bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Characterization of Two Lactate Dehydrogenase Genes with a Novel Structural Organization on the Genome of
Lactobacillus
sp. Strain MONT4
Authors: Weekes Jennifer , Yüksel Gülhan Ü.
Published: October 2004

Two lactate dehydrogenase (
ldh
) genes from
Lactobacillu
s sp. strain MONT4 were cloned by complementation in
Escherichia coli
DC1368 (
ldh pfl
) and were sequenced. The sequence analysis revealed a novel genomic organization of the
ldh
genes. Subcloning of the individual
ldh
genes and their Northern blot analyses indicated that the genes are monocistronic.
Aquatic Snails, Passive Hosts of
Mycobacterium ulcerans
Authors: Marsollier Laurent , Sévérin Tchibozo , Aubry Jacques , Merritt Richard W. , Saint André Jean-Paul , Legras Pierre , Manceau Anne-Lise , Chauty Annick , Carbonnelle Bernard , Cole Stewart T.
Published: October 2004

Accumulative indirect evidence of the epidemiology of
Mycobacterium ulcerans
infections causing chronic skin ulcers (i.e., Buruli ulcer disease) suggests that the development of this pathogen and its transmission to humans are related predominantly to aquatic environments. We report that snails could transitorily harbor
M. ulcerans
without offering favorable conditions for its growth and replication. A novel intermediate link in the transmission chain of
M. ulcerans
becomes likely with predator aquatic insects in addition to phytophage insects. Water bugs, such as
Naucoris cimicoides
, a potential vector of
M. ulcerans,
were shown to be infected specifically by this bacterium after feeding on snails experimentally exposed to
M. ulcerans
.
Rapid Quantitative Detection of
Listeria monocytogenes
in Meat Products by Real-Time PCR
Authors: Rodríguez-Lázaro David , Jofré Anna , Aymerich Teresa , Hugas Marta , Pla Maria
Published: October 2004

We describe a quick and simple method for the quantitative detection of
Listeria monocytogenes
in meat products. This method is based on filtration, Chelex-100-based DNA purification, and real-time PCR. It can detect as few as 100 CFU/g and quantify as few as 1,000 CFU/g, with excellent accuracy compared to that of the plate count method. Therefore, it is a promising alternative for the detection of
L. monocytogenes
in meat products.
Role of Hippoboscidae Flies as Potential Vectors of
Bartonella
spp. Infecting Wild and Domestic Ruminants
Authors: Halos Lénaïg , Jamal Taoufik , Maillard Renaud , Girard Benjamin , Guillot Jacques , Chomel Bruno , Vayssier-Taussat Muriel , Boulouis Henri-Jean
Published: October 2004

The putative role of biting flies in
Bartonella
transmission among ruminants was investigated. Amplification of the
Bartonella
citrate synthase gene from 83 Hippoboscidae was detected in 94% of 48 adult
Lipoptena cervi
flies, 71% of 17 adult
Hippobosca equina
flies, 100% of 20 adult
Melophagus ovinus
flies, and 100% of 10
M. ovinus
pupae. Our findings suggest that Hippoboscidae play a role in the transmission of
Bartonella
among ruminants. The vertical transmission of
Bartonella
in
M. ovinus
and the presence of
Bartonella
DNA in all samples suggest a symbiotic association between
Bartonella
and
M. ovinus
.
Metabolism of 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole by
Rhodococcus rhodochrous
Authors: Haroune Nicolas , Combourieu Bruno , Besse Pascale , Sancelme Martine , Kloepfer Achim , Reemtsma Thorsten , De Wever Heleen , Delort Anne-Marie
Published: October 2004

2-Mercaptobenzothiazole, which is mainly used in the rubber industry as a vulcanization accelerator, is very toxic and is considered to be recalcitrant. We show here for the first time that it can be biotransformed and partially mineralized by a pure-culture bacterial strain of
Rhodococcus rhodochrous
. Three metabolites, among four detected, were identified.
Repressor Mutant Forms of the
Azospirillum brasilense
NtrC Protein
Authors: Huergo Luciano F. , Assumpção Marcelo C. , Souza Emanuel M. , Steffens M. Berenice R. , Yates M. Geoffrey , Chubatsu Leda S. , Pedrosa Fábio O.
Published: October 2004

The
Azospirillum brasilense
mutant strains FP8 and FP9, after treatment with nitrosoguanidine, showed a null Nif phenotype and were unable to use nitrate as their sole nitrogen source. Sequencing of the
ntrC
genes revealed single nucleotide mutations in the NtrC nucleotide-binding site. The phenotypes of these strains are discussed in relation to their genotypes.
A Single Amino Acid Substitution Converts γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase to a Class IV Cephalosporin Acylase (Glutaryl-7-Aminocephalosporanic Acid Acylase)
Authors: Suzuki Hideyuki , Miwa Chinatsu , Ishihara Sayaka , Kumagai Hidehiko
Published: October 2004

The aspartyl residue at position 433 of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase of
Escherichia coli
K-12 was replaced by an asparaginyl residue. This substitution enabled γ-glutamyltranspeptidase to deacylate glutaryl-7-aminocephalosporanic acid, producing 7-aminocephalosporanic acid, which is a starting material for the synthesis of semisynthetic cephalosporins.
Stabilization of Oil-Water Emulsions by Hydrophobic Bacteria
Authors: Dorobantu Loredana S. , Yeung Anthony K. C. , Foght Julia M. , Gray Murray R.
Published: October 2004

Formation of oil-water emulsions during bacterial growth on hydrocarbons is often attributed to biosurfactants. Here we report the ability of certain intact bacterial cells to stabilize oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions without changing the interfacial tension, by inhibition of droplet coalescence as observed in emulsion stabilization by solid particles like silica.
Cloning and Expression of
clt
Genes Encoding Milk-Clotting Proteases from
Myxococcus xanthus
422
Authors: Poza M. , Prieto-Alcedo M. , Sieiro C. , Villa T. G.
Published: October 2004

The screening of a gene library of the milk-clotting strain
Myxococcus xanthus
422 constructed in
Escherichia coli
allowed the description of eight positive clones containing 26 open reading frames. Only three of them (
cltA
,
cltB
, and
cltC
) encoded proteins that exhibited intracellular milk-clotting ability in
E. coli
,
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, and
Pichia pastoris
expression systems.
Isolation of Lightning-Competent Soil Bacteria
Authors: Cérémonie Hélène , Buret François , Simonet Pascal , Vogel Timothy M.
Published: October 2004

Artificial transformation is typically performed in the laboratory by using either a chemical (CaCl
2
) or an electrical (electroporation) method. However, laboratory-scale lightning has been shown recently to electrotransform
Escherichia coli
strain DH10B in soil. In this paper, we report on the isolation of two “lightning-competent” soil bacteria after direct electroporation of the Nycodenz bacterial ring extracted from prairie soil in the presence of the pBHCRec plasmid (Tc
r
, Sp
r
, Sm
r
). The electrotransformability of the isolated bacteria was measured both in vitro (by electroporation cuvette) and in situ (by lightning in soil microcosm) and then compared to those of
E. coli
DH10B and
Pseudomonas fluorescens
C7R12. The electrotransformation frequencies measured reached 10
−3
to 10
−4
by electroporation and 10
−4
to 10
−5
by simulated lightning, while no transformation was observed in the absence of electrical current. Two of the isolated lightning-competent soil bacteria were identified as
Pseudomonas
sp. strains.
A model for categorical length data from groundfish surveys
Authors: Hrafnkelsson Birgir , Stefánsson Gunnar
Published: October 2004

An extension of the multinomial model of counts is presented to account for overdispersion and different correlation structure. Such models are needed in biological applications such as the analysis of length measurements from surveys of heterogeneous populations used for assessments of marine resources. One of the goals of such a survey is to estimate the length distribution of each species within a particular area. Using data on Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in Icelandic waters, it is demonstrated that the assumptions used in practice for categorical length data are seriously violated. The length data on cod exhibit variances that are larger than those of the standard multinomial model and correlation coefficients that are greater than those of the Dirichlet-multinomial model. To alleviate these problems, a hierarchical model based on the multinomial distribution and the logistically transformed multivariate Gaussian distribution is proposed. It is illustrated that this model captures the complex covariance structure of the data. The parameters in the models are estimated using a Bayesian estimation procedure based on Markov chain Monte Carlo.
Variance heterogeneity, transformations, and models of species abundance: a cautionary tale
Authors: McArdle Brian H , Anderson Marti J
Published: October 2004

Ecological systems have intrinsic heterogeneity. Counts of abundances of species often show heterogeneity of variances among observational groups or populations. This is most often dealt with by using a transformation of the data followed by a traditional statistical analysis that requires homogeneity. Such an approach is extremely useful when the meanvariance relationship is consistent across the data set. In some situations, however, the meanvariance relationship does not stay constant, e.g., the degree of spatial aggregation of organisms can change in space and time. In these cases, transforming the data to "fix" the problem of heterogeneity can result in apparently grossly inflated type I error. The use of a transformation alters the model under test and also has an important effect on the spatial scale of the hypothesis. The use of nonparametric alternatives, such as permutation or bootstrap tests, does not solve this problem. Explicit models of these kinds of distributional changes, where they occur, are necessary.
Anthropogenic sound and marine mammal health: measures of the nervous and immune systems before and after intense sound exposure
Authors: Romano T A , Keogh M J , Kelly C , Feng P , Berk L , Schlundt C E , Carder D A , Finneran J J
Published: October 2004

Anthropogenic sound is a potential stressor for marine mammals that may affect health, as has been demonstrated in other mammals. Therefore, we have initiated investigations on the effects of intense underwater sounds on nervous system activation and immune function in marine mammals. Blood samples were obtained before and after sound exposures (single underwater impulsive sounds (up to 200 kPa) produced from a seismic water gun and (or) single pure tones (up to 201 dB re 1 μPa) resembling sonar pings from a white whale, Delphinapterus leucas, and a bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, to measure neural-immune parameters. Norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine levels increased with increasing sound levels and were significantly higher after high-level sound exposures (>100 kPa) compared with low-level sound exposures (<100 kPa) or controls (P = 0.003, 0.006, and 0.020) for the white whale. Alkaline phosphatase decreased over the experimental period (P < 0.001), while γ-glutamyltransferase increased over the experimental period (P < 0.001). Significant neural-immune measurements for the dolphin after exposure to impulsive sounds included an increase in aldosterone (P = 0.003) and a decrease in monocytes (P = 0.006). Neural-immune changes to tonal sound exposures were minimal, although changes were observed in multiple neural-immune measures over time.
The origin of introduced rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the Santa Cruz River, Patagonia, Argentina, as inferred from mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Riva Rossi Carla M , Lessa Enrique P , Pascual Miguel A
Published: October 2004

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was first introduced into Argentinean Patagonia, the southernmost region of South America, from the United States in 1904 and at present constitutes the most conspicuous freshwater fish in lakes and rivers of the region. The Santa Cruz River in Southern Patagonia is the only river in the world where a self-sustained population of introduced rainbow trout is known to have developed an anadromous run. In this study, we examined mtDNA sequence variation to identify the source of Santa Cruz River rainbow trout, providing a historical framework to interpret the processes underlying phenotypic variation and structure of Patagonian populations. The Santa Cruz River may harbor distinct North American stocks of rainbow trout, widely distributed around the world during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but today threatened after decades of habitat loss, species introduction, and introgression from alien stocks. The mtDNA sequence data revealed that the most likely origin for wild anadromous and nonanadromous fish was the McCloud River in California. Meanwhile, a local hatchery stock, representative of rainbow trout introduced from Denmark after 1950 and widely stocked ever since throughout Patagonia, most probably originated from multiple lineages from western North America, including non-Californian populations.
The nearshore phosphorus shunt: a consequence of ecosystem engineering by dreissenids in the Laurentian Great Lakes
Authors: Hecky R E , Smith R EH , Barton D R , Guildford S J , Taylor W D , Charlton M N , Howell T
Published: October 2004

Dreissenid mussels have been exceptionally successful invaders in North American lakes and rivers, especially in the lower Laurentian Great Lakes. As benthic filter feeders capable of attaching to hard substrates, the magnitudes of their biomass and filtering activity in nearshore waters are without precedent. The dreissenid colonization has implications for the removal and fate of materials filtered from the water by the mussels and for the longer-term development of the nearshore benthic community and lake ecosystem. A conceptual model, the nearshore shunt, seeks to describe a fundamental redirection of nutrient and energy flow consequent to dreissenid establishment. The model explains some emergent problems in the Great Lakes, such as reemergence of Cladophora in some coastal zones while offshore P concentrations remain low, and highlights areas in need of more research. The source of particulate nutrient inputs to dreissenids and the fate of materials exported from the benthic community are critical to understanding the role of dreissenids in the lakes and assessing the applicability of current models for managing nutrients and fisheries. The nearshore shunt would require even more stringent P management for lakes strongly impacted by dreissenids to maintain nearshore water quality.
Local ecological knowledge and marine fisheries research: the case of white hake (Urophycis tenuis) predation on juvenile American lobster (Homarus americanus)
Authors: Davis Anthony , Hanson John Mark , Watts Hadley , MacPherson Holli
Published: October 2004

Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence fish harvesters voiced the concern that white hake (Urophycis tenuis) were jeopardizing the recruitment of juvenile American lobster (Homarus americanus), through predation, into the commercially exploitable population. The harvesters insisted that marine science was not documenting this situation, since sampling was being conducted in the wrong places and at the wrong times of year. This paper reports on the results arising from a 2-year collaborative and interdisciplinary research project designed to examine fish harvesters' concerns. Several social research methodologies were used to identify and interview local knowledge experts about where and when sampling should occur. Following harvesters' advice, white hake stomachs were sampled over a 2-year period. Contrary to harvester expectations, American lobster was not found in any of the 3080 white hake stomachs sampled. Yet, harvesters' advice did result in successful sampling from within the places recommended and at the times of year specified. The research also demonstrates an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach that generates meaningful research results while incorporating marine harvester local knowledge and addressing their concerns.
A Bayesian approach for overcoming inconsistencies in mortality estimates using, as an example, data for Acanthopagrus latus
Authors: Hall Norman G , Hesp S Alex , Potter Ian C
Published: October 2004

Reliable estimates of natural (M) and total mortality (Z) are essential for effective fisheries management. However, estimates of M, which are frequently determined from life history parameters, are imprecise and often inconsistent with the values of Z derived from life history parameters and other analyses. This is exemplified by the mortality estimates derived for Acanthopagrus latus in a large marine embayment. Thus, such estimates, calculated for M for this population from a growth parameter and from growth parameters and water temperature, were both 0.70·year1, whereas those for Z, calculated from maximum recorded age, relative abundance analysis, and a simulation based on maximum age and sample size, ranged from 0.18 to 0.30·year1. These results are clearly inconsistent. A Bayesian approach was therefore developed that combines the posterior probability distributions of the various mortality estimates and thereby produces integrated and consistent estimates for M and Z. The application of our Bayesian approach to the data for A. latus yielded lower values for M than for Z. Our approach is equally applicable to other fish species.
Maternal influence and population differences in activities of mitochondrial and glycolytic enzymes in emergent sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) fry
Authors: Patterson D A , Guderley H , Bouchard P , Macdonald J S , Farrell A P
Published: October 2004

Full-sib groups were created from two reproductively isolated sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) populations, Weaver and Gates creeks, to test the hypotheses that prefed, emergent fry from different populations have different energetic capacities as revealed by whole-body maximal enzyme activities and that maternal influences account for a large portion of the variability in enzyme activities within fry populations. Weaver fry had higher mass-specific activities for lactate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, and cytochrome c oxidase as well as higher protein-specific activities of lactate dehydrogenase. We ascribed these higher enzyme activities to the associated performance requirement of a more difficult prefeeding fry migration for Weaver fry. There were significant differences in mass- and protein-specific enzyme activities for all three enzymes among maternal broodlines within each population, suggesting that genetic differences existed among families. This study of maximal enzyme activities in juvenile sockeye highlights the importance of maternal influences, potential adaptive significance of differences in metabolic capacity, and the need for examining cellular physiology in an ecological perspective.
Nitrogen regulation of algal biomass, productivity, and composition in shallow mountain lakes, Snowy Range, Wyoming, USA
Authors: Nydick Koren R , Lafrancois Brenda Moraska , Baron Jill S , Johnson Brett M
Published: October 2004

We investigated the effects of increased nitrate (NO3), alone and in combination with phosphorus (P), on phytoplankton, epilithon, and epipelon in shallow lakes of the Snowy Range, Wyoming, using two enclosure experiments during early and late summer. Phytoplankton responded strongly to N and N + P, but not to P, with increased cell density, chlorophyll a, and photosynthesis and shifts in composition from chrysophytes to cyanophytes, chlorophytes, and diatoms. Zooplankton density and biomass were unaltered despite the additional phytoplankton stock, probably as the result of poor food quality. In the late summer, algae on tiles responded to N and N + P additions with greater chlorophyll a and increases in cyanophyte and chlorophyte density. Algae on sediment dominated whole-enclosure algal biomass but were spatially variable and responded insignificantly to nutrients. Consequently, N controlled productivity and community composition of phytoplankton and algae on hard substrates but had less impact on ecosystem algal biomass because of the large pool of nutrient-sufficient sediment algae. Phytoplankton were more photosynthetically efficient than the benthos, however, such that primary productivity did shift more toward the water column.
STABILITY OF EQUILIBRIUM IN BERTRAND AND COURNOT DUOPOLIES
Authors: OKUGUCHI KOJI , YAMAZAKI TAKESHI
Published: October 2004

We analyze the global stability of the equilibria in Bertrand and Cournot duopolies. Assuming a set of sufficient conditions for the global stability of the Bertrand duopoly equilibrium, we derive additional conditions which are sufficient for the global stability of the Cournot duopoly equilibrium. We use the relationships among the first and second order partial derivatives of the ordinary and inverse demand functions in deriving our results.
A PRICE ADJUSTMENT PROCESS IN A MODEL OF MONOPOLISTIC COMPETITION
Authors: TUINSTRA JAN
Published: October 2004

We consider a price adjustment process in a model of monopolistic competition. Firms have incomplete information about the demand structure. When they set a price they observe the amount they can sell at that price and they observe the slope of the true demand curve at that price. With this information they estimate a linear demand curve. Given this estimate of the demand curve they set a new optimal price. We investigate the dynamical properties of this learning process. We find that, if the cross-price effects and the curvature of the demand curve are small, prices converge to the Bertrand-Nash equilibrium. The global dynamics of this adjustment process are analyzed by numerical simulations. By means of computational techniques and by applying results from homoclinic bifurcation theory we provide evidence for the existence of strange attractors.
LEARNING TO PLAY BEST RESPONSE IN DUOPOLY GAMES
Authors: WENZELBURGER JAN
Published: October 2004

We consider a quantity-setting duopoly market where firms lack perfect knowledge of the market demand function. They use estimated and therefore misspecified demand functions instead and determine their optimal strategies from the corresponding subjective payoff functions. The central issue of this paper is the question under which conditions a firm can learn the true demand function as well as the response behavior of its competitor from repeated estimations of historical market data. As soon as estimation errors are negligible, a firm is able to play best response in the usual game theoretic sense.
COUPLING POISSON AND JACOBI STRUCTURES ON FOLIATED MANIFOLDS
Authors: VAISMAN IZU
Published: October 2004

Let M be a differentiable manifold endowed with a foliation ℱ. A Poisson structure P on M is ℱ-coupling if ♯P(ann(Tℱ)) is a normal bundle of the foliation. This notion extends Sternberg's coupling symplectic form of a particle in a Yang–Mills field [11]. In the present paper we extend Vorobiev's theory of coupling Poisson structures [16] from fiber bundles to foliated manifolds and give simpler proofs of Vorobiev's existence and equivalence theorems of coupling Poisson structures on duals of kernels of transitive Lie algebroids over symplectic manifolds. We then discuss the extension of the coupling condition to Jacobi structures on foliated manifolds.
Fibrillin microfibrils: multipurpose extracellular networks in organismal physiology
Authors: Ramirez Francesco , Sakai Lynn Y. , Dietz Harry C. , Rifkin Daniel B.
Published: October 2004

Organismal physiology depends significantly on the proper assembly of extracellular matrix (ECM) macroaggregates that impart structural integrity to the connective tissue. Recent genetic studies in mice have unraveled unsuspected new functions of architectural matrix components in regulating signaling events that modulate patterning, morphogenesis, and growth of several organ systems. As a result, a new paradigm has emerged whereby tissue-specific organization of the ECM dictates not only the physical properties of the connective tissue, but also the ability of the matrix to direct a broad spectrum of cellular activities through the regulation of growth factor signaling. These observations pave the way to novel therapeutic approaches aimed at counteracting the deleterious consequences of perturbations of connective tissue homeostasis.
Statin-Induced Improvement of Endothelial Progenitor Cell Mobilization, Myocardial Neovascularization, Left Ventricular Function, and Survival After Experimental Myocardial Infarction Requires Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase
Authors: Landmesser Ulf , Engberding Niels , Bahlmann Ferdinand H. , Schaefer Arnd , Wiencke Antje , Heineke Andre , Spiekermann Stephan , Hilfiker-Kleiner Denise , Templin Christian , Kotlarz Daniel , Mueller Maja , Fuchs Martin , Hornig Burkhard , Haller Hermann , Drexler Helmut
Published: October 2004

Background—

Endothelial nitric oxide (eNO) bioavailability is severely reduced after myocardial infarction (MI) and in heart failure. Statins enhance eNO availability by both increasing eNO production and reducing NO inactivation. We therefore studied the effect of statin treatment on eNO availability after MI and tested its role for endothelial progenitor cell mobilization, myocardial neovascularization, left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, remodeling, and survival after MI.

Methods and Results—

Wild-type (WT) and eNO synthase (eNOS)
−/−
mice with extensive anterior MI were randomized to treatment with vehicle (V) or atorvastatin (Ator, 50 mg/kg QD by gavage) for 4 weeks starting on day 1 after MI. Ator markedly improved endothelium-dependent, NO-mediated vasorelaxation; mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells; and myocardial neovascularization of the infarct border in WT mice after MI while having no effect in eNOS
−/−
mice. LV dysfunction and interstitial fibrosis were markedly attenuated by Ator in WT mice, whereas no effect was observed in eNOS
−/−
mice after MI. Importantly, Ator significantly increased the survival rate during 4 weeks after MI in WT mice (Ator versus V, 80% versus 46%;
P
<0.01, n=75) but not in eNOS
−/−
mice (43% versus 48%; NS, n=42).

Conclusions—

These findings suggest that increased eNO availability is required for statin-induced improvement of endothelial progenitor cell mobilization, myocardial neovascularization, LV dysfunction, interstitial fibrosis, and survival after MI. eNO bioavailability after MI likely represents an important therapeutic target in heart failure after MI and mediates beneficial effects of statin treatment after MI.
School Choice in South Africa
Authors: Maile Simeon
Published: October 2004

In this article, the author investigates the basic elements of choice and markets theory. In recent years, children were moving from rural and township schools to suburban White schools. This trend emerged in the late 1980s and simmered after the demise of apartheid. At face value, school choice appears to be happening merely for the reason of accessing resources in the former Model C1 schools. The author argues that school choice is not simply driven by a lack of resources in local schools or by the motivation to gain access to educational opportunities. It happens because of several factors, which the author analyzes through selected theories. In the conclusion, the author argues that school choice is a complex phenomenon with many ambiguities and dilemmas.
Structural Inequities and the Achievement Gap in Urban Schools
Authors: Talbert-Johnson Carolyn
Published: October 2004

If teachers represent a child’s most important asset, they also can be a child’s greatest liability, especially in states where a shortage of well-qualified teachers impedes the academic progress of African American students in learning contexts. The author asserts that a transformation in practices must occur in teacher education programs if these programs are to become places where preservice candidates learn to adopt pedagogies that are instrumental in the academic achievement of African American students in urban schools. A proposal for comprehensive, transformative approaches for achieving systemic change is warranted in the eradication of structural inequities that currently exist in urban schools.
New Housing as Neighborhood Revitalization
Authors: Brown Graham , Brown Barbara B. , Perkins Douglas D.
Published: October 2004

Neighborhood revitalization efforts include building new subdivisions in declining neighborhoods, but few studies have asked the incoming residents about the success of such new housing efforts. We examined neighborhood confidence and place attachment among residents of such a new housing subdivision ( n = 56) and compared them to newcomers ( n = 99) and old-timers ( n = 271) in the surrounding neighborhood. The new subdivision attracted comparatively wealthy, married, home owning residents. Compared with residents in the surrounding neighborhood, new subdivision residents had more neighborhood confidence, especially those who perceived few incivilities and satisfactory neighborhood services. Subdivision newcomers had higher place attachments than newcomers to the surrounding neighborhood and as high attachments as old-timers in the surrounding neighborhood. Although largely attracted by affordable housing, new subdivision residents may become important neighborhood contributors, given their levels of place attachment and confidence.
The Influence of Turns on Distance Cognition
Authors: Jansen-Osmann Petra , Wiedenbauer Gunnar
Published: October 2004

Three experiments investigated the route-angularity effect, which is demonstrated when a greater number of turns along a route increases the estimated length. So far, a route-angularity effect has not been demonstrated in school-age children. Because of the lack of a developmental theory, this finding could only be explained by a minor control of environmental features or by the experimental design. The experiments were conducted in a controlled virtual environment. In the first experiment, 11-year-old children explored two routes of equal length, which differed in the number of turns. Each child explored only one of the two routes in the second experiment. Only the first experiment demonstrated an influence in the number of turns on distance estimation. This result was confirmed in the last experiment with adults. If participants had no possibility to compare the routes in respect to their number of turns, both routes were estimated as equally long.
Motivations for and Satisfaction with Migration
Authors: Ruback R. Barry , Pandey Janak , Begum Hamida Akhtar , Tariq Naeem , Kamal Anila
Published: October 2004

Male and female residents of seven slums in New Delhi, India, four slums in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and four slums in Islamabad, Pakistan, were interviewed about their reasons for migrating to and their satisfaction with their city. Although the single most commonly reported reason for moving was in search of work, significant proportions of migrants gave multiple reasons, and, particularly in Dhaka and Islamabad, many respondents partly attributed their move to fate. Results suggested that the attribution to fate was not due to either religion or poverty, but was related to perceived personal control. More generally, the reasons that respondents gave for migrating to the city were significantly related to their mental and physical health, to their ratings of their home and the city environment, and to their satisfaction with the city.
Wayfinding in an Unfamiliar Environment
Authors: Baskaya Aysu , Wilson Christopher , Özcan Yusuf Ziya
Published: October 2004

The purpose of this article is to explore spatial orientation and wayfinding behavior of newcomers in an unfamiliar environment and to emphasize the importance of landmarks and spatial differentiation in the acquisition of environmental knowledge. One setting with a symmetrical layout and regularly organized, monotonous units on different floors and another setting with an asymmetrical layout and repetitive units along one side of a linear corridor of one floor were used to explore different strategies for learning about large-scale spatial environments. Wayfinding performance was found to correlate with performances in sketch-map tasks and the answers of a questionnaire about each building. Most of the participants of the asymmetrical setting could complete a sketch map with a minimum of errors. In the symmetrical setting, however, some participants drew incomplete sketch maps but could find their way through the building with a minimum of errors.
Subjective Well-Being and Culture Across Time and Space
Authors: Rice Tom W. , Steele Brent J.
Published: October 2004

The authors compare the subjective well-being of citizens in 20 nations with the subjective well-being of Americans who claim to have ancestors from those nations. The results show that the rank order of the well-being scores for the citizens of the 20 nations is similar to the rank order of the well-being scores for the Americans with ancestors from those nations. This finding suggests that the aspects of culture that influence subjective well-being have been passed from people who lived centuries ago to their contemporary descendants at home and in America. Additional analysis suggests that religion may be an important agent in the transmission process.
Culture, Stress, and Coping
Authors: Tweed Roger G. , White Katherine , Lehman Darrin R.
Published: October 2004

Two studies examined internally and externally targeted control strategies in response to life stressors in European Canadians, East Asian Canadians, and Japanese. In Study 1, European Canadian, East Asian Canadian, and sojourning Japanese university students in Canada recalled a stressful life event and reported their coping strategies. Respondents also reported current and retrospective self-evaluations that allowed assessment of perceived self-changes over time. Study 2 included East Asian Canadian and European Canadian university students in Canada and Japanese university students in Japan. Both studies revealed that several types of internally targeted control strategies were more prevalent among East Asian participants but that a particular type of internally targeted control strategy, self-enhancing interpretive control, was more prevalent among people with Western English-speaking backgrounds.
Values and Organizational Justice
Authors: Fischer Ronald , Smith Peter B.
Published: October 2004

Reactions of full-time employees to reward-allocation decisions by managers that were based either on work performance or on seniority were surveyed in former East Germany and in the United Kingdom. Schwartz’s model of universal human values is predicted to moderate the perceived justice of these reward-allocation principles. It was found that self-enhancement versus self-transcendence is a more powerful moderator of justice perceptions compared with openness to change versus conservation values. The study demonstrates the usefulness of values research in explaining perceptions of justice and highlights the importance of values for justice theories.
Language and Self-Construal Priming
Authors: Kemmelmeier Markus , Cheng Belinda Yan-Ming
Published: October 2004

Previous research has argued that language serves as a cognitive cue to reinforce culturally normative self-construals. We hypothesize that language-priming effects would be stronger for women than men and that they would primarily occur for self-construals that are not already latently salient in the respondents’ culture. Also, in contrast to earlier research on language priming of self-construals, we rely on Singelis’s independent and interdependent self-construal scales as closed-ended dependent measures. Using a bilingual sample from Hong Kong ( n = 126), we experimentally varied questionnaire language (English vs. Chinese) and found support for all our predictions. The discussion focuses on cue strength as moderator of language-priming effects.
Cross-Cultural Differences in Test Perceptions
Authors: Cassady Jerrell C. , Mohammed Ayoub , Mathieu Lauren
Published: October 2004

This study examines differential levels of test anxiety, perceived test threat, and performance for females in Kuwait and the United States. The results demonstrated that Kuwaiti females reported higher levels of affective test anxiety, whereas females from the United States characterized tests as more threatening. These differences arose in conjunction with self-reported deficiencies in study skills. The interpretation of results points to cultural variations in views of education as competitive and attributional orientations for test performance.
The Memories of an All-Black Northern Urban School
Authors: Randolph Adah Ward
Published: October 2004

Until recently, educational historians have not thoroughly examined the actual schooling practices of all-Black schools. A majority of the work on Black education history has focused on the South. Very few scholars have examined all-Black schools before the Brown decision in an urban context. This research focused on unearthing the history of an all-Black de facto segregated school in Columbus, Ohio. This examination of actual schooling characteristics and practices of an all-Black school before Brown may assist educational scholars in implementing factors important to the success of Black youth.
Spousal Vacation-Buying Decision Making Revisited across Time and Place
Authors: Litvin Stephen W. , Xu Gang , Kang Soo K.
Published: October 2004

Understanding family/spousal vacation decision making is important to tourism marketers. Twenty-five years ago, Jenkins divided the process into multiple subdecisions, such as where to visit or how much to spend, and studied how a sample of U.S. families allocated their decision-making responsibility for these decisions between the spouses. The current research, based on Jenkins’s work, uses recent data extracted from two sample populations, one from the United States and the other composed of Singaporean couples, to revisit the question. Whereas Jenkins found a large percentage of decision making to have been “husband-dominant,” the current studies each found a significant trend toward joint decision making. The article discusses the apparent trend and suggests, a generation after Jenkins’ work, how these new findings may be of value to tourism marketers promoting the family vacation product.
The Determinants of Convention Site Selection: A Logistic Choice Model from Experimental Data
Authors: Crouch Geoffrey I. , Louviere Jordan J.
Published: October 2004

One of the most attractive segments of the travel and tourism market is the meetings and conventions sector. Convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs) covet this important visitor group to compete for a share of the spoils this segment now represents. But very little is known about the factors that determine how the site for a convention is chosen from among the many different alternative host destinations available. Consequently, CVBs and other destination management organizations (DMOs) lack adequate knowledge for competitive action. This study reports the results from a stated choice experiment on the Australian domestic conventions industry. It provides statistical evidence of the determinant site attributes that influence the choice of convention site and finds that although convention facility and accommodation factors are critical, a destination must offer additional features to compete effectively. The study also demonstrates the application of stated choice modeling for assessing the utility of each choice attribute.
Factors Predicting Rural Residents’ Support of Tourism
Authors: McGehee Nancy G. , Andereck Kathleen L.
Published: October 2004

This study examined the factors predicting attitudes toward tourism of residents from a dozen communities in Arizona, generally following the model developed by Perdue, Long, and Allen, using social exchange theory as the foundation. Findings indicated that in general, personal characteristics did not predict attitudes toward tourism, but community dependence on tourism was a predictor. Personal benefit from tourism predicted both positive and negative effects of tourism and support for additional tourism among residents of the Arizona communities; this was consistent with Perdue, Long, and Allen. Positive effects of tourism, however, did not predict tourism planning. Although support for additional tourism did predict tourism planning, it was a positive rather than a negative relationship as reported by Perdue, Long, and Allen. As expected, support for social exchange theory was mixed; the existence of personal benefit from tourism was not a significant predictor of support for tourism planning.
Modeling Tourism Demand: A Dynamic Linear AIDS Approach
Authors: Li Gang , Song Haiyan , Witt Stephen F.
Published: October 2004

The linear almost ideal demand system (LAIDS), in both static and dynamic forms, is examined in the context of international tourism demand. The superiority of the dynamic error correction LAIDS compared to its static counterpart is demonstrated in terms of both the acceptability of theoretical restrictions and forecasting accuracy, using a data set on the expenditure of U.K. tourists in 22 Western European countries. Both long-run and short-run demand elasticities are calculated. The expenditure elasticities show that traveling to most major destinations in Western Europe appears to be a luxury for U.K. tourists in the long run. The demand for travel to these destinations by U.K. tourists is also likely to be more price elastic in the long run than in the short run. The calculated cross-price elasticities suggest that the substitution/complementarity effects vary from destination to destination.
The Convergence of Transportation, Information Technology, and Visitor Experience at Acadia National Park
Authors: Daigle John J. , Zimmerman Carol A.
Published: October 2004

In 2002, as part of the Acadia National Park Field Operational Test, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) components were deployed to help visitors travel around Mount Desert Island and in Acadia National Park. Real-time travel information was collected and integrated with Island Explorer buses and disseminated to visitors via an automated annunciator that transmitted an audio message and displayed the next bus stop on an electronic sign within the bus. Also, electronic signs displayed real-time departure times of the next Island Explorer bus at bus stops. Visitors could also obtain real-time parking conditions at two popular destinations in the park. Using data from surveys of visitors from July 29, 2002, to September 1, 2002, this article describes visit and visitor characteristics and their experiences using the traveler information. The implications of ITS as a tool for addressing transportation problems and enhancing visitor experience with the park are discussed.
Motivation for Agri-Tourism Entrepreneurship
Authors: McGehee Nancy G. , Kim Kyungmi
Published: October 2004

The purpose of this study was to reveal the motivations for agri-tourism entrepreneurship among Virginia farm families and to explore Weber’s theory of formal and substantive rationality as a possible theoretical framework for agritourism entrepreneurship motivation. Results of this study support the use of Weber’s theory of formal and substantive rationality as a framework for the dynamic nature of motivations for agri-tourism entrepreneurship between formal (primarily economic) reasons and substantive (primarily socio-cultural) reasons. Respondents indicated that Virginia farm families owned small farms, utilized farming as a secondary income source, and indicated their most popular agritourism activities to be pick-your-own produce, Christmas tree sales, hayrides, children’s educational programs, petting zoos, and on-farm festivals. Agri-tourism planners should be aware that acres owned, economic dependence on farming operation, and perceived popularity of agri-tourism activities are influential factors to motivate agri-tourism entrepreneurs.
Understanding Tourism Behavior: Examining the Combined Effects of Prior Visitation History and Destination Status
Authors: McKercher Bob , Wong Donna Y. Y.
Published: October 2004

All tourism markets can be deconstructed into two basic dimensions: whether people have visited before (first/repeat) and the role played by the destination (main/secondary). As such, all destinations attract four basic types of tourists: first-time main-destination visitors (FM), repeat main-destination visitors (RM), first-time secondary-destination travelers (FS), and repeat secondary-destination travelers (RS). Previous research has examined the effect of one dimension on tourism without considering the moderating effect of the other. This article examines the combined effect of both dimensions. The authors conclude that the main/secondary-destination dimension is most appropriate in developing an understanding of differences in demographic profile of tourists, their origin and trip characteristics, while the first/repeat dimension helps understand differences in behavior and satisfaction levels.
ICT Paradox Lost? A Stepwise DEA Methodology to Evaluate Technology Investments in Tourism Settings
Authors: Sigala Marianna , Airey David , Jones Peter , Lockwood Andrew
Published: October 2004

Despite the continuous increase of investment in information and communication technologies (ICT) in the tourism industry, empirical studies have not persuasively established corresponding increases in productivity. Indeed several shortcomings have been identified in past studies. This study proposes a new way of assessing ICT productivity. The methodology is tested in a data set from the three-star hotel sector in the United Kingdom using a nonparametric technique called data envelopment analysis (DEA). Empirical findings reveal that productivity gains accrue not from investments per se, but from the full exploitation of the ICT networking and informationalization capabilities. A model for managing ICT applications and benefits is proposed.
Attachment Styles and Contingencies of Self-Worth
Authors: Park Lora E. , Crocker Jennifer , Mickelson Kristin D.
Published: October 2004

Previous research on attachment theory has focused on mean differences in level of self-esteem among people with different attachment styles. The present study examines the associations between attachment styles and different bases of self-esteem, or contingencies of self-worth, among a sample of 795 college students. Results showed that attachment security was related to basing self-worth on family support. Both the preoccupied attachment style and fearful attachment style were related to basing selfworth on physical attractiveness. The dismissing attachment style was related to basing self-worth less on others’ approval, family support, and God’s love.
A Time to Tan: Proximal and Distal Effects of Mortality Salience on Sun Exposure Intentions
Authors: Routledge Clay , Arndt Jamie , Goldenberg Jamie L.
Published: October 2004

According to the dual defense model of terror management, proximal defenses are engaged to reduce the conscious impact of mortality salience, whereas thoughts of death outside of conscious awareness motivate distal defenses aimed at maintaining self-esteem. Two experiments examined these ideas by assessing women’s intentions to engage in tanning-related behavior. In Study 1, when concerns about death (relative to dental pain) were in focal attention, participants increased intentions to protect themselves from dangerous sun exposure. In contrast, when thoughts about death were outside of focal attention, participants decreased interest in sun protection. In Study 2, participants primed to associate tanned skin with an attractive appearance responded to mortality concerns outside of focal attention with increased interest in tanning products and services. These findings are discussed in relation to the dual-defense model of terror management, societal determinants of self-esteem, and implications for health risk and promotion.