bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monthly distribution of cloud‐to‐ground lightning flashes as observed by lightning location systems
Authors: Pinto O. , Naccarato K. P. , Pinto I. R. C. A. , Fernandes W. A. , Neto O. Pinto
Published: May 2006

This paper presents a comparison among the mean monthly distributions of the number of cloud‐to‐ground (CG) flashes, the percentage of positive CG flashes and the peak current of negative and positive CG flashes obtained in Brazil for the period from 1999 to 2004, with the same distributions observed by similar networks for long time periods in other countries. From a correlation analysis, it was found that the mean monthly distributions of the number of CG flashes are very similar, even though the period of larger lightning activity along the year in Brazil, a tropical country, is longer than in the other temperate countries. The mean monthly distributions of the percentage and the peak current of positive CG flashes are also very similar, while the mean monthly distribution of the peak current of negative CG flashes in Brazil differs from the other countries. This difference is related to a significant decrease in the mean negative peak current in Brazil in the months of August and September. Apparently, the decrease is related to the injection in the atmosphere of large amounts of smoke from fires in these months, since the results also show a significant correlation between the monthly distribution of the number of fires and the negative peak current.
Reducing the impurity incorporation from residual gas by ion bombardment during high vacuum magnetron sputtering
Authors: Rosén Johanna , Widenkvist Erika , Larsson Karin , Kreissig Ulrich , Mráz Stanislav , Martinez Carlos , Music Denis , Schneider J. M.
Published: May 2006

The influence of ion energy on the hydrogen incorporation has been investigated for alumina thin films, deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering in an Ar∕O2∕H2O environment. Ar+ with an average kinetic energy of ∼5eV was determined to be the dominating species in the plasma. The films were analyzed with x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and elastic recoil detection analysis, demonstrating evidence for amorphous films with stoichiometric O∕Al ratio. As the substrate bias potential was increased from −15V (floating potential) to −100V, the hydrogen content decreased by ∼70%, from 9.1to2.8at.%. Based on ab initio calculations, these results may be understood by thermodynamic principles, where a supply of energy enables surface diffusion, H2 formation, and desorption [Rosén et al., J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 17, L137 (2005)]. These findings are of importance for the understanding of the correlation between ion energy and film composition and also show a pathway to reduce impurity incorporation during film growth in a high vacuum ambient.
Hilbert spaces built on a similarity and on dynamical renormalization
Authors: Dutkay Dorin Ervin , Jorgensen Palle E. T.
Published: May 2006

We develop a Hilbert-space framework for a number of general multiscale problems from dynamics. The aim is to identify a spectral theory for a class of systems based on iterations of a non-invertible endomorphism. We are motivated by the more familiar approach to wavelet theory which starts with the two-to-one endomorphism r:z↦z2 in the one-torus T, a wavelet filter, and an associated transfer operator. This leads to a scaling function and a corresponding closed subspace V0 in the Hilbert space L2(R). Using the dyadic scaling on the line R, one has a nested family of closed subspaces Vn, n∊Z, with trivial intersection, and with dense union in L2(R). More generally, we achieve the same outcome, but in different Hilbert spaces, for a class of non-linear problems. In fact, we see that the geometry of scales of subspaces in Hilbert space is ubiquitous in the analysis of multiscale problems, e.g., martingales, complex iteration dynamical systems, graph-iterated function systems of affine type, and subshifts in symbolic dynamics. We develop a general framework for these examples which starts with a fixed endomorphism r (i.e., generalizing r(z)=z2) in a compact metric space X. It is assumed that r:X→X is onto, and finite-to-one.
Effective mass of the two-dimensional electron gas and band nonparabolicity in AlxGa1−xN∕GaN heterostructures
Authors: Tang N. , Shen B. , Wang M. J. , Yang Z. J. , Xu K. , Zhang G. Y. , Lin T. , Zhu B. , Zhou W. Z. , Chu J. H.
Published: May 2006

Magnetotransport study has been performed on AlxGa1−xN∕GaN heterostructures at low temperatures and high magnetic fields. Effective-mass values of the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in the triangular quantum well at the heterointerfaces are obtained by analyzing the temperature-dependent Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations. It is found that the values have strong dependence on the magnetic field and the 2DEG density. Our results show that the effective mass increases 0.01m0∕T and 0.0027m0∕electron density of 1012cm−2. Such behavior is thought to be due to the conduction band nonparabolicity in GaN. The extrapolated band edge effective mass of m0*=(0.145±0.006)m0 is obtained, which is smaller than most reports that neglected the influence of the magnetic field in AlxGa1−xN∕GaN heterostructures.
Role of cylindrical surface plasmons in enhanced transmission
Authors: Haftel Michael I. , Schlockermann Carl , Blumberg Girsh
Published: May 2006

Utilizing normal mode analysis of Maxwell’s equations and finite-difference-time-domain simulations we find extraordinary optical transmission in nanoarrays of insulating coaxial cylindrical rings embedded in metal films. As the rings become narrower we find transmission peaks at longer wavelengths, with the peak wavelength increasing indefinitely as the rings narrow. This behavior results from the excitation of cylindrical surface plasmon resonant modes on the cylindrical insulator-metal interfaces of the rings. These findings indicate that the excitation of cylindrical surface plasmons in these structures can produce propagating modes and enhanced transmission at wavelengths longer than those predicted previously.
Thermography on a suspended microbridge using confocal Raman scattering
Authors: Jungen Alain , Stampfer Christoph , Hierold Christofer
Published: May 2006

Confocal Raman scattering to perform submicron spatial resolution thermography on suspended microbridges was carried out by tracking the frequency shift of the Raman-active first-order optical phonon mode of polycrystalline silicon. The measurements reveal that microsystem design allows the definition of structures with very high thermal gradients of about 50K∕μm. The Thomson effect is pronounced in such structures and was actually sensed at different temperatures. Fluorescence measurements at elevated temperatures confirm the observation of this secondary effect.
Epitaxial stabilization of cubic-SiNx in TiN∕SiNx multilayers
Authors: Söderberg Hans , Odén Magnus , Larsson Tommy , Hultman Lars , Molina-Aldareguia Jon M.
Published: May 2006

The formation of cubic-phase SiNx is demonstrated in TiN∕SiNx multilayers deposited by reactive dual magnetron sputtering. Transmission electron microscopy examination shows a transition from epitaxially stabilized growth of crystalline SiNx to amorphous growth as the layer thickness increases from 0.3to0.8nm. The observations are supported by ab initio calculations on different polytypes, which show that the NaCl structure has the best lattice match to TiN. Calculations also reveal a large difference in elastic shear modulus between NaCl–SiNx and TiN. The results for phase structure and shear modulus offer an explanation for the superhardening effect determined by nanoindentation experiments.
Simvastatin promotes Th2-type responses through the induction of the chitinase family member Ym1 in dendritic cells
Authors: Arora Meenakshi , Chen Li , Paglia Melissa , Gallagher Iain , Allen Judith E. , Vyas Yatin M. , Ray Anuradha , Ray Prabir
Published: May 2006

Statins, best known for their lipid-lowering actions, also possess immunomodulatory properties. Recent studies have shown a Th2-biasing effect of statins, although the underlying mechanism has not been identified. In this study, we investigated whether simvastatin can exercise a Th2-promoting effect through modulation of function of dendritic cells (DCs) without direct interaction with CD4+T cells. Exposure of DCs to simvastatin induced the differentiation of a distinct subset of DCs characterized by a high expression of B220. These simvastatin-conditioned DCs up-regulated GATA-3 expression and down-regulated T-bet expression in cocultured CD4+T cells in the absence of additional simvastatin added to the coculture. The Th2-biased transcription factor profile induced by simvastatin-treated DCs also was accompanied by increased Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) and decreased Th1 (IFN-γ) cytokine secretion from the T cells. The Th2-promoting effect of simvastatin was found to depend on the chitinase family member Ym1, known to be a lectin. Anti-Ym1 antibody abolished the Th2-promoting effect of simvastatin-treated DCs. Also, simvastatin was unable to augment Ym1 expression in DCs developed from STAT6−/−or IL-4Rα−/−mice. Thus, modulation of Ym1 production by DCs identifies a previously undescribed mechanism of Th2 polarization by statin.
Targeted disruption of growth hormone receptor interferes with the beneficial actions of calorie restriction
Authors: Bonkowski Michael S. , Rocha Juliana S. , Masternak Michal M. , Al Regaiey Khalid A. , Bartke Andrzej
Published: May 2006

Reduced intake of nutrients [calorie restriction (CR)] extends longevity in organisms ranging from yeast to mammals. Mutations affecting somatotropic, insulin, or homologous signaling pathways can increase life span in worms, flies, and mice, and there is considerable evidence that reduced secretion of insulin-like growth factor I and insulin are among the mechanisms that mediate the effects of CR on aging and longevity in mammals. In the present study, mice with targeted disruption of the growth hormone (GH) receptor [GH receptor/GH-binding protein knockout (GHRKO) mice] and their normal siblings were fed ad libitum (AL) or subjected to 30% CR starting at 2 months of age. In normal females and males, CR produced the expected increases in overall, average, median, and maximal life span. Longevity of normal mice subjected to CR resembles that of GHRKO animals fed AL. In sharp contrast to its effects in normal mice, CR failed to increase overall, median, or average life span in GHRKO mice and increased maximal life span only in females. In a separate group of animals, CR for 1 year improved insulin sensitivity in normal mice but failed to further enhance the remarkable insulin sensitivity in GHRKO mutants. These data imply that somatotropic signaling is critically important not only in the control of aging and longevity under conditions of unlimited food supply but also in mediating the effects of CR on life span. The present findings also support the notion that enhanced sensitivity to insulin plays a prominent role in the actions of CR and GH resistance on longevity.
Sex-specific influences of vasopressin on human social communication
Authors: Thompson R. R. , George K. , Walton J. C. , Orr S. P. , Benson J.
Published: May 2006

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) and related peptides affect social behaviors in numerous species, but AVP influences on human social functions have not yet been established. Here, we describe how intranasal AVP administration differentially affects social communication in men and women, and we propose a mechanism through which it may exert those influences. In men, AVP stimulates agonistic facial motor patterns in response to the faces of unfamiliar men and decreases perceptions of the friendliness of those faces. In contrast, in women, AVP stimulates affiliative facial motor patterns in response to the faces of unfamiliar women and increases perceptions of the friendliness of those faces. AVP also affected autonomic responsiveness to threatening faces and increased anxiety, which may underlie both communication patterns by promoting different social strategies in stressful contexts in men and women.
The X chromosome is organized into a gene-rich outer rim and an internal core containing silenced nongenic sequences
Authors: Clemson Christine Moulton , Hall Lisa L. , Byron Meg , McNeil John , Lawrence Jeanne Bentley
Published: May 2006

We investigated whether genes escape X chromosome inactivation by positioning outside of the territory defined by XIST RNA. Results reveal an unanticipated higher order organization of genes and noncoding sequences. All 15 X-linked genes, regardless of activity, position on the border of the XIST RNA territory, which resides outside of the DAPI-dense Barr body. Although more strictly delineated on the inactive X chromosome (Xi), all genes localized predominantly to the outer rim of the Xi and active X chromosome. This outer rim is decorated only by X chromosome DNA paints and is excluded from both the XIST RNA and dense DAPI staining. The only DNA found well within the Barr body and XIST RNA territory was centromeric and Cot-1 DNA; hence, the core of the X chromosome essentially excludes genes and is composed primarily of noncoding repeat-rich DNA. Moreover, we show that this core of repetitive sequences is expressed throughout the nucleus yet is silenced throughout Xi, providing direct evidence for chromosome-wide regulation of “junk” DNA transcription. Collective results suggest that the Barr body, long presumed to be the physical manifestation of silenced genes, is in fact composed of a core of silenced noncoding DNA. Instead of acting at a local gene level, XIST RNA appears to interact with and silence core architectural elements to effectively condense and shut down the Xi.
REVERSION-TO-ETHYLENE SENSITIVITY1
, a conserved gene that regulates ethylene receptor function in
Arabidopsis
Authors: Resnick Josephine S. , Wen Chi-Kuang , Shockey Jason A. , Chang Caren
Published: May 2006

Arabidopsis thaliana
has five ethylene hormone receptors, which bind ethylene and elicit responses critical for plant growth and development. Here we describe a negative regulator of ethylene responses,
REVERSION-TO-ETHYLENE SENSITIVITY1
(
RTE1
), which regulates the function of at least one of the receptors,
ETR1
, in
Arabidopsis
.
RTE1
was identified based on the ability of
rte1
mutations to suppress ethylene insensitivity of the dominant gain-of-function allele
etr1-2
.
rte1
loss-of-function mutants have an enhanced ethylene response that closely resembles the
etr1
null phenotype. The
etr1 rte1
double null mutant is identical to the
etr1
and
rte1
single null mutants, suggesting that the two genes act in the same pathway.
rte1
is unable to suppress the
etr1-1
gain-of-function allele, placing
RTE1
at or upstream of
ETR1
.
rte1
also fails to suppress gain-of-function mutations in each of the four other ethylene receptor genes.
RTE1
encodes a previously undescribed predicted membrane protein, which is highly conserved in plants and protists but absent in fungi and prokaryotes. Ethylene treatment induces
RTE1
expression, and overexpression of
RTE1
confers reduced ethylene sensitivity that partially depends on
ETR1
. These findings demonstrate that
RTE1
is a negative regulator of ethylene signaling and suggest that
RTE1
plays an important role in
ETR1
function.
Ripening in the tomato
Green-ripe
mutant is inhibited by ectopic expression of a protein that disrupts ethylene signaling
Authors: Barry Cornelius S. , Giovannoni James J.
Published: May 2006

To achieve full ripening, climacteric fruits, such as tomato require synthesis, perception and signal transduction of the plant hormone ethylene. The nonripening phenotype of the dominant
Green-ripe
(
Gr
) and
Never-ripe 2
(
Nr-2
) mutants of tomato is the result of reduced ethylene responsiveness in fruit tissues. In addition, a subset of ethylene responses associated with floral senescence, abscission, and root elongation are also impacted in mutant plants, but to a lesser extent. Using positional cloning, we have identified an identical 334-bp deletion in a gene of unknown biochemical function at the
Gr
/
Nr-2
locus. Consistent with a dominant gain of function mutation, this deletion causes ectopic expression of
Gr
/
Nr-2
, which in turn leads to ripening inhibition. A
CaMV35
::
GR
transgene recreates the
Gr
/
Nr-2
mutant phenotype but does not lead to a global reduction in ethylene responsiveness, suggesting tissue-specific modulation of ethylene responses in tomato.
Gr
/
Nr-2
encodes an evolutionary conserved protein of unknown biochemical function that we associate here with ethylene signaling. Because
Gr
/
Nr-2
has no sequence homology with the previously described
Nr
(
Never-ripe
) ethylene receptor of tomato we now refer to this gene only as
GR
. Identification of
GR
expands the current repertoire of ethylene signaling components in plants and provides a tool for further elucidation of ethylene response mechanisms and for controlling ethylene signal specificity in crop plants.
Transferable anticancer innate immunity in spontaneous regression/complete resistance mice
Authors: Hicks Amy M. , Riedlinger Gregory , Willingham Mark C. , Alexander-Miller Martha A. , Von Kap-Herr C. , Pettenati Mark J. , Sanders Anne M. , Weir Holly M. , Du Wei , Kim Joseph , Simpson Andrew J. G. , Old Lloyd J. , Cui Zheng
Published: May 2006

Spontaneous regression/complete resistance (SR/CR) mice resist very high doses of cancer cells that are lethal to WT mice even at low doses. In this study, we show that this resistance is mediated by rapid infiltration of leukocytes, mostly of innate immunity, in both primary and repeated challenges. Formation of rosettes with infiltrating natural killer cells, neutrophils, and macrophages was required for the subsequent destruction of cancer cells through rapid cytolysis. Highly purified natural killer cells, macrophages, and neutrophils from the SR/CR mice independently killed cancer cellsin vitro. The independent killing activity by each subset of effector cells is consistent with the observation that the resistance was abolished by depleting total infiltrating leukocytes but not by depleting only one or two subsets of leukocytes. The resistance was completely transferable to WT recipient mice through SR/CR splenocytes, bone marrow cells, or enriched peritoneal macrophages, either for prevention against subsequent cancer challenges or eradication of established malignancy at distant sites.
Selection of assessment methods for evaluating banana weevil Cosmopolites sordidus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) damage on highland cooking banana (Musa spp., genome group AAA-EA)
Authors: Gold C.S. , Ragama P.E. , Coe R. , Rukazambuga N.D.T.M.
Published: May 2006

Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) is an important pest on bananas and plantains. Population build-up is slow and damage becomes increasingly important in successive crop cycles (ratoons). Yield loss results from plant loss, mat disappearance and reduced bunch size. Damage assessment requires destructive sampling and is most often done on corms of recently harvested plants. A wide range of damage assessment methods exist and there are no agreed protocols. It is critical to know what types of damage best reflect C. sordidus pest status through their relationships with yield loss. Multiple damage assessment parameters (i.e. for the corm periphery, cortex and central cylinder) were employed in two yield loss trials and a cultivar-screening trial in Uganda. Damage to the central cylinder had a greater effect on plant size and yield loss than damage to the cortex or corm periphery. In some cases, a combined assessment of damage to the central cylinder and cortex showed a better relationship with yield loss than an assessment of the central cylinder alone. Correlation, logistic and linear regression analyses showed weak to modest correlations between damage to the corm periphery and damage to the central cylinder. Thus, damage to the corm periphery is not a strong predictor of the more important damage to the central cylinder. Therefore, C. sordidus damage assessment should target the central cylinder and cortex.
Transgenic tobacco plants expressing dsRNA can prevent infection by Tobacco mosaic virus
Authors: Kai Zhang , Yan-Bing Niu , Xue-Ping Zhou
Published: May 2006

Inverted repeats of the partial movement protein gene (ΔMP) of Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) were introduced into the plant expression vector pBin438, and the recombinant plasmids were transformed into Agrobacterium tumefaciens EHA105 by a tri-parental mating method. Fifty transgenic plants of Nicotiana tabacum cv. Yunyan 87 were obtained after Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. PCR and Southern blot analyses showed that the target gene had integrated into the tobacco plant genome. When transgenic tobacco plants were challenged with TMV, symptoms expression and triple antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TAS-ELISA) showed that transgenic plants had three kinds of phenotypes in response to the virus infection: immune (10%), resistant (4%) and susceptible (86%). Northern blot analysis showed that the levels of target mRNA accumulation varied among transgenic tobacco lines and a negative correlation between target mRNA accumulation and virus resistance was observed.
Transgenic rapeseed: environmental release and its biosafety relevance in China
Authors: Chang-Ming Lu , Ling Xiao , Yu-Hua Wu
Published: May 2006

Research into, and the environmental release of, transgenic rapeseed in China are overviewed and the environmental risks are assessed, focusing on competitive survival ability, gene dispersal and biodiversity impact of transgenic rapeseed. It is concluded that transgenic rapeseed has a higher probability of gene dispersal when compared with other major crops. Brassica napus may transfer genes through pollen and seeds to vegetables and wild species of B. rapa and B. juncea, for which China is the biodiversity centre and also the country of highest consumption. It is considered that the risk of gene dispersal is present, but can be reduced to an acceptable limit. Commercialization of transgenic rapeseed should not be stopped, but should be built on a safe and sound basis by building a reasonable management system. Awarenes of biosafety considerations for transgenic rapeseed should be strengthened, and a technical platform of genetically modified organism (GMO) detection and monitoring should be properly established. Countermeasures against environmental risks are also discussed.
Dietary PUFA and the metabolic syndrome in Indian Asians living in the UK
Authors: Brady Louise M. , Williams Christine M. , Lovegrove Julie A.
Published: May 2006

Indian Asians living in the UK have a 50% higher CHD mortality rate compared with the indigenous Caucasian population, which cannot be attributed to traditional risk factors. Instead, features of the metabolic syndrome, including raised plasma triacylglycerol, reduced HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and an increased proportion of small dense LDL particles, together with insulin resistance and central obesity, are prevalent among this population. The present review examines evidence to support the hypothesis that an imbalance in dietary PUFA intake, specifically a higher intake ofn-6 PUFA in combination with the lower intake of the long-chain (LC)n-3 PUFA, plays an important role in the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome observed in Indian Asians. Data are presented to illustrate the impact of manipulation of the backgroundn-6 PUFA intake (moderate or highn-6 PUFA) and the subsequent response to supplementation with LCn-3 PUFA on blood lipids and insulin action in a group of Indian Asian volunteers. The results demonstrate that supplementation with LCn-3 PUFA had no impact on insulin action in those subjects consuming either the moderate- or high-n-6 PUFA diet. In the postprandial phase reductions in plasma triacylglycerol concentrations were greater in those consuming the high-n-6 PUFA background diet subsequent to fish oil supplementation. The present study concludes that, contrary to the central hypothesis, the prevalence of metabolic abnormalities in Indian Asians compared with Caucasians may not be attributable to differences in intakes ofn-6 andn-3 PUFA.
Overview of the role of alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase and their variants in the genesis of alcohol-related pathology
Authors: Crabb David W. , Matsumoto Michinaga , Chang David , You Min
Published: May 2006

Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) are responsible for metabolizing the bulk of ethanol consumed as part of the diet and their activities contribute to the rate of ethanol elimination from the blood. They are expressed at highest levels in liver, but at lower levels in many tissues. This pathway probably evolved as a detoxification mechanism for environmental alcohols. However, with the consumption of large amounts of ethanol, the oxidation of ethanol can become a major energy source and, particularly in the liver, interferes with the metabolism of other nutrients. Polymorphic variants of the genes for these enzymes encode enzymes with altered kinetic properties. The pathophysiological effects of these variants may be mediated by accumulation of acetaldehyde; high-activity ADH variants are predicted to increase the rate of acetaldehyde generation, while the low-activity ALDH2 variant is associated with an inability to metabolize this compound. The effects of acetaldehyde may be expressed either in the cells generating it, or by delivery of acetaldehyde to various tissues by the bloodstream or even saliva. Inheritance of the high-activity ADH β2, encoded by theADH2*2gene, and the inactiveALDH2*2gene product have been conclusively associated with reduced risk of alcoholism. This association is influenced by gene–environment interactions, such as religion and national origin. The variants have also been studied for association with alcoholic liver disease, cancer, fetal alcohol syndrome, CVD, gout, asthma and clearance of xenobiotics. The strongest correlations found to date have been those between theALDH2*2allele and cancers of the oro-pharynx and oesophagus. It will be important to replicate other interesting associations between these variants and other cancers and heart disease, and to determine the biochemical mechanisms underlying the associations.
Extending agroecology: Grower participation in partnerships is key to social learning
Authors: Warner Keith Douglass
Published: May 2006

The extension of agroecology requires an alternative extension pedagogy. Agroecology is more than merely the promotion of new technologies or practices, but rather a fresh understanding of how to optimize the configuration of biological and technological components of farming systems informed by ecological principles. This necessarily requires a shift in roles among growers and extensionists so that they can actively participate in networks of social learning. Agro-environmental partnerships have emerged in California as the primary strategy for extending alternative, agroecological knowledge in conventional agriculture. Partnerships are an intentional, multi-year relationship among at least growers, a growers' organization, and one or more scientists to extend agroecological knowledge and protect natural resources through a field-scale demonstration. Partnerships have been particularly successful in perennial crop farming systems, and have played critical roles in helping California's almond and pear growers to reduce organophosphate use by over 75%. This study provides a cross partnership comparison of grower participation in partnerships and proposes a five-part typology to rank this.
Reprogramming of CTLs into natural killer–like cells in celiac disease
Authors: Meresse Bertrand , Curran Shane A. , Ciszewski Cezary , Orbelyan Gerasim , Setty Mala , Bhagat Govind , Lee Leanne , Tretiakova Maria , Semrad Carol , Kistner Emily , Winchester Robert J. , Braud Veronique , Lanier Lewis L. , Geraghty Daniel E. , Green Peter H. , Guandalini Stefano , Jabri Bana
Published: May 2006

Celiac disease is an intestinal inflammatory disorder induced by dietary gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. The mechanisms underlying the massive expansion of interferon γ–producing intraepithelial cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and the destruction of the epithelial cells lining the small intestine of celiac patients have remained elusive. We report massive oligoclonal expansions of intraepithelial CTLs that exhibit a profound genetic reprogramming of natural killer (NK) functions. These CTLs aberrantly expressed cytolytic NK lineage receptors, such as NKG2C, NKp44, and NKp46, which associate with adaptor molecules bearing immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs and induce ZAP-70 phosphorylation, cytokine secretion, and proliferation independently of T cell receptor signaling. This NK transformation of CTLs may underlie both the self-perpetuating, gluten-independent tissue damage and the uncontrolled CTL expansion leading to malignant lymphomas in severe forms of celiac disease. Because similar changes were detected in a subset of CTLs from cytomegalovirus-seropositive patients, we suggest that a stepwise transformation of CTLs into NK-like cells may underlie immunopathology in various chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases.
Maggot Therapy: The Science and Implication for CAM Part II—Maggots Combat Infection
Authors: Nigam Yamni , Bexfield Alyson , Thomas Stephen , Ratcliffe Norman Arthur
Published: May 2006

Maggot therapy employs the use of freshly emerged, sterile larvae of the common green‐bottle fly, Phaenicia (Lucilia) sericata, and is a form of artificially induced myiasis in a controlled clinical situation. Maggot therapy has the following three core beneficial effects on a wound: debridement, disinfection and enhanced healing. In part II of this review article, we discuss clinical infections and the evidence supporting the potent antibacterial action of maggot secretions. Enhancement of wound healing by maggots is discussed along with the future of this highly successful, often controversial, alternative treatment.
Development of a Controlled Vocabulary and Software Application to Analyze Fruit Shape Variation in Tomato and Other Plant Species
Authors: Brewer Marin Talbot , Lang Lixin , Fujimura Kikuo , Dujmovic Nancy , Gray Simon , van der Knaap Esther
Published: May 2006

The domestication and improvement of fruit-bearing crops resulted in a large diversity of fruit form. To facilitate consistent terminology pertaining to shape, a controlled vocabulary focusing specifically on fruit shape traits was developed. Mathematical equations were established for the attributes so that objective, quantitative measurements of fruit shape could be conducted. The controlled vocabulary and equations were integrated into a newly developed software application, Tomato Analyzer, which conducts semiautomatic phenotypic measurements. To demonstrate the utility of Tomato Analyzer in the detection of shape variation, fruit from two F2 populations of tomato (Solanum spp.) were analyzed. Principal components analysis was used to identify the traits that best described shape variation within as well as between the two populations. The three principal components were analyzed as traits, and several significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified in both populations. The usefulness and flexibility of the software was further demonstrated by analyzing the distal fruit end angle of fruit at various user-defined settings. Results of the QTL analyses indicated that significance levels of detected QTL were greatly improved by selecting the setting that maximized phenotypic variation in a given population. Tomato Analyzer was also applied to conduct phenotypic analyses of fruit from several other species, demonstrating that many of the algorithms developed for tomato could be readily applied to other plants. The controlled vocabulary, algorithms, and software application presented herein will provide plant scientists with novel tools to consistently, accurately, and efficiently describe two-dimensional fruit shapes.
Sociology, Gender, Food Consumption and the Hospitality Industry
Authors: Wood Roy C.
Published: May 2006

This article offers a preliminary analysis of the relationships
between the domestic and commercial provisioning of food relative to
gender differences in society. Its central theme is that any
understanding of patterns of food provision and consumption must not be
based on marketing theory alone but take cognisance of the social
processes that inform dietary behaviour, and in particular the extent to
which such processes are mediated by the role of women both as preparers
and consumers of food. In order to illustrate these arguments,
comparisons are made of domestic and commercial “food
systems” and the role of women relative to these.
Giving an Account: Performance Indicators for Libraries
Authors: Redfern Margaret
Published: May 2006

The nature, use and limitations of performance indicators are
considered and their application to library and information services
reviewed.
Financing Public Libraries in Scotland: Developments in the
1980s
Authors: Midwinter Arthur
Published: May 2006

The political and economic context of public library expenditure is
surveyed and the question of charging for public library services is
discussed. Value for money and performance indicators are examined and
new pressures for spending growth considered within a strategy for
public library development for the 1990s.
Scientists of the Next Generation
Authors: Breakwell Glynis M.
Published: May 2006

Reports the results of a survey of 3,600 11‐16 year‐olds which
explored the relationships between scientific knowledge and beliefs,
attitudes towards science and scientists, and involvement, actual or
prospective, in scientific activities. Describes the influences which
predict whether young people will choose a job in science. Concludes
that it is important for policy makers to recognize the role of broader
socio‐political attitudes in determining job decisions. Further
emphasizes the role of parental support and attitudes in shaping the job
decisions of young people.
From Racism Awareness Training to Strategic Human Resource Management in Implementing Equal Opportunity
Authors: Iles Paul , Auluck Randhir
Published: May 2006

Most organisations attempting to implement equal opportunity with
regard to race issues have concentrated on policy formulation,
monitoring and training. Despite recent criticism, racism awareness
training has been frequently adopted, often in isolation from
developments in other human resource functions. However, strategic
integration of all the HRM functions is necessary if equal opportunity
objectives are to be achieved. Drawing on empirical research in
assessment centres and on interorganisational collaboration, it is
argued that this requires developments in recruitment, selection,
training, career development, appraisal and reward functions and
attention to issues of cultural change.
Graduate Early Experience in a Multinational Corporation
Authors: Nicholson Nigel , Arnold John
Published: May 2006

This article continues the story of graduates’ early career
development which the authors began in the Vol. 18 No. 3 issue of Personnel Review. In recounting graduates’ early career experience
in four departments of a multinational company, the authors reflect on
such issues as: person‐environment fit and its consequences, how
employees cope with thwarted expectations, the changing bases of
commitment, the use of job change as an employee, development strategy,
and the design of organisational career systems.
Milkround Professionalism in Personnel Recruitment: Myth or Reality?
Authors: Knights David , Raffo Carlo
Published: May 2006

A “critical case” approach is used to examine
whether the recruitment practices and procedures
advocated by social scientists within the personnel
field are realised in practice. The “critical case”
selected is the graduate recruitment known as the
“milkround”, where “scientific techniques” in
theory stand the best chance of being used. In
practice a major discrepancy between theory and
practice was found, which is explained in terms
of the preoccupation with material and symbolic
security that conditions the actions of personnel
managers in competitively co‐ordinated
employment establishments.
Managers’ Development of Ethical Awareness and Personal Morality
Authors: Snell Robin
Published: May 2006

This article develops a research agenda, the aim of which is to cast light on how managers, during their everyday working lives, develop and change their own understandings of ethical practice. The ultimate purpose of the proposed research would be to inform how, within formal management education and development interventions or programmes, managers or aspiring managers may be prepared to address the ethical dimensions permeating managerial work.
Reducing the Cost of Stress: An Organisational Model
Authors: Arroba Tanya , James Kim
Published: May 2006

A model of organisational stress management is
presented, as a four stage process, comprising:
getting the organisation to recognise stress;
training individuals in stress management; providing
helping skills; and providing a stress audit.
It is argued that each of these stages involves a
series of interesting tasks, that can be either
facilitated or hindered by a range of organisational
supports or constraints. The management of
stress is of major importance to all management
functions – not only personnel – in the light of
its heavy potential costs.
HRM: An Ideological Perspective
Authors: Horwitz Frank M.
Published: May 2006

The radical critique that HRM developments
reflect a determination to impose new forms of
managerial control is discussed. It is argued that
the intent, intensity and zeal of contemporary
managerial initiatives, reflecting strong ideological
overtones, give credence to the theory and HRM
in this unitarist sense is explored. The sources
of unitarist managerial ideologies are examined
and the extent to which pluralist industrial
relations principles limit the expression of unitarist
strategies is analysed. It is concluded that HRM
requires a reorientation which considers the
prospects for ideological pragmatism – a synergy
of both co‐operative and competitive forms of
organisational governance.
Manufacturing Change: Introducing Cellular Production in
Two British Factories
Authors: Hassard John S. , Procter Stephen J.
Published: May 2006

The introduction of cellular manufacture in two factories is
examined. In the first factory, the economic difficulties driving the
changes were anticipated rather than being felt. Its most pressing
problem was how to divide its products into the “families”
necessary for cellular production. It was decided that this division
should to some extent determine what products should be produced rather
than vice versa. For the second factory, where economic difficulties
were already present, the stage had been reached at which it had to be
decided who was to work in the cells. Though the decisions had been
made, they had not been communicated to the workforce for fear of
disrupting current production. In both cases it can be seen that in
order to gain the benefits of cellular manufacture, fundamental changes
have to be made not only in the production process but also in the
management of human resources.
Job Stress: Boon as well as Bane
Authors: Geare A.J.
Published: May 2006

The widespread practice whereby great emphasis is placed on the harmful effects of stress with only token acknowledgement to the beneficial effects is questioned. While accepting that stress may result in serious problems, it argues that stress is frequently enjoyed and sought by managers. The limitations of many current definitions are discussed and an alternative proposed, the definition of which accepts that stress can result in both stimulation and/or strain. Such an understanding is demanded.
Problems with Team Briefing in Practice
Authors: Marchington Mick , Parker Philip , Prestwich Alan
Published: May 2006

There is little doubt that team briefing represents an increasingly
extensive technique for employee involvement in British organisations.
The problems and tensions which arose in three different establishments
with their systems for team briefing are presented and a number of
concerns about the way in which it is practised are highlighted. It is
suggested that team briefing may not be appropriate for all
organisations, and that much depends on factors peculiar to the company
or service in question.
Promoting Collective Bargaining: Wages Councils and the Hotel Industry
Authors: Lucas Rosemary
Published: May 2006

For much of their history, wages councils have
functioned in conditions in which public policy, as
expressed in legislation, has favoured the
development of voluntary collective bargaining.
Since 1979 there has been a marked change of
emphasis. The effect of the legislative framework
and other factors on the development of voluntary
collective bargaining is discussed. Some recent
research findings on wage regulation in hotels are
presented and the future prospects for collective
bargaining in the hotel industry are considered.
Influence of Political Action on Innovation: Part I
Authors: Frost Peter J. , Egri Carolyn P.
Published: May 2006

Having a good idea, product or system is often not enough to ensure
the adoption and diffusion of an innovation. Using an organisational
power and politics perspective, several published accounts of product
and administrative innovation are analysed. The interplay of political
tactics or games are found to be present at both the observable surface
level and the deep structural level of power relationships in all areas
of activity – individual, group, organisational and societal. The
viability of two overall political influence strategies, “asking
for forgiveness” versus “seeking permission” are
contrasted in terms of their implications for the eventual success or
failure of a proposed product or administrative innovation. Several
propositions and future research directions which focus on the political
nature and processes of innovation are suggested.
How to Slim Successfully and Ethically: Two Case Studies of ″Downsizing″
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H.
Published: May 2006

A model for managing “downsizing” in two
organisations (one public sector and one private sector)
which carried out programmes which substantially
reduced personnel numbers is examined. The cases are
also studied for general guidelines in such exercises;
human resource management and strategic planning
should take into account the needs of affected individuals
and of the proposed slimmer organisation.
Personal Qualities of Charismatic Leaders
Authors: Atwater Leanne , Penn Robert , Rucker Linda
Published: May 2006

Questionnaires assessing subjects′ perceptions of
charismatic and non‐charismatic leaders were
administered to civilians and military officers. Results
provided support for House′s 1976 model in that many
traits distinguished charismatic from non‐charismatic
individuals. Additionally, charismatic military leaders
differed from charismatic civilian leaders on a number
of personal characteristics. Implications for selecting and
training leaders in organisations are discussed.
Pre‐coated metal cladding – evaluating failures
Authors: Howell David M.
Published: May 2006

Outlines the history of pre‐coated metal cladding, its use and the
causes of failure. Discusses the process of manufacturing and the types
of coating available. Examines the causes of failure, looking at loading
requirements, span requirements, substrate type, profile, fixing
requirements, pitch, coating type (external and internal faces), design
life, site environmental conditions, insulation standards, packaging,
handling and storage conditions and evidence of suitability. Suggests
that there remains a need for improved national and international
standards, the existence of which would help to ensure that products are
properly selected for the intended building use, resulting in fewer
cladding failures and a simpler method of allocating responsibility in
the event of disputes.
JIT Manufacturing Simulation
Authors: Gabriel T. , Bicheno J. , Galletly J.E.
Published: May 2006

The implementation of Just‐in‐Time (JIT)
techniques is an important issue for management.
The wide range of activities making up JIT has
posed real problems for its implementation. This
fact motivated the development of a PC‐based
software package which simulates JIT
manufacturing. The package serves as an
important educational training aid which may be
used to illustrate various JIT principles, and as
a valuable pedagogic tool for management. The
simulation (or game) is interactive so that the user
may make a sequence of decisions and then view
the effect of these on a simulated production line.
Extensive use is made of the colour graphics
facilities of the PC for visual displays. The
software is based on an existing manual version
of the game.
Self‐assessment by State Export Promotion Agencies: A
Status Report
Authors: Goodnow James , Elizabeth Goodnow W.
Published: May 2006

The surging growth of state export promotion budgets in the United
States should be justified by evaluating the effectiveness of the
activities they support. This study relates the assessment of export
promotion efforts to the level of state export activity. Multiple
correspondence analysis was used to analyse the telephone survey data
collected from export promotion officials in 45 states. Findings show
relationships among the level of state export activity and the level of
effort required for evaluation, the size of export promotion budgets,
and the use of selected export promotion activities.
Economics of Quality: Choosing among Prevention Alternatives
Authors: Merino Donald N.
Published: May 2006

Recent surveys on the use of quality‐related costs in manufacturing industries indicated that, while quality cost data are valuable for deciding on prevention activities, most companies do not understand the fundamental economics of quality. In addition, the published literature fails to discuss this issue adequately. The literature does indicate that cost accounting systems are inadequate in providing quality cost data and that executives often underestimate the impact of quality on the company′s profitability. To help overcome these problems a cost/ benefit classification is proposed and technical limits are equated to the Cost of Quality for capital‐intensive prevention projects. The manufacture of ethanol is used as an example to demonstrate the concepts and methodology of using technical limit analysis and its conversion to an economic “incentive” using engineering economics. This economic incentive could be used in Cost of Quality reporting and for the management of this technology.
Conditional Zero Acceptance Number (COZAN) Plan
Authors: Govindaraju K.
Published: May 2006

A new plan is proposed for small‐sample situations using which a one‐third reduction in sample size can be achieved compared to the sample size of an equivalent zero acceptance number single sampling plan. This plan utilises the results of three successive samples for taking decision on acceptance of the lot under consideration. The plan is also robust to lot‐to‐lot quality trends.
MANAGERIAL RESPONSES TO MERGERS AND OTHER JOB CHANGES: A
COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: Crouch Andrew , Wirth Andrew
Published: May 2006

Recent research shows that organisational mergers are distressing
for managers. This study compares the perceptions of managers who have
undergone an organisational merger with those of managers who have
experienced other types of job change. An analysis of psychological
responses to work and to the organisation suggests that previous reports
of adversity are overstated. Managers′ responses to mergers appear to be
similar to experiences of other job changes.