bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topography of corpuscular mechanoreceptors in the shoulder joint region of monodelphis domestica
Authors: Maass Stefan , Baumann Klaus I. , Halata Zdenek 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe topography and structure of corpuscular mechanoreceptors in the shoulder joint capsule and periarticular connective tissue of a small laboratory marsupial (monodelphis domestica) were studied using light and electron microscopy. This animal is known to use its upper extremities for a wide range of activities like climbing and manipulating food. Thus, the shoulder joint of this animal species has a similar wide range of movement as the human shoulder joint, but is small enough for serial sectioning in its entirety. Silver stained serial paraffin sections were examined under the light microscope and the distribution of the different types of mechanoreceptors was reconstructed using three‐dimensional image processing. In addition, selected mechanoreceptors were studied electron microscopically. Approximately 100 small lamellated corpuscles were found in the dense connective tissue of the joint capsule close to the insertion on the scapula and in the thickening of the joint capsule close to the glenoid labrum. Ruffini corpuscles were found in much smaller numbers in the moderately dense connective tissue of the axillary region. Only very few Vater‐Pacinian corpuscles were seen in the soft periarticular connective tissue. The large number and localization of mechanoreceptor corpuscles in the shoulder joint capsule especially close to the glenoid labrum suggests, that these specialized nerve endings are likely to play an important role in control of joint movement. They can induce protective reflexes during extreme movements in the shoulder joint preventing shoulder luxation by increasing the tone of muscles pressing the humerus head into the glenoid cavity. Anat Rec 263:35–40, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Absorption and tissue distribution of cholesterol in Manduca sexta
Authors: Jouni Zeina E. , Zamora Jorge , Wells Michael A. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractIn Manduca sexta larvae, radioactive free cholesterol is absorbed directly from the midgut into mucosal cells where it is stored both in the free form (87% in males and 93% in females) and esterified form (13% in males and 7% in females). Subsequently, cholesterol is transported to fat body via lipophorin in the hemolymph exclusively in the free form. In fat body, the distribution of cholesterol between the free and esterified form varied significantly between genders and developmental stages. Except for the larval stage, males and females were able to store cholesterol in both free and esterified forms in the fat body and in the adult stage cholesterol ester accounted for more than 75% of the stored cholesterol. Placement of radioactive cholesterol at different locations in the gut—foregut, midgut, and hindgut—demonstrated that the midgut is the site where cholesterol is absorbed and released into the hemolymph. Cholesterol‐labeled lipophorin injected into larval hemolymph was cleared from the hemolymph with a half‐life of 10.2 h. After 17 h, most of the cleared radioactivity was recovered in the fat body (38%). Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 49:167–175, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteins synthesized and secreted by larvae of the ectoparasitic wasp, Eulophus pennicornis
Authors: Richards Elaine H. , Edwards John P. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractA microscopic examination of Eulophus pennicornis larvae on their host Lacanobia oleracea, revealed that peristaltic waves travelled from the anterior to posterior end of the feeding wasp larvae, and vice versa. In addition, when wasp larvae were immersed in PBS in vitro, they released a variety of proteins, with molecular weights ranging from (at least) 14 to 200 kDa. Amongst these was a protein with an estimated molecular weight similar to that of the 27 kDa parasitism‐specific protein (PSP) detected in plasma from parasitized L. oleracea [Richards and Edwards, Insect Biochem Mol Biol 29:557–569 (1999)]. Similar results were obtained when the wasp larvae were incubated on balls of cotton wool soaked in tissue culture medium or sucrose, i.e., conditions that resemble their natural feeding behaviour. These results (and others) indicate that the wasp larvae release proteins, putatively through their mouth. Protein synthesis studies using 35S‐methionine indicated that the wasp larvae synthesize and secrete a variety of proteins in vitro, including one with a molecular weight corresponding to that of the L. oleracea 27 kDa PSP. As expected, only a portion of the total proteins synthesized by the parasitoid larvae were subsequently secreted. In addition, the autoradiogram of secreted proteins contained significantly fewer bands than silver‐stained SDS gels of proteins released into PBS or onto cotton wool. Thus, some of the additional bands detected on the latter gels are thought to represent proteins that were not of wasp origin. Instead, these proteins released by the wasp larvae are speculated to be derived from their gut and, as such, probably represent proteins derived from host haemolymph and ingested during feeding. This possibility was supported by an electrophoretic analysis of homogenate supernatants prepared from wasp larvae with or without their gut contents. These studies indicated that the gut contents of the larval parasitoid contributes several distinct bands to the total protein profile. The ability of E. pennicornis larvae to synthesize, secrete, and release proteins is discussed with reference to those produced by endoparasitoid larvae. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 46:140–151, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lepidopteran peritrophic membranes and effects of dietary wheat germ agglutinin on their formation and structure
Authors: Hopkins Theodore L. , Harper Marc S. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractPeritrophic membrane (PM) structure and the effects of dietary wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) on PM formation were studied in larvae of the European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis, and the tobacco hornworm (THW), Manduca sexta. Growth of ECB was strongly inhibited by low amounts of WGA in the diet (0.05%), whereas THW was not affected by amounts of up to 2%. In ECB larvae, chitin microfibrils were secreted to form an orthogonal network within the apical region of the anterior midgut microvilli. The network then moved to the tips of the microvilli where proteinacious matrix was added prior to delamination of a single PM into the lumen to enclose the food bolus. Multiple PMs rapidly appeared as the food moved posteriorly and some of these became greatly thickened in the middle and posterior regions of the midgut. WGA in the diet caused hypersecretion of unorganized PM in the anterior midgut lumen, disintegration of microvilli, and cessation of feeding. It was also shown to bind to both the chitinous network and to several PM proteins, perhaps causing voids in the PM and sparse matrix material. This allowed the passage of food particles through a defective PM into the ectoperitrophic space and penetration into the microvillar brush border. Stimulation of PM secretion and cessation of feeding may have been a response to damage to the brush border. Unlike ECB, the chitinous network of THW is a randomly organized felt‐like structure embedded in a proteinaceous matrix. This PM is secreted as a thin multilayered structure in the anterior region of the midgut, but multiple and thickened PMs occur in the middle and posterior lumens of the midgut. THW tolerated high amounts of WGA in its diet with no disruption of PM formation or inhibition of growth. WGA did accumulate as large masses embedded in the PM, but caused no voids that would allow the penetration of food particles and subsequent damage to the brush border. Therefore, differences in PM formation and structure between ECB and THW appeared to affect how WGA interacts with chitinous and proteinaceous components of the PM and subsequent effects on larval feeding and growth. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 47:100–109, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Therapeutic effects of acetylsalicylic acid in giant cell arteritis
Authors: Weyand Cornelia M. , Kaiser Markus , Yang Hongyu , Younge Brian , Goronzy Jörg J. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractObjectiveIn giant cell arteritis (GCA), inflammatory lesions typically produce interferon‐γ (IFNγ)– and nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB)–dependent monokines. Corticosteroids influence disease activity by repressing NF‐κB–dependent genes but have only marginal effects on IFNγ. The current study explored whether acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) had cytokine‐repressing activity in GCA and could function as a steroid‐sparing agent.MethodsTemporal artery–severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse chimeras were created by engrafting inflamed temporal arteries into SCID mice. Chimeras were treated with ASA, indomethacin, or dexamethasone for 3 weeks. Temporal artery grafts were harvested and cytokine message was semiquantified by polymerase chain reaction–enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The ability of dexamethasone and ASA to suppress IFNγ and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) messenger RNA and protein production was also tested in vitro using T cell clones and monocytes derived from patients with GCA. Drug‐induced effects on the transcription factors NF‐κB and activator protein 1 (AP‐1) were assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs).ResultsAt clinically relevant doses, 20–100 mg/kg, ASA was a highly effective inhibitor of cytokine transcription in temporal arteries. While dexamethasone preferentially targeted NF‐κB–regulated monokines, ASA acted predominantly by suppressing IFNγ. Indomethacin failed to reduce tissue IFNγ transcription, which therefore excluded the inhibition of cyclooxygenases as a critical mechanism. IFNγ production by T cell clones was highly sensitive to ASA‐mediated suppression, whereas IL‐1β production by lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated monocytes responded primarily to dexamethasone. The combination of ASA and dexamethasone had synergistic effects. EMSAs demonstrated that ASA interfered with the formation of AP‐1, whereas dexamethasone suppressed the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB.ConclusionThe results of this study provide evidence of the complementary action of ASA and corticosteroids in suppressing proinflammatory cytokines in the vascular lesions of GCA.
Testing visual information retrieval methodologies case study: Comparative analysis of textual, icon, graphical, and “spring” displays
Authors: Morse Emile , Lewis Michael , Olsen Kai A. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractAlthough many different visual information retrieval systems have been proposed, few have been tested, and where testing has been performed, results were often inconclusive. Further, there is very little evidence of benchmarking systems against a common standard. An approach for testing novel interfaces is proposed that uses bottom‐up, stepwise testing to allow evaluation of a visualization, itself, rather than restricting evaluation to the system instantiating it. This approach not only makes it easier to control variables, but the tests are also easier to perform. The methodology will be presented through a case study, where a new visualization technique is compared to more traditional ways of presenting data.
Strategic help in user interfaces for information retrieval
Authors: Brajnik Giorgio , Mizzaro Stefano , Tasso Carlo , Venuti Fabio 
Published: August 2002

AbstractAlthough no unified definition of the concept of search strategy in Information Retrieval (IR) exists so far, its importance is manifest: nonexpert users, directly interacting with an IR system, apply a limited portfolio of simple actions; they do not know how to react in critical situations; and they often do not even realize that their difficulties are due to strategic problems. A user interface to an IR system should therefore provide some strategic help, focusing user's attention on strategic issues and providing tools to generate better strategies. Because neither the user nor the system can autonomously solve the information problem, but they complement each other, we propose a collaborative coaching approach, in which the two partners cooperate: the user retains the control of the session and the system provides suggestions. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated by a conceptual analysis, a prototype knowledge‐based system named FIRE, and its evaluation through informal laboratory experiments.
Bioequivalence assessment of Azomycin® (Julphar, UAE) as compared to Zithromax® (Pfizer, USA)—two brands of azithromycin—in healthy human volunteers
Authors: Najib Naji M. , Idkaidek Nasir , Ghanem Iz‐Eddein , Admour Isra' , Mahmood Alam S. , Zaman Q. , Dham Ruwayda 
Published: August 2002

AbstractTwo studies have been performed to assess the relative bioavailability of Azomycin® (Julphar, UAE) as compared with Zithromax® (Pfizer, USA) at the International Pharmaceutical Research Center (IPRC), Amman, Jordan. One study involved Azomycin® capsules and the other Azomycin® suspension. Each study enrolled 24 volunteers and in both studies, after an overnight fasting, the two brands of azithromycin were administered as single dose on two treatment days separated by a 2 weeks washout period. After dosing, serial blood samples were collected for a period of 192 h. Plasma harvested from blood, was analysed for azithromycin by HPLC coupled with electrochemical detection. Various pharmacokinetic parameters including AUC0–t, AUC0–∞, Cmax, Tmax, T1/2 and Kelm were determined from plasma concentrations for both formulations and found to be in good agreement with the reported values. AUC0–t, AUC0–∝ and Cmax were tested for bioequivalence after log‐transformation of data. No significant difference was found based on ANOVA; 90% confidence intervals for the test/reference ratios of these parameters were found within the bioequivalence acceptance range of 80–125%. Based on these statistical inferences it was concluded that Azomycin® capsule is bioequivalent to Zithromax® capsule and Azomycin® suspension is bioequivalent to Zithromax® suspension. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cryo‐electron microscopy as an investigative tool: the ribosome as an example
Authors: Frank Joachim 
Published: August 2002

AbstractCryo‐electron microscopy allows the visualization of macromolecules in their native state. Combined with techniques of three‐dimensional reconstruction, cryo‐EM images of single molecules can be used to study macromolecular interactions. The ribosome, a large RNA–protein complex with multiple binding interactions, is an excellent test case illustrating the power of these new techniques. Conformational changes during the binding of tRNA and protein factors to the ribosome can now be studied without the interference of crystal packing. Now that the first X‐ray structures of ribosomal subunits have become available, conformational changes observed by cryo‐EM in different functional states can be traced back to internal rearrangements of the underlying structural framework. Electron microscopy, X‐ray crystallography, and modeling should be used together in the endeavor to understand the functioning of the translational machinery. BioEssays 23:725–732, 2001. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Treatment of self‐injury correlated with mechanical restraints
Authors: Kahng SungWoo , Abt Kimberly A. , Wilder David A. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractMechanical arm restraints were used to decrease hand‐to‐head self‐injurious behavior (SIB) exhibited by a 16‐year‐old female with severe mental retardation. Although mechanical restraints reduced hand‐to‐head SIB, they were correlated with an increase in other topographies of SIB (e.g., head banging). These other topographies were not significantly affected by the addition of an environmental enrichment procedure, but were immediately and almost completely suppressed when contingent exercise was added. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemiluminescence associated with amino acid oxidation mediated by hypochlorous acid
Authors: Aspée A. , Lissi E. A. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractAlthough most amino acids readily react with hypochlorous acid (HOCl), only the reaction involving tryptophan (Trp) produces a measurable chemiluminescence (CL). Most of this luminescence takes place after total consumption of HOCl when the process is carried out in an excess of Trp. The quantum yield of the process is relatively low (2 × 10−8 Einstein/mol HOCl reacted). The luminescence is attributed to free radical‐mediated secondary reactions of the initially produced chloramines. This is supported by experiments showing that the chloramines produced when HOCl reacts with alanine are able to induce Trp chemiluminescence, and that this luminescence is partially quenched by free radical scavengers. The spectral changes and the effect of pH upon the observed luminescence are compatible with light emission from products produced in the free radical oxidation of Trp. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced transglucosylation/hydrolysis ratio of mutants of Pyrococcus furiosus β‐glucosidase: Effects of donor concentration, water content, and temperature on activity and selectivity in hexanol
Authors: Hansson Therese , Adlercreutz Patrick 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe transglucosylation reaction catalyzed by wild‐type β‐glucosidase CelB from hyperthermophilic Pyrococcus furiosus and active site mutants (M424K, F426Y, M424K/F426Y) was studied. The conversion of pentyl‐β‐glucoside to hexyl‐β‐glucoside in hexanol was used as a model transglucosylation reaction. Hydrolysis to glucose was a side reaction. The selectivity towards transglucosylation was quantified by the S value defined as follows:

where rS and rH are the initial rates of transglucosylation and hydrolysis and aw and ahex are the thermodynamic activities of water and hexanol. The activity (rates of hydrolysis and transglucosylation) and the selectivity (S value) were measured as a function of pentyl‐β‐glucoside concentration (5–240 mM), water content (1–100% v/v), and temperature (50–95°C). All mutants had lower activity than the wild‐type enzyme, but they had higher selectivity, which means that they provided a higher ratio of transglucosylation product to hydrolysis product. The largest increase in S‐value (2.6 fold) was obtained by the F426Y mutant, which resulted in increased hexyl‐β‐glucoside yield from 56% to 69%. In addition, the F426Y enzyme had higher selectivity over the wide range of temperatures tested. The activity of CelB wild‐type and CelB F426Y increased as a function of water activity (aw), and complete activation by the water was obtained in a two‐phase system with 20% water phase. In contrast to CelB wild‐type, the F426Y mutant had transferase activity as low as aw = 0.29. Surprisingly, the S value increased with increasing water activity up to aw = 0.92. At still higher water content the S value decreased. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 75: 656–665, 2001.
Esterification by immobilized lipase in solvent‐free media: Kinetic and thermodynamic arguments
Authors: Sandoval G. , Condoret J. S. , Monsan P. , Marty A. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe aim of this study is to characterize, in solvent‐free systems (SFS), the kinetic and thermodynamic performance of batch lipase‐catalyzed esterification. SFS are compared to a conventional organic solvent, n‐hexane. The esterification of oleic acid with ethanol was chosen as a model reaction. The TABEK (thermodynamic activity‐based enzyme kinetics) approach was used to rationally analyze kinetics. Influence of the reaction medium on final conversions was also studied. Several factors, such as initial molar ratio of substrates, reactant availability, initial water content, and quantity of immobilized enzyme, were examined. Special attention was also turned to enzyme stability and reuse after reaction, this last item being a prerequisite in the development of industrial processes. SFS proved to be almost as efficient as n‐hexane from a kinetic and thermodynamic point of view and offered a better volumetric production. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 78: 313–320, 2002.
Improved oligosaccharide synthesis by protein engineering of β‐glucosidase CelB from hyperthermophilic Pyrococcus furiosus
Authors: Hansson Therese , Kaper Thijs , van der Oost John , de Vos Willem M. , Adlercreutz Patrick 
Published: August 2002

AbstractEnzymatic transglycosylation of lactose into oligosaccharides was studied using wild‐type β‐glucosidase (CelB) and active site mutants thereof (M424K, F426Y, M424K/F426Y) and wild‐type β‐mannosidase (BmnA) of the hyperthermophilic Pyrococcus furiosus. The effects of the mutations on kinetics, enzyme activity, and substrate specificity were determined. The oligosaccharide synthesis was carried out in aqueous solution at 95°C at different lactose concentrations and pH values. The results showed enhanced synthetic properties of the CelB mutant enzymes. An exchange of one phenylalanine to tyrosine (F426Y) increased the oligosaccharide yield (45%) compared with the wild‐type CelB (40%). Incorporation of a positively charged group in the active site (M424K) increased the pH optimum of transglycosylation reaction of CelB. The double mutant, M424K/F426Y, showed much better transglycosylation properties at low (10–20%) lactose concentrations compared to the wild‐type. At a lactose concentration of 10%, the oligosaccharide yield for the mutant was 40% compared to 18% for the wild‐type. At optimal reaction conditions, a higher ratio of tetrasaccharides to trisaccharides was obtained with the double mutant (0.42, 10% lactose) compared to the wild‐type (0.19, 70% lactose). At a lactose concentration as low as 10%, only trisaccharides were synthesized by CelB wild‐type. The β‐mannosidase BmnA from P. furiosus showed both β‐glucosidase and β‐galactosidase activity and in the transglycosylation of lactose the maximal oligosaccharide yield of BmnA was 44%. The oligosaccharide yields obtained in this study are high compared to those reported with other transglycosylating β‐glycosidases in oligosaccharide synthesis from lactose. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 73: 203–210, 2001.
Formate accumulation due to DNA release in aerobic cultivations of Escherichia coli
Authors: Castan Andreas , Enfors Sven‐Olof 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThree different aerobic fed‐batch processes of Escherichia coli were studied, two for the production of a recombinant protein and one process with a wild‐type E. coli strain. In all three processes, an accumulation of formate could be observed in the latter part of the process. Analysis of the concentration of DNA in the medium revealed that the release of DNA coincided with the accumulation of formate. It was found that increasing concentrations of DNA correlated in almost linearly increasing concentrations of formate. Formate accumulation is caused by mixed acid fermentation, although no oxygen limitation was measured with the DO electrode. It is proposed that extracellular DNA restrained mass transfer between the bulk medium and the cell. To investigate if the DNA accumulation caused formate production, DNA was removed by continuous feeding of a DNA binding polymer to the medium. The addition of the polymer decreased the content of free DNA in the broth and the formate was reassimilated. Furthermore, additional DNA early in the process resulted in early formate accumulation. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 77: 324–328, 2002.