bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of a bank consolidation promotion policy: evaluating the 1927 Bank Law in Japan
Authors: Okazaki Tetsuji , Sawada Michiru
Published: April 2007

This article investigates the impact of bank consolidations promoted by government policy, using data from pre-war Japan when the Ministry of Finance promoted bank consolidations through the Bank Law of 1927. We argue that policy-promoted consolidation had a positive effect on deposit growth, especially in the period when the financial system was unstable. On the other hand, it had a negative effect on profitability, particularly when there was no dominant bank among the participants or when more than two banks participated in the consolidation. Policy-promoted consolidation in such cases was likely to be accompanied by large organisational cost.
Space-form and the acousmatic image
Authors: Smalley Denis
Published: April 2007

The analytical discussion of acousmatic music can benefit from being based on spatial concepts, and this article aims to provide a framework for investigation. A personal experience of soundscape listening is the starting point, and uncovers basic ideas relating to the disposition and behaviour of sounding content, and listening strategy. This enables the opening out of the discussion to include source-bonded sounds in general, giving particular consideration to how experience of sense modes other than the aural are implicated in our understanding of space, and in acousmatic listening. Attention then shifts to a source-bonded spatial model based on the production of space by the gestural activity of music performance, prior to focusing in more detail on acousmatic music, initially by delving into spectral space, where ideas about gravitation and diagonal forces are germane. This leads to concepts central to the structuring of perspectival space in relation to the vantage point of the listener. The final section considers a methodology for space-form investigation.
The effects of a middle-school healthy eating intervention on adolescents' fat and fruit intake and soft drinks consumption
Authors: Haerens Leen , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , Maes Lea , Vereecken Carine , Brug Johannes , Deforche Benedicte
Published: April 2007

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of a middle-school healthy eating promotion intervention combining environmental changes and computer-tailored feedback, with and without an explicit parent involvement component.

Design

Clustered randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Fifteen West-Flemish (Belgian) middle schools.

Subjects

A random sample of 15 schools with 2991 pupils in 7th and 8th grades was randomly assigned to an intervention group with parental support (n = 5), an intervention group without parental support (n = 5) and a control group (n = 5). In these 15 schools an intervention combining environmental changes with computer-tailored feedback was implemented. Fat and fruit intake, water and soft drinks consumption were measured with food-frequency questionnaires in the total sample of children.

Results

In girls, fat intake and percentage of energy from fat decreased significantly more in the intervention group with parental support, compared with the intervention alone group (allF>3.9,P < 0.05) and the control group (allF>16.7,P < 0.001). In boys, there were no significant decreases in fat intake (F = 1.4, not significant (NS)) or percentage of energy from fat (F = 0.7, NS) as a result of the intervention. No intervention effects were found in boys or in girls for fruit (F = 0.5, NS), soft drinks (F = 2.6, NS) and water consumption (F = 0.3, NS).

Conclusions

Combining physical and social environmental changes with computer-tailored feedback in girls and their parents can induce lower fat intake in middle-school girls. However, to have an impact on the consumption of soft drinks and water, governmental laws that restrict the at-school availability of low-nutritive products may be necessary.
Dietary intake and development of a quantitative food-frequency questionnaire for the Barbados National Cancer Study
Authors: Sharma Sangita , Cao Xia , Harris Rachel , Hennis Anselm JM , Leske M Cristina , Wu Suh-Yuh ,   The Barbados National Cancer Study Group
Published: April 2007

Objective

To develop a quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (QFFQ) for the Barbados National Cancer Study (BNCS) that will permit examination of associations of diet with breast and prostate cancer.

Design

Population intake data from the year 2000 Barbados Food Consumption and Anthropometric Surveys (BFCAS 2000) were used to derive a list of foods consumed by the population. A 192-item draft QFFQ was developed from this list.

Setting

Barbados, West Indies provides an ideal environment to understand cancer risk in African-origin populations, with high relevance to African-Americans. The BNCS is a population-based case–control study examining risk factors for breast and prostate cancer in such populations.

Subjects

A total of 1600 persons, 18 years and older, completed a 24-hour recall in the BFCAS 2000. Fifty of 63 randomly selected residents (79% response rate) gave additional updated information on foods consumed.

Results

The 50 participants provided a one-time 24-hour recall and completed the draft QFFQ. The final instrument contains 148 items: breads, cakes, cereals = 17; rice, pastas, noodles = 8; dairy = 10; meat, fish, poultry = 42; fruit = 16; vegetables = 26; soft drinks = 14; alcoholic beverages = 5; others = 10. Additional questions include supplement use and food preparation methods such as grilling.

Conclusion

The final instrument is concise, complete and the most up-to-date for assessing the food and nutrient intake of African-origin Barbadians and the associations with breast and prostate cancer.
Dietary transition stages based on eating patterns and diet quality among Haitians of Montreal, Canada
Authors: Désilets Marie-Claude , Rivard Michèle , Shatenstein Bryna , Delisle Hélène
Published: April 2007

Objectives

To identify dietary transition stages based on dietary patterns of adult Haitians having lived in Montreal for various lengths of time, and to assess associated dietary quality.

Subjects

One hundred and eighty-one Haitians aged 25–60 years were recruited by the modified random digit dialling method.

Design

Socio-economic, diet and lifestyle variables were documented by questionnaire. Three non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls were conducted over a 3-month period. Dietary patterns were studied using cluster analysis, and their association with proportion of lifetime in Canada and with socio-economic status (SES) was examined. Diet quality criteria were micronutrient adequacy and healthfulness based on dietary recommendations of the World Health Organization.

Results

Four dietary phenotypes were identified which could roughly represent stages of dietary transition or acculturation (Traditional, Pre-Western, Western and Modern). Subjects in the ‘Traditional’ cluster were older and had lived for a significantly lower proportion of their lifetime in Canada; they also tended to be of lower SES. Diet quality was significantly higher in the ‘Traditional’ than the ‘Western’ type, particularly with respect to healthfulness. A significantly lower proportion of subjects complying with limited intake of total fat ( < 30%) and cholesterol ( < 45%) was observed in the ‘Western’ compared with other diet phenotypes. Less than 15% of all subjects consumed enough dietary fibre, irrespective of diet type.

Conclusion

Dietary transition stages could be identified on the basis of food patterns of Haitians according to the proportion of their lifetime in Canada. Encouraging the youth to retain the traditional food culture in its positive aspects would appear relevant.
Defocused CO2laser therapy in traumatic arthritis of the metacarpophalangeal joint: A randomized clinical study
Authors: Bergh Anna , Nyman Görel , Roepstorff Lars ,  Zhou Qin , Hallberg Mathias , Drevemo Stig , Roethlisberger-Holm Karin
Published: April 2007

A prospective, blinded, randomized and controlled study was conducted in horses with traumatic arthritis of the metacarpophalangeal joint in order to evaluate the efficacy of defocused carbon dioxide (CO2) laser therapy. Sixteen horses were randomly assigned to two groups: active laser (an output power of 16 W, scanned over 42 cm2, an average dose of 91 J cm− 2) and sham laser (the laser beam directed at the non-reflecting floor). All the horses received a total of five treatments during 1 week. The horses were evaluated with respect to the degree of initial lameness by conventional lameness examination and an objective accelerometer technique before the onset of treatment, and at 1 and 3 weeks. The concentrations of substance P (SP), prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and Met-enkephalin-Arg-Phe (MEAP) in synovial fluid were also assessed. Our study demonstrates that there was no significant difference in lameness score between the laser- and the sham-treated group before the treatment and at 1 and 3 weeks after the initial examination. Moreover, no significant difference in the concentrations of SP, PGE2and MEAP in synovial fluid in the active laser group compared with the sham-treated group was observed. In conclusion, this study suggests that treatment with defocused CO2laser in the management of traumatic arthritis of the metacarpophalangeal joint is not statistically better than sham treatment at reducing the grade of lameness as evaluated by conventional lameness examination and accelerometer technique.
Acute effects of short duration, maximal exercise on cardiac troponin I in healthy horses
Authors: Durando MM , Reef VB , Kline K , Birks EK
Published: April 2007

This study evaluated the effects of exercise on cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations in healthy, adult horses.

Fifteen fit, healthy horses determined to have a normal cardiovascular system completed a standardized exercise test on a high-speed treadmill. Heparinized blood was collected for plasma cTnI concentrations before maximal exercise, and 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 h post-exercise. The cTnI concentrations were measured with a commercial system (Stratus CS, Dade Behring, Inc.). Results were analysed by a multivariate ANOVA, where indicatedpost hocanalysis was done by Tukey–Kramer HSD and significance was placed atp < 0.05.

All horses had elevations in cTnI concentrations after maximal exercise. Values for cTnI trended higher at 3 h (0.066 ± 0.011 ng ml− 1) and 6 h (0.062 ± 0.011 ng ml− 1) post-exercise compared with pre-exercise (0.039 ± 0.007 ng ml− 1), although this did not reach statistical significance. Mean cTnI concentrations were within our normal reference range at all time points, although four individuals were above our normal range after exercise.

These data show that short-term, high-intensity exercise induces a small rise in plasma cTnI in normal horses. This should be kept in mind when evaluating cTnI concentrations in horses that have recently completed intense exercise. In addition, these data suggest that 3–6 h after intense exercise may be the optimal time for measurement of cTnI concentrations in horses with suspected exercise-induced myocardial damage.
Immunpathogenese der Virushepatitis: Neue Aspekte
Authors: Neumann-Haefelin  , Thimme
Published: April 2007

Die verschiedenen Komponenten des Immunsystems spielen eine wichtige Rolle im Verlauf der Hepatitis B und C. Während diese Immunantwort bei > 90% der HBV-Infizierten zur Viruselimination führt, kommt es bei der HCV-Infektion in ca. 50–80% zur Viruspersistenz. In den letzten Jahren konnten die Mechanismen der Viruspersistenz wie z.B. virale Escapemutationen oder T-Zell-Dysfunktion näher charakterisiert werden. Das genaue Verständnis der immunologischen Mechanismen von Virus-eliminationen bzw. -persistenzen ist für die erfolgreiche Entwicklung von prophylaktischen und therapeutischen Immunstrategien Grundvoraussetzung.
Innovative Therapieansätze in der Endoskopie
Authors: Ell
Published: April 2007

Innerhalb der letzten 25 Jahre hat sich die gastrointestinale Endoskopie zu dem zentralen bildgebenden Diagnostikverfahren von intraluminalen Erkrankungen des Gastrointestinaltraktes entwickelt. Neue innovative Diagnostikverfahren sind die virtuelle und reale Chromoendoskopie, optische Kohärenztomographie und die Endomikroskopie. Ein erster innovativer Therapieansatz ist die Divertikulotomie von symptomatischen Zenker-Divertikeln. Ein grosses Feld stellen die endoskopische Behandlung der Refluxkrankheit und die kurative Therapie von Frühneoplasien und Karzinomen im gesamten Gastrointestinaltrakt dar. Schliesslich sind auch transgastrische Resektionen zukünftig denkbar.
Interpreting in situ pressure and hydraulic properties with borehole penetrometers in ocean drilling: DVTPP and Piezoprobe deployments at southern Hydrate Ridge, offshore Oregon
Authors: Long H. , Flemings P. B. , Germaine J. T.
Published: April 2007

Two borehole penetrometers, Fugro‐McClelland's Piezoprobe and the Ocean Drilling Program's (ODP) DVTPP, were deployed 50 m below seafloor at Site 1244 on ODP Leg 204 to measure formation pressure at southern Hydrate Ridge, offshore Oregon. Pore pressure is interpreted to be hydrostatic and the sediment's coefficient of consolidation is interpreted to lie between 6.92 and 7.8 × 10−7 m2/s, which is in approximate agreement with laboratory measurements. The Piezoprobe pressure reaches 90% of dissipation 14 times sooner than the DVTPP. The observed and modeled pore pressure responses illustrate how penetrometer geometry impacts our ability to interpret in situ properties and demonstrate under what conditions these tools can be effectively used. Because of its narrow tip, the Piezoprobe disturbs a narrower zone than the DVTPP does. This generates a narrower zone of pressure increase around the piezoprobe, which dissipates much faster than the DVTPP. As consolidation proceeds, pressure dissipation of the Piezoprobe is retarded and forms a “bench,” or flat spot, on the dissipation curve. Owing to its distinct two‐radius geometry, it is possible to apply a consistent method to estimate in situ pressure from partial dissipation record based on the position of the “bench.”
Seismic study of the transform‐rifted margin in Davis Strait between Baffin Island (Canada) and Greenland: What happens when a plume meets a transform
Authors: Funck Thomas , Jackson H. Ruth , Louden Keith E. , Klingelhöfer Frauke
Published: April 2007

The Davis Strait transform margin was studied using a 630‐km‐long wide‐angle reflection/refraction seismic transect extending from SE Baffin Island to Greenland. Dense airgun shots were recorded by 28 ocean bottom seismometers deployed along the line. A P wave velocity model was developed from forward and inverse modeling of the wide‐angle data and incorporation of coincident deep multichannel reflection seismic data. Off Baffin Island in the Saglek Basin, 7 to 11‐km‐thick two‐layered continental crust (5.8–6.6 km/s) is observed. Off Greenland, continental crust is divided into three layers (5.4–6.8 km/s) with a maximum thickness of 20 km. Farther offshore Greenland the crust thins to 7–12 km and the lower crust disappears. Between the continental blocks a 140‐km‐wide zone with oceanic crust (layer 2 is 5.4–6.2 km/s and layer 3 is 6.7–7.0 km/s) is located. The western half of this zone is interpreted to be part of a volcanic margin with seaward dipping reflectors; the eastern part is associated with the Ungava fault zone (UFZ), the major transform fault in Davis Strait. The UFZ thus acted as leaky transform fault during phases of transtension. Southward flow of material from the Iceland plume created a 4 to 8‐km‐thick underplated layer (7.4 km/s) beneath the thinned portions of the continental crust and beneath previously emplaced oceanic crust. Plume related Paleogene volcanism is indicated by an up to 4‐km thick layer (4.3–5.8 km/s) with basalts and interbedded sediments that can be traced from SE Baffin Island 400 km toward the east.
Circulation on the western South Atlantic continental shelf: 1. Numerical process studies on buoyancy
Authors: Soares I. D. , Kourafalou V. , Lee T. N.
Published: April 2007

Buoyancy‐driven currents are investigated in the western South Atlantic Ocean, where a major river plume, La Plata, interacts with a minor one, Patos Lagoon. A series of simulations were performed with a three‐dimensional, free‐surface numerical model, to better understand the processes which control both plumes evolution and their interaction. The simulations are focused on the importance of turbulent mixing to the evolution of the La Plata plume and its downshelf penetration toward the Patos Lagoon. Satellite observations and historical data show that the La Plata plume has a tendency to expand along the river southern margin, before it turns north in the direction of coastal trapped waves propagation. Our results, on the other hand, show that in the absence of the tides and the wind, this plume tends to leave the estuary attached to its northern margin (downstream), unless the model parameters are tuned to produce unrealistically high turbulent mixing. We then address the role of each parameter that controls mixing, and show that by tuning the model parameters we can get plumes similar to those observed in nature. However, the plumes produced in the experiments with excessively high mixing parameters showed unbounded southward (upstream) expansion. By introducing the tides we show that the plumes produced in the presence of tidal stirring, and normally set mixing parameters, are more realistic, suggesting that tidal stirring is more effective than artificially tuned turbulent mixing on causing the plume lateral expansion.
Superrotation in a Venus general circulation model
Authors: Lee C. , Lewis S. R. , Read P. L.
Published: April 2007

A superrotating atmosphere with equatorial winds of ∼35 m s−1 is simulated using a simplified Venus general circulation model (GCM). The equatorial superrotation in the model atmosphere is maintained by barotropic instabilities in the midlatitude jets which transport angular momentum toward the equator. The midlatitude jets are maintained by the mean meridional circulation, and the momentum transporting waves are qualitatively similar to observed midlatitude waves; an equatorial Kelvin wave is also present in the atmosphere. The GCM is forced by linearized cooling and friction parameterizations, with hyperdiffusion and a polar Fourier filter to maintain numerical stability. Atmospheric superrotation is a robust feature of the model and is spontaneously produced without specific tuning. A strong meridional circulation develops in the form of a single Hadley cell, extending from the equator to the pole in both hemispheres, and from the surface to 50 km altitude. The zonal jets produced by this circulation reach 45 m s−1 at 60 km, with peak winds of 35 m s−1 at the equator. A warm pole and cold collar are also found in the GCM, caused by adiabatic warming in the mean meridional circulation. Wave frequencies and zonal wind speeds are smaller than in observations by cloud tracking but are consistent with a Doppler shifting by wind speeds in the generating region of each wave. Magnitudes of polar temperature anomalies are smaller than the observed features, suggesting dynamical processes alone may not be sufficient to maintain the large observed temperature contrasts at the magnitudes and periods found in this GCM.
Tectonosedimentary evolution of the deep Iberia‐Newfoundland margins: Evidence for a complex breakup history
Authors: Péron‐Pinvidic Gwenn , Manatschal Gianreto , Minshull Tim A. , Sawyer Dale S.
Published: April 2007

Most of the conceptual ideas concerning sedimentary architecture and tectonic evolution of deep rifted margins are based on either intracontinental rift basins or proximal margins, both of which underwent only small amounts of crustal thinning. In this paper, we investigate the tectonosedimentary and morphotectonic evolution related to continental breakup of the highly extended, deep Iberia‐Newfoundland margins. Our results show that continental breakup is a complex process distributed in time and space. On the basis of mapping of dated seismic units and borehole data we are able to identify two major phases of extension. During a first phase, dated as Tithonian to Barremian (145–128 Ma), deformation is related to exhumation of mantle rocks; basins become younger oceanward, and fault geometry changes from upward to downward concave resulting in complex sedimentary structures and basin geometries. A second phase, dated as latest Aptian (112 Ma), overprints previously exhumed mantle and accreted juvenile oceanic crust over more than 200 km leading to the formation of basement highs. The observed complex breakup history challenges classical concepts of rifting and leads to new interpretations for the tectonosedimentary evolution of deep rifted margins.
Clustering of peptidoglycan recognition protein-SA is required for sensing lysine-type peptidoglycan in insects
Authors: Park Ji-Won , Kim Chan-Hee , Kim Jung-Hyun , Je Byung-Rok , Roh Kyung-Baeg , Kim Su-Jin , Lee Hyeon-Hwa , Ryu Ji-Hwan , Lim Jae-Hong , Oh Byung-Ha , Lee Won-Jae , Ha Nam-Chul , Lee Bok-Luel
Published: April 2007

Recognition of lysine-type peptidoglycan by peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP)-SA provokes the activation of the Toll and prophenoloxidase pathways. Here we reveal that a soluble fragment of lysine-type peptidoglycan, a long glycan chain with short stem peptides, is a potent activator of the
Drosophila
Toll pathway and the prophenoloxidase activation cascade in the beetle
Tenebrio molitor
. Using this peptidoglycan fragment, we present biochemical evidence that clustering of PGRP-SA molecules on the peptidoglycan is required for the activation of the prophenoloxidase cascade. We subsequently highlight that the lysozyme-mediated partial digestion of highly cross-linked lysine-type peptidoglycan dramatically increases the binding of PGRP-SA, presumably by inducing clustering of PGRP-SA, which then recruits the Gram-negative bacteria-binding protein 1 homologue and a modular serine protease containing low-density lipoprotein and complement control protein domains. The crucial role of lysozyme in the prophenoloxidase activation cascade is further confirmed
in vivo
by using a lysozyme inhibitor. Taken together, we propose a model whereby lysozyme presents a processed form of lysine-type peptidoglycan for clustering of PGRP-SA that recruits Gram-negative bacteria-binding protein 1 and the modular serine protease, which leads to the activation of both the Toll and prophenoloxidase pathways.
Role for Msh5 in the regulation of Ig class switch recombination
Authors: Sekine Hideharu , Ferreira Ricardo C. , Pan-Hammarström Qiang , Graham Robert R. , Ziemba Beth , de Vries Sandra S. , Liu Jiabin , Hippen Keli , Koeuth Thearith , Ortmann Ward , Iwahori Akiko , Elliott Margaret K. , Offer Steven , Skon Cara , Du Likun , Novitzke Jill , Lee Annette T. , Zhao Nianxi , Tompkins Joshua D. , Altshuler David , Gregersen Peter K. , Cunningham-Rundles Charlotte , Harris Reuben S. , Her Chengtao , Nelson David L. , Hammarström Lennart , Gilkeson Gary S. , Behrens Timothy W.
Published: April 2007

Ig class switch recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation serve to diversify antibody responses and are orchestrated by the activity of activation-induced cytidine deaminase and many proteins involved in DNA repair and genome surveillance.
Msh5
, a gene encoded in the central MHC class III region, and its obligate heterodimerization partner Msh4 have a critical role in regulating meiotic homologous recombination and have not been implicated in CSR. Here, we show that MRL/
lpr
mice carrying a congenic H-2
b/b
MHC interval exhibit several abnormalities regarding CSR, including a profound deficiency of IgG3 in most mice and long microhomologies at Ig switch (S) joints. We found that
Msh5
is expressed at low levels on the H-2
b
haplotype and, importantly, a similar long S joint microhomology phenotype was observed in both
Msh5
and
Msh4
-null mice. We also present evidence that genetic variation in
MSH5
is associated with IgA deficiency and common variable immune deficiency (CVID) in humans. One of the human
MSH5
alleles identified contains two nonsynonymous polymorphisms, and the variant protein encoded by this allele shows impaired binding to MSH4. Similar to the mice, Ig S joints from CVID and IgA deficiency patients carrying disease-associated
MSH5
alleles show increased donor/acceptor microhomology, involving pentameric DNA repeat sequences and lower mutation rates than controls. Our findings suggest that Msh4/5 heterodimers contribute to CSR and support a model whereby Msh4/5 promotes the resolution of DNA breaks with low or no terminal microhomology by a classical nonhomologous end-joining mechanism while possibly suppressing an alternative microhomology-mediated pathway.
Prevalence of positive selection among nearly neutral amino acid replacements inDrosophila
Authors: Sawyer Stanley A. , Parsch John , Zhang Zhi , Hartl Daniel L.
Published: April 2007

We have estimated the selective effects of amino acid replacements in natural populations by comparing levels of polymorphism in 91 genes in African populations ofDrosophila melanogasterwith their divergence fromDrosophila simulans. The genes include about equal numbers whose level of expression in adults is greater in males, greater in females, or approximately equal in the sexes. Markov chain Monte Carlo methods were used to sample key parameters in the stationary distribution of polymorphism and divergence in a model in which the selective effect of each nonsynonymous mutation is regarded as a random sample from some underlying normal distribution whose mean may differ from one gene to the next. Our analysis suggests that ≈95% of all nonsynonymous mutations that could contribute to polymorphism or divergence are deleterious, and that the average proportion of deleterious amino acid polymorphisms in samples is ≈70%. On the other hand, ≈95% of fixed differences between species are positively selected, although the scaled selection coefficient (Nes) is very small. We estimate that ≈46% of amino acid replacements haveNes< 2, ≈84% haveNes< 4, and ≈99% haveNes< 7. Although positive selection among amino acid differences between species seems pervasive, most of the selective effects could be regarded as nearly neutral. There are significant differences in selection between sex-biased and unbiased genes, which relate primarily to the mean of the distributions of mutational effects and the fraction of slightly deleterious and weakly beneficial mutations that are fixed.
Receptor Complexes Cotransported via Polarized Endocytic Pathways Form Clusters with Distinct Organizations
Authors: Wallrabe H. , Bonamy G. , Periasamy A. , Barroso M.
Published: April 2007

Previously, FRET confocal microscopy has shown that polymeric IgA-receptor (pIgA-R) is distributed in a clustered manner in apical endosomes. To test whether different membrane-bound components form clusters during membrane trafficking, live-cell quantitative FRET was used to characterize the organization of pIgA-R and transferrin receptor (TFR) in endocytic membranes of polarized MDCK cells upon internalization of donor- and acceptor-labeled ligands. We show that pIgA-R and TFR complexes form increasingly organized clusters during cotransport from basolateral to perinuclear endosomes. The organization of these receptor clusters in basolateral versus perinuclear/apical endosomes is significantly different; the former showing a mixed random/clustered distribution while the latter highly organized clusters. Our results indicate that although both perinuclear and apical endosomes comprise pIgA-R and TFR clusters, their E% levels are significantly different suggesting that these receptors are packed into clusters in a distinct manner. The quantitative FRET-based assay presented here suggests that different receptor complexes form clusters, with diverse levels of organization, while being cotransported via the polarized endocytic pathways.
The Activity of Pax3 and Zic1 Regulates Three Distinct Cell Fates at the Neural Plate Border
Authors: Hong Chang-Soo , Saint-Jeannet Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2007

In Xenopus, the neural plate border gives rise to at least three cell populations: the neural crest, the preplacodal ectoderm, and the hatching gland. To understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate the formation of these lineages, we have analyzed the role of two transcription factors, Pax3 and Zic1, which are among the earliest genes activated in response to neural plate border-inducing signals. At the end of gastrulation, Pax3 and Zic1 are coexpressed in the neural crest forming region. In addition, Pax3 is expressed in progenitors of the hatching gland, and Zic1 is detected in the preplacodal ectoderm. Using gain of function and knockdown approaches in whole embryos and animal explants, we demonstrate that Pax3 and Zic1 are necessary and sufficient to promote hatching gland and preplacodal fates, respectively, whereas their combined activity is essential to specify the neural crest. Moreover, we show that by manipulating the levels of Pax3 and Zic1 it is possible to shift fates among these cells. These findings provide novel information on the mechanisms regulating cell fate decisions at the neural plate border.
The Legal Regime for Free Trade in the Commonwealth of Independent States
Authors: Dragneva Rilka , De Kort Joop
Published: April 2007

Whether through the framework of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) or outside of it, the former Soviet republics continue to seek and depend on economic cooperation with each other, particularly in the area of trade in goods. This article examines the legal framework for free trade in the post-Soviet space and discusses its role in fostering effective regional cooperation. The focus is on the multiplication of regimes at the bilateral and multilateral (CIS) level—a particular blend of ‘à; la carte multilateralism’ and multiple bilateralism—and their respective features in terms of legal nature, substantive scope, and disciplining mechanisms, as well as the implications of their overlap. We find that both the bilateral and the multilateral regimes have undergone significant (often underestimated) development, and that the multilateral regime has generally sought to be more ambitious both in its substantive and institutional reach. Yet, both regimes can be described as ultimately weak and their overlap confusing. While a higher juridicization and comprehensive consolidation at the multilateral level of the CIS free trade regime may be recommended, we remain sceptical about its likelihood in the short and medium term.
What not to Wear: Religious Rights, the European Court, and the Margin of Appreciation
Authors: Lewis Tom
Published: April 2007

The issue of religious dress, specifically female Muslim religious dress, has been the subject of intense controversy within Europe over recent years. In the United Kingdom comments by Jack Straw MP, Leader of the House of Commons and a former Home and Foreign Secretary, that he felt uncomfortable talking to women at his constituency surgery who wore the Muslim veil sparked a storm of intense and, at times, acrimonious debate.1In France the banning of headscarves in State schools has provoked major controversy.2In the Netherlands the Dutch Parliament voted to ban theburkain public places3and in five Belgian towns its wearing has been banned on pain of a fine.4
Upregulation of CD94/NKG2A receptors and Qa-1b ligand during murine cytomegalovirus infection of salivary glands
Authors: Cavanaugh Victoria J. , Raulet David H. , Campbell Ann E.
Published: April 2007

Following acute infection, murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) replicates persistently in the salivary glands, despite the vigorous response of activated CD8 T cells that infiltrate this gland. Virus-specific CD8 T lymphocytes isolated from this organ were found to express the inhibitory CD94/NKG2A receptor that, in some virus models, confers an inhibitory response to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). In response to MCMV infection, expression of the CD94/NKG2A ligand, Qa-1b, increased dramatically in the submandibular gland (SMG) prior to upregulation of H-2Dd. However, there was no net negative impact on virus-specific T-cell function, as virus titres were similar in CD94− and CD94+ mice. CD94/NKG2A expression, also known to inhibit apoptosis, did not influence the numbers of accumulated T, NK and NK T cells. These data indicate that expression of inhibitory CD94/NKG2A receptors does not account for the failure of MCMV-specific CTLs to clear the SMG of infection.
Genetic diversity in hepatitis C virus in Egypt and possible association with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Abdel-Hamid Mohamed , El-Daly Mai , Molnegren Vilma , El-Kafrawy Sherif , Abdel-Latif Sohair , Esmat Gamal , Strickland G. Thomas , Loffredo Christopher , Albert Jan , Widell Anders
Published: April 2007

Egypt has one of the world’s highest prevalences of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with a majority of genotype 4 infections. To explore the genetic diversity of HCV in Egypt, sera from 131 Egyptians [56 from community studies, 37 chronic hepatitis patients, 28 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and 10 patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma] were genotyped by restriction fragment-length polymorphism and phylogenetic analyses of sequences from the mid-core and non-structural 5B regions. The different genotyping methods showed good agreement. The majority of the viruses (83 of 131; 63 %) were of subtype 4a, but five other subtypes within genotype 4 were also observed, as well as three genotype 1b, five genotype 1g and one genotype 3a samples. Interestingly, subtype 4o, which was easily identifiable in all three genomic regions, showed an association with HCC (P=0.017), which merits further investigation.
Infectivity, pseudorecombination and mutagenesis of Kenyan cassava mosaic begomoviruses
Authors: Bull Simon E. , Briddon Rob W. , Sserubombwe William S. , Ngugi Kahiu , Markham Peter G. , Stanley John
Published: April 2007

Cloned DNA-A and DNA-B components of Kenyan isolates of East African cassava mosaic virus (EACMV, EACMV-UG and EACMV-KE2), East African cassava mosaic Kenya virus (EACMKV) and East African cassava mosaic Zanzibar virus (EACMZV) are shown to be infectious in cassava. EACMV and EACMKV genomic components have the same iteron sequence (GGGGG) and can form viable pseudorecombinants, while EACMZV components have a different sequence (GGAGA) and are incompatible with EACMV and EACMKV. Mutagenesis of EACMZV has demonstrated that open reading frames (ORFs) AV1 (encoding the coat protein), AV2 and AC4 are not essential for a symptomatic infection of cassava, although mutants of both ORF AV1 and AV2 produce attenuated symptoms in this host. Furthermore, ORF AV1 and AV2 mutants were compromised for coat protein production, suggesting a close structural and/or functional relationship between these coding regions or their protein products.
Identification of minimal sequences of the Rhopalosiphum padi virus 5′ untranslated region required for internal initiation of protein synthesis in mammalian, plant and insect translation systems
Authors: Groppelli Elisabetta , Belsham Graham J. , Roberts Lisa O.
Published: April 2007

Rhopalosiphum padi
virus (RhPV) is a member of the family Dicistroviridae. The genomes of viruses in this family contain two open reading frames, each preceded by distinct internal ribosome entry site (IRES) elements. The RhPV 5′ IRES is functional in mammalian, insect and plant translation systems and can form 48S initiation complexes in vitro with just the mammalian initiation factors eIF2, eIF3 and eIF1. Large regions of the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) can be deleted without affecting initiation-complex formation. The minimal sequences required for directing internal initiation in mammalian (rabbit reticulocyte lysate), plant (wheatgerm extract) and insect (Sf21 cells) translation systems have now been defined. A fragment (nt 426–579) from the 3′ portion of the 5′ UTR can direct translation in each of these translation systems. In addition, a distinct region (nt 300–429) is also active. Thus, unstructured regions within the 5′ UTR seem to be critical for IRES function.
Processing and MHC class I presentation of human cytomegalovirus pp65-derived peptides persist despite gpUS2–11-mediated immune evasion
Authors: Besold Katrin , Frankenberg Nadine , Pepperl-Klindworth Sandra , Kuball Jürgen , Theobald Matthias , Hahn Gabriele , Plachter Bodo
Published: April 2007

Immune control of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection can be mediated by CD8+cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL). Adoptive transfer of antiviral CTL confers protection against HCMV reactivation and disease. The tegument protein pp65 and the immediate-early 1 protein (IE1) are recognized to be major CTL targets, even though during productive infection the viral immunoevasion proteins gpUS2–11 act to suppress major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-restricted antigen presentation. Thus it was not clear how infected cells could be labelled with antigenic peptides in the face of immunoevasion. We show here that the immunodominant peptide pp65NLVwas presented by MHC class I in cells infected with a gpUS2–11-competent virus. Presentation of pp65NLVwas still detectable at 96 h post-infection, although at low levels. Partial suppression of pp65NLVpresentation was dependent on the ability of the infecting strain to express gpUS2–11. MHC class I-restricted antigen presentation in HCMV-infected cells (encoding gpUS2–11) exhibited specificity for pp65-derived peptides, as infected fibroblasts did not present the IE1-derived nonapeptide IE1TMY. Remarkably, infected cells could restore pp65NLVpeptide presentation after acid removal of MHC class I despite gpUS2–11 expression. This recovery was shown to be dependent on proteasome functionality. In contrast to IE1, pp65 peptides are loaded on MHC class I molecules to be transported to the cell surface at early and late times after infection in the face of gpUS2–11-mediated immunoevasion. pp65 is therefore the first example of an HCMV protein only incompletely subjected to gpUS2–11-mediated immunoevasion.
Betapapillomaviruses frequently persist in the skin of healthy individuals
Authors: de Koning Maurits N. C. , Struijk Linda , Bavinck Jan Nico Bouwes , Kleter Bernhard , ter Schegget Jan , Quint Wim G. V. , Feltkamp Mariet C. W.
Published: April 2007

Infections with human papillomaviruses (HPVs) belonging to the genus Betapapillomavirus have been linked to the development of non-melanoma skin cancer. Although persistence is expected, systematic investigation of this aspect of betapapillomavirus (β-PV) infection has not been conducted. This study investigated the prevalence and persistence of 25 known β-PV types in the skin of immunocompetent individuals. Over a 2 year period, eight consecutive plucked eyebrow hair samples taken from 23 healthy individuals were analysed for the presence of β-PV DNA. Using a recently published general β-PV PCR and genotyping method, 61 % of the individuals were β-PV DNA positive for one or more types at intake, whereas during follow-up this percentage rose to 96 %. HPV23 was the most frequently detected β-PV type. Type-specific β-PV DNA was detected over 6 months or longer in 74 % of the individuals. In 57 % of the individuals, DNA from multiple β-PV types was detected simultaneously for 6 months or longer. When the detection intervals of all β-PV type-specific infections in the study population were considered, a substantial proportion, 48 %, lasted at least half a year. The consistent β-PV patterns found over time in most individuals strongly suggested that β-PV DNA detection in plucked eyebrow hairs reveals true β-PV infection. If the minimum interval of detection was set at 6 months, persistent β-PV infections were found in the majority of the study population (74 %).
In vitro association between the helper component–proteinase of zucchini yellow mosaic virus and cuticle proteins of Myzus persicae
Authors: Dombrovsky Aviv , Gollop Natan , Chen Songbi , Chejanovsky Nor , Raccah Benjamin
Published: April 2007

Potyviruses, as typical non-persistently transmitted viruses, are carried within the stylets of aphids. Cuticle proteins (CuPs), which are a major component of the insect cuticle, were examined forin vitrobinding to the potyviral helper component–proteinase (HC–Pro). Proteins in 8 M urea extracts fromMyzus persicaewere separated by SDS-PAGE, electroblotted onto membranes and identified as CuPs by using specific antibodies toM. persicaeCuP. BlottedM. persicaeprotein extracts were overlaid with two HC–Pros, differing by the presence of K or E in the KLSC domain. The HC–Pro with KLSC, known to assist transmission, was found to bindM. persicaeproteins, whereas the HC–Pro with ELSC, being deficient in assisting transmission, did not. To identify CuPs that react with HC–Pro, protein extracts were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Nine proteins reacting with HC–Pro were sequenced by mass spectrometry. Sequences of peptides in four proteins, of molecular masses between 22 and 31 kDa, were identified as CuPs according to comparison with sequences in GenBank. The putative CuPs fromM. persicaethat bind HC–Pro are potentially of interest in locating receptors for virions bound to HC–Pro in aphids’ stylets.
URLs in the OPAC: comparative reflections on US vs UK practice
Authors: Joint Nicholas
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To examine whether placing URLs into library OPACs has been an effective way of enhancing the role of the catalogue for the contemporary library user.

Design/methodology/approach

A brief review of the literature combined with an analysis of publicly available statistics for library use in the USA and the UK.

Findings

That certain ways of placing URLs into the OPAC are loosely associated with a successful library environment, i.e. with constant or increasing levels of stock circulation and OPAC use, while other forms of hyper‐linking OPAC records are loosely associated with declining levels of library use.

Research limitations/implications

The loose association between different OPAC management practices and apparent statistical trends of library use could be investigated in greater depth by further subsequent research, but along the lines and methodology suggested herein.

Practical implications

Firm suggestions on how to place and manage URLs in the online catalogue are made.

Originality/value

This paper takes certain catalogue enhancement practices which are identified with the US library environment and investigates them in a UK, and specifically Scottish context, to shed light on the original US ideas behind these practices.
Selection or censorship: libraries and the intelligent design debate
Authors: O'Sullivan Michael K. , O'Sullivan Connie J.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To examine the strategies of the intelligent design (ID) movement and their impact on the selection policies for high school libraries and the science curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

Examines the process four public high school libraries in the US took to determine whether to accept a gift offer by a parent of two books, dealing with ID. This article deals with the importance of applying selection criteria to all materials, whether gifts or recommendations.

Findings

School libraries are not immune to the tactics used by the ID movement to influence curriculum and collection development decisions.

Research limitations/implications

While this article is a case history of the ID movement's strategy to influence school curriculum, its implications and possible impact on other schools and their libraries.

Practical implications

Provides advice to practicing school librarians on what criteria to use when selecting materials and poses the question of who should be involved in selecting materials for the school library.

Originality/value

This article explores the critical aspects and the differences between selection and censorship. Emphasizes the importance of having and following board‐approved policies that deal with gifts and the selection of library and instructional materials.
Different relationships between perceptions of developmental performance appraisal and work performance
Authors: Kuvaas Bård
Published: April 2007

Purpose

It is often suggested that in order for performance appraisal to positively influence employee behaviour, employees must experience positive appraisal reactions. The purpose of the present study is to examine two different models of the relationship between employee perceptions of developmental performance appraisal and self‐reported work performance: a mediation model and a moderation model.

Design/methodology/approach

Results from a cross‐sectional survey of 434 employees showed that the relationship between perceptions of developmental performance appraisal and self‐reported work performance was mediated by employees' intrinsic motivation, and strongly moderated by their autonomy orientation.

Findings

For employees with a weak autonomy orientation, the relationship was positive, but for those with a strong autonomy orientation, the relationship was negative.

Research limitations/implications

The two most important limitations, which are discussed in more detail at the end of the paper, are the cross‐sectional nature of the study and the reliance on self‐reported questionnaire data. Consequently, experimental studies are needed to examine causality issues.

Originality/value

The most interesting and practically relevant finding is that autonomy orientation moderated the relationship between perceptions of developmental performance appraisal and work performance. Accordingly, extra emphasis should be put on participative and autonomy supportive application of performance appraisal involving employees with a strong autonomy orientation.
Conceptualising the “personnel professional”
Authors: Gilmore Sarah , Williams Steve
Published: April 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to analyse the extent to which the CIPD's professional project can be successfully realised.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a two‐fold literature review that analyses the professional project with reference to nascent professions. This review is then applied to the CIPD's qualification scheme through a documentary analysis of four key components of it.

Findings

Analysis suggests that whilst a high degree of professional closure has been achieved, the concomitant rise in professional and organisational status sought by the CIPD has not and is unlikely to do so in the future.

Research limitations/implications

Whilst the arguments presented need further empirical study, our analysis suggests that the policy aims and initiatives advanced by the CIPD do not eradicate the tensions and ambiguities that have long characterised personnel roles.

Practical implications

This analysis questions whether the CIPD's professional standards are yielding the business skills and knowledge needed to be an effective business partner; seeing the advent of individual chartered status as an implicit recognition of the standards inadequacies in equipping its students appropriately.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to knowledge in two areas: firstly, the difficulties faced by emergent professions in a wider political economy that has witnessed the erosion of professional power. Secondly, that the ambiguities faced when managing people in a capitalist market economy will not be resolved by recourse to the unitarist and managerial approaches seen in the CIPD's professional programme.