bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A process framework for small projects
Authors: Leung Hareton K. N. , Yuen Terence C. F.
Published: August 2002

Many companies still oppose the CMM because of lack of resources and the common view that the CMM is more suitable for large organizations. Tailoring the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) to small projects is necessary to encourage more organizations to use the CMM. This paper summarizes our experience in developing a process framework for small projects, based on eight key process areas of the CMM. Details of the process framework are presented. A tool set was developed to support the proposed process framework. The proposed process framework was applied to four pilot projects. Results from the pilot projects were compared to similar projects completed earlier. Positive results were obtained in the reduction of documentation and overhead effort, while maintaining the software quality. The proposed process framework has gained a wide acceptance, as developers understand the benefits of a common process. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Product, process and methodology systematization to handle structural and computational complexity in product realization
Authors: Prasad Biren
Published: August 2002

This paper establishes a concept for Product, Process, and Methodology (PPM) systematization to handle both structural complexity (often referred as hard complexity) and computational complexity (also referred as soft complexity) in product realization. A systematization methodology is proposed to handle both these complexities through a four‐stage process: Planning, Systematization, Solution and Unification. Planningis the first stage where system specification is defined. Systematization is a systematic decomposition of the problem into a set of discrete sub‐problems. There are three kinds of systematization that can be employed in product realization: Methodology systematization, Product systematization and Process systematization. During the Solution stage, a number of computational alternatives, solution strategies or topological options for handling soft complexity are obtained for each sub‐problem, and the best solution is selected. Unification is an aggregation or a reconstruction of an overall product solution from various alternative solutions to the sub‐problems.

A branching and bounding methodology has been employed here first to branch the complex product and process into ‘sub‐domains’ and ‘loops’ and later bound these loops back into sub‐domains and then further bound those sub‐domains back into an integrated product development system. The branching and bounding methodology provides the product development teams the ability to refine successively the ‘goodness or fitness’ of a baseline product concept as teams proceed from one nested loop to another. PPM systematization is a convenient way of organizing the process necessary for a new product realization or for developing future product upgrades. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bladder preservation in muscle‐invasive bladder cancer by conservative surgery and radiochemotherapy
Authors: Dunst Juergen , Rödel Claus , Zietman Anthony , Schrott Karl M. , Sauer Rolf , Shipley William U.
Published: August 2002

Organ preservation has been investigated in muscle‐invasive bladder cancer over the past decades as an alternative to standard radical cystectomy. The results of large prospective protocols and population‐based studies suggest that an organ‐preserving approach is possible without deferring the survival probability. Organ preservation requires a trimodal schedule, including transurethral surgery (transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT)), radiation, and chemotherapy. A complete TURBT is the most important single prognostic factor, and should be attempted. Radiotherapy, in conjunction with concurrent platinum‐based chemotherapy, can control the vast majority of urothelial bladder tumors. The histologically‐proven complete remission rates of macroscopic tumors (unresectable by TURBT) lie in the range of about 70%. After radiochemotherapy, a histological response evaluation with repeated TURBT is recommended. Patients with residual tumor require salvage cystectomy. In cases of complete remission, patients can maintain their bladders but they should be closely followed over years. The risk of severe late‐radiation sequelae is low, in the range of less than 5%. About 75% of long‐term survivors maintain a normally functioning bladder. Semin. Surg. Oncol. 20:24–32, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Facilitation of dopaminergic neural transmission does not affect [11C]SCH23390 binding to the striatal D1 dopamine receptors, but the facilitation enhances phosphodiesterase type‐IV activity through D1 receptors: PET studies in the conscious monkey brain
Authors: Tsukada Hideo , Harada Norihiro , Ohba Hiroyuki , Nishiyama Shingo , Kakiuchi Takeharu
Published: August 2002

The present study evaluated the effects of methamphetamine and scopolamine on the striatal dopamine D1 receptor binding, measured by [11C]SCH23390, and D1 receptor‐coupled cAMP messenger system, determined as phosphodiesterase type‐IV (PDE‐IV) activity, were evaluated in the brains of conscious monkeys using positron emission tomography (PET) with microdialysis. When methamphetamine (0.1, 0.3, and 1 mg/kg) or scopolamine (0.01, 0.03, and 0.1 mg/kg) was systemically administered, [11C]SCH23390 binding to D1 receptors was not affected. With administration of methamphetamine, the striatal PDE‐IV activity, as measured with R‐[11C]rolipram (active form) and S‐[11C]rolipram (inactive form), was dose‐dependently facilitated with enhanced dopamine level in the striatal ECF. Administration of scopolamine also induced facilitated PDE‐IV activity without any apparent changes in the ECF dopamine. These facilitations of PDE‐IV activity were abolished by preadministration of SCH23390, but not by raclopride. These results demonstrate that, as evaluated by PDE‐IV activity, the inhibition of muscarinic cholinergic receptors actually facilitated dopamine neuronal signal transduction through D1 receptors, as observed previously on D2 receptors with no apparent increase in the striatal ECF dopamine level, but the enhanced dopamine transmission could not detected by [11C]SCH23390. Synapse 42:258–265, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intracerebroventricular administration of NMDA‐R1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide significantly alters the activity of ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons: An electrophysiological study
Authors: Tajiri Koji , Emori Kenji , Murata Masahiko , Tanaka Kodai , Suzuki Michio , Uehara Takashi , Sumiyoshi Tomiki , Ashby Charles R. , Kurachi Masayoshi
Published: August 2002

In this study, we determined the activity of midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons in male albino rats following the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (aODN) against the mRNA for the NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor. In addition, the effect of aODN on the specific binding of the NMDA receptor ligand [3H]MK‐801 was also examined in various brain areas, including the midbrain. Antisense ODN against the NR1 mRNA, the corresponding sense ODN (sODN) or saline was continuously administered into the right ventricle of rats by osmotic minipumps for 7 days (20 nmol/day). Autoradiographic binding studies indicated that aODN significantly reduced the density of [3H]MK‐801 binding by an average of 20–30% in several forebrain regions, including the anterior cingulate cortex, caudate putamen, and nucleus accumbens. However, [3H]MK‐801 binding was not significantly altered in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) or substantia nigra pars compacta (SNC). Subsequently, using the technique of extracellular single‐unit recording, the number, as well as the firing pattern, of spontaneously active DA neurons was determined in the VTA and SNC. The administration of aODN did not significantly alter the number of spontaneously active VTA and SNC DA neurons compared to saline‐ of sODN‐treated animals. Furthermore, the firing pattern of spontaneously active SNC DA neurons was not significantly altered. However, for spontaneously active VTA DA neurons, the administration of aODN significantly decreased the percent events in bursts, number of bursts, and percentage of DA neurons exhibiting a bursting pattern compared to saline‐ and sODN‐treated animals, i.e., neurons show less bursting activity. The present results suggest that subchronic aODN treatment against the mRNA for the NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptors can reduce NMDA receptor number and can result in an altered activity of spontaneously active VTA DA neurons in anesthetized rats. Synapse 40:275–281, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tonic opioid inhibition of the subiculo‐accumbens pathway
Authors: Hakan Robert L.
Published: August 2002

There is evidence to suggest that medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAS) should be sensitive to opiate compounds. However, neuronal responses in the NAS evoked by fimbria stimulation (F‐D) are insensitive to systemically or iontophoretically administered morphine. The hypothesis of this study was that fimbria‐evoked NAS responses may fail to demonstrate sensitivity to morphine because they are under tonic opioid inhibition and can't be further inhibited by opiates. If correct, then pharmacological inhibition of opioid actions on these NAS neuronal responses should result in an increase of response to fimbria stimulation. The effects of systemic and iontophoretic administrations of naloxone on NAS responses evoked by fimbria stimulation were observed. Systemically and locally administered naloxone selectively increased the excitability of accumbens single‐unit responses to fimbria stimulation. Conversely, systemic or iontophoretic administration of morphine was without effect on the same types of NAS responses. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that a tonic opioid inhibition may regulate this pathway. In contrast, naloxone and morphine effect other NAS circuit responses differently than F‐D NAS responses. In some cases naloxone and morphine tests have been conducted on different evoked responses from the same neuron. Those results have shown that different responses from the same cell may be differentially affected. Consequently, opioid modulation of activity in the NAS is probably pathway‐specific rather than neuron‐specific. Synapse 41:71–85, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The difficult problem of establishing measures of effectiveness for command and control: A systems engineering perspective
Authors: Sproles Noel
Published: August 2002

Formulating Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs) for complex sociotechnical systems is a difficult task. This can be seen in particular in the difficulties experienced when this is attempted for military command and control (C2). The intent of this paper is to demonstrate why this is so for C2 and for similar sociotechnical systems. Systems such as these only become purposeful when they are integrated as part of a parent system. Without this parent system they are purposive and are unable to perform a mission. The MOEs of these component systems are tightly linked to the contribution they can make to the achievement of the parent system's mission. In military operations, the purposeful system is the result of the synergy generated by the component systems that constitute the force assigned to the commander to accomplish a mission. These components combine to provide the emergent properties necessary to satisfy the need, and their individual effectiveness is assessed on the contribution they make to the parent system. An essential component of this purposeful system is Command and Control (C2), but it is difficult to separate the contribution that C2 makes to its parent system from those made by other component subsystems or to treat C2 as an isolated system. Because of this, the formulation of MOEs for C2, and for similar systems in other areas, is a difficult task. It is possible that the behavioral or “soft” sciences will offer a solution. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Syst Eng 4: 145–155, 2001
Earthquake responses of RC moment frames subjected to near‐fault ground motions
Authors: Liao Wen‐I , Loh Chin‐Hsiung , Wan Shiuan
Published: August 2002

There are three objectives in this paper. The first objective is to compare the dynamic behaviour of a reinforced concrete building structure subjected to near‐fault and far‐field ground motions. A twelve‐storey and a five‐storey reinforced concrete building with moment resisting frames were selected in this study. The Chi‐Chi earthquake was selected as a first set in this study to test near‐fault earthquake characteristics. Further, another earthquake record of an event at the same site was selected to test the far‐field earthquake characteristics for comparison. Through nonlinear time history analyses, the results show that the near‐fault earthquake results in much more damage than the far‐field earthquake. The second objective of this paper is to compare the predictions for ductility demand by the nonlinear time history analyses with those obtained by the pushover analysis procedure. The third objective is to explore the parameters that will more significantly affect the the building structure's dynamic response characteristics of base shear reduction and displacement amplification. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of DNA strand breaks, DNA‐protein crosslinks, and telomerase activity in nickel‐transformed BALB/c‐3T3 cells
Authors: Lei Yi‐xiong , Chen Jia‐kun , Wu Zhong‐liang
Published: August 2002

Although nickel compounds are known carcinogens, the underlying carcinogenic mechanisms are not fully understood. The objective of this research was to determine if the genotoxic lesions of DNA strand breaks and DNA‐protein crosslinks are present in nickel‐transformed BALB/c‐3T3 cells, and to further elucidate the potential carcinogenesis of insoluble and soluble nickel compounds through telomerase activity in nickel‐transformed BALB/c‐3T3 cell lines. DNA strand breaks, DNA‐protein crosslinks and telomerase activity were investigated by single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay), 125I‐postlabelling techniques, and the TRAP‐silver staining assay, respectively. Results showed that both DNA strand breaks and DNA‐protein crosslinks were present in nickel‐transformed BALB/c‐3T3 cells. However, the highest levels of DNA strand breaks and DNA‐protein crosslinks were found in insoluble crystalline NiS‐transformed cells and high levels of DNA strand breaks and DNA‐protein crosslinks were also found in the transformed cells induced by two water‐soluble NiCl2 and NiSO4 at moderate concentrations of cytotoxicity. These data suggest that these two genetic endpoints are useful biomarkers and are associated with cell transformation and carcinogensis of insoluble and soluble nickel compounds. Also, we found that the crystalline NiS‐ and NiCl2‐transformed cells possessed a high telomerase activity. A weak telomerase was found in NiSO4‐transformed cells. The results seem to indicate that in addition to crystalline NiS, some water‐soluble nickel compounds such as NiCl2 are also highly carcinogenic. These results may partly explain the cell transformation and relative carcinogenic potency of insoluble crystalline NiS, soluble NiCl2, and NiSO4. Teratogenesis Carcinog. Mutagen. 21:463–471, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mesoscopic Structure and Properties of Liquid Crystalline Mesophase Pitch and Its Transformation into Carbon Fiber
Authors: Mochida Isao , Yoon Seong‐Ho , Korai Yozo
Published: August 2002

The history and present state of the art in the chemistry of mesophase pitch, which is an important precursor for carbon fiber and other high‐performance industrial carbons, are reviewed relative to their structural properties. The structural concepts in both microscopic and macroscopic views are summarized in terms of the sp2 carbon hexagonal plane as a basic unit common to graphitic materials, its planar stacking in clusters, and cluster assembly into microdomains and domains, the latter of which reflect the isochromatic unit of optical anisotropy. Such a series of structural units is described in a semiquantitative manner corresponding to the same units of graphitic materials, although the size and stacking height of the hexagonal planes (graphitic sheets) are very different. Mesophase pitch is a liquid crystal material whose basic structural concepts are maintained in the temperature range of 250 to 350 °C. The melt flow and thermal properties are related to its micro‐ and mesoscopic structure. The structure of mesophase‐pitch–based carbon fiber of high tensile strength, modulus, and thermal conductivity has been formed through spinning, and has inherited the same structural concepts of mesophase pitch. Stabilization settles the structure in successive heat treatments up to 3000 °C. Carbonization and graphitization enable growth of the hexagonal planes and their stacking into units of graphite. Such growth is governed and controlled by the alignment of micro‐ and mesoscopic structures in the mesophase pitch, which define the derived carbon materials as nanostructural materials. Their properties are controlled by the nanoscopic units that are expected to behave as nanomaterials when appropriately isolated or handled. © 2002 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 2:81–101, 2002: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.10016
Ultrafast dynamics of myoglobin probed by time‐resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Mizutani Yasuhisa , Kitagawa Teizo
Published: August 2002

Recent experimental work carried out in this laboratory on the ultrafast dynamics of myoglobin (Mb) is summarized with a stress on structural and vibrational energy relaxation. Studies on the structural relaxation of Mb following CO photolysis revealed that the structural change of heme itself, caused by CO photodissociation, is completed within the instrumental response time of the time‐resolved resonance Raman apparatus used (∼2 ps). In contrast, changes in the intensity and frequency of the iron‐histidine (Fe‐His) stretching mode upon dissociation of the trans ligand were found to occur in the picosecond regime. The Fe‐His band is absent for the CO‐bound form, and its appearance upon photodissociation was not instantaneous, in contrast with that observed in the vibrational modes of heme, suggesting appreciable time evolution of the Fe displacement from the heme plane. The band position of the Fe‐His stretching mode changed with a time constant of about 100 ps, indicating that tertiary structural changes of the protein occurred in a 100‐ps range. Temporal changes of the anti‐Stokes Raman intensity of the ν4 and ν7 bands demonstrated immediate generation of vibrationally excited heme upon the photodissociation and decay of the excited populations, whose time constants were 1.1 ± 0.6 and 1.9 ± 0.6 ps, respectively. In addition, the development of the time‐resolved resonance Raman apparatus and prospects in this research field are described. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and The Japan Chemical Journal Forum Chem Rec 1:258–275, 2001
Co‐constructing inquiry‐based science with teachers: Essential research for lasting reform
Authors: Keys Carolyn W. , Bryan Lynn A.
Published: August 2002

In this article we assert a potential research agenda for the teaching and learning of science as inquiry as part of the JRST series on reform in science education. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of cognitive and sociocultural constructivism, cultural models of meaning, the dialogic function of language, and transformational models of teacher education, we propose that more research is needed in the areas of teachers' beliefs, knowledge, and practices of inquiry‐based science, as well as, student learning. Because the efficacy of reform efforts rest largely with teachers, their voices need to be included in the design and implementation of inquiry‐based curriculum. As we review the literature and pose future research questions, we propose that particular attention be paid to research on inquiry in diverse classrooms, and to modes of inquiry‐based instruction that are designed by teachers. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 38: 631–645, 2001
Interactions in developmental toxicology: Combined action of restraint stress, caffeine, and aspirin in pregnant mice
Authors: Colomina M. Teresa , Albina M. Luisa , Sanchez Domenec J. , Domingo Jose L.
Published: August 2002

Background

Stress can result in an increased use of substances such as caffeine and aspirin. The effect of maternal stress on concurrent exposure to caffeine and aspirin on prenatal development was assessed in mice.

Methods

On gestational day 9, mice were assigned to three treatment groups orally exposed to caffeine (30 mg/kg), aspirin (250 mg/kg), or a combination of caffeine (30 mg/kg) and aspirin (250 mg/kg). Three additional groups of pregnant animals received similar caffeine and aspirin doses and were immediately subjected to restraint for 14 hr. Control groups included unrestrained and restrained pregnant mice not exposed to caffeine or aspirin. All dams were euthanized on gestational day 18. Live fetuses were evaluated for sex, body weight, and external, internal, and skeletal malformations and variations.

Results

A single oral dose of caffeine or aspirin did not cause significant maternal toxicity. However, coadministration of these drugs with restraint produced some adverse maternal effects (i.e., reduction in maternal weight gain and food consumption on gestational days 9–11). In relation to embryo/fetal toxicity, the incidence of some skeletal defects was significantly increased after exposure to caffeine, aspirin, or maternal restraint, and their binary and ternary combinations.

Conclusions

Although caffeine and aspirin were given in a single dose in this study, the results suggest that prenatal stress could slightly exacerbate the maternal and developmental toxicity of the combination of these drugs in mice. Teratology 63:144–151, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patterns of first‐year survival among infants with selected congenital anomalies in Texas, 1995–1997
Authors: Nembhard Wendy N. , Waller D. Kim , Sever Lowell E. , Canfield Mark A.
Published: August 2002

Background

Few registry‐based studies have investigated survival among infants with congenital anomalies. We conducted a registry‐based study to examine patterns and probability of survival during the first year of life among infants with selected congenital anomalies.

Methods

Data from the Texas Birth Defects Monitoring Division were merged with linked birth‐infant death files for 2,774 infants born January 1, 1995 to December 31, 1997, with at least 1 of 23 common anomalies. Deaths before the first birthday were assessed from infant death files. Kaplan–Meier was used to estimate first‐year survival; first‐year survival was assessed for specific anomalies and by the number of life‐threatening anomalies.

Results

Overall, 80.8% of infants with these 23 anomalies survived the first year of life. We observed the highest survival rates for infants with gastroschisis (92.9%, 95% CI = 86.8, 96.3), trisomy 21 (92.3%, 95% CI = 89.5, 94.4) or cleft lip with or without cleft palate (87.6%, 95% CI = 84.0, 90.5). Infants with intermediate survival rates included those with microcephaly (79.7%; 95% CI = 73.6, 84.6), tetralogy of Fallot (75.0%; 95% CI = 65.5, 82.2), or with diaphragmatic hernia (72.8%; 95% CI = 61.8, 81.2). As expected, all infants with anencephaly and almost all infants with trisomy 13 or trisomy 18 died during the first year of life. First‐year survival declined as the number of co‐occurring life‐threatening anomalies increased.

Conclusions

Overall, first‐year survival for infants with congenital anomalies was high. Additional population‐based studies are needed to quantify improvements in first‐year survival. Teratology 64:267–275, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of the organophosphorus insecticide fenitrothion on growth in five freshwater species of phytoplankton
Authors: Sabater Consuelo , Carrasco Jose María
Published: August 2002

The acute toxicity of the insecticide fenitrothion was measured using four freshwater algae (Chlorella saccharophila, Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus acutus, and Scenedesmus subspicatus) and one cyanobacteria (Pseudanabaena galeata). Insecticide concentrations eliciting 50% growth reduction over 96 hr (EC50) ranged from 0.84 to 11.9 mg/L. Fenitrothion was more toxic than other pesticides studied with the same algal species such as chlorsulfuron, molinate, and pyridaphenthion. The transformation of effective concentrations of fenitrothion and other pesticides obtained from toxicity measurements into percent of the saturation level in water is used as a first evaluation of potential hazard to aquatic systems. The insecticides fenitrothion and pyridaphenthion were less hazardous than the herbicides atrazine, benthiocarb, cinosulfuron, chlorsulfuron, methyl‐bensulfuron, and molinate. The two species of Chlorella and the cyanobacterium Pseudanabaena were more tolerant to fenitrothion than the two species of Scenedesmus. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol 16: 314–320, 2001
A computer vision approach for textile quality control
Authors: Anagnostopoulos C. , Vergados D. , Kayafas E. , Loumos V. , Stassinopoulos G.
Published: August 2002

Textile manufacturers have to monitor the quality of their products in order to maintain the high‐quality standards established for the clothing industry. Thus, textile quality control is a key factor for the increase of competitiveness of their companies. Textile faults have traditionally been detected by human visual inspection. However, human inspection is time consuming and does not achieve a high level of accuracy. Therefore, industrial vision units are of strategic interest for the textile industry as they could form the basis of a system achieving a high degree of accuracy on textile inspection. This work describes the software core of a system designed for fabric inspection on the basis of simple image‐processing operations as well as its efficiency on detection of usual textile defects. The prerequisites of the overall system are then discussed analytically, as well as the limitations and the restrictions imposed due to the nature of the problem. The software algorithm and the evaluation of the first results are also presented in details. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Cartesian product for animation
Authors: Skapin X. , Lienhardt P.
Published: August 2002

In the field of geometric modelling for animation, 4D modelling (time being the fourth dimension) seems to be a natural extension of 3D modelling. But time dimension is not easy to apprehend and 4D objects are difficult to interpret and to control in general. We study the application of space‐time Cartesian product to construct 4D space‐time objects; Cartesian product is applied to space‐time objects for which topological dimension is lesser than 4, and which are easy to interpret as animations. We propose here an interpretation of such objects, and we show how 4D space‐time objects, resulting from Cartesian product, can be interpreted (and therefore controlled) according to the operands of Cartesian product. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mobility‐based call admission control schemes for wireless mobile networks
Authors: Hou Jiongkuan , Fang Yuguang
Published: August 2002

Call admission control (CAC) plays a significant role in providing the desired Quality of Service (QoS) in wireless networks. In this paper, we present some new call admission control schemes: mobility‐based call admission schemes and new call bounding schemes, for wireless mobile networks providing services to multiple classes of mobile users (i.e. pedestrians and vehicular travelers). Since the salient feature of wireless mobile networks is the mobility, an ongoing call in one place may have potential impact on the resource usage in another place in the future, the concept of influence curve is introduced to characterize such influence that an ongoing call exerts on the adjacent cells, according to which the channel reservation can be adjusted dynamically and mobility‐based call admission control schemes can be designed. To overcome potential congestion, we also propose a new call bounding scheme which places a direct limitation on the number of new calls admitted to a cell. Four CAC schemes are proposed and analyzed via analytical modeling and simulation study. It is shown that our schemes are more effective in providing QoS than other previously known schemes. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Constitutive promoter modules for PCR‐based gene modification in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: DeMarini Douglas J. , Carlin Edward M. , Livi George P.
Published: August 2002

Initial steps in investigating gene function often include deleting and overexpressing the gene of interest and identifying the subcellular location of the gene product. To facilitate these procedures, a number of new PCR modules, which contain selectable markers and in some cases other genetic elements (e.g promoter elements, epitope tags, and reporter genes) have been developed. These modules are used as PCR substrates to create products that can be targeted to specified locations in the yeast genome, thus modifying that genomic locus. We describe here a series of plasmids that contain a truncated version of the strong ADH1 promoter with and without amino‐terminal 3HA and GST tags. Because these plasmids contain the same vector sequences as the GAL1 promoter plasmids, a constitutive and an inducible promoter can now be integrated with a minimal number of primers. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cloning and sequencing the genomic encoding region of copper–zinc superoxide dismutase enzyme from several marine strains of the genus Debaryomyces (Lodder & Kreger‐van Rij)
Authors: Hernández‐Saavedra Norma Y. , Romero‐Geraldo Reyna
Published: August 2002

Copper–zinc superoxide dismutase (SODC) is a cytosolic enzyme which catalyses the dismutation of the superoxide radical. Due to its physiological importance, the encoding genes have been cloned from several species of higher eukaryotes. However, genes from moulds and yeast have not been studied extensively. In this paper, the encoding region of this gene (sod1) has been cloned from several strains of marine yeast belonging to the genus Debaryomyces (dvv sod1, dvy sod1 and dh sod1‐61) through genomic DNA–PCR amplification. Fragments of 480–486 nucleotides were obtained, which contain information for products of 153–156 amino acids with calculated molecular masses of 15.8–16.6 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence shows that D. vanrijiae enzymes present three additional amino acids not closely related to the active site conformation. In addition, in D. vanrijiae var. vanrijiae (strain 020), one histidine residue is apparently replaced by a proline; the incidence and function of other aromatic or heterocyclic amino acids is discussed. Homology and phylogenetic trees were constructed from amino‐acid sequence multi‐alignment analyses; the interrelationships among fungi are discussed. The sod‐1 sequences reported in this paper were deposited in the public data library of the NCBI under Accession Nos AF301019, AF327449 and AF327448. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cloning of a fatty acid synthase component FAS1 gene from Saccharomyces kluyveri and its functional complementation of S. cerevisiae fas1 mutant
Authors: Kajiwara Susumu , Oura Takahiro , Shishido Kazuo
Published: August 2002

A gene encoding a fatty acid synthase component, FAS1, has been cloned from a genomic library of the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)‐producing yeast Saccharomyces kluyveri. This gene (named Sk‐FAS1) was found to contain an open reading frame of 6150 bp, coding for 2049 amino acids. The deduced Sk‐FAS1 protein showed significant (75–59%) homology with FAS proteins from the other yeasts, including S. cerevisiae, Candida albicans and Yarrowia lipolytica. The substrate‐binding sites of the acetyl transferase and malonyl/palmitoyl transferase domains, and the FMN‐ and NADPH‐binding sites of the enoyl reductase domain, were all highly conserved. Expression of the Sk‐FAS1 gene in S. cerevisiae complemented genetic disruption of the S. cerevisiae FAS1 gene (Sc‐FAS1), suggesting the formation of a heterogeneous complex of Sk‐FAS1 (β) and Sc‐FAS2 (α), which is able to function to synthesize fatty acids. Compared with the isogenic wild‐type of S. cerevisiae, as well as S. kluyveri, the S. cerevisiae fas1 mutant carrying the Sk‐FAS1 gene showed an increase in the relative amount of 16‐carbon fatty acids and a decrease in 18‐carbon fatty acids. The DDBJ Accession No. for the sequence reported in this paper is AB054690. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Candida albicans 14‐3‐3 gene, BMH1, is essential for growth
Authors: Cognetti David , Davis Dana , Sturtevant Joy
Published: August 2002

The 14‐3‐3 proteins are a family of conserved small acidic proteins that have been implicated in playing major roles in a wide variety of signalling cascades. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the 14‐3‐3 genes (BMH1 and BMH2) are essential for normal pseudohyphal induction and normal bud cell development. The Bmh proteins function in the cAMP‐dependent RAS/MAPK and rapamycin‐sensitive signalling cascades. Deletion of only one BMH gene demonstrates no phenotypic differences under normal growth conditions. Strains deleted of both BMH1 and BMH2 are either non‐viable or demonstrate sensitivity to environmental stresses. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the BMH homologues (RAD24 and RAD25) are essential for cell cycle control after DNA damage and deletion of both genes renders the cell inviable. The 14‐3‐3 gene in Candida albicans (BMH1) was identified using a novel adherence assay and differential display RT–PCR. Unlike other yeasts, C. albicans has only one 14‐3‐3 gene (BMH1). It was not possible to construct double knockouts by routine methods. These results suggested that the C. albicans BMH1 gene is essential. The essentiality of C. albicans BMH1 was confirmed by a PCR disruption technique. The C. albicans bmh1Δ/BMH1 heterozygotes exhibit growth and morphogenetic defects. Therefore, the BMH1 gene in C. albicans (Accession No. AF038154) isan excellent candidate to improve our understanding of the coordinate regulation of cell cycle and morphogenesis. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thresholds for sweet, salt, and sour taste stimuli in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus)
Authors: Matson Kevin D. , Millam James R. , Klasing Kirk C.
Published: August 2002

Little is known about avian taste perception and how taste affects food choice. We designed a study to determine the concentrations of aqueous solutions of common chemical taste stimuli that result in altered consumption patterns. Using two‐choice taste‐preference tests, we studied the taste thresholds of caged cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) for aqueous solutions of potassium chloride, a phosphate buffer (to test pH), fructose, and glucose. First, the preferred and nonpreferred bottle locations were determined for each bird. Then, depending on the compound, the test solutions were placed in bottles in either the preferred or the nonpreferred locations and water was placed in the opposite bottle. Four parameters were measured at the end of 3‐day test periods (total consumption, consumption from water side, consumption from test solution side, and proportion of nonpreferred side consumption to total consumption). Experiments were repeated with increasing concentrations of test flavors until intake variables were significantly affected (P < 0.05). Cockatiels distinguished (P < 0.05) between purified water and 0.16 mol L–1 potassium chloride, 0.40 mol L–1 fructose, or 0.16 mol L–1 glucose. The test birds did not distinguish between water and 0.05 mol L–1 mono‐ and dibasic sodium phosphate buffer solution at any tested pH within the range of 4.9–7.7. When these findings are compared to previous experiments with the same birds, it becomes clear that the gustatory reactions of cockatiels for two different stimuli (e.g., NaCl and KCl) from the same general taste category (salt, sweet, sour) can vary widely. This variation in the responses to related stimuli could be the result of a number of factors including anion effects (for salts and acids) as well as nongustatory physiological processes (e.g., as renal control of blood osmolarity). Zoo Biol 20:1–13, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A preliminary behavioral comparison of two captive all‐male gorilla groups
Authors: Stoinski T.S. , Hoff M.P. , Lukas K.E. , Maple T.L.
Published: August 2002

Gorillas live in polygamous harem groups, generally composed of one male, several adult females, and their offspring. With an equal numbers of male and female gorillas born in captivity, however, housing gorillas in social breeding units inevitably means that some males will not have access to female social partners. Thus, the future of the captive gorilla population depends on the collective ability of zoos to house equal numbers of males and females. This study examined the behavioral profiles of two all‐male groups of captive lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) to provide information on this type of housing situation. One group consisted of three subadult individuals, while the other consisted of two subadults and a silverback. Data were collected during two 6‐month intervals, for a total of 284 hr. The behavioral profiles of the animals were stable over the course of the study but proximity patterns changed. Differences in feeding, solitary play, and object‐directed behavior were found between groups, while no significant differences were observed in affiliative or agonistic social behavior. At both institutions, group cohesion appeared to be high, particularly between subadults; these individuals spent approximately 10% of their time engaging in social behavior and 25–50% of their time in close proximity (within 5 m). However, the Zoo Atlanta males spent significantly more time within 1 m and 5 m of each other than the Santa Barbara males, which may reflect a higher level of cohesiveness among members of the Zoo Atlanta group. The behavioral profiles of the animals in this study were similar to those found in bachelor groups of wild mountain gorillas. One notable exception was the absence of homosexual behavior between the silverback and subadults in Santa Barbara and the low frequency of this behavior between subadults in both groups. Although more longitudinal data are needed, these data suggest that all‐male groups can be a feasible housing strategy for males at certain periods of their life span. Zoo Biol 20:27–40, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Artificial insemination in captive whooping cranes: Results from genetic analyses
Authors: Jones Kenneth L. , Nicolich Jane M.
Published: August 2002

Artificial insemination has been used frequently in the captive whooping crane (Grus americana) population. In the 1980s, it was necessary at times to inseminate females with semen from several males during the breeding season or with semen from multiple males simultaneously due to unknown sperm viability of the breeding males. The goals of this study were to apply microsatellite DNA profiles to resolve uncertain paternities and to use these results to evaluate the current paternity assignment assumptions used by captive managers. Microsatellite DNA profiles were successful in resolving 20 of 23 paternity questions. When resolved paternities were coupled with data on insemination timing, substantial information was revealed on fertilization timing in captive whooping cranes. Delayed fertilization from inseminations 6+ days pre‐oviposition suggests capability of sperm storage. Zoo Biol 20:331–342, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patellar tendon anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with conical press‐fit femoral fixation: 5‐year results in athletes population
Authors: Gobbi Alberto , Diara Alberto , Mahajan Sanjeev , Zanazzo Milco , Tuy Benjamin
Published: August 2002

Bone–patellar tendon autograft is probably the most widely used graft for ACL reconstruction. Several methods for graft fixation have been described. To avoid intra‐articular hardware we adopt biological fixation with a femoral conical press‐fit fixation. A prospective study was performed on 40 consecutive active athletes who underwent ACL reconstruction with this technique by the same surgeon between November 1994 and September 1995 (mean follow‐up 46 months, range 36–62). Results were evaluated by an independent examiner using radiography, computed tomography, subjective and objective evaluation, and isokinetic and functional strength tests. Assessment using the IKDC knee scoring revealed 85% of the patients with a normal or nearly normal knee joint; Tegner's score was 7.5 preoperatively and 6.0 postoperatively, with 60% of the athletes returning to the preinjury sport and level. No patients had instability, with 90% having less than 3 mm side‐to‐side difference on computerized analysis. The isokinetic test showed mild quadriceps deficit at 3 and 6 months, with no deficit at final follow‐up; four patients complained of anterior knee pain and had a positive kneeling test. We found no graft dislocation. All cases showed radiological evidence of graft integration at 3 months time. Long‐term results support this technique as× a simple, cost‐effective, and reliable alternative for patellar tendon fixation in ACL reconstruction.
Balance board training: prevention of traumatic injuries of the lower extremities in female soccer players?
Authors: Söderman K. , Werner S. , Pietilä T. , Engström B. , Alfredson H.
Published: August 2002

This prospective randomized intervention investigated whether training on a balance board could reduce the amount of traumatic injuries of the lower extremities in female soccer players. A total of 221 female soccer players from 13 different teams playing in the second and third Swedish divisions volunteered to participate in the study. Seven teams (n=121) were randomized to an intervention group and six teams (n=100) to a control group and were followed during one outdoor season (April–October). Before and after the season muscle flexibility and balance/postural sway of the lower extremities were measured in the players. There were no significant differences in age, height, weight, muscle flexibility and balance/postural sway of the lower extremities between the intervention and the control group. During the season the players in the intervention group performed a special training program consisting of 10–15 min of balance board training in addition to their standard soccer practice and games. After a 37% drop‐out the intervention group consisted of 62 players and the control group of 78 players. The results showed no significant differences between the groups with respect either to the number, incidence, or type of traumatic injuries of the lower extremities. The incidence rate of “major” injuries was higher in the intervention group than in the control group. Four of five anterior cruciate ligament injuries occurred in the intervention group, which means that we could not prevent severe knee injuries in female soccer players with balance board training. However, among the players who had been injured during the 3‐month period prior to this investigation there were significantly more players from the control group than from the intervention group who sustained new injuries during the study period.
Connective Tissue Growth Factor Gene Expression Alters Tumor Progression in Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Koliopanos Alexander , Friess Helmut , di Mola Fabio F. , Tang When‐Hao , Kubulus Darius , Brigstock David , Zimmermann Arthur , Büchler Markus W.
Published: August 2002

The ability of cancer cells to initiate specific fibroblast reactions may subsequently determine tumor evolution. In the present study we examined the coordinated expression of transforming growth factor‐beta‐1 (TGF‐b1), its signaling receptors, and its downstream mediator—connective tissue growth factor
(CTGF)—and their impact on tumor progression and fibrogenesis in esophageal carcinomas. Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of TGF‐b1, CTGF, TGF‐b receptor subtype I ALK5
(TbR‐IALK5), and TGF‐b receptor type II (TbR‐II) was studied by Northern blot analysis in esophageal cancer and the normal esophagus. By means of immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis,
the respective proteins were localized in the tissue samples and the protein content was quantitated. Northern blot analysis revealed 3‐fold and 4‐fold increases (p <0.05) in TGF‐b1 and CTGF mRNA levels, respectively, in esophageal cancer in comparison with normal controls, whereas TbR‐I mRNA levels were significantly decreased and TbR‐II mRNA levels were unchanged in the cancer samples. Immunostaining revealed results similar to those seen on the RNA level. TGF‐b1 and CTGF immunoreactivity were increased, TbR‐II was unchanged, and TbR‐IALK5 immunoreactivity was decreased. CTGF immunoreactivity was mainly present in the stroma surrounding the cancer cells but was also present in the cancer cells.
The degree of fibrosis was different in squamous and adenocarcinomas and was significantly related to CTGF mRNA expression levels. The presence of CTGF in squamous cell carcinomas was associated with longer survival, whereas in adenocarcinomas it influenced survival negatively.
The findings indicate that TGF‐b signaling is disturbed in esophageal cancer. CTGF, a downstream effector of TGF‐b action, differentially influences the composition of tumor microenvironment and distinct cell‐matrix interactions in the two histological types of esophageal carcinoma, resulting in differences in tumor progression and patient survival.
Manometric Comprobation of Esophagogastric Junction Competence after Nissen Fundoplication and Its Relation to the Length of Fundic Wrap
Authors: del Pino Porres F. Javier , Sancho Fornos Salvador , Benages Martínez Adolfo , Mora Francisco
Published: August 2002

We present 98 patients operated on by two techniques of 360‐degree fundoplication due to gastroesopagheal reflux disease and divided in two groups: Group I comprised those who were given a conventional valve 5 cm in length, and group II underwent a short fundoplication that did not surpass 1.5 cm. All were subjected to preoperative esophageal manometry, with determination of the pressure and length of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and the motor behavior of the esophageal body. The postoperative manometric results are analyzed, checking that after fundoplication there was a significant increase in tone and length of the LES (p < 0.00005); there were no differences between the two groups (p= 0.9920 and p= 0.2160, respectively). The motor function of the esophageal body did not change after surgery. We conclude that even the smallest length of the fundic wrap does not cause a reduction in the pressure and length of the manometric LES; that is, the antireflux effectiveness, measured by manometry, did not depend on the anterior length of the valvuloplasty.