bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monoterpene Metabolism. Cloning, Expression, and Characterization of Menthone Reductases from Peppermint
Authors: Davis Edward M. , Ringer Kerry L. , McConkey Marie E. , Croteau Rodney 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
(−)-Menthone is the predominant monoterpene produced in the essential oil of maturing peppermint (Mentha x piperita) leaves during the filling of epidermal oil glands. This early biosynthetic process is followed by a second, later oil maturation program (approximately coincident with flower initiation) in which the C3-carbonyl of menthone is reduced to yield (−)-(3R)-menthol and (+)-(3S)-neomenthol by two distinct NADPH-dependent ketoreductases. An activity-based in situ screen, by expression in Escherichia coli of 23 putative redox enzymes from an immature peppermint oil gland expressed sequence tag library, was used to isolate a cDNA encoding the latter menthone:(+)-(3S)-neomenthol reductase. Reverse transcription-PCR amplification and RACE were used to acquire the former menthone:(−)-(3R)-menthol reductase directly from mRNA isolated from the oil gland secretory cells of mature leaves. The deduced amino acid sequences of these two reductases share 73% identity, provide no apparent subcellular targeting information, and predict inclusion in the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family of enzymes. The menthone:(+)-(3S)-neomenthol reductase cDNA encodes a 35,722-D protein, and the recombinant enzyme yields 94% (+)-(3S)-neomenthol and 6% (−)-(3R)-menthol from (−)-menthone as substrate, and 86% (+)-(3S)-isomenthol and 14% (+)-(3R)-neoisomenthol from (+)-isomenthone as substrate, has a pH optimum of 9.3, and K m values of 674 μ m, &gt; 1 mm, and 10 μ m for menthone, isomenthone, and NADPH, respectively, with a k cat of 0.06 s−1. The recombinant menthone:(−)-(3R)-menthol reductase has a deduced size of 34,070 D and converts (−)-menthone to 95% (−)-(3R)-menthol and 5% (+)-(3S)-neomenthol, and (+)-isomenthone to 87% (+)-(3R)-neoisomenthol and 13% (+)-(3S)-isomenthol, displays optimum activity at neutral pH, and has K m values of 3.0 μ m, 41 μ m, and 0.12 μ m for menthone, isomenthone, and NADPH, respectively, with a k cat of 0.6 s−1. The respective activities of these menthone reductases account for all of the menthol isomers found in the essential oil of peppermint. Biotechnological exploitation of these genes could lead to improved production yields of (−)-menthol, the principal and characteristic flavor component of peppermint.
Ozone-Induced Programmed Cell Death in the Arabidopsis radical-induced cell death1 Mutant
Authors: Overmyer Kirk , Brosché Mikael , Pellinen Riikka , Kuittinen Tero , Tuominen Hannele , Ahlfors Reetta , Keinänen Markku , Saarma Mart , Scheel Dierk , Kangasjärvi Jaakko 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Short, high-concentration peaks of the atmospheric pollutant ozone (O3) cause the formation of cell death lesions on the leaves of sensitive plants. Numerous similarities between the plant responses to O3 and pathogens suggest that O3 triggers hypersensitive response-like programmed cell death (PCD). We examined O3 and superoxide-induced cell death in the O3-sensitive radical-induced cell death1 (rcd1) mutant. Dying cells in O3-exposed rcd1 exhibited several of the typical morphological characteristics of the hypersensitive response and PCD. Double-mutant analyses indicated a requirement for salicylic acid and the function of the cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel AtCNGC2 in cell death. Furthermore, a requirement for ATPases, kinases, transcription, Ca2+ flux, caspase-like proteolytic activity, and also one or more phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride-sensitive protease activities was shown for the development of cell death lesions in rcd1. Furthermore, mitogen-activated protein kinases showed differential activation patterns in rcd1 and Columbia. Taken together, these results directly demonstrate the induction of PCD by O3.
Enterprise skills for the economy
Authors: Galloway Laura , Anderson Maggie , Brown Wendy , Wilson Laura 
Published: February 2005

PurposeIn response to the emergence of an enterprise economy, government claims that building an enterprise culture is vital. Correspondingly, provision of entrepreneurship education in higher education has expanded. The paper aims to assess the potential of entrepreneurship education to develop skills, and of whether students perceive them as having value within the modern economy.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws from a longitudinal, collaborative study of students of entrepreneurship in four universities. Using a questionnaire‐based methodology, the paper is based on responses from a sample of 519 students.FindingsResults include that any increase in graduate entrepreneurship is most likely to be a long‐term. Results also suggest that many students expect to work in new and small firms, and that skills developed by entrepreneurship education are applicable to both waged employment and entrepreneurship. Accordingly, entrepreneurship education seems to have much potential to develop skills appropriate for the enterprise economy.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited by its quantitative nature. As the primary purpose is to evaluate attitudes to entrepreneurship and perceptions of the economic environment, further research should involve qualitative follow‐up, in the form of focus groups and/or longitudinal case studies.Originality/valueThe value of the paper lies in the suggestion that investment in entrepreneurship education is likely to have a positive impact within the economy. The long‐term impact of an increase in awareness of entrepreneurship; of the ability to start firms; and an increase in skills transferable to waged employment within an enterprise‐based economy, can not be underestimated.
Review of luminescent based fibre optic temperature sensors
Authors: McSherry M. , Fitzpatrick C. , Lewis E. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThere are various temperature measuring systems presented in the literature and on the market today. Over the past number of years a range of luminescent‐based optical fibre sensors have been reported and developed which include fluorescence and optical scattering. These temperature sensors incorporate materials that emit wavelength shifted light when excited by an optical source. The majority of commercially available systems are based on fluorescent properties.Design/methodology/approach– Many published journal articles and conference papers were investigated and existing temperature sensors in the market were examined.Findings– In optical thermometry, the light is used to carry temperature information. In many cases optical fibres are used to transmit and receive this light. Optical fibres are immune to electromagnetic interference and are small in size, which allows them to make very localized measurements. A temperature sensitive material forms a sensor and the subsequent optical data are transmitted via optical fibres to electronic detection systems. Two keys areas were investigated namely fluorescence based temperature sensors and temperature sensors involving optical scattering.Originality/value– An overview of optical fibre temperature sensors based on luminescence is presented. This review provides a summary of optical temperature sensors, old and new which exist in today's world of sensing.
Economics and religion
Authors: Alvey James E. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeIn the Western world the voices calling for a secular society have grown ever louder over the last three centuries. This paper seeks to return to one of the founders of modernity for guidance. Adam Smith advocated globalization on economic and moral grounds.Design/methodology/approach– A discussion focusing on those calling for a secular society and, in addition to these normative advocates, various social scientists have propounded the “secularization thesis”; after analysing history from a purportedly positive view, they have argued that “modernization” leads to a secular society. Recently globalization has been seen as another cause of secularization. At the same time, the revival of various religions has cast doubt on these claims.Findings– Smith did not see secularization as an inevitable consequence of globalization. Further, despite his awareness of the arguments of the advocates of secular society (and contrary to some commentators like Minowitz), he rejected their advice. For him, a secular community was neither a necessary nor a desirable consequence of globalization.Originality/value– Provides a viewpoint on some of Adam Smith's thoughts and ideas.
Performance measurement practice in an independent hotel context
Authors: Haktanir Mine , Harris Peter 
Published: February 2005

PurposeThe aim of this work is to explore performance measurement practices in the context of an independent hotel in Northern Cyprus.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted in a 392‐room five‐star resort hotel over a nine‐week period using multiple data collection methods comprising semi‐structured interviews, documentation collection and observation. In the context of the case hotel, three decision‐making groups – employees, managers, and regional executive – were involved in order that the performance measurement and the decision‐making mechanism could be described.FindingsThe findings indicated six main themes, which are grouped under business dynamics and overall performance, employee performance, customer satisfaction, financial performance, and innovative activities performance measures, so that understanding the type, the communication process and the purpose of utilising the performance measures is described and analysed.Originality/valueThis paper presents the results of performance measurement practice of an independent hotel setting, providing in‐depth information about the context of the business, the decision‐making process and the information flow. Also, the paper documents performance measurement practices in the hospitality management field, providing an insight into the kinds of measures used by decision‐makers of an independent hotel business in Northern Cyprus.
Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Interaction Studies of Loreclezole with Felbamate, Lamotrigine, Topiramate, and Oxcarbazepine in the Mouse Maximal Electroshock Seizure Model
Authors: Luszczki Jarogniew J. , Ratnaraj Neville , Patsalos Philip N. , Czuczwar Stanislaw J. 
Published: February 2005

Summary:  Purpose: The study investigated the types of interactions between loreclezole (LCZ) and a variety of newly licensed antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) with different mechanisms of actions [felbamate (FBM), lamotrigine (LTG), topiramate (TPM), and oxcarbazepine (OXC)] by isobolographic analysis. Methods: Anticonvulsant and adverse‐effect profiles of combinations of LCZ with other AEDs at fixed ratios of 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1 were investigated in the maximal electroshock (MES)‐induced seizures and the chimney test (as a measure of motor impairment) in mice so as to identify optimal combinations. Protective indices (PIs) and benefit indices (BIs) were calculated so that a ranking in relation to advantageous combinations could be established. Results: With isobolography, it was observed that the combination of LCZ and TPM, at the fixed ratios of 1:1 and 3:1, was supraadditive (synergistic; p < 0.05), whereas LCZ with TPM at the fixed ratio of 1:3 and LCZ combined with LTG, FBM, or OXC at the fixed ratios of 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1 were associated with additive interactions. Moreover, the isobolographic analysis in the chimney test revealed that only one combination tested (LCZ and TPM at the fixed ratio of 1:1) was subadditive (antagonistic; p < 0.05), whereas the remaining combinations of LCZ with LTG, FBM, or OXC (at the fixed ratios of 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1) barely displayed additivity. However, these combinations were associated with significant pharmacokinetic interactions, in that LCZ increased brain TPM (94%), OXC (21%), FBM (46%), and LTG (8%) concentrations. In addition, brain LCZ concentrations were decreased by TPM (26%), OXC (37%), LTG (42%), and FBM (19%). None of the examined combinations between LCZ and TPM, OXC, LTG, and FBM altered long‐term memory in the step‐through passive‐avoidance task. Conclusions: LCZ plus TPM appears to be a particularly favorable combination, based on the MES test and the chimney test. LCZ and OXC also is a favorable combination. However, these conclusions are confounded by the fact that LCZ is associated with significant pharmacokinetic interactions.
Phenobarbital Pharmacokinetics in Old Age: A Case‐matched Evaluation Based on Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Data
Authors: Messina Sara , Battino Dina , Croci Danilo , Mamoli Daniela , Ratti Sara , Perucca Emilio 
Published: February 2005

Summary: Purpose:To assess the influence of aging on the pharmacokinetics of phenobarbital (PB) at steady state in patients receiving long‐term therapy.Methods:Serum PB concentrations from the database of the therapeutic drug monitoring service of a large neurological hospital were used to calculate apparent clearance values (CL/F) in 224 patients aged 65 years and older (mean, 73 ± 6.1 years). CL/F values in these patients were compared with those determined in an equal number of controls aged 20 to 50 years (mean, 35.7 ± 7.9 years) and matched for gender, body weight, and type of anticonvulsant comedication. Correlations of CL/F with age, body weight, gender, and comedication also were explored within each age group.Results:PB CL/F values were significantly lower in elderly patients than in controls (3.2 ± 0.8 vs. 4.1 ± 1.2 ml/h/kg; p < 0.0001). Age was identified as a statistically significant predictor of CL/F at multiple regression analysis, but it accounted for only a modest component of the interindividual pharmacokinetic variation. Comedication with carbamazepine (CBZ) and phenytoin (PHT) was associated with a moderate decrease in PB CL/F, which reached statistical significance in the elderly group (p < 0.01 for CBZ comedication; p < 0.001 for PHT comedication).Conclusions:Aging is associated with a significant decrease in PB clearance, which might be related to a reduction in glomerular filtration rate or diminished drug‐metabolizing capacity in the liver or both. Because of this, older patients will require lower dosages to achieve serum PB concentrations comparable with those found in nonelderly adults.
Ictal Smile Lateralizes to the Right Hemisphere in Childhood Epilepsy
Authors: Fogarasi András , Janszky József , Siegler Zsuzsanna , Tuxhorn Ingrid 
Published: February 2005

Summary:  Purpose: To analyze the localizing and lateralizing value of ictal smile (IS) in childhood epilepsy. Methods: Incidence of IS in 309 videotaped seizures of 114 consecutive patients younger than 12 years with refractory frontal, temporal, or posterior cortex epilepsy were assessed. Results: Among patients with right‐sided epileptogenic zone, 12 (21%) of 57 had IS, whereas in patients with left‐sided epilepsy, IS occurred only in one patient (1.8%; p < 0.01, χ2 test). The incidence of IS was 11%, 3%, and 26% in the frontal, temporal, and posterior cortex subgroups, respectively. Logistic regression revealed that the localization of the epileptogenic region in the posterior cortex (p < 0.01), focal cortical dysplasia etiology (p = 0.012), and right‐sided lateralization (p = 0.025) were independently associated with the presence of IS. Conclusions: Childhood IS lateralizes to the right hemisphere and localizes more frequently in the posterior cortex epilepsy.
Cocaine Rapid Efficacy Screening Trials (CREST): lessons learned
Authors: Kampman Kyle M. , Leiderman Deborah , Holmes Tyson , LoCastro Joseph , Bloch Daniel A. , Reid Malcolm S. , Shoptaw Steve , Montgomery Margaret A. , Winhusen Theresa M. , Somoza Eugene C. , Ciraulo Domenic A. , Elkashef Ahmed , Vocci Frank 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACTAims  The Cocaine Rapid Efficacy Screening Trials (CREST) were designed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse Division of Treatment Research and Development (NIDA, DT R&D) to rapidly screen a number of medications potentially useful for the treatment of cocaine dependence.Design  Each CREST trial was designed to compare several medications in a single trial against an unmatched placebo. The placebo group was included in each trial to avoid the nearly universal positive response to medications seen in open‐label trials. In addition, a common set of procedures and outcome measures were employed throughout to increase comparability of results obtained from different trials and from different times.Participants  In all, 18 medications were screened in seven different trials, conducted in four different sites throughout the United States involving 398 cocaine‐dependent patients.Findings  Three medications were found to be promising enough to include in subsequent larger trials. Common statistical procedures for evaluating medications were developed to facilitate comparisons across sites and across time. A portion of the data were pooled and analyzed, which yielded some useful insights into cocaine dependence and its treatment. Finally, a review of individual trials together with the pooled analysis revealed several potential improvements for future screening trials.Conclusions  Overall, the CREST trials proved to be useful for rapidly screening medications for treatment of cocaine dependence, but several modifications in design should be made before this framework is applied further.
Randomized controlled pilot trial of cabergoline, hydergine and levodopa/carbidopa: Los Angeles Cocaine Rapid Efficacy Screening Trial (CREST)
Authors: Shoptaw Steven , Watson Donnie W. , Reiber Chris , Rawson Richard A. , Montgomery Margaret A. , Majewska Maria D. , Ling Walter 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACTAim  This study tested three dopaminergic medications against a common unmatched placebo condition: hydergine 1 mg three times daily (n = 15); levodopa/carbidopa 25/100 mg three times daily (n = 15); cabergoline 0.5 mg per week (n = 15); and placebo three times daily (n = 15) as potential pharmacotherapies for cocaine dependence.Design  The four‐parallel group, Cocaine Rapid Efficacy Screening Trial (CREST) design featured a 2‐week baseline period followed by randomization to an 8‐week medication condition that included 1 hour per week of cognitive behavioral drug counseling. A safety evaluation was conducted 4 weeks after termination.Measures  Outcomes included cocaine metabolites measured in urine, retention and self‐reports for drug use, cocaine craving, clinical improvement, mood and HIV risk behaviors.Results  Participants assigned to receive cabergoline provided more urine samples negative for cocaine metabolites (42.4%) than those assigned to receive placebo (25.0%), a statistically significant difference after controlling for baseline differences in self‐reported cocaine use (F = 2.95, df = 3; P = 0.05). Cabergoline‐treated participants demonstrated a significant improvement over placebo from baseline to week 8 when measured using the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) employment subscale (overall change = − 0.09, SD = 0.10, t = 2.36, P < 0.05). Safety and adverse event measures showed similar rates and types of complaints by treatment condition.Conclusions  These results, combined with the apparent safety of cabergoline when used with this population, provide empirical support for conducting a larger study of the medication.
Clinical investigation: increased serum stromal derived factor 1 alpha levels in pulmonary tuberculosis THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN RETRACTED
Authors: Mizuno K , Matsuyama W , Mitsuyama H , Watanabe M , Higashimoto I , Osame M , Arimura K 
Published: February 2005

SummaryPulmonary tuberculosis, a granulomatous disease, has few serological markers for its activity. Recently, an increased plasma level of stromal derived factor 1 alpha (SDF-1α), which can induce strong chemotaxis of cells through its receptor CXCR4, was detected in patients with tuberculosis. In this study we investigated serum SDF-1α levels and CXCR4 expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Fifty-five active tuberculosis patients, 30 resolved tuberculosis patients, 27 acute bronchitis patients and 8 healthy volunteers were examined. Histological expression of SDF-1α in the tuberculosis lesion and CXCR4 expression of PBMCs were also analysed. Serum SDF-1α levels in active tuberculosis patients were significantly higher than other groups. The sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of active tuberculosis was 88·5% and 85·3% (cutoff value = 650 pg/ml), respectively. CXCR4 expression levels on PBMCs showed a significant negative correlation with serum SDF-1α levels. Inflammatory cells including multinuclear giant cells in the lesion expressed SDF-1α. Measurement of serum SDF-1α could be a useful screening marker for the identification of active pulmonary tuberuculosis. We propose that interaction of SDF-1α and CXCR4 might be involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary tuberculosis.
The changes in circulating osteoprotegerin after hormone therapy in postmenopausal women and their relationship with oestrogen responsiveness on bone
Authors: Han Ki Ok , Choi Jong Tae , Choi Hyun Ah , Moon In Gul , Yim Chang Hoon , Park Won Keun , Yoon Hyun Koo , Han In Kwon 
Published: February 2005

SummaryObjective  Oestrogen replacement reduces the increased rate of bone remodelling after the menopause. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a negative regulator of osteoclast‐mediated bone resorption. In vitro studies have shown that oestrogen stimulates OPG production. However, the role of OPG in physiological bone remodelling and its regulation by oestrogen in vivo remain controversial. In this study, we analysed the association between changes in serum OPG levels and bone turnover status before and after hormone therapy (HT) in healthy postmenopausal women.Patients and Measurements  Ninety‐nine healthy postmenopausal women of Korean ethnicity, aged 42–64 years (52·3 ± 4·9 years, mean ± SD) were enrolled in our study. Serum OPG levels were assessed by a highly sensitive sandwich‐type enzyme immunoassay. Serum concentrations of osteocalcin (OC) and carboxyterminal telopeptides (CTx) were determined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassays. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine and femoral neck was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA).Results  Baseline levels of OPG correlated neither a the bone formation marker, serum OC, nor with a bone resorption marker, serum CTx. No significant association of baseline OPG was found with baseline BMD measured at the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Serum OPG levels measured after 3 months and 1 year of HT decreased significantly compared to baseline (P < 0·001 in both). The changes in circulating OPG at 3 months of HT correlated with the changes in both serum OC (r = 0·226, P = 0·029) and serum CTx (r = 0·214, P = 0·038) at 3 months after HT. However, there was no significant association between the changes in circulating OPG after 3 months of HT and BMD values of the lumbar spine or femoral neck after 1 year of HT.Conclusions  Our results suggest that baseline OPG levels do not reflect bone turnover status and that serial measurements of serum OPG after HT are not a useful predictor of the long‐term effects of oestrogen on bone density. The decrease in serum concentrations of OPG after HT may occur to compensate for the action of oestrogen in suppressing bone resorption.