bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A NEW MEASURE OF ROTATABILITY OF RESPONSE SURFACE DESIGNS
Authors: Kshirsagar AnantM. , Chung‐inCheng Joanna
Published: February 2008

This paper proposes a new measure of rotatability of a response surface design. It is based on a comparison between the design moments of a given design and the design moments of a rotatable design closest to the given design in the least squares sense. This measure is easier to calculate than Khurľs measure. An alternative easier non‐geometrical way of deriving Khuri's measure is also presented. Both measures are calculated to illustrate some designs considered by Khuri.
MULTIPERIOD FORECASTING ANALYSIS OF A DYNAMIC MODEL FOR A SMALL SAMPLE
Authors: Hoque Asraul
Published: February 2008

In this paper we derive the formulae for the bias and mean squared forecast error (MSFE) of the least squares forecast several periods ahead in the context of a dynamic model. Since the expressions are in terms of integrals, we have also obtained the numerical value of the bias and MSFE for different values of parameters and different disturbance structures. The results confirm some earlier studies (based on the AR(1) model), for example Lahiri (1975) and Hoque et al. (1988).
COMPONENTS OF VARIANCE MODELS WITH TRANSFORMATIONS
Authors: Taylor Jeremy M.G. , Cumberland William G. , Meng Xiangyi
Published: February 2008

Power transformations are a popular way to improve the agreement between the observations and the assumptions in a statistical model. In this paper it is assumed that the data, after appropriate power transformation Λ, satisfies a variance components model, with independent Gaussian components. The focus is on inference for quantities which have an interpretation regardless of the choice of Λ (Carroll & Ruppert, 1981) – in particular the intraclass correlation coefficient ρ, the predicted probability of a new observation being less than a specified value and the predicted quantile. It is shown that, in the case Λ= 0, the asymptotic variance of ρ is the same, whether or not one treats Δ as estimated or as known. This supports an empirical conjecture of Solomon (1985). For predicted probabilities and predicted quantiles the variance when A is estimated is shown to be only slightly greater than the variance assuming Δ is known, except in the tails of the distribution where there can be substantial difference between the two variances.
HITTING LINES and CIRCLES WITH DIFFUSION PROCESSES
Authors: Lefebvre Mario , Labib Richard
Published: February 2008

For (x(t),y(t)), a diffusion process starting from (x(0),y(0)) = (x,y), the problem of computing the moment generating function of the first passage time T(x, y) to a given subset D of IR2is considered. A particular case of the method of similarity solutions is used. The problems that can be solved explicitly are those for which D is either a straight line or a circle.
DISPERSION CONTROL FOR MULTIVARIATE PROCESSES
Authors: Tang Pak F. , Barnett Neil S.
Published: February 2008

This paper presents some techniques for monitoring and controlling the dispersion of multivariate normal processes based on subgroup data. The procedures involve use of independent statistics resulting from the decomposition of the covariance matrix. Those that do not depend on prior estimates of the process covariance matrix are particularly attractive to short‐run or low volume manufacturing environments.
ON THE GENERALIZED RAO‐RUBIN CONDITION and SOME VARIANTS
Authors: Sapatinas Theofanis
Published: February 2008

This paper gives a characterization of some members of the compound Poisson family of distributions based on the generalized Rao‐Rubin condition. By considering some variants of this condition and using power series arguments, characterizations of the Poisson distribution are also obtained.
INFLUENCE DIAGNOSTICS IN PROPER DISPERSION MODELS
Authors: Paula Gilberto A.
Published: February 2008

This paper discusses the application of influence diagnostic methods in univariate proper dispersion models. This class includes, in particular, continuous generalized linear models as well as other subclasses of continuous regression models. We emphasize the study of the local influence on the likelihood displacement and predictions from the models. Some of the diagnostics are illustrated by an example on directional data.
RANDOM THRESHOLD MODELS APPLIED TO INFLATED ZERO CLASS DATA
Authors: Saei Ayoub , McGilchrist C.A.
Published: February 2008

summary

For a random component threshold model, the threshold parameters are functions of a linear combination of fixed and random components. This paper describes estimation procedures in terms of composite link functions. The models give a good fit to the frequency of use of medical procedures in the different counties of Washington State, USA. Suitable models for studying change in county effects in successive years are developed.
ASSESSING ERROR RATE ESTIMATORS: THE LEAVE‐ONE‐OUT METHOD RECONSIDERED
Authors: Krzanowski W.J. , Hand D.J.
Published: February 2008

summary

Many comparative studies of the estimators of error rates of supervised classification rules are based on inappropriate criteria. In particular, although they fix the Bayes error rate, their summary statistics aggregate a range of true error rates. This means that their conclusions about the performance of classification rules cannot be trusted. This paper discusses the general issues involved, and then focuses attention specifically on the leave‐one‐out estimator. The estimator is investigated in a simulation study, both in absolute terms and in comparison with a popular bootstrap estimator. An improvement to the leave‐one‐out estimator is suggested, but the bootstrap estimator appears to maintain superiority even when the criteria are adjusted.
EMPIRICAL LIKELIHOOD‐BASED KERNEL DENSITY ESTIMATION
Authors: Chen Song Xi
Published: February 2008

summary

This paper considers the estimation of a probability density function when extra distributional information is available (e.g. the mean of the distribution is known or the variance is a known function of the mean). The standard kernel method cannot exploit such extra information systematically as it uses an equal probability weight n‐1 at each data point. The paper suggests using empirical likelihood to choose the probability weights under constraints formulated from the extra distributional information. An empirical likelihood‐based kernel density estimator is given by replacing n‐1 by the empirical likelihood weights, and has these advantages: it makes systematic use of the extra information, it is able to reflect the extra characteristics of the density function, and its variance is smaller than that of the standard kernel density estimator.
CONDITIONING AND CONCENTRATION OF PRINCIPAL COMPONENTS
Authors: Jensen D.R.
Published: February 2008

summary

This paper uses various gauges to construct principal variables that satisfy criteria of maximal scatter. The solutions coincide with Hotelling's (1933) principal components in structured ensembles and mixtures, including heavy‐tailed distributions not having moments. Thus, normal‐theory tests are exact in level and power under nonstandard models allowing for correlated vector observations and for certain mixtures having neither moments nor unimodal marginals.
STEPWISE TESTS WHEN THE TEST STATISTICS ARE INDEPENDENT
Authors: Liu Wei
Published: February 2008

summary

Consider the problem of simultaneously testing a nonhierarchical finite family of hypotheses based on independent test statistics. A general stepwise test is defined, of which the well known step‐down and step‐up tests are special cases. The step‐up test is shown to dominate the other stepwise tests, including the step‐down test, for situations of practical importance. When testing against two‐sided alternatives, it is pointed out that if the step‐up test is augmented to include directional decisions then the augmented step‐up test controls the type I and III familywise error jointly at the original level q. The definition of the adjusted p values for the step‐up test is justified. The results are illustrated by a numerical example.
A neurological examination score for the assessment of spinocerebellar ataxia 3 (SCA3)
Authors: Kieling C. , Rieder C. R. M. , Silva A. C. F. , Saute J. A. M. , Cecchin C. R. , Monte T. L. , Jardim L. B.
Published: February 2008

Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are characterized by a heterogeneous set of clinical manifestations. Our aims were to assess the neurological features of SCA3, and to describe and test the feasibility, reliability, and validity of a comprehensive Neurological Examination Score for Spinocerebellar Ataxia (NESSCA). The NESSCA was administered to molecularly diagnosed SCA3 patients at an outpatient neurogenetics clinic. The scale, based on the standardized neurological examination, consisted of 18 items that yielded a total score ranging from 0 to 40. The score’s interrater reliability and internal consistency were investigated, and a principal components analysis and a correlation with external measures were performed. Ninety‐nine individuals were evaluated. Interrater reliability ranged from 0.8 to 1 across individual items (P < 0.001); internal consistency, indicated by Cronbach’s alpha, was 0.77. NESSCA scores were significantly correlated with measures of disease severity: disease stage (rho = 0.76, P < 0.001), duration (rho = 0.56, P < 0.001), and length of CAG repeat (rho = 0.30, P < 0.05). NESSCA was a reliable measure for the assessment of distinct neurological deficits in SCA3 patients. Global scores correlated with all external variables tested, showing NESSCA to be a comprehensive measure of disease severity that is both clinically useful and scientifically valid.
Variation of serum uric acid levels in multiple sclerosis during relapses and immunomodulatory treatment
Authors: Guerrero A. L. , Martín‐Polo J. , Laherrán E. , Gutiérrez F. , Iglesias F. , Tejero M. A. , Rodríguez‐Gallego M. , Alcázar C.
Published: February 2008

Uric acid (UA), a product of purine metabolism, may be an antioxidant, perhaps acting as a scavenger of peroxynitrite. Patients with gout have a reduced incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS). A number of studies found that patients with MS have low serum levels of UA, although it has not been established whether this represents a primary deficit or a secondary effect. UA has also been proposed as a marker of disease activity and response to immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory treatment. We retrospectively reviewed 83 relapsing–remitting or secondary progressive MS patients (64 females and 19 males) followed in our Neurology Unit. We collected data concerning demographic variables as age and sex, and clinical variables as age of onset, clinical type, disease duration, EDSS score and total number of relapses. We considered UA levels in three different situations: during a relapse, during remission period and during remission period under immunomodulatory treatment [Interferon Beta 1a im (Avonex; Biogen Idec Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA), Interferon Beta 1a sc (Rebif; Serono Europe Limited, London, UK), Interferon Beta 1b (Betaferon; Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany) or Glatiramer Acetate (Copaxone; TEVA Neuroscience LLC, Kansas City, MO, USA)]. A Wilcoxon matched pairs test was carried out to determine differences between groups. A P‐value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. In 33 patients, we were able to compare at least one UA value obtained during a relapse with at least one when remission without treatment. Mean serum UA levels were significantly lower when measured during a relapse (r: 0.39, P: 0.024). In 27 cases, we compared at least one remission value without treatment with at least one obtained during remission and immunomodulatory treatment. Mean serum UA levels significantly increased when determined during Interferon Beta or Glatiramer Acetate therapy (r: 0.84, P < 0.001). Although we do not know exactly whether and how UA is involved in MS pathogenesis, our data suggest that UA might reflect disease activity or treatment response in MS.
A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, single‐dose study of the cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor, GW406381, as a treatment for acute migraine
Authors: Wentz A. L. , Jimenez T. B. , Dixon R. M. , Aurora S. K. , Gold M. ,   the CXA20008 Study Investigators
Published: February 2008

The objective of the present study was to explore the clinical efficacy and tolerability of GW406381, a cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitor with relatively high CNS penetration, in acute migraine. This was a double‐blind, single‐dose study of GW406381 compared with placebo and naproxen sodium compared with placebo (protocol number CXA20008). Three hundred and thirty‐seven subjects were randomized 1:1:1 to GW406381 (70 mg), naproxen sodium (825 mg), or placebo for the treatment of one migraine headache of moderate or severe intensity in a potential 8‐week period. The primary end‐point was the proportion of subjects with headache relief [reduction in headache severity score from pre‐dose 2 (moderate) or 3 (severe) to 0 (no pain) or 1 (mild)] at 2 h post‐dose for GW406381 compared with placebo. Significantly higher proportions of subjects treated with GW406381 (50%, P = 0.032) or naproxen sodium (56%, P = 0.005) than with placebo (35%) reported headache relief at 2 h post‐dose. Additional significant benefits were observed on many secondary outcomes, including proportions of subjects pain‐free, for both GW406381 and naproxen sodium treatment compared with placebo. Both active treatments were well tolerated. Single‐dose GW406381 (70 mg) and naproxen sodium (825 mg) were effective and well tolerated in the treatment of acute migraine.
Economic literacy and the war on poverty: a social work challenge?
Authors: Engelbrecht Lambert
Published: February 2008

This article reports on an exploratory descriptive study that examined ten social workers’ perceptions of their war on poverty and the challenges in constructing a conceptual framework for the development of a Social Community Education for Economic Literacy Development (SCEELD) programme. It was found that the social workers were knowledgeable about the uneconomic activities of their clients and that their ideas about what needed to be done about this related very much to their attitudes towards poverty. Significantly, the social workers did not think that job creation was their primary responsibility nor had, in their experience, job creation programmes been successful. Rather, the economic literacy they taught related to housekeeping imperatives, such as economical food preparation and managing income and concrete resources no matter how meagre. Overall, the social workers did not perceive the agency culture or the context of developmental welfare practice as conducive to the implementation of programmes aimed at economic development, and none talked about the relationship between economic and social development.
Alcohol and drug abuse: removing structural barriers to treatment for historically disadvantaged communities in Cape Town
Authors: Myers Bronwyn , Louw Johann , Fakier Nuraan
Published: February 2008

The article reports on an exploratory study that examined access to alcohol and other drug treatment for historically disadvantaged communities in the Cape Town metropole. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 20 key informants from various sectors of the alcohol and drug treatment system, including treatment service providers, members of local drug action committees and social workers from district social service offices. Findings highlighted three structural barriers to service delivery: (i) difficulties in developing and implementing a strategic plan relating to alcohol and drug problems due to poor capacity and other infrastructural issues, such as a lack of information, poor intersectoral collaboration and limited consultation with service providers; (ii) limited allocation of resources to alcohol and drug treatment which has restricted the availability of affordable services as well as the capacity of established services to meet increased demand for services in this area; and (iii) fragmented service delivery. The study highlighted the need for further transformation of the South African social welfare system responsible for alcohol and drug treatment service delivery through public–private partnership development and the introduction of a management information system.
The impact of social transformation on the non‐government welfare sector and the social work profession
Authors: Lombard Antoinette
Published: February 2008

This article examines changes to non‐government social welfare, their impact on service delivery and on the social work profession. To redress the legacy of the past and the consequent inequalities in social welfare, in the first decade of democracy the government allocated the bulk of its welfare resources to transforming the social security system at the expense of social service delivery. As a result, South Africa has a costly social security budget with social services on the brink of collapse, leaving social workers and other social service professionals with low morale in the face of the huge challenge of providing welfare services with scarce resources, especially in the non‐government sector. Nevertheless, social work remains an important role player in social development. From its marginalised position in the first decade of democracy, in the second decade it is repositioning itself as a recognised contributor to reconstruction and development in South Africa.
A critical review of the developmental approach to disability in South Africa
Authors: Gathiram Neeta
Published: February 2008

The article describes the policies, legislation, institutional structures and programmes of the developmental welfare system for physically disabled people in South Africa that have developed since 1994. In so doing, it examines resources and constraints and suggests ways in which improvements might be made following the experiences in the first 12 years of social development in South Africa. The author believes that it is timely to pursue this topic given the barriers experienced on the ground where social developers are attempting to empower and improve the circumstances of physically disabled people. Thus, this article should be of interest to policy makers, social planners, practitioners, human rights activists and disabled people alike.
Molecular biomarkers monitoring human skeletal muscle fibres and microvasculature following long‐term bed rest with and without countermeasures
Authors: Salanova M. , Schiffl G. , Püttmann B. , Schoser B. G. , Blottner D.
Published: February 2008

The cellular mechanisms of human skeletal muscle adaptation to disuse are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the morphological and biochemical changes of the lower limb soleus and vastus lateralis muscles following 60 days of head‐down tilt bed rest in women with and without exercise countermeasure using molecular biomarkers monitoring functional cell compartments. Muscle biopsies were taken before (pre) and after bed rest (post) from a bed rest‐only and a bed rest exercise group (n = 8, each). NOS1 and NOS3/PECAM, markers of myofibre ‘activity’ and capillary density, and MuRF1 (E3 ubiquitin‐ligase), a marker of proteolysis, were documented by confocal immunofluorescence and immunoblot analyses. Morphometrical parameters (myofibre cross‐sectional area, type I/II distribution) were largely preserved in muscles from the exercise group with a robust trend for type II hypertrophy in vastus lateralis. In the bed rest‐only group, the relative NOS1 immunostaining intensity was decreased at type I and II myofibre membranes, while the bed rest plus exercise group compensated for this loss particularly in soleus. In the microvascular network, NOS3 expression and the capillary‐to‐fibre ratio were both increased in the exercise group. Elevated MuRF1 immunosignals found in subgroups of atrophic myofibres probably reflected accelerated proteolysis. Immunoblots revealed overexpression of the MuRF1 protein in the soleus of the bed rest‐only group (> 35% vs. pre). We conclude that exercise countermeasure during bed rest affected both NOS/NO signalling and proteolysis in female skeletal muscle. Maintenance of NO signalling mechanisms and normal protein turnover by exercise countermeasure may be crucial steps to attenuate human skeletal muscle atrophy and to maintain cell function following chronic disuse.
Climate‐ and resource‐driven long‐term changes in dormice populations negatively affect hole‐nesting songbirds
Authors: Adamík P. , Král M.
Published: February 2008

Global climate change has been shown to cause variable shifts in phenology in a variety of animals and unexpected outcomes across food chains are to be found. Here we examined how rising annual spring temperatures affected the interactions between seed masting, cavity nesting birds and dormice using long‐term data from Eastern Czech Republic. We have shown that climate change was associated with unequal shifts in the phenology of two cavity‐breeding groups: dormice and birds. Rising spring temperatures have progressively advanced the termination of hibernation for the edible dormouse Glis glis, a common bird predator, leading to an increasing overlap in the use of nesting boxes between dormice and birds. In contrast, only the collared flycatcher Ficedula albicollis, of the four cavity‐nesting bird species, advanced its breeding dates in response to rising temperatures. At the same time, favourable weather conditions, coupled with good seed masting years, have been associated with a substantial rise in dormice numbers. Concurrent with the increasing dormice abundance, the number of bird nests destroyed significantly increased in three out of four bird species. We showed that while there was a significant change in the date that the dormice emerged from hibernation during the course of the study, it did not significantly contribute to predation levels when controlling for their abundance and timing of breeding in birds. We found that the increasing dormice abundance was the main factor causing high brood losses in birds, while the timing of breeding in birds had a variable effect between bird species. This study illustrates how changes in climate might affect organisms at various trophic levels with often unexpected outcomes. Limited evidence from other study organisms suggests that species most at risk are those at different trophic levels that do not shift at the same rate or in the same direction as their food resources, predators or competitors.
Variations in the echolocation calls of the European free‐tailed bat
Authors: Bayefsky‐Anand S. , Skowronski M. D. , Fenton M. B. , Korine C. , Holderied M. W.
Published: February 2008

The echolocation calls of Tadarida teniotis were studied in an outdoor flight enclosure (captive individuals) and in the wild using single microphones or an array of four microphones. Calls were characterized by measures of 10 call variables. Comparison of individual calls recorded on four microphones arrayed in a tetrahedron with 1 m between each microphone revealed that all calls were not equally detectable by all microphones but that there were no significant differences in call features obtained from calls recorded on all four microphones. A comparison of 47 calls recorded by all four microphones showed no significant differences in the features of the four recordings of each call. Analysis of calls of five individuals flying individually in an outdoor flight cage revealed significant individual differences in call features. In the field, T. teniotis used long, narrowband search‐phase calls, usually without harmonics. Analysis of 1876 search‐phase echolocation calls of T. teniotis recorded in the field in Israel and Greece in 2002, 2005 and 2006 showed significant year‐to‐year and site‐to‐site differences in some call features. When flying in the presence of conspecifics, T. teniotis changed their echolocation calls. We found a range of different buzzes in the wild, and based on their structure we attempted to classify them as feeding and social buzzes. The features of individual calls comprising buzzes differed significantly among buzzes, and yet there were no consistent differences between what we classified as feeding and social buzzes.
Pouch appearance is a reliable indicator of the reproductive status in the Tasmanian devil and the spotted‐tailed quoll
Authors: Hesterman H. , Jones S. M. , Schwarzenberger F.
Published: February 2008

Female Tasmanian devils (TDs) Sarcophilus harrisii and spotted‐tailed quolls (STQs) Dasyurus maculatus were monitored to assess changes in plasma progesterone and faecal oestrogens/progestagens, vaginal smears and qualitative changes in pouch appearance during the oestrous cycle. Pouch condition was characterized based on size, colour and secretions, and was found to accurately reflect reproductive status, being significantly correlated with changes in both sex steroids and vaginal cytology. During the follicular phase, pouch redness and secretions were maximal, and associated with increased sex steroid concentrations, a karyopyknotic index of >90% and the onset of copulation. Post‐ovulation, pouches became wet and deep and developed a glandular appearance; plasma progesterone/faecal progestagen concentrations remained high and sustained throughout the luteal phase. These features were identical during the pregnant and non‐pregnant oestrous cycle. This study demonstrated that pouch appearance is a reliable physical indicator of the stage of oestrous in the TD and STQ, and provides an alternative non‐invasive method for evaluating the ovarian cycle of these threatened species. This technique can be readily applied to monitor individuals in free‐ranging or captive populations, and will aid as a practical tool for improved breeding management.
Tat‐Hsp70 protects dopaminergic neurons in midbrain cultures and in the substantia nigra in models of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Nagel Florian , Falkenburger Björn H. , Tönges Lars , Kowsky Sebastian , Pöppelmeyer Charlotte , Schulz Jörg B. , Bähr Mathias , Dietz Gunnar P. H.
Published: February 2008

Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra. The heat‐shock protein 70 (Hsp70) reduces protein misfolding and aggregation. It has been shown to protect cells against oxidative stress and apoptotic stimuli in various neurodegenerative disease models. To deliver Hsp70 across cellular membranes and into the brain, we linked it to a cell‐penetrating peptide derived from the HIV trans‐activator of transcription (Tat) protein. In vitro, Tat‐Hsp70 transduced neuroblastoma cells and protected primary mesencephalic DA neurons and their neurites against MPP+‐mediated degeneration. In vivo, the systemic application of cell‐permeable Hsp70 protected DA neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta against subacute toxicity of MPTP. Furthermore, Tat‐Hsp70 diminished the MPTP induced decrease in DA striatal fiber density. Thus, we demonstrate that systemically applied Tat‐Hsp70 effectively prevents neuronal cell death in in vitro and in vivo models of Parkinson’s disease. The use of Tat‐fusion proteins might therefore be a valuable tool to deliver molecular chaperones like Hsp70 into the brain and may be the starting point for new protective strategies in neurodegenerative diseases.
Spinal NTS1 receptors regulate nociceptive signaling in a rat formalin tonic pain model
Authors: Roussy Geneviève , Dansereau Marc‐André , Doré‐Savard Louis , Belleville Karine , Beaudet Nicolas , Richelson Elliott , Sarret Philippe
Published: February 2008

Central administration of the neuropeptide neurotensin (NT) was shown to induce antinociceptive responses both spinally and supraspinally. Although NTS2 receptors play an important role in modulating the activity of spinal neurons, we have recently implicated NTS1 receptors in NT's analgesic effects in acute spinal pain paradigms. The current experiments were thus designed to examine the antinociceptive effects of intrathecal administration of NTS1 agonists in formalin‐induced tonic pain in rats. We first established, using immunoblotting and immunohistochemical approaches, that NTS1 receptors were present in small‐ and medium‐sized dorsal root ganglion cells and localized in the superficial layers of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. We then examined the effects of intrathecal injection of NT (1–15 μg/kg) or NTS1 preferring agonists on the nocifensive response to intraplantar formalin. Both NTS1‐agonists, PD149163 (10–120 μg/kg) and NT69L (1–100 μg/kg), dose‐dependently attenuated the formalin‐induced behaviors. Accordingly, NTS1 agonists markedly suppressed pain‐evoked c‐fosexpression in the superficial, nucleus proprius and neck regions of the spinal dorsal horn. The concomitant administration of PD149163 with the NTS1 antagonist SR48692 (3 μg/kg) significantly reversed PD149163‐induced antinociception, confirming the implication of NTS1 in tonic pain. In contrast, NT69L’s analgesic effects were partly abolished by co‐administration of SR48692, indicating that NT69L‐induced effects may also be exerted through interaction with NTS2. These results demonstrate that NTS1 receptors play a key role in the mediation of the analgesic effects of NT in persistent pain and suggest that NTS1‐selective agonists may represent a new line of analgesic compounds.
Gephyrin interacts with the glutamate receptor interacting protein 1 isoforms at GABAergic synapses
Authors: Yu Wendou , Charych Erik I. , Serwanski David R. , Li Rong‐wen , Ali Rashid , Bahr Ben A. , De Blas Angel L.
Published: February 2008

We have previously shown that the glutamate receptor interacting protein 1 (GRIP1) splice forms GRIP1a/b and GRIP1c4–7 are present at the GABAergic post‐synaptic complex. Nevertheless, the role that these GRIP1 protein isoforms play at the GABAergic post‐synaptic complex is not known. We are now showing that GRIP1c4–7 and GRIP1a/b interact with gephyrin, the main post‐synaptic scaffold protein of GABAergic and glycinergic synapses. Gephyrin coprecipitates with GRIP1c4–7 or GRIP1a/b from rat brain extracts and from extracts of human embryonic kidney 293 cells that have been cotransfected with gephyrin and one of the GRIP1 protein isoforms. Moreover, purified gephyrin binds to purified GRIP1c4–7 or GRIP1a/b, indicating that gephyrin directly interacts with the common region of these GRIP1 proteins, which includes PDZ domains 4–7. An engineered deletion construct of GRIP1a/b (GRIP1a4–7), which both contains the aforementioned common region and binds to gephyrin, targets to the post‐synaptic GABAergic complex of transfected cultured hippocampal neurons. In these hippocampal cultures, endogenous gephyrin colocalizes with endogenous GRIP1c4–7 and GRIP1a/b in over 90% of the GABAergic synapses. Double‐labeling electron microscopy immunogold reveals that in the rat brain GRIP1c4–7 and GRIP1a/b colocalize with gephyrin at the post‐synaptic complex of individual synapses. These results indicate that GRIP1c4–7 and GRIP1a/b colocalize and interact with gephyrin at the GABAergic post‐synaptic complex and suggest that this interaction plays a role in GABAergic synaptic function.
Extracellular amino acids and lipid peroxidation products in periventricular white matter during and after cerebral ischemia in preterm fetal sheep
Authors: Fraser Mhoyra , Bennet Laura , Van Zijl Pierre L. , Mocatta Tessa J. , Williams Christopher E. , Gluckman Peter D. , Winterbourn Christine C. , Gunn Alistair J.
Published: February 2008

It is widely hypothesized that accumulation of excitatory amino acids, and oxygen free radicals during or after exposure to hypoxia–ischemia play a pivotal role in preterm periventricular white matter injury; however, there is limited evidence in the intact brain. In preterm fetal sheep (0.65 gestation; term 147 days) we found no significant increase in extracellular levels of excitatory amino acids measured by microdialysis in the periventricular white matter during cerebral ischemia induced by bilateral carotid occlusion. There was no significant change in 8‐isoprostane or malondialdehyde levels in the early phase of recovery after occlusion. In contrast, there was a significant delayed increase in most amino acids and in malondialdehyde (but not 8‐isoprostane) that was maximal approximately 2–3 days after occlusion. The increase in glutamate was significantly correlated with a secondary increase in cortical impedance, an index of cytotoxic edema, and with white matter damage 3 days post‐insult. In conclusion, no significant accumulation of cytotoxins was found within immature white matter during cerebral ischemia. Although a minority of fetuses showed a delayed increase in some cytotoxins, this occurred many days after ischemia, in association with secondary cytotoxic edema, strongly suggesting that these changes are mainly a consequence of evolving cell death.
The Marginalists Who Confronted Land
Authors: Foldvary Fred E.
Published: February 2008

Abstract.  Although the neoclassical turn in economics demoted land as a factor, important economists of neoclassical thinking, from neoclassical predecessors such Hermann‐Heinrich Gossen through figures such as Leon Walras, did view land as a distinct factor of production. Walras, in particular, favored the use of land rent for public revenue. This paper examines the treatment of land by several neoclassical and Austrian economists and shows how, although the neoclassical school today has managed to bury land, some of the key figures who founded these schools did confront land as a factor. The burial of land is thus not inherent in neoclassical economics, but is a historical development that can be reversed.
Keeping Land in Capital Theory: Ricardo, Faustmann, Wicksell, and George
Authors: Gaffney Mason
Published: February 2008

Abstract. Most economists today live in a two‐factor world: There is just labor and capital. Land, so central to classical political economy, has been swallowed into capital and “disappeared.” This paper surveys some of the better historical treatments of land and capital, their interrelations, and how they support modern Georgists and Greens who want land to reappear.
Which Way to U.S. Climate Cooperation? Issue Linkage versus a U.S.‐Based Agreement
Authors: Hovi Jon , Skodvin Tora
Published: February 2008

Several scholars have suggested that the United States can be compelled to reengage in the Kyoto process by linking cooperation on climate change to cooperation on trade or technology research and development. We argue that such issue linkage would likely fail and suggest that a more promising road to U.S. cooperation is to develop an alternative climate agreement based on federal U.S. climate policy. However, the question then becomes whether the Kyoto countries might be prepared to abandon the Kyoto process in favor of such a U.S.‐based agreement. We argue that if a U.S.‐based agreement were to be built on President Bush's current climate policy, the Kyoto countries (especially the European Union) would likely be reluctant to go along. However, if a U.S.‐based agreement were to be built on the many Kyoto‐like initiatives now emerging at state and local levels, the Kyoto countries might well be more favorably inclined.
An economic approach to soil fertility management for wheat production in north‐eastern Australia
Authors: Farquharson Robert J. , Cacho Oscar J. , Mullen John D. , Schwenke Graeme D.
Published: February 2008

Soil fertility decline and soil management for crop production are important economic issues for grain growers in north‐eastern Australia. In that region, there is evidence of soil fertility decline which is attributed to past crop management practices. The questions addressed in this article are first, whether components of soil fertility can be improved by better management and second, by how much soil fertility would change. Soil fertility for crop production is considered in terms of soil organic carbon and nitrogen. A stochastic dynamic economic analysis of soil fertility management for wheat production is presented. A sequential analysis of first deriving the optimal nitrogen stock and application rates is followed by an assessment of tillage, stubble, and fertilizer strategies to obtain an optimal level of soil organic carbon. The recommended management practices are consistent with emerging management trends in the region. The derivation of optimal levels of soil fertility for agricultural purposes has other policy implications, which we discuss.
Apicomplexa in Mammalian Cells: Trafficking to the Parasitophorous Vacuole
Authors: Cesbron‐Delauw Marie‐France , Gendrin Claire , Travier Laetitia , Ruffiot Pauline , Mercier Corinne
Published: February 2008

Most Apicomplexa reside and multiply in the cytoplasm of their host cell, within a parasitophorous vacuole (PV) originating from both parasite and host cell components. Trafficking of parasite‐encoded proteins destined to membrane compartments beyond the confine of the parasite plasma membrane is a process that offers a rich territory to explore novel mechanisms of protein–membrane interactions. Here, we focus on the PVs formed by the asexual stages of two pathogens of medical importance, Plasmodium and Toxoplasma. We compare the PVs of both parasites, with a particular emphasis on their evolutionary divergent compartmentalization within the host cell. We also discuss the existence of peculiar export mechanisms and/or sorting determinants that are potentially involved in the post‐secretory targeting of parasite proteins to the PV subcompartments.
Heterogeneous Condom Use in Contemporary Russia
Authors: Gerber Theodore P. , Berman Danielle
Published: February 2008

Using data from a panel survey of a representative probability sample of Russian households, we examine how individual traits, locality, and “sex‐event context” are associated with condom use in contemporary Russia. At the individual level, age has negative effects and measures of risk orientation have positive effects on the probability of condom use; for women, education has positive effects and Muslim belief has negative effects. Condom use is higher among residents in Moscow and St. Petersburg and lower (for women) among rural residents. Most importantly, the same individuals make different choices about condom use from one sex event to the next, and their choices are systematically related to the nature and duration of their relationship to their partner, as well as to their partner's age. Condom use is prevalent in casual encounters and in those involving new partners or commercial sex workers. Coupled with the strong effects of age for both partners, this pattern represents good news regarding the potential for the spread of HIV in Russia. Other findings are more worrisome: HIV awareness and knowledge of condoms’ effectiveness in blocking transmission of the virus do not influence condom use at all, and married people are relatively unlikely to use condoms even in extramarital encounters and especially in long‐term affairs. Accordingly, interventions should target older Russians who are married and have sex with long‐term nonspousal partners.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE LIFE‐HISTORY AND BIONOMICS OF THE KNAPWEED GALLFLY UROPHORA SOLSTITIALIS LINN
Authors: WADSWOKTH J. T.
Published: February 2008

A description ofUrophora solstitialisL. and an account of its systematic position and geographical distribution are given, together with an abstract of the work of previous observers on this species.

A list of its British and continental food‐plants is given; the records of the latter show that on the continent the larvae feed on various species of thistles, and on three species ofCentaurea, but not onCentaurea nigra, whereas with the exception of one record of their occurrence onSerratula tinctoria, the larvae in this country are recorded as feeding exclusively onCentaurea nigra.

The life‐history, ovipositor, and method of oviposition are described, and descriptions and figures of the ova, larvae, and pupae are given. The life‐history is summarised on p. 118.

It is shown that owing to the formation of gails induced by larvae ofU. solstitialisin the flower‐heads of this weed a reduction in the number of seeds is effected amounting to about 50 per cent, in the heads examined. The gerininative capacity of the seeds produced in these galled heads was also adversely affected. In the germination experiment described 60‐5 per cent, fewer seeds germinated from galled flower‐heads ofV. nigrathan from ungalled ones. At a moderate estimate the number of seeds rendered non‐effective in galled flower‐heads ofC. nigrais placed at f)0 per cent. It is pointed out that Try‐paneids, whose larvae adversely affect the weeds of cultivated land, may be regarded as beneficial.

A short account and discussion of the recorded parasites ofU. solstitialisis given.

Some interesting features observed in the process of gall‐formation are referred to, and a few notes are added on some other insect inhabitants of the flower‐heads ofC. nigra.
A BACTERIAL SPOT OF CITRUS.
Authors: DOIDGE ETHEL M.
Published: February 2008

This paper gives an account of a citrus disease which is causing considerable trouble in the Western Province of the Cape. It causes dark sunken spots on fruit and shoot, and not only disfigures but provides an entrance for fungous parasites which completely destroy the fruit.

The causal organism is described at some length, and as it appears to be one hitherto undescribed has been named Bacillus citrimaculans.

The question of preventive measures is not discussed, but an improvement in the sanitation of the orchard would certainly prove beneficial, and it is intended to carry out spraying experiments during the ensuring season
ON A DISEASE OF THE BEECH CAUSED BY BULGARIA POLYMORPH A WETT.
Authors: TABOR R. J. , BARRATT KATE
Published: February 2008

A gumming disease of pollard beeches is described which is associated with the presence of Bulgaria polymorpha, Wett. on the trees.

A mycelium isolated from the diseased bark has been cultivated and has produced the fructifications of Bulgaria.

A pollard has been infected with the disease by grafting in a piece of diseased bark, and also by introducing the mycelium of Bulgaria.

Repeated infections of young, vigorous trees with the mycelium failed to produce the disease.

It is concluded that Bulgaria is a dangerous facultative parasite on old beeches, but that young healthy trees are able to resist infection.

We take this opportunity to record our thanks to M. C. Duchesne, Esq., the Ranger of Burnham Beeches, for the facilities he has readily afforded us and for the information he has placed at our disposal.
ON FORMS OF THE HOP (HUMULUS LUPULUS L.) RESISTANT TO MILDEW (SPHAEROTHECA HUMULI (DC.) BURR.); III.
Authors: SALMON E. S.
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY.

1. Certain seedlings of the wild hop when grown in the greenhouse are persistently immune to the attacks of the mildew Sphaerotheca Humuli. This immunity has been shown by the same individual seedling for three consecutive years. Under the same cultural conditions other seedlings of the same parentage prove to be very susceptible.

2. Certain seedlings (Group 2) which are immune when grown in the greenhouse are also immune when grown in the open. These seedlings have retained this immunity after four years' residence in a hop‐garden under normal conditions of cultivation and manuring.

3. Certain seedlings (Group 3) which are immune when grown in the greenhouse are susceptible when grown in the hop‐garden; in some cases the susceptibility shown is of the highest grade.

4. “Cuts” taken from the seedlings of Group 3 in the same year in which the seedling proved to be susceptible in the hop‐garden are immune in the greenhouse under cultural conditions in which “cuts” taken from other susceptible seedlings in the hop‐garden are very susceptible.

5. Certain seedlings (Group 4) are semi‐immune to the attacks of the mildew.

6. One seedling (of American ancestry) grown in the greenhouse was immune throughout the season in 1916 and very susceptible in 1917.
MYCOLOGICAL STUDIES. I: ON THE “SPOTTING” OF APPLES IN GREAT BRITAIN
Authors: HORNE ARTHUR S. , HORNE ELEANOR VIOLET
Published: February 2008

This paper presents the results so far obtained in an investigation, which has been carried on since 1915, into “spotting” in apples. The symptoms of “spotting” as they are found and develop in numerous varieties of apple are described. Several fungi have been isolated from spots and cultured in various artificial media with the production of spores.

They include a new genus of Phomatales (Polyopeus) and nine new species, of which at least one, Pleospora pomorum, as the result of experimental inoculations, has been proved capable of parasitising apples. The fungi do not include any of the species hitherto reported as causal organisms in the United States, the only centre where investigations into the “spotting” of apples, as distinct from the “bitter pit” problem, has been undertaken.

The work was commenced at the Wisley Gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society. During the building of the Society's laboratory it was continued, by the kindness of Professor V. H. Blackman, in the Department of Plant Physiology and Pathology at the Imperial College of Science and Technology. In was later carried on again at Wisley; the work however has been completed at the Imperial College.

The authors' thanks are due to Professor Blackman for his kind help and criticism during the investigation.
CWMERELLA CINGULATA (STONEMAN) SPAULD. AND V. SCH. AND ITS CONIDIAL FORMS, GLŒO‐SPORIUM PIPERATUM E. AND E. AND COLLETO‐TRICHUM NIGRUM E. AND HALS., ON CHILLIES AND CARICA PAPAYA.
Authors: DASTUR JEHANGIR FARDUNJI
Published: February 2008

Glœosporium piperatum E. and E. and Colletotrichum nigrum E. and Hals. are not known to be destructive to chillies in India but they cause much loss of fruit in Burma.

These fungi are considered to be identical and to be the conidial forms of Glomerella cingulata (Stoneman) Spauld. and v. Sch., which is shown to be synonymous with Gnomoniopsis (Glomerella) piperata Stoneman, the ascogenous stage of G. piperatum E. and E., according to Miss Stoneman.

The perithecia‐producing faculty does not depend on the nutrient medium on which the fungus is grown but depends on the race or strain.

This faculty is not a fixed hereditary character but is lost by cultivating successive generations on the same medium at room temperature.

There is a great deal of variation in the size and hairiness of the neck of the perithecium and in the size and shape of asci, and therefore cultural characteristics cannot be much relied upon for determining the species.

The perithecia are aparaphysate.

The ascospores are hyaline, unicellular and slightly curved, but in old perithecia they are found to be septate and their walls coloured brown.

In cultures the presence of setae is not a constant character.

In cultures of the perithecial strain there are very often sudden variations in the characters of the growth of the fungus.

It is doubtful if inoculation experiments are of much value in establishing the relationship of the Glomerella on chillies with the other species of this genus or in finding its range of hosts, as the success of inoculation depends on several factors all of which may not be controllable.

Inoculations on chillies, Carica papaya, and other plants have been described.

A new disease of Carica papaya is described. It is caused by the conidial forms of a Glomerella, which is identical with that on chillies in both morphological and cultural characteristics.

The disease is found on flowers, young fruits and fruit stalks. Diseased flower‐buds do not open but fall off. If the infection takes place when the flower whorls have opened they turn brown and wither.

The most critical period when the fruits get infected is when they are newly set. Older fruits also at times get diseased.

Newly set and young fruits get the infection through their stigmas or through the scars of the floral leaves or through punctures on the skin.

The infection is marked by the presence of a circular saucer‐shaped depression in the skin.

Diseased fruits become mummified, hard and woody.

The study of the conidial forms of the Glomerella on Carica papaya also shows that Glmosporium and Colletotrichum are one and the same fungus.