bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Timing of Fear Expression in Trace and Delay Conditioning Measured by Fear-Potentiated Startle in Rats
Authors: Burman Michael A. , Gewirtz Jonathan C.
Published: March 2004

In two experiments, the time course of the expression of fear in trace
(hippocampus-dependent) versus delay (hippocampus-independent) conditioning
was characterized with a high degree of temporal specificity using
fear-potentiated startle. In experiment 1, groups of rats were given delay
fear conditioning or trace fear conditioning with a 3- or 12-sec trace
interval between conditioned stimulus (CS) offset and unconditioned stimulus
(US) onset. During test, the delay group showed fear-potentiated startle in
the presence of the CS but not after its offset, whereas the trace groups
showed fear-potentiated startle both during the CS and after its offset.
Experiment 2 compared the time course of fear expression after trace
conditioning with the time course in two delay conditioning groups: one
matched to the trace conditioning group with respect to CS duration, and the
other with respect to ISI. In all groups, fear was expressed until the
scheduled occurrence of the US and returned to baseline rapidly thereafter.
Thus, in both trace and delay fear conditioning, ISI is a critical determinant
of the time course of fear expression. These results are informative as to the
possible role of neural structures, such as the hippocampus, in memory
processes related to temporal information.
Broadband in Britain: how does it compare with narrowband?
Authors: Gunter Barrie , Russell Chris , Withey Richard , Nicholas David
Published: March 2004

An online survey was run to investigate the broadband Internet users in Britain. A sample of 1,594 Internet users replied to questions that asked them about their different uses of the Internet and reasons for using this medium. Comparisons were made between respondents (33 per cent) who said they had a high‐speed of “broadband” Internet connection and those (67 per cent) who had a narrowband connection. Broadband users were more likely to be male and older than narrowband users. Broadband respondents were also likely to be more experienced Internet users, having had longer Internet access and being more frequent users. Broadband respondents were more advanced Internet users than narrowband respondents, being more likely to engage in consumer and financial transactions online and to exchange software and files with other users. Evidence emerged among all Internet users in the sample that online behaviour was displacing off‐line media use. Internet users felt that they had reduced the time they spent in reading newspapers and watching television.
Meta‐ and object‐language for information retrieval research: proposal for a distinction
Authors: Warner Julian
Published: March 2004

The distinction between a meta‐ and an object‐language has become increasingly familiar in information science, through the diffusion of the concept of metadata. A significant antecedent to this distinction can be found in the development of formal logic. This paper proposes an analogous distinction for information retrieval research, between the metalanguage of discourse about information retrieval systems and the object‐language of transformations within systems. In formal logic, acceptance of a meta:object distinction has had a clarifying and simplifying effect. An understanding of potential object‐language transformations as the writing, erasure, and substitution of symbols has also been developed. The existing metalanguage of information retrieval research has displayed a founding assumption (the value of delivering all, and possibly only all, the records relevant to a given query), some central concepts, entities for evaluative purposes, and derived measures. An alternative founding principle of enhanced informed choice is endorsed. The emerging view of operations within information retrieval systems such as transformation, sorting, and partitioning is strongly analogous to the more fully established account of possible object‐language transformations in formal logic. Analytical clarity has been obtained and economy in research effort is made possible.
Managing workplace stress: how training can help
Authors: Shuttleworth Anna
Published: March 2004

Stress is a key issue facing many organisations yet, despite the increasing awareness of how it impacts on business, many companies are unsure of the best way to fulfil their duty of care towards their employees. This article looks at how training can have a positive impact on tackling stress in the workplace – helping employees become more resilient towards stress, and enabling them to tackle the root causes of any problems. It highlights the importance of providing additional training for managers who not only need to manage their own stress levels, but have responsibility for their direct reports. It focuses on the case of East London and The City Mental Health Trust and how it has used training to provide support for colleagues suffering from stress caused by bullying and harassment.
Speculating and evolving in documentation
Authors: Bawden David
Published: March 2004

Introduces the first in a new series of articles under the heading “Speculations in documentation”. The initial article, on “Evolution and information”, is set in the context of debates as to the reality and significance of the link between the growth and development of human information and knowledge, and of biological (genetic) information and evolution.
A metadata practice of the IFLA FRBR model
Authors: Chen Ya‐ning , Chen Shu‐jiun
Published: March 2004

In 1998, the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) model which is composed of four entities (work, expression, manifestation and item) and their associative relationships (primary, responsibility and subject), was proposed by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). The FRBR model can be deployed as a logical framework for proceeding metadata analysis and developing metadata format. This paper presents a case study of the National Palace Museum (NPM) in Taipei to examine the feasibility of the FRBR model. Based on the examination of case study at the NPM, the FRBR model is proven to be a useful and fundamental framework for metadata analysis and implementation. Findings show that the FRBR model is helpful in identifying proper metadata elements organization and their distribution over the FRBR entities. The model is more suitable for media‐centric and association‐rich contents. However, in order to refine the FRBR model as a common framework for metadata, it would also require supportive mechanisms for management responsibility relationships for the workflow consideration and refine the distinction between work and expression entity.
Company training and low‐skill consumer‐service jobs in Ireland
Authors: Hughes Gerard , O'Connell Philip J. , Williams James
Published: March 2004

This paper identifies market forces which induce employers to provide training in Ireland. It investigates if they are present in sufficient strength in the consumer service sectors with a high concentration of low‐skill jobs to provide a basis to upgrade such jobs. Data from a survey of firms on training incidence, duration, and cost are used in OLS regressions to investigate the determinants of training at national and sector level. The results show that firm size, the proportion of skilled workers, foreign ownership, perception of changing skill requirements and tightness of the labour market all influence employers' training decisions. Analysis of sector‐specific effects indicates that firms in consumer service sectors are unlikely to respond to market forces by increasing training to a level which would encompass low‐skill jobs. However, policies involving the school system and company‐based training could help to enhance low‐skill jobs in consumer service sectors.
Why HPT, not TQM? An examination of theHPT concept
Authors: Talaq Jaleel , Ahmed Pervaiz K.
Published: March 2004

Based on early and recent thoughts of total quality management and the new emerging field of human performance technology, key dimensions that drive human performance in organisations are identified. Human performance technology is a field that focuses on providing solutions to organisational problems and has a lot to share with total quality management. However, HPT is neglected by the TQM literature. A system approach is taken in which the person within the system is seen to be an important element that is affected by the system and consequently affects and influences the performance of the organisation he works for. So, system factors, including environmental and cultural factors, are seen to be important sources of variance that affect human performance. Also, the person factors that influence human performance and the interactions between person and system factors are considered.
The role of Web‐based distance learning in HR development
Authors: Long Lori K. , Smith Robert D.
Published: March 2004

Advances in computer technology facilitate innovative methods for delivering training in organizations. The Internet enables the delivery of computer‐based training across time and distance. This medium, known as Web‐based distance learning, provides opportunities to develop human resources to support creating a competitive advantage for an organization. This article discusses principles of WBDL design, measuring the effectiveness of training delivered through that design. Further, the relationship between WBDL and human resource development is provided. Suggestions for organizations planning to implement WBDL are included.
An integrated evaluation system based on the continuous improvement model of IS performance
Authors: Seong Leem Choon , Kim Injoo
Published: March 2004

In order to achieve competitive business goals, every enterprise needs to evaluate the current level of information systems performance and their utilization. The evaluation measures the technical capacity and operational capability of enterprise information systems and diagnoses their effectiveness in business goals and efficiency in resources. An integrated evaluation system is developed based on the continuous improvement model of information systems performance. The system has been applied to performance measurement of information systems with a huge set of data from Korean industries, and proven reliable and practical
Impact of computer disasters on information management: a study
Authors: Kundu Subhash C.
Published: March 2004

Primary data based on a sample of 274 executives was analyzed to assess the impact of computer disasters on information management. Company type‐wise impact of computer disasters on information management practices was examined by applying one‐way ANOVA. It was found that information management practices in all types of companies were adversely affected by the occurrence of computer disasters. Virus and hardware faults were the disasters that ocurred the most. It was further found that disasters incidence level was more in both types of Indian companies than multinational companies (MNCs). So, adverse impact of computer disasters on information management practices was found comparatively greater in Indian companies than MNCs. Specifically, Indian companies were more adversely affected in collecting, organizing, processing, and maintaining of information.
The influence of ideas and the problem of a social science
Authors: Armour Leslie
Published: March 2004

The influence of ideas is a central but puzzling problem in the social sciences. Parsons insisted that ideas play a central role in social continuity as well as in social change. Basic ideas that organise experience become embedded in the public mind and structure the ways in which issues are tackled. Through much of the twentieth century, Darwinism, Freudianism and Marxism are central clusters of ideas. On a smaller scale, ideas that begin in academic settings can quite quickly spread into politics. Voegelin has detected very general notions that may structure whole eras, calling one of the most powerful in our time the “new gnosticism”. It draws on our ideas of knowledge and leads to the search for a universal ideology that dissolves all problems into demands for a totalitarian society. This paper argues that there is always an underlying basis for the power of ideas. Many ideologies of our time have been twists and turns on the Christian tradition. The form they take depends on the challenges of the hour and the nature of the surrounding cultures.
Ownership structure, board composition and entrepreneurship
Authors: Brunninge Olof , Nordqvist Mattias
Published: March 2004

The purpose of this article is to investigate how ownership structure, especially family and/or venture‐capital involvement, as well as entrepreneurial activities, defined as strategic change and renewal, help explain the involvement of independent members on boards of directors. The CEOs of 2,455 small and medium‐sized, private enterprises from practically all industries were contacted in a telephone survey, resulting in an exceptionally high response rate. The findings reveal that family firms are more reluctant to involve independent directors on their boards than non‐family firms, that presence of venture capitalists increases the frequency of independent board members and that ownership has an impact on board roles. The results do not support the hypothesised relationship that independent directors enhance entrepreneurial activities. One implication of our study is that the often‐argued‐for strategic contribution of outsiders to the boards in family firms may be overemphasised. Another implication is that family firms that choose to acquire additional capital should be aware that this could result in a change in the board composition and the loss of control of the business. However, new and external owners' inclusion on the board seems to be negotiable since there are also venture capitalists that do not insist on board representation.
Patterns in strategy formation in a family firm
Authors: Ibrahim A.B. , McGuire J. , Soufani K. , Poutziouris P.
Published: March 2004

Despite the fact that about 90 percent of all the businesses in the US and Canada are family‐owned and operated, very little research has been undertaken on how strategy is shaped in family businesses. This paper tracks strategy in two family firms since their inception to their present third generation management, to investigate the unique factors influencing strategy in family businesses. The paper accentuates issues relating to the intensive grooming process and the involvement of the different family and non‐family members in the strategic decision making processes of the family business.
Zero income survival times for ten fashion retailers
Authors: Jeffrey Michael
Published: March 2004

This paper explores the liquidity (solvency) position of ten prominent high street retailers using both the traditional measures of Current Asset Ratio and Quick Asset Ratio and the a more innovative measure the Defensive Interval. The paper sets out to establish, using the available accounting data, how long such companies could survive if a zero cash in‐flow situation were to arise. This is explored in the light of terrorist threats from a variety of quarters aimed at high street retailers.
Psychological and behavioral drivers of online clothing purchase
Authors: Goldsmith Ronald E. , Flynn Leisa R.
Published: March 2004

As online purchasing grows in importance, understanding which consumers use this new distribution channel is an important question for e‐commerce managers and consumer theorists. The purpose of this study was to examine selected demographic and psychological characteristics that lead consumers to buy clothing online. It surveyed 805 consumers who described their online clothing buying as well as how innovative and involved they were for clothing and fashion, how innovative they were with regard to buying on the Internet, and how much they purchased clothing through catalogues. Although all these variables were positively correlated with amount of online clothing purchase, a multiple regression analysis showed that being an adventurous online buyer and a heavy catalog shopper had the most impact on online clothing buying. These findings imply that online apparel buying is motivated more by Internet innovativeness than by clothing innovativeness.
Violent advertising in fashion marketing
Authors: Andersson Svante , Hedelin Anna , Nilsson Anna , Welander Charlotte
Published: March 2004

In this study, violent advertising is discussed. An empirical study, using picture analysis, is carried out. The intent of the advertisers’ message is compared with the interpretation of a male and a female consumer group. It is concluded that the consumers’ interpretations not are the ones that the advertisers had intended. The violence was interpreted in a much more negative way than expected. It is also concluded that there are differences in interpretations between men and women.
Internationalization strategies selected by established rural and urban SMEs
Authors: Westhead Paul , Ucbasaran Deniz , Binks Martin
Published: March 2004

This study explores whether there are differences between established “rural” and “urban” SMEs with regard to the decision to sell goods or services abroad. Several hypotheses were formulated and tested. In 1990/1991, survey responses were gathered from 621 independent businesses located in the UK. In 1997, a follow‐on telephone survey was conducted with 150 surviving firms. Urban exporting SMEs reported superior performance to urban non‐exporting SMEs in 1997. Rural and urban SMEs, however, did not significantly differ from each other with regard to the reasons cited for not exporting, the reasons cited for exporting, and the modes of entry into the largest current foreign market selected by exporters. Nevertheless, some rural SMEs had circumvented local resource constraints and entered foreign markets by engaging in networking. Implications for policy‐makers, practitioners and researchers are highlighted.
Factors associated with formal networking in regional small business: some findings from a study of Swedish SMEs
Authors: MacGregor R.C.
Published: March 2004

A number of recent studies have suggested that, for small businesses to compete with their larger counterparts in the electronic commerce environment, many are collaborating in a network arrangement. This study examines whether factors such as business size, business age, business sector or market focus are associated with decisions to collaborate in a network or remain outside such arrangements. The study showed that small businesses, with fewer than ten employees, were more likely to be part of a formal network of small businesses. The results also showed that the age of the business, the number of suppliers, the existence of a marketing strategy and the educational level of the CEO were significantly associated with decisions to become part of a formal networking arrangement.
Public perceptions of franchising in Britain: releasing the potential
Authors: Watson Anna , Kirby David A.
Published: March 2004

In the two decades prior to 2000, the UK franchise industry showed substantial growth. Subsequently, however, this growth appears to have reached a plateau, with growth of less than 1 per cent. Franchisors suggest that the biggest barrier to growth is a lack of suitable franchisees. One possible reason for the dearth of potential franchisees is a lack of public awareness of franchising and the opportunities it affords for both self‐employment and small business development. This paper examines, therefore, public perceptions of franchising in the UK; how well the concept is understood, how it is perceived and the policy implications. The study is based on a sample of 1,257 members of the public surveyed in five city centres in the UK. The results reveal that approximately a fifth of those questioned had no comprehension of the term franchising, while a further third showed limited understanding. Only a tenth demonstrated a clear grasp of the term. The paper concludes that, if franchising is to continue to grow and to achieve its potential for the creation of self‐employment and the growth of small firms, public awareness needs to be raised and the image of the sector improved.
The effects of regional capital subsidies on firm performance: an empirical study
Authors: Tzelepis Dimitris , Skuras Dimitris
Published: March 2004

Capital subsidization is a widespread instrument of regional and industrial policy in Europe. A number of recent works have examined the influence of capital subsidization on the total factor productivity of recipient sectors and firms, and have provided strong evidence of neutral or even negative effects. The present study examines the effect of capital subsidization on four dimensions of the financial performance of firms, that is efficiency, profitability, capital structure, and growth, and provides evidence that capital subsidization affects solely firm growth.
Entrepreneurship, small business and economic growth
Authors: Thurik Roy , Wennekers Sander
Published: March 2004

Looks at the relationship between small business and entrepreneurship and also the differences between the two. Stresses that both are important separately and, in addition, notes where they overlap. Posits that in the early part of the last century small businesses were both vehicles for entrepreneurship and sources of employment and income but, although still important in the post‐war years, large firms made great inroads in the 1960s and 1970s. Concludes that government’s central role in entrepreneurialism for the economy is, by its very nature, enabling. Furthermore, entrepreneurship is acknowledged as a driver for economic growth, competitiveness and job creation.
Initiation of fungal epizootics in diamondback moth populations within a large field cage: proof of concept for auto‐dissemination
Authors: Vickers R.A. , Furlong M.J. , White A. , Pell J.K.
Published: March 2004

Adult diamondback moths (DBM), Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), inoculated with the fungus Zoophthora radicans, were released within a large field cage containing DBM‐infested potted broccoli plants. Larvae and pupae on exposed and caged control plants were examined on five occasions over the next 48 days for evidence of Z. radicans infection. Infected larvae were first detected on exposed plants 4 days after the initial release of adults, and after 48 days the infection level reached 79%. Aerially borne conidia were a factor in transmission of the fungus. Infection had no effect on possible losses of larval and adult cadavers due to scavengers in field crops. In a trial to measure the influence of infection on dispersal, twice as many non‐infected as infected males were recaptured in pheromone traps, although the difference in cumulative catch only became significant 3 days after release of the males. In a separate experiment, when adult moths were inoculated with Beauveria bassiana conidia and released into the field cage, DBM larvae collected from 37 of 96 plants sampled 4 days later subsequently died from B. bassiana infection. The distribution of plants from which the infected larvae were collected was random, but the distribution of infected larvae was clustered within the cage. These findings suggest that the auto‐dissemination of fungal pathogens may be a feasible strategy for DBM control, provided that epizootics can be established and maintained when DBM population densities are low.
Impact of competition on sex allocation by Trichogramma
Authors: Martel V. , Boivin G.
Published: March 2004

Hymenopteran parasitoids change their sex ratio following different factors. One of these factors is the exploitation of a host patch by several females. The Local Mate Competition (LMC) model (Hamilton, 1967) states that when there are many foundresses on a patch, they should lay a higher sex ratio. The impact of both intra‐ and interspecific competition on sex allocation was measured in two egg parasitoids, Trichogramma minutum Riley and T. pintoi Voegele (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), by comparing the sex ratio deposited by females exploiting host patches alone and in groups. Results showed that the sex ratio deposited by both species was higher when in groups, as predicted by the LMC model. When the sex ratio produced was compared between females either alone or in interspecific groups, T. minutum females deposited the same sex ratio, while T. pintoi produced more sons when in interspecific groups than when alone. These results are discussed following their natural habitat and their discrimination abilities.
Predicting the temperature‐dependent natural population expansion of the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera
Authors: Hemerik Lia , Busstra Cora , Mols Peter
Published: March 2004

The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera Leconte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), was accidentally introduced near Belgrade in Serbia just before 1992 and from there its expansion into Europe started. We have estimated its mean rate of expansion from 1992 to 2000 to be approximately 33 km year−1, using data from the annual surveys of the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation.

We investigated whether or not D. virgifera can establish itself at certain places in Europe, taking its temperature‐dependent development into account. We also estimated the time it will take D. virgifera to reach the Netherlands, considering only its dispersal by flight. All life stage transitions of D. virgifera were simulated with the program INSIM to assess whether or not it could establish itself in particular places. In the simulations, we used the available laboratory data on its life history characteristics, as well as a time series (2–6 years) of daily minimum and maximum temperatures from weather stations across Europe. The temperature‐dependent net reproduction resulting from the simulations showed that D. virgifera populations cannot establish themselves at latitudes above 55°N.

The overall expected velocity of D. virgifera's range expansion was computed with van den Bosch et al.'s formula [van den Bosch F, Hengeveld R & Metz JAJ (1992) Analysing the velocity of animal range expansion. Journal of Biogeography 19: 135–150], where the expansion velocity was based on dispersal characteristics and demographic parameters. We predicted that D. virgifera will not reach the Netherlands by flight from the border of its 2000 range before 2018 using this overall expected velocity. The explanation of this late arrival is that the velocity of population expansion decreases in all directions from the centre of its 2000 range due to unfavourable temperatures.

Our analysis is an improvement on former analyses in that it uses temperature‐dependent life history characteristics. We stress, however, that the lack of knowledge on dispersal behaviour and on the values of life history characteristics in field situations might severely limit the applicability of the predicted velocity.
Olfactory response by the aphidophagous gall midge, Aphidoletes aphidimyza to honeydew from green peach aphid, Myzus persicae
Authors: Choi Man‐Young , Roitberg Bernard D. , Shani Arnon , Raworth David A. , Lee Geon‐Hwui
Published: March 2004

Female adults of the aphidopagous gall midge, Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), showed an olfactory response to honeydew excreted by the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) under laboratory conditions. The response was only elicited by treatments with honeydew, whereas aphids, aphids with pepper plants or leaves, and pepper plants or leaves were not attractive to the midges. Dose‐dependent responses were observed from whole honeydew, honeydew volatiles extracted in pentane, and honeydew volatiles captured on Porapak Q®. When honeydew was eluted with three sequential pentane washes, a positive response was only observed from the midges for the first wash. Female midges laid more eggs on pepper plants infested with higher densities of M. persicae. The olfactory response of midges to honeydew is discussed with respect to prey location.
Colorado potato beetle control by application of the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis marelata and potato plant alkaloid manipulation
Authors: Armer Christine A. , Berry Ralph E. , Reed Gary L. , Jepsen Sarina J.
Published: March 2004

Control of the Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), with the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis marelata Liu and Berry (Nematoda: Heterorhabditidae) was examined in the laboratory and in potato fields in north central Oregon. This research tested the hypothesis that varying nitrogen fertilizer levels would affect foliar alkaloid levels, which would stress the host, and allow increased nematode reproduction and long‐term control of the CPB. Laboratory results indicated that nematodes tended to reproduce more readily in CPB fed on potato plants with high levels of fertilizer. Field trials tested CPB population responses to four treatments: application of nematodes vs. no nematodes, with application of low vs. high rates of nitrogen fertilizer. The higher nitrogen application rate increased field foliar levels of the alkaloids solanine by 35%, and chaconine by 41% over the season. Nematodes were applied twice during the season, causing a 50% reduction in adult CPB populations, and producing six times as many dead prepupae in nematode‐treated soil samples as in the untreated samples. However, no reproducing nematodes were found in the 303 dead prepupae and pupae collected from nematode‐treated plots. Nitrogen fertilizer levels, and their related alkaloid levels, did not affect nematode infection rates or reproduction in the field. Foliar alkaloid levels of plants from the growth chamber were 3–6‐fold as high as those in the field, which may explain the variation in nematode response to nitrogen applications to host plants of the CPB. Heterorhabditis marelata is effective for controlling CPB in the field, and does not have negative non‐target effects on one of the most common endemic CPB control agents, Myiopharus doryphorae (Riley) (Diptera: Tachinidae), but the low rate of nematode reproduction cannot be manipulated through alkaloid stress to the beetle. Until H. marelata can be mass‐produced in an inexpensive manner, it will not be a commercially viable control for CPB.
Wolbachia infection and an all‐female trait in Ostrinia orientalis and Ostrinia zaguliaevi
Authors: Kageyama D. , Nishimura G. , Ohno S. , Takanashi T. , Hoshizaki S. , Ishikawa Y.
Published: March 2004

Sex ratio distortion toward females (SR trait), induced by a Wolbachia bacterium, has been reported in two species of the Ostrinia furnacalis group, viz., O. furnacalis, and O. scapulalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). In addition, an SR trait caused by abacterial, unidentified agent(s) is known in O. scapulalis. Here we examined the SR trait in four other species of the furnacalis group, viz., O. orientalis, O. zaguliaevi, and O. zealis from Japan, and O. nubilalis from central and eastern Europe. Wolbachia infection was detected in three O. orientalis females and in one O. zaguliaevi female, and the infection was always associated with the SR trait. In terms of wsp and ftsZ gene sequences, Wolbachia strains in O. orientalis and O. zaguliaevi were indistinguishable from each other, or from those in O. furnacalis and O. scapulalis. These findings suggest that Wolbachia strains in the four Ostrinia species are probably identical. In addition, one O. zealis female, which was negative in diagnostic PCRs for Wolbachia and general bacteria, produced an all‐female brood. This trait was very similar to the SR trait caused by abacterial agent(s) in O. scapulalis.
Nuclear factor‐κB does not mediate the inhibitory effects of dexamethasone on granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor expression
Authors: Bergmann Martin W. , Staples Karl J. , Barnes Peter J. , Newton Robert
Published: March 2004

Human granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) reporter constructs containing up to 3·3 kb of upstream promoter sequence were transiently transfected into both Jurkat and HUT78 human T‐cell lines. In Jurkat cells, stimulation with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) plus phytohemaglutinin (PHA) produced robust increases in reporter activity, whereas HUT78 cells showed low levels of reporter induction attributable to constitutive nuclear factor (NF)‐κB activity. Following mutation of either the proximal NF‐κB site (−85/−76) or the activator protein1 (AP‐1) motif within the conserved lymphokine element 0 (CLE0) site (−54/−31), reporter activity was markedly reduced in both cell lines. Despite this dependence on NF‐κB and CLE0/AP‐1, GM‐CSF reporter activity was unaffected by dexamethasone in either cell line. Similarly, an NF‐κB‐dependent reporter was also not repressed by dexamethasone, yet GM‐CSF release from HUT78 T cells was inhibited. These data therefore confirm a critical role for both NF‐κB and CLE0 sites in GM‐CSF promoter activation and indicate that NF‐κB may not mediate glucocorticoid‐dependent repression of GM‐CSF in these cells.
CD28 is not directly involved in the response of human CD3−CD56+ natural killer cells to lipopolysaccharide: a role for T cells
Authors: Goodier M. R. , Londei M.
Published: March 2004

We have previously shown that human CD3− CD56+ and CD3+ CD56+ cells from some individuals mount vigorous proliferative responses to lipopolysaccharide. Such responses have been blocked by the presence of cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 immunoglobulin fusion protein in the cultures, implicating a role for B7‐mediated costimulation. Here we confirm this inhibition of natural killer (NK) expansion using antibodies against B7‐1 and B7‐2. We were unable to specifically detect CD28 on the surface of resting or stimulated human peripheral blood NK cells, however, in either lipopolysaccharide‐responsive or non‐responsive individuals, using a panel of four different anti‐CD28 monoclonal antibodies. T‐cell depletion from peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures resulted in a reduction in the induction of CD25 on activated CD3− CD56hi cells and in the expansion and proliferation of CD3− CD56+ NK cells. Furthermore, reconstitution experiments using peripheral blood dendritic cells and purified NK cells demonstrated that NK expansion could only be achieved in the presence of purified T cells.
Immune profiling of leprosy and tuberculosis patients to 15‐mer peptides of Mycobacterium leprae and M. tuberculosis GroES in a BCG vaccinated area: implications for development of vaccine and diagnostic reagents
Authors: Hussain Rabia , Shahid Firdaus , Zafar Shahid , Dojki Maqboola , Dockrell Hazel M.
Published: March 2004

Mycobacterium leprae (ML) GroES has been shown to induce strong T cell responses in tuberculoid as well as in exposed healthy contacts of leprosy patients, and therefore this antigen has been the focus of study as a potential vaccine candidate. Paradoxically, we have shown that ML GroES also induces extremely high titres of IgG1 antibody in leprosy patients across the disease spectrum, a response associated with disease progression. IgG1 antibodies in leprosy also show a negative association with interferon‐γ, a critical T cell cytokine responsible for macrophage activation and intracellular killing of mycobacteria. We therefore queried if antibody and T cell responses were being evoked by different epitopes in ML GroES proteins. To address the issue of epitope recognition in mycobacterial diseases, we have analysed 16 peptides (15‐mer peptides) spanning the entire ML and M. tuberculosis GroES protein in leprosy (n = 19) and tuberculosis (n = 9) patients and healthy endemic controls (n = 8). Our analysis demonstrates clearly that the dominant peptides evokingT cell and IgG subclass antibodies were different. The target of both T and B cell responses were cross‐reactive epitopes in all groups. Differences in disease and healthy states related to the strength (mean intensity) of the T cell and antibody response. IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies were associated with disseminated disease and IgG 2 and IgG4 with disease limitation. Such comprehensive immune profiling of antigen‐specific responses is critical to understanding the disease pathogenesis and also if these reagents are to be exploited for either diagnostic or vaccine purposes.
Color Doppler Tissue Imaging to Evaluate Left Atrial Appendage Function in Patients With Mitral Stenosis in Sinus Rhythm
Authors: Topsakal Ramazan , Eryol Namik Kemal , Özdoğru İbrahim , Seyfeli Ergün , Abaci Adnan , Oğuzhan Abdurrahman , Başar Emrullah , Ergin Ali , Çetin Servet
Published: March 2004

Two‐dimensional color Doppler tissue imaging (CDTI) has so far been used, in general, to evaluate ventricular function. In this study, the left atrial appendage (LAA) tissue velocity was measured by CDTI. LAA function in 38 patients with mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm (SR) and 19 healthy subjects undergoing transesophageal echocardiography were examined by CDTI. Systolic tissue appendage velocity (SaV, m/s) was measured at the tip of the LAA in the basal short‐axis view. LAA emptying (LAAEV) and filling (LAAFV) velocities (m/s) were also recorded 1 cm below the orifice of the appendage. LAA ejection fraction was also measured. In addition, two‐dimensional imaging was used to determine the presence of thrombus and/or spontaneous echo contrast (SEC). Patients with mitral stenosis in SR had significantly decreased LAAEV, LAAFV, SaV, and LAA ejection fraction compared to controls (0.34 ± 0.15 vs 0.72 ± 0.17, 0.37 ± 0.13 vs 0.63 ± 0.19, 0.050 ± 0.015 vs 0.071 ± 0.093, and 39 ± 14% vs 69 ± 13%, respectively, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001). Among the patients with mitral stenosis in SR, 10 patients had SEC and one had LAA thrombus. Compared with patients without SEC, patients with SEC had decreased LAAEV, LAAFV, SaV, and LAA ejection fraction (0.24 ± 0.05 vs 0.37 ± 0.16, 0.29 ± 0.05 vs 0.39 ± 0.14, 0.039 ± 0.087 vs 0.055 ± 0.015, and 28 ± 14% vs 43 ± 12%, respectively, P = 0.01, P = 0.02, P = 0.01, and P = 0.006). In conclusion, these results suggest that the LAA dysfunction may occur in patients with mitral stenosis in SR and CDTI can successfully be used for the quantification of contraction at the tip of the LAA. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, April 2004)
Transesophageal Echocardiographic Demonstration of Atrial Septal Aneurysm Prolapsing into Right Ventricular Inflow
Authors: Ravi Barugur S. , Wanat Francis E. , Mariano Dominick , Nanda Navin C. , Htay Thein
Published: March 2004

(ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, April 2004)
How to Perform Ultrasound‐Assisted Thrombin Injection for Closure of Iatrogenic Femoral Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Batson Robert , Falterman Chester J. , Craven James , Kerut Edmund K.
Published: March 2004

(ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, April 2004)
Utility of urinary pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline ratio for diagnosis of osteoarthritis at temporomandibular joint
Authors: Tanimoto K. , Ohno S. , Imada M. , Honda K. , Ohno‐Nakahara M. , Kapila S. , Tanne K.
Published: March 2004

Background:  Pyridinoline (Pyr) and deoxypyridinoline (Dpyr) collagen cross‐links are known markers of bone and cartilage turnover that are found in urine in various diseases. The present study was designed to quantify Pyr and Dpyr levels in urine of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and to evaluate whether their concentrations are related to specific pathologic findings in the TMJ.

Methods:  Urine samples were obtained from 12 patients with OA of the TMJ and 16 asymptomatic controls, and following appropriate preparation, analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and fluorescence spectroscopy for Pyr and Dpyr.

Results:  The urinary concentration of Pyr and the Pyr to Dpyr (Pyr/Dpyr) ratio were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in OA patients than in the controls (182.2 ± 86.5 pmol/ml vs. 115.6 ± 27.9 pmol/ml and 4.00 ± 1.53 pmol/ml vs. 2.86 ± 0.97 pmol/ml, respectively). However, the Pyr/Dpyr ratio was not associated with any specific clinical or radiographic findings.

Conclusion:  These findings suggest that the level of Pyr and the Pyr/Dpyr ratio in urine may be a useful diagnostic indicator for intra‐articular pathologic changes during TMJ OA.
Competition, predation and interspecific synchrony in cyclic small mammal communities
Authors: Huitu Otso , Norrdahl Kai , Korpimäki Erkki
Published: March 2004

Although competition and predation are considered to be among the most important biotic processes influencing the distribution and abundance of species in space and time, the relative and interactive roles of these processes in communities comprised of cyclically fluctuating populations of small mammals are not well known. We examined these processes in and among populations of field voles, sibling voles, bank voles and common shrews in western Finland, using spatially replicated trapping data collected four times a year during two vole cycles (1987–1990 and 1997–1999). Populations of the four species exhibited relatively strong interspecific temporal synchrony in their multiannual fluctuations. During peak phases, we observed slight deviations from close temporal synchrony: field vole densities peaked at least two months earlier than those of either sibling voles or bank voles, while densities of common shrews peaked even earlier. The growth rates of all four coexisting small mammal species were best explained by their own current densities. The growth rate of bank vole populations was negatively related to increasing densities of field voles in the increase phase of the vole cycle. Apart from this, no negative effects of interspecific density, direct or delayed, were observed among the vole species. The growth rates of common shrew populations were negatively related to increasing total rodent (including water voles and harvest mice) densities in the peak phase of the vole cycle. Sibling voles appeared not to be competitively superior to field voles on a population level, as neither of these Microtus voles increased disproportionately in abundance as total rodent density increased. We suggest that interspecific competition among the vole species may occur, but only briefly, during the autumn of peak years, when the total available amount of rodent habitat becomes markedly reduced following agricultural practices. Our results nonetheless indicate that interspecific competition is not a strong determinant of the structure of communities comprised of species exhibiting cyclic dynamics. We suggest that external factors, namely predation and shortage of food, limit densities of vole populations below levels where interspecific competition occurs. Common shrews, however, appear to suffer from asymmetric space competition with rodents at peak densities of voles; this may be viewed as a synchronizing effect.
Distribution and dispersal of desert mistletoe is scale‐dependent, hierarchically nested
Authors: Aukema Juliann Eve
Published: March 2004

Spatial patterns are important to many ecological processes, and scale is a critical component of both patterns and processes. I examined the pattern and scale of the spatial distribution of infection of host plants by the desert mistletoe,Phoradendron californicum,in a landscape that spans several square kilometers. I also studied the relationship between mistletoe infection and seed dispersal. I found elevated seed rain in areas with a high prevalence of mistletoes and I found that a greater proportion of trees receive seeds than are infected, suggesting that mistletoes will be aggregated in space. Using nested analysis of variance and variograms, I found that mistletoe infections were distributed in hierarchical patches. Mistletoes were aggregated within trees and mistletoe prevalence was correlated at scales of <1500 m, and at scales >4000 m. Patterns at the largest scales were correlated with elevation: sites at higher elevations showed reduced mistletoe infection compared to those at lower elevations. I propose that at small scales, mistletoe distributions are primarily the result of aggregation of seed‐dispersing birds, and that the elevational effect could reflect the recent colonization of higher elevations by the mistletoes' mesquite hosts or the limits of the mistletoes' physiological tolerance to freezing‐induced cavitation.
Eye Movements Do Not Reflect Retrieval Processes
Authors: Anderson John R. , Bothell Dan , Douglass Scott
Published: March 2004

This research investigated whether eye movements are informative about retrieval processes. Participants learned facts about persons and locations, and the number of facts (fan) learned about each person and location was manipulated. During a subsequent recognition test, participants made more gazes to high-fan facts than to low-fan facts, and gazes to high-fan facts had a longer duration than gazes to low-fan facts. However, there was no relation between the order in which items were fixated and the relative effect of person or location fan. The effect of person and location fan on gaze duration also did not differ with whether it was the person or location being fixated. A model assuming that the process of retrieval is independent of eye movements was successfully fit to the data on the distribution of gaze durations. According to this model, the effect of fan on number of gazes and gaze duration is an artifact of the longer retrieval times for high-fan facts.
Why the Sunny Side Is Up
Authors: Meier Brian P. , Robinson Michael D.
Published: March 2004

Metaphors linking spatial location and affect (e.g., feeling up or down) may have subtle, but pervasive, effects on evaluation. In three studies, participants evaluated words presented on a computer. In Study 1, evaluations of positive words were faster when words were in the up rather than the down position, whereas evaluations of negative words were faster when words were in the down rather than the up position. In Study 2, positive evaluations activated higher areas of visual space, whereas negative evaluations activated lower areas of visual space. Study 3 revealed that, although evaluations activate areas of visual space, spatial positions do not activate evaluations. The studies suggest that affect has a surprisingly physical basis.
Dread Risk, September 11, and Fatal Traffic Accidents
Authors: Gigerenzer Gerd
Published: March 2004

People tend to fear dread risks, that is, low-probability, high-consequence events, such as the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. If Americans avoided the dread risk of flying after the attack and instead drove some of the unflown miles, one would expect an increase in traffic fatalities. This hypothesis was tested by analyzing data from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the 3 months following September 11. The analysis suggests that the number of Americans who lost their lives on the road by avoiding the risk of flying was higher than the total number of passengers killed on the four fatal flights. I conclude that informing the public about psychological research concerning dread risks could possibly save lives.
Glucocorticoid‐inducible gene expression vectors for use in Drosophila melanogaster Schneider 2 cells
Authors: Poels J. , Martinez A. , Suner M.‐M. , De Loof A. , Dunbar S. J. , Vanden Broeck J.
Published: March 2004

Inducible, vector‐based, expression systems that allow fine control of transgene expression are gaining more and more use in fundamental research as well as in therapeutic applications. In an effort to develop a tightly regulated heterologous expression system for Drosophila Schneider 2 cells, three different inducible reporter constructs were compared. These comprised six copies of the glucocorticoid response element fused to one of three distinct types of Drosophila gene promoters: (1) a TATA‐box containing, (2) a TATA‐less and (3) a bidirectional core sequence. These were fused to a luciferase reporter gene. The promoter constructs displayed different basal as well as agonist‐induced activities. The implications of the observations made are discussed in the context of promoter properties and of induction of genes that may be studied in Drosophila.