bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CTCF mediates long-range chromatin looping and local histone modification in the β-globin locus
Authors: Splinter Erik , Heath Helen , Kooren Jurgen , Palstra Robert-Jan , Klous Petra , Grosveld Frank , Galjart Niels , de Laat Wouter
Published: September 2006

CTCF (CCCTC-binding factor) binds sites around the mouse β-globin locus that spatially cluster in the erythroid cell nucleus. We show that both conditional deletion of CTCF and targeted disruption of a DNA-binding site destabilize these long-range interactions and cause local loss of histone acetylation and gain of histone methylation, apparently without affecting transcription at the locus. Our data demonstrate that CTCF is directly involved in chromatin architecture and regulates local balance between active and repressive chromatin marks. We postulate that throughout the genome, relative position and stability of CTCF-mediated loops determine their effect on enhancer–promoter interactions, with gene insulation as one possible outcome.
Characterization of a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Gene from Cucumber Required for Trichoderma-Conferred Plant Resistance
Authors: Shoresh Michal , Gal-On Amit , Leibman Diana , Chet Ilan
Published: September 2006

The fungal biocontrol agent Trichoderma asperellum has been recently shown to induce systemic resistance in plants through a mechanism that employs jasmonic acid and ethylene signal transduction pathways. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins have been implicated in the signal transduction of a wide variety of plant stress responses. Here we report the identification and characterization of a Trichoderma-induced MAPK (TIPK) gene function in cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Similar to its homologs, wound-induced protein kinase, MPK3, and MPK3a, TIPK is also induced by wounding. Normally, preinoculation of roots with Trichoderma activates plant defense mechanisms, which result in resistance to the leaf pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv lachrymans. We used a unique attenuated virus vector, Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV-AGII), to overexpress TIPK protein and antisense (AS) RNA. Plants overexpressing TIPK were more resistant to pathogenic bacterial attack than control plants, even in the absence of Trichoderma preinoculation. On the other hand, plants expressing TIPK-AS revealed increased sensitivity to pathogen attack. Moreover, Trichoderma preinoculation could not protect these AS plants against subsequent pathogen attack. We therefore demonstrate that Trichoderma exerts its protective effect on plants through activation of the TIPK gene, a MAPK that is involved in signal transduction pathways of defense responses.
Glutamate:Glyoxylate Aminotransferase Modulates Amino Acid Content during Photorespiration
Authors: Igarashi Daisuke , Tsuchida Hiroko , Miyao Mitsue , Ohsumi Chieko
Published: September 2006

In photorespiration, peroxisomal glutamate:glyoxylate aminotransferase (GGAT) catalyzes the reaction of glutamate and glyoxylate to produce 2-oxoglutarate and glycine. Previous studies demonstrated that alanine aminotransferase-like protein functions as a photorespiratory GGAT. Photorespiratory transamination to glyoxylate, which is mediated by GGAT and serine glyoxylate aminotransferase (SGAT), is believed to play an important role in the biosynthesis and metabolism of major amino acids. To better understand its role in the regulation of amino acid levels, we produced 42 GGAT1 overexpression lines that express different levels of GGAT1 mRNA. The levels of free serine, glycine, and citrulline increased markedly in GGAT1 overexpression lines compared with levels in the wild type, and levels of these amino acids were strongly correlated with levels of GGAT1 mRNA and GGAT activity in the leaves. This accumulation began soon after exposure to light and was repressed under high levels of CO2. Light and nutrient conditions both affected the amino acid profiles; supplementation with NH4NO3 increased the levels of some amino acids compared with the controls. The results suggest that the photorespiratory aminotransferase reactions catalyzed by GGAT and SGAT are both important regulators of amino acid content.
The Cellulose Synthase Gene Superfamily and Biochemical Functions of Xylem-Specific Cellulose Synthase-Like Genes inPopulus trichocarpa
Authors: Suzuki Shiro , Li Laigeng , Sun Ying-Hsuan , Chiang Vincent L.
Published: September 2006

Wood from forest trees modified for more cellulose or hemicelluloses could be a major feedstock for fuel ethanol. Xylan and glucomannan are the two major hemicelluloses in wood of angiosperms. However, little is known about the genes and gene products involved in the synthesis of these wood polysaccharides. Using Populus trichocarpa as a model angiosperm tree, we report here a systematic analysis in various tissues of the absolute transcript copy numbers of cellulose synthase superfamily genes, the cellulose synthase (CesA) and the hemicellulose-related cellulose synthase-like (Csl) genes. Candidate Csl genes were characterized for biochemical functions in Drosophila Schneider 2 (S2) cells. Of the 48 identified members, 37 were found expressed in various tissues. Seven CesA genes are xylem specific, suggesting gene networks for the synthesis of wood cellulose. Four Csl genes are xylem specific, three of which belong to the CslA subfamily. The more xylem-specific CslA subfamily is represented by three types of members: PtCslA1, PtCslA3, and PtCslA5. They share high sequence homology, but their recombinant proteins produced by the S2 cells exhibited distinct substrate specificity. PtCslA5 had no catalytic activity with the substrates for xylan or glucomannan. PtCslA1 and PtCslA3 encoded mannan synthases, but PtCslA1 further encoded a glucomannan synthase for the synthesis of (1→4)-β-d-glucomannan. The expression of PtCslA1 is most highly xylem specific, suggesting a key role for it in the synthesis of wood glucomannan. The results may help guide further studies to learn about the regulation of cellulose and hemicellulose synthesis in wood.
Anthropogenic influences on population sizes, age and growth of naturalized rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, in Kenya
Authors: Ngugi Charles C. , Green John M.
Published: September 2006

Riverine fishery in Kenya has witnessed profound changes since the 1950s, especially after independence (in 1963) when watersheds on the south‐eastern slopes of Mt Kenya were opened up for settlement. In particular, rainbow trout populations have declined essentially resulting from anthropogenic changes through over‐exploitation and/or degraded habitats. While there still are self‐sustaining rainbow trout populations in this stream among others they are in decline an indication that changes that have occurred on the watershed have altered their sizes, age and growth. The study was carried out in the Sagana, a third‐order stream, which rises at about 4000 m altitude on the south‐eastern slope of Mt Kenya, to obtain and document information on population sizes, age and growth of rainbow trout populations and to relate them with those recorded in the 1950s when trout streams were pristine (with little human influence). Stations were fished bi‐monthly from 1996 to 1998 and later for 6 months in 2002. Information on age and growth was obtained by use of annual marks, tagging fish of known age, and by validating their age using captive fish of known age. The minimum mean back‐calculated length at age for age one rainbow trout was 13.09 cm in upstream station and 15.10 cm for downstream stations. However, there was no significant difference in mean back‐calculated lengths at age for all years between fish in upstream and downstream stations (t‐test, t = −0.01, P = 0.99). Although female fish showed higher mean annual back‐calculated length increments than males, there was no significant difference in mean back‐calculated lengths at age between sexes (t‐test, t = −0.27, P = 0.80). The rate of growth in length was rapid for 1‐year‐old fish and declined in the second and third years. This study observed that most of the fish were small with only a few reaching more than 2 years of age because of overfishing. There are good reasons for optimism about the future of trout populations in this stream but concerted efforts are required to rehabilitate them. If trout populations are to increase, a management strategy is required to reduce fishing pressure and to maintain stream fishery against competing needs for resources in the catchments.
Mitochondrial DNA sequence diversity in extant Irish horse populations and in ancient horses
Authors: McGahern A. M. , Edwards C. J. , Bower M. A. , Heffernan A. , Park S. D. E. , Brophy P. O. , Bradley D. G. , MacHugh D. E. , Hill E. W.
Published: September 2006

Equine mitochondrial DNA sequence variation was investigated in three indigenous Irish horse populations (Irish Draught Horse, Kerry Bog Pony and Connemara Pony) and, for context, in 69 other horse populations. There was no evidence of Irish Draught Horse or Connemara Pony sequence clustering, although the majority of Irish Draught Horse sequences (47%) were assigned to haplogroup D. Conversely, 31% of the Kerry Bog Pony sequences were assigned to the rare haplogroup E. In addition to the extant population analyses, ancient DNA sequences were generated from three out of four Irish archaeological specimens, all of which were assigned to haplogroup A.
Genetic signatures of occasional sex in parthenogenetic subpopulations of the freshwater planarian Schmidtea polychroa
Authors: D'SOUZA THOMAS G. , MICHIELS NICO K.
Published: September 2006

1. Occasional sex in organisms that otherwise propagate clonally combines the advantages of both reproductive modes. Although theory predicts that this is a winning combination, evidence for its long‐term importance in natural populations is scarce.

2. We studied the sperm‐dependent parthenogenetic form of the freshwater planarian Schmidtea (formerly Dugesia) polychroa in which occasional sex is known to occur. By comparing subpopulations within the same lake, we showed that occasional sex does indeed leave telltale signatures in the population genetic structure of this species.

3. Using microsatellites, we found differences in genotypic diversity and evenness between six local subpopulations. Moreover, some locations showed temporal fluctuations in genotype and/or allele frequencies, while stability was observed in others. The results indicate that although some subpopulations show all the traits of clonal reproduction, others clearly have characteristics typical of sexual recombination, including the particular subpopulation for which we previously demonstrated the occurrence of occasional sex.

4. We show that within the same metapopulation, neighbouring localities can differ in the degree of occasional sex, as demonstrated by genetic signatures of clonality versus (occasional) genetic recombination. This makes S. polychroa particularly suitable to test the role of occasional sex to explain the persistence of parthenogenesis.
Effects of stream restoration and wastewater treatment plant effluent on fish communities in urban streams
Authors: NORTHINGTON ROBERT M. , HERSHEY ANNE E.
Published: September 2006

1. Fish community characteristics, resource availability and resource use were assessed in three headwater urban streams in Piedmont North Carolina, U.S.A. Three site types were examined on each stream; two urban (restored and unrestored) and a forested site downstream of urbanisation, which was impacted by effluent from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Stream basal resources, aquatic macroinvertebrates, terrestrial macroinvertebrates and fish were collected at each site.

2. The WWTPs affected isotope signatures in the biota. Basal resource, aquatic macroinvertebrate and fish δ15N showed significant enrichments in the downstream sites, although δ13C signatures were not greatly influenced by the WWTP. Fish were clearly deriving a significant part of their nutrition from sewage effluent‐derived sources. There was a trend towards lower richness and abundance of fish at sewage‐influenced sites compared with urban restored sites, although the difference was not significant.

3. Restored stream sites had significantly higher fish richness and a trend towards greater abundance compared with unrestored sites. Although significant differences did not exist between urban restored and unrestored areas for aquatic and terrestrial macroinvertebrate abundances and biotic indices of stream health, there appeared to be a trend towards improvements in restored sites for these parameters. Additional surveys of these sites on a regular basis, along with maintenance of restored features are vital to understanding and maximising restoration effectiveness.

4. A pattern of enriched δ13C in fish in restored and unrestored streams in conjunction with enriched δ13C of terrestrial invertebrates at these sites suggests that these terrestrial subsidies are important to the fish, a conclusion also supported by isotope cross plots. Furthermore, enriched δ13C observed for terrestrial invertebrates is consistent with some utilisation of the invasive C4 plants that occur in the urban riparian areas.
The evolving story of Mycobacterium tuberculosis clade members detected in fish
Authors: Kaattari I M , Rhodes M W , Kaattari S L , Shotts E B
Published: September 2006

Advances in molecular analyses have permitted documentation of an increasing spectrum of mycobacteria infecting fish. Although some of these mycobacteria are not closely related, several species belong to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis clade. One member of the clade, M. marinum, is well known as an agent of piscine mycobacteriosis. Three other clade species, M. shottsii, M. pseudoshottsii and M. ‘chesapeaki’, have recently been identified as predominant disease agents in a widespread, continuing epizootic in wild striped bass of the Chesapeake Bay. A fifth clade member, M. ulcerans, has recently been indirectly detected in wild, African cichlid fish. As M. ulcerans is the third most common human mycobacterial infection worldwide, even such indirect evidence of M. ulcerans in fish must be more thoroughly investigated. Complicating the differentiation of these clade members is the growing recognition of intraspecies and interspecies variation in phenotypes, genes and virulence. Thus, researchers must be aware of the variety of piscine isolates within the M. tuberculosis clade. This review summarizes the methods of detection and differentiation for this important group of mycobacteria.
Amoebic gill disease (AGD)‐affected Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., are resistant to subsequent AGD challenge
Authors: Vincent B N , Morrison R N , Nowak B F
Published: September 2006

There is inconsistent evidence of resistance of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., to amoebic gill disease (AGD). Here, evidence is presented that demonstrates that Atlantic salmon exposed and subsequently challenged with AGD are more resistant than naïve control fish. Seventy‐three per cent of Atlantic salmon previously exposed to AGD survived to day 35 post‐challenge compared with 26% exposed to Neoparamoeba sp. for the first time, yet the gill pathology of surviving naïve control or previously exposed fish was not significantly different. Development of resistance to AGD is associated with anti‐Neoparamoeba sp. antibodies that were detectable in serum of 50% of surviving Atlantic salmon previously exposed to AGD. However, anti‐Neoparamoeba sp. antibodies were not detectable in cutaneous mucus of resistant fish. Increased resistance of Atlantic salmon after secondary Neoparamoeba sp. infection and detection of specific serum antibodies provides support for the development of a vaccine for AGD.
Mannose‐binding lectin in innate immunity: past, present and future
Authors: Dommett R. M. , Klein N , Turner M. W.
Published: September 2006

The human collectin, mannose‐binding lectin (MBL), is an important protein of the humoral innate immune system. With multiple carbohydrate‐recognition domains, it is able to bind to sugar groups displayed on the surfaces of a wide range of microorganisms and thereby provide first‐line defence. Importantly, it also activates the complement system through a distinctive third pathway, independent of both antibody and the C1 complex. Three single point mutations in exon 1 of the expressed human MBL‐2 gene appear to impair the generation of functional oligomers. Such deficiencies of functional protein are common in certain populations, e.g. in sub‐Saharan Africa, but virtually absent in others, e.g. indigenous Australians. MBL disease association studies have been a fruitful area of research and implicate a role for MBL in infective, inflammatory and autoimmune disease processes. Overall, there appears to be a genetic balance in which individuals generally benefit from high levels of the protein. However, in certain situations, reduced levels of circulating MBL may be beneficial to the host and this may explain the persistence of the deleterious gene polymorphisms in many population groups.
A crypto‐Dravidian origin for the nontribal communities of South India based on human leukocyte antigen class I diversity
Authors: Thomas R. , Nair S. B. , Banerjee M
Published: September 2006

The Dravidian communities are considered to be the original inhabitants of India, now restricted to South India. The southern most state, Kerala, is socio‐culturally stratified into Hindus, Muslims and Christians on the basis of religion. The origin of these religious communities in Kerala is considered to be unique in comparison with that in other parts of the country. These communities were later influenced by the hierarchical caste structure established by the Hindu Brahmins. In the present study, we compared six nontribal (Namboothiri, Nair, Ezhava, Pulaya, Malabar Muslim and Syrian Christian) communities belonging to the major religious groups in Kerala (Hindu, Muslim and Christian) based on the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A, ‐B and ‐C diversity. Our aim was to understand the genomic substructuring associated with the changing social scenario in various caste and religious groups and compare it with the Dravidian tribal and other world populations. The present study reveals that the HLA diversity of the Dravidian communities is very distinct from that in the other world populations. It is obvious that the nontribal communities of Kerala display a greater Dravidian influence, but traces of genetic admixture with the Mediterranean, western European, central Asian and East Asian populations can be observed. This characterizes the crypto‐Dravidian features of the nontribal communities of Kerala. Demic diffusion of the local progressive communities with the migrant communities may have given rise to crypto‐Dravidian features among the nontribal communities of Kerala.
HLA‐B35 upregulates the production of endothelin‐1 in HLA‐transfected cells: a possible pathogenetic role in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Santaniello A. , Salazar G. , Lenna S. , Antonioli R. , Colombo G. , Beretta L. , Scorza R.
Published: September 2006

HLA‐B35 is associated with an increased risk for developing isolated pulmonary hypertension (iPHT) in systemic sclerosis, but the mechanisms underlying this association have not been fully elucidated yet. Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) is the main pathogenetic molecule implied in the development of iPHT; therefore, we sought to determine if ECV304 cells transfected with the HLA‐B35 allele produce increased amounts of ET‐1 after incubation with physiological concentrations of interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β). ECV304 cells transfected with HLA‐B*3501 and HLA‐B*0801 polymorphic α chain or with pIRESneo2 were incubated with 100 U/ml of IL‐1β for 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h. ET‐1 levels were determined using EIA kit (CAYMAN Chemical, Ann Arbor, MI) in supernatants from different cell cultures; the relative expression of the preproendothelin‐1 (PPET‐1) gene was also determined by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Cells expressing the HLA‐B35 allele showed significantly increased levels of ET‐1 at all the selected times compared with controls or HLA‐B8‐transfected cells. The relative expression of the PPET‐1 gene was also increased in a proportionally direct manner. The HLA‐B35 allele influences the production of ET‐1 in HLA‐B35‐transfected ECV304 cells by promoting the expression of its precursor, PPET‐1. Our results provide an explanation for the epidemiological association existing between iPHT and HLA‐B35.
Association analysis of MYO9B gene polymorphisms and inflammatory bowel disease in a Norwegian cohort
Authors: Amundsen S. S. , Vatn M. ,   the IBSEN study group, Wijmenga C. , Sollid L. M. , Lie B. A.
Published: September 2006

Association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the MYO9B gene and celiac disease was recently reported. The role of MYO9B in celiac disease was suggested to relate to an epithelial barrier defect. The region to which MYO9B localize is also linked with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). For these reasons, we hypothesize that MYO9B could also be a susceptibility gene in IBD. To address this, we performed an association study of a Norwegian IBD cohort (149 patients with Crohn’s disease, 308 patients with ulcerative colitis and 562 healthy controls) using SNPs, which tagged the celiac disease associated MYO9B haplotype. No association between these SNPs and IBD was observed. Our results failed to support the notion that MYO9B is a susceptibility gene in IBD.
Presence of soldier larvae determines the outcome of competition in a polyembryonic wasp
Authors: GIRON D. , ROSS K. G. , STRAND M. R.
Published: September 2006

Soldier‐producing polyembryonic waSPS are the only social animals that develop as parasites inside the bodies of other insects. Characterizing the kin composition of broods is central to understanding the evolution of the soldier caste in these unique social insects. Here we studied the role of soldiers in mediating the outcome of competition among clones of the polyembryonic waspCopidosoma floridanum. Soldier‐producing female clones usually monopolized host resources, whereas soldierless male clones usually coexisted in hosts. Behavioural experiments further indicated that early‐emerging soldiers are specialized to combat intraspecific competitors and later‐emerging soldiers are specialized for defence against interspecific competitors. Taken together, our results point to intraspecific competition as a major selective force in the evolution of the soldier caste. Our data also present an evolutionary conundrum: given the benefit of soldiers, why are male clones functionally soldierless?
An ‘artificial aphid’ for Aphidius ervi (Hym., Braconidae)
Authors: Larocca A. , Fanti P. , Romano V. A. , Marsicovetere E. , Pennacchio F. , Battaglia D.
Published: September 2006

Abstract:  An artificial aphid was developed by making parafilm® bubbles filled with aphid haemolymph and its suitability for parasitoid oviposition was tested. Aphidius ervi accepted the parafilm® aphid and laid eggs on it. By stretching, the thickness of the parafilm could be changed. The thicker the parafilm, the higher was the mean number of ovipositional stings and the lower the mean number of eggs released by A. ervi.
Stability of field‐selected resistance to insecticides in Plutella xylostella (Lep., Plutellidae) from Pakistan
Authors: Sayyed A. H. , Attique M. N. R. , Khaliq A.
Published: September 2006

Abstract:  To investigate fluctuation in susceptibility to insecticides, natural populations of Plutella xylostella were collected from the same field in the region of Multan, Pakistan, in late summer, mid‐winter and early spring. After bulking up for a generation in the laboratory, the populations were examined against pyrethroids and organophosphates as well as newer insecticides (spinosad, indoxacarb and emamectin). Each population showed a broad range of variation in susceptibility to all chemicals. Comparison between populations collected in different times of years in 2003 and 2004 showed variation in susceptibility to organophosphates and pyrethroids. In winter, susceptibility to organophosphates increased, whereas it decreased in relation to pyrethroids. However, susceptibility to the newer insecticides was unchanged within the season. The results suggest that the fluctuation observed in susceptibility could be either associated with fitness costs of organophosphate and pyrethroids or cessation of insecticides. These results might have important implications in resistance management. We propose a strategy for application of insecticides in relation to P. xylostella management in Pakistan.
Relationship between Euschistus conspersus (Hem., Pentatomidae) pheromone trap catch and canopy samples in processing tomatoes
Authors: Cullen E. M. , Zalom F. G.
Published: September 2006

Abstract:  This study identified statistically significant, and practically important, seasonal pheromone trap response dynamics of Euschistus conspersus (Uhler) in processing tomatoes in 12 fields over 5 years in California, USA. Commercial fields were monitored weekly using traps baited with Euschistus spp. pheromone and direct canopy shake samples. Regression analysis determined no significant relationship between the two sampling methods at any given time during the growing season. This result indicates that the number of E. conspersus recovered in pheromone traps cannot be expected to serve as a direct estimate of the surrounding field population density from week to week during the processing tomato growing season. However, E. conspersus response to pheromone traps was characterized by differential attraction across the sample dates and elevated response early in the growing season relative to the associated field population. Among the most important findings of this work are differential responses of female and male E. conspersus to pheromone traps by crop phenology stage, and the fact that female‐biased trap catch coincided with elevated trap response relative to the surrounding field population early in the growing season during tomato vegetative growth through flowering phenology stages. These results, when coupled with further E. conspersus reproductive biology studies, suggest that growers and crop consultants will be able to rely on E. conspersus pheromone trap catch patterns identified in this study to implement pheromone trap monitoring and phenology‐based timing of insecticide treatment targeting E. conspersus nymphal stages in processing tomatoes.
MEASURING THE BUSINESS STEALING, CANNIBALIZATION AND MARKET EXPANSION EFFECTS OF ENTRY IN THE U.S. MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITION MARKET*
Authors: DAVIS PETER
Published: September 2006

Using a large and comprehensive theater level database covering over $18 billion in theater revenues over a five year period, I document the extent and nature of business stealing, revenue cannibalization and market expansion that occurred during the height of the 1990's boom in movie theater construction.
ENDOGENOUS COSTS AND PRICE‐COST MARGINS: AN APPLICATION TO THE EUROPEAN AIRLINE INDUSTRY*
Authors: NEVEN DAMIEN J. , RÖLLER LARS‐HENDRIK , ZHANG ZHENTANG
Published: September 2006

This paper allows for endogenous costs in the estimation of price cost margins. In particular, we estimate price‐cost margins when firms bargain over wages. We extent the standard two‐equation set‐up (demand and first‐order condition in the product market) to include a third equation, which is derived from bargaining over wages. In this way, price‐cost margins are determined by wages and vice versa. We implement the model using data for eight European airlines from 1976–1994, and show that the treatment of endogenous costs has important implications for the measurement of price‐cost margins and the assessment of market power. Our main result is that observed prices in Europe are virtually identical to monopoly prices, even though observed margins are consistent with Nash behavior. Apparently, costs had been inflated to the point that the European consumers were faced with a de facto monopoly prices.
MERGER, EASE OF ENTRY AND ENTRY DETERRENCE IN A DYNAMIC MODEL
Authors: MARINO ANTHONY M. , ZÁBOJNÍK JÁN
Published: September 2006

We analyze whether ease and speed of entry can mitigate the anti‐competititve effects of a merger, in a dynamic model of endogenous merger. In our model, if new firms can enter quickly, it is more likely that merger is motivated by efficiency as opposed to increased market power. Thus, there is less reason to challenge the merger. On the other hand, if entry of new firms becomes less costly, firms may have a stronger incentive to monopolize the industry through horizontal merger. We also show that when the incumbent can engage in entry deterrence activities, anti‐merger policy can decrease welfare.
Democracy in the Light of Security: British and French Political Discourses on Domestic Counter-Terrorism Policies
Authors: Tsoukala Anastassia
Published: September 2006

This article aims to question the relationship between security and liberty that lies at the heart of the current debates on European counter-terrorism policies. It analyses the statements reported in the press made by defenders of the emergency rules thesis and their rivals in the UK and France from September 2001 to June 2003. The findings reveal that, in both cases, the legitimation of the emergency measures rests upon a set of sovereignty-related arguments that reframe the notion of freedom and the place of human rights in contemporary democracies. The defenders of the human rights thesis denounce the reframing of civil liberties but fail to address the freedom issue.
Who Exploits who?
Authors: Widerquist Karl
Published: September 2006

This whole program is voluntary … The men don't have to … if they don't want to. But we need you to starve them to death if they don't (Joseph Heller, Catch-22).

This article considers two concepts put forward by van Donselaar in a case against basic income: ‘the abuse of rights’, i.e. receiving income from an asset one has no interest in working with; and ‘Donselaarian exploitation’, i.e. A exploits B if A is better off and B worse off than either of them would have been in the other's absence. This article argues that these concepts do not imply a solid case against unconditional transfers. Most of van Donselaar's conclusions rely on two-person examples with very specific assumptions about preferences. Under other reasonable assumptions, unconditional transfers do not involve the abuse of rights or exploitation and the proposed solution of work requirements can actually cause abuse and exploitation.
Territory and Power Revisited: Theorising Territorial Politics in the United Kingdom after Devolution
Authors: Bradbury Jonathan
Published: September 2006

The article seeks to contribute to theoretical analysis of political decentralisation in the UK occasioned by devolution to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in 1998–9. It examines the contribution that can be made by Jim Bulpitt's 1983 book, Territory and Power in the United Kingdom. First, it argues that Bulpitt's critique of conventional wisdoms in the early 1980s remains highly relevant to reflecting on shortcomings in the literature today. Key among these is the lack of a common conceptual language for analysis, and Bulpitt's overarching re-conceptualisation of the field as the study of ‘territorial politics' would repay renewed reflection. Secondly, the article clarifies Bulpitt's own centre perspective and argues that its application is best understood today as a realist historical institutionalist account of UK territorial politics. In so doing Bulpitt also provides an enduring methodological and interpretative challenge to assumptions of state centralism. Thirdly, the article argues that key methodological/interpretative insights can be adapted from Territory and Power in analysis of UK territorial politics and the advent of devolution. This reinforces the utility of Bulpitt's historical institutionalism to contemporary analysis. Finally, it argues that Territory and Power's concepts and methods, understood in these ways, would bear application in comparative studies of political decentralisation.
Political Studies as Narrative and Science, 1880–2000
Authors: Bevir Mark
Published: September 2006

Today we are often skeptical of the role played by representations of the nation state in constructing and legitimating ways of life and public policies. We portray what once appeared to be neutral, scientific representations of our practices and our heritages as contingent historical objects. How did we become so skeptical? The answer has several parts: developmental historicism dominated the human sciences in the latter half of the nineteenth century; the turn of the century witnessed an epistemic rupture and the rise of a modernist empiricism that came to dominate the social sciences; modernist empiricists reformulated their approach during the latter half of the twentieth century in response to alternative visions of social science; and, finally, the close of the twentieth century also saw the rise of a radical historicism that spread from philosophy and literature to history and even social science. In short, we have become skeptical as we have moved toward a radical historicism that challenges scientism and decenters the grand narratives of yore.
Environmental Surveillance at Los Alamos: An Independent Reassessment of Historical Data
Authors: Silver Ken , Clapp Richard
Published: September 2006

Since 1971, a series of annual Environmental Surveillance … reports have served as the official public record of Los Alamos National Laboratory's (LANL) environmental performance. In northern New Mexico, where past LANL emissions are a public health concern, there is public skepticism over the accuracy of information contained in these reports. To test the hypothesis that LANL Environmental Surveillance … reports systematically understate past emissions, we compared the data on releases in LANL's own internal Occurrence Reports Collection (ORC) to the data reported to the public in the Environmental Surveillance … reports. A data set of 89 environmental occurrences recorded in the ORC in the time period from 1971 through 1980 was assembled. We did not find a systematic pattern of quantitative underreporting of source terms. However, 17 of the 89 (19%) environmental occurrences recorded in the ORC were not reported to the public in the Environmental Surveillance … reports. The observed discrepancies are discussed in terms of their relevance to public health concerns. Methodological caveats dictate restraint in applying these findings beyond the scope of the relative comparison performed here. Possible social origins for the rejected hypothesis are discussed. Areas for further consideration by the Centers for Disease Control's dose reconstruction study of LANL are identified.
Does School Finance Litigation Cause Taxpayer Revolt?Serranoand Proposition 13
Authors: Martin Isaac
Published: September 2006

An influential theory argues that court-ordered school finance equalization undermines support for public schools. Residents of wealthy school districts who cannot keep their tax revenues for their own school districts may vote to limit school funding altogether. Proponents of this theory point toSerrano v. Priest, a 1977 decision of the California Supreme Court that mandated equalization of school financing and was followed almost immediately by Proposition 13, a ballot initiative to limit the local property tax. I test the theory that these two events were causally related by using hierarchical models to analyze voters within school districts. I find no evidence that opposition to school finance equalization contributed to the tax revolt. Claims about the perverse consequences of school finance litigation should be greeted with skepticism.
Electrode–Ceramic Inter‐Diffusion of Ba(Ti,Zr)O3‐Based Y5V MLCCs with Ni Electrodes
Authors: Chen Lei , Wang Xiaohui , Qiao Bin , Deng Xiangyun , Gui Zhilun , Li Longtu
Published: September 2006

The Ba(Ti,Zr)O3‐based multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) with Ni electrodes, which meet the Electronic Industry Association Y5V standard (from −30° to 85°C, at a temperature capacitance coefficient between −82% and 22%), have been studied in view of the electrode‐ceramic inter‐diffusion by several microstructual techniques (scanning electron microscopy/transmission electron microscopy/high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM)) with an energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometer (EDS). The EDS analysis shows that the elements' inter‐diffusion took place along the metal–dielectric interface and the migration of Ni toward the dielectric layers dominated this process. The incorporation of Ni did not transform the crystal structure but introduced lattice distortions, which were characterized by HRTEM, X‐ray diffraction, and EDS. The degree of Ni diffusion in the sample with the thinner dielectric layer was more severe. It was concluded from the results that the Ni diffusion is related to the formation of oxygen vacancies after the annealing process, which should be a noticeable factor in the degradation behavior and reliability of base metal electrode MLCCs. The factors influencing the inter‐diffusion are also discussed.
Effects of anodized oxidation or turned implants on bone healing after using conventional drilling or trabecular compaction technique: histomorphometric analysis and RFA
Authors: Kim Shin Koo , Lee Han Na , Choi Yong Chang , Heo Seong‐Joo , Lee Cheol Won , Choie Mok Kyun
Published: September 2006

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the bone healing characteristics adjacent to anodic oxidation and turned surfaces after implant installation using the trabecular compaction technique or the conventional drilling technique in the soft bone area.

Material and methods: A total of 72 implants (36 anodic oxidation surface and 36 turned surface implants) were inserted into the distal end of the femur head of 12 dogs by two different surgical techniques. There were four experimental groups: (1) DT group; drilling+turned, (2) DO group; drilling+oxidation, (3) CT group; compaction+turned, and (4) CO group; compaction+oxidation. The resonance frequency was measured and six specimens/treatment group were obtained at 0, 3 and 8 weeks, postoperatively. Undecalcified ground sections were prepared for histologic and histomorphometric examinations.

Results: At week 0, the trabecular compaction groups showed a higher bone to implant contact ratio (BIC) than the conventional drilling groups, regardless of surface types. The CT group showed a higher implant stability quotient (ISQ) than the DT group. At week 3, the oxidation groups showed a higher BIC than the turned groups regardless of the surgical technique used. The CO group showed higher ISQ than the CT group. At week 8, there was no statistically significant difference in BIC and ISQ between the groups.

Conclusions: Surgical technique and implant surface state have an effect on the initial bone response to two‐stage implants inserted into trabecular bone regions.
A systematic review of marginal soft tissue at implants subjected to immediate loading or immediate restoration
Authors: Glauser Roland , Zembic Anja , Hämmerle Christoph H.F.
Published: September 2006

Objectives: The objective of this systematic review was to critically evaluate marginal soft‐tissue aspects at implants subjected to immediate loading or immediate restoration.

Methods: An electronic Medline search from 1966 up to August 2005 was conducted to identify prospective and retrospective studies on immediate implant loading. The search strategy was complemented by hand searching in peer‐reviewed journals. Studies reporting on soft‐tissue aspects at implants subjected to immediate loading or immediate restoration and with a follow‐up time of at least 1 year were included. Assessment of identified studies and data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. An attempt was made to isolate and categorize studies with similar protocols in order to identify trends and relevant factors. Variables that were considered included marginal and interproximal soft‐tissue stability, marginal plaque accumulation, probing depth, bleeding on probing, peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis.

Results: From an initial yield of 581 titles, 240 articles were selected for text analysis, finally resulting in 17 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Six studies on immediate implant loading or restoration were controlled studies, whereas the remainder was prospective case series. Seven studies reported on a 1‐year data, and the longest follow‐up within the included studies was 4 years. The total number of patients treated within the 17 studies was 432 including a total 706 implants studied. Overall, the articles reported on many different procedures and follow‐up times, time points and evaluated soft‐tissue parameters varied considerably between the different articles.

Conclusion: Within the limits of the evaluated data it can be cautiously concluded that once immediately loaded or restored implants integrate successfully, they appear to show a soft‐tissue reaction with regard to periodontal as well as morphologic aspects comparable with those of conventionally loaded implants. However, follow‐up periods are generally short, number of patients and/or implants per study are few, and most studies present only limited data on peri‐implant soft‐tissue evaluation. More accurate long‐term studies with a stronger study design (i.e., RCT) reporting more detailed on treatment and follow‐up protocols are required to allow for proper comparisons and conclusions.
Augmentation procedures for the rehabilitation of deficient edentulous ridges with oral implants
Authors: Chiapasco Matteo , Zaniboni Marco , Boisco Maurizio
Published: September 2006

Objectives: To analyze publications related to augmentation procedures and to evaluate the success of different surgical techniques for ridge reconstruction and the survival/success rates of implants placed in the augmented areas.

Material and methods: Clinical investigations published in English involving at least 5 patients and with a minimum follow‐up of 6 months were included. The following procedures were considered: a) Guided bone regeneration (GBR); 2) Onlay bone grafts; 3) Inlay grafts; 4) Bone splitting for ridge expansion (RE); 5) Distraction osteogenesis (DO); and 6) Revascularized flaps. Success rates of augmentation procedures and related morbidity, as well as survival and success rates of implants placed in the augmented sites were analyzed.

Results: Success rates of surgical procedures ranged from 60% to 100% for GBR, from 92% to 100% for onlay bone grafts, from 98% to 100% for ridge expansion techniques, from 96,7% to 100% for DO, and was 87.5% for revascularized flaps, whereas survival rates of implants ranged from 92% to 100% for GBR, from 60% to 100% for onlay bone grafts, from 91% to 97.3% for RE, from 90.4% to 100% for DO, and, finally, was 88.2% for revascularized flaps.

Conclusion: On the basis of available data it was shown that it was difficult to demonstrate that a particular surgical procedure offered better outcome as compared to another. The main limit encountered in this review has been the overall poor methodological quality of the published articles. Therefore larger well‐designed long term trials are needed.
Utility of two oral health‐related quality‐of‐life measures in patients with xerostomia
Authors: Baker Sarah R. , Pankhurst Caroline L. , Robinson Peter G.
Published: September 2006

Abstract –  Objectives:  The study compared the validity of the short form of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) and Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) as measures of oral health‐related quality of life in patients with xerostomia in the UK.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional comparison of OHIP14 and OIDP with measures of clinical indicators, xerostomia symptom status, speech function, global oral health ratings and psychological well‐being, in 85 patients attending outpatient clinics.

Results:  Both OHIP14 and OIDP had excellent internal reliability, and good criterion and construct validity when used in this population of xerostomia patients. In regression analyses, salivary gland condition and xerostomia symptom status significantly predicted oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL), accounting for 29% and 14% of the variance in OHIP and OIDP scores respectively. In turn, OHRQoL predicted global ratings of oral health (26% of variance) and psychological well‐being (depression) scores (15%). Sex, ethnicity and age were associated with clinical presentation and patient‐reported symptoms. Clinical presentation, OHRQoL (as measured by the OIDP) and speech function were related to duration of symptoms.

Conclusion:  Both OHIP14 and OIDP have good psychometric properties and appear useful measures of OHRQoL in xerostomia. Overall, the OHIP14 performed better than did OIDP. For both measures, the additive scoring method may be more relevant for this population that the number of impacts.
Regulatory Dissociation of Tctex‐1 Light Chain from Dynein Complex Is Essential for the Apical Delivery of Rhodopsin
Authors: Yeh Ting‐Yu , Peretti Diego , Chuang Jen‐Zen , Rodriguez‐Boulan Enrique , Sung Ching‐Hwa
Published: September 2006

Post‐Golgi to apical surface delivery in polarized epithelial cells requires the cytoplasmic dynein motor complex. However, the nature of dynein–cargo interactions and their underlying regulation are largely unknown. Previous studies have shown that the apical surface targeting of rhodopsin requires the dynein light chain, Tctex‐1, which binds directly to both dynein intermediate chain (IC) and rhodopsin. In this report, we show that the S82E mutant of Tctex‐1, which mimics Tctex‐1 phosphorylated at serine 82, has a reduced affinity for dynein IC but not for rhodopsin. Velocity sedimentation experiments further suggest that S82E is not incorporated into the dynein complex. The dominant‐negative effect of S82E causes rhodopsin mislocalization in polarized Madin‐Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. The S82A mutant, which mimics dephosphorylated Tctex‐1, can be incorporated into dynein complex but is impaired in its release. Expression of S82A also causes disruption of the apical localization of rhodopsin in MDCK cells. Taken together, these results suggest that the dynein complex disassembles to release cargo due to the specific phosphorylation of Tctex‐1 at the S82 residue and that this process is critical for the apical delivery of membrane cargoes.
Roles for the Drs2p–Cdc50p Complex in Protein Transport and Phosphatidylserine Asymmetry of the Yeast Plasma Membrane
Authors: Chen Sophie , Wang Jiyi , Muthusamy Baby‐Periyanayaki , Liu Ke , Zare Sara , Andersen Raymond J , Graham Todd R
Published: September 2006

Drs2p, a P‐type adenosine triphosphatase required for a phosphatidylserine (PS) flippase activity in the yeast trans Golgi network (TGN), was first implicated in protein trafficking by a screen for mutations synthetically lethal with arf1 (swa). Here, we show that SWA4 is allelic to CDC50, encoding a membrane protein previously shown to chaperone Drs2p from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi complex. We find that cdc50Δ exhibits the same clathrin‐deficient phenotypes as drs2Δ, including delayed transport of carboxypeptidase Y to the vacuole, mislocalization of resident TGN enzymes and the accumulation of aberrant membrane structures. These trafficking defects precede appearance of cell polarity defects in cdc50Δ, suggesting that the latter are a secondary consequence of disrupting Golgi function. Involvement of Drs2p–Cdc50p in PS translocation suggests a role in restricting PS to the cytosolic leaflet of the Golgi and plasma membrane. Annexin V binding and papuamide B hypersensitivity indicate that drs2Δ or cdc50Δ causes a loss of plasma membrane PS asymmetry. However, clathrin and other endocytosis null mutants also exhibit a comparable loss of PS asymmetry, and studies with drs2‐ts and clathrin (chc1‐ts) conditional mutants suggest that loss of plasma membrane asymmetry is a secondary consequence of disrupting protein trafficking.