bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of englacial channels by ground‐penetrating radar: An example from austre Brøggerbreen, Svalbard
Authors: Stuart Graham , Murray Tavi , Gamble Nicola , Hayes Kathy , Hodson Andy
Published: November 2003

Ground‐penetrating radar profiles at 100 MHz have been collected over an englacial channel system on the cold‐ice glacier austre Brøggerbreen, Svalbard. Analysis and synthetic modeling of the travel times and waveforms of the reflections from the channel have shown that after a near‐vertical drop of ∼45 m in a moulin, the watercourse flows ∼900 m subhorizontally. The size of the conduit varies from a large semicircular channel, ∼5 m wide at its base close to the moulin, to a vertically elongated ∼2.5 m high channel close to the outlet. Variations in the depth of water along the channel have been calculated to be between 14 and 90% of the channel height using detailed analysis of waveforms. The low channel gradient (<2°) and results of dye‐tracing experiments suggest that there is a significant degree of ponding along the channel length. This channel geometry was probably created during a period of increased crevassing from the Little Ice Age. A descent into the moulin provided direct observations of the channel dimensions close to the moulin and helped verify the interpretations and conclusions drawn from the study. Thus radar reflections can be successfully used to determine the depth, dimensions, and water content of englacial watercourses due to the transparency of ice to radar signals and the strong contrast in velocity between water, ice, and air. This technique offers exciting possibilities for the remote monitoring of englacial channels from the glacier surface.
Phase curve and albedo of asteroid 5535 Annefrank
Authors: Newburn Ray L. , Duxbury Thomas C. , Hanner Martha , Semenov Boris V. , Hirst Edward E. , Bhat Ramachand S. , Bhaskaran Shyamkumar , Wang Tseng‐Chan M. , Tsou Peter , Brownlee Donald E. , Cheuvront Allan R. , Gingerich David E. , Bollendonk Gregory R. , Vellinga Joseph M. , Parham Kelly A. , Mumaw Susan J.
Published: November 2003

Seventy‐two images of the S‐class asteroid 5535 Annefrank, acquired on 2 November 2002 at target ranges of 11,415–3078.5 km, were transmitted to Earth as a part of an engineering readiness test of the Stardust mission. Forty‐four of these were used to create a phase curve extending to 134°, the largest angle yet achieved for any S‐class asteroid. Flux fell by more than six magnitudes between the extrapolated 0° and 134°. A maximum illuminated cross section of 16 km2 was seen at a phase angle of 47.2°. Assuming a camera efficiency of 75%, a broadband (470–940 nm) geometric albedo of 0.24 was derived for Annefrank.
Fine mapping of sequential neutralization epitopes on the subunit protein VP8 of human rotavirus
Authors: KOVACS-NOLAN Jennifer , YOO Dongwan , MINE Yoshinori
Published: November 2003

The epitopes of the HRV (human rotavirus), especially those involved in virus neutralization, have not been determined in their entirety, and would have significant implications for HRV vaccine development. In the present study, we report on the epitope mapping and identification of sequential neutralization epitopes, on the Wa strain HRV subunit protein VP8, using synthetic overlapping peptides. Polyclonal antibodies against recombinant Wa VP8 were produced previously in chicken, and purified from egg yolk, which showed neutralizing activity against HRV in vitro. Overlapping VP8 peptide fragments were synthesized and probed with the anti-VP8 antibodies, revealing five sequential epitopes on VP8. Further analysis suggested that three of the five epitopes detected, M1-L10, I55-D66 and L223-P234, were involved in virus neutralization, indicating that sequential epitopes may also be important for the HRV neutralization. The interactions of the antibodies with the five epitopes were characterized by an examination of the critical amino acids involved in antibody binding. Epitopes comprised primarily of hydrophobic amino acid residues, followed by polar and charged residues. The more critical amino acids appeared to be located near the centre of the epitopes, with proline, isoleucine, serine, glutamine and arginine playing an important role in the binding of antibody to the VP8 epitopes.
Insulin stimulates movement of sorting nexin 9 between cellular compartments: a putative role mediating cell surface receptor expression and insulin action
Authors: MACAULAY S. Lance , STOICHEVSKA Violet , GRUSOVIN Julian , GOUGH Keith H. , CASTELLI Laura A. , WARD Colin W.
Published: November 2003

SNX9 (sorting nexin 9) is one member of a family of proteins implicated in protein trafficking. This family is characterized by a unique PX (Phox homology) domain that includes a proline-rich sequence and an upstream phospholipid binding domain. Many sorting nexins, including SNX9, also have a C-terminal coiled region. SNX9 additionally has an N-terminal SH3 (Src homology 3) domain. Here we have investigated the cellular localization of SNX9 and the potential role it plays in insulin action. SNX9 had a cytosolic and punctate distribution, consistent with endosomal and cytosolic localization, in 3T3L1 adipocytes. It was excluded from the nucleus. The SH3 domain was responsible, at least in part, for the membrane localization of SNX9, since expression of an SH3-domain-deleted GFP (green fluorescent protein)–SNX9 fusion protein in HEK293T cells rendered the protein cytosolic. Membrane localization may also be attributed in part to the PX domain, since in vitro phospholipid binding studies demonstrated SNX9 binding to polyphosphoinositides. Insulin induced movement of SNX9 to membrane fractions from the cytosol. A GST (glutathione S-transferase)–SNX9 fusion protein was associated with IGF1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) and insulin receptors in vitro. A GFP–SNX9 fusion protein, overexpressed in 3T3L1 adipocytes, co-immunoprecipitated with insulin receptors. Furthermore, overexpression of this GFP–SNX9 fusion protein in CHOT cells decreased insulin binding, consistent with a role for SNX9 in the trafficking of insulin receptors. Microinjection of 3T3L1 cells with an antibody against SNX9 inhibited stimulation by insulin of GLUT4 translocation. These results support the involvement of SNX9 in insulin action, via an influence on the processing/trafficking of insulin receptors. A secondary role in regulation of the cellular processing, transport and/or subcellular localization of GLUT4 is also suggested.
Fyn is required for oxidative- and hyperosmotic-stress-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of caveolin-1
Authors: SANGUINETTI Amy R. , CAO Haiming , CORLEY MASTICK Cynthia
Published: November 2003

Caveolin-1 is phosphorylated on Tyr14 in response to both oxidative and hyperosmotic stress. In the present paper, we show that this phosphorylation requires activation of the Src family kinase Fyn. Stress-induced caveolin phosphorylation was abolished by three Src kinase inhibitors, SU6656, PP2 and PD180970, and was not observed in fibroblasts derived from a Src, Yes and Fyn triple-knockout mouse (SYF−/−). Using cell lines derived from single-kinase-knockout mice (Src−/−, Yes−/− and Fyn−/−), we show that expression of Fyn, but not Src or Yes, is required for stress-induced caveolin phosphorylation. Heterologous expression of Fyn in the SYF−/− and Fyn−/− cells was sufficient to reconstitute stress-induced caveolin phosphorylation, and overexpression of Fyn in wild-type cells induced hyperphosphorylation of caveolin. Fyn was autophosphorylated following oxidative stress, verifying activation of this kinase. Interestingly, there was a concomitant increase in the phosphorylation of Fyn on its Csk (C-terminal Src kinase) site, indicating feedback inhibition. Csk binds to phosphocaveolin [Cao, Courchesne and Mastick (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 8771–8774] and should phosphorylate any co-localized Src-family kinases. Oxidative-stress-induced phosphorylation of caveolin-1 also requires expression of Abl [Sanguinetti and Mastick (2003) Cell Signal. 15, 289–298]. Using inhibitors and cells derived from knockout mice, we verified a requirement for both Abl and Fyn in stress-induced caveolin phosphorylation in a single cell type. Our data suggest a novel mechanism for attenuation of Src-kinase activity by Abl: stable tyrosine phosphorylation of a scaffolding protein, caveolin, and recruitment of Csk. Paxillin, a substrate of both Abl and Src, organizes a similar regulatory complex.
A quantitative model of the generation of N∊-(carboxymethyl)lysine in the Maillard reaction between collagen and glucose
Authors: FERREIRA António E. N. , PONCES FREIRE Ana M. J. , VOIT Eberhard O.
Published: November 2003

The Maillard reaction between reducing sugars and amino groups of biomolecules generates complex structures known as AGEs (advanced glycation endproducts). These have been linked to protein modifications found during aging, diabetes and various amyloidoses. To investigate the contribution of alternative routes to the formation of AGEs, we developed a mathematical model that describes the generation of CML [Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine] in the Maillard reaction between glucose and collagen. Parameter values were obtained by fitting published data from kinetic experiments of Amadori compound decomposition and glycoxidation of collagen by glucose. These raw parameter values were subsequently fine-tuned with adjustment factors that were deduced from dynamic experiments taking into account the glucose and phosphate buffer concentrations. The fine-tuned model was used to assess the relative contributions of the reaction between glyoxal and lysine, the Namiki pathway, and Amadori compound degradation to the generation of CML. The model suggests that the glyoxal route dominates, except at low phosphate and high glucose concentrations. The contribution of Amadori oxidation is generally the least significant at low glucose concentrations. Simulations of the inhibition of CML generation by aminoguanidine show that this compound effectively blocks the glyoxal route at low glucose concentrations (5 mM). Model results are compared with literature estimates of the contributions to CML generation by the three pathways. The significance of the dominance of the glyoxal route is discussed in the context of possible natural defensive mechanisms and pharmacological interventions with the goal of inhibiting the Maillard reaction in vivo.
Up-regulation of FLIP in cisplatin-selected HeLa cells causes cross-resistance to CD95/Fas death signalling
Authors: KAMARAJAN Pachiyappan , SUN Nian-Kang , CHAO Chuck C.-K.
Published: November 2003

Cisplatin-selected cervix carcinoma HeLa cell lines induced less apoptosis, and weaker activation by cisplatin or Fas-activating antibody, of mitochondrial-associated caspase-9 and death receptor-mediated caspase-8 than did parental cells. Furthermore, less DISC (death-inducing signalling complex) was formed in cisplatin-selected cell lines than in parental cells. Ac-IETD-CHO (acetyl-Ile-Glu-Thr-Asp-aldehyde), which has a certain preference for inhibiting caspase-8, or Fas-antagonistic antibody, significantly inhibited cisplatin-induced apoptosis in both parental and cisplatin-selected HeLa cell lines. These results imply that cell-surface death signalling is inducible by cisplatin; that reduction of this pathway is associated with drug resistance, and that cisplatin-selected cells acquire cross-resistance to cell-surface death signalling. Sequential up-regulation of FLIP (FLICE-like inhibitory protein), but not Bcl-2, Bcl-xL or inhibitors of apoptosis protein (IAPs), was observed in resistant cells but not in parental cells. The inhibition of FLIP by FLIP antisense oligonucleotides promotes cisplatin and Fas-antibody-induced apoptosis. However, the modulation of apoptosis by FLIP antisense oligonucleotides in resistant cells is greater than that in parental cells. The presented data reveal that the up-regulation of FLIP may contribute to the suppression of apoptosis and thereby change cells that are resistant to cisplatin and Fas-mediated death signals. The results also show that cancer cells that have undergone long-term chemotherapy and become chemoresistant may change the FLIP level, becoming cross-resistant to death factors such as Fas.
A role for calcium in the regulation of neutral trehalase activity in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: FRANCO Alejandro , SOTO Teresa , VICENTE-SOLER Jero , PAREDES Vanessa , MADRID Marisa , GACTO Mariano , CANSADO José
Published: November 2003

Neutral trehalases mobilize trehalose accumulated by fungal cells as a protective and storage carbohydrate. A structural feature of these enzymes is the presence of an EF-like motif similar to that shown by many Ca2+-binding proteins. In this study we provide direct evidence for physical binding of Ca2+ to neutral trehalase (Ntp1p) of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and show that aspartic residues at positions 97 and 108 in the conserved putative Ca2+-binding motif of Ntp1p appear to be responsible for this interaction. Mutations in these residues do not interfere with the ability of Ntp1p to associate in vivo with trehalose-6-phosphate synthase, but prevent activation of neutral trehalase triggered by the addition of glucose or by subjecting cells to stressing conditions. Strains expressing Ntp1p variants that are unable to bind Ca2+ partially resemble those devoid of the ntp1+ gene in terms of trehalose hyperaccumulation. Gel filtration of cell extracts from wild-type cells after EDTA treatment or from cells containing Ntp1p with mutations in aspartic acid residues within the Ca2+-binding site revealed that Ntp1p eluted mainly in an inactive conformation instead of the dimeric or trimeric active form of the enzyme. These results suggest that activation of S. pombe Ntp1p under different conditions depends upon Ca2+ binding through the Ca2+-binding motif as a prerequisite for correct enzyme oligomerization to its active form. Given the high degree of conservation of the Ca2+ accommodation site, this might be a general mechanism regulating neutral trehalase activity in other yeasts and filamentous fungi.
Expanded substrate screenings of human and Drosophila type 10 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDs) reveal multiple specificities in bile acid and steroid hormone metabolism: characterization of multifunctional 3α/7α/7β/17β/20β/21-HSD
Authors: SHAFQAT Naeem , MARSCHALL Hanns-Ulrich , FILLING Charlotta , NORDLING Erik , WU Xiao-Qiu , BJÖRK Lars , THYBERG Johan , MÅRTENSSON Eva , SALIM Samina , JÖRNVALL Hans , OPPERMANN Udo
Published: November 2003

17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17β-HSDs) catalyse the conversion of 17β-OH (-hydroxy)/17-oxo groups of steroids, and are essential in mammalian hormone physiology. At present, eleven 17β-HSD isoforms have been defined in mammals, with different tissue-expression and substrate-conversion patterns. We analysed 17β-HSD type 10 (17β-HSD10) from humans and Drosophila, the latter known to be essential in development. In addition to the known hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and 3α-OH and 17β-OH activities with sex steroids, we here demonstrate novel activities of 17β-HSD10. Both species variants oxidize the 20β-OH and 21-OH groups in C21 steroids, and act as 7β-OH dehydrogenases of ursodeoxycholic or isoursodeoxycholic acid (also known as 7β-hydroxylithocholic acid or 7β-hydroxyisolithocholic acid respectively). Additionally, the human orthologue oxidizes the 7α-OH of chenodeoxycholic acid (5β-cholanic acid, 3α,7α-diol) and cholic acid (5β-cholanic acid). These novel substrate specificities are explained by homology models based on the orthologous rat crystal structure, showing a wide hydrophobic cleft, capable of accommodating steroids in different orientations. These properties suggest that the human enzyme is involved in glucocorticoid and gestagen catabolism, and participates in bile acid isomerization. Confocal microscopy and electron microscopy studies reveal that the human form is localized to mitochondria, whereas Drosophila 17β-HSD10 shows a cytosolic localization pattern, possibly due to an N-terminal sequence difference that in human 17β-HSD10 constitutes a mitochondrial targeting signal, extending into the Rossmann-fold motif.
l-Alanine–glyoxylate aminotransferase II of rat kidney and liver mitochondria possesses cysteine S-conjugate β-lyase activity: a contributing factor to the nephrotoxicity/hepatotoxicity of halogenated alkenes?
Authors: COOPER Arthur J. L. , KRASNIKOV Boris F. , OKUNO Etsuo , JEITNER Thomas M.
Published: November 2003

Several halogenated alkenes are metabolized in part to cysteine S-conjugates, which are mitochondrial toxicants of kidney and, to a lesser extent, other organs. Toxicity is due to cysteine S-conjugate β-lyases, which convert the cysteine S-conjugate into pyruvate, ammonia and a reactive sulphur-containing fragment. A section of the human population is exposed to halogenated alkenes. To understand the health effects of such exposure, it is important to identify cysteine S-conjugate β-lyases that contribute to mitochondrial damage. Mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase [Cooper, Bruschi, Iriarte and Martinez-Carrion (2002) Biochem. J. 368, 253–261] and mitochondrial branched-chain aminotransferase [Cooper, Bruschi, Conway and Hutson (2003) Biochem. Pharmacol. 65, 181–192] exhibit β-lyase activity toward S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-l-cysteine (the cysteine S-conjugate of trichloroethylene) and S-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl)-l-cysteine (the cysteine S-conjugate of tetrafluoroethylene). Turnover leads to eventual inactivation of these enzymes. Here we report that mitochondrial l-alanine–glyoxylate aminotransferase II, which, in the rat, is most active in kidney, catalyses cysteine S-conjugate β-lyase reactions with S-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl)-l-cysteine, S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-l-cysteine and S-(benzothiazolyl-l-cysteine); turnover leads to inactivation. Previous workers showed that the reactive-sulphur-containing fragment released from S-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl)-l-cysteine and S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-l-cysteine is toxic by acting as a thioacylating agent – particularly of lysine residues in nearby proteins. Toxicity, however, may also involve ‘self-inactivation’ of key enzymes. The present findings suggest that alanine–glyoxylate aminotransferase II may be an important factor in the well-established targeting of rat kidney mitochondria by toxic halogenated cysteine S-conjugates. Previous reports suggest that alanine–glyoxylate aminotransferase II is absent in some humans, but present in others. Alanine–glyoxylate aminotransferase II may contribute to the bioactivation (toxification) of halogenated cysteine S-conjugates in a subset of individuals exposed to halogenated alkenes.
What Makes People Dissatisfied with their Neighbourhoods?
Authors: Parkes Alison , Kearns Ade , Atkinson Rowland
Published: November 2003

A logistic regression model of individual neighbourhood dissatisfaction was developed using data from the 1997/98 Survey of English Housing. Housing satisfaction and the general appearance of the neighbourhood were closely associated with neighbourhood dissatisfaction, although perceptions of noise, friendliness, community spirit, schools and crime were also important. Although sociodemographic factors were much less important than residential perceptions in helping to predict dissatisfaction, the type of neighbourhood remained a significant independent predictor of dissatisfaction even when residents' views were taken into account. Some factors were more important in different areas: in particular, residents in less affluent areas were more sensitive to unfriendliness and crime. There were also indications that owner-occupiers were less satisfied in areas where they had a lower tenure share. The paper concludes that neighbourhood policies with a broad spectrum of goals are required, that pay careful attention to residents' own assessments of local conditions.
Tracing the Sources of Local External Economies
Authors: Feser Edward J.
Published: November 2003

In a cross-sectional, establishment-level analysis using confidential secondary data, the paper evaluates the influence of commonly postulated sources of localised external economies-supplier access, labour pools and knowledge spillovers-on the productivity of two US manufacturing sectors (farm and garden machinery and measuring and controlling devices). Measures incorporating different distance-decay specifications provide evidence of the spatial extent of the various externality sources. Chinitz's (1961) hypothesis of the link between local industrial organisation and agglomeration economies is also investigated. The results show evidence of labour-pooling economies and university-linked knowledge spillovers in the case of the higher-technology measuring and controlling devices sector, while access to input supplies and location near centres of applied innovation positively influences efficiency in the farm and garden machinery industry. Both sectors benefit from proximity to producer services, although primarily at a regional rather than a highly localised scale.
Differentiation of Growth Processes in the Peri-urban Region: An Australian Case Study
Authors: Fisher Tania
Published: November 2003

Throughout the developed world, population growth has become spatially concentrated in the peri-urban regions surrounding major urban centres. However, the distinctive population geography of this growth zone remains underresearched. The aim of this paper is to contribute towards a clearer understanding of the dynamics of the migration process in the peri-urban region. It is suggested that peri-urban growth represents the combined effects of four growth processes (suburbanisation, counterurbanisation, population retention, centripetal migration), each of which acts somewhat differently on particular population sub-groups and locations. In the context of Adelaide's peri-urban region, this paper utilises micro-level survey data to assess the complex nature of migration processes across the peri-urban region.
Urban Regeneration's Poisoned Chalice: Is There an Impasse in (Community) Participation-based Policy?
Authors: Jones Peris S.
Published: November 2003

The meteoric rise of 'participation' in urban policy is premised upon the supposed benefits it brings in terms of added project 'efficiency', 'sustainability' and even 'empowerment' of participants. Yet, even as participation appears to reach its very zenith, it comes under heightened criticism from a growing chorus of observers. Some critics have suggested, for example, that 'participation', and contemporary urban regeneration's preferred institutional vehicle for it, 'partnership', can have a capacity for tyrannical decision-making. The article draws upon a diverse range of literature, including the rich experience of almost 20 years of 'participation' in the 'developing world', as well as the findings of a research project looking at a major regeneration programme on Merseyside, in order to highlight the multifaceted problems of—and possibilities for-participation. Ultimately, whether participation can alter social stratification within communities is unclear, it may even (re)produce inequalities. The difficulties should not mean that the participatory project is jettisoned. Rather, the article is a call for a research and policy debate characterised by a greater degree of honesty and maturity concerning participation.
International Migration and the Housing Market: Japanese Corporate Movers in London
Authors: White Paul , Hurdley Louise
Published: November 2003

The incorporation of high-skill corporate migrants into the existing housing markets of destination cities has been neglected in studies of contemporary international migration. Nevertheless, the potential impacts on rent levels and property prices, and on the overall shape of the housing market, are considerable. Japanese corporate movement to London has led to the establishment of a separate housing sub-sector, channelling rented housing to Japanese clients through Japanese estate agencies. Japanese companies do not play a direct role in this, but hold considerable influence over the system such that it serves their perceived interests. Through the use of a questionnaire survey of Japanese residents, interviews with estate agencies and analysis of property available in the Japanese sub-market, the article demonstrates both the impact of Japanese corporate movement on housing issues in a global city and the ways in which the accommodation of high-skill migrants accords with the culture of corporate interests.
A Place for R&D? The Singapore Science Park
Authors: Mae Phillips Su-Ann , Wai-chung Yeung Henry
Published: November 2003

In the context of the globalisation of R&D activities, many urban and regional economies have attempted to create specific places in the hope of developing and embedding these activities. In this paper, it is argued that it is insufficient for such places to provide just physical infrastructure and investment benefits. Understanding actor-specific strategies and their enrolment in innovation networks and enabling institutional pre-conditions are equally important in embedding R&D activities. Based on a study of one such place-the Singapore Science Park-this paper explores the realities of science park formation. It is found that adequate institutional thickness and local embeddedness apply only to a small number of R&D firms in the Park. The paper also examines the myth that spatial proximity to R&D institutions and organisations automatically results in collaborative R&D efforts. The study shows that, for science parks to be more than a form of glorified property development, there is an urgent need for a fundamental transformation in the prevailing thinking of economic planning, R&D policies and urban development.
The Taxation of Australian Landlords: Would the British Tax Treatment of Rental Investments Increase Tax Burdens if Introduced in Australia?
Authors: Wood Gavin A. , Kemp Peter A.
Published: November 2003

The tax treatment of housing can have important implications for the relative attractiveness of investment in housing. The tax regime for private landlords in Britain appears to be less favourable than in many other advanced welfare states, including Australia, where negative gearing is commonly cited as a tax preference encouraging investment in rental housing. If private landlords in Britain are tax disadvantaged compared with their Australian counterparts, tax burdens and rents will increase if British central government tax arrangements replace current provisions. This proposition is tested using micro data from a survey of private landlords in Australia to model the impact of the two tax regimes on their user cost of capital. It is found that, at the inflation rates prevailing in the early 1990s, tax burdens are marginally lower under Australian as compared with British tax arrangements. However, at lower rates of inflation, this conclusion is reversed; this is particularly the case for landlords with relatively short holding periods who invest in low-income rental housing.
The Limits of Housing Reform: British Social Rented Housing in a European Context
Authors: Stephens Mark , Burns Nicola , MacKay Lisa
Published: November 2003

The British social rented sector has been characterised as operating like a socialist `command' system. It places a much greater emphasis on housing very poor households than its counterparts in other European countries, most of it is still owned and managed by the (local) state and pricing policies are not sensitive to demand. Consequently, allocation decisions rely on bureaucratic processes. Some other European countries have more socially diverse social rented sectors and make much greater use of price signals. These systems have been characterised as 'social markets'. It has been suggested that Britain could adopt some of the organisational structures and practices used elsewhere and move away from the present `command' system towards a 'social market'. Comparative evidence confirms that the British social rented sector does contain much greater concentrations of poor households and that this does not simply arise from the types of household housed in the sector. But further analysis of the distribution of income and work suggests that the divisions in the housing sector may primarily reflect these broader contextual divisions. Greater poverty and inequality imply a greater need for the housing system to provide a safety-net and make the introduction of market and quasi-market mechanisms problematic. This is illustrated with reference to allocations and pricing reforms currently under consideration. It is concluded that, given the socioeconomic context in which housing policy is formulated, it might be best to concentrate on providing an effective and high-quality safety-net.
An Early Use of Bid Rent Functions
Authors: Shieh Yeung-Nan
Published: November 2003

This paper examines Launhardt's contributions to the bid rent function and the patterns of land use. It shows that principles of bid rent analysis pioneered by Launhardt in 1885 have found application by later writers in urban and regional economics and economic geography apparently unfamiliar with his name and work. This indicates that Launhardt's name deserves to be mentioned alongside those of Alonso, Dunn and Losch, as writers who have contributed substantially to the development of bid rent functions.
Corporate Equity and Commercial Property Market 'Bubbles'
Authors: Hendershott Patric H. , Hendershott Robert J. , Ward Charles R. W.
Published: November 2003

Periodic sharp sustained increases and then reversals in asset prices lead many to posit irrational price 'bubbles'. The general case for bubbles is that asset prices simply move too much given the future cash flows the assets are reasonably likely to produce. A corollary for property is that observed mean reversion in real cash flows is not reflected in investor valuations, resulting in asset values being too high when real cash flows are high and vice versa. This paper summarises some evidence on large corporate equity and commercial property price movements and present arguments for and against the existence of irrational bubbles.
“No Soft Touch”: Romani Migration to the U. K. at the Turn of the Twenty-first Century
Authors: Guy Will
Published: November 2003

This paper discusses Romani migration to the U. K. from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) in the closing years of the twentieth century, with particular reference to the Czech and Slovak Republics. These case studies were chosen to illustrate wider points because they are the best documented, particularly with regard to illuminating sociological research on motivations for migration. Comparisons with similar migration to Canada shed further light on the situation. Refugees from these CEE countries have met a hostile reception in the U. K. It is argued here, however, that popular ignorance alone does not provide a sufficient explanation for this hostility: rather, the condemnation of Romani asylum seekers is seen as an expression of a deep-rooted and long-standing anxiety in the U. K. about immigration and its potential consequences. In spite of their relatively insignificant numbers, Roma have acted as convenient motifs in this ongoing discourse, being assigned a prominent symbolic role at a time of heightened political sensitivity.
Romani Migrations and EU Enlargement: Reply to Critics and some Epistemological Considerations for Policy-making
Authors: Braham Mark , Braham Matthew
Published: November 2003

This article examines the criticism that we received regarding our article “Romani Migrations and EU Enlargement” which was published in Volume 13, Number 2 of the Cambridge Review of International Affairs (CRIA). In this reply we seek to clarify our position, pointing to distinctions between advocacy and policy analysis, between descriptive and normative statements, and to a need to examine not only the problems that the Roma face, but also those that their situation poses to policy-makers.
Recent Romani Migration from Slovakia to EU Member States: Romani Reaction to Discrimination or Romani Ethno-tourism?1
Authors: Vašĕka Imrich , Vašĕka Michal
Published: November 2003

In contrast to most other analyses of Romani migration, this article is based on a series of interviews conducted with Romani migrants which formed part of an International Organisation for Migration (IOM) survey. The survey results suggest that socioeconomic factors are an important catalyst in the emigration of Slovak Roma. After providing a background to the migrations, the article analyses the Communist regime's policy towards the Roma, and its impact on their socioeconomic status both prior to and after the changes of 1989. The authors identify a “Romani socialist-style middle class,” created primarily by these policies, which constitutes the primary group of migrants. Reasons for their migration include limited chances for personal development, a perception of being discriminated against and a lack of focus on developing local responses. Their migration signifies an attempt to escape from social exclusion. The article further considers the reasons why migration is seen as a preferable solution, and then moves on to an analysis of both Romani and majority perceptions of the migrations. The authors conclude with a set of recommendations for policy-makers and non-governmental organisations.
The Legitimation of al-Hakam b. al-ᶜAs: Umayyad Government in Seventh-Century Kirman
Authors: Sears Stuart D.
Published: November 2003

The umayyads faced many challenges in consolidating their authority in the years after the first fitna (35–41 H. /656–61 C.E.). Among these were frequent revolts by Kharijites. While the Umayyads suppressed most of the revolts with little trouble until the second fitna (60–72/680–92), the ideological foundations of Kharijite resistance and the wide sympathy it enjoyed had serious consequences. It undermined the informal traditions upon which the caliphate was based. This was not simply a problem for the caliph in Damascus but more critically for governors exercising authority in distant provinces where caliphal influence proved weak and opposition movements propagated with relative ease.

While little is known of Kirman's history during this period, one of its governors, al-Hakam b. al-ᶜAs, addressed these challenges in the fifties/mid 670s by appealing to an inchoate absolutism. He promulgated legends on his coins linking himself and his government to God.
The Westernization of Iranian Culinary Culture
Authors: Chehabi H.E.
Published: November 2003

The last two decades have seen the construction of an Iranian “national cuisine” in cookbooks published outside Iran, while the post-revolutionary migration of Iranians from their country has led to the opening of Iranian (also called “Persian,” especially in the United States) restaurants all over the world. The menus of these restaurants evince a certain uniformity. Main dishes fall into three categories: chilawkabāb (white rice with grilled meat, widely considered the “national” dish); stews (khūrish[t]s) with white rice (chilaw); and colorful rice concoctions incorporating meat, legumes, vegetables, and occasionally fruits (pulaws). The total comes to a maximum of about twenty dishes, which one could be forgiven for taking to be the corpus of traditional Iranian cuisine. The similarity of restaurant menus everywhere suggests a basic culinary cohesion, while “tradition” implies that Iranians’ eating habits have undergone minimal change over a long period of time. Both propositions need to be qualified.
Iranian Perspectives on Security in the Persian Gulf
Authors: Taremi Kamran
Published: November 2003

Iran is the most Important Regional Player in the Persian Gulf. It has the region's strongest military. No other navy in the region matches Iran’s. Its GNP is larger than that of most other littoral states and its industrial base more sophisticated. It is also by far the most populous state in the Gulf. Geographically, Iran borders the entire northern shores of the Persian Gulf. Iranian territory also forms the northern side of the Strait of Hormuz. This and multiple islands in the vicinity of the strait give Iran the ability to control this strategic choke point. Consequently, Iranian views on security in the Persian Gulf are worthy of special attention.

This paper explores these views in an attempt to answer such questions as: What are Iranian perspectives on Gulf security? What are the factors that have shaped these perspectives? How have these perspectives influenced policy and how have they evolved over time?
The Digital Future of Terrestrial Advertiser-supported Television 1
Authors: Brown Allan
Published: November 2003

The digital transmission of signals greatly increases the channel carrying capacity of the broadcast spectrum and provides scope for a substantial increase in the number of television channels transmitted terrestrially in each broadcasting market. A simple model of a hypothetical advertiser-supported television market shows that with increased channel numbers the average audience size for programmes and channels will decline, advertising revenue per channel will decline, programme costs per audience member will increase, and average profit per channel will decline. In practice, with digital terrestrial television the number of new channels licensed will continue to be subject to government regulatory decisions. But even with liberalisation of licensing policy, the economics of advertiser-supported television broadcasting will impose severe limitations on the number of new channels that any market can support. Digital interactive television services offer commercial broadcasters the prospect of a new source of revenue. The financial viability of these services, however, is not yet proven. Another unknown factor is the impact that personal video recorders will have on television advertising revenues. The transition from analogue to digital terrestrial transmission will have wide-ranging effects on commercial television viewing, but probably not on the structure and ownership of the television broadcasting industry.
The 'Self-service' Student: Building Enterprise-wide Systems into Universities 1
Authors: Pollock Neil
Published: November 2003

This article investigates the take-up by universities of enterprise-wide computer systems and the development of a new module for the management and administration of students. Having its origins in Electronic Commerce, the system assumes the existence of a certain kind of user, one with particular roles and responsibilities--Aa self-service user. The notion of 'self-service' is deployed as an integral part of the system rollout where students are to view, input and modify administrative and financial information on themselves and their courses. Drawing from the sociology of science and technology, and material from a 3-year ethnographic study, we describe the system's implementation in a British university. While accepting of the need for an ERP system the campus community reject self-service. However, as we will show, because Campus Management is a 'global product' unwanted functionality can be difficult to resist outright and this can have important implications for the autonomy of the university and the reshaping of fundamental principles and relationships.
Emil Lederer: Business Cycles, Crises, and Growth
Authors: Allgoewer Elisabeth
Published: November 2003

Emil Lederer (18821939) was exposed to diverse influences. In Vienna he was a student of Eugen von Bhm-Bawerk, Friedrich von Wieser, and Eugen von Philippovich, but when Hilferding and Otto Bauer spoke in those Viennese seminars Lederer must often have taken the side of the Marxists believe Jakob Marschak et al. (1941, p. 80). In Berlin, Lederer attended Gustav Schmoller's lectures. His supervisor in Munich, where he received a second doctoral degree, was Lujo Brentano. Lederer's habilitation submitted to the University of Heidelberg entailed the first comprehensive analysis of the working conditions and political attitudes of salaried employees (Dickler 1987, p. 157). As much as his last work, on the State of the Masses, published posthumously in 1940, it was an important contribution to sociology.
Introduction
Authors: Andall Jacqueline , Burdett Charles , Duncan Derek
Published: November 2003

The articles in this special issue were first presented at the 2001 ASMI conference on ‘Italian Colonialism and Post-Colonial Legacies’. This collection of papers is the first in a series of publications planned on different aspects of Italian colonialism. A second collection, offering new historical interpretations of Italian colonialism, will be published in the Journal of Modern Italian Studies later this year. A third group of essays on the legacy and memory of Italian colonialism will be published by Peter Lang in early 2004.
Biological markers of cocaine addiction: implications for medications development
Authors: ELKASHEF AHMED , VOCCI FRANK
Published: November 2003

The search for effective medications for cocaine addiction has been elusive. The failure to find such medications so far could be due to poor understanding of the underlying biology both in the premorbid condition and following the disease state of chronic cocaine use. Population heterogeneity could be a major factor in response to medications. In an attempt to highlight the issue of biomarkers we reviewed physiological, neuroendocrine and neuroimaging studies to identify specific biological changes/markers that could be used to characterize subgroups among chronic cocaine users. Merging the biology within medications studies of cocaine abusers could prove useful for targeting specific pharmacological agents to subgroups of patients, prediction of response to medication and relapse to use.
Ultra‐rapid opiate detoxification: from clinical applications to basic science
Authors: STREEL EMMANUEL , VERBANCK PAUL
Published: November 2003

Rapid or ultra‐rapid opiate detoxification has become increasingly popular in both private and public addiction centres. These techniques seem to facilitate the transfer of opiate‐dependent patients from opiate agonist to opiate antagonist. Despite the probable complex neuropharmacological aspects involved in these procedures, their development over nearly three decades is notable for the almost complete absence of clinically relevant animal studies. This paper discusses the historical background of this occurrence, and reviews the small number of animal studies that have been conducted. Many discussions and arguments about the techniques seem to underscore their true purpose, which is not “simply to detoxify” opiate‐addicted patients but to initiate long‐term management with naltrexone. For this reason, it may be better to conceptualize these techniques not as “rapid detoxification” but as “rapid antagonist induction”.
Attitudes of speech and language therapists towards stammering: 1985 and 2000
Authors: Crichton‐Smith Isobel , Wright Jannet , Stackhouse Joy
Published: November 2003

Background: Past research has indicated that speech and language therapists hold some negative attitudes towards people who stammer, their parents and the treatment of stammering. However, studies on attitudes towards stammering have predominantly focussed on therapists in the USA. Recent trends towards earlier intervention suggest that more therapists in the UK will be involved in working with stammering.

Aims: This study aimed to gather current attitudes of therapists in the UK and to compare them with attitudes measured 15 years previously. It also considered the impact of postgraduate training on attitudes and examined the attitudes of therapists trained in the Lidcombe Programme.

Methods & Procedures: The attitudes of 261 speech and language therapists were measured in a postal survey using the Clinician Attitudes Toward Stuttering (CATS) Inventory.

Outcomes & Results: The survey revealed an increase in positive attitudes towards early intervention and a reduction in negative attitudes towards people who stammer since the CATS inventory was carried out in 1985. An analysis of generalist and specialist attitudes revealed that generalists were unsure about appropriate treatments to use with people who stammer. Therapists trained in the Lidcombe Programme held some different attitudes about early intervention, people who stammer and the treatment of stammering; however, they continued to view parental counselling as a critical factor in the treatment of the preschool child.

Conclusions: The survey indicated that although therapists were more positive about some aspects of stammering, the treatment of stammering remains a complex issue. All therapists working with clients who stammer would therefore benefit from undertaking ongoing professional development in this area such as additional training, liaison with colleagues and joining a special interest group.
Risk markers for SLI: a study of young language‐learning children
Authors: Conti‐Ramsden Gina , Hesketh Anne
Published: November 2003

Background: Adequate assessment of ‘normal variation’ versus ‘abnormal status’ is particularly difficult for clinicians working with young children who are under 5 years of age and who present with slow language development. There is therefore clinical motivation to identify possible key difficulties (or ‘risk markers’) that may distinguish children who are likely to have specific language impairment (SLI) from the variation observed in younger, normally developing children.

Aims: The issue of ‘risk markers’ for SLI was explored. It is well known that the issue of markers is controversial. The view presented here is that a risk marker represents a symptom with no assumption about whether the symptom reflects a single cause or that this symptom alone identifies the disorder.

Methods and Procedures: The performance of 32 children with SLI was compared with that of 32 younger normal language‐learning children on four potential risk marker tasks: non‐word repetition, digit recall, past tense provision and plural marking.

Outcomes and Results: The findings suggest that processing markers, particularly non‐word repetition, have the potential for indicating SLI risk. In particular, children who fall in the bottom quarter of the normal distribution in non‐word repetition (performance below the 25th centile) appear to be at risk of SLI.

Conclusions: Although these results need to be interpreted cautiously, the evidence is thought to warrant the use of non‐word repetition tasks in clinical practice.
The Non‐Immune RIP‐kb Mouse is a Useful Host for Islet Transplantation, as the Diabetes is Spontaneous, Mild and Predictable
Authors: Sutherland Robyn M. , Mountford Joanne N. , Allison Janette , Harrison Leonard C. , Lew Andrew M.
Published: November 2003

Chemically‐induced diabetic mice and spontaneously
diabetic NOD mice have been valuable
as recipients for experimental islet transplantation.
However, their maintenance often
requires parenteral insulin. Diabetogenic chemicals
can be cytotoxic to the host’s immune system
and to other organs some of which are
often used as the transplant site. Procurement
of diabetic cohorts in the NOD mouse is problematic
due to variability in the age of disease
onset. We show that RIP‐Kb mice, which spontaneously
develop non‐immune diabetes due to
over‐expression of the H‐2Kb heavy chain in
beta cells, offer many advantages as islet transplant
recipients. Diabetes is predictable with a
relatively narrow range of onset (4 wk) and
blood glucose levels (23.0± 4.0 mmol/l for 39
males at 6 weeks of age). The diabetes is mild enough so that most diabetic mice can be maintained
to 40 weeks of age without parenteral
insulin. This consistency of diabetes avails that
outcomes of intervention can be interpreted
with confidence.