bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Buckling of C60 whiskers
Authors: Asaka Koji , Kato Ryoei , Miyazawa Kun’ichi , Kizuka Tokushi
Published: August 2006

The authors demonstrated the mechanics of materials for crystalline whiskers composed of C60 molecules; compressive deformation of the whiskers was observed by in situ transmission electron microscopy with simultaneous force measurement by means of an optical cantilever method, as used in atomic force microscopy. In response to compression along the long axis, the whiskers bent first elastically, then buckled. A whisker with 160nm diameter fractured brittlely at a strain of 0.08. According to Euler’s formula, Young’s modulus of the whisker was estimated to be 32–54GPa, which is 160%–650% of that of C60 bulk crystals.
Groups III and V impurity solubilities in silicon due to laser, flash, and solid-phase-epitaxial-regrowth anneals
Authors: Duffy R. , Dao T. , Tamminga Y. , van der Tak K. , Roozeboom F. , Augendre E.
Published: August 2006

In this work the authors studied impurity solubilities of groups III and V elements in silicon resulting from laser anneal, flash anneal, and solid-phase-epitaxial regrowth. Rutherford backscattering channeling analysis was used to determine substitutional impurity depth profiles generated from the difference between the random and aligned spectra. Despite the large difference in peak temperatures and times, the anneals produce similar results with maximum solubilities beating the maximum equilibrium values by one to two orders of magnitude depending on the impurity. The correlation between the metastable solubility and the equilibrium distribution coefficient allows a prediction of values for other impurities not extracted experimentally.
In situ fabrication of alumina nanotube array and photoluminescence
Authors: Huang G. S. , Wu X. L. , Kong F. , Cheng Y. C. , Siu G. G. , Chu Paul K.
Published: August 2006

Aluminum foil was anodized in aged electrolyte under high voltage. The morphology observation shows that the alumina film has a three-layer structure from bottom to top and the middle layer shows large quantities of individual alumina nanotubes. Their formation mechanism is discussed in detail. Under ultraviolet excitation, the alumina film exhibits an emission centered at ∼400nm. Based on annealing behavior of the emission band and electron paramagnetic resonance result, the origin of the emission is considered to be due to optical transition in single ionized oxygen vacancy (F+ center) in the alumina. The experimental results can be expected to have favorable applications in optoelectronics and biotechnology.
Tunable silicon microring resonator with wide free spectral range
Authors: Nawrocka Magdalena S. , Liu Tao , Wang Xuan , Panepucci Roberto R.
Published: August 2006

The authors present a silicon-on-insulator single ring resonator with a free spectral range equal to 47nm, which is the widest known value for this type of resonators. The ring radius is 2μm and is the smallest ring resonator ever reported, achieving experimentally such a wide spectral range. For this ring resonator, the authors demonstrate the quality factor to be equal to 6730±60. They thermally tune the resonant wavelength with 0.11nm∕°C, thus showing the ring resonator as an attractive component for on-chip ultracompact photonic add/drop filters and switches.
Distinct roles of the anterior cingulate and prefrontal cortex in the acquisition and performance of a cognitive skill
Authors: Fincham Jon M. , Anderson John R.
Published: August 2006

The purpose of the present work is to study the functional roles of two predefined regions of interest: one in the left anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) that seems to reflect goal-relevant control demand, and one in the left prefrontal cortex (PFC) that reflects memory retrieval demand. Two slow event-related brain imaging experiments were conducted, adapting a cognitive skill acquisition paradigm. Experiment 1 found that both left ACC and left PFC activity increased parametrically with task difficulty. Using a slight modification of the same basic paradigm, Experiment 2 attempted to decouple retrieval and control demands over the course of learning. Participants were imaged early in training and again several days later, after substantial additional training in the task. There was a clear dissociation between activity in the left PFC and the left ACC. Although the PFC region showed a substantial decrease in activity over the course of learning, reflecting greater ease of retrieval, the ACC showed the opposite pattern of results with significantly greater activity after training, reflecting increased control demand. Moreover, the increased response in the ACC occurred when errors and latencies were smallest.
An investigation of session impact and alliance in internet based psychotherapy: Preliminary results
Authors: Reynolds D'Arcy J. , Stiles William B. , Grohol John M.
Published: August 2006

Although psychotherapy has been and continues to be a face‐to‐face activity primarily, a growing minority of therapists are conducting text‐based (i.e. e‐mail) psychotherapy over the Internet. This study compared the session impact (measured by the Session Evaluation Questionnaire, SEQ; Stiles, Gordon, & Lani, 2002) and the client‐therapist alliance (measured by the Agnew Relationship Measure, ARM; Agnew‐Davies, Stiles, Hardy, Barkham, & Shapiro, 1998) of the exchanges between clients and therapists who are engaged in e‐mail therapy with previously published results on face‐to‐face therapy. According to preliminary results, the online clients provided similar session impact and therapeutic alliance ratings compared to face‐to‐face clients. Although online therapists followed this general trend, they evaluated the depth, smoothness, and positivity aspects of session impact and confidence aspect of therapeutic alliance more highly than face‐to‐face therapists.
2,2,2‐Trifluoroethanol‐Induced structural change of peanut agglutinin at different pH: A comparative account
Authors: Dev Sagarika , Khan R. H. , Surolia Avadhesha
Published: August 2006

Peanut Agglutinin (PNA) is a legume lectin with a unique open quarternary structure. It is a homotetrameric protein, the monomeric subunit of which is made up of 3 β sheets. The structural change in this protein has been induced by 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol (TFE) at two different pH. At neutral pH, PNA exists as a homotetramer, while at pH 2.5, it is known to dissociate to a dimer. The effect of TFE has been studied at both the pH by intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence, far and near UV Circular Dichroism, ANS binding and dynamic light scattering. At low pH, 15% TFE is found to induce a molten globule like state that shows maximum ANS binding. Increasing concentration of TFE increases α helical content and the compactness of the protein. The compact PNA at higher concentration of TFE is structurally different from the native structure. The effect of TFE at neutral pH on PNA is somewhat different from that observed at low pH. TFE does not induce molten globule like state at this pH. The detailed study of the structural change of PNA by TFE has been presented.
iubmbLife, 58: 473 ‐ 479, 2006
Cellular signalling by sphingosine kinase and sphingosine 1‐phosphate
Authors: Leclercq Tamara M. , Pitson Stuart M.
Published: August 2006

Sphingosine kinases, through the formation of the bioactive phospholipid sphingosine 1‐phosphate, have been implicated in a diverse range of cellular processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, calcium homeostasis, angiogenesis and vascular maturation. The last few years have seen a number of significant advances in understanding of the mechanisms of action, activation, cellular localisation and biological roles of these enzymes. Here we review the current understanding of the regulation of and cellular signalling by sphingosine kinase and sphingosine 1‐phosphate and discuss recent findings implicating sphingosine kinase as a potential therapeutic target for the control of cancer, inflammation and a number of other diseases. We suggest that, since the activation and subcellular localization of these enzymes appear to play critical roles in their biological functions, targeting these processes may provide more specific therapeutic options than direct catalytic inhibitors.
iubmb Life, 58: 467 ‐ 472, 2006
Opposite Effects of PSD-95 and MPP3 PDZ Proteins on Serotonin 5-Hydroxytryptamine2CReceptor Desensitization and Membrane Stability
Authors: Gavarini Sophie , Bécamel Carine , Altier Christophe , Lory Philippe , Poncet Joël , Wijnholds Jan , Bockaert Joël , Marin Philippe
Published: August 2006

PSD-95/Disc large/Zonula occludens 1 (PDZ) domain-containing proteins (PDZ proteins) play an important role in the targeting and the trafficking of transmembrane proteins. Our previous studies identified a set of PDZ proteins that interact with the C terminus of the serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2Creceptor. Here, we show that the prototypic scaffolding protein postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) and another membrane-associated guanylate kinase, MAGUK p55 subfamily member 3 (MPP3), oppositely regulate desensitization of the receptor response in both heterologous cells and mice cortical neurons in primary culture. PSD-95 increased desensitization of the 5-HT2Creceptor-mediated Ca2+response, whereas MPP3 prevented desensitization of the Ca2+response. The effects of the PDZ proteins on the desensitization of the Ca2+response were correlated with a differential regulation of cell surface expression of the receptor. Additional experiments were performed to assess how PDZ proteins globally modulate desensitization of the 5-HT2Creceptor response in neurons, by using a peptidyl mimetic of the 5-HT2Creceptor C terminus fused to the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 Tat protein transduction domain, which disrupts interaction between the 5-HT2Creceptor and PDZ proteins. Transduction of this peptide inhibitor into cultured cortical neurons increased the desensitization of the 5-HT2Creceptor-mediated Ca2+response. This indicates that, overall, interaction of 5-HT2Creceptors with PDZ proteins inhibits receptor desensitization in cortical neurons.
Actin Bodies in Yeast Quiescent Cells: An Immediately Available Actin Reserve?
Authors: Sagot Isabelle , Pinson Benoît , Salin Bénédicte , Daignan-Fornier Bertrand
Published: August 2006

Most eukaryotic cells spend most of their life in a quiescent state, poised to respond to specific signals to proliferate. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, entry into and exit from quiescence are dependent only on the availability of nutrients in the environment. The transition from quiescence to proliferation requires not only drastic metabolic changes but also a complete remodeling of various cellular structures. Here, we describe an actin cytoskeleton organization specific of the yeast quiescent state. When cells cease to divide, actin is reorganized into structures that we named “actin bodies.” We show that actin bodies contain F-actin and several actin-binding proteins such as fimbrin and capping protein. Furthermore, by contrast to actin patches or cables, actin bodies are mostly immobile, and we could not detect any actin filament turnover. Finally, we show that upon cells refeeding, actin bodies rapidly disappear and actin cables and patches can be assembled in the absence of de novo protein synthesis. This led us to propose that actin bodies are a reserve of actin that can be immediately mobilized for actin cables and patches formation upon reentry into a proliferation cycle.
The Mitochondrial Fission Protein hFis1 Requires the Endoplasmic Reticulum Gateway to Induce Apoptosis
Authors: Alirol Emilie , James Dominic , Huber Denise , Marchetto Andrea , Vergani Lodovica , Martinou Jean-Claude , Scorrano Luca
Published: August 2006

Mitochondrial fission ensures organelle inheritance during cell division and participates in apoptosis. The fission protein hFis1 triggers caspase-dependent cell death, by causing the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. Here we show that mitochondrial fission induced by hFis1 is genetically distinct from apoptosis. In cells lacking the multidomain proapoptotic Bcl-2 family members Bax and Bak (DKO), hFis1 caused mitochondrial fragmentation but not organelle dysfunction and apoptosis. Similarly, a mutant in the intermembrane region of hFis1-induced fission but not cell death, further dissociating mitochondrial fragmentation from apoptosis induction. Selective correction of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) defect of DKO cells restored killing by hFis1, indicating that death by hFis1 relies on the ER gateway of apoptosis. Consistently, hFis1 did not directly activate BAX and BAK, but induced Ca2+-dependent mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, hFis1 is a bifunctional protein that independently regulates mitochondrial fragmentation and ER-mediated apoptosis.
β4 Integrin and Epidermal Growth Factor Coordinately Regulate Electric Field-mediated Directional Migration via Rac1
Authors: Pullar Christine E. , Baier Brian S. , Kariya Yoshinobu , Russell Alan J. , Horst Basil A.J. , Marinkovich M. Peter , Isseroff R. Rivkah
Published: August 2006

Endogenous DC electric fields (EF) are present during embryogenesis and are generated in vivo upon wounding, providing guidance cues for directional cell migration (galvanotaxis) required in these processes. To understand the role of beta (β)4 integrin in directional migration, the migratory paths of either primary human keratinocytes (NHK), β4 integrin-null human keratinocytes (β4−), or those in which β4 integrin was reexpressed (β4+), were tracked during exposure to EFs of physiological magnitude (100 mV/mm). Although the expression of β4 integrin had no effect on the rate of cell movement, it was essential for directional (cathodal) migration in the absence of epidermal growth factor (EGF). The addition of EGF potentiated the directional response, suggesting that at least two distinct but synergistic signaling pathways coordinate galvanotaxis. Expression of either a ligand binding–defective β4 (β4+AD) or β4 with a truncated cytoplasmic tail (β4+CT) resulted in loss of directionality in the absence of EGF, whereas inhibition of Rac1 blinded the cells to the EF even in the presence of EGF. In summary, both the β4 integrin ligand–binding and cytoplasmic domains together with EGF were required for the synergistic activation of a Rac-dependent signaling pathway that was essential for keratinocyte directional migration in response to a galvanotactic stimulus.
Sivelestat, a specific neutrophil elastase inhibitor, suppresses the growth of gastric carcinoma cells by preventing the release of transforming growth factor‐α
Authors: Wada Yoshiyuki , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Hihara Jun , Konishi Kazuo , Tanabe Kazuaki , Ukon Kei , Taomoto Junnya , Suzuki Takahisa , Mizuiri Hirozumi
Published: August 2006

Neutrophil elastase is a neutral serine proteinase produced by polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes/macrophages, especially under surgical stress. In the present study, we investigated whether NE promotes cell growth by activation of EGFR to elucidate whether surgical stress induces tumor proliferation and progression. Furthermore, we examined the antitumor effect of a specific NE inhibitor, sivelestat. Cell growth assays were carried out in vitro and in vivo using TMK‐1 gastric cancer cells. TMK‐1 cell growth was stimulated to 118% of that of the control cells after 48 h stimulation with 1 µg/mL NE according to an MTT assay. Sivelestat inhibited cell growth to 23.4 and 58.0% of control values at concentrations of 100 and 1000 µg/mL, respectively. NE rapidly phosphorylated EGFR in only 5 min and triggered the ERK1/2–mitogenic signaling pathway in TMK‐1. It was further demonstrated that NE‐induced EGFR phosphorylation was transactivated through TGF‐α, using ELISA. NE increased the cleavage of TGF‐α from the cell surface 30‐fold compared with the cells without treatment. Interestingly, sivelestat significantly reduced NE‐induced EGFR phosphorylation and ERK1/2 activation and completely blocked the release of TGF‐α from the TMK‐1 cell surface. In a xenograft study, the addition of ventrotomy as a surgical stress promoted tumor growth. Sivelestat significantly suppressed the tumor growth induced by surgical stress. These results indicate that sivelestat suppresses the growth of gastric cancer cells by inhibiting the release of TGF‐α stimulated by NE, which often occurs after surgical stresses. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1037–1043)
Genetic or epigenetic silencing of low density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1B expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Nakagawa Takayuki , Pimkhaokham Atiphan , Suzuki Emina , Omura Ken , Inazawa Johji , Imoto Issei
Published: August 2006

Previously, we have reported frequent silencing of the expression of LRP1B by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. As the same events might be involved in the development/progression of OSCC, we examined intragenic homozygous deletions, expression levels, and methylation status in the CpG island of this gene. Homozygous deletion was detected in only 1 of 18 (5.6%) OSCC lines, whereas the expression of LRP1B mRNA was silenced in 8 of 17 (47.1%) OSCC lines without homozygous deletion. An inverse correlation between mRNA expression and methylation status of the LRP1B CpG island was clearly observed in OSCC lines, and LRP1B mRNA expression was restored by treatment with 5‐aza‐dCyd. Frequent methylation of the LRP1B promoter was also observed in primary OSCC. Taken together, the results suggested that frequent inactivation of LRP1B mainly occurs by means of epigenetic mechanisms in OSCC, which might play an important role in oral tumorigenesis. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1070–1074)
Clinico‐pathological characteristics of p63 expression in B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Fukushima Noriyasu , Satoh Toshimi , Sueoka Naoko , Sato Akemi , Ide Masaru , Hisatomi Takashi , Kuwahara Nobuo , Tomimasu Rika , Tsuneyoshi Naoko , Funai Noriko , Sano Masayuki , Tokunaga Osamu , Sueoka Eisaburo
Published: August 2006

A member of the family of p53‐related genes, p63 plays a role in regulating epithelial proliferation and differentiation programs, but the pathological and clinical meaning of p63 in B‐cell lymphoma has not been elucidated. We investigated the expression pattern of p63 in B‐cell malignancies, and evaluated the correlation between the expression of p63 and other germinal center markers. Ninety‐eight B‐cell lymphomas (28 FCL, 5 MCL, and 65 DLBCL) were analyzed by immunohistochemical examination for p63, bcl‐6, CD10 and MUM‐1 proteins, and for rearrangement of bcl‐2/IgH. Expression of p63 was observed in the nuclei of tumor cells obtained from 15 of 28 (54%) FCL, 22 of 65 (34%) DLBCL, but none of 5 MCL. In DLBCL, the expression of p63 and bcl‐6 showed a significant correlation (P < 0.02), but no correlation was observed between p63 and expression of CD10, MUM‐1, or bcl‐2/IgH rearrangement. RT‐PCR revealed that TAp63α‐type transcripts, a possible negative regulator of transcriptional activation of p21 promoter, were major transcripts in B‐cell lymphoma tissues. As for prognostic significance, only patients in the p63 positive group of FCL died, and in the non‐germinal center group, the p63 positive cases appeared to have inferior overall survival than other groups in DLBCL. Our preliminary results suggested that p63 expression is a disadvantageous factor for prognosis in this subgroup of B‐cell lymphomas. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1050–1055)
Establishment of transgenic herbicide‐resistant creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) in nonagronomic habitats
Authors: REICHMAN JAY R. , WATRUD LIDIA S. , LEE E. HENRY , BURDICK CONNIE A. , BOLLMAN MIKE A. , STORM MARJORIE J. , KING GEORGE A. , MALLORY‐SMITH CAROL
Published: August 2006

Concerns about genetically modified (GM) crops include transgene flow to compatible wild species and unintended ecological consequences of potential transgene introgression. However, there has been little empirical documentation of establishment and distribution of transgenic plants in wild populations. We present herein the first evidence for escape of transgenes into wild plant populations within the USA; glyphosate‐resistant creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) plants expressing CP4 EPSPS transgenes were found outside of cultivation area in central Oregon. Resident populations of three compatible Agrostis species were sampled in nonagronomic habitats outside the Oregon Department of Agriculture control area designated for test production of glyphosate‐resistant creeping bentgrass. CP4 EPSPS protein and the corresponding transgene were found in nine A. stolonifera plants screened from 20 400 samples (0.04 ± 0.01% SE). CP4 EPSPS‐positive plants were located predominantly in mesic habitats downwind and up to 3.8 km beyond the control area perimeter; two plants were found within the USDA Crooked River National Grassland. Spatial distribution and parentage of transgenic plants (as confirmed by analyses of nuclear ITS and chloroplast matK gene trees) suggest that establishment resulted from both pollen‐mediated intraspecific hybridizations and from crop seed dispersal. These results demonstrate that transgene flow from short‐term production can result in establishment of transgenic plants at multi‐kilometre distances from GM source fields or plants. Selective pressure from direct application or drift of glyphosate herbicide could enhance introgression of CP4 EPSPS transgenes and additional establishment. Obligatory outcrossing and vegetative spread could further contribute to persistence of CP4 EPSPS transgenes in wild Agrostis populations, both in the presence or absence of herbicide selection.
Incidence and remission of self‐reported allergic rhinitis symptoms in adults
Authors: Nihlén U. , Greiff L. , Montnémery P. , Löfdahl C.‐G. , Johannisson A. , Persson C. , Andersson M.
Published: August 2006

Background:  A few studies have examined the incidence and remission of allergic rhinitis (AR) in the same general population.

Methods:  A questionnaire focused on respiratory symptoms and airway diseases was mailed out in 1992 and in 2000 to the same subjects. Of 4933 subjects, in 1992 aged 20–59 years, 4280 (86.8%) answered at both occasions. AR was defined on self‐reported AR and a simultaneous report of nasal symptoms provoked by exposure either to tree‐, grass‐pollen, furred animals or house dust. Multiple logistic regression adjusted for age and gender was used to analyze potential predictors, reported in 1992, for incidence and remission of AR.

Results:  The prevalence of AR increased from 12.4% in 1992 to 15.0% in 2000. The incidence of AR from 1992 to 2000 was 4.8%, while 23.1% of the cases with AR in 1992 stated no AR symptoms in 2000 indicating remission. The highest incidence was seen in the youngest age group (20–29 years), whereas remission was highest in the oldest age group (50–59 years). Asthma symptoms during the last year (as reported in 1992) predicted increased incidence of AR and less chance for remission, 1.89 (95%CI 1.08–3.31) and 0.52 (0.31–0.87), respectively. Family histories of AR or asthma predicted increased incidence of AR 1.99 (1.42–2.80) and 1.62 (1.10–2.37), respectively, but were not associated with chance for remission, OR = 1.23 (0.81–1.87) and 0.94 (0.60–1.48).

Conclusion:  This study showed that AR became more common between 1992 and 2000, but also indicated remission in about 20% of the cases within the 8‐year period, particularly in older ages. Asthma seems to be associated with higher risk for AR as well as less chance for remission, while heredity of asthma (or AR) may only be associated with the risk for the development and not remission of AR.
Inhaled formaldehyde exposure: effect on bronchial response to mite allergen in sensitized asthma patients
Authors: Casset A. , Marchand C. , Purohit A. , Le Calve S. , Uring‐Lambert B. , Donnay C. , Meyer P. , De Blay F.
Published: August 2006

Background:  Formaldehyde, an indoor air pollutant, is known to be an irritant and an etiologic factor in occupational asthma. An epidemiologic study suggests that it may also increase the risk of childhood asthma for concentrations above 60 μg/m3.

Aim:  To evaluate the influence of pre‐exposure to low‐dose formaldehyde (100 μg/m3 in 30 min according to the World Health Organization's recommended maximum value for indoor environments) on bronchial response to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.

Method:  Nineteen asthmatic subjects were included. Each subject underwent a mite allergen bronchial challenge test immediately after a standardized exposure in a chamber to formaldehyde or air (random order). Induced sputum were collected 24 h before and after mite challenge.

Results:  After formaldehyde inhalation, patients developed an immediate bronchial response at a significantly lower dose of mite allergen than after air exposure (the geometric mean PD20 for Der p 1 was 34.3 ng after formaldehyde and 45.4 ng after placebo, P = 0.05). The late‐phase reaction, expressed as the maximum fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) from baseline, was significantly higher after formaldehyde (15%vs 11%, P = 0.046).

Conclusion:  Our study demonstrated that exposure to low levels of formaldehyde significantly enhanced bronchial responsiveness to mite allergen in mite‐sensitized subjects with asthma.
Decrease of cytotoxic T cells in allergic asthma correlates with total serum immunglobulin E
Authors: Bratke K. , Haupt F. , Kuepper M. , Bade B. , Faehndrich S. , Luttmann W. , Virchow J. C.
Published: August 2006

Background:  Allergic asthma has been linked to an increase in T‐helper type 2‐like cytokines and T cells, but there is growing evidence for a role of lymphocyte‐mediated cytotoxic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of asthma. Therefore, we investigated the cytotoxic potential of different lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with allergic asthma.

Methods:  Granzyme A, B, K, and perforin expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes was analyzed using flow cytometry. Soluble granzymes were measured in serum using specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.

Results:  Asthmatics had significantly decreased percentages of granzyme and perforin‐positive CD4 T cells compared with non‐atopic controls. In patients with asthma, the granzyme B and perforin‐positive subset of CD8+ T cells and natural killer T cells, which represent more differentiated cell populations, were significantly reduced, while this was not observed in the less differentiated granzyme K+ subsets. In addition, the serum concentrations of granzyme B were significantly reduced in patients with asthma, while granzyme K concentrations were not different. Interestingly, there was a negative correlation between granzyme A, B and perforin expression in T cell subsets as well as serum granzyme B concentrations and total serum immunglobulin E. In CD3‐negative natural killer cells, no differences in granzyme or perforin expression between patients with asthma and controls were detected.

Conclusion:  In allergic asthma, cytotoxic T lymphocyte subsets of a more differentiated phenotype are significantly decreased and this is correlated to serum immunglobulin E levels.
Allergy to goat and sheep milk without allergy to cow's milk
Authors: Ah‐Leung S. , Bernard H. , Bidat E. , Paty E. , Rancé F. , Scheinmann P. , Wal J. M.
Published: August 2006

Background:  Cow's milk (CM) allergy is the most frequent cause of food allergy in infants. Most children who are allergic to CM are also sensitized to whey proteins and/or to the casein fraction and many of them cannot tolerate goat's or sheep's milk (GSM) either. Conversely, the GSM allergies that are not associated with allergic cross‐reactivity to CM are rare.

Methods:  Twenty‐eight children who had severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, after consumption of GSM products but tolerated CM products were recruited in a retrospective study. Whole casein and whey proteins were fractionated from CM and GSM. β‐Lactoglobulin and the different caseins were isolated, purified and used to perform enzyme allergosorbent tests (EAST) and EAST inhibition studies with the sera of the allergic children.

Results:  Clinical observations, skin prick testing and immunoglobulin (Ig)E‐binding studies confirmed the diagnosis of GSM allergy without associated CM allergy. EAST determinations demonstrated that GSM allergy involves the casein fraction and not whey proteins. Cow's milk caseins were not at all or poorly recognized by the patient's IgE, while αS1‐, αS2‐ and β‐caseins from GSM were recognized with a high specificity and affinity. In all cases, increasing concentrations of CM caseins failed to inhibit the binding of patient's IgE to sheep or goat milk caseins, whereas this binding was completely inhibited by GSM caseins.

Conclusions:  The characteristics of GSM allergy differ from those of the CM allergy because it affects older children and appears later. CM products do not elicit any clinical manifestation in GSM allergic patients, whereas CM allergic patients, usually cross‐react to GSM. In all the GSM allergic children, the IgE antibodies recognized the caseins but not the whey proteins. Moreover, IgE specificity and affinity was high to GSM and lower to CM caseins despite their marked sequence homology. Doctors and allergic individuals should be aware that GSM allergy requires a strict avoidance of GSM and milk‐derived products because reactions could be severe after ingestion of minimal doses of the offending food.
Assessing risk assessment: genetic testing and screening for complex disease
Authors: Cox SM
Published: August 2006

This paper reports on the presentations from the second session of a 2‐day workshop on genetic diversity and science communication, organized by the Institute of Genetics. The four talks in this session (by Sarah Cunningham‐Burley, Gail Geller, Michael Hayden, and Theresa Marteau) focused on the topic of risk assessment in the context of genetic testing, screening and preventive medicine for complex disease. Each talk underscored the urgency and importance of evaluating when and for whom risk assessment may be useful. A recurrent theme was the need to attend closely to the diverse ways that risk is constructed, perceived and communicated in a variety of contexts and the significant implications of this for laypersons as well as experts. Although there was no consensus on when genetic risk assessment ceases (or might begin) to be useful, ensuing dialogue between presenters and participants reflected what is perhaps a new and critical engagement with how risk assessment itself is assessed. In response to this impetus, I use the word RISK as a heuristic to identify, extract and amplify four tendencies that appear to advance understandings of risk assessment towards a more explicitly reflexive, interpretive, and situated form of knowing.
The challenges of translating genomic knowledge
Authors: Einsiedel EF
Published: August 2006

Knowledge translation has been described as ‘the exchange, synthesis and ethically‐sound application of research findings within a complex set of interactions among researchers and knowledge users’. While the objectives of knowledge translation have been geared to accelerating the transfer of knowledge from producers to users, this essay argues that translation processes are seldom linear and are much more complex. Using the examples of how scientific institutions and the media communicate with various publics and how publics respond to or make use of genomic and genetic information presented at the workshop, this report suggests that the complexities of translation – who does it, how, using what assumptions, towards what ends, need to be examined and better understood.
Developmental programming of hypothalamic feeding circuits
Authors: Bouret SG , Simerly RB
Published: August 2006

The hypothalamus plays a critical role in the regulation of food intake and body weight, and recent work has defined a core circuitry in the hypothalamus that appears to mediate many of the effects of the adipocyte‐derived hormone leptin on feeding and glucose homeostasis. However, until recently, little was known about the development of these critical pathways. This review summarizes recent advances regarding the post‐natal development of ‘metabolic’ projections from the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Evidence accumulated primarily in mice indicates that these circuits develop after birth and remain both structurally and functionally immature until the second week of life. Recent studies have begun to identify cues governing development of these pathways, and leptin appears to play a crucial neurotrophic role in the development of the hypothalamic circuits regulating food intake and adiposity. The neurodevelopmental actions of leptin appear specifically to be restricted to a neonatal critical period that coincides with the naturally occurring surge in leptin. In addition, the timing and amplitude of the post‐natal leptin surge has important consequences for normal body weight regulation and glucose homeostasis later in life. Ultimately, these data promise to provide new insight into the mechanisms by which alteration of perinatal nutrition may have long‐term consequences on body weight regulation and adiposity in the offspring.
Decreased Detectability of Grapevine Leafroll‐associated virus 3 in Sakasly Grapevines Cultivated Under the Sahara Conditions
Authors: Ben salem‐Fnayou A. , Gugerli P. , Zemni H. , Mliki A. , Ghorbel A.
Published: August 2006

The detectability of grapevine‐leafroll‐associated virus 3 (GLRaV‐3) was investigated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) in the domestic grapevine cultivar Sakasly, grown over two successive years in the Sahara, at Rjim‐Mâatoug in Tunisia. Self‐rooted cuttings, infected with GLRaV‐3 were cultivated and the presence of the virus was checked over 2 years and compared with controls. During the first year, 80% of the originally infected vines were negative for GLRaV‐3 using ELISA. After the second year, 93% and 95% of these plants were negative for GLRaV‐3 using ELISA and RT–PCR, respectively. Furthermore, rooted cuttings derived from GLRaV‐3‐negative plants and grown under controlled conditions in a greenhouse (at 16–20°C) were ELISA‐negative in most cases (84%). In addition, biological indexing on Vitis vinifera cv. Gamay Rouge de la Loire showed no leafroll symptoms on this indicator in 92% of the grafted vines. These results suggest a naturally occurring heat therapy in the Tunisian Sahara, which could be of practical importance for the production of GLRaV‐3‐free grapevine cuttings, especially as scale insect and mealybug vectors have not been observed in this area.
Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Fingerprinting Differentiates Genetic Diversity of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae from Northern Thailand
Authors: Kosawang C. , Smitamana P. , Toojinda T. , Nilpanit N. , Sirithunya P.
Published: August 2006

Thirty isolates of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae were collected from different rice‐producing area in northern Thailand. For the assessment of genetic variation of bacterial blight pathogen, 19 primer combinations of amplified fragment length polymorphism primer system were screened to evaluate the genetic diversity and five combinations were selected according to their producibility, number of scorable bands and differences detected among representative isolates. Six lineages of X. oryzae pv. oryzae were identified in northern Thailand base on location. Lineage A composed of members from two provinces, Phitsanulok and Chainat. Lineage B was from various provinces as Sukhothai, Phetchaboon, Phicit, Phayao and Phrae. Lineage C was from Phitsanulok and Phrae. Lineage D comprised of members from Phrae, Chiangmai and Chiangrai while the lineage E composed of isolates from Sukhothai and Phitsanulok. The final lineage, lineage F, was from Lampang. Lineages B and D were the most widely distributed while lineage E seemed to be restricted to specific planting area. Wide distribution of the pathogen might be due to seed allocation and germplasm exchanged. Analysis showed that diversity of pathogen is due to single field and cultivars‐specific effects. The results of this study will facilitate the use of effective bacterial blight resistance gene in northern Thailand.
Antifungal Proteins during Sorghum Grain Development and Grain Mould Resistance
Authors: Rodriguez‐Herrera R. , Waniska R. D. , Rooney W. L. , Aguilar C. N. , Contreras‐Esquivel J. C.
Published: August 2006

Proteins potentially inhibitory to the growth of grain‐moulding fungi in vitro have been identified from sorghum seeds. However, their role in vivo during fungi infection is still not clear. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the presence of antifungal proteins (AFPs) during grain development. Sureño (a grain mould‐resistant line), RTx430 (a grain mould‐susceptible) and their F1 hybrid, were planted at two moisture levels. Caryopses were collected from each genotype every 7 days after anthesis (DAA) during development and maturity of the grain. Significant levels of grain mould occurred naturally. Levels of four AFPs (sormatin, chitinases, β‐1,3‐glucanases and ribosomal‐inactivating proteins) were determined using the immunoblotting technique. During grain development (7–35 DAA), Sureño and the F1 hybrid showed higher levels of sormatin and chitinase than RTx430. RIPs levels in Sureño and the F1 hybrid were higher than those in RTx430 after 21 DAA. Sormatin, chitinases, β‐1,3‐glucanases and RIPs levels in Sureño and in the F1 hybrid were higher than those of RTx430 after grain physiological maturity. AFPs are associated with grain mould resistance because Sureño and the F1 hybrid induce and/or retain higher AFPs levels under grain mould infection pressure than did RTx430.
Introduction: Cash Transfers: Panacea for Poverty Reduction or Money Down the Drain?
Authors: Farrington John , Slater Rachel
Published: August 2006

Cash transfers have risen rapidly up the agenda in both emergency and developmental contexts, provoking widely disparate reactions and raising a number of political, financial and operational challenges for governments, donors and NGOs. This special theme issue of Development Policy Review considers growing experience with cash transfers in development in Africa and Asia and draws on lessons learned from the implementation of cash transfer schemes in Latin America. It is complemented by the simultaneous publication of papers in Disasters: The Journal of Disasters Studies, Policy and Management 30 (3) which consider experience with cash transfers in emergencies.
Reducing Child Poverty with Cash Transfers: A Sure Thing?
Authors: Barrientos Armando , DeJong Jocelyn
Published: August 2006

Children are disproportionately represented among the income‐poor, many suffer from severe deprivation, and their poverty and vulnerability have cumulative and long‐term consequences. This article provides a comparative examination of the poverty‐reduction effectiveness of cash transfer programmes targeting children, focusing on three types of such programmes: the Child Support Grant in South Africa, family allowances in transition countries, and targeted conditional cash transfer programmes in Latin America and the Caribbean. It finds that, despite differences in design, cash transfer programmes targeting children in poor households are an effective way of reducing poverty.
The Phasing of Fiscal Adjustments: What Works in Emerging Market Economies?
Authors: Baldacci Emanuele , Clements Benedict , Gupta Sanjeev , Mulas‐Granados Carlos
Published: August 2006

This paper investigates the political and economic determinants of successful fiscal adjustment in 25 emerging market economies from 1980 to 2001. The results show that large and back‐loaded fiscal adjustments have the highest likelihood of success. Fiscal consolidations based on expenditure cuts increase the probability of approaching and achieving fiscal sustainability but are insufficient to maintain it unless accompanied by revenue reforms. Adjustment episodes launched in countries where governments enjoy a parliamentary majority and do not face imminent elections, are found to be more successful. Fiscal consolidations undertaken under IMF‐supported programs also have a higher probability of success.
Evaluating qualitative management research: Towards a contingent criteriology
Authors: Johnson Phil , Buehring Anna , Cassell Catherine , Symon Gillian
Published: August 2006

The term qualitative management research embraces an array of non‐statistical research practices. Here it is argued that this diversity is an outcome of competing philosophical assumptions which produce distinctive research perspectives and legitimate the appropriation of different sets of evaluation criteria. Some confusion can arise when evaluation criteria constituted by particular philosophical conventions are universally applied to this heterogeneous management field. In order to avoid such misappropriation, this paper presents a first step towards a contingent criteriology located in a metatheoretical analysis of three modes of qualitative management research which are compared with the positivist mainstream to elaborate different forms of evaluation. It is argued that once armed with criteria that vary accordingly, evaluation can reflexively focus upon the extent to which any management research consistently embraces the particular methodological principles that are sanctioned by its a priori philosophical commitments.
Management development in small firms
Authors: Fuller‐Love Nerys
Published: August 2006

This paper is a review of the literature concerning management development in small firms. It looks at the benefits in terms of growing a small firm and whether the lack of management skills contributes to their failure. In addition, this paper looks at some of the barriers to management development, including the attitudes and characteristics of the entrepreneur, and also looks at learning models that may be appropriate for small firms. The paper also looks at the authors’ views on the effectiveness of management development for small firms, the barriers to learning as well as the skills required. Management development programmes are now widely accepted as a means of improving the competitiveness of firms and the economy as a whole. Although management education and training has, in the past, been designed mainly for larger firms, there is a growing awareness of the requirements of small businesses. Government initiatives designed to encourage start‐ups and to boost the growth of small firms have emphasized the importance of management development. This review of the literature shows that, on balance, management development programmes are effective for small firms. The main benefits appear to be survival and growth, reduction in failure and improvement in performance. The skills required include leadership and management, developing management systems and techniques and team building. Other skills include planning, delegation and financial management. The paper concludes that there is a need for further research into the effectiveness of management development programmes, the skills required and the barriers to learning in small firms and, also, whether they have an impact on the survival, growth and profitability of small firms.
Ten microsatellite loci for evolutionary research on Nesospiza buntings
Authors: DELPORT WAYNE , GRANT TYRON J. , RYAN PETER G. , BLOOMER PAULETTE
Published: August 2006

We tested 19 loci originally developed for Vidua and Geospiza, of which six Vidua loci were polymorphic and furthermore, developed four microsatellite loci for Nesospiza buntings. Allelic variation ranged from two to 13 alleles, with heterozygosity from 0 to 0.82. Ascertainment bias was evident as increased allelic diversity of loci developed for Nesospiza, versus those developed for Vidua. Two loci showed linkage, and several, deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. We suggest such deviations are through introduction of new alleles by introgression, or of the Wahlund effect. These loci will contribute to the understanding of speciation in Nesospiza buntings of the Tristan da Cunha islands.
Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for the tropical tree species Tabebuia aurea (Bignoniaceae)
Authors: BRAGA ALINE C. , REIS ALESSANDRA M. M. , LEOI LÉLIA T. , PEREIRA RINALDO W. , COLLEVATTI ROSANE G.
Published: August 2006

In this study, we report the development and characterization of 21 polymorphic microsatellite loci for Tabebuia aurea, using genomic library enrichment. Number of alleles per locus and expected heterozygosity ranged from nine to 26 and from 0.808 to 0.955. The high combined probability of genetic identity (1.03 × 10−37) and probability of paternity exclusion (0.9889) showed that multilocus genotypes are likely to be unique and will allow detailed parentage studies in natural populations of T. aurea. Additionally, a high percentage of transferability was achieved for the four species of the same genus studied.
Old wine in new bottles: Democratic peace as empowerment of states in conflict resolution
Authors: PFETSCH FRANK R.
Published: August 2006

Abstract.  This article examines the capacities of various regimes to master conflicts. The capacities of regimes are measured by an empowerment index that reflects more accurately the capacity of states to manage conflicts than measures of democracy. The study draws from a wide range of indicators to calculate values of the independent variables ‘challenges’ and ‘support’ for each existing state. In addition to these explanatory factors, regime factors are calculated independently. The dependent variable ‘conflict’ draws on the data set by Kosimo (http://www.kosimo.de) and is based on the number of conflicts occurring between 1945 and 2000. These conflicts are then considered in relation to the management capacities of each state. The analysis shows that the empowerment indicator is a better predictor of conflict involvement than the regime indicator. Cross‐calculations also show that, not surprisingly, on the whole, democracies have had a better record in the management of conflicts than other regimes.
Political participation and three theories of democracy: A research inventory and agenda
Authors: TEORELL JAN
Published: August 2006

Abstract. This article proposes an agenda for political participation research aimed at providing empirical answers to questions derived from normative political theory. Based on a threefold distinction between responsive, participatory and deliberative models of democracy, the article first distinguishes three conceptions of political participation: as influencing attempts, as direct decision making, and as political discussion. Second, it is argued that each of the three models is associated with different desired consequences of political participation: equal protection of interests, self‐development and subjective legitimacy. Third, a procedural standard is identified from which to evaluate the mechanism generating the three types of participation. By analogy with theories of distributive justice, this mechanism should be sensitive to incentives but insensitive to resources. The empirical questions thus implied are finally drawn together into an integrated agenda for future participation studies.