons (C1–5). In the XRPD analysis, the results indicated that pure aluminum foil could be obtained from the final residues. The proposed model may be supported by the pyrolysis mechanisms with product distribution.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Selective copper–iron dissolution from a molybdenite concentrate using bacterial leaching
Authors: Romano Patricia , Blázquez María Luisa , Ballester Antonio , González Felisa , Alguacil Francisco José
Published: August 2002

The present research reports on the selective dissolution of copper and iron from a Chilean molybdenite concentrate using mesophilic, moderate and extreme thermophilic culture bacteria. From the results obtained it is deduced that molybdenite is not attacked by any of the above mentioned microorganisms, whereas the attack of the copper–iron species is dependent on various experimental conditions: pH, potential, pulp density, or addition of silver as catalyst. Optimal copper–iron dissolution is obtained using extreme thermophilic microorganisms and low pulp density (2% w/v). Total selective dissolution of chalcopyrite is achieved which leads to a pure molybdenite concentrate being obtained.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Study of perovskite‐type oxides and their supported Ag derivatives for catalytic oxidation of diesel soot
Authors: Liu Zhiming , Hao Zhengping , Zhang Huiping , Zhuang Yahui
Published: August 2002

A series of perovskite‐type oxides and derived Ag catalysts were prepared, and characterized by N2‐adsorption, X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The influences of pretreatment and Ag loading on catalytic activity for diesel soot oxidation were also investigated. Prereduction resulted in a decrease in catalytic activity. An increase in activity with Ag addition was observed, especially with more than 5% Ag loading. This catalyst could be a promising candidate for the catalytic elimination of diesel soot.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Three‐dimensional wall structure and the innervation of dental pulp blood vessels
Authors: Iijima Tadahiko , Zhang Jing‐Qi
Published: August 2002

The involvement of neural components in plasma extravasation and blood flow in the dental pulp has been established by pharmacological and physiological studies. We review here the segmental constitution of pulp vessels and the possible involvement of neural components in both the contractility and permeability of the pulp vessels from a morphological viewpoint. Six vascular segments can be identified based on the morphology of peri‐endothelial cells, such as smooth muscle cells and pericytes. These are: muscular arterioles, terminal arterioles, precapillary arterioles, capillaries, postcapillary venules, and collecting or muscular venules. The perivascular nerve forms a mesh with numerous terminal varicosities, some of which attach directly to arteriolar smooth muscle cells. This mesh can be seen by scanning electron microscopy, and indicates the important role of neural components in regulating the pulpal circulation. After administering norepinephrine (0.2 mg/kg/dog), the surface texture of the smooth muscle cells of pulp arterioles reveals marked irregularities, which are correlated with arteriolar contraction. The pericytes in larger postcapillary venules (diameter 20 μm or larger) also show irregularities, whereas no changes are seen in the pericytes of either smaller postcapillary venules or capillaries. The intercellular spaces of pericytes in the postcapillary venules are wide enough for leukocytes to pass through, and the occasional extravasation of leukocytes through venule walls can be seen under electron microscopy. The microvessels of healthy human dental pulp react weakly to selectins, indicating that apparently healthy dental pulp may be weakly inflamed. In rat dental pulp, CGRP‐immunoreactive nerves and nerve terminals containing many granular vesicles supply the postcapillary venules more densely than the arterioles, which suggests the involvement of postcapillary venules in neurogenic inflammation in the dental pulp. Microsc. Res. Tech. 56:32–41, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Histochemical and ultrahistochemical localization of heavy metals in calf organs
Authors: Horký D. , Illek J. , Pechová A.
Published: August 2002

Cadmium, zinc, selenium, and copper were administered, singly or in combination, orally or subcutaneously. Experiment I included 32 calves of both sexes; six received Cd (two groups), Zn, Cd, and Zn, and Cd and Se (two groups) and one group was a control. In Experiment II (21 bulls), three were given Cd, Cd, and Cu, and Cd and Zn, respectively, and one group was a control. For light microscopy, in Experiment I the highest amounts of silver granules were present in the samples of liver, small intestine, and vesicular gland of all the exposed groups; in Experiment II the most affected organs were liver, kidney, and small intestine. For electron microscopy, in Experiment I, after administration of Cd and Zn, the highest amounts of granules were seen in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes and cells of the proximal and distal renal tubules and the lowest amounts were found in glandular cells of the pancreas. Administration of Cd and Se resulted in the presence of large numbers of granules in the nuclei and nucleoli of spermatogonies. In Experiment II, ingestion of Cd and Zn in feed led to the appearance of highest amounts of granules in the nucleoli, nuclei, and cytoplasm of cells in testes, kidneys, and pancreas. Following Cd intake, the highest accumulation of granules was observed in the nucleoli of hepatocytes and cells of the proximal and distal renal tubules. Combined Cd and Cu produced the highest number of granules in cells of the proximal and distal renal tubules and in the nucleoli and nuclei of germinal epithelium. Microsc. Res. Tech. 56:435–450, 2002.