bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonparametric Band Business Cycle Clock
Authors: Lenart Łukasz , Pipień Mateusz
Published: April 2020

We discuss representation of uncertainty in the business cycle clock. We propose approach utilising description of the unconditional mean of the process, applied for modelling dynamics of macroeco-nomic time series, as a trend component and almost period function in a non-parametric setting. We capture the dynamics over the business cycle, trend component and seasonal fluctuations and possible interactions between these features. A particular values of the almost periodic function are key for representation of the business cycle in a clock, expressing the dynamics according to phase diagram. The set of frequencies interpreted as a properties of the business fluctuations are invariant with respect to filtration methods applied in the procedure.
Comparative Analysis of Selected Methods for Estimating the Prediction Error of Classifie
Authors: Herman Sergiusz
Published: April 2020

Classification is an algorithm, which assigns studied companies, taking into consideration their attributes, to specific population. An essential part of it is classifier. Its measure of quality is especially predictability, measured by true error rate. The value of this error, due to lack of sufficiently large and independent test set, must be estimated on the basis of available learning set.The aim of this article is to make a review and compare selected methods for estimating the prediction error of classifier, constructed with linear discriminant analysis. It was examined if the results of the analysis depends on the sample size and the method of selecting variables for a model. Empirical research was made on example of problem of bankruptcy prediction of join-stock companies in Poland.
Crisis Management in Poland
Authors: Piwowarski Juliusz , Piwowarska Barbara , Piwowarski Jacek A.
Published: April 2020

The aim of the article is to discuss the functioning of the crisis management system in Poland: to present the general principles of its operation, legal regulations and major threats related to it. For this purpose, the authors review the definitions of crisis situations and discuss the objectives and stages of crisis management. Then the general principles of the crisis management system in Poland and the most important legal regulations related to it are presented. The authors also discuss the main threats that may lead to a crisis, both natural, ecological (e.g. floods, fires, avalanches) and civilizational caused by human activity and technical failures (e.g. construction and transport disasters, criminal groups activity, cyberterrorism). This leads to the conclusion that regulations passed in Poland after the flood of the century in 1997 put crisis management system in our country on the high level. At the same time, newer and newer threats make it necessary to regularly update the legislation on crisis management so that ensuring of national security could be effective.
Evaluation of Capital Cost: Long Run Evidence from Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Markauskas Mantas , Saboniene Asta
Published: April 2020

The article is directed to determine the most appropriate method for evaluating cost of capital of a manufacturing sector and, using the methodology, to perform a case study of Lithuanian manufacturing sector. For evaluation of cost of capital, calculation of Weighted Average Capital Cost was chosen, as literature analysis distinguished this method as the most widely accepted and used. Some changes were made to the methodology of WACC evaluation in order to adapt the method for countries, which do not contain liquid, mature financial markets, like using country’s credit ranking to assess risk premium and adding this premium to base premium for maturelly developed equity markets. The case study of Lithuanian manufacturing sector was performed for the period of 2001-2016. Empirical study revealed that required rate of return on separate WACC components evolved differently between the years of 2001-2016. Average annual return on equity for the period 2001-2016 was 7.7%, while average annual return on debt was only 4.4%. In the year of 2015 weight of equity capital, first time during the analyzed period, exceeded 50%. In the same year, ratio of net profit before taxes to total assets of Lithuanian manufacturing sector also reached the highest value at the time, later surpassed in 2016. This fact demonstrates, that increased free cash flows from the operations were reinvested into further development of the companies. To maximize value of the shareholders, it would be preferable to pay out portion of earnings as dividends and finance growth with debt, as it is currently a cheaper alternative.
The crayfish of Tomlinson Run State Park, Hancock County, West Virginia, USA
Authors: Foltz David A. , Damis Clarissa N. , Sadecky Nicole M. , Cyprych Cynthia L. , Loughman Zachary J.
Published: April 2020

In 2015, a survey of Tomlinson Run State Park (TRSP) located in Hancock County, West Virginia USA was completed. Thirty stations, each 100m long, were randomly selected using ArcGIS for both intermittent and perennial stream reaches. Sites were sampled by performing ten seine hauls at each randomly selected station and scored using an Ohio EPA Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) to obtain qualitative habitat data. Ponds and impoundments were trapped for crayfish using baited crayfish/minnow traps. Burrows found in wetlands and seeps were excavated to determine TRSP burrowing crayfish species composition. In total, 471 crayfish of four species (Cambarus carinirostris, Cambarus monongalensis, Cambarus robustus and Orconectes obscurus) were collected. A statistically significant correlation existed between QHEI score and CPUE for C. carinirostris on intermittent streams. Cambarus monongalensis was the sole burrowing species encountered while C. carinirostris was only collected from intermittent stations (CPUE = 0.12). O. obscurus was the most common species collected from perennial streams (CPUE = 0.95) while Cambarus robustus was the rarest species (CPUE = 0.09) encountered in Tomlinson Run State Park. The crayfish fauna of TRSP is typical for the Upper Ohio River Valley, and at the present time, all species appear stable.
Re-examination of species in the Pacifastacus subgenus Hobbsastacus (Decapoda: Astacidae)
Authors: Kawai Tadashi
Published: April 2020

The genus Pacifastacus contains two subgenera, Pacifastacus and Hobbsastacus, the latter of which contains the following four extant species, Pacifastacus (H.) gambelii (Girard, 1852), P. (H.) nigrescens (Stimpson, 1857), Pacifastacus (H.) fortis (Faxon, 1914), and P. (H.) connectens (Faxon, 1914), and one fossil representative, P. (H.) chenoderma. Pacifastacus (H.) fortis and P. (H.) connectens were re-examined on the basis of the type specimens and additional materials collected from California (P. fortis) and Idaho, as well as Oregon (P. (H.) connectens), USA. Lectotypes of P. connectens and P. fortis were designated, and subsequently the two species were re-described and illustrated with their full synonymies. Brief diagnoses of P. (H.) gambelii (Girard, 1852) and P. (H.) nigrescens are also provided. Detailed distributions of these species are presented based on data from voucher specimens. Following new findings in this study, the generic diagnoses of the genus Pacifastacus and the subgenus Hobbsastacus were updated.
Teaching quality: The satisfaction of university students with their professors
Authors: Ruiz Esteban Cecilia María , Santos del Cerro Jesús
Published: April 2020

Desde hace casi un siglo la preocupación de las universidades sobre la satisfacción de los estudiantes con la calidad de la docencia recibida se ha ido incrementando. La revisión de la literatura permite clasificar los atributos de una docencia de calidad en tres grandes tipos de competencias: pedagógicas, genéricas y disciplinares. El objetivo de este trabajo es señalar las variables, que a juicio de los estudiantes, más influyen en la satisfacción del alumnado con la calidad de la docencia. Los participantes fueron 476 estudiantes del grado de Administración y Dirección de Empresas de la Universidad Castilla La Mancha. Se utilizó un cuestionario construido ad hoc para valorar la satisfacción de los estudiantes con la docencia. Se utilizaron pruebas paramétricas (Análisis de Regresión Logística) y no paramétricas (árbol de decisión). Nuestros datos indican que si el profesor explica con claridad, se preocupa por averiguar si los conceptos explicados han sido entendidos y prepara sus clases la valoración sobre la calidad de su docencia será muy satisfactoria. El identificar los atributos de una docencia de calidad permitirá a las universidades elaborar planes de formación inicial y permanente de su profesorado teniendo presente el papel crucial que juegan las competencias genéricas, pedagógicas y disciplinares en la interacción profesor-estudiante.

For almost a century now, the concern of universities about student satisfaction with teaching quality has been increasing. A literature review has enabled the attributes of quality teaching to be classified into three main types: pedagogical, generic, and disciplinary. The aim of this paper is to identify the variables that, in the opinion of students, most influence student satisfaction regarding teaching quality. A total of 476 undergraduate students participated from Business Administration and Management of the University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain). An ad hoc questionnaire was used to assess student satisfaction with teaching. Parametric (Logistic Regression Analysis) and non-parametric (Decision Tree) models were used. Our data indicate that if the professor explains the subject clearly, is concerned to find out whether the explanations have been understood, and carefully prepares the classes; the teaching-quality assessment will be very satisfactory. The identification of the attributes of quality teaching will enable universities to draw up initial and ongoing training plans for their teaching staff, bearing in mind the crucial role played by generic, pedagogical, and disciplinary competences in professor-student interaction.
Los hábitos de sueño como predictores de la salud psicológica en profesionales sanitarios
Authors: Díaz-Ramiro Eva María , Rubio-Valdehita Susana , López-Núñez Maria Inmaculada , Aparicio-García Marta Evelia
Published: April 2020

El objetivo de la investigación fue estudiar los hábitos de sueño y la salud psicológica de profesionales del sector sanitario, así como analizar las relaciones entre ambas variables. La muestra contó con 511 trabajadores de hospitales públicos de la Comunidad de Madrid. La salud psicológica fue evaluada con el Cuestionario GHQ-28;  los hábitos de sueño a través del  Cuestionario CHAS, además, se recogieron datos sociodemográficos como edad, sexo, puesto de trabajo, categoría profesional. Los resultados mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en síntomas somáticos, salud psicológica y estabilidad en hábitos de sueño. Los análisis de regresión indicaron que calidad del sueño y somnolencia diurna son las variables más relacionadas con las dimensiones de salud, especialmente con la ansiedad/insomnio y síntomas somáticos. Estos los resultados ponen de manifiesto las diferencias entre hábitos de sueño y salud percibida en personal de enfermería y facultativos. En conclusión, la población sanitaria presenta mayor prevalencia en malestar psicológico, peor calidad de sueño e inestabilidad en las horas de sueño. Deterioro del sueño, somnolencia y  síntomas somáticos son más frecuentes en personal de enfermería que en el resto de profesionales sanitarios.

The aim was to study the sleep habits and the psychological health of professionals in the health sector, as well as to analyze the relationships between both variables. The sample consisted of 511 workers from public hospitals in the Community of Madrid. Psychological health was evaluated using the GHQ-28 Questionnaire; and sleep habits with the CHAS Questionnaire. In addition, sociodemographic data were collected, such as age, sex, job position, professional category. The results showed statistically significant differences in somatic symptoms, psychological health and stability in sleep habits. Regression analysis indicated that sleep quality and daytime sleepiness are the variables most related to health dimensions, especially with anxiety/insomnia and somatic symptoms. These results reveal the differences between sleep habits and perceived health in nursing staff and physicians. Finally, the health workers present a higher prevalence of psychological distress, and poor sleep quality and instability in sleep hours. Sleep impairment, somnolence and somatic symptoms are more frequent in nursing staff than in other health professionals.
CHINA IN CONTEXT: CURRENT SITUATION, STRATEGIES AND UNCERTAINTIES
Authors: SORLI PEÑA MIGUEL ANGEL , PARRA GOMEZ ALFONSO
Published: April 2020

Comments on the conference given in Bilbao in June 2019 by Prof. Jianhua Song, convoked by the Basque Group of the Spanish Chapter of the Club of Rome.
Rune Stones as Material Relations in Late Pagan and Early Christian Scandinavia
Authors: Lund Julie
Published: April 2020

In this article, the material qualities and the use of space on rune stone and its links to the landscape during the Viking Age and in the Early Medieval Period in South Scandinavia are explored and related to acts of commemoration and changing spatial perceptions. The 11th century rune stones from Denmark and Scania without iconography have previously received less scholarly attention by the archaeologists, but here they form the main focus. Whereas the commemorative aspects of the rune stones have been noticed by a number of scholars, less emphasis has been on their material qualities and the spatial aspects of the inscription on the stones; the spatial references in the rune stones to the surrounding landscape; and the bodily effect they had for the readers of the runes. The rune stones are studied as expressions of social relations between living, deceased and places in late pagan and early Christian Scandinavia. Three phenomena are explored: the rune stones at bridges and the role of the bridge in paganism and Christianity; the use of the surface and shape of the stones to separate diverging beings; and the shape of the inscription and its relation to the new concepts of afterworld in terms of heaven above, while simultaneously creating links to near and distant pasts. Further, the process of creating relations to distant pasts in the Early Christian period is explored.
Workshop production of brooches with religious symbolism around the year 1100 in Denmark
Authors: Søvsø Mette Højmark , Jensen Christian Vrængmose
Published: April 2020

Small brooches with Christian motifs from the period of c. AD 1050–1150 occur frequently amongst metal-detector finds in Denmark. Those known as Urnes brooches, bird-shaped brooches and circular animal brooches are especially common finds over most of the country. In order to understand what lies behind the distribution and significance of these brooches, the issues of where they were made and who was responsible for production are key questions. The large number of finds must reflect a serial form of production, but up to a few years ago secure evidence of any workshop has been almost effectively absent. Presented in this paper are two recent finds of workshops in which the manufacture of these types of brooches took place, in Ribe and Aalborg respectively. On the basis of the archaeological contexts of the workshops and the finds, it is proposed that this production is to be seen as primarily an urban phenomenon, with the Church as initiator and key agent, directed at a broad circle of customers. This may have been part of an evangelizing thrust with wider popular appeal in which these small but highly meaningful artefacts played an important symbolic role.
Male Social Roles and Mobility in the Early Nordic Bronze Age. A Perspective from SE Jutland
Authors: Felding Louise , Reiter Samantha S. , Frei Karin M. , Vandkilde Helle
Published: April 2020

This paper provides a discussion of the increasing amount of mobility data from the Early Nordic Bronze Age (Early NBA), c. 1600-1100 BCE with particular focus on NBA II and III (c. 1500-1100 BCE). As a male-oriented study, the intent is to develop current perspectives on gender roles in the Early NBA in relation to mobility. In order to achieve our aim, we conducted strontium isotope analyses and radiocarbon dating combined with an in-depth archaeological investigation of grave goods obtained from two male burials from the Vejle region, SE Jutland.  To contextualise the case study results, we also conducted network analyses of male gear from burials and ritual deposits on a regional scale, which reveal differentiated roles among men in the upper social echelon. The warrior emerged as an overall identity for high-ranking males whilst differences in male weaponry interestingly suggest that a minimum of three kinds of warriors were distinguished, reflecting social roles in war and society. The results suggest that one of the individuals was local while the other might have moved. The overall aim is to demonstrate that robust results regarding gendered mobilities will depend on the combination of several methods, datasets and scales of inquiry.
Progression des femmes et mixité dans les services correctionnels au Québec : des transformations possibles ?
Authors: Brière Sophie , Pellerin Antoine , Laflamme Anne-Marie , Laflamme Julie Maude
Published: April 2020

Cet article s’intéresse au cheminement de carrière des agentes de services correctionnels, particulièrement aux facteurs qui ont une influence sur leur rétention et leur progression. Alors que les études antérieures réalisées sur la réalité des femmes qui exercent ce métier montraient de nombreux obstacles et révélait le fait que les établissements de détention véhiculaient une culture masculine et des stéréotypes bien ancrés vis-à-vis des rôles qui sont joués dans ce milieu, la progression de la situation des agentes de services correctionnels québécoises a été très importante depuis le début des années 1990 et leur taux de rétention en emploi est, de nos jours, excellent. Nous avons donc cherché à comprendre cette progression et cette rétention, tout comme quelles en furent les conséquences au plan organisationnel.

Sur la base d’approches théoriques mobilisées de manière convergente, soit les approches sur la mixité au travail, les théories féministes, la théorie institutionnelle et la théorie du changement, des entretiens semi-dirigés ont été menés auprès d’agentes et d’agents de services correctionnels et de gestionnaires oeuvrant dans des établissements de détention québécois. Les résultats de notre collecte de données révèlent que la progression des femmes au sein des services correctionnels a pris la forme d’une réelle mixité au travail et a eu un impact significatif sur le milieu de travail. Le fait que les équipes de travail soient composés d’hommes et de femmes et que les tâches confiées aux membres du personnel, à l’exception des fouilles à nu, soient identiques et non tributaire du genre, ont permis aux femmes d’être perçues comme des membres à part entière de l’organisation. Nous avons également constaté des transformations et des changements importants dans tous les piliers de l’organisation, ainsi qu’une évolution de la culture organisationnelle. Enfin, notre recherche a aussi permis d’identifier quelques enjeux qui représentent toujours des obstacles à la progression et à la rétention des agentes de services correctionnels.
Flexibility for Who? Working Time, the Ontario Employment Standards Act and the Experiences of Workers in Low-Wage and Precarious Jobs
Authors: Thomas Mark P. , Condratto Shelley , Landry Danielle , Steedman Mercedes
Published: April 2020

In Ontario, hours of work and overtime standards are regulated by theEmployment Standards Act(ESA). This legislation covers most employers and employees in the province. As part of an ESA reforms process designed to promote workplace flexibility and enhance competitiveness, the Ontario ESA (2000) allowed for the extension of weekly maximum hours from 48 to 60, and the calculation of overtime pay entitlements to be based on an averaging of hours of work over up to a four-week period.

Situated in the context of shifts towards greater working time flexibility, this paper examines the dynamics of working time regulation in the Ontario ESA, with a specific focus on the regulation of excess and overtime hours. The paper considers these processes in relation to general trends towards forms of labour market regulation that support employer-oriented flexibility and that download the regulation of employment standards to privatized negotiations between individual employees and their employers, tendencies present in the ESA that were sustained through further reforms introduced in 2018 and 2019.

The paper draws its analysis from interviews with both workers in precarious jobs and Employment Standards Officers from the Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL), as well as administrative data from the MOL and archival records. In the general context of the rise of precarious employment, the paper argues that ESA hours of work and overtime provisions premised upon creating working time flexibility enhance employer control over time, exacerbate time pressures and uncertainty experienced by workers in precarious jobs, and thereby intensify conditions of precariousness. The article situates the working time provisions of Ontario’s ESA in the context of an ongoing fragmentation of the regulation of working time as legislated standards are eroded in ways that make workers in precarious jobs more vulnerable to employer exploitation.
Enjeux politiques et juridiques autour du principe de la confiance du public dans l’administration de la justice pénale
Authors: Dubé Richard , Garcia Margarida
Published: April 2020

À partir d’une analyse empirique de débats parlementaires et d’entretiens qualitatifs réalisés auprès de juges canadiens, le présent article explore deux manières de concevoir le principe de la confiance du public dans l’administration de la justice, plus précisément en matière de détermination de la peine (sentencing). La première conception émerge du système politique et estime que les peines sévères représentent la meilleure manière d’assurer la confiance d’un public politiquement considéré comme répressif. La seconde conception provient du système juridique et voit l’indépendance judiciaire ainsi que le respect de la règle de droit et des droits du justiciable en tant que meilleure manière d’assurer la confiance d’un tout autre public envisagé tel un public juridiquement bien informé. Les résultats indiquent que, si la première conception, soit la perspective politique, favorise le durcissement du régime pénal et l’exacerbation du populisme pénal, la seconde y résiste et s’en prémunit dans les balises proprement juridiques du droit et dont les principes pourraient, voire devraient, servir de fondement à une réforme de la perspective politique.
La conception jurisprudentielle de la notion de « confiance du public dans l’administration de la justice pénale »
Authors: Desrosiers Julie
Published: April 2020

L’auteure s’intéresse à l’interprétation jurisprudentielle de la « confiance du public dans l’administration de la justice ». Régulièrement invoquée par la Cour suprême du Canada à titre de considération sous-jacente en matière d’indépendance judiciaire, de publicité des débats et de célérité des procédures, la « confiance du public dans l’administration de la justice » tend à s’autonomiser pour devenir un critère décisionnel à part entière. L’auteure examine particulièrement deux cas de figure, soit le rejet d’une preuve suivant l’article 24 (2) de la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés ainsi que le maintien en détention avant procès d’un accusé selon l’article 515 (10) c) du Code criminel. À l’issue de son étude, l’auteure conclut que la nécessité de maintenir la confiance du public dans l’administration de la justice peut justifier des réformes législatives ou jurisprudentielles qui opèrent sur le plan systémique, mais qu’elle peut difficilement fonder une décision dans un cas d’espèce.
La participation des enfants aux procédures de protection de la jeunesse à travers le prisme de la vulnérabilité
Authors: Paré Mona , Bé Diane
Published: April 2020

La Loi sur la protection de la jeunesse au Québec protège les enfants qui se trouvent dans des situations de vulnérabilité accrue. En même temps, cette loi reconnaît à l’enfant d’importants droits de participation aux procédures de protection de la jeunesse et est conforme ainsi à la tendance internationale encadrée par la Convention relative aux droits de l’enfant. Les notions de vulnérabilité, alliée à la protection de l’enfant, et de participation, allant de pair avec l’autonomisation, semblent antinomiques de prime abord. La littérature examinant ces notions, bien qu’elle soit abondante, n’a pas encore cherché à analyser ces concepts dans le contexte particulier de la protection de l’enfance. Les auteures veulent pallier ce manque de théorisation dans ce domaine clé du droit de l’enfance. Afin de suggérer des formes d’harmonisation théoriques et pratiques entre ces concepts, elles présentent une recherche combinant théorie, analyse de la loi et entrevues avec des professionnels de la protection de la jeunesse.
Crisis, pandemia y fragilidades: reflexiones desde un “balcón sociológico”.
Authors: García-Lastra Marta
Published: April 2020

La crisis derivada de la pandemia por COVID-19 en la que se encuentran nuestras sociedades, nos lleva a pensar en la fragilidad o la incertidumbre como piezas fundamentales de ellas, y a reflexionar sobre las consecuencias sociales de esta situación. La relación cotidiana con una situación de confinamiento a la que nunca antes nos habíamos enfrentado, ha hecho resquebrajarse nuestra forma de gestionar el tiempo, de relacionarnos, de trabajar, de estudiar…  Todo ello conllevará un nuevo escenario social en el que se sucederán multitud de preguntas a las que la Sociología deberá dar respuesta al tiempo que soluciones para las consecuencias sociales de esta crisis.
Pneuma y Nous. Los Dones del Espíritu Santo y la racionalidad humana en Edith Stein
Authors: Beckmann-Zöller Beate
Published: April 2020

A partir de la fenomenología de la vivencia religiosa de Edith Stein, el artículo pretende mostrar, que la estructura del espíritu humano se puede inferir por medio del análisis de las vivencias religiosas. Por una parte, en cuando ellas afectan la conciencia personal, o racionalidad estructurada por medio de la cultura, religión y filosofía. Por otra parte, en cuanto profundizan la comprensión antropológica-filosófica de las distintas dimensiones de lo humano, de sus capacidades y procesos de conocimiento. Siguiendo la investigación fenomenológica steiniana, se amplía el aporte filosófico hacia una aportación teológica que radica en el discernimiento de espíritus, y releva la acción del Espíritu Santo en relación con la libertad humana y el camino hacia la santidad.
Excision de la region du DNA liee a la RNA polymerase in vitro
Authors: Sentenac A. , Ruet A. , Fromageot P.
Published: July 2002

After synthesis of short, nascent oligonucleotide in the presence of (32P)DNA, GTP, CTP, UTP and 3′dATP, one can excise with deoxyribonuclease a ternary complex of RNA polymerase, protected DNA and oligonucleotide, while the enzyme simply bound to the template is removed by increasing the ionic strength. This ternary complex is retained on nitrocellulose membranes. On polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis it migrates faster than RNA polymerase alone. The protected portion of the DNA is constituted of about 75 nucleotides. It might represent the sites for RNA initiation.
In vitro biosynthesis by articular chondrocytes of a specific low molecular size proteoglycan pool
Authors: Vittur Franco , Dumontier Marie-France , Stagni Nicola , Corvol Maïté
Published: July 2002

Proteoglycans synthesized by articular and epiphyseal chondrocytes in culture were compared. Proteoglycans extruded by the two types of cells into the culture medium are of identical M
r. On the other hand, the proteoglycans of cells or pericellular matrix synthesized by the articular chondrocytes are characterized by an heterogeneous fraction of low‐M
r which is not present in the material derived from epiphyseal chondrocytes. There are at least two components in this fraction: the first seems to be a precursor of aggregated proteoglycans, the other may represent a component of cell coat. Stimulation of the cell cultures with vitamin D metabolites and somatomedin enhances proteoglycan biosynthesis but no modification is observed in the proteoglycan M
r.
The solution structure of kringle 4
Authors: Trexler M. , Bányai L. , Patthy L. , Pluck N.D. , Williams R.J.P.
Published: July 2002

Kringle 4 of human plasminogen has been studied by NMR spectroscopy to define the solution structure of the kringle‐fold and to characterize the ω‐aminocarboxylic acid binding site. Aromatic and aliphatic resonances of the NMR spectrum have been identified with the aid of spin‐decoupling and NOE procedures as well as pH‐titration and metal ion probe studies. Comparison of the NMR spectrum of kringle 4 with the spectra of various kringle 4 species chemically modified at defined positions permitted the assignment of several resonances to specific residues in the kringle 4 sequence. The NOE studies revealed that Leu45 is in close proximity of the sequentially distant Trp25/Trp61 residue pair, thus delineating a definite structural feature of the kringle‐fold. The binding of 6‐aminohexanoic acid to kringle 4 was shown to cause shifts in the resonances of several aromatic residues, including those of Trp71, suggesting that several aromatic residues may be lining the ω‐aminocarboxylic acid binding site. The binding of the ligand is competitive with the binding of lanthanide ions which reveal much detail of this site.
Inhibition of the mitochondrial bc1 complex by dibromothymoquinone
Authors: Esposti Mauro Degli , Rugolo Michela , Lenaz Giorgio
Published: July 2002

We have studied the effects of dibromothymoquinone (DBMIB) in various redox activities of the succinate—cytochrome c span of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. At concentrations higher than 50 mol/mol of cytochrome c
1 the inhibitor produces a bypass of electron transfer on the substrate side of the bc
1 complex, because of its autooxidation capability. This induces an artifactual overestimation of the real inhibition titer of the redox activity of this enzyme, which has been found to be 3–6 mol/mol of cytochrome c
1 by following the ubiquinol—cytochrome c reductase activity. This action is reversed by addition of excess of sulphydryl compounds like cysteine.
A synthetic peptide containing the autophosphorylation site of the transforming protein of Harvey sarcoma virus is phosphorylated by the EGF‐stimulated tyrosine kinase
Authors: Baldwin G.S. , Stanley I.J. , Nice E.C.
Published: July 2002

The transforming proteins (p21) of Harvey and Kirsten sarcoma viruses threonine kinase activity, which phosphorylates threonine 59 of the p21 proteins themselves. A tridecapeptide: Arg—Arg—Leu56—Asp—Thr—Thr59—Gly—Gln—Glu—Tyr—Ser—Ala66 containing residues 56‐66 of p21 is phosphorylated solely on tyrosine by the epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐stimulated tyrosine kinase of A431 cell membranes. K
m‐Values of 240 and 80 μM and V
max values of 1.7 and 0.1 nmol.min−1.mg−1 were obtained in the presence and absence of EGF, respectively.
Inhibition of Forskolin‐stimulated cardiac adenylate cyclase activity by short‐chain alcohols
Authors: Robberecht Patrick , Waelbroeck Magali , Chatelain Pierre , Jean-Claude Camus , Jean Christophe
Published: July 2002

The diterpene forskolin stimulated rat cardiac adenylate cyclase activity at least 20‐fold and potentiated the effect of NaF. The stimulatory effect of forskolin was reduced in the presence of Gpp(NH)p. Ethanol markedly reduced the stimulation of adenylate cyclase by forskolin while potentiating NaF and Gpp(NH)p stimulation. The inhibitory effect of ethanol on forskolin stimulation appeared to be of a mixed type with both a competitive and a non‐competitive component. Three other short‐chain linear alcohols (methanol, propanol, butanol) also inhibited forskolin‐stimulation, this effect being proportional to the number of carbon atoms.
Modelling the ATP‐binding site of oncogene products, the epidermal growth factor receptor and related proteins
Authors: Sternberg Michael J.E. , Taylor William R.
Published: July 2002

A three‐dimensional model for the ATP‐binding site of the oncogene product v‐src is proposed by the use of interactive computer graphics. A similar model would apply to sequence related proteins such as other oncogene products, the epidermal growth factor receptor, cAMP‐dependent protein kinase and the cell division control protein CDC28. The model was proposed on the basis of the conservation of certain key residues between the oncogene product family of proteins and several nucleotide binding proteins of known structures.
Assignment of resonances in the Escherichia coli 5 S RNA fragment proton NMR spectrum using uniform nitrogen‐15 enrichment
Authors: Kime Matthew J.
Published: July 2002

5 S RNA fragment
Proton NMR
Uniform 15N enrichment
Heteronuclear decoupling
Chemical shift correlation
Assignment strategy
Identification and purification of a 36 kDa bile acid binder in human hepatic cytosol
Authors: Stolz Andrew , Sugiyama Yuichi , Kuhlenkamp John , Kaplowitz Neil
Published: July 2002

We recently purified two closely related 33 kDa proteins from rat hepatic cytosol, designated bile acid binder I and II, which selectively bind bile acids with comparable affinity as glutathione S‐transferase B. This work has now been extended to human liver in which we have identified a similar cytosolic binding activity in the 30–40 kDa fraction from gel filtration. Subsequent chromatofocusing and hydroxyapatite chromatography resulted in the isolation of a homogenous monomeric protein of 36 kDa. The binding affinity of this protein for lithocholate using the displacement of 1‐anilino‐8‐naphthalenesulfonate (ANS) was 0.1 μM, whereas human hepatic glutathione S‐transferases purified from glutathione affinity chromatography demonstrated no competitive displacement of ANS.
Rotating frame nuclear overhauser effect: a practical tool for the 1H NMR study of peptides in solution
Authors: Marion Dominique
Published: July 2002

A new 2D NMR experiment, the rotating frame nuclear Overhauser enhancement (nOe) spectroscopy (ROESY) was recently proposed as an alternative to NOESY for the study of intermediate molecules. Its practical use is here tested on bacillomycin D, a bacterial cyclic lipopeptide. This sequential resonance assignment, based on nOe connectivities at room temperature, shows that the high viscosity which is generally required for conventional nOe measurement is no longer a restriction for choosing a suitable solvent. In comparison to low‐temperature NOESY, short internuclear connectivities can be safely demonstrated because of no spin diffusion, for sequential assignment ofpeptide resonances.
Phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase immobilized in semipermeable microcapsules for enzyme replacement in phenylketonuria
Authors: Bourget Louis , Chang Thomas M.S.
Published: July 2002

Phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase immobilized within semipermeable microcapsules has an assayed enzyme activity which is 20% ± 4% of the enzyme in free solution. The Km
for the immobilized enzyme remained the same as that of the free enzyme. The pH optimum also remained unchanged at pH 8.5 ± 1.0. At the lower pH range, enzyme activity is higher for the immobilized enzyme. Daily oral administration of microencapsulated phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase to phenylketonuric rats decreased the systemic phenylalanine level by 35 ± 8% in 2 days (P < 0.05) and by 75 ± 8% in 7 days (P < 0.001).
The developmental changes of mRNA levels for a cerebellar protein (spot 35 protein) in rat brains
Authors: Yamakuni T. , Araki K. , Takahashi Y.
Published: July 2002

Our previous papers described a protein called spot 35 found in the cerebellar cytosol of adult rats by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and localized in the Purkinje cells by immunohistochemical methods. Here we describe the biosynthesis of this spot 35 protein using a reticulocyte lysate cell‐free system containing rat cerebellar mRNA. The developmental changes of mRNA‐dependent protein biosynthesis were also examined. During postnatal 10–30 days, a rapid increase of mRNA levels for spot 35 protein was observed. The application of the new 45Ca‐binding assay procedure revealed that this protein is a Ca‐binding protein.
A novel immunoassay with direct relevance to protection against organophosphate poisoning
Authors: Heldman Eliahu , Balan Ayala , Horowitz Ora , Ben-Zion Sarit , Torten Michael
Published: July 2002

Antiparaoxon immune sera were employed in a new immunoassay based on competition between acetylcholinesterase and antibodies for the binding ofparaoxon. Unlike radioimmunoassay, the new assay described herein can be extended to predict the feasibility of antibodies to confer in vivo protection of acetylcholinesterase against organophosphate poisoning. The toxicity of paraoxon was reduced in mice which were pre‐injected with the immune sera.
A cytosine·cytosine base paired parallel DNA double helix with thymine·thymine bulges
Authors: Sarma M.H. , Gupta G. , Sarma R.H.
Published: July 2002

500 MHz 1H NMR studies using 2D‐NOESY indicate that the oligonucleotide d(CTCTCT) at low pH forms a parallel double helix with cytosine·cytosine base pairs and thymine·thymine bulges. This unusual structure may explain the hypersensitivity of S1 nuclease at low pH towards supercoiled plasmids containing d(CT)
n
inserts.
Two δ‐crystallin polypeptides are derived from a cloned δ1 ‐crystallin cDNA
Authors: Wawrousek Eric F. , Nickerson John M. , Piatigorsky Joram
Published: July 2002

Previous studies have shown that there are 2 similar δ‐crystallin genes (δ1 and δ2) and at least 2 δ‐crystallin polypeptides in the chicken eye lens. We show here that both δ‐crystallin polypeptides can be synthesized from mRNA transcribed in vitro from a cloned (51‐cry stallin cDNA. Both polypeptides co‐migrate in SDS‐urea‐polyacrylamide electrophoresis with their authentic counterparts isolated from 15‐day‐old embryonic chicken lenses, and both react with sheep anti‐chicken δ‐crystallin serum. Screening nearly 900 δ‐crystallin cDNA clones from a 15‐day‐old embryonic lens library with an oligonucleotide probe specific for exon 2 of the δ2‐crystallin gene failed to detect any δ2 cDNA clones, indicating that the δ2 gene produces little or no mRNA in the lens at this stage of development. Our results suggest that both of the observed δ‐crystallin polypeptides are derived from mRNA transcribed from the δ1 gene, with heterogeneity arising at the translational or co‐translational level.
A new crystal form of large ribosomal subunits from Halobacterium marismortui
Authors: Shoham M. , Müssig J. , Shevack A. , Arad T. , Wittmann H.G. , Yonath A.
Published: July 2002

A new form of three‐dimensional crystals of the 50 S ribosomal subunits from Halobacterium marismortui has been obtained at 19°C, using polyethylene glycol in the presence of 1.2–1.7 M KCl in the crystallization mixture. The crystals diffract X‐rays to 13 Å and are stable in the synchrotron radiation beam for 4–8 h. Being aggregates of thin plates, the dimensions of only two unit cell edges, 147 × 181 Å, with an angle of 95°, could so far be determined by both X‐ray crystallography and electron microscopy. Attempts to produce thicker crystals by sophisticated seeding are in progress.
Propylthiouracil, a selective inhibitor of NADH‐cytochrome b5 reductase
Authors: Lee Eibai , Kariya Kimio
Published: July 2002

Propylthiouracil inhibited the activity of NADH‐cytochrome b
5 reductase of rat liver microsomes using potassium ferricyanide as electron acceptor. On the other hand, NADPH‐cytochrome P‐450 reductase activity was not affected by the compound. NADH‐supported reduction of cytochrome b
5 was also inhibited by Propylthiouracil in the reconstituted system consisting of cytochrome b
5 and partially purified NADH‐cytochrome b
5 reductase.
The source of malonyl‐CoA in rat heart
Authors: Scholte Hans R. , Luyt-Houwen Inez E.M. , Dubelaar Marie-Louise , Huismann Willem C.
Published: July 2002

The formation of malonyl‐CoA in rat heart is catalyzed by cytosolic acetyl‐CoA carboxylase. The existence of this enzyme in heart is difficult to prove by the abundant occurrence of mitochondrial propionyl‐CoA carboxylase, which is also able to catalyze the carboxylation of acetyl‐CoA. We used the calcium paradox as a tool to separate cytosolic components from the remaining heart, and found that acetyl‐CoA carboxylase activity was preferentially released, like lactate dehydrogenase and carnitine, while propionyl‐CoA carboxylase was almost fully retained. Acetyl‐CoA carboxylase activity was determined after activation by citrate ion and Mg2+. The activity decreased to 64% by 48 h of fasting.
A telomere binding protein in the macronuclei of the hypotrichous ciliate Stylonychia lemnae
Authors: Steinhilber Wolfram , Lipps Hans Joachim
Published: July 2002

Macronuclear proteins from the hypotrichous ciliate Stylonychia lemnae were isolated, separated on SDS‐PAGE and electroblotted onto nitrocellulose filters. Filter binding assays with 32P‐labeled macronuclear DNA and the synthetic telomere sequence (C4A4/G4T4) in combination with competition experiments revealed strong preference of a protein with a molecular mass of approx. 40 kDa to the terminal sequence of macronuclear gene‐sized molecules.
Kinetics of pump currents generated by the Na+,K+‐ATPase
Authors: Fendler K. , Grell E. , Bamberg E.
Published: July 2002

Purified Na+,K+‐ATPase from pig kidney was attached to black lipid membranes. Pump currents of the enzyme could be measured with a time resolution of approx. 1 ms by releasing ATP from caged ATP with a UV laser flash. Analysis of the transient currents shows that a slow non‐electrogenic step is followed by an electrogenic transition with a rate constant of 100 s−1 (22°C). The exponential components found in the transient currents are compared to transitions in the Albers‐Post scheme.
Tight control of the amount of yeast plasma membrane ATPase during changes in growth conditions and gene dosage
Authors: Eraso Pilar , Cid Angel , Serrano Ramón
Published: July 2002

The activity of the plasma membrane ATPase in growing yeast is increased by low pH and by glucose, conditions which result in a higher demand for proton pumping. The amount of enzyme is not significatively modified under these conditions. The amount of ATPase is only slightly increased by introducing extra copies of its gene in autonomous plasmids. In addition, the expression of the ATPase gene in a multi‐copy plasmid causes a reduction of the copy number of the plasmid and slows growth. Therefore, overexpression of the ATPase is detrimental for the cell, justifying a regulatory mechanism based on increasing the catalytic activity and not the amount of enzyme.
Heterogeneous glycosylation of the EXG1 gene product accounts for the two extracellular exo‐β‐glucanases of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Nebreda A.R. , Vazquez C.R. , Villa T.G. , Villanueva J.R. , del Rey F.
Published: July 2002

Two exo‐β‐glucanases of glycoprotein nature can be detected in culture supernatants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. These exo‐β‐glucanases show different M
r values and kinetic properties, although they are immunologically related. Their carbohydrate content and the electrophoretic mobility of both endoglycosidase H‐treated exo‐β‐glucanases suggest that they share the same protein fraction. Studies at genetic level relate the production of both extracellular exo‐β‐glucanases with the expression of a single‐copy gene in S. cerevisiae. Expression of this gene in another yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, demonstrates that it codes for a protein with exo‐β‐glucanase activity whose heterogeneous N‐glycosylation accounts for both extracellular exo‐β‐glucanases of S. cerevisiae.
Activation of polyphosphoinositide phospholipase C by guanosine 5′‐O‐(3‐thio)triphosphate and fluoroaluminate in membranes prepared from a human T cell leukemia line, JURKAT
Authors: Sasaki Terukatsu , Hasegawa-Sasaki Hiroko
Published: July 2002

Polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis was studied in membranes prepared from a human T cell leukemia line, JURKAT, prelabeled with myo‐[2‐3H]inositol. The formation of inositol bis‐ and trisphosphates was stimulated in a buffer with 110 nM free Ca2+ with a nonhydrolyzable GTP analogue, GTPγS, and NaF plus AlCl3 in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. GTPγS and NaF‐AlCl3 had no significant effect on the inositol monophosphate level. AlCl3 enhanced the NaF‐stimulated release of inositol polyphosphates. Optimum concentrations of NaF and AlCl3 produced 1.5‐fold more inositol polyphosphates than that produced by optimum concentration of GTPγS. OKT3 monoclonal antibody, an antibody against the T‐cell receptor complex, did not stimulate the inositol polyphosphate formation by JURKAT membranes even in the presence of GTP, although the antibody at the concentrations used markedly stimulated the hydrolysis of polyphosphoinositides in intact JURKAT cells.
The only inositol tetrakisphosphate detectable in avian erythrocytes is the isomer lacking phosphate at position 3: a NMR study
Authors: Mayr Georg W. , Dietrich Wolfgang
Published: July 2002

Avian red blood cells contain a millimolar amount of inositol polyphosphate which plays a role as an allosteric effector of hemoglobin. We confirmed the structure of this substance by NMR techniques as purely myo‐inositol 1,3,4,5,6‐pentakisphosphate. Based on present knowledge this effector is synthesized from inositol trisphosphate by successive phosphorylation. In a search for biosynthetic and degradative intermediates of inositol pentakisphosphate we found only one inositol tetrakisphosphate isomer. Its structure was unambiguously assigned by proton, 13C‐ and 31P‐NMR to myo‐inositol 1,4,5,6‐tetrakisphosphate. As in mammalian cells the major inositol tetrakisphosphate isomer is myo‐inositol 1,3,4,5‐tetrakisphosphate, there seem to be differences between avian red blood cells and mammalian cells in the routes of inositol polyphosphate formation and/or degradation.
Studies on the binding of bacteria to glycolipids Two species of Propionibacterium apparently recognize separate epitopes on lactose of lactosylceramide
Authors: Strömberg Nicklas , Ryd Marie , Lindberg Alf A. , Karlsson Karl-Anders
Published: July 2002

Two species of Propionibacterium were analysed regarding their binding to glycosphingolipids. Bacteria were labeled with 125I and selective interaction with glycolipids on thin‐layer chromatograms was revealed by autoradiography. The carbohydrate site in common for active molecular species appeared to be lactose. The two bacteria differed, however, in the overall binding pattern on the chromatogram, probably due to recognition of separate epitopes on lactose. P. freudenreichii bound only to lactosylceramide while P. granulosum also recognized substituted lactosylceramide: Galα1 → 3Galβ1 → 4GlcβCer, GlcNAcβ1 → 3Galβ1 → 4GlcβCer and Galβl → 3GlcNAcβ1 → 3Galβ1 → 4GlcβCer were active, but Galα1 → 4Galβ1 → 4GlcβCer was inactive. Also, there was an interesting dependence on ceramide structure in the case of lactosylceramide. P. freudenreichii bound to lactosylceramide with sphingosine and non‐hydroxy fatty acids but not to species with sphingosine and 2‐hydroxy fatty acids, phytosphingosine and non‐hydroxy fatty acids or phytosphingosine and 2‐hydroxy fatty acids. For P. granulosum the situation was reversed. This may be explained by an influence of ceramide structure on the presentation of the two lactose epitopes at the assay surface. These results were supported by curves from the binding of labeled bacteria to glycolipids coated in microtiter wells and in part by binding to glycolipid‐coated chicken erythrocytes.