bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate variability effects on simulated pasture and animal production in the perennial pasture zone of south-eastern Australia.1. Between year variability in pasture and animal production
Authors: Clark S. G. , Austen E. A. , Prance T. , Ball P. D.
Published: November 2003

Climate variability is a major constraint to farming in south-eastern Australia and one that is out of the farmers' control. However, a better understanding of long-term climate variability would be beneficial for on-farm management decisions. A series of long-term simulations were undertaken with the GrassGro decision support tool to determine the effect of climate variability on pasture and animal production at 6 locations in south-eastern Australia. The simulations ran from 89 to 119 years using daily weather records from each location. All simulations were for spring-lambing flocks of medium sized Merino ewes stocked at above-average district stocking rates, grazing well-fertilised, perennial grass–subterranean clover pastures. Annual rainfall total and, in particular, the distribution of rainfall during the year, were found to be more important than other weather variables in determining the amount of pasture grown in a year. The timing of the season opening rains (autumn break) was most important. The localities varied in their responses to climate variability, particularly in the timing of the autumn break; the pasture growth response to winter rainfall; and the relationship between rainfall and animal production.
Phytotoxicity of metabolites produced by Pyrenophora semeniperda in liquid culture
Authors: Campbell M. A. , Medd R. W. , Brown J. F.
Published: November 2003

Pyrenophora semeniperda was shown to produce heat stable, biologically active metabolites under agitated liquid culture conditions. Using a seedling bioassay it was shown that filtrates harvested from P.�semeniperda cultures had a significant impact on coleoptile length of both wheat and Bromus diandrus, but had no effect on seed germination. The relative toxicity of filtrates derived from several isolates of P. semeniperda and infiltrated into wheat leaves was highly correlated with the virulence of these isolates. A comparison of metabolites harvested from P. semeniperda and Pyrenophora teres grown under the same cultural conditions revealed that P.�teres did not affect wheat coleoptile growth, but affected the coleoptile elongation of B. diandrus, although less than filtrates produced by P. semeniperda. Culture filtrates harvested after 6 days were toxic to wheat and B.�diandrus and toxicity was maximal in filtrates derived from cultures that were 12 days old. Culture filtrates diluted to 1 in 20 produced symptoms in wheat seedlings, but only undiluted or 5 × concentrated filtrates produced symptoms on B.�diandrus seedling leaves. Plants older than first node stage (Z 31) were significantly less sensitive to filtrate than younger plants. A degree of host selectivity to the metabolites was observed since leaves of Gossypium hirsutum, Helianthus annuus, Lablab purpureus and Xanthium occidentale were unaffected by infiltrates.
High temperature and water deficit may reduce seed number in field pea purely by decreasing plant growth rate
Authors: Guilioni Lydie , Wéry Jacques , Lecoeur Jérémie
Published: November 2003

Seed number, the most variable yield component of legumes is strongly affected by heat stress (HS) and water deficit (WD). The objective of this paper is to investigate whether HS and WD reduced seed number in field pea through their negative effects on biomass production rather than by specific effects on the developing reproductive organs. Several field and glasshouse experiments were carried out in southern France, in which HS and / or WD of various intensities, durations and positions in the plant lifecycle were imposed on several pea cultivars. WD and HS reduced seed number, in an intensity-dependent manner. They also changed the distribution of seeds along the stem. Plants subjected to WD and mild HS had more seeds on the basal phytomers than did control plants, making it possible to exclude direct effects of stress on seed development. In contrast, severe HS resulted in the immediate abortion of reproductive organs. WD and HS also decreased net photosynthesis (Pn), but only during the period of constraint. Quantitative relationships between Pn and soil water status and between Pn and leaf temperature were established. Nevertheless, in all cases there was a single linear relationship between final seed number and plant growth rate during the critical period for seed set (from the beginning of flowering to the beginning of seed fill for the last seed-bearing phytomer). This reflects the reproductive plasticity of pea, which adjusts the number of reproductive sinks in an apparent balance with assimilate availability in the plant.
The stromal cell–derived factor-1α/CXCR4 ligand–receptor axis is critical for progenitor survival and migration in the pancreas
Authors: Kayali Ayse G. , Van Gunst Kurt , Campbell Iain L. , Stotland Aleksandr , Kritzik Marcie , Liu Guoxun , Flodström-Tullberg Malin , Zhang You-Qing , Sarvetnick Nora
Published: November 2003

The SDF-1α/CXCR4 ligand/chemokine receptor pair is required for appropriate patterning during ontogeny and stimulates the growth and differentiation of critical cell types. Here, we demonstrate SDF-1α and CXCR4 expression in fetal pancreas. We have found that SDF-1α and its receptor CXCR4 are expressed in islets, also CXCR4 is expressed in and around the proliferating duct epithelium of the regenerating pancreas of the interferon (IFN) γ–nonobese diabetic mouse. We show that SDF-1α stimulates the phosphorylation of Akt, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and Src in pancreatic duct cells. Furthermore, migration assays indicate a stimulatory effect of SDF-1α on ductal cell migration. Importantly, blocking the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis in IFNγ-nonobese diabetic mice resulted in diminished proliferation and increased apoptosis in the pancreatic ductal cells. Together, these data indicate that the SDF-1α–CXCR4 ligand receptor axis is an obligatory component in the maintenance of duct cell survival, proliferation, and migration during pancreatic regeneration.
Cross-talk between the Notch and TGF-β signaling pathways mediated by interaction of the Notch intracellular domain with Smad3
Authors: Blokzijl Andries , Dahlqvist Camilla , Reissmann Eva , Falk Anna , Moliner Annalena , Lendahl Urban , Ibáñez Carlos F.
Published: November 2003

The Notch and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathways play critical roles in the control of cell fate during metazoan development. However, mechanisms of cross-talk and signal integration between the two systems are unknown. Here, we demonstrate a functional synergism between Notch and TGF-β signaling in the regulation of Hes-1, a direct target of the Notch pathway. Activation of TGF-β signaling up-regulated Hes-1 expression in vitro and in vivo. This effect was abrogated in myogenic cells by a dominant-negative form of CSL, an essential DNA-binding component of the Notch pathway. TGF-β regulated transcription from the Hes-1 promoter in a Notch-dependent manner, and the intracellular domain of Notch1 (NICD) cooperated synergistically with Smad3, an intracellular transducer of TGF-β signals, to induce the activation of synthetic promoters containing multimerized CSL- or Smad3-binding sites. NICD and Smad3 were shown to interact directly, both in vitro and in cells, in a ligand-dependent manner, and Smad3 could be recruited to CSL-binding sites on DNA in the presence of CSL and NICD. These findings indicate that Notch and TGF-β signals are integrated by direct protein–protein interactions between the signal-transducing intracellular elements from both pathways.
Dynamics and calcium sensitivity of the Ca2+/myristoyl switch protein hippocalcin in living cells
Authors: O'Callaghan Dermott W. , Tepikin Alexei V. , Burgoyne Robert D.
Published: November 2003

Hippocalcin is a neuronal calcium sensor protein that possesses a Ca2+/myristoyl switch allowing it to translocate to membranes. Translocation of hippocalcin in response to increased cytosolic [Ca2+] was examined in HeLa cells expressing hippocalcin–enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) to determine the dynamics and Ca2+ affinity of the Ca2+/myristoyl switch in living cells. Ca2+-free hippocalcin was freely diffusible, as shown by photobleaching and use of a photoactivable GFP construct. The translocation was dependent on binding of Ca2+ by EF-hands 2 and 3. Using photolysis of NP-EGTA, the maximal kinetics of translocation was determined (t1/2 = 0.9 s), and this was consistent with a diffusion driven process. Low intensity photolysis of NP-EGTA produced a slow [Ca2+] ramp and revealed that translocation of hippocalcin–EYFP initiated at around 180 nM and was half maximal at 290 nM. Histamine induced a reversible translocation of hippocalcin–EYFP. The data show that hippocalcin is a sensitive Ca2+ sensor capable of responding to increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration over the narrow dynamic range of 200–800 nM free Ca2+.
Laminin γ1 is critical for Schwann cell differentiation, axon myelination, and regeneration in the peripheral nerve
Authors: Chen Zu-Lin , Strickland Sidney
Published: November 2003

Laminins are heterotrimeric extracellular matrix proteins that regulate cell viability and function. Laminin-2, composed of α2, β1, and γ1 chains, is a major matrix component of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). To investigate the role of laminin in the PNS, we used the Cre–loxP system to disrupt the laminin γ1 gene in Schwann cells. These mice have dramatically reduced expression of laminin γ1 in Schwann cells, which results in a similar reduction in laminin α2 and β1 chains. These mice exhibit motor defects which lead to hind leg paralysis and tremor. During development, Schwann cells that lack laminin γ1 were present in peripheral nerves, and proliferated and underwent apoptosis similar to control mice. However, they were unable to differentiate and synthesize myelin proteins, and therefore unable to sort and myelinate axons. In mutant mice, after sciatic nerve crush, the axons showed impaired regeneration. These experiments demonstrate that laminin is an essential component for axon myelination and regeneration in the PNS.
Distinct conformations of the kinesin Unc104 neck regulate a monomer to dimer motor transition
Authors: Al-Bassam Jawdat , Cui Yujia , Klopfenstein Dieter , Carragher Bridget O. , Vale Ronald D. , Milligan Ronald A.
Published: November 2003

Caenhorhabditis elegans Unc104 kinesin transports synaptic vesicles at rapid velocities. Unc104 is primarily monomeric in solution, but recent motility studies suggest that it may dimerize when concentrated on membranes. Using cryo-electron microscopy, we observe two conformations of microtubule-bound Unc104: a monomeric state in which the two neck helices form an intramolecular, parallel coiled coil; and a dimeric state in which the neck helices form an intermolecular coiled coil. The intramolecular folded conformation is abolished by deletion of a flexible hinge separating the neck helices, indicating that it acts as a spacer to accommodate the parallel coiled-coil configuration. The neck hinge deletion mutation does not alter motor velocity in vitro but produces a severe uncoordinated phenotype in transgenic C. elegans, suggesting that the folded conformation plays an important role in motor regulation. We suggest that the Unc104 neck regulates motility by switching from a self-folded, repressed state to a dimerized conformation that can support fast processive movement.
Mammalian GGAs act together to sort mannose 6-phosphate receptors
Authors: Ghosh Pradipta , Griffith Janice , Geuze Hans J. , Kornfeld Stuart
Published: November 2003

The GGAs (Golgi-localized, γ ear–containing, ADP ribosylation factor–binding proteins) are multidomain proteins implicated in protein trafficking between the Golgi and endosomes. We examined whether the three mammalian GGAs act independently or together to mediate their functions. Using cryo-immunogold electron microscopy, the three GGAs were shown to colocalize within coated buds and vesicles at the trans-Golgi network (TGN) of HeLa cells. In vitro binding experiments revealed multidomain interactions between the GGAs, and chemical cross-linking experiments demonstrated that GGAs 1 and 2 form a complex on Golgi membranes. RNA interference of each GGA resulted in decreased levels of the other GGAs and their redistribution from the TGN to cytosol. This was associated with impaired incorporation of the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor into clathrin-coated vesicles at the TGN, partial redistribution of the receptor to endosomes, and missorting of cathepsin D. The morphology of the TGN was also altered. These findings indicate that the three mammalian GGAs cooperate to sort cargo and are required for maintenance of TGN structure.
Breathing down the neck of Unc104
Authors: Wordeman Linda
Published: November 2003

The Unc104/Kif1A class of kinesins transports synaptic vesicle precursors along microtubules with high speed and processivity that has been proposed to depend on reversible dimerization between two poorly motile monomers. In this issue, Al-Bassam et al. (2003) discover a structural basis for regulation of motility by reversible dimerization.
Interactions between Electron and Proton Currents in Excised Patches from Human Eosinophils
Authors: Petheö Gábor L. , Maturana Andrés , Spät András , Demaurex Nicolas
Published: November 2003

The NADPH–oxidase is a plasma membrane enzyme complex that enables phagocytes to generate superoxide in order to kill invading pathogens, a critical step in the host defense against infections. The oxidase transfers electrons from cytosolic NADPH to extracellular oxygen, a process that requires concomitant H+ extrusion through depolarization-activated H+ channels. Whether H+ fluxes are mediated by the oxidase itself is controversial, but there is a general agreement that the oxidase and H+ channel are intimately connected. Oxidase activation evokes profound changes in whole-cell H+ current (IH), causing an approximately −40-mV shift in the activation threshold that leads to the appearance of inward IH. To further explore the relationship between the oxidase and proton channel, we performed voltage-clamp experiments on inside-out patches from both resting and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-activated human eosinophils. Proton currents from resting cells displayed slow voltage-dependent activation, long-term stability, and were blocked by micromolar internal [Zn2+]. IH from PMA-treated cells activated faster and at lower voltages, enabling sustained H+ influx, but ran down within minutes, regaining the current properties of nonactivated cells. Bath application of NADPH to patches excised from PMA-treated cells evoked electron currents (Ie), which also ran down within minutes and were blocked by diphenylene iodonium (DPI). Run-down of both IH and Ie was delayed, and sometimes prevented, by cytosolic ATP and GTP-γ-S. A good correlation was observed between the amplitude of Ie and both inward and outward IH when a stable driving force for e− was imposed. Combined application of NADPH and DPI reduced the inward IH amplitude, even in the absence of concomitant oxidase activity. The strict correlation between Ie and IH amplitudes and the sensitivity of IH to oxidase-specific agents suggest that the proton channel is either part of the oxidase complex or linked by a membrane-limited mediator.
Ligand-induced Closure of Inward Rectifier Kir6.2 Channels Traps Spermine in the Pore
Authors: Phillips L. Revell , Nichols Colin G.
Published: November 2003

Small organic amines block open voltage-gated K+ channels and can be trapped by subsequent closure. Such studies provide strong evidence for voltage gating occurring at the intracellular end of the channel. We engineered the necessary properties (long block times with unblock kinetics comparable to, or slower than, the kinetics of gating) into spermine-blocked, ATP-gated (N160D,L157C) mutant KATP channels, in order to test the possibility of “blocker trapping” in ligand-gated Kir channels. Spermine block of these channels is very strongly voltage dependent, such that, at positive voltages, the off-rate of spermine is very low. A brief pulse to negative voltages rapidly relieves the block, but no such relief is observed in ATP-closed channels. The results are well fit by a simple kinetic model that assumes no spermine exit from closed channels. The results incontrovertibly demonstrate that spermine is trapped in channels that are closed by ATP, and implicate the M2 helix bundle crossing, or somewhere lower, as the probable location of the gate.
Structure of δ1-CoZn7.8, an example of a phason pinning–unpinning transformation?
Authors: Lind Hanna , Boström Magnus , Petříček Vaclav , Lidin Sven
Published: November 2003

The novel structure of the δ1 phase in the cobalt–zinc system was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure features fused double icosahedra linked by edge- and face-sharing. The δ1-CoZn7.8 structure is incommensurately modulated along the columnar b direction. The extent of the linear pentagonal antiprismatic intergrowth is limited to a maximum of two overlapping icosahedra because of geometric demands and radii relations. Even this limited fusion of icosahedra leads to strain that is believed to be the origin of the structural modulation. The compound was synthesized using a centrifugation-aided filtration method which yielded single crystals grown on cobalt pieces in a zinc-rich melt. The (3 + 1)-dimensional superspace group is F2/m(0β0)s0 and the modulation wavevector was determined to q = 0.234b*. The partial amorphization of the sample when subjected to mechanical grinding is an indication of a metastable structure. The incommensurability of the structure may be seen as an ordered pinning of phasons.
Molecular and crystal properties of E-1,2-bis(3-methoxy-2-thienyl)ethene: static disorder in the crystal
Authors: Blockhuys Frank , Vande Velde Christophe M. L. , Maes Stefan T. , Peten Carl , Geise Herman J. , Van Alsenoy Christian , Lenstra Albert T. H.
Published: November 2003

The crystal structure of E-1,2-bis(3-methoxy-2-thienyl)ethene (C12H12O2S2) has been determined at five different temperatures, i.e. room temperature (293 ), 223, 173, 123 and 93 K. The solid-state work is complemented by the results of theoretical calculations of energies, geometries, difference electron densities and atomic charges of the free molecule. Analysis revealed static disorder caused by a higher energy conformer of the title compound, probably contaminating the crystal during its growth. The results support the contention that the electrical properties are mainly governed by the carbon backbone.
Diffuse X-ray scattering from 4,4′-dimethoxybenzil, C16H14O4: analysis via automatic refinement of a Monte Carlo model
Authors: Welberry T. R. , Heerdegen A. P.
Published: November 2003

A recently developed method for fitting a Monte Carlo computer-simulation model to observed single-crystal diffuse X-ray scattering has been used to study the diffuse scattering in 4,4′-dimethoxybenzil, C16H14O4. A model involving only nine parameters, consisting of seven intermolecular force constants and two intramolecular torsional force constants, was refined to give an agreement factor, \omega R = \left[ \textstyle\sum \omega \, (\Delta I \,)^2 / \sum \omega \, I_{\rm obs}^2 \right] ^{1/2}, of 18.1% for 118 918 data points in two sections of data. The model was purely thermal in nature. The analysis has shown that the most prominent features of the diffraction patterns, viz. diffuse streaks that occur normal to the {\rm [1 0 }\overline {\rm 1}] direction, are due to longitudinal displacement correlations along chains of molecules extending in this direction. These displacements are transmitted from molecule to molecule via contacts involving pairs of hydrogen bonds between adjacent methoxy groups. In contrast to an earlier study of benzil itself, it was not found to be possible to determine, with any degree of certainty, the torsional force constants for rotations about the single bonds in the molecule. It is supposed that this result may be due to the limited data available in the present study.
Structures of potassium, sodium and lithium bis(oxalato)borate salts from powder diffraction data
Authors: Zavalij Peter Y. , Yang Shoufeng , Whittingham M. Stanley
Published: November 2003

The crystal structures of the alkali-metal bis(oxalato)borate salts A[B(C2O4)2] (A = K, Na, Li) have been determined ab initio using powder diffraction data obtained from a laboratory diffractometer. The K compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm and its structure has been solved by direct methods applied to the integrated intensities from full pattern decomposition. The Na compound is isostructural with the K salt, while the crystal structure of the highly hydroscopic Li compound differs from the other two. It has an orthorhombic lattice, space group Pnma, and its structure was solved by the global optimization method using a parallel tempering approach. In the K and Na structures the metal ions and complex borate ions form chains with m2m symmetry. Metal–oxygen bonding between the chains links them into a layer and then a framework with square tunnels. The coordination number of both K and Na is eight. The Li compound also contains chains that have .m. symmetry and are bound together into a three-dimensional framework. The coordination polyhedron of the Li atom is a square pyramid with Li lying in its base. This square pyramidal coordination leads to its high reactivity with moisture to give Li[B(C2O4)2]H2O with lithium in six coordination.
Monitoring structural transformations in crystals. 6. The [4 + 4] photodimerization of 9-methylanthracene
Authors: Turowska-Tyrk Ilona , Trzop Elżbieta
Published: November 2003

The structural changes in a crystal of 9-methylanthracene (1) during the [4 + 4] photodimerization were monitored by means of X-ray diffraction. This is the first example in the literature of such a study of a [4 + 4] photodimerization. The results obtained were compared with data for the [2 + 2] photodimerization. The shape of the product molecules and their preferred packing can explain the crystal disintegration. This was the reason that the reaction was monitored only to 28% completion. As far as could be determined the reaction proceeds with a constant rate. The cell volume increases at the beginning of the transformation and decreases afterwards. The product molecules do not assume a fixed position in the crystal during the photo-reaction, but move in a smooth way that includes a rotational component. The movements of the reactant are much smaller. Movements of molecules characterized by a rotational component were also observed in the case of the [2 + 2] photodimerization of 5-benzylidene-2-benzylcyclopentanone and 5-benzylidene-2-(4-chlorobenzyl)-cyclopentanone. The distance between the reacting atoms of the adjacent monomer molecules of (1) decreases with the degree of reaction completion, but more slowly than in the case of the [2 + 2] photodimerizations cited above. The orientation of the neighbouring monomer molecules changes during the phototransformation so that the monomer pair resembles the dimer product.
Low-temperature structure of V6O13
Authors: Höwing Jonas , Gustafsson Torbjörn , Thomas John O.
Published: November 2003

The structure of the transition metal oxide V6O13, a potential cathode material in lithium-polymer batteries, has been studied at 95 K using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). A phase transition has been determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements to occur at 153 K, with a heat of transition of −1.98 kJ mol−1. In this low-temperature phase, the V and O atoms move by up to 0.21 Å out of the mirror plane they occupy in the room-temperature structure. It is concluded that the earlier reported space group P21/a [Kawada et al. (1978). Acta Cryst. B34, 1037–1039] is incorrect and that a more appropriate choice of space group is Pc.
New electron diffraction method to identify the chirality of enantiomorphic crystals
Authors: Inui Haruyuki , Fujii Akihiro , Tanaka Katsushi , Sakamoto Hiroki , Ishizuka Kazuo
Published: November 2003

A new CBED (convergent-beam electron diffraction) method is proposed for the identification of the chirality of enantiomorphic crystals, in which asymmetry in the intensity of the reflections of Bijvoet pairs in an experimental symmetrical zone-axis CBED pattern is compared with that of a computer-simulated CBED pattern. The intensity difference for reflections of these Bijvoet pairs results from multiple scattering (dynamical nature of electron diffraction) among relevant Bijvoet pairs of reflections, each pair of which has identical amplitude and different phase angles. Therefore, the crystal thickness where chiral identification is made with the present method is limited by the extinction distance of Bijvoet pairs of reflections relevant to multiple scattering to produce the intensity asymmetry, which is usually of the order of a few tens of nanometers. With the present method, a single CBED pattern is sufficient and chiral identification can be made for all the possible enantiomorphic crystals that are allowed to exist in crystallography.
Variable-temperature neutron diffraction studies of the short, strong N...O hydrogen bonds in the 1:2 co-crystal of benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylic acid and 4,4'-bipyridyl
Authors: Cowan John A. , Howard Judith A. K. , McIntyre Garry J. , Lo Samuel M.-F. , Williams Ian D.
Published: November 2003

The 1:2 adduct of benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylic acid and 4,4′-bipyridyl at 100 K has been studied by single-crystal neutron diffraction at 20, 200 and 296 K. The structure contains two short, strong N...O hydrogen bonds: one O—H...N hydrogen bond [O...N 2.6104 (17) Å at 20 K] and one short N—H...O hydrogen bond [N...O 2.5220 (17) Å at 20 K]. The N—H distance in the N—H...O hydrogen bond changes from 1.207 (3) Å at 20 K to 1.302 (4) Å at 296 K and the N...O distance increases to 2.5315 (16) Å at 296 K. At 200 K the H atom lies in an intermediate position 1.251 (6) Å from the N atom with an N...O separation of 2.520 (4) Å. The O—H...N hydrogen bond, on the other hand, does not change with temperature.
TQM is suppy chain management
Authors: Gunasekaran Angappa , McGaughey Ronald E.
Published: November 2003

Outlines the principles of total quality management (TQM) and theorizes whether they apply in supply chain management (SCM). Associates SCM with materials management, but observes that SCM, in assocation with other initiatives such as enterprise resource planning and electronic commerce, has been driving towards fully integrated supply chain management across organizational value chains, with cross‐boundary focus on transaction cost reduction. Sees the TQM challenge as getting culturally diverse workforces to collaborate in related continuous improvement. Believes appropriate performance measurements and metrics might assist this, but states firms need to adopt a balanced approach to goals, quality and management methods to maximize relationship capital. Asserts research is needed here, as in the SCM dimensions (partnership, information technology, operational flexibility, performance measurement, management commitment, and demand characterization) in relation to TQM application, and in other TQM/SCM areas (management role, influence of organizational structure, education and training, and cultural and behavioural issues).
The demise of total quality management (TQM)
Authors: Dayton Nick A.
Published: November 2003

Total quality management (TQM) was deemed by many, a decade or so ago, to be a management movement so significant that it was a paradigm change capable of completely reorienting corporate management responsibilities. It was the answer to the product quality challenge from Japan. It made quality “job number one”. TQM was to provide the interdepartmental connections and the sharing of information, goals, and responsibilities that would assure complete organizational realignment to customer needs. It sounded good and pragmatically made sense being just “too logical” not to work. So, where is it now?
Enabling symbolism for communicating performance: strategic analyses of corporate value‐added productivity
Authors: Check Teck Foo
Published: November 2003

A review is made of corporate practices in reporting performance so as to extract elements for constructing a productivity calculus for reflecting corporate performance. A communications strategy reflecting critical value‐added productivity changes is then explained. We propose multi‐directionality embedded in corporate value‐added performance changes be communicated through symbolism of “bread” or “wooden rice box”. The Internet is now streamlined as part of standard office systems. It is therefore timely to enable the e‐versions of annual reports with manipulative controls for in‐depth strategic analyses of directional changes in corporate value‐added performances.
Conceptualizing health campaign strategies through the level of involvement
Authors: Kim Yungwook
Published: November 2003

As moderators of the health campaign process, involvement is divided into enduring and situational involvement. Based on the review of interdisciplinary literatures, a new health campaign model and optimal strategies are proposed. The new model has two dimensions (enduring and situational involvement) and four strategies: an affect‐evoking, an information‐oriented, a cue‐emphasizing, and a balanced‐argument strategy. For the empirical research, a 262 experiment with 143 undergraduate students using four different advertisements was conducted. Generally, the moderating effects of both enduring and situational involvement were supported. Regardless of some deviations from the proposed model, optimal strategies fit into the designated involvement level. Public relations practitioners will be able to choose the optimal message strategy after identifying the characteristic of targeted publics for health‐related campaigns.
Multiple Segment Line Scan‐conversion
Authors: Chen Jim X.
Published: November 2003

We present a new method for scan‐converting a straight line. A scan‐converted straight line may contain many pixel segments of identical shapes. Therefore, instead of scan‐converting the whole line step by step, we can scan‐convert multiple segments of a line through copying and replicating. With a few modifications to the existing algorithms, we can significantly speed up the scan‐conversion process. The algorithm can be implemented in the hardware, further speeding up the process. The hardware design for the new algorithm is provided. We prove that we can speed up all existing line scan‐conversion algorithms on the average 3 times.
A Survey of 3D Interaction Techniques
Authors: Hand Chris
Published: November 2003

Recent gains in the performance of 3D graphics hardware and rendering systems have not been matched by a corresponding improvement in our knowledge of how to interact with the virtual environments we create; therefore there is a need to examine these further if we are to improve the overall quality of our interactive 3D systems. This paper examines some of the interaction techniques which have been developed for object manipulation, navigation and application control in 3D virtual environments. The use of both mouse‐based techniques and 3D input devices is considered, along with the role of feedback and some aspects of tools and widgets.
A New Species Of The Late Triassic Rhynchosaur Hyperodapedon From The Santa Maria Formation Of South Brazil
Authors: Langer Max C. , Schultz Cesar L.
Published: November 2003

A new rhynchosaur, Hyperodapedon huenei sp. nov., is described from the Upper Triassic Santa Maria Formation of the Paraná Basin, Brazil. The holotype is an almost complete skull and mandible, collected at Inhamandá, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The diagnosis of the genus Hyperodapedon Huxley is revised to include not only H. huxleyi Lydekker and H. gordoni Huxley (as generally accepted), but also the new species described here, various specimens usually assigned to ‘Scaphonyx fischeri’ Woodward, and ‘S’. sanjuanensis Sill. H. huenei sp. nov. exhibits a number of plesiomorphic features and appears to be the least derived species of Hyperodapedon, forming a sister taxon to the remaining members of the genus. A preliminary phylogenetic analysis for the more derived rhynchosaurs is presented. ‘Scaphonyx’sulcognathus Azevedo and Schultz represents the sister taxon of Hyperodapedon, while ‘Rhynchosaurus’spenceri Benton is considered to be a more derived Middle Triassic rhynchosaur. key words: Rhynchosauria, Hyperodapedon, Triassic, Brazil.
Palaeoecology Of A Late Devonian Back Reef: Canning Basin, Western Australia
Authors: Wood Rachel
Published: November 2003

Back‐reef ecologies within the celebrated mixed carbonate‐siliciclastic Late Devonian (late Frasnian) Pillara Limestone of Windjana Gorge, in the Canning Basin, Western Australia, are re‐interpreted as being dominated by microbial communities. Proposed microbialites are expressed as weakly‐laminated, fenestral micrite, that show unsupported primary voids, peloidal textures, disseminated bioclastic debris, and traces of microfilaments. These grew as either extensive free‐standing mounds or columns, often intergrown with encrusting metazoans, or thick post‐mortem encrustations upon skeletal benthos. In some cases, microbial encrustations are inferred to have developed in protected cavities formed by progressive burial of the reef. The calcimicrobe Shuguria also shows a preferentially cryptic habit, encrusting either primary cavities formed by skeletal benthos, microbialite, or the ceilings of mm‐sized fenestrae within microbialite. A further calcimicrobe, Rothpletzella, formed columns up to 0.3 m high in areas enriched by very coarse siliciclastic sediment.

Stromatoporoid sponges with a diverse range of morphologies also formed in situ growth fabrics. Monospecific thickets of closely‐aggregating dendroid stromatoporoid sponges (Stachyodes costulata), and platy‐laminar forms (?Hermatostroma spp.) were common, as were remarkably large stromatoporoids (Actinostroma spp.) that grew as isolated individuals up to 5 m in diameter. Such sponges showed impressive powers of regeneration from partial mortality, and individual clones may have been capable of substantial longevities of up to 500 years. Actinostroma spp. showed highly complex growth forms including platy‐multicolumnar (A. windjanicum), and a hitherto undescribed inferred whorl‐forming foliaceous morphology (Actinostroma sp.) reminiscent of the modern photosymbiotic coral Acropora palmata. These complex morphologies formed abundant primary cavities, previously thought to be only rarely developed in association with stromatoporoids.key words: Late Devonian, Canning Basin, reefs, palaeoecology, microbialite.
The Origin And Intrarelationships Of Triassic Capitosaurid Amphibians
Authors: Schoch Rainer R.
Published: November 2003

The status of the temnospondyl family Capitosauridae is reviewed. Only by the inclusion of the genera MastodonsaurusEocyclotosaurus can this group be considered monophyletic. This view is based on a range of robust characters which in combination constitute the most parsimonious hypothesis. The traditional view that MastodonsaurusEocyclotosaurus are sister taxa of Benthosuchus is demonstrated to be based on highly variable and/or homoplastic features, whose ancestral condition is moreover uncertain. The Capitosauridae encompasses the following successive sister groups: (1) various species of Parotosuchus (which do not necessarily form a monophylum); (2) the genera EryosuchusMastodonsaurus (which are probably monophyletic); and (3) a range of taxa with semi‐closed or entirely closed otic notches, including the genera WellesaurusKupferzelliaEocyclotosaurus, and Cyclotosaurus. The closure of the otic notch, an oft‐cited trend among capitosaurs, is most easily explained to have occurred only once, namely within the more advanced capitosaurids; the stratigraphical significance of this feature is, however, very limited. key words: Temospondyli, Stereospondyli, Capitosauridae, phylogeny.
A Method To Distinguish Between Woods Produced By Evergreen And Deciduous Coniferopsids On The Basis Of Growth Ring Anatomy: A New Palaeoecological Tool
Authors: Falcon‐Lang Howard J.
Published: November 2003

A method is outlined in which woods produced by deciduous and evergreen coniferopsids may be distinguished from one another on the basis of a quantitative analysis of growth ring anatomy. In this method the diameter of successive tracheid cells was measured across growth rings in modern coniferopsid woods, viewed using standard transverse anatomical sections. The cumulative algebraic sum of each cell's deviation from the mean was then calculated for each growth ring increment and plotted as a zero‐trending curve (CSDM curve). Deciduous conifer and ginkgo species dominantly possess symmetrical or left‐skewed CSDM curves whilst evergreen conifer species dominantly possess right‐skewed CSDM curves. These data suggest that in most cases it may be possible to distinguish between evergreen and deciduous fossil coniferopsid species using wood anatomical characteristics, thus providing important insight into coniferopsid palaeoecology. key words: growth rings, conifer wood, palaeoclimate, evergreen, deciduous.
A stem‐group caecilian (Lissamphibia: Gymnophiona) from the Lower Cretaceous of North Africa
Authors: Evans Susan E. , Sigogneau‐Russell Denise
Published: November 2003

Of living amphibian groups, the limbless burrowing caecilians are amongst the most highly specialised, but are the least known. Their fossil record is extremely poor, leaving unresolved questions as to their origins, relationships and early distribution. We describe here caecilian remains from a Lower Cretaceous (Berriasian) microfossil locality near Anoual, Morocco. This material represents the second oldest record for the group, after the Jurassic Eocaecilia of North America, and the earliest caecilian record for Gondwana. It forms the basis of a new genus, Rubricacaecilia, which appears slightly more derived than Eocaecilia, but lacks major features of crown‐group taxa. We support the use of Apoda Oppel, 1811 for the crown‐group alone, and Gymnophiona Rafinesque 1814 for the clade comprising stem‐group taxa + Apoda.
A new species of Protopterus and a revision of Ceratodus humei (Dipnoi: Ceratodontiformes) from the Late Cretaceous Mut Formation of eastern Dakhleh Oasis, Western Desert of Egypt
Authors: Churcher C. S. , De iuliis G.
Published: November 2003

Three lungfish species are recognized from tooth plates recovered from shales of the Mut Formation (Qusseir Group) in eastern Dakhleh Oasis. Ceratodus humei Priem, 1914 is identified on characters shared with the type specimen, and Neoceratodus africanus Haug, 1905 on characters shared with the type specimen and specimens assigned to this species by subsequent authors. Protopterus crassidens sp. nov. is represented by two recently found plates, as well as two plates previously considered to represent Ceratodus or Protopterus humei. These plates all bear three ridges and crests, unusually heavy mesial ridges, crushing bollard‐like buccal cusps to the mesial ridges and thick, robust buccal margins. The status and characteristics of C. humei are reviewed and the general problems of interspecific variation of fossil lungfish tooth plates and species recognition based on tooth plates are discussed. The diagnosis of C. humei is revised and the species returned to its original generic assignment, based mainly on the broad sample of tooth plates from Dakhleh Oasis. This sample demonstrates that many tooth plates assigned to this species subsequent to its original description do not belong within C. humei. New specimens of N. africanus are described from Bahariya Oasis.
Upper Devonian Sponges from the Holy Cross Mountains, Central Poland
Authors: Rigby J. Keith , Pisera Andrzej , Wrzolek Tomasz T. , Racki Grzegorz
Published: November 2003

The rich fauna of Late Devonian (Late Frasnian) siliceous sponges from the Holy Cross Mountains, Poland is composed of 15 species and 11 genera. Both astylospongid demosponges (lithistids) and hexactinosan hexactinellids are present. The following new genera and/or species are proposed: D regulara Rigby and Pisera sp. nov., Jazwicella media Rigby and Pisera gen. et sp. nov., Astyloscyphia irregularia Rigby and Pisera gen. et sp. nov., A. turbinata Rigby and Pisera gen. et sp. nov., Astylotuba modica Rigby and Pisera gen. et sp. nov., Paleoregulara cupula Rigby and Pisera gen. et sp. nov., Paleoramospongia bifurcata Rigby and Pisera gen. et sp. nov., Cordiospongia conica Rigby and Pisera gen. et sp. nov., Paleocraticularia elongata Rigby and Pisera gen. et sp. nov., P gigantia Rigby and Pisera gen. et sp. nov., Polonospongiadevonica Rigby and Pisera gen. et sp. nov., P fistulata Rigby and Pisera gen. et sp. nov., Urnospongia modica Rigby and Pisera gen. et sp. nov., and Conicospongia annulata Rigby and Pisera gen. et sp. nov. The investigated fauna contains the youngest astylospongiids known and the oldest well‐preserved, and most diversified Palaeozoic hexactinosans. The sponge fauna constituted a significant element of a brachiopod‐coral‐sponge assemblage that inhabited a deep slope of the local Dyminy Reef structure, during its final phase of growth, in a clearly hemipelagic setting. This fauna is limited to the intrashelf depression within an incipiently drowned carbonate platform.
First Mesozoic Scutigeromorph Centipede, from the Lower Cretaceous of Brazil
Authors: Wilson Heather M.
Published: November 2003

The first Mesozoic scutigeromorph centipede (Myriapoda: Chilopoda), Fulmenocursor tenax gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Lower Cretaceous (Aptian) Crato Formation of north‐east Brazil. Previously described fossil Scutigeromorpha are known from Dominican and Baltic amber, the Carboniferous (Westphalian D) Francis Creek Shale of Mazon Creek, Illinois, the Silurian and Devonian of Britain, and the Devonian of New York State.
Latest Helcionelloid Molluscs from the Lower Ordovician of Kazakhstan
Authors: Gubanov Alexander P. , Peel John S.
Published: November 2003

The helcionelloid mollusc Chuiliella elenae gen. et sp. nov. is described from the Lower Ordovician of Kazakhstan. It represents the geologically youngest record of a group of mainly bilaterally symmetrical ancient molluscs which originated in the earliest Cambrian, flourished during the early–mid Cambrian and was thought to have become extinct during the late Cambrian. Chuiliella is a typical helcionelloid in terms of shell shape, although the comarginal ornamentation characteristic of many helcionelloids is lacking. Interpretation of the raised margin of the aperture adjacent to the earlier coiled whorl as exhalant channels favours reconstruction of helcionelloids as endogastrically coiled, i.e., with the apex posterior.
Ontogeny and Structure of a New, Miniaturised and Spiny Olenid Trilobite from Southern Sweden
Authors: Clarkson Euan N. K. , Ahlberg Per
Published: November 2003

Several hundred specimens of a tiny olenid trilobite, Ctenopyge ceciliae sp. nov., have been found in stinkstone nodules in the upper Cambrian Peltura scarabaeoides Zone in southern Sweden. This exceptionally spinose form is known only from disarticulated specimens, but is quite well preserved, and all growth stages are represented. The early ontogenetic stages are exceptionally small, the protaspis being only half the size of that of the associated Peltura species. There may have been no more than three thoracic segments. Thus the whole ontogeny was compressed, and this together with the very small size of the adult indicates a true miniaturisation. Whereas the likely control of the origin of the tiny C. ceciliae was basically progenesis, the extreme spinosity had a different origin; allometric growth or possibly peramorphosis. C. ceciliae is small enough for the spines to have appreciably retarded sinking through frictional effects, and this small trilobite is interpreted as a free‐swimming or floating form.
A New Species of Glypheoid Lobster, Pseudoglyphea Foersteri (Decapoda: Astacidea: Mecochiridae) from the Lower Jurassic (Pliensbachian) of Raasay, Inner Hebrides, UK
Authors: Feldmann Rodney M. , Crisp Glen , Pirrie Duncan
Published: November 2003

Mecochirid lobsters assigned to the genus Pseudoglyphea Oppel, 1861 have previously been recorded from several localities in Europe. In this paper Pseudoglyphea foersteri sp. nov. is described from the Lower Jurassic of Raasay, Inner Hebrides, Scotland, providing the first evidence of a vagile benthic predator/scavenger in the Scalpa Sandstone Formation. Re‐examination of the systematic placement of the genus supports allying the Mecochiridae with the Glypheidae within the Astacidea, not the Palinura as traditionally done.
Barremian Angiosperm Pollen and Associated Palynomorphs from the Dakhla Oasis Area, Egypt
Authors: Schrank Eckart , Mahmoud Magdy S.
Published: November 2003

Pollen grains characteristic of the local pre‐tricolpate, pre‐Aptian phase of angiosperm evolution have been recovered from the upper part of the Six Hills Formation in the Dakhla Oasis area, Egypt. Highest abundance (up to 16.5 per cent) and diversity of angiosperm pollen is attained in samples from the Tineida 2 borehole, which also display a remarkable variety of different aperture types for a palynoflora of late Barremian age. Monosulcate, columellate tectates such as Retimonocolpites are most important, but a single trichotomosulcate grain as well as monoporate and inaperturate types that have not been reported from many coeval palynofloras, are also present. The following new taxa are described using same‐grain SEM/LM techniques: Tucanopollis annulatus Schrank, sp. nov., Retimonocolpites pennyi Schrank and Mahmoud, sp. nov. and Retiacolpites columellatus Schrank, gen. et sp. nov. Phytogeographic links are closest with palynofloras previously described from the late Barremian of West Africa (Gabon, Congo), that is within the Northern Gondwana or Dicheiropollis etruscus/Afropollis Province.
Basal Dinosauriform Remains from Britain and the Diagnosis of the Dinosauria
Authors: Fraser N. C. , Padian K. , Walkden G. M. , Davis A. L. M.
Published: November 2003

A new genus and species of dinosauriform is described from the Triassic of south‐west England. The description is based on isolated elements recovered from an assemblage of other dissociated tetrapod remains that include crocodylomorphs, rauisuchiforms and sphenodontians. The key elements in the new taxon are the ilium, astragalus, and the humerus, and these exhibit five synapomorphies of Dinosauria. Three of these, namely a largely to fully perforate acetabulum, the presence of a brevis fossa, and a reduced astragalus with an ascending process, are considered to be particularly relevant. The definition and diagnosis of the Dinosauria are restated and the positions of the new form, herrerasaurs and Eoraptor relative to true dinosaurs are discussed.