bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycoprotein targeting signals influence the distribution of measles virus envelope proteins and virus spread in lymphocytes
Authors: Runkler Nicole , Dietzel Erik , Moll Markus , Klenk Hans-Dieter , Maisner Andrea
Published: February 2008

We previously demonstrated the presence of tyrosine-dependent motifs for specific sorting of two measles virus (MV) glycoproteins, H and F, to the basolateral surface in polarized epithelial cells. Targeted expression of the glycoproteins was found to be required for virus spread in epithelia via cell-to-cell fusionin vitroandin vivo. In the present study, recombinant MVs (rMVs) with substitutions of the critical tyrosines in the H and F cytoplasmic domains were used to determine whether the sorting signals also play a crucial role for MV replication and spread within lymphocytes, the main target cells of acute MV infection. Immunolocalization revealed that only standard glycoproteins are targeted specifically to the uropod of polarized lymphocytes and cluster on the surface of non-polarized lymphocytes. H and F proteins with tyrosine mutations did not accumulate in uropods, but were distributed homogeneously on the surface and did not colocalize markedly with the matrix (M) protein. Due to the defective interaction with the M protein, all mutant rMVs showed an enhanced fusion capacity, but only rMVs harbouring two mutated glycoproteins showed a marked decrease in virus release from infected lymphocytes. These results demonstrate clearly that the tyrosine-based targeting motifs in the MV glycoproteins are not only important in polarized epithelial cells, but are also active in lymphocytes, thus playing an important role in virus propagation in different key target cells during acute MV infection.
New insights into internal ribosome entry site elements relevant for viral gene expression
Authors: Martínez-Salas Encarnación , Pacheco Almudena , Serrano Paula , Fernandez Noemi
Published: February 2008

A distinctive feature of positive-strand RNA viruses is the presence of high-order structural elements at the untranslated regions (UTR) of the genome that are essential for viral RNA replication. The RNA of all members of the familyPicornaviridaeinitiate translation internally, via an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) element present in the 5′ UTR. IRES elements consist ofcis-acting RNA structures that usually require specific RNA-binding proteins for translational machinery recruitment. This specialized mechanism of translation initiation is shared with other viral RNAs, e.g. from hepatitis C virus and pestivirus, and represents an alternative to the cap-dependent mechanism. In cells infected with many picornaviruses, proteolysis or changes in phosphorylation of key host factors induces shut off of cellular protein synthesis. This event occurs simultaneously with the synthesis of viral gene products since IRES activity is resistant to the modifications of the host factors. Viral gene expression and RNA replication in positive-strand viruses is further stimulated by viral RNA circularization, involving direct RNA–RNA contacts between the 5′ and 3′ ends as well as RNA-binding protein bridges. In this review, we discuss novel insights into the mechanisms that control picornavirus gene expression and compare them to those operating in other positive-strand RNA viruses.
Geographic variation in the function of ornaments in the common yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas
Authors: Dunn Peter O. , Whittingham Linda A. , Freeman‐Gallant Corey R. , DeCoste Jonathan
Published: February 2008

We used controlled aviary experiments to study the role of male ornaments in male‐male competition and female choice in the common yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas, a sexually dichromatic warbler. Previous aviary studies in Wisconsin, USA, indicated that males with larger black facial masks were dominant over males with smaller masks and preferred by females in mate choice experiments. In this study, we replicated those experiments in a population in New York, USA, where male mating success was related more consistently to the size of the yellow bib (throat, breast, and belly) than to the size of the mask. Similar to the study in Wisconsin, we found that males with larger masks were more likely to be dominant in New York, however, we found that males with larger bibs were preferred by females in New York, and there was no significant preference for males with larger masks. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that carotenoid‐based ornaments are selected by female choice and melanin‐based ornaments are selected by male‐male competition. However, the pattern of female choice appears to vary between New York and Wisconsin. This geographic difference could be related to a variety of environmental factors (habitat, carotenoid and parasite abundance) that affect the costs and benefits of choosing males with particular ornaments in each location.
Influence of temperatures during the nestling period on post‐fledging survival of great tit Parus major in a Mediterranean habitat
Authors: Greño José L. , Belda Eduardo J. , Barba Emilio
Published: February 2008

Survival during the first year is one of the most important factors determining fitness in birds. Birds have poor thermoregulatory abilities during the nestling period when the plumage is not fully developed, thus temperature during the nestling period is a serious candidate to affect post‐fledging survival, although it has been usually ignored in previous studies. We analysed the relationship between temperatures and post‐fledging survival in a great tit Parusmajor population in Sagunto (Spain) using capture‐recapture data from 12 years. Hatching dates, mass at fledging and temperatures during the nestling period (maximum, minimum and mean ambient temperatures as an estimation of the mean and extreme weather conditions that chicks encountered at the nest) were used as individual covariates. Mean post‐fledging survival was 0.13±0.01. Adult survival probability was 0.64±0.02. Multi‐model inference suggested that post‐fledging survival increased with fledging mass, and decreased as temperatures increased. Furthermore, the effect of mass on survival was less important as temperature was higher. We consider that high temperatures affect nestlings’ health due to low thermoregulatory abilities of nestlings. Model selection did not support a relationship between hatching dates and survival once mass and temperatures were taken into account. The results suggest the possibility that the effect of date on post‐fledging survival found in previous studies was, at least in part, a consequence of the seasonal pattern of temperature variation.
Changes in body mass and organ size during remigial moult in common scoter Melanitta nigra
Authors: Fox Anthony D. , Hartmann Poul , Petersen Ib K.
Published: February 2008

The “cost‐benefit” hypothesis states that avian body organs show mass changes consistent with the trade‐off between their functional importance and maintenance cost, which may vary throughout the annual cycle. Flightless moulting common scoter Melanitta nigra in Danish marine waters select rich undisturbed offshore feeding areas lacking predators, suggesting active feeding during moult. We tested four predictions relating to organ size during flightlessness in moulting male common scoter under this hypothesis. Namely that (i) pectoral muscles would show atrophy followed by hypertrophy, but that there would be no change in (ii) leg muscles and heart (the locomotory architecture required to sustain diving for food), (iii) digestive organs and liver (required to process food), or (iv) fat deposits (because birds could fulfil daily energy requirements from locally abundant food resources). Dissection of scoters collected at different stages during wing moult south of the Danish island of Læsø provided data on organ size that were consistent with these predictions. Pectoral muscle mass showed a c.23% atrophy during the middle of the flightless period relative to that at the end of moult. There was no significant loss in leg muscle, heart, digestive organs (except gizzard mass), liver, fat reserves or body mass with remigial growth. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that common scoter moult in a rich feeding area, and rely on their diet to meet the nutritional requirements of remigial moult. These results differ in detail from those of a similar study of terrestrial feeding moulting greylag geese Anser anser, but because of the widely differing ecology of the species concerned, both sets of findings provide strong support for the hypothesis that variations in phenotypic plasticity in size of fat stores, locomotor and digestive organs can be interpreted as evolutionary adaptations to meet the conflicting needs (feather growth, nutritional challenges and predator avoidance) of the flightless moult period in different Anatidae species.
Stable isotope evidence for different regional source areas of common crossbill Loxia curvirostra irruptions into Britain
Authors: Marquiss Mick , Hobson Keith A. , Newton Ian
Published: February 2008

We used the stable isotope composition of body feathers to show the extraordinarily varying regional provenance of an irruptive conifer seed specialist, the common crossbill Loxia curvirostra. In the boreal region of the western Palearctic, this species specialises on the seeds of Norway spruce Picea abies. The patterns of deuterium in the feathers of migrant common crossbills collected in Britain suggested that irruptions in different years originated in widely separated regions of the Palearctic boreal forest. The birds from some irruptions were relatively narrow‐billed compared with those from others, but bill width was not correlated with deuterium values. However, deuterium values did co‐vary with the dates that the irruptions reached Britain, with the lowest deuterium levels in years with the latest arrivals. This finding was consistent with the idea that birds with low values came further, from regions far to the northeast. This pattern was very different from that found in irruptive northern bullfinches Pyrrhula p.pyrrhula which had larger variation in deuterium values within an irruption, suggestive of a much more widespread provenance. It is argued that the difference between species is the result of their differing foraging ecology. Bullfinches have a varied summer diet and, unlike common crossbills, do not concentrate regionally to breed where a single type of food is available that year.
Continental efforts: migration speed in spring and autumn in an inner‐Asian migrant
Authors: Raess Michael
Published: February 2008

Migration speed in passerines is generally assumed to be higher in spring than in autumn. So far this has been only shown for the western Palaearctic‐Afrotropic migration system. I compiled published records of the movements of Siberian stonechats Saxicola torquata maura in Central and northern Asia to reconstruct their spatiotemporal movement patterns in this region and to estimate migration speed in spring and autumn. My estimate of spring migration speed in the Siberian stonechats does not differ from that in autumn and is lower than the reported spring migration speeds in European passerines. Northward progression of Siberian stonechats seems to be constrained by the prevailing environmental conditions, as indicated by low temperatures and vegetation indices. Low food availability at stopover and the obstruction of the migration route by steep environmental gradients may apply also to other migratory species in the area.
Biogeographical boundaries and Monmonier’s algorithm: a case study in the northern Neotropics
Authors: Patten Michael A. , Smith‐Patten Brenda D.
Published: February 2008

Aim To use Monmonier’s algorithm, a spatially explicit technique, to elucidate positions of biogeographical boundaries in the northern Neotropics.

Location The northern Neotropics (Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Mexico, south to trans‐Andean Colombia).

Methods We compiled avifaunal lists for 36 forested sites from the literature, museum records, field notes, and web sources. We constructed distance matrices as inverse Jaccard’s similarity, used Monmonier’s algorithm to place biogeographical boundaries, and created bootstrap matrices to determine the relative strength of boundaries.

Results Biogeographical boundaries with the best support separated lowland (< 1000 m) and montane sites and areas with a distinct historical background, such as seaways, suture zones, volcanic peaks, and former islands.

Main conclusions Monmonier’s algorithm used with distance (dissimilarity) data effectively identified biogeographical boundaries consistent with historical processes and with past research. Montane sites tended to be circumscribed by sharp boundaries, emphasizing their isolation and higher endemism. Lowland sites, by contrast, tended to be homogeneous, suggesting that dispersal has played a much larger role at low elevations. Former seaways, as in the Nicaraguan Depression and extended Bay of Urabá, yielded boundaries, but typically for highland avifauna only. In addition to providing a rigorous (bootstrap support) and heuristic (direct mapping) means of locating biotic boundaries, Monmonier’s algorithm can be a valuable tool for conservation planning.
Orthodontic space closure versus implant placement in subjects with missing teeth
Authors: THILANDER B.
Published: February 2008

Summary  The aim was to give a systematic review of alternative orthodontic space closure and implant placement in young adults with missing teeth. A literary search was made in the MEDLINE (Pub Med) database from 1990 to 2007. Totally 146 articles were found. Only studies in the English language or other languages with an English abstract were accepted, which reduced the number to 91 articles. Among them, only one prospective and three retrospective articles, two review papers and five case reports with discussion were found. The others presented one or two cases, or focused on treatment planning of missing teeth in general. Consequently, they were excluded. Moreover, a manual search of bibliographies in relevant journals gave no additional information. Thus, only 11 relevant articles were accepted. This systematic review clearly showed, that both alternatives (space closure or implant placement) present advantages as well as disadvantages. Knowledge about tissue reaction of orthodontic space closure and dento‐facial development (including continuous changes of the dentition and its supporting tissues) are significant factors in the choice of treatment. Thus, we need more research on basic level and clinical follow‐up studies of large samples.
Protective effect of a multiantigenic DNA vaccine against Toxoplasma gondii with co‐delivery of IL‐12 in mice
Authors: CUI Y.‐L. , HE S.‐Y. , XUE M.‐F. , ZHANG J. , WANG H.‐X. , YAO Y.
Published: February 2008

In this study, we constructed a multiantigenic DNA vaccine, pSAG1‐ROP2‐SAG2 and examined its effect with co‐delivery of a plasmid encoding IL‐12 (pIL‐12) as an adjuvant in BALB/c mice against Toxoplasma gondii. After a lethal challenge of T. gondii RH strain, survival of the mice immunized with this pSAG1‐ROP2‐SAG2 vaccine was significantly prolonged in comparison to the control groups. Furthermore, the protection was significantly augmented by pIL‐12 co‐delivery. As demonstrated by lymphocyte proliferation assay, cytokine and antibody level determinations, the humoral and Th1‐type cellular responses elicited by this multiantigenic DNA vaccine were significantly stronger than those elicited by double‐antigenic, or single‐antigenic DNA vaccines. Our data suggest that multiantigenic DNA vaccine with pIL‐12 co‐delivery is a very effective approach in the protection against T. gondii.
Sex‐specific responses of Populus cathayana to drought and elevated temperatures
Authors: XU XIAO , YANG FAN , XIAO XIANGWEN , ZHANG SHENG , KORPELAINEN HELENA , LI CHUNYANG
Published: February 2008

Dioecious plant species represent an important component of terrestrial ecosystems. Yet, little is known about sex‐specific responses to drought and elevated temperatures. Populus cathayana Rehd, which is a dioecious, deciduous tree species, widely distributed in the northern, central and southwestern regions of China, was employed as a model species in our study. In closed‐top chamber experiments, sex‐specific morphological, physiological and biochemical responses of P. cathayana to drought and different elevated temperatures were investigated. Compared with the controls, drought significantly decreased the growth and the net photosynthesis rate (A), and increased the intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi), carbon isotope composition (δ13C), and the malondialdehyde (MDA) and abscisic acid (ABA) contents in droughted plants. In contrast, elevated temperatures significantly promoted the growth and the A, but decreased the WUEi, δ13C, MDA and ABA contents in well‐watered individuals. When compared with males, elevated temperatures induced well‐watered females to express a greater increase in the height growth (HG), basal diameter (BD), leaf area (LA), total number of leaves (TNL), dry matter accumulation (DMA) and specific leaf area (SLA), and a lower decrease in the A value, transpiration (E), stomatal conductance (gs), MDA and ABA contents, while elevated temperatures induced drought‐stressed females to exhibit lower values of HG, BD, LA, TNL, DMA, A, E, gs and the intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), and higher levels of SLA, WUEi, δ13C, MDA and ABA contents. Our results indicated that the female individuals of P. cathayana are more responsive and suffer from greater negative effects than do males when grown under environments with increased drought stress and elevated temperature.
Restoration of Impaired Free Radical Generation and Proinflammatory Cytokines by MCP‐1 in Mycobacterial Pathogenesis
Authors: Majumder N. , Bhattacharjee S. , Bhattacharyya (Majumdar) S. , Dey R. , Guha P. , Pal N. K. , Majumdar S.
Published: February 2008

Mycobacterium tuberculosis exerts its pathogenic effects mainly via its cell wall glycolipid called Mannosylated Lipoarabinomannan (Man‐LAM), which subverts the cellular inflammatory responses by the suppression of superoxide anion generation in earlier hours, and nitric oxide (NO) generation at later hours of pathogenic invasion. In this paper, we have shown the prophylactic effect of C‐C chemokines, both in vitro and in vivo. Exogenous administration of C‐C chemokines, particularly monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1, led to the induction of superoxide anion generation via the restoration of impaired protein kinase C (PKC) signalling in Man‐LAM‐treated macrophages. Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 could also potently induce NO generation by upregulation of the proinflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐12 from Man‐LAM‐treated macrophages accompanied by inhibition of anti‐inflammatory responses. Our in vivo observations clearly exhibited effective restoration of impaired PKC signalling as well as proinflammatory cytokine expression by MCP‐1 in Man‐LAM treated as well as M. tuberculosis H37Rv‐infected C57BL/6 mice. We also observed, as direct evidence, that MCP‐1 induced a significant reduction of the number of viable tubercle bacilli in the lungs and spleen of infected mice. Collectively, our findings strongly suggest the effectiveness of MCP‐1 as a potent immunoprophylactic tool for controlling the mycobacterial establishment within the host.
Responsiveness of Eosinophils to Aeroallergens may be Independent of Atopic Status
Authors: Redvall E. , Bengtsson U. , Wennerås C.
Published: February 2008

It has been reported that extracts from common aeroallergens directly activate eosinophils from non‐allergic individuals, eliciting chemotaxis and degranulation. The aims of this study were to compare the reactivity of eosinophils from non‐atopic and atopic individuals to airborne allergens, and to assess if this reactivity was modulated by natural exposure to birch pollen. Blood‐derived eosinophils were stimulated with allergen extracts from birch pollen, cat dander, house dust mite and timothy grass, and their capacity to degranulate (eosinophil peroxidase, EPO; major basic protein, MBP) and produce T helper type 1 and 2 cytokines were evaluated as well as their capacity to migrate in vitro, in and out of the birch pollen season. Eosinophils from atopic and non‐atopic individuals responded similarly to stimulation with allergen extracts with respect to directed migration, EPO and MBP release, which was independent of the season when the samples were collected. Interestingly, eosinophils from both study groups were incapable of producing tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) during the birch pollen season, but could generate interleukin‐4. Innate responsiveness of eosinophils to aeroallergens is independent of the atopic status of the individual. In vivo exposure to birch allergen as seen during the birch pollen season downregulates the capacity of eosinophils to produce the cytokine TNF‐α.
Human serum antibodies recognize Treponema denticola Msp and PrtP protease complex proteins
Authors: Capone R. , Wang H. T. , Ning Y. , Sweier D. G. , Lopatin D. E. , Fenno J. C.
Published: February 2008

Background/aims:  Treponema denticola outer membrane proteins are postulated to have key roles in microbe–host interactions in periodontitis. Because there are no reports of in vivo expression of these putative virulence factors, we examined several T. denticola strains to determine whether sera from human subjects recognized specific T. denticola outer membrane proteins.

Methods:  Soluble extracts were prepared from exponential phase cultures of T. denticola strains representing three serotypes, from defined T. denticola mutants defective in Msp (major surface protein) or PrtP lipoprotein protease complex (CTLP; dentilisin), and Escherichia coli strains expressing distinctly different T. denticola Msp. Extracts were subjected to Western immunoassays using archived human serum samples.

Results:  Human serum antibodies (immunoglobulin G class) recognized multiple protein bands in T. denticola strains. In the parent strain ATCC 35405, these included bands at 72‐, 53‐, 40‐, and 30‐kDa. Bands corresponding to Msp and the PrtP protease complex proteins were absent in isogenic msp and protease complex mutants, respectively. Individual human sera showed specificity for one or more Msp types.

Conclusions:  This is the first definitive report of human serum antibody responses to specific T. denticola antigens. T. denticola Msp and the proteins comprising the PrtP lipoprotein protease complex are expressed in vivo and are immunogenic in humans. Human antibody recognition of Msp exhibits strain specificity and is consistent with strain serotyping. These results demonstrate the utility of T. denticola isogenic mutants in characterizing host immune responses to periodontal pathogens.
Self‐Organized Shape and Frontal Density of Fish Schools
Authors: Hemelrijk Charlotte K. , Hildenbrandt Hanno
Published: February 2008

Models of swarming (based on avoidance, alignment and attraction) produce patterns of behaviour also seen in schools of fish. However, the significance of such similarities has been questioned, because some model assumptions are unrealistic [e.g. speed in most models is constant with random error, the perception is global and the size of the schools that have been studied is small (up to 128 individuals)]. This criticism also applies to our former model, in which we demonstrated the emergence of two patterns of spatial organization, i.e. oblong school form and high frontal density, which are supposed to function as protection against predators. In our new model we respond to this criticism by making the following improvements: individuals have a preferred ‘cruise speed’ from which they can deviate in order to avoid others or to catch up with them. Their range of perception is inversely related to density, with which we take into account that high density limits the perception of others that are further away. Swarm sizes range from 10 to 2000 individuals. The model is three‐dimensional. Further, we show that the two spatial patterns (oblong shape and high frontal density) emerge by self‐organization as a side‐effect of coordination at two speeds (of two or four body lengths per second) for schools of sizes above 20. Our analysis of the model leads to the development of a new set of hypotheses. If empirical data confirm these hypotheses, then in a school of real fish these patterns may arise as a side‐effect of their coordination in the same way as in the model.
THE USEFULNESS OF ACCOUNTING INFORMATION IN THE MEASUREMENT OF TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY IN AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES
Authors: GUZMÁN Isidoro , ARCAS Narciso
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT**: The study of the performance of agricultural cooperatives has become increasingly important in recent years, due to the significant role that they have in the agricultural food sector. In this context, the present study has a double aim: On one hand to use the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique in order to measure the efficiency of agricultural cooperatives, and on the other hand, to analyse if this technique is complementary to the traditional economic and financial ratio analysis. In order to achieve these objectives, an empirical study is carried out using the data of 247 observations made over a horizontal time span of three accounting years (2001–2003). The results show that the efficiency measures obtained by means of the DEA technique are an appropriate complement to the economic analysis of agricultural cooperatives.
LIGHT, DARKNESS, AND AFRICAN SALVATION: VELÁZQUEZ'S SUPPER AT EMMAUS
Authors: TIFFANY TANYA J.
Published: February 2008

This study locates Velázquez's Supper at Emmaus (c. 1617/18) within early seventeenth‐century debates on the Christian conversion of Seville's African slaves. Through a careful analysis of writings by Sevillian clerics, the essay argues that Velázquez gave pictorial form to discourse on African spiritual ‘illumination’ and developing theories of skin colour. Treatises by Seville's ecclesiastics also provide crucial insight into the original, elite audience for whom Velázquez surely constructed his African subject. In Supper at Emmaus, Velázquez presented his male beholder with one possession encompassed within another: a female slave in a painting by Seville's most promising young artist.
Bound by stereotypes?
Authors: Kelan Elisabeth
Published: February 2008

Elisabeth Kelan shows that many organizations make sweeping assumptions about working women ‐ and men. Do you?
Art foundation
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: February 2008

Dawn Austwick heads one of the UK's most influential charitable foundations. In a wide ranging interview she looks at her career ‐ from fringe theatre to project managing Tate Modern to funding initiatives and projects throughout the UK.
Empires of the mind
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: February 2008

Tony Buzan invented the concept of mind mapping and has spent the last 40 years bringing the concept to the world. He talked to Stuart Crainer about his remarkable life.
What if we just think differently?
Authors: Birkinshaw Julian , Dearlove Des
Published: February 2008

The UK‐based innovation company? What If! has pursued a unique and imaginative route to growth. Julian Birkinshaw and Des Dearlove look at the broader lessons.
Fundamentally fit
Authors: Mullins John W.
Published: February 2008

John Mullins examines the factors critical to success in business and their implications for building successful entrepreneurial teams.
Grow and play
Authors: Mainemelis Babis , Harvey Sarah , Peters Georgina
Published: February 2008

In conversation with Georgina Peters, Babis Mainemelis and Sarah Harvey suggest that you and your employees should play more: it can help your company evolve into one that's more creative, innovative ‐ and fun.
Dynamic strategy
Authors: Peters Georgina
Published: February 2008

Is there anything new to be said on the subject of strategy?Kim Warren believes there is. Georgina Peters talks with him about his new book, Strategic Management Dynamics.
Special report: Competing on knowledge
Authors: Bessant John , Birkinshaw Julian , Delbridge Rick , Griffith Rachel , Haskel Jonathan , Neely Andy
Published: February 2008

Traditionally, the UK has been regarded as good at innovation ‐ with many inventions and scientific breakthroughs. So, can this nation rest easy? No. Based on extensive research by the Advanced Institute of Management Research (AIM), it would appear that the agenda for keeping Britain competitive is a demanding one. Six AIM authors report on what the UK needs to know. And do.
Traffic Estimation and Optimal Counting Location Without Path Enumeration Using Bayesian Networks
Authors: Castillo Enrique , Menéndez José María , Sánchez‐Cambronero Santos
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  This article deals with the problem of estimating and updating the origin‐destination matrix and link flows from traffic counts and its optimal location. A combination (bi‐level) of an OD‐pair matrix estimation model based on Bayesian networks, and a Wardrop‐minimum‐variance model, which identifies origins and destinations of link flows, is used to estimate OD‐pair and unobserved link flows based on some observations of links and/or OD‐pair flows. The Bayesian network model is also used to select the optimal number and locations of the links counters based on maximum correlation. Finally, the proposed methods are illustrated by their application to the Nguyen–Dupuis and the Ciudad Real networks.
FIRING COSTS AND BUSINESS CYCLE FLUCTUATIONS*
Authors: Veracierto Marcelo
Published: February 2008

This article considers a real business cycle model with establishment level dynamics and uses it to analyze the effects of firing taxes. It finds that firing taxes can have significant consequences on business cycle fluctuations, that the largest effects are on aggregate employment, and that even relatively small firing taxes have substantial effects. A significant contribution of the article is computational: It describes how to use standard linear‐quadratic methods to solve for a stochastic equilibrium of an (S,s) economy with tax distortions.
SEARCH DIRECTION AND WAGE DISPERSION*
Authors: Halko Marja‐Liisa , Kultti Klaus , Virrankoski And Juha
Published: February 2008

In a directed search model, we allow the unemployed and the vacancies to choose whether to send or receive wage offers. This determines the market structure. There are several equilibria but a unique evolutionary stable one. Wage offers are made under incomplete information about the number of offers, and the equilibrium strategies involve mixing. This results in wage dispersion. We show that if the unemployment–vacancy ratio is close to unity, the stable equilibrium consists of two submarkets with opposite search directions. Otherwise, the long side of the market sends offers. The stable equilibrium is efficient, given the frictions.
PUBLIC GOOD PROVISION AND THE COMPARATIVE STATICS OF OPTIMAL NONLINEAR INCOME TAXATION*
Authors: Brett Craig , Weymark John A.
Published: February 2008

Comparative static properties of the solution to an optimal nonlinear income tax problem are provided for a model in which the government both designs an income tax schedule for redistributive purposes and provides a public good optimally. There are two types of individuals, distinguished by their skill levels, who have the same quasilinear preferences for labor supply and the consumption of a private and a public good. Comparative statics are obtained for the weights in a weighted utilitarian social welfare function, the prices of the two goods, a taste parameter that measures the onerousness of working, and the skill levels.
ATTRACTING SKEPTICAL BUYERS: NEGOTIATING FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS*
Authors: Anton James J. , Yao Dennis A.
Published: February 2008

Expropriable disclosures of knowledge to prospective buyers may be necessary to facilitate the sale of intellectual property (IP). In principle, confidentiality agreements can protect disclosures by granting the seller rights to sue for unauthorized use. In practice, sellers often waive confidentiality rights. We provide an incomplete information explanation for the waiver of confidentiality rights that are valuable in complete information settings. Waiving sacrifices the protective value of confidentiality to gain greater buyer participation. Buyer skepticism, which reduces participation, arises endogenously from three elements: asymmetric information regarding seller IP, rent dissipation from competition for IP, and ex post costs from expropriation lawsuits.
Subclinical Dysfunction of Cochlea and Cochlear Efferents in Migraine: An Otoacoustic Emission Study
Authors: Bolay H , Bayazit YA , Gündüz B , Ugur AK , Akçali D , Altunyay S , Ilica S , Babacan A
Published: February 2008

Otoacoustic emission (OAE) testing enables us to identify the cochlear component of a hearing disorder and to monitor objectively minute changes in cochlear status undetectable by other audiological methods. Contralateral sound-induced suppression is mediated by medial superior olivary complex efferents which induce hyperpolarization counteracting the amplifying effects of outer hair cell (OHC) activity. The aim of this study was to assess functions of cochlea and its efferents in migraine using OAE testing and contralateral suppression of transiently evoked OAEs (TEOAE). Fifty-three migraineurs (106 ears) and 41 healthy subjects (82 ears) were included and pure tone audiometry (PTA), speech discrimination scores (SDS), distortion product OAE (DPOAE), TEOAE and contralateral suppression of TEOAEs were tested. PTA and SDS of migraineurs and controls were not different ( P > 0.05). DPOAEs were tested between 1 and 6 kHz and a significant difference was detected only at 5 kHz frequency, where DPOAE amplitudes in migraine with aura (MA) were lower than in controls ( P < 0.03). The mean amplitudes of TEOAEs were statistically insignificant between controls and migraine groups. Contralateral sound stimulus induced significant decrease in amplitudes of TEOAE ( P = 0.005) in controls. In patients with migraine without aura and MA, mean amplitudes of TEOAEs were not suppressed by contralateral sound stimulus ( P > 0.05). As PTA, SDS and DPOAE tests demonstrate normal functioning of inner ear between 1 and 4 kHz, absence of suppression of the TEOAEs by contralateral sound stimulation indicates the presence of dysfunction either in the medial olivocochlear complex in the brainstem or at the synaptic transmission between olivocochlear efferents and OHCs in the cochlea. Disruption in the contralateral suppression may be one of the mechanisms predisposing to the phonophobia symptom associated with migraine headache.
Caregivers recognize and bias response towards individual young in a cooperative breeding mammal, the banded mongoose
Authors: Gilchrist J. S. , Otali E. , Mwanguhya F.
Published: February 2008

In research on parental care and cooperative breeding an issue is whether caregivers recognize individual young and therefore preferentially care for those young that will maximize inclusive fitness gains. This field study experimentally evaluates whether caregivers within groups of the cooperative breeding banded mongoose (a communal breeding species that produces litters of mixed parentage) exhibit individual recognition and increased responsiveness to the pup to which they are normally associated within a stable escort–pup pairing. A focal pup was presented to its group under controlled circumstances following temporary removal. The focal escort of a specific pup was more responsive to controlled presentation of that pup than other adults (a control escort, other escorts and non‐escorts), spending a greater amount of time in close proximity. This study therefore demonstrates individual recognition and increased responsiveness by adult caregivers to associated pups in the banded mongoose. Thus, caregivers may selectively provide care for specific young within a litter, potentially increasing their inclusive fitness.
Processing local pragmatic anomalies in fictional contexts: Evidence from the N400
Authors: Filik Ruth , Leuthold Hartmut
Published: February 2008

Readers typically experience processing difficulty when they encounter a word that is anomalous within the local context, such as “The cat picked up the chainsaw.” In an ERP study, we demonstrate that by placing such a sentence in a fictional scenario that is well known to the reader (e.g., a Tom and Jerry cartoon), the N400 effect usually associated with these pragmatic anomalies can be eliminated. This finding suggests that readers can rapidly integrate information from their common ground while interpreting incoming text and provides further evidence that incoming words are immediately evaluated within the global discourse.
The Vagal Factor in Foetal Heart Rate Change I.—The Effect of Abdominal Pressure
Authors: Bradfield Alan
Published: February 2008

Firm pressure was applied at various points to the abdomen of each of 29 women in labour about term.

The foetal electrocardiogram was monitored simultaneously.

In every case there was some change in foetal heart rate.

The usual response was bradycardia from pressure over the lower abdomen, grading out from one point where maximum slowing was found to occur.

In one case foetal cardiac standstill was produced.

The shape of the heart rate patterns, the effect of atropine and the configuration of the foetal electrocardiogram suggest a vagal mechanism.

These observations may point to a possible cause of sudden death in utero.

The need for caution in external manipulations is emphasized.

Use of the foetal stethoscope can itself sometimes cause bradycardia.

Slowing of the foetal heart on attempted engagement of the presenting part should not be over‐emphasized as a sign of placenta praevia.

The likelihood of finding the cord entangled at delivery seems greatest when major bradycardia is produced by pressure over 3 sites in the lower abdomen.
Coexisting Primary Carcinoma of the Uterus and Ovary with Reference to a Theory of Origin
Authors: Barham K. A.
Published: February 2008

THE association of primary carcinoma of the uterine body and of the ovary is relatively uncommon but has been reported by a number of workers: Howard Taylor (Jr.) (1929), Shaw (1932), Offutt (1932), Lynch and Dockerty (1945). Jeffcoate (1957) and Holland and Bourne (1959) accept the association in their respective textbooks of gynaecology.
Placenta Accreta A Report of Six Cases
Authors: Beavis E. L. G.
Published: February 2008

Placenta accreta is a very rare condition, although minor degrees probably occur more frequently than can be recognized. The abnormal relationship between the chorionic tissue and the decidua may involve part or all of the placental surface. The depth of involvement also varies … the chorionic villi may abut directly on to the surface of the myometrium, or pass into its substance, or progress through it to the serous surface of the uterus.

Six cases are described and are compared with 34 cases collected from the recent literature.

Placenta accreta may be suspected if there is a history of manual removal or curettage after delivery, or if the existing pregnancy is complicated by placenta praevia.

The complications of placenta accreta are considered, and it is emphasized that methods of management which are usually adequate may not suffice when this condition is present.

Occasionally hysterectomy may be necessary, and if so the subtotal operation with preservation of the ovaries is the procedure of choice.

It is important to conduct obstetrics in hospitals with readily available facilities for blood transfusion, and for surgical treatment if necessary, if maternal death due to this abnormality is to be prevented.
Symphysiotomy in a Primitive Community
Authors: Ryan B P K.
Published: February 2008

A brief description of the indications, technique and complications of symphysiotomy has been given.

The details of its use in 8 patients have been described; the immediate results in 7 of these patients were considered to be satisfactory. Because of the peculiar conditions in New Guinea, it seems that there is a greater place there for symphysiotomy than in more advanced countries.
Pattern of Pregnancies in Abortion‐Prone Patients
Authors: Rawlings W. J.
Published: February 2008

1. The effect of careful supervision on 386 pregnancies in 150 abortion‐prone women is reviewed.

2. An attempt is made to assess the chances of success of such patients in successive pregnancies whilst under personal supervision.
Combined Actinomycotic and Tuberculous Salpingitis.
Authors: Churches Kelvin , Barter R. A.
Published: February 2008

The clinical features, pathological findings, and treatment of a patient with combined actinomycotic and tuberculous infection of the fallopian tubes is described.

Although the illness was characterized by marked toxicity and prolonged morbidity, eventual recovery was complete.

The literature concerning actinomycosis of the female genital tract is briefly reviewed.
Primary Carcinoma of Bartholin's Gland
Authors: O'Neill James P.
Published: February 2008

1. Primary carcinoma of Bartholin's gland is a rare condition. Including the 2 cases above, there have now been 125 reports in the literature.

2. Because initial symptoms are mild, there may be a considerable “patient delay”.

3. Clinical diagnosis and histological confirmation are usually simple.

4. No one person sees enough cases to evaluate different forms of treatment. Because of the doubtful radiosensitivity of the tumour, radical vulvectomy with bilateral radical groin dissection appears to be indicated in patients with operable lesions. The role of post‐operative deep X‐ray therapy is debatable.

5. Case 1 illustrates most of the clinical features of the disease in its early stages. Case 2, with a very unusual mode of presentation, reflects the poor outlook when the disease is advanced.
Report of Three Cases of Vesicocervical Fistula
Authors: Macknight Ella
Published: February 2008

Three cases of vesicocervical fistula are presented.

In each case, the abnormality followed a lower uterine segment Caesarean section.

The initial presentation usually consists of a leakage of urine from the cervix and vagina, and the appearance of periodic haematuria.

A satisfactory technique for the repair of this defect is described.
Tubal Pregnancy: A Report on Sixty‐three Cases
Authors: Hammouda A. A.
Published: February 2008

An analysis of 63 patients with tubal pregnancy is presented.

The incidence in this series was 1:198 viable pregnancies. A review of the clinical features of ectopic pregnancy is given.

The importance of early and adequate resuscitation in cases of rupture is stressed. Conservative surgery should be employed in a selected group of patients with tubal pregnancy.

Eighteen patients who were followed became pregnant (40%), and 12 of these carried the pregnancy to term.
The Clinical Implications of the Reflux Theory with Reference to Reproductive Abnormalities
Authors: Iffy L.
Published: February 2008

1. The author's research originating from his reflux theory of the aetiology of ectopic pregnancy has been reviewed and the main conclusions of his investigations summarized. It has been concluded that there is overwhelming evidence suggesting that a wide range of pregnancy disorders are related to one main pathogenetic factor: post‐mid‐cycle ovulation and conception.

2. It has been suggested that pre‐ and particularly post‐mid‐cycle contraceptive measures, together with adequate hormone therapy, could prevent, to a certain degree, the repetition of various pathological conditions of pregnancy.

3. Some technical questions concerning the management of various pregnancy anomalies have been discussed.
Culdoscopy — A Study of 402 Cases
Authors: Grant Alan , Robertson Struan
Published: February 2008

The indications, contra‐indications and technique of culdoscopy are recorded.

The results of 402 culdoscopies, with particular reference to diagnostic accuracy and complications, are described.

Culdoscopy saved a “blind” laparotomy in 35% of patients examined prior to proposed plastic operations on the fallopian tubes.

Culdoscopy enabled a diagnosis to be made in 66% of gynaecological problems.

Culdoscopy explained “unexplained” sterility in 75% of patients.

Culdoscopy frequently demonstrated pelvic disease where none could be felt on pelvic examination.

The diagnostic accuracy was 92% overall, and 96% in a personal series.

The major difficulties are those encountered by the anaesthetist.

Culdoscopy is safer, quicker, cheaper and less damaging than an abdominal operation done for exploratory purposes.
Hypertensive Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia:Observations of the Urinary Excretion of Oestrogens and Pregnanediol during Pregnancy
Authors: Shearman Rodney P.
Published: February 2008

Details are presented of a thirty‐two‐year‐old patient with hypertensive congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Born with abnormal external genitals, the patient menstruated regularly from the age of 9 years despite progressive virilization. The external genitals were corrected surgically. Treatment with prednisone controlled both hypertension and virilization. Conception occurred 9 months after the initiation of treatment but terminated in spontaneous abortion.

A second pregnancy resulted in delivery of a living male infant near term. Urinary oestrogens were extremely low throughout pregnancy; urinary pregnanediol, initially normal, reached the low limits of normal with the development of hypertension in the last trimester.
The Use of Radiation Response (RR) in Selecting the Method of Treatment of Carcinoma Cervicis Uteri
Authors: Chesterman John N.
Published: February 2008

The Grahams' method of determining prognosis by vaginal cytology has been employed in a small series of cases, not yet large enough to be statistically significant. However, the trends of our results all point in the one direction, towards confirmation of the findings of the Grahams and of Kjellgren and others.

After radiation, women with good RR have a greater survival rate than those with poor RR.

Good RR is more often found in older women, after the menopause.

Women with poor RR have a higher survival rate when treated by surgery instead of radiation.

At the Women's Hospital, Crown Street, we have found that good SR is closely correlated to good RR, but that poor SR is not a significant indication of subsequent RR.

For this reason, we consider that SR alone is not useful as a guide to the method of treatment.
Cytological Prediction of Radiosensitivity in Carcinoma of the Cervix*
Authors: Chanen William
Published: February 2008

1. A study of sensitization response (SR) and radiation reaction (RR) values in carcinoma of the cervix has been conducted with special reference to the use of these indices to select those patients most likely to benefit from post‐irradiational surgery.

2. SR studies did not prove to be a reliable prognostic index. In particular, no valid association could be demonstrated between SR value and the incidence of local residual growth or pelvic lymph node metastasis.

3. RR studies revealed a significant correlation between RR value and the presence of local residual growth after previous radiotherapy. This finding can be used as an aid in selecting those patients who would best benefit from subsequent radical surgery.

4. The drawbacks involved in RR evaluation lie chiefly in the technical difficulties of reading, in its limited use with small and superficial Stage I growths, and its failure to help detect the presence of nodal metastasis.

5. Determination of the correct treatment of carcinoma of the cervix is a complex and highly individual problem. Before a decision is made, every available facet of prognostic aid should be considered.