bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Origin of the Suppression of Chloride Ion Sensitivity in Human Embryonic Hemoglobin Gower II
Authors: Zheng Tao , Zhu Qing , Brittain Thomas 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe molecular origin of the observed reduction of chloride ion sensitivity in the oxygen binding characteristics of the human embryonic hemoglobin Gower II has been probed by using site‐directed mutant forms of the protein. Separate mutation of the three amino acids previously identified as candidates for the suppression of chloride sensitivity in the epsilon chain allowed us to unambiguously identify the His beta77 epsilon Asn as the origin of the lower sensitivity towards chloride ions in hemoglobin Gower II, which allows oxygen exchange from the mother to the late embryo under physiological conditions.
Molecular Cloning, Sequencing, and Expression of Two Late Proteins of Bacteriophage MB78
Authors: Kolla Venkatadri , Datta Pinaki , Chakravorty Maharani 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBacteriophage MB78, a virulent phage of Salmonella typhimurium, does not allow other phages, such as P22 and 9NA, to grow in its presence. A detailed physical map of this phage has been constructed in our laboratory. In an ongoing effort to understand the genetics of this interesting phage, various genes were characterized. Here, we report cloning, sequencing, and expression of two late proteins, coded in a Sal I‐ Hind III fragment (SH9), by using the minicell expression system. Further, we performed a kinetic study of phage proteins by infecting the host LT2 cells and compared the proteins produced, with proteins obtained by the minicell expression system. Both sets of proteins run exactly parallel and migrated as 14‐ and 15‐kDa proteins on a polyacrylamide gel. The synthesis of these two proteins started 15 min after infection with MB78 and was prominent after 45 min. One of the proteins exhibited 57% homology to the structural protein of mycobacteriophage L5.
Thiolation of Low‐Mr Phosphotyrosine Protein Phosphatase by Thiol‐Disulfides
Authors: Degl'Innocenti Donatella , Caselli Anna , Rosati Fabiana , Marzocchini Riccardo , Manao Giampaolo , Camici Guido , Ramponi Giampietro 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThiol‐disulfides cause a time‐ and a concentration‐dependent inactivation of the low‐Mr phosphotyrosine protein phosphatase (PTP). We demonstrated that six of eight enzyme cysteines have similar reactivity against 5,5‐dithiobis(nitrobenzoic acid): Their thiolation is accompanied by enzyme inactivation. The inactivation of the enzyme by glutathione disulfide also is accompanied by the thiolation of six cysteine residues. Inorganic phosphate, a competitive enzyme inhibitor, protects the enzyme from inactivation, indicating that the inactivation results from thiolation of the essential active‐site cysteine of the enzyme. The inactivation is reversed by dithiothreitol. Although all PTPs have three‐dimensional active‐site structures very similar to each other and also have identical reaction mechanisms, the thiol group contained in the active site of low‐Mr PTP seems to have lower reactivity than that of other PTPs in the protein thiolation reaction.
Construction of Murine Phage Antibody Library and Selection of Ricin‐Specific Single‐Chain Antibodies
Authors: Gao Xinsheng , Huang Yixiu , Zhu Shenggeng 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA murine phage antibody library containing 1.7 108 independent clones was constructed and then screened by affinity panning of anti‐ricin antibody fragments. First, mRNA was purified from the total RNA extracted from fresh spleens of nonimmunized mice of Kunming, and then the total antibody variable region cDNA was amplified via reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Gene fragments encoding VH and VL were amplified and assembled into a single gene by using a DNA linker encoding a pentadecapeptide (Gly4 Ser)3 through primary PCR. Finally the recombinant DNA fragments were cloned into the phagemid pCANTAB 5E vector and electroporated into Escherichia coli TG1. The recombinant phage particles displaying functional single‐chain fragment variable regions (scFvs) were rescued by reinfection of helper phage M13KO7, thus constructing a murine antibody library. Two ricinspecific scFvs strains were selected from the phage antibody library by using affinity panning. The target antigen, ricin, was biotinylated with photobiotin and the biotin‐labeled ricin interacted with the phage antibody library. Subsequent addition of streptavidin‐coated paramagnetic beads isolated the biotinylated ricin‐binding phage particle complex. Washing, elution, and reinfection of the isolated complex then proceeded sequentially. After six rounds of panning, 2 strains of the 34 clones were verified to show greater specific affinity to ricin.
5′ to 3′ Single Strand DNA Exonuclease Activity in a Preparation of Human Ku Protein
Authors: Morozov Viktor E. , Fuller Brian G. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe describe a novel 5′ to 3′ single‐strand exonuclease activity exhibited by a Ku preparation purified from a human cell line. The enzyme removes 5′ single‐strand extensions from duplex DNA molecules. The exonuclease and helicase activities respond reciprocally to changes in ATP concentrations: Nuclease activity is inhibited at the ATP concentrations that are optimal for the helicase. The exonuclease activity does not require divalent cations. The potential implications of the exonuclease activity findings for repair of double‐strand breaks and recombination processes are discussed.
A Short Region Containing an AP‐1 Binding Site Is Essential for Transforming Growth Factor‐beta‐Induced c‐jun Gene Expression in Osteoblastic Cells
Authors: Hata Satoshi , Shimizu Toshikatsu , Fujimoto Masafumi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractTransforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐beta) is a multifunctional regulatory peptide that elicits different responses in different cell types. Much remains unknown about the pathway of intracellular TGF‐beta signal transduction, but TGF‐beta is known to induce expression of several genes by way of the transcription factor AP‐1. We studied the mechanism that mediates TGF‐beta?induced gene expression of c‐jun, a component of AP‐1, in MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic cells. To map in detail the corresponding responsive elements in the rat c‐jun promoter, we generated a series of 5′ deletion promoter/luciferase reporter gene constructs. Transient cell transfection assays identified the region located between positions ‐79 and ‐59 as being critical for the TGF‐beta response and for the basal activity of the promoter. Gel mobility shift assays indicated specific binding of nuclear proteins to this 21‐bp region of the c‐jun promoter containing an AP‐1 binding site. These results show that the AP1?dependent mechanism is involved in TGF‐beta?induced increase of c‐jun induction, suggesting positive autoregulation of AP‐1.
A Replicator Was Not Involved in the Origin of Life
Authors: Shapiro Robert 
Published: July 2007

AbstractMany scientific theories of the origin of life suggest that life began with the spontaneous formation of a replicator (a self‐copying organic polymer) within an unorganized chemical mixture, or ?soup.? A profound difficulty exists, however, with the idea of RNA, or any other replicator, at the start of life. Existing replicators can serve as templates for the synthesis of additional copies of themselves, but this device cannot be used for the preparation of the very first such molecule, which must arise spontaneously from an unorganized mixture. The formation of an information‐bearing homopolymer through undirected chemical synthesis appears very improbable. The difficulties involved in such a synthesis are illustrated by considering the prospects for the assembly of a polypeptide of L‐alpha‐amino acids, based on the contents of the Murchison meteorite as an example of a mixture of abiotic origin. In that mixture, potential replicator components would be accompanied by a host of interfering substances, which include chain terminators (simple carboxylic acids and amines), branch‐formers, D‐amino acids, and many classes of substances for which incorporation would disrupt the necessary structural regularity of the replicator. Laboratory experiments dealing with the nonenzymatic synthesis of biopolymers have not addressed the specificity problem. The possibility that formation of the first replicator took place through a very improbable event cannot be excluded, but greater attention should be given to metabolism‐first theories, which avoid this difficulty.
Model of Detergent‐Induced Spectral Changes of the B800‐850 Complex from Chromatium minutissimum
Authors: Razjivin Andrei P. , Moskalenko Andrei A. , Novoderezhkin Vladimir I. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe absorption and circular dichroism spectra of the B800‐850 complex from Chromatium minutissimum
Innate immunity modulates autoimmunity: type 1 interferon‐β treatment in multiple sclerosis promotes growth and function of regulatory invariant natural killer T cells through dendritic cell maturation
Authors: Gigli Gianluigi , Caielli Simone , Cutuli Daniela , Falcone Marika 
Published: July 2007

SummaryType 1 interferon‐β (T1IFN‐β) is an innate cytokine and the first‐choice therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS). It is still unclear how T1IFN‐β, whose main function is to promote innate immunity during infections, plays a beneficial role in autoimmune disease. Here we show that T1IFN‐β promoted the expansion and function of invariant natural killer (iNKT) cells, an innate T‐cell subset with strong immune regulatory properties that is able to prevent autoimmune disease in pre‐clinical models of MS and type 1 diabetes. Specifically, we observed that T1IFN‐β treatment significantly increased the percentages of Vα24+ NKT cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of MS patients. Furthermore, iNKT cells of T1IFN‐β‐treated individuals showed a dramatically improved secretion of cytokines (interleukins 4 and 5 and interferon‐γ) in response to antigenic stimulation compared to iNKT cells isolated from the same patients before T1IFN‐β treatment. The effect of T1IFN‐β on iNKT cells was mediated through the modulation of myeloid dendritic cells (DCs). In fact, DCs modulated in vivo or in vitro by T1IFN‐β were more efficient antigen‐presenting cells for iNKT cells. Such a modulatory effect of T1IFN‐β was associated with up‐regulation on DCs of key costimulatory molecules for iNKT (i.e. CD80, CD40 and CD1d). Our data identified the iNKT cell/DC pathway as a new target for the immune regulatory effect of T1IFNs in autoimmune diseases and provide a possible mechanism to explain the clinical efficacy of T1IFN‐β in MS.
Political forecasting: The missing link
Authors: Ascher William 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPolitical forecasting provides the contextuality needed for decision‐making and for forecasting ‘non‐political’ trends. To gear political forecasting to these needs, rather than mimicking approaches in other areas, requires recognition of the distinctive nature of political trends, and realism regarding forecast uses, which generally do not benefit from ‘precise’ probabilities, predictions of only major events, or ‘sophisticated’ methodology that sacrifices comprehensiveness for explicitness. Approaches borrowed from other forecasting disciplines have been counterproductive, although contextual approaches, including cross‐impact analyses and developmental constructs that integrate political and non‐political trends, are promising. Explorations of the consistency of scenario dynamics, taking into account policy responses and non‐formalizable complexity, are also useful. Thus the separation of political forecasting from political analysis should be minimized, calling for a redirection of effort away from developing methodology uniquely geared to forecasting, and towards organizing more comprehensive and systematic analytical efforts.
Aid co‐ordination
Authors: Ross David J. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAid co‐ordination entails the exchange of information, an attempt to agree on aid objectives and priorities, and agreement on projects to be undertaken concurrently or jointly. It should be a mechanism for the more effective delivery of development assistance. If it works it produces several benefits. It prevents waste. It can reduce duplication of effort. It can free officials for more productive activities than unnecessary meetings with donors. Harmonizing aid procedures, reporting requirements and monitoring should reduce the administrative burden on recipient governments. For aid co‐ordination to work the administrative capacities of recipient governments need to be strengthened. Co‐ordination can be enhanced by improving the leadership role of multilateral agencies and recipient governments. Adequate resources need to be devoted to improving co‐ordination by the aid donors. Co‐ordination must be structured and organized. Monitoring capacities also need to be improved.
Problems of co‐ordination in upazila administration in Bangladesh
Authors: Minhaj Ahmad A. J. Uddin 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe present government of Bangladesh has extensively reformed the administrative system and upgraded the previous thana to upazila (sub‐district) to serve as the focal point of development administration. A new tier of local government called Upazila Parishad (UZP) has been created and a large number of functions have been devolved to this institution along with the placement of central government employees at its disposal. The reformers argue that the present system will remove the inadequacies of the previous administrative system and will bring about an improvement in the co‐ordination of field services at the upazila level. However, the actual situation represents a totally different picture. The desired integration— both vertical and horizontal—and co‐ordination in local level planning is non‐existent due to the absence of any clear direction from the central government. Proper co‐ordination among the field services in the upazila administration does not exist due to the anomalous relation between the upazila and the national government, including excessive central control; the involvement of multiple agencies of the central government in guiding and supervising; ambiguity in government thinking; the absence of clarification from the ministries concerned and agencies on the timing of different development programmes; and conflict over the allocation of resources. There is also conflict between the different tiers of local government in respect of authority and resources. Relations between public representatives and officials at the upazila level are strained because a clear allocation of authority to political executives is lacking; areas for co‐operation among different agencies have not been clarified; and public representatives and government officials lack mutual respect.
Linking action training to bureaucratic reorientation and institutional reform
Authors: Schmidt Gregory D. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article explores the use of action‐training methods in a highly centralized and control‐oriented public sector. It focuses on the Technical Assistance and Training Programme for Departmental Development Corporations (PATC‐CORDES), an innovative programme in Peru initially supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Successive sections review a particularly influential alternative to conventional classroom training proposed by Honadle and Hannah (1982); provide relevant background; describe PATC‐CORDES organization and objectives; examine its training activities; assess the resulting institutional impacts; and posit important insights from the case study. The PATC‐CORDES experience demonstrates that action‐training methods can produce positive results in agencies that are part of a rigid public sector and, more importantly, that such methods can be linked to bureaucratic reorientation and institutional reform. Perhaps the most interesting and controversial conclusion is that recruitment of central administrators to lead training exercises can be a useful tactic for bureaucratic reorientation. The article is based on review of documents, reports, and evaluations prepared by persons working for USAID/Peru, PATC‐CORDES, and departmental development corporations (CORDES); extensive interviews with political leaders, managers, and professionals in these same organizations; analysis of Peruvian legislation; and other references cited in the text.
Large scale public projects—The personal connection
Authors: Goldenberg Tzvika Y. , Mevorach Baruch 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe paper expands on an interesting phenomenon accompanying large‐scale projects, namely, the parallel inflation in costs and deflation in benefits from initiation to implementation and final evaluation or elimination altogether. Historically, three explanations have been provided for the above phenomenon: the deterministic effects of uncertainty; self‐interest evaluators; and the ‘vision’ factor. We claim that on face value one cannot accept as scientifically sound evidence the above three explanations of the constant decline in actual benefits. The ‘acceptance‐avoidance’ model which we bring to bear predicts a constant deterioration in actual benefits as the project develops. This psychological factor results in the use of the three above‐mentioned explanations as a ‘cover‐up’ for real underlying human doubts regarding the chances of success of crucial decisions taken by individuals.
Political fragmentation of the Dutch Windward Islands
Authors: Kersell J. E. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe Dutch Windward Islands are examined to see if they throw any light on the problems experienced when very small island communities try to come together to form a larger political unit. The Constitution of 1954, though federal in intent, was unitary in practice, with the main island, Curacao treating the others like municipalities. However the island authorities are capable of asserting themselves against the centre. They control implementation, raise revenue and receive local political support. Because of the small size of the populations and civil services involved, island and federal officials collaborate harmoniously. Leading individuals are important for development, notably St Maarten's Claude Wathey. New initiatives also require effective negotiations to deal with off‐shore tourist organizations. However, there is little significant industry beyond tourism. In 1988 the three Dutch Windward Islands agreed to co‐operate with each other. Decentralization within the largest island could help this cooperation as could a regional association along the lines of the South Pacific Forum.
Institutional reform in Nigeria
Authors: Phillips Adedotun O. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe Nigerian military government set up a panel in 1985 to reform the Federal Civil Service. This panel discovered the following weaknesses, among others: lack of measurable objectives; inadequate evaluations; mismanagement of time; inadequate facilities; disorganization; personnel mismanagement; and overcentralization. It proposed a number of measures to deal with these weaknesses including: decentralization; reorganization; professionalization; more careful evaluations; and appropriate incentives. While these proposals remain unimplemented, structured regular reviews of the civil service should continue.
Decentralizing water supply services in developing countries: Factors affecting the success of community management
Authors: Rondinelli Dennis A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article examines the problem of extending access to potable water through conventionally controlled government services and describes the roles of non‐governmental organizations and community management associations in improving service delivery and maintaining local water systems. Six sets of factors that are crucial to the success of community management are identified: adequate incentives, sufficient skills and resources, appropriate processes for water systems operations and maintenance, effective interorganizational relationships, appropriate technology, and effective systems of monitoring, evaluation and feedback. The components that must be taken into consideration in designing and implementing programmes for decentralizing water supply systems through community management are set out.
From processing to analysing: Intensifying the use of microcomputers in development bureaucracies
Authors: Peterson Stephen B. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article examines constraints in development bureaucracies in intensifying the use of microcomputers as they move beyond processing applications to analysing applications. The work is based on the experience of several ministries of the Government of Kenya. Processing applications involve throughput of data and are relatively simple. Analysing applications, in contrast, are more complex and include data assembly, sensitivity analysis, and modelling. The article argues that processing applications are more compatible with the administrative cultures, bureaucratic functions, personnel skill levels and organizational structures of development bureaucracies. Analysing applications are less compatible because they require a level of training and motivation uncommon in development bureaucracies. Analysing applications are further thwarted by constraints in the supply of relevant information and the lack of demand for analysis by decision‐makers. A four‐cell matrix is developed which explains these constraints. The article concludes with several recommendations for encouraging microcomputer‐based analysis, but cautions that processing applications will continue to dominate for the foreseeable future.
Leadership resistance to the implementation of new ideas acquired through training in the Nigerian civil service
Authors: Maduabum Chuks P. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractStaff training and development have received such widespread attention in the Service that it can be safely said that it has become a way of life of Nigeria's federal bureaucracy. We posit, however, that these efforts will not achieve the desired results if ample opportunities are not provided for the trained to apply skills and ideas acquired from their training. The efforts of those who are their superiors and can thus encourage the implementation of new ideas are the subjects of this study. A survey was conducted of 300 trained officers, and 60 Departmental Training Officers (DTOs) in the Nigerian Civil Service. The emerging data were computer‐processed and analysed using 2‐variable chi‐square (χ2) statistics and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). The findings are that superior officers generally tend to resist innovative ideas emanating from their trained subordinates. However, where superior and subordinate officers are similarly exposed to a training course the tendency is for the superior officer to support the implementation of ideas acquired from the course. To improve the situation, therefore, we prescribe: (a) the expansion of training activities so that more staff can benefit; and (b) the creation of opportunities for the trained to occupy senior positions in the Service.