bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric characteristics and fragmentation mechanisms of distamycin analogues
Authors: Tang Feili , Wang Jin , Liu Dan , Yuan Gu , Liu Yen , Jin Zhu Chang , Fen Zhao Yu
Published: August 2002

The electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric (ESI‐MS/MS) characteristics and fragmentation mechanisms of eight distamycin analogues containing N‐methylpyrrole and N‐methylimidazole were investigated. The members of two isomeric groups of distamycin analogues with the same elemental composition can be distinguished by MS/MS spectra of protonated molecules and of significant fragment ions. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlled Lagrangians and the stabilization of Euler–Poincaré mechanical systems
Authors: Bloch Anthony M. , Leonard Naomi Ehrich , Marsden Jerrold E.
Published: August 2002

In this paper we develop a constructive approach to the determination of stabilizing control laws for a class of Lagrangian mechanical systems with symmetry — systems whose underlying dynamics are governed by the Euler–Poincaré equations. This work extends our previous work on the stabilization of mechanical control systems using the method of controlled Lagrangians. The guiding principle behind our methodology is to develop a class of stabilizing feedback control laws which yield closed‐loop dynamics that remain in Lagrangian form. Using the methodology for Euler–Poincaré systems, we analyse stabilization of a satellite and an underwater vehicle controlled with momentum wheels. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patterns of species richness and introduced species in native freshwater fish faunas of a Mediterranean‐type basin: the Guadiana River (southwest Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: Corbacho Casimiro , Sánchez Juan Manuel
Published: August 2002

In this study, we analysed the factors affecting species richness and introduced species component patterns in native fish faunas of 30 streams of the Middle Basin of the Guadiana River. From a principal component analysis and a stepwise multiple regression analysis performed on a data matrix composed of ten hydrological and biotic variables, we showed that: (1) fish species richness increased with stream length and watershed area, (2) the number of native species in a stream declined as channelizations and river regulation (constructions of dams) are higher, whereas introduced species increased in the same way, (3) the two main negative factors affecting native ichthyofaunas affected dissimilar ecological areas: channelizations, which depend on land‐use intensity of floodplain, mainly occurred in lower reaches of streams, but construction of dams mainly took place in upper sections of rivers, (4) the length of the remaining well‐preserved reaches in a stream appeared to be the only factor accurately predicting native fish species richness, and (5) native fish faunas of small isolated streams are more vulnerable to habitat alteration than those of large streams. Both isolation and fragmentation of populations were recorded, so the conservation status of native and highly endemic fish fauna of the study area is extreme. Protection of the few still extant, well‐preserved small streams and upper reaches, habitat restoration of channeled areas, and inclusion of the need for native fish fauna conservation in long‐term public planning of water use become a priority. Fish communities appear to be a sensitive indicator of biological monitoring to assess environmental degradation. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulated Rivers: Research & Management, Volume 17 Issue 4/5 ‘Understanding natural patterns and processes in river corridors as the basis for effective river restoration’ by J.V. Ward, K. Tockner, U. Uehlinger and F. Malard.
Authors: Ward J.V. , Tockner K. , Uehlinger U. , Malard F.
Published: August 2002

The incorrect version of this article was published previously. Please find the correct version, which retains the original pagination, on the next page.

The publisher wishes to apologise for this mistake

Running water ecology is a young science, the conceptual foundations of which were derived largely from research conducted in Europe and North America. However, virtually all European river corridors were substantially regulated well before the science of river ecology developed. While regulation of North American river systems occurred later than in European systems, river ecology also developed later. Therefore, there is a general impression of rivers as being much less heterogeneous and much more stable than they actually are in the natural state. The thesis of this paper is that established research and management concepts may fail to fully recognize the crucial roles of habitat heterogeneity and fluvial dynamics owing to a lack of fundamental knowledge of the structural and functional features of morphologically intact river corridors. Until quite recently, most concepts in river ecology were based on the implicit assumption that rivers are stable, single‐thread channels isolated from adjacent floodplains. Unfortunately, many rivers are in just such a state, but it should be recognized that this is not the natural condition. This incomplete understanding constrains scientific advances in river ecology and renders management and restoration initiatives less effective. Examples are given of the high level of spatio‐temporal heterogeneity that may be attained in rivers where natural processes still operate on a large scale. The objective of this paper is to promulgate a broader and more integrative understanding of natural processes in river corridors as a necessary prelude to effective river conservation and management. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of distance learning system by using satellite communication network
Authors: Tanigawa Takeshi , Ikeura Shigeo , Anzai Masahiro , Kaneko Isao
Published: August 2002

Using a satellite communication network, we developed a distance learning system to be used in the human resources development of communication and information technology in the Asian‐Pacific area. The combined use of a distance learning system and individual learning by CAI is effective in overcoming the weak point that students fail to gain a deep understanding because distance learning tends to fall into one‐sided communication from the teacher to the students. For the transmission of CAI materials on a satellite communication network, a transmission mechanism that does not cause data congestion on the network is required. We had mainly developed two technologies for the real‐time transmission of CAI materials on a satellite communication network. One is an error control mechanism for situations in which we cannot ignore the delay time. The other is a technique for reduction of the amount of transmitted data. We conducted experimental international distance learning in cooperation with China and Thailand and confirmed the effect of our developing technology for real‐time transmission of CAI materials. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 33(8): 41–50, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10040
Trace generation from a radiogram of the temporomandibular joint by optimization
Authors: Fukushima Shigehiro , Kojima Minako
Published: August 2002

A method has been developed for computational trace generation of the temporomandibular joint on a radiogram in order to support its morphological study. Four elements were traced. While such a radiogram is deteriorated by blur, the shape and the geometrical configuration among the elements are rather stable. Therefore, the model‐based approach was adopted. Periodicity‐based preprocessing removes the grid image. Each element is enhanced by model‐based mask operation, and then traced by optimizing a model‐based objective function by using dynamic programming. Feasibility was studied by proposing two features for numerical characterization. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 33(8): 84–97, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.1149
Quantitative study of shear modulus and interfacial shear strength by combining modulated lateral force and magnetic force modulation microscopies
Authors: Piétrement O. , Troyon M.
Published: August 2002

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is currently used to map the qualitative differences of surface properties and is becoming a technique to determine quantitatively the friction and elastic properties, although measurements often are very delicate and need a lot of precaution. A few studies have attempted to determine quantitatively the interfacial shear strength from friction measurements but they require the Young's modulus or the shear modulus to be known. To our knowledge, the shear modulus has never been determined directly by AFM. We propose here a method for measuring this by combining modulated lateral force microscopy (MLFM) and magnetic force modulation microscopy (MFMM), without the need to determine the Young's modulus. The method involves measurements of normal contact stiffness by MFMM and lateral contact stiffness by MLFM, and the use of mechanical contact theory. Once the shear modulus is known, it is possible to determine the shear strength from friction force and lateral contact stiffness measurements by studying its dependence on mean contact pressure. The method is tested on high‐ and low‐density polyethylene and measurements of shear modulus and shear strength are given. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calibrated scanning force microscope with capabilities in the subnanometre range
Authors: Hasche K. , Herrmann K. , Mirandé W. , Seemann R. , Vitushkin L. , Xu M. , Yu G.
Published: August 2002

This paper refers to quantitative scanning force microscopy (SFM) and dimensional measurement being traceable to metrological standards. The traceability to the unit of length is achieved by calibration of several thousands of selected and sufficiently defined reference positions within the three‐dimensional measuring range by three miniature laser interferometers and their output signals at distances of λ/2 (λ corresponds to the wavelength of the He/Ne laser radiation). The expanded uncertainty U of the laser interferometer output signals is estimated to be ⩽1 nm. The results reported here refer to the reduction of uncertainty in the subnanometre range by comparisons of measured periods of one‐dimensional sinusoidal gratings using optical diffractometry with expanded uncertainties ⩽0.1 nm, as well as SFM with an uncertainty originally estimated to be 1 nm. The goal is to reduce as far as possible the uncertainty of the SFM measurement results, e.g. the thickness of films or the pitch of gratings. The present state of work allows to estimate an expanded uncertainty of <0.4 nm and it is hoped to reach a value near the picometre range.

The practical goal is to apply this microscopy to evaluations (calibrations) of dimensional parameters of objects in the semiconductor technology and other dimensional micro‐ and nanostructures. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imaging the surface details of red blood cells with atomic force microscopy
Authors: Nowakowski Robert , Luckham Paul
Published: August 2002

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been used in situ to study the topography and mechanical properties of red blood cells. When imaging the surface of the blood cells in topographic mode, the underlying cytoskeleton of the cell could be observed. This is a result of the different compressibility of the cell, depending on whether the underlying cytoskeleton is under the tip, which would be relatively hard, or just the cell membrane, which would be soft. The modulation technique confirms that the places where the cytoskeleton is directly underneath the membrane are raised as a result of the harder character and therefore the smaller tip indentation. The results obtained for the normal doughnut‐shaped and swollen cells have been compared. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of outcome misclassification and measurement error on the design and analysis of therapeutic equivalence trials
Authors: Kim Mimi Y. , Goldberg Judith D.
Published: August 2002

In any clinical trial, the use of imperfect diagnostic procedures or laboratory techniques may lead to misclassification and measurement error in the primary outcome. Although the effects of non‐differential outcome misclassification and measurement error on conventional superiority trials have been extensively investigated, less is known about the impact of these errors on the results and interpretation of therapeutic equivalence trials. In this paper we formally investigate the effects of outcome misclassification and measurement error on the estimates of treatment effects, type I error rate, and power of equivalence trials. Our results indicate that, contrary to what one may expect based on the well known attenuating effects of non‐differential error in conventional studies, these errors do not always favour the goal of demonstrating equivalence. The magnitude and direction of the influence depend on a number of factors including the nature of the outcome variable, specific formulation of equivalence, size of the error rates, and assumptions regarding the true treatment effect. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marginal estimation for multi‐stage models: waiting time distributions and competing risks analyses
Authors: Satten Glen A. , Datta Somnath
Published: August 2002

We provide non‐parametric estimates of the marginal cumulative distribution of stage occupation times (waiting times) and non‐parametric estimates of marginal cumulative incidence function (proportion of persons who leave stage j for stage j′ within time t of entering stage j) using right‐censored data from a multi‐stage model. We allow for stage and path dependent censoring where the censoring hazard for an individual may depend on his or her natural covariate history such as the collection of stages visited before the current stage and their occupation times. Additional external time dependent covariates that may induce dependent censoring can also be incorporated into our estimates, if available. Our approach requires modelling the censoring hazard so that an estimate of the integrated censoring hazard can be used in constructing the estimates of the waiting times distributions. For this purpose, we propose the use of an additive hazard model which results in very flexible (robust) estimates. Examples based on data from burn patients and simulated data with tracking are also provided to demonstrate the performance of our estimators. Published in 2002 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nociceptive responses to chronic stress of restraint and noxious stimuli in sucrose fed rats
Authors: Mukherjee K. , Mathur R. , Nayar U.
Published: August 2002

Stress produces analgesia and sucrose ingestion immediately relieves the stress in both the rat and human models, however the effect of sucrose feeding on chronic stress of repeated varying pain is not known. Adult male rats were subjected to a stress regimen of restraint and various degrees of noxious stimuli given repeatedly during 58 h in six sessions with a rest of 32 h. In a 4‐h session, the rats were subjected to the stress of thermal noxious stimulation, pin prick and electrical stimulation of nociceptive afferents (six, one and nine times at intervals of 5 min) in addition to the restraint stress. The effect of this stress on their nociceptive responses was noted as hind paw lick latency, HPL; tail flick latency, TFL; threshold of tail flick, TF; vocalization during stimulus, SV and vocalization after discharge, VA. On the fourth day, the rats received sucrose solution (20 percent orally) ad libitum, which was withdrawn after session IV. During session II–IV in pre‐sucrose fed state, the TFL remained unaffected as compared to session I, while the HPL decreased (18.53 ± 4.96 s, 12.01 ± 4.64 s in sessions I, VI respectively); and the thresholds for TF, SV and VA (0.34 ± 0.16 and 0.71 ± 0.32 mA in session I, VI respectively) progressively increased. After sucrose ingestion during sessions II–IV, the above‐mentioned decrease in HPL and increase in thresholds was not observed. However, they appeared after discontinuation of sucrose during sessions V and VI. The results of our experiment suggest that exposure to our novel model of chronic (58 h) albeit intermittent stress of noxious stimuli and restraint produced an analgesic response in the threshold of TF, SV and VA, an hyperalgesic response in HPL and no effect in TFL; which were attenuated by ingesting a palatable sucrose solution ad libitum. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychosocial work environment and psychological well‐being: assessment of the buffering effects in the job demand–control (–support) model in BELSTRESS
Authors: Pelfrene Edwin , Vlerick Peter , Kittel France , Mak Rudolf P. , Kornitzer Marcel , Backer Guy De
Published: August 2002

The Karasek Job Demand–Control model has as its central tenet the so‐called ‘strain hypothesis’, stating that the most adverse health outcomes are to be expected in ‘high strain’ jobs characterized by high job demands and low job control. Later, this model was elaborated, stating that ‘isolated’ high strain workers experiencing low worksite social support are even more worse off. This is labelled the ‘iso‐strain hypothesis’. However, in the literature, the question was raised whether a high level of job control may (1) mitigate or buffer the effects of high job demands on psychological well‐being, or alternatively whether (2) a high level of social support may buffer the negative impact of high strain on psychological well‐being. In this study among 16 335 male workers and 5084 female workers in Belgium, four indicators of psychological well‐being are considered: feelings of depression, feelings of fatigue, sleep problems and use of psychoactive drugs. Both in men and in women, the general strain hypothesis and the iso‐strain hypothesis alike are corroborated regarding the cross‐sectional associations adjusted for age, level of education and living situation. This is most clear with respect to feelings of depression, less so with respect to the use of psychotropic drugs. The buffer hypotheses however are definitely not supported by our data. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Product diversification in international joint ventures: performance implications in an emerging market
Authors: Luo Yadong
Published: August 2002

This study extends product diversification research to a new organizational form (IJV) and a new environmental context (emerging market). It explores the extent to which product relatedness with both foreign and local parents affects IJV performance as perceived by venture managers. After controlling for relevant variables, analysis of the data containing 134 IJVs in China validates our major premise: the relatedness of an IJV's products with that of its foreign and local parents is positively associated with its performance. An IJV maintaining bilateral related diversification (i.e., with both parents) performs better than a venture maintaining a unilateral related linkage (i.e., with one parent), which in turn outperforms an IJV which is unrelated to either parent. When resource complementarity or goal congruity between parents is higher, there is a stronger positive relationship between product relatedness and IJV performance. When structural opportunities are fewer or institutional deterrence is higher, there is a weaker positive relationship between product relatedness and IJV performance. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Examining the effect of complexity in strategic group knowledge structures on firm performance
Authors: Mcnamara Gerry M. , Luce Rebecca A. , Tompson George H.
Published: August 2002

A developing stream of research in the strategy field explores the competitive structure of industries from the perspective of industry participants. This work has demonstrated that managers develop strategic group knowledge structures in order to make sense of their competitive environment. This study extends this line of research by examining the complexity evident in the strategic group knowledge structures developed by firms' top management teams and assessing the relationship between complexity in these knowledge structures and subsequent firm performance. Specifically, we examine the complexity of top managers' knowledge structures regarding their competition using a sample of 76 top management teams from banks in three U.S. cities. Using hierarchical regression, we find a significant relationship between the complexity of cognitive strategic groups and subsequent firm performance. These results suggest that the structure of the cognitive templates that top managers use to understand their environment and the actions of their competitor influence the degree of strategic success of their firm. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning, design, and action: creating the conditions for Evolutionary Learning Community
Authors: Laszlo Kathia Castro
Published: August 2002

This paper presents the results of an inquiring process conceived as learning for action. The focus of the inquiry was the creation of some initial conditions considered necessary for the design of Evolutionary Learning Community (ELC)—an ideal alternative learning system that seeks to catalyze the purposeful creation of sustainable and evolutionary futures. These conditions included: (1) an idealized operational definition of ELC; (2) a description of the personal attributes of the potential designers of ELC; and (3) the design of a learning framework for empowering designers of ELC. The particular approach used was Evolutionary Systems Design: a systemic heuristic based on social systems design and complemented with an evolutionary and critical systems perspectives. The inquiry involved a theoretical exploration that was enriched with the experiences and perspectives of a group of individuals—who are involved in areas of work relevant for the design of ELC, such as systems design, community development, educational change, and environmental sustainability—who engaged with the author and principal researcher in learning conversations. Copyright © 2001 International Society for the Systems Sciences.
Intraoperative ultrasound and other techniques to achieve negative margins
Authors: Henry‐Tillman Ronda , Johnson Anita T. , Smith Lanette F. , Klimberg V. Suzanne
Published: August 2002

Over the past few decades new procedures and technologies have been introduced into clinical practice for the evaluation and management of breast disease. Ultrasound is rapidly becoming a valued tool in the armamentarium of the breast surgeon. The use of ultrasound by radiologists and breast surgeons to evaluate nonpalpalable detected breast lesions has increased dramatically. With its easy portability and improvements in the technology, the use of ultrasound has now expanded into the operating room. In this work we review the value of intraoperative ultrasound and other techniques in obtaining and assessing margin status. Semin. Surg. Oncol. 20:206–213, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Permissive role of neurokinin NK3 receptors in NK1 receptor‐mediated activation of the locus coeruleus revealed by SR 142801
Authors: Bert Lionel , Rodier Daniel , Bougault Isabelle , Allouard Nathalie , Le‐Fur Gérard , Soubrié Philippe , Steinberg Régis
Published: August 2002

The present experiments investigated the role of neurokinin‐1 (NK1) and neurokinin‐3 (NK3) receptors on the activity of the locus coeruleus (LC)‐noradrenergic system by using a dual probe microdialysis technique in anesthetized guinea pigs. The local application in the LC of the selective NK1 receptor agonists [SAR9,Met(O2)11]‐SP (10 μM) and septide (1 μM) as well as the selective NK3 receptor agonist senktide (1 μM), enhanced the extracellular norepinephrine (NE) levels in the prefrontal cortex. The enhancing effect of [SAR9,Met(O2)11]‐SP was completely blocked by the peripheral administration of the selective non peptide NK1 and NK3 receptor antagonists, GR 205171 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) and SR 142801 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.), respectively, whereas SR 142806 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) the inactive enantiomer of SR 142801 had no effect. Moreover, the [SAR9,Met(O2)11]‐SP‐induced increase in LC DOPAC concentrations, is only antagonized by GR 205171. In contrast, only SR 142801 (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) could block stereoselectively the senktide‐evoked increase in NE levels. Both [SAR9,Met(O2)11]‐SP and senktide effects were blocked by local infusion into the LC of SR 142801 (10−9 M). These results demonstrate that stimulation of NK1 and NK3 receptors located in the LC area modulates the activity of the LC‐NE system, and that the excitatory effects of NK1 receptor agonists require NKB/NK3 receptor activation in the LC. Synapse 43:62–69, 2002. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Studies of the biogenic amine transporters. VIII: Identification of a novel partial inhibitor of dopamine uptake and dopamine transporter binding
Authors: Rothman Richard B. , Dersch Christina M. , Carroll F. Ivy , Ananthan Subramaniam
Published: August 2002

Using [125I]RTI‐55 to label the dopamine transporter (DAT), our laboratory has consistently detected one binding site as well as one component of [3H]DA uptake. We report here the identification of a novel partial inhibitor of [3H]DA uptake and DAT binding (SoRI‐9804). [125I]RTI‐55 binding to the DAT (mouse caudate, rat caudate, HEK cells expressing the cloned DAT), the 5‐HT transporter (rat brain), and [3H]DA uptake (rat caudate synaptosomes) were conducted using published procedures. 4‐[(Diphenylmethyl)amino]‐2‐phenylquinazoline (SoRI‐9804) was essentially inactive at SERT binding and resolved two DAT binding components in all three tissues, having high affinity (mean Ki of 465 nM) for about 40% of the binding sites and an essentially immeasurable Ki (> 100 μM) for the remaining 60% of the binding sites. The [3H]DA uptake experiments indicated that about 50% of uptake was SoRI‐9804‐sensitive. Saturation binding experiments showed that SoRI‐9804 competitively inhibited [125I]RTI‐55 binding to the SoRI‐9804‐sensitive binding component. To determine if the two binding sites discriminated by SoRI‐9804 were regulated by the MAP kinase pathway, rat caudate synaptosomes were incubated in the absence or presence of 10 μM of PD98059, which inhibits activation of the MAP kinase pathway. The results indicated that inhibition of MAPK/ERK kinase decreased the total Bmax of the DAT by 90%. Treatment with PD98059 increased the proportion of the SoRI‐9804‐sensitive binding component from 68–80% of the total Bmax. The PD98059 experiments suggest that inhibition of MAP kinase cannot explain the differential interaction of SoRI‐9804 with the DAT. Viewed collectively, the present results indicate that SoRI‐9804 discriminates two components of the DA transporter. Further studies will be needed to determine the underlying mechanism of this effect and if partial inhibition of DA uptake results in any unique behavioral effects. Synapse 43:268–274, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of aging on serotonin transporter availability and its response to fluvoxamine in the living brain: PET study with [11C](+)McN5652 and [11C] (‐)McN5652 in conscious monkeys
Authors: Kakiuchi Takeharu , Tsukada Hideo , Fukumoto Dai , Nishiyama Shingo
Published: August 2002

Age‐related changes in the serotonin transporter (SERT) in the living brains of conscious young (5.9 ± 1.8 years old) and aged (19.0 ± 3.3 years old) monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were evaluated in combination with [11C](+)McN5652 and its inactive enantiomer [11C](‐)McN5652 by high‐resolution positron emission tomography (PET). For the quantitative analysis of SERT binding in vivo, two serial PET scans with [11C](+)McN5652 and [11C](‐)McN5652 were performed in the same animals in a day and the differences in radioactivities of [11C](+)McN5652 vs. [11C](‐)McN5652 measured from 41–91 min postinjection were calculated as an estimate of specific ligand binding. Higher specific binding of SERT was observed in the thalamus and striatum, regions known to contain high densities of SERT by in vitro assay, with intermediate levels in the pons, hippocampus, cingulate gyrus, and cortical regions and lower levels in the cerebellum in both young and aged monkeys. Almost all regions assayed except the cerebellum showed significant age‐related decreases in the specific binding of SERT, which showed reverse correlation with cortisol level in plasma. When the SERT blocker fluvoxamine (1 mg/kg) was administered intravenously 30 min after tracer injection, specific binding of SERT was displaced in both age groups. However, the degree of displacement was more marked in young than in aged monkeys. Cortisol level in plasma was significantly higher in aged than in young animals. These observations demonstrate the usefulness of the combined use of [11C](+)McN5652 and [11C](‐)McN5652 as an indicator for the age‐related changes in cortical SERT measured noninvasively by PET. In addition, these observations suggest that the age‐related impairment of SERT sensitivity for fluvoxamine might be related to the reduced efficacy of antidepressant therapy in elderly patients with depression. Synapse 40:170–179, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
[18F]FDOPA and [18F]CFT are both sensitive PET markers to detect presynaptic dopaminergic hypofunction in early Parkinson's disease
Authors: O. Rinne Juha , Nurmi Elina , Ruottinen Hanna M. , Bergman Jörgen , Eskola Olli , Solin Olof
Published: August 2002

The aim of this study was to compare two PET ligands, 6‐[18F]fluoro‐L‐dopa ([18F]FDOPA) and 18F‐labeled CFT, 2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐[18F]‐fluorophenyl)tropane ([18F]CFT), in detecting presynaptic dopaminergic hypofunction in early Parkinson's disease (PD). These ligands reflect different aspects of presynaptic dopaminergic function, since [18F]FDOPA mainly reflects 6‐[18F]fluorodopamine (fluorodopamine) synthesis and storage whereas [18F]CFT uptake is related to dopamine transporter function. Eight de novo patients with PD who had never been on antiparkinsonian medication were investigated with [18F]FDOPA and [18F]CFT PET. Five healthy volunteers were studied as controls. In PD patients, both [18F]FDOPA and [18F]CFT uptakes were significantly reduced both in the contralateral and ipsilateral anterior and posterior putamen. The reduction was greatest in the contralateral posterior putamen (to 28% of control mean for [18F]FDOPA, P < 0.0001 and to 16% for [18F]CFT, P < 0.0001). Individually, all patients' [18F]FDOPA and [18F]CFT uptake values in the contralateral anterior and posterior putamen were below 3 SD of the control mean. In the caudate nucleus, the mean uptake of both tracers was significantly reduced both ipsilaterally and contralaterally, but less severely than in the putamen (to 69% of the control mean for [18F]FDOPA, P = 0.003 and to 60% for [18F]CFT, P = 0.001 contralaterally). Our results show that both [18F]FDOPA as well as [18F]CFT sensitively detect presynaptic dopaminergic hypofunction in early PD. They demonstrate a considerable reduction of tracer uptake that is greatest in the posterior putamen, followed by the anterior putamen and the caudate nucleus. Synapse 40:193–200, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of MPTP‐induced denervation on basal ganglia GABAB receptors: Correlation with dopamine concentrations and dopamine transporter
Authors: Calon Frédéric , Lavertu Nadia , Lemieux Anne‐Marie , Morissette Marc , Goulet Martin , Grondin Richard , Blanchet Pierre J. , Bédard Paul J. , Di Paolo Thérèse
Published: August 2002

We investigated the effect of MPTP‐induced lesion of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) dopaminergic neurons on GABAB receptors in the basal ganglia of mice and monkeys using receptor autoradiography and in situ hybridization. The extent of the lesion was measured with striatal catecholamine content, striatal binding of 125I‐RTI‐121 to dopamine transporter (DAT), and DAT expression in the SNpc. GABAB receptors in mice brain were evaluated using 3H‐CGP54626 and its expression was measured with oligonucleotides probes targeting the mRNAs of GABAB(1a+b), GABAB(1a), GABAB(1b), GABAB(2) subunits. In monkeys, 125I‐CGP64213 and selective probes for GABAB(1a+b) and GABAB(2) mRNAs were used. In mice, dopamine content, 125I‐RTI‐121 binding, and DAT expression were reduced by 44%, 40%, and 39% after a dose of 40 mg/kg of MPTP and 74%, 70%, and 34% after 120 mg/kg of MPTP, respectively. In monkeys, dopamine content and DAT expression were decreased by more than 90% and 80%, respectively. In the striatum and the subthalamic nucleus, GABAB receptors were unchanged following MPTP in both species. In the SNpc of mice, MPTP (120 mg/kg) induced a significant decrease of 3H‐CGP54626 binding (−10%) and of the expression of GABAB(1a+b) mRNA (−13%). The decrease of the expression of GABAB(1a+b) mRNA was correlated with dopamine content, 125I‐RTI‐121 binding and DAT expression. In MPTP‐treated monkeys, 125I‐CGP64213 binding (−40%), GABAB(1a+b) mRNA (−69%) and GABAB(2) mRNA (−66%) were also significantly decreased in the SNpc. Our results suggest that MPTP‐induced denervation is associated with a decrease of GABAB receptors restricted to the SNpc. These observations may be relevant to the pathophysiology of motor disorders involving dysfunction of the basal ganglia such as Parkinson disease. Synapse 40:225–234, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Standard CMMISM appraisal method for process improvement (SCAMPISM): Improvements and integration
Authors: Armstrong James , Barbour Richard , Hefner Richard , Kitson David H.
Published: August 2002

This article provides an overview of the major changes to the appraisal‐related products of the CMMISM Product Suite—the Appraisal Requirements for CMMISM (ARC) and the Standard CMMISM Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPISM) Method Definition Document. The article also provides a brief development history of the appraisal products, a discussion of the key features of SCAMPISM, and a summary of how the version 1.1 products were created. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 5: 19–26, 2002; DOI 10.1002/sys.10015
Preorganization and protein dynamics in enzyme catalysis
Authors: Rajagopalan P. T. Ravi , Benkovic Stephen J.
Published: August 2002

Recently, an alternative has been offered to the concept of transition state (TS) stabilization as an explanation for rate enhancements in enzyme‐catalyzed reactions. Instead, most of the rate increase has been ascribed to preorganization of the enzyme active site to bind substrates in a geometry close to that of the TS, which then transit the activation barrier impelled by motions along the reaction coordinate. The question as to how an enzyme achieves such preorganization and concomitant TS stabilization as well as potential coupled motions along the reaction coordinate leads directly to the role of protein dynamic motion. Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is a paradigm in which the role of dynamics in catalysis continues to be unraveled by a wealth of kinetic, structural, and computational studies. DHFR has flexible loop regions adjacent to the active site whose motions modulate passage through the kinetically preferred pathway. The participation of residues distant from the DHFR active site in enhancing the rate of hydride transfer, however, is unanticipated and may signify the importance of long range protein motions. The general significance of protein dynamics in understanding other biological processes is briefly discussed. © 2002 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and John Wiley & Sons, Inc." Chem Rec 2: 24–36, 2002
Performance of students in project‐based science classrooms on a national measure of science achievement
Authors: Schneider Rebecca M. , Krajcik Joseph , Marx Ronald W. , Soloway Elliot
Published: August 2002

Reform efforts in science education emphasize the importance of supporting students' construction of knowledge through inquiry. Project‐based science (PBS) is an ambitious approach to science instruction that addresses concerns of reformers. A sample of 142 10th‐ and 11th‐grade students enrolled in a PBS program completed the 12th‐grade 1996 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) science test. Compared with subgroups identified by NAEP that most closely matched our student sample, White and middle class, PBS students outscored the national sample on 44% of NAEP test items. This study shows that students participating in a PBS curriculum were prepared for this type of testing. Educators should be encouraged to use inquiry‐based approaches such as PBS to implement reform in their schools. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 39: 410–422, 2002
The role of personal practice theories in the professional development of a beginning high school chemistry teacher
Authors: Sweeney Aldrin E. , Bula Oleh A. , Cornett Jeffrey W.
Published: August 2002

The notion of deliberated teacher reflection as a means of improving professional teaching practice has become one of the most pervasive concepts to influence science teacher education during the past decade. In this case study, we use the notion of teacher reflection and Lytle and Cochran‐Smith's (1990) typology of teacher research to examine the relationships between a beginning high school chemistry teacher's articulated personal practice theories and his actions as demonstrated by his curricular decisions and instructional practices. In so doing, we describe the ways in which the formal articulations of this teacher's personal practice theories lent themselves to his development as a teacher/researcher and propose this development as a useful model of science teacher practitioner professionalism. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 38: 408–441, 2001
Notes from California: an anthropological approach to urban science education for language minority families
Authors: Hammond Lorie
Published: August 2002

This article describes a unique and ongoing collaboration involving a team of bilingual/multicultural teacher‐educators, preservice teachers, teachers, students, and community members in an urban California elementary school. According to the model this team employed, children, teachers, and student teachers gather community “funds of knowledge” about the science to be studied in a classroom, then incorporate this knowledge by using parents as experts and by creating community books. In this model community‐generated materials parallel and complement standards‐based curricula, although science topics that have natural significance in particular communities are used as a starting point. Using critical ethnography as a framework, the article focuses on a particular experience—the building of a Mien–American garden house—to show how, by drawing on participants' funds of knowledge, a new kind of multiscience can emerge, one accessible to all collaborating members and responsive to school standards. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 38: 983–999, 2001
Pregnancy outcome after gestational exposure to metronidazole: A prospective controlled cohort study
Authors: Diav‐Citrin Orna , Shechtman Svetlana , Gotteiner Talma , Arnon Judy , Ornoy Asher
Published: August 2002

Background

Metronidazole is an important antibacterial agent commonly used in women of reproductive age. Its use in pregnancy is a reason for concern for women and their health care providers. The objective was to examine the fetal safety of metronidazole.

Methods

The Israeli Teratogen Information Service prospectively collected and followed up 228 women exposed to metronidazole in pregnancy, 86.2% of whom with first‐trimester exposure. Pregnancy outcome was compared with that of a control group, who were counseled during the same period for nonteratogenic exposure.

Results

There was no difference in the rate of major malformations between the groups (3/190; 1.6% [metronidazole] vs. 8/575; 1.4% [control], P = 0.739). The rate of major malformations did not differ between the groups even after including elective terminations of pregnancy due to prenatally diagnosed malformations (5/192; 2.6% [metronidazole] vs. 12/579; 2.1% [control], P = 0.777). A reduced neonatal birth weight was found in the metronidazole group compared with controls without significant differences in the rate of prematurity or in gestational age at delivery. The mean birth weight was lower in the metronidazole group when comparing the subgroup of term infants.

Conclusions

This study confirms that metronidazole does not represent a major teratogenic risk in humans when used in the recommended doses. Teratology 63:186–192, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Induction of embryonic dysmorphogenesis by high glucose concentration, disturbed inositol metabolism, and inhibited protein kinase C activity
Authors: Wentzel Parri , Wentzel Christian R. , Gäreskog Mattias B. , Eriksson Ulf J.
Published: August 2002

Background

Exposure to a diabetic environment causes excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), decreased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentration, and increased embryonic maldevelopment. The aim of the present work was to study whether embryonic dysmorphogenesis is also dependent on alterations of inositol and associated intracellular metabolites.

Methods

Day 9 rat embryos were cultured for 24 or 48 hr and evaluated for gene expression. Day 10 and day 11 embryos from normal and diabetic rats were also examined. RT‐PCR was used to study embryonic gene expression of protein kinase C (PKC) and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2).

Results

Embryos exposed to 30 mmol/L glucose (30G), 500 or 750 μmol/L of scyllo‐inositol (500SI or 750SI) had higher malformation score than control embryos cultured in 10 mmol/L glucose (10G). Adding 1.6 mmol/L inositol to the 30G or 750SI culture medium partly corrected these embryos, and completely normalized 500SI embryonic development. Adding 0.5 mmol/L N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) or 280 nmol/L PGE2 protected, and failed to protect, the SI‐exposed embryos, respectively. 10G embryos exposed to the PKC inhibitor GF‐109203X displayed dose‐dependent dysmorphogenesis. Addition of 1.6 mmol/L inositol or 0.5 mmol/L NAC to the PKC‐inhibitor‐exposed 10G embryos largely normalized the outcome, whereas PGE2 again failed to protect embryonic development. 30G culture tended to decrease the expression of cPLA2 after 24 hr in vitro. We also found decreased mRNA levels of cPLA2 in offspring of diabetic rats on gestational day 10 and of PKC on day 11, as compared with normal offspring.

Conclusions

High glucose concentration causes dysmorphogenesis in embryos by an interaction of oxidative stress and inositol depletion. Teratology 63:193–201, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of Electronic Tools to Enhance Student Evaluation Feedback
Authors: Lieberman Devorah , Bowers Nancy , Moore David R.
Published: August 2002

Classroom assessment techniques (CATs) can be adapted for use with technology to create additional opportunities for students to provide input.
The effects of a cyanobacterial crude extract on different aquatic organisms: Evidence for cyanobacterial toxin modulating factors
Authors: Pietsch Constanze , Wiegand Claudia , Amé M. Valeria , Nicklisch Andreas , Wunderlin Daniel , Pflugmacher Stephan
Published: August 2002

In an aquatic ecosystem, during cyanobacterial bloom lysis, a mixture of toxins and other cyanobacterial and bacterial components will be present in the water, acting on aquatic organisms. Most of the research into toxic effects of cyanobacteria has involved the use of purified toxins. In this study, the “real‐life” situation of a cyanobacterial lysis event was investigated. For this purpose, intact cells from a natural cyanobacterial bloom from Lake Müggelsee, Berlin, were taken and the cells were broken by repeated freeze/thaw cycles. This crude extract was used to expose several aquatic organisms ranging from microalgae (Scenedesmus armatus), macrophyte (Ceratophyllum demersum), invertebrate (Chaoborus crystallinus) up to fish eggs (Danio rerio) to look at several physiological parameters such as detoxication enzyme activity and, in the case of the microalgae and the macrophyte, also the effect on activity of photosynthesis. In all the tests, the cyanobacterial crude extract caused stronger effects than the pure cyanobacterial toxins used in equivalent concentrations.  © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 16: 535–542, 2001
Global Reporting Initiative Guidelines: An Evaluation of Sustainable Development Metrics for Industry
Authors: Hussey Dennis M. , Kirsop Patrick L. , Meissen Ronald E.
Published: August 2002

How can we monitor companies' progress towards the goal of sustainability? No one set of metrics
is recognized universally, although several approaches have been proposed. This article uses the environmental
reports of ten leading companies to evaluate the GRI Sustainability Reporting Guidelines. © 2001 John Wiley
& Sons, Inc.
Investigations of a building‐integrated ducted wind turbine module
Authors: Dannecker Robert K. W. , Grant Andrew D.
Published: August 2002

So far, wind energy has not played a major role in the group of technologies for embedded generation in the built environment. However, the wind flow around conventional tall buildings generates differential pressures, which may cause an enhanced mass flow through a building‐integrated turbine. As a first step, a prototype of a small‐scale ducted wind turbine has been developed and tested, which seems to be feasible for integration into the leading roof edge of such a building. Here an experimental and numerical investigation of the flow through building‐integrated ducting is presented. Pressure and wind speed measurements have been carried out on a wind tunnel model at different angles of incident wind, and different duct configurations have been tested. It was confirmed that wind speeds up to 30% higher than in the approaching freestream may be induced in the duct, and good performance was obtained for angles of incident wind up to ±60°. The experimental work proceeded in parallel with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling. The geometry of the system was difficult to represent to the required level of accuracy, and modelling was restricted to a few simple cases, for which the flow field in the building‐integrated duct was compared with experimental results. Generally good agreement was obtained, indicating that CFD techniques could play a major role in the design process. Predicted power of the proposed device suggests that it will compare favourably with conventional small wind turbines and photovoltaics in an urban environment. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trace elements in tissues from Vietnamese animals
Authors: Boman Johan , Wagner Annemarie , Brauer Hans , Viet Binh Doan
Published: August 2002

The concentrations of the trace elements S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr and Pb in tissues of a number of animals collected in different provinces in Vietnam were determined using energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry. This set of data was measured in order to establish a background set of data for Vietnam. Overall good agreement with elemental concentrations reported for similar animals and with concentrations in other parts of the world was found. In order to render comparisons possible for specimens sampled in other countries and between polluted and unpolluted areas, it turned out to be clearly advantageous to determine the element concentrations in the different tissues. Compared with measurements of the total body, the risk of averaging the elemental concentration is being eliminated or at least greatly reduced. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.