bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating information technologies and knowledge‐based systems: a theoretical approach in action for enhancements in production and inventory control
Authors: Reyes Pedro , Raisinghani Mahesh S.
Published: November 2002

The heightened focus of global competition has increased the necessity of manufacturing in combination with information technologies to continuously improve production flexibility and product quality, delivery and cost. Coupled with uncertainty and delays in information transmission lags, this increased focus has also created confusion and difficulties in production and inventory control management. Many manufacturers have abandoned the simple make‐to‐stock environments in favor of more complex make‐to‐order, configure‐to‐order, and engineer‐to‐order. At the heart of this range of options is the information technology (IT) that makes it all possible. Of the most popular new technologies for supporting production and inventory control (PIC) are solver technologies, intelligent decision support systems, and knowledge‐based systems. This paper discusses the integration of IT and knowledge management (KM) and the future trends in KM that are likely to impact PIC. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
E‐improvisation: collaborative groupware technology expands the reach and effectiveness of organizational improvisation
Authors: McKnight Brent , Bontis Nick
Published: November 2002

With today's increasing pace of change, managers who are struggling to continuously adapt and survive are turning to an emerging management technique known as organizational improvisation. This field of management science draws from a metaphor based in improvisational theatre and jazz music and is defined as: The ability to spontaneously recombine knowledge, processes and structure in real time, resulting in creative problem solving that is grounded in the realities of the moment.

As part of these changes, organizations are working across great distances and in groups that include diverse constituents such as suppliers, partners and customers. The distance separating these team members poses a problem for improvisation as improvisation relies heavily on interpersonal communication between group members. The collaborative wealth of creativity, innovation and productivity flows in part from this real‐time interaction. The increasing distance between group members hampers the effective reach of organizational improvisation. The proposed concept of e‐improvisation suggests that the adoption of groupware collaborative software, in particular a peer‐to‐peer offering called Groove, can extend the reach of improvisation and enhance its effectiveness. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The knowledge‐intensive company and the economy of sharing: rethinking utility and knowledge management
Authors: Styhre Alexander
Published: November 2002

Knowledge‐intensive organizations are based on their capability of making use of intangible, intellectual resources and assets. As opposed to preceding economic regimes, the post‐ industrial society is to a lesser extent dependent on production factors that are subject to scarcity. Instead, knowledge tends to grow rather than being consumed as it is shared with others. When examining the practices of knowledge‐intensive companies, an ethics of sharing underlying to the use of all knowledge needs to be recognized. Rather than conceiving of knowledge as being an organizational resource that is derived from previous economic regimes, the analysis of knowledge needs to be grounded in a different perspective. This paper is an attempt to formulate such a perspective on knowledge‐intensive organizations as being based on sharing rather than exploitation. The argument is supported by an empirical study of a pharmaceutical company wherein the distribution of knowledge across project teams, communities of practice and individuals was of key strategic interest. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cryo‐survival and development of bovine blastocysts are enhanced by culture with recombinant albumin and hyaluronan
Authors: Lane Michelle , Maybach Jeffrey M. , Hooper Kathy , Hasler John F. , Gardner David K.
Published: November 2002

Recombinant albumin can be used to supplement culture medium for the maturation and fertilization of bovine oocytes and subsequent embryo development to the blastocyst stage. Recombinant albumin was able to support blastocyst development at rates equivalent to that of bovine serum albumin (BSA) supplemented media. Supplementation of media containing recombinant albumin and citrate stimulated blastocyst expansion. Culture with recombinant albumin and citrate significantly increased the ability of the resultant blastocysts to re‐expand and hatch following cryopreservation. The further addition of the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan to the culture medium containing either BSA or recombinant albumin also increased the ability of blastocysts to survive cryopreservation. Inclusion of recombinant albumin and hyaluronan in culture media facilitates the development of physiological defined culture conditions. For bovine embryos this has implications for both research and commercial applications where defined reproducible conditions are desirable. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 64: 70–78, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interferon‐τ in bovine blastocysts following parthenogenetic activation of oocytes: Pattern of secretion and polymorphism in expressed mRNA sequences
Authors: Kubisch H. Michael , Rasmussen Terri A. , Johnson Kelly M.
Published: November 2002

A series of experiments were conducted to examine the pattern of production and secretion of interferon‐τ (IFN‐τ) by blastocysts following parthenogenetic activation of bovine oocytes. In the first experiment, 36.8, 24.1, and 33.2% of IVF‐derived and parthenogenetically activated oocytes cultured in the presence or absence of a monolayer of buffalo rat liver cells, respectively, reached the blastocyst stage. Following individual culture of blastocysts, IFN‐τ concentration in medium droplets was similar among the three groups, although IVF‐derived blastocysts contained significantly more cells. In the second experiment, 156 IVF‐derived blastocysts were sexed by PCR with 75 and 81, respectively, being male and female. IFN‐τ secretion of these was compared to that of 70 parthenogenetic blastocysts. Female and parthenogenetic blastocysts produced significantly more IFN‐τ than their male counterparts. In the third experiment, the ability of hatched blastocysts to form outgrowths and the pattern of their IFN‐τ secretion were examined. Of the 48 IVF‐derived blastocysts, 44 formed outgrowths compared to 41 of the 42 hatched parthenotes. Parthenogenetic outgrowths were significantly larger after 7 days, but this difference had disappeared after 14 days. IFN‐τ secretion did not differ between the two groups. Lastly, sequence analyses of expressed mRNA from individual parthenogenetic blastocyst outgrowths showed four different transcript types which, based on their predicted amino acid sequence, belong to two subgroups, IFN‐τ1 and IFN‐τ3. In addition, one new transcript sequence was identified, encoding a new protein isoform. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 64: 79–85, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Glycogen synthase kinase‐3 regulates mouse oocyte homologue segregation
Authors: Wang Xia , Liu Xiao‐Tie , Dunn Rodney , Ohl Dana A. , Smith Gary D.
Published: November 2002

Intracellular regulation of oocyte meiosis is not completely understood. However, reversible phosphorylation, which involves serine/threonine protein kinases and phosphatases (PP), is an important mediator. Glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3) is a highly conserved serine/threonine protein kinase. Currently no reports exist on presence or function of GSK‐3 in mammalian oocytes. The aim of this study was to determine GSK‐3 presence/absence, transcript and protein expression, intracellular protein distribution, and to investigate the functional importance of GSK‐3 in mouse oocyte meiosis. Germinal vesicle‐intact (GVI) oocytes contained both GSK‐3 transcript and protein. Although GSK‐3 β‐isoform is the only transcript identifiable in GVI oocytes, both α‐ and β‐isoforms were recognized by Western blot analysis. In growing, meiotic‐incompetent oocytes GSK‐3 was present, diffusely located throughout the cytoplasm and absent in the nucleus, whereas in meiotic‐competent oocytes this cytoplasmic GSK‐3 displays a predominant peri‐oolemma staining. Treatment of mouse GVI oocytes with lithium chloride (LiCl), which inhibits both inositol monophosphatase (IMPase) and GSK‐3, had no significant influence on oocyte viability, morphology, or development to metaphase II (MII). However, LiCl caused abnormal spindle formation and significantly increased incidence of abnormal homologue segregation during the first meiotic division. L690,330, which is a specific IMPase inhibitor, had no significant effect on oocyte viability, morphology, MII development, or homologue segregation. This is the first report of GSK‐3 in mammalian oocytes. LiCl inhibition of mouse oocyte GSK‐3 modified organization of microtubules and/or function of meiotic spindles thus compromising segregation of condensed bivalent chromosomes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 64: 96–105, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Glutathione (GSH) concentrations vary with the cell cycle in maturing hamster oocytes, zygotes, and pre‐implantation stage embryos
Authors: Zuelke Kurt A. , Jeffay Susan C. , Zucker Robert M. , Perreault Sally D.
Published: November 2002

Glutathione (GSH) is thought to play critical roles in oocyte function including spindle maintenance and provision of reducing power needed to initiate sperm chromatin decondensation. Previous observations that GSH concentrations are higher in mature than immature oocytes and decline after fertilization, suggest that GSH synthesis may be associated with cell cycle events. To explore this possibility, we measured the concentrations of GSH in Golden Hamster oocytes and zygotes at specific stages of oocyte maturation and at intervals during the first complete embryonic cell cycle. Between 2 and 4 hr after the hormonal induction of oocyte maturation, GSH concentrations increased significantly (∼doubling) in both oocytes and their associated cumulus cells. This increase was concurrent with germinal vesicle breakdown and the condensation of metaphase I chromosomes in the oocyte. GSH remained high in ovulated, metaphase II (MII) oocytes, but then declined significantly, by about 50%, shortly after fertilization, as the zygote progressed back into interphase (the pronucleus stage). GSH concentrations then plummeted by the two‐cell embryo stage and remained at only 10% of those in MII oocytes throughout pre‐implantation development. These results demonstrate that oocyte GSH concentrations fluctuate with the cell cycle, being highest during meiotic metaphase, the critical period for spindle growth and development and for sperm chromatin remodeling. These observations raise the possibility that GSH synthesis in maturing oocytes is regulated by gonadotropins, and suggest that GSH is more important during fertilization than during pre‐implantation embryo development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 64: 106–112, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sorting specificity of spermatogenic cell specific region of mouse hexokinase‐s (mHk1‐s)
Authors: Nakamura Noriko , Komiyama Masatoshi , Fujioka Makio , Mori Chisato
Published: November 2002

Hexokinase is the first enzyme involved in the glycolysis process that produces glucose phosphorylate. Our previous study reported on our cloning of mouse Hk1‐s (mHk1‐s) cDNA, which were expressed only in testis cells, and noted that this cDNA has a spermatogenic cell‐specific region (SSR) that replaces the porin binding domain (PBD) in the Hk1of somatic cells. Although we know that PBD binds to the outer membrane of a mitochondrion, the role of the SSR is not yet understood. To investigate the intracellular localization of SSR, we constructed expression vectors with the epitope tag (GFP‐, HA‐), subcloned SSR, or PBD cDNA. We transfected these vectors in mouse fibroblast, NIH3T3 cells, after which we observed the localization of the SSR and PBD in the NIH3T3 cells. Our current study using the immunocytochemical method revealed that PBD is concentrated around the mitochondrion. However, the SSR could not be ascribed to the mitochondrion, ER, or nuclear colocalization. Moreover, subcellular fractionation analysis showed that PBD was detected in the mitochondrial fraction, and that SSR was detected in the cytosolic fraction. Our findings suggest that PBD of Hk1 targets mitochondrion, but the SSR of mHk1‐s targets some specific organellae. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 64: 113–119, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Progesterone induces acrosome reaction in stallion spermatozoa via a protein tyrosine kinase dependent pathway
Authors: Rathi R. , Colenbrander B. , Stout T.A.E. , Bevers M.M. , Gadella B.M.
Published: November 2002

Progesterone (P4) is a physiological inducer of the acrosome reaction (AR) in stallion spermatozoa. However, the capacitation‐dependent changes that enable progesterone binding, and the nature of the signaling cascade that is triggered by progesterone and results in induction of the AR, are poorly understood. The aim of the current study was, therefore, to investigate the protein kinase dependent signaling cascades involved in progesterone‐mediated induction of the AR in stallion spermatozoa. In addition, we aimed to determine whether bicarbonate, an inducer of sperm capacitation, acted via the same pathway as P4 or whether it otherwise synergized P4‐mediated induction of the AR. We examined the effect on AR progression of specific inhibitors and stimulators of protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), protein kinase G (PKG), and protein tyrosine kinase (PTK), in the presence or absence of 15 mM bicarbonate and/or 1 μg/ml progesterone. Progression of the AR was assessed using the Pisum sativum agglutinin conjugated to fluorescein iso thiocyanate (PSA‐FITC) staining technique. Bicarbonate specifically activated a PKA‐dependent signaling pathway, whereas the effect of P4 was independent of PKA. Conversely, while P4‐mediated AR induction was dependent on PTK, the effects of bicarbonate were PTK‐independent. Finally, although the AR inducing effects of both P4 and bicarbonate were sensitive to staurosporin, a potent blocker of PKC activity at moderate (50 nM) concentrations, the effect of P4 was completely blocked at 50 nM staurosporin, whereas that of bicarbonate was only completely inhibited by much higher concentrations (2 μM) where staurosporin also inhibits PKA activity. In conclusion, P4‐mediated activation of the AR is dependent on a pathway that includes both PTK and PKC. While the effects of bicarbonate on the AR are mediated via a separate PKA‐dependent signaling pathway, P4 and bicarbonate have synergistic effects on the AR. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 64: 120–128, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chromosomal location, structure, and temporal expression of the platelet‐activating factor receptor (PAFr) gene in porcine endometrium and embryos relative to estrogen receptor α gene expression
Authors: Yang Wensheng , Diehl John R. , Yerle Martine , Ford J. Joe , Christenson Ronald K. , Roudebush William E. , Plummer William E.
Published: November 2002

Although platelet‐activating factor receptor (PAFr) gene was well characterized in the human, little was known about it in domestic animals. Porcine PAFr gene was mapped using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The structure of this gene was investigated using a 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) technique. Temporal expression of PAFr and estrogen receptor α genes (ER), and distribution of the PAFr transcripts in porcine endometrial and embryonic tissues on days 0, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 were analyzed using DNA competitors and reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The porcine PAFr gene was mapped to SSC6q26‐27. Alternative splicing of primary transcripts of the PAFr gene produced two different transcripts. Transcript 1 was expressed in all tissues and cells, and transcript 2 was detected in all tissues but white blood cells. The temporal expression of the PAFr gene in endometrial (P > 0.05) and embryonic (P < 0.05) tissues of pregnant sows increased from day 10 to 16. The temporal expression of ER genes in endometrial tissues of pregnant sows decreased from day 10 to 18 (P < 0.05). In addition, ER expression was detectable in 20–60% of embryonic tissue samples, which generally decreased. In combination with previously obtained data on PAF and estradiol‐17β (E2) concentrations in pregnant uterine luminal fluids (pULF), endometrial and embryonic tissues, the present results indicated that the increasing PAFr transcripts were positively associated with increasing levels of PAF. Both ER transcripts and E2 found in pULF decreased correspondingly from day 13 to 16. These results indicate that via PAFr, PAF could play a dominant role in peri‐implantation development in pigs as compared to E2. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 64: 4–12, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Display of different modes of transcription by the promoters of an early embryonic gene, Zfp352, in preimplantation embryos and in somatic cells
Authors: Liu Tiffany Yi‐Chen , Chen Huang‐Hui , Lee Kun‐Hsiung , Choo Kong‐Bung
Published: November 2002

We have previously reported a Krupple‐like finger protein gene, Zfp352, which is expressed temporarily in two‐ to eight‐cell mouse embryos. The Zfp352 gene is intron‐less in the coding region but carries a solitary 4.3‐kb intron in the 5′‐untranslated region. In this study, we have analyzed the Zfp352 promoter activity in early embryos and in somatic cells. We determined that the major Zfp352 promoter, designated P1 and located upstream of exon 1, is utilized in both early embryos and in somatic cells. A TATA‐like box and a transcription initiator element are discernible in the P1 promoter. We uncovered an alternative promoter, designated P2, in the intron. 5′‐Rapid amplification of cDNA ends and real‐time RT‐PCR experiments indicated that the P2 promoter is weak and is probably fortuitous in early embryos. In somatic cells, however, transfection experiments showed that P2 is as active as P1 as a promoter. Furthermore, P2 appears to be composed of two different subdomains used differentially for transcription initiation in embryos and in somatic cells. Our observations may bear relevance in explaining developmental deficiencies associated with somatic cell cloning experiments. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 64: 52–60, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epidermal growth factor regulation of connexin 43 in cultured granulosa cells from preantral rabbit follicles
Authors: Kennedy Katie L. , Floyd Anthony A. , Clarkson Alison M. , Lee Vaughan H.
Published: November 2002

Connexin 43 (Cx43), a gap junction protein expressed in differentiated granulosa cells, is necessary for normal follicular development. Cx43 expression and regulation by epidermal growth factor (EGF) were characterized in immature rabbit granulosa cells. Cx43 mRNA was expressed in the granulosa cells of primary follicles, but was undetectable in primordial follicles. Abundant expression of Cx43 mRNA was maintained in the granulosa cells of growing follicles through maturity. Granulosa cells were isolated from early preantral follicles and maintained in monolayer cultures for 72 hr. After the first 24 hr of culture, they were maintained for 48 hr in serum‐free medium supplemented with 0, 1, 5, or 10 ng/ml of mouse EGF. Granulosa cell proteins were isolated, solubilized, and evaluated for Cx43 by Western blot analysis using antibodies to rat Cx43. Relative amounts of Cx43 protein (both phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated) were increased (P < 0.05) by EGF in a dose‐dependent manner. Northern blot analysis of RNA from cultured granulosa cells demonstrated increased amounts of Cx43 mRNA in the EGF treated cultures (10 ng EGF/ml) relative to controls (P < 0.03). In summary, Cx43 gap junctions are synthesized in granulosa cells following the onset of folliculogenesis in vivo and their expression is enhanced by EGF in vitro. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 64: 61–69, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HE6, a two‐subunit heptahelical receptor associated with apical membranes of efferent and epididymal duct epithelia
Authors: Obermann Heike , Samalecos Annemarie , Osterhoff Caroline , Schröder Barbara , Heller Raoul , Kirchhoff Christiane
Published: November 2002

Human Epididymis‐specific protein 6 [HE6 (GPR64)] is a highly conserved, tissue‐specific seven‐transmembrane receptor of the human epididymis. The rodent counterparts were cloned and 5′‐inverse PCR employed to confirm that the cDNA sequences were full length. Downstream from the highly conserved signal peptide‐coding sequence, the 5′‐regions contained at least six mini‐exons of less than 50 nucleotides. Multiple splice variants involving these mini‐exons were cloned in the human, the majority of which was also found in rodents. Northern blot analysis showed that the tissue distribution of the mRNA was very similar in human and rodents. The human HE6 gene was assigned to the X chromosome in a region, which is syntenic to the mouse. The HE6 sequence predicted a two‐subunit receptor of the LNB‐TM7 subfamily. A membrane preparation and protein solubilization method was adopted to identify the endogenous epididymal proteins. Two sets of peptides were chosen for antibody production, assuming that protein scission had occurred within the conserved GPS‐motif. Western blot analysis revealed abundant two‐subunit proteins in human and rodents, comprising an approximately 180 kDa hydrophilic ectosubunit and a <40 kDa hydrophobic endosubunit. Deglycosylation experiments showed that the large ectosubunits were highly glycosylated, the carbohydrate side chains dramatically increasing the apparent molecular mass. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that both subunits were associated with apical membranes of efferent ductule and proximal epididymal duct epithelia. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 64: 13–26, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression patterns of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide and its type I receptor mRNAs in the rat placenta
Authors: Koh Phil Ok , Kwak Soo Dong , Kim Hyun Joon , Roh Guseob , Kim Jin Hyun , Kang Sang Soo , Choi Wan Sung , Cho Gyeong Jae
Published: November 2002

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) was first isolated from ovine hypothalamus and is known to act as a tropic factor in various cells. Recent report revealed the expression of PACAP and the PACAP type I (PAC1) receptor in human and rat placentas at term. Placenta is a critical organ that synthesizes several growth and angiogenic factors for its own growth as well as fetal development. However, there is little information regarding the expression pattern and cellular localization of PACAP and PAC1 during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to define the expression and distribution of PACAP and PAC1 receptor mRNAs in the rat placenta during pregnancy. PACAP and PAC1 receptor mRNAs were expressed in decidual cells, chorionic vessels, and stromal cells of the chorionic villi. Interestingly, the expression of these genes varied with the day of gestation. For example, PACAP and PAC1 receptor mRNAs expressed in decidual cells on day 13.5 and 15.5, their expression was strong in chorionic vessels and stromal cells of the chorionic villi within the labyrinth zone on day 17.5, 19.5, and 21.5. In fact, as gestation advanced, the expression of PACAP and PAC1 receptor mRNAs in the decidua cells disappeared, as their high expression became evident in the chorionic vessels and stromal cells of the chorionic villi. Our finding that PACAP and the PAC1 receptor are co‐localized and their genes seemingly co‐regulated within specific placental areas, strongly suggest that this peptide may play an important role, as an autoregulator or pararegulator via its PAC1 receptor, in physiological functioning of the placenta for gestational maintenance. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 64: 27–31, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential expression of the two GH genes during embryonic development of rainbow trout oncorhynchus mykiss in relation with the IGFs system
Authors: Gabillard Jean‐Charles , Duval Hélène , Cauty Chantal , Rescan Pierre‐Yves , Weil Claudine , Bail Pierre‐Yves Le
Published: November 2002

The Growth hormone (GH)/insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) system promotes embryonic growth in higher vertebrates. Such a system exists in salmonids, but exhibits an additional level of complexity resulting from a recent whole genome tetraploidisation. Thus, two nonallelic GH genes are present in the trout genome. Although the two GH genes are similar, the possibility remains that the two genes have evolved separately, acquiring a distinct expression pattern. In this study, using whole mounted in situ hybridisation, we observed a one stage delay between the appearance of GH‐2 (Stage 22) and GH‐1 (Stage 23) soon after pituitary formation (Stage 21). In addition, by double in situ hybridisation, we clearly evidenced two types of somatotroph, one expressing only GH‐2 and the other type both GH‐1 and GH‐2 at Stage 24. Consequently, at this stage more cells expressed GH‐2 than GH‐1 as confirmed by quantitative RT‐PCR. However at hatching, as in adult, the difference between the expression of the two GH genes was no longer observed. In addition, our immunohistochemical studies did not show any delay between the expression of the mRNA and its translation as a protein at Stage 24. A comparison of the expression pattern of the IGF system components (IGF‐1, IGF‐2, and the receptor type I) determined by real time RT‐PCR, have shown an IGF‐1 mRNA increase concomitantly to the appearance of GH expression. On the whole, our results demonstrate a differential regulation of GH‐1 and GH‐2 genes in rainbow trout embryo. The relationship observed between the expression of different component of the GH/IGF system seems to indicate that this system could be functional early on during embryonic development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 64: 32–40, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential pattern of Xist RNA accumulation in single blastomeres isolated from 8‐cell stage mouse embryos following laser zona drilling
Authors: Hartshorn Cristina , Rice John E. , Wangh Lawrence J.
Published: November 2002

Xist gene expression begins at the late 2‐cell stage in female mouse embryos and by the third division results in the accumulation of an average 100 copies of Xist RNA per cell, as measured by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). In the blastocyst, the trophectoderm maintains the paternally imprinted pattern of Xist expression present during early development, while either the maternal or the paternal X chromosome can express Xist among cells of the inner mass. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) has previously established that Xist transcripts are localized on the silenced X chromosome, forming aggregates of variable dimensions in blastomeres of 8‐cell embryos. This observation and the fact that Xist RNA accumulation per cell sharply decreases after morula stage raise the possibility that cells of cleaving embryos contain different levels of Xist RNA, perhaps linked to their subsequent developmental fates. We show here that Xist RNA is efficiently recovered from single blastomeres isolated from 8‐cell embryos following laser zona drilling. Sexing of the samples and simultaneous quantification of Xist RNA in individual cells is achieved with a multiplex Xist/Sry real‐time RT‐PCR assay sensitive to the single‐copy level. This analysis reveals that Xist RNA is indeed accumulated to substantially different levels in individual blastomeres of the same 8‐cell embryo and that two blastomeres contain most of the molecules per embryo. These results support the conclusion that cells of the early mammalian embryo are not all functionally equivalent. Differential Xist gene expression could arise from differences in DNA methylation, or the order in which cells divide. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 64: 41–51, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epididymal G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR): Two hats and a two‐piece suit tailored at the GPS motif
Authors: Kierszenbaum Abraham L.
Published: November 2002

G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) are involved in cell recognition and signaling and their function has been experimentally determined by ligand activation and site‐directed mutagenesis. Structurally, GPCRs consist of an extracellular N‐terminus and an intracellular C‐terminus separated by seven helical transmembrane domains (TM7). The extracellular region is highly glycosylated. The intracellular region binds to G proteins. An epididymal GPCR, designated HE6 (for human epididymis‐specific protein 6), is present in the stereocilia projecting from the apical domain of principal cells into the epididymal lumen. In conceptual terms, HE6 wears two hats: an unusually long extracellular region characteristic of cell adhesion proteins, and an intracellular region with binding affinity to G protein. The binding partner to the long extracellular region has not been identified. HE6 has another remarkable feature comparable to the GPCR calcium‐independent receptor of α‐latrotoxin, designated CIRL. Both HE6 and CIRL are endogenously cleaved into two pieces at the GPCR proteolytic site (GPS) located adjacent to TM1, the first of the seven transmembrane helices. One fragment of the heterodimer wears the cell adhesion hat; the other retains the typical characteristics of GPCRs. This proteolytic processing may be regarded as a mechanism of molecular compartmentalization of cell adhesion and G protein activation functions. The latter may engage a β‐arrestin‐driven endocytic trafficking mechanism independent from the adhesive properties of the mucin extracellular domain. It is also conceivable that events taking place in the epididymal lumen can be surveyed by the long adhesive rod and subsequently coupled inside principal cells to a signaling cascade. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 64: 1–3, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Networking lessons in delivering ‘Software as a Service’—Part II
Authors: Greschler David , Mangan Tim
Published: November 2002

In part I of this paper, we described the origins and evolution of Software as a Service (SaaS) and its value proposition to Corporate IT, Service Providers, Independent Software Vendors and End Users. SaaS is a model in which software applications are deployed, managed, updated and supported on demand—like a utility—and are served to users centrally using servers that are internal or external to the enterprise. Applications are no longer installed locally on a user's desktop PC; instead, upgrades, licensing and version control, metering, support and provisioning are all managed at the server level. In part we examine the lessons learned in researching, building and running an SaaS service. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel methodology for robust VBR video transmission in an ATM system
Authors: Alheraish A. , Smith D. G. , Irvine J.
Published: November 2002

A dynamic FEC (DFEC) scheme for VBR video in ATM networks is proposed. The scheme combines the design of source encoder, error control, and the network. In the design, we will develop a methodology to vary FEC redundancy dynamically. The methodology considers the fluctuations in video source and network utilisation to adjust the FEC redundancy levels. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme by examining its performance with three existing schemes in terms of loss rates, throughput, and quality degradation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interworking of switched ethernet and ATM flow control mechanisms
Authors: Aweya James , Ouellette Michel , Montuno Delfin Y.
Published: November 2002

In this paper, we evaluate the performance of TCP in a network where the IEEE 802.3x flow control and the ATM Available Bit Rate flow control mechanisms are interworked. The objective is to examine whether an interworking of the two flow control mechanisms can improve the performance of upper‐layer protocols like TCP which is an end‐to‐end connection‐based transport protocol. The simulation studies show that the two interworked flow control mechanisms result in high link utilization while providing very low loss rates when used in conjunction with TCP. The flow control mechanisms complement each other. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increasing on‐task behavior during mathematics independent seat‐work in students with emotional disturbance by interspersing additional brief problems
Authors: Skinner Christopher H. , Hurst Kristal L. , Teeple Donna F. , Meadows Sadonya O.
Published: November 2002

Alternating treatments designs were used to compare on‐task levels in 4 students diagnosed as emotionally disturbed while working on control and experimental independent seat‐work mathematics assignments. Control and experimental assignments were similar except experimental assignments contained additional briefer mathematics problems interspersed following every third problem. Results showed greater on‐task levels while working on experimental assignments across 3 of the 4 students. Discussion focuses on problem completion being a conditioned reinforcer and applying this theory to prevent and remedy academic and social‐behavior problems in students with behavior disorders. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The reliability of test scores for the pervasive developmental disorders rating scale
Authors: Williams Thomas O. , Eaves Ronald C.
Published: November 2002

The Pervasive Developmental Disorders Rating Scale (PDDRS; Eaves, 1993) is a screening instrument used in the assessment of autistic disorder. In this study, the reliability of test scores for the PDDRS was examined with three samples. The first sample consisted of 456 participants ranging in age from 1 to 12 years old and the second sample consisted of 111 participants in the 13 to 24 year‐old range. Additionally, the test‐retest reliability of scores for the PDDRS was examined with a sample of 40 participants. The results indicated that coefficient alpha for the PDDRS Total Score was adequate for screening purposes (r = .89) for both age groups. The results of the test‐retest study also suggested that PDDRS had adequate test‐retest reliability (r = .92) for the PDDRS Total Score. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 39: 605–611, 2002.
Validity of the comprehensive receptive and expressive vocabulary test in assessment of children with speech and learning problems
Authors: Smith Teresa , Smith Billy L. , Eichler Joan B. , Pollard Amy Gilbert
Published: November 2002

The current researchers investigated construct, predictive, and differential validity for the Comprehensive Receptive and Expressive Vocabulary Test (CREVT). Participants were 243 public school students, ages 5.5 to 17.25 years. They represented four primary disabilities: Learning Disability (n = 115), Learning Disability with Speech Impairment (n = 29), Mental Retardation (n = 40), and Speech Impairment (n = 59). Adequate construct validity for the CREVT was documented, using the Wechsler Intelligence Test for Children–III as a criterion. Also, the CREVT significantly predicted the scores on the Wide Range Achievement Test–3. Lastly, the CREVT effectively differentiated between students with disabilities. These findings suggest that the CREVT may be helpful in identifying the presence of learning problems. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 39: 613–619, 2002.
The effect of reading recovery® on special education referrals and placements
Authors: O'Connor Evelyn A. , Simic Ognjen
Published: November 2002

This study examined the effect of Reading Recovery®, an early intervention program for first‐grade children, on the rates of referral and placement in special education in New York City. Study participants consisted of students who had a complete Reading Recovery (RR) program (RR‐discontinued and RR‐recommended) and a comparison group composed of children with literacy difficulties, who were initially performing at a slightly higher level than the Reading Recovery children. The results showed that children who received the Reading Recovery program were referred for testing and placed in special education at a statistically significant lower rate. Reading Recovery is associated with a 5% reduction in estimated referral rate and a 3% decrease in placement rate. Additionally, an examination of the classification labels of children placed in special education revealed that RR‐discontinued children were less likely to be classified as learning disabled than those in both the comparison group and the RR‐recommended group. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 39: 635–646, 2002.
Relationships among stressful life events, temperament, problem behavior, and global life satisfaction in adolescents
Authors: McKnight Caroline G. , Huebner E. Scott , Suldo Shannon
Published: November 2002

The relationships among stressful life events (SLEs), temperament, externalizing and internalizing behaviors, and global life satisfaction were investigated. The Students' Life Satisfaction Scale, the Youth Self Report (YSR) form of the Child Behavior Checklist, a portion of the Life Events Checklist, and the Abbreviated Junior Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, were administered to 1,201 adolescents in grades 6 through 12 in a small city in the Southeast. A modest correlation was found between life satisfaction and Extraversion, whereas moderate correlations were found between life satisfaction and Neuroticism and life satisfaction and SLEs. Based upon hierarchical regression analyses, temperament variables accounted for approximately 16% of the variance in predictions of life satisfaction ratings. When SLEs were added, an additional 3% of the variance in life satisfaction ratings was subsequently explained. Life satisfaction did not operate as a moderator between SLEs and problem behavior. However, when global life satisfaction was added as a mediator variable, results indicated a partial mediational effect, particularly on internalizing behavior. Limitations of the study as well as implications for comprehensive psychological assessments are discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 39: 677–687, 2002.
Outcomes of a school‐based mental health program for youth with serious emotional disorders
Authors: Robinson Kristin E. , Rapport Lisa J.
Published: November 2002

The present study describes a comprehensive, day treatment program conducted in public school classrooms for children with serious emotional disorders (SED) and presents data evaluating program efficacy. Behavioral outcomes are presented for 142 children, ages 5 to 18 years, over the course of an academic year. Treatment efficacy was assessed using a behavioral outcome measure, the Youth Outcome Questionnaire. At initial evaluation, all children were exhibiting emotional symptoms beyond the scope of outpatient services, with 97% being classified as having a Severe Emotional Disorder. At the 9‐month follow‐up, 50.7% of the sample showed overall symptom reduction, and 27.5% scored below clinical cutoff levels, indicating remission of symptoms to within normal limits. Treatment response was equally likely among boys and girls, and across diagnostic categories. Elementary school‐aged children and adolescents made equivalent gains in the program; however, mixed‐model, repeated‐measures ANOVA revealed a significant group × time interaction ( p < .05), indicating that these groups showed different patterns of improvement over time. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 39: 661–675, 2002.
The first twenty years of the Strategic Management Journal
Authors: Phelan Steven E. , Ferreira Manuel , Salvador Rommel
Published: November 2002

The Strategic Management Journal (SMJ) has now entered its third decade of publication and consistently ranks among the most influential journals in management. While several authors have examined the impact of SMJ vis‐à‐vis other management publications, few studies have examined the internal changes in the publication over time, particularly with regard to the diversity and content of the journal. The current study finds that there has been a significant shift in the number of authors, publication lags, reference lists, and page lengths in SMJ over the past 20 years, while the diversity of authorship has stayed relatively constant. There has also been a marked rise in the proportion of empirical papers being published. The implications of these results are discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corporate reputation and sustained superior financial performance
Authors: Roberts Peter W. , Dowling Grahame R.
Published: November 2002

Good corporate reputations are critical because of their potential for value creation, but also because their intangible character makes replication by competing firms considerably more difficult. Existing empirical research confirms that there is a positive relationship between reputation and financial performance. This paper complements these findings by showing that firms with relatively good reputations are better able to sustain superior profit outcomes over time. In particular, we undertake an analysis of the relationship between corporate reputation and the dynamics of financial performance using two complementary dynamic models. We also decompose overall reputation into a component that is predicted by previous financial performance, and that which is ‘left over’, and find that each (orthogonal) element supports the persistence of above‐average profits over time. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The dynamics of product innovation and firm competences
Authors: Danneels Erwin
Published: November 2002

This study examines how product innovation contributes to the renewal of the firm through its dynamic and reciprocal relation with the firm's competences. Field research in five high‐tech firms of varying age, size, and level of diversification is combined with analysis of existing theory to develop the findings of the study. Based on the notion that new products are created by linking competences relating to technologies and customers, a typology is derived that classifies new product projects based on whether a new product can draw on existing competences, or whether it requires competences the firm does not yet have. Following organizational learning theory, these options are conceptualized as exploitation and exploration. These organizational learning concepts are used to gain a dynamic and path‐dependent view of product innovation and firm development, and to reveal the unique nature and challenges of different types of product innovation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceived fairness, decision control, and commitment in international joint venture management teams
Authors: Johnson James P. , Korsgaard M. Audrey , Sapienza Harry J.
Published: November 2002

Previous research examining the effectiveness of international joint ventures (IJVs) has focused on differences in the backgrounds and bargaining power of IJV parent firms, while little attention has been given to the IJV itself. This study takes a different perspective by examining the relationship between IJV parent firms and the IJV. Specifically, we examine how IJV and parent involvement in strategic decision‐making influences the IJV management team's commitment to the IJV and to the parent firms. We hypothesize that the IJV management team tends to be more committed to the IJV than to the parent firms, and that there is a strong positive relationship between procedural justice, strategic decision control, and organizational commitment. A field study involving 51 IJVs supported our hypotheses. We discuss the implications of organizational commitment and procedural justice for managing IJVs. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The meaning of money
Authors: Li‐Ping Tang Thomas , Furnham Adrian , Mei‐Tzu Wu Davis Grace
Published: November 2002

This study compared people’s endorsement of the money ethic across three countries: Taiwan, the USA and the UK. Exploratory factor analysis results for the whole sample suggested that the six‐item money ethic scale had three independent factors, low cross‐loading, and low inter‐factor correlations. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed for the whole sample and for each group. There was a good fit between the six‐item MES model and the data for the US sample and a poor fit for the Chinese sample, the UK sample, and the whole sample. For the whole sample, regression results showed that those who scored high on factor budget tended to have high self‐esteem, display organizational citizenship behavior (OCB)‐altruism, have low strain, and are female. Factor evil was positively related to OCB‐compliance and negatively related to OCB‐altruism. American men considered money as their success, British men considered money as evil. British women claimed that they budget their money carefully. Results are discussed in light of cultural differences and the rapidly expanding literature on the psychology of money beliefs and behaviors.
Affective organizational commitment of workers in Chinese joint ventures
Authors: Wong Yui‐Tim , Ngo Hang‐Yue , Wong Chi‐Sum
Published: November 2002

This study examines the factors affecting joint venture employees’ affective commitment in the Peoples’ Republic of China. Three theoretical frameworks (i.e. the justice framework, the job security framework and the trust framework) are employed to study the antecedents and the consequence of workers’ affective commitment. The proposed mediation model includes: distributive justice, procedural justice and perceived job security as the antecedents of affective commitment; trust in organization as the mediator; and turnover intention as the outcome variable. The results supported this mediation model. It has been found that trust in organization mediates the relationships between distributive justice, procedural justice, perceived job security and affective commitment. In addition, perceived job security and affective commitment have significant effects on the turnover intention of workers. Finally, the theoretical and practical implications of the present study are discussed.
Cultural values in relation to equity sensitivity within and across cultures
Authors: Wheeler Kenneth G.
Published: November 2002

Organizations are faced with the challenge of developing effective reward systems for a diverse workforce within a society, as well as across different cultures for global operations. Equity theory is a major process motivational model concerned with such reward systems, and equity sensitivity provides important modifications to this model. The present research examines the relation of equity sensitivity to culturally related values. Positive relationships with equity sensitivity are found for collectivism, femininity, power distance and uncertainty avoidance for a diverse sample within the USA and for collectivism and femininity for a sample from Taiwan.
Influence of clothing material properties on rectal temperature in different environments
Authors: Zhang P. , Gong R.H. , Yanai Y. , Tokura H.
Published: November 2002

One of the main purposes of clothing is to provide the wearer protection against undesirable environments. The properties of clothing materials have critical influences on the comfort of the wearer. Also, clothing is not just a passive cover for the skin, it interacts with and modifies the heat regulating function of the skin and has effects that are modified by the environment condition. Up to the present, most physiological studies have been on the thermal regulation of the human body without clothing. Although it is a necessary first step, more realistic and valuable information can only be obtained through studies of the interaction between clothing and the physiological aspects of the human wearer. This study reports an investigation into the combined effects of the properties of the clothing material and environment conditions on the rectal temperature of human wearers. The rectal temperature was the highest for the clothing with the lower air permeability and moisture regain during both the cooling and heating periods. In the hot environment after heating, the rectal temperature was the lowest for the clothing with the higher air permeability and moisture regain in environments of both with and without wind.