bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of the HtrA family of proteases in the protection of the cyanobacterium
Synechocystis
PCC 6803 from light stress and in the repair of photosystem II
Authors: Silva Paulo , Choi Young–Jun , Hassan Hanadi A. G. , Nixon Peter J.
Published: November 2002

Photosystem II (PSII) is prone to irreversible light–induced damage, with the D1 polypeptide a major target. Repair processes operate in the cell to replace a damaged D1 subunit within the complex with a newly synthesized copy. As yet, the molecular details of PSII repair are relatively obscure despite the critical importance of this process for maintaining PSII activity and cell viability. We are using the cyanobacterium
Synechocystis
sp. PCC 6803 to identify the various proteases and chaperones involved in D1 turnover
in vivo
. Two families of proteases are being studied: the FtsH family (four members) of Zn
2+
–activated nucleotide–dependent proteases; and the HtrA (or DegP) family (three members) of serine–type proteases. In this paper, we report the results of our studies on a triple mutant in which all three copies of the
htrA
gene family have been inactivated. Growth of the mutant on agar plates was inhibited at high light intensities, especially in the presence of glucose. Oxygen evolution measurements indicated that, under conditions of high light, the rate of synthesis of functional PSII was less in the mutant than in the wild–type. Immunoblotting experiments conducted on cells blocked in protein synthesis further indicated that degradation of D1 was slowed in the mutant. Overall, our observations indicate that the HtrA family of proteases are involved in the resistance of
Synechocystis
6803 to light stress and play a part, either directly or indirectly, in the repair of PSII
in vivo
.
The design and synthesis of artificial photosynthetic antennas, reaction centres and membranes
Authors: Moore T. A. , Moore A. L. , Gust D.
Published: November 2002

Artificial antenna systems and reaction centres synthesized in our laboratory are used to illustrate that structural and thermodynamic factors controlling energy and electron transfer in these constructs can be modified to optimize performance. Artificial reaction centres have been incorporated into liposomal membranes where they convert light energy to vectorial redox potential. This redox potential drives a Mitchellian, quinone–based, proton–transporting redox loop that generates a ΔμH+ofca. 4.4 kcal mol–1comprising ΔpHca. 2.1 and Δψ ca. 70 mV. In liposomes containing CF0F1–ATP synthase, this system drives ATP synthesis against an ATP chemical potential similar to that observed in natural systems.
Probing green algal hydrogen production
Authors: Zhang Liping , Melis Anastasios
Published: November 2002

The recently developed two–stage photosynthesis and H
2
–production protocol with green algae is further investigated in this work. The method employs S deprivation as a tool for the metabolic regulation of photosynthesis. In the presence of S, green algae perform normal photosynthesis, carbohydrate accumulation and oxygen production. In the absence of S, normal photosynthesis stops and the algae slip into the H
2
–production mode. For the first time, to our knowledge, significant amounts of H
2
gas were generated, essentially from sunlight and water. Rates of H
2
production could be sustained continuously for
ca
. 80 h in the light, but gradually declined thereafter. This work examines biochemical and physiological aspects of this process in the absence or presence of limiting amounts of S nutrients. Moreover, the effects of salinity and of uncouplers of phosphorylation are investigated. It is shown that limiting levels of S can sustain intermediate levels of oxygenic photosynthesis, in essence raising the prospect of a calibration of the rate of photosynthesis by the S content in the growth medium of the algae. It is concluded that careful titration of the supply of S nutrients in the green alga medium might permit the development of a continuous H
2
–production process.
The Drosophila takeout gene is regulated by the somatic sex-determination pathway and affects male courtship behavior
Authors: Dauwalder Brigitte , Tsujimoto Susan , Moss Jason , Mattox William
Published: November 2002

The Drosophila somatic sex-determination regulatory pathway has been well studied, but little is known about the target genes that it ultimately controls. In a differential screen for sex-specific transcripts expressed in fly heads, we identified a highly male-enriched transcript encoding Takeout, a protein related to a superfamily of factors that bind small lipophilic molecules. We show that sex-specific takeout transcripts derive from fat body tissue closely associated with the adult brain and are dependent on the sex determination genes doublesex (dsx) andfruitless (fru). The male-specific Doublesex and Fruitless proteins together activate Takeout expression, whereas the female-specific Doublesex protein represses takeout independently of Fru. When cells that normally express takeout are feminized by expression of the Transformer-F protein, male courtship behavior is dramatically reduced, suggesting that male identity in these cells is necessary for behavior. A loss-of-function mutation in thetakeout gene reduces male courtship and synergizes withfruitless mutations, suggesting that takeout plays a redundant role with other fru-dependent factors involved in male mating behavior. Comparison of Takeout sequences to the Drosophilagenome reveals a family of 20 related secreted factors. Expression analysis of a subset of these genes suggests that the takeoutgene family encodes multiple factors with sex-specific functions.
The pRb-related protein p130 is regulated by phosphorylation-dependent proteolysis via the protein–ubiquitin ligase SCFSkp2
Authors: Tedesco Donato , Lukas Jiri , Reed Steven I.
Published: November 2002

p130 is a tumor suppressor of the pocket protein family whose expression is posttranscriptionally regulated and largely G0 restricted. The mechanism of down-regulation of p130 expression in proliferating cells was investigated. Our results indicate that the decline of p130 expression as G0 cells reenter the cell cycle is due to a decrease in protein stability. The enhancement of p130 turnover in late G1 and S phase compared with G0 and early G1 phase was dependent on Cdk4/6-specific phosphorylation of p130 on Serine 672, and independent of Cdk2 activity. The activity of the ubiquitin ligase complex Skp1–Cul1/Cdc53–F-box protein Skp2 (SCFSkp2) and the proteasome were necessary for p130 degradation. In vitro, recombinant Skp2 was able to bind hyperphosphorylated but not dephosphorylated p130. Furthermore, in vitro polyubiquitination of p130 by SCFSkp2 was specifically dependent on phosphorylation of p130 on Serine 672. Thus, like the Cdk inhibitor p27Kip1, p130 turnover is regulated by Cdk-dependent G1 phosphorylation leading to ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis.
Ski is involved in transcriptional regulation by the repressor and full-length forms of Gli3
Authors: Dai Ping , Shinagawa Toshie , Nomura Teruaki , Harada Jun , Kaul Sunil C. , Wadhwa Renu , Khan Md Matiullah , Akimaru Hiroshi , Sasaki Hiroshi , Colmenares Clemencia , Ishii Shunsuke
Published: November 2002

Transcription factor Glioblastoma-3 (Gli3) is cleaved in the anterior region of the limb bud to generate its repressor form. In contrast, Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling from the posterior zone of polarizing activity blocks Gli3 processing and then induces the expression of Gli3 target genes, including Gli1. Here we report that the Ski corepressor binds to Gli3 and recruits the histone deacetylase complex. The Gli3-mediated repression was impaired by anti-Ski antibody and in Ski-deficient fibroblasts, and Shh-induced Gli1 gene transcription mediated by full-length Gli3 was inhibited by Ski. Furthermore, a Ski mutation enhanced the digit abnormalities caused by the Gli3 gene mutation. Thus, Ski plays an important role in pattern formation.
The roles of individual eukaryotic translation initiation factors in ribosomal scanning and initiation codon selection
Authors: Pestova Tatyana V. , Kolupaeva Victoria G.
Published: November 2002

To elucidate an outline of the mechanism of eukaryotic translation initiation, 48S complex formation was analyzed on defined mRNAs in reactions reconstituted in vitro from fully purified translation components. We found that a ribosomal 40S subunit, eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 3, and the eIF2 ternary complex form a 43S complex that can bind to the 5′-end of an unstructured 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) and in the presence of eIF1 scan along it and locate the initiation codon without a requirement for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or factors (eIF4A, eIF4B, eIF4F) associated with ATP hydrolysis. Scanning on unstructured 5′-UTRs was enhanced by ATP, eIFs 4A and 4B, and the central domain of the eIF4G subunit of eIF4F. Their omission increased the dependence of scanning on eIFs 1 and 1A. Ribosomal movement on 5′-UTRs containing even weak secondary structures required ATP and RNA helicases. eIF4F was essential for scanning, and eIFs 4A and 4B were insufficient to promote this process in the absence of eIF4F. We report that in addition to its function in scanning, eIF1 also plays a principal role in initiation codon selection. In the absence of eIF1, 43S complexes could no longer discriminate between cognate and noncognate initiation codons or sense the nucleotide context of initiation codons and were able to assemble 48S complexes on 5′-proximal AUG triplets located only 1, 2, and 4 nt from the 5′-end of mRNA.
A direct requirement for Hedgehog signaling for normal specification of all ventral progenitor domains in the presumptive mammalian spinal cord
Authors: Wijgerde Mark , McMahon Jill A. , Rule Michael , McMahon Andrew P.
Published: November 2002

The hedgehog signaling pathway organizes the developing ventral neural tube by establishing distinct neural progenitor fates along the dorsoventral axis. Smoothened (Smo) is essential for all Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, and genetic inactivation of Smocells autonomously blocks the ability of cells to transduce the Hh signal. Using a chimeric approach, we examined the behavior ofSmo null mutant neural progenitor cells in the developing vertebrate spinal cord, and we show that direct Hh signaling is essential for the specification of all ventral progenitor populations. Further, Hh signaling extends into the dorsal half of the spinal cord including the intermediate Dbx expression domain. Surprisingly, in the absence of Sonic hedgehog (Shh), we observe the presence of a Smo-dependent Hh signaling activity operating in the ventral half of the spinal cord that most likely reflects Indian hedgehog (Ihh) signaling originating from the underlying gut endoderm. Comparative studies of Shh, Smo, and Gli3 single and compound mutants reveal that Hh signaling acts in part to specify neural cell identity by counteracting the repressive action of Gli3 on p0, p1, p2, and pMN formation. However, whereas these cell identities are restored in Gli3/Smo compound mutants, correct stratification of the rescued ventral cell types is lost. Thus, Hh signaling is essential for organizing ventral cell pattern, possibly through the control of differential cell affinities.
Cdk4 disruption renders primary mouse cells resistant to oncogenic transformation, leading to Arf/p53-independent senescence
Authors: Zou Xianghong , Ray Dipankar , Aziyu Aileen , Christov Konstantin , Boiko Alexander D. , Gudkov Andrei V. , Kiyokawa Hiroaki
Published: November 2002

A large number of human cancers display alterations in theInk4a/cyclin D/Cdk4 genetic pathway, suggesting that activation of Cdk4 plays an important role in oncogenesis. Here we report thatCdk4-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts are resistant to transformation in response to Ras activation with dominant-negative (DN) p53 expression or in the Ink4a/Arf-null background, judged by foci formation, anchorage-independent growth, and tumorigenesis in athymic mice. Cdk4-null fibroblasts proliferate at normal rates during early passages. WhereasCdk4+/+Ink4a/Arf−/− cells are immortal in culture,Cdk4−/−Ink4a/Arf−/− cells undergo senescence during continuous culture, as do wild-type cells. Activated Ras also induces premature senescence inCdk4−/−Ink4a/Arf−/− cells andCdk4−/− cells with DNp53 expression. Thus, Cdk4 deficiency causes senescence in a unique Arf/p53-independent manner, which accounts for the loss of transformation potential.Cdk4-null cells express high levels of p21Cip1/Waf1with increased protein stability. Suppression of p21Cip1/Waf1by small interfering RNA (siRNA), as well as expression of HPV-E7 oncoprotein, restores immortalization and Ras-mediated transformation in Cdk4−/−Ink4a/Arf−/− cells and Cdk4−/− cells with DNp53 expression. Therefore, Cdk4 is essential for immortalization, and suppression of Cdk4 could be a prospective strategy to recruit cells with inactive Arf/p53 pathway to senescence.
Histone methyltransferase activity associated with a human multiprotein complex containing the Enhancer of Zeste protein
Authors: Kuzmichev Andrei , Nishioka Kenichi , Erdjument-Bromage Hediye , Tempst Paul , Reinberg Danny
Published: November 2002

Enhancer of Zeste [E(z)] is a Polycomb-group transcriptional repressor and one of the founding members of the family of SET domain-containing proteins. Several SET-domain proteins possess intrinsic histone methyltransferase (HMT) activity. However, recombinant E(z) protein was found to be inactive in a HMT assay. Here we report the isolation of a multiprotein E(z) complex that contains extra sex combs, suppressor of zeste-12 [Su(z)12], and the histone binding proteins RbAp46/RbAp48. This complex, which we termed Polycomb repressive complex (PRC) 2, possesses HMT activity with specificity for Lys 9 (K9) and Lys 27 (K27) of histone H3. The HMT activity of PRC2 is dependent on an intact SET domain in the E(z) protein. We hypothesize that transcriptional repression by the E(z) protein involves methylation-dependent recruitment of PRC1. The presence of Su(z)12, a strong suppressor of position effect variegation, in PRC2 suggests that PRC2 may play a widespread role in heterochromatin-mediated silencing.
Nephric lineage specification by Pax2 and Pax8
Authors: Bouchard Maxime , Souabni Abdallah , Mandler Markus , Neubüser Annette , Busslinger Meinrad
Published: November 2002

The mammalian kidney develops in three successive steps from the initial pronephros via the mesonephros to the adult metanephros. Although the nephric lineage is specified during pronephros induction, no single regulator, including the transcription factor Pax2 or Pax8, has yet been identified to control this initial phase of kidney development. In this paper, we demonstrate that mouse embryos lacking both Pax2 and Pax8 are unable to form the pronephros or any later nephric structures. In these double-mutant embryos, the intermediate mesoderm does not undergo the mesenchymal-epithelial transitions required for nephric duct formation, fails to initiate the kidney-specific expression of Lim1 and c-Ret, and is lost by apoptosis 1 d after failed pronephric induction. Conversely, retroviral misexpression of Pax2 was sufficient to induce ectopic nephric structures in the intermediate mesoderm and genital ridge of chick embryos. Together, these data identify Pax2 and Pax8 as critical regulators that specify the nephric lineage.
Dorsal-ventral patterning of the spinal cord requires Gli3 transcriptional repressor activity
Authors: Persson Madelen , Stamataki Despina , te Welscher Pascal , Andersson Elisabet , Böse Jens , Rüther Ulrich , Ericson Johan , Briscoe James
Published: November 2002

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) plays a critical role in organizing cell pattern in the developing spinal cord. Gli proteins are thought to mediate Shh signaling, but their role in directing neural tube patterning remains unclear. Here we identify a role for Gli3 transcriptional repressor activity in patterning the intermediate region of the spinal cord that complements the requirement for Gli2 in ventral regions. Moreover, blocking all Gli responses results in a complete dorsalization of ventral spinal cord, indicating that in addition to the specific roles of Gli2 and Gli3 in the neural tube, there is functional redundancy between Gli proteins. Finally, analysis of Shh/Gli3 compound mutant mice substantiates the idea that ventral patterning may involve a mechanism independent, or parallel, to graded Shh signaling. However, even in the absence of graded Shh signaling, Gli3 is required for the dorsal-ventral patterning of the intermediate neural tube. Together these data raise the possibility that Gli proteins act as common mediators integrating Shh signals, and other sources of positional information, to control patterning throughout the ventral neural tube.
Cell-cycle control of the establishment of mating-type silencing in S. cerevisiae
Authors: Lau Anna , Blitzblau Hannah , Bell Stephen P.
Published: November 2002

Transcriptional silencing in Saccharomyces cerevisiaeinvolves the assembly of a heterochromatic domain that is heritable from generation to generation. To maintain the silenced state, the propagation of silent heterochromatin must be coordinated with the events of chromosome duplication and segregation. Here we present an in vivo analysis of the cell-cycle events required for the establishment of the silenced state at the HMR silent mating-type locus. We show that Sir protein recruitment to and spreading from theHMRE silencer is poor during S phase, but is robust during G2 and subsequent phases. Despite abundant Sir protein association in cells arrested in G2/M phase, silencing is not fully established by this stage of the cell cycle. Rather, robust silencing is not observed until telophase. Interestingly, the elimination of the cohesin subunit Scc1/Mcd1p allows the full establishment of silencing to occur in G2/M phase. Furthermore, expression of a noncleavable allele of Scc1/Mcd1p inhibits the establishment of silencing. Our findings reveal both S- and M-phase requirements for the establishment of silencing and implicate the loss of sister-chromatid cohesion as a critical event in this process.
Advances in space systems engineering at the University of Glasgow
Authors: McInnes Colin R.
Published: November 2002

A range of space systems engineering technologies are currently under development at the University of Glasgow. Much of this work centres on advanced propulsion (solar sailing and tethers) which is complemented by studies on space robotics and spacecraft autonomy. This paper summarises these activities to provide a brief overview of current research interests. Although some work represents fundamental research in space systems engineering, much is mission‐oriented and focused on future exploitation.
SpaceWire: a satellite on‐board data‐handling network
Authors: Parkes Stephen M.
Published: November 2002

SpaceWire is a network designed for handling payload data and control information on‐board a spacecraft. It provides a unified, high‐speed, data‐handling infrastructure for connecting together sensors (e.g. optical or radar instruments), processing elements (e.g. digital signal processors), mass‐memory units, downlink telemetry sub‐systems and ground support equipment (GSE). SpaceWire is intended to meet the needs of future, high‐capability space missions. It supports equipment compatibility and re‐use at both the component and sub‐system levels. This paper first considers the key factors that drove the specification of SpaceWire, explaining the particular demands imposed by the space environment. The components of a SpaceWire network are then introduced. The key features of SpaceWire are summarised and the support that SpaceWire provides for fault tolerance is described. Finally a summary is given of the current status of the SpaceWire standard and its application in space missions.
Techniques and instrumentation for development of space experiments on polymer materials
Authors: Babayevsky P.G. , Kozlov N.A. , Shubin A.N. , Tchurilo I.V. , Smirnova T.N.
Published: November 2002

More than 20 years’ experience in development and application of techniques and instrumentation for evaluation of space environment effect on polymer materials and adhesively bonded joints in active experiments on‐ and overboard low Earth orbit space stations Salyute, Mir and the international space station (ISS) is reviewed. Six techniques and instrumentation sets were developed and tested for remote control of polymer materials and adhesive joints structure/properties changes during long‐term exposure in space environment. This made it possible to evaluate visco‐elastic and dielectric properties, surface defectiveness and crack resistance as material parameters, which are sensitive to structure changes of polymer materials and adhesive joints and are their important service characteristics. Some experimental results of the techniques and instrumentation, ground and space tests are presented.
Initial development of a multi‐fuel stepped piston engine for unmanned aircraft application
Authors: Hooper Peter
Published: November 2002

The SPV580 stepped piston engine has been designed and developed for UAV application. The gasoline engine produces a minimum of 30kW at 5000 RPM, increasing to 35.4kW if exhaust tuning can be permitted. The gasoline performance of this novel engine design is presented together with work to investigate the feasibility and performance characteristics of kerosene fuelling.
Neuro‐fuzzy synthesis of flight control electrohydraulic servo
Authors: Ursu Ioan , Ursu Felicia , Iorga Lucian
Published: November 2002

Presents a switching type neuro‐fuzzy control synthesis. The control algorithm supposes as a component part a neurocontrol designed to optimize a performance index. Whenever the neurocontrol saturates or a certain performance parameter of the system decreases, the scheme of control switches to a feasible and reliable fuzzy logic control. Describes the procedure of return to the optimizing neurocontrol which is essential. This methodology of control synthesis ensures antisaturating, antichattering and robustness properties of the controlling system, as illustrated by numerical simulation in the case of a primary flight controls electrohydraulic servo actuator
Obstacle avoidance during aerial inspection of power lines
Authors: Williams M. , Jones D.I. , Earp G.K.
Published: November 2002

Gives an overview of a research programme that aims to apply machine vision for guiding a small, unmanned helicopter during inspection of overhead electrical distribution lines. Briefly discusses the background and requirements for aerial inspection of power lines and states the advantages of using a remotely piloted vehicle (RPV). Identifies the main obstacle to the use of RPVs in this application as the ’‘see and avoid” principle, which arises from regulatory requirements; it is the underlying motivation for the work described here. Machine vision and automated path planning offer a potential solution. Gives a brief tutorial of the principles involved and describes research in image processing and rapid path planning aimed at detecting and avoiding obstacles in the airspace of a small RPV. Also presents experimental results from a laboratory test rig which was constructed to assess the methods.
Corrosion‐resistant coatings: a nanotechnology approach
Authors: Carbajal G. , Martínez‐Villafañe A. , Gonzalez‐Rodriguez J.G. , Castaño V.M.
Published: November 2002

The corrosion performance of ceramic films of SiO2‐Al2O3 prepared by the sol‐gel processing of organometallic compounds and deposited by dip‐coating technique on 1008 steel foils has been evaluated. Two kinds of procedures were developed to produce the sol‐gel coatings. The influence of the coatings on the chemical corrosion of the substrate has been measured by using potentiodynamical polarization curves in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 1 M HCl solutions at room temperature. Sol‐B showed the best behaviour in protective corrosion, in addition to the fact that the number of applications does not influence the resistant corrosion. Protection of coatings was limited by the growing of film cracking due to residual stress between coating and substrate. The results were supplemented by SEM analysis.
Nickel base alloys and newer 6Mo stainless steels meet corrosion challenges of the modern day chemical process industries
Authors: Agarwal D.C.
Published: November 2002

The first major nickel alloy introduced to the industry, about 100 years ago, was a Ni‐Cu alloy 400. This alloy is still widely used in a variety of industries and will continue to be used in this current century. Over the past 100 years, especially in the last 50 years, improvements in alloy metallurgy, melting technology, and thermo‐mechanical processing, along with a better fundamental understanding of the role of various alloying elements has led to new nickel alloys. These have not only extended the range of usefulness of existing alloys by overcoming their limitations, but are reliable and cost‐effective and have opened new areas of applications. This paper briefly describes the various nickel alloy systems developed during the last 100 years and comments on what the future holds for the newer alloys developed in the last 20 years and on the competition faced by these alloys in the new millennium. High‐temperature alloys are not discussed in this paper.
From retail theatre to retail food show The shrinking face of grocery
Authors: Newman Andrew J. , Cullen Peter
Published: November 2002

Sets out to consider the way in which food retailing has altered in the face of competitive and other forces. Specifically, the space allocated in respect of the mix of food and non‐food product areas, and the redistribution of priorities as traditional retailer policies and strategies become transformed by consumer demands. Discusses large food supermarket chains to provide a context for development. A framework of four major factors, time, location, space and merchandising, is used to help to identify and analyse key factors in the customers’ and retailers’ expectations and strategic thought behind the merchandise arrangements.
A case of Bargain Booze
Authors: Jones Peter , Clarke‐Hill Colin , Hillier David , Shears Peter
Published: November 2002

This market for alcoholic drinks sold for home consumption has become increasingly dominated by the multiple grocery chains at the expense of small specialist off‐licences. However, one specialist company, Bargain Booze, which specialises in the sale of a limited range of leading brands at competitive discount prices via a franchised network of corner shop outlets, seems to be “bucking the trend”. Provides a short case study of Bargain Booze. The case includes a review of the changing structure of the off sales trade, an outline of Bargain Booze’s origins and development, an examination of the principal elements in the company’s retail marketing mix and concludes with a discussion of the past, and potential future, market development strategies.
Below‐cost legislation and retail conduct: evidence from the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Collins Alan , Burt Steve , Oustapassidis Kostas
Published: November 2002

The interaction between public policy, retail structure and conduct has been well debated but a paucity of empirical evidence exploring the interrelationships exists. This paper examines the impact of one policy measure, retail pricing legislation, on retail conduct. It focuses on the experience of the Republic of Ireland, which has had a ban on below‐cost selling of certain grocery products since 1988. OLS regression of quarterly data on a basket of 13 grocery product categories over the period 1984‐1994 identifies legislation as a key influence on retail conduct and as a significant variable in the explanation of retail gross margins. Evidence is found to support a positive relationship between the prohibition of below‐cost selling and retail gross margins indicating a reduction in price competition within the category. Per capita incomes, retailer concentration and retail advertising are found to be significant but negatively related to retail gross margins.
Developments in milk marketing in England and Wales during the 1990s
Authors: Franks Jeremy
Published: November 2002

In 1994, after 61 years, the UK’s Milk Marketing Boards were disbanded. One consequence, an increase in the variation of milk price paid to producers, is analysed here. Initially most milk producers joined the farmer‐owned co‐operative Milk Marque, accepting lower milk prices (estimated here at about 1.5 ppl in the 1997 milk quota year). A second analysis shows that these farmers accepted this lower milk price because of Milk Marque’s perceived financial security, and to support the principle of co‐operative marketing which they believed would protect milk prices in the long run. Milk Marque was dismantled in 2000 principally because of its planned enlargement of vertically integrated processing capacity. This has left dairy farmers at another crossroads; their choices now will shape the development of the marketing of milk in England and Wales for the foreseeable future. These options are discussed.
A new role for ISO 9000 in the food industry? Indicative data from the UK and mainland Europe
Authors: Grigg Nigel P. , McAlinden Catherine
Published: November 2002

Traditional criticisms of the ISO 9000 standards, that they are generic, procedurally‐oriented, expensive and burdensome, are particularly applicable within the food industry. Their lack of fit with industry priorities and requirements, moreover, has created a growth in uptake of alternative “bespoke” standards in the UK, designed to better meet the needs of the industry and demands of the retail customer. The year 2000 revision of ISO 9000 may serve to redefine the role of this standard in the food industry, whereby it can augment such standards and provide a template for Business Excellence. This paper presents an analysis of industry trends in relation to quality standards, and discusses the potential role of ISO 9000:2000 within this sector based upon published data from ISO, industry survey data, and interviews with a major UK food certification body and with technical managers from food companies in the UK and overseas. Implications of such trends are presented in relation to the auditing of UK companies.
New food product development: strategies for success?
Authors: Rudder Alison , Ainsworth Paul , Holgate David
Published: November 2002

This paper seeks to evaluate the ideas of six new product development (NPD) theorists and their associates. These include those who have developed their theories with particular reference to the food industry and the development of new food products. Their ideas are contrasted with non‐food specific theorists; these include those interested in the management of new products and those involved in marketing who have recognised the important role that NPD plays in any business. A further viewpoint is taken from theorists who are interested in NPD per se and who use food, on occasions, to illustrate their ideas. This research identifies different theories and recognises that there is very little consensus as to the right and wrong way to manage the process of product development. Indeed theorists name and number their various stages or phases differently with some advocating five while others believe eight steps to be more appropriate. This research concludes that an organisation should not be tied to one particular model but should take on board the basic fundamentals of a food‐based model (theory) and adapt and amend it to their particular situations as and when they develop new food products.
Enhancing flexible business training through computer‐mediated communication
Authors: Smith Peter J.
Published: November 2002

A previous article in this journal, by the same author, reported on research that indicated that flexible training for business learners in the workplace needed to take account of their need for instructor guidance and direction, and of their preference for learning in affiliative environments with fellow learners and trainers. In this article the use of computer‐mediated communication (CMC) is explored as one training method that can assist with flexible training of this clientele. Some specific strategies for the successful use of CMC are suggested.
The big issues – part 2
Authors: Nixon Bruce
Published: November 2002

This is the second part of a two‐part article. The first was about the big issues arising largely from globalisation, how they are affecting our thinking and consciousness and how businesses and individuals are responding. This second part is about what individuals can do, ways of getting issues on to the agendas of leaders and organisations and processes for helping them see the opportunities and decide and plan what they want to do. An approach currently being used with directors and senior managers is described. What is important is to see the business opportunities in these issues: if we grasp them our businesses are more likely to discover new markets, products, services and technologies and be in the forefront. If we are complacent or hide our heads in the sand, we will be left behind. Facilitating this process is a huge challenge and opportunity for human resource development personnel and internal or external consultants.
Culture change through applying competencies in development centres
Authors: Matheson Ian
Published: November 2002

Lewisham Council is at the forefront of current local government reform that requires significant cultural shifts in management and service delivery. To achieve the required changes, the council recognised that it should implement management competencies that embedded its vision and values in the management of the authority. Management competencies were developed through extensive consultation before being piloted using innovative “third‐generation” development centres which involved working on real business issues and ongoing feedback (including peer to peer). The pilot showed the competencies to be a valuable management tool for 95 per cent of participating managers. Of the participants, 72 per cent also gained valuable personal development outcomes. Lewisham has been delighted with the business outcomes, observing significant shifts in the way participants work within the new culture. The centres delivered clear development outcomes and led to few follow‐on development interventions, thus providing substantial value for money.
What is innovation and entrepreneurship? Lessons for larger organisations
Authors: Johnson David
Published: November 2002

In recent years a language has emerged that carries with it a great deal of hope and optimism. Enterprise, entrepreneurship and innovation are just three of the terms that are used, often interchangeably, but with very little understanding and clarity. Whether or not this language has at its core the processes that will lead to the salvation of businesses and organisations, what is guaranteed is that progress will not be achieved unless there is greater clarity in this area. Entrepreneurship is often viewed as a small business/new venture phenomenon, but increasingly it is being applied in the corporate sector. Innovation is another well‐used term that unfortunately has a number of meanings attached. The aim of this paper is to explore the topics of entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly from the perspective of the larger organisation, with a view to bringing some clarity to usage of the terms. It is important that this clarity exists as language is at the core of individual, business, and organisational performance and success. The current confusion and uncertainty leads to lower levels of competitive output.
Shaping things to come: strategies for creating alternative enterprises
Authors: Coulson‐Thomas Colin
Published: November 2002

The training community needs to place more emphasis on innovation, corporate venturing and the generation of new income streams. Standard offerings and common courses provide the same capabilities as everyone else, whereas a bespoke approach might enable people to be different and allow them to create fresh intellectual capital. Following the herd, playing catch‐up, copying and “me‐too” activities are not the route to market leadership. Those responsible for training and development should consider whether their current portfolio of courses and their coaches and mentors are contributing to uniformity, stock attitudes and commodity knowledge or stimulating diversity by enabling each person to play to their particular strengths and achieve their individual aspirations. Trainers, developers, coaches and mentors should enable colleagues to provide customers with additional and distinctive options that are genuine alternatives to those currently on offer.
Blended learning working in a leadership development programme
Authors: Voci Elaine , Young Kevin
Published: November 2002

Blended learning is a concept that has emerged with the onset of e‐learning, or learning that is delivered across the Internet. This type of learning combines more traditional methods of teaching – such as instructor‐led classes held in a physical classroom – with Internet‐delivered content that is learner‐driven and self‐paced. This article looks briefly at the benefits of instructor‐led training and e‐learning, and describes the key elements of a learning organisation. It goes on to explain how e‐learning was effectively incorporated into a six‐month leadership development programme at a global organisation of 3,000 employees to enhance the instructor‐led content and overall programme results. Such results included an increased sense of teamwork and camaraderie, establishment of common concepts and language, and greater efficiency in “jump‐starting” group learning.
The effects of technology‐based learning on design engineers and the organisation
Authors: James‐Gordon Yvette , Bal Jay
Published: November 2002

Technology‐based learning (TBL) provides a flexible learning approach to support the knowledge and skills base within an organisation. TBL also creates an interesting learning environment to motivate continuous learning. Emphasis is on the engineering design environment due to the continuous need for engineers to keep updated with current engineering information, knowledge and technologies. With the greater work demands placed on the engineer and less time to learn in, a more self‐directed learning approach is required. TBL tackles the increasing need for immediate learning and self‐directed learning. By establishing an effective learning environment, the engineers can use their own initiative and take responsibility for their own training and learning requirements. This is beneficial to organisational learning as well as the individual’s self‐development. The effects of TBL on the design engineer and the organisation are investigated.
The five steps to accomplishment
Authors: Rabey Gordon
Published: November 2002

“Staff training is one of the most effective ways of gaining and maintaining a competitive advantage.” This, from a current text, is a message which has been handed down for many years, but training does not always equate with learning and without supportive coaching subsequent performance may not be maintained. Training per se will not increase productivity – it is the second step in a continuum leading to the achievement of an objective. If a training specialist, however designated, is involved, the outcome of the required contribution should be defined in measurable terms and the accountability be assigned. The direct manager, however, remains accountable for the operational performance and output of employees.
Cultivating spirit in organisations
Authors: Megginson David
Published: November 2002

This paper examines the understanding of consciousness, attempts to define spirit, and explore the idea of spirit consciousness. It examines spirit consciousness in the context of autonomy and power. It moves on to explore learning strategies and communities and summarise the author’s own learning about planned and emergent learning. The final section poses some questions for learners, for helpers and for business educators.
Executive coaching: the route to business stardom
Authors: O’Shaughnessy Steve
Published: November 2002

This paper examines the concept of incremental improved performance and applies it to the field of executive coaching. The effectiveness of coaching as a management development tool is assessed by means of a survey involving 25 senior executives of blue‐chip organisations. The paper emphasises that the higher up the skill hierarchy one goes, the more important marginal improvements in performance become.
Leadership development which delivers results
Authors: Dunn Anthony G. , Pope Siân
Published: November 2002

This paper describes a programme of leadership development which has been developed and delivered by an organisation development specialist and a senior line manager. It offers a blend of soft and hard skills, academic and practical approaches, and learning partnerships which use participants’ own experience to reinforce the relevance of learning. The programme aims to offer participants more choices and flexibility about how they tackle not only tasks and situations, but also more importantly relationships – handling people differently. It also provides participants with opportunities to explore their own values and identity as leaders. The programme is appropriate for team development, preparing for management of change and for helping individuals to work at the next higher level of management. It can readily be tailored to the needs of most groups. Quantitative and qualitative evidence of the results of the course are detailed.
Just the job
Authors: Hiley Marianne
Published: November 2002

Effective change management does not need yet more hype. Instead, it requires the rigorous application of some key principles. This paper examines the principles, which include a sense of direction, on understanding of core values, the facilitation of teamwork and the creation of an environment conducive to a sense of empowerment and ownership.
E‐leadership: tackling complex challenges
Authors: Lynn Pulley Mary , Sessa Valerie I.
Published: November 2002

In exploring the impact of digital technology on leadership, we identify e‐leadership as a complex challenge that is characterized by five key paradoxes: swift and mindful; individual and community; top‐down and grass‐roots; details and big picture; and flexible and steady. For people to function effectively in this changing environment, a broader definition of leadership is needed – one where people in organizations make sense together of the challenges facing them and where they participate in leadership at every level. This requires a training environment where individual skills of perspective‐taking, network and coalition building, and story telling are developed along with team‐based skills of using dialogue, managing networks, and protecting voices from the fringe.
Management Mirror: helping senior management teams see their own reality
Authors: Craig Gary W. , Lineberry Claude S.
Published: November 2002

All too often, efforts to help a senior executive team become more effective through traditional teambuilding and feedback activities fail miserably. Traditional 3608 feedback may provide some useful information but these instruments can fall short in demonstrating the impact of individual and collective senior management behavior on the rest of the organization. The Management Mirror is a process that explores that impact indepth. It is tied directly to the organization’s business needs and strategy. Since the Management Mirror process is deliberately provocative, it shows how senior management behavior aids or impedes accomplishment of desired business results. Our contention is that the collected data on each senior manager is, by its nature, irrefutable and is as immune as possible to what we call “creative reinterpretation”. The whole process forces a level of disclosure and interdependency top executives have seldom experienced. Above all, it moves them to take action in the best interest of the organization.
Motivational training hits new heights
Authors: O’Donoghue Andrew
Published: November 2002

This article looks at how important people are to the success of the business and how a positive attitude on a work and personal level can motivate individuals to achieve far more than they may have previously anticipated. The article examines two well‐known companies who have embraced motivational guidance and looks at the way the “peak performance” positive thinking programme has been used to unlock the potential of individuals. It also adheres to the principle that the drive for motivational training must come from the top of the organisation and that motivational guidance should be a core part of the continual development process of the business culture.
Management development in the Arab Gulf States – the influence of language and culture
Authors: Wilkins Stephen
Published: November 2002

Observes that management development activity in the Arab Gulf States is often provided specifically for Arab nationals, yet programmes are usually delivered in the English language by Western expatriates. Aims to discover whether this fact presents any particular problems for either trainees or trainers, particularly with respect to the British NEBS Management (NEBSM) qualifications. Finds that both trainees and employers agree that the content and assessment methodology of the NEBSM programmes are relevant and appropriate for the Gulf region. Low ability in communicating in English was identified by trainees and trainers as the biggest problem preventing student learning and effective participation on management development programmes. Discusses some of the issues relating to language and culture that should be considered by training professionals in the Gulf region. Suggests that new strategies need to be implemented by those responsible for training strategy and delivery in order to improve the effectiveness of management development.
The use of case studies in management training and development. Part 1
Authors: Rees W. David , Porter Christine
Published: November 2002

The authors draw on their considerable experience in writing and using case studies both in the UK and abroad to explain the potential benefits of using the case study method in management teaching. In this, the first of two articles on the subject, they elaborate on the potential benefits of using the case study method but also the ways in which the method can be misused. They go on to explain how case studies can be used effectively in developing management skills. In the second article they will deal with the topics of writing case studies, their use in assessment and cross‐cultural issues in using case studies. Details of the on‐line access to over 40 management case studies and exercises, with supporting teaching notes, are contained in the 5th edition of their book Skills of Management (http://thomsonlearning. co.uk).
“Stepping out” with a total company learning framework
Authors: Morley Ellen
Published: November 2002

Investment in training and development is only truly effective if it realises benefits to the business in terms of skills and service improvements, staff retention and motivation, business improvements, increased turnover and cost reductions. This was the challenge faced by Harris Associates in the research, design and implementation of an integrated development framework, which would impact positively on the customer experience for Egg. This article explores how that was achieved through the development of an effective strategic working partnership between the two organisations.