bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of chitosan‐plasmid DNA nanoparticles encoding zona pellucida glycoprotein‐3α and its expression in mouse
Authors: Sun Cai‐Jun , Pan Shan‐Pei , Xie Qi‐Xuan , Xiao Luan‐Juan 
Published: April 2004

AbstractIn the present study, the porcine zona pellucida (ZP)‐3α eukaryotic expression vector pVAX1‐pZP3α was constructed by genetic recombinant technology, then the recombinant plasmid was encapsulated in nanoparticles with chitosan, and the imaging of chitosan/pVAX1‐pZP3α nanoparticles by Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) was processed. Feeding mouse with those microencapsulation by gastric larvae, and after 5 days, detecting its expression in mouse intestine by RT‐PCR and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF). Results show that the porcine ZP‐3α eukaryotic expression vector pVAX1‐pZP3α had been constructed correctly, and the chitosan‐DNA expressing ZP microencapsulation was prepared successfully. After 5 days of feeding mouse, the transcription and expression of those DNA vaccines were found in mouse alvine chorion. The preparation of chitosan/pVAX1‐pZP3α plasmid DNA nanoparticles and its expression in mice will help to investigate the feasibility of ZP DNA vaccine to induce oviduct local mucosal immunity against ZP to block the fertilization without causing ovarian dysfunction, which will provide new ideas and ways for research and exploiting more effective, more convenient oral contraceptive vaccines. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 68: 182–188, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of msj‐1 gene expression in the frog, Rana esculenta testis, brain, and spinal cord
Authors: Meccariello Rosaria , Cobellis Gilda , Scarpa Donatella , Fienga Giulia , Pierantoni Riccardo , Fasano Silvia 
Published: April 2004

AbstractMSJ‐1 is member of the DnaJ/heat shock protein (Hsp) 40 chaperone protein family. It is present in mouse testis and spinal cord. In particular, MSJ‐1 is localized in post‐meiotic cells and in motoneurones of the ventral horns. To assess whether the role of this protein is evolutionarily conserved, we have investigated if msj‐1 gene is expressed in the frog, Rana esculenta. Using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), a msj‐1‐like transcript was detected in testis, brain, and spinal cord. Homology ranging from 42.3 to 46.0% was found as compared with the mammalian counterparts. Muscle did not show any signal. By Western blot analysis, a signal of the predicted size of 30 kDa was evidenced in testis, brain, and spinal cord but not in ovary, heart, liver, kidney, and muscle. MSJ‐1 fluctuations in the testis reveal that it appeared in concomitance with post‐meiotic events during the annual sexual cycle, as shown in a previous study. The protein is localized in spermatids and is still retained in mature spermatozoa, where it has perinuclear and centriolar localization. MSJ‐1 levels did not change in brain and spinal cord. Furthermore, in the brain MSJ‐1 was mainly present in diencephalon and mesencephalon, while in spinal cord MSJ‐1 was localized into several motoneurones of the cervical and thoracic tract. A putative role in vesicle trafficking is briefly discussed. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 68: 149–158, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chromatin organization during spermiogenesis in Octopus vulgaris. I: Morphological structures
Authors: Ribes Enric , Giménez‐Bonafé Pepita , Martínez‐Soler Fina , Gonzalez Angel , Saperas Núria , Kasinsky Harold E. , Chiva Manel 
Published: April 2004

AbstractIn the process of the chromatin remodeling that occurs during spermiogenesis in some animal species, it is possible to distinguish between two separate aspects: the chromatin condensation pattern itself (granular, fibrillar, or lamellar), and the architecture of this pattern, that is to say, its arrangement within the nucleus. In the cephalopod Octopus vulgaris these two aspects are clearly differentiated. The condensation pattern develops from 25 nm fibers to fibers with a tubular aspect and with a progressively increasing diameter (40–60 nm and then to 80 nm), to end finally in the form of very thin fibers (3–5 nm) product of the coalescence and dissolution of the major fibers. The main directive force that governs this process lies in the global change that occurs in the proteins that interact with all (or the major part) of the genomic DNA. The condensation pattern by itself in this species does not present a fixed order: most of the fibers appear without any predominant spatial direction in the spermiogenic nuclei. However, as the nuclei elongate, the chromatin fibers arrange in parallel following the elongation axis. This parallel disposition of the chromatin fibers appears to be mediated by two specific areas, each of which we call a “polar nuclear matrix” (PNM). These matrices differentiate in the basal and apical nuclear poles adjacent to the centriolar implantation fosse and the acrosome, respectively. The areas that constitute the PNM have the following characteristics: (a) they are the only areas where DNA is found anchored to the nuclear membrane; (b) they are the zones from which the chromatin condensation pattern (fibers/tubules) begins; and (c) they are most probably the points through which the mechanical forces originating from nuclear elongation are transmitted to chromatin, causing the chromatin fibers/tubules to adopt an almost perfectly parallel disposition. Finally, we discuss the importance of the architecture of the chromatin condensation pattern, as it is one of the determining factors of the spatial organization of the mature sperm genome and chromosome positioning. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 68: 223–231, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of mRNA of lipoprotein receptor related protein 8, low density lipoprotein receptor, and very low density lipoprotein receptor in bovine ovarian cells during follicular development and corpus luteum formation and regression
Authors: Argov Nurit , Sklan David 
Published: April 2004

AbstractLipoproteins in the plasma are the major source of cholesterol obtained by the ovarian theca and granulosa cells for steroidogenesis. In this study, we have identified mRNA expression in bovine theca and granulosa cells of two lipoprotein receptors, low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) and very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLr) in granulosa cells from small antral follicles through preovulatory follicles and in theca cells from large and medium sized antral follicles. In the corpus luteum (CL) both these receptors were found in the developing and differentiating stages whereas only mRNA for VLDLr was detected in the regression stage. This study also described for the first time, the presence of lipoprotein receptor related protein (LRP8) in granulosa cells from small antral follicles through preovulatory follicles and in theca cells from large and medium sized antral follicles. This may indicate a role of LRP8 in cholesterol delivery to steriodogenic cells. LRP8 was not detected in any of the CL stages. The roles of the LDLr superfamily in lipid transport to ovarian cells and its participation in follicular and CL development and regression is discussed. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 68: 169–175, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Embryo outcome in Y‐chromosome microdeleted infertile males after ICSI
Authors: Kihaile Paul E. , Kisanga Ramzy E. , Aoki Kazuo , Kumasako Yoko , Misumi Junichi , Utsunomiya Takafumi 
Published: April 2004

AbstractA prospective study involving 118 infertile Japanese couples to assess the embryo outcomes in both azoospermic and oligoasthenoteratoazoospermic (OAT) patients with Y‐chromosome microdeletion. The men were divided into two groups; azoospermia (n = 27), and OAT, sperm concentration <5 × 106/ml (n = 91). They were investigated for Y‐chromosome microdeletions by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the Y‐chromosome‐specific sequence tag site (STS). The embryo outcomes of patients found to have Y‐microdeletion were determined. The frequency of microdeletion was 8.8% (9) and two had microdeletions distal to DAZ. The mean fertilization rate and the cleavage rate in the eight cycles of both azoospermic and oligospermic patients were 59.3 and 87.5%, respectively. The percentages of grade 1 & 2 embryos, ≥6 cells embryos, and blastocyts were 51.7, 65.6, and 45.3%, respectively. Three pregnancies resulted from the eight cycles (37.5%). Conclusion: in Y‐chromosome microdeletion cycles in which sperm cells were available for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), embryo outcome was comparable to conventional IVF. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 68: 176–181, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tonotopic gradients of Eph family proteins in the chick nucleus laminaris during synaptogenesis
Authors: Person Abigail L. , Pat Cerretti Douglas , Pasquale Elena B. , Rubel Edwin W. , Cramer Karina S. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractTopographically precise projections are established early in neural development. One such topographically organized network is the auditory brainstem. In the chick, the auditory nerve transmits auditory information from the cochlea to nucleus magnocellularis (NM). NM in turn innervates nucleus laminaris (NL) bilaterally. These projections preserve the tonotopy established at the level of the cochlea. We have begun to examine the expression of Eph family proteins during the formation of these connections. Optical density measurements were used to describe gradients of Eph proteins along the tonotopic axis of NL in the neuropil, the somata, and the NM axons innervating NL at embryonic day 10, when synaptic connections from NM to NL are established. At E10–11, NL dorsal neuropil expresses EphA4 at a higher concentration in regions encoding high frequency sounds, decreasing in concentration monotonically toward the low frequency (caudolateral) end. In the somata, both EphA4 and ephrin‐B2 are concentrated at the high frequency end of the nucleus. These tonotopic gradients disappear between E13 and E15, and expression of these molecules is completely downregulated by hatching. The E10–11 patterns run counter to an apparent gradient in dendrite density, as indicated by microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2) immunolabeling. Finally, ephrin‐B2 is also expressed in a gradient in tissue ventral to the NL neuropil. Our findings thus suggest a possible conserved mechanism for establishing topographic projections in diverse sensory systems. These results of this study provide a basis for the functional examination of the role of Eph proteins in the formation of tonotopic maps in the brainstem. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 60: 28–39, 2004
Nicotine decreases agrin signaling and acetylcholine receptor clustering in C2C12 myotube culture
Authors: Ferayorni Angelique J. , Gunville Cameron F. , Grow Wade A. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe clustering of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) in skeletal muscle fibers is a critical event in neuromuscular synaptogenesis. AChRs in concert with other molecules form postsynaptic scaffolds in response to agrin released from motor neurons as motor neurons near skeletal muscle fibers in development. Agrin drives an intracellular signaling pathway that precedes AChR clustering and includes the tyrosine phosphorylation of AChRs. In C2C12 myotube culture, agrin application stimulates the agrin signaling pathway and AChR clustering. Previous studies have determined that the frequency of spontaneous AChR clustering is decreased and AChRs are partially inactivated when bound by the acetylcholine agonist nicotine. We hypothesized that nicotine interferes with AChR clustering and consequent postsynaptic scaffold formation. In the present study, C2C12 myoblasts were cultured with growth medium to stimulate proliferation and then differentiation medium to stimulate fusion into myotubes. They were bathed in a physiologically relevant concentration of nicotine and then subject to agrin treatment after myotube formation. Our results demonstrate that nicotine decreases agrin‐induced tyrosine phosphorylation of AChRs and decreases the frequency of spontaneous as well as agrin‐induced AChR clustering. We conclude that nicotine interferes with postsynaptic scaffold formation by preventing the tyrosine phosphorylation of AChRs, an agrin signaling event that precedes AChR clustering. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 60: 51–60, 2004
Thrombopoietin receptor (Mpl) expression by megakaryocytes in myeloproliferative disorders
Authors: Bock Oliver , Schlué Jerome , Mengel Michael , Büsche Guntram , Serinsöz Ebru , Kreipe Hans 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe thrombopoietin receptor (Mpl) is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic myeloproliferative disorders (CMPD). In this study, we determined Mpl expression by bone marrow cells and megakaryocytes in CMPD by applying laser microdissection, real‐time RT‐PCR, and immunohistochemistry. Mpl mRNA expression was significantly increased up to 9‐fold in total bone marrow cells (p < 0.001) and up to 4‐fold in megakaryocytes in chronic myeloproliferative disorders (n = 73) compared to normal controls (n = 26, p = 0.01). Immunohistochemistry revealed heterogeneous Mpl expression by megakaryocytes in CMPD with a stronger accentuation in idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF) in comparison to polycythaemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET). In addition to megakaryocytes, the erythropoietic lineage was prominently labelled by Mpl antiserum, with considerably stronger staining in polycythaemia vera. We conclude that, in CMPD, megakaryocytes and erythroid cells exhibit increased Mpl expression levels which may contribute to the sustained proliferation of both cell lineages in CMPD. Copyright © 2004 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comprehensive study of polymer fiber surface modifications Part 1: high‐fluence UV‐excimer‐laser‐induced structures
Authors: Yip Joanne , Chan Kwong , Sin Kwan Moon , Lau Kai Shui 
Published: April 2004

AbstractRecently, there has been great interest in physico‐chemical surface treatments for modifying polymer surfaces. Ultraviolet (UV)‐excimer‐laser irradiation of polymers is of particular interest. In this study, polyamide was irradiated by a 193 nm excimer laser with a fluence above its ablation threshold (high‐fluence). Morphological changes of the resulting samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TM‐AFM). Chemical modifications by laser treatment were studied by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) and chemical force microscopy (CFM). Topographical results indicated that ‘ripple‐like’ structures of micrometer size were formed after laser irradiation. XPS and Tof‐SIMS results showed that bond scission occurred on the polymer surface under the action of high‐fluence. Changes in surface chemical properties of the laser‐irradiated polyamide were supported by CFM experiments. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of TiO2and other dielectric coatings for buried‐contact solar cells: a review
Authors: Richards B. S. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThis paper compares the optical, electronic, physical and chemical properties of dielectric thin films that are commonly used to enhance the performance of bulk silicon photovoltaic devices. The standard buried‐contact (BC) solar cell presents a particularly challenging set of criteria, requiring the dielectric film to act as: (i) an anti‐reflection (AR) coating; (ii) a film compatible with surface passivation; (iii) a mask for an electroless metal plating step; (iv) a diffusion barrier for achieving a selective emitter; (v) a film with excellent chemical resistance; (vi) a stable layer during high‐temperature processing. The dielectric coatings reviewed here include thermally grown silicon dioxide (SiO2), silicon nitride deposited by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition (a‐SiNx:H) and low‐pressure chemical vapour deposition (Si3N4), silicon oxynitride (SiON), cerium dioxide (CeO2), zinc sulphide (ZnS), and titanium dioxide (TiO2).While TiO2dielectric coatings exhibit the best optical performance and a simple post‐deposition surface passivation sequence has been developed, they require an additional sacrificial diffusion barrier to survive the heavy groove diffusion step. A‐SiNx:H affords passivation through its high fixed positive charge density and large hydrogen concentration; however, it is difficult to retain these electronic benefits during lengthy high‐temperature processing. Therefore, for the BC solar cell, Si3N4films would appear to be the best choice of dielectric films common in industrial use. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conversion of commercial si solar cells to keep their efficient performance at 15 suns
Authors: Coello J. , Castro M. , Antón I. , Sala G. , Vázquez M. A. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe screen‐printing method is an economical metallization technique used by most manufacturers of conventional silicon solar cells. This method limits the cells' use under concentrated light owing to high series resistance losses caused, among other reasons, by low metal density in the fingers. This paper describes increasing the finger metal density by electrolytic deposition. The electrolytic deposition of silver is an economical, controllable and readily commercializable deposition method to reduce the front and back metallization series resistance contributions. With an optimized grid design, compatible with 1 sun silicon cell technology, and later electrolytic silver deposition we have obtained cells that maintain their efficiency up to 15 suns. In addition, an analysis of the performance of these cells under uniform and non‐uniform illumination were carried out on n+p and n+pn+ structures. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gambling with your life: The process of breast cancer treatment decision making in Chinese women
Authors: Lam Wendy WT , Fielding Richard , Chan Miranda , Chow Louis , Or Amy 
Published: April 2004

AbstractTreatment decision making (TDM) studies have primarily focused on assessing TDM quality and predominantly presume rational analytic processes as the gold standard. In a grounded theory study of 22 Hong Kong Chinese women following breast surgery who completed an in‐depth interview exploring the process of TDM in breast cancer (BC), narrative data showed that discovery of a breast abnormality and emotional responses to BC diagnosis influence the TDM process. Lack of guidance from surgeons impaired TDM. Decisions were, for the most part, made using intuitive, pragmatic and emotionally driven criteria in the absence of complete information. The experience of TDM, which was likened to gambling, did not end once the decision was made but unfolded while waiting for surgery and the post‐operative report. In this waiting period, women were emotionally overwhelmed by fear of death and the uncertainty of the surgical outcome, and equivocated over whether they had made the ‘right’ choice. This suggests that Chinese women feel they are gambling with their lives during TDM. These women are particularly emotionally vulnerable whilst waiting for their surgery and the post‐surgical clinical pathology results. Providing emotional support is particularly important at this time when these women are overwhelmed by uncertainty. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does a symptom management intervention affect depression among cancer patients: Results from a clinical trial
Authors: Given Charles , Given Barbara , Rahbar Mohammad , Jeon Sangchoon , McCorkle Ruth , Cimprich Bernadine , Galecki Andrez , Kozachik Sharon , Devoss Danielle , Brady Albert , Fisher‐Malloy Mary Jo , Courtney Kathy , Bowie Elizabeth 
Published: April 2004

AbstractCancer patients diagnosed with solid tumors and undergoing a first course of chemotherapy were randomized to either conventional care or a 10 contact 20 week cognitive behavioral intervention designed to reduce emotional distress. Three hypotheses were tested. First, a test for a group effect found that patients in the intervention who entered the trial with higher symptom severity reported significantly lower depression at 10 but not 20 weeks. Patients in the experimental group who entered with higher depression were more depressed at 10 weeks than patients in the control group. The second hypothesis compared the intervention in two sub‐indices of symptom severity; one comprised of symptoms with a depressive component, the other of symptoms not associated with depression. The intervention was more effective in lowering depression at 10 weeks through an interaction with the non‐depressive symptom sub‐index. At 20 weeks, a significant main effect for the intervention on depression was observed. No interaction with either sub‐index was observed. The third hypothesis found no main or interaction effect between psychotropic drugs and the intervention. In conclusion, behavioral interventions may influence depression differently over time. Initially, the intervention lowered depression through certain symptoms and only later did it effect depression directly. Symptoms with an affective component are relatively unaffected by the intervention which was independent of the presence of psychotropic medications. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality of life in patients who survive a dire prognosis compared to control cancer survivors
Authors: Gotay Carolyn Cook , Isaacs Patti , Pagano Ian 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe primary goal of this study was to describe well‐being and its correlates in long‐term cancer survivors who had exceeded their life expectancies (‘exceptional survivors’ (ES)) and to identify ways in which exceptional survivors differed from cancer survivors with much better prognoses (‘control survivors’ (CS)). Survivors were identified through a population‐based tumor registry, and ES (n= 160) were matched to CS (n= 160) on age, ethnicity, site of disease, and time since diagnosis. Data were collected through in person interviews and self‐administered questionnaires. Outcomes included quality of life, depression, and stress. Predictors included demographics, clinical variables and psychological predictors (sense of coherence, optimism, and resiliency). The findings led to several clear conclusions: (1) cancer survivors are doing well, in comparison to well‐being in control populations; (2) cancer survivors exhibit higher levels of sense of coherence and resilience, but not optimism, than control populations; (3) psychological variables explain considerable variance in well‐being; and (4) there are few differences between exceptional and control survivors. We conclude that objective disease state is not as important to cancer survivor well‐being as personal attributes, and that a cancer diagnosis has such frightening implications that all survivors consider their recovery to be ‘exceptional.’. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.