bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Office Rent Processes: The Case of U.S. Metropolitan Markets
Authors: Mourouzi‐Sivitanidou Rena
Published: March 2003

This paper synthesizes elements of the traditional and contemporary theory of real estate markets to formulate an empirical framework for exploring metropolitan office rent processes. Such a framework is then applied to the analysis of office rents across 18 U.S. office markets during 1986–1995. The empirical results underscore the sluggishness of rental adjustments, highlight the extent of rental disequilibria across markets, and uncover the role of office employment factors (such as size, diversity, spatial organization, growth rates, and volatility), construction costs, interest rates, amenities, and zoning in shaping interarea differentials in the equilibrium component of office rents.
Existing Diversity and Judicial Selection: The Role of the Appointment Method in Establishing Gender Diversity in State Supreme Courts
Authors: Bratton Kathleen A. , Spill Rorie L.
Published: March 2003

Objectives. To explore differences in the appointment and election method of selecting state high court justices in promoting gender diversity, and to explore the effect of existing gender diversity within the political institutions on the selection of women to office. Methods. Our data include all justices who have been selected to state courts of last resort from 1980 through 1997. We use logistic regression analysis to test the effect of existing gender diversity on a high court on the likelihood that a woman will be selected to fill a vacancy. Results. Women are significantly more likely to be selected to a state high court when initially appointed, and this effect is particularly pronounced when the governor is Democratic. When an appointment system is used, women are much more likely to be appointed to an all‐male court than to a gender‐diverse court. Conclusions. Appointment systems are more likely to create gender diversity on state courts; however, this effect operates primarily to diversify all‐male courts. This difference between appointment and election systems may reflect differences in knowledge between elite actors and the mass public about the composition of the institution.
The Maid Trade: Cross‐Border Work in South Texas
Authors: Pisani Michael J. , Yoskowitz David W.
Published: March 2003

Objective. The primary objective of this article is to investigate the “informal” marketplace for domestic servants (maids) in a border community in South Texas (Laredo). Methods. A questionnaire was administered by a household member familiar with the present study who employed at least one maid utilizing the snowball method of sample selection. Usable data (surveys) were collected from 389 individuals—195 maids and 194 employers. Results. For maids, who are overwhelmingly female Mexican nationals, the primary determinant or “push” factor in becoming a maid was economic necessity while the primary “pull” factor was good pay. A large hourly wage differential was uncovered for day maids ($3.44) vis‐a‐vis live‐in maids ($2.61), which was primarily the result of civil status and the possession of documents permitting entry into the United States as determined by a logistic regression. Conclusion. The relative attractiveness of work as a maid in Laredo, Texas reflects the benefit of good pay balanced by the cost of poor employment choice in Mexico.
The Fighting Behavior of Asian–Pacific Males in Guam: Do High School Extracurricular Activities Matter?
Authors: Pinhey Thomas K. , Perez Michael P. , Workman Randall L.
Published: March 2003

Objective. We predicted that the social integrative effects resulting from participation in high school extracurricular activities would reduce the physical fighting behavior of Asian–Pacific males in Guam, a population that is known for excessively high levels of physical fighting. Methods. Using ordinary least squares multiple regression analysis we tested the hypothesis with a probability sample of Guam’s Asian–Pacific high school students. Results. Controlling for age, ethnicity, gender, and a number of risk and protective factors, males who participated in extracurricular activities were found to be less likely than others to participate in physical fighting, and extracurricular activities buffered the effects of males’ participation in physical fights. Conclusions. Males who participate in extracurricular activities are integrated into their school environment such that they are less likely to report participation in physical fights. The implications of our findings for theory and future research are discussed.
The Cadbury Committee, Corporate Performance, and Top Management Turnover
Authors: Dahya Jay , McConnell John J. , Travlos Nickolaos G.
Published: March 2003

In 1992, the Cadbury Committee issued the Code of Best Practice which recommends that boards of U.K. corporations include at least three outside directors and that the positions of chairman and CEO be held by different individuals. The underlying presumption was that these recommendations would lead to improved board oversight. We empirically analyze the relationship between CEO turnover and corporate performance. CEO turnover increased following issuance of the Code; the negative relationship between CEO turnover and performance became stronger following the Code's issuance; and the increase in sensitivity of turnover to performance was concentrated among firms that adopted the Code.
The Long‐run Performance Following Dividend Initiations and Resumptions: Underreaction or Product of Chance?
Authors: Boehme Rodney D. , Sorescu Sorin M.
Published: March 2003

We examine the long‐term stock performance following dividend initiations and resumptions from 1927 to 1998. We show that postannouncement abnormal returns are significantly positive for equally weighted calendar time portfolios, but become insignificant when the portfolios are value weighted. Moreover, the equally weighted results are not robust across subsamples. We also document postannouncement reductions in the risk factor loadings of underlying stocks. Cross‐sectionally, these reductions are negatively related to the contemporaneous price drifts, suggesting the price drifts may be a sample‐specific result of chance. Our results underscore the importance of testing for changes in risk loadings in future long‐term event studies.
Is Disinflation Good for the Stock Market?
Authors: Henry Peter Blair
Published: March 2003

The stock market appreciates by an average of 24 percent in real dollar terms when countries attempt to stabilize annual inflation rates that are greater than 40 percent. In contrast, the average market response is 0 when the prestabilization rate of inflation is less than 40 percent. These results suggest that the potential long‐run benefits of stabilization may dominate shortrun costs at high levels of inflation, but at low to moderate levels of inflation, benefits may be offset by costs in a present value sense. Stock market responses also help predict the change in inflation and output in the year following all 81 stabilization efforts.
Do Bonds Span the Fixed Income Markets? Theory and Evidence for Unspanned Stochastic Volatility
Authors: Collin‐Dufresne Pierre , Goldstein Robert S.
Published: March 2003

Most term structure models assume bond markets are complete, that is, that all fixed income derivatives can be perfectly replicated using solely bonds. How ever, we find that, in practice, swap rates have limited explanatory power for returns on at‐the‐money straddles—portfolios mainly exposed to volatility risk. We term this empirical feature unspanned stochastic volatility (USV). While USV can be captured within an HJM framework, we demonstrate that bivariate models cannot exhibit USV. We determine necessary and sufficient conditions for trivariate Markov affine systems to exhibit USV. For such USV models, bonds alone may not be sufficient to identify all parameters. Rather, derivatives are needed.
Internal Capital Markets in Financial Conglomerates: Evidence from Small Bank Responses to Monetary Policy
Authors: Campello Murillo
Published: March 2003

This paper looks at internal capital markets in financial conglomerates by comparing the responses of small subsidiary and independent banks to monetary policy. I find that internal capital markets in financial conglomerates relax the credit constraints faced by smaller bank affiliates. Further analysis indicates that those markets lessen the impact of Fed policies on bank lending activity. The paper also examines the role of internal capital markets in influencing the investment allocation process of those conglomerates. My findings suggest that frictions between conglomerate headquarters and external capital markets are at the root of investment inefficiencies generated by internal capital markets.
Distinct Mechanisms of Neutralization by Monoclonal Antibodies Specific for Sites in the N-Terminal or C-Terminal Domain of Murine Leukemia Virus SU
Authors: Burkhart Michael Dominic , Kayman Samuel C. , He Yuxian , Pinter Abraham
Published: March 2003

The epitope specificities and functional activities of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for the murine leukemia virus (MuLV) SU envelope protein subunit were determined. Neutralizing antibodies were directed towards two distinct sites in MuLV SU: one overlapping the major receptor-binding pocket in the N-terminal domain and the other involving a region that includes the most C-terminal disulfide-bonded loop. Two other groups of MAbs, reactive with distinct sites in the N-terminal domain or in the proline-rich region (PRR), did not neutralize MuLV infectivity. Only the neutralizing MAbs specific for the receptor-binding pocket were able to block binding of purified SU and MuLV virions to cells expressing the ecotropic MuLV receptor, mCAT-1. Whereas the neutralizing MAbs specific for the C-terminal domain did not interfere with the SU-mCAT-1 interaction, they efficiently inhibited cell-to-cell fusion mediated by MuLV Env, indicating that they interfered with a postattachment event necessary for fusion. The C-terminal domain MAbs displayed the highest neutralization titers and binding activities. However, the nonneutralizing PRR-specific MAbs bound to intact virions with affinities similar to those of the neutralizing receptor-binding pocket-specific MAbs, indicating that epitope exposure, while necessary, is not sufficient for viral neutralization by MAbs. These results identify two separate neutralization domains in MuLV SU and suggest a role for the C-terminal domain in a postattachment step necessary for viral fusion.
Unusual Properties of Adenovirus E2E Transcription by RNA Polymerase III
Authors: Huang Wenlin , Flint S. J.
Published: March 2003

In adenovirus type 5-infected cells, RNA polymerase III transcription of a gene superimposed on the 5′ end of the E2E RNA polymerase II transcription unit produces two small (<100-nucleotide) RNAs that accumulate to low steady-state concentrations (W. Huang, R. Pruzan, and S. J. Flint, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:1265-1269, 1984). To gain a better understanding of the function of this RNA polymerase III transcription, we have examined the properties of the small E2E RNAs and E2E RNA polymerase III transcription in more detail. The accumulation of cytoplasmic E2E RNAs and the rates of E2E transcription by the two RNA polymerases during the infectious cycle were analyzed by using RNase T
1
protection and run-on transcription assays, respectively. Although the RNA polymerase III transcripts were present at significantly lower concentrations than E2E mRNA throughout the period examined, E2E transcription by RNA polymerase III was found to be at least as efficient as that by RNA polymerase II. The short half-lifes of the small E2E RNAs estimated by using the actinomycin D chase method appear to account for their limited accumulation. The transcription of E2E sequences by RNA polymerase II and III in cells infected by recombinant adenoviruses carrying ectopic E2E-CAT (chloramphenicol transferase) reporter genes with mutations in E2E promoter sequences was also examined. The results of these experiments indicate that recognition of the E2E promoter by the RNA polymerase II transcriptional machinery in infected cells limits transcription by RNA polymerase III, and vice versa. Such transcriptional competition and the properties of E2E RNAs made by RNA polymerase III suggest that the function of this viral RNA polymerase III transcription unit is unusual.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Inhibition of Hepatitis B Virus Replication Involves Disruption of Capsid Integrity through Activation of NF-κB
Authors: Biermer Michael , Puro Robyn , Schneider Robert J.
Published: March 2003

Chronic infection by hepatitis B virus results from an inability to clear the virus, which is associated with liver disease and liver cancer. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is associated with noncytopathic clearance of hepatitis B virus in animal models. Here we demonstrate that the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway is a central mediator of inhibition of hepatitis B virus by TNF-α and we describe the molecular mechanism. TNF-α is shown to suppress hepatitis B virus DNA replication without cell killing by disrupting the formation or stability of cytoplasmic viral capsids through a pathway requiring the NF-κB-activating inhibitor of κB kinase complex IKK-α/β and active transcription factor NF-κB. Hepatitis B virus replication could also be inhibited and viral capsid formation could be disrupted in the absence of TNF-α solely by overexpression of IKK-α/β or strong activation of NF-κB. In contrast, inhibition of NF-κB signaling stimulated viral replication, demonstrating that HBV replication is both positively and negatively regulated by the level of activity of the NF-κB pathway. Studies are presented that exclude the possibility that HBV inhibition by NF-κB is carried out by secondary production of gamma interferon or alpha/beta interferon. These results identify a novel mechanism for noncytopathic suppression of hepatitis B virus replication that is mediated by the NF-κB signaling pathway and activated by TNF-α.
Characterization of Human Class-Switched Polymeric (Immunoglobulin M [IgM] and IgA) Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Antibodies 2F5 and 2G12
Authors: Wolbank Susanne , Kunert Renate , Stiegler Gabriela , Katinger Hermann
Published: March 2003

We have previously generated human monoclonal anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (anti-HIV-1) antibodies 2F5IgG and 2G12IgG with an exceptional cross-clade neutralizing potential. 2F5IgG and 2G12IgG passively administrated to macaques were able to confer complete protection from both intravenous and mucosal challenge with pathogenic HIV-simian immunodeficiency virus chimeric strains and have shown beneficial effects in a phase-1 clinical trial. We now class-switched 2F5 and 2G12 to the immunoglobulin M (IgM) or IgA isotype, to enforce features like avidity, complement activation, or the potential to neutralize mucosal transmission. For this purpose we expressed functional polymeric 2F5 and 2G12 antibodies in CHO cells and evaluated their anti-HIV-1 activity in vitro. The class switch had a strong impact on the protective potential of 2F5 and 2G12. 2G12IgM inhibited HIV-1 infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures up to 28-fold-more efficiently than the corresponding IgG and neutralized all of the primary isolates tested. The 2F5 and 2G12 antibodies of all isotypes were able to interact with active human serum to inhibit viral infection. Furthermore, we demonstrated that polymeric 2F5 and 2G12 antibodies but not the corresponding IgGs could interfere with HIV-1 entry across a mucosal epithelial layer in vitro. Although polymeric 2F5 antibodies had only limited potential in the standard neutralization assay, the results from the mucosal assay suggest that 2F5 and 2G12 antibodies may have a high potential to prevent natural HIV-1 transmission in vivo.
A Positive Autoregulatory Loop of LMP1 Expression and STAT Activation in Epithelial Cells Latently Infected with Epstein-Barr Virus
Authors: Chen Honglin , Hutt-Fletcher Lindsey , Cao Liang , Hayward S. Diane
Published: March 2003

STAT3 and STAT5 are constitutively activated and nuclear in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells. In normal signaling, STATs are only transiently activated. To investigate whether Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and in particular the protein LMP1, contributes to sustained STAT phosphorylation and activation in epithelial cells, we examined STAT activity in two sets of paired cell lines, HeLa, an EBV-converted HeLa cell line, HeLa-Bx1, the NPC-derived cell line CNE2-LNSX, and an LMP1-expressing derivative, CNE2-LMP1. EBV infection was associated with a significant increase in the tyrosine-phosphorylated forms of STAT3 and STAT5 in HeLa-Bx1 cells. This effect correlated with LMP1 expression, since phosphorylated STAT3 and STAT5 levels were also increased in CNE2-LMP1 cells relative to the control CNE2-LNSX cells. No change was observed in STAT1 or STAT6 phosphorylation in these cell lines, nor was there a significant change in the levels of total STAT3, STAT5, STAT1, or STAT6 protein. Tyrosine phosphorylation allows the normally cytoplasmic STAT proteins to enter the nucleus and bind to their recognition sequences in responsive promoters. The ability of LMP1 to activate STAT3 was further established by immunofluorescence assays in which coexpression of LMP1 in transfected cells was sufficient to mediate nuclear relocalization of Flag-STAT3 and by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay which showed that LMP1 expression in CNE2-LNSX cells was associated with increased endogenous STAT3 DNA binding activity. In addition, the activity of a downstream target of STAT3, c-Myc, was upregulated in HeLa-Bx1 and CNE2-LMP1 cells. A linkage was established between interleukin-6 (IL-6)- and LMP1-mediated STAT3 activation. Treatment with IL-6 increased phosphorylated STAT3 levels in CNE2-LNSX cells, and conversely, treatment of CNE2-LMP1 cells with IL-6 neutralizing antibody ablated STAT3 activation and c-Myc upregulation. The previous observation that STAT3 activated the LMP1 terminal repeat promoter in reporter assays was extended to show upregulated expression of endogenous LMP1 mRNA and protein in HeLa-Bx1 cells transfected with a constitutively activated STAT3. A model is proposed in which EBV infection of an epithelial cell containing activated STATs would permit LMP1 expression. This in turn would establish a positive feedback loop of IL-6-induced STAT activation, LMP1 and Qp-EBNA1 expression, and viral genome persistence.
Intracellular Assembly and Secretion of Recombinant Subviral Particles from Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus
Authors: Lorenz Ivo C. , Kartenbeck Jürgen , Mezzacasa Anna , Allison Steven L. , Heinz Franz X. , Helenius Ari
Published: March 2003

It is believed that flavivirus assembly occurs by intracellular budding of the nucleocapsid into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Recombinant expression of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus envelope proteins prM and E in mammalian cells leads to their incorporation into enveloped recombinant subviral particles (RSPs), which have been used as a model system for studying assembly and entry processes and are also promising vaccine candidates. In this study, we analyzed the formation and secretion of TBE virus RSPs and of a membrane anchor-free E homodimer in mammalian cells. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that E was accumulated in the lumen of the ER. RSPs were observed by electron microscopy in the rough and smooth ER and in downstream compartments of the secretory pathway. About 75% of the particles appeared to be of the size expected for RSPs (about 30 nm in diameter), but a number of larger particles and tubular structures were also observed in these compartments. Secretion of membrane anchor-free E dimers was detected 30 min after synthesis of prM and E, and secretion of RSPs was detected 1 h after synthesis of prM and E. We also found that the presence of the single N-linked oligosaccharide side chain on the E protein and its trimming by glucosidases was necessary for secretion of RSPs and truncated E dimers. Our results suggest that incorporation of prM and E into RSPs occurs at the ER membrane without other viral elements being required, followed by rapid transport along the compartments of the secretory pathway and secretion. Moreover, the carbohydrate side chain of E is involved in at least one assembly or transport step.
A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO GENERATING N-SCROLL ATTRACTORS
Authors: ZHONG GUO-QUN , MAN KIM-FUNG , CHEN GUANRONG
Published: March 2003

A new circuitry design based on Chua's circuit for generating n-scroll attractors (n = 1, 2, 3, …) is proposed. In this design, the nonlinear resistor in Chua's circuit is constructed via a systematical procedure using basic building blocks. With the proposed construction scheme, the slopes and break points of the v–i characteristic of the circuit can be tuned independently, and chaotic attractors with an even or an odd number of scrolls can be easily generated. Distinct attractors with n-scrolls (n = 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) obtained with this simple experimental set-up are demonstrated.
INEQUALITIES INVOLVING GAMMA AND PSI FUNCTIONS
Authors: CLARK W. EDWIN , ISMAIL MOURAD E. H.
Published: March 2003

We prove that certain functions involving the gamma and q-gamma function are monotone. We also prove that (xmψ(x))(m+1) is completely monotonic. We conjecture that -(xmψ(m)(x))(m) is completely monotonic for m ≥ 2; and we prove it, with help from Maple, for 2 ≤ m ≤ 16. We give a very useful Maple procedure to verify this for higher values of m. A stronger result is also formulated where we conjecture that the power series coefficients of a certain function are all positive.
Syllabification in Armenian, Universal Grammar, and the Lexicon
Authors: Vaux Bert
Published: March 2003

This article approaches from a new angle the question of the extent to which predictable information is stored in the lexicon. By examining the ways in which morphological phenomena can be sensitive to prosodic structure, I argue that some—but not all—predictable information is stored in lexical entries. Detailed analysis of a fragment of the Armenian phonological system, focusing on the behavior of consonants at morpheme edges, supports a more abstract view of phonological representations (containing syllables, appendices, and unparsed segments) than can be inferred from phonetic facts alone, contra Ohala and Kawasaki-Fukumori (1997), Steriade (1999), Scheer (2002), and others. The Armenian facts furthermore indicate that attempts to abandon underlying representations (Flemming 1995, Burzio 1996) are misguided and that we must also retreat from the excessively abstract under specification approaches advocated by most phonologists.
Retinal influences specify cortico‐cortical maps by postnatal day six in rats and mice
Authors: Olavarria Jaime F. , Hiroi Ryoko
Published: March 2003

Studies of callosal projections in striate cortex show that the retina is involved in the development of topographical connections. In normal animals callosal fibers connect retinotopically corresponding, nonmirror‐symmetric cortical loci, whereas in animals bilaterally enucleated at birth, callosal fibers connect topographically mismatched, mirror‐symmetric loci. Moreover, in rodents the overall pattern of visual callosal connections is adult‐like by postnatal day 12 (P12). In this study we delayed the onset of retinal deafferentation in rats and mice in order to determine the period when retinal influences are critically needed for the development of retinotopically matched callosal linkages. Callosal maps were revealed by placing small injections of retrogradely and anterogradely transported tracers into different loci of lateral striate cortex. We found that the patterns of callosal linkages in rats enucleated at P12, P8, and P6 were nonmirror‐symmetric, as in normally reared rats. In contrast, the patterns of linkages in rats enucleated at P4 closely resembled the mirror‐symmetric pattern seen in rats enucleated at birth (P0). A similar reversal in topography (from symmetric to nonsymmetric) occurred in mice when enucleation was delayed from P4 to P6. These findings indicate that retinal input prior to P6, but not prior to P4, is sufficient for specifying normal callosal topography. Moreover, they suggest that development of retinotopically matched callosal linkages depends critically on retinal influences during a brief period between P4 and P6, when callosal connections are still very immature. J. Comp. Neurol. 459:156–172, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bayesian hierarchical models in ecological studies of health–environment effects
Authors: Richardson Sylvia , Best Nicky
Published: March 2003

We describe Bayesian hierarchical models and illustrate their use in epidemiological studies of the effects of environment on health. The framework of Bayesian hierarchical models refers to a generic model building strategy in which unobserved quantities (e.g. statistical parameters, missing or mismeasured data, random effects, etc.) are organized into a small number of discrete levels with logically distinct and scientifically interpretable functions, and probabilistic relationships between them that capture inherent features of the data. It has proved to be successful for analysing many types of complex epidemiological and biomedical data. The general applicability of Bayesian hierarchical models has been enhanced by advances in computational algorithms, notably those belonging to the family of stochastic algorithms based on Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques.

In this article, we review different types of design commonly used in studies of environment and health, give details on how to incorporate the hierarchical structure into the different components of the model (baseline risk, exposure) and discuss the model specification at the different levels of the hierarchy with particular attention to the problem of aggregation (ecological) bias. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypermethylation, but not LOH, is associated with the low expression of MT1G and CRABP1 in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Huang Ying , de la Chapelle Albert , Pellegata Natalia S.
Published: March 2003

We previously obtained gene expression profiles of 8 matched papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and normal tissues using DNA microarrays. To identify novel tumor suppressor genes involved in thyroid carcinogenesis, we here analyze genes showing lower expression in PTC tumors than in normal thyroid tissues. A search for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in 49 regions that harbor consistently down‐regulated genes revealed LOH in only 4 regions and in just a very small number of tumors. To determine whether the underexpression might be due to promoter methylation, we used combined bisulfite restriction analysis and bisulfite sequencing to study 7 underexpressed genes. Loss of expression of MT1G and CRABP1 is accompanied by hypermethylation in the 5′ regions of these genes, but methylation was not seen in other genes tested. Combined treatment with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐Aza‐dC) and the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) resulted in demethylation and re‐expression of the MT1G gene in the cell line K2. Treatment with 5‐Aza‐dC alone restored CRABP1 expression in a colorectal cancer cell line, SW48. In conclusion, LOH is a remarkably rare mechanism of loss of gene function in PTC. In contrast, hypermethylation of promoter CpG islands seems to occur at higher frequency. MT1G and CRABP1 are novel genes that are likely involved in the pathogenesis of sporadic PTC. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Overexpression of Id‐1 is associated with poor clinical outcome in node negative breast cancer
Authors: Schoppmann Sebastian F. , Schindl Monika , Bayer Guenther , Aumayr Klaus , Dienes Julia , Horvat Reinhard , Rudas Margaretha , Gnant Michael , Jakesz Raimund , Birner Peter
Published: March 2003

Id‐1 is an important regulator of cellular growth and differentiation and controls malignant progression of breast cancer cells. The aim of our study was to assess the clinical impact of Id‐1 expression in breast cancer, i.e., its potential impact on prognosis and prediction of treatment response. Id‐1 protein expression was determined immunohistochemically in 191 patients with lymph‐node negative breast cancer, and univariate and multivariate survival analysis was carried out. Fifteen (7.9%) specimens showed strong expression, 75 (39.3%) moderate, 55 (28.8%) weak expression and 46 (24.1%) cases no expression of Id‐1. Patients with strong or moderate Id‐1 expression had a significant shorter overall (p = 0.003, Cox regression) and disease‐free survival (p = 0.01, Cox regression) compared to those with absent or low expression. Progesterone receptor density was significantly higher in breast cancers with absent/low Id‐1 expression compared to those with moderate/strong expression (p < 0.001, t‐test). Id‐1 expression was significantly stronger in cases positive for p16INK4a expression compared to those negative for p16 (p = 0.049, Mann‐Whitney test). The influence of Id‐1 on clinical outcome seems much stronger in patients with negative estrogen receptor status compared to those with positive status, who received receptor antagonists as adjuvant therapy in most cases. Overexpression of Id‐1 protein represents a strong independent prognostic marker in node negative breast cancer, and future therapies inhibiting Id‐1 expression might be beneficial for these patients. Our results also suggest that due to the apparent interaction of Id‐1 with the steroid‐receptor system in breast cancer, hormonal therapies might influence Id‐1 expression and its impact on clinical outcome. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The construct validity of three entry level personality inventories used in the UK: cautionary findings from a multiple‐inventory investigation
Authors: Anderson Neil , Ones Deniz S.
Published: March 2003

This paper reports psychometric analyses into the convergent and divergent validity of three popular entry‐level measures of occupational personality in the UK and Continental Europe. A sample of 504 individuals completed all three measures: the British version of the Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI), the Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ Version FS5.2), and the Business Personality Indicator (BPI). In addition, independent ratings of the conceptual loading of primary source scales onto the Five Factor Model (FFM) were obtained (n = 66). Data were used in a three‐stage analytical procedure directed at examining psychometric and construct validity. Results are reported for descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, Cohen's d), internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alphas), and exploratory factor analyses. Findings into the construct validity of first‐order scales (i.e. primary source scales) and second‐order scales (i.e. FFM loadings) are presented in detail, including multitrait–multimethod (MTMM) analyses of convergent and divergent validity. For some scales, the observed variability in our sample suggested significant range restriction/enhancement. It was found that scale reliabilities were generally lower than those typically reported by the test publishers, and that published factor structures for these measures could not be replicated by the authors for this sample of individuals. Further independent construct validity research into occupational personality inventories is encouraged based upon our proposed model of single‐, dual‐, and multiple‐inventory construct validation studies. Practically, our findings suggest that when IWO psychologists or personnel professionals aim to select/screen job applicants for a particular personality trait those who are selected may vary depending on (i) which personality inventory is used, (ii) the actual variability in the applicant sample tested, and (iii) reliability of the scales under consideration. As such, this study sounds a note of caution. Future research is called for to replicate these findings. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Approximate urban area call drop‐out probability estimation in mobile multi‐satellite systems
Authors: Perez‐Fontan F. , Vazquez‐Castro M.A. , Enjamio C. , Mariño P. , Pita J.
Published: March 2003

Land mobile satellite (LMS) systems require constellations of multiple satellites to compensate for the large blockage probabilities suffered in urban areas. An approximate methodology based on the street masking function (MKF) or mask concept is presented for the evaluation of system availability. MKFs are graphical representations of the angles (azimuths and elevations) for which a satellite is visible from the terminal's location in the street. MKFs can also be used in the evaluation of second order statistics such as durations of fades or connections. In this paper, the applicability of the mask concept is demonstrated by performing a study of the probability of successful call completion in a LEO‐based satellite telephony service. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of a natural soluble form of human CD5
Authors: Calvo J. , Places L. , Espinosa G. , Padilla O. , Vilà J.M. , Villamor N. , Ingelmo M. , Gallart T. , Vives J. , Font J. , Lozano F.
Published: March 2003

CD5 is a 67 kDa type I glycoprotein which belongs to the Scavenger Receptor Cysteine‐Rich (SRCR) family of receptors. This family includes either cell‐surface (e.g. CD6) or secreted (e.g. Spα) proteins implicated in the development of the immune system and the regulation of immune responses. In this study, we purified and characterised a circulating natural soluble CD5 form (nsCD5) which is indistinguishable (in apparent molecular mass, glycosylation pattern, and antibody reactivity) from a recombinant soluble CD5 form (rsCD5) composed of the three extracellular SCRC domains. The nsCD5 is a N‐glycosylated 52 kDa molecule present in normal human serum and in supernatants of in vitro phorbol ester‐ and CD3‐stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The nsCD5 concentration in sera from healthy donors is relatively low (median 1.75 ng/ml, n=166) and is similar to that found in sera from patients suffering of various autoimmune (systemic lupus erythematosus, primary Sjögren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis) and non‐autoimmune (chronic renal failure, B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia) disorders. In vitro experiments indicate that nsCD5 is released by proteolytic cleavage of the membrane form. These results represent the first evidence of proteolytic release of a transmembrane SRCR family member following cell activation.
Human platelet alloantigen (HPA)‐5a/b mismatch decreases disease‐free survival in unrelated bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Juji T. , Watanabe Y. , Ishikawa Y. , Fujiwara K. , Tonami H. , Tanaka H. , Satake M. , Akaza T. , Tadokoro K. , Kodera Y. , Sasazuki T. , Morishima Y. , Takaku F.
Published: March 2003

Matching of human platelet alloantigen (HPA) systems 2–6 was retrospectively investigated in 715 unrelated bone marrow transplantations. Of the five HPA systems studied, HPA‐5 mismatching was found to have a significant effect on the disease‐free survival rate of recipients following transplantation in the HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, and ‐DR allele‐matched donor‐recipient pairs. The effect of the HPA‐5 mismatch was most significant in the recipient group possessing the HLA haplotype A*2402‐B*5201, which is a highly frequent haplotype among the Japanese population. However, the probability of development of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) was not increased significantly by the HPA‐5 mismatching. These findings suggest that the HPA‐5 mismatching decreases the recipient’s survival by a mechanism different from that in the case of mismatching of minor antigens found often in transplant recipients developing GVHD.
Going back to the roots: effective utilisation of HLA typing information for bone marrow registries requires full knowledge of the DNA sequences of the oligonucleotide reagents used in the testing
Authors: Helmberg W. , Hegland J. , Hurley C.K. , Maiers M. , Marsh S.G.E. , Müller C. , Rozemuller E.H.
Published: March 2003

Information obtained by DNA‐based HLA typing assays is more detailed and of higher quality than that obtained by conventional serological techniques. Nevertheless, it is common for data acquired in this way to be presented in the more familiar serological format. In many cases this representation can lead to significant loss of information, which may only become apparent at a later time, with the discovery of novel allele sequences. DNA‐based typing methods, such as sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probing (SSOP) or sequence‐specific priming (SSP) generate fragmentary sequence data which is information rich. An alternative to assigning allele names to these fragments is to simply store the sequence data itself without interpretation. Bone marrow donor repositories can then be searched directly with sequence information, which though complex is more complete, rather than searching by derivative allele names.
Detection of KIR2DL4 alleles by sequencing and SSCP reveals a common allele with a shortened cytoplasmic tail
Authors: Witt C.S. , Martin A. , Christiansen F.T.
Published: March 2003

Single‐stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) by capillary electrophoresis was assessed as a screening and typing method for alleles of KIR2DL4. Exon 6 was investigated as this exon was reported to include three polymorphic nucleotides. Exon 6, intron 6 and exon 7 were amplified as a single polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product of 650 bp from genomic DNA. The PCR product was sequenced and analysed by SSCP. Exon 7 was found to be invariant. Only two nucleotides were found to be polymorphic in exon 6 and another three were found in intron 6. Strong linkage disequilibrium was found between the polymorphic nucleotides resulting in the presence of three alleles in a panel of 20 cell lines. Two alleles differed within intron 6 while the third allele differed at two nucleotides in exon 6. All six possible genotypes were distinguishable by SSCP providing information from both the forward and reverse primers was used. Exon 6 of one allele was one nucleotide shorter than that of the other alleles and the resulting frame shift is predicted to produce a truncated cytoplasmic tail due to a premature stop codon four codons into exon 7. SSCP was found to be an efficient method of typing exons 6 and 7 in a panel of 46 bone marrow donors. All three alleles were found to be common and one was in strong linkage disequilibrium with the presence of another KIR sequence KIR3DS1.
The distribution of HLA class II haplotypes reveals that the Sardinian population is genetically differentiated from the other Caucasian populations
Authors: Lampis R. , Morelli L. , De Virgiliis S. , Congia M. , Cucca F.
Published: March 2003

In this study we have established the frequencies of the DRB1‐DQA1‐DQB1 haplotypes in a large cohort of Sardinian new‐borns and found that the most frequent haplotypes were detected at frequencies unique to the Sardinians. Other haplotypes, common in other Caucasian populations, are rare or absent across the island. Next, the DRB1‐DQA1‐DQB1 haplotype frequencies obtained in Sardinians and those reported in other human populations were used to compute genetic distances and construct phylogenetic trees. A clear‐cut pattern appeared with a split between the three major human groups: Caucasians, Asians and Blacks. Among the Caucasians there were three major clusters: a group representing the North‐Africans, a group including most of the European‐derived populations and a group encompassing Bulgaria, Greece and Sardinia. When we increased the resolution of the tree using the genetic distances calculated from both DRB1‐DQA1‐DQB1 haplotypes and class I HLA A, B, C allelic frequencies, the Sardinians clearly emerged as the major outlier among the various European populations considered in this study. These results indicate that the genetic structure of the present Sardinian population is the result of a fixation of haplotypes, which are very rare elsewhere, and are most likely to have originated from a relatively large group of founders.
HLA class I and class II allele and haplotype diversity in Martinicans
Authors: Bera O. , Cesaire R. , Quelvennec E. , Quillivic F. , De Chavigny V. , Ribal C. , Semana G.
Published: March 2003

Abstract:The Martinican population is mainly the product of admixture between African people and French Caucasians. The aim of the present study is to investigate at the DNA level the polymorphism of HLA class I (HLA‐A, HLA‐B) and class II (HLA‐DRB1, DQB1 and DPB1) genes in a population of 100 Martinicans. Allelic distributions and interlocus linkage disequilibria were compared to those observed in a French Caucasian population and in African or North American African populations. Our data revealed a higher degree of polymorphism in Martinicans than in Caucasians and showed a prominant contribution of African origin in the admixed genetic feature of this population. African characteristic alleles were significantly represented in Martinicans : A*30, *33 *34, *66, *74, *8001, B*1510, *35, *42, *53, DRB1*0302, *0804, *1202, *1304, *1503, DPB1*0101, *1701, *1801, *3901. Moreover a higher diversity of A*‐B* and DRB1*‐DQB1* associations was observed in Martinicans compared to Caucasians which also reflects the African genetic background of this population. In the whole, using PCR‐based genotyping methods for HLA class I and class II loci, this study allows a preliminary description of HLA allele distribution in this Caribbean island and gives new elements which may be helpful in the anthropologic field as well as in HLA and disease association studies.
A novel HLA‐A*02 allele, A*02202, identified by nucleotide sequencing
Authors: Nesci S. , Iliescu A. , Buffi O. , Andreani M. , Lucarelli G.
Published: March 2003

Abstract: In this paper we report the identification of a new HLA‐A*02 allele in two members of an Afghan family. This novel allele, designed as A*02202, differs from A*02201 by a silent substitution at codon 66 (AAC⇒AAT) in the α1 domain. A*02202 appears to be the result of a novel mutation (Note).
Identification of three new DRB3* (DRB3*0106, DRB3*0107 and DRB3*02022) alleles
Authors: Tavoularis S. , Ouellet S. , Stephens S.
Published: March 2003

Abstract: Three novel DRB3* alleles were identified using CANTYPE® reverse hybridization assay. The initial unusual hybridization patterns of DRB3‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐amplified DNA from each subject were confirmed by cloning and sequencing analysis. DRB3*0106 allele is identical to DRB3*0101 except for a single nucleotide substitution (CTG→GTG) changing codon 38 from Leu to Val. This polymorphism is commonly found in DRB3*03 alleles. Compared with DRB3*0202, DRB3*02022 contains a single silent nucleotide substitution (AAT→AAC, both encoding for Asn) at codon 77. This polymorphism is also present in DRB3*0204 allele. The new DRB3*0107 allele has a sequence unique to DRB3 alleles. From codon 5 to codon 36 the sequence is identical to that of DRB3*0101 allele. From codon 37 to codon 87 the sequence of DRB1*0107 allele is identical to that of DRB3*0202. This sequence would thus explain the CANTYPE® DRB3‐specific unusual pattern of reactions. The new DRB3*0107 could have arisen from a gene conversion between DRB3*0101 and DRB3*0202 alleles, but the DRB3*0106 and the DRB3*02022 may have been generated by a point mutation event. The DRB3*0107 allele was identified in a Caucasoid individual. The ethnic origin of the subjects carrying the other two alleles are unknown. The three alleles presented here were only identified once, in a total population of 49,000.
A new HLA‐B*27 allele (B*2719) identified in a Lebanese patient affected with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Tamouza R. , Mansour I. , Bouguacha N. , Klayme S. , Djouadi K. , Laoussadi S. , Azoury M. , Dulphy N. , Ramasawmy R. , Krishnamoorthy R. , Toubert A. , Naman R. , Charron D.
Published: March 2003

Abstract: Eighteen different HLA‐B*27 alleles (B*2701–B2718) have so far been recognized by the WHO Nomenclature Committee for Factors of the HLA System. Frequency and disease association of these alleles with spondyloarthropathies differ among ethnic groups. We describe here a novel HLA‐B*27 subtype identified in a Lebanese patient suffering from ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This new variant differs from the common HLA‐B*2705 DNA sequence at five different nucleotide positions. These nucleotide changes lead to three amino acid differences in the α2 domain; Thr to Ile at position 94, Leu to Ile at position 95 and Asn to Arg at position 97. Since this novel allele is encountered in an AS patient, the associated sequence changes are not expected to affect significantly neither the presentation of a putative arthritogenic peptide nor the conformation‐dependent recognition by effector cells.
Identification of novel single nucleotide substitutions in the NKp30 gene expressed in human natural killer cells
Authors: Sato M. , Ohashi J. , Tsuchiya N. , Tadokoro K. , Juji T. , Hanaoka K. , Tokunaga K. , Yabe T.
Published: March 2003

Abstract: Cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells is regulated by a balance of signals from two kinds of NK receptors, activating receptors and inhibitory receptors. Natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCR) family, which consists of NKp30, NKp44 and NKp46, is a major human activating NK receptor. NKp30 has been mapped to the HLA class III region near tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family loci. We have analyzed the NKp30 gene of healthy Japanese and found two synonymous substitutions in the coding region, c.111G>A and c.156C>T, and also identified two single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promotor region, −201G>A and −163G>C. Furthermore, it was confirmed that these polymorphisms of the NKp30 gene show strong linkage disequilibria with each other and with HLA‐DRB1 or TNFA polymorphisms. Since susceptibilities to certain diseases were mapped near this region, the NKp30 polymorphisms could be useful genetic markers.
HLA‐AB typing by polymerase‐chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers: more accurate, less errors, and increased resolution compared to serological typing
Authors: Schaffer M. , Olerup O.
Published: March 2003

Abstract: Until recently, serological typing has been the primary technique used for HLA class I analysis. But because of limitations, molecular‐typing techniques have replaced or supplemented the microlymphocytotoxicity test. It has been assumed that HLA class I serological typing was more accurate than serological HLA‐DR typing; the latter has been shown to have 10–25% errors. But several studies have shown that HLA‐AB typing was poorer than expected, and error frequencies between 5–25% were reported. This study systematically investigated the accuracy of HLA class I serological AB typing in healthy, bone‐marrow registry donors, necrokidney donors, kidney‐transplantation patients (on waiting lists), and haematological disorder patients. Genomic HLA class I typing, which uses polymerase‐chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP), gave discrepant results in 3–24% of the patients, compared to serological typings. The highest error rate (24%) was found among haematological disorder patients. Among the kidney waiting‐list patients and necrokidney donors, 11% discrepancies were found. In the consecutively typed bone‐marrow donors group, 3% errors were found. But among those with only one detected HLA‐A specificity, 12% discrepancies were found, and among donors with only one detected HLA‐B specificity, 19% errors were found. Based on these results, we recommend that patients with haematological disorders should be typed using genomic techniques. In investigations of bone‐marrow registry donors and kidney patients, in which only one serological specificity is found, additional typing by genomic methods should be done.