bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matrix metalloproteinase 13 mediates nitric oxide activation of endothelial cell migration
Authors: López-Rivera Esther , Lizarbe Tania R. , Martínez-Moreno Mónica , López-Novoa José Miguel , Rodríguez-Barbero Alicia , Rodrigo José , Fernández Ana Patricia , Álvarez-Barrientos Alberto , Lamas Santiago , Zaragoza Carlos
Published: February 2005

To explore the mechanisms by which NO elicits endothelial cell (EC) migration we used murine and bovine aortic ECs in an
in vitro
wound-healing model. We found that exogenous or endogenous NO stimulated EC migration. Moreover, migration was significantly delayed in ECs derived from endothelial NO synthase-deficient mice compared with WT murine aortic EC. To assess the contribution of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 to NO-mediated EC migration, we used RNA interference to silence MMP-13 expression in ECs. Migration was delayed in cells in which MMP-13 was silenced. In untreated cells MMP-13 was localized to caveolae, forming a complex with caveolin-1. Stimulation with NO disrupted this complex and significantly increased extracellular MMP-13 abundance, leading to collagen breakdown. Our findings show that MMP-13 is an important effector of NO-activated endothelial migration.
Cross-regulation of TNF and IFN-α in autoimmune diseases
Authors: Palucka A. Karolina , Blanck Jean-Philippe , Bennett Lynda , Pascual Virginia , Banchereau Jacques
Published: February 2005

Cytokines, most particularly TNF and type I IFN (IFN-αβ), have been long considered essential elements in the development of autoimmunity. Identification of TNF in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and TNF antagonist therapy represent successes of immunology. IFN-αβ plays a major role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a prototype autoimmune disease characterized by a break of tolerance to nuclear components. Here, we show that TNF regulates IFN-α production
in vitro
at two levels. First, it inhibits the generation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), a major producer of IFN-αβ, from CD34
+
hematopoietic progenitors. Second, it inhibits IFN-α release by immature pDCs exposed to influenza virus. Neutralization of endogenous TNF sustains IFN-α secretion by pDCs. These findings are clinically relevant, as five of five patients with systemic juvenile arthritis treated with TNF antagonists display overexpression of IFN-α-regulated genes in their blood leukocytes. These results, therefore, might provide a mechanistic explanation for the development of anti-dsDNA antibodies and lupus-like syndrome in patients undergoing anti-TNF therapy.
Identification of a nitrogenase FeMo cofactor precursor on NifEN complex
Authors: Hu Yilin , Fay Aaron W. , Ribbe Markus W.
Published: February 2005

The biosynthesis of the FeMo cofactor (FeMoco) of
Azotobacter vinelandii
nitrogenase presumably starts with the production of its Fe/S core by NifB (the
nifB
gene product). This core is subsequently processed on the α
2
β
2
tetrameric NifEN complex (formed by the
nifE
and
nifN
gene products). In this article, we identify a NifEN-bound FeMoco precursor form that can be converted to fully assembled FeMoco in a so-called FeMoco-maturation assay containing only purified components. We also establish that only molybdate, homocitrate, MgATP, and Fe protein are essential for FeMoco maturation. The FeMoco-maturation assay described here will further address the remaining questions related to the assembly mechanism of the ever-intriguing FeMoco.
Juvenile hormone, reproduction, and worker behavior in the neotropical social waspPolistes canadensis
Authors: Giray Tugrul , Giovanetti Manuela , West-Eberhard Mary Jane
Published: February 2005

Previous studies of the division of labor in colonies of eusocial Hymenoptera (wasps and bees) have led to two hypotheses regarding the evolution of juvenile hormone (JH) involvement. The novel- or single-function hypothesis proposes that the role of JH has changed from an exclusively reproductive function in primitively eusocial species (those lacking morphologically distinct queen and worker castes), to an exclusively behavioral function in highly eusocial societies (those containing morphologically distinct castes). In contrast, the split-function hypothesis proposes that JH originally functioned in the regulation of both reproduction and behavior in ancestral solitary species. Then, when reproductive and brood-care tasks came to be divided between queens and workers, the effects of JH were divided as well, with JH involved in regulation of reproductive maturation of egg-laying queens, and behavioral maturation, manifested as age-correlated changes in worker tasks, of workers. We report experiments designed to test these hypotheses. After documenting age-correlated changes in worker behavior (age polyethism) in the neotropical primitively eusocial waspPolistes canadensis, we demonstrate that experimental application of the JH analog methoprene accelerates the onset of guarding behavior, an age-correlated task, and increases the number of foraging females; and we demonstrate that JH titers correlate with both ovarian development of queens and task differentiation in workers, as predicted by the split-function hypothesis. These findings support a view of social insect evolution that sees the contrasting worker and queen phenotypes as derived via decoupling of reproductive and brood-care components of the ancestral solitary reproductive physiology.
Immunogenicity in humans of an edible vaccine for hepatitis B
Authors: Thanavala Yasmin , Mahoney Martin , Pal Sribani , Scott Adrienne , Richter Liz , Natarajan Nachimuthu , Goodwin Patti , Arntzen Charles J. , Mason Hugh S.
Published: February 2005

A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the immunogenicity of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) expressed in potatoes and delivered orally to previously vaccinated individuals. The potatoes accumulated HBsAg at ≈8.5 μg/g of potato tuber, and doses of 100 g of tuber were administered by ingestion. The correlate of protection for hepatitis B virus, a nonenteric pathogen, is blood serum antibody titers against HBsAg. After volunteers ate uncooked potatoes, serum anti-HBsAg titers increased in 10 of 16 volunteers (62.5%) who ate three doses of potatoes; in 9 of 17 volunteers (52.9%) who ate two doses of transgenic potatoes; and in none of the volunteers who ate nontransgenic potatoes. These results were achieved without the coadministration of a mucosal adjuvant or the need for buffering stomach pH. We conclude that a plant-derived orally delivered vaccine for prevention of hepatitis B virus should be considered as a viable component of a global immunization program.
Microcomputed tomography colonography for polyp detection in an
in vivo
mouse tumor model
Authors: Pickhardt Perry J. , Halberg Richard B. , Taylor Andrew J. , Durkee Ben Y. , Fine Jason , Lee Fred T. , Weichert Jamey P.
Published: February 2005

This study was initiated to evaluate the efficacy of negative contrast-enhanced microcomputed tomography (microCT) colonography for the noninvasive detection of colonic tumors in living mice. After colonic preparation, 20 anesthetized congenic mice were scanned with high-resolution microCT. Images were displayed by using commercial visualization software and interpreted by two gastrointestinal radiologists, who were unaware of tumor prevalence and findings at gross pathology. Two-dimensional multiplanar images were assessed by using a five-point scale to distinguish colonic tumors (polyps) from fecal pellets (5 = definitely a tumor, 4 = probably a tumor, 3 = indeterminate, 2 = probably not a tumor, 1 = definitely not a tumor). Gross pathologic evaluation of excised mouse colons served as the reference standard. Data analysis included dichotomizing results, with 1–2 indicating no tumor and 3–5 indicating tumor and also receiver operator characteristic curve analysis with area under the curve for threshold-independent assessment. A total of 41 colonic polyps in 18 of the 20 mice were identified at gross examination on necropsy, of which 30 measured 2–5 mm and 11 measured <2 mm in size. The pooled per-polyp sensitivity for lesions >2 mm was 93.3% (56/60). The pooled per-mouse sensitivity for polyps >2 mm was 97.1% (33/34). Pooled specificity for distinguishing fecal pellets from tumor was 98.5% (65/66). The combined area under the curve from receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was 0.810 ± 0.038 (95% confidence interval, 0.730–0.890). These findings indicate that accurate noninvasive longitudinal monitoring of colon tumor progression or response to various therapies is now technically feasible in live mice by using this microCT colonography method.
An atomic resolution view of ICAM recognition in a complex between the binding domains of ICAM-3 and integrin αLβ2
Authors: Song Gang , Yang Yuting , Liu Jin-huan , Casasnovas Jose M. , Shimaoka Motomu , Springer Timothy A. , Wang Jia-huai
Published: February 2005

Within the Ig superfamily (IgSF), intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs) form a subfamily that binds the leukocyte integrin αLβ2. We report a 1.65-Å-resolution crystal structure of the ICAM-3 N-terminal domain (D1) in complex with the inserted domain, the ligand-binding domain of αLβ2. This high-resolution structure and comparisons among ICAM subfamily members establish that the binding of ICAM-3 D1 onto the inserted domain represents a common docking mode for ICAM subfamily members. The markedly different off-rates of ICAM-1, -2, and -3 appear to be determined by the hydrophobicity of residues that surround a metal coordination bond in the αLβ2-binding interfaces. Variation in composition of glycans on the periphery of the interfaces influences on-rate.
Growth and shape stability of a biological membrane adhesion complex in the diffusion-mediated regime
Authors: Shenoy V. B. , Freund L. B.
Published: February 2005

We examine the process of expansion of a focal adhesion complex by which a biological membrane containing mobile binders adheres to a substrate with complementary binders. Attention is focused on the situation, common among living cells, in which the mean mobile binder density is insufficient to overcome generic resistance to close approach of the membrane to its substrate. For the membrane to adhere, binders must be recruited from adjacent regions to join an adhesion patch of density adequate for adhesion, thereby expanding the size of the patch. The specific configuration examined is the expansion of a circular adhesion zone for which diffusive binder transport driven by a chemical potential gradient is the mechanism of binder recruitment. An aspect of the process of particular interest is the stability of the circular shape of the expanding front. It is found that the adhesion front radius increases as √
t
, where
t
is the time elapsed since nucleation, and that the circular shape becomes unstable under sinusoidal perturbations for radii large compared with the nucleation size, as observed in recent experiments.
Molecular dissection of the photoreceptor ribbon synapse
Authors: tom Dieck Susanne , Altrock Wilko D. , Kessels Michael M. , Qualmann Britta , Regus Hanna , Brauner Dana , Fejtová Anna , Bracko Oliver , Gundelfinger Eckart D. , Brandstätter Johann H.
Published: February 2005

The ribbon complex of retinal photoreceptor synapses represents a specialization of the cytomatrix at the active zone (CAZ) present at conventional synapses. In mice deficient for the CAZ protein Bassoon, ribbons are not anchored to the presynaptic membrane but float freely in the cytoplasm. Exploiting this phenotype, we dissected the molecular structure of the photoreceptor ribbon complex. Identifiable CAZ proteins segregate into two compartments at the ribbon: a ribbon-associated compartment including Piccolo, RIBEYE, CtBP1/BARS, RIM1, and the motor protein KIF3A, and an active zone compartment including RIM2, Munc13-1, a Ca2+ channel α1 subunit, and ERC2/CAST1. A direct interaction between the ribbon-specific protein RIBEYE and Bassoon seems to link the two compartments and is responsible for the physical integrity of the photoreceptor ribbon complex. Finally, we found the RIBEYE homologue CtBP1 at ribbon and conventional synapses, suggesting a novel role for the CtBP/BARS family in the molecular assembly and function of central nervous system synapses.
Cog3p depletion blocks vesicle-mediated Golgi retrograde trafficking in HeLa cells
Authors: Zolov Sergey N. , Lupashin Vladimir V.
Published: February 2005

The conserved oligomeric Golgi (COG) complex is an evolutionarily conserved multi-subunit protein complex that regulates membrane trafficking in eukaryotic cells. In this work we used short interfering RNA strategy to achieve an efficient knockdown (KD) of Cog3p in HeLa cells. For the first time, we have demonstrated that Cog3p depletion is accompanied by reduction in Cog1, 2, and 4 protein levels and by accumulation of COG complex-dependent (CCD) vesicles carrying v-SNAREs GS15 and GS28 and cis-Golgi glycoprotein GPP130. Some of these CCD vesicles appeared to be vesicular coat complex I (COPI) coated. A prolonged block in CCD vesicles tethering is accompanied by extensive fragmentation of the Golgi ribbon. Fragmented Golgi membranes maintained their juxtanuclear localization, cisternal organization and are competent for the anterograde trafficking of vesicular stomatitis virus G protein to the plasma membrane. In a contrast, Cog3p KD resulted in inhibition of retrograde trafficking of the Shiga toxin. Furthermore, the mammalian COG complex physically interacts with GS28 and COPI and specifically binds to isolated CCD vesicles.
A Sec14p-nodulin domain phosphatidylinositol transfer protein polarizes membrane growth of Arabidopsis thaliana root hairs
Authors: Vincent Patrick , Chua Michael , Nogue Fabien , Fairbrother Ashley , Mekeel Hal , Xu Yue , Allen Nina , Bibikova Tatiana N. , Gilroy Simon , Bankaitis Vytas A.
Published: February 2005

Phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) transfer proteins (PITPs) regulate signaling interfaces between lipid metabolism and membrane trafficking. Herein, we demonstrate that AtSfh1p, a member of a large and uncharacterized Arabidopsis thaliana Sec14p-nodulin domain family, is a PITP that regulates a specific stage in root hair development. AtSfh1p localizes along the root hair plasma membrane and is enriched in discrete plasma membrane domains and in the root hair tip cytoplasm. This localization pattern recapitulates that visualized for PtdIns(4,5)P2 in developing root hairs. Gene ablation experiments show AtSfh1p nullizygosity compromises polarized root hair expansion in a manner that coincides with loss of tip-directed PtdIns(4,5)P2, dispersal of secretory vesicles from the tip cytoplasm, loss of the tip f-actin network, and manifest disorganization of the root hair microtubule cytoskeleton. Derangement of tip-directed Ca2+ gradients is also apparent and results from isotropic influx of Ca2+ from the extracellular milieu. We propose AtSfh1p regulates intracellular and plasma membrane phosphoinositide polarity landmarks that focus membrane trafficking, Ca2+ signaling, and cytoskeleton functions to the growing root hair apex. We further suggest that Sec14p-nodulin domain proteins represent a family of regulators of polarized membrane growth in plants.
Effects of Feeding Spodoptera littoralis on Lima Bean Leaves. II. Continuous Mechanical Wounding Resembling Insect Feeding Is Sufficient to Elicit Herbivory-Related Volatile Emission
Authors: Mithöfer Axel , Wanner Gerhard , Boland Wilhelm
Published: February 2005

Herbivore feeding elicits defense responses in infested plants, including the emission of volatile organic compounds that can serve as indirect defense signals. Until now, the contribution of plant tissue wounding during the feeding process in the elicitation of defense responses has not been clear. For example, in lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus), the composition of the volatiles induced by both the insect caterpillar Spodoptera littoralis and the snail Cepaea hortensis is very similar. Thus, a mechanical caterpillar, MecWorm, has been designed and used in this study, which very closely resembles the herbivore-caused tissue damage in terms of similar physical appearance and long-lasting wounding period on defined leaf areas. This mode of treatment was sufficient to induce the emission of a volatile organic compound blend qualitatively similar to that as known from real herbivore feeding, although there were significant quantitative differences for a number of compounds. Moreover, both the duration and the area that has been mechanically damaged contribute to the induction of the whole volatile response. Based on those two parameters, time and area, which can replace each other to some extent, a damage level can be defined. That damage level exhibits a close linear relationship with the accumulation of fatty acid-derived volatiles and monoterpenes, while other terpenoid volatiles and methyl salicylate respond in a nonlinear manner. The results strongly suggest that the impact of mechanical wounding on the induction of defense responses during herbivore feeding was until now underestimated. Controlled and reproducible mechanical damage that strongly resembles the insect's feeding process represents a valuable tool for analyzing the role of the various signals involved in the induction of plant defense reactions against herbivory.
Salicylic Acid-Dependent Expression of Host Genes in Compatible Arabidopsis-Virus Interactions
Authors: Huang Zhonglian , Yeakley Joanne M. , Garcia Elizabeth Wickham , Holdridge Jaime D. , Fan Jian-Bing , Whitham Steven A.
Published: February 2005

Plant viruses elicit the expression of common sets of genes in susceptible hosts. Studies in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) indicate that at least one-third of the genes induced in common by viruses have been previously associated with plant defense and stress responses. The genetic and molecular requirements for the induction of these stress and defense-related genes during compatible host-virus interactions were investigated with a panel of Arabidopsis mutant and transgenic plants defective in one or more defense signaling pathways. pad4, eds5, NahG, npr1, jar1, ein2, sid2, eds1, and wild-type Columbia-0 and Wassilewskija-2 plants were infected with two different viruses, cucumber mosaic virus and oilseed rape mosaic virus. Gene expression was assayed by a high-throughput fiber-optic bead array consisting of 388 genes and by RNA gel blots. These analyses demonstrated that, in compatible host-virus interactions, the expression of the majority of defense-related genes is induced by a salicylic acid-dependent, NPR1-independent signaling pathway with a few notable exceptions that did require NPR1. Interestingly, none of the mutant or transgenic plants showed enhanced susceptibility to either cucumber mosaic virus or oilseed rape mosaic virus based on both symptoms and virus accumulation. This observation is in contrast to the enhanced disease susceptibility phenotypes that these mutations or transgenes confer to some bacterial and fungal pathogens. These experimental results suggest that expression of many defense-related genes in compatible host plants might share components of signaling pathways involved in incompatible host-pathogen interactions, but their increased expression has no negative effect on viral infection.
Topolins and Hydroxylated Thidiazuron Derivatives Are Substrates of Cytokinin O-Glucosyltransferase with Position Specificity Related to Receptor Recognition
Authors: Mok Machteld C. , Martin Ruth C. , Dobrev Petre I. , Vanková Radomira , Ho P. Shing , Yonekura-Sakakibara Keiko , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Mok David W.S.
Published: February 2005

Glucosides of trans-zeatin occur widely in plant tissues, formed either by O-glucosylation of the hydroxylated side chain or N-glucosylation of the purine ring structure. O-Glucosylation is stereo-specific: the O-glucosyltransferase encoded by the Phaseolus lunatus ZOG1 gene has high affinity for trans-zeatin as the substrate, whereas the enzyme encoded by the maize (Zea mays) cisZOG1 gene prefers cis-zeatin. Here we show that hydroxylated derivatives of benzyladenine (topolins) are also substrates of ZOG1 and cisZOG1. The m-OH and o-OH derivatives are the preferred substrate of ZOG1 and cisZOG1, respectively. Among the hydroxylated derivatives of thidiazuron tested, the only enzyme/substrate combination resulting in conversion was cisZOG1/(o-OH) thidiazuron. The abilities of these cytokinins to serve as substrates to the glucosyltransferases were in a large part correlated with their biological activities in the P. lunatus callus bioassay, indicating that there may be similarities between cytokinin-binding sites on the enzymes and cytokinin receptors. Further support for this interpretation is provided by cytokinin recognition studies involving the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) CRE1/WOL/AHK4 and maize ZmHK1 receptors. The AHK4 receptor responded to trans-zeatin and m-topolin, while the ZmHK1 receptor responded also to cis-zeatin and o-topolin. Three-dimensional molecular models of the substrates were applied to explain the results.
Greek university students: a discouraged workforce
Authors: Mihail Dimtrios M. , Karaliopoulou Katerina
Published: February 2005

Purpose

The significance of young, well‐educated workers in the Greek labour market has been largely neglected in studies addressing the issue of low participation rate in the labour force of the country. This study focuses on the reluctance of Greek students to enter the labour market and combine studies with paid work. This article reports on a survey that aimed to examine to what extent university students in Greece seek to work during term‐time and to explore student perceptions of combining studies and work.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey was conducted in May 2003 and involved 466 full‐time undergraduate students at the Universities of Macedonia and Aristotle in Thessaloniki, Greece. A structured questionnaire was used in exploring students’ perceptions of working and studying full‐time simultaneously.

Findings

The survey found that only 22 per cent of students have entered wage labour, while inactivity rate is very high, amounting to 55 per cent. Although many students assess employability after graduation as the main motivation for working, the majority of them are discouraged to search for a job because of schedule conflicts and lack of job opportunities.

Practical implications

In breaking this deadlock the article explores the idea of restructuring the internal labour market in Greek universities by expanding services and offering part‐time job positions to their students.

Originality/value

Given the dearth of empirical research on youth employment in Greece, this paper aims to contribute to debates in the wider academic community on the issue of preparing young, well‐educated people to enter the Greek labour market.
Competence development and learning in British and German subsidiaries of MNCs
Authors: Geppert Mike
Published: February 2005

Purpose

This paper develops a deeper understanding of the origin, development and implementation of overall change management strategies in multinationals and their implications for competence development and learning practices in UK and German subsidiaries.

Design/methodology/approach

The cross‐national research project applies mainly qualitative research methods.

Findings

Despite increased integrative attempts by headquarters, especially in two out of three cases, significant differences were found between German and UK subsidiaries in key capabilities and strategic competences as well as in knowledge sharing and learning.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should focus more on micro‐political issues of learning and knowledge sharing, a topic hardly addressed in international management research.

Originality/value

This study shows the enduring influence of national institutional diversity on the management of the MNC.
Assisting cross‐border manager adjustment
Authors: Fish Alan
Published: February 2005

Purpose

This research aimed to identify cross‐cultural adjustment interventions to assist the personal wellbeing (psycho‐cultural) and cultural interaction (socio‐cultural) of managers on foreign assignments. Both pre‐departure and in‐country interventions were sought.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was employed and comprised two adjustment measures. Data were collected from 244 Australians in south‐east Asia working in two industry groups – manufacturing/industrial and financial/services. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to identify adjustment constructs. Pearson correlations, as well as ANOVAs and t‐tests, were employed to explore the effect of industry group, respondent group, number of cross‐border assignments, age and gender.

Findings

Eight adjustment interventions were identified and were labelled: quality of life awareness; host business and cultural awareness; family impact awareness; staff and business colleague awareness; home country networks; cultural reinforcement and support; cultural inclusion; and host language skills.

Research limitations/implications

The research was limited to a specific business region, to one cross‐border manager cultural grouping and an exploratory technique was employed. Hence further work is needed to confirm the constructs and to assess the generalisability of the results to other business regions and to other cross‐border manager groups.

Originality/value

Whilst some important differences existed, the implications and value of the research may be evident in assisting psycho‐cultural problems such as anxiety and stress, and to encourage socio‐cultural interaction such as involvement in and with cultural environments and decreasing the potential for failed assignments.
Bioinformatics librarian
Authors: Tennant Michele R.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

In the Fall semester of 2001, a new position – Bioinformatics Librarian – was developed jointly by the University of Florida's Health Science Center Libraries (HSCL) and Genetics Institute (UFGI). Aims to give an overview of this post.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the development of the position and the services provided.

Findings

Funded by the Genetics Institute and housed in the library, this position was created to meet the information needs of the university's faculty, students and staff involved in genetics and bioinformatics research and study. The responsibilities of the position were in part patterned after those performed via the HSCL's existing Liaison Librarian program. Librarians with only an undergraduate degree in the biosciences can still make an important, albeit usually less complete, contribution in this area.

Originality/value

The University of Florida's Bioinformatics Librarian position may serve as a model for the Information Specialist in Context (ISIC; Informationist; Bioinformationist) in the research arena.
Online pathfinders
Authors: Hemmig William
Published: February 2005

Purpose

Looks at the pathfinder approach to library instruction, which was developed in the 1960s by Patricia Knapp. Knapp's system focused, not on the simple provision of answers to questions, but on the teaching of the effective use of the library and its resources– in other words, on the finding of one's “way” in the library.

Design/methodology/approach

A traditional theoretical model for the creation and evaluation of pathfinders (subject research guides) can be identified through study of the literature. This model, expressed in the design criteria of consistency, selectivity, transparency and accessibility, sprang from an impulse to serve the inexperienced user by emulating or facilitating the user's search process.

Findings

A gap in this model can be detected, in the form of a missing multi‐dimensional picture of the user and the user's experience of the information service via the pathfinder. In an attempt to fill the gap, literature examining information behavior, the search process, the design of user‐centered services, and the information retrieval interaction is discussed.

Originality/value

An experience‐centered model for online research guide design and evaluation is derived from the findings.
Information‐seeking behavior for recreational activities and its implications for libraries
Authors: Ernest Douglas J. , Level Allison V. , Culbertson Michael
Published: February 2005

Purpose

Seeks to prove that studies conducted over the past several decades repeatedly indicate that information‐seeking behavior by members of the general public involves consultation of a variety of potential information sources, including libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

This article focuses on information seeking with regard to recreation activities in wilderness areas including, but not limited to, hiking.

Findings

The study results indicate that respondents do turn to the internet for some of their information needs. Web sites providing information on three hiking areas were also analyzed to determine their accuracy and access to information. The study concludes that information‐seeking behavior on the internet represents investigation of sources that existed in the pre‐internet era but that access has altered from earlier mechanisms, such as paper mail, telephone, or on‐site visits, to electronic investigation.

Originality/value

Libraries continue to represent a potential information source, provided that they take advantage of electronic access.
Cancer‐related web sites
Authors: Liddell Jean
Published: February 2005

Purpose

There are thousands of web sites about cancer and cancer‐related topics on the internet today; this webography offers an annotated list of selected sites.

Design/methodology/approach

The article begins with a brief explanation of how the web sites were evaluated and chosen. The generally accepted rules of authority, currency, purpose, objectivity, accuracy and audience were used in each case.

Findings

The sites included cover cancer in general, specific cancers, patient information, clinical trials and medical centers that treat cancer. Information on each site includes the name of the site, the URL and a brief abstract explaining what the site is about.

Originality/value

The information may be used by librarians as a quick reference, by physicians and other health‐care workers and by the patients and their families.
Changing management paradigms: implications for educational institutions
Authors: Jamali D.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

The greatest competitive challenge facing companies today is said to be embracing change. The business environment is in constant flux and companies must grapple with a host of new realities. This backdrop of change has catalyzed a reassessment of traditional managerial concepts and practices. Aims to trace the evolution of a new management paradigm and identifies its main drivers.Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides narrative and analysis.Findings – Assesses the implications of the change in management paradigms for the educational system, highlights needed adjustments in orthodox management education and lingering challenges for management education providers.Originality/value – Provides help in understanding the perspectives of the various business stakeholders that can help academics allocate resources and design programs that cater for the needs of managers in the 21st century.
The impact of theory of constraints (TOC) in an NHS trust
Authors: Lubitsh Guy , Doyle Christine , Valentine John
Published: February 2005

Purpose

The study investigated the impact of theory of constraints (TOC), a change methodology previously employed in the private sector and now adapted to the health sector, on three NHS Trust departments, Neurosurgery, Eyes and ENT, especially in relation to reducing waiting lists in the system and improving throughput of patients.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected over a period of 40 months, on a number of NHS performance indicators, before and after the TOC intervention. An interrupted time series design with switching replications was used to investigate the impact of the intervention.Findings – An overall ARIMA analysis indicated that TOC had an impact in both Eyes and ENT. Out of 18 measures, 16 went in the direction of the hypotheses, the probability of these changes in the predicted direction by chance alone was 0.0006. However, there was a lack of significant improvements in neurosurgery that was associated with the size of the system, complexity of treating neurological disorder, heavy reliance on support services, impact of emergencies on elective work and the motivation and receptiveness of staff to the proposed changes.Practical implications – In order for organisations to maximise the benefits of TOC organisations should take into account the social environment in which they exist.Originality/value – The importance of customising the intervention to the local needs of each department, and the requirements for leadership and robust project management are highlighted in this study. Failure to do so can potentially derail the change process.
The effect of PCB surface finish on lead‐free solder joints
Authors: Nurmi Sami T. , Sundelin Janne J. , Ristolainen Eero O. , Lepistö Toivo K.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To study the behaviour of voids in PBGA solder joints and their influence on the lifetime of lead‐free solder joints.

Design/methodology/approach

The behaviour of voids was studied using micro via and land pad PWBs, PBGA components, and by measuring voids in the solder joints. The lifetimes of solder joints were tested using accelerated temperature tests.

Findings

Number of factors affecting the solder joint lifetimes were found. The voids were discovered to have a significantly large influence on the solder joints.

Practical implications

The findings can be used to achieve better soldering results, methods, and designs.

Originality/value

In this paper, the effect and the behaviour of voids were studied profoundly. The findings can be valuable to researchers and process personnel.
Employee behavior, feelings of warmth and customer perception in service encounters
Authors: Lemmink Jos , Mattsson Jan
Published: February 2005

Models link between employees’ behavior and short‐ and long‐term customer perceptions. Subjects were confronted with five different video taped non‐routine service encounters (study 1) and eight manipulated routine service encounters (study 2). In study 1, two judges encoded behavior of service employees. With three types of behavior it was possible to explain customers’ feelings of warmth. Warmth also correlated with measures such as likeability, perceived quality and service loyalty. Study 2 used a hotel reception as a setting, and service quality was manipulated in eight different ways. Warmth correlated highly with post‐experience measures, had a dual impact on customer loyalty and increased intention to stay and willingness to pay more for the same service. Service firms should train employees to deal with emotions and to learn empathic behaviors.
Managing corporate respectability
Authors: Dhir Krishna S. , Vinen Denis
Published: February 2005

Purpose

With growing literature on corporate reputation, different perspectives are being reported on the concept of corporate reputation. These stem from different sets of issues to be managed, and various disciplinary competencies brought to bear on them. This paper presents a review of these efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

Additionally, a new methodological basis for understanding perceptions of corporate reputation is presented. This paper introduces social judgement theory as a potentially useful theoretical and methodological basis for understanding perceptions of corporate respectability.

Findings

Though it is generally recognized that subjectivity plays an important role in the assessment of reputation, that people rely on naïve theories of judgement to make such assessments, and that subjective or clinical judgements are generally not accurate, investigations of the process by which corporate respectability is assessed are not generally reported. However, a computerized procedure facilitates identification, measurement and reporting of judgemental sources of assessment of corporate respectability.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides an account of an empirical study as an example of how the procedure described here can be used for both research and practical application in formulating corporate reputation policy.

Practical implications

The procedure described here can be used for both research and practical application in formulating corporate reputation policy. The approach presents an alternative approach to the assessment of corporate respectability.

Originality/value

The description of policies in terms of parameters of the judgement process provides an operational definition of the decision makers’ cognitive sets about the domain of corporate respectability. This information would prove invaluable in developing and implementing a judgement‐based decision support system for the benefit of managers of public relations, corporate communications, and corporate reputation.
The role of corporate identity in the higher education sector
Authors: Melewar T.C. , Akel Sibel
Published: February 2005

Purpose

This paper analyses the strategic intent behind the University of Warwick's corporate identity (CI) programme by using the four components of the corporate identity model developed by Melewar and Jenkins.

Design/methodology/approach

Information gathered from the interview with Ian Rowley, Director of Communication at the University of Warwick, is presented in support of the arguments. In addition, the paper refers to two further documents: “University of Warwick: Reputation Audit” and “The Corporate Identity Guide”.

Findings

Warwick's new CI is the reflection of the new management strategy which is the move from a decentralised towards a more centralised management style. In this respect the changes at Warwick represent not a one‐dimensional perspective to CI but rather the first step of an evolving CI programme.

Originality/value

Application of the Melewar and Jenkins identity model in the context of a higher education sector.
ARE FOREIGN FIRMS MORE TECHNOLOGICALLY INTENSIVE? UK ESTABLISHMENT EVIDENCE FROM THE ARD
Authors: Driffield Nigel , Taylor Karl
Published: February 2005

This paper employs establishment level data from the annual respondents database to consider technological differences between establishments operating in the UK. We adopt very precise measures of technology, arguably much more detailed than have hitherto been employed to address the key question of whether use of technology differs by nationality. After numerous controls we find that typically North American establishments have a higher probability of being more technologically intensive than their UK counterparts. This result also stands up in panel analysis.
PROGRESSIVE TAXATION AS A MEANS FOR IMPROVING COMPETITIVE BALANCE
Authors: Van Der Burg Tsjalle , Prinz Aloys
Published: February 2005

The existing instruments for improving the competitive balance within a sports league, such as revenue sharing, restrictions on free agency and salary caps, all have their shortcomings. In this paper, we show that a progressive sports tax, the revenues of which are not redistributed to smaller teams in the league, could be a better instrument. From the broader perspective of the theory of optimum taxation, this instrument may have advantages as well.
Elevated immunoglobulin G antibodies to the proline-rich amino-terminal region of Epstein–Barr virus nuclear antigen-2 in sera from patients with systemic connective tissue diseases and from a subgroup of Sjögren's syndrome patients with pulmonary involvements
Authors: Yamazaki M , Kitamura R , Kusano S , Eda H , Sato S , Okawa-Takatsuji M , Aotsuka S , Yanagi K
Published: February 2005

Associations of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and autoimmune diseases have been hypothesized. We have analysed IgG antibodies to EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA)-2 in sera from Japanese patients with autoimmune systemic connective tissue diseases (CTD), exemplified by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic sclerosis  (SSc)  and  secondary  SS  (classical  CTDs  complicated  with  SS). An  enzyme-linked  immunosorbent  assay  (ELISA)  which  uses  glutathione-S-transferase polypeptides fused to EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA)-2 and EBNA-1 was developed. Ratios of IgG antibody reactivity to whole IgG concentrations of sera were calculated to normalize EBNA-2 and EBNA-1 antibody levels to the hypergammaglobulinaemia that occurs in CTD. The ELISA optical density OD450 readings of IgG antibodies to both the amino-terminal aa 1–116 of EBNA-2 and carboxyl-terminal aa 451–641 of EBNA-1 were elevated significantly in patients with SLE, primary SS, RA, SSc and secondary SS when compared to EBNA-1. The OD readings were divided by serum IgG concentrations to normalize for the hypergammaglobulinaemia. The specific levels of IgG antibodies to the amino-terminal region of EBNA-2 were elevated in patients with SLE, primary SS or RA, as well as those with secondary SS complicated with SLE or RA. The EBNA-2 amino-terminal region contains a polyproline tract and a proline-rich sequence and has considerable amino acid sequence homology with many cellular proline-rich proteins. High ratios of EBNA-2 aa 1–116 to EBNA-1 aa 451–641 IgG antibody levels which probably suggest reactivation of EBV latent infection were associated significantly with pulmonary involvement in SS patients. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the sequence similarity between the amino-terminal region of EBNA-2 and proline-rich cellular proteins is associated with pathogenesis in a subpopulation of CTD patients, possibly by the molecular mimicry–epitope shift mechanism.
IgG subclass distribution of the rheumatoid arthritis-specific autoantibodies to citrullinated fibrin
Authors: Chapuy-Regaud S , Nogueira L , Clavel C , Sebbag M , Vincent C , Serre G
Published: February 2005

In the rheumatoid synovium, deiminated (‘citrullinated’) forms of fibrin are the major targets of IgG autoantibodies to citrullinated proteins (ACPA), the most specific serological markers of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To further the characterization of ACPA, we determined their subclass distribution. From a previously validated highly sensitive and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) onto in vitro deiminated human fibrinogen − antihuman fibrin(ogen) autoantibodies (AhFibA)-ELISA − we derived and calibrated four ELISAs, using monoclonal antibodies to each of the four IgG subclasses, to determine the proportions of AhFibA subclasses in the sera. A series of 186 serum samples from RA patients was analysed. All AhFibA-positive sera contained IgG1-AhFibA, which reached the highest titres and accounted for more than 80% of AhFibA in three-quarters of the sera. One or two other subclasses were associated with IgG1 in 39% of the sera, IgG4-AhFibA being observed much more frequently and at higher titres than IgG3- or IgG2-AhFibA. IgG1 alone or IgG(1 + 4)-AhFibA were the AhFibA subclass profiles found in more than 80% of patients. AhFibA are mainly IgG1 and, to a lesser extent, IgG4. Such IgG subclass profiles may influence the effector phases of the immunological conflict between ACPA and deiminated fibrin that takes place specifically in the rheumatoid synovium and therefore may play a critical role in the self-maintenance of rheumatoid inflammation.
TNF-a mediates the development of anaemia in a murine Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense infection, but not the anaemia associated with a murine Trypanosoma congolense infection
Authors: Naessens J , Kitani H , Nakamura Y , Yagi Y , Sekikawa K , Iraqi F
Published: February 2005

Development of anaemia in inflammatory diseases is cytokine-mediated. Specifically, the levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), produced by activated macrophages, are correlated with severity of disease and anaemia in infections and chronic disease. In African trypanosomiasis, anaemia develops very early in infection around the time when parasites become detectable in the blood. Since the anaemia persists after the first waves of parasitaemia when low numbers of trypanosomes are circulating in the blood, it is generally assumed that anaemia is not directly induced by a parasite factor, but might be cytokine-mediated, as in other cases of anaemia accompanying inflammation. To clarify the role of TNF-α in the development of anaemia, blood parameters of wild type (TNF-α+/+), TNF-α-null (TNF-α–/–) and TNF-α-hemizygous (TNF-α–/+) trypanotolerant mice were compared during infections with the cattle parasite Trypanosoma congolense. No differences in PCV, erythrocyte numbers or haemoglobin were observed between TNF-α-deficient and wild type mice, suggesting that the decrease in erythrocytes was not mediated by TNF-α. Erythropoetin (EPO) levels increased during infection and no significant differences in EPO levels were observed between the three mouse strains. In contrast, during an infection with the human pathogen Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, the number of red blood cells in TNF-α-deficient mice remained significantly higher than in the wild type mice. These data suggest that more than one mechanism promotes the development of anaemia associated with trypanosomiasis.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide impairs leucocyte migration but fails to modify experimental murine colitis
Authors: Newman R , Cuan N , Hampartzoumian T , Connor S J , Lloyd A R , Grimm M C
Published: February 2005

Inflammatory bowel diseases are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a neuropeptide with known anti-inflammatory activity. We have demonstrated previously that administration of VIP inhibits leucocyte migration in a murine model of delayed-type hypersensitivity, and anti-inflammatory efficacy is supported by other studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the VIP effects in a murine model of intestinal inflammation. Colitis was induced in BALB/c mice by a 2·5 mg enema of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS) and the mice were killed on day 7. Mice were administered either a 3-day (therapeutic) or 7-day (prophylactic) constant infusion of VIP by subcutaneously implanted mini-osmotic pumps, or intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of VIP on alternate days over 7 days. Clinical disease scores, weight changes, histopathology of colon tissues, plasma VIP levels, cytokine levels and chemotaxis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were evaluated. After administration of TNBS, mice quickly developed severe colitis accompanied by dramatic body weight loss (20% by day 6) and high mortality (30%). Prophylactic treatment using high-dose VIP abrogated leucocyte chemotaxis; however, it failed to ameliorate the weight loss and mortality. Moreover, VIP delivered either by constant infusion or i.p. failed to modify the clinical, histological or cytokine markers of disease. Our studies show that, despite an ability to inhibit chemokine-induced chemotaxis of mononuclear cells, VIP was unable to modulate TNBS-induced colitis. This contrasts with the efficacy of VIP in models of mild inflammatory disease and suggests that VIP is unlikely to provide a useful model for novel anti-IBD therapy.