bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SPICE for small organisations
Authors: Tuffley Angela , Grove Bill , McNair Gary 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThere is a perception in small to medium software developers that international standards and process improvement models such as ISO/IEC 15504 are developed and are relevant only for large organisations. This paper discusses the results of a case study focusing on the conduct of a process improvement project in a small organisation, Mirrabooka Systems Pty Ltd. The project involved providing financial assistance, assessment services and process improvement mentoring to improve the capability of the organisation's software development processes. The activities centred around the provision of ISO/IEC 15504 conformant assessments, or more commonly known as SPICE Assessments, the results of which provided a basis for developing and implementing a process improvement programme for the organisation, which was implemented over a period of 18 months, and finally determining the improvements realised over that time frame. It discusses both the benefits and concerns Mirrabooka Systems Pty Ltd experienced by participating in the project and also demonstrates that ISO/IEC 15504 is not just suitable for large organisations but is also relevant and beneficial for small organisations. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An experience in using risk management in a software process improvement programme
Authors: Lassudrie Claire , Gullà‐Menez Gina 
Published: September 2004

AbstractIn the context of fierce competition in the field of Telecom Services, companies need to continuously improve their processes. To satisfy its business goals, centered on achieving enhanced customer satisfaction and greater competitiveness, France Telecom Research and Development (France Telecom R&D) set up a Software Process Improvement (SPI) programme in 1999. A risk management approach was used in this program to keep better control over its results.This article describes the implementation of the Software Process Improvement Programme at France Telecom R&D, risk management implementation in the SPI programme and the results obtained from this approach. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cortical dopamine D2receptors in type 1 and 2 alcoholics measured with human whole hemisphere autoradiography
Authors: Tupala Erkki , Hall Håkan , Halonen Pirjo , Tiihonen Jari 
Published: September 2004

AbstractAlcoholism has been associated with lower density of striatal dopamine (DA) D2receptors, but there is much less data on cortical DA D2receptors. We evaluated the [125I]epidepride binding to DA D2receptors in Cloninger type 1 and 2 alcoholics and controls in frontal, temporal, and anterior cingulate cortices by using human postmortem whole hemispheric autoradiography, which provides high‐resolution images corresponding to positron emission tomographic (PET) studies. Type 1 alcoholics had lower and type 2 alcoholics had higher DA D2receptor density in all cortical areas compared to controls. Although the results did not reach statistical significance, the effect sizes were high. The DA D2receptor density in type 2 alcoholics decreased statistically significantly with age, and after correcting for age the binding values also fell below the level of controls. A statistically non‐significant tendency towards a decrease of cortical DA D2receptors was seen in controls, whereas in the type 1 alcoholic group no consistent correlation or even tendency towards increase with age was observed. Our results give preliminary evidence that DA D2receptors in cortical areas may be lower among both groups of alcoholics, but not necessarily of same magnitude as in subcortical structures. The rapid decline of cortical DA D2receptors among type 2 alcoholics may have some relevance to their antisociality, because this trait tends to diminish with age. The absence of correlation or even tendency towards increase of cortical DA D2receptors with age seen in type 1 alcoholics may give further evidence that they have a pre‐existing dopaminergic deficit. However, these results especially regarding aging effect must be considered as preliminary due to the different age‐range of type 2 alcoholics compared to two other groups. Synapse 54:129–137, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of birth insult and stress at adulthood on excitatory amino acid receptors in adult rat brain
Authors: El‐Khodor Bassem F. , Flores Gonzalo , Srivastava Lalit K. , Boksa Patricia 
Published: September 2004

AbstractBirth complications involving fetal hypoxia and stress at adulthood, which are risk factors for schizophrenia, can produce alterations in subcortical dopamine (DA) function in rat models. As adults, rats born either by cesarean section (C‐section) or by C‐section with added global anoxia show increased stress‐induced DA release from nucleus accumbens and increased amphetamine‐induced locomotion, compared to vaginally born controls. Moreover, stress at adulthood interacts with these birth insults to modulate DA receptor and transporter levels. Glutamatergic transmission at the level of the nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus are known to modulate subcortical DA activity. Thus, altered excitatory amino acid (EAA) function might contribute to the dopaminergic changes observed in rats after birth insult and/or stress at adulthood. To test this possibility, rats born vaginally, by C‐section, or by C‐section with 15 min of anoxia, were either repeatedly stressed (15 min of tail pinch daily for 5 days) at adulthood or received no stress, and levels of EAA receptor binding were measured by ligand autoradiography in limbic brain regions. As adults, rats born by C‐section showed increases in AMPA receptor binding in nucleus accumbens shell, NMDA receptor binding in cingulate cortex, and kainate receptor binding in the hippocampal CA1 region. Anoxic rats showed increases in CA1 kainate receptor and anterior olfactory NMDA receptor binding. Stress at adulthood increased AMPA receptor binding in several regions of prefrontal cortex and reduced NMDA receptor binding in infralimbic cortex and dentate gyrus, across all birth groups. Two instances of interactions between birth insult and stress at adulthood were observed. Stress reduced cingulate cortex NMDA receptor binding and increased olfactory tubercle kainate receptor binding only in C‐sectioned animals, but not in controls. The possibility that the observed EAA receptor changes contribute to dopaminergic dysfunction in these animal models is discussed, in light of known glutamate‐DA interactions. Synapse 54:138–146, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
L‐arginine increases dopamine transporter activity in rat striatum via a nitric oxide synthase‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Volz Trent J. , Schenk James O. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractLiterature reports suggest that nitric oxide (NO) participates in the regulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission, possibly through interaction with cysteine residues of the dopamine transporter (DAT). Rotating disk electrode voltammetry was used to measure dopamine (DA) transport in rat striatum to determine if 1) the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) substrate, L‐arginine (L‐Arg), could affect DAT activity; 2) L‐Arg‐dependent effects on DAT activity could be blocked by NOS and guanylate cyclase inhibitors, a NO scavenger, DA, and cocaine; 3) a NO donor could affect DAT activity; and 4) L‐Arg could protect the DAT from a sulfhydryl agent. L‐Arg increased DAT activity by increasing Vmax. NOS inhibitors (S‐ethylisothiourea and S‐isopropylisothiourea), a NO scavenger (2‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide), DA, and cocaine blocked the L‐Arg effect. The guanylate cyclase inhibitor, 1H‐(1,2,4)‐oxadiazolo[4,3a]quinoxalin‐1‐one, did not. The NO donor, S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine, decreased DAT activity and L‐Arg protected the DAT from the effects of the sulfhydryl agent N‐ethylmaleimide. These results suggest that L‐Arg, via NO, may play a role in regulating DAT activity in rat striatum by increasing the Vmax of DA transport. Furthermore, it is suggested that the effects of L‐Arg on DAT activity may be due to modification of the DAT itself, possibly via the NO‐mediated modification of DAT cysteine residues. Finally, NO produced from L‐Arg may affect the DAT differently than NO from NO donors. These results further the notion that dopaminergic neurotransmission may be regulated by changes in DAT activity caused by L‐Arg and NOS. Synapse 54:173–182, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Schizosaccharomyces pombe ER oxidoreductin‐like proteins SpEro1a p and SpEro1b p
Authors: Kettner Karina , Blomberg Anders , Rödel Gerhard 
Published: September 2004

AbstractEndoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductins (Ero proteins) are essential for oxidation of protein disulphide isomerase (Pdi), which introduces disulphide bonds in target proteins. Contrary to the situation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with a single Ero protein (Ero1p), the genomes of Schizosaccharomyces pombe and of humans encode two Ero‐like proteins. Here we show that both Sz. pombe proteins (SpEro1a p and SpEro1b p) are N‐glycosylated and firmly associated with membranes of the secretory pathway. Surprisingly, only expression of SpEro1b p completely restores growth of the temperature‐sensitive S. cerevisiae ero1‐1 mutant, whereas SpEro1a p only partially complements this mutation. Upon expression in S. cerevisiae wild‐type cells, SpEro1b p leads to a significantly increased resistance to reductive stress by dithiothreitol, whereas SpEro1a p has only a marginal effect. These data suggest that SpEro1b p is a functional homologue of the S. cerevisiae Ero1p. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kluyveromyces lactis SSO1 and SEB1 genes are functional in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and enhance production of secreted proteins when overexpressed
Authors: Toikkanen Jaana H. , Sundqvist Lena , Keränen Sirkka 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe SEB1/SBH1 and the SSO genes encode components of the protein secretory machinery functioning at the opposite ends, ER translocation and exocytosis, respectively, of the secretory pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Overexpression of these genes can rescue temperature‐sensitive (ts) growth defect of many sec mutants impaired in protein secretion. Furthermore, their overexpression in wild‐type yeast enhances production of secreted proteins in S. cerevisiae, which suggests that they may be rate‐limiting factors in this process. Here we report isolation of Kluyveromyces lactis homologues of these genes. KlSSO1 and KlSEB1 were isolated as clones capable of rescuing growth of ts sso2‐1 and seb1Δ seb2Δ sem1Δ strains, respectively, at the restrictive temperature. The encoded Kluyveromyces proteins are up to 70% identical with the S. cerevisiae homologues at the amino acid level and can functionally replace them. Interestingly, KlSSO1 and KlSEB1 show similar enhancing effect on production of a secreted protein as the SSO and SEB1 genes of S. cerevisiae when overexpressed. In accordance with the high homology level of the secretory pathway proteins in different yeast species, the polyclonal antibodies raised against S. cerevisiae Seb1p, Sso2p and Sec4p can detect homologous proteins in cell lysates of K. lactis and Pichia pastoris, the latter also in Candida utilis. The GenBank Accession Nos are AF307983 (K. lactis SSO1) and AF318314 (K. lactis SEB1). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interrelationships among Atg proteins during autophagy in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Suzuki Kuninori , Noda Takeshi , Ohsumi Yoshinori 
Published: September 2004

AbstractMacroautophagy is a bulk degradation process induced by nutrient starvation in eukaryotic cells. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, 16 ATG genes are essential for autophagosome formation. Recently, we demonstrated that these ATG genes can be classified into three groups on the basis of localization of GFP–Atg8p/Aut7p and Atg5p/Apg5p–GFP under nutrient‐rich conditions. In this study, we analysed the intracellular localization of GFP–Atg8p, an autophagosome marker, in atg mutants under autophagy‐inducing conditions; the localization of GFP–Atg8p exhibited several distinct patterns. Subsequent analyses revealed epistatic interrelationships among Atg proteins during the process of autophagosome formation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of bone morphogenetic proteins‐4, '5 and '6 on DNA synthesis and expression of bone‐related proteins in cultured human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Xu Wan‐Peng , Shiba Hideki , Mizuno Noriyoshi , Uchida Yuushi , Mouri Yoshihiro , Kawaguchi Hiroyuki , Kurihara Hidemi 
Published: September 2004

AbstractBone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have multiple functions in the development and growth of skeletal and extraskeletal tissues. Therefore, BMPs may regulate the regeneration of periodontal tissue. To investigate this issue, we examined the effects of BMP‐4, −5 and −6 on DNA synthesis and the expression of bone‐related proteins in cultures of human periodontal ligament (HPL) cells. The expression of bone‐related proteins was determined by Real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in cultures of HPL cells. DNA synthesis was estimated by measuring bromoderoxyuridine incorporation. It was found that BMP‐4, −5 and −6 enhanced DNA synthesis dose‐dependently. BMP‐4 and −5 increased the levels of osteopontin, BMP‐2, alkaline phosphatase and core binding factor alpha 1 mRNAs. BMP‐6 stimulated the expression of osteopontin, BMP‐2, ALPase and osteoprotegerin. These findings show that BMP‐4, −5 and −6 have different actions on the expression of bone‐related proteins and may play a role in the regeneration of periodontal tissue by promoting cell proliferation and protein expression.
Predictors of pregnancy and postpartum haemoglobin concentrations in low-income women
Authors: Bodnar Lisa M , Siega-Riz Anna Maria , Arab Lenore , Chantala Kim , McDonald Thad 
Published: September 2004

AbstractObjective:Pregnancy and postpartum iron status is of great public health importance, yet few studies have examined predictors of haemoglobin (Hb) concentration during this time. We identified predictors of Hb from 24 weeks' gestation until delivery and from 4 to 25 weeks postpartum.Design:Blood was drawn as many as four times during care: at the initial visit, at 24–29 weeks' gestation, at delivery and postpartum. A longitudinal, multivariable linear regression model was used to predict Hb concentration.Setting:A public health clinic in Raleigh, North Carolina.Subjects:n= 520 women who participated in the Iron Supplementation Study.Results:Hb concentration at the previous blood draw, short stature, non-Hispanic white ethnicity/race, > 12 years of education and smoking were positive predictors of pregnancy and postpartum Hb concentrations. Iron supplement use was a positive predictor, while inadequate weight gain and severe nausea/vomiting were negative predictors of gestational Hb. A high infant birth weight and postpartum haemorrhage were negative predictors of postpartum Hb. Pre-pregnancy body mass index had a slight positive relationship with gestational Hb, but had a strong negative relationship with postpartum Hb. The longitudinal model also confirmed the typical pattern of gestational Hb concentration. As the number of weeks between the initial visit and the 24- to 29-week visit increased, Hb at 24–29 weeks' gestation decreased. As gestational age increased from 24 weeks until delivery, Hb concentration increased as well.Conclusions:The predictors identified here could be used in clinical settings to target high–risk women for intervention.
Plasma levels of six carotenoids in nine European countries: report from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)
Authors: Al-Delaimy Wael K , van Kappel Anne Linda , Ferrari Pietro , Slimani Nadia , Steghens Jean-Paul , Bingham Sheila , Johansson Ingegerd , Wallström Peter , Overvad Kim , Tjønneland Anne , Key Tim J , Welch Ailsa A , Bueno-de-Mesquita H Bas , Peeters Petra HM , Boeing Heiner , Linseisen Jakob , Clavel-Chapelon Françloise , Guibout Catherine , Navarro Carmen , Quirós Jose Ramón , Palli Domenico , Celentano Egidio , Trichopoulou Antonia , Benetou Vassiliki , Kaaks Rudolf , Riboli Elio 
Published: September 2004

AbstractBackground:In addition to their possible direct biological effects, plasma carotenoids can be used as biochemical markers of fruit and vegetable consumption for identifying diet–disease associations in epidemiological studies. Few studies have compared levels of these carotenoids between countries in Europe.Objective:Our aim was to assess the variability of plasma carotenoid levels within the cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC).Methods:Plasma levels of six carotenoids – α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin – were measured cross-sectionally in 3043 study subjects from 16 regions in nine European countries. We investigated the relative influence of gender, season, age, body mass index (BMI), alcohol intake and smoking status on plasma levels of the carotenoids.Results:Mean plasma level of the sum of the six carotenoids varied twofold between regions (1.35μmoll−1for men in Malmö, Sweden vs. 2.79μmoll−1for men in Ragusa/Naples, Italy; 1.61μmoll−1for women in The Netherlands vs. 3.52μmoll−1in Ragusa/Naples, Italy). Mean levels of individual carotenoids varied up to fourfold (α-carotene: 0.06μmoll−1for men in Murcia, Spain vs. 0.25μmoll−1for vegetarian men living in the UK). In multivariate regression analyses, region was the most important predictor of total plasma carotenoid level (partialR2=27.3%), followed by BMI (partialR2=5.2%), gender (partialR2=2.7%) and smoking status (partialR2=2.8%). Females had higher total carotenoid levels than males across Europe.Conclusions:Plasma levels of carotenoids vary substantially between 16 different regions in Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Germany, the UK, Sweden, Denmark and The Netherlands. Compared with region of residence, the other demographic and lifestyle factors and laboratory measurements have limited predictive value for plasma carotenoid levels in Europe.
Accuracy of self-reported waist and hip measurements in 4492 EPIC–Oxford participants
Authors: Spencer Elizabeth A , Roddam Andrew W , Key Timothy J 
Published: September 2004

AbstractObjective:To assess the accuracy of self-reported waist and hip circumferences and the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) by comparison with measured waist and hip circumferences and WHR in a sample of middle-aged men and women.Design:Analysis of measured and self-reported waist and hip data from participants in the Oxford cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC–Oxford).Participants:Four thousand four hundred and ninety-two British men and women aged 35–76 years.Results:Spearman's rank correlation coefficients between measured and self-reported waist, hip and WHR were 0.80, 0.74 and 0.44, respectively, for men and 0.83, 0.86 and 0.62 for women. Waist was underestimated, on average, by 3.1 (standard deviation (SD) 5.6) cm in men and 1.9 (SD 5.4) cm in women. The extent of underestimation was greater in participants with larger waists, older participants and women with greater body mass index (BMI). Hip was underestimated by a mean of 1.8 (SD 4.9) cm in men and 1.2 (SD 4.5) cm in women; the extent of underestimation was greater in participants with larger hip circumference and older participants. On average, WHR was underestimated by less than 2% by men and women; the extent of underestimation was greater among those with larger WHR, older people and those with greater BMI. Using self-reported values, the proportion of classification to the correct tertile was over 65% for waist and hip measurements. For WHR this proportion was 50% among men and 60% among women.Conclusions:Self-reported waist and hip measurements in EPIC–Oxford are sufficiently accurate for identifying relationships in epidemiological studies.
Prevalence and predictors of food insecurity among low-income households in Los Angeles County
Authors: Furness Bruce W , Simon Paul A , Wold Cheryl M , Asarian-Anderson Johanna 
Published: September 2004

AbstractObjectives:To assess the prevalence and identify the predictors of food insecurity among households in Los Angeles County with incomes below 300% of the federal poverty level.Methods:The Six-Item Short Form of the US Department of Agriculture's Household Food Security Scale was used as part of a 1999 county-wide, population-based, telephone survey.Results:The prevalence of food insecurity was 24.4% and was inversely associated with household income. Other independent predictors of food insecurity included the presence of children in the household (odds ratio (OR) 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–2.3) and a history of homelessness in the past five years (OR 5.6, 95% CI 3.4–9.4).Conclusion:Food insecurity is a significant public health problem among low–income households in Los Angeles County. Food assistance programmes should focus efforts on households living in and near poverty, those with children, and those with a history of homelessness.
Sources and credibility of nutrition information among black urban South African women, with a focus on messages related to obesity
Authors: Charlton KE , Brewitt P , Bourne LT 
Published: September 2004

AbstractObjectives:(1) To identify the major sources of nutrition information, and the perceived credibility thereof, among urban black South African women; and (2) to determine the level of knowledge regarding nutrition, particularly regarding the topic of obesity.Design:A cross–sectional descriptive study that was both qualitative (focus groups) and quantitative (individual questionnaires). Three hundred and ninety–four black women aged 17–49 years were conveniently sampled from the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces in South Africa.Methods:Four focus groups were held with 39 women to identify common themes relating to nutrition knowledge. Based on these data, a questionnaire instrument was developed and administered to 394 women by trained fieldworkers.Results:The most frequently encountered source of nutrition information was the media, particularly the radio and TV (73.4% and 72.1% of subjects, respectively, obtained information from this source in the past year), followed by family/friends (64.6%). Despite only 48.5% of subjects having received nutrition information from a health professional, this was the most highly credible information source. Factors being most influential in choice of foods were taste, preferences of the rest of the family, and price. A lack of knowledge on certain aspects of nutrition was identified, as well as misconceptions regarding diet and obesity.Conclusion:To improve nutrition knowledge and the effectiveness of nutrition education activities in South Africa, it is recommended that health and nutrition educators become more actively involved with the training of health professionals, particularly those engaged in delivery of services at primary care level, and in turn encourage health professionals to engage more with media sources. Nutrition messages delivered from health professionals via the media will enable public exposure to nutrition information which is not only easily accessible but also perceived to be highly credible.