bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloud‐resolving model simulations of multiply‐banded frontal clouds
Authors: Pizzamei M. , Gray S. L. , Browning K. A.
Published: November 2005

An idealized two‐dimensional cloud‐resolving model is used to investigate the formation and temporal evolution of multiply‐banded clouds in frontal zones. Radar observations often show both upright and slantwise convection in the circulations associated with such bands. The aim is to examine the interaction between upright and slantwise convection and to determine the mechanisms leading to multiple banding. A warm bubble is used to initiate convection in the frontal zone, which has an initial thermodynamic profile based on observations. Further triggering occurs and banded clouds evolve. The initially upright plumes become tilted due to the so‐called ΔM adjustment process (upscale development). Observed multiple bands in frontal zones are frequently attributed to the release of conditional symmetric instability (CSI). However, in these simulations, there is no evidence of the release of CSI despite the fragmentation of slantwise bands into multiple layers in the mid‐troposphere. Successive triggering of upright convection is instead associated with a spreading cold pool driven by evaporative cooling in the slanted downdraughts. Triggering can occur on both the warm‐ and cold‐air sides of the frontal zone, and is sensitive to the microphysical parametrization used. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society.
Impact of antibiotics on pathogens associated with otitis media with effusion
Authors: Hamamoto Yukiko , Gotoh Yukako , Nakajo Yoshimi , Shimoya Satoko , Kayama Chikako , Hasegawa Shingo , Nibu Ken-Ichi
Published: November 2005

Objective: To further understand the roles of bacteria and antibiotics in the development of otitis media with effusion (OME).

Methods: Samples of middle-ear effusion (MEE) were collected during the placement of ventilation tubes to treat chronic OME. Children with acute otitis media within the past three months were excluded from this study. We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect pathogens and to test the susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae to penicillin.

Results: Among MEE samples from 52 children, PCR detected bacterial DNA in 32 per cent (24/75) of them. S. pneumoniae was detected more frequently in middle ears that required ventilation tube insertion at least twice compared with those requiring ventilation tube insertion only once (5/15 versus 4/60; p = 0.013). Higher levels of S. pneumoniae were detected in MEE from children with, than without, a long history of antibiotic administration (7/10 versus 2/14; p = 0.0187). The pbp genes of all isolated S. pneumoniae contained mutations.

Conclusions: Long exposure to antibiotics might significantly influence the bacterial genome in MEE.
Radiofrequency vs laser in the management of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea: does the number of treatment sessions matter?
Authors: Atef Ahmed , Mosleh Mohammed , Hesham Mohammed , Fathi Ahmed , Hassan Mohammed , Fawzy Mahmoud
Published: November 2005

Objective and hypothesis: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a relatively common and serious problem with many medical and social consequences. Laser and radiofrequency are two recent techniques used to treat OSA and they can be carried out under local anaesthesia, but they need multiple sessions to achieve satisfactory outcome and are associated with better short-term than long-term outcomes. In this work we compare the two modalities as regards the optimal number of treatment sessions needed to achieve a favourable outcome in the short and long term. Study design: A total of 150 patients with apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI) between 5 and 30 events per hour, no morbid obesity and retropalatal site of obstruction were included in this prospective study. Methods: Patients were randomly and equally divided into two groups, each comprising 75 patients. The first group was treated with bipolar radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction of the palate (BRVTR) and the second group was treated with laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP). Each group was further subdivided into five subgroups each consisting of 15 patients. The first group received one treatment session, the second received two sessions, the third received three sessions, the fourth received four sessions and the fifth group received five treatment sessions. Evaluation of efficiency of both techniques in treating OSA was assessed objectively by polysomnography. Results: In those treated with BRVTR; at least three sessions were needed to achieve a favourable outcome in OSA in the short and long term. In those treated with LAUP, a single treatment session was enough to achieve a favourable outcome on OSA in the short term, while two sessions were needed to achieve the same long-term outcome. Discussion: In OSA, fewer treatment sessions are needed with LAUP (one session) than with BRVTR (three sessions) to achieve a favourable outcome. In LAUP more treatment sessions (two) are needed to maintain a longer-term favourable outcome than those needed to achieve short-term favourable outcome (one session), which is not the case with BRVTR (three sessions are needed to achieve both short- and long-term favourable results).
The Right to a Green Future: Human Rights, Environmentalism, and Intergenerational Justice
Authors: Hiskes Richard P.
Published: November 2005

This article develops an argument for intergenerational justice within the language of human rights, specifically the human right to a safe environment. After acknowledging the difficulties associated with such an argument, the author presents a new approach rooted in pragmatist philosophy that establishes environmental rights as "emergent human rights." Accepting the validity of such emergent rights carries several beneficial consequences both for the philosophy of human rights and for its practice. First, emergent environmental rights supply a strong argument for justice across generations, because environmental rights logically presume concern for the future. Second, the argument for emergent environmental rights helps to resolve the so-called consensus versus pluralism debate within human rights theory and practice. It does so by positing that all societies can accept environmental human rights, at least for the successor generations of their own societies. Third, environmental human rights presume the continued significance of national sovereignty and citizenship within human rights practice, thereby enhancing the possibility of their acceptance within a culturally diverse world.
[End Page 1346]
Who's Watching "Big Brother"? Globalization and the Protection of Cultural Rights in Present Day Africa
Authors: Oloka-Onyango Joseph
Published: November 2005

What have come to be known as the varied forces and processes of globalizationâincluding trade liberalization, real-time information and communications technology, and the privatization of state enterpriseâhave diverse implications (both positive and inimical) to the promotion and protection of the right to culture in contemporary Africa. While pointing out that culture is a dynamic aspect of human evolution, the article explores what implications globalization has for ensuring that its positive aspects are protected, while the negative are not given free reign. In particular, the article pays particular attention to the concept of traditional knowledge and women's human rights and the role of the African Commission in dealing with globalization's most adverse consequences.
Male/Male Rape and the "Taint" of Homosexuality
Authors: Sivakumaran Sandesh
Published: November 2005

This article considers the problem of male/male rape. It explores reasons for the silence of the international community on the issue, principal among which is that it involves sexual activity between two men. Society considers any such contact to be indicative of homosexuality, regardless of any element of coercion. Given the prevalence of homophobia in society, this amounts to a "taint" on the part of the victim of the rape. This article explores the notion and extent of such a "taint" by analyzing the role of language and the stigma as felt by survivors, as intended by perpetrators, and as perpetuated by the state.
When Neutrality is a Sin: The Darfur Crisis and the Crisis of Humanitarian Intervention in Sudan
Authors: Udombana Nsongurua J
Published: November 2005

The violent conflict that erupted in Darfur, Western Sudan, in 2003 has led to grave violations of human rights and humanitarian law, particularly by militias backed by the Government of Sudan (GoS). This article argues that such grave crimes, which are continuing, justify humanitarian military intervention, as diplomacy has failed to prize the GoS into halting the mayhem. It denounces the apparent posture of neutrality by the international community to these atrocities, stressing that such neutrality helps the killers and not the victims. The article also reflects on the continuing security challenges that face Africa and proffer suggestions towards confronting them.
The Future in the Mirror: Incorporating Strategies for the Defense and Promotion of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights into the Mainstream Human Rights Agenda
Authors: Yamin Alicia Ely
Published: November 2005

Drawing on a case in Peru, this article examines four strategies used by human rights NGOs in their work. In so doing, it connects external challenges to the promotion of economic, social, and cultural (ESC) rights with internal challenges to the way the human rights movement chooses to see itself. First, the value of using data and indicators in documentation has not been widely realized. Second, important advances have been achieved with respect to enforcing ESC rights, but there are limitations to court-centric approaches, which are relevant to all human rights. Third, shifting advocacy beyond the adversarial dyad with the state to address moresystematically the roles of non-state actors implies rethinking some underlying assumptions. Fourth, strategies for promoting participation and building alliances call for reexamining traditional ideas about politicization.
Conflicts for Control of Mapuche-Pehuenche Land and Natural Resources in the Biobio Highlands, Chile
Authors: Azocar Gerardo , Sanhueza Rodrigo , Aguayo Mauricio , Romero Hugo , Munoz Maria D
Published: November 2005

This paper analyzes the impact that the Chilean government's land-ownership policies have had on the Mapuche-Pehuenche communities, especially with respect to the control of their territory and natural resources. The results show a tendency towards non-protection of their rights to control their territories with an increasing loss of autonomy and control over land. State intervention, together with large private investment projects, has generated socio-economic and territorial impacts in the indigenous areas, such as the migration of young persons, socio-cultural changes, and conflicts over access and use of ecological zones. The territorial re-ordering of the original Mapuche space, combined with its increasing appropriation by private actors and the Chilean government, has produced a subordinated integration of the indigenous communities with respect to national society.
Este art�culo analiza los impactos que las pol�ticas territoriales de los gobiernos de Chile tuvieron sobre las comunidades Mapuche-Pehuenche, especialmente respecto del control de su territorio y recursos naturales. Los resultados muestran una tendencia hist�rica hacia la desprotecci�n de sus derechos a controlar su territorio y una p�rdida de su autonom�a y control sobre sus tierras. La intervenci�n del Estado, junto con los proyectos de inversi�n privada, ha generado impactos socioecon�micos y territoriales en las �reas ind�genas, tales como la migraci�n de personas j�venes, cambios socio-culturales y conflictos por el acceso y uso de zonas ecol�gicas. El reordenamiento territorial de los espacios originales de los Mapuche-Pehuenche, junto con su apropiaci�n creciente por actores privados y del Estado chileno, ha producido una integraci�n subordinada de las comunidades ind�genas con respecto a sociedad nacional.
Atlas ilustrado de pueblos de indios de la Nueva Espana, 1800
Authors: Tanck Estrada Dorothy , Alvarez Lobato Jose Antonio , Miranda Jorge Luis
Published: November 2005

Despu�s de haber encontrado en varios archivos los nombres de los pueblos de indios que exist�an en la Nueva Espa�a en 1800, se decidi� elaborar mapas para desplegar la ubicaci�n de los 4,468 pueblos, seg�n su latitud, longitud y altitud. Este art�culo explica la manera de elaborar los mapas, utilizando programas del Instituto Nacional de Estad�stica, Geograf�a e Inform�tica (INEGI) de M�xico. Se revisan el proceso y los problemas encontrados en el proyecto, as� como la cartograf�a que se desarroll� para el Atlas ilustrado de los pueblos de indios de la Nueva Espa�a, 1800. Alter having discovered in various archives the names of the pueblos de indios which existed in New Spain in 1800, it was judged important to project on maps the location of each of these 4,468 towns, according to their latitude, longitude and altitude. This article explains the manner in which the maps were made, using programs from Mexico's National Institute of Statistics, Geography and Informatics (INEGI).The process and problems encountered in the project are discussed, as well as the cartography developed for the Atlas ilustrado de los pueblos de indios de la Nueva Espa�a, 1800.
The Historic Center of Morelia: A Case of Successful Negotiation
Authors: Cabrales Barajas Luis Felipe
Published: November 2005

The historic center of Morelia is one of the most stately and best conserved in Mexico, so much so that in 1991 it was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Notwithstanding such a mark of distinction, the last 25 years have seen the center invaded by a proliferation of street vendors, a problem that until recently seemed insoluble. It generated not only social and environmental problems but also limited the enjoyment of the public spaces by residents and tourists alike. Thanks to consensual political action and multiple negotiations, the more than 1,500 vendors were removed and relocated in more appropriate locations, leaving the city center to better exhibit its pleasant environment and distinguished architectural past. This paper documents the methods used in the relocation process, especially the role played by the Patronato Pro-Rescate del Centro Hist�rico which, for Mexico, appears most encouraging and has generated a climate of optimism. El centro hist�rico de Morelia es uno de los m�s se�oriales y mejor conservados de M�xico e incluso en 1991 fue declarado Patrimonio de la Humanidad por parte de la UNESCO. No obstante, la proliferaci�n de comercio informal en las calles y plazas observado durante los �ltimos 25 a�os se convirti� en un problema que parec�a irresoluble y que generaba problemas sociales y ambientales, adem�s de que limitaba el disfrute de los espacios p�blicos, tanto para los ciudadanos locales como para el turismo. Gracias a una labor de consenso pol�tico y de m�ltiples negociaciones se logr� retirar a dichos comerciantes (m�s de 1.500) mismos que fueron realojados en sitios mejor dispuestos con lo cual el centro hist�rico luce una agradable imagen y se encuentra en mejores condiciones para perpetuar su centralidad. Se documentan los mecanismos utilizados y el papel desarrollado por el Patronato Pro-Rescate del Centro Hist�rico para alcanzar este importante objetivo que en M�xico resulta muy alentador y ha generado un clima de optimismo social.
Women's Community-Based Organizations, Conservation Projects, and Effective Land Control in Southern Mexico
Authors: Radel Claudia
Published: November 2005

This paper examines outcomes for women's effective land control from engagement of women's agricultural community-based organizations (CBOs) with conservation projects in southern Mexico. Through ethnography and interviews with one hundred women in three communities, the author assesses whether women's organization, as a response to availability of project resources, has led to increased access to, and control over, land, as well as gender empowerment. A binary logistic regression model predicts CBO participation and suggests that who participates in these groups is defined in part by the varied position of women within community class and power structures. Women's land access has increased through participation in CBOs, but effective land control does not automatically follow. Women differ within and among CBOs in the three crucial aspects of effective land control: participation in control over land-use decision making, over the land's disposition, and over resultant land-based income. The type of CBO and its community position play important roles, with groups functioning outside of ejidal structures leading to greater rates of women's effective control of land and potential. Este estudio examina los resultados del control efectivo de la tierra de mujeres dentro de su empleo en organizaciones comunales agr�colas femininas (OCAs) de proyectos de conservaci�n en el sur mexicano. A trav�s de etnograf�a y entrevistas con cien mujeres en tres comunidades, la autora evalua si las organizaciones femininas, como respuesta a la disponibilidad de recursos de proyectos, han mejorado el acceso a la tierra y control sobre ella, tambi�n de su empoderamiento de g�nero, y si fue as�, para cuales de las mujeres. Un modelo binario de regresi�n log�stica, prognostica la participaci�n dentro de las OCAs y sugiere que las que participan en estos grupos est�n definidas por su variada posici�n dentro de las clases comunitarias y las estructuras del poder. Se nota, que el acceso de mujeres a la tierra ha aumentado a trav�s de su participaci�n en las OCAs, pero el control efectivo no sucede autom�ticamente. Las mujeres son variadas dentro y entre las OCAs en tres dimensiones: su participaci�n en el control de toma de decisiones respecto a la tierra; su situaci�n relativa a la disposici�n de la tierra; y en relaci�n a los ingresos obtenidos. El tipo de OCA y su posici�n dentro de la comunidad son roles importantes, y su relaci�n con grupos que funcionan fuera de la estructura ejidal significa mayor control feminino sobre la tierra y potentialmente mejor empoderamiento de g�nero.
Critiques du Regionalisme Ouvert a partir de l'economie geographique appliquee au Mercosur
Authors: Saludjian Alexis
Published: November 2005

A partir de l'application de l'approche de l'�conomie g�ographique sur l'�tude du processus d'int�gration �conomique du C�ne Sud d'Am�rique Latine (le Mercosur), nous discutons les avanc�es et les limites de tels mod�les en soulignant l'absence de variables fondamentales � l'�tude des �conomies de cette r�gion. En effet, les aspects financiers et mon�taires sp�cifiques � la r�gion sont essentielles � l'analyse du r�gime d'accumulation � dominante financi�re qui r�git les �conomies de la plupart des pays latino-am�ricains.
On the basis of the application of an economic geography approach to the economic integration process of Mercosur, I discuss the advantages and the limits of such a conception, pointing out the absence of certain fundamental variables that are nevertheless worth being considered in the study of the economies of the region. Indeed, the specific monetary and financial aspects are of dramatic importance in the finance-led accumulation regime that most Latin America countries experience.
Sobre la base de la aplicaci�n de la teor�a de la geograf�a econ�mica sobre el proceso de integraci�n econ�mica del Cono Sur de Am�rica Latina (el Mercosur), discutimos las ventajas y los l�mites de estos modelos insistiendo sobre la ausencia de ciertas variables fundamentales para el estudio de las econom�as de estas regiones. Por cierto, los aspectos monetarios y financieros espec�ficos de la regi�n son esenciales para analizar el r�gimen de acumulaci�n dominado por las finanzas que la mayor�a de los pa�ses latinomericanos experimentan.
Effects of Somatostatin Prophylaxis after Pylorus‐preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Increased Delayed Gastric Emptying and Reduced Plasma Motilin
Authors: Shan Yan‐Shen , Sy Edgar D. , Tsai Mei‐Ling , Tang Li‐Ying , Li P. Shirley , Lin Pin‐Wen
Published: November 2005

Somatostatin inhibits gastroenteropancreatic exocrine secretion and is often used after pancreaticoduodenectomy to reduce pancreatic secretion to minimize tissue damage and pancreatic stump complications. Because our earlier clinical work saw a major increase in delayed gastric emptying (DGE) with somatostatin prophylaxis after pylorus‐preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD), this small‐group study was designed to confirm or disprove that observation. From August 1997 to December 2000, a total of 23 post‐PPPD patients were randomized to receive somatostatin prophylaxis [somatostain (+)] (n = 11) or not [somatostatin] (−) (n = 12). The incidence of DGE, scintographic solid‐phase emptying results on day 14 postoperatively, and sequential fasting plasma motilin levels were compared, as motilin levels are related to both gastric motility and somatostatin levels. The somatostatin(+) group exhibited greatly increased patient complaints of DGE: 9 of 11 (82%) versus 3 of 12 (25%) in the somatostatin(−) group. Radiologic scintography showed somatostatin prophylaxis prolonged the half‐time (T1/2) of solid‐phase emptying: 144.5 ± 51.4 minutes for somatostatin(+) versus 89.0 ± 59.9 minutes for somatostatin(−) (p < 0.001). Comparing pre‐PPPD and post‐PPPD plasma motilin levels prior to somatostatin infusion, motilin decreased 80% in reaction to the surgery. For somatostatin(−) patients, motilin levels oscillated, or “rang,” postoperatively, reaching a higher level on day 3, declined to a new record minimum on day 7, and by day 21 were 50% of the original and the slope of the recovery curve was increasing well. In somatostatin(+) patients the same ringing pattern was observed but decreased with motilin levels 30% to 70% lower than in the somatostatin(−) patients. By day 21 somatostatin(+) motilin levels were recovering but still only 20% original levels, and the slope of the recovery curve was not optimistic. On postoperative day 14 the plasma motilin levels (below approximately 6 bg/ml) correlated strongly with DGE for both groups. Despite the small sample size, the results indicated that (1) somatostatin prophylaxis significantly decreases fasting plasma motilin; (2) somatostatin prophylaxis produces lingering suppression of plasma motilin; (3) PPPD surgery itself significantly reduces fasting motilin levels with recovery to 50% normal at day 21; (4) the mechanism of somatostatin‐induced DGE seems related to reduced fasting plasma motilin levels.
Controllable Open Macrosystems in Thermodynamics and Microeconomics
Authors: Tsirlin A. M. , Kazakov V. , Trushkov V. V.
Published: November 2005

In this paper stationary regimes of open macro-systems that include active subsystems (with controlled parameters) near equilibrium are considered. A generalized Prigogine extremal principle for such systems is formulated and proved. The conditions on optimal behavior of active subsystems in such systems are derived. It is shown that the obtained general results can be specified for thermodynamic and microeconomic systems to obtain the heat engine maximal power, the minimal irreversible work of separation, the limiting productivity of heat driven separation and the maximal capital extraction.
Improvement of Pairwise Alignment by an Information Measure
Authors: Sato Keiko
Published: November 2005

The alignment of amino acid sequences is an important element in the study of life on the level of genome. There exist several methods to align the sequences by computer. In these methods there are several difficulties to judge whether the alignment result is proper. One of such problems is that many results give the same distance, so that often one cannot determine which result should be used. In this paper it is shown that the number of alignment results can be reduced by applying an information measure based on Shannon's mutual entropy.
Generic Quantum Markov Semigroups: the Fock Case
Authors: Accardi L. , Hachicha S. , Ouerdiane H.
Published: November 2005

We introduce the class of generic quantum Markov semigroups. Within this class we study the class corresponding to the Fock case which is further split into four subclasses each of which contains both bounded and unbounded generators, depending on some global characteristics of the intensities of jumps. For the first two of these classes we find an explicit solution which reduces the problem of finding the quantum semigroup to the calculation of two classical semigroups, one of which is diagonal (in a suitable basis) and the other one is triangular (in the same basis). In the bounded case our formula gives the unique solution. In the unbounded case it gives one solution, which we conjecture to be the minimal one.
The Role of a Second Reservoir in an Open BCS Model
Authors: Bagarello F.
Published: November 2005

In this paper we use the stochastic limit approach (SLA) in order to analyze some generalized versions of the open BCS model first introduced by Buffet and Martin and recently analyzed by the author using the SLA. In particular, considering different models, we discuss the role of a second reservoir interacting with the first one (but not with the system) in the computation of the critical temperature corresponding to the transition from a normal to a superconducting phase.
A comparison of the relative utility of coping and acceptance‐based measures in a sample of chronic pain sufferers
Authors: McCracken Lance M. , Eccleston Christopher
Published: November 2005

Previous research suggests that to define the problem of chronic pain as a problem of coping may not be as useful as framing it as a problem of acceptance for some patients. The coping approach may encourage, or at least permit, a somewhat inflexible agenda of pain reduction or control while the acceptance approach may allow a more flexible agenda of willingness to have pain in some circumstances where that serves the goal of better life functioning. The purpose of this study was to continue to examine the relative utility of concepts of coping and acceptance of pain. Two hundred and thirty consecutive patients seeking assessment from a pain management service were the participants in the study. Patients completed the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ) and the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ). A revised scoring method was used for the CSQ (to correct for technical limitations noted in the past) and recently developed subscales of the CPAQ were examined. Correlation results showed that the acceptance variables were reliably stronger predictors of distress and disability compared with coping variables. Regression analyses confirmed that, compared with coping variables, acceptance accounted larger unique increments in variance in measures of patient functioning regardless of whether the coping variables were given priority in the regression equations. Increasing data support the view that the pain management field may benefit from evolving toward incorporating a less control‐oriented and more accommodating view of aversive private experiences in some circumstances.
Crystal structure of Escherichia coli SufA involved in biosynthesis of iron–sulfur clusters: Implications for a functional dimer
Authors: Wada Kei , Hasegawa Yuko , Gong Zhao , Minami Yoshiko , Fukuyama Keiichi , Takahashi Yasuhiro
Published: November 2005

IscA and SufA are paralogous proteins that play crucial roles in the biosynthesis of Fe–S clusters, perhaps through a mechanism involving transient Fe–S cluster formation. We have determined the crystal structure of E. coli SufA at 2.7 Å resolution. SufA exists as a homodimer, in contrast to the tetrameric organization of IscA. Furthermore, a C‐terminal segment containing two essential cysteine residues (Cys‐Gly‐Cys), which is disordered in the IscA structure, is clearly visible in one molecule (the α1 subunit) of the SufA homodimer. Although this segment is disordered in the other molecule (the α2 subunit), computer modeling of this segment based on the well‐defined conformation of α1 subunit suggests that the four cysteine residues (Cys114 and Cys116 in each subunit) in the Cys‐Gly‐Cys motif are positioned in close proximity at the dimer interface. The arrangement of these cysteines together with the nearby Glu118 in SufA dimer may allow coordination of an Fe–S cluster and/or an Fe atom.
Polyomavirus EGFP‐pseudocapsids: Analysis of model particles for introduction of proteins and peptides into mammalian cells
Authors: Bouřa E. , Liebl D. , Špíšek R. , Frič J. , Marek M. , Štokrová J. , Holáň V. , Forstová J.
Published: November 2005

A vector for preparation of mouse polyomavirus capsid‐like particles for transfer of foreign peptides or proteins into cells was constructed. Model pseudocapsids carrying EGFP fused with the C‐terminal part of the VP3 minor protein (EGFP‐VLPs) have been prepared and analysed for their ability to be internalised and processed by mouse cells and to activate mouse and human dendritic cells (DC) in vitro. EGFP‐VLPs entered mouse epithelial cells, fibroblasts and human and mouse DC efficiently and were processed by both, lysosomes and proteasomes. Surprisingly, they did not induce upregulation of DC co‐stimulation molecules or maturation markers in vitro; however, they did induce interleukin 12 secretion.
Yeast oligosaccharyltransferase consists of two functionally distinct sub‐complexes, specified by either the Ost3p or Ost6p subunit
Authors: Schwarz Markus , Knauer Roland , Lehle Ludwig
Published: November 2005

The key step of N‐glycosylation of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum is catalyzed by the hetero‐oligomeric protein complex oligosaccharyltransferase (OST). It transfers the lipid‐linked core‐oligosaccharide to selected Asn‐X‐Ser/Thr‐sequences of nascent polypeptide chains. Biochemical and genetic approaches have revealed that OST from Saccharomyces cerevisiae consists of nine subunits: Wbp1p, Swp1p, Stt3p, Ost1p, Ost2p, Ost4p, Ost5p, Ostp3 and Ost6p. By blue native polyacrylamide electrophoresis we show that yeast OST consists of two isoforms with distinct functions differing only in the presence of the two related Ost3 and Ost6p proteins. The OST6‐complex was found to be important for cell wall integrity and temperature stress. Ost3p and Ost6p are not essential for OST activity, and can in part displace each other in the complex when overexpressed, suggesting a dynamic regulation of the complex formation.
Climatic effects on plankton and productivity on the Faroe Shelf
Authors: Hansen Bogi , Eliasen Sólvá K. , Gaard Eilif , Larsen Karin M.H.
Published: November 2005

Previous investigations have shown that new primary production on the Faroe Shelf during the spring bloom varies considerably from one year to another, both with regard to timing and intensity. It has also been found that variations in new primary production are transmitted up the food chain to top predators such as cod and haddock. An observed inverse relationship between new primary production and zooplankton biomass, especially Calanus finmarchicus, might be due to grazing, but could also reflect a dependence of both new primary production and C. finmarchicus import on the horizontal exchange between waters on the shelf and off it. Here, we investigate this question, using observations and an idealized numerical model. We find that the large variability in new primary production is most likely due to the direct effect of variable horizontal exchange rates on phytoplankton reproduction (horizontal Sverdrup mechanism), rather than grazing. Enhanced horizontal exchange flushes phytoplankton from the shallow areas and limits primary production. Horizontal exchange rate seems most sensitive to horizontal density differences between on-shelf and off-shelf waters, which is governed by atmosphere–ocean heat exchange and precipitation. For the primary observational period from 1990 to 2003, a close relationship was found between air temperature in January–April and new primary production. Cold winters produced large density differences, small horizontal exchange rates, and intensive new primary production. Other, less direct, evidence indicates, however, that this relationship may not have been valid in a period before 1990.
Synchronous ecological regime shifts in the central Baltic and the North Sea in the late 1980s
Authors: Alheit J. , Möllmann C. , Dutz J. , Kornilovs G. , Loewe P. , Mohrholz V. , Wasmund N.
Published: November 2005

The index of the North Atlantic Oscillation, the dominant mode of climatic variability in the North Atlantic region, changed in the late 1980s (1987–1989) from a negative to a positive phase. This led to regime shifts in the ecology of the North Sea (NS) and the central Baltic Sea (CBS), which involved all trophic levels in the pelagial of these two neighbouring continental shelf seas. Increasing air and sea surface temperatures, which affected critical physical and biological processes, were the main direct and indirect driving forces. After 1987, phytoplankton biomass in both systems increased and the growing season was extended. The composition of phyto- and zooplankton communities in both seas changed conspicuously, e.g. dinoflagellate abundance increased and diatom abundance decreased in the CBS. Key copepod species that are essential in fish diets experienced pronounced changes in biomass. Abundance of Calanus finmarchicus (NS) and Pseudocalanus sp. (CBS) fell to low levels, whereas C. helgolandicus (NS) and Temora longicornis and Acartia spp. (CBS) were persistently abundant. These changes in biomass of different copepod species had dramatic consequences on biomass, fisheries, and landings of key fish species: North Sea cod declined, cod in the CBS remained at low levels, and CBS sprat reached unprecedented high biomass levels resulting in high yields. The synchronous regime shifts in NS and CBS resulted in profound changes in both marine ecosystems. However, the reaction of fish populations to the bottom-up mechanisms caused by the same climatic shift was very different for the three fish stocks.
Interdecadal variability in the Gulf of Maine zooplankton community, with potential impacts on fish recruitment
Authors: Pershing Andrew J. , Greene Charles H. , Jossi Jack W. , O'Brien Loretta , Brodziak Jon K.T. , Bailey Barbara A.
Published: November 2005

We used principal component analysis (PCA) to explore interannual changes in a time-series lasting more than 40 years of zooplankton abundance from NOAA's Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) survey. This analysis identified a complex of taxa, including Centropages typicus, Oithona spp., Pseudocalanus spp., and Metridia lucens that followed a common pattern of interdecadal variability characterized by a dramatic increase in these taxa around 1990, followed by a rapid decline in 2002. All of these taxa showed a large proportional increase in winter abundance between the 1980s and 1990s. These changes could be driven by increased primary productivity during winter, caused by a large-scale freshening of the Northwest Atlantic Shelf. In addition to the “community shift” mode, the analysis found a strong mode of interannual variability attributed to previously described changes in the abundance of late-stage Calanus finmarchicus. To explore the impact of these modes on higher trophic levels, we correlated the zooplankton modes with recruitment time-series from 12 fish stocks from the Gulf of Maine region. Several significant correlations were found, suggesting that the changes in the zooplankton modes may reflect broad changes in the Gulf of Maine ecosystem.
Variability in retention of Calanus finmarchicus in the Nordic Seas
Authors: Torgersen Thomas , Huse Geir
Published: November 2005

Using a regional ocean circulation model and particle tracking, we have studied the probability of the copepod Calanus finmarchicus being retained within the Nordic Seas' population as a function of its initial location, its vertical migration pattern, and the interannual variability in physical forcing. Defining a retention index in terms of the number of particles remaining within the Nordic Seas divided by the initial number of particles released, we found that spatial location had the greatest effect on the retention index during the study period, 1988–1991. Variability as a result of differences in physical forcing among years and among different seasonal vertical migration patterns had smaller but similar effects. The seasonal vertical migration behaviours with the highest advective loss rates and the most sensitive to interannual physical forcing were those that ascended early and descended late from a shallow summer depth. Average retention within the Nordic Seas was 0.40 after one year in simulations with diffusion and advection, and 0.42 in simulations with advection only. The average retention at the end of the four-year sequence was 0.10 and 0.12 with and without diffusion, respectively. Particles located in the western areas of the Nordic Seas had the highest retention, while those along the Norwegian coast showed little or no retention after four years. Initial location has a larger influence on retention than interannual variability in advective fields. C. finmarchicus offspring tend to reside in areas different from their parents, with different probabilities of retention. This spatial variability in retention rate is also experienced as inter-generational variability by members of the population. Model results suggest that almost all of the C. finmarchicus that are advected into the Barents Sea originate from off the Norwegian coast. Thus, predicting C. finmarchicus inflow into the Barents Sea requires knowledge of their abundance on the Norwegian Shelf.
Comparative analysis of statistical tools to identify recruitment–environment relationships and forecast recruitment strength
Authors: Megrey Bernard A. , Lee Yong-Woo , Macklin S. Allen
Published: November 2005

Many of the factors affecting recruitment in marine populations are still poorly understood, complicating the prediction of strong year classes. Despite numerous attempts, the complexity of the problem often seems beyond the capabilities of traditional statistical analysis paradigms. This study examines the utility of four statistical procedures to identify relationships between recruitment and the environment. Because we can never really know the parameters or underlying relationships of actual data, we chose to use simulated data with known properties and different levels of measurement error to test and compare the methods, especially their ability to forecast future recruitment states. Methods examined include traditional linear regression, non-linear regression, Generalized Additive Models (GAM), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). Each is compared according to its ability to recover known patterns and parameters from simulated data, as well as to accurately forecast future recruitment states. We also apply the methods to published Norwegian spring-spawning herring (Clupea harengus L.) spawner–recruit–environment data. Results were not consistently conclusive, but in general, flexible non-parametric methods such as GAMs and ANNs performed better than parametric approaches in both parameter estimation and forecasting. Even under controlled data simulation procedures, we saw evidence of spurious correlations. Models fit to the Norwegian spring-spawning herring data show the importance of sea temperature and spawning biomass. The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) did not appear to be an influential factor affecting herring recruitment.
The role of interannual environmental variations in the geographic range of spawning and feeding concentrations of redfish Sebastes mentella in the Irminger Sea
Authors: Pedchenko Andrey P.
Published: November 2005

The Irminger Sea is occupied by the most abundant population of the redfish, Sebastes mentella, in the North Atlantic. Results of Russian and international surveys of redfish in the Irminger Sea between 1982 and 2003 are summarized here. Interannual variations in redfish spatial distribution and oceanographic conditions are also analysed. Distribution patterns of spawning and feeding concentrations of redfish are established, and the role of oceanographic factors in the formation of concentrations and in the migrations of redfish are shown. The habitat of the mature redfish population in pelagic waters is confined within the Sub-polar cyclonic Gyre. Redfish spawning grounds extend along the western slope of the Reykjanes Ridge in the areas of intensive rise of intermediate waters. Seasonal variation in water temperature above the ridge slopes is one of the factors causing feeding redfish to migrate westwards, to the central area of the Sub-polar Gyre. Atlantic Water advection, intensified by the Irminger Sea, and water temperature increase in the upper 200-m layer in the second half of the 1990s produced a considerable shift of commercial concentrations of feeding redfish from their usual grounds westwards, to the NAFO Regulatory area.
Evasion of innate immunity by vaccinia virus
Authors: HAGA I. R. , BOWIE A. G.
Published: November 2005

Vaccinia virus, a member of the Poxviridae, expresses many proteins involved in immune evasion. In this review, we present a brief characterisation of the virus and its effects on host cells and discuss representative secreted and intracellular proteins expressed by vaccinia virus that are involved in modulation of innate immunity. These proteins target different aspects of the innate response by binding cytokines and interferons, inhibiting cytokine synthesis, opposing apoptosis or interfering with different signalling pathways, including those triggered by interferons and toll-like receptors.
Subversion of host cell signalling by the protozoan parasiteLeishmania
Authors: GREGORY D. J. , OLIVIER M.
Published: November 2005

The protozoaLeishmaniaspp. are obligate intracellular parasites that inhabit the macrophages of their host. Since macrophages are specialized for the identification and destruction of invading pathogens, both directly and by triggering an innate immune response,Leishmaniahave evolved a number of mechanisms for suppressing some critical macrophage activities. In this review, we discuss how various species ofLeishmaniadistort the host macrophage's own signalling pathways to repress the expression of various cytokines and microbicidal molecules (nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species), and antigen presentation. In particular, we describe how MAP Kinase and JAK/STAT cascades are repressed, and intracellular Ca2+and the activities of protein tyrosine phosphatases, in particular SHP-1, are elevated.
Stimulation of innate immune responses by malarial glycosylphosphatidylinositol via pattern recognition receptors
Authors: NEBL T. , DE VEER M. J. , SCHOFIELD L.
Published: November 2005

The glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor ofPlasmodium falciparumis thought to function as a critical toxin that contributes to severe malarial pathogenesis by eliciting the production of proinflammatory responses by the innate immune system of mammalian hosts. Analysis of the fine structure ofP. falciparumGPI suggests a requirement for the presence of both core glycan and lipid moieties in the recognition and signalling of parasite glycolipids by host immune cells. It has been demonstrated that GPI anchors of various parasitic protozoa can mediate cellular immune responses via members of the Toll-like family of pattern recognition receptors (TLRs). Recent studies indicate that GPI anchors ofP. falciparumand other protozoa are preferentially recognized by TLR-2, involving the MyD88-dependent activation of specific signalling pathways that mediate the production of proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide from host macrophagesin vitro. However, the contribution of malaria GPI toxin to severe disease syndromes and the role of specific TLRs or other pattern recognition receptors in innate immunityin vivois only just beginning to be characterized. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying severe malarial pathogenesis may yet lead to substantial new insights with important implications for the development of novel therapeutics for malaria treatment.
Subversion of immune cell signal transduction pathways by the secreted filarial nematode product, ES-62
Authors: HARNETT W. , GOODRIDGE H. S. , HARNETT M. M.
Published: November 2005

Filarial nematodes achieve longevity within the infected host by suppressing and modulating the host immune response. To do this, the worms actively secrete products that have been demonstrated to possess immunomodulatory properties. In this article we discuss the immunomodulatory effects of the phosphorylcholine-containing filarial nematode secreted glycoprotein ES-62. In particular we describe how it modulates intracellular signal transduction pathways in a number of different cells of the immune system, in particular B-lymphocytes, T-lymphocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells.
Towards a new synthesis of ontology technology and knowledge management
Authors: MIKA PETER , AKKERMANS HANS
Published: November 2005

This paper provides a synthesis of ontology research and one of its most significant application areas, the business discipline of Knowledge Management (KM). Despite the fact such a synergy is in great demand between consumers and suppliers of ontology technology, there is a lack of understanding on one side and a lack of realism on the other. Due to the lack of communication and understanding between ontology research and applied KM there is the danger that mainstream KM will remain neutral to ontologies, while research develops as a largely unguided exploration.
A survey of multi-agent organizational paradigms
Authors: HORLING BRYAN , LESSER VICTOR
Published: November 2005

Many researchers have demonstrated that the organizational design employed by an agent system can have a significant, quantitative effect on its performance characteristics. A range of organizational strategies have emerged from this line of research, each with different strengths and weaknesses. In this article we present a survey of the major organizational paradigms used in multi-agent systems. These include hierarchies, holarchies, coalitions, teams, congregations, societies, federations, markets, and matrix organizations. We will provide a description of each, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and provide examples of how they may be instantiated and maintained. This summary will facilitate the comparative evaluation of organizational styles, allowing designers to first recognize the spectrum of possibilities, and then guiding the selection of an appropriate organizational design for a particular domain and environment.