bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 (Src homology phosphatase-1) in the regulation of interleukin-3-induced survival, proliferation and signalling
Authors: PALING Nicholas R.D. , WELHAM Melanie J.
Published: February 2003

The tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 (Src homology phosphatase-1) has been widely implicated as a negative regulator of signalling in immune cells. We have investigated in detail the role of SHP-1 in interleukin-3 (IL-3) signal transduction by inducibly expressing wild-type (WT), C453S (substrate-trapping) and R459M (catalytically inactive) forms of SHP-1 in the IL-3-dependent cell line BaF/3. Expression of WT SHP-1 had little impact on IL-3-induced proliferation, but enhanced apoptosis following IL-3 withdrawal. Expression of R459M SHP-1 increased the proliferative response of BaF/3 cells to IL-3 and increased cell survival at low doses of IL-3 and following IL-3 withdrawal. Investigation into the biochemical consequences resulting from expression of these SHP-1 variants demonstrated that the β chain of the IL-3 receptor (Aic2A) was hypo-phosphorylated in cells expressing WT SHP-1 and hyper-phosphorylated in those expressing R459M SHP-1. Further, ectopic expression of the trapping mutant, C453S SHP-1, protected Aic2A from dephosphorylation, suggesting that Aic2A is a SHP-1 substrate in BaF/3 cells. Examination of overall levels of tyrosine phosphorylation demonstrated that they were not perturbed in these transfectants. Activation-specific phosphorylation of STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) 5a/b, protein kinase B and ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase)-1 and −2 was also unaffected by expression of WT or R459M SHP-1. However, overall levels of IL-3-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT5 were reduced upon expression of WT SHP-1 and increased when R459M SHP-1 was expressed, consistent with STAT5 being a potential SHP-1 substrate. These results demonstrate that SHP-1 acts to negatively regulate IL-3-driven survival and proliferation, potentially via regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of Aic2A and STAT5.
The thylakoid membrane protein ALB3 associates with the cpSecY-translocase in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: KLOSTERMANN Eva , DROSTE gen. HELLING Imke , CARDE Jean-Pierre , SCHÜNEMANN Danja
Published: February 2003

The integration of light-harvesting chlorophyll proteins (LHCPs) into the thylakoid membrane requires the integral thylakoid membrane protein ALB3, a homologue of the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane protein YidC. In bacteria, YidC is associated with the SecY-translocase and facilitates the integration of Sec-dependent proteins into the plasma membrane. In addition, it is also involved in the insertion of Sec-independent proteins. In the present study we demonstrate, in Arabidopsis thaliana, that most ALB3 is a constituent of an oligomeric complex of approx. 180kDa. In addition, we detected ALB3 in several higher-molecular-mass complexes (up to 700kDa). Furthermore, we show that most ALB3 co-fractionates with cpSecY during gel-filtration analysis and blue native gel electrophoresis, suggesting an association of ALB3 with the cpSecY complex. A direct interaction of ALB3 with the cpSecY complex was demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation experiments using digitonin-solubilized thylakoid membrane proteins and anti-cpSecY or anti-ALB3 antibodies. This result was further confirmed by electron microscopic co-immunolocalization of ALB3 and cpSecY. In addition, an association of ALB3 with the cpSecY complex was demonstrated directly by cross-linking experiments using the chemical cross-linker disuccinimidyl suberate.
Inhibition of autophagic proteolysis by inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinase can interfere with the regulation of glycogen synthesis in isolated hepatocytes
Authors: DUBBELHUIS Peter F. , SLUIJTERS Daphne A. VAN , BLOMMAART Edward F.C. , GUSTAFSON Lori A. , WOERKOM George M. VAN , HERLING Andreas W. , BURGER Hans-Joerg , MEIJER Alfred J.
Published: February 2003

Amino acid-induced cell swelling stimulates conversion of glucose into glycogen in isolated hepatocytes. Activation of glycogen synthase (GS) phosphatase, caused by the fall in intracellular chloride accompanying regulatory volume decrease, and activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), induced by cell swelling, have been proposed as underlying mechanisms. Because PI 3-kinase controls autophagic proteolysis, we examined the possibility that PI 3-kinase inhibitors interfere with glycogen production due to their anti-proteolytic action. The PI 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin inhibited endogenous proteolysis, the production of glycogen from glucose and the activity of active (dephosphorylated) GS (GSa) in the absence of added amino acids. The stimulation by amino acids of glycogen production and of GSa was only slightly affected by wortmannin. These effects of wortmannin could be mimicked by proteinase inhibitors. A combination of leucine, phenylalanine and tyrosine, which we showed previously to stimulate PI 3-kinase-dependent phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6, did not stimulate glycogen production from glucose. In contrast with wortmannin, LY294002, another PI 3-kinase inhibitor, strongly inhibited both glycogen synthesis and GSa activity, irrespective of the presence of amino acids. Inhibition of glycogen synthesis by LY294002 could be ascribed in part to increased glycogenolysis and glycolysis. It is concluded that, in hepatocytes, activation of PI 3-kinase may not be responsible for the stimulation of glycogen synthesis by amino acids; LY294002 inhibits glycogen synthesis and stimulates glycogen breakdown by a mechanism that is unrelated to its action as an inhibitor of PI 3-kinase.
Significant quantities of the glycolytic enzyme phosphoglycerate mutase are present in the cell wall of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: MOTSHWENE Precious , BRANDT Wolf , LINDSEY George
Published: February 2003

NaOH was used to extract proteins from the cell walls of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This treatment was shown not to disrupt yeast cells, as NaOH-extracted cells displayed a normal morphology upon electron microscopy. Moreover, extracted and untreated cells had qualitatively similar protein contents upon disruption. When yeast was grown in the presence of 1M mannitol, two proteins were found to be present at an elevated concentration in the cell wall. These were found to be the late-embryogenic-abundant-like protein heat-shock protein 12 and the glycolytic enzyme phosphoglycerate mutase. The presence of phosphoglycerate mutase in the cell wall was confirmed by immunocytochemical analysis. Not only was the phosphoglycerate mutase in the yeast cell wall found to be active, but whole yeast cells were also able to convert 3-phosphoglycerate in the medium into ethanol, provided that the necessary cofactors were present.
Ceramide: second messenger or modulator of membrane structure and dynamics?
Authors: BLITTERSWIJK Wim J. van , LUIT Arnold H. van der , VELDMAN Robert Jan , VERHEIJ Marcel , BORST Jannie
Published: February 2003

The physiological role of ceramide formation in response to cell stimulation remains controversial. Here, we emphasize that ceramide is not a priori an apoptotic signalling molecule. Recent work points out that the conversion of sphingomyelin into ceramide can play a membrane structural (physical) role, with consequences for membrane microdomain function, membrane vesiculation, fusion/fission and vesicular trafficking. These processes contribute to cellular signalling. At the Golgi, ceramide takes part in a metabolic flux towards sphingomyelin, diacylglycerol and glycosphingolipids, which drives lipid raft formation and vesicular transport towards the plasma membrane. At the cell surface, receptor clustering in lipid rafts and the formation of endosomes can be facilitated by transient ceramide formation. Also, signalling towards mitochondria may involve glycosphingolipid-containing vesicles. Ceramide may affect the permeability of the mitochondrial outer membrane and the release of cytochrome c. In the effector phase of apoptosis, the breakdown of plasma membrane sphingomyelin to ceramide is a consequence of lipid scrambling, and may regulate apoptotic body formation. Thus ceramide formation serves many different functions at distinct locations in the cell. Given the limited capacity for spontaneous intracellular diffusion or membrane flip-flop of natural ceramide species, the topology and membrane sidedness of ceramide generation are crucial determinants of its impact on cell biology.
Local Networks and Regional Development: Features and Perspectives
Authors: Nicolini Rosella
Published: February 2003

The aim of this paper is to draw attention to the role of local industrial networks in regional development processes. A one-region model is built with which to investigate the conditions under which local networks arise, distinguishing between spontaneous and supported networks. Taking into account the difference between incomplete and fully coordinated agreements among firms, I establish the values of parameters that allow for the rise of each type of network. Finally, I discuss the positive effects that local networks yield to the regional internal product, making them a reliable support for regional economic take-off.
Unpacking and Repackaging Regional Diversity: Office-Building Trajectories in Canada
Authors: Charney Igal
Published: February 2003

Office-building cycles have been subject to extensive research during the past decade. Researchers have contemplated various aspects of the most recent cycle (1980s to early 1990s), yet the multiple spatial dimensions have received only modest consideration. Taking a longer perspective than the typical building cycle, the author considers the extended trajectories of office development in Canadian cities and regions; these development avenues are shaped by components originating at various geographical scales. The major purpose is to demonstrate how these components come about in particular settings. The process of identifying and sorting components is quite complex because they are inherently interactive. Trajectories should be interpreted as packages of general and particular arrangements. These arrangements reflect the interactions between components of different geographical scales, interactions that customize place-specific patterns.
Living on the Edge: The Marginalisation and ‘Resistance’ of D/Deaf Youth
Authors: Valentine Gill , Skelton Tracey
Published: February 2003

In this paper we examine D/deaf young people's sociospatial transitions from childhood to adulthood. We begin by identifying the common processes through which D/deaf young people may become marginalised in four spaces: at home, in educational institutions, in the workplace, and within Deaf communities. We then go on to consider how these shared predicaments may however result in different outcomes for individuals by focusing on four personal stories. These case studies enable us to consider what resources and forms of social support or assurance can help young people to be resilient in the face of the difficulties that they encounter, and what sort of experiences advance or aggravate processes of marginalisation. We conclude by reflecting on notions of individualisation, structure, and agency; and by outlining the practical and policy implications of the research.
Tunnel Traffic and Toll Elasticities in Hong Kong: Some Recent Evidence for International Comparisons
Authors: Loo Becky P Y
Published: February 2003

In this paper, a set of double-log multiple regression models is developed to examine the monthly tunnel traffic of six major toll tunnels in Hong Kong for a 22-year period from January 1979 to September 2000. Despite the much lower percentage of households with cars (12.3%) and the higher dependence of passenger trips on public transport (80.2%), the estimated automobile elasticities in Hong Kong are remarkably similar to those reported in New York, where car ownership is high and the automobile is the dominant mode of transport. The empirical elasticity range in Hong Kong is from —0.103 to —0.291. This is similar to estimates for the United States (—0.13 to —0.45), the United Kingdom (—0.14 to —0.36), and Australia (—0.09 to —0.52). The findings suggest that toll increases are likely to be effective in raising revenue for tunnel management authorities but ineffective in reducing or reallocating automobile traffic for transport planning purposes. Policywise, suburbanization or the redistribution of population could have a much stronger influence on the urban transport market than a ‘multifaceted pricing’ strategy of raising the total costs of vehicle ownership and usage (including high vehicle-registration fees, parking, and gasoline prices). Moreover, improvements to railway connectivity and enhancement of travel speed on public transit could be much more effective than toll increases in relieving urban transport congestion problems at critical bottlenecks, such as downtown and suburb–downtown tunnels and bridges. The inclusion of lagged effects into the analysis further strengthens the above policy recommendations.
Character values, Schur indices and character sheaves
Authors: Geck Meinolf
Published: February 2003

In this paper we are concerned with the problem of determining the character values and Schur indices of a finite group of Lie type overFq{\mathbb F}_q. We show that (under some conditions onqq) these values lie in the ring of algebraic integers generated by(1+±q)/2(1+ \sqrt {\pm q})/2and roots of unity of order prime toqq. Furthermore, we determine the Schur indices for some of the (nonrational) unipotent characters in exceptional groups. Our results, combined with previous results due to Gow, Ohmori and Lusztig, imply that there are only 6 cases left where the Schur index of a cuspidal unipotent character remains unknown. Our methods rely, in an essential way, on Lusztig’s theory of character sheaves.
Dietary phytoestrogens – a role in women’s health
Authors: Jefferson Angie
Published: February 2003

Interest into the role of dietary phytoestrogens and their potential effects on women’s health has dramatically increased over the past decade. Phytoestrogens, and in particular isoflavone‐rich soya foods, are now believed to play a role in alleviating symptoms of the menopause, maintaining bone density, reducing blood cholesterol levels, protecting against cancer development. In addition they exhibit potent antioxidant activities. Evidence is now sufficiently strong for both the US FDA and the UK JHCI to have approved use of food health claims for intakes of 25g soya protein daily, complete with their constituent isoflavones, for the reduction of blood cholesterol levels. This article reviews the main areas of evidence for the role of phytoestrogens in women’s health and practical approaches to increasing phytoestrogen‐rich foods in the daily diet.
Dietary intakes of Greek basketball players
Authors: Hassapidou Maria N. , Fourtounopoulos D. , Efstratiou E. , Kitsou S. , Papakitsos C.
Published: February 2003

This study assesses the nutritional status of 15 elite athletes. Their body weight, height and skinfold thickness were measured and BMI calculated. Dietary intakes were assessed using three days’ dietary diaries for each athletic season. Data were collected over three athletic seasons, the transitional (vacation), the training and the competitive. The results showed that the athletes’ mean energy intake decreased from the transitional to the training season. and that during the competitive season most athletes were not in energy balance. Their mean protein intake varied from 11 percent of energy intake during the transitional season, to 16 percent during the competitive season. Carbohydrates provided 41‐53 percent of energy intake, whereas fat intake ranged from 32‐48 percent, indicating a diet high in fat and low in carbohydrate. Dietary intakes varied among the athletes but in general they had an unbalanced nutrition. Provision of appropriate nutritional information in Greek athletic teams is needed to improve athletes’ diet and performance.
Applying resource‐based theory
Authors: Mills John , Platts Ken , Bourne Michael
Published: February 2003

This paper describes research on the resources that underlie a manufacturing company’s service competence in its most established product group. Published methods for identifying and assessing resources are reviewed and, based on current theory, improvements are developed, tested and critiqued. A historical representation of the firm’s activities in its service provision over more than ten years is used to enable grounded identification of the resources involved. Sets of theory‐based questions are used to assess the value and sustainability of the resources identified. The plans and actions that appeared to relate to the intervention are then described over the following two years. Finally the methods are discussed from three perspectives – first, their appropriateness; second, the resource data they generated, and third, their apparent utility for managers.
Putting supply chain learning into practice
Authors: Bessant John , Kaplinsky Raphael , Lamming Richard
Published: February 2003

As firms struggle to cope with an increasingly turbulent and uncertain economic environment there is widespread recognition of the importance of organisational learning. One option is to look at the potential of shared learning between firms, where common interests and interdependence provide motivation for experience sharing and other forms of synergy in learning. A particular version of inter‐firm learning is the use of supply chains as a mechanism for upgrading and transferring “appropriate practice” and this article reports on exploratory research on this theme. It draws on a literature survey and a detailed study of six UK supply chains at various stages of implementing supply chain learning.
Measuring performance in a changing business environment
Authors: Kennerley Mike , Neely Andy
Published: February 2003

The design and use of performance measurement systems has received considerable attention in recent years. Many organisations have redesigned their measurement systems to ensure that they reflect their current environment and strategies. However, increasingly the environment in which organisations compete is dynamic and rapidly changing, requiring constant modification of strategies and operations to reflect these changing circumstances. Despite this, few organisations appear to have systematic processes in place to ensure that their performance measurement systems continue to reflect their environment and strategies. This paper presents case study research that investigates what actions organisations can take to ensure that their measurement systems evolve over time.
The managerial issues associated with global account management
Authors: Harvey Michael , Myers Matthew B. , Novicevic Milorad M.
Published: February 2003

The increase in cooperative global arrangements between suppliers and customers has grown precipitously in the last five years. These global account management (GAM) programs are frequently brought about owing to the initiative of the global customers, requiring their suppliers to service their total global needs. Suppliers in turn perceive GAM programs as a means to develop long‐term relationships with key global customers in order to hinder competitive inroads. The managerial issues in implementing GAM strategies/programs and developing GAM teams are the focus of this paper. Based on the bargaining framework of relational contracting theory, a step‐by‐step process for management to follow when implementing a GAM program is proposed.
Leadership preferences of German and English managers
Authors: Schneider Judith , Littrell Romie F.
Published: February 2003

The Ohio State leader behaviour description questionnaire XII (LBDQ XII) was used to assess the leadership preference opinions of business managers in England and Germany. Significant differences were noted between the two national groups. The most dramatic difference was on the factor production emphasis, defined as “measuring to what degree the manager applies pressure for productive output”, with the English sample indicating a preference for a leader to demonstrate a significantly higher level of production emphasis than the German sample. Large, significant differences were also observed for demand reconciliation, persuasiveness, tolerance of uncertainty, initiation of structure, predictive accuracy, and superior orientation. For English leaders, the followers seem to prefer a more interventionist approach. For German leaders, the imposition ofOrdnung(order) is critical.
Measuring teamwork culture: the use of a modified EFQM model
Authors: Castka P. , Bamber C.J. , Sharp J.M.
Published: February 2003

This paper discusses teamwork, development of a team‐based organisation and performance measurement issues. This discussion leads to the formulation of a methodology to measure the organisational journey towards a team‐based organisational paradigm. The TEaM model, a model based on the EFQM excellence model, is suggested as a self‐assessment tool for the measurement of teamwork culture in organisations. Consequently, a five step‐approach aimed at successful acquisition of the proposed model is recommended. The authors demonstrate the usefulness of TEaM, not only in the improvement of teamwork culture in organisations, but also in reducing the resistance to change efforts while supporting the knowledge exchange through continuous self‐assessment of teams.
Market orientation behavior: an empirical investigation using MARKOR
Authors: Varela José A. , del Río Marisa
Published: February 2003

Market orientation is the cornerstone that should guide the actions of those in charge of marketing. Its importance lies in its (assumed) capability to make consumers more satisfied and, by this means, to attain the company’s objectives more efficiently. This paper proposes that the time factor should form part of market‐oriented business behavior. The most market‐oriented companies act more quickly and they are quicker when it comes to collecting and disseminating information, and designing market action plans. Using the methodology proposed by Kohli and Jaworski, the time dimensions that give content to market‐oriented behavior are examined in a sample of Spanish companies. Additionally, in an attempt to go beyond the anecdotal evidence, different hypotheses are contrasted concerning the effect of different organizational and environmental antecedents on the time dimensions of market‐oriented behavior.
A synergistic problem‐solving approach to meeting challenges in retail organizations
Authors: Yasin Mahmoud M. , Yavas Ugur
Published: February 2003

To turn today’s challenges and threats into fruitful opportunities, marketing organizations must move away from their traditional modus operandi of closed system approach to an open system where employees, customers, procedures, processes, vendors, and strategies are viewed interdependently. This article presents a systematic and synergistic practical framework grounded in an open system. A case study is employed to illustrate the application of the framework and to demonstrate how it can benefit organizations in attaining desirable outcomes.
From customer relationship management to customer‐managed relationship: unraveling the paradox with a co‐creative perspective
Authors: Law Monica , Lau Theresa , Wong Y.H.
Published: February 2003

Analyzing three perspectives on customer relationship management (CRM) developed by academics, numerous paradoxes are illustrated, as it can be an integrated corporate approach, a specific strategy to customer behavioral modification or differential customer treatment. The paper highlights that an evolutionary change in the concept of CRM is required. Three key findings have been made. First, customers should be the major focus, and companies are actually dealing with customer‐managed relationships (CMR). Second, it is not just a one‐to‐one relationship pattern. The linkages with other parties are the cores of the relationships between customers and companies. It should therefore be a one‐network‐one relationship. Third, a co‐creative approach should be used in order to integrate the CRM and CMR concepts to enable customers to participate in corporate strategy formulation and to encourage companies to cooperate with third parties in serving customers. The financial service sector is taken as a major example to illustrate the full concept of CRM and CMR. Managerial implications arising from the implementation of the co‐creative approach are explored, which include market share and mind share.
Relationship marketing in the banking sector: the impact of new technologies
Authors: Durkin Mark G. , Howcroft Barry
Published: February 2003

Having finally embraced the concept of marketing, banks enter the new millennium in a increasingly competitive and fragmented marketplace, consisting of financially literate consumers and direct low cost competition from recognised high street brand names. As customers increasingly interact with banks through remote technological channels (e.g. phone, Internet, etc.) the implications for bank‐customer relationships are important. This paper, accordingly, reports on an international research study which explored the perceptions of senior bankers in the UK, Sweden and the USA with regard to the use of the Internet as a relationship marketing tool. There was unanimous agreement that the Internet had a key role to play in relationship management but there was far less agreement about the rates of customer adoption and the extent to which this could or should be influenced by bank strategies.
Strategic marketing of further and higher educational institutions: partnership arrangements and centres of entrepreneurship
Authors: Trim Peter R.J.
Published: February 2003

Partnership arrangements involving institutions of further and higher education provide educational provision to a broad audience. It is essential that within the framework of a partnership arrangement there is a structure in place which allows senior academics and administrators to ensure that the partnership is maintained, developed and realizes the objectives set by senior management. This paper makes reference to a centre of entrepreneurship, which academics and administrators can establish, to facilitate the development of partnership arrangements and can be viewed also as a catalyst for developing new products and services which can be turned into marketable products and services, leading to increased opportunities for income generation. The framework outlined in this paper can provide a basis for establishing a professional and relational marketing approach that should ensure that customer expectations are met, and can be used to audit, evaluate and manage a partnership arrangement.
Making sense of education change at Thistle College: the existence of witchcraft, witches and shamans
Authors: Grant Kevin
Published: February 2003

This paper seeks to problematise a highly complex and organisationally charged change programme and its management at a real life higher education institution in Scotland, which has been given a fictitious name. The paper discusses the difficulties of the educational change process in higher education, the complexities surrounding the notions of organisational cultures and communities of practice and issues of power and management including new managerialism. A number of theoretical frameworks are brought to bear during this situational analysis, the most significant being the notion of looking at educational management from a witchcraft, witches and shamans perspective. The paper argues for educational managers to move away from the classic views of change management and the management of change towards the meso level of analysis to manage educational change.
Process planning system for prismatic parts
Authors: Kayacan M.C. , Çelik S.A.
Published: February 2003

This study includes process planning of prismatic parts by means of an expert system. On the computer controlled machine tools, operation methods and mostly used process types in manufacture are drawn with solid modelling. Feature recognition process is achieved with the “B‐Rreb” modelling method to give vectorel direction knowledge and adjacent relationships of surface using the STEP standard interface program. Furthermore, operation type and sequence of operation are defined for the prismatic parts by using the databases achieved from the feature recognition module. This developed method was prepared on an IBM compatible PC by using C++ programming language for this purpose and is explained with a sample.
Formation of machine groups and part families: a modified SLC method and comparative study
Authors: Selim Hassan M. , Abdel Aal Reda M.S. , Mahdi Araby I.
Published: February 2003

This paper introduces a modified single linkage clustering heuristic (MOD‐SC). The proposed MOD‐SLC objective is to test the application of Baroni‐Urban and Buser (BUB) similarity coefficient to the manufacturing cell formation (MCF) problem instead of Jaccard’s similarity coefficient. The MOD‐SLC has been compared and evaluated against three cluster formation‐based heuristics for MCF. The three heuristics are: the single linkage clustering, enhanced rank order clustering, and direct clustering algorithm. The MCF methods considered in this comparative and evaluative study belong to the cluster formation approach of solving the MCF problem. The comparison and evaluation are performed using four published performance measures. A total of 25 published and ten hypothetical and randomly generated problem data sets are used in the proposed evaluative study. Results analysis is carried out to test and validate the proposed BUB based MOD‐SLC. Finally the pros and cons of each method are stated and discussed.
Computational system for group technology – PFA case study
Authors: Ribeiro dos Santos Newton , Oliveira de Araújo Lindolpho
Published: February 2003

A computational implementation of the production flow analysis, a software named GROUPTEC, for a small company has been proposed. Using GROUPTEC, a case study has been devised and applied to a company, belonging to aluminium‐manufactured products branch. Four analyses of the production flow have been performed, that is, the factory flow analysis; group analysis; line analysis, and tool analysis. After the above technique application, the final results related to the technological cells and their components; part families and machinery groups lead to an adequate cell arrangement, with a grouping efficiency of approximately 98.8 per cent. A productivity gain of 30 per cent has been estimated with the time in movement of parts and queuing at the machine.
The nursing shortage crisis: a familiar problem dressed in new clothes: Part I
Authors: Ledgister Merlyn
Published: February 2003

This is the first part of a two‐part paper examining the problem of nursing shortages in the health profession in Canada. It draws on the problem from a historical and sociological perspective, with personal interviews, and historical data, to demonstrate the author’s theory that nursing shortages are nothing new. They are systemic in nature resulting from fundamental problems in the profession itself. Traditional solutions such as bringing in cheaper labour have exacerbated the problems, serving to perpetuate the commonly held view of nursing as an extension of women’s work in the home. Poor working conditions, ongoing power struggles with administrators and the medical establishment, and a handmaiden image have all served to create an ongoing cultural environment of powerlessness which the nursing profession has been unable to transcend, and serves as a deterrent to successful professional leadership and ongoing recruitment.
ON THE THEORY OF GAMMA RAY BURSTS AND HYPERNOVAE: THE BLACK HOLE SOFT X-RAY TRANSIENT SOURCES
Authors: LEE CHANG-HWAN , BROWN GERALD E.
Published: February 2003

We show that a common evolutionary history can produce the black hole binaries in the Galaxy in which the black holes have masses of ~ 5 - 10M⊙. In the black hole binaries with low-mass, ≲ 2.5M⊙ ZAMS (zero age main sequence) companions, the latter remain in main sequence during the active stage of soft X-ray transients (SXT's), most of them being of K or M classification. In two intermediate cases, IL Lupi and Nova Scorpii with ZAMS ~ 2.5M⊙ companions the orbits are greatly widened because of large mass loss in the explosion forming the black hole, and whereas these companions are in late main sequence evolution, they are close to evolving. Binaries with companion ZAMS masses ≳ 3M⊙ are initially "silent" until the companion begins evolving across the Herzsprung gap.

We provide evidence that the narrower, shorter period binaries, with companions now in main sequence, are fossil remnants of gamma ray bursters (GRB's). We also show that the GRB is generally accompanied by a hypernova explosion (a very energetic supernova explosion). We further show that the binaries with evolved companions are good models for some of the ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULX's) recently seen by Chandra in other galaxies.

The great regularity in our evolutionary history, especially the fact that most of the companions of ZAMS mass ≲ 2.5M⊙ remain in main sequences as K or M stars can be explained by the mass loss in common envelope evolution to be Case C; i.e. to occur only after core He burning has finished. Since our argument for Case C mass transfer is not generally understood in the community, we add an appendix, showing that with certain assumptions which we outline we can reproduce the regularities in the evolution of black hole binaries by Case C mass transfer.
PSEUDO-CUNTZ ALGEBRA AND RECURSIVE FP GHOST SYSTEM IN STRING THEORY
Authors: ABE MITSUO , KAWAMURA KATSUNORI
Published: February 2003

Representation of the algebra of FP (anti)ghosts in string theory is studied by generalizing the recursive fermion system in the Cuntz algebra constructed previously. For that purpose, the pseudo-Cuntz algebra, which is a *-algebra generalizing the Cuntz algebra and acting on indefinite-metric vector spaces, is introduced. The algebra of FP (anti)ghosts in string theory is embedded into the pseudo-Cuntz algebra recursively in two different ways. Restricting a certain permutation representation of the pseudo-Cuntz algebra, representations of these two recursive FP ghost systems are obtained. With respect to the zero-mode operators of FP (anti)ghosts, it is shown that one corresponds to the four-dimensional representation found recently by one of the present authors (M. Abe) and Nakanishi, while the other corresponds to the two-dimensional one by Kato and Ogawa.
ANALYTICAL EXPRESSIONS FOR PARRONDO GAMES
Authors: RASMUSSON LARS , BOMAN MAGNUS
Published: February 2003

We present some new analytical expressions for the so-called Parrondo effect, where simple coin-flipping games with negative expected value are combined into a winning game. Parrondo games are state-dependent. By identifying the game state variable, we can compute the stationary game state probabilities. Mixing losing games increases the probability of entering into a game state with positive value, as can be seen clearly from our analytical expressions for the Parrondo game value.
Synthesis and Spectroelectrochemical Characterization of a Novel Oxalate-Bridged Binuclear Ruthenium(III) Complex
Authors: Fujino Taku , Hoshino Yoshimasa , Eto Motoki , Yukawa Yasuhiko , Fiedler Jan , Kaim Wolfgang
Published: February 2003

A novel oxalate-bridged binuclear ruthenium(III) complex, [{Ru(acac)2}2(μ-ox)] (acac− = acetylacetonate and ox2− = oxalate), has been prepared via self-dimerization of K[Ru(acac)2(ox)] in aqueous solutions containing ferric salts as catalyst. The Ru2III,II mixed-valence species generated electrochemically with Kc=105.0 for the comproportionation constant exhibits a weak intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) band at 1430 nm. The IR spectra from spectroelectrochemistry indicate a partially localized mixed-valence state (Class II-III behavior).
Unprecedented Soliton Formation Mechanism in Quasi-One-Dimensional Chloro-Bridged PtII- PtIV Mixed-Valence Compound, {[Pt(en)2][PtCl2(en)2]}3(CuCl4)4·12H2O
Authors: Yamashita Masahiro , Aso Hidemitsu , Matsunaga Satoshi , Takizawa Koichi , Nakata Kazuya , Kachi-Terajima Chihiro , Iwahori Fumiyasu , Ishii Tomohiko , Miyasaka Hitoshi , Sugiura Ken-ichi , Kawashima Takuya , Takai Kenzi , Kuroda Noritaka , Shiro Motoo , Kishida Hideo , Okamoto Hiroshi , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Tanaka Hisaaki , Marumoto Kazuhiro , Kuroda Shin-ichi
Published: February 2003

A new type of complex consisting of double liner-chain structure {[Pt(en)2][PtCl2(en)2]}3(CuCl4)4·12H2O was synthesized. High concentration (ca. 200 times larger than the literature) of neutral soliton (PtIII component) formation was found. This unprecedented soliton formation mechanism will be discussed.
The Electronic Structures of Terbium-Phthalocyanine Sandwich Clusters
Authors: Miyajima Ken , Okada Eiji , Nakajima Atsushi , Kaya Koji
Published: February 2003

Terbium (Tb)–phthalocyanine (pc) sandwich clusters, Tbn(pc)n+1 (n=1–4), and their Na adducts, TbNak(pc)2 (k=1–4) were produced by dual laser vaporization of a Tb rod and the molded rod of metal-free or disodium phthalocyanine (H2pc/Na2pc) in gas phase. The minimum number of Na atoms attached to the cationic/neutral/anionic Tb1(pc)2 clusters is 2, 1, and 0, respectively. Together with the ionization energies of the Na adducts of Tb(Na)k(pc)2 (k=1 and 2), it is revealed that the Tb–pc clusters are formed through fairly ionic bondings, where each component exists as Tb3+, Na+, and pc2−, respectively.
Remarkable Acceleration of Diels–Alder Reactions in a Self-Assembled Coordination Cage
Authors: Kusukawa Takahiro , Nakai Tatsuya , Okano Takashi , Fujita Makoto
Published: February 2003

Self-assembled coordination cage 1 was found to accelerate Diels–Alder reactions in an aqueous media: e.g., 113-fold acceleration was observed in the reaction of isoprene with naphthoquinone.
Synthesis of Novel Lanthanide Complexes with Quinone-containing Ligands and Their Redox Controlled Magnetic Interaction
Authors: Nankawa Takuya , Watanabe Masayuki , Murata Masaki , Nishihara Hiroshi
Published: February 2003

New lanthanide-quinone and semiquinone complexes with the formula [Ln(L)2(OTf)3] and [Ln(L′)2(OTf)] (Ln = La, Gd, and Yb; OTf = CF3SO3−; L = aminoquinone ligand; L′ = aminosemiquinone ligand), respectively, were synthesized, and the magnetic interaction between f-electrons and organic radicals was revealed.
Molecular Recognition by Supramolecular Hosts Composed of an Adamantyl-appended Macrocycle with Cyclodextrins in Water
Authors: Hayashida Osamu , Hamachi Itaru
Published: February 2003

A supramolecular system composed of a cyclophane bearing adamantyl moieties with cyclodextrins was developed. The binding affinities of cyclophane toward fluorescent guests such as TNS were effectively retained even when the host was assembled with α-cyclodextrin in neutral aqueous media. Its binding site was significantly apolar and well shielded from the bulk aqueous phase. The marked motional repression was also observed for the entrapped guest molecules.
Synthesis of Surfactant-assisted Microporous Layered Tin Phenylphosphonate
Authors: Mal Nawal K , Fujiwara Masahiro , Yamada Yusuke , Matsukata Masahiko
Published: February 2003

Microporous layered tin phenylphosphonate has been prepared using sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) as surfactant, it possesses high surface area (255 m2·g−1).
Study of the Time-resolved IR Spectrum of α-Arylvinyl Cations Generated by Laser Flash Photolysis
Authors: Kotani Masashi , Kobayashi Shinjiro , Mishima Masaaki , Hori Yuji
Published: February 2003

The characteristic stretching band of the C(sp2)=C(sp)+ moiety in vinyl cations was observed for the first time around 1870 cm−1 by a time-resolved IR spectrometry with 266 nm or 308 nm laser flash irradiation of (4-methoxyphenyl)alkynes in TFE and α-arylvinyl bromide in acetonitrile. The ultraviolet-visible and the IR absorption maxima were affected by the β-substituents.
BASF Uses a Framework for Developing Web-Based Production-Planning-Optimization Tools
Authors: Lee Young M. , Chen E. Jack
Published: February 2003

We developed a computational framework for delivering practical production-planning-optimization tools on BASF Intranet. The framework enables users with Web browsers to access complex optimization tools to interactively compute optimal production plans on any computer platform. We formulated a MILP (mixed-integer linear programming) production-planning-optimization model for one of BASF's chemical manufacturing plants and built a generic infrastructure for integrating optimization engines and the Internet using server-side Java programming. This framework has changed the way BASF implements and deploys mathematical modeling tools.
The Prince William Sound Risk Assessment
Authors: Merrick Jason R. W. , van Dorp J. René , Mazzuchi Thomas , Harrald John R. , Spahn John E. , Grabowski Martha
Published: February 2003

After the grounding of the Exxon Valdez and its subsequent oil spill, all parties with interests in Prince William Sound (PWS) were eager to prevent another major pollution event. While they implemented several measures to reduce the risk of an oil spill, the stakeholders disagreed about the effectiveness of these measures and the potential effectiveness of further proposed measures. They formed a steering committee to represent all the major stakeholders in the oil industry, in the government, in local industry, and among the local citizens. The steering committee hired a consultant team, which created a detailed model of the PWS system, integrating system simulation, data analysis, and expert judgment. The model was capable of assessing the current risk of accidents involving oil tankers operating in the PWS and of evaluating measures aimed at reducing this risk. The risk model showed that actions taken prior to the study had reduced the risk of oil spill by 75 percent, and it identified measures estimated to reduce the accident frequency by an additional 68 percent, including improving the safety-management systems of the oil companies and stationing an enhanced-capability tug, called the Gulf Service, at Hinchinbrook Entrance. In all, various stakeholders made multimillion dollar investments to reduce the risk of further oil spills based on the results of the risk assessment.
Next Generation Factory Layouts: Research Challenges and Recent Progress
Authors: Benjaafar Saif , Heragu Sunderesh S. , Irani Shahrukh A.
Published: February 2003

Recent trends in industry suggest that existing layout configurations do not meet the needs of multiproduct enterprises and that there is a need for a new generation of factory layouts that are flexible, modular, and easy to reconfigure. Although most of the academic literature on layout design is based on a deterministic paradigm that assumes production requirements are known far in advance or change very little over time, a growing body of research focuses on designing layouts for dynamic and uncertain environments. An example is the research being carried out by the newly formed Consortium on Next Generation Factory Layouts (NGFL). The consortium, which involves multiple universities and several companies, is developing alternative layouts, new performance metrics, and new methods for designing flexible and reconfigurable factories.
How Bayer Makes Decisions to Develop New Drugs
Authors: Stonebraker Jeffrey S.
Published: February 2003

Drug development is time consuming, resource intensive, risky, and heavily regulated. To ensure that it makes the best drug-development decisions, Bayer Pharmaceuticals (Pharma) uses a structured process based on the principles of decision analysis to evaluate the technical feasibility and market potential of its new drugs. In July 1999, the biological products leadership committee composed of the senior managers within Bayer Biological Products (BP), a business unit of Pharma, made its newly formed strategic-planning department responsible for the commercial evaluation of a new blood-clot-busting drug. Even though Pharma's use of decision analysis began in the late 1980s, this commercial evaluation was BP's first decision analysis project. Previously, BP had analyzed a few business cases for review by Pharma. Pharma senior managers considered our recommendations relevant to their decision making. The project also institutionalized decision analysis at the business-unit level.
The CARSO procedure in process optimization
Authors: Baroni Massimo , Benedetti Paolo , Fraternale Simona , Scialpi Fabrizio , Vix Pierre , Clementi Sergio
Published: February 2003

This paper reports the optimization of the operative conditions of an industrial plant, the electrolytic production of zinc by the leaching method, on applying the CARSO procedure, a response surface methodology based on PLS modelling, the peculiarity of which lies in the way the highest response value within the experimental domain is found. The results illustrate the operative ranges of a few key parameters for six different responses. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concerted action of perforin and granzymes is critical for the elimination of Trypanosoma cruzi from mouse tissues, but prevention of early host death is in addition dependent onthe FasL/Fas pathway
Authors: Müller Uwe , Sobek Vera , Balkow Sandra , Hölscher Christoph , Müllbacher Arno , Museteanu Crisan , Mossmann Horst , Simon Markus M.
Published: February 2003

CTL and NK cells are critical for resistance to acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection, but are also implicated in the pathology induced by this intracellular protozoan parasite. Here we explore to what extent the two main cytolytic pathways of CTL and NK cells, i.e. the granule exocytosis and the Fas ligand (FasL)/Fas pathways, are responsible for the elimination of parasites from mouse tissues and control of organ pathology. For this purpose we have employed mouse strains with targeted gene defects in one or more components — including perforin, granzyme A and granzyme B, and Fas — of either of the two cytolytic pathways, and we used the highly pathogenic T. cruzi strain Tulahuen. We show that parasites are effectively cleared from infected tissues independently of the FasL/Fas pathway by the concerted action of perforin and the two granzymes. However, prevention of pathology and early host death is critically dependent in addition on an operational FasL/Fas interaction. Thus, in contrast to C57BL/6 (B6) wild‐type mice, mouse strains with deficiencies in either the FasL/Fas or the perforin/granzyme pathway similarly suffer from early death, independently of their differential capacity to control parasite growth; this finding indicates that the two cytolytic pathways control distinct but vital processes during infection with T. cruzi.
Are differences in firm size transitory or permanent?
Authors: Geroski P. A. , Lazarova S. , Urga G. , Walters C. F.
Published: February 2003

An Erratum for this article has been published in Journal of Applied Econometrics 18(2) 2003, 249

Previous empirical work on corporate growth rates using cross‐section or short‐panel econometric techniques suggests that growth rates are random but that some degree of mean reversion exists. This means that size differences between firms are transitory. Another, more natural way to explore the long‐run distribution of firm sizes is to examine data on the growth of particular firms over long periods of time. Using a sample of 147 UK firms observed continually for more than 30 years, our conclusions are that growth rates are highly variable over time and that differences in growth rates between firms do not persist for very long. Further, firms show no tendency to converge to either a common size or to a pattern of stable size differences over time. These results are compared and contrasted with standard approaches that suggest that firms reach and maintain stable positions in a skewed size distribution. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.