bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of atrial fibrillation on long‐term survival in patients hospitalised for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction☆
Authors: Rusinaru Dan , Leborgne Laurent , Peltier Marcel , Tribouilloy Christophe
Published: May 2008

Background

The prognostic importance of atrial fibrillation (AF) in heart failure (HF) is not clearly established. Studies conducted in systolic HF have led to discordant results.

Aims

To evaluate the relation between AF and long‐term survival in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF).

Methods and results

We prospectively included 368 consecutive patients hospitalised for a first episode of HFPEF during 2000 and compared the 5‐year outcome of patients according to the presence or absence of AF on the baseline electrocardiogram. Propensity scores were used to reduce imbalance in baseline characteristics. Baseline AF was observed in 36% (n=132) of the study population. Patients with AF were older and more often had hypertensive heart disease. On univariate analysis, baseline AF was associated with an increased risk of 5‐year overall mortality (HR=1.36; 95%CI 1.03–1.79; p=0.03). After adjustment for covariates, baseline AF was no longer a predictor of reduced survival. The risk of adjusted cardiovascular death in patients with and without AF was comparable. In the propensity‐matched patients, AF was not related to a poorer outcome (HR=1.08; 95%CI 0.78–1.51; p=0.63).

Conclusion

In patients hospitalised for HFPEF, AF is frequent and associated with an excess mortality mainly related to the advanced age of these patients. After adjustment for covariates, baseline AF is not an independent predictor of long‐term mortality.
Serum carbohydrate antigen 125 levels in advanced heart failure: Relation to B‐type natriuretic peptide and left atrial volume
Authors: Duman Dursun , Palit Fatih , Simsek Ergun , Bilgehan Karadag
Published: May 2008

Aims

To assess the relation between serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA 125) and parameters of left ventricular (LV) filling pressure in patients with advanced heart failure (AHF).

Methods

Forty‐nine patients (mean age 67±10 years) with LV ejection fraction (EF) ≤0.35 and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV symptoms of heart failure were enrolled. Left atrial volume indexed to body surface area (LAVI) and the ratio of mitral inflow early diastolic velocity to annulus velocity (E/e) were evaluated with pulsed wave and tissue Doppler. Plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) was also measured.

Results

The median overall CA 125 value was 44.0 (17.7–140) U/ml. CA 125 above the normal value (<35U/ml) was found in 28 of the 49 patients (57%). Compared to patients with normal CA 125 levels, those with elevated CA 125 had a higher NYHA class and increased serum BNP levels, LAVI and E/e. In multivariate analysis, serum CA 125 levels were significantly associated with BNP (standardized β coefficient=0.58, p<0.001) and LAVI (standardized β coefficient 0.34, p<0.005).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that elevated serum CA 125 levels are associated with increased LAVI in parallel to increased neurohormonal activation in patients with AHF.
The prevalence and incidence of left bundle branch block in ambulant patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Clark Andrew L. , Goode Kevin , Cleland John G.F.
Published: May 2008

Background

Approximately one third of patients with chronic heart failure have left bundle branch block (LBBB) on their 12‐lead ECG.

Methods and results

1418 consecutive patients (average (SD) age 70.5 (10.4) years; 74% male) first seen in a community heart failure clinic between December 2001 and June 2006 had a 12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG). 485 (34%) had a QRS duration ≥ 120ms. Patients with a broad QRS were older (72.2 v 69.3years), had worse left ventricular systolic function, were on a higher daily dose of diuretic and were more likely to be on amiodarone (14.4 v 7.1%).

12 lead ECG was available for 734 patients (52%) at 1year follow up. The QRS interval increased from 115.1ms at baseline to 117.6 (P<0.0001). There were 52 incident cases of LBBB, an incidence of 10.9%. The only predictors of incident LBBB were QRS duration at baseline and amiodarone use at baseline. The proportion of patients with LBBB increased from 34.0% at baseline to 36.7%, 37.7% and 42.3% at 1, 2 and 3 years follow up, respectively. Baseline LBBB was associated with a worse outcome (HR 1.25 (95% CI 1.01–1.55). New LBBB was an independent adverse prognostic feature (HR 2.09 (95% CI 1.17–3.73); P=0.013).

Conclusions

The crude incidence of LBBB is 10.9% in the first year of follow up in an unselected population of ambulatory outpatients with chronic stable heart failure. Ongoing care of patients with chronic heart failure should include a regular 12 lead electrocardiogram.
Providing cellular signposts – Post‐translational modifications of intermediate filaments
Authors: Hyder Claire L. , Pallari Hanna-Mari , Kochin Vitaly , Eriksson John E.
Published: May 2008

Intermediate filaments are dynamically regulated by their post‐translational modifications. Initially these modifications were found to regulate filament dynamics and organization. In the last few years, their roles have extended significantly to facilitating, for example, the recruitment and sequestration of signaling molecules that regulate a wide range of cellular functions. While phosphorylation has been established as the principal post‐translational modification regulating intermediate filament function, other modifications with co‐operative roles are emerging, adding a further dimensions to intermediate filament‐mediated signaling.
Carbonaceous substance of the Sukhoi Log gold deposit (East Siberia)
Authors: Razvozzhaeva E.A. , Nemerov V.K. , Spiridonov A.M. , Prokopchuk S.I.
Published: May 2008

Insoluble carbonaceous substance (ICS) at the Sukhoi Log gold deposit has been studied following the scheme: source shales — concentrates — residual substance of rocks. Examination by electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy with electron microdiffraction, thermography, and mass spectrometry revealed several morphogenetic ICS varieties: dot-drop-like, honeycomb, single graphite crystals, and spherical graphite crystals.

Study of source shales and concentrates has shown their similar carbon isotope compositions (δ13Cav = 18.03–17.54‰). Residual carbonaceous substance is characterized by a heavy carbon isotope composition (δ13Cav = 10‰). Its enrichment with heavy carbon isotope, as compared with the source rocks, calls for special geochemical studies. The ICS heterogeneity in the Sukhoi Log shales points to variations in the physicochemical settings of ore formation at the deposit.
Isotope fractionation in the systems CH4–H2O and CH4–CO2 during microbial methane genesis in the Earth’s crust
Authors: Gutsalo L.K.
Published: May 2008

Distribution of hydrogen and carbon isotopes (D/H and 13C/12C) in the microbial systems CH4–H2O and CH4–CO2 was studied in different world’s regions. According to the distribution of these isotopes in the above systems, two types of microbial methane are recognized in the Earth’s crust: (1) resulting from CO2 reduction and (2) produced through acetate fermentation. In the case of methane 1, the biologic distribution of hydrogen and carbon isotopes in the above systems corresponds to the thermodynamic isotope exchange equilibrium at a given temperature of the methane genesis medium. In the case of methane 2, the same systems show mainly a nonequilibrium distribution of these isotopes. We have revealed a linear relationship between the isotopic compositions of CH4, H2O, and CO2: δD(C>H4)=αDbDδD(H2O)+b and δ13C(CH4)=αCbCδ13C(CO2)+d, where αDb and αCb are the general factors of biologic nonequilibrium fractionation of hydrogen and carbon isotopes, respectively, in the systems CH4–H2O and CH4–CO2. These factors are determined from the equations 103 ln αDb=−477.357(106/T2)+3458.55 and 103 ln αCb=−277.954(106/T2)+1988.677, where T(K) is the temperature of the acetate methanogenic medium. The values of αDb and αCb do not depend (in contrast to the values of b and d) on the kind of bacteria and the temperature of the methane genesis medium. Based on thermodynamic data, we proposed a model for the formation of the isotopic composition of microbial methane in nature. Variations in the hydrogen and carbon isotope compositions of microbial methane in various geologic objects are due mainly to the variations in the temperature of the methanogenic medium and the mixing (in different proportions) of methane 1 with methane 2. The portions of acetate fermentation methane in the total balance of microbial methane in different geologic objects vary over a wide range of values: 52 to 100% in marine deposits of Cape Lookout Bight, North Carolina, US; 65 to 100% in surface fresh waters of Lake Wuermsee, Germany; and 35% in Lake Kivu, East Central Africa.
Let the Volgian stage stay in the Jurassic
Authors: Zakharov V.A. , Rogov M.A.
Published: May 2008

In 1996 the Volgian Stage was divided into the Jurassic and Cretaceous units, removed from the Geological Time Scale, and substituted by the Tithonian Stage according to the guidelines of the Interdepartmental Stratigraphic Committee of the Russian Federation (ISC RF). Consequently, the Upper Volgian Substage including three zones (five subzones) was placed into the Berriasian Stage (the Cretaceous) proceeding from ammonite fauna, and the Cretaceous lower boundary was defined by the base of the Kachpurites fulgens Zone. Some stratigraphers, however, contested that decision and suggested to restore the former status of the Volgian Stage. Their idea has been validated by magnetostratigraphic studies carried out in 2003 in Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary strata in the Nordvik Peninsula (the Laptev Sea), which bear the most complete record of Boreal deposition and biostratigraphy. The new data prove that the Volgian Stage, in its nearly full stratigraphic volume, rather belongs to the Jurassic period.
Peat biostratigraphy and Holocene climate in the northwestern mountain periphery of Lake Baikal
Authors: Bezrukova E.V. , Belov A.V. , Letunova P.P. , Abzaeva A.A. , Kulagina N.V. , Fisher E.E. , Orlova L.A. , Sheifer E.V. , Voronin V.I.
Published: May 2008

We report new radiocarbon ages, pollen stratigraphy, and botanical composition of an organic sediment sequence from mountains along the northwestern side of Lake Baikal. The calendar age of the peat is ca. 9.5 kyr BP. The pollen spectra between 9.5 and 8.5 kyr ago show vegetation consisting mostly of open larch and spruce-larch forests with minor birch. The interval from 7.5 to 6.8 kyr BP is marked by broad fir spread confirmed also by the peat botanical composition. The climate inferred for the period of fir dominance combines mild winters, cool summers, thick snow cover, and abundant moisture, apparently due to more intense North Atlantic air transport. Fir percentages decrease dramatically after 6.8 kyr BP, when pines begin to spread in the Baikal watershed. The peat record bears imprint of North Atlantic cooling events identified as intervals of ice-rafted detritus deposition and low surface water temperatures. The new data allow a better insight into the regional climate and landscapes, and the reliable age model provides regional and inter-regional correlations of global change events.
Signature of Cenozoic orogenic movements in combustion metamorphic rocks: mineralogy and geochronology (example of the Salair-Kuznetsk Basin transition)
Authors: Novikov I.S. , Sokol E.V. , Travin A.V. , Novikova S.A.
Published: May 2008

Cenozoic combustion metamorphic (CM) complexes produced by fossil natural coal fires are widespread at range-basin junctions worldwide. Large-scale fires accompany the initial orogenic phases as fresh coal-bearing strata become drawn into the aeration zone as a result of crustal deformation. In combustion metamorphism, the protolith melts to different degrees either into ferrous basic paralava or in glassy clinker. The melt rocks have a phase composition favorable for 40Ar/39Ar dating of ignition coeval with the onset of each episode in Late Cenozoic orogenic events. We suggest an algorithm providing correct 40Ar/39Ar age determination of CM rocks followed by well-grounded geological interpretation and test the new approach on melt rocks from the Kuznetsk Coal Basin.

Paralava samples were dated by 40Ar/39Ar incremental heating and the isotope ratios were corrected for Ca-, Cl-, and K-derived Ar isotopic interferences. The interpretation of age-spectrum results was checked against internal and external criteria. The former were plateau and isochrone ages and the latter included the so-called “couple criterion” and conventional relative ages inferred from geological and stratigraphic evidence. As a result, we distinguished two groups of dates for combustion metamorphic events bracketed between 1.2±0.4 and 0.2±0.3 Ma. The older ages represent rocks in the western edge of the Prokopievsk-Kiselevsk block of the Salair zone and the younger dates correspond to those in its eastern edge. The reported dates record the time when the fault boundaries of the blocks were rejuvenated during recent activity and the block accreted to the Salair orogenic area as a submontane step. The suggested approach to the choice of objects, classification of rocks, and interpretation of 40Ar/39Ar spectra is universal and can be practiced in any area of combustion metamorphism.
Laughing About Hitler?
Authors: Baumert Anna , Hofmann WilhelmX , Blum Gabriela
Published: May 2008

Effects of the movie My Fuehrer – The Truly Truest Truth About Adolf Hitler by Dani Levy were tested with regard to: (a) attitudes toward Hitler, (b) the perceived role of the German population in Nazi Germany, (c) the perception of present danger from national socialist tendencies, and (d) the subjective need for continued preoccupation with German history. A total of 110 Germans were invited to a cinema and randomly assigned to the control group that filled in the relevant questionnaire before the movie, or to the film group that filled in the questionnaire after the movie. The film group reported fewer negative attitudes toward Hitler than the control group and saw the German population less as victims. Attitudes toward right-wing political parties and empathy, as well as demographic variables, exerted significant moderator effects. Results are discussed with regard to the public controversy concerning a potential trivialization of Hitler and National Socialism by the movie.
When Finding a Mate Feels Urgent
Authors: Sanchez Diana T. , Good Jessica J. , Kwang Tracy , Saltzman Eric
Published: May 2008

Given the central role of romantic relationships in the lives of men and women and the many benefits of having romantic relationships, some people may derive their self-worth from having a romantic partner (i.e., relationship contingency; Sanchez & Kwang, 2007 ). Moreover, relationship success may be viewed as somehow related to being beautiful and attractive. Under structural equation modeling, results suggested that both men and womens relationship contingency (N = 329) was connected to body shame, mediated by greater urgency about finding mates. In addition, greater body shame was connected to concern over romantic partners physical appearance. The findings are discussed considering contingencies of self-worth, rising appearance concerns for both men and women, and the perceived connection between relationship status and physical attractiveness.
Interpretation of the observed radial electric field inversion in the TUMAN-3M tokamak during MHD activity
Authors: Kaveeva E. , Rozhansky V. , Tendler M.
Published: May 2008

A theoretical model for the toroidal rotation spin-up and generation of a positive radial electric field during the stochastization of plasma edge is put forward. Equations for the toroidal velocity and for modification of the core radial electric field have been derived. A detailed comparison of the model results with the radial electric field and plasma potential measurements during MHD activity in the TUMAN-3M tokamak is presented.
Comparisons of density profiles in JT-60U tokamak and LHD helical plasmas with low collisionality
Authors: Takenaga H. , Tanaka K. , Muraoka K. , Urano H. , Oyama N. , Kamada Y. , Yokoyama M. , Yamada H. , Tokuzawa T. , Yamada I.
Published: May 2008

In order to understand particle transport systematically in toroidal plasmas, electron density profiles were compared in JT-60U tokamak and LHD helical plasmas with low collisionality. The peakedness of density profiles increased with decreasing collisionality in ELMy H-mode plasmas of JT-60U when the collisionality at half the minor radius was in the collisionless regime. The collisionality dependence of density profiles in LHD plasmas was similar to that in JT-60U plasmas in the same collisionality regime when neoclassical transport was reduced by geometrical optimization. On the other hand, in LHD plasmas having relatively larger neoclassical transport than that in the above case, the peakedness of the density profiles decreased with decreasing collisionality. Density profiles in LHD plasmas tend to approach those in JT-60U, which are dominated by anomalous transport, as the contribution of neoclassical transport was reduced.
Predictions of H-mode performance in ITER
Authors: Budny R.V. , Andre R. , Bateman G. , Halpern F. , Kessel C.E. , Kritz A. , McCune D.
Published: May 2008

Time-dependent integrated predictive modelling is carried out using the PTRANSP code to predict fusion power and parameters such as alpha particle density and pressure in ITER H-mode plasmas. Auxiliary heating by negative ion neutral beam injection and ion-cyclotron heating of He3minority ions are modelled, and the GLF23 transport model is used in the prediction of the evolution of plasma temperature profiles. Effects of beam steering, beam torque, plasma rotation, beam current drive, pedestal temperatures, sawtooth oscillations, magnetic diffusion and accumulation of He ash are treated self-consistently. Variations in assumptions associated with physics uncertainties for standard base-line DT H-mode plasmas (withIp= 15 MA,BTF= 5.3 T and Greenwald fraction = 0.86) lead to a range of predictions for DT fusion powerPDTand quasi-steady state fusionQDT(≡PDT/Paux). Typical predictions assumingPaux= 50–53 MW yieldPDT= 250–720 MW andQDT= 5–14. In some cases wherePauxis ramped down or shut off after initial flat-top conditions, quasi-steadyQDTcan be considerably higher, even infinite. Adverse physics assumptions such as the existence of an inward pinch of the helium ash and an ash recycling coefficient approaching unity lead to very low values forPDT. Alternative scenarios with different heating and reduced performance regimes are also considered including plasmas with only H or D isotopes, DT plasmas with toroidal field reduced 10% or 20% and discharges with reduced beam voltage. In full-performance D-only discharges, tritium burn up is predicted to generate central tritium densities up to 1016 m−3and DT neutron rates up to 5 × 1016 s−1, compared with the DD neutron rates of 6 × 1017 s−1. Predictions with the toroidal field reduced 10% or 20% below the planned 5.3 T and keeping the sameq98, Greenwald fraction and βnindicate that the fusion yieldPDTandQDTwill be lower by about a factor of two (scaling asB3.5).
Particle confinement of pellet-fuelled tokamak plasma
Authors: Valovič M. , Axon K. , Garzotti L. , Saarelma S. , Thyagaraja A. , Akers R. , Gurl C. , Kirk A. , Lloyd B. , Maddison G.P. , Morris A.W. , Patel A. , Shibaev S. , Scannell R. , Taylor D. , Walsh M.
Published: May 2008

This paper quantifies the particle confinement of pellet-fuelled plasmas as measured in the Mega Ampere Spherical Tokamak. The dataset is restricted mostly to neutral beam heated plasmas in H-mode and to shallow pellets launched from the high-field side. It is shown that the pellet deposition can be explained only by invoking the ∇Bdrift of the pellet ablatant. The pellet creates a zone with positive density gradient and increased temperature gradient. Simulations show that these changes could increase the level of micro-turbulence and thus enhance further the penetration of pellet-deposited particles towards the core. Post-pellet dynamics of the density profile is characterized by the pellet retention time τpel. It is shown that τpelcorrelates with the status of the edge transport barrier (L-mode or H-mode) and decreases rapidly for pellet deposition radiusrpelapproaching the plasma edge. For ELMy H-mode and pellet deposition radius ofrpel≈ 0.8a, the pellet retention time is about 20% of the energy confinement time. The fuelling requirement by the pellets for ITER and the Component Test Facility based on the spherical tokamak is discussed.
Pain Control in Palliative Care
Authors: Simon Chantal
Published: May 2008

The World Health Organization has defined pain as ‘an unpleasant sensory or emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage’. Around 7% of adults in the UK have chronic pain, three out of four cancer patients suffer pain and pain control is the cornerstone of palliative care. Pain is always subjective so take it at face value in all patients. Management of pain must include a thought for ‘what exactly is pain’ and ‘what exactly is it for this patient’.
Principles of Palliative Care
Authors: Watson Max
Published: May 2008

Each GP with an ‘average” list will have 20 patients who die every year. Five of those deaths will be from cancer, two will be from a sudden unexpected cause and the remaining 13 will result from chronic disease such as dementia, heart failure or chronic lung disease. Most GPs have one or two patients with terminal disease at any time, although these patients often require a disproportionate amount of GP involvement. On average, 47 weeks of the final year of life are spent at home. It is a sad fact that although most patients spend their final year of life at home and would prefer to die at home, the majority are admitted to a hospital or institution to die.
Assessment and Management of Headache
Authors: Simon Chantal , Everitt Hazel
Published: May 2008

Headache is a common presenting complaint in general practice. The skill lies in deciding which headaches need no intervention and which require action.
Caring for Patients with Chronic Neurological Disease
Authors: Simon Chantal
Published: May 2008

The predominant disease pattern in the developed world is one of chronic or long-term illness. In the UK, 13–14% of the population has some disability and 28% of disability is accounted for by neurological or psychiatric problems. This is increasing as the population ages and people survive longer with disability. Patients with all types of chronic neurological disease are included in this group.
Revisiting the Saccharomyces cerevisiae predicted ORFeome
Authors: Li Qian-Ru , Carvunis Anne-Ruxandra , Yu Haiyuan , Han Jing-Dong J. , Zhong Quan , Simonis Nicolas , Tam Stanley , Hao Tong , Klitgord Niels J. , Dupuy Denis , Mou Danny , Wapinski Ilan , Regev Aviv , Hill David E. , Cusick Michael E. , Vidal Marc
Published: May 2008

Accurately defining the coding potential of an organism, i.e., all protein-encoding open reading frames (ORFs) or “ORFeome,” is a prerequisite to fully understand its biology. ORFeome annotation involves iterative computational predictions from genome sequences combined with experimental verifications. Here we reexamine a set of Saccharomyces cerevisiae “orphan” ORFs recently removed from the original ORFeome annotation due to lack of conservation across evolutionarily related yeast species. We show that many orphan ORFs produce detectable transcripts and/or translated products in various functional genomics and proteomics experiments. By combining a naïve Bayes model that predicts the likelihood of an ORF to encode a functional product with experimental verification of strand-specific transcripts, we argue that orphan ORFs should still remain candidates for functional ORFs. In support of this model, interstrain intraspecies genome sequence variation is lower across orphan ORFs than in intergenic regions, indicating that orphan ORFs endure functional constraints and resist deleterious mutations. We conclude that ORFs should be evaluated based on multiple levels of evidence and not be removed from ORFeome annotation solely based on low sequence conservation in other species. Rather, such ORFs might be important for micro-evolutionary divergence between species.
The Transcriptional Repressor ARR1-SRDX Suppresses Pleiotropic Cytokinin Activities in Arabidopsis
Authors: Heyl Alexander , Ramireddy Eswar , Brenner Wolfram G. , Riefler Michael , Allemeersch Joke , Schmülling Thomas
Published: May 2008

The signal transduction of the phytohormone cytokinin is mediated by a multistep histidine-to-aspartate phosphorelay system. One component of this system are B-type response regulators, transcription factors mediating at least part of the response to cytokinin. In planta functional analysis of this family is hampered by the high level of functional redundancy of its 11 members. We generated a dominant repressor version of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) response regulator ARR1 (ARR1-SRDX) using chimeric repressor silencing technology in order to study the extent of the contribution of B-type response regulators to cytokinin activities. In a protoplast test system, ARR1-SRDX suppressed ARR6:β-glucuronidase reporter gene activation by different B-type ARRs. 35S:ARR1-SRDX transgenic Arabidopsis plants showed phenotypic changes reminiscent of plants with a reduced cytokinin status, such as a strongly reduced leaf size, an enhanced root system, and larger seeds. Several bioassays showed that 35S:ARR1-SRDX plants have an increased resistance toward cytokinin. The rapid induction of a large part of the cytokinin response genes was dampened. The transcript levels of more than 500 genes were more than 2.5-fold reduced in 35S:ARR1-SRDX transgenic seedlings, suggesting a broad function of B-type ARRs. Collectively, the suppression of pleiotropic cytokinin activities by a dominant repressor version of a B-type ARR indicates that this protein family is involved in mediating most, if not all, of the cytokinin activities in Arabidopsis. In addition, a role for B-type ARRs in mediating cross talk with other pathways is supported by the resistance of 35S:ARR1-SRDX seeds to phytochrome B-mediated inhibition of germination by far-red light. This study demonstrates the usefulness of chimeric repressor silencing technology to overcome redundancy in transcription factor families for functional studies.
Dual Fatty Acyl Modification Determines the Localization and Plasma Membrane Targeting of CBL/CIPK Ca2+ Signaling Complexes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Batistič Oliver , Sorek Nadav , Schültke Stefanie , Yalovsky Shaul , Kudla Jörg
Published: May 2008

Arabidopsis thaliana calcineurin B–like proteins (CBLs) interact specifically with a group of CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs). CBL/CIPK complexes phosphorylate target proteins at the plasma membrane. Here, we report that dual lipid modification is required for CBL1 function and for localization of this calcium sensor at the plasma membrane. First, myristoylation targets CBL1 to the endoplasmic reticulum. Second, S-acylation is crucial for endoplasmic reticulum-to-plasma membrane trafficking via a novel cellular targeting pathway that is insensitive to brefeldin A. We found that a 12–amino acid peptide of CBL1 is sufficient to mediate dual lipid modification and to confer plasma membrane targeting. Moreover, the lipid modification status of the calcium sensor moiety determines the cellular localization of preassembled CBL/CIPK complexes. Our findings demonstrate the importance of S-acylation for regulating the spatial accuracy of Ca2+-decoding proteins and suggest a novel mechanism that enables the functional specificity of calcium sensor/kinase complexes.
Dynamics of Arabidopsis Dynamin-Related Protein 1C and a Clathrin Light Chain at the Plasma Membrane
Authors: Konopka Catherine A. , Backues Steven K. , Bednarek Sebastian Y.
Published: May 2008

Plant morphogenesis depends on polarized exocytic and endocytic membrane trafficking. Members of the Arabidopsis thaliana dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) subfamily are required for polarized cell expansion and cytokinesis. Using a combination of live-cell imaging techniques, we show that a functional DRP1C green fluorescent fusion protein (DRP1C-GFP) was localized at the division plane in dividing cells and to the plasma membrane in expanding interphase cells. In both tip growing root hairs and diffuse-polar expanding epidermal cells, DRP1C-GFP organized into dynamic foci at the cell cortex, which colocalized with a clathrin light chain fluorescent fusion protein (CLC-FFP), suggesting that DRP1C may participate in clathrin-mediated membrane dynamics. DRP1C-GFP and CLC-GFP foci dynamics are dependent on cytoskeleton organization, cytoplasmic streaming, and functional clathrin-mediated endocytic traffic. Our studies provide insight into DRP1 and clathrin dynamics in the plant cell cortex and indicate that the clathrin endocytic machinery in plants has both similarities and striking differences to that in mammalian cells and yeast.
Viewing and reading behaviour in a virtual environment
Authors: Nicholas David , Huntington Paul , Jamali Hamid R. , Rowlands Ian , Dobrowolski Tom , Tenopir Carol
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This article aims to focus on usage data in respect to full‐text downloads of journal articles, which is considered an important usage (satisfaction) metric by librarians and publishers. The purpose is to evaluate the evidence regarding full‐text viewing by pooling together data on the full‐text viewing of tens of thousands of users studied as part of a number of investigations of e‐journal databases conducted during the Virtual Scholar research programme.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the web logs of a number of electronic journal libraries including OhioLINK and ScienceDirect using Deep Log Analysis, which is a more sophisticated form of transactional log analysis. The frequency, characteristics and diversity of full‐text viewing are examined. The article also features an investigation into the time spent online viewing full‐text articles in order to get a clearer understanding of the significance of full‐text viewing, especially in regard to reading.

Findings

The main findings are that there is a great deal of variety amongst scholars in their full‐text viewing habits and that a large proportion of views are very cursory in nature, although there is survey evidence to suggest that reading goes on offline.

Originality/value

This is the first time that full‐text viewing evidence is studied on such a large scale.
Welsh‐language provision on party web sites during the 2007 Welsh Assembly election
Authors: Cunliffe Daniel
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent of Welsh‐language provision on the web sites of political parties contesting the 2007 Welsh Assembly elections.

Design/methodology/approach

Expert inspection was carried out on the web sites of 18 of the 19 parties contesting the election. Goal‐directed walkthroughs were conducted on four web sites judged to be making a bilingual provision.

Findings

Overall, the Welsh language was highly marginalised. While Welsh‐language elements were identified on ten of the 18 web sites, only four web sites attempted to make a bilingual provision. On three of these, a user intending to interact with the web site through the medium of Welsh would still encounter English language content and/or navigation. Only one web site offered a fully Welsh‐language experience.

Research limitations/implications

This paper only considers the web sites of political parties and presents only a high level analysis. It does not consider the impact of Welsh‐language provision on the electorate.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to systematically examine Welsh‐language provision on party web sites during elections for the National Assembly for Wales. In contrast to many studies of election‐related internet activity in the UK, it considers a regional election rather than a UK general election.
Perceived resistance, user resistance and managers' performance in the Malaysian port industry
Authors: Daud Norzaidi Mohd , Choy Chong Siong , Intan Salwani Mohamed
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Using the extended task‐technology fit (TTF) model, this paper attempts to determine whether task‐technology fit, perceived resistance, user resistance and usage influence managers' performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted on 150 middle managers from various organisations in Malaysia's port industry.

Findings

The structural equation modelling results reveal that task‐technology fit is significantly related to usage and perceived resistance, and that perceived resistance is a predictor of usage. Usage predicts performance, but not user resistance. There is no relationship between usage and user resistance, and vice versa.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on Malaysia's port industry and concentrates only on the management perspective of intranet usage.

Practical implications

The results provide insights into how the Malaysian port industry and other organisations of a similar structure could enhance their intranet usage.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to address intranet usage in the port industry, and introduces two importance factors (i.e. perceived resistance and user resistance) that influence managers' task performance.
Low‐cost flight test system for light aircrafts
Authors: Iscold Paulo
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the research efforts of the Center of Aeronautical Studies of the Federal University of Minas Gerais – Brazil to develop a low‐cost flight test data acquisition system for light aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The development of this system was based on a microcontroller, chosen in accordance with main requirements of light aircrafts flight tests. The system uses the microcontroller in order to communicate with different kinds of sensors, including a GPS, and organize this information to be sent to a PDA device, which is used to control the acquisition process and storage the data acquired. Details about the development of this system, including firmware algorithm and sensors development, are presented and discussed in the paper.

Findings

The paper presents example results obtained with this system in applications such as performance evaluation and stability and control derivatives estimation problems. Take into account all the aspects of the system and the quality of the results, the main conclusion is that this system can efficiently support the demands of the aerospace industry for light aircraft and UAEs development programs as well as the necessities of the research centers and universities developing aeronautical research and didactic programs.

Practical implications

Recently, results confirm the applicability of this system in order to perform flight tests of aircrafts in accordance with FAR‐Part 23 or CS‐VLA or Light Sport Aircrafts as required by FAA Order 8130.2F and ASTM Designation F2245‐04.

Originality/value

This paper presents details about the construction of a low‐cost data acquisition system for flight tests of light aircrafts. The main advantage of this system is the use of a PDA device in order to control and storage the acquisition, which reduce costs, weight and size of the system and permits its installation in light aircrafts or UAVs.
Proposal of the experimental simulation method for handling qualities evaluation
Authors: Tomczyk Andrzej
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present analysis and primary evaluation of different control laws implemented on experimental indirect (fly‐by‐wire) flight control system designed for perspective general aviation aircraft.

Design/methodology/approach

The control law tests have been accomplished on the flight simulation stand equipped with side‐stick, throttle lever and flight instrument display. Every evaluator was caring out 2‐4 five min instrument flights (IR) according to command shown on the screen. PZL‐110 general aviation aircraft properties and seven modes of control system operation were modeled and examined.

Findings

Results of evaluation by 45 commercial pilots are analyzed and handling qualities of the small aircraft equipped with the indirect flight control system (fly‐by‐wire) have been examined. In this way, the most convenient control law was chosen for design the user‐friendly, human‐centered, simplified software‐based flight control system.

Practical implications

The result of research can be implemented on real indirect flight control system dedicated to general aviation aircraft.

Originality/value

This paper presents the practical approach for analysis of handling qualities of general aviation aircraft equipped with indirect flight control system. This kind of works concern to military and transport airplanes are known, however there are no published work in the area of small aircraft so far.
An almost disturbance decoupling solution of the attitude control problem
Authors: Özgür Doruk R. , Kocaoglan Erol
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to derive a robust nonlinear attitude control law intended for practical application.

Design/methodology/approach

The method of input/output feedback linearization is utilized for having a linear model and a recently developed almost disturbance decoupling (ADD) approach is adopted for designing a robust satellite attitude control (SAC) system. The kinematics of the satellite is modeled by modified Rodriguez parameters because of their continuous invertibility. The design is simulated on the model of a realistic satellite project (BILSAT‐I), which is developed by the Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Council.

Findings

The torque requirement of the operation does not exceed the maximum limit provided by the actuator. The square error levels are staying under the boundary of final global attractor, which is one of the important proofs for the successful operation of the generated ADD control law.

Originality/value

The ADD concept is investigated on SAC problem. By that way, simple control structures with known disturbance attenuation capability can be designed.
The robust adaptive attitude control of a certain satellite
Authors: Chen Xin‐long , Yang Di
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the attitude control problem of a certain and big flexible satellite with unmodeled dynamics and unknown bounded disturbances and control input saturation; and to present a design method of robust adaptive controllers (RACs).

Design/methodology/approach

First, using the Lyapunov stability theory, it is shown that the proposed adaptive controller can guarantee the stability of the nonlinear system. Then, the parameters regulation method of the RAC is introduced. Finally, an RAC is designed for the object satellite model consisted of all the error‐source models.

Findings

The simulation results are compared with other results that are derived by using the typical PID controller. It is proved that the designed RAC has some properties of quickly response, high steady‐state precision and strong robustness.

Originality/value

The paper is of value in presenting a design method of RACs aiming at the object satellite with uncertainties and control input saturation.
Study on the application of curing agents in light colored water‐borne epoxy antistatic anticorrosive paint
Authors: Jianyu Han , Zhonghua Chen , Ying Tang , Fei Yu
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the curing mechanisms, anticorrosive properties and protective mechanisms of three kinds of amine curing agents applied in a new kind of light colored water‐borne epoxy antistatic anticorrosive paint.

Design/methodology/approach

Using light color‐conductive mica, titanium oxides and environmentally‐friendly anticorrosive pigments in the two‐component water‐borne epoxy system, the light colored water‐borne antistatic anticorrosive paint was prepared. The molecular structure and curing mechanisms of the curing agents was analyzed by Fourier transform infra‐red spectroscopy, and the influence of the curing agents on anticorrosive properties and protective mechanisms was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Findings

The paints cured by the modified amine curing agent possessed optimal integrated properties with a coating surface resistivity of 106 Ω and the best anticorrosive performance.

Originality/value

A novel light colored water‐borne epoxy antistatic anticorrosive paint cured by the optimal curing agent could be used in corrosion protection for oil tanks to replace the traditional oil‐based antistatic anticorrosive paints.
Collaboration and trust in two organic food chains
Authors: Kottila Marja‐Riitta , Rönni Päivi
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Organic food offers a good case to study the relationships of actors in the food chain, because of its added value based on production methods, the imbalance of power and the different value systems. The obvious problems identified call for solutions that include more efficient collaboration. This paper attempts to determine the presence of collaboration along the Finnish organic food chain, from the farmers to the multiple retailers. Collaboration is approached by focusing on communication and trust between the actors.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study with two cases.

Finding

Collaboration was found only in a few dyadic relationships, not at the chain level. Findings suggest that high frequency of communication is not an indication of collaboration, and is less important than the quality of communication in the creation of trust, the prerequisite for collaboration. Particularly the competence demonstrated as an exchange partner, seemed to hold the key for a trustful relationship. Neither the power imbalance nor the different value systems were insuperable obstacles for trustful and collaborative relationship.

Practical implications

Results encourage small organic suppliers to develop their relationships with mainstream retailers by improving their overall competence as exchange partners. To create trust and collaboration, the actors need to consider the influence of their action not only on the adjacent actors, but on the relationships within the whole organic food chain.

Originality/value

These findings contribute to existing knowledge concerning the nature of relationships along a food chain, and in particular, those of an organic food chain.
Factors affecting the implementation of e‐business strategies
Authors: Pai Jung‐Chi , Yeh Chi‐Hung
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationships between contingency factors and the effectiveness of the implementation of core e‐business strategies and to explore the influences on the implementation process quality for e‐business strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine the relationships between the constructs in the research model, data were gathered via a questionnaire survey sent to 650 manufacturing enterprises in Taiwan.

Findings

The survey results indicate that some factors influence the effectiveness of the implementation of core e‐business strategies. The implications of the findings for practice and future research are also examined.

Practical implications

Business managers or IS executives of enterprises should consider these environmental, organizational and technological contingency factors while implementing e‐business strategies.

Originality/value

Numerous researchers have proposed various studies relating to e‐business strategies. However, these studies focused on developing e‐business planning frameworks and conducting case studies, and little attention has been paid to empirical studies examining the influences of contingency factors on the implementation of e‐business strategies. The results of this study will be of interest to business managers or strategic planners who are initiating or conducting e‐business strategic planning exercises, as well as to researchers in the field of information systems strategic planning and management.
A survey on reverse logistics system of mobile phone industry in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Felix T.S. , Kai Chan Hing
Published: May 2008

Purpose

It is not surprising that proper implementation of reverse logistics systems can result in better customer loyalty and reduction in operational costs due to reuse or remanufacturing of some parts. This is particularly important for those industries with a short product life cycle, like the mobile phone industry. The major objective of this paper is to present the results of a pilot survey with follow‐up interviews, which was conducted for investigating the practices of reverse logistics in this industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was sent to the industrial participants, and follow‐up interviews were conducted with the respondents.

Findings

On the one hand, reverse logistics systems are important to the industry; on the other hand, the low level of importance of reverse logistics relative to the other issues is still a major barrier in realizing reverse logistics systems.

Originality/value

It is not clear what the critical factors are in designing reverse logistics systems for the mobile phone industry. Based on the results, it is interesting to learn how to reach a compromise in dealing with this dilemma.
Governance structure choice in strategic alliances
Authors: Teng Bing‐Sheng , Das T.K.
Published: May 2008

Purpose

Strategic alliances have a variety of governance structures that can be broadly classified as joint ventures, minority equity alliances, and contractual alliances. This paper seeks to empirically examine the roles of four key determinants of governance structure choice, namely, joint R&D and joint marketing objectives, alliance management experience, and international partners.

Design/methodology/approach

Several hypotheses are developed regarding governance structure choice and are tested with data from 765 alliances. A multinomial logistic regression (logit) model is used for statistical analysis, with five control variables.

Findings

All hypotheses are supported, so that the roles of alliance objectives, alliance management experience, and international partners are demonstrated as being significant as determinants of governance structure choice in alliances.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations stem from the data being from a single source, one that also relies on press announcements that may be biased toward larger alliances.

Practical implications

Briefly, alliance managers should find it useful to assess the relative presence of the four determinants of structural choice studied in this investigation in order to make an informed selection of the appropriate governance structure.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the knowledge of the key determinants of governance structure choice in strategic alliances by examining empirically, with a large sample of alliances from various industries, the significant roles of four factors, namely, joint R&D and joint marketing objectives, alliance management experience, and international partners.