bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of insecticidal and genotoxic effects of imidacloprid and acetochlor in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Frantzios G. , Paptsiki K. , Sidiropoulou B. , Lazaridis I. , Theophilidis G. , Mavragani‐Tsipidou P.
Published: April 2008

Two pesticides, the insecticide imidacloprid and the herbicide acetochlor, were evaluated for their insecticidal and genotoxic effects in Drosophila melanogaster. Their insecticidal effects were assessed by calculating LC50 values after acute or chronic exposure of larvae and adults to different concentrations of the test compounds. After acute exposure, the LC50 of imidacloprid was 7.59 × 10−5 M for larvae and 1.43 × 10−4 M for adults, and after chronic exposure, it was 2.67 × 10−5 M and 6.09 × 10−5 M for larvae and adults, respectively. On the contrary, the herbicide acetochlor showed no acute or chronic insecticidal effect against either larvae or adults, even at very high concentrations (8 × 10−3 M). For the evaluation of genotoxic properties of the two pesticides, the Somatic Mutation and Recombination Test in D. melanogaster was used. Our results suggest that neither imidacloprid nor acetochlor exhibits mutagenic or recombinogenic activity at applicable concentrations.
In vitro Inoculation Studies for Estimating the Susceptibility of Ornamental Plants to Phytophthora ramorum
Authors: Kaminski K. , Wagner S.
Published: April 2008

Susceptibility evaluation of plant species towards Phytophthora ramorum is essential for pest risk assessment of the pathogen in Europe. An in vitro inoculation method on detached leaves and twigs was used to estimate the susceptibility of some leading ornamental plant species in Germany. Ratings in susceptibility of plant species and cultivars were classified according to the degree of symptoms caused by P. ramorum. Buxus sp., Hedera helix, Vaccinium corymbosum and V. macrocarpon were classified as not susceptible whereas most Calluna vulgaris cultivars, Erica carnea‘Schneekuppe’, E. gracilis, Vaccinium myrtillus and Vaccinium oxycoccus ranged in the ‘highly susceptible’ category. Erica carnea ‘Rubinfeuer’ and E. cinerea were classified as moderately susceptible whereas E. x darleyensis and Rhododendron simsii were classified as slightly susceptible. Different susceptibility reactions between cultivars were only found for R. simsii and C. vulgaris. Symptom development was effected by wounding only for R. simsii, V. corymbosum and V. oxycoccus.
Effect of a Photo‐synthetic Inhibitor on Tryptamine Pathway‐mediated Sekiguchi Lesion Formation in Lesion Mimic Mutant of Rice Infected with Magnaporthe grisea
Authors: Imaoka A. , Ueno M. , Kihara J. , Kadowaki M. , Arase S.
Published: April 2008

A lesion‐mimic mutant of rice (cv. Sekiguchi‐asahi) showed enhanced resistance to Magnaporthe grisea infection, thereby inducing Sekiguchi lesion (sl) formation and tryptamine accumulation under light. Both Sekiguchi lesion formation and tryptamine accumulation in leaves infected with M. grisea were inhibited by pretreatment with the photosynthetic inhibitor, 3‐(3, 4‐Dichlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dimethylurea (DCMU), which suppressed the gene expression of tryptophan decarboxylase (TDC), monoamine oxidase activity, H2O2 generation and DNA fragmentation. Catalase activity was inhibited by M. grisea infection under light, but magnitude of the inhibition was reduced in leaves pretreated with DCMU. Furthermore, tryptophan accumulated in M. grisea‐infected leaves under light but not in DCMU‐pretreated ones. Interestingly, such DCMU inhibition was reduced in the presence of tryptophan. Our studies suggest that chloroplasts function as the inhibitor of anti‐oxidant system such as catalase activity and the supplier of a precursor of tryptamine and tryptophan in the sl mutant infected with M. grisea.
Increased Susceptibility of Rice Following Insertion of Amylopullulanase Gene, to Brown Spot Caused by Bipolaris oryzae
Authors: Ting M.‐Y. , Shih H.‐D. , Lin C.‐Y.
Published: April 2008

Transgenic rice expressing an amylopullulanase (APU) from the bacterium Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus 39E produces grains which are less expensive to process for production of sugar syrup and protein‐enriched flour. During risk assessment of the transgenic line in a field test, brown spot disease caused by Bipolaris oryzae was found more severe on the transgenic line APU than on its parental line TNG67. When lines APU and TNG67 were inoculated at seedling, tillering or heading stage with B. oryzae isolated from line TNG67, the disease was more severe on line APU than on line TNG67 at heading stage, but not at the seedling or tillering stage. However, when B. oryzae isolated from line APU was used in the inoculation tests, the disease was more severe on line APU than on line TNG67 at seedling stage, but not at the tillering or heading stage. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an unintended change in a transgenic plant to become more susceptible to a disease than the non‐transgenic plant.
Different crab species influence feeding of the snail Nucella lapillus through trait‐mediated indirect interactions
Authors: Aschaffenburg Matthew D.
Published: April 2008

Indirect interactions are among the many important factors that influence the community structure of the rocky intertidal zone. Trait‐mediated indirect interactions, in which the presence of a predator or competitor can influence the relationship between two other species, have emerged as vital for understanding community dynamics. This study examined the effect of different crab species on the feeding habits of an intertidal snail, Nucella lapillus. Crab species were defined as being sympatric predatory (Carcinus maenas and Cancer irroratus), sympatric non‐predatory (Uca pugnax and Pagurus longicarpus), or allopatric predatory (Mithrax sculptus and Percnon gibbesi). Nucella lapillus were potentially exposed to risk cues from each of the crab species. Crabs were kept in perforated boxes, which allowed any chemical cues to be emitted but prevented direct contact. Nucella lapillus had significantly lower feeding rates in the presence of sympatric predatory crab species than N. lapillus exposed to either sympatric non‐predatory crabs or allopatric predatory crabs. There was no difference in feeding rate between N. lapillus exposed to the sympatric non‐predatory crabs and to the allopatric predatory crabs. Nucella lapillus in the presence of sympatric predatory crabs had a feeding rate of only 0.07 barnacles per snail per day, whereas N. lapillus housed with non‐predatory crabs and allopatric predatory crabs had rates of 0.11 and 0.12, respectively, suggesting that N. lapillus alter their behavior in response to chemical risk cues from local predators. These results suggest that the ability to detect and respond to risk cues is a selectively evolved trait.
BOTH 5‐HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE 5‐HT2A AND 5‐HT1B RECEPTORS ARE INVOLVED IN THE VASOCONSTRICTOR RESPONSE TO 5‐HT IN THE HUMAN ISOLATED INTERNAL THORACIC ARTERY
Authors: Tanaka Naoko , Nakamura Eisaku , Ohkura Masamichi , Kuwabara Masachika , Yamashita Atsushi , Onitsuka Toshio , Asada Yujiro , Hisa Hiroaki , Yamamoto Ryuichi
Published: April 2008

The 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT, serotonin) receptor subtypes that mediate vasoconstriction in the human internal thoracic artery (ITA), which is frequently used as an arterial graft, remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the 5‐HT receptor subtypes responsible for 5‐HT‐induced contraction of the human ITA.

The contractile responses to 5‐HT of endothelium‐denuded human ITA obtained from patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery were examined. In addition, we investigated the effects of sarpogrelate and SB224289, antagonists of 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT1B receptors, respectively, on the 5‐HT‐induced vasoconstriction. Finally, 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT1B receptors in the human ITA were immunolabelled.

5‐Hydroxytryptamine (1 nmol/L–10 mmol/L) caused vasoconstriction in a concentration‐dependent manner. Both sarpogrelate (1 mmol/L) and SB224289 (1 mmol/L) significantly, but not completely, inhibited 5‐HT‐induced vasoconstriction.

Conversely, simultaneous pretreatment with supramaximum concentrations (1 mmol/L for both) of sarpogrelate and SB224289 almost completely inhibited the 5‐HT‐induced vasoconstriction.

Immunopositive staining for 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT1B receptors was detected in smooth muscle cells of the human ITA.

These results demonstrate that, in human ITA, 5‐HT‐induced vasoconstriction is mediated by activation of both 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT1B receptors. Thus, when the human ITA is used as an arterial graft, a combination of 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT1B receptor antagonists would appear to be most useful to prevent 5‐HT‐induced vasospasm.
ANTIPROLIFERATIVE ACTIVITY OF AUCUBIN IS THROUGH CELL CYCLE ARREST AND APOPTOSIS IN HUMAN NON‐SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER A549 CELLS
Authors: Hung Jen‐Yu , Yang Chih‐Jen , Tsai Ying‐Ming , Huang Hurng‐Wern , Huang Ming‐Shyan
Published: April 2008

Aucubin, an iridoid glycoside isolated from the leaves of Aucuba japonica, inhibits human non‐small cell lung cancer A549 cells by blocking cell cycle progression in the G0/G1 phase and inducing apoptosis.

An ELISA showed that the G0/G1 phase arrest is due to p53‐mediated induction of p21. Enhancement of Fas and its two ligands, membrane‐bound and soluble Fas ligand, may be responsible for the apoptotic effect induced by aucubin.

The present study shows, for the first time, that the induction of p53 and activity of the Fas/Fas ligand apoptotic system may participate in the antiproliferative activity of aucubin in A549 cells.
EFFECTS OF A CHRONIC EXERCISE TRAINING PROTOCOL ON OXIDATIVE STRESS AND RIGHT VENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY IN MONOCROTALINE‐TREATED RATS
Authors: Souza‐Rabbo Maristela P , Silva Luis FF , Auzani Jorge AS , Picoral Marcus , Khaper Neelam , Belló‐Klein Adriane
Published: April 2008

In the present study, we investigated the effects of exercise training on cardiac hypertrophy and oxidative stress in a monocrotaline (MCT)‐induced cor pulmonale model. Male Wistar rats were assigned to one of three groups: sedentary control (SC); sedentary MCT (SM); or trained MCT (TM).

Right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) was induced by a single injection of MCT (60 mg/kg, i.p.). Exercise training consisted of running on a treadmill (five times a week, during Weeks 3, 4 and 5). Systemic oxidative stress was evaluated in erythrocytes by chemiluminescence (CL) and the activity of the anti‐oxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) was determined.

At Week 3, MCT‐treated animals exhibited RVH, lung congestion, decreased SOD activity and increased CAT activity. Exercise training reduced MCT‐induced RVH and increased GST activity. At Week 4, MCT‐induced RVH was accompanied by an increase in CL and GST activity. However, in TM animals there was a decrease in CL and augmented SOD activity. At Week 5, there were no survivors in the SM group, whereas GST activity was elevated in TM rats compared with SC rats. There was no difference in GPx activity throughout the experimental protocol between the groups.

Taken together, our results indicate that exercise training is able to ameliorate RVH and improve survival, which is associated with a reduction in oxidative stress in MCT‐treated rats.
SEQUENTIAL ACTIVATION OF THE REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES/ANGIOTENSINOGEN/RENIN–ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM AXIS IN RENAL INJURY OF TYPE 2 DIABETIC RATS
Authors: Miyata Kayoko , Ohashi Naro , Suzaki Yuki , Katsurada Akemi , Kobori Hiroyuki
Published: April 2008

The present study was performed to test the hypothesis that the reactive oxygen species (ROS)–angiotensinogen (AGT)–renin angiotensin system (RAS) axis is sequentially activated in the development of diabetic nephropathy in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) obese rats.

Genetic pairs of male ZDF obese and control ZDF lean rats (n = 12 of each species) were killed every 3 weeks from 12 to 21 weeks of age (n = 6 at each time point).

The ZDF obese rats developed diabetes mellitus at 12 weeks. At that time, urinary excretion rates of 8‐isoprostane were similar between the groups; however, urinary 8‐isoprostane levels were significantly increased at 15 weeks in ZDF obese rats compared with controls (36 ± 6 vs 15 ± 2 ng/day, respectively). At 15 weeks, protein levels of cortical angiotensinogen were similar between groups; however, cortical angiotensinogen levels were significantly increased at 18 weeks in ZDF obese rats compared with controls (relative ratio of 2.32 ± 0.21 vs 1.00 ± 0.20, respectively). At 12 weeks, angiotensin (Ang) II‐like immunoreactivity was similar between groups in both the glomeruli and tubules; however, AngII‐like immunoreactivity was increased significantly at 21 weeks in ZDF obese rats compared with controls (relative ratios of 1.98 ± 0.55 vs 1.00 ± 0.03, respectively, for glomeruli and 1.58 ± 0.16 vs 1.00 ± 0.13, respectively, for tubules). Moreover, at 21 weeks, the desmin‐positive area in the glomeruli (0.63 ± 0.08 vs 0.22 ± 0.05%) and Masson's trichrome stain‐positive area in the interstitium (4.97 ± 0.05 vs 3.18 ± 0.41%) were significantly increased in ZDF obese rats compared with controls, even though these differences had not been observed earlier.

These data suggest that the sequential activation of the ROS–AGT–RAS axis plays an important role in the development of diabetic nephropathy in ZDF obese rats.
EFFECTS OF HESPERIDIN ON CYCLIC STRAIN‐INDUCED ENDOTHELIN‐1 RELEASE IN HUMAN UMBILICAL VEIN ENDOTHELIAL CELLS
Authors: Chiou Chi‐Sheng , Lin Jia‐Wei , Kao Pai‐Feng , Liu Ju‐Chi , Cheng Tzu‐Hurng , Chan Paul
Published: April 2008

Hesperidin, a member of the flavanone group of flavonoids, can be isolated in large amounts from the rinds of some citrus species and has been reported to have antihypotensive and vasodilator properties. However, the mechanism of action of hesperidin in the prevention and treatment of vascular diseases remains unclear.

The vascular endothelium can produce potent contracting factors, such as endothelin (ET)‐1, and endothelium‐derived relaxing factors, such as nitric oxide (NO). The aims of the present study were to test the hypothesis that hesperidin may alter strain‐induced ET‐1 secretion and NO production and to identify the putative underlying signalling pathways in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).

Hesperidin (10 and 100 mmol/L) inhibited strain‐induced ET‐1 secretion. Hesperidin also inhibited strain‐induced increases in the formation of reactive oxygen species and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation.

Hesperidin treatment of HUVEC enhanced NO production, endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activity and the phosphorylation of eNOS and Akt. Furthermore, hesperidin modulated strain‐induced ET‐1 release and suppressed ERK phosphorylation in part via the NO/protein kinase G pathway.

In summary, we have demonstrated that hesperidin inhibits strain‐induced ET‐1 secretion and enhances NO production in HUVEC.
EFFECT OF STATIN THERAPY ON PLASMA HIGH‐DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN–CHOLESTEROL LEVELS IS MODIFIED BY PARAOXONASE 1 IN CHINESE PATIENTS WITH CORONARY HEART DISEASE
Authors: Fu Ran , Sun Yan‐Ming , Su Ying , Wu Yun , Luan Ying
Published: April 2008

We sought to determine the effects of Q192R polymorphism of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene on plasma high‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels and the response to statin therapy in Chinese patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Two hundred and thirty‐six patients with CHD were treated with simvastatin 20 mg/day. Fasting serum lipids were determined before and after 12 weeks of treatment.

No significant differences were detected among the PON1 Q192R polymorphism with respect to plasma lipids. In addition, the effects of simvastatin to increase HDL‐C levels were significantly greater in patients with the RR genotype compared with patients with the QR or RR genotypes (P < 0.05).

We conclude that the Q192R polymorphism of PON1 significantly modulates the HDL‐C response to simvastatin in Chinese patients with CHD.
IDENTIFICATION OF NATURAL COUMARIN COMPOUNDS THAT RESCUE DEFECTIVE ΔF508‐CFTR CHLORIDE CHANNEL GATING
Authors: Xu Li‐Na , Na Wan‐Li , Liu Xin , Hou Shu‐Guang , Lin Sen , Yang Hong , Ma Tong‐Hui
Published: April 2008

Deletion of phenylalanine at position 508 (DF508) of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel is the most common mutation causing cystic fibrosis (CF). Effective pharmacological therapy of CF caused by the DF508‐CFTR mutation requires the rescue of both intracellular processing and channel gating defects.

We identified a class of natural coumarin compounds that can correct the defective DF508‐CFTR chloride channel gating by screening a collection of 386 single natural compounds from Chinese medicinal herbs. Screening was performed with an iodide influx assay in Fischer rat thyroid epithelial cells coexpressing DF508‐CFTR and an iodide‐sensitive fluorescent indicator (YFP‐H148Q/I152L).

Dose‐dependent potentiation of defective DF508‐CFTR chloride channel gating by five coumarin compounds was demonstrated by the fluorescent iodide influx assay and confirmed by an Ussing chamber short‐circuit current assay. Activation was fully abolished by the specific CFTR inhibitor CFTRinh‐172. Two potent compounds, namely imperatorin and osthole, have activation Kd values of approximately 10 mmol/L, as determined by the short‐circuit current assay. The active coumarin compounds do not elevate intracellular cAMP levels. Activation of DF508‐CFTR by the coumarin compounds requires cAMP agonist, suggesting direct interaction with the mutant CFTR molecule. Kinetics analysis indicated rapid activation of DF508‐CFTR by the coumarin compounds, with half‐maximal activation of < 5 min. The activating effect was fully reversed for all five active compounds 45 min after washout.

In conclusion, the natural coumarin DF508‐CFTR activators may represent a new class of natural lead compounds for the development of pharmacological therapies for CF caused by the DF508 mutation.
EFFECTS OF ATORVASTATIN AND PRAVASTATIN ON GLUCOSE TOLERANCE, ADIPOKINE LEVELS AND INFLAMMATORY MARKERS IN HYPERCHOLESTEROLAEMIC PATIENTS
Authors: Ando Hitoshi , Sugimoto Koh‐ichi , Yanagihara Hayato , Tsuruoka Shuichi , Saito Tetsuo , Takamura Toshinari , Kaneko Shuichi , Fujimura Akio
Published: April 2008

Several randomized clinical trials have suggested that atorvastatin and pravastatin may differ in terms of their pleiotropic effects. To verify this, we compared the effects of both statins on glucose tolerance, adipokine concentrations and inflammatory markers.

A total of 36 hypercholesterolaemic patients without known coronary heart disease (CHD) were enrolled in an open‐label, randomized, crossover study. The patients received pravastatin or atorvastatin (10 mg/day) for 4 months and then switched to the other statin for an additional 4 months.

At the end of both treatment periods, atorvastatin significantly reduced the concentration of serum lipids (total and low‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol and triglycerides) and inflammatory markers (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and tumour necrosis factor‐a) and increased serum adiponectin levels compared with pravastatin treatment. Although these effects would be expected to improve insulin sensitivity, atorvastatin did not affect glucose tolerance, which was assessed by fasting glucose and insulin concentrations, the homeostasis model assessment index and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Only obese patients showed increased HbA1clevels after atorvastatin treatment.

Our results suggest that atorvastatin has both advantages and disadvantages compared with pravastatin treatment. Further studies are required to compare the relative clinical value of atorvastatin and pravastatin, especially in obese patients without CHD.
POST‐TRANSFUSIONAL VARIATION IN URINARY OXYGEN TENSION IN SURGICAL PATIENTS
Authors: Valente Alessio , Sorrentino Luca , La Torre Giuseppe , Draisci Gaetano
Published: April 2008

Prior studies have suggested urinary oxygen tension (Puo2) as a putative index of renal blood flow (RBF) and tissue oxygenation.

In the present study, we collected intraoperative data from eight anaemic, bladder‐catheterized patients who received erythrocyte transfusions during various surgical procedures under general anaesthesia. Urinary and arterial blood gas analysis and co‐oximetry were performed before and after transfusion, during an interval in which RBF was assumed to be constant.

Pre‐ and post‐transfusion haematocrit levels were 23 ± 4.8 and 27 ± 6.4%, respectively, and arterial oxygen content (Cao2) was 10.5 ± 2.5 and 12.4 ± 3.1 mL/dL, respectively (P = 0.012). Pre‐ and post‐transfusion Puo2 was 90 ± 14 and 108 ± 20 mmHg, respectively (P = 0.036).

These results, although limited, suggest that under conditions of stable haemodynamics, systemic oxygenation and renal function, intraoperative blood transfusion may increase Puo2 in anaemic anaesthetized patients. If confirmed by subsequent clinical and laboratory studies, Puo2 measurement could become a simple, non‐invasive way to monitor renal medullary oxygenation and tissue oxygen availability and help determine whether red blood cells should be transfused.
Pain influences hedonic assessment of visual inputs
Authors: Godinho Fabio , Frot Maud , Perchet Caroline , Magnin Michel , Garcia‐Larrea Luis
Published: April 2008

It is acknowledged that the emotional state created by visual inputs can modulate the way we feel pain; however, little is known about how acute pain influences the emotional assessment of what we see. In this study healthy subjects scored affective images while receiving painful or innocuous electrical shocks. Painful stimuli did not make unpleasant images more unpleasant, but rendered pleasant pictures significantly less pleasant. Brain responses to visual inputs (64‐channels electroencephalogram) mirrored behavioural results, showing pain‐induced effects in the orbitofrontal cortex, the subgenual portion of the cingulate gyrus, the anterior prefrontal and the temporal cortices, exclusively during presentation of pleasant images. In addition to this specific effect on pleasant pictures, pain also produced non‐specific effects upon all categories of images, engaging cerebral areas associated with attention, alertness and motor preparation (middle‐cingulate, supplemental motor, prefrontal cortex). Thus, pain appears to have a dual influence on visual processing: a non‐specific effect related to orienting phenomena; and a more specific action exerted on supra‐modal limbic areas involved in the production of affective states. The latter correlated with changes in the subjective appraisal of visual stimuli, and may underlie not only the change in their subjective assessment but also reactive processes aimed at coping with unpleasant contexts.
Ammonia‐oxidizing archaea: important players in paddy rhizosphere soil?
Authors: Chen Xue‐Ping , Zhu Yong‐Guan , Xia Yue , Shen Ju‐Pei , He Ji‐Zheng
Published: April 2008

The diversity (richness and community composition) of ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) in paddy soil with different nitrogen (N) fertilizer amendments for 5 weeks were investigated using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) jand clone library analysis based on the ammonia monooxygenase α‐subunit (amoA) gene. Ammonia‐oxidizing archaea predominated among ammonia‐oxidizing prokaryotes in the paddy soil, and the AOA:AOB DNA‐targeted amoA gene ratios ranged from 1.2 to 69.3. Ammonia‐oxidizing archaea were more abundant in the rhizosphere than in bulk soil. Rice cultivation led to greater abundance of AOA than AOB amoA gene copies and to differences in AOA and AOB community composition. These results show that AOA is dominant in the rhizosphere paddy soil in this study, and we assume that AOA were influenced more by exudation from rice root (e.g. oxygen, carbon dioxide) than AOB.
Microbial primary production on an Arctic glacier is insignificant in comparison with allochthonous organic carbon input
Authors: Stibal Marek , Tranter Martyn , Benning Liane G. , Řehák Josef
Published: April 2008

Cryoconite holes are unique freshwater environments on glacier surfaces, formed when solar‐heated dark debris melts down into the ice. Active photoautotrophic microorganisms are abundant within the holes and fix inorganic carbon due to the availability of liquid water and solar radiation. Cryoconite holes are potentially important sources of organic carbon to the glacial ecosystem, but the relative magnitudes of autochthonous microbial primary production and wind‐borne allochthonous organic matter brought are unknown. Here, we compare an estimate of annual microbial primary production in 2006 on Werenskioldbreen, a Svalbard glacier, with the organic carbon content of cryoconite debris. There is a great disparity between annual primary production (4.3 μg C g−1 year−1) and the high content of organic carbon within the debris (1.7–4.5%, equivalent to 8500–22 000 μg C g−1 debris). Long‐term accumulation of autochthonous organic matter is considered unlikely due to ablation dynamics and the surface hydrology of the glacier. Rather, it is more likely that the majority of the organic matter on Werenskioldbreen is allochthonous. Hence, although glacier surfaces can be a significant source of organic carbon for glacial environments on Svalbard, they may be reservoirs rather than oases of high productivity.
Microbial community analysis of two field‐scale sulfate‐reducing bioreactors treating mine drainage
Authors: Hiibel Sage R. , Pereyra Luciana P. , Inman Laura Y. , Tischer April , Reisman David J. , Reardon Kenneth F. , Pruden Amy
Published: April 2008

The microbial communities of two field‐scale pilot sulfate‐reducing bioreactors treating acid mine drainage (AMD), Luttrell and Peerless Jenny King (PJK), were compared using biomolecular tools and multivariate statistical analyses. The two bioreactors were well suited for this study because their geographic locations and substrate compositions were similar while the characteristics of influent AMD, configuration and degree of exposure to oxygen were distinct. The two bioreactor communities were found to be functionally similar, including cellulose degraders, fermenters and sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB). Significant differences were found between the two bioreactors in phylogenetic comparisons of cloned 16S rRNA genes and adenosine 5′‐phosphosulfate reductase (apsA) genes. The apsA gene clones from the Luttrell bioreactor were dominated by uncultured SRB most closely related to Desulfovibrio spp., while those of the PJK bioreactor were dominated by Thiobacillus spp. The fraction of the SRB genus Desulfovibrio was also higher at Luttrell than at PJK as determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Oxygen exposure at PJK is hypothesized to be the primary cause of these differences. This study is the first rigorous phylogenetic investigation of field‐scale bioreactors treating AMD and the first reported application of multivariate statistical analysis of remediation system microbial communities applying UniFrac software.
Diel rhythmicity in amino acid uptake by Prochlorococcus
Authors: Mary Isabelle , Garczarek Laurence , Tarran Glen A. , Kolowrat Christian , Terry Matthew J. , Scanlan David J. , Burkill Peter H. , Zubkov Mikhail V.
Published: April 2008

The marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus, the most abundant phototrophic organism on Earth, numerically dominates the phytoplankton in nitrogen (N)‐depleted oceanic gyres. Alongside inorganic N sources such as nitrite and ammonium, natural populations of this genus also acquire organic N, specifically amino acids. Here, we investigated using isotopic tracer and flow cytometric cell sorting techniques whether amino acid uptake by Prochlorococcus is subject to a diel rhythmicity, and if so, whether this was linked to a specific cell cycle stage. We observed, in contrast to diurnally similar methionine uptake rates by Synechococcus cells, obvious diurnal rhythms in methionine uptake by Prochlorococcus cells in the tropical Atlantic. These rhythms were confirmed using reproducible cyclostat experiments with a light‐synchronized axenic Prochlorococcus (PCC9511 strain) culture and 35S‐methionine and 3H‐leucine tracers. Cells acquired the tracers at lower rates around dawn and higher rates around dusk despite >104 times higher concentration of ammonium in the medium, presumably because amino acids can be directly incorporated into protein. Leucine uptake rates by cells in the S+G2 cell cycle stage were consistently 2.2 times higher than those of cells at the G1 stage. Furthermore, S+G2 cells upregulated amino acid uptake 3.5 times from dawn to dusk to boost protein synthesis prior to cell division. Because Prochlorococcus populations can account from 13% at midday to 42% at dusk of total microbial uptake of methionine and probably of other amino acids in N‐depleted oceanic waters, this genus exerts diurnally variable, strong competitive pressure on other bacterioplankton populations.
Stewards of Virtue? The Ethical Dilemma of CSR in African Agriculture
Authors: Blowfield Michael E. , Dolan Catherine S.
Published: April 2008

In recent years companies have responded to increasingly powerful consumer politics by expanding the scope of corporate social responsibility (CSR) to include ethical trade. This article examines the ethic embedded in and promulgated through ethical trade by use of a case study of African agriculture. Building on recent conceptualizations of globalization, neoliberalism and anthropological analyses of the audit economy, the authors put forward three inter‐related arguments. First, that there is a clear, if largely unacknowledged, ethic that positions ethical trade as an inherently neo‐utilitarian response to the economic and political imperatives of globalization, with important implications for its intended beneficiaries in the South and advocates in the North. Second, that this ethic is at the core of a form of governmentality that advances the project of neoliberalism, not by force but rather through the technologies and embedded norms of voluntary regulation, resulting in a model of governance that is fundamentally constrained by structurally embedded limitations. And third, that attempts to remove these limitations may be less likely to achieve the democratic, empowering outcomes of ethical trade's proponents than to serve the interests of the internationally dispersed ‘stewards of virtue’ that grant ethical trade its legitimacy.
Negotiating Cultural Heritage? Aboriginal–Mining Company Agreements in Australia
Authors: O'Faircheallaigh Ciaran
Published: April 2008

Mining and other forms of industrial development can result in profound and often irreversible damage to the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples. Fear of such damage regularly results in indigenous opposition to development and, in many cases, to delays in construction of development projects or even to their abandonment. Government legislation has generally proved ineffective in protecting indigenous heritage. An alternative means of achieving protection arises from the growing recognition of indigenous land rights and the opportunity this creates for negotiations with mining companies regarding the terms on which indigenous landowners may support development. To evaluate the potential efficacy of negotiated approaches, this article analyses forty‐one agreements between mining companies and Aboriginal peoples in Australia. It argues that negotiated agreements do have the potential to protect indigenous cultural heritage, but only where underlying weaknesses in the bargaining position of indigenous peoples are addressed. This finding has wider implications given that negotiation and agreement making are increasingly being promoted as a means of addressing the structural disadvantages faced by indigenous peoples and of resolving conflicts between them and dominant societies.
‘Model Tribes’ and Iconic Conservationists? The Makuleke Restitution Case in Kruger National Park
Authors: Robins Steven , Waal Kees van der
Published: April 2008

This article investigates how the Makuleke community in Limpopo Province achieved iconic status in relation to land reform and community‐based conservation discourses in South Africa and beyond. It argues that the situation may be more complex than it first appears, and the ways in which the Makuleke story has been deployed by NGOs, activists, academics, conservationists, the state and business may be too simplistic. The authors discuss historical representations of the Makuleke ‘tribe’ against the backdrop of their experiences of living in the borderland Pafuri region of the Kruger National Park prior to their forced removal. After investigating the ways in which the chieftaincy, and its relation to communal land, has been strengthened by local mobilizations against threats from the neighbouring Mhinga Tribal Authority, the authors suggest that a central tension in the Makuleke area is the conflict between democratic principles governing the legal entity in control of the land (i.e., the Communal Property Association), and traditionalist patriarchal principles of the Tribal Authority. The article shows how these restitution‐linked processes became implicated in the establishment in 2002 of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. The authors also argue that the image of the Makuleke as a ‘model tribe’ is both a product of changing historical circumstances and a contributor to contemporary discourses on land restitution and conservation.
Waiting for Miracles: The Commercialization of Urban Water Services in Zambia
Authors: Dagdeviren Hulya
Published: April 2008

This article focuses on the commercialization of urban water services in Zambia. It aims to demonstrate the tension between cost recovery and service extension when water sector reforms combine investment cuts with price increases. It is argued that in low‐income economies where infrastructure limitations are serious and poverty is widespread, heavy reliance on ‘tariff rationalization’ with low levels of investment can lead to reduced access to water and render water charges unaffordable. Reforms to public services can prove futile in the absence of upfront resources for investment in the restoration and extension of the existing infrastructure. In many ways, Zambia typifies other low‐income economies; this study thus offers useful lessons for them.
The Altai Road: Visions of Development across the Russian–Chinese Border
Authors: Nyíri Pál , Breidenbach Joana
Published: April 2008

The Altai Republic is a poor mountainous region of Russia squeezed between Kazakstan, China and Mongolia. A project to build a road connecting Russia with China through the Altai has been conceived within a quadripartite regional co‐operation project, supported by Western development organizations. Yet while at the Chinese side of the border road construction went ahead, in Russia, a coalition of globally connected ecologists, romantic ‘Eurasianists’, nostalgic conservationists and anti‐Chinese xenophobes turned the road into a political hot potato. This case study, in which production and investment are the focus on the Chinese side and environmental protection is key on the Russian side of the border, shows the inadequacy of approaches that pit global capital/international (read: Western) organizations against local (read: non‐Western) resistance or adaptation. China's entry into the politics of international development may be a setback for development critics who have helped engineer a ‘cultural turn’ in institutions such as the World Bank.
AUSTRALIA'S EQUITY HOME BIAS
Authors: MISHRA ANIL V.
Published: April 2008

This paper constructs the float adjusted measure of home bias and explores the determinants of Australia's equity home bias by employing the International Monetary Fund's high quality dataset (2001 to 2005) on cross border equity investment. On the empirical front, the paper conducts robustness tests by employing instrumental variables that are standard in the financial economics literature. The paper finds that the share of the number of firms listed in the domestic market and the share of internet users in the total population of the host country has a significant impact on equity home bias. Trade linkages are found to have a mixed impact on equity home bias. The paper also finds that the country's market share of the world market capitalisation and transaction costs do not impact Australia's equity home bias. Investors are found to exhibit low diversification motives.
THE CHOICE OF EXCHANGE RATE REGIME AND THE VOLATILITY OF EXCHANGE RATES BEFORE AND AFTER THE ASIAN CRISIS: A COUNTERFACTUAL ANALYSIS*
Authors: WILSON PETER , SHANG REN HENRY NG
Published: April 2008

This paper carries out a counterfactual analysis of the impact of alternative exchange rate regimes on the volatility of the nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) and the bilateral rate against the US dollar for nine East Asian countries, both before and after the Asian financial crisis. Our hypothetical regimes include a unilateral basket peg (UBP), a common basket peg (CBP) and a hard peg against the $US, but in contrast to previous counterfactual exercises which compute the weights for effective exchange rates on the basis of simple bloc aggregates, we apply a more disaggregated methodology using a larger number of trade partners and utilise ARCH/GARCH techniques to better capture the time‐varying characteristics of volatility. Our results suggest that a UBP would minimise effective exchange rate volatility for all countries both before and after the crisis and provides the highest regime gains compared to actual. Although the gains for a CBP are always less than those for a UBP the absolute differences between the two regimes appear to be small. In terms of bilateral exchange rates against the dollar the gains from a UBP or CBP could also be quite significant for the non‐dollar peggers, especially post‐crisis, since a fall in effective instability would be accompanied by a fall in bilateral instability.
THE LABOUR SUPPLY AND SAVINGS EFFECTS OF SUPERANNUATION TAX CHANGES*
Authors: CREEDY JOHN , GUEST ROSS
Published: April 2008

This paper investigates the effects on labour supply, consumption and savings of a change in the superannuation tax structure, involving the taxation of contributions to a fund, pre‐retirement earnings of the fund, and the benefits received from the fund during retirement. The effects on lifetime plans of tax changes are investigated using a simple three‐period model in which the final period is retirement. The effects of unanticipated changes, requiring revisions to plans, are examined. Although the partial effects of particular tax changes are unambiguous, the effects of allowing for a government budget constraint mean that it is difficult to predict a priori how labour supply is likely to be affected. However, private savings unambiguously fall.
Rules, roles and tools: Activity theory and the comparative study of e‐learning
Authors: Benson Angela , Lawler Cormac , Whitworth Andrew
Published: April 2008

Activity theory (AT) is a powerful tool for investigating ‘artefacts in use’, ie, the ways technologies interrelate with their local context. AT reveals the interfaces between e‐learning at the macro‐ (strategy, policy, ‘campus‐wide’ solutions) and the micro‐organisational levels (everyday working practice, iterative change, individual adaptation). In AT, contexts are conceived of as activity systems in which human, technological and organisational elements are interrelated and largely inseparable. Both the subjects of the activity system (internal) and the wider community (external) mediate their activities through tools, rules and roles. This paper shows how a course management system (CMS) exerts an influence over all three of these mediators, though the exact nature of this influence depends on the particular configuration of each activity system. This is illustrated with reference to two case study programmes, both of which used Moodle as their CMS, but which had activity systems structured in quite different ways; the programmes also had different relationships with their external organisational environment.
e‐university: a cross‐case study in four Italian universities
Authors: Ghislandi Patrizia , Calidoni Paolo , Falcinelli Floriana , Scurati Cesare
Published: April 2008

This paper describes the aims, the methods, the stages and the results of the research project ‘e‐University. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) as a factor of change in Italian universities’, undertaken between 2003 and 2006 by the Universities of Trento, Perugia and Sassari and the Catholic University of Milan.

The characteristics of the four institutions' subjects and objects of the investigation are analysed as case studies and then compared as a cross‐case study in the light of the factors that we feel constitute the main areas of concern in the four institutions as to the implementation of ICTs in the teaching/learning process, ie, the characteristics of the governance strategic plan, the choices relating to technology and the choices related to pedagogy. The paper describes the collaborative effort characterising the community of researchers through the different stages of the research. It also analyses how the individual features of each university—relating to its history, the number of students, the range of faculties, the diffusion of e‐learning, the driving factors for innovation, the institution's policies—have fostered a lively and fruitful discussion between different view points, thus engendering deeper reflections for each context.
Inquiry‐based learning and technology—supporting institutional TEL within one pedagogical context
Authors: Little Sabine
Published: April 2008

Following the establishment of Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in England and Northern Ireland in 2005, several institutions have used these to pursue specific pedagogical approaches at a strategic level, in line with and building on existing institutional strategic thinking. Technology‐enhanced learning is often one of the vehicles to implement these pedagogical approaches, leading to institution‐wide attempts to identify and support suitable technologies. This paper discusses the role of the educational developer in this process and what impact this particular role might have at strategic level, bearing in mind the numerous simultaneous developments that take place in an institution at any one time.
Entry and Exit in International Markets: Evidence from Chilean Data*
Authors: Alvarez Roberto , López Ricardo A.
Published: April 2008

Several studies examine the patterns and determinants of entry and exit in manufacturing industries. Not much work exists on entry and exit in international markets. This paper uses Chilean data to analyze the industry‐level determinants of entry and exit in export markets. First, we show as stylized facts that entry and exit rates differ across industries, vary over time, and are positively correlated. Then, we study the main determinants of these patterns. Our econometric analysis shows that within‐industry heterogeneity, measured by differences in productivity or other firm characteristics, has a significant effect on plant turnover in international markets. Our findings reveal that trade costs, factor intensities, and fluctuations in the real exchange rate play a minor role explaining entry and exit. This last result is consistent with hysteresis in international markets.
Assessing Applied Protection across the World*
Authors: Bouët Antoine , Decreux Yvan , Fontagné Lionel , Jean Sébastien , Laborde David
Published: April 2008

This paper presents MAcMap–HS‐6, a database providing a consistent, ad valorem equivalent measure of tariff duties and tariff rate quotas for 163 countries and 208 partners, at the six‐digit level of the Harmonized System (5111 products), accounting for all preferential agreements. We describe the methodology used to compute and aggregate an ad valorem equivalent of applied protection. Emphasis is placed on minimizing the endogeneity bias in the aggregation procedure, while acknowledging structural differences in export specialization. The resulting quantitative assessment is illustrated by giving an overview of applied protection across the world in 2001, in terms of average as well as distribution.
DISTANCE FROM URBAN AGGLOMERATION ECONOMIES AND RURAL POVERTY*
Authors: Partridge Mark D. , Rickman Dan S.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT Despite strong national economic growth and significant poverty reduction during the late 1990s, high poverty persisted in remote rural areas. This study uses a geographical information system county database to examine the nexus between rural U.S. poverty and remoteness. We find that poverty rates increase with greater rural distances from successively larger metropolitan areas (MAs). We explain this outcome as arising from the attenuation of urban agglomeration effects at greater distances and incomplete commuting and migration responses to lower labor demand in rural areas. One implication is that remote areas may particularly experience greater reductions in poverty from place‐based economic development policies.
CORRUPTION AND CORPORATE FINANCE PATTERNS: AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Du Julan
Published: April 2008

Abstract.  This study demonstrates the importance of government corruption in shaping corporate finance patterns across countries. Corruption contributes to a more prevalent and higher degree of corporate equity ownership concentration and more reliance on bank financing in raising external finance. It argues that corporate governance under corrupt governments is particularly poor. Firm management, taking advantage of political capital acquired through bribery, is especially powerful in expropriating from outside investors. Ownership concentration and reliance on bank financing are means of mitigating the corporate governance problem under a corrupt government.
LINK BETWEEN DOMESTIC R&D AND INFLOW OF FDI: A GAME‐THEORETIC ANALYSIS
Authors: Beladi Hamid , Firoozi Fathali , Co Catherine
Published: April 2008

Abstract.  The empirical literature has generated mixed correlations between research and development (R&D) undertaken by domestic firms and the inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) by their multinational rivals. Further, the existing theoretical explanations of such empirical results appear to be inadequate. This study presents an alternative game‐theoretic explanation for the observed correlations. The results show that the seemingly contradictory observed mixed correlations can be explained in an encompassing model in terms of the multinationals’ competitive and interactive assessment of the efficiency and expenditure consequences that domestic R&D could generate for the undertaking domestic competitors.
PROPERTY MARKET AND THE MACROECONOMY OF MAINLAND CHINA: A CROSS REGION STUDY
Authors: Peng Wensheng , Tam Dickson C. , Yiu Matthew S.
Published: April 2008

Abstract.  This paper studies the nexus between the property market and macroeconomy of China in 1998–2004, using panel data models covering 31 provinces and major cities. The estimates suggest three main conclusions. First, there seemed to be a two‐way linkage between property prices and GDP growth. Second, bank credit expansion did not seem to play an ‘accelerating’ role in property price inflation, although the latter is found to have contributed to bank credit increases in recent years. Third, property price growth may have deviated from fundamentals in coastal areas, as evidenced by a negative relationship between housing and rental prices.
ATLANTIC ASSEMBLY—A GENESIS
Authors: Harned Joseph
Published: April 2008

Principles find their visible embodiment in institutions which. when accepted by the people, are the cement holdtng society together. The form of these institutions is never rigid. Their purpose is to protect individual freedom and human dignity and to allow their development. They have to adapt themselves to social and intellectual developments. They are subject to a perpetual process of refinement and improvement.