bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential roles of the nucleotide exchange factor ECT2 and Cdc42 GTPase in spindle assembly in Xenopus egg cell‐free extracts
Authors: Tatsumoto Takashi , Sakata Hiromi , Dasso Mary , Miki Toru 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe ECT2 protooncogene encodes a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the Rho family of small GTPases. ECT2 contains motifs of cell cycle regulators at its N‐terminal domain. We previously showed that ECT2 plays a critical role in cytokinesis. Here, we report a potential role of XECT2, the Xenopus homologue of the human ECT2, in spindle assembly in cell‐free Xenopus egg extracts. Cloned XECT2 cDNA encodes a 100 kDa protein closely related to human ECT2. XECT2 is specifically phosphorylated in M phase extracts. Affinity‐purified anti‐XECT2 antibody strongly inhibited mitosis in Xenopus cell‐free extracts. Instead of bipolar spindles, where chromosomes are aligned at the metaphase plane in control extracts, the addition of anti‐XECT2 resulted in the appearance of abnormal spindles including monopolar and multipolar spindles as well as bipolar spindles with misaligned chromosomes. In these in vitro synthesized spindle structures, XECT2 was found to tightly associate with mitotic spindles. The N‐terminal half of XECT2 lacking the catalytic domain also strongly inhibited spindle assembly in vitro, resulting in the formation of mitotic spindles with a low density. Among the representative Rho GTPases, a dominant‐negative form of Cdc42 strongly inhibited spindle assembly in vitro. These results suggest that the Rho family GTPase Cdc42 and its exchange factor XECT2 are critical regulators of spindle assembly in Xenopus egg extracts. Published 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.†
Oblique plane‐wave scattering from circular cylinders of periodic circular discs using asymptotic corrugated boundary conditions
Authors: Kishk Ahmed A. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractAn infinite circular cylinder, made of periodic circular conducting discs separated by circular dielectric discs, is considered. The cylinder is excited by an oblique plane‐wave incident. A simple asymptotic solution is presented for the problem by considering that the periodicity period approaches zero. The asymptotic corrugation boundary conditions are enforced on the cylinder's surface. The series solution is verified with the numerical solution when the ratio between the separation distances between the conducting discs to the period is finite and ≤1. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 40: 33–35, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11278
Application of the transmission line laser model in analysis of multiple‐phase‐shift DFB lasers
Authors: Hairong Liu , Ghafouri‐Shiraz H. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractIn this paper, we analyze the characteristic performance of a multiple‐phase‐shift (MPS) distributed feedback (DFB) laser diode based on the transmission line laser model (TLLM) for the first time. The effects of the phase shift position and the value and number of phase shifts on the laser performance have also been analyzed. As expected, the simulation results indicate that the longitudinal field distributions of three‐phase‐shift (3PS) DFB are more uniform than the quarter‐wave shift (QWS) DFB and, hence, the spatial‐hole‐burning effect is significantly reduced in this structure. Also, optimum designs for the 3PS DFB laser diode, based on the flatness of the field distribution, are studied. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 40: 51–57, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11283
On‐vehicle low‐profile metal‐plate antenna for 900‐MHz operation
Authors: Liu Yung‐Tao , Su Saou‐Wen , Tang Chia‐Luan , Fang Shyh‐Tirng , Wong Kin‐Lu 
Published: November 2003

AbstractA new design of a low‐profile metal‐plate antenna suitable for vehicular application in the 900‐MHz band covering the AMPS (824–894 MHz) and GSM (880–960 MHz) bands is presented. The proposed antenna is easily constructed by folding a long rectangular metal plate into a symmetrical configuration with two back‐to‐back inverted‐L arms, and has a low profile of 22 mm (about 0.066λ at 900 MHz) above the ground plane. In addition, the antenna shows a very good conical radiation pattern with omnidirectional radiation in the azimuthal plane. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 40: 79–80, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11290
Development of a new application apparatus for entomopathogenic nematodes
Authors: Piggott Simon J , Clayton Richard , Matthews Graham A , Wright Denis J 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThis paper describes the assessment of nematode spray application methods and details the redesign of a spinning disc applicator for the improved application of the infective juveniles of entomopathogenic nematodes to foliage. The assessment highlighted fundamental design features that prevent efficient and accurate nematode application and these are dealt with in turn specifically to enable improved nematode application. The redesigned or prototype spinning disc was shown to improve nematode carriage in droplets, leading to greater deposition of nematodes per unit area. There is a trade‐off between spray droplet coverage of the target surface and the production of a suitable droplet spectrum for nematode carriage. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Erythrocyte Membrane Digoxin-Sensitive (Na+–K+)-ATPase of Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetic Humans
Authors: Okegbile E. O. , Odusan O. , Adeola O. 
Published: November 2003

Erythrocyte plasma membranes of non-insulin dependent diabetic humans (NIDDM) and healthy humans were prepared by hypotonic lysis. The specific activity of (Na+-K+)-ATPase of NIDDM membranes, both in the absence and presence of digoxin were lower than the specific activity of normal enzymes (83.6 percent and 74.0 percent of the normal enzyme respectively). Addition of digoxin decreased the activity of this enzyme (38.0 percent in NIDDM and 30.0 percent in normal enzyme).
Although the affinity of the pump for ATP was similar in both membranes of NIDDM and normal humans (Km for ATP=19.9±0.24μM ATP and 20.0±0.21 μM ATP respectively), the Vmax of NIDDM membranes was more than 20 percent lower than that of the normal enzyme. The specific activity of Mg2+-dependent Ca2+-pumping ATPase (Ca2+-Mg2+)-ATPase) of NIDDM membrane was lower than 80 percent of the specific activity of the normal enzymes. While the affinity of the pump for ATP was lower in the membranes of NIDDM (Km for ATP=50.0±4.3 μM ATP) in comparison to normal membranes (Km for ATP=63.1±38μM ATP), the Vmax of NIDDM membranes was similar to the normal enzyme. Altogether, these findings suggest that both the (Na+-K+)-ATPase and Ca2+-pumping ATPase of NIDDM membranes are less functional than the enzymes in normal erythrocytes.
Strategy for orchard use of Bacillus thuringiensis while minimizing impact on Choristoneura rosaceana parasitoids
Authors: Cossentine J.E. , Jensen L.B. , Deglow E.K. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractTrials were conducted to study how spring Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner subsp. kurstaki treatments on apple may be timed to maximize the survival of parasitoids of the obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), found in the southern interior of British Columbia, Canada. Orchard collections verified that second through fourth instar obliquebanded leafrollers were found in varying proportions from pink through the petal fall stage of apple development when spring B. thuringiensis treatments are applied vs. lepidopteran pests. Laboratory‐reared second through fourth instar obliquebanded leafrollers, unparasitized and parasitized by one of three native parasitoid species, were fed untreated apple leaves or leaves treated with B. thuringiensis. The highest mortality of unparasitized obliquebanded leafrollers occurred when fourth instars were exposed to B. thuringiensis‐treated leaves; B. thuringiensis‐induced mortality in the unparasitized second and third instars was less than 50%. The consumption of B. thuringiensis‐treated leaves by host larvae significantly increased the percentage of dead host larvae in all parasitized and unparasitized treatments. However, because of the low susceptibility of this leafroller species to B. thuringiensis, relatively high numbers (38–43%) of three obliquebanded leafroller parasitoid species were able to survive the consumption of B. thuringiensis by second and third instar host larvae. Fourth instar obliquebanded leafrollers were found at the full bloom and petal fall stage of apple development in the orchard, at which time B. thuringiensis treatments are recommended for optimal leafroller control. The highest parasitoid mortality due to host mortality was recorded in Apophua simplicipes Cresson (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) and Macrocentrus linearis (Nees) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), when the hosts were treated as fourth instars. Both of these parasitoids emerge from fifth and sixth instar obliquebanded leafrollers. Bacillus thuringiensis did not have as negative an impact on Apanteles polychrosidis Viereck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), which emerges when the host is in the fourth instar. When leafroller mortality and parasitism were combined, the B. thuringiensis treatment did not significantly increase host elimination above that of parasitism alone, except for larvae parasitized by A. simplicipes that were in the fourth instar. The consumption of B. thuringiensis by unparasitized larvae was shown to slow larval development.
Donor exposure rate to transfusion ratio: a better discriminator of improvement in neonatal transfusion practice
Authors: Ibojie J. , Greiss M. , Lloyd D. J. , Urbaniak S. J. 
Published: November 2003

summary.  This study identifies the benefit of using donor exposure rate (DER) to transfusion rate (TR) ratio as a discriminative index for assessing improvement in practice pattern in multiple‐transfused neonates. It provides a methodology to demonstrate reduction in donor exposure that is not evident from the use of DER alone. Two time points, one 12‐month period (1996–1997) before and one 12‐month period (1999–2000) following the introduction of a paedipack system, were reviewed. Blood issued and wasted was quantified. The 1994 BSCH guidelines to define transfusion were used for both time periods, and recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) was not used.Following implementation of paedipack system, 186 donor units were made into satellite bags and kept for 35 days. A dramatic decrease in DER : TR ratio was noted for 79 transfused infants. The DER : TR ratio was 1 : 1 before and 1 : 3·2 after introduction of paedipacks, giving a 70·5% reduction in donor exposure risk. This was not evident from the use of DER alone, which remained the same (2·4) in the historical and study groups. High transfusions per donor unit (TPDU) correlated with the reduction in DER : TR ratio. Red cell wastage per transfusion was 190 ± 30 mL before and 24·5 ± 10 mL after intervention.
Tyrosinase gene expression is not detected in mouse brain outside the retinal pigment epithelium cells
Authors: Giménez Estela , Lavado Alfonso , Giraldo Patricia , Montoliu Lluís 
Published: November 2003

AbstractTyrosinase is the rate‐limiting enzyme for melanin synthesis. Its gene is expressed in two cell types: melanocytes, derived from migrating neural crest cells, and, in the CNS, retinal pigment epithelium cells, derived from the optic cup. Its absence from the eye results in profound pathway selection errors of optic fibres at the chiasm and, hence, it has been implicated as a developmental regulator of CNS pathway selection. Recently, it has been proposed that tyrosinase can also be expressed in the developing and adult brain, although the methods used were indirect. Its presence in the brain could be very significant in terms of a potentially wider role in pathway finding. Here, we have evaluated the presence of tyrosinase expression in mouse developing, perinatal and adult brain by in situ hybridization in whole‐mount embryos and histological sections and by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. We find no evidence for tyrosinase gene expression in the CNS outside the retinal pigment epithelium cells.
Estradiol modulates acetylcholine‐induced Ca2+ signals in LHRH‐releasing GT1‐7 cells through a membrane binding site
Authors: Morales Araceli , Díaz Mario , Ropero Ana B. , Nadal Angel , Alonso Rafael 
Published: November 2003

AbstractEstrogen regulation of the female reproductive axis involves the rapid inhibition (< 30 min) of luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) secretion from hypothalamic neurons. This fast time‐course suggests interactions with potential plasma membrane binding sites that could result in short‐term effects on LHRH neurons. Because LHRH release is calcium dependent, we have studied the acute effects of 17β‐estradiol (E2) and estradiol‐peroxidase (E‐HRP) on the elevations of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) induced by acetylcholine (ACh) in LHRH‐producing GT1‐7 cells. Exposure to ACh (1–100 µm) induced transient increases of [Ca2+]i, whereas pretreatment with E2 or E‐HRP (10 nm) for 2 min reduced this response by 50–60%. The effect was specific for E2 as neither 17α‐estradiol (1 µm) nor the synthetic antiestrogens ICI182 780 (1 µm) or tamoxifen (1 µm) elicited any change on the ACh‐induced Ca2+ signal. Both the latency of the effect and the response to the membrane impermeant conjugate suggested a membrane‐mediated mechanism. Such membrane binding sites for E2 in GT1‐7 cells were demonstrated by visualizing the binding of E‐HRP and estradiol‐BSA‐fluorescein isothiocyanate (E‐BSA‐FITC) conjugates. Competition studies showed that E‐HRP binding was blocked by preincubation with E2, but not with 17α‐E2, ICI182 780, tamoxifen or progesterone, indicating that the plasma membrane binding site is highly specific for E2 and exhibits a pharmacological profile different from classical estrogen receptors. We conclude that ACh‐induced increase in [Ca2+]i in GT1‐7 cells is modulated acutely by physiological E2 concentrations in a manner which is compatible with the existence of an estrogen‐specific membrane binding site.
Improved forage digestibility of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) by transgenic down‐regulation of cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase
Authors: Chen Lei , Auh Chung‐Kyoon , Dowling Paul , Bell Jeremey , Chen Fang , Hopkins Andrew , Dixon Richard A. , Wang Zeng‐Yu 
Published: November 2003

SummaryLignification of cell walls during plant development has been identified as the major factor limiting forage digestibility and concomitantly animal productivity. cDNA sequences encoding a key lignin biosynthetic enzyme, cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD), were cloned from the widely grown monocotyledonous forage species tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Recombinant tall fescue CAD expressed in E. coli exhibited the highest Vmax/Km values when coniferaldehyde and sinapaldehyde were used as substrates. Transgenic tall fescue plants carrying either sense or antisense CAD gene constructs were obtained by microprojectile bombardment of single genotype‐derived embryogenic suspension cells. Severely reduced levels of mRNA transcripts and significantly reduced CAD enzymatic activities were found in two transgenic plants carrying sense and antisense CAD transgenes, respectively. These CAD down‐regulated transgenic lines had significantly decreased lignin content and altered ratios of syringyl (S) to guaiacyl (G), G to p‐hydroxyphenyl (H) and S to H units. No significant changes in cellulose, hemicellulose, neutral sugar composition, p‐coumaric acid and ferulic acid levels were observed in the transgenic plants. Increases of in vitro dry matter digestibility of 7.2–9.5% were achieved in the CAD down‐regulated lines, thus providing a novel germplasm to be used for the development of grass cultivars with improved forage quality.
Carbon metabolite sensing and signalling
Authors: Halford Nigel G. , Paul Matthew J. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe regulation of carbon metabolism in plant cells responds sensitively to the levels of carbon metabolites that are available. The sensing and signalling systems that are involved in this process form a complex web that comprises metabolites, transporters, enzymes, transcription factors and hormones. Exactly which metabolites are sensed is not yet known, but candidates include sucrose, glucose and other hexoses, glucose‐6‐phosphate, trehalose‐6‐phosphate, trehalose and adenosine monophosphate. Important components of the signalling pathways include sucrose non‐fermenting‐1‐related protein kinase‐1 (SnRK1) and hexokinase; sugar transporters are also implicated. A battery of genes and enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, secondary metabolism, nitrogen assimilation and photosynthesis are under the control of these pathways and fundamental developmental processes such as germination, sprouting, pollen development and senescence are affected by them. Here we review the current knowledge of carbon metabolite sensing and signalling in plants, drawing comparisons with homologous and analogous systems in animals and fungi. We also review the evidence for cross‐talk between carbon metabolite and other major signalling systems in plant cells and the prospects for manipulating this fundamentally important aspect of metabolic regulation for crop improvement.
The Third Way and Social Welfare: The Myth of Post‐emotionalism
Authors: Dean Hartley 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe “passive” welfare state was accused of promoting a dependency culture. “Active” welfare and the “what works?” approach of Britain's New Labour government is allegedly implicated in an age of post‐emotionalism, in which people are largely indifferent to the needs of others and committed primarily to their personal well‐being. This article, first, seeks to extend recent debates about agency and motivation in social policy and relate them to the notion of post‐emotionalism. Second, it draws on a recent empirical study of popular and welfare provider discourses, which suggests that popular opinion can accommodate an appreciation of human interdependency, while welfare providers remain committed to a public service ethos. None the less, Third Way thinking is associated with a narrowing of solidaristic responsibilities. The problem for the future of health, social care and state welfare policies lies not with the imagined consequences of post‐emotionalism, so much as with an ideological context that perpetuates a distorted ethic of responsibility.
Expression of galectin‐3 in neuronally differentiating PC12 cells is regulated both via Ras/MAPK‐dependent and –independent signalling pathways
Authors: Kuklinski Stephan , Vladimirova Valentina , Waha Andreas , Kamata Hideaki , Pesheva Penka , Probstmeier Rainer 
Published: November 2003

AbstractGalectin‐3 (gal‐3) is a member of the galectin family of lectins whose expression strongly depends on the cellular state. Here we show that in PC12 cells the expression of gal‐3 protein is regulated via Ras‐ and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)‐dependent and independent signalling pathways and correlates with nerve growth factor (NGF)‐mediated neuronal differentiation. Gal‐3 expression, activation of the MAPK ERK1/2 and neurite outgrowth are induced by NGF and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), but not by ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), epidermal growth factor, insulin or interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). In addition, in NGF‐treated PC12 cells, gal‐3 expression, ERK1/2 activation and neurite outgrowth could be specifically inhibited at the level of TrkA, Ras and MAPK‐kinase, whereas expression of an oncogenic form of Ras leads to gal‐3 expression and neurite outgrowth in the absence of growth factors. In NGF‐primed PC12 cells, subsequent treatment with CNTF or IL‐6 induces ERK1/2 activation and neurite outgrowth, but not gal‐3 expression. Treatment of PC12 cells with staurosporine induces gal‐3 expression and neurite outgrowth without ERK1/2 activation. NGF‐ and staurosporine‐induced gal‐3‐expression is also regulated at the transcriptional level. Our data suggest the presence of complex induction mechanisms of gal‐3 expression in neuronally differentiating PC12 cells involving NGF‐, but not CNTF‐ and IL‐6‐driven (in NGF‐primed cells) Ras/MAPK‐related signalling pathways. Staurosporine, in contrast, induces gal‐3 expression by a Ras/MAPK‐independent mechanism.
Effectiveness of an oral health education and caries prevention program in kindergartens in China
Authors: Rong Wen Sheng , Bian Jin You , Wang Wei Jian , De Wang Jia 
Published: November 2003

Abstract –Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a 2‐year oral health education and caries prevention program implemented in kindergartens in China.Methods: Seven hundred and thirty‐one 3‐year‐old children were recruited from 10 kindergartens in Miyun County, Beijing, China. The kindergartens were randomly divided into two groups. Oral health education was provided to teachers in the test kindergartens every 3 months. Oral health education sessions were conducted for the test children monthly and for their parents semiannually. Children in the test kindergarten brushed their teeth twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste (1100 ppm F−) in their kindergarten under the supervision of teachers during weekdays. No oral health education session and no supervised tooth brushing activities were carried out in the control kindergartens. A clinical examination of the study children and a questionnaire survey of their parents were conducted at baseline and after a 2‐year program.Results: Five hundred and fourteen children remained in the study after 2 years. The mean caries increments of the test group (n = 258) and the control group (n = 256) were 2.47 and 3.56 dmfs, respectively. The reduction in dmfs increment was 30.6% (P = 0.009). At the evaluation, a significantly higher percentage of children in the test group than in the control group reported brushing their teeth twice a day (87.6% vs. 69.0%; P < 0.001). Parents of children in the test group had better oral health knowledge and attitude than the parents of children in the control group.Conclusion: This oral health education program was effective in establishing good oral health habits among preschool children and in increasing oral health knowledge of their parents, in conjunction with supervised daily tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, which could reduce the development of new dental caries in preschool children in China.
Occurrence of periodontal bacteria in healthy children: a 2‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Ooshima Takashi , Nishiyama Naoko , Hou Benxiang , Tamura Kiyoko , Amano Atsuo , Kusumoto Aki , Kimura Shigenobu 
Published: November 2003

Abstract – Objectives: To examine the occurrence of specific periodontal bacteria in children and adolescents.Methods: Ten putative periodontal bacteria were longitudinally examined in plaque and saliva samples from 119 periodontally healthy children (2–15 years old) using a polymerase chain reaction method.Results: Capnocytophaga ochracea, C. sputigena, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans were frequently found in saliva, and tended to persist in saliva for the remainder of the study, whereas Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Prevotella intermedia were rarely detected. P. nigrescens was more frequently detected in plaque and its prevalence increased with age. Eikenella corrodens and Campylobacter rectus were sometimes detected in both plaque and saliva, while Tannerella forsythensis was occasionally detected in saliva.Conclusion: A. actinomycetemcomitans, C. ochracea, C. sputigena, P. nigrescens, C. rectus, and E. corrodens are common members of the oral microbial flora of healthy children, whereas P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, and T. denticola appear to be transient organisms.