bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GABAAand GABACreceptor antagonists increase retinal cyclic GMP levels through nitric oxide synthase
Authors: YU DOU , ELDRED WILLIAM D.
Published: April 2004

The nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signal transduction pathway plays a role in every retinal cell type. Previous studies have shown that excitatory glutamatergic synaptic pathways can increase cGMP-like immunoreactivity (cGMP-LI) in retina through stimulation of NO production, but little is known about the role of synaptic inhibition in the modulation of cGMP-LI. Gamma-amino-n-butyric acid (GABA) plays critical roles in modulating excitatory synaptic pathways in the retina. Therefore, we used GABA receptor antagonists to explore the role of GABAergic inhibitory synaptic pathways on the modulation of the NO/cGMP signal-transduction system. Cyclic GMP immunocytochemistry was used to investigate the effects of the GABA receptor antagonists bicuculline, picrotoxin, and (1,2,5,6-tetrahyropyridin-4-yl) methylphosphinic acid (TPMPA) on levels of cGMP-LI. Cyclic GMP-LI was strongly increased in response to the GABAAreceptor antagonist bicuculline, while the GABACreceptor antagonist TPMPA had little effect on cGMP-LI. The GABAA/GABACreceptor antagonist, picrotoxin, caused a moderate increase in cGMP-LI, which was mimicked by the combination of bicuculline and TPMPA. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, S-methyl-L-thiocitrulline (SMTC), blocked the increased cGMP-LI in response to stimulation with either bicuculline or picrotoxin. Treatments with either of the glutamate receptor antagonists (5R,10S)-(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine (MK-801) or 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) partially blocked the increases in cGMP-LI seen in response to bicuculline, but a combination of MK-801 and CNQX completely eliminated these increases. These results suggest that inhibitory synaptic pathways involving both types of GABA receptors work through excitatory glutamatergic receptors to regulate the NO/cGMP signal-transduction pathway in retina.
Morphology of the turtle accessory optic system
Authors: MARTIN JOHN , KOGO NAOKI , FAN TIAN XING , ARIEL MICHAEL
Published: April 2004

Neural signals of the moving visual world are detected by a subclass
of retinal ganglion cells that project to the accessory optic system in
the vertebrate brainstem. We studied the dendritic morphologies and
direction tuning of these brainstem neurons in turtle (Pseudemys
scripta elegans) to understand their role in visual processing.
Full-field checkerboard patterns were drifted on the contralateral
retina while whole-cell recordings were made in the basal optic nucleus
in an intact brainstem preparation in vitro. Neurobiotin
diffused into the neurons during the recording and was subsequently
localized in brain sections. Neuronal morphologies were traced using
appropriate computer software to analyze their position in the
brainstem. Most labeled neurons were fusiform in shape and had numerous
varicosities along their processes. The majority of dendritic trees
spread out in a transverse plane perpendicular to the rostrocaudal axis
of the nucleus. Neurons near the brainstem surface were often oriented
tangential to that surface, whereas more cells at the dorsal side of
the nucleus were oriented radial to the brainstem surface. Further
analysis of Nissl-stained neurons revealed the largest neurons are
located in the rostral and medial portions of the nucleus although
neurons are most densely packed in the middle of the nucleus. The
preferred directions of the visual responses of the neurons in this
sample did not correlate with their morphology and position in the
nucleus. Therefore, the morphology of the cells in the turtle accessory
optic system appears dependent on its position within the nucleus while
its visual responses may depend on the synaptic inputs that contact
each cell.
Structure of glutamate analogs that activate the ON bipolar cell
metabotropic glutamate receptor in vertebrate retina
Authors: TIAN NING , SLAUGHTER MALCOLM M.
Published: April 2004

There are errors in the chemical structures for Figure 1 as it was
originally printed. There should be a carbon atom between the
cyclopropyl ring and the phosphonate in both the trans cyclopropyl AP4
and the cis cyclopropyl AP4. Figure 1 is printed below as it should be.

(article appeared in Visual Neuroscience (2003), 20,
231–240)
THE ANGLO-IRISH DIALECT: MEDIATING LINGUISTIC CONFLICT
Authors: Gilmartin Elizabeth
Published: April 2004

The linguistic atmosphere of Ireland has become definitely English enough, for the first time, to allow work to be done in English that is perfectly Irish in essence.—J. M. Synge
Entfremdung als Krankheitsursache: Selbstregulation von Affekten und integrative Kompetenz
Authors: Kuhl Julius , Kaschel Reiner
Published: April 2004

Zusammenfassung. Alienation (Entfremdung) wurde als potentielle Krankheitsursache von der experimentell ausgerichteten Psychologie lange Zeit nicht systematisch untersucht. In der Vergangenheit war der Alienationsbegriff fast ausschließlich hermeneutisch-phänomenologischen Ansätzen der Persönlichkeitspsychologie vorbehalten. Auch neuere empirische Versuche, alienationsverwandte Phänomene zu untersuchen, tun sich schwer mit einer funktionsanalytischen, systemtheoretisch fundierten Betrachtungsweise (z.B. Deci & Ryan, 2000 ). In diesem Beitrag wird argumentiert, dass Alienation (1) operationalisierbar und ihre Bedingungen und Auswirkungen systematisch untersuchbar sind, dass (2) zwei empirisch dissoziierbare Formen von Alienation unterschieden werden können, und dass (3) die funktionalen Orte manifester und latenter Alienation im Rahmen einer neurobiologisch begründbaren Systemtheorie der Persönlichkeit spezifiziert werden können (PSI-Theorie). Es werden Befunde aus Experimenten berichtet, die die Annahmen dieser Theorie wie auch die postulierten Auswirkungen der Alienation auf die Introjektion bedürfnisfremder Ziele und die daraus resultierende Symptomverschlimmerung überprüften.
Individuum oder Gruppe, Exemplar oder Kategorie?
Authors: Steffens Melanie C. , Lichau Julia , Still Yvonne , Jelenec Petra , Anheuser Julia , Goergens N. Kristine , Hülsebusch Tanja
Published: April 2004

Zusammenfassung. Der Implicit Association Test (IAT) soll die Assoziation zwischen Konzepten messen, indem assoziierte Stimuli diesen Konzepten unter Zeitdruck zugeordnet werden. Eines der Erklärungsmodelle für die entstehenden Reaktionszeitunterschiede (“IAT-Effekt“) fokussiert auf diese Stimuli. Wir argumentieren, dass dieses Modell nicht im Einklang mit allen vorliegenden Befunden steht. Auch ein Modell, dessen zentrales Bestimmungsstück die Konzepte sind, erweist sich als unzulänglich. Daher schlagen wir ein Zweifaktorenmodell vor. Die Assoziation der übergeordneten Konzepte bestimmt die kognitive Repräsentation einer IAT-Aufgabe, während Assoziationen der Stimuli ihre Klassifikationsdauer beeinflussen. Die Ergebnisse einer Reihe von Experimenten belegen den Einfluss der verwendeten Stimuli und Konzeptbezeichnungen. Weitere Experimente zeigen, dass ein IAT-Effekt auch dann auftritt, wenn die Konzepte selbst als Stimuli verwendet werden.
Explikation impliziten Wissens - Verändert sich das Handeln?
Authors: Büssing† André , Herbig Britta , Latzel Annika
Published: April 2004

Zusammenfassung. In der vorgestellten Untersuchung wird implizites Wissen in einer experimentellen Laborstudie im Bereich der Krankenpflege untersucht. Ausgangspunkt der Untersuchung ist die Annahme, dass implizites Wissen problematische Inhalte umfassen kann und seine Explikation daher sinnvoll ist. Dazu werden zunächst kurz die theoretischen Konzepte und die methodischen Grundlagen zur Messung impliziten und expliziten Wissen sowie zur Erfassung der abhängigen Variablen Handlungsgüte dargestellt. Abhängig von der Erfahrung einer Person sollten sich Unterschiede in der Qualität der Handlung in einer Vorher-Messung zeigen, und es sollte sich eine differenzielle Wirkung einer Explikation impliziten Wissens bei erfahrenen und unerfahrenen Pflegekräften einstellen. Dazu wurden bei 19 erfahrenen und 18 unerfahrenen Pflegekräften die Auswirkungen der Explikation auf die Handlungsgüte in kritischen Pflegesituationen in einem Vorher-Nachher-Design untersucht. Die Ergebnisse weisen auf eine differenzielle Wirkung der Erfahrung in Abhängigkeit des Messzeitpunktes hin, die unerfahrenen Pflegekräfte zeigten eine Verbesserung in der Handlungsgüte, wohingegen die Erfahrenen keine Veränderung zeigten. Es ergaben sich außerdem differentialpsychologische Effekte der personenbezogenen Variablen “generalisiertes Selbstkonzept eigener Fähigkeiten.“ Die Ergebnisse werden unter Bezug auf die Variable Erfahrung in ihren methodischen und theoretischen Konsequenzen diskutiert sowie die Implikationen einer Anwendung der Methode zur Explikation des impliziten Wissens dargestellt.
Distributions of ozone in the region of the subtropical jet: An analysis of in situ aircraft measurements
Authors: Ray Eric A. , Rosenlof Karen H. , Richard Erik , Parrish David , Jakoubek Roger
Published: April 2004

In situ measurements of ozone and meteorological fields from the NASA WB‐57F and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Gulfstream IV airborne platforms in the region of the subtropical jet are investigated. The high resolution and precision of the aircraft measurements allow the ozone distribution to be examined on a wide range of spatial scales. Probability distribution functions (pdfs) of ozone, temperature, and wind speed are calculated in a coordinate system centered on the maximum jet wind speeds. There are significant differences in the pdfs near the jet maximum in winter versus spring seasons. The largest gradients in the ozone pdfs are seen at the location of the jet maximum in winter, whereas during spring the largest gradients are most often poleward of the jet by up to several thousand kilometers. These seasonal differences do not appear to be directly related to the strength of the jet on the basis of the limited geographical sampling of the airborne platforms.
Removal of enamel from ultrafine monofilamentary wires
Authors: Walker I. R.
Published: April 2004

Various techniques for stripping the insulation from very small (e.g., 30 μm diam) single-strand wires (made of copper—as in the case of magnet wire, phosphor bronze, manganin, etc.) without damaging them are discussed. Such approaches include the use of dissolutive chemicals, heat, short-wavelength laser radiation, and rotating friction wheels. A small handheld instrument that employs the last of these methods, and is capable of stripping wires with diameters ranging from 30 to 330 μm, has been developed and is described in detail.
Cryogenic precision digital temperature control with peaked frequency response
Authors: Li Jie , Lockhart James M. , Boretsky Peter
Published: April 2004

A high precision temperature control system capable of maintaining the temperature of superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) constant to within 1.0 μK root-mean square over a narrow frequency band was designed and built for use with the superconducting readout system of the Gravity Probe B experiment. The system utilizes an analog ac temperature bridge with a digital proportional-integral control loop which incorporates a peaking filter. A disturbance attenuation factor of 86 or greater over the required frequency band was demonstrated in system tests with the cryogenic hardware, allowing the SQUID system to achieve the required stability. The control system was robust against variations in the thermal characteristics of the cryogenic hardware.
Oscillating drop method using a falling droplet
Authors: Matsumoto Taihei , Fujii Hidetoshi , Ueda Takaharu , Kamai Masayoshi , Nogi Kiyoshi
Published: April 2004

An improved oscillating drop method was developed to measure the surface tension and viscosity of a liquid without any external forces using a falling droplet. Simple surface oscillation is observed for a falling droplet and the simple basic principles are applicable without any correction. The surface oscillation of a falling droplet was precisely measured using the combination of a laser, cylindrical lens, and line sensors. Measured surface tension and viscosity of water shows good agreement with previously reported values.
High-resolution scanning thermal probe with servocontrolled interface circuit for microcalorimetry and other applications
Authors: Lee J.-H. , Gianchandani Y. B.
Published: April 2004

This article presents a scanning thermal microscopy sensing system equipped with a customized micromachined thermal imaging probe and closed loop interface circuit. The micromachined thermal probe has a thin film metal bolometer sandwiched between two layers of polyimide for high thermal isolation and mechanical flexibility, and a tip with a diameter of approximately 50 nm which provides fine spatial resolution. The circuit includes a proportional-integral (PI) controller which couples to a Wheatstone bridge circuit in which the bolometer forms one leg. The PI controller adjusts power supplied to thermal probe, compensating change in heat loss from probe tip to sample and keeping the resistance bridge balanced. It permits precise control of probe temperature to within 2.3 mK, and widens its applications to microcalorimetry. The probe is used in thermal mapping and microcalorimetry applications. A calibration method based on microcalorimetric measurements of melting temperature is presented for the probe. Scanning thermal images show a high signal-to-noise ratio of 15.7 for 300 nm thick photoresist in which the minimum detectable thermal conductance change is <23 pW/K (which corresponds to a topographic change of 7.2 nm). Subsurface scans show a signal-to-noise ratio of 15.5 for variation of 1.0% in thermal resistance for a topographically smooth surface.
HIV-1-mediated apoptosis of neuronal cells: Proximal molecular mechanisms of HIV-1-induced encephalopathy
Authors: Xu Yan , Kulkosky Joseph , Acheampong Edward , Nunnari Giuseppe , Sullivan Julie , Pomerantz Roger J.
Published: April 2004

The induction of neuronal cell death
in vivo
has been recognized as a prominent feature of HIV type I (HIV-1) infection leading to HIV-1-induced encephalopathy. Viral and host cell products, released from HIV-1-infected cells, have been implicated as inducers of neuronal cell apoptosis. It is unclear which is more important in this process. Neuronal cells were treated with media bearing HIV-1 virions derived from infected T cells and macrophage or the same set of media depleted of virions. T cell media bearing virus induced high levels of apoptosis, whereas that depleted of virions did not. In contrast, neurons treated with media from infected macrophages induced cell death whether virions were present or depleted by ultracentrifugation. The former initiated a repeatedly and significantly higher degree of apoptosis. These data suggest that exposure of neurons to viral products is critical for the induction of apoptosis, in addition to putative host factors released from virally infected cells. Protein-array analyses identified host cell factors up-regulated from infected macrophages, versus their uninfected counterparts, and these host cell factors may be prime candidates for contributing to neuronal apoptosis. Gene-array analyses also identified mRNAs up-regulated in human neurons after treatment with purified HIV-1 gp120 envelope protein or virus-containing media from HIV-1-infected macrophages. These analyses suggest molecular mechanisms for the induction of apoptosis relating to the exposure of viral and host cell factors and rationally designed approaches toward neuroprotection.
Fundamental role of inferior olive connexin 36 in muscle coherence during tremor
Authors: Placantonakis Dimitris G. , Bukovsky Anatoly A. , Zeng Xiao-Hui , Kiem Hans-Peter , Welsh John P.
Published: April 2004

Inferior olive (IO) neurons are electrically coupled by cytosolic pores formed by the neuron-specific connexin 36 (Cx36). Electrical coupling in the IO figures prominently in current views about brain control of movement. However, a role for Cx36 in movement has been questioned and not definitively demonstrated. Previous reports have shown that embryonic deletion of the Cx36 gene resulted in almost complete loss of cytosolic and electrical coupling in the IO without an obvious deficit in movement, possibly due to developmental compensations in ionic conductances that can confound the approach of embryonic gene deletion. We used a replication-incompetent lentiviral vector to stably express a dominant-negative Cx36 mutant in the IO of adult rats. We show that interneuronal cytosolic coupling is severely reduced by the mutant Cx36, without effect on neuron morphology or electrical properties. Multisite electromyography revealed that blocking Cx36 in the IO impaired the coherence of muscle firing during harmaline tremor without affecting its rhythm. The data demonstrate that gap junction coupling within the IO mediated by Cx36 adds 10–20 ms of precision to the fine temporal coordination of muscle firing during movement.
Patrick Blackett in India: military consultant and scientific intervenor, 1947-72. Part one
Authors: Anderson R.S
Published: April 2004

Invited to lunch at the Nehru home in January 1947, Patrick Blackett was seated beside the acting Prime Minister. Jawaharlal Nehru knew of Blackett's experience in war and military affairs, and asked him how long it would take ‘to Indianize the military’, meaning both its command structure and its weapons production and supply. He was not yet the Prime Minister and India was not yet an independent nation. Blackett's reply was a challenging one, obliging Nehru to explore two different kinds of strategy and thus two different military set-ups. For the ‘realistic’ strategy Blackett preferred, he told Nehru that Indianization could be completed in 18 months; this would prepare India for conflict with other similar powers in the region. For the unrealistic strategy, in which India would prepare for conflict with major world powers, Blackett predicted it would take many, many years. Nehru liked his approach, and wrote to him soon afterwards to ask Blackett to advise him on military and scientific affairs. From this invitation much followed.

In this paper, the first of two about Patrick Blackett in India, I examine the record from his perspective upon his work with and for the military. He was regularly in touch with military development in India between 1947 and roughly 1965, advising the Chiefs of Staff, the Minister of Defence and the Prime Minister himself. He carried with him the experience and opinions generated from his military career beginning in the First World War, and most particularly his assumptions about the application of science to war from 1935 until he went to India in 1947. He kept informed about military development right through to his last journey to India in 1971, following the end of his term as President of the Royal Society.
Book reviews
Authors: authors Various
Published: April 2004

Six book reviews in the May 2004 issue of
Notes and Records:
Marco Beretta,
Imaging a career in science: the iconography of Antoine Laurent Lavoisier
. Ulf Lagerkvist,
Pioneers of microbiology and the Nobel Prize
. C. Djerassi and D. Pinner,
Newton's darkness: two dramatic views
. Ted Dadswell,
The Selborne pioneer. Gilbert White as naturalist and scientist: a re–examination
. William Tobin,
The life and science of Léon Foucault: the man who proved the Earth rotates
. Robert Siegfried,
From elements to atoms: a history of chemical composition
.
Characterization of human herpesvirus 6 variant B immediate-early 1 protein modifications by small ubiquitin-related modifiers
Authors: Gravel Annie , Dion Valérie , Cloutier Nathalie , Gosselin Jean , Flamand Louis
Published: April 2004

The human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) immediate-early (IE) 1 protein undergoes SUMOylation events during the infectious process. In the present work, we report that Lys-802 (K-802) of IE1 from HHV-6 variant B is the only target residue capable of conjugation to SUMO-1/SMT3C/Sentrin-1, SUMO-2/SMT3A/Sentrin-3 or SUMO-3/SMT3B/Sentrin-2 as determined by transfection and in vitro SUMOylation experiments. PolySUMOylated forms of IE1 were also observed, suggesting that SUMO branching occurs at the K-802 residue. Overexpression of SUMO-1, -2 and -3 led to an overall increase in IE1 levels, irrespective of K-802. The SUMO residues could be efficiently removed by incubating SUMOylated IE1 with SENP1, a recently identified SUMO peptidase. SUMOylation-deficient mutants of IE1 co-localized with nuclear promyelocytic leukaemia protein (PML) oncogenic domains (PODs) as efficiently as WT IE1, indicating that POD targeting is independent of IE1 SUMOylation status. However, in contrast to infection, PODs did not aggregate in IE1B-transfected cells, suggesting that other viral proteins are involved in the process. Transactivation studies indicated that IE1, in combination with IE2, could efficiently transactivate diverse promoters, independent of its SUMOylation status. Overall, the results presented provide a detailed biochemical characterization of post-translational modifications of the HHV-6 IE1 protein by SUMO peptides, contributing to our understanding of the complex interactions between herpesviruses and the SUMO-conjugation pathway.
Conserved amino acids 193–324 of non-structural protein 3 are a dominant source of peptide determinants for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in a healthy Japanese encephalitis virus-endemic cohort
Authors: Kumar Priti , Sulochana Paramadevanapalli , Nirmala Gejjehalli , Haridattatreya Maganti , Satchidanandam Vijaya
Published: April 2004

Our earlier identification of the non-structural protein 3 (NS3) of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) as a dominant CD4+as well as CD8+T cell-eliciting antigen in a healthy JEV-endemic cohort with a wide HLA distribution implied the presence of several epitopes dispersed over the length of the protein. Use of various truncated versions of NS3 in lymphocyte stimulation and interferon (IFN)-γsecretion assays revealed that amino acids (aa) 193–324 of NS3 were comparable with, if not superior to, the full-length protein in evoking Th1 responses. The potential of this 14·4 kDa stretch to stimulate IFN-γproduction from both subtypes of T cells in a manner qualitatively and quantitatively similar to the 68 kDa parent protein suggested the presence within it of both class I and II epitopes and demonstrated that the entire immunogenicity of NS3 was focused on aa 193–324. Interestingly, this segment contained five of the eight helicase motifs of NS3. Analysis of variability of the NS3 protein sequence across 16 JEV isolates revealed complete identity of aa 219–318, which is contained within the above segment, suggesting that NS3-specific epitopes tend to cluster in relatively conserved regions that harbour functionally critical domains of the protein.
The surface glycoprotein E2 of bovine viral diarrhoea virus contains an intracellular localization signal
Authors: Köhl Wiebke , Zimmer Gert , Greiser-Wilke Irene , Haas Ludwig , Moennig Volker , Herrler Georg
Published: April 2004

The intracellular transport of the surface glycoprotein E2 of bovine viral diarrhoea virus was analysed by expressing the cloned gene in the absence of other viral proteins. Immunofluorescence analysis and surface biotinylation indicated that E2 is located in an early compartment of the secretory pathway and not transported to the cell surface. In agreement with this result, E2 was found to contain only high-mannose oligosaccharide side-chains but no N-glycans of the complex type. To define the intracellular localization signal of the E2 protein, chimeric proteins were generated. E2 chimeras containing the MT (membrane anchor plus carboxy-terminal domain) of the G protein of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) or of the F protein of bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) were transported to the cell surface. On the other hand, VSV G protein containing the MT domain of E2 was detected only in the ER, indicating that this domain contains an ER localization signal. A chimeric E2 protein, in which not the membrane anchor but only the carboxy-terminal end was replaced by the corresponding domain of the BRSV F protein, was also localized in the ER. Therefore, it was concluded that the membrane anchor contains the ER localization signal of E2. Interestingly, the ER export signal within the VSV G protein cytoplasmic tail was found to overrule the ER localization signal in the E2 protein membrane anchor.
The small hydrophobic (SH) protein accumulates within lipid-raft structures of the Golgi complex during respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Rixon Helen W. McL. , Brown Gaie , Aitken James , McDonald Terence , Graham Susan , Sugrue Richard J.
Published: April 2004

The cellular distribution of the small hydrophobic (SH) protein in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-infected cells was examined. Although the SH protein was distributed throughout the cytoplasm, it appeared to accumulate in the Golgi complex within membrane structures that were enriched in the raft lipid, GM1. The ability of the SH protein to interact with lipid-raft membranes was further confirmed by examining its detergent-solubility properties in Triton X-100 at 4 °C. This analysis showed that a large proportion of the SH protein exhibited detergent-solubility characteristics that were consistent with an association with lipid-raft membranes. Analysis of virus-infected cells by immuno-transmission electron microscopy revealed SH protein clusters on the cell surface, but only very low levels of the protein appeared to be associated with mature virus filaments and inclusion bodies. These data suggest that during virus infection, the compartments in the secretory pathway, such as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi complex, are major sites of accumulation of the SH protein. Furthermore, although a significant amount of this protein interacts with lipid-raft membranes within the Golgi complex, its presence within mature virus filaments is minimal.
In vitro and in vivo characterization of an infectious clone of a European strain of porcine circovirus type 2
Authors: Roca M. , Balasch M. , Segalés J. , Calsamiglia M. , Viaplana E. , Urniza A. , Hattermann K. , Mankertz A. , Plana-Durán J. , Domingo M.
Published: April 2004

The aim of this study was to describe the generation of a PCV2 (porcine circovirus type 2) infectious clone (pIC-PCV2) and its infectivity under in vitro and in vivo conditions. The constructed pIC-PCV2 contained the whole PCV2 genome from a German isolate together with a partial duplication of 467 bp. PK-15 cells were transfected with pIC-PCV2 and an indirect immune fluorescence assay (IFA) was performed 7 days post-transfection. The PCV2 Cap gene was expressed in approximately 20 % of the cultured cells, and only the recombination product, and not pIC-PCV2, was subsequently detected by PCR and Southern blot. This result indicated that infection by pIC-PCV2 delivered genomic PCV2 DNA specifically into susceptible cells and led to the expression of a functional virus genome. Eighteen 30- to 40-day-old conventional pigs were distributed into three groups. Group 1 pigs (n=6) were inoculated intranasally (i.n.) with a Spanish isolate of PCV2 propagated in cell culture; pigs from group 2 (n=6) were inoculated with pIC-PCV2 intramuscularly (i.m.), and the last group of pigs (n=6) was inoculated with pIC-PCV2 intraperitoneally (i.p.). All pigs remained clinically healthy during the whole experimental period (35 days). Pigs that received pIC-PCV2 i.p. and i.m., as well as those PCV2 i.n. inoculated, became infected based on an in situ hybridization (ISH), PCR, TaqMan PCR and serological results. The results of this study confirm that cloned PCV2 genomic DNA is infectious both in vitro and in vivo, and is able to cause PMWS-like lesions in i.p. and i.m. experimentally inoculated pigs.
Interlending and document supply: international perspectives in a New Zealand context
Authors: Farrelly Janice , Reid David
Published: April 2004

This paper has been developed from a workshop held at the 2002 LIANZA (Library and Information Association New Zealand Aotearoa) National Conference “Winds of change: libraries in the twenty‐first century”. The authors attended the 7th International Interlending and Document Supply Conference in Ljubljana, Slovenia, 1‐5 October 2001, where digital topics dominated and several strong themes emerged: the systems needed to find and request document supply (DS); obstacles to finding the items patrons want; the narrowing or widening of access; legal barriers to inter‐library loans (ILL)/DS access; alternatives to ILL/DS for patrons; then finally, the electronic delivery of documents to libraries and to patrons.
Is this the end of the “article economy”? A strategic review of document delivery
Authors: Brown David
Published: April 2004

With the advent of the Internet, the Web and electronic publishing systems, new ways of delivering scholarly information have arisen which challenge some of the traditional growth assumptions made for document delivery. Conventional theory described an emerging need for an escape valve to release some of the tensions created by institutional budgets being unable to keep track with the growing output and price escalation of published information. Document delivery and its cousin, interlibrary loan, provided such a release mechanism. However, it is apparent that information technology (IT) is providing new ways to overcome the traditional “frustration gap” between document demand and supply. These new options pose both a challenge and an opportunity for the British Library Document Supply Centre (BLDSC) which remains the world's largest document delivery agency. The article will discuss some of the ways BLDSC is adapting in order to retain its leadership role and remain in tune with new end user demands for information.
The market economy unchecked
Authors: Leonard Allenna
Published: April 2004

A case is made that the market economy imposes constraints and makes demands that mirror the rigidity of fundamentalist religions and that this makes answering one fundamentalism with another more likely. The denial of the world's complexity, the dismissal of the suffering of those not among the select and the obliviousness to other perspectives that characterize fundamentalist economics or religion, create a dangerous situation for all. Systems models and tools, created by Stafford Beer and many others, provide practical means to address complexity and to achieve a fair balance of stakeholder needs and interests. These tools, and the holistic philosophy underpinning them, can and should be applied to questions of public importance. To do so, we have to follow the footsteps of Stafford Beer and other pioneers in the systems and cybernetics field.
The role of information and models in regulating complex commercial systems
Authors: Brewis Stephen
Published: April 2004

The unsophisticated bartering systems of the past have been replaced with money and highly complex business systems. This has also required the need for management systems to direct and steer these complex business systems through commercial space seeking profitable and sustainable lineages. However, not all lineages will continue to be survival worthy, imposing pressures on businesses to seek out alternative pathways. Unfortunately, the management structures of these businesses fail to manage the complexity of the evolving operational substrate. These structures are hierarchically based and use metrics that cannot be adequately disposed through the structure that created them, resulting in the inability to effectively direct and steer the business. This paper looks at the evolution of these structures and the primary role of information and regulation to sustain value propositions in modern day commercially oriented enterprises.
Heinz and Stafford
Authors: Donoso Rebeca
Published: April 2004

In June 1996, Stafford Beer and Heinz von Foerster were invited to Colombia to contribute to a number of events, among others to a symposium about second‐order auditing organized by the National Controller's Office of Colombia in Cartagena de Indias. As part of the occasion, they visited Mompox, a colonial town in the delta of the Magdalena river. During that trip, the author met Stafford and from there on she developed a special relationship with him, similar to that she already had with Heinz. The sad death of both great men of cybernetics within a short period of time was the origin of this tribute.
Applying triple loop learning to planning electronic trading systems
Authors: Finnegan Patrick , Galliers Robert D. , Powell Philip
Published: April 2004

Previous research has highlighted the need to examine the appropriateness of existing information systems methods in the context of electronic business environments. This paper argues for a re‐examination of the suitability of current planning practices in light of the complexity of developing electronic business systems. In particular, the paper illustrates that planning and developing business‐to‐business electronic trading systems (ETS) is fraught with difficulties associated with the priorities and power of individual actors in participant organisations. The authors discuss triple loop learning (TLL), an approach that deals with diverse requirements and power issues, and argue that it may assist in overcoming some of the problems identified. The study aims to analyse the theoretical usefulness of the concepts of triple loop learning in the context of planning inter‐organisational ETS. Using the data gathered from case studies of three inter‐organisational networks, the authors argue that approaches associated with TLL can offer insight into managing inter‐organisational systems complexities, and can thereby enhance planning methods for ETS.
Landslide damage and disaster management system in Nepal
Authors: Prasad Paudel Prem , Omura Hiroshi , Kubota Tetsuya , Morita Koichi
Published: April 2004

Nepal is located in mountainous terrain in the Himalayan arc, where landslides are common and are the main cause of natural hazards. On 23 July 2002, daily rainfall of 300mm triggered a landslide of 9,000m3 at head valley of 39o, which has quaternary unconsolidated gravel rock base coated with thin soil, tree species and shrubs. The landslide changed into debris flow and to flash flood. The average velocity was 30m/sec. and the equivalent friction angle of the materials was 28o. A total of 16 people lost their lives in Matatirtha village, near to Kathmandu city and millions of properties were damaged. To minimize the disaster, warning system development of standards such as promotion of education level to people and preparation of hazard mapping are suggested.
Application service provision: origins and development
Authors: Sofiane Tebboune D.E.
Published: April 2004

For many years, IS outsourcing has been an important strategy researched by many academics and practitioners. The emergence of the application service provision (ASP) model has given a new dimension to outsourcing, but, at the same time, drawing much confusion as to whether it is a new model or just reshaped traditional outsourcing. The aim of this paper is to establish a discussion about linking these two phases in the development of information systems and technology (IS/IT) outsourcing: traditional IS outsourcing and ASP. The authors argue that the emergence of ASP is both evolutionary and revolutionary. Evolutionary in that it has its inspiration from traditional outsourcing, and revolutionary in that it exploits a revolutionary networking and communication media: the Internet. This paper investigates different aspects of each strategy (IS/IT outsourcing and ASP), then draws a model for relating them. The paper concludes by arguing that traditional IS/IT outsourcing assumptions could be used as a basis for studying the ASP environment; however, the need for further research on the new aspects of this model, and thus the formulation of new rules, remain of major importance.
An enterprise layer‐based approach to application service integration
Authors: Lemahieu Wilfried , Snoeck Monique , Michiels Cindy
Published: April 2004

At present, many companies rely on third‐party applications and application services for (part of) their information systems. When applications from different parties are used together, an integration problem arises. This paper describes an integration approach based on the construction of an enterprise layer. This approach is deliberately kept away from a document‐based, flow‐oriented approach, where business processes are hard coded into the application architecture. Interaction is based on the concurrent update of a shared underlying enterprise layer. At the same time, the application architecture becomes easily adaptable to re‐engineered business processes.
Re‐engineering business processes through application service providers
Authors: Weerakkody Vishanth , Currie Wendy L. , Ekanayake Yamaya
Published: April 2004

The quest for service excellence and competitive edge by firms result in the constant search for effective process and information systems management methods. The recent emergence of the application service provision (ASP) business model has promised firms remote‐access to industry robust business processes and “best of breed” enterprise applications on a rental basis. This paper examines how the ASP business model facilitates business process and information systems improvements in firms through effective process management. This is pursued through a review of relevant literature and empirical evidence gathered from a case study‐based investigation in six firms in the UK. By examining the features of remote application and business process outsourcing in the context of business process management, this paper outlines how firms can improve their business and IT performance. Findings from empirical evidence are used to substantiate the arguments and suggest areas for future research.
Direct sale of information when precision is unobservable
Authors: Ozerturk Saltuk
Published: April 2004

Abstract.  This paper studies the incentives of an information seller to provide precise information when precision is not observable and investors with rational expectations can extract information from the equilibrium asset price. I show that the seller can verify her precision by employing a non‐linear contract. I derive the equilibrium fee for information as a function of the seller's incentives, the sales volume, and buyers’ trading intensity. I also analyse the implications of allowing the seller to trade on her own account for truthfulness and precision choice. JEL Classification: G11, G14, D42
Cross‐training Decisions in Field Services with Three Job Types and Server–Job Mismatch*
Authors: Agnihothri Saligrama R. , Mishra Ajay K.
Published: April 2004

To be cost‐effective, field service managers must balance the high cost of machine downtime with the high cost of cross‐training technicians in multiple skills. We study a field service system with three job types requiring three different skills. Each server has a primary skill, the cost of which is considered sunk, and up to two secondary skills, which is a managerial decision. We model two important characteristics that distinguish field services: server–job mismatch and the ratio of travel time to service time. We use a queueing framework and simulation to study three cross‐training decisions: the number of servers cross‐trained in secondary skills, the number of secondary skills each server should have, and the efficiency in each secondary skill. We find that complete cross‐training is cost‐effective in some field service situations. Typically, efficiency in secondary skills must be close to 100%, but when the probability of mismatch is high and the ratio of travel time to service time is high, efficiency in secondary skills must be less than 100%.
Neural Network Earnings per Share Forecasting Models: A Comparative Analysis of Alternative Methods
Authors: Zhang Wei , Cao Qing , Schniederjans Marc J.
Published: April 2004

In this paper, we present a comparative analysis of the forecasting accuracy of univariate and multivariate linear models that incorporate fundamental accounting variables (i.e., inventory, accounts receivable, and so on) with the forecast accuracy of neural network models. Unique to this study is the focus of our comparison on the multivariate models to examine whether the neural network models incorporating the fundamental accounting variables can generate more accurate forecasts of future earnings than the models assuming a linear combination of these same variables. We investigate four types of models: univariate‐linear, multivariate‐linear, univariate‐neural network, and multivariate‐neural network using a sample of 283 firms spanning 41 industries. This study shows that the application of the neural network approach incorporating fundamental accounting variables results in forecasts that are more accurate than linear forecasting models. The results also reveal limitations of the forecasting capacity of investors in the security market when compared to neural network models.
Thermal biology of Typhlodromips montdorensis: implications for its introduction as a glasshouse biological control agent in the UK
Authors: Hatherly I. S. , Bale J. S. , Walters K. F. A. , Worland M. R.
Published: April 2004

The recent unexpected local establishment of a non‐native predatory mite, Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), in the UK prompted us to undertake this study, which investigated the thermal biology of an alien species Typhlodromips montdorensis (Schicha) (Acari: Phytoseiidae). Laboratory and field experiments on its cold tolerance were used to assess its establishment potential outside of glasshouse environments in the UK. Currently, T. montdorensis is being tested as a glasshouse biological control agent against thrips and spider mites, but is not yet licensed for release in the UK. Typhlodromips montdorensis has a developmental threshold of between 10.3 and 10.7 °C, and a thermal budget of between 108.7 and 105.3 degree‐days when estimated by weighted and simple linear regression, respectively. Under outdoor conditions, T. montdorensis could theoretically complete up to six generations a year. The supercooling points of female and larval T. montdorensis were −22 to −24 °C with 100% pre‐freeze mortality apparent in both acute and chronic low temperature exposures. Typhlodromips montdorensis were unable to enter diapause under a selected laboratory regime. No reproduction occurred in the field from November to March, with 100% mortality within 7–14 days of release during this period. It is concluded that T. montdorensis would be a ‘safe candidate’ for introduction as a glasshouse biological control agent in the UK.
Peripheral nervous system and central nervous system pathology in rapidly progressive lower motor neuron syndrome with immunoglobulin M anti‐GM1 ganglioside antibody
Authors: Cai Zhao , Blumbergs Peter C. , Koblar Simon A. , Cash Kathy , Manavis Jim , Ghabriel Mounir N. , Thompson Philip D.
Published: April 2004

Abstract  Pathological studies, including novel teased peripheral nerve fiber studies, were performed in a patient who presented with a rapidly progressive, lower motor neuron syndrome and high titer of immunoglobulin M anti‐GM1 ganglioside antibody. In the central nervous system, there was a severe loss of motor neurons and central chromatolysis with ubiquitin immunopositive cytoplasmic inclusions in residual motor neurons. In the peripheral nervous system, axonal degeneration of myelinated fibers in the anterior nerve roots was evident. Pathologic evidence of sensory nerve involvement was also found despite the absence of clinical or electrophysiological sensory abnormalities. Sectional studies of single myelinated nerve fibers from an antemortem sural nerve biopsy showed remyelination and globular paranodal swellings due to focal complex myelin folding and degeneration in 13% of fibers. Postmortem studies of the sural nerves 4 weeks later showed paranodal demyelination (90% of fibers), but no paranodal swellings and similar findings were present in samples of the ulnar, radial, median, tibial, and common peroneal nerves. Paranodal abnormalities of enlargement of the adaxonal space, myelin degeneration, and axonal compaction were found on cross‐sectional studies of individual teased fibers, which on conventional light microscopic assessment appeared normal. These changes suggest a disturbance of paranodal axonal–myelin adhesion due to binding of the anti‐GM1 ganglioside antibody to the common epitope known to be present on the myelin sheath and nodal axolemma in the paranodal region of both motor and sensory nerves.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy afterCampylobacter jejuniinfection mimicking vasculitic mononeuritis multiplex in a diabetic
Authors: Rajabally Yusuf A. , Sarasamma Priyarenjini , Abbott Richard J.
Published: April 2004

Abstract Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a clinically heterogeneous disorder. Recent reports suggest that CIDP could be more frequent in diabetics. We report here a case of CIDP presenting as mononeuritis multiplex with accompanying cranial nerve involvement in an insulin‐dependent diabetic who presented a precedingCampylobacter jejuniinfection and misleading skin lesions. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins was successful. This case suggests that CIDP should be considered as a potential diagnosis in all diabetics with localized, acute or sub‐acute onset, and multiple, or overlapping mononeuropathies.
14‐3‐3 protein in the CSF of inflammatory peripheral neuropathies
Authors: Bersano A , Allaria S , Nobile‐Orazio E
Published: April 2004

14‐3‐3 proteins are a highly conserved protein family of unknown function, although some authors suggested a role in cellular proliferation and differentiation, neurotransmitters biosynthesis and apoptosis. The expression of these proteins increases during development, in particular, in large projection neurons such as spinal motor neurons. Recently the protein was described in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with spongiform encephalopathies, in particular Creutzfeld‐Jacob disease, where the protein is considered a highly sensitive and specific marker. 14‐3‐3 protein has been also detected in CSF of other prion‐unrelated dementias and other neurodegenerative (Parkinson disease, stroke and paraneoplastic syndromes) and inflammatory diseases like Multiple Sclerosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether the 14‐3‐3 protein is also present in the CSF of peripheral nervous system diseases. We studied by Western Blot the CSF of 120 patients including 38 with Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS), 23 with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), 12 with multifocal motor neuropathies (MMN), 20 motor neuron disease (MND), 8 paraneoplastic syndrome, 14 other neuropathies or radiculopathies (OPN), and 5 normal subjects (NC). We found the 14‐3‐3 protein in the CSF of 21 (55%) patients with GBS, 13 (56%) with CIDP, 1 (5%) with MND, 3 (21%) with OPN and none with paraneoplastic syndrome, MMN or NC. Our results reveal that 14‐3‐3 protein can be detected not only in central but also in peripheral nervous system diseases where it is significantly associated (p < 0.0001) with GBS and CIDP.