bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and purification of proteins from germ cell‐conditioned medium (GCCM)
Authors: Chung Sanny S. W. , Mruk Dolores , Lee Will M. , Cheng C. Yan
Published: July 2007

Germ cells are known to regulate Sertoli cell and testicutar function possibly through released factor(s) or via cell‐cell contact. However, the identities of many of these putative biological factors are not known. The aim of this study is to present a strategy to identify and purify germ cell‐derived proteins found in germ cell‐conditioned medium (GCCM) at a quantity sufficient to permit protein microsequencing. The purification scheme of a novel germ cell‐derived protein from GCCM designated GC‐26 is presented along with several germ cell proteins using a combination of high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) columns. The purity of GC‐26 and other germ cell proteins were confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and silver staining. The identities of GC‐26, a 26‐kDa polypeptide, and other proteins were determined by direct protein microsequencing. These partial NH2‐terminal amino acid sequences were compared with the existing databases at Protein Identification Resource (PIR), GenBank, and BLAST. These analyses revealed that these proteins are unique. This strategy should be useful for the micropurification of proteins from other biological samples and/or fluids.
Purification and characterization of cytochrome C from camel muscle
Authors: Gorban Ali M. S. , Izzeldin Omar M.
Published: July 2007

Cytochrome C was purified from camel skeletal muscles using ammonium sulphate fractionation and gel filtration on Sephadex G25 and Sephecryl S200 columns. The preparations were pure by SDS‐PAGE criteria, with molecular weight of 12300 Dalton. The electrophoretic mobility of camel cytochrome C was the same as that of the horse heart. The spectral characteristics of the isolated cytochrome C were also investigated.
Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor‐4 Splice Variants Cause Deletion of a Critical Tyrosine
Authors: Van Heumen Walter R. A. , Claxton Christina , Pickles James O.
Published: July 2007

We have identified two novel isoforms of fibroblast growth factor receptor‐4 (FGFR4). They result from alternative splicing of intron 17. Two transcripts, both slightly larger than the one coding for the known mouse FGFR4, are generated. The shortest (FGFR4‐17a) includes the 31‐most 3‐nucleotides of intron 17; the longest (FGFR4‐17b) includes all 114 nucleotides of intron 17. Translation of the FGFR4‐17a and FGFR4‐17b splice variants predicts that both novel putative FGFR4 isoforms have a truncated C‐terminal intracellular tail. The first amino acid residue affected by the insertions in both novel isoforms is Tyr‐760, a residue that may play a crucial role in intracellular signaling through stimulation of the phosphatidylinositol‐biphosphate pathway.
Expression of p21 WAF1/CIP1 in Bladder Cancer: Relation to Schistosomiasis
Authors: Eissa Sanaa , Swelam Menha , Shaker Y. , Fattah M. Abdel , Khalifa A.
Published: July 2007

Cell cycle regulation is mediated in part through expression of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p21 WAF1/CIP1. Loss of p21 WAF1/CIP1 expression may, therefore, contribute partially to schistosomal carcinogenesis in the urinary bladder. We compared p21 WAF1/CIP1 expression in schistosomal and nonschistosomal bladder cancer to explore possible differences in p21 WAF1/CIP1 expression between the two subtypes and the possible association between schistosomiasis and loss of p21 WAF1/CIP1 expression. Tumor specimens were obtained from 130 patients who underwent transurethral biopsy or cystectomy. p21 WAF1/CIP1 was determined by immunodot blot, Western blot, and enzyme immunoassay (EIA). We validated a highly sensitive quantitative EIA assay for determination of p21 WAF1/CIP1 in cell lysates. Precision, analytical recovery, and linearity were all excellent. Our results did not show any correlation between p21 WAF1/CIP1 expression and most clinicopathologic variables. Lower expression of p21 WAF1/CIP1 was evident in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and schistosomal subtype than in transitional cell carcinoma and nonschistosomal tumors. Our data suggest a potential role for p21 WAF1/CIP1 alteration in schistosomal carcinogenesis.
DNA‐Dependent RNA Polymerase II from Candida Species Is a Multiple Zinc‐Containing Metalloenzyme
Authors: Patturajan Meera , Sevugan Mayalagu , Chatterji Dipankar
Published: July 2007

We have purified DNA‐dependent RNA polymerase II from Candida albicans, a human pathogenic yeast. The enzyme consists of 9 polypeptides that are unique to C. albicans, their mobility on SDS‐PAGE being different from the mobility of the corresponding subunits of RNA polymerase II from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or C. utilis. In the present study we also demonstrate that RNA pol II from C. albican and C. utilis are metalloproteins containing 5 mol of zinc per mole of enzyme. Although prolonged dialysis in 10 or 20 mM EDTA failed to remove Zn(II) from the C. albicans enzyme, in the C. utilis enzyme 3 Zn(II) ions could be removed and then reconstituted in the presence of excess Zn(II). o‐Phenanthroline (5 mM) removed Zn(II) from C. albicans enzyme irreversibly in a time‐dependent fashion with concomitant loss of enzyme activity. Circular dichroism studies revealed structural changes on removal of zinc, thus suggesting a role for Zn in maintenance of structural stability. Further, we demonstrate that the largest subunit of the C. utilis enzyme and the 3 large subunits of the C. albicans enzyme can bind radioactive zinc.
Activation of the Acidic Isoform of Phospholipase A2 from Naja mossambica mossambica Venom by Oleoyl Imidazolide Requires the Cooperative Action of Two Ionizing Groups
Authors: Ahmed Tanweer , Kelly Sharon M. , Price Nicholas C. , Lawrence Anthony J.
Published: July 2007

The acidic phospholipase A2 isoform from the spitting cobra Naja mossambica mossambica is activated irreversibly by treatment with a molar equivalent of oleoyl imidazolide. The kinetics of the chemical modification of the enzyme can also be monitored by measuring the large reduction of tryptophan fluorescence, which is accompanied by a distinct red shift. The addition of a single molar equivalent of oleic acid to the enzyme produces an instantaneous reduction in fluorescence but with a barely detectable red shift, confirming that the response to oleoyl imidazolide results from covalent modification of the protein rather than hydrolysis of the reagent. The pH dependence of both activation and fluorescence reduction by oleoyl imidazolide has an optimum rate near pH 8.0. We propose that long‐chain fatty acids and long‐chain acyl imidazolides bind at a single activation site and that the reaction of the imidazolides involves two protein residues, one of which is a nonessential histidine residue and the other a primary amino group.
Identification of Nuclear Matrix and Associated Proteins that Bind the Haptoglobin Gene Cis‐Element
Authors: Poznanovic Goran , Vidakovic Melita , Ivanovic‐Matic Svetlana , Grujic Vesna
Published: July 2007

To identify the major nuclear matrix proteins that bind to the rat haptoglobin gene cis‐element, we isolated a soluble nuclear matrix protein fraction and analysed it by gel retardation. Two major DNA‐binding proteins exhibiting different types of protein‐DNA interactions were detected: a DNA sequence‐specific 32‐kDa isoform of transcription factor C/EBPbeta, and a nuclear matrix protein p55 that bound to the DNA nonspecifically. During increased transcription of the haptoglobin gene in the course of the acute‐phase reaction, the DNA‐binding affinities and concentrations of these proteins in the soluble nuclear matrix fraction were increased. These data lend further evidence that the nuclear matrix is an active support structure that localizes gene regulatory proteins and participates in transcriptional regulation.
Existence of Multiple Novel Gsalpha Splice Variants in Acute Leukemia Patients
Authors: Ye Qinong , Lu Qiujun , Zhang Shu , Huang Junjian , Wang Hengliang , Su Guofu , Huang Peitang , Huang Cuifen
Published: July 2007

The alpha subunit of the stimulatory G protein, Gsalpha, is involved in stimulation of the adenylate cyclase pathway of signal transduction. In this study, we investigated the status of the Gsalpha gene in 29 acute leukemia patients and identified three novel splice variants (designated GsalphaL‐1,GsalphaL‐2, and GsalphaL‐3), possibly derived from aberrant splicing. All of the splice variants have in‐frame deletions, removing the functional domain responsible for GTPase activity of Gsalpha, and would encode truncated proteins of 160(GsalphaL‐1), 90(GsalphaL‐2) and 70(GsalphaL‐3) amino acids, respectively. The data suggest that these novel products may be implicated in an as‐yet‐unidentified signal transduction pathway in hematopoietic cells.
Blockage of HIV‐1 Production through Inhibition of Proviral DNA Synthesis by N,O‐Didecanoyl Serinal Dimethylacetal
Authors: Takamune Nobutoki , Misumi Shogo , Furuishi Kazuchika , Shoji Shozo
Published: July 2007

Six serinal derivatives were synthesized and tested for their anti‐human immunodeficiency virus type‐1 (HIV‐1) activity against HIV‐1‐infected cells. Of the 6 serinal derivatives tested, only N,O‐didecanoyl serinal dimethylacetal (DDSD) was found to strongly suppress progeny virus production from acute HIV‐1‐infected CEM cells, while not suppressing the HIV‐1 p24 production from latent HIV‐1‐infected ACH‐2 cells after stimulation with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate. DDSD also inhibited the synthesis of HIV‐1 proviral DNA at 20‐50 muM, not only 1 h but also 24 h after HIV‐1 infection. Taken together, DDSD is a potent inhibitor of HIV‐1 production, and may become a unique leading compound for chemotherapy of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Changes of Glycosylation of Serum Proteins in Sjogren's Syndrome: Correlation with Interleukin‐6 and Soluble Interleukin‐2 Receptor
Authors: Saso Luciano , Valentini Giovanni , Riccieri Valeria , Spadaro Antonio , Zoppini Antonio , Silvestrini Bruno
Published: July 2007

A strong increase of the affinity for concanavalin A (Con A) of serum alpha2‐macroglobulin, a non‐acute‐phase protein, was observed by lectin blotting in patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS). On the contrary, the total Con A reactivity of serum proteins, measured by enzyme‐linked lectin assay, was not augmented in SS, compared with normal donors, probably because positive changes of certain proteins were balanced by negative changes of others, as suggested by lectin blotting analysis. However, a significant increase of total Con A reactivity occurred in subjects with increased serum concentrations of soluble interleukin (IL)‐2 receptor, compared with patients with normal concentrations of this marker of disease activity. On the other hand, the same parameter did not appear to be different in patients with normal or increased serum concentrations of IL‐6, indicating that this cytokine was not probably responsible for the changes of glycosylation described here.
Geldanamycin Induces Cell Cycle Arrest in K562 Erythroleukemic Cells
Authors: Kim Hong Ro , Lee Chang Hoon , Choi Yung Hyun , Kang Ho Sung , Kim Han Do
Published: July 2007

Geldanamycin (GA), a benzoquinone ansamycin, is one of the specific inhibitors of 90‐kDa heat shock protein and induces growth inhibition and apoptosis in certain cancer cell lines. We have investigated the mechanism of GA‐induced growth inhibition in K562 erythroleukemic cells. DNA flow‐cytometric analysis indicated that GA‐induced growth arrest was associated with G2/M phase arrest of the cell cycle. GA treatment down‐regulated the expression of cyclin B1 and inhibited phosphorylation of Cdc2 protein, both key regulatory proteins at the G2/M boundary. GA also markedly inhibited the Cdc2 kinase activity, which may be in part a result of up‐regulation of p27KIP1 by GA. The present results suggest a novel mechanism that p27KIP1 could be involved in the regulation of G2 to M phase transition.
Phosphoserine Aminotransferase, the Second Step‐Catalyzing Enzyme for Serine Biosynthesis
Authors: Basurko Marie‐Jose , Marche Michele , Darriet Monique , Cassaigne Andre
Published: July 2007

As a step toward analyzing the serine biosynthetic pathway in mammals, we have studied the properties of phosphoserine aminotransferase, the second step‐catalyzing enzyme. The Km values for 3‐phosphohydroxypyruvate and L‐phosphoserine are 5 and 35 mu M, respectively, and those for glutamate and alpha‐ketoglutarate are 1.2 and 0.8 mM, respectively. The product inhibition studies strengthened the support for a ping‐pong mechanism and allowed evaluation of Ki values for the four substrates. The equilibrium constant evaluated from the kinetic parameters is 40. Additionally, some physical properties relative to the bound coenzyme and the secondary structure were investigated. The results are consistent with a structural relationship between the Escherichia coli enzyme and the mammalian enzyme. The mammalian enzyme has specific kinetic parameters, the determination of which is a prerequisite to analyzing the serine biosynthetic pathway in mammals.
Polymerization of Actin Induced by a Molar Excess of ATP in a Low Salt Buffer
Authors: Ikkai Takamitsu , Kondo Hiroshi
Published: July 2007

The polymerization of actin induced by dilution has previously been reported, where a 1000‐fold molar excess of ATP over actin resulted when actin was diluted to 4.0 microg/ml in low salt buffer A (0.1 mM ATP, 0.1 mM CaCl2, 2 mM Tris‐HCl, pH 8.0, 5 mM 2‐ mercaptoethanol, 1 mM NaN3). Filaments formed by the addition of ATP to a 1000‐fold molar excess over actin in buffer B (0.1 mM CaCl2, 2 mM Tris‐HCl, pH 8.0, 1 mM NaN3) were then separated by gel‐filtration. When ATP was removed from these filaments using Dowex‐1, depolymerization occurred. Thus, the reversible polymerization induced by the dilution of actin or by addition of ATP can be ascribed to the binding of ATP at the low affinity site of actin.
Calcium‐Induced Alterations in the Functioning of Protein Serine/Threonine and Tyrosine Kinases in Streptomyces fradiae Cells
Authors: Elizarov Sergey M. , Mironov Vitaly A. , Danilenko Valery N.
Published: July 2007

In Streptomyces fradiae, calcium ions induce alterations in intensity and specificity of the secondary metabolism and stimulate sporulation. Using in vivo labeling, we demonstrate that in S. fradiae phosphorylation of some proteins are also influenced by Ca2+ added exogenously. Calcium ions at physiological concentration increase phosphorylation of multiple proteins on serine/threonine residues and suppress modification of a 140‐kDa protein on tyrosine residues. Assay of protein kinases in situ demonstrated that Ca2+‐induced differences in the pattern of protein phosphorylation in vivo are accompanied by Ca2+‐dependent cessation of autophosphorylation of 140‐kDa tyrosine kinase and by increased autophosphorylation of three serine/threonine kinases with molecular masses of 127, 65, and 31.5 kDa.
Focal Adhesion Kinase Regulation by Oxidative Stress in Different Cell Types
Authors: Mahdi Meriem H. Ben , Andrieu ValÉrie , Pasquier Catherine
Published: July 2007

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a tyrosine kinase ubiquitously expressed in cells. It was initially shown to be the initiator of focal adhesion formation in adherent cells, after its binding to integrins which induce its autophosphorylation. However, it can be also activated by a great variety of other stimuli able to act on different intracellular signaling. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which have been shown to act as external or internal cell stimuli, induce tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK. Its autophosphorylation is followed by a submembranous localization which is crucial for many of the biological roles of FAK, including cell spreading, cell migration, cell proliferation, and prevention of apoptosis. It plays an important role in development of tumor cells, its regulation could be thus a way of impairing cell proliferation in cancer. We describe in this review the structure, activity, and functions of FAK in different cells and how ROS are able, like other stimuli, to induce its phosphorylation and modification of cell morphology and structure. The link between ROS and FAK activation could explain the role of ROS in mediating cell proliferation, cell migration, or apoptosis.
Early squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus: the Japanese viewpoint
Authors: Takubo K , Aida J , Sawabe M , Kurosumi M , Arima M , Fujishiro M , Arai T
Published: July 2007

In Japan, more than 90% of oesophageal malignancies are squamous cell carcinomas, and superficial and early carcinomas now account for about 40% and 20%, respectively, of all oesophageal carcinomas. Definition of early carcinoma has changed on the basis of new data. As of 2007, early carcinoma is defined as intramucosal carcinoma with or without metastasis. In the subclassification based on depth of cancer invasion, m1 and m2 carcinomas have no metastasis and are considered curable by endoscopic mucosal resection alone, whereas < 10% of m3 carcinomas and about 20% of sm1 carcinomas have lymph node metastasis. The relationship between various pathological findings and the incidence of lymph node metastasis has been reviewed. High‐grade squamous dysplasia (squamous cell carcinoma in situ in Japan) requires surgical or endoscopic removal. Very minute carcinomas have recently been detected by magnifying endoscopy and/or narrowband imaging. Endocytoscopy could replace biopsy histopathological examination for diagnosis of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and endocytoscopic diagnosis and endoscopic therapy may be performed simultaneously. As a result of advances in the development of endoscopes, pathologists are now expected to diagnose very minute lesions, < 1 mm in size, in the oesophagus.
Prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disorders in a Spanish multiple sclerosis cohort
Authors: Munteis E. , Cano J. F. , Flores J. A. , Martinez‐Rodriguez J. E. , Miret M. , Roquer J.
Published: July 2007

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of thyroid autoimmune disorders in a cohort of untreated multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and compare it with a stratified sample of an adult population. We prospectively studied 93 untreated MS patients. The control group included 401 healthy subjects selected by stratified sampling in a non‐iodine‐deficient area. Antithyroid antibodies (ATA) (antibodies against peroxidase and thyroglobulin) were considered positive at titres ≥149 IU/ml. Antibodies were positive in 11 MS patients (11.8%; 95% CI 5.3–18.4%). This prevalence was five times higher (P = 0.0001) when compared with that in the control population. We found six cases with subclinical hypothyroidism (6.45%; 95% CI 11.4–1.5) in contrast to 2.24% in the control group. Comparing MS with positive and negative ATA, there was a non‐significant, slightly higher frequency of low Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score in the ATA‐positive group (81% vs. 73.2%). One year after start of interferon (IFN) treatment, only one patient developed subclinical thyroid dysfunction. MS patients have a higher prevalence of ATA compared with the general population. An initial ATA and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) determination is recommended in all MS patients. A periodic assessment of thyroid function during IFN treatment only seems to be justified in those cases where positive ATA or dysfunction is present before treatment.
Unusual dermatological toxicity of hydroxyurea in two dogs with spontaneously occurring tumours
Authors: Marconato L. , Bonfanti U. , Fileccia I.
Published: July 2007

Hydroxyurea is a chemotherapeutic agent used to treat hypereosinophilic syndrome, mast cell tumours and many myeloproliferative disorders. It is usually well tolerated; however, reported side effects include myelosuppression and gastrointestinal complications as well as cutaneous toxicity, in very rare cases. We report the unusual appearance of onychomadesis involving several claws on all feet in two canine patients receiving long‐term hydroxyurea treatment. The healing of nail lesions required cessation of treatment in one dog and dose reduction in the second animal, supporting a strict relationship between onychopathy and administration of hydroxyurea. The aim of this case report is to increase clinical awareness of dermatological toxicity associated with long‐term administration of hydroxyurea.
Sensitive Multiplex Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR Assay for the Detection of Human and Animal Noroviruses in Clinical and Environmental Samples
Authors: Wolf Sandro , Williamson Wendy M. , Hewitt Joanne , Rivera-Aban Malet , Lin Susan , Ball Andrew , Scholes Paula , Greening Gail E.
Published: July 2007

In this study, we developed a triplex real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR)-based method that detects and distinguishs between noroviruses belonging to genogroups I, II, and III and that targets the junction between the regions of open reading frame 1 (ORF1) and ORF2. This is the first assay to include all three genogroups and the first real-time RT-PCR-based method developed for the detection of bovine noroviruses. The assay was shown to be broadly reactive against a wide spectrum of norovirus genotypes, including GI/1 through GI/7, GII/1 through GII/8, GII/10, GII/12, and GII/17, in different matrices (including fecal specimens, treated and raw sewage, source water, and treated drinking water). The assay is highly sensitive, detecting low copy numbers of plasmids that carry the target sequence. A new bovine norovirus, Bo/NLV/Norsewood/2006/NZL, was identified by this assay and was further genetically characterized. The results implicate a broad range of possible applications, including clinical diagnostics, tracing of fecal contaminants, and due to its sensitivity and broad reactivity, environmental studies.
Antibiotic-Resistant
Escherichia coli
in Wastewaters, Surface Waters, and Oysters from an Urban Riverine System
Authors: Watkinson A. J. , Micalizzi G. B. , Graham G. M. , Bates J. B. , Costanzo S. D.
Published: July 2007

The antibiotic resistance (AR) patterns of 462
Escherichia coli
isolates from wastewater, surface waters, and oysters were determined. Rates of AR and multiple-AR among isolates from surface water sites adjacent to wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharge sites were significantly higher (
P
< 0.05) than those among other isolates, whereas the rate of AR among isolates from oysters exposed to WWTP discharges was low (<10%).
Stress and strain distributions in plastically deformed notched bars
Authors: Majima T , Furukawa A
Published: July 2007

A numerical method is proposed to obtain the strain distribution from hardness test results at the net section of plastically deformed notched bars. The effect of notch radius and deformation on the strain and stress distributions has been determined. The equivalent stress and strain distributions become mildly concave with deformation and notch radius, while the strain at the centre of the net section increases rapidly beyond 95 per cent of the maximum load, Pmax. The equivalent strain distribution on the central axis near the net section is convex. This convex distribution is transformed into a decreasing one for a mild notch owing to the rapid deformation around the centre of the net section. The stress triaxiality at the centre of the net section decreases rapidly with deformation, being less than the value determined by finite element analysis beyond Pmax, which is nearly independent of deformation. At the notch root the stress triaxiality decreases slightly with deformation and is accurately predicted by finite element analysis prior to Pmax.
Critical examination of various approaches used for analysing helical cables
Authors: Raoof M , Kraincanic I
Published: July 2007

Using theoretical parametric studies covering a wide range of cable (and wire) diameters and lay angles, the range of validity of various approaches used for analysing helical cables are critically examined.

Numerical results strongly suggest that for multi-layered steel strands with small wire/cable diameter ratios, the bending and torsional stiffnesses of the individual wires may safely be ignored when calculating the 2 × 2 matrix for strand axial/torsional stiffnesses. However, such bending and torsional wire stiffnesses are shown to be first order parameters in analysing the overall axial and torsional stiffnesses of, say, seven wire stands, especially under free-fixed end conditions with respect to torsional movements.

Interwire contact deformations are shown to be of great importance in evaluating the axial and torsional stiffnesses of large diameter multi-layered steel strands. Their importance diminishes as the number of wires associated with smaller diameter cables decreases.

Using a modified version of a previously reported theoretical model for analysing multilayered instrumentation cables, the importance of allowing for the influence of contact deformations in compliant layers on cable overall characteristics such as axial or torsional stiffnesses is demonstrated by theoretical numerical results. In particular, non-Hertzian contact formulations are used to obtain the interlayer compliances in instrumentation cables in preference to a previously reported model employing Hertzian theory with its associated limitations.
Simply supported annular plates transversely loaded by a concentrated force applied at an arbitrary point
Authors: Strozzi A , Dragoni E , Ciavatti V
Published: July 2007

An analysis is performed for a thin, annular plate, simply supported at its inner boundary, free at its periphery, and loaded by a concentrated force applied at any plate position. A purely flexural model is adopted, for which a series solution is obtained with the aid of an algebraic manipulator. Experimental tests are carried out for a specific plate geometry and the results obtained are compared to the analytical forecasts. A diagram is presented which summarizes the plate theoretical deflection by the loaded point for a wide range of aspect ratios of the annular plate and of normalized loaded positions.
ARARMA models for time series analysis and forecasting
Authors: Parzen Emanuel
Published: July 2007

Methods of time series forecasting are proposed which can be applied automatically. However, they are not rote formulae, since they are based on a flexible philosophy which can provide several models for consideration. In addition it provides diverse diagnostics for qualitatively and quantitatively estimating how well one can forecast a series. The models considered are called ARARMA models (or ARAR models) because the model fitted to a long memory time series (t) is based on sophisticated time series analysis of AR (or ARMA) schemes (short memory models) fitted to residualsY(t)obtained by parsimonious‘best lag’non‐stationary autoregression. Both long range and short range forecasts are provided by an ARARMA model

Section 1 explains the philosophy of our approach to time series model identification. Sections 2 and 3 attempt to relate our approach to some standard approaches to forecasting; exponential smoothing methods are developed from the point of view of prediction theory (section 2) and extended (section 3). ARARMA models are introduced (section 4). Methods of ARARMA model fitting are outlined (sections 5,6). Since‘the proof of the pudding is in the eating’, the methods proposed are illustrated (section 7) using the classic example of international airline passengers.
Relative accuracy of judgemental and extrapolative methods in forecasting annual earnings
Authors: Armstrong J. Scott
Published: July 2007

This paper identifies and analyses previously published studies on annual earnings forecasts. Comparisons of forecasts produced by management, analysts, and extrapolative techniques indicated that: (1) management forecasts were superior to professional analyst forecasts (the mean absolute percentage errors were 15.9 and 17.7, respectively, based on five studies using data from 1967–1974) and (2) judgemental forecasts (both management and analysts) were superior to extrapolation forecasts on 14 of 17 comparisons from 13 studies using data from 1964–1979 (the mean absolute percentage errors were 21.0 and 28.4 for judgement and extrapolation, respectively).

These conclusions, based on recent research, differ from those reported in previous reviews, which commented on less than half of the studies identified here.
The Bangladesh Meghna–Dhonagoda irrigation project
Authors: Shamsul Huda A. T. M. , Emdadul Huq M. D. , Bhuiyan Aminul Islam
Published: July 2007

The Meghna‐‐Dhonagoda Irrigation Project (MDIP) began in 1977 as an effort to reduce the constant threat of floods in the Chandpur district of Bangladesh, to expand agricultural production and employment opportunities, and to improve power supply, communication, social services, and health conditions. With a US $24 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the project was to have been completed in 1983. Unfortunately, it remains incomplete and defective, despite long delays and an expenditure many times more than originally estimated. The project's failures primarily stem from inability or unwillingness of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) to supervise the consultants and contractors and then to correct their mistakes. However, the ADB could also have played a more useful role in facilitating technical and managerial improvements.
Managing the implementation of ‘shock therapy’ in a landlocked state: Mongolia's transition from the centrally planned economy
Authors: Collins Paul , Nixson Frederick
Published: July 2007

Mongolia is the second oldest communist regime after Russia, and its reforms have been under way since 1986. It is a land‐locked state and is characterized by its large physical size relative to a small population, an almost total historical dependence on the former‐USSR and a limited range of agricultural and mineral resources. Despite the profound effects that the collapse of the USSR and Comecon have caused, Mongolia has adopted a ‘shock therapy’ approach to reform, embarking simultaneously on a bold programme of both political and economic change. This article traces the genesis of the reform strategy, highlighting the interplay between external events and internal debate and sometimes outlining the major areas of the reform programme: the introduction of macroeconomic management to replace central planning, the improvement of incentives and an ambitious programme of privatization. The undertaking of such a programme in the Mongolia points to the importance of a social safety net and popular support for the reforms. The article then describes the complementary reforms of public administration that have been more recently introduced in the wake of a new constitution, with their emphasis on professionalization of government administration, transfer of responsibilities to provincial and local government and improved policies and institutions for national training. International technical assistance has and continues to play a significant role in supporting the above. A number of lessons are drawn with regard to strategy, particularly the need at programme level for an integrated or systems approach that can ensure linkages between different elements and at the level of training the need for imaginative approaches to design and delivery. The article draws conclusions on the prospects for success in each area of the reform programme. Critical for public administration restructuring and professionalization is the issue of institutional capacity for implementation. While the legal framework has now been laid down for decentralized government, for example, there is little prior experience in local government of many areas of functional management, finance and budgeting, investment planning and social services administration. On the economic front, the shock therapy stragegy has been adopted despite some earlier advice on the preconditions for successful privatization—with regard for example to market structure, the development of the financial sector and most crucially the continued role of the state in fostering entrepre‐neurship in a society devoid of any recent history of such.
The dilemmas of managing transitions in weak states: The case of Mozambique
Authors: Graham Lawrence S.
Published: July 2007

This article reviews donor initiatives in Mozambique in decentralization policy and intergovernmental relations. Against the background of earlier donor initiatives in the country and the government's transition, it identifies the complexities confronted in working outside the centre and in the periphery, in the midst of economic and political liberalization. The lessons learned from the project experiences described emphasize the extensiveness of the changes necessary in government and the donor community if subnational authorities, governors and local administrators, in this instance, are to be empowered to resolve local development issues at the grass‐roots level rather than await authorization to act from the centre, be it a government ministry or donor organization. The dilemma posed by such initiatives concerns how to enable subnational governments to respond to unmet development needs locally (through the transfer of economic and skilled human resources to the provinces), without undercutting endeavours to strengthen the capacity of the central government to implement economic and social policy (through the concentration of the same resources in the centre).
Kenyanization and African capacity ‘shuffling’
Authors: Wilson L. S.
Published: July 2007

Cohen (1992) discusses in detail the problem of 'Kenyanization' of positions filled by expatriate advisors in the Kenyan civil service. He outlines six possible solutions to the problem, four of which involve the funding by donors of higher than civil service level salaries to attract Kenyan staff to the donors' particular projects. While Cohen is critical of these options he does not discuss the most serious danger in their use, the danger that resources will be seriously misallocated. In this article the traditional approach of supplying new resources to Kenya is compared with this new alternative of using donor funds to induce the reallocation of existing Kenyan staff. It suggests that donors must be extremely careful in using their funds to entice workers to their own projects without consideration of where these resources are drawn from. An alternative explanation to those discussed by Cohen for the lack of success with ‘Kenyanization’ is also proposed.
Developing sustainable institutions: Lessons from cross‐case analysis of 24 agricultural extension programmes
Authors: Gustafson Daniel J.
Published: July 2007

The building or reform of agricultural extension institutions has received considerable attention over the past 15 years, promoted principally by the World Bank and its training and visit (T&V) approach. Many of these institutional development projects have now been completed, allowing cross‐case analysis of the experiences and outcomes. Given the relatively similar objectives and institutional improvement strategies adopted, and the dissimilarities in the eventual performance and institutional vitality of the target organizations, these experiences provide a useful set of cases in which to examine the dynamics of institutions performance and sustainability. This article examines 24 completed extension development projects in the light of an institutional sustainability framework that defines sustainability as the ability of an institution to produce outputs that are sufficiently in demand for enough inputs to be supplied to continue production at a steady or growing rate. Findings from the application of the framework highlight the importance of internal and external stakeholder support, the importance of early success in generating support, the need for both organizational action and learning in varying degrees depending on the situation, and the need to have a coherent strategy that matches the institution's internal capabilities and external environment.
The consolidation of adjustment: Implications for public administration
Authors: Batley Richard
Published: July 2007

The governments of most developing countries have been subject to pressures, especially through structural adjustment programmes, to reduce the direct role of the state in the supply of services. New forms of service supply are emerging, in which government has only an indirect role as enabler and regulator of other actors; but there has been little practical guidance on how these ‘new’ roles are to be performed in the specific context of developing countries. The danger is then of the adoption of inappropriate practices from more advanced countries. The argument of this article is that governments face several difficulties in managing the ‘post‐adjusted state’: the inheritance of social and political strains, and of reforms made abruptly under pressure; the complexity of identifying the appropriate role of the state for particular services under particular circumstances; the technical difficulty of managing new administrative roles; and the contradiction, particularly in respect of systems of accountability, between the new and the old requirements on public administration.
Compositeness Criteria of Particles in Quantum Field Theory and S‐Matrix Theory
Authors: Hayashi Kenji , Hirayama Minoru , Muta Taizo , Seto Noriaki , Shirafuji Takeshi
Published: July 2007

A review is given of recent developments in compositeness arguments of particles in the framework of Lagrangian field theory and S‐matrix theory.
Theory of First, Second and Zero Sound in One‐Dimensional Crystals
Authors: Niklasson Göran
Published: July 2007

The propagation of thermal and mechanical disturbances in a non‐conducting crystal is studied on the basis of a generalized transport equation for phonons, derived in a previous paper. This equation agrees with the Peierls‐Boltzmann equation for slowly varying inhomogeneities in space and time and is consistent with the perturbation treatment of the phonon self energy for high frequencies and short wave‐lengths. A formal solution of the transport equation is obtained, which allows us to study in detail the transition between the low‐frequency, collision‐dominated regime and the high‐frequency, essentially collision‐less regime. Using a single relaxation time approximation we discuss the propagation of “sound” waves and obtain explicit expressions for the dispersion of the sound velocity and the damping, valid for arbitrary frequencies. In order to elucidate more clearly the technique used we consider in this paper an one‐dimensional crystal, but the essential results can easily be taken over to the threedimensional case. A separate report on this will be published elsewhere.
Short Distance Scale Invariance, High Energy Processes and Elementary Particles
Authors: Efremov A. V. , Ginzburg I. F.
Published: July 2007

Within the framework of quantum field theory (QFT) with the Yukawa type of interactions of baryons and mesons a method is proposed which allows one to take into account the effects of short distance scale invariance in observable processes on the mass shell. In this theory the scale invariance is equivalent to the finite renormalization of coupling constants.

The method is based on the investigation of asymptotics of diagrams and on the summation of all logarithmic terms of all diagrams. The general picture of high energy processes is in qualitative agreement with the present experimental situation, however, it manifests some peculiarities:

For the scattering at small angles we obtain the modified Regge picture with fixed branch points of the \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \sqrt {i - i_0 } $\end{document} type in addition to the Regge poles. One of these branch points could be a good candidate for the Pomeranchuk singularity, the others are useful for some more delicate details of the scattering (e.g. polarization in the π N‐charge exchange).

The large angle scattering cross section decreases as a power of energy.

The Bjorken scaling in the deep inelastic ep‐scattering is not a direct effect of scale invariance and can be broken due to the factor (−q2)lγ.

For the inclusive processes the modified Regge picture is obtained. The large transverse momentum distribution decreases as a power of q ⟂.

A weak power growth of multiplicity and logarithmic growth of average transverse momenta are possible.

In addition to the composite, reggeized particles there are some elementary mesons and nucleons which explain the peculiarities of the reactions with their exchange.
Interaction and Measuring Process in Quantum Theory
Authors: Kaschluhn F.
Published: July 2007

A statistical law for interaction processes in quantum theory is presented. It states that the final state of the scattered systems, evaluated on the basis of quantum theory, reduces alternatively to different substates provided correlation states are produced by the interaction. Such processes also underlie the measuring process (interaction system‐apparatus). To test the modified scattering theory experiments are proposed. The consequences for the description of the interaction between a system and a macroscopic body, in particular a measuring apparatus, are discussed. The reduction of the wave function needed here comes out quite naturally.
Über das Wechselverhältnis von Kontinuumsmechanik und Strukturphysik fester Körper
Authors: Michel B.
Published: July 2007

The current situation, trends and possibilities in Continuum Mechanics are reviewed. Special attention is given to its application in solid state physics as well on a phenomenological as on the microscopic scale. Current problems in Micromechanics of solids, such as mechanical interactions of defects near surfaces and interfaces and interfaces are dealt with. Recent investigations on the generalizedJ‐integral concepts in fracture mechanics are discussed too. The paper gives some information on new trends of micromechanics towards micromechanics towards micro‐continuum‐thermodynamics. Some remarks are presented concerning stress‐assisted diffusion phenomena as a special case of the generalized mechanics of diffusion. The possibilities of the powerfull finite element method (FEM) in micromechanics of continuous media are spoken about. The interrelation between continuum mechanics and quantum mechanics is discussed about, the possibility of quantum states of cracks too.
Charged Particle Emission and Detection Sources and the One‐Body and the Many‐Body Coulomb Scattering
Authors: Manoukian Edward B.
Published: July 2007

A detailed study is carried out of the fundamental roles of the emission and detection sources in the one‐body and the many‐body Coulomb scattering. It is shown that the emission and detection sources, as amplitudes of emission and detection of charged particles, are to have given time‐dependent structures for a correct formulation of the problem. The method incorporates the long range effect of the Coulomb field which persists even at large distance separations. Most importantly, composite sources are necessarily introduced for the many‐body Coulomb scattering which act as emission and detection sources of “clusters” of charged particles and reflect the physically important fact that charged particles feel the presence of each other even before or after “collisions”. A complete concellation of the so‐called Dalitz phase factor naturally follows leading to infra‐red finite transition amplitudes (as opposed only of transition probabilities) by a systematic use, in the process, of a unitarity sum with respect to the external sources.
A study of BS.5750 aspirations in small companies
Authors: Long A. A. , Dale B. G. , Younger A.
Published: July 2007

This paper outlines the main findings of a research study which examined the experiences of small companies in relation to approaching the BS.5750/ISO 9000 quality system series. In general, small companies are not aware of the fundamental concepts of a quality system, many of the activities outlined in BS.5750 are not practised and, even when they are, they are not documented. The main motivation for introducing a quality system which meets the requirements of BS.5750 is customer pressure. Difficulties encountered by small companies are selecting which part of the standard to apply, understanding and applying the appropriate clauses of BS.5750 to their own specific situations, and writing procedures.
A case study on the benefits of combining reliability stress tests
Authors: Seager Jeffrey D. , Fieselman Charles D.
Published: July 2007

This paper discusses two distinct benefits associated with product reliability qualifications by combining individual reliability stress tests into a single test. First, a combined test will make better use of test equipment, personnel and product samples required for the qualification, implying a cost benefit. Secondly, a combined test allows interaction between the stress sources to occur on all failure causes. These benefits were realized as a result of a power supply application. Each individual test was designed to address specific causes which are assumed to be totally independent of other failures. A combined test can verify or deny independence and therefore provide a stronger practical test. Hence, this paper will demonstrate that a combined reliability test will provide more efficient testing with solid engineering product performance coverage. In addition, an approach is proposed for combining tests which fixes the acceleration rates between stress tests as the same ratio as under the nominal operating product environmental conditions.
Bimodal lifetime distributions of dielectrics for integrated circuits
Authors: v. Sichart K. , Vollertsen R.‐P.
Published: July 2007

Constant voltage stressing of large area capacitors with thin thermal oxide and ONO dielectrics reveals that defect related breakdown is the dominant failure mode. Elimination of the complete early failure mode by means of screening will neither be possible nor necessary. Consequently, prediction of failure rates under operating conditions must be deduced from defect‐related distributions. A statistical model is introduced and discussed in order to extrapolate to small failure percentages. Furthermore an additional term is introduced in the effective thickness model of Leeet al.which takes into account the weaker field acceleration behaviour of very thin dielectrics.
Off‐line quality control via yield constrained variability minimization in circuit design
Authors: Ilumoka A. A.
Published: July 2007

During the lifetime of any system, e.g. an electronic circuit, sources of variation of parameters include fabrication, operational and environmental (FOE) variables. Since these sources of variation are not under designer control, one important objective at the product design stage is to reduce rather than control their influence. The aim of this paper is to present a methodology whereby settings of system parameters which make product performance less sensitive to FOE variations are identified. By so doing, reliability (consistency of acceptable performance), and hence quality, is enhanced. The approach taken is to minimize performance variability subject to a constraint on yield. This objective ensures consistency of performance while the constraint ensures acceptability of performance. Multiple performances are handled via a weighted sum objective. The Monte Carlo approach ensures that any parameter probability density function is handled and that computational cost does not increase with system dimensionality. The effectiveness of the technique is illustrated via a practical system example—an electronic circuit having 11 design parameters.