bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of cysteamine on glutathione level and developmental capacity of bovine oocyte matured in vitro
Authors: de Matos Daniel G. , Furnus Cecilia C. , Moses Daniel F. , Baldassarre Hernan 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe present study was carried out to evaluate if the addition of cysteamine to the culture medium during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes increased the glutathione (GSH) levels in the mature oocytes, and if these changes may promote an improvement on in vitro development to the blastocyst stage. Follicular oocytes from slaughterhouse ovaries were matured in TCM 199 supplemented with 10% (v/v) fetal calf serum, hormones, and 0 (control), 25, 50, or 100 μM of cysteamine for 24 hr. After in vitro maturation the oocytes were fertilized and cultured for 8 days. The percentage of embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage was significantly higher (P < 0.01) for oocytes matured in medium containing 100 μM of cysteamine than for those matured in control medium. Moreover, the intracellular GSH levels were increased (P < 0.05) in oocytes matured with 100 μM of cysteamine with respect to control. No differences were observed in maturation and cleavage rates, and in the mean cell numbers per blastocyst among treatments (P > 0.05). These results indicate that the addition of thiol compounds such as cysteamine to maturation medium increases the efficiency of in vitro blastocyst production from immature bovine oocytes. The higher levels of GSH in oocytes matured in the presence of cysteamine suggest that the beneficial effects of cysteamine on in vitro maturation and subsequent development after in vitro fertilization are mediated by GSH. © 1995 wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bovine oocyte diameter in relation to maturational competence and transcriptional activity
Authors: Fair T. , Hyttel P. , Greve T. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe aims of the present series of experiments were to establish a possible relationship between bovine oocyte diameter and follicle size, investigate the developmental ability of oocytes of different diameter groups, and investigate the relationship between oocyte diameter and RNA transcriptional activity of the oocyte.Follicles were recovered from slaughterhouse ovaries by mechanical dissection, measured, and assigned to one of the following size categories: ≥ 4 mm, <3–4 mm, <2–3 mm, <1–2 mm, and <1 mm. Oocytes were liberated from the follicles and their diameters recorded. The correlation coefficient between oocyte diameter and follicle size was 0.32 (P < 0.0001).Oocytes were recovered by aspiration and/or slicing of slaughterhouse ovaries and divided into four groups (<100 μm, 100–<110 μm, 110–<120 μm, and >120 μm) based on diameter. Oocytes were processed through standard procedures for in vitro maturation and stained in order to assess nuclear development. Rates of in vitro development to metaphase II were 21.2%, 42.3%, 75.9%, and 80.7%, respectively, for the four groups.On a separate occasion immature oocytes from the above diameter groups were cultured in the presence of 3H‐uridine for 45 min and scored for degree of RNA synthesis as indicated by the presence of autoradiographic labeling. Oocytes <110 μm showed a greater degree of 3H‐uridine incorporation than those ≥ 110 μm, suggesting that they were involved in RNA synthesis and therefore still in the growth phase. © 1995 wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanisms regulating Raf‐1 activity in signal transduction pathways
Authors: Morrison Deborah K. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractRaf‐1 is a key protein involved in the transmission of developmental and proliferative signals generated by receptor and nonreceptor tyrosine kinases. Biochemical and genetic studies have demonstrated that Raf‐1 functions downstream of activated tyrosine kinases and Ras and upstream of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and MAPK kinase (MKK or MEK) in many signaling pathways. A major objective of our laboratory has been to determine how Raf‐1 becomes activated in response to signaling events. Using mammalian, baculovirus, and Xenopus systems, we have examined the roles that phosphorylation and protein‐protein interactions play in regulating the biological and biochemical activity of Raf‐1.Our studies have provided evidence that the activity of Raf‐1 can be modulated by both Ras‐dependent and Ras‐independent pathways. Recently, we reported that Arg89 of Raf‐1 is a residue required for the association of Raf‐1 and Ras. Mutation of this residue disrupted interaction with Ras and prevented Ras‐mediated, but not protein kinase C‐or tyrosine kinase‐mediated, enzymatic activation of Raf‐1 in the baculovirus expression system. Further analysis of this mutant demonstrated that kinase‐defective Raf‐1 proteins interfere with the propagation of proliferative and developmental signals by binding to Ras and blocking Ras function.Our findings have also shown that phosphorylation events play a role in regulating Raf‐1. We have identified sites of in vivo phosphorylation that positively and negatively alter the biological and enzymatic activity of Raf‐1. In addition, we have found that some of these phosphorylation sites are involved in mediating the interaction of Raf‐1 with potential activators (Fyn and Src) and with other cellular proteins (14‐3‐3). Results from our work suggest that Raf‐1 is regulated at multiple levels by several distinct mechanisms. © 1995 wiley‐Liss, Inc.
LET‐23‐mediated signal transduction during Caenorhabditis elegans development
Authors: Sternberg Paul W. , Lesa Giovanni , Lee Junho , Katz Wendy S. , Yoon Charles , Clandinin Thomas R. , Huang Linda S. , Chamberlin Helen M. , Jongeward Gregg 
Published: February 2005

AbstractWe are using Caenorhabditis elegans vulval induction to study intercellular signaling and its regulation. Genes required for vulval induction include the LIN‐3 transforming α‐like growth factor, the LET‐23 epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐receptor‐like transmembrane tyrosine kinase, the SEM‐5 adaptor protein, LET‐60 Ras, and the LIN‐45 Raf serine/threonine kinase. Inactivation of this pathway results in a failure of vulval differentiation, the “vulvaless” phenotype. Activation of this pathway either by overexpression of LIN‐3, a point mutation in the LET‐23 extracellular domain, or hyperactivity of LET‐60 Ras results in excessive vulval differentiation, the “multivulva” phenotype. In addition to searching for new genes that act positively in this signaling pathway, we have also characterized genes that negatively regulate this inductive signaling pathway. We find that such negative regulators are functionally redundant: mutation of only one of these negative regulators has no effect on vulval differentiation; however, if particular combinations of these genes are inactivated, excessive vulval differentiation occurs. The LIN‐15 locus encodes two functionally redundant products, LIN‐15A and LIN‐15B, that formally act upstream of the LET‐23 receptor to prevent its activity in the absence of inductive signal. The LIN‐15A and B proteins are novel and unrelated to each other. The unc‐101, sli‐1, and rok‐1 genes encode a distinct set of negative regulators of vulval differentiation. The unc‐101 gene encodes an adaptin, proposed to be involved in intracellular protein trafficking. The sli‐1 gene encodes a protein with similarity to c‐cbl, a mammalian proto‐oncogene not previously linked with a tyrosine kinase‐Ras‐mediated signaling pathway. LIN‐3 and LET‐23 are required for several aspects of C. elegans development—larval viability, P12 neuroectoblast specification, hermaphrodite vulval induction and fertility, and three inductions during male copulatory spicule development. Fertility and vulval differentiation appear to be mediated by distinct parts of the cytoplasmic tail of LET‐23, and by distinct signal transduction pathways. © 1995 wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stability and error analysis on partially implicit schemes
Authors: Sun Tong 
Published: February 2005

AbstractSubdomain techniques have been widely used for solving elliptic and parabolic equations. For parabolic problems, it is possible to combine subdomain techniques with explicit methods to construct efficient algorithms. In addition, this kind of algorithms is naturally suitable for parallel computing. However, the stability of such schemes has been considered as a very difficult issue. In this article, we use an exact error propagation and discrete scheme smoothing approach to give a posteriori stability and error analysis. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2005
Specific in vitro binding of (S,S)‐[3H]MeNER to norepinephrine transporters
Authors: Ghose Subroto , Fujita Masahiro , Morrison Paul , Uhl George , Murphy Dennis L. , Mozley P. David , Schou Magnus , Halldin Christer , Innis Robert 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the selectivity of (S,S)‐2‐(α‐(2‐methoxyphenoxy)benzyl)morpholine (MeNER) binding to norepinephrine transporters (NET). Quantitative autoradiography studies of NET binding were performed in brains of wildtype mice and those of mutant mice lacking one or two alleles of the NET gene. [3H]MeNER binding in the wildtype mouse brains was consistent with previously reported distributions of NET. Highest levels were found in the locus coeruleus, thalamus, hypothalamus, and bed nucleus of stria terminalis. Specific binding in these regions was ˜50% in the heterozygous NET mice and negligible in the NET knockout mice. Binding in the wildtype mouse brains was displaced by the NETligand, nisoxetine, but not by the serotonin or dopamine transporter blockers, citalopram or GBR 12935. [3H]MeNER displayed much higher affinity for NET than for SERT or DAT in homogenate binding studies. Each of these features supports thebinding specificity of this candidate in vivo NET ligand. Synapse 56:100–104, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Osteogenic pulmonary metastases originating from a phyllodes tumour of the breast with osteosarcomatous differentiation
Authors: Bhartia SK , Kashyap P 
Published: February 2005

SummaryMalignant phyllodes tumour is an uncommon breast neoplasm which undergoes osteosarcomatous differentiation in 1.3% of cases. We document the plain film, CT and scintigraphic features of a case of pulmonary metastases from this rare primary tumour.
The nature and purpose of the DBA
Authors: Sarros James C. , Willis Robert J. , Palmer Gill 
Published: February 2005

PurposeTo explore the nature (component parts, degree structure) and purpose (intended outcomes) of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the degree as they stand presently, using Australian experience.Design/methodology/approachA review of DBA programme offerings in Australia identified commonalities and differences in these offerings, and provided information necessary to propose strategic and theoretical implications of DBA education.FindingsThe paper demonstrates areas of confusion surrounding the purpose and nature of the DBA degree, especially as a research degree in comparison to the PhD. It concludes that quality controls are needed to ensure that this growing addition to management education adds to, and aids, the goal of strengthening management research, in ways that link theoretical insights with management practice.Research limitations/implicationsTheoretical and practical implications of the DBA degree are offered, as well as the extent to which the DBA addresses the educational needs of students and its benefits to the university.Practical implicationsThe paper provides data useful to administrators interested in establishing a DBA degree in their institution, for researchers wishing to further explore and contribute to the discourse regarding the calibre and content of DBA degrees, and for students wishing to learn more about the fundamental differences between the PhD and the DBA.Originality/valueThis paper provides new information about the way the DBA degree is developing in an Australian context, and offers advice on issues that need attention in order to further ground the DBA in a combined research and practitioner ethic.
The management of human resources in project management‐led organizations
Authors: Clark Ian , Colling Trevor 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThe paper examines the operational impact of project management systems on the management of human resources and the practical implications of this for practitioners in two project‐led engineering contractorsDesign/methodology/approachThe paper achieves these objectives through semi‐structured interviews in two in‐depth case studies.FindingsThe paper examines specific human resource practices, for example, staff appraisal and efforts at work re‐structuring. The paper finds that in project‐led organizations, such as those in engineering contracting, embedded sectoral characteristics such as portfolio training limit the capacity of HR practitioners to actively change employee perceptions of their development.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper reports on sector‐specific research. However, the paper does illustrate the lack of engagement between project management literatures and personnel/HR literatures on the role of HR practitioners in project‐led organizationsPractical implicationsThe paper draws out the impact of embedded sector effects on the management of HRs and the effects of this on the role played by practitioners.Originality/valueThe value of this paper for the academic community is that it emphasizes a lack of engagement between project management literatures and HR/personnel literatures when it is likely that “project management” systems are a core managerial mechanism for the deployment of staff.
Check‐up time
Authors: Rockman Ilene F. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeDraws parallels between individuals and organizations, and notes the importance of having regular, periodic organizational checks to avoid incurring serious problems.Design/methodology/approachSuggests collecting and analyzing appropriate data, and getting a second opinion when necessary, as a strategy to better understand an organization's health.FindingsBeing clear about one's purpose, strategic initiatives, and/or goals – what one intends to learn, and how one plans to use the findings – is of uppermost importance.Originality/valueOutlines the order in which data should be collected and how to use the information found.
Enhancing library instruction with peer planning
Authors: Finley Priscilla , Skarl Susie , Cox Jennifer , VanderPol Diane 
Published: February 2005

PurposeOne of the primary goals of the project was to create a supportive environment for experimentation to enhance classroom effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachA group of librarians, the enhancement team, scheduled brainstorming sessions with instructors interested in making changes in their classroom approaches. At the brainstorming plans for session objectives, activities, timing, roles and desired outcomes were made for a specific upcoming class. Most participating instructors chose to enhance their classes by trying either an active learning activity or a group work activity that was new to them. A member of the enhancement team attended each of the peer‐planned sessions to take notes and act as an observer, assistant or team teacher, as requested by the instructor. The instructors who participated also filled out brief assessment forms.FindingsAlthough neither the non‐library faculty nor the students were formally surveyed, the active learning techniques used in the one‐shots received positive feedback. In particular, several teaching faculty told the library instructors at the end of the classes that the immediate hands‐on activities and the group activities aided the students’ comprehension of materials. In addition, a majority of the library instructors noted in their follow‐up surveys that the students were noticeably more engaged in the learning process during these classes.Originality/valueThe model of peer coaching at the planning stage, combined with team teaching, will be used to introduce new staff to teaching in the UNLV Libraries’ instruction department and continuing staff will be encouraged to open their classrooms to colleagues for ongoing professional development and constructive peer evaluation.
The vision solution to direct part mark identification
Authors: Rooks Brian 
Published: February 2005

Purpose To discuss the application of direct part marking identification (DPMI) using 2D matrix codes, the use of which is increasing in industries as diverse as automotive and medical instruments.Design/methodology/approach – The benefits of 2D codes are explained, emphasising that they have sufficient storage capacity to provide data for tracking a part during its manufacture and through the supply chain and allow traceability throughout its lifetime. It describes the operation of Cognex, one of the leading manufacturers of ID products and also the world's largest supplier of machine vision systems is Cognex. It explains that initially the electronics industry exploited Cognex' code reading technology and an application at a German board manufacturer is described. Another system, at a diesel engine injector manufacturer in France, has 42 Cognex systems reading 2D codes and guiding robots in assembly. Also described is a new range of Cognex hand‐held and fixed‐mount 1D and 2D code readers “loaded” with software that allows reading in difficult conditions and with degraded or partially obscured codes.Findings – The DPMI market has expanded into industries other than automotive, which has prompted Cognex to establish a new division of ID products.Originality/value – The paper emphasises the importance of 2D codes in product traceability and indicates how vision technology is being utilised to read these codes even under difficult conditions.
Old and new at Automatica exhibition
Authors: Braggins Don 
Published: February 2005

PurposeA review of selected vision exhibits and innovations at a new biennial international trade fair in Germany, which essentially replaces the traditional substantial vision presence at the annual Hanover Industry Fair.Design/methodology/approach – Five companies are profiled; four (ISRA Vision, Vitronic, AKATech, and INOS Automation) with innovative products and one (Stemmer Imaging) with a highly European approach to marketing.Findings – One claimed innovation was foreshadowed 20 years ago, but this time it works! Many successful applications of machine vision are now in sectors outside the traditional manufacturing field. These include logistics and aspects of traffic management. The ability to measure moving items accurately was a major advance.Originality/value – This will alert vision practitioners, and researchers intent on commercialisation, who did not get to Munich to the latest developments and opportunities for commercial exploitation of automated imaging technology. It will help them to judge whether a visit to the next event in May 2006 will be justified.
UK start‐up poised to take the fibre optic sensor market by storm
Authors: Bogue Robert W. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeTo describe a new optical fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensor system, based on a novel time division multiplexing technique, which is being commercialised by UK start‐up Insensys. This new technique allows sensor costs to be reduced dramatically and also yields operational benefits.Design/methodology/approach – The system uses time division multiplexing (TDM) rather than wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) to interrogate the sensors. All the FBG sensors are written at the same wavelength and the interrogation unit receives a number of pulses from each grating. These pulses arrive at a time determined by the grating distance from the interrogator and one grating sensor can be distinguished from another by analysing the pulse arrival times. As a result, there is no need for a tuneable laser or filter and a single mask can be used to write all of the gratings, thus reducing both manufacturing and component costs.Findings – This design has led to lower costs and allows up to 100 strain or temperature sensors to be incorporated into a single channel system, rather than around 4, which is the norm for conventional WDM systems. The company is now in production and has orders for systems to monitor the strain in wind turbine blades, to measure temperature profiles in oil wells and to monitor the stress in composite structures.Originality/value – This TDM‐based design allows FBG sensor systems to measure far more points per fibre than is possible with conventional WDM system, combined with lower system costs. Applications are being found in the marine, aerospace, offshore and power generation industries.
Korean researchers break fibre optic sensor distance record
Authors: Bogue Robert W. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeTo describe a new technique, developed in Korea, which extends the operational length of fibre Bragg grating strain and temperature sensors to approximately 50 km. It is based on distributed Raman amplification.Design/methodology/approach – The system uses a single pump source to achieve distributed Raman amplification in the transmission optical fibre and does not employ an additional broadband light source, as the residual pump power after the transmission fibre is recycled to generate broadband amplified spontaneous emission in an erbium‐doped fibre.Findings – The temperature and strain response of the system was tested by measuring changes in reflection from the sensor which were captured on an optical spectrum analyser, located at the end of a 50 km length of fibre. The thermal sensitivity was found to be 8.2 pm/°C over the range 30‐100°C and a strain sensitivity of 1.1 pm/με was exhibited between 0 and 1,700 με. The measurement resolutions of the system for temperature and strain were estimated at 0.7°C and 8.64 με, respectively. The signal‐to‐noise ratio was approximately 11 dB.Originality/value – This work has shown that the use of distributed Raman amplification can extend the operational length of fibre Bragg grating sensors from around 25 km to at least 50 km, whilst achieving good strain and temperature sensitivities.
New optical airspeed sensor poised to cut airline costs
Authors: Bogue Robert W. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeTo describe a new laser‐based, optical airspeed sensor development project. Dubbed laser air speed sensor instrument (LASSI), the sensor aims to overcome certain operational limitations of existing devices used on aircraft.Design/methodology/approach – The LASSI system is being developed by a consortium of UK organisations. It relies on Doppler wavelength shifting and involves firing short duration laser pulses from the aircraft into the atmosphere and measuring the velocity‐induced Doppler shift in the reflected (Rayleigh scattered) signal. The source is a diode‐pumped Nd:YAG laser operating at UV wavelengths.Findings – The project has reached the stage where a prototype system test bed is being assembled. Preliminary findings suggest that the system will offer a number of operational and economic benefits over existing devices, notably Pitot tubes.Originality/value – This new optical system is expected to improve helicopter safety during low‐speed activities, yield fuel savings on long‐haul passenger aircraft through a reduction in drag and also reduce the radar cross‐section of military aircraft.