bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and expression analysis of two inorganic C‐ and N‐responsive genes encoding novel and distinct molecular forms of eukaryotic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase in the green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Mamedov Tarlan G. , Moellering Eric R. , Chollet Raymond
Published: June 2005

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC [Ppc]) has been previously purified and characterized in biochemical and immunological terms from two green microalgae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Selenastrum minutum. The findings indicate that these algae possess at least two distinct PEPC enzyme‐forms, homotetrameric Class‐1 and heteromeric Class‐2, that differ significantly from each other and their plant and prokaryotic counterparts. Surprisingly, however, green‐algal PEPC has been unexplored to date in molecular terms. This study reports the molecular cloning of the two Ppc genes in C. reinhardtii (CrPpc1, CrPpc2), each of which is transcribed in vivo and encodes a fully active, recombinant PEPC that lacks the regulatory, N‐terminal seryl‐phosphorylation domain that typifies the vascular‐plant enzyme. These distinct catalytic subunit‐types differ with respect to their (i) predicted molecular mass (∼108.9 [CrPpc1] versus ∼131.2 kDa [CrPpc2]) and critical C‐terminal tetrapeptide; and (ii) immunoreactivity with antisera against the p102 and p130 polypeptides of S. minutum PEPC1/PEPC2 and PEPC2, respectively. Only the Ppc1 transcript encodes the p102 catalytic subunits common to both Class‐1 and Class‐2 enzyme‐forms in C. reinhardtii. The steady‐state transcript levels of both CrPpc1/2 are coordinately up‐/down‐regulated by changes in [CO2] or [NH] during growth, and generally mirror the response of cytoplasmic glutamine synthetase (Gs1) transcript abundance to changes in inorganic [N] at 5% CO2. These collective findings provide key molecular insight into the Ppc genes and corresponding PEPC catalytic subunits in the eukaryotic algae.
Cold‐inducible zinc finger‐containing glycine‐rich RNA‐binding protein contributes to the enhancement of freezing tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Kim Yeon‐Ok , Kim Jin Sun , Kang Hunseung
Published: June 2005

Glycine‐rich RNA‐binding proteins (GR‐RBPs) have been implicated to play roles in post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression in plants under various stress conditions, but the functional roles of GR‐RBPs under stress conditions remain to be verified. Here, we examine the biological roles of a GR‐RBP, designated atRZ‐1a, in Arabidopsis thaliana under stress conditions. atRZ‐1a was expressed ubiquitously in various Arabidopsis organs including stems, roots, leaves, flowers, and siliques. The transcript level of atRZ‐1a increased markedly by cold stress, whereas its expression was marginally downregulated by drought stress or abscisic acid treatment. Germination and seedling growth of the loss‐of‐function mutants were retarded remarkably compared with those of the wild type under cold stress. In contrast, the transgenic Arabidopsis plants that overexpress atRZ‐1a displayed earlier germination and better seedling growth than the wild type under cold stress. Moreover, the atRZ‐1a‐overexpressing transgenic Arabidopsis plants were more freezing tolerant than the wild‐type plants. Heterologous expression of atRZ‐1a in Escherichia coli demonstrated that the E. coli cells expressing atRZ‐1a displayed much higher growth rate than the non‐transformed cells after cold shock. These results provide evidence that atRZ‐1a affects seed germination and seedling growth under low temperature and plays a role in the enhancement of freezing tolerance in Arabidopsis plants.
The Medicago CDKC;1‐CYCLINT;1 kinase complex phosphorylates the carboxy‐terminal domain of RNA polymerase II and promotes transcription
Authors: Fülöp Katalin , Pettkó‐Szandtner Aladàr , Magyar Zoltán , Miskolczi Pál , Kondorosi Éva , Dudits Dénes , Bakó László
Published: June 2005

The Ms;CDKC;1 kinase is structurally similar to those cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs) that are not involved directly in cell cycle regulation. The presence of a PITAIRE motif in Ms;CDKC;1 suggests that it interacts with cyclins different from known PSTAIRE/PPTALRE kinase regulatory subunits. Here we demonstrate that a Medicago CYCLINT (CYCT) protein is a specific interactor of Ms;CDKC;1 and the interaction between these two proteins gives rise to an active kinase complex that localizes to the nucleus and phosphorylates the carboxy‐terminal YSPTSPS heptapeptide repeat domain (CTD) of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II in vitro. Mutation of Ser to Ala at position 5 within the heptapeptide repeat abolishes substrate phosphorylation by the Ms;CDKC;1 kinase complex. Furthermore, our data show that addition of the Medicago CDKC;1‐CYCT;1 heterodimer completely restored the transcriptional activity of a HeLa nuclear extract depleted of endogeneous CDK9 kinase complexes. Together, these results indicate that the Medicago CDKC;1‐CYCT;1 complex is a positive regulator of transcription in plants and has a role similar to the CDK9/cyclin T complex of human positive transcription elongation factor P‐TEFb.
The plant Mo‐hydroxylases aldehyde oxidase and xanthine dehydrogenase have distinct reactive oxygen species signatures and are induced by drought and abscisic acid
Authors: Yesbergenova Zhazira , Yang Guohua , Oron Einav , Soffer Dana , Fluhr Robert , Sagi Moshe
Published: June 2005

The plant molybdenum‐cofactor (Moco) and flavin‐containing enzymes, xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH; EC 1.2.1.37) and aldehyde oxidase (AO; EC 1.2.3.1) are thought to play important metabolic roles in purine metabolism and hormone biosynthesis, respectively. Their animal counterparts contribute to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in numerous pathologies and here we examined these enzymes as potential sources of ROS in plants. Novel in‐gel assay techniques and Moco sulfurase mutants, lacking a sulfur ligand in their Moco active center, were employed to demonstrate that the native tomato and Arabidopsis XDHs are capable of producing O, but not H2O2, while the animal counterpart was shown to produce both, O and H2O2. Superoxide production was dependent on Moco sulfuration when using hypoxanthine/xanthine but not NADH as substrates. The activity was inhibited by diphenylene iodonium (DPI), a suicide inhibitor of FAD containing enzymes. Analysis of XDH in an Arabidopsis Atxdh1 T‐DNA insertion mutant and RNA interference lines revealed loss of O activity, providing direct molecular evidence that plant XDH generates superoxides. Contrary to XDH, AO activity produced only H2O2 dissimilar to native animal AO, that can produce O as well. Surprisingly, H2O2 accumulation was not sensitive to DPI. Plant ROS production and transcript levels of AO and XDH were rapidly upregulated by application of abscisic acid and in water‐stressed leaves and roots. These results, supported by in vivo measurement of ROS accumulation, indicate that plant AO and XDH are possible novel sources for ROS increase during water stress.
Seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis: is this classification adherent to real life?
Authors: Ciprandi G. , Cirillo I. , Vizzaccaro A. , Tosca M. , Passalacqua G. , Pallestrini E. , Canonica G. W.
Published: June 2005

Background:  Allergic rhinitis is traditionally subdivided into seasonal (SAR) and perennial (PAR), although the new definitions of persistent and intermittent were recently proposed. We assessed the validity of the traditional classification in a large group of subjects suffering from allergic rhinitis alone.

Methods:  Young males referred to a Navy Military Hospital for routine fitness visit, and reporting symptoms of rhinitis alone were selected. According to the sensitization they were subdivided into (i) sensitized to pollens only (seasonal, SAR), (ii) to perennial allergens only (perennial, PAR) and (iii) to both (mixed, MAR). Spirometry, methacholine challenge, severity and characteristics of symptoms were assessed in all participants.

Results:  Of 19 325 subjects, 2347 had allergic rhinitis. Seventy‐two percent of the subjects had MAR, 17% SAR and 11% PAR. Ocular involvement and irritative symptoms were more frequent in SAR (P < 0.03), whereas obstruction was predominant in PAR (P < 0.01). Nasal symptoms varied according to the period of the year in SAR (P < 0.01) and PAR (P < 0.03). An overt bronchial obstruction was detected in 12% of PAR patients, in 7.8% of MAR, and in 4.2% of SAR. forced expiratory volume/1 s was significantly lower during season in SAR patients only (P < 0.05). The FEF25–75 was impaired in 22.5% MAR patients, 21% PAR, and 14% SAR, with a seasonal change in SAR (P < 0.05) and PAR (P < 0.001). Bronchial hyperreactivity was present in 82.2% of PAR, 73.6% of MAR, and 53.5% of SAR, with a seasonal change in SAR (P < 0.001) and MAR (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  This study provides evidence that up to 80% of allergic rhinitics have a mixed form, and SAR and PAR definitions are poorly adherent to real life. Lung involvement is frequent in patients reporting nose symptoms alone.
Aerobiological and immunochemical studies on Carica papaya L. pollen: an aeroallergen from India
Authors: Chakraborty P. , Ghosh D. , Chowdhury I. , Roy I. , Chatterjee S. , Chanda S. , Gupta‐Bhattacharya S.
Published: June 2005

Background:  Carica papaya L. is a fruit yielding tree, wildly grown or cultivated in the tropics and subtropics. Its pollen grain has been reported to be airborne and cause immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated hypersensitivity.

Objective:  To conduct long‐term aerobiological study on Carica pollen, along with aeroallergenic particles originating from it and to identify vis‐à‐vis characterize an important IgE‐reactive component present in this pollen.

Methods:  The seasonal and diurnal periodicities of airborne C. papaya pollen were recorded in a 5‐year survey using a Burkard volumetric sampler. The allergenic potential was studied by skin prick tests, IgE‐enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and also by aeroallergen immunoblotting. The total pollen extract was fractionated by Sephacryl S‐200 column, and out of the eluted five fractions, the maximum IgE‐reactive fraction (as found in ELISA inhibition) was resolved into five major subfractions in reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC). The subfraction with optimum IgE reactivity was studied by activity gel, native and nonreducing sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). The homogeneity of the isolated protein fraction was checked by crossed immunoelectrophoresis with rabbit antisera and IgE reactivity was confirmed by ELISA inhibition and immunoblotting using individual patient sera.

Results:  The Carica pollen occurred in the air round the year with peaks during January and September–October. Among a patient population of 1000, skin‐test results showed 27.8% +1 level and 5.6% +2/+3 level reactions. In aeroallergen immunoblotting of exposed Burkard tape segments, the detected allergen spots showed a significant correlation with airborne pollen count recorded. The pollen extract elicited loss of IgE reactivity when treated with reducing agent‐like β‐mercaptoethanol and heat, but showed six IgE‐reactive components in nonreducing IgE‐immunoblot. The fraction 1 eluted from Sephacryl S‐200 column showed highest IgE reactivity and resolved into five major components in RP‐HPLC. Out of these, the fraction showing optimum IgE reactivity in IgE‐ELISA inhibition and immunoblotting with patient antisera, elicited esterase activity and found to be a homogenous protein of 100 kDa.

Conclusion:  Carica papaya tree contributes significantly to the aeropollen and aeroallergen load of the suburban outskirts of Calcutta metropolis, India. The pollen extract contains an important IgE‐reactive protein component of 100 kDa molecular weight with esterase activity.
Molecular cloning and characterization of full‐length cDNAs encoding a novel high‐molecular‐weight Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus mite allergen, Der p 11
Authors: Tsai L. C. , Peng H. J. , Lee C. S. , Chao P. L. , Tang R. B. , Tsai J. J. , Shen H. D. , Hung M. W. , Han S. H.
Published: June 2005

Background:  Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) and D. farinae (Df) mites are the most important source of indoor aeroallergens. Most Dp mite allergens identified to date have relatively low molecular weights (MWs). Identification of high‐MW mite allergens is a crucial step in characterizing the complete spectrum of mite allergens and to provide appropriate tools for diagnostic and therapeutic application.

Methods:  The full‐length Der p 11 cDNA clone was isolated using cDNA library immunoscreening, the 5′–3′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) system and polymerase chain reactions (PCR). The whole cDNA insert and its PCR‐derived DNA fragments (p1 to p4) were generated and expressed in the Escherichia coli expression system. The allergenicity of the recombinant protein and its peptide fragments was examined by IgE immunodot assays. The IgE‐binding reactivity of rDer p 11 was analyzed in the serum of 50 asthmatic children with positive reactivity to Dp mite extract. Its recombinant peptide fragments were also examined by immunodot assays in 30 mite‐allergic children.

Results:  Der p 11 cDNA consists of a 2625‐bp open reading frame encoding a 103‐kDa protein with 875 amino acids. It exhibits significant homology with the paramyosin of other invertebrates. The protein sequence alignment of this newly identified Dp mite allergen (denominated as Der p 11) revealed over 89% identity with Der f 11 and Blo t 1. Among 50 Dp‐sensitive asthmatic children, rDer p 11 showed positive IgE‐binding reactivity to 39 patients (78%). Using immunodot assays, multiple human IgE‐binding activities were demonstrated in all four fragments of Der p 11. Using immunoblot assays, the dominant IgG‐binding epitope for monoclonal antibody (mAb642) was located in fragment p3 only. In immunoblot assays, cross‐inhibition between rDer p 11 and rDer f 11 was up to 73–80% at concentrations of 100 μg/ml.

Conclusions:  This study confirms that the newly identified recombinant Der p 11 is a novel and important high‐MW Dp mite allergen for asthmatic children. Our data also indicates that human IgE‐binding major epitopes are scattered over the entire molecule of Der p 11.
Humoral and cellular responses to cow milk proteins in patients with milk‐induced IgE‐mediated and non‐IgE‐mediated disorders
Authors: Shek L. P. C. , Bardina L. , Castro R. , Sampson H. A. , Beyer K.
Published: June 2005

Background:  Cow milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common food allergies in childhood. Patients with CMA present with a wide range of immunoglobulin (Ig)E‐ and non‐IgE‐mediated clinical syndromes. Limited information is known about the specific humoral and cellular responses to cow milk proteins in these various forms of CMA.

Objective:  The aim of the study was to determine IgE, IgA, IgG1 and IgG4 antibody levels and lymphocyte proliferative responses to the major cow milk allergens in patients with IgE‐ and non‐IgE‐mediated CMA.

Methods:  One hundred and forty cow milk allergic patients, 6 months to 22 years of age, were included in the study. One hundred and thirteen patients had IgE‐mediated CMA, 11 had milk protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome and 16 had allergic eosinophilic gastroenteritis. Twenty‐one patients without food allergy, 8 months to 18 years of age, served as controls. Serum IgE, IgA, IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies to α‐, β‐, and κ‐casein, α‐lactalbumin and β‐lactoglobulin were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. For a subset of these patients, we performed lymphocyte proliferation assays to the various milk allergens.

Results:  Patients with IgE‐mediated CMA had higher specific IgE concentrations to casein compared with whey proteins (P < 0.001). In this group of patients, there was a positive correlation between IgE levels and levels of the other isotypes for all four milk proteins (P < 0.001). In general, the caseins were the more allergenic and antigenic proteins in all groups of patients. Patients with enterocolitis syndrome produced less milk protein‐specific IgG4 (P < 0.05) and had a trend for higher IgA antibody levels when compared to the control group. Lymphocyte proliferative responses in all groups with CMA were significantly higher than controls (P < 0.05), although this response was similar in patients with IgE‐ and non‐IgE‐mediated CMA.

Conclusion:  There is a distinct pattern of humoral antibody response in the different forms of CMA. Patients with IgE‐mediated CMA have an elevated polyisotypic response to cow milk protein. The relative lack of specific IgG4 production in patients with enterocolitis syndrome may be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. In general, caseins appear to be the predominant allergen in patients with CMA.
The information needs and preferred roles in treatment decision‐making of parents caring for infants with atopic dermatitis: a qualitative study
Authors: Gore C. , Johnson R. J. , Caress A. L. , Woodcock A. , Custovic A.
Published: June 2005

Background:  Information needs and preferences in treatment decision‐making of parents caring for infants with atopic dermatitis (AD) are unknown, despite emphasis on quality information‐giving and involvement of health‐care users in treatment decisions.

Objective:  To explore information needs and decisional role‐preferences of parents caring for infants with AD.

Methods:  Qualitative study. Purposive sample: 31 parents caring for infants with AD. Tape‐recorded focussed conversation‐style interviews. Interview topic‐guide literature‐derived. Control Preferences Scale (5 sort‐card vignettes ‘very active’ to ‘very passive’ role) adapted for use with parents; used to facilitate discussion. Thematic analysis of verbatim transcripts.

Results:  Nine core information needs identified: AD‐causation, role of diet, medication‐use, medication‐side‐effects, exacerbating factors, new/alternative medication, nonpharmacological treatments, AD‐prevention, AD and other atopic conditions. Parents desired verbal and written information. Many felt their baby's condition was not taken seriously, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. They had to be more active than they wished to obtain information/treatment. Parents preferred sharing decisions with their doctor.

Conclusions:  Parents caring for infants with AD have clearly defined, unmet information needs, forcing them into more active roles in the treatment decision‐making process than they desire. The study‐findings may inform the development of written information specifically for these parents and improve partnership during consultations.
Oral food challenges in children in Italy
Authors: Martelli A. , Bouygue G. R. , Isoardi P. , Marelli O. , Sarratud T. , Fiocchi A.
Published: June 2005

Background:  Epidemiological surveys identify a 900 000‐strong potential paediatric population who may self‐report with food allergy in Italy. As the reference test is the double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge for diagnosis, we carried out a nation‐wide questionnaire survey of hospital‐based paediatric allergy centres between 1 January and 30 June 2003.

Methods:  All registered centres received a 27‐point questionnaire polling logistics and protocols of oral food challenge. Items polled included medical facilities and personnel, selection of patients, foods tested, blinding, placebo use, evaluation criteria, number of tests and positive outcome rates in 2002.

Results:  Two hundred and two of 456 responders (44.3%) carried out food challenges (a ratio of one centre to 37 400 children in the general population). 11 728 challenges were performed in 2002 (an average of 58 procedures per centre; range: 1–500) and 3350 procedures were claimed positive (28.6%). Cow's milk was tested by all centres, egg by 77.2%, beef by 19.8% and cereals, peanuts, fish or fruit collectively by 37.6%. Twenty‐nine of 202 centres performed blinded tests, 18 of which under double‐blinded conditions. In cow's milk challenges, placebos included lyophilized cow's milk capsules, soy formula, extensive whey hydrolysate or extensive casein hydrolysate.

Conclusion:  Our survey reveals great differences in challenge test criteria, facilities and procedures and that many centres perform relatively few procedures. This argues in favour of greater rationalization in the allocation of tertiary‐level resources before procedure standardization can be contemplated in the diagnostic workup of food allergy.
Human hair is a potential source of cat allergen contamination of ambient air
Authors: Karlsson A.‐S. , Renström A.
Published: June 2005

Background:  We have previously shown that airborne cat allergen levels are significantly lower in school classes using special school clothing or in classes with no pet owners. However, cat allergen is present and the levels are in fact two‐ to threefold higher on cat owners’ than noncat owners’ school clothing which is used, washed and stored at school only. This suggests that allergen is transferred to schools by routes other than clothing.

Aim:  To analyse levels of cat allergen (Fel d 1) in hair from cat owners and noncat owners among children and adults.

Methods:  Samples of unwashed hair (≥1 day prior to sampling) from adults and children with (n = 22) or without (n = 22) cats at home were collected at a hairdresser. In addition, samples of newly washed hair (adults only, n = 11) were collected. The hair sample was extracted and analysed for Fel d 1 content with ELISA.

Results:  The geometric mean levels were more than two orders of magnitude higher in unwashed hair from cat owners, compared with noncat owners (P < 0.0001) and more than 10‐fold higher in newly washed hair from adults. The allergen contamination of unwashed hair among noncat owners appeared higher in children than in adults (P = 0.045).

Conclusions:  Hair may be an important source for transfer and deposition of cat allergen in schools and may explain why cat allergen is found in environments with strict allergen avoidance measures. Although it may be unrealistic to apply allergen avoidance strategies against this allergen source, it is important to be aware of it.
Intranasal and inhaled fluticasone propionate for pollen‐induced rhinitis and asthma
Authors: Dahl R. , Nielsen L. P. , Kips J. , Foresi A. , van Cauwenberge P. , Tudoric N. , Howarth P. , Richards D. H. , Williams M. , Pauwels R. ,   the SPIRA Study Group
Published: June 2005

Background:  Studies suggest that nasal treatment might influence lower airway symptoms and function in patients with comorbid rhinitis and asthma. We investigated the effect of intranasal, inhaled corticosteroid or the combination of both in patients with both pollen‐induced rhinitis and asthma.

Methods:  A total of 262 patients were randomized to 6 weeks’ treatment with intranasal fluticasone propionate (INFP) 200 μg o.d., inhaled fluticasone propionate (IHFP) 250 μg b.i.d., their combination, or intranasal or inhaled placebo, in a multicentre, double‐blind, parallel‐group study. Treatment was started 2 weeks prior to the pollen season and patients recorded their nasal and bronchial symptoms twice daily. Before and after 4 and 6 weeks’ treatment, the patients were assessed for lung function, methacholine responsiveness, and induced sputum cell counts.

Results:  Intranasal fluticasone propionate significantly increased the percentages of patients reporting no nasal blockage, sneezing, or rhinorrhoea during the pollen season, compared with IHFP or intranasal or inhaled placebo. In contrast, only IHFP significantly improved morning peak‐flow, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and methacholine PD20, and the seasonal increase in the sputum eosinophils and methacholine responsiveness.

Conclusions:  In patients with pollen‐induced rhinitis and asthma, the combination of intranasal and IHFP is needed to control the seasonal increase in nasal and asthmatic symptoms.
Controlled oral food challenges in children – when indicated, when superfluous?
Authors: Niggemann B. , Rolinck‐Werninghaus C. , Mehl A. , Binder C. , Ziegert M. , Beyer K.
Published: June 2005

The diagnostic work‐up of suspected food allergy includes the skin prick test (SPT), the measurement of food specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies using serologic assays, and more recently the atopy patch test (APT). For specific serum IgE and the SPT, decision points have been established for some foods allowing prediction of clinical relevance in selected cases. The APT may be helpful, especially when considered in combination with defined levels of specific IgE. Controlled oral food challenges still remain the gold standard in the diagnostic work‐up of children with suspected food allergy. Most food allergic children will lose their allergy over time. As there is no laboratory parameter, which can accurately predict when clinical tolerance has been developed, controlled oral food challenges are the measure of choice. In this article, the current knowledge of predictors for the outcome of oral food challenges is reviewed and proposals for the daily practical work‐up in the case of suspected food related clinical symptoms are presented.
The Relationship Between Visioning Behaviours of Leaders and Follower Burnout
Authors: Densten Iain L.
Published: June 2005

This paper investigates whether the perceived visioning behaviours of leaders influence the burnout process experienced by their followers. A structural equation model was used to examine these relationships using a sample of 480 senior managers from an Australian law‐enforcement organization. Differences in the relationships between the two factors of visioning behaviour and aspects of burnout were identified. Inspirational motivation (concept‐based) reduced the central factor of burnout, namely emotional exhaustion (psychological strain). Inspirational motivation (image‐based) had a positive effect on personal accomplishment (self) and reduced depersonalization. The paper discusses the implications for leaders and followers and identifies directions for future research.
Gender and Personality Differences in Self‐ and Other Ratings of Business Intelligence
Authors: Furnham Adrian
Published: June 2005

This paper is concerned with people's understanding of, and self‐estimation on, various new ‘business intelligences’ and aims to examine whether these estimates were systematically related to personality dimensions. A total of 184 adult working participants completed a three‐part questionnaire that measured their ‘big five’ personality traits (NEO‐FFI), various beliefs about intelligence and also their own and their boss's estimated overall IQ score and scores on eight multiple business intelligences. Males rated their overall IQ as well as their cognitive, creative and political intelligence as significantly higher than females. Females rated their boss's overall, emotional and organizational IQ significantly higher than did male participants. Participants believed they had higher emotional, but lower political, organizational and network intelligence than their boss. Regressions indicated that only one of the eight estimated business intelligences (cognitive intelligence) was related to overall (total, general) estimated intelligence in self, boss or boss's boss. Regressing the big‐five personality factors onto each of the self‐estimates showed openness‐to‐experience was positively, and agreeableness negatively, related to most of the estimates. Those who had taken an intelligence test tended to giver higher self‐estimates on overall intelligence. Implications of these results for business life are considered.
Methods for Managing Different Perspectives of Project Success
Authors: Bryde David J.
Published: June 2005

The results of an exploratory study of UK organizations into methods for meeting project key performance indicators (KPIs) are presented. The paper explores: influences on the use of methods to manage project KPIs; the need for and existence of methods; the factors that facilitate the meeting of the KPIs. It is concluded that the use of methods varies depending upon the perceived importance of the project, the type of project, the client‐team relationship and whether an organization performance management system exists. With project management capability often decreasing, in part due to a failure to meet psychosocial project KPIs, a need for methods linked to the KPIs was identified. However, the study found relatively low levels of adoption of such methods. Where psychosocial project KPIs were being met the following facilitating factors emerged: top‐level policies, organization‐wide training, integration with existing management processes, building into project management system. Situations were found where decision‐makers did not consider the psychosocial KPIs of programme and project managers. This was seen to contribute to a failure by organizations to manage necessary increases in their project management capability and to be acting as a possible barrier to long‐term, sustainable improvements in performance.
Sinus node dysfunction following targeted disruption of the murine cardiac sodium channel gene Scn5a
Authors: Lei Ming , Goddard Catharine , Liu Jie , Léoni Anne‐Laure , Royer Anne , Fung Simon S.‐M. , Xiao Guosheng , Ma Aiqun , Zhang Henggui , Charpentier Flavien , Vandenberg Jamie I. , Colledge William H. , Grace Andrew A. , Huang Christopher L.‐H.
Published: June 2005

We have examined sino‐atrial node (SAN) function in hearts from adult mice with heterozygous targeted disruption of the Scn5a gene to clarify the role of Scn5a‐encoded cardiac Na+ channels in normal SAN function and the mechanism(s) by which reduced Na+ channel function might cause sinus node dysfunction. Scn5a+/− mice showed depressed heart rates and occasional sino‐atrial (SA) block. Their isolated peripheral SAN pacemaker cells showed a reduced Na+ channel expression and slowed intrinsic pacemaker rates. Wild‐type (WT) and Scn5a+/− SAN preparations exhibited similar activation patterns but with significantly slower SA conduction and frequent sino‐atrial conduction block in Scn5a+/− SAN preparations. Furthermore, isolated WT and Scn5a+/− SAN cells demonstrated differing correlations between cycle length, maximum upstroke velocity and action potential amplitude, and cell size. Small myocytes showed similar, but large myocytes reduced pacemaker rates, implicating the larger peripheral SAN cells in the reduced pacemaker rate that was observed in Scn5a+/− myocytes. These findings were successfully reproduced in a model that implicated iNa directly in action potential propagation through the SAN and from SAN to atria, and in modifying heart rate through a coupling of SAN and atrial cells. Functional alterations in the SAN following heterozygous‐targeted disruption of Scn5a thus closely resemble those observed in clinical sinus node dysfunction. The findings accordingly provide a basis for understanding of the role of cardiac‐type Na+ channels in normal SAN function and the pathophysiology of sinus node dysfunction and suggest new potential targets for its clinical management.
Low carbon dioxide permeability of the apical epithelial membrane of guinea‐pig colon
Authors: Endeward Volker , Gros Gerolf
Published: June 2005

We have investigated the apical membrane permeability for CO2 of intact epithelia of proximal and distal colon of the guinea pig. The method used was the mass spectrometric 18O‐exchange technique previously described. In a first step, we determined the intraepithelial carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity by studying vital isolated colonocytes before and after lysis with Triton X‐100. Intraepithelial CA activity was found to be 41 000 and 900 for proximal and distal colon, respectively. Then 18O‐exchange measurements were done with stripped intact epithelial layers, which on their apical side were exposed to the reaction solution containing 18O‐labelled CO2 and HCO3−. The mass spectrometric signals in these measurements are determined by the intracellular epithelial CA activity, and by the apical membrane permeabilities for CO2 and HCO3−, P and P. From the signals, we calculated the two permeabilities while inserting the CA activities obtained from isolated colonocytes. From layers of intact colon epithelium, the apical P was determined to be 1.5 × 10−3 cm s−1 for proximal and 0.77 × 10−3 cm s−1 for distal colon. These values are ≥200 times lower than the P of the human red cell membrane as studied with the same technique (0.3 cm s−1). We conclude that the apical membrane offers a significant resistance towards CO2 diffusion, which implies that a major drop in CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) will occur across the apical membrane when luminal pCO2 is higher than basolateral or capillary pCO2. In view of the very high pCO2 that can occur in the colonic lumen, this property of the apical membrane constitutes a significant protection of the cell against the high acid load associated with high pCO2.
Immunohistochemical analysis of MCT1, MCT2 and MCT4 expression in rat plantaris muscle
Authors: Hashimoto Takeshi , Masuda Shinya , Taguchi Sadayoshi , Brooks George A.
Published: June 2005

We addressed the need for histological assessment of myocellular domains occupied by monocarboxylate transporters (MCT1, MCT2 and MCT4). From the perspective of lactate shuttle hypotheses we posited that MCT1 would be highly expressed in oxidative fibres, whereas MCT4 would be found in highly glycolytic fibres. Furthermore, we hypothesized that MCT1 would be detected at interfibrillar as well as at subsarcolemmal and sarcolemmal cell domains, whereas MCT2 and MCT4 abundances would be most prominent at the sarcolemma. To test these hypotheses, we examined cellular locations of MCT1, MCT2 and MCT4 transporter proteins in different fibre types (slow oxidative, SO; fast oxidative glycolytic, FOG; fast glycolytic, FG) in rat plantaris muscles by the avidin–biotin complex (ABC) as well as other methods. The plantaris was used as it is a mixed fibre skeletal muscle. MCTs, glucose transporter (GLUT4) protein, and mitochondrial constituent cytochrome oxidase (COX) abundances were assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting using affinity‐purified antibodies. The staining method was specific and stable, which allowed for semiquantitative assessment of MCT expression. As well, confocal laser scanning microscopy assessed MCT isoform localizations. Findings of the present study were: (1) MCT1 is located at the sarcolemma and throughout the cell interior in SO and FOG fibres where the mitochondrial reticulum was present; (2) in contrast, MCT4 was highly expressed in the sarcolemmal domain of FG and FOG fibres but poorly expressed in SO fibres; and (3) confocal laser‐scanning microscopy demonstrated that MCT1 and COX are co‐localised at both interfibrillar and subsarcolemmal cell domains, whereas MCT2 is only faintly detected at the sarcolemma of oxidative fibres. MCTs and associated proteins are positioned to facilitate the function of the lactate shuttles.
Phrenic long‐term facilitation requires NMDA receptors in the phrenic motonucleus in rats
Authors: McGuire Michelle , Zhang Yi , White David P. , Ling Liming
Published: June 2005

Exposure to episodic hypoxia induces a persistent augmentation of respiratory activity, known as long‐term facilitation (LTF). LTF of phrenic nerve activity has been reported to require serotonin receptor activation and protein syntheses. However, the underlying cellular mechanism still remains poorly understood. NMDA receptors play key roles in synaptic plasticity (e.g. some forms of hippocampal long‐term potentiation). The present study was designed to examine the role of NMDA receptors in phrenic LTF and test if the relevant receptors are located in the phrenic motonucleus. Integrated phrenic nerve activity was measured in anaesthetized, vagotomized, neuromuscularly blocked and artificially ventilated rats before, during and after three episodes of 5 min isocapnic hypoxia (Pa,O2= 30–45 mmHg), separated by 5 min hyperoxia (50% O2). Either saline (as control) or the NMDA receptor antagonist MK‐801 (0.2 mg kg−1, i.p.) was systemically injected ∼1 h before hypoxia. Phrenic LTF was eliminated by the MK‐801 injection (vehicle, 32.8 ± 3.7% above baseline in phrenic amplitude at 60 min post‐hypoxia; MK‐801, −0.5 ± 4.1%, means ±s.e.m.), with little change in both the CO2‐apnoeic threshold and the hypoxic phrenic response (HPR). Vehicle (saline, 5 × 100 nl) or MK‐801 (10 μm; 5 × 100 nl) was also microinjected into the phrenic motonucleus region in other groups. Phrenic LTF was eliminated by the MK‐801 microinjection (vehicle, 34.2 ± 3.4%; MK‐801, −2.5 ± 2.8%), with minimal change in HPR. Collectively, these results suggest that the activation of NMDA receptors in the phrenic motonucleus is required for the episodic hypoxia‐induced phrenic LTF.
Extremely rapid recovery of human cone circulating current at the extinction of bleaching exposures
Authors: Kenkre J. S. , Moran N. A. , Lamb T. D. , Mahroo O. A. R.
Published: June 2005

We used a conductive fibre electrode placed in the lower conjunctival sac to record the a‐wave of the human photopic electroretinogram elicited by bright white flashes, delivered during, or at different times after, exposure of the eye to bright white illumination that bleached a large fraction (∼90%) of the cone photopigment. During steady‐state exposures of this intensity, the amplitude of the bright‐flash response declined to ∼50% of its dark‐adapted level. After the intense background was turned off, the amplitude of the bright‐flash response recovered substantially, for flashes presented within 20 ms of background extinction, and fully, for flashes presented 100 ms after extinction. In addition, a prominent ‘background‐off a‐wave’ was observed, beginning within 5–10 ms of background extinction. We interpret these results to show, firstly, that human cones are able to preserve around half of their circulating current during steady‐state illumination that bleaches 90% of their pigment and, secondly, that following extinction of such illumination, the cone circulating current is restored within a few tens of milliseconds. This behaviour is in stark contrast to that in human rods, where the circulating current is obliterated by a background that bleaches only a few percent of the pigment, and where full recovery following a large bleach takes at least 20 min, some 50 000 times more slowly than shown here for human cones.
Midline serotonergic neurones contribute to widespread synchronized activity in embryonic mouse hindbrain
Authors: Hunt Peter N. , McCabe Annette K. , Bosma Martha M.
Published: June 2005

Spontaneous, synchronous activity occurs in motor neurones of the embryonic mouse hindbrain at the stage when rhombomeric segmentation disappears (embryonic day 11.5). The mechanisms generating and synchronizing the activity, however, and the extent to which it is widespread in the hindbrain, are unknown. We show here that spontaneous activity is initiated in the midline of the hindbrain, and propagates laterally to encompass virtually the entire hindbrain synchronously and bilaterally. Separation of the midline region from lateral regions abolishes or slows activity laterally, but not medially. The early differentiating neurones of the midline raphe system are present in the rostral midline and express serotonin at E11.5. Their axons ramify extensively in the marginal zone, cross the midline, and extend at the midline both rostrally into the midbrain and caudally towards the caudal hindbrain. Blockers of serotonin receptors, specifically the 5‐HT2A receptor, abolish synchronous activity in the hindbrain, while blockers of other neurotransmitter systems, including GABA and glutamate, do not. In addition, the 5‐HT2A receptor is expressed in the marginal regions in the entire medial‐to‐lateral extent of the hindbrain and in the midline commissural region. Thus, the serotonergic neurones of the developing midline raphe system may play a role in initiating and propagating spontaneous synchronous activity throughout the hindbrain.
Ca2+ permeability of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in rat hippocampal CA1 interneurones
Authors: Fayuk Dmitriy , Yakel Jerrel L.
Published: June 2005

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are widely expressed in the brain where they are involved in a variety of physiological processes, including cognition and development. The nAChRs are ligand‐gated cationic channels, and different subtypes are known to be differentially permeable to Ca2+; the α7‐containing nAChRs are generally considered to be the most permeable. Ca2+ can activate and regulate a variety of signal transduction cascades, and the influx of Ca2+ through these receptors may have implications for synaptic plasticity. To determine the Ca2+ permeability of the nAChRs in rat hippocampal interneurones in the slice, which contain diverse subtypes of α7‐ and non‐α7‐containing nAChRs, we combined patch‐clamp electrophysiology recordings with conventional fura‐2 fluorescence imaging techniques. We estimated the relative Ca2+ permeability of the channels by determining the ratio of the increase in [Ca2+]i level (Δ[Ca2+]i) in the soma to the integrated transmembrane current (charge, Q) induced by the activation of the nAChRs, and compared this ratio to the highly Ca2+ permeable NMDA subtype of glutamate receptor channel. In all cells tested, the Δ[Ca2+]i/Q ratio was significantly larger (i.e. more than twice as big) for responses activated by NMDA than for α7‐containing nAChRs in interneurones; the activation of the non‐α7 nAChRs did not produce any significant increase in [Ca2+]i. Interestingly, the Ca2+ permeability of native α7 nAChRs in PC12 cells was significantly larger than in hippocampal interneurones, and not significantly different from NMDA receptors. Therefore, the α7‐containing nAChRs in rat hippocampal interneurones are significantly less permeable to Ca2+ than not only NMDA receptors but also α7 nAChRs in PC12 cells.
Reliability of Anisotropic Conductive Film Joints Using Bumpless Chip—Influence of Reflow Soldering and Environmental Testing
Authors: Chiang W. K. , Chan Y. C.
Published: June 2005

This paper presents the reliability of anisotropic conductive film (ACF) joint tested under reflow soldering and environmental test effect. The ACF joint behaved differently under different reflow soldering profiles. The lower reflow temperature resulted in more reliable ACF joints by maintaining low contact resistance. By contrast, high contact resistance was found in assemblies treated with higher reflow. Under humidity aging (85°C/85%RH), bumpless chips proved to be unreliable due to corrosion mechanism. Moreover, ACF had shown degradation in chemical and physical properties, including modulus reduction, Tg depression, polymer hydrolysis, and surface swelling after exposing to humidity aging. The deterioration in reliability of aged ACF joint during reflow process was mainly caused by hydroscopic swelling-induced stress of ACF.
Determination of Precise Indentation Flow Properties of Metallic Materials Through Analyzing Contact Characteristics Beneath Indenter
Authors: Kim Sung-Hoon , Baik Min-Kyung , Kwon Dongil
Published: June 2005

The continuous indentation technique is widely used for nondestructive evaluation of the mechanical properties of devices and materials. In particular, flow properties can be obtained by using this technique with a spherical indenter. Several formulas have been suggested to determine flow properties, and they commonly require the determination of the precise contact characteristics such as the contact area or depth between material and indenter to obtain the properties accurately. In this study, contact characteristics were determined by analysis of the contact morphology from FEA (finite element analysis) using mechanical property data for several steels. The contact characteristics obtained from FE simulation were compared to an analysis of the parameters of indentation load-depth curves for the steels. The contact characteristics were shown as functions of such parameters as work-hardening exponent and indentation depth. In addition, using indentation morphology from FE simulation, the flow properties were evaluated by analysis of indentation morphology for 18 materials on the basis of the two representative preexisting definitions of stress and strain, and the definitions were verified by comparison of the flow properties with tension testing data.
Performance of Graphite Foam Evaporator for Use in Thermal Management
Authors: Coursey Johnathan S. , Kim Jungho , Boudreaux Paul J.
Published: June 2005

This paper presents the results of an investigation of the thermal performance of a graphite foam thermosyphon evaporator and discusses the foam’s potential for use in the thermal management of electronics. The graphitized carbon foam used in this study is an open-cell porous material that consists of a network of interconnected graphite ligaments whose thermal conductivities are up to five times higher than copper. While the bulk graphite foam has a thermal conductivity similar to aluminum, it has one-fifth the density, making it an excellent thermal management material. Furthermore, using the graphite foam as the evaporator in a thermosyphon enables the transfer of large amounts of energy with relatively low temperature difference and without the need for external pumping. Performance of the system with FC-72 and FC-87 was examined, and the effects of liquid fill level, condenser temperature, and foam height, width, and density were studied. Performance with FC-72 and FC-87 was found to be similar, while the liquid fill level, condenser temperature, geometry, and density of the graphite foam were found to significantly affect the thermal performance. The boiling was found to be surface tension dominated, and a simple model based on heat transfer from the outer surface is proposed. As much as 149W were dissipated from a 1cm2 heated area.
Observer and Controller Design Using Time-Varying Gains: Duality and Distinctions
Authors: Polotski Vladimir
Published: June 2005

Stabilization of linear systems by state feedback is an important problem of the controller design. The design of observers with appropriate error dynamics is a dual problem. This duality leads, at first glance, to the equivalence of the responses in the synthesized systems. This is true for the time-invariant case, but may not hold for time-varying systems. We limit ourselves in this work by the situation when the system itself is time invariant, and only the gains are time varying. The possibility of assigning a rapidly decaying response without peaking is analyzed. The solution of this problem for observers using time-varying gains is presented. Then we show that this result cannot be obtained for state feedback controllers. We also analyze the conditions under which the observer error dynamics and the response of the closed loop time-varying controllers are equivalent. Finally we compare our results to recently proposed observer converging in finite time and Riccati-based continuous observer with limited overshoots.
Critical Stability Condition for EHSS With Friction and Transport Delay
Authors: Huang Ying Jeh , Lee Hsiang Kung
Published: June 2005

A systematic method for analyzing electrohydraulic servosystems with inherent friction and transport delay is proposed. The analysis concept is well organized and described. Critical boundary equations are proposed to solve for the stability region boundaries. Three divided regions are found and examined, which are stable, unstable, and oscillatory regions. System performance relating to various controller gains and transport delay is discussed using simulation.