bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Protein Synthesis and Tolerance of Anoxia in Root Tips of Maize Seedlings Acclimated to a Low-Oxygen Environment, and Identification of Proteins by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Chang William W.P. , Huang Lan , Shen Min , Webster Cecelia , Burlingame Alma L. , Roberts Justin K.M.
Published: July 2002

Tolerance of anoxia in maize root tips is greatly improved when seedlings are pretreated with 2 to 4 h of hypoxia. We describe the patterns of protein synthesis during hypoxic acclimation and anoxia. We quantified the incorporation of [35S]methionine into total protein and 262 individual proteins under different oxygen tensions. Proteins synthesized most rapidly under normoxic conditions continued to account for most of the proteins synthesized during hypoxic acclimation, while the production of a very few proteins was selectively enhanced. When acclimated root tips were placed under anoxia, protein synthesis was depressed and no “new” proteins were detected. We present evidence that protein synthesis during acclimation, but not during subsequent anoxia, is crucial for acclimation. The complex and quantitative changes in protein synthesis during acclimation necessitate identification of large numbers of individual proteins. We show that mass spectrometry can be effectively used to identify plant proteins arrayed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Of the 48 protein spots analyzed, 46 were identified by matching to the protein database. We describe the expression of proteins involved in a wide range of cellular functions, including previously reported anaerobic proteins, and discuss their possible roles in adaptation of plants to low-oxygen stress.
Purification, Enzymatic Characterization, and Nucleotide Sequence of a High-Isoelectric-Point α-Glucosidase from Barley Malt
Authors: Frandsen Torben Peter , Lok Finn , Mirgorodskaya Ekaterina , Roepstorff Peter , Svensson Birte
Published: July 2002

High-isoelectric-point (pI) α-glucosidase was purified 7,300-fold from an extract of barley (Hordeum vulgare) malt by ammonium sulfate fractionation, ion-exchange, and butyl-Sepharose chromatography. The enzyme had high activity toward maltose (k  cat = 25 s−1), with an optimum at pH 4.5, and catalyzed the hydrolysis by a retaining mechanism, as shown by nuclear magnetic resonance. Acarbose was a strong inhibitor (K  i = 1.5 μm). Molecular recognition revealed that all OH-groups in the non-reducing ring and OH-3 in the reducing ring of maltose formed important hydrogen bonds to the enzyme in the transition state complex. Mass spectrometry of tryptic fragments assigned the 92-kD protein to a barley cDNA (GenBank accession no. U22450) that appears to encode an α-glucosidase. A corresponding sequence (HvAgl97; GenBank accession no. AF118226) was isolated from a genomic phage library using a cDNA fragment from a barley cDNA library. HvAgl97 encodes a putative 96.6-kD protein of 879 amino acids with 93.8% identity to the protein deduced from U22450. The sequence contains two active site motifs of glycoside hydrolase family 31. Three introns of 86 to 4,286 bp interrupt the coding region. The four exons vary from 218 to 1,529 bp. Gene expression analysis showed that transcription reached a maximum 48 h after the start of germination.
A Family of at Least Seven β-Galactosidase Genes Is Expressed during Tomato Fruit Development
Authors: Smith David L. , Gross Kenneth C.
Published: July 2002

During our search for a cDNA encoding β-galactosidase II, a β-galactosidase/exogalactanase (EC 3.2.1.23) present during tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) fruit ripening, a family of seven tomato β-galactosidase (TBG) cDNAs was identified. The shared amino acid sequence identity among the seven TBG clones ranged from 33% to 79%. All contained the putative active site-containing consensus sequence pattern G-G-P-[LIVM]-x-Q-x-E-N-E-[FY] belonging to glycosyl hydrolase family 35. Six of the seven single-copy genes were mapped using restriction fragment length polymorphisms of recombinant inbred lines. RNA gel-blot analysis was used to evaluate TBG mRNA levels throughout fruit development, in different fruit tissues, and in various plant tissues. RNA gel-blot analysis was also used to reveal TBG mRNA levels in fruit of the rin, nor, and Nr tomato mutants. The TBG4-encoded protein, known to correspond to β-galactosidase II, was expressed in yeast and exo-galactanase activity was confirmed via a quantified release of galactosyl residues from cell wall fractions containing β(1→4)-d-galactan purified from tomato fruit.
Biosynthetic Pathways of Brassinolide in Arabidopsis
Authors: Noguchi Takahiro , Fujioka Shozo , Choe Sunghwa , Takatsuto Suguru , Tax Frans E. , Yoshida Shigeo , Feldmann Kenneth A.
Published: July 2002

Our previous studies on the endogenous brassinosteroids (BRs) in Arabidopsis have provided suggestive evidence for the operation of the early C6-oxidation and the late C6-oxidation pathways, leading to brassinolide (BL) in Arabidopsis. However, to date the in vivo operation of these pathways has not been fully confirmed in this species. This paper describes metabolic studies using deuterium-labeled BRs in wild-type and BR-insensitive mutant (bri1) seedlings to establish the intermediates of the biosynthetic pathway of BL in Arabidopsis. The first evidence for the conversion of campestanol to 6-deoxocathasterone and the conversion of 6-deoxocathasterone to 6-deoxoteasterone is provided. The later biosynthetic steps (6-deoxoteasterone → 3-dehydro-6-deoxoteasterone → 6-deoxotyphasterol → 6-deoxocastasterone → 6α-hydroxycastasterone → castasterone → BL) were demonstrated by stepwise metabolic experiments. Therefore, these studies complete the documentation of the late C6-oxidation pathway. The biosynthetic sequence involved in the early C6-oxidation pathway (teasterone → 3-dehydroteasterone → typhasterol → castasterone → BL) was also demonstrated. These results show that both the early and late C6-oxidation pathways are functional in Arabidopsis. In addition we report two new observations: the presence of a new branch in the pathway, C6 oxidation of 6-deoxotyphasterol to typhasterol, and increased metabolic flow in BR-insensitive mutants.
Plant Signaling 2000. Cross Talk Among Geneticists, Physiologists, and Ecologists
Authors: Cosgrove Daniel J. , Gilroy Simon , Kao Teh-hui , Ma Hong , Schultz Jack C.
Published: July 2002

Plants respond in complex ways to their environment, to their internal physiological status, and to the activity of other plants, pathogens, herbivores, and organisms. Plant Signaling 2000, a symposium sponsored by the Penn State Intercollege Graduate Program in Plant Physiology (May 18–20, 2000), explored the machinery underlying these responses and their potential for cross talk. We recount here some of the major themes emerging from this interdisciplinary symposium, which ranged from genetic and biochemical analyses of signaling pathways in Arabidopsis and other model plants to field studies of plants responding to insect damage.
A Genomics Approach to the Comprehensive Analysis of the Glutathione S-Transferase Gene Family in Soybean and Maize
Authors: McGonigle Brian , Keeler Sharon J. , Lau Sze-Mei Cindy , Koeppe Mary K. , O'Keefe Daniel P.
Published: July 2002

By BLAST searching a large expressed sequence tag database for glutathione S-transferase (GST) sequences we have identified 25 soybean (Glycine max) and 42 maize (Zea mays) clones and obtained accurate full-length GST sequences. These clones probably represent the majority of members of the GST multigene family in these species. Plant GSTs are divided according to sequence similarity into three categories: types I, II, and III. Among these GSTs only the active site serine, as well as another serine and arginine in or near the “G-site” are conserved throughout. Type III GSTs have four conserved sequence patches mapping to distinct structural features. Expression analysis reveals the distribution of GSTs in different tissues and treatments: Maize GSTI is overall the most highly expressed in maize, whereas the previously unknown GmGST 8 is most abundant in soybean. Using DNA microarray analysis we observed increased expression among the type III GSTs after inducer treatment of maize shoots, with different genes responding to different treatments. Protein activity for a subset of GSTs varied widely with seven substrates, and any GST exhibiting greater than marginal activity with chloro-2,4 dinitrobenzene activity also exhibited significant activity with all other substrates, suggesting broad individual enzyme substrate specificity.
Cloning and Characterization of a Receptor-Like Protein Kinase Gene Associated with Senescence
Authors: Hajouj Taleb , Michelis Regina , Gepstein Shimon
Published: July 2002

Senescence-associated genes are up-regulated during plant senescence and many have been implicated in encoding enzymes involved in the metabolism of senescing tissues. Using the differential display technique, we identified a SAG in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) leaf that was exclusively expressed during senescence and was designated senescence-associated receptor-like kinase (SARK). The deduced SARK polypeptide consists of a signal peptide, a leucine-rich repeat in the extracellular region, a single membrane-spanning domain, and the characteristic serine/threonine protein kinase domain. The mRNA level for SARK increased prior to the loss of chlorophyll and the decrease of chlorophylla/b-binding protein mRNA. Detached mature bean leaves, which senesce at an accelerated rate compared with leaves on intact plants, showed a similar temporal pattern of SARK message accumulation. Light and cytokinin, which delayed the initiation of leaf senescence, also delayed SARK gene expression; in contrast, darkness and ethylene, which accelerated senescence, advanced the initial appearance of the SARK transcript. SARK protein accumulation exhibited a temporal pattern similar to that of its mRNA. A possible role for SARK in the regulation of leaf senescence was considered.
Glutathione and Homoglutathione Synthetases of Legume Nodules. Cloning, Expression, and Subcellular Localization
Authors: Moran Jose F. , Iturbe-Ormaetxe Iñaki , Matamoros Manuel A. , Rubio Maria C. , Clemente Maria R. , Brewin Nicholas J. , Becana Manuel
Published: July 2002

The thiol tripeptides glutathione (GSH) and homoglutathione (hGSH) are very abundant in legume root nodules and their synthesis is catalyzed by the enzymes γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γECS), GSH synthetase (GSHS), and hGSH synthetase (hGSHS). As an essential step to elucidate the role of thiols in N2 fixation we have isolated cDNAs encoding the three enzymes and have quantified the transcripts in nodules. Assay of enzyme activities in highly purified nodule organelles revealed that γECS is localized in the plastids, hGSHS in the cytosol, and GSHS in the cytosol and mitochondria. These results are consistent with sequence analyses. Subcellular fractionation of nodules also showed that bacteroids contain high thiol concentrations and high specific γECS and GSHS activities. Results emphasize the role of nodule plastids in antioxidant protection and in control of thiol synthesis, and suggest that plastids may be important in the stress response of nodules. Overall, our results provide further evidence that thiol synthesis is critical for nodule functioning.
Active Retrotransposons Are a Common Feature of Grass Genomes
Authors: Vicient Carlos M. , Jääskeläinen Marko J. , Kalendar Ruslan , Schulman Alan H.
Published: July 2002

A large fraction of the genomes of grasses, members of the family Graminae, is composed of retrotransposons. These elements resemble animal retroviruses in their structure and possess a life cycle similar to theirs that includes transcription, translation, and integration of daughter copies. We have investigated if retrotransposons are generally transcribed in the grasses and other plants, and whether the various families of elements are translationally and integrationally active in multiple grass species. A systematic search of 7.8 × 105 publicly available expressed sequence tags from plants revealed widespread retrotransposon transcripts at a frequency of one in 1,000. Monocot retrotransposons found relatively more expressed sequence tags from non-source species than did those of dicots. Antibodies were raised to the capsid protein, GAG, ofBARE-1, a transcribed and translatedcopia-like retrotransposon of barley (Hordeum vulgare). These detected immunoreactive proteins of sizes identical to those of the BARE-1 GAG and polyprotein, respectively, in other species of the tribe Triticeae as well as in oats (Avena sativa) and rice (Oryza sativa). Retrotransposon-based markers showed integrational polymorphisms for BARE-1 in different subfamilies of the Graminae. The results suggest that grasses share families of transcriptionally, translationally, and integrationally active retrotransposons, enabling a comparative and integrative approach to understanding the life cycle of retrotransposons and their impact on the genome.
The High Level of Aluminum Resistance in Signalgrass Is Not Associated with Known Mechanisms of External Aluminum Detoxification in Root Apices
Authors: Wenzl Peter , Patiño Gloria M. , Chaves Alba L. , Mayer Jorge E. , Rao Idupulapati M.
Published: July 2002

Al resistance of signalgrass (Brachiaria decumbens Stapf cv Basilisk), a widely sown tropical forage grass, is outstanding compared with the closely related ruzigrass (Brachiaria ruziziensis Germain and Evrard cv Common) and Al-resistant genotypes of graminaceous crops such as wheat, triticale, and maize. Secretion of organic acids and phosphate by root apices and alkalinization of the apical rhizosphere are commonly believed to be important mechanisms of Al resistance. However, root apices of signalgrass secreted only moderately larger quantities of organic acids than did those of ruzigrass, and efflux from signalgrass apices was three to 30 times smaller than from apices of Al-resistant genotypes of buckwheat, maize, and wheat (all much more sensitive to Al than signalgrass). In the presence, but not absence, of Al, root apices of signalgrass alkalinized the rhizosphere more than did those of ruzigrass. The latter was associated with a shortening of the alkalinizing zone in Al-intoxicated apices of ruzigrass, indicating that differences in alkalinizing power were a consequence, not a cause of, differential Al resistance. These data indicate that the main mechanism of Al resistance in signalgrass does not involve external detoxification of Al. Therefore, highly effective resistance mechanisms based on different physiological strategies appear to operate in this species.
Evidence for Non-Circadian Light/Dark-Regulated Expression of Hsp70s in Spinach Leaves
Authors: Li Qin-Bao , Guy Charles L.
Published: July 2002

Expression of six Hsp70s in spinach (Spinacia oleracea cv Longstanding Bloomsdale) leaves grown under isothermal conditions is regulated by a light/dark (L/D) mechanism distinctly different from the light-regulated mechanism for the chlorophyll a/b-binding protein (cab) or small subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (rbcS). Subjecting entrained plants to two or three L/D cycles within a 24-h period resulted in an equal number of oscillations in expression for five out of six 70-kD heat shock proteins (Hsp70s). Three cycles appear to be the maximum, as shorter L/D treatments do not consistently increase the number of cycles in a 24-h period. The expression response of Hsp70s to L/D is overridden by heat shock. Protein disulfide isomerase, a second molecular chaperone of the endoplasmic reticulum, has an expression pattern in entrained plants that is similar to hsc70-2, the endoplasmic reticulum luminal Hsp70 binding protein. The parallel expression patterns for the various Hsp70s and protein disulfide isomerase indicate a likely general coordinate L/D regulation for molecular chaperones in plants. Multiple inductions in response to successive L/D treatments within a 24-h period in entrained plants for five of six Hsp70s support the conclusion that expression is not a consequence of circadian control, but instead is independently cued by non-circadian-mediated L/D signals where peak Hsp70 expression precedes the daily thermoperiod maximum.
Pollen Tubes of Nicotiana alata Express Two Genes from Different β-Glucan Synthase Families
Authors: Doblin Monika S. , De Melis Linda , Newbigin Ed , Bacic Antony , Read Steve M.
Published: July 2002

The walls deposited by growing pollen tubes contain two types of β-glucan, the (1,3)-β-glucan callose and the (1,4)-β-glucan cellulose, as well as various α-linked pectic polysaccharides. Pollen tubes of Nicotiana alata Link et Otto, an ornamental tobacco, were therefore used to identify genes potentially encoding catalytic subunits of the callose synthase and cellulose synthase enzymes. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) with pollen-tube RNA and primers designed to conserved regions of bacterial and plant cellulose synthase (CesA) genes amplified a fragment that corresponded to an abundantly expressed cellulose-synthase-like gene named NaCslD1. A fragment from a true CesA gene (NaCesA1) was also amplified, but corresponding cDNAs could not be identified in a pollen-tube library, consistent with the very low level of expression of the NaCesA1 gene. RT-PCR with pollen-tube RNA and primers designed to regions conserved between the fungalFKS genes [that encode (1,3)-β-glucan synthases] and their presumed plant homologs (the Gsl or glucan-synthase-like genes) amplified a fragment that corresponded to an abundantly expressed gene named NaGsl1. A secondGsl gene detected by RT-PCR (NaGsl2) was expressed at low levels in immature floral organs. The structure of full-length cDNAs of NaCslD1, NaCesA1, and NaGsl1 are presented. Both NaCslD1and NaGsl1 are predominantly expressed in the male gametophyte (developing and mature pollen and growing pollen tubes), and we propose that they encode the catalytic subunits of two β-glucan synthases involved in pollen-tube wall synthesis. Different β-glucans deposited in one cell type may therefore be synthesized by enzymes from different gene families.
A new generation of inverse shape design problem in aerodynamics and aerothermoelasticity: concepts, theory and methods
Authors: Liu Gao‐Lian
Published: July 2002

So far the literature on inverse shape design in aerodynamics is still confined to the single‐point (nominal design point) design and to steady flow. This situation cannot cope with the modern development of internal and external aerodynamics and aerothermoelasticity, especially turbomachinery and aircraft flows. Accordingly, in recent years a new generation of inverse shape design problem has been suggested and investigated theoretically and computationally, consisting mainly of: unsteady inverse and hybrid problems; multipoint inverse and hybrid problems; and inverse problem in aerothermoelasticity. It opens a new area of research in fluid mechanics and aerothermoelasticity. An overview of its status and perspective is given herein, emphasizing the new concepts, theory and methods of solution involved.
Ensuring effectiveness in our front‐line leaders
Authors: Bunning Richard L.
Published: July 2002

Clearly, the role of front‐line leader (often known as supervisor, team leader, foreman and so on) is a critical, challenging and often unappreciated role. However, the role must be performed effectively if work teams are to optimise their effectiveness. This paper argues that four practices, easily stated but difficult to fully implement, are required in order to fully develop the front‐line leadership function. The practices are: implement a well‐focused system of goals and feedback; employ rigorous leadership selection processes (including the removal of ineffective leaders); maintain well‐developed and evolving human resource management systems; and implement training and development as an ongoing process. The rationale for each practice is provided as well as examples from experience.
Effects of changes in grease structure on sliding friction
Authors: Czarny Ryszard
Published: July 2002

Describes the structure and rheological characteristics of soap based greases and how the thickener retains the oil phase. Illustrates the thixotropic behaviour and effect of time of shearing on friction, film thickness, noise energy loss in grease lubricated contacts. Shows how friction can be less with grease than with oil.
Lubrication and application method in machining
Authors: Bacci da Silva Marcio , Wallbank James
Published: July 2002

Suggests that a very low volume of lubricant is enough to improve the cutting operation because the area that requires lubrication is small. An estimate of the volume of lubricant necessary has been carried out (7.2ml h‐1) and some comments are presented about results of previous experiments using extremely low volumes of lubricant (108ml h‐1). The low volume of lubricant is applied in the same way as the conventional system. In these previous experiments the effect of lubrication is measured by surface finish, cutting force and workpiece temperature. The improvement in surface finish when low volume of lubricant is applied is similar to the results obtained with tests carried out using the conventional cutting fluid system. This improvement is not due to lubrication on the rake face to avoid built‐up edge, but action on the machined surface after it has been formed.
Young Person Mentoring in Schools
Authors: Beattie Andrew , Holden Richard
Published: July 2002

Reports on a school‐based mentoring scheme for pupils, pioneered by
Doncaster Education Business Partnership, building on its experience of
the success of Compact – a national initiative to tackle low pupil
motivation and attainment through closer partnership between schools and
employers. Briefly describes how the scheme was operationalized and
suggests that, as judged by the positive feedback received, the interest
generated and the scheme′s expansion, it can be considered a success.
However, points out that, in devolving responsibility for the running of
the scheme to the schools themselves, it is vital to maintain
consistency of practice and quality.
Performance measurement
Authors: Parker Charles
Published: July 2002

Identifies the reasons for performance measurement and the failings of many “traditional” measurement systems that rely principally on financial indicators. Describes the factors underlying an effective measurement regime and comments briefly on some of the more modern approaches to performance measurement, such as the balanced scorecard and activity‐based costing.
Employee development through self‐development in three retail banks
Authors: Antonacopoulou Elena P.
Published: July 2002

The employee development initiatives in three retail banks are the focus of this paper. The discussion draws on recent empirical findings to examine the motives and expectations that underpin employee development initiatives, and the underlying assumptions which shape how such initiatives are implemented in practice. The perspective of the organisation in relation to employee development is further enhanced with findings from the perspective of the individual employee. These findings show the impact of employee development initiatives on individuals’ willingness to learn and take personal responsibility for their development. The analysis highlights the nature of the interaction between individual and organisational priorities within development and draws attention to some of the challenges that underpin employee development initiatives. The implications of these challenges for the way organisations design employee development initiatives in the future, and the way we think and research employee development are discussed at the end of the paper.
Development of a Person Specification System for Managerial Jobs
Authors: Wilkinson Lartyg , van Zwanenberg Nigel
Published: July 2002

Even for a personnel specialist, the production of a person
specification for a specific managerial job is a difficult task. The
knowledge requirements for this task are not well structured, nor are
the procedures to be followed well defined. Yet such tasks are
increasingly being delegated to line managers. Describes an attempt to
structure the knowledge in this non‐formal domain and then the
development of a computerized knowledge‐ based system to support the
non‐expert in this task.
Teleoperator slave ‐ WAM design methodology
Authors: Townsend William T. , Guertin Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2002

This paper recommends an improved design methodology for the slave half of teleoperator systems based on the notion of master‐slave symmetry. Traditional slaves consist of a conventional robot retrofitted with force‐torque sensors. The new methodology eliminates dependence on destabilizing force‐torque‐sensor schemes by augmenting existing master design methods with newly invented cable mechanisms. Design goals such as bandwidth, backdrivability, and force fidelity have been applied successfully to optimize design of the trajectory‐and‐force‐controllable Whole‐Arm Manipulation (WAM) robot. Although not yet used as the slave of a teleoperator system, the results from performance tests of the experimental WAM manipulator are promising. Finally, the authors suggest a new concept ‐ Whole‐Arm Haptics ‐ that is only possible with whole‐arm manipulation, where the user steers the kinematic redundancy directly. Whole‐Arm Haptics allow teleoperators to manipulate objects larger than the slave itself.
Advanced solution methods in topology optimization and shape sensitivity analysis
Authors: Papadrakakis Manolis , Tsompanakis Yiannis , Hinton Ernest , Sienz Johann
Published: July 2002

Investigates the efficiency of hybrid solution methods when incorporated into large‐scale topology and shape optimization problems and to demonstrate their influence on the overall performance of the optimization algorithms. Implements three innovative solution methods based on the preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG) and Lanczos algorithms. The first method is a PCG algorithm with a preconditioner resulted from a complete or an incomplete Cholesky factorization, the second is a PCG algorithm in which a truncated Neumann series expansion is used as preconditioner, and the third is a preconditioned Lanczos algorithm properly modified to treat multiple right‐hand sides. The numerical tests presented demonstrate the computational advantages of the proposed methods which become more pronounced in large‐scale and/or computationally intensive optimization problems.
An adaptive meshing automatic scheme based on the strain energy density function
Authors: Hernández A. , Albizuri J. , Ajuria M.B.G. , Hormaza M.V.
Published: July 2002

Proposes an automatic adaptive meshing scheme. Error in strain energy is directly obtained through strain energy density function (SED). Versatility of this function, in comparison with that of others, is looked at in detail. Mesh enrichment method consists of a series of h‐refinement steps and concludes with a single p‐refinement step. Adds that an examination of the accuracy of the element used in the refinement procedure is made. This scheme has been implemented in ZATILAN, a FE code developed in the Department of the Mechanical Engineering of the University of the Basque Country.
Working together to develop health services managers
Authors: Martin Vivien
Published: July 2002

The developing emphasis in health and social care on working across traditional boundaries will demand different approaches to staff development. If we are to retain the strengths of expertise in the enormous number of areas represented in health and social care we will need to develop better ways of understanding each other in order to work together more effectively. This paper focuses on some of the issues raised in management development programmes which have multiple objectives demanding educational and developmental support. The emphasis is on identification of issues which arise in collaboration amongst those delivering a programme when they come from the different backgrounds of training and development, personal development and higher education. Some of the issues raised in partnership working between commissioning and providing organisations are also considered.
Knowledge‐based/expert systems technology in life support systems
Authors: Liebowitz Jay
Published: July 2002

Knowledge‐based and expert systems are quickly becoming an important component of knowledge organizations, enterprise knowledge management, and core competences. They are being used in various applications ranging from usage in the US White House to chemical plants worldwide. Presents an overview of expert systems technology and then specifically addresses their use in a critical domain ‐ life support systems.
Country‐of‐origin effects on purchasing agents’ product perceptions: an international perspective
Authors: Quester Pascale G. , Dzever Sam , Chetty Sylvie
Published: July 2002

In a study involving a mail survey of Australian and New Zealand purchasing agents, a number of hypotheses relating to the potential influence of country‐of‐origin information were investigated. Country‐of‐assembly and country‐of‐design were both included in this study, which also examined the differences between higher risk purchases such as machine tools and more routine purchases such as component parts. A multi‐dimensional approach to product quality was adopted, based on earlier exploratory studies. Country‐of‐origin was found to influence product quality perceptions and similar patterns were observed in both national samples. Differences in absolute levels, however, were found, suggesting that caution is needed on the part of suppliers dealing in both markets in relation to the value of this type of information.
A review of the revised EC Merger Control Regulation: a case of the curate’s egg
Authors: Davison Leigh , Johnson Debra
Published: July 2002

In March 1998, the first major revision of the European Merger Control Regulation (MCR) came into effect with particular implications for the demarcation of authority for merger control between member states and European level competition authorities and for the treatment of joint ventures. The overall balance of the reform is mixed. Changes to the threshold test, for example, ensure that the MCR will capture proposed concentrations which have a Community dimension but which were missed by the original test. However, the cost of the revision is greater complexity and, with this, greater opacity. Both tests are form‐based and deal with aggregate turnover and are insufficiently sensitive to capture the competition effects of the merger in individual product markets. Article 9 implicitly recognises this flaw by providing a second decentralisation test. Again, the revision of Article 9 has added to the complexity of the operation of the MCR. An alternative would be to dispense with Article 9 altogether. The revisions improve the consistency of the MCR by introducing a “one stop shop” for the treatment of joint ventures, some of which were previously dealt with under Article 85. However, the codification of joint venture provisions creates a situation in which the Commission is required to investigate aspects of a joint venture which are national rather than European in nature.
An integrated response towards the pursuit of fast time to market of NPD in European manufacturing organisations
Authors: Hardaker Glenn , Ahmed Pervaiz K. , Graham Gary
Published: July 2002

The ever‐increasing pace of technological change is the primary impulse that guides the development strategies of nations enjoying high economic growth. The diverse range of technological possibilities creates unprecedented change and as a consequence organisations are required to be responsive and adaptable to such conditions. For many, product innovation is a fundamental strategy for sustaining organisational development in extreme turbulent environments. Organisations are increasingly concentrating on responsiveness and flexibility through innovation. The rapid delivery of new products clearly requires effective integration in enabling organisations to be adaptive and responsive to market conditions. The European findings presented in this article attempt to unravel the complexities of an extensive range of issues related to integration, primarily focusing on task orientation, organisational structure and culture. The study provides an insight into the relationship between integration mechanisms and speed of NPD.
Water vapour transfer in waterproof breathable fabrics
Authors: Ruckman J.E.
Published: July 2002

To assess the effect of wind speed in practice, experiments were conducted under conditions of realistic wind velocities generated in the climatic chamber. The theoretical and experimental results were compared. In the theoretical model of forced convection between the human skin and the external environment the water vapour transfer rate was found to be proportional to V0.81. The experimental results obtained when a layer of fabric was included showed that water vapour transfer is proportional to V0.5. The rates of water vapour transfer for the fabrics ranked slightly differently from that seen under steady state conditions; microfibre fabrics, cotton ventiles, PTFE‐laminated fabrics, hydrophilic‐laminated fabrics, and poromeric polyurethane‐laminated fabrics. Condensation was reduced under windy conditions.
Microclimate ventilation of infant bedding
Authors: Holland E.J. , Wilson C.A. , Laing R.M. , Niven B.E.
Published: July 2002

The rate and volume of air exchanged between the bed microclimate and the ambient environment determines in part how much heat is lost from the human body. This study investigated the ventilatory characteristics of infant over‐bedding to determine whether different combinations of bedding items (i.e. sheets, blankets, duvets) and types of tucking (i.e. loosely, firmly and swaddled/firmly tucked) affected microclimate ventilation. Microclimate volumes and air exchange rates were determined and used to calculate the ventilation indices. The presence of a duvet in the bedding combination resulted in lower ventilation indices than when bedding did not include a duvet. The type and combination of blankets did not significantly affect ventilation indices. The type of tucking had a significant effect on ventilation indices only when the assembly did not include a duvet.
Patient satisfaction with medical encounters – a cross‐cultural perspective
Authors: Frazer Winsted Kathryn
Published: July 2002

Examines behaviors of doctors that influence patient evaluation of medical encounters. It examines these behaviors in both the USA and Japan and compares the findings. A list of behaviors relevant to patient evaluation of a medical encounter is developed. Performance of these behaviors in specific medical transactions is then examined and the relationship between performance of each behavior and encounter satisfaction is analyzed. Behaviors are grouped, using factor analysis from consumer surveys, into four dimensions in the USA (concern, civility, congeniality and attention) and five dimensions in Japan (concern, civility, congeniality, communication, and courtesy). Each is defined using multiple behavioral measures. Despite many differences in the cultures of these two countries and their medical delivery systems, many similarities are found in how consumers evaluate medical services in the two countries. Measures include some concepts not widely addressed in current services literature, including conversation, genuineness, attitude, and demeanor. These dimensions and constituent behaviors provide a framework for future research and medical training and management.
The impact of personal, professional and organizational characteristics on administrator burnout
Authors: Gmelch Walter H. , Gates Gordon
Published: July 2002

The purpose of the study was threefold: to identify the most salient personal, professional, and organizational characteristics contributing to administrator burnout; to determine those correlational relationships that are most salient; and to assess the role of social support’s impact on job satisfaction, burnout, and performance. A total of 1,000 principals and superintendents from Washington State were administered the Administrator Work Inventory. The authors identify different strategies to be taken to mitigate the various dimensions of burnout.
Transforming Hong Kong’s schools: trends and emerging issues
Authors: Dimmock Clive , Walker Allan
Published: July 2002

This paper addresses in three parts the theme of school transformation in Hong Kong. First, it outlines the three main reforms of the 1990s affecting both school management and curriculum, namely, the School Management Initiative), the target‐oriented curriculum, and the Education Commission Report No. 7 on Quality Education. Second, it reviews the effects of these reforms to date. Finally, it discusses two important issues arising from the reforms, namely, the need to re‐orientate the nature and form of the school‐based management system adopted and the need to take greater cognisance of the societal culture of Hong Kong, especially at the school level, the point of implementation of the reforms.
Power in the principalship: four women’s experiences
Authors: Fennell Hope‐Arlene
Published: July 2002

The purpose of this paper is to explore four women principals’ experiences with power in the course of their daily leadership. The data used in this exploration was collected through in‐depth interviews, conducted from a phenomenological perspective, during the second and third years of a three‐year study on the leadership experiences of the four principals. The thematic findings which emerged from this data included empowerment, positive power, traditional power and negative power, and are discussed in relation to three lenses of power: dominance or “power over”, facilitation or “power through”, and as energy and competence or “power with”. The four principals’ experiences were remarkable in that they were extensively engaged in interpreting, experiencing and using power as “power through” and “power with” rather than as “power over”. The findings from this research serve as examples of ways in which power is enacted by women leaders within traditional organizational settings, and the potential of their actions to positively transform school organizations and the experiences of those who work within them.
Finite element simulation of an injection moulding process
Authors: Ding D. , Townsend P. , Webster M.F.
Published: July 2002

Considers the filling stage of an injection moulding process for polymer melts through a transient finite element method. Presents results for a thin‐walled cup‐shaped mould problem. Adopts a generalized Newtonian formulation for inelastic non‐isothermal incompressible flow under cooling conditions. Gives some attention to the transient aspects of the problem, including the motion of the melt front and the numerical deformation patterns that develop. Advocates a localized remeshing technique that tracks the moving front effectively.
Analysis of natural convection melting from a heated wall with vertically oriented fins
Authors: Lacroix M. , Benmadda M.
Published: July 2002

A numerical study is reported of melting from a horizontal heated wall with vertically oriented fins embedded in the phase change material. This work is motivated by the need to improve the heat transfer rates during the charge and discharge cycles in latent heat thermal energy storage systems. A computational methodology based on a fixed‐grid enthalpy method is first presented for handling the complex problem of natural convection dominated melting from a finned wall. The model is validated with experimental data and next a parametric study is conducted to examine the effect of the heated wall (top or bottom), of the number of fins and of the Rayleigh number RaH on the melting process. Results show that melting is enhanced with a bottom finned heated wall and increasing Rayleigh number. They also indicate that, for a given Rayleigh number, the melting time is minimized for an optimal distance W between the fins. This optimal distance was correlated with W= a RaH + b for 2.10 × 106 ≤ RaH ≤ 8.57 × 106.
Where do management fashions come from, and how long do they stay?
Authors: Spell Chester S.
Published: July 2002

Recent management history has seen a surge in the number of ideas that supposedly represent the cutting edge of management progress. This paper investigates the emergence of several of these management fashions. It examines the dissemination of fashions and the type of journals and areas from which particular fashions emerge. A bibliometric analysis is described that involved the following fashions: bench‐marking; pay for performance; quality circles; peer review; and MBO. The results of the analysis support hypotheses that fashions emerge in the popular press before academic literature and that some fashions emerge from sub‐fields before appearing throughout management publications.
Public sector reform and indigenous entrepreneurship
Authors: Sullivan Ann , Margaritis Dimitri
Published: July 2002

This paper considers the implications of the liberalization of the New Zealand economy for entrepreneurial development by indigenous New Zealand Maori tribal organizations. Since 1984 the economic objective of the State has been to create a modern market economy free of price distortions, bureaucratic management and government protectionism. One of the State’s responses to enabling tribal organizations to provide for increased self‐determination and to lessen Maori State dependency was to seriously address the issue of compensation to Maori of resources that had been expropriated or confiscated during the past 150 years. While there have been difficulties in reaching agreement on appropriate or adequate allocations of Crown‐owned resources or compensation, the transferal of resources to private (but collective) Maori ownership is now providing a substantial economic base to build corporate and other entrepreneurial activities. It is argued that such willingness and commitment to transfer resources from the State back to the original owners was a manifest outcome of government’s adoption of liberal economic policies.
Methods and techniques to help quality function deployment (QFD)
Authors: Bouchereau Vivianne , Rowlands Hefin
Published: July 2002

Quality function deployment (QFD) is a management tool that provides a visual connective process to help teams focus on the needs of the customers throughout the total development cycle of a product or process. It provides the means for translating customer needs into appropriate technical requirements for each stage of a product/process‐development life‐cycle. It helps to develop more customer‐oriented, higher‐quality products. While the structure provided by QFD can be significantly beneficial, it is not a simple tool to use. This article outlines how techniques such as fuzzy logic, artificial neural networks, and the Taguchi method can be combined with QFD to resolve some of its drawbacks, and proposes a synergy between QFD and the three methods and techniques reviewed.
Elongation of the BH8 β‐hairpin peptide: Electrostatic interactions in β‐hairpin formation and stability
Authors: Ramírez‐Alvarado Marina , Blanco Francisco J. , Serrano Luis
Published: July 2002

An elongated version of the de novo designed β‐hairpin peptide, BH8, has allowed us to gain insight into the role of electrostatic interactions in β‐hairpin stability. A Lys–Glu electrostatic pair has been introduced by adding a residue at the beginning and at the end of the N‐terminal and C‐terminal strands, respectively, of the β‐hairpin structure, in both orientations. The two resulting peptides and controls having Ala residues at these positions and different combinations of Ala with Lys, or Glu residues, have been analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), under different pH and ionic strength conditions. All of the NMR parameters, in particular the conformational shift analysis of Cα protons and the coupling constants, 3JHNα, correlate well and the population estimates are in reasonable agreement among the different methods used. In the most structured peptides, we find an extension of the β‐hairpin structure comprising the two extra residues. Analysis of the pH and salt dependence shows that ionic pairs contribute to β‐hairpin stability. The interaction is electrostatic in nature and can be screened by salt. There is also an important salt‐independent contribution of negatively charged groups to the stability of this family of β‐hairpin peptides.
Day‐to‐day Relationships Between Self‐awareness, Daily Events, and Anxiety
Authors: Nezlek John B.
Published: July 2002

ABSTRACT Every day for 3 weeks, 41 participants provided measures of their state private and public self‐consciousness (self‐awareness, SA), and anxiety, and they described the events that occurred each day. Multilevel random coefficient modeling analyses found that daily private and public SA were positively related to the importance and frequency of daily negative social events and to daily anxiety. Public SA was also positively related to the importance and frequency of daily positive social events. Neither public nor private SA was related to the importance and frequency of daily achievement events. The strength of the relationship between public SA and positive social events was stronger for people who were less anxious, less depressed, and for those with greater self‐esteem. Analyses of lagged relationships suggested that increased private SA led to increased negativity of social events, whereas increased public SA led to increased positivity of social events, and increased anxiety led to increased private SA.
Nitric oxide facilitates GABAergic neurotransmission in the cat oculomotor system: a physiological mechanism in eye movement control
Authors: Moreno‐López Bernardo , Escudero Miguel , Estrada Carmen
Published: July 2002

Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis by prepositus hypoglossi (PH) neurons is necessary for the normal performance of horizontal eye movements. We have previously shown that unilateral injections of NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors into the PH nucleus of alert cats produce velocity imbalance without alteration of the eye position control, both during spontaneous eye movements and the vestibulo‐ocular reflex (VOR). This NO effect is exerted on the dorsal PH neuropil, whose fibres increase their cGMP content when stimulated by NO. In an attempt to determine whether NO acts by modulation of a specific neurotransmission system, we have now compared the oculomotor effects of NOS inhibition with those produced by local blockade of glutamatergic, GABAergic or glycinergic receptors in the PH nucleus of alert cats. Both glutamatergic antagonists used, 2‐amino‐5‐phosphonovaleric acid (APV) and 2,3‐dihydro‐6‐nitro‐7‐sulphamoyl‐benzo quinoxaline (NBQX), induced a nystagmus contralateral to that observed upon NOS inhibition, and caused exponential eye position drift. In contrast, bicuculline and strychnine induced eye velocity alterations similar to those produced by NOS inhibitors, suggesting that NO oculomotor effects were due to facilitation of some inhibitory input to the PH nucleus. To investigate the anatomical location of the putative NO target neurons, the retrograde tracer Fast Blue was injected in one PH nucleus, and the brainstem sections containing Fast Blue‐positive neurons were stained with double immunohistochemistry for NO‐sensitive cGMP and glutamic acid decarboxylase. GABAergic neurons projecting to the PH nucleus and containing NO‐sensitive cGMP were found almost exclusively in the ipsilateral medial vestibular nucleus and marginal zone. The results suggest that the nitrergic PH neurons control their own firing rate by a NO‐mediated facilitation of GABAergic afferents from the ipsilateral medial vestibular nucleus. This self‐control mechanism could play an important role in the maintenance of the vestibular balance necessary to generate a stable and adequate eye position signal.