bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Canonic realization of ladder wave digital filters
Authors: Fettweis Alfred
Published: June 2007

Wave digital filters which are derived by previously known methods from LC ladder reference filters having attenuation poles at frequencies other than zero or infinity, although being canonic in number of multipliers, are not canonic in number of delays. A simple procedure is given by means of which a canonic realization can always be derived from an originally noncanonic ladder wave digital low‐pass, high‐pass, or band‐pass filter. This procedure does not affect the values of the multiplier coefficients.
The connections at infinity of a countable resistive network
Authors: Zemanian A. H.
Published: June 2007

A rigorous foundation is established for the heuristic concept of open‐circuit and short‐circuit connections at infinity to various parts of a countably infinite resistive network.
Synthesis of voltage‐transfer matrices with active RC networks embedding nullors
Authors: Stamenković Borivoje B.
Published: June 2007

Realizability conditions for the synthesis of multiport voltage‐transfer matrices by means of RC transformerless networks embedding either balanced or grounded nullors are systematically described. The results obtained are summarized in two theorems concerning the minimum number of nullors necessary and sufficient to synthesize a given voltage‐transfer matrix.
Active inductance simulation with grounded condensers
Authors: Ahmed Muslim T. , Roy S. C. Dutta
Published: June 2007

A technique is presented for grounding the condensers of active RC networks, which requires an additional difference amplifier stage per capacitor grounded. A generalized grounded capacitor (GC) circuit is derived for simulating a grounded inductance and it is shown that the GC‐versions of the circuits proposed by Prestcott, Rao–Venkateswaran, and Berndt–Dutta Roy form special cases of this circuit. A critical investigation is made of the sensitivity performances and the frequency limitations introduced by the operational amplifiers (OA's).
Continuous howitt transformations and second order sensitivities
Authors: Cheetham B. M. G.
Published: June 2007

It is known that first order sensitivities can be updated for circuits which are generated by Howitt transformations. This result is extended to second order sensitivities, and a summed second‐order sensitivity invariant is established.
On the minimal realization of the gyrator by means of nullors and resistors
Authors: Deprettere E.
Published: June 2007

This paper is a second step in the proof of the conjecture that it is impossible to synthesize a gyrator by means of nullors and linear resistors with fewer than four resistors if only two nullors are permitted, or with fewer than three nullors if only two resistors are permitted. It is proved that a gyrator cannot be realized with only two nullors and two resistors. In a forthcoming paper (third step) it will be proved that a two‐nullor, three‐resistor gyrator realization cannot be obtained. The proofs are presented in such a way that at the same time a synthesis procedure for minimal nullor‐resistor networks is demonstrated.
Crystal band‐stop filters with improved spurious resonance behaviour
Authors: Matthes Helmut
Published: June 2007

It is a well known fact that piezoelectric band‐stop filters manifest not only the desired stopband at the fundamental resonant frequency of the crystal, but also additional stopbands at its spurious resonant frequencies. The greater the degree to which such parasitic attenuation peaks are to be suppressed, the more complex is the required circuitry.

The most common crystal band‐stop filter circuits can be considered as all‐pass sections in which a capacitance is ‘disturbed’ over a narrow bandwidth by a resonant circuit. If this ‘disturbance’, possibly after conversion by means of known one‐port equivalents, consists of a high impedance series resonant circuit with the inductance Ls in parallel to the entire lattice arm R/jx1, the 3 dB bandwidth of the stopband becomes Δω0= R/Ls(1+x) in the loss‐free case. Sometimes the dual representation of the ‘disturbance’ is more appropriate. With a finite crystal Q‐factor of Qq, the insertion loss of a desired or parasitic stopband assumes the finite maximum value ǎ ∼ In (1+QqΔω0/ω∞).

The width and height of the possible attenuation peaks are given in formulas, normalized curves and worked examples for seven band‐stop filter circuits of increasing complexity, each with a single crystal.
The compatibility of n‐ports in parallel
Authors: Horrocks D. H. , Nightingale C.
Published: June 2007

A mathematical test for the compatibility of n‐ports in parallel is given. It is shown that the well‐known Brune tests are sufficient but not necessary.
Description of electrical networks using bond graphs
Authors: Perelson Alan S.
Published: June 2007

The bond graph language is introduced as a means of describing the topology of an electrical network composed of one‐port and multi‐port elements in a condensed alphanumeric notation suitable for computer interfacing. Series‐parallel networks are represented in the particularly simple form of bond graph trees. Wiring operators, introduced by Penfield, can be constructed from bond graph junctions. Concepts from circuit theory can usefully be applied to nonelectrical systems which often are modeled by using multiport elements. For such systems bond graphs may provide a simpler description than conventional circuit diagrams.
Optimization of binary transversal filters with constrained sampled impulse response
Authors: Gibbs A. J.
Published: June 2007

The design of binary transversal filters (BTF's) suitable for shaping binary data signals is considered. It is shown that the approximation problem for such BTF's can be solved with respect to minimum mse or min—max time and/or frequency domain error, under the constraint that the impulse response exhibits a specified intersymbol interference. The BTF's considered employ only the lowpass filtering inherent in the non return‐to‐zero input data and exhibit the property that for a fixed number of taps there is an optimum BTF clock rate which minimizes the approximation error.

The design of BTF's with quantized coefficients is also considered and the approximation problem solved with respect to min—max error by using mixed integer programming.
Computer‐aided analysis and design of follow‐the‐leader feedback active‐RC networks
Authors: Laker K. R. , Ghausi M. S.
Published: June 2007

The FLF (Follow‐the‐Leader Feedback) Active‐RC Filter is shown to be highly suited to computer‐aided optimization and design. The realization of multiple‐loop feedback networks which are both low in cost and low in sensitivity is considered. Such a design procedure is based upon the identification of those second order sections (blocks) which most critically affect sensitivity, i.e., the most critical blocks. Critical block analysis is an integral part of the sensitivity analysis, therefore, requires no additional operations.
A quasi‐steady‐state phenomenological model for a transferred‐electron oscillator
Authors: Jackson J. Russell , Rhodes J. David
Published: June 2007

A particularly simple modelling network is postulated in order to describe the operation of a cavity‐controlled transferred‐electron oscillator. The subsequent successful agreement with experimental oscillator behaviour lends support to the well known hypothesis that the fundamental power generating mechanisms of such devices are, in many cases, operating in a highly impulsive manner.
On a relationship between howitt and T‐transformations in n‐port passive reciprocal networks
Authors: Tavsanoglu Vedat
Published: June 2007

A new Howitt transformation is defined which is applied to the hybrid description of a newly defined augmented network obtained by extracting appropriate terminals from an n‐port passive reciprocal network. A relationship between the Howitt matrix and the matrix T, which relates the state realizations of equivalent n‐port networks, is found. For a restricted form of the matrix T, it is shown that a sufficient condition for the existence of such a relationship is that the equivalent n‐ports be reciprocal. It is also shown that this relationship always exists for equivalent n‐port RC or RL networks regardless of any restriction on the matrix T.
On the application of network theory to nonisothermal systems
Authors: Perelson Alan S. , Oster George F.
Published: June 2007

Doubt has recently been cast on the applicability of generalized network theory for the analysis of nonisothermal systems. We briefly indicate how nonisothermal systems may be modeled from a network viewpoint choosing either entropy flow or heat flow as the through (KCL) variable. An example of a circuit containing a thermistor is considered.
On the maximal power transfer theorem for n‐ports
Authors: Flanders Harley
Published: June 2007

The maximal power problem is considered for several classes of terminating networks, in particular an arbitrary resistive n‐port termination, and the case of a single resistor terminating each port. A duality theorem is established that converts the problem of maximizing power to the problem of minimizing a related function. The latter problem is solved completely for arbitrary resistive terminations, and examples are given. For completeness, some previously published work is discussed.
Transfer functions for pulse forming active networks with low dominant pole q factor
Authors: Rakovich B. D. , Stojanovich V. S.
Published: June 2007

A new class of all pole transfer functions of odd degree having the dominant pole Q factor of order of unity is described. Higher order transfer functions are derived from the third order function of a special class of Chebyshev delay approximation by increasing the multiplicity of the pair of complex poles under the constraint that the passband delay distortion remains within any prescribed maximum value. The specified delay distortion, acting as a free parameter, entails a tradeoff between the frequency and time domain characteristics of the resulting filters thus enabling a large variety of specifications to be met in practical design. These functions are primarily intended for pulse application but they can also be used advantageously in those instances where the magnitude response is of prime importance.
Cascaded lattice realization of digital filters
Authors: Mitra S. K. , Kamat P. S. , Huey D. C.
Published: June 2007

A new algorithm is proposed to realize a digital transfer function. The final realization is in the form of cascaded lattice two‐pairs with the right‐most two‐pair being constrained such that one of its output terminals is connected directly to an input terminal. The complete realization uses m delays, 2m + 1 multipliers and 2m two‐input adders where m is the order of the transfer function. Several special cases are included, along with an example illustrating the general algorithm.
Statistical multiparameter sensitivity measure of gain and phase functions
Authors: Acar C. , Ghausi M.
Published: June 2007

Statistical multiparameter sensitivity proposed by Rosenblum and Ghausi, for transfer function of a linear system, has been studied with regard to gain and phase sensitivities. It is shown that for small element changes a very simple relationship exists between these quantities. The integrand of these sensitivities are furthermore equivalent to the variance of magnitude and phase variations. Finally general formulas are derived which would simplify calculations for gain, phase as well as the transfer function. These formulas are helpful in optimization and comparison of various low sensitivity networks.
Digital laguerre filters
Authors: King R. E. , Paraskevopoulos P. N.
Published: June 2007

This paper presents the theory and a time domain synthesis procedure for a class of orthogonal digital filters. These filters are derived from discrete Laguerre polynomials and in the case of exact representation possess an infinitely long structure whilst exhibiting an infinite impulse response.

In practice the desired impulse response of a filter to be synthesized is truncated in time whilst speed and economic considerations impose a constraint on its length. By the nature of these filters, very few stages usually suffice to yield excellent fidelity in most practical cases. The filters, whose cascaded stages are eminently suited to multiplexing, are inherently stable.

A computer‐aided design algorithm using a Fibonacci search algorithm is presented for optimizing the practical case having finite length and span. Two examples illustrate the procedure.
On the problem of filters with arbitrary amplitude and phase constraints
Authors: Fahmy M. F.
Published: June 2007

A simplified method—based on the concept of reflection filters—is presented for designing linear phase filters with arbitrary amplitude to phase constraints. This method starts with transfer functions with 2: 1 amplitude to phase constraints, and through varying the recurrence relation of the polynomials involved, transfer functions with more selective amplitude are obtained.
Comparison of aesthetic outcomes and morbidity of nasal reconstruction with forehead flaps and free flaps
Authors: Ayhan Meltem , Gorgu Metin , Aytug Zeynep , Karantinaci Burçe , Yilmaz Elif
Published: June 2007

The most common etiology of nasal defects that require reconstruction is skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma, the most common nasal skin cancer, as well as squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Reconstruction of extensive nasal defects including nasal bone, septum, and esthetically defined units of the nose always represent with certain difficulties. Forehead flaps and free flaps can be utilized for reconstruction of extensive nasal defects. The forehead flap is a reliable and well‐established reconstructive option for management of extensive nasal defects. We aimed to compare the esthetic and functional results of forehead flaps and free flaps for reconstruction of extensive nasal defects. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
Who are these city managers?
Authors: Nolting Orin F.
Published: June 2007

“The rise of the city manager is not a political phenomenon. It is merely the manifestatin in local government of the increasing technological revolution—the replacement of the amateur by the technician.”
Council‐manager cities during the depression
Authors: Seybold Geneva
Published: June 2007

Stories of skillful piloting through six stormy years.
Federal‐state cooperation under the social security act
Authors: Clark Jane Perry
Published: June 2007

Provisin for grants‐in‐aid in the social field, to be spent by states under federal supevision, will pave the way for greater coöperation between states and nation.
Children in the social security program
Authors: Lenroot Katharine F.
Published: June 2007

Appropriations made for maternal and child health services, aid to crippled children and child welfare.
The effect of the social security program upon welfare administration
Authors: Hoehler Fred K.
Published: June 2007

Permanent, unified welfare departments, manned by capable personnel and freed from political domination, are called for under the social secuirty program.
Health, sickness and social security
Authors: Falk I. S.
Published: June 2007

Sickness, one of the greatest causees of insecurity, not provided for in federal social security act. Some states giving consideraiton to the problem.
The international institute of administrative sciences
Authors: Lesoir Edmond
Published: June 2007

An organizaiton devoting its efforts to the developmnt and promotion of the art and science of publilc administration throughout the world.
Recent developments in english local government
Authors: Finer Herman
Published: June 2007

Social servies, redistricting of local government areas, and taxation amont the important problems dealt with in Great Britain.
The outlook for local government in France
Authors: Sellier Henri
Published: June 2007

French municipalities struggle between natinal centralizaiton and local selfgovernment.
New York's struggle for county home rule
Authors: Mastick Seabury C.
Published: June 2007

After a quarter of a millenium the door to improved county government has been forced open through constitutional amendment.
Public welfare, retrospect–prospect
Authors: Hodson William
Published: June 2007

During the short space of time covered by the depression years the country has traveled the long road from poor law to social security.
Illinois investigates the relief situation
Authors: Lyons Leo M.
Published: June 2007

Governor appoints prominent business and civic leaders as members of a council of public assistance and employment to investigate relief problem.
Relief problems of local governments
Authors: Shenton Clarence G.
Published: June 2007

Reports from Philadelphia, Providence, Boston, Rochester, and Monroe County.
New York fights syphilis
Authors: Hamburger Phillip
Published: June 2007

Mayor LaGuardia and his medical aids attack the social disease problem in country's largest city with characteristic directness and vigor.
Representation of metropolitan districts
Authors: Walter David O.
Published: June 2007

A change in the method of apportioning members of state representative bodies is necessary in order that there may be at least a guarnetee of legislative action.
County manager government in Virginia
Authors: Calrow Charles J.
Published: June 2007

Two counties have adopted the manager plan under the state's optional act; a third s operating under a special manager charter.
Centralization in Pennsylvania
Authors: Alderfer H. F.
Published: June 2007

An examination of the extent of state administrative control over local units of government and an evaluation of the ability of the state to meet the requirements of the additional functions it has undertaken.
Little Rock, what now?
Authors: Pelletier George E.
Published: June 2007

Despite recent defeat for “home rule,” city manager sentiment continues strong in Arkansas Capital.
The problem of revenue bonds
Authors: Bird Frederick L.
Published: June 2007

Increased use of public borrowing to finance selfsupporting government functions emphasises need for complete overhauling of our defective system of public borrowing control.
The elimination of township government in Oklahoma
Authors: Melton L. D.
Published: June 2007

A constitutional amendment does away with townships by the indirect process of removing the necessary authority to levy taxes for township purposes.
Greenbelt, Maryland: A federally planned community
Authors: Larson Cedric
Published: June 2007

New “garden city” off to a good start. Manager charter now in operation with constructive citizen activity behind it.
Arkansas tries the merit system
Authors: Sparlin Estal E.
Published: June 2007

Year's trial in first southern state to accept an improved civil service plan shows significant accomplishments and more efficient state administration.
Public personnel administration
Authors: White Leonard D.
Published: June 2007

Sound management principles and methods of prime importance in the task of directing the more than three million employees of national, state, and local governments in this country.
The “Indiana plan” in action
Authors: Dortch Carl R.
Published: June 2007

Seventeen years of experience under state review of local budgets has led to only slight reduction of expenditures for local governments.
Municipal subsidies for public housing
Authors: Studenski Paul
Published: June 2007

A comparison of the relative merits of tax exemption and cash subsidies as a means of municipal assistance for local housing projects.
St. Paul's adjustable salary scale for city employees
Authors: Turner Samuel E.
Published: June 2007

Annual adjustment of wages in accordance with cost of living stands test of time; both civil employees and taxpayers assured a fair deal.
New London, Connecticut, fights a hurricane
Authors: Offstein Julius Arthur
Published: June 2007

Effcient manager regime pulls city through crisis of major catastrophe and lays plans for permanent rehabilitation.
Effects of tibolone on health‐related quality of life in menopausal women
Authors: Bhattacharya S.M.
Published: June 2007

Objective: The present study assessed improvements in health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in menopausal women using tibolone. Methods: One hundred women who underwent surgical menopause for various benign gynecological conditions were advised to take tibolone (2.5 mg) daily. The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS II) was used to assess the change in HRQOL after 3 months and 12 months of treatment. Results: Sixty‐two women returned for follow‐up after 3 months, while only 15 returned for after 12 months. Significant improvements in HRQOL were found after 3 months, and further improvements were obtained after 12 months, although at a slower rate. Among the three subscales of MRS, maximum improvement in the somatovegetative component and lesser improvements in the other two subscales were found. Conclusion: Tibolone is effective in improving the overall HRQOL of menopausal women. Somatovegetative symptoms show most improvement.
Vulvar leiomyosarcoma in a cat
Authors: Firat Ibrahim , Haktanir-Yatkin Damla , Sontas Besim H , Ekici Hayri
Published: June 2007

A vulvar leiomyosarcoma was diagnosed in an 8-year-old mixed-breed, sexually intact cat. The cat had a history of vulvar swelling, bleeding and stranguria. The mass was located at the ventral commissura of the vulva. The cut surface of the mass was lobulated and greyish-white, with areas of necrosis and haemorrhage. Histologically, it was a spindle-cell sarcoma consisting of interlacing bundles of very elongated neoplastic smooth muscle cells and variably dense collagenous matrix separated by individual cells or streams. It also contained areas of focal necrosis and haemorrhage. The mitotic index ranged from seven to 12 mitoses per 10 high-power fields. Immunohistochemically, the spindle-shaped neoplastic cells were strongly positive for smooth muscle actin (SMA) and vimentin, whereas no immunoreactivity was obtained for desmin. The vascular elements of the internal control tissue also exhibited strong SMA and vimentin immunoreactivity. Based on the morphological and immunohistochemical features, the tumour was classified as a leiomyosarcoma.
A method for determination of the isotopic composition of authigenic uranium in Baikal bottom sediments
Authors: Chebykin E.P. , Goldberg E.L. , Kulikova N.S. , Zhuchenko N.A. , Stepanova O.G. , Malopevnaya Yu.A.
Published: June 2007

A simple, reliable, and high-performance method has been proposed for direct determination of the isotopic composition of authigenic uranium in silica lacustrine sediments. The method is based on studying the kinetics of the selective extraction of authigenic uranium from sediments with weak solutions of ammonium hydrocarbonate followed by the ICP-MS analysis of the nuclides. To estimate the contamination of authigenic uranium by terrigenous one, the contents of 232Th and some other clastogenic elements in the extracts were measured simultaneously. The selectivity of extraction of authigenic uranium from the sediments treated with a 1% NH4HCO3 solution appeared to be no worse than 99%. The method was used to analyze the isotopic composition of authigenic uranium at several key horizons of a core dated before. The measurements directly prove that the 234U/238U values in Baikal water varied depending on climate, which contradicts the previous statements. The measured 234U/238U ratios in paleo-Baikal water match the values reconstructed from isotopic data for total uranium in the sediments on the supposition that the U/Th ratio is constant in the terrigenous part of the sediment. Direct experimental determination of total and authigenic nuclides in sediments enhances the potentiality of the method for absolute 234U-230Th dating of carbonate-barren lacustrine sediments, including those from Lake Baikal, within the intervals corresponding to the periods of glaciation, where the sediments contain a large fraction of terrigenous component. Given the fractions of terrigenous and authigenic uranium are accurately determined, we have an opportunity to study the variability of the sources of terrigenous matter and to refine the previous model for reconstructing the climate humidity in East Siberia.
Composition and conditions of formation of andalusite-kyanite-sillimanite pegmatoid segregations in metamorphic rocks of the Tsel block (Mongolian Altay)
Authors: Sukhorukov V.P.
Published: June 2007

Pegmatoid segregations containing three polymorphous Al2SiO5 modifications have been revealed in metamorphic rocks of the Tsel block localized in the Hercynian belt on the southern flank of Mongolian Altay. Petrographic study showed a successive substitution of polymorphs in the sequence: andalusite–kyanite–fibrolite–sillimanite. Estimated parameters of the host-rock metamorphism indicate that the mineral assemblage of pegmatoid veins formed at two successive stages of metamorphism: andalusite-sillimanite and kyanite-sillimanite. It is suggested that the transformation of Al2SiO5 from one to another polymorphous modification occurs by the ion exchange mechanism with the participation of muscovite.
Paleozoic facies megazones in the basement of the West Siberian geosyncline
Authors: Yolkin E.A. , Kontorovich A.E. , Bakharev N.K. , Belyaev S.Yu. , Varlamov A.I. , Izokh N.G. , Kanygin A.V. , Kashtanov V.A. , Kirda N.P. , Klets A.G. , Kontorovich V.A. , Krasnov V.I. , Krinin V.A. , Moiseev S.A. , Obut O.T. , Saraev S.V. , Sennikov N.V. , Tishchenko V.M. , Filippov Yu.F. , Khomenko A.V. , Khromykh V.G.
Published: June 2007

Facies zonation of the Paleozoic basement of West Siberian geosyncline and its surroundings is presented. Facies megazones are distinguished according to types of sedimentation. Analysis of lateral and successive sedimentary sequences shows that the available data are insufficient to map the facies distribution over the whole territory of the geosyncline for short time slices. Only the Late Devonian section is supported by data sufficient for the proposed facies zonation. Five megazones, I, II, III, IV, and V, are distinguished in the westward direction. First three megazones make up a single lateral facies succession and represent sedimentary environments on and around the Siberian continent. Megazone IV includes shallow-water volcanic and sedimentary rocks that compose the Kazakhstan continent bounded by Early and Middle Carboniferous sutures in the west and east. Megazone V comprises fold-thrust (island arc) complexes of the eastern Urals. The main events in the geologic history of the region were associated with the interaction of two major crustal masses (Siberian and East European continents) and the young Kazakhstan continent in the oceanic space called the Paleoasian ocean. Only few fragments of this space occur in the present-day framework of the territory, the greatest part being sunk in subduction zones, especially in the large zone of the Main Uralian Fault.

Production and accumulation of organic matter in pre-Mesozoic deposits occurred on continental shelves, which are most promising for Precambrian and Paleozoic oil and gas.
CD6 binds to pathogen-associated molecular patterns and protects from LPS-induced septic shock
Authors: Sarrias Maria-Rosa , Farnós Montserrat , Mota Rubén , Sánchez-Barbero Fernando , Ibáñez Anna , Gimferrer Idoia , Vera Jorge , Fenutría Rafael , Casals Cristina , Yélamos José , Lozano Francisco
Published: June 2007

CD6 is a lymphocyte receptor that belongs to the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich superfamily. Because some members of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich superfamily act as pattern recognition receptors for microbial components, we studied whether CD6 shares this function. We produced a recombinant form of the ectodomain of CD6 (rsCD6), which was indistinguishable (in apparent molecular mass, antibody reactivity, and cell binding properties) from a circulating form of CD6 affinity-purified from human serum. rsCD6 bound to and aggregated several Gram-positive and -negative bacterial strains through the recognition of lipoteichoic acid and LPS, respectively. TheKdof the LPS–rsCD6 interaction was 2.69 ± 0.32 × 10−8M, which is similar to that reported for the LPS–CD14 interaction. Further experiments showed that membrane CD6 also retains the LPS-binding ability, and it results in activation of the MAPK signaling cascade.In vivoexperiments demonstrated that i.p. administration of rsCD6 before lethal LPS challenge significantly improved mice survival, and this was concomitant with reduced serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL6, and IL-1β. In conclusion, our results illustrate the unprecedented bacterial binding properties of rsCD6 and support its therapeutic potential for the intervention of septic shock syndrome or other inflammatory diseases of infectious origin.
Analysis of HSD3B7 knockout mice reveals that a 3α-hydroxyl stereochemistry is required for bile acid function
Authors: Shea Heidi C. , Head Daphne D. , Setchell Kenneth D. R. , Russell David W.
Published: June 2007

Primary bile acids are synthesized from cholesterol in the liver and thereafter are secreted into the bile and small intestine. Gut flora modify primary bile acids to produce secondary bile acids leading to a chemically diverse bile acid pool that is circulated between the small intestine and liver. A majority of primary and secondary bile acids in higher vertebrates have a 3α-hydroxyl group. Here, we characterize a line of knockout mice that cannot epimerize the 3β-hydroxyl group of cholesterol and as a consequence synthesize a bile acid pool in which 3β-hydroxylated bile acids predominate. This alteration causes death in 90% of newborn mice and decreases the absorption of dietary cholesterol in surviving adults. Negative feedback regulation of bile acid synthesis mediated by the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is disrupted in the mutant mice. We conclude that the correct stereochemistry of a single hydroxyl group at carbon 3 in bile acids is required to maintain their physiologic and regulatory functions in mammals.
INCREASED SIZE EXCLUSION LIMIT2Encodes a Putative DEVH Box RNA Helicase Involved in Plasmodesmata Function duringArabidopsisEmbryogenesis
Authors: Kobayashi Ken , Otegui Marisa S. , Krishnakumar Sujatha , Mindrinos Michael , Zambryski Patricia
Published: June 2007

Here, we characterize the Arabidopsis thaliana embryo-defective mutant increased size exclusion limit2 (ise2). In contrast with wild-type embryos, ise2 mutants continue to traffic 10-kD fluorescent dextran in the mid-torpedo stage of development. ise2 embryos contain branched as well as simple plasmodesmata (PD) compared with wild-type embryos, which only contain simple PD. Positional cloning reveals that the ISE2 gene encodes a putative DEVH box RNA helicase that shares sequence homology with RNA helicases involved in RNA degradation pathways in other organisms. ISE2 localizes to granule-like structures in the cytoplasm. These granules increase in number when plant cells are stressed. These features are characteristic of stress granules (SGs) in mammalian cells, suggesting that ISE2 granules represent plant-specific SGs. Genetic data demonstrate that the ISE2 helicase is involved in posttranscriptional gene silencing and the determination of cell fate. These data together suggest that ISE2 function affects PD structure and function through the regulation of RNA metabolism and consequent gene expression.
TheArabidopsisMATE Transporter TT12 Acts as a Vacuolar Flavonoid/H+-Antiporter Active in Proanthocyanidin-Accumulating Cells of the Seed Coat
Authors: Marinova Krasimira , Pourcel Lucille , Weder Barbara , Schwarz Michael , Barron Denis , Routaboul Jean-Marc , Debeaujon Isabelle , Klein Markus
Published: June 2007

Phenotypic characterization of the Arabidopsis thaliana transparent testa12 (tt12) mutant encoding a membrane protein of the multidrug and toxic efflux transporter family, suggested that TT12 is involved in the vacuolar accumulation of proanthocyanidin precursors in the seed. Metabolite analysis in tt12 seeds reveals an absence of flavan-3-ols and proanthocyanidins together with a reduction of the major flavonol quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside. The TT12 promoter is active in cells synthesizing proanthocyanidins. Using translational fusions between TT12 and green fluorescent protein, it is demonstrated that this transporter localizes to the tonoplast. Yeast vesicles expressing TT12 can transport the anthocyanin cyanidin-3-O-glucoside in the presence of MgATP but not the aglycones cyanidin and epicatechin. Inhibitor studies demonstrate that TT12 acts in vitro as a cyanidin-3-O-glucoside/H+-antiporter. TT12 does not transport glycosylated flavonols and procyanidin dimers, and a direct transport activity for catechin-3-O-glucoside, a glucosylated flavan-3-ol, was not detectable. However, catechin-3-O-glucoside inhibited TT12-mediated transport of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside in a dose-dependent manner, while flavan-3-ol aglycones and glycosylated flavonols had no effect on anthocyanin transport. It is proposed that TT12 transports glycosylated flavan-3-ols in vivo. Mutant banyuls (ban) seeds accumulate anthocyanins instead of proanthocyanidins, yet the ban tt12 double mutant exhibits reduced anthocyanin accumulation, which supports the transport data suggesting that TT12 mediates anthocyanin transport in vitro.
Rice WRKY45 Plays a Crucial Role in Benzothiadiazole-Inducible Blast Resistance
Authors: Shimono Masaki , Sugano Shoji , Nakayama Akira , Jiang Chang-Jie , Ono Kazuko , Toki Seiichi , Takatsuji Hiroshi
Published: June 2007

Benzothiadiazole (BTH) is a so-called plant activator and protects plants from diseases by activating the salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway. By microarray screening, we identified BTH- and SA-inducible WRKY transcription factor (TF) genes that were upregulated within 3 h after BTH treatment. Overexpression of one of them, WRKY45, in rice (Oryza sativa) markedly enhanced resistance to rice blast fungus. RNA interference–mediated knockdown of WRKY45 compromised BTH-inducible resistance to blast disease, indicating that it is essential for BTH-induced defense responses. In a transient expression system, WRKY45 activated reporter gene transcription through W-boxes. Epistasis analysis suggested that WRKY45 acts in the SA signaling pathway independently of NH1, a rice ortholog of Arabidopsis thaliana NPR1, which distinguishes WRKY45 from known Arabidopsis WRKY TFs. Two defense-related genes, encoding a glutathione S-transferase and a cytochrome P450, were found to be regulated downstream of WRKY45 but were not regulated by NH1, consistent with the apparent independence of the WRKY45- and NH1-dependent pathways. Defense gene expression in WRKY45-overexpressed rice plants varied with growth conditions, suggesting that some environmental factor(s) acts downstream of WRKY45 transcription. We propose a role for WRKY45 in BTH-induced and SA-mediated defense signaling in rice and its potential utility in improving disease resistance of rice, an importance food resource worldwide.
BLADE-ON-PETIOLE1and2ControlArabidopsisLateral Organ Fate through Regulation of LOB Domain and Adaxial-Abaxial Polarity Genes
Authors: Ha Chan Man , Jun Ji Hyung , Nam Hong Gil , Fletcher Jennifer C.
Published: June 2007

We report a novel function for BLADE-ON-PETIOLE1 (BOP1) and BOP2 in regulating Arabidopsis thaliana lateral organ cell fate and polarity, through the analysis of loss-of-function mutants and transgenic plants that ectopically express BOP1 or BOP2. 35S:BOP1 and 35S:BOP2 plants exhibit a very short and compact stature, hyponastic leaves, and downward-orienting siliques. We show that the LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES (LOB) domain genes ASYMMETRIC LEAVES2 (AS2) and LOB are upregulated in 35S:BOP and downregulated in bop mutant plants. Ectopic expression of BOP1 or BOP2 also results in repression of class I knox gene expression. We further demonstrate a role for BOP1 and BOP2 in establishing the adaxial-abaxial polarity axis in the leaf petiole, where they regulate PHB and FIL expression and overlap in function with AS1 and AS2. Interestingly, during this study, we found that KANADI1 (KAN1) and KAN2 act to promote adaxial organ identity in addition to their well-known role in promoting abaxial organ identity. Our data indicate that BOP1 and BOP2 act in cells adjacent to the lateral organ boundary to repress genes that confer meristem cell fate and induce genes that promote lateral organ fate and polarity, thereby restricting the developmental potential of the organ-forming cells and facilitating their differentiation.
Reciprocal Phosphorylation and Glycosylation Recognition Motifs Control NCAPP1 Interaction with Pumpkin Phloem Proteins and Their Cell-to-Cell Movement
Authors: Taoka Ken-ichiro , Ham Byung-Kook , Xoconostle-Cázares Beatriz , Rojas Maria R. , Lucas William J.
Published: June 2007

In plants, cell-to-cell trafficking of non-cell-autonomous proteins (NCAPs) involves protein–protein interactions, and a role for posttranslational modification has been implicated. In this study, proteins contained in pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima cv Big Max) phloem sap were used as a source of NCAPs to further explore the molecular basis for selective NCAP trafficking. Protein overlay assays and coimmunoprecipitation experiments established that phosphorylation and glycosylation, on both Nicotiana tabacum NON-CELL-AUTONOMOUS PATHWAY PROTEIN1 (Nt-NCAPP1) and the phloem NCAPs, are essential for their interaction. Detailed molecular analysis of a representative phloem NCAP, Cm-PP16-1, identified the specific residues on which glycosylation and phosphorylation must occur for effective binding to NCAPP1. Microinjection studies confirmed that posttranslational modification on these residues is essential for cell-to-cell movement of Cm-PP16-1. Lastly, a glutathione S-transferase (GST)–Cm-PP16-1 fusion protein system was employed to test whether the peptide region spanning these residues was required for cell-to-cell movement. These studies established that a 36–amino acid peptide was sufficient to impart cell-to-cell movement capacity to GST, a normally cell-autonomous protein. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that a phosphorylation-glycosylation recognition motif functions to control the binding of a specific subset of phloem NCAPs to NCAPP1 and their subsequent transport through plasmodesmata.
Food safety and brand equity
Authors: Manning Louise
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the interaction between an organisation's need to demonstrate compliance with legislative requirements and private assurance standards and the protection of their corporate and/or product brands.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper evaluates the mechanisms implemented to address legislative compliance, product liability, brand equity and maintaining stakeholder confidence within the context of the supply of safe food.

Findings

The paper finds that, within the international regulatory framework, individual organisations or indeed discrete supply chains must maintain stakeholder confidence in their ability to produce safe, wholesome food, whilst seeking to differentiate products and remaining competitive, especially where brand owners have put significant intellectual and financial resource into the development of either corporate or product brands. Increasingly the corporation identity is now the brand and this is a valuable business asset. In order to protect that asset, effective food safety management must be at the core of organisational strategy and, in the event that such controls fail, crisis management protocols should be in place that can be implemented quickly and effectively.

Originality/value

This paper is of both industrial and academic value.
Observed food safety behaviours of young adults
Authors: Byrd‐Bredbenner Carol , Maurer Jaclyn , Wheatley Virginia , Cottone Ellen , Clancy Michele
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to observe young adults preparing two recipes in a controlled laboratory setting to identify food‐handling errors. Few studies have investigated actual consumer food safety and food‐handling practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper shows that one of four trained observers used a check‐list to directly observe and record food‐handling practices; observation data were later analyzed to assess how closely participants followed recommended practices. The observation check‐list had four criterion‐referenced scales based on Fight Bac! food safety recommendations (e.g. clean, cook, separate, chill). Each recommended behaviour performed earned one point. Scale scores were calculated by summing points earned and could range from zero to the maximum observed behaviours on the scale. Means, standard deviations, and comparison of mean scores using analysis of variance were calculated.

Findings

Participants (n=154, mean age 20.73+1.30SD) were from a major US university. Overall, participants were observed performing only 50 percent of the recommended behaviours. Scores ranged from a low of 29 percent on the cook scale to a high of 67 percent on the separate scale. Females scored significantly higher on the clean scale (e.g. hands, produce, work surfaces) than males. No other significant gender differences were noted in the scales, despite a trend for higher scores for females in all scales. Young adults, particularly males, engage in unsafe food‐handling practices, putting them at increased risk for food‐borne disease.

Originality/value

The paper shows that innovative education and training opportunities for young adults are needed to assist them in developing and practising safe food‐handling practices.
Leadership observations of an undercover fast‐food worker
Authors: Newman Jerry M.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The article aims to provide a personal view of working in a fast‐food service environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an opinion piece written by a professor at SUNY Buffalo's School of Management.

Findings

The author worked undercover as a crew member in one of the “big three” fast food companies, a site particularly rich with good and bad leadership examples which are summarised.

Originality/value

The article provides insightful examples of present employment relations and leadership skills in the American fast‐food industry.
The strategic changes by adopting internet‐based interorganizational systems
Authors: Lai Ivan K.W.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to investigate the strategic changes from adopting Internet‐based Interorganizational Systems (IIOS) within the logistics industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews literature of the evolution of IIOS from Interorganizational Systems (IOS); identifies challenges encountered by the logistics industry in a new digital economy; presents an IIOS model for the logistics industry; and examines a number of strategic changes of adopting IIOS from a case study.

Findings

The paper illustrates a number of strategic changes by adopting IIOS from a case study.

Research limitations/implications

It supports the development of the IIOS model for the logistics industry; links this theoretical model into practice; and provides the direction for future research.

Practical implications

This paper is very useful for third‐party logistics providers as it helps them to understand how IIOS changes the structure of the logistics industry and alters the rules of competition.

Originality/value

This study provides a contribution in practice by linking a theoretical IIOS model for the logistics industry to a practical real case.
Work‐life balance – the sources of the contemporary problem and the probable outcomes
Authors: Roberts Ken
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to consider why work‐life balance has become a major issue, and the likely outcomes of the widespread dissatisfaction with current work schedules.

Design/methodology/approach

The article reviews international evidence on hours of work and time use, and the academic literature on employees’ attitudes towards their hours of work, and perceptions and complaints about work‐life imbalances.

Findings

Working time has not lengthened and complaints about time pressure are unrelated to hours actually worked. The sources of the widespread dissatisfaction with current work schedules will lie in a combination of other trends – increased labour market participation by women, work intensification, the spread of feelings of job insecurity, more work being done at odd hours, the spread of new information and communication technologies, free time increasing more slowly than spending power and aspirations, and relatively long hours becoming most common among employees (and the self‐employed) in higher status jobs. An outcome is unlikely to be a general downward trend in hours worked on account of the substantial opportunity costs that would often be incurred by employees, and because some (mainly middle class) employees have access to a number of effective coping strategies.

Research limitations/implications

Nearly all the evidence considered (and available) is from Western countries.

Practical implications

Regulation of working time with the aim of delivering more acceptable work‐life balances needs to deliver flexibility (at employees' discretion) rather than any standard solution.

Originality/value

The article offers a synthesis of evidence from sources that are rarely drawn together – mainly labour market research, and leisure studies.
Work and life: can employee representation influence balance?
Authors: Hyman Jeff , Summers Juliette
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to assess the influence of different forms of organisational representation on the provision of work‐life balance employment policies.

Design/methodology/approach

The article uses on‐site semi‐structured interviews with employees, HR and line managers and trade union representatives in four case studies as well as survey responses from a total of 17 institutions in the financial services sector.

Findings

Employees do influence work‐life balance issues in the financial services sector, and work‐life balance initiatives had greater breadth, codification and quality where independent unions were recognised. In all cases however, the extent of departure from minimal statutory levels of provision was not great.

Research limitations/implications

The nature of the study and its focus on Scotland may limit the generalisability of the findings into other sectors or regions.

Practical implications

In light of the evolving work‐life balance legislative framework, this article should be of practical interest to trade unions, practitioners and academics. It demonstrates that organisations and unions need to retain and develop a focus on work‐life balance applications.

Originality/value

The article indicates the prevalence of management control of the work‐life balance agenda and management's discretion in the operation of work‐life issues. Employees and their representatives accepted this control, and their private individualised responsibility for balancing work and life, without challenge. These results inform current understanding of how work‐life balance legislation, based on a voluntarist agenda, translates into practice.