bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Partial alanine scan of mast cell degranulating peptide (MCD): importance of the Histidine‐ and Arginine residues
Authors: Buku Angeliki , Mendlowitz Milton , Condie Barry A. , Price Joseph A. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe influence of the two histidine and two arginine residues of mast cell degranulating peptide (MCD) in activity and binding was studied by replacing these amino acids in the MCD sequence with L‐alanine. Their histamine releasing activity was determined on rat peritoneal mast cells. Their binding affinity to the FcεRIα binding subunit of the human mast cell receptor protein, was carried out using fluorescence polarization. The histamine assay showed that replacement of His13 by Ala occurred without loss of activity compared with the activity of MCD. Alanine substitutions for Arg7 and His8 resulted in an approximately 40‐fold increase, and for Arg16 in a 14‐fold increase in histamine‐releasing activity of MCD. The binding affinities of the analogs were tested by competitive displacement of bound fluorescent MCD peptide from the FcεRIα binding protein of the mast cell receptor by the Ala analogs using fluorescence polarization. The analogs Ala8 (for His) and Ala16 (for Arg) showed the same binding affinities as MCD, whereas analog Ala7 (for Arg) and analog Ala13 (for His) showed slightly better binding affinity than the parent compound. This study showed that the introduction of alanine residues in these positions resulted in MCD agonists of diverse potency. These findings will be useful in further MCD structure–activity studies. Copyright © 2004 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study of a Cα, β‐didehydroalanine homo‐oligopeptide series in the solid‐state by 13C cross‐polarization magic angle spinning NMR
Authors: Henzler Wildman Katherine A. , Ramamoorthy Ayyalusamy , Wakamiya Tateaki , Yoshikawa Taichi , Crisma Marco , Toniolo Claudio , Formaggio Fernando 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe fully extended peptide conformation (2.05‐helix) has been investigated for the first time in the solid‐state by 13C cross‐polarization magic angle spinning NMR. The compounds examined are members of a terminally protected, homo‐oligopeptide series (from monomer through hexamer) based on Cα, β‐didehydroalanine. Copyright © 2004 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of antibiotic activity and synthesis of new pentadecapeptides based on lactoferricins
Authors: Lejon Tore , Stiberg Trine , Strøm Morten B. , Svendsen John S. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus has been studied for a number of modified pentadecapeptides based on lactoferricins of different origin. The peptides were classified by multivariate methods and quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSAR) were developed using theoretically derived variables for the amino acids. For the modified peptides based on bovine lactoferricin (LFB) a model was calculated and used for prediction of new peptides that were then tested for antibacterial activity in order to improve peptide activity and to check the validity of the model. Models were also calculated including lactoferricins of different origin. Theories of the mechanism of action of the peptides are briefly discussed. Copyright © 2004 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Saponification of esters of chiral α‐amino acids anchored through their amine function on solid support
Authors: Cantel Sonia , Desgranges Stéphane , Martinez Jean , Fehrentz Jean‐Alain 
Published: May 2004

AbstractAnchoring an α‐amino acid residue by its amine function onto a solid support is an alternative to develop chemistry on its carboxylic function. This strategy can involve the use of amino‐acid esters as precursors of the carboxylic function. A complete study on the Wang‐resin was performed to determine the non‐racemizing saponification conditions of anchored α‐amino esters. The use of LiOH, NaOH, NaOSi(Me)3, various solvents and temperatures were tested for this reaction. After saponification and cleavage from the support, samples were examined through their Marfey's derivatives by reversed phase HPLC to evaluate the percentage of racemization. Copyright © 2004 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality of Information Flow in the Backend of a Product Development Process: a Case Study
Authors: Boersma Jaring , Loke Gabriel , Petkova Valia T. , Sander Peter C. , Brombacher Aarnout C. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe increasing need for products that are able to reliably deliver complex functionality with a high degree of innovation presents a major challenge to the modern day product creation processes. In order to be able to use information on the field behaviour of previous products in the design of new products, increasingly detailed information needs to be retrieved from the market in an increasingly shorter time. The purpose of this study is to analyse, in a typical case in the consumer electronics industry, whether the underlying business process is able to generate this information with adequate quality sufficiently quickly. Information models of the company's service centre and call centre were developed using the concepts of maturity index on reliability. The results showed that the structure of the information handling process resulted in a massive data loss (up to 60% of the data gathered by the service centres) and also in serious data quality degradation. Would this information have not been lost, it could have been used by development teams for preventive and corrective actions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effective Safety Management: a Case Study in the Chemical Industry
Authors: Sonnemans P. J. M. , Körvers P. M. W. , Brombacher A. C. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractA major non‐trivial problem within the area of industrial safety management today is to analyse, next to the safety impact of the technical equipment, the safety impact of a ‘business process’ as currently required by regulation and safety standards.This paper describes a case study of a pesticide company struggling with the question of how to improve the safety of their operational process further and at the same time also improve the reliability of their operational process. According to the literature ‘control of the business process’ is the keyword to improve the safety and reliability ‘performance’ of a company. A formal control model is proposed together with a classification system (using maturity levels) to analyse and qualify business processes with respect to their impact on process safety.This method has been applied in a case study where it resulted in a model of a business process. Using the model it was possible to classify the business process control system used and to identify related improvement opportunities. The proposed method showed that, in contrast to the company's perception, it was not the production department that was responsible for most of the problems but the peripheral processes relating to the production department. The interaction between departments caused not only potential safety problems, but also caused system reliability problems. For the company it was demonstrated that the interdependency of the (different activities in the‐) operational process is an essential element preventing further improvement if not addressed properly. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐normal Populations in Quality Applications: a Revisited Perspective
Authors: Shore Haim 
Published: May 2004

AbstractMuch research effort has recently been focused on methods to deal with non‐normal populations. While for weak non‐normality the normal approximation is a useful choice (as in Shewhart control charts), moderate to strong skewness requires alternative approaches. In this short communication, we discuss the properties required from such approaches, and revisit two new ones. The first approach, for attributes data, assumes that the mean, the variance and the skewness measure can be calculated. These are then incorporated in a modified normal approximation, which preserves these moments. Extension of the Shewhart chart to skewed attribute distributions (e.g. the geometric distribution) is thus achieved. The other approach, for variables data, fit a member of a four‐parameter family of distributions. However, unlike similar approaches, sample estimates of at most the second degree are employed in the fitting procedure. This has been shown to result in a better representation of the underlying (unknown) distribution than methods based on four‐moment matching. Some numerical comparisons are given. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Minimum jerk motion planning for a prosthetic finger
Authors: Secco Emanuele L. , Visioli Antonio , Magenes Giovanni 
Published: May 2004

AbstractIn this paper we propose a method, based on both physiologic and engineering considerations, for the motion planning of a prosthetic finger. In particular, we exploit a minimum jerk approach to define the trajectory in the Cartesian space. Then, cubic splines are adopted in the joint space. The redundancy problem arising from the presence of three links is solved by assuming that there is a constant ratio between the second and the third joint motion. The value of the proportional constant is determined by minimizing the maximum jerk in the joint space. It is found that this constant value can be suboptimally but effectively set to one for all the movements. This approach guarantees a natural movement of the finger as well as reduced vibrations in the mechanical structure and increased control performances. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Smoothing effects of distributed wind turbines. Part 2. Coherence among power output of distant wind turbines
Authors: Nanahara Toshiya , Asari Masahiro , Maejima Tsutomu , Sato Takamitsu , Yamaguchi Koji , Shibata Masaaki 
Published: May 2004

AbstractRecently there has been a marked increase in wind power generation. From a power system point of view, because a wind turbine is an intermittent generator with large output fluctuation, any increase in the number of wind turbines gives rise to concerns about the adverse effects of wind turbines on power quality. The smoothing effects of wind turbine output fluctuation are of great importance in assessing the impacts of a large number of wind turbines. With regard to impacts on power system frequency (generation–demand balance), smoothing effects on a power system‐wide scale need to be examined in greater detail, because impacts of wind turbines on power system frequency are dominated by the total power output of wind turbines interconnected to the system. This article examines smoothing effects of wind power output on a power system‐wide scale. First a summary of wind measurements, in which observations were made at 16 sites, is presented. Next, correlation coefficients of wind power output of distant wind turbines are analysed; considerable differences are observed in the correlation coefficients from day to day. Then a new indicator for assessing the smoothing effects—average coherence—is introduced to resolve difficulties of conventional indicators such as coherence. Average coherence is evaluated for the measured data; the results show that smoothing effects among wind farms distributed over some hundreds of kilometres may not be so significant for periods of more than about 100 min. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth of putative progenitors of type II pneumocytes in culture of human cystic fibrosis alveoli
Authors: Hollande Etienne , Cantet Sylvie , Ratovo Ginette , Daste Ghislaine , Brémont Franc¸ois , Fanjul Marjorie 
Published: May 2004

Summry— Alveolar type II pneumocytes are thought to be progenitor cells capable of self‐renewal and differentiation into type I pneumocytes. Nevertheless, the existence of an alveolar stem cell has been postulated. In lungs from patients with cystic fibrosis, the alveolar epithelium is damaged with ulceration and subsequent regeneration. We characterized alveolar modifications histologically and immunohistochemically in the pulmonary tissue of a patient homozygous for the ΔF508 mutation. Alveoli were of variable size and surrounded by an inflammatory infiltrate. They were lined by a continuous layer of cuboidal cells with very weak proliferative activity. These cells resembled type II pneumocytes. They expressed thyroid transcription factor‐1, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, cytokeratin 7 and contained lamellar bodies. Weak expression of cytokeratin 5 considered to be a marker of progenitor cells of the bronchial and bronchiolar epithelium was detected. Explantation of this alveolar epithelium produced primary cultures and subcultures of epithelial cells that had acquired proliferative properties showing signs of dedifferentiation with a loss of lamellar bodies and a lack of expression of thyroid transcription factor‐1. Persistence of the expression of cytokeratin 7 and a strong expression of cytokeratin 5 were observed. The culture conditions were thought to have circumvented the inhibition of proliferation observed in vivo due to the inflammatory peri‐alveolar environment. They thus favored the multiplication of a population of cells co‐expressing cytokeratin 5 and certain characteristics of type II pneumocytes. The presence of these cells of intermediate phenotype is indicative of the existence of immature precursors for type II pneumocytes.
The effect of eye orientation on slowly increasing pain
Authors: Naveteur Janick , Mars Franck , Crombez Geert 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe present study investigated the influence of eye orientation upon the experience of pain. Quasi continuous electrocutaneous stimuli which slowly increased in intensity were delivered to 32 healthy females volunteers. Participants were instructed to direct the eyes at locations that were ipsilateral or contralateral to the stimulated hand. Unpleasantness threshold and pain threshold were significantly higher when the eyes were oriented ipsilateral towards the stimulated hand. In a second experiment phase, the pain intensity increased until tolerance. There was no effect of eye orientation upon pain threshold and tolerance. Results of the first experimental part are in line with the counterintuitive idea that selective monitoring reduces pain distress. The lack of significant results in the second experiment phase is discussed in terms of statistical power and a change in coping induced by the expectation of high intensity pain.
Opinions of mothers on the first psychotic episode and the start of treatment of their child
Authors: de Haan L. , Welborn K. , Krikke M. , Linszen D.H. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractParents, especially mothers, have a critical role in initiating psychiatric treatment for their child with first-episode schizophrenia. Knowledge of attitudes of mothers towards the illness of their child prior to psychiatric treatment and towards the start of treatment is essential for the development of interventions for reducing duration of untreated psychosis (DUP). In the present study, mothers (n = 61) of consecutively admitted patients with recent-onset schizophrenic disorders were interviewed about: their views on the nature of the symptoms at first occurrence of psychotic symptoms in their child and views on the main reason for psychiatric treatment; their perception of problems in initiating psychiatric treatment; and suggestions they might have for getting treatment started at an earlier point in time. About 57% of the mothers did not think that their child had a psychosis at first occurrence of psychotic symptoms. Most of the mothers who immediately thought that their child suffered from a psychotic disorder supposed that this disorder was caused by use of street drugs. About one-third (32.8%) of the mothers thought that the reluctance of patients to acknowledge that they needed help was the major obstacle in initiating psychiatric treatment. More than half of the mothers perceived factors related to the delivery of professional care as problems in initiating psychiatric treatment. Given the reluctance of patients to accept treatment, these problems further complicate the initiating of treatment. Mothers emphasize that a more active approach by professional caregivers could reduce treatment delay.
Patients with schizophrenia previously stabilized on conventional depot antipsychotics experience significant clinical improvements following treatment with long-acting risperidone
Authors: Lasser Robert A. , Bossie Cynthia A. , Gharabawi Georges M. , Turner Martin 
Published: May 2004

AbstractBackgroundConventional depot antipsychotics can provide constant pharmacologic treatment, eliminating partial compliance and reducing relapse risk. Atypical antipsychotics, have improved clinical profiles but require daily dosing, compromising their overall effectiveness. As oral risperidone provides safety and efficacy benefits over oral haloperidol, improvements may be realized by replacing conventional with atypical agents in long-acting therapy. This report examines 50-weeks of long-acting risperidone therapy in patients previously stabilized with conventional depot antipsychotics.MethodsA multi-center, open-label study enrolled 725 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, judged clinically stable and maintained on stable antipsychotic doses for ≥4 weeks. Assignment by clinician judgment to receive 25–75 mg of long-acting risperidone every 2 weeks for 50 weeks followed, with performance of standard safety and efficacy assessments. Data are presented on patients receiving conventional depot antipsychotic monotherapy at study entry.ResultsIn the 188 (25.9%) patients receiving conventional depot antipsychotic monotherapy at entry, mild-to-moderate mean (±S.D.) Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)-total scores improved significantly after receiving long-acting risperidone (64.2 ± 18.9 to 58.2 ± 20.3; P < 0.001). Clinical improvement of ≥20%, 40%, or 60% reduction in PANSS-total score, occurred in 52%, 34%, and 16% of patients, respectively. ESRS subjective ratings and objective physician ratings (Parkinsonism) decreased significantly (P < 0.001).ConclusionStable patients with mild, residual symptomatology treated with conventional depot antipsychotics experienced significant improvement in psychiatric and movement disorder symptomatology following 1-year of treatment with long-acting risperidone.
Seven copepod species considered as indicators of water-mass influence and changes: results from a Northumberland coastal station
Authors: Bonnet D , Frid C 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Zooplankton has been sampled monthly since 1969 at Station Z off the Northumberland coast. Seven copepod species were chosen as potential indicators of specific water masses. Data have been analysed to provide information about seasonal and interannual changes in the zooplankton community with special reference to the indicator taxa and to the possible role of hydrographic and climate drivers, including variations in the position of the Gulf Stream North Wall position and the North Atlantic Oscillation. Results show that, at this Northumberland coastal station, some copepod species are likely to be good indicators of water-mass influence and changes.
Sagitta friderici Ritter-Záhony (Chaetognatha) from South Atlantic waters: abundance, population structure, and life cycle
Authors: Daponte M.C , Capitanio F.L , Nahabedian D.E , Viñas M.D , Negri R.M 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe life cycle of Sagitta friderici, a neritic species from Pacific, Atlantic, and Mediterranean waters, has been poorly studied. Aiming at increasing our knowledge of this species in the Argentine Sea, the size structure, dry weight, distribution of maturity stages (ovarian, testicular, and seminal vesicles development), and life-cycle duration were studied from samples obtained at a permanent station (EPEA STATION, 38°28′S 57°41′W) from 9 March 2000 to 10 April 2001. The almost permanent presence of juveniles and the extended period during which mature adults (stage III) were detected suggest that reproduction occurs continuously with two main peaks, the main one in the summer (December–February) and a lesser one in the fall (April–May). Significant (p<0.05) inverse correlations between water temperature and the mean size of stages 0 (juveniles), I, and II were found in this data set. Owing to the influence of temperature, those individuals that develop during the warm season and mature in the fall attain smaller sizes (7.6–12.4 mm) than those that develop during the coldest period of the year and mature in the spring (10.0–15.2 mm). The life-cycle duration is approximately 15 months, and the growth rate ca. 0.03 mm d−1. The weight increase as a function of individual size was similar in the fall and in the spring (Fisher Test, p>0.05).
Population structure of the copepods Centropages typicus and Temora stylifera in different environmental conditions
Authors: Di Capua Iole , Mazzocchi Maria Grazia 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
The population structure (NI to adults) of the copepods Centropages typicus and Temora stylifera was investigated in parallel at two sites in the eutrophic and oligotrophic waters of the Gulf of Naples (Tyrrhenian Sea) with the aim of identifying the environmental factors that modulate the occurrence of these calanoids that are abundant in the neritic waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Monthly zooplankton sampling was conducted from May 1999 to June 2000 in 5–7 discrete depth layers in the upper 200 m with a 70-μm mesh net. Temperature, salinity, and fluorescence profiles were recorded by CTD casts. The remarkable differences observed in the temporal and spatial patterns of the two populations throughout their developmental cycles seem to result more from different responses to environmental factors than from different life-history traits. C. typicus was abundant in early to mid-summer and was distributed in the whole water column; T. stylifera followed in late summer–autumn and occurred preferentially in the upper 30 m. Temperature was the main regulating factor for T. stylifera. The availability of autotrophic food appeared relatively more important for C. typicus, although unequivocal signals were not observed, suggesting that more complex trophic interactions likely affect the dynamics of the two populations.
Life cycle strategies of Northern krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica) for regulating growth, moult, and reproductive activity in various environments: the case of fjordic populations
Authors: Cuzin-Roudy J , Tarling G.A , Strömberg J.-O 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Adaptive strategies of two fjord populations of Northern krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica Sars) were studied and compared with other populations from different climatic and oceanic conditions. The Gullmarsfjord (West Sweden) and the Clyde Sea (West Scotland) resident populations followed the same basic pattern of development as the Kattegat (between Denmark and Sweden) and the Ligurian Sea (Northwest Mediterranean) populations, but the fjord krill reached a comparatively larger body size during their second year of life. The positive relationship between body size and fecundity means that fjord populations are potentially more productive than those of the open sea. High rates of moulting and spawning activity were limited to the spring and summer despite the fact that trophic conditions still seemed favourable in early autumn. We show here that, in autumn, the adult moult cycle became longer and growth stopped, large 2-year-old krill disappeared from the population and ovarian development was arrested. Resources already accumulated in the oocytes (glycoproteic and lipid yolk) were recovered by oosorption and ovaries regressed for a winter rest. Autumn trophic conditions were still favourable in both sites, especially in terms of copepod abundance. However, the phytoplankton community changed from a dominance of diatoms in early season to dinoflagellates in late summer. We suggest that these changes triggered the autumn arrest of krill production.