bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ε‐sarcoglycan mutations found in combination with other dystonia gene mutations
Authors: Klein Christine , Liu Liu , Doheny Dana , Kock Norman , Müller Birgitt , De Carvalho Aguiar Patricia , Leung Joanne , De Leon Deborah , Bressman Susan B. , Silverman Jeremy , Smith Christopher , Danisi Fabio , Morrison Chris , Walker Ruth H. , Velickovic Miodrag , Schwinger Eberhard , Kramer Patricia L. , Breakefield Xandra O. , Brin Mitchell F. , Ozelius Laurie J.
Published: October 2002

Myoclonus‐dystonia is a movement disorder associated with mutations in the ε‐sarcoglycan gene (SGCE) in most families and in the DRD2 and DYT1 genes in two single families. In both of the latter families, we also found a mutation of SGCE. The molecular mechanisms through which the detected mutations may contribute to myoclonus‐dystonia remain to be determined.
Dyskinesia after fetal cell transplantation for parkinsonism: A PET study
Authors: Ma Yilong , Feigin Andrew , Dhawan Vijay , Fukuda Masafumi , Shi Qiuhu , Greene Paul , Breeze Robert , Fahn Stanley , Freed Curt , Eidelberg David
Published: October 2002

Persistent dyskinesias in the absence of or with only minimal amounts of dopaminergic medication have been reported after dopamine cell implantation for Parkinson's disease. In this study, we used [18F]fluorodopa (FDOPA) and positron emission tomography to determine whether this complication resulted from specific alterations in dopamine function after transplantation. Caudate and putamen FDOPA uptake values in these patients (DYS+, n = 5) were compared with those obtained in a cohort of age‐ and disease duration‐matched transplant recipients who did not develop this complication (DYS−, n = 12). PET signal for both groups was compared at baseline and at 12 and 24 months after transplantation. We found that putamen FDOPA uptake was significantly increased (p < 0.005) in DYS+ transplant recipients. These increases were predominantly localized to two zones within the left putamen. In addition to the posterodorsal zone in which a prominent reduction in FDOPA uptake was present at baseline, the DYS+ group also displayed a relative increase ventrally, in which preoperative dopaminergic input was relatively preserved. Postoperative FDOPA uptake did not reach supranormal values over the 24‐month follow‐up period. These findings suggest that unbalanced increases in dopaminergic function can complicate the outcome of neuronal transplantation for parkinsonism.
“True” sporadic ALS associated with a novel SOD‐1 mutation
Authors: Alexander Michael D. , Traynor Bryan J. , Miller Nicole , Corr Bernie , Frost Eithne , McQuaid Shirley , Brett Francesca M. , Green Andrew , Hardiman Orla
Published: October 2002

Mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene (SOD‐1) are reported in 20% of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases, but no definite report of a mutation in a “truly” sporadic case of ALS has been proved. We present the first case of a novel SOD‐1 mutation in a patient with genetically proven sporadic ALS. This mutation (H80A) is believed to alter zinc ligand binding, and its functional significance correlates well with the aggressive clinical course and postmortem findings observed in this patient.
Symptoms in carriers of adrenoleukodystrophy relate to skewed X inactivation
Authors: Maier Esther M. , Kammerer Stefan , Muntau Ania C. , Wichers Maria , Braun Andreas , Roscher Adelbert A.
Published: October 2002

Skewing of X inactivation may contribute to the manifestation of symptoms in adrenoleukodystrophy carriers. We observed highly skewed X inactivation in 32% of 22 symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers but not in 7 related and 35 unrelated controls. Skewing of X inactivation correlated with clinical neurological scores but not with the extent of very long‐chain fatty acid accumulation. Transcript analysis in cultured fibroblasts revealed that skewing could occur both in favor of the mutant and the wild‐type allele. Adrenoleukodystrophy carriers are more susceptible to develop skewing of X inactivation in favor of the mutant allele beiing associated with the manifestation of symptoms.
Vitamin A in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with and without idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Warner Judith E. A. , Bernstein Paul S. , Yemelyanov Alexander , Alder Stephen C. , Farnsworth Steven T. , Digre Kathleen B.
Published: October 2002

We quantified vitamin A in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, elevated intracranial pressure of other causes and normal intracranial pressure. Vitamin A could be detected by high‐pressure liquid chromatography in most of the specimens. There was a significantly higher level of vitamin A in the cerebrospinal fluid of some patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Vitamin A toxicity may play a role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
Hydration of polysaccharide hyaluronan observed by IR spectrometry. I. Preliminary experiments and band assignments
Authors: Haxaire K. , Maréchal Y. , Milas M. , Rinaudo M.
Published: October 2002

This article is the first one in a series dedicated to the study of hyaluronan as observed by IR spectrometry. The goal is to determine its hydration mechanism and the structural changes this mechanism implies. Hyaluronan is a natural polysaccharide that is widely used in biomedical applications and cosmetics. Its macroscopic properties are significantly dependent on its degree of hydration. In this article we record the IR spectrum of a several micron thick dried film and deduce that four or five residual H2O molecules remain around each disaccharide repeat unit in the dried film. We then compare the spectra of sodium hyaluronan and its acid form to assign vibrational bands linked to the carboxylate group. We proceed with a qualitative analysis of the spectral changes induced by changes of temperature and hygroscopicity, two independent parameters that act by modifying the hydrogen bond network of the sample. This enables us to assign most of the vibrational bands of the hydrophilic groups and to distinguish the bands that are due to these hydrophilic groups when they are or are not hydrogen bonded. It constitutes a prerequisite for the quantitative analysis of hydration spectra that will be described in the following articles of this series. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy) 72: 10–20, 2003
Fourier transform vibrational circular dichroism as a decisive tool for conformational studies of peptides containing tyrosyl residues
Authors: Borics Attila , Murphy Richard F. , Lovas Sándor
Published: October 2002

Previous UV–circular dichroism (UV–CD) and NMR studies showed that Ac‐AAAAAAAEAAKA‐NH2 has an α‐helical structure in 50% (v/v) aqueous trifluoroethanol. Replacement of Ala1 to Ala6 with Tyr results in spectra that show an apparent loss of helicity in the same solvent. This apparent loss of helicity could be attributed to the coupling of the tyrosyl side chain chromophore with the backbone amide. However, such electronic coupling does not affect the vibrational CD (VCD) spectra. The VCD spectra of the peptides with tyrosyl residues were identical to that of the peptide containing no Tyr, which shows the same α‐helical structure. Because it is now clear that Tyr replacement does not change the backbone conformation of peptides, UV–CD measurements should be complemented by VCD to determine the secondary structure when electronic effects can disturb the UV–CD spectrum of the inherent structure. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy) 72: 21–24, 2003
Theoretical and pH dependent surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy study on caffeine
Authors: Pavel I. , Szeghalmi A. , Moigno D. , Cîntă S. , Kiefer W.
Published: October 2002

The surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) spectrum of caffeine is recorded on a silver colloid at different pH values. It is discussed on the basis of the SERS “surface selection rules” in order to characterize its vibrational behavior on such a biological artificial model. To improve the previous assignments in the Raman spectrum and for a reliable, detailed analysis of SERS spectra, density functional theory calculations (structural parameters, harmonic vibrational wavenumbers, total electron density, and natural population analysis of the molecule) are performed for the anhydrous form of caffeine and the results are discussed. The predicted geometry and vibrational Raman spectra are in good agreement with the experimental data. The flat orientation of the mainly chemisorbed caffeine attached through the π electrons and the lone pair of nonmethylated N atoms of the imidazole ring are proposed to occur at neutral and basic pH values. At acid pH values caffeine is probably adsorbed on the Ag surface through one or both oxygen atoms, more probably through the O atom of the conjugated carbonyl group with an end‐on orientation. However, the changes in the overall SERS spectral pattern seem to indicate the electromagnetic mechanism as being the dominant one. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy) 72: 25–37, 2003
Conformational properties of 2′,5′ linked Rp‐ and Sp‐phosphorothioate oligoadenylates studied by circular dichroism and NMR
Authors: Shimazu Masamitu , Kawai Gohta , Okutsu Tetsuo , Shiozuka Kazuo , Sawai Hiroaki
Published: October 2002

2′,5′‐Linked oligoadenylates (2‐5A) are involved in the antiviral action of interferon. The 2‐5A binds and activates 2‐5A dependent RNase (RNase L), which degrades viral mRNA, resulting in the inhibition of protein synthesis. 2′,5′‐Linked phosphorothioate oligoadenylates with an Rp configuration bind to and activate the RNase L. On the other hand, 2′,5′ phosphorothioate oligoadenylate with an Sp configuration weakly binds to the RNase L and is devoid of the RNase L activation ability. Comparative circular dichroism (CD) and NMR studies are carried out to characterize the difference in properties between the two configurations of the 2′,5′ phosphorothioate oligoadenylates. 2′,5′ Rp‐Phosphorothioate oligoadenylates showed CD spectra similar to those of the corresponding native 2′,5′ oligoadenylates, while the 2′,5′ Sp‐phosphorothioate oligoadenylates exhibited a weaker CD band compared to the former two, indicating the weaker base‐stacking interaction of the 2′,5′ Sp‐phosphorothioate oligoadenylates. The temperature‐dependent change in the CD revealed that 2′,5′ phosphorothioate oligoadenylates showed larger ΔH° and ΔS° values for the thermal transition of the conformation than the corresponding native 2′,5′ oligoadenylates. The NMR spectral assignment was accomplished by several NMR measuring techniques. The 2′‐H of the ribose ring linked to the 2′,5′ Sp‐phosphorothioate showed a higher field chemical shift of the proton NMR than that linked to the corresponding 2′,5′ Rp‐phosphorothioate. 2′,5′ Rp‐ and Sp‐phosphorothioate oligoadenylates possess a sugar conformation similar to that of the corresponding native 2′,5′ oligoadenylates. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy) 72: 48–58, 2003
Removal of blood components from cervical smears: Implications for cancer diagnosis using FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Romeo Melissa J. , Wood Bayden R. , Quinn Michael A. , McNaughton Don
Published: October 2002

Red and white cell lysis buffers were investigated to determine their ability to remove blood components from cervical smears prior to IR microspectroscopy. A white cell lysis buffer was effective in increasing the spectral reproducibility and sample homogeneity and in reducing the presence of inflammatory exudate, particularly leukocytes, from cervical smears. The reduction of leukocytes appeared to cause abnormal samples to be grouped with normal samples, resulting in poor discrimination. Despite differences between the cytological and histological diagnoses of cervical abnormalities, the results indicate that the differences seen in the spectra of exfoliated malignant and nonmalignant cervical cells could be due to the presence of inflammation. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy) 72: 69–76, 2003
Effect of psoralens on Fenton‐like reaction generating reactive oxygen species
Authors: Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y. , Kladna Alexandra , Kruk Irena , Lichszteld Krzysztof , Michalska Teresa
Published: October 2002

Psoralens (psoralen, 5‐methoxypsoralen, 8‐methoxypsoralen, khellin, and visnagin) in 1 mM doses were shown to enhance the generation of reactive oxygen species, such as the hydroxyl radical (HO·), the superoxide anion radical (
), and singlet oxygen (1O2), from the system generating chemiluminescence (CL), as well as free radicals in the absence of light. The system that generated CL was made up of CoCl2 and H2O2. Incubation of psoralens in 0.2 mM doses with the generating system showed that only 8‐methoxypsoralen and khellin have antioxidative effects. Antioxidative effects were also observed in the case of visnagin but in low concentration (0.05 mM). High doses of psoralens (1 mM) showed prooxidative effects. Measurements were done using a deoxyribose assay, the CL method, and spin‐trapping with 5,5‐dimethyl‐1‐pyrroline‐N‐oxide and 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine combined with electron spin resonance spectroscopy and spectrophotometry methods. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy) 72: 59–68, 2003
Laboratory‐scale continuous reactor for soluble selenium removal using selenate‐reducing bacterium, Bacillus sp. SF‐1
Authors: Fujita Masanori , Ike Michihiko , Kashiwa Masami , Hashimoto Ryoko , Soda Satoshi
Published: October 2002

A model continuous flow bioreactor (volume 0.5 L) was constructed for removing toxic soluble selenium (selenate/selenite) of high concentrations using a selenate‐reducing bacterium, Bacillus sp. SF‐1, which transforms selenate into elemental selenium via selenite for anaerobic respiration. Model wastewater contained 41.8 mg‐Se/L selenate and excess lactate as the carbon and energy source; the bioreactor was operated as an anoxic, completely mixed chemostat with cell retention time between 2.2–95.2 h. At short cell retention times selenate was removed by the bioreactor, but accumulation of selenite was observed. At long cell retention times soluble selenium, both selenate and selenite, was successfully reduced into nontoxic elemental selenium. A simple mathematical model is proposed to evaluate Se reduction ability of strain SF‐1. First‐order kinetic constants for selenate and selenite reduction were estimated to be 2.9 × 10−11 L/cells/h and 5.5 × 10−13 L/cells/h, respectively. The yield of the bacterial cells by selenate reduction was estimated to be 2.2 × 109 cells/mg‐Se. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 80: 755–761, 2002.
Process control for enhanced L‐phenylalanine production using different recombinant Escherichia coli strains
Authors: Gerigk M. , Bujnicki R. , Ganpo‐Nkwenkwa E. , Bongaerts J. , Sprenger G. , Takors R.
Published: October 2002

A novel fed‐batch approach for the production of L‐phenylalanine (L‐Phe) with recombinant E. coli is presented concerning the on‐line control of the key fermentation parameters glucose and tyrosine. Two different production strains possessing either the tyrosine feedback resistant aroFfbr (encoding tyrosine feedback resistant DAHP‐synthase (3‐desoxy‐D‐arabino‐heptusonate‐7‐phosphate)) or the wild‐type aroFwt were used as model systems to elucidate the necessity of finding an individual process optimum for each genotype. With the aid of tyrosine control, wild‐type aroFwt could be used for L‐Phe production achieving higher final L‐Phe titers (34 g/L) than the aroFfbr strain (28 g/L) and providing higher DAHP‐synthase activities. With on‐line glucose control, an optimum glucose concentration of 5 g/L could be identified that allowed a sufficient carbon supply for L‐Phe production while at the same time an overflow metabolism leading to acetate by‐product formation was avoided. The process approach is suitable for other production strains not only in lab‐scale but also in pilot‐scale bioreactors. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 80: 746–754, 2002.
Structural and catalytic response to temperature and cosolvents of carboxylesterase EST1 from the extremely thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus P1
Authors: Sehgal Amitabh C. , Tompson Richele , Cavanagh John , Kelly Robert M.
Published: October 2002

The interactive effects of temperature and cosolvents on the kinetic and structural features of a carboxylesterase from the extremely thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus P1 (Sso EST1) were examined. While dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, and dioxane were all found to be deleterious to enzyme function, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) activated Sso EST1 to various extents. This was particularly true at 3.5% (v/v) DMSO, where kcat was 20–30% higher than at 1.2% DMSO, over the temperature range of 50–85°C. DMSO compensated for thermal activation in some cases; for example, kcat at 60°C in 3.5% DMSO was comparable to kcat at 85°C in 1.2% DMSO. The relationship between DMSO activation and enzyme structural characteristics was also investigated. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and circular dichroism showed no gross change in enzyme conformation with 3.5% DMSO between 50 and 80°C. However, low levels of DMSO were shown to have a small yet significant change in enzyme conformation. This was evident through the reduction of Sso EST1's melting temperature and changes in the microenvironment of the enzyme's tyrosine and tryptophan residues at 3.5% versus 1.2% (v/v) solvent. Finally, activation parameter analysis based on kinetic data, at 1.2% and 3.5% DMSO, implied an increase in conformational flexibility with additional cosolvent. These results suggest the activating effect of DMSO was related to small changes in the enzyme's structure resulting in an increase in its conformational flexibility. Thus, in addition to their use for solubilizing hydrophobic substrates in water, cosolvents may also serve as activators in applications involving thermostable biocatalysts at sub‐optimal temperatures. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 80: 784–793, 2002.
Effect of gene location, mRNA secondary structures, and RNase sites on expression of two genes in an engineered operon
Authors: Smolke Christina D. , Keasling Jay D.
Published: October 2002

The effects of endoribonuclease sites, secondary structures in mRNA, and gene placement on protein production and mRNA stability and steady‐state levels were tested in a dual‐gene operon containing the genes encoding β‐galactosidase (lacZ) from Escherichia coli and green fluorescent protein (gfp) from Aequorea victoria. Two previously identified RNase E sites were placed separately between the coding regions to direct cleavage in this area and produce two secondary transcripts, each containing a single‐gene coding region. Novel secondary structures were engineered into the 3′ and 5′ ends of each of the coding regions to protect the transcript from inactivation by endoribonucleases (5′ hairpins) and degradation by exoribonucleases (3′ hairpins). In addition, the effects of relative gene placement were examined by switching the locations of the two coding regions. Depending on the particular secondary structures and RNase E sites placed between the genes the relative steady‐state transcript and protein levels encoded by the two reporter genes could be changed up to 2.5‐fold and 4‐fold, respectively. By changing gene location and incorporating secondary structures and RNase E sites the relative steady‐state transcript and protein levels encoded by the two reporter genes could be changed up to 100‐fold and 750‐fold, respectively. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 80: 762–776, 2002.
Modeling, optimization and experimental assessment of continuous L‐(−)‐carnitine production by Escherichia coli cultures
Authors: Alvarez‐Vasquez Fernando , Cánovas Manuel , Iborra José L. , Torres Néstor V.
Published: October 2002

In a previous paper Cánovas et al. (Biotechnol Bioeng 2002;77:764–775) presented a model for L‐(−)‐carnitine production using Escherichia coli O44 K74, in a cell‐recycle bioreactor for the biotransformation of crotonobetaine into L‐carnitine. In this work we optimize this biotechnological setup and experimentally verify the predicted optimal parameter profiles. Provided with a reliable and robust S‐system description of the cell–bioreactor combined system, we applied the Indirect Optimization Method described by Torres et al. (Biotechnol Bioeng 1997;55(5):758–772; Food Technol Biotechnol 1998;36(3):177–184). This optimization approach provides different parameter value profiles, all of which are compatible with the cell physiology and the bioreactor operating conditions, that yield increased rates of L‐(−)‐carnitine production. Three parameters were seen to be of critical importance for maximizing L‐(−)‐carnitine production: the dilution rate, the initial crotonobetaine concentration, and the carnitine dehydratase activity. When the first two were changed in the experimental setup, there was a 74% increase in the L‐(−)‐carnitine production rate, performance that was in close agreement with the predictions of the model. In accordance with the optimized solution, a further improvement (90% increase in the L‐(−)‐carnitine production rate) could be attained by over‐expressing up to 5 times the carnitine dehydratase basal activity. Thus the optimization approach shown herein provides experimental evidence of a new strategy which demonstrates the possible variables that can be subjected to modifications compatible with the cell physiology and bioreactor operating conditions, and which are able to yield increased rates of L‐(−)‐carnitine production. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 80: 794–805, 2002.
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) expression in plant cell culture: Kinetics of antigen accumulation in batch culture and its intracellular form
Authors: Smith Mark L. , Mason Hugh S. , Shuler Michael L.
Published: October 2002

The production of edible vaccines in transgenic plants and plant cell culture may be improved through a better understanding of antigen processing and assembly. The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was chosen for study because it undergoes substantial and complex post‐translational modifications, which are necessary for its immunogenicity. This antigen was expressed in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr. cv Williams 82) and tobacco NT1 (Nicotiana tabacum L.) cell suspension cultures, and HBsAg production in batch culture was characterized. The plant‐derived antigen consisted predominantly of disulfide cross‐linked HBsAg protein (p24s) dimers, which were all membrane associated. Similar to yeast, the plant‐expressed HBsAg was retained intracellularly. The maximal HBsAg titers were obtained with soybean suspension cultures (20–22 mg/L) with titers in tobacco cultures being approximately 10‐fold lower. For soybean cells, electron microscopy and immunolocalization demonstrated that all the HBsAg was localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and provoked dilation and proliferation of the ER network. Sucrose gradient analysis of crude extracts showed that HBsAg had a complex size distribution uncharacteristic of the antigen's normal structure of uniform 22‐nm virus‐like particles. The extent of authentic epitope formation was assessed by comparing total p24s synthesized to that reactive by polyclonal and monoclonal immunoassays. Depending on culture age, between 40% and 100% of total p24s was polyclonal antibody reactive whereas between 6% and 37% was recognized by a commercial monoclonal antibody assay. Possible strategies to increase HBsAg production and improve post‐translational processing are discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 80:812–822, 2002.
Visual color matching under various viewing conditions
Authors: Komatsubara Hitoshi , Kobayashi Shinji , Nasuno Nobuyuki , Nakajima Yasushi , Kumada Shuichi
Published: October 2002

In this article, we provide colorimetry data for which it was judged that the colors between different media matched under various viewing conditions. Painted color patches, a monitor, and printed color patches were used in the color matching experiments, in which we compared the appearances of the painted color patch and the monitor, or the monitor and the printed color patch, using the method of constant stimuli. The nine types of viewing conditions we used could be envisaged to occur when comparing different device outputs indoors. The experimental data obtained were compared with corresponding colors predicted with the use of five types of color appearance model, including color appearance formulae. We found that when the viewing conditions were the same for the different media, there was good agreement between the experimental data and the CIECAT94 model. And by adjusting the brightness induction and the chromatic induction factors, it was possible to improve conformity for the lightness and the chromaticity. Moreover, it was possible to improve the white point shift, which cannot be adjusted with the use of optimized parameters by introducing incomplete adaptation. By optimizing the parameters and introducing incomplete adaptation, it is possible to make the mean color difference ΔE between the corresponding color and the color matching point less than 10 CIELAB units for all of the viewing conditions.
Proposed metameric indices for goniochromatic objects
Authors: Medina Ruiz J. M.
Published: October 2002

As a means of determining the degree of metamerism for goniochromatic objects, a generalized illuminant metamerism index for changes in spectral composition of illuminants has been formulated based on a modified LABD index. This index takes into account factors such as color memory and could be used under paramerism conditions. Consequently, a geometric metamerism and a flop index is also presented. Nevertheless, their estimation is based on the establishment of goniochromatic discrimination functions. All these concepts could be useful in many industrial‐coating applications to achieve an overall measure of variation in goniochromatism on metallic materials.
Chromaticity contour map of the RGB cube: A simple algorithm
Authors: Brill Michael H.
Published: October 2002

A simple algorithm (amenable to spreadsheets) is described for plotting a luminance contour map of the color gamut of an additive‐primary display given the chromaticities of its primaries and screen white. Each contour of the plot represents (in either r,g or x,y coordinates) the polygon of intersection of the RGB cube with a plane of constant Y. Each vertex on a contour is an intersection of 1 of the 12 edges of the RGB cube with the constant‐Y plane. Feasibility of an edge as a vertex of the polygon is tested through comparison of the computed r,g coordinates with functions of the luminosity coefficients of the primaries. By ordering the RGB‐cube edges in a particular way prior to scanning them for feasibility, one is guaranteed to retrieve the vertices of any constant‐Y polygon in convex order. This fact facilitates plotting of the polygons.
Defining a practical method of ascertaining textile color acceptability
Authors: Steen Daniel , Dupont Daniel
Published: October 2002

The relations between supplier and customer are today more important than they have ever been. However, conflicts do sometimes arise between them, deriving from differences in the judgment of color matchings. Colorimetry's role is precisely to avoid such conflicts through instrument measurements. A study was made on the pass/fail problems, based on 1,830 measurements and observations made in industrial textile firms, followed by 350 new tests. Human judgments are as liable to errors as instrument measurements, because the surface effects are often misleading for the observer. This study proposes a sorting method that combines the differences deriving from measurements by colorimetric instruments and by visual judgment. The Color Measurement Committee (CMC) equation, widely used in the textile field, has given excellent practical results. The CIE94 equation, which uses the same principle of ellipsoid tolerance, offers a mathematical simplification as well as further information on the sample observation conditions in order to determine color differences. Nevertheless, these two equations are different, and the CIE94 indexes must not be interpreted with the same tolerances as those of the CMC. Pending the CIE recommendations concerning textile samples, new acceptability tolerances should be redetermined for the CIE94. This article presents an innovative way of calculating metameric indexes that, when coupled with acceptability equations, allow the agreement rate between visual judgment and automatic selection to be increased.
The metabolic demands of driving for drivers with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Cox Daniel J. , Gonder‐Frederick Linda A. , Kovatchev Boris P. , Clarke William L.
Published: October 2002

Background

The active cognitive‐motor demands of driving may have a significant metabolic demand that could contribute to the development of hypoglycemia. Conversely, symptoms caused by the stress of driving may be confused with hypoglycemia and lead to false alarms. This study examined the metabolic demand and the physiological stress of driving on type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) drivers.

Methods

Forty‐three T1DM drivers were placed on a constant insulin infusion/variable dextrose infusion to maintain euglycemia for 30 min while either watching a driving video or actually driving a simulator, in a counterbalanced crossover design. Dextrose infusion, heart rate, epinephrine, and subjective symptom ratings were measured every 5 min. Additionally, subjects were monitored for self‐treatment (drinking soda).

Results

While blood glucose (BG) levels were equivalent across both conditions, actual driving was associated with a higher dextrose infusion rate (p = 0.02), more autonomic symptoms (p < 0.05), increased heart rate (p < 0.001), a trend (p = 0.09) for greater epinephrine release, and more frequent hypoglycemic self‐treatment (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Driving is a task with a significant metabolic demand, which may lower BG, and also that driving stress may be associated with symptoms similar to those of hypoglycemia. Physicians should discuss with their T1DM patients hypoglycemia and driving, and encourage measuring blood glucose before driving and during long drives. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytokine detection by ELISPOT: relevance for immunological studies in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Meierhoff Guido , Ott Patrick A. , Lehmann Paul V. , Schloot Nanette C.
Published: October 2002

Diabetes mellitus type 1 is a chronic disease in which the insulin‐secreting ß‐cells are selectively destroyed by an immune‐mediated process. Autoantibodies directed against several islet antigens are useful parameters to estimate the risk to develop diabetes, but cell‐mediated immunity involving T lymphocytes plays a major part in causing the specific destruction of ß‐cells. T cells are characterized by their antigen‐specificity, phenotype and cytokine‐secreting profile. T cells that secrete cytokines of the T helper 1 (Th1) type have been shown to transfer diabetes in animal studies, in contrast to T helper 2 (Th2) cytokine‐secreting T cells that are thought to be rather nondestructive. In the absence of phenotypic markers for Th1 and Th2 cells, several different approaches have been taken to examine T cell responses in detail. Methods involve T‐cell proliferation assays, Enzyme‐Linked‐Immuno‐Sorbent‐Assay (ELISA) analysis of secreted cytokines and phenotype analysis applying flow cytometry. A more recent development is ELISPOT analysis, which enables the investigator to determine the qualitative and quantitative antigen‐specific immune response on a single‐cell level with regard to cytokine secretion. This article aims to give an introduction to the advantages and limitations inherent in the different techniques and their potential relevance for immunological studies in diabetes mellitus type 1. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contributions of endothelin‐1 and sodium hydrogen exchanger‐1 in the diabetic myocardium
Authors: Hileeto Denise , Cukiernik Mark , Mukherjee Suranjana , Evans Terry , Barbin Yousef , Downey Donal , Karmazyn Morris , Chakrabarti Subrata
Published: October 2002

Background

Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and sodium hydrogen exchanger‐1 (NHE‐1) are important mediators of several disease processes affecting the heart, especially relating to myocardial ischemia. There is evidence that their actions may be interrelated. Their contributions to diabetic heart disease have not been extensively documented. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the interactive roles of ET‐1 and NHE‐1 in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy, a significant cause of morbidity in diabetic patients.

Methods

Streptozotocin‐induced diabetic Sprague Dawley rats were treated with NHE‐1 blocker cariporide or dual ETA/ETB blocker bosentan and were subsequently studied one, three and six months after induction of diabetes. These animals were compared with nondiabetic rats as well as with diabetic rats on poor blood glucose control.

Results

Diabetes leads to hyperglycemia, reduced body weight gain and increased glycated hemoglobin levels. These animals exhibited focal myocardial fibrosis and increased ejection fraction, in association with a tendency to increased left ventricular wall thickness and heart weight, after six months of follow‐up, both bosentan and cariporide prevented these responses. Diabetes also caused significant increases in ET‐1 mRNA and protein expression in the heart at all time points, which was further augmented by cariporide treatment for three months. Diabetes did not affect either mRNA or protein expression of NHE‐1, although these did decrease in hearts of diabetic animals treated with bosentan for six months.

Conclusions

These results indicate an important contribution of both ET‐1 and NHE‐1 in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy. These data suggest that NHE‐1 may act as a downstream mediator in the production of ET‐induced functional and structural changes in the myocardium in diabetes. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the relationship between dynamic visual and auditory processing and literacy skills; results from a large primary‐school study
Authors: Talcott Joel B. , Witton Caroline , Hebb Gillian S. , Stoodley Catherine J. , Westwood Elizabeth A. , France Susan J. , Hansen Peter C. , Stein John F.
Published: October 2002

Three hundred and fifty randomly selected primary school children completed a psychometric and psychophysical test battery to ascertain relationships between reading ability and sensitivity to dynamic visual and auditory stimuli. The first analysis examined whether sensitivity to visual coherent motion and auditory frequency resolution differed between groups of children with different literacy and cognitive skills. For both tasks, a main effect of literacy group was found in the absence of a main effect for intelligence or an interaction between these factors. To assess the potential confounding effects of attention, a second analysis of the frequency discrimination data was conducted with performance on catch trials entered as a covariate. Significant effects for both the covariate and literacy skill was found, but again there was no main effect of intelligence, nor was there an interaction between intelligence and literacy skill. Regression analyses were conducted to determine the magnitude of the relationship between sensory and literacy skills in the entire sample. Both visual motion sensitivity and auditory sensitivity to frequency differences were robust predictors of children's literacy skills and their orthographic and phonological skills. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Operating properties of thin‐film slot antennas at 2.5‐THz submillimeter wave band
Authors: Abe Yasuhiko , Yasuoka Yoshizumi
Published: October 2002

With a view to the design and fabrication of slot array antennas operating in the submillimeter wave region above 2.5 THz, the operating characteristics of a thin‐film slot antenna on a dielectric substrate are studied with emphasis on the radiation pattern. It is found that unlike the thin‐film slot antenna in the frequency region below 700 GHz, the thin‐film slot antenna itself is likely to be operated at the free‐space wavelength, but the antenna is not that in free space and is influenced by the dielectric constant and absorption coefficient of the substrate and the substrate thickness. It is also found that the coplanar waveguide is operating at a mean wavelength derived from the average dielectric constant of free space and the dielectric substrate, like that in the frequency region below 700 GHz. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 85(11): 8–15, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.10053
Effects of migration methods in parallel distributed parameter‐free genetic algorithm
Authors: Adachi Susumu , Sawai Hidefumi
Published: October 2002

The effects of migration in parallel distributed processing of a parameter‐free genetic algorithm (PfGA) that does not require establishing genetic parameters such as the initial population size, crossing‐over rate, and mutation rate are discussed. This PfGA is a compact and robust algorithm characterized by the fact that it extracts one local population (subpopulation) from the entire search space and searches the prospective space while varying the local population size adaptively. The algorithm has been implemented on parallel computers using a hierarchical parallel‐distributed architecture of the PfGA that includes migration methods. As a result of performance evaluation using a general functional optimization (minimum value search) problem including the international benchmark problem, it has been verified that the search success rate is maintained or improved, and that increasing the number of local populations by using the proposed migration selection methods can effectively reduce the number of evaluations required for success. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 85(11): 71–80, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.10096
Improvement of MTTF of feedforward neural networks by applying relearning
Authors: Tohma Yoshihiro , Abe Munehiro
Published: October 2002

Many neural networks have been studied, most of them using computer simulations, as a source of new computational paradigms. Since most implementations of neural networks require many elemental components, it is necessary to use a fault‐tolerance mechanism with them. This paper examines a hierarchical neural network in which recovery from a functional breakdown of the whole network (due to breakdown of its parts) can be performed by relearning. The repeated relearning significantly improves the time to failure of the whole network after a partial breakdown. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 85(11): 81–88, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.10097
A sensorless drive system for brushless DC motors using a digital phase‐locked loop
Authors: Amano Yoko , Tsuji Toshio , Takahashi Atsushi , Ouchi Shigeo , Hamatsu Kyoji , Iijima Masahiko
Published: October 2002

This paper proposes a sensorless drive system for Brushless DC (BLDC) motors using a Digital Phase‐Locked Loop (DPLL). The Back Electromotive Force (BEMF) voltage is measured from the motor winding to determine the permanent magnet rotor position using the DPLL, and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) limits the motor current to control the speed of BLDC motors. The proposed method can drive BLDC motors using an open‐loop control without stepping out. Also, the proposed method is compared experimentally with a control method that uses Hall sensors. Experimental results for the BLDC motor show the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 142(1): 57–66, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10074
Evaluation of alternating flux leakage testing using 3D nonlinear eddy current analysis and experiment
Authors: Gotoh Yuji , Takahashi Norio
Published: October 2002

Alternating magnetic flux leakage testing has been applied in the inspection process for detecting cracks on the surface of steel. To develop a precise inspection method, the flux and eddy current distribution should be investigated taking into account the nonlinearity of steel. This paper describes 3D numerical analysis and experiment for this testing. The property of leakage flux from the crack of steel under ac excitation is investigated using the 3D edge‐based hexahedral finite element method. It is shown that the 3D analysis is obligatory in the precise analysis of magnetic phenomena of this testing. The effect of crack width and depth of leakage flux is clarified, and the relationship between the lift off and the amplitude of leakage flux is also illustrated. The characteristic of leakage flux is confirmed by a verification experiment. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 142(1): 8–15, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10085
SPICE simulation of SRM considering nonlinear magnetization characteristics
Authors: Tsukii Tomoyuki , Nakamura Kenji , Ichinokura Osamu
Published: October 2002

The switched reluctance motor (SRM) exhibits desirable features including simple construction, high reliability, and low cost. However, the SRM has not been put into practical applications widely because of its large torque ripple, acoustic noise, and low power factor. Furthermore, the quantitative analysis and optimum design of the SRM have not been clarified thoroughly. In this paper, the authors propose one method for calculating the operating characteristics of the SRM based on SPICE, the general‐purpose circuit simulation program. The calculated results obtained in the trial 8/6 SRM show good agreement with the experimental ones. The method is useful for optimum design of the SRM. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 142(1): 50–56, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ eej.10092
Time‐frequency analysis of a pressure wave caused by impulse tree using wavelet transform
Authors: Kadowaki Kazunori , Nishimoto Sakae , Kitani Isamu
Published: October 2002

This paper describes results of time‐frequency analysis of a pressure wave caused by impulse tree extension using wavelet transform. Pressure waves were measured by a piezo sensor which was located on the back of the plane electrode when high‐voltage nanosecond pulses were applied to a point electrode in a low‐density polyethylene block. Frequency of the pressure wave from induced charges on the plane electrode was higher than that of the pressure wave from tree. In addition, the frequency of the pressure wave from tree tended to decrease with increasing gap length because of the dispersion of the pressure wave during its propagation. When a large tree extension occurred between a 5‐mm gap, pressure waves of about 10 MHz propagated from the tree tip and a pressure wave of 1 MHz propagated from the tree stem. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 142(1): 1–7, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10097
Sonoran pronghorn, cumulative impacts and the Endangered Species Act: A litigation case study
Authors: Jensen Craig D.
Published: October 2002

Recent litigation between an environmental advocacy group and multiple federal agency defendants regarding
federal agency responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act is instructive for natural resource
practitioners. The judicial opinion provides insight into the proper content of Biological Assessments, Biological
Opinions, and Recovery Plans. For the federal agency natural resource practitioner who will either prepare or
review one of these three types of documents, this case study provides the opportunity to learn from previous
mistakes. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Why DOD is interested in invasive species
Authors: Dalsimer Alison
Published: October 2002

Invasive species impact DOD's ability to conduct its training, testing, and deployment missions. This
article will explain what invasives are, discuss the impacts invasives are having generally and for the military
in particular, provide specific examples of instances where invasives are impacting DOD's mission, and
briefly describe what actions DOD is taking to address the problem in ways that benefit both biodiversity and
mission needs. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Army Test and Evaluation Command non‐tactical vehicle fleet: A strategy for complying with Executive Order 13149
Authors: Canes Michael E. , Jackson Daniel P. , Jenkins Terri M.
Published: October 2002

Executive Order 13149 (EO 13149) requires that federal agencies with fleets of 20 or more vehicles
reduce their petroleum use by 20 percent by the end of fiscal year 2005 relative to such use in fiscal year 1999.
Certain vehicles are exempt (e.g., tactical military vehicles and law enforcement vehicles), but many
federal agencies have large numbers of non‐exempt vehicles that are covered under the Executive Order.

We analyzed the implications of EO 13149 for one major command of the U.S. Army, the Army Test and Evaluation
Command (ATEC). The analysis consisted of two parts; establishing a fiscal year 1999 baseline
estimate of ATEC vehicle petroleum use, and drafting strategic options for meeting the goals of EO 13149. These
options included the use of alternative fuels, more fuel‐efficient vehicles, and more efficient utilization
of existing vehicles. This paper reports the results of our investigation and the principal conclusions drawn from
it, which may be applicable to other DOD and federal civilian agencies. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
NASA Environmental Management System (EMS) Development
Authors: Green Michael J. , DeWit Michael
Published: October 2002

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) developed an Environmental Management
System (EMS) based on the ISO 14001 standard. The EMS procedures were developed to provide maximum
flexibility to the individual NASA Centers while meeting the requirements of ISO 14001 and Executive Order
13148. The EMS was tested at Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas,
and Stennis Space Center in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The pilot study was undertaken to better understand
implementation challenges, costs, resource requirements, and benefits. Implementation costs are presented by
site population and implementation phases. Potential benefits included increased involvement of management and
shop level personnel; reduced mission delays; improved procedures; reduction in single point
failures; identification of pollution prevention opportunities; improved compliance; and better
relationships with regulators and the public. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.