bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triacylglycerol accumulation in human obesity and type 2 diabetes is associated with increased rates of skeletal muscle fatty acid transport and increased sarcolemmal FAT/CD36
Authors: Bonen Arend , Parolin Michelle L. , Steinberg Gregory R. , Calles‐Escandon Jorge , Tandon Narendra N. , Glatz Jan F. C. , Luiken Joost J. F. P. , Heigenhauser George. J. F. , Dyck David J.
Published: May 2004

We examined whether, in human obesity and type 2 diabetes, long chain fatty acid (LCFA) transport into skeletal muscle is upregulated and contributes to an excess intramuscular triacylglycerol accumulation. In giant sarcolemmal vesicles prepared from human skeletal muscle, LCFA transport rates were upregulated ~4‐fold and were associated with an increased intramuscular triacylglycerol content in obese individuals and in type 2 diabetics. In these individuals, the increased sarcolemmal LCFA transport rate was not associated with an altered expression of FAT/CD36 or FABPpm. Instead, the increase in the LCFA transport rate was associated with an increase in sarcolemmal FAT/CD36 but not sarcolemmal FABPpm. Rates of fatty acid esterification were increased threefold in isolated human muscle strips obtained from obese subjects, while concomitantly rates of fatty acid oxidation were not altered. Thus, the increased rate of fatty acid transport may contribute to the increased rates of triacylglycerol accumulation in human skeletal muscle. The altered FAT/CD36 trafficking in muscle from obese subjects and type 2 diabetics juxtaposes the known alterations in GLUT4 trafficking, i.e., GLUT4 is known to be retained in its intracellular depots while FAT/CD36 is retained at the sarcolemma. This redistribution of FAT/CD36 to the sarcolemma may contribute to the etiology of insulin resistance in human muscle, and hence, FAT/CD36 provides another potential therapeutic target for the prevention and/or treatment of insulin resistance.
Structurally different RGTAs modulate collagen‐type expression by cultured aortic smooth muscle cells via different pathways involving fibroblast growth factor‐2 or transforming growth factor‐β1
Authors: Alexakis Catherine , Mestries Patricia , Garcia Stéphanie , Petit Emmanuel , Barbier Véronique , Papy‐Garcia Dulce , Sagot Marie‐Astride , Barritault Denis , Caruelle Jean Pierre , Kern Patrick
Published: May 2004

We have engineered polymers called ReGeneraTing Agents (RGTAs), which mimic the protecting and potentiating properties of heparan sulfates toward heparin‐binding growth factors (HBGF). RGTAs have been shown to optimize cell growth and regulate collagen production in vitro. Here, we studied relationships between RGTA structure and collagen‐type expression in aortic smooth muscle cells by using two RGTAs, the carboxylmethylsulfate dextran RG‐1503 and the carboxylmethylsulfate dextran with added benzylamide RG‐1192. RG‐1192 specifically induced a fivefold decrease in collagen III synthesis. This effect was abolished by FGF‐2 neutralizing antibody. RG‐1192 and FGF‐2 acted synergistically to decrease collagen III. RG‐ 1192 was more effective than heparin in this process. RG‐1192 increased the pericellular localization of FGF‐2 and protected FGF‐2 from proteolysis. Surface plasmon resonance analysis indicated a Kd of 15.7 nM for the RG‐1192/FGF‐2 interaction (10.6 nM for the heparin/FGF‐2 interaction). The structurally different RG‐1503 (without benzylamide) did not interact with FGF‐2 and worked synergistically with TGF‐β1 to specifically induce a twofold increase in collagen V. RGTAs with different structures exert different modulating effects on the collagen phenotype. Selection of appropriate RGTAs, which had been shown to enhance in vivo tissue repair, may provide a mean of correcting collagen abnormalities in vascular disorders and more generally in fibrotic diseases.
Molecular imaging of homodimeric protein–protein interactions in living subjects
Authors: Massoud Tarik F. , Paulmurugan Ramasamy , Gambhir Sanjiv S.
Published: May 2004

Homodimeric protein interactions are potent regulators of cellular functions, but are particularly challenging to study in vivo. We used a split synthetic renilla luciferase (hRLUC) complementation‐based bioluminescence assay to study homodimerization of herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (TK) in mammalian cells and in living mice. We quantified and imaged homodimerization of TK chimeras containing N‐terminal (N‐hRLUC) or C‐terminal (C‐ hRLUC) fragments of hRLUC in the upstream and downstream positions, respectively (tail‐to‐ head homodimer). This was monitored using luminometry (68‐fold increase, and was significantly [P<0.01] above background light emission) and by CCD camera imaging of living mice implanted with ex vivo transfected 293T cells (2.7‐fold increase, and is significantly [P<0.01] above background light emission). We also made a mutant‐TK to generate N‐hRLUC mutant TK and mutant TK‐C‐hRLUC by changing a single amino acid at position 318 from arginine to cysteine, a key site that has previously been reported to be essential for TK homo‐ dimerization, to support the specificity of the hRLUC complementation signal from TK homodimerization. Ex vivo substrate (8‐3H Penciclovir) accumulation assays in 293T cells expressing the TK protein chimeras showed active TK enzyme. We also devised an experimental strategy by constructing variant TK chimeras (possessing extra N‐hRLUC or C‐hRLUC ‘spacers’) to monitor incremental lack of association of the tail‐to‐head TK homodimer. Application of this potentially generalizable assay to screen for molecules that promote or disrupt ubiquitous homodimeric protein–protein interactions could serve not only as an invaluable tool to understand biological networks but could also be applied to drug discovery and validation in living subjects.
Nitric oxide, a key signaling molecule in the murine early embryonic heart
Authors: Malan Daniela , Ji Guanju , Schmidt Annette , Addicks Klaus , Hescheler Jürgen , Levi Renzo C. , Bloch Wilhelm , Fleischmann Bernd K.
Published: May 2004

Nitric oxide (NO) is thought to play an important role as a signaling molecule in embryonic and adult cardiomyocytes; however, its involvement in muscarinic signaling is still unclear. The aim of the present work was to analyze the muscarinic modulation of the L‐type Ca2+ current (ICa) in early‐ and late‐stage embryonic ventricular cardiomyocytes. Muscarinic stimulation depressed basal ICa by 30.1 ± 3.2% (n=27) in early‐stage cardiomyocytes. Pharmacological evidence suggested that the muscarinic modulation was mediated through generation of NO, activation of cGMP‐dependent phosphodiesterase (PDE) 2, and ensuing lowering of cyclic AMP/protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) levels. Conversely, in late‐stage cardiomyocytes, muscarinic regulation of ICa occurred in a NO‐independent manner via inhibition of prestimulated adenylyl cyclase (AC). To unequivocally prove the involvement of NO and to identify the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoform(s), we analyzed muscarinic signaling in embryonic ventricular cardiomyocytes of NOS2 (–/–) and NOS3 (–/–) mice. The early‐stage NOS3 (–/–) cardiomyocytes lacked muscarinic modulation, whereas it was preserved in NOS2 (–/–) cells. Moreover, at the late embryonic stage, muscarinic modulation of ICa was intact in both strains. Thus, NO is the key regulator of muscarinic signaling in the early embryonic ventricle, whereas at later stages, signaling occurs through a NO‐independent pathway.
VEGF‐A promotes tissue repair‐associated lymphatic vessel formation via VEGFR‐2 and the α1β1 and α2β1 integrins
Authors: Hong Young‐Kwon , Lange‐Asschenfeldt Bernhard , Velasco Paula , Hirakawa Satoshi , Kunstfeld Rainer , Brown Lawrence F. , Bohlen Peter , Senger Donald R. , Detmar Michael
Published: May 2004

Vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A) is strongly up‐regulated in wounded cutaneous tissue and promotes repair‐associated angiogenesis. However, little is known about its role in lymphatic regeneration of the healing skin. We studied wound healing in transgenic mice that overexpress VEGF‐A specifically in the epidermis and in wild‐type mice in the absence or presence of inhibitors of VEGF‐A signaling. Surprisingly, transgenic overexpression of VEGF‐A in the skin promoted lymphangiogenesis at the wound healing site, whereas systemic blockade of VEGFR‐2 prevented lymphatic vessel formation. Studies in cultured lymphatic endothelial cells revealed that VEGF‐A induced expression of the α1 and α2 integrins, which promoted their in vitro tube formation and their haptotactic migration toward type I collagen. VEGF‐A‐induced lymphatic endothelial cord formation and haptotactic migration were suppressed by anti‐α1 and anti‐α2 integrin blocking antibodies, and systemic blockade of the α1 and α2 integrins inhibited VEGF‐A‐driven lymphangiogenesis in vivo. We propose that VEGF‐A promotes lymphatic vasculature formation via activation of VEGFR‐2 and that lineage‐specific differences of integrin receptor expression contribute to the distinct dynamics of wound‐associated angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.
Neuroprotective effects of spermine following hypoxia‐ischemia‐induced brain damage: A mechanistic study
Authors: Clarkson Andrew N. , Liu Hanzhong , Pearson Lachlan , Kapoor Mohit , Harrison Joanne C. , Sammut Ivan A. , Jackson David M. , Appleton Ian
Published: May 2004

The polyamines (spermine, putrescine, and spermidine) can have neurotoxic or neuroprotective properties in models of neurodegeneration. However, assessment in a model of hypoxia– ischemia (HI) has not been defined. Furthermore, the putative mechanisms of neuroprotection have not been elucidated. Therefore, the present study examined the effects of the polyamines in a rat pup model of HI and determined effects on key enzymes involved in inflammation, namely, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and arginase. In addition, effects on mitochondrial function were investigated. The polyamines or saline were administered i.p. at 10mg/kg/day for 6 days post‐HI. Histological assessment 7 days post‐HI revealed that only spermine significantly (P<0.01) reduced infarct size from 46.14 ± 10.4mm3 (HI + saline) to 4.9 ± 2.7 mm3. NOS activity was significantly increased following spermine treatment in the left (ligated) hemisphere compared with nonintervention controls (P<0.01) and HI + saline (P<0.05). In contrast, spermine decreased arginase activity compared with HI + saline but was still significantly elevated in comparison to nonintervention controls (P<0.01). Assessment of mitochondrial function in the HI + saline group, revealed significant and extensive damage to complex‐I (P<0.01) and IV (P<0.001) and loss of citrate synthase activity (P<0.05). No effect on complex II‐III was observed. Spermine treatment significantly prevented all these effects. This study has therefore confirmed the neuroprotective effects of spermine in vivo. However, for the first time, we have shown that this effect may, in part, be due to increased NOS activity and preservation of mitochondrial function.
Toll‐like receptor 4 functions intracellularly in human coronary artery endothelial cells: roles of LBP and sCD14 in mediating LPS‐responses
Authors: Dunzendorfer Stefan , Lee Hyun‐Ku , Soldau Katrin , Tobias Peter S.
Published: May 2004

Endothelial cells are activated by microbial agonists through Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) to express inflammatory mediators; this is of significance in acute as well as chronic inflammatory states such as septic shock and atherosclerosis, respectively. We investigated mechanisms of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced cell activation in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) using a combination of FACS, confocal microscopy, RT‐PCR, and functional assays. We found that TLR4, in contrast to TLR2, is not only located intracellularly but also functions intracellularly. That being the case, internalization of LPS is required for activation. We further characterized the HCAEC LPS uptake system and found that HCAEC exhibit an effective LPS uptake only in the presence of LPS binding protein (LBP). In addition to its function as a catalyst for LPS‐CD14 complex formation, LBP enables HCAEC activation at low LPS concentrations by facilitating the uptake, and therefore delivery, of LPS‐CD14 complexes to intracellular TLR4‐MD‐2. LBP‐dependent uptake involves a scavenger receptor pathway. Our findings may be of pathophysiological relevance in the initial response of the organism to infection. Results further suggest that LBP levels, which vary as LBP is an acute phase reactant, could be relevant to initiating inflammatory responses in the vasculature in response to chronic or recurring low LPS.
Apoptotic adaptations from exercise training in skeletal and cardiac muscles
Authors: Siu Parco M. , Bryner Randall W. , Martyn Julie K. , Alway Stephen E.
Published: May 2004

The effect of exercise on apoptosis in postmitotic tissues is not known. In this study, we investigated the effect of regular moderate physical activity (i.e., exercise training) on the extent of apoptosis in rat skeletal and cardiac muscles. Adult Sprague Dawley rats were trained (TR) 5 days weekly for 8 wk on treadmill. Sedentary rats served as controls (CON). An ELISA was used to detect mono‐ and oligonucleosome fragmentation as an indicator of apoptosis. Bcl‐2, Bax, Apaf‐1, AIF, cleaved PARP, cleaved caspase‐3, cleaved/active caspase‐9, heat shock protein (HSP)70, Cu/Zn‐SOD, and Mn‐SOD protein levels were determined by Western analyses. Bcl‐2 and Bax transcript contents were estimated by RT‐PCR. A spectrofluorometric assay was used to determine caspase‐3 activity. DNA fragmentation in ventricles of the TR group decreased by 15% whereas that in soleus of the TR group tended to decrease (P=0.058) when compared with CON group. Protein contents of Bcl‐2, HSP70, and Mn‐SOD increased in both soleus and ventricle muscles of TR animals when compared with CON animals. Apaf‐1 protein content in the soleus of TR animals was lower than that of CON animals. Bcl‐2 mRNA levels increased in both ventricle and soleus muscles of TR animals, and Bax mRNA levels decreased in the soleus of TR animals when compared with CON animals. Furthermore, HSP70 protein content was negatively correlated to Bax mRNA content and was positively correlated to Bcl‐2 protein and mRNA contents. Mn‐SOD protein content was negatively correlated to the apoptotic index, and caspase‐3 activity and was positively correlated to Bcl‐2 transcript content and HSP70 protein content. These data suggest that exercise training attenuates the extent of apoptosis in cardiac and skeletal muscles.
Role of myoglobin in the antioxidant defense of the heart
Authors: Flögel Ulrich , Gödecke Axel , Klotz Lars‐Oliver , Schrader Jürgen
Published: May 2004

Although the primary function of myoglobin (Mb) has been considered to be cellular O2 storage and supply, recent studies have shown that Mb in addition can act as NO oxidase. Here we report that Mb also significantly contributes to the attenuation of oxidative stress in cardiac muscle. In support of this hypothesis, we found that in isolated perfused hearts of Mb‐deficient (myo‒/‒) mice oxidative challenge by intracoronary infused H2O2 (1‐300 µM) or superoxide formed by 2,3‐dimethoxy‐1,4‐naphtoquinone (0.1‐30 µM), respectively, depressed cardiac contractility to a greater extent than in wild‐type (WT) hearts, e.g., up to [H2O2] = 10 µM there was a significant left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) decrease in myo‒/‒ hearts only (90.4±4.2 vs. 98.1±0.7% of control, n=6, P<0.05). Likewise in an ischemia/reperfusion protocol, myo‒/‒ hearts showed a delayed recovery of postischemic function as compared with WT controls (e.g., LVDP was 35.6±7.5 vs. 22.4±5.3 mmHg, respectively, after 10 min of reperfusion, P<0.05, n=8), which correlated well with an enhanced release of reactive oxygen species in myo‒/‒ hearts as measured by online lucigenin‐enhanced chemiluminescence [e.g. 465±87 relative light units (RLU) in myo‒/‒ vs. 287±73 RLU in WT after 2.5 min of reperfusion, P<0.05, n=8]. 31P NMR spectroscopy revealed concomitantly a more pronounced phosphocreatine overshoot during reperfusion in the knockout but only minute alterations in ATP and pHi. Our data show that lack of Mb leads to increased vulnerability of cardiac function to oxidative challenge either pharmacologically induced or endogenously generated. We propose that Mb is a key element influencing redox pathways in cardiac muscle to functionally and metabolically protect the heart from oxidative damage.
Cross‐linking of ubiquitin, HSP27, parkin and α‐synuclein by γ‐glutamyl‐ε‐lysine bonds in Alzheimer's neurofibrillary tangles
Authors: Nemes Zoltán , Devreese Bart , Steinert Peter M. , Beeumen Jozef Van , Fésüs László
Published: May 2004

The accumulation of misfolded proteins in intracellular inclusions is a generic feature of neurodegenerative disorders. Although heavily ubiquitylated, the aggregated proteins are not degraded by the proteasomes. A possible reason for this phenomenon may be a modification of deposited proteins by transglutaminases forming γ‐glutamyl‐ε‐lysine (GGEL) cross‐links between distinct proteins. Here, we show that the frequency of GGEL cross‐links is an order of magnitude higher in Alzheimer's brain cortex than in age‐matched or younger controls. This difference is due to the accumulation of GGEL cross‐links in ubiquitin‐immunopositive protein particles present in both Alzheimer's brains and those from aged individuals. The highly cross‐ linked protein aggregates show immunoreactivity to antibodies against tau and neurofilament proteins, and partially also to α‐synuclein, indicating that these structures are inherent in Alzheimer's neurofibrillary tangles and Lewy bodies. Using mass sequence analysis, we identified the same six pairs of peptide sequences cross‐linked in both senile and Alzheimer's specimens: Gln31 and Gln190 of HSP27 protein are cross‐linked with Lys29 and Lys48 of ubiquitin and HSP27 therefore may cross‐link two (poly)ubiquitin chains. One lysine residue of parkin and one of α‐synuclein were also found to be cross‐linked. The data suggest that cross‐linking of (poly)ubiquitin moieties via HSP27 may have a role in the stabilization of the intraneuronal protein aggregates by interference with the proteasomal elimination of unfolded proteins.
An essential role of Cav1.2 L‐type calcium channel for urinary bladder function
Authors: Wegener Jörg W. , Schulla Verena , Lee Tae‐Seong , Koller Angela , Feil Susanne , Feil Robert , Kleppisch Thomas , Klugbauer Norbert , Moosmang Sven , Welling Andrea , Hofmann Franz
Published: May 2004

Mice deficient in the smooth muscle Cav1.2 calcium channel (SMACKO, smooth muscle α1c‐ subunit calcium channel knockout) have a severely reduced micturition and an increased bladder mass. L‐type calcium current, protein, and spontaneous contractile activity were absent in the bladder of SMACKO mice. K+ and carbachol (CCh)‐induced contractions were reduced to 10‐ fold in detrusor muscles from SMACKO mice. The dihydropyridine isradipine inhibited K+‐ and CCh‐induced contractions of muscles from CTR but had no effect in muscles from SMACKO mice. CCh‐induced contraction was blocked by removing extracellular Ca2+ but was unaffected by the PLC inhibitor U73122 or depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores by thapsigargin. In muscles from CTR and SMACKO mice, CCh‐induced contraction was partially inhibited by the Rho‐ kinase inhibitor Y27632. These results show that the Cav1.2 Ca2+ channel is essential for normal bladder function. The Rho‐kinase and Ca2+‐release pathways cannot compensate the lack of the L‐type Ca2+ channel.
Expression of Concern: Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) mediates 6‐ hydroxydopamine‐induced neuronal death
Authors: Chen Gang , Bower Kimberly A. , Ma Cuiling , Fang Shengyun , Thiele Carol J. , Luo Jia
Published: May 2004

The causes of sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD) are poorly understood. 6‐Hydroxydopamine (6‐ OHDA), a PD mimetic, is widely used to model this neurodegenerative disorder in vitro and in vivo; however, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. We demonstrate here that 6‐ OHDA evoked endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which was characterized by an up‐regulation in the expression of GRP78 and GADD153 (Chop), cleavage of procaspase‐12, and phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor‐2 a in a human dopaminergic neuronal cell line (SH‐SY5Y) and cultured rat cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). Glycogen synthase kinase‐3 β (GSK3β) responds to ER stress, and its activity is regulated by phosphorylation. 6‐OHDA significantly inhibited phosphorylation of GSK3β at Ser9, whereas it induced hyperphosphorylation of Tyr216 with little effect on GSK3β expression in SH‐SY5Y cells and PC12 cells (a rat dopamine cell line), as well as CGNs. Furthermore, 6‐OHDA decreased the expression of cyclin D1, a substrate of GSK3β, and dephosphorylated Akt, the upstream signaling component of GSK3β. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), an ER stress‐responsive phosphatase, was involved in 6‐OHDA‐induced GSK3β dephosphorylation (Ser9). Blocking GSK3β activity by selective inhibitors (lithium, TDZD‐8, and L803‐mts) prevented 6‐OHDA‐induced cleavage of caspase‐3 and poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP), DNA fragmentations and cell death. With a tetracycline (Tet)‐controlled TrkB inducible system, we demonstrated that activation of TrkB in SH‐ SY5Y cells alleviated 6‐OHDA‐induced GSK3β dephosphorylation (Ser9) and ameliorated 6‐OHDA neurotoxicity. TrkB activation also protected CGNs against 6‐OHDA‐induced damage. Although antioxidants also offered neuroprotection, they had little effect on 6‐OHDA‐induced GSK3β activation. These results suggest that GSK3β is a critical intermediate in pro‐apoptotic signaling cascades that are associated with neurodegenerative diseases, thus providing a potential target site amenable to pharmacological intervention.
Costing the effectiveness of training: case study 1 ‐ improving Parcelforce driver performance
Authors: Hedges Patricia , Moss Dennis
Published: May 2004

Forms the first part of a two‐part study reporting on the cost‐effectiveness of specific training programmes within Parcelforce UK. Assesses the effectiveness of a driver training programme in a major Parcelforce region. Measures the cost‐effectiveness of the training performance in terms of vehicle‐maintenance costs, accident rates and fuel consumption. Discusses the difficulties in measuring the cost‐effectiveness of training.
A critical review of Internet sites as a research source for Shakespeare
Authors: Khan Sadiya P.
Published: May 2004

The role of Web sites in literary research is indicated and their evaluation is discussed. The discussion identifies a number of criteria for evaluating literary research Web sites, including relevancy, credibility and documentation. Twenty of the leading Shakespeare research Web sites are identified and each is evaluated against the criteria with discussion of good features and bad. The sites are ranked by their scores against the criteria and conclusions are drawn.
OPACs through the Ages
Authors: Tedd Lucy A.
Published: May 2004

Discusses the development of online public access catalogues
(OPACs) from their beginnings to recently available systems. Describes
research underpinning OPAC design. Considers user requirements and
interfaces in more detail and also search software and database design.
Beyond the Mainstream: Examining Alternative Sources for Stock
Selection
Authors: Atton Chris
Published: May 2004

Defines the terms “alternative” and
“mainstream” and describes the range of alternative
publications in two case studies of small press distributors. The value
of such publications lies in their providing interpretations of the
world not presented by the mass media and information that is often not
found anywhere else. For these reasons it is important that they be
considered for stock selection. Poor bibliographic control, coupled with
their low profile in the marketplace and the public eye can make their
acquisition difficult. Methods for identifying and acquiring such stock
will entail much inventive use of the few bibliographic sources
available, along with creative techniques such as networking and
“cascading”. Selection and acquisition of alternative
publications are essential in the interests of a truly balanced
collection.
Information for decision making: the DECIMAL project
Authors: Fisher Shelagh , Oulton Tony
Published: May 2004

The DECIMAL project is a two‐year programme of research and
technical investigation towards the development of a decision support
module for integrated library systems. Describes the results of the
research phase of the project. Examines the significance of performance
measurement and other non‐numeric information sources as input to the
decision‐making process in a range of small to medium‐sized libraries.
Disaster management training in libraries
Authors: Matthews Graham , Eden Paul
Published: May 2004

Presents interim findings of a year‐long project examining disaster management policy and practices in British libraries and suggests areas which should be covered in a disaster training programme, having drawn on the experience of librarians, archivists, museum officers, heritage organizations, disaster salvage and recovery companies, commercial binders, fire service officers, loss adjusters and local authority insurers. Refers to the possibility of inter‐library co‐operation. Concludes that all libraries and information centres need to take practical measures to minimize the risk of disaster and be prepared to react quickly and effectively should a disaster occur. Disaster training is therefore an essential requirement of any disaster management programme.
The practice of Amadi’s “barefoot librarianship” in African public libraries
Authors: Onwubiko Chidi P.C.
Published: May 2004

Highlights the concept of “barefoot librarianship” to make the provision of library services more relevant to traditional African people who are largely non‐literate. Enumerates the constraints of the full implementation and practice of this type of grassroots information service which includes poor staffing, equipment, finance, accommodation, etc. Identifies the special training needed for the barefoot librarian who is seen as information specialist, information professional, librarian‐field‐worker and photo‐journalist. Concludes by reiterating that the concept is not a misnomer as it recognizes the peculiarities of the people of Africa and their information needs, as well as the imperatives of modern information techniques.
The main public children’s library of St Petersburg
Authors: Kouznetaova Valentina , Nazarova Joanna
Published: May 2004

The location of and philosophy behind the Central Children’s Library of St Petersburg are briefly described. The role of the library is discussed and the range of services for disabled children examined. Its aim to introduce all children, including those physically disabled, to the information culture is described and its experimental programme "Information, Culture, Education" is indicated.
Strategic capabilities which lead to management consulting success in Australia
Authors: Kumar Vanya , Simon Alan , Kimberley Nell
Published: May 2004

Reports the findings of a study which aimed to identify the strategic capabilities which lead to management consulting success. The study also aimed to find out what management consultants consider to be performance indicators of consulting success and whether these were related to the strategic capabilities. The research design for this study was a modified generative strategy. Several data collection methods, namely, interviews, content analysis and questionnaire surveys, were used to generate both quantitative and qualitative data. Twenty‐one strategic capabilities were identified. These were subsumed under the broad categories of (1) functions and (2) skills and values. The three most critical functions identified, in descending order, were quality of service, setting objectives and solving problems. The three most crucial skills/values were integrity and honesty, client‐consultant communication and credibility. Ten performance indicators were identified. Of these, the three most critical, as identified by the respondents, were, customer satisfaction, profitability and repeat business.
What can we learn from creative people? The story of Brian Eno
Authors: McFadzean Elspeth
Published: May 2004

Innovation is a necessary function of organisations today. In order to develop innovative products, services and procedures, managers must encourage and promote creative thinking within their organisation. Everyone can be creative but there are some people who have a naturally creative flair. This paper examines some of the behaviour and creative processes that these people undertake in order to develop imaginative and novel ideas. Specifically, the paper describes some of the thoughts, ideas and behaviours of Brian Eno, a rock musician in the 1970s, and compares them with some of the other great creative minds of the past such as George Bernard Shaw and Michael Faraday. The paper concludes with some lessons that have been drawn from exploring the minds of these people and recommends that managers should nurture creativity with their organisation.
Crisis Management in a Small Business
Authors: Drummond Helga , Chell Elizabeth
Published: May 2004

Explains why, of all organizations at risk in the current economic
recession, small businesses are the most vulnerable. Confirms that
downturns are typically rapid and the prognosis poor, and that the
emotional and financial hardships of personal bankruptcy are often
severe. Challenges the popular management literature which urges
decision makers to follow their intuition, on the ground that intuition
is frequently biased and therefore likely to result in the wrong
choices. In contrast to the intuitive response to crisis, which is
contraction, seeks to demonstrate, through two case studies of small
solicitors′ firms, why expansion, although it is apparently the more
risky option, may be the best means of survival.
Using libraries
Authors: Oulton Tony , Fisher Shelagh
Published: May 2004

Advances in technology and telecommunication have enabled libraries
to provide access to information beyond their own bookstocks. Provides
an introduction to the library environment indicating the various types
of library and their relevance to managers and students of business.
Goes on to provide guidance on using libraries, e.g. the services
available, types of classification schemes used and the library
catalogue.
Management research for information
Authors: Oulton Tony
Published: May 2004

Suggests that the conclusions of a research study, whether one′s
own or another′s have value as a source of information for decision
making. Aims to remind experienced managers and prompt
“students” of management on various approaches to research.
Defines research, and evaluates its worth in terms of validity,
reliability and generalizability. Looks at various approaches to
research, in particular quantitative and qualitative research, and at
the interpretation of findings. Explains the use of statistical
inference, statistical expression of probability and non‐parametric and
multivariate statistics.
The spreadsheet – just another filing cabinet?
Authors: Pemberton Jonathan , Robson Andrew
Published: May 2004

As a business tool, the spreadsheet is cited as a valuable
decision‐making aid, but despite its apparent widespread use, its scope
and potential, both with respect to areas of application and features
offered, are barely exploited by the general user. Discusses and
investigates these issues by examining the level of skills present
amongst a group of spreadsheet users and the vehicles used in acquiring
them. Argues that, in a general business environment, a lack of training
in this area is, in many cases, confining the spreadsheet to little more
than an electronic filing cabinet.
Paradigm shift: a new perspective involving analogical thinking
Authors: Proctor Tony
Published: May 2004

Notes that paradigms have life cycles and prove increasingly expensive and less effective as they near the end of their life cycles. The process of paradigm shift can be encouraged and effected early through the use of analogical thinking. Points out that analogical thinking brings into place notions and ideas from the analogical situation which would not normally be contemplated in the problem situation. Sees synectics and storywriting as two techniques which make extensive use of analogical thinking in helping to find solutions to recalcitrant open‐ended problems. Reviews these techniques.
Dancall Telecom A/S in the UK mobile telephone market
Authors: Bennett R. , Vignali Claudio
Published: May 2004

Focuses on Dancall A/S, a Danish telecommunications equipment manufacturer, which was acquired by Amstrad UK in September 1993 for £6.4 million. As an independent subsidiary of Amstrad UK, Dancall is in a position to develop its marketing strategy to a mass UK market. Suggests that heuristic devices could be the way to proceed in its tactical application of the strategic plan.
Australia’s Asian business orientation: investor and intermediary
Authors: Marsh Ian
Published: May 2004

Considers the significant shift of Australian business investment from Europe and the USA to the Asian region since 1992. Reveals that over 65 per cent of manufacturing, 90 per cent of infrastructure, and some 90 per cent of services investment, committed or under consideration in the last three years, involves projects in regional states. Survey findings suggest the need to locate operations close to customers is the primary motive, followed by the growth of particular markets. Lower labour costs have also been a factor. In recent years, Australia has also sought to position itself as a regional headquarters location ‐ and has been particularly successful in the telecommunications and software sectors. Finally, Australia has sought to attract regional firms seeking bases in, or experience of, Western environments. Argues that all these developments mark changes in business strategies and in the public policy environment. This realignment of activities creates new opportunities for international managers as it poses an array of new strategic and operational issues for Australian managers. These implications have yet to be reflected in management research.
Creating value: economics and accounting ‐ perspectives for managers
Authors: Groth John C. , Byers Steven S.
Published: May 2004

Focuses on understanding accounting and economic concepts, relationships and factors important as a basis for economic decisions that create value. Provides the background essential for understanding the future papers in the series. Offers a review and develops perspectives useful to those with or without knowledge of accounting. Distinguishes between accounting and economic events, providing examples to support understanding of issues such as types of cost, relevant costs in economic analysis, economic contribution margin and break‐even, and basic concepts related to product pricing, and the relationship between risk, expected economic profits and value. Relates costs and risk factors that have an impact on value and addresses issues critical in decision making.
Keynote paper From marketing mix to relationship marketing ‐ towards a paradigm shift in marketing
Authors: Grönroos Christian
Published: May 2004

Discusses the nature and sometimes negative consequences of the dominating marketing paradigm of today, marketing mix management, and furthermore discusses how modern research into, for example, industrial marketing and services marketing as well as customer relationship economics shows that another approach to marketing is required. This development is supported by evolving trends in business, such as strategic partnerships, alliances and networks. Suggests relationship marketing, based on relationship building and management, as one emerging new marketing paradigm of the future. Concludes that the simplicity of the marketing mix paradigm, with its Four P model, has become a strait‐jacket, fostering toolbox thinking rather than an awareness that marketing is a multi‐faceted social process, and notes that marketing theory and customers are the victims of today’s mainstream marketing thinking.
Ruby jubilee of Tribology Group
Authors: Wilson Bill
Published: May 2004

Outlines the history of the specialist lubrication group of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers – which was originally called the Lubrication Group and is now the Tribology Group. Describes how the organization was formed and lists its achievements, special activities and publications. Concludes by looking to the future, stating that the group has developed a dynamic five‐year plan to take it into the next century.
Fuel lubricity
Authors: Wilson Bill
Published: May 2004

Examines the issues surrounding fuel lubricity by explaining the background to the problems surrounding lubricity in diesel engines. As the need for low sulphur diesels arose it became clear that a universally accepted bench test was required and ISO working group SC7/WG6 was set up in 1992 to decide on a standard test. The group recommended that an HFRR (high frequency reciprocating rig) ball‐on‐flat test should be adopted. Describes the test methodology.
Refrigerant developments
Authors: Wilson Bill
Published: May 2004

Provides a brief summary of the use of CFCs and HCFCs in general and marine refrigeration, and the ban on the use of CFCs. Discusses alternative refrigerants, and their advantages and disadvantages. Reviews refrigeration compressor lubrication and recent developments.
BICERI testing progress
Authors: Wilson Bill
Published: May 2004

Outlines the various testing procedures carried out by BICERI, including engine fuel and lubricant testing. Describes the universal wear machine, and explains the three test modes: pin‐on disc, block‐on‐ring and pin‐on‐reciprocating plate.
Lubricant growth forecasts
Authors: Gangloff Corinne
Published: May 2004

Summarizes the results of a recent study of the US industrial lubricants industry. Highlights the negative effect on volume gains that inevitably will occur following the institution of fluid management programmes incorporating recirculation and recycling efforts.
Used oil reclamation processes
Authors: Wilson Bill
Published: May 2004

Defines the four main routes for reclaiming used oils ‐ recovery as fuel; reconditioning on site; oil laundering and re‐refining. Places used oil re‐refining in its historical context and presents profiles of the (only) two used‐oil re‐refiners in the UK.
Employee self‐rostering for work‐family balance
Authors: Thornthwaite Louise , Sheldon Peter
Published: May 2004

Examines two leading cases of Austrian organisations providing employee self‐rostering for work‐family balance, a little‐reported area of employment relations innovation. These cases highlight that such schemes can be successful for managements and employees even in highly routine, mechanised production environments. Asks what sorts of factors encourage management to adopt such schemes and whether different factors encourage their retention over time. In both cases, external environmental factors, internal environmental adaptation and management's embrace of high commitment strategies all influenced managerial decision making. However, these three sets of factors operated in different degrees and in different sequences between the two cases. In neither case was the institutional environment of any real importance.
Trade union recruitment: strategic options?
Authors: McCracken Martin , Sanderson Michael
Published: May 2004

This paper adapts the model espoused by Snape and considers avenues for trade unions to increase membership. It studies two specific industrial sectors, namely 20 non‐unionised manufacturing small‐ to medium‐sized establishments (SMEs) and four large unionised banking and insurance establishments all of which are based in the central belt of Scotland. The authors consider possible implications for trade unions in developing strategies for targeting workers in an attempt to boost trade union membership as indicated by the setting up of a TUC Organising Academy, as well as possible effects of the Employment Relations Act, 1999. Discussion also centres on employer suppression or substitution strategies, and on trade union commitment towards investing resources in workplace establishments that are either non‐union or are unionised but exhibit a low union density. The authors conclude that trade unions will have to think very carefully about the rewards available when conceiving strategies aimed at increasing membership in non‐union establishments, and density in unionised establishments.
Corporate ethics and trust in intra‐corporate relationships
Authors: Svensson Göran , Wood Greg
Published: May 2004

Theoretically, a contribution of this article is the pinpointed connection between corporate ethics and trust in intra‐corporate relationships. Furthermore, it contributes to a conceptual framework that distinguishes between the constructs of business ethics and corporate ethics. The authors also provide a grounded conceptual framework of corporate ethics and trust. The principal dyadic determinants of corporate ethics in intra‐corporate relationships are interpreted to be management behaviour versus employee perception of that behaviour. Empirically, the contribution is an in‐depth and longitudinal case description that underpins the topic and the discussion provided in the article.
Local Industrial Politics
Authors: Martin Ron , Sunley Peter , Wills Jane
Published: May 2004

A fast‐emerging theme in industrial relations research is that industrial relations systems in West European countries are undergoing decentralization, and that the most effective way for unions to meet this challenge is to “go local” themselves. Argues that the significance and implications of decentralization in industrial relations, and the scope and nature of union response, cannot be fully comprehended without according explicit attention to the different local contexts within which these processes are taking place. Uses developments in the British engineering sector to illustrate this argument. Firm‐based surveys and interviews with managers, local union officials and employer association representatives in two case study areas highlight the importance of local workplace cultures and institutional traditions in shaping the contemporary restructuring of industrial politics.
Unions on the Brink?
Authors: Salmon John , Stewart Paul
Published: May 2004

The 1980s has been viewed as a period of considerable change in industrial relations. The transformation of the global market and new style management practices have raised important questions regarding the extent and character of continuities and discontinuities. Much emphasis has been placed on managerial initiatives although the substance of change has remained relatively unexplored. Much of the focus of change in terms of sophisticated management has underestimated the continuing indeterminancy of management in practice. The importance of trade union responses, including the role of employees, cannot be easily deduced from a focus upon the mechanisms of change. Considers some of the questions arising out of the new paradigms of managerial change in terms of institutional reform, human resource management and Japanization.
Does total quality management make a difference to employee
attitudes
Authors: Wood Stephen , Peccei Riccardo
Published: May 2004

TQM is generally seen as depending on employees having a high
awareness of quality issues and a willingness to engage in continuous
improvement. Many total quality programmes have, implicitly or
explicitly, attitudinal change as one of their initial objectives.
Reports the results of a study which aims to assess the effects of a TQM
programme in a medium‐sized factory in the North of England. TQM
initiatives are invariably multidimensional and there is here a specific
concentration on assessing the relative impact on employees′ quality
consciousness of the programme′s various components. The results show
that those individuals whose attitudes changed most were more likely to
have been involved in certain aspects of the programme than were others.
In particular they were more likely to have been appraised, made a
suggestion under the revamped suggestion scheme, and to have attended
specific briefing sessions about the aspects of the programme. They were
also more likely to view the regular monthly departmental briefings in a
positive light. This suggests that appraisal, suggestion schemes, and
team briefings in particular, can impact on employees′ attitudes towards
quality, though in the case of the departmental briefings only if they
are done well and viewed favourably by employees.
In search of TQM
Authors: Hill Stephen , Wilkinson Adrian
Published: May 2004

While quality management practices have spread in recent years,
academic investigation of the phenomenon has lagged behind. Discusses
what TQM comprises and whether there are partial or contingent forms;
employment practices and relations, including the links with HRM and the
issues of incentives, empowerment and political barriers; the themes of
incrementalism and innovation including the relationship of TQM with BPR
and the concern with bureaucratization; and how TQM fits with other
management paradigms.
Managing the changing psychological contract
Authors: Hiltrop Jean M.
Published: May 2004

Examines the human resource implications of organizational change and the use of human resource practices for building and maintaining organizational commitment. Highlights the need for organizations to establish new policies and practices which are in line with business requirements, societal changes and the values and expectations of employees.
Employee involvement and industrial relations reform: reviewing a decade of experience in Australia
Authors: Davis Edward M. , Lansbury Russell D.
Published: May 2004

The past decade has witnessed a wide range of industrial relations reforms in Australia. Employee participation and industrial democracy was espoused by the federal Labour government in 1986 as a key element in its reform programme. It was also embraced by the trade union movement and, to a lesser extent, by leading employers and their associations. Examines why the promise of industrial democracy has not been fulfilled at the enterprise level. Identifies contributing factors as the economic recession, the decline of trade union membership and a lack of “people” skills in managerial ranks. Shows that although the trend towards enterprise bargaining may herald a new impetus for employee participation, thus far it has been characterized by a narrow agenda and limited involvement by employees.
Organizational change and women managers’ careers: the restructuring of disadvantage?
Authors: Edwards Christine , Woodall Jean , Welchman Rosemary
Published: May 2004

Challenges the assumption implicit in much of the literature on women managers that their failure to progress can be explained solely in terms of the individual behaviour of women and their employers. Examines the characteristics of organizations in which women make their careers which are potent factors impeding female advancement. Draws attention to the effects of radical organizational change, and explores some of the consequences of this change for women managers through the in‐depth analysis of a “typical” case. Explores the complex process by which restructuring and managerial policy and practice eventually combined to undermine the organization’s stated intent to expand significantly the number of women in management. Suggests that in‐depth analysis over time is required to understand the complex processes of change and its often unanticipated consequences for management careers.