bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Television and Program Pricing
Authors: Waterman David
Published: October 2008

This article explores several ways that the development of digital television technology can improve pricing efficiency, or price discrimination, by program producer/distributors—especially by the movie studios. These include development of video-on-demand systems, improved quantity discounting, and of particular interest, improved segmentation of consumers according to their demands for different levels of television transmission quality. I consider HDTV and DVD as examples of quality segmentation opportunities, and conclude that the result will be more revenues for program distributors and thus increased production investments in movies and other programs.
Economies' Role in the Race Toward Digital TV
Authors: Parker Richard
Published: October 2008

Market economics sets are a useful, indeed inescapable, hurdle that new technologies must overcome—technological innovation by itself can't assure commercial success. HDTV's future has yet to identify or create a level of consumer demand that justifies the level of investment program producers and delivery systems will have to undertake. Investments currently are defensively driven, to prevent market-position losses should consumer demand appear. Globally, arguments for HDTV seem even less developed than in advanced economies. In the interim, government regulation and arm-twisting worldwide is acting as a powerful driver, though whether historically HDTV will benefit from such efforts (as computers once did) or lose (as nuclear power has) remains uncertain. The government's role won't disappear, despite talk of ‘deregulation’; academics should spend more time examining producer and delivery-system alliances, their effects on competition, and their ultimate provision of HDTV as an economical surrogate to analog for global consumers.
Digital Television in Europe and Japan
Authors: Hart Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2008

The decision of the FCC in the United States to select an all-digital HDTV system was a surprise to HDTV supporters in Europe and Japan. Both had adopted hybrid systems with both analog and digital features. Western Europe was quicker than Japan to move away from its previous arrangements. It dropped HD-MAC in June 1993 and moved on to create the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) group to support digital television. It also responded by increasing EU support for wide-screen standard definition television programming and manufacturing. In Japan, NHK and its allies strongly resisted the idea of abandoning MUSE Hi- Vision but some of the major consumer electronics manufacturers and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPT) wanted to speed up the transition to an all-digital HDTV system. NHK was able to delay adoption of all-digital HDTV approach until mid-1997. In this article, I consider these two stories separately, and then try to explain the differences in the reactions of the two regions.
Trade and Intellectual Property: Some Observations
Authors: Mason Anthony
Published: October 2008

Intellectual property rights run counter to the interests of consumers and the public. They are also exploited in anti-competitive ways. On this account these rights should be qualified or subjected to competition regulation. The globalization of intellectual property exposes the interests of consumers and the public to greater risks unless appropriate mechanisms of protection are developed.
Intellectual Property Rights Protection and International Trade: An Economic Survey
Authors: Hall Peter
Published: October 2008

Intellectual properly right (IPR) protection provides incentives for innovation and consequent spillover benefits for the global economy, but it may also have anti-competitive effects. Economic theory has only recently addressed the international trade flow implications of different IPR protection regimes—including those consistent with the TRIPS agreement. The theory suggests IPR protection offers grounds for both conflict and congruence between net technology importers (mostly developing countries) and net technology exporters. Empirical evidence suggests that IPR protection influences trade and investment flows, but that economic impacts vary across nations and industries. Debate continues over crucial measurement issues.
The Intellectual Commons: A Rationale for Regulation
Authors: Dawson Andrew C.
Published: October 2008

This article characterises the ‘intellectual commons’, and the relationship between it, commoners and the state. It is argued that in a democracy the State should adopt a steward-type role over the intellectual commons. This role dictates that regulation should be in the best interests of the commoners, without undue interference with their inherent rights and will only be justified if it is based upon a coherent rationale. Economic theory can provide such a rationale when the costs of open entry to the commons exceed the benefits. Innovative, cooperative direct regulation has the best potential for success.
Copyright, Culture and Private Power
Authors: Macmillan Fiona
Published: October 2008

This article considers how copyright serves concepts of culture and development. It suggests that copyright's role in relation to culture is best characterised as instrumental rather than fundamental. An indicator of this instrumental approach is the commodification of the copyright interest. The article argues that this commodification has been used by corporate interests to build an edifice of private power. The end result of this private power over cultural output is the global homogenisation of that output.
Regulating the Collective Exploitation of Copyright
Authors: Thorpe Jeremy
Published: October 2008

Collective enforcement of copyright law is an increasingly important element in copyright-based industries. This article suggests that collective enforcement creates two forces: increased compliance with copyright laws; and a tendency for copyright collecting societies to act as monopolists. The interaction of these forces is discussed and the price and output consequences identified. From this position, using the Australian regulatory experience as a guide, the article highlights a number of regulatory shortcomings and suggests a range of principles upon which to base the regulation of copyright collecting societies.
The Role of Intellectual Property Law in Regional Commercial Unions in Europe and Asia
Authors: Blakeney Michael
Published: October 2008

The establishment of a global multilateral trading system moderated by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is in apparent tension with the proliferation of regional trade arrangements. A significant feature of these regional arrangements is the proposal to establish harmonised regional intellectual property systems. This intellectual property harmonisation may well operate to reconcile the countervailing strains of globalisation and regionalisation of trade. This article examines the coordination of intellectual property in regional trade arrangements in Europe, Asia and North and South America. Specifically, the article examines the intellectual property regimes of the European Union, the Central European Free Trade Agreement, the Association of South East Asian Nations and the North American Free Trade Association.
Trade, Competition and Intellectual Property
Authors: Rothnie Warwick A.
Published: October 2008

TRIPS does not lay down rules on parallel imports. Its provisions, however, do give states the discretion to apply competition rules to the exercise of intellectual property rights. The indeterminacies of competition law and its application mean that intellectual property owners lack objective criteria by which to plan their strategic uses of intellectual property. Competition policy, if not clearly and consistently worked out, may well serve to undermine the incentive effects of intellectual property.
The Knowing Nation: A Framework for Public Policy in a Post-industrial Knowledge Economy
Authors: Rooney David , Mandeville Thomas
Published: October 2008

As the global economy becomes more knowledge intensive and the wealth of nations more dependent on their knowledge assets being harnessed, it is essential for policy makers to have frameworks for the development and utilisation of national knowledge assets. This article argues that a policy framework can be developed through which policy initiatives in a range of policy areas can be filtered in order to meet the challenges of the knowledge economy. We have developed an approach that has previously been applied to managing intellectual capital in firms and adapted it to the public policy arena. In doing so we question policy orthodoxies such as the assumption that free trade automatically facilitates international knowledge flows, that participation in a global knowledge economy necessarily challenges national sovereignty, and that online delivery of education is necessarily a progressive strategy.
Asia-Pacific Telecommunications USOs: Current Practice and Future Options
Authors: Madden Gary , Savage Scott J. , Simpson Michael
Published: October 2008

Access to information is essential for efficient business operation and social empowerment. Many Asia-Pacific businesses are exposed to international markets while their corresponding information requirements are not well met. Restricted information technology and telecommunications access also diminishes the ability of remote regions to generate reliable income streams. In the Asia-Pacific, several national governments have recently reviewed the notion of telecommunications universal service obligations (USOs). This review considers the adequacy of the ‘plain old telephone service’ definition for an information society characterised by market liberalisation, new technology, changing community needs, and an uncertain international environment. Several interim and proposed mechanisms for delivering USOs in the Asia–Pacific region are also discussed.
Resolving Conflict Between Cultural and Trade Policies: The Case of Australian Content on Television
Authors: Papandrea Franco
Published: October 2008

The article examines the potential impact of a recent decision of the High Court of Australia on the effectiveness of Australian content regulation for television programmes. The High Court's decision requires non-discriminatory treatment of New Zealand television programmes in the Australian content regulation to prevent conflict with trading obligations between Australia and New Zealand. The analysis presented in the article finds that claims of serious implications for the effectiveness of the regulations are largely unfounded.
R&D Funding in India: An Empirical Study
Authors: MOULY V.
                      SUCHITRA , SANKARAN JAYARAM K.
Published: October 2008

Although the national expenditure on R&D in India (as a percentage of GNP) is comparable with that of such developed countries as Australia and Canada, there is increasing concern that the S&T capabilities of the country are not being fully utilised for accomplishing developmental plans. We report some of the findings of a sponsored project which examines R&D funding by government agencies in India.
Revisiting Intellectual Property Policy: Information Economics for the Information Age
Authors: DEMPSEY GILLIAN
Published: October 2008

Many aspects of intellectual property policy are based on neo-classical economic assumptions about the nature of information and the process of innovation. In particular the argument for stronger protection is based on the assumption that markets are highly competitive and that information is non-excludable from free-riding imitators. This article challenges this traditional approach, arguing that information economics should be used to analyse problems of intellectual properly policy. Recognition of a tacit-codified knowledge distinction, the embodiment of knowledge in information technology products, and the market effects of network externalities, will greatly assist policy-makers.
The Higher Moral Panic: Academic Scientism and its Quarrels with Science and Technology Studies
Authors: MERCER DAVID
Published: October 2008

'Higher Superstition' calls for scientists to symbolically take up arms against an anti-science movement (the academic left) which it claims has taken over a large part of the social studies of science, feminism, environmentalism and cultural studies. Despite its simplistic typecasting, unusually vitriolic and dismissive rhetoric and lack of interest in scholarly engagement with the fields of study under attack, ‘Higher Superstition’ has received considerable attention, much of it positive. It has become one of the most widely cited texts in the so-called ‘Science Wars’. Numerous explanations for the emergence of such extreme claims and their positive reception have been canvassed. The lack of focus of the attack of the ‘Science Wars’ and the variety of explanations for its emergence suggests that the question of what constitutes an effective response from the humanities is a complex one and that the extreme ‘Science Wars’ rhetoric of texts such as Higher Superstition is unlikely to assist ‘the sciences’ address real issues in a substantial way.
Technology Paradigms and the Innovation—Appropriation Interface: An Examination of the Nature and Scope of Plant Breeders' Rights
Authors: RANGNEKAR DWIJEN
Published: October 2008

Technological change is crucial for the continued socio-economic development of a country. A number of factors underpin a society's ability to foster continuous technological change, one of which is necessarily the conditions for appropriability. These have become increasingly important since the location of technological change remains largely in the hands of organised research centres housed in large corporations. This paper examines a selection of the issues that interface between innovation and appropriability in the case of plant breeding. This industry has only lately become a subject of study, following the increasing industrialisation of farm-related activities, the technological restructuring of breeding through biotechnology, and the enhancement of the scope of intellectual property rights (IPR) in plant breeding.
Fascinated by the Future: Interpreting Australian Telecommunications Policy Debates
Authors: JOSEPH R. A.
Published: October 2008

Rhetoric about the future has been a prominent theme in many areas of discussion about technology and change. As societies enter periods of change and uncertainty there is a growing need to deal with the future. This has been the case in the area of telecommunications policy in Australia but this feature of discourse is often taken for granted or not seen as problematic. This paper has two goals. First, it aims to analyse the significance of discourse about the future. This significance has a long historical precedent but it is intimately tied up with the notion of progress and technology. It has political ramifications since it functions to shore up expectations around specific interests—usually those of powerful corporations and governments. Second, it aims to relate the analysis about the future to recent Australian debates in telecommunications policy. Since many countries have been swept up in the enthusiasm for a telecommunications-based future, lessons from Australia may be very relevant. It is argued that some groups (users and consumer groups) would appear not to have had their expectations met in the areas of competition and universal service. In spite of this, some of Telecom Australia's views expressed in the 1975 planning exercise Telecom 2000 seem remarkably prescient today. This seeming paradox is discussed in terms of discourse on the future. A future based on an over reliance on technological or managerial determinism may well lock the country into a future of limited choice. It will be important that mechanisms are established to ensure that appropriate and timely choices can be made in telecommunications policy.
Management of Basic Research and Development: Lessons from the Australian Experience
Authors: HANSON DALLAS , STEEN JOHN , O'DONOHUE WAYNE
Published: October 2008

Management of science and related basic research and development by the state is not a new phenomenon. In this paper it is argued, on the basis of recent Australian experience, that the conventional approach which assumes that the research community is a simple system is deeply flawed. Specifically, it is argued that any pattern of government funding which assumes linear relationships between funding and scientific outputs is unlikely to be productive. Further, it is suggested that a quantitative approach to research management is counter-productive to innovation. A range of ideas is used in developing a more productive set of policies for basic research and development.
Opening the Closed World of the Cold War and American Nuclear Strategy
Authors: RIX MARK
Published: October 2008

It is argued in this paper that the closed world of computer simulations and nuclear games which Edwards describes is an imaginary place. Indeed, Edwards' closed world is a caricature of the real world of Cold War and American nuclear strategy. His account of the imaginary world and its development draws on and perpetuates the folklore of Cold War and American nuclear strategy. The folklore, which fails to acknowledge the frightening realities of the strategy of nuclear deterrence, has achieved a high level of academic respectability in the United States and elsewhere. Even though Edwards does not simply accept the folklore chapter and verse, enough of it survives intact in his book to leave his history of computers in the Cold War wanting at key stages and in important respects. Because he likens nuclear war to a computer game, he seriously underestimates the grave risks and dangers that accompanied American preparations and planning for nuclear war with the Soviet Union. In the end, Edwards trivialises the deadly serious business of nuclear war planning and preparation.
Competition and Copyright: Retransmission of Free-to-Air Television Signals by Pay TV Services
Authors: LEVY JONATHAN D.
Published: October 2008

Free-to-air television stations remain the most popular source of programming, even in pay TV households. Consumers value the bundling of pay TV channels with retransmitted free-to-air channels for a variety of reasons, in particular the improved signal quality provided in areas where off-air reception is less than ideal. Hence, the conditions under which pay TV services can retransmit free-to-air signals are of crucial importance. This paper compares US and Australian signal retransmission regulations and assesses their impact on competition between pay TV and free-to-air television and on actual or potential competition between pay TV media such as cable and satellite television. The analysis also touches on the competitive implications of common ownership of satellite and cable pay TV services. To place the signal retransmission issues in the proper context, the paper examines differences in the structure of free-to-air television distribution systems in Australia and the US. In particular, it contrasts the Australian tendency to distribute most programming and sell most advertising nationally with the more locally oriented network—affiliate system in the US. The paper considers the relative merits of compulsory licensing and full copyright protection for free-to-air television signals and examines mandatory signal carriage (‘must-carry’) regulations.
A Comparative Macro-level Assessment of New Zealand's ‘National Innovation System’
Authors: Engelbrecht Hans-Jürgen , Darrogh Jenny
Published: October 2008

It has been argued that the power of the concept of a ‘National Innovation System’ (NIS) lies in its comparative nature. Adopting this viewpoint, we provide a comparative snapshot of New Zealand's NIS. Using macro-level indicators to measure innovation, knowledge absorption and diffusion, we compare the performance of New Zealand with that of other OECD economies. The data indicate that New Zealand continues to have a weak NIS, despite major changes to its research, science and technology sector since the late 1980s, and despite its openness to foreign direct investment. We conclude with some general policy considerations to remedy what, by international comparison, still seems to be a NIS failure in New Zealand. The paper also suggests directions for further research.
Exploring the Social Construction of IT Policy—Thailand and Singapore
Authors: Corbitt Brian
Published: October 2008

This paper explores the nature of two IT policies, one in Singapore and one in Thailand. The analysis employed suggests that IT policies are socially constructed and thus reflect discourse and ideologies that are pervasive in society. As such then a comparison of the two policies should reflect a difference. This paper argues that the differences between the Singaporean and Thai national IT policies reflect differences in the discourses that frame the social construction of the policy in each case. This paper argues that one fundamental difference between the IT policies implemented in Thailand and Singapore is that the Thai policy is introspective reflecting a deferent society, whilst Singapore's is outward looking and pointedly global, reflecting a society markedly more extrovert. In analysing the text of the two policies it is argued that IT policy reflects a discourse framed by the state, which in turn represents the dominant discourse in society.
A National Linkage Program for Technological Innovation
Authors: Mohannak Kavoos
Published: October 2008

A new perspective and conceptual framework of institutional linkages is explored and an institutional linkage model is developed. The model incorporates the linkage patterns and characterises major policy issues affecting technological innovation and technology transfer among the participating organisations. The development of the linkage model will draw on the insights provided by the literature on innovation. Particularly, it is argued that the nature and role of the linkage in technology development is a reflection of a generalised version of an interactive and systemic model of innovation which would suggest policy implications for promoting linkages and interactions within National Systems of Innovation.
AHI-1 interacts with BCR-ABL and modulates BCR-ABL transforming activity and imatinib response of CML stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Zhou Liang L. , Zhao Yun , Ringrose Ashley , DeGeer Donna , Kennah Erin , Lin Ann E.-J. , Sheng Guoqing , Li Xiao-Jiang , Turhan Ali , Jiang Xiaoyan
Published: October 2008

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) represents the first human malignancy successfully treated with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI; imatinib). However, early relapses and the emergence of imatinib-resistant disease are problematic. Evidence suggests that imatinib and other inhibitors may not effectively eradicate leukemic stem/progenitor cells, and that combination therapy directed to complimentary targets may improve treatment. Abelson helper integration site 1 (Ahi-1)/AHI-1 is a novel oncogene that is highly deregulated in CML stem/progenitor cells where levels of BCR-ABL transcripts are also elevated. Here, we demonstrate that overexpression of Ahi-1/AHI-1 in murine and human hematopoietic cells confer growth advantages in vitro and induce leukemia in vivo, enhancing effects of BCR-ABL. Conversely, RNAi-mediated suppression of AHI-1 in BCR-ABL–transduced lin−CD34+ human cord blood cells and primary CML stem/progenitor cells reduces their growth autonomy in vitro. Interestingly, coexpression of Ahi-1 in BCR-ABL–inducible cells reverses growth deficiencies exhibited by BCR-ABL down-regulation and is associated with sustained phosphorylation of BCR-ABL and enhanced activation of JAK2–STAT5. Moreover, we identified an AHI-1–BCR-ABL–JAK2 interaction complex and found that modulation of AHI-1 expression regulates phosphorylation of BCR-ABL and JAK2–STAT5 in CML cells. Importantly, this complex mediates TKI response/resistance of CML stem/progenitor cells. These studies implicate AHI-1 as a potential therapeutic target downstream of BCR-ABL in CML.
Blockade of tumor necrosis factor in collagen-induced arthritis reveals a novel immunoregulatory pathway for Th1 and Th17 cells
Authors: Notley Clare A. , Inglis Julia J. , Alzabin Saba , McCann Fiona E. , McNamee Kay E. , Williams Richard O.
Published: October 2008

IL-17 is implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and has previously been shown to be induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in vitro. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of TNF inhibition on IL-17 production in collagen-induced arthritis, a model of RA. TNF blockade using TNFR-Fc fusion protein or anti-TNF monoclonal antibody reduced arthritis severity but, unexpectedly, expanded populations of Th1 and Th17 cells, which were shown by adoptive transfer to be pathogenic. Th1 and Th17 cell populations were also expanded in collagen-immunized TNFR p55−/− but not p75−/− mice. The expression of IL-12/IL-23 p40 was up-regulated in lymph nodes (LN) from p55−/− mice, and the expansion of Th1/Th17 cells was abrogated by blockade of p40. Treatment of macrophages with rTNF also inhibited p40 production in vitro. These findings indicate that at least one of the ways in which TNF regulates Th1/Th17 responses in arthritis is by down-regulating the expression of p40. Finally, although TNF blockade increased numbers of Th1 and Th17 cells in LN, it inhibited their accumulation in the joint, thereby providing an explanation for the paradox that anti-TNF therapy ameliorates arthritis despite increasing numbers of pathogenic T cells.
Clonal deletion of thymocytes can occur in the cortex with no involvement of the medulla
Authors: McCaughtry Tom M. , Baldwin Troy A. , Wilken Matthew S. , Hogquist Kristin A.
Published: October 2008

The thymic medulla is generally held to be a specialized environment for negative selection. However, many self-reactive thymocytes first encounter ubiquitous self-antigens in the cortex. Cortical epithelial cells are vital for positive selection, but whether such cells can also promote negative selection is controversial. We used the HYcd4 model, where T cell receptor for antigen (TCR) expression is appropriately timed and a ubiquitous self-antigen drives clonal deletion in male mice. We demonstrated unambiguously that this deletion event occurs in the thymic cortex. However, the kinetics in vivo indicated that apoptosis was activated asynchronously relative to TCR activation. We found that radioresistant antigen-presenting cells and, specifically, cortical epithelial cells do not efficiently induce apoptosis, although they do cause TCR activation. Rather, thymocytes undergoing clonal deletion were preferentially associated with rare CD11c+ cortical dendritic cells, and elimination of such cells impaired deletion.
MELOE-1 is a new antigen overexpressed in melanomas and involved in adoptive T cell transfer efficiency
Authors: Godet Yann , Moreau-Aubry Agnès , Guilloux Yannik , Vignard Virginie , Khammari Amir , Dreno Brigitte , Jotereau Francine , Labarriere Nathalie
Published: October 2008

A cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) clone was derived from a tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) population infused to a melanoma patient who remained relapse free for 10 yr after this adoptive transfer. This clone recognized all melanoma cell lines tested and, to a lower extent, melanocytes, in the context of human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen A2 (HLA-A2), but it did not recognize other tumor cell types. The gene coding for the antigen recognized by this clone was identified by the screening of a melanoma complementary DNA expression library. This antigen is overexpressed in melanomas, compared with other cancer cell lines and healthy tissues, and was thus called melanoma-overexpressed antigen (meloe). Remarkably, the structure of meloe was unusual, with multiple short open reading frames (ORFs). The peptide recognized by the CTL clone was encoded by one of these ORFs, called MELOE-1. Using a specific HLA-A2/peptide tetramer, we showed a correlation between the infusion of TILs containing MELOE-1–specific T cells and relapse prevention in HLA-A2 patients. Indeed, 5 out of 9 patients who did not relapse were infused with TILs that contained MELOE-1–specific T cells, whereas 0 out of the 21 patients who relapsed was infused with such TIL-containing lymphocytes. Overall, our results suggest that this new antigen is involved in immunosurveillance and, thus, represents an attractive target for immunotherapy protocols of melanoma.
The Protein Feature Ontology: a tool for the unification of protein feature annotations
Authors: Reeves Gabrielle A. , Eilbeck Karen , Magrane Michele , O'Donovan Claire , Montecchi-Palazzi Luisa , Harris Midori A. , Orchard Sandra , Jimenez Rafael C. , Prlic Andreas , Hubbard Tim J. P. , Hermjakob Henning , Thornton Janet M.
Published: October 2008

Motivation: The advent of sequencing and structural genomics projects has provided a dramatic boost in the number of uncharacterized protein structures and sequences. Consequently, many computational tools have been developed to help elucidate protein function. However, such services are spread throughout the world, often with standalone web pages. Integration of these methods is needed and so far this has not been possible as there was no common vocabulary available that could be used as a standard language.

Results: The Protein Feature Ontology has been developed to provide a structured controlled vocabulary for features on a protein sequence or structure and comprises ∼100 positional terms, now integrated into the Sequence Ontology (SO) and 40 non-positional terms which describe features relating to the whole-protein sequence. In addition, post-translational modifications are described by using a pre-existing ontology, the Protein Modification Ontology (MOD). This ontology is being used to integrate over 150 distinct annotations provided by the BioSapiens Network of Excellence, a consortium comprising 19 partner sites in Europe.

Availability: The Protein Feature Ontology can be browsed by accessing the ontology lookup service at the European Bioinformatics Institute (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/ontology-lookup/browse.do?ontName=BS).

Contact:  gabby@ebi.ac.uk
REJECTOR: software for population history inference from genetic data via a rejection algorithm
Authors: Jobin Matthew J. , Mountain Joanna L.
Published: October 2008

Summary: We introduce REJECTOR, software for parameter estimation and comparison of alternate models of population history from genetic data via a rejection algorithm. Through coalescent simulation, REJECTOR generates numerous gene genealogies, and hence simulated data, under a model of population history specified by the user. Summary statistics derived from such simulated data are compared with observed statistics, leading to acceptance or rejection of a given set of parameter values. We performed tests of the software using known parameter values in order to assess the inferential power provided by each summary statistic. The tests demonstrate the precision and accuracy of estimation made possible using this approach.

Availability:  http://www.rejector.org

Contact:  mjobin@stanford.edu

Supplementary Information: Supplementary data are available at http://www.rejector.org/guide.pdf
Regional factors associated with the distribution of South American fur seals along the Atlantic coast of South America
Authors: Túnez Juan I. , Cappozzo Humberto L. , Cassini Marcelo H.
Published: October 2008

Túnez, J. I., Cappozzo, H. L., and Cassini, M. H. 2008. Regional factors associated with the distribution of South American fur seals along the Atlantic coast of South America. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 1733–1738. Breeding colonies of the South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) are not homogeneously distributed along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, but show an unusual patchiness, with colonies located only at the northern and southern extremities of the breeding range. We used bibliographic data of censuses carried out in the mid- and late 20th century, along with a Geographic Information System, to compare the pattern of distribution of colonies during these two periods, and to identify the anthropogenic and natural factors associated with the present pattern at a regional scale, using principal components analysis. The distribution of colonies did not vary in the period analysed even when the population abundance increased tenfold. The distribution was associated with the distance to the continental shelf break, and the availability of island and protected areas. We conclude that A. australis colonies are located in places where the continental shelf is narrow and there is no human disturbance.
Joining the observatories of Paris and Greenwich
Authors: Martin Jean-Pierre , McConnell Anita
Published: October 2008

In the closing years of the eighteenth century, France and Britain enjoyed a period of external peace that their scientific communities put to good use by finding an objective common to the leading academic institutions: the Académie royale des sciences in France, and the Royal Society in England. This was not an entirely new concept; the novelty was that the objective would be brought about by teams from each side working outside their own borders. It was part of both nations' long-running search for a means of establishing longitudes on land and at sea. The specific objective, however, was confined to establishing the accurate difference in longitude between the meridian of Greenwich Observatory and that of the Observatoire de Paris. Previous astronomical measurements, derived from the times of certain eclipses or transits as recorded at each observatory, were acknowledged to be inaccurate.
CONFIDENCE LIMITS ON PHYLOGENIES: THE BOOTSTRAP REVISITED
Authors: Sanderson1 Michael J.
Published: October 2008

Abstract— The bootstrap, a non‐parametric statistical analysis, can be used to assess confidence limits on phylogcnics. The method most widely used tests the monophyly of individual clades. This paper proposes additional applications of the bootstrap which provide useful information about phylogeny even when many clades are found not to be supported with confidence (as often occurs in practice). In such cases it is still possible to place a constraint on the phylogenetic position of taxa by examining the relative size of the smallest monophyletic groups that contain them. In addition, the taxonomic composition of these larger clades can be determined, as well as the relative likelihood of their occurrence. The distinction between hypotheses about membership in particular clades and hypotheses about entire topologies is also discussed. To investigate the latter, the bootstrap is used to estimate the sampling distribution of tree similarity indices. All methods are illustrated by reference to a large data set on the angiosperm family Asteraccae, selected from the literature.
AN EMPIRICAL COMPARISON OF MICROCOMPUTER PARSIMONY PROGRAMS, II
Authors: Platnick Norman I.
Published: October 2008

Abstract— The effectiveness and efficiency of J. S. Farris' new microcomputer parsimony program (Hennig86, version 1.5) are evaluated with reference to 60 data sets, including those used to benchmark earlier mainframe and microcomputer packages. By overcoming the arbitrary resolution and consequent redundancy problems that have plagued previously available microcomputer programs, as well as their limitations on data set size, cladogram storage space, and execution speed, Hennig86 advances enormously the accuracy and ease with which cladistic analyses can be conducted. Hennig86 has such an impressive edge in both effectiveness and efficiency that earlier parsimony programs (including those by Farris) have essentially been rendered obsolete. For exact analyses, both exhaustive and minimal options arc provided; of the options available for approximate analyses, the branch breaker (bb) used in conjunction with the mhennig* and tread commands performed best.
The Co‐occurrence of Methanotrophic and Chemoautotrophic Sulfur‐Oxidizing Bacterial Symbionts in a Deep‐sea Mussel
Authors: Fisher C. R. , Brooks J. M. , Vodenichar J. S. , Zande J. M. , Childress J. J. , Jr. R. A. Burke
Published: October 2008

Abstract. In April 1990 a new species of mytilid containing bacterial endosymbionts was discovered at a deep‐water seep site within Alaminos Canyon in the Gulf of Mexico. Activities of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase and ATP sulfurylase, as well as the presence of substantial levels of elemental sulfur in the gill tissues indicate the presence of chemoautotrophic sulfur‐oxidizing symbionts in the gills. Methanol dehydrogenase activity and the tissue stable carbon isotope ratios indicate the presence of methanotrophic bacteria in the gills of the same animals. Two distinct size classes and morphological types of gram negative bacteria are visible in transmission electron micrographs of the gill tissue, one of which contains the complex internal membranes typical of methanotrophs. Both general types of symbionts have been demonstrated singly in related species of deep‐sea mytilids. In this species, however, both types are found in single individuals, often within the same cell vacuole.
Colouration Phenomena of Mediterranean Blennies (Pisces, Blenniidae)
Authors: Abel Erich F.
Published: October 2008

Abstract. The blennies of the Mediterranean Sea were observed in nature by snorkeling and SCUBA diving. Particular attention was paid to their changeable basic patterns and colouring alternations as effected by ecological and ethological factors. Additionally, the tendency for colour change was tested in differently coloured tanks. These experiments failed to demonstrate the striking adaptations seen in the natural environment, except for a remarkable reaction to black and white. The summary of all known reports is supported by colour illustrations; the problems of the colouring alternations are discussed.
Tethya (Porifera, Demosponglae) Species Coexisting in a Maldivian Coral Reef Lagoon: Taxonomical, Genetic and Ecological Data
Authors: Sarà Michele , Corriero Giuseppe , Bavestrello Giorgio
Published: October 2008

Abstract. Tethya microstella, T. orphei, T. robusta, and T. seychellensis live in sympatry in a Maldivian coral reef lagoon (Gangehi Island, Ari Atoll). A morphological, morphometric, and electrophoretical study of these species show that their Maldivian populations are well separated morphologically and genetically. The genetic distances and the other data are more consistent with an immigration than with a local speciation hypothesis. Their coexistence may be explained by a differentiation in ecological requirements. The four species inhabit the shallow water biotope of the lagoon among the rubble of dead corals. Our data show that T. orphei and T. seychellensis occupy the upper rubble layer, T. microstella and T. robusta the lower one. This distinction agrees with the different morpho‐functional features of the two pairs of species.
Physical Activity Play in Children with Disabilities: A Neglected Opportunity for Research?
Authors: Rosenbaum Peter
Published: October 2008

Studies of the development of children with disorders of motor function afford opportunities, as yet unexploited, to understand the importance of motor function to overall child development. Pellegrini and Smith's review provides a challenge to developmentalists from many disciplines to use this natural model of developmental variation to move the field forward.
Cue Sensitivity in Women With Cardiac Disease
Authors: Miller Christine L
Published: October 2008

The purpose of this study was to discover factors that influenced the healthcare seeking behavior of women cardiac patients. Interviews included 10 women with cardiac disease, two women at risk for cardiac disease, three advanced nurse practitioners, and one cardiologist. Participants were interviewed on two occasions. Taped transcripts were reviewed using a grounded theory approach. Analysis revealed a core process of cardiac cue sensitivity that originated in the period prior to entry into the healthcare system. The stages of this process included: cue apprehension, cue assimilation, and medical consultation. Cues were signs, symptoms, or self risk appraisal. Decisions to discount or attend to cues was dependent on the nature, intensity, and specificity of the cue to cardiac disease as well as the woman's knowledge and experience with cardiac disease and validation with others. A sensitivity to the subjective cue experiences of women and a recognition of public attitudes regarding women and cardiac disease facilitates their entry into the healthcare system and improves outcomes for women with cardiac disease.
High‐fat feeding alters the clock synchronization to light
Authors: Mendoza Jorge , Pévet Paul , Challet Etienne
Published: October 2008

High‐fat feeding in rodents leads to metabolic abnormalities mimicking the human metabolic syndrome, including obesity and insulin resistance. These metabolic diseases are associated with altered temporal organization of many physiological functions. The master circadian clock located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei controls most physiological functions and metabolic processes. Furthermore, under certain conditions of feeding (hypocaloric diet), metabolic cues are capable of altering the suprachiasmatic clock's responses to light. To determine whether high‐fat feeding (hypercaloric diet) can also affect resetting properties of the suprachiasmatic clock, we investigated photic synchronization in mice fed a high‐fat or chow (low‐fat) diet for 3 months, using wheel‐running activity and body temperature rhythms as daily phase markers (i.e. suprachiasmatic clock's hands). Compared with the control diet, mice fed with the high‐fat diet exhibited increased body mass index, hyperleptinaemia, higher blood glucose, and increased insulinaemia. Concomitantly, high‐fat feeding led to impaired adjustment to local time by photic resetting. At the behavioural and physiological levels, these alterations include slower rate of re‐entrainment of behavioural and body temperature rhythms after ‘jet‐lag’ test (6 h advanced light–dark cycle) and reduced phase‐advancing responses to light. At a molecular level, light‐induced phase shifts have been correlated, within suprachiasmatic cells, with a high induction of c‐FOS, the protein product of immediate early gene c‐fos, and phosphorylation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinases I/II (P‐ERK). In mice fed a high‐fat diet, photic induction of both c‐FOS and P‐ERK in the suprachiasmatic nuclei was markedly reduced. Taken together, the present data demonstrate that high‐fat feeding modifies circadian synchronization to light.
Altered free radical metabolism in acute mountain sickness: implications for dynamic cerebral autoregulation and blood–brain barrier function
Authors: Bailey D. M. , Evans K. A. , James P. E. , McEneny J. , Young I. S. , Fall L. , Gutowski M. , Kewley E. , McCord J. M. , Møller Kirsten , Ainslie P. N.
Published: October 2008

We tested the hypothesis that dynamic cerebral autoregulation (CA) and blood–brain barrier (BBB) function would be compromised in acute mountain sickness (AMS) subsequent to a hypoxia‐mediated alteration in systemic free radical metabolism. Eighteen male lowlanders were examined in normoxia (21% O2) and following 6 h passive exposure to hypoxia (12% O2). Blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery (MCAv) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were measured for determination of CA following calculation of transfer function analysis and rate of regulation (RoR). Nine subjects developed clinical AMS (AMS+) and were more hypoxaemic relative to subjects without AMS (AMS–). A more marked increase in the venous concentration of the ascorbate radical (A•−), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and increased susceptibility of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) to oxidation was observed during hypoxia in AMS+ (P < 0.05 versus AMS–). Despite a general decline in total nitric oxide (NO) in hypoxia (P < 0.05 versus normoxia), the normoxic baseline plasma and red blood cell (RBC) NO metabolite pool was lower in AMS+ with normalization observed during hypoxia (P < 0.05 versus AMS–). CA was selectively impaired in AMS+ as indicated both by an increase in the low‐frequency (0.07–0.20Hz) transfer function gain and decrease in RoR (P < 0.05 versus AMS–). However, there was no evidence for cerebral hyper‐perfusion, BBB disruption or neuronal–parenchymal damage as indicated by a lack of change in MCAv, S100β and neuron‐specific enolase. In conclusion, these findings suggest that AMS is associated with altered redox homeostasis and disordered CA independent of barrier disruption.
Voltage‐dependent gating of NR1/2B NMDA receptors
Authors: Clarke Richard J. , Johnson Jon W.
Published: October 2008

Ligand‐gated ion channels are activated by agonist binding, but may also be modulated by membrane voltage. N‐Methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) exhibit especially strong voltage dependence due to channel block by external Mg2+(Mgo2+). Here we demonstrate that activity of NMDARs composed of NR1 and NR2B subunits (NR1/2B receptors) is enhanced by depolarization even in 0 Mgo2+, causing slow current relaxations in response to rapid voltage changes. We present a kinetic model of receptor activation that incorporates voltage‐dependent gating‐associated NR2B subunit conformational changes. The model accurately reproduces current relaxations during depolarizations and subsequent repolarizations in 0 Mgo2+. Model simulations in physiological Mgo2+ concentrations show that voltage‐dependent receptor gating also underlies the slow component of Mgo2+ unblock, a phenomenon that previously was shown to influence Mgo2+ unblock kinetics during dendritic spikes. We propose that voltage‐dependent gating of NR1/2B receptors confers enhanced voltage and time dependence on NMDAR‐mediated signalling.
Role of the hyperpolarization‐activated current Ih in somatosensory neurons
Authors: Momin Aliakmal , Cadiou Hervé , Mason Adrian , McNaughton Peter A.
Published: October 2008

The hyperpolarization‐activated current (Ih) is an inward current activated by hyperpolarization from the resting potential and is an important modulator of action potential firing frequency in many excitable cells. Four hyperpolarization‐activated, cyclic nucleotide‐modulated subunits, HCN1–4, can form Ih ion channels. In the present study we investigated the function of Ih in primary somatosensory neurons. Neuronal firing in response to current injection was promoted by elevating intracellular cAMP levels and inhibited by blockers of Ih, suggesting that Ih plays a critical role in modulating firing frequency. The properties of Ih in three size classes of sensory neurons were next investigated. In large neurons Ih was fast activating and insensitive to elevations in cAMP, consistent with expression of HCN1. Ih was ablated in most large neurons in HCN1−/− mice. In small neurons a slower activating, cAMP‐sensitive Ih was observed, as expected for expression of HCN2 and/or HCN4. Consistent with this, Ih in small neurons was unchanged in HCN1−/− mice. In a neuropathic pain model HCN1−/− mice exhibited substantially less cold allodynia than wild‐type littermates, suggesting an important role for HCN1 in neuropathic pain. This work shows that Ih is an important modulator of action potential generation in somatosensory neurons.