bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accumulation of cardiolipin and lysocardiolipin in fibroblasts from Tangier disease subjects
Authors: Fobker Manfred , Voss Reinhard , Reinecke Holger , Crone Christina , Assmann Gerd , Walter Michael
Published: July 2002

Tangier disease (TD) is an inherited disorder of lipid metabolism characterized by very low high density lipoprotein (HDL) plasma levels, cellular cholesteryl ester accumulation and reduced cholesterol excretion in response to HDL apolipoproteins. Molecular defects in the ATP binding cassette transporter 1 (ABCA1) have recently been identified as the cause of TD. ABCA1 plays a key role in the translocation of cholesterol across the plasma membrane, and defective ABCA1 causes cholesterol storage in TD cells. Not only cholesterol efflux, but also phospholipid efflux was shown to be impaired in TD cells. By use of thin layer chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, we characterized the cellular phospholipid content in fibroblasts from three homozygous TD patients. The cellular content of the major phospholipids was not found to be significantly altered in TD fibroblasts. However, the two phospholipids cardiolipin and lysocardiolipin, which make up minute amounts in normal cells, were at least 3–5‐fold enriched in fibroblasts from TD subjects. A structurally closely related phospholipid (lysobisphosphatidic acid) has recently been shown to be enriched in Niemann–Pick type C, another lipid storage disorder. Altogether these data may indicate that the role of these phospholipids is a regulatory one rather than that of a bulk mediator of cholesterol solubilization in sterol trafficking and efflux.
The fourth component of the sarcoglycan complex
Authors: Yoshida Mikiharu , Noguchi Satoru , Wakabayashi Eriko , Piluso Giulio , Belsito Angela , Nigro Vincenzo , Ozawa Eijiro
Published: July 2002

© 1997 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.
Conformational properties of the prion octa‐repeat and hydrophobic sequences
Authors: Smith Corinne J , Drake Alex F , Banfield Beaulah A , Bloomberg Graham B , Palmer Mark S , Clarke Anthony R , Collinge John
Published: July 2002

We have used circular dichroism to study synthetic peptides from two important regions of the prion protein: the N‐terminal octa‐repeat domain and a highly conserved hydrophobic section. Our results show that the octa‐repeat sequence in free solution can adopt a non‐random, extended conformation with properties similar to the poly‐l‐proline type II left‐handed helix. We also show that the conformation can be changed by temperature, organic solvents (e.g. acetonitrile) and on binding to phospholipid vesicles. We compared CD data from two peptides corresponding to the hydrophobic region between residues 106 and 136 which contained either methionine or valine at position 129. This variation represents a common polymorphism in humans which has been shown to influence predisposition towards iatrogenic and sporadic CJD. There was no detectable difference between the CD spectra of these peptides irrespective of the solvent conditions we used.
The protein encoded by the MFT1 gene is a targeting factor for mitochondrial precursor proteins, and not a core ribosomal protein
Authors: Beilharz Traude , Beddoe Travis , Landl Karina , Cartwright Peter , Lithgow Trevor
Published: July 2002

Yeast cells harboring mft1 mutations are compromised in mitochondrial protein targeting, and Mft1p has previously been identified as a ribosomal protein. However, two genes, PLC2 and YML062C, are present in the MFT1 locus, and we show that mft1 mutant cells are compromised in the function of the cytosolic protein encoded by YML062C. The ribosomal protein (YS3a) is actually encoded by the tightly linked PLC2 gene, and does not play a role in targeting proteins to the mitochondria.
The heterodimer of the Ca2+‐binding proteins MRP8 and MRP14 binds arachidonic acid
Authors: Klempt Martin , Melkonyan Harutyun , Nacken Wolfgang , Wiesmann Dieter , Holtkemper Ulrike , Sorg Clemens
Published: July 2002

The S100 proteins MRP8 and MRP14 have been shown to be expressed by myeloid cells during inflammatory reactions. Since the majority of S100 proteins exhibit their biological activity when associated as complex it was investigated whether murine MRP8 and MRP14 form heterodimers and whether this complex may bind lipids of the cell membrane. This is of particular importance since their anchoring into the plasma membrane is unclear although upon calcium binding the proteins translocate from the cytoplasma to the cytoskeleton and the plasma membrane. Using recombinant proteins we could show that not the monomers but only the heterodimers specifically bind arachidonic acid. This finding opens new perspectives for the role of MRP8 and MRP14 in acute and chronic inflammatory processes.
Purification and characterization of PAMP‐12 (PAMP[9–20]) in porcine adrenal medulla as a major endogenous biologically active peptide
Authors: Kuwasako Kenji , Kitamura Kazuo , Ishiyama Yuichiro , Washimine Hisanori , Kato Johji , Kangawa Kenji , Eto Tanenao
Published: July 2002

Proadrenomedullin N‐terminal 20 peptide (PAMP‐20) is a potent hypotensive peptide processed from the adrenomedullin (AM) precursor. We developed a specific radioimmunoassay which recognizes the C‐terminal region of PAMP‐20. Using this radioimmunoassay, the distribution of immunoreactive (ir‐) PAMP was determined in porcine tissues. High concentrations of ir‐PAMP were observed in the adrenal medulla and in the atrium, and these values were comparable to the corresponding concentrations of ir‐AM. The concentration of ir‐PAMP was almost the same as that of ir‐AM in the kidney, while ir‐PAMP was significantly lower than ir‐AM in the ventricle, lung, and aorta. Reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography in each porcine tissue sample revealed that two major peaks of ir‐PAMP existed: one emerged at a position identical to that of authentic porcine PAMP‐20; the other unknown peak was eluted earlier. The unknown peptide was purified to homogeneity from porcine adrenal medulla, and its complete amino acid sequence was determined. This peptide was found to be PAMP[9–20] with a C‐terminal amide structure, and was named PAMP‐12. Intravenous injections of PAMP‐12 in anesthetized rats showed a significant hypotensive effect in a dose‐dependent fashion, and the effect was comparable to that of PAMP‐20. These data indicate that PAMP‐12, a major component of ir‐PAMP, is processed from the AM precursor, as is PAMP‐20, and may participate in cardiovascular control.
Agonist‐induced signaling and trafficking of the μ‐opioid receptor: role of serine and threonine residues in the third cytoplasmic loop and C‐terminal domain
Authors: Capeyrou Régine , Riond Joëlle , Corbani Maité , Lepage Jean-François , Bertin Brigitte , Emorine Laurent J
Published: July 2002

The human μ‐opioid receptor and a mutant form, μS/T[i3+Cter]A, in which all Ser and Thr residues from the third cytoplasmic loop and C‐terminal domain were changed to Ala, were studied after expression in CHO‐K1 cells. Although the mutant receptors had similar affinities for agonists and EC50 values for inhibition of adenylyl cyclase as compared to wild‐type receptors, the E
max were almost 2‐fold decreased, suggesting a role of the mutated residues in G‐protein coupling. After chronic morphine or etorphine, the EC50 values of the agonists were about 5‐fold increased at both receptors but the E
max values were not altered; upon agonist withdrawal forskolin‐stimulated cAMP levels were increased to almost 200% of control levels. Sequestration and rapid down‐regulation of the μ‐opioid receptor were induced by DAGO and etorphine but not morphine. In contrast, the μS/T[i3+Cter]A receptor was not sequestered and was up‐regulated (150–380%) after treatment with agonists. The results indicate that the Ser and Thr residues in the third cytoplasmic loop and C‐terminus of the μ‐opioid receptor are not involved in the limited desensitization or in the adenylyl cyclase superactivation promoted by agonists but that their integrity and/or their phosphorylation is required in the intricate and coordinately regulated pathways involved in receptor signaling and trafficking.
Overexpression of the jasmonate‐inducible 23 kDa protein (JIP 23) from barley in transgenic tobacco leads to the repression of leaf proteins
Authors: Görschen Eckart , Dunaeva Marina , Reeh Ingeborg , Wasternack Claus
Published: July 2002

We investigated transgenic tobacco lines which express different amounts of the barley JIP 23. In these plants the amount of several proteins decreased proportionally to increasing amounts of JIP 23 whereas the transcript levels were constant as determined for the small and the large subunit of RuBPCase. However, the translation initiation of the rbcS transcript was found to be less efficient than in the wild type. In contrast, the jip 23 transcript was efficiently initiated, indicating that no unspecific impairment of initiation occurred. The data suggest that the barley JIP 23 leads to discrimination among certain tobacco transcripts during translation initiation.
Transport of lucifer yellow CH into plant vacuoles ‐ evidence for direct energization of a sulphonated substance and implications for the design of new molecular probes
Authors: Klein Markus , Martinoia Enrico , Weissenböck Gottfried
Published: July 2002

Contrasting observations exist which indicate that in plants the fluorescent dye lucifer yellow CH (LYCH) either can be used as a tracer for endocytosis or as a substrate for an anion transporter located at the vacuolar membrane. In addition, LYCH as a disulphonated substance may represent an analogue of sulphonated or sulfated natural compounds like some flavonoids. We performed uptake experiments with LYCH into isolated rye vacuoles and observed saturable (K
m=0.3–0.6 mM) vacuolar transport and accumulation of the dye against the concentration gradient only when MgATP was present. GTP and, to a low extent, UTP could substitute for ATP, while the non‐hydrolysable ATP analogue AMP‐PNP did not drive LYCH uptake. Vanadate and probenecid, the latter substance is known to inhibit organic anion transport at the liver canalicular membrane, both strongly decreased the vacuolar uptake of LYCH, while bafilomycin A1, a specific inhibitor of the vacuolar H+‐ATPase, had no effect. Together with the fact that abolishment of the ΔpH via CCCP had only a weak influence on LYCH accumulation, our results indicate that this compound is taken up into rye vacuoles by a directly energized process. Uptake of LYCH was strongly inhibited by other sulfated compounds including sulfobromophthalein and the flavones apigenin 7,4′‐disulfate and luteolin 7,4′‐disulfate arguing for the presence of a vacuolar transporter for structurally different sulphonated or sulfated compounds. Glucuronates like the rye‐specific flavone luteolin 7‐O‐diglucuronide also strongly decreased uptake of the dye, whereas only a weak effect was observed in the presence of glutathione and a glutathione conjugate, suggesting that LYCH uptake is not mediated via the vacuolar glutathione conjugate pump.
High structural side chain specificity required at the second position of immunogenic peptides to obtain stable MHC/peptide complexes
Authors: Gavioli Riccardo , Guerrini Remo , Masucci Maria Grazia , Tomatis Roberto , Traniello Serena , Marastoni Mauro
Published: July 2002

Peptides binding to HLA‐A11 contain a hydrophobic or a small polar amino acid at position 2 and a lysine at the carboxy terminus. Synthetic peptides carrying natural and unnatural amino acids in position 2 were used to determine the requirements for formation of stable HLA‐A11/peptide complexes. By kinetic analysis we demonstrate that a stereospecific interaction between the side chain residue in position 2 and a subsite of pocket B is required to obtain stable HLA/peptide complexes. This specific interaction is mediated by a methyl group or by an ethyl group bound to the asymmetric Cβ atom with the correct configuration. Experiments performed with different peptide sequences suggest that the presence of adequate anchor residues may be sufficient to produce stable HLA/peptide complexes.
The core domain of RGS16 retains G‐protein binding and GAP activity in vitro, but is not functional in vivo
Authors: Chen Canhe , Lin Sheng-Cai
Published: July 2002

The regulators of G‐protein signaling (RGS) family members contain a conserved region, the RGS domain, and are GTPase‐activating proteins for many members of G‐protein α‐subunits. We report here that the core domain of RGS16 is sufficient for in vitro biochemical functions as assayed by its G‐protein binding affinity and its ability to stimulate GTP hydrolysis by Gαo protein. RGS16 also requires, in addition to the RGS domain, the divergent N‐terminus for its biological function in the attenuation of pheromone signaling in yeast, whereas its C‐terminus region is dispensable. Together with other evidence, these data support the notion that RGS proteins interact with other cellular factors and may serve to link specific G‐proteins to different downstream effectors in G‐protein‐mediated signaling pathways.
Expression of two isoforms of the third sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ATPase (SERCA3) in platelets. Possible recognition of the SERCA3b isoform by the PL/IM430 monoclonal antibody1
Authors: Bobe Régis , Lacabaratz-Porret Christine , Bredoux Raymonde , Martin Virginie , Ozog Anne , Launay Sophie , Corvazier Elisabeth , Kovács Tünde , Papp Béla , Enouf Jocelyne
Published: July 2002

Human platelets express several sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ATPase (SERCA) isoenzymes: SERCA2b of 100 kDa apparent molecular mass and two distinct enzymes of 97 kDa, one of them identified as being the SERCA3a isoform. The molecular identity of the third enzyme specifically recognized by the PL/IM430 monoclonal antibody has remained elusive. First, the study of the 3′‐end part of platelet SERCA3 mRNA, by means of RT‐PCR amplification using sets of primers covering the N−3 to N (ultimate) exons of the human SERCA3 sequence, revealed the presence of two distinct mRNA sequences, SERCA3a and a longer variant. Second, this additional sequence was identified as SERCA3b and found to refer to the insertion of a new exon of 73 bp, located at bp 349 from the beginning of the intronic sequence, linking the penultimate (N−1) exon to the last exon (N) of the human SERCA3 gene. Third, a relationship between the expression of this SERCA3b mRNA and the PL/IM430 recognizable SERCA protein was observed. SERCA3b mRNA was found to be absent in epithelial HeLa cells not recognized by the PL/IM430 antibody and the expression of this SERCA3b RNA species correlated with that of the SERCA protein recognized by PL/IM430 which was down‐modulated in the platelet precursor megakaryocytic CHRF 288‐11 cell line as well as upon in vitro lymphocyte activation. Taken together, these results strongly support the notion of the presence of the SERCA3b protein in human cells by showing SERCA3b mRNA in platelets and the fact that the protein corresponding to this mRNA species is very likely the 97 kDa protein recognized by the PL/IM430 antibody.
Association of extracellular‐superoxide dismutase phenotype with the endothelial constitutive nitric oxide synthase polymorphism
Authors: Adachi Tetsuo , Li Wang Xing
Published: July 2002

The distribution of extracellular‐superoxide dismutase (EC‐SOD) levels in healthy Australian subjects was consistent with two distinct phenotypes in which the smaller group of subjects (3.3%) had 15‐fold higher levels. The EC‐SOD levels in individuals homozygous for endothelial constitutive nitric oxide synthase 4a (ecNOS4a), a rare allele for ecNOS repeat polymorphism at intron 4, were significantly lower than those in ecNOS4A/a and ecNOS4A/A subjects. Furthermore, NO levels were negatively correlated with the EC‐SOD levels in common EC‐SOD phenotype subjects. Whilst the mechanism remains speculative, it is possible that there is a significant interaction between EC‐SOD and ecNOS, or that common factor(s), either genetic or environmental, influence both of them.
Regulation of phospholipase D activity in synaptosomes permeabilized with Staphylococcus aureus α‐toxin
Authors: Sarri Elisabet , Böckmann Ira , Kempter Ulrike , Valeva Angela , von Eichel-Streiber Christoph , Weichel Oksana , Klein Jochen
Published: July 2002

In order to investigate the regulation of presynaptic phospholipase D (PLD) activity by calcium and G proteins, we established a permeabilization procedure for rat cortical synaptosomes using Staphylococcus aureus α‐toxin (30–100 μg/ml). In permeabilized synaptosomes, PLD activity was significantly stimulated when the concentration of free calcium was increased from 0.1 μM to 1 μM. This activation was inhibited in the presence of KN‐62 (1 μM), an inhibitor of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII), but not by the protein kinase C inhibitor, Ro 31‐8220 (1–10 μM). Synaptosomal PLD activity was also stimulated in the presence of 1 μM GTPγS. When Rho proteins were inhibited by pretreatment of the synaptosomes with Clostridium difficile toxin B (TcdB; 1–10 ng/ml), the effect of GTPγS was significantly reduced; in contrast, brefeldin A (10–100 μM), an inhibitor of ARF activation, was ineffective. Calcium stimulation of PLD was inhibited by TcdB, but GTPγS‐dependent activation was insensitive to KN‐62. We conclude that synaptosomal PLD is activated in a pathway which sequentially involves CaMKII and Rho proteins.
Increased uncoupling protein‐2 and ‐3 gene expressions in skeletal muscle of STZ‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Kageyama Haruaki , Suga Asako , Kashiba Misato , Oka Jun , Osaka Toshimasa , Kashiwa Takayuki , Hirano Tsutomu , Nemoto Kiyomitsu , Namba Yoshio , Ricquier Daniel , Giacobino Jean-Paul , Inoue Shuji
Published: July 2002

Streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic animals are vulnerable to cold stress. Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) play an important role in regulating thermogenesis. We investigated the gene expressions of UCPs in brown adipose tissue (BAT), white adipose tissue (WAT), liver and gastrocnemius muscle of STZ‐diabetic rats using Northern blot. UCP‐1, ‐2 and ‐3 mRNA expressions in BAT were all remarkably lower in STZ‐diabetic rats than those in control rats. Both UCP‐2 and ‐3 gene expressions in gastrocnemius muscle were substantially elevated in STZ‐diabetic rats and insulin treatment restored UCP gene expressions to normal levels. These results suggest that in STZ‐diabetic rats, the overexpression of UCP‐2 and UCP‐3 in skeletal muscle provides a defense against hypothermogenesis caused by decreased UCPs in BAT.
Rhophilin, a small GTPase Rho‐binding protein, is abundantly expressed in the mouse testis and localized in the principal piece of the sperm tail
Authors: Nakamura Ken-ichi , Fujita Akiko , Murata Takahiko , Watanabe Go , Mori Chisato , Fujita Jun , Watanabe Naoki , Ishizaki Toshimasa , Yoshida Osamu , Narumiya Shuh
Published: July 2002

Tissue distribution and cellular localization of rhophilin, a 71 kDa Rho‐binding protein, were examined in mice. Rhophilin mRNA was highly expressed in adult testis, but was absent in the testis of W/WV
mice deficient in germ cells. An anti‐rhophilin antibody detected a band of an expected size in sperm extracts, which was enriched in the tail fraction. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed two lines of striated staining running in parallel in the principal piece of the sperm tail. These results suggest that rhophilin is expressed in germ cells and localized in the fibrous sheath of the sperm tail.
Routine colposcopic evaluation of patients with persistent inflammatory cellular changes on Pap smear
Authors: Seçkin N.C. , Turhan N.Ö. , Özmen Ş. , Ersan F. , Avşar F. , Üstün H.
Published: July 2002

Objective: To assess the rate of undetected dysplasia in patients with two consecutive reports of inflammatory cellular changes without atypia on Pap smears despite anti‐inflammatory therapy. Method: A prospective randomized study. Result: 2798 premenopausal non‐pregnant patients were evaluated by Pap smears of the cervix. Of these, 397 (14.2%) were reported as ‘inflammatory cellular changes’. A total of 238 (8.5%) had persistent inflammatory changes without atypia despite the anti‐inflammatory therapy. Fourteen patients refused colposcope. The mean age and parity of the remaining 224 patients were 30.2 ± 6.3 (18–46) and 1.7 ± 2.3 (0–6), respectively. When these patients underwent colposcopically‐directed biopsies of the cervix, in 51 (22.7%) patients human papillomavirus lesions, dysplasia and in situ cancer were noted. Mean age, parity, age of marriage, prevalence of smoking and contraceptive methods of the two groups of patients (173 vs. 51) did not show statistically significant differences. Conclusion: Colposcopically‐directed biopsies of the cervix are indicated even when inflammatory cellular changes without atypia persist despite therapy.
National audit on the practice and training in breech deliveries in the United Kingdom
Authors: Sharma J.B , Newman M.R , Boutchier J.E , Williams A
Published: July 2002

Objective: To assess training in breech delivery in the United Kingdom at the level of registrar. Method: Three hundred and nineteen registrars in obstetrics and gynecology in the United Kingdom replied to a postal questionnaire. Results: The various indications of cesarean section in breech presentation answered by respondents were: pre‐term labor, pelvimetric measurement of inlet/outlet less than 11.5 cm, primigravida, no spontaneous labor, estimated fetal weight less than 2.5 kg or more than 3.5 kg, non‐progression of labor in active phase, non‐delivery after one hour of active pushing in second stage. A total of 190 respondents (60%) felt that they had been given sufficient training in vaginal breech delivery but only 125 respondents (39%) had the training in the United Kingdom. Conclusion: There is a high rate of cesarean section in breech presentation due to inadequate training of junior staff in vaginal breech delivery.
Patterns of synthesis and secretion of sulfated glycosaminoglycans in primary cortical and cerebellar astrocytes in vitro
Authors: Martins Rita C.L. , Lima Flavia R.S. , Werneck Claudio C. , Neto Vivaldo Moura , Silva Luiz‐Claudio F.
Published: July 2002

We determined the amounts of [35S]‐glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) found on the intracellular, pericellular and extracellular compartments of primary cultures of astrocytes derived from newborn rat cortex and cerebellum in vitro. Our results show that the greatest portion of newly synthesized GAGs were found in different cellular compartments, depending on the source of the astrocytes. In the cells derived from the cerebellum, the proportion of [35S]‐GAGs secreted to the culture medium preponderates over the amount found in the two other compartments, whereas cells derived from the cortex accumulated higher proportions of [35S]‐GAGs in the intracellular compartment than in the two other compartments. Cortical and cerebellar glial cells synthesised and secreted heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin 4‐sulfate (C‐4S). HS was predominantly accumulated on the pericellular surface, while C‐4S was mostly secreted to the culture medium. Beside the difference on the distribution of total [35S]‐GAGs among the three cellular compartments, no difference was observed on the relative proportions of HS and C‐4S within each compartment. By defining the source of GAGs, the present study may help to complement and extend information on biosynthesis of these compounds by mammalian glial cells.
Microglial development is altered in immature spinal cord by exposure to radiation
Authors: Gilmore Shirley Ann , Sims Terry J. , Davies David L. , Durgun M.Barbaros
Published: July 2002

Previous studies in this laboratory have documented that the microglial environment of the immature spinal cord is altered by exposure to ionizing radiation. As a result, the lumbosacral spinal cord is markedly depleted of both oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, while leaving axons and the overall cytoarchitecture intact. The status of the microglia in the irradiated region is unknown and is of interest given the interactions between microglia and astrocytes recently elucidated by others. This study uses both in vivo and in vitro approaches to examine the microglial population in normal and irradiated immature spinal cord. The lectin, Griffonia (Bandeiraea) simplicifolia, was selected since it marks microglia both in paraffin embedded sections and in cell cultures. Light microscopic examination of spinal cord sections revealed a reduced microglial population in the irradiated region when compared to littermate controls, and a change in morphology of the remaining microglia to that described by others as “activated”. Cultures prepared from lumbosacral spinal cords harvested from 3‐day‐old rats within 2–4 hr following irradiation were compared with cultures derived from their non‐irradiated littermates after 8 days in vitro. Cultures from the irradiated spinal cords revealed trends similar to those observed in vivo, i.e. a reduced microglial population and altered morphology. Although all glial cell types were reduced in cultures from irradiated spinal cords, the few microglia present were usually positioned atop astrocytes. The consistency of reduction in all glial populations in this model shows the microglia to be a novel microenvironment for further studies of roles of microglia within the spinal cord.
δ1‐OPIOID receptor‐mediated controlofacetylcholine (ACh) release in human neocortex slices
Authors: Feuerstein T.J. , Albrecht C. , Wessler I. , Zentner J. , Jackisch R.
Published: July 2002

In slices of human neocortex, prelabelled with [3H]‐choline, the release of [3H]‐acetylcholine reflects the evoked release of endogenous acetylcholine whichwaselicited by the same electrical stimulation paradigm. [3H]‐Acetylcholine releasewasdepressed by the δ‐opioid receptor agonist d‐Pen2‐d‐Pen5‐enkephalin. When the nerve endings were depolarized byelevatingextracellular potassium the evoked [3H]‐acetylcholine release was similarlydepressed by d‐Pen2‐d‐Pen5‐enkephalin in theabsence, but notin the presence, of tetrodotoxin which blocks action potential propagation.Therefore, the δ‐opioid receptor inhibiting [3H]‐acetylcholine release should notbe located tocholinergic nerve terminals, but rather to interneurons. The somatostatin2receptorpartial agonist octreotide per se did not influence action potential‐evoked [3H]‐acetylcholine release, but prevented the inhibition of release of [3H]‐acetylcholine byd‐Pen2‐d‐Pen5‐enkephalin.Similarly, the δ1‐opioid receptor antagonist 7‐benzylidenenaltrexon perse did notinfluence [3H]‐acetylcholine release, but prevented of the inhibition ofrelease by d‐Pen2‐d‐Pen5‐enkephalin.

From the presentfindings we conclude : (1) The evoked release of [3H]‐acetylcholine from humanneocortex slices reflects the release of endogenous acetylcholine.(2) It is inhibited in an indirectmanner by opioid receptors of the δ1‐subtype,which (3) are not localized oncholinergic axon terminals but on soma and dendrites ofsomatostatin‐containing interneurons,where they inhibit somatostatin release. (4) Theseinterneurons innervate cholinergic nerveendings in the human neocortex and appear to facilitateacetylcholine release via somatostatin2 receptors.
From the Special Issue Editor Vol 9 No 1
Authors: Bajtelsmit Vickie L.
Published: July 2002

NA
The impact of the Pension Fund on the decision to work one more year
Authors: Woerheide Walt
Published: July 2002

The decision to retire or work one more year is quite complex. One factor that plays a role in this decision is the net salary derived from working one more year. The type of pension a person has, defined benefit or defined contribution, will influence whether the net salary is larger than, equal to, or less than the stated salary. The larger the net salary relative to the stated salary, the more likely an employee is to continue working. This paper defines the net salary percentage for each type of pension plan and looks at empirical estimates for these values. © 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
Exploitable patterns in retirement annuity returns: evidence from TIAA/CREF
Authors: Miller Edward M. , Prather Larry J.
Published: July 2002

Evidence suggests that predictabilities in asset class returns exist but transactions costs prevent exploiting them using individual securities. Extant research also shows that these relationships may by exploitable through the trading of mutual funds but fails to examine whether this relationship exists within an individual fund family. This paper finds that TIAA/CREF retirement annuities exhibit predictable elements that could be exploited by informed traders. The proposed trading strategy dominates a buy-and-hold strategy by producing higher raw and risk-adjusted returns. Additionally, the risk is greatly reduced. © 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
An Application of Fuzzy Set Theory to the Individual Investor Problem
Authors: Tarrazo Manuel
Published: July 2002

This study reviews the problem of the individual investor and applies to it a methodology based on fuzzy sets and the theory of possibility. The investment decision is characterized by uncertainty, imprecision and complexity, which lessen the eflectiveness of conventional calculus andprobability tools. In contrast, fuzzy set theory and its modeling language provide objects of analysis and algebra that are well suited to this problem. New concepts such as ‘fuzzy portfolio weights” are introduced. The result of our research is a qualitative, general, and practical model for individual investors’ decision making, which is based on Smith’s (1974) asset-mix model.
Municipal bonds
Authors: Brooks Robert
Published: July 2002

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the municipal bond market with an emphasis on the numerous embedded contingent claims. Embedded contingent claims include the standard call features, sinking funds, the advance refunding option, the synthetic advance refunding option, the credit risk option (default risk), marketability, and the numerous tax-related events. Municipal bond investors must carefully assess the relative value of these contingent claims before investing in municipal bonds. Also, due to unique risk premiums within the municipal bond market, it is important to carefully structure the municipal bond holdings, paying particular attention to duration, within the context of an overall financial plan. There appears to be a benefit to lengthening the duration of the municipal bond portion of the portfolio. © 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
Bradykinin infusion in chronic cardiac failure and the effects of captopril
Authors: Maguire S.M. , McAuley D. , McGurk C. , Nugent A.G. , Johnston G.D. , Nicholls D.P.
Published: July 2002

Background:

Patients with chronic cardiac failure (CCF) have abnormal vascular responses. Bradykinin (BK) is thought to contribute to the vasodilator effects of ACE inhibitors, but the effect of BK itself in patients with CCF has not been examined.

Methods:

We studied the responses to infused BK at 10, 30 and 100 pmol min−1 in patients with CCF (n‐10) and controls (n‐10). The slope of the dose‐response curve was used for comparisons between the groups. Forearm blood flow (FBF) was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography.

Results:

Following BK, vasodilatation was observed in both groups as the slopes were positive in all, but the difference between the groups was not significant (P‐0.77). The study was repeated with the co‐administration of 4 μmol min−1 of NG‐monomethyl l‐arginine (l‐NMMA). The vasodilator response to BK was reduced in both groups, and the effect was somewhat greater in the patient group (P‐0.23). The vasodilator response to the endothelium‐independent vasodilator sodium nitroprusside was slightly less in the patient group (P‐0.08). The patients only then underwent repeat infusion of BK before and after a single oral dose of captopril 12.5 mg or placebo. Following captopril, the vasodilator response to BK was unchanged when compared to placebo (difference between slopes, P‐0.53).

Conclusions:

BK produces dose‐dependent vasodilatation in both patients with CCF and controls; there was no difference in the responses, which were antagonised by l‐NMMA and therefore in part NO (endothelium)‐dependent. The responses were also unchanged after administration of an ACE inhibitor (captopril).
WOMEN'S EXPERIENCES OF TRANSFER FROM A MIDWIFE‐LED TO A CONSULTANT‐LED MATERNITY UNIT IN THE UK DURING LATE PREGNANCY AND LABOR
Authors: Walker Jan , Psychol C.
Published: July 2002

Purpose: This study explored the experiences of women who were transferred from a midwife‐led to a distant consultant obstetric unit before or during labor.

Background: Little attention is given to the psychological impact of transfer, particular when it takes place prior to labor.

Method: Narrative and progressively focused interviews were conducted with 18 women who faced or experienced transfer prior to or during labor. The data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach.

Results: The core category in the transferred group was loss. This related to loss of choice, control, continuity, and support and was associated with anger and resentment. Distress appeared most common when transfer took place late in a healthy pregnancy when the mother recognized no risk to the baby.

Conclusions: More attention needs to be paid to the psychological impact of transfer from midwife‐led to consultant‐led care, particularly where this involves a change of location or midwife.
Improvement in MR quality control workflow and outcomes with a web‐based database
Authors: Yang Xiangyu , Little Kevin , Jiang Xia , Hintenlang David
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To describe a custom‐built, web‐based MR Quality Control (QC) database, and to assess its impact on the QC workflow and outcomes in a large U.S. academic medical center.

Methods

The MR QC database was built with Microsoft Access 2010 and published on a Microsoft Sharepoint website owned and maintained by the authors' institution. Authorized users can access the database remotely with mainstream web browsers on any institutional computers. QC technologists were granted access to add, review, and print daily and weekly QC records. Qualified medical physicists (QMPs) were granted additional access to edit, review, and approve existing QC records and to change tolerance limits. A macro was utilized to conduct an automatic weekly review of QC status and to email the results to a QMP. This web‐based QC database was implemented on 17 clinical MRIs at the authors' institution. Weekly ACR QC findings within one year before and after implementation were compared.

Results

We analyzed 158 QC issues detected by the web‐based database and 127 QC issues identified in conventional paper records before we implemented the database. The web‐based database significantly reduced the number of QC issues due to technologist error (before/after: 59/24 cases, P < 0.0001) but did not affect the number of QC issues related to scanner performance (before/after: 49/46 cases, P = 1). Further analysis revealed that the web‐based database significantly reduced the average time for the QMPs to identify a QC issue (before/after: 177 ± 110/2 ± 2 days, P < 0.0001) and time to correction (before/after: 81 ± 102/7 ± 8 days, P < 0.0001). The correction rate also significantly increased (before/after: 22%/99%, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The web‐based QC database provides a positive impact on our MR QC workflow and outcomes. It simplifies QC workflow, enables early detection of quality issues, and facilitates quick resolution of problems that may affect the quality of clinical MRI studies.
Integrated analysis and network pharmacology approaches to explore key genes of Xingnaojing for treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wang Meixia , Wang Shouyong , Li Yong , Cai Gaomei , Cao Min , Li Lanfang
Published: April 2020

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD), as a neurodegenerative condition, is one of the leading causes of dementia. Our study aims to explore the key genes of Xingnaojing (XNJ) for treatment of AD by integrated microarray analysis and network pharmacology.

Methods

The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in AD compared with normal control. According to these DEGs, we performed the functional annotation, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction. The network pharmacology was used to explore the potential targets of XNJ in the treatment of AD. The expression level of selected candidate genes was validated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR).

Results

A total of 1,424 DEGs (620 genes were upregulated and 804 genes were downregulated) between AD and normal control were obtained. The functional annotation results displayed that neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, Estrogen signaling pathway and notch signaling pathway were significantly enriched pathways in AD. Comparing the target genes of four active ingredients, a total of 16 shared genes were found. Among which, HTR2A and ADRA2A were also enriched in pathway of neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction. The expression of 4 DEGs (SORCS3, HTR2A, NEFL, and TAC1) was validated by qRT‐PCR. Except for TAC1, the other 3 DEGs in AD were consistent with our integrated analysis.

Conclusions

The results of this study may provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of AD and indicate potential therapeutic targets for AD.
Palladium‐Catalyzed peri‐Selective C−H Fluoroalkoxylation of Aryl Sulfoxides
Authors: Sato Tomohiko , Nogi Keisuke , Yorimitsu Hideki
Published: April 2020

Sulfinyl‐directed peri‐selective C−H fluoroalkoxylation of aryl sulfoxides with fluorinated alcohols has been developed. By means of a palladium catalyst and PhI(OAc)2 as an oxidant, a range of fluoroalkoxy groups can be installed onto the peri position of aryl sulfoxides. The remaining sulfinyl groups on the fluoroalkoxylation products further promote Pummerer‐based C−H functionalizations.
Acetate Acetylacetonate Ampy Ruthenium(II) Complexes as Efficient Catalysts for Ketone Transfer Hydrogenation
Authors: Hey Daniela A. , Sauer Michael J. , Fischer Pauline J. , Esslinger Eva‐Maria H. J. , Kühn Fritz E. , Baratta Walter
Published: April 2020

The mixed acetate acetylacetonate (acac) ruthenium(II) phosphine complexes Ru(OAc)(acac)P2 [P2=(PPh3)2, Ph2P(CH2)4PPh2 (dppb)] were prepared by protonation of Ru(OAc)2(PPh3)2 with acetylacetone in dichloromethane. Reaction of the dppb derivative with 2‐(aminomethyl)pyridine (ampy) affords the complex Ru(OAc)(acac)(ampy)(dppb), which converts to [Ru(acac)(ampy)(dppb)](OAc) in toluene at 90 °C. In the former derivative the ampy ligand is monodentate and coordinates through the NH2‐moiety. The isolated acac complexes are active catalysts for the transfer hydrogenation of ketones with loadings as low as 0.01 mol%, the ampy having a strong accelerating effect. Several aromatic and aliphatic ketone substrates are converted to their corresponding alcohols, and different electronic influences through substituents on acetophenone are tolerated.
Enhanced high‐order information extraction for multiphase batch process fault monitoring
Authors: Chunhao Ding , Peng Chang , Kang Olivia
Published: April 2020

Conventional independent component analysis (ICA) monitoring methods extract the feature information of process data by selecting more important independent components (ICs), which discard a small part of ICs that may contain useful information for faults, leading to unsatisfactory monitoring results. However, when the number of sampling points is greater than that of process variables, the ICA monitoring model does not work well. To address the aforementioned problems, a novel monitoring method, multiphase enhanced high‐order information extraction (MEHOIE), is proposed in this paper. The entire production process was first divided into several steady phases and transition phases by the affinity propagation (AP) phase partitioning method. The enhanced high‐order information extraction (EHOIE) model was then built in each phase for fault monitoring. Finally, the algorithm was applied in the penicillin simulation platform and industrial microbial pharmaceutical process. The flexibility and superiority of this algorithm were verified by comparing it with other conventional methods.
Real Analytic Local Well‐Posedness for the Triple Deck
Authors: Iyer Sameer , Vicol Vlad
Published: April 2020

The triple‐deck model is a classical high‐order boundary layer model that has been proposed to describe flow regimes where the Prandtl theory is expected to fail. At first sight the model appears to lose two derivatives through the pressure‐displacement relation that links pressure to the tangential slip. In order to overcome this, we split the triple‐deck system into two coupled equations: a Prandtl‐type system on ℍ and a Benjamin‐Ono‐type equation on ℝ. This splitting enables us to extract a crucial leading‐order cancellation at the top of the lower deck. We develop a functional framework to subsequently extend this cancellation into the interior of the lower deck, which enables us to prove the local well‐posedness of the model in tangentially real analytic spaces. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The course of pain intensity and frequency of adolescents treated because of temporomandibular disorders: A long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Wahlund Kerstin , Larsson Bo
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the course of pain intensity and frequency related to temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) 15 years (range 5–21 years) after having received TMD treatment as adolescents due to frequent (at least once a week) TMD pain in two controlled trials.

Materials and Methods

In the first trial, subjects (n = 122) were randomly allocated to either information only, received in a control condition (Co), or information and an occlusal appliance (OA) versus relaxation therapy (RT). In the second trial, including 64 subjects, nonresponders to OA or RT were subsequently allocated to the alternate treatment (ST). All study participants having completed the trials (n = 167) were invited to a long‐term follow‐up evaluations, with a response rate of 69.5% (n = 116). Patient‐reported outcomes of TMD‐related frequency and intensity were appraised relative to baseline data and short‐term outcomes as observed in the two trials by use of general linear mixed model and generalized estimation equation statistics.

Results

A significantly higher proportion of participants treated with OA and in the combined RT/Co condition than those in the ST group, reported a frequency level of TMD pain less than once week at post‐treatment and the long‐term follow‐up. Adolescents treated with OA showed significantly lower TMD pain intensity levels post‐treatment than those in the other two treatment conditions. While no difference between the OA and the RT/Co conditions was found in the long‐term follow‐up, participants in these two conditions were significantly more improved than those in the ST group.

Conclusion

Adolescents treated with an OA clearly showed better outcome with regard to intensity and frequency in a long‐term follow‐up of TMD pain than those treated with RT and ST for nonresponders. These latter individuals need special clinical attention and more effective supplementary treatment methods to be developed.
A three‐level time‐split MacCormack method for two‐dimensional nonlinear reaction‐diffusion equations
Authors: Ngondiep Eric , Kerdid Nabil , Abdulaziz Mohammed Abaoud Mohammed , Abdulaziz Ibrahim Aldayel Ibrahim
Published: April 2020

A three‐level explicit time‐split MacCormack method is proposed for solving the two‐dimensional nonlinear reaction‐diffusion equations. The computational cost is reduced thank to the splitting and the explicit MacCormack scheme. Under the well‐known condition of Courant‐Friedrich‐Lewy (CFL) for stability of explicit numerical schemes applied to linear parabolic partial differential equations, we prove the stability and convergence of the method in L∞(0,T;L2)‐norm. A wide set of numerical evidences which provide the convergence rate of the new algorithm are presented and critically discussed.
Development of an inexpensive automated streamflow monitoring system
Authors: LeGrand Matthew C. L. , Luce James J. , Metcalfe Robert A. , Buttle James M.
Published: April 2020

Estimating streamflow is time and labour intensive due to the necessity of developing a rating curve. The development of a rating curve involves acquiring in‐field measurements of streamflow across a wide range of flow levels, which can be costly and impractical in remote regions with limited seasonal access. Here we showcase an automated system which estimates streamflow multiple times each day, greatly facilitating the development of rating curves for remote or seasonally inaccessible sites. The system uses an emerging technique referred to as particle image velocimetry (PIV) to track the movement of objects and flow structure features on the mobile water surface to generate velocity vector grids. Velocity grids were used to calculate streamflow and facilitate the development of a rating curve. This work contributes to our field‐based knowledge for using automated PIV systems to estimate streamflow in small streams (<5 m wide) using automatically distributed particles.
Perinatal outcomes of cesarean deliveries in Sierra Leone: A prospective multicenter observational study
Authors: van Duinen Alex J. , Westendorp Josien , Kamara Michael M. , Forna Fatu , Hagander Lars , Rijken Marcus J. , Leather Andrew J.M. , Wibe Arne , Bolkan Håkon A.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To analyze the indications for cesarean deliveries and factors associated with adverse perinatal outcomes in Sierra Leone.

Methods

Between October 2016 and May 2017, patients undergoing cesarean delivery performed by medical doctors and associate clinicians in nine hospitals were included in a prospective observational study. Data were collected perioperatively, at discharge, and during home visits after 30 days.

Results

In total, 1274 cesarean deliveries were included of which 1099 (86.3%) were performed as emergency surgery. Of the 1376 babies, 261 (19.0%) were perinatal deaths (53 antepartum stillbirths, 155 intrapartum stillbirths, and 53 early neonatal deaths). Indications with the highest perinatal mortality were uterine rupture (45 of 55 [81.8%]), abruptio placentae (61 of 85 [71.8%]), and antepartum hemorrhage (8 of 15 [53.3%]). In the group with cesarean deliveries performed for obstructed and prolonged labor, a partograph was filled out for 212 of 425 (49.9%). However, when completed, babies had 1.81‐fold reduced odds for perinatal death (95% confidence interval 1.03–3.18, P‐value 0.041).

Conclusion

Cesarean deliveries in Sierra Leone are associated with an exceptionally high perinatal mortality rate of 190 per 1000 births. Late presentation in the facilities and lack of adequate fetal monitoring may be contributing factors.
Imaging photoplethysmography and videocapillaroscopy enable noninvasive study of zebrafish cardiovascular system functioning
Authors: Machikhin Alexander S. , Burlakov Alexander B. , Volkov Mikhail V. , Khokhlov Demid D.
Published: April 2020

We report on the noninvasive method for in vivo study of fish's cardiovascular system, that is, the heart and the structure of vessels that carry blood throughout the body. The proposed approach is based on combined photoplethysmographic and videocapillaroscopic microscopic imaging and enables noncontact two‐dimensional mapping of blood volume changes. We demonstrate that the obtained data allows precise measurements of heartbeat, blood flow velocity and other important parameters (see Videos S1 and S2). To validate the developed image processing technique, we have carried out multiple experiments on zebrafish—a well‐proven informative model organism widely used to understand cardiac development. The proposed approach may be effective for the study of cardiovascular system formation and functioning as well as the impact of various influencing factors on them.