bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An analysis of e‐Government research published in Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy (TGPPP )
Authors: Dwivedi Yogesh K.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the first two years of e‐Government research published in the Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy (TGPPP) from 2007 to 2008.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a profiling approach the analysis of the 41 e‐Government publications includes examining variables such as most productive authors, universities associated with the most publications, geographic diversity, authors' backgrounds, co‐author analysis, and research methods.

Findings

The analytical, descriptive, theoretical and conceptual methods were the most dominant research approaches utilized by TGPPP authors within the last two years. Another fact that emerged is that the largest number of contributions comes from those with an information systems background, followed by business and computer science and IT.

Originality/value

The primary value of this paper lies in extending the understanding of evolution and patterns of e‐Government research. This has been achieved by analyzing and synthesising existing TGPPP publications.
The framework for sustainable eDemocracy development
Authors: Funilkul Suree , Chutimaskul Wichian
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to create the framework for sustainable eDemocracy development which is used as a guideline for building tools for supporting democracy system. To consolidate this framework, the quality model of eDemocracy system is constructed in order to support the efficient and effective eDemocracy.

Design/methodology/approach

This work begins with collecting and analyzing the existing approaches of eDemocracy development, especially the governance development standard called COBIT 4.1. Next, the principles of democracy based on United Nations Information Services and the Bureau of International Information Programs: IIP of the US Department of State's are studied. To support such principle, the intrinsic eDemocracy applications are explored. In addition, the quality model of an eDemocracy system is built by integrating the concepts of technology acceptance model (TAM) and the eGovernment web quality assessment model (eGovernment WebQAM).

Findings

The 4 + 1 main constructs of eDemocracy development framework is introduced. They are stakeholder and policy, information and communication technology, development methodology containing process management and project management, environment, and eDemocracy components. Such a framework is claimed to support sustainable development. Furthermore, the five basic eDemocracy applications which support democratic principles are illustrated. They are eInformation, eService, eVoting, eComplaint, and eForum. The quality aspects, i.e. knowledge quality, process quality, communication quality and TAM are embedded to consolidate the authors framework.

Research limitations/implications

Most existing approaches of eDemocracy development emphasize different eDemocracy development aspect depending on their interests and constraints. No approaches support all issues related in the fundamental aspects of eDemocracy development. Therefore, a sustainable framework is then created. Additional key aspect that has been embedded to this work is the eDemocracy qualities introduce in order to achieve citizens' acceptance in eDemocracy development.

Originality/value

This paper presents the framework for sustainable eDemocracy development to support the desirable and workable eDemocracy system. The information system quality and TAM are embedded into the authors framework for building better eDemocracy that meets the citizens' needs and information technology standard.
User exclusion and fragmented requirements capture in publicly‐funded IS projects
Authors: Folkerd Christopher , Spinelli Gabriella
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the causes of and problems resulting from the exclusion of end‐users from the requirements capture phases of information systems (IS) development.

Design/methodology/approach

This research conducts an extensive literature review to allow for the creation of a taxonomy of project failure. This taxonomy is then used as the basis for the thematic analysis of a case study into the failure of a large‐scale governmental IS project, utilising, interview, observation and document capture as its primary sources of data.

Findings

The paper illustrates the critical nature of end‐user consultation in the development of IS, defining six key areas of concern when examining the issue of end‐user exclusion.

Originality/value

This paper provides a taxonomy to allow for the identification and mitigation of user exclusion at an early stage in IS development. In addition to this, the case study provides a unique insight into an active project, where most previous studies have been conducted post failure and into the unique political and organisational challenges presented by such an organisation.
Digitising criminal justice in England and Wales: revisiting information‐growth dynamics
Authors: Iannacci Federico
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The main purpose of this research is to analyse the socio‐technical consequences deriving from the digitisation of crown prosecutors' work.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on an in‐depth, qualitative case study of the use of technologies by crown prosecutors. It relies on observations, focus groups and semi‐structured interviews conducted in London and Humberside over a 15‐month time‐span. The overarching methodological approach interweaves the empirical data with the theory of information growth which postulates that information is a difference that makes a difference.

Findings

The main finding is that the digitisation of prosecutors' work has produced an increasingly‐larger, interlocked domain of digital information by triggering the need for new data standards which, in turn, have created the need for new information‐handling capabilities, thus prompting a ubiquitous infrastructure of self‐propelling differences.

Research limitations/implications

The information growth dynamics investigated have broader implications in relation to information privacy, security and data ownership that go beyond the scope of this research.

Practical implications

It is suggested that rather than steering the information‐growth process, public sector managers should attempt to control the premises of such a process by setting out a structured information quality management procedure both for domain‐specific and generic data standards.

Originality/value

It is argued that plans are makeshift accomplishments that are bound to succumb to the overarching process of information growing out of information. Once viewed from this vantage point, cross‐organisational governance structures are no longer the outcome of pre‐defined plans but rather the side effect of a self‐reinforcing process of information growth.
Value systems as a mechanism for organizational change
Authors: Marginson David
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role played by value systems as mechanisms for organizational change. Three issues are examined: purpose; implementation; and effects, intended and unintended, that may arise from using values systems as a management control mechanism to effect organizational change.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on evidenced garnered from an in‐depth, longitudinal study of a major UK based organization which operates in the “global communications industry”. Data are collected from a range of sources, but particularly interviews and a questionnaire survey involving a broad cross‐section of the company's managers.

Findings

Findings suggest that, in terms of purpose, top management may use value systems as a management control mechanism to effect organizational change by espousing a new set of normative values which should inform managers' decisions and actions, particularly in trade‐off situations. Communication and implementation of value systems may involve a multitude of formal and informal information‐based mechanisms and procedures, including mission statements, newsletters, email, “strategy days”, “roadshows” and similar social events. Implementation may rely on change agents creating a drive for change. However, the results of a questionnaire survey suggest that value systems may be only partly successful in securing their intended purpose of mobilising attitudes around a particular set of normative values. Various unintended effects may arise which, in the present case, include increasing project redundancy, decreasing project scrutiny, a re‐distribution of social esteem within the firm, polarisation of attitudes towards budgetary control, and a general reduction in the exercise of hierarchical management control. Overall, it argued that the use of value systems as a mechanism of organizational change may be as problematic to the firm as it is beneficial.

Practical implications

The results of the present study may help firms devise more appropriate value systems for “maintaining or altering patterns of organizational behaviour”.

Originality/value

The present study contributes further insight is through evidence which suggests value systems may be used to communicate a set of quite specific values; and adds to a knowledge of the range of procedures which may be involved in using value systems to effect organizational change.
Ten years after the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS): assessing drug problems, policies and reform proposals
Authors: Reuter Peter
Published: March 2009

In 1998 the United Nations General Assembly Special Session resolved that governments would reduce drug production and consumption greatly within 10 years. With that period now elapsed, there is an interest in reviewing how successful this was and considering how drug policy could be improved. The demand for drugs in the world has stabilized mainly as a result of the interaction of epidemic forces, culture and economic development. Supply has become more concentrated and the menu of drugs has changed surprisingly slowly. Drug policy is shifting to a more explicitly tolerant configuration in Europe and a few other countries, but retains its ferocity in most of the world. The most prominent innovations under discussion have limited potential effects (heroin maintenance), have as yet been unproductive of policy interventions (‘addiction is a brain disease’) or have no political appeal (legalization). The option with the most scope is increased effort at diverting arrested drug users out of criminal justice systems. No prevention, treatment or enforcement strategies have demonstrated an ability to substantially affect the extent of drug use and addiction. The best that government interventions can do is to reduce the damaging consequences of drug use and drug control. More attention should be given to reductions in the intensity of drug enforcement, which has many unintended adverse consequences and yields few of the claimed gains.
Phylogeography of the livebearer Xenophallus umbratilis (Teleostei: Poeciliidae): glacial cycles and sea level change predict diversification of a freshwater tropical fish
Authors: JONES CARISSA P. , JOHNSON JERALD B.
Published: March 2009

The biogeography of Central America is viewed as a classic case study in understanding the impact of vicariant events on patterns of biotic dispersal. While many biogeographers have focused on community composition and geographical limits of species at broad scales across Central America, much less work has focused on post‐colonization diversification patterns at finer scales. The livebearing freshwater fish Xenophallus umbratilis presents an ideal system for determining the impact of recent Earth history events on biodiversity in northern Costa Rica. Here, we test the hypotheses that marine inundation of the San Carlos and northern Limón basins during the Pliocene and Pleistocene has caused genetic fragmentation among X. umbratilis populations, despite contemporary freshwater connections. To test this idea, we collected mitochondrial (cytochrome b) sequence data in 162 individuals taken from 27 localities across northern Costa Rica. We employed a variety of analytical approaches, including: maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood, analysis of molecular variance, and demographic analysis of population size through time. We found four major clades within X. umbratilis, each geographically isolated with no shared haplotypes across drainages. Oddly, clades that occupy adjacent drainages are not always sister taxa in the phylogeny, suggesting that colonization in this species is more complex than a simple model of isolation by distance. All our results are consistent with the hypothesis that changes in sea level associated with glacial eustatic cycles have had an important effect in shaping diversification patterns in this species.
Signal signature of aboveground‐induced resistance upon belowground herbivory in maize
Authors: Erb Matthias , Flors Victor , Karlen Danielle , De Lange Elvira , Planchamp Chantal , D’Alessandro Marco , Turlings Ted C. J. , Ton Jurriaan
Published: March 2009

Plants activate local and systemic defence mechanisms upon exposure to stress. This innate immune response is partially regulated by plant hormones, and involves the accumulation of defensive metabolites. Although local defence reactions to herbivores are well studied, less is known about the impact of root herbivory on shoot defence. Here, we examined the effects of belowground infestation by the western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera on aboveground resistance in maize. Belowground herbivory by D. v. virgifera induced aboveground resistance against the generalist herbivore Spodoptera littoralis, and the necrotrophic pathogen Setosphaeria turcica. Furthermore, D. v. virgifera increased shoot levels of 2,4‐dihydroxy‐7‐methoxy‐1,4‐benzoxazin‐3‐one (DIMBOA), and primed the induction of chlorogenic acid upon subsequent infestation by S. littoralis. To gain insight into the signalling network behind this below‐ and aboveground defence interaction, we compiled a set of 32 defence‐related genes, which can be used as transcriptional marker systems to detect activities of different hormone‐response pathways. Belowground attack by D. v. virgifera triggered an ABA‐inducible transcription pattern in the shoot. The quantification of defence hormones showed a local increase in the production of oxylipins after root and shoot infestation by D. v. virgifera and S. littoralis, respectively. On the other hand, ABA accumulated locally and systemically upon belowground attack by D. v. virgifera. Furthermore, D. v. virgifera reduced the aboveground water content, whereas the removal of similar quantities of root biomass had no effect. Our study shows that root herbivory by D. v. virgifera specifically alters the aboveground defence status of a maize, and suggests that ABA plays a role in the signalling network mediating this interaction.
Decision‐Making in Przewalski Horses (Equus ferus przewalskii) is Driven by the Ecological Contexts of Collective Movements
Authors: Bourjade Marie , Thierry Bernard , Maumy Myriam , Petit Odile
Published: March 2009

We addressed decision‐making processes in the collective movements of two groups of Przewalski horses (Equus ferus przewalskii) living in a semi free‐ranging population. We investigated whether different patterns of group movement are related to certain ecological contexts (habitat use and group activity) and analysed the possible decision‐making processes involved. We found two distinct patterns; ‘single‐bout’ and ‘multiple‐bout’ movements occurred in both study groups. The movements were defined by the occurrence of collective stops between bouts and differed by their duration, distance covered and ecological context. For both movements, we found that a preliminary period involving several horses occurred before departure. In single‐bout movements, all group members rapidly joined the first moving horse, independently of the preliminary period. In multiple‐bout movements, however, the joining process was longer; in particular when the number of decision‐makers and their pre‐departure behaviour before departure increased. Multiple‐bout movements were more often used by horses to switch habitats and activities. This observation demonstrates that the horses need more time to resolve motivational conflicts before these departures. We conclude that decision‐making in Przewalski horses is based on a shared consensus process driven by ecological determinants.
Emergence and Consequences of Division of Labor in Associations of Normally Solitary Sweat Bees
Authors: Tate Holbrook C. , Clark Rebecca M. , Jeanson Raphaël , Bertram Susan M. , Kukuk Penelope F. , Fewell Jennifer H.
Published: March 2009

Division of labor is a pervasive feature of animal societies, but little is known about the causes or consequences of division of labor in non‐eusocial cooperative groups. We tested whether division of labor self‐organizes in an incipient social system: artificially induced nesting associations of the normally solitary sweat bee Lasioglossum (Ctenonomia) NDA‐1 (Hymenoptera: Halictidae). We quantified task performance and construction output by females nesting either alone or with a conspecific. Within pairs, a division of labor repeatedly arose in which one individual specialized on excavation and pushing/tamping while her nestmate guarded the nest entrance. Task specialization could not be attributed to variation in overall activity, and the degree of behavioral differentiation was greater than would be expected due to random variation, indicating that division of labor was an emergent phenomenon generated in part by social dynamics. Excavation specialists did not incur a survival cost, in contrast to previous findings for ant foundress associations. Paired individuals performed more per capita guarding, and pairs collectively excavated deeper nests than single bees – potential early advantages of social nesting in halictine bees.
The Interaction of Female Condition and Mating Status on Male‐Male Aggression in a Wolf Spider
Authors: Hoefler Chad D. , Guhanarayan Gayatri , Persons Matthew H. , Rypstra Ann L.
Published: March 2009

Fighting behavior has been studied extensively with strong emphases on factors that independently determine winners and losers as well as how much effort an individual should invest in a given contest for a resource. Much less attention has been paid to how interacting qualities of disputed resources modulate aggression. In a laboratory study, we examined the interactive effects of female condition and mating status on dyadic male aggression in the wolf spider Pardosa milvina. We discovered that males exhibited significantly more aggressive behaviors when in the presence of virgin females in good condition and displayed lower and statistically similar levels of aggression when placed with virgin, poor condition females; mated, good condition females; mated, poor condition females; and no females. Because previous studies have suggested that virgin females alone should be highly prized because of putative first‐mate sperm priority patterns, this study contributes to this body of literature by suggesting that diet history and body condition mitigate the reproductive advantages of mating with virgin females as indicated by levels of male‐male aggression, but further investigation is needed.
Validation of the hospital outcome prediction equation (HOPE) model for monitoring clinical performance
Authors: Duke G. J. , Graco M. , Santamaria J. , Shann F.
Published: March 2009

Background: The aim of this study was to validate a risk‐adjusted hospital outcome prediction equation (HOPE) using a statewide administrative dataset.

Methods: Retrospective observational study using multivariate logistic regression modelling. Calibration and discrimination were assessed by standardized mortality ratio (SMR), area under the receiver operating characteristic plot (ROC AUC), Hosmer–Lemeshow contingency tables and goodness‐of‐fit statistic in an independent dataset, and in all 23 important tertiary, metropolitan and regional hospitals. The dependent variable was in‐hospital death. All consecutive adult hospital separations between 1 July 2004 and 30 June 2006, excluding obstetric and day‐case only admissions, from all acute health services within the State of Victoria, Australia were included.

Results: A total of 379 676 consecutive records (1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005) was used to derive the HOPE model. Six variables (age, male sex, admission diagnosis, emergency admission, aged‐care resident and inter‐hospital transfer) were selected for inclusion in the final model. It was validated in the 384 489 consecutive records from the following year (1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006). The 95% confidence interval for the SMR was 0.98–1.02, and for the ROC AUC, 0.87–0.88. Discrimination and (one or more) calibration criteria were achieved in 22 (96%) of the 23 hospitals.

Conclusion: The HOPE model is a simple risk‐adjusted outcome prediction tool, based on six variables from data that are routinely collected for administrative purposes and appears to be a reliable predictor of hospital outcome.
Communication skills of healthcare professionals in paediatric diabetes services
Authors: Hambly H. , Robling M. , Crowne E. , Hood K. , Gregory J. W. ,   for the DEPICTED Study Team
Published: March 2009

Aims  To identify training needs in communication skills and to assess training preferences of staff working in paediatric diabetes services, which will inform the development of a learning programme in behaviour change counselling for healthcare professionals.

Methods  Three hundred and eighty‐five staff in 67 UK paediatric diabetes services were sent questionnaires to determine their previous communication skills training, to measure their self‐reported view of the importance of and confidence in addressing common clinical problems and to assess the perceived feasibility of training methods to improve skilfulness.

Results  Two hundred and sixty‐six questionnaires (69%) were returned from 65 services. Sixteen per cent of doctors, nurses and dietitians reported no previous training in communication skills and 47% had received no training since graduating. Respondents rated psychosocial issues as more important to address than medical issues within consultations (t = 8.93, P < 0.001), but felt less confident addressing such issues (t = 15.85, P < 0.001). One‐day workshops and monthly team meetings were the most popular of the training options considered (65% and 77%, respectively). CD ROM and web‐based learning were considered feasible for 54% and 56% of respondents, respectively, although lack of time (55%) and privacy (34%) were potential barriers.

Conclusions  Addressing psychosocial issues is an important component of consultations involving young people with diabetes, but healthcare professionals find it easier to address medical issues. This represents a key training need in communication skills for diabetes professionals. The survey will inform the development of a tailored learning programme for health professionals in UK paediatric diabetes clinics.
Modification of diet in renal disease and Cockcroft–Gault formulas do not predict mortality (ZODIAC‐6)
Authors: Bilo H. J. G. , Logtenberg S. J. J. , Joosten H. , Groenier K. H. , Ubink‐Veltmaat L. J. , Kleefstra N.
Published: March 2009

Aims  An inverse relationship between estimates of renal function, with formulas such as the Modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) study equation or the Cockcroft–Gault formula, and mortality has been suggested. These formulas both contain the variables sex, serum creatinine and age and the latter also contains body weight. We investigated whether these formulas predict mortality better than the variables they contain together in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  In 1998, 1143 primary care patients with Type 2 diabetes participated in the Zwolle Outpatient Diabetes project Integrating Available Care (ZODIAC) Study, in the Netherlands. Clinical and laboratory data were collected at baseline. Life status was assessed after 6 years. We used Cox proportional hazard modelling to investigate the association between estimates of renal function (continuous data) and the variables they contain and mortality, adjusting for confounders. Both formulas were compared with models consisting of the variables present in the formulas. Predictability was assessed using Bayesian information criterion (BIC) and Harrell’s C statistics.

Results  At follow‐up, 335 patients had died. All variables, except sex, influenced mortality. Predictive capability, indicated by lower BIC values and higher Harrell’s C values, was up to 10% better for models containing the separate variables as compared with Cockcroft–Gault or MDRD.

Conclusions  Using estimates of renal function to assess mortality risk decreases predictability as compared with the combination of the risk factors they contain. These formulas, therefore, could be used to estimate renal function; however, they should not be used as a tool to predict mortality risk.
Relationship of Type 2 diabetes to the prevalence, incidence and progression of age‐related hearing loss
Authors: Mitchell P. , Gopinath B. , McMahon C. M. , Rochtchina E. , Wang J. J. , Boyages S. C , Leeder S. R
Published: March 2009

Aims  Type 2 diabetes and associated microvascular abnormalities are postulated to affect hearing. Our study reports on the relationship between Type 2 diabetes and the prevalence, 5‐year incidence and progression of hearing impairment in a representative, older, Australian population.

Methods  The Blue Mountains Hearing Study is a population‐based survey of age‐related hearing loss conducted in a defined suburban area, west of Sydney. Hearing loss was defined as the pure‐tone average of frequencies 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 kHz > 25 decibels hearing level (dB HL) in the better ear (bilateral hearing loss). Type 2 diabetes was defined from reported physician‐diagnosed diabetes or fasting blood glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/l.

Results  Age‐related hearing loss was present in 50.0% of diabetic participants (n = 210) compared with 38.2% of non‐diabetic participants (n = 1648), odds ratio (OR) 1.55 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–2.17], after adjusting for multiple risk factors. A relationship of diabetes duration with hearing loss was also demonstrated. After 5 years, incident hearing loss occurred in 18.7% of participants with, and 18.0% of those without diabetes, adjusted OR 1.01 (CI 0.54–1.91). Progression of existing hearing loss (> 5 dB HL), however, was significantly greater in participants with newly diagnosed diabetes (69.6%) than in those without diabetes (47.8%) over this period, adjusted OR 2.71 (CI 1.07–6.86).

Conclusions  Type 2 diabetes was associated with prevalent, but not incident hearing loss in this older population. Accelerated hearing loss progression over 5 years was more than doubled in persons newly diagnosed with diabetes. These data explore further reported links between Type 2 diabetes and age‐related hearing loss.
Emissions Trading, Wealth Transfers and the Wounded Bull Scenario in Power Generation
Authors: Simshauser Paul , Doan Thao
Published: March 2009

Electricity generators accept that emissions trading is fundamental to meeting CO2 reduction targets. But unless a percentage of permits are allocated, existing generators will face non‐trivial wealth transfers. Seldom contemplated in academic works are the adverse economic consequences of an all‐auction approach to emissions trading. Using Victoria to illustrate, we find that once CO2 prices exceed $17.50/t, the marginal coal generator facing large wealth transfers will withhold generating capacity to raise prices and recoup stranded investments, thus becoming a ‘wounded bull’ in the market place. This has material welfare implications with modelling results indicate an intermediate‐run 300 per cent increase in wholesale power prices.
Pressure Pain Sensitivity Mapping of the Temporalis Muscle Revealed Bilateral Pressure Hyperalgesia in Patients with Strictly Unilateral Migraine
Authors: Fernández-de-las-Peñas C , Madeleine P , Cuadrado ML , Ge H-Y , Arendt-Nielsen L , Pareja JA
Published: March 2009

Previous studies on pressure pain sensitivity in patients with migraine have shown conflicting results. There is emerging evidence suggesting that pain sensitivity is not uniformly distributed over the muscles, indicating the existence of topographical changes in pressure pain sensitivity. The aim of this study was to calculate topographical pressure pain sensitivity maps of the temporalis muscle in a blind design in patients with strictly unilateral migraine compared with controls. For this purpose, an electronic pressure algometer was used to measure pressure pain thresholds (PPT) over nine points of the temporalis muscle: three points in the anterior, medial and posterior parts, respectively. Pressure pain sensitivity maps of both sides (dominant or non-dominant; symptomatic or non-symptomatic) were calculated. The analysis of variance showed significant differences in PPT values between both groups ( F = 279.2; P < 0.001) and points ( F = 4.033; P < 0.001). Patients showed lower PPT at all nine points than healthy controls ( P < 0.001). We also found lower PPT in the centre of the muscle compared with the posterior part of the muscle within both groups ( P < 0.01). Interaction between group and points ( F = 1.9; P < 0.05) was also found. Within the migraine group, PPT levels were decreased bilaterally from the posterior to the anterior column of the temporalis muscle (Student-Newman-Keuls analysis; P < 0.05), with the most sensitive in the anterior part of the muscle. For controls, PPT did not follow such anatomical distribution, the most sensitive point being the centre of the mid-muscle belly. This study showed bilateral sensitization to pressure in unilateral migraine, suggesting the involvement of central components.
Cellular calcium deficiency plays a role in neuronal death caused by proteasome inhibitors
Authors: Wu Shengzhou , Hyrc Krzysztof L. , Moulder Krista L. , Lin Ying , Warmke Timothy , Snider B. Joy
Published: March 2009

Cytosolic Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) is reduced in cultured neurons undergoing neuronal death caused by inhibitors of the ubiquitin proteasome system. Activation of calcium entry via voltage‐gated Ca2+channels restores cytosolic Ca2+levels and reduces this neuronal death (Snideret al.2002). We now show that this reduction in [Ca2+]iis transient and occurs early in the cell death process, before activation of caspase 3. Agents that increase Ca2+influx such as activation of voltage‐gated Ca2+channels or stimulation of Ca2+entry via the plasma membrane Na–Ca exchanger attenuate neuronal death only if applied early in the cell death process. Cultures treated with proteasome inhibitors had reduced current density for voltage‐gated Ca2+channels and a less robust increase in [Ca2+]iafter depolarization. Levels of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+were reduced and capacitative Ca2+entry was impaired early in the cell death process. Mitochondrial Ca2+was slightly increased. Preventing the transfer of Ca2+from mitochondria to cytosol increased neuronal vulnerability to this death while blockade of mitochondrial Ca2+uptake via the uniporter had no effect. Programmed cell death induced by proteasome inhibition may be caused in part by an early reduction in cytosolic and endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+,possibly mediated by dysfunction of voltage‐gated Ca2+channels. These findings may have implications for the treatment of disorders associated with protein misfolding in which proteasome impairment and programmed cell death may occur.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α‐induced neutral sphingomyelinase‐2 modulates synaptic plasticity by controlling the membrane insertion of NMDA receptors
Authors: Wheeler David , Knapp Edward , Bandaru Veera V. R. , Wang Yue , Knorr David , Poirier Christophe , Mattson Mark P. , Geiger Jonathan D. , Haughey Norman J.
Published: March 2009

The insertion and removal of NMDA receptors from the synapse are critical events that modulate synaptic plasticity. While a great deal of progress has been made on understanding the mechanisms that modulate trafficking of NMDA receptors, we do not currently understand the molecular events required for the fusion of receptor containing vesicles with the plasma membrane. Here, we show that sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 3 (also known as neutral sphingomyelinase‐2) is critical for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α‐induced trafficking of NMDA receptors and synaptic plasticity. TNFα initiated a rapid increase in ceramide that was associated with increased surface localization of NMDA receptor NR1 subunits and a specific clustering of NR1 phosphorylated on serines 896 and 897 into lipid rafts. Brief applications of TNFα increased the rate and amplitude of NMDA‐evoked calcium bursts and enhanced excitatory post‐synaptic currents. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic mutation of neutral sphingomyelinase‐2 prevented TNFα‐induced generation of ceramide, phosphorylation of NR1 subunits, clustering of NR1, enhancement of NMDA‐evoked calcium flux and excitatory post‐synaptic currents.
Biometry and the IBS—Strength through Diversity
Authors: Mead Andrew
Published: March 2009

Summary The International Biometric Society (IBS) brings together members from a diversity of cultural backgrounds, organized into geographically based Regions and National Groups, and covering a diverse range of interests, in terms of both methodological topics and application areas. We briefly reflect on how the historical development of our science, society, and international conferences reflects this diversity, with a focus on the history of the British and Irish Region of the IBS. Then, by considering the cultural/geographical diversity of the society, and the scientific diversity of the society and biometricians, we identify both some strengths of the society (diverse topics for meetings arranged across the world, application of biometrical methods to diverse application areas, management of the society by members from a diversity of backgrounds) and also some current challenges (electronic delivery of journals and other information, the diversity of application areas addressed by members of the society, improving links with the scientific societies of those who motivate our research). Finally, we illustrate the diversity of scientific problems that each of us face in our roles as biometricians.
Freshwater fish community structured more by dispersal limitation than by environmental heterogeneity
Authors: Drakou E. G. , Bobori D. C. , Kallimanis A. S. , Mazaris A. D. , Sgardelis S. P. , Pantis J. D.
Published: March 2009

Abstract –  We examined the relative contribution of environmental heterogeneity and dispersal limitation on freshwater fish community composition in 18 Greek protected lakes and reservoirs. Environmental heterogeneity was measured by spatial pattern metrics (calculated by digital map processing, e.g., patch richness density, area‐weighted mean patch area), altitude, maximum lake depth and trophic status. Dispersal limitation was measured by straight‐line distances among lake centres. Ecosystems were clustered according to species composition. We examined the correlation of similarity in species composition among ecosystems with that of environmental heterogeneity and with straight‐line distances, for the entire dataset, as well as for the occurring clusters. Fish species richness increased with ecosystem area and decreased with altitude. The clusters identified (aquatic ecosystems of Northern vs. ecosystems of Western Greece), implied an underlying biogeographical pattern as defined, with Pindus range acting as a natural barrier. Between ecosystems similarity, based on fish species composition, showed a weak to insignificant correlation with environmental heterogeneity, but was significantly correlated to dispersal limitation for the entire dataset as well as within each occurring cluster. Thus, natural barriers, species biogeography and dispersal limitation played a more significant role in shaping freshwater fish communities than environmental heterogeneity.
Towards sustainable Text Concept Mapping
Authors: Conlon Tom
Published: March 2009

Previous experimental studies have indicated that young people's text comprehension and summarisation skills can be improved by techniques based on text concept mapping (TCM). However, these studies have done little to elucidate a practical pedagogy that can make the techniques adoptable within the context of typical secondary school classrooms. This paper explains how a collaborative research approach has developed a new pedagogy, named TCM/4, for TCM, along with new technology that supports this pedagogy in effective ways. Case studies of the strategy indicate that pupils enjoyed their lessons and shared their teachers' views that it was helpful in comprehending texts.
New generation sequencers as a tool for genotyping of highly polymorphic multilocus MHC system
Authors: BABIK WIESŁAW , TABERLET PIERRE , EJSMOND MACIEJ JAN , RADWAN JACEK
Published: March 2009

Accurate genotyping of complex systems, such as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) often requires simultaneous analysis of multiple co‐amplifying loci. Here we explore the utility of the massively parallel 454 sequencing method as a universal tool for genotyping complex MHC systems in nonmodel vertebrates. The power of this approach stems from the use of tagged polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers to identify individual amplicons which can be simultaneously sequenced to the arbitrarily chosen coverage. However, the error‐prone sequencing technology poses considerable challenges as it may be difficult to discriminate between sequencing errors and true rare alleles; due to complex nature of artefacts and errors, efficient quality control is required. Nevertheless, our study demonstrates the parallel 454 sequencing can be an efficient genotyping platform for MHC and provides an alternative to classical genotyping methods. We introduced procedures to identify the threshold that can be used to reduce number of genotyping errors by eliminating most of artefactual alleles (AA) representing PCR or sequencing errors. Our procedures are based on two expectations: first, that AA should be relatively rare, both overall and on per‐individual basis, and second, that most AA result from errors introduced to sequences of true alleles. In our data set, alleles with an average per‐individual frequency below 3% most likely represented artefacts. This threshold will vary in other applications according to the complexity of the genotyped system. We strongly suggest direct assessment of genotyping error in every experiment by running a fraction of duplicates: individuals amplified in independent PCRs.
SPECIAL MEETING TO BE HELD AT 41 QUEEN'S GATE, LONDON, SW7 ON WEDNESDAY, 6th DECEMBER, 1972 a t 6.45 p.m.
Authors: STROYAN H. L. G.
Published: March 2009

A Special Meeting, convened in accordance with the Bye‐Laws, Chapters XXIII and MVIU, will be held on Wednesday, 6th December, 1972, to consider and vote upon a motion by the Council that a Compounded Life Fellowship Fee be introduced for Fellows eligible under conditions laid down by Council, who desire to compound their annual contributions. The proposal will be moved from the Chair on behalf of Council.
Miniaturization of a Chest Compressor for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Castillo Carlos , Bisera Joe , Ristagno Giuseppe , Tang Wanchun , Weil Max Harry
Published: March 2009

A miniaturized chest compressor (MCC®) for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was designed to serve as a compact portable device to overcome limitations of manual chest compression and of currently marketed mechanical devices. We sought to especially address constraints of size and weight of current devices, together with the need for ease of application and consistent compressions with appropriate force and depth. We further intended that the device allows for ease of evacuation and transport through small spaces. These objectives are responsive to the increasingly recognized requirements for uninterrupted chest compression including that which results from operator fatigue during manual compressions. Utilizing a garment applied to the torso, the device incorporated a telescopic piston for chest compression. The compressor was pneumatically powered so as to avoid the added weight and potential electrical adversity of power delivered by batteries. Pneumatic power was supplied by the same compressed air or oxygen tank, which is routinely carried by professional emergency medical rescuers. The MCC® was tested on a porcine model during cardiac arrest and resuscitation with comparisons to the current industry standard, the Michigan Thumper®. Arterial, carotid, and coronary perfusion pressures, together with end-tidal carbon dioxide as a surrogate for cardiac output, were measured. The MCC® threshold levels of pressure, flow, and end-tidal PCO2 are achieved, which were predictive of successful defibrillation with restoration of spontaneous circulation. We conclude that the MCC® is as effective as that of the established industry standard, the Michigan Thumper®, with the potential advantage of portability and facile application, especially for out-of-hospital resuscitation.
Proliferation of Antibiotic-Producing Bacteria and Concomitant Antibiotic Production as the Basis for the Antibiotic Activity of Jordan's Red Soils
Authors: Falkinham Joseph O. , Wall Thomas E. , Tanner Justin R. , Tawaha Khaled , Alali Feras Q. , Li Chen , Oberlies Nicholas H.
Published: March 2009

Anecdotes, both historical and recent, recount the curing of skin infections, including diaper rash, by using red soils from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Following inoculation of red soils isolated from geographically separate areas of Jordan,Micrococcus luteusandStaphylococcus aureuswere rapidly killed. Over the 3-week incubation period, the number of specific types of antibiotic-producing bacteria increased, and high antimicrobial activity (MIC, ∼10 μg/ml) was observed in methanol extracts of the inoculated red soils. Antibiotic-producing microorganisms whose numbers increased during incubation included actinomycetes,Lysobacterspp., andBacillusspp. The actinomycetes produced actinomycin C2and actinomycin C3. No myxobacteria or lytic bacteriophages with activity against eitherM. luteusorS. aureuswere detected in either soil before or after inoculation and incubation. Although protozoa and amoebae were detected in the soils, the numbers were low and did not increase over the incubation period. These results suggest that the antibiotic activity of Jordan's red soils is due to the proliferation of antibiotic-producing bacteria.
Glycerol Utilization Gene Cluster in
Streptomyces clavuligerus
Authors: Baños Sonia , Pérez-Redondo Rosario , Koekman Bert , Liras Paloma
Published: March 2009

The
Streptomyces clavuligerus
ATCC 27064 glycerol cluster
gylR-glpF1K1D1
is induced by glycerol but is not affected by glucose.
S. clavuligerus
growth and clavulanic acid production are stimulated by glycerol, but this does not occur in a
glpK1
-deleted mutant. Amplification of
glpK1D1
results in transformants yielding larger amounts of clavulanic acid in the wild-type strain and in overproducer
S. clavuligerus
Gap15-7-30 or
S. clavuligerus
Δ
relA
strains.
Negative Fitness Consequences and Transmission Dynamics of a Heritable Fungal Symbiont of a Parasitic Wasp
Authors: Gibson Cara M. , Hunter Martha S.
Published: March 2009

Heritable bacterial symbionts are widespread in insects and can have many important effects on host ecology and fitness. Fungal symbionts are also important in shaping their hosts' behavior, interactions, and evolution, but they have been largely overlooked. Experimental tests to determine the relevance of fungal symbionts to their insect hosts are currently extremely rare, and to our knowledge, there have been no such tests for strictly predacious insects. We investigated the fitness consequences for a parasitic wasp (
Comperia merceti
) of an inherited fungal symbiont in the Saccharomycotina (Ascomycota) that was long presumed to be a mutualist. In comparisons of wasp lines with and without this symbiont, we found no evidence of mutualism. Instead, there were significant fitness costs to the wasps in the presence of the yeast; infected wasps attacked fewer hosts and had longer development times. We also examined the relative competitive abilities of the larval progeny of infected and uninfected mothers, as well as horizontal transmission of the fungal symbiont among larval wasps that shared a single host cockroach egg case. We found no difference in larval competitive ability when larvae whose infection status differed shared a single host. We did find high rates of horizontal transmission of the fungus, and we suggest that this transmission is likely responsible for the maintenance of this infection in wasp populations.
Migratory Response of Soil Bacteria to
Lyophyllum
sp. Strain Karsten in Soil Microcosms
Authors: Warmink J. A. , van Elsas J. D.
Published: March 2009

In this study, the selection of bacteria on the basis of their migration via fungal hyphae in soil was investigated in microcosm experiments containing
Lyophyllum
sp. strain Karsten (DSM2979). One week following inoculation with a bacterial community obtained from soil, selection of a few specific bacterial types was noticed at 30 mm in the growth direction of
Lyophyllum
sp. strain Karsten in sterile soil. Cultivation-based analyses showed that the migration-proficient types encompassed 10 bacterial groups, as evidenced by (GTG)
5
genomic fingerprinting as well as 16S rRNA gene sequencing. These were (>97% similarity)
Burkholderia terrae
BS001,
Burkholderia sordidicola
BS026,
Burkholderia sediminicola
BS010, and
Burkholderia phenazinium
BS028;
Dyella japonica
BS013, BS018, and BS021; “
Sphingoterrabacterium pocheensis
” BS024;
Sphingobacterium daejeonense
BS025; and
Ralstonia basilensis
BS017. Migration as single species was subsequently found for
B. terrae
BS001,
D. japonica
BS018 and BS021, and
R. basilensis
BS017. Typically, migration occurred only when these organisms were introduced at the fungal growth front and only in the direction of hyphal growth. Migration proficiency showed a one-sided correlation with the presence of the
hrcR
gene, used as a marker for the type III secretion system (TTSS), as all single-strain migrators were equipped with this system and most non-single-strain migrators were not. The presence of the TTSS stood in contrast to the low prevalence of TTSSs within the bacterial community used as an inoculum (<3%). Microscopic examination of
B. terrae
BS001 in contact with
Lyophyllum
sp. strain Karsten hyphae revealed the development of a biofilm surrounding the hyphae. Migration-proficient bacteria interacting with
Lyophyllum
sp. strain Karsten may show complex behavior (biofilm formation) at the fungal tip, leading to their translocation and growth in novel microhabitats in soil.