bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Divergent Learning and the Failed Politics of Soviet Economic Reform
Authors: Moltz James Clay
Published: July 2006

Attempts at economic reform in the late Gorbachev years suffered from a critical lack of consensus among top leaders on the desired direction of change. As the crisis worsened, top leaders did not band together but instead fell back upon their underlying organizational interests, adopting new economic programs largely to promote their own political constituencies. This article critiques the “collective learning” literature that has been applied widely to explain the Gorbachev reforms, and it suggests a typology to account for its strengths and weaknesses in both foreign and domestic policy settings.

In examining the politics of the late Soviet economic crisis, it proposes a model of divergent (rather than collective) learning and suggests the new concept of “borrowing” to explain the instrumental use of foreign economic models by rival Soviet politicians.
Constitutional Frameworks and Democratic Consolidation: Parliamentarianism versus Presidentialism
Authors: Stepan Alfred , Skach Cindy
Published: July 2006

A fundamental political-institutional question that has only recently received serious scholarly attention concerns the impact of different constitutional frameworks on democratic consolidation. Little systematic cross-regional evidence has been brought to bear on this question. This article reports the findings of the analysis of numerous different sources of data, all of which point in the direction of a much stronger correlation between democratic consolidation and the constitutional framework of pure parliamentarianism than between consolidation and pure presidentialism. The systematic analysis of these data leads the authors to conclude that parliamentarianism is a more supportive constitutional framework due to the following theoretically predictable and empirically observable tendencies: its greater propensity for governments to have majorities to implement their programs, its greater ability to rule in a multiparty setting, its lower propensity for executives to rule at the edge of the constitution and its greater facility in removing a chief executive if he or she does so, its lower susceptibility to a military coup, and its greater tendency to provide long party-government careers, which add loyalty and experience to political society. In contrast, the analytically separable propensities of presidentialism also form a highly interactive system, but they work to impede democratic consolidation by reducing politicians' degrees of freedom.
Democratic Innovation: South Africa in Comparative Context
Authors: Shapiro Ian
Published: July 2006

This review essay of four recent books on democratic transitions is written from the standpoint of contemporary South African politics. Each of the books takes the Schumpetarian model of democratic politics for granted, and in the course of evaluating them the author explores the advantages and limitations of that model for thinking about the prospects for democracy in South Africa. He concludes that the Schumpeterian model diverts attention from questions that should concern promoters of democracy. The most important such questions deal with the internal structure of political parties, public organizations, and civil institutions.
The Difficult Transition from Clientelism to Citizenship: Lessons from Mexico
Authors: Fox Jonathan
Published: July 2006

The consolidation of democratic regimes requires the extension of political rights to the entire citizenry, but this process does not necessarily follow from electoral competition. The transition from authoritarian clientelism to respect for associational autonomy is an important dimension of democratization, unfolding unevenly through iterative cycles of conflict among authoritarian rulers, reformist elites, and autonomous social movements. This process is illustrated by a study of changing bargaining relations between rural development agencies and grassroots indigenous movements in Mexico. The results suggest that the transition from clientelism to citizenship involves three distinct patterns of state-society relations within the same nation-state: redoubts of persistent authoritarianism can coexist with both new enclaves of pluralist tolerance and large gray areas of “semiclientelism.”
The Political Underpinnings of Privatization: A Typology
Authors: Feigenbaum Harvey B. , Henig Jeffrey R.
Published: July 2006

In shifting responsibilities from government to market, privatization has the potential to alter the institutional framework through which citizens normally conceive and pursue their individual and shared interests. But the literature has presented it as a relatively apolitical adaptation to changing conditions. Rather than a choice among means to achieve broadly shared goals, privatization often takes the form of a strategy to realign institutions so as to privilege the goals of some groups over the competing aspirations of other groups. Drawing primarily on the experience of Western, industrialized nations, a political typology is developed that distinguishes between privatizations undertaken foi different reasons—whether pfagmatic, tactical, or systemic.
The Dynamics of Informational Cascades: The Monday Demonstrations in Leipzig, East Germany, 1989–91
Authors: Lohmann Susanne
Published: July 2006

This article analyzes the dynamics of turnout and the political impact of five cycles of protest, consisting of forty-two mass demonstrations that occurred on Mondays in Leipzig over the period 1989–91. These demonstrations are interpreted as an informational cascade that publicly revealed some of the previously hidden information about the malign nature of the East German communist regime. Once this information became publicly available, the viability of the regime was undermined. The Monday demonstrations subsequently died a slow death as their informational role declined.
Women and Democratization Conceptualizing Gender Relations in Transition Politics
Authors: Waylen Georgina
Published: July 2006

This article examines the impact of gender relations on democratization. It considers a number of key questions: what role do women's movements play in the transition to democratic rule and what impact does a return to competitive electoral politics have on women and women's movements. The starting point is a critique of the existing literature on democratization. That literature cannot provide a satisfactory analysis of the role of women in transition politics because of the narrow definitions of democracy used and the top-down focus of much of it. The article then develops a gendered analysis through a comparison of the different processes of transition in Latin America and Central and Eastern Europe. It highlights the significance of the relationship between civil society and the state and the existence of “political space.”
Does Hegemony Matter? The Reorganization of the Pacific Political Economy
Authors: Crone Donald
Published: July 2006

The timing and nature of an emerging Pacific economic regime are examined within a framework that extends existing understandings of regime formation. One analytic level is provided by the dynamic nature of states' strategic incentives, as they change from a pattern characterized by extreme hegemony toward one exhibiting features of a more balanced power distribution. Cultural underpinnings of regime values is another. Together, these explain features of Pacific regime formation that otherwise appear anomalous: its delayed emergence, its central internal tensions, and its weakness.
Explaining the Dynamics of the Southeast Asian Political Economy: State, Society, and the Search for Economic Growth
Authors: Hawes Gary , Liu Hong
Published: July 2006

This essay reviews two sets of books that explore the origins and dynamics of Southeast Asia's growth and economic transformation. One set of books utilizes a structuralist framework and emphasizes the role of the state in creating a (now) powerful capitalist class. The other set of books utilizes an institutionalist framework to explain how new patterns of private/public sector collaboration have resulted in rapid economic growth. The authors point to weaknesses in both approaches and to areas where the two approaches can be fruitfully synthesized. They also offer suggestions for future research.
Internal Battles and External Wars: Politics, Learning, and the Soviet Withdrawal from Afghanistan
Authors: Mendelson Sarah E.
Published: July 2006

Studies explaining the end of the cold war and change in Soviet foreign policy tend to emphasize the role of the international system: decision makers “learned lessons” about the international system, and this learning brought about Soviet accommodationist policies. Such systemic and cognitive learning approaches tend, however, to mask the political and highly contingent nature of the policy changes. To understand these changes, one must explore how certain ideas got placed on the political agenda and how others were forced off.

This essay stresses the role of ideas about both the foreign and the domestic scene, as well as the role of a network of specialists that helped put these ideas on the national agenda. Ideas alone cannot explain any one outcome. They must be understood in terms of the political process by which they are selected. Ideas are more likely to be implemented and epistemic communities are more likely to be influential under three conditions: (1) access to the leadership, (2) salience of the ideas to the leadership, and (3) the ability of the leadership to control the political agenda.

One critical example of great change in foreign policy was the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. This study examines the interplay of ideas and politics over time and explains how the decision to withdraw was implemented and why it occurred when it did. It focuses on (1) the mobilization of an epistemic community before Gorbachev came to power, (2) massive personnel changes within Soviet institutions in the 1980s, and (3) the empowerment of the epistemic community once Gorbachev had consolidated his power.
Credibility, Costs, and Institutions: Cooperation on Economic Sanctions
Authors: Martin Lisa L.
Published: July 2006

The conditions under which states will cooperate to impose economic sanctions are of both theoretical and practical interest. Generally, when sanctions are used, one state takes the lead in organizing and imposing them. Other states have incentives to free ride on the “leading sender's” efforts. To gain cooperation, the leading sender uses tactical issue-linkage in the form of either threats or side payments. The success of cooperation depends on the credibility of these issue-linkages. The use of high-cost sanctions and international institutions raises the potential for high audience costs if the leading sender reneges. These policies thus indicate credible commitments. Data on ninety-nine cases of post-1945 economic sanctions show that costly measures coincide with high levels of international cooperation.
Spanish wine consumer behavior: A choice experiment approach
Authors: Mtimet Nadhem , Albisu Luis Miguel
Published: July 2006

Overall wine consumption in Spain is decreasing, while at the same time, designation of origin (DO) wine consumption is increasing gradually. This study examines Spanish DO wine consumer behavior by the use of a choice experiment technique. A main‐effects model as well as an interaction‐effects model is estimated based on four attributes: designation of origin, price, wine aging, and grape variety. Willingness‐to‐pay estimates, depending on the price segment, is derived for switching from one attribute level to another. Consumer segmentation is undertaken based on purchase frequencies. Market simulations are presented for consumer segments. Empirical results indicate the importance of the DO and the wine aging attributes on wine selection. The interaction‐effects model shows the importance of attribute interactions on consumers' choice process. Differences as well as similarities are detected among consumer segments. [EconLit citations: D120, Q120, Q130]. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 22: 343–362, 2006.
Matchmakers in wine marketing channels: The case of French wine brokers
Authors: Baritaux Virginie , Aubert Magali , Montaigne Etienne , Remaud Hervé
Published: July 2006

French wine brokers are independent matchmaker intermediaries. They help buyers and sellers of bulk wine to meet and transact. This paper aims to identify the determinants of the wine brokers' use. We use a transaction cost approach and we hypothesize that buyers and sellers use brokers because they may reduce costs associated with transactions on bulk wine. A database of contracts on bulk vins de table and vins de pays is used to estimate a logistic regression of the probability of “broker intervention.” We show that if the sellers do not belong to a cooperative production structure and if the buyers do not belong to the productive sphere it increases the recourse to brokers. Also, the extent of the production area and the potential quality variance among wine growers and the size of the contract positively influence the use of brokers. [EconLit citations: L140, L220]. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 22: 375–390, 2006.
Use of scanner data to analyze the table wine demand in the Italian major retailing trade
Authors: Torrisi Francesco , Stefani Gianluca , Seghieri Chiara
Published: July 2006

While the utilization of scanner data for food demand analyses has become increasingly popular in the United States, few food demand studies, and in particular none on table wine, have been conducted using scanner data in Italy. This paper presents a first attempt to estimate a demand system for selected brands of red tetra‐packaged, plastic packaged, and bag‐in‐box table wine using scanner data providing new and useful insights into the marketing of Italian wine. Price and expenditure elasticities of Italian red table wine demand drawn from a linear almost ideal demand system are provided. Results suggest a partially loyal market of table wine, showing a tendency to substitution across brands and a degree of competition among the leading brands. [EconLit citations: Q110, Q130]. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 22: 391–403, 2006.
Wine business practices: A new versus old wine world perspective
Authors: Remaud Hervé , Couderc Jean‐Pierre
Published: July 2006

This research investigates and compares some of the strategic choices made by small wine firms from two different New World wine producing countries, Australia and New Zealand, and one traditional wine producing region of France. This research was first conducted in 2003 in France with 98 wine firms being interviewed and then in Australia and New Zealand, with a total of 68 wine firms interviewed in 2004. In order to explain the differences in business practices, an effort to match wine sector perspectives and strategic management profiles is presented through a hierarchical cluster analysis. Some complementary explanations for the clusters found can be suggested: business practices are clearly dependent upon the business activity (bottled wine versus bulk wine), and the main goal of the owner‐manager (improving business economic performance versus increasing market share). [EconLit classification: L190, L210]. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 22: 405–416, 2006.
Toward understanding the inactivation mechanism of monooxygenase P450 BM‐3 by organic cosolvents: A molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Roccatano Danilo , Wong Tuck Seng , Schwaneberg Ulrich , Zacharias Martin
Published: July 2006

Cytochrome P450 BM‐3 from Bacillus megaterium is an extensively studied enzyme for industrial applications. A major focus of current protein engineering research is directed to improving the catalytic performance of P450 BM‐3 toward nonnatural substrates of industrial importance in the presence of organic solvents or cosolvents. For the latter reason, it is important to study the effect of organic cosolvent molecules on the structure and dynamics of the enzyme, in particular, the effect of cosolvent molecules on the active site's structure and dynamics. In this paper, we have studied, using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the F87A mutant of P450 BM‐3 in the presence of DMSO as cosolvent, to understand the role of the F87A substitution for its catalytic activity. This mutant exhibits an altered regioselectivity and substrate specificity compared with wild‐type; however, it has lower tolerance toward DMSO. The simulation results offer an explanation for the DMSO sensitivity of the F87A mutant. Our simulation results show that the F87 side chain prevents the disturbance of the water molecule bound to the heme iron by DMSO molecules. The absence of the phenyl ring in F87A mutant promotes interactions of the DMSO molecule with the heme iron resulting in water displacement by DMSO at the catalytic heme center. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 83: 467–476, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Shifting to green chemistry: the need for innovations in sustainability marketing
Authors: Iles Alastair
Published: July 2006

This article analyzes how chemical manufacturers can develop stronger business advantages for green chemistry by rethinking sustainability marketing approaches. Green chemistry is a package of technologies, design principles and tools to reduce the toxicity, resource and energy use, and pollution of chemicals. Using research into US chemical industry efforts, this article introduces green chemistry, and discusses existing weak market signals, ways to market green chemistry and key obstacles to sustainability marketing. It concludes that companies need to generate more information internally, build new relations across supply chains and provide more information externally. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Organometallic Compounds with Biological Activity: A Very Selective and Highly Potent Cellular Inhibitor for Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3
Authors: Atilla‐Gokcumen G. Ekin , Williams Douglas S. , Bregman Howard , Pagano Nicholas , Meggers Eric
Published: July 2006

A chiral second‐generation organoruthenium half‐sandwich compound is disclosed that shows a remarkable selectivity and cellular potency for the inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK‐3). The selectivity was evaluated against a panel of 57 protein kinases, in which no other kinase was inhibited to the same extent, with a selectivity window of at least tenfold to more than 1000‐fold at 100 μM ATP. Furthermore, a comparison with organic GSK‐3 inhibitors demonstrated the superior cellular activity of this ruthenium compound: wnt signaling was fully induced at concentrations down to 30 nM. For comparison, the well‐established organic GSK‐3 inhibitors 6‐bromoindirubin‐3′‐oxime (BIO) and kenpaullone activate the wnt pathway at concentrations that are higher by around 30‐fold and 100‐fold, respectively. The treatment of zebrafish embryos with the organometallic inhibitor resulted in a phenotype that is typical for the inhibition of GSK‐3. No phenotypic change was observed with the mirror‐imaged ruthenium complex. The latter does not, in fact, show any of the pharmacological properties for the inhibition of GSK‐3. Overall, these results demonstrate the potential usefulness of organometallic compounds as molecular probes in cultured cells and whole organisms.
Synaptologic and fine structural features distinguishing a subset of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons embedded in the dense intrinsic fiber network of the caudal extended amygdala
Authors: Loopuijt Louise D. , Zahm Daniel S.
Published: July 2006

Cholinergic basal forebrain neurons confined within the intrinsic connections of the extended amygdala in the caudal sublenticular region and anterior amygdaloid area (cSLR/AAA) differ from other basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in several morphological and neurochemical respects. These cSLR/AAA cholinergic neurons have been subjected to additional investigations described in this report. First, fibers traced anterogradely following injections of Phaseolus vulgaris‐leucoagglutinin in the central amygdaloid nucleus were shown to contact cSLR/AAA cholinergic neurons and dendrites. Second, these neurons were shown to be contacted by numerous GABAergic boutons with symmetric synaptic specializations. Third, the numbers of synaptic densities of morphologically characterized symmetric contacts on the somata and proximal dendrites of cSLR/AAA cholinergic neurons were shown to significantly exceed those of extra‐cSLR/AAA cholinergic neurons. Fourth, fine structural features distinguishing cSLR/AAA cholinergic neurons from other basal forebrain cholinergic neurons were revealed. Specifically, cSLR/AAA cholinergic neurons have less abundant cytoplasm and a less well‐organized system of rough endoplasmic reticulum than their counterparts in other parts of the basal forebrain. Thus, morphologically and neurochemically distinct cSLR/AAA cholinergic neurons exhibit robust proximal inhibitory inputs, of which a significant number originate in the extended amygdala, while cholinergic neurons outside this region lack a substrate for strong proximal inhibitory input. The implications of these findings for interaction of fear, anxiety, and attention are considered. J. Comp. Neurol. 498:93–111, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of a BEDT‐TTF Bipyridine Organic Donor and the First FeII Coordination Complex with a Redox‐Active Ligand
Authors: Hervé Katel , Liu Shi‐Xia , Cador Olivier , Golhen Stéphane , Le Gal Yann , Bousseksou Azzedine , Stoeckli‐Evans Helen , Decurtins Silvio , Ouahab Lahcène
Published: July 2006

The synthesis of the new ligand, BEDT‐TTF‐bipy [4,5‐ethylenedithio‐4′,5′‐(4′‐methyl‐2,2′‐dipyrid‐4‐ylethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene] is reported. The first FeII coordination complex, namely [Fe(NCS)2(BEDT‐TTF‐bipy)2]·CHCl3, with this redox‐active ligand is obtained. Magnetic measurements and Mössbauer spectroscopy revealed the coexistence of high‐spin and low‐spin FeII species with a ratio of 40:60 in this compound. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Synthesis of a New Tetrakis(2‐pyridinyl)pyrazine Complex of Gold(III) and Its Computational, Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Characterization
Authors: Bortoluzzi Marco , De Faveri Eddy , Daniele Salvatore , Pitteri Bruno
Published: July 2006

The cationic dinuclear (hydroxo)AuIII complex [Au2(OH)2(tppz)]Cl4 [tppz = 2,3,5,6‐tetrakis(2‐pyridinyl)pyrazine] was prepared by allowing the ligand tppz to react with K[AuCl4]·2H2O in refluxing methanol. Its NMR and IR spectra support the formation of a symmetric hydroxo derivative instead of the expected chloro complex. DFT B3PW91 calculations were performed with various basis sets to give better insights into the properties of the prepared complex and to compare it with the known derivative [Au(OH)(terpy)]2+ (terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine). The electrochemical behaviour of [Au2(OH)2(tppz)]Cl4 was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and it was found that two main irreversible reduction processes occurred. In particular, a four‐electron process, leading to the formation of gold(I) complex species in solution, and a two‐electron process affording metallic gold were observed. The electronicity involved in the two processes was verified by macroelectrolysis at controlled potential. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
A New Class of Chiral Phosphazene Bases: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Köhn Uwe , Schulz Martin , Schramm Andrea , Günther Wolfgang , Görls Helmar , Schenk Stephan , Anders Ernst
Published: July 2006

Chiral examples of phosphazene bases2a–cwere synthesized by treatment of (S)‐2‐(dialkylaminomethyl)pyrrolidine1a–c, derived from 5‐oxo‐(S)‐proline, with phosphorus pentachloride and subsequent addition of gaseous ammonia. The phosphazenes2a–cwere isolated as HBF4salts in high yields and fully characterized by1H,13C and31P NMR spectroscopy, various 1D and 2D NMR experiments and mass spectrometry (EI). The molecular structure and the absolute configuration of the salts2a–c·HBF4were determined by X‐ray analysis. DFT calculations indicate that2ais more basic than the Schwesinger baseP1by approximately nine pKaunits. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
In Search of Glycogen Phosphorylase Inhibitors: 5‐Substituted 3‐C‐Glucopyranosyl‐1,2,4‐oxadiazoles from β‐D‐Glucopyranosyl Cyanides upon Cyclization of O‐Acylamidoxime Intermediates
Authors: Benltifa Mahmoud , Vidal Sébastien , Fenet Bernard , Msaddek Moncef , Goekjian Peter G. , Praly Jean‐Pierre , Brunyánszki Attila , Docsa Tibor , Gergely Pál
Published: July 2006

Upon treatment with hydroxylamine‐, benzyl‐ and benzoyl‐protected β‐D‐glucopyranosyl cyanides efficiently afforded the corresponding amidoximes. They reacted by O‐acylation in the presence of carboxylic acids or acyl chlorides to provide benzyl‐ and benzoyl‐protected O‐acylamidoximes. The latter were isolated and fully characterized. Thermal cyclization of O‐acylamidoximes yielded the corresponding 5‐substituted 3‐C‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐1,2,4‐oxadiazoles, either in a “one‐pot” procedure (benzylated series), or in two steps (benzoylated series). The twelve 5‐substituted 1,2,4‐oxadiazoles obtained upon debenzoylation were assayed against glycogen phosphorylase (GP). 3‐C‐(β‐D‐Glucopyranosyl)‐5‐(2‐naphthyl)‐1,2,4‐oxadiazole was the best inhibitor of rabbit muscle glycogen phosphorylase b (Ki = 38.4 ±3.0 μM). (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Solid‐Supported Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Tripodal Peptides with Flexible but Preorganized Geometry: Towards Potential Serine Protease Mimics
Authors: Gea An , Farcy Nadia , Roqué i Rossell Núria , Martins José C. , De Clercq Pierre J. , Madder Annemieke
Published: July 2006

Tripodal scaffold 1 has been used in the synthesis of a representative member of a library of serine protease mimics, possessing three independent functionalized peptide chains on a central core. Each peptide chain contains one residue of the classical catalytic triad (serine, histidine and aspartate) found in the active site of the serine protease α‐chymotrypsin. A particular feature of the novel tripodal design is its essentially flexible yet preorganized structure as deduced from molecular modeling studies. The choice of suitable scaffold and side‐chain protecting groups was intensively studied and optimized to ensure complete orthogonality. Inclusion of a photolabile linker enabled the release of intermediates and final structures from the solid‐support polymer allowing positive evaluation of the present strategy for the synthesis of future tripodal libraries of serine protease mimics.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Development of Synthetic Strategies for the Construction of Pyrido[4,3‐d]pyrimidine Libraries – the Discovery of a New Class of PDE‐4 Inhibitors
Authors: Jang Mi‐Yeon , De Jonghe Steven , Gao Ling‐Jie , Rozenski Jef , Herdewijn Piet
Published: July 2006

The synthesis of a pyrido[4,3‐d]pyrimidine library from 4,6‐diamino‐2‐bromonicotinamide and 4,6‐diaminonicotinamide is described. A systematic variation of the substituents at positions 2, 4, 5 and 7 of the pyrido[4,3‐d]pyrimidine scaffold was carried out, leading to a wide variety of structural analogues. This strategy led to the discovery of a new structural class of PDE‐4 inhibitors. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
A complexomic study of Escherichia coli using two‐dimensional blue native/SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
Authors: Lasserre Jean‐Paul , Beyne Emmanuelle , Pyndiah Slovénie , Lapaillerie Delphine , Claverol Stéphane , Bonneu Marc
Published: July 2006

Study of the complexome – all the protein complexes of the cell – is essential for a better understanding and more global vision of cell function. Using two‐dimensional blue native/SDS‐PAGE (2‐D BN/SDS‐PAGE) technology, the cytosolic and membrane protein complexes of Escherichia coli were separated. Then, the different partners of each protein complex were identified by LC‐MS/MS. In this report, 306 protein complexes were separated and identified. Among these protein complexes, 50 heteromultimeric and 256 homomultimeric protein complexes were found. Among the 50 heteromultimeric protein complexes, 18 previously described protein complexes validate the technology. In this study, 109 new protein complexes were found, providing insight into the function of previously uncharacterized bacterial proteins.
Electrophoresis of a toroid along the axis of a cylindrical pore
Authors: Hsu Jyh‐Ping , Kuo Chao‐Chung , Ku Ming‐Hong
Published: July 2006

The electrophoresis of a toroid (doughnut‐shaped entity) along the axis of a long cylindrical pore is analyzed under the conditions of low surface potential and weak applied electric field. The system under consideration is capable of modeling the electrophoretic behavior of various types of biocolloid such as bacterial DNA, plasmid DNA, and anabaenopsis, in a confined space. The influences of the key parameters of the problem, including the sizes of a toroid, the radius of a pore, and the thickness of the double layer, on the electrophoretic mobility of a toroid are discussed. We show that the electrophoretic behavior of a toroid under typical conditions can be different from that of an integrated entity. For instance, although the presence of the pore wall has the effect of retarding the movement of a particle, it becomes advantageous if a toroid is sufficiently close to the boundary. Several interesting behaviors are also observed, for example, the mobility of a toroid when the boundary effect is significant can be larger than that when it is insignificant.
Age‐ versus time‐comparative self‐rated health in Hong Kong Chinese older adults
Authors: Li Zhi Bin , Lam Tai Hing , Ho Sai Yin , Chan Wai Man , Ho Kin Sang , Li Mun Pik , Leung Gabriel M , Fielding Richard
Published: July 2006

Objectives

The main objectives were to examine the relation between age‐comparative (self vs others of same age) self‐rated health (SRH) and time‐comparative (self this year vs last year) SRH, and to evaluate which was more strongly associated with specific physical health problems.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data on two SRH measures and various physical health problems from 18749 male and 37413 female clients aged 65 or over from 18 Elderly Health Centres in Hong Kong were analysed using logistic regression with adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

Men were more likely to report ‘better’ and less likely to report ‘worse’ SRH than women. ‘Normal’ was the most common option but the proportions choosing this decreased with age on both SRH measures. There was a fairly weak but statistically significant correlation between these two measures, with Kappa coefficients of 0.125 and 0.167 for men and women, respectively. For both men and women, there were significantly positive linear trends between age‐comparative SRH options from ‘better’ to ‘worse’ and physical health problems, such as respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, any active chronic diseases, functional disability, depressive symptoms, taking medication regularly, and admission to hospital last year. However, for time‐comparative SRH, those who rated ‘normal’ had the smallest odds ratios in all of the physical health problems above than those who rated ‘better’ or ‘worse’.

Conclusions

The two SRH measures correlated with each other weakly but significantly. Age‐comparative SRH was linearly, and time‐comparative SRH was curvilinearly associated with physical health problems. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Falls of the elderly are associated with burden of caregivers in the community
Authors: Kuzuya Masafumi , Masuda Yuichiro , Hirakawa Yoshihisa , Iwata Mitsunaga , Enoki Hiromi , Hasegawa Jun , Izawa Sachiko , Iguchi Akihisa
Published: July 2006

Background

Little attention has been paid to the impact on caregivers who provide care to a family member who has falls. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether falls of care recipients are associated with caregivers' burden.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 1874 community‐dwelling care recipients and 1478 caregivers was conducted. We examined the characteristics of care recipients and caregivers, including demographic characteristics, depressive mood as assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15), the basic activities of daily living (bADL), fall history in the past 6 months, and physician‐diagnosed chronic diseases to determine whether there was an association with caregivers' burden as assessed by the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI).

Results

A total of 567 care recipients (30.3%) had a history of falls in the past 6 months. The mean ZBI score of caregivers with falls was significantly higher than that of caregivers without falls. There were negative correlations between the ZBI score and recipient bADL score and positive correlations between the ZBI score and GDS‐15 scores of the recipient and caregiver, the level of severity of dementia, and the Charlson comorbidity index. Male recipient, fall history, behavioral disturbance, and dementia had significantly higher ZBI scores than those of controls. The stepwise multiple regression analyses found that the GDS‐15 score of caregivers and recipients, level of severity of dementia, bADL score, and fall history were independently associated with the ZBI score.

Conclusion

Among the community‐dwelling frail elderly, falls are associated with caregiver burden even when controlling for various possible confounding factors. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microcontact printing of laminin on oxygen plasma activated substrates for the alignment and growth of Schwann cells
Authors: Wang De‐Yao , Huang Yi‐Cheng , Chiang Hongsen , Wo Andrew M. , Huang Yi‐You
Published: July 2006

Microenvironment mimicking biological situation is a vital issue in tissue regeneration. With much progress being made, one of the major challenges remains to develop a convenient method to fabricate the scaffold microenvironment suitable for cell attachment and proliferation. This article demonstrates the efficacy of microcontact printed laminin, an extracellular matrix protein, on three different oxygen plasma treatment substrates—tissue culture polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate) films, and chitosan films—for alignment and growth of the Schwann cells in in vitro culturing. Replica molding of polydimethylsiloxane elastomeric stamps, fabricated from patterned SU‐8 structure on silicon master, was used to print laminin on the three substrates. Pattern and growth of Schwann cells for low (103 cells/cm2) and increased cell density (2 × 104 cells/cm2) on the varied substrates with and without microcontact printed laminin were characterized. Results of in vitro cell culture of Schwann cells showed a high degree of cell orientation on the laminin‐micropatterned substrates for both cell densities. However, different cell seeding densities will strongly impact the morphology and orientation of Schwann cells. Microcontact printing proves to be a convenient means to pattern cell‐recognition molecules on scaffold for cell‐guilded growth in tissue regeneration. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
ETR‐3 represses Tau exons 2/3 inclusion, a splicing event abnormally enhanced in myotonic dystrophy type I
Authors: Leroy Olivier , Dhaenens Claire‐Marie , Schraen‐Maschke Suzanna , Belarbi Karim , Delacourte André , Andreadis Athena , Sablonnière Bernard , Buée Luc , Sergeant Nicolas , Caillet‐Boudin Marie‐Laure
Published: July 2006

Altered splicing of transcripts, including the insulin receptor (IR) and the cardiac troponin (cTNT), is a key feature of myotonic dystrophy type I (DM1). CELF and MBNL splicing factor members regulate the splicing of those transcripts. We have previously described an alteration of Tau exon 2 splicing in DM1 brain, resulting in the favored exclusion of exon 2. However, the factors required for alternative splicing of Tau exon 2 remain undetermined. Here we report a decreased expression of CELF family member and MBNL transcripts in DM1 brains as assessed by RT‐PCR. By using cellular models with a control‐ or DM1‐like splicing pattern of Tau transcripts, we demonstrate that ETR‐3 promotes selectively the exclusion of Tau exon 2. These results together with the analysis of Tau exon 6 and IR exon 11 splicing in brain, muscle, and cell models suggest that DM1 splicing alteration of several transcripts involves various factors. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neutralization of the chemokine CXCL10 reduces apoptosis and increases axon sprouting after spinal cord injury
Authors: Glaser Janette , Gonzalez Rafael , Sadr Ellika , Keirstead Hans S.
Published: July 2006

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is followed by a secondary degenerative process that includes cell death. We have previously demonstrated that the chemokine CXCL10 is up‐regulated following SCI and plays a critical role in T‐lymphocyte recruitment to sites of injury and inhibition of angiogenesis; antibody‐mediated functional blockade of CXCL10 reduced inflammation while enhancing angiogenesis. We hypothesized, based on these findings, that the injury environment established by anti‐CXCL10 antibody treatment would support greater survival of neurons and enhance axon sprouting compared with the untreated, injured spinal cord. Here, we document gene array and histopathological data to support our hypothesis. Gene array analysis of treated and untreated tissue from spinal cord‐injured animals revealed eight apoptosis‐related genes with significant expression changes at 3 days postinjury. In support of these data, quantification of TUNEL‐positive cells at 3 days postinjury indicated a 75% reduction in the number of dying cells in treated animals compared with untreated animals. Gene array analysis of treated and untreated tissue also revealed six central nervous system growth‐related genes with significant expression changes in the brainstem at 14 days postinjury. In support of these data, quantification of anterograde‐labeled corticospinal tract fibers indicated a 60–70% increase in axon sprouting caudal to the injury site in treated animals compared with untreated animals. These findings indicate that anti‐CXCL10 antibody treatment provides an environment that reduces apoptosis and increases axon sprouting following injury to the adult spinal cord. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Matrix metalloproteinase‐3 expression profile differentiates adaptive and maladaptive synaptic plasticity induced by traumatic brain injury
Authors: Falo M.C. , Fillmore H.L. , Reeves T.M. , Phillips L.L.
Published: July 2006

The interaction between extracellular matrix (ECM) and regulatory matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is important in establishing and maintaining synaptic connectivity. By using fluid percussion traumatic brain injury (TBI) and combined TBI and bilateral entorhinal cortical lesion (TBI + BEC), we previously demonstrated that hippocampal stromelysin‐1 (MMP‐3) expression and activity increased during synaptic plasticity. We now report a temporal analysis of MMP‐3 protein and mRNA response to TBI during both degenerative (2 day) and regenerative (7, 15 day) phases of reactive synaptogenesis. MMP‐3 expression during successful synaptic reorganization (following unilateral entorhinal cortical lesion; UEC) was compared with MMP‐3 expression when normal synaptogenesis fails (after combined TBI + BEC insult). Increased expression of MMP‐3 protein and message was observed in both models at 2 days postinjury, and immuohistochemical (IHC) colocalization suggested that reactive astrocytes contribute to that increase. By 7 days postinjury, model differences in MMP‐3 were observed. UEC MMP‐3 mRNA was equivalent to control, and MMP‐3 protein was reduced within the deafferented region. In contrast, enzyme mRNA remained elevated in the maladaptive TBI + BEC model, accompanied by persistent cellular labeling of MMP‐3 protein. At 15 days survival, MMP‐3 mRNA was normalized in each model, but enzyme protein remained higher than paired controls. When TBI + BEC recovery was enhanced by the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate antagonist MK‐801, 7‐day MMP‐3 mRNA was significantly reduced. Similarly, MMP inhibition with FN‐439 reduced the persistent spatial learning deficits associated with TBI + BEC insult. These results suggest that MMP‐3 might differentially affect the sequential phases of reactive synaptogenesis and exhibit an altered pattern when recovery is perturbed. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Myotonic dystrophy expanded CUG repeats disturb the expression and phosphorylation of τ in PC12 cells
Authors: Hernández‐Hernández Oscar , Bermúdez‐de‐León Mario , Gómez Pablo , Velázquez‐Bernardino Prisiliana , García‐Sierra Francisco , Cisneros Bulmaro
Published: July 2006

Mental retardation is a main feature of the congenital form of myotonic dystrophy (DM1), however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the central nervous system symptoms of DM1 are poorly understood. We have established a PC12 cell line‐based model expressing the DM1 expanded CUG repeats (CTG90 cells) to analyze the effects of this mutation on neuronal functions. Previously, we have reported that CTG90 cells displayed impaired NGF‐induced neuronal differentiation. Because disruption of normal expression of the microtubule associated protein τ and neuronal aggregates of hyperphosphorylated τ have been associated with DM1, this study analyzes the behavior of τ in the CTG90 cells. Several alterations of τ were observed in the PC12 cells that express expanded CUG repeats, including a subtle but reproducible reduction in the expression of the τ mRNA splicing isoform containing exon 10, decreased expression of τ and hyperphosphorylation of both τ and high molecular weight τ as well as abnormal nuclear localization of τ phosphorylated at Ser396/404. Interestingly, phosphorylation regulates negatively the activity of τ as microtubule‐associated protein. In addition, impaired activity of the Akt/GSK3β pathway, which phosphorylates τ, was also identified in the CTG90 cells. Besides τ phosphorylation, the Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway regulates other key processes of PC12 cells, such as apoptosis and neuronal differentiation. Our results indicate that defective neuronal differentiation exhibited by the PC12 cells expressing expanded CUG repeats could be the result of combinatory effects derived from the altered behavior of τ and the impaired activation of the Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of Myh9 in the mammalian cochlea: Localization within the stereocilia
Authors: Mhatre Anand N. , Li Yan , Atkin Graham , Maghnouj Abdel , Lalwani Anil K.
Published: July 2006

Mutations of non‐muscle myosin Type IIA or MYH9 are linked to syndromic or nonsyndromic hearing loss. The biologic function of MYH9 in the auditory organ and the pathophysiology of its dysfunction remain to be determined. The mouse represents an excellent model for investigating the biologic role of MYH9 in the cells and tissues affected by its dysfunction. A primary step toward the understanding of the role of MYH9 in hearing and its dysfunction is the documentation of its cellular and sub‐cellular localization within the cochlea, the auditory organ. We describe the localization of Myh9 within the mouse cochlea using a polyclonal anti‐Myh9‐antibody, generated against an 18 amino acid long peptide corresponding to the sequence at the C‐terminus of mouse Myh9. The anti‐Myh9 antibody identified a single, specific, immunoreactive band of 220 kDa in immunoblot analysis of homogenate from a variety of different mouse tissues. The Myh9 antibody cross‐reacts with the rat but not the human orthologue. Myh9 is expressed predominantly within the spiral ligament as well as in the sensory hair cells of the organ of Corti. Confocal microscopy of cochlear surface preparations, identified Myh9 within the inner and outer hair cells and their stereocilia. Localization of Myh9 within the stereocilia raises the possibility that mutations of MYH9 may effect hearing loss though disruption of the stereocilia structure. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diagnosis of gastrointestinal graft‐versus‐host disease—Is rectal biopsy enough?
Authors: Nydegger Andreas , Catto‐Smith Anthony Graeme , Tiedemann Karin , Hardikar Winita
Published: July 2006

Background

Graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The clinical diagnosis of gastrointestinal GVHD can be difficult to establish and endoscopic diagnosis entails a procedural risk. The aim of this study was to determine whether rectal biopsy alone might be sufficient to establish or exclude the diagnosis of intestinal GVHD.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of children with histological evidence of gastrointestinal GVHD after allogeneic BMT at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, between January 1981 and July 2004.

Results

During the study period, 264 patients received allogeneic BMT. Thirty‐three had either an upper or lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, or both. Of these, 14 (8 M: 6 F, mean age 9 years 5 months at the time of BMT) had histological features suggestive of GVHD in at least one gastrointestinal biopsy. Overall, 9 of 14 could have been diagnosed with GVHD on the basis of rectal biopsies alone (negative predictive value: 64%). Gastroscopy was needed to establish the diagnosis in a further five patients. Multiple biopsies obtained from each site in the lower gastrointestinal tract showed similar histological findings, but there was frequent non‐agreement between biopsies obtained at differing sites within the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Conclusions

Based on these results, we suggest that regardless of symptoms, rectal biopsy should initially be performed to identify gastrointestinal GVHD. Gastroscopy should be added only if the rectal biopsy is unhelpful and there is still good reason to suspect GVHD. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:561–566. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of molding conditions on transcription molding of microscale prism patterns using ultra‐high‐speed injection molding
Authors: Yokoi H. , Han X. , Takahashi T. , Kim W.K.
Published: July 2006

In this study, we performed a series of molding tests to investigate the potential of microscale transcription of polymer by ultra‐high‐speed injection molding (UHSIM). During the tests, the injection speed was varied up to a maximum of 995 mm/s. Polymethyl methacrylate was molded under various injection molding conditions, including cavity vacuum pumping process, so as to replicate an electroformed nickel stamper exhibiting V‐grooves with a pitch of 50 μm. Surface configurations of molded samples were observed and measured using a laser scanning microscope. The transcription ratio (TR) is defined as the ratio of the depths of V‐grooves in both the molded samples and the stamper. An excellent average TR of 0.97 was performed when molding at an injection rate of 800 cm3/s (injection speed of 995 mm/s), mold temperature of 80°C, and holding pressure of 120 MPa. In addition, the effect of vacuum on transcription molding was investigated in detail; the result proved that vacuum is an important factor in the enhancement of transcription fidelity. The strong influence of injection rate on the TR indicates the applicability of UHSIM to the field of transcription molding of polymers. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:1140–1146, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers.