bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical epidemiologic study of holoprosencephaly in South America
Authors: Orioli Iêda M. , Castilla Eduardo E.
Published: November 2007

ECLAMC: Latin American Study of Congenital Malformations examined 4,157,224 births (1967–2000), detecting 370 newborns with suspected holoprosencephaly (HPE): 182 (49.2%) had only craniofacial defects; 99 (26.8%) had defects in other systems; (15.1%) had chromosomal anomalies; 5 (1.4%) had recognized syndromes; and 28 (7.6%) had isolated median cleft lip. The latter group was excluded from subsequent analyses because of epidemiological differences from the other groups. The birth prevalence rate (BPR) of isolated HPE was homogeneous among the 11 sampled countries, increasing from 0.5/10,000 births to 1/10,000 births between 1967 and 2000, suggesting improved ascertainment, mainly after 1996. Microtia, cleft lip/palate, and microstomia were preferentially associated with HPE, but cleft palate only was not. Maternal diabetes was more prevalent in HPE than in controls when adding the isolated and associated groups (OR: 3.5; 95% CI: 0.9–16.2). Maternal flu was more prevalent in isolated HPE (OR: 3.6; 0.9–16.6) and in isolated plus associated HPE (OR: 2.8; 1.0–7.9) than in controls. A second series of better documented HPE cases, 179 in number (2.2/10,000), ascertained from 827,968 births occurring from 2000 to 2003, was used for phenotypic definition of cerebral and facial anomalies. In 83 of 174 HPE cases with specified cerebral defects, 40% were alobar, 43% were semilobar, and 17% were lobar. All cases of cyclopia, ethmocephaly, and cebocephaly were of the alobar or semilobar types. Female excess occurred in the total sample, but not within the subgroups themselves because of their small sample sizes. Neither alobar HPE nor cyclopia was associated with female predilection. Among the 174 HPE cases, 39% had neither oral clefting nor a severe dysmorphic face. Of facial phenotypes, 26% had cyclopia, ethmocephaly, or cebocephaly; 25% had premaxillary agenesis; and 10% had cleft lip and palate or cleft palate only. Cyclopia was not associated with oral clefts; 6 of 8 cases of ethmocephaly had cleft palate; 6 of 20 cases of cebocephaly had oral clefts; 4 of 20 cases had premaxillary agenesis; and 2 of 20 cases had cleft palate. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The relationship of 5HTT (SLC6A4) methylation and genotype on mRNA expression and liability to major depression and alcohol dependence in subjects from the Iowa Adoption Studies
Authors: Philibert Robert A. , Sandhu Harinder , Hollenbeck Nancy , Gunter Tracy , Adams William , Madan Anup
Published: November 2007

Serotonin Transporter (5HTT or SLC6A4) mRNA transcription is regulated by both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Unfortunately, despite intense scrutiny, the exact identity and contribution of each of these regulatory mechanisms, and their relationship to behavioral illness remain unknown. This lack of knowledge is critical because alterations in SLC6A4 function are posited to be central to a wide variety of CNS disorders. In order to address this shortcoming, we quantified 5HTTLPR genotype, SLC6A4 mRNA production and CpG methylation using biomaterial from 192 lymphoblast cell lines derived from subjects who participated in the latest wave of the Iowa Adoption Studies. We then analyzed the resulting data with respect to clinical characteristics. We confirmed prior findings that the short (s) 5HTTLPR allele is associated with lower amounts of mRNA transcription, but there was no significant effect of the “Long G” allele on mRNA transcription. We also found that CpG methylation was higher (P < 0.0008) and mRNA production (P < 0.0001) was lower in females as compared to males. Those subjects with a lifetime history of Alcohol Dependence had higher levels of SLC6A4 mRNA. There was a trend for an association of increased overall methylation with lifetime history of major depression. Finally, we confirm our prior findings that the exact levels of 5HTT mRNA expression are dependent on how it is measured. We conclude that both genetic variation and epigenetic modifications contribute to the regulation of SLC6A4 function and that more in‐depth studies of the molecular mechanisms controlling gene activity and the relationship of these mechanisms to behavioral illness are indicated. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conducting property of carbon black filled poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(methyl methacrylate) composites as gas‐sensing materials
Authors: Dong Xian Ming , Luo Ying , Xie Li Na , Zhang Shu Ting , Zhang Yong Ce , Zheng Xiao Li
Published: November 2007

To reveal the role of crystalline polymers in carbon black (CB) filled amorphous polymer composites and improve the mechanical properties of composite films, CB/poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites were synthesized by polymerization filling in this work. The electrical conductive property and response to organic solvent vapors of the composites were investigated. The composites, characterized by a relatively low percolation threshold (∼ 2.1 wt %), had lower resistivity than CB/PMMA composites prepared with the same method because of the different dispersion status of CB particles in the matrix polymer. The concentration and molecular weight of PEG notably influenced the electrical response of the composites against organic vapors. The drastic increase in the electrical resistance of the composites in various organic vapors could be attributed mainly to the swelling of the amorphous polymer matrix in the solvent but not to that of the crystalline polymer. These findings could help us to understand the conductive mechanism and electrical response mechanism of the composites as promising gas‐sensing materials. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Preparation and adsorption properties of chitosan–poly(acrylic acid) nanoparticles for the removal of nickel ions
Authors: Wang Jian‐Wen , Kuo Yi‐Ming
Published: November 2007

Chitosan (CS) nanoparticles with different mean sizes ranging from 100 to 195 nm were prepared by ionic gelation of CS and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). Variations in the final solution pH value and CS : PAA volume ratio were examined systematically for their effects on nanoparticle size, intensity of surface charge, and tendency toward particle aggregation. The sorption capacity and sorption isotherms of the CS–PAA nanoparticles for nickel ions were evaluated. The parameters for the adsorption of nickel ions by the CS–PAA nanoparticles were also investigated. The CS–PAA nanoparticles could sorb nickel ions effectively. The sorption rate for nickel ions was affected significantly by the initial concentration of the solution, sorbent amount, particle size, and pH value of the solution. The samples of nanoparticles were well correlated with Langmuir's isotherm model, and the adsorption kinetics of nickel correlated well with the pseudo‐second‐order model. The maximum capacity for nickel sorption deduced from the use of the Langmuir isotherm equation was 435 mg/g, which was significantly higher than that of the micrometer‐sized CS. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Composites of poly(2‐chloroaniline) and poly(o‐toluidine) with pumice and their application in the removal of chromium(VI) ions from aqueous solutions
Authors: Gök Ayşegül Uygun , Göde Fethiye
Published: November 2007

Poly(2‐chloroaniline) (P2ClAn)/pumice (Pmc) and poly(o‐toluidine) (POT)/Pmc composites were synthesized via the chemical oxidative polymerization of 2‐chloroaniline and o‐toluidine in the presence of a dispersion of Pmc powders in water solvent with an (NH4)2S2O8 oxidant. The composites were characterized with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermo‐gravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TG‐DTA), and scanning electron microscopy devices. The presence of P2ClAn and POT in the structure of the composites was confirmed by FTIR. Theresults of analysis show strong interactions between the homopolymers and Pmc. The applicability of the P2ClAn/Pmc and POT/Pmc composites were investigated for the removal of Cr(VI) ions in water. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out as a function of pH, initial concentration, time, adsorbent dosage, and temperature. The batch sorption kinetics were tested, and the applicability of the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms for this system was tested at 20 ± 1°C. An initial pH of 3.0 was most favorable for Cr(VI) removal by all adsorbents. The adsorption capacities obtained were 0.187 and 4.959 mmol/g of adsorbent for POT/Pmc and P2ClAn/Pmc from the Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms, respectively. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Evaluating a news‐aware quantitative trader: The effect of momentum and contrarian stock selection strategies
Authors: Schumaker Robert P. , Chen Hsinchun
Published: November 2007

We study the coupling of basic quantitative portfolio selection strategies with a financial news article prediction system, AZFinText. By varying the degrees of portfolio formation time, we found that a hybrid system using both quantitative strategy and a full set of financial news articles performed the best. With a 1‐week portfolio formation period, we achieved a 20.79% trading return using a Momentum strategy and a 4.54% return using a Contrarian strategy over a 5‐week holding period. We also found that trader overreaction to these events led AZFinText to capitalize on these short‐term surges in price.
Caveats for the use of citation indicators in research and journal evaluations
Authors: Leydesdorff Loet
Published: November 2007

Aging of publications, percentage of self‐citations, and impact vary from journal to journal within fields of science. The assumption that citation and publication practices are homogenous within specialties and fields of science is invalid. Furthermore, the delineation of fields and among specialties is fuzzy. Institutional units of analysis and persons may move between fields or span different specialties. The match between the citation index and institutional profiles varies among institutional units and nations. The respective matches may heavily affect the representation of the units. Non‐Institute of Scientific Information (ISI) journals are increasingly cornered into “transdisciplinary” Mode‐2 functions with the exception of specialist journals publishing in languages other than English. An “externally cited impact factor” can be calculated for these journals. The citation impact of non‐ISI journals will be demonstrated using Science and Public Policy as the example.
Ruin probabilities of small noise jump‐diffusions with heavy tails
Authors: Pavlyukevich Ilya
Published: November 2007

Let Xε(x) be a solution of a stochastic differential equation ${\rm d} X^{\varepsilon}_{t} = f{(X_{t}^{\varepsilon})}{\rm d}t+\varepsilon {\rm d}L_t, \, X_{0}^{\varepsilon} (x) = x > 0, \, t\epsilon {[0,1]}$, where L is a Lévy process with heavy tails. In the limit of the scale parameter ε ↓ 0 we determine the finite horizon ruin probability P$({\rm inf}_{t\epsilon{[0,1]}} X_{t}^{\varepsilon} (x) < 0)$. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An optimization problem of manufacturing systems with stochastic machine breakdown and rework process
Authors: Chiu Singa Wang
Published: November 2007

This paper is concerned with optimization of production run time that takes stochastic breakdown and the reworking of defective items into consideration. In a real‐life manufacturing process, production of imperfect quality items as well as random breakdowns of production equipment is inevitable. All defective items produced are assumed to be repairable through a rework process right after the regular production stops in each cycle. This research starts with derivations of the cost functions for production systems with breakdown (no‐resumption policy is considered) and without breakdown taking place, respectively. Then cost functions of both cases are integrated. Theorems on conditional convexity of the overall cost function and bounds for optimal production run time are proposed and proved. This study concludes that although the optimal run time cannot be expressed in a closed form, it falls within the range of bounds. Hence, it can be pinpointed by the use of the bisection method based on the intermediate value theorem. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate its practical usages. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single Miller capacitor frequency compensation with nulling resistor for three‐stage amplifiers
Authors: Cannizzaro S. O. , Grasso A. D. , Palumbo G. , Pennisi S.
Published: November 2007

A frequency compensation technique for three‐stage amplifiers is introduced. The proposed solution exploits only one Miller capacitor and a resistor in the compensation network. The straightness of the technique is used to design, using a standard CMOS 0.35‐µm process, a 1.5‐V OTA driving a 150‐pF load capacitor. The dc consumption is about 14µA at DC and a 1.8‐MHz gain–bandwidth product is obtained, providing significant improvement in both (MHzpF)/mA and ((V/µs)pF)/mA performance parameters. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An investigation of internet coordination mechanisms in network organizations
Authors: Eng Teck-Yong
Published: November 2007

Globalization and the Internet are creating a new form of network organization characterized by networks of cooperating and competing firms. The concept of network organization advocates flexible and open organizational structures that would improve coordination among organizational units and between firms. However, there is not yet empirical research on Internet coordination mechanisms and their implications for firm performance and service responsiveness. This study examines Internet coordination mechanisms and network organization characteristics that would improve service responsiveness and firm performance. Data for the study are obtained from a sample of 336 U.K.-based firms in the computer and electronic manufacturing industry. The main results suggest that Internet coordination mechanisms and network organization characteristics positively influence firm performance and service responsiveness. In addition, the results suggest that Internet coordination mechanisms gain further means to support coordination particularly through open systems and virtual channels.
Why are you telling me this? An examination into negative consumer reviews on the Web
Authors: Sen Shahana , Lerman Dawn
Published: November 2007

Although word-of-mouth (WOM) is recognized as a powerful force in persuasion, we know little about the new communication phenomenon known as e-WOM. One of the main forms of e-WOM is the product reviews consumers post on different Web sites, and how this form of e-WOM stands up to this claim is yet unknown. For example, do consumers trust the accuracy of these reviews posted by anonymous reviewers, and, do readers trust negative and positive reviews equally? Past research has shown that people tend to weight negative information more than positive information during evaluation. Through an observation study and two laboratory experiments, we investigate the existence of this negativity effect in e-WOM consumer reviews for utilitarian versus hedonic products, and investigate the influence of the reader's attributions regarding the reviewer's motivations on this. Both types of studies show that product type moderates the effect of review valence, and readers exhibit a negativity bias for utilitarian product reviews only. Furthermore, the lab studies show that the reader's attributions about the motivations of the reviewer mediate the effect of this moderation on their attitude about the review. We find that compared with the utilitarian case, readers of negative hedonic product reviews are more likely to attribute the negative opinions expressed, to the reviewer's internal (or non-product related) reasons; and therefore are less likely to find the negative reviews useful. However, in the utilitarian case, readers’ are more likely to attribute the reviewer's negative opinions to external (or product related) motivations, and therefore find negative reviews more useful than positive reviews on average.
Conditional transgene expression mediated by the mouse β‐actin locus
Authors: Jägle Ulrike , Gasser Jürg A. , Müller Matthias , Kinzel Bernd
Published: November 2007

Transgenic mice are an effective model to study gene function in vivo; however, position effects can complicate tissue‐specific transgene analysis. To facilitate precise targeting of a transgenic construct into the mouse genome, we combined the Cre/lox and Flp/FRT recombination systems to allow for rapid transgene replacement and conditional transgene expression from the endogenous β‐actin locus. Flp/FRT recombination was used to rapidly exchange FRT‐flanked transgene cassettes by recombinase‐mediated cassette exchange in embryonic stem cells, while transgene expression can be activated in mice after Cre‐mediated excision of a floxed STOP cassette. To validate our system, we analyzed the expression profile of an EGFP reporter gene after integration into the β‐actin locus and Cre‐mediated excision of the floxed STOP cassette. Breeding of EGFP reporter mice with various Cre mouse lines resulted in the expected expression profiles, demonstrating the feasibility of the model to facilitate predictable and strong transgene expression in a spatially and temporally controlled manner. genesis 45:659–666, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fate map of serotonin transporter‐expressing cells in developing mouse heart
Authors: Pavone Luigi Michele , Mithbaokar Pratibha , Mastellone Vincenzo , Avallone Luigi , Gaspar Patricia , Maharajan Veeramani , Baldini Antonio
Published: November 2007

Serotonin regulates cardiovascular functions during embryogenesis and adulthood. However, the source of serotonin in the cardiovascular system and the role of circulating serotonin and serotonin transporter (SERT) in the regulation of cardiovascular functions are still unclear. We used a cell fate approach to map the regions of the mouse heart expressing SERT, utilizing a Cre/loxP system driven by SERT gene expression. Cell labelling was first detected at E10.5 and was mapped until E18.5. We found labelling in the outflow tract, part of right ventricle and to a very limited extent in the left ventricle. Interestingly, the distribution pattern of SERT‐fated cells was remarkably similar to that obtained with markers of the second heart field lineage. In addition, we observed staining of atrioventricular valves, consistent with valvular abnormalities observed in SERT‐/‐animals. Overall, our data reveal specific and regionally restricted distribution of SERT‐expressing cells in the developing heart of mouse. genesis 45:689–695, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cellular features of the extra‐embryonic endoderm during elongation in the ovine conceptus
Authors: Fléchon Jacques‐E. , Fléchon Bernadette , Degrouard Jeril , Guillomot Michel
Published: November 2007

The extraembryonic endoderm of the elongating ovine conceptus was analyzed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and by whole mount actin staining and immunofluorescence. Morphological and functional differences between the visceral endoderm (VE), the founding cell layer, and the parietal endoderm (PE) are presented. During the elongation process, the PE differentiated to fusiform multinucleated cells aligned parallel to the elongation axis of the conceptus, whereas the VE cells retained the aspect of typical epithelial cells. The multinucleated PE cells however, expressed cellular and nuclear markers typical of endodermal and polarized epithelial cells. The proteins of the extracellular matrix, laminin, and fibronectin, were specifically expressed in the PE. The presence of pairs of nuclei linked by mid‐bodies positively stained with tubulin antibodies, indicated that the syncytial differentiation of the PE was due to karyokinesis which was not followed by cytokinesis rather than by cell fusion. genesis 45:709–715, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Targeted disruption of Mib2 causes exencephaly with a variable penetrance
Authors: Wu Jiang I. , Rajendra Rashmi , Barsi Julius C. , Durfee Larissa , Benito Eva , Gao Guang , Kuruvilla Mariam , Hrdličková Radmila , Liss Andrew S. , Artzt Karen
Published: November 2007

Mib1 and Mib2 ubiquitin ligases are very similar in their domain construction. They partake in the Notch signaling pathway by ubiquitinating the Notch receptors Delta and Jagged prior to endocytosis. We have created a targeted mutation of Mib2 and show that its phenotype is a variable penetrance, failure to close the cranial neural tube. The penetrance depends on the genetic background but it appears that Mib2 is not completely essential in mouse development. genesis 45:722–727, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of water and ion diffusion on generation and progress of bow‐tie tree
Authors: Kumazawa Takao , Nakagawa Wataru , Tsurumaru Hidekazu
Published: November 2007

Bow‐tie tree (BTT) generated from contaminant, such as metal, carbon, amber (overcured resin) or void is a deterioration factor of XLPE cable. In particular, BTT in contact with inner or outer semiconductive shield could significantly lower residual AC breakdown voltage of HV power cables. To evaluate the influence of water and ion diffusion on generation and progress of BTT, we investigated the relationship between water content of XLPE and the generation of BTT under various accelerated aging conditions. The number of BTT in XLPE samples with accelerated aging under the open condition, involving evaporation of water in which samples were immersed, was very large compared with the closed condition. Furthermore, when samples were intermittently immersed in water, the number of BTT in samples was large compared with samples immersed continuously. In these experiments the generation of BTT seemed to have nothing to do with changes in water content before and after accelerated aging. Therefore, it was suggested that diffusion of ions rather than water in XLPE played an important role in the generation of BTT. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 162(3): 9–16, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20413
Ultralow‐power CMOS/SOI circuit technology
Authors: Kado Yuichi , Douseki Takakuni , Matsuya Yasuyuki , Tsukahara Tsuneo
Published: November 2007

We have introduced an example of a system that embodies the concept of a ubiquitous communication service and explained the importance of low power consumption in the communicator that will serve as the bridge between the real world and the network for real‐time services in which sensor data is acquired every second. An effective solution to the problem of high energy efficiency is to employ the synergy of combining low‐voltage analog circuit technology and FD‐SOI devices. Taking advantage of that synergy to reduce the power consumption of the communicator during operation to about 10 mW and employing intermittent operation with an activity rate of less than l% would make it possible to support operation for 1 year or more with a commercial coin‐type lithium battery. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 162(3): 38–43, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20543
Unit commitment taking into account reactive power
Authors: Li Xiangjun , Yamashiro Susumu
Published: November 2007

In this paper, the Voltage Magnitude Constrained OPF (VMC‐OPF) algorithm to determine the reactive power injection from compensating equipment to load bus is developed. By introducing the proposed VMC‐OPF to the real power related Unit Commitment (UC) [1], a novel daily UC method taking into account the reactive power to secure bus voltage magnitude is presented. The Transmission Access Charge (TAC) and Ancillary Services Charge (ASC) are included in the objective function for considering costs of using transmission network and supplying reactive power to maintain the voltage. Using the proposed UC, the difference between two schedules based on benefit maximization and cost minimization is also discussed. To ascertain the effectiveness of the proposed UC method, we demonstrate various simulation results for a model power system of IEEE‐118 bus system. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 162(3): 17–26, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20590
Numerical simulation of microdischarge in radio frequency excited plasma display panel with coplanar electrodes
Authors: Uchida Satoshi , Masahiro Hiranuma , Tochikubo Fumiyoshi , Watanabe Tsuneo
Published: November 2007

In recent years, the demand for plasma display panels has expanded rapidly with the start of high‐definition digital broadcasting. However, the luminous efficiency of plasma display panels is still low compared with cathode‐ray tube displays. With respect to the market expansion, further improvements in efficiency are required. In the present work, we proposed a new driving scheme applying radio frequency voltage to coplanar electrodes and simulate the discharge behavior in a plasma display cell using a two‐dimensional fluid model. As a result, the discharge evolution in the cell was clarified during the addressing and sustaining periods. The radiation efficiency of ultraviolet light was about four times as large as that of a conventional plasma display panel. The barrier rib height was an important parameter because of its significant influence on firing and sustaining conditions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 162(3): 1–8, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20633
Novel trajectory control for human cooperation robot based on behavior mode switching
Authors: Seki Hirokazu , Takahashi Kazuki , Tadakuma Susumu
Published: November 2007

This paper describes a novel trajectory control system for human cooperation robots based on behavior mode switching. Human cooperation robots have the great possibility to serve as useful support systems for elderly people and physically handicapped people and are expected to realize smooth and human‐friendly support movements. This study defines three behavior modes in human cooperation motion, and their respective trajectory control systems are designed. In the trajectory design, a minimum jerk model is introduced to realize the smooth and human‐friendly cooperation movements. In addition, the initial value compensation at the mode switching is developed. Some experiments using a two‐axis plane robot and performance evaluation by trial subjects show the effectiveness of the proposed trajectory control system. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 162(3): 58–67, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20651
Go with the flow: conforming to others in the face of existential threat
Authors: Renkema Lennart J. , Stapel Diederik A. , Van Yperen Nico W.
Published: November 2007

In three studies we investigate the impact of mortality salience on conformity and show that people have a greater preference to conform to the opinions of others when mortality is salient. Study 1 shows that mortality salience increases the degree to which judgments of abstract drawings are influenced by the majority's opinion. Study 2 shows that mortality salience causes people to change their opinions towards societal issues, so that these fit the attitudes they think others have. Study 3 replicates the findings of the first study and additionally shows that people do not conform to the attitude of outgroup members. Our findings extend previous Terror Management Theory research and suggest that conforming to the group is a means to buffer the fear that may otherwise arise in existentially threatening situations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identity affirmation and social movement support
Authors: Simon Bernd , Trötschel Roman , Dähne Dorit
Published: November 2007

It is argued that the power of collective identification to mobilize people for collective action such as social movement support derives at least partly from processes of identity affirmation. The hypothesized identity‐affirming function of social movement support is tested in two laboratory experiments which revolve around collective identity as a supporter of the peace movement. In Experiment 1, we predicted and found that people who strongly identified with the peace movement showed more movement support (i.e. made more monetary donations to the peace movement) under conditions of uncertain as opposed to certain possession of identity as a movement supporter. In Experiment 2, we replicated this finding, but also found, in accordance with the notion of substitution, that the mobilizing effect of uncertain collective‐identity possession was undermined when an identity symbol was available that could function as a surrogate for more costly identity‐affirming behaviour. Further conceptual and social implications of the identity‐affirming function of social movement support are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phosphoproteome profile of human liver Chang's cell based on 2‐DE with fluorescence staining and MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS
Authors: Liu Jinfeng , Cai Yun , Wang Jinglan , Zhou Qi , Yang Bing , Lu Zhuang , Jiao Liyan , Zhang Dongyang , Sui Shaohui , Jiang Ying , Ying Wantao , Qian Xiaohong
Published: November 2007

Because reversible protein phosphorylation is central to biological regulation, many methods have been developed for the systematic parallel analysis of the phosphorylation status of large sets of proteins. To directly survey the extent of protein phosphorylation and the distribution of phosphoproteins in biological systems, we used a phosphoprotein staining method, Pro‐Q Diamond dye, for the high‐throughput identification of phosphoproteins. The specificity of the method was validated with protein standards and subsequently applied to an analysis of total protein from human liver Chang's cells. Proteins were separated by 2‐DE, then sequentially stained with Pro‐Q Diamond and Coomassie Blue G‐250. After image analysis, the proteins in gel spots containing phosphoproteins were identified by MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS. A total of 269 phosphoproteins were identified, and 27 were known phosphoproteins in the SwissProt database. By comparing the relative volumes of the phosphoprotein map and the total protein map, the extent of protein phosphorylation was observed. The phosphoprotein staining method combined with 2‐DE also detected polymorphisms of the phosphoproteins, and could distinguish highly abundant, but slightly phosphorylated proteins from less abundant, highly phosphorylated ones. We conclude that the phosphoprotein staining method can be used for global, quantitative phosphorylation detection.
Comparison of α‐1‐acid glycoprotein isoforms from healthy and cancer patients by capillary IEF
Authors: Lacunza Izaskun , Kremmer Tibor , Díez‐Masa José Carlos , Sanz Jesús , de Frutos Mercedes
Published: November 2007

α‐1‐Acid glycoprotein (AGP) is a glycoprotein that presents different forms in the same individual, depending on the amino acid sequence and/or on the carbohydrate distribution of each form. Changes in these two types of heterogeneities are related to pathophysiological states. The aim of this work is to study the possibility of comparing AGP samples in terms of their CIEF profiles, what would facilitate in a future to perform studies about the role of AGP as a disease marker. In the present study, the CIEF profiles of AGP samples purified from sera of healthy donors and of ovary cancer and lymphoma patients are qualitatively and quantitatively compared. To make possible the comparison of those electrophoretical profiles, reliable assignment of AGP peaks is necessary. A computer program developed in our laboratory is used to select the migration parameters that make possible an accurate assignment of AGP peaks. Percentages of correct assignment of AGP peaks using the migration time of each peak relative to the migration time of an internal standard close to 95% are achieved. After peak assignment, a different distribution of the area percentage of AGP forms is observed when comparing samples from diseased and healthy individuals, the most acidic AGP forms being present in a higher proportion in the samples from cancer patients. Although the number of samples studied is too low to get any clinical significance from these results, this work provides a way to study the role of AGP as a biomarker.
Quantitative proteome analysis of cisplatin‐induced apoptotic Jurkat T cells by stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture, SDS‐PAGE, and LC‐MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS
Authors: Schmidt Frank , Hustoft Hanne K. , Strozynski Margarita , Dimmler Christiane , Rudel Thomas , Thiede Bernd
Published: November 2007

Quantitative proteome analysis of cisplatin‐induced apoptosis in total Jurkat T cell lysates was performed in order to identify modified proteins. Proteins were labeled in cell culture with stable isotopes of arginines, and fractionated by SDS‐PAGE. Subsequently, tryptic peptides were analyzed by nano‐LC coupled offline to MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS as an alternative to commonly used online LC‐ESI‐MS. As a result, 26 proteins were found with a relative abundance higher than 1.5, thereof 19 already known and seven unknown to be involved in apoptosis (adenine phosphoribosyltransferase, microsomal signal peptidase 25 kDa subunit, phosphomevalonate kinase, probable rRNA processing protein EBP2, RNA‐binding protein 4, transmembrane protein 33, and tetratricopeptide repeat domain 9C). Immunoblotting of core‐binding factor beta and elongation factor 2 revealed similar quantitative changes as detected by the SILAC‐based proteomics approach. Strikingly, 8 of 26 identified apoptosis‐modified proteins contained at least one RNA‐binding motif. Three caspase cleavage sites of the 54 kDa nuclear RNA‐binding protein (p54nrb) were mapped at DQLD231↓D, DQVD286↓R, and MMPD422↓G by applying caspase‐3 to the in vitro translated protein and mutation analysis. The determined caspase cleavage sites were located C‐terminal to the two RNA‐binding motifs and one (DQLD231↓D) within the NOPS domain of p54nrb. Concisely, quantitative protein data generated by offline LC‐MALDI‐MS were shown to be particularly accurate. Furthermore, only regulated peptides were selected in a result‐dependent manner for MS/MS analyses and revealed novel apoptosis‐modified proteins.
The EC Eco‐management and audit regulation: Experiences from the pilot exercise
Authors: Hemming Christine
Published: November 2007

The European Community recently agreed a Regulation establishing a voluntary scheme to give recognition to companies which have established environmental policies, programmes, management systems and auditing systems in accordance with its requirements. While the Regulation was in the agreement process, the European Commission sponsored a pilot exercise of some of its requirements. This pilot exercise was managed by PA Consulting Group and has recently been completed. It involved 17 industrial sites around the European Community, ranging in size from tens to thousands of employees and covering 9 broad industrial sectors. This article provides an overview of the pilot exercise and summarises some of its main findings. Copyright © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Piloting the EC eco‐management and audit scheme: The experience of BSB recycling GmbH, Germany
Authors: Röpenack Adolf von
Published: November 2007

One of the sites which participated in the pilot exercise of environmental auditing under the EC's new Eco‐management and audit scheme was BSB Recycling GmbH at Braubach in Germany. This paper describes the experiences of the site with the pilot exercise with particular emphasis on the benefits which participation in the scheme has brought to the site and its parent companies. BSB and its parent companies are supporters of the concept of self‐regulation which forms the basis for this EC Regulation and an increasing number of legislative instruments for environmental protection. Copyright © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Land audits: Law and practice
Authors: Sykes Stephen
Published: November 2007

Environmental professionals tend to look for the worst, and exhibit disappointment when they do not find it. That applies to land experts: they search for contamination rather than the more positive aim of confirming that land is clean. This paper addresses ‘land audits’ (rather than ‘contaminated land audits’: it makes no assumptions about the quality of the land being assessed. Audits can be commissioned for positive reasons and do not simply confirm the worst. This paper presents a practical approach to auditing land, and considers the critical role which lawyers have to play in that process, and what might happen if environmental consultants were to have it all their own way. Copyright © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Working with industry to improve the environment: Coventry city council's greening industry strategy
Authors: Slater Marc
Published: November 2007

Industry has a key role in the improvement of our environment, the move towards sustainable development. Coventry City Council has been working in partnership with companies to improve their environmental performance, the local environment. This article outlines the development of Coventry's Greening Industry Strategy, the initiatives that have developed as a result. Copyright © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
Environmental management and auditing: Can I.T. help?
Authors: Stubbs Mark
Published: November 2007

This paper offers an investigation of the role of information technology (IT) in environmental management, adopting Shrivastava's (1992) ‘reform environmentalism’ perspective to consider the relationship between business and the socio‐ecological environment. Written in the context of European Community business but focusing in particular upon the experience of organisations in the United Kingdom, it outlines some of the challenges faced when attempting to embrace the concept of sustainable development in the day‐to‐day management of business activities. The paper puts forward the view that the role of Environmental Management is primarily one of risk management and learning where the quality of environmental information is paramount. Management of the data necessary to deliver this information is seen as an area in which flexible IT systems with high communication capability can make a significant contribution. Investigation of the role which IT might play is developed further through a series of metaphors supported by examples; IT as a policeman, IT as a researcher, IT as a prompt, IT as a fortune‐teller, IT as an artist and IT as a team and the paper argues the importance of considering organisational context in any appreciation of the role of IT. Copyright © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
I.T. and environmental management in british gas and lancashire county council
Authors: Nixon Keith , Stubbs Mark , Whitaker Mary
Published: November 2007

Increasingly organisations adopting eco‐management and auditing initiatives are looking to information technology (IT) to help them cope with the volume of data which must be collected and analysed if environmentally responsible decision‐making is to take place. This paper reviews the approaches adopted by two organisations: British Gas plc and Lancashire County Council, both of which have recently developed computer‐based information systems to help them implement their respective environmental policies. This article summarises case studies of the two organisations and their use of IT in environmental management1. Copyright © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
Environmental information and corporate liability
Authors: Jones David
Published: November 2007

Increased public access to environmental information is a subject of growing significance, which impacts upon a wide variety of organisations. Environmental reporting and disclosure of environmental information is a growth area among many commercial concerns, whose motivation, and approach to ‘going public’ often vary considerably. This paper examines the implications of these trends and their effect upon corporate liability. Copyright © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
The EU eco‐management and audit scheme as a vehicle to promote cleaner production
Authors: Hillary Ruth
Published: November 2007

The role of the eco‐management and audit scheme (EMAS) as a means to promote cleaner production processes is explored. The development of the European Union's use of market‐based policy instruments is traced, detailing the increasing acceptance of the principle of self‐regulation. The potential institutional conflicts and internal barriers to acceptance of self‐regulation are also explored. EMAS is reviewed to show its potential impact in promoting cleaner operations in organizations. Examples are highlighted to illustrate the difficulties companies experience when they move from a regulated to a self‐regulated framework. Copyright © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
Environmental management systems and forest certification: A discussion of merits
Authors: Groves Michael A. , Lambert Anthony J.
Published: November 2007

Forest certification is the response to a perceived need for consumers to assure themselves that wood products are from well‐managed or sustainable sources. This paper takes a look at the framework for forest certification that is evolving and compares it with the emerging schemes for environmental management systems. A view is then put as to the preferred way forward for any organization in the wood value chain‐from forest managers through importers to wood product manufacturers and retailers‐seeking independent verification of good management practices. Copyright © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
Internal environmental audits: The role of the internal audit department
Authors: Wade Keith
Published: November 2007

Staff from an organisation's internal audit department have a part to play in environmental audits. The image of internal auditors as financial inspectors is outdated and they can make a potential contribution, in conjunction with others, to an environmental audit through a professional, objective evaluation of the strength of controls within environmental management systems at all levels within the organization. Copyright © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
Quality auditors and environmental auditors: Can these two roles be combined?
Authors: Sammalisto Kaisu
Published: November 2007

The possibilities of integrating the functions of quality and environmental auditors are explored. The various standards for quality and environmental management systems are presented and the different requirements they place on an auditor summarized. The effects of the integration of the auditor function are considered. It is noted that an integration of these management systems and an integration of the auditor function would be most feasible in small‐and medium‐sized companies with limited sizes and resources. The integration could cause some conflicts, but these could be overcome by a strong commitment from the auditor and strong support from company management. Copyright © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
Profiting from improved environmental performance
Authors: Mudie Peter
Published: November 2007

If there is an issue about which UK businesses can be absolutely certain over the next few years it is that the pressure on companies to comply with legislation and to limit their impact on the environment will grow. International concern, increasing public awareness and tougher legislation will keep the issue high on the business agenda. Today, the environment is no longer the preserve of just a few enlightened industrialists. The roll‐call of companies committed to change and to better management of resources is extensive. Those who fail to understand the issues or to read the signals face increasing isolation in a business environment where improving corporate environmental performance is not just about threats and the costs of compliance. Increasingly, the focus is on better management, controlling costs and making the best use of the available resources. Copyright © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
The eco‐management and audit scheme: Experience and benefits
Authors: Saint Bris Henry , Kok Edwin E.H.J.
Published: November 2007

One year ago, Ernst & Young's Environment Group performed a survey in four countries on management's understanding of and attitude towards the environment. In March 1993 the European Union's voluntary eco‐management and audit Regulation was adopted by the Council of Ministers (Regulation EC 1836/93). This regulation, which provides a framework for environmental verification, much like that performed in the context of ISO quality certifications, became fully operational in March 1995. At the time of writing, countries are putting into place the mechanisms and organizations that will actually carry out the task of verification. This paper examines a French pilot project that has begun to define and formalize the verification process. The pilot project is a means of testing that the necessary legal framework is in place to support the environmental management scheme, and to address challenges in implementing the eco‐management and audit activities. The expected benefits of participation in the verification process are considered. Copyright © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
A real‐time assimilation algorithm applied to near‐surface ocean wind fields
Authors: Malmberg Anders , Holst Jan , Holst Ulla
Published: November 2007

Marine operations depend on the ability to forecast suddenly appearing storms, and failures often cause great damage. As part of a sea‐state alarm study, meteorological forecasts overlaid with satellite observations sent to ships have been found to be a useful tool. In this paper we present a real‐time assimilation algorithm that extends this tool using statistical methods. The algorithm is applied to near‐surface ocean wind fields. A Kalman filter based on a spatio‐temporal state–space model provides a basis for emulation of the atmospheric model. The main contribution of this paper is the algorithm that makes it possible to use the information in the satellite observations over the full spatial domain of interest at a real‐time basis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.