bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient suppression of PPARγ directed ES cells into an osteoblastic lineage
Authors: Yamashita Akihiro , Takada Tatsuyuki , Nemoto Ken-ichi , Yamamoto Gaku , Torii Ryuzo
Published: July 2006

Osteoblasts and adipocytes are believed to share a common progenitor. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) plays a key role in the switching of these two cell lineages. Here, we demonstrated the differentiation of ES cells into an osteoblastic lineage using siRNA against PPARγ without the addition of any osteogenic factors. We found that PPARγ‐siRNA downregulated the expression of aP2 mRNA and lipid accumulation, whereas it upregulated the expression of osteocalcin and calcium deposition. These results suggested that ES cells were directed into an osteoblastic lineage. Therefore, transient suppression using PPARγ‐siRNA may be a novel tool to induce differentiation of ES cells into osteoblasts.
Introduction of silencing‐inducing transgenes does not affect expression of known transcripts
Authors: Aelbrecht Thierry , Vuylsteke Marnik , Bauwens Melanie , Houdt Helena Van , Depicker Ann
Published: July 2006

While the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism has only been discovered a decade ago, RNAi is now often used to study gene function by sequence‐specific knockdown of gene expression. However, it is still unknown whether introduction of silencing‐inducing transgenes alters the transcriptome. To address this question, genome‐wide transcriptional changes in silenced and non‐silenced backgrounds were monitored through microarray analysis. No significant transcriptional changes were detected when compared to the non‐silenced control. This result was confirmed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis of genes known to be involved in RNA silencing. In conclusion, introduction of silencing‐inducing constructs does not affect expression of known transcripts in other genes than in those homologous to the targeted ones. Consequently, when gene function is studied by RNAi, the transcriptional changes detected will specifically be the result of knockout of the gene of interest, at least for the genes present on the array used in our study.
Arabidopsis RNA‐binding protein UBA2a relocalizes into nuclear speckles in response to abscisic acid
Authors: Riera Marta , Redko Yulia , Leung Jeffrey
Published: July 2006

The Arabidopsis thaliana RNA binding protein UBA2a is the closest homologue of the Vicia faba AKIP1 (56% identity). Like AKIP1, UBA2a is a constitutively‐expressed nuclear protein and in response to ABA it is also reorganized within the nucleus in “speckles” suggesting a possible role of this protein in the regulation of mRNA metabolism during ABA signaling. AKIP1 interacts with, and is phosphorylated by, the upstream ABA‐activated protein kinase AAPK. We have investigated if a pathway similar to that described in Vicia faba also exists in Arabidopsis. Our results showed that despite the resemblance between the corresponding Vicia and Arabidopsis proteins, it appears that the function of UBA2a is independent of OST1 phosphorylation.
Phospholipid transfer proteins in perspective
Authors: Wirtz Karel W.A.
Published: July 2006

Since their discovery and subsequent purification from mammalian tissues more than 30 years ago an impressive number of studies have been carried out to characterize and elucidate the biological functions of phosphatidylcholine transfer protein (PC‐TP), phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PI‐TP) and non‐specific lipid transfer protein, more commonly known as sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP‐2). Here I will present information to show that these soluble, low‐molecular weight proteins constitute domain structures in StArR‐related lipid transfer (START) proteins (i.e. PC‐TP), in retinal degeneration protein, type B (RdgB)‐related PI‐TPs (e.g. Dm RdgB, Nir2, Nir3) and in peroxisomal β‐oxidation enzyme‐related SCP‐2 (i.e. 3‐oxoacyl‐CoA thiolase, also denoted as SCP‐X and the 80‐kDa D‐bifunctional protein). Further I will summarize the most recent studies pertaining to the physiological function of these soluble phospholipid transfer proteins in metazoa.
Mechanisms of temperature adaptation in poikilotherms
Authors: Guschina Irina A. , Harwood John L.
Published: July 2006

In this short review, we will describe recent results where adaptive lipid changes, as a result of temperature stress, have been found. Mechanisms for bringing about such alterations are discussed, together with the contrasting data for different organisms.
Diseases of intramembranous lipid transport
Authors: Paulusma Coen C. , Oude Elferink Ronald P.J.
Published: July 2006

The maintenance of transbilayer distribution of phospholipids is crucial for proper cell function. Intramembrane transport of lipids is mediated by three activities termed floppases, flippases, and scramblases. Members of the ATP‐binding cassette transporter family and P‐type ATPase superfamily have been implicated in the translocation of lipids. The importance of these activities is exemplified by several severe human inherited disorders that are caused by defects in intramembranous transport of lipids. In order to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that underlie these disorders, the combination of in vivo, biochemical, and structural analyses on intramembrane transporters is crucial.
Dispersant effectiveness on oil spills – impact of salinity
Authors: Chandrasekar Subhashini , Sorial George A. , Weaver James W.
Published: July 2006

When a dispersant is applied to an oil slick, its effectiveness in dispersing the spilled oil depends on factors such as oil properties, wave-mixing energy, temperature, and salinity of the water. Estuaries represent water with varying salinity, so in this study, three salinity values in the range 10–34 psu were investigated, representing potential salinity concentrations found in typical estuaries. Three oils were chosen to represent light refined oil, light crude oil, and medium crude oil. Each was tested at three weathering levels to represent maximum, medium, and zero weathering. Two dispersants were chosen for evaluation. A modified trypsinizing flask termed a baffled flask was used to conduct the experimental runs. A full factorial experiment was conducted for each oil. The interactions between the effects of salinity and three environmental factors, temperature, oil weathering, and mixing energy, on dispersion effectiveness were investigated. Each experiment was replicated four times in order to evaluate the accuracy of the test. Statistical analyses of the experimental data were performed for each of the three oils independently for each dispersant treatment (two dispersants and oil controls). A linear regression model representing the main factors (salinity, temperature, oil weathering, flask speed) and second-order interactions among the factors was fitted to the experimental data. Salinity played an important role in determining the significance of temperature and mixing energy on dispersant effectiveness for almost all the oil–dispersant combinations. The impact of salinity at different weathering was only significant for light crude oil with dispersant A.
Effects of genetic polymorphisms at the growth hormone gene on milk yield in Serra da Estrela sheep
Authors: Marques Maria do Rosário , Santos Ingrid C , Carolino Nuno , Belo Carlos C , Renaville Robert , Cravador Alfredo
Published: July 2006

The five exons and the 5′ and 3′-untranslated regions (5′-UTR and 3′-UTR) of the oGH gene were screened for mutations using PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) procedures in 523 Serra da Estrela ewes and were found to be highly polymorphic. The region extending across and between the GH2-N and GH2-Z copies was sequenced allowing the design of primers for the specific PCR amplification of each copy. These were cloned and sequenced in 20 animals representative of all SSCP patterns. The corresponding genotypes were established for each copy following nucleotide sequencing of SSCP alleles. Twenty-four polymorphic sites were found at the GH2-N (or GH1) and fourteen at the GH2-Z copies. Eight amino acid substitutions were predicted at the GH2-N and six at the GH2-Z copies. Milk yield adjusted to 150 lactation days was analysed for the genotype of each oGH gene copy taken separately or together (associated genotypes) by restricted maximum likelihood (REML) through a univariate best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) animal model with repeated measures. Significant associations between genotypes and milk yield were observed. Within GH2-N genotypes there was a milk yield differential of 21·4±0·2 l/150 d between the most (N7) and the least (N5) productive ones. Within GH2-Z genotypes there was a differential of 21·6±0·2 l/150 d between the most (Z8) and the least (Z1) productive ones. The effect of associated GH2-N and GH2-Z genotypes revealed a differential of 39·6±0·3 l/150 d between the most (N1+Z7) and the least (N3+Z2) productive associated genotypes. The results show that GH2-N and GH2-Z genotypes significantly affect milk yield in Serra da Estrela ewes. Moreover, the apparent joint effect of GH2-N and GH2-Z genotype could improve milk yield in 25% as compared with the mean milk production of the analysed population.
An effortless way of inserting a Montgomery T-tube stent in a closed neck
Authors: Jacobsen N , Pitkin L , Gleeson M
Published: July 2006

We describe a simple technique of replacement Montgomery T-tube insertion in a closed neck under general anaesthetic.
Partitioning strategies for distributed association rule mining
Authors: COENEN FRANS , LENG PAUL
Published: July 2006

In this paper a number of alternative strategies for distributed/parallel association rule mining are investigated. The methods examined make use of a data structure, the T-tree, introduced previously by the authors as a structure for organizing sets of attributes for which support is being counted. We consider six different approaches, representing different ways of parallelizing the basic Apriori-T algorithm that we use. The methods focus on different mechanisms for partitioning the data between processes, and for reducing the message-passing overhead. Both ‘horizontal’ (data distribution) and ‘vertical’ (candidate distribution) partitioning strategies are considered, including a vertical partitioning algorithm (DATA-VP) which we have developed to exploit the structure of the T-tree. We present experimental results examining the performance of the methods in implementations using JavaSpaces. We conclude that in a JavaSpaces environment, candidate distribution strategies offer better performance than those that distribute the original dataset, because of the lower messaging overhead, and the DATA-VP algorithm produced results that are especially encouraging.
Characterization of H9N2 influenza A viruses isolated from chicken products imported into Japan from China
Authors: MASE M. , ETO M. , IMAI K. , TSUKAMOTO K. , YAMAGUCHI S.
Published: July 2006

We characterized eleven H9N2 influenza A viruses isolated from chicken products imported from China. Genetically they were classified into six distinct genotypes, including five already known genotypes and one novel genotype. This suggested that such multiple genotypes of the H9N2 virus have possibly already become widespread and endemic in China. Two isolates have amino-acid substitutions that confer resistance to amantadine in the M2 region, and this supported the evidence that this mutation might be a result of the wide application of amantadine for avian influenza treatment in China. These findings emphasize the importance of surveillance for avian influenza virus in this region, and of quarantining imported chicken products as potential sources for the introduction of influenza virus.
Evaluation of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests and culture for determining Salmonella status of a pig herd
Authors: FARZAN A. , FRIENDSHIP R. M. , DEWEY C. E.
Published: July 2006

The purpose of this study was to evaluate Salmonella ELISA tests and a culture technique to determine Salmonella status using samples collected from commercial herds. Faecal samples from 15 finisher pigs on each of 40 swine farms were cultured for Salmonella. Sera from the same 600 pigs were analysed for the presence of antibodies to Salmonella by means of two different ELISA kits Salmotype (Salmotype® Labordiagnostik, Leipzig, Germany) and IDEXX (Herdchek* Salmonella; IDEXX Laboratories, Schiphol-Rijk, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands). The Salmotype ELISA test demonstrated a moderate ability to differentiate culture-positive pigs from culture-negative pigs while IDEXX was relatively poor in classifying those pigs correctly (The area under the curves were 0·79 and 0·65 for Salmotype and IDEXX respectively). The maximum value of sensitivity plus specificity was gained at the cut-off optical density (OD) [ges ]25% for Salmotype (sensitivity 0·65, specificity 0·84) and at the OD [ges ]9% for IDEXX (sensitivity 0·59, specificity 0·69). The maximum herd sensitivity and herd specificity was 0·64 (95% CI 0·49–0·79) and 0·72 (95% CI 0·59–0·86) for the Salmotype test and 0·73 (95% CI 0·59–0·87) and 0·62 (95% CI 0·47–0·77) for the IDEXX. Culture and the ELISA tests showed fair agreement at the herd level (κ=0·3, P<0·05). Likewise there was significant disagreement between the two ELISA tests at the pig level, but very good agreement between the two ELISA tests (κ=0·8, P<0·0001) at the herd level. The coating antigens in Salmotype and IDEXX represent only 48% of the antigens of Salmonella isolated in our study and need to be revised based upon the Salmonella serovar distribution in Ontario.
Multistage exhumation and juxtaposition of lower continental crust in the western Canadian Shield: Linking high‐resolution U‐Pb and 40Ar/39Ar thermochronometry with pressure‐temperature‐deformation paths
Authors: Flowers R. M. , Mahan K. H. , Bowring S. A. , Williams M. L. , Pringle M. S. , Hodges K. V.
Published: July 2006

New U‐Pb (titanite, apatite, rutile) and 40Ar/39Ar (hornblende, muscovite, biotite) data are linked with existing pressure‐temperature‐deformation paths to impose detailed temporal constraints on the juxtaposition and unroofing of domains in an extensive (>20,000 km2) region of exhumed lower crust in the East Lake Athabasca region of the western Canadian Shield. In the ∼200 m.y. between circa 1.9 Ga high‐pressure granulite facies metamorphism and circa 1.7 Ga unconformable deposition of Athabasca basin sediments on the exhumed rocks, our analysis reveals at least three distinct phases of unroofing at different rates. Specifically, we distinguish (1) an early phase of extensional unroofing in the Chipman domain at rates of 1.5–2.0 km/m.y. from ∼1.0 GPa to ∼0.8 GPa associated with mafic magmatism and metamorphism, (2) an episode of regional contractional uplift and associated unroofing along the Legs Lake shear zone at circa 1850 Ma from 0.7–0.8 GPa to 0.4–0.5 GPa, and (3) a final period of extensional unroofing at rates of 0.2–0.3 km/m.y. from 0.4 to 0.5 GPa that culminated in transport of current exposures to near‐surface conditions. The cooling patterns and retrograde assemblages are consistent with pauses between exhumational phases. The apparent convergence of disparate higher temperature histories in several deep crustal domains at circa 1.89–1.88 Ga implies their juxtaposition at 0.7–0.8 GPa conditions. Regional east directed thrusting of the deep crustal domains as a coherent unit at 1.85 Ga juxtaposed the granulites with middle crustal Hearne domain rocks at 0.4–0.5 GPa conditions. The detailed exhumational history allows correlation with changing regional tectonic regimes associated with the amalgamation of Laurentia. The temporal and spatial heterogeneity of exhumation patterns in the East Lake Athabasca region may be a common feature of the unroofing histories of lower crustal rocks.
Unraveling the sequence of serpentinization reactions: petrography, mineral chemistry, and petrophysics of serpentinites from MAR 15°N (ODP Leg 209, Site 1274)
Authors: Bach Wolfgang , Paulick Holger , Garrido Carlos J. , Ildefonse Benoit , Meurer William P. , Humphris Susan E.
Published: July 2006

The results of detailed textural, mineral chemical, and petrophysical studies shed new light on the poorly constrained fluid‐rock reaction pathways during retrograde serpentinization at mid‐ocean ridges. Uniformly depleted harzburgites and dunites from the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge at 15°N show variable extents of static serpentinization. They reveal a simple sequence of reactions: serpentinization of olivine and development of a typical mesh texture with serpentine‐brucite mesh rims, followed by replacement of olivine mesh centers by serpentine and brucite. The serpentine mesh rims on relic olivine are devoid of magnetite. Conversely, domains in the rock that are completely serpentinized show abundant magnetite. We propose that low‐fluid‐flux serpentinization of olivine to serpentine and ferroan brucite is followed by later stages of serpentinization under more open‐system conditions and formation of magnetite by the breakdown of ferroan brucite. Modeling of this sequence of reactions can account for covariations in magnetic susceptibility and grain density of the rocks.
Layer-by-layer growth of porphyrin supramolecular thin films
Authors: Nishiyama Fumitaka , Yokoyama Takashi , Kamikado Toshiya , Yokoyama Shiyoshi , Mashiko Shinro
Published: July 2006

Multilayer thin film growth of carboxyphenyl-substituted porphyrin on Au(111) was investigated by means of low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy. The carboxyphenyl-substituted porphyrins are assembled into supramolecular wires on Au(111) by sequential hydrogen bonding between carboxyphenyl groups, and the dense aggregation of the supramolecular wires results in the formation of the first monolayer film. By further molecular deposition, the layer-by-layer growth of the supramolecular wires has been observed, leading to the supramolecular thin film growth.
Epitaxial relationship of ZnO film with Si (001) substrate and its effect on growth and morphology
Authors: Liu Z. W. , Sun C. W. , Gu J. F. , Zhang Q. Y.
Published: July 2006

Using reactive radio-frequency magnetron sputtering, epitaxial growth of ZnO film was observed on Si (001) substrate at different temperatures ranging from room temperature to 750°C. The epitaxial relationship was determined to be ZnO(001)‖Si(001) in the direction normal to the surface of the films with a deviated angle less than 3° and ZnO[100]‖Si[110] or ZnO[310]‖Si[110] in the plan view. Based on (2×1) reconstruction of Si (001), a heteroepitaxial model was suggested to discuss the influence of Si (001) substrate on the growth and morphology of ZnO films at different temperatures.
Predicting pasture and sheep production in the Victorian Mallee with the decision support tool, GrassGro
Authors: Robertson S. M.
Published: July 2006

The GrassGro decision support tool was designed to quantify sheep and pasture production in response to management and climate variability in temperate Australia, and has been tested in temperate but not low-rainfall Australian conditions. Data from field experiments and from on-farm monitoring was used to test GrassGro predictions of annual and perennial pasture production, and sheep production at 4 locations throughout the Victorian Mallee, which is a low-rainfall area (275–375 mm annually). Predictions of long-term pasture production were then made. Predictions of the herbage biomass of annual pastures closely matched observed data for both a sandy loam (1991–2002 data) and a whole paddock (combining sandy loam and loam and sand) (2001–2002 data) soil type, at several locations across the Victorian Mallee. Linear regression between observed and simulated (April to September) data produced coefficients, significance and root mean square error of r2 = 0.81, P<0.001, 217 kg DM/ha, respectively, for sandy loam soil types and r2 = 0.94, P<0.001, 72 kg DM/ha, respectively, for whole paddock soil types. A series of simulations for individual years from 1970 to 2002 quantified the large impact of climate variability and demonstrated that seedbank and location, but not soil fertility, had a large influence on annual pasture production. However, GrassGro underestimated the production of the perennial pasture, lucerne (r2 = 0.2). GrassGro was also unable to adequately predict sheep production because it failed to take into account the sparse, clumpy structure of the low biomass pastures typical of this region. Methods to improve GrassGro were identified and included: (i) the need to adjust sheep intake from low biomass, sparse pastures, (ii) the ability to predict summer growing and autumn growing plant species, (iii) the ability to graze crop stubbles and (iv) refinements to the coefficients of equations used to model lucerne growth.
Studies on the regeneration of peach cultivars and rootstocks from root cuttings in comparison with aerial cuttings
Authors: Tsipouridis C. G. , Schwabe W. W.
Published: July 2006

This study showed that shoot cuttings collected from peach trees in February and November gave the highest sprouting percentages. A comparison of 3 cultivars of Prunus persica L. Batch (ArmKing, Early Crest and May Crest) showed that November sampling was optimal for all cultivars. Although the sprouting of root cuttings gave much lower percentages, the peak values occurred at exactly the same times of year as those for root formation. The results also showed that the effectiveness of indole-butyric acid treatment to induce root formation on detached root-shoots was greater when the seasonal rooting level is low. However, this inverse correlation is not significant when all 12 monthly values are combined. The data for comparing the 2 rootstocks and their interaction with the concentration of benzyl-adenine-purine applied showed that St Julien GF655/2 (Prunus insititia) had more productive root-shoots and better growth than Damas GF1869 (Prunus domestica × Prunus spinosa). There was no significant difference between different concentrations of benzyl-adenine-purine, but benzyl-adenine-purine affected the morphology of the young root-shoots. Cold storage for 1 month had a beneficial effect on sprouting of root cuttings of the rootstock GF677 (Prunus persica × Prunus amygdalus) and treatments with bottom heat increased sprouting over that achieved in the growth room. X-ray treated roots produced significantly fewer sprouts.
The Distinctive City: Divergent Patterns in Growth, Hierarchy and Specialisation
Authors: Markusen Ann , Schrock Greg
Published: July 2006

With accelerated world market integration, cities compete with each other cities as sites of production and consumption, targeting firms and households as semi-autonomous location decision-makers. Distinction may be sought in productive structure, consumption and identity. In this paper, contradictory trends towards homogenisation and distinctiveness are theorised. Studying the occupational structure of 50 large US metropolitan areas, it is found that distinctiveness has been increasing in economic base occupations though some heavily blue-collar cities' edge is eroding. Employment in consumption activities has been growing faster than in the economic base and cities are becoming more alike in consumption structure. It is concluded that the search for niches in exporting sectors and related occupational mix is key to urban resurgence.
The Fall and Rise of the Local Community: A Comparative and Historical Perspective
Authors: Wollmann Hellmut
Published: July 2006

In pursuing an historical and comparative approach, the article aims at exploring the relation between local government and 'local community'. For comparative purposes, the paper draws primarily on the UK/England, Germany and Sweden as pertinent examples. The explicitly historical approach of the article promises to recognise (and perhaps even rediscover) the distinct and, at the same time, symbiotic and dialectic development and relation which have existed between local government and local community throughout their evolution-from the 'founding period' of modern local government during the 19th century, through its development under the (centralised) welfare state in the (mid) 20th century, to the present-day. The historically educated perception should be helpful to identify and assess the dynamics and perspective of the recent 'rise' of the local (political, social and economic) community and its impact on redefining and recalibrating the relation and balance between local government and what, in the current social science debate, is called 'governance'—with the 're-emerging' local community and its manifold political, social and economic actors becoming part-and-parcel of the expanding and multiplying networks of (non-public) actors that are captured under the term and concept 'governance'.
Randomized controlled trial of general practitioner intervention in women with excessive alcohol consumption
Authors: SCOTT EILEEN , ANDERSON PETER
Published: July 2006

Seventy two women drinking 21 units (21og) or more of alcohol per week were recruited from an opportunistic screening programme in eight English general practices. The women were randomized into control and treatment groups. Women in the treatment group received ten minutes advice from their general practitioner to reduce alcohol consumption. At one year follow‐up, when analyzed by intention to treat, women in the treatment group had reduced their alcohol consumption from an average of 35‐24 units per week. Similar reductions were found in the control group (from 37‐27 units per week). The lack of evidence for a treatment effect may be explained by contamination of the control group by informal interventions. [Scott E, Anderson P. Randomized controlled trial of general practitioner intervention in women with excessive alcohol consumption.
The crime cocktail: licensed premises, alcohol and street offences
Authors: IRELAND C. S. , THOMMENY J. L.
Published: July 2006

There is widespread acknowledgment for a connection between alcohol consumption and crime, but the extent of the connection and its implications continue to promote debate. Previous research has concentrated on assessment of alcohol involvement of offenders following arrest. Not all incidents coming to the notice of police result in an arrest. Arrest‐centred alcohol involvement research is limited as arrest is not the most common outcome of police attendance.

This study utilized an incident survey card to allow operational police officers to record their assessment of alcohol involvement for all incidents, not just arrests. Police were given clear guidelines to assist in their assessment of alcohol involvement. The survey was conducted over a 4‐week period in six metropolitan Sydney Police Patrols. Levels of alcohol involvement were very high, with 77% of street offence incidents (assault, offensive behaviour and offensive language) found to be alcohol‐related. Also identified was the high proportion of offences occurring in or near licensed premises. Sixty per cent of all alcohol‐related street offences were included in this category. Other offences which also received a high alcohol involvement assessment were malicious damage (58%), domestic violence (40%) and noise complaints (59%). Drink driving offences were, by definition, 100% alcohol‐related.
The effect of prices on alcohol consumption in New Zealand 1983–1991
Authors: WETTE HILDEGARD C. , ZHANG JIA‐FANG , BERG RICHARD J. , CASSWELL SALLY
Published: July 2006

The strength of the effect of prices on alcohol consumption is of relevance in determining the potential impact that alcohol taxes have on consumption and, thereby, alcohol‐related problems. This price‐consumption relationship was investigated for New Zealand. Multiple regression analysis was employed using quarterly aggregate consumption and price data for 1983–1991. Price elasticities of alcohol consumption were estimated to be ‐1.1, ‐1.1, 0, ‐2.0 for beer, wine and spirits beverage, and absolute (total) alcohol consumption, respectively. These elasticity estimates and the degree to which prices explained consumption trends in the regression equations, suggest that price had a strong effect on alcohol consumption in New Zealand during the period investigated. Thus, the current taxing policy, in which excise tax is indexed to inflation, is deemed a useful tool for preventing an increase in alcohol consumption and alcohol‐related problems.
The effectiveness of methadone maintenance treatment: an overview
Authors: WARD JEFF , MATTICK RICHARD P. , HALL WAYNE
Published: July 2006

This paper reviews the evidence for the effectiveness of methadone maintenance as used in the treatment of opioid dependence. Findings from randomized controlled trials and observational studies suggest that methadone maintenance reduces heroin use, crime, injection‐related risk behaviours and premature mortality among people dependent on opioids. The research further suggests that two aspects of treatment are important in ensuring this effectiveness. Methadone treatment is more effective when higher doses (>50 mg) are employed and, overall, the evidence suggests that a treatment goal of successful maintenance on methadone rather than total abstinence is appropriate. The importance of ancillary services in treatment outcome is less clear and is the subject of current research and debate. [Ward J, Mattick RJ, Hall W. The effectiveness of methadone maintenance treatment: an overview. Drug Alcohol Rev 1994;13:327–336.]
Cannabis laws: an analysis of costs
Authors: MARKS ROBERT E.
Published: July 2006

There is evidence that the use of cannabis is increasing in Australia, with stable black‐market prices, despite the 9‐year National Campaign Against Drug Abuse, increasing expenditure to enforce the laws against cannabis use, and the seizure of large plantations of cannabis plants. Recent government data are used to estimate the conservative cost of drug‐law enforcement against cannabis use as being $329m in 1991‐92. Alternatives to the existing regime are examined, including expiation, decriminalization, and legalization. [Marks RE. Cannabis laws: an analysis of costs. Drug Alcohol Rev 1994;13:341–346.]
Density, overcompleteness, and localization of frames
Authors: Balan Radu , Casazza Peter , Heil Christopher , Landau Zeph
Published: July 2006

This work presents a quantitative framework for describing the overcompleteness of a large class of frames. It introduces notions of localization and approximation between two frames

F

=
{

f
i

}

i
∈
I

\mathcal {F} = \{f_i\}_{i \in I}

and

E

=
{

e
j

}

j
∈
G

\mathcal {E} = \{e_j\}_{j \in G}

(

G
G

a discrete abelian group), relating the decay of the expansion of the elements of

F

\mathcal {F}

in terms of the elements of

E

\mathcal {E}

via a map

a
:
I
→
G

a \colon I \to G

. A fundamental set of equalities are shown between three seemingly unrelated quantities: the relative measure of

F

\mathcal {F}

, the relative measure of

E

\mathcal {E}

—both of which are determined by certain averages of inner products of frame elements with their corresponding dual frame elements—and the density of the set

a
(
I
)

a(I)

in

G
G

. Fundamental new results are obtained on the excess and overcompleteness of frames, on the relationship between frame bounds and density, and on the structure of the dual frame of a localized frame. These abstract results yield an array of new implications for irregular Gabor frames. Various Nyquist density results for Gabor frames are recovered as special cases, but in the process both their meaning and implications are clarified. New results are obtained on the excess and overcompleteness of Gabor frames, on the relationship between frame bounds and density, and on the structure of the dual frame of an irregular Gabor frame. More generally, these results apply both to Gabor frames and to systems of Gabor molecules, whose elements share only a common envelope of concentration in the time-frequency plane.
Genomic signatures of positive selection in humans and the limits of outlier approaches
Authors: Kelley Joanna L. , Madeoy Jennifer , Calhoun John C. , Swanson Willie , Akey Joshua M.
Published: July 2006

Identifying regions of the human genome that have been targets of positive selection will provide important insights into recent human evolutionary history and may facilitate the search for complex disease genes. However, the confounding effects of population demographic history and selection on patterns of genetic variation complicate inferences of selection when a small number of loci are studied. To this end, identifying outlier loci from empirical genome-wide distributions of genetic variation is a promising strategy to detect targets of selection. Here, we evaluate the power and efficiency of a simple outlier approach and describe a genome-wide scan for positive selection using a dense catalog of 1.58 million SNPs that were genotyped in three human populations. In total, we analyzed 14,589 genes, 385 of which possess patterns of genetic variation consistent with the hypothesis of positive selection. Furthermore, several extended genomic regions were found, spanning >500 kb, that contained multiple contiguous candidate selection genes. More generally, these data provide important practical insights into the limits of outlier approaches in genome-wide scans for selection, provide strong candidate selection genes to study in greater detail, and may have important implications for disease related research.
Developing a new academic discipline
Authors: Shepherd Elizabeth
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine the historical development of archives and records management education in universities in England and review the state of research and teaching in the discipline in 2005.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a framework that draws on sociological attributes, the main text provides a historical analysis derived from primary and secondary sources, together with a brief overview of current educational provision for the discipline.

Findings

The article finds that graduate education in archives and records management has developed in the UK over a period of 60 years (1947‐2005) and is well established, with seven Master's‐level programmes offered across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, in a variety of learning modes (full‐ and part‐time, open learning, face‐to‐face) and from different perspectives and contexts (history, information science, digital preservation). The university research community in the discipline has developed more recently and needs to progress quickly and soundly to support the future intellectual life of the profession.

Research limitations/implications

The geographical scope is limited to the UK and focuses in particular on England.

Practical implications

The paper identifies some gaps in educational provision, for instance mid‐career cross‐domain research opportunities, and an apparent lack of interest in academic research by UK practitioners, which might be further investigated.

Originality/value

No study of the historical development of the academic discipline of archives and records management has previously been published.
The study of books
Authors: Foot Mirjam M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to show how the concept of “Bibliography” has changed since the late nineteenth century. It proposes discussing what “Bibliography” did and did not include in the various stages of its development; how the study of “Bibliography” moved from the UK to the USA; how it narrowed down from an originally much wider concept and how, under the influence of French historians over the past three decades, it has widened out again, reaching a better synthesis of the study of books as material objects with the study of the history of the book.

Design/methodology/approach

A discussion and critical assessment of the writings of the major main stream bibliographers and book historians is presented.

Findings

From an original (nineteenth century) emphasis on enumerative bibliography, the concept of “Bibliography” widened out (from the end of the nineteenth century) to include historical bibliography and the study of books as material objects; in the mid‐twentieth century this wider approach narrowed down, as a consequence of much emphasis being placed on descriptive, analytical, critical and textual bibliography. Under influence of French book historians the emphasis has changed again and the value of a wider historical approach and greater inclusivity in subjects has brought the study of historical bibliography and that of the history of the book much closer together.

Research limitations/implications

This research looks only at Western Europe and the USA.

Practical implications

Practical implications of this study are: the widening‐out of the subject to include all physical manifestations of the book; the dimension of creative reading; and the emphasis on the importance of artifactual evidence for correct establishment and interpretation of texts has had implications for preservation.

Originality/value

This paper is a critical assessment of the literature, drawing the logical consequences of its findings. It presents an argument for the inclusion of all aspects of the book as a physical object, as well as for the importance of using all available evidence.
Triangulating qualitative research and computer transaction logs in health information studies
Authors: Williams Pete , Gunter Barrie
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to outline a triangulated methodology for studying usage of electronic health information systems which combines the quantitative data accrued from computer logs with qualitative data from in‐depth interviews and observation.

Design/methodology/approach

The appropriate methods and inherent issues are reviewed from the literature, with an emphasis on qualitative research. The work of the authors is then highlighted, showing how qualitative methods can inform log analysis.

Findings

The paper suggests from the review that it is not only possible but also extremely fruitful to combine quantitative and qualitative data to interpret user behaviour.

Originality/value

The methods used by the group, known as “deep log analysis”, are innovative, and the attempt both to discuss these and to provide concrete examples from this research provides its originality.
A content analysis of literature regarding knowledge management opportunities for librarians
Authors: van Rooi Hazel , Snyman Retha
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the progress of research regarding the opportunities for librarians within the context of knowledge management.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis of 28 full‐length journal articles indexed by Library Literature in the past ten years was conducted.

Findings

Findings indicate that more researchers than practitioners are aware of knowledge management opportunities, utilised more literature reviews and based their findings on theory. In addition, an unexpected finding was that the majority of researchers communicated their findings in professional rather than scholarly journals. Practitioners should therefore give attention to studies conducted by researchers to become aware of opportunities they could not identify themselves.

Research limitations/implications

Only full‐length journal articles indexed by Library Literature were included. Thus the findings may have limitations in their generalisability.

Practical implications

Results of the study may assist in the improvement of teaching and research in library and information science. Additionally, librarians may become aware of the opportunities and acquire guidelines on how to attain the necessary requirements towards enhancing their role and ultimately boosting their image.

Originality/value

The study shows the progress of research regarding the knowledge management opportunities for librarians to researchers and practitioners interested in this field.
Synergistic effect of 1‐dodecanethiol upon inhibition of Schiff bases on carbon steel corrosion in sulphuric acid media
Authors: Ehteshamzadeh Maryam , Shahrabi Taghi , Hosseini Mirghasem
Published: July 2006

Purpose

In this paper, the main aim is to study the synergistic effects of alkanethiols upon inhibition of Schiff bases, N,N′‐ethylen‐bis and N,N′‐ortho‐phenylen‐bis in 0.5 M sulphuric acid solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Measurements were carried out in a three‐electrode cell assembly connected to the corrosion measurement system using software for Tafel polarization. Impedance measurements were carried out at open circuit potential using an electrochemical interface and frequency response analyzer at frequencies from 100 kHz to 10 MHz.

Findings

Results obtained revealed that at high concentrations, each of the investigated Schiff bases and 1‐dodecanethiol (DT) were good inhibitors when added separately to the corrosive media. The decrease in corrosion rate was associated with an increase in their concentrations. It was found that the presence of DT together with Schiff bases in corrosive medium increased inhibition effect, especially at low concentrations. Synergistic effect is discussed from viewpoint of their co‐adsorption. The adsorption of combined inhibitors was found to follow Langmuir isotherm. Thermodynamic calculations revealed that adsorption of combined inhibitors had a physical nature.

Research limitations/implications

In order to improve further the performance of Schiff bases and identifying their synergistic effects with other additives it is suggested that some more researches on other Schiff bases with other alkanethiol molecules must be done.

Practical implications

The results of this paper can be used for acid cleaning of carbon steel in which suitable inhibitor systems with the highest efficiency is required.

Originality/value

This paper reveals that the presence of DT molecules in solution encourage the adsorption of Schiff bases by facilitating the electrostatic co‐adsorption of Schiff base molecules through a synergistic effect.
Isolation and characterization of vinegar culture (Acetobacter aceti) from indigenous sources
Authors: Zahoor Tahir , Siddique Farzana , Farooq Umar
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has established that vinegar is a liquid only obtained by fermentation. Although in Pakistan mostly synthetic vinegar is marketed, production of vinegar through fermentation at industrial level is also carried out. However, vinegar produced by this method tends to be of inferior quality due to uncontrolled conditions. In industry a mixed culture of Acetobacter is used for the production of acetic acid but no attention is given towards its proper maintenance and culture is contaminated with other kinds of microorganisms and still no work has been done along these lines in Pakistan. There is a need to develop pure vinegar cultures for vinegar production so that the use of synthetic vinegar may be avoided as it is prohibited in most countries. Keeping in view all of these points, the present work was conducted to isolate a pure culture of Acetobacter aceti, the maintenance of this culture and finally its utilization in fermentation for vinegar production.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study efforts were made to isolate vinegar culture (Acetobacter aceti) from sugar cane juice, rotten apples, flowers, wine, canal water and vinegar as a primary source for Acetobacter by continuous sub‐culturing on standard medium glucose, yeast extract and calcium carbonate (GYC). The culture was identified on the basis of colony characteristics and morphology. It was finally confirmed by different biochemical/enzymatic tests and further specified by nutritional and temperature requirements for the growth. The isolated strain was later used for the production of vinegar through fermentation.

Findings

Among canal water, crushed apples, sugar cane juice, alcohol, vinegar and flowers, the alcohol and vinegar were found to be the most suitable sources for isolation of Acetobacter spp. The colonies of purified culture were found to be pale to off‐white, circular, raised, convex, smooth and not >3 mm in diameter with morphology of Gram‐ve, ellipsoidal, rods, squat bacilli, roundish, single, in pairs and in chains. The isolated and identified spp. gave excellent results for the production of vinegar and this vinegar was more acceptable rather than commercially available fermented vinegar.

Practical implication

At industrial level good quality vinegar can be produced by using pure culture of Acetobacter aceti for acetic acid fermentation.

Originality/value

The research carried out is one of an original type as no work has been done in Pakistan previously. Further, for the accuracy of the results, all the practices were carried out in triplicates.
Leading global virtual teams
Authors: Brake Terence
Published: July 2006

Purpose

A new collaborative workplace is evolving which is both global and virtual. Those working in this environment are faced with two major challenges: isolation and confusion. This paper aims to look at what leaders can do to overcome these challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on years of experience of working on and coaching global virtual teams, the author presents ten practical guidelines for enabling such teams to perform at their best. These guidelines highlight the importance of, for example, thinking proactively about the specific conditions faced by the team, applying cultural intelligence, staying person‐centric, establishing predictability, and driving for precise communications.

Findings

Applying these guidelines helps teams co‐create a shared workplace that is conducive to efficiency and psychological wellbeing.

Originality/value

Virtual global teamwork is only going to increase in the years ahead. This paper provides a basis on which leaders in the new workplace can begin re‐skilling themselves for leading at a distance.
Improved change readiness through supply chain competency development
Authors: Stentoft Arlbjørn Jan , de Haas Henning , Caspersen Rasmus , Johansen John , Nørmølle Jørgen
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the experiences from a number of two‐day courses in fundamentals of supply chain management completed for about 200 employees in a case company. The courses were held in order to increase the organisation's competency level and by this prepare people for changes. The paper aims to test whether this course has had an effect on the implementation process and participants taking part in the course.

Design/methodology/approach

Applies two sets of questionnaires. The first questionnaire consists of evaluation sheets that were handed out to the participants and filled out at the end of each course. The second questionnaire was distributed by e‐mail to the participants of the completed courses.

Findings

Provides evidence for the possibility to construct and complete a supply chain course that could increase competency level and change readiness.

Practical implications

It takes time to obtain a common understanding of technical terms, concepts and the mechanisms for running supply chains efficiently. The involving part for such a course construction is the most important element.

Originality/value

There is little in the literature about how companies approach changes in global supply chains from a change management and competence perspective.