bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early molecular changes in irradiated aortic endothelium
Authors: Gajdusek Corinne , Onoda Keisuke , London Susan , Johnson Mark , Morrison Richard , Mayberg Marc 
Published: August 2002

AbstractIrradiated aortic endothelial cells (EC) exhibit distinct morphological, functional, and physiological responses to ionizing radiation (IR). However, the molecular basis for these responses has not been fully characterized. Cultured bovine and rat aortic endothelial cells were exposed to single fraction doses (0–30 Gy) of gamma radiation. IR caused dose‐dependent DNA strand breaks which were repaired to near baseline levels within 30 min. A dose‐dependent inhibition of cell growth was noted for IR greater than 1 Gy. At doses greater than 2.5 Gy, morphologic changes consistent with apoptosis and loss of cell viability were present beginning 12–16 h after radiation, with subsequent detachment of EC from the cell monolayer. By Western blot analysis, expression of p53, gadd45, p21, and bax protein increased in a time‐and dose‐dependent manner; p53 expression was maximal at 3 h after IR, and gadd45, bax and p21 levels peaked at 6 h. By Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT‐PCR), levels of p53 mRNA were not significantly increased after IR, whereas gadd45 exhibited time‐ and dose‐dependent increase in mRNA synthesis after IR. Activation of intracellular caspases, manifest by proteolytic poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) and lamin B cleavage, was maximal at 15 h after IR, concident with other indices of EC apoptosis, including oligonucleosomal DNA degradation, TUNEL immunostaining, and morphologic changes. The tripeptide protease inhibitor z‐Val‐Ala‐Asp (zVAD) prevented PARP and lamin cleavage, DNA fragmentation, morphological changes, and cell detachment in irradiated EC. The combined data suggested that gamma radiation induces a dose‐ and time‐dependent sequence of early events in cultured EC with modulate growth arrest, apoptosis, and possibly premature senescence in surviving cells. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of angiotensin II‐stimulated osteopontin expression in cardiac microvascular endothelial cells: Role of p42/44 mitogen‐activated protein kinase and reactive oxygen species*
Authors: Xie Zhonglin , Pimental David R. , Lohan Seema , Vasertriger Alla , Pligavko Christina , Colucci Wilson S. , Singh Krishna 
Published: August 2002

AbstractUsing spontaneously hypertensive and aortic banded rats, we have shown that expression of myocardial osteopontin, an extracellular matrix protein, coincides with the development of heart failure and is inhibited by captopril, suggesting a role for angiotensin II (ANG II). This study tested whether ANG II induces osteopontin expression in adult rat ventricular myocytes and cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMEC), and if so, whether induction is mediated via activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (p42/44 MAPK) and involves reactive oxygen species (ROS). ANG II (1 μM, 16 h) increased osteopontin expression (fold increase 3.3±0.34, n = 12, P < 0.01) in CMEC as measured by northern analysis, but not in ARVM. ANG II stimulated osteopontin expression in CMEC in a time‐ (within 4 h) and concentration‐dependent manner, which was prevented by the AT1 receptor antagonist, losartan. ANG II elicited robust phosphorylation of p42/44 MAPK as measured using phospho‐specific antibodies, and increased superoxide production as measured by cytochrome c reduction and lucigenin chemiluminescence assays. These effects were blocked by diphenylene iodonium (DPI), an inhibitor of the flavoprotein component of NAD(P)H oxidase. PD98059, an inhibitor of p42/44 MAPK pathway, and DPI each inhibited ANG II‐stimulated osteopontin expression. Northern blot analysis showed basal expression of p22phox, a critical component of NADH/NADPH oxidase system, which was increased 40–60% by exposure to ANG II. These results suggest that p42/44 MAPK is a critical component of the ROS‐sensitive signaling pathways activated by ANG II in CMEC and plays a key role in the regulation of osteopontin gene expression. Published 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Possible involvement of protein kinases and Smad2 signaling pathways on osteoclast differentiation enhanced by activin A
Authors: Murase Yoshiyuki , Okahashi Nobuo , Koseki Takeyoshi , Itoh Kanami , Udagawa Nobuyuki , Hashimoto Osamu , Sugino Hiromu , Noguchi Toshihiide , Nishihara Tatsuji 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBone tissues reportedly contain considerable amounts of activin A and follistatin, an activin A‐binding protein. In the present study, we found that follistatin strongly inhibited osteoclast formation in cocultures of mouse bone marrow cells and primary osteoblasts induced by 1α,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3, prostaglandin E2, and interleukin‐1α. Antibody aganist activin A also inhibited the osteoclast formation. Furthermore, activin A synergistically stimulated osteoclast differentiation mediated by receptor activator NF‐κB ligand (RANKL). RT‐PCR analysis revealed that osteoblasts produced not only activin A but also follistatin. Western blot analysis of a panel of phosphorylated proteins revealed that activin A stimulated the phosphorylation of p44/42 mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase (ERK1/2) and p38 MAP kinase in macrophage colony‐stimulating factor‐dependent bone marrow macrophages (M‐BMMΦs). In addition, phosphorylation of Smad2 was observed in M‐BMMΦs stimulated with activin A. These findings indicate that the phosphorylation of p44/42 MAP kinase, p38 MAP kinase, and Smad2 is involved in activin A‐enhanced osteoclast differentiation induced by RANKL. Taken together, these results suggest that both activin A and follistatin produced by osteoblasts may play an important role in osteoclast differentiation through MAP kinases and Smad2 signaling pathways. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors in smooth muscle cells
Authors: Ishida Atsushi , Murray Jacqueline , Saito Yuji , Kanthou Chryso , Benzakour Omar , Shibuya Masabumi , Wijelath Errol S. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractVascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) has been typically considered to be an endothelial‐specific growth factor. However, it was recently demonstrated that VEGF can interact with non endothelial cells. In this study, we tested whether vascular smooth muscles cells (VSMCs) can express VEGF receptors, such as flk‐1, flt‐1, and neuropilin (NP)‐1, and respond to VEGF in vitro. In cultured VSMCs, flk‐1 and flt‐1 expression was inversely related to cell density. The expression of flk‐1 was down‐regulated with increasing passage numbers. However, NP‐1 levels were not affected by cell density or passage numbers. Flk‐1, Flt‐1, and NP‐1 protein levels were confirmed by Western Blotting. Although the functional mature form of Flk‐1 protein is expressed at low levels in VSMCs, phosphorylation of Flk‐1 following VEGF165 stimulation was still observed. SMCs migrated significantly in response to VEGF165 and VEGF‐E, whereas Placenta Growth Factor (PlGF) induced migration only at higher concentrations. Since VEGF‐E is a specific activator of flk‐1 while PlGF specifically activates only flt‐1, SMC migration induced by VEGF165 is likely to be mediated primarily through the flk‐1 receptor. VSMCs did not significantly proliferate in response to VEGF165, PlGF, and VEGF‐E. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate the presence of VEGF receptors on VSMCs that are functional. These studies also indicate that in vivo, VEGF may play a role in modulating the response of VSMCs. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanical control of foaming in stirred‐tank reactors
Authors: Takesono Satoshi , Onodera Masayuki , Ito Akira , Yoshida Masanori , Yamagiwa Kazuaki , Ohkawa Akira 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe foam‐breaking characteristics of rotating‐disk mechanical foam‐breakers (MFRDs) fitted to stirred‐tank reactors (STRs) containing various foaming liquids were evaluated. The critical disk rotational speed, Nc, required for foam‐breaking and the liquid hold‐up, ϕL, in ascending foam reflected, respectively, the foam‐breaking behaviour of MFRDs and the foaming behaviour of STRs. Empirical equations for the prediction of Nc and ϕL, which can be applied independently of the type, concentration and temperature of foaming liquid, were obtained. The foam‐breaking power, Pkc, of MFRDs was also clarified in relation to the level of ϕL which is related to the difficulty or ease of mechanical foam‐breaking.© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Solar‐assisted photochemical and photocatalytic degradation of phenol
Authors: Yawalkar Archis A , Bhatkhande Dhananjay S , Pangarkar Vishwas G , Beenackers Anthony A C M 
Published: August 2002

AbstractPhotocatalytic (TiO2, air and solar radiation) and photochemical (H2O2 and solar radiation) mineralizations of phenol solutions (up to 500 mg dm−3) in a batch reactor using concentric solar radiation were studied. A compound parabolic reflector as a concentrating reflector was used to obtain concentrated solar radiation in both cases. Considerable enhancement (Five‐fold) in the rate of degradation was obtained when concentrated solar radiation was used instead of plain solar radiation in photocatalytic degradation. The effect of initial phenol concentration, intensity and presence of anions has been studied in both the cases. Low concentrations of intermediates were observed, during the reaction, over the entire range of phenol concentrations studied in the case of photocatalytic degradation using Degussa‐P25 TiO2 as photocatalyst and in the absence of anions; whereas significant quantities of intermediates were observed in the case of the photochemical degradation. The presence of anions generally had a detrimental effect on the mineralization process in both cases. Different anions showed different effects. Total organic carbon (TOC) variations with time were also studied. A rational explanation has been given for the decrease in the rate in the presence of anions.© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Preliminary evaluation of polymeric Fe‐ and Al‐modified clays as adsorbents for heavy metal removal in water treatment
Authors: Cooper Colin , Jiang Jia‐Qian , Ouki Sabeha 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThis paper assesses the potential of modified montmorillonite clays as low‐cost adsorbents/ion‐exchangers for the removal of trace level heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) from potable water. Modification of the montmorillonites resulted in the exchange of the interlayer calcium ions for the polymeric species. One unmodified montmorillonite and three polymeric Fe‐ and Al‐modified montmorillonites have been evaluated with respect to their selectivity and uptake performance. All of the clays are selective for Pb and Cu adsorption from aqueous solutions at the mildly acidic pH range in which the experiments were performed (pH 5.5–6). Polymeric iron‐ and polymeric Al/Fe‐modified clays had comparatively great affinities for all the metals studied, whilst the original and polymeric Al modified clays had relatively lower affinities. Only the uptake of Pb and Cu could be correlated with physical properties such as clay surface area. The metal selectivity could be correlated to the type of intercalated polymeric Fe and Al species of the modified clays.© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of pH on microbial hydrogen fermentation
Authors: Lee Young Joon , Miyahara Takashi , Noike Tatsuya 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe influence of initial pH of the culture medium on hydrogen production was studied using sucrose solution and a mixed microbial flora from a soybean‐meal silo. Hydrogen production was not observed at pH values of 3.0, 11.0 and 12.0 but low production was observed at pH values 5.0 and 5.5. The pH of the experimental mixture decreased rapidly and produced hydrogen gas within 30 h. Methane was not detected at initial pH values between 6.0 and 10.0. The sucrose degradation efficiency increased as the initial pH value increased from 3.0 to 9.0. The maximum sucrose degradation efficiency of 95% was observed at pH 9.0. The maximum specific production yields of hydrogen, VFAs and alcohols were 126.9 cm3 g−1 sucrose (pH of 9.0), 0.7 gCOD g−1 sucrose (pH of 8.0) and 128.7 mgCOD g−1 sucrose (pH of 9.0), respectively. The relationship between the hydrogen ion concentration and the specific hydrogen production rate has been mathematically described. The best kinetic parameters on the specific hydrogen production rate were KOH = 1.0 × 10−7 mol dm−3 and KH = 1.1 × 10−4 mol dm−3 (r2 = 0.86). The maximum specific hydrogen production rate was 37.0 cm3 g−1 VSS h−1.© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Ozone treatment of textile effluents and dyes: effect of applied ozone dose, pH and dye concentration
Authors: Sevimli Mehmet F , Sarikaya Hasan Z 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe ozonation of wastewater supplied from a treatment plant (Samples A and B) and dye‐bath effluent (Sample C) from a dyeing and finishing mill and acid dye solutions in a semi‐batch reactor has been examined to explore the impact of ozone dose, pH, and initial dye concentration. Results revealed that the apparent rate constants were raised with increases in applied ozone dose and pH, and decreases in initial dye concentration. While the color removal efficiencies of both wastewater Samples A and C for 15 min ozonation at high ozone dosage were 95 and 97%, respectively, these were 81 and 87%, respectively at low ozone dosage. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal efficiencies at several ozone dose applications for a 15 min ozonation time were in the ranges of 15–46% and 10–20%, respectively for Sample A and 15–33% and 9–19% respectively for Sample C. Ozone consumption per unit color, COD and DOC removal at any time was found to be almost the same while the applied ozone dose was different. Ozonation could improve the BOD5 (biological oxygen demand) COD ratio of Sample A by 1.6 times with 300 mg dm−3 ozone consumption. Ozonation of acid dyes was a pseudo‐first order reaction with respect to dye. Increases in dye concentration increased specific ozone consumption. Specific ozone consumption for Acid Red 183 (AR‐183) dye solution with a concentration of 50 mg dm−3 rose from 0.32 to 0.72 mg‐O3 per mg dye decomposed as the dye concentration was increased to 500 mg dm−3.© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Sonographic appearances of cervical lymph nodes: Variations by age and sex
Authors: Ying Michael , Ahuja Anil , Brook Fiona 
Published: August 2002

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the age‐ and sex‐related variations in the numbers and sonographic appearances of normal cervical lymph nodes.MethodsOne hundred thirty‐three healthy subjects (67 men and 66 women) underwent sonographic examinations of the neck, during which 1,299 lymph nodes were detected. The lymph nodes were assessed for their size, shape (short‐to‐long–axis ratio), and border sharpness, as well as for the presence of an echogenic hilum. The subjects were categorized by age (20–29, 30–39, 40–49, and ≥ 50 years) and subcategorized by sex. The differences between the groups in the number of nodes and in their appearance were evaluated.ResultsThe mean number of nodes visualized on sonography was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in subjects aged 20–29 and 30–39 years than in subjects aged 40–49 and 50 years or older. The difference in the mean sizes of the cervical nodes between men and women was not statistically significant. The lymph nodes in subjects aged 20–29 and 30–39 years were commonly smaller than those in subjects aged 40–49 and 50 years or older, but the differences were not statistically significant. Neither the shape nor the border sharpness of the cervical lymph nodes varied significantly by age or sex. The incidence of an echogenic hilum within the lymph nodes increased significantly with age in both sexes (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study provides information about the sonographic appearances of and variations between normal cervical lymph nodes. The presence of an increased number of cervical lymph nodes and the absence of an echogenic hilum within the nodes may help to identify an abnormality more in older patients than in younger patients. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 30:1–11, 2002.
Malignant non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma mimicking a benign parotid tumor: Sonographic findings
Authors: Eichhorn Klaus W. G. , Arapakis Iakovos , Ridder Gerd Jürgen 
Published: August 2002

AbstractWe report the case of an extranodal non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma mimicking a benign tumor in the left parotid gland of a 71‐year‐old woman. The clinical presentation of the painless, mobile mass was suggestive of a benign parotid tumor such as an adenoma. The intraglandular tumor appeared sonographically as a well‐circumscribed, hypoechoic, homogeneous, lobulated mass with mild distal sound enhancement. Power Doppler sonography showed marked intratumoral vascularization. The tumor was resected by lateral lobectomy of the parotid gland and was found histopathologically to be a diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 30:42–44, 2002.
Two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional sonography of conjoined twins
Authors: Bonilla‐Musoles Fernando , Machado Luiz E. , Osborne Newton G. , Blanes Javier , Bonilla Francisco , Raga Francisco , Machado Fernanda 
Published: August 2002

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the diagnostic capabilities of 2‐dimensional (2D) and 3‐dimensional (3D) sonography for the study of conjoined twins.MethodsFour pregnant women with an initial 2D sonographic diagnosis of conjoined twins were examined with color Doppler sonography, 3D multiplanar sonography, and orthogonal plane imaging and 3D surface rendering.ResultsAll 4 cases of conjoined twins were initially diagnosed with either transvaginal or transabdominal 2D sonography. 3D sonography afforded more realistic views and demonstrated more clearly the linking areas and surface anomalies, but 2D and color Doppler sonography provided more definitive and specific information about shared organs.ConclusionsAlthough 2D sonography is the primary modality for diagnosing and evaluating conjoined twins, color Doppler and 3D sonography can sometimes provide additional information that assists in the clinical management of these twins. 3D sonography also provides images that are easier for parents to understand, which can help them with decision making. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 30:68–75, 2002; DOI 10.1002/jcu.10035
Role of the supraoptic nucleus in regulation of parturition and milk ejection revisited
Authors: Higuchi Takashi , Okere Chuma O. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThis review will focus on the activity of oxytocin neurons in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and some factors that regulate their function during parturition and milk ejection in the rat. The level of oxytocin increases in the blood during parturition following a regression of the corpus luteum. The increase in oxytocin secretion is presumably a consequence of releasing the oxytocin neurons from restraining inhibitory influences of endogenous opioids‐, nitric oxide‐, and GABA‐containing neurons following declining blood levels of progesterone on the one hand and increasing levels of estrogen on the other during late pregnancy. However, the principal stimulus for the increased oxytocin release is believed to originate, at least in part, from mechanical stimulation to the uterine cervix by fetuses near term, the resultant uterine contractile activity, and the fetal expulsion reflex. Hence, the contractile activity of the uterus acts through positive feedback mechanisms during parturition to stimulate oxytocin neurons as well, and this further increases the secretion of oxytocin. During suckling in lactating rats, somatosensory stimuli from the pups induce intermittent synchronized burst firing of oxytocin neurons, resulting in pulsatile increases in blood oxytocin concentrations to cause milk ejection. The oxytocin neurons appear to have an intrinsic capability to fire in a bursting fashion as determined by observation of this phenomenon in brain slice or tissue culture preparations. The release of oxytocin within the microenvironment of the SON and paraventricular nucleus coupled with morphological reorganization in these nuclei play important roles in the bursting activity of each oxytocin neuron and synchronization in vivo. However, the mechanism responsible for the synchronization of electrical activity in oxytocin neurons in the four discrete hypothalamic nuclei remains an interesting unanswered question. Microsc. Res. Tech. 56:113–121, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression and plasticity of glutamate receptors in the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus
Authors: Pak C. Wook , Currás‐Collazo Margarita C. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractMagnocellular neuroendocrine cells (MNCs) of the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus (SON) produce and release the hormones vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) in response to a variety of stimuli to regulate body water and salt, parturition and lactation. Hormone release is influenced by the pattern of neuronal firing of these MNCs, which, in turn, is governed by intrinsic conductances and synaptic inputs, including those mediated by the neurotransmitter glutamate. Functional and molecular evidence has confirmed the expression of AMPA‐, NMDA‐, and metabotropic‐type glutamate receptors in the SON, that together may orchestrate the effects of glutamatergic transmission on neuroendocrine function. However, the specific roles of the different subtypes of glutamate receptors is not yet clear. As with other central neurons, the subunit composition of glutamate receptors on MNCs will likely determine their properties and may potentially help define the differential properties of VP‐ and OT‐producing MNCs. Possible functions of glutamate receptors on SON MNCs include altering excitatory synaptic transmission of osmotic information, neuronal firing, hormone production and release, and calcium signaling. Of interest are the anatomical, molecular, and functional changes at glutamatergic synapses in the SON that occur in response to pertinent physiological stimuli or development. These types of plasticity may include changes in glutamatergic synaptic density, glutamate receptor levels, or glutamate receptor subunit expression, all of which can affect the efficiency of synaptic transmission. Microsc. Res. Tech. 56:92–100, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.