bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resource management issues: NGOs relate to the new legal framework for local autonomy in Indonesia
Authors: Suharno Dyah Maria Wirawati , Friedberg Claudine
Published: December 2003

An aspect of regime change in Indonesia has been the implementation, since 2001, of a new law to promote local autonomy, which provides the framework for the activities of NGOs acting in favour of biodiversity. These include not only specialist environmental organisations, but also human rights NGOs, which have the task of demarcating the territories of local populations. Most of these organisations are associated with large international NGOs with a national base; they may, in addition, have local representatives, but these do not necessarily belong to indigenous populations. Generally speaking, NGO operatives in the field tend to have tertiary education and to come from other parts of Indonesia. Their knowledge of local situations and of the sociocultural characteristics of each population is often very cursory and may be restricted to the background available in books. Yet Indonesia is a country of great cultural diversity, from one island to another and even within islands, particularly as far as modes of environmental management are concerned. Such modes depend not only on the techniques used but also on the traditional organisation of local society and the conceptions its members have of their relations with the various living beings. Before engaging in action, it is necessary to consider the real needs of local populations and the fit between the tasks that NGOs take on and the training of their operatives.
Save the rainforest! NGOs and grassroots organisations in the dialectics of Brazilian Amazonia
Authors: Barbosa Luiz C.
Published: December 2003

The paper argues that NGOs and grassroots organizations have had a positive impact on efforts to preserve the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. By acting alone or by forging alliances with international NGOs they have impacted both environmental legislation and actual enforcement. In a world economy driven by development and the profit motive, these “guardians of the forest” play a key role in the future survival of Amazonia. They challenge traditional notions of clearing forest for the sake of development. The paper uses the cases of Indian grassroots organisations and Greenpeace as illustrations.
Traditional knowledge and areas of biodiversity in Brazilian Amazonia*
Authors: Pinton Florence
Published: December 2003

The loss of biodiversity, one of the environmental problems with an acknowledged planet‐wide impact, has been addressed by a convention which highlights the need to take into account the “knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities” in a context of sustainable development. This rehabilitation of the traditional practices and knowledge of communities undermined by several decades of development raises a number of problems as to its relevance, forms, and procedures. The multidisciplinary research we have carried out in Brazilian Amazonia on the management of the varietal diversity of cassava by various local groups provides a good illustration of this. After presenting the Amazonian context in which cassava is cultivated, we look at the institutional and organizational environments in which the communities concerned live before taking up the question of emerging political configurations involved in preserving local knowledge. Non‐governmental organisations play a significant role politically, as intermediaries between the local level and the state's political and administrative institutions. The dynamics observed testify to a far‐reaching change in the way “indigenous communities” relate to the society around them.
The Development of Middle English Expletive Negative Sentences
Authors: Ingham Richard
Published: December 2003

The late Middle English expletive negative (EN) construction, as in:

(1) per wull no man gewe so myche for them

Paston 209, 12 (1471)

has been analysed in Ingham (1998, 2000) as involving movement of a negated subject NP from Spec VP to Spec NegP, thus appearing to the right of the finite verb. The prefinite position was occupied by expletive there. In the present study two questions are addressed: (a) whether the construction in (1) was an idiosyncratic feature of the Paston correspondents, and (b) whether it existed in earlier stages of Middle English. Three 15th century religious works (Middle English Sermons, Book of Margery Kempe, and Dives et Pauper I) were searched for this construction, as were eight early 13th century South‐Eastern and West Midland religious prose texts. The EN construction was common in all three 15th century texts, in both matrix and embedded clauses. In the 13th century prose texts, however, the EN construction was non‐existent. Postfinite subjects were found, but almost exclusively in matrix clauses, as in:

(2) Ne mei nan uvel hearmen ðe

HM 68 (a. 1225)

Expletive there was always lacking in such cases. We analyse (2) in terms of movement of the finite verb to C, with the negated subject in Spec IP. An alternative analysis in which pro stood in Spec IP, and the negated subject moved to, but not through, Spec NegP, is considered but rejected. If movement only as far as Spec NegP had been possible, postfinite subjects would have been productive in embedded clauses, counter to the evidence obtained from these samples. Theoretical support for this analysis is obtained from the shift postulated by va: Kemenade (1997) from C to I as the dominant head in Middle English clause structure around the 14th century. An NP was assigned case in the minimal domain of C until the 14th century, thus forcing negated subjects to move higher than Spec NegP. When I became the dominant head in the 14th century a subject NP was assigned Case within its minimal domin, which could be NegP, as long as Spec IP in finite clauses was filled with an expletive. The emergence of the EN construction between the early 13th century and early 15th century is examined using 13th and 14th century verse, in which evidence is found for the decline of Infal to Comp movement in negated clauses, as well as some evidence for the EN construction.
In vivo UVB irradiation induces clustering of Fas (CD95) on human epidermal cells
Authors: Bang Bo , Gniadecki Robert , Larsen Jørgen K. , Baadsgaard Ole , Skov Lone
Published: December 2003

Abstract:  In vitro studies with human cell lines have demonstrated that the death receptor Fas plays a role in ultraviolet (UV)‐induced apoptosis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relation between Fas expression and apoptosis as well as clustering of Fas in human epidermis after a single dose of UVB irradiation. Normal healthy individuals were irradiated with three minimal erythema doses (MED) of UVB on forearm or buttock skin. Suction blisters from unirradiated and irradiated skin were raised, and Fas, FasL, and apoptosis of epidermal cells were quantified by flow cytometry. Clustering of Fas was demonstrated by confocal laser scanning microscopy on cryostat sections from skin biopsies. Soluble FasL in suction blister fluid was quantified by ELISA. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated increased expression intensity of Fas after irradiation, with 1.6‐, 2.2‐ and 2.7‐fold increased median expression at 24, 48 and 72 h after irradiation, respectively (n = 4). Apoptosis was demonstrated by the TUNEL reaction, and the maximum of apoptotic cells was detected at 48 h after irradiation. Double‐staining for Fas and TUNEL showed that apoptosis was restricted to the Fas‐positive epidermal subpopulation, but there was no correlation between the intensities of Fas expression and TUNEL reaction. Median expression intensity of FasL‐positive cells transiently decreased to 0.9‐ and 0.8‐fold of the preirradiation respective level after 24 h and 48 h, respectively, and returned to the respective preirradiation level at 72 h after irradiation (n = 4). Concentrations of soluble FasL in suction blister fluid from UVB‐irradiated skin did not differ from those in unirradiated skin (n = 5). Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed a rapid clustering of Fas within 30 min after irradiation. A simultaneous clustering of the adapter signalling protein FADD suggested that Fas clustering has a functional significance. Our results are in accordance with previous findings from in vitro studies, and suggest that Fas is activated in vivo in human epidermis after UVB exposure.
Hair follicle dermal cells differentiate into adipogenic and osteogenic lineages
Authors: Jahoda Colin A. B. , Whitehouse Claire J. , Reynolds Amanda J. , Hole Nicholas
Published: December 2003

Abstract: The adult hair follicle dermal papilla (DP) and dermal sheath (DS) cells are developmentally active cell populations with a proven role in adult hair follicle‐cycling activity and unique inductive powers. In stem cell biology, the hair follicle epithelium has recently been the subject of a great deal of investigation, but up to now, the follicle dermis has been largely overlooked as a source of stem cells. Following the sporadic appearance of muscle, lipid and bone‐type cells in discretely isolated follicle DP and DS cell primary cultures, we demonstrated that cultured papilla and sheath cell lines were capable of being directed to lipid and bone differentiation. Subsequently, for the first time, we produced clonal DP and DS lines that had extended proliferative capabilities. Dye exclusion has been reported to be an identifying feature of stem cells; therefore, clonal papilla and sheath lines with differing capacity to exclude rhodamine123 were cultured in medium known to induce adipocyte and osteocyte differentiation. Both DS‐ and DP‐derived clones showed the capacity to make lipid and to produce calcified material; however, different clones had varied behaviour and there was no obvious correlation between their stem cell capabilities and dye exclusion or selected gene expression markers. As a highly accessible source, capable of being discretely isolated, the follicle has important potential as a stem cell source for tissue engineering and cell therapy purposes. It will also be interesting to compare follicle dermal stem cell properties with the broader stem cell capabilities discovered in skin dermis and investigate whether, as we believe, the follicle is a key dermal stem cell niche. Finally, the discovery of stem cells in the dermis may have implications for certain pathologies in which abnormal differentiation occurs in the skin.
If you’re no good at computer games, don’t operate endoscopically!
Authors: Miskry Tariq , Magos Tiarnan , Magos Adam
Published: December 2003

Objective  To evaluate whether innate surgical endoscopic skill could be predicted by ability to play computer video games.

Design  Prospective study.

Subjects  46 consecutive delegates attending an endoscopy workshop completed timed trials of laparoscopic and hysteroscopic skills stations and a commercial video game. These results were compared to identify any correlation.

Results  There was a highly statistically significant correlation between skills tests and game time.

Conclusion  This finding could be utilized to identify aptitude prior to or during surgical training.
Laparoscopic management of an ovarian ectopic pregnancy after intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Atabekoglu Cem S. , Bulent Berker , Ilkkan Dunder
Published: December 2003

Objective  To report a case of laparoscopic management of a patient with a ruptured primary ovarian pregnancy following ovulation induction, intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer.

Methods  The clinical records of the patient were reviewed.

Results  Laparoscopy was performed in a patient with suspicion of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Pathological examination confirmed the presence of ovarian tissue around the chorionic villi. The patient made an uneventful postoperative recovery and was discharged on postoperative day 3. Follow up showed a gradual decrease of human chorionic gonadotrophin concentrations until a negative result (<5 mIU mL−1) was obtained.

Conclusion  The laparoscopic approach is feasible and should be attempted both for the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian ectopic pregnancy, especially in those patients desirous of having children with the aid of assisted reproductive techniques.
Evaluation of intrauterine disorders by hysteroscopy and transvaginal sonography
Authors: Feng Limin , Li Dingheng
Published: December 2003

Objective  To compare the diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal sonography and hysteroscopy for intrauterine disorders.

Design  300 patients were investigated by transvaginal sonography for abnormal vaginal bleeding. Of these, 112 had subsequent hysteroscopic examination and then had concomitant surgery.

Results  The accuracy of findings at hysteroscopy and transvaginal ultrasonography were compared with the histopathological and surgical results as the gold standard diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of transvaginal ultrasonography were 77.4%, 50%, 49% and 78.1%, respectively, for transvaginal ultrasonography, and those of hysteroscopy were 92.3%, 97.4%, 97.3% and 92.6% respectively.

Conclusion  Hysteroscopy is quick, well tolerated, and more accurate in detecting intrauterine pathology than transvaginal ultrasonography. The uterine cavity can be observed directly under hysteroscopy and this examination can provide a high diagnostic accuracy. Biopsy and treatment can be done at the time of the hysteroscopic examination. Thus it is preferable to transvaginal ultrasound examination.
A randomized prospective trial of rigid and flexible hysteroscopy in an outpatient setting
Authors: Baxter Andrew J. , Beck Barbara , Phillips Kevin
Published: December 2003

Objective  To compare flexible and rigid hysteroscopy in an outpatient hysteroscopy clinic.

Design  A randomized, single‐blinded prospective study.

Setting  A one‐stop, outpatient hysteroscopy clinic in a district general hospital.

Subjects  96 women referred to the clinic with abnormal uterine bleeding.

Main outcome measures  Patient pain scores, local anaesthetic usage, need for cervical dilation, quality of view, correlation of clinical and histological findings, duration of procedure, operator's assessment of the ease of the procedure.

Results  Data from 83 women were analysed; three declined to enter the study, one failed to complete the pain scores and nine also had an operative hysteroscopy. Immediate median pain scores were statistically lower in the flexible hysteroscopy group, 1.2 vs. 3.6 (P = 0.001). The difference persisted 30 min after the procedure (0.4 vs. 1.1, P = 0.031). Pain experienced with endometrial biopsy was similar in the two groups (2.5 vs. 3.0, P = 0.16). There were no statistical differences between the two study arms with regard to procedure duration, quality of view, need for cervical dilation, anaesthetic usage or operator assessment of the ease of the procedure. There was agreement in clinical and histological diagnoses in all cases. The operators’ assessment of patients’ pain level correlated highly with patient pain scores. There were no statistically significant differences in any end‐point between the two operators.

Conclusion  Flexible hysteroscopy is associated with lower levels of patient discomfort than rigid hysteroscopy. Other study variables were comparable for the two types of hysteroscopy.
Development of a GIS‐based Methodology for Quantifying Predation Risk in a Spatial Context
Authors: Kliskey Andrew D , Byrom Andrea E
Published: December 2003

We used GIS‐based techniques and inductive‐spatial modelling to analyse spatial interactions between predator and prey populations, a unique example of an extension to an existing ecological approach. The approach identifies spatial predictors of predation and is demonstrated for braided riverbed habitat in the Mackenzie Basin, New Zealand. This habitat is highly modified and is the focus of intensive management because of the presence of introduced mammalian predators and their native prey (primarily nests of ground‐nesting native birds that are extremely vulnerable to predators). Native prey are currently in decline due to predation; GIS techniques therefore have the potential to augment conventional ecological techniques and management practices. Predation risk to nests of ground‐nesting birds was interpolated across an area using inverse distance weighting. A linear regression model for spatio‐temporal predictors of nest predation was deter‐mined using a predation risk surface and three separate surfaces representing predator abundance, prey abundance, and habitat structure. These measures can enhance the non‐spatial results from conventional ecological inquiry and help solve pest management problems affecting the natural environment.
Regulator‐Required Corporate Compliance Program Audits
Authors: Parker Christine
Published: December 2003

This paper critically examines the ability of compliance program audits to provide adequate assurance of compliance system performance. The empirical evidence comes from the use of compliance program audits in monitoring compliance with enforceable undertakings agreed upon between companies (that have allegedly breached the law) and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. The evidence suggests that the primary value of compliance program audits in this context is as a management review that induces better compliance. Nevertheless, it may be the formal regulatory expectation of verification (and the belief that it is possible) that gives the compliance review its power to encourage management to listen and respond to auditors’ recommendations for improvement.

The danger is that the review aspect of the audit will be captured by management concerns. This is evident in a tendency for the audit methodology to focus on management systems at the expense of forensic investigation of harm done (or likely to be done) to consumers and investors, and in a failure to seek out public opinion and input. This style of audit undermines the basic regulatory objective of democratic accountability for corporate responsibility. I conclude by using the literature on critical social audits to show that there is, nonetheless, significant potential for compliance program audits to open corporate management to democracy, and to make some suggestions as to how this might be possible.
Chisholm's Legacy on Intentionality
Authors: Kim Jaegwon
Published: December 2003

Abstract: The problem of intentionality, or how mind and language can take things in the world as “intentional objects,” engaged Chisholm throughout his philosophical career. This essay reviews and discusses his seminal contributions on this problem, from his early work in “Sentences about Believing” and Perceiving during the 1950s to his last and most mature account in The First Person, published in 1981. Chisholm's final view was that de se reference, or a subject's directly taking himself as an intentional object, is fundamental and primitive, and that all other forms of intentional reference, such as de re and de dicto, can be understood on the basis of de se intentionality. The essay ends with a discussion of the worry that this account might lead to what may be called “intentional solipsism,” the proposition that the self is the only genuine object of intentional reference.
Full recovery following delayed neurologic signs after smoke inhalation in a dog
Authors: Mariani Christopher L.
Published: December 2003

Objective: To report a dog experiencing full recovery after delayed neurological sequelae secondary to smoke inhalation, and to review the related literature.

Case summary: A 1‐year‐old Australian shepherd dog was found unconscious in a house fire. Although recovery after initial therapy was reportedly complete, the dog's condition acutely worsened 4 days later and progressed to stupor and non‐ambulatory tetraparesis with subsequent pneumonia. Therapy was successful, and the dog regained full neurologic function after approximately one week.

New or unique information provided: Delayed neurologic sequelae may occur in dogs after smoke inhalation (and presumably carbon monoxide) injury. Neurologic recovery can be complete and sustained, even with severe central nervous system dysfunction.
Acute pancreatitis in dogs
Authors: Holm Jennifer L. , Chan Daniel L. , Rozanski Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2003

Objective:To summarize current information regarding severity assessment, diagnostic imaging, and treatment of human and canine acute pancreatitis (AP).

Human‐based studies:In humans, scoring systems, advanced imaging methods, and serum markers are used to assess the severity of disease, which allows for optimization of patient management. The extent of pancreatic necrosis and the presence of infected pancreatic necrosis are the most important factors determining the development of multiple organ failure (MOF) and subsequent mortality. Considerable research efforts have focused on the development of inexpensive, easy, and reliable laboratory markers to assess disease severity as early as possible in the course of the disease. The use of prophylactic antibiotics, enteral nutrition, and surgery have been shown to be beneficial in certain patient populations.

Veterinary‐based studies:The majority of what is currently known about naturally occurring canine AP has been derived from retrospective evaluations. The identification and development of inexpensive and reliable detection kits of key laboratory markers in dogs with AP could dramatically improve our ability to prognosticate and identify patient populations likely to benefit from treatment interventions. Treatment remains largely supportive and future studies evaluating the efficacy of surgery, nutritional support and other treatment modalities are warranted.

Data sources:Current human and veterinary literature.

Conclusions:Pancreatitis can lead to a life‐threatening severe systemic inflammatory condition, resulting in MOF and death in both humans and dogs. Given the similarities in the pathophysiology of AP in both humans and dogs, novel concepts used to assess severity and treat people with AP may be applicable to dogs.
Cross‐sectional study of oral mucosal conditions among a central Amazonian Indian community, Brazil
Authors: Dos Santos Paulo José Benevides , Bessa Carolina Ferreira Navarro , De Aguiar Maria Cássia Ferreira , Do Carmo Maria Auxiliadora Vieira
Published: December 2003

Background:  A cross‐sectional study on the oral mucosal conditions among the Waimiri Atroari Indians from central Amazonia, Brazil, has been conducted. These Indians keep their traditional way of life and are free from habits such as smoking, alcohol drinking, and use of pacifiers.

Methods:  Clinical examinations of a representative, randomly selected sample of patients during routine dental treatment, following ethical procedures recommended by Brazilian laws were made.

Results:  Out of 922 individuals, 587 were examined, among which 52.57% of the children up to 12 years old and 73.44% of patients aged 13 years or older presented at least one oral mucosal condition. The conditions more frequently observed were, in decreasing order of prevalence: fissured tongue, focal epithelial hyperplasia (FEH), lesions of traumatic origin, geographic tongue, Fordyce's spots, and candidiasis. Only one case of leukoplakia was identified.

Conclusions:  Conditions observed among theses Indians were essentially the same that have been described in other populations around the world, except for FEH, which, as a characteristic lesion of Indians, had high prevalence (20.95%). The lesions observed were related to the way of life of this specific population.
MEK inhibition enhances bleomycin A5‐induced apoptosis in an oral cancer cell line: signaling mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Yang Li‐Chiu , Yang Shyh‐Hwang , Tai Kuo‐Wei , Chou Ming‐Yung , Yang Jaw‐Ji
Published: December 2003

Background:  Bleomycin A5 is an anti‐neoplastic glycoprotein antibiotic used for the treatment of various cancers. Previous work has shown that bleomycin A5 exerts its apoptotic effects on tumor cells. This was to study the signal transduction pathways that might exert the apoptotic effects of bleomycin A5 on tumor cells, as well as to examine the possibility of lower dosing of such drug in combinative treatment with other compounds in vitro.

Methods:  Bleomycin A5 was applied on a human oral epidermoid carcinoma cell line, human oral epidermoid carcinoma (KB), and the apoptotic activity was determined by the presence of DNA fragmentation and 4,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) nuclear staining. The signal transduction pathway was measured through Western blotting and in vitro kinase assay.

Results:  The apoptotic effect was associated with the sustained activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNK) and the inhibition of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases1 (ERK1) and ‐2 activities, suggesting that JNK plays a positive role in the death process. ERK1 and ‐2 might exert a protection pathway from cell death. Here, it was determined that a combination treatment of bleomycin A5 and the MAP kinase‐ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitor, PD98059, could lead to enhanced apoptosis. The activities of ERK1 and ‐2 are required for cell survival signaling using stable cell clones expressing MEK1. Upon bleomycin A5 treatment, cells expressing MEK1 exhibited significant delays in the onset of apoptosis, where the presence of MEK1 inhibitor enhanced cell death. Moreover, the increased activity of ERK1 and ‐2 coincided with cell survival. The survival signals exerted by MEK1 most likely result from the activation of ERK1 and ‐2.

Conclusions:  The apoptosis enhancement through such combinative treatment in vitro has revealed new therapeutic opportunities and elucidated mechanisms contributing to the efficacy of existing anti‐cancer treatments.
Myxolipomatous pleomorphic adenoma: an unusual oral presentation
Authors: Ide Fumio , Kusama Kaoru
Published: December 2003

The first case of a myxoid variant of lipomatous pleomorphic adenoma arising in the intraoral minor salivary gland is presented. A well‐encapsulated tumor was composed almost entirely of myxolipomatous tissue with honeycomb‐like spindled cellular areas, which contained only a scant glandular element. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the myoepithelial nature of spindle cells intimately admixed with mucoadipose component. We propose the term myxolipomatous pleomorphic adenoma for this peculiar lesion.
Cell death and cell proliferation in the regeneration of atrophied rat submandibular glands after duct ligation
Authors: Takahashi S. , Shinzato K. , Nakamura S. , Domon T. , Yamamoto T. , Wakita M.
Published: December 2003

Background:  The present study aimed to clarify the proliferation and apoptosis of parenchymal cells during regeneration of rat submandibular glands following atrophy.

Methods:  Atrophy of the right submandibular gland of rats was induced by excretory duct ligation at the hilum with metal clips, which were removed 1 week (day 0) after ligation. The right submandibular glands were collected from 0 to 14 days after removal of the clips and investigated using immunohistochemistry for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) as a marker of proliferating cells, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐mediated dUTP‐digoxigenin nick end labeling (TUNEL) as a marker of apoptotic cells, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Results:  After 1 week of ligation, there were many remaining ducts and a few acini in the atrophic glands. At day 3 after discontinuing the ligation, newly formed acini appeared and thereafter increased in number and maturity. Many residual and newly formed acinar cells showed positive reaction to PCNA especially at days 4 and 5. The PCNA‐positive duct cells decreased in number with the regeneration. A few TUNEL‐positive acinar and duct cells were identified during regeneration. Mitosis and apoptosis of parenchymal cells were also identified by TEM.

Conclusions:  During regeneration of the submandibular gland after atrophy, both residual and newly formed acinar cells proliferate actively. There is also apoptosis of parenchymal cells; however, the significance of apoptosis is low.
The Expression of Sterigmatocystin and Penicillin Genes in
Aspergillus nidulans
Is Controlled by
veA
, a Gene Required for Sexual Development
Authors: Kato Naoki , Brooks Wilhelmina , Calvo Ana M.
Published: December 2003

Secondary metabolism is commonly associated with morphological development in microorganisms, including fungi. We found that
veA
, a gene previously shown to control the
Aspergillus nidulans
sexual/asexual developmental ratio in response to light, also controls secondary metabolism. Specifically,
veA
regulates the expression of genes implicated in the synthesis of the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin and the antibiotic penicillin.
veA
is necessary for the expression of the transcription factor
aflR
, which activates the gene cluster that leads to the production of sterigmatocystin.
veA
is also necessary for penicillin production. Our results indicated that although
veA
represses the transcription of the isopenicillin synthetase gene
ipnA
, it is necessary for the expression of
acvA
, the key gene in the first step of penicillin biosynthesis, encoding the delta-(
l
-alpha-aminoadipyl)-
l
-cysteinyl-
d
-valine synthetase. With respect to the mechanism of
veA
in directing morphological development,
veA
has little effect on the expression of the known sexual transcription factors
nsdD
and
steA
. However, we found that
veA
regulates the expression of the asexual transcription factor
brlA
by modulating the α/β transcript ratio that controls conidiation.
Cysteine Proteases and Cell Differentiation: Excystment of the Ciliated Protist
Sterkiella histriomuscorum
Authors: Villalobo Eduardo , Moch Clara , Fryd-Versavel Ghislaine , Fleury-Aubusson Anne , Morin Loïc
Published: December 2003

The process of excystment of
Sterkiella histriomuscorum
(Ciliophora, Oxytrichidae) leads in a few hours, through a massive influx of water and the resorption of the cyst wall, from an undifferentiated resting cyst to a highly differentiated and dividing vegetative cell. While studying the nature of the genes involved in this process, we isolated three different cysteine proteases genes, namely, a cathepsin B gene, a cathepsin L-like gene, and a calpain-like gene. Excystation was selectively inhibited at a precise differentiating stage by cysteine proteases inhibitors, suggesting that these proteins are specifically required during the excystment process. Reverse transcription-PCR experiments showed that both genes display differential expression between the cyst and the vegetative cells. A phylogenetic analysis showed for the first time that the cathepsin B tree is paraphyletic and that the diverging
S. histriomuscorum
cathepsin B is closely related to its
Giardia
homologues, which take part in the cyst wall breakdown process. The deduced cathepsin L-like protein sequence displays the structural signatures and phylogenetic relationships of cathepsin H, a protein that is known only in plants and animals and that is involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix components in cancer diseases. The deduced calpain-like protein sequence does not display the calcium-binding domain of conventional calpains; it belongs to a diverging phylogenetic cluster that includes
Aspergillus
palB, a protein which is involved in a signal transduction pathway that is sensitive to ambient pH.
BETHE ANSATZ FOR NON-COMPACT GROUPS: THE PAIRING MODELS FOR BOSONS
Authors: OVCHINNIKOV A. A.
Published: December 2003

We discuss the construction of the exactly solvable pairing models for bosons in the framework of the Quantum Inverse Scattering method. It is stressed that this class of models naturally appears in the quasiclassical limit of the algebraic Bethe ansatz transfer matrix. We propose the new pairing Hamiltonians for bosons, depending on the additional parameters. It is pointed out that the new class of the pairing models can be obtained from the fundamental transfer-matrix. The possible new application of the pairing models for confined bosons in the physics of helium nanodroplets is pointed out.
LOW TEMPERATURE SPECIFIC HEAT OF (KBr)1-x(KCN)x MIXED CRYSTAL
Authors: GAUR N. K. , KAUR NUPINDER , MANAKE MANIK , GALGALE JYOTSNA , SINGH R. K.
Published: December 2003

We have investigated the cohesive and thermodynamic properties of ( KBr )1-x( KCN )x using an extended three-body force shell model (ETSM), which has been found to be adequately suitable for the description of orientationally disordered mixed cyanide-halide crystals. The specific heat of ( KBr )1-x( KCN )x for compositions (x=0.53, 0.65, 0.73, 0.84 and 0.93) at temperature 10 K ≤T≤150 K have been computed using the ETSM for the first time. The paper also reports the calculated results on Debye temperature (Θ D ), cohesive energy (Φ), compressibility (β), molecular force constant (f) and Restrahlen frequency (ν0) of ( KBr )1-x( KCN )x. The results on specific heat and some other thermal properties are in good agreement with their available experimental data.
UNITARY TRANSFORMATION APPROACH FOR THE PHASE OF THE DAMPED DRIVEN HARMONIC OSCILLATOR
Authors: CHOI JEONG-RYEOL
Published: December 2003

Using the invariant operator method and the unitary transformation method together, we obtained discrete and continuous solutions of the quantum damped driven harmonic oscillator. The wave function of the underdamped harmonic oscillator is expressed in terms of the Hermite polynomial while that of the overdamped harmonic oscillator is expressed in terms of the parabolic cylinder function. The eigenvalues of the underdamped harmonic oscillator are discrete while that of the critically damped and the overdamped harmonic oscillators are continuous. We derived the exact phases of the wave function for the underdamped, critically damped and overdamped driven harmonic oscillator. They are described in terms of the particular solutions of the classical equation of motion.
ONSET OF SHEAR WAVES IN A BACTERIAL BATH: A NOVEL EFFECT
Authors: SINHA SUPURNA
Published: December 2003

Recent experiments on particle diffusion in bacterial baths indicate the formation of correlated structures in the form of bacterial swirls. Here we predict that such a structural ordering would give rise to the new effect of propagating shear waves in a bacterial bath at length scales of the order of a swirl, which corresponds to time scales of the order of the lifetime of a swirl. Our prediction can be tested against future experiments in bacterial baths.
Educating Knowledge Management Professionals in the Era of Knowledge Economy
Authors: Chen Hsueh-hua , Chiu Tzu-heng , Fan Jung-Wei
Published: December 2003

The era of knowledge economy has arrived, and knowledge has become a key resource for enterprises. How to keep creating and using new knowledge has become an important concern for modern business administration. How to manage knowledge efficiently and effectively will become a crucial issue in future. However, owing to differences in educational backgrounds, people may have different perspectives on knowledge management (KM), and so the effectiveness of KM may not be maximized owing to lack of integration. In view of this, the Departments of Library and Information Science, Business Administration, Information Management, and Computer Science and Information Engineering of the National Taiwan University put together a "KM Curriculum Program" that seeks to educate and train all-round KM professionals. This paper begins with the proposition that KM will be the focus of business administration in the 21st century, followed by the need to train interdisciplinary KM professionals and create channels for such training. Lastly, it takes "KM Curriculum Program, NTU" as a sample to explain the ideas behind its education and training. Further, by sharing experiences, we hope to motivate other colleges and universities to draw up similar programs to train skilled KM professionals and to improve Taiwan's competitiveness in the business world.
A User-centric Office Framework for Knowledge Workers
Authors: Chiu Hung-Sheng , Yang Chyan
Published: December 2003

This article describes a successful experience on a software project of Technology Development Program (TDP) of Ministry Of Economic Affairs (MOEA) in Taiwan. It describes the design and implementation of a smart office task framework to automate system integration and to enable user-centric application. To achieve the goal of implicit knowledge accumulation and inheritance, we developed a service framework at the backend for integrating diverse systems seamlessly and an interface agent at the front for hiding complex efforts on manually binding different systems. Based on years of experience in components-based system development with multilayered flow architecture, the ACT (Advanced e-Commerce Technology) laboratory adapted Web Services to wrap various existing systems into a general RPC/RMI format, used ontology to define and integrate new functionalities semantically, and took advantage of agents to enable a user-centric office environment. The design rationale, application scenario, architecture, and future plan are presented.
Implementing KM in an Information Technology Environment: A Practical Approach
Authors: Balachandran Jayakrishnan , Foo Schubert
Published: December 2003

The emergence of knowledge-based organisations has seen an emphasis shift in recognising people as the prime competitive asset and the push of management to nurture social capital within organisations. This supposedly produces an environment of openness, trust, and free communication, thereby leading to greater knowledge sharing among organisational members. A well-managed knowledge management process helps to create and sustain knowledge capture, sharing, and creation of new knowledge. This paper traces the development of a knowledge management framework in an information technology environment of an international bank, focussing on the process, derivation, and implementation of the framework and presents the important lessons learnt along the way.
Antennal movements reveal associative learning in the American cockroachPeriplaneta americana
Authors: Lent David D. , Kwon Hyung-Wook
Published: December 2003

Using antennal movements as an indicator of learning and retention, an associative learning paradigm has been developed to investigate associative memory between visual and olfactory stimuli. Experiments were performed on the restrained cockroach Periplaneta americana, which normally moves its antennae towards a localized odor source. Such `antennal projection responses'(APRs) are exploited to demonstrate long-term memory, where an APR is elicited by a conditioned stimulus (CS; green light point source) paired with a spatially coincident odor [the unconditioned stimulus (US)]. Association of the CS with the US is established after five trials. Before training, a visual cue alone does not elicit an APR. This behavior is elicited by a visual cue only after pairing it with an odor stimulus. The acquired APR to the green light cue persists for up to 72 h, indicative of long-term memory. This paradigm is thus suitable for future studies of neural correlates of learning and memory on restrained animals.
α-Adrenergic regulation of systemic peripheral resistance and blood flow distribution in the turtleTrachemys scriptaduring anoxic submergence at 5°C and 21°C
Authors: Stecyk J. A. W. , Overgaard J. , Farrell A. P. , Wang T.
Published: December 2003

Anoxic exposure in the anoxia-tolerant freshwater turtle is attended by substantial decreases in heart rate and blood flows, but systemic blood pressure (Psys) only decreases marginally due to an increase in systemic peripheral resistance (Rsys). Here,we investigate the role of the α-adrenergic system in modulating Rsys during anoxia at 5°C and 21°C in the turtle Trachemys scripta, and also describe how anoxia affects relative systemic blood flow distribution(%Q̇sys) and absolute tissue blood flows. Turtles were instrumented with an arterial cannula for measurement of Psys and ultrasonic flow probes on major systemic blood vessels for determination of systemic cardiac output(Q̇sys). α-Adrenergic tone was assessed from vascular injections of α-adrenergic agonists and antagonists (phenylephrine and phentolamine, respectively) during normoxia and following either 6 h (21°C) or 12 days (5°C) of anoxic submergence. Coloured microspheres, injected through a left atrial cannula during normoxia and anoxia, as well as after α-adrenergic stimulation and blockade during anoxia at both temperatures, were used to determine relative and absolute tissue blood flows.

Anoxia was associated with an increased Rsys and functional α-adrenergic vasoactivity at both acclimation temperatures. However, while anoxia at 21°C was associated with a high systemicα-adrenergic tone, the progressive increase of Rsysat 5°C was not mediated by α-adrenergic control. A redistribution of blood flow away from ancillary vascular beds towards more vital circulations occurred with anoxia at both acclimation temperatures.%Q̇sys and absolute blood flow were reduced to the digestive and urogenital tissues (approximately 2- to 15-fold), while %Q̇sys and absolute blood flows to the heart and brain were maintained at normoxic levels. The importance of liver and muscle glycogen stores in fueling anaerobic metabolism were indicated by increases in%Q̇sys to the muscle at 21°C (1.3-fold) and liver at 5°C (1.7-fold). As well, the crucial importance of the turtle shell as a buffer reserve during anoxic submergence was indicated by 40-50% of Q̇sys being directed towards the shell during anoxia at both 5°C and 21°C. α-Adrenergic stimulation and blockade during anoxia caused few changes in%Q̇sys and absolute tissue blood flow. However, there was evidence of α-adrenergic vasoactivity contributing to blood flow regulation to the liver and shell during anoxic submergence at 5°C.
Seasonality of the red blood cell stress response in rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Koldkjær P. , Pottinger T. G. , Perry S. F. , Cossins A. R.
Published: December 2003

The β-adrenergic stress response in red blood cells (RBCs) of rainbow trout shows seasonal changes in expression. We have explored the mechanisms underpinning this response by following, over a period of 27 months, changes in β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) binding characteristics,β-adrenergically stimulated RBC Na+/H+ exchanger(βNHE) activity, together with β-AR and βNHE mRNA levels and plasma steroid hormone and lactate levels. These parameters were measured at approximately monthly intervals in a single population of fish held under semi-natural conditions. Membrane-bound, high-affinity β-ARs were present in RBCs at all sampling times, varying from 668±112 receptors cell-1 to 2654±882 receptors cell-1 (mean± s.e.m.; N=8). βNHE activity, however, was reduced by 57% and 34% in December 1999 and February 2001, respectively,compared with an otherwise sustained influx that averaged 110.4±2.3 mmol l-1 RBCs h-1 (N=119). Only one reduction coincided with a spawning period but both were preceded by transient increases in circulating testosterone. βNHE activity measured under standard conditions was not correlated with the number or affinity of β-ARs nor with water temperature, but both β-AR numbers and βNHE activity were positively related to their respective mRNA levels (P=0.005 and 0.038, respectively). Pharmaceutical intervention in the transduction cascade linking the β-AR and βNHE failed to indicate any failure of the transduction elements in RBCs displaying low βNHE activity. Similarly, we failed to demonstrate any link between seasonal cortisol fluctuations and seasonally reduced βNHE activity. However, the βNHE activity of age-separated RBC fractions showed that younger RBCs had a significantly higher βNHE response than older RBCs, consistent with the seasonal reductions in βNHE being linked to turnover of RBCs and erythropoiesis. Testosterone is known to induce erythropoiesis and we conclude that seasonal reductions in βNHE are not caused by changes in β-AR numbers but may be linked to testosterone-induced erythropoiesis.
Acclimation of sperm motility apparatus in seawater-acclimated euryhaline tilapiaOreochromis mossambicus
Authors: Morita Masaya , Takemura Akihiro , Okuno Makoto
Published: December 2003

Euryhaline tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus can reproduce in freshwater and in seawater. Regulation of sperm motility appears to be modulated during acclimation of the fish from freshwater to seawater, being independent of extracellular Ca2+ in freshwater and dependent on extracellular Ca2+ in seawater. In the presence of extracellular Ca2+, sperm of seawater-acclimated tilapia (SWT) showed motility even in a hypertonic environment, whereas sperm of freshwater-acclimated tilapia (FWT) were not motile. The Ca2+ indicator, fluo-3, revealed that intracellular Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]i, of SWT sperm increased only in the presence of extracellular Ca2+ in hypotonic or hypertonic conditions. Since the increased [Ca2+]i in FWT sperm occurred under hypotonic conditions via intracellular Ca2+ stores, it is likely that tilapia modulate their source of increasing [Ca2+]i from intracellular stores (in FWT sperm) to extracellular stores (in SWT sperm). Experiments using demembranated sperm revealed that Ca2+ is necessary for activation of motility,suggesting that Ca2+ plays a key role in motility regulation in SWT sperm. We detected three phosphoproteins associated with the activation of sperm motility. Serine and threonine residues of two proteins of 15 kDa and 18 kDa became dephosphorylated in hypotonic conditions but remained phosphorylated in hypertonic conditions, suggesting that these protein phosphorylations were not only related to motility activation under hypertonic conditions but also resistant to osmotic pressure. The threonine residue(s) of a 41 kDa protein was also phosphorylated in dry sperm, even in FWT sperm in motility-feasible hypotonic conditions. It is likely that acclimation of the motility apparatus is associated with modulation of the flow of Ca2+ to increase [Ca2+]i and protein phosphorylation.