bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships between engineers and marketers within new product development
Authors: Shaw Christopher T. , Shaw Vivienne , Enke Margit
Published: July 2004

This paper presents a comparative study of the views of British and German engineers on the relationship between engineers and marketers and the conflict between them. Data have been collected from 151 British and 84 German engineers in 25 companies. Engineers who work in a variety of functions and at a number of different levels within an organisation are included. It has been found that the relationship is seen as being reasonable, with teamwork and increased knowledge of marketing by engineers both needed to make it function effectively. The engineers in both countries do not seek to dominate marketing, but they do feel that they need to obtain an understanding of management and of marketing. Conflict is not seen as being high in either country but German engineers perceive there to be lower levels of conflict between them and their marketing colleagues. German engineers see education and training differences as being the main reasons for conflict, whereas British engineers cite a lack of understanding between the two functions as the main reason. Engineers in both countries agree that better communications, more teamwork and more training are needed to improve the interface between the two functions. From this study, modifications to current theoretical frameworks can be seen and these are discussed.
Principals' succession and educational change
Authors: Fink Dean , Brayman Carol
Published: July 2004

A demographic time bomb is ticking in many school jurisdictions. Up to 70 per cent of present leaders in the private and public sectors will retire within the next five to ten years as the “baby boomers” move on. While succession planning has become a major initiative in the private sector, leadership succession in education tends to hew to old paths. Where are new educational leaders to come from? How should their succession be orchestrated? The traditional source of succession at the secondary level, the department headship, is no longer an attractive route for many teachers. Many potential leaders do not perceive the role of principal or assistant principal in a positive light. These roles are increasingly being associated with managing the standards/standardization agenda with which many professionals profoundly disagree. While it is premature to declare a leadership crisis in education, it is not too early to call on policy makers to attend to the growing need for succession planning at all levels in education. Based on an examination of change over times in four schools in Ontario, this article addresses issues of leadership succession in education and, more precisely, examines the influence of principals’ succession on the principals themselves and their schools.
Conflicts, confusions and contradictions in principals' ethical decision making
Authors: Dempster Neil , Carter Lucy , Freakley Mark , Parry Lindsay
Published: July 2004

Using survey results compiled from an extensive study into the ethical decision making of school principals this article analyses the nature and consistency of principals' ethical decision‐making processes. Based on the findings, the article argues that even though principals on the whole have well‐meaning intentions, by and large, they do not display consistent conceptual knowledge of major ethical theories; they exhibit certain contradictions in their ethical reasoning and they suffer regular conflicts with their own personal and professional values. The article concludes by offering some suggestions for future professional development strategies that may serve to better educate principals on the concepts and processes required for consistent, confident and well‐reasoned ethical decision making.
An analysis of enabling school structure
Authors: Sinden James E. , Hoy Wayne K. , Sweetland Scott R.
Published: July 2004

The construct of enabling school structure is empirically analyzed in this qualitative study of high schools. First, the theoretical underpinning of enabling school structure is developed. Then, six high schools, which were determined to have enabling structures in a large quantitative study of Ohio schools, were analyzed in depth using semi‐structured interviewing techniques. The inquiry fleshes out the specifics of the performance of principals and teachers in such organizations and describes the dynamics of enabling school structures in terms of their formalization, centralization, and functioning. Finally, the research demonstrates a natural and symbiotic relation between quantitative and qualitative approaches to the study of schools.
School inspection, the inspectorate and educational practice in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: London Norrel A.
Published: July 2004

The article investigates the language and rhetoric used by school inspectors as leverage in determining the direction for professional practice among teachers in colonial Trinidad and Tobago. The approach is ethnohistorical, and the database comprises major evaluation reports of the inspectors in question in respect of one school over a 20‐year period. The research reveals that the rhetoric employed in reporting was a major vehicle in transmitting important messages about professional practice which local teachers could not afford to ignore. The practice adopted imparted distinctiveness to the schooling system at the time, and a significant observation in the process is that the rhetoric used was laced with the language of “performativity” spawned and justified within a technical rationalism constructed and put to work in the colonial period”. Technical rhetoric, the paper argues however, is not the type of medium required to do justice to education, generally recognized as a social practice enterprise.
State of implementation of TPM in SMIs: a survey study in Malaysia
Authors: Ahmed Shamsuddin , Hj. Hassan Masjuki , Taha Zahari
Published: July 2004

Applications of systems like total quality management (TQM), total productive maintenance (TPM) and just‐in‐time (JIT) have been studied mainly in large industries with little attention being paid to small and medium industries (SMIs) in developing countries. This paper discusses the state of implementation of TPM in SMIs and the effects of lack of productive maintenance. The main hypothesis is to determine if SMIs have understood the importance of a productive maintenance system as a constituent of manufacturing management. A survey methodology has been applied for this test. The outcomes of some case studies are kept in mind. All these show that the implementation of TPM or preventive maintenance in SMIs is still low. Therefore, more effort should be given to developing a better understanding, motivation and participation for implementation of productive maintenance systems. Finally, an implementation methodology is proposed.
Instantaneous angular speed monitoring of electric motors
Authors: Yousef Ben Sasi Ahmed , Gu Fengshou , Payne Bradley , Ball Andrew
Published: July 2004

This research presents the theory and implementation detail for the extraction of angular speed variations. In particular, band‐pass filtering, frequency shifting and analytic representation are addressed with simple mathematical equations. Finally, some case studies on a 3kW induction motor are investigated for healthy and faulty conditions. Some vital key features and characteristics can be extracted from the angular speed variations. Pole pass speed side bands around the rotor speed can be used as a feature for broken rotor bar faults. The number of poles multiplied by the synchronous running speed cycles and the rise of 100 Hz components are key characteristics for voltage imbalance faults.
Stochastic analysis of a maintainable robot‐safety system with common‐cause failures
Authors: Dhillon B.S. , Li Zhijian
Published: July 2004

This paper presents reliability and availability analyses of a robot‐safety system having one robot and n‐redundant safety units with common‐cause failures. The system failure rates and the partially failed system repair rates are assumed constant, and the failed system repair time is assumed arbitrarily distributed. Markov and the supplementary variable methods were used to perform mathematical analysis of this model. Generalized expressions for state probabilities, system availabilities, reliability, mean time to failure, and variance of time to failure are developed. Some plots of these expressions are shown.
Inspection policy for a scale considering accidental detections
Authors: Sandoh Hiroaki , Igaki Nobuko , Nakagawa Toshio
Published: July 2004

The present study deals with an optimal inspection policy for a scale where the inspection for a scale is conducted when the elapsed time since the previous inspection or adjustment reaches T (> 0) for the purpose of detecting its uncalibrated or inaccurate state and where its uncalibrated state can also be detected empirically or accidentally. The design variable under such a policy is T (> 0). The expected cost per unit of time is formulated as an objective function to be minimized. The conditions under which an optimal inspection scheduled time T exists are then clarified. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the theoretical underpinnings of the proposed formulation. The proposed model is also compared with the conventional one to show that the proposed model can reduce the cost.
The corporate stake in social cohesion
Authors: Oketch Moses O.
Published: July 2004

Today, there is attention being focused on corporate social responsibility (CSR), a function which transcends, but includes making profits, creation of jobs, and the production of goods and services. It is how well corporations perform this function that determines their influence in social cohesion. This article will therefore discuss some of the social cohesion issues involving corporations, the concerns over how corporations make profits, create jobs, hire, promote and fire, treat shareholders, run their boards, and give back to the communities in which they function. Most of these functions depend on the quality of corporate governance, which in turn has implications for social cohesion. The article begins with a discussion of the concept of CSR. Then it will identify and discuss some corporate behaviors that promote CSR in the following areas: governance; employment practices; involvement in communities; environmental protection; and ethical investment. The paper concludes that successful business strategy that contributes to social cohesion is that which foster integrity in internal governance while promoting positive engagement in communities in which they operate.
For business or the good of all? A Finnish approach to corporate social responsibility
Authors: Juholin Elisa
Published: July 2004

The study suggests that the prominent driving force behind corporate social responsibility (CSR) is companies’ long‐term profitability, supported by company leadership and efficiency, competitiveness, and the ability to anticipate the future. The long evolution of Finnish companies since the 18th century has created fertile ground for responsibility. Despite the absence of significant moral or ethical guidance, the thinking of the participating companies was for the most part business‐oriented. The management and organization of CSR appeared to be professional and efficient. CSR was found to be optimal at the highest level of the organizations studied, and the commitment of the top management unquestionable. The present status of CSR seemed to exist more on the theoretical than the practical level. Implementation was seen as a major challenge for the future. The jungle of standards and measurement instruments is a serious problem. Communication was narrowly viewed and technical, and the prevailing paradigm was rather mechanistic.
Running business like a government in the new economy: lessons for organizational design and corporate governance
Authors: Michael Bryane , Gross Randy
Published: July 2004

Principal‐agent problems are largely responsible for poor corporate governance. Much work on private sector corporate governance reform seeks to address transparency, accountability and responsiveness to stakeholder interests under the new category of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Yet, these issues are not new. The public sector has been working on these issues for many years – especially in looking at ways of reducing malfeasance and also optimizing use of resources for the benefit of principals. Some lessons from public sector reform include promoting information dissemination, participation, and balancing powers between a corporation’s executive and supervisory entities. While firms should not necessarily be administered like governmental bodies, there are many lessons from public sector organizational reform and institutional governance that may be applicable to large‐scale public corporations.
The design of incentive compensation for directors
Authors: Hoi Chun‐Keung , Robin Ashok
Published: July 2004

Today, most firms provide equity‐based incentive compensation to their non‐executive directors. We summarize viewpoints supportive and critical of this development. We argue that the effectiveness of incentive compensation is related to the structure of the incentive pay contact. We discuss the use of options and shares as well as the issue of whether incentive pay should be geared towards current rewards or future incentives. We also discuss the critical issue of maintaining the ownership exposure of directors by providing sufficient levels of equity as well as placing restrictions on cashing out. Using our arguments above, we suggest guidelines for constructing an optimal contract. We compare 289 incentive plans offered by public companies in the USA during 1988‐1998 and find that plans deviate significantly from the optimum.
Public sector ethics in Sweden: a 4P‐model of internal and external determinants in codes of ethics
Authors: Svensson Göran , Wood Greg
Published: July 2004

This article summarizes and aggregates the results of a study conducted of the largest 100 public sector organizations derived from three categories in Sweden. These categories of organizations comprise 40 entities of government, 40 municipalities, and 20 county councils. The objective was to describe the determinants of codes of ethics in Swedish public sector organizations. This research reports on the responses of 27 organizations that possessed a code of ethics. The principal contribution is a 4P‐model of seven internal and external determinants in public sector codes of ethics. The identified determinants relate to four principal sectors of a society, namely: public community sector, private corporate sector, private citizen sector, and political/policy conduct sector.
Stakeholder salience in corporate environmental strategy
Authors: Fernández Gago Roberto , Nieto Antolín Mariano
Published: July 2004

Stakeholders affect, and are affected by, the decisions taken by companies. They have varied and often conflicting interests, so it is essential for managers to know both who they are, and what are their attributes. This work has the aim of determining the main attributes of stakeholders with regards environmental issues, and how these attributes influence stakeholders’ environmental salience (i.e. the attention and priority accorded to them by managers). In order to do this we surveyed environmental managers from 277 Spanish manufacturing firms for their perceptions of stakeholders’ power, legitimacy, urgency and salience, with regards environmental issues.
Corporate reputation – a value creating strategy
Authors: Dolphin Richard R.
Published: July 2004

This paper reviews an empirical study into corporate reputation strategies in large UK organizations. It considers what is meant by corporate reputation and its role in the strategic marketing communications mix. The findings confirm not only that over the past decade planning and implementation of reputation strategies has become a dominant focus of those concerned with corporate governance but also that the organizational communicator now perceives his or her role as one of guardian of that reputation. It notes further, that between academics and practitioners alike there remains much confusion over the terms reputation and image; are the two one and the same? The findings have implications not only for senior management but also for the development of communication strategies aimed at enabling an organization to gain a competitive advantage in an increasingly overcrowded market place. Evidentially corporate reputation has developed more and more in the UK context – and is now recognized by enlightened management as a key weapon in organizational strategy formulations.
Assessing applications for collaboration: from collaboratively usable applications to collaborative technology
Authors: Lipponen Lasse , Lallimo Jiri
Published: July 2004

The continually increasing number of applications said to facilitate collaboration makes it very difficult for educators to identify and evaluate the ones that are suitable for educational purposes. In this paper we argue that from the educational point of view, it is meaningful to make a distinction between collaboratively usable applications and collaborative technology. Collaboratively usable applications are systems that can be used for collaboration, whilst collaborative technology is technology that is especially designed to support and establish collaboration. To distinguish between these two kinds of technologies, we propose four criteria for collaborative technology: its design is grounded on some explicitly argued theory of learning or pedagogical model; it relies on the idea of groupware; it provides procedural facilitation; and it offers representational and community‐building tools.
Information and communication technology (ICT) in secondary schools: the role of the computer coordinator
Authors: Lai Kwok‐Wing , Pratt Keryn
Published: July 2004

A study was conducted in 2002 to evaluate the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in 21 secondary schools in one region of New Zealand. As part of the study, the role of the ICT coordinator was investigated. All the ICT coordinators were surveyed and 14 of them were interviewed in‐depth. It is found that they were all well‐equipped to take up a significant leadership role in their schools and some of them have already demonstrated visible leadership. This paper also identifies some obstacles that have reduced their effective leadership in ICT use in their schools.
Interacting with layered dynamic media—some educational aspects of MPEG‐4
Authors: Whalley Peter
Published: July 2004

The role that layered, time‐synchronised media might play in the design of interactive learning environments is examined both in terms of their initial construction, and also in regard to how they might be later re‐engineered and shared. Although the eventual scale of adoption of the new Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) media types will be governed by commercial factors, their wide availability would offer considerable benefit to the development of innovative forms of educational interactive multimedia.
Morphology in perch affects habitat specific feeding efficiency
Authors: SVANBÄCK R. , EKLÖV P.
Published: July 2004

Trophic polymorphism is a common phenomenon in many species. Trade‐offs in foraging efficiency on different resources are thought to be a primary cause of such polymorphism.

To test for a trade‐off in foraging efficiency perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) were used from a population that differs in morphology between the littoral and pelagic habitat of a lake. Indoor aquarium experiments were performed with three different prey types in two different environments. It was predicted that the morphology of the individual would affect foraging efficiency in the different environments and on the different prey types through search and attack behaviour.

Overall the foraging efficiency of perch was found to be related to individual morphology. A connection was also found between individual morphology and search and attack behaviour. Search behaviour but not attack behaviour was affected by the structure in the aquaria. Furthermore our results show that there are relations between search behaviour and detection rates and between attack behaviour and attack success.

Our results give a mechanistic explanation for the differences in foraging efficiency between littoral and pelagic perch. These differences are probably driven by a functional trade‐off between foraging performance and general body form.
Short‐term diet changes revealed using stable carbon isotopes in horse tail‐hair
Authors: WEST A. G. , AYLIFFE L. K. , CERLING T. E. , ROBINSON T. F. , KARREN B. , DEARING M. D. , EHLERINGER J. R.
Published: July 2004

We demonstrate the potential of extracting high‐resolution dietary information from stable carbon isotopes (δ13C) in horse tail‐hair, in response to short‐term changes in diet in controlled feeding experiments.

Tail hairs were sampled from six horses that had been equilibrated to C3 forage and were then subjected to a series of short‐term diet switches to the C4 Coastal Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon L.). Four of these horses were equilibrated to Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and were then subjected to 1‐, 3‐ and 7‐day diet spikes of the C4 grass. The remaining two horses were equilibrated to a C3 grass mix (Dactylis glomerata L. and Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and then subjected to a 7‐day diet spike of C4 grass.

The effects of the short‐term diet switches were easily observable in the hair. The 1‐, 3‐ and 7‐day spikes showed an increasing deviation from the prespike equilibrium value of 1·0, 2·9 and 5·6 (7‐day treatments averaged).

Isotopic chronologies of individual hairs were created and plotted against a three‐pool, exponential‐decay model. With small alterations to the original model parameters, our data are well explained by this model.

This study indicates that information about diet is recorded with high resolution in hair. This method could be applied to both modern and ancient samples, greatly enhancing the temporal resolution of diet reconstruction studies.
Elevated CO2 alters functional attributes of nematode communities in forest soils
Authors: NEHER D. A. , WEICHT T. R. , MOORHEAD D. L. , SINSABAUGH R. L.
Published: July 2004

We tested the effects of elevated concentrations of atmospheric CO2 on herbivorous nematodes in soil supporting plantations of Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) or Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) trees in FACE experiments in the Eastern USA. We expected any net increase in carbon allocation to the rhizosphere to increase the abundance, biomass or respiration of the nematode community.

Data were analysed with effect of CO2 concentration nested within month and year to isolate the maximum potential effect of CO2 treatment on soil nematode communities.

Elevated CO2 decreased total abundance of nematodes in both forests, but impacts were greater in Sweet Gum than Loblolly Pine forests. Soil nematode community respiration and biomass increased with elevated CO2 in Loblolly Pine, but decreased with fumigation in Sweet Gum forests.

Fungivores were the only trophic group showing a consistent response at both sites, with reduced abundance, biomass and respiration at elevated CO2.

Estimated total respiration of soil nematode communities ranged from 2·9–11·2 g C m−2 year−1 in Pine soils and 0·6–4·7 g C m−2 year−1 in Sweet Gum soils, representing ≤1% of net primary production in these forests.

Our results indicate that effects of elevated CO2 on soil nematode communities will not necessarily have a simple functional relationship with rhizosphere carbon allocation.
Hydraulic redistribution by a dominant, warm‐desert phreatophyte: seasonal patterns and response to precipitation pulses
Authors: HULTINE K. R. , SCOTT R. L. , CABLE W. L. , GOODRICH D. C. , WILLIAMS D. G.
Published: July 2004

Hydraulic redistribution may have important consequences for ecosystem water balance where plant root systems span large gradients in soil water potential. To assess seasonal patterns of hydraulic redistribution, we measured the direction and rate of sap flow in tap‐roots, lateral roots and main stems of three mature Prosopis velutina Woot. trees occurring on a floodplain terrace in semiarid south‐eastern Arizona, USA. Sap‐flow measurements on two of the trees were initiated before the end of the winter dormancy period, prior to leaf flush.

Despite the absence of crown transpiration during the dormant season, sap flow was detected in lateral roots and tap‐roots of P. velutina. Reverse flow (away from the stem) in the lateral root and positive flow (towards the stem) in the tap‐root was observed in one tree, indicating the presence of hydraulic lift. Conversely, reverse flow in the tap‐root and positive flow in the lateral root was observed in the second tree, indicating hydraulic descent.

Hydraulic descent was induced in the roots of the former tree by wetting the rooting zone in the upper 70 cm of the soil surface with 50 mm of irrigation.

Patterns and rates of nocturnal sap flow in roots of a third tree measured during the growing season were similar to those observed during the dormant season. Nocturnal reverse flow in the lateral root and positive flow in the tap‐root was observed prior to the onset of the summer monsoon. Hydraulic descent commenced immediately following the first large monsoon rain event, and continued after subsequent rain events. After adjusting for differences in sapwood area, maximum diurnal rates of hydraulic descent in the tap‐roots of trees instrumented during the dormant season were 73 and 69% of the maximum night‐time rate of hydraulic descent observed during the growing season.

Despite very limited potential for direct infiltration, volumetric soil moisture content in deep soil layers (1·5–9·5 m) increased 2–8% by the end of the monsoon (late September), indicating that plant roots were redistributing non‐trivial amounts of water to deep soil layers.

Roots of P. velutina apparently redistribute significant amounts of soil water during the growing season, but also during periods of crown dormancy in winter. In arid regions dormant‐season hydraulic descent may buffer plants from water and nutrient deficits during initial stages of the growing season by transferring soil water derived from winter precipitation to deep soil layers and away from zones of evaporation in surface layers and shallow‐rooted herbaceous plants.
Mites attack males of the sexually polymorphic tree Acer opalus more harmfully and more often
Authors: VERDÚ M. , GARCÍA‐FAYOS P. , GLEISER G.
Published: July 2004

Theory predicts that plants that achieve fitness more through male function may be less tolerant of herbivory than those that achieve fitness through the female function. We tested this hypothesis by measuring the degree of infection and damage inflicted by the gall‐forming eriophyid mite Aceria macrorhynchus on three different sexual morphs (males, protandrous bisexuals and protogynous bisexuals) of the Mediterranean tree Acer opalus.

The dependence of each morph on male function, estimated by registering gender changes over 5 years and quantifying male function, decreased in the order males, protandrous, protogynous.

The same decreasing order was found in the degree of gall infection produced by the mite, and in the reduction of photosynthetic rates and shoot growth, but not in the carbon‐isotope discrimination caused by the mites.

Mites attack the morphs of A. opalus that rely more on the male function more often and more harmfully than they do other morphs. Male‐biased herbivory is a selective force that could have been driving the separation of sexes in the genus Acer.
Music Lessons Enhance IQ
Authors: Schellenberg E. Glenn
Published: July 2004

The idea that music makes you smarter has received considerable attention from scholars and the media. The present report is the first to test this hypothesis directly with random assignment of a large sample of children (N = 144) to two different types of music lessons (keyboard or voice) or to control groups that received drama lessons or no lessons. IQ was measured before and after the lessons. Compared with children in the control groups, children in the music groups exhibited greater increases in full-scale IQ. The effect was relatively small, but it generalized across IQ subtests, index scores, and a standardized measure of academic achievement. Unexpectedly, children in the drama group exhibited substantial pre- to post-test improvements in adaptive social behavior that were not evident in the music groups.
Mechanisms of Belief-Desire Reasoning
Authors: Friedman Ori , Leslie Alan M.
Published: July 2004

Biases in reasoning can provide insight into underlying processing mechanisms. We demonstrate a new bias in children's belief-desire reasoning. Children between 4 and 8 years of age were told a story in which a character was mistaken about which of three boxes contained some object. The character wanted to go to one of the boxes, but only if it did not contain the object. In this scenario, the character would be expected to avoid the box where she falsely believed the object to be, but might go to either of the remaining boxes. Though the character was equally likely to go to either box, children were biased to predict that the character would go to the box that contained the object. In a control task, the character had the same desire but did not have a false belief; in this case, children showed no bias, choosing the two correct answers equally often. The observed pattern of bias was predicted by a developmental model of belief-desire reasoning. Competent belief-desire reasoning depends on a process of selection by inhibition in which the best belief content emerges from a set of candidates.
Transcription of a lepidopteran cytochrome P450 promoter is modulated by multiple elements in its 5′ UTR and repressed by 20‐hydroxyecdysone
Authors: Petersen Brown R. , Berenbaum M. R. , Schuler M. A.
Published: July 2004

The biochemical response to the phytochemical xanthotoxin encountered in the diet of black swallowtail larvae is the induction of P450s capable of detoxifying this and other toxic furanocoumarins. As the xenobiotic response element to xanthotoxin (XRE‐xan) is necessary but not sufficient for transcription of the CYP6B1v3 gene in Sf9 cells, sequences upstream of it, such as a putative EcRE, and downstream of it, such as a putative C/EBP binding site and Inr, have been tested for their roles in regulation. Mutation of the putative EcRE has indicated that it affects basal transcription of this promoter but not repression by 20‐hydroxyecdysone. Mutation of the more proximal promoter sequence, including the C/EBP and Inr, have indicated that many core promoter elements between the TATA box and translation start site modulate basal and xanthotoxin‐inducible expression of this composite promoter.
Storage and secretion of the peritrophic matrix protein Ag‐Aper1 and trypsin in the midgut of Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Devenport M. , Fujioka H. , Jacobs‐Lorena M.
Published: July 2004

The gene Ag‐Aper1 encodes a peritrophic matrix (PM) protein from the mosquito Anopheles gambiae. Ag‐Aper1 gene expression and protein localization in the mosquito midgut were studied during the course of a blood meal. Ag‐Aper1 mRNA abundance does not change appreciably during the course of blood ingestion and digestion. Prior to a blood meal, the protein is stored in secretory vesicles of midgut epithelial cells. Moreover, Ag‐Aper1 colocalizes to the same secretory vesicles as trypsin, indicating that these proteins use a common secretory pathway. Blood feeding triggers the secretion of vesicle contents into the midgut lumen, after which Ag‐Aper1 is incorporated into the PM. Newly synthesized Ag‐Aper1 protein was again detected within the midgut epithelial cells at 60 h after blood ingestion.
Variation in an intron sequence of the voltage‐gated sodium channel gene correlates with genetic differentiation between Anopheles gambiae s.s. molecular forms
Authors: Gentile G. , Santolamazza F. , Fanello C. , Petrarca V. , Caccone A. , Della Torre A.
Published: July 2004

We present the results of a geographical survey of genetic variation in Anopheles gambiae M and S molecular forms from ten African countries at Intron I of the voltage‐gated sodium channel gene. We found two major haplotypes separated by a single mutational step, which cosegregate almost completely with the rDNA sites that identify M and S, consistent with previous estimates of strong reductions of gene flow between the two forms. We also report ten additional haplotypes stemming from the two major haplotypes, mostly present in single localities. The low levels of genetic variation found in this intronic region are discussed in light of a possible selective sweep. These findings offer additional elements to the ongoing debate on the amount of genetic differentiation and isolation between the two molecular forms and on their taxonomic status.
Genetic mapping of genes conferring permethrin resistance in the malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Ranson H. , Paton M. G. , Jensen B. , McCarroll L. , Vaughan A. , Hogan J. R. , Hemingway J. , Collins F. H.
Published: July 2004

Resistance to permethrin in an East African population of the major malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae is multifactorial. A mutated sodium channel allele and enhanced insecticide metabolism contribute to the resistance phenotype. We used microsatellite markers to scan the genome for quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with permethrin resistance. Two major and one minor QTL were identified. The first QTL, rtp1, colocalizes with the sodium channel gene on chromosome 2L thus further supporting the importance of mutations in this gene in conferring permethrin resistance. The second two loci are located on the third chromosome and one of these, rtp2, flanks a large cluster of cytochrome P450 genes. Further detailed mapping of these regions will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms of metabolic resistance to insecticides.
Identification and molecular characterization of two immune‐responsive chitinase‐like proteins from Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Shi L. , Paskewitz S. M.
Published: July 2004

Two haemolymph proteins that are processed rapidly and specifically in response to exposure to bacteria have been identified from Anopheles gambiae. Both proteins, Anopheles gambiae bacteria‐responsive 1 (AgBR1) and AgBR2, are similar to chitinases but belong to a family of proteins that have lost chitinolytic activity. AgBR1 and AgBR2 are converted to smaller forms in vivo or in vitro on exposure to bacteria, and AgBR2 also can be processed on exposure to peptidoglycan alone. AgBR1 and AgBR2 do not bind to bacteria or chitin beads. The AgBR1 and AgBR2 genes are expressed in all developmental stages. In adults, AgBR1 expression is restricted to the fat body, whereas AgBR2 is expressed in many tissues.
Baculovirus and dsRNA induce Hemolin, but no antibacterial activity, in Antheraea pernyi
Authors: Hirai M. , Terenius O. , Li W. , Faye I.
Published: July 2004

Hemolin is one of the haemolymph proteins most strongly induced upon bacterial infection in Lepidoptera. When we applied RNA interference (RNAi) to suppress Hemolin expression in the Chinese oak silk moth Antheraea pernyi, we discovered that Hemolin is induced by double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) per se. As dsRNA is recognized as a virus pattern molecule, we then investigated the effect of a baculovirus (ApNPV) infection. We found that Hemolin is induced and expressed with similar kinetics as upon dsRNA injection. Notably, no Attacin gene expression or antibacterial activity was recorded. When baculovirus and high amounts of dsRNA were coinjected, the viral symptoms appeared earlier with Hemolin dsRNA than with GFP dsRNA. This indicates that silencing of hemolin affected the progress of the viral infection.
Molecular discrimination of Wolbachia in the Culex pipiens complex: evidence for variable bacteriophage hyperparasitism
Authors: Sanogo Y. O. , Dobson S. L.
Published: July 2004

The medically important members of the Culex pipiens species complex provide an enigma for systematists, evolutionary biologists, and vector biologists. The species complex is composed of forms that differ in their ecology, behaviour, physiology and vector competence. Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) caused by endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria is thought to play an important role in restricting gene flow and the evolution of the Culex complex. Here we describe the first molecular marker useful for discriminating between Wolbachia infections in Culex. A putative bacteriophage locus (orf7) varies between Culex forms in copy number and sequence. We provide evidence that the orf7 loci are strictly associated with Wolbachia and are maternally inherited.
Molecular cloning and expression patterns of the molt‐regulating transcription factor HHR3 from Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Zhao X.‐F. , Wang J.‐X. , Xu X.‐L. , Li Z.‐M. , Kang C.‐J.
Published: July 2004

Molt‐regulating transcription factors, hormone receptor 3 (HR3), play important roles in regulating expression of tissue‐specific genes involved in insect molting and metamorphosis. A 1668 bp cDNA encoding a molt‐regulating transcription factor (HHR3) was cloned from Helicoverpa armigera, which encodes a protein made up of 556 amino acids. This 62 kDa protein was found to have an isoelectric point (pI) of 6.52. There was no signal peptide or N‐glycosylation site found in this cDNA. A DNA‐binding region signature of nuclear hormone receptor was found from amino acids 107–133. A possible outside to inside transmembrane helice was found from amino acids 72–90. Northern blots of the larvae revealed five bands of HHR3 named as band 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 with molecular masses determined as 2.1, 2.6, 3.6, 4.5 and 5.5 kb, respectively. The expression patterns of HHR3 in vivo were variable with developmental stages and tissues. Results showed that band 1–4 of HHR3 was only briefly expressed during molting, which suggested these bands are involved in the regulation of molting cascade, whereas band 0 was expressed in both molting and feeding larvae. Band 1 and 2 of HHR3 could be induced from epidermis of newly molted 6th instar larvae by non‐steroidal ecdysone agonist, RH‐2485.
Population structure of the beetle pests Phyllodecta vulgatissima and P. vitellinae on UK willow plantations
Authors: Batley J. , Edwards K. J. , Barker J. H. A. , Dawson K. J. , Wiltshire C. W. , Glen D. M. , Karp A.
Published: July 2004

Phyllodecta (=Phratora) vulgatissima and P. vitellinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) are important pests of willows and poplars. Their differences in host species preference may provide a non‐chemical control strategy for pest control. However, little is known about population structure with respect to hosts, regions or seasons. Using five microsatellites, 850 P. vulgatissima and 1100 P. vitellinae individuals, comprising 17 and 22 UK samples, respectively, were genotyped. High diversity was observed at all loci. Migrant numbers exchanged per generation (Nm) were high (2.1–12.6 for P. vulgatissima and 0.9–12.2 for P. vitellinae), suggesting high genetic exchange between samples. Estimates of population differentiation (FST) and analyses of the data using Bayesian methods (Partition and Structure) showed little evidence of subdivision in relation to geography, sampling time or host.
Use of a PCR‐based approach for sequencing whole mitochondrial genomes of insects: two examples (cockroach and dragonfly) based on the method developed for decapod crustaceans
Authors: Yamauchi M. M. , Miya M. U. , Nishida M.
Published: July 2004

Recent development of a PCR‐based approach for sequencing vertebrate mitochondrial genomes has attracted much attention as being more rapid and economical than traditional methods using cloned mtDNA and primer walking. Such a method has not been available for insect mitochondrial genomes, despite widespread use of them for the molecular phylogenetic, biogeographical and population genetic markers. A recently developed PCR‐based approach for sequencing whole mitochondrial genomes of decapod crustaceans, which included the design of many versatile PCR primers for the latter, was applied with the same primers sets to mitochondrial genomes of two insects, smokybrown cockroach Periplaneta fuliginosa (Serville, 1839) and skimmer dragonfly Orthetrum triangulare melania (Selys, 1883). Almost the entire region of the two mitochondrial genomes was successfully sequenced. Features of the two mitochondrial genomes are described and the usefulness of this PCR‐based approach for sequencing insect mitochondrial genomes demonstrated.
Serum amino acids in patients with mutations in the hepatocyte nuclear factor‐1 alpha gene
Authors: Stride A. , Pearson E. R. , Brown A. , Gooding K. , Castleden H. A. J. , Hattersley A. T.
Published: July 2004

Aims  Knockout mice lacking both copies of the hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 (HNF1) gene have altered serum levels of amino acids and generalized aminoaciduria. The aim of our study was to test whether alterations in serum amino acid levels were found in patients with mutations in the hepatocyte nuclear factor‐1 alpha (HNF‐1α) gene compared with controls.

Methods  Fasting serum from 20 patients with HNF‐1α mutations and 20 age, sex and body mass index‐matched controls was analysed for 16 amino acids. Means were compared between the two groups and Z scores calculated.

Results  There was no significant difference between patients with HNF‐1α mutations and controls in serum levels of phenylalanine, arginine, citrulline or lysine as suggested by knockout mice models. Although serum levels of eight amino acids were different in the two groups, these were not significant after Bonferroni correction.

Conclusions  The alterations in serum amino acid levels seen in mice models are not seen in patients with mutations in the HNF‐1α gene. This suggests differences in mouse and man in the regulation of amino acid transport and has not provided us with a phenotypic marker to use before confirmatory genetic testing.
Reduced forearm reactive hyperaemia in normoalbuminuric subjects with Type 1 diabetes and retinopathy
Authors: Gibney J. , Turner B. , Weis U. , Meeking D. R. , Cansfield J. , Watts G. F. , Shaw K. M. , Cummings M. H.
Published: July 2004

Aim  To determine whether the forearm vasodilatory response to reactive hyperaemia (RH) is reduced in normoalbuminuric subjects with Type 1 diabetes mellitus and retinopathy compared with subjects with no retinopathy.

Methods  Forearm RH, an indicator of endothelial function, was measured, using strain‐gauge plethysmography, in 39 normoalbuminuric subjects (22 with retinopathy) with long‐standing Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Results were evaluated in relation to conventional risk factors for atherosclerosis, and C‐reactive protein (CRP), which we have recently determined to be an independent correlate of forearm RH.

Results  Forearm RH was decreased in subjects with retinopathy compared with those with no retinopathy (219 ± 182 vs. 473 ± 355, P < 0.01). Both retinopathy and CRP proved to be independent and negative predictors, and explain 27% of the variance, in forearm RH.

Conclusion  Retinopathy in subjects with Type 1 diabetes mellitus may reflect a generalized process of endothelial dysfunction, even in the absence of microalbuminuria.
Electrical stimulation therapy through stocking electrodes for painful diabetic neuropathy: a double blind, controlled crossover study
Authors: Oyibo S. O. , Breislin K. , Boulton A. J. M.
Published: July 2004

Aims  Peripheral neuropathy affects more than a third of diabetic patients, of whom a significant minority will have disabling symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of pulsed‐dose electrical stimulation (through stocking electrodes) in the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy.

Methods  Thirty patients with painful diabetic neuropathy were consecutively randomised to wear silver‐plated nylon‐dacron stocking electrodes for 8 h a night for 6 weeks (pulsed electric current of 50 micro amps delivered by a microcomputer). The control, identical stockings received an insignificant current (5 micro amps). Pre‐treatment, weekly and end‐of‐treatment pain and sleep disturbance scores were recorded.

Results  Fourteen patients completed the study (the 16 non‐completers withdrew during the first phase). Mean (± sd) age: 57.5 ± 10.5 years; HbA1c: 8.3 ± 1.4%; median (IQR) duration of diabetes: 14.5 (7.6–19.3) years; duration of neuropathy: 4 (3–7) years. Active treatment and control produced similar reductions in pain scores [median (IQR): 40.1 (4.7–97.7)% vs. 49.2 (0.2–91.1)%, P = 0.70] and sleep disturbance scores [median (IQR): 31.1 (−4.6 to 85.4)% vs. 42.6 (−16.2 to 91.1)%, P = 0.70]. Non‐completers (seven on active treatment, nine on control) withdrew for similar reasons (inconvenience, exacerbation of symptoms, dermatitis).

Conclusions  There is no evidence from these results that this treatment is more effective than control in the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy.

Diabet. Med. (2004)
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of diabetic ketoacidosis in Pakistani adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Jabbar A. , Farooqui K. , Habib A. , Islam N. , Haque N. , Akhter J.
Published: July 2004

Aims  The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in Pakistani adult population with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods  We reviewed the medical records of all adult patients admitted with a diagnosis of DKA and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and followed their clinical course and outcome. Follow‐up data were obtained by chart review or telephone contact where necessary.

Results  Fifty‐seven patients fulfilled criteria for inclusion in the study. Their mean age was 48 ± 7 years. The mean body mass index was 25.5 ± 6.2 kg/m2. Forty‐nine had a prior history of Type 2 DM but DKA was the initial presentation in 14%. Nine were on no treatment, 40 were using oral hypoglycaemic agents and eight were on insulin. A history of prior DKA was noted in eight patients. Infections were the most common precipitating factor (63%). There were 12 deaths. Follow‐up after a period ranging between 12 and 43 months revealed that 30/45 patients remained on OHA without recurrence of DKA.

Conclusion  This report highlights the need for the growing recognition of DKA occurring in adults with Type 2 DM in the South Asian population. Mortality rates are unacceptably high but the majority of survivors remain insulin independent.