bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distal nerve elongation vs. nerve grafting in repairing segmental nerve defects in rabbits
Authors: Matsuzaki Hironori , Shibata Minoru , Jiang Baoguo , Takahashi Hideaki E. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractSegmental nerve defects have been repaired with nerve grafts. However, regenerating fibers must go through two coaptation sites, and donor site morbidities are inevitable. We elongated the distal nerve segment using a tissue expander and reconnected the nerve. We compared these results with those of nerve grafting. Nerve injury models were created in the median nerves of both forelimbs in 27 rabbits. The right nerve was repaired by elongation, and the left by tibial nerve grafting. The length of the elongation was the same as that of the graft in each animal. Eight rabbits had a 10‐mm segment repaired, 9 had a 15‐mm segment repaired, and 10 had a 20‐mm segment repaired. Evaluated outcomes were nerve conduction velocity, contractile force of the flexor muscle, axons number, and fiber diameter. The elongated and grafted groups did not differ substantially on any outcome. Distal nerve elongation could be an alternative to nerve grafting for repairing large nerve defects. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bromodomain containing 2 (Brd2) is expressed in distinct patterns during ovarian folliculogenesis independent of FSH or GDF9 action
Authors: Trousdale Rhonda K. , Wolgemuth Debra J. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractWe previously observed high levels of Brd2 (also known as female sterile homeotic related gene‐1, Fsrg1) expression in several hormonally responsive tissues, including the ovary. Here, we report distinct localization patterns of Brd2 transcripts throughout ovarian folliculogenesis in normal mice as well as in two strains of mice with aberrant folliculogenesis: mice with mutated growth differentiation factor 9 (Gdf9) and follicle stimulating hormone β (Fshb) genes. The highest level of expression was seen in granulosa cells of growing follicles. Within the oocyte, three patterns of Brd2 RNA localization were observed: diffuse distribution in both the cytoplasm and nucleus, then intense nuclear expression, followed by an absence of Brd2 transcripts from the nucleus. The transition from intense nuclear localization to nuclear exclusion was found to correlate with oocyte maturation and meiotic competence, as determined by nuclear chromatin patterns. These same expression patterns were also seen in oocytes from Gdf9−/− and Fshb−/− mice. Thus, Brd2 expression appears to correlate with stages of oocyte maturation, independent of FSH or GDF9 action and the subsequent disruption in normal follicle development in these models. The distinct patterns of Brd2 localization within the adult ovary supports a role for Brd2 in mitotic and possibly meiotic cell cycle regulation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 68: 261–268, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatocyte growth factor promotes cell proliferation and inhibits progesterone secretion via PKA and MAPK pathways in a human granulosa cell line
Authors: Taniguchi Fuminori , Harada Tasuku , Deura Imari , Iwabe Tomio , Tsukihara Satoru , Terakawa Naoki 
Published: April 2004

AbstractHepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a mesenchymal‐derived paracrine factor that acts through a c‐met receptor. The activated c‐met receptor recruits various signal proteins. We used a steroidogenic human granulosa‐like tumor cell line (KGN cells) to analyze the biological function of HGF in human ovary cells. First, we designed a method to analyze local production and action of HGF in the human ovary. Although c‐met mRNA is expressed in KGN cells, granulosa lutein, theca, and ovarian stroma cells, we observed HGF mRNA only in theca and stroma cells. Adding HGF to the medium enhanced mitogenic activity in KGN cells. We next examined the activation of intracellular signal transduction molecules induced by HGF in KGN cells. Here, we showed that HGF activated the distinct phosphorylation of Raf‐1, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2, but did not induce phosphorylation of Akt. HGF enhanced the phosphorylation of Elk‐1 and c‐Jun as nuclear transcription factors. U0126, a MEK1/2 inhibitor, completely abrogated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and the cell proliferation in response to HGF. In contrast, H‐89, a protein kinase A inhibitor, further enhanced the HGF‐induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and cell proliferation. In addition, we revealed that HGF suppressed progesterone synthesis in KGN cells. Adding HGF suppressed the forskolin‐induced steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) expression, which is a key regulator in progesterone synthesis. Crosstalk signals between PKA and the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway were mutually inhibitory. These results demonstrated for the first time that theca cell‐derived HGF may be capable of stimulating the proliferation of granulosa cells and suppressing progesterone synthesis via an activating MAPK pathway. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 68: 335–344, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lipid diffusion in sperm plasma membranes exposed to peroxidative injury from oxygen free radicals
Authors: Christova Yonka , James Peter S. , Jones Roy 
Published: April 2004

AbstractUnsaturated lipids in sperm plasma membranes are very susceptible to peroxidation when exposed to reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this investigation we have incubated ram spermatozoa in the presence of two ROS generating systems, ascorbate/FeSO4 and potassium peroxychromate (K3CrO8), and examined their effects on membrane fluidity by measuring fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) of a lipid reporter probe 5‐(N‐octadecanoyl)‐aminofluorescein (ODAF). Peroxidation was monitored by malonaldehyde formation and changes in fluorescence emission of 4,4‐difluoro‐5‐(4‐phenyl‐1,3‐butadienyl)‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene‐3‐undecanoic acid (C11‐BODIPY581/591). Ascorbate/FeSO4‐induced peroxidation was inhibited by Vitamin E, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), 1,4‐diazobicyclo(2,2,2)octane (DABCO), and to a lesser extent by ethanol. Added superoxide dismutase (SOD), gluthathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase were ineffective scavengers. K3CrO8 induced very rapid peroxidation that could be delayed, but not prevented, by Vitamin E, BHT, DABCO, ethanol, and mannitol; once again SOD, GPX, and catalase were ineffective scavengers. Neither peroxidation with ascorbate/FeSO4 nor K3CrO8, or added H2O2 or malonaldehyde perturbed ODAF diffusion in any region of the sperm plasma membrane. Vitamin E tended to enhance diffusion rates. Exogenous cumene hydroperoxide, however, reduced ODAF diffusion to low levels on the sperm head. These results suggest that the adverse effects of ROS on spermatozoa are more likely to be caused by direct oxidation of proteins and membrane permeabilisation than disturbance of lipid fluidity. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 68: 365–372, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hamster contraception associated protein 1 (CAP1)
Authors: Siva Archana B. , Sundareswaran Vetaikorumagan R. , Yeung Ching‐Hei , Cooper Trevor G. , Shivaji Sisinthy 
Published: April 2004

AbstractBased on cDNA and amino acid sequence, we demonstrate that hamster contraception associated protein 1 (CAP1) protein (an homolog of DJ‐1 in mouse, CAP1/SP22/RS in rat and DJ‐1/RS in human) is conserved during evolution. Through solubilization studies, it was demonstrated that hamster CAP1 has a peripheral membrane localization. SDS–PAGE analysis revealed that the migration pattern for hamster CAP1 compared to the other rodent counterparts, rat and mouse was different; indicating species‐specific differences in the protein (possibly due to post‐translational modifications). This protein also shows a ubiquitous presence in both somatic and germ tissues, and has been localized to the sperm tail. It was noticed that hamster CAP1 was lost from the mid piece of spermatozoa during capacitation. Interestingly, following in vitro treatment with ornidazole, CAP1 was lost from the spermatozoa and immunofluorescence studies showed that the major loss was from the mid piece of the spermatozoa. Another interesting feature highlighted about hamster CAP1 is its tendency to exist in two pI isoforms. Summarily, hamster CAP1 appears to exhibit species‐specific differences compared to its rodent counterparts with respect to its unique peripheral localization, its size, two pI isoforms, and fate during capacitation, which may have implications in its functions. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 68: 373–383, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental changes in inhibin α and inhibin/activin βA and βB mRNA levels in the gonads during post‐hatch prepubertal development of male and female chickens
Authors: Onagbesan O.M. , Safi M. , Decuypere E. , Bruggeman V. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractDimeric inhibins and activins are barely detectable in the plasma during prepubertal development of male and female chickens. This may be misconstrued to indicate that the proteins are not produced in the gonads and have no functional significance during this period. Very few studies have actually determined the mRNA expression profile of the inhibin and activin subunits in the gonads prior to puberty in order to establish their secretion at the local level and postulate potential roles for the inhibin and activins at this developmental stage. In this study, the expression of the mRNA for the α‐, βA‐, and βB‐subunits was determined in the ovary and testis of chickens during prepubertal development. Gene expression was determined at 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, and 18 weeks of age by RT‐PCR. Messenger RNA level was quantified by competitive RT‐PCR at 3, 6, 12, and 18 weeks of age in order to detect any changes with development, suggest potential relationship to the profile of dimeric inhibins and activins reported previously and to suggest potential paracrine and endocrine roles for them. The results show that all the inhibin/activin subunit mRNAs are expressed in the testis of the chicken throughout the period of prepubertal development up to 18 weeks of age. However, in the ovary, only the βA‐ and βB‐subunits were detected at all ages whereas the α‐subunit mRNA could only be detected just before puberty. Quantification of the mRNA levels showed variation of each subunit with age. These temporal changes suggest relationship with paracrine functional role in the ovary or the testis. Quantitative changes in expression levels also suggests that there may be some relationship between mRNA levels and the type and amount of dimeric inhibins and activins produced at any developmental stage. There are major differences between the male and female gonads in the timing of the expression of different subunits. In conclusion, the expression of the mRNA subunits in the testis and ovary suggests that inhibins and activins are being produced but may be principally involved in autocrine/paracrine function within the gonads. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 68: 319–326, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Response surface method for probabilistic assessment of metal forming failures
Authors: Kleiber Michał , Knabel Jarosław , Rojek Jerzy 
Published: April 2004

AbstractMethodology developed for reliability calculations of structures is applied to estimate reliability of sheet metal forming operations. Sheet forming operations are one of the most common technological processes but the tool and process design is still a difficult engineering problem. Product defects are encountered in industrial practice, with forming limit diagrams (FLD) typically used as a criterion of material breakage in the manufacturing process. An FLD is a graphic illustrating the limits of the principal strains which can occur without failure in a particular forming process and particular sheet material. Principal strains obtained for a particular process are compared with the forming limit curve (FLC). An FLC is a boundary between the strain combinations which produce localized necking and/or fracture (points above FLC) and those that are permissible for the forming operation (points below FLC) which limit the safe zone.Sheet forming operations are characterized by a significant scatter of the results. This can be caused by differences that can occur in the forming of each part. Because of uncertainties inherent in the forming process, a marginal zone is usually introduced in the FLD (5–10% below the FLC) where failure can occur with some probability. A zone of a FLD where good results are guaranteed with sufficient probability is considered as a safe zone.In this paper we adopt a more rational (quantitative) approach to assessment of sheet metal failure during the forming operation than the intuitive approach currently in use. The methodology of reliability theory proves useful for studying the influence of parameters characterizing a forming process like friction parameters, material properties, thickness and blankholding force. The effective response surface method (RSM), developed for reliability calculations of structures, is used to estimate the reliability of sheet forming operations. Results estimated by RSM are compared with the probability of failure assessment using the advance Monte Carlo (AMC) simulation technique. Although AMC usually provides good results, the method requires many simulations and can only be applied to relatively small examples. A gradient method combined with the response surface technique is adequate for bigger problems. An example of practical significance is presented as an illustration of the approach discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Irradiation effects on the relaxation behaviour of EPDM elastomers
Authors: Celette Nathalie , Stevenson Isabelle , David Laurent , Davenas Joël , Vigier Gérard , Seytre Gérard 
Published: April 2004

Abstractγ‐irradiation of ethylene–propylene diene monomer (EPDM) elastomers under oxidant atmosphere was carried out in order to change their mechanical and dielectric behaviour. Three different formulations of EPDM (70 wt% ethylene, 28 wt% propylene; diene monomer: 2 wt% norbornene) were studied: a non‐crosslinked EPDM terpolymer, a crosslinked EPDM and a crosslinked EPDM stabilized with an antioxidant. Dielectric and mechanical relaxation show a β‐sub‐glass relaxation at about −120 °C (1 Hz) and an α‐relaxation at −15 °C (1 Hz) associated with the glass transition but influenced by the effects of irradiation. The local mobility associated with the β‐relaxation is only weakly influenced by γ‐irradiation up to 450 kGy. The α‐process is shifted to higher temperatures as a result of crosslinking and changes in the semicrystalline structure. The amplitude of the dielectric α‐process increases as a result of the formation of oxidized species during irradiation under oxygen. In contrast, the mechanical α‐relaxation amplitude decreases as a result of physical and chemical cross‐linking. It was shown that the main factors that determine the crosslinking/chain scission balance are (1) the presence of oxygen together with the irradiation dose, (2) the dose rate and (3) the initial crosslink density of the EPDM material. As a result, the individual contribution of crosslinking and crystallization, and therefore the understanding and prediction of the properties after γ‐irradiation can only be deduced after comparison of the polymer behaviour below and above its melting temperature. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Coordination of nickel and copper dithiolate to 2,2′‐bipyridine‐based π‐conjugated polymers
Authors: Kato Shin‐ichiro , Takagi Koji , Suzuki Kirito , Kinoshita Takatoshi , Yuki Yasuo 
Published: April 2004

Abstractπ‐Conjugated polymers (Poly1–Poly3) containing a 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy) unit were subjected to coordination to nickel and copper dithiolate for the purpose of manipulating the photophysical properties. The absorption maximum peak of Poly1 [maximum wavelength (λmax) = 446 nm] redshifted by 36 nm upon the coordination of bpy to NiCl2, which produced Poly1–NiCl2. A further bathochromic shift was observed in the spectrum of Poly1–mntNi [mntNi = (maleonitrile dithiolate)nickel; λmax = 499 nm] bearing the dithiolate ligand, which stemmed from the extension of the conjugated system over the nickel dithiolate moiety through the bpy unit. An increase in the [Ni]/[bpy] ratio in Poly1–mntNi rendered the original maximum peak at 446 nm smaller and the lower energy charge‐transfer peak at 499 nm larger; the isosbestic points remained at 380 and 475 nm. The green fluorescence (λmax = 504 nm) emitted from Poly1 markedly diminished upon the coordination of nickel dithiolate because of the effective energy transfer. The absorption maximum peak of Poly1–mntNi in chloroform at 499 nm blueshifted to 471 nm when the volume ratio of the chloroform/N,N‐dimethylformamide solvent reached 10:90. The coordination of nickel dithiolate to Poly2 and Poly3 also brought about redshifts of the absorption maximum peaks of as much as 55 and 61 nm, respectively. The absorption maximum peak of Poly1–(phenyldithiolate)nickel(pdtNi) (λmax = 474 nm) redshifted by 28 nm in comparison with that of Poly1, whereas the magnitude of the shift of Poly1–bis(thiophenoxide)nickel(btpNi) bearing two thiophenoxide ligands was 20 nm. Poly1–mntCu with a tetrahedral copper center was also investigated. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 2631–2639, 2004
Studies on structure and conformational stability of free canonical 2′‐deoxyribonucleosides: Approximate SCC‐DFTB and LMP2 methods
Authors: Kolandaivel P. , Knapp‐Mohammady Michaela , Suhai Sandor 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe molecular structure of free canonical 2′‐deoxyribonucleosides have been studied by applying the electron‐correlated local second‐order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (LMP2) and self‐consistent‐charge density‐functional tight‐binding (SCC‐DFTB) methods. The variation of structural parameters for C2, C3 endo and exo conformations, and anti, syn orientation of the base unit with furanose ring have been discussed. The relative energies have been calculated for the anti and syn conformations of dT, dC, dG, and dA. Conformational analysis has been performed using the results of the LMP2 and SCC‐DFTB methods. Chemical hardness and chemical potential have been used to study the conformational stability of the conformers. The maximum hardness principle is obeyed for the furanose ring conformations and not for the nucleosides. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Contextual family therapy with the victims of incest
Authors: Lutz Susan E. , Medway Joan P. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe authors apply the concepts of Boszormenyi‐Nagy's contextual family therapy to the family treatment of victims of incest. Intergenerational bonds of loyalty and indebtedness are stressed, as is the therapist's goal of increasing mutual empathy between the victim and the victimizer. Case examples are provided.
The first 100 admissions to a regional general purpose adolescent unit
Authors: Ainsworth Patricia 
Published: April 2004

AbstractDetails are presented of the first 100 admissions to a regional “general purpose” psychiatric unit for adolescents. Seventy‐seven per cent had been referred from other consultants, including 51 per cent from child and adolescent psychiatrists. There was a high incidence of family disruption and disharmony. Apart from a small group of “organic” problems (eight) they were evenly distributed between four major diagnostic groupings: psychotic disorder, conduct disorder, neurotic disorder and mixed conduct/neurotic disorder. Use was made of a variety of treatment approaches and the best outcomes were in the neurotic group (81 per cent some or much improved at discharge) and the psychotic group (68 per cent some or much improved). Attention is drawn to the high rate of “premature” discharge (41 per cent) including 18 per cent expelled because of their behavior. Nearly 50 per cent of these fell in the conduct disorder group and there are obvious implications for the selection process.
Adolescents and alcohol—a review of the recent British research
Authors: Sharp Deborah J. , Lowe G. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThere is evidence of increased alcohol consumption by young people. This review concentrates on the British epidemiological and psychological studies of adolescent drinking behaviour, with special reference to the cultural and developmental aspects. It is clear that drinking alcohol may be considered a normal part of adolescence and many young people are introduced to it by their parents. However, one area of concern is the amount of drunkenness reported. The way forward is to gain new insights into what drinking means to adolescents and how such meanings are propagated.
Social cognitive skills and behavioural adjustment of delinquent adolescents in treatment
Authors: Hains Anthony A. , Herrman Leo P. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractSocial cognitive skills (i.e. problem‐solving, self‐control, locus of control, rational attributions) were examined in aggressive and non‐aggressive delinquent youths at two levels of behavioural functioning (high versus low). Behavioural functioning was defined in terms of the youths' standing within a 10‐level behavioural token economy programme. Inventories and question‐naires were used to measure the skills of interest. A significant interaction was found on problem‐solving skills, with higher functioning, non‐aggressive youths performing better than their lower functioning counterparts, while no differences occurred within the aggressive groups. No differences were obtained on the other measures.
Death related themes in anorexia nervosa: a practical exploration
Authors: Russell Janice , Halasz George , Beumont Pierre J.V. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractOn the basis of an extensive literature review, Jackson and Davidson (1986) suggested that the theme of death may constitute an integral part of the psychodynamic aetiology of anorexia nervosa. This paper describes an attempt to explore this contention using a structured questionnaire in a group of adolescent patients to examine experiences, concepts of and attitudes concerning death. Comparison of the responses of this group with those of age matched school student controls and recovered patients revealed qualitative and quantitative differences which lent some support to the hypothesis. It is concluded that death related themes are of significance in the understanding and management of this illness.
Prevalence of psychological distress in Irish female adolescents
Authors: Brown Katherine , Fitzgerald Michael , Kinsella Anthony 
Published: April 2004

AbstractSome female adolescents (N=132) attending two inner city Dublin schools completed the Youth Self Report Questionnaire (YSRQ).Of this group 15·4 per cent obtained a Total Problem Score in the clinical range. A higher proportion, 23 per cent, obtained a score in the clinical range on one or more problem subscales of the YSRQ.No one scored abnormally on the Social or Competence Scales. A number of interesting and thought provoking responses to individual questions were obtained.The possible clinical relevence of these findings and implications for future planning in schools are discussed.
Process issues in consultancy
Authors: Reed Chris , Greer Anne , McKay Cathy , Knight Christine 
Published: April 2004

AbstractA piece of short term consultancy work in a school for the Mentally Handicapped is described from the perspective of both the consultants and the consultees with particular reference to the process issues involved. Reasons for the high levels of stress experienced in the exercise are explored by an examination of the contributory factors within the school and the consultancy process itself. As well as a theoretical discussion questions of practical management are considered.