bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of endothelin converting enzyme from intact cells of a permanent human endothelial cell line EA.hy926
Authors: Ahn Kyunghye , Pan Sharon M. , Zientek Michael A. , Guy Pamela M. , Sisneros Andre M.
Published: July 2007

Endothelin converting enzyme (ECE) from intact cells of a permanent human endothelial cell line, EA.hy926, was studied by examining the effects of phosphoramidon, an endothelin converting enzyme inhibitor, on the levels of secreted endothelin‐1 and big endothelin‐1. The specific ECE activity was demonstrated by a phosphoramidon dose‐dependent decrease in ET‐1 level with a concomitant increase in big ET‐1 level. By using a specific neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP 24.11) inhibitor, thiorphan, it was also shown that the phosphoramidon‐sensitive ET‐1 degrading activity in this cell line is due to the NEP 24.11 activity. Other serine, acid, and cysteine protease inhibitors had no effect on the endogenous synthesis of ET‐1 and big ET‐1 supporting the evidence that ECE is insensitive to these protease inhibitors as has been demonstrated with the isolated enzyme.
A fourier transform infrared spectroscopic study of P2 protein in reconstituted myelin
Authors: Stuart B. H.
Published: July 2007

The secondary structure of P2 protein, isolated from bovine peripheral nervous system myelin, in reconstituted myelin was studied using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Spectra of the protein in aqueous solution and in the lipid environment were compared and notable changes were observed. It was proposed that there are significant differences in the conformation of the protein in the contrasting environments. An increase in α‐helical structure was observed for the protein in myelin and the significant amount of β‐structure observed in aqueous solution was reduced. The degree of α‐helix appears to be related to the neuritogenic activity of the P2 protein. The findings of this study also support the view that the presence of both α‐helices and β‐structure plays a significant role in membrane proteins.
Lipid peroxidation both inhibits Ca2 ‐ATPase and increases Ca2 permeability of endoplasmic reticulum membrane
Authors: Račay Peter , Kaplán Peter , Mézešová Viera , Lehotský Ján
Published: July 2007

Incubation of reticular membranes with Fe2+‐EDTA and H2O2 plus Fe2+‐EDTA at 37 °C for 30 min. led to the loss of membrane's efficiency to sequester Ca2+ to 21.8 % and 3.6 % of control values, respectively. The incubation of microsomes with Fe2+‐EDTA and H2O2 plus Fe2+‐EDTA also caused decrease of Ca2+‐ATPase activity; to 44.9 % and 44.4 % (measured under the same conditions as Ca2+‐uptake) or to 79.6 % and 62.1 % (uncoupled from Ca2+ transport by detergent). In addition, incubation of membranes with Fe2+‐EDTA and H2O2 plus Fe2+‐EDTA at 37 °C for 30 min. led to the increase of Ca2+ permeability to 125.1 % and 124.2 %, respectively. Preincubation of membranes with membrane‐soluble antioxidants (U‐74500A, U‐83836E, t‐butyl hydroxytoluene and stobadine) protected the reticular membranes against depression of Ca2+ uptake values and Ca2+‐ATPase inhibition in a dose and an antioxidant nature dependent manner. Our results indicate that both processes, Ca2+‐ATPase inhibition and increase of endoplasmic reticulum membrane Ca2+ permeability, participate in the lipid peroxidation induced loss of membrane's efficiency to sequester Ca2+.
Increased mitochondrial damage by lipid peroxidation in trophoblast cells of preeclamptic placentas
Authors: Morikawa Shigehiko , Kurauchi Osamu , Tanaka Masashi , Yoneda Makoto , Uchida Koji , Itakura Atsuo , Furugori Kazunori , Mizutani Shigehiko , Tomoda Yutaka
Published: July 2007

Lipid peroxides and their related free radicals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of placental dysfunction in preeclampsia. Recent studies suggest that the placenta is a source of the increased lipid peroxides in the maternal circulation of women with preeclampsia. We examined intracellular localization of 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (HNE: a major aldehydic product of lipid peroxidation)‐modified proteins in human placentas by immunohistochemistry, and immunoblotting. The trophoblast layer of the chorionic villi showed intense immunoreactivity for HNE‐modified proteins in 4 of 12 preeclamptic placentas, whereas no staining was observed in 12 normal placentas. Immunoblotting revealed that three immunoreactive proteins with apparent molecular mass of 110 kDa, 75 kDa, and 70 kDa were localized in the mitochondrial fraction. The present results indicate that the damage to mitochondrial proteins by lipid peroxidation byproducts and subsequent dysfunction of trophoblasts contribute to the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
Characterization and expression analysis of a banana gene encoding 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate oxidase
Authors: Huang Pung‐Ling , Do Yi‐Yin , Huang Fong‐Chin , Thay Te‐Shih , Chang Tang‐Wei
Published: July 2007

A cDNA encoding the banana 1‐aminocyclopropane‐l‐carboxylate (ACC) oxidase has previously been isolated from a eDNA library that was constructed by extracting poly(A)+ RNA from peels of ripening banana. This cDNA, designated as pMAO2, has 1,199 bp and contains an open reading frame of 318 amino acids. In order to identify ripening‐related promoters of the banana ACC oxidase gene, pMAO2 was used as a probe to screen a banana genomic library constructed in the λEMBL3 vector. The banana ACC oxidase MA02 gene has four exons and three introns, with all of the boundaries between these introns and exons sharing a consensus dinucleotide sequence of GT‐AG. The expression of MA02 gene in banana begins after the onset of ripening (stage 2) and continues into later stages of the ripening process. The accumulation of MAO2 mRNA can be induced by 1 μl/l exogenous ethylene, and it reached steady state level when 100 μl/1 exogenous ethylene was present.
Membrane permeability transition as induced by dysfunction of the electron transport chain
Authors: Chávez Edmundo , Meléndez Esperanza , Zazueta Cecilia , Reyes‐Vivas Horacio , Perales Sofía G.
Published: July 2007

The results in this paper indicate that mitochondrial permeability transition is activated by dysfunction of the respiratory chain caused by anaerobiosis, exhaustion of the oxidative substrate, and antimycin A, in the presence of 100 μM Ca2+. Membrane damage coincides with the collapse of the electric gradient. The opening of the non‐selective pore is prevented by cyclosporin A.
The histamine releasers crotamine, protamine and compound 48/80 activate specific proteases and phospholipases A2
Authors: Mancin A. C. , Soares A. M. , Giglio C. A. , Andrião‐Escarso S. H. , Vieira C. A.
Published: July 2007

Crotamine, a basic, myonecrotic, histamine‐releasing neurotoxin, was isolated from Crotalus durissus terrificus venom. Carboxypeptidase A was shown to be activated by crotamine when acting upon N‐carbobenzoxyglycil‐L‐phenylalanine. However the activity of carboxypeptidase B upon the substrate hippuryl‐L‐arginine was not enhanced by this toxin. The basic histamine releasers protamine and compound 48/80 also activated carboxypeptidase A. These three agents activated both α‐chymotrypsin when acting upon acetyl‐L‐tyrosine ethyl ester and also five snake venom phospholipase‐like myotoxins acting upon egg yolk phosphatidylcholine. These findings suggest that the action of these agents during histamine release may involve the participation of specific intermediary hydrolases which, upon activation, would enhance their cytolytic effects on the sequence of events which lead to granule extrusion and histamine release from mast cells.
Different effects of cell‐permeable ceramide analogs on platelet activation
Authors: Hashizume Tsutomu , Kageura Tadashi , Sato Takashi
Published: July 2007

The effects of cell‐permeable ceramide analogs on platelet responses induced by agonists were investigated. When washed rabbit platelets were pretreated with ceramide and then stimulated with thrombin or U46619, C2‐ceramide (N‐acetylsphingosine) dose‐dependently inhibited the aggregation and arachidonic acid liberation, whereas C6‐ceramide (N‐hexanoylsphingosine) and C8‐ceramide (N‐octanoylsphingosine) enhanced these responses. Furthermore, C6‐ceramide, but not C2‐ceramide, enhanced the increase in and prevented the progressive decrease in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration induced by U46619. On the other hand, treatment with sphingomyelinase potentiated the aggregation in response to U46619. These results indicate that the effects of cell‐permeable ceramide analogs on platelet activation vary with N‐acyl chain length.
Chemical modification of dextransucrase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B‐512F by pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate: Evidence for the presence of an essential lysine residue at the active site
Authors: Goyal Arun , Katiyar Sarvagya S.
Published: July 2007

The treatment of Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B‐512F dextransucrase with lysine specific reagent, pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP) at pH 5.2 and 30°C resulted in the loss of enzyme activity. The inactivation by PLP could be reversed completely by dilution or dialysis. Sucrose as well as acceptor substrates, glucose and dextran protected the enzyme against inactivation by PLP. A statistical, kinetic analysis of the inactivation by PLP showed that one lysine residue is essential for the enzyme activity. All these results showed that one lysine residue present at the active is essential for the activity of dextransucrase.
Purification and properties of β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase from cabbage
Authors: Chang Chen‐Tien , Young Fong‐Ping , Chang Ming‐Huey , Sung Hsien‐Yi
Published: July 2007

β‐N‐Acetylhexosaminidase was purified from the extract of cabbage by sequential steps of ammonium sulfate fractionation, chromatofocusing, DEAE‐Sepharose CL‐6B ion exchange chromatography and Sephacryl S‐200 HR gel filtration. By these steps, the purity of the enzyme increased by 256 fold with a recovery of 8%. The purified enzyme was homogeneous as examined by native PAGE. It showed an optimal pH of 4, an optimal temperature of 60 °C and a Km of 0.94 mM for hydrolysis of pNp‐β‐GlcNAc. The molecular mass of the enzyme determined from filtration through Sephacryl S‐200 was 150 kDa. Three subunits with molecular mass of 64, 57 and 51 kDa were observed as determined by SDS‐PAGE. NBS (0.025 mM), DEPC (3 mM) and WRK (30 mM) significantly inhibited the activity of the enzyme. The enzyme also showed activity toward pNp‐β‐GalNAc, N,N′‐diacetylchitobiose, N,N″‐triacetylchitotriose and N,N″,N…‐tetraacetyl chitotetraose but showed no activity toward pNp‐α‐GlcNAc, chitin and ethylene glycol chitin.
Chemical inactivation of bacterial GABA aminotransferase
Authors: Tunnicliff G. , Crites G. J.
Published: July 2007

The effects of three potential irreversible inhibitors of γ‐aminobutyrate aminotransferase from Pseudomonas fluorescens were studied in order to throw more light on the nature of the active site of the enzyme. The thiol group reagent mercuric chloride inactivated the enzyme in a concentration‐dependent manner. Inhibition kinetics were consistent with a simple bimolecular reaction. The second‐order rate constant was 4.2 × 103 ± 0.61 M‐1 see‐1. In contrast to either of the substrates, the cofactor pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate could protect the enzyme from the inhibition, suggesting cysteinyl residues are important for cofactor binding at the active site. p‐Chloromercuribenzoic acid produced a similar inactivation of the enzyme. 4‐Amino‐2‐fluorobutanoic acid also inhibited enzymic activity but in this case the inhibition was reversible and competitive with respect to γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA). The inhibitor constant (Ki) was 0.83 ± 0.44 mM. We found no evidence that this fluorinated analogue of GABA could act as a substrate for the enzyme.
The β subunit of chloroplast ATP synthase (CF0CF1‐ATPase) is phosphorylated by casein kinase II
Authors: Kanekatsu Motoki , Saito Hitoshi , Motohashi Ken , Hisabori Toru
Published: July 2007

We studied a phosphate acceptor for casein kinase II (CK‐II) in chloroplasts, and found a 56 kDa protein (p56) as an acceptor, which was partially purified from the stroma of spinach chloroplasts. The N‐terminal amino acid sequence of p56 was identical with that of the β subunit of chloroplast ATP synthase (CF0CF1‐ATPase). In addition, the recombinant β subunit of CF1 was phosphorylated when the subunit was incubated with CK‐II. These results suggest that the β subunit of CF1 is a substrate protein of CK‐II in the chloroplast.
Skeletal muscle and liver lipoyllysine content in response to exercise, training and dietary α‐lipoic acid supplementation
Authors: Khanna Savita , Atalay Mustafa , Lodge John K. , Laaksonen David E. , Roy Sashwati , Hanninen Osmo , Packer Lester , Sen Chandan K.
Published: July 2007

In human cells, α‐lipoic acid (LA) is present in a bound lipoyllysine form in mitochondrial proteins that play a central role in oxidative metabolism. The possible effects of oral LA supplementation, a single bout of strenuous exercise and endurance exercise training on the lipoyllysine content in skeletal muscle and liver tissues of rat were examined. Incorporation of lipoyl moiety to tissue protein was not increased by enhanced abundance of LA in the diet. Endurance exercise training markedly increased lipoyllysine content in the liver at rest. A bout of exhaustive exercise also increased hepatic lipoyllysine content. A significant interaction of exhaustive exercise and training to increase tissue lipoyllysine content was evident. In vastus lateralis skeletal muscle, training did not influence tissue lipoyllysine content. A single bout of exhaustive exercise, however, clearly increased the level of lipoyllysine ill the muscle. Comparison of tissue lipoyllysine data with that of free or loosely‐bound LA results showed a clear lack of association between the two apparently related parameters. Tightly protein‐bound lipoyllysine pool in tissues appeared to be independent of the loosely‐bound or free LA status in the tissue.
Suppression of constitutive and inducible cytochrome P450 gene expression by α‐hederin in mice
Authors: Jeong Hye Gwang
Published: July 2007

The effects of α‐Hederin, a triterpenoid saponin which exists in some oriental herbs, on the expression of liver cytochrome P450s were examined in mice. The administration of α‐Hederin to mice significantly decreased the hepatic content of P450 and the activities of microsomal ethoxyresorufin O‐deethylase, methoxyresorufin O‐demethylase, and aniline hydroxylase, representative activities of cytochrome‐P4501A1, ‐P4501A2, and ‐P4502E1, respectively, in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. However, pentoxyresorufin O‐dealkylase, a representative activity of cytochrome P4502B1/2, was decreased to a lesser extent, α‐Hederin also decreased inducible monooxygenase activities in the same manner. Suppressions of P450 isozyme expression occurred in α‐Hederin treated hepatic microsomes, as determined by immunoblot analysis in a manner consistent with that of the enzyme activity levels. Levels of mRNA of P4501A1/2 and P4502B1/2 were also decreased by α‐Hederin as shown by Northern blot analysis. In contrast, the level of P4502E1 mRNA in the liver of α‐Hederin treated mice was unchanged. These results suggest that α‐Hederin may act as a more specific suppressor for P4501A and P4502E1 than P4502B and that the suppression involves decreases in mRNA levels except in the case of P4502E1.
Structural characteristics of tenecin 3, an insect antifungal protein
Authors: Lee Young‐Tae , Kim Dae‐Hee , Suh Jeong‐Yong , Chung Jae Hoon , Lee Bok Leul , Lee Younghoon , Choi Byong‐Seok
Published: July 2007

Tenecin 3, an antifungal protein, previously isolated from the insect Tenebrio molitor, inhibits growth of the fungus Candida albicans. However, the antifungal mechanism and functions of tenecin 3 remain unknown. As an initial step to study the mechanism and functions, physical and structural properties of tenecin 3 were examined by circular dichroism (CD) analysis and 2D nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy. These analyses suggest that tenecin 3 has a propensity of random structure with very loose turn‐like elements. The CD results also indicate that this random structural propensity is not significantly affected by temperature, pH, and by the presence of organic solvents or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles. However, the hydrodynamic studies suggest that tenecin 3 is not in extended form in spite of its random structural feature.
Isolation and characterization of cDNA clone for human liver 10‐formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase
Authors: Hong Mihui , Lee Younghee , Kim Jae Wha , Lim Jong‐Seok , Chang Sung Yeoul , Lee Kwang Soo , Paik Sang‐Gi , Choe In Seong
Published: July 2007

A cDNA clone encoding 10‐formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (10‐FTHFDH) was isolated from a human fetal liver cDNA library. It contained the open reading frame of 2,709 base pairs and predicted a protein comprising 902 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 98,700 Da. The deduced protein showed about 93.6% homology (90.5% identity, 3.1% favored substitutions) when compared with rat 10‐FTHFDH. The distribution of 10‐FTHFDH transcript in various human tissues was studied by Northern blot analysis using poly(A+) RNAs from different tissues. The 10‐FTHFDH transcript with an approximate size of 2.7 kb was mainly expressed in human kidney, skeletal muscle, and liver and rarely expressed in other tissues.
The amino sequence of ovocleidin 17, a major protein of the avian eggshell calcified layer
Authors: Mann Karlheinz , Siedler Frank
Published: July 2007

The amino acid sequence of ovocleidin 17, a major protein of the chicken eggshell calcified layer, contains 142 amino acids including 2 phosphorylated serines. Data base searches show that ovocleidin belongs to a heterogeneous group of proteins consisting of a single C‐type lectin domain (CTL). The most similar sequences with an average of 30% identical amino acids were those of pancreatic stone protein (lithostathine) and lectins and anticoagulant proteins from snake venom.
Resveratrol inhibits copper ion‐induced and azo compound‐initiated oxidative modification of human low density lipoprotein
Authors: Zou Jian‐Gang , Huang Yuan‐Zhu , Chen Qi , Wei En‐Hui , Hsieh Tze‐chen , Wu Joseph M.
Published: July 2007

To investigate whether resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound in red wine, affects the oxidation of human low density lipoprotein (LDL), LDL purified from normolipidemic subjects was subjected to Cu2+‐induced and azo compound‐initiated oxidative modification, with and without the addition of varying concentrations of resveratrol. Modification of LDL was assessed by the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and changes in the relative electrophoretic mobility‐(REM) of LDL on agarose gels. Resveratrol (50 μM) reduced TBARS and REM of LDL during Cu2+‐induced oxidation by 70.5% and 42.3%, respectively (p<0.01), and prolonged the lag phase associated with the oxidative modification of LDL by copper ion or azo compound. These in vitro results suggest that resveratrol may afford protection of LDL against oxidative damage resulting from exposure to various environmental challenges, possibly by acting as a free radical scavenger.
Post-Communist Nationalism as A Power Resource: A Russia-Ukraine Comparison
Authors: Molchanov Mikhail A.
Published: July 2007

The end of communism brought hopes for a wholesale liberal-democratic transformation to the republics of the former Soviet Union. However, bitter disenchantment soon followed, as resurrected nationalism undermined the republics' stability and threatened democracy. Mass nationalist movements in these countries were not observed until the regime's initial liberalization. In most cases, the high phase of nationalist mobilization was reached only after the postcommunist state elites endorsed nationalism as an official policy of the state. In each instance, nationalist strategies of the state were defined in a complex interplay of domestic and international factors. Ethnicity became politicized as a resource for political action when other resources proved inadequate or insufficient. In addition, exogenous factors often played a leading role in this development.
The Role of Iron in Parkinson Disease and 1‐Methyl‐4‐Phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐Tetrahydropyridine Toxicity
Authors: Yantiri Ferda , Andersen Julie K.
Published: July 2007

Parkinson disease (PD) involves the specific degeneration of dopaminergic neurons ofthe pars compacta ofthe substantia nigra. Although the cause of the degeneration of nigrostrial dopaminergic neurons in PD is unknown, there is significant evidence to suggest that oxidative stress may be involved in this process. This review specifically examines the current status of evidence suggesting iron may contribute to oxidative damage associated with PD.
Phosphate‐Uptake Systems in Yarrowia lipolytica Cells Grown under Alkaline Conditions
Authors: Zvyagilskaya R. , Parchomenko O. , Persson B. L.
Published: July 2007

In this study we used a newly isolated Yarrowia lipolytica strain with a unique capacity to grow over a wide pH range (3.5‐10.5), which makes it an excellent model system for studying phosphate transport systems in cells grown under alkaline conditions. Phosphate uptake by Y. lipolytica yeast cells grown at pH 9.5‐10 was shown to be mediated by several kinetically discrete Na+‐dependent systems. One of these, a low‐affinity transporter, operates at high Pi concentrations and is, to our knowledge, here kinetically characterized for the first time. The other two high‐affinity systems are derepressible, come into play under conditions of Pi‐starvation, and appear to be controlled by the availability of extracellular Pi. They represent the first examples of high‐capacity, Na+‐driven Pi transport systems in an organism belonging to neither the animal nor the bacterial kingdoms.
Using the cash curve to discuss and discipline innovation investments
Authors: Andrew James P. , Sirkin Harold L.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

Introduces the cash curve, a tool for monitoring the payback on innovation that has proved helpful in decision‐making, planning, analysis, and communication. The cash curve graphically plots cumulative cash flow over time.

Design/methodology/approach

Describes the four “S” factors that have a direct impact on cash payback of innovation: start‐up costs or pre‐launch investment, also called start‐up or sunk costs; speed, or time to market; scale, or time to volume and support costs

Findings

The cash curve clarifies many of the managerial challenges, assumptions and trade‐offs that often get hidden when looking at spreadsheets of annual cash flows and projections.

Practical implications

Shows managers how to use the cash curve to monitor what the payback will be if the assumptions they have made are right. This allows them to make a plan based on those assumptions, understand the impact of each assumption, determine which ones are most critical, test the ones with the biggest impact. With this perspective, the process can be managed, not simply reacted to.

Originality/value

Demonstrates how to use the cash curve to address the fundamental challenge of innovation – to achieve the required cash payback by managing the overall process with the understanding that payback can come quite directly and quickly, but also that it may take longer, be much less certain, or come back to the company only indirectly, via other products and services.
Interview: After 15 editions, the authors of a strategic management textbook reflect
Authors: Abraham Stan , Leavy Brian
Published: July 2007

Purpose

To find out, from the perspective of the authors of a well‐known textbook on strategic management, in what ways they think the field is changing.

Design/methodology/approach

Strategy & Leadership interviewed Arthur A. Thompson, Jr, A.J. Strickland III and John E. Gamble, the authors of the widely used textbook Crafting and Executing Strategy: Text and Readings, 15th edition (McGraw‐Hill/Irwin, 2006), to learn how they adapted the book to keep up with developments in the field.

Findings

Changes include:new analytical tools and ways of looking at strategy issues; new concepts and terms appear in the literature; companies encounter new or different kinds of strategic issues; and each new edition has to include the latest and best examples of “strategy in action.”

Practical implications

Sample practical suggestions: “A case can be made that a disproportionate amount of the research being published in today's “top tier” journals makes little difference to the practice of strategic management.” “To restore relevancy, business‐school deans and faculty must begin to place far higher scholarly value on research that truly advances the practice of management.” “I think we are now seeing a new trend, where more and more of the younger faculty lack training in the case method and are uncomfortable using it.”

Originality/value

The authors have watched strategic management literature develop and have a unique perspective on how the teaching of strategy has evolved.
A latent class typology of young women smokers
Authors: Rose Jennifer S. , Chassin Laurie , Presson Clark , Sherman Steven J. , Stein Michael D. , Col Nananda
Published: July 2007

Aims  Despite aggressive anti‐smoking campaigns, smoking rates are increasing among young women, suggesting the need for new approaches to reach this population. Segmenting audiences can facilitate targeting interventions to specific populations, based on association of smoking behaviors with other health behaviors and psychological and social antecedents. Using latent class analysis, we sought to profile patterns of behavioral, attitudinal and cognitive variables related to tobacco use among young women.

Design  This study is part of an ongoing Midwestern longitudinal self‐report survey of the natural history of cigarette smoking.

Participants  Participants were 18–25‐year‐old women smokers (n = 443).

Measurements  Variables included a comprehensive range of demographic characteristics, smoking‐related variables and general attitudinal variables.

Findings  Three distinct classes emerged with the following characteristics: (1) working women who tended to smoke daily but reported high levels of positive affect and life satisfaction (n = 212); (2) light‐smoking college students who exercised regularly, began smoking after high school and quit successfully at follow‐up 5 years later (n = 86); and (3) heavy smokers who were more likely to have children, report high levels of negative affect and smoke for addictive reasons, for stimulation and to control affect (n = 145). Differences in smoking cessation at a 5‐year follow‐up were significant across the classes (18.1%, 34.4% and 13.0% had quit for at least 6 months, respectively).

Conclusions  The psychosocial and behavioral profiles of these classes can potentially be used to tailor smoking interventions more effectively within this population.
Do coping skills mediate the relationship between cognitive–behavioral therapy and reductions in gambling in pathological gamblers?
Authors: Petry Nancy M. , Litt Mark D. , Kadden Ronald , Ledgerwood David M.
Published: July 2007

Aims  Cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) is useful for treating substance abusers, and recent data suggest it is also efficacious for pathological gamblers. CBT is purported to exert its beneficial effects by altering coping skills, but data supporting coping changes as the mechanism of action are mixed. This study examined whether coping skills acquisition mediated the effects of CBT on decreasing gambling in pathological gamblers.

Design  Participants were assigned randomly to CBT plus referral to Gamblers Anonymous (GA) or to GA referral alone.

Setting  Out‐patient clinic.

Participants  A total of 127 pathological gamblers.

Measurements  Participants completed the Coping Strategies Scale (CSS) before treatment and 2 months later; indices of gambling behavior and problems were administered pretreatment and at months 2 and 12.

Findings  Overall, CSS scores increased for participants in both conditions, but those receiving CBT evidenced larger increases than those in the GA condition (P < 0.05), and they also reduced gambling more substantially between pretreatment and month 2. Changes in CSS scores mediated the relationship between treatment assignment and gambling outcomes from pretreatment to month 2, but little evidence of mediation occurred for the long‐term follow‐ups.

Conclusions  CBT's beneficial effects in decreasing gambling may be related partly to changes in coping responses, and improvements in coping are associated with long‐term changes in gambling. However, relationships between coping skills and gambling behavior are fairly strong, regardless of treatment received.
Imaging functional brain connectivity patterns from high‐resolution EEG and fMRI via graph theory
Authors: Astolfi L. , De Vico Fallani F. , Cincotti F. , Mattia D. , Marciani M. G. , Bufalari S. , Salinari S. , Colosimo A. , Ding L. , Edgar J. C. , Heller W. , Miller G. A. , He B. , Babiloni F.
Published: July 2007

We describe a set of computational tools able to estimate cortical activity and connectivity from high‐resolution EEG and fMRI recordings in humans. These methods comprise the estimation of cortical activity using realistic geometry head volume conductor models and distributed cortical source models, followed by the evaluation of cortical connectivity between regions of interest coincident with the Brodmann areas via the use of Partial Directed Coherence. Connectivity patterns estimated on the cortical surface in different frequency bands are then imaged and interpreted with measures based on graph theory. These computational tools were applied on a set of EEG and fMRI data from a Stroop task to demonstrate the potential of the proposed approach. The present findings suggest that the methodology is able to identify differences in functional connectivity patterns elicited by different experimental tasks or conditions.
Electrodeposition of p‐Type CuSCN Thin Films by a New Aqueous Electrolyte With Triethanolamine Chelation
Authors: Ni Yong , Jin Zhengguo , Fu Yanan
Published: July 2007

A stable aqueous electrolyte solution containing Cu2+ and SCN− was prepared by adding triethanolamine (TEA, N(CH2CH2OH)3) to chelate with Cu(II) cations. The electrolyte solutions were basic, with pH values in the range of 8.5–9, and could be used in the electrodeposition of CuSCN as a hole‐conducting layer on a ZnO substrate and as an electron‐conducting layer for nanocrystal photovoltaic cells because it could prevent the ZnO layer from acidic etching. CuSCN films were potentiostatically deposited on indium tin oxide glass substrates through the aqueous solutions, and the deposition potential for the sole CuSCN phase layer was determined by a linear sweep voltammetry measurement. The influence of applied potentials, electrolyte components, and deposition temperatures on the stoichiometry, phase, and particle morphology of the CuSCN films was investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectra, X‐ray diffraction, and a field‐emission scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the morphology of the dense CuSCN films was trigonal pyramid and the stoichiometric portions of SCN/Cu were excess of SCN. The current–voltage (I–V) characteristic of the junction between electrodeposited CuSCN and ZnO nanostructured layer displayed p‐type semiconductor characteristics of CuSCN. The transmittance measurements detected high transmittance (≥87%) in the visible wavelength range, and the direct transition band gap calculated was 3.88 eV.
Identification ofAeromonas veroniiGenes Required for Colonization of the Medicinal Leech,Hirudo verbana
Authors: Silver Adam C. , Rabinowitz Natasha M. , Küffer Stefan , Graf Joerg
Published: July 2007

Most digestive tracts contain a complex consortium of beneficial microorganisms, making it challenging to tease apart the molecular interactions between symbiont and host. The digestive tract ofHirudo verbana, the medicinal leech, is an ideal model system because it harbors a simple microbial community in the crop, comprising the genetically amenableAeromonas veroniiand aRikenella-like bacterium. Signature-tagged mutagenesis (STM) was used to identify genes required for digestive tract colonization. Of 3,850 transposon (Tn) mutants screened, 46 were identified as colonization mutants. Previously we determined that the complement system of the ingested blood remained active inside the crop and prevented serum-sensitive mutants from colonizing. The identification of 26 serum-sensitive mutants indicated a successful screen. The remaining 20 serum-resistant mutants are described in this study and revealed new insights into symbiont-host interactions. An in vivo competition assay compared the colonization levels of the mutants to that of a wild-type competitor. Attenuated colonization mutants were grouped into five classes: surface modification, regulatory, nutritional, host interaction, and unknown function. One STM mutant, JG736, with a Tn insertion inlpp, encoding Braun's lipoprotein, was characterized in detail. This mutant had a >25,000-fold colonization defect relative to colonization by the wild-type strain at 72 h and, in vitro, an increased sensitivity to sodium dodecyl sulfate, suggesting the presence of an additional antimicrobial property in the crop. The classes of genes identified in this study are consistent with findings from previous STM studies involving pathogenic bacteria, suggesting parallel molecular requirements for beneficial and pathogenic host colonization.
Tumor necrosis factor-α in mechanic trauma plasma mediates cardiomyocyte apoptosis
Authors: Li Shuzhuang , Jiao Xiangying , Tao Ling , Liu Huirong , Cao Yue , Lopez Bernard L. , Christopher Theodore A. , Ma Xin L.
Published: July 2007

Mechanical traumatic injury causes cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction. However, the signaling mechanisms leading to posttraumatic cardiomyocyte apoptosis remains unclear. The present study attempted to identify the molecular mechanisms responsible for cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by trauma. Normal cardiomyocytes (NC) or traumatic cardiomyocytes (TC; isolated immediately after trauma) were cultured with normal plasma (NP) or traumatic plasma (TP; isolated 1.5 h after trauma) for 12 h, and apoptosis was determined by caspase-3 activation. Exposure of TC to NP failed to induce significant cardiomyocyte apoptosis. In contrast, exposure of NC to TP resulted in a greater than twofold increase in caspase-3 activation ( P < 0.01). Incubation of cardiomyocytes with cytomix (a mixture of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IFN-γ) or TNF-α alone, but not with IL-1β or IFN-γ alone, caused significant caspase-3 activation ( P < 0.01). TP-induced caspase-3 activation was virtually abolished by an anti-TNF-α antibody, and TP isolated from TNF-α−/− mice failed to induce caspase-3 activation. Moreover, incubation of cardiomyocytes with TP upregulated inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS)/NADPH oxidase expression, increased NO/superoxide production, and increased cardiomyocyte protein nitration (measured by nitrotyrosine content). These oxidative/nitrative stresses and the resultant cardiomyocyte caspase-3 activation can be blocked by neutralization of TNF-α (anti-TNF-α antibody), inhibition of iNOS (1400W), or NADPH oxidase (apocynin) and scavenging of peroxynitrite (FP15) ( P < 0.01). Taken together, our study demonstrated that there exists a TNF-α-initiated, cardiomyocyte iNOS/NADPH oxidase-dependent, peroxynitrite-mediated signaling pathway that contributes to posttraumatic myocardial apoptosis. Therapeutic interventions that block this signaling cascade may attenuate posttraumatic cardiac injury and reduce the incidence of secondary organ dysfunction after trauma.
Multicollinearity in regression: Review and examples
Authors: Askin Ronald G.
Published: July 2007

When building regression models for forecasting, analysts often encounter the problem of multicollinearity or illconditioning in their data sets. In such cases, large variances and covariances can make subset selection and parameter estimation difficult to impossible. In this paper, we suggest several approaches for extending estimation results to forecasting and review theoretical results useful for forecasting with multicollinearity. Several examples are provided.
A case illustrating the importance of adequate model criticism
Authors: Lusk Edward J.
Published: July 2007

A case is discussed where a failure to adequately criticize an ARIMA model led to erroneous inferences about the process underlying the data. A follow‐up analysis, which permitted model criticism, suggested a different interpretation. The case is suggested for classroom presentation.
An evaluation of bayesian forecasting
Authors: Fildes Robert
Published: July 2007

‘Bayesian forecasting’ is a time series method of forecasting which (in the United Kingdom) has become synonymous with the state space formulation of Harrison and Stevens (1976). The approach is distinct from other time series methods in that it envisages changes in model structure. A disjoint class of models is chosen to encompass the changes. Each data point is retrospectively evaluated (using Bayes theorem) to judge which of the models held. Forecasts are then derived conditional on an assumed model holding true. The final forecasts are weighted sums of these conditional forecasts.

Few empirical evaluations have been carried out. This paper reports a large scale comparison of time series forecasting methods including the Bayesian. The approach is two fold: a simulation study to examine parameter sensitivity and an empirical study which contrasts Bayesian with other time series methods.
Applications of time‐series analysis in accounting: A review
Authors: Bao D.‐H. , Lewis M. T. , Lin W. T. , Manegold J. G.
Published: July 2007

This paper reviews research that makes use of one of the most popular forecasting methods applied in accounting: time‐series analysis using the Box‐Jenkins methodology. It organizes the research in the area, surveys recent applications of time‐series analysis in accounting, and discusses the potential for the methodology in addressing future research issues. The emphasis is on those aspects of the accounting system that possibly cause difficulties in applying time‐series methods in accounting.
Intergovernmental finance and local taxation in developing countries: Some basic considerations for reformers
Authors: Bird Richard M.
Published: July 2007

Decentralization is an increasingly fashionable theme in the development literature. This paper attempts to distil from experience in a number of countries some basic considerations that should be taken into account by would‐be decentralizers with respect to intergovernmental fiscal relations and local taxation. After a brief review of the nature of the problem and the economic case for decentralization, four basic principles of reform—transparency, stability, flexibility, and incrementalism—are put forward as useful guidelines to the restructuring of governmental finances and functions that seem needed in many developing countries.
Institutional adjustment in Terrafrie: Typical problems of a real African country
Authors: Makharita Ragaa , Brunet Jacques
Published: July 2007

Terrafrie, a typical African country, suffers from both a balance of payments deficit and a budget deficit. Its economy is retrogressing in real terms because of a number of institutional weaknesses revealed by a recent study commission, including personnel mismanagement, administrative disorganization, slow and confusing decision‐making, lack of monitoring, and legal disarray. These institutional weaknesses are likely to undermine the current Economic and Financial Recovery Programme supported by international lenders.
Salient features of the 1988 civil service reforms in Nigeria
Authors: Dlakwa Haruna Dantaro
Published: July 2007

The main provisions of the 1988 civil service reform in Nigeria are discussed, including structural reorganization, professionalization and the enforcement of public accountability. As of the time of the reform, the following defects were associated with the civil service: undue importance accorded the generalists at the expense of the professionals; profligacy among public officers; nonchalant attitude among civil servants to their duties; and corruption. Measures taken to rectify these defects by the reform include: the adoption of a uniform structure for the civil service nationwide; the harmonization of power with responsibility; the streamlining of the span of control of officers to not more than eight units; the expansion of the powers of internal audit units complemented by an audit alarm system; the mandating of chief executives to submit progress reports on their ministry to the president; and the rationalization of promotion criteria for public officers. These provisions are little more than the rehashing of past legislations, which failed to achieve positive results, not because they were faulty in precept but because they were sacrificed to sloppy implementation. Therefore, the 1988 reform may suffer from the same fate because it was simply grafted onto the corrupt system that caused the failure of past reforms before it.
Credit and conscientization: Effects of different development approaches in Bangladesh
Authors: Streefland Pieter H. , Ahmed Hasina , Nafisa Marium , Barman Dalem Ch. , Arefeen H. K.
Published: July 2007

This article provides a comparative description and analysis of medium‐term effects of two development approaches geared towards poverty alleviation in Bangladesh. One approach, which was studied in a programme of the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee, emphasizes a combination of group formation, awareness building, saving and selective confrontation with the rural elite. The other approach emphasizes provision of credit to the rural poor; it was studied in an area where the Grameen Bank has been implementing its programme since an early stage. The study on which the article is based included a mixture of qualitative and quantitative research methods. It is a significant contribution to the development of a study design and methodology for evaluative research focusing on gauging the effects of interventions in settings characterized by a lack of baseline data.
China's administrative reforms for a market economy
Authors: Burns John P.
Published: July 2007

During the 1980s and early 1990s, China's centrally planned economy has been replaced by one that relies largely on market forces. Leaders have carried out a programme of administrative reforms to tailor the state to the market economy. These reforms have included: decentralization, organizational restructuring and civil service reform. A number of factors have undermined the success of the reforms. They include: lack of political support, China's relatively weak administrative capacity, internal bureaucratic opposition and mixed support from the general public. However, further economic development is likely to improve the prospects of administrative reform in China.
Cuba's economic and management policy response to the changing global environment
Authors: Brandwayn Susan
Published: July 2007

Amongst the various countries in transition, Cuba is pursuing a path of adjustment in which it is striving to maintain the basic social achievements of its revolution. The article describes, first, Cuba's development in the period from 1960 to the mid 1980's; second, the impact of the changing international situation thereafter on the Cuban economy; and third, the way in which Cuba has responded to the latter, specifically its efforts to promote diversified foreign trade and investment and to create a new management culture supportive of the latter.

Against this background, an assessment is made of ongoing institutional reforms in the exporting sector of Cuba's state enterprises and planning system. US embargo notwithstanding, Cuba is receiving significant international support for the latter, especially from the UN system.

The article finally assesses the prospects for the Cuban economy, in a situation of increasing difficulty. Conclusions range over a number of issues that arise from Cuba's strategy for survival and renewed growth: (i) the emerging contradictions within its overall strategy, particularly the split between the centrally‐planned and controlled domestic market and the much freer exporting and foreign exchange earning sectors; (ii) the ability of the population to tolerate the adjustment costs and deprivations in the short term; (iii) international competition with a number of other countries for foreign investment, particularly Pharmaceuticals; (iv) some of the strategic risks inherent in the selective and gradualist approach of Cuba and its ability to turn around the economy in time to enable it to survive; (v) the ability of the overall system to move quickly forward from basic management training to structural change in what might be the enabling policy and institutional environment.

In confronting these challenges, the article also stresses (i) the adaptability of Cuban managers who have shown themselves highly retrainable to play new roles in the global economy; (ii) the considerable resource endowments of Cuba, including abundant human capital and investment in scientific and technological research and development, its location advantages and its stability and determination.
Cultural relativism, ‘good’ governance and sustainable human development
Authors: Blunt Peter
Published: July 2007

The vacuum left by the collapse of colonial empires has been filled by new forms of cultural and ideological imperialism conceived largely in the West. The new imperialism is evident in such notions as sustainable human development (SHD) and ‘good’ governance, which in many ways are prescribed for poor countries by rich countries. It is suggested that there is no one best way to ‘good’ governance or SHD and that, while elements of a universal best practice may be found, considerable room should be left for local variations.
Good government and sustainable anti‐corruption strategies: A role for independent anti‐corruption agencies?
Authors: Doig Alan
Published: July 2007

Aid donors are increasingly seeking to link assistance to sustainable reform, including the provision of a responsible and responsive political and legal framework, the improvement of recipient countries' social, health and educational prospects, and the promotion of economic development and liberalization. Much attention is given to the first of these because of the size and cost to the state and the perceived constraints it exercises on the longer‐term changes to the economy and society; in general terms, good government is an essential precondition for good governance and economic development. Increasingly donors have focused on corruption, both as a core obstacle to the encouragement of good government, and on the steps taken to dealing with it as evidence of commitment and the will of recipient countries to their introduction. While the types of activity associated with corruption are readily identifiable, as are the means to attempt to deal with it, it is usually much more difficult to determine effective implementation, particularly with limited resources at a time when longer‐term political and economic reforms are also being promoted. It is therefore especially important that, in relation to corruption and good government, a practicable, effective and sustainable means is available to deal with corruption from preventative, investigative and reform perspectives.
Quantum Field Theory Approach to the Pion‐Two‐Nucleon Interaction Problem
Authors: Kopaleishvili T. I.
Published: July 2007

Recent development in the quantum field theory approach to a unified description of the pion‐deuteron and nucleon‐nucleon interaction processes is reviewed. The physical ground and the structure of the equations for such processes derived in the last few years in the literature are discussed. The non‐linear character of the equations under consideration is pointed out and the iteration procedure for their solution is suggested to avoid the non‐linearity.