bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of mitochondrial generation and release of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Mattiasson Gustav 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBackgroundReactive oxygen species (ROS) are mainly produced in mitochondria and are important contributors to many forms of cell death. ROS also function as second messengers within the cell and may constitute a signaling pathway from mitochondria to the cytoplasm and nucleus. The aim of the present study was to develop a protocol to detect changes in intra‐ and extramitochondrial releases of ROS, which could be used to analyze the role of mitochondria in cell signaling and cell death.MethodsFluorescence‐based assays were used to measure (a) total production of ROS, (b) intramitochondrial ROS, (c) extramitochondrial hydrogen peroxide, and (d) superoxide outside inverted (inside‐out) submitochondrial particles. ROS generation in the samples was increased or decreased by the addition of different substrates, enzymes, and inhibitors of the electron transport chain.ResultsThe individual assays used were sensitive to increased (e.g., after addition of antimycin A; increased signal) and decreased (ROS scavenging; decreased signal) levels of ROS. In combination, the assays provided information about mitochondrial ROS generation and release dynamics from small samples of isolated mitochondria.ConclusionsThe combination of fluorescent techniques described is a useful tool to study the role of ROS in cell death and in cellular redox signaling. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Screening for Thermostable Esterases: From Deep Sea to Industry
Authors: Ravot G. , Buteux D. , Favre‐Bulle O. , Wahler D. , Veit T. , Lefèvre F. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractLipases/esterases represent one of the most important classes of industrial biocatalysts due to their ability to catalyze reactions in organic media. These enzymes fulfill many important industrial specifications such as chemoselectivity, regioselectivity and stereoselectivity. The recent use of thermostable enzymes opens novel perspectives in applications involving poorly soluble substrates (or products), such as the synthesis of specialty intermediates for cosmetics. In order to discover novel thermostable esterases we have screened various thermophilic microorganisms selected within the Archaea and the Bacteria domains using CLIPS‐O™ substrates. One of these strains which showed activity at very high temperature was selected and the corresponding esterase gene was cloned and characterized. After recombinant expression optimization, a complete production process of this thermophilic esterase was developed, turning a ‘gene discovery’ into a biocatalyst available for industry.
Multipoint Mutagenesis for the Generation of Enzyme Libraries
Authors: Orologas N. , May O. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractA one step PCR mutagenesis method has been tested for generating a focused mutant library. Seven positions have been targeted simultaneously by using a mixture of double stranded mutagenic oligonucleotides, PCR, DpnI digestion and transformation into an expression host for screening. Library sizes of several thousands of mutants could easily be achieved. Sequencing of randomly picked clones revealed a regular distribution of the number of introduced mutations. No wildtype sequence was found, but “hot spots” that do not closely correlate with the melting temperature, the GC percentage or the length of the primers have been observed.
From Enzymes to “Designer Bugs” in Reductive Amination: A New Process for the Synthesis of L‐tert‐Leucine Using a Whole Cell‐Catalyst
Authors: Menzel A. , Werner H. , Altenbuchner J. , Gröger H. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractA whole‐cell‐catalyst for the asymmetric reductive amination of α‐keto acids has been developed and applied for the synthesis of the non‐proteinogenic α‐amino acid L‐tert‐leucine. Besides the economical whole‐cell catalyst, bearing a leucine dehydrogenase from Bacillus cereus and a formate dehydrogenase from Candida boidinii, it is further advantageous that there is no need for the addition of external cofactor. The desired product is formed with high conversion and an enantiomeric purity of > 99 % ee.
Translating survey questionnaires: Lessons learned
Authors: McKay Ruth B. , Breslow Martha J. , Sangster Roberta L. , Gabbard Susan M. , Reynolds Robert W. , Nakamoto Jorge M. , Tarnai John 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe rapid increase in non‐English‐speaking populations within the United States dictates the need for well‐translated instruments to reduce nonresponse and measurement error in surveys.
Clarifying goals, reporting results
Authors: Wholey Joseph S. , Newcomer Kathryn E. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe evaluation profession has been affected by two crises during the last two decades: the evaluation crisis, characterized by a deficit in evaluation utilization, and a more important governance crisis, characterized by deficits in government performance and credibility. Tactics and tools for evaluators to use in addressing these challenges are described in this chapter, and recommendations are offered for evaluators and program managers to better define, measure, and improve government performance.
Monetary policy, composite leading economic indicators and predicting the 2001 recession
Authors: Mostaghimi Mehdi 
Published: November 2004

AbstractOn 26 November 2001, the National Bureau of Economic Research announced that the US economy had officially entered into a recession in March 2001. This decision was a surprise and did not end all the conflicting opinions expressed by economists. This matter was finally settled in July 2002 after a revision to the 2001 real gross domestic product showed negative growth rates for its first three quarters.
A series of political and economic events in the years 2000–01 have increased the amount of uncertainty in the state of the economy, which in turn has resulted in the production of less reliable economic indicators and forecasts. This paper evaluates the performance of two very reliable methodologies for predicting a downturn in the US economy using composite leading economic indicators (CLI) for the years 2000–01. It explores the impact of the monetary policy on CLI and on the overall economy and shows how the gradualness and uncertainty of this impact on the overall economy have affected the forecasts of these methodologies. It suggests that the overexposure of the CLI to the monetary policy tools and a strong, but less effective, expansionary money policy have been the major factors in deteriorating the predictions of these methodologies. To improve these forecasts, it has explored the inclusion of the CLI diffusion index as a prior in the Bayesian methodology. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cortex, a Drosophila gene required to complete oocyte meiosis, is a member of the Cdc20/fizzy protein family
Authors: Chu Tehyen , Henrion Gwénola , Haegeli Véronique , Strickland Sidney 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSummary: Mutations in cortex and grauzone cause abnormal arrest in Drosophila female meiosis. cortex was mapped to a 14 kb interval in 26F–27A by the male recombination mapping method. While these experiments mapped the gene accurately, they also illustrated some complexities of this method. Rescue results showed that a 2.8 kb genomic fragment from this interval was able to fully rescue the cortex phenotype. The 2.8 kb rescuing fragment contains a single open reading frame. The predicted amino acid sequence indicates that cortex encodes a WD‐repeat protein and is a distant member of the Cdc20 protein family. Results from a developmental Northern analysis showed that the cortex transcript is expressed at high levels during oogenesis and early embryogenesis. Interestingly, the meiotic metaphase‐anaphase II arrest defect in embryos laid by cortex homozygous females resembles the mitotic metaphase‐anaphase defects observed in yeast cdc20 mutants. The predicted nature of the Cortex protein, together with the observed meiotic phenotype in cortex mutants, suggest that a similar pathway to the cdc20 dependent APC‐mediated proteolysis pathway, which governs the metaphase‐anaphase transition in mitosis, is also important in regulating oocyte meiosis. genesis 29:141–152, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ethics and conflicts, the role of insolvency professionals in the integrity of the Canadian bankruptcy and insolvency system
Authors: Sarra Janis 
Published: November 2004

AbstractInsolvency practice involves a balance between adherence to rules of ethical conduct and the avoidance of conflicts of interest, and the need to find cost effective methods of debt collection or restructuring under the statutory regime. Potential conflicts of interest are inherent in the multiple roles granted to such professionals under the insolvency system, whether the financial distress is personal or commercial. This article begins to explore whether or not these conflicts serve as barriers to the effective administration of the insolvency and bankruptcy system. It also examines whether oversight of professional ethics and avoidance of conflicts is a matter for legislative intervention or best left to the profession, including temporal and materiality issues in disclosure of potential conflicts, and accountability to stateholders through the appointment process. The key issue is how one manages those conflicts while maintaining the integrity of the system. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The mouse chorionic gonadotropin β‐subunit‐like (muCGβl) molecule produced by tumor cells elicits the switch of T‐cell immunity response from TH2 to TH1 in mice immunized with DNA vaccine based on rhesus monkey homologous CGβ (rmCGβ)
Authors: Shi Shu‐Qun , Peng Jing‐Pian , Xu Li , Yang Ying , Chen Yun 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBackgroundCGβ is expressed not only in placenta, but also in a wide range of tumors. To study DNA vaccine based on xenogeneic CGβ for cancer immuno‐therapy, we investigated whether rhesus monkey CGβ (rmCGβ) DNA vaccine could induce protective T‐cell responses and humoral responses in mouse.MethodsWe constructed a plasmid containing the rmCGβ coding sequence. Two cloned syngeneic SP2/0 myeloma cell lines that stably express muCGβl (SP2/0‐muCGβl) and HN (SP2/0‐HN) protein were established. Inoculation of these cell lines was made into mice that had been immunized with DNA vaccine. Specific IgG and IgG type were measured by ELISA and the cytokine expression was detected with RT‐PCR. To measure the lymphocyte metabolic activity, the MTS assay was used.ResultsAfter injection of SP2/0‐muCGβl into mice that had been immunized with DNA vaccine, a significant increase in the IgG2a specific to the antigen (p < 0.05) and a decrease in the specific IgG1 (p < 0.05) were measured. The expression of TH1 but not TH2 cytokines, including IFN‐γ and IL‐2, were detected in the splenocytes. However, injection of tumor cells expressing irrelevant or mock molecules into immunized mice could not induce these changes. The survival rate of vaccine‐immunized mice injected with SP2/0‐muCGβl was as high as 58.3% after 55 days.ConclusionsThe rmCGβ DNA vaccine has proved to be a potential strategy for protection against tumors with homologous molecules. The muCGβl produced by tumors is able to elicit an immunity switch from TH2 to TH1 in vaccinated mice. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gene transfer of constitutively active caspase‐3 induces apoptosis in a human hepatoma cell line
Authors: Cam Laurence , Boucquey Antoine , Coulomb‐L'hermine Aurore , Weber Anne , Horellou Philippe 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBackgroundThe caspase‐3 gene is expressed at significantly lower levels in human hepatocellular carcinomas than in normal hepatocytes. Gene transfer technologies offer the possibility to restore caspase‐3 gene expression. We explored the interest for cancer gene therapy of a constitutively active recombinant caspase‐3 (RevCasp3) obtained by rearranging its subunits.MethodsAn amphotropic retroviral vector was used to express the RevCasp3 gene. HuH7 cells were infected 1 and 2 days after plating. Caspase‐3 activity was measured every 24 h for the following 6 days. The level of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase cleavage induced by caspase‐3 was measured by Western blot. The percentage of apoptotic cells was estimated after Hoechst‐acridine orange and TUNEL stainings.ResultsCaspase‐3 activity significantly increased from days 4 to 7 after infection. Caspase‐3 activity peaked on day 7, and was 5.4‐fold higher in RevCasp3‐transduced HuH7 cells than in control cells. Poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase cleavage was first detected 6 days after the first infection. Hoechst‐acridine orange and TUNEL stainings showed that most infected HuH7 cells were apoptotic.ConclusionsApoptosis was selectively induced following infection of HuH7 cells with RevCasp3, demonstrating that retroviruses expressing RevCasp3 are of potential interest for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas and other tumour types. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulatory sequences of H19 and IGF2 genes in DNA‐based therapy of colorectal rat liver metastases
Authors: Ohana Patricia , Schachter Pinhas , Ayesh Basim , Mizrahi Aya , Birman Tatiana , Schneider Tamar , Matouk Imad , Ayesh Suhail , Kuppen Peter J. K. , de Groot Nathan , Czerniak Abraham , Hochberg Abraham 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBackgroundMalignant tumors of the liver are among the most common causes of cancer‐related death throughout the world. Current therapeutic approaches fail to control the disease in most cases. This study seeks to explore the potential utility of transcriptional regulatory sequences of the H19 and insulin growth factor 2 (IGF2) genes for directing tumor‐selective expression of a toxin gene (A fragment of diphtheria toxin), delivered by non‐viral vectors.MethodsThe therapeutic potential of the toxin vectors driven by the H19 and the IGF2‐P3 regulatory sequences was tested in a metastatic model of rat CC531 colon carcinoma in liver.ResultsIntratumoral injection of these vectors into colon tumors implanted in the liver of rats induced an 88% and a 50% decrease respectively in the median tumor volume as compared with the control groups. This therapeutic action was accompanied by increased necrosis of the tumor. Importantly, no signs of toxicity were detected in healthy animals after their treatment by the toxin expression vectors.ConclusionsDT‐A was preferentially expressed in liver metastases after being transfected with H19 or IGF2‐P3 promoter‐driven DT‐A expression plasmids, causing a very significant inhibition of tumor growth as a result of its cytotoxic effect. Our findings strongly support the feasibility of our proposed therapeutic strategy, which may contribute to open new gene therapeutic options for human liver metastases. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solving the undirected minimum cost flow problem with arbitrary costs
Authors: Sedeño‐Noda A. , González‐Martín C. , Alonso S. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractWe address the undirected minimum cost flow problem with arbitrary arcs costs. Any optimal solution for this problem is characterized by the property that the flow of each arc with negative cost must be equal to its capacity. That is, the flow can be nonzero in both directions. This situation implies that the flow can take values that are integer multiple of ½. Therefore, this single commodity flow problem does not satisfy the unimodularity property. However, using a reformulation of the original problem, we develop an easy method for solving it using any classical minimum‐cost flow problem algorithm. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 45(1), 1–3 2005
New two‐dimensional slope limiters for discontinuous Galerkin methods on arbitrary meshes
Authors: Hoteit H. , Ackerer Ph. , Mosé R. , Erhel J. , Philippe B. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce an extension of Van Leer's slope limiter for two‐dimensional discontinuous Galerkin (DG) methods on arbitrary unstructured quadrangular or triangular grids. The aim is to construct a non‐oscillatory shock capturing DG method for the approximation of hyperbolic conservative laws without adding excessive numerical dispersion. Unlike some splitting techniques that are limited to linear approximations on rectangular grids, in this work, the solution is approximated by means of piecewise quadratic functions. The main idea of this new reconstructing and limiting technique follows a well‐known approach where local maximum principle regions are defined by enforcing some constraints on the reconstruction of the solution. Numerical comparisons with some existing slope limiters on structured as well as on unstructured meshes show a superior accuracy of our proposed slope limiters. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Doubling in Size, Post‐Merger, SBC Learned To Consolidate Functions Quickly and Effectively
Authors: Rick Joy 
Published: November 2004

AbstractGlobal telecom giant SBC has gotten so big through acquisitions. And, by experience, they have learned the critical systems and processes to whip into operation to make the blend a success. Recognizing the link between business success and strict attention to human resources issues, SBC has formalized guidelines for managers to use throughout the transition process, fostered open communication of change, and determinedly intermingled work groups. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Learning from Baldrige Winners at the University of Alabama
Authors: Dew John R. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractTaking full advantage of ties to leading businesses, the University of Alabama established a Quality Advisory Board, made up of representatives of private‐sector Baldrige winners. It then responded to challenges defined by this Board — to define the university's mission, vision, and common values; to define, hear and respond to its key stakeholder groups; to break down functional silos to promote teamwork among faculty, staff, and students; to accelerate the understanding of quality principles across the campus; and to encourage self‐assessment. Already, positive results are measurable. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Desensitized control of vibratory systems with friction: linear programming approach
Authors: Kim Jae‐Jun , Singh Tarunraj 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThis paper presents a linear programming based approach for the design of controllers for rest‐to‐rest manoeuvres of vibratory systems subject to friction. A multiple spring mass system is considered in the development where friction and control input forces act on the same mass. The result of the linear programming is a control profile for rest‐to‐rest manoeuvres where the static and Coulomb friction is included in the system model. The positive pulse controller is also developed when the available frictional force brings the system to rest. These controllers can be applied to precision positioning systems and servo applications where the effect of friction and flexibility are significant. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tent Method, optimization and robustness
Authors: Boltyanski V. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe Tent Method solves different extremal problems (minima and maxima of smooth functions, minimax problems, optimization problems, etc.). A detailed description of the Method with its geometrical and topological foundations is given. The Tent Method has application to optimization problems; in particular, it allows to prove the Maximum Principle. The last section contains the sufficient condition of optimality (in a revised form) and the robust optimization problems. We show that the regular synthesis (which is the main instrument in the sufficient conditions of optimality) ensures the robustness. The text is illustrated by figures and examples. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐medication among Finnish young men in the beginning of common military service
Authors: Linden Kari , Jormanainen Vesa , Swigonski Nancy L. , Pietilä Kirsi 
Published: November 2004

AbstractPurposeLittle is known about self‐medication in adolescent and young adult males, particularly in ones exposed to increased stress. The objective of this article is to analyze self‐medication and its predictors in young Finnish men at entry into common military service.MethodsThe responding men (n = 857) from nine brigades anonymously completed a self‐administered questionnaire during the first conscription days before active military training in July 1999. The effect of pre‐disposing, need and health behavior variables on self‐medication was assessed using Andersen et al. theoretical health care utilization model.ResultsIn the 2 weeks preceding the survey, 65% of the men reported self‐medication. Self‐medication for pain or common cold symptoms was reported by 54% while 8% had taken caffeine tablets or other stimulants. Multivariate analysis on overall self‐medication showed an association with brigade and using health services before the conscription. Along with pre‐disposing variables, need variables were associated with self‐medication for pain or common cold symptoms and self‐medication with stimulants. Stimulant use was also associated with health behaviors such as trial with illegal drugs during lifetime.ConclusionsYoung men frequently self‐medicate at the initial stage of conscription that may pose them at an increased risk for adverse effects of medicines or other medical problems. The military and civilian primary health care providers should discuss the proper use of self‐medication with young men. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adverse reactions of Topiramate and Lamotrigine in children
Authors: Shechter Tamar , Shorer Zamir , Kramer Uri , Lerman‐Sagie Tally , Ronen Elisheva , Rotem Rimona , Gorodischer Rafael 
Published: November 2004

AbstractPurposeTo review the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of Topiramate and Lamotrigine among children in Israel, and to compare the two drugs, based on their side effect profile and tolerability among this population.MethodsWe performed a cross‐sectional study. Four paediatric neurologists from three different tertiary medical centres in Israel documented all cases of children from birth to the age 18 years, treated with Topiramate and/or Lamotrigine in their respective outpatient clinics and hospital wards. All present ADRs and their characteristics were recorded.ResultsReports on 45 and 65 children treated with Topiramate and Lamotrigine respectively, were received. Half of the children treated with Topiramate suffered from one or more ADRs, as opposed to one‐third of the children treated with Lamotrigine (p = 0.03). Most reactions were considered mild to moderate. There were no deaths or hospitalisations, but the drug had to be discontinued in about 10% of the patients due to ADRs. Most Topiramate and Lamotrigine ADRs appeared early in the treatment and were more frequent when Topiramate was an add‐on versus a monotherapy drug. Most ADRs of both Topiramate and Lamotrigine were related to the central nervous system; while poor appetite, drowsiness, speech difficulties and weight loss were observed only with Topiramate, and rash and headaches only with Lamotrigine. Nervousness and seizure aggravation were more frequent ADRs of Topiramate whereas sleep disturbances were observed more in children treated with Lamotrigine.ConclusionResults of this study indicate that Lamotrigine causes ADRs less frequently than Topiramate; however both medications are generally well tolerated. Topiramate and Lamotrigine differ in their central nervous system side effect profile. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.