bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Wagner Theory of 2-Dimensional Constant Sprays and its Applications in Evolutionary Biology
Authors: Antonelli Peter
Published: April 2003

The present work draws on classical projective geometry of general path spaces to further study biologically motivated models in the theory of Volterra-Hamilton systems with constant coefficients. In particular, it is shown here that 2-species systems of competitive, parasitic or mutualistic type are all projectively flat (time-sequencing equivalent) and unstable. Yet, they possess first integrals of the motion. Proofs are from Wagner theory, which is in essence, just the 2-dimensional Finsler geometry of semi-symmetric connections.
The Death of Offenders in England and Wales
Authors: Sattar Ghazala
Published: April 2003

Summary: The death of offenders in the community has received considerably less attention than the death of prisoners, although limited research suggests that community offenders may be even more vulnerable to death than prisoners. This study compared the nature and extent of death among prisoners (n = 236) and offenders serving community sentences or ex-prisoners receiving postcustodial supervision by the Probation Service (n = 1,267) in England and Wales in 1996 and 1997. Information contained in death certificates was used to code for mode of death. Prisoners and community offenders were found to be reasonably similar in vulnerability to suicide/self-inflicted death; however, the risk of accidental death and homicide was greater for community offenders, and drugs and alcohol played a bigger part in their deaths. The policy implications of the findings are discussed.
Modelling Urban Growth Patterns: A Multiscale Perspective
Authors: Cheng Jianquan , Masser Ian
Published: April 2003

Urban development is a complex dynamic process involving various actors with different patterns of behaviour. Modelling urban development patterns is a prerequisite to understanding the process. This paper presents a preliminary multiscale perspective for such modelling based on spatial hierarchical theory and uses it for the analysis of a rapidly developing city. This framework starts with a conceptual model, which aims at linking planning hierarchy, analysis hierarchy, and data hierarchy. Analysis hierarchy is the focus of this paper. It is divided into three scales: probability of change (macro), density of change (meso), and intensity of change (micro). The multiscale analysis seeks to distinguish spatial determinants on each of the three scales, which are able to provide deeper insights into urban growth patterns shaped by spontaneous and self-organised spatial processes. A methodology is also presented to implement the framework, based on exploratory data analysis and spatial logistic regression. The combination of both is proven to have strong capacity of interpretation. This framework is tested by a case study of Wuhan City, China. The scale-dependent and scale-independent determinants are found significantly on two scales.
The Net Cost of Banning Commercial Foresting: A Computable General Equilibrium Analysis for the Philippines
Authors: Dufournaud Christian M , Jerrett Michael , Rodriguez U-Primo , Quinn John T , Inocencio Arlene
Published: April 2003

This paper examines logging policies in the Philippines through the use of an eleven-sector computable general equilibrium model. Several scenarios have been modeled based on a ban on commercial logging. The conclusion from the mathematical modeling is that a ban on commercial harvesting should be enforced in the Philippines.
The Unity of Difference: A Critical Appraisal of Niklas Luhmann's Theory of Social Systems in the Context of Corporeality and Spatiality
Authors: Gren Martin , Zierhofer Wolfgang
Published: April 2003

Niklas Luhmann was one of the most innovative and productive social theorists of the 20th century. He developed a comprehensive and distinctive social theory and his ideas have enriched many disciplines. Yet, only few geographers have engaged with his work. Convinced of its qualities, our intention is to stimulate a critical reception of his theory among human geographers. Here an introduction into his theory of social systems is provided, and the possibilities for a geography of social systems is explored. A key element of our proposal is a differential notion of space as a possibility of distinction, which complements Luhmann's epistemological notion of time. Our conclusion is that a geography of social systems would have to set out conceptually from accessibility systems, which are systems that encompass communications, their necessary physical and ecological environment, as well as their coordination in various dimensions of space and time.
Statistical Test for Local Patterns of Spatial Association
Authors: Leung Yee , Mei Chang-Lin , Zhang Wen-Xiu
Published: April 2003

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of local measures such as Anselin's LISAs and Ord and Getis G statistics to identify local patterns of spatial association. The statistical significance test based on local statistics is one of the most important aspects in performing this kind of analysis, and a randomized permutation approach and normal approximation are commonly used to derive the p-values of the statistics. To circumvent some of the shortcomings of these existing methods and to offer a more formal approach in line with classical statistical framework, we develop in this paper an exact method for computing the p-values of the local Moran's Ii, local Geary's ci, and the modified Ord and Getis G statistics based on the distributional theory of quadratic forms in normal variables. Furthermore, an approximate method, called three-moment χ2 approximation, with explicit calculation formulae is also proposed to achieve a computational cost lower than the exact method. Numerical evaluation on the accuracy of the approximate null distributions of the local statistics demonstrates that the proposed three-moment χ2 method is useful in some situations although it is inappropriate for approximating the null distribution of Ii. The study not only provides an exact test for local patterns of spatial association, but also put the tests of several local statistics within a unified statistical framework.
Obesity, body fat distribution and breast cancer
Authors: Lovegrove Julie A
Published: April 2003

Abstract Strong epidemiological data exists implicating anthropometric risk factors in breast cancer aetiology. In premenopausal women the risk of breast cancer increases with increased height, yet decreases with increasing weight and BMI. Although the evidence is not strong, a counter-intuitive positive relationship between central adiposity and premenopausal breast cancer risk is emerging. In post-menopausal women an increased risk in breast cancer has been found for all anthropometric measures: height, weight, BMI, measures of central adiposity (waist:hip ratio and waist circumference) and weight gain, with breast size being a possible additional risk factor. Weight loss as a strategy for reducing breast cancer risk seems to offer a viable prophylaxis in obese post-menopausal women, although data are limited. The evidence for anthropometric measures in relation to breast cancer risk is consistently stronger for post-menopausal women compared with premenopausal women and seems to be dependent on age. A number of possible biological mechanisms have been offered to explain the link between breast cancer risk and anthropometric measures. It has been hypothesised that obesity, especially central fat deposits, linked to insulin resistance, increases circulating hormones such as oestrogens, androgens, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and decreased levels of hormone-binding proteins such as steroid hormone-binding globulin and IGF-1 binding protein-1. Thus there are resulting increased concentrations of bioavailable sex hormones, which have been linked to increased breast cancer risk. As obesity is an important modifiable risk factor, which has been linked to increased post-menopausal breast cancer, public health recommendations to maintain ideal weight throughout life are warranted.
Novel Multilocus Measure of Linkage Disequilibrium to Estimate Past Effective Population Size
Authors: Hayes Ben J. , Visscher Peter M. , McPartlan Helen C. , Goddard Mike E.
Published: April 2003

Linkage disequilibrium (LD) between densely spaced, polymorphic genetic markers in humans and other species contains information about historical population size. Inferring past population size is of interest both from an evolutionary perspective (e.g., testing the “out of Africa” hypothesis of human evolution) and to improve models for mapping of disease and quantitative trait genes. We propose a novel multilocus measure of LD, the chromosome segment homozygosity (CSH). CSH is defined for a specific chromosome segment, up to the full length of the chromosome. In computer simulations CSH was generally less variable than the r2 measure of LD, and variability of CSH decreased as the number of markers in the chromosome segment was increased. The essence and utility of our novel measure is that CSH over long distances reflects recent effective population size (N), whereas CSH over small distances reflects the effective size in the more distant past. We illustrate the utility of CSH by calculating CSH from human and dairy cattle SNP and microsatellite marker data, and predicting N at various times in the past for each species. Results indicated an exponentially increasing Nin humans and a declining N in dairy cattle. CSH is a valuable statistic for inferring population histories from haplotype data, and has implications for mapping of disease loci.
The Gene Ontology Annotation (GOA) Project: Implementation of GO in SWISS-PROT, TrEMBL, and InterPro
Authors: Camon Evelyn , Magrane Michele , Barrell Daniel , Binns David , Fleischmann Wolfgang , Kersey Paul , Mulder Nicola , Oinn Tom , Maslen John , Cox Anthony , Apweiler Rolf
Published: April 2003

Gene Ontology Annotation (GOA) is a project run by the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) that aims to provide assignments of terms from the Gene Ontology (GO) resource to gene products in a number of its databases (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/GOA). In the first stage of this project, GO assignments have been applied to a data set representing the complete human proteome by a combination of electronic mappings and manual curation. This vocabulary has also been applied to the nonredundant proteome sets for all other completely sequenced organisms as well as to proteins from a wide range of organisms where the proteome is not yet complete.
GALA, a Database for Genomic Sequence Alignments and Annotations
Authors: Giardine Belinda , Elnitski Laura , Riemer Cathy , Makalowska Izabela , Schwartz Scott , Miller Webb , Hardison Ross C.
Published: April 2003

We have developed a relational database to contain whole genome sequence alignments between human and mouse with extensive annotations of the human sequence. Complex queries are supported on recorded features, both directly and on proximity among them. Searches can reveal a wide variety of relationships, such as finding all genes expressed in a designated tissue that have a highly conserved noncoding sequence 5′ to the start site. Other examples are finding single nucleotide polymorphisms that occur in conserved noncoding regions upstream of genes and identifying CpG islands that overlap the 5′ ends of divergently transcribed genes. The database is available online athttp://globin.cse.psu.edu/ and http://bio.cse.psu.edu/.
Informatics for Unveiling Hidden Genome Signatures
Authors: Abe Takashi , Kanaya Shigehiko , Kinouchi Makoto , Ichiba Yuta , Kozuki Tokio , Ikemura Toshimichi
Published: April 2003

With the increasing amount of available genome sequences, novel tools are needed for comprehensive analysis of species-specific sequence characteristics for a wide variety of genomes. We used an unsupervised neural network algorithm, a self-organizing map (SOM), to analyze di-, tri-, and tetranucleotide frequencies in a wide variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. The SOM, which can cluster complex data efficiently, was shown to be an excellent tool for analyzing global characteristics of genome sequences and for revealing key combinations of oligonucleotides representing individual genomes. From analysis of 1- and 10-kb genomic sequences derived from 65 bacteria (a total of 170 Mb) and from 6 eukaryotes (460 Mb), clear species-specific separations of major portions of the sequences were obtained with the di-, tri-, and tetranucleotide SOMs. The unsupervised algorithm could recognize, in most 10-kb sequences, the species-specific characteristics (key combinations of oligonucleotide frequencies) that are signature features of each genome. We were able to classify DNA sequences within one and between many species into subgroups that corresponded generally to biological categories. Because the classification power is very high, the SOM is an efficient and fundamental bioinformatic strategy for extracting a wide range of genomic information from a vast amount of sequences.

[Supplemental material is available online atwww.genome.org.]
Nonrandom Tripeptide Sequence Distributions at Protein Carboxyl Termini
Authors: Gatto Gregory J. , Berg Jeremy M.
Published: April 2003

The availability of complete genome sequences enables the statistical analysis of sequence features without significant database-imposed bias. The carboxyl termini of proteins often contain regions associated with protein targeting and enhanced translational termination. We analyzed the frequency of occurrence of C-terminal tripeptides in representative archaeal, bacterial, and eukaryotic genomes. The sequence distribution in prokaryotic genomes nearly matches that generated by the randomization of the observed tripeptide set. In contrast, eukaryotic genomes contain large numbers of overrepresented sequences. Some of these correspond to highly repeated sequences from either duplicated endogenous genes or transposon open reading frames. Gratifyingly, others represent previously known targeting signals or sequences associated with an increase in translational termination efficiency. However, a number of overrepresented tripeptides have not been previously noted and may represent novel functional sequences. For example, the sequence XSS may enhance translational termination efficiency in plants, whereas FWC may be a targeting or processing signal for certain amino acid permeases in yeast.
Regulatory Roles of Conserved Intergenic Domains in Vertebrate Dlx Bigene Clusters
Authors: Ghanem Noël , Jarinova Olga , Amores Angel , Long Qiaoming , Hatch Gary , Park Byung Keon , Rubenstein John L.R. , Ekker Marc
Published: April 2003

Dlx homeobox genes of vertebrates are generally arranged as three bigene clusters on distinct chromosomes. The Dlx1/Dlx2,Dlx5/Dlx6, and Dlx3/Dlx7 clusters likely originate from duplications of an ancestral Dlx gene pair. Overlaps in expression are often observed between genes from the different clusters. To determine if the overlaps are a result of the conservation of enhancer sequences between paralogous clusters, we compared theDlx1/2 and the Dlx5/Dlx6 intergenic regions from human, mouse, zebrafish, and from two pufferfish, Spheroides nephelus and Takifugu rubripes. Conservation between all five vertebrates is limited to four sequences, two inDlx1/Dlx2 and two in Dlx5/Dlx6. These noncoding sequences are >75% identical over a few hundred base pairs, even in distant vertebrates. However, when compared to each other, the four intergenic sequences show a much more limited similarity. Each intergenic sequence acts as an enhancer when tested in transgenic animals. Three of them are active in the forebrain with overlapping patterns despite their limited sequence similarity. The lack of sequence similarity between paralogous intergenic regions and the high degree of sequence conservation of orthologous enhancers suggest a rapid divergence of Dlx intergenic regions early in chordate/vertebrate evolution followed by fixation ofcis-acting regulatory elements.

[Supplemental material is available online at www.genome.org.]
Ran's C-terminal, Basic Patch, and Nucleotide Exchange Mechanisms in Light of a Canonical Structure for Rab, Rho, Ras, and Ran GTPases
Authors: Neuwald Andrew F. , Kannan Natarajan , Poleksic Aleksandar , Hata Naoya , Liu Jun S.
Published: April 2003

Proteins comprising the core of the eukaryotic cellular machinery are often highly conserved, presumably due to selective constraints maintaining important structural features. We have developed statistical procedures to decompose these constraints into distinct categories and to pinpoint critical structural features within each category. When applied to P-loop GTPases, this revealed within Rab, Rho, Ras, and Ran a canonical network of molecular interactions centered on bound nucleotide. This network presumably performs a crucial structural and/or mechanistic role considering that it has persisted for more than a billion years after the divergence of these families. We call these ‘FY-pivot’ GTPases after their most distinguishing feature, a phenylalanine or tyrosine that functions as a pivot within this network. Specific families deviate somewhat from canonical features in interesting ways, presumably reflecting their functional specialization during evolution. We illustrate this here for Ran GTPases, within which two highly conserved histidines, His30 and His139, strikingly diverge from their canonical counterparts. These, along with other residues specifically conserved in Ran, such as Tyr98, Lys99, and Phe138, appear to work in conjunction with FY-pivot canonical residues to facilitate alternative conformations in which these histidines are strategically positioned to couple Ran's basic patch and C-terminal switch to nucleotide exchange and effector binding. Other core components of the cellular machinery are likewise amenable to this approach, which we termContrastHierarchicalAlignment andInteractionNetwork (CHAIN) analysis.

[Supplemental material is available online atwww.genome.org.]
The First-Generation Whole-Genome Radiation Hybrid Map in the Horse Identifies Conserved Segments in Human and Mouse Genomes
Authors: Chowdhary Bhanu P. , Raudsepp Terje , Kata Srinivas R. , Goh Glenda , Millon Lee V. , Allan Veronica , Piumi François , Guérin Gérard , Swinburne June , Binns Matthew , Lear Teri L. , Mickelson Jim , Murray James , Antczak Douglas F. , Womack James E. , Skow Loren C.
Published: April 2003

A first-generation radiation hybrid (RH) map of the equine (Equus caballus) genome was assembled using 92 horse × hamster hybrid cell lines and 730 equine markers. The map is the first comprehensive framework map of the horse that (1) incorporates type I as well as type II markers, (2) integrates synteny, cytogenetic, and meiotic maps into a consensus map, and (3) provides the most detailed genome-wide information to date on the organization and comparative status of the equine genome. The 730 loci (258 type I and 472 type II) included in the final map are clustered in 101 RH groups distributed over all equine autosomes and the X chromosome. The overall marker retention frequency in the panel is ∼21%, and the possibility of adding any new marker to the map is ∼90%. On average, the mapped markers are distributed every 19 cR (4 Mb) of the equine genome—a significant improvement in resolution over previous maps. With 69 new FISH assignments, a total of 253 cytogenetically mapped loci physically anchor the RH map to various chromosomal segments. Synteny assignments of 39 gene loci complemented the RH mapping of 27 genes. The results added 12 new loci to the horse gene map. Lastly, comparison of the assembly of 447 equine genes (256 linearly ordered RH-mapped and additional 191 FISH-mapped) with the location of draft sequences of their human and mouse orthologs provides the most extensive horse–human and horse–mouse comparative map to date. We expect that the foundation established through this map will significantly facilitate rapid targeted expansion of the horse gene map and consequently, mapping and positional cloning of genes governing traits significant to the equine industry.

[Supplemental material is available online at www.genome.org. The following individuals kindly provided reagents, samples, or unpublished information as indicated in the paper: R. Brandon, G. Lindgren, and I. Tammen.]
Influencing and negotiating skills: some research and reflections – Part II: influencing styles and negotiating skills
Authors: Manning Tony , Robertson Bob
Published: April 2003

Examines the connection between influencing and negotiation. Using data collected from self‐assessment instruments developed by them, the authors argue that it is useful to see negotiation as one type of influencing. Effective negotiation can be seen in terms of the use of particular influencing strategies. The article is in two parts. Part I examined influencing strategies and styles. This second part considers negotiating skills and highlights the relationship between them and influencing styles. The findings raise questions about training in these areas and have implications for how this is undertaken. They also raise questions about what constitutes managerial effectiveness in these areas.
Helping people change
Authors: Bacon Terry R.
Published: April 2003

The purpose of coaching is to help people change, but real change is difficult for most adults. Of the two approaches to coaching – directive and nondirective – the latter is more effective in helping people change, and it is what most coachees prefer. In nondirective coaching, coaches primarily ask questions, listen, and act as thought partners. To guide people through change, coaches need to ask questions that raise coachees’ awareness of the need for change, build a sense of urgency, get coachees to make the decision to change, problem solve around what change will mean, and then get coachees to commit to action. Finally, coaches must reinforce the change to help make it permanent.
The effects of peripheral exposure to information on brand preference
Authors: Olson Erik L. , Mathias Thjømøe Hans
Published: April 2003

In this article, brand evaluations based on mere exposure to a brand name are compared to evaluations built on varying levels of cognitively processed brand information in a setting where all subjects have low involvement. Results indicate that a small but meaningfully sized group of subjects fully processed the information on brands they were exposed to, and rated those brands significantly higher than other brands where they had only seen the brand name alone. This finding was strongest for a fictional new brand, but also present for a well‐established brand. By contrast, the larger portion of low involvement subjects who did not fully process brand information, also did not rate brands significantly higher than their ratings for brands in which they saw no accompanying information. Implications for sponsors and advertisers are discussed.
The dynamics of public relations
Authors: Lages Carmen , Simkin Lyndon
Published: April 2003

Public relations is variously defined: those within the PR sector tend to view their activities as having strategic and corporate impact, while many marketers classify PR as little more than a tactical ingredient of the promotional mix. This contrast is important, given marketers are heavy users of PR activity. This confusion has hindered the development of the PR profession and added to the blurring of exactly what constitutes PR. Contributes to this discussion by identifying the core constituents of public relations and the underlying driving forces. Through a holistic approach, examines “PR‐ness” at three different levels. Survey data were gathered from public relations consultancies in the UK. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to examine the responses of 297 public relations consultancies in England. As a result, the many driving forces within the PR domain have been identified and grouped into nine measurement scales of “PR‐ness”. These findings provide PR practitioners with a set of issues to address in order to progress the perceived professionalism of their activities and they offer a framework for assessing subsequent progress in this respect.
Measuring the quality of relationships in consumer services: an empirical study
Authors: Roberts Keith , Varki Sajeev , Brodie Rod
Published: April 2003

Increasingly, firms are recognizing the value of establishing close relationships with their customers as a means of retaining existing customers. Also, firms are realizing that the intangible aspects of a relationship are not easily duplicated by competition, thus providing a sustainable competitive advantage to the firm. In this paper, we provide firms with a scale for measuring the quality of these intangible relationships between service firms and their customers. We then test this scale against the related, yet dissimilar scale for service quality to determine whether the relationship quality (RQ) scale adds any further explanation of behavioral intentions. Our results indicate that relationship quality is a distinct construct from service quality and that RQ is a better predictor of behavioral intentions than service quality.
Exploring the role of market learning capability in competitive strategy
Authors: Weerawardena Jay
Published: April 2003

It has been argued that a firm's capacity to learn from its market is a source of both innovation and competitive advantage. However, past research has failed to conceptualize market‐focused learning activity as a capability having the potential to contribute to competitive advantage. Prior innovation research has been biased toward technological innovation. However, there is evidence to suggest that both technological and non‐technological innovations contribute to competitive advantage reflecting the need for a broader conceptualization of the innovation construct. Past research has also overlooked the critical role of entrepreneurship in the capability building process. Competitive advantage has been predominantly measured in terms of financial indicators of performance. In general, the literature reflects the need for comprehensive measures of organizational innovation and competitive advantage. This paper examines the role of market‐focused learning capability in organizational innovation‐based competitive strategy. The paper contributes to the strategic marketing theory by developing and refining measures of entrepreneurship, market‐focused learning capability, organizational innovation and sustained competitive advantage, testing relationships among these constructs.
The alternative classification scheme in the Asian context
Authors: Boulton William R. , Nataraajan Rajan
Published: April 2003

This paper essentially shows how a recently‐developed model called the alternative classification scheme (ACS) may be used in the context of the newly‐industrializing economies (NIEs) of the Asia‐Pacific region, possibly the most rapidly‐rising players in the world economy. After nearly a decade of research into Asian economic development strategies, the authors consider future development alternatives. Using the ACS, the authors broadly categorize the range of available strategic alternatives that will drive the NIEs’ development strategies, and discuss the results of such application.
Marketing planning, market orientation and business performance
Authors: Pulendran Sue , Speed Richard , Widing Robert E.
Published: April 2003

This study examines the relationships between marketing planning, market orientation and business performance. We explore conceptually how linking the behaviours of marketing planning with the values of market orientation might be expected impact on business performance. Our findings suggest that high quality marketing planning can lead to performance benefits, but as antecedent to a market orientation, rather than as an independent activity.
Approximation method error of multiple integrals by simple integrals
Authors: Benabidallah A. , Cherruault Y. , Tourbier Y.
Published: April 2003

Some results for calculating double and triple integrals have been established, using α‐dense curves in the domain of integration. The technique of α‐dense curves has been first investigated. Our aim in this paper is to give an approximation of multiple integrals in [0,1] d (d∈N*) using α‐dense curves in [0,1] d, and to evaluate the error method.
Developing alternative perspectives for quality in higher education
Authors: Srikanthan G. , Dalrymple John
Published: April 2003

Suggests the quality in higher education (HE) debate is currently narrowly focussed, essentially around adapting industrial quality systems. Traditionally, the notion of academic freedom was seen as the requirement of excellence in education. In more recent times (pre 1990) measures of quality control were imposed on HE, but their adoption was superficial compared to industry. The post 1990 period saw the need for a considerable increase in the quality systems activity in HE, in view of the dynamism in the sector. The adoption of quality management (QM) was preferred, because of its extensive practice in industry. Presently, its practice in HE is deteriorating into managerialism in institutions, because of lack of development of a shared vision and lack of a match between QM techniques and educational processes. Proposes a new approach to quality systems in HE. QM can still be the broad management methodology but should be adapted to educational processes and be made to preserve the traditional values of academic freedom and collegial modes of operation.
Organization change and the complexity of succession
Authors: Haddadj Slimane
Published: April 2003

The organizational change that is happening when firms are undergaing a CEO succession is difficult to apprehend and analyze. Further it is not related to any kind of linear approach. Rather, in most cases, the CEO succession is complex, dynamic and is embedded in a context and a situation that needs to be analyzed from inside the organizations by listening to the actors in order to really understand what is going on.
Resistance to restructuring in Sino‐foreign joint ventures: toward a preliminary model
Authors: Tsang Eric W.K.
Published: April 2003

Many Sino‐foreign joint ventures are set up by acquiring existing state enterprises. Under this arrangement, the foreign partner normally has to restructure the original state enterprise by transferring its routines to China. More often than not, resistance to change is experienced during the transition period. This paper explores the factors affecting such resistance. A grounded theory approach using five cases is adopted. The major factors identified are: Chinese partner's perceived need for change, number of active foreign partners, deployment of experts by the foreign partner, age of the former state enterprise, and joint venture performance. Propositions are derived from the case evidence and relevant literature. A preliminary model linking up the propositions is developed.
Antecedents of project learning and time‐to‐market during new mobile service development
Authors: Blazevic Vera , Lievens Annouk , Klein Evelien
Published: April 2003

Mobile service innovations are crucial for the long‐term success of companies operating in turbulent and uncertain environments. These innovations need to be introduced at a rapid pace while at the same time companies have to absorb market information during the new mobile service development. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to construct a conceptual framework on the critical antecedents of project learning and time‐to‐market during new mobile service development. An extensive case study research involving four innovation projects was performed in a leading Dutch telecommunications company. With respect to project learning, our research findings indicate the crucial influence of a flexible decision architecture, project team memory, a high information awareness and a good fit between information requirements and capabilities. Both innovative and coordinative communication are required throughout the service innovation process. With regard to time‐to‐market, our research results point to the essential impact of project complexity, top management support, information power of suppliers and technological synergy. Finally, a medium level of project learning is the ideal condition for a fast time‐to‐market during mobile service innovation.
Using information technology to improve downstream supply chain operations: a case study
Authors: McLaughlin John , Motwani Jaideep , Madan Manu S. , Gunasekaran A.
Published: April 2003

To succeed in today’s global marketplace, organizations are looking at streamlining their supply chain through the successful deployment of information technology. This paper, by means of a case study, discusses how a manufacturing company implemented a transportation planning and optimization system to enhance their downstream supply chain operations. The application development framework is used to analyze the implementation process. The findings of this case study will benefit companies seeking to create a competitive advantage in the marketplace through advanced physical distribution capabilities.
Staphylococcus lugdunensis
Infections: High Frequency of Inguinal Area Carriage
Authors: van der Mee-Marquet N. , Achard A. , Mereghetti L. , Danton A. , Minier M. , Quentin R.
Published: April 2003

Following a change in surgical practice, we noted that the rate at which
Staphylococcus lugdunensis
was isolated from samples from the plastic surgery unit of our hospital increased considerably. We investigated the sources of these
S. lugdunensis
strains, and we found that in the case of drain colonization or surgical site infection, the strain was more likely to have come from the patient's skin bacteria when the pubic site had been shaved preoperatively. To test the hypothesis of pubic site colonization, we evaluated the prevalence of
S. lugdunensis
carriage among the cutaneous flora of the inguinal area. We found that 22% of 140 incoming patients carried
S. lugdunensis
in this area and that carriage at both inguinal folds was frequent (68% of carriers). A study of the genetic structure of the total population, including the clinical (
n
= 18) and the commensal (
n
= 53) strains, revealed that the diversity of the species was low and that the population was composed of two major groups that diverged at a distance of 35%. No particular characteristics made it possible to distinguish between clinical and commensal strains. Only isolates producing β-lactamase were homogeneous; six of the eight β-lactamase-positive strains displayed the same pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern.
Prevalence of Genes Encoding Pyrogenic Toxin Superantigens and Exfoliative Toxins among Strains of
Staphylococcus aureus
Isolated from Blood and Nasal Specimens
Authors: Becker Karsten , Friedrich Alexander W. , Lubritz Gabriele , Weilert Maria , Peters Georg , von Eiff Christof
Published: April 2003

A total of 429 different
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates encompassing 219 blood isolates and 210 isolates taken from anterior nares were systematically searched by two multiplex PCR-DNA enzyme immunoassays (PCR-DEIA) for exfoliative toxin (ET) genes
eta
and
etb
, as well as for the classical members of the pyrogenic toxin superantigen (PTSAg) gene family comprising the staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) genes
sea
-
see
and the toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 gene
tst
. In addition, a third PCR-DEIA was established to investigate the possession of four recently described SE genes, viz.
seg
-
sej
. The most frequent PTSAg/ET genes amplified were
seg
and
sei
, which were found strictly in combination in 55.0% of the
S. aureus
isolates tested. Other frequently detected toxin genes were
tst
(20.3%),
sea
(15.9%), and
sec
(11.2%). Only five isolates harbored ET genes. Regarding the origin of the
S. aureus
isolates, a significant difference (
P
= 0.037) was found for the possession of the
sed/sej
gene combination (10.5% of blood isolates versus 3.3% of nasal strains). Overall, about half of
S. aureus
isolates tested harbored genes of the classical members of the PTSAg family and ETs (50.8%), whereas 73.0% of
S. aureus
isolates were toxin gene positive if the recently described SE genes were included. This notable higher prevalence indicates that the possession of PTSAg genes in particular seems to be a habitual feature of
S. aureus
. Moreover, mainly due to the fixed combinations of
seg
plus
sei
, as well as
sed
plus
sej
, the possession of multiple PTSAg genes (62.9%) is more frequent than assumed so far.
Evaluation of PCR as a Diagnostic Mass-Screening Tool To Detect
Leishmania
(
Viannia
) spp. in Domestic Dogs (
Canis familiaris
)
Authors: Reithinger Richard , Espinoza Juan Canales , Courtenay Orin , Davies Clive R.
Published: April 2003

Several studies have suggested that the PCR could be used in epidemiological mass-screening surveys to detect
Leishmania
(
Viannia
) spp. infection in human and animal hosts. Dogs from an area of
Leishmania braziliensis
and
Leishmania peruviana
endemicity were screened for American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) infection by established PCR-based and enzyme-linked immunosorbent antibody test (ELISA) protocols. PCR detected
Leishmania
(
Viannia
) infection in a total of 90 of 1,066 (8.4%) dogs: 32 of 368 (8.7%), 65 of 769 (8.5%), and 7 of 42 (16.7%) dogs were PCR positive by testing of whole blood, buffy coat, and bone marrow aspirates, respectively. ELISA detected infection in 221 of 1,059 (20.9%) tested dogs. The high prevalence of
Leishmania
(
Viannia
) detected by PCR and ELISA in both asymptomatic (7.5 and 19.2%, respectively) and symptomatic (32 and 62.5%, respectively) dogs is further circumstantial evidence for their suspected role as reservoir hosts of ACL. However, the low sensitivity of PCR (31%) compared to ELISA (81%) indicates that PCR cannot be used for mass screening of samples in ACL epidemiological studies. Unless more-sensitive PCR protocols were to be developed, its use should be restricted to the diagnosis of active (canine and human) cases and to the parasitological monitoring of patients after chemotherapy.
Clinical Evaluation of Two Methods for Genotyping Hepatitis C Virus Based on Analysis of the 5′ Noncoding Region
Authors: Nolte Frederick S. , Green Alicia M. , Fiebelkorn Kristin R. , Caliendo Angela M. , Sturchio Cynthia , Grunwald Aileen , Healy Mimi
Published: April 2003

We compared the performance characteristics of a standardized direct sequencing method (TRUGENE HCV 5′NC; Visible Genetics Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada) and a reverse hybridization line probe assay (INNO-LiPA HCV II; Bayer Corp., Tarrytown, N.Y.) for genotyping of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Both methods are based on detection of sequence heterogeneity in the 5′ noncoding (5′NC) region. Concordance between the genotyping methods was assessed by testing 172 samples representing the six major genotypes. Sequence analysis of the more phylogenetically informative nonstructural 5B (NS5B) region was also done with 148 (86%) samples to confirm the accuracy of and resolve discrepancies between the 5′NC genotyping results. The sensitivities of the methods were assessed by using the 5′NC amplicon from both the qualitative and quantitative AMPLICOR HCV tests (Roche Diagnostics Corp., Indianapolis, Ind.). The ability of the methods to detect mixed-genotype infections was determined with mixtures of two different genotypes at relative concentrations ranging from 1 to 50%. Both 5′NC methods were able to genotype 99.4% of the samples with type agreement for 99.5% and subtype agreement for 68.2% of the samples. No or ambiguous subtype results were found by the line probe assay for 16.5% and by the TRUGENE 5′NC test for 17.1% of the samples. Discrepancies occurred between the line probe assay and NS5B results at the type level for 1.4% of the samples and at the subtype level for 14.2% of the samples. Discrepancies also occurred between the TRUGENE 5′NC and NS5B results at the type level for 2% of the samples and at the subtype level for 8.1% of the samples. We also found two distinct strains of HCV classified as type 2 by analysis of the 5′NC region that were type 1 by analysis of the NS5B region. The sensitivities of the two 5′NC genotyping methods were comparable and dependent on the amplification test used (∼10
3
IU/ml with the qualitative HCV RNA tests and ∼10
5
IU/ml with the quantitative HCV RNA tests). Genotype mixtures were successfully identified at a relative concentration of 5% by the line probe assay and 10% by the TRUGENE 5′NC test. In conclusion, the performance characteristics of the 5′NC methods were similar and both methods produced accurate results at the genotype level but neither method should be used for subtyping.
Use of Monoclonal Antibodies to Lipopolysaccharide for Antigenic Analysis of
Coxiella burnetii
Authors: Hotta Akitoyo , Kawamura Midori , To Ho , Andoh Masako , Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Fukushi Hideto , Amano Ken-Ichi , Hirai Katsuya
Published: April 2003

Antigenic differences among
Coxiella burnetii
strains were analyzed. The monoclonal antibodies against the lipopolysaccharide outer core did not react with the strains containing a QpRS plasmid or with plasmidless strains, whereas they reacted with strains containing a QpH1 or QpDV plasmid.
C. burnetii
isolates could be divided into two groups immunologically.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Bile Acids; An Evaluation
Authors: Fini Adamo , Zuman Petr
Published: April 2003

Bile acids can be determinated by measuring absorbance in the ranges between 290 and 310 nm or between 370 and 390 nm of species which are formed when bile acids react in 77.8 wt.% sulfuric acid at 70 °C for 30 min. The absorption bands at about 300 nm correspond to a formation of allylic carbocations, those at about 380 nm to dienylic carbocations. The absorbance was found to be linear function of concentration between 1 and 5 . 10-5 mol l-1. Measurements of absorbance were compared for 11 bile acids. The method can be used for analysis of dilute solutions of these acids, e.g. in estimating their solubility.
Selectivity in the Photoproduct Ratios from Norrish II Reactions of a Homologous Series of 2-Alkanones in Their Melt and Solid Phases. Comparison with Other Environments
Authors: Weiss Richard G. , Chandrasekhar Sosale , Vilalta Patricia M.
Published: April 2003

The product ratios from Norrish II reactions of 2-tridecanone, 2-tetradecanone, 2-pentadecanone, 2-hexadecanone, 2-heptadecanone, and 2-nonadecanone have been measured at low percents of conversion in the melt and solid phases. Although elimination/cyclization photoproduct ratios from the neat crystals are > 60 in optimal cases, the ratios of cyclobutanol diastereomers (cyclization products) remain near those observed from melt irradiations. From comparisons of the photoproduct selectivities in the neat solids and in their solid solutions, where the solvent molecules are similar in size and shape to the 2-alkanones, it is concluded that the crystalline lattices of some foreign hosts offer environments to the pre-product biradical intermediates, which are at least as restrictive as the environments of the solid 2-alkanones.
Ultrasonic Agitation Accelerates cis-Glycosylation with Heterogeneous Promoters
Authors: Whitfield Dennis M. , Meah M. Younus , Křepinský Jiří J.
Published: April 2003

Ultrasonic agitation increases the yield of glycosylations with donors such as 3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-2-azido-2-deoxy-α-D-galactopyranosyl chloride using the heterogeneous promoters silver zeolite, cadmium zeolite or a mixture of silver perchlorate and silver carbonate on celite. The stereospecificity of the glycosylation depends on the nature of the alcohol to be glycosylated, the nature of the solid support and the solvent. Glycosylation catalyzed by silver zeolite in toluene solutions of the donor 3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-phtalimido-β-D-glucopyranosyl bromide, that usually produce trans-β-glycosides, yield cis-glycosides with unreactive alcohols. In these unreactive alcohols, e.g. methyl 2-O-benzoyl-4,6-O-benzilidene-β-D-galactopyranoside and benzyl 3,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-α-D-mannopyranoside, the hydroxyls to be glycosylated are hydrogen-bonded to a cis vicinal oxygen. This feature was evident in their AM1 minimized conformations and was indicated by the solution J(OH,CH) 1H NMR coupling constants.
21,22-Disubstituted 18α,19βH-Ursane Derivatives with Oxabicyclooctane System in Ring E
Authors: Klinotová Eva , Klinot Jiří , Křeček Václav , Buděšínský Miloš , Máca Bohumil
Published: April 2003

Reaction of 3β-acetoxy-21,22-dioxo-18α,19βH-ursan-28,20β-olide (IIIa) and 20β,28-epoxy-21,22-dioxo-19α,19βH-ursan-3β-yl acetate (IIIb) with diazomethane afforded derivatives XII-XIV with spiroepoxide group in position 21 or 22, which were further converted into hydroxy derivatives XV and XVII. Ethylene ketals VIII-X were also prepared. In connection with the determination of position and configuration of the functional groups at C(21) and C(22), the 1H and 13C NMR spectral data of the prepared compounds are discussed. Complete analysis of two four-spin systems in the 1H NMR spectrum of bisethylenedioxy derivative Xb led to the proton-proton coupling constants from which the structure with two 1,4-dioxane rings condensed with ring E, and their conformation, was derived.
Molecular Movements and Dynamics in Solutions Studied by Fluorescence Depolarization Measurement
Authors: Limpouchová Zuzana , Procházka Karel , Fidler Vlastimil , Dvořák Jiří , Bednář Bohumil
Published: April 2003

Theories allowing interpretation of the results of time-resolved polarization spectrofluorimetry in solutions are reviewed and their applicability under various conditions is discussed. For the reorientation of rigid molecules in an isotropic medium, the most frequently employed models are presented, such as rotational diffusion model, the Fokker-Planck-Langevin model, etc. Systems with internal rotation, systems in anisotropic media, systems with a complex electron relaxation and systems with energy transfer are discussed as examples of more complex systems. A special attention is devoted to the polarization fluorimetry of probes bound to/or sorbed at polymer and biopolymer chains. The review focuses on theoretical models of reorientational motion for interpretation of fluorescence anisotropy decays. Experimental studies and computer simulations are discussed only when it is necessary for comparison with theoretical predictions. Complicated models for simultaneous reorientational motion and energy transfer, solvent relaxation, etc., although very important for many applications, exceed the scope of this review and are mentioned only very briefly.
Disturbance of a Film of Triton X-100 on the Hanging Mercury Drop Electrode during the Determination of Metal Ions by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry
Authors: Pawlak M. Krystyna
Published: April 2003

The effect of electroreduction of Zn(II), Cd(II), Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions on the stability of a film of the surfactant Triton X-100 on the surface of hanging mercury drop electrode was investigated. A procedure is suggested to disturb the film in order to facilitate the determination of the above metal ions by anodic stripping voltammetry with accumulation.