bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of Citrobacter sp. mutants defective in decolorizing malachite green
Authors: Jang Moon‐Sun , Lee Young‐Mi , Choi Yong‐Lark , Cho Young‐Su , Kim Cheorl‐Ho , Lee Young‐Choon
Published: July 2004

To identify genes involved in the decolorization of malachite green, random mutants generated by transposon insertion in the malachite green‐decolorizing bacterium, Citrobacter sp. were isolated. The resulting mutant bank yielded 24 mutants with complete defects in their abilities to decolorize malachite green. Southern hybridization with a Tn5 fragment as a probe showed a single hybridized band in 7 mutants, which appeared to have insertions at different sites of the chromosome. The Tn5‐inserted genes were isolated and the DNA sequence flanking Tn5 was determined. Based on a sequence database, the putative protein products encoded by the mg genes were identified as follows. mg3, an ABC transporter homolog; mg6, a LysR‐type regulatory protein; m11, an oxidoreductase; mg17, a MalG protein in the maltose transport system; and mg21, a sugar kinase. The deduced sequences from two mg genes (mg7 and mg18) showed no significant similarity to any protein with a known function, suggesting that these two mg genes encode unidentified proteins that are responsible for the decolorization of malachite green. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Entomopathogenic potential of Metarhizium anisopliae isolated from engorged females and tested in eggs and larvae of Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: Kamp Fernandes Éverton Kort , da Costa Gisela Lara , Lage de Moraes Aurea Maria , Pinheiro Bittencourt Vania Rita Elias
Published: July 2004

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the in vitro virulence of three isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae to eggs and larvae of the tick Boophilus microplus. The fungus tested was isolated from engorged females of B. microplus collected in the field, and identified as Ma01, Ma02 e Ma04. These isolates were evaluated by immersion of eggs and larvae in suspension with different conidial concentrations: 105, 106, 107 e 108 conidia/ml. In each isolate there was a treatment group for each spore concentration and a control group with 10 repetitions. It was observed in the treated egg groups that there was a hatching percentage that was much less than that observed in the control groups. This was in inverse proportion to the conidia concentration/ml. Larval bioassays of all the tested isolates resulted in a high mortality of larvae in direct proportion to the spore concentration/ml, 10 days after the conidia suspensions were inoculated. To consolidate the infection, the fungus used in bioassays was re‐isolated. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of growth conditions on the production of a bacteriocin by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis ST34BR, a strain isolated from barley beer
Authors: Todorov Svetoslav D. , Dicks Leon M. T.
Published: July 2004

Bacteriocin ST34BR, a small polypeptide of 2.9 kDa produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis ST34BR, inhibits the growth of Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. MRS broth, adjusted to pH 6.0 yielded 6,400 AU/ml, compared to 400 AU/ml recorded in BHI broth, M17 broth, 10% (w/v) soy milk, and 8% and 10% (w/v) molasses. At pH of 4.5 only 800 AU/ml was produced. Based on comparative studies in MRS broth, without organic nitrogen, supplemented with different combinations of tryptone, meat extract and yeast extract, tryptone was identified as the stimulating nitrogen compound. Growth in the presence of 20 g/l glucose, maltose, mannose or sucrose yielded bacteriocin levels of 6,400 AU/ml, whereas the same concentration of lactose and fructose yielded 3,200 AU/ml and 1,600 AU/ml, respectively. No difference in bacteriocin ST34BR activity was recorded in MRS broth supplemented with 2 g/l K2HPO4 and 2 g/l, 5 g/l, 10 g/l or 50 g/l KH2PO4. However, 20 g/l KH2PO4 increased bacteriocin ST34BR production to 12,800 AU/ml. Glycerol at 1g/l to 10 g/l in MRS broth reduced bacteriocin activity to 3,200 AU/ml, whilst 20 g/l and 50 g/l yielded only 1,600 AU/ml. The presence of cyanocobalamin, L‐ascorbic acid, thiamine and dl‐6,8‐thioctic acid in MRS broth at 1.0 ppm, respectively, did not result in increased activity levels. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Feeling your way: Enhancing leadership through intuition
Authors: Cartwright Talula
Published: July 2004

Leaders often have to make decisions without access to complete and certain information. Even so, those decisions need to be both correct and timely. Using reflective techniques can help leaders learn to depend on their intuition for help in making good decisions quickly.
Use of antibiotics at hospitals in Stockholm: a benchmarking project using internet
Authors: Bergman Ulf , Risinggård Helena , Vlahović‐Palčevski Vera , Ericsson Örjan
Published: July 2004

Purpose

To evaluate the internet way of feedback to prescribing physicians, providing data on antimicrobial use and to assess the applicability of the DU90% (i.e. Drug Utilisation 90%—the number of drugs accounting for 90% of the volume of usage in defined daily doses, (DDDs)) methodology in the hospital setting.

Methods

Antimicrobial drug use was evaluated in all major departments in seven hospitals in Stockholm in the year 2000. All data were presented anonymously on www.janusinfo.org. Aggregate data on antimicrobial drug use were expressed as the number of DDDs and costs per 100 bed‐days. We focused on the number of drugs accounting for 90% of the volume (DDD), including the level of adherence to guidelines. The chief physicians assessed this feedback by a questionnaire.

Results

The number of DDDs/100 bed‐days varied among different clinics and ranged from 39 to 57 (internal medicine) to 102 to 161 (infectious disease). The cost per 100 bed‐days varied more than two‐fold. The number of different antibiotics within the DU90% segment ranged from 9 to 13 (orthopaedic clinics) to 16 to 23 (infectious disease). According to the questionnaire, data were considered to be clearly presented and physicians would like to receive this kind of reports in the future, not only for antibiotics but also for other drugs.

Conclusion

Presenting physicians with aggregate data on drug use via internet could provide a stimulus for prescribing improvement. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of drugs in mothers of offspring with neural‐tube defects
Authors: Medveczky Erika , Puhó Erzsébet , Czeizel E. Andrew
Published: July 2004

Objective

To study the risk of maternal drugs use during pregnancy in the origin of isolated neural‐tube defects (NTD).

Materials and methods

1202 cases with NTD, 38 151 population controls without any defects and 22 475 patient controls with other defects were compared in the population‐based data set of the Hungarian Case‐Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities (HCCSCA), 1980–1996. The HCCSCA contains 542 drugs, however only those drugs were evaluated which included five or more mothers in the NTD group. Drugs with the same chemical structures were combined. In addition, only drug use in the second month of pregnancy was evaluated because it is the critical period for NTD. Of course, it is necessary to exclude different biases, mainly recall bias at the evaluation of these drugs. Of 121 chemicals, only oxytetracycline, carbamazepine and valproic acid had some association with NTD. High doses of exogenous oestrogens, clomiphene, chorionic gonadotropin, lynesterol and ergotamine also seemed to have some indirect association with NTD because their exposures occurred more frequently before the critical period of NTD due to maternal infertility.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that drugs used during pregnancy do not appear to substantially contribute to the occurrence of isolated NTD but some drugs have a role in the origin of these defects. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictors of herbal medicine use in a Swedish health practice
Authors: Al‐Windi Ahmad
Published: July 2004

Objective

The aim of this study was to characterise users of herbal medicines and assess the effect of socio‐demographic characteristics, perceived health and chronic disease on the use of herbal medicine in a multi‐ethnic Swedish health practice population.

Methods

A questionnaire was completed by 1433 (out of a total of 1776) patients aged 16 years and above who visited the Jordbro Health Centre (JHC) in Stockholm, Sweden, between 14 January and 30 June 2002. The results were linked to computerised medical records.

Results

Altogether 320 (22.3%) of this patient population used some form of herbal medicine. The bivariate analysis showed that the use of herbal medicine were more common among patients aged 45–64 years, females, high educated, patients born in Nordic countries or Europe compared to other age groups, males, low educated, patients born outside Europe and without chronic disease. In the logistic regression analysis when the effects of confounders were taken into account, females, high educated patients and patients with chronic disease had higher odds for use of herbal medicine than males, low educated and patients without chronic disease. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were 1.95 (1.40–2.76) for female as compared with male patients; 2.10 (1.49–2.97) for subjects with a high level of education compared with subjects with a low educational level and 1.62 (1.15–2.29) for subjects with chronic disease compared with subjects without chronic disease. The common diagnoses were musculo‐skeletal, respiratory and circulatory disorders, signs and symptoms and external causes according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD10). There were no significant differences between users and non‐users of herbal medicine regarding the number of consultations with any physician or the general practitioner (GP), contacts with the health care centre, use of prescribed medicines or number of days of sick leave during the past year.

Conclusion

Females, well‐educated patients and patients with chronic disease had higher odds for use of herbal medicine than others irrespective of other socio‐demographic characteristics, and herbal medicine was seen to be used independently of conventional medicine. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Agreement between GPRD smoking data: a survey of general practitioners and a population‐based survey
Authors: Lewis James D. , Brensinger Colleen
Published: July 2004

Background

Cigarette smoking is a common habit that is associated with many diseases. Smoking is often an important confounding variable in pharmacoepidemiological studies. The General Practice Research Database (GPRD) is widely used in pharmacoepidemiological research. In this study, we compare data recorded in the GPRD with the smoking history obtained from direct query of general practitioners (GPs) and from a population‐based survey.

Methods

We completed a mailed survey of GPs caring for a random sample of 150 patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The survey asked the GP to categorize the patients smoking status on a specified date. These results were then compared to the data recorded in the GPRD. Smoking status of 225 308 randomly selected GPRD patients without inflammatory bowel disease was compared to the results of a population‐based household survey.

Results

Completed surveys with usable data were received from GPs on 136 of the 150 patients (91%). The sensitivity and positive predictive value of the database for current smoking were 78% (95% CI: 52–94) and 70% (95% CI: 46–88) respectively. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of former smoking were 53% (95% CI: 28–77) and 60% (95% CI: 32–84) respectively. Current and former smoking rates in the GPRD were 79% and 29% respectively of expected rates according to the population‐based survey .

Conclusions

Current smoking is more completely recorded in the GPRD than former smoking. These data need to be considered when planning GPRD studies where smoking is an important exposure variable. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current fluctuations of polymeric chains
Authors: Walczak Kamil
Published: July 2004

Coherent electron transport is investigated in a molecular device made of a polymeric chain sandwiched between two metallic electrodes. The molecular system is described by a simple Hückel model, while the coupling to the electrodes is treated in a broad energy band approach. Transport characteristics and noise power are calculated in two response regimes: linear and non‐linear. A strong dependence is shown of the shot noise on (i) the length of the polymeric chain and (ii) the strength of the molecule‐to‐electrode coupling. In particular, a detailed discussion of Poissonian to sub‐Poissonian crossover in the noise spectra is included. An algorithm is presented that allows one to calculate the lowest possible level of current fluctuations (due to the Pauli exclusion principle) in designing molecular devices. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Multiplexed hybridizations of positively charge‐tagged peptide nucleic acids detected by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Bauer Oliver , Guerasimova Anna , Sauer Sascha , Thamm Sabine , Steinfath Matthias , Herwig Ralf , Janitz Michal , Lehrach Hans , Radelof Uwe
Published: July 2004

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is a novel class of DNA analogues in which the entire sugar‐phosphate backbone is replaced by a pseudopeptide counterpart. Owing to its neutral character and the consequent lack of electrostatic repulsion, PNA exhibits very stable heteroduplex formation with complementary nucleic acid that is essentially ionic strength independent and enables hybridization under minimum salt conditions. This feature as well as its superior ion stability and easy ionization compared to DNA renders PNA very attractive for hybridization‐based matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOFMS) applications. We have developed an approach to DNA characterization that takes advantage of multiplexed PNA hybridizations analyzed by MALDI‐TOFMS. Our motivation was the further development of oligonucleotide fingerprinting, an efficient technique for cDNA and genomic DNA library characterization. Through positive ‘charge‐tagging’ of PNA the efficiency of detection in MALDI‐TOFMS was considerably enhanced permitting an unparalleled degree of multiplexing. Results from the simultaneous hybridization of 21 charge‐tagged PNA hexamer oligonucleotides showed that genomic DNA and cDNA clones are successfully characterized on the basis of their hybridization profiles. The degree of multiplexing achieved may render a significant increase in throughput and hence efficiency of oligonucleotide fingerprinting possible. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in the structural characterization of some diphenyllead(IV) thiosemicarbazonates
Authors: Casas José S. , García‐Tasende María S. , Sordo José , Taboada Carmen , Tubaro Michela , Traldi Pietro , Vidarte María J.
Published: July 2004

The behavior in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) conditions of some complexes formed by Pb(C6H5)2(OAc)2 with salicylaldehyde, 2‐ketobutyric acid, pyridine‐2‐carbaldehyde, 2‐acetylpyridine, and 2‐benzoylpyridine thiosemicarbazones, was studied in detail with the aid of collisional experiments performed by ion trap. The homoleptic complexes of tridentate thiosemicarbazonate dianions (TSC2−) lose the phenyl groups first, destabilizing the high oxidation state of the metal and leading to Pb(II) complexes in which the TSC2− ligand or a part of it remains coordinated to the metal. The main difference among the complexes derives from the presence of a carboxylate group on the 2‐ketobutyric acid thiosemicarbazonato ligand, which probably interacts with a Na+ cation leading to ESI‐generated [M+Na]+ species. In the absence of the carboxylate group, the production of abundant protonated molecules is observed. These different behaviors have been rationalized from the structural point of view. The heteroleptic mononuclear complexes, including thiosemicarbazonate and AcO− monoanions in the coordination sphere, do not yield intact ionized molecular species, and the most abundant ESI‐generated ion is due to AcO− loss. The spectrum of the binuclear heteroleptic complex formed by the salicylaldehyde thiosemicarbazonate monoanion is conditioned by the weak bonding interaction displayed by the acetate bridge. MSn experiments yield important information on the relative ligand–Pb bond strengths. This work forms part of the search for chelating agents that can be used for effective chemotherapy of organolead poisoning. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface‐activated chemical ionization ion trap mass spectrometry in the analysis of amphetamines in diluted urine samples
Authors: Cristoni Simone , Bernardi Luigi Rossi , Gerthoux Piermario , Gonella Elisabetta , Mocarelli Paolo
Published: July 2004

A new ionization method, named surface‐activated chemical ionization (SACI), was employed for the analysis of five amphetamines (3,4‐methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 3,4‐methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDE), amphetamine and methamphetamine) by ion trap mass spectrometry. The results so obtained have been compared with those achieved by using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and electrospray ionization (ESI) using the same instrument, clearly showing that SACI is the most sensitive of the three. The limit of detection and linearity range for SACI were compared with those obtained using APCI and ESI, showing that the new SACI approach provides the best results for both criteria. SACI was used to analyze MDA, MDMA MDE, amphetamine and methamphetamine in four urine samples, and the quantitation results are compared with those achieved using ESI. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
N2O influence on isotopic measurements of atmospheric CO2
Authors: Sirignano Carmina , Neubert Rolf E. M. , Meijer Harro A. J.
Published: July 2004

In spite of extensive efforts, even the most experienced laboratories dealing with isotopic measurements of atmospheric CO2 still suffer from poor inter‐laboratory consistency. One of the complicating factors of these isotope measurements is the presence of N2O, giving rise to mass overlap in the isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS). The aim of the experiment reported here has been twofold: first, the re‐establishment of the correction for ‘mechanical’ interference of N2O in the IRMS, along with its variability and drift, and the best way to quantitatively determine the correction factors. Second, an investigation into secondary effects, i.e. the influence of N2O admitted with the CO2 sample on the “cross contamination”1 between sample and (pure CO2) working gas. To make the suspected effects better detectable, isotopically enriched CO2 gas with different concentrations of N2O has been measured for the first time. No evidence of secondary effects was observed, from which we conclude that N2O is not a major player in the inter‐laboratory consistency problems. Still, we also found that the determination of the ‘mechanical’ N2O correction needs to be very carefully determined for each individual IRMS, and should be periodically re‐determined. We show that the determination of the correction should be performed using CO2/N2O mixtures with concentration ratios around that of the atmosphere, as the extrapolation from pure gas end member behaviour will give erroneous results due to non‐linearities. For our IRMS, a VG SIRA series II, we find a correction of 0.23‰ for δ45CO2 and 0.30‰ for δ46CO2 of atmospheric samples, (with 0.85‰ mixing ratio). This implies that the relative ionisation efficiency (E) value associated with this machine is 0.75. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of N2O on the isotopic composition of air‐CO2 samples
Authors: Ghosh Prosenjit , Brand Willi A.
Published: July 2004

The ionisation efficiencies of N2O vs. CO2 as well as their ratios were measured in detail introducing clean N2O and CO2 into the electron impact ion source of an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Changes in the ionisation efficiency ratio (IER) were found for different electron energy settings and compared with the ratios of literature ionisation cross‐section values for pure N2O and CO2. To establish the influence of mixtures of N2O and CO2 in a mass spectrometer, artificial air mixtures were prepared by mixing different amounts of N2O and CO2 from well‐calibrated spike cylinders with CO2‐free air. The mixing ratios varied from 8–512 ppb for N2O and from 328–744 ppm for CO2. With these mixtures the effects of varying N2O concentrations on apparent CO2 isotope ratios in air samples were determined. After applying a mass balance correction the δ13C results were consistent within small error margins. The data seemed almost independent from a particular choice for the IER of N2O vs. CO2 in the correction algorithm. For δ18O a small effect of the ionisation efficiency ratio of N2O vs. CO2 was found. Several sets of calculations were made varying the IER between 0.88 and 0.62. The dependence of δ18O was the smallest with an adopted IER of 0.68–0.72 in the mass balance correction equation for isotopic analysis of CO2 in air. For high‐precision measurements of the CO2 stable isotope ratios in air samples a careful assessment of the mass spectrometer performance is necessary. Different ion sources, even different ion source settings, alter the IER of N2O vs. CO2 which is used in the N2O correction algorithm. Preferably, the specific mass spectrometric behaviour should be established with clean N2O/CO2 mixtures or with air mixtures covering a larger range of N2O concentrations. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
De Bruijn cycles for covering codes
Authors: Chung Fan , Cooper Joshua N.
Published: July 2004

A de Bruijn covering code is a q‐ary string S so that every q‐ary string is at most R symbol changes from some n‐word appearing consecutively in S. We introduce these codes and prove that they can have size close to the smallest possible covering code. The proof employs tools from field theory, probability, and linear algebra. Included is a table of the best known bounds on the lengths of small binary de Bruijn covering codes, up to R = 11 and n = 13, followed by several open questions in this area. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2004
A web‐based learning system with the framework of linking explanations of related knowledge to web pages
Authors: Mitsuhara Hiroyuki , Ochi Youji , Yano Yoneo
Published: July 2004

In exploratory learning using Web pages, the learner tries to understand a visited page by recalling and applying related knowledge. The learner also refers to and applies explanations of the related knowledge if access is possible. The expectation is that the knowledge used in understanding various pages will be organized and integrated, and will be stabilized in the memory. The purpose of this study is to develop a WBL (Web‐based learning) system that assists such knowledge stabilization. The authors consider that the most fundamental knowledge stabilization assistance consists of helping the learner refer to and apply explanations of related knowledge from the visited page. Consequently, this paper proposes a framework in which related knowledge is linked to Web pages, and presents a WBL system based on such a framework. The effectiveness of the proposed system is investigated through an experiment. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 35(10): 102–113, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10517
Feasibility study of convenient automatic identification system of medical articles using LF‐band RFID in hospital
Authors: Hosaka Ryosuke
Published: July 2004

The number of medical accidents has recently been increasing in patient environments in Japan. Most of these accidents are ascribed to errors by nurses. Among these, however, are cases that could have been prevented by appropriate management of medical articles. In the patient environment, the patient is placed at the center, and medical articles are in a dependency relation to the patient. An accident may arise if such a dependency is not fulfilled. This paper proposes the use of low‐frequency‐band RFID tags in order to monitor the patient environment. In the proposed method, tags are attached to the patient and all related medical articles. By monitoring the tags at any time by wireless communications, mistaken inclusion of articles related to other patients can be avoided. In this system, tags are automatically identified, which avoids placing an extra burden on the nurses and other medical professionals. In this study, the identification performance of RFID tags is improved and the feasibility of their use as a practical system is verified by an experiment in an environment simulating an actual site. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 35(10): 74–82, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10581
Design of agent‐based middleware for flexible connection control
Authors: Konno Susumu , Kitagata Gen , Suganuma Takuo , Sugawara Kenji , Kinoshita Tetsuo
Published: July 2004

Controlling connections between operating networks in an extranet according to various requests from users or applications creates a huge load for network administrators. In response to this problem, the authors herein propose a type of agent‐based middleware for dynamically configuring and providing network services based on requests assigned from applications. In addition, they describe a method of designing this agent‐based middleware and construct an experimental system that incorporates it to show the effectiveness of the proposed technique through experiments using the system. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 35(10): 50–62, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10656
Autonomous development of relationships among web servers for facilitating information utilization
Authors: Sato Shin‐ya , Harada Masanori , Kazama Kazuhiro
Published: July 2004

A Web server can play a role as an agent for people who create information, and Web servers with related information can be searched by the agent in order to facilitate efficient information utilization on the Web. Web servers exchange information with other servers and select which ones to keep or abandon, resulting in an increase in the links with servers with greater relevance. As a result, a community, a group of Web servers that are mutually linked, is created. A Web server community can be used as a place for various forms of information utilization and exchange, such as meta‐searches and contents syndication. In this paper, the authors propose an algorithm for creating communities after evaluating the meaning of facilitating information utilization via a community. They then verify the validity of their idea through simulations. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 35(10): 40–49, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10659
A method of estimation of magnetic resonance spectroscopy using complex‐valued neural networks
Authors: Morita Naoyuki , Konishi Osamu
Published: July 2004

MRS (magnetic resonance spectroscopy) consists of collecting the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum of the metabolites in the living body and estimating it. In the field of MRS, we usually get an NMR spectrum by applying the Fourier transform to the real part of the NMR signal [free induction decay (FID) signal], which is a complex‐valued signal. We must then measure the area of the spectral peak to estimate metabolites in the living body from the spectrum. A curve fitting technique is used for that measurement. However, this technique is not suitable for large quantities of data processing, because human intervention is necessary and is laborious. For this reason, an automatic method of estimating an NMR spectrum is required in the field of MRS. In this paper, we propose a method of estimation of an NMR spectrum by using a Hopfield complex‐valued neural network and try to estimate the spectrum automatically. In addition, we consider damping state of the NMR signal and devise a method called sequential extension of section (SES). It is shown that the estimation precision of the spectrum improves when SES is used. Furthermore, SES is found to reduce the local minimum problem in Hopfield neural networks. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 35(10): 14–22, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10705
Efficient generation of transgenic pigs using equine infectious anaemia virus (EIAV) derived vector
Authors: Whitelaw C.Bruce A , Radcliffe Pippa A , Ritchie William A , Carlisle Ailsa , Ellard Fiona M , Pena Romi N , Rowe Jo , Clark A.John , King Tim J , Mitrophanous Kyriacos A
Published: July 2004

Traditional methods of transgene delivery in livestock are inefficient. Recently, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV‐1) based lentiviral vectors have been shown to offer an efficient transgene delivery system. We now extend this method by demonstrating efficient generation of transgenic pigs using an equine infectious anaemia virus derived vector. We used this vector to deliver a green fluorescent protein expressing transgene; 31% of injected/transferred eggs resulted in a transgenic founder animal and 95% of founder animals displayed green fluorescence. This compares favourably with results using HIV‐1 based vectors, and is substantially more efficient than the standard pronuclear microinjection method, indicating that lentiviral transgene delivery may be a general tool with which to efficiently generate transgenic mammals.
Specificity determinants for chemokine recognition identified using eotaxin‐MCP‐1 chimeras
Authors: Mayer Michael R , Parody Todd R , Datta-Mannan Amita , Stone Martin J
Published: July 2004

To identify the elements of two chemokines [monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and eotaxin] that control their differential recognition by their respective receptors (CCR2 and CCR3), we have studied the receptor interactions of MCP‐1‐eotaxin chimeras. Each receptor was found to exhibit a distinct binding preference for proteins containing the amino‐terminal region of the cognate chemokine for that receptor. However, other elements dictating chemokine preference were different for the two receptors. In some cases, the influence of replacing a particular region was dependent on the identities of neighboring regions, indicating a complex network of cooperative and/or compensating interactions.
Dimerization of the plant photoreceptor phototropin is probably mediated by the LOV1 domain
Authors: Salomon Michael , Lempert Ulrika , Rüdiger Wolfhart
Published: July 2004

Phototropin is a membrane‐bound UV‐A/blue light photoreceptor of plants responsible for phototropism, chloroplast migration and stomatal opening. Characteristic are two LOV domains, each binding one flavin mononucleotide, in the N‐terminal half and having a serine/threonine kinase domain in the C‐terminal half of the molecule. We purified the N‐terminal half of oat phototropin 1, containing LOV1 and LOV2 domains, as a soluble fusion protein with the calmodulin binding peptide (CBP) by expression in Escherichia coli. Gel chromatography showed that it was dimeric in solution. While the fusion protein CBP‐LOV2 was exclusively monomeric in solution, the fusion protein CBP‐LOV1 occurred as monomer and dimer. The proportion of dimer increased on prolonged incubation. We conclude that native phototropin is a dimer and that the LOV1 domain is probably responsible for dimerization.
PLD2 is enriched on exosomes and its activity is correlated to the release of exosomes
Authors: Laulagnier Karine , Grand David , Dujardin Arnaud , Hamdi Safouane , Vincent-Schneider Hélène , Lankar Danielle , Salles Jean-Pierre , Bonnerot Christian , Perret Bertrand , Record Michel
Published: July 2004

Exosomes are small vesicles secreted by different immune cells and which display anti‐tumoral properties. Stimulation of RBL‐2H3 cells with ionomycin triggered phospholipase D2 (PLD2) translocation from plasma membrane to intracellular compartments and the release of exosomes. Although exosomes carry the two isoforms of PLD, PLD2 was enriched and specifically sorted on exosomes when overexpressed in cells. PLD activity present on exosomes was clearly increased following PLD2 overexpression. PLD2 activity in cells was correlated to the amount of exosome released, as measured by FACS. Therefore, the present work indicates that exosomes can vehicle signaling enzymes.
INFγ stimulates arginine transport through system y+L in human monocytes
Authors: Rotoli Bianca Maria , Bussolati Ovidio , Sala Roberto , Barilli Amelia , Talarico Enrica , Gazzola Gian C , Dall'Asta Valeria
Published: July 2004

Freshly isolated human monocytes transport l‐arginine mostly through a sodium independent, NEM insensitive pathway inhibited by l‐leucine in the presence, but not in the absence of sodium. Interferon‐γ (IFNγ) stimulates this pathway, identifiable with system y+L, and markedly enhances the expression of SLC7A7, the gene that encodes for system y+L subunit y+LAT1, but not of SLC7A6, that codes for the alternative subunit y+LAT2. System y+ plays a minor role in arginine uptake by monocytes and the expression of system y+‐related genes, SLC7A1 and SLC7A2, is not changed by IFNγ. These results demonstrate that system y+L is sensitive to IFNγ.
Epidermal growth factor, neurotrophins and the metastatic cascade in prostate cancer
Authors: Montano Ximena , Djamgoz Mustafa B.A
Published: July 2004

Although cancer of the prostate (CaP) is the most commonly occurring cancer in males, there are major limitations in its diagnosis and long‐term cure. Consequently, understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the progression of CaP is of particular importance for production of pharmacological and biological agents to manage the disease. The development of the normal prostate is regulated by stromal–epithelial interactions via endocrine and paracrine factors, such as androgens and growth factors, which act as precise homeostatic regulators of cellular proliferation. Importantly, after a period of hormonal therapy, CaP shifts from an androgen‐dependent to an androgen‐independent state with a concomitant switch from paracrine to autocrine growth factor stimulation and subsequent upregulation of growth factor expression. Thus, growth factors and their receptors have a pivotal role in CaP. This is emphasized by current evidence obtained from clinical specimens as well as several in vitro and in vivo models strongly suggesting that epidermal growth factor and the neurotrophins (nerve growth factor, brain derived neurotrophin factor, neurotrophin‐3 and neurotrophin‐4/5) together with their tyrosine kinase receptors could play a very significant role in CaP progression.
Human prostaglandin EP3 receptor isoforms show different agonist‐induced internalization patterns
Authors: Bilson Heather A , Mitchell Deanah L , Ashby Barrie
Published: July 2004

The human prostaglandin EP3 receptor comprises eight isoforms that differ in carboxyl‐tail. We show here that the isoforms are trafficked differently. When expressed in HEK293 cells, the isoforms located to the cell surface, although a fraction of some remained in the cell. Upon prostaglandin E2 stimulation, EP3.I internalized almost completely, EP3.II, EP3.V, EP3.VI and EP3.f internalized to a lesser extent and EP3.III and EP3.IV did not internalize. Both EP3.I and EP3.f internalized with β‐arrestin and internalization were blocked by a dominant negative form of Eps15, a clathrin‐associated protein. Although EP3.II internalized, β‐arrestin did not translocate with the receptor and internalization was not blocked by mutant Eps15. EP3.V and EP3.VI internalized to discrete areas of the cell with β‐arrestin.
15‐Deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 inhibits IL‐1β‐induced IKK enzymatic activity and IκBα degradation in rat chondrocytes through a PPARγ‐independent pathway
Authors: Boyault Sandrine , Bianchi Arnaud , Moulin David , Morin Sylvie , Francois Mathias , Netter Patrick , Terlain Bernard , Bordji Karim
Published: July 2004

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) ligands have been shown to inhibit the effects of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β). This cytokine plays a key role in articular pathophysiologies by inducing the production of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). We previously demonstrated that 15d‐PGJ2 was more potent than troglitazone to counteract IL‐1β effects on chondrocytes. Here, we studied the action of 15d‐PGJ2 on intracellular targets in nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signalling pathway in IL‐1β treated rat chondrocytes. We found that 15d‐PGJ2 decreased inhibitor κBα (IκBα) degradation but not its phosphorylation by specifically inhibiting IκB kinase β (IKKβ), but not IKKα, enzymatic activity. We further evaluated the involvement of PPARγ in the anti‐inflammatory action of its ligands. In chondrocytes overexpressing functional PPARγ protein, 15d‐PGJ2 pre‐treatment inhibited inducible NO synthase and COX‐2 mRNA expression, nitrite and PGE2 production, p65 translocation and NF‐κB activation. Troglitazone or rosiglitazone pre‐treatment had no effect. 15d‐PGJ2 exhibited the same effect in chondrocytes overexpressing mutated PPARγ protein. These results suggest that 15d‐PGJ2 exerts its anti‐inflammatory effect in rat chondrocytes by a PPARγ‐independent mechanism, which can be conferred to a partial inhibition of IκBα degradation.
Cloning and characterization of a Streptomyces antibioticus ATCC11891 cyclophilin related to Gram negative bacteria cyclophilins
Authors: Manteca Angel , Kamphausen Thilo , Fanghanel Jorg , Fischer Gunter , Sanchez Jesus
Published: July 2004

Cyclophilins are folding helper enzymes and represent a family of the enzyme class of peptidyl‐prolyl cis–trans isomerases. Here, we report the molecular cloning and biochemical characterization of SanCyp18, an 18‐kDa cyclophilin from Streptomyces antibioticus ATCC11891 located in the cytoplasm and constitutively expressed during development. Amino acid sequence analysis revealed a much higher homology to cyclophilins from Gram negative bacteria than to known cyclophilins from Streptomyces or other Gram positive bacteria. SanCyp18 is inhibited weakly by CsA, with a K
i value of 21 μM, similar to cyclophilins from Gram negative bacteria. However, this value is more than 20‐fold higher than the K
i values reported for cyclophilins from other Gram positive bacteria, which makes SanCyp18 unique within this group. The presence of SanCyp18 in Streptomyces is likely due to horizontal gene transmission from Gram‐negative bacteria to Streptomyces.
GenAge: a genomic and proteomic network map of human ageing
Authors: de Magalhães João Pedro , Toussaint Olivier
Published: July 2004

The aim of this work was to provide an overview of the genetics of human ageing to gain novel insights about the mechanisms involved. By incorporating findings from model organisms to humans, such as mutations that either delay or accelerate ageing in mice, we constructed the gene networks previously related to ageing: namely, the network related to DNA metabolism and the network involving the GH/IGF‐1 axis. Gathering data about the interacting partners of these proteins allowed us to suggest the involvement in ageing of a number of proteins through a “guilt‐by‐association” methodology. To organize our data, we developed the first curated database of genes related to human ageing: GenAge. With over 200 entries, GenAge may serve as a reference database of genes related to human ageing. Moreover, we rendered the first proteomic network map of human ageing, which suggests a relationship between the genetics of development and the genetics of ageing. Our work serves as a framework upon which a systems‐biology understanding of ageing can be developed. GenAge is freely available for academic purposes at: http://genomics.senescence.info/genes/.
Identification and characterization of the nuclear import and export signals of the mammalian Ste20‐like protein kinase 3
Authors: Lee Wan-Shu , Hsu Chiung-Yueh , Wang Pei-Ling , Huang Chi-Ying Fred , Chang Chia-Hua , Yuan Chiun-Jye
Published: July 2004

Mst3, a human Ste20‐like protein kinase, has been recently demonstrated to undergo a caspase‐mediated cleavage during apoptosis. The proteolytic cleavage of the C‐terminus of Mst3 caused nuclear translocation of its kinase domain. This work provides evidence that Mst3 may contain a bipartite‐like nuclear localization sequence (NLS) at the C‐terminus of its kinase domain (residues 278–292). The removal of NLS from the kinase domain of Mst3 led to the cytoplasmic accumulation of EGFP‐Mst3Δ277. The presence of nuclear exporting signals in the Mst3 was also demonstrated by leptomycin B‐treatment and serial deletion of the C‐terminal regulatory domain of Mst3. A nuclear export signal was also postulated to be in the regions of amino acids 335–386. In conclusion, Mst3 contains both NLS and NES signals, which may cooperate to control the subcellular distribution of Mst3.
Stock identification of Mediterranean horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus) using morphometric and meristic characters
Authors: Turan Cemal
Published: July 2004

Morphologic differentiation among stocks of Mediterranean horse mackerel, Trachurus mediterraneus, throughout the Black, Marmara, Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean Seas, was investigated using morphometric and meristic characters. Discriminant function analysis of both morphometric and meristic characters suggested that there is restricted migration of mackerel among the adjacent seas. Overlapping of four Black sea samples on the discriminant space in morphometric and meristic characters suggested that there is one self-recruiting population in the area. The Marmara sea samples were the most isolated samples from all others for both morphometric and meristic characters, which may indicate existence of a distinguishable mackerel stock in the area. The sample from the Aegean Sea was grouped with one geographically close Mediterranean sample based on morphometrics, and separated from all other Mediterranean samples based on meristic characters, suggesting some degree of intermingling between these areas. Examination of the contribution of each morphometric variable to canonical functions indicated that differences among samples seemed to be associated with the anterior part of the body. In meristic analyses, highest contributions to canonical functions were associated with the number of gill rakers and pectoral fin rays.
Virtual Teams: What Do We Know and Where Do We Go From Here?
Authors: Martins Luis L. , Gilson Lucy L. , Maynard M. Travis
Published: July 2004

In this paper, we review the research on virtual teams in an effort to assess the state of the literature. We start with an examination of the definitions of virtual teams used and propose an integrative definition that suggests that all teams may be defined in terms of their extent of virtualness. Next, we review findings related to team inputs, processes, and outcomes, and identify areas of agreement and inconsistency in the literature on virtual teams. Based on this review, we suggest avenues for future research, including methodological and theoretical considerations that are important to advancing our understanding of virtual teams.
Upper Echelons Research Revisited: Antecedents, Elements, and Consequences of Top Management Team Composition
Authors: Carpenter Mason A. , Geletkanycz Marta A. , Sanders Wm. Gerard
Published: July 2004

This study reviews recent research building on Hambrick and Mason’s [Hambrick, D. C., & Mason, P. A. (1984). Upper echelons: The organization as a reflection of its top managers. Academy of Management Review, 9: 193–206] upper echelons (UE) perspective with the aim of identifying challenges and opportunities for future UE-based organizations research. Our review highlights a number of central facets of the UE perspective: It is at once a theoretical framework predicting that organizations will be a reflection of their top management teams and a methodology that relies on executive demography as a measurement proxy for underlying individual and group cognitions and behaviors. In proposing new research directions, we challenge organizations researchers to (1) reconsider the universality of the top management team (TMT) construct, (2) carefully explore the practical and theoretical meaning of TMT demographic characteristics vis-à-vis the deeper constructs they are presumed to proxy, (3) integrate other determinants of managerial cognition and behavior into UE theorizing, and (4) revisit the roles of causality and intertemporal dynamics among the antecedents, consequences, and composition of top management teams.
Burnout in Organizational Life
Authors: Halbesleben Jonathon R.B. , Buckley M. Ronald
Published: July 2004

Burnout is a psychological response to work stress that is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced feelings of personal accomplishment. In this paper, we review the burnout literature from 1993 to present, identifying important trends that have characterized the literature. We focus our attention on theoretical models that explain the process of burnout, the measurement of burnout, means of reducing burnout, and directions for the future of burnout research.
Franchising: A Review and Avenues to Greater Theoretical Diversity
Authors: Combs James G. , Michael Steven C. , Castrogiovanni Gary J.
Published: July 2004

As franchising has increased its visibility and impact on the business landscape, it has attracted the attention of a wide variety of researchers from different academic backgrounds. We draw together much of this research by juxtaposing the two key theories used to explain franchising, resource scarcity and agency theory, with the empirical findings regarding three key franchising constructs—franchise initiation, subsequent propensity to franchise, and franchise performance. We suggest that research emphasis needs to shift toward understanding why firms initiate franchising and how franchising impacts different types of organizational performance. We also find that extant research can benefit from additional theoretical diversity and thus we offer new propositions grounded in three theories not yet widely applied to franchising.
The Effects of Personal and Contextual Characteristics on Creativity: Where Should We Go from Here?
Authors: Shalley Christina E. , Zhou Jing , Oldham Greg R.
Published: July 2004

This article systematically reviews and integrates empirical research that has examined the personal and contextual characteristics that enhance or stifle employee creativity in the workplace. Based on our review, we discuss possible determinants of employee creativity that have received little research attention, describe several areas where substantial challenges and unanswered questions remain, present a number of new research directions for theory building, and identify methodological improvements needed in future studies of creativity in organizations.