bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marketing of Local Authority Sports Centre Services A Pilot Study
Authors: Cowell Donald , Henry Ian
Published: September 2004

Undertakes a pilot study, the results of which are reported here, into the degree to which marketing techniques are being applied in the local authority sports/leisure centre situations in the UK. Details the use of a questionnaire which focused attention on both marketing tools and major aspects of marketing philosophy. Finds evidence of marketing thinking having penetrated various organisational areas. Concludes that the study may have been of a pilot nature but there is evidence so far at least of marketing thinking being applied under one or more of the topic areas included in the questionnaire.
Sales force compensation, goal congruence and economic efficiency
Authors: Greer W.R. , Hawkins D.I.
Published: September 2004

Demonstrates that, under certain conditions a unit‐based commission plan is disfunctional suggesting that it can result in low morale on the part of the salesforce. Develops a contribution‐based commission plan which, it is suggested, overcomes the problem of management and salesforce goal congruence, and which, it is proposed, is more cost‐efficient.
The marketing concept: quo vadis?
Authors: O'Leary Ray , Iredale Ian
Published: September 2004

Suggests that marketing should not remain stagnant, basing its interest in business/customer relationships alone. Speculates about the future of the marketing concept and demonstrates the applicability of a broadened marketing concept to all functional areas of business, other types of organization and a wide diversity of objects of change. Proposes that, for marketing to remain relevant, the concept of marketing provided will allow organizations to achieve their targets if it is followed.
The estimation of marketing efficiency
Authors: Weston H.
Published: September 2004

Examines the applicability of an optional rule for determining ideal product volumes and mixes under various technical and market conditions. Explains an alternative, similar method of estimation for use where data are inadequate. Considers difficulties and areas where the method is of dubious value.
Introducing successful new industrial products
Authors: Cooper Robert G.
Published: September 2004

Product developers continue to be plagued by the high incidence of new product failure. This monograph presents the results of a two‐phase empirical study designed to shed some light on approaches which might improve the process.Phase I focuses on a large sample of such failures and reveals that industrial product firms suffer from an inward orientation. The main reasons for failure were found to be a lack of understanding of customers, competition and the market environment. A review of the many activities involved on the new product process showed that market oriented activities consistently fared the worst when compared to technical, production and financial evaluation. Finally, a lack of marketing research personnel and skills was thought to have contributed more to industrial product failure than any other resource deficiency.Phase II of the research presents three case histories of exceptionally successful and well‐executed industrial new product ventures. They reveal that the development of new products is a sequential and goal‐oriented process, each stage involving information acquisition activity followed by evaluation and decision. Incremental commitment is identified as an effective route to risk reduction. The case histories demonstrate that market orientation in industrial product development is not only feasible but highly desirable.
Snow Crop Revisited
Authors: Lawrence Raymond J.
Published: September 2004

Critique of an earlier article by Kuehn in 1962 suggesting that a particular factorial analysis of customer brand buying could predict with accuracy repurchase trends. Uses tables and mathematical formulae for emphasis of discussions. Sums up that the factorial analysis by Kuehn is satisfactory only as a result of artificial assumptions whereby variance is ignored within groups – but when this factor is taken into account the model fails to adequately fit the data of Snow Crop – frozen orange juice.
Increasing the Utility of Routine Market Research Reports: A Diagnostic Procedure
Authors: Montagnon C.E.
Published: September 2004

Considers various approaches to the study of comparative marketing, suggesting a methodology that provides an adequate framework on which to base comparative domestic marketing studies. States, in part one, that there is a simple routine enabling marketing management to quickly select the segment where the changes are significant; and the second part shows that, by applying structures to date, much more can be gleaned from it than by conventional methods. Uses Nielsen data to illustrate its applications. Summarises that, introducing the formal, quantitative method of examining, the market has provided the basis for both building and implementing a mathematical model of the market, making estimation of the effects easier.
Rail Freight Marketing: Some UK Perspectives
Authors: Christopher Martin
Published: September 2004

Examines prospects for a reappraisal of railway's world‐wide efforts in the light of UK experience. States the marketing concept evolution has been well documented and it is no longer novel for a business to orient its whole activity around customers' needs. Contrasts views with the once prevalent philosophy, still to be found in some companies, of the product being technically viable and of quality then it sells itself – many successful companies and industries have declined because of this. Concludes that, although these are difficult times for railways in the world, it is likely that survival and success will belong to those railways which have recognised what market orientation is all about – and have mastered its implementation in the fullness of time.
Marketing's Social dilemma
Authors: Wills Gardon
Published: September 2004

Looks at the face of marketing in the light of today's society. Suggests that marketing professionals muse examine closely the social contract governing production and distribution of economic goods and services, in order not to alienate the new mere articulate customer.
The impact of out‐of‐town shipping: a test of the Lakschmanan‐Harsen model
Authors: Gilligan C.T. , Rainford P.M. , Thorne A.R.
Published: September 2004

Presents the results of an interview survey carried out in an out‐of‐town store, compares these with the impact of the store as predicted by the Lakschmanan‐Harsen real potential model. Suggests that the model is an effective way of assessing the impact of out‐of‐town stores.
Industrial buyer behaviour: Some aspects of the search process
Authors: Luffman George A
Published: September 2004

Investigates those aspects of the communication process which relate to the conditions determining the receptiveness of the individual buyer to marketing communicative and the manner in which he/she searches the market. Examine the factors which stimulate search behaviour and identifies the extent of market search by buyers. Studies the relationship between the reasons for and the extent of search as well as other characteristics such as those of the buyers and their companies.
Television advertising: a consumer viewpoint
Authors: Jobber D.
Published: September 2004

Presents and analyses the results of an explorating study into consumer reactions to television advertising. Assesses consumer attitudes by the use of three criteria: consumer feelings towards exagerated and annoying advertising; the consumer's subjective assessment of creative advertising; and their assessment of their ideal type of advertisement. Suggests that consumer reactions are disturbing, revealing uncomplementary results which could reduce advertising effectiveness.
Some issues in international consumer research
Authors: Wind Yoram , Douglas Susan
Published: September 2004

Examines the need to carryout international consumer research, the importance of first hand, experience of consumer behaviour in foreign markets, and the design of consumer research studies. Suggests that the nature of international consumer behaviour and the requirements for international marketing decisions requires two components understanding of behavioural science in relation to consumer behaviour; and knowledge of modern marketing research techniques, their assumptions, limitations and advantages. Proposes that correct usage of these components will advance the quality and utility of consumer research.
Market research in the guided market place
Authors: Gross Andrew , Szabó László
Published: September 2004

Discusses various aspects of market research in Eastern Europe, with special emphasis on the Hungarian experience under the New Economic Mechanism. Attempts to show how the manner in which various sources of information can and should be utilized. Highlights differences and similarities between methodology of marketing employed in the East and the West. Presents a cross‐section of case studies to illustrate market research carried out. Suggests that marketing research is an important function in Eastern Europe.
Methods for handling competition in dynamic market models
Authors: Schultz Randall L.
Published: September 2004

Reviews various methods for handling competition in dynamic market models. Proposes a research strategy which considers the method in relation to quantitative considerations of market validity and behavioural factors of implementation. Gives a case study where this research strategy is applied.
Evaluating the effectiveness of below‐the‐line promotion: a critique
Authors: Jobber David
Published: September 2004

Looks at the effectiveness of below‐the‐line promotion by examining date from two different periods: up to 1969, when little was written on this subject; and 1969‐ March 1972 when literature had increased dramatically in this area. Suggests that further work needs to be carried out in this area in order to determine the long‐term effects of such promotions on purchasing behaviour.
Evaluation of retail store attributes and Sales performance
Authors: Davies R.L.
Published: September 2004

Describes a case study undertaken for a Chain company marketing durable goods rather than food products. Outlines the application of three techniques for assessing store attribute and sales performance. Attempts to report the potential and limitations of a statistical methodology in the business situation.
Demand, marketing and time
Authors: Lowe Julian
Published: September 2004

Discusses extensions to traditional theories of economic demand, emphasizing in particular the derived nature of demand for many consumers, as well as capital goods, and the influence of time on consumption. Ains to provide valuable predictions about consumer behaviour in order to and understanding and decision making in certain spheres of marketing.
Compatibility analysis for the screening of new products
Authors: Roberto Eduardo , Pinson Christian
Published: September 2004

Specifies that the case for formal analysis of new product proposals is founded on the assumption that, to a large extent, the current high rate of failure is attributable to lack of scientific new product planning. Subscribes to this assumption and develops its analysis in the context of the planning framework suggested earlier. Concludes that the method of lexicography is not without adequate and sound theoretical support.
Psychological characteristics of innovators
Authors: Pizam Abraham
Published: September 2004

Reviews empirical studies examining psychological characteristics of innovation. States that the literature was delved into to analyse characteristics which are relevant. Evaluates and discusses the various literature sources and suggests various advantages and disadvantages therein. Concludes that, though difficult, the need for the future is: more studies using the same psychological inventory across many products; more studies on the same product using many psychological inventories.
Economic implications of hypermarkets in Britain
Authors: Pickering J.F.
Published: September 2004

Argues that hypermarkets in the UK may not yield net benefits, as the price savings claimed are unlikely, and the impact of hypermarkets on other parts of the retail system is also considered in the light of continental experience. Discusses the economic justification for hypermarkets, as well as broader questions of the effects of hypermarkets generally on the retail system. Summarises that the development of hypermarkets, in economic terms, may well prove not to be the next wheel of retailing, but simply a form of the self‐service revolution which Britain experienced some 15 years ago, but which France largely missed out on at the time.
Some factors influencing the media decision
Authors: Grønhaug Kjell
Published: September 2004

Reports on an empirical study of media decisions: the findings show, not unexpectedly, that advertising agencies with a separate media department use more information and carry out more detailed selection processes. Decides to consider some of the factors that may influence the choice of media and believes the type of insight this approach could give might be of benefit to the parties involved. Considers advertising to be an effective weapon in competition – it is they who bear the advertising costs. Sums up that it is reasonable to assume that better media choice can be achieved by taking account of the conditions to which attention is drawn.
A database for a marketing information system
Authors: Kyle Peter
Published: September 2004

Looks at the problems and methods of providing companies with detailed information about their own sales and marketing costs. Shows how a database can be constructed using the concept of marketing cost analysis. Describes profitability analysis for customers, products and any market segment required. Discusses potential problems with accuracy and the marginal cost approach, going on to show how the database should be expanded to form a complete marketing information system.
Measuring attitudes to lamb
Authors: Baron P.J. , Cowie W.J.G. , Hughes D.R. , Lesser D.
Published: September 2004

Aims by means of a survey carried out in North East England, to measure the relevant attitudes to lamb and establish criteria for changing both these attitudes and actual buying behaviour. Examines the promotional strategies which could be used by marketing managers to check declining sales. Suggests that the most successful strategies for advertising and promoting lamb in the North East of England would be based on low price and income elasticities.
Simulation models of consumer behaviour
Authors: Rosenhead Jonathan
Published: September 2004

Examines advantages and disadvantages of aggregated analytic models and disaggregated simulation models. States the object is to explore the advantages and disadvantages of the two types of model, with greater emphasis on simulation models that are of more recent development, concentrates on models of the consumer decision process. Discusses that, for many marketing situations, aggregated (macro) models are not enough, and that means of developing and using disaggregated (micro) models must be sought. Concludes that simulation is a means of gradually building up the experience needed for a comprehensive marketing strategy based on a total marketing model.
A pagination model for the national newspapers
Authors: Dare Andrew
Published: September 2004

Examines competitiveness of national newspapers and how their competitiveness with regard to pagination provides a comprehensive study. Considers whether or not the newspaper industry is a declining industry, and gives many examples with circulation figures to argue against this. Sates that there is more need to understand more fully the factors interrelating with the pagination of newspapers, both in the long and short‐terms. Breaks down the production process of a newspaper with direct costs and specifications. Discusses policies, constraints, long term revenue and cost factors, plus others affecting pagination.
The marketing of freightliners
Authors: Nix Robert
Published: September 2004

Analyses the freightliner container system with the inception of British Rail's development of its land‐based system. Examines, from the point of view of new product marketing, the development of freightliner marketing strategies. Purports that it is clear that the railway can in no sense be regarded as a monopoly concern in freight transport, as British Rail's main competitor is the road haulier – although coastal shipping, and firms operating their own road vehicles, are major competitors for certain types of traffic. Discusses the various types of licence used, for the different weights of transport involved. Contends that the freightliner system is a very effective mode of transport over long distances, and it will assume an increasingly important role in the changing distributive requirements of industry.
Commercial implications of the Central Register of Businesses
Authors: Berman Lawrence S.
Published: September 2004

Discusses the Central Register of Businesses which is basically an agreed list of names and addresses of business, held on computer, classified by industrial activity, location, size and so on. States that the Central Register is intended to be more than merely a list of names and addresses of businesses classified in one way or another – as it develops it will become a much more sophisticated tool than this. Summarises that it is hoped that there will be general agreement on the usefulness of the register.
Multi‐dimensional analysis as a technique for a real and ecological comparison
Authors: Christopher Martin
Published: September 2004

Discusses criteria for finding a microcosmic town, or group of town, which can provide a reasonable resemblance to the national market. Determines that available information for the setting‐up of test markets in the UK is somewhat unreliable. Describes and analyses exercises in town groupings designed to give more meaningful data. Concludes that the intention here has been to sketch some of the applications of a major breakthrough in numerical taxonomy to certain aspects of market ecology.
Determinants of consumer complaints
Authors: Lilleker C.Y. , Mapes R.E.A. , Riley C.S.
Published: September 2004

Discusses frequency of complaints and the fact that very few unsatisfactory items are not complained about. States also that frequency of purchase does not stereotype complainers as middle‐class, middle‐aged women. Documents, as part of a two‐year research project sponsored by the Consumer Council into the nature of consumer complaints, the research project questionnaire sent to a nationally representative sample of housewives. Responses indicate that most unsatisfactory items are not ignored by the buyer, frivolous complaints are rare, and those involved are not specific for certain areas. Concludes that valuable insights could be obtained of the differential use of the available channels for expressing dissatisfaction.
Institutional influence in air passenger routeing decisions
Authors: Midgley David , Wills Gordon
Published: September 2004

Describes the results of a survey conducted by the University of Bradford Management Centre on behalf of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Deals with the route decisions of air‐transit passengers, attempting to determine the relative importance of a wide range of factors. Reports on an investigation of route decisions by a sample of passengers of Leeds‐Bradford Airport in the UK. Discusses comparative perceptions regarding other airports, primarily Schiphol (Amsterdam) and Heathrow (London). Concludes that most air‐transit passengers are interested in reaching their destination as quickly as possible after that time at which they personally wish to leave.
Decision theory in consumer research
Authors: Rowan J.
Published: September 2004

Describes the thinking that went into a piece of experimental research in social psychology that is still in the planning stage. Discusses the potential market for a newspaper: how many read the paper?; how many read it now?; and of those who could but aren't reading it – why? Posits that existing kinds of research did not seem to have helped very much to solve the problem stated. States the use of statistical decision theory is the way to fix this problem. Proposes that if values and probabilities are put together something powerful and effective should arise. Concludes that the model herein takes care of values and probabilities but not of instigations or constraints.
The first export order: a marketing innovation
Authors: Simmonds Kenneth , Smith Helen
Published: September 2004

Surveys nine relatively new exporters with a view to defining their motivation and characteristics in relation to their first export orders. Suggests that the characteristics of these innovators/initiators of exporting are similar to those of innovators in other situations. Reveals that those who are likely to start exporting are those who have little loyalty to the UK marketing area. Underlines the importance of change agents in initiating the innovation.
The dynamics of innovation
Authors: Hayhurst Roy
Published: September 2004

Presents the results of research into a risk reduction technique for the introduction of new products called test marketing. Suggests that innovation should not end with the manufacturer, but be continued by the distributor and also the consumer, which test marketing allows. Attributes high failure rate of new market entrants to a lack of knowledge of innovatory dynamics.
Price behaviour in a retail grocery sub‐market
Authors: Metacalf David , Greenhalgh Christine
Published: September 2004

Investigates pricing behaviour in the retail grocery industry, analysing pricing at the micro level of a London submarket. Looks at the extent and effect of recommended resale prices on grocery items. Compares the average expenditure between stores on a given set of items. Examines differences in pricing between counter‐service and self‐service outlets and also the pattern of special offers. Suggests that there must be a move towards prevention of an oligopoly situation in order to market efficiently.
Motivation and Dissatisfaction of Industrial Salespeople — How Relevant is Herzberg's Theory?
Authors: Shipley David , Kiely Julia
Published: September 2004

The need for effective industrial sales‐force motivation is emphasised and the theoretical relating to Herzberg's theory is discussed. Previous empirical studies are reviewed and the results of a 1985 investigation of British industrial salespeople's views on motivation and dissatisfaction are analysed. Implications concerning the Dual Factor Theory and industrial salesforce management are examined.
Targeting of Fund‐raising Appeals — How to Identify Donors
Authors: Schlegelmilch Bodo. B.
Published: September 2004

How the application of multivariate analysis can aid charities in improving their fund raising appeals is demonstrated. Using a major UK charity as an example and analysing the socio‐demographic, awareness and psychographic profiles of nearly 500 respondents, the scope for market segmentation and a priori identification of potential donors is explored.
Pharmaceutical Advertisement in the 17th and 18th Centuries
Authors: Burnby Juanita
Published: September 2004

Health of humans made pharmaceutical products essential in efforts either to cure or alleviate pain, or to remove disfiguring blemishes. It is doubtful if the public was sceptical — it was certainly eager to buy! The claims made for preparations and the ways of reaching the consumers necessitated various forms of advertising which reveal some of the attitudes and ideas current in British society in the 17th and 18th centuries. Much surviving evidence has come from the press and other publications, although other media were used too.
The Marketing Research Scene in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Tuncalp Secil
Published: September 2004

The marketing research scene in Saudi Arabia is investigated, where a number of environmental factors make marketing research a formidable undertaking. Cultural factors, such as language, religion and social etiquettes, hamper questionnaire surveys. As sampling frames and accurate maps are not available, probabilistic samples are difficult to construct. The private nature of the local people hinders data collection. In addition, the number of public and private sector organisations with research capabilities are few. Some secondary sources of information in the public sector exist. In light of recent interest in information, the future prospects for a wider diffusion of marketing research in Saudi Arabia look bright.
Chinese Cultural Values: Their Dimensions and Marketing Implications
Authors: Yau Oliver H. M.
Published: September 2004

Chinese cultural values are classified according to Kluckhohn and Strodbeck's taxonomy, and potential marketing implications for each cultural value dimension presented. The implications include those relating to brand loyalty, gift‐giving behaviour, consumer satisfaction, consumer complaint behaviour and promotion activities. It is also concluded that Chinese cultural values could be an effective basis for market segmentation.
A New Medium for Advertising: The Postcard, 1900–1920
Authors: Williams David M.
Published: September 2004

Between 1900 and 1920, postcards were produced and sent for almost every kind of promotion. Postcards were delivered rapidly — often on the same day within London and in many other urban centres. The ephemeral nature of postcards means that many varieties have disappeared, but enough examples remain from the millions produced and sent to show how postcards were used for business promotions. There is also evidence of the fashions and tastes of advertisers of a vast range of products and services.
The Performance Impact of an International Orientation on Product Innovation
Authors: Kleinschmidt Elko J. , Cooper Robert G.
Published: September 2004

This research probed the impact of an international versus domestic new product strategy on new product success. The study used 123 successes and 80 new product failures in 125 industrial firms in Canada. Two international dimensions were hypothesised to be related to new product performance: (1) the degree to which the product was developed for international versus domestic use; and (2) target market selection — domestic versus nearest neighbour versus world market. Successful products were found to be more international in terms of product design and marketing activities and products developed for international markets were more successful on a number of performance measures. Firms that elected an export strategy for their new products (in particular, a strategy aimed at world markets and not only at nearest neighbours) and developed products for international markets did better in foreign as well as domestic markets.
Average protein density is a molecular‐weight‐dependent function
Authors: Fischer Hannes , Polikarpov Igor , Craievich Aldo F.
Published: September 2004

The mass density of proteins is a relevant basic biophysical quantity. It is also a useful input parameter, for example, for three‐dimensional structure determination by protein crystallography and studies of protein oligomers in solution by analytic ultracentrifugation. We have performed a critical analysis of published, theoretical, and experimental investigations about this issue and concluded that the average density of proteins is not a constant as often assumed. For proteins with a molecular weight below 20 kDa, the average density exhibits a positive deviation that increases for decreasing molecular weight. A simple molecular‐weight‐depending function is proposed that provides a more accurate estimate of the average protein density.
Improved pKa calculations through flexibility based sampling of a water‐dominated interaction scheme
Authors: Warwicker Jim
Published: September 2004

Ionizable groups play critical roles in biological processes. Computation of pKas is complicated by model approximations and multiple conformations. Calculated and experimental pKas are compared for relatively inflexible active‐site side chains, to develop an empirical model for hydration entropy changes upon charge burial. The modification is found to be generally small, but large for cysteine, consistent with small molecule ionization data and with partial charge distributions in ionized and neutral forms. The hydration model predicts significant entropic contributions for ionizable residue burial, demonstrated for components in the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. Conformational relaxation in a pH‐titration is estimated with a mean‐field assessment of maximal side chain solvent accessibility. All ionizable residues interact within a low protein dielectric finite difference (FD) scheme, and more flexible groups also access water‐mediated Debye‐Hückel (DH) interactions. The DH method tends to match overall pH‐dependent stability, while FD can be more accurate for active‐site groups. Tolerance for side chain rotamer packing is varied, defining access to DH interactions, and the best fit with experimental pKas obtained. The new (FD/DH) method provides a fast computational framework for making the distinction between buried and solvent‐accessible groups that has been qualitatively apparent from previous work, and pKa calculations are significantly improved for a mixed set of ionizable residues. Its effectiveness is also demonstrated with computation of the pH‐dependence of electrostatic energy, recovering favorable contributions to folded state stability and, in relation to structural genomics, with substantial improvement (reduction of false positives) in active‐site identification by electrostatic strain.
Selectivity and specificity of substrate binding in methionyl‐tRNA synthetase
Authors: Datta Deepshikha , Vaidehi Nagarajan , Zhang Deqiang , Goddard William A.
Published: September 2004

The accuracy of in vivo incorporation of amino acids during protein biosynthesis is controlled to a significant extent by aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases (aaRS). This paper describes the application of the HierDock computational method to study the molecular basis of amino acid binding to the Escherichia coli methionyl tRNA synthetase (MetRS). Starting with the protein structure from the MetRS cocrystal, the HierDock calculations predict the binding site of methionine in MetRS to a root mean square deviation in coordinates (CRMS) of 0.55 Å for all the atoms, compared with the crystal structure. The MetRS conformation in the cocrystal structure shows good discrimination between cognate and the 19 noncognate amino acids. In addition, the calculated binding energies of a set of five methionine analogs show a good correlation (R2 = 0.86) to the relative free energies of binding derived from the measured in vitro kinetic parameters, Km and kcat. Starting with the crystal structure of MetRS without the methionine (apo‐MetRS), the putative binding site of methionine was predicted. We demonstrate that even the apo‐MetRS structure shows a preference for binding methionine compared with the 19 other natural amino acids. On comparing the calculated binding energies of the 20 natural amino acids for apo‐MetRS with those for the cocrystal structure, we observe that the discrimination against the noncognate substrate increases dramatically in the second step of the physical binding process associated with the conformation change in the protein.
High‐throughput automated refolding screening of inclusion bodies
Authors: Vincentelli Renaud , Canaan Stéphane , Campanacci Valérie , Valencia Christel , Maurin Damien , Frassinetti Frédéric , Scappucini‐Calvo Loréna , Bourne Yves , Cambillau Christian , Bignon Christophe
Published: September 2004

One of the main stumbling blocks encountered when attempting to express foreign proteins in Escherichia coli is the occurrence of amorphous aggregates of misfolded proteins, called inclusion bodies (IB). Developing efficient protein native structure recovery procedures based on IB refolding is therefore an important challenge. Unfortunately, there is no “universal” refolding buffer: Experience shows that refolding buffer composition varies from one protein to another. In addition, the methods developed so far for finding a suitable refolding buffer suffer from a number of weaknesses. These include the small number of refolding formulations, which often leads to negative results, solubility assays incompatible with high‐throughput, and experiment formatting not suitable for automation. To overcome these problems, it was proposed in the present study to address some of these limitations. This resulted in the first completely automated IB refolding screening procedure to be developed using a 96‐well format. The 96 refolding buffers were obtained using a fractional factorial approach. The screening procedure is potentially applicable to any nonmembrane protein, and was validated with 24 proteins in the framework of two Structural Genomics projects. The tests used for this purpose included the use of quality control methods such as circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering, and crystallogenesis. Out of the 24 proteins, 17 remained soluble in at least one of the 96 refolding buffers, 15 passed large‐scale purification tests, and five gave crystals.
Building social science research capacity in Bolivia: an institutional innovation
Authors: Velho Léa
Published: September 2004

This paper analyses an innovative form of North–South cooperation – specifically between the Ministry of Development Cooperation of the Netherlands and Bolivia – to strengthen research capacity in the social sciences for development. The most notable innovation is that the donor approached the recipient country with an open agenda, allowing the Bolivian partners total autonomy to plan, implement, and manage their own programme, thus ensuring local ownership of the process in the South. The resulting programme – the Strategic Research Programme of Bolivia (PIEB) – was devised so as to promote research around an agenda built with wide participation of stakeholders. Research grants are allocated on a competitive basis, widely publicised, with clear guidelines and selection criteria. Research proposals are carried out by teams and have a strong component of training and involvement of research users. The achievements of the programme show the importance of the South retaining autonomy and ownership, provided the local leadership creates mechanisms for building trust and social accountability. They also demonstrate the importance of nurturing research excellence by creating quality control mechanisms. All elements taken together, PIEB may be seen as an example of institutional innovation in the Bolivian context. Notwithstanding the success and achievements presented above, building research capacity in the social sciences for development is an intensive, long‐term, and continuous process. In the long run, foreign assistance can only supplement investments made by countries on their own.
Poverty and human rights: The issue of systemic economic discrimination and some concrete proposals for reform*
Authors: Arnsperger Christian
Published: September 2004

This paper explores the conditions that might make it possible for poverty to someday be viewed as a violation of human rights. The existing human‐rights framework, as exemplified by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, embodies a contradiction between “progressive” and “conservative” principles, among which, principally, is the right to property. Quasi‐capitalist pseudo‐democracy is not, formally speaking, incompatible with the human‐rights framework, but in practice it can be, due to its historical genesis and its existential underpinnings. In the real world, it is perhaps necessarily so. The article proposes distinct human‐rights‐oriented approaches to poverty compatible with two generic arguments: that there is a necessary incompatibility between quasi‐capitalist pseudo‐democracy human rights and that, on the other hand, such a compatibility is at least possible. For each of these options, some concrete propositions for institutional reform at the world level are scrutinised.
The Adverstising Market in a Product Oligopoly
Authors: Dukes Anthony
Published: September 2004

A model is developed in which producers in a differentiated product market compete in prices and informative advertising. The model also includes commercial media, which are linked to producers through the advertising market and to consumers through the media market. We investigate how certain market parameters, such as media market differentiation or product market differentiation, affect the competitive level advertising chosen in the market. The model shows that less product differentiation or more media differentiation leads to a higher market level of advertising. In the case of sufficiently high media differentiation, levels of advertising are in excess of the social optimum.
Sensor types in signal transduction pathways in plant cells responding to abiotic stressors: do they depend on stress intensity?
Authors: Kacperska Alina
Published: September 2004

Despite the fast growing knowledge about the components of the signalling pathways involved in the activation of drought‐, cold‐, osmotic stress‐ and salt‐responsive genes, relatively little is known about the sensor types responsible for the induction of the pathways. It is thought that different signals have their own cognate receptors which independently, or in cooperation, initiate a downstream signalling cascade (Xiong and Zhu 2002). On the other hand, the stress level‐dependent activation of different receptors has been proposed in plants responding to osmotic stress (Munnik and Meijer 2001). The question arises as to whether the activation of different signalling systems will depend on the nature of the sensors or on the stress‐induced primary event, which may differ in cells subjected to moderate or severe stress. In this article, a discussion is given of the available literature data concerning this controversial question. It is proposed that, in plants responding to mild stress, a disturbance of water balance is the primary stress‐induced event affecting the cell wall–plasma membrane interactions, resulting in the activation of receptor‐like kinases, including wall‐associated kinases, cytoskeleton‐related mechanosensors, stretch‐dependent ion (calcium) channels and redox‐mediated systems. The mild stress‐sensing systems, assisted by an increased supply of abscisic acid, seem to be involved in the activation of the pathways that enable the adjustment of plant growth and metabolism to the stressful conditions, i.e. allowing acclimation. Severe or suddenly acting stressors are sensed by membrane destabilization (membrane depolarization, alterations in ion transport systems), which results in the triggering of phospholipid signalling. This may lead to the increased production of reactive oxygen species, the accumulation of H2O2, lipid peroxidation and increased synthesis of hormones such as jasmonates and ethylene. These are characteristic features of the alarm situation, which may result in irreversible injury and cell death, or in cell recovery, depending on stress impact.
Endogenous isoprene protects Phragmites australis leaves against singlet oxygen
Authors: Velikova Violeta , Edreva Aglika , Loreto Francesco
Published: September 2004

The possible protective role of endogenous isoprene against oxidative stress caused by singlet oxygen (1O2) was studied in the isoprene‐emitting plant Phragmites australis. Leaves emitting isoprene and leaves in which isoprene synthesis was inhibited by fosmidomycin were exposed to increasing concentrations of 1O2 generated by Rose Bengal (RB) sensitizer at different light intensities. In isoprene‐emitting leaves, photosynthesis and H2O2 and malonyldialdehyde (MDA) contents were not affected by low to moderate 1O2 concentrations generated at light intensities of 800 and 1240 µmol m−2 s−1, but symptoms of damage and reactive oxygen accumulation started to be observed when high levels of 1O2 were generated by very high light intensity (1810 µmol m−2 s−1). A dramatic decrease in photosynthetic performance and an increase in H2O2 and MDA levels were measured in isoprene‐inhibited RB‐fed leaves, but photosynthesis was not significantly inhibited in leaves in which the isoprene leaf pool was reconstituted by fumigating exogenous isoprene. The inhibition of photosynthesis in isoprene‐inhibited leaves was linearly associated with the light intensity and with the consequently formed 1O2. Hence, physiological levels of endogenous isoprene may supply protection against 1O2. The protection mechanisms may involve a direct reaction of isoprene with 1O2. Moreover, as it is a small lipophilic molecule, it may assist hydrophobic interactions in membranes, resulting in their stabilization. The isoprene‐conjugated double bond structure may also quench 1O2 by facilitating energy transfer and heat dissipation. This action is typical of other isoprenoids, but we speculate that isoprene may provide a more dynamic protection mechanism as it is synthesized promptly when high light intensity produces 1O2.
Trypsin and α‐amylase inhibitors are differentially induced in leaves of amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) in response to biotic and abiotic stress
Authors: Sánchez‐Hernández Carla , Martínez‐Gallardo Norma , Guerrero‐Rangel Armando , Valdés‐Rodríguez Silvia , Délano‐Frier John
Published: September 2004

Seeds of Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. are known to accumulate a trypsin‐inhibitor (ATI) member of the potato‐I inhibitor family and an α‐amylase inhibitor (AAI), possessing a knottin‐like fold. They are believed to have a defensive role due to their inhibition of trypsin‐like enzymes and α‐amylases of insect pests. In this work, both inhibitory activities were found in leaves of young A. hypochondriacus plants. High constitutive levels of foliar inhibitory activity against bovine trypsin and insect α‐amylases were detected in in vitro assays. Trypsin inhibitory activity was further increased by exposure to diverse treatments, particularly water stress. Salt stress, insect herbivory and treatment with exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) or abscisic acid (ABA) also induced trypsin inhibitor activity accumulation, although to a lesser degree. In gel and immunoblot analyses showed that foliar trypsin inhibitor activity was constituted by at least three different inhibitors of approximately 29, 8 (including ATI) and 3 kDa, respectively. These inhibitors showed differing patterns of accumulation in response to diverse treatments. On the other hand, significant increases in α‐amylase inhibitor activity and AAI levels were detected in leaves of insect‐damaged, MeJA‐ and ABA‐treated A. hypochodriacus plantlets, but not in those subjected to water‐ or salt‐stress. A differential induction of trypsin inhibitor activity and α‐amylase inhibitor accumulation in response to insect herbivory by two related species of lepidopterous larvae was observed, whereas mechanical wounding failed to induce either inhibitor. The overall results suggest that trypsin and α‐amylase inhibitors could protect A. hypochondriacus against multiple types of stress.
In vivo elimination of CD25+ regulatory T cells leads to tumor rejection of B16F10 melanoma, when combined with interleukin‐12 gene transfer
Authors: Nagai Hiroshi , Horikawa Tatsuya , Hara Isao , Fukunaga Atsushi , Oniki Shuntaro , Oka Masahiro , Nishigori Chikako , Ichihashi Masamitsu
Published: September 2004

Abstract:  CD4+CD25+ T cells are an important population that plays a crucial role in the maintenance of peripheral self‐tolerance. Recently, it was shown that the elimination of these cells by in vivo administration of anti‐CD25 monoclonal antibody (mAb) caused the regression of highly immunogenic tumors in syngeneic mice. In this study, we examined whether B16F10 melanoma cells regressed with the elimination of CD25+ regulatory T cells. We found the melanoma cells were not affected at all by in vivo anti‐CD25 mAb administration alone but tumor rejection resulted in all mice when the administration was combined with IL‐12 gene transfer to tumor cells. In vivo, depletion of natural killer (NK) cells or CD8+ T cells cancelled the tumor rejection. NK‐cell depletion allowed IL‐12‐transfected B16F10 melanoma (B16/IL‐12) to grow from an early stage and resulted in a more rapid tumor growth of B16/IL‐12 than that in mice without administration of anti‐CD25 mAb. On the other hand, CD8+ T‐cell depletion did not affect the tumor growth in the early phase but allowed B16/IL‐12 to grow in rather a late phase and resulted in almost the same degree of tumor growth as in mice without administration of anti‐CD25 mAb. In a previous study, we showed that the elimination of CD4+ T cells enhanced the antitumor effect of B16/IL‐12 and induced vitiligo‐like coat color alteration. Therefore, we also examined the frequency of the change to a vitiligo‐like coat color in mice showing tumor rejection caused by CD25+ T‐cell elimination to compare with the mechanism enhancing the antitumor effects by cell elimination. The elimination of CD25+ T cells did not induce vitiligo‐like coat color changes, though that of CD4+ T cells induced the change in 60% of mice. Furthermore, we confirmed that elimination of CD25+ T cells did not affect the T‐helper (Th) 1/Th2 cytokine profile, while that of CD4+T cells abrogated the Th2 cytokines (IL‐4 and IL‐10) and resulted in a Th1‐dominant cytokine profile in the tumor‐draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) of B16/IL‐12‐bearing mice. These results indicate that in vivo depletion of CD25+ regulatory T cells is a potent useful adjuvant in immunotherapy of B16F10 melanoma, when combined with IL‐12 gene transfer and that the enhancement of the antitumor effect by CD25+ T‐cell depletion is mediated through CD8+ T cells and may differ from the enhancing mechanism caused by CD4+ T‐cell depletion.
Evaluating Evidence of Psychological Adaptation: How Do We Know One When We See One?
Authors: Schmitt David P. , Pilcher June J.
Published: September 2004

Evolutionary psychologists argue that human nature contains many discrete psychological adaptations. Each adaptation is theorized to have been functional in humans' ancestral past, and empirical evidence that an attribute is an adaptation can come from showing it possesses complexity, efficiency, universality, and other features of special design. In this article, we present a tutorial review of the evidentiary forms that evolutionary psychologists commonly use to document the existence of human adaptations. We also present a heuristic framework for integrating and evaluating cross-disciplinary evidence of adaptation. Pregnancy sickness, incest avoidance, men's desires for multiple sex partners, and an easily learned fear of snakes are evaluated as possible human adaptations using this framework. We conclude that future research and teaching in evolutionary psychology would benefit from more fully utilizing cross-disciplinary frameworks to evaluate evidence of human adaptation.
Attentional Modulation of Visual Processing in Adult Dyslexia: A Spatial-Cuing Deficit
Authors: Roach Neil W. , Hogben John H.
Published: September 2004

A number of researchers have suggested that deficient visual attention may play a causal role in dyslexia. However, traditional methods for investigating this assertion have been limited by the conflation of sensory and attentional factors and the inability to isolate large attentional effects. In this study, we sought to overcome these problems by combining spatial cuing with a visual search task measuring psychophysical thresholds. In normal readers, uncued search performance was characterized by a strong dependence on the number of elements in the stimulus array. Cuing the location of the target removed much of this effect, suggesting attentional facilitation of performance. Although dyslexic participants' performance in uncued search was nearly identical to that of normal readers, all dyslexic participants failed to gain the same effect of cuing that normal readers did. However, dyslexic participants did not differ from normal readers on tests of magnocellular function, suggesting that this spatial-cuing deficit is not merely a secondary consequence of magnocellular dysfunction.