bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production risk of canola in the semi-arid subtropics of Australia
Authors: Robertson M. J. , Holland J. F.
Published: June 2004

The area of canola is expanding in the wheat-based farming systems of the summer-dominant rainfall zone of the Australian wheatbelt. Despite this, there is little information on yield and oil content expectations in relation to rainfall, location, and soil type and the reliability of the crop in a region characterised by high climatic variability. In this paper we assess variation in profitability of canola production in locations with different rainfall in the north-eastern wheatbelt by using long-term simulations at 4 locations spanning the climatic range of the region (Gunnedah, Moree, Walgett, Roma) with a validated model (APSIM-Canola). A new semi-mechanistic method for simulating oil content, accounting for temperature and water deficit effects during grain filling, is described and tested. Key agronomic determinants of reliable grain yield and oil content are identified.
Long-term simulations showed strong effects of location, plant-available soil water at sowing (PAW), and in-crop rainfall on grain yield expectations. Yield was negatively related to sowing date, particularly in those situations of high water supply (PAW and in-crop rainfall). Grain yield was positively related to in-crop rainfall up to 300 mm, with water use efficiency in most seasons falling between 6 and 12 kg/ha.mm. Variation in oil content was most strongly affected by sowing date, followed by location, with PAW having a minor effect. Importantly, the price bonus cut-off for oil content of 42% was exceeded in 25, 40, 40, and 55% of seasons for Roma, Walgett, Moree, and Gunnedah, respectively. Negative and falling phases of the SOI in April–May were associated with lower grain yield and oil contents, whereas positive and rising phases with higher grain yield and oil content. This suggests that the choice to sow canola over other alternatives could be a tactical decision that depends upon the seasonal climate outlook.
The approach used in this paper can be applied to the analysis of canola production risk (yield and oil content) and profitability in other prospective environments.
Selective incorporation of 5-hydroxytryptophan into proteins in mammalian cells
Authors: Zhang Zhiwen , Alfonta Lital , Tian Feng , Bursulaya Badry , Uryu Sean , King David S. , Schultz Peter G.
Published: June 2004

An orthogonal tryptophanyl–transfer RNA (tRNA) synthetase (TrpRS)-mutant opal suppressor tRNATrp(\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document} \begin{equation*}{\mathrm{mutRNA}}_{{\mathrm{UCA}}}^{{\mathrm{Trp}}}\end{equation*}\end{document}) pair was generated for use in mammalian cells. The anticodon loop of theBacillus subtilistRNATrpwas mutated to UCA, three positions in the D arm were mutated to generate an internal promoter sequence, and the\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document} \begin{equation*}{\mathrm{mutRNA}}_{{\mathrm{UCA}}}^{{\mathrm{Trp}}}\end{equation*}\end{document}gene was inserted between the 5′ and 3′ flanking sequences of the tRNATrp-1gene fromArabidopsisto enhance its expression in mammalian cells.In vitroaminoacylation assays andin vivoopal suppression assays showed thatB. subtilisTrpRS (BsTrpRS) charges only the cognate\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document} \begin{equation*}{\mathrm{mutRNA}}_{{\mathrm{UCA}}}^{{\mathrm{Trp}}}\end{equation*}\end{document}and no endogenous mammalian tRNAs. Similarly, the\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document} \begin{equation*}{\mathrm{mutRNA}}_{{\mathrm{UCA}}}^{{\mathrm{Trp}}}\end{equation*}\end{document}is specifically charged byB. subtilisTrpRS and not by endogenous synthetases in mammalian cells. Site-directed mutagenesis was then used to alter the specificity of BsTrpRS to uniquely charge 5-hydoxy-l-tryptophan. The resulting mutant\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document} \begin{equation*}{\mathrm{BsTrpRS}}{\mathrm{-}}{\mathrm{mutRNA}}_{{\mathrm{UCA}}}^{{\mathrm{Trp}}}\end{equation*}\end{document}pair allows the efficient and selective incorporation of 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan into mammalian proteins in response to the codon, TGA. This amino acid can be used as a fluorescence probe and also undergoes electrochemical oxidationin situto generate an efficient protein crosslinking.
Animal Models for the Study of Childhood Leukemia: Considerations for Model Identification and Optimization to Identify Potential Risk Factors
Authors: McCormick David L. , Kavet Robert
Published: June 2004

Leukemias are the most common pediatric malignancies diagnosed in western industrialized societies. In spite of the substantial incidence of childhood leukemia in the United States and other countries, neither epidemiology studies conducted in human populations nor hazard identification studies conducted using traditional animal models have identified environmental or other factors that are directly linked to increased risk of disease. Molecular biology data and mathematical modeling of incidence patterns suggest that pediatric leukemogenesis may occur through a multistage or “multihit” mechanism that involves both in utero and postnatal events. The authors propose that pediatric leukemias can be modeled experimentally using a “multihit” paradigm analogous to the “initiation-promotion” and “complete carcinogenesis” models developed for tumor induction in mouse skin and rat liver. In this model for childhood leukemia, an initial genetic alteration occurs during in utero or early postnatal development, but clinical disease develops only upon additional genetic or nongenetic events that occur during the postnatal period. Application of this multistage or “multihit” model to hazard assessment studies conducted in transgenic or knockout mice carrying relevant molecular lesions may provide a sensitive approach to the identification of environmental agents that are important risk factors for childhood leukemia.
Cocaine Hepatotoxicity and Its Potentiation by Lipopolysaccharide: Treatment and Gender Effects
Authors: Visalli Thomas , Turkall Rita , Abdel-Rahman Mohamed S.
Published: June 2004

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a 7-day treatment as well as the influence of gender on cocaine hepatotoxicity (CH). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) potentiation of CH was also investigated. Male and female CF-1 mice were orally administered 20 mg/kg body weight cocaine hydrochloride once daily for 7 days. Four hours after the last cocaine administration, the mice were administered 12 × 106 EU LPS (or equal volume of sterile saline) intraperitoneally. Plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were evaluated as indices of liver injury. Blood and liver glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GRx), and catalase (CAT) activities were also determined to investigate the oxidation stress induced by the treatment. Plasma ALT and AST concentrations were elevated in all males receiving cocaine alone or cocaine + LPS. Furthermore, blood GSH and CAT were decreased and GRx activity was elevated in the same males. Histological analysis revealed a high degree of focal necrosis in the male cocaine group, and severe necrosis in the male cocaine + LPS group. Unlike males, females showed no effect of either cocaine alone or cocaine + LPS treatments. These results indicate that gender plays a significant role in CH and its potentiation by LPS and lengthening the administration by two treatments increased the severity of cocaine + LPS hepatotoxicity dramatically in male mice.
Ethanol and Diethyl Phthalate: Vehicle Effects in the Local Lymph Node Assay
Authors: Lalko J. , Isola D. , Api A. M.
Published: June 2004

The vehicle in which an allergen is presented to the skin has been recognized to have an effect on the skin-sensitizing potency of the allergen. Typical vehicles used to evaluate the skin sensitization potential of fragrance materials include ethanol, diethyl phthalate, or a combination of the two. The authors conducted a series of studies to evaluate each of these vehicles for their utility in the murine local lymph node assay and to investigate the potential differences in skin sensitization resulting from their use. Four fragrance materials were tested in four different vehicles. The test materials were p-t-butyl- α-methylhydrocinnamic aldehyde, geraniol, eugenol, and hydroxycitronellal. The vehicles were diethyl phthalate, 1:3 ethanol:diethyl phthalate, 3:1 ethanol:diethyl phthalate, and ethanol. Each of the fragrance materials was tested at five dose levels ranging from 0.3% to 50% w/v. In all four vehicles, each material tested elicited positive responses, exhibiting weak to moderate skin sensitization potential. Overall, p-t-butyl- α-methylhydrocinnamic aldehyde exhibited the most potency, followed by eugenol, geraniol, and hydroxycitronellal. The sensitization potential of both p-t-butyl- α-methylhydrocinnamic aldehyde and geraniol was greatest when the vehicle was ethanol. The sensitization potential of eugenol was greatest in 3:1 ethanol:diethyl phthalate, but the sensitization potential for hydroxycitronellal was greatest in 1:3 ethanol:diethyl phthalate. The strength of the sensitization response was observed to vary with the vehicle; however, the results did not show any clear pattern of one vehicle over another regarding skin sensitization.
Pharmacokinetics of the Antimalarial Drug, AQ-13, in Rats and Cynomolgus Macaques
Authors: Ramanathan-Girish Sandhya , Catz Paul , Creek Moire R. , Wu Benjamin , Thomas David , Krogstad Donald J. , De Dibyendu , Mirsalis Jon C. , Green Carol E.
Published: June 2004

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of a new antimalarial drug, AQ-13, a structural analog of chloroquine (CQ) that is active against CQ-resistant Plasmodium species, in rats and cynomolgus macaques. Sprague-Dawley rats ( n = 4 /sex) were administered a single dose of AQ-13 intravenously (i.v.) (10 mg/kg) or orally (20 or 102 mg/kg). Blood and plasma samples were collected at several timepoints. AQ-13 achieved Cmax after oral administration at approximately 3 to 4 h and could be detected in blood for 2 to 5 days after oral administration. The ratio of area under the curve (AUC) values at the high and low dose for AQ-13 deviated from an expected ratio of 5.0, indicating nonlinear kinetics. A metabolite peak was noted in the chromatograms that was identified as monodesethyl AQ-13. Oral bioavailability of AQ-13 was good, approximately 70%. The pharmacokinetics of AQ-13 was also determined in cynomolgus macaques after single (i.v., 10 mg/kg; oral, 20 or 100 mg/kg) and multiple doses (oral loading dose of 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg on first day followed by oral maintenance dose of 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg, respectively, for 6 days). The AUC and Cmax values following single oral dose administration were not dose proportional; the Cmax value for AQ-13 was 15-fold higher following an oral dose of 100 mg/kg compared to 20 mg/kg. MonodesethylAQ-13 was a significant metabolite formed by cynomolgus macaques and the corresponding Cmax values for this metabolite increased only 3.8-fold over the dose range, suggesting that the formation of monodesethyl AQ-13 is saturable in this species. The bioavailability of AQ-13 in cynomolgus macaques following oral administration was 23.8% for the 20-mg/kg group and 47.6% for the 100-mg/kg group. Following repeat dose administration, high concentrations of monodesethyl AQ-13 were observed in the blood by day 4, exceeding the AQ-13 blood concentrations through day 22. Saturation of metabolic pathways and reduced metabolite elimination after higher doses are suggested to play a key role in AQ-13 pharmacokinetics in macaques. In summary, the pharmacokinetic profile and metabolism ofAQ-13 are very similar to that reported in the literature for chloroquine, suggesting that this new agent is a promising candidate for further development for the treatment of chloroquine-resistant malaria.
A Rat Neurodevelopmental Evaluation of Offspring, Including Evaluation of Adult and Neonatal Thyroid, from Mothers Treated with Ammonium Perchlorate in Drinking Water
Authors: York Raymond G. , Barnett John , Brown W. Ray , Garman Robert H. , Mattie David R. , Dodd Darol
Published: June 2004

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential neurodevelopmental toxicity of perchlorate exposure during gestation and the first 10 days of lactation. Mated Sprague-Dawley rats (25/exposure group) were given continual access to 0, 0.1, 1.0, 3.0, or 10.0 mg/kg-day ammonium perchlorate (AP) in drinking water, starting gestation day 0 (mating) through lactation day 10 (DL 10). One pup/sex/litter/exposure group was assigned to (1) juvenile brain weights, morphometry, and neuropathology; (2) passive avoidance and watermaze testing; (3) motor activity and auditory startle habituation; and (4) adult regional brain weights, morphometry, and neuropathology. AP had no effect on body weights, feed consumption, clinical observations, or sexual maturation of pups at exposures as high as 10.0 mg/kg-day. There were no behavioral effects in the offspring exposed as high as 10.0 mg/kg-day as evaluated by passive avoidance, swimming watermaze, motor activity, and auditory startle. Increases in hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the thyroid follicular epithelium and a decrease in the thyroid follicle size were observed in culled male pups in the 10.0 mg/kg-day group on DL 5. The exposure level for effects on triiodothyroxine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels for pups were 0.1, 1.0, and 3.0 mg/kg-day, respectively. There was an apparent increase in the thickness of the corpus callosum of the 10 mg/kg-day group pups on DL 12. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for maternal toxicity was greater than 10.0 mg/kg-day. Based on the thyroid morphometric and histopathologic findings, the NOAEL for pup toxicity was 0.1 mg/kg-day.
Food sustainability
Authors: Aiking Harry , de Boer Joop
Published: June 2004

The concept of sustainability in general and food sustainability, in particular, entails many aspects and many interpretations. During a conference on food sustainability a broad, multidisciplinary picture was painted and many key issues were dealt with, from ecology, economy and society. In sessions on food security – the focus in developing countries – and food safety – primarily a preoccupation in developed countries – many potential trade‐offs and opportunities for regional approaches were identified. The session on governance, therefore, focused on the interaction between multi‐level actors, including national governments, international organisations such as WTO, the food industry and consumers. Finally, transparency was identified as one of the main issues underlying good governance. In order to improve the sustainability of food production, therefore, it was considered of the utmost importance that food multinationals transfer some form of democratic control over their global environmental policies, as part of an overall multi‐level (public‐private) governance ideal.
Computer application to aid the unidirectional functional dimensioning and tolerancing synthesis
Authors: Ciurana J. , Riba C. , G‐Romeu M.L.
Published: June 2004

The task of defining the parts in mechanical assembly based on their functional purpose is done by the functional dimensioning and tolerancing which tries to optimise its dimensions and tolerances. This work is very hard and complex to do. The actual development of CAD systems, which allows us to introduce intelligent help, seems to be the indicate tool to do the work easier. The international technical literature offers a number of investigation projects that contribute to establish the bases for implementing this intelligent help, in order to help the functional dimensioning in the design phase. The main aim of this study is to define and programme a computer application to aid the unidirectional dimensioning and tolerancing synthesis using graphic design (CAD).
Rigid‐plastic finite element analysis of incremental radial forging process using the automatic expansion of domain scheme
Authors: Lee K.H. , Lee S.R. , Yang D.Y.
Published: June 2004

The incremental radial forging process employs several tens or hundreds of incremental local strokes, so that the entire process is difficult to analyze due to large computation time and large computer memory. The objective of this work is to propose a new numerical scheme of the finite element method, automatic expansion of domain (AED), to reduce computation time and computer memory. In the AED scheme, an effective analysis domain in each local forging step is defined and then the domain is automatically expanded in accordance with the repeated process. In order to verify the validity of the criterion for the AED scheme and the applicability of the AED scheme, two‐dimensional incremental plane‐strain forging process is first analyzed using the proposed scheme with various criteria and full domain. In addition, three‐dimensional incremental radial forging process is analyzed to verify the applicability of the proposed scheme to a practical incremental forging process.
On the effect of the body force on the symmetry breaking in miscible two‐fluid channel flow
Authors: Kim Sungcho , Sung Jaeyong , Choi Jongwook
Published: June 2004

The two‐dimensional flow field is numerically investigated using a compact finite difference and a pseudo‐spectral method when two fluids with different physical properties are mixing under gravity as well as flow rate. The gravity and the viscous mobility affect the fingering instability, i.e. the mixing range shrinks much at the large viscous mobility or the strong gravity. When the gravitation acts parallel to the main stream, the flow decelerates or accelerates according to its direction. The fingertip velocity is exactly expressed by a pure cosine function and especially invariant when the gravity acts along the −y direction at the high Peclet number. The maximum and fingertip velocities at the very low Peclet number are nearly symmetric with respect to the −y direction perpendicular to the main flow direction x. When the gravity acts along the −y direction, the flow field shows the asymmetry, and a pair of vortices is generated at both the very high Peclet number and less viscous mobility number. As the viscous mobility becomes large, the vortex scale enlarges at the small Peclet number, while the vortices are slightly destroyed at the relatively high Peclet number. As the gravitational angle changes clockwise from downstream to upstream, a pair of vortices evolves through a process of asymmetry.
The planning process in managing organisations of continuing education: the case of Greek vocational training institutions
Authors: Petridou Eugenia , Chatzipanagiotou Paraskevi
Published: June 2004

The aim of this article is to offer a framework model of the planning of the activities of organisations of continuing education and training, which gives the opportunity to determine their mission, to seek specific aims, to develop the available resources and to create a cooperative operating climate. Adopting this recommended model would help these organisations to adapt to the changes and challenges of the contemporary environment, ensure their functioning and the implementation of feedback and, where necessary, use corrective steps in order to achieve the objectives set.
Complaint management profitability: what do complaint managers know?
Authors: Stauss Bernd , Schoeler Andreas
Published: June 2004

Despite the great impact of complaint handling on customer retention and the beneficial usage of complaint information for quality improvements, most companies have great difficulty calculating the profitability of their complaint management. As a consequence of this knowledge deficit, complaint management is often not regarded as a profit centre but as a cost centre, which makes it a probable victim for cost reductions by cutting back its activities. Hence, there is a huge challenge to develop methods and to address this issue. This work contributes to this. It is shown how complaint management profitability (CMP) can be conceptualized and several types of benefits and costs are presented. On this basis several propositions about the current practice of CMP calculation are developed. To test these propositions a comprehensive empirical study was conducted among complaint managers of major German companies in the business‐to‐consumer market. The collected information shows that the assumed CMP knowledge deficit is even higher than expected. To reduce this deficit this article provides an approach to calculate CMP on basis of the repurchase benefit.
Customer clubs in a relationship perspective: a telecom case
Authors: Gustafsson Anders , Roos Inger , Edvardsson Bo
Published: June 2004

Companies in the telecom industry – and in many other consumer markets – have introduced customer or loyalty clubs over a number of years. Customer clubs have been used as a loyalty‐building measure following the deregulation of telecom markets in Europe. They were introduced as a strategic instrument intended to foster customer retention and to contribute to increased sales and profitability. These clubs are the most recognizable part of many CRM strategies. Their short‐ and long‐term effects on loyalty are not obvious, however. The aim of this article is to explore the effects of the customer club on customer relationships in telecommunications by presenting results from two qualitative studies, which are quantified and reported in terms of responses to the club. The results of this empirical study in a Swedish telecom company reveal that the majority of customer‐club members do not perceive their membership as adding value or contributing to higher commitment and improved loyalty. Nevertheless, there are differences between non‐members and members regarding their perceptions of the service provider. The target group of club members has significantly higher satisfaction with the company than the non‐member customers.
Service quality and marketing performance in business‐to‐business markets: exploring the mediating role of client satisfaction
Authors: Chumpitaz Ruben , Paparoidamis Nicholas G.
Published: June 2004

Drawing on relevant literature, the authors empirically test a model of business loyalty in a sample of 234 clients of information systems suppliers, integrating the concepts of service quality, satisfaction, and loyalty. The study builds on recent advances in services marketing theory and assesses the relationships underlying the identified constructs in the specific industry. A clear pattern of service quality dimensions is established following the Grönroos conceptualisation. Several important findings are reported, including the empirical verification of the mediating role of industrial satisfaction in the formation of loyalty attributes. Industrial satisfaction fully mediates the relationship between accessibility and loyalty and partially mediates latent construct's relationship with technical assistance and delivery service. The results provide robust evidence concerning the direct effect of industrial satisfaction on loyalty. accessibility, delivery, and product reliability as antecedents of industrial satisfaction.
Partnering with the customer
Authors: Leavy Brian
Published: June 2004

With their new theory about the coming revolution in value creation, C.K. Prahalad and his new collaborator, Venkat Ramaswamy, seek to go further than they or other strategy writers have gone. In their new book The Future of Competition (Harvard Business School Press, 2004), they aim to shift our whole business paradigm, or “dominant logic”, by impelling us to rethink the very nature of competition as we have come to know it. The fundamental idea in The Future of Competition is that in the business world of tomorrow, value will be interactively co‐created by companies and consumers, rather than merely exchanged between them. The emergence of more connected, informed and active consumers is transforming the company‐consumer relationship. We are moving from a world in which our view of value creation is company‐centric and product/service focused to one that will be more consumer‐centric and experience focused. The transition will not happen overnight, but the implications are enormous, and already visible to those who know where to look.
Company culture provides competitive edge for Sargento Foods
Authors: Gannon Barbara , Sterling John
Published: June 2004

People and culture are a core element of strategy at the Wisconsin‐based cheese processing and marketing company, Sargento Foods. Its competitive advantage stems from the capabilities and loyalty of its 1,200 employees. Three interrelated business drivers define the company’s core strategy – a focus on cheese products, a commitment to outstanding customer and consumer response, and an economic engine centered on customer profitability. This three‐pronged strategy is guided by the company’s cultural philosophy – people, pride and progress. The culture and the commitment to people is the foundation for all other strategic initiatives. For over 50 years, Sargento has translated their philosophical commitment to people and culture into meaningful long‐term action through several HR programs cited in the article.
Peripheral journeys
Authors: Harris Roger , Simons Michele , Carden Pam
Published: June 2004

In the 1990s, one of Australia's police services moved from a centralised, academy‐based system of training towards a more integrated model of professional development. As a consequence, probationary constables spent reduced time in the police academy (6 months) before moving into the workplace for 18 months of work‐based learning. This paper explores how those changes affected the ways in which probationary constables are viewed and accepted into the workforce. A useful model for this exploration is that of legitimate peripheral participation, as advocated by Lave and Wenger in 1991. Although Lave and Wenger acknowledge that peripherality, rather than being a negative term, allows for an understanding of inclusion into a community of practice, there is still a long journey to be travelled before full acceptance is accorded to the newcomer. By exploring the “voices” of the probationers and their senior officers, the conflicts and difficulties that arose during their work‐based probation and the negotiations required to help develop competent police officers, it is possible to trace the journey of probationary constables from periphery to a more central acceptance. This paper explores how the probationary constables were viewed and accepted into the workforce to become full and trusted members of a community of practice.
Workplace learning as a field of inquiry
Authors: Wiesenberg Faye P. , Peterson Shari L.
Published: June 2004

This comparative study explored differences in perceptions between Canadian and US post secondary faculty in the fields of adult education (AdEd) and human resource development (HRD) on program development issues in the emerging field of “workplace learning”. In fall of 2001, The Adult Education and Human Resource Development Faculty Survey was electronically disseminated to a selected sample of Canadian and US faculty across both countries. The authors examine respondents' perceptions of: their program's curricular focus on the individual students' learning needs compared to the organization development goals of their current or potential employers; the importance of specific skills to the role of “workplace learning practitioner” compared to skill building opportunities present in the program; and the degree of cooperation between their academic programs and businesses that employs, or potentially employs, graduates from these programs. The findings reveal differences in the manner in which Canadian and US faculties develop and teach in these programs that the authors believe have important implications for the continuing development of this field of inquiry and practice in both countries. Overall, the study argues for closer and more purposeful collaboration between AdEd and HRD faculties who develop and teach in workplace learning programs in both countries, and highlights the importance of alliance building on several fronts in order for this newly emerging field of practice and inquiry to flourish.
Applying the learning organisation concept in a resource squeezed service organisation
Authors: Somerville Margaret , McConnell‐Imbriotis Alison
Published: June 2004

This paper explores the results of applying a diagnostic questionnaire for measuring the dimensions of a learning organisation in a resource squeezed service organisation. The questionnaire was conducted as the first stage of an ethnographic study of workplace learning in an aged care organization. It was distributed to the 600 employees in nine facilities to provide baseline information to be complemented by qualitative data collected in the second stage. Strengths in the dimensions of leadership and systemic connection and weaknesses in the areas of dialogue and inquiry, team learning and empowering people were revealed. Preliminary qualitative data support the findings and add to the meaning of the questionnaire results. Subsequent discussions with the organisation about the questionnaire suggest that it was a useful tool to enhance workplace learning.
Plant Exit, Vintage Capital and the Business Cycle
Authors: Salvanes Kjell G. , Tveteras Ragnar
Published: June 2004

Despite the large literature on plant exit behavior, little attention has been paid to the vintage capital theory as an alternative hypothesis to learning. Learning models predict that exit rates decrease with plant age and the vintage capital theory predicts that exit rates increase with the age of capital. We use a panel of Norwegian manufacturing plants and construct an index of capital age to distinguish between the effects on exit rates. The empirical results imply that there is both a learning effect and a vintage capital effect. We also find that exit rates depend on the business cycle, and increase in severe downturns.
Australian anthropology and Hindmarsh Island Bridge case
Authors: Weiner James F.
Published: June 2004

A response to Peace, AT19(5)
Debating the EU
Authors: McDonald Maryon
Published: June 2004

A response to Shore and Abélès, AT20(2)
Declining Anthropology?
Authors: Marsland Rebecca , Staples James , Harper Ian
Published: June 2004

A response to Mars, AT20(1)
Keeping the bureaucratic peace
Authors: Hyatt Susan Brin
Published: June 2004

‘Audit culture and the politics of accountability, new managerialism, and neoliberal governance’, American Anthropological Association Invited Roundtable Session, Chicago, 21 November 2003
Partition of distinct chromosomal regions: negotiable border and fixed border
Authors: Kimura Akatsuki , Horikoshi Masami
Published: June 2004

Chromosomes are partitioned into distinct functional regions. For example, heterochromatin regions consist of condensed chromatin and contain few transcriptionally active genes, whereas euchromatin regions are less condensed and majority of active genes reside in the euchromatin regions. Because distinct regions reside in each chromosome, borders are accordingly established between these regions. A prevailing view of the borders is that they are ‘walls’ that actively inhibit communication between distinct regions on chromosomes. Although little is known about the molecular bases of these walls, specific DNA elements are considered to recruit these walls to define the positions of the borders. We call the borders established with this mechanism as ‘fixed borders’. Past studies have identified various insulators (boundary DNA elements) that have been suggested to recruit fixed borders to them. Another mechanism, which we introduce and focus on in this review, does not require walls recruited by specific DNA elements at the chromosomal borders. Instead, the borders are defined by a balance of opposing enzymatic activities located at the opposite sides of the resultant borders. We name these borders ‘negotiable borders’. Here we review some of the recent progress in the field that offer valuable insight into mechanisms of establishing structural and functional borders on chromosomes.
Molecular mechanism of DNA replication‐coupled inactivation of the initiator protein in Escherichia coli: interaction of DnaA with the sliding clamp‐loaded DNA and the sliding clamp‐Hda complex
Authors: Su’etsugu Masayuki , Takata Makoto , Kubota Toshio , Matsuda Yusaku , Katayama Tsutomu
Published: June 2004

In Escherichia coli, the ATP‐DnaA protein initiates chromosomal replication. After the DNA polymerase III holoenzyme is loaded on to DNA, DnaA‐bound ATP is hydrolysed in a manner depending on Hda protein and the DNA‐loaded form of the DNA polymerase III sliding clamp subunit, which yields ADP‐DnaA, an inactivated form for initiation. This regulatory DnaA‐inactivation represses extra initiation events. In this study, in vitro replication intermediates and structured DNA mimicking replicational intermediates were first used to identify structural prerequisites in the process of DnaA‐ATP hydrolysis. Unlike duplex DNA loaded with sliding clamps, primer RNA‐DNA heteroduplexes loaded with clamps were not associated with DnaA‐ATP hydrolysis, and duplex DNA provided in trans did not rescue this defect. At least 40‐bp duplex DNA is competent for the DnaA‐ATP hydrolysis when a single clamp was loaded. The DnaA‐ATP hydrolysis was inhibited when ATP‐DnaA was tightly bound to a DnaA box‐bearing oligonucleotide. These results imply that the DnaA‐ATP hydrolysis involves the direct interaction of ATP‐DnaA with duplex DNA flanking the sliding clamp. Furthermore, Hda protein formed a stable complex with the sliding clamp. Based on these, we suggest a mechanical basis in the DnaA‐inactivation that ATP‐DnaA interacts with the Hda‐clamp complex with the aid of DNA binding.
Interaction of U‐box‐type ubiquitin‐protein ligases (E3s) with molecular chaperones
Authors: Hatakeyama Shigetsugu , Matsumoto Masaki , Yada Masayoshi , Nakayama Keiichi I.
Published: June 2004

Members of the U‐box family of proteins constitute a class of ubiquitin‐protein ligases (E3s) distinct from the HECT‐type and RING finger‐containing E3 families. Two representative mammalian U‐box proteins, UFD2a and CHIP, interact with the molecular chaperones VCP and either Hsp90 or Hsc70, respectively, and are implicated in the degradation of damaged proteins. We have now investigated the roles of mammalian U‐box proteins by performing a comprehensive screen for molecules that interact with these proteins in the yeast two‐hybrid system. All mammalian U‐box proteins tested were found to interact with molecular chaperones or cochaperones, including Hsp90, Hsp70, DnaJc7, EKN1, CRN, and VCP. These observations suggest that the function of U box‐type E3s is to mediate the degradation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in conjunction with molecular chaperones as receptors that recognize such abnormal proteins.
Sorting nexin homologues are targets of phosphatidylinositol 3‐phosphate in sporulation of Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Koga Takako , Onishi Masayuki , Nakamura Yoko , Hirata Aiko , Nakamura Taro , Shimoda Chikashi , Iwaki Tomoko , Takegawa Kaoru , Fukui Yasuhisa
Published: June 2004

Schizosaccharomyces pombe defective in phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) 3‐kinase shows various defects in forespore membrane formation, including onset, growth orientation, and closure. Downstream factors of PtdIns 3‐kinase in this system were explored. Among various phox homology (PX) domain‐containing proteins, Vps5p and Vps17p, homologues of sorting nexins, were found to be required for efficient sporulation. Cells defective in these proteins showed a disordered growth orientation of the forespore membrane, as is the case with Δpik3 cells. Vps5p and Vps17p with mutations in the PX domains failed to suppress the defects of their relevant disruptants. Vps5p and Vps17p migrated toward the the forespore membrane in a pik3+‐dependent manner, suggesting that these proteins may interact with PtdIns(3)P. Electron‐microscopic analysis revealed that the forespore membrane fails to engulf the nucleus in some of these cells, accumulating vesicle‐like bodies similar to those seen in Δspo3 cells. These results suggest that Vps5p and Vps17p are the targets of PtdIns(3)P in vesicle transport required for onset of the forespore membrane formation.
Interaction of hREV1 with three human Y‐family DNA polymerases
Authors: Ohashi Eiji , Murakumo Yoshiki , Kanjo Naoko , Akagi Jun‐ichi , Masutani Chikahide , Hanaoka Fumio , Ohmori Haruo
Published: June 2004

Polκ is one of many DNA polymerases involved in translesion DNA synthesis (TLS). It belongs to the Y‐family of polymerases along with Polη, Polι and hREV1. Unlike Polη encoded by the xeroderma pigmentosum variant (XPV) gene, Polκ is unable to bypass UV‐induced DNA damage in vitro, but it is able to bypass benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P)‐adducted guanines accurately and efficiently. In an attempt to identify factor(s) targeting Polκ to its cognate DNA lesion(s), we searched for Polκ‐interacting proteins by using the yeast two‐hybrid assay. We found that Polκ interacts with a C‐terminal region of hREV1. Polη and Polι were also found to interact with the same region of hREV1. The interaction between Polκ and hREV1 was confirmed by pull‐down and co‐immunoprecipitation assays. The C‐terminal region of hREV1 is known to interact with hREV7, a non‐catalytic subunit of Polζ that is another structurally unrelated TLS enzyme, and we show that Polκ and hREV7 bind to the same C‐terminal region of hREV1. Thus, our results suggest that hREV1 plays a pivotal role in the multi‐enzyme, multi‐step process of translesion DNA synthesis.
The importance of the level of metronidazole resistance for the success of Helicobacter pylori eradication
Authors: Wheeldon T.‐U. , Granström M. , Hoang T. T. H. , Phuncarg D. C. , Nilsson L. E. , Sörberg M.
Published: June 2004

Aims : To evaluate the role of antibiotic susceptibility for the treatment outcome of proton pump inhibitor‐dependent and independent Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens.

Methods : In a placebo‐controlled clinical study of peptic ulcer patients with H. pylori infection, patients were randomized to receive lansoprazole, clarithromycin and tinidazole twice‐daily, clarithromycin and tinidazole once‐daily with lansoprazole or with placebo. Helicobacter pylori status was assessed by culture and antibiotic susceptibility by E‐test minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) in 205 clinical isolates.

Results : Primary resistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole was 1 and 76%, respectively. In metronidazole susceptible strains eradication rates were similar at > 90% for all treatment groups (P = 0.49). With low‐level metronidazole resistance (4 μg/mL < MIC < 256 μg/mL), eradication rates were similar at >75% (P = 0.80). The major difference was found at high‐level metronidazole resistance (MIC ≥ 256 μg/mL) with 95%, 58% and 21% eradication in the lansoprazole, clarithromycin and tinidazole twice‐daily, lansoprazole, clarithromycin and tinidazole once‐daily and placebo, clarithromycin and tinidazole once‐daily groups, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusion : In the absence of antibiotic resistance, a once‐daily therapy of only clarithromycin and tinidazole can achieve a high rate of H. pylori eradication. Such a combination could offer a simpler and cheaper treatment option for developing countries. The standard, twice‐daily proton pump inhibitor‐based triple therapy was shown to be efficient in H. pylori eradication even in the presence of high‐level metronidazole resistance.
The safe threshold for gluten contamination in gluten‐free products. Can trace amounts be accepted in the treatment of coeliac disease?
Authors: Collin P. , Thorell L. , Kaukinen K. , Mäki M.
Published: June 2004

Background : Gluten contamination in gluten‐free products cannot totally be avoided. The safe threshold for gluten remains obscure.

Aim : The purpose was to estimate a reasonable limit for residual gluten, based on current literature and measurement of gluten in gluten‐free products on the market.

Methods : The gluten content of 59 naturally gluten‐free and 24 wheat starch‐based gluten‐free products were analysed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The daily intake of flours was calculated in 76 adults on gluten‐free diet, and the intake compared with mucosal histology.

Results : A number of both naturally gluten‐free (13 of 59) and wheat starch‐based gluten‐free (11 of 24) products contained gluten from 20 to 200 ppm (=mg/kg). The median daily flour consumption was 80 g (range: 10–300). Within these limits, the long‐term mucosal recovery was good.

Conclusions : The threshold for gluten‐contamination can safely be set at 100 ppm. Provided that the daily flour intake is even 300 g, a level of 100 ppm results in 30 mg of gluten intake. This has been shown to be safe, when correlated to histology, in clinical and challenge studies. The level can be achieved by the industry, and does not make the diet too cumbersome.
Comparison of transarterial chemoembolization and percutaneous acetic acid injection as the primary loco‐regional therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective survey
Authors: Huo T. , Huang Y.‐H. , Wu J.‐C. , Chiang J.‐H. , Lee P.‐C. , Chang F.‐Y. , Lee S.‐D.
Published: June 2004

Background : Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and percutaneous acetic acid injection (PAI) are effective loco‐regional therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Aim : To compare the therapeutic efficacy of TACE vs. PAI for unresectable HCC.

Methods : A total of 310 patients with unresectable HCCs (size ≤6 cm) undergoing TACE (n = 195) or PAI (n = 115) were studied prospectively. Overall and progression‐free survivals were measured endpoints.

Results : The overall survival was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.508). Among 129 patients with large (3.1–6 cm) HCCs, the overall survival was significantly better for the TACE group (P = 0.018). Cox multivariate analysis showed that Child‐Pugh B [relative risk (RR): 4.2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.3–7.7, P < 0.001] and PAI therapy (RR: 1.4, 95%: 1.0–1.9, P = 0.057) were poor prognostic predictors; the progression‐free survival was also significantly better in the TACE group (P = 0.038). Among 181 patients with small (≤3 cm) HCCs, there was no significant difference of overall survival (P = 0.265) or progression‐free survival (P = 0.146) between the two groups; Child‐Pugh B was the only prognostic factor predicting a decreased survival (RR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.7–4.8, P < 0.001).

Conclusions : Patients with large HCC undergoing TACE tend to have a more favourable long‐term outcome. For small HCC, either TACE or PAI therapy could be recommended as the primary treatment modality.
Cholestatic pruritus – the role of cutaneous mast cells and nerves
Authors: O'Keeffe C. , Baird A. W. , Nolan N. , McCormick P. A.
Published: June 2004

Background : The pathogenesis of pruritus in cholestatic liver disease is poorly understood. Cutaneous mast cells and nerves are thought to contribute to pruritus in several dermatological diseases.

Aim : To determine if cutaneous mast cell density, neural density and mast cell–neural interaction are increased in patients with pruritus and cholestatic liver disease.

Methods : Skin biopsy specimens from (i) patients with pruritus due to cholestatic liver disease (CLDP+; n = 6), (ii) patients with chronic liver disease without pruritus (CLDP−; n = 5), and (iii) healthy controls (n = 6) were studied. Biopsies were dual stained immunohistochemically for mast cells and nerves.

Results : Mast cell density in the control group was not significantly different from that in CLDP+ group or from that in the CLDP− group. Similarly neural density was not significantly different between groups when assessed either in terms of total nerve area, or in terms of the number of neural elements seen. The frequency of mast cell–nerve contact was not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions : These findings suggest that mast cells, nerves or interaction between the two may not contribute to cholestatic pruritus. Therefore, therapies targeted at cutaneous mast cells or nerves are unlikely to be of benefit.
Irritable bowel syndrome – an evidence‐based approach to diagnosis
Authors: Cash B. D. , Chey W. D.
Published: June 2004

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) represents one of the most common reasons for primary care visits and consultation with a gastroenterologist. It is characterized by abdominal discomfort, bloating and disturbed defecation in the absence of any identifiable physical, radiologic or laboratory abnormalities indicative of organic gastrointestinal disease. IBS is a costly disorder, responsible for significant direct and indirect costs to patients and society. Much of the cost attributed to IBS arises from the time and resources used to establish the diagnosis. Historically IBS has been viewed by many as a diagnosis of exclusion rather than as a primary diagnosis, and many patients with typical symptoms will undergo an extensive array of diagnostic tests and procedures prior to the eventual diagnosis of IBS.

Recent reviews addressing the management of such patients have cast doubt on the necessity for this degree of testing. Current best evidence does not support the routine use of blood tests, stool studies, breath tests, abdominal imaging or lower endoscopy in order to exclude organic gastrointestinal disease in patients with typical IBS symptoms without alarm features. Serological testing for celiac sprue in this population may eventually prove useful but validation of studies indicating an increased prevalence of this disease in patients with suspected IBS is needed.

The development and refinement of symptom‐based criteria defining the clinical syndrome of IBS has greatly facilitated the diagnosis of this condition, which can be confidently diagnosed through the identification of typical symptoms, normal physical examination and the exclusion of alarm features. The presence of alarm features or persistent non‐response to symptom‐directed therapies should prompt a more detailed diagnostic evaluation dictated by the patient's predominant symptoms.