bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enzymatic Degradation of Poly(L‐lactide) and Poly(ε‐caprolactone) Electrospun Fibers
Authors: Zeng Jing , Chen Xuesi , Liang Qizhi , Xu Xiuling , Jing Xiabin
Published: December 2004

Summary: Poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) ultrafine fibers were prepared by electrospinning. The influence of cationic and anionic surfactants on their enzymatic degradation behavior was investigated by measuring weight loss, molecular weight, crystallinity, and melting temperature of the fibers as a function of degradation time. Under the catalysis of proteinase K, the PLLA fibers containing the anionic surfactant sodium docecyl sulfate (SDS) exhibited a faster degradation rate than those containing cationic surfactant triethylbenzylammonium chloride (TEBAC), indicating that surface electric charge on the fibers is a critical factor for an enzymatic degradation. Similarly, TEBAC‐containing PCL fibers exhibited a 47% weight loss within 8.5 h whereas SDS‐containing PCL fibers showed little degradation in the presence of lipase PS. By analyzing the charge status of proteinase K and lipase PS under the experimental conditions, the importance of the surface charges of the fibers and their interactions with the charges on the enzymes were revealed. Consequently, a “two‐step” degradation mechanism was proposed: (1) the enzyme approaches the fiber surface; (2) the enzyme initiates hydrolysis of the polymer. By means of differential scanning calorimetry and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, the crystallinity and orientation changes in the PLLA and PCL fibers during the enzymatic degradation were investigated, respectively.

SEM photographs of PCL‐TEBAC fiber samples before and after enzymatic degradation (2.75 h) at 37 °C.

magnified image

SEM photographs of PCL‐TEBAC fiber samples before and after enzymatic degradation (2.75 h) at 37 °C.
Synthesis of Aliphatic‐Aromatic Copolyesters by a High Temperature Bulk Reaction Between Poly(ethylene terephthalate) and Cyclodi(ethylene succinate)
Authors: Salhi Slim , Tessier Martine , Blais Jean‐Claude , El Gharbi Rachid , Fradet Alain
Published: December 2004

Summary: Cyclodi(ethylene succinate) (C2) easily reacts with poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) in the melt leading to the formation of high molar mass PET‐Poly(ethylene succinate) copolymers (PET‐PES). Copolyesters with a PET/C2 starting mass ratio of 90/10, 80/20, 70/30 and 50/50 were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR and MALDI‐TOF MS. The 50/50 copolyester was almost random, while copolyesters with higher ethylene terephthalate contents exhibited some block copolymer character. MALDI‐TOF MS/SEC off‐line coupling was used to determine copolyester absolute average molar masses. The results indicate that the conventional SEC polystyrene calibration strongly overestimates copolyester molar masses. The melting temperatures and crystallinity of the 90/10, 80/20 and 70/30 copolyesters were significantly higher than those of comparable PET‐aliphatic polyester copolymers.

magnified image
A Study of the Synthesis and Properties of AM/AMPS Copolymer as Superabsorbent
Authors: Liu Yang , Xie Jian‐Jun , Zhu Mei‐Fang , Zhang Xin‐Ying
Published: December 2004

Summary:A new superabsorbent polymer, PAMA, has been prepared in an aqueous solution using acrylamide (AM) and 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) as monomers, potassium persulfate (PPS) as initiator, andN,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (NMBA) as cross‐linker. The absorbing properties and water retention of PAMA have been investigated. It is found that the absorbency of PAMA can reach 2 451 and 119 g · g−1in distilled water and in 0.9 wt.‐% NaCl solution, respectively. This copolymer also can absorb a large amount of pure methanol (277 g · g−1), a property that has not been reported for the other superabsorbent polymers in the literature. The swelling behavior of PAMA in some water/organic solvent mixtures and water retention of PAMA in sand have been investigated.

Water retention of the PAMA in sand at 80 °C. 1) Sample containing PAMA; 2) Sample without PAMA.

image

Water retention of the PAMA in sand at 80 °C. 1) Sample containing PAMA; 2) Sample without PAMA.
Shish Kebab Morphology induced in Polyhydroxybutyrate under Shear Flow
Authors: Sharma Lakshmi , Ogino Yoshino , Kanaya Toshiji
Published: December 2004

Summary: In‐situ rheo small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), rheo‐light scattering, and rheo‐optical methods were employed to investigate the resultant morphology of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) under varying shear flow conditions. Immediately after shear flow application, a highly orientated structure emerged and row nucleation was identified at high shears. Only the initial stages of shish growth (we term the partial shish) were confirmed at excessively high shear conditions. However, only the kebabs were identified at medium shears, below this neither the shish nor kebab were observed. We believe this partial shish is a result of insufficient stability resulting from using such a low‐molecular‐weight species. We conclude that from our observations the shish kebab mechanism appears to display similarities to the Janeschitz‐Kriegl model of precursor formation.

Left: In‐situ rheo‐SAXS two‐dimensional pattern; kebab morphology observed at 100 s−1 for 1 s shear after 160 s. Right: In‐situ rheo‐optical micrograph; PHB row‐nucleated morphology observed at 100 s−1 for 1 s shear after 1 min.

image

Left: In‐situ rheo‐SAXS two‐dimensional pattern; kebab morphology observed at 100 s−1 for 1 s shear after 160 s. Right: In‐situ rheo‐optical micrograph; PHB row‐nucleated morphology observed at 100 s−1 for 1 s shear after 1 min.
Synthesis of Polycaprolactone Using Free/Supported Enzymatic and Non‐Enzymatic Catalysts
Authors: Foresti María Laura , Ferreira María Luján
Published: December 2004

Summary: Polymerization of caprolactone using lipases from Candida antarctica B, Rhizomucor meihei, Candida rugosa, and Pseudomonas fluorescens is highly effective, with 97% conversion into polycaprolactone. Poly(propylene)‐supported Candida rugosa lipase achieves higher conversion values (85–92%) than free lipase (75%). Acidic and basic non‐conventional catalysis with butanol yields 50–85% conversion. Simple UV/visible techniques gave the same results for measuring conversion than other studies. Applications are opened for the non‐conventional catalysts.

Mechanism of the polymerization of caprolactone polymerization using a basic catalyst.

image

Mechanism of the polymerization of caprolactone polymerization using a basic catalyst.
Isotactic Poly(propylene)/Monoalkylimidazolium‐Modified Montmorillonite Nanocomposites: Preparation by Intercalative Polymerization and Thermal Stability Study
Authors: He Aihua , Hu Haiqing , Huang Yingjuan , Dong Jin‐Yong , Han Charles C.
Published: December 2004

Summary: Poly(propylene)/monoalkylimidazolium‐modified montmorillonite (PP/IMMT) nanocomposites were prepared by in situ intercalative polymerization of propylene with TiCl4/MgCl2/MMT catalyst. The PP synthesized possessed high isotacticity and molecular weight. Both wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examinations evidenced the nanocomposite formation with exfoliated MMT homogeneously distributed in the PP matrix. A thermal stability study revealed that the nanocomposites possess good thermal stability.

X‐ray diffraction patterns of PP/IMMT (MMT = 2.2 wt.‐%) nanocomposite before and after processing.

image

X‐ray diffraction patterns of PP/IMMT (MMT = 2.2 wt.‐%) nanocomposite before and after processing.
Regioselective Dendritic Functionalization of Cellulose
Authors: Hassan Mohammad L. , Moorefield Charles N. , Newkome George R.
Published: December 2004

Summary: A series of regioselectively dendronized cellulose derivatives has been prepared by the treatment of cellulose in a N,N‐dimethylacetamide/LiCl solvent system with dendrons possessing isocyanate focal substituents. These new materials were characterized using FT‐IR and 13C NMR spectroscopies, and thermogravimetric analysis; the products were highly soluble in a wide range of organic solvents.

Substitution pattern of the dendronized cellulose.

image

Substitution pattern of the dendronized cellulose.
Histone H3 acetylation is associated with reduced p21WAF1/CIP1 expression by gastric carcinoma
Authors: Mitani Yoshitsugu , Oue Naohide , Hamai Yoichi , Aung Phyu Phyu , Matsumura Shunji , Nakayama Hirofumi , Kamata Nobuyuki , Yasui Wataru
Published: December 2004

Histone acetylation appears to play an important role in transcriptional regulation. Inactivation of chromatin by histone deacetylation is involved in the transcriptional repression of several tumour suppressor genes, including p21WAF1/CIP1. However, the in vivo status of histone acetylation in human cancers, including gastric carcinoma, is not well understood. This study shows that histone H3 in the p21WAF1/CIP1 promoter region is hypoacetylated and that this hypoacetylation is associated with reduced p21WAF1/CIP1 expression in gastric carcinoma specimens. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that histone H3 was hypoacetylated in the p21WAF1/CIP1 promoter and coding regions in 10 (34.5%) and 10 (34.5%) of 29 gastric carcinoma specimens, respectively. Hypoacetylation of histone H4 in the p21WAF1/CIP1 promoter and coding regions was observed in 6 (20.7%) and 16 (55.2%) of 29 gastric carcinoma specimens, respectively. p21WAF1/CIP1 mRNA levels were associated with histone H3 acetylation status in the p21WAF1/CIP1 promoter region (p = 0.047) but not p53 mutation status (p = 0.460). In gastric carcinoma cell lines, expression of p21WAF1/CIP1 protein was induced by trichostatin A, a histone deacetylase inhibitor. This induction was associated with hyperacetylation of histone H3 in the p21WAF1/CIP1 promoter region. Hyperacetylation of histone H4 in the p21WAF1/CIP1 promoter region did not appear to be associated with increased expression. Induction of p21WAF1/CIP1 protein expression was associated with hyperacetylation of histones H3 and H4 in the p21WAF1/CIP1 coding region. Expression of a dominant‐negative mutant of p53 reduced expression of p21WAF1/CIP1 protein. Histone H4 acetylation in both the promoter and coding regions of the p21WAF1/CIP1 gene in cells expressing dominant‐negative p53 was less than half of that in cells expressing wild‐type p53, whereas histone H3 acetylation in both the promoter and coding regions was slightly reduced (by approximately 20%) in cells expressing the dominant‐negative p53. These findings provide evidence that alteration of histone acetylation occurs in human cancer tissue specimens such as those from gastric carcinoma. Copyright © 2004 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Red dots near the fovea found during diabetic retinopathy screening: what should we do?
Authors: Ryder REJ , Basu A , Illahi W , Khan M , Carey S
Published: December 2004

The National Service Framework for Diabetes is working towards a national programme for diabetic retinopathy screening. The digital retinal cameras that will be used very easily detect red dots near the fovea. In a consecutive series of 175 patients undergoing eye screening, 25/175 (14%) had macula red dots but no other significant lesions.

In the case report presented here, on digital retinal photography a 46‐year‐old man with type 2 diabetes and a normal visual acuity had four red dots within a disc diameter of the centre of the fovea but little other diabetic retinopathy. Repeat photography seven months later showed progression to well‐established exudative maculopathy. This patient's case was considered in the light of the European referral criteria, the grading system in the report of the UK National Screening Committee, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines, the guidelines of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, the Welsh Community Diabetic Retinopathy Study grading system, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidelines and the Scottish Diabetic Retinopathy Grading System.

The results showed that the guidelines are inconsistent and could lead, at the time of the first eye screening, to the patient being referred to an ophthalmologist, re‐screened in 12 months or ‘observed at regular intervals’ depending on which guidelines are followed and whether the screener believes the red dots are microaneurysms or dot haemorrhages.

In conclusion, the natural history of retinopathy in patients with red dots near the fovea needs to be systematically studied. Pending the outcome of such studies, all patients with red dots clearly visible on retinal photographs within a disc diameter of the centre of the fovea, with normal visual acuity and without other retinopathy suggesting that they should be referred, should be re‐screened at least six monthly. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Targeted first‐trimester prenatal diagnosis before fetal reduction in triplet gestations and subsequent outcome
Authors: Geipel A. , Berg C. , Katalinic A. , Plath H. , Hansmann M. , Smrcek J. , Gembruch U. , Germer U.
Published: December 2004

Objective

To assess the feasibility of targeted first‐trimester ultrasound evaluation in triplet gestations and to report the outcome in reduced and expectantly managed triplets.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 127 triplets at 11–14 weeks with targeted ultrasound examination including nuchal translucency (NT) screening.

Results

One or more abnormal findings were observed in 33 of 381 fetuses (8.7%), including increased NT (n = 18), malformations (n = 4), aneuploidy (n = 3), relative intrauterine growth restriction (n = 2) or spontaneous demise (n = 13). Of 63 patients (49%) who chose reduction, selective termination due to abnormal findings was performed in 13 fetuses. The rates of complete abortion <24 weeks were 9.8% and 3.2% for those with expectant management and fetal reduction, respectively. Expectantly managed triplets delivered significantly earlier (31.1 ± 3.8 vs. 35.6 ± 3.3 weeks) (P < 0.01) with a lower mean birth weight (1483 ± 552 g vs. 2305 ± 557 g) (P < 0.01) and a lower number of liveborn fetuses (85.6% vs. 97.4%) (P < 0.01) than those reduced.

Conclusion

Targeted first‐trimester ultrasound is feasible and reliable in triplet gestations and should be an integral part of the counseling process. It results in more accurate selection for those who consider fetal reduction. Our data further support fetal reduction as a valuable strategy to improve perinatal outcome in triplet pregnancies. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationships among nutrition and reproduction and relevance for wild animals
Authors: Allen Mary E. , Ullrey Duane E.
Published: December 2004

This review discusses aspects of feeding ecology, nutrition, and dietary husbandry that are particularly relevant to reproductive success in wild animals. Emphasis has been placed on recently published literature. Special attention has been given to requirements for energy and protein and the unique roles of essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, selenium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. Information has been drawn from research with mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, including the domestic and laboratory species that play such a large role in elucidating mechanisms connecting nutrition and reproduction. Zoo Biol 23:475–487, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contrasting anesthetic sensitivities of T‐type Ca2+ channels of reticular thalamic neurons and recombinant Cav3.3 channels
Authors: Joksovic Pavle M , Brimelow Barbara C , Murbartián Janet , Perez‐Reyes Edward , Todorovic Slobodan M
Published: December 2004

Reticular thalamocortical neurons express a slowly inactivating T‐type Ca2+ current that is quite similar to that recorded from recombinant Cav3.3b (α1Ib) channels. These neurons also express abundant Cav3.3 mRNA, suggesting that it underlies the native current.

Here, we test this hypothesis by comparing the anesthetic sensitivities of recombinant Cav3.3b channels stably expressed in HEK 293 cells to native T channels in reticular thalamic neurons (nRT) from brain slices of young rats.

Barbiturates completely blocked both Cav3.3 and nRT currents, with pentobarbital being about twice more potent in blocking Cav3.3 currents. Isoflurane had about the same potency in blocking Cav3.3 and nRT currents, but enflurane, etomidate, propofol, and ethanol exhibited 2–4 fold higher potency in blocking nRT vs Cav3.3 currents.

Nitrous oxide (N2O; laughing gas) blocked completely nRT currents with IC50 of 20%, but did not significantly affect Cav3.3 currents at four‐fold higher concentrations. In addition, we observed that in lower concentration, N2O reversibly increased nRT but not Cav3.3 currents.

In conclusion, contrasting anesthetic sensitivities of Cav3.3 and nRT T‐type Ca2+ channels strongly suggest that different molecular structures of Ca2+ channels give rise to slowly inactivating T‐type Ca2+ currents. Furthermore, effects of volatile anesthetics and ethanol on slowly inactivating T‐type Ca2+ channel variants may contribute to the clinical effects of these agents.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 144, 59–70. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706020
Ionic interactions near the loop L4 are important for maintaining the active-site environment and the dimer stability of (pro)caspase 3
Authors: FEENEY Brett , POP Cristina , TRIPATHY Ashutosh , CLARK A. Clay
Published: December 2004

We have examined the role of a salt bridge between Lys242 and Glu246 in loop L4 of procaspase 3 and of mature caspase 3, and we show that the interactions are required for stabilizing the active site. Replacing either of the residues with an alanine residue results in a complete loss of procaspase 3 activity. Although both mutants are active in the context of the mature caspase 3, the mutations result in an increase in Km and a decrease in kcat when compared with the wild-type caspase 3. In addition, the mutations result in an increase in the pKa value associated with a change in kcat with pH, but does not affect the transition observed for Km versus pH. The mutations also affect the accessibility of the active-site solvent as measured by tryptophan fluorescence emission in the presence of quenching agents and as a function of pH. We show that, as the pH is lowered, the (pro)caspase dissociates, and the mutations increase the pH-dependent instability of the dimer. Overall, the results suggest that the contacts lost in the procaspase as a result of replacing Lys242 and Glu246 are compensated partially in the mature caspase as a result of new contacts that are known to form on zymogen processing.
Distinctive activation mechanisms and functions for protein kinase Cδ
Authors: STEINBERG Susan F.
Published: December 2004

PKCδ (protein kinase Cδ) is a serine/threonine kinase that plays a key role in growth regulation and tissue remodelling. Traditional models of PKC activation have focused on lipid cofactors and anchoring proteins that localize the active conformation of PKCδ to membranes, in close proximity with its target substrates. However, recent studies identify a distinct mode for PKCδ activation involving tyrosine phosphorylation by Src family kinases. The tyrosine-phosphorylated form of PKCδ (which accumulates in the soluble fraction of cells exposed to oxidant stress) displays lipid-independent kinase activity and is uniquely positioned to phosphorylate target substrates throughout the cell (not just on lipid membranes). This review summarizes (1) recent progress towards understanding structure–activity relationships for PKCδ, with a particular focus on the stimuli that induce (and the distinct functional consequences that result from) tyrosine phosphorylation events in PKCδ's regulatory, hinge and catalytic domains; (2) current concepts regarding the role of tyrosine phosphorylation as a mechanism to regulate PKCδ localization and actions in mitochondrial and nuclear compartments; and (3) recent literature delineating distinct roles for PKCδ (relative to other PKC isoforms) in transcriptional regulation, cell cycle progression and programmed cell death (including studies in PKCδ−/− mice that implicate PKCδ in immune function and cardiovascular remodelling). Collectively, these studies argue that the conventional model for PKCδ activation must be broadened to allow for stimulus-specific differences in PKCδ signalling during growth factor stimulation and oxidant stress.
Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by nitric oxide rapidly stimulates cytoprotective GLUT3-mediated glucose uptake through 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase
Authors: CIDAD Pilar , ALMEIDA Angeles , BOLAÑOS Juan P.
Published: December 2004

Recently, we have reported that the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by nitric oxide (NO) leads to an up-regulation of glycolysis and affords cytoprotection against energy failure through the stimulation of AMPK (5′-AMP-activated protein kinase) [Almeida, Moncada and Bolaños (2004) Nat. Cell Biol. 6, 45–51]. To determine whether glucose transport contributes specifically to this effect, we have now investigated the possible role of NO in modulating glucose uptake through GLUT3, a facilitative high-affinity glucose carrier that has been suggested to afford cytoprotection against hypoglycaemic episodes. To do so, GLUT3-lacking HEK-293T cells (human embryonic kidney 293T cells) were transformed to express a plasmid construction encoding green fluorescent protein-tagged GLUT3 cDNA. This carrier was preferentially localized to the plasma membrane, was seen to be functionally active and afforded cytoprotection against low glucose-induced apoptotic death. Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by NO triggered a rapid, cGMP-independent enhancement of GLUT3-mediated glucose uptake through a mechanism that did not involve transporter translocation. Furthermore, the functional disruption of AMPK by the RNA interference strategy rendered cells unable to respond to NO by activating GLUT3-mediated glucose uptake. These results suggest that the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by NO activates AMPK to stimulate glucose uptake, thereby representing a novel survival pathway during pathophysiological conditions involving transient reductions in the supply of cellular glucose.
Characterization and comparison of phytoplankton in selected lakes of five Great Lakes area National Parks
Authors: Nevers Meredith Becker , Whitman Richard L.
Published: December 2004

Phytoplankton species have been widely used as indicators of lake conditions, and they may be useful for detecting changes in overall lake condition. In an attempt to inventory and monitor its natural resources, the National Park Service wants to establish a monitoring program for aquatic resources in the Great Lakes Cluster National Parks. This study sought to establish baseline information on the phytoplankton and water chemistry of selected lakes in five national parks in a preliminary effort toward establishing a long-term monitoring program. Phytoplankton and water chemistry samples were collected from ten lakes in five national parks over a two-year period. A total of 176 taxa were identified during the study. Northern lakes generally had higher Shannon-Wiener diversity and clustered together in similarity. Lakes exhibited a south to north gradient of many water chemistry variables, with northern lakes having lower hardness, sulfate, turbidity, and temperature and higher dissolved oxygen. Chloride and sulfate concentrations were the variables that best explained variation among phytoplankton in the ten lakes. A monitoring plan will have to incorporate the differences among lakes, but by coordinating the effort, comparisons within and among parks and other regions will prove useful for determining environmental change.
The legal protection of databases: current situation of the international harmonisation process
Authors: Carlos Fernández‐Molina J.
Published: December 2004

The requisite of creativity set down by copyright laws does not fit well into the context of digital databases. The risk of being unprotected increases in the case of factual compilations, as simple facts or data are not copyrightable, meaning that their contents can easily be copied and/or used by others without infringing copyright. After more than a decade of intense debate about the need to give or not give additional protection to non‐original databases, and about the most appropriate model to follow, international consensus is still far away. This paper analyses the situation at the present point of the long, heated process of harmonising the legal protection of databases. The European directive is first examined, as well as attempts to extrapolate it to other countries. Then the paper looks at some proposals from the USA, and finally at the treaties and projects of an international nature.
The influence of great theoretical works on subsequent empirical work
Authors: Halbesleben Jonathon R.B. , Wheeler Anthony R. , Buckley M. Ronald
Published: December 2004

The present paper seeks to understand the influence of great works through the relationship between theoretical and empirical publications. The authors examined three samples of articles published in the Academy of Management Review and used the grounded theory approach of qualitative analysis to help identify differences and similarities between theory articles that have led to empirical tests and those articles that have not. It was found that those theory articles with concise introductions drawn from disparate academic domains, proposed empirical designs, methodologies, and measurement strategies, and discussions that reiterate the need for the prescribed theory are more likely to receive empirical consideration than those theory articles that do not include these factors.
Mary P. Follett: translating philosophy into a paradigm of lifelong learning
Authors: Salimath Manjula S. , Lemak David J.
Published: December 2004

There is a divergence between the contributions of Mary Parker Follett on an intellectual plane and the practical application of her ideas and rationale. Apart from her unparagoned writing style, the obvious complexity of her abstract and interdisciplinary approach makes it extremely challenging to understand and apply her insights to achieve a harmonious organizational life. Yet, in her integrative mind, she viewed philosophy as directly related to action and reality. This paper reduces this divergence by translating her thoughts into practical guidelines for the manager, educator and researcher. The application of Follett's philosophy to a paradigm of lifelong learning and education, the key to lasting change (hitherto unexplored), is addressed, along with implications for the researcher. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to view the work of Follett through a new lens – that of advocate of lifelong learning. Two appendices list Follett's contribution to management thought and education.
Closing a US Postal Service processing and distribution annex
Authors: Bratta Dominic L.
Published: December 2004

This paper describes how the US Postal Service is not immune to the effects from a declining economy, focusing on the closing of one postal annex. It advocates the importance of carefully preparing a transition strategy in a changing public service environment and points out the relevancy of candid and thoughtful communications when dealing with unionized employees and managers.
The ultimate exit strategy
Authors: Pace Barbara T.
Published: December 2004

This paper briefly provides some thoughts on forward planning in end‐of‐life care, noting that there are good reasons for taking action with regard to our own demise. Provides an example of living will.
Access in an increasingly digital world
Authors: McDonald Jenny , Kebbell Adrienne
Published: December 2004

This paper discusses the importance of providing coherent and “seamless” access to information resources in an increasingly digital environment, in ways that meet customer needs and expectations. It looks at how customer access needs can be identified, at the tools and skills needed to deliver such access, and at the importance of measuring the success of that delivery. A response by the National Library of New Zealand to improving access, by providing a single point of access to local and remote resources, is set in an international context.
Changing public library service delivery to rural communities in England
Authors: Benstead Kerry , Spacey Rachel , Goulding Anne
Published: December 2004

This research paper explores alternatives to the mobile library service in providing a public library service to rural communities in England and the impacts of best value, public library standards and social inclusion policy on provision. A questionnaire survey was completed by librarians in public library authorities in England with rural hinterlands. The data derived were supplemented by follow‐up case studies. It was found that achieving social inclusion objectives and the results of best value reviews were the greatest motivating factors for much of the development of alternative library service delivery in rural areas, and that village halls were the most popular place for co‐location of library services. ICT was felt to have impacted positively on rural library service delivery and its use was demonstrated in co‐location facilities and learning centres. However, some authorities fail to consult users and non‐users in rural locations. This paper provides public library practitioners and researchers with a picture of public library service provision to rural area communities and shows the impact of Government‐driven policy. It appears that there is varying appreciation by public library authorities of rural communities’ distinct nature.
Intellectual property, the internet and the libraries
Authors: Clausen Helge
Published: December 2004

The technological convergence of the means of mass communication has produced a new situation regarding intellectual property, particularly in connection with the internet. This paper gives an overview of the situation. Increasingly, information professionals find themselves in the battlefield between copyright holders and users. Two central EU Directives on copyright are analysed, especially regarding the consequences for libraries open to the public.
Urban regeneration in New York: gardens and grocers
Authors: Doyle Stephen A.
Published: December 2004

This paper focuses on the decay and subsequent regeneration of Harlem, New York. It identifies the importance of retail provision in residential areas, not only in terms of service provision, but also in terms of its social and economic function. Furthermore, it reveals how residents view retailing activity as a health indicator, whereby low levels of retailing provision are signs of unattractiveness and disadvantage and, as such, the increase in retail activity is seen as indicative of regeneration and of affirmation of a community's “worth”. Finally, the paper highlights the high levels of awareness of the community in recognising the processes of decay and regeneration, and its role in arresting the spiral of decay.
Syndromic surveillance and bioterrorism: embracing the network‐centric warfare paradigm
Authors: Masys A.J.
Published: December 2004

Military operations today more than ever are carried out by large coalitions, usually distributed between several organisations and often separated by substantial temporal and spatial scales. To facilitate such military operations, network‐centric warfare is often cited as the panacea of command and control, possessing the characteristics of elevated speed of command, high levels of self‐synchronisation and shared situational awareness. A nation's ability to respond to infectious diseases resulting from an act of bioterrorism or naturally occurring pathogens depends on a framework that supports operations by a large number of distributed organisations facing inherent temporal and spatial challenges. The effects of infectious diseases, whether intentionally inflicted or naturally occurring, can threaten a nation's security. Syndromic surveillance is a detection methodology that encompasses systematic collection, analysis, interpretation and application of real‐time indicators for disease and outbreaks. This paper introduces the NCW paradigm and highlights the inherent characteristics that would facilitate syndromic surveillance in support of an expedient public health response in the event of a bioterrorist attack.
From process measurement to performance improvement
Authors: Robson Ian
Published: December 2004

This paper uses basic principles from complexity theory, psychology and management theory to demonstrate that many traditional methods of identifying performance measures may not result in improvements in overall performance. In order to illustrate this, the paper first identifies the answers to six fundamental questions that are critical to the success of Process measurement, if it is to move away from just measuring performance to a fully integrated approach to improving process performance. The paper then addresses a final question on the type of measurement approach that is most likely to improve organizational performance. The answers to these seven questions make a compelling argument for a reassessment of many different established approaches to measurement. However, rather than proposing yet another, different approach, it outlines the steps that integrate other approaches into a single, unified measurement approach to improving process performance.
Migration, Displacement, and Violence: Prosecuting Romanian Street Children at the Paris Palace of Justice
Authors: Terrio Susan J.
Published: December 2004

This paper examines the displacement and vulnerability associated with the migration of unaccompanied illegal Romanian minors who came as economic migrants to Western Europe, found no legal opportunities for work or education, and were forced into criminal activity on the streets of French cities such as Paris, Lyon, and Nice. Beginning in 1997 growing numbers of unaccompanied Romanians, mostly boys, some as young as age ten, many younger than age 15, were subject to systematic prosecution rather than protection in Paris, the site of the largest and most influential juvenile court in the nation. They were arrested, detained, indicted, released pending trial, judged, and sentenced in absentia, multiple times with different identities. The Romanian minors were caught without legal papers or visas, claimed to be squatters living in abandoned buildings, trailers, or camps outside Paris, and gave little reliable information about their families or lives. Initially arrested for the destruction of city property and the theft of the proceeds from city parking meters, they gradually turned to begging, shoplifting, and prostitution when the city switched from coin to card payment. Deeply concerned by the penalization of a vulnerable population, the president of the Paris juvenile court created a special court to deal more humanely with unaccompanied minors in general, and Romanian children in particular, by establishing their identities and reconnecting them with their families. This article explores the contradictions that emerged between the representation of Romanian children in the media, the legal establishment, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and the Government, on the one hand, and their treatment in the juvenile justice system, on the other. It examines the discourse and the context of judging as well as the interactions between court personnel and Romanian minors from in‐take interviews in jail and indictment hearings in chambers to judgment in absentia in the formal court. It compares and contrasts cases heard before and after the creation of the special court and centres on the gaps between official rhetoric, legal norms, and judicial practice. It concludes that the creation of the special court may be having the unintended effect of reinforcing and institutionalizing the very judicial practice it was designed to prevent, namely the penalization of marginality.
Energy availability, spatial heterogeneity and ecosystem size predict food‐web structure in streams
Authors: Thompson R. M. , Townsend C. R.
Published: December 2004

We used standardized techniques to assemble eighteen food webs in streams. Our aim was to identify the determinants of food‐web structure with particular reference to energy availability (related to land use), spatial heterogeneity and ecosystem size (both independent of land use). Forested streams displayed lower algal productivity and higher standing crops of organic matter than the grassland streams. The organic matter in the pine streams was probably of lower quality than that elsewhere. Measures of energy availability and spatial heterogeneity predicted species richness and connectance. A combination of energy availability, spatial heterogeneity and ecosystem size accounted for the representation of particular invertebrate feeding groups in the streams. Algal production and organic matter standing crop were important determinants of invertebrate biomass and overall food‐web structure. Grassland sites showed a positive relationship between algal productivity and food chain length whereas forest sites displayed a positive relationship between ecosystem size and food chain length. Therefore, these results provide support for both Pimm's productivity hypothesis and Cohen and Newman's ecosystem size hypothesis.
Empirical perspectives on species borders: from traditional biogeography to global change
Authors: Parmesan Camille , Gaines Steve , Gonzalez Laura , Kaufman Dawn M. , Kingsolver Joel , Townsend Peterson A. , Sagarin Rafe
Published: December 2004

In this paper we will outline several empirical approaches to developing and testing hypotheses about the determinants of species borders. We highlight environmental change as an important opportunity – arguing that these unplanned, large‐scale manipulations can be used to study mechanisms which limit species distributions. Our discussion will emphasize three main ideas. First, we review the traditional biogeographic approach. We show how modern analytical and computer techniques have improved this approach and generated important new hypotheses concerning species’ range determinants. However, abilities to test those hypotheses continue to be limited. Next we look at how the additions of temporal data, field and lab experimentation, biological details and replication, when applied to systems that have been the subject of classical biogeographic studies, have been used to support or refute hypotheses on range determinants. Such a multi‐faceted approach adds rigor, consistency and plausible mechanisms to the study of species ranges, and has been especially fruitful in the study of climate and species’ ranges. Lastly, we present an alternative avenue for exploration of range‐limiting mechanisms which has been under‐utilized. We argue that carefully designed comparisons and contrasts between groups of species or systems provide a powerful tool for examining hypotheses on species’ borders. The seasonality hypothesis as an explanation for Rapoport's rule serves as a model of this approach. A test is constructed by comparing patterns of seasonality and range size among marine and terrestrial systems. The seasonality hypothesis is not supported.
Uptake of salmon‐derived nitrogen by mosses and liverworts in coastal British Columbia
Authors: Wilkinson C. E. , Hocking M. D. , Reimchen T. E
Published: December 2004

Throughout forested watersheds bordering the North Pacific, anadromous salmon (Oncorhynchusspp.) are transferred into coastal forests by numerous predators and scavengers with remnants providing an important nutrient subsidy to riparian zones. The contribution of these nutrients to mosses and liverworts, which are the dominant ground cover of coastal forests, has not been investigated. We examine here δ15N isotope signatures and foliar percent N of eight moss and liverwort species, as well as moss and liverwort community structure, in multiple habitat blocks that vary in access to salmon nutrients from two watersheds on the central coast of British Columbia. For the most common mossRhytidiadelphus loreus, we also examine δ15N values and foliar percent N among salmon carcass micro‐sites and along wildlife trails. Overall, δ15N signatures ranged from 2‰ to 7‰ higher below the falls near the salmon stream than above the small falls that are impassable to salmon, or at the adjacent control watershed that had no salmon. Among micro‐sites, δ15N and %N values were highest near bony carcass remnants from transfer during previous years and high adjacent to wildlife trails indicating spatial heterogeneity in the salmon nutrient pools of these forests. Species richness and prevalence of nitrogen‐rich soil indicators were also highest in forests adjacent to the salmon stream. These data suggest an important contribution of salmon‐derived nutrients to the non‐vascular plants of the riparian zone of old‐growth forests throughout the Pacific Rim.
Nonlinear processes in seagrass colonisation explained by simple clonal growth rules
Authors: Sintes Tomàs , Marbà Núria , Duarte Carlos M. , Kendrick Gary A.
Published: December 2004

The development of single clones of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa was analysed using a growth model based on the formation of structures limited by diffusive aggregation. The model implemented the measured clonal growth rules (i.e. rhizome elongation and branching rates, branching angle, and spacer length between consecutive shoots) and shoot mortality rate for C. nodosa at Alfacs Bay (Spain). The simulated patches increased their size nonlinearly with time displaying two different domains of growth. Young patches showed a rapid increase with time of the length of rhizome network and the number of living shoots, which depended on rhizome branching rate, and increased the radial patch size (Rg) algebraically with the number of living shoots as Rg ∝ Ns1/Df, being Df the fractal dimension of the patch structure. Patches older than 4 years increased the production of rhizome network and the number of living shoots much more slowly, while their radial patch size behaved as Rg ∝ Ns0.5 resulting from an internal patch compactation. Moreover, the linear growth rate of the simulated patches changed up to 30 fold during patch development, increasing with increasing patch size until patches reached an intermediate size. The modelled patch development was found to closely reproduce the observed patch structure for the species at the Alfacs Bay (Spain). Hence, the growth of C. nodosa patches initially proceeds with a growth mode controlled by the branching pattern (branching frequency and angle) of the species, producing sparse and elongated patches. Once patches exceed 4–5 years of age and contained >500 shoots, becoming dense and circular, they shifts to a growth model typical of compact structures. These results explain previously unaccounted evidence of the emergence of nonlinear patch growth from simple clonal growth rules, and highlight the importance of branching frequency and angles as critical determinants of the space occupation rate of seagrasses and probably other clonal plants.
A short‐lived herbivore on a long‐lived host: tree resistance to herbivory depends on leaf age
Authors: Ruusila Vesa , Morin Jean‐Philippe , Van Ooik Tapio , Saloniemi Irma , Ossipov Vladimir , Haukioja Erkki
Published: December 2004

Short‐lived insect herbivores should be able to adapt to the resistance mechanisms of their long‐lived woody hosts because the life span of a single host will encompass numerous generations of herbivores. However, adaptation may be slowed down if host genotypes can create, in a single genotype, such large phenotypic variation in traits relevant for the herbivore that it matches variance among host genotypes. We tested this hypothesis by measuring leaf consumption by, and growth of, half‐sibs of the geometrid moth Epirrita autumnata on individual birch trees, during three instars. The instar×tree interaction, rather than tree identity alone, was a significant variance component for both consumption and growth, indicating that different larval instars ranked individual trees differently. Both consumption and growth varied most between the 3rd and the later (4th and 5th) instars, coinciding with rapid seasonal changes in numerous nutritive and phenolic traits of maturing leaves. Thus, developmental variance in the leaf quality of individual trees may reduce the likelihood of E. autumnata genotypes adapting to the defenses of their host trees. We did not find evidence of in the ability of different half‐sibs to utilize individual trees or leaf stages, indicating that E. autumnata larvae are generalists over a wide variety of host traits.
The road to homeownership: a longitudinal analysis of tenure transition in urban China (1949–94)
Authors: Huang Youqin
Published: December 2004

With ongoing housing reform and profound changes in housing consumption in urban China, this article aims to understand tenure transition from rental to homeownership. Because of different housing systems in China over time, and thus different connotations attached to homeownership, tenure transition should be understood within its historic context. Using a sample survey of life history in 20 cities and the method of event history analysis, this article examines the tenure transition to the first homeownership during 1949–94, a period covering both the socialist era and the early stage of housing reform. In contrast to conventional wisdom, older and married people, and those working in the public sector and living in public housing were less likely to change to homeownership before housing reform, mainly because the socialist housing system was ironically in favor of those households with higher socio‐economic positions. In the reform era, while there are remnants of the socialist housing system, tenure transition has different dynamics with factors such as marital status, work units and previous housing tenure no longer important, at least by the mid‐1990s. In addition, crowded housing conditions and long duration in the rental sector generally encourage the transition to homeownership, and there are significant regional variations.

Face à la réforme actuelle du logement et aux mutations de consommation de l'habitat dans la Chine urbaine, cet article cherche à comprendre le passage de la location à la propriété. Les systèmes de logement ayant varié avec le temps, donnant à la propriété différentes connotations, il faut appréhender la transition du mode d'occupation dans son contexte historique. S'appuyant sur une étude biographique effectuée par sondage dans 20 villes et sur la méthode de l'analyse historique des événements, l'article examine la transition vers la première accession à la propriété entre 1949 et 1994, période couvrant l'ère socialiste et le stade initial de la réforme du logement. Contrairement à l'avis traditionnel, les individus mariés et plus âgés, ainsi que les employés du secteur public qui vivent dans des logements sociaux, avaient moins tendance à opter pour la propriété avant la réforme, essentiellement parce que l'habitat socialiste favorisait bizarrement les ménages aux positions socio‐économiques élevées. Pendant la période de réforme, malgré une survivance du système socialiste, le changement de mode d'occupation présente une autre dynamique; ainsi, des facteurs tels que le statut marital, les unités de travail et le mode de jouissance antérieur n'ont plus d'importance, du moins jusqu'au milieu des années 1990. De plus, les conditions de surpopulation des logements et une durée prolongée dans le secteur locatif encouragent généralement le passage à la propriété, sans oublier des variations régionales significatives.