bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Previously uncharacterized roles of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase 1b complex in mouse spermatogenesis
Authors: Yan Wei , Assadi Amir H. , Wynshaw-Boris Anthony , Eichele Gregor , Matzuk Martin M. , Clark Gary D.
Published: June 2003

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) has been shown to affect sperm motility and acrosomal function, thereby altering fertility. PAF acetylhydrolase 1b (PAFAH1B) hydrolyzes PAF and is composed of three subunits [the lissencephaly (LIS1) protein and α1 and α2 subunits] and structurally resembles a GTP-hydrolyzing protein. Besides the brain, transcripts for Lis1, α1, and α2 are localized to meiotic and early haploid germ cells. Here, we report disruptions of the α2 (
Pafah1b2
) and α1 (
Pafah1b3
) genes in mice. Male mice homozygous null for α2(α2
-
/
-
) are infertile, and spermatogenesis is disrupted at mid- or late pachytene stages of meiosis or early spermiogenesis. Whereas mice homozygous mutant for α1(α1
-
/
-
) have normal fertility and normal spermatogenesis, those with disruptions of both α1 and α2 (α1
-
/
-
α2
-
/
-
) manifest an earlier disturbance of spermatogenesis with an onset at preleptotene or leptotene stages of meiosis. Testicular Lis1 protein levels are up-regulated in the α2
-
/
-
and α1
-
/
-
α2
-
/
-
mice. Lowering Lis1 levels by inactivating one allele of Lis1 in α2 null or α1/α 2 null genetic backgrounds (i.e., α2
-
/
-
Lis1
+
/
-
or α1
-
/
-
α2
-
/
-
Lis1
+
/
-
mice) restored spermatogenesis and male fertility. Our data provide evidence for unique roles of the PAFAH1B complex and, particularly, the lissencephaly protein Lis1 in spermatogenesis.
A major role for the TATA box in recruitment of chromatin modifying complexes to a globin gene promoter
Authors: Gui Chang-yun , Dean Ann
Published: June 2003

The developmentally regulated mammalian β-globin genes are activated by a distant locus control region/enhancer. To understand the role of chromatin remodeling complexes in this activation, we used stably replicated chromatin templates, in which transcription activation of the human embryonic ε-globin gene depends on the tandem Maf-recognition elements (MAREs) within the β-globin locus control region HS2 enhancer, to which the erythroid factor NF-E2 binds. The HS2 MAREs are required for nucleosome mobilization and histone hyperacetylation at the distant promoter. Nucleosome mobilization also requires the promoter TATA box, and is independent of histone hyperacetylation. In contrast, promoter hyperacetylation requires the promoter GATA-1, and CACC-factor activator motifs, as well as the TATA box. ChIP analysis reveals that NF-E2 is associated with the active ε-globin promoter, which lacks an NF-E2 binding sequence, in a TATA box and HS2/MARE-dependent fashion. NF-E2 association with the ε-globin promoter coincides with that of RNA polymerase II at both regulatory sites. The results emphasize MARE–TATA box interactions in the recruitment of complexes modifying promoter chromatin for transcription activation and imply close physical interaction between widely separated regulatory sequences mediated through these sites.
Tight-adherence genes of
Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans
are required for virulence in a rat model
Authors: Schreiner Helen C. , Sinatra Kathy , Kaplan Jeffrey B. , Furgang David , Kachlany Scott C. , Planet Paul J. , Perez Brenda A. , Figurski David H. , Fine Daniel H.
Published: June 2003

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans
is a Gram-negative coccobacillus that has been associated with localized aggressive periodontitis and infections of the heart, brain, and urinary tract. Wild-type clinical isolates have the remarkable ability to adhere tenaciously and nonspecifically to solid surfaces such as glass, plastic, and hydroxyapatite. Adherence by
A. actinomycetemcomitans
is mediated by the tight-adherence (
tad
) gene locus, which consists of 14 genes (
flp-1–flp-2–tadV–rcpCAB–tadZABCDEFG
). All but 2 of the genes have been shown to be required for the secretion and assembly of long, bundled Flp1 fibrils. To test whether the
tad
locus is required for colonization and disease, we developed a rat model for periodontal disease. To mimic the natural route of infection, Sprague–Dawley rats were inoculated orally by adding bacteria directly to their food for 8 days. After inoculation with wild-type or mutant strains defective in adherence (
flp-1
and
tadA
), the rats were assessed for colonization of the oral cavity and pathogenesis. Wild-type
A. actinomycetemcomitans
was able to colonize and persist for at least 12 weeks in the oral cavity, elicit a humoral immune response, and cause significant bone loss in rats. In contrast, rats fed
flp-1
or
tadA
mutant strains showed no bone loss and their immune responses were indistinguishable from those of the uninoculated controls. These results demonstrate the critical importance of the
tad
locus in the colonization and pathogenesis of
A. actinomycetemcomitans
.
Efficiency of single-nucleotide polymorphism haplotype estimation from pooled DNA
Authors: Yang Yaning , Zhang Jingshan , Hoh Josephine , Matsuda Fumihiko , Xu Peng , Lathrop Mark , Ott Jurg
Published: June 2003

The efficiency of single-nucleotide polymorphism haplotype analysis may be increased by DNA pooling, which can dramatically reduce the number of genotyping assays. We develop a method for obtaining maximum likelihood estimates of haplotype frequencies for different pool sizes, assess the accuracy of these estimates, and show that pooling DNA samples is efficient in estimating haplotype frequencies. Although poolingKindividuals increases ambiguities, at least for small pool sizeKand small numbers of loci, the uncertainty of estimation increases <Ktimes that of unpooled DNA. We also develop the asymptotic variance-covariance of maximum likelihood estimates and evaluate the accuracy of variance estimates by Monte Carlo methods. When the sample size of pools is moderately large, the asymptotic variance estimates are rather accurate. Completely or partially missing genotyping information is allowed for in our analysis. Finally, our methods are applied to single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the angiotensinogen gene.
Visualization of the Genesis and Fate of Isotype-switched B Cells during a Primary Immune Response
Authors: Pape Kathryn A. , Kouskoff Valerie , Nemazee David , Tang H. Lucy , Cyster Jason G. , Tze Lina E. , Hippen Keli L. , Behrens Timothy W. , Jenkins Marc K.
Published: June 2003

The life history of isotype-switched B cells is unclear, in part, because of an inability to detect rare antigen-specific B cells at early times during the immune response. To address this issue, a small population of B cells carrying targeted antibody transgenes capable of class switching was monitored in immunized mice. After contacting helper T cells, the first switched B cells appeared in follicles rather than in the red pulp, as was expected. Later, some of the switched B cells transiently occupied the red pulp and marginal zone, whereas others persisted in germinal centers (GCs). Antigen-experienced IgM B cells were rarely found in GCs, indicating that these cells switched rapidly after entering GCs or did not persist in this environment.
Unmutated Immunoglobulin M Can Protect Mice from Death by Influenza Virus Infection
Authors: Harada Yuichi , Muramatsu Masamichi , Shibata Toshikatsu , Honjo Tasuku , Kuroda Kazumichi
Published: June 2003

To elucidate the role of class switch recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation (SHM) in virus infection, we have investigated the influence of the primary and secondary infections of influenza virus on mice deficient of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), which is absolutely required for CSR and SHM. In the primary infection, AID deficiency caused no significant difference in mortality but did cause difference in morbidity. In the secondary infection with a lethal dose of influenza virus, both AID−/− and AID+/− mice survived completely. However, AID−/− mice could not completely block replication of the virus and their body weights decreased severely whereas AID+/− mice showed almost complete prevention from the reinfection. Depletion of CD8+ T cells by administration of an anti-CD8 monoclonal antibody caused slightly severer body weight loss but did not alter the survival rate of AID−/− mice in secondary infection. These results indicate that unmutated immunoglobulin (Ig)M alone is capable of protecting mice from death upon primary and secondary infections. Because the titers of virus-neutralizing antibodies were comparable between AID−/− and AID+/− mice at the time of the secondary infection, a defect of AID−/− mice in protection of morbidity might be due to the absence of either other Ig classes such as IgG, high affinity antibodies with SHM, or both.
CD36 Mediates the Innate Host Response to β-Amyloid
Authors: El Khoury Joseph B. , Moore Kathryn J. , Means Terry K. , Leung Josephine , Terada Kinya , Toft Michelle , Freeman Mason W. , Luster Andrew D.
Published: June 2003

Accumulation of inflammatory microglia in Alzheimer's senile plaques is a hallmark of the innate response to β-amyloid fibrils and can initiate and propagate neurodegeneration characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The molecular mechanism whereby fibrillar β-amyloid activates the inflammatory response has not been elucidated. CD36, a class B scavenger receptor, is expressed on microglia in normal and AD brains and binds to β-amyloid fibrils in vitro. We report here that microglia and macrophages, isolated from CD36 null mice, had marked reductions in fibrillar β-amyloid–induced secretion of cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species. Intraperitoneal and stereotaxic intracerebral injection of fibrillar β-amyloid in CD36 null mice induced significantly less macrophage and microglial recruitment into the peritoneum and brain, respectively, than in wild-type mice. Our data reveal that CD36, a major pattern recognition receptor, mediates microglial and macrophage response to β-amyloid, and imply that CD36 plays a key role in the proinflammatory events associated with AD.
Monocytes Heterozygous for the Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile Mutations in the Toll-like Receptor 4 Gene Show No Deficit in Lipopolysaccharide Signalling
Authors: Erridge Clett , Stewart John , Poxton Ian R.
Published: June 2003

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated recognition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is required for efficient recognition of Gram-negative bacterial infections. Two commonly occurring mutations in the human TLR4 gene (Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile) have recently been shown to be associated with blunted physiological responses to inhaled LPS, and with increased risk of Gram-negative bacteraemia in sepsis patients and reduced risk of atherosclerosis in an Italian population. Here we show that monocytes from individuals heterozygous for both mutations in the TLR4 gene exhibit no deficit in recognition of LPS of Escherichia coli, Neisseria meningitidis, Bacteroides fragilis, Yersinia pestis, Chlamydia trachomatis, Porphyromonas gingivalis, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We propose that the relatively high frequency of these mutations in the Caucasian population may reflect modified responses of carriers to alternative TLR4 agonists.
Normal Incidence of Diabetes in NOD Mice Tolerant to Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase
Authors: Jaeckel Elmar , Klein Ludger , Martin-Orozco Natalia , von Boehmer Harald
Published: June 2003

Experiments in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice that lacked expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) in β cells have suggested that GAD represents an autoantigen essential for initiating and maintaining the diabetogenic immune response. Several attempts of inducing GAD-specific recessive tolerance to support this hypothesis have failed. Here we report on successful tolerance induction by expressing a modified form of GAD under control of the invariant chain promoter resulting in efficient epitope display. In spite of specific tolerance insulitis and diabetes occurred with normal kinetics indicating that GAD is not an essential autoantigen in the pathogenesis of diabetes.
Periodic repression by the bHLH factor Hes7 is an essential mechanism for the somite segmentation clock
Authors: Bessho Yasumasa , Hirata Hiromi , Masamizu Yoshito , Kageyama Ryoichiro
Published: June 2003

Hes7, a bHLH gene essential for somitogenesis, displays cyclic expression of mRNA in the presomitic mesoderm (PSM). Here, we show that Hes7 protein is also expressed in a dynamic manner, which depends on proteasome-mediated degradation. Spatial comparison revealed thatHes7andLunatic fringe(Lfng) transcription occurs in the Hes7 protein-negative domains. Furthermore,Hes7andLfngtranscription is constitutively up-regulated in the absence of Hes7 protein and down-regulated by stabilization of Hes7 protein. Thus, periodic repression by Hes7 protein is critical for the cyclic transcription ofHes7andLfng, and this negative feedback represents a molecular basis for the segmentation clock.
The Pyruvate decarboxylase1 Gene of Arabidopsis Is Required during Anoxia But Not Other Environmental Stresses
Authors: Kürsteiner Oliver , Dupuis Isabelle , Kuhlemeier Cris
Published: June 2003

Ethanolic fermentation is classically associated with flooding tolerance when plant cells switch from respiration to anaerobic fermentation. However, recent studies have suggested that fermentation also has important functions in the presence of oxygen, mainly in germinating pollen and during abiotic stress. Pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC), which catalyzes the first step in this pathway, is thought to be the main regulatory enzyme. Here, we characterize the PDC gene family in Arabidopsis. PDC is encoded by four closely related genes. By using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we determined the expression levels of each individual gene in different tissues, under normal growth conditions, and when the plants were subjected to anoxia or other environmental stress conditions. We show that PDC1 is the only gene induced under oxygen limitation among the PDC1 gene family and that a pdc1 null mutant is comprised in anoxia tolerance but not other environmental stresses. We also characterize the expression of the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) gene family. None of the three genes is induced by anoxia but ALDH2B7 reacts strongly to ABA application and dehydration, suggesting that ALDH may play a role in aerobic detoxification of acetaldehyde. We discuss the possible role of ethanolic fermentation as a robust back-up energy production pathway under adverse conditions when mitochondrial function is disturbed.
Comparative Analysis of the Arabidopsis Pollen Transcriptome
Authors: Honys David , Twell David
Published: June 2003

We present a genome-wide view of the male gametophytic transcriptome in Arabidopsis based on microarray analysis. In comparison with the transcriptome of the sporophyte throughout development, the pollen transcriptome showed reduced complexity and a unique composition. We identified 992 pollen-expressed mRNAs, nearly 40% of which were detected specifically in pollen. Analysis of the functional composition of the pollen transcriptome revealed the over-representation of mRNAs encoding proteins involved in cell wall metabolism, cytoskeleton, and signaling and under-representation of mRNAs involved in transcription and protein synthesis. For several gene families, we observed a common pattern of mutually exclusive gene expression between pollen and sporophytic tissues for different gene family members. Our results provide a 50-fold increase in the knowledge of genes expressed in Arabidopsis pollen. Moreover, we also detail the extensive overlap (61%) of the pollen transcriptome with that of the sporophyte, which provides ample potential to influence sporophytic fitness through gametophytic selection.
Expansion of the Receptor-Like Kinase/Pelle Gene Family and Receptor-Like Proteins in Arabidopsis
Authors: Shiu Shin-Han , Bleecker Anthony B.
Published: June 2003

Receptor-like kinases (RLKs) are a family of transmembrane proteins with versatile N-terminal extracellular domains and C-terminal intracellular kinases. They control a wide range of physiological responses in plants and belong to one of the largest gene families in the Arabidopsis genome with more than 600 members. Interestingly, this gene family constitutes 60% of all kinases in Arabidopsis and accounts for nearly all transmembrane kinases in Arabidopsis. Analysis of four fungal, six metazoan, and two Plasmodium sp. genomes indicates that the family was represented in all but fungal genomes, indicating an ancient origin for the family with a more recent expansion only in the plant lineages. The RLK/Pelle family can be divided into several subfamilies based on three independent criteria: the phylogeny based on kinase domain sequences, the extracellular domain identities, and intron locations and phases. A large number of receptor-like proteins (RLPs) resembling the extracellular domains of RLKs are also found in the Arabidopsis genome. However, not all RLK subfamilies have corresponding RLPs. Several RLK/Pelle subfamilies have undergone differential expansions. More than 33% of the RLK/Pelle members are found in tandem clusters, substantially higher than the genome average. In addition, 470 of the RLK/Pelle family members are located within the segmentally duplicated regions in the Arabidopsis genome and 268 of them have a close relative in the corresponding regions. Therefore, tandem duplications and segmental/whole-genome duplications represent two of the major mechanisms for the expansion of the RLK/Pelle family in Arabidopsis.
Light- and Carbon-Signaling Pathways. Modeling Circuits of Interactions
Authors: Thum Karen E. , Shasha Dennis E. , Lejay Laurence V. , Coruzzi Gloria M.
Published: June 2003

Here, we report the systematic exploration and modeling of interactions between light and sugar signaling. The data set analyzed explores the interactions of sugar (sucrose) with distinct light qualities (white, blue, red, and far-red) used at different fluence rates (low or high) in etiolated seedlings and mature green plants. Boolean logic was used to model the effect of these carbon/light interactions on three target genes involved in nitrogen assimilation: asparagine synthetase (ASN1 and ASN2) and glutamine synthetase (GLN2). This analysis enabled us to assess the effects of carbon on light-induced genes (GLN2/ASN2) versus light-repressed genes (ASN1) in this pathway. New interactions between carbon and blue-light signaling were discovered, and further connections between red/far-red light and carbon were modeled. Overall, light was able to override carbon as a major regulator of ASN1 and GLN2 in etiolated seedlings. By contrast, carbon overrides light as the major regulator of GLN2 and ASN2 in light-grown plants. Specific examples include the following: Carbon attenuated the blue-light induction of GLN2 in etiolated seedlings and also attenuated the white-, blue-, and red-light induction of GLN2 and ASN2 in light-grown plants. By contrast, carbon potentiated far-red-light induction of GLN2 and ASN2 in light-grown plants. Depending on the fluence rate of far-red light, carbon either attenuated or potentiated light repression of ASN1 in light-grown plants. These studies indicate the interaction of carbon with blue, red, and far-red-light signaling and set the stage for further investigation into modeling this complex web of interacting pathways using systems biology approaches.
A Conserved 19-Amino Acid Synthetic Peptide from the Carboxy Terminus of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase Inhibits the in Vitro Phosphorylation of the Enzyme by the Calcium-Independent Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase Kinase
Authors: Alvarez Rosario , García-Mauriño Sofía , Feria Ana-Belén , Vidal Jean , Echevarría Cristina
Published: June 2003

Higher plant phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) is subject to in vivo phosphorylation of a regulatory serine located in the N-terminal domain of the protein. Studies using synthetic peptide substrates and mutated phosphorylation domain photosynthetic PEPC (C4 PEPC) suggested that the interaction of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase kinase (PEPCk) with its target was not restricted to this domain. However, no further information was available as to where PEPCk-C4 PEPC interactions take place. In this work, we have studied the possible interaction of the conserved 19-amino acid C-terminal sequence of sorghum (Sorghum vulgare Pers cv Tamaran) C4 PEPC with PEPCk. In reconstituted assays, a C-terminal synthetic peptide containing this sequence (peptide C19) was found to inhibit the phosphorylation reaction by the partially purified Ca2+-independent PEPCk (50% inhibition of initial activity = 230 μm). This effect was highly specific because peptide C19 did not alter C4 PEPC phosphorylation by either a partially purified sorghum leaf Ca2+-dependent protein kinase or the catalytic subunit of mammalian protein kinase A. In addition, the Ca2+-independent PEPCk was partially but significantly retained in affinity chromatography using a peptide C19 agarose column. Because peptide C15 (peptide C19 lacking the last four amino acids, QNTG) also inhibited C4 PEPC phosphorylation, it was concluded that the amino acid sequence downstream from the QNTG motif was responsible for the inhibitory effect. Specific antibodies raised against peptide C19 revealed that native C4 PEPC could be in two different conformational states. The results are discussed in relation with the reported crystal structure of the bacterial (Escherichia coli) and plant (maize [Zea mays]) enzymes.
Engine emissions and poisoning effect of synthetic oil's additives on catalytic converter using an engine dynamometer
Authors: Kaleli Hakan
Published: June 2003

Two 5W‐30 synthetic‐base phosphorus containing (commercial) and phosphorus‐free (P‐free) crankcase oils were tested for engine performance characteristics, engine emissions and poisoning effects of oil additives on a three‐way catalytic converter using engine dynamometer. The emission data of the two oils taken during engine operation were compared in the absence and presence of the catalytic converter. Surface characterization was used to determine the poisoning catalyst effect accumulated from the oil additives in the ceramic washcoat. Oil analyses were also used to examine the condition of the lubricant occurred during engine performance testing operation. The experimental engine performance tests indicated that the catalytic converter diminished the torque and power for the commercial and P‐free oils, whereas the specific fuel consumption increased for both oils in the presence of the catalytic converter.
Lubricant additives effects on the squeeze film lubrication between anisotropic porous rectangular plates
Authors: Naduvinamani N.B. , Tasneem Fathima Syeda , Hiremath P.S.
Published: June 2003

In the present paper, the squeeze film lubrication between anisotropic porous rectangular plates with lubricants containing polar additives has been studied. The lubricants containing additives has been modelled as a Stokes couple stress fluid. The more realistic Beavers‐Joseph slip boundary conditions are used to derive the most general form of Reynolds equation, which account for the effects due to the lubricant additives and the anisotropic nature of porous material. The eigen type of expressions are obtained for the fluid film pressure, load carrying capacity and squeeze film time. It is observed that the effect of the lubricant additives is to increase the load carrying capacity and the squeeze film time as compared to the Newtonian lubricants. Further for anisotropic porous surface, the maximum load carrying capacity is attained for the rectangular (non‐square) plates.
Inter‐library loans and document delivery via EUCAT: a new PICA/OCLC initiative
Authors: Gatenby Janifer
Published: June 2003

This paper explores the role of union catalogues in inter‐library loans and document delivery and how that role is changing to embrace virtual holdings and electronic document delivery. Figures from the Dutch National Union Catalogue (Nederlandse Centrale Catalogus, NCC) show that, contrary to expectations, physical loans are not decreasing but now comprise over a quarter of interlibrary loan activity. With direct user access, interlibrary loans have become unmediated and numbers of traditional loans and photocopies have steadily increased with a dramatic rise in electronic copy. International interlibrary loans pose technical and logistical problems for union catalogues. From a system viewpoint, it is necessary to integrate ILL systems, local library systems and to determine the end user’s ILL system and rights. EUCAT is an example of a federation of union catalogues. While the technical problems are more or less resolved, libraries still must determine the conditions for international co‐operation.
INIST‐CNRS in Nancy, France: “a model of efficiency”
Authors: Schöpfel Joachim
Published: June 2003

The Institute for Scientific and Technical Information (INIST) is a service unit of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). A leading integrated scientific and technical information center, INIST provides the major public research and academic institutions as well as the socio‐economic sector with resources and services designed to improve dissemination of and access to international scientific and technical information. Committed to the new information and communication technologies, INIST offers a whole range of access services to scientific and technical information on the Internet. The article highlights the place and the future of document supply in this context.
Document delivery: a new paradigm?
Authors: Baker David
Published: June 2003

This article complements an earlier discussion by the author with regard to the breakdown of the traditional inter‐library loan model. It looks at the key variables that are driving the development of new models in electronic document delivery, taking account of current projects and products in the field. It argues that there is unlikely to be a single model in the future, but rather a series of models, determined not just by the technology applications available, but also by societal, economic, environmental and political factors. The article is written from the UK higher education viewpoint.
A Web‐based document delivery system for scientific information management in Italian research libraries
Authors: Arte Assunta , Maggi Roberta , Menichelli Gisella , Di Cintio Roberto
Published: June 2003

A high priority in many libraries is providing users with rapid online searching and requesting of journal articles, with desktop delivery options to view full‐text versions on‐screen, or to download and print “just‐when‐you‐like”. The topic of Web‐based document delivery service is presently being investigated across disciplines, often with a strong technological emphasis. The present article takes a managerial and organizational approach by placing the document delivery service in the context of the Italian research libraries (IRL), and focusing on opinions of the librarians concerning the document delivery developments with Web‐based technology. The focus of this paper is also a description and maintenance of the Internet delivery system (IDS) project and it examines organizational and individual approaches to librarian assignment.
Collaboration and resource sharing in and from the South Pacific: The National Library of New Zealand
Authors: McDonald Jenny , Bolland Kathryn
Published: June 2003

New Zealand is a small country, physically isolated but increasingly “connected” in a world of fast growing “enabling” technology and telecommunications. The traditional resource sharing model (for document supply and cataloguing) is being challenged and new approaches to enhance access to information are being researched, piloted or are part of a digital programme. This article identifies some of the current challenges and resource sharing activities in New Zealand, particularly from the perspective of the role of the National Library.
Current issues in accessing documents published in developing countries
Authors: Omekwu Charles
Published: June 2003

Accessing documents published in developing countries is always difficult because of the lack of bibliographic tools and control framework, low awareness of legal deposit legislation, and sub‐standard nature of the publications. The publications are mainly fugitive, suffer high mortality, and are finished poorly, with no cataloguing‐in‐publication data. The interlending and document delivery situation in Nigeria is discussed. Electronic access situation to e‐journals and e‐books is described. The paper identifies the role of publishers in facilitating access and views librarians and information professionals as the critical catalysts in the whole process of access provision. It highlights factors that hinder easy procurement of documents published in developing countries. It recommends, among other things, the comprehensive documentation of each institution’s publications, progressive integration of individual bibliographic effort into a co‐ordinated national endeavour, and the evolution of a functional linkage as the practical issues that must be addressed in order to enhance access.
Patron‐focused services in three US libraries: collaborative interlibrary loan, collection development and acquisitions
Authors: Allen Megan , Ward Suzanne M. , Wray Tanner , Debus‐López Karl E.
Published: June 2003

To improve service and increase user satisfaction, some libraries are exploring new models of collaboration among the Interlibrary Loan, Collection Development and Acquisitions departments. One public library and two university libraries present models in which funds were set aside to purchase materials requested by library users through interlibrary loan. The models differ in some details but in all cases interlibrary loan staff select the titles to be purchased and acquisitions staff rush order the requested titles. Titles are then either rush processed in technical services and circulated to the user, or are received un‐processed in interlibrary loan for immediate patron use and are cataloged later. All three models have been in operation for two years or more and have moved from the pilot project stage to permanent implementation. Data are presented on the effectiveness of these models, including turnaround time, average cost per title, user satisfaction, and subsequent circulation of titles.
Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature – XLV
Authors: McGrath Mike
Published: June 2003

Reviews more than 100 journals and some electronic lists and newsletters, to search for relevance to ILL and document delivery issues. Takes a look at some of the developments in electronic journals and books, in copyright and document delivery.
A matter of terminology: from ILL and DD to RDS
Authors: Line Maurice B.
Published: June 2003

Puts forward the view that it is high time the library and information world adopted a standard and defensible terminology, particularly in connection with remote document access and supply, giving as an example “ILL” which has become a generic term that has lost its precise meaning.
Synthesis and characterisation of chromium oxide as a pigment for high temperature application
Authors: Aghababazadeh R. , Mirhabibi A.R. , Moztarzadeh F. , Salehpour Z.
Published: June 2003

In this paper, the synthesis and the application of chromic oxide as a high temperature pigment have been reported. To synthesise chromic oxide, solid‐state reaction using sulphur and sodium chromate tetrahydrate was undertaken. Morphology of the pigment synthesised was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Formation of the chromic oxide was observed at 888°C in an oxidising atmosphere. Thorough washing of the resultant pigment played a vital role in the aggregation of the pigment particles, as demonstrated by a particle size characteristics.
Effects of magnesium chloride on the properties of wood and non‐wood fibrous paper sheets treated with sodium silicate
Authors: Abd El‐Sayed E.S. , Basta A.H.
Published: June 2003

This study examines the effects of using magnesium chloride as a precipitating agent of sodium silicate on the mechanical, optical and fire retardant properties of the resulting paper sheets. Two types of treatments (internal and external), were carried out to investigate such effects on the paper sheets prepared from wood pulp and from non‐wood fibrous, bagasse pulp. The results obtained showed that the treatment of paper sheets with either sodium silicate or sodium silicate‐magnesium chloride led to a decrease in the activation energy of the initial main degradation stages. Wood pulp‐paper sheets treated with sodium silicate showed better fire retardant properties than the sodium silicate‐magnesium chloride treated wood pulp‐paper sheets. A reverse trend was noted in the case of paper sheets made from bagasse pulp.
Managing quality in higher education: a Malaysian case study
Authors: Sadiq Sohail M. , Rajadurai Jegatheesan , Azlin Abdul Rahman Nor
Published: June 2003

With increasing competition amongst higher education institutions to attract students, “quality” has emerged as a theme to be adopted. This paper undertakes a case study of an institution, which has implemented a quality system and was the first private college in Malaysia to be awarded the ISO 9002 certification in total for all of its departments. The paper investigates the management system prior to adopting the quality system, reviews the implementation process and evaluates the effectiveness of the system on the academic departments. The paper reports findings of the study.
Inverse analysis of continuous casting processes
Authors: Nowak Iwona , Nowak Andrzej J. , Wrobel Luiz C.
Published: June 2003

This paper discusses an algorithm for phase change front identification in continuous casting. The problem is formulated as an inverse geometry problem, and the solution procedure utilizes temperature measurements inside the solid phase and sensitivity coefficients. The proposed algorithms make use of the boundary element method, with cubic boundary elements and Bezier splines employed for modelling the interface between the solid and liquid phases. A case study of continuous casting of copper is solved to demonstrate the main features of the proposed algorithms.
Optimization of a window frame by BEM and genetic algorithm
Authors: Król Malgorzata , Bialecki Ryszard A.
Published: June 2003

Genetic algorithms and boundary elements have been used to find an optimal design of a plastic window frame with air chambers and steel stiffeners. The objective function has been defined as minimum heat loss subject to a constraint of prescribed stiffness and weight of the steel insert.
RBF interpolation of boundary values in the BEM for heat transfer problems
Authors: Mai‐Duy Nam , Tran‐Cong Thanh
Published: June 2003

This paper is concerned with the application of radial basis function networks (RBFNs) as interpolation functions for all boundary values in the boundary element method (BEM) for the numerical solution of heat transfer problems. The quality of the estimate of boundary integrals is greatly affected by the type of functions used to interpolate the temperature, its normal derivative and the geometry along the boundary from the nodal values. In this paper, instead of conventional Lagrange polynomials, interpolation functions representing these variables are based on the “universal approximator” RBFNs, resulting in much better estimates. The proposed method is verified on problems with different variations of temperature on the boundary from linear level to higher orders. Numerical results obtained show that the BEM with indirect RBFN (IRBFN) interpolation performs much better than the one with linear or quadratic elements in terms of accuracy and convergence rate. For example, for the solution of Laplace's equation in 2D, the BEM can achieve the norm of error of the boundary solution of O(10−5) by using IRBFN interpolation while quadratic BEM can achieve a norm only of O(10−2) with the same boundary points employed. The IRBFN‐BEM also appears to have achieved a higher efficiency. Furthermore, the convergence rates are of O(h1.38) and O(h4.78) for the quadratic BEM and the IRBFN‐based BEM, respectively, where h is the nodal spacing.
The Determinants of Enterprise Risk Management: Evidence From the Appointment of Chief Risk Officers
Authors: Liebenberg André P. , Hoyt Robert E.
Published: June 2003

Enterprise risk management (ERM) has captured the attention of risk management professionals and academics worldwide. Unlike the traditional “silo‐based” approach to corporate risk management, ERM enables firms to benefit from an integrated approach to managing risk that shifts the focus of the risk management function from primarily defensive to increasingly offensive and strategic. Despite the heightened interest in ERM, little empirical research has been conducted on the topic. This study provides an initial attempt at identifying the determinants of ERM adoption. We construct a sample of firms that have signaled their use of ERM by appointing a Chief Risk Officer (CRO) who is charged with the responsibility of implementing and managing the ERM program. We use a logistic regression framework to compare these firms to a size‐ and industry‐matched control sample. While our results suggest a general absence of differences in the financial and ownership characteristics of sample and control firms, we find that firms with greater financial leverage are more likely to appoint a CRO. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that firms appoint CROs to reduce information asymmetry regarding the firm's current and expected risk profile.
Using Industry‐Sponsored Game Nights to Educate About Risk and Insurance
Authors: Hamilton Karen L. , Greene Kelly , Wood David
Published: June 2003

As educators in the field of risk management and insurance, we see know‐ ledge of risk management and insurance as a core business function. However, some colleagues and students see insurance as cold‐call sales or companies with a lot of money that continue to raise their prices. So we have to find ways to make our public aware of the usefulness of risk management and insurance in the business world and in private life and of the opportunities that having such knowledge presents to all business majors and business people. One method that is beginning to show dramatic improvements in at least our students’ perceptions of the field and the major involves industry‐sponsored game nights. While not an academic endeavor nor strictly risk management education, we believe the idea provides a useful tool for opening students’ eyes to the need for knowledge of risk management and insurance and of the opportunities that are available in the insurance industry and its related fields. This article discusses the history of such an event at Appalachian State Univer‐ sity, the current status of the North Carolina Surplus Lines Association (NCSLA) event, and the benefits of the event.
The Impact of WTO Accession on China's Insurance Industry
Authors: Sun Qixiang
Published: June 2003

This article provides an overview of China's commitments to the WTO with respect to the insurance sector, along with an analysis of the major issues to be faced by China's insurance industry following WTO accession.
Governing through Governance: Education Policy Control under New Labour
Authors: Bache Ian
Published: June 2003

Central to the debates on governance is the extent to which this process erodes state power. This article looks at the control of education policy since 1997. Education has not been immune from the developing process of governance. Moreover, Labour government education policies have accelerated this process: there has been greater fragmentation of policy-making, with a proliferation of cross-sectoral and multi-level participation. However, in this case, central government has not only retained control over policy-making but has been able to achieve its policy goals more effectively. Two case studies: ‘New Labour and the Local Education Authorities’ and ‘New Labour and the Funding of Education’, demonstrate the advantages for the centre in voluntarily governing through governance.
Fighting by other Means in the Mideast: A Critical Analysis of Israel's Assassination Policy
Authors: Gross Michael L.
Published: June 2003

Israel's efforts to quell violence during the recent conflict with the Palestinians include targeted assassinations of militia leaders. The international community permits the use of lethal force in only two cases, law enforcement and just war, and assassination cannot be justified in either. In the context of law enforcement, assassination remains prohibited as a form of extra-legal execution, regardless of Israel's status as an occupying power. In the context of just war, assassination violates the proscription against perfidious and treacherous means of warfare. In the current conflict, assassination cannot be accomplished without collaborators, a practice that not only is prohibited by convention but seriously undermines Palestinian society. As a result, assassination provokes violent retaliation and corrodes the basis necessary to renew peace negotiations. Nevertheless, assassination may be defensible as a last resort in some cases. These include tyrannicide, killing a murderous and brutal leader to protect innocent civilians, together with instances of ‘ticking bombs’ – that is, immediate and otherwise unavoidable grievous threats to noncombatants. In each case a modified argument from necessity offers grounds for the defensible, although limited, use of assassination.
Rousseau on Fundamental Law
Authors: Schwartzberg Melissa
Published: June 2003

How can we understand Rousseau's use of entrenched fundamental law? Given that absolute sovereignty is of paramount importance to Rousseau, and given that he rejects the possibility of binding the future, fundamental law might be viewed as a paradoxical restraint on the sovereign. However, through a consideration of their substantive form, and of the procedural mechanisms of enactment and abrogation, these laws are shown to serve an ‘enabling’ purpose. For Rousseau, fundamental law does not constrain the sovereign will, but is constitutive of the sovereign or transforms its operation with respect to morality and justice. Fundamental law should be understood to enhance the capacity of the sovereign; this reading also explains the most familiar limitation that does not take the form of a fundamental law, the double-generality requirement.
Millian Radical Democracy: Education for Freedom and Dilemmas of Liberal Equality
Authors: Baum Bruce
Published: June 2003

This paper returns to J. S. Mill to draw out democratic conceptions of education and equality that challenge still-current conceptions of intractable human inequalities. Mill acknowledges that individuals differ in abilities. Nonetheless, he develops a broad conception of ‘education for freedom’ and insists that only ‘wretched social arrangements’ prevent virtually all people from exercising capacities for self-government in citizenship, marriage, and industry. In the same breath, he qualifies his democratic egalitarianism with reference to a sub-class of working people whose ‘low moral qualities’ leave them unfit for such self-government. Modern liberal states largely dismiss Mill's more radical democratic impulse. Meanwhile, they reiterate and refine his exclusionary one through new practices for constructing and managing inequalities – for example, IQ tests, educational ‘tracking’, and social science categories like the ‘underclass’. I reconsider this divided legacy of Mill's egalitarianism as a basis for rethinking the limits of today's ‘meritocratic’ egalitarianism.
Seeing right through you: Applications of optical imaging to the study of the human brain
Authors: Gratton Gabriele , Fabiani Monica , Elbert Thomas , Rockstroh Brigitte
Published: June 2003

A new set of techniques allows for the study of brain function by near‐infrared light, exploiting two optical phenomena: Changes in light absorption are determined by changes in the concentration of substances like oxy‐ and deoxy‐hemoglobin, and changes in light scattering occur as a consequence of variations of properties of membranes and corpuscles in the neural tissue. Methods based on light absorption can be used to study hemodynamic changes in the brain, whereas those based on light scattering can be used to study neuronal activity and to provide anatomical information at a cellular and subcellular level. Three optical imaging approaches can be used to study living tissue: reflection, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and photon migration. These three approaches vary in their penetration (from less than a millimeter for reflection to up to 3–5 cm for photon migration) and spatial resolution (from a micron level for reflection and OCT to a millimeter and centimeter level for photon migration). This issue includes a collection of articles reviewing applications of these technologies to the study of brain and other bodily functions in humans.
Activation of the prefrontal cortex to trauma‐related stimuli measured by near‐infrared spectroscopy in posttraumatic stress disorder due to terrorism
Authors: Matsuo Koji , Kato Tadafumi , Taneichi Kotaro , Matsumoto Akio , Ohtani Toshiyuki , Hamamoto Taku , Yamasue Hidenori , Sakano Yuji , Sasaki Tsukasa , Sadamatsu Miyuki , Iwanami Akira , Asukai Nozomi , Kato Nobumasa
Published: June 2003

To develop a noninvasive method for psychophysiological assessment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 34 victims of the Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack in 1995 including 8 diagnosed as PTSD and 12 controls were examined by a multichannel near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system. Hemodynamic response in the prefrontal cortex was monitored during the presentation of trauma‐related and control stimuli by video images. Skin conductance response (SCR) was also examined. Oxygenated hemoglobin significantly increased during the trauma‐related image in the victims with or without PTSD. Deoxygenated hemoglobin significantly decreased only in victims with PTSD. No significant alteration was found in controls. Significantly enhanced SCR was also observed in the victims with PTSD during trauma‐related stimuli. The findings suggest that measurement of cerebral hemodynamic response by NIRS is useful for psychophysiological assessment of PTSD.
Functional near‐infrared optical imaging: Utility and limitations in human brain mapping
Authors: Hoshi Yoko
Published: June 2003

Abstract Although near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was developed as a tool for clinical monitoring of tissue oxygenation, it also has potential for neuroimaging. A wide range of different NIRS instruments have been developed, and instruments for continuous intensity measurements with fixed spacing [continuous wave (CW)‐type instruments], which are most readily available commercially, allow us to see dynamic changes in regional cerebral blood flow in real time. However, quantification, which is necessary for imaging of brain functions, is impossible with these CW‐type instruments. Over the past 20 years, many different approaches to quantification have been tried, and several multichannel time‐resolved and frequency‐domain instruments are now in common use for imaging. Although there are still many problems with this technique, such as incomplete knowledge of how light propagates through the head, NIRS will not only open a window on brain physiology for subjects who have rarely been examined until now, but also provide a new direction for functional mapping studies.