bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid, Endoplasmic Reticulum-independent Diffusion of the Mitotic Golgi Haze
Authors: Axelsson Magnus A. B. , Warren Graham
Published: February 2004

Early in mitosis, the mammalian Golgi apparatus disassembles, and fluorescence microscopy reveals Golgi clusters and an extensive, nonresolvable haze that either represents scattered vesicles or a merged endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-Golgi compartment. To help decide between these alternatives, we have carried out a combined microscopic and pharmacological analysis, by using a BS-C-1 cell line stably coexpressing ER and Golgi markers. Video fluorescence microscopy showed that these two organelles were morphologically distinguishable at all stages of mitosis, and photobleaching experiments showed that diffusion of the Golgi marker was unaffected by the presence of the ER. Fragmentation of the ER by using filipin III completely blocked diffusion of the ER marker but had no effect on the Golgi marker, unless it was first relocated to the ER by using brefeldin A. The Golgi haze was also studied using BODIPY ceramide. Its diffusion was slower in mitotic Golgi than in mitotic ER, but similar to that of a Golgi enzyme marker in the mitotic Golgi haze or in Golgi vesicles generated by ilimaquinone. Together, these results support the idea that the Golgi and the ER remain separate during mitosis and strongly suggest that Golgi markers move by vesicle diffusion, as opposed to lateral diffusion in continuous membranes.
Requirement for Bbp1p in the Proper Mitotic Functions of Cdc5p inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Park Chong J. , Song Sukgil , Giddings Thomas H. , Ro Hyeon-Su , Sakchaisri Krisada , Park Jung-Eun , Seong Yeon-Sun , Winey Mark , Lee Kyung S.
Published: February 2004

The polo-box domain of the budding yeast polo kinase Cdc5p plays an essential role for targeting the catalytic activity of Cdc5p to spindle pole bodies (SPBs) and cytokinetic neck-filaments. Here, we report the isolation of Bbp1p as a polo-box interacting protein by a yeast two-hybrid screen. Bbp1p localizes to the periphery of the central plaque of the SPB and plays an important role in SPB duplication. Similarly, Cdc5p localized to the cytoplasmic periphery of the SPB. In vitro binding studies showed that Cdc5p interacted with the N-terminal domain of Bbp1p (Bbp1pΔC), but apparently not with Mps2p, a component shown to form a stable complex with Bbp1p. In addition, Bbp1p, but likely not Mps2p, was required for proper localization of Cdc5p to the SPB. The C-terminal coiled-coil domain of Bbp1p (Bbp1p243–385), which is crucial for both the homodimerization and the SPB localization, could target the localization-defective Cdc5pΔC to the SPB and induce the release of Cdc14p from the nucleolus. Consistent with this observation, expression of CDC5ΔC-BBP1243–385under CDC5 promoter control partially complemented the cdc5Δ defect. These data suggest that Bbp1pΔC interacts with the polo-box domain of Cdc5p, and this interaction is critical for the subcellular localization and mitotic functions of Cdc5p.
Inhibition of Membrane Tubule Formation and Trafficking by Isotetrandrine, an Antagonist of G-protein-regulated Phospholipase A2 Enzymes
Authors: Chan Diane , Strang Marian , Judson Bret , Brown William J.
Published: February 2004

Previous studies have established a role for cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity in tubule-mediated retrograde trafficking between the Golgi complex and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). However, little else is known about how membrane tubule formation is regulated. This study demonstrates that isotetrandrine (ITD), a biscoclaurine alkaloid known to inhibit PLA2 enzyme activation by heterotrimeric G-proteins, effectively prevented brefeldin A (BFA)-induced tubule formation from the Golgi complex and retrograde trafficking to the ER. In addition, ITD inhibited BFA-stimulated tubule formation from the trans-Golgi network and endosomes. ITD inhibition of the BFA response was potent (IC50 ∼10-20 μM) and rapid (complete inhibition with a 10-15-min preincubation). ITD also inhibited normal retrograde trafficking as revealed by the formation of nocodazole-induced Golgi mini-stacks at ER exit sites. Treatment of cells with ITD alone caused the normally interconnected Golgi ribbons to become fragmented and dilated, but cisternae were still stacked and located in a juxtanuclear position. These results suggest that a G-protein-binding PLA2 enzyme plays a pivotal role in tubule mediated trafficking between the Golgi and the ER, the maintenance of the interconnected ribbons of Golgi stacks, and tubule formation from endosomes.
HIV-1 Vpr Induces Defects in Mitosis, Cytokinesis, Nuclear Structure, and Centrosomes
Authors: Chang Fred , Re Fabio , Sebastian Sarah , Sazer Shelley , Luban Jeremy
Published: February 2004

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Vpr is a 15-kDa accessory protein that contributes to several steps in the viral replication cycle and promotes virus-associated pathology. Previous studies demonstrated that Vpr inhibits G2/M cell cycle progression in both human cells and in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Here, we report that, upon induction of vpr expression, fission yeast exhibited numerous defects in the assembly and function of the mitotic spindle. In particular, two spindle pole body proteins, sad1p and the polo kinase plo1p, were delocalized in vpr-expressing yeast cells, suggesting that spindle pole body integrity was perturbed. In addition, nuclear envelope structure, contractile actin ring formation, and cytokinesis were also disrupted. Similar Vpr-induced defects in mitosis and cytokinesis were observed in human cells, including aberrant mitotic spindles, multiple centrosomes, and multinucleate cells. These defects in cell division and centrosomes might account for some of the pathological effects associated with HIV-1 infection.
Calcineurin Regulates Cyclin D1 Accumulation in Growth-stimulated Fibroblasts
Authors: Kahl Christina R. , Means Anthony R.
Published: February 2004

Calcium (Ca2+) and calmodulin (CaM) are required for progression of mammalian cells from quiescence into S phase. In multiple cell types, cyclosporin A causes a G1 cell cycle arrest, implicating the serine/threonine phosphatase calcineurin as one Ca2+/CaM-dependent enzyme required for G1 transit. Here, we show, in diploid human fibroblasts, that cyclosporin A arrested cells in G1 before cyclin D/cdk4 complex activation and retinoblastoma hyperphosphorylation. This arrest occurred in early G1 with low levels of cyclin D1 protein. Because cyclin D1 mRNA was induced normally in the cyclosporin A-treated cells, we analyzed the half-life of cyclin D1 in the presence of cyclosporin A and found no difference from control cells. However, cyclosporin A treatment dramatically reduced cyclin D1 protein synthesis. Although these pharmacological experiments suggested that calcineurin regulates cyclin D1 synthesis, we evaluated the effects of overexpression of activated calcineurin on cyclin D1 synthesis. In contrast to the reduction of cyclin D1 with cyclosporin A, ectopic expression of calcium/calmodulin-independent calcineurin promoted synthesis of cyclin D1 during G1 progression. Therefore, calcineurin is a Ca2+/CaM-dependent target that regulates cyclin D1 accumulation in G1.
Bidirectional Transepithelial IgG Transport by a Strongly Polarized Basolateral Membrane Fcγ-Receptor
Authors: Claypool Steven M. , Dickinson Bonny L. , Wagner Jessica S. , Johansen Finn-Eirik , Venu Nanda , Borawski Jason A. , Lencer Wayne I. , Blumberg Richard S.
Published: February 2004

The human MHC class I–related neonatal Fc receptor, hFcRn, mediates bidirectional transport of IgG across mucosal barriers. Here, we find that at steady state hFcRn distributes predominantly to an apical intracellular compartment and almost exclusively to the basolateral cell surface of polarized epithelial cells. It moves only transiently to the apical membrane. Ligand binding does not redistribute the steady state location of the receptor. Removal of the cytoplasmic tail that contains di-leucine and tryptophan-based endocytosis motifs or incubation at low temperature (18°C) redistributes the receptor apically. The rates of endocytosis of the full-length hFcRn from the apical or basolateral membrane domains, however, are equal. Thus, the strong cell surface polarity displayed by hFcRn results from dominant basolateral sorting by motifs in the cytoplasmic tail that nonetheless allows for a cycle of bidirectional transcytosis.
Phosphatidylinositol 4-Kinaseβ Is Critical for Functional Association of rab11 with the Golgi Complex
Authors: de Graaf Petra , Zwart Wilbert T. , van Dijken Remco A.J. , Deneka Magdalena , Schulz Thomas K.F. , Geijsen Niels , Coffer Paul J. , Gadella Bart M. , Verkleij Arie J. , van der Sluijs Peter , van Bergen en Henegouwen Paul M.P.
Published: February 2004

Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinaseβ (PI4Kβ) plays an essential role in maintaining the structural integrity of the Golgi complex. In a search for PI4Kβ-interacting proteins, we found that PI4Kβ specifically interacts with the GTP-bound form of the small GTPase rab11. The PI4Kβ-rab11 interaction is of functional significance because inhibition of rab11 binding to PI4Kβ abolished the localization of rab11 to the Golgi complex and significantly inhibited transport of vesicular stomatitis virus G protein from the Golgi complex to the plasma membrane. We propose that a novel function of PI4Kβ is to act as a docking protein for rab11 in the Golgi complex, which is important for biosynthetic membrane transport from the Golgi complex to the plasma membrane.
Regulation of Chk1 Kinase by Autoinhibition and ATR-mediated Phosphorylation
Authors: Katsuragi Yoshinori , Sagata Noriyuki
Published: February 2004

The checkpoint kinase Chk1 undergoes ATR-mediated phosphorylation and activation in response to unreplicated DNA, but the precise mechanism of Chk1 activation is not known. In this study, we have analyzed the domain structure of Xenopus Chk1 and explored the mechanism of its activation by ATR-mediated phosphorylation. We show that the C-terminal region of Xenopus Chk1 contains an autoinhibitory region (AIR), which largely overlaps with a bipartite, unusually long (∼85-amino acid) nuclear localization signal. When coexpressed in oocytes or embryos, the AIR can interact with and inhibit the kinase domain of Chk1, but not full-length Chk1, suggesting an autoinhibitory intramolecular interaction in the Chk1 molecule. If linked with the preceding ATR phosphorylation domain that has either phospho-mimic mutation or genuine phosphorylation, however, the AIR can no longer interact with or inhibit the kinase domain, suggesting a conformational change of the AIR by ATR-mediated phosphorylation. Even in full-length Chk1, such phospho-mimic mutation can interfere with the autoinhibitory intramolecular interaction, but only if this interaction is somewhat weakened by an additional mutation in the AIR. These results provide significant insights into the mechanism of Chk1 activation at the DNA replication checkpoint.
Executive coaching
Authors: Blackman‐Sheppard Gabrielle
Published: February 2004

Executive coaching is often seen as higher grade coaching that is the sole prerogative of the high‐flying executive, accompanied on hallowed ground by the mystical executive coach. However, the foundation stones for executive coaching – quality integrated thinking, confidentiality, trust – are equally important to all its people if an organisation is to perform well financially and sustainably. Although much is made of empowerment, it is still the case that most organisations are fearful of a powerful workforce. What would happen if everyone in the company became his/her own executive? By redefining “power” as a source of energy rather than as a pressure point, and by making executive coaching available to everyone, a company would develop a myriad “choice muscles”. This in turn would give the company access to the power of dilemma identification and reconciliation, the highest grade fuel there is to release organisational and individual potential.
Building sustainable change capability
Authors: Miller David
Published: February 2004

Leaders must be able to transform their organisations regularly to deliver long‐term competitive advantage, in an environment where organisational change is becoming more frequent, complex and risky. Failure rates are high because organisations install new systems, processes or practices, but fail to implement the change fully – people are not sufficiently committed to the new ways of working. In this article the author reveals that to overcome these challenges and build a sustainable change capability the knowledge, skills and processes must be developed by people inside the organisation. Only when organisations learn new ways to implement change initiatives will they sustain them long enough to realise the benefits.
Get close, stay close
Authors: Landale Anthony
Published: February 2004

If you are in the business of selling, the question you have to ask is how to add value. At Finning UK, the distributors for Caterpillar, training delivered by STC has been designed to help the sales team develop a range of skills and techniques that enable them to get closer than ever to their customers. This included ways to develop the customer conversation so that you build trust and qualify the sale. So what impact has this had on the business? According to the company’s figures, Finning’s market share of retail orders rose from 6.7 per cent to 10.0 per cent following the training and not surprisingly that’s a result with which they are delighted. So what did the STC training deliver that proved so successful?
Factors affecting the success of business‐to‐business international Internet marketing (B‐to‐B IIM): an empirical study of UK companies
Authors: Eid Riyad , Trueman Myfanwy
Published: February 2004

Business‐to‐business international Internet marketing is one of the key drivers in sustaining an organisation’s competitive advantage. The challenge for organisations today is to understand the factors that play a critical role in utilising Internet capabilities and their implications on business strategic objectives to enable them to compete successfully in the electronic age. Proposes 33 critical factors classified into five categories and validated empirically through a sample of 123 UK companies. Discusses the significance, importance and implications for each category and makes recommendations.
Use of Internet in supply chain management: a study of Indian companies
Authors: Rahman Zillur
Published: February 2004

The advent of the Internet and electronic communication has enabled companies to be more responsive to their customers. However, the uses of the same technological advancements in business‐to‐business supply chain management are changing the marketplace itself. Successful supply chain management requires a change from managing individual functions to integrating activities into the key supply chain process. The advantages are far more than the efforts involved in accessing the final product, a seamless chain that operates fluidly and benefits the entire value chain by speeding up communication between customers and their suppliers, improving service quality, and reducing costs. In this article, the author discusses how the Internet is being used in the management of various areas of supply chain by Indian companies.
Impacts of ERP systems on the integrated‐interaction performance of manufacturing and marketing
Authors: Hsu Li‐Ling , Chen Minder
Published: February 2004

Interactions between manufacturing and marketing departments often determine the competitiveness and profitability of a firm. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems address integration issues of business functions; and benefits contributed by ERP implementation found in the literature are similar to those achieved through the integration of manufacturing and marketing functions. Uses a research model based on contingency theory and socio‐technical theory to study the effects of ERP implementation on marketing and manufacturing integration. A study of four companies in the electronic industry shows that internal organizational and external factors affect the interaction between manufacturing and marketing and results in performance improvement. Provides a new perspective of the factors that impact the effectiveness of ERP systems.
The trajectory of implementing ISO 9000 standards versus total quality management in Western Europe
Authors: Sun Hongyi , Li Sapphire , Ho Karis , Gertsen Frank , Hansen Poul , Frick Jan
Published: February 2004

This paper investigates the pattern or trajectory of implementing ISO 9000 standards versus TQM in Western Europe from a longitudinal perspective, using empirical data. The research is based on three large‐scale surveys conducted in 1992‐1993, 1996‐1997 and 2001‐2002 respectively, in 13 Western European countries. The results of the surveys show that European companies have put considerable effort into ISO 9000 certification. However, the results also reveal that, around 1996‐1997, European companies had also planned to implement TQM. However, the result of the planned “go beyond ISO to TQM” fell short of the anticipated extent, indicating that the adoption of TQM in Europe was slower than expected. Early in the twenty‐first century, European companies are still very keen on implementing TQM, indicating an obvious intention to shift from ISO 9000 to TQM. To ensure that the shift will occur this time however, the two approaches must be integrated properly. Although both ISO 9000 standards and the TQM/EFQM model have been recently updated or modified, how to best incorporate the two systems remains one of the major tasks of quality management in the future.
Differences between managers and line employees in a quality management environment
Authors: Patti Anthony L. , Fok Lillian Y. , Hartman Sandra J.
Published: February 2004

Quality management (QM) literature has consistently failed to distinguish between managers and line employees when it comes to implementing QM tools and techniques. However, managers and line employees vary considerably on several key individual characteristics. Thus, it is logical to expect that they will react differently to QM implementations. The research reported here shows that managers differ in their equity sensitivity, organizational citizenship behavior, and growth needs strength. Additionally, these differences are shown to impact the way each group perceives QM practices. Findings indicate that managers and line employees perceive that QM practices affect organizational culture and organizational outcomes differently.
Organisational leadership and chaos theory
Authors: Galbraith Peter
Published: February 2004

This article addresses issues associated with applications of ideas from “chaos theory” to educational administration and leadership as found in the literature. Implications are considered in relation to claims concerning the behaviour of non‐linear dynamic systems, and to the nature of the interpretations and recommendations that are made. To aid the analysis a simple non‐linear model is constructed and its behaviour simulated. Questions emerging from the analysis are used to focus on issues deemed significant, both for evaluating arguments presented on behalf of chaos, and for furthering insights aimed at enhancing the understanding and practice of leadership in organisations.
The purposes and practices of intellectual work
Authors: Gunter Helen
Published: February 2004

The Galbraith article gives us the opportunity to think out loud about the purposes and practices of field activity, and in responding this article argues that Galbraith is more concerned with the technical application of a method rather than investigating knowledge production. Using Bourdieu's theory of practice enables critical evaluation to be a social practice and the author positions herself as a knowledge worker concerned to describe and understand the interplay between agency and structure. Chaos theory enabled the author from the mid‐1990s to problematise systems theory as the preferred way of generating leadership and management prescriptions for educational professionals. This remains relevant today and it is argued that Galbraith's continued reliance on improving systems theory means that the opportunity is lost to examine the exercise of power within and surrounding complex organisations.
The effect of an educational administration course on the expectations of pre‐service teachers
Authors: Eliophotou Menon Maria
Published: February 2004

This article investigates the effect of the completion of an undergraduate educational administration course on the expectations of pre‐service teachers regarding school organisation. Data were collected from 225 students enrolled in the primary education programme of the University of Cyprus. According to the findings, respondents who had completed the administration course had more modest, and probably more realistic, expectations with respect to some aspects of school organisation. The significant differences between course completers and non‐completers concerned the future role of the teacher in the school system and the role of his/her superiors. The following recommendations are offered: the inclusion of the educational administration module in the course requirements of the primary education programme; the improvement of the practicum currently offered by the education department; and the attendance to problems in school administration, especially in the area of teacher evaluation.
Barriers to hotel chain development in China
Authors: Pine Ray , Qi Pingshu
Published: February 2004

This paper is based on findings from a two‐year MPhil research project that aimed to examine the development of hotel chains in China since 1978 and to recommend policy and operational guidelines for their further expansion. The study confirmed the unique nature of the hotel industry in China, existing as it does in a country moving from a centrally planned economic system that is strongly influenced by communist dogma towards a Western‐style market economy. This paper identifies and discusses four main categories of barriers to chain development, namely: economic and political systems; hotel ownership; hotel management capability and resources; and competition between local and foreign firms. Massive growth in China’s hotel industry is forecast, and this presents a great attraction for hotel companies. However, the need to understand and appreciate these barriers is recommended to any company, local or foreign, contemplating doing business in this unusual but potentially very large market place.
A new approach to benchmarking learning and development strategy
Authors: Coleman Grace , Ingram Hadyn
Published: February 2004

Recounts how learning and development strategy at Costa Coffee (a division of Whitbread Restaurants) was investigated and shaped through a postgraduate research study. Describes the research methodology, which sought to benchmark Costa Coffee’s learning and development department and team against two competitors, resulting in the creation of a new benchmarking model. Shows how the model can be used to measure and monitor learning and development effectiveness and offers conclusions for organizations in hospitality, retail and other industries.
A nursing interaction approach to consumer Internet training on quality health care
Authors: Lesley Marsha L. , Oermann Marilyn H. , Vander Wal Jillon S.
Published: February 2004

This study examined the effectiveness of using the Internet to teach consumers about quality health care, compared consumer definitions of quality health care prior to and following completion of the Internet experience, and compared ratings of learning, satisfaction and value of the Internet instruction between consumers who completed the Internet intervention alone and consumers who completed the Internet intervention and interacted with a nurse. A total of 34 people from a community library participated in this randomized comparative study. The intervention was effective in increasing consumer knowledge of quality care from pre‐ to post‐test. Although there were no significant differences between the two groups in knowledge gain, consumers in the interaction group had significantly higher scores on usefulness of the information in assessing the quality of care they are receiving from their health‐care providers.
School nurses as health counsellors in Finnish ENHPS schools
Authors: Tossavainen Kerttu , Turunen Hannele , Jakonen Sirkka , Tupala Minna , Vertio Harri
Published: February 2004

Describes how school nurses estimated their goal attainment in view of the contents and methods of health counselling and their roles and possibilities as health promoters in the school community. Data were collected from the school nurses (n=31) of the Finnish European Network of Health‐Promoting schools, using a semi‐structured questionnaire specifically developed for the study. The response rate was 77 per cent (n=24). The results show that the traditional aspects of health counselling were mostly covered well. Counselling on sexual health was partly achieved well, but contraception and the prevention of sexually transmitted disease were less emphasised in school nurses' health counselling. To foster the empowerment of pupils, parents and teachers, there is a need for the school nurse to adopt a more active participatory role as a health promoter in the whole school community.
Consumer‐driven innovation networks and e‐business management systems
Authors: Cox Howard , Mowatt Simon
Published: February 2004

This paper examines the use of consumer‐driven innovation networks within the UK food‐retailing industry using qualitative interview‐based research analysed within an economic framework. This perspective revealed that, by exploiting information gathered directly from their customers at point‐of‐sale and data mining, supermarkets are able to identify consumer preferences and co‐ordinate new product development via innovation networks. This has been made possible through their information control of the supply‐chain established through the use of transparent inventory management systems. As a result, supermarkets’ e‐business systems have established new competitive processes in the UK food‐processing and retailing industry and are an example of consumer‐driven innovation networks. The informant‐based qualitative approach also revealed that trust‐based transacting relationships operated differently from those previously described in the literature.
A projectives perspective of international “e”‐services
Authors: Ramsey Elaine , Ibbotson Patrick , Bell Jim , Gray Brendan
Published: February 2004

Given the growth of services and their importance in the economy, e‐business and the Internet have the potential to increase the competitiveness and growth of small firms. However, the general pattern is that the smaller the enterprise, the less likely they are to be prepared to adapt their business processes to accommodate this “new” technology. To illustrate the inherent issues this qualitative research utilised various projective techniques: construction, completion, and associative “tests” that have challenged the pseudo‐scientific age of business as a great human “subjective” exercise. A methodology that in the less traditional academic sense is “unusual, intriguing, fun and engaging” is innovatively employed in this small tradable service firm study to facilitate self‐expression among the respondents about particular e‐business scenarios in a less structured, indirect and more imaginative way. Consequently, the depth of the analysis and interpretation generated from the study has provided the researcher with a rich source of new leads and ideas about potential e‐business inhibitors and facilitators among SMEs not previously considered.
Online banking information: what we want and what we get
Authors: Waite Kathryn , Harrison Tina
Published: February 2004

This paper reports on young adults’ expectations and perceptions of online retail banking information. A combination of qualitative and quantitative research was used. Focus groups proved valuable in eliciting criteria grounded in the experience of users of bank Web sites. The subsequent questionnaire survey allowed the measurement of gaps between perceptions and expectations. The results indicate that respondents expect bank Web sites to be easy to use and to provide them with basic account/product details. These features are valued more than the technological aspects. Yet, perceptions of actual information provision differ. While basic account and price information is perceived to be provided, certain features are perceived to be less prevalent, rendering bank Web sites ineffective at aiding consumer decision making. The research questions the role of the Internet in information provision and suggests how banks can improve their Web sites to assist consumer decision making.
Internal communication issues in an IT engineering department
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Shapiro Barbara T. , Danakas Helen , Gualtieri Gino , Li Lisa , Loo David , Renaud Patricia , Zampieri Nicolas
Published: February 2004

This case study focuses on key personnel leaving an IT firm (TT Inc.) which possesses specialized knowledge and skills that could not be replaced internally. This problem and event created a major critical knowledge gap. The individuals who left expressed dissatisfaction with the increasing workload, limited resources, impossible deadlines, and unrealistic expectations from management. The remaining team members in the data networking group also shared their dissatisfaction. The methodology used to collect the data included a survey, interviews with key players, and from exit interviews. Productivity and job satisfaction at TT Inc.'s Telecom Engineering Department have declined. The dependant variables that are being explored are job satisfaction and productivity. Results of the surveys led to recommendations in the form of alternative solutions to the problems.
Corporate communication in the emerging network economy
Authors: Foss Nicolai J. , Kristensen Tore , Wilke Ricky
Published: February 2004

This paper draws on ideas in economics and game theory to develop a new theory of marketing in the emerging network economy. The paper argues that in a network economy, firms and consumers will confront “coordination problems”. With the emerging network economy all this becomes urgent because the availability and cost of information decreases. Also, timing issues become urgent as millions of people get access to the same information simultaneously. That explains why events where masses of viewers simultaneously participate in the same events become so important. The paper introduces a simple game theoretic model and discusses marketing applications and possible strategies. These strategies imply considerable use of communication resources in order to fulfil the common knowledge requirements.
Impressions of an annual report: an experimental study
Authors: Stanton Patricia , Stanton John , Pires Guil
Published: February 2004

Considerable research has sought to establish the use of impression management in corporate annual reports (CARS), especially in depicting the reporting organisation in as favourable a light as possible. Whether there is a useful outcome from the perspective of influencing those being managed has not been addressed. Based on the evidence that impression management mainly occurs in the front half, an experiment was conducted to examine whether readers’ perceptions of a company's performance differed depending on their assigned reading. Four similar groups rated the performance of an organisation in terms of several dimensions after completing their reading task, but no significant differences were found. Respondents in three groups approximate what may be termed “sophisticated users”, perhaps not easily impressed by the front half. The fourth group, homogeneous at university level but without the same financial background, ranked financial performance higher. Implications are drawn about the effectiveness of impression management.
Managing finances for a fulfilled Canadian retirement
Authors: Butters Jean
Published: February 2004

Finances play an important, if not pivotal, role in a healthy retirement. Managing money, knowing where one stands financially, forecasting needs for the lifestyle of choice, are all necessary activities to leading a fulfilling happy retirement. Until the basic needs of life are met, the greater joys of socializing, esteem, and fulfillment cannot be achieved. In Canada there are pensions for seniors available according to certain requirements. Knowledge of these pensions is essential before retiring. Knowing how to evaluate one’s worth and forecast future needs is necessary to achieve the anticipated retirement so frequently cherished. By planning early and managing decisions and actions effectively, an individual can ensure the best possible retirement.
Increase in the conformational flexibility of β2‐microglobulin upon copper binding: A possible role for copper in dialysis‐related amyloidosis
Authors: Villanueva James , Hoshino Masaru , Katou Hidenori , Kardos József , Hasegawa Kazuhiro , Naiki Hironobu , Goto Yuji
Published: February 2004

A key pathological event in dialysis‐related amyloidosis is the fibril formation of β2‐microglobulin (β2‐m). Because β2‐m does not form fibrils in vitro, except under acidic conditions, predisposing factors that may drive fibril formation at physiological pH have been the focus of much attention. One factor that may be implicated is Cu2+ binding, which destabilizes the native state of β2‐m and thus stabilizes the amyloid precursor. To address the Cu2+‐induced destabilization of β2‐m at the atomic level, we studied changes in the conformational dynamics of β2‐m upon Cu2+ binding. Titration of β2‐m with Cu2+ monitored by heteronuclear NMR showed that three out of four histidines (His13, His31, and His51) are involved in the binding at pH 7.0. 1H‐15N heteronuclear NOE suggested increased backbone dynamics for the residues Val49 to Ser55, implying that the Cu2+ binding at His51 increased the local dynamics of β‐strand D. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange of amide protons showed increased flexibility of the core residues upon Cu2+ binding. Taken together, it is likely that Cu2+ binding increases the pico‐ to nanosecond fluctuation of the β‐strand D on which His51 exists, which is propagated to the core of the molecule, thus promoting the global and slow fluctuations. This may contribute to the overall destabilization of the molecule, increasing the equilibrium population of the amyloidogenic intermediate.
The peculiar nature of unfolding of the human prion protein
Authors: Baskakov Ilia V. , Legname Giuseppe , Gryczynski Zygmunt , Prusiner Stanley B.
Published: February 2004

Spontaneous conformational transition of the prion protein from an α‐helical isoform to a β‐sheet‐rich isoform underlies the pathogenesis of sporadic prion diseases. To study the rate‐limiting steps of spontaneous conversion, the formation of amyloid fibrils by the recombinant human PrP C‐terminal fragment spanning residues 90–231 (recPrP) was monitored in the presence of urea. The kinetics of spontaneous fibril formation displayed sigmoidal behavior involving a lag phase. The shortest lag phase was observed at partially denaturing conditions, close to the concentration of urea corresponding to the middle point of unfolding. This result indicates that unfolding intermediates may be important for the conversion. To test whether unfolding intermediates are formed, we employed size‐exclusion chromatography and circular dichroism spectroscopy to monitor urea denaturation of recPrP. Both techniques showed a single sigmoidal transition with very similar thermodynamic parameters of denaturation and that the transition can be described by a simple equilibrium between folded and denatured states. Detailed analyses of data, however, revealed that the dimensions of both the native and denatured species gradually increases with urea. Expansion of the native species is also accompanied by an increase in efficiency of the energy transfer from a single Trp residue to 1‐anilinonaphthalene‐8‐sulfonate dye as measured by fluorescence. These data illustrate that thermodynamic character of the native ensemble changes gradually with environmental conditions. Such behavior is consistent with the thermodynamically variable model, and may be linked to the ability of PrP to adopt distinct abnormal conformations under pathologic conditions.
Crystal structure of the phosphorolytic exoribonuclease RNase PH from Bacillus subtilis and implications for its quaternary structure and tRNA binding
Authors: Harlow Lene S. , Kadziola Anders , Jensen Kaj Frank , Larsen Sine
Published: February 2004

RNase PH is a member of the family of phosphorolytic 3′ → 5′ exoribonucleases that also includes polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase). RNase PH is involved in the maturation of tRNA precursors and especially important for removal of nucleotide residues near the CCA acceptor end of the mature tRNAs. Wild‐type and triple mutant R68Q‐R73Q‐R76Q RNase PH from Bacillus subtilis have been crystallized and the structures determined by X‐ray diffraction to medium resolution. Wild‐type and triple mutant RNase PH crystallize as a hexamer and dimer, respectively. The structures contain a rare left‐handed βαβ‐motif in the N‐terminal portion of the protein. This motif has also been identified in other enzymes involved in RNA metabolism. The RNase PH structure and active site can, despite low sequence similarity, be overlayed with the N‐terminal core of the structure and active site of Streptomyces antibioticus PNPase. The surface of the RNase PH dimer fit the shape of a tRNA molecule.
Steric restrictions in protein folding: An α‐helix cannot be followed by a contiguous β‐strand
Authors: Fitzkee Nicholas C. , Rose George D.
Published: February 2004

Using only hard‐sphere repulsion, we investigated short polyalanyl chains for the presence of sterically imposed conformational constraints beyond the dipeptide level. We found that a central residue in a helical peptide cannot adopt dihedral angles from strand regions without encountering a steric collision. Consequently, an α‐helical segment followed by a β‐strand segment must be connected by an intervening linker. This restriction was validated both by simulations and by seeking violations within proteins of known structure. In fact, no violations were found within an extensive database of high‐resolution X‐ray structures. Nature's exclusion of α‐β hybrid segments, fashioned from an α‐helix adjoined to a β‐strand, is built into proteins at the covalent level. This straightforward conformational constraint has far‐reaching consequences in organizing unfolded proteins and limiting the number of possible protein domains.
The Evolution of Expenditure Budgeting in Australia
Authors: Cutt James
Published: February 2004

This paper examines the evolution of expenditure budgeting in Australia, at both the federal or commonwealth and state levels. The paper begins with a brief constitutional and fiscal overview, goes on to examine the evolution of expenditure budgeting at the commonwealth level over the 1970s, continues with a discussion of innovations in expenditure budgeting at the state level in the late 1970s, and concludes with a comparative assessment of the state of expenditure budgeting in Australia.
Food choice inSiganus fuscescens: influence of macrophyte nutrient content and availability
Authors: Pillans R. D. , Franklin C. E. , Tibbetts I. R.
Published: February 2004

Using multiple‐choice feeding experiments, the selection of six species of macrophytes by the herbivorous rabbitfishSiganus fuscescenswas examined. The rabbitfish showed distinct food choice in the laboratory; however, selection of macrophytes byS. fuscescenswas not related to their absolute nutrient content (nitrogen, carbon, energy and ash free dry mass). Nutrient assimilation estimates showed that the macrophytes which were most preferred were those thatS. fuscescensassimilated best. InS. fuscescens, the macrophytes that were preferred passed through the gut significantly faster than the less preferred species. Gut transit time had a significant effect on the absolute value of a food item in terms of net nutrient gain per unit time. This study showed that food value could be inferred from the absolute nutrient content of the macrophytes. Thus both the ability to assimilate nutrients as well as the absolute nutrient content of macrophytes must be quantified when assessing food value.
Thermal tolerance and metabolic physiology among redband trout populations in south‐eastern Oregon
Authors: Rodnick K. J. , Gamperl A. K. , Lizars K. R. , Bennett M. T. , Rausch R. N. , Keeley E. R.
Published: February 2004

Streamside measurements of critical thermal maxima (Tcrit), swimming performance (Ucrit), and routine (Rr) and maximum (Rmax) metabolic rates were performed on three populations of genetically distinct redband trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in the high‐desert region of south‐eastern Oregon. The Tcrit values (29·4 ± 0·1° C) for small (40–140 g) redband trout from the three streams, and large (400–1400 g) redband trout at Bridge Creek were not different, and were comparable to published values for other salmonids. At high water temperatures (24–28° C), large fish incurred higher metabolic costs and were more thermally sensitive than small fish. Ucrit(3·6 ± 0·1 LF s−1), Rr(200 ± 13 mg O2 kg−0·830 h−1) and metabolic power (533 ± 22 mg O2 kg−0·882 h−1) were not significantly different between populations of small redband trout at 24° C. Rmax and metabolic power, however, were higher than previous measurements for rainbow trout at these temperatures. Fish from Bridge Creek had a 30% lower minimum total cost of transport (Cmin), exhibited a lower refusal rate, and had smaller hearts than fish at 12‐mile or Rock Creeks. In contrast, no differences in Ucrit or metabolism were observed between the two size classes of redband trout, although Cmin was significantly lower for large fish at all swimming speeds. Biochemical analyses revealed that fish from 12‐mile Creek, which had the highest refusal rate (36%), were moderately hyperkalemic and had substantially lower circulating levels of free fatty acids, triglycerides and albumin. Aerobic and anaerobic enzyme activities in axial white muscle, however, were not different between populations, and morphological features were similar. Results of this study: 1) suggest that the physiological mechanisms that determine Tcrit in salmonids are highly conserved; 2) show that adult (large) redband trout are more susceptible to the negative affects of elevated temperatures than small redband trout; 3) demonstrate that swimming efficiency can vary considerably between redband trout populations; 4) suggest that metabolic energy stores correlate positively with swimming behaviour of redband trout at high water temperatures; 5) question the use of Tcrit for assessing physiological function and defining thermal habitat requirements of stream‐dwelling salmonids like the redband trout.
Spawning dynamics of common carp in the River Murray, South Australia, shown by macroscopic and histological staging of gonads
Authors: Smith B. B. , Walker K. F.
Published: February 2004

Gonado‐somatic indices and macroscopic and histological changes to gonads were monitored in an aggregate sample of 231 male and female common carp Cyprinus carpio(359–755 mm total length LT) from the River Murray in South Australia between November 2001 and October 2002. Histological inspection was most accurate and macroscopic inspection was not possible for males as discrete reproductive stages could not be distinguished. Histological photographs and descriptions are provided for each stage of ovary, testis and oocyte development. Only one (female) fish >350 mm LT was classified as immature. Spawning occurred initially over at least 7 months, from mid‐November 2001 to mid‐May 2002, and it began again in mid‐September 2002. This is the longest duration recorded for common carp spawning in Australia. Spawning was asynchronous within the population and each female may have spawned up to three discrete batches of eggs. These data have implications for the control of common carp populations and environmental flow management in the region.
Ontogeny of gonadal sex development relative to growth in fathead minnow
Authors: Van Aerle R. , Runnalls T. J. , Tyler C. R.
Published: February 2004

Ovarian differentiation of fathead minnow Pimephales promelas occurred at between 10 and 25 days post‐hatch (dph)(8–11 mm fork length, LF, and 7–12 mg), and was characterized by the presence of meiotic cells in the centre of the gonad, location of the somatic cells at the periphery of the gonad and the formation of an ovarian cavity. In contrast with the developing ovary, in the presumptive testis somatic cells were scattered throughout the gonads and this was evident from 25 dph (fish >10 mm and >11 mg). In males, at 60 dph (15–26 mm and 39–220 mg) the efferent ducts (sperm ducts) were apparent and the testis lobules started to form, but germ cells (spermatogonia) did not enter meiosis until between 90 and 120 dph. Fish of both sexes reached full sexual maturity at between 120 and 150 dph (males: 33–59 mm and 400–2895 mg; females: 24–48 mm and 160–1464 mg). Differences in body size (LF and mass) between males and females were only apparent when the fish were approaching full sexual maturity (120 dph).
Diel and seasonal habitat and food segregation of three sympatric Coregonus lavaretus forms in a subarctic lake
Authors: Kahilainen K. , Malinen T. , Tuomaala A. , Lehtonen H.
Published: February 2004

Habitat use of three sympatric whitefish Coregonus lavaretus forms was determined using hydroacoustics, pelagic trawling and epibenthic gillnetting in the subarctic Lake Muddusjärvi during the day and night in June, August and September. Whitefish constituted 97% of the numerical catches and whitefish with high number of gill rakers (DR) were the most abundant whitefish form. Forms with low numbers of gill rakers used only epibenthic habitats during both the day and night in all study periods: large whitefish with low numbers of gill rakers (LSR) dwelled mainly at depths 0–10 m, whereas small whitefish with low numbers of gill rakers (SSR) used deeper (>10 m) habitats. LSR and SSR whitefish consumed mainly benthic macroinvertebrates during all study occasions. The planktivorous DR whitefish used both epibenthic and pelagic habitats, but vertical habitat selection varied both over time of day and season. In June, when light intensity was continuously high, DR whitefish did not perform diel vertical migrations. In August and September, when dark nights were distinguishable, DR whitefish ascended from the bottom to the pelagic at dusk to feed on zooplankton, and descended at dawn. DR whitefish used pelagic habitats only at the lowest light intensities during the night, which was probably related to the high predation risk from brown trout Salmo trutta.