bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supporting enterprise design through multiple views
Authors: Yu Bing , Anne Harding Jennifer , Popplewell Keith
Published: July 2002

Manufacturing enterprises must satisfy customers’ needs, in order to sustain their position in the competitive market. This requires the enterprises to continuously design and produce new products. To handle new product introductions or changes to existing product ranges, enterprises must modify or re‐design their processes. Enterprise design and implementation is very expensive and time consuming. Hence, application of modelling techniques can be beneficial, first to avoid mistakes, which may result in loss of market position, and secondly to test alternative designs with minimum cost. Modelling a complex manufacturing enterprise requires a great amount of varied information. Thus, efficient collection and assessment of information are key factors in successful design. This paper introduces a multi‐view support tool, called Factory Design Process Views (FDP Views), which aims to facilitate the capture, evaluation, access and modification of all the information required by designers and management during an enterprise design.
Designing a performance measurement system for a high technology virtual engineering team – a case study
Authors: Hacker Marla E. , Lang Jonathan D.
Published: July 2002

Discusses the process and issues involved in developing a performance measurement system for a virtual engineering team working within a high technology environment. This team consists of members from many different sites across the world with a unique role in maintaining standardized manufacturing processes at the lowest possible cost. As a result, they faced many challenges including communication barriers, culture differences, as well as different reporting structures within each individual site. To help address these issues, a performance measurement system was developed to focus the team on the key actions affecting performance instead of the issues getting in the way. A measurement system was developed that linked the team’s objectives to its mission and identified the critical actions associated with each objective.
An ethical perspective on information systems evaluation
Authors: Ballantine J. , Levy M. , Martin A. , Munro I. , Powell P.
Published: July 2002

The evaluation of information systems (IS) is a major concern of business, and a variety of approaches have been developed to tackle the issue. These approaches vary in their use and usefulness, yet few consider or incorporate ethical aspects of the process and the outcomes. A framework for assessing the ethics of information systems evaluation approaches is developed and investigated. It is argued that ethical issues are an important and unavoidable feature of IS evaluation, despite their lack of consideration. A framework is developed that demonstrates that ethical considerations are implicit in the concept of evaluation in terms of its purposes, its processes and its involvement of people. Concludes by considering how evaluation approaches might be extended to include a more substantial ethical content.
CALS: an enabling strategy for agile management systems
Authors: Lyu JrJung
Published: July 2002

CALS (continuous acquisition and life‐cycle support) strategy which originated in the American military in 1985 is widely embraced by many countries to build a digitized product life‐cycle supporting environment for their industries. Given that an enterprise can find it easier to be agile through the implementation of the CALS strategy, it is apparent that CALS is an enabling strategy for an organization toward an agile management system. This paper discusses the key elements of the CALS strategy and derives the necessary tactics to tackle the application of the strategy. A practitioner can use the advice from this paper to implement an agile management system.
A consistent manufacturing data model to support virtual enterprises
Authors: Zhao J. , Cheung W.M. , Young R.I.M.
Published: July 2002

An integrated, exchangeable, sharable and distributed information environment is one of the crucial factors to ensure the competitive advantage of a virtual enterprise. A manufacturing model that describes an enterprise’s manufacturing capability information is an important part of such a distributed information infrastructure. This paper focuses on the definition of an object oriented manufacturing data model that can provide a consistent data structure for the construction of a manufacturing model for a virtual enterprise. The methodology that is employed to carry out the analysis and design of an object oriented manufacturing data model complies with the open distributed processing reference model. Unified modelling language (UML) class diagrams have been employed to represent the object oriented manufacturing data model with links to relevant ISO standards, which can be instantiated to generate a virtual, global manufacturing model. An experimental software system has been developed using ObjectStore OODBMS and Visual C++. An example manufacturing model for a simple virtual enterprise has been populated and can potentially be used to support product design and manufacturing decisions across a virtual enterprise.
Assessment of health status at two years of very low birthweight infants – clinical governance
Authors: Stutchfield P. , Nicklin S. , Minchom P. , Powell T. , Kelly A. , Klimach V. , Davies R. , Horrocks S.
Published: July 2002

Aims to establish a mechanism to determine prospectively the health status at two years of babies who weighed less than 1.5kg at birth, born and receiving neonatal intensive care in North Wales. Maternal and neonatal data on all babies discharged from each of the three units in North Wales meeting this criteria were collated by the study co‐ordinator. A mechanism for review of the health status at two years, corrected for gestational age, was established using the data set recommended by a working group convened by the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit and Oxford Regional Health Authority. The procedures developed and the outcome data, for a two year cohort of babies born in 1995 and 1996, are reported. Concludes that prevalence of severe disability was similar to that found in other studies, with a considerable number exhibiting impaired growth and delay in speech development.
A national audit to monitor and promote the uptake of clinical guidelines on the management of diabetes in pregnancy
Authors: Penney Gillian C. , Pearson Donald
Published: July 2002

Seeks to assess maternity care for women with Type 1 diabetes in relation to recommendations in a national clinical guideline using a criterion‐based clinical audit. The audit covered all 22 consultant‐led maternity units in Scotland, focusing on 268 completed pregnancies in women with Type 1 diabetes. Results are presented and discussed. Concludes that a national audit to monitor the impact of clinical guidelines proved feasible. Antenatal care is organised in line with guideline recommendations but there is lower provision of formal prepregnancy care. Pregnancy planning and periconceptual care fall short of recommendations but care during pregnancy is meticulous. Adverse pregnancy outcomes remain commoner than in non‐diabetic pregnancies.
Management of nasal trauma – widespread misuse of radiographs
Authors: Oluwasanmi A.F. , Pinto A.L.
Published: July 2002

Objective – to assess the reasons behind the widespread use of X‐ray in the management of nasal trauma despite the fact that it has no useful purpose, comparing the responses of doctors in Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments between the District General Hospitals (DGH) and the Teaching Hospitals. Method – a multiple‐choice questionnaire was sent to all doctors in Accidents and Emergency departments in the North‐West Region of England. Result – 212 questionnaires were sent out and 159 were returned. Amongst the 92 (57.9 per cent) doctors who use nasal radiographs, the overall most common reason is medico‐legal in 48 (52.1 per cent). A high proportion of DGH doctors use radiographs for diagnostic purposes and 35 (28.9 per cent) will refer patients based on X‐ray demonstration of nasal bone fracture. Other stated reasons included detection of unsuspected facial fracture, diagnosis of compound nasal fracture and foreign body detection. Conclusion – doctors need to be better informed that nasal radiography has no useful value. A clear clinical guideline should be set up nationwide to protect patients from unnecessary exposure to radiation. This will also save the time of the doctors, radiographers and patients. It will prevent inappropriate referrals. Money and other resources will therefore be better utilized.
Case management: a controlled evaluation of persons with diabetes
Authors: Lob Sibylle H. , Kohatsu Neal D.
Published: July 2002

Case management has been widely used with the intent of improving clinical outcomes while reducing medical costs. Studies of case management, however, have shown variable effectiveness. This study assessed the impact of a state health department case management program on hospitalizations, emergency department (ED) visits, and preventive services among persons with diabetes receiving Medicaid fee‐for‐service health care. The patients enrolled in the non‐disease‐specific case management program were low‐income, chronically ill and medically complex. Nurse case managers authorized and coordinated services in the home for these patients and established links to health‐care professionals and community resources. A retrospective, non‐randomized, controlled time series design using paid claims files was employed. Case management reduced admissions and hospital days but did not significantly impact ED visits or use of preventive services.
Consent and clinical governance: improving standards and skills
Authors: Cowan Jane
Published: July 2002

Obtaining appropriate and informed consent from patients is an integral part of provision of quality health care. Doctors are bound to obtain consent in a manner that is legally and ethically acceptable. The methods employed to train junior doctors in these principles vary from organisation to organisation and the knowledge base of both senior and junior clinicians is far from consistent. This paper raises some of the issues in relation to current practice and teaching and suggests ways in which the process can be improved – largely by introducing some basic standards that should be built on as expertise and skill develop. The author discusses the need for dissemination of information with regard to current national claims experience and the possibility of introducing the subject of consent into postgraduate examinations in a more widespread way.
Legal, decent and honest? Are quality assurance and rationing inseparable?
Authors: Franks Antony J.
Published: July 2002

Considers the nature of rationing, examining legal and ethical aspects in the context of current political resistance to admitting that rationing exists in the NHS. Considers the inherent contradictions in the two main ethical models (deontological and utilitarian) in relation to the tensions between the needs of individual patients and the wider needs of society. Argues that allocation of resources is inevitable and consideration is given to the merits of different ways of achieving this rationing. Considers the role of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence and concludes that it would be honest to admit that rationing exists and that it is difficult to implement.
The “ASQUAM” programme: improving the standards of maternity care, using democratic prioritisation, guidelines and audit
Authors: Johanson Richard B. , Rigby Claire
Published: July 2002

Evaluates the current success of projects within the Achieving Sustainable Quality in Maternity clinical effectiveness programme initiated in 1994 when 23 improvements in the standards of maternity care were chosen as priorities for improvement, and a further 22 added in 1996 and 1997. The interventions used to achieve improvement were guidelines, cyclical audit of cases, monthly feedback meetings, patient specific reminders and educational training sessions. The setting was North Staffordshire Maternity Acute and Community Services. Main outcome measures were measures of maternal morbidity and “near‐miss” mortality, perinatal morbidity and “near‐miss”, patients’ satisfaction, communication, staff well‐being. Presents results from the 45 audit topics. Concludes it is possible to achieve significant improvements in the quality of maternity care through the use of local guidelines, cyclical audit, monthly feedback meetings and training courses but there has not been the same success in achieving high standards in communication and informed choice.
From literature review to guidelines – a model for practice
Authors: Dawson Jane , Thomas Eileen
Published: July 2002

Implementation of “expert!” guidelines to achieve evidence‐based health care is a persisting problem. Education, strategic planning and project management have all been identified as crucial for successful local adoption. In a collaboration between a health authority and academic research unit, these elements were provided by active involvement with a group of community and hospital‐based nurses from related Trusts, following the development of evidence‐based guidelines on the management of leg ulcers. Detailed guidelines, easily accessible to local practitioners, were produced and subsequently launched by the health authority to local GPs and NHS Trusts. Nurses on the working party will act as a resource and change agent to colleagues and will produce the teaching pack and audit tool. The health authority plan to conduct a base‐line audit which local Trusts will be required to follow up at regular intervals. The project provides a model for introducing research‐based care at clinical level.
The care pathway: a tool to enhance clinical governance
Authors: Ellis Brian W. , Johnson Sue
Published: July 2002

A care pathway defines in detail the individual components of treatment for a group of patients. A well‐written pathway can lead to consistent care of the highest quality. There are both educational and audit advantages to the approach. The authors detail the means by which groups are selected and the care pathways written. An example of the benefits that can accrue comes from their experience at Ashford Hospital of running a pathway for patients having prostate surgery. The pathways are appreciated by patients, nurses, doctors and managers. Care is improved, costs contained and clinical governance enhanced.
Evaluation informed management and clinical governance
Authors: Ovretveit John
Published: July 2002

High or low quality is as much a result of how care systems are organised as it is a result of individual clinicians’ performance. Failure to introduce new care organisation or quality methods which research shows to be effective is as serious an omission as failing to act on poor clinical performance. Managers make many decisions about policies and organisation which affect the quality of care, but they rarely use evaluation research in making these decisions. Such research is difficult to find, produced using many different types of methods which are difficult for non‐experts to assess, often of poor quality, and difficult to translate to the local setting. However, managers can develop an evaluation informed practice, and make greater use of evaluation research in decisions with high cost or risk implications. The paper explains why the model of evidence‐based medicine is not appropriate, proposes instead a practical four‐step approach, and shows how managers can use evaluation in everyday practice.
Criteria for determining optimal time of discharge after total hip replacement
Authors: Wong Julia , Wong Shirley
Published: July 2002

Total hip replacement is a common and expensive procedure and any attempt to shorten the length of hospital stay safely is desirable. This paper proposes a scoring system specifically designed for this patient population, to determine the optimal timing of safe discharge and post‐acute care placement. The authors discuss the implications for the quality of patient care.
Grey literature as unconscious: causal subjectivity of the repressed in Lacan’s Theory
Authors: Theaux William
Published: July 2002

In this article, grey literature is identified as unregistered textuality (radicalizing its characteristics, such as the difficulty of its identification, access, bibliographic control, and its undervaluation, etc). It can be deduced that, in this scope, what is called “grey” represents a mode of expressing the unconscious that is described by psychoanalysis. This leads to a Freudian practical observation that no other than grey discourses can accurately talk about grey literature. I shall then suggest how the factor of cybernetics (aka artificial intelligence), according to the theory of Jacques Lacan, modifies this logical condition of “impossibility” to render a grey discourse by the University. This can also be described as the detection of the unregistered.
Mainstreaming environmental management
Authors: Carpenter David , Meehan Bart
Published: July 2002

Discusses the extent to which environmental management is considered a mainstream business activity within Australian and New Zealand universities. Describes how a survey instrument was used to collect data on environmental programs, their resourcing and control processes, and the level of community involvement in their development and ongoing management. These indicators of mainstreaming are discussed and particular reference is made to the Australian National University (ANU) and its experience with mainstreaming environmental management. The survey data indicate that in the majority of the surveyed institutions, environmental management cannot be considered a mainstream business activity. To aid universities in assessing their progress towards mainstreaming, a conceptual framework is presented and a model of organisational change is discussed.
A technical environmental protection curriculum in Germany
Authors: Fettig Joachim , Henne Karl‐Heinz , Maßmeyer Klaus
Published: July 2002

For 11 years, the Division of Applied Science, University of Paderborn, has offered a four‐year undergraduate technical environmental protection course. More than 500 graduates have completed the programme so far. By means of regular surveys, the job situations of the graduates are evaluated, and feedback about the strengths and weaknesses of the education is requested. In addition, the faculty members keep in close contact with potential employers by supervising students during their professional practical training and by joint projects. The results of this exchange of information and ideas with respect to the professional situation and perspective are described.
A case study on research for sustainable management
Authors: Grablowitz Alexander , Rudeloff Monika , Voss Gerhard
Published: July 2002

Support for environmental research has a long tradition at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. A new funding priority establishes a new substantive priority area – sustainable management. The purpose is to develop strategies and solutions for sustainable management and test them in real life through cooperation between research institutions, industry and consumers. The results of 18 collaborative projects should help to exploit the potential for sustainable management in the private sectors, set new priorities in research on business management and initiate standardisation processes towards sustainable management. A support process has to pass the results of the projects as well as their implications for sustainable management on to potential users. The research projects altogether cover four priority areas; namely, information technology instruments, controlling instruments, planning instruments and communication instruments.
DutchESS: Dutch Electronic Subject Service – a Dutch national collaborative effort
Authors: Peereboom Marianne
Published: July 2002

This article gives an overview of the design and organisation of DutchESS, a Dutch information gateway created as a national collaborative effort of the National Library and a number of academic libraries. The combined centralised and distributed model of DutchESS is discussed, as well as its selection policy, its metadata format, classification scheme and retrieval options. Also some options for future collaboration on an international level are explored.
SOSIG: an Internet hub for the social sciences, business and law
Authors: Hiom Debra
Published: July 2002

SOSIG (Social Science Information Gateway) aims to provide a trusted source of selected, high quality Internet information for researchers and practitioners in the social sciences, business and law. This article tracks the development of the gateway since its inception in 1994, describes the current features and looks at some of the associated research and development areas that are taking place around the service including the automatic classification of Web resources and experiments with multilingual thesauri.
SSG‐FI – special subject gateways to high quality Internet resources for scientific users
Authors: Fischer Thomas , Neuroth Heike
Published: July 2002

Project SSG‐FI at the Lower Saxony State and University Library, Göttingen (Germany) provides special subject gateways to international high quality Internet resources for scientific users. Internet sites are selected by subject specialists and described using an extension of qualified Dublin Core metadata. A basic evaluation is added. These descriptions are freely available and can be searched and browsed. There are now subject gateways for three subject areas: earth sciences (Geo‐guide); mathematics (Mathguide); and Anglo‐American culture (split into History guide and Anglistik guide). Together they receive about 3,300 “hard” requests per day, thus reaching over 1 million requests per year. The project SSG‐FI behind these guides is open to collaboration. Institutions and private persons wishing to contribute can notify the SSG‐FI team or send full data sets. Regular contributors can request registration with the project to access the database via the Internet and create and edit records.
Internet service providers: an Indian scenario
Authors: Subba Rao Siriginidi
Published: July 2002

An Internet service provider is examined, along with the factors that should be considered when entering the ISP market. The global Internet scenario is discussed regarding the phases of the Internet in India, i.e. pre and post commercialisation. The main players are described: ERNET, NICNET, STPI, VSNL, MTNL, Satyam Infoway and Bharti‐BT. The financial and legal implications are highlighted in the Indian context. Many companies entered the nascent ISP business in India due to deregulation. Building local content, foreknowledge of new Internet technologies, connecting issues, competitiveness, etc. would help in their sustainability.
The cellular phone economy in the SADC region: implications for libraries
Authors: Mutula Stephen M.
Published: July 2002

A review of relevant literature reveals a great deal of information on the possible use of cell phones for Internet access via the emerging wireless application protocol (WAP) technology, but little information if any exists about the link between cell phones and libraries. Going by the wide use of wireless networks in libraries especially in Western countries, it is possible that as cell phone technology continues to evolve and mature it could have a significant impact on libraries in the same way the Internet did. Ironically, today, a review of cell phone use in libraries only reveals efforts that are being made to dissuade users from making or receiving calls on their handsets within libraries. Few efforts are geared towards exploring ways that cell phone technology could be used to enhance library operations. Attempts to demonstrate that cell phones may in future provide solutions to libraries’ problems of connectivity especially in the remote areas of the Southern African Development Community member states.
Intellectual capital and business performance in Malaysian industries
Authors: Bontis Nick , Chua Chong Keow William , Richardson Stanley
Published: July 2002

The purpose of this empirical study is to investigate the three elements of intellectual capital, i.e. human capital, structural capital, and customer capital, and their inter‐relationships within two industry sectors in Malaysia. The study was conducted using a psychometrically validated questionnaire which was originally administered in Canada. The main conclusions from this particular study are that: human capital is important regardless of industry type; human capital has a greater influence on how a business should be structured in non‐service industries compared to service industries; customer capital has a significant influence over structural capital irrespective of industry; and finally, the development of structural capital has a positive relationship with business performance regardless of industry. The final specified models in this study show a robust explanation of business performance variance within the Malaysian context which bodes well for future research in alternative contexts.
Intellectual capital literature review
Authors: Petty Richard , Guthrie James
Published: July 2002

The rise of the “new economy”, one principally driven by information and knowledge, is attributed to the increased prominence of intellectual capital (IC) as a business and research topic. Intellectual capital is implicated in recent economic, managerial, technological, and sociological developments in a manner previously unknown and largely unforeseen. Whether these developments are viewed through the filter of the information society, the knowledge‐based economy, the network society, or innovation, there is much to support the assertion that IC is instrumental in the determination of enterprise value and national economic performance. First, we seek to review some of the most significant extant literature on intellectual capital and its developed path. The emphasis is on important theoretical and empirical contributions relating to the measurement and reporting of intellectual capital. The second part of this paper identifies possible future research issues into the nature, impact and value of intellectual management and reporting.
Management of intangibles – An attempt to build a theory
Authors: Sánchez Paloma , Chaminade Cristina , Olea Marta
Published: July 2002

This article attempts to contribute to the development of a positive theory on the management of intangibles by building a model that describes the process followed by business firms willing to implement a system for the management of intangibles. The study reveals that companies usually take three steps: the identification of critical intangibles related to value creation, the measurement of those intangibles by means of a set of indicators and, finally, the monitoring of intangible resources and activities.
A conversation with Hubert Saint‐Onge
Authors: Chatzkel Jay
Published: July 2002

A conversation with Hubert Saint‐Onge, senior vice‐president for Strategic Capabilities at Clarica Life Insurance Company focusing on knowledge strategy and its implementation at Clarica, a large, knowledge‐driven financial services organization, where intangible assets are the most valuable assets. Saint‐Onge discusses how he reformulated the traditional human resources function into the new configuration called strategic capabilities which links strategy and performance. This new mandate takes into account both the greater importance of intangible assets and the principles related to leveraging organizational learning and knowledge. Saint‐Onge discusses how the strategic capabilities approach reframes the roles of people, technology, values, leadership and measurement in creating an evolving “sense and respond” organization. He emphasizes continuing the shifting of Clarica’s member workforce from a dependency to a self‐initiating orientation as a key requirement for ongoing success in this knowledge‐driven transformation.
Experience vs expertise
Authors: Jacob Merle , Ebrahimpur Golaleh
Published: July 2002

This article builds on data from case studies of two companies in two different industries to show how local and tacit notions of what is knowledge determine what types of intra‐organizational mechanisms for knowledge transfer are preferred in a given company setting. The article proposes that these tacit and informal views about knowledge constitute a knowledge culture which may in turn be used to assist managers in making informed choices with respect to knowledge management tools. A number of other conceptual and practical management implications are derived from this comparative case study.
Intellectual capital accounting and reporting in the knowledge economy
Authors: Seetharaman A. , Helmi Bin Zaini Sooria Hadi , Saravanan A.S.
Published: July 2002

Claims the greatest challenge facing the accounting profession is understanding the huge difference between its balance sheet and market valuation. This gap represents the core value of the company – its intellectual capital represented by brands, products, competitive advantage, patents, trade marks, customer relationships, R&D, human capital etc. The present financial accounting framework is criticised, especially in the USA and Europe, as inadequate and failing to communicate the most important assets and resources of today’s business, known as intangible assets or intellectual capital. As a result, there is a huge value gap and distortions between a business entity value as reported in the financial statements with the value put by investors on the stock market or even in merger and acquisitions cases. In the new knowledge economy (k‐economy), knowledge rather than physical assets drives innovations, revenue and profits growth, and nurtures new competitive advantages. Looks at the challenges encountered by accounting and where it is heading in the k‐economy environment.
Introducing officer systems in Japanese companies
Authors: Masui Kazuhito , Kakabadse Andrew
Published: July 2002

Notes that after a serious recession which is still haunting Japan, board members of Japanese corporations are being forced to restructure their decision‐making processes. The most popular method is the introduction of an officer system. But it is difficult to make this work without a complete overhaul of the management system, including shareholders’ meetings and the board of directors. Unfortunately, many companies have introduced an officer system in order to reduce the number of board members and avoid the risk of legal action by the shareholders. Their aim is to cut expenditure rather than to improve management. However, there are some companies in Japan which have handled the transition successfully. Argues that what Japanese corporations require now is a new professionalism in management, embracing both officers and directors. Professionalism involves accepting the responsibilities of one’s role and possessing the relevant skills. The short‐term need is to abandon the seniority system and install the right people in the right positions. In the longer term, the solution is to identify young professionals at an early stage and develop their ability to perform as future members of a management team.
Market crossroads: fertile ground for board development
Authors: Kipp Michael F. , Hunter Robert , Aspinall Mara
Published: July 2002

Governing boards are a bit like meteors above an organizational “planet”. If they position themselves too far above it all, they are likely to float at an innocuous distance, meaningless and without impact. On the other hand, if they plunge too deeply and quickly they are likely to burn up in the atmosphere, dissipating their well‐intentioned energy in a spate of “micromanagement”. This article describes a process for capitalizing on a market “crossroad” as an opportunity for board and staff alike to “rehearse” alternative views of the future, gain experience in the process of grappling with associated policy matters and make peace with both a shared vision and a more appropriate relationship with one another. Relevant concepts, tools and processes are outlined for adaptation by governing bodies in similar circumstances.
α‐Crystallin binds to the aggregation‐prone molten‐globule state of alkaline protease: Implications for preventing irreversible thermal denaturation
Authors: Tanksale Aparna , Ghatge Mohini , Deshpande Vasanti
Published: July 2002

α‐Crystallin, the major eye‐lens protein with sequence homology with heat‐shock proteins (HSPs), acts like a molecular chaperone by suppressing the aggregation of damaged crystallins and proteins. To gain more insight into its chaperoning ability, we used a protease as the model system that is known to require a propeptide (intramolecular chaperone) for its proper folding. The protease (“N” state) from Conidiobolus macrosporus (NCIM 1298) unfolds at pH 2.0 (“U” state) through a partially unfolded “I” state at pH 3.5 that undergoes transition to a molten globule‐ (MG) like “IA” state in the presence of 0.5 M sodium sulfate. The thermally‐stressed IA state showed complete loss of structure and was prone to aggregation. α‐Crystallin was able to bind to this state and suppress its aggregation, thereby preventing irreversible denaturation of the enzyme. The α‐crystallin‐bound IA state exhibited native‐like secondary and tertiary structure showing the interaction of α‐crystallin with the MG state of the protease. 8‐Anilinonaphthalene sulphonate (ANS) binding studies revealed the involvement of hydrophobic interactions in the formation of the complex of α‐crystallin and protease. Refolding of acid‐denatured protease by dilution to pH 7.5 resulted in aggregation of the protein. Unfolding of the protease in the presence of α‐crystallin and its subsequent refolding resulted in the generation of a near‐native intermediate with partial secondary and tertiary structure. Our studies represent the first report of involvement of a molecular chaperone‐like α‐crystallin in the unfolding and refolding of a protease. α‐Crystallin blocks the unfavorable pathways that lead to irreversible denaturation of the alkaline protease and keeps it in a near‐native, folding‐competent intermediate state.
Pcons: A neural‐network–based consensus predictor that improves fold recognition
Authors: Lundström Jesper , Rychlewski Leszek , Bujnicki Janusz , Elofsson Arne
Published: July 2002

During recent years many protein fold recognition methods have been developed, based on different algorithms and using various kinds of information. To examine the performance of these methods several evaluation experiments have been conducted. These include blind tests in CASP/CAFASP, large scale benchmarks, and long‐term, continuous assessment with newly solved protein structures. These studies confirm the expectation that for different targets different methods produce the best predictions, and the final prediction accuracy could be improved if the available methods were combined in a perfect manner. In this article a neural‐network‐based consensus predictor, Pcons, is presented that attempts this task. Pcons attempts to select the best model out of those produced by six prediction servers, each using different methods. Pcons translates the confidence scores reported by each server into uniformly scaled values corresponding to the expected accuracy of each model. The translated scores as well as the similarity between models produced by different servers is used in the final selection. According to the analysis based on two unrelated sets of newly solved proteins, Pcons outperforms any single server by generating ∼8%–10% more correct predictions. Furthermore, the specificity of Pcons is significantly higher than for any individual server. From analyzing different input data to Pcons it can be shown that the improvement is mainly attributable to measurement of the similarity between the different models. Pcons is freely accessible for the academic community through the protein structure‐prediction metaserver athttp://bioinfo.pl/meta/.
Structural comparison of recombinant human macrophage colony stimulating factor β and a partially reduced derivative using hydrogen deuterium exchange and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Y. Heidi , Yan Xuguang , Maier Claudia S. , Schimerlik Michael I. , Deinzer Max L.
Published: July 2002

Hydrogen deuterium exchange, monitored by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, has been employed to characterize structural features of a derivative of recombinant human macrophage colony stimulating factor beta (rhm‐CSFβ) in which two of the nine disulfide bridges (Cys157/Cys159–Cys′157/Cys′159) were selectively reduced and alkylated. Removal of these two disulfide bridges did not affect the biological activity of the protein. Similarities between CD and fluorescence spectra for rhm‐CSFβ and its derivative indicate that removing the disulfide bonds did not strongly alter the overall three‐dimensional structure of rhm‐CSFβ. However, differences between deuterium exchange data of the intact proteins indicate that more NHs underwent fast deuterium exchange in the derivative than in rhm‐CSFβ. Regions located near the disulfide bond removal site were shown to exhibit faster deuterium exchange behavior in the derivative than in rhm‐CSFβ.
Characterization of Ejl, the cell‐wall amidase coded by the pneumococcal bacteriophage Ej‐1
Authors: Sáiz José L. , López‐Zumel Consuelo , Monterroso Begoña , Varea Julio , Arrondo José Luis R. , Iloro Ibon , García José L. , Laynez José , Menéndez Margarita
Published: July 2002

The Ejl amidase is coded by Ej‐1, a temperate phage isolated from the atypical pneumococcus strain 101/87. Like all the pneumococcal cell‐wall lysins, Ejl has a bimodular organization; the catalytic region is located in the N‐terminal module, and the C‐terminal module attaches the enzyme to the choline residues of the pneumococcal cell wall. The structural features of the Ejl amidase, its interaction with choline, and the structural changes accompanying the ligand binding have been characterized by CD and IR spectroscopies, differential scanning calorimetry, analytical ultracentrifugation, and FPLC. According to prediction and spectroscopic (CD and IR) results, Ejl would be composed of short β‐strands (ca. 36%) connected by long loops (ca. 17%), presenting only two well‐predicted α‐helices (ca. 12%) in the catalytic module. Its polypeptide chain folds into two cooperative domains, corresponding to the N‐ and C‐terminal modules, and exhibits a monomer ↔ dimer self‐association equilibrium. Choline binding induces small rearrangements in Ejl secondary structure but enhances the amidase self‐association by preferential binding to Ejl dimers and tetramers. Comparison of LytA, the major pneumococcal amidase, with Ejl shows that the sequence differences (15% divergence) strongly influence the amidase stability, the organization of the catalytic module in cooperative domains, and the self‐association state induced by choline. Moreover, the ligand affinity for the choline‐binding locus involved in regulation of the amidase dimerization is reduced by a factor of 10 in Ejl. Present results evidence that sequence differences resulting from the natural variability found in the cell wall amidases coded by pneumococcus and its bacteriophages may significantly alter the protein structure and its attachment to the cell wall.
A Strategic Approach to Aggression
Authors: Archer John
Published: July 2002

Two issues raised by Underwood, Galen and Paquette (2001) are discussed in more detail. The distinction between indirect and relational forms of aggression is explored: although they coincide in many current studies, they involve potentially separate dimensions, so that social manipulation may occur face‐to‐face, and indirect aggression may not involve manipulating others. These forms of aggression are at the margins of the usual definitions of aggression, and may be better viewed as social strategies. The normative view of aggression inherent in the social information processing model is questioned from an evolutionary perspective, and in the light of research on bullying, which indicates that aggressive individuals may be socially skilled. This perspective coincides with the strategic approach arising from consideration of relational aggression.
For Some and Not Others: Developmental Perspectives on the Challenges of Change and Continuity
Authors: Durkin Kevin
Published: July 2002

Books reviewed:

Mark Bennett, (Ed.) Developmental Psychology: Achievements and Prospects
Large data sets in finance and marketing: introduction by the special issue editor
Authors: Franses Philip Hans
Published: July 2002

On December 18 and 19 of 1997, a small conference on the “Statistical Analysis of Large Data Sets in Business Economics” was organized by the Rotterdam Institute for Business Economic Studies. Eleven presentations were delivered in plenary sessions, which were attended by about 90 participants. The current issue of Statistica Neerlandica contains five papers originating from several of these presentations. All papers have been refereed, and revised according to the suggestions made by the reviewers. It is a great pleasure for me to introduce this issue with remarks on the specific field of interest, a brief discussion of the contents of this issue and acknowledgements. I hope the reader finds the issue useful and stimulating for further research.
On the Number of Conserved Quantities for the Two‐Layer Shallow‐Water Equations
Authors: Montgomery P. J. , Moodie T. B.
Published: July 2002

The shallow‐water equations for two‐layer inviscid flow with a free surface overlying a rigid horizontal bottom subject to gravitational forcing only are examined to determine the possible forms of conservation laws that the equations permit. In the case of a single layer with flow in only one horizontal direction, it is known that there are an infinite number of associated equations in conservation form, where the conserved quantity is a multinomial in the layer variables. The method used to determine this result is generalized to show that in the two‐layer case, the result does not generalize, and it is discovered that only a finite number of conservation equations exist when the density difference between the layers is nonzero. The subsequent conservation equations are given explicitly, and a systematic method for deriving conservation laws from an arbitrary first‐order system is described. For the case when the flow is in both horizontal dimensions, the method of analysis is straightforward in the one‐layer case, and the finite number of conservation equations are derived. The two‐layer case is similar, and the finite number of generalized conserved quantities are stated, although the question of whether or not there are only a finite number is posed as an open question.
Long‐Wave Instability in a Three‐Layer Stratified Shear Flow
Authors: Grimshaw Roger , Skyrnnikov Yuri
Published: July 2002

In inviscid fluid flows, instability can occur because of a resonance between two wave modes. For the case when the modes remain distinct at the critical point where the wave phase speeds coincide, then in the weakly nonlinear, long‐wave limit, there is an expectation that the generic outcome is a model consisting of two coupled Korteweg–deVries equations. This situation is examined for a certain three‐layer stratified shear flow.
Activation and sensitisation of low and high threshold afferent fibres mediated by P2X receptors in the mouse urinary bladder
Authors: Rong Weifang , Spyer K. Michael , Burnstock Geoffrey
Published: July 2002

It has been proposed that extracellular ATP may be involved in visceral mechanosensory transduction by activating ligand‐gated ion channels (P2X receptors). In this study, we have investigated the effects of the P2X3 agonist α,β‐methylene ATP (α,β‐meATP) and antagonist 2′,3′‐O‐trinitrophenyl‐ATP (TNP‐ATP) on pelvic afferents innervating the urinary bladder using an in vitro mouse bladder‐pelvic nerve preparation. Intravesical application of α,β‐meATP (0.03‐1 mm) increased multifibre discharges in a concentration‐dependent manner. The agonist potentiated, whereas TNP‐ATP (0.03 mm) attenuated, the multifibre responses to bladder distensions. Single‐unit analysis revealed that both high threshold (HT) fibres (> 15 mmHg; known to be associated with nociception) and low threshold (LT) fibres (< 15 mmHg; probably associated with non‐nociceptive events) could be induced to discharge by intravesical α,β‐meATP (1 mm, 0.1 ml). The response of the vast majority (21/22, 95.5 %) of HT fibres to bladder distensions was enhanced with a significantly reduced threshold and an increased peak response after exposure to the agonist. On the other hand, 59.7 % (46/77) of LT fibres showed a greater peak and a slightly reduced threshold for response to bladder distension in the presence of α,β‐meATP. An additional 11 ‘silent’ fibres became mechanosensitive after exposure to α,β‐meATP. TNP‐ATP (0.03 mm) did not affect the threshold of LT fibres, but it reduced the peak response of some (22/51, 43.1 %) LT fibres. Conversely, the antagonist resulted in a markedly elevated threshold and reduced peak activity in the majority (13/16, 81.3 %) of HT fibres. The results support the view that P2X3 receptor‐mediated mechanisms contribute to both nociceptive and non‐nociceptive (physiological) mechanosensory transduction in the urinary bladder.
Short‐ and medium‐term plasticity associated with augmenting responses in cortical slabs and spindles in intact cortex of cats in vivo
Authors: Timofeev Igor , Grenier François , Bazhenov Maxim , Houweling Arthur R. , Sejnowski Terrence J. , Steriade Mircea
Published: July 2002

Plastic changes in the synaptic responsiveness of neocortical neurones, which occur after rhythmic stimuli within the frequency range of sleep spindles (10 Hz), were investigated in isolated neocortical slabs and intact cortex of anaesthetized cats by means of single, dual and triple simultaneous intracellular recordings in conjunction with recordings of local field potential responses. In isolated cortical slabs (10 mm long, 6 mm wide and 4–5 mm deep), augmenting responses to pulse‐trains at 10 Hz (responses with growing amplitudes from the second stimulus in a train) were elicited only by relatively high‐intensity stimuli. At low intensities, responses were decremental. The largest augmenting responses were evoked in neurones located close to the stimulation site. Quantitative analyses of the number of action potentials and the amplitude and area of depolarization during augmenting responses in a population of neurones recorded from slabs showed that the most dramatic increases in the number of spikes with successive stimuli, and the greatest increase in depolarization amplitude, were found in conventional fast‐spiking (FS) neurones. The largest increase in the area of depolarization was found in regular‐spiking (RS) neurones. Dual intracellular recordings from a pair of FS and RS neurones in the slab revealed more action potentials in the FS neurone during augmenting responses and a significant increase in the depolarization area of the RS neurone that was dependent on the firing of the FS neurone. Self‐sustained seizures could occur in the slab after rhythmic stimuli at 10 Hz. In the intact cortex, repeated sequences of stimuli generating augmenting responses or spontaneous spindles could induce an increased synaptic responsiveness to single stimuli, which lasted for several minutes. A similar time course of increased responsiveness was obtained with induction of cellular plasticity. These data suggest that augmenting responses elicited by stimulation, as well as spontaneously occurring spindles, may induce short‐ and medium‐term plasticity of neuronal responses.