bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of allergic airway eosinophilia by dietary raffinose in Brown Norway rats
Authors: Watanabe Hiroshi , Sonoyama Kei , Watanabe Jun , Yamaguchi Natsu , Kikuchi Hiroto , Nagura Taizo , Aritsuka Tsutomu , Fukumoto Kyoko , Kasai Takanori
Published: August 2004

Oral administration of raffinose, a naturally occurring indigestible oligosaccharide, has reportedly ameliorated atopic dermatitis in human subjects although the mechanism is unknown. The present study investigated the effect of dietary raffinose on allergen-induced airway eosinophilia in ovalbumin-sensitised Brown Norway rats as an atopic disease model. Brown Norway rats were immunised by subcutaneous injection with ovalbumin on day 0 and fed either a control diet or the diet supplemented with raffinose (50 g/kg diet). The rats were exposed to aerosolised ovalbumin on day 20, and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid was obtained on the next day. The number of eosinophils in the fluid was significantly lower in the rats fed the raffinose diet than in those fed the control diet. Dietary raffinose significantly reduced IL-4 and IL-5 mRNA levels in lung tissue and tended to lower ovalbumin-specific Ig E levels. Suppression of eosinophilia by dietary raffinose was still observed in caecectomised and neomycin-administered rats, suggesting little contribution by the colonic bacteria to the effect of raffinose. Intraperitoneal administration of raffinose also suppressed eosinophilia. Significant concentrations of raffinose were detected in portal venous and abdominal arterial plasma after the intragastric administration of raffinose. Overall, the findings suggest that dietary raffinose ameliorates allergic airway eosinophilia at least partly via post-absorptive mechanisms in Brown Norway rats.
The ability of laying hens to regulate phosphorus intake when offered two feeds containing different levels of phosphorus
Authors: Barkley G. R. , Miller H. M. , Forbes J. M.
Published: August 2004

The ability of laying hens to adjust their intake of available P (AP) was investigated with a maize–soyabean diet fed to forty-eight individually caged birds in a 2×4 factorial experiment. From 19 to 25 weeks of age (phase 1) twenty-four birds were fed a normal-P (NP) diet (2·2 g AP/kg DM) and twenty-four were fed a low-P (LP) diet (1·1 g AP/kg). LP eggs were lighter (51 v. 54 (sem 1·0) g; P>0·05), providing evidence that the LP diet was deficient in AP. From 25 to 28 weeks of age six hens from each phase 1 treatment were fed either the NP or LP diet alone or a choice of the LP and NP feeds or a choice of the LP feed and a phytase-supplemented (PP) feed (LP diet with 400 microbial phytase units/kg). With a choice of the NP and LP feeds, the hens fed the LP diet in phase 1 ate a smaller proportion of the LP feed (34 (sem 12·0)%) than the hens fed the NP diet in phase 1 (72 (sem 12·0)%; P>0·05), showing that P deficiency influenced subsequent selection for AP, i.e. an appetite for P was demonstrated. In those birds offered the LP and PP feeds, the presence of phytase in one of the two feeds significantly alleviated the effect of P deficiency on egg and body weights. The proportion of the LP diet chosen was not significantly affected by phase 1 treatment; it was not necessary for the hens to eat more than 50% of PP feed.
Distribution of α-tocopherol stereoisomers in liver and thigh of chickens
Authors: Cortinas Lucia , Barroeta Ana , Galobart Jaume , Jensen Søren K.
Published: August 2004

The effect of supplementation with different levels ofall-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate and the inclusion of different dietary contents of PUFA on the deposition of α-tocopherol stereoisomers in liver and thigh of chickens was evaluated. Ninety-six 1-d-old Ross female broiler chickens were randomly distributed into eight experimental treatments (three replicates each) resulting from four levels of α-tocopheryl acetate without supplementation and supplemented with 100, 200 and 400 mg α-tocopheryl acetate/kg and two levels of dietary PUFA (15 and 61 g/kg). The feeds supplemented with α-tocopheryl acetate contained a similar proportion of each stereoisomer. The diets without α-tocopheryl acetate had the following α-tocopherol stereoisomers (%):RRR35·1,RRS24·5,RSR25·3,RSS13·9 and total 2Sforms 1·3. Consumption of different levels of α-tocopheryl acetate did not lead to statistical differences in α-tocopherol stereoisomer proportion in the liver and thigh. In general, the stereoisomer profiles in the tissues studied were similar, responding to the stereoisomer profile of the diet. Both tissues preferentially accumulated 2Rstereoisomer (69–100%). However, when α-tocopheryl acetate was used the discrimination was not specific for theRRRα-tocopherol form. Furthermore, the 2R:2Sratio had a tendency to increase as the polyunsaturation level of the diet increased.
Effects of β-carotene on cell viability and antioxidant status of hepatocytes from chronically ethanol-fed rats
Authors: Yang Suh-Ching , Huang Chi-Chang , Chu Jan-Show , Chen Jiun-Rong
Published: August 2004

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of β-carotene on the cell viability and antioxidant status of hepatocytes from chronically ethanol-fed rats. Rats in the ethanol group were given an ethanol-containing liquid diet that provided 36% of total energy as ethanol, while rats in the control group were fed an isoenergetic diet without ethanol. After 4 weeks, hepatocytes were taken out and cultured for 24 h. Hepatocytes from the rats in the control and ethanol groups were cultured in medium without (HC, HE) or with β-carotene (HC+B, HE+B). The results showed that lactate dehydrogenase leakage was significantly increased in the HE compared with that in the HC group. However, lactate dehydrogenase leakage of the HE+B group was similar to that of the HC group. When compared with the HC group, activities of glutathione peroxidase and catalase in the HE group were significantly decreased by 54 and 31%, respectively. Catalase activity in the HE+B group was significantly increased by 61% compared with that in the HE group. However, activities of glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase showed no difference among the groups. The level of glutathione in the HC+B and HE+B groups was significantly increased to 155 and 143% compared with those in the HC and HE groups, respectively. The concentration of lipid peroxides showed no difference among the groups. The present results demonstrate that β-carotene improved the cell viability of hepatocytes, and increased catalase activities and glutathione levels in hepatocytes from chronically ethanol-fed rats.
Prospective evaluation of lactose malabsorption by lactose hydrogen breath test in individuals infected with and passing cystsEntamoeba histolytica
Authors: Rana Satya Vati , Bhasin Deepak Kumar , Vinayak Virender Kumar
Published: August 2004

The aim of the present prospective study was to detect lactose malabsorption in subjects in northern India infected with Entamoeba histolytica and passing cysts. The study group included forty-one patients with E. histolytica cysts in at least one of three consecutive faecal samples. Lactose malabsorption was detected by a lactose H2 breath test. The results were compared with those of forty controls subjects. Thirty-two of forty-one (78·0%) subjects passing E. histolytica cysts had lactose malabsorbtion compared with seventeen of forty (42·5%) control subjects (P>0·01). In conclusion, the present study shows that lactose malabsorption is significantly more common in individuals infected with E. histolytica and passing cysts compared with control subjects.
Effects of peroxidation products in thermoxidised dietary oil in female rats during rearing, pregnancy and lactation on their reproductive performance and the antioxidative status of their offspring
Authors: Brandsch Corinna , Eder Klaus
Published: August 2004

The present study was performed to investigate whether lipid peroxidation products in thermoxidised dietary oil fed during rearing, pregnancy and lactation influences the reproductive performance of female rats and the antioxidant status of their offspring. Twenty-four female rats were divided into two groups at 4 weeks of age. They were fed diets containing fresh or oxidised oil (the latter prepared by heating at a temperature of 50°C for 16 d) for 14 weeks. At the age of 12 weeks female rats were mated. The number of total pups and pups born alive was not different between both groups. However, individual pups and litters of dams fed oxidised oil were lighter at birth and gained less weight during the suckling period than those of dams fed fresh oil (P>0·05). Pups of dams fed oxidised oil contained less protein and more fat in their carcasses than those of dams fed fresh oil (P>0·05). The milk of dams fed oxidised oil had a lower concentration of triacylglycerols and a lower energy content than that of dams fed the fresh oil (P>0·05). The pups of dams fed oxidised oil had higher concentrations of lipid peroxidation products in the liver at birth and day 19 of lactation than those of dams fed fresh oil (P>0·05). In conclusion, the present study shows that feeding oxidised oil with a high concentration of lipid peroxidation products to female rats during rearing, pregnancy and lactation influences the development and antioxidant status of fetus and suckling pups.
Greek Orthodox fasting rituals: a hidden characteristic of the Mediterranean diet of Crete
Authors: Sarri Katerina O. , Linardakis Manolis K. , Bervanaki Frosso N. , Tzanakis Nikolaos E. , Kafatos Anthony G.
Published: August 2004

The longevity and excellent health status of the population of Crete has been attributed to its lifestyle and dietary habits. The impact of Greek Orthodox Christian Church fasting on these dietary habits has never been studied. One hundred and twenty Greek Orthodox Christians living in Crete participated in a 1-year prospective study. One half of the subjects, who fasted regularly (fasters), and sixty non-faster controls were followed longitudinally for the three main fasting periods over 1 year; Christmas (40 d), Lent (48 d) and the Assumption (15 d). Pre- and end-holy days measurements were performed in each fasting period including: 24 h dietary recall, blood collection and anthropometric measurements. Based on the 24 h recall, fasters as compared with controls had lower intakes of end-holy days dietary cholesterol, total fat, saturated fatty acids,trans-fatty acids and protein (P>0·001). Fasters presented a decrease of 753 kJ (180 kcal) in end-holy days energy intake (P>0·05) compared with an increase of 573 kJ (137 kcal) in the controls (P>0·05). Fasters had a decrease in end-holy days Ca intake (P>0·001) and an increase in end-holy days total dietary fibre (P>0·001) and folate (P>0·05), attributed to their higher consumption of fruit and vegetables in end-holy periods (P>0·001). There were no differences for other vitamins or minerals between pre- and end-holy periods in both groups except for vitamin B2. The Orthodox Christian dietary regulations are an important component of the Mediterranean diet of Crete characterised by low levels of dietary saturated fatty acids, high levels of fibre and folate, and a high consumption of fruit, vegetables and legumes.
The PEN1 Syntaxin Defines a Novel Cellular Compartment upon Fungal Attack and Is Required for the Timely Assembly of Papillae
Authors: Assaad Farhah F. , Qiu Jin-Long , Youngs Heather , Ehrhardt David , Zimmerli Laurent , Kalde Monika , Wanner Gehard , Peck Scott C. , Edwards Herb , Ramonell Katrina , Somerville Chris R. , Thordal-Christensen Hans
Published: September 2004

Attack by the host powdery mildew Erysiphe cichoracearum usually results in successful penetration and rapid proliferation of the fungus on Arabidopsis. By contrast, the nonhost barley powdery mildew Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei (Bgh) typically fails to penetrate Arabidopsis epidermal cells. In both instances the plant secretes cell wall appositions or papillae beneath the penetration peg of the fungus. Genetic screens for mutations that result in increased penetration of Bgh on Arabidopsis have recently identified the PEN1 syntaxin. Here we examine the role of PEN1 and of its closest homologue, SYP122, identified as a syntaxin whose expression is responsive to infection. pen1 syp122 double mutants are both dwarfed and necrotic, suggesting that the two syntaxins have overlapping functions. Although syp122-1 and the cell wall mur mutants have considerably more pronounced primary cell wall defects than pen1 mutants, these have relatively subtle or no effects on penetration resistance. Upon fungal attack, PEN1 appears to be actively recruited to papillae, and there is a 2-h delay in papillae formation in the pen1-1 mutant. We conclude that SYP122 may have a general function in secretion, including a role in cell wall deposition. By contrast, PEN1 appears to have a basal function in secretion and a specialized defense-related function, being required for the polarized secretion events that give rise to papilla formation.
HapBlock: haplotype block partitioning and tag SNP selection software using a set of dynamic programming algorithms
Authors: Zhang Kui , Qin Zhaohui , Chen Ting , Liu Jun S. , Waterman Michael S. , Sun Fengzhu
Published: August 2004

Summary: Recent studies have revealed that linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns vary across the human genome with some regions of high LD interspersed with regions of low LD. Such LD patterns make it possible to select a set of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs; tag SNPs) for genome-wide association studies. We have developed a suite of computer programs to analyze the block-like LD patterns and to select the corresponding tag SNPs. Compared to other programs for haplotype block partitioning and tag SNP selection, our program has several notable features. First, the dynamic programming algorithms implemented are guaranteed to find the block partition with minimum number of tag SNPs for the given criteria of blocks and tag SNPs. Second, both haplotype data and genotype data from unrelated individuals and/or from general pedigrees can be analyzed. Third, several existing measures/criteria for haplotype block partitioning and tag SNP selection have been implemented in the program. Finally, the programs provide flexibility to include specific SNPs (e.g. non-synonymous SNPs) as tag SNPs.

Availability: The HapBlock program and its supplemental documents can be downloaded from the website http://www.cmb.usc.edu/~msms/HapBlock

Contact:  fsun@usc.edu
OntologyTraverser: an R package for GO analysis
Authors: Young A. , Whitehouse N. , Cho J. , Shaw C.
Published: August 2004

Summary: Gene Ontology (GO) annotations have become a major tool for analysis of genome-scale experiments. We have created OntologyTraverser—an R package for GO analysis of gene lists. Our system is a major advance over previous work because (1) the system can be installed as an R package, (2) the system uses Java to instantiate the GO structure and the SJava system to integrate R and Java and (3) the system is also deployed as a publicly available web tool.

Availability: Our software is academically available through http://franklin.imgen.bcm.tmc.edu/OntologyTraverser/. Both the R package and the web tool are accessible.

Contact:  cashaw@bcm.tmc.edu
A new algorithm for detecting low-complexity regions in protein sequences
Authors: Shin Sung W. , Kim Sam M.
Published: August 2004

Motivation: Pair-wise alignment of protein sequences and local similarity searches produce many false positives because of compositionally biased regions, also called low-complexity regions (LCRs), of amino acid residues. Masking and filtering such regions significantly improves the reliability of homology searches and, consequently, functional predictions. Most of the available algorithms are based on a statistical approach. We wished to investigate the structural properties of LCRs in biological sequences and develop an algorithm for filtering them.

Results: We present an algorithm for detecting and masking LCRs in protein sequences to improve the quality of database searches. We developed the algorithm based on the complexity analysis of subsequences delimited by a pair of identical, repeating subsequences. Given a protein sequence, the algorithm first computes the suffix tree of the sequence. It then collects repeating subsequences from the tree. Finally, the algorithm iteratively tests whether each subsequence delimited by a pair of repeating subsequences meets a given criteria. Test results with 1000 proteins from 20 families in Pfam show that the repeating subsequences are a good indicator for the low-complexity regions, and the algorithm based on such structural information strongly compete with others.

Availability:  http://bioinfo.knu.ac.kr/research/CARD/

Contact:  swshin@bioinfo.knu.ac.kr
Recombination Analysis Tool (RAT): a program for the high-throughput detection of recombination
Authors: Etherington Graham J. , Dicks Jo , Roberts Ian N.
Published: August 2004

Motivation: Recombination can be a prevailing drive in shaping genome evolution. RAT (Recombination Analysis Tool) is a Java-based tool for investigating recombination events in any number of aligned sequences (protein or DNA) of any length (short viral sequences to full genomes). It is an uncomplicated and intuitive application and allows the user to view only the regions of sequence alignments they are interested in.

Results: RAT was applied to viral sequences. Its utility was demonstrated through the detection of a known recombinant of HIV and a detailed analysis of Noroviruses, the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in humans.

Availability: RAT, along with a user's guide, is freely available from http://jic-bioinfo.bbsrc.ac.uk/bioinformatics-research/staff/graham_etherington/RAT.htm

Contact:  Graham.Etherington@bbsrc.ac.uk
Dual-genome primer design for construction of DNA microarrays
Authors: Andersson Anders , Bernander Rolf , Nilsson Peter
Published: August 2004

Motivation: Microarray experiments using probes covering a whole transcriptome are expensive to initiate, and a major part of the costs derives from synthesizing gene-specific PCR primers or hybridization probes. The high costs may force researchers to limit their studies to a single organism, although comparing gene expression in different species would yield valuable information.

Results: We have developed a method, implemented in the software DualPrime, that reduces the number of primers required to amplify the genes of two different genomes. The software identifies regions of high sequence similarity, and from these regions selects PCR primers shared between the genomes, such that either one or, preferentially, both primers in a given PCR can be used for amplification from both genomes. To assure high microarray probe specificity, the software selects primer pairs that generate products of low sequence similarity to other genes within the same genome. We used the software to design PCR primers for 2182 and 1960 genes from the hyperthermophilic archaea Sulfolobus solfataricus and Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, respectively. Primer pairs were shared among 705 pairs of genes, and single primers were shared among 1184 pairs of genes, resulting in a saving of 31% compared to using only unique primers. We also present an alternative primer design method, in which each gene shares primers with two different genes of the other genome, enabling further savings.

3. Availability: The software is freely available at http://www.biotech.kth.se/molbio/microarray/

Contact:  anders.andersson@biotech.kth.se
Histology of Injected Autologous Fascia in the Paralyzed Canine Vocal Fold
Authors: Reijonen Petri , Leivo Ilmo , Nevalainen Timo , Rihkanen Heikki
Published: September 2004

Objective To evaluate the histology of minced and injected autologous fascia graft in the augmentation of unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Study Design Prospective study using a canine model.

Methods Nine dogs were operated. At first, a piece of fascia was harvested from fascia lata and minced into tiny chips with a scalpel. Cutting off a section of the recurrent nerve paralyzed the right vocal fold. The minced fascia‐paste (0.1 mL) was injected using a pressure syringe into the paralyzed thyroarytenoid muscle under direct laryngoscopy. Two animals were killed at 3 days, one at 10 days, three at 6 months, and three at 12 months postinjection. Each dog underwent laryngectomy and serial coronal sections of paraffin blocks from the posterior part of the vocal folds were made.

Results The dogs experienced no complications perioperatively or during follow‐up. Under microscopy, muscle of the paralyzed vocal fold was atrophied in comparison to the contralateral control. There was an acute inflammatory reaction induced by the graft. This did not exist in the specimens taken at 6 and 12 months. No extensive edema, areas of necrosis, or formation of granulomas was seen at any time. Maturation of the graft was characterized by active collagen remodeling up to 12 months. At that time the graft consisted of firm, condensed fibrous tissue. Scar formation around the graft was moderate, and the subepithelial layer of the vocal fold remained undisturbed. Each graft consisted of singular foreign bodies from the polyamide mincing plate. We cannot exclude that their presence would have had an impact on the final architecture of the graft.

Conclusion In a canine vocal fold, the free fascia graft is well tolerated and after 12 months a well‐organized, collagen rich tissue is seen on histological sections. The findings are in accordance with clinical studies applying free fascia grafts.
Human Papilloma Virus and p53 Expression in Carcinomas Associated With Sinonasal Papillomas: A Danish Epidemiological Study 1980–1998
Authors: Buchwald Christian , Lindeberg Henning , Pedersen Bodil Laub , Franzmann Maria‐Benedicte
Published: September 2004

Objectives To determine a putative role and relation between human papilloma virus (HPV) and p53 in the etiology of sinonasal carcinomas associated with papillomas.

Study Design The study group consists of all patients with sinonasal carcinomas associated with papillomas diagnosed in Denmark from 1980 to 1998. After reviewing our national pathological files, tumor tissues from 36 patients were collected, comprising 15% of the total cases of sinonasal carcinomas. In 35 cases a squamous cell carcinoma was demonstrated and in one case an adenocarcinoma was evident. Inverted papilloma was associated with carcinoma in 31 cases and exophytic papillomas in 5 cases. The material was investigated for HPV using polymerase chain reaction analyses with two sets of consensus primers (GP5+/GP6+ and MY09/MY11). The HPV‐positive cases were submitted to dot‐blot hybridization to establish the HPV type. Using immunohistochemistry, the p53 expression was determined. A p53 overexpression is defined as positive staining in 10% or more of the tumor cells.

Results Among 30 examined cases of carcinomas associated with inverted papillomas, 4 cases were HPV‐positive (13%). P53 overexpression was not shown among the HPV‐positive cases, whereas p53 overexpression was seen in 21 of the 24 (88%) examined HPV‐negative cases. Among the 5 carcinomas associated with exophytic papillomas, HPV was demonstrated together with p53 overexpression in 3 cases (60%). In addition, one case more was with p53 overexpression.

Conclusion An inverse relation between HPV and p53 overexpression in sinonasal carcinomas associated with inverted papillomas appears to have been demonstrated. HPV and p53 might also have an etiological role among the carcinomas associated with exophytic papillomas.
Changes in Subjective vs Objective Burn Scar Assessment Over Time: Does the Patient Agree With What We Think?
Authors: Martin Daniel , Umraw Nisha , Gomez Manuel , Cartotto Robert
Published: September 2004

It is not known whether objective measurements of burn scar quality reflect, or even bear any relationship to, the patient's opinion of their scar. The purpose of this study was to determine whether any correlation exists between the rehabilitation therapist's rating of the scar using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the patient's subjective opinion of their scar. A total of 37 scars in 20 adult patients (mean age, 34 ± 13 years; 30% female; mean %TBSA burn, 16 ± 11%) were evaluated at 3.1 ± 1.9 months after injury (early assessment). Patients were asked to rate their own scar (question 1) and to rate how they perceive other people view the scar (question 2). A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to score the answers to both questions. A burn occupational therapist who was blinded to the VAS scores performed a VSS rating of the scar. These evaluations were repeated 1.5 years after injury (late assessment). At the early assessment, there was no correlation between the VSS score and VAS scores for question 1 (r = .291) or question 2 (r = .371). At the late assessment, there was significant improvement in the VSS score and the VAS score for question 2. Also, a significant correlation developed between the VSS score and the VAS score for question 1 (r = .646, P = .003) but not between the VSS score and VAS score for question 2 (r = .099). The VSS measurement of the scar bears no relationship to the patient's opinion of their scar early after a burn injury. As the scar improves over time, the patient's opinion of their scar appears to improve and shows better correlation with the VSS rating. Conversely, the patient's impression of what others think of the scar continues to bear no relationship to the VSS rating, suggesting that scar acceptance by the patient is incomplete despite objective improvement in the quality of the scar. Although the VSS was never intended to measure a patient's opinion of their scar, these preliminary findings emphasize the necessity of including a patient-centered subjective component to routine scar monitoring and assessment.
Interaction-Dependent Gene Expression inMla-Specified Response to Barley Powdery Mildew[W]
Authors: Caldo Rico A. , Nettleton Dan , Wise Roger P.
Published: September 2004

Plant recognition of pathogen-derived molecules influences attack and counterattack strategies that affect the outcome of host–microbe interactions. To ascertain the global framework of host gene expression during biotrophic pathogen invasion, we analyzed in parallel the mRNA abundance of 22,792 host genes throughout 36 (genotype × pathogen × time) interactions between barley (Hordeum vulgare) and Blumeria graminis f. sp hordei (Bgh), the causal agent of powdery mildew disease. A split-split-plot design was used to investigate near-isogenic barley lines with introgressed Mla6, Mla13, and Mla1 coiled-coil, nucleotide binding site, Leu-rich repeat resistance alleles challenged with Bgh isolates 5874 (AvrMla6 and AvrMla1) and K1 (AvrMla13 and AvrMla1). A linear mixed model analysis was employed to identify genes with significant differential expression (P value < 0.0001) in incompatible and compatible barley-Bgh interactions across six time points after pathogen challenge. Twenty-two host genes, of which five were of unknown function, exhibited highly similar patterns of upregulation among all incompatible and compatible interactions up to 16 h after inoculation (hai), coinciding with germination of Bgh conidiospores and formation of appressoria. By contrast, significant divergent expression was observed from 16 to 32 hai, during membrane-to-membrane contact between fungal haustoria and host epidermal cells, with notable suppression of most transcripts identified as differentially expressed in compatible interactions. These findings provide a link between the recognition of general and specific pathogen-associated molecules in gene-for-gene specified resistance and support the hypothesis that host-specific resistance evolved from the recognition and prevention of the pathogen's suppression of plant basal defense.
Enriching the Spence and Robbins' typology of workaholism
Authors: Buelens Marc , Poelmans Steven A.Y.
Published: August 2004

This study contributes to the literature on workaholism by testing the Spence and Robbins workaholic triad; 5,853 full time workers participated in a national survey on working hours, covering a broad range of economic sectors and employment categories. Respondents were grouped eight clusters. Results show a strong similarity with those of other studies about the validity of the Spence and Robbins' typology. The same basic dimensions and the same types are identified, and similar relationships with extra‐work activities are found. In addition, a wide range of biographical, motivational and organizational data are included. One new type of workaholic was identified: the reluctant hard worker reports relatively long working hours, at a relatively low hierarchical level, with a strong perception of external pressure and a low perception of growth culture and a strong intention to leave the organization.
Employees' motivational orientation and well‐being at work
Authors: Salmela‐Aro Katariina , Nurmi Jari‐Erik
Published: August 2004

This study utilises a person‐oriented view to examine what kind of motivational orientations employees have, and how they contribute to their well‐being. Two separate studies were carried out. A total of 286 white‐collar workers employed in a public sector educational institution in a middle‐sized town in Central Finland participated in the first study (116 men and 170 women). All the participants filled in Little's Personal Project Analysis and burnout inventory, a work ability index, Beck's Depression and Diener's Satisfaction with life scales. Analysis of the results found four motivational orientations, work‐, self‐, hobby‐ and health‐orientations among the employees. The work‐orientation was related to burnout and low working ability, the self‐orientation was related to depression and burnout, and the hobby‐ and health‐orientations were related to high life‐satisfaction. Study 2, conducted among 186 IT workers replicated the main results. The results are discussed in relation to workaholism and well‐being at work.
Job involvement, obsessive‐compulsive personality traits, and workaholic behavioral tendencies
Authors: Mudrack Peter E.
Published: August 2004

Naughton proposed that workaholism may result from a combination of high job involvement with an obsessive‐compulsive personality. This study was designed specifically to elaborate upon and to explore this proposal. Both obsessive‐compulsive personality and workaholism, however, seem to be multidimensional rather than unidimensional variables, and their multidimensional nature needed clarification before the study could proceed. Obsessive‐compulsive personality consisted of six distinct traits: obstinacy, orderliness, parsimony, perseverance, rigidity, and superego. Workaholism was operationalized as having two behavioral components: tendencies both to engage in non‐required work activities, and to intrude actively on the work of others. This study predicted specifically that high job involvement coupled with high scores on the obstinacy, orderliness, rigidity, and superego traits would lead to high scores on tendencies to engage in non‐required work. These four predictions received some support in data emerging from a sample of 278 employed persons, although support was strongest for the obstinacy and superego traits. These results add to understanding of the work attitude of job involvement given its associations with some obsessive‐compulsive traits, suggest the relevance of obsessive‐compulsive personality in non‐clinical settings, and add to understanding of the phenomenon of workaholism as behavioral tendencies.
Workaholism and health
Authors: McMillan Lynley H.W. , O'Driscoll Michael P.
Published: August 2004

It is generally believed that workaholics tend to deny the existence of fatigue and push themselves beyond reason before physical complaints stop them working and lead them to seek help. However, while self‐neglect is believed to be a hallmark of workaholism, empirical data are both scant and contradictory. This study explores whether workaholics experience poorer health status than other (non‐workaholic) employees. Two groups of respondents (46 workaholics, 42 non‐workaholics) completed the workaholism battery‐revised and the rand SF‐36 at two measurement points across six months. While workaholics reported slightly poorer social functioning, role functioning and more frequent pain, they reported similar vitality, general health and psychological health to non‐workaholics. Importantly, differences between groups were small and failed to reach statistical significance. Given the substantial body of data supporting the SF‐36 and the present six‐month replication, it appears that workaholism may be less toxic to personal health and well‐being than at first thought. Implications for organisational and human resource management, including equal employment opportunities for workaholics, are discussed.
Attitudinal and demographic antecedents of workaholism
Authors: Snir Raphael , Harpaz Itzhak
Published: August 2004

Following Snir and Zohar workaholism was defined as the individual's steady and considerable allocation of time to work‐related activities and thoughts, which does not derive from external necessities. It was measured as time invested in work, with consideration of the financial needs for this investment. The effects of attitudinal and demographic variables on workaholism were examined through a representative sample of the Israeli labor force (n=942). Using independent‐samples t tests, the following findings were revealed: respondents with a high level of occupational satisfaction worked more hours per week than those with a low level of occupational satisfaction. The same can be stated of self‐employed versus salaried workers. On the other hand, people with a high level of family centrality worked few hours per week than those with a low level of family centrality. The same was revealed with people who defined an activity as work if “you do it at a certain time,” compared with those who did not define it thus. No significant difference in weekly work hours was found between respondents with a high level of leisure centrality and those with a low level of leisure centrality. A one‐way ANOVA revealed a significant effect for religiosity: secular people worked more hours per week than non‐secular people (religious and those with a loose contact with religion).
Strategic logistics decision making
Authors: Wanke Peter F. , Zinn Walter
Published: August 2004

Logisticians must make strategic level decisions in order to manage uncertainty, customer service and cost. This research explores the relationships between three strategic level decisions and selected product, operational and demand variables. The three strategic decisions are: make to order vs make to stock; push vs pull inventory deployment; and inventory centralization vs decentralization. The data used to study the relationships were collected in an international environment and analyzed with correlation analysis and logistic regression. Results suggest that the three strategic decisions are each explained by specific product, operational and demand variables.
Evaluation of geometric conservation law using pressure‐based fluid solver and moving grid technique
Authors: Kamakoti Ramji , Shyy Wei
Published: August 2004

The geometric conservation law (GCL) is an important concept for moving grid techniques because it directly regulates the treatments of the fluid flow and grid movement. With the grid movement at every time instant, the Jacobian, associated with the volume of each element in curvilinear co‐ordinates, needs to be updated in a conservative manner. In this study, alternative GCL schemes for evaluating the Jacobian have been investigated in the context of a pressure‐based Navier‐Stokes solver, utilizing moving grid and the first‐order implicit time stepping procedure as well as the PISO scheme. GCL‐based on first and second‐order, implicit as well as time‐averaged, time integration schemes were considered. Accuracy and conservative properties were tested on steady‐state, laminar flow inside a 2D channel and time dependent, turbulent flow around a 3D elastic wing; both treated with moving grid techniques. It seems that the formal order of accuracy is not a decisive indicator. Instead, the speed of grid movement and the interplay between the flow solver and the GCL treatments make a more noticeable impact.
Convective heat transfer in plane channels with in‐line mounted rectangular bars
Authors: Valencia Alvaro , Calderón Williams
Published: August 2004

Flow structure and convective heat transfer in a plane channel with in‐line mounted rectangular bars have been investigated for different bar sizes in the Reynolds number range corresponding to steady laminar flow to unsteady transitional flow. Numerical results are reported for the thermal entrance region with six in‐line mounted bars and for the case with spatially periodic mounted bars. Data for heat transfer and pressure drop are presented for 100≤Re≤1,000 and bar heights 0.24≤d/H≤0.48. The unsteady Navier‐Stokes equations and the energy equation have been solved by a finite‐volume code with staggered grids combined with SIMPLEC pressure correction. Flow and heat transfer characteristics in the different rows are strongly dependent on Re and d/H. The flow structure and temperature field around the sixth row are compared qualitatively well with those calculated with periodic boundary conditions, however, the comparison of mean Nusselt number and friction factor shows differences for high Reynolds numbers.
Qualitative issues in IT and organizational processes in implementing marketing strategies
Authors: Ranchhod Ashok , Gurãu Cãlin
Published: August 2004

Successful marketing strategies depend very much on an organisation's ability to implement them. As the role of technology grows apace in marketing, it is important to understand how IT and organizational processes impact on the implementation of marketing strategies. This paper attempts to show how technology is changing the nature of marketing and then shows its interaction with people and processes. It also offers organisations an opportunity to undertake a self‐evaluation exercise to determine how well integrated are their implementation policies. In general, the argument outlined indicates that for successful implementation of strategies an organisation has to integrate people, processes and IT.
V2C activity on a local level: qualitative cases – Tampere and Silicon Valley
Authors: Jungman Hannu , Seppä Marko
Published: August 2004

The increased capital intensity of venture capital supply and the increased knowledge intensity of new venture supply have created a knowledge gap and recreated a capital gap between new venture activity and venture capital industry. This development has given rise to an all‐new breed of players. In this descriptive, qualitative study, V2C activity is explored in a local context through comparison of cases Tampere (Finland) and Silicon Valley (USA). In Silicon Valley, the dominant group of V2C players is business angels, whereas in Tampere, publicly funded incubators play the most visible role in new venture development. Nevertheless, in both areas, five different categories of V2C players are represented, and, in both, bridge the gaps to a significant extent.
A qualitative sense‐making classification of business incubation environments
Authors: Hannon Paul D.
Published: August 2004

Business incubation is a new and fast growing industry in the UK. The environments within which incubation can take place and their descriptors as used across the industry are many and varied. The language engaged in by policy‐makers, professionals and practitioners commonly applies metaphors to convey meaning of loosely defined terms and concepts in a diverse market seeking increased clarity. Metaphors can offer a qualitative approach to sense‐making. By articulating ideas through metaphors, individuals can often expand the concepts and expressions available through language. It is asserted that it would be valuable to incubation communities to provide shared meaning to the discourse of incubation such that further confusion is minimised. This paper aims to address this challenge by proposing a classification of incubation environment types based upon a qualitative approach to understand the incubation marketplace through its language, specifically the application of metaphor.
Exposure of sheep to mosquito bites: possible consequences for the transmission risk of Rift Valley Fever in Senegal
Authors: Chevalier V. , Mondet B. , Diaite A. , Lancelot R. , Fall A. G. , PonÇon N.
Published: September 2004

Abstract. Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a growing health problem in West Africa. In northern Senegal, the candidate vectors of this arbovirosis areAedes(Aedimorphus)vexansMeigen andCulex(Culex)poicilipesTheobald (Diptera: Culicidae). Domestic ruminants are the reservoirs of the virus.A study was undertaken during the 2002 rainy season to assess spatial and temporal variations in exposure to mosquito bites in sheep herds, and to evaluate the possible consequences on the risk of RVF transmission to sheep.

Mosquitoes were collected with sheep‐baited traps. The number ofAe. vexansfemales (the predominant species during the 2002 rainy season) trapped per trap‐night was the dependent variable in statistical analyses. The trapping periods were divided into six series of two to five consecutive days, from July to November 2002. Three temporary ponds were selected according to their ecological features: depth, bank slope, size and vegetation cover. Traps were laid on the pond bank and in the nearest available compound, close to the sheep night pen. Data were analysed using mixed‐effects Poisson models. The explanatory variables were the trapping period, the pond, and the capture site.

The exposure to mosquito bites varied according to the pond type, suggesting that the risk of transmission was spatially heterogeneous. However, there was no obvious trend in transmission risk due to the effect of the distance from the compound to the pond. The period with the highest exposure was in October, i.e. when transhumant herds left the Ferlo to relocate to their dry‐season settlement. It is thus hypothesized that transhumance, the seasonal movements of herds, plays a significant role in the dissemination of RVF virus in the region.
Critical review of the vector status of Aedes albopictus
Authors: Gratz N. G.
Published: September 2004

Abstract.  The mosquito Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae), originally indigenous to South‐east Asia, islands of the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, has spread during recent decades to Africa, the mid‐east, Europe and the Americas (north and south) after extending its range eastwards across Pacific islands during the early 20th century. The majority of introductions are apparently due to transportation of dormant eggs in tyres. Among public health authorities in the newly infested countries and those threatened with the introduction, there has been much concern that Ae. albopictus would lead to serious outbreaks of arbovirus diseases (Ae. albopictus is a competent vector for at least 22 arboviruses), notably dengue (all four serotypes) more commonly transmitted by Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.). Results of many laboratory studies have shown that many arboviruses are readily transmitted by Ae. albopictus to laboratory animals and birds, and have frequently been isolated from wild‐caught mosquitoes of this species, particularly in the Americas. As Ae. albopictus continues to spread, displacing Ae. aegypti in some areas, and is anthropophilic throughout its range, it is important to review the literature and attempt to predict whether the medical risks are as great as have been expressed in scientific journals and the popular press. Examination of the extensive literature indicates that Ae. albopictus probably serves as a maintenance vector of dengue in rural areas of dengue‐endemic countries of South‐east Asia and Pacific islands. Also Ae. albopictus transmits dog heartworm Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy) (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) in South‐east Asia, south‐eastern U.S.A. and both D. immitis and Dirofilaria repens (Raillet & Henry) in Italy. Despite the frequent isolation of dengue viruses from wild‐caught mosquitoes, there is no evidence that Ae. albopictus is an important urban vector of dengue, except in a limited number of countries where Ae. aegypti is absent, i.e. parts of China, the Seychelles, historically in Japan and most recently in Hawaii. Further research is needed on the dynamics of the interaction between Ae. albopictus and other Stegomyia species. Surveillance must also be maintained on the vectorial role of Ae. albopictus in countries endemic for dengue and other arboviruses (e.g. Chikungunya, EEE, Ross River, WNV, LaCrosse and other California group viruses), for which it would be competent and ecologically suited to serve as a bridge vector.
Molecular diversity of methanotrophs in Transbaikal soda lake sediments and identification of potentially active populations by stable isotope probing
Authors: Lin Ju‐Ling , Radajewski Stefan , Eshinimaev Bulat T. , Trotsenko Yuri A. , McDonald Ian R. , Murrell J Colin
Published: September 2004

Soda lakes are an environment with an unusually high pH and often high salinity. To identify the active methanotrophs in the Soda lake sediments, sediment slurries were incubated with a 10% (v/v) 13CH4 headspace and the 13C‐labelled DNA was subsequently extracted from these sediments following CsCl density gradient centrifugation. This DNA was then used as a template for PCR amplification of 16S rRNA genes and genes encoding PmoA and MmoX of methane monooxygenase, key enzymes in the methane oxidation pathway. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA genes, PmoA and MmoX identified that strains of Methylomicrobium, Methylobacter, Methylomonas and ‘Methylothermus’ had assimilated the 13CH4. Phylogenetic analysis of PmoA sequences amplified from DNA extracted from Soda lake sediments before Stable Isotope Probing (SIP) treatment showed that a much wider diversity of both type I and type II methanotroph sequences are present in this alkaline environment. The majority of methanotroph sequences detected in the 13C‐DNA studies were from type I methanotrophs, with 50% of 16S rRNA clones and 100% of pmoA clones from both Lake Suduntuiskii Torom and Lake Gorbunka suggesting that the type I methanotrophs are probably responsible for the majority of methane oxidation in this environment.
Estimating Cost Functions of Malaysian Commercial Banks: The Differential Effects of Size, Location, and Ownership*
Authors: Okuda Hidenobu , Hashimoto Hidetoshi
Published: September 2004

Bank integration and competition policies are a core part of current financial reforms intended to strengthen the financial sector in Malaysia. This paper intends to clarify the production technology employed in Malaysian banks and indicate important policy implications for current bank consolidation policy. While it is essential to conduct a microeconomic analysis of the banking sector to appraise financial reform policy, Katib and Mathews (2000) is the only formal study in this area that uses micro level data on Malaysian banks. Our analysis expands on Katib and Mathews’ study in three aspects. Firstly, while Katib and Mathews employed Data Envelopment Analysis, we use estimation analysis based on a parametric approach. Secondly, we examine technological differences among Malaysian banks according to the size of operations, location of branches and ownership structure. Thirdly, we also explicitly incorporate the existence of hidden bad loans in estimating cost functions. According to our estimation analysis, there is a difference in production technology between large‐sized banks and small or medium‐sized banks. While economies of scale are observed for large‐sized banks, no economies of scope and technological progress are observed for any banks. The results of our analysis suggest that, while the current reform policy is basically appropriate, serious problems remain regarding bank consolidation and the lack of market competition.