bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of self‐emotion, counterpart emotion, and counterpart behavior on negotiator behavior: a comparison of individual‐level and dyad‐level dynamics
Authors: Butt Arif Nazir , Choi Jin Nam , Jaeger Alfred M.
Published: August 2005

This study expands the negotiation literature by examining how negotiator behavior is predicted by various emotions felt by the negotiators and their counterparts and by counterpart negotiation behavior. Using hierarchical linear modeling, we also compare individual‐ and dyad‐level processes that lead to negotiator behavior and outcomes. The results from a dyadic negotiation simulation showed that both the valence and agency of negotiator and counterpart emotions need to be considered to understand the roles of emotion in negotiator behavior. Negotiators tend to reciprocate counterparts' integrating, compromising, and dominating behaviors, but they also offer complementary (or matching) responses to the counterparts' dominating and yielding behaviors. Integrating behavior was more dependent on dyad‐level interpersonal dynamics than were the other behaviors. The comparison of negotiator‐level and dyad‐level results suggests that negotiation needs to be understood in the context of collective exchanges as well as individual‐level cognitive processes. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intracavity loss control effect on tuning range of tunable dual
erbium-doped fiber laser
Authors: Abdullah F , Noor A S M , Mahdi M A , Rashid H A A , Abdullah M K
Published: August 2005

This letter presents the effect of intracavity loss
control on the tuning range of erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL).
The intracavity loss is controlled using a variable attenuator
fitted inside the laser's cavity. The tuning range of uncontrolled
cavity loss is around 3 nm, while the controlled cavity loss
tuning range is 30 nm.
Transportation of nanosecond laser pulses by hollow core photonic crystal fiber for laser ignition
Authors: Al-Janabi A H
Published: August 2005

Laser ignition via hollow core photonic crystal fiber (PCF) as a delivery medium has been demonstrated in the present work. Minimum pulse energy from a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser of only 150 μJ was achieved to ignite rich fuel mixtures of methane-air. Aspheric lens of high numerical aperture has been used to focus the laser beam. Different air/fuel ratios have been examined with different gas temperatures. The results indicate the feasibility of using hollow core PCF for high power beam transmission for laser ignition applications.
Thermal and Thermomechanical Behaviour of Polycaprolactone and Starch/Polycaprolactone Blends for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Wang Yaming , Rodriguez‐Perez Miguel A. , Reis Rui L. , Mano João F.
Published: August 2005

Summary: Polycaprolactone (PCL) and starch/PCL blends (SPCL) are shown to have the potential to be used in a range of biomedical applications and can be processed with conventional melting‐based procedures. In this paper, the thermal and thermomechanical analyses of PCL and SPCL were performed, using DSC, optical microscopy and DMA. Starch effectively increased the non‐isothermal crystallisation rate of PCL. Non‐isothermal crystallisation kinetics was analyzed using Ozawa model, and a method, which combines the theories of Avrami and Ozawa. Starch effectively reinforced PCL and enhanced its damping properties, which indicated that SPCL could be more suitable than PCL in some biomedical applications, as it might help in the dissipation of the mechanical energy generated by the patient movements.

Dynamic mechanical behaviour of PCL and SPCL at 1 Hz.

magnified image

Dynamic mechanical behaviour of PCL and SPCL at 1 Hz.
Photoinduced Polymerization in the Wall of Hollow Capsules
Authors: Li Lidong , Möhwald Helmuth
Published: August 2005

Summary: Novel light‐sensitive hollow capsules were fabricated from the small molecule 3‐sulfopropylacrylate potassium (SPA) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH). With UV irradiation, SPA could be photopolymerized in the wall of hollow capsules. After photopolymerization the capsule size and surfaces showed pronounced differences. The capsules became much more rigid as indicated by an increase in the modulus of more than a factor of 5.

CLSM image of SPA/PAH hollow capsule emission at 554 nm, from rhodamine B after photopolymerization.

magnified image

CLSM image of SPA/PAH hollow capsule emission at 554 nm, from rhodamine B after photopolymerization.
Selective Fabrication of Polymer Nanocapsules and Nanotubes Using Cyclodextrin as a Nanoporogen
Authors: Jang Jyongsik , Bae Joonwon
Published: August 2005

Summary: Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanocapsules and nanotubes were selectively synthesized by microemulsion polymerisation using β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) as a nanoporogen. Iron(III) chloride (FeCl3) was used as a structure‐directing agent to fabricate polymer nanotubes. In addition, the average pore size of the PAN nanocapsules and nanotubes could be controlled with the concentration of β‐CD.

(a) TEM image of PAN nanocapsules; (b) SEM image of PAN nanotubes.

image

(a) TEM image of PAN nanocapsules; (b) SEM image of PAN nanotubes.
Synthesis and Controlled Polymerisation of a Novel Gramicidin S Analogue
Authors: Ayres Lee , Grotenbreg Gijsbert M. , van der Marel Gijsbert A. , Overkleeft Herman S. , Overhand Mark , van Hest Jan C. M.
Published: August 2005

Summary: The controlled polymerisation of a bulky, peptide‐based monomer was investigated. The cyclic β‐sheet forming decapeptide gramicidin S was modified with a methacrylate handle and subsequently polymerised via atom transfer radical polymerisation (ATRP), to yield a well‐defined gramicidin‐S‐containing polymer. The secondary structure of the peptide moiety was retained within the resulting polymer, as indicated by IR spectroscopy. This is the first example of the use of ATRP to create a synthetic polymer with a cyclic peptide as a side chain.

The gramicidin S based monomers synthesised here were then polymerised by ATRP.

image

The gramicidin S based monomers synthesised here were then polymerised by ATRP.
Recessive hyperekplexia due to a new mutation (R100H) in the GLRA1 gene
Authors: Coto Eliecer , Armenta Daniel , Espinosa Raúl , Argente Joaquín , Castro Mónica G. , Alvarez Victoria
Published: August 2005

Hyperekplexia is commonly familial and with dominant transmission. The gene involved, GLRA1, encodes the α1 subunit of the glycine receptor. We describe 3 affected children homozygous for a new mutation, R100H. Both parents were heterozygous carriers; while the father was healthy, the mother has periodic limb movements during sleep. This suggests that Hys‐100 could exhibit incomplete penetrance, but was linked to a severe classical form of hyperekplexia in homozygous. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Taiwanese cases of SCA2 are derived from a single founder
Authors: Momeni Parastoo , Lu Chin‐Song , Chou Yah‐Huei Wu , Chang Hsiu‐Chen , Chen Rou‐Shayn , Chen Chiung‐Chu , Hsu Jin‐Tian , Singleton Andrew , Hardy John
Published: August 2005

We have assessed the haplotypes at the ATXN2 locus in Taiwanese controls and in individuals with SCA2 ataxia with both ataxic and parkinsonian features. Our intention was to determine whether a different ataxin 2 haplotypes predisposed to the two phenotypes. In fact, our analysis showed that all SCA2 mutations carriers had the same ataxin 2 haplotype: haplotype B, which accounts for only 15% of control haplotypes, implying that there is a common founder for all Taiwanese SCA2 patients. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Biology of neuroblastomas that were found by mass screening at 6 months of age in Japan
Authors: Kaneko Yasuhiko , Kobayashi Hirofumi , Watanabe Naoki , Tomioka Nobumoto , Nakagawara Akira
Published: August 2005

Background

Mass screening (MS) of neuroblastoma has been carried out by measuring the urinary catecholamine metabolites in infants at the age of 6 months in Japan. We assessed the incidence of neuroblastoma that may be a target for MS by studying tumor biology.

Procedure

FISH on chromosome 1 and MYCN analysis was performed on 453 patients that were classified into three clinical groups (287 infants found by MS, 51 infants < 12 months diagnosed clinically, and 115 children ≥12 months diagnosed clinically). The relationship between the biological types of tumors and the clinical outcome was examined.

Results

Type 1 (trisomy 1 and normal MYCN), type 2 (disomy 1/tetrasomy 1 and normal MYCN), and type 3 (disomy 1/tetrasomy 1 and amplified MYCN) tumors were found in 88.2%, 10.5%, and 1.4% of infants found by MS, in 68.0%, 24.0%, and 8.0% of infants diagnosed clinically, and in 23.4%, 42.3%, and 34.2% of children diagnosed clinically (P < 0.001). Infants with type 1 tumors found by MS or diagnosed clinically had earlier stages of the disease (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0005) and better overall survival (P < 0.001 and P = 0.005) than children with type 1 tumors diagnosed clinically. Infants with type 2 tumors found by MS, had earlier stages (P = 0.06 and P < 0.0001) and better overall survival (P = 0.014 and P < 0.001) than infants or children with type 2 tumors diagnosed clinically. All three clinical groups of patients with type 3 tumors had advanced stages and dismal prognoses.

Conclusions

About 12% of tumors found by MS showed unfavorable biological (types 2 and 3) characteristics. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protein flexibility and rigidity predicted from sequence
Authors: Schlessinger Avner , Rost Burkhard
Published: August 2005

Structural flexibility has been associated with various biological processes such as molecular recognition and catalytic activity. In silico studies of protein flexibility have attempted to characterize and predict flexible regions based on simple principles. B‐values derived from experimental data are widely used to measure residue flexibility. Here, we present the most comprehensive large‐scale analysis of B‐values. We used this analysis to develop a neural network–based method that predicts flexible–rigid residues from amino acid sequence. The system uses both global and local information (i.e., features from the entire protein such as secondary structure composition, protein length, and fraction of surface residues, and features from a local window of sequence‐consecutive residues). The most important local feature was the evolutionary exchange profile reflecting sequence conservation in a family of related proteins. To illustrate its potential, we applied our method to 4 different case studies, each of which related our predictions to aspects of function. The first 2 were the prediction of regions that undergo conformational switches upon environmental changes (switch II region in Ras) and the prediction of surface regions, the rigidity of which is crucial for their function (tunnel in propeller folds). Both were correctly captured by our method. The third study established that residues in active sites of enzymes are predicted by our method to have unexpectedly low B‐values. The final study demonstrated how well our predictions correlated with NMR order parameters to reflect motion. Our method had not been set up to address any of the tasks in those 4 case studies. Therefore, we expect that this method will assist in many attempts at inferring aspects of function. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stretching Exercises to Reduce Symptoms of Postoperative Neck Discomfort after Thyroid Surgery: Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Takamura Yuuki , Miyauchi Akira , Tomoda Chisato , Uruno Takashi , Ito Yasuhiro , Miya Akihiro , Kobayashi Kaoru , Matsuzuka Fumio , Amino Nobuyuki , Kuma Kanji
Published: August 2005

Patients who undergo thyroid surgery frequently suffer from unpleasant symptoms such as a stretching, choking, or pressing feeling or discomfort in the neck for a long time. The usefulness of rehabilitation (i.e., a stretching exercise) for reducing these symptoms after surgery has never been studied. In the present study, attempts were made to evaluate the usefulness of the stretching exercise in reducing disagreeable postoperative symptoms in the patients who had undergone thyroid surgery. A total of 409 patients, including 234 thyroid cancer patients, were randomly divided into a stretching group (n = 204) and a control group (n = 205). Patients in the stretching group were instructed that the stretching exercise was to be performed three times a day beginning the morning following surgery. A questionnaire survey was performed before surgery and then 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. Total symptom scores obtained from the questionnaire survey from the control group and the stretching group were compared. The use of analgesics was also investigated. Postoperative neck symptoms declined gradually over the course of a year, and the total symptom scores were significantly (p < 0.001) lower in the stretching group than in the control group at all points throughout the year (1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year). The mean requirement for the use of analgesics during hospitalization was significantly (p < 0.0001) less in the stretching group (1.6 ± 2.3 tablets, mean ± SD) than in the control group (3.1 ± 3.8 tablets). The stretching exercise had effectively reduced postoperative neck symptoms and also reduced the use of analgesics after thyroid surgery.
Why an unsurpassable being cannot create a surpassable world
Authors: STEINBERG JESSE R.
Published: August 2005

Daniel and Frances Howard-Snyder suggest that it is possible for an omnipotent being, Jove, to create randomly a world from a continuum of ever more perfect possible worlds. They then go on to argue that Jove could be characterized as morally unsurpassable despite creating a surpassable world. I raise a number of problems for the view that Jove could be characterized as morally unsurpassable when he creates (randomly or not) a surpassable world.
Gradient‐based estimation of local parameters for flow and transport in heterogeneous porous media
Authors: Stöhr M. , Roth K.
Published: August 2005

We present the application of the gradient‐based total least squares (TLS) method to the local estimation of parameters for flow and transport in porous media. The concept is based on the evaluation of partial derivatives of spatially and temporally resolved data using TLS as a maximum likelihood estimator. While ordinary inverse modeling approaches are often complicated by the spatially varying properties of porous media, the present approach can directly localize the estimation to an arbitrary range in space and time. The estimation of the local parameters can be achieved without requiring any explicit solution of the respective transport equation. First the basic ideas and the formalism of TLS are introduced with a simple example of a straight line fit. Then the ideas of the gradient‐based approach and its application to the parameter estimation for a large class of dynamic processes are presented. We further discuss relevant computational issues such as the calculation of the derivatives, choice of the local neighborhood and the determination of a measure of confidence. The performance of the method is then exemplified by the estimation of local velocities and dispersion coefficients from numerical solutions of the convection‐dispersion equation.
Mechanisms of memory loss in Aβ and tau mouse models
Authors: Ashe K.H.
Published: August 2005

Although memory loss is the central symptom of Alzheimer's disease, the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to dementia are poorly understood. It is difficult to answer this issue with studies in humans and impossible in cultured cells. Therefore animal models are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms leading to dementia. The chief neuropathological changes during Alzheimer's disease, namely neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques, have helped us to determine which molecules to focus upon in the animal models, specifically Aβ (amyloid β) and tau. This paper presents my perspective on what we have learnt about mechanisms of memory loss from Aβ and tau mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.
Compartmentalized signalling of Ras
Authors: Philips M.R.
Published: August 2005

Ras proteins associate with cellular membranes by virtue of a series of post-translational modifications of their C-terminal CAAX sequences. The discovery that two of the three enzymes that modify CAAX proteins are restricted to the endoplasmic reticulum led to the recognition that all nascent Ras proteins transit endomembranes en route to the PM (plasma membrane) and that at steady-state N-Ras and H-Ras are highly expressed on the Golgi apparatus. To test the hypothesis that Ras proteins on internal membranes can signal, we developed a fluorescent probe that reports when and where in living cells Ras becomes active. We found that growth factors stimulated rapid and transient activation of Ras on the PM followed by delayed and sustained activation on the Golgi. We mapped one pathway responsible for this activity as involving PLCγ (phospholipase Cγ)/DAG (diacylglycerol)+Ca2+/RasGRP1. Using mammalian cells and fission yeast, we have shown that differential localization of activated Ras preferentially activates distinct signalling pathways. In very recent work, we have found that (i) the subcellular localization of K-Ras can be acutely modulated by phosphorylation of its C-terminal hypervariable region by PKC, (ii) among the membranes upon which phosphorylated K-Ras accumulates is the outer mitochondrial membrane and (iii) phosphorylated, internalized K-Ras promotes apoptosis. Thus the signalling output of Ras depends on its subcellular localization.
Action of a library of O-glycosylation inhibitors on the growth of human colorectal cancer cells in culture
Authors: Patsos G. , Hebbe-Viton V. , San Martin R. , Paraskeva C. , Gallagher T. , Corfield A.
Published: August 2005

O-glycosylation is thought to play a significant role in the regulation of cell growth. However, only limited information is available, and few specific and selective inhibitors have been found. We have synthesized a library of O-glycosylation inhibitors based on benzyl-O-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine. These inhibitors were tested with an established series of human colorectal cancer cell lines, which model the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Cancer cells were incubated with the inhibitors, and examined for cell growth patterns, and cellular and subcellular glycosylation using a range of lectins with confocal microscopy. The specificity of O-glycan inhibition was confirmed for the library, relative to other forms of glycosylation. All inhibitors tested resulted in smaller cell yields. However, a differential effect on O-glycosylation was detected using the lectins showing variation of localization at a subcellular level in the various cell lines. Further differential action of the inhibitor library was observed for apoptosis and on the cell cycle with the cell lines tested. This work demonstrates that O-glycosylation is closely involved in the regulation of cell growth in colorectal cancer cells and that the generation of a library of low-molecular-mass inhibitors offers a valuable means of examining this regulation at the molecular level.
Biophysical tools to monitor enzyme–ligand interactions of enzymes involved in vitamin biosynthesis
Authors: Ciulli A. , Abell C.
Published: August 2005

Knowledge of biomolecular interactions is of importance to our understanding of biological processes such as enzyme catalysis and inhibition. Biophysical techniques enable sensitive detection and accurate characterization of binding and are therefore powerful tools in enzymology and rational drug design. The applications of NMR spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry to study enzyme–ligand interactions will be discussed. Recent work on ketopantoate reductase, which catalyses an important step on the biosynthetic pathway to vitamin B5, is used to illustrate the potential of this approach.
Structural features and nucleotide-binding capability of the C subunit are integral to the regulation of the eukaryotic V1Vo ATPases
Authors: Grüber G.
Published: August 2005

V-ATPases (vacuolar ATPases) are responsible for acidification of intracellular compartments and, in certain cases, proton transport across the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells. They are composed of a catalytic V1 sector, in which ATP hydrolysis takes place, and the Vo sector, which functions in proton conduction. The best established mechanism for regulating the V-ATPase activity in vivo involves reversible dissociation of the V1 and Vo domains, in which subunit C is intimately involved. In the last year, impressive progress has been made in elucidating the structure of the C subunit and its arrangement inside the V-ATPase. Nucleotide occupancy by subunit C, followed by conformational changes of this subunit has shed light on the mechanism of V-ATPase regulation.
Control of negative ion density in SF6∕Ar capacitive discharges
Authors: You S. J. , Kim S. S. , Chang H. Y.
Published: August 2005

A method to control negative ion density in SF6∕Ar capacitive discharges with a biased grid is proposed. It is observed that the negative ion density and its ratio to positive ion density are variable in a wide range from 2.8×107 to 4×109cm−3 and from 0.18 to 0.86, respectively, depending on the grid bias voltage. To investigate the effect of grid bias on negative ion generation, electron energy distribution functions (EEDFs) are measured and rate constants for electron attachment reactions are calculated at various bias voltages. Results are shown that the attachment processes are predominantly governed by the fraction of low energy electrons in the EEDF, which is controllable using the grid bias.
Monte Carlo simulations of hydrogen adsorption in alkali-doped single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Hu Naiping , Sun Xiaoyang , Hsu Andrew
Published: August 2005

Monte Carlo simulations and Widom’s test particle insertion method have been used to calculate the solubility coefficients (S) and the adsorption equilibrium constants (K) in single-walled (10,10) armchair carbon nanotubes including single nanotubes, and nanotube bundles with various configurations with and without alkali dopants. The hydrogen adsorption isotherms at room temperature were predicted by following the Langmuir adsorption model using the calculated constants S and K. The simulation results were in good agreement with experimental data as well as the grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation results reported in the literature. The simulations of nanotube bundle configurations suggest that the gravimetric hydrogen adsorption increases with internanotube gap size. It may be attributed to favorable hydrogen-nanotube interactions outside the nanotubes. The effect of alkali doping on hydrogen adsorption was studied by incorporating K+ or Li+ ions into nanotube arrays using a Monte Carlo simulation. The results on hydrogen adsorption isotherms indicate hydrogen adsorption of 3.95wt% for K-doping, and 4.21wt% for Li-doping, in reasonable agreement with the experimental results obtained at 100atm and room temperature.
Vorticity spectra in high Reynolds number anisotropic turbulence
Authors: Morris Scott C. , Foss John F.
Published: August 2005

Assuming a turbulent flow to be homogeneous and isotropic allows for significant theoretical simplification in the description of its motions. The validity of these assumptions, first put forth by Kolmogorov [A. N. Kolmogorov, “The local structure of turbulence in incompressible viscous fluids for very large Reynolds numbers,” C. R. Acad. Sci. URSS 30, 301 (1941)], has been the subject of considerable analytical development and extensive research as they are applied to actual flows. The present investigation describes the one-dimensional vorticity spectra of two flow fields: a single stream shear layer and the near surface region of an atmospheric boundary layer. Both flow fields exhibit a power-law region with a slope of −1 in the one-dimensional spectra of the spanwise component of vorticity in the same wave-number range for which the velocity spectra indicated the isotropic behavior. This is in strong disagreement with the isotropic prediction, which does not exhibit a power-law behavior.
Chaos in a complex plasma
Authors: Sheridan T. E.
Published: August 2005

Chaotic dynamics is observed experimentally in a complex (dusty) plasma of three particles. A low-frequency sinusoidal modulation of the plasma density excites both the center-of-mass and breathing modes. Low-dimensional chaos is seen for a 1:2 resonance between these modes. A strange attractor with a dimension of 2.48±0.05 is observed. The largest Lyapunov exponent is positive.
The relationship between the Wigner-Weyl kinetic formalism and the complex geometrical optics method
Authors: Maj Omar
Published: August 2005

The relationship between two different asymptotic techniques, namely, the Wigner-Weyl kinetic formalism and the complex geometrical optics method, is addressed within the framework of semiclassical theory of wave propagation. More specifically, in correspondence to appropriate boundary conditions, the solution of the wave kinetic equation, relevant to the Wigner-Weyl formalism, is obtained in terms of the corresponding solution of the complex geometrical optics equations. In particular, this implies that the two considered techniques yield the same wavefield intensity. Such a result is also discussed on the basis of the analytical solution of the wave kinetic equation specific to Gaussian beams of electromagnetic waves propagating in a “lens-like” medium for which the complex geometrical optics solution is already available.
Measurement of erosion rate by absorption spectroscopy in a Hall thruster
Authors: Yamamoto Naoji , Yokota Shigeru , Matsui Makoto , Komurasaki Kimiya , Arakawa Yoshihiro
Published: August 2005

The erosion rate of a Hall thruster was estimated with the objective of building a real-time erosion rate monitoring system using a 1kW class anode layer type Hall thruster. This system aids the understanding of the tradeoff between lifetime and performance. To estimate the flux of the sputtered wall material, the number density of the sputtered iron was measured by laser absorption spectroscopy using an absorption line from ground atomic iron at 371.9935nm. An ultravioletAlxInyGa(1−x−y)N diode laser was used as the probe. The estimated number density of iron was 1.1×1016m−3, which is reasonable when compared with that measured by duration erosion tests. The relation between estimated erosion rate and magnetic flux density also agreed with that measured by duration erosion tests.
Spectroscopic system for emission and absorption studies of laser produced plasmas in the extreme ultraviolet
Authors: Nicolosi P. , Pelizzo M.-G. , Poletto L. , Epulandi L.
Published: August 2005

The experimental characterization of a stigmatic spectroscopic system for the diagnostics of laser-produced plasmas in the 50–450Å spectral region is presented. The instrument provides stigmatic spectra for on-axis sources and fully preserves spectral resolution also for off-axis sources. Expected theoretical performances have been compared with experimental results. Spectral and spatial resolution capabilities have been proved to match the nominal ones theoretically predicted. A laser-produced plasma experiment has been also carried out to demonstrate the instrument capabilities. The use of a stigmatic spectrometer and an image detector gives spectrally and spatially resolved images of the plasma source. The good instrumental sensitivity and high dynamic range allow to acquire complete spectra in almost single-shot experiments.
Bulk-like pentacene epitaxial films on hydrogen-terminated Si(111)
Authors: Shimada Toshihiro , Nogawa Hiroyuki , Hasegawa Tetsuya , Okada Ryusuke , Ichikawa Hisashi , Ueno Keiji , Saiki Koichiro
Published: August 2005

The epitaxial growth of pentacene on hydrogen-terminated Si(111) is reported. Reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) revealed that the crystal packing resembles that in the bulk crystal even at a monolayer thickness, which was maintained in multilayers. A ripening effect was clearly observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). These results are important to obtain oriented crystalline films of pentacene combined with silicon microdevices with reduced defect densities.
Assemblies of silicon nanoparticles roll up into flexible nanotubes
Authors: Chaieb Sahraoui , Nayfeh Munir H. , Smith Adam D.
Published: August 2005

When a colloidal dispersion of fluorescent 1 nm silicon nanoparticles in alcohol is subjected to an electric field, the nanoparticles are driven to the surface of the anode substrate, where they form a thin film. Upon drying, the film delaminates from the surface of the anode and rolls up into ∼100μm long nanotube. Nanotube diameters ranging from 0.2 to 5μm with wall thicknesses in the range of 20–40 nm have been achieved. By applying a force on the tubes using atomic force microscopy, we estimate Young’s modulus of the film and find it to be close to that of rubber. We also study the crystalline structure of the film using electron diffraction and find it to be quartzlike.
Negative-U property of oxygen vacancy in cubic HfO2
Authors: Feng Y. P. , Lim A. T. L. , Li M. F.
Published: August 2005

Oxygen vacancy in cubic HfO2 was investigated using first-principles calculation based on density functional theory and generalized gradient approximation. Five different charge states (V++, V+, V0, V−, and V−−) were investigated. It was found that the oxygen vacancy in HfO2 has negative-U behavior and it is energetically favorable for the vacancy to trap two electrons or two holes when the respective charges are injected into the oxide, due to large electron-lattice interaction. Therefore, oxygen vacancy is a main source of charge traps in both n- and p-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors based on HfO2, and reducing such defects will be useful in limiting charge trapping and in improving the quality of the high-k dielectric in modern complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technology.
Ferromagnetic ordering in nanostructured Mn-doped InP
Authors: Poddar P. , Sahoo Y. , Srikanth H. , Prasad P. N.
Published: August 2005

We report the observation of ferromagnetic ordering at 25K in a diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) nanoparticle system: In0.9Mn0.1P, sized 3nm. These particles were synthesized using a novel nanochemical technique without using any external surfactant. Structural and elemental characterizations established the occurrence of the zinc-blende phase of the DMS without any separate or induced impurity phase. A robust onset of ferromagnetic order is observed in magnetization measurements at around 25K with blocked state behavior below 15K characteristic of magnetic nanoparticles. The system shows strong frequency dependence of the susceptibility, similar to the behavior observed for spin glasses. Reversible transverse susceptibility experiments done using a resonant radio-frequency (rf) method reveal a strong temperature-dependent effective anisotropy.
Primate lentiviral virion infectivity factors are substrate receptors that assemble with cullin 5–E3 ligase through a HCCH motif to suppress APOBEC3G
Authors: Luo Kun , Xiao Zuoxiang , Ehrlich Elana , Yu Yunkai , Liu Bindong , Zheng Shu , Yu Xiao-Fang
Published: August 2005

Cullin–Ring E3 ubiquitin ligases target substrates for ubiquitin-dependent, proteasome-mediated degradation and regulate critical cellular processes. These cullins assemble with cellular substrate receptor proteins through specific adaptor molecules. F-box- and BC-box-containing receptors use Skp1, ElonginB, and ElonginC as adaptors to recruit Cul1/Cul7 and Cul2/Cul5, respectively. At present, the determinants of Cul2 vs. Cul5 specificity for the BC-box-containing receptors are poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that primate lentiviral Vif (virion infectivity factor) proteins represent previously uncharacterized substrate receptor proteins that contain divergent BC-box motifs. These molecules selectively assemble with a Cul5–E3 ligase to suppress the antiviral activity of autologous cytidine deaminase APOBEC3G. A previously unrecognized Hx
5
Cx
17-18
Cx
3-5
H motif that is highly conserved among all primate lentiviral Vif proteins was found to be critical for the selective assembly and activity of Vif–Cul5–E3 ligase. Non-primate lentiviral Vif proteins, which lack this HCCH motif, displayed reduced interaction with Cul5. These data suggest that in addition to target protein specificity, substrate receptor proteins play important roles in cullin selection and functional assembly of cullin-Ring E3 ligases. The discovery of these viral substrate receptor molecules that recruit Cul5 through distinct mechanisms from cellular proteins may facilitate the identification of additional cellular factors that regulate cellular functions through Cul5–E3 ligase. Motifs in Vif that are absent from cellular proteins could also be targets for the development of innovative therapeutics.
Enriched environment promotes behavioral and morphological recovery in a mouse model for the fragile X syndrome
Authors: Restivo Leonardo , Ferrari Francesca , Passino Enrica , Sgobio Carmelo , Bock Jörg , Oostra Ben A. , Bagni Claudia , Ammassari-Teule Martine
Published: August 2005

Fragile X syndrome, the most frequent form of hereditary mental retardation, is due to a mutation of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (
FMR1
) gene on the X chromosome. Like fragile X patients,
FMR1
-knockout (
FMR1
-KO) mice lack the normal fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) and show both cognitive alterations and an immature neuronal morphology. We reared
FMR1
-KO mice in a C57BL/6 background in enriched environmental conditions to examine the possibility that experience-dependent stimulation alleviates their behavioral and neuronal abnormalities.
FMR1
-KO mice kept in standard cages were hyperactive, displayed an altered pattern of open field exploration, and did not show habituation. Quantitative morphological analyses revealed a reduction in basal dendrite length and branching together with more immature-appearing spines along apical dendrites of layer five pyramidal neurons in the visual cortex. Enrichment largely rescued these behavioral and neuronal abnormalities while increasing α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) glutamate receptor subunit 1 (GluR1) levels in both genotypes. Enrichment did not, however, affect FMRP levels in the WT mice. These data suggest that FMRP-independent pathways activating glutamatergic signaling are preserved in
FMR1
-KO mice and that they can be elicited by environmental stimulation.
Structure and distribution of the phosphoprotein phosphatase genes, prpA and prpB, among Shigella subgroups
Authors: Li Baoguang , Brown Eric W. , D'Agostino Christine , LeClerc J. Eugene , Cebula Thomas A.
Published: August 2005

Phosphoprotein phosphatases encoded by theprpAandprpBgenes function in signal transduction pathways for degradation of misfolded proteins in the extracytoplasmic compartments ofEscherichia coli. In order to trace the evolution ofprpgenes and assess their roles in other enteric pathogens, the structure and distribution of these genes among closely related Shigella subgroups were studied. PCR amplification, probe hybridization studies and DNA sequencing were used to determine theprpgenotypes of 58 strains from the four Shigella subgroups, Dysenteriae, Boydii, Sonnei and Flexneri. It was found that theprpalleles among Shigella subgroups were extremely susceptible to gene inactivation and that the mutations involved inprpallele inactivation were varied. They included IS insertions, gene replacement by an IS element, a small deletion within the gene or large deletion engulfing the entire gene region, and base substitutions that generated premature termination codons. As a result, of 58 strains studied, only eight (14 %) possessed intactprpAandprpBgenes. Of the Shigella strains examined, 76 % (44/58) showed at least one of theprpalleles inactivated by one or more IS elements, including IS1, IS4, IS600and IS629. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that IS elements have been independently acquired in multiple lineages of Shigella, suggesting that loss of functional alleles has been advantageous during Shigella strain evolution.
Altered morphology produced by ftsZ expression in Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13869
Authors: Ramos Angelina , Letek Michal , Campelo Ana Belén , Vaquera José , Mateos Luis M. , Gil José A.
Published: August 2005

Corynebacterium glutamicum is a Gram-positive bacterium that lacks the cell division FtsA protein and actin-like MreB proteins responsible for determining cylindrical cell shape. When the cell division ftsZ gene from C. glutamicum (ftsZCg
) was cloned in different multicopy plasmids, the resulting constructions could not be introduced into C. glutamicum; it was assumed that elevated levels of FtsZ
Cg
result in lethality. The presence of a truncated ftsZCg
and a complete ftsZCg
under the control of Plac led to a fourfold reduction in the intracellular levels of FtsZ, generating aberrant cells displaying buds, branches and knots, but no filaments. A 20-fold reduction of the FtsZ level by transformation with a plasmid carrying the Escherichia coli lacI gene dramatically reduced the growth rate of C. glutamicum, and the cells were larger and club-shaped. Immunofluorescence microscopy of FtsZ
Cg
or visualization of FtsZ
Cg
–GFP in C. glutamicum revealed that most cells showed one fluorescent band, most likely a ring, at the mid-cell, and some cells showed two fluorescent bands (septa of future daughter cells). When FtsZ
Cg
–GFP was expressed from Plac, FtsZ rings at mid-cell, or spirals, were also clearly visible in the aberrant cells; however, this morphology was not entirely due to GFP but also to the reduced levels of FtsZ expressed from Plac. Localization of FtsZ at the septum is not negatively regulated by the nucleoid, and therefore the well-known occlusion mechanism seems not to operate in C. glutamicum.
Innovation and human resource management fit: an empirical study
Authors: Jiménez‐Jiménez Daniel , Sanz‐Valle Raquel
Published: August 2005

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the relationship between innovation and human resource management (HRM) from an empirical perspective, attempting to establish whether innovation determines the firm's HRM or conversely HRM influences the innovation level of the company

Design/methodology/approach

Literature is reviewed from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. On the basis of this review, some research hypotheses are formulated. Finally, these hypotheses are empirically tested on a sample of Spanish firms.

Findings

The results provide evidence for both hypotheses and offer more support for Schuler and Jackson's model than for Miles and Snow's model. In accordance with the previous literature, that in order to affect employee behaviour – and consequently promote company objectives – firms must develop a bundle of internally consistent HRM practices. However, what is still unresolved is which HRM practices should be included in that system.

Originality/value

Fills a gap in the literature, particularly in empirical research, with a focus on Spanish firms.
Identification and assessment of non‐traditional UK housing
Authors: Harrison Harry , Mullin Stephen , Reeves Barry , Stevens Alan
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To summarise research undertaken by the BRE into the identification and condition assessment, of non‐traditional housing. During the 1980s, defects were discovered in the design and construction of a number of house types designed and built before 1960 and these were subsequently designated as inherently defective under the Housing Defects legislation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved several years of investigation during which many different types of pre‐cast concrete, in situ‐concrete, steel‐ and timber‐framed housing systems were investigated. This research has culminated in the publication of a major new book and CDROM.

Findings

Overall the majority of non‐traditional dwellings have provided levels of performance not very different from many traditionally built dwellings of the same age. However, there are inherent defects with several systems. Some dwellings may be beyond economic repair.

Practical implications

The surveyor needs to be aware of the system of non‐traditional dwelling under inspection and to understand the likely defects and necessary remedial work.

Originality/value

This research will inform surveyors and home inspectors of the identification of non‐traditional dwellings, modes of failure of various systems, whether economic repair is possible and what remedial action should be proposed.
Planning conditions in Hong Kong
Authors: Wai‐Chung Lai Lawrence , Chi‐Wing Ho Daniel , Leung Hing‐Fung
Published: August 2005

Purpose

This paper was motivated by the absence of a government examination of and professional interest in planning conditions as a means of development control in Hong Kong. Proposes to examine this situation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research objective is achieved by a field survey and legal analysis of its findings. The field survey of all the 60 residential development projects in Hong Kong under comprehensive development area zoning subject to conditional planning permissions from 1998 to 2000 involving 119 planning applications was conducted to assess factual compliance with planning conditions.

Findings

The findings show that, while most physical planning obligations have been duly fulfilled in these projects, the non‐depositing of master layout plans for development poses actual and potential public domain problems of planning enforcement, building permission, conveyancing and property management. The major problems of non‐compliance are property purchasers being unable to fully appreciate the environment of a development when making a decision to buy; subsequent titles defects, unauthorised building works and operations. Suggestions are made to close the loopholes in planning law and to introduce a formal channel for retrospective rectification in the light of the social consequences of non‐compliance.

Originality/value

This paper is the first serious attempt to evaluate the importance of compliance with planning conditions in Hong Kong and its analysis should be of interest not only to local policy makers and professional people in particular, but also to researchers in comparative development control in general.
A new product launch strategy (NPLS) model for pharmaceutical companies
Authors: Trim Peter , Pan Hao
Published: August 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to make explicit how marketers employed in the pharmaceutical sector can ensure that the company is positioned in the industry as a result of a sustainable competitive advantage being achieved. Various factors are highlighted, including high research and development costs, stringent government regulations and cultural factors such as religion.

Design/methodology/approach

The new product launch strategy model outlined in this paper was developed from both secondary and primary sources. A literature review was undertaken, a number of in‐depth personal interviews and a focus group session were conducted, which involved managers within a pharmaceutical company. The research strategy encompassed the case study method and the NPLS model was validated and can be viewed as generalisable.

Findings

It is clear from the research undertaken that some marketing models are viewed as being too complex; however, it is generally appreciated that marketing models can be used to interpret complex relationships that are evident in a marketing system.

Research limitations/implications

Two weaknesses associated with the model were identified. First, the assumption that there was a one‐way relationship between the strategic launch decisions and the tactical launch decisions and, second, a feedback mechanism was absent that would provide users of the model with a means for evaluating their decisions and identifying alternative strategies and tactics. The model was amended and a feedback mechanism was introduced.

Practical implications

The NPLS model can be used by marketing practitioners to enhance communication between corporate level staff and subsidiary level staff, and can be used to implement and/or facilitate the strategic marketing concept within a pharmaceutical company. The model can also be used to focus attention on risk reduction/elimination associated with market entry.

Originality/value

The NPLS model is an addition to marketing knowledge and can assist marketing academics and researchers to understand better how marketing models can be constructed and implemented. The model can also be used by marketing practitioners employed by pharmaceutical companies to make tactical and strategic decisions; to evaluate a new product launch strategy; and to devise international marketing entry plans and strategies.
Numerical study of non‐equilibrium weakly ionized air flow past blunt bodies
Authors: Tchuen Ghislain , Burtschell Yves , Zeitoun David E.
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To compute the Navier‐Stokes equations of a non‐equilibrium weakly ionized air flow. This can help to have a better description of the flow‐field and the wall heat transfer in hypersonic conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The numerical approach is based on a multi block finite volume method and using a Riemann's solver based on a MUSCL‐TVD algorithm. In the flux splitting procedure the modified speed of sound, due to the electronic mode, is implemented.

Findings

A good description of the shock standoff distance, of the wall heat fluxes and of the peak of electron density number in the shock layer.

Research limitations/implications

The radiative effects are not included in this paper. For the very high Mach numbers, this can modify the shock layer parameters.

Practical implications

The knowledge of the wall heat transfer in the re‐entry body problems.

Originality/value

The building of a robust numerical code in order to well describe hypersonic air flow in high Mach numbers.
Integrating quality assurance systems in a merged higher education institution
Authors: Kistan Chandru
Published: August 2005

Purpose

This article seeks to highlight the challenges and issues that face merging higher education institutions and also to outline some of the challenges in integrating the quality assurance systems during the pre‐, interim and post‐merger phases in a merged university.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies of merged and merging institutions were critiqued to compare the similarities and differences. A range of issues experienced by two universities that recently merged in South Africa is explored.

Findings

It is clear that merging institutions is a thorny issue, and cannot be resolved quickly. The merging of institutions brings with it a whole host of challenges. The current literature review has found that merging higher education institutions globally is invariably unpredictable, as the institutions experience multifaceted complexities.

Practical implications

The lessons learned from this newly merged university can be a very useful resource and guide to those in leadership positions.

Originality/value

This article contributes to the current pool of information and offers practical guidance and assistance to institutions that have merged or are in the process of merging.