bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MUCILAGE-MODIFIED4 Encodes a Putative Pectin Biosynthetic Enzyme Developmentally Regulated by APETALA2, TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA1, and GLABRA2 in the Arabidopsis Seed Coat
Authors: Western Tamara L. , Young Diana S. , Dean Gillian H. , Tan Wei Ling , Samuels A. Lacey , Haughn George W.
Published: January 2004

The Arabidopsis seed coat epidermis undergoes a complex process of differentiation that includes the biosynthesis and secretion of large quantities of pectinaceous mucilage, cytoplasmic rearrangement, and secondary cell wall biosynthesis. Mutations in MUM4 (MUCILAGE-MODIFIED4) lead to a decrease in seed coat mucilage and incomplete cytoplasmic rearrangement. We show that MUM4 encodes a putative NDP-l-rhamnose synthase, an enzyme required for the synthesis of the pectin rhamnogalacturonan I, the major component of Arabidopsis mucilage. This result suggests that the synthesis of monosaccharide substrates is a limiting factor in the biosynthesis of pectinaceous seed coat mucilage. In addition, the reduced cytoplasmic rearrangement observed in the absence of a key enzyme in pectin biosynthesis in mum4 mutants establishes a causal link between mucilage production and cellular morphogenesis. The cellular phenotype seen in mum4 mutants is similar to that of several transcription factors (AP2 [APETALA2], TTG1 [TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA1], TTG2 MYB61, and GL2 [GLABRA2]). Expression studies suggest that MUM4 is developmentally regulated in the seed coat by AP2, TTG1, and GL2, whereas TTG2 and MYB61 appear to be regulating mucilage production through alternate pathway(s). Our results provide a framework for the regulation of mucilage production and secretory cell differentiation.
The arithmetic symmetry of colored crystals: classification of 2-color 2-lattices
Authors: Fadda Giuseppe , Zanzotto Giovanni
Published: January 2004

A framework for the detailed classification of general crystal structures, based on an arithmetic criterion, has been proposed in recent years. In this paper it is shown how this method can also be applied to enumerate colored crystals. To illustrate this approach, the systematic classification in the simplest case,i.e.of `2-color 2-lattices', in two and three dimensions (two- and three-dimensional crystals with two differently colored atoms per unit translational cell) is presented. 51 distinct types of 2-color 2-lattices are found in three dimensions (ten types in two dimensions); this gives a complete catalog of the simplest crystal structures that are theoretically possible for two-element compounds. Among the 51 2-lattices, all those which already have aStrukturberichtedenomination are retrieved, as well as the 22 `black-and-white lattices' considered in the theory of magnetic crystals. The symmetry hierarchies and symmetry-breaking possibilities for 2-color 2-lattices are also determined in two and three dimensions.
Rapid and accurate quantitative phase analysis using a fast detector
Authors: Gualtieri A. F. , Brignoli G.
Published: January 2004

The accuracy of the weight fractions calculated with the Rietveld method for various polycrystalline systems using data collected for very short times (5–45 min) with an RTMS (real-time multiple strip) detector was verified. The weight estimates were compared with those obtained using the same conventional Bragg–Brentano geometry, a gas proportional detector and a 13 h data acquisition. The analysed samples were monophasic and polyphasic mixtures with different degrees of complexity: the standard corundum NIST 676; a sample (labelled 1g) provided as a standard sample for the IUCr CPD Quantitative Phase Analysis Round Robin; a natural pyroclastic rock from Riano (Rome, Italy) containing zeolitic minerals and a glass phase; and a hydraulic lime. The results of the refinements show estimated weights consistent with both those obtained with a gas proportional detector and with the nominal values, indicating a very good accuracy. Only when variable slits are used, the accuracy of the estimated weights slightly decreases. The outcome of this work is a very important step forward towards fast and accurate QPA for production control and quality management, obtained by combining the use of a rapid detector and existing user-friendly software.
X-ray diffraction analysis of GaInNAs double-quantum-well structures
Authors: Nakashima Kiichi , Tateno Kouta
Published: January 2004

The structures of GaInNAs/GaAs double-quantum-well (DQW) samples with various well-layer thicknesses were analysed by X-ray diffraction measurements. Two types of rocking-curve analysis were applied with different scanning configurations: a conventional configuration without a receiving slit and one with an analyser crystal placed in front of the receiving detector (the latter is the same as that usually used in reciprocal-space mapping measurements). It was found that systematic combination of both types of analysis is essential for the characterization of the sample structures. The two types of X-ray profiles obtained using the different scanning configurations exhibit a considerable difference in intensity as the thickness of the well layers increases. The increasing difference clearly indicates deterioration of the DQW structures. The two profiles exhibit little difference in terms of shape, merely showing that the DQW layers are coherently strained relative to the substrate. This implies that measurement in only one of the configurations is insensitive to the deterioration and leads to the wrong conclusion that a sample has a perfect structure without dislocations and defects. Photoluminescence and transmission electron microscope analyses both reveal that defects really do exist in the DQW structures, which is consistent with the difference in intensity observed in the X-ray measurements. From these results, a clear picture that consistently explains the sensitivity of X-ray diffraction analysis to the deterioration of samples is presented. In addition, based on this picture, it is proposed that the procedure of comparing the two types of profiles represents a new type of analysis method for the precise characterization of samples.
Protein crystallography with spallation neutrons: the user facility at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center
Authors: Langan Paul , Greene Gayle , Schoenborn Benno P.
Published: January 2004

In this report a neutron protein crystallography station (PCS) is described that has been built at Los Alamos National Laboratory for the study of proteins using the wavelength-resolved Laue technique. This user facility is the first of its kind to be built at a spallation neutron source and the first to use the wavelength-resolved Laue technique.
Determination of particle size distributions by small-angle scattering with polarized neutrons using maximum-entropy method
Authors: Tatchev Dragomir , Heinemann Andre , Wiedenmann Albrecht , Hoell Armin
Published: January 2004

The extension of the small-angle scattering technique with polarized neutrons invokes the necessity of new tools for data analysis. Up to five scattering curves can be derived from a single experiment. It is shown that for the case of a dilute system of particles in a matrix, the maximum-entropy method can be modified to analyse any combination of these curves in order to find the underlying particle size distribution. An additional step of simplex or simulated-annealing optimization is introduced in order to determine the particle form-factor parameters. Computer simulations demonstrate the functionality of this method.
Dynamical theory for calculations of X-ray spectra from crystals modulated by surface acoustic waves
Authors: Schelokov Igor A. , Roshchupkin Dmitry V. , Irzhak Dmitry V. , Tucoulou Remi
Published: January 2004

The dynamical theory was used to model X-ray diffraction by the YZ-cut of an LiNbO3crystal modulated by surface acoustic waves (SAWs). It includes both the calculation of the crystal lattice deformation, induced by a surface wave of Rayleigh type, and the simulation of X-ray wavefields in the crystal based on Takagi–Taupin equations. A detailed discussion is included on the effect of peak splitting occurring at high acoustic amplitudes. The developed theory entirely describes this effect and proves to be a powerful tool for understanding X-ray diffractometry and topography measurements by SAW-modulated crystals.
Thermal expansion and crystal structure of cementite, Fe3C, between 4 and 600 K determined by time-of-flight neutron powder diffraction
Authors: Wood I. G. , Vočadlo Lidunka , Knight K. S. , Dobson David P. , Marshall W. G. , Price G. David , Brodholt John
Published: January 2004

The cementite phase of Fe3C has been studied by high-resolution neutron powder diffraction at 4.2 K and at 20 K intervals between 20 and 600 K. The crystal structure remains orthorhombic (Pnma) throughout, with the fractional coordinates of all atoms varying only slightly (the magnetic structure of the ferromagnetic phase could not be determined). The ferromagnetic phase transition, withTc≃ 480 K, greatly affects the thermal expansion coefficient of the material. The average volumetric coefficient of thermal expansion aboveTcwas found to be 4.1 (1) × 10−5 K−1; belowTcit is considerably lower (< 1.8 × 10−5 K−1) and varies greatly with temperature. The behaviour of the volume over the full temperature range of the experiment may be modelled by a third-order Grüneisen approximation to the zero-pressure equation of state, combined with a magnetostrictive correction based on mean-field theory.
CATS: a Cryogenic Automated Transfer System installed on the beamline FIP at ESRF
Authors: Ohana J. , Jacquamet L. , Joly J. , Bertoni A. , Taunier P. , Michel L. , Charrault P. , Pirocchi M. , Carpentier P. , Borel F. , Kahn R. , Ferrer J.-L.
Published: January 2004

CATS allows users to mount and dismount their crystal samples remotely on the diffractometer, without entering the experimental hutch. CATS has been integrated into the automated control of FIP, allowing users to choose the wavelengths, optimize the beam intensity, mount and screen their crystal sample automatically and finally record diffraction data on the best sample(s).
mmLibPython toolkit for manipulating annotated structural models of biological macromolecules
Authors: Painter Jay , Merritt Ethan A
Published: January 2004

ThePython Macromolecular Library(mmLib) is a software toolkit and library of routines for the analysis and manipulation of macromolecular structural models, implemented in the Python programming language. It is accessedviaa layered object-oriented application programming interface, and provides a range of useful software components for parsing mmCIF, PDB and MTZ files, a library of atomic elements and monomers, an object-oriented data structure describing biological macromolecules, and an OpenGL molecular viewer. The mmLib data model is designed to provide easy access to the various levels of detail needed to implement high-level application programs for macromolecular crystallography, NMR, modeling and visualization. We describe here the establishment ofmmLibas a collaborative open-source code base, and the use of mmLib to implement several simple illustrative application programs.
A wide-bandpass multilayer monochromator and its application to the determination of absolute structure
Authors: Koganezawa T. , Uno K. , Iwasaki H. , Nakamura N. , Yoshimura Y. , Shoji T.
Published: January 2004

A diffraction system has been constructed at the Synchrotron Radiation Centre at Ritsumeikan University, in which a wide-band parallel X-ray beam is produced by reflection from the depth-graded multilayer monochromator. The band width is 600 eV and the monochromator is useful in the photon energy range from 6500 to 7700 eV. In diffraction patterns of an oscillating single crystal recorded using the beam, Bragg reflections appear in an elongated form on an imaging-plate detector and, if the absorption edge of an atom in the crystal is included in the band, a characteristic intensity profile is seen due to anomalous dispersion. As an application of the system, the absolute configuration was determined for a newly synthesized compound, 4-(1-hydroxyethyl)phenylferrocene, C18H18FeO, with an enantiomorphic structure, choosing the Fe atoms as anomalous scatterers. In the intensity profiles of the Friedel pairs of reflections, clear contrast between the pair was observed at the absorption edge, leading unequivocally to theSform. Further possible application of the wide-bandpass parallel beam is discussed.
Structure and phase transitions of CaTaOAlO4
Authors: Malcherek Thomas , Borowski Markus , Bosenick Anne
Published: January 2004

The structure of CaTaOAlO4(CTAO) has been determined using X-ray powder diffraction and density functional methods in combination with27Al MAS NMR spectroscopy. A structural phase transition occurs near room temperature in CTAO as indicated by heat-capacity measurements, lattice strain data and infrared spectroscopy. Rietveld analysis of the powder diffraction data does not indicate deviation from monoclinic symmetryC2/c. But the observed quadrupolar coupling of the Al atom is reproduced by the electronic structure calculations only in a structure with space-group symmetryP21/n, distinguished by two different Ta coordination environments. The atomic coordinates of this low-temperature structure of CTAO are obtained by computational force relaxation within the experimental unit cell determined at 170 K.
Automatic determination of the morphotropic phase boundary in lead magnesium niobate titanate Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)(1−x)TixO3within a single crystal using birefringence imaging
Authors: Zekria David , Glazer A. M.
Published: January 2004

A detailed phase diagram of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)(1−x)TixO3, conventionally abbreviated to PMN-PT, has been constructed around the morphotropic phase boundary from measurements taken from one single crystal possessing a composition gradient. Optical birefringence imaging was employed as a function of temperature to plot retardation and orientation information as a function of temperature and position within the crystal. Electron-probe microanalysis measured the composition across the crystal and this enabled the phase boundaries to be plotted to high precision. Cubic (C), rhombohedral (R), tetragonal (T) and monoclinic (M) phases were observed, with the a C–R–T critical point at a compositionx= 0.275 (4) at 394.7 (5) K on heating and at the same composition at 386.5 (5) K on cooling, in close agreement with phase diagrams suggested by published dielectric and diffraction experiments.
Molecular replacement with multiple different models
Authors: Glykos Nicholas M. , Kokkinidis Michael
Published: January 2004

Classical molecular replacement methods and the newer six-dimensional searches treat molecular replacement as a succession of sub-problems of reduced dimensionality. Due to their `divide-and-conquer' approach, these methods necessarily ignore (at least during their early stages) the very knowledge that a target crystal structure may comprise, for example, more than one copy of a search model, or several models of different types. An algorithm for a stochastic multi-dimensional molecular replacement search has been described previously and shown to locate solutions successfully, even in cases as complex as a 23-dimensional 4-body search. The original description of the method only dealt with a special case of molecular replacement, namely with the problem of placingncopies of only one search model in the asymmetric unit of a target crystal structure. Here a natural generalization of this algorithm is presented to deal with the full molecular replacement problem, that is, with the problem of determining the orientations and positions of a total ofncopies ofmdifferent models (withn≥m) which are assumed to be present in the asymmetric unit of a target crystal structure. The generality of this approach is illustrated through its successful application to a 17-dimensional 3-model problem involving one DNA and two protein molecules.
Preventing whiskers in electrodeposited tin for semiconductor lead frame applications
Authors: Whitlaw Keith , Egli André , Toben Mike
Published: January 2004

A new pure tin process is described which produces a deposit with a crystal orientation combination that minimises whisker growth, particularly when used with a specific pre‐treatment process. A recommended etch depth of minimum 2.5 μm has been shown to reduce whisker growth, particularly with thin (3 μm) tin coatings. Crystal orientation is determined by X‐ray diffraction and the angles between adjacent crystal planes are calculated from the pattern produced. A minimum proportion of small angles is required for lowest whisker risk. Angles smaller than 22° have been shown to be critical. The predominant orientations of the deposits from new tin process are 101, 211, 112, and 312. This combination of orientations has 8 percent of angles in the critical range. A typical pure tin process with a high tendency for whiskering may have a texture of 431, 321, and 211 orientations, and this combination produces 65 percent of angles smaller than 22°.
Aqueous base compatible waveguide materials for optical interconnect applications
Authors: Shelnut Jim , Moynihan Matt , Little Luke , Pugliano Nick , Sicard Bruno , Zheng Henry , Ho Tuan , Allen Craig , Khanarian Garo , Pawlowski Nathan
Published: January 2004

There are a number of organic, inorganic and hybrid inorganic waveguide materials that are currently being used for a wide variety of optical interconnect applications. Depending upon the approach, waveguide formation is performed using a combination of lithographic and/or reactive ion etch techniques. Often the processes involved with waveguide formation require unique processing conditions, hazardous process chemicals and specialized pieces of capital equipment. In addition, many of the materials have been optimized for silicon substrates but are not compatible with printed wire board (PWB) substrates and processes.
Alternative surface finishes – options and environmental considerations
Authors: Kellner Rod
Published: January 2004

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) requiring component attachment, whether leaded or surface mount technology, must have the exposed copper land areas coated with a protective finish. This protective coating must not inhibit solderability and at the same time must act as a barrier for preventing the copper from oxidizing and the inevitable assembly problems that would ensue for the end‐user. Globally, the predominant surface finish in the PCB industry is hot air solder levelling (HASL). Driven by the adoption of solder mask over bare copper, HASL was developed as a reliable method of applying solder to the copper surfaces after solder mask. During HASL, a thin layer of solder is deposited onto the exposed copper by passing the boards through a hot, molten wave (or pot) of solder and subsequently blowing the excess solder from the boards using high velocity hot air. This process has been increasingly under scrutiny due to environmental and safety issues (hazardous waste, lead exposure, etc.), technological limitations (fine‐pitch device assembly) and equipment maintenance cost. This paper reviews the major alternative surface finishes being currently deployed and additionally seeks to give an overall assessment of the broader environmental aspects of such finishes.
Questions concerning the migration to lead‐free solder
Authors: Ciocci Richard , Pecht Michael
Published: January 2004

Eliminating lead in electronics is an environmentally considerate approach that is made prior to manufacture. Recently enacted legislation encourages increased recycling of electrical and electronic products. However, recycling is typically an end‐of‐use action occurring just before final disposal. From an environmentally‐considerate perspective, lead elimination or replacement is a better approach. Short of having a definitive study to follow, industry, regulators, and consumers are proceeding with the change. Various lead‐free alloys have been tested and used for electronic components and assemblies. There are many replacements for eutectic tin‐lead solder, and alloys containing tin, silver, copper, and bismuth have been used successfully. Assessing how the electronics industry is addressing the change to lead‐free materials and processes requires answers to various questions. These questions regard the effects of changes to electronic products and their processes. What drives lead‐free migration, how processes can develop, and when products will be available are issues which define the assessment.
Assessing lead‐free intellectual property
Authors: Casey Paul , Pecht Michael
Published: January 2004

This paper presents the analysis of information collected from numerous patent searches on lead‐free alloys. The significance of claim structure and content is discussed in view of the growing number of lead‐free patents. Patent analysis software was developed to effectively compare over 350 lead‐free alloy patents. A case study was conducted to assess Sn‐Ag‐Cu and special purpose lead‐free candidate alloy intellectual property. The results show that there are a number of patents and patent applications that may affect the use of “popular” Sn‐Ag‐Cu formulations.
Reaching out? – an overview of the European Commission's proposed chemicals policy
Authors: Geraghty Kate
Published: January 2004

The European Commission (EC) has drafted a proposal for reforming the European Union's (EU) chemicals policy. The chemical industry has welcomed the broad political objectives of this policy, particularly those of increased protection of human health and the environment. The chemical industry also agrees that the existing process for chemicals regulation in the EU has proven to be slow and inefficient. However, it has reacted strongly to many of the finer details of the proposal, and there is a growing consensus that if the EC implements the strategy as currently outlined in the White Paper on the “Strategy for a Future Chemicals Policy” it will have very serious implications on the competitiveness of Europe's chemical industry and related sectors.
Re‐assessing 21st century risk: assessing risk in financial institutions – facing up to the banana skins
Authors: Lascelles David
Published: January 2004

Every year the think‐tank, the Centre for the Study of Financial Innovation, produces a survey which highlights the major areas of risk which financial institutions are worried about. This article charts the findings of the latest survey and finds, amongst other things, that regulation is now seen as a risk.
Basel 2: the risk to the global consensus
Authors: Gordon‐Hart Sheenagh
Published: January 2004

Basel 2 has been the subject of intense debate amongst bankers around the world. It will replace the original Basel Accord of 1988, but unlike the latter it looks as if the new Accord will undermine the global consensus. It is a costly exercise and the heightened risk of regulatory arbitrage may yet distort the competitive landscape. In particular, the completely different ways in which Basel 2 will be implemented in the USA and EU pose a challenge for institutions that operate on a global scale. This article is a brief examination of the key differences and challenges posed by the draft Accord – the prospects for a “final” draft being truly final seem remote and Basel 3 may well have to be on the agenda before the ink is dry on Basel 2.
Accounting in three dimensions: a case for momentum
Authors: Melse Eric
Published: January 2004

To this day, triple‐entry accounting and momentum accounting are seldom applied. We regret this because of the growing need for more forward‐looking information by management and external stakeholders and the apparent lack of theory and practical solutions. The ever‐increasing pace of the economy incites the need to disclose trends on the microeconomic level of a company. Further to this point, recent developments related to corporate governance, give new imputs to search for the answer to the question if we can improve the reliability and effectiveness of accounting in general, and financial statements in particular. This paper may contribute in to a better understanding of the concept that underpins momentum accounting. We present a notional example concerning the balance sheet ratio: return on equity. This example, so we hope, should encourage practitioners and academics to explore the usability of triple‐entry accounting and momentum accounting as alternative means to provide more forward‐looking information.
2004: the year of the truth
Authors: Van Hulle Karel
Published: January 2004

The author, the European Commission’s chief of financial reporting in financial markets, argues that 2004 could be a year of crisis or a year of progress. Which it will be depends on whether financial reporting rises to the challenges which the European Commission has created. He suggests that people’s behaviors are just as important as rules in creating an effective capital market.
Negotiate your future: Web‐based role play
Authors: Ahamer Gilbert
Published: January 2004

An original concept for a Web‐based role play “SurfingGlobalChange” is proposed on the basis of multi‐year interdisciplinary teaching experience and constructivist pedagogy. Underlying didactic orientation is towards self‐guided learning, acquiring socially compatible “competence to act” in a globalised world, self‐optimising social procedures inside teams, process‐orientation and peer‐review instead of teacher’s review. Participating students find themselves in an argumentative battle where they put their marks at stake. A comparison with similar games highlights the increased level of responsibility attributed to and expected from learners using this kind of “digital game‐based learning”.
Breaking the Cycle of Victimization: A Structured Interview Technique
Authors: Harrison Lyn
Published: January 2004

In this short paper Lyn Harrison seeks to go beyond policy to effective practice. She suggests that in the case of at least some schools' bullying policies, teachers do not have the appropriate skills to deliver them. An approach using structured interview techniques is presented as a way of addressing this problem. This is an approach which could provide schools with a practical starting point for both discussion and action in relation to the implementation of bullying policies.
Counselling in Educational Settings: Past Experience, Current Practice and Future Implications
Authors: Beynon Ann , Wright Jean
Published: January 2004

In this paper, Jean Wright and Ann Beynon discuss their past and present experience of counselling in schools and colleges. They reflect on the way counselling in schools has declined whilst at the same time growing significantly in sixth forms and colleges of further education. Drawing on these experiences and one of the writers' recent experience of the approach to counselling in the USA, they argue that a reconsideration is needed of the value of counselling approaches in schools.
Getting to the Heart of Science
Authors: McCarthy Kevin
Published: January 2004

Kevin McCarthy sees a slight irony in the idea of inspecting the spiritual dimension of education. Nevertheless, he argues strongly that schools' response to this should be creative. The resulting policy must be a whole‐school one that involves both horizontal and vertical curriculum development. In the second part of his paper he describes how, in his own school, a programme is being developed which goes beyond the mechanistic approach to science typically found in examination syllabi. Starting from the students' own perceptions, this programme considers the big issue which underlies science: that of ‘the spiritual dimension’.
Disaffected Children: Some Key Ideas from Australia
Authors: Summers L. A.
Published: January 2004

Although sabbatical leave for teachers was suggested in the James Report more than 25 years ago, it remains as much of an unattainable ideal as ever—a sad fact in the light of the message of this paper. What Les Summers tells us clearly illustrates the potential value that sabbaticals might have for teachers: how they might return to school both refreshed and with new and innovatory ideas. The chance to study some schools in Australia enabled Summers to do just this, and he was able to see issues of disaffection here from a new perspective as a result of his experiences. He then went on to develop the idea of a programme which responds to the needs of young school leavers.
‘Personal Effectiveness’ as a Cross‐Curricular Goal: Catalysts, Barriers and Varying Perceptions
Authors: Unwin Lorna , Wellington Jerry
Published: January 2004

The focus of this paper is a piece of research which sought to evaluate a pack of materials designed to support the introduction of core transferable skills into the subject‐based curriculum. The writers contextualize their work with a brief historical review of the development of this area over the last two decades, highlighting both the ambiguity and the continuing confusion that have surrounded the idea of generic skills. Apart from giving general support to the aims which informed the programme's development, the outcome of the investigation identifies a significant difference in the way teachers and students conceptualize the curriculum.
Pastoral Care in Initial Teacher Education: A Survey of Secondary Teacher Education Institutions
Authors: Cleave Hayley , Carey Philip , Norris Patricia , Sloper Patricia , While David , Charlton Anne
Published: January 2004

The study reported in this paper was undertaken to discover the extent of pastoral care training carried out during secondary initial teacher education. Questionnaires were sent to heads of initial teacher education institutions in England and Wales. It was found that institutions were likely to provide some form of training in pastoral care but the extent and method of training varied greatly between institutions. However, training in actual practical skills such as basic counselling skills was much less likely to be available. The authors conclude that there is still some considerable way to go before newly qualified teachers are likely to feel adequately prepared for their pastoral roles.
Faith, the RE Teacher and Year 9
Authors: Sims‐King Sharon
Published: January 2004

Although the focus of this paper is an area that might be seen as the preserve of religious education, it raises issues and offers insights which are relevant to all those concerned with the personal and social development of young people. Sharon Sims‐King asks to what degree it is necessary for an RE teacher to have faith, and from this goes on to consider what we mean by ‘faith’ in any case. Has it become a contentless reassurance devoid of any real meaning? A small survey of Year 9 pupils shows that they have quite complex and differentiated views on the nature of faith, and also fairly broad views of the type of faith that should be expected of RE teachers. The findings are encouraging, demonstrating as they do that the young people of today are able to reflect on the ‘big issues’. This study also illustrates the importance of investigating the views and attitudes of young people at school, and not assuming that the views of teachers and policy‐makers are all there is to be said on this important topic.
Caring for Children: Some Long‐term Issues
Authors: Wilson John
Published: January 2004

Using Felicity Fletcher‐Campbell's work on ‘looked‐after children’ (children in care) as a starting point, John Wilson considers an appropriate response to the decline of traditional support networks such as the extended family and the community in which it is situated. In his view, this should not involve separate pastoral care but a reconceptualizing of our whole picture of what the school is for. At the centre of this is the idea that, to be effective, much learning requires a personal relationship. He goes on to discuss the nature of relationships, and suggests that they must be informed by some form of clear values. The remainder of his paper discusses what it might be about a community (school) that would promote real engagement and partnership.
Developing and Implementing a Whole‐School Policy for Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development
Authors: Cadmore Bert
Published: January 2004

The OFSTED inspection report on Stalham High School praised the quality of its pastoral care and PSE, but also noted that the promotion of students' cultural and spiritual development across the whole curriculum was less satisfactory. The writer describes how the school set about responding to this weakness through the development of a whole‐school policy. It was decided to develop an overarching policy for social, moral, cultural and spiritual development. Once an outline policy was produced, the views of staff were sought in a way which also increased their awareness of and involvement in the programme.
Effective Collaboration between Teachers and Parents in Israel: A Strategy for Improvement of the Educational Process
Authors: Katz Yaacov
Published: January 2004

Traditionally the roles of schools and parents have been seen as separate activities. More recently, a view has developed that parents and schools should work together in a close and integrated relationship. The writer discusses the nature of this partnership and the roles of both parents and teachers in it. The nature of the school–parent relationship in Israel is considered. In the final section of the paper, the development of such a partnership in a particular Israeli elementary school is described and evaluated.
The Secrets of the Playground
Authors: Ota Cathy , Erricker Clive , Erricker Jane
Published: January 2004

Using the approach of qualitative research, the writers set out to examine the contribution that ‘play’ makes to children's development. Central to this is the role of the play ground: ‘We aim to uncover the significance of the play ground as an environment where children are empowered to participate, create and develop in a unique and fundamental way.’ The play ground is a place where the child is in control and able to develop ideas away from the influence of adults. Using transcripts of conversations with children, the authors reveal the feelings that children have about these special places. They go on to argue that school playgrounds should be designed to respond to children's need for safe secret places.
The Other 3Rs: A Resource for Teaching PSE
Authors: Kiaer Stanley
Published: January 2004

In the current climate of moral uncertainty, encouraging companies to have codes of business ethics is of considerable value. Young people considering seeking a job with a company can gain a better idea of the attitudes and approaches they would be expected to work with. Once employed, they will know what is expected of them and what they are entitled to expect from those they work for. The Institute of Business Ethics, described here, seeks to encourage companies to develop their own codes, in a variety of ways. The institute is also promoting a PSE programme which it believes supports its objectives.
Competition and Costs: Evidence from Competitive Tendering in the Scottish National Health Service
Authors: Milne Robin G. , Wright Robert E.
Published: January 2004

This paper estimates the impact of competitive tendering on cleaning costs in Scottish National Health Service hospitals. Unlike previous studies, which have relied on cross‐sectional data, a five‐year balanced panel of 176 hospitals is used to estimate a series of fixed effects regression models. These panel estimates suggest that previous studies have likely over‐estimated the cost‐savings associated with competitive tendering. The findings also suggest that the lower costs associated with competitive tendering have more to do with auction theory than with any intrinsic efficiency of the private sector.
A Permanent Change in the Route to Owner Occupation?
Authors: Andrew Mark
Published: January 2004

This paper attempts to explain why home ownership rates among young adults fell in the early 1990s when various indicators suggested it had become more affordable. As a potential explanation, we focus on the relatively slower growth in their incomes and argue that this could signal a fundamental change in behaviour, a change in route adopted into owner occupation, induced by structural economic change. In examining the implications for housing tenure, we use a conditional fixed effects multinomial logit model to exploit the information on the tenure choice and the timing of transitions in the British Household Panel Survey. Our results reveal that relatively slower income growth contributed significantly to this decline and that ignoring the intertemporal correlation in micro‐panels generates inconsistent results.
Multinationals and Training: Some Evidence from Irish Manufacturing Industries
Authors: Barry Frank , Görg Holger , Strobl Eric
Published: January 2004

This paper sets out to analyse the effect of plant and sectoral level characteristics on the provision of training to employees using plant level data for Irish manufacturing. There is no clear evidence that foreign owned plants are more likely to provide training. By contrast, we find that they spend less than domestic plants on training, ceteris paribus. There is also no evidence that plants that receive training grants are more likely to provide training. This may be likely to reflect the targeting of training grants on plants that are otherwise unlikely to provide much training. We do, however, find that training activity in the sector, either by other foreign or domestic plants, has a positive effect on plant level training activity, at least for domestic owned plants.
The Impact of Computer Use On Earnings in the UK
Authors: Arabsheibani G.R. , Emami J.M. , Marin A.
Published: January 2004

The effect of new technology on relative demands for workers has been the subject of much research in economics. Krueger (1993) and others have studied the impact of computers on earnings in the US and elsewhere. Such studies have been criticised for ignoring the possibility of bias due to unobserved heterogeneity between computer users and non‐users, resulting in computer users not being a random sub‐sample of all workers. As well as looking at the effects of computers on earnings in the UK, this paper extends previous analyses by using a sample selection framework to deal with the bias problem. Results indicate not only that returns to computer use are positive but that it is important to correct for the sample selection bias.
Model Uncertainty, Optimal Monetary Policy and the Preferences of the Fed
Authors: Castelnuovo Efrem , Surico Paolo
Published: January 2004

Monetary policy in the US is characterized by a substantial degree of inertia. While in principle this may well be the outcome of an optimizing central bank behaviour, the ability of any derived policy rule to match the data relies on so large weights for interest rate smoothing into policy makers' preferences as to be theoretically flawed. In this paper we investigate whether such a puzzle can be interpreted as resulting from the concern of monetary authorities for potential misspecifications of the macroeconomic dynamics. Accordingly, we propose a novel thick modelling approach that incorporates model uncertainty into the identification of central bank's preferences. The thick robust policy rule shows the kind of smoothness observed in the data without resorting to implausible values for the preference parameters.
A clinical study to assess the ability of a powered toothbrush to remove chlorhexidine/tea dental stain
Authors: Moran J. , Addy M. , Courtney M. , Smith S. , Newcombe R.
Published: January 2004

Aim: A single‐center, single‐blind, two‐way crossover study was performed to compare the effects of an electric powered toothbrush with a conventional manual toothbrush at removing chlorhexidine/tea tooth staining.

Methods: This study used 24 subjects. During the week before the study, the subjects received a prophylaxis to remove all staining, plaque and calculus deposits. On the Monday of the following week, subjects returned to the clinic to receive a further prophylaxis. Under direct supervision, they then rinsed with a 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse, immediately followed by a rinse with a warm black tea solution.

This cycle was repeated hourly eight times throughout the day and on the following days until the Friday. Throughout this period, volunteers omitted all other forms of oral hygiene except rinsing with the chlorhexidine mouthwash. On the Friday, the level of stain was assessed both prior to and immediately after brushing with the allocated brush with toothpaste for 1 min. This was done in an adjoining room (out of sight of the clinical scorer). Subjects were then instructed to use the toothbrush at home according to their normal oral hygiene practices. On the following Friday, subjects returned to the clinic when the stain present was re‐assessed. Each subject received a thorough prophylaxis to remove all plaque calculus and staining before starting the second period of the study and again on completion of the study.

Results: The study showed relatively little difference between the ability of the two brushes to remove stain at a single test brushing. However, there was some evidence that the powered brush was more effective than the manual brush in minimising stain level during the home use period, overall and in particular for gingival crescent sites.

Conclusions: This study has suggested that the powered brush may become more effective at reducing dental stain, the longer the brush is used under normal home conditions.
Effect of oxybenzone on PGE2‐production in vitro and on plaque and gingivitis in vivo
Authors: Jannesson Lillemor , Birkhed Dowen , Scherl Dale , Gaffar Abdul , Renvert Stefan
Published: January 2004

Objectives: To study the effect of oxybenzone on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in cell culture and to evaluate the effect of an oxybenzone‐containing dentifrice on plaque and gingivitis in a 6‐week clinical trial.

Material and Methods: Human embryo palatal mesenchyme (HEPM) cells were used for testing the inhibition of IL‐1β‐stimulated PGE2‐production in vitro by different concentrations of oxybenzone. For the in vivo study, a total of 66 individuals with a Quigley & Hein plaque index of at least 1.5 and an Ainamo & Bay gingival index of at least 0.2 were included in a double‐blind clinical trial with two cells and a parallel design. Two compositions of fluoride dentifrice were used, one with the addition of 0.5% oxybenzone, and one without. Plaque and gingival index were obtained at three time points: (1) at baseline, (2) after 3 weeks, and (3) after 6 weeks.

Results: A dose‐dependent inhibition of PGE2‐production was found in the HEPM cell culture following oxybenzone exposure. In the clinical trial, a 25% reduction of gingival index was observed in the oxybenzone group (p<0.001) after 6 weeks as compared with 2% for the placebo group.

Conclusions: These findings indicate that PGE2‐production is reduced by oxybenzone in vitro and that the use of oxybenzone in a dentifrice reduces gingivitis in vivo.
Effects of smoking on clinical parameters and the gingival crevicular fluid levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α in patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Erdemir Ebru Olgun , Duran Ismet , Haliloglu Seyfullah
Published: January 2004

Objective: Smoking is an important environmental risk factor for the initiation and progression of periodontal diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of smoking on clinical parameters and the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) contents of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) levels in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Material and Methods: The study base consisted of 41 patients including 22 volunteer current smokers with an age range of 32–59 (44.41±7.88) years and 19 volunteer non‐smokers with an age range of 36–59 (46.94±6.07) years. The first month after non‐surgical periodontal therapy was accepted as the baseline of the study. The clinical parameters including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL) were recorded and GCF samples were collected for analysis of GCF contents of IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels. At the 3rd and 6th months, all of these procedures were repeated.

Results: In smokers, only CAL was significantly higher at the 3rd month compared with non‐smokers (p<0.05). GI and BOP were higher in non‐smokers than smokers in both periods (p<0.05). PI showed increases from the initial to the 6th month in smokers (p<0.05). Although the differences between two groups with regard to IL‐6 and TNF‐α were not significant (p>0.05), the total amount of TNF‐α in GCF decreased from the initial to the 6th month in smokers (p<0.05). There were no significant correlations between the mean total amount of IL‐6 and TNF‐α in GCF and clinical parameters in both evaluation periods in smokers (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that cigarette smoking increases the amount of dental plaque over time in smokers and does not influence GCF contents of IL‐6 and TNF‐α.
Incidence of periodontal attachment loss over 5 years among older South Australians
Authors: Thomson W. Murray , Slade Gary D. , Beck James D. , Elter John R. , Spencer A. John , Chalmers Jane M.
Published: January 2004

Objectives: This study described the 5‐year incidence of periodontal attachment loss (ALOSS) among older Australians.

Material and method: Clinical examination data were obtained at baseline and 5 years from participants in a cohort study of South Australians aged 60+. Periodontal measurements (gingival recession, GR; probing depth, PD) were made for each tooth at 3 sites. An incident case of ALOSS was identified as an individual having 2+ sites with 3+ mm ALOSS.

Results: Some 342 (42.7%) of the 801 individuals examined at baseline were re‐examined after 5 years, contributing longitudinal data from a total of 15,522 sites (6102 in the maxilla and 9420 in the mandible). Most sites showed no change in either GR or PD. Using a threshold of 3+ mm for change, ALOSS occurred at 2.3% of mesiobuccal sites, 2.5% of buccal sites, and 3.4% of distolingual sites. Distolingual sites on molars showed the highest progression rates. The major component of ALOSS was increased GR. Overall, only 10.1% of the observed ALOSS was contributed by increases in PD. Nearly two‐thirds of the sites that experienced ALOSS had <3 mm of ALOSS at baseline. The weighted 5‐year incidence estimate for ALOSS was 43.2% (N=145), and was higher among diabetics or those who had lost 1+ teeth since baseline. Smoking was not a significant predictor.

Conclusion: The rates and patterns of ALOSS among older South Australians are largely similar to those recently reported for North Carolinians. Most ALOSS in older people manifests as increases in GR, rather than PD. Diabetics should be targeted for intensive primary and secondary prevention of periodontal disease.