bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can serum amyloid a or macrophage colony stimulating factor serve as marker of amyloid formation process?
Authors: Rysavá R. , Merta M. , Tesar V. , Jirsa M. , Zima T.
Published: July 2007

Amyloid formation depends on amyloid precursor production and is influenced by the activity of the underlying disorder and mediated by some proinflammatory cytokines. In this pilot study we tried to find some specific markers that could establish the activity of the disease. We investigated 45 samples of sera and 38 samples of urine from patients (pts) with secondary amyloidosis (AA), primary amyloidosis (AL), systemic autoimmune diseases with renal impairment (Vase) and healthy controls (Co). Pts with AA had increased plasma levels of TNFα (9.97±4.22 vs. 2.63±1.34 pg/mL, p<0.001) and SAA (43.14±16.0 vs. 3.42±0.7 ng/mL, p<0.05) in comparison with Co. Plasma levels of M‐CSF in the AA group were significantly increased in comparison with Co (1077.34±238.6 vs. 137.71±19.6, pg/mL, p<0.001) and also in comparison with Vase (482.24±86.7 pg/mL, p<0.05). Urinary excretions of TNFα (8.92±8.1 vs. 0.17±0.11 μg/mol creatinine, p<0.01), slL‐6R (1.39±1.14 vs. 0.07±0.05 g/mol creatinine, p<0.01) and M‐CSF (650.2±153.7 vs. 33.3±8.6 t.tg/mol creatinine, p<0.01) in AA were significantly increased in comparison with Co. Pts with AL had increased plasma levels of M‐CSF (819.83±264.2 vs. 137.71±19.6 pg/mL, p<0.05) and urinary excretion of M‐CSF (865.0±188.4 vs. 33.3±8.6μtg/mol creatinine, p<0.01) in comparison with Co. SAA has a low specificity for amyloidosis but is a sensitive acute phase reactant. TNFα, a proinflammatory cytokine, may reflect the activity of the underlying diseases in secondary amyloidosis. M‐CSF was increased both in plasma and urine in amyloidosis groups and seems to be the most promising (possibly specific) marker of amyloidosis.
Speaking Out of Turn: A Role for Silent Synapses in Pain
Authors: Kerchner Geoffrey A. , Li Ping , Zhuo Min
Published: July 2007

Severe tissue or nerve injury can result in a chronic and inappropriate sensation of pain, mediated in part by the sensitization of spinal dorsal horn neurons to input from primary afferent fibers. Synaptic transmission at primary afferent synapses is mainly glutamatergic. Although a functioning excitatory synapse contains both alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazoleproprionic acid (AMPA) and N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the postsynaptic membrane, recent evidence suggests that dorsal horn neurons contain some “silent” synapses, which exhibit purely NMDA receptor‐mediated evoked postsynaptic currents and do not conduct signals at resting membrane potential. Serotonin, which is released onto dorsal horn neurons by descending fibers from the rostroventral medulla, potentiates sensory transmission by activating silent synapses on those neurons, i.e., by recruiting functional AMPA receptors to the postsynaptic membrane. This phenomenon may contribute to the hyperexcitability of dorsal horn neurons seen in chronic pain conditions.
Accelerated random search method for dynamic FE model updating
Authors: Touat N. , Pyrz M. , Rechak S.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to present a new solution algorithm for updating of finite element models in structural dynamics. A random search method is applied to improving the correlation between the numerical simulation and the measured experimental data.

Design/methodology/approach

Dynamic finite element model updating may be considered as an optimization process. It is solved using modified accelerated random search (MARS) algorithm. The effectiveness of the approach is first tested on benchmark problems. Next, several objective function formulations for dynamic model updating in modal and frequency domains are investigated for numerically simulated vibrating beam. Finally, the algorithm is applied to a real beam‐like structure using measured modal data.

Findings

The MARS algorithm is able to provide very good results in a reduced time even for hard optimization problems. It behaves very well also for the FE dynamic model updating, highly coupled problems. The efficient updating criterion has been proposed and the approach has been validated experimentally.

Research limitations/implications

The method is supposed to be time consuming for large size or complicated objective function problems but the choice of optimization parameters can accelerate the convergence.

Practical implications

The MARS algorithm can be applied to model updating in civil and mechanical engineering.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to apply the MARS algorithm to the problem of FE model updating in dynamics and enables one to obtain very good results. Efficient criteria for model updating have been proposed.
Extending the view of brand alliance effects
Authors: Bluemelhuber Christian , Carter Larry L. , Lambe C. Jay
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to broaden the external validity of the “brand alliance” theory, as it is set up by Simonin and Ruth, by analysing transnational brand alliances. It aims to discuss the significance of country of origin in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a broad literature review of the brand alliance and country of origin literature the authors conducted an empirical study that examined consumer attitudes towards cross‐national brand alliances.

Findings

The findings demonstrate the role that the relationship between country of origin fit and brand fit plays in predicting consumer attitude towards cross‐border brand alliances; and that when brand familiarity decreases, the positive influence of country of origin fit on attitudes towards the brand alliance increases, and is greater than that of brand fit.

Research limitations/implications

The degree of importance that consumers place on each product in the brand alliance was not taken into account. Future research could also analyse product categories that have strong country of origin associations (e.g. German beer or French pastries) or that belong to the low involvement category.

Practical implications

An interesting result for managers when they set up a cross‐national brand alliance, as the study demonstrates the importance of brand familiarity and of country of origin fit.

Originality/value

The findings replicate those of Simonin and Ruth, which is a useful result because their findings might be attributed also to cross‐boarder alliances. The study represents a noteworthy extension of previous research by introducing a new variable, the “country of origin fit.”
Causes Inhibiting the Growth or Development of Information Transfer in Africa: A Contextual Treatment
Authors: Rexwhite Enakrire T. , Onyenania O. George
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to strengthen ways of improving the growth or development of information transfer in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive method was used in the simplification of possibilities in exploding actions to be taken to unrest the development or growth of information transfer in Africa.

Findings

The findings revealed that though there are some causes inhibiting the growth of dissemination or transfer of information in the African context but measures were preferred which include: (i) harnessing/provision of full potentials of information resources, technology and communication channel, and organised capacity locally and regionally, (ii) access and utilization of diversities of information, (iii) training and sensitization of human resources, (iv) information and IT policy/copyright formulation, and (v) cultural awareness of information transfer and implementation to economic development and nation building, etc., has the potentials to foster an amazing information transfer in Africa in our economic, social, religion, academic, moral, and environmental society. This is because information transfer within and outside our context can no longer be seen as a luxury for the elites but as an absolute necessity for the masses since it offers great potentials to improve the quality of life to very many persons around the world.

Originality/value

This research will assist Africans and beyond, to value information transfer as an asset and a means to an end in life and in decision‐making and planning.
Knowledge management in a New Zealand tree farming company
Authors: Lowe Alan , McIntosh Andrea
Published: July 2007

Purpose

Managers at the company attempt to implement a knowledge management information system in an attempt to avoid loss of expertise while improving control and efficiency. The paper seeks to explore the implications of the technological solution to employees within the company.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports qualitative research conducted in a single organization. Evidence is presented in the form of interview extracts.

Findings

The case section of the paper presents the accounts of organizational participants. The accounts reveal the workers' reactions to the technology‐based system and something of their strategies of resistance to the system. These accounts also provide glimpses of the identity construction engaged in by these knowledge workers. The setting for the research is in a knowledge‐intensive primary industry. Research was conducted through observation and interviews.

Research limitations/implications

The issues identified are explored in a single case‐study setting. Future research could look at the relevance of the findings to other settings.

Practical implications

The case evidence presented indicates some of the complexity of implementation of information systems in organizations. This could certainly be seen as more evidence of the uncertainty associated with organizational change and of the need for managers not to expect an easy adoption of intrusive IT solutions.

Originality/value

This paper adds empirical insight to a largely conceptual literature.
Rethinking competition in the world auto market: cultural determinants, strategic implications and game rules
Authors: Tay Herbert K.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper examines how ingrained differences in heritage, social and business culture predispose American, Japanese and European automakers to plan and act in different ways, with long‐range consequences – both successful and unsuccessful – of their strategies and actions. To secure its twenty‐first century competitive position, each automaker must understand its cultural proclivities, strengths and weaknesses – as well as those of its competitors – to develop proactive strategies around a set of common industry game rules.

Design/methodology, approach

The paper distills the author's observations from serving automakers of all nationalities over a 20‐year consulting career. Findings – US original equipment manufacturers' (OEMs') cultures are characterized by the “tyranny of Net Present Value” (NPV), whose manifestations and short‐term focus have eroded once‐commanding industry positions. The primacy of the collective, frugality, resourcefulness and the long‐term perspective are values that predispose the Japanese automakers to continue growing in importance. Volume European automakers' cultures and higher‐cost work practices – mirroring the continent's work‐life balance and socialist principles – make them vulnerable, particularly in China, where they lag behind in comprehending the market, tailoring their products and working along bi‐cultural lines.

Practical implications

The paper presents arguments and context for the US automakers' need for a new culture that better balances NPV considerations and the long‐term strategic view. The volume Europeans will have to make work rule and cultural changes to stay cost‐ and productivity‐competitive, as well as work more effectively in the important China market.

Originality/value

The paper provides unique, holistic but succinct cultural‐based perspectives and insights for struggling automakers to understand and improve their positions.
An assessment of the effectiveness of embedded smart sensors on users' performance in the workplace
Authors: Shabha Ghasson
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the embedded smart sensors (ESS) technologies and users' performance in the workplace. An attempt will be made to assess the impact of incorporating ESS on user performance in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐pronged approach was adopted in compiling relevant factual and perceptual information about users responses in the workplace. Both questionnaires and structured interviews with users and facilities managers (FMs) in a selected study sample are adopted to identify issues of concern and assess the level of users comfort in the workplace.

Findings

The incorporation of ESS will have wide‐ranging implications to office productivity which is partially dependent on the utility of the space and qualities of internal environment within which business operates.

Originality/value

The use of ESS is significant in optimizing the operational efficiency of the workplace and its responsiveness of meeting varying users needs. This will be beneficial to varying property stakeholders including owners, clients, occupiers and FMs.
Variation in a bicarbonate co‐transporter gene family member SLC4A7 is associated with propensity to addictions: a study using fine‐mapping and three samples
Authors: Ishiguro Hiroki , Walther Donna , Arinami Tadao , Uhl George R.
Published: July 2007

Aims  Classical genetic studies consistently reveal substantial heritability for addictions. However, the genes that harbour the variations providing these genetic influences remain largely unknown. We have focused attention on ‘reproducible substance abuse vulnerability’ (rSA) genomic regions, where linkage and association studies performed in several population provide evidence for such variations.

Design  We nominated rSA1 on human chromosome 3p23 within a 5 Mb region. We sought to replicate this finding and identify variations within this region.

Setting  We examine the role of allelic variations in the SLC4A7 gene, a member of the bicarbonate co‐transporter family that is expressed in tissues including brain and kidney.

Participants  A total of 1158 unrelated individuals with informed consent about the genetic study were recruited from three independent populations.

Measurements  The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in the SLC4A7 gene were analysed by case–control study.

Findings  The rs3278 is associated reliably with substance abuse vulnerability in (1) a European American sample selected from pedigrees within the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA; nominal P = 0.03); (2) an African American sample recruited by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA; nominal P = 0.008); and (3) a NIDA European American sample (P = 0.001).

Conclusions  While the current results do not exclude additional roles for allelic variants in nearby genes, they do suggest that SLC4A7 allelic variants might alter dispositions and/or excretion of drugs and neurotransmitters in brain and periphery in ways that could contribute to differential vulnerabilities to addictions. SLC4A7 is thus a novel candidate in the contribution to vulnerability to addictions.
5‐Aminoimidazole‐4‐Carboxamide‐1‐β‐4‐Ribofuranoside Stimulates Tyrosine Hydroxylase Activity and Catecholamine Secretion by Activation of AMP‐Activated Protein Kinase in PC12 Cells
Authors: Fukuda T. , Ishii K. , Nanmoku T. , Isobe K. , Kawakami Y. , Takekoshi K.
Published: July 2007

The activity of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is regulated by the metabolic and nutritional state of the cell. 5‐Aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide‐1‐β‐4‐ribofuranoside (AICAR) is transformed into riboside monophosphate (ZMP) via phosphorylation by adenosine kinase inside the cell and exerts it effect by stimulating AMPK. AICAR significantly induces an increase in AMPK activity in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner in the rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC12. In addition, compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, as well as 5′‐amino‐5′‐dAdo, an adenosine kinase inhibitor, inhibits the AICAR‐induced AMPK activity. AICAR significantly stimulates tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) (the rate‐limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of catecholamine) activity and the corresponding mRNA level, which closely matches with the TH protein level. In addition, AICAR provokes a rapid and long‐lasting increase in the phosphorylation of TH at Ser19, Ser31 and Ser40. AICAR also markedly activates ERKs, JNK and p38. The MEK‐1‐inhibitor (PD‐098059) causes a partial, but significant, inhibition of AICAR‐induced TH enzyme activity by phosphorylation of Ser31 without affecting phosphorylation at the two other sites. By contrast, neither the JNK‐inhibitor nor the p38‐inhibitor affects TH enzyme activity and phosphorylation. Similarly, PD‐098059 partially, but significantly, inhibits the AICAR‐induced increase in the TH mRNA level. Furthermore, AICAR increases the level of cAMP in PC12 cells. The present study also shows that H89, a protein kinase A inhibitor, abolishes the AICAR‐induced increase in the level of TH mRNA, as well as the corresponding enzyme activity and Ser40 phosphorylation. Finally, AICAR significantly increases dopamine secretion from PC12 cells. These findings indicate that AICAR activates catecholamine synthesis and secretion through AMPK activation in chromaffin cells.
A protein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit is a negative regulator of abscisic acid signalling1
Authors: Pernas Mónica , García‐Casado Gloria , Rojo Enrique , Solano Roberto , Sánchez‐Serrano Jose J.
Published: July 2007

The key regulatory role of abscisic acid (ABA) in many physiological processes in plants is well established. However, compared with other plant hormones, the molecular mechanisms underlying ABA signalling are poorly characterized. In this work, a specific catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2Ac‐2) has been identified as a component of the signalling pathway that represses responses to ABA. A loss‐of‐function pp2ac‐2 mutant is hypersensitive to ABA. Moreover, pp2ac‐2 plants have altered responses in developmental and environmental processes that are mediated by ABA, such as primary and lateral root development, seed germination and responses to drought and high salt and sugar stresses. Conversely, transgenic plants overexpressing PP2Ac‐2 are less sensitive to ABA than wild type, a phenotype that is manifested in all the above‐mentioned physiological processes. DNA microarray hybridization experiments reveal that PP2Ac‐2 is negatively involved in ABA responses through regulation of ABA‐dependent gene expression. Moreover, the results obtained indicate that ABA antagonistically regulates PP2Ac‐2 expression and PP2Ac‐2 activity thus allowing plant sensitivity to the hormone to be reset after induction. Phenotypic, genetic and gene expression data strongly suggest that PP2Ac‐2 is a negative regulator of the ABA pathway. Activity of protein phosphatase 2A thus emerges as a key element in the control of ABA signalling.
Rapid Oxidation Characterization of Ultra‐High Temperature Ceramics
Authors: Karlsdottir Sigrun N. , Halloran John W.
Published: July 2007

Here, a novel method for testing ultra‐high‐temperature ceramics (UHTC) at a high temperature, rapidly, at a low cost is introduced. A self‐supported, self‐heated ribbon specimen is used with a table‐top apparatus to achieve the necessary high temperatures. This method enables a large temperature–time–composition parameter space to be covered by rapidly producing a large set of postoxidation samples for analysis. The complex oxide scale known to form during oxidation of UHTC materials is shown to be easily reproduced using this method. A ZrB2–SiC (15 vol%) UHTC material was tested at 1700° C for 15 min. The oxide scale consists of a thin outermost silica (SiO2) layer and a zirconia (ZrO2) columnar layer with small amounts of SiO2 embedded between the ZrO2 columns. A region of SiC‐depleted zone was observed between the unreacted core and the ZrO2 layer. The measured thickness of the oxide scale was 102 μm and ∼120 μm for the SiC‐depleted zone.
Characterisation of lipid profiles in dogs with parvoviral enteritis
Authors: Yilmaz Z. , Senturk S.
Published: July 2007

Objective:To characterise the lipid profiles in dogs with parvoviral enteritis.

Methods:Blood was collected before treatment from 30 dogs that fulfilled the criteria for severe sepsis including hypo‐ or hyperthermia, hypotension, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and evidences of organ dysfunction. Canine parvovirus was detected by haemagglutination and indirect fluorescence antibody tests in the faeces. Twenty control dogs were also enrolled on the basis of normal physical examination results, complete blood count and serum biochemistry profiles.

Results:Tachycardia, tachypnoea, hypotension, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and increased serum markers of tissue injury (alanine aminotransferase, creatinine kinase myocardial isoenzyme [CK‐MB], blood urea nitrogen and creatinine) were observed in dogs with parvoviral enteritis. Serum total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lower, but serum triglyceride level was higher in dogs with parvoviral enteritis than those in control dogs (P<0·001). Circulating tumour necrosis factor α correlated negatively with total cholesterol (r=−0·979; P<0·001) but positively with triglyceride (r=0·953; P<0·001) in dogs with parvoviral enteritis. Serum total cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lower in non‐survival (n=9) dogs than in survival dogs (n=21, P<0·001).

ClinicalSignificance:Serum total cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased, but serum triglyceride level increased in dogs with parvoviral enteritis. Low serum total cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels may be used as an index of the severity of parvoviral enteritis.
Chlorine Sensitivity of Feline Calicivirus, a Norovirus Surrogate
Authors: Urakami Hiroshi , Ikarashi Kumiko , Okamoto Ko , Abe Yukari , Ikarashi Tamami , Kono Takeshi , Konagaya Yukifumi , Tanaka Nobumasa
Published: July 2007

The sensitivity to free chlorine of feline calicivirus (FCV), a norovirus surrogate, was examined relative to chlorine demand. When a crude suspension of FCV was treated with a sodium hypochlorite solution containing 10 μg/ml free chlorine, the extent of the decrease of viral infectivity clearly depended on the volume of the reaction mixture. The apparent sensitivity of FCV to free chlorine increased with the reduction of host cell debris, indicating that chlorine demand must be minimized to know the true sensitivity of the virus. We therefore partially purified the viruses from the host cell components and found that the infectivity of FCV was reduced by more than log 4.6 by 5 min of treatment with 300 ng/ml free chlorine.
Purification and Three-Dimensional Electron Microscopy Structure of theNeisseria meningitidisType IV Pilus Biogenesis Protein PilG
Authors: Collins Richard F. , Saleem Muhammad , Derrick Jeremy P.
Published: July 2007

Type IV pili are surface-exposed retractable fibers which play a key role in the pathogenesis ofNeisseria meningitidisand other gram-negative pathogens. PilG is an integral inner membrane protein and a component of the type IV pilus biogenesis system. It is related by sequence to the extensive GspF family of secretory proteins, which are involved in type II secretion processes. PilG was overexpressed and purified fromEscherichia colimembranes by detergent extraction and metal ion affinity chromatography. Analysis of the purified protein by perfluoro-octanoic acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that PilG formed dimers and tetramers. A three-dimensional (3-D) electron microscopy structure of the PilG multimer was determined using single-particle averaging applied to samples visualized by negative staining. Symmetry analysis of the unsymmetrized 3-D volume provided further evidence that the PilG multimer is a tetramer. The reconstruction also revealed an asymmetric bilobed structure approximately 125 Å in length and 80 Å in width. The larger lobe within the structure was identified as the N terminus by location of Ni-nitrilotriacetic acid nanogold particles to the N-terminal polyhistidine tag. We propose that the smaller lobe corresponds to the periplasmic domain of the protein, with the narrower “waist” region being the transmembrane section. This constitutes the first report of a 3-D structure of a member of the GspF family and suggests a physical basis for the role of the protein in linking cytoplasmic and periplasmic protein components of the type II secretion and type IV pilus biogenesis systems.
The Political and Symbolic Economy of State Feudalism: The Case of Late-Medieval Flanders
Authors: Dumolyn Jan
Published: July 2007

The article examines social, economic, political and symbolic relations and exchanges within late-medieval state structure, with a specific focus on the fifteenth-century county of Flanders under Burgundian rule. The author applies and elaborates Jean-Philippe Genet's concept of 'state feudalism' as a more centralised, political articulation of the feudal mode of production, in which state taxes and the redistribution of surplus-product among the ruling classes play a key role. What historians have come to call the 'modern state' arose within a social and political system which influenced in its turn the further development of the state as a network of relationships. Making use of Pierre Bourdieu's concepts of 'capital' and 'symbolic exchange', the article constructs a model representing the different relations between the prince, his officials and 'political society'.
(NZ)CH...O Contacts assist crystallization of a ParB-like nuclease
Authors: Shaw Neil , Cheng Chongyun , Tempel Wolfram , Chang Jessie , Ng Joseph , Wang Xin-Yu , Perrett Sarah , Rose John , Rao Zihe , Wang Bi-Cheng , Liu Zhi-Jie
Published: July 2007

Background

The major bottleneck for determination of 3 D structures of proteins using X-rays is the production of diffraction quality crystals. Often proteins are subjected to chemical modification to improve the chances of crystallization

Results

Here, we report the successful crystallization of a nuclease employing a reductive methylation protocol. The key to crystallization was the successful introduction of 44 new cohesive (NZ) CH...O contacts (3.2 – 3.7 Å) by the addition of 2 methyl groups to the side chain amine nitrogen (NZ) of 9 lysine residues of the nuclease. The new contacts dramatically altered the crystallization properties of the protein, resulting in crystals that diffracted to 1.2 Å resolution. Analytical ultracentrifugation analysis and thermodynamics results revealed a more compact protein structure with better solvent exclusion of buried Trp residues in the folded state of the methylated protein, assisting crystallization.

Conclusion

In this study, introduction of novel cohesive (NZ)CH...O contacts by reductive methylation resulted in the crystallization of a protein that had previously resisted crystallization in spite of extensive purification and crystallization space screening. Introduction of (NZ)CH...O contacts could provide a solution to crystallization problems for a broad range of protein targets.
Forecasting time series which are inherently discontinuous
Authors: Coopersmith Lewis W.
Published: July 2007

Commonly used forecasting methods often produce meaningless forecasts when time series display abrupt changes in level. Measuring and accounting for the effect of discontinuities can have a significant impact on forecasting accuracy. In addition, if discontinuities are considered non‐random and their cause is known, then adjustments can be made to more reliably represent the trend, seasonal and random component. This paper concerns a computational method used in forecasting inherently discontinuous time series. The method provides screening to determine the locations and types of discontinuities. The paper includes analyses of actual time series which are typical of certain types of inherently discontinuous processes.
Municipal budget forecasting with multivariate ARMA models
Authors: Downs G. W. , Rocke D. M.
Published: July 2007

In this paper multivariate ARMA models are applied to the problem of forecasting city budget variables. Unlike univariate time‐series methods, multivariate models can use relationships among budget variables as well as relationships with economic and demographic indicators. Although available budget series are shorter than what is usually believed necessary for multivariate ARMA modelling, the forecasts seem to be of higher quality than those from univariate models.
The teachers/practitioners corner the effects of indexing ARMA series using the consumer price index
Authors: Lusk Edward J. , Lozano Oscar , Wright Haviland
Published: July 2007

The authors demonstrate that indexing a time series with an ARMA representation using the Consumer Price Index does not materially alter the ARMA form of the model. They further demonstrate that the forecasting error of the indexed series and of the product of the forecasts of the index and the time series are, for practical purpose, the same. Simulation results are reported for five model classes.
The national road policy in the Solomon Islands
Authors: Makharita Ragaa , Sanday Reginald , Castello Marguerite
Published: July 2007

Since 1966, the government of the Solomon Islands has attempted to expand road building and to maintain the roads that have been built. So far, however, very little progress has been made because of difficulties of construction, administrative weaknesses, the lack of concern for implementation, the failure of coordination and supervision, economic problems, and conflicts with provincial governments. Because so much funding comes from foreign donors, there is a tendency on the part of democratically elected politicians generally to avoid the difficult questions of implementation, cost recovery, and local responsibility for the upkeep of infrastructure.
Impasse in Zambia
Authors: Gulhati Ravi
Published: July 2007

Zambia has economically retrogressed since gaining independence in 1964. While exogenous and historical factors are partly responsible, policy mistakes have probably had a considerable impact, including distorted exchange rates, unrealistic wage levels, careless retrenchment of expenditure, neglect of agriculture, over‐reliance on parastatals, and over‐rapid Zambianization. Reform efforts have so far been unsuccessful. Bottlenecks include the lack of political entrepreneurship, the weakness of public administration, and the failure to build consensus essential for effective implementation.

Editorial note. At the suggestion of the author, the editor has combined material from Ravi Gulhati's 1989 EDI case study, ‘Impasse in Zambia: the economics and politics of reform’ with sentences from his 1990 EDI Seminar Report: ‘The making of economic policy in Africa’. Both documents are available from Ms. Edith Pena, EDI, The World Bank, 1818 H St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20433.
Kenya's export of horticultural commodities
Authors: Schapiro Morton Owen , Wainaina Stephen
Published: July 2007

As a result of the government's encouragement, the volume of fresh horticultural exports from Kenya rose almost 25‐fold between 1968 and 1986, becoming a major source of foreign exchange. This has happened without sacrificing the production of coffee and tea, small landholders, and the nutritional needs of the population. Despite continuing problems, this success has been achieved largely because of the government's careful attention to research, training, monitoring and other essential activities. Equally important has been government restraint, particularly avoiding excessive interference with the market mechanism.
The Mauritian export processing zone
Authors: Bheenick Rundheersing , Schapiro Morton Owen
Published: July 2007

When Mauritius became independent in 1968, it was highly dependent upon sugar for foreign exchange. Early efforts to develop import‐substitution industries proved to be unsuccessful in reducing the country's economic and unemployment problems. The Export Processing Zone (EPZ) approach provided a package of fiscal concessions and other benefits to lure industries to locate their labour‐intensive activities in Mauritius. While the EPZ approach was successful during its early stages, a number of reforms had to be introduced to deal with persistent problems. The Mauritian EPZ model, despite various mistakes, can be useful to other countries, provided certain basic conditions prevail.

This article is based on the longer study: Bheenick, R. and Schapiro, M. O. (1989). ‘Mauritius: a case study of the Export Processing Zone’. In R. Bheenick et al., Successful Development in Africa: Case Studies of Projects. Programs and Policies. World Bank EDI, Washington, D.C., available from Ms. Edith Pena, EDI, the World Bank, 1818 H Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20433, USA.
The role of institutional strengthening in international environmental consulting
Authors: Horberry J. , Le Marchant M.
Published: July 2007

This article aims to describe, with the aid of a number of case studies, the role consultants are playing in bringing improved environmental management to fruition in developing countries. In spite of environmental considerations entering the political agenda in the early 1970s, global environmental deterioration continues. Donor agencies have thus recently greatly accelerated their assistance in this area, but are themselves not equipped to deal with many of the problems and issues and so have hired consultants to undertake aspects of the work programme. Typically consultants are undertaking sector studies, pollution control, environmental improvement studies, and project and programme assessment, and are seen as being primarily responsible for technical aspects. It has become clear that unless technical recommendations are firmly tied into institutional and management structures, the goal of long‐term sustainability of projects will not be realized. Whilst the need for institutional strengthening in this respect is widely recognized, it often fails to materialize as a consequence of internal resistances. Furthermore, environmental goals are still often seen as secondary and contradictory to economic development goals, and are therefore not taken adequately seriously. The article includes four case studies, which illustrate the kinds of measures which are currently considered to be necessary to ensure the implementation of sustainable development programmes and projects.
Rural development projects in LDCs: Appraisal, participation and sustainability
Authors: Tacconi Luca , Tisdell Clem
Published: July 2007

Evidence on the performance of development projects shows that sustainability is seldom achieved. Project sustainability is influenced by ecological, social, political and economic systems. However, the blueprint approach to project choice tends to incorporate sustainability into the project cycle by considering only economic and environmental systems. This is done by adopting elaborate methodologies such as expanded CBA and EIA. This approach is unlikely to lead to sustainable projects. The ‘participation approach’ is more sensitive to the social and political systems than the blueprint approach. It involves people in decision‐making and sees the achievement of sustainable projects as the result of people's empowerment and self‐reliance. However, under certain circumstances, this approach can lead to environmentally unsustainable projects. Smaller scale projects tend to bring about sustainability, but government control might be needed to ensure this. Social obstacles exist in implementing participation but occur for top‐down projects as well. Problems exist in combining the bottom‐up and top‐down approaches.
Public sector management and the transition to a more open economy: Cautious reform in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)
Authors: Collins Paul , Nixson Frederick
Published: July 2007

The article assesses the efforts of the DPRK—a country which has experienced significant industrial development under central planning—to develop a more open economy, having probably reached the limits of inward‐looking growth ('Juche') and having recently experienced a dramatic change in its traditional trading partnerships. It describes the nature of the DPRK state management system and the growing dissatisfaction with its performance in recent years. From its relatively isolated position, the DPRK is taking advantage of UNDP technical assistance to implement its change strategy in three areas: diversification of international trade, foreign investment promotion through joint ventures with state enterprises and modernization of industrial management. Implementation of the UNDP programme has thrown into relief some of the institutional obstacles to the internationalization of the economy inherent in the central planning system. Against a background of relative lack of foreign investor interest—recent legislation notwithstanding—the article describes remedial efforts being undertaken. On the trade front, the government has made modest successes in diversification, but these will need to be reinforced by multilateral assistance with trade information, marketing and other skills needs of trade officials. The article concludes with a review of the DPRK's prospects in the context of the Korean unification issue, other regional cooperation such as the Tumen River Project and international debates over regime survival in the DPRK. Prospects for spreading management change through technical assistance in the DPRK are conditioned by a number of factors, including the extent to which a new management culture can be disseminated from pilot enterprises to the economy as a whole and whether the enclave approach to investment promotion in enterprise zones is also helpful in this regard. Though the DPRK political economy is robust and resourceful, the question that remains is whether the cautious or reluctant government strategy for change can bring results in time.
Institutional preconditions of privatization in market‐based political economies: Implications for Jordan
Authors: Reid Margaret F.
Published: July 2007

Concepts of privatization have been adopted on a global scale. Yet few studies examine issues other than economic and selected political ones. This article argues, however, that a broad spectrum of institutional considerations must be evaluated in order to assess the viability of any proposed privatization strategy. A further distinction must be made between countries with developed markets and those market‐based political economies (MBPEs) whose extant institutional configurations have not reached a level of independence to fully support extensive privatization measures. Jordan, Turkey and Egypt would be examples of such countries.

This article contends that the enactment and implementation of privatization policies will achieve its avowed goals only (a) if the state‐controlled enterprises (SCEs) are sufficiently independent of their supervising bureaucracies (presumably a ministry, the treasury or development planning organization) prior to their transfer to a private partner and (b) if the government possesses requisite monitoring capacity to ensure the fulfilment of contractual obligations of the privatized entity. An ancillary thesis suggests that the societal and organizational culture must be succinctly separated to warrant a full‐scale transfer of SCEs to the private sector.

In Jordan, privatization has been discussed for a number of years, but no projects have been attempted so far. The article assesses the likelihood of large‐scale privatization occurring soon.
Administrative reform in a changing political environment: The case of Hong Kong
Authors: Burns John P.
Published: July 2007

Since 1989, the Hong Kong government has implemented a programme of public sector reform that is based on the principles of ‘new public management’. The reforms initially focused mainly on financial management reform, including delegating responsibilities for resource allocation; re‐defining the roles of the central resource branches; setting up trading funds in departments that provide services directly to the public; and instilling a new corporate culture of service throughout the government. Some progress has been made in implementing the reforms.

In 1993, the government realized that further civil service reform was necessary to support the reforms. The government proposed to delegate more authority to department heads on personnel matters; give managers more freedom to manage personnel; and simplify personnel regulations and procedures. These ‘new public management’‐type reforms are usually associated with stable, relatively unchanging environments.

In Hong Kong, however, the reforms have been proposed and carried out in an environment of considerable political turbulence which has both facilitated and hindered their implementation. Because of the declining legitimacy of the colonial government, British authorities may not have the political capacity to implement the reforms. Opposition from both department heads and civil service unions to aspects of the reforms has already emerged.
Über die Verwendung von Variationsableitungen bei Problemen der statischen Physik und der Quantentheorie der Felder
Authors: Bogoljubov N. N.
Published: July 2007

In diesem Aufsatz werden Beziehungen zwischen Variationsableitungen der Fockschen Funktionaldarstellung untersucht, eine Methode, die mit der zweiten Quantisierung eng zusammenhängt. Davon ausgehend wird eine neue Operator‐Interpretation für die Schwingersche Theorie der Greenschen Funktionen gegeben. In diesem Zusammenhang wird eine neue „Einteilchen‐Näherung”︁ formuliert, die auf der Vernachlässigung der geschlossenen Schleifen (Selbstenergie‐Terme) in den Feynmanschen Graphen beruht.

Die sich ergebenden Gleichungen ähneln ihrer Form nach den entsprechenden Gleichungen der gewöhnlichen Einteilchen‐Theorie, unterscheiden sich jedoch wesentlich durch die Vertauschungsrelationen. Für ihre genäherte Lösung lassen sich die Methoden von Bloch‐Nordsieck, die der starken Kopplung u. ä. anwenden.

Es wird ferner die Anwendbarkeit einer der oben geschilderten analogen Methode auf die Theorie des statistischen Gleichgewichts klassischer Systeme gezeigt.

Speziell wird eine besondere Darstellung der Grundgleichungen angegeben, in der sie eine quasi den unabhängigen Bewegungen der Teilchen in äußeren Feld entsprechende Form annehmen. Die Wechselwirkung der Teilchen wird hier, ebenso wie bei der zweiten Quantisierung, durch die Operator‐Struktur dieses Feldes berücksichtigt.
A New Method in the Theory of Superconductivity
Authors: Bogoljubov N. N. , Tolmachov V. V. , Širkov D. V.
Published: July 2007

The method of canonical transformations proposed by one of the authors ten years ago in connection with a microscopic theory of superfluidity for Bose systems, is generalized here to Fermi systems, and forms the basis of a method for investigating the problem of superconductivity.

Starting from Fröhlich's Hamiltonian, the energy of the superconducting ground state and the one‐Fermion and collective excitations corresponding to this state are obtained. It turns out that the final formulae for the ground state and one‐Fermion excitations recently obtained by Bardeen, Cooper and Schrieffer are correct in the first approximation. The physical picture appears to be closer to the one proposed by Schafroth, Butler and Blatt.

The effect on superconductivity of the Coulomb interaction between the electrons is analyzed in detail. A criterion for the superfluidity of a Fermi system with a four‐line vertex Hamiltonian is established.
Meson Resonances 2+, 1+, 0+ in the Higher Symmetry Theory
Authors: Chi Cao , van Hieu Nguyen , Sredniawa Bronisław
Published: July 2007

In this paper mesons of spin and parity 2+, 1+, 0+ in SU(6) theory and its relativistic generalizations are considered. The connection between the representations 225 and 441 of the group U(6) and the representations 4212+ and 5940+ is explained with the aid of the scheme GL(6). It is shown that meson resonances A2, KII and f0 may belong to the representation 4212+ as well as to 5940+. Explicit expressions are given for the decay widths of all 2+ mesons and the matrix elements for 1+ and 0+ mesons with particular values of isospin and hypercharge.
K0 and CP
Authors: Marx G.
Published: July 2007

The phenomenological theory of the neutral K−mesons (kaons) is summarized. The consequences of the C, CP, CPT symmetries are discussed in details. Finally, the different suggestions are reviewed, concerning the explanation of the CP violating K0L → π+ π− decay.
Decays of Baryon Resonances in an O(3.1) Model
Authors: Hamprecht B. , Kleinert Hagen
Published: July 2007

The notion of dynamical groups [1] has been introduced into hadron physics in order to relate amplitudes of particles of many different spins. In particular the O(3.1)‐model of BARUT and KLEINERT [5a, 6] gives the pseudoscalar form factors of all the strange and non‐strange baryons in terms of a few adjustable coupling constants and claims that they furnish a good approximation in the region of not too large physical momentum transfers. Here we report on an extensive comparison of this O(3.1)‐model with experimental information. For one such comparison we take the known partial decay widths [7] of baryon resonances into members of the nucleon and pseudoscalar meson octet. The fit which we obtain is quite good and the SU(3) symmetry breaking is described in much better agreement with experiment than in an approach which, instead of O(3.1)‐form factors, takes only the correct threshold behavior into account. Further we look at baryon decays with two final mesons and calculate theoretical Dalitz‐plots. Very good agreement with some recent results on Δ(1920) → Δ Kπ is achieved. Finally we give some closed functional form for the form factors which approximate the complicated O(3.1) form factors well in the region relevant for phenomenological calculations.
Short‐Range Repulsion and Broken Chiral Symmetry in Low‐Energy Scattering
Authors: Serbryakov V. V. , Shirkov D. V.
Published: July 2007

This paper is an essentially modified version of the chapter “Short‐range repulsion” from the English edition [1] of the book “Dispersion theories of strong interactions at low‐energies” (in the Russian edition [1] this chapter is absent). Unlike the English version, we have employed the concept of chiral symmetry and ist consequences for the low‐energy characteristics of strong interactions as boundary conditions on the solution of dispersion equations. The introduction of the short‐range repulsion “potentials” into the low‐energy equations for lower partial waves makes it possible to eliminate the main difficulties of the purely elastic low‐energy (Pele) approximation. There is then a possibility in principle of obtaining solutions with small s‐wave scattering lengths and broad resonances. The use of threshold conditions resulting from chiral symmetry allows us (under certain additional conditions) to express the main resonance scattering parameters in terms of the pion decay characteristics. Formulas are presented, by means of one of which the ϱ meson mass mϱ is expressed in terms of the pion mass μ and the decay constant ƒπ from the PCAC condition (Eq. (5.26) and the other (Eq. (5.27)) expresses the ϱ meson width Γ via μƒπ and mπ and is a generalization of the well‐known KSFR relation taking into account unitarity corrections. Similar results have been obtained for the Δ33 resonance in pion‐nucleon scattering. Thus, using the broken chiral symmetry approximation and unitarity dispersion equations for low‐energy ππ and πN scattering we have obtained masses, life‐time and coupling constants for p‐wave resonances by specifying only the pion and nucleon masses, their life‐times and the Fermi coupling constant.

Reported at the Conference on the High Energy Physics in the Institute for Theoretical Physics, Kiev, the Ukrainian SSR, October 1969.