bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calibration of a measuring robot: Experimental results on a 5 DOF structure
Authors: Omodei Alberto , Legnani Giovanni , Adamini Riccardo
Published: August 2002

An original method for the static calibration of robots using the pose matching approach is presented. Three algorithms for the identification of the structural parameters are investigated. The procedure includes a methodology to automatically remove the unnecessary parameters for the robot under analysis. After a theoretical introduction, the methodology is practically applied to an actual 5 DOF measuring robot used in a shoe manufactory industry. The accuracy of the robot is increased up to its repeatability. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
What's in a name? Young adolescents' implicit conceptions of invention
Authors: Plucker Jonathan A.
Published: August 2002

The past few years have seen an increase in the amount of attention focused on invention and design education at the college and K‐12 levels. Given these efforts, the dearth of research on students' preexisting conceptions of invention is surprising. Knowledge of invention beliefs and attitudes will inform educational efforts by allowing educators to target the curriculum and accompanying activities more effectively than is possible without this knowledge. In this study, 55 sixth‐grade students completed open‐ended survey questions related to their conceptions of “invention.” Results suggest that students have few or simplistic conceptions of the invention and patent processes. Prior exposure to invention instruction or previous experience with inventing did not appear to have an impact on students' conceptions of invention. In order to dispel these superficial implicit theories, educators involved with invention programs should consider the use of active, situated teaching techniques such as project‐ and problem‐based learning. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 86:149–160, 2002; DOI 10.1002/sce.10011
Epistemic levels in argument: An analysis of university oceanography students' use of evidence in writing
Authors: Kelly Gregory J. , Takao Allison
Published: August 2002

The purpose of this paper is to examine university oceanography students' use of evidence in writing. Drawing from rhetorical studies of science writing and studies of argumentation in science education, a model for assessing students' arguments is proposed that considers the relative epistemic status of propositions comprising students' written texts. The study was conducted in an introductory university oceanography course in a large public university that utilized an interactive CD‐ROM that provided geological data sets for student exploration of scientific questions. Student arguments were analyzed through a process of sorting propositions by epistemic level and identifying the explicit links within and across levels. These epistemic levels were defined by discipline‐specific geological constructs from descriptions of data, to identification of features, to relational aspects of features, to theoretically formulated assertions. This form of argumentation analysis allowed for assessment of each student's writing on normative grounds and for comparisons across students' papers. Results show promise for the argumentation model as a methodological tool. The examination of epistemic status of knowledge claims provided ways of distinguishing the extent to which students adhered to the genre conventions specified by the task, i.e., providing evidentiary support for their argument concerning the theory of plate tectonics with real earth data. We draw on the findings to discuss ways argumentation theory can contribute to reform in science education. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 86:314–342, 2002; Published online in Wiley Interscience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/sce.10024
Strategic management of complex projects: a case study using system dynamics
Authors: Lyneis James M. , Cooper Kenneth G. , Els Sharon A.
Published: August 2002

System dynamics models have been used extensively over the last 20 years on complex development projects and have proven their value in contributing to significantly improved project performance. System dynamics models facilitate the strategic management of projects, including planning the project (setting the initial schedule and budget, the organization structure, process model, etc.), determining measurement and reward systems, evaluating risks, and learning from past projects. The use of system dynamics for strategic project management is illustrated with a case study of the Peace Shield Air Defense System. On this project, the model was used to support the project bid, to identify and manage risks, and to assess the benefit of several process and organization changes which were implemented on the project. Upon completion, the project results were systematically compared to an earlier project to assess the management lessons—what worked and what did not, and what was the benefit. These lessons were systematized in a management learning system. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface morphological characterization of yeast cells by scanning force microscopy
Authors: Méndez‐Vilas Antonio , Gallardo Amparo M. , Pérez‐Giraldo Ciro , González‐Martín María Luisa , Nuevo María J.
Published: August 2002

A scanning probe microscope was used to analyse surface morphological characteristics and adhesion forces of the yeast cell Candida parapsilosis 294 incubated at two temperatures (22 and 37 °C). The simultaneous use of contact atomic force microscopy and lateral force microscopy allows two regions to be distinguished on the surface of the microbial cell with different friction characteristics. In addition, measurements of force curves over each zone revealed very distinct values of the adhesion force. Both the adhesion force average on each zone and the one between them depend on incubation temperature. Jointly, these results suggest some differences in the surface composition of the cell wall between these regions. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Angle‐resolved XPS study of the effect of x‐radiation on the aging of polystyrene exposed to an oxygen/argon plasma
Authors: Paynter R. W.
Published: August 2002

Polystyrene films spin‐coated onto glass were exposed to an oxygen/argon plasma. The depth profile of the oxygen in the polystyrene surface was characterized by angle‐resolved x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS) 2, 24 and 92 h following the plasma treatment. It was found that oxygen was lost from the surface over time, mainly from C O and especially O CO O groups, and that the exposure to x‐rays during the ARXPS measurement accelerated this loss. At the 92 h mark, a linear, negative correlation was found between the oxygen content of the polystyrene surface and the water contact angle. The relative merits of the three models used to interpret the ARXPS data are discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resonance tracking ultrasonic atomic force microscopy
Authors: Kobayashi K. , Yamada H. , Matsushige K.
Published: August 2002

We have developed a new resonance tracking ultrasonic atomic force microscopy (UAFM) technique that measures the contact resonance frequency of a cantilever beam. The cantilever beam is vibrated at its contact resonance frequency by applying positive feedback while the tip near the end of the beam is kept in contact with the sample surface. The topographic image is acquired in normal contact mode while the contact resonance frequency is tracked by an extremely sensitive phase‐locked loop (PLL) circuit for the UAFM image. The UAFM image was obtained on a phase‐change recording medium (rewritable compact disc). The image showed a variation in the contact resonance frequency as large as 150 Hz in the groove, which probably is caused by the difference in elastic properties between the crystalline phase and the amorphous phase. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
XPS and SEM characterization of wheel/workpiece interface in grinding of superalloy
Authors: Xu Xipeng , Yu Yiqing
Published: August 2002

An investigation is reported of the physical and chemical reactions at the wheel/workpiece interface during grinding of a nickel‐based superalloy K417. The temperature at the wheel/workpiece interface was measured using a workpiece–foil thermocouple and the forces were detected using a dynamometer. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine deformations on ground workpiece surfaces and wear characteristic of abrasive grits. The chemical composition, of the ground surfaces, the depth chemical composition and the thickness of oxide layers were determined by XPS and its depth profile technique. A different burning colour was found on the ground workpiece surfaces when temperatures at the wheel/workpiece interface are >990 °C. Along with the emergence of a burning colour, adhesion occurs between the abrasive grits and the workpiece, causing plastically deformed coatings to appear and gradually spread on the ground workpiece surfaces. A physical model was proposed to account for the wear process of abrasive grits and the formation of plastically deformed coatings on the workpiece ground surfaces. Analysis by XPS reveals that chemical reactions take place on the workpiece surfaces due to the high temperatures generated in grinding, and transfer films composed of such oxides as Ni2O3, TiO2, Cr2O3 and A12O3 are formed on the workpiece surfaces. The colour generated on the ground workpiece surfaces depends on the thickness of the transfer films, which was found to be closely related to the interface temperature. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coping with missing data in clinical trials: A model‐based approach applied to asthma trials
Authors: Carpenter James , Pocock Stuart , Johan Lamm Carl
Published: August 2002

In most clinical trials, some patients do not complete their intended follow‐up according to protocol, for a variety of reasons, and are often described as having ‘dropped out’ before the conclusion of the trial. Their subsequent measurements are missing, and this makes the analysis of the trial's repeated measures data more difficult. In this paper we briefly review the reasons for patient drop‐out, and their implications for some commonly used methods of analysis. We then propose a class of models for modelling both the response to treatment and the drop‐out process. Such models are readily fitted in a Bayesian framework using non‐informative priors with the software BUGS. The results from such models are then compared with the results of standard methods for dealing with missing data in clinical trials, such as last observation carried forward. We further propose the use of a time transformation to linearize an asymptotic pattern of repeated measures over time and therefore simplify the modelling. All these ideas are illustrated using data from a five‐arm asthma clinical trial. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical methods for assessing the influence of study characteristics on treatment effects in ‘meta‐epidemiological’ research
Authors: Sterne Jonathan A. C. , Jüni Peter , Schulz Kenneth F. , Altman Douglas G. , Bartlett Christopher , Egger Matthias
Published: August 2002

Biases in systematic reviews and meta‐analyses may be examined in ‘meta‐epidemiological’ studies, in which the influence of trial characteristics such as measures of study quality on treatment effect estimates is explored. Published studies to date have analysed data from collections of meta‐analyses with binary outcomes, using logistic regression models that assume that there is no between‐ or within‐meta‐analysis heterogeneity. Using data from a study of publication bias (39 meta‐analyses, 394 published and 88 unpublished trials) and language bias (29 meta‐analyses, 297 English language trials and 52 non‐English language trials), we compare results from logistic regression models, with and without robust standard errors to allow for clustering on meta‐analysis, with results using a ‘meta‐meta‐analytic’ approach that can allow for between‐ and within‐meta‐analysis heterogeneity. We also consider how to allow for the confounding effects of different trial characteristics. We show that both within‐ and between meta‐analysis heterogeneity may be of importance in the analysis of meta‐epidemiological studies, and that confounding exists between the effects of publication status and trial quality. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous comparison of sensitivity and specificity of two tests in the paired design: a straightforward graphical approach
Authors: Newcombe Robert G.
Published: August 2002

Often the performances of two binary diagnostic or screening tests are compared by applying them to the same set of subjects, some of whom are affected, some unaffected. The McNemar test, and corresponding interval estimation methods, may be used to compare the sensitivity of the two tests, but this disregards both any observed difference in specificity and its imprecision due to sampling variation. The suggested approach is to display point and interval estimates for a weighted mean ƒ of the differences in sensitivity and specificity between the two tests. The mixing parameter λ, which is allowed to range from 0 to 1, represents the prevalence in the population to which application is envisaged, together with the relative seriousness of false positives and false negatives. The confidence interval for ƒ is obtained by a simple extension of a closed‐form method for the paired difference of proportions, which has favourable coverage properties and is based on the Wilson single proportion score method. A plot of ƒ against λ is readily obtained using a Minitab macro. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does group membership matter? Evidence from the Japanese steel industry
Authors: Nair Anil , Kotha Suresh
Published: August 2002

In this study we address criticism that performance differences among strategic groups found in past research may be spurious and attributable to firm effects. The Japanese steel industry provides the setting for the study. Our analysis is based on data from the carbon steel sector of the Japanese steel industry for the periods 1980–87 and 1988–93. A one‐way ANOVA indicated that the average performance of firms in the two technology‐based groups in this industry—the integrated mills and the minimills—were significantly different during the two periods. Subsequently, we performed a regression analysis to examine the residual group effect after controlling for both environment and firm‐specific effects. We found that even after controlling for both environment and firm‐specific effects group membership was significantly associated with firm performance. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Post‐formation dynamics in strategic alliances
Authors: Reuer Jeffrey J. , Zollo Maurizio , Singh Harbir
Published: August 2002

This paper investigates the occurrence and determinants of post‐formation governance changes in strategic alliances, including alterations in alliances' contracts, boards or oversight committees, and monitoring mechanisms. We examine alliances in the biotechnology industry and find that firms' unique alliance experience trajectories affect the likelihood of such ex post adjustments in these partnerships. Transactional features such as the alliance's scope, its division of labor, and the relevance of the collaboration to the parent firm also bear upon alliances' dynamics. We discuss the implications of these findings and how they complement prior research focusing on alliance design or termination at opposite ends of the alliance life cycle. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incremental parsing in language‐based editors: user needs and how to meet them
Authors: Cook Phil , Welsh Jim
Published: August 2002

Incremental parsing has long been recognized as a technique of great utility in the construction of language‐based editors, and correspondingly, the area currently enjoys a mature theory. Unfortunately, many practical considerations have been largely overlooked in previously published algorithms. Many user requirements for an editing system necessarily impact on the design of its incremental parser, but most approaches focus only on one: response time. This paper details an incremental parser based on LR parsing techniques and designed for use in a modeless syntax recognition editor. The nature of this editor places significant demands on the structure and quality of the document representation it uses, and hence, on the parser. The strategy presented here is novel in that both the parser and the representation it constructs are tolerant of the inevitable and frequent syntax errors that arise during editing. This is achieved by a method that differs from conventional error repair techniques, and that is more appropriate for use in an interactive context. Furthermore, the parser aims to minimize disturbance to this representation, not only to ensure other system components can operate incrementally, but also to avoid unfortunate consequences for certain user‐oriented services. The algorithm is augmented with a limited form of predictive tree‐building, and a technique is presented for the determination of valid symbols for menu‐based insertion. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systems theory and the spirit of feminism: grounds for a connectiona
Authors: Hanson Barbara
Published: August 2002

General systems theory is compatible with the spirit of feminist thought. The unnecessary association of systems theory with hierarchy and status quo‐oriented proponents has formed a limited impression of what it can offer to feminisms. Looking at a fuller range of systems‐oriented work shows up that, like feminisms, systems theory has been radical in its rejection of traditional ways of analytic thinking. This paper looks at two central feminist ideas, sexuality and equality, as a spirit of feminism to forge a link between feminisms and systems theory. This shows up several areas of common ground between feminisms and a general systems theory approach to the benefit of both. The idea that action and inaction and equally causal derives from cybernetics and echoes a cell to action for social change in feminisms. Cybernetic causality reflects notions of discourse and fluid identities, allowing analysts to move beyond blame and dichotomous units. The idea that systems of logic are parallel relates closely to standpoint feminism. Systems focus on different outcomes to the same stimuli provides a way to capture emotion as a property of human interaction. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Demographics and Diversity of Asian American College Students
Authors: Hune Shirley
Published: August 2002

The author provides an overview of the Asian American population, its immigration patterns and trends, current demographics, and higher educational statistics and explains why student affairs professionals need to address the diversity of Asian American students if they are to be better served and supported.
18F‐dopa PET evidence that tolcapone acts as a central COMT inhibitor in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ceravolo Roberto , Piccini Paola , Bailey Dale L. , Jorga Karin M. , Bryson Helen , Brooks David J.
Published: August 2002

Tolcapone is a potent, selective, and reversible inhibitor of cathecol‐O‐methyl‐transferase (COMT). This enzyme plays a crucial role in the extraneural inactivation of catecholamine neurotransmitters. Tolcapone's ability to inhibit central COMT in humans at therapeutic concentrations is not yet clear. The aim was to determine the effect of tolcapone on central COMT activity in Parkinson's disease (PD) using 18F‐dopa positron emission tomography (PET). The study was a randomized two‐way crossover study. Twelve PD patients were recruited. On the treatment days patients were given either tolcapone (200 mg) or placebo together with levodopa/carbidopa (100/125 mg) 1 h before the injection of 18F‐dopa. Data were acquired in 25 frames over 94 min for the first PET scan period. At the end of this period the patients were removed from the scanner for 90 min and subsequently repositioned and data acquired in six 10‐min time frames over 60 min. Influx constants (Ki) were computed using a graphical approach with a plasma input function. Mean 18F‐dopa putamen Ki's for the first 30–90 min, primarily reflecting central dopa decarboxylase (DDC) activity, were similar in PD patients whether tolcapone was present (0.0078 ± 0.0031 min−1) or absent (0.0078 ± 0.0030 min−1). Mean putamen Ki values calculated 180–240 min after injection of 18F‐dopa, reflecting both central DDC and COMT activity, were unchanged from 30–90′ values in the presence of tolcapone (0.0079 ± 0.0030), implying blockade of central COMT, but were significantly reduced (0.0059 ± 0.0028) in the absence of this drug. These findings are compatible with clinical doses of tolcapone having a significant blocking effect on peripheral and central COMT but not DDC activity in PD. Synapse 43:201–207, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
D2 but not D3 receptors are elevated after 9 or 11 months chronic haloperidol treatment: Influence of withdrawal period
Authors: Joyce Jeffrey N.
Published: August 2002

Previous postmortem studies have identified divergent alterations in D2 and D3 receptors in schizophrenia but those results cannot be interpreted without further understanding of whether antipsychotic regulation of the D3 receptor is different from that of the D2 receptor. Depot parenteral administration of haloperidol decanoate was utilized to achieve consistent high levels in rat brain for 9 months with 2‐month withdrawal or 11 months with 48‐h withdrawal and compared to vehicle control and acute haloperidol (48‐h) treatment groups. Autoradiographic means for measuring levels of D2 ([3H]‐spiperone) and D3 receptors ([125I]trans 7‐OH‐PIPAT) and of D3 mRNA by in situ hybridization histochemistry in rat caudate‐putamen, nucleus accumbens, islands of Calleja, and olfactory tubercle determined that there were significant group differences for regulation of D2 receptor. Chronic haloperidol for 9 or 11 months elevated D2 but not D3 receptors or D3 mRNA in all regions measured. Acute haloperidol treatment had no significant effects for any measure. Treatment for 9 months with a 2‐month withdrawal resulted in a persistent increase in D2 receptors that was greater than that observed in the 11 months with 48‐h withdrawal. This effect was most noticeable in the olfactory tubercle. These data confirm previous findings that short‐ or long‐term haloperidol treatment leads to elevations in D2 but not D3 receptors or D3 mRNA, and long‐term withdrawal from chronic haloperidol does not lead to elevations in D3 receptors or D3 mRNA. This suggests that an elevation in D3 receptors identified at postmortem in schizophrenics withdrawn from antipsychotics is not the result of the previous drug history [Gurevich et al. (1997) Arch Gen Psychiatry 54:225–232]. Synapse 40:137–144, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evolution of pharmaceutical regulations and their consequences in the European Union and the United States
Authors: Tancer Robert S. , Mosseri‐Marlio C.
Published: August 2002

This article examines the nature of the European Union (EU) and United States regulation of the
pharmaceutical industry in recent years. A series of Regulations and Directives issued by the European Commission
and reinforced by decisions of the European Court of Justice have achieved harmonization of the pharmaceutical
industry throughout the EU. In the U.S., as a result of the federal system, harmonization has not been a issue;
the focus of regulation has been to achieve a balance between those companies using research and development
(R&D) to create innovative products and the generic companies which provide quality medicines at lower
costs to the consumer. Notwithstanding this difference in orientation, similar problems have been faced in the EU
and the U.S.: patent term extension, pediatric versions, and assurance that new drugs are safe and effective. The
similarity of issues and often their solutions should not be surprising since the pharmaceutical industry is truly
global. U.S. products are sold throughout the EU and European products are readily available in the U.S. The level
of regulation, both in the EU and the U.S. has not stymied the industry, as it remains a global leader in developing
new and innovative products utilized throughout the world. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dealing with financial crises in emerging markets
Authors: Mudd Shannon , Grosse Robert , Mathis John
Published: August 2002

Financial crises in emerging markets are a reality of doing business in these countries in the early
twenty‐first century. Managers can gain some perspective on this problem from experiences of firms in
crises that occurred in Mexico, Thailand, and Russia during the 1990s. We show how firms have taken steps to
protect themselves against financial crises and to deal with the crises once underway in these three countries.
Such strategies are divided into frameworks of: short‐term, immediate responses to a crisis;
intermediate steps during the period of economic downturn; and long‐term continuing responses for
operating in emerging markets. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The value‐relevance of financial and non‐financial information for Internet companies
Authors: Graham Carol M. , Cannice Mark V. , Sayre Todd L.
Published: August 2002

This article assesses the extent to which non‐financial measures of Internet usage are incrementally
value‐relevant over and above basic financial information across four Internet industry sectors. Using
ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis we test the extent to which net income, book value,
unique users, page views, and hours per user are able to explain stock prices for a sample of 341 firm quarters
for the period Q1: 1999–Q1: 2000. Our results indicate that net income has no ability to explain market
values for the pooled sample or for any of the Internet sectors examined. With respect to the non‐financial
variables, we find that for e‐tailers and content/community firms, page views have the greatest
explanatory power. For service companies, unique users have the greatest ability to explain market values, and for
infrastructure companies, none of our non‐financial variables are significant. © 2002 John Wiley &
Sons, Inc.
Rapid Internet development in China: A discussion of opportunities and constraints on future growth
Authors: Zhao HongXin
Published: August 2002

China has exhibited fast Internet growth. The number of Internet users in China doubled every six months in
the last two years. What accounts for such a rapid adoption of the Internet in China? What are the
constraints and opportunities? This article describes the facilitating roles played by the large pool of
Information Technology (IT) personnel, fast diffusion of personal computers, telecom infrastructure,
and digital networks, and the active foreign involvements. At the same time, the article identifies a number of
factors such as slow speed, high costs, murky regulations, imbalanced development, and absence of credit
systems, limiting the current growth. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Numerical simulation of wind tunnel wall effects on wind turbine flows
Authors: Wang Tongguang , Coton Frank N.
Published: August 2002

A low‐order panel method and a prescribed wake vortex model have been combined into a coupled model capable of assessing the basic effect of wind tunnel walls on wind turbine flow and performance. The wind tunnel walls are discretised into a series of panels, and sources distributed on these panels simulate the constraint effect of the wind tunnel walls. The wind turbine and its wake are represented by the prescribed wake model. The source strengths are related to the induced velocities at the panel control points due to the turbine vortex system by satisfying the boundary condition of zero normal velocity on the solid tunnel wall. The vortex‐induced and source‐induced velocities at the blade are summed to determine an interim turbine wake using the prescription functions. The effects of the disturbance velocities due to the source panels are then superposed upon the prescribed wake to obtain the final wake geometry under the influence of wind tunnel wall interference. The model developed in this study is compared with wind turbine wake measurements made in a low‐speed wind tunnel. Generally, the model is found to compare well with experiment, although some discrepancies are noted. Finally, possible future improvements to the combined method are recommended. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct comparison of total reflection techniques by using a plate beamguide
Authors: Sánchez Héctor J.
Published: August 2002

This paper reports an experimental characterization of different techniques for total reflection x‐ray fluorescence analysis, namely grazing incidence and grazing emission methods. A direct comparison was performed by using a new collimating system based on a plate beamguide device. This device allows the transport of photons along the sample–detector path or the source–detector path in the total reflection regime, and a simple and easy way to set up the two methods of measurement. Spectra from total reflection experiments in grazing incidence and grazing emission conditions were obtained using a conventional x‐ray source. Detection limit calculations of different standard samples were carried out for the two techniques. These values were also compared with those obtained by means of conventional x‐ray fluorescence analysis for the same samples and the same irradiation system. The different factors involved in the determination of detection limits for each method are analyzed and a possible explanation of the results obtained is given. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genome organization of the linear cytoplasmic element pPE1B from Pichia etchellsii
Authors: Klassen Roland , Tontsidou Lambrini , Larsen Michael , Meinhardt Friedhelm
Published: August 2002

The linear cytoplasmic element pPE1B from Pichia etchellsii CBS2011 (synonym Debaryomyces etchellsii) was totally sequenced. It consists of 12835 bp and has a remarkable high A+T content of 77.3%. The termini of pPE1B were found to consist of inversely orientated identical nucleotide repetitions 161 base pairs long, to which proteins are probably covalently linked at the 5′ ends. Ten putative genes (open reading frames, ORFs) were identified, covering 96.5% of the total sequence. The predicted polypeptides correspond to proteins encoded by ORFs 2–11 of the linear plasmids pGKL2 of Kluyveromyces lactis and pSKL of Saccharomyces kluyveri. ORF1, existing on both latter elements, is lacking on pPE1B. An upstream conserved sequence motif (UCS) is located at the expected distance from the start codon of each of the 10 ORFs. As the arbitrarily chosen UCS6 was able to drive expression of a reporter gene in the heterologous pGKL‐encoded killer system of K. lactis, extranuclear promoter function is probable. The almost congruent genome organization of pPE1B and other autonomous linear yeast plasmids sequenced so far, i.e. pGKL2 and pSKL, suggests a common, presumably viral, ancestor. The sequence of pPE1B has been submitted to the EMBL data library under Accession No. AJ278986. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The catabolic capacity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is preserved to a higher extent during carbon compared to nitrogen starvation
Authors: Nilsson Annika , Påhlman Inga‐Lill , Jovall Per‐Åke , Blomberg Anders , Larsson Christer , Gustafsson Lena
Published: August 2002

A comparison of catabolic capacity was made between S. cerevisiae cells subjected to 24 h carbon or nitrogen starvation. The cells were shifted to starvation conditions at the onset of respiratory growth on ethanol in aerobic batch cultures, using glucose as the carbon and energy source. The results showed that the catabolic capacity was preserved to a much larger extent during carbon compared to nitrogen starvation. Nitrogen starvation experiments were made in the presence of ethanol (not glucose) to exclude the effect of glucose transport inactivation (Busturia and Lagunas, 1986). Hence, the difference in catabolic capacity could not be attributed to differences in glucose transport capacity during these conditions. In order to understand the reason for this difference in starvation response, measurement of protein composition, adenine nucleotides, inorganic phosphate, polyphosphate and storage carbohydrates were performed. No clear correlation between any of these variables and catabolic capacity after starvation could be obtained. However, there was a positive correlation between total catabolic activity and intracellular ATP concentration when glucose was added to starved cells. The possible mechanism for this correlation, as well as what determines the ATP level, is discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SRC1: an intron‐containing yeast gene involved in sister chromatid segregation
Authors: Rodríguez‐Navarro Susana , Carlos Igual J. , Pérez‐Ortín José E.
Published: August 2002

Analysis of a three‐member gene family in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has allowed the discovery of a new gene that comprises two contiguous open reading frames previously annotated as YML034w and YML033w. The gene contains a small intron with two alternative 5′ splicing sites. It is specifically transcribed during G2/M in the cell cycle and after several hours of meiosis induction. Splicing of the mRNA is partially dependent on NAM8 but does not vary during meiosis or the cell cycle. Deletion of the gene induces a shortening of the anaphase and aggravates the phenotype of scc1 and esp1 conditional mutants, which suggests a direct role of the protein in sister chromatid separation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Predictor for the Defecatory Function after Sphincter‐Preserving Operation: Lumen Score
Authors: Yagyu Toshihiko , Yamamoto Tetsuhisa , Mochizuki Hidetaka
Published: August 2002

Few studies on sphincter‐preserving surgery have analyzed the colon used for the anastomotic segment. We evaluated the usefulness of measuring the square of the diameter of the sigmoid colon (cm2) (lumen score, LS) as a predictor of defecatory function after very low anterior resection (VLAR) for rectal cancer. Measurements were done by radiography with semiliquid barium,
and the LS was calculated. A total of 24 patients [straight coloanal reconstruction (VLAR‐S), n = 17; colonic J pouch reconstruction (LVAR‐J), n = 7] were studied more than 6 months after the operation. VLAR‐S was divided by the LS results: the high‐LS group had an LS of 12 or more (n = 5), and the low‐LS group had an LS of less than 12
(n = 12). The neorectal capacity, anal manometry, and defecatory function were studied. In the VLAR‐S group, LS had a significant positive correlation with neorectal capacity (? =
0.81, p <0.01) and a negative correlation with bowel frequency (? = ?0.67, p <0.05). Regarding neorectal capacity, the high‐LS group had a significantly larger capacity than the low‐LS group (118.0 vs. 88.3 ml; p
<0.05). The low‐LS group had unfavorable defecatory function compared with that of the high‐LS group, which was equal to that of the VLAR‐J group. We concluded that the LS is a useful predictor of successful colonic J pouch reconstruction.
Immunosuppression—Back to the Future
Authors: Schwartz Robert S.
Published: August 2002

During the 1950s work on bone marrow transplantation for patients with aplastic anemia led to the search for means other than total body irradiation to prevent rejection of the bone marrow allograft. At the same time, it had become clear that lymphocyte proliferation was a prominent feature of the immune response against all kinds of antigens, including skin allografts. These two factors led us to test various chemical agents known to block the proliferation of leukemic lymphocytes for their ability to inhibit the immune response against soluble antigens and skin allografts. One compound, the antileukemic drug 6‐mercaptopurine, was effective in both test systems. This drug and its sister compound azathioprine (which is mercaptopurine with an imidizaole ring instead of a sulfhydryl group on carbon 6) were soon applied to human allografting and the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Thoracic Transplantation
Authors: Shumway Norman E.
Published: August 2002

Experimental orthotopic transplantation of the heart was accomplished in 1959. Long‐term survival was achieved in 1965 with a chemical immunosuppression protocol substantially different from that used for renal and hepatic transplants. Performance characteristics of the transplanted denervated heart were found to differ only slightly from normal. It appeared by the time of the Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons in October 1967 that clinical heart transplantation might be justified if the concept of brain death could be legally recognized. The Stanford program in clinical heart transplantation was inaugurated on January 6, 1968 and has been in continuous operation. To date, more than 1000 patients have undergone transplantation of the heart with the 5‐year survival at 75%. The first long‐term success in lung transplantation occurred at Stanford in 1981, with transplantation of the heart and both lungs. In 1990 the concept of living pulmonary lobar donors was introduced and is slowly finding its clinical role. The steroid‐sparing capability of cyclosporine made possible both successful lung and pediatric heart transplantation. Only the donor shortage remains as a substantial barrier to widespread thoracic transplantation. Xenotransplantation is under intense scrutiny, with some encouraging experimental results. Development of the artificial heart continues to offer some relief for patients with end‐stage heart disease.
Human Leukocyte Antigen‐G: Immunotolerant Major Histocompatibility Complex Molecule in Transplantation
Authors: Khalil‐Daher Iman , Rouas‐Freiss Nathalie , Carosella Edgardo D. , Dausset Jean B.
Published: August 2002

HLA‐G is a nonclassical major histocompatibility complex class I molecule selectively expressed on cytotrophoblasts at the fetal–maternal interface, where it plays a role in maternofetal tolerance. In this review, attempts were made to summarize the current state of knowledge of the effects of HLA‐G on both natural killer cell and T cell functions and their implications in transplantation.
Primary Gastric B Cell Lymphoma: Audit of 82 Cases Treated with Surgery and Classified According to the Concept of Mucosa‐associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma
Authors: Kodera Yasuhiro , Nakamura Shigeo , Yamamura Yoshitaka , Shimizu Yasuhiro , Torii Akihito , Hirai Takashi , Yasui Kenzo , Morimoto Takeshi , Kato Tomoyuki
Published: August 2002

There has been a trend toward stomach conservation during treatment for primary gastric lymphoma, but surgery ensures accurate pathologic diagnosis through the examination of resected specimens. A histopathologic classification for primary gastric lymphoma had been established with the knowledge that the low grade and high grade components occasionally coexist in a single lesion. Efficacy of this classification as an indicator of biologic behavior and prognosis was evaluated. The classification was performed by reexamining surgically resected specimens from 82 patients with stage IE and IIE gastric lymphoma. Clinical characteristics of the low grade and high grade lymphomas were then evaluated and the survival data analyzed. Despite the larger tumor diameter, the depth of invasion for the low grade type was mostly submucosal, and none had serosal invasion. In contrast, 50% of the high grade type had serosal involvement and were also found to have a higher incidence of node metastasis. Prognosis of the low grade type, a 10‐year survival rate exceeding 90%, was significantly better than that of the high grade type. Multivariate analysis revealed that curability of the operation followed by the histopathologic grade were significant independent prognostic factors. Some characteristics of the low grade lymphoma were not consistent with what has been reported in the studies involving stomach‐conserving strategies. Investigators are advised to note that the histopathologic grade determined with biopsy specimens alone could be misleading.
Role of Laparoscopic Surgery for Treatment of Early Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Fazio Victor W. , López‐Kostner Francisco
Published: August 2002

The first laparoscopic colorectal surgery was performed in 1991. Several reports have showed some advantages for the laparoscopic technique compared to open procedures, but the lack of well designed trials has produced doubts about the real advantage of laparoscopy for colorectal cancer. To date, retrospective and prospective evidence suggests that laparoscopy is as safe as conventional colorectal surgery. Two recent prospective, randomized trials have showed that the short‐term outcome is not compromised after laparoscopy for colorectal cancer. Furthermore, less pain, faster recovery of respiratory parameters, and better preservation of cell‐mediated immune function have been associated with the laparoscopic technique. Laparoscopic surgery for early colorectal cancer may have a role in a well selected group of patients.
99mTc‐sestamibi Scintigraphy and Cell Cycle in Parathyroid Glands of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Torregrosa Jose‐Vicente , Fernández‐Cruz Laureano , Canalejo Antonio , Vidal Sergio , Astudillo Emiliano , Almaden Yolanda , Pons Francisca , Rodriguez Mariano
Published: August 2002

Double‐phase parathyroid MIBI (99mTc‐sestamibi) was performed in 27 patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SPT). Focal areas of increased uptake were scored for intensity on a three‐point scale. All patients underwent subtotal parathyroidectomy (SPTx), and a total of 78 glands were removed at operation. Blood was obtained from the jugular vein before and after SPTx to measure the parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. The volume and weight of the glands were calculated. The tissue was divided, with one aliquot being used for cell cycle analysis. The nuclei were acquired by flow cytometry and analyzed using CELLEIT software. Cell viability was assessed by flow cytometry and analyzed with LYSIS II software. Positive MIBI uptake was observed in 88.8% of patients. Focal MIBI uptake of one, two, or three glands was observed in 6, 11, and 8 patients, respectively. All patients experienced an 86% decrease in PTH blood level after SPTx compared to that before excision. A correlation was found between the volume of glands and the blood levels of intact PTH (iPTH) (r= 0.5, p < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between MIBI uptake and the iPTH levels before SPTx (p < 0.01) and between the uptake of MIBI in the parathyroid glands and the cell cycle phases; low‐grade uptake correlated with the G0 phase and higher uptake with G2+S phase (r= 7, p < 0.01). No correlation was observed between MIBI uptake and the weight of the glands. MIBI scintigraphy accurately reflects the functional status of the hyperplastic parathyroid glands: Higher uptake grades correlated with the active growth phase. MIBI uptake does not reveal parathyroid enlargement; rather, it identifies the presence of hyperfunctioning autonomous glands. SPTx and total parathyroidectomy with autografting (TPTx+A) are the most widely accepted surgical approaches for patients with SPT. Reoperation for recurrence is necessary in 6% to 15% of cases. MIBI is now considered to be the radionuclide of reference for parathyroid gland scanning, although it is widely accepted that it produces poor results when trying to detect hyperplastic glands.
II. Vinzenz Czerny (1842–1915): Grand Seigneur of Oncologic Surgery—Life, Influence, and Work of the Second Congress President of the ISS/SIC
Authors: Liebermann‐Meffert Dorothea , Stein Hubert J. , White Harvey
Published: August 2002

Vinzenz Czerny, chairman and professor of surgery in Freiburg im Breisgau and in Heidelberg, Germany, is the typical example of a prominent surgeon with an elegant technique, who was also a keen observer and scientist at the turn of the nineteenth into the early twentieth century. Starting his career in Vienna, Austria, he can be looked upon as the most important disciple of Theodor Billroth. Whereas Billroth may be regarded as the father of modern gastrointestinal surgery, Czerny can be considered the father of modern surgery for intestinal malignancies and multimodal treatment. The early history of visceral cancer therapy is linked with his career. He became a surgeon of the highest rank, with great clinical skill, rare judgment, and vision who contributed essentially to the development of modern surgery. From his early education he maintained a lifelong affection for the natural sciences and was an excellent physiologist and pathologist. During his professional life he successfully built up a well deserved reputation for general and cancer surgery and for the introduction of radio‐ and chemotherapy into the treatment of tumors. Czerny founded and chaired the first experimental Institute for Cancer Research in Germany. Two years later, in 1908, he presided at the 2nd Congress of the International Society of Surgery/Société Internationale de Chirurgie (ISS/SIC) in Brussels, a congress that was almost entirely devoted to the etiology of visceral cancer and the progress and achievements of its treatment. Czerny left a clear legacy of opinion and methods on which the modern era of surgical cancer treatment is based.
Appropriate Surgical Treatment of Resectable Non‐small‐cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Korst Robert J. , Ginsberg Robert J.
Published: August 2002

Patients with early‐stage non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) should be treated with complete surgical resection whenever possible. Incomplete resections do not cure, and the optimal pulmonary resection is anatomic lobectomy. Limited resections (wedge resection and segmentectomy) are associated with a threefold increase in local recurrence, which translates into decreased survival. The addition of mediastinal lymph node dissection produces the best pathologic staging but has never been shown to improve survival. Resections can be performed through a variety of incisions and even using minimally invasive techniques, but posterolateral thoracotomy seems to provide the best exposure and is used most frequently. Adjuvant radiotherapy in both the preoperative and postoperative settings does not improve survival in patients with resected NSCLC. Similarly, postoperative chemotherapy cannot be advocated in these patients based on the current data. Improved survival has been demonstrated in the randomized setting for patients with locally advanced, resectable disease (N2) using preoperative (induction) chemo(radio) therapy, but the numbers are small. Patients with this stage of NSCLC should be enrolled in induction therapy protocols whenever possible to confirm the efficacy of this approach.