bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological analysis of endocytosis in efferent ductules of estrogen receptor‐α knockout male mouse
Authors: Nakai Masaaki , Bouma Jerry , Nie Rong , Zhou Qing , Carnes Kay , Dennis  , Lubahn B. , Rex  , Hess A. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractLack of estrogen receptor (ER) results in fluid accumulation and dilation of the efferent ductules, suggesting that the role of estrogen and ER in the male reproductive tract is related to fluid reabsorption in the ductules. In the present study, endocytosis of the nonciliated cells of the efferent ductules was compared morphologically between wild type (WT) and estrogen receptor‐α knockout (αERKO) male mice. The epithelial cells lining the WT efferent ductules were tall columnar in shape, whereas those of the αERKO were low columnar. Immunocytochemically, the nonciliated cells of both genotypes showed positive reactions of sulfated glycoprotein‐2, but the reaction products were reduced in amount in the αERKO. Electron microscopy revealed that the nonciliated cells of the WT had numerous organelles for endocytosis such as coated pits and vesicles, tubules, endosomes, multivesicular bodies and lysosomes in the apical cytoplasm. These organelles were less developed in the nonciliated cells of the αERKO. Morphometric analysis indicated that there was a significant reduction in area of endocytotic apparatus in the nonciliated cells of the αERKO compared with that of the WT. A tracer study using gold particles demonstrated that the nonciliated cells of both WT and αERKO efferent ductules were capable of taking up luminal contents. These results suggest that reabsorption of the luminal contents via endocytosis takes place in the efferent ductules but is greatly reduced in amount in the absence of ERα. Anat Rec 263:10–18, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Testosterone mediates satellite cell activation in denervated rat levator ani muscle
Authors: Nnodim Joseph O. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractDenervation stimulates quiescent satellite cells in skeletal muscle to reenter the cell cycle. In the androgen‐sensitive rat levator ani muscle (LA), this mitotic response to loss of neural input fails to occur in castrated animals. To elucidate the role of androgens in denervation‐induced satellite cell proliferation, the denervated LA of castrated rats (Group A) was compared with that of animals infixed with testosterone implants after castration (Group B). Mean myofiber cross‐sectional areas (Group A: 362.95 μm2 ± 27.74; Group B: 403.13 μm2 ± 53.87) and linear nuclear densities (Group A: 74.07 mm−1 ± 17.58; Group B: 104.13 mm−1 ± 4.06) were similar (P > 0.05) in both groups. The androgen‐deprived myofibers of Group A, however, had a significantly lower nuclear content (271.0 ± 74.91 vs. 1,285.80 ± 81.74 in Group B; P < 0.05) on account of their considerably shorter mean length (3.44 mm ± 0.29 vs. 12.31 mm ± 0.92 in Group B; P < 0.05). The proportional representation of satellite cells in hormone‐replaced, denervated muscle was more than twice that in the untreated group (Group B: 5.15 ± 0.83% vs. Group A: 2.28 ± 0.23%; P < 0.05). In absolute terms, the satellite cell number in Group B was approximately an order of magnitude greater than in Group A (408.4 × 103 vs. 38.08 × 103). The results confirm the absence of testosterone as the factor responsible for the inability of satellite cells in the LA of castrated rats to respond mitotically to the withdrawal of neural input after denervation. Anat Rec 263:19–24, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ras target protein canoe is a substrate for Cdc2 and Cdk5 kinases
Authors: Takahashi Kuniaki , Hamada Noriko , Yamamoto Daisuke 
Published: August 2002

AbstractMutations in the canoe locus of Drosophila lead to failure in the dorsal closure of the embryonic epidermis and pattern formation defects in imaginal eyes and wings. In the wing, the canoe mutants develop extra veins when they are heterozygous for shaggy, a mutation in the locus encoding the glycogen synthase kinase 3β (Gsk3β), which has been known to phosphorylate the Armadillo protein. Although Canoe has a putative target sequence for phosphorylation by Gsk3β similar to that found in Armadillo, in vitro experiments indicate that Canoe is not phosphorylated by Gsk3β. Instead, Canoe is demonstrated to be a good substrate of Cdc2 and Cdk5 kinases. Thus, Cdc2 and Cdk5 kinases are the potential regulators of the function of Canoe in morphogenesis. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 49:102–107, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of cockroach (Periplaneta americana) fat body phospholipase A2 activity
Authors: Sun D. , Steele J.E. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractA phospholipase has been identified in the fat body of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, which removes fatty acid from the sn‐2 acyl position of an artificial substrate. The enzyme has been characterized using a crude preparation obtained by low‐speed centrifugation of the homogenized tissue. With 1‐hexadecanoyl‐2‐(1‐pyrenedecanoyl)‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine as the substrate, the Km has been estimated to be 1.17 μM and the vmax 113.5 pmol/min/mg protein. The phospholipase has a pH optimum close to 7 and shows maximal activity at 50°C. Activity of the phospholipase has been determined in cytosolic and plasma membrane fractions. The specific activity of the latter fraction is approximately twice that of the cytosol. The enzyme in both fractions is Ca2+‐independent. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 49:149–157, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Uptake, flow, and digestion of casein and green fluorescent protein in the digestive system of Lygus hesperus Knight
Authors: Habibi Javad , Brandt S.L. , Coudron T.A. , Wagner R.M. , Wright M.K. , Backus E.A. , Huesing J.E. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractSelected compounds were used to study physiological processes associated with digestion in the western tarnished plant bug, Lygus hesperus Knight. Durations of passage and rates of absorption, digestion, and excretion were determined for a digestible protein (casein), a non‐digestible protein (green fluorescent protein, GFP), and a non‐digestible carbohydrate (dextran). Dextran was used as a control to monitor the non‐absorptive flow rate of ingesta through the digestive system. Fluorescent tracking of FITC‐conjugates of casein and dextran, as well as immunoblotting and immunofluorescent staining of casein and GFP, were used to monitor the degradation (in vitro) and ingestion, digestion, and distribution (in vivo) of the respective compounds. Under our experimental conditions, L. hesperus took discrete meals, feeding and excreting at 2–3‐h intervals. Rate of food passage was variable. FITC‐dextran was found in the fecal material of most insects by 6–8 h after treatment initiation; by 12 h, 95% of ingested FITC‐dextran was recovered from all insects. FITC‐casein was digested extensively in in vitro homogenates of gut, hemolymph, and salivary gland. In vivo, FITC‐casein was ingested and partially absorbed as a holoprotein into the hemolymph. Ingested FITC‐casein was partially degraded in the gut and hemolymph within 2 h of ingestion, and no holoprotein was found after 12 h. In contrast, there was no detectable degradation of GFP in hemolymph, gut, and salivary gland homogenates after 24 h of incubation. Ingested GFP was not degraded in gut or hemolymph up to 8 h after treatment initiation, but did transfer to the hemolymph as a holoprotein. Analysis of immunohistological images confirmed that GFP bound to gut epithelial cell brush‐border membranes. However, the mechanism by which GFP and casein pass as holoproteins into the hemolymph remains unknown. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 50:62–74, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.†
The peritrophic membrane of Spodoptera frugiperda: Secretion of peritrophins and role in immobilization and recycling digestive enzymes
Authors: Bolognesi Renata , Ribeiro Alberto F. , Terra Walter R. , Ferreira Clélia 
Published: August 2002

AbstractA peritrophin from the Spodoptera frugiperda peritrophic membrane (PM) and microvillar proteins from S. frugiperda anterior midgut cells were isolated and used to raise antibodies in a rabbit. These antibodies, as well as a Tenebrio molitor amylase antibody that cross‐reacts with S. frugiperda amylases, and wheat‐germ aglutinin were used in immunolocalization experiments performed with the aid of confocal fluorescence and immunogold techniques. The results showed that the peritrophin was secreted by anterior midgut columnar cells in vesicles pinched‐off the microvilli (microapocrine secretion). The resulting double membrane vesicles become single membrane vesicles by membrane fusion, releasing peritrophin and part of the amylase and trypsin. The remaining membranes still containing microvillar proteins and membrane‐bound amylase and trypsin are incorporated into a jelly‐like material associated with PM. Calcofluor‐treated larvae lacking a PM were shown to lose the decreasing gradient of trypsin and chymotrypsin observed along the midgut of control larvae. This gradient is thought to be formed by a countercurrent flux of fluid (in the space between PM and midgut cells) that powers enzyme recycling. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 47:62–75, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mass spectrometric evidence for the deficiency in the dark‐color‐inducing hormone, [His7]‐corazonin in an albino strain of Locusta migratoria as well as for its presence in solitary Schistocerca gregaria
Authors: Baggerman Geert , Clynen Elke , Mazibur Rahman , Veelaert Dirk , Breuer Michael , De Loof Arnold , Tanaka Seiji , Schoofs Liliane 
Published: August 2002

AbstractA factor present in the brain and corpus cardiacum responsible for the induction of dark colour in Locusta migratoria was recently isolated and identified from the corpora cardiaca of normally pigmented locusts. The purification of this factor, designated as [His7]‐corazonin was monitored using an albino mutant from a laboratory colony of an Okinawa (Japan) strain. In this study, we provide unequivocal mass spectrometric evidence that the brain and the corpora cardiaca of this albino Locusta mutant are deficient in [His7]‐corazonin. Previously, [His7]‐corazonin was shown to be responsible for the induction of dark body colour patterns as observed in crowded locusts. Using nanoflow‐liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, we demonstrated that this dark colour–inducing hormone is, however, present in the corpora cardiaca of solitary locusts (Schistocerca gregaria). Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 47:150–160, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular and pharmacological properties of insect biogenic amine receptors: Lessons from Drosophila melanogaster and Apis mellifera
Authors: Blenau Wolfgang , Baumann Arnd 
Published: August 2002

AbstractIn the central nervous system (CNS) of both vertebrates and invertebrates, biogenic amines are important neuroactive molecules. Physiologically, they can act as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, or neurohormones. Biogenic amines control and regulate various vital functions including circadian rhythms, endocrine secretion, cardiovascular control, emotions, as well as learning and memory. In insects, amines like dopamine, tyramine, octopamine, serotonin, and histamine exert their effects by binding to specific membrane proteins that primarily belong to the superfamily of G�protein–coupled receptors. Especially in Drosophila melanogaster and Apis mellifera considerable progress has been achieved during the last few years towards the understanding of the functional role of these receptors and their intracellular signaling systems. In this review, the present knowledge on the biochemical, molecular, and pharmacological properties of biogenic amine receptors from Drosophila and Apis will be summarized. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 48:13–38, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intracellular freezing, viability, and composition of fat body cells from freeze‐intolerant larvae of Sarcophaga crassipalpis
Authors: Davis Diana J. , Lee Richard E. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractAlthough it is often assumed that survival of freezing requires that ice formation must be restricted to extracellular compartments, fat body cells from freeze‐tolerant larvae of the gall fly, Eurosta solidaginis (Diptera, Tephritidae) survive intracellular freezing. Furthermore, these cells are highly susceptible to inoculative freezing by external ice, undergo extensive lipid coalescence upon thawing, and survive freezing better when glycerol is added to the suspension medium. To determine whether these traits are required for intracellular freeze tolerance or whether they are incidental and possessed by fat body cells in general, we investigated the capacity of fat body cells from nondiapause‐destined and diapause‐destined (i.e., cold‐hardy) larvae of the freeze‐intolerant flesh fly Sarcophaga crassipalpis (Diptera, Sarcophagidae) to survive intracellular freezing. Fat body cells from both types of larvae were highly susceptible to inoculative freezing; all cells froze between –3.7 to –6.2°C. The highest rates for survival of intracellular freezing occurred at –5°C. The addition of glycerol to the media markedly increased survival rates. Upon thawing, the fat body cells showed little or no lipid coalescence. Fat body cells from E. solidaginis had a water content of only 35% compared to cells from S. crassipalpis larvae that had 52–55%; cells with less water may be less likely to be damaged by mechanical forces during intracellular freezing. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 48:199–205, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of initial NSAID choice and patient risk factors in the prevention of NSAID gastropathy: A decision analysis
Authors: Fendrick A. Mark , Bandekar Rajesh R. , Chernew Michael E. , Scheiman James M. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the role of initial nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) choice in the prevention of NSAID gastropathy, based on relative clinical and economic effects.MethodsTo mimic clinical practice, a symptom‐driven decision analytic model was constructed to compare 2 treatment strategies for long‐term users of NSAIDs over a 1‐year period: Strategy 1—generic NSAID used initially, and safer, more expensive NSAID reserved for treatment failures due to symptomatic gastropathy; and Strategy 2—safer, more expensive NSAID used in all instances. The only distinction between the strategies was the choice of initial NSAID. NSAIDs differed in gastrointestinal safety profiles and acquisition costs. The use and impact of antisecretory medications were included in the model. Because published data on patients' ulcer risk and relative NSAID safety show considerable variability, sensitivity analyses were used to evaluate the key clinical outcomes and costs.ResultFor patients without risk factors for NSAID ulcers (average risk), the model estimated that the strategy restricting use of the safer NSAID resulted in more symptomatic ulcers (Strategy 1, 2.58; Strategy 2, 0.73) and ulcer‐related complications (Strategy 1, 1.18; Strategy 2, 0.23) per 100 patient years. The restricted strategy led to a significantly lower cost per patient treated (Strategy 1, $239; Strategy 2, $831 per year). In the principal analysis, the incremental costs to prevent symptomatic and complicated ulcers were $31,900 and $56,700, respectively. The estimated incremental cost per ulcer avoided was sensitive to the relative protection provided by the safer NSAID and fell dramatically as the patients' ulcer risk was increased above average risk.ConclusionUnrestricted use of NSAIDs that reduce the risk of symptomatic ulcers has the potential to produce important clinical benefits at incremental cost. The impressive impact of ulcer risk on the incremental cost per ulcer prevented warrants increased attention to risk factor identification when NSAIDs are prescribed.
Design and quality considerations for randomized controlled trials in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Kyriakidi Maria , Ioannidis John P. A. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractObjectiveTo appraise systematically randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on systemic sclerosis (SSc) in order to determine whether the parameter of study design and its quality may influence the reporting of efficacy for tested interventions.MethodsSeventy RCTs were analyzed (1965–2000) in terms of design, patient characteristics, outcomes, and reported results.ResultsMedian sample size was 28 patients. Fifty‐nine trials were double blind, but only 16 mentioned the randomization mode and only 7 described allocation concealment. There was sufficient information on withdrawals in 37 trials. Larger trials with longer followup scored higher on quality characteristics, but had higher withdrawal rates. Only 8 trials had a followup of more than 1 year. Significant efficacy was less likely to be reported in double‐blind studies (P = 0.029) and in studies with larger rates of withdrawal (P = 0.032). Specification of the following parameters improved over time: power calculations (P = 0.0003), outcomes (P = 0.001), and sample size per arm (P = 0.011).ConclusionsSeveral aspects of the quality of design and conduct of SSc RCTs can be improved. Adequately powered trials with longer followup and clear outcomes are needed.
Convex upper and lower bounds for present value functions
Authors: Vyncke D. , Goovaerts M. , Dhaene J. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractIn this paper we present an efficient methodology for approximating the distribution function of the net present value of a series of cash‐flows, when discounting is presented by a stochastic differential equation as in the Vasicek model and in the Ho–Lee model. Upper and lower bounds in convexity order are obtained. The high accuracy of the method is illustrated for cash‐flows for which no analytical results are available. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sequential sampling schemes and other statistical techniques in quality of service business surveys
Authors: Bar‐Lev Shaul K. , Fuchs Camil 
Published: August 2002

AbstractWhile there is a general consensus in the business community regarding the importance of quality service surveys in improving the company's business results, relatively little attention was devoted to the theoretical aspects of data analysis and modelling which can increase substantially the effectiveness of those surveys. Using the data from a real‐life project, we present here the developments and improvements achieved in the three stages that ultimately yield the conclusions from the survey: the analysis of the historical data, the design of the sampling method for the current survey and the development of specific indices for differentiating among the units of the financial institution. The statistical techniques fitted to historical data helped both in assessing the relative contributions of the various aspects of service, the overall perceived quality of service, as well as in providing the theoretical grounds for reducing the size of the questionnaire and thus increasing the reliability of the received replies. The sequential sampling scheme designed for this survey was particularly suitable to address the managements concerns. Finally, the classes of quality service based on the quality indices developed in the project contributed substantially to the ability of the management to rank and reward differentially the branches of the financial institution. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paclitaxel pharmacodynamics: application of a mechanism‐based neutropenia model
Authors: Fetterly Gerald J. , Tamburlin Judith M. , Straubinger Robert M. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractAntineoplastic agents exert adverse effects that impact both dose and scheduling of drug administration. Our objective was to develop a quantitative relationship between paclitaxel (taxol) exposure and pharmacodynamic endpoints, such as neutropenia or body weight loss. Paclitaxel in liposomes or Cremophor EL was administered to rats at doses of 20 or 40 mg/kg. Body weight and absolute neutrophil count were determined daily. The decrease in body weight was greater for paclitaxel in Cremophor EL than for liposomal paclitaxel, but hematological toxicity was similar. The hematological data was fit using a pharmacodynamic model to investigate the temporal delay between drug exposure and neutropenia. From the model, the lifespan of neutrophils (TN), of surviving precursor cells in bone marrow (TP), and a killing rate constant (K) were determined. The values of TN, TP, and K for liposomal paclitaxel were 95 h, 82 h, and 0.735 (μM h)−1, respectively, and for paclitaxel in Cremophor EL, 86 h, 78 h, and 0.475 (μM h)−1, respectively. Simulations of various doses indicated a dependency of the neutropenia time course on paclitaxel exposure. The entire time course of changes in neutrophil count is more informative than a single measurement if myelosuppression is prolonged and at a level associated with increased incidence of clinical adverse effects. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term exposure of male and female mice to 50 Hz magnetic field: Effects on fertility
Authors: Elbetieha Ahmed , AL‐Akhras Moh'd‐Ali , Darmani Homa 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe effect of an extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field on the fertility of adult male and female Swiss mice was investigated. Adult male and female mice were exposed to a 50 Hz sinusoidal magnetic field at ≈,25 μT (rms) for 90 days before they were mated with unexposed counterparts. There were no exposure related effects on the fertility of male or female mice. The number of implantation sites, viable fetuses, and the total number of resorptions were not significantly affected in females impregnated by males exposed to the 50 Hz magnetic field as compared with the control group. The number of implantation sites, viable fetuses and the total number of resorptions in exposed females were also not statistically different from the control group. There were no significant effects on the weights of the testes, seminal vesicles, preputial gland or body weights of males exposed to 50 Hz magnetic field. Furthermore, body and uterine weights were not affected in females exposed to 50 Hz field; however, ovarian weight was significantly increased in females exposed to the same field. These results suggest that exposure of male and female mice to low frequency magnetic field had no adverse effects on fertility and reproduction in mice. Bioelectromagnetics 23:168–172, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.