bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species discrimination of fish using frequency-dependent acoustic backscatter
Authors: Logerwell Elizabeth A. , Wilson Christopher D.
Published: September 2004

The difference between mean volume-backscattering strength at 120 and 38 kHz (ΔMVBS) has been used to discriminate acoustically between macrozooplankton species, and between macrozooplankton and fish or small zooplankton. We examined whether ΔMVBS could be used to discriminate between juvenile pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) and capelin (Mallotus villosus). Acoustic data at 38 and 120 kHz were collected in the Gulf of Alaska during August 2000 and 2001. We selected scattering layers of juvenile pollock and capelin that were sampled directly by midwater trawls. Although we found statistically significant differences at minimum integration thresholds ranging from −85 dB to −69 dB, the greatest difference between ΔMVBS of juvenile pollock and capelin was observed at the highest integration threshold (−69 dB). We also found that, although there was substantial overlap between the frequency distributions of juvenile pollock and capelin ΔMVBS at the smallest scale of analysis (0.1 nautical mile × 5 m cells), there was virtually no overlap between the ΔMVBS distributions at the largest scale (∼1 nautical mile × 20 m aggregations). We conclude that acoustic differencing at the scale of fish aggregations and at high integration thresholds can be used to distinguish between juvenile pollock and capelin.
Hearing Loss with Semicircular Canal Transection and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Otitis Media
Authors: Prevatt Angela R. , Sedwick Jack D. , Gajewski Byron J. , Antonelli Patrick J.
Published: September 2004

OBJECTIVE

To determine if Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) otitis media (OM) increases the risk of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) with semicircular canal transection in the guinea pig model.

METHODS

PA was injected transtympanically into both middle ears of pigmented guinea pigs. Saline‐injected animals served as controls. Two to 4 days after injection, one horizontal semicircular canal was transected and sealed. Hearing was tested using electrocochleography before and after transection.

RESULTS

PA‐OM was induced in all PA‐injected ears. Five days after semicircular canal transection, click‐evoked thresholds were significantly elevated in ears with PA‐OM (P = 0.00009) but not in saline‐injected ears (P = 0.398).

CONCLUSION

Violation of the inner ear in the presence of PA‐OM is associated with increased risk of SNHL in the guinea pig.

SIGNIFICANCE

Factors unique to PA infection may be responsible for SNHL with labyrinthine injury in humans with chronic otitis media.
Experimental Evaluation of Drills for Extended Frontal Sinusotomy
Authors: Hosemann Werner , Herzog Daniela , Beule Achim G. , Kaftan Holger
Published: September 2004

OBJECTIVE

Endonasal extended frontal sinusotomy is needed in rare cases of therapy‐resistant chronic frontal sinusitis. Several types of burs have been invented to ablate strong bone in the frontal sinus access but nevertheless surgical results seem to differ significantly. The benefits and shortcomings of different burs are subjected to a comparative evaluation.

STUDY DESIGN

Five cadaver specimens were duplicated by means of dental molding and casting techniques to provide identical microanatomy for comparative studies on frontal sinusotomy. Different burs (conventional straight bur, right‐angled bur according to Blokmanis, and curved frontal sinusbur) were applied to create a type IIb frontal sinusotomy according to Draf in microanatomical replicas. The geometry of the frontonasal neoostium was measured and its dimensions were contrasted to the collateral damage. Bone ablation was calculated by repeated weighting and the area of damaged mucosa was quantified using a 3D analyzing system.

RESULTS

A frontal sinus neoostium measuring 9 × 10 mm on average was created by type IIb frontal sinusotomy according to Draf. The complementary use of an angled bur showed some specific improvements that applied best to spacious anatomic specimens. Those specimens subjected to an extensive use of the straight drill revealed significant collateral damage forming a contrast to minor enlargement of the neoostium. The curved frontal sinus bur showed considerable technical insufficiencies.

CONCLUSIONS

Judicious use of the straight drill is recommended for those rare cases of therapy‐resistant frontal sinusitis treated by an extended type of frontal sinusotomy. New technical refinements of the curved frontal sinus burs should be subjected to repeated evaluation.
3D Computed Tomographic Analysis of Frontal Recess Anatomy in Patients Without Frontal Sinusitis
Authors: Lee Walter T. , Kuhn Frederick A. , Citardi Martin J.
Published: September 2004

OBJECTIVE

Describe frontal sinus pneumatization in patients with no history of frontal sinus disease.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

All 1‐mm axial sinus CT scans performed from 2001 through 2003 were eligible for review on a CBYON Suite workstation (CBYON, Mountain View, CA). Exclusion criteria included frontal sinusitis, sinonasal polyposis, age < 18 years, sinus malignancy, fibroosseous lesions, maxillofacial trauma, congenital anomaly, and sinus surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 50 patients met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of each structure was: agger nasi cell (89%), type 1 frontal cell (37%), type 2 frontal cell (19%), type 3 frontal cell (8%), type 4 frontal cell (0%), supraorbital ethmoid cell (62%), suprabullar cell (15%), frontal bullar cell (9%), interfrontal septal cell (14%), and recessus terminalis (22%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study describes frontal pneumatization in patients without a history of conditions that influence frontal pneumatization. The results characterize normal frontal recess/sinus pneumatization patterns.
Evaluation of the Framelock Reference‐Arc Fixation Device for Image‐Guided Surgery
Authors: Strong E. Bradley , Diaz Rodney C.
Published: September 2004

OBJECTIVES

The FrameLock (FL) is a bone anchored, reference arc fixation device for image guided surgery. This study compares the stability of the FL to the FESS frame (FF), a friction fit device.

METHODS

The FL and FF were independently applied to a cadaver. Fifteen sequentially larger impulse forces were applied to each device (0.39–5.8 N*s). Following each impulse, anatomic drift was recorded. A 29 patient prospective clinical trial tested the accuracy of each device before and after surgery.

RESULTS

The FL showed significantly less anatomic drift for all weights except 0.39 N*s (P < 0.01). The average clinical displacement of the FL was 0.07 mm, and of the FF was 1.02 mm (P < 0.0009). Linear regression analysis of anatomic drift as a function of the procedure duration revealed a positive correlation for the FF (y = 0.61x), but not for the FL (y = 0.02x).

CONCLUSIONS

The bone anchored FL is significantly more stable than the friction fit FF.
Endoscopic and Endoscope‐Assisted Resections of Inverted Sinonasal Papillomas
Authors: Wolfe Stephen G. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Bolger William E. , Lanza Donald C. , Kennedy David W.
Published: September 2004

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the success of endoscopic and endoscope‐assisted resection of inverted sinonasal papillomas and to assess the indications for adjunctive external procedures.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were treated surgically during the 10‐year study period and had greater than 1 year of follow‐up care. These patients had a recurrence rate of 14% (7/50) with a mean follow‐up of 31.1 months. Of these 7 patients with recurrences, 3 were treated primarily at this institution, and 4 had been treated prior to referral. Recurrence was 11% (3/27) for primary resections and 17% (4/23) for secondary resections. Average time to recurrence was 11.7 months. Of the patients, 38% (19/50) had adjunctive external procedures either during the initial resection or for the management of recurrent disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic and endoscope‐assisted resections of inverted papilloma are effective techniques for managing inverted papilloma. The intraoperative findings, most importantly the site(s) of tumor attachment, dictate whether an endoscopic procedure is sufficient to complete resect the inverted papilloma or whether an adjunctive external procedure is required. Appropriate patient selection and an aggressive surgical approach are necessary for the management of these neoplasms.
Dichloromethane in North Atlantic waters
Authors: Moore R. M.
Published: September 2004

Dichloromethane is an atmospheric trace gas that has a tropospheric lifetime on the order of 5 months and has major anthropogenic sources. Evidence has been presented for an oceanic source. This paper reports measurements of dichloromethane in waters of the North Atlantic and Labrador Sea that are interpreted as showing that the compound has a primarily atmospheric source and appears to persist for years to decades in the intermediate and deep ocean. These characteristics have the potential to yield apparent supersaturation of the gas in surface ocean waters which may be incorrectly interpreted as an oceanic source.
High performance laser shutter using a hard disk drive voice-coil actuator
Authors: Maguire L. P. , Szilagyi S. , Scholten R. E.
Published: September 2004

Voice-coil motors in computer hard disk drives are shown to make excellent mechanical shutters for light beams. Shutter speeds in excess of 10 mm/ms are attained, allowing switching of a focused beam in under 10 μs. Aperture size can be up to 32 mm. As little as 1 mW of power is required for shutter operation. The shutter can be driven with a sinusoidal signal to switch at up to 100 Hz. The shutter is also suitable for x-ray applications. Essentially no modification of the drive or actuator is required for most types of operation.
Selective transport systems mediate sequestration of plant glucosides in leaf beetles: A molecular basis for adaptation and evolution
Authors: Kuhn Jürgen , Pettersson Eva M. , Feld Birte K. , Burse Antje , Termonia Arnaud , Pasteels Jacques M. , Boland Wilhelm
Published: September 2004

Chrysomeline larvae respond to disturbance and attack by everting dorsal glandular reservoirs, which release defensive secretions. The ancestral defense is based on the
de novo
synthesis of monoterpene iridoids. The catabolization of the host-plant
O
-glucoside salicin into salicylaldehyde is a character state that evolved later in two distinct lineages, which specialized on Salicaceae. By using two species producing monoterpenes (
Hydrothassa marginella
and
Phratora laticollis
) and two sequestering species (
Chrysomela populi
and
Phratora vitellinae
), we studied the molecular basis of sequestration by feeding the larvae structurally different thioglucosides resembling natural
O
-glucosides. Their accumulation in the defensive systems demonstrated that the larvae possess transport systems, which are evolutionarily adapted to the glycosides of their host plants. Minor structural modifications in the aglycon result in drastically reduced transport rates of the test compounds. Moreover, the ancestral iridoid-producing leaf beetles already possess a fully functional import system for an early precursor of the iridoid defenses. Our data confirm an evolutionary scenario in which, after a host-plant change, the transport system of the leaf beetles may play a pivotal role in the adaptation on new hosts by selecting plant-derived glucosides that can be channeled to the defensive system.
In situ
analysis of repair processes for oxidative DNA damage in mammalian cells
Authors: Lan Li , Nakajima Satoshi , Oohata Yoshitsugu , Takao Masashi , Okano Satoshi , Masutani Mitsuko , Wilson Samuel H. , Yasui Akira
Published: September 2004

Oxidative DNA damage causes blocks and errors in transcription and replication, leading to cell death and genomic instability. Although repair mechanisms of the damage have been extensively analyzed
in vitro
, the actual
in vivo
repair processes remain largely unknown. Here, by irradiation with an UVA laser through a microscope lens, we have conditionally produced single-strand breaks and oxidative base damage at restricted nuclear regions of mammalian cells. We showed, in real time after irradiation by using antibodies and GFP-tagged proteins, rapid and ordered DNA repair processes of oxidative DNA damage in human cells. Furthermore, we characterized repair pathways by using repair-defective mammalian cells and found that DNA polymerase β accumulated at single-strand breaks and oxidative base damage by means of its 31- and 8-kDa domains, respectively, and that XRCC1 is essential for both polymerase β-dependent and proliferating cell nuclear antigen-dependent repair pathways of single-strand breaks. Thus, the repair of oxidative DNA damage is based on temporal and functional interactions among various proteins operating at the site of DNA damage in living cells.
Organization and Evolution of a Gene-Rich Region of the Mouse Genome: A 12.7-Mb Region Deleted in the Del(13)Svea36H Mouse
Authors: Mallon Ann-Marie , Wilming Laurens , Weekes Joseph , Gilbert James G.R. , Ashurst Jennifer , Peyrefitte Sandrine , Matthews Lucy , Cadman Matthew , McKeone Richard , Sellick Chris A. , Arkell Ruth , Botcherby Marc R.M. , Strivens Mark A. , Campbell R. Duncan , Gregory Simon , Denny Paul , Hancock John M. , Rogers Jane , Brown Steve D.M.
Published: September 2004

Del(13)Svea36H (Del36H) is a deletion of ∼20% of mouse chromosome 13 showing conserved synteny with human chromosome 6p22.1-6p22.3/6p25. The human region is lost in some deletion syndromes and is the site of several disease loci. Heterozygous Del36H mice show numerous phenotypes and may model aspects of human genetic disease. We describe 12.7 Mb of finished, annotated sequence from Del36H. Del36H has a higher gene density than the draft mouse genome, reflecting high local densities of three gene families (vomeronasal receptors, serpins, and prolactins) which are greatly expanded relative to human. Transposable elements are concentrated near these gene families. We therefore suggest that their neighborhoods are gene factories, regions of frequent recombination in which gene duplication is more frequent. The gene families show different proportions of pseudogenes, likely reflecting different strengths of purifying selection and/or gene conversion. They are also associated with relatively low simple sequence concentrations, which vary across the region with a periodicity of ∼5 Mb. Del36H contains numerous evolutionarily conserved regions (ECRs). Many lie in noncoding regions, are detectable in species as distant asCiona intestinalis, and therefore are candidate regulatory sequences. This analysis will facilitate functional genomic analysis of Del36H and provides insights into mouse genome evolution.
User perceptions of library effectiveness in Malaysian agricultural libraries
Authors: Majid Shaheen , Anwar Mumtaz Ali , Eisenschitz Tamara S.
Published: September 2004

This study investigated those factors that contribute positively in shaping users’ perceptions of library effectiveness. A questionnaire‐based survey of five major agricultural libraries in Malaysia was conducted. It was found that the adequacy of collections, services and facilities were closely linked to the perceptions of library effectiveness. Certain other factors contributing positively to the perception of library effectiveness were the adequacy and effectiveness of library promotion, involvement of users in the selection of library materials, convenient library location, participation in user education programmes, availability of assistance for using library resources and facilities, and subject background of library professionals. The paper suggests that for any reliable library effectiveness study, all factors associated with user satisfaction should be investigated together.
Information needs and information‐seeking behaviour of graduate students at the University of Botswana
Authors: Fidzani B.T.
Published: September 2004

This study was undertaken to determine the information‐seeking behaviour and use of information resources by graduate students at the University of Botswana. The overall purpose of the study was to determine what their information requirements are and determine their awareness of library services available to them. The study collected empirical data on the information requirements of graduate students. Data were gathered from 144 students out of 223 part‐time and full‐time graduate students registered. Findings indicate that guidance in the use of library resources and services is necessary to help students meet some of their information requirements. The study found that: journals, library books and textbooks are the most popular sources of information for course work and research and that students need to be taught how to use available library resources and services. Based on these findings, it was recommended that a questionnaire on students’ ability to use information resources be prepared and administered during registration to all masters students to establish their ability to use information resources. It was also recommended that a more aggressive information marketing strategy should be developed at both subject librarian and departmental level to create awareness among graduate students on the available
Extreme response style in cross‐cultural research
Authors: Clarke Irvine
Published: September 2004

The study investigates extreme response style (ERS) in cross‐cultural research. Through a four‐country application of the Greenleaf ERS measure, finds that ERS varies between cultures and across response formats. Evidence is also found that the acquiescence response style (ARS) varies between cultures and response formats. Through a series of ANOVAs, it is shown how a post hoc response style adjustment can be used to minimize between‐group differences for ERS and ARS. Finally, this study illustrates how cross‐cultural market researchers, using a marketing‐oriented survey instrument like the CETSCALE, could reach erroneous conclusions by failing to adjust for between‐group difference in ERS. Implications for cross‐cultural marketing research are discussed.
Guest editorial
Authors: Balabanis George , Theodosiou Marios , Katsikea Evangelia S.
Published: September 2004

Export marketing research over the last four decades has covered a number of theoretical and practical issues such as standardisation and customisation, export development processes, barriers to exporting, export performance, etc. Rapid technological, institutional, legislative, economic and attitudinal changes across the globe pose challenges for the future development of export marketing research. The emergence of turbulent and hypercompetitive business environments calls for exporters to reconsider the bases and sustainability of their competitive advantage to overseas markets. In particular, future research should focus on the identification of the right export marketing capabilities that firms should develop or acquire, the ability to leverage or transfer them across markets, and the ability to constantly upgrade them using proper organisational learning routines. Of critical importance are the processes used to develop capability‐based strategies and to manage relationships with international customers. This double issue comprises ten articles that deal with some of the main challenges posed to export marketing.
Determinants of satisfaction in sales negotiations with foreign buyers: perceptions of US export executives
Authors: Shankarmahesh Mahesh N. , Ford John B. , LaTour Michael S.
Published: September 2004

The promotion of US exports has been a priority for the US Department of Commerce, with the aim of reducing the trade deficit. This, combined with the worldwide reduction in trade barriers, has opened up a number of foreign markets for US companies. A key element of export sales development is successful sales negotiations between US exporters and potential foreign buyers. This study examines sales negotiations between US exporters and foreign buyers from 47 different countries. A large‐scale model of the determinants of satisfaction in exporter‐importer sales negotiations is developed and tested. This model incorporates a series of antecedents (cultural divergence, contextual familiarity, goal compatibility, interdependence, trust, social orientation, cooperative orientation) and two major process variables (sense‐making and sense‐giving) which bring in a communications perspective. The effects of sense‐making and sense‐giving on flexibility and conflict and the impact of flexibility and conflict on satisfaction, the ultimate outcome variable, are also examined. The proposed model is tested with data gathered from 179 respondent US export/international sales managers. The fit was found to be excellent. Implications are provided for US export sales executives, along with a discussion of suggestions for future research.
Strategic marketing in the NHS: Kwik‐health NHS Trust
Authors: Laing Angus W. , Galbraith Archie
Published: September 2004

Unlike managers in most service organizations, hospital managers do
not have significant control over the shape or cost of the service
product or the manner of its delivery. Hence, the crucial issue for
hospital management to address is how to develop the marketing of a
service the control of which is divorced from those with the strategic
market perspective. While the internal management of hospital care in
the NHS is in its infancy, initial developments such as clinical
directorates point the way forward in creating a market orientation
within provider units. Ultimately, it must be considered what degree of
influence over clinical decisions affecting hospital services is
realistic, ethical and desirable for strategic marketing and business
services. Arguably there is a case for the adoption of some middle
ground, with both sides moving from their present positions but perhaps
with the clinicians moving furthest.
The changing nature of Japanese fashion
Authors: Fernie John , Azuma Nobukazu
Published: September 2004

The offshore migration of fashion manufacturing from established markets to offshore countries, and the increasingly complex nature of fashion consumption has played a crucial role in transforming the way fashion is perceived in the contemporary world. Globalisation of the fashion industry has allowed consumers to gain easier access to the in‐vogue style at an increasingly inexpensive price. This paper explores the future direction of fashion in the industrialised economies through the experience of the Japanese fashion industry from a small manufacturers’ perspective. Empirical findings from a questionnaire survey reveal the fundamental gaps that exist between the theory and the practice, in light of the original premise that quick response (QR) could be the vehicle for a survival strategy of domestic apparel manufacturing in the industrial economies.
Category management: a new approach for fashion marketing?
Authors: Dewsnap Belinda , Hart Cathy
Published: September 2004

As a supply chain management initiative, category management has to date been the almost exclusive preserve of the grocery sector and, within that sector, limited to food categories. This paper proposes that the fashion industry might usefully follow the grocery industry's lead and implement category management. A comprehensive review of the literature on category management highlights the opportunity for fashion marketing to consider the potential of category management, and the specific research gaps. In operationalising the subsequent research objectives, the paper reports the results of exploratory, in‐depth consumer research for a particular category of intimate apparel. The managerial implications of these findings are then discussed in the context of the established eight‐step category management process. The overall tentative conclusion of this study is that as a consumer‐oriented joint planning tool, category management offers retailer‐supplier partnerships in the fashion industry an important adjunct to the industry's quick response methods. The paper closes with an agenda for future research.
Waterborne UV/EB curing systems
Authors: Uminski Maciej
Published: September 2004

Posits that, because of environmental awareness and concern for our surroundings, we should be using more friendly technologies such as radiation curing and waterborne systems instead of solvent‐based formulas. The market is getting bigger for these “friendly” systems and discusses here the pros and cons of this. Concludes that a broad range of new applications is available and reduced environmental pollution, safer maintenance and higher product performance are the desired norms.
A practical method for uncovering the direct and indirect relationships between human values and consumer purchases
Authors: Allen Michael W.
Published: September 2004

Details a method for uncovering the direct and indirect influences of human values on consumer decisions. The procedure is quantitative, uses large samples and employs widely known statistical techniques such as correlations, regression and (optionally) factor analysis. Uses a study of Toyota Corolla as an example. Describes the four steps involved: development of the questionnaire; administration to sample of market; assessment of general preferences; and assessing the extent to which individuals in the sample apply their human values directly or indirectly when forming product preference. The main marketing strategies for which this method can yield useful information are: solidifying consumers’ current perceptions and evaluations of the product; and changing consumer perceptions of the product. Implications for marketing professionals are discussed.
Convergent marketing: executing on the promise of 1:1
Authors: McEachern Carla E.
Published: September 2004

Asserts that since there are new competitors in almost every industry, businesses are needing to adapt their systems to more effectively meet the needs of customers. Argues that in this climate customer‐centric marketing is more effective than product‐oriented marketing. Decribes the features and benefits of convergent marketing, which is a fully customer‐centric approach to marketing. There are six guiding principles to convergent marketing: understanding who the customers are and what they value; selecting customers carefully; designing products and services that deliver the desired value; designing effective sales and service channels; recruiting and equipping employees to deliver and increase customer value; constant refinement of the value proposition to ensure customer loyalty and retention. Goes on to explain how to execute convergent marketing.
Perceived uncertainty in self‐managed service teams: an empirical assessment
Authors: de Jong Ad , de Ruyter Ko , Streukens Sandra , Ouwersloot Hans
Published: September 2004

This empirical study examines the impact of context‐team factors and team‐employee factors on perceived uncertainty in self‐managed service teams. The results of our study show that context‐team factors rather than team‐employee factors are critical to the extent of uncertainty employees perceive when providing customer service. Furthermore, perceived uncertainty has negative impact on self‐managed team outcomes in terms of job satisfaction and intention to leave the team. Besides this, our findings indicate that team commitment to customer service quality can serve as an effective tool to handle the negative consequences of perceived uncertainty in self‐managed service teams. Finally, in addition to the cross‐sectional analysis, a longitudinal exploration has been carried out, the outcomes of which suggest that the structural relationships are changing over time, underlining the need to take dynamic considerations into account in analyzing the effectiveness of self‐managed work teams.
The dual imperatives of action research
Authors: McKay Judy , Marshall Peter
Published: September 2004

Action research (AR) is not without its critics, and those who reject some of the paradigmatic assumptions embodied in AR maintain that AR is little more than consultancy, that it is impossible to establish causal relationships, that it is difficult to generalize from AR studies, that there is a risk of researcher bias, and that generally speaking, it lacks some of the key qualities that are normally associated with rigorous research. The authors are sensitive to such criticisms, for although they are committed action researchers, they have elsewhere voiced their concerns about the quality of AR practice in the field of information systems. The authors argue that part of the issue concerns the way in which we currently conceptualize AR. In this article, the argument for a deeper and more reflective analysis of the meaning and full implications of AR is developed, culminating in a model of AR being developed that explicitly includes both a problem solving interest cycle and a research interest cycle. Important implications of this new model are articulated, with examples to illustrate these points being drawn from a real‐life AR study.
The information systems balancing act: building partnerships and infrastructure
Authors: Brown Carol V. , Ross Jeanne W.
Published: September 2004

Describes how IS (information systems) units are currently applying balancing mechanisms to help them address the limitations of organizational structure. IS units require organizational structures that both facilitate partnerships with business unit clients and enable tight co‐ordination of computing platforms to strengthen the technology infrastructure. For years, IS executives have recognized that the structure that best supports each objective is counterproductive for the other objective. Thus, they have periodically undertaken major restructuring, which has the effect of alternating between the objectives rather than addressing them simultaneously. Today’s IS executives, however, are increasingly attempting to achieve partnership and infrastructure development simultaneously by implementing balancing mechanisms: structural overlays and process enhancements that leverage the strengths of an existing organizational structure while compensating for its limitations. Balancing mechanisms enable the IS function to work towards those dual IS management goals simultaneously, as well as to respond more quickly to today’s competitive environment. Also describes individual balancing mechanisms used in Fortune 500 firms and a strategy for implementing suites of mechanisms to achieve IS management goals.
Cross‐cultural sales negotiations
Authors: Simintiras Antonis C. , Thomas Andrew H.
Published: September 2004

States that the involvement of a sales organisation in international business requires sales interactions that transcend national boundaries. Understanding the complexities of cross‐cultural sales negotiations is most important and is a difficult task for sales managers. States that despite the importance and complex nature of cross‐cultural negotiations, the literature is normative and largely disjointed. By using the negotiation process as an analytical framework, this study examines the relevant literature, offers research propositions and indicates additional areas necessitating further research.
Buckman Laboratories Learning Center
Authors: Ellis Sheldon
Published: September 2004

At any given time 86 per cent of Buckman Laboratories’ 1,300 employees are out of the office working with customers located in 102 countries. This diverse and dispersed workforce presents special problems for the creation and management of the company’s intellectual capital. Faced with these challenges and the need to bring new knowledge and skills to its employees in a cost effective manner, Buckman Laboratories has created an online, multi‐lingual learning centre.
Customer Information Quality and Knowledge Management: A Case Study Using Knowledge Cockpit
Authors: Hu Jerssica , Huang Kuan‐Tsae , Kuse JKazashi , Su Geng‐Wen , Wang Ko‐Yang
Published: September 2004

Information quality has become the number one issue a knowledge worker faces in today’s environment, due to the high noise‐to‐signal ratio of non‐essential content in knowledge repositories and the lack of quality measurement for the information. This paper discusses information organization and retrieval technologies for improving the quality of knowledge by reducing the noise‐to‐signal ratio, and focusing on techniques to abstract data from search results into comprehensible knowledge for users. A case study concerning a customer management system is used to illustrate the ideas.
The Use of Intellectual Property as Security for Debt Finance
Authors: Bezant Mark
Published: September 2004

This paper summarizes a study, undertaken by Arthur Andersen’s Intellectual Property Group in London, to consider the economic and financial issues, principally as they affect the valuation of intellectual property and its suitability as security. The study encompasses a review of available literature, interviews and discussions, and an analysis of the results of a questionnaire which was distributed to owners and managers of intellectual property. Views were canvassed across industries, of both borrowers and lenders, and also of lawyers and other advisers experienced in the transactions involving intellectual property.
Aligning an Organization for Learning‐ The Six Principles of Effective Learning
Authors: Morey Daryl , Frangioso Tim
Published: September 2004

There is growing agreement that one of the primary drivers, if not the key driver of long‐term organizational effectiveness, is the ability of an organization to learn effectively. If this is the case, an organization committed to learning effectively must align itself to value and reward learning to create behaviour that results in a culture of learning. This paper provides the framework for a new approach based on rewarding six principles of effective learning.
Managing Knowledge‐based Value Systems
Authors: Carrillo Javier
Published: September 2004

The process of differentiating KM both as a business practice and a discipline is in a reflexive situation: it is happening amidst a major transformation of established criteria for the social recognition of a knowledge field. Awareness of this fact by stakeholders in the systematic and sustainable evolution of KM may lead to a conscious management of its current and future identity. An attempt to develop a systemic perspective of the field of Knowledge‐based Value Systems at the Center for Knowledge Systems (CKS), an R&D unit at Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico, is introduced.
New acrylic‐allylic resins containing perfluoropolyether chains for UV‐cured coatings
Authors: Lombardi V. , Bongiovanni R. , Malucelli G. , Priola A. , Garavaglia S. , Turri S.
Published: September 2004

New acrylic and allylic resins were prepared by functionalising perfluoropolyethers chains, which assured peculiar surface properties. Blends having a different amount of the acrylic and of the allylic systems were cured in air by UV irradiation. The cure of the films was found dependent on the ratio between the two resins; the concentration for the obtaining of a film fully cured in air was determined. On the basis of this concentration, a macromer functionalised with the right amount of both the acrylic group and the allylic one was synthesised.
The heat‐shock protein receptors: some answers and more questions
Authors: Binder R.J. , Vatner R. , Srivastava P.
Published: September 2004

Abstract:  The existence of heat‐shock protein (HSP) receptors on antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) was hypothesized in 1994. The first such receptor, CD91 or LRP, was identified and characterized in 2000. The pace of attribution has quickened since and during the last three years alone, six putative HSP receptors have been identified. These include CD40, LOX‐1, CD36, Toll‐like receptor‐2 (TLR‐2), TLR‐4 and SR‐A. The literature on HSP receptors on APCs is critically examined in this review and future directions are imagined.
Identification of a novel HLA‐DRB1*12 allele (DRB1*1210) in the Korean population
Authors: Kim E. , Lee E.J. , Lim Y.H. , Lee J.Y. , Koh I.S. , Kimm K. , Ji G.E. , Kwack K.
Published: September 2004

Abstract:  At least 11 HLA‐DRB1*12 alleles have been identified to date. We report a new HLA‐DRB1*12 allele, DRB1*1210, that was identified in the Korean population. This new allele differs from HLA‐DRB1*120101 by a single nucleotide at position 40 (G→A) in exon 1 that falls within codon −16 (GTT→ΑΤΤ). This change results in a single valine to isoleucine amino acid alteration.
Somite development without influence of the surface ectoderm in the chick embryo: The compartments of a somite responsible for distal rib development
Authors: Hirao Akiko , Aoyama Hirohiko
Published: September 2004

In the development of the somite, signals from neighboring tissues have been suggested to play critical roles. We have found that when interaction between the ectoderm and the somite is blocked by inserting a piece of polyethylene terephatalate film between them in 2‐day‐chicken embryo, one of the derivatives of somite, the distal rib, did not form. We examined somite development after the operation, to know the correlation between somite development and distal rib formation. In the operated embryo, the dermomyotome was medio‐laterally shorter than in the normal embryo, and Pax3 and Sim1 expressions that are seen in the lateral part of normal dermomyotomes were not found, suggesting that the lateral part of the dermomyotome was missing. Although the sclerotome appeared to be normal in its histology and Pax1 expression pattern in the operated embryo, we could not detect the expression of either Scleraxis nor γ‐FBP that are expressed in the cells around the boundaries between the adjacent dermomyotomes in normal embryos. Thus, under the influence of surface ectoderm, the lateral part of dermomyotome and/or the mesenchyme around rostral and caudal edges of dermomyotomes are suggested to play an important role in the distal rib development.
Gastrulation in the sea urchin embryo: A model system for analyzing the morphogenesis of a monolayered epithelium
Authors: Kominami Tetsuya , Takata Hiromi
Published: September 2004

Processes of gastrulation in the sea urchin embryo have been intensively studied to reveal the mechanisms involved in the invagination of a monolayered epithelium. It is widely accepted that the invagination proceeds in two steps (primary and secondary invagination) until the archenteron reaches the apical plate, and that the constituent cells of the resulting archenteron are exclusively derived from the veg2 tier of blastomeres formed at the 60‐cell stage. However, recent studies have shown that the recruitment of the archenteron cells lasts as late as the late prism stage, and some descendants of veg1 blastomeres are also recruited into the archenteron. In this review, we first illustrate the current outline of sea urchin gastrulation. Second, several factors, such as cytoskeletons, cell contact and extracellular matrix, will be discussed in relation to the cellular and mechanical basis of gastrulation. Third, differences in the manner of gastrulation among sea urchin species will be described; in some species, the archenteron does not elongate stepwise but continuously. In those embryos, bottle cells are scarcely observed, and the archenteron cells are not rearranged during invagination unlike in typical sea urchins. Attention will be also paid to some other factors, such as the turgor pressure of blastocoele and the force generated by blastocoele wall. These factors, in spite of their significance, have been neglected in the analysis of sea urchin gastrulation. Lastly, we will discuss how behavior of pigment cells defines the manner of gastrulation, because pigment cells recently turned out to be the bottle cells that trigger the initial inward bending of the vegetal plate.
Validation study of the Victorian Birth Defects Register
Authors: Riley M , Phyland S , Halliday J
Published: September 2004

Objective:  To determine whether there has been an improvement in ascertainment of birth defects cases (‘case validity’) by the Victorian Birth Defects Register (BDR) since an earlier study (conducted in 1993), to ascertain the accuracy of registered data (‘item validity’) and to investigate another possible source of notification.

Methods:  The medical records were reviewed of 500 children born after 1 January 1993 who were consecutively admitted after 1 January 1999 to two paediatric teaching hospitals in Victoria. In addition, records of 200 children referred to a clinical genetics service were reviewed for children born after 1 January 1993 and who were seen in two periods: 2 months after 1 January 2001 and 2 months after 1 January 2002. The records from the hospitals and clinical genetics service were reviewed separately to determine whether children recorded as having a birth defect had previously been notified to the BDR.

Results:  Twenty percent of the hospital records related to a child with a birth defect, as did 70% of the clinical genetics service records. Overall case validity for birth defect cases from the hospitals was 88%. There was 100% ascertainment for three of five categories. Sixty per cent of birth defects cases from the clinical genetics service had been notified to the BDR. When all diagnoses in matched cases were considered, item validity was 54%, however, if only primary diagnoses were included then 92% of cases had the same diagnosis.

Conclusions:  Overall case validity from the two paediatric teaching hospitals has significantly improved since our previous study. The addition of an extra data source from a clinical genetics service would identify new cases, particularly genetic disorders and developmental delay, as well as adding new diagnoses to existing ones.This study has highlighted the need to improve item validity, perhaps through routine education for all coders and notifiers on the inclusion and exclusion of specific associated conditions when notifying major birth defects.
Comprehensive health assessment for newly arrived refugee children in Australia
Authors: Davidson N , Skull S , Chaney G , Frydenberg A , Isaacs D , Kelly P , Lampropoulos B , Raman S , Silove D , Buttery J , Smith M , Steel Z , Burgner D
Published: September 2004

Abstract: Providing appropriate and responsive care to refugees from diverse backgrounds and with unique health needs is challenging. Refugee children may present with a wide range of conditions, which may be unfamiliar to health professionals in developed countries. Additionally, refugees may experience unfamiliarity with the Australian health system and distrust of authority figures and/or medical practitioners. This article provides an overview of the priority areas in health and health management for paediatric refugee patients for paediatricians as well as other relevant health care providers caring for this group. Specific issues covered include general health assessment, infectious diseases, immunization, growth and nutrition, oral health, development and disability, mental health and child protection. Comprehensive health assessment can assist in identifying children at risk of poor health and to provide them with timely and effective care, advocacy and appropriate referral.
Striae treated by a novel combination treatment – sand abrasion and a patent mixture containing 15% trichloracetic acid followed by 6–24 hrs of a patent cream under plastic occlusion
Authors: Adatto M A , Deprez P
Published: September 2004

Background  Striae are a common cosmetic problem, especially for women. Little has been published about chemical peel treatment of striae.

Objective  To recount 5 years experience of striae treated by a novel combination treatment – sand abrasion and a patent mixture containing 15% trichloracetic acid followed by 6–24 h of a patent cream under plastic occlusion.

Materials and methods  Sixty‐nine females of various phototypes, aged 14–63 years, were treated at various anatomical sites: abdomen (43), lateral thighs (11), breasts (4), back (3), waist (3) and others (5). Striae of all types: fresh, old, mild and severe, were treated. Average follow up was 18 months.

Results  After 1–8 treatments (median 4.2), appearance of the striae improved by 70%. Results were best in fresher and more superficial striae.

Conclusions  A novel combination treatment is reported which safely, predictably and effectively improved striae in all skin types.
Magnetohydrodynamic Propulsion for the Classroom
Authors: Font Gabriel I. , Dudley Scott C.
Published: September 2004

The cinema industry can sometimes prove to be an ally when searching for material with which to motivate students to learn physics. Consider, for example, the electromagnetic force on a current in the presence of a magnetic field. This phenomenon is at the heart of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) propulsion systems. A submarine employing this type of propulsion was immortalized in the movie Hunt for Red October.1 While mentioning this to students certainly gets their attention, it often elicits comments that it is only fiction and not physically possible. Imagine their surprise when a working system is demonstrated! It is neither difficult nor expensive to construct a working system that can be demonstrated in the front of a classroom.2 In addition, all aspects of the engineering hurdles that must be surmounted and myths concerning this “silent propulsion” system are borne out in a simple apparatus. This paper details how to construct an inexpensive MHD propulsion boat that can be demonstrated for students in the classroom.
Protective Immunity to Vaccinia Virus Induced by Vaccination with Multiple Recombinant Outer Membrane Proteins of Intracellular and Extracellular Virions
Authors: Fogg Christiana , Lustig Shlomo , Whitbeck J. Charles , Eisenberg Roselyn J. , Cohen Gary H. , Moss Bernard
Published: September 2004

Infectious intracellular and extracellular forms of vaccinia virus have different outer membrane proteins, presenting multiple targets to the immune system. We investigated the immunogenicity of soluble forms of L1, an outer membrane protein of the intracellular mature virus, and of A33 and B5, outer membrane proteins of the extracellular enveloped virus. The recombinant proteins, in 10-μg amounts mixed with a Ribi- or saponin-type adjuvant, were administered subcutaneously to mice. Antibody titers to each protein rose sharply after the first and second boosts, reaching levels that surpassed those induced by percutaneous immunization with live vaccinia virus. Immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) antibody predominated after the protein immunizations, indicative of a T-helper cell type 2 response, whereas live vaccinia virus induced mainly IgG2a, indicative of a T-helper cell type 1 response. Mice immunized with any one of the recombinant proteins survived an intranasal challenge with 5 times the 50% lethal dose of the pathogenic WR strain of vaccinia virus. Measurements of weight loss indicated that the A33 immunization most effectively prevented disease. The superiority of protein combinations was demonstrated when the challenge virus dose was increased 20-fold. The best protection was obtained with a vaccine made by combining recombinant proteins of the outer membranes of intracellular and extracellular virus. Indeed, mice immunized with A33 plus B5 plus L1 or with A33 plus L1 were better protected than mice immunized with live vaccinia virus. Three immunizations with the three-protein combination were necessary and sufficient for complete protection. These studies suggest the feasibility of a multiprotein smallpox vaccine.