bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cholesterol esterification in human monocyte‐derived macrophages is inhibited by protein kinase C with dual roles for mitogen activated protein kinases
Authors: Napolitano Mariarosaria , Avella Michael , Goode Nigel T. , Botham Kathleen M. , Bravo Elena
Published: September 2004

The possible role of protein kinase C (PKC) and mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases in the stimulation of cholesterol esterification by acetylated low density lipoprotein (acLDL) in human monocyte‐derived macrophages (HMDM) was studied. Cholesterol esterification, as assessed by the rate of incorporation of [3H]‐oleate into cholesteryl ester, was markedly higher in HMDM incubated with acLDL as compared to native LDL (nLDL). In the presence of the phorbol ester, phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA, 100 nM), however, the rate of incorporation was reduced by about 50% and 85% in incubations with nLDL and acLDL, respectively. Thus, the difference in the rate of cholesteryl esterification induced by the two types of lipoprotein was abolished by PMA, indicating that PKC activation inhibits the process, and this was confirmed by the finding that the PKC inhibitor calphostin C reversed the PMA‐induced inhibition of cholesterol esterification. Incubation of HMDM with PMA was found to cause a considerable increase in the activation of p42/44 extracellular signal‐regulated MAP kinases (ERK) and p38 MAP kinases, reaching a maximum at 30 min. In the presence of acLDL, the ERK inhibitor PD98059 decreased cholesterol esterification in HMDM by about 35%. In contrast, the p38 inhibitor SB203580 had no effect. However, when PMA was present in addition to SB203580, esterification was reduced to a level lower than that observed with PMA alone. These findings suggest that activation of ERK, but not p38, MAP kinases is involved in the induction of cholesterol esterification by acLDL in HMDM, while p38 MAP kinases may modulate the inhibitory effect of PKC, and thus provide evidence that MAP kinases play a role in the regulation of foam cell formation in human macrophages.
Role of the C‐terminal region of mouse inducible Hsp72 in the recognition of peptide substrate for chaperone activity
Authors: Ohno Michiko , Kitabatake Naofumi , Tani Fumito
Published: September 2004

Here, we produced the C‐terminal truncation variants of mouse inducible heat shock protein 72 (Hsp72) to elucidate the regulatory role of the C‐terminal helical lid of Hsp70 for substrate recognition. All of the truncation variants containing the substrate binding domain bound a short‐length peptide substrate CLLLSAPRR. When a large mass reduced carboxymethyl α‐lactalbumin (RCMLA) as a substrate was used in gel filtration experiment, we observed the complex formation only for the truncation variants containing the long α‐helix C in the helical lid. However, RCMLA binding occurred even for the variants lacking α‐helix C when their C‐terminal region was anchored onto a solid phase. Together with the finding that helix C is involved in the self‐association of Hsp70, our present data suggest that the C‐terminal region of Hsp70 modulates the substrate recognition and its kinetics may be substrate‐mass dependent.
Significance of abnormalities in developmental trajectory and asymmetry of cortical serotonin synthesis in autism
Authors: Chandana Sreenivasa R. , Behen Michael E. , Juhász Csaba , Muzik Otto , Rothermel Robert D. , Mangner Thomas J. , Chakraborty Pulak K. , Chugani Harry T. , Chugani Diane C.
Published: September 2004

The role of serotonin in prenatal and postnatal brain development is well documented in the animal literature. In earlier studies using positron emission tomography (PET) with the tracer alpha[11C]methyl‐l‐tryptophan (AMT), we reported global and focal abnormalities of serotonin synthesis in children with autism. In the present study, we measured brain serotonin synthesis in a large group of autistic children (n = 117) with AMT PET and related these neuroimaging data to handedness and language function. Cortical AMT uptake abnormalities were objectively derived from small homotopic cortical regions using a predefined cutoff asymmetry threshold (>2 S.D. of normal asymmetry). Autistic children demonstrated several patterns of abnormal cortical involvement, including right cortical, left cortical, and absence of abnormal asymmetry. Global brain values for serotonin synthesis capacity (unidirectional uptake rate constant, K‐complex) values were plotted as a function of age. K‐complex values of autistic children with asymmetry or no asymmetry in cortical AMT uptake followed different developmental patterns, compared to that of a control group of non‐autistic children. The autism groups, defined by presence or absence and side of cortical asymmetry, differed on a measure of language as well as handedness. Autistic children with left cortical AMT decreases showed a higher prevalence of severe language impairment, whereas those with right cortical decreases showed a higher prevalence of left and mixed handedness. Global as well as focal abnormally asymmetric development in the serotonergic system could lead to miswiring of the neural circuits specifying hemispheric specialization.
Maturation of cultured hippocampal slices results in increased excitability in granule cells
Authors: Lindroos Markus M. , Soini Sanna L. , Kukko‐Lukjanov Tiina‐Kaisa , Korpi Esa R. , Lovinger David , Holopainen Irma E.
Published: September 2004

The preparation of hippocampal slices results in loss of input neurons to dentate granule cells, which leads to the reorganization of their axons, the mossy fibers, and alters their functional properties in long‐term cultures, but its temporal aspects in the immature hippocampus are not known. In this study, we have focused on the early phase of this plastic reorganization process by analyzing granule cell function with field potential and whole cell recordings during the in vitro maturation of hippocampal slices (from 1 to 17 days in vitro, prepared from 6 to 7‐day‐old rats), and their morphology using extracellular biocytin labelling technique. Acute slices from postnatal 14–22‐day‐old rats were analyzed to detect any differences in the functional properties of granule cells in these two preparations. In field potential recordings, small synaptically‐evoked responses were detected at 2 days in vitro, and their amplitude increased during the culture time. Whole cell voltage clamp recordings revealed intensive spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents, and the susceptibility to stimulus‐evoked bursting increased with culture time. In acutely prepared slices, neither synaptically‐evoked responses in field potential recordings nor any bursting in whole cell recordings were detected. The excitatory activity was under the inhibitory control of γ‐aminobutyric acid type A receptor. Extracellularily applied biocytin labelled dentate granule cells, and revealed sprouting and aberrant targeting of mossy fibers in cultured slices. Our results suggest that reorganization of granule cell axons takes place during the early in vitro maturation of hippocampal slices, and contributes to their increased excitatory activity resembling that in the epileptic hippocampus. Cultured immature hippocampal slices could thus serve as an additional in vitro model to elucidate mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and cellular reactivity in response to external damage in the developing hippocampus.
The Mink Menace: The Politics of Vertebrate Pest Control
Authors: SHEAIL JOHN
Published: September 2004

The paper relates the impact of the North American mink (Mustela vison), during the first half-century of its introduction, to the wider governance of the British countryside and, more particularly the agriculture departments, the Nature Conservancy, and their respective interest-groups. Even when evidence emerged of the mink's ability to breed in the wild, the departments strove both to avoid any impairment of the fur-breeding industry and to minimise their own responsibility for controlling the feral population. Such hesitancy and delay made it even less likely that the eventual campaign to eradicate the species in the 1960s would succeed. In pursuit of greater self-reliance of industry in raising agricultural productivity, the Conservative Government of the early 1970s relinquished even the desire to use the powers and resources uniquely available to government to coordinate and effect some measure of control, for example in safeguarding ‘the unique ecology’ of the Western Isles. The paper assesses the respective roles of ministers and officials, and their ‘expert’ advisers in permitting that failure in management to occur at a time when farming took such pride in its new-found ability to effect major improvements to ‘the rural workshop’.
Screening psychischer Störungen mit dem “Gesundheitsfragebogen für Patienten (PHQ-D)“
Authors: Gräfe Kerstin , Zipfel Stephan , Herzog Wolfgang , Löwe Bernd
Published: September 2004

Zusammenfassung. Ziel dieser Studie ist die Validierung der deutschen Version des “Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-D)“. Der PHQ wurde zum praktikablen Screening psychischer Störungen für die Primärmedizin entwickelt und erfasst direkt die diagnostischen Kriterien des DSM-IV. N = 357 allgemeinmedizinische/internistische Patienten und N = 171 psychosomatische Patienten wurden mit dem PHQ-D und dem Strukturierten Klinischen Interview für DSM-IV (SKID-I) untersucht, wobei das SKID-I als diagnostischer Goldstandard diente. Ärzte und Patienten wurden zur Akzeptanz des PHQ-D befragt. Eine ausgezeichnete Kriteriumsvalidität des PHQ-D zeigte sich insbesondere bei der Diagnose der Major Depression, wo die Sensitivität für die medizinische Stichprobe bei 95% und die Spezifität bei 86% lag. Gute teststatistische Werte ergaben sich u.a. auch für die Panikstörung. Die Anwendung des PHQ-D wurde von jeweils mehr als 90% der Patienten und Ärzte gut akzeptiert. Mit dem PHQ-D liegt ein praktikables, valides und gut akzeptiertes Instrument zur Anwendung in Forschung und klinischer Praxis vor. Sein Einsatz kann zur verbesserten Versorgung psychischer Störungen beitragen.
Die temporalen Facetten der Lebenszufriedenheit
Authors: Trautwein Ulrich
Published: September 2004

Zusammenfassung. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird mit dem Fragebogen zur temporalen Lebenszufriedenheit (FTL) eine deutsche Adaptation der Temporal Satisfaction with Life Scale von Pavot, Diener und Suh (1998) vorgestellt. Der adaptierte Fragebogen misst mit jeweils vier analog formulierten Items eine globale, kognitive Bewertung der retrospektiven, aktuellen und prospektiven Lebenszufriedenheit. In vier Teilstudien mit Stichprobengrößen zwischen N = 100 und N = 3245 wurden die Reliabilität (interne Konsistenz, Reteststabilität) und Validität (faktorielle, konvergente und diskriminante Validität) des FTL untersucht. Die Gütekriterien wiesen auf eine hohe Qualität des Instruments hin, das sich als ökonomisches, international anschlussfähiges Instrument zur Erfassung der globalen Lebenszufriedenheit unter anderem für den Einsatz in längsschnittlich angelegten Large-Scale-Studien eignet.
Die Messung von Narzissmus als Persönlichkeitskonstrukt:
Authors: Schütz Astrid , Marcus Bernd , Sellin Ina
Published: September 2004

Zusammenfassung. An vier Stichproben wurden die psychometrischen Eigenschaften der deutschen Version des NPI (Narcissistic Personality Inventory, Raskin & Hall, 1979 , 1981 ) untersucht. Die Skala erfasst subklinischen Narzissmus als Persönlichkeitsmerkmal. Das NPI erwies sich sowohl in seiner Lang- als auch in seiner Kurzform als hinreichend konsistent und zeitlich stabil. Hinweise auf konvergente und diskriminante Validität fanden sich u.a. in Bezug auf Selbstwertschätzung und die Dimensionen des Fünf-Faktoren-Modells. Mit Hilfe von Faktorenanalysen wurde die interne Struktur der Langversion untersucht. Die empirisch ermittelte Faktorenlösung unterscheidet sich von den bei Emmons (1987) oder Raskin und Terry (1988) berichteten, ähnelt letzterer aber mehr als ersterer.
Marginal stability of thick continental lithosphere
Authors: Cottrell E. , Jaupart C. , Molnar P.
Published: September 2004

Laboratory and numerical experiments show that when a chemically different layer overlies a hotter but otherwise denser layer, analogous to continental mantle lithosphere over asthenosphere, convective stability depends strongly on both the critical Rayleigh number and the buoyancy number, B, of the lithosphere‐like layer. Sufficient cooling at low buoyancy number results in an oscillatory convective instability whereby the colder, more viscous, but chemically lighter layer is drawn into zones of downwelling flow adjacent to laterally extensive zones of upwelling. The critical Rayleigh number for instability increases with the buoyancy number from as little as ≈30 for B = 0 to ≈1000 for B ≈ 0.5. Applied to continental lithosphere in a thermal and mechanical state near the instability threshold, this relationship implies that the lithospheric thickness must decrease as the mean density of the lithospheric mantle increases, consistent with the geological record.
A simple dynamic model for the 1995 Kobe, Japan earthquake
Authors: Song Seok Goo , Beroza Gregory C.
Published: September 2004

We investigate the dynamic rupture process of the 16 January 1995 Kobe earthquake (Mw 6.9) by spontaneous rupture modeling of a 3‐D dynamic shear crack that reproduces the slip distribution found from kinematic waveform inversion of strong motion data. We find that using the heterogeneous initial stress field obtained from the kinematic slip model and relatively uniform fracture energy distribution, successfully generates a dynamic model with slip and rupture time distributions that are consistent with the kinematic source inversion. Our results suggest that we may be able to produce realistic dynamic rupture models with simpler assumptions for dynamic source parameters, such as the fracture energy, than have been used in most dynamic rupture models to date.
Fast computation of static stress changes on 2D faults from final slip distributions
Authors: Ripperger J. , Mai P. M.
Published: September 2004

Computing the distribution of static stress changes on the fault plane of an earthquake, given the distribution of static displacements, is of great importance in earthquake dynamics. This study extends the approach developed by Andrews [1980], and compares it against existing analytical formulations. We present calculations for slip maps of past earthquakes and find that the stress‐change results are accurate to about 1–2% of the maximum absolute stress change, while the computation time is greatly reduced. Our method therefore provides a reliable and fast alternative to other methods. In particular, its speed will make computation of large suites of models feasible, thus facilitating the construction of physically consistent source characterizations for strong motion simulations.
Method of moments solution of volume integral equations using higher‐order hierarchical Legendre basis functions
Authors: Kim O. S. , Meincke P. , Breinbjerg O. , Jørgensen E.
Published: September 2004

An efficient higher‐order method of moments (MoM) solution of volume integral equations is presented. The higher‐order MoM solution is based on higher‐order hierarchical Legendre basis functions and higher‐order geometry modeling. An unstructured mesh composed of 8‐node trilinear and/or curved 27‐node hexahedral elements is used for accurate representation of the scattering dielectric object. The permittivity of the object is allowed to vary continuously as a function of position inside each element. It is shown that the condition number of the resulting MoM matrix is reduced by several orders of magnitude in comparison to existing higher‐order hierarchical basis functions. Consequently, an iterative solver can be applied even for high expansion orders. Numerical results demonstrate excellent agreement with the analytical Mie series solution for a dielectric sphere as well as with results obtained by other numerical methods.
From the American Lebensraum to the American Living Room: Class, Sexuality, and the Scaled Production of ‘Domestic’ Intimacy
Authors: Cowen Deborah
Published: September 2004

In this paper I interrogate the powerful brand of intimate nationalism that has permeated American political discourse since the initiation of the ‘war on terror’. I consider how a strategic collapse of scales in articulations of ‘domestic’ life simultaneously defines public cum national and private cum familial belonging, with material force. This scaled production of domestic intimacy entails a concurrent restructuring of the spatiality of social reproduction and of norms of desirous identification. My analysis draws on the combined insights of scalar theory and sexuality studies, and argues that in order to benefit from both fields of inquiry we need to return to and rethink class. Drawing on the work of Bourdieu, I posit class as embodied social-group relations of production, consumption, reproduction, and desire in order to highlight the scaled and strategic hinging of normative sexualities to modes of social reproduction. This approach questions how people become invested in, and desirous of, norms of sociality that constitute militarist imperial capitalism. It suggests that identification with, and desire for, this nation at this moment is fundamentally dependent on actual configurations of private, intimate life. A consideration of these shifting normative desires and geographies of domestic life, as manifest across a range of cultural, political, and economic terrains and at a variety of spatial scales, provides insight into why people continue to consume and be consumed by the American empire.
Pharmaceuticals, intellectual property and free trade: the case of the US–Australia free trade agreement
Authors: Drahos Peter , Lokuge Buddhima , Faunce Tom , Goddard Martyn , Henry David
Published: September 2004

Australia did poorly in several key areas of the recently completed free trade agreement with the US. It failed to insulate the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from significant change, and conceded to increased intellectual property standards. The PBS, as a system of effective bargaining with multinational pharmaceutical firms, has been deeply compromised and higher drug prices can be expected over time. The intellectual property chapter strengthens the position of patent owners and undermines the evolution of a competitive generics industry. These developments are part of a broader and internationally coordinated strategy being pursued by pharmaceutical multinationals to globalize and strengthen patent rights and monopoly profits.
Two views from the summit
Authors: Curtis Terry
Published: September 2004

This article reviews the objectives and results of the First Phase of the World Summit on the Information Society. It includes an analysis of the discourse conducted to this point at the Summit, and of the possible outcomes.
Three myths of internet governance considered in the context of the UK1
Authors: Collins Richard
Published: September 2004

Discussion of Internet governance has been shaped by three myths; that the market can decide, that the Internet is different to ‘legacy’ media, and that national governance is unimportant. This paper challenges these three myths through an examination of Internet governance in the UK in 2003/4 and argues that the Internet is a layered, not vertically integrated, medium of communication, that three modes of governance prevail—hierarchy, markets and networks (self‐regulatory). The layers of the UK Internet are examined, their governance identified and evaluated and the conclusion drawn that network governance is a distinctive, but not universally present, characteristic of UK Internet governance and that contemporary, well functioning, arrangements may be unstable requiring stronger hierarchical governance in the future.
Foundations of technology development, innovation and competitiveness in the globalised knowledge economy
Authors: Parker Rachel
Published: September 2004

With the growth of high‐technology industries and knowledge intensive services, the pursuit of industrial competitiveness has progressed from a broad concern with the processes of industrialisation to a more focused analysis of the factors explaining cross‐national variation in the level of participation in knowledge industries. From an examination of cross‐national data, the paper develops the proposition that particular elements of the domestic science, technology and industry infrastructure—such as the stock of knowledge and competence in the economy, the capacity for learning and generation of new ideas and the capacity to commercialise new ideas—vary cross‐nationally and are related to the level of participation of a nation in knowledge intensive activities. Existing understandings of the role of the state in promoting industrial competitiveness might be expanded to incorporate an analysis of the contribution of the state through the building of competencies in science, technology and industry.
Pharmacotherapy for Marijuana Dependence: A Double‐blind, Placebo‐controlled Pilot Study of Divalproex Sodium
Authors: Levin Frances Rudnick , McDowell David , Evans Suzette M. , Nunes Edward , Akerele Evaristo , Donovan Stephen , Vosburg Suzanne K.
Published: September 2004

There is a noticeable lack of targeted treatment options for marijuana dependence, in particular pharmacologic approaches. This is the first study evaluating a targeted pharmacologic approach for marijuana dependence. The goals of the study were to determine if such patients would seek pharmacologic treatment, whether these patients could be retained in treatment using a design previously developed for cocaine‐dependent patients, and especially whether divalproex sodium showed promise as a treatment agent for marijuana dependence. We found that marijuana‐dependent patients will seek treatment, and such patients can be adequately maintained in a pharmacologic trial. Regardless of treatment group, patients reported a significant reduction in their frequency and amount of marijuana use as well as a reduction in irritability. Given the lack of proven effective treatments for marijuana dependence, pharmacotherapies should be sought. The design of a preliminary clinical trial should include a psychosocial/behavioral intervention emphasizing motivation and medication compliance and a placebo control group.
Hepatitis C in Patients with Co‐occurring Mental Disorders and Substance Use Disorders: Is Tobacco Use a Possible Risk Factor?
Authors: Stuyt Elizabeth B.
Published: September 2004

This study of a dually diagnosed population in Colorado estimated the prevalence of hepatitis C to be 29.7%, or sixteen times higher than that in the general population. In attempts to determine possible risk factors, a surprisingly high correlation was found between the use of tobacco and HCV infection. This appears to be beyond the risk factor conveyed by IV drug use. Of the patients whose primary diagnoses were cocaine, opiate, amphetamine, or poly‐substance dependence (drugs often used intravenously), 42% of the tobacco users were HCV positive, while only 20% of the non‐tobacco using patients with similar primary diagnoses were HCV positive. The association of tobacco use with HCV was found to be even more striking for females with alcohol, sedative/hypnotic, inhalant, or cannabis dependence, as none of the seventeen non‐tobacco using female patients with these diagnoses were HCV positive, while fourteen of the 45 (31%) tobacco‐using females with these diagnoses did test positive for HCV. Results of this study suggest that tobacco use may in some way influence the susceptibility to infection with hepatitis C virus.
A Randomized, Placebo‐controlled trial of Buspirone for the Treatment of Anxiety in Opioid‐dependent Individuals
Authors: McRae Aimee L. , Sonne Susan C. , Brady Kathleen T. , Durkalski Valerie , Palesch Yuko
Published: September 2004

Anxiety symptoms are common among opioid‐dependent individuals. Buspirone, a nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytic, has been used successfully for the treatment of anxiety in alcoholic patients. Its efficacy in opioid‐dependent patients has not been previously examined. We conducted a twelve‐week, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of buspirone in 36 subjects receiving methadone‐maintenance treatment who presented with anxiety symptoms. Measures of anxiety, depression, and substance use were obtained repeatedly during treatment. Buspirone treatment did not significantly reduce anxiety symptoms in opioid‐dependent patients. However, buspirone treatment was associated with trends toward reduction in depression scale scores and a slower return to substance use.
Cocaine Dependence Severity Predicts Outcome in Outpatient Detoxification from Cocaine and Alcohol
Authors: Kampman Kyle M. , Pettinati Helen M. , Volpicelli Joseph R. , Oslin David M. , Lipkin Craig , Sparkman Thorne , O'Brien Charles P.
Published: September 2004

This study compared the effects of alcohol and cocaine dependence severity on the outcome of outpatient detoxification from alcohol and cocaine. Subjects included 84 subjects with both alcohol and cocaine dependence admitted for outpatient detoxification. Fifty‐three of the 84 subjects (63%) completed detoxification. Baseline cocaine use, cocaine craving, and cocaine withdrawal symptoms predicted detoxification outcome, whereas alcohol use, alcohol craving, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms did not. Among cocaine‐ and alcohol‐dependent subjects, cocaine dependence severity appears to be a more important predictor of detoxification success than alcohol dependence severity.
Psychiatric Comorbidity and Not Completing Jail‐based Substance Abuse Treatment
Authors: Brady Thomas M. , Christopher P. Krebs Ph.D.  , Laird Glen
Published: September 2004

Many jail inmates have a history of mental illness, substance use, and drug‐related crime. This article assesses the effect of psychiatric comorbidity on retention in jail‐based substance abuse treatment. Secondary data from five jail‐based substance abuse treatment programs were studied using descriptive and multivariate analyses. Controlling for age, sex, race, education, and program, the odds of an offender with a history of mental illness being terminated from treatment were nearly three times that of those with no such history. The data suggest that psychiatric comorbidity may be an important correlate of retention in jail‐based substance abuse treatment.
A graph-theoretic approach for the separation of b and y ions in tandem mass spectra
Authors: Yan Bo , Pan Chongle , Olman Victor N. , Hettich Robert L. , Xu Ying
Published: September 2004

Motivation: Ion-type identification is a fundamental problem in computational proteomics. Methods for accurate identification of ion types provide the basis for many mass spectrometry data interpretation problems, including (a) de novo sequencing, (b) identification of post-translational modifications and mutations and (c) validation of database search results.

Results: Here, we present a novel graph-theoretic approach for solving the problem of separating b ions from y ions in a set of tandem mass spectra. We represent each spectral peak as a node and consider two types of edges: type-1 edge connecting two peaks probably of the same ion types and type-2 edge connecting two peaks probably of different ion types. The problem of ion-separation is formulated and solved as a graph partition problem, which is to partition the graph into three subgraphs, representing b, y and others ions, respectively, through maximizing the total weight of type-1 edges while minimizing the total weight of type-2 edges within each partitioned subgraph. We have developed a dynamic programming algorithm for rigorously solving this graph partition problem and implemented it as a computer program PRIME (PaRtition of Ion types in tandem Mass spEctra). The tests on a large amount of simulated mass spectra and 19 sets of high-quality experimental Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance tandem mass spectra indicate that an accuracy level of ∼90% for the separation of b and y ions was achieved.

Availability: The executable code of PRIME is available upon request.

Contact:  xyn@bmb.uga.edu
Modelling cellular systems with PySCeS
Authors: Olivier Brett G. , Rohwer Johann M. , Hofmeyr Jan-Hendrik S.
Published: September 2004

Summary: The Python Simulator for Cellular Systems (PySCeS) is an extendable research tool for the numerical analysis and investigation of cellular systems.

Availability: PySCeS is distributed as Open Source Software under the GNU General Public Licence and is available for download from http://pysces.sourceforge.net

Contact:  bgoli@sun.ac.za
Improving promoter prediction Improving promoter prediction for the NNPP2.2 algorithm: a case study using Escherichia coli DNA sequences
Authors: Burden S. , Lin Y.-X. , Zhang R.
Published: September 2004

Motivation: Although a great deal of research has been undertaken in the area of promoter prediction, prediction techniques are still not fully developed. Many algorithms tend to exhibit poor specificity, generating many false positives, or poor sensitivity. The neural network prediction program NNPP2.2 is one such example.

Results: To improve the NNPP2.2 prediction technique, the distance between the transcription start site (TSS) associated with the promoter and the translation start site (TLS) of the subsequent gene coding region has been studied for Escherichia coli K12 bacteria. An empirical probability distribution that is consistent for all E.coli promoters has been established. This information is combined with the results from NNPP2.2 to create a new technique called TLS–NNPP, which improves the specificity of promoter prediction. The technique is shown to be effective using E.coli DNA sequences, however, it is applicable to any organism for which a set of promoters has been experimentally defined.

Availability: The data used in this project and the prediction results for the tested sequences can be obtained from http://www.uow.edu.au/~yanxia/E_Coli_paper/SBurden_Results.xls

Contact:  alh98@uow.edu.au
Weighted analysis of microarray gene expression using maximum-likelihood
Authors: Bakewell David J. , Wit Ernst
Published: September 2004

Motivation: The numerical values of gene expression measured using microarrays are usually presented to the biological end-user as summary statistics of spot pixel data, such as the spot mean, median and mode. Much of the subsequent data analysis reported in the literature, however, uses only one of these spot statistics. This results in sub-optimal estimates of gene expression levels and a need for improvement in quantitative spot variation surveillance.

Results: This paper develops a maximum-likelihood method for estimating gene expression using spot mean, variance and pixel number values available from typical microarray scanners. It employs a hierarchical model of variation between and within microarray spots. The hierarchical maximum-likelihood estimate (MLE) is shown to be a more efficient estimator of the mean than the ‘conventional’ estimate using solely the spot mean values (i.e. without spot variance data). Furthermore, under the assumptions of our model, the spot mean and spot variance are shown to be sufficient statistics that do not require the use of all pixel data.

The hierarchical MLE method is applied to data from both Monte Carlo (MC) simulations and a two-channel dye-swapped spotted microarray experiment. The MC simulations show that the hierarchical MLE method leads to improved detection of differential gene expression particularly when ‘outlier’ spots are present on the arrays. Compared with the conventional method, the MLE method applied to data from the microarray experiment leads to an increase in the number of differentially expressed genes detected for low cut-off P-values of interest.

Availability: The Matlab code is available at http://www.stats.gla.ac.uk/~microarray/software/

Contact:  d.bakewell@beatson.gla.ac.uk
Enumeration ofCampylobacterandSalmonellaon chicken packs
Authors: Wong TeckLok , Janet Whyte Rosemary , Joyce Cornelius Angela , Hudson John Andrew
Published: September 2004

Transmission routes that may contribute to the overall picture of campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis were explored by analysing the outside surfaces of 300 retail raw chicken packs for prevalence and enumeration of Campylobacter using a MPN/PCR assay and Salmonella using a MPN/visual immunoassay procedure. The surfaces of 72 packs (24.0 per cent) were externally contaminated with C. jejuni; 32 with counts of <6 MPN/pack and the remaining 40 with counts ranging from 6 to >2,200 MPN/pack. One whole chicken sample (0.3 per cent) was contaminated with S. Tennessee at <6 MPN/pack. The surfaces of offal packs were most contaminated with Campylobacter, with 18 per cent having a count of ≥100 MPN/pack in comparison with chicken portion packs (4/200, 2 per cent) and whole bird packs (1/50, 2 per cent). These observations suggest that packs could be a source of cross‐contamination, however, the contribution of this outer surface contamination pathway to foodborne illness can only be properly determined by development of a validated risk assessment model.
The Fresh'n Fruity Loves You campaign
Authors: Dana Teresa
Published: September 2004

This paper focuses on the “Fresh'n Fruity Loves You” marketing campaign by New Zealand Dairy Foods, conducted to maintain the company's high market share in New Zealand. The campaign was started partly because there were several players in the yoghurt market and competition was intense; and it was determined that New Zealanders were increasingly looking for convenient and healthy foods to eat.
Human resource development policies and practices for the IT and information workforce in Kuwaiti companies
Authors: Marouf Laila , ur Rehman Sajjad
Published: September 2004

This study explores the human resource development policies, strategies, and opportunities in 30 Kuwait corporate companies for its IT and information professionals. Questions addressed were related to induction and orientation programs; approaches for developing capabilities for change management; in‐house training policies, resources, and facilities; and policies for sending employees for training. Data were collected through structured interviews with key human resource managers of these companies. It was found that almost all the companies had intensive programs for providing systematic induction to their new employees. A majority of them had in‐house resources and facilities for training. A majority of them considered outside options for training and had developed policies for the purpose. These companies were not satisfied with the role of higher education institutions in providing useful training to their employees. Administration of training awards was biased in the favor of seniors, managers, and natives that defied the parameters of organizational needs.
The link between environmental scanning (ES) and organizational information behavior: implications for research and the role of information professionals
Authors: Shahriza Abdul Karim Nor
Published: September 2004

The advent of new information and communication technologies (ICTs) has changed the way information is organized, managed, and acquired in business organizations. It is vital for information managers that the information needs of the organizations in which they serve be satisfactorily fulfilled. Therefore, in order to fulfill these needs, a complete understanding of how businesses seek, adapt and manage information and knowledge is of the greatest importance. The ultimate objective of this process is to ensure the competitiveness and survival of the organization. This process can be accomplished with the help of these same new information technologies but also by means of human resources, if the personnel in question are well versed in the relationship between business, information, and knowledge. This paper presents the concept of environmental scanning (ES) as reviewed from the literature and suggests the implications for research and the role of information professionals.
Electronic book technologies: an overview of the present situation
Authors: Subba Rao Siriginidi
Published: September 2004

The continued presence of electronic books or e‐books has significantly affected the publishing industry in recent years. The growing popularity of the Web and public acceptance of new e‐book technologies is facilitating their spread. However, initial optimism about the growth of the medium has been tempered by a measured uptake of the medium and the withdrawal of some e‐books products from the market. This paper attempts to update the position with e‐books and provide an overview of e‐book technologies by defining types of e‐books, listing their implementations, their advantages and disadvantages, hardware, software, management software and their future. The paper concludes that the success or failure of e‐books depends not only on acceptance by users but also on the publishing industry's ability to see beyond traditional business models. The e‐book readers are still in early stages of development but the hope is that common industry standards will soon be adopted and the medium will reach its full potential.
Strategic planning for value‐based management
Authors: Kim Kee S.
Published: September 2004

This paper developed a model to identify empirically the critical strategic variables for value‐based management. Since “value” is abstract in its nature, managers need to know more concrete and clear target measures that derive the value of their business. In this model common financial variables and their variations are used as input variables to synthesize the market value added (MVA). The model used an artificial intelligence technique that is non‐parametric by nature and intended to capture a dynamic relationship between input and output variables. The study results show that this model is able to identify a set of strategic variables that are linked directly to the MVA of companies involved.
Manoeuvre theory: Business mission analysis process for high intensity conflict
Authors: Pech Richard J. , Slade Bret W.
Published: September 2004

The third paper in the manoeuvre warfare series, describes a prescriptive approach for the organization's operationalisation of its strategic intent. It discusses the practical planning stages adapted from the military appreciation process. Termed the mission analysis process (MAP) this framework guides planners through the initial mission analysis, the development of a course of action (CoA), followed by a landscape analysis, execution, review, reorientation, and further action if deemed necessary. This paper argues from a military paradigm using both military and business as examples. This paper emphasises the need for porous, flexible and rapid planning processes, devolved decision‐making, and high levels of organizational capability, initiative, trust, and employee competence. Argues that the MAP framework facilitates organizational learning, a heightened sense of organizational participation and commitment, as well as improving business development between management levels and across the organization.
Scanning behavior and strategic uncertainty
Authors: Suh Won S. , Key Susan K. , Munchus George
Published: September 2004

Studies which assess the relationship between scanning behavior (SB) and strategic uncertainty (SU) have shown mixed results. The lack of consistency in measurement constructs and differences in underlying assumptions for SU may explain these empirical inconsistencies. Earlier studies have adopted measurement constructs which ignore the interaction effect between the two dimensions of SU – variability and complexity. Our study suggests adopting new measurement constructs for SU that sort uncertainty into four distinct categories based on the interaction of the two environmental constructs, variability and complexity, as drawn from categorizations originally proposed by Duncan. This new measurement approach will provide a means to generate consistent results in research on the relationship between SB and SU. We provide a practical example using the strategic environment in the health care industry to illustrate for managers a more precise way to assess their external environment.
A study in comparative strategy using the Alanbrooke diaries
Authors: Grattan Robert F.
Published: September 2004

The purpose of this paper is to draw conclusions on strategy formulation from an analysis of the “Alanbrooke” diaries. The approach is comparative, and uses the information in the diary and the forms of business strategies devised by Mintzberg et al., and with ideas on business alliances. The paper finds that the logical, planned approach of Alanbrooke is contrasted with the more entrepreneurial attitude of Churchill, but the combination of these contrasting traits led to effective strategy formulation. The difference in character of them and the resulting controversies were essential to make the right choices, and Churchill deliberately chose someone who was likely to oppose him. The research is limited by the possibility of bias in the diary. A practical implication is that leaders can benefit from choosing a strong, talented colleague, even though the stormy interactions can be wearisome. The value in this analysis is in the light it sheds on the way strategy is developed in a real situation and is also an indication of the value of the comparative approach to the study of strategy process.
Harmonisation of company law
Authors: Paisey Catriona , Paisey Nicholas J.
Published: September 2004

Company law harmonisation is considered to be necessary for the achievement of the European Union's (EU) aim of a single market and the free movement of goods and services throughout member states. This paper aims to contribute to understanding of both business and accounting history by considering whether UK legal history can offer any insight into the process of harmonisation. First, approaches to company law in the United Kingdom and the remainder of the EU are outlined in order to identify key differences and to explain why harmonisation is desired. Secondly, the UK position is considered and historical attempts to lessen legal differences between Scots and English mercantile laws are then examined, focusing on harmonisation attempts. Finally, by reflecting on the UK experience, implications for the EU company law harmonisation programme are drawn.
The analysis of the effects of surface roughness of shafts on journal bearings using recurrent hybrid neural network
Authors: Sinanoğlu Cem
Published: September 2004

This paper presents an investigation for analysing the load carrying capacity of journal bearing in a variety of conditions using a proposed neural network (NN). The NN structure is very suitable for this kind of system. The network is capable of predicting the pressures of the experimental system. The network has parallel structure and fast learning capacity. It can be outlined from the results for both approaches, NN could be used to model journal bearing systems in real time applications.
The employment law implications of charity mergers
Authors: Morris Debra
Published: September 2004

Examines the employment law implications for charities considering merger. Considers the employment law problems that are involved in charity mergers and the different strategies that have been employed in practice to deal with them. Charities merging face particular problems, not only from the natural concerns of staff about their jobs post‐merger, but also because the law which protects employees when organisations merge is not clear. The application of the relevant legal principles may be particularly uncertain in the context of mergers between charities due to the variety in the legal forms of the merger, and in the employment practices adopted by charities. Illustrates these concerns with an empirical study of a number of charity mergers.
Why do employees, particularly women, reject occupational pension schemes?
Authors: Gough Orla
Published: September 2004

An integral part of government policy is to encourage employees to make financial provision for retirement. This paper asks why eligible employees, particularly women, do not join their company schemes. This two‐stage study uses face to face interviews followed by a survey of 532 employees who have chosen not to become members of their company schemes. Findings highlight personal pension ownership and a requirement for flexibility and pension portability as the key reasons for non‐membership. The dominant reason given by women was the expectation that a partner would provide in retirement.
Training for access to Global Information
Authors: Nassimbeni Mary , de Jager Karin
Published: September 2004

Contributes to the Global Information Virtual Conference by examining training needs in the higher education sector which will be engendered by the information revolution in the developing world. Focuses on the situation in South Africa, and considers a number of social processes that are driving developments in higher education.
Global Information and Africa: the telecommunications infrastructure for cyberspace
Authors: Afullo Thomas J.
Published: September 2004

According to the declarations of the first World Telecommunications Development Conference in Buenos Aires in 1994, new technological developments in telecommunications and information technologies have the potential to close the development gaps between developing and developed countries. However, it adds, ominously, that telecommunications may also unintentionally perpetuate the development gaps without a more determined, integrated, and strategic approach to the challenges of telecommunications development by governments, the private sector, and international and regional organisations. It adds that liberalisation, private investment, and competition may foster the development of telecommunications. In this paper, an overview is briefly presented of the information infrastructures in the developed world. Then, the status of telecommunications infrastructure and services in Africa are briefly discussed, and the current Internet connectivity within Africa is examined. Finally, possible remedies to the African situation are briefly discussed.
The DISRAELI method: the absolutely foolproof way to hire
Authors: Dinerman Gloria
Published: September 2004

Discusses the DISRAELI method of hiring staff which looks at
personal qualities during interviews. Presents the eight points of the
method: diversity; initiative; skills; responsibilities;
accomplishments; energy; loyalty; and integrity. Gives examples of
possible interview questions.
Planning library buildings in Albania
Authors: Buzo Tefta
Published: September 2004

Aims to provide an outline of the history of the library buildings
in Albania, from their establishment up to the present. Provides
summarized information on buildings used by the university libraries,
academic libraries, public libraries, the National Library, etc.
Describes storage rooms and book‐preserving conditions in them as well
as the capacities of reading rooms and the working conditions for users
and library staff. Almost all Albanian libraries operate closed‐access
systems but over the last two years a tendency to operate open‐access
reading rooms has appeared. Today Albanian libraries have to face
several difficulties related to the economic problems the country is
going through. Points to some possibilities for improving library
buildings.