bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primordial germ cell‐somatic cell partnership: A balancing cell signaling act
Authors: Kierszenbaum Abraham L. , Tres Laura L.
Published: August 2002

Recent studies demonstrate that the normal progression of the germ cell lineage during gonadogenesis involves a delicate balance of primordial germ cell survival and death factors generated by surrounding somatic cells. This balance operates in a different fashion in females and males. The fine tuning primordial germ cell specification in the wall of the yolk sac, migration through the hindgut and dorsal mesentery, and colonization in the urogenital ridges involves the temporal and spatial activation of the following signaling pathways: Primordial germ cell specification involves bone morphogenetic proteins 2, 4 and 8b, and their migration is facilitated by the c‐kit receptor‐ligand duet. When colonization occurs: (1) neuregulin‐β ligand is expressed and binds to an ErbB2–ErbB3 receptor tyrosine kinase heterodimer on primordial germ cells; (2) Vasa, an ortholog of the Drosophila gene vasa, member of an ATP‐dependent RNA helicase of the DEAD (Asp‐Glu‐Ala‐Asp)‐box family protein is also expressed by primordial germ cells; (3) Bcl‐x (cell survival factor) and Bax (cell death factor) join forces to modulate the first burst of primordial germ cell apoptosis; (4) Cadherins, integrins, and disintegrins bring together primordial germ cells and somatic cells to organize testis and ovary. Information on other inducers of primordial cell survival, such as TER (teratoma) factor, is beginning to emerge. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 60: 277–280, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Glucose transporter expression is developmentally regulated in in vitro derived bovine preimplantation embryos
Authors: Augustin Robert , Pocar Paola , Navarrete‐Santos Anne , Wrenzycki Christine , Gandolfi Fulvio , Niemann Heiner , Fischer Bernd
Published: August 2002

Glucose is readily been taken up and utilized by preimplantation embryos from different species. However, a comprehensive analysis of the glucose transporter expression throughout preimplantation development is still missing. Here, we have investigated the expression of facilitative glucose transporters (Glut1–5 and 8) and sodium‐dependent‐glucose transporter (SGLT‐I) in bovine oocytes and preimplantation embryos up to d16 of development, using RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry. The embryos were produced in vitro by IVM–IVF. Glut1, Glut3, Glut8, and SGLT‐I were expressed in all stages studied. Glut4 transcripts were first detected at the blastocyst stage. Glut2 expression was restricted to the period of blastocyst elongation at d14 and d16. Transcription of the fructose transporter Glut5 started at the 8‐/16‐cell stage. Our results show a distinct expression pattern for glucose transporters during bovine embryo development in vitro indicating specialized functions for these isoforms at different developmental stages in bovine embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 60:370‐376, © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel growth factor supporting survival of murine primordial germ cells: evidence from conditioned medium of ter fetal gonadal somatic cells
Authors: Takabayashi Shuji , Sasaoka Yumiko , Yamashita Masayo , Tokumoto Toshinobu , Ishikawa Katsutoshi , Noguchi Motoko
Published: August 2002

The ter (teratoma, chromosome 18) mutation causes a deficiency of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in ter/ter embryos from the ter congenic mouse strain at 8.0 days post coitum (dpc). In order to analyse the function of the ter gene, here we examined effects of conditioned medium (CM) from 14.5 dpc testicular and ovarian somatic cells of +/+, +/ter, or ter/ter genotype on mouse PGCs “mixed‐cultured” with own somatic cells on feeder cells. The results showed that +/+ and +/ter CM supported survival in 9.5 and 11.5 dpc ICR PGCs but ter/ter CM did not rescue TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling)‐positive apoptosis in the PGCs though it did not affect 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine incorporation in PGCs. This supportive substance in +/+ CM, not ter/ter CM, was characterized as soluble, heat labile, and larger than 30 kDa. We also found that several known growth factors for PGCs and their receptors were expressed in ter/ter testes as well as +/+ testes, suggesting the ter function is independent. Thus, it was concluded that fetal gonadal somatic cells express a novel PGC growth factor (designated as TER Factor) supporting survival of PGCs not somatic cells and that the PGC deficiency in ter/ter testes is caused by a loss of this factor. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 60:384‐396, © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cyclooxygenase‐2 is expressed by cumulus cells during oocyte maturation in cattle
Authors: Nuttinck F. , Reinaud P. , Tricoire H. , Vigneron C. , Peynot N. , Mialot J.P. , Mermillod P. , Charpigny G.
Published: August 2002

Prostaglandins could be involved in various aspects of final differentiation of ovarian follicles. Prostaglandins are generated by the cyclooxygenase (cox) pathway. Until now, the expression pattern of isoforms cox‐1 and cox‐2 of cyclooxygenase in bovine cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) was unknown. Using immunodetection procedure, we demonstrated in the present study that cox‐2 was expressed by cumulus cells during in vivo and in vitro maturation. Time course induction of cox‐2 expression was investigated during in vitro maturation using Western blot analysis. Specific signal of cox‐2 was markedly evidenced from 6 hr of culture and increased to reach a maximal level at 24 hr of culture. In vitro, cox‐2 expression in COCs was associated with increased concentrations of PGE2 and PGF2α in the maturation medium. In addition, the effects of culture conditions on cox‐2 expression was considered using RT‐PCR and Western‐blot analysis. We demonstrated that the addition of 10 ng/ml of EGF to TCM199 clearly increased the expression level of cox‐2 mRNA and protein. Higher levels of in vitro cox‐2 expression was associated with greater rates of cumulus expansion and oocytes at metaphase II at 24 hr of culture. In conclusion, our present results suggest that cox‐2 expression in cumulus cells may be involved in differentiation of COCs that occurs during oocyte maturation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 61: 93–101, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Roles of the Na,K‐ATPase α4 isoform and the Na+/H+ exchanger in sperm motility
Authors: Woo Alison L. , James Paul F. , Lingrel Jerry B.
Published: August 2002

The Na,K‐ATPase generates electrochemical gradients that are used to drive the coupled transport of many ions and nutrients across the plasma membrane. The functional enzyme is comprised of an α and β subunit and families of isoforms for both subunits exist. Recent studies in this laboratory have identified a biological role for the Na,K‐ATPase α4 isoform in sperm motility. Here we further investigate the role of the Na,K‐ATPase carrying the α4 isoform, showing again that ouabain eliminates sperm motility, and in addition, that nigericin, a H+/K+ ionophore, and monensin, a H+/Na+ ionophore, reinitiate motility. These data, along with the observation that the K+ ionophore valinomycin has no effect on the motility of ouabain‐inhibited sperm, suggest that ouabain may change intracellular H+ levels in a manner that is incompatible with sperm motility. We have also localized NHE1 and NHE5, known regulators of intracellular H+ content, to the same region of the sperm as the Na,K‐ATPase α4 isoform. These data highlight the important role of the Na,K‐ATPase α4 isoform in regulating intracellular H+ levels, and provide evidence suggesting the involvement of the Na+/H+ exchanger, which is critical for maintaining normal sperm motility. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 62: 348–356, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Living with support in the community: Predictors of satisfaction with life
Authors: Cummins Robert A.
Published: August 2002

Ensuring that people with an intellectual disability have normative levels of life satisfaction is increasingly considered a worthy goal for service providers. This review concerns the determinants of such satisfaction and embeds this literature within the Homeostatic Theory of Subjective Well‐Being. This posits that life satisfaction is under considerable endogenous control and, as a consequence, does not normally vary in sympathy with changes in the external environment. This situation changes, however, if the environment is sufficiently aversive to defeat such homeostatic control. Under these conditions the circumstances of living correlate with life satisfaction as they wrest control away from the homeostatic system. One important implication is that the measure of life satisfaction may or may not be a sensitive indicator for changes in service provision, depending on the functional status of the homeostatic system. MRDD Research Reviews 7:99–104, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phase‐sensitive inversion recovery for detecting myocardial infarction using gadolinium‐delayed hyperenhancement†
Authors: Kellman Peter , Arai Andrew E. , McVeigh Elliot R. , Aletras Anthony H.
Published: August 2002

After administration of gadolinium, infarcted myocardium exhibits delayed hyperenhancement and can be imaged using an inversion recovery (IR) sequence. The performance of such a method when using magnitude‐reconstructed images is highly sensitive to the inversion recovery time (TI) selected. Using phase‐sensitive reconstruction, it is possible to use a nominal value of TI, eliminate several breath‐holds otherwise needed to find the precise null time for normal myocardium, and achieve a consistent contrast. Phase‐sensitive detection is used to remove the background phase while preserving the sign of the desired magnetization during IR. Experimental results are presented which demonstrate the benefits of both phase‐sensitive IR image reconstruction and surface coil intensity normalization for detecting myocardial infarction (MI). The phase‐sensitive reconstruction method reduces the variation in apparent infarct size that is observed in the magnitude images as TI is changed. Phase‐sensitive detection also has the advantage of decreasing the sensitivity to changes in tissue T1 with increasing delay from contrast agent injection. Magn Reson Med 47:372–383, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MRI of insulitis in autoimmune diabetes
Authors: Moore Anna , Zhe Sun Phillip , Cory David , Högemann Dagmar , Weissleder Ralph , Lipes Myra A.
Published: August 2002

Development of imaging techniques that would allow the mapping of immune cells in vivo could greatly aid our understanding of a number of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The current study focused on imaging of autoimmune destruction of the insulin‐producing pancreatic beta‐cells by cytotoxic lymphocytes, the cause of insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM; Type 1 diabetes). Using high‐resolution MR microscopy and a conventional clinical MR imaging system, it was possible to visualize the infiltration of immune cells in the diabetic mouse pancreas. Mouse lymphocytes were visualized by magnetically labeling them with recently developed magnetic nanoparticles (CLIO‐Tat). The results from this study could potentially lead to detection of immune infiltration during diabetes formation in vivo, which would be one of the earliest parameters of disease development. Magn Reson Med 47:751–758, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Water proton MR properties of human blood at 1.5 Tesla: Magnetic susceptibility,T1,T2,T, and non‐Lorentzian signal behavior
Authors: Spees William M. , Yablonskiy Dmitriy A. , Oswood Mark C. , Ackerman Joseph J.H.
Published: August 2002

Accurate knowledge of the magnetic properties of human blood is required for the precise modeling of functional and vascular flow‐related MRI. Herein are reported determinations of the relaxation parameters of blood, employing in vitro samples that are well representative of human blood in situ. The envelope of the blood1H2O free‐induction decay signal magnitude during the first 100 msec following a spin echo at time TE is well‐ described empirically by an expression of the form,S(t) =So· exp{–R· (t– TE) –AR* · (t– TE)2}. The relaxation parametersAR* andRincrease as a function of the square of the susceptibility difference between red blood cell and plasma and depend on the spin‐echo time. The Gaussian component,AR*, should be recognized in accurate modeling of MRI phenomena that depend upon the magnetic state of blood. The magnetic susceptibility difference between fully deoxygenated and fully oxygenated red blood cells at 37°C is 0.27 ppm, as determined independently by MR and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measurements. This value agrees well with the 1936 report of Pauling and Coryell (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1936;22:210–216), but is substantially larger than that frequently used in MRI literature. Magn Reson Med 45:533–542, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI of experimental spinal cord injury: In vivo serial studies
Authors: Bilgen Mehmet , Abbe Russell , Narayana Ponnada A.
Published: August 2002

The progression of experimental spinal cord injury (SCI) was followed with in vivo dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) and neurobehavioral studies on postinjury days 0, 2, 4, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 28, 35, and 42. Gadopentate dimeglumine (Gd) was administered IV and postcontrast, T1‐weighted, axial images were acquired repetitively for up to 60 min. Images were analyzed to determine the spatial and temporal evolution of the intensity enhancement. A statistical decision mechanism was developed to objectively detect the enhancement. Strong and rapid enhancement was observed at the epicenter of injury, indicating a significant compromise in blood spinal cord barrier. The enhanced regions in each slice were combined to estimate the area and volume of the lesion. On the day of injury, around 85% of the total cord area at the epicenter showed enhancement within the first 15 min of Gd administration. At the same time, the enhanced volumes attained nearly 40% of the total cord volume and extended axially over 8 mm along the cord. These quantities decreased steadily with time, with a concomitant improvement in the motor functions. The volume of enhancement correlated highly with the neurobehavioral tests (r = –0.87). DCE‐MRIs revealed small hyperintense regions distributed inside white matter about two weeks postinjury. Based on histology, these enhancements appear to represent new vessels with “leaky endothelium.” Magn Reson Med 45:614–622, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI using Gd‐DTPA: Interindividual variability of the arterial input function and consequences for the assessment of kinetics in tumors
Authors: Port Ruediger E. , Knopp Michael V. , Brix Gunnar
Published: August 2002

Gd‐DTPA kinetics in arterial blood was investigated by dynamic MRI in 47 patients with malignant and benign mammary tumors. Signal enhancement was monitored for 10 min after the beginning of a 1‐min infusion of 0.1 mmol/kg Gd‐DTPA. Kinetics in blood was biexponential with median half‐lives of 21 sec and 11.1 min, respectively. Peak signal enhancement and the area under the signal enhancement–time curve varied 2.5‐ and 3.7‐fold between patients. The shortest mean residence time in one of up to three tumor compartments, MRT*, was estimated using either the individual (reference) or a mean population (surrogate) arterial input function (AIF). MRT* (reference estimate) was 1.0 (0–1.5), 1.9 (1.5–2.3), and 2.5 (2.3–2.8) min in carcinomas, fibroadenomas, and mastopathies, respectively (median and interquartile distance). Surrogate estimates were unbiased but differed from the reference estimates 1.5‐fold or more in 23% of cases. AIFs should be monitored individually if accurate estimates of individual MRT* are desired. Magn Reson Med 45:1030–1038, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Advances in sensitivity encoding with arbitrary k‐space trajectories
Authors: Pruessmann Klaas P. , Weiger Markus , Börnert Peter , Boesiger Peter
Published: August 2002

New, efficient reconstruction procedures are proposed for sensitivity encoding (SENSE) with arbitrary k‐space trajectories. The presented methods combine gridding principles with so‐called conjugate‐gradient iteration. In this fashion, the bulk of the work of reconstruction can be performed by fast Fourier transform (FFT), reducing the complexity of data processing to the same order of magnitude as in conventional gridding reconstruction. Using the proposed method, SENSE becomes practical with nonstandard k‐space trajectories, enabling considerable scan time reduction with respect to mere gradient encoding. This is illustrated by imaging simulations with spiral, radial, and random k‐space patterns. Simulations were also used for investigating the convergence behavior of the proposed algorithm and its dependence on the factor by which gradient encoding is reduced. The in vivo feasibility of non‐Cartesian SENSE imaging with iterative reconstruction is demonstrated by examples of brain and cardiac imaging using spiral trajectories. In brain imaging with six receiver coils, the number of spiral interleaves was reduced by factors ranging from 2 to 6. In cardiac real‐time imaging with four coils, spiral SENSE permitted reducing the scan time per image from 112 ms to 56 ms, thus doubling the frame‐rate. Magn Reson Med 46:638–651, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adhesion molecule expression in experimental myositis
Authors: Ito Tomoko , Kumamoto Toshihide , Horinouchi Hideo , Yukishige Keiko , Sugihara Rie , Fujimoto Shin , Tsuda Tomiyasu
Published: August 2002

Experimental allergic myositis (EAM) in Lewis rats, induced with partially purified myosin, is regarded as a model of human polymyositis. To clarify the role of adhesion molecules in the pathogenesis of EAM in Lewis rats, we investigated intramysial expressions of the intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)‐1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)‐1, and the serum level of soluble ICAM‐1 in EAM rats. All the EAM rat muscles had scattered inflammatory foci, as well as cell infiltration and necrosis, by week 4 after the initial immunization (i.e., day 0 after the last immunization). As compared with the control muscles, ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 were strongly expressed immunohistochemically in the endothelium of vessels in the endomysium and perimysium, and to lesser extents in the inflammatory infiltrates and on the sarcolemma of nonnecrotic muscle fibers adjacent to the inflammatory infiltrates or invaded muscle fibers. ICAM‐1 in the muscle extracts and sera from EAM rats increased on each test day, as compared with extracts from the normal controls. The values peaked on day 0 after the last immunization, then gradually decreased with time. ICAM‐1 elevations in the muscle extracts were correlated with the percent of sections that had inflammatory lesions (P = 0.032) and the histological scores (P = 0.005) on day 0, whereas there was no significance on days 3 and 7. These findings suggest that the adhesion molecules ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 increase in the early stage of EAM, and function in the initiation of the inflammatory process of myositis. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 25: 000–000, 2002
Novel COL6A1 splicing mutation in a family affected by mild Bethlem myopathy
Authors: Vanegas Olga Camacho , Zhang Rui‐Zhu , Sabatelli Patrizia , Lattanzi Giovanna , Bencivenga Paola , Giusti Betti , Columbaro Marta , Chu Mon‐Li , Merlini Luciano , Pepe Guglielmina
Published: August 2002

Bethlem myopathy is an early‐onset benign myopathy characterized by proximal muscular weakness and multiple flexion contractures. It is a dominantly inherited disorder associated with mutations in the three COL6 genes encoding type VI collagen. We detected a g→a substitution at +1 position of COL6A1 intron 3 in a four‐generation Italian family affected by a mild form of Bethlem myopathy. The mutation results in the activation of a cryptic splice donor site at the 3′ end of exon 3, leading to the loss of 66 nucleotides and an “in‐frame” deletion of 22 amino acids in the NH2‐domain. Molecular analysis on fibroblasts of the propositus showed that the mutated mRNA was present and stable, but the mutated protein could not be detected. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses showed a decreased level of collagen VI synthesis and deposition in fibroblasts of the propositus. Together, the results suggest that the mutated protein was highly unstable and rapidly degraded, and that the mild phenotype was caused by a reduced amount of normal collagen VI microfibrils. In addition, we demonstrated that lymphocytes can be used for the first mutation screening analysis of patients with Bethlem myopathy. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 25: 000–000, 2002
Severe autosomal recessive rippling muscle disease
Authors: Koul Roshan L. , Chand Rangnath P. , Chacko Alexander , Ali Mehar , Brown Kevin M. , Bushnarmuth Shivayogi R. , Escolar Diana M. , Stephan Dietrich A.
Published: August 2002

Rippling muscle disease (RMD) has previously been reported as a skeletal myopathy that was attributed to a defect in the sarcomere. Here we report a new form of RMD that is more severe, characterized by fatal arrhythmic cardiomyopathy and delayed bone age. Mortality has previously not been associated with RMD. With this report we hope to raise awareness that a subset of patients with this clinical entity are predisposed to severe cardiac disease. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 24: 1542–1547, 2001
Theoretical investigation of the cavity expansion problem based on a hypoplasticity model
Authors: Osinov V. A. , Cudmani R.
Published: August 2002

The problem of the symmetric quasi‐static large‐strain expansion of a cavity in an infinite granular body is studied. The body is assumed to be dry or fully drained so that the presence of the pore water can be disregarded. Both spherical and cylindrical cavities are considered. Numerical solutions to the boundary value problem are obtained with the use of the hypoplastic constitutive relation calibrated for a series of granular soils. As the radius of the cavity increases, the stresses and the density on the cavity surface asymptotically approach limit values corresponding to a so‐called critical state. For a given soil, the limit values depend on the initial stresses and the initial density. A comparison is made between the solutions for different initial states and different soils. Applications to geotechnical problems such as cone penetration test and pressuremeter test are discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Upper bound limit analysis using linear finite elements and non‐linear programming
Authors: Lyamin A. V. , Sloan S. W.
Published: August 2002

A new method for computing rigorous upper bounds on the limit loads for one‐, two‐ and three‐dimensional continua is described. The formulation is based on linear finite elements, permits kinematically admissible velocity discontinuities at all interelement boundaries, and furnishes a kinematically admissible velocity field by solving a non‐linear programming problem. In the latter, the objective function corresponds to the dissipated power (which is minimized) and the unknowns are subject to linear equality constraints as well as linear and non‐linear inequality constraints.

Provided the yield surface is convex, the optimization problem generated by the upper bound method is also convex and can be solved efficiently by applying a two‐stage, quasi‐Newton scheme to the corresponding Kuhn–Tucker optimality conditions. A key advantage of this strategy is that its iteration count is largely independent of the mesh size. Since the formulation permits non‐linear constraints on the unknowns, no linearization of the yield surface is necessary and the modelling of three‐dimensional geometries presents no special difficulties.

The utility of the proposed upper bound method is illustrated by applying it to a number of two‐ and three‐dimensional boundary value problems. For a variety of two‐dimensional cases, the new scheme is up to two orders of magnitude faster than an equivalent linear programming scheme which uses yield surface linearization. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved target volume characterization in stereotactic treatment planning of brain lesions by using high‐resolution BOLD MR‐venography
Authors: Schad Lothar R.
Published: August 2002

In this methodological paper I report the stereotactic correlation of different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques [MR angiography (MRA), MRI, blood bolus tagging (STAR), functional MRI, and high‐resolution BOLD venography (HRBV)] in patients with cerebral arterio‐venous malformations (AVM) and brain tumors. The patient's head was fixed in a stereotactic localization system which is usable in both MR‐systems and linear accelerator installations. Using phantom measurements global geometric MR image distortions can be ‘corrected’ (reducing displacements to the size of a pixel) by calculations based on modeling the distortion as a fourth‐order two‐dimensional polynomial. Further object‐induced local distortions can be corrected by additionally measured field maps. Using this method multimodality matching could be performed automatically as long as all images are acquired in the same examination and the patient is sufficiently immobilized to allow precise definition of the target volume. Information about the hemodynamics of the AVM was provided by a dynamic MRA with the STAR technique, leading to an improved definition of the size of the nidus, the origin of the feeding arteries, whereas HRBV imaging yielded detailed and improved information about the venous pattern and drainage. In addition, functional MRI was performed in patients with lesions close to the primary motor cortex area, leading to an improved definition of structures at risk for the high‐dose application in radiosurgery. In patients with brain tumors the potential of HRBV to probe tumor angiogenesis and its use in intensity‐modulated treatment planning is still hampered by the open question of how to translate a BOLD signal pattern measured in the tumor to a dose distribution, which should be addressed in future studies. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
k‐Broadcasting in trees
Authors: Harutyunyan Hovhannes A. , Liestman Arthur L.
Published: August 2002

We continue the investigation of k‐broadcasting, a variant of broadcasting in which an informed vertex can call up to k of its neighbors in each time unit. We focus on k‐broadcasting in trees. In particular, we asymptotically determine the maximum number of vertices in any tree with given k‐broadcast time and describe the structure of the trees that achieve this maximum. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The effects of social environment on adult neurogenesis in the female prairie vole
Authors: Fowler Christie D. , Liu Yan , Ouimet Charles , Wang Zuoxin
Published: August 2002

In the mammalian brain, adult neurogenesis has been found to occur primarily in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus (DG) and to be influenced by both exogenous and endogenous factors. In the present study, we examined the effects of male exposure or social isolation on neurogenesis in adult female prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Newly proliferated cells labeled by a cell proliferation marker, 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU), were found in the SVZ and DG, as well as in other brain areas, such as the amygdala, hypothalamus, neocortex, and caudate/putamen. Two days of male exposure significantly increased the number of BrdU‐labeled cells in the amygdala and hypothalamus in comparison to social isolation. Three weeks later, group differences in BrdU labeling generally persisted in the amygdala, whereas in the hypothalamus, the male‐exposed animals had more BrdU‐labeled cells than did the female‐exposed animals. In the SVZ, 2 days of social isolation increased the number of BrdU‐labeled cells compared to female exposure, but this difference was no longer present 3 weeks later. We have also found that the vast majority of the BrdU‐labeled cells contained a neuronal marker, indicating neuronal phenotypes. Finally, group differences in the number of cells undergoing apoptosis were subtle and did not seem to account for the observed differences in BrdU labeling. Together, our data indicate that social environment affects neuron proliferation in a stimulus‐ and site‐specific manner in adult female prairie voles. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 51: 115–128, 2002
A 2.5D finite/infinite element approach for modelling visco‐elastic bodies subjected to moving loads
Authors: Yang Yeong‐Bin , Hung Hsiao‐Hui
Published: August 2002

The objective of this study is to propose a 2.5D finite/infinite element procedure for dealing with the ground vibrations induced by moving loads. Besides the two in‐plane degrees of freedom (DOFs) per node conventionally used for plane strain elements, an extra DOF is introduced to account for the out‐of‐plane wave transmission. The profile of the half‐space is divided into a near field and a semi‐infinite far field. The near field containing loads and irregular structures is simulated by the finite elements, while the far field covering the soils extending to infinity by the infinite elements with due account taken of the radiation effects for moving loads. Enhanced by the automated mesh expansion procedure proposed previously by the writers, the far field impedances for all the lower frequencies are generated repetitively from the mesh created for the highest frequency considered. Finally, the accuracy of the proposed method is verified through comparison with a number of analytical solutions. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Galerkin boundary integral method for multiple circular elastic inclusions
Authors: Mogilevskaya S. G. , Crouch S. L.
Published: August 2002

The problem of an infinite, isotropic elastic plane containing an arbitrary number of circular elastic inclusions is considered. The analysis procedure is based on the use of a complex singular integral equation. The unknown tractions at each circular boundary are approximated by a truncated complex Fourier series. A system of linear algebraic equations is obtained by using the classical Galerkin method and the Gauss–Seidel algorithm is used to solve the system. Several numerical examples are considered to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Active control of FGM plates subjected to a temperature gradient: Modelling via finite element method based on FSDT
Authors: Liew K. M. , He X. Q. , Ng T. Y. , Sivashanker S.
Published: August 2002

An efficient finite element formulation based on a first‐order shear deformation theory (FSDT) is presented for the active control of functionally gradient material (FGM) plates with integrated piezoelectric sensor/actuator layers subjected to a thermal gradient; this is accomplished using both static and dynamic piezothermoelastic analyses. The formulation based on FSDT can be applied to a range of relatively thin‐to‐moderately thick plates. A constant displacement‐cum‐velocity feedback control algorithm coupling the direct and inverse piezoelectric effects is applied to provide active feedback control of the integrated FGM plate in a self‐monitoring and self‐controlling system. Numerical results for the control of bending and torsional deflections and/or vibrations are presented for a FGM plate comprising zirconia and aluminium. The effects of constituent volume fraction and the influence of feedback control gain on the static and dynamic responses of the FGM plates are examined in detail. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiscale damage modelling for composite materials: theory and computational framework
Authors: Fish Jacob , Yu Qing
Published: August 2002

A non‐local multiscale continuum damage model is developed for brittle composite materials. A triple‐scale asymptotic analysis is generalized to account for the damage phenomena occurring at micro‐, meso‐ and macroscales. A closed‐form expressions relating microscopic, mesoscopic and overall strains and damage is derived. The damage evolution is stated on the smallest scale of interest and non‐local weighted phase average fields over micro‐ and mesophases are introduced to alleviate the spurious mesh dependence. Numerical simulation conducted on a composite beam made of Blackglas/Nextel 2‐D weave is compared with the test data. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shifting to lean service: Stealing a page from manufacturers' playbooks
Authors: Allway Max , Corbett Stephen
Published: August 2002

The “lean” approach—eliminating non‐value activities from work processes by
applying a robust set of performance change tools and emphasizing excellence in operations to deliver superior
customer service—has become legendary in improving manufacturing companies' operations and
profitability. The same principles can, with equally impressive results, apply to many service‐sector
firms. Here is how, through a rigorous five‐phase process, an insurance company successfully followed
the model—which has garnered similarly positive results in industries ranging from banking to health
care. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Finite element superconvergence approximation for one‐dimensional singularly perturbed problems
Authors: Zhang Zhimin
Published: August 2002

Superconvergence approximations of singularly perturbed two‐point boundary value problems of reaction‐diffusion type and convection‐diffusion type are studied. By applying the standard finite element method of any fixed order p on a modified Shishkin mesh, superconvergence error bounds of (N−1 ln (N + 1))p+1 in a discrete energy norm in approximating problems with the exponential type boundary layers are established. The error bounds are uniformly valid with respect to the singular perturbation parameter. Numerical tests indicate that the error estimates are sharp; in particular, the logarithmic factor is not removable. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 18: 374–395, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/num.10001
Conservative semi‐Lagrangian finite volume schemes
Authors: Phillips T. N. , Williams A. J.
Published: August 2002

Semi‐Lagrangian finite volume schemes for the numerical approximation of linear advection equations are presented. These schemes are constructed so that the conservation properties are preserved by the numerical approximation. This is achieved using an interpolation procedure based on area‐weighting. Numerical results are presented illustrating some of the features of these schemes. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 17:403–425, 2001
A randomized trial of behavioral management for continence with older rural women¶
Authors: Dougherty Molly C. , Dwyer Jeffrey W. , Pendergast Jane F. , Boyington Alice R. , Tomlinson Barbara U. , Coward Raymond T. , Duncan R. Paul , Vogel Bruce , Rooks Larry G.
Published: August 2002

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a commonly underreported and underdiagnosed condition. The purpose of this trial was to implement and evaluate behavioral management for continence (BMC), an intervention to manage symptoms of UI with older rural women in their homes. Participants were randomized into BMC or a control group, and 178 were followed for between 6 and 24 months. The intervention involved self‐monitoring, bladder training, and pelvic muscle exercise with biofeedback. The primary outcome variable—severity of urine loss—was evaluated by pad test. Secondary variables were episodes of urine loss, micturition frequency, voiding interval, quality of life, and subjective report of severity. Urine loss severity at baseline evaluation was not significantly different in the two groups. But using the generalized linear mixed model analysis, at the four follow‐ups, severity of urine loss, episodes of urine loss, quality of life, and subjective report of severity were significantly different. At 2 years the BMC group UI severity decreased by 61%; the control group severity increased by 184%. Self‐monitoring and bladder training accounted for most of the improvement. The results support the use of simple strategies based on bladder diaries before implementing more complex treatments. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Res Nurs Health 25:3–13, 2002.
DISH and the monastic way of life
Authors: Rogers Juliet , Waldron Tony
Published: August 2002

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is common condition and its prevalence increases markedly with age. This paper describes the pathology and aetiology of the condition; DISH seems to be related to obesity and type II diabetes and is probably a multisystem hormonal disorder. DISH occurs frequently in human skeletal remains, particularly in those recovered from monastic sites.

Evidence is presented to confirm this association and the causes are discussed. We also present criteria for the diagnosis of DISH in human remains, which we suggest would permit valid inter‐study comparisons. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Financial reform in a devolved African country: lessons from Ethiopia
Authors: Peterson Stephen B.
Published: August 2002

This article provides three frameworks for understanding the process of implementing a financial reform in an African country that has adopted a policy of devolution. The article is based on four years of experience in implementing a financial reform under Ethiopia's Civil Service Reform. The first framework, which we have termed the Framework for Financial Reform, provides an overall conception of financial reform. It has two dimensions: the stages of development of financial systems (external control, internal control, management, planning) and the steps to changing financial systems (comprehension, improvement, expansion). The second framework, the Four Tasks of Managing a Financial Reform, elaborates the steps in changing financial systems. These tasks include: reforming the approach to financial reform, improving the design of the reform, managing the implementation of the reform, and protecting the reform. The third framework focuses on the task of managing the implementation of financial reform and details the phases, variables and dilemmas of implementation. The phases of implementation are design, pilot and operation. Associated with these phases are variables that affect the implementation (resources, interdependence, sequence and timing) and dilemmas (comprehensiveness and monitoring). These frameworks support the article's two theses: (1) that reform of financial systems in Africa must be evolutionary, not revolutionary; and (2) that evolutionary reform of financial systems is especially needed in devolved African countries. Evolutionary reform is needed because financial systems in the public sector are fragile traditions that need first to be comprehended. Before more complicated financial ‘management’ reforms can be introduced that focus on outputs and outcomes, the existing ‘administrative’ financial systems which control inputs have to be understood, implemented and improved. ‘Best Practice’ is often the enemy of ‘feasible’ practice in developing countries. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Government–nonprofit relations in comparative perspective: evolution, themes and new directions
Authors: Brinkerhoff Jennifer M. , Brinkerhoff Derick W.
Published: August 2002

This overview article for the Symposium on Government–Nonprofit Relations in Comparative Perspective summarizes our current understanding of government–nonprofit relations, addresses several themes emerging from the collective papers and Symposium discussions, and discusses new and evolving trends in government–nonprofit relations. The review of government–nonprofit relations encompasses governance models and their incorporation of nonprofits, sector failures and their contribution to government–nonprofit relationships, and cross‐sectoral analytic frameworks. Themes addressed include the material and normative benefits sought through nonprofits; various features of government–nonprofit interactions, including their increasing range and multiple facets, the impact of origins, relationship dynamism, and impacts; and what is public and what is private. The article concludes with the identification of selected new and evolving trends, including the influence of information technology on organizational structures and processes, the rise of supranational spheres of government–nonprofit interaction, the continuing tension between cooperation and identity maintenance, and simultaneous global lesson sharing and an emphasis on local‐level problem‐solving, where nonprofits are viewed as a means to maintaining continuity and redefining community. The article situates our understanding of government–nonprofit relations in a comparative perspective that accounts for dominant global paradigms, increasing interdependence among actors and nations, and evolving models of governance at all levels. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Placental expression of DC‐SIGN may mediate intrauterine vertical transmission of HIV
Authors: Soilleux Elizabeth J. , Morris Lesley S. , Lee Benhur , Pöhlmann Stefan , Trowsdale John , Doms Robert W. , Coleman Nicholas
Published: August 2002

Mechanisms of transplacental transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are poorly understood. DC‐SIGN is a C‐type lectin able to bind HIV gp120 with high affinity, mediating HIV adsorption to the surface of dendritic cells for up to several days. Via this mechanism, DC‐SIGN significantly enhances the infection of CD4+ co‐receptor (CCR5 or CXCR4)+ T lymphocytes in trans. In this study, DC‐SIGN‐specific serum was developed to investigate the cell type responsible for the high level of DC‐SIGN RNA expression previously observed in the placenta. DC‐SIGN expression was shown on CD68+ HLA‐II+ CD14low S100+/− CD83− CD86− cmrf‐44− villous cells consistent with Hofbauer cells and also on CD68+ HLA‐II+ CD14high S100− CD83− CD86− cmrf‐44− decidual macrophages. The DC‐SIGN+ Hofbauer cells co‐express CD4 and the chemokine receptors, CCR5 and CXCR4, observations which may account for the ability of these cells to become infected with HIV. These fetal DC‐SIGN+ cells are separated by only a layer of trophoblast from both DC‐SIGN+ maternal cells and maternal blood, potential sources of HIV in infected mothers. Previous studies have suggested that this trophoblast layer is frequently breached during pregnancy. It is therefore proposed that DC‐SIGN may facilitate the transplacental transmission of HIV. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mass spectrometric methods for the characterisation and differentiation of isomeric O‐diglycosyl flavonoids
Authors: Ma Yu‐Liang , Cuyckens Filip , Heuvel Hilde Van den , Claeys Magda
Published: August 2002

Tandem mass spectrometric methods have been evaluated for the characterisation of the type and the differentiation of the interglycosidic linkage of isomeric flavonoid O‐diglycosides. Based on the occurrence of internal monosaccharide residue loss and the relative abundances of Y‐type ions formed by fragmentation at glycosidic bonds, four pairs of isomeric flavonoid O‐diglycosides can be unambiguously differentiated. The different techniques used, i.e. linked scanning at constant B/E without collisional activation and low‐energy collision‐induced dissociation using methane or helium as collision gas, have been shown to be useful for distinguishing the two most common (1, 2‐ and 1, 6‐) interglycosidic linkages, e.g. flavonoid O‐neohesperidosides and O‐rutinosides. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A single extraction step in the quantitative analysis of arbutin in bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva‐ursi) leaves by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Parejo Irene , Viladomat Francesc , Bastida Jaume , Codina Carles
Published: August 2002

A fast and simple extraction procedure coupled with a simple HPLC method has been developed in order to determine the arbutin content of leaves of Arctostaphylos uva‐ursi plants grown at four different geographical sites and collected during two different seasons. Using the optimised analytical system, the arbutin content of bearberry leaves was found to vary from 6.30 to 9.16% expressed on a dry weight basis. Autumn is shown to be a better period than spring for the collection of plant material in order to obtain the highest yield of arbutin. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent extraction techniques for natural products: microwave‐assisted extraction and pressurised solvent extraction
Authors: Kaufmann Béatrice , Christen Philippe
Published: August 2002

In the last 10 years there has been an increased interest in using techniques involving microwave‐assisted extraction and pressurised solvent extraction in analytical laboratories. This review gives a brief overview of both methods, and reports on their application to the extraction of natural products. The influence of parameters such as the nature of the solvent and volume, temperature, time and particle size of the matrix is discussed. Through numerous examples, it is demonstrated that both techniques allow reduced solvent consumption and shorter extraction times, while the extraction yields of the analytes are equivalent to or even higher than those obtained with conventional methods. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of ischemic brain injury
Authors: de Laveaucoupet Jocelyne , Audibert François , Guis Françoise , Rambaud Caroline , Suarez Bruno , Boithias‐Guérot Claire , Musset Dominique
Published: August 2002

The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the usefulness of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in ischemic brain injury. We report seven cases of fetal brain ischemia prenatally suspected on ultrasound (US) and confirmed by fetal MRI. Sonographic abnormalities included ventricular dilatation (n=3), microcephaly (n=1), twin pregnancy with in utero death of a twin and suspected cerebral lesion in the surviving co‐twin (n=3). MRI was performed with a 1.0 T unit using half‐Fourier acquisition single‐shot turbo spin‐echo (HASTE) sequences between 28 and 35 weeks of gestation. US and MRI images were compared with pathologic findings or postnatal imaging. MRI diagnosed hydranencephaly (n=1), porencephaly (n=2), multicystic encephalomalacia (n=2), unilateral capsular ischemia (n=1), corpus callosum and cerebral atrophy (n=1).

In comparison with US, visualization of fetal brain anomalies was superior with MRI. The present cases demonstrate that MRI is a valuable complementary means of investigation when a brain pathology is discovered or suspected during prenatal US. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.