bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple mechanisms allowMycobacterium tuberculosisto continuously inhibit MHC class II-mediated antigen presentation by macrophages
Authors: Chang Stewart T. , Linderman Jennifer J. , Kirschner Denise E.
Published: March 2005

Previous experimental studies suggest thatMycobacterium tuberculosisinhibits a number of macrophage intracellular processes associated with antigen presentation, including antigen processing, MHC class II expression, trafficking of MHC class II molecules, and peptide-MHC class II binding. In this study, we investigate why multiple mechanisms have been observed. Specifically, we consider what purpose multiple mechanisms may serve, whether experimental protocols favor the detection of some mechanisms over others, and whether alternative mechanisms exist. By using a mathematical model of antigen presentation in macrophages that tracks levels of various molecules, including peptide–MHC class II complexes on the cell surface, we show that mechanisms targeting MHC class II expression are effective at inhibiting antigen presentation, but only after a delay of at least 10 h. By comparison, the effectiveness of mechanisms targeting other cellular processes is immediate, but may be attenuated under certain conditions. Therefore, targeting multiple cellular processes may represent an optimal strategy forM. tuberculosis(and other pathogens with relatively long doubling times) to maintain continuous inhibition of antigen presentation. In addition, based on a sensitivity analysis of the model, we identify other cellular processes that may be targeted by such pathogens to accomplish the same effect, representing potentially novel mechanisms.
Extremely potent triterpenoid inducers of the phase 2 response: Correlations of protection against oxidant and inflammatory stress
Authors: Dinkova-Kostova Albena T. , Liby Karen T. , Stephenson Katherine K. , Holtzclaw W. David , Gao Xiangqun , Suh Nanjoo , Williams Charlotte , Risingsong Renee , Honda Tadashi , Gribble Gordon W. , Sporn Michael B. , Talalay Paul
Published: March 2005

A series of synthetic triterpenoid (TP) analogues of oleanolic acid are powerful inhibitors of cellular inflammatory processes such as the induction by IFN-γ of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and of cyclooxygenase 2 in mouse macrophages. Here, we show that these analogues are also extremely potent inducers of the phase 2 response [e.g., elevation of NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase and heme oxygenase 1], which is a major protector of cells against oxidative and electrophile stress. Moreover, like previously identified phase 2 inducers, the TP analogues use the antioxidant response element–Nrf2–Keap1 signaling pathway. Thus, induction of the phase 2 response and suppression of the iNOS induction was abrogated in
nrf2
–/–
and
keap1
–/–
mouse embryonic fibroblasts. The high potency of TP analogues in inducing the phase 2 response and blocking inflammation depends on the presence of activated Michael reaction (enone) functions at critical positions in rings A and C. The most potent TP doubles NAD(P)H–quinone oxidoreductase in murine hepatoma cells at 0.28 nM and has an IC
50
for suppression of iNOS induction in primary mouse macrophages of 0.0035 nM. The direct interaction of this TP with thiol groups of the Keap1 sensor for inducers is demonstrated spectroscopically. The antiinflammatory and phase 2 inducer potencies of 18 TP are closely linearly correlated (
r
2
= 0.91) over 6 orders of magnitude of concentration. Thus, in addition to blocking inflammation and promoting differentiation, these TP exhibit another very important protective property: the induction of the phase 2 response.
A target selection of somatic hypermutations is regulated similarly between T and B cells upon activation-induced cytidine deaminase expression
Authors: Kotani Ai , Okazaki Il-mi , Muramatsu Masamichi , Kinoshita Kazuo , Begum Nasim A. , Nakajima Toshiharu , Saito Hirohisa , Honjo Tasuku
Published: March 2005

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is essential for somatic hypermutations (SHM) and class switch recombination. Overexpression of AID in non-B cells can induce SHM in artificial constructs inserted in various loci in the genome. AID overexpression was thus proposed to introduce mutations in a wide variety of genes with little specificity. We previously showed that AID transgenic mice developed T cell lymphomas in which the variable region β genes of the T cell receptor and
c-myc
were mutated as frequently as SHM in activated B cells. To understand the target specificity of SHM in AID-expressing T lymphomas, we sequenced six oncogenes (
c-myc
,
pim1
,
p53
,
atm
,
tgfbr
-
2
, and
k
-
ras
) and two genes (
cd4
and
cd5
) that are actively transcribed in T lymphomas. SHM was found only in c-
myc
,
pim1
,
cd4
, and
cd5
, which share the E47 binding motif in the enhancer/promoter. The rest that are not mutated in B cells were not mutated in AID-induced T lymphomas either, although they are transcribed in T and B cells. Comparison of several features of SHM, including selection of targets and mutation distribution, suggests that the regulatory mechanism of SHM is similar between T and B cells. SHM base specificities in the CD4 and CD5 genes were biased to AT, indicating that the preference of target bases of the mutations generated by overexpression of AID is not always GC bases but variable between target genes.
Interpretive approaches and the study of Italian politics
Authors: Newell James L.
Published: March 2005

This article asks why, despite their doubtful utility, the categories used in accounts of contemporary Italian politics are almost universally negative in character. It is suggested that at least part of the explanation has to do with the ontological and epistemological assumptions informing the accounts, together with the social circumstances that have given rise to their production. More fruitful, less uncritically negative analyses require the adoption of approaches informed by alternative ontologies and epistemologies, that is, interpretive approaches. These seek to account for social phenomena by rendering intelligible the meaningful action in which the latter are rooted and, as the example of corruption shows, yield less negative accounts by allowing researchers to imagine themselves acting, given similar circumstances, in ways similar to those they study.
The AAA+ protein torsinA interacts with a conserved domain present in LAP1 and a novel ER protein
Authors: Goodchild Rose E. , Dauer William T.
Published: March 2005

A glutamic acid deletion (ΔE) in the AAA+ protein torsinA causes DYT1 dystonia. Although the majority of torsinA resides within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), torsinA binds a substrate in the lumen of the nuclear envelope (NE), and the ΔE mutation enhances this interaction. Using a novel cell-based screen, we identify lamina-associated polypeptide 1 (LAP1) as a torsinA-interacting protein. LAP1 may be a torsinA substrate, as expression of the isolated lumenal domain of LAP1 inhibits the NE localization of “substrate trap” EQ-torsinA and EQ-torsinA coimmunoprecipitates with LAP1 to a greater extent than wild-type torsinA. Furthermore, we identify a novel transmembrane protein, lumenal domain like LAP1 (LULL1), which also appears to interact with torsinA. Interestingly, LULL1 resides in the main ER. Consequently, torsinA interacts directly or indirectly with a novel class of transmembrane proteins that are localized in different subdomains of the ER system, either or both of which may play a role in the pathogenesis of DYT1 dystonia.
Complement receptors regulate differentiation of bone marrow plasma cell precursors expressing transcription factors Blimp-1 and XBP-1
Authors: Gatto Dominique , Pfister Thomas , Jegerlehner Andrea , Martin Stephen W. , Kopf Manfred , Bachmann Martin F.
Published: March 2005

Humoral immune responses are thought to be enhanced by complement-mediated recruitment of the CD21–CD19–CD81 coreceptor complex into the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) complex, which lowers the threshold of B cell activation and increases the survival and proliferative capacity of responding B cells. To investigate the role of the CD21–CD35 complement receptors in the generation of B cell memory, we analyzed the response against viral particles derived from the bacteriophage Qβ in mice deficient in CD21–CD35 (Cr2−/−). Despite highly efficient induction of early antibody responses and germinal center (GC) reactions to immunization with Qβ, Cr2−/− mice exhibited impaired antibody persistence paralleled by a strongly reduced development of bone marrow plasma cells. Surprisingly, antigen-specific memory B cells were essentially normal in these mice. In the absence of CD21-mediated costimulation, Qβ-specific post-GC B cells failed to induce the transcriptional regulators Blimp-1 and XBP-1 driving plasma cell differentiation, and the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, which resulted in failure to generate the precursor population of long-lived plasma cells residing in the bone marrow. These results suggest that complement receptors maintain antibody responses by delivery of differentiation and survival signals to precursors of bone marrow plasma cells.
Mouse models for human lung cancer
Authors: Meuwissen Ralph , Berns Anton
Published: March 2005

In recent years several new mouse models for lung cancer have been described. These include models for both non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Tumorigenesis in these conditional mouse tumor models can be initiated in adult mice through Cre-recombinase-induced activation of oncogenic mutations in a subset of the cells. They present a marked improvement over mouse models that depend on carcinogen induction of tumors. These models permit us to study the consecutive steps involved in initiation and progression and allow us to address questions like the cell of origin, and the role of cancer stem cells in the maintenance of these tumors. They now need to be validated as suitable preclinical models for intervention studies in which questions with respect to therapy response and resistance can be addressed.
Modified Nextal crystallization device forin situinspection of protein crystal quality
Authors: Watanabe Nobuhisa
Published: March 2005

The modification and use of the Nextal crystallization device for checking the diffraction quality of protein crystalsin situis described. Using the modified device, crystals in the crystallization drop can be exposed to X-rays directly to observe the diffraction quality without physical damage to the crystal. If the crystals in the drop are well separated, not only the resolution limit of the crystal is estimated, but also determination of the space group and the cell parameters is possible.
In situanomalous small-angle X-ray scattering from metal particles in supported-metal catalysts. II. Results
Authors: Brumberger H. , Hagrman D. , Goodisman J. , Finkelstein K. D.
Published: March 2005

Information about the metal phase in a supported-metal catalyst can be obtained using anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering (ASAXS). The difference between the scattering profiles for SAXS at two different wavelengths near the metal's absorption edge is essentially the scattering of the metal alone. Novelin situASAXS measurements are made on mordenite impregnated with platinum metal while the temperature and composition of gas in the sample cell are changed. Measurements are made 62 times during treatment of the catalyst. The metal particles are assumed to be randomly distributed spheres withN(R)dR= number of spheres with radii betweenRandR+ dR. It is found thatN(R) is always a monotonically decreasing function ofR, and that the average value ofR, obtained fromN(R), decreases by a factor of two over the time (approximately 6 h) for which the system is observed.
Inorganic structure prediction withGRINSP
Authors: Le Bail Armel
Published: March 2005

A new computer program is described,GRINSP(geometrically restrained inorganic structure prediction), which allows the exploration of the possibilities of occurrence of 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-connected three-dimensional networks. Hypothetical (as well as known structure) models for binary compounds are produced with exclusive connection of polyhedra by corners, such as [MX3] triangles inM2X3formulation, [MX4] tetrahedra inMX2(zeolites or dense SiO2polymorphs), [MX5] polyhedra inM2X5, and finally [MX6] octahedra inMX3polymorphs. Moreover, hypothetical ternary compounds are built up by combinations of either two different polyhedra or two different radii for two different cations adopting the same coordination. The cost function is based on the agreement of the model interatomic distances with ideal distances provided by the user. The Monte Carlo algorithm first finds structure candidates selected after the verification of the expected geometry, and then optimizes the cell parameters and the atomic coordinates. A satellite software (GRINS) uses the predicted models and produces the characteristics of isostructural compounds which would be obtained by cationic substitutions. A huge list of CIF files of hypothetical boron oxide polymorphs (including nanotubes), zeolites, aluminium and 3d-element fluorides, fluoroaluminates, borosilicates, titanosilicates, gallophosphatesetc., is freely available at the PCOD (Predicted Crystallography Open Database).
Investigations on the structural disordering of neutron-irradiated highly oriented pyrolytic graphite by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy
Authors: Asthana Anjana , Matsui Yoshio , Yasuda Makoto , Kimoto Koji , Iwata Tadao , Ohshima Ken-ichi
Published: March 2005

Light and heavy neutron-irradiation damage of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) crystals was examined by means of X-ray diffraction and high-resolution high-voltage transmission electron microscopy (TEM). From the X-ray data analysis, it was found that there is an average increase of about 3% in thec-axis lattice parameter of the unit cell of graphite for lightly neutron-irradiated HOPG. However, thec-axis lattice parameter could not be estimated from the HOPG sample having the highest dose of neutron irradiation under the present investigation, because the X-ray profile was highly asymmetrical. This increase in thec-axis lattice parameter is attributed to lattice expansion due to the static displacement of atoms after neutron irradiation. Local structure analysis by TEM shows that the 0002 lattice spacing for the above-mentioned HOPG samples has been increased by up to 10% as a result of the neutron irradiation. This increase inc-axis lattice spacing can be ascribed to the fragmentation of the crystal lattice into nanocrystallites, breaking and bending of the 0002 straight lattice fringes, appearance of dislocation loops, and extra interstitial planes within the fragmented nanocrystallites. All these changes are a result of the static displacement of atoms after neutron irradiation.
In situsimultaneous synchrotron powder diffraction and mass spectrometry study of methane anaerobic combustion on iron-oxide-based oxygen carrier
Authors: Gemmi Mauro , Merlini Marco , Cornaro Ugo , Ghisletti Danila , Artioli Gilberto
Published: March 2005

Reduction of iron oxide/CeO2solid due to methane anaerobic combustion has been studied usingin situtime-resolved synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction and mass spectrometry measurements. All the chemical reactions involved in the process have been mapped. Rietveld profile fitting analysis has given a quantitative estimation of the different phases at every step of the reaction. The reaction temperature has been estimated using thermal expansion of both Fe2O3and CeO2. From the structural parameters of CeO2it has been possible to claim that CeO2participates in the reduction process by transforming into a reduced CeOxform. The number,x, of O atoms per formula unit has been estimated by measuring the percentage variation of the unit-cell parameters.
Electronic textbooks that transform how textbooks are used
Authors: McFall Ryan
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This paper's goals are to motivate the design of an electronic textbook that seeks to transform how textbooks are used inside and outside the classroom. In particular, it seeks to show that merely creating an electronic form of an existing paper textbook is not a sufficiently motivating condition for instructors and students to move from paper to electronic textbooks, and doing so misses much of the opportunities presented by electronic media to enhance learning from textbooks.

Design/methodology/approach

An electronic textbook application running on Microsoft's TabletPC operating system was implemented and used as the primary text in three offerings of an Introductory Computer Science course, with one section used as a control group. Student learning was assessed via course examinations and overall grades, and student perceptions and use of the textbook were assessed via surveys.

Findings

No significant differences in student learning or textbook usage were observed between students using the electronic and paper versions of the textbook. The surveys indicated a generally neutral reaction to the electronic textbook.

Research limitations/implications

The number of students used to evaluate the electronic textbook's effectiveness was small, and the text was not evaluated in multiple types of courses.

Practical implications

Instructors often teach and assess students in such a way that reading the text is not required for success. If instructors continue to assign textbooks, a way must be found to motivate their use and improve the way students use them.

Originality/value

This paper gives guidance to those seeking to design and implement electronic books in an educational setting.
Electronic books: their integration into library and information centers
Authors: Subba Rao Siriginidi
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To highlight the salient features of e‐books, challenges that arise in integrating e‐books into library and information centers (LICs), e‐books business models and licensing, and future of e‐books.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses the emergence of e‐books and a comprehensive definition for them. Lists various implementations of e‐books, their advantages and disadvantages in LICs and compares select e‐book reader hardware and software with their specifications, requirements and characteristics.

Findings

Examines several issues to integrate e‐books into LICs to find workable solutions based on identification, selection, circulation, maintenance, quality assurance, pricing, fair use, standards and interoperability, business models and licensing.

Research limitations/implications

E‐books are a new convergence of various traditional works and functions based on the application of new information technology.

Practical implications

The issues causing concerns to users and LICs can be sought by collaborating with industry to ensure LICs play a continuous role in communication information and act as repositories of knowledge, for the benefit of society.

Originality/value

This paper offers practical solutions for LICs in integrating e‐books in their collection.
Advertising appeals and cultural values in television commercialsA comparison of Hong Kong and Korea
Authors: Sook Moon Young , Chan Kara
Published: March 2005

Purpose

The objective of this study is to investigate to what extent advertising appeals in Hong Kong and Korea are different, and whether the differences between the two countries can be attributed to the differences in nations' cultural characteristics. Hypotheses are drawn in relation to the two dimensions of Hofstede's framework – uncertainty avoidance and masculinity/femininity.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 803 prime‐time television commercials from the two countries was analyzed using Cheng and Schweitzer's classification of advertising appeals.

Findings

The results show that femininity is an important variable for explaining differences in advertising between Hong Kong and Korea. Both Hong Kong and Korean advertising show no difference in values of high uncertainty avoidance, although an appeal of high uncertainty avoidance was used more often in Korean advertising. However, values of low uncertainty avoidance are more prevalent in television commercials in Korea, a country of high uncertainty avoidance, than Hong Kong, a country of low uncertainty avoidance. It is also found that the correlation between product categories and cultural values is society‐based.

Originality/value

This study reveals that Hofstede's framework does explain cross‐cultural differences between Hong Kong and Korea and provides empirical evidences for the impact of value paradoxes on advertising in both countries, suggesting that Hofstede's framework and the value paradoxes provide a possible theory for testing the relationship of the society and its advertising content within a culture as well as across cultures.
The influence of country image structure on consumer evaluations of foreign products
Authors: Laroche Michel , Papadopoulos Nicolas , Heslop Louise A. , Mourali Mehdi
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This study was designed to extend knowledge of cognitive processing of country of origin cues by refining the concept of country image and investigating its role in product evaluations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from residents of a large North American metropolitan. A total of 436 usable questionnaires were returned. Data analysis was conducted using the EQS structural equation modeling software

Findings

We found that country image is a three‐dimensional concept consisting of cognitive, affective, and conative components. We modeled the relationships among country image, product beliefs, and product evaluations, and found that country image and product beliefs affect product evaluations simultaneously regardless of consumers' level of familiarity with a country's products. Findings also indicated that the structure of country image influences product evaluations both directly and indirectly through product beliefs. Consistent with affect transfer theory, the results showed that when a country's image has a strong affective component, its direct influence on product evaluations is stronger than its influence on product beliefs. Alternatively, when a country's image has a strong cognitive component, its direct influence on product evaluations was smaller than its influence on product beliefs.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation pertains to the relatively poor psychometric properties of some items. Future research will benefit from further improvements in the measures of country image that tap into the various facets of the construct.

Originality/value

The major contributions of the study consist of the full operationalization of country image as a three‐dimensional concept, and the findings on the impact of country image structure on consumers' evaluation processes.
“If at first you don't succeed … ”: web site redesign at the UNLV Libraries
Authors: Felker Kyle , Kim Chung Su
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To document a library web site redesign from start to finish, with special attention and emphasis placed on process – what worked and what did not.

Design/methodology/approach

Documentation and techniques used in the redesign are discussed in depth, with special attention as to why these techniques were chosen, how they were integrated into the process, and what problems were encountered.

Findings

One of the biggest problems with a redesign is the political dimension and communication issues involved, rather than the technical problems. Deciding what testing methodology to use to gather patron input and using that input efficiently in the site design are also a challenging area.

Research limitations/implications

Since this is a case study, some of the problems encountered may not be applicable to other libraries in different environments. At the same time, many of the findings relating to problems with communication are general and could apply to redesign efforts in a variety of environments.

Practical implications

It is hoped that this paper may serve as a foundation on which a more generic process for effecting a redesign can be developed, one that may apply to all or most redesigns in all or most libraries.

Originality/value

There are very few papers in the literature dealing with the process of managing a redesign – most focus on other aspects, such as skill sets or test findings.
Managing patients with identical names in the same ward
Authors: Lee Anselm C.W. , Leung Mona , So K.T.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To review the experience of managing two patients with identical names in the same ward during a five‐month period.

Design/methodology/approach

The records of the patients were reviewed to look for incorrect entries, errors in specimens sampling, administration of blood products and chemotherapy, and misplacement of clinical notes. Doctors and nurses involved were also invited to complete a questionnaire study to comment on the usefulness of the measures implemented for correct patient identification. A random sample of 60 patients was also selected to see if their full names were shared with other patients attending the same hospital.

Findings

Among the 1,442 sheets of hospital records from the two patients, no errors pertaining to the clinical activities were found. However, 13 (0.9 per cent) sheets of the hospital records were misplaced. The 21 doctors and nurses participating in the questionnaire study gave positive support to all the additional measures implemented for safeguarding patient identification, of which the automated alerting feature in the electronic clinical management system received the highest scores. A total of 32 (53 per cent) of the 60 sampled patients shared a common full name with one to 101 other patients attending the same hospital.

Originality/value

Patients with identical names staying in the same ward present a unique challenge to acute health‐care settings. The situation is especially relevant in communities where most people's names are not unique. Specific guidelines and measures are needed to prevent patient misidentification. Errors in filing of patient notes and laboratory reports to the hospital record deserve further attention.
Discourses of disrupted identities in the practice of strategic change
Authors: Beech Nic , Johnson Phyl
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To explore identity dynamics in the lived experience of a strategic change over time.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were collected through a longitudinal engagement with the focal organisation. Narrative analysis was used to trace the identity dynamics of senior figures in an organisation as it went through strategic change. This entailed a change of CEO and chairman, alterations to the composition of the board and the executive team and, in association with these changes in personnel, alterations to the strategy and direction of the company.

Findings

The identity dynamics were at times comfortable and uncomfortable fits for the individuals involved, and over time expectations and realisations impacted on the processes of change in ways that were unexpected and unintentional for the actors. The outcome of the analysis shows the disruptive impact of identity dynamics on the practice of strategic change.

Research limitations

The nature of the research undertaken does not seek to represent a holistic case study but, rather, is focused on a depth analysis of selected interactional data.

Practical implications

A critique of traditional views of resistance to change is presented and an alternative approach to analysing reactions to change is proposed.

Originality/value

The paper contributes a narrative approach to the discursive analysis of strategic change. It also elaborates the significance of “identity work” in such settings.
Ethical product innovation: in praise of slowness
Authors: Giaretta Elena
Published: March 2005

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to consider whether constant product innovation is compatible with the ethical management of a business. The question arises out of observations of two pressures exerted by global competition, i.e. the speed of change, which pushes in the direction of continuous innovation, and the determining power of demand, which wishes to see business conduct itself ethically.

Design/methodology/approach

With a theoretical approach, the paper highlights how these two pressures are both exerted on business, the advantages for business as well as for the consumers, deriving from the tendency of companies to innovate at all times and in ever shorter times, and the sins that an enterprise may commit when involved in a “competition vortex” created by the pressure of the speed of change.

Findings

What can a business imprisoned in this vortex do to escape when the fear of being “left behind” blinds it to seeing any other courses open to it? The paper proposes a possibly controversial, and at least challenging, model that can be seen as swimming against the tide, by adopting “slowness” and harmony, and a cluster of related concepts, as its basic tenets.

Originality/value

For this very reason the model proposed is already potentially valid, in a context where complexity and uncertainty give value to the original and the new. The paper is seen to be useful for managers and scholars of management, with particular focus on business ethics and product innovation.
Malaysian companies’ use of the internet for investor relations
Authors: Zakimi Abdul Hamid Fathilatul
Published: March 2005

Purpose

This study focuses on Malaysian companies because of the confidence shown by the international business community in what is considered to be the best country for corporate governance practice. Additionally, the Malaysian stock market is considered to be the largest stock market in terms of market capitalization in Asia. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the utilization of the internet by Malaysian‐listed companies for investor information or communication. It also examines the content of such investor relations (IR) information compared with similar web sites from other parts of the world.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample for the study consists of 100 stock market index‐linked firms listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange.

Findings

Using a disclosure index for measuring investor information disclosure published in the companies’ web sites, this study revealed that only 70 firms provided investor‐related materials on their web sites. The highest‐ranking investor‐relations item was the background of the companies.

Originality/value

The results confirm that a gap exists between developed countries and developing countries with respect to the utilization of the internet for investor‐relations purposes. This study also provides evidence that governing bodies in East Asia – such as the Securities Commission, the Stock Exchange, and the Accounting Standard Board – should encourage (and, if necessary, enforce) the publication of IR information on company web sites.
Measuring corporate integrity: a survey‐based approach
Authors: Kaptein Muel , Avelino Scott
Published: March 2005

Purpose

Aims to illustrate how management can examine corporate integrity.

Design/methodology/approach

The results of a survey of the US workforce are used to illustrate how integrity can be measured. Questionnaires were sent to 3,075 pre‐qualified working adults with a response rate of 78 percent.

Findings

Of the respondents, 76 percent reported being aware of a violation of the law or of company standards by a colleague or manager in the past 12 months. Many organizations are also sending employees the wrong message when it comes to conducting themselves in an ethical manner.

Research limitations/implications

The research could be extended to other countries. Additionally, it would be a big step forward if research could lead to plausible findings about the relationship between organizational climate and unethical behavior.

Practical implications

Management should consider the option of monitoring integrity periodically by means of a questionnaire, attending not only to the frequency of unethical conduct but also to the corresponding organizational context and corresponding consequences. In most cases it is advisable to measure integrity not only on a corporate level, but also on departmental levels so that it can form a part of the regular planning and control cycle.

Originality/value

This is the first study of the US workforce regarding ethics in the workplace.
Evaluation of in vitro endocytosis and antibody synthesis by rainbow trout head kidney cells treated with bovine lactoferrin
Authors: Cecchini S. , Caputo A. R. , Mecca F.
Published: March 2005

Bovine lactoferrin (LF) was evaluated for its capacity to modulate the in vitro endocytosis (phagocytosis and pinocytosis) and antibody synthesis by head kidney cells of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Phagocytic activity and phagocytic index of head kidney macrophages, determined by measurement of ingested yeast, were influenced by bovine LF starting from the LF concentration of 1 and 0·1 μg ml−1, respectively. Endocytosis, determined by the evaluation of droplet uptake of neutral red dye solution, was significantly enhanced by 10 μg ml−1 of LF. In contrast, antibody synthesis by head kidney cells, evaluated by immunoenzymatic assay, from fish immunized against human‐γ‐globulins (HGG)in vivo was not affected by bovine LF. Although these results showed that bovine LF had no effect on specific immunoglobulin production in vitro, an enhancement of the acquired immune response may be assumed in LF‐treated fish in vivo, as observed in higher vertebrates.
Assessing the reproductive contributions of sympatric anadromous and freshwater‐resident brook trout
Authors: Curry R. A.
Published: March 2005

The δ13C, δ15N and δ34S isotope values of newly emerged, brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis alevins (free‐swimming individuals beginning exogenous feeding) were examined to determine if progeny of anadromous female spawners could be detected and their contributions to reproduction assessed in river systems with mixed migration strategies. Separation of anadromous and freshwater resident and immigrant sources of progeny could be detected primarily using δ13C values before alevins reached a size of 28 mm fork length and c. 20 days after exogenous feeding began. Among 10 populations, the contributions of anadromous females ranged from 0 to 42% of newly emerged alevins. Correlations between anadromous contributions and estimates of total brook trout density and alevin production were unexpectedly negative.
Adhesive structures in the eggs of Corydoras aeneus(Gill, 1858; Callichthyidae)
Authors: Huysentruyt F. , Adriaens D.
Published: March 2005

The surface structure of the eggs of the catfish Corydoras aeneus was examined and showed to be a unique pattern among teleosts. The surface was covered with small protuberances, which resemble attaching‐filaments of teleost eggs. Eggs were, however, found to be very adhesive and since the species is known to inhabit turbid waters, this rare egg attachment mode could well be related to these environmental conditions.
Intestinal worms and human allergy
Authors: Cooper P. J.
Published: March 2005

The immunoepidemiological interactions between intestinal worm (or geohelminth) infections and allergy are of great interest to parasitologists, immunologists, and allergists because of the close similarities between the human immune response to geohelminth parasites and environmental allergens. Allergic diseases appear to be most rare in populations living in the rural tropics with high rates of infection with geohelminth parasites, and this has led to suggestions that the relationship between geohelminth infections and allergy may be causal. Allergic sensitization and disease results from a complex interaction between environmental exposures and genetic background, and the numerous epidemiological studies that have investigated the relationship between allergy and geohelminth infections have provided conflicting findings. The strongest epidemiological evidence for a causal association is provided by intervention studies that demonstrate evidence for an effect of anthelmintic treatment on atopy or asthma risk. There is evidence also for an inverse relationship between geohelminth infection and either atopy or asthma symptoms from cross‐sectional studies that have been conducted in areas of high infection prevalence. Chronic geohelminth infections could affect allergy risk by modulation of the immune response to environmental allergens, and an area of great research activity at present is the investigation of the role of regulatory T cells in modulating host inflammatory responses. However, a causal association between geohelminth infections and allergy remains to be proven, and prospective and intervention studies are required that investigate the development of allergy in early life at a time when humans are first exposed to geohelminth parasites and their antigens.
Immunity, immunoregulation and the ecology of trichuriasis and ascariasis
Authors: Bradley J. E. , Jackson J. A.
Published: March 2005

Immune responses to human roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) and whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) and their role in controlling worm populations are reviewed. Recent immunoepidemiological data implicate Th2‐mediated responses in limiting A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura populations. Reinfection studies further suggest that IL‐5 cytokine responses are negatively associated with adult recruitment in T. trichiura but not A. lumbricoides and may therefore be involved in negative intraspecific and interspecific interactions mediated through the host immune system. The importance of inducible immunoregulatory networks in the ecology of the host–parasite relationship is considered, with particular regard to possible manipulative strategies by the parasites. This aspect of the worms’ interaction with the host immune system is both poorly known and potentially central to an understanding of parasite population dynamics and the evolutionary pressures that have shaped present‐day host–parasite associations. Some possible implications of worm‐mediated immunomodulation for the occurrence of bystander infectious diseases in human populations and the management of de‐worming programmes are also discussed.
Bite performance and morphology in a population of Darwin's finches: implications for the evolution of beak shape
Authors: HERREL A. , PODOS J. , HUBER S. K. , HENDRY A. P.
Published: March 2005

Previous studies of the Medium Ground Finch, Geospiza fortis, have documented that selection is most severe under drought conditions, which generally favour beaks that are comparatively deep and narrow. Deep beaks are presumed to enhance a bird's ability to crack hard seeds, and narrow beaks have been proposed to enhance a bird's efficiency in manipulating seeds.

In the present study, we make the first direct measurements of bite force in Darwin's finches. We used 147 G. fortis from Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos, to document the influence of beak, head and body dimensions on bite force.

Among the various beak dimensions, depth, width and shape were all significant predictors of bite force. Among the various head dimensions, width was the best predictor of bite force. Generally low predictive values of multiple regression models including all morphological variables, as well as positive allometric scaling of bite force on head width, suggest an important additional role for variation in muscle architecture or jaw biomechanics in bite force generation.
Dry mass costs of deploying leaf area in relation to leaf size
Authors: PICKUP M. , WESTOBY M. , BASDEN A.
Published: March 2005

The leaf size–twig size spectrum is an important spectrum of variation between species, although the costs and benefits of largervssmaller leaf size are poorly understood. This study quantified the dry mass costs of deploying leaf area in relation to leaf size, across 70 species from four sites contrasted on the basis of rainfall and soil nutrients in east‐temperate Australia.

Leaf mass fraction beyond 10 mm2of conductive cross‐section (LMF10) varied threefold and was strongly positively correlated with leaf size, both across all species and within each habitat. This and other key correlations were significant both across species and as evolutionary divergences.

An LMF10advantage for larger‐leaved species should translate into a proportional advantage in dry mass acquisition, yet species with small leaves persist and sustain populations. This raises the question as to what factors might counterbalance an LMF advantage associated with larger leaf size.

Within some sites, specific leaf area (SLA) decreased with leaf size, which counterbalanced the LMF10advantage. Within other sites, and across all sites, SLA did not decline with leaf size. In these comparisons other factors, such as avoidance of overheating, must counterbalance the LMF10advantage to larger‐leaved species.

Wood density was negatively correlated with leaf size. However, the relationship was weaker within sites in the lower rainfall zone, and species in these sites had generally higher wood density. Sapwood cross‐sectional area per unit leaf area (Huber value) varied approximately ninefold across all species, and was correlated with both leaf size and SLA across all species, but not within sites.
Impaired flight ability prior to egg‐laying: a cost of being a capital breeder
Authors: KULLBERG C. , JAKOBSSON S. , KABY U. , LIND J.
Published: March 2005

To investigate flight ability in captive Zebra Finches during reproduction we compared change in escape take‐off ability and wing load of reproducing females with their mates and non‐reproducing females when attacked by a model raptor.

Initially females had 18% higher wing load than males. Non‐reproducing females and females that had started egg‐laying flew slower than males. Reproducing females reduced wing load during egg‐laying and flew faster when the clutch was completed. Non‐breeding females remained on high wing load and flow slower than breeding females that had completed their clutch.

The increase in flight speed of breeding females was explained by a reduction in wing load during egg‐laying.

Zebra Finches use accumulated reserves to produce eggs and pay a cost in terms of reduced flight ability, but then regain flight performance when the clutch is laid, probably demonstrating a predation cost of capital breeding in birds.
Modelling nematode life cycles using dynamic energy budgets
Authors: JAGER T. , ÁLVAREZ O. ALDA , KAMMENGA J. E. , KOOIJMAN S. A. L. M.
Published: March 2005

To understand the life cycle of an organism, it is important to understand the underlying physiological mechanisms of their life histories. We here use the theory of dynamic energy budgets (DEB) to investigate the close relationships between growth, reproduction and respiration in nematodes.

Using a set of simplified equations based on DEB theory, we are able to accurately describe life‐cycle data from the literature for the free‐living bacterivorous nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans, C. briggsae and Acrobeloides nanus, under different temperature or food regimes.

Nematodes apparently differ from other animals, as the initial growth is slower than expected. We explain this phenomenon by food limitation in the larvae, which is supported by more detailed physiological studies.

Food density and temperature are shown to have predictable effects on the growth curves (temperature affects only growth rate, whereas food density also affects ultimate size), although the reproduction patterns reveal some deviations from model predictions.

The presented model integrates the different aspects of the life cycle into a single framework, and can be applied as such to interpret the effects of various stressors.
CD1d and CD1d‐restricted iNKT‐cells play a pivotal role in contact hypersensitivity
Authors: Nieuwenhuis Edward E. S. , Gillessen Silke , Scheper Rik J. , Exley Mark A. , Taniguchi Masaru , Balk Steven P. , Strominger Jack L. , Dranoff Glenn , Blumberg Richard S. , Wilson S. Brian
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  CD1d‐restricted T‐cells are activated by glycolipids presented by the major histocompatibility complex class‐Ib molecule CD1d, found on the surface of antigen‐presenting cells (APC). This interaction between APC, most notably dendritic cells (DC), and CD1d‐restricted T‐cells is an important regulatory step in the initiation of adaptive immune responses. It is well known that DC play a crucial role in the induction of contact hypersensitivity (CHS), a frequently studied form of in vivo T‐cell‐mediated immunity. In this study, we show that CD1d‐restricted T‐cells are also necessary for CHS, because both wild‐type mice treated systemically or topically with CD1d glycolipid antagonists and CD1d‐restricted T‐cell‐null mice have markedly diminished CHS responses. Thus, pharmacologic antagonists of CD1d can be used as effective inhibitors of CHS, a prototype for a variety of delayed‐type tissue hypersensitivity responses.
Limitations of CD95 ligand‐transduced killer dendritic cells to prevent graft rejections
Authors: Kusuhara Masahiro , Matsue Hiroyuki
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  As an attempt to experimentally induce antigen (Ag)‐specific immunosuppression, we have previously created CD95 ligand (CD95L)‐transduced dendritic cells (DC), which delivered apoptotic, but not activation, signals to CD4+ T cells in vitro in an Ag‐dependent manner. We have also demonstrated that CD95L‐transduced DC (termed killer DC) injected into syngeneic animals suppressed delayed‐type hypersensitivity responses to an administered Ag. Based on these findings, we tested whether the injection of killer DC derived from A/J mice (H‐2a) into allogeneic BALB/c recipients (H‐2d) could prolong the survival of A/J‐derived skin grafts by depleting A/J‐reactive effector T cells. This attempt has not been successful. In this study, we elucidate the reasons for this failure, especially in terms of in vitro effects of killer DC on in vivo primed alloreactive T cells. We show that killer DC (i) failed to induce the proliferation of naive alloreactive T cells in a CD95/CD95L‐dependent fashion, (ii) inhibited the proliferation of in vivo primed alloreactive T cells, (iii) killed relatively small fractions (up to 30%) of these T cells in vitro in a CD95/CD95L‐dependent fashion and (iv) significantly, but incompletely, inhibited the generation of cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte activities against A/J determinants. Thus, killer DC have significant, but modest, capacities to suppress in vitro alloimmune responses, which may not be sufficient to prolong the survival of alloskin grafts in a stringent allograft model. This study suggests that the current format of killer DC technology requires more modifications for its clinical application to prevent graft rejection.
The use of activated recombinant coagulation factor VII during haemarthroses and synovectomy in a patient with congenital severe factor V deficiency
Authors: González‐Boullosa R. , Ocampo‐Martínez R. , Alarcón‐Martín M. J. , Suárez‐Rodríguez M. , Domínguez‐Viguera L. , González‐Fajo G.
Published: March 2005

Summary.  Factor V deficiency is a rare hereditary bleeding disorder. Currently, FV concentrates are not available, and the treatment of spontaneous bleeding or bleeding associated with invasive procedures is transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP). However, FFP transfusion can lead to the development of inhibitor to FV, and is associated with several potential transfusion reactions including allergic reactions. We report a patient with congenital severe FV deficiency with repeated haemarthroses of a shoulder joint, and progressively severe allergic reactions to FFP transfusions. In addition, the patient also developed acute pulmonary oedema. Activated recombinant coagulation factor VII (rFVIIa) was used as an alternative haemostatic agent to FFP. We describe the use of rFVIIa in this patient during haemarthroses, synovectomy, and physiotherapy.