bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances in the prediction of protein targeting signals
Authors: Schneider Gisbert , Fechner Uli
Published: April 2004

Enlarged sets of reference data and special machine learning approaches have improved the accuracy of the prediction of protein subcellular localization. Recent approaches report over 95% correct predictions with low fractions of false‐positives for secretory proteins. A clear trend is to develop specifically tailored organism‐ and organelle‐specific prediction tools rather than using one general method. Focus of the review is on machine learning systems, highlighting four concepts: the artificial neural feed‐forward network, the self‐organizing map (SOM), the Hidden‐Markov‐Model (HMM), and the support vector machine (SVM).
Melting and crystallization behavior of poly(vinylidene fluoride) produced isothermally in the intercrystalline spaces of poly(ethylene terephthalate) from its blends
Authors: Rahman M. Habibur , Nandi Arun K.
Published: April 2004

The melting of isothermally crystallized poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVF2), produced in the intercrystalline spaces of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) from its blends, showed a unique behavior: the melting temperature decreased with the increasing crystallinity of PVF2 (i.e., with increasing crystallization time) for PVF2 volume fractions of 0.64 and 0.51. The melting temperature of already crystallized PET also decreased as the PVF2 crystallization progressed and the isothermal crystallization temperature of PVF2 increased. Separate reasons were proposed to account for these behaviors. The equilibrium melting temperatures of PVF2 in the blends, measured by the Hoffman–Weeks extrapolation procedure, were used to calculate the polymer–polymer interaction parameter (χ21); only the noncrystallized portion of PET contributing to the mixed amorphous phase was considered. The χ21value (−1.75) was lower than χ12 (−0.14), calculated from the melting temperature depression of PET. However, when they were normalized to the unit volumes of the respective components, the two values were found to be the same. The crystallization rate of PVF2 decreased with an increasing volume fraction of PET in the blend. The Avrami exponent increased for the volume fraction of PVF2 (0.77) and then progressively decreased with an increasing volume fraction of PET. A gradual change in the nature of the regime transition from regime II/regime I to regime III/regime II with increasing PET concentration was observed. The value of the chain‐extension factor of PVF2 significantly increased with an increase in the PET concentration in the blends. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 2215–2227, 2004
Immunological monitoring during combination of patient‐oriented peptide vaccination and estramustine phosphate in patients with metastatic hormone refractory prostate cancer
Authors: Noguchi Masanori , Itoh Kyogo , Suekane Shigetaka , Morinaga Akiko , Sukehiro Aki , Suetsugu Norie , Katagiri Kazuko , Yamada Akira , Noda Shinshi
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND

Additive antitumor effects could be achieved by combination of immunotherapy and cytotoxic agents with no or minimum suppression.

METHODS

Thirteen patients positive for human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A24 or ‐A2 with metastatic hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) who had failed to respond to the prior‐peptide vaccination were entered in the combined peptide vaccination and estramustine phosphate. Conducted immune monitoring on those 13 patients were mainly peptide‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) precursor analysis by IFN‐γ productions and peptide‐reactive IgG by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Grade 3 arrhythmia or cerebral infarction was observed in two cases, and Grade 1 or 2 dermatologic reaction at the vaccination sites was observed in all 13 cases. Eleven patients who received more than one cycle of treatment were eligible for immunological and clinical evaluation. There was no significant immunosuppression in most cases when the peptide and a half dose (280 mg/day) of estramustine were administrated, whereas severe immunosuppression was observed in the first two patients who received both the peptide and a full dose (560 mg/day) estramustine. Augmentation of peptide‐specific CTL precursors or peptide‐specific IgG was observed in 6 of 11 or 10 of 11 cases, respectively. Ten of 11 patients showed serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level decrease from the baseline including 8 patients with a serum PSA level decrease of ≥50%.

CONCLUSIONS

These results encouraged the further evaluation of the combination of peptide vaccination and low‐dose estramustine phosphate for metastatic HRPC patients. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The ErbB signaling network is coordinately expressed and activated in the mouse prostate
Authors: Zhu Yun , Jones Frank E.
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND

The ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases contribute to human prostate cancer, however, ErbB activity in the normal prostate requires further investigation. The mouse prostate may serve as an important model system to study the molecular mechanisms regulating ErbB signaling in the prostate.

METHODS

We employed RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry to perform a comprehensive expression profile of ErbB receptors and ligands in the mouse prostate. Physiological receptor activation in situ was measured by receptor phospho‐tyrosine analysis.

RESULTS

Expression of all four ErbB receptors and the EGF‐like ligands EGF, TGFα, AR, βC, Hb‐EGF, NRG1, and NRG3 was detected in the mouse prostate. We failed to detect expression of the ErbB ligand, ER. Physiological receptor activation was observed within the mature mouse prostate at 10 weeks but not in the prostates of 3‐ or 6‐week‐old mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Coordinated ErbB receptor and ligand expression coupled with receptor activation profiles provide strong evidence that ErbB signaling contributes to mouse prostate function. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Employment opportunities for non‐coding RNAs
Authors: Morey Céline , Avner Philip
Published: April 2004

Analysis of the genomes of several higher eukaryotic organisms, including mouse and human, has reached the striking conclusion that the mammalian transcriptome is constituted in large part of non‐protein‐coding transcripts. Conversely, the number of protein‐coding genes was initially at least overestimated. A growing number of studies report the involvement of non‐coding transcripts in a large variety of regulatory processes. This review examines the different types of non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and discusses their putative mode of action with particular reference to large ncRNAs and their role in epigenetic regulation.
Decision‐rules for leaping Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae)
Authors: Yoda Ken , Ropert‐Coudert Yan
Published: April 2004

Adélie penguins Pygoscelis adeliae were tested as to whether they jump with optimal energy efficiency when moving out of the sea to the land. Adélie penguins risk predation if the jump fails. Swimming penguins usually launch up the side of sea ice to a surface higher than sea level. Analysis of jumping behaviour recorded by a video camera showed that the trajectory of the centre of gravity of the birds during the aerial phase of jumping was parabolic, indicating that the success of landing depends on three parameters at the time of take‐off from water: speed, angle and distance from the point of emergence to the ice edge. There was a negative relationship between distance and the take‐off angle, suggesting that penguins adjust their take‐off angle to the distance from the ice edge. The comparison among hypotheses revealed that penguins did not jump with optimal energy efficiency. Instead, they aimed for the refracted image of the edge of the cliff, which from underwater appears higher than it actually is. This direction‐dependent rule seems to be more robust and reliable than the optimal energetic strategy.
US – Lamb United States – Safeguard Measures on Imports of Fresh, Chilled or Frozen Lamb Meat from New Zealand and Australia: what should be required of a safeguard investigation?
Authors: HORN HENRIK , MAVROIDIS PETROS C.
Published: April 2004

The United States (US) imposed, in July 1999, a safeguard on lamb meat, in the form of tariff rate import quotas, which were to be applied for a period of three years. The measure was based on findings by the US International Trade Commission that increased imports of lamb meat were a substantial cause of threat of serious injury to the US industry producing the like product. Following complaints by New Zealand and Australia that the measure was inconsistent with Articles I, II and XIX of GATT 1994, and several provisions of the Agreement on Safeguards, the World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body established, in November 1999, a panel to review the consistency of the US measure with the mentioned WTO rules.
A possible auroral signature of a magnetotail reconnection process on Jupiter
Authors: Grodent D. , Gérard J.‐C. , Clarke J. T. , Gladstone G. R. , Waite J. H.
Published: April 2004

Several theoretical models and in situ observations consistently suggest that the process of nightside reconnection associated with Earth's magnetospheric substorms is also taking place in the midnight tail region of Jupiter. We report the observation of a new auroral feature which takes the form of isolated spots appearing near the northern dusk‐midnight limb, poleward of the main auroral oval. This feature was clearly detected in three HST‐STIS data sets obtained on 14, 16, and 18 December 2000. Its position poleward of the main auroral oval, and lagging corotation, shows that it is magnetically connected to a distant region of the nightside magnetosphere. It is therefore suggested that these transient spots are the auroral signatures of reconnection processes occurring in the nightside tail of the distant Jovian magnetosphere. The cause of this reconnection is somewhat analogous to the case of a solar coronal mass ejection, so one may refer to it as a “Jovian mass ejection.”
High‐pressure study of stability of magnetite by thermodynamic analysis and synchrotron X‐ray diffraction
Authors: Lazor Peter , Shebanova Olga N. , Annersten Hans
Published: April 2004

Thermodynamic analysis and synchrotron X‐ray diffraction experiments aimed at the investigation of stability of magnetite were carried out in the pressure‐temperature ranges 0–36 GPa and 300–800 K, respectively. Thermodynamic assessment shows that at 298 K, the equilibrium pressure for the breakdown of magnetite to hematite and wüstite is 13.3 GPa, while pressure for the backward synthesis FeO + Fe2O3 h‐Fe3O4 is between 35 and 47 GPa, depending on the choice of equation of state. The stability field for the mixture of oxides Fe2O3 + FeO narrows with temperature increase, reaching a maximum temperature of only ∼850 K at pressure 14.6 GPa. The calculations predict that the high‐pressure phase of magnetite (h‐Fe3O4) becomes unstable with respect to h‐Fe2O3 + FeO at pressures higher than 50 GPa. The 298 K pressure‐volume isotherm of magnetite derived from the compression experiment is given by KT = 217(7) GPa for the fixed K′0 = 4. The 1σ confidence ellipsoid shows large and negative correlations for the fit parameters KT, K′0, and V0. The thermodynamically predicted breakdown of magnetite to hematite and wüstite was not observed, but the trace amounts of hematite detected in the sample assemblage may signify a presence of nucleation centers of breakdown products, the growth of which is kinetically hindered because of the energetic requirements for the reaction. The transformation of magnetite to a dense polymorph evolves gradually above 19 GPa. Rietveld refinement of the diffraction pattern of h‐Fe3O4 is consistent with the CaTi2O4‐type structure. The values of Gibbs formation energies at standard conditions for h‐Fe3O4 and h‐Fe2O3 were estimated to be −962 and −610 kJ mol−1, respectively. The standard state entropy of h‐Fe3O4 is 172.4 J K−1 mol−1.
Upper ocean temperature and the baroclinic transport stream function relationship in Drake Passage
Authors: Sokolov Serguei , King Brian A. , Rintoul Stephen R. , Rojas Ricardo L.
Published: April 2004

Repeat hydrographic sections across the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) in Drake Passage are used to derive an empirical relationship between upper ocean temperature and the baroclinic transport stream function. Cross validation shows this relationship can be used to infer baroclinic transport (above and relative to 2500 m) from expendable bathythermograph (XBT) temperature measurements with an error of a few per cent. Transport errors of less than 2 Sv are obtained if temperature at depths between 600 and 1600 m is used to define the relationship. Temperature at depths above 300 m provides an unreliable index of transport because of variability in temperature‐salinity (T‐S) properties produced by air‐sea interaction. The scatter in the relationship between temperature and stream function from repeat observations along a single line is similar in magnitude to the scatter observed when data from the broader Drake Passage area are considered. In both cases, variability about the mean temperature‐stream function relationship reflects advection of water with anomalous T‐S properties. The tight relationship between temperature and stream function in Drake Passage and south of Australia suggests baroclinic transports can be inferred from XBT temperatures with high accuracy in the Southern Ocean, providing a cost‐effective means of monitoring ACC variability. However, care must be taken at the end points, particularly in the Drake Passage where the strong flow of the Subantarctic Front sometimes lies over the continental slope.
Compound‐specific radiocarbon dating of the varved Holocene sedimentary record of Saanich Inlet, Canada
Authors: Smittenberg R. H. , Hopmans E. C. , Schouten S. , Hayes J. M. , Eglinton T. I. , Sinninghe Damsté J. S.
Published: April 2004

The radiocarbon contents of various biomarkers extracted from the varve‐counted sediments of Saanich Inlet, Canada, were determined to assess their applicability for dating purposes. Calibrated ages obtained from the marine planktonic archaeal biomarker crenarchaeol compared favorably with varve‐count ages. The same conclusion could be drawn for a more general archaeal biomarker (GDGT‐0), although this biomarker proved to be less reliable due to its less‐specific origin. The results also lend support to earlier indications that marine crenarchaeota use dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) as their carbon source. The average reservoir age offset ΔR of 430 years, determined using the crenarchaeol radiocarbon ages, varied by ±110 years. This may be caused by natural variations in ocean‐atmosphere mixing or upwelling at the NE Pacific coast but variability may also be due to an inconsistency in the marine calibration curve when used at sites with high reservoir ages.
Nonlinear planetary wave reflection in the troposphere
Authors: Abatzoglou John T. , Magnusdottir Gudrun
Published: April 2004

Forty‐four years (1958–2001) of daily data from two re‐analysis data sets are used to investigate the occurrence of nonlinear reflection from planetary wave breaking (PWB). PWB is manifested in the large‐scale and rapid irreversible overturning of potential vorticity (PV) contours on isentropic surfaces in the upper troposphere. PWB takes place as a midlatitude wave train propagates equatorward toward a region of weak background zonal flow. As breaking occurs wave propagation is no longer possible. Linear theory predicts that wave activity will be absorbed in the wave‐breaking region following the event. Our results show that almost a third of all PWB events result in nonlinear reflection rather than absorption. The signature of the reflected wave train arching northward and downstream into midlatitudes is very similar to that of nonlinear reflection seen in a hierarchy of modeling studies.
A spatial entropy analysis of temperature trends in the United States
Authors: Balling Robert C. , Roy Shouraseni Sen
Published: April 2004

The United States Historical Climatology Network (USHCN) temperature database shows a significant upward trend over the past half century. In this investigation, we calculate the spatial entropy (dissimilarity or disorder) associated with the temperature trends of 1,221 stations in the fully adjusted USHCN. We find that over the network, the spatial entropy levels are significantly and positively related to the observed temperature trends suggesting that stations most unlike their neighbors in terms of temperature change tend to have a higher temperature trend than their neighbors. These results suggest that the USHCN contains some questionable warming signals at some stations, despite the many attempts to quantitatively control for these contaminants.
Dependence of the proton beam drift velocity on the proton core plasma beta in the solar wind
Authors: Tu C.‐Y. , Marsch E. , Qin Z.‐R.
Published: April 2004

A correlation between the proton core plasma beta and the proton beam drift speed in units of the local Alfvén speed has been found in high‐speed solar wind with the Helios 2 spacecraft plasma data obtained in 1976. This relation reads vd/vA = (2.16 ± 0.03) β∥c(0.281±0.008) for the range β∥c = 0.1 to 0.6, where β∥c is the proton core plasma beta determined from the proton core thermal velocity component parallel to the magnetic field, vd is the proton beam drift speed relative to the core, and vA is the local Alfvén speed. This relation places a tight constraint on theoretical models which describe the formation of the proton beam in the fast solar wind. It is also found that most of the observed proton beam distributions are stable with respect to the electromagnetic proton instability.
The structure of a jet in cross flow at low velocity ratios
Authors: Gopalan Shridhar , Abraham Bruce M. , Katz Joseph
Published: April 2004

This paper examines in detail the flow structure and associated wall pressure fluctuations caused by the injection of a round, turbulent jet into a turbulent boundary layer. The velocity ratio, r, ratio of mean jet velocity to the mean cross flow, varies from 0.5 to 2.5 and the Reynolds number based on the cross flow speed and jet diameter is 1.9×104. Particle image velocimetry is used to measure the flow and flush mounted pressure sensors installed at several locations used to determine the wall pressure. The results consist of sample instantaneous flow structures, distributions of mean velocity, vorticity and turbulence intensity, as well as wall pressure spectra. The flow structure depends strongly on the velocity ratio and there are two distinctly different regions. At low velocity ratios, namely r<2, a semicylindrical vortical layer (“shell”) forms behind the jet, enclosing a domain with slow moving reverse flow. The vorticity in this semicylindrical shell originates from the jet shear layer. Conversely, at high velocity ratios, namely r>2, the near-wall flow behind the jet resembles a Karman vortex street and the wall-normal vortical structures contain cross flow boundary layer vorticity. Autospectra of the pressure signals show that the effect of the jet is mainly in the 15–100 Hz range. At r<2, the wall pressure fluctuation levels increase with r. At r>2, the wall pressure levels reach a plateau demonstrating the diminishing effect of the jet on the near-wall flow. Consistent with the flow structure, the highest wall pressure fluctuations occur off the jet centerline for r<2 and along the jet centerline for r>2. Also, the advection speed of near-wall vortical structures increase with r at r<2, while at r>2 it is a constant.
Flow induced coalescence of drops in a viscous fluid
Authors: Leal L. G.
Published: April 2004

This paper summarizes recent experimental studies of flow-induced coalescence of viscous drops in a viscous fluid in the absence of inertial effects. These studies are based on visual observations of small drops (20–100 μm diameter) that collide in the linear flows generated by a four-roll mill. We consider a pair of polymeric fluids that are Newtonian under the flow conditions relevant to coalescence phenomena, and in addition consider the effect of adding a “copolymer” of the two polymers to the interface, which acts as a surfactant. By direct observation, we can generate quantitative data on the collision trajectories and the conditions for coalescence. These observations have also uncovered several “new” phenomena. Among these are the fact that coalescence frequently occurs during the part of the collision after the drops have already rotated to a configuration where they are being pulled apart by the external flow. This occurs for at least some of the collision trajectories for all fluids where the viscosity ratio of the drop to suspending fluid exceeds 0.1. It is also favored by the addition of surfactant to the drop. We also find that the conditions for coalescence are indicative of a complicated history of film configurations during the “draining” or thinning process, with minimum film thickness (or at least the most unstable configuration) occurring early in the collision, considerably prior to the point where the force along the line of centers changes sign and the drops begin to be pulled apart by the external flow.
On the transverse instability of the two-dimensional Benjamin–Ono solitons
Authors: Gaidashev Denis G. , Zhdanov Sergey K.
Published: April 2004

The paper presents a stability analysis of plane solitons in hydrodynamic shear flows obeying a (2+1) analogue of the Benjamin–Ono equation. The analysis is carried out for the Fourier transformed linearized (2+1) Benjamin–Ono equation. The instability region and the short-wave instability threshold for plane solitons are found numerically. The numerical value of the perturbation wave number at this threshold turns out to be constant for various angles of propagation of the solitons with respect to the main shear flow. The maximum of the growth rate decreases with the increasing angle and becomes equal to zero for the perpendicular propagation. Finally, the dependency of the growth rate on the propagation angle in the long-wave limit is determined and the existence of a critical angle which separates two types of behavior of the growth rate is demonstrated.
Rayleigh–Bénard instability in a cylinder under influence of rotating and steady magnetic fields
Authors: Grants I. , Gerbeth G.
Published: April 2004

This paper considers numerically the linear and nonlinear instability of a liquid metal in a vertical cylinder with hot bottom, cold top and adiabatic side walls subject to superimposed rotating and steady axisymmetric magnetic fields. In the nonlinear case, a threshold is determined for the global stability against finite size perturbations. It is shown that a proper magnetic field combination stabilizes the system much better than any of the fields separately.
The adjoint filter operator in large-eddy simulation of turbulent flow
Authors: Vreman A. W.
Published: April 2004

Adjoint and self-adjoint filter operators are introduced, such that large-eddy simulation (LES) with a spatially variable filter width satisfies important physical properties: Conservation of momentum and dissipation of kinetic energy. The combination of an arbitrary nonuniform explicit filter with the Smagorinsky model leads to a new model of the turbulent stress tensor, which includes backscatter, while the total subgrid dissipation is still positive (analytically). Nonuniform filter theory is further developed, in order to provide a more solid foundation of practical LES. The paper distinguishes between three sets of equations: The Navier–Stokes equations (which are physical conservation laws), the filtered equations and the modeled large-eddy equations. It is shown that general filtering of the Navier–Stokes equations destroys their local and global conservation properties. However, it is proven that the adjoint of a normalized filter is conservative. As a result, the filtering equations are globally conservative, for special nonuniform (e.g., self-adjoint) filters. Implications for six subgrid-models that require explicit filter operations are considered, such as dynamic, similarity, filtering multiscale, and relaxation models. Incorporation of the adjoint filter analytically ensures several models to conserve momentum and dissipate kinetic energy. Examples of adjoint and self-adjoint filters are also provided, including a “three-points” self-adjoint filter and an adjoint filter that is applicable on unstructured grids. In addition, it is shown that positive nonuniform (self-adjoint) filters satisfy mathematical smoothing properties. The focus is on kernel filters, but projection filters are also discussed, and nonuniform self-adjoint Laplace filters are defined. The (orthogonal) projection operator is proven to be a nonuniform kernel filter.
Electrostatic probe apparatus for measurements in the near-anode region of Hall thrusters
Authors: Dorf L. , Raitses Y. , Fisch N. J.
Published: April 2004

Near-anode processes in Hall-current plasma thrusters are largely uncharacterized in the experimental literature. In order to perform measurements in the near-anode region, the high potential of the anode relative to ground, small spatial variations of plasma properties, and the complicated thruster geometry are just some of the features that must be taken into consideration. A diagnostic apparatus for measurements in the near-anode region of Hall thrusters, comprising biased and emissive electrostatic probes, a high-precision positioning system, and low-noise electronic circuitry, was developed and tested. Test data for this apparatus indicate that radially inserted probes negligibly perturb the discharge. Accurate near-anode measurements of the plasma density, electron temperature, and plasma potential performed with this diagnostic have allowed the first experimental identification of the electron-repelling anode sheath predicted theoretically in Hall thrusters.
A note on random excitation of nonlinear Faraday waves
Authors: Miles John
Published: April 2004

The evolution equations for weakly nonlinear Faraday waves in a cylinder that is subjected to a narrow-band, random acceleration are constructed and shown to be isomorphic to Repetto and Galletta’s [“Finite amplitude Faraday waves induced by random forcing,” Phys. Fluids 14, 4284 (2002)] results for the two-dimensional problem, which, therefore, are applicable to laboratory experiments in circular cylinders.
Observation of near-critical reflection of internal waves in a stably stratified fluid
Authors: Dauxois Thierry , Didier Anthony , Falcon Eric
Published: April 2004

An experimental study is reported of the near-critical reflection of internal gravity waves over sloping topography in a stratified fluid. An overturning instability close to the slope and triggering the boundary-mixing process is observed and characterized. These observations are found in good agreement with a recent nonlinear theory.
Interfacial shear-stress effects on transient capillary wedge flow
Authors: Su Song-Kai , Lai Chun-Liang
Published: April 2004

The effects on the transient capillary flow in a wedge due to the interfacial shear-stress distribution S along the flow direction z is studied theoretically. With the assumptions of a slender liquid column and negligible gravitational and inertia effects, the problem is reduced to finding the axial velocity distribution at any cross section. The propagation of the liquid column h(z,t) and the tip location l(t) are then solved with the aid of the continuity equation. When the half-wedge angle α, the contact angle θ, and the shear-stress distribution on the free surface S are constant, analytic solutions exist. Otherwise, numerical simulation has to be applied. The results indicate that when S(z) is acting in the flow direction, the flow is strengthened and the liquid column propagates faster. When S(z) is opposing the flow direction, reverse flow may exist near the free surface and the propagation speed of the liquid column is reduced. Moreover, for a capillary flow in a wedge with constant α, θ, and S, both the analytic solutions and the numerical simulation predict that l(t)∝t3/5 for the constant-flow-rate stage and l(t)∝t1/2 for the constant-height flow stage. When S is a function of the flow direction z, the above functional relationship between l and t becomes no longer valid; it varies as the liquid column propagates along the wedge.
Genotypic and environmental effects on pod wall proportion and pod wall specific weight in Lupinus angustifolius
Authors: Mera M. , Harcha C. , Miranda H. , Rouanet J. L.
Published: April 2004

Fourteen winter-sown genotypes of Lupinus angustifolius L., comprising most of the Western Australian cultivars released since 1986, were studied over 2 years at 4 southern Chile locations. Pod wall proportion, pod wall specific weight, seed number per pod, mean seed weight, seed weight per pod, wall weight per pod, and mean pod weight were measured, separately sampling pods from the mainstem and pods from branches. The 2 pod positions differed significantly for all characteristics except wall weight per pod. Lower coefficients of variation and greater heritabilities for both pod wall proportion and pod wall specific weight were achieved with a sample of pods from branches than with a sample from the mainstem.The ranges for pod wall proportion and pod wall specific weight were small (31.8–35.8% and 27.0–34.7 mg/cm2, respectively); however, highly significant genotypic effects were found for both characters. Heritability estimates were moderate for pod wall proportion (0.27 and 0.44 for pods from mainstem and branches, respectively) and moderate to high for pod wall specific weight (0.56 and 0.61, respectively).Pod wall proportion and pod wall specific weight were significantly correlated, more so at the genetic level (rg�=�0.83 and rg = 0.76 for pods from mainstem and branches, respectively) than at the phenotypic level (rph = 0.57 and rph = 0.60, respectively). Pod wall specific weight was closely associated with wall weight per pod, meaning that larger pods call for thicker pod walls. Accordingly, selection for low pod wall specific weight in a breeding program could lead to light pods. Correlations with mean seed weight indicate that this trait could decrease as well.
Skin deiodinase profiles and associated patterns of hair follicle activity in cashmere goats of contrasting genotypes
Authors: Rhind S. M. , Kyle C. E.
Published: April 2004

The roles of skin deiodinase enzymes in the expression of genotypic differences in hair follicle activity and cashmere fibre growth and moult were studied in 9 Siberian (S) and 10 Scottish cashmere (SC) goats. The proportion of animals exhibiting cashmere growth was significantly greater in S than in SC goats in both late July (P < 0.001; early in the season of growth) and between January and April (P < 0.001; late in the season of growth), but there was no significant difference in the time of moult onset. Patterns of hair follicle activity exhibited similar seasonal differences, with secondary follicle activity being higher in S than in SC animals during the January–June period. Overall mean concentrations of IGF-I were lower (P < 0.01) in S than in SC animals and mean T4 concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in S than in SC animals, but these differences were not related to genotypic differences in follicle activity or cashmere fibre growth. Mean concentrations of insulin, prolactin, and T3 did not differ with genotype. Between January and early April, mean prolactin concentrations were higher in S than in SC animals (P < 0.05). Monodeiodinase type II (MDII) activity in skin samples was highest (P < 0.001) during December and January (short day photoperiod) and was lower in S than in SC animals (P < 0.05) at these times. Mean monodeiodinase type III (MDIII) activity was highest during June and July (long day photoperiod). There was no difference between genotypes in the overall mean levels of deiodinase activity but, during January–March, when prolactin concentrations were higher in S than in SC goats, there was a higher rate of follicle activity and fibre growth in S goats. It is postulated that individual and genotype differences in hair follicle activity and cashmere growth are partially dependent on the pattern of expression of deiodinase enzymes in the skin. However, the actions of each enzyme are likely to depend on, among other factors, the absolute levels of expression of each type, the ratio of MDIII to MDII, the physiological state of the follicle, and the associated hormone profiles.
Overcoming difficulties with outsourcing in partnership extension models: lessons learned from TOPCROP West
Authors: Schulz L. J. , Murray-Prior R. , Storer C. E. , Walmsley T.
Published: April 2004

By 1999 TOPCROP West had grown to provide extension services to ~86 farm development groups in 5 years. However, its continued development and effectiveness was dependent on an increase in the level of agribusiness involvement as providers for TOPCROP West groups. Was this lack of involvement due to expansion issues or was there a problem in the partnership extension model? After all, this model had only been in wider use since the early 1990s.The current research confirmed suspicions that rapid expansion was the most important factor when combined with outsourcing of service provision. Initial informal management systems had been outgrown and were not working effectively for all stakeholders. More formalised management systems were needed to ensure all stakeholders were communicating on a regular basis to enable expectations to be understood and met. In addition, systems were needed to provide feedback to quickly identify and address problems and opportunities.
Characterisation of rice (Oryza sativa) F3 populations selected for saltresistance. 2. Relationships between yield-related parameters andphysiological properties
Authors: Zhu G.Y. , Kinet J-M. , Lutts S.
Published: April 2004

One somaclonal family (1-23) regenerated from a salt-resistant callus, its initial cultivar I Kong Pao (IKP, salt-sensitive), the breeding line IR31785 (extremely salt-sensitive), the moderately salt-resistant cultivar Aiwu and F3 populations derived from several crosses were exposed until maturity to a low sub-lethal (30�mmol�NaCl/L) dose of salt. The agronomic performance of this material was compared with its physiological behaviour, as recorded during the vegetative growth phase. Although grain yield of 1-23 was similar to the yield of its initial cultivar IKP in both control and salt-stress conditions, a strong increase in salt resistance in terms of grain yield per plant was observed in their F3 population derived from IR31785 × 1-23, which performed better than the corresponding parents and better even than the cultivar Aiwu in the presence of 30 mmol/L NaCl. Such improvement was due to a high number of spikelets per plant and a high spikelet fertility. An improved salt resistance in terms of grain yield was also observed in the F3 population derived from IR31785 × IKP. Among physiological parameters, only K : Na ratios quantified in stress conditions are useful as a predictive criteria for yield potential, and salt resistance to low NaCl does not involve any adaptation to the osmotic component of salt stress. No physiological parameters quantified in the absence of stress were correlated with yield in the presence of NaCl. Results are discussed in relation to the usefulness of somaclonal variation for plant breeding.
Surface soil water dynamics in pastures in northern New South Wales. 1. Use of electrical resistance sensors
Authors: Murphy S. R. , Lodge G. M.
Published: April 2004

Stored soil water may influence both the generation of surface runoff and the rate of evapotranspiration from pastures, which may be significant in northern New South Wales. Continuous data is essential to fully understand these processes in field studies. Electrical resistance sensors were used to capture continuous data and they were calibrated directly for soil water content (SWC), so as to provide quantitative data in real time. Calibration equations (logarithmic regression) were significantly different for a range of installation depths (2.5–20 cm). To�provide quantitative insight into soil water dynamics in studies of stored soil water, surface runoff, and evapotranspiration, real time data were collected at intervals ranging from 4 min to 24 h. Resistance sensors provided estimates of stored soil water (0–30 cm) that differed by up to 29% compared with estimates obtained from using a neutron moisture metre alone. In surface runoff studies, data collected at 4 min intervals showed that runoff was generated when soil water content was high. In studies of evapotranspiration, daily data were used to quantify different evapotranspiration rates (2.3–4.9 mm/day) and progressive depth of drying for a range of treatments. We concluded that data collected in real time using resistance sensors may be used to make better estimates of SWC and so improve the interpretation of surface runoff generation and evapotranspiration data.
Ribozyme knockdown functionally links a 1,25(OH)
2
D
3
membrane binding protein (1,25D
3
-MARRS) and phosphate uptake in intestinal cells
Authors: Nemere I. , Farach-Carson M. C. , Rohe B. , Sterling T. M. , Norman A. W. , Boyan B. D. , Safford S. E.
Published: April 2004

We used a ribozyme loss-of-function approach to demonstrate that the protein product of a cDNA encoding a multifunctional membrane-associated protein binds the seco-steroid 1,25(OH)
2
D
3
and transduces its stimulatory effects on phosphate uptake. These results are paralleled by studies in which the ability of the hormone to stimulate phosphate uptake in isolated chick intestinal epithelial cells is abolished by preincubation with Ab099 directed against the amino terminus of the protein. We now report the complete sequence of the cloned chicken cDNA for the 1,25D
3
-MARRS (membrane-associated, rapid-response steroid-binding) protein and reveal it to be identical to the multifunctional protein ERp57. Functional studies showed that active ribozyme, but not a scrambled control, decreased specific membrane-associated 1,25(OH)
2
D
3
binding, but did not affect binding to the nuclear receptor for 1,25(OH)
2
D
3
. Seco-steroid-dependent stimulation of protein kinase C activity was diminished as 1,25D
3
-MARRS protein levels were reduced in the presence of the ribozyme, as judged by Western blot analyses. Phosphate uptake in isolated cells is an index of intestinal phosphate transport that occurs during growth and maturation. Whereas cells and perfused duodena robustly responded to 1,25(OH)
2
D
3
in preparations from young birds, older animals no longer responded with stimulated phosphate uptake or transport. The age-related decline was accompanied by a decrease in 1,25D
3
-MARRS mRNA that was apparent up to 1 year of age. Together, these studies functionally link phosphate transport in the chick duodenum with the 1,25D
3
-MARRS protein and point to a previously uncharacterized role for this multifunctional protein class.
Cultural and demographic correlates of self‐reported guardedness among East Asian immigrants in the US
Authors: Barry Declan T.
Published: April 2004

The study examined guarded self‐disclosure or reticence to reveal personal information about oneself to others among East Asian immigrants in the United States, in terms of cultural (ethnic identity, self‐construal, and acculturation) and demographic (gender, age, number of years in the US, and English fluency) variables. Norms regarding appropriate amount, content, and type of self‐disclosure differ noticeably between Asian and American cultures. In general, Asians have been found to be more guarded in their self‐disclosure than their American counterparts. Such differences may hinder the formation of relationships between Asian immigrants and Americans. Thus, it is important for psychologists to examine culture‐specific and non‐culture‐specific correlates of guarded self‐disclosure among Asian immigrants in the United States. However, to date, there has been a dearth of studies examining this topic. This paucity of research is somewhat surprising given the large number of Asian immigrants in the United States. The participants included 170 East Asian immigrants (88 males, 82 females) who were administered a battery of psychometrically established measures. While guarded self‐disclosure did not vary by ethnic group (i.e., Chinese, Japanese, and Korean), it was associated with cultural and demographic variables. East Asian immigrants who exhibited guarded self‐disclosure were more likely to report elevated ethnic pride, interdependent self‐construal, separation, and marginalization, and were less likely to report elevated interpersonal distance, independent self‐construal, and integration. Men reported significantly higher guarded self‐disclosure than women. Overall, this study highlights the importance of assessing both culture‐specific and nonspecific factors in guarded self‐disclosure among East Asian immigrants. The findings emphasize the importance of considering more generic types of self‐disclosure in addition to disclosure of very private and/or distressing information. Awareness of the cultural correlates of guarded self‐disclosure may help counsellors target their outreach programmes for individuals of East Asian heritage.
Emotional after‐effects on the P3 component of the event‐related brain potential
Authors: Kliegel Matthias , Horn Andrea B. , Zimmer Heinz
Published: April 2004

Agrowing body of literature indicates that affective states can influence cognitive processes. The core assumption of Ellis and Ashbrook's (1988) model explaining these emotional after‐effects on cognition is that the emotional state regulates the allocation of processing resources. A negative emotional state is supposed to pre‐empt capacity normally allocated to the cognitive task at hand. This is assumed to occur because the negative emotional state leads to an increase in intrusive, irrelevant thoughts, which compete with relevant cognitive activities and thus result in a lack of attention given to relevant features of the task to be performed. In the present study, the hypothesis that negative emotions lead to a reduced information‐processing capacity and that this is observable on a very basic level of information processing is tested. Therefore, 102 participants were assigned to three independent groups, each inducing one of a negative, a positive, or a neutral mood by means of a 3‐minute video‐clip. Shortly after the video‐clip, two acoustical stimuli with increasing information were presented, while the P3 component of the event‐related brain potential on these stimuli was measured as a psychophysiological indicator of cognitive resource allocation. In addition, the expenmental manipulation was checked by assessing subjective and external mood ratings as well as cortical alpha activity. Results show that the videos did in fact induce positive, neutral, or negative mood. Moreover, even when controlling for video‐related unspecific cortical arousal, a significant emotional after‐effect was found on the P3 component of the event‐related brain potential, indicating reduced information‐processing capacity, particularly in the negative mood condition. The reported data support Ellis and Ashbrook's model of emotional after‐effects on cognitive processes. As those effects were observable after an event that did not demand a high amount of cognitive resources, this suggests that even tasks that do not heavily engage central processing resources and are not likely to be influenced by cognitive strategies, seem to be affected by a negative emotional state.
Factors Influencing the Privatisation of Urban Solid Waste Collection in Spain
Authors: Bel Germà , Miralles Antonio
Published: April 2004

This paper analyses some of the organisational aspects of urban solid waste collection. It starts by discussing some of the theoretical issues of contracting out. Then, an explanatory model is specified and estimated on a sample of surveyed municipalities. The purpose is twofold: first, to identify the role of some economic factors when deciding to contract out the service; secondly, to analyse the role of politics in choosing between public production and contracting out. The results show a significant effect of the demand of waste collection on contracting out. There also appears to be a neighbouring effect as municipalities close to others already contracting out are also more prone to do so. Finally, the decisions to contract out seem to have been motivated by pragmatic rather than ideological reasons.
The Suburban Origins of Redlining: A Canadian Case Study, 1935-54
Authors: Harris Richard , Forrester Doris
Published: April 2004

Redlining occurs when institutions decline to make mortgage loans in specific areas. The practice originated in the 1930s, when federal agencies encouraged lenders to rate neighbourhoods for mortgage risk. Since the 1960s, especially in the US, it has been associated with disinvestment, racial discrimination and neighbourhood decline. It has always been viewed as a feature of the inner city. Historical evidence indicates that across Canada the first areas to be redlined were the less-desirable suburbs. Land registry and property assessment data establish the emergent patterns in Hamilton, Ontario. Between 1931 and 1951, institutional lending became a social norm first on new dwellings in suburbs. Individual lenders, previously dominant, were relegated to older inner-city properties or cheaper dwellings in less-desirable suburbs. In 1931, there were only minor geographical variations in the incidence of mortgage finance, and specifically of institutional financing, across the urban area. By 1951, lending institutions, led by insurance companies, were discriminating sharply in favour of the West End, the Mountain and Bartonville, and against those parts of the East End that were unserviced or close to lakefront industry. The evidence for Hamilton confirms that in Canada redlining originated in the suburbs. The same may also be true for US metropolitan areas, although the institutional context was different and relevant data are lacking.
A Constant-quality Price Index for Resale Public Housing Flats in Singapore
Authors: Ong Seow Eng , Ho Kim Hin David , Lim Chai Hoon
Published: April 2004

Largely because of the significant societal and economic aspects of public housing in Singapore, the current resale price index is published regularly by the Housing and Development Board (HDB). Based on average transaction prices, this HDB index does not control for a shift in the mix of public housing resale flats transacted. This paper looks into the usefulness of the current HDB resale price index that is reflective of pure price appreciation across time. Adopting the varying parameter technique, a constant-quality HDB resale price index is constructed instead for the period between January 1997 and June 2000. The usefulness of a constant-quality resale price index is evaluated using three assessment criteria. First, through a series of comparative studies between a constant-quality HDB resale price index and other resale price indices, it is found that the constant-quality resale price index provides a better indication of pure price appreciation. Secondly, the parameters of price determinants are found to be unstable across distinct phases of the market cycle. During market recovery, greater premiums are generally attainable for better-quality flats due to positive market sentiment and improved economic conditions. Nevertheless, greater discounts are also generally attainable for lower-quality flats due to greater expectation attributable to rising resale prices. This implies that owners of better-quality flats would probably be better motivated to put up their units for sale during a market recovery. Thirdly, the difference in the values of price determinants during different phases of the market cycle suggests that the varying parameter techniques should be appropriate for the construction of a constant-quality HDB resale price index.