bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leadership: interpreting life patterns and their managerial significance
Authors: Muldoon Shane Douglas , Miller Stephanie
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To illuminate the managerial significance of life patterns and to assist development of qualitative methodology.Design/methodology/approach – The theoretical proposition of a Manager Quad is empirically examined. Interview data from 16 managers are analysed using an interpretive frame. Methods of meaning generation are illustrated and this provides greater transparency and credibility of findings.Findings – Managers' characteristics are found to form thematic distinctions corresponding with outcomes of leader effectiveness and individual success. Research limitations/implications – The evidence suggests the worth of future qualitative research using explicit interpretive methods.Practical implications – Managers as mentors for leader development should be chosen according to the category in which they are assigned by research evidence.Originality/value – The paper has value for researchers, management educators and practitioners. The importance of life patterns in the leader/manager debate is suggested with inferences drawn regarding management education.
Company “doctors”: do higher academic qualifications make for “better” managers?
Authors: Merrette Edwin J. (Ted)
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To determine any differences between the level of academic qualification of German senior managers and their British equivalents and to offer explanations for any such differences identified.Design/methodology/approach – Two questions were posed: First were German senior managers generally “better” qualified academically than their British counterparts? Examines data published by governmental and non‐governmental sources in both Germany and the UK. Second why? Following a comprehensive review of the literature published in both German and English a variety of potential causal factors were identified and for analysis placed in three main categories. These were then discussed in the course of a series of semi structured interviews and informal interviews with both British and German senior executives.Findings – The overwhelming majority of German senior managers are qualified to a Doctoral level. Nearly 70 percent of the directors of Germany's top 100 companies have doctorates as compared to certainly less than 3 percent and probably less than 1 percent of their British counterparts. The main causal factors are of a cultural nature which are long standing and deep seated.Research limitations/implications – In practice it proved difficult to persuade companies to provide data relating directly to their employees or information regarding their management development, recruitment, or promotion policies.Practical implications – The validity of the Anglo/American mindset as opposed to the German “Knowing what you manage”. It is suggested that a compromise might prove a sensible alternative approach for both societies.Originality/value – Draws upon new data not previously published (in English) to reach plausible conclusions.
Innovation through networked strategic communities: case study on NTT DoCoMo
Authors: Kodama Mitsuru
Published: February 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify key factors for generating new knowledge creation in the fields of high tech requiring the integration of a variety of technologies and business models.Design/methodology/approach – The case study will center on NTT DoCoMo, Japan's largest mobile communications carrier, where the author has had extensive experience in service development. The author has collected rich data related to development processes and uses the grounded theory‐based approach to analyze seven concepts and the cause and effect relationships among them.Findings – In a short period of time, a strategic team at DoCoMo formed strategic communities (SCs) outside the company including customers, and then formed a network that transcended the SCs' boundaries.Orginality/value – The synthesizing capability of the leadership‐based SCs comprising community leaders inside the networked SCs enabled DoCoMo to build new business models aimed at customers and achieve successful new product and service development ahead of its competitors.
Existing use value for social housing
Authors: Andrew Anthony , Pitt Michael
Published: February 2005

Purpose

The paper aims to consider Red Book matters that have not previously been examined.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the provisions in the RICS Appraisal and Valuation Standards (the Red Book) for property professionals involved in the use of the definition of “Existing use value for social housing”, and the “Tenanted market value” basis set out in guidelines for Scottish local authorities.

Findings

Using the experience in Scotland the paper considers some of the problems that can develop in practice and examines some of these problems.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is intended to influence members of the profession in dealing with these problems and to contribute to the debate generally in terms of ensuring that these matters are considered by the RICS in reviewing its procedures.

Originality/value

The paper is specifically relevant to valuers required to use the Red Book provisions for valuing social housing and for those involved in existing use valuations.
A paradigm of Islamic money and banking
Authors: Alam Choudhury Masudul , Hussain Mostaque
Published: February 2005

Purpose

Theological perspectives in ethics, values and their functional application in the real world are vividly covered by the theory and practice of Islamic banking in recent times. This paper seeks to formalize the theological paradigm of the unity of God (Tawhid) and to make the groundwork of unity of knowledge in the context of the money, finance and real economy linkages.Design/methodology/approach – The paper combines narrative with argument and analysis.Findings – On the basis of this the structure of the balance sheet of Islamic banks with no interest rate as an ethical condition of Islamic financing is delineated. This topic is followed by a discussion on the experience of Islamic banks in recent times in the area of mobilizing resources and gaining profitability, popularity and stability by the Islamic financing methods and the direct mobilizing of financial resources into the real economy. In this way, the Islamic banks are shown to attain the much‐needed complementary relations between social well‐being for clients and financial efficiency for the banks.Originality/value – Adds insights to the theory and practice of Islamic banking.
Are political principles stable?
Authors: Machan Tibor R.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

Aims to question whether political principles, for example, those of socialism or libertarianism, have lasting significance.Design/methodology/approach – Lays out a case for the stability of at least one variety of political principle, namely that of libertarianism or classical liberalism and argues that the normative version of these positions does manage to have lasting stability and significance.Findings – There is much that is true that people do not necessarily attend to – including certain principles of political life. It may well be true that everybody has the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, yet many of us reject this fact. Even judges and Supreme Court justices often fail to rule in a manner consistent with these principles.Originality/value – Provides insights concerning the nature of political and ethical principles.
Using the maleinized liquid polybutadiene as a binder for the anticorrosive coatings
Authors: Kalenda P.
Published: February 2005

The paper deals with using the maleinized polybutadiene as a binder in anticorrosive coating compositions. This aqueous emulsion can be as a binder mixed with the styrene–acrylate dispersion in any ratio, evaluating thus positively a series of final anticorrosive coating properties. The aqueous emulsion binder based on the maleinized polybutadiene was compared to other aqueous (alkyd, urethanized alkyd, or polyurethane) emulsions. The coatings formed by the aqueous maleinized polybutadiene emulsion and styrene–acrylate dispersion show a far higher efficiency than the coatings consisting of a styrene–acrylate dispersion alone with respect to anticorrosion protection function.
Predicting leadership
Authors: Brownell Judi
Published: February 2005

Purpose

Predicting leadership demonstrates how assessment centers can be designed to meet the extended goals of assessing three broad‐based and particularly critical indicators of hospitality leadership effectiveness: the ability to respond to change, the ability to foster trust, and the ability to create inclusive work environments.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review reveals the most critical hospitality leadership needs in times of rapid and continuous change, and supports the assessment center approach as a means of judging key leadership competencies. The steps involved in developing a center to assess three particularly critical leadership competencies are outlined and challenges noted.

Findings

The assessment center is shown to be a valuable means of both assessing and predicting leadership talent beyond the scope normally associated with this method.

Practical implications

Assessment center methods can be extended to accomplish the organization's most important goal – preparing for, and responding to, future leadership requirements.

Originality/value

The paper is of value to both academic and practitioner readers interested in leadership development. It provides a rationale and practical guide for assessment center design and implementation.
Qualifications: a fast‐track to hotel general manager?
Authors: Harper Sarah , Brown Caroline , Irvine Wilson
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To examine the role of formal qualifications in the career development of contemporary hotel general managers in Scotland.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was used which provided a sound basis for comparing the opinions, performance and career paths of both formally qualified and unqualified general managers.

Findings

Key findings identified that formal qualifications were an integral part of career development. They facilitated career moves between companies and allowed prospective managers to “fast‐track” to general management status. Formal qualifications were considered particularly beneficial in developing those functional managerial skills required to succeed.

Practical implications

At this present time of change within the industry, the existing move towards a more business perspective in the role of hotel general manager may in fact be influencing the development of managers’ mid‐career. The actual importance today of food and beverage positions may be far less than it has been during the career development of those managers within the sample. If this proves to be the case, there may be a developing trend of managers entering from outside the industry, directly to general management positions. This poses implications for the seemingly “established” career path of hotel general manager through food and beverage functions and deputy/assistant managerial positions.

Originality/value

The conclusions may also present implications for educationists trying to meet the needs of the industry in developing effective managers and for individuals in the development of their careers.
Corporate identity in Slovenia
Authors: Podnar Klement
Published: February 2005

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to find out about: significance and understanding of corporate identity, its elements and CI management in Slovenian companies/Slovenian and international companies with exemplary and successful corporate identity and their characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted among the most successful Slovenian companies (by income and by profit). A total of 44 people, from 36 companies, who are responsible for managing corporate identity were interviewed.

Findings

The main finding is that managing corporate identity is of great importance for company success. Although there is no general definition of corporate identity at theoretical level, the understanding of corporate identity is quite homogeneous – the most common definition according to the research is: corporate identity is a mix of characteristics that organization possesses as a subject. Successful managing of corporate identity, has many positive effects on company's acceptation in a role of subject in the society.

Research limitations/implications

Future research in determining the influence of the chairman and his personality as well as the board and employees' personality on corporate identity would be important. It is recommended that in future, in similar studies, an even larger sample is included and the thought of comparing future studies with the present study should not be excluded.

Practical implications

The main practical implication of this paper is to raise the awareness of how important the local culture is when dealing with corporate identity management.

Originality/value

A brief literature review of Slovenian authors from the corporate identity field has been made and presented on an international level for the first time. Also, the empirical research on the question of how managers in Slovenian companies understand and manage corporate identity in their organizations is new. The main contribution is that results acquired in Slovenia can be partly compared with other similar researches in the EU.
Integration of information about corporate social performance
Authors: Arpan Laura M.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

The aim of this research was to examine psychological processes that may mediate effects of corporate social performance on evaluations of and behavior toward organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental design examined how previously formed, summary attitudes versus consideration of specific information about CSP affected intended behaviors toward fictitious organizations. Theories of attitude structure and attitude change form the theoretical basis for the paper.

Findings

In general, participants relied on summary attitudes toward stimulus organizations. However, when fear of making an invalid decision was stimulated, participants were more likely to consider specific attributes of organizations (such as CSP) when making decisions about them.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by its use of fictitious organizations in an experimental situation. The study suggests that organizational managers as well as those who study crisis management and CSP should consider the influence of existing attitudes toward an organization on reactions to both positive and negative new information about the organization. Suggests that negative information might not be damaging, as previously thought, to organizations with strong reputations.

Originality/value

This paper is one of few studies that examine psychological processes that can occur when people learn about organizations and consider their behaviors toward those organizations. The paper should be of value to those who study effects of CSP and organizational crises as well as crisis managers and community relations or public affairs managers.
Indicators of community economic development through mural‐based tourism
Authors: Koster Rhonda , Randall James E.
Published: February 2005

Community Economic Development (CED) has become a recognised form of economic development, despite contention regarding its definition and applications. It is acknowledged that development planning benefits from a more holistic approach with a focus on community participation. The objective of this paper was to explore the process and selected indicators of CED success through an examination of five Saskatchewan communities that have made the conscious decision to develop tourism through the use of wall murals on the exteriors of buildings. Extensive in‐person interviews were conducted with stakeholders in each of these communities. Generally, this research has found that both the CED process undertaken and the measurement of success are dependent upon the desired outcomes of mural development. For example, in communities that created murals‐as‐community‐beautification, the process was less formalised and success was measured more qualitatively, for example in increased community pride and the development of social relationships. For those communities where murals were developed as part of an explicit economic development strategy, the process was more formalised and the outcomes measured more quantitatively, including the numbers of visitors, employment and businesses created. This research also indicates that particular attributes of rural places play a critical role in how CED is understood, defined and carried out, and how successes, both tangible and intangible, are measured.
Relative changes in consistency of winter surface air temperature during ENSO events across western Canada
Authors: Budikova Dagmar , Nkemdirim Lawrence C.
Published: February 2005

Previous studies established a connection between El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and winter surface air temperature (SAT) in western Canada. This paper compares the year‐to‐year variation of winter SAT across the region under ENSO and ENSO‐free (neutral) conditions. The comparison is based on the ratio of the difference between the standard deviation (σ) of mean monthly ENSO SAT signals and σ of mean monthly ENSO‐free signal to σ of the mean monthly ENSO‐free SAT. The signal is defined as the difference between mean monthly temperature during ENSO and the mean monthly ENSO‐free SAT. During El Niño December and February, SAT variability is lower by 13 and 18 percent, respectively, than in an equivalent ENSO‐free period. In January, variability under El Niño is 24 percent higher than its ENSO‐free counterpart. During La Niña, decrease in variability is observed during all three months by 3, 21 and 24 percent from December through February, respectively. The lower variability experienced in five of the six ENSO months underscores greater winter SAT consistency during ENSO. Variability difference is lowest along the Pacific Coast and highest in the Prairies. Except in January under El Niño, those areas, which normally experience SAT variability higher than the regional average (mostly the Prairies), achieve greater temperature stability (reduced variability) during ENSO. January variability is higher in the Prairies during El Niño. In general, in western Canada, SAT regimes look more similar under ENSO than they do under ENSO‐free conditions. ENSO tends to stabilise winter temperatures more effectively in the Prairies than it does along the coast.
Monitoring the 1997 flood in the Red River Valley using hydrologic regimes and RADARSAT imagery
Authors: Wilson Bradley A. , Rashid Harun
Published: February 2005

In this study, we attempt to relate hydrologic regimes of the 1997 flood in the Red River Valley to the areal extent of flooding, determined from RADARSAT imagery. We obtained ten scenes of RADARSAT imagery, from 27 April to 1 July, including bitmaps delineating flooded areas for each date, from the Manitoba Centre of Remote Sensing. These images were co‐registered using an image‐to‐image registration process. By overlaying these flood maps in chronological order, we compared the areal extent of flooding with the hydrologic regimes of the Red River, expressed as relative depths of flooding above the bankful stage at selected gauging stations. The results of the study indicated that the area of flooding on 4 May (1,984 km

2

) corresponded well with the highest flood levels at several gauging stations. A previous scene on 27 April showed a larger area under water, but visual inspection of the processed imagery indicated a lack of conformity between flood level regimes and the areal extent of flooding on this date due to surface detention of pre‐flood storm runoff. Thus, the RADARSAT imagery represented the flood regimes adequately only when its interpretations were combined with hydrologic analysis and visual inspection of surface characteristics of the floodplain.
APPRENTICES AND YOUNG WORKERS: A STUDY OF THE NORWEGIAN YOUTH LABOUR MARKET
Authors: Askilden Jan Erik , Nilsen Øivind Anti
Published: February 2005

Apprenticeship programmes are in many countries important stepping stones into the labour market. However, recruitment of apprentices seems to follow the business cycle. This pattern may be caused by firms' contemporaneous demand for labour, but may also be consistent with an investment hypothesis. A model, in which the tightness in the labour market is taken into account, is tested on a sample of Norwegian quarterly firm‐specific data. The empirical findings give moderate support to an investment hypothesis. The apprentices substitute to some degree for skilled labour but are recruited primarily based on the labour market situation. The wage level plays a minor role for recruitment of apprentices.
WHAT CAN CHANGES IN STRUCTURAL FACTORS TELL US ABOUT UNEMPLOYMENT IN EUROPE?
Authors: Morgan Julian , Mourougane Annabelle
Published: February 2005

This paper examines the impact of temporal variation in labour market institutions and other structural factors on unemployment in Europe. A system comprising a labour demand and a wage equation is estimated on pooled time‐series data for the six largest EU countries for the 1980s and 1990s. The results suggest that changes in regional mismatch, trade union density and the ratio between consumer and producer prices are positively associated with structural unemployment. This result is robust to a wide variety of different specifications. No consistent role is found for other institutional factors (such as social security benefits, employment security and minimum wage).
Examining the Structure of the Schedule of Sexist Events: Replication and Extension
Authors: Matteson Alicia V. , Moradi Bonnie
Published: February 2005

The current study reexamined the factor structure of the Lifetime and Recent scales of the Schedule of Sexist Events (SSE; Klonoff & Landrine, 1995 ) and conducted the first factor analysis of the SSE-Appraisal scale ( Landrine & Klonoff, 1997 ). Factor analyses conducted with data from 245 women yielded, for SSE-Lifetime and SSE-Appraisal scales, two reliable factors that can be scored as “Intimate and Personal Experiences of Sexist Events” and “Unfair Treatment Across Public Contexts” subscales. Data from the SSE-Recent scale yielded three factors that can be scored as “Sexist Degradation and Its Consequences,” “Unfair and Sexist Events at Work/School,” and “Unfair Treatment in Distant and Close Relationships” subscales. Recommendations are made for the future use of these proposed subscales in conjunction with total scale scores in research using the SSE to examine links between reported experiences of sexist events and women's health and well-being.
Immunostimulating activities of the novel peptidomimetic L-glutamyl-histamine
Authors: Babizhayev M A , Semiletov Y A , Lul’kin Y A , Sakina N L , Savel’yeva E L , Alimbarova L M , Barinskii I P
Published: February 2005

An original representative of histamine-containing peptidomimetics L-glutamyl-histamine (L-Glu-Hist) was synthesized and characterized as a cytokine mimic leading to cellular responses of improved specificity. The energy-minimized 3-D conformations of L-Glu-Hist derived from its chemical structure resulted in stabilization for Fe2+ chelating complexes. L-Glu-Hist accelerated the decrease of ferrous iron in the ferrous sulphate solution in a concentration-dependent mode and showed the ferroxidase-like activity at concentrations less than 3 mm in the phenanthroline assay, whereas in the concentration range 3–20 mm L-Glu-Hist restricted the availability of Fe2+ to phenanthroline due to binding of ferrous ions in chelating complexes. L-Glu-Hist showed a stimulatory effect on phosphatidylcholine liposomal peroxidation (LPO) catalysed by the superoxide anion radical (O2•)-generating system (Fe2++ ascorbate) at low (less or about 1 mm) L-Glu-Hist concentrations and both  revealed  the  inhibitory  effect  on  LPO  in  this  system  of  high  (∼ 10 mm)  L-Glu-Hist concentration. L-Glu-Hist released O2• in concentrations which stimulated [3H]-thymidine incorporation into DNA and proliferation of mouse spleen lymphocytes and mononuclear cells from human blood. The structural peptide-like analogues of L-Glu-Hist such as L-Glu-Trp, carcinine (β-alanylhistamine), but not L-Pro-Glu-Trp were active in stimulating thymidine incorporation and in inducing proliferation of mononuclear cells compared to mitogen concanavalin A at doses 2·5–25·0 µg/ml. Our data provide evidence that L-Glu-Hist may act as a very fast and sensitive trigger for lymphocyte proliferation and immunoregulation.
Low dose chronicSchistosoma mansoniinfection increases susceptibility toMycobacterium bovisBCG infection in mice
Authors: Elias D , Akuffo H , Thors C , Pawlowski A , Britton S
Published: February 2005

The incidence of mycobacterial diseases is high and the efficacy of Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) is low in most areas of the world where chronic worm infections are common. However, if and how concurrent worm infections could affect immunity to mycobacterial infections has not been elucidated. In this study we investigated whether infection of mice with Schistosoma mansoni could affect the ability of the animals to control Mycobacterium bovis BCG infection and the immune response to mycobacterial antigens. BALB/c mice subclinically infected with S. mansoni were challenged with M. bovis BCG via the intravenous route. The ability of the animals to contain the replication of M. bovis BCG in their organs, lung pathology as well as the in vitro mycobacterial and worm antigen induced immune responses were evaluated. The results showed that S. mansoni coinfected mice had significantly higher levels of BCG bacilli in their organs and sustained greater lung pathology compared to Schistosoma uninfected controls. Moreover, Schistosoma infected mice show depressed mycobacterial antigen specific Th1 type responses. This is an indication that chronic worm infection could affect resistance/susceptibility to mycobacterial infections by impairing mycobacteria antigen specific Th1 type responses. This finding is potentially important in the control of TB in helminth endemic parts of the world.
Altered expression of type I insulin-like growth factor receptor in Crohn's disease
Authors: El Yafi F , Winkler R , Delvenne P , Boussif N , Belaiche J , Louis E
Published: February 2005

The fibrotic and antiapoptotic effects of insulin-like growth factors (IGF) are mediated by type I IGF receptor (IGF-1R). IGFs could play a role in intestinal stricturing and in the maintenance of inflammation in Crohn's disease (CD). We aimed to describe IGF-1R expression in CD intestinal lesions, to compare it to other intestinal inflammatory diseases and to correlate it with fibrosis and apoptosis. IGF-1R expression and apoptosis (active caspase-3) were studied by immunohistochemistry. Surgical intestinal specimens [17 CD, nine controls, six diverticulitis and four ulcerative colitis (UC)] were used. IGF-1R was expressed transmurally mainly by inflammatory cells (IC) and smooth muscle cells, both in diseased intestine and controls. IGF-1R positive IC were increased in the mucosa and the submucosa of CD (P < 0·007), and in involved areas compared to uninvolved areas (P = 0·03). In UC, the number of IGF-1R positive IC was only increased in the mucosa, and was not different from controls in the submucosa. In diverticulitis, the number of IGF-1R positive IC did not differ from controls. In CD submucosa, IGF-1R expression in IC was inversely correlated with apoptosis in uninvolved areas (P = 0·01). Expression of IGF-1R in submucosal fibroblast-like cells, subserosal adipocytes and hypertrophic nervous plexi was specific for CD. We have shown a transmural altered expression of IGF-1R in CD. This may suggest a role for IGF-1R in the maintenance of chronic inflammation and stricture formation in CD.
Leghaemoglobin gene transcription is triggered in a single cell layer in the indeterminate nitrogen‐fixing root nodule of alfalfa
Authors: de Billy Françoise , Barker David George , Gallusci Philippe , Truchet Georges
Published: February 2005

The pattern of leghaemoglobin (Lb) gene expression within the indeterminate nitrogen‐fixing root nodule of Medicago species such as alfalfa has been examined by means of ‘in‐situ’ hybridization. Hybridization of alfalfa nodule sections with radiolabelled Lb RNA probes clearly shows that Lb gene expression is triggered in a single cell layer just prior to the start of the nitrogen fixation zone. This cell layer is part of a unique region (interzone II‐III) in which invaded cells are rich in amyloplasts. Lb transcripts can only be detected in cells which have been invaded by the microsymbiont Rhizobium. The conclusion that Lb gene activation precedes the start of nitrogen fixation is further supported by the observation that Lb transcripts are already present in immature non‐nitrogen‐fixing nodules of alfalfa. The addition of 5 mM KNO3 to the growth medium of nodulated M. truncatula (a diploid autogamous species of Medicago) results in a significant drop in both nitrogen‐fixing activity and nodular Lb mRNA levels. Short periods of exposure to nitrate (24 h) lead to the disappearance of Lb transcripts from the proximal region of the hybridizing zone, whilst longer exposures (72 h) lead to a marked decrease in the intensity of the hybridization signal within the amyloplast‐rich interzonal region.
An improved procedure for the isolation of plasmodesmata embedded in clean maize cell walls
Authors: Kotlizky Guy , Shurtz Shomrat , Yahalom Avital , Malik Zvi , Traub Otto , Epel Bernard L.
Published: February 2005

A cell wall preparation of high purity was obtained using a procedure which involved repeated grindings of etiolated maize mesocotyl tissue and filtration through 200 mesh nylon cloth, followed by cell disruption via a nitrogen disruption bomb, and recovery of the cell walls via filtration. The cell wall fraction was free of particulate contaminants as determined both by phase‐contrast and electron microscopy. The only membrane components found associated with the wall fraction as determined by electron microscopy were pladmodesmata embedded in the cell wall. The specific concentration of PAP26, a plasmodesmatal‐associated polypeptide, was greatly increased in the cleanest cell wall fraction. A second plasmodesmatal‐associated protein, PAP27, which was previously shown to be associated with the neck region of the plasmodesmata, was diminished as a result of passage through the nitrogen disruption bomb suggesting a partial fragmentation of the plasmodesmata. In addition to PAP26, the specific concentrations of at least three other cell wall‐associated polypeptides with molecular weights of 80, 21 and 18 kDa, as revealed by SDS‐PAGE, were also increased greatly in the cleanest cell wall fraction.
Indole‐3‐acetic acid homeostasis in transgenic tobacco plants expressing the Agrobacterium rhizogenes rolB gene
Authors: Nilsson Ove , Crozier Alan , Schmülling Thomas , Sandberg Göran , Olsson Olof
Published: February 2005

The rolB gene of the plant pathogen Agrobacterium rhizogenes has an important role in the establishment of hairy root disease in infected plant tissues. When expressed as a single gene in transgenic plants the RolB protein gives rise to effects indicative of increased auxin activity. It has been reported that the RolB product is a β‐glucosidase and proposed that the physiological and developmental alterations in transgenic plants expressing the rolB gene are the result of this enzyme hydrolysing bound auxins, in particular (indole‐3‐acetyl)‐β‐D‐glucoside (IAGluc), and thereby bringing about an increase in the intracellular concentration of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA). Using tobacco plants as a test system, this proposal has been investigated in detail. Comparisons have been made between the RolB phenotype and that of IaaM/iaaH transformed plants overproducing IAA. In addition, the levels of IAA and IAA amide and IAA ester conjugates were determined in wild‐type and transgenic 35S‐rolB tobacco plants and metabolic studies were carried out with [13C6]IAA [2′‐14C]IAA, [14C]IAGluc, [5‐3H]‐2‐o‐(indole‐3‐acetyl)‐myo‐inositol and [14C]indole‐3‐acetylaspartic acid. The data obtained demonstrate that expression of the rolB encoded protein in transgenic tobacco does not produce a phenotype that resembles that of IAA over producing plants, does not alter the size of the free IAA pool, has no significant effect on the rate of IAA metabolism, and, by implication, appears not to influence the overall rate of IAA biosynthesis. Furthermore, the in vivo hydrolysis of IAGluc, and that of the other IAA conjugates that were tested, is not affected. On the basis of these findings, it is concluded that the RolB phenotype is not the consequence of an increase in the size of the free IAA pool mediated by an enhanced rate of hydrolysis of IAA conjugates.
Action of a pure xyloglucan endo‐transglycosylase (formerly called xyloglucan‐specific endo‐(1‐4)‐β‐d‐glucanase) from the cotyledons of germinated nasturtium seeds
Authors: Fanutti Cristina , Gidley Michael J. , Reid J.S. Grant
Published: February 2005

The action on tamarind seed xyloglucan of the pure, xyloglucan‐specific endo‐(1→4)‐β‐D‐glucanase from nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) cotyledons has been compared with that of a pure endo‐(1→4)‐β‐D‐glucanase (‘cellulase’) of fungal origin. The fungal enzyme hydrolysed the polysaccharide almost completely to a mixture of the four xyloglucan oligosaccharides:image
Exhaustive digestion with the nasturtium enzyme gave the same four oligosaccharides plus large amounts of higher oligosaccharides and higher‐polymeric material. Five of the product oligosaccharides (D,E,F,G,H) were purified and shown to be dimers of oligosaccharides A to C. D (glc8xyl6) had the structure A→A, H (glc8xyl6gal4) was C→C, whereas E (glc8xyl6gal), F (glc8xyl6gal2) and G (glc8xyl6gal3) were mixtures of structural isomers with the appropriate composition. For example, F contained B2→B2 (30%), A→C (30%), C→A (20%), B2B1 (15%) and others (about 5%). At moderate concentration (about 3 mM) oligosaccharides D to H were not further hydrolysed by the nasturtium enzyme, but underwent transglycosylation to give oligosaccharides from the group A, B, C, plus higher oligomeric structures. At lower substrate concentrations, hydrolysis was observed. Similarly, tamarind seed xyloglucan was hydrolysed to a greater extent at lower concentrations. It is concluded that the xyloglucan‐specific nasturtium‐seed endo‐(1→4)‐β‐D‐glucanase has a powerful xyloglucan‐xyloglucan endo‐transglycosylase activity in addition to its known xyloglucan‐specific hydrolytic action. It would be more appropriately classified as a xyloglucan endo‐transglycosylase. The action and specificity of the nasturtium enzyme are discussed in the context of xyloglucan metabolism in the cell walls of seeds and in other plant tissues.
Light‐regulated expression of the Arabidopsis thaliana ferredoxin A gene involves both transcriptional and post‐transcriptional processes
Authors: Vorst Oscar , van Dam Frans , Weisbeek Peter , Smeekens Sjef
Published: February 2005

Ferredoxin is part of the photosynthetic apparatus of the chloroplast and is encoded in the nucleus. In Arabidopsis thaliana expression of the ferredoxin A gene is influenced by both the presence of chloroplasts and light. Tobacco plants transformed with a ferredoxin promoter–GUS fusion gene showed a tissue‐specific and light‐dependent expression pattern. The effect of light on the expression of the fusion gene in transgenic seedlings was only two‐ to fourfold, which is less pronounced than the 20‐fold effect in Arabidopsis itself. Run‐on transcription assays with nuclei isolated from Arabidopsis revealed a twofold modulation of transcriptional activity of the ferredoxin A gene under the influence of light. These results suggest the involvement of post‐transcriptional processes in light‐regulated gene expression.

A ferredoxin promoter deletion series ranging from ‐1205 to ‐143 was studied. All but the smallest deletion construct (at position ‐143 relative to the translation start site) showed comparable expression levels in mature leaves, suggesting the presence of a positive regulating element between ‐269 and ‐143. The same pattern of tissue specificity was found in all promoter deletions studied. Expression of the fusion genes is high in all chloroplast‐containing cells: mesophyll, chlorenchyma, paravascular tissue, epidermal and stomatal guard cells and trichomes. Transgenic seedlings treated with norflurazon, which blocks the development of green chloroplasts, showed a two‐ to fourfold reduction in GUS expression for all constructs. In Arabidopsis seedlings the effect of norflurazon on the expression of the ferredoxin A was eightfold. This again can be explained by the need for post‐transcriptional processes of the regulated gene expression of Arabidopsis ferredoxin A.
Developmentally regulated expression of the wound‐ and pathogen‐responsive tomato anionic peroxidase in green fruits
Authors: Sherf Bruce A. , Kolattukudy P.E.
Published: February 2005

A highly anionic peroxidase (TAP) isolated from tomato was thought to be induced only upon wounding or fungal attack as this protein and its mRNA could not be detected in the vegetative tissues of healthy tomato but accumulated to very high levels in tissues responding to wounding or fungal attack. We now demonstrate a pattern of developmentally regulated expression of the tap gene in the exocarp of green, but not red, tomato fruits. Detaching green fruits from the vine, however, leads to the complete loss of the tap transcript within 72 h. Administration of various growth regulators through the pedicel of detached green fruits revealed that cytokinin was able to sustain a level of tap transcripts in 72 h detached fruits comparable with that found in fruits attached to the vine. Wound‐induced expression of tap was confined to the healing periderm of green fruits but was not detectable in the wound‐tissue of post‐climacteric ripening fruits. These results suggest that the developmental and wound regulated expression of tap may occur by separate or overlapping signal transduction pathways. Treatment of tomato plants and green fruits with 2‐chloro‐ethylphosphonic acid (ethephon) demonstrated that ethylene does not effect the developmental suppression of tap in post‐climacteric fruits, nor does it alter the normal levels of tap transcripts in either healthy or wound‐healing tomato tissues.
Localization of vicilin genes via polymerase chain reaction on microisolated field bean chromosomes
Authors: Macas Jiri , Weschke Winfriede , Bäumlein Helmut , Pich Uta , Houben Andreas , Wobus Ulrich , Schubert Ingo
Published: February 2005

A new technique is reported for the physical mapping of low copy DNA sequences on plant chromosomes. Individual chromosomes were microisolated and their DNA used as the target for the polymerase chain reaction in order to identify the chromosome carrying a specific gene sequence. The use of defined translocation chromosomes further refined the resolution of the method to a subchromosomal level. To demonstrate the applicability of the procedure genes have been localized coding for vicilin seed storage proteins on the field bean Vicia faba L. in a region which includes the centromere and the proximal parts of the short and the long arms of chromosome II.
Probiotics in the treatment of atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome in infants: a double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Viljanen M. , Savilahti E. , Haahtela T. , Juntunen‐Backman K. , Korpela R. , Poussa T. , Tuure T. , Kuitunen M.
Published: February 2005

Background:  Probiotic bacteria are suggested to reduce symptoms of the atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS) in food‐allergic infants. We aimed to investigate whether probiotic bacteria have any beneficial effect on AEDS.

Methods:  Follow‐up of severity of AEDS by the Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index in 230 infants with suspected cow's milk allergy (CMA) receiving, in a randomized double‐blinded manner, concomitant with elimination diet and skin treatment, Lactobacillus GG (LGG), a mixture of four probiotic strains, or placebo for 4 weeks. Four weeks after the treatment, CMA was diagnosed with a double‐blind placebo‐controlled (DBPC) milk challenge in 120 infants.

Results:  In the whole group, mean SCORAD (at baseline 32.5) decreased by 65%, but with no differences between treatment groups immediately or 4 weeks after the treatment. No treatment differences were observed in infants with CMA either. In IgE‐sensitized infants, however, the LGG group showed a greater reduction in SCORAD than did the placebo group, −26.1 vs−19.8 (P = 0.036), from baseline to 4 weeks after the treatment. Exclusion of infants who had received antibiotics during the study reinforced the findings in the IgE‐sensitized subgroup.

Conclusion:  Treatment with LGG may alleviate AEDS symptoms in IgE‐sensitized infants but not in non‐IgE‐sensitized infants.
IgE antibodies to ω‐5 gliadin in children with wheat‐induced anaphylaxis
Authors: Daengsuwan T. , Palosuo K. , Phankingthongkum S. , Visitsunthorn N. , Jirapongsananuruk O. , Alenius H. , Vichyanond P. , Reunala T.
Published: February 2005

Background:  Wheat can cause severe immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated systemic reactions including anaphylaxis but knowledge on relevant wheat allergens at the molecular level is scanty.

Methods:  Seven children (aged from 6 months to 13 years) experiencing from 2 to 10 anaphylactic reactions in a year after eating food‐containing wheat were examined. Purified ω‐5 gliadin was used as an allergen in IgE enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and in skin prick testing (SPT). Wheat CAP radioallergosorbent test (RAST) and SPT were also examined.

Results:  All seven anaphylactic children, but none of 15 control subjects had IgE antibodies to ω‐5 gliadin in ELISA. Five of the six tested anaphylactic children showed positive SPT to ω‐5 and crude gliadin, and all seven had positive wheat CAP RAST and SPT. One child was challenged with wheat, which caused anaphylaxis. After adherence to a wheat‐free diet four children remained symptomless and three experienced one to two anaphylactic reactions.

Conclusion:  The present results show that wheat ω‐5 gliadin is a major sensitizing allergen in children with wheat‐induced anaphylaxis. They also suggest that ω‐5 gliadin IgE ELISA could be used as a diagnostic test for this severe allergy.
Improvement of chronic idiopathic urticaria with l‐thyroxine: a new TSH role in immune response?
Authors: Aversano M. , Caiazzo P. , Iorio G. , Ponticiello L. , Laganá B. , Leccese F.
Published: February 2005

Background:  The association between chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) and autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) is known, as well as major prevalence of antithyroid antibodies in the allergical subjects and other autoimmune diseases. We have evaluated the effects of l‐thyroxine on clinical symptoms of CIU in AT patients suggesting the hypothesis of a new thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) role in immune system.

Methods:  In 20 female patients with CIU + AT, both hypothyroid and euthyroid, we have investigated the therapeutic effects of l‐thyroxine dosed to suppress the TSH. Free‐T3, Free‐T4, TSH, antithyroperoxidase and antithyroglobulin antibodies, total immunoglobulin (Ig)E, Rheuma test and eritro‐sedimentation rate were monitored during treatment.

Results:  In 16 patients a strong decrease of urticaria symptoms has happened after 12 weeks. The TPO Ab and HTG Ab clearly decreased in 14 patients. Furthermore, in two patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in two patients with pollen allergy a strong decrease of rheuma test titer and total IgE has happened.

Conclusion:  The reason of AT is associated to CIU and others allergical and autoimmune diseases is poorly known. The exclusive hormonal therapy reduces the symptoms of CIU and inflammatory response in many chronic diseases associated to AT. We suggest a stimulatory effect of TSH able to produce considerable changes of the immune response and immune tolerance in patients with AT causing target organs damage.

The causal mechanism involves immune, nervous and endocrine system, sharing a common set of hormones, cytokines and receptors, in a unique totally integrated loop (the neuro–immuno–endocrine axis).
The reduction of rhinitis symptoms by nasal filters during natural exposure to ragweed and grass pollen
Authors: O'Meara T. J. , Sercombe J. K. , Morgan G. , Reddel H. K. , Xuan W. , Tovey E. R.
Published: February 2005

Background:  Prototype nasal filters were developed to collect inhaled pollen. This study evaluated the efficacy of the filters for prevention of rhinitis symptoms during acute outdoor pollen exposure.

Methods:  A randomized double‐blind design was used. Subjects (n = 46) with a history of autumn exacerbation of rhinitis and positive skin test to ragweed, Bermuda and/or Bahia grass wore either active or placebo nasal filters for 2 h in autumn in a park containing these species. Major and Total Symptoms scores were recorded at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min.

Results:  Subjects wearing active nasal filters had significantly reduced scores, at all time‐points compared with placebo group (all P < 0.05). Of 14 individual symptoms measured, seven were significantly reduced (number of sneezes, runny nose, itchy nose, sniffles, itchy throat; itchy eyes and watery eyes) and another three showed a trend towards lower severity. The nasal filters also enabled the resolution of existing symptoms. Maximal difference in symptoms was seen immediately after subjects had spent 20 min sitting beside a large patch of ragweed.

Conclusion:  This is the first clinical trial of a nasal filter. The results suggest it has potential for enhancing rhinitis management during acute allergen exposure.
A population‐based cohort study of KIR genes and genotypes in relation to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Arnheim L. , Dillner J. , Sanjeevi C.B.
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  Natural killer (NK) cells are involved both in control of virus infections and in elimination of tumor cells. Killer immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) either activate or inhibit NK cell‐mediated cytolysis, protecting healthy cells from destruction while enabling killing of abnormal cells. To investigate whether KIR genes or genotypes are associated with cervical carcinogenesis, a nested case–control study of 65 case women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) diagnosed during a 6‐year follow‐up of 15,234 women and 150 control women from the same cohort that remained healthy was performed. More than 70 different genotypes were observed, and 33 of which had not been described previously. An A‐genotype including KIR2DL1, KIR2DL2, KIR2DL3, KIR2DL4, KIR3DL1, KIR3DL2, KIR3DL3, and KIR2DS4 was associated with increased risk of CIN (OR 6.7; 95% CI 1.7–26.3), and KIR2DL5B*002 appeared to have an inverse association with disease (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.5–2.9). There was no association of CIN with the number of activating KIR genes. There was also no association between KIR genes and type of human papilloma virus or with other CIN‐related immune response genes. It was concluded that certain KIR genes and genotypes may associate with cervical neoplasia.