bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring business transformation at a small manufacturing enterprise in the UK
Authors: Tennant Charles
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to validate the applicability of Strategic Quality Management (SQM) methods at a UK based manufacturing Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) for changing the organisational culture and improving the business performance results.

Design/methodology/approach

Action research was conducted in the form of a single company case study where an existing SQM methodology (Hoshin Kanri) was adapted and applied at the company.

Findings

The paper finds that this application of Hoshin Kanri is particularly innovative, as Western applications of this Japanese approach at SMEs are few as reported in the academic literature. This achievement represents a significant delivery of a cultural transformation to achieve business transformation by adopting a holistic performance measurement methodology.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has limitations due to the single case study approach and possible influence of the researchers during the application. Further applications at other SME companies are required to verify the significant findings.

Practical implications

The discussion and conclusions from this paper are practical and have business relevance to both manufacturing and service sector organisations.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on UK industry, and is of value to both academics and practising managers at an international level.
Consumer responses to direct to consumer prescription drug advertising
Authors: Chen Hai D.B. , Carroll Norman V.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the types of patients most likely to visit physicians in response to direct to consumer prescription drug advertising (DTCA).

Design/methodology/approach

The study used data from a national telephone survey, “Public Health Impact of Direct‐to‐Consumer Advertising of Prescription Drugs, July 2001‐January 2002: [United States].” It included data on respondents' health status and utilization, experience with DTCA, demographic and socio‐economic information, and three types of DTCA‐prompted physician visits: visits to discuss a prescription drug, a new health condition, or a change in treatment. A conceptual model was developed to identify consumers most likely to respond to DTCA by visiting a physician.

Findings

Five variables were related to all three types of visits. The most important were viewing media as the most important source, prompting one to talk with a physician and believing that DTCA improved discussion with health professionals. Believing that DTCA increased awareness of new treatments was less important, followed by having anxiety, then having arthritis. Taking medications regularly, having allergies, getting information from pamphlets in physicians' offices, and getting information from TV or radio advertisements were related to two types of visits.

Research limitations/implications

Patients having positive beliefs about DTCA, preferring media information sources, and more susceptible to diseases treatable with prescription drugs were more likely to respond to DTCA by visiting physicians.

Originality/value

The study advances the literature on DTCA by examining a range of DTCA‐prompted physician visit behaviors using a conceptual model that has not previously been applied to DTCA.
Dietary selection of L’Hoest monkeys in Kalinzu forest reserve, southwestern Uganda
Authors: Tolo C. U. , Baranga J. , Kagoro‐Rugunda Grace
Published: November 2007

Reports on patterns of dietary selection of forest guenons tend to be general and often classify Cercopithecus l’hoesti as a frugivores–folivores species just like the other guenons, and to date there has been no systematic investigation into the inventory of the species’ food items in the remaining forest fragments to guide major conservation and management decisions. Here we report on the L’Hoest monkeys’ main food species and how the selection of these foods varies among different age groups of the troop in Kalinzu Forest, Uganda for a period of 12 months. Behavioural observations were determined using scan samples [Behaviour, 49 (1974) 227]. Two hypotheses were evaluated in this study. Results indicate that individuals of different age groups have the ability to select a variety of both plant and invertebrate food items in the vicinity to supplement their diets. There was no significant difference in dietary selection between different age groups of L’Hoest monkey for a particular food type (ANOVA: Column analysis, F3,84 = 1.541337, P = 0.209827). However, significant difference was realized in dietary selection of the different food types by a particular age group (ANOVA: F22,46 = 40.86429, P = 3.69 × 10−23). Selective predation pressure against the infants and juveniles by Stephanoaetus coronatus was believed to be one of the likely reasons why infants and juveniles least exposed themselves in the trees feeding on fruits of Musanga leo‐errerae and Ficus spp. Invertebrate feeding was found to constitute high percentage (47.2%) of the species diet and plant materials comprised (52.8%) than previously reported in other study sites. These data provide potentially useful insight on the feeding ecology of the little studied C. l’hoesti and can provide baseline information on conservation of its food items in the remaining forests.
Oestrogen mediates the growth of human thyroid carcinoma cells via an oestrogen receptor – ERK pathway
Authors: Zeng Q. , Chen G. G. , Vlantis A. C. , Van Hasselt C. A.
Published: November 2007

Abstract.  Objectives: Although thyroid cancer occurs much more frequently in females, the role of sex hormones in thyroid carcinogenesis is unknown. In this study, it has been investigated how 17β‐oestradiol (E2) influenced proliferation and growth of thyroid cancer cells. Materials and Methods: Cell proliferation and its related molecules were examined in thyroid papillary carcinoma cells (KAT5), follicular thyroid carcinoma cells (FRO) and anaplastic carcinoma cells (ARO). Levels of oestrogen receptor (ER) α and β were regulated by their agonists (PPT and DPN), antagonists and siRNA. Results: E2 promoted cell proliferation. Such an effect was positively related to ERα but negatively to ERβ; PPT enhanced cell proliferation while DPN inhibited it. PPT increased Bcl‐2 expression while DPN decreased it. DPN also elevated Bax expression. PPT elevated the level of phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2), suggesting a positive role of ERK1/2 in E2‐induced cell proliferation. Knockdown of ERα significantly attenuated E2‐mediated Bcl‐2 and pERK1/2 expression. In contrast, knockdown of ERβ markedly enhanced them. Conclusions: Oestrogen stimulates proliferation of thyroid cancer cells, associated with increase in Bcl‐2 and decrease in Bax levels in an ERK1/2‐related pathway. Imbalance between ERα and ERβ may contribute to thyroid carcinogenesis.
Renal differentiation of amniotic fluid stem cells
Authors: Perin L. , Giuliani S. , Jin D. , Sedrakyan S. , Carraro G. , Habibian R. , Warburton D. , Atala A. , De Filippo R. E.
Published: November 2007

Abstract.  Objectives: The role of stem cells in regenerative medicine is evolving rapidly. Here, we describe the application, for kidney regeneration, of a novel non‐genetically modified stem cell, derived from human amniotic fluid. We show that these pluripotent cells can develop and differentiate into de novo kidney structures during organogenesis in vitro. Materials and methods: Human amniotic fluid‐derived stem cells (hAFSCs) were isolated from human male amniotic fluid obtained between 12 and 18 weeks gestation. Green fluorescent protein and Lac‐Z‐transfected hAFSCs were microinjected into murine embryonic kidneys (12.5–18 days gestation) and were maintained in a special co‐culture system in vitro for 10 days. Techniques of live microscopy, histology, chromogenic in situ hybridization and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction were used to characterize the hAFSCs during their integration and differentiation in concert with the growing organ. Results: Green fluorescent protein and Lac‐Z‐transfected hAFSCs demonstrated long‐term viability in organ culture. Histological analysis of injected kidneys revealed that hAFSCs were capable of contributing to the development of primordial kidney structures including renal vesicle, C‐ and S‐shaped bodies. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction confirmed expression of early kidney markers for: zona occludens‐1, glial‐derived neurotrophic factor and claudin. Conclusions: Human amniotic fluid‐derived stem cells may represent a potentially limitless source of ethically neutral, unmodified pluripotential cells for kidney regeneration.
Inhibition of NF‐κB activation by the histone deacetylase inhibitor 4‐Me2N‐BAVAH induces an early G1 cell cycle arrest in primary hepatocytes
Authors: Papeleu P. , Wullaert A. , Elaut G. , Henkens T. , Vinken M. , Laus G. , Tourwé D. , Beyaert R. , Rogiers V. , Vanhaecke T.
Published: November 2007

The authors would like to draw the readers’ attention to the fact that in the above article, an incorrect version of Table 1 was published. The correct version of Table 1 is printed below:
Two‐dimensional inversion of magnetotelluric data with consecutive use of conjugate gradient and least‐squares solution with singular value decomposition algorithms
Authors: Candansayar M. Emin
Published: November 2007

I investigated the two‐dimensional magnetotelluric data inversion algorithms in studying two significant aspects within a linearized inversion approach. The first one is the method of minimization and second one is the type of stabilizing functional used in parametric functionals. The results of two well‐known inversion algorithms, namely conjugate gradient and the least‐squares solution with singular value decomposition, were compared in terms of accuracy and CPU time. In addition, magnetotelluric data inversion with various stabilizers, such as L2‐norm, smoothing, minimum support, minimum gradient support and first‐order minimum entropy, were examined.

A new inversion algorithm named least‐squares solution with singular value decomposition and conjugate gradient is suggested in seeing the outcomes of the comparisons carried out on least‐squares solutions with singular value decomposition and conjugate gradient algorithms subject to a variety of stabilizers. Inversion results of synthetic data showed that the newly suggested algorithm yields better results than those of the individual implementations of conjugate gradient and least‐squares solution with singular value decomposition algorithms. The suggested algorithm and the above‐mentioned algorithms inversion results for the field data collected along a line crossing the North Anatolian Fault zone were also compared each other and results are discussed.
A hormone map of human immune cells showing the presence of adrenocorticotropic hormone, triiodothyronine and endorphin in immunophenotyped white blood cells
Authors: Pállinger Éva , Csaba György
Published: November 2007

The amounts of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), endorphin and triiodothyronine (T3) in twenty‐six blood samples from men and women who were healthy or had non‐haematological diseases were determined by flow cytometry. Lymphocytes were immunophenotyped using monoclonal antibodies against cell surface antigens, and monocytes and granulocytes were separated by their size and granularity (using forward‐scatter versus side‐scatter dot plots). Each hormone was found in each cell type. The hormone content of lymphocytes was balanced, but the concentration of ACTH was significantly lower in activated T cells, that of endorphin was significantly lower in natural killer (NK) cells, and that of T3 was lower in both cell types compared with values for all lymphocytes. Monocytes and granulocytes contained very significantly more hormones than lymphocytes or monocytes. The concentration of endorphin was an order of magnitude higher in granulocytes than in monocytes or lymphocytes, reflecting the pain‐relieving role of granulocytes during inflammation. Compared with monocytes, in granulocytes there was a higher concentration of ACTH and a lower concentration of T3, which suggests selective hormone production by these cells.
The effects of forest fragmentation on bee communities in tropical countryside
Authors: Brosi Berry J. , Daily Gretchen C. , Shih Tiffany M. , Oviedo Federico , Durán Guillermo
Published: November 2007

Despite ongoing concerns and controversy over a putative ‘global pollination crisis’ there is little information on the response of bees, the most important group of pollinators, to land‐use change. In particular, there are no published studies of the effects of tropical forest fragmentation on entire bee communities.

We examined bee community responses to forest fragment size, shape, isolation and landscape context (forest variables) by sampling foraging bees at ground level using aerial netting within, and in pastures adjacent to, 22 forest fragments ranging in area from c. 0·25 ha to 230 ha, in southern Costa Rica. We sampled each site 13 times in total, in both wet and dry seasons.

Although there were no effects of forest variables on bee diversity and abundance, we did find strong changes in bee community composition. In particular, tree‐nesting meliponines (social stingless bees) were associated with larger fragments, smaller edge:area ratios and greater proportions of forest surrounding sample points, while introduced Apis showed opposite patterns.

Community composition was also strikingly different between forests and pastures, despite their spatial proximity. In forests, even in the smallest patches, meliponines comprised a much larger proportion of the apifauna, and orchid bees (euglossines) were common. In pastures, Apis was much more abundant and no euglossine bees were found.

These results agree broadly with other studies that have found contrasting responses to habitat fragmentation from different bee groups. Conserving meliponine bees, important for pollination of coffee and other crops, and euglossine bees, critical in long‐distance pollen transport, will require forest.

Synthesis and applications. In the first study of the effects of tropical forest fragmentation on entire understorey bee assemblages, we found bee community resilience to land‐use change, as deforested sites and small forest fragments can have a diverse component of bees. While bees as a whole show some degree of resilience to land‐use change, there are taxon‐specific responses and, in our study area, there is clear value to conserving native forest, particularly for the ecologically and economically important meliponine and euglossine bees.
IL2 and TNFA Gene Polymorphisms and the Risk of Graft‐versus‐Host Disease after Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Viel D. O. , Tsuneto L. T. , Sossai C. R. , Lieber S. R. , Marques S. B. D. , Vigorito A. C. , Aranha F. J. P. , De Brito Eid K. A. , Oliveira G. B. , Miranda E. C. M. , De Souza C. A. , Visentainer J. E. L.
Published: November 2007

This study aimed to analyse the association of gene polymorphisms with the outcome of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We studied 122 donor/recipient pairs who received HLA‐identical transplants from siblings at the Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Brazil, between June 1996 and June 2006. Donor/recipient alleles for TNFA−238 and IL2−330/+166 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were analysed by PCR‐SSP. No association was observed between the risk of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) and these SNP. However, our findings suggest that the polymorphism of promoter gene TNFA−238GA is associated with the occurrence and severity of chronic GVHD. The probability of chronic GVHD in patients with GA genotype at position −238 of TNFA gene is 91.7% in contrast to 59.4% in patients with GG genotype (P = 0.038). In patients with donor GA genotype the probability of chronic GVHD is 90.8%, and 57.9% in patients with donor GG genotype (P = 0.038). The probability of extensive chronic GVHD in patients with TNFA−238GA is 91.7% compared with 46.3% in patients with TNFA−238GG (P = 0.0046). In patients with donor GA genotype at position −238 of the TNFA gene, it is 81.7%, compared with 44.5% in patients with donor GG genotype (P = 0.016). However, further studies with more patients are required to identify cytokine gene polymorphisms and their association with transplant‐related complication in Brazil, particularly due to ethnic background, the relatively low power of detection of genetic markers of this study, and the complexity of the MHC region.
17β‐Estradiol Expands IgA‐Producing B Cells in Mice Deficient for the μ Chain
Authors: Lagerquist M. K. , Erlandsson M. C. , Islander U. , Svensson L. , Holmdahl R. , Carlsten H.
Published: November 2007

Oestrogen is not only a sex hormone but also an important regulator of the immune system. Expression of the heavy chain of IgM (μ) is essential for B‐cell differentiation. However, a small number of IgA‐positive B cells can be found in mice lacking the μ chain (μMT−/−). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of oestrogen on this alternative B‐cell pathway in μMT−/− mice. Our results clearly demonstrate that oestrogen increases the frequency of IgA‐producing B cells in μMT−/− mice in both bone marrow and spleen cells. We also show that mature IgM‐producing B cells are not required for oestrogen‐mediated suppression of granulocyte‐mediated inflammation or thymic involution. In conclusion, we demonstrate that 17β‐estradiol benzoate increases the frequency of IgA‐producing B cells in μMT−/− mice, suggesting that oestrogen can influence the alternative B‐cell pathway found in μMT−/− mice.
Expression of Mast Cell Tryptases in Hodgkin and Reed‐Sternberg (HRS) Cells
Authors: Carvalho Ricardo F. S. , Mahshid Yilmaz , Claesson Hans‐Erik , Glimelius Ingrid , Fischer Marie , Nilsson Gunnar
Published: November 2007

Tryptase is the most abundant protease in human mast cells, and is often used as a marker for the enumeration of mast cells in tissue. Here we report that tumour cells from Hodgkin lymphoma, the so called Hodgkin and Reed‐Sternberg cells, can express tryptase. Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines expressed mRNA for both α‐ and β‐tryptase and also produced the protein, although at much lower concentrations than mast cells. However, the frequency of tryptase positive HRS‐cells in situ was very low. This report demonstrates that tumour cells of lymphoid origin can express tryptase in vitro and in situ.
A geometric morphometric appraisal of beak shape in Darwin’s finches
Authors: FOSTER D. J. , PODOS J. , HENDRY A. P.
Published: November 2007

Beak size and shape in Darwin’s finches have traditionally been quantified using a few univariate measurements (length, depth, width). Here we show the improved inferential resolution of geometric morphometric methods, as applied to three hierarchical levels: (i) among seven species on Santa Cruz Island, (ii) among different sites on Santa Cruz for a single species (Geospiza fortis), and (iii) between large and small beak size morphs ofG. fortisat one site (El Garrapatero). Our results support previous studies in finding an axis of shape variation (long/shallow/pointy vs. short/deep/blunt) that separates many of the species. We also detect additional differences among species in the relative sizes and positions of the upper and lower mandibles and in curvature of the mandibles. Small‐scale, but potentially relevant, shape variation was also detected amongG. fortisfrom different sites and between sympatric beak size morphs. These results suggest that adaptation to different resources might contribute to diversification on a single island.
Treatment default among urban tuberculosis patients, Thailand
Authors: Jittimanee Sirinapha X , Madigan Elizabeth A , Jittimanee Suksont , Nontasood Chonkanok
Published: November 2007

Tuberculosis treatment default, missing medical appointments for two consecutive months or more, is a serious problem not only for individuals but also for societies and health‐care systems. Most research focuses only on patient factors without considering health‐care system factors' effects on treatment default. The study purpose was to examine the influence of process of care on treatment default. Structured interviews and medical chart reviews were conducted in 160 tuberculosis patients receiving care at a tertiary hospital in Thailand. The samples included 54 patients with treatment default and 106 patients with treatment completion. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to examine relationships among the variables. After adjusting for patient factors, having severe medication side‐effect and travel time to clinic increased treatment default. The patient factor of being paid on a daily basis was also significantly associated with treatment default. Evidence indicates that some process of care factors influence treatment default. Findings can be applied to practice levels to maintain patients until treatment completion.
Teenagers with diabetes: Self‐management education and training on a big schooner
Authors: Viklund Gunnel E , Rudberg Susanne , Wikblad K F
Published: November 2007

The aims of this study are to evaluate whether diabetic teenagers participating in a group educational programme, ‘the schooner programme’, differ from non‐participants in attitudes towards diabetes and self‐care, and to evaluate the impact on the attitudes, HbA1c and treatment of the programme. Ninety teenagers aged 14–18 years attended the programme. Attitudes towards diabetes and self‐care were measured with a validated questionnaire. Medical data were collected from the medical records. The participants reported more positive attitudes towards diabetes and self‐care and more frequent contacts with others with diabetes monitored blood glucose more often and felt less disturbed by diabetes than non‐participants. The programme had positive impact on attitudes towards diabetes. There was no change in HbA1c, but the use of insulin pumps was more frequent among participants after the programme. To get teenagers attracted to group education, the diabetes care team needs to influence them towards more positive attitudes.
Cortical ependymoma or monomorphous angiocentric glioma?
Authors: Lum Dennis J. , Halliday William , Watson Michael , Smith Andrew , Law Andrew
Published: November 2007

Ependymoma is the third most common childhood intracranial tumor after medulloblastoma and pilocytic astrocytoma. Most ependymomas occur in the posterior fossa and spinal cord but only five cases confined to the cerebral cortex have been reported. The current case is a 5‐year‐old boy with a somewhat ill‐defined cortical tumor diagnosed as pilocytic astrocytoma on biopsy, and treated with radiotherapy. Nine years later, resection of the essentially unaltered tumor was performed for treatment of intractable seizures. Histologically, the tumor had some areas with the typical appearance of ependymoma as well other areas which contained piloid cells. There was also evidence of focal infiltrative growth. These findings bore resemblance to a recently described entity monomorphous angiocentric glioma/angiocentric neuroepithelial tumor, which combines features of ependymoma with pilocytic and diffuse astrocytomas. Both cortical ependymomas and angiocentric monomorphous glioma/angiocentric neuroepithelial tumor appear to be low‐grade tumors although their rarity makes accurate prognosis problematic. The current case has features of both entities, suggesting they may be closely related.
Transiently increased colocalization of vesicular glutamate transporters 1 and 2 at single axon terminals during postnatal development of mouse neocortex: a quantitative analysis with correlation coefficient
Authors: Nakamura Kouichi , Watakabe Akiya , Hioki Hiroyuki , Fujiyama Fumino , Tanaka Yasuyo , Yamamori Tetsuo , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: November 2007

Vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1) and VGLUT2 show complementary distribution in neocortex; VGLUT1 is expressed mainly in axon terminals of neocortical neurons, whereas VGLUT2 is located chiefly in thalamocortical axon terminals. However, we recently reported a frequent colocalization of VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 at a subset of axon terminals in postnatal developing neocortex. We here quantified the frequency of colocalization between VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 immunoreactivities at single axon terminals by using the correlation coefficient (CC) as an indicator in order to determine the time course and spatial extent of the colocalization during postnatal development of mouse neocortex. The colocalization was more frequent in the primary somatosensory (S1) area than in both the primary visual (V1) and the motor areas; of area S1 cortical layers, colocalization was most evident in layer IV barrels at postnatal day (P) 7 and in adulthood. CC in layer IV showed a peak at P7 in area S1, and at P10 in area V1 though the latter peak was much smaller than the former. These results suggest that thalamocortical axon terminals contained not only VGLUT2 but also VGLUT1, especially at P7–10. Double fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed coexpression of VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 mRNAs at P7 in the somatosensory thalamic nuclei and later in the thalamic dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. As VGLUT1 is often used in axon terminals that show synaptic plasticity in adult brain, the present findings suggest that VGLUT1 is used in thalamocortical axons transiently during the postnatal period when plasticity is required.
A cardiac signature of emotionality
Authors: Koelsch Stefan , Remppis Andrew , Sammler Daniela , Jentschke Sebastian , Mietchen Daniel , Fritz Thomas , Bonnemeier Hendrik , Siebel Walter A.
Published: November 2007

Human personality has brain correlates that exert manifold influences on biological processes. This study investigates relations between emotional personality and heart activity. Our data demonstrate that emotional personality is related to a specific cardiac amplitude signature in the resting electrocardiogram (ECG). Two experiments using functional magnetic resonance imaging show that this signature correlates with brain activity in the amygdala and the hippocampus during the processing of musical stimuli with emotional valence. Additionally, this cardiac signature correlates with subjective indices of emotionality (as measured by the Revised Toronto Alexithymia Scale), and with both time and frequency domain measures of the heart rate variability. The results demonstrate intricate connections between emotional personality and the heart by showing that ECG amplitude patterns provide considerably more information about an individual's emotionality than previously believed. The finding of a cardiac signature of emotional personality opens new perspectives for the investigation of relations between emotional dysbalance and cardiovascular disease.
Expression of PKC substrate proteins, GAP‐43 and neurogranin, is downregulated by cAMP signaling and alterations in synaptic activity
Authors: Krueger Dilja D. , Nairn Angus C.
Published: November 2007

Growth‐associated protein 43 (GAP‐43) and neurogranin are protein kinase C substrate proteins that are thought to play an important role in synaptic plasticity, but little is currently known about the mechanisms that may regulate their function at the synapse. In this study, we show that long‐term elevation of intracellular cAMP levels in rat primary cortical cultures results in a persistent downregulation of GAP‐43 and neurogranin, most likely at the transcriptional level. This effect may be at least partially mediated by protein kinase A, but is independent of protein kinase C activation. Moreover, it is mimicked and occluded by manipulations that alter the levels of spontaneous synaptic activity in primary cultures, such as bicuculline and tetrodotoxin. These data suggest that levels of GAP‐43 and neurogranin are regulated by factors known to modulate synaptic strength, thus providing a potential mechanism by which protein kinase C signaling pathways and their substrates might contribute to synaptic function and/or plasticity.
Morphology and chemical composition of metathoracic scent glands in Dolycoris baccarum (Linnaeus, 1758) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Durak Dilek
Published: November 2007

One of the general defining characters of the Heteroptera is the presence of metathoracic scent glands (MTG). Using scanning electron microscopy, the morphology of the MTG of Dolycoris baccarum (Linnaeus 1758) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) was studied. The MTG belong to the diastomian type. The two glandular pores located between the mesothoracic and metathoracic coxae are associated with ‘mushroom‐like’ structures. The MTG are composed of a reservoir and a pair of lateral glands is connected to the reservoir by a duct. A groove‐like structure extends downwards from the ostiole. While this structure is long and wide, its ostiole is oval. Extracts of the volatile fractions from male and female MTG secretions were analysed by capillary gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and exhibited a typical pentatomid composition. Seventeen chemical compounds were detected in female secretions, whereas 13 chemical compounds were detected in the male secretions. Most chemical compounds were similar between the sexes but were different in their quantities. In this regard, the compounds identified were investigated and the biological functions of the glandular secretions were discussed. In the analyses of the MTG of females of D. baccarum, tridecane (50.97%) was a major odour component and (Z,Z)‐4,16‐octadecadien‐1‐ol acetate (0.02%) was a minor odour component. In males, tridecane (50.80%) was a major odour component and 1,2‐benzenedicarboxylic acid (0.02%) was a minor odour component.
A metapopulation perspective for salmon and other anadromous fish
Authors: Schtickzelle Nicolas , Quinn Thomas P.
Published: November 2007

Salmonids are an important component of biodiversity, culture and economy in several regions, particularly the North Pacific Rim. Given this importance, they have been intensively studied for about a century, and the pioneering scientists recognized the critical link between population structure and conservation. Spatial structure is indeed of prime importance for salmon conservation and management. At first glance, the essence of the metapopulation concept, i.e. a population of populations, widely used on other organisms like butterflies, seems to be particularly relevant to salmon, and more generally to anadromous fish. Nevertheless, the concept is rarely used, and barely tested.

Here, we present a metapopulation perspective for anadromous fish, assessing in terms of processes rather than of patterns the set of necessary conditions for metapopulation dynamics to exist. Salmon, and particularly sockeye salmon in Alaska, are used as an illustrative case study. A review of life history traits indicates that the three basic conditions are likely to be fulfilled by anadromous salmon: (i) the spawning habitat is discrete and populations are spatially separated by unsuitable habitat; (ii) some asynchrony is present in the dynamics of more or less distant populations and (iii) dispersal links populations because some salmon stray from their natal population. The implications of some peculiarities of salmon life history traits, unusual in classical metapopulations, are also discussed.

Deeper understanding of the population structure of anadromous fish will be advanced by future studies on specific topics: (i) criteria must be defined for the delineation of suitable habitats that are based on features of the biotope and not on the presence of fish; (ii) the collection of long‐term data and the development of improved methods to determine age structure are essential for correctly estimating levels of asynchrony between populations and (iii) several key aspects of dispersal are still poorly understood and need to be examined in detail: the spatial and temporal scales of dispersal movements, the origin and destination populations instead of simple straying rates, and the relative reproductive success of immigrants and residents.
Social Movements and the Politicization of Chronic Poverty
Authors: Bebbington Anthony
Published: November 2007

Discussions of chronic poverty emphasize the extent to which poverty endures because of the social relationships and structures within which particular social groups are embedded. In this sense chronic poverty is a socio‐political relationship rather than a condition of assetless‐ness. Understood as such, processes of social mobilization become central to any discussion of chronic poverty because they are vehicles through which such relationships are argued over in society and potentially changed. This article explores the ways in which social movements, as one form of such mobilization, might affect chronic poverty. Four domains are discussed: influencing the underlying dynamics of the political economy of poverty; challenging dominant meanings of poverty in society; direct effects on the assets of the poor; and engaging with the state. The inherent fragilities of social movements limit these contributions, the most important of which is to destabilize taken‐for‐granted, hegemonic discourses on poverty and its reduction.
Independent Child Migration and Education in Ghana
Authors: Hashim Iman
Published: November 2007

Drawing on interviews with young migrants who have moved from rural, farming households in northeastern Ghana to rural and urban households in central and southern Ghana, this article explores the inter‐connections between children's migration and children's access to formal and non‐formal education. In contrast to the positive light in which education is usually presented, the findings of the research suggest a more ambiguous and complex picture, and illuminate both positive and negative aspects of the linkages between education and children's independent migration.
REFORMING PUBLIC SERVICES IN THE UK: BRINGING IN THE THIRD SECTOR
Authors: KELLY JOSIE
Published: November 2007

In the UK, the government continues its project to reform public services. Earlier projects have focused on the modernization of public sector organizations; in the latest round of reform, New Labour has focused on widening choice and the personalization of services. To this end, the government has been working with Third Sector (TS) organizations to expand their role in shaping, commissioning and delivering public services. The government’s vision is predicated on a normative assertion, that, unlike traditional public sector organizations, TS bodies create public value by being more innovative, are inspired by altruistic aims and values, and have greater commitment to their clients. This paper reviews recent policy and questions whether the government’s policy is flawed, contradictory and risks damaging the attributes of the TS admired by New Labour.
Are mountain gods vindictive? Competing images of the Japanese alpine landscape
Authors: Schnell Scott
Published: November 2007

This article underscores the importance of folk religious concepts in understanding the way in which people interact with the environment that envelops and sustains them. Images of rural Japan have drawn almost exclusively on the tradition of irrigated rice cultivation combined with ancestor worship. Alternative concepts have been overlooked or ignored, fostering the sense of a uniform heritage. The author highlights one such alternative, which derives from the tradition of hunting, gathering, and slash‐and‐burn cultivation within a spirit‐imbued landscape. The contrast between perspectives is illustrated by a historical encounter between a British mountaineer and the residents of two communities located at different elevations within the same watershed.

L'auteur souligne l'importance des concepts religieux populaires dans la compréhension des interactions entre les gens et l'environnement qui les entoure et assure leur subsistance. Les images du Japon rural ont tourné presque exclusivement autour de la tradition de la culture irriguée du riz et du culte des ancêtres. Les concepts alternatifs ont été méconnus ou ignorés, favorisant ainsi la perception d'un patrimoine culturel uniforme. L'auteur met en évidence une de ces alternatives, issue de la tradition de la chasse, de la cueillette et de la culture sur brûlis, dans un paysage habité par les esprits. Le contraste entre les points de vue est illustré par une rencontre historique entre un alpiniste britannique et les habitants de deux villages situés à des altitudes différentes dans un même bassin versant.
Friendship, consumption, morality: practising identity, negotiating hierarchy in middle‐class Bangalore
Authors: Nisbett Nicholas
Published: November 2007

This article examines the shared social and cultural practices of a group of young middle‐class men in Bangalore. In examining the changes between two generations of Bangalore's labour aristocracy, it highlights the role of friendship in providing a space for the negotiation of hierarchies, both old and new. Core concerns within the text include: the centrality of consumption within middle‐class identity; the transient nature of egalitarian youth culture; the impacts of new forms of labour and capital; and the resulting new forms of hierarchy. Where there has been a tendency in wider middle‐class discourse to moralize on materialism, practices of consumption and narratives of morality appear here not as mutually exclusive but, in their reference to the social and economic changes associated with Bangalore's role as a commercial and technological hub, as increasingly overlapping.

L'article analyse les pratiques culturelles et sociales communes d'un groupe de jeunes gens de Bangalore appartenant à la classe moyenne. En étudiant les changements entre deux générations de l'aristocratie professionnelle de Bangalore, il met en lumière le rôle de l'amitié dans la création d'un espace de négociation des hiérarchies, anciennes aussi bien que nouvelles. Ce texte est principalement axé sur : le rôle central de la consommation dans l'identité des classes moyennes ; la nature transitoire de la culture égalitaire des jeunes ; l'impact des nouvelles formes de travail et de capital et les nouvelles formes de hiérarchie qui en résultent. Alors que la classe moyenne au sens large a tendance à tenir un discours moralisateur sur le matérialisme, les pratiques de consommation et les narrations de moralité ne semblent pas s'exclure mutuellement mais se recoupent de plus en plus dans leur référence aux changements sociaux et économiques associés au rôle de Bangalore comme centre commercial et technologique.
Pension Benefits, Labour Market Institutions, and Unemployment
Authors: Adam Antonis
Published: November 2007

Abstract.  As argued by Summers et al. (Quarterly Journal of Economics 1993; 108: 385–411) and Cigno (‘Is There a Social Security Tax Wedge?’, CESifo Working Paper No. 1772, 2006) public old‐age pension benefits may work as a wage‐moderating device, thereby lessening the distorting effects of labour taxation on unemployment. An implication of this argument is that there should be a negative relationship between the generosity of the pension system and the unemployment rate, for those countries where there is a strong link between individual contributions to the pension system and benefits, i.e. countries with Bismarckian pension systems. We test this hypothesis using a panel of 20 OECD countries for the time period of 1960–2004. The paper also provides evidence on the unemployment effects of various labour market institutions.
The Effect of Family Background on Occupational Choice
Authors: Tsukahara Ichiro
Published: November 2007

Abstract.  In this paper, individual data from the Keio Household Panel Survey (KHPS) are used to investigate the effect of father's occupation and parents’ years of schooling on the children's occupational choice in Japan. The estimation results indicate that children tend to choose the same occupation as their father with this being especially true for males. Parents’ education does not affect children's occupational choice directly, but appears to have an indirect effect on children's occupational choice through children's education.
GROWTH, AUTONOMOUS DEMAND AND A JOINT‐PRODUCT TREATMENT OF FIXED CAPITAL
Authors: White Graham
Published: November 2007

The aim of this paper is to shed light on the idea of demand‐led growth by exploring the relation between growth and autonomous demands in a two‐sector model that includes fixed capital with variable efficiency. The paper considers disequilibrium only in relation to quantities, with prices set at their long‐period levels. Results of computer simulations suggest that where producers' expectations of future growth allow for dispersion in past growth rates, as well future growth in autonomous demand, this may have a significant stabilizing effect on the dynamics of output and demand.
A novel mutation in the PSEN1 gene (L286P) associated with familial early‐onset dementia of Alzheimer type and lobar haematomas
Authors: Sánchez‐Valle R. , Lladó A. , Ezquerra M. , Rey M. J. , Rami L. , Molinuevo J. L.
Published: November 2007

The aim of this study was to describe a novel mutation in exon 8 of the presenilin gene (L286P) associated with early‐onset autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease (AD) and lobar haematomas. The proband was a woman who developed cognitive decline with predominant memory loss at the age of 35 years. The patient died at the age of 54 years and the neuropathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of AD. Three of her four siblings, one parent and one sibling of her parent had suffered from cognitive decline at ages between 35 and 42 years. Three of them also presented lobar haematomas. The neuropathological examination, available in one of them, disclosed the presence of severe amyloid angiopathy as the cause of the haematoma. The study of PSEN1 gene with single strand conformation polymorphism technique failed to show abnormalities suggestive of mutations. Direct sequencing disclosed the presence of a missense mutation in codon 286 (L286P) in the proband and her already affected descendent, which was absent in the healthy sibling. L286P is a novel mutation in PSEN1 that causes familial early‐onset AD and brain haematomas related to amyloid angiopathy.
Inhibitory effects of natural plants of Jeju Island on elastase and MMP‐1 expression
Authors: Kim Young Heui , Kim Ki Soo , Han Chang Sung , Yang Hong Chul , Park Sun Hee , Ko Kang II , Lee Soo Hee , Kim KI HO , Lee Nam Ho , Kim Jung MI , Son Kyunghun
Published: November 2007

In order to search for new active cosmetic ingredients of natural origin, we screened about 60 plants collected from Jeju Island, which is located in the southernmost part of the Republic of Korea. We investigated their free radical scavenging activity, elastase inhibition activity, and reduction of MMP‐1 mRNA expression for the development of anti‐aging ingredients as raw materials for use in cosmetics. In the free radical scavenging capacity assay, 12 extracts, including Typha orientalis (seed) and Torreya nucifera (leaf), showed significant free radical scavenging activity (up to SC50 < 30 μg/ml). Among these extracts, Nymphaea tetragona (rhizome) extract showed the highest free radical scavenging activity (SC50 = 4.7 μg/ml). In the anti‐elastase inhibition assay, seven extracts, including T. orientalis (seed) and Persicaria hydropiper (whole plant), showed high inhibitory activity (>50% at 100 μg/ml). Among these extracts, P. hydropiper (whole plant) extract showed the highest elastase inhibition activity (IC50 = 46.7 μg/ml). In the MMP‐1 expression assay using RT‐PCR, T. orientalis (seed), Pyrrosia hastata (root), and Capsicum annum (whole plant) showed slightly lower inhibition activity than EGCG, which was used as a control. Furthermore, four extracts, including P. hydropiper (whole plant), Filipendula glaberrima (root), N. tetragona (root), and Camellia japonica (leaf), completely inhibited the expression of MMP‐1 in human fibroblast cells. The results showed that four of the 60 plant extracts may hold potential for use as natural active ingredients for anti‐aging cosmetics.
Pores in the epidermis: aquaporins and tight junctions
Authors: Brandner J. M.
Published: November 2007

Synopsis

Water homeostasis of the epidermis is important for the appearance and physical properties of the skin, as well as for water balance in the body. It depends on several factors, e.g. barrier quality, uptake of water into the epidermis, concentration of water‐retaining humectants, and external humidity. Aquaporins (AQPs) are pores in the plasmamembranes of cells. Monomeric AQPs form barrel‐like structures that are primarily water selective, some AQPs also transport glycerol and possibly other small solutes. In the epidermis, AQP3 is the predominant AQP. It is localized mainly in basal but also in suprabasal layers of the epidermis and is permeable for water as well as for glycerol, a humectant. Mice deficient in AQP3 exhibit reduced stratum corneum (SC) hydration and impaired SC barrier recovery after SC removal. In skin diseases associated with elevated transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced SC hydration, altered expression of AQP3 was shown.

Tight junctions (TJ) are cell–cell junctions, which play a central role in sealing the intercellular space of cell sheets and thereby establishing a paracellular barrier. Within the TJ, pores are postulated to exist, which allow the controlled diffusion of water and solutes via the paracellular pathway. In the epidermis, TJ structures were demonstrated in the stratum granulosum whereas TJ proteins were found in all viable layers. Mice which overexpress or are deficient of key‐proteins of TJ die soon after birth because of a tremendous TEWL. In various skin diseases that are accompanied by elevated TEWL and reduced skin hydration, staining patterns of TJ proteins are altered. This review will summarize our current knowledge of the involvement of AQPs and TJ in the water homeostasis of the epidermis.
AN EARLY CAMBRIAN ORGANOPHOSPHATIC BRACHIOPOD WITH CALCITIC GRANULES
Authors: BALTHASAR UWE
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  The linguliform brachiopod Eoobolus from the Early Cambrian Mural Formation (Jasper National Park, Canadian Rocky Mountains) exhibits various calcitic features in its otherwise apatitic shell. It is argued here that the decomposition of the organic matter within the shell led to a microenvironment similar to those resulting in the phosphatization of soft tissues. This diagenetic regime encouraged the initial precipitation of apatite cements followed by calcite cements. By fully coating primary structures early apatite cements separate primary structures from the later precipitation of calcite cement. Round calcareous grains, about 3 µm in size, that occur in the centre of apatite botryoids must therefore represent original components of the shell. The equivalent pits of such calcareous granules are seen in the larval shells of many Palaeozoic linguliform brachiopods. This suggests that mixed organophosphatic‐calcareous shells were relatively common at that time but that they have been overlooked owing to the obliteration of original calcareous structures by traditional acid preparation methods for the extraction of phosphatic fossils. The Eoobolus shell structure is intermediate between purely organophosphatic and calcitic shells. Although one such genus is not sufficient to reconstruct the ancestral composition of the brachiopod shell, it provides a means of recognizing other transitional forms that are needed to understand fully the shift in shell mineralogy.