bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐3 expression in the mouse uterus during implantation and artificially induced decidualization
Authors: Bany B.M. , Schultz G.A. 
Published: September 2002

AbstractDuring implantation in mice, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases‐3 is believed to play a key role in inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase activity associated with embryo invasion and tissue remodeling. The first objective of this study was to quantitatively compare the steady‐state mRNA levels of tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases between segments of the mouse uterus undergoing decidualization compared to those that are not during early pregnancy plus oil‐induced decidualization. Steady‐state tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐3 mRNA levels were significantly greater in implantation compared to interimplantation areas on days 6 and 7 of pregnancy and in stimulated compared to nonstimulated uterine horns at 48 and 72 hr after artificial induction of decidualization. Steady‐state tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 mRNA levels were significantly greater in implantation compared to interimplantation areas on days 5–8 of pregnancy and in stimulated compared to nonstimulated uterine horns at 24, 48, and 72 hr after oil stimulation. Therefore, the steady‐state mRNA levels of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase‐1 and ‐3 increased in the uterus during decidualization. The second objective of this study was to determine if transforming growth factor‐β1 influences tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase mRNA concentrations in mouse endometrial stromal cells. As determined by Northern blot analyses, transforming growth factor β1 significantly increased tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases‐1 and ‐3 mRNA levels in cultured mouse endometrial stromal cells isolated from uteri sensitized for decidualization. On the other hand, interleukin‐1, epidermal growth factor, and leukemia inhibitory factor had no effect. The results of this study further characterize the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase expression in the uterus during implantation and artificially induced decidualization and the potential control of their expression in the stroma by transforming growth factor. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 59:159–167, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo BOLD contrast MRI mapping of subcutaneous vascular function and maturation: Validation by intravital microscopy
Authors: Neeman Michal , Dafni Hagit , Bukhari Omar , Braun Rod D. , Dewhirst Mark W. 
Published: September 2002

AbstractBold contrast MRI was applied for mapping vascular maturation in tumor‐ and wound‐induced skin angiogenesis using the response of mature vessels to hypercapnia (inhalation of air vs. air 5% CO2) and the response of all vessels to hyperoxia (air 5% CO2 vs. oxygen 5% CO2 (carbogen)). MRI signal enhancement with hypercapnia was reduced in centered vs. linear phase encoding, suggesting increased blood flow. However, intravital microscopy demonstrated constriction of arterioles and reduced flux and density of red blood cells in mature capillaries with hypercapnia, with no change in the diameter of wound‐induced neovasculature. The discrepancy in flow between MRI and intravital microscopy is consistent with increased plasma flow and reduced hematocrit. Hyperoxia resulted in increased blood oxygenation and constriction of all vessels. These results provide a hemodynamic explanation for the selective registration of MRI response to hypercapnia with mature vessels and the response to hyperoxia with total vascular function. Magn Reson Med 45:887–898, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dysprosium‐bearing red cells as potential transverse relaxation agents for MRI
Authors: Johnson Kevin M. , Tao Jing Zang , Kennan Richard P. , Gore John C. 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThe cytosol of intact human red blood cells was loaded with 28.1 ± 3.4 mM of dysprosium DTPA‐BMA using a hypoosmotic technique. When loaded cells were diluted with saline and control cells to give an average dysprosium concentration of 3.3 ± 0.5 mM, the transverse relaxation rate constants R and R2 increased. R increased from 7.5 ± 0.9 sec−1 to 356 ± 50 sec−1, and R2 increased from 7.4 ± 0.7 sec–1 to 148 ± 40 sec−1. After lysing, R was 6.0 ± 0.6 sec−1 in the control and 13.4 ± 1.5 sec−1 in the mixture; R2 was 6.4 ± 1.1 sec−1 and 9.8 ± 2.4 sec−1, respectively. Thus, the relaxivity effects were enhanced by sequestration of the dysprosium within intact red cells, and this effect was lost after lysis. At a circulating whole‐blood concentration of 0.81 ± 0.15 mM in rats, the liver signal intensity dropped 29.9% ± 3.7% and kidney signal intensity dropped 19.4% ± 8.7%. Dysprosium‐loaded cells might be useful in the study of perfusion and tissue blood volume. Magn Reson Med 45:920–923, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The agrin/muscle‐specific kinase pathway: New targets for autoimmune and genetic disorders at the neuromuscular junction
Authors: Liyanage Yohan , Hoch Werner , Beeson David , Vincent Angela 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThe increasing understanding of the structural complexity of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), and the processes that are important in its development, suggests many possible new disease targets. Here, we summarize briefly the genetic and autoimmune disorders that affect neuromuscular transmission, and the identified targets, including new evidence that antibodies to muscle‐specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK) are involved in the pathogenesis of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody–negative myasthenia gravis. We then review the development of the NMJ, focusing on the important roles of nerve‐derived agrin and MuSK in clustering of AChRs and other essential components of the NMJ. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 25: 4–16, 2002
Effects of the benzodiazepine tetrazepam on rat diaphragm tetanic contractions
Authors: Piek Tom , van Weeren‐Kramer Janneke , van Wilgenburg Henk , Zeegers Arie , Leeuwin Remy S. 
Published: September 2002

AbstractA saturated solution of tetrazepam in Krebs‐Ringer did not affect the contraction force of the isolated diaphragm in vitro significantly during indirect stimulation at frequencies from 10 to 50 Hz. An overdose of crystalline tetrazepam, added to the bath (Krebs‐Ringer solution) induced an increase of contraction force of the tetanus at various frequencies, with a maximum at 30 Hz, up to 400% ± 30 (n=4) of the control value. It is suggested that the solubility of tetrazepam in Krebs‐Ringer solution is increased by substances released from the muscle. At a concentration of 10–4 M tetrazepam in Tween 80 (final concentration 0.25%), a comparable increase in contraction force occurred at indirect stimulation with 30 Hz. The maxima occurred at about one hour after exposure and were followed by a gradual decrease. At a stimulation frequency of 70 Hz, a gradual decrease in contraction force of 68% (± 3) (n=4) occurred after 2.5 hours, while the control force (in Tween 80, 0.25% ‐ in order to enhance the solubility of tetrazepam) decreased with 18% (± 6). At a concentration of 10–5 M, tetrazepam caused an increase in contraction force to about 150% (± 6) at 30 Hz (first stimulation of each cycle), and significant decrease in contraction force of about 20% at 70 Hz. At direct stimulation with 30 Hz the tetanic contraction force was increased as well by 10–4 M tetrazepam, whereas at 10–3 M of the benzodiazepine the force was depressed. These in vitro results fit with the muscle relaxation mentioned in a case report (two times 100 mg dose) in relation to 50 mg doses resulting in plasma level with a peak of about 2×10–6 M reported earlier (1). The results of the study tentatively suggest that the use of tetrazepam in the appropriate dose is more favourable than using diazepam in treating spasms associated with lumbago.
Effects of flunarizine on cadmium‐induced Purkinje cell loss in rats
Authors: Genç Hayri , Bağirici Faruk , Çakir Arzu , Demi̇r Şerif , Tan Faruk 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThe effects of the calcium channel blocker flunarizine on cadmium‐induced Purkinje cell loss in the cerebellum of rats were investigated. Rats were divided into three groups: control, cadmium, and cadmium+flunarizine. Saline was administered intracortically to the first group, cadmium sulphate (0.0021 mg/kg) to the second group, and cadmium sulphate (0.0021 mg/kg) and flunarizine (1 mg/kg) to the third group. All rats were observed for 1 week, but only the rats in the third group were injected with flunarizine (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.) during this period. One week later, all rats were perfused intracardially. Series of frontal sections from the cerebellum were stained with thionin. Purkinje cells were counted at × 400 magnification under a light microscope. Purkinje cell density was 20.62 ± 0.68/mm (average ± SD) in the right hemisphere and 20.56 ± 0.79/mm in the left hemisphere of the control group; 14.23 ± 0.34/mm in the right hemisphere and 14.17 ± 0.44/mm in the left hemisphere of the cadmium group; and 18.46 ± 0.59/mm in right hemisphere and 17.76 ± 0.84/mm in left hemisphere of the cadmium+flunarizine group. The results suggest that flunarizine may attenuate Purkinje cell death caused by cadmium (P < 0.05).
Conformational analysis of 2‐bromocyclohexanone. A combined NMR, IR, solvation and theoretical approach
Authors: Freitas Matheus P. , Rittner Roberto , Tormena Cláudio F. , Abraham Raymond J. 
Published: September 2002

AbstractAn improved method of conformational analysis using 1H and 13C NMR, IR, theoretical calculations and solvation theory is reported for 2‐bromocyclohexanone, used here as a model compound. The solvent dependence of the 3JHH, 1JCH and 1JCD NMR coupling constants and the associated changes in the IR first overtone carbonyl band intensities together with theoretical calculations allow the direct determination of the conformational equilibria without recourse to model compounds. Calculations with the Gaussian 98 program at the HF/6–31 g(d,p) and B3LYP/6–31 + g(d,p) levels together with solvation theory gave the conformer free energy difference (Eeq − Eax) in different solvents. The observed couplings, when analyzed by solvation theory and utilizing DFT geometries, gave a value of Eeq − Eax of 1.15 kcal mol−1 in the vapor phase, decreasing to 0.6 kcal mol−1 in CCl4 and to −0.5 kcal mol−1 in DMSO solution (1 kcal = 4.184 kJ). The axial percentage changes from 74% (in CCl4) to 30% (in DMSO), and these are in good agreement with infrared data (νCO, first overtone), despite the uncertainties of the latter method. The results illustrate the advantages of the joint application of these techniques, which represents an improved approach to the study of the conformational equilibria of substituted cyclohexanones. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics of ‘initial burst’ in the solid–liquid phase‐transfer catalysis. Nucleophilic substitution of 2‐octyl mesylate with potassium bromide
Authors: Yufit S. S. , Zinovyev S. S. 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThe SN2 substitution of 2‐octyl mesylate with solid KBr under the conditions of phase‐transfer catalysis was studied kinetically using the model approach of ‘initial burst.’ It is suggested that such kinetics reflect the contribution of mass transfer and surface poisoning. The proposed model is used to explain the influences of catalyst, solvent, stirring speed, activation and agitation effects. The mechanistic scheme suggests that the reaction is described by two separate kinetic stages, one of which reflects the intrinsic rate‐limited step and the other the mass transfer‐controlled step. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Graft copolymerization induced by thermal reactions of the binary alkali salts of poly(carboxylic acid)–brominated carboxylic acid in bulk
Authors: Kasashima Yoshio , Shinoda Koichi , Matsushima Hiroshi , Shitagaki Satoko , Inoki Mari , Akutsu Fumihiko , Shimura Tadashi , Tsuchiya Masaomi 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThermal reactions of the binary alkali salts of poly(carboxylic acid)–brominated carboxylic acid such as sodium or potassium poly(4‐vinylbenzoate)‐2‐bromopropanoate [Na or K (PVBA‐2‐BPA)] in bulk were investigated. A methanol solution of binary acids was prepared by fixing the molar ratio of the repeating unit of polymeric acid to the fraction of brominated carboxylic acid. The binary salts were prepared by the neutralization of the binary acid solution. The product of the thermal reaction followed by esterification was identified as a graft copolymer containing PVBA in the main chain and polylactic acid in the side chain. The reaction of 1/15 K (PVBA‐2‐BPA) at 120 °C for 2 h yielded the highest percentage of grafting (300%). The grafting proceeded gradually for the initial 2 h and then somewhat. Reactivity of the K salt was higher than that of the corresponding Na salt. The thermal reaction of 1/10 K [polymethacrylate‐2‐BPA (PMA‐2‐BPA)] at 120 °C for 2 h also yielded a graft copolymer, and the percentage of grafting was 300%. However, reaction temperatures higher than 120 °C caused homopolycondensation of K 2‐BPA prior to grafting, and homopolycondensation occurred prior to grafting in the reaction with Na (PMA‐2‐BPA). © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 1877–1885, 2001
Vapor deposition polymerization of heteroatom‐bridged [2.2]paracyclophanes: 1,9‐dithia[2.2]paracyclophane and 1,9‐dithia[2.2]paracyclophane‐1,1,9,9‐tetroxide
Authors: Itoh Takahito , Ohtake Shizuhiko , Mitsuda Yukihiro , Kubo Masataka 
Published: September 2002

Abstract1,9‐Dithia[2.2]paracyclophane‐1,1,9,9‐tetroxide (3) was synthesized as white needles in a high yield from 1,9‐dithia[2.2]paracyclophane (2) by oxidation with m‐chloroperbenzoic acid, and its molecular structure was determined with single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Vapor deposition polymerizations of 2 and 3 gave amorphous and brittle polymer films along with considerable amounts of nonpolymeric byproducts. A polymer film from 2 was a copolymer of p‐(phenylene‐methylenesulfide) with p‐(phenylene‐methylene) units, and a polymer film from 3 was a homopolymer of p‐(phenylene‐methylene) units with head‐to‐tail, head‐to‐head, and tail‐to‐tail placements. The elimination of sulfur atoms in 2 and sulfone units in 3 took place during their pyrolysis reactions. Plausible mechanisms for vapor deposition polymerizations of both cyclophanes are proposed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 1892–1900, 2001
Triisobutylaluminum as cocatalyst for zirconocenes. II. Triisobutylaluminum as a component of a cocatalyst system and as an effective cocatalyst for olefin polymerization derived from dimethylated zirconocenes
Authors: Panin A. N. , Dzhabieva Z. M. , Nedorezova P. M. , Tsvetkova V. I. , Saratovskikh S. L. , Babkina O. N. , Bravaya N. M. 
Published: September 2002

AbstractAn investigation of the catalytic behavior of the dimethylated zirconocenes Me2SiCp*NtBuZrMe2 [Cp* = C5(CH3)4; 1Me], Me2SiCp2ZrMe2 (2Me), Cp2ZrMe2 (3Me), Ind2ZrMe2 (4Me), Me2SiInd2ZrMe2 (5Me), Et(2‐MeInd)2ZrMe2 (6Me), and Me2Si(2‐MeInd)2ZrMe2 (7Me) with the combined activator triisobutylaluminum (TIBA)/CPh3B(C6F5)4 (Al/Zr = 250; B/Zr = 1) in ethylene polymerizations at increased monomer pressures (5–11 bar, 30 °C) was carried out. Sterically opened zirconocenes in ternary catalysts gave rise to active species effective in the formation of low molecular weight polyethylenes (PEs). These active species tended to increase the PE molecular weight [1Me (2100) < 2Me (20,000) < 5Me (89,000) < 3Me (94,500)] under similar conditions. PE obtained with 4Me showed a bimodal gel permeation chromatography curve with a 64% peak area [weight‐average molecular weight (Mw) = 43,000] and a 36% peak area (Mw = 255,000). The increase in sterical demands from the zirconocenes was also demonstrated by the reduction of the chain transfer to monomer, the reinsertion of vinyl‐ended PE chains, and their ability for isomerization. These reactions were most pronounced for the zirconocenes 1Me and 2Me. The active species responsible for the formation of low molecular weight PEs deactivated quickly. The zirconocenes 6Me, 7Me, and (2‐PhInd)2ZrMe2 (8Me) bearing substituent at the 2‐position of the indenyl ring was activated with TIBA alone, yielding active species effective in ethylene and propylene polymerizations. PEs formed with 6Me–8Me complexes activated with TIBA had high molecular weights. An increase in the Al/Zr ratio in the catalytic system 8Me/TIBA from 50 to 300 led to an enhancement of the molecular weight of polypropylene (PP) samples from oligomeric products to an viscosity‐average molecular weight of 220,000. The increase in the molecular weights of PPs with an increase in the propylene concentration was also observed. An analysis of the catalytic performance of the 8Me/TIBA system showed first‐order dependency of the initial polymerization rates on the TIBA concentration and close to second‐order dependency on propylene. The second‐order dependency on the monomer concentration is explained in terms of the monomer participation in the initiation step of the polymerization reaction. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 1915–1930, 2001
Phase structure and thermomechanical properties of primary and tertiary amine‐cured epoxy/silica hybrids
Authors: Ochi M. , Takahashi R. 
Published: September 2002

AbstractSeveral kinds of organic–inorganic hybrids were synthesized from an epoxy resin and a silane alkoxide with a primary amine‐type curing agent or tertiary amine curing catalyst. In the hybrid systems cured with the primary amine‐type curing agent, the storage modulus in the high‐temperature region increased, and the peak area of the tan δ curve decreased. Moreover, the mechanical properties were improved by the hybridization of small amounts of the silica network. However, these phenomena were not observed in the hybrid systems cured with the tertiary amine catalyst. The differences in the network structures of the hybrid materials with the different curing processes were characterized with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). In the hybrid systems cured with the primary amine‐type curing agent, FTIR results showed the formation of a covalent bond between silanol and hydroxyl groups that were generated by the reaction of an epoxy group with an active hydrogen of the primary amine. However, this phenomenon was not observed in the hybrids cured with the tertiary amine. The hybrids with the primary amine showed a homogeneous microstructure in transmission electron microscopy observations, although the hybrids cured with the tertiary amine showed a heterogeneous structure. These results mean that the differences in the interactions between the organic and inorganic phases significantly affect the properties and microstructures of the resultant composites. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 39: 1071–1084, 2001
A comparison of Portuguese and American patients with hematological malignancies: a cross‐cultural survey of health‐related quality of life
Authors: Forjaz Maria João , Guarnaccia Charles A. 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThis study investigates health‐related quality of life (QoL) differences between 98 Portuguese and 109 US American outpatients with hematological malignancies. These two national groups of patients were characterized in terms of patients' QoL, and socio‐demographic and clinical variables. Differences were found for several socio‐demographic variables (race, marital and job status, urban residence, diagnosis, age, education, and household size). Portuguese patients reported better physical functioning, less bodily pain, more vitality, better social functioning, and better general QoL [as measured by Functional Living Index—Cancer (FLIC) total score] than American patients. Results were independent of demographic differences or mode of questionnaire administration. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential expression of c‐erb B2/neu, epidermal growth factor receptor, cytokeratin 8, and the prostatic steroid‐binding protein gene in rat ventral prostate during postnatal development
Authors: Pisters Louis L. , Wang Xiao‐Huai , Chung Leland W.K. , Hsieh Jer Tsong 
Published: September 2002

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe development and progression of prostate neoplasia may recapitulate the early developmental pattern of expression of genes in the prostate. The study of prostate development may, therefore, provide insights into the molecular mechanisms important in prostate neoplasia and reveal new markers.METHODSWe compared postnatal expression of four genes: neu and epidermal growth factor receptor genes (EGFR), androgen‐upregulated in the ventral prostate of adult rats (C‐3), and androgen‐repressed (CK8) in Sprague–Dawley rats. In situ hybridization was performed on prostate frozen sections collected on postnatal days 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 60 from five rats per day. Staining intensities for antisense probes specific for each gene were determined relative to day 1 intensity.RESULTSGrowth factor receptors including neu and EGFR may be coordinately regulated in the basal‐cell population during prostate development. CK8 and C‐3 show evidence of similar androgen regulation during development.CONCLUSIONSCK8 and C‐3 have distinct patterns of expression in the postnatal period of development and these genes may be good markers of differentiation. Both neu and EGFR may be involved in androgen‐independent growth of basal cell population in prostate. Prostate 47:164–171, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human rhabdosphincter cell culture: A model for videomicroscopy of cell contractions
Authors: Corvin Stefan , Strasser Hannes , Boesch Simone T. , Bartsch Georg , Klocker Helmut 
Published: September 2002

AbstractBACKGROUNDPhysiology of the human rhabdosphincter and its innervation are still a subject to controversy. A better understanding of rhabdosphincter function and anatomy might help to solve important urological problems like urinary incontinence. It was the aim of the present study to develop a human sphincter cell culture model for investigation of contraction mechanisms in vitro.METHODS AND RESULTSCells were isolated from human rhabdosphincter tissue obtained from prostatectomy and cystoprostatectomy specimens. Cultured cells expressed typical features of striated muscle cells. By means of videomicroscopy with a time lapse videosystem cell contractions could be documented. Under control conditions without any contractile stimulant 8% of the cells were seen to contract. Cholinergic stimulation with 10 mM of acetylcholine induced a significant increase in contraction rate to 49%.CONCLUSIONSThese results demonstrate that cholinergic stimulation triggers contraction of cultured human rhabdosphincter cells. This model might help to understand external urethral sphincter physiology and to establish new therapies for the treatment of sphincter dysfunctions. Prostate 47:189–193, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.