bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of
gbpC
Expression in
Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Biswas Indranil , Drake Laura , Biswas Saswati
Published: July 2007

Streptococcus mutans
, the principal causative agent of dental caries, produces four glucan-binding proteins (Gbp) that play major roles in bacterial adherence and pathogenesis. One of these proteins, GbpC, is an important cell surface protein involved in biofilm formation. GbpC is also important for cariogenesis, bacteremia, and infective endocarditis. In this study, we examined the regulation of
gbpC
expression in
S. mutans
strain UA159. We found that
gbpC
expression attains the maximum level at mid-exponential growth phase, and the half-life of the transcript is less than 2 min. Expression from P
gbpC
was measured using a P
gbpC-gusA
transcriptional fusion reporter and was analyzed under various stress conditions, including thermal, osmotic, and acid stresses. Expression of
gbpC
is induced under conditions of thermal stress but is repressed during growth at low pH, whereas osmotic stress had no effect on expression from P
gbpC
. The results from the expression analyses were further confirmed using semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis. Our results also reveal that CovR, a global response regulator in many
Streptococcus
spp., represses
gbpC
expression at the transcriptional level. We demonstrated that purified CovR protein binds directly to the promoter region of P
gbpC
to repress
gbpC
expression. Using a DNase I protection assay, we showed that CovR binds to DNA sequences surrounding P
gbpC
from bases −68 to 28 (where base 1 is the start of transcription). In summary, our results indicate that various stress conditions modulate the expression of
gbpC
and that CovR negatively regulates the expression of the
gbpC
gene by directly binding to the promoter region.
The Primacy of Interrelating: Practicing Ecological Psychology with Buber, Levinas, and Merleau-Ponty
Authors: Adams Will
Published: July 2007

This study explores the primacy of interrelating and its ecopsychological significance. Grounded in evidence from everyday experience, and in dialogue with the phenomenology of Martin Buber, Emmanuel Levinas, and Maurice Merleau-Ponty, we discover that humans are inherently relational beings, not separate egoic subjects. When experienced intimately (not just conceptually), this realization may transform our (often pathological) interrelationship with the beings and presences in the community of nature. Specifically, interrelating is primary in three ways: 1) interrelating is always already here, transpiring from the beginning of the human species and human culture, from the beginning of every infant's life, and (most significantly) from the continuously arising beginning of every presencing moment; 2) the quality of our interrelating is truly what matters most, the most important expression of and facilitator of health, compassion, and justice for humankind and the rest of nature; and 3) interrelating is the ever-present path via which we discover/create and carry on our (inter)existence. Interrelating is an existential given—indeed we are our interrelating—yet we are summoned ethically to cultivate our way of interrelating so as to serve others and the non-human natural community. Thus interrelating is our essence, our calling, and our path.
G-CSF mobilizes slanDCs (6-sulfo LacNAc+ dendritic cells) with a high proinflammatory capacity
Authors: Baumeister Susanne H. C. , Hölig Kristina , Bornhäuser Martin , Meurer Michael , Rieber E. Peter , Schäkel Knut
Published: July 2007

Donor dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in the induction of immunity and tolerance after peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). Treatment of healthy donors with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) increases the numbers of tolerogenic DCs and T cells among mobilized blood leukocytes in the graft. SlanDCs (6-sulfo LacNAc+ DCs), a major source of IL-12 and TNF-α in blood, have not been studied in this respect. Here, we demonstrate that slanDCs (14.9 × 106/L to 64.0 × 106/L) are efficiently mobilized by G-CSF and retain their capacity to produce IL-12 and TNF-α at high levels. Furthermore, G-CSF–mobilized slanDCs programmed the differentiation of Th1 cells and displayed a particularly strong capacity to stimulate the proliferation of naive allogeneic T cells. Thus, slanDCs transfused into recipients of allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplants are functionally fully capable and may be critical in supporting graft-versus-host disease as well as graft-versus-leukemia effects.
Mesangial cells of lupus-prone mice are sensitive to chemokine production
Authors: Ka Shuk-Man , Cheng Chao-Wen , Shui Hao-Ai , Wu Wen-Mein , Chang Deh-Ming , Lin Yu-Chu , Chen Ann
Published: July 2007

Infectious antigens may be triggers for the exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus. The underlying mechanism causing acceleration and exacerbation of lupus nephritis (LN) is largely unknown. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is capable of inducing an accelerated model of LN in NZB/W mice, featuring diffuse proliferation of glomerular resident cells. We hypothesized that mesangial cells (MCs) from LN subjects are more responsive to LPS than normal subjects. Cultured primary NZB/W and DBA/W (nonautoimmune disease-prone strain with MHC class II molecules identical to those of NZB/W) MCs were used. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and osteopontin (OPN) expressions either in the baseline (normal culture) condition or in the presence of LPS were evaluated by real-time PCR, ELISA, or western blot analysis. NF-κB was detected by ELISA, electrophoresis mobility-shift assay, and immunofluorescence. First, either in the baseline condition or in the presence of LPS, NZB/W MCs produced significantly higher levels of MCP-1 and OPN than the DBA/W MC controls. Second, NZB/W MCs expressed significantly higher levels of Toll-like receptor 4, myeloid differentiation factor 88, and NF-κB than the DBA/W MC controls, both receiving exactly the same LPS treatment. In conclusion, NZB/W MCs are significantly more sensitive than their normal control DBA/W MCs in producing both MCP-1 and OPN. With LPS treatment, the significantly elevated levels of both chemokines produced by NZB/W MCs are more likely due to a significantly greater activation of the Toll-like receptor 4-myeloid differentiation factor 88-associated NF-κB pathway. The observed abnormal molecular events provide an intrarenal pathogenic pathway involved in an accelerated type of LN, which is potentially infection triggered.
Subjective confidence in forecasts
Authors: Fischhoff Baruch , MacGregor Don
Published: July 2007

Forecasts have little value to decision makers unless it is known how much confidence to place in them. Those expressions of confidence have, in turn, little value unless forecasters are able to assess the limits of their own knowledge accurately

Previous research has shown very robust patterns in the judgements of individuals who have not received special training in confidence assessment: Knowledge generally increases as confidence increases. However, it increases too swiftly, with a doubling of confidence being associated with perhaps a 50 per cent increase in knowledge. With all but the easiest of tasks, people tend to be overconfident regarding how much they know

These results have typically been derived from studies of judgements of general knowledge. The present study found that they also pertained to confidence in forecasts. Indeed, the confidence‐knowledge curves observed here were strikingly similar to those observed previously. The only deviation was the discovery that a substantial minority of judges never expressed complete confidence in any of their forecasts. These individuals also proved to be better assessors of the extent of their own knowledge

Apparently confidence in forecasts is determined by processes similar to those that determine confidence in general knowledge. Decision makers can use forecasters assessments in a relative sense, in order to predict when they are more and less likely to be correct. However, they should be hesitant to take confidence assessments literally. Someone is more likely to be right when he or she is ‘certain’than when he or she is ‘fairly confident’; but there is no guarantee that the certain forecast will come true.
The filtering of transitory noise in earnings numbers
Authors: Lieber Z. , Melnick E. I. , Ronen J.
Published: July 2007

This paper applies the Kalman filtering procedure to estimate persistent and transitory noise components of accounting earnings. Designating the transitory noise component separately (under a label such as extraordinary items) in financial reports should help users predict future earnings. If a firm has no foreknowledge of future earnings, managers can apply a filter to a firm's accounting earnings more efficiently than an interested user. If management has foreknowledge of earnings, application of a filtering algorithm can result in smoothed variables that convey information otherwise not available to users. Application of a filtering algorithm to a sample of firms revealed that a substantial number of firms exhibited a significant transitory noise component of earnings. Also, for those firms whose earnings exhibited a significant departure from the random walk process, the paper shows that filtering can be fruitfully applied to improve predictive ability.
Predicting long‐term earnings growth: Comparisons of expected return models, submartingales and value line analysts
Authors: Rozeff M. S.
Published: July 2007

This paper derives four–five year predictions of growth rates of accounting earnings per share implicit in four expected return models commonly used in financial research. A comparison of such growth rates with those produced and reported by Value Line analysts and those generated by a submartingale model revealed the following: two expected return models—the Sharpe–Lintner–Mossin model and the Black model—were significantly more accurate than the submartingale model, though not significantly more accurate than the other return models. However, the growth rate forecasts provided by Value Line significantly outperformed all the other models tested—none of which relied on the direct input of a security analyst.
Decentralization and culture: The case of Monrovia, Liberia
Authors: Werlin Herbert
Published: July 2007

The World Bank's urban development project in Monrovia, Liberia attempted, between 1979 and 1987, to promote decentralization, enabling the municipality to pay for services and infrastructure provided under this project. Because of cultural barriers and a blueprint approach, the project resulted in charity rather than institutional reform. However, effective approaches and procedures require more attention to the underlying causes of existing problems. In as much as politics, even more than culture, affects decentralization, the World Bank needs to be more open with its borrowers about political requirements.
Environmental problems of third world cities: A global issue ignored?
Authors: Hardoy J. E. , Satterthwaite D.
Published: July 2007

This article describes the massive scale and range of environmental problems in Third World cities, considered in terms of the impact mainly on human health. The first half of the article is an overview of these problems at different geographic scales, ranging from the home and workplace to the city region. It also discusses the interaction between city‐based production/ consumption and environmental degradation in the wider region. The main problems identified include unsafe and inadequate water supplies, inadequate provision for sanitation and solid waste disposal (including toxic waste), overcrowding, hazardous working conditions and ineffective pollution control. The second half presents some conclusions. The poorer groups in cities suffer most of the environmental burden. Governments and aid agencies allocate little to addressing the most serious environmental problems; local government is weak and ineffective in most Third World nations and citizen groups and NGOs that might offer some redress are often repressed. But without representative local government, and without NGOs and citizen group action, these problems are unlikely to be solved. Finally, different perceptions as to what constitute the World's major environmental problems threaten to divide North from South. If the North wants the South's co‐operation in addressing global problems, it must help the South address those environmental problems which impact most on the health and livelihoods of its poorer citizens.
Decentralization and development: Theory and evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Ingham Barbara , Kalam A. K. M.
Published: July 2007

There is a view that decentralization brings tangible benefits to the developing world, increasing material welfare and reducing the alienation of traditional societies when faced with centralized and modernizing bureaucracies. In theory, this is plausible, but in practice decentralization seldom lives up to its promises. Only strong states are in a position to cede a realistic range of powers. ‘Successful’ decentralization often takes place in conscious opposition to the state, and for that reason it is likely to be short‐lived. This paper draws on the past history and more recent experience of decentralization in Bangladesh, to conclude that the reform of local government structures has not in practice been of benefit to rural areas, the villages and the rural poor. The delivery of basic needs has not improved, nor has there been any significant increase in popular participation. The conclusion emphasizes the need to view decentralization in its social and political context. Proper account needs to be taken of the interests that dominate the political process in a highly stratified society such as Bangladesh.
A shrinking state? Politics, economics and private health care in Thailand
Authors: Bennett Sara , Tangcharoensathien Viroj
Published: July 2007

This article explores the political and economic forces involved in the development of privatization policies within the health care sector in Thailand. It is suggested that many of the motivating factors behind private sector growth are outside of the health sector; the general macroeconomic environment and tax incentives have stimulated private sector expansion. Within the Ministry of Public Health a preoccupation with improving care in rural areas and an unclear policy line on the private sector has facilitated this expansion. Only recently has private sector growth come to the policy agenda. During this lag period a number of interest groups have developed. It will be difficult to overcome these entrenched interests in order to change policy direction. Meanwhile, problems of rapid cost inflation and inequity face the Thai health care system. Although this case study focuses upon the health care sector in Thailand it would appear relevant both to other sectors and to other countries. The relationship between development models based upon pro‐private, pro‐market tenets and the establishment of a satisfactory social policy is questioned.
Lessons from institution building in Kenya
Authors: Catlett Marcus , Schuftan Claudio
Published: July 2007

Participant observation of institution building in a public sector organization in Kenya provides a basis for a critical discussion of key facets of the institution‐building process. Problems identified include: flawed needs assessments; overambitious project designs; poor selection and briefing of consultants; and countervailing vested interests on the parts of external agents. Recommendations include narrowing the gap between development rhetoric and reality; more careful project formulation; greater emphasis on in‐house training; more careful selection of project team leaders; and the provision of funding for post‐project sustainability evaluations.
Results and lessons from Canada's PS2000
Authors: Caiden Gerald E. , Halley Alexis A. , Maltais Daniel
Published: July 2007

Canada has been a world leader in administrative reform, eager to experiment during turbulent times in public administration. Public Service 2000, an attempt to instill the Canadian public service into a people‐ and results‐oriented management culture, has been widely heralded as among the boldest of recent Canadian administrative reforms. Results from implementing PS2000 were expected within a decade of its 1990 launch. Halfway through that timeframe, the results are surprising, complex, contradictory and paradoxical. For example, in the second year of implementation, the longer term solutions of PS2000 conflicted with a financial crisis demanding fast results, and PS2000 principles, throughout implementation, contradicted certain traditional public service values. Reflecting on their experience, individuals who participated in PS2000 confirmed lessons in the extant literature, and suggested lessons specific to Canadian circumstances. PS2000 has been an unavoidable and much‐needed effort to reform the Canadian public service, though perhaps inevitably it fell short of expectation. Yet, inside opinion remains mixed, seeking rationalist explanations, and expressing dissatisfaction over the progress of implementation. PS2000 has been absorbed into a much broader plan to reinvent federal government administration and the role of the state in Canadian society. Continuing difference of opinion may well call for a more fundamental change in administrative and managerial doctrine, especially with respect to launching future comprehensive administrative reform projects.
Inclusive Reactions: Models of Multi‐Particle Production
Authors: Ranft Gisela , Ranft J.
Published: July 2007

Model independent predictions such as Feynman scaling and the hypothesis of limiting fragmentation (HLF) for multi‐particle production are reviewed. The thermodynamic model and the multi‐Regge model and their description of inclusive spectra are outlined and the connection of both models is discussed with special emphasis on the predictions of these models fulfilling Feynman scaling and HLF. Various possibilities for data presentation are discussed as well as tests are proposed to distinguish between different models.
Models of Elastic pp and p̄p Scattering with Spin Included
Authors: Majerotto W.
Published: July 2007

Elastic pp and p̄p scattering at high energies is discussed in various types of models paying particular attention to spin effects. The most popular models are: Conventional Regge pole models, models of the eikonal type and geometric (optical) models. A special model of the eikonal type which is able to reproduce the observed experimental features, is developed and studied in more detail.
Urbaryon Model Approach to Unified Understanding of Large and Small PT Spectra
Authors: Kinoshita Kisei
Published: July 2007

Single‐particle distributions in the entire Peyrou plot at CERN‐PS ∼ ISR energies are unifiedly described by the whole‐region formula, which incorporates both parton model results at large pT and all of the Mueller‐Regge forms at small pT. The quantum number dependence of the distributions is explained by the formula as due to the intimate relation between the energy‐momentum flow and the quantum‐number flow carried by valence urbaryons. A field theoretical basis of the formula is provided by a covariant model of the hadron‐urbaryon amplitude which is parametrized in terms of valence urbaryon lines and pair effects. Two‐body reactions at all angles are also described by the formula as the exclusive limit of inclusive reactions. The construction of a formula for inclusive two‐particle distribution is briefly discussed.
Arrhenius and the temperature dependence of non‐constant failure rate
Authors: Blanks Henry S.
Published: July 2007

This paper examines the temperature dependence of component hazard rate for the cases of log‐normal and Weibull failure‐time distributions and shows that the common belief that the temperature variation of component failure rate follows the Arrhenius rule can be substantially in error. Although most failures in present‐day equipment are not due to defective components, the paper also examines the temperature dependence of equipment rate of occurrence of failure having a power‐law or negative exponential variation with time for the temperature range where the majority of failures are due to rate processes obeying the Arrhenius equation. The consequences of a Gaussian distribution of failure‐mechanism activation energy in a device population are also considered.

Although the temperature dependence of failure rate can be very high, in most situations it is much less than that of the Arrhenius acceleration factor. It is very improbable that the temperature dependence of component failure rate can be meaningfully modelled for reliability prediction purposes or for the purpose of optimizing thermal design component layout.

Attention is drawn to the invalidity of determining the failure activation energy from the average failure rates in accelerated high‐temperature time‐terminated life tests.
The reliability physics approach to failure prediction modelling
Authors: Pecht Michael , Dasgupta Abhijit , Barker Donald , Leonard Charles T.
Published: July 2007

Empirically based failure rate modelling methodologies employed in reliability prediction handbooks, and deterministic modelling methods are both critically examined using microelectronic packages as vehicles. As an alternative, a coupled mechano‐stochastic approach to reliability prediction modelling is presented. The goal is to use physics of failure principles with appropriate failure probability density distributions to design for failure‐free operation and predict failure times for components now available, as well as new components resulting from new materials, technologies and processes. In addition, an approach for extending the model to aid in logistics support analysis is discussed.
Recent humidity accelerations, a base for testing standards
Authors: Hallberg Örjan , Peck D. Stewart
Published: July 2007

Accelerated humidity test data on plastic ICs are analysed, showing higher thermal acceleration and longer life for modern components compared to older ones. Accelerations for total test time in humidity are given, and the effect of assumed moisture ingress time through the plastic is also treated. A procedure for formal qualification of moisture life is proposed.
Accelerated ageing with in situ electrical testing: A powerful tool for the building‐in approach to quality and reliability in electronics
Authors: de Schepper L. , de Ceuninck W. , Lekens G. , Stals L. , Vanhecke B. , Roggen J. , Beyne E. , Tielemans L.
Published: July 2007

A new technique for reliability and quality optimization of electronic components and assemblies, the so called in situ accelerated ageing technique with electrical testing, is presented. This technique is extremely useful for the building‐in approach to quality and reliability. First, it can be used to optimize an electronic component or assembly with respect to its quality and reliability performance at a very early stage, i.e. at the design level, at the level of materials selection, and at the level of identifying production techniques and defining production parameters. The typical test time is of the order of 24 hours, which is sufficiently short to allow a design of experiments type approach to quality and reliability optimization. Furthermore, the technique is also very useful for obtaining a deeper understanding of the physico‐chemical processes which lead to failure. A number of practical examples where the technique has been successfully applied are discussed.
Benchmarking barometers for products and processes
Authors: Malec Henry A.
Published: July 2007

Over recent years, benchmarking has become an established industrial, service and business practice. Many companies have extended benchmarking to benchmarking partnerships and benchmarking roundtables. In the U.S.A., benchmarking results are required to be detailed in the application for the National Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award.

A benchmarking tool, Benchmarking Barometers, was developed originally for benchmarking organizations or functions. This paper presents applications of benchmarking barometers to products and processes after a brief introduction to benchmarking.
Stereoscopic depth perception of isoluminant color random—dot stereograms
Authors: Isono Haruo , Yasuda Minoru
Published: July 2007

It has been reported that there is no stereoscopic depth perception under isoluminant color random‐dot stereograms (RDS), and that color information does not contribute to human depth perception. This paper describes the results of experiments on stereoscopic depth perception of isoluminant color RDS, obtained by using the prototype flickerless field‐sequential stereoscopic television system developed by the present authors. The results of the experiments show that stereoscopic depth perception clearly does exist even in isoluminant color RDS. It was also found that the binocular fusion area on color RDS is about two‐thirds that on black/white stimuli, and that the temporal‐frequency limits of binocular disparity for the isoluminant color RDS is about 3 Hz, while that for black/white stimuli are 4 to 5 Hz. These results suggest that not only does the luminance channel contribute to human depth perception, but also the chromatic channels.
Generation mechanism of residual direct current voltage in a liquid crystal display and its evaluation parameters related to liquid crystal and alignment layer materials
Authors: Mizusaki Masanobu , Miyashita Tetsuya , Uchida Tatsuo , Yamada Yuichiro , Ishii Yutaka , Mizushima Shigeaki
Published: July 2007

The presence of ionic charges in a liquid crystal layer causes the generation of residual direct current (dc) voltage (Vrdc) in a liquid crystal cell. Vrdc is one of the most important factors governing the image quality of liquid crystal displays, because the existence of Vrdc causes the image sticking phenomenon. We studied the generation mechanism of Vrdc based on a model of the adsorption and desorption of the ionic charges at the interface between the liquid crystal and alignment layer. In this paper, we propose three evaluation parameters, (i) saturated residual dc voltage, (ii) time to reach its saturation state, and (iii) relaxation time during the open circuit state after applying the external dc voltage, for effective evaluation of liquid crystal and alignment layer materials from the viewpoint of the improvement of the image sticking.
Ohmic contacts to n+-GaN capped AlGaN∕AlN∕GaN high electron mobility transistors
Authors: Wang Liang , Mohammed Fitih M. , Ofuonye Benedict , Adesida Ilesanmi
Published: July 2007

Investigations of Ti∕Al∕Mo∕Au Ohmic contact formation, premetallization plasma treatment effects, and interfacial reactions for n+-GaN capped AlGaN∕AlN∕GaN heterostructures are presented. Ti thickness played an important role in determining contact performance. Transmission electron microscopy studies confirmed that thick Ti layer was necessary to fully consume the GaN cap and the top of AlGaN to enable a higher tunneling current flow. A direct correlation of plasma treatment conditions with I-V linearity, current level, and contact performance was established. The plasma-affected region is believed to extend over 20nm into the AlGaN and GaN.
The Power-ful Art of Qajar Photography: Orientalism and (Self)-Orientalizing in Nineteenth-Century Iran
Authors: Behdad Ali
Published: July 2007

Paradoxical though it may seem, I would like to begin my discussion of Qajar photography with a little-known painting (pl. 1). The work of an anonymous mid-nineteenth-century artist, this image marks an aesthetic watershed. Here, an unknown artist is photographing Nasir al-Din Shah who is posing for a portrait. The image, of course, is meant to capture the power of Nasir al-Din Shah, a figure so grand he is simultaneously painted and photographed by court artists. As a “dynastic image,“ the painting focuses on the grandeur of the shah's power, symbolically represented by his opulent dress, royal pose, and attendant technology—he is the subject of the newest form of representation, i.e. photography. What is remarkable about this little-known, perhaps even aesthetically insignificant, image is the powerful way it speaks to the shift from painting to photography in mid-nineteenth-century Iran.
Absurdity and Creation in the Work of Sadeq Hedayat
Authors: Lashgari Deirdre
Published: July 2007

Two impulses, the desire to create and the desire to withdraw into oblivion and death, lie at the heart of Sadeq Hedayat's character. He was painfully sensitive to human weaknesses, loneliness, and suffering in a world that seemed all the darker through his eyes because the values against which he measured it were so demanding. He expected more of and for humanity than could be attained. A part of him sought to reject a life doomed to such imperfection, to draw back from the searing pain of a consciousness without hope.

Yet it is also through this pain of consciousness that the creative act arises. This second force, the impulse to objectify the vision of Absurdity by transforming it into art, provided for Hedayat a somewhat precarious counterbalance to the impulse of negation. For creation, however tentative, constitutes a challenge to the forces of darkness. In the very act of depicting a universe without meaning, the artist implicitly contributes meaning of his own.
The Humor of the Scholars: The Autobiography of Ni'mat Allāh al-Jazā'irī (d. 1112/1701)
Authors: Stewart Devin J.
Published: July 2007

The first substantial study of the Arabic autobiography, Franz Rosenthal's “Die arabische Autobiographie” appeared in 1937 and has yet to be superseded. Rosenthal mentions most of the autobiographies well known to historians and literary scholars of the Middle East, including al-Ghazāli's (d. 505/1111) spiritual biography,al-Munqidh min al-ḍalāl,Usāmah ibn Munqidh's (d. 584/1188)Kitāb al-i'tibār,famous for its humorous anecdotes about the behavior of the Crusader Franks, Ibn Khaldūn's (d. 809/1406) autobiography, included at the end of his voluminous historyKitāb al-‘ibarand since published separately, al-Suyūṭī's (d. 911/1505)al-Taḥadduth bi-ni'mati ‘Llāh,and a number of others. The first autobiographical text known in Arabic is ascribed to Ḥunayn ibn Isḥāq al-'Ibādī (d. 260/873), the famous translator of Greek scientific works. It is included in the biographical dictionary of Ibn Abī Uṣaybi'ah (d. 668/1270) and described as “Treatise on the Trials and Tribulations which Befell Him”(risālah fīmā aṣābahū min al-miḥan wa ‘sh-shadā'id).
Historiography of the Iranian Revolutionary Movement, 1977–79
Authors: Kurzman Charles
Published: July 2007

More than Fifty Books, and More than 100 Academic Articles, Have appeared in English alone dealing in significant part with the Iranian revolutionary movement. This impressive output, published in just 15 years, does not reflect a similarly copious wealth of source materials. In fact, the study of the Iranian revolutionary movement is largely, one might argue, sound and fury, a lot of grand theorizing lacking a solid empirical basis. No work on the Iranian revolution has made systematic use of all forms of primary evidence that are currently available, though some are more thorough than others.

This paper discusses Western historiography of the Iranian revolutionary movement of 1977–79, which led to the fall of the Pahlavi regime in February 1979. It does not attempt to cover works on the post-revolutionary period, after the fall of the shah. In addition, it does not deal specifically with individual secondary works on the Iranian revolution.
Nation Building, History Writing and Competition over the Legacy of Kyiv Rus in Ukraine
Authors: Kuzio Taras
Published: July 2007

This article surveys the history of Kyiv Rus within the realm of nation building, identity and historical myths. It argues that Ukraine's elites believe that Western, Russian and Soviet schools of history on Kyiv Rus (and Ukraine) are incompatible with nation and state building.

Two schools—Ukrainophile and East Slavic—compete within Ukraine. Nevertheless, the former has been promoted as the dominant school by ruling elites, many of whom date from the Soviet Ukrainian SSR and might personally favour the East Slavic framework. As Stepanenko states, Hrushevsky “is factually theorizing the most convincing version of Ukrainian history.”
Improving Competitiveness
Authors: Thomas Rhodri , Long Jonathan
Published: July 2007

For a variety of reasons an increasing number of local authorities and other agencies have turned to tourism as a means of economic development. To date, however, the level of activity among policy makers has not been matched by research that might inform their deliberations. Although the importance of demand-related issues — such as the promotion of particular destinations — is recognised, this paper shifts the focus to the neglected issue of sector supply. It argues that if tourism is to contribute to economic development that is sustainable, private- and public-sector facilities (such as attractions or hotels) must be nationally — and often internationally — competitive. The paper proposes a model for understanding the competitiveness of organisations in the sector and reports the findings of its application in a case study of east and south-east London.
Village Appraisals
Authors: Osborne Stephen P. , Tricker Mike
Published: July 2007

This paper evaluates the contribution that village appraisals can make to sustainable development in local communities in rural areas. Based upon an evaluation of the JIGSO initiative, it both outlines the strengths of this approach and argues for the necessity of proper community infrastructure if most benefit is to be gained from it.
Supporting co-operatives and community enterprise
Authors: Macfarlane Richard
Published: July 2007

This article lists the elements of good practice required of local authorities in their support for community-based employment initiatives, such as worker co-operatives and highlights some of the areas which so far have received inadequate attention.
Cultural partnership: The old fire station arts centre, Oxford
Authors: Stott Martin
Published: July 2007

Summary

This article explains the creation of a partnership between Oxford City Council and Apollo Leisure pic to develop with others a live music and arts centre in Oxford. It puts the development in the context of the City Council's arts and cultural policies and their economic impact. It explains the nature of the partnership, including the finances, management and programming, and the benefits the parties see in the partnership. It also addresses wider policy issues.
Production Activity within the London Economy
Authors: Frost Martin
Published: July 2007

As Britain's largest city with the most extensive range of service functions, London has led most other cities within the country in its loss of production activity. Within the overall net loss, there is however some new industrial development. This development is investigated to throw light on areas of possible industrial regeneration relevant to large urban areas throughout the UK. The paper first estimates recent change in production employment in London and then investigates a sample of industrial developments in the city identified through the Land Use Change Statistics. Though a significant 244 hectares was developed for industrial use, few new production jobs are likely to have been generated. The results point to growth dominated by the small firm sector, but with an even spatial spread over all parts of the city. The implication for policy is a reinforcement of its dependence on the small firm sector to offset major structural changes in economic activity.
Inward Investment, Diffusion of Knowledge and New Working Practices
Authors: Pickernell D. G.
Published: July 2007

This paper examines intra-firm labour market resource transfer within the South Wales automotive components and electronics manufacturing cluster. Most importantly it illustrates, via three case studies, the process of resource transfer of production and management skills from incoming multinationals to other firms in the region, through the recruitment of indigenous management employed in such multinationals by local firms. The consequences of transference of such knowledge on the firms involved are also discussed, as are limitations to beneficial transfer created by the structures of the firms and industries involved and the inherent weaknesses of the Welsh economy more generally.
New Outlook of a Strain Scanner Neutron Diffractometer at the Budapest Research Reactor
Authors: Kőszegi L.
Published: July 2007

The outline of a new instrument is described that is dedicated to stress diffractometry at the Budapest Research Reactor (BRR). The first check of the instrument is planned at the beginning of 2001.
VEGF Trap Abolishes Shear Stress‐ and Overload‐Dependent Angiogenesis in Skeletal Muscle
Authors: WILLIAMS JAMES L. , CARTLAND DAVID , RUDGE JOHN S. , EGGINTON STUART
Published: July 2007

Objective: To determine which elements of the angiogenic process are controlled by VEGF under physiological conditions.

Methods: VEGF Trap was administered at 10 mg · kg−1 by subcutaneous injection twice weekly to mice, which were subject to one of two established angiogenic stimuli: (1) increasing blood flow by administration of prazosin (50 mg L−1); (2) muscle overload by extirpation of a synergist. Angiogenesis was determined by calculating capillary to fiber ratio (C:F), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining localized to capillaries or the interstitium used to measure cell proliferation. Characteristic ultrastructural changes were quantified using electron microscopy.

Results: Administration of VEGF Trap abolished the increases in C:F seen in both models, and prevented growth of luminal filopodia and large vacuole formation. Overload‐induced proliferation associated with capillaries was reduced, along with endothelial cell number abluminal sprouts and basement membrane breakage. However, interstitial proliferation remained high, along with the increased capillary association of pericytes and fibroblasts.

Conclusions: VEGF is required for both models of angiogenesis, although some morphological changes lie upstream, or are independent of, VEGF involvement. The abolition of angiogenesis in a model unaffected by NO inhibition shows that NO is not required for all VEGF‐dependent angiogenesis in vivo.
Microcirculation and the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Wiernsperger N. , Nivoit P. , De Aguiar L. G. Kraemer , Bouskela E.
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

The present review, to the authors' knowledge, is the first to specifically address the relationships between microcirculation and metabolic syndrome, a cluster of metabolic and cardiovascular modifications highly prevalent in the general population. Its close link to overweight and insulin resistance makes it the main cause of the worldwide burden of type 2 diabetes. However, metabolic syndrome is also observed in many other diseases, particularly, but not exclusively, those where insulin resistance is a main feature. Analysis of the literature reveals that this clinical situation is invariably linked to microvascular disturbances, such as abnormalities in arteriolar reactivity, capillary recruitment, permeability, and hemorheology. A particularly interesting observation is that these defects in small vessel structure and function are seen very early in life or disease. Very importantly, they further suggest that microcirculatory abnormalities may be not only secondary but also causal to the development and/or aggravation of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Mechanisms responsible for these modifications remain largely unknown, but insulin's vascular effects in the microvascular network, detailed in this review, are at least one example of such connections. The existing data point to a clear, at least bidirectional, relationship between microcirculation and metabolic syndrome. Additional studies should determine the level of reciprocal causality.
Restriction endonuclease analysis of a Spodoptera litura nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) isolate
Authors: Das Rakha H. , Prasad Y. Durga
Published: July 2007

The DNA of a nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) propagated in the larvae of S. litura was analysed with AluI, ApaI, BamHI, BglII, BstEII, BstNI, ClaI, EcoRI, EcoRV, HindIII, HinfI, KpnI, MspI, PstI, PvuII, SalI, Sau3AI, SmaI, TaqI, XbaI, and XhoI. The unique restriction endonuclease profiles of the virus indicate it to be a distinct NPV isolate. The size of the viral genome was estimated to 132 kbp; the genome was mapped with HindIII and PstI.
Stabilisation and partial purification of Triton X‐100 solubilised trihydroxycoprostanoyl‐coa synthetase from rat liver
Authors: Van Veldhoven Paul P. , Asselberghs Stanny , Eyssen Hendrik J. , Mannaerts Guy P.
Published: July 2007

The stability of rat hepatic trihydroxycoprostanoyl‐CoA syntethase was studied in its native membrane environment and after solubilisation by Triton X‐100, and compared to that of choloyl‐CoA synthetase. The lability of both delipidated enzymes could be suppressed by high concentrations of polyols such as sucrose and glucose. Addition of phospholipids to the assay mixtures was necessary to restore the activity of the stabilized enzymes. For further chromatographic separations, the addition of the hydrotrope Triton H‐66 to the glucose‐stabilized Triton X‐100 solubilised synthetases improved their recovery on different matrices. Gel filtration revealed a native molecular mass of the Triton X‐100/Triton H‐66/protein micelles of 212 and 207 kDa for choloyl‐CoA synthetase and trihydroxycoprostanoyl‐CoA synthetase respectively.
Expression of jumper ant (Myrmecia pilosula) venom allergens: Post‐translational processing of allergen gene products
Authors: Donovan G. R. , Street M. D. , Tetaz T. , Smith A. I. , Alewood D. , Alewood P. , Sutherland S. K. , Baldo B. A.
Published: July 2007

N‐terminal analyses of electrophoretically‐separated allergenic polypeptides of the venom of the jumper ant M. pilosula showed that five out of the six allergenic polypeptides identified are homologous with the cloned major allergen Myr p I and may be derived from a single precursor polypeptide. The sixth polypeptide is homologous with a second cloned major allergen, Myr p II which is expressed as a single precursor polypeptide but exists in its native form as a disulphide bond‐linked complex.
Cloning of a cDNA encoding a developmentally regulated 22 kDa polypeptide from tobacco leaf plasma membrane
Authors: Gantet Pascal , Masson Florence , Domergue Odile , Marquis‐Mention Monique , Bauw Guy , Inze Dirk , Rossignol Michel , de la Serve Bernard Teyssendier
Published: July 2007

A polypeptide doublet (P18‐P19, ca 22 kDa, pI 4.5) has been shown to accumulate in tobacco leaf plasma membrane in a development‐dependent way, under constant environmental conditions. P18 and P19 were purified by 2D‐PAGE and microsequenced. Microsequences revealed only small differences between the two polypeptides. A PCR‐based cloning strategy identified a cDNA displaying a 591 bp ORF. The encoded polypeptide contained P19 specific microsequences. It was expressed in E. coli and a specific rabbit antiserum was raised. Western‐blots confirmed its identification as P19. The accumulation pattern of hybridizable mRNA around the floral induction period was similar to that of P18 and P19. Searching of databases revealed no significant hits except unidentified plant ESTs. P18 and P19 are proposed as the first example of plant‐specific and developmentally regulated plasma membrane proteins.
Seizures induced by α‐guanidinoglutaric acid, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, are controlled by l‐arginine
Authors: Habu Hitoshi , Yokoi Isao , Kabuto Hideaki , Willmore L. James , Mori Akitane
Published: July 2007

We evaluated the effect of manipulation of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis on epileptiform discharges recorded from immobilized rats during intracerebro‐ventricular injection of α‐guanidinoglutaric acid (GGA), an endogenous convulsant and a NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor, alone or in combined with a NOS substrate, l‐arginine (ARG). GGA alone, or combined with 50 mM ARG, resulted in prolonged electrographical seizures while co‐injection of either 100 or 200 mM of ARG with GGA caused significantly protection. These data show that ARG inhibited epileptiform discharges in a dose‐dependent fashion, suggesting that the discharges initiated by inhibition of NOS with the intrinsic convulsant GGA are abated by increasing the concentration of the NOS substrate ARG.
Subunit structure of Ca dependent soluble goat hepatic lectin: Evidence that it has antigenic structural relationship with soluble 14K lectin family
Authors: Ali Najma , Ola Shamsul , Bhat Rashid
Published: July 2007

The subunit structure of soluble goat hepatic lectin was studied by determining molecular weight under nondenaturing conditions by gel filtration and denaturing conditions by SDS PAGE. Affinity purified lectin was subjected to HPLC on asahipack column equilibrated with 10 mM Tris‐HCl pH 7.5, containing 1mM CaCl2 1mM 2‐mercaptoethanol and 0.1M NaCl. The lectin was eluted under single peak at retention time of 12 min. corresponding to molecular weight of 38Kd. On SDS‐PAGE in the presence and absence of 2‐mercaptoethanol protein moved as single band with Rm 0.45, which corresponds to molecular weight of 20 Kd. The results suggest that soluble goat hepatic lectin is a dimmer of identical subunits which are linked together by noncovalent interactions. The interaction of monoclonal antibodies raised against soluble goat hepatic lectin (MGHL/20) with hemagglutinin from different species as sheep, human, rat, bovine and chicken was studied in PBS by solid phase binding assay. MGHL/20 showed 29‐89% binding with these lectin. However no binding was found with Ca++ dependent membrane bound lectin. These results indicate that soluble goat hepatic lectin possesses antigenic structural relationship with soluble 14 K lectin family.
A comparison of Epidermal Growth Factor receptor‐mediated mitogenic signaling in response to Transforming Growth Factor α and Epidermal Growth Factor in cultured fetal rat hepatocytes
Authors: Lipeski Lauren E. , Boylan Joan M. , Gruppuso Philip A.
Published: July 2007

We compared the ability of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and Transforming Growth Factor α (TGFα) to transduce a mitogenic signal via their common receptor, the EGF receptor, in primary cultures of fetal rat hepatocytes. Mitogenic potency, measured as DNA synthesis, was similar in response to EGF and TGF α although signal initiation, measured as EGF receptor tyrosine phosphorylation, was more than 3‐fold higher in response to EGF compared to TGFα. Downstream signal transduction events including Shc tyrosine phosphorylation, Shc/Grb2 complex formation and MAP kinase activation were similar in response to EGF and TGFα, thus indicating a dissociation between potency for receptor activation versus signal propagation. These data suggest that TGFα may preferentially activate an EGF receptor population linked to the Ras/MAP kinase pathway. In contrast, EGF shows no such selectivity, thereby reducing the mitogenic potency of EGF relative to its ability to activate the EGF receptor.
Fluorescence study on ligand induced conformational changes of human erythrocyte glucose transporter
Authors: Xie W. S. , Yue J. C. , Tu Y. P.
Published: July 2007

The nanosecond time‐resolved fluorescence and fluorescence lifetime quenching have been used to detect the conformational changes of human erythrocyte glucose transporter induced by its ligands. Results show that D‐glucose can decrease the fluorescence lifetimes, while L‐glucose exhibits no effect. The fluorescence lifetime quenching results also show that in the presence of D‐glucose, the quenching efficiency of hypocrellin B (a hydrophobic quencher obtained from a parasitic fungus, growing in Yunnan, China) is lower than in the presence of L‐glucose. It can be deduced that the conformational changes of human erythrocyte glucose transporter induced by D‐glucose are different from those induced by L‐glucose.