bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of hepcidin transcription by interleukin-1 and interleukin-6
Authors: Lee Pauline , Peng Hongfan , Gelbart Terri , Wang Lei , Beutler Ernest
Published: February 2005

Hepcidin is a peptide that regulates iron homeostasis by inhibiting iron absorption by the small intestine and release of iron from macrophages. Its production is stimulated by iron overload and by inflammation. It has been suggested that IL-6 is the only cytokine that stimulates hepcidin transcription. However, mice with targeted disruption of the gene encoding IL-6 (IL-6–/–) respond to endotoxin by increasing the expression of hepcidin transcripts in the liver. We show that incubating murine hepatocytes with IL-6, IL-1α, and IL-1β strongly stimulates hepcidin transcription. IL-10 has little or no stimulatory effect, and IFN-β inhibits transcription of hepcidin. All of the hepcidin stimulatory activity of macrophages from IL-6–/–mice can be accounted for by IL-1 that they secrete. Hepatocytes from IL-6–/–mice,hfe–/–mice, and mice with a hypomorphic transferrin receptor 2 mutation responded to IL-6 and IL-1 by up-regulating hepcidin transcription. Nitric oxide does not seem to be involved in the stimulation of hepcidin transcription by cytokines: aminoguanidine does not inhibit the stimulation of hepcidin transcription by cytokines. IL-1 may play a significant role in the anemia of inflammation by up-regulating hepcidin.
Epigenetic memory of active gene transcription is inherited through somatic cell nuclear transfer
Authors: Ng Ray K. , Gurdon John B.
Published: February 2005

The transplantation of somatic cell nuclei to enucleated eggs has shown that genes can be reprogrammed to an embryonic pattern of expression, thereby indicating a reversal of their epigenetic state. However, in
Xenopus
nuclear transfer experiments using both endoderm and neuroectoderm donor cells, we have observed substantial overexpression of donor cell type-specific genes, both spatially and temporally, in the wrong cell type in some nuclear transplant embryos. For example, more than half of the embryos prepared from transplanted neuroectoderm nuclei overexpressed the neuroectodermal marker gene
Sox2
to an excessive level in their endoderm cells. Because, in
Xenopus
, there is no transcription for the first 12 cell cycles, some somatic cell nuclei must remember a developmentally activated gene state and transmit this to their mitotic progeny in the absence of the conditions that induced that state. We also find that donor cell-specific genes are transcribed at an earlier stage than normal in an inappropriate cell type. This phenomenon of epigenetic memory applies to genes that are transcribed in donor nuclei; it does not influence those genes that are competent to be transcribed in nuclear transplant embryo tissue, but were not actually transcribed in donor nuclei at the time of nuclear transfer. We conclude that an epigenetic memory is established in differentiating somatic cells and applies to genes that are in a transcriptionally active state.
British—Chinese pupils' and parents' constructions of the value of education
Authors: Francis Becky , Archer Louise
Published: February 2005

The high achievement of British—Chinese pupils in the British education system is established in the official literature, but few studies have asked British—Chinese pupils or parents about the factors contributing to their success. This paper explores value of education as a possible contributory aspect. It investigates the extent to which British—Chinese pupils and their parents value education, and the rationale behind their constructions in this regard. Cultural issues in the transmission of values are also explored. The findings demonstrate that British—Chinese pupils and their parents place an extremely high value on education, irrespective of social class and gender. However, pupils and parents do not necessarily provide the same explanations for this value. There is evidence, though, that the discourse of ‘value of education’ is mobilised as part of a cultural construction of racialised boundaries relating to the diasporic habitus of the Chinese in Britain. The paper discusses the benefits, costs and consequences for Chinese parents and pupils of their elevation and prioritisation of education.
MMTV Env encodes an ITAM responsible for transformation of mammary epithelial cells in three-dimensional culture
Authors: Katz Elad , Lareef Mohamed H. , Rassa John C. , Grande Shannon M. , King Leslie B. , Russo Jose , Ross Susan R. , Monroe John G.
Published: February 2005

Expression of immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-containing signaling proteins is normally restricted to hematopoietic tissues. The basal activity of ITAM-containing proteins is mediated through negative regulation by coreceptors restricted to hematopoietic tissues. We have identified an ITAM signaling domain encoded within the env gene of murine mammary tumor virus (MMTV). Three-dimensional structures derived in vitro from murine cells stably transfected with MMTV env display a depolarized morphology in comparison with control mammary epithelial cells. This effect is abolished by Y>F substitution within the Env ITAM, as well as inhibitors of Syk and Src protein tyrosine kinases. Env-expressing cells bear hallmarks of cell transformation such as sensitivity to apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) or TNFα, as well as down-regulation of E-cadherin and Keratin-18. Human normal mammary epithelial cells expressing MMTV Env also develop transformed phenotype, as typified by growth in soft agar and Matrigel invasion. These disruptions are abrogated by Y>F substitutions. We conclude that ITAM-dependent signals are generated through MMTV Env and trigger early hallmarks of transformation of mouse and human mammary epithelial cells. Therefore, these data suggest a heretofore unappreciated potential mechanism for the initiation of breast cancer and identify MMTV Env and ITAM-containing proteins in human breast tumors as probable oncoproteins.
Structural basis for the function and regulation of the receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase CD45
Authors: Nam Hyun-Joo , Poy Florence , Saito Haruo , Frederick Christin A.
Published: February 2005

CD45 is the prototypic member of transmembrane receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) and has essential roles in immune functions. The cytoplasmic region of CD45, like many other RPTPs, contains two homologous protein tyrosine phosphatase domains, active domain 1 (D1) and catalytically impaired domain 2 (D2). Here, we report crystal structure of the cytoplasmic D1D2 segment of human CD45 in native and phosphotyrosyl peptide-bound forms. The tertiary structures of D1 and D2 are very similar, but doubly phosphorylated CD3ζ immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif peptide binds only the D1 active site. The D2 “active site” deviates from the other active sites significantly to the extent that excludes any possibility of catalytic activity. The relative orientation of D1 and D2 is very similar to that observed in leukocyte common antigen–related protein with both active sites in an open conformation and is restrained through an extensive network of hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonds, and salt bridges. This crystal structure is incompatible with the wedge model previously suggested for CD45 regulation.
Anti-CD63 antibodies suppress IgE-dependent allergic reactions in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Kraft Stefan , Fleming Tony , Billingsley James M. , Lin Shih-Yao , Jouvin Marie-Hélène , Storz Peter , Kinet Jean-Pierre
Published: February 2005

High-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) cross-linking on mast cells (MCs) induces secretion of preformed allergy mediators (degranulation) and synthesis of lipid mediators and cytokines. Degranulation produces many symptoms of immediate-type allergic reactions and is modulated by adhesion to surfaces coated with specific extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. The signals involved in this modulation are mostly unknown and their contribution to allergic reactions in vivo is unclear. Here we report the generation of monoclonal antibodies that potently suppress FcεRI-induced degranulation, but not leukotriene synthesis. We identified the antibody target as the tetraspanin CD63. Tetraspanins are membrane molecules that form multimolecular complexes with a broad array of molecules including ECM protein-binding β integrins. We found that anti-CD63 inhibits MC adhesion to fibronectin and vitronectin. Furthermore, anti-CD63 inhibits FcεRI-mediated degranulation in cells adherent to those ECM proteins but not in nonadherent cells. Thus the inhibition of degranulation by anti-CD63 correlates with its effect on adhesion. In support of a mechanistic linkage between the two types of inhibition, anti-CD63 had no effect on FcεRI-induced global tyrosine phosphorylation and calcium mobilization but impaired the Gab2–PI3K pathway that is known to be essential for both degranulation and adhesion. Finally, we showed that these antibodies inhibited FcεRI-mediated allergic reactions in vivo. These properties raise the possibility that anti-CD63 could be used as therapeutic agents in MC-dependent diseases.
Decimal Weight Series for Submultiples of Mass Standards to Decrease Adsorption Error Using "Simple Comparisons"
Authors: S Ikeda  , Y Kobayashi
Published: February 2005

This paper describes new decimal weight series effective for submultiples of mass standards. In order to decrease the influence of adsorption on weight surfaces by reduction of the difference in surface area between weights or assembled weights to be compared, it is better in the case of weight series with components of similar shape that fewer components be involved in a comparison. Weight series are found which will enable us to establish mass standards by only "Simple Comparisons" (SCs), which latter are confined to intercomparisons between single weights or assembled weights composed of at most two components. SC also saves time and labour in the setting of weights on a balance pan.

The least number of components per decade is five and under such a condition six new series are disclosed:

S 1: (6, 4, 3, 2, 1)S 2: (6, 5, 3, 2, 1)S 3: (7, 4, 3, 2, 1)S 4: (7, 5, 4, 2, 1)S 5: (7, 6, 3, 2, 1)S 6: (8, 5, 4, 2, 1).

These series have additional practical merits: all components are distinct from each other and all integers in a decade are made by at most two components.
The unitary 𝕀–spherical dual for split 𝕡–adic groups of type 𝔽₄
Authors: Ciubotaru Dan
Published: February 2005

It is known that the determination of the Iwahori-spherical unitary dual for

p
p

-adic groups can be reduced to the classification of unitary representations with real infinitesimal character for the associated Hecke algebras. In this setting, I determine the Iwahori–spherical unitary dual for split groups of type

F
4

F_4

.
Modelling the thermal evolution of enzyme-created bubbles in DNA
Authors: Hennig D , Archilla J.F.R , Romero J.M
Published: February 2005

The formation of bubbles in nucleic acids (NAs) is fundamental in many biological processes such as DNA replication, recombination, telomere formation and nucleotide excision repair, as well as RNA transcription and splicing. These processes are carried out by assembled complexes with enzymes that separate selected regions of NAs. Within the frame of a nonlinear dynamics approach, we model the structure of the DNA duplex by a nonlinear network of coupled oscillators. We show that, in fact, from certain local structural distortions, there originate oscillating localized patterns, that is, radial and torsional breathers, which are associated with localized H-bond deformations, reminiscent of the replication bubble. We further study the temperature dependence of these oscillating bubbles. To this aim, the underlying nonlinear oscillator network of the DNA duplex is brought into contact with a heat bath using the Nosé–Hoover method. Special attention is paid to the stability of the oscillating bubbles under the imposed thermal perturbations. It is demonstrated that the radial and torsional breathers sustain the impact of thermal perturbations even at temperatures as high as room temperature. Generally, for non-zero temperature, the H-bond breathers move coherently along the double chain, whereas at
T
=0 standing radial and torsional breathers result.
Visualization of looping involving the immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus in developing B cells
Authors: Sayegh Camil , Jhunjhunwala Suchit , Riblet Roy , Murre Cornelis
Published: February 2005

The immunoglobulin heavy-chain (IgH) locus undergoes large-scale contraction in B cells poised to undergo IgH V(D)J recombination. We considered the possibility that looping of distinct IgH V regions plays a role in promoting long-range interactions. Here, we simultaneously visualize three subregions of the IgH locus, using three-dimensional fluorescence in situ hybridization. Looping within the IgH locus was observed in both B- and T-lineage cells. However, monoallelic looping of IgH V regions into close proximity of the IgH DJ cluster was detected in developing B cells with significantly higher frequency when compared with hematopoietic progenitor or CD8+T-lineage cells. Looping of a subset of IgH V regions, albeit at lower frequency, was also observed in RAG-deficient pro-B cells. Based on these observations, we propose that Ig loci are repositioned by a looping mechanism prior to IgH V(D)J rearrangement to facilitate the joining of Ig variable, diversity, and joining segments.
A mechanism of ubiquitin-independent proteasomal degradation of the tumor suppressors p53 and p73
Authors: Asher Gad , Tsvetkov Peter , Kahana Chaim , Shaul Yosef
Published: February 2005

Protein degradation is an essential and highly regulated process. The proteasomal degradation of the tumor suppressors p53 and p73 is regulated by both polyubiquitination and by an ubiquitin-independent process. Here, we show that this ubiquitin-independent process is mediated by the 20S proteasomes and is regulated by NQO1. NQO1 physically interacts with p53 and p73 in an NADH-dependent manner and protects them from 20S proteasomal degradation. Remarkably, the vast majority of NQO1 in cells is found in physical association with the 20S proteasomes, suggesting that NQO1 functions as a gatekeeper of the 20S proteasomes. We further show that this pathway plays a role in p53 accumulation in response to ionizing radiation. Our findings provide the first evidence for in vivo degradation of p53 and p73 by the 20S proteasomes and its regulation by NQO1 and NADH level.
Rad51-dependent DNA structures accumulate at damaged replication forks in sgs1 mutants defective in the yeast ortholog of BLM RecQ helicase
Authors: Liberi Giordano , Maffioletti Giulio , Lucca Chiara , Chiolo Irene , Baryshnikova Anastasia , Cotta-Ramusino Cecilia , Lopes Massimo , Pellicioli Achille , Haber James E. , Foiani Marco
Published: February 2005

S-phase cells overcome chromosome lesions through replication-coupled recombination processes that seem to be assisted by recombination-dependent DNA structures and/or replication-related sister chromatid junctions. RecQ helicases, including yeast Sgs1 and human BLM, have been implicated in both replication and recombination and protect genome integrity by preventing unscheduled mitotic recombination events. We have studied the RecQ helicase-mediated mechanisms controlling genome stability by analyzing replication forks encountering a damaged template in sgs1 cells. We show that, in sgs1 mutants, recombination-dependent cruciform structures accumulate at damaged forks. Their accumulation requires Rad51 protein, is counteracted by Srs2 DNA helicase, and does not prevent fork movement. Sgs1, but not Srs2, promotes resolution of these recombination intermediates. A functional Rad53 checkpoint kinase that is known to protect the integrity of the sister chromatid junctions is required for the accumulation of recombination intermediates in sgs1 mutants. Finally, top3 and top3 sgs1 mutants accumulate the same structures as sgs1 cells. We suggest that, in sgs1 cells, the unscheduled accumulation of Rad51-dependent cruciform structures at damaged forks result from defective maturation of recombination-dependent intermediates that originate from the replication-related sister chromatid junctions. Our findings might contribute to explaining some of the recombination defects of BLM cells.
A comparison of the human and chimpanzee olfactory receptor gene repertoires
Authors: Gilad Yoav , Man Orna , Glusman Gustavo
Published: February 2005

Olfactory receptor (OR) genes constitute the basis of the sense of smell and are encoded by the largest mammalian gene superfamily, with >1000 members. In humans, but not in mice or dogs, the majority of OR genes have become pseudogenes, suggesting that OR genes in humans evolve under different selection pressures than in other mammals. To explore this further, we compare the OR gene repertoire of human with its closest living evolutionary relative, by taking advantage of the recently sequenced genome of the chimpanzee. In agreement with previous reports based on a small number of ORs, we find that humans have a significantly higher proportion of OR pseudogenes than chimpanzees. Moreover, we can reject the possibility that humans have been accumulating OR pseudogenes at a constant neutral rate since the divergence of human and chimpanzee. The comparison of the two repertoires reveals two chimpanzee-specific OR subfamily expansions and three expansions specific to humans. It also suggests that a subset of OR genes are under positive selection in either the human or the chimpanzee lineage. Thus, although overall there is relaxed constraint on human olfaction relative to chimpanzee, species-specific sensory requirements appear to have shaped the evolution of the functional OR gene repertoires in both species.
Simultaneous genotyping, gene-expression measurement, and detection of allele-specific expression with oligonucleotide arrays
Authors: Ronald James , Akey Joshua M. , Whittle Jacqueline , Smith Erin N. , Yvert Gael , Kruglyak Leonid
Published: February 2005

Oligonucleotide microarrays provide a high-throughput method for exploring genomes. In addition to their utility for gene-expression analysis, oligonucleotide-expression arrays have also been used to perform genotyping on genomic DNA. Here, we show that in segregants from a cross between two unrelated strains ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae, high-quality genotype data can also be obtained when mRNA is hybridized to an oligonucleotide-expression array. We were able to identify and genotype nearly 1000 polymorphisms at an error rate close to 3% in segregants and at an error rate of 7% in diploid strains, a performance comparable to methods using genomic DNA. In addition, we demonstrate how simultaneous genotyping and gene-expression profiling can revealcis-regulatory variation by screening hundreds of genes for allele-specific expression. With this method, we discovered 70 ORFs with evidence for preferential expression of one allele in a diploid hybrid of twoS. cerevisiaestrains.
A high-resolution multistrain haplotype analysis of laboratory mouse genome reveals three distinctive genetic variation patterns
Authors: Zhang Jinghui , Hunter Kent W. , Gandolph Michael , Rowe William L. , Finney Richard P. , Kelley Jenny M. , Edmonson Michael , Buetow Kenneth H.
Published: February 2005

Understanding of the structure and the origin of genetic variation patterns in the laboratory inbred mouse provides insight into the utility of the mouse model for studying human complex diseases and strategies for disease gene mapping. In order to address this issue, we have constructed a multistrain, high-resolution haplotype map for the 99-Mb mouse Chromosome 16 using ∼70,000 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers derived from whole-genome shotgun sequencing of five laboratory inbred strains. We discovered that large polymorphic blocks (i.e., regions where only two haplotypes, thus one SNP conformation, are found in the five strains), large monomorphic blocks (i.e., regions where the five strains share the same haplotype), and fragmented blocks (i.e., regions of greater complexity not resembling at all the first two categories) span 50%, 18%, and 32% of the chromosome, respectively. The haplotype map has 98% accuracy in predicting mouse genotypes in two other studies. Its predictions are also confirmed by experimental results obtained from resequencing of 40-kb genomic sequences at 21 distinct genomic loci in 13 laboratory inbred strains and 12 wild-derived strains. We demonstrate that historic recombination, intra-subspecies variations and inter-subspecies variations have all contributed to the formation of the three distinctive genetic signatures. The results suggest that the controlled complexity of the laboratory inbred strains may provide a means for uncovering the biological factors that have shaped genetic variation patterns.
Gene conversion and evolution of Xq28 duplicons involved in recurring inversions causing severe hemophilia A
Authors: Bagnall Richard D. , Ayres Karen L. , Green Peter M. , Giannelli Francesco
Published: February 2005

Inversions breaking the 1041 bp int1h-1 or the 9.5-kb int22h-1 sequence of the F8 gene cause hemophilia A in 1/30,000 males. These inversions are due to homologous recombination between the above sequences and their inverted copies on the same DNA molecule, respectively, int1h-2 and int22h-2 or int22h-3. We find that (1) int1h and int22h duplicated more than 25 million years ago; (2) the identity of the copies (>99%) of these sequences in humans and other primates is due to gene conversion; (3) gene conversion is most frequent in the internal regions of int22h; (4) breakpoints of int22h-related inversions also tend to involve the internal regions of int22h; (5) sequence variations in a sample of human X chromosomes defined eight haplotypes of int22h-1 and 27 of int22h-2 plus int22h-3; (6) the latter two sequences, which lie, respectively, 500 and 600 kb telomeric to int22h-1 are five-fold more identical when in cis than when in trans, thus suggesting that gene conversion may be predominantly intrachromosomal; (7) int1h, int22h, and flanking sequences evolved at a rate of about 0.1% substitutions per million years during the divergence between humans and other primates, except for int1h during the human-chimpanzee divergence, when its rate of evolution was significantly lower. This is reminiscent of the slower evolution of palindrome arms in the male specific regions of the Y chromosome and we propose, as an explanation, that intrachromosomal gene conversion and cosegregation of the duplicated regions favors retention of the ancestral sequence and thus reduces the evolution rate.
Pooled genomic indexing of rhesus macaque
Authors: Milosavljevic Aleksandar , Harris Ronald A. , Sodergren Erica J. , Jackson Andrew R. , Kalafus Ken J. , Hodgson Anne , Cree Andrew , Dai Weilie , Csuros Miklos , Zhu Baoli , de Jong Pieter J. , Weinstock George M. , Gibbs Richard A.
Published: February 2005

Pooled genomic indexing (PGI) is a method for mapping collections of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones between species by using a combination of clone pooling and DNA sequencing. PGI has been used to map a total of 3858 BAC clones covering ∼24% of the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) genome onto 4178 homologous loci in the human genome. A number of intrachromosomal rearrangements were detected by mapping multiple segments within the individual rhesus BACs onto multiple disjoined loci in the human genome. Transversal pooling designs involving shuffled BAC arrays were employed for robust mapping even with modest DNA sequence read coverage. A further innovation, short-tag pooled genomic indexing (ST-PGI), was also introduced to further improve the economy of mapping by sequencing multiple, short, mapable tags within a single sequencing reaction.
Short-term plasticity of the visuomotor map during grasping movements in humans
Authors: Säfström Daniel , Edin Benoni B.
Published: February 2005

During visually guided grasping movements, visual information is
transformed into motor commands. This transformation is known as the
“visuomotor map.” To investigate limitations in the short-term
plasticity of the visuomotor map in normal humans, we studied the maximum grip
aperture (MGA) during the reaching phase while subjects grasped objects of
various sizes. The objects seen and the objects grasped were physically never
the same. When a discrepancy had been introduced between the size of the
visual and the grasped objects, and the subjects were fully adapted to it,
they all readily interpolated and extrapolated the MGA to objects not included
in training trials. In contrast, when the subjects were exposed to
discrepancies that required a slope change in the visuomotor map, they were
unable to adapt adequately. They instead retained a subject-specific slope of
the relationship between the visual size and MGA. We conclude from these
results that during reaching for grasping, normal subjects are unable to
abandon a straight linear function determining the relationship between visual
object size and MGA. Moreover, the plasticity of the visuomotor map is, at
least in short term, constrained to allow only offset changes, that is, only
“rigid shifts” are possible between the visual and motor
coordinate systems.
Neural activity during encoding predicts false memories created by misinformation
Authors: Okado Yoko , Stark Craig E.L.
Published: February 2005

False memories are often demonstrated using the misinformation paradigm, in which a person's recollection of a witnessed event is altered after exposure to misinformation about the event. The neural basis of this phenomenon, however, remains unknown. We used fMRI to investigate encoding processes during the viewing of an event and misinformation to see whether neural activity during either encoding phase could predict what would be remembered. fMRI data were collected as participants studied eight vignettes (Original Event phase). Shortly afterward, participants studied the same vignettes during scanning, but with changes to several details, serving as the misinformation (Misinformation phase). Two days later, their memories for the Original Event were assessed. Activity that subsequently led to true and false memories was examined during both encoding phases. Two interaction patterns between encoding phase (Original Event and Misinformation) and type of memory (true and false) were observed in MTL and PFC regions. In the left hippocampus tail and perirhinal cortex, a predictive item-encoding pattern was observed. During the Original Event phase, activity was greater for true than false memories, whereas during the Misinformation phase, activity was greater for false than true memories. In other regions, a pattern suggestive of source encoding was observed, in which activity for false memories was greater during the Original Event phase than the Misinformation phase. Together, these results suggest that encoding processes play a critical role in determining true and false memory outcome in misinformation paradigms.
Building library collections: it's still about the user
Authors: Stoller Michael
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To address the need for dialogue between librarians, teachers and scholars in research institutions, as the information environment becomes increasingly complex.

Design/methodology/approach

A discussion of the impact of technology, budgets and collection storage practices on library users and their research patterns; examination of the methodologies for assessing that impact and continuing to meet user needs in a changing environment.

Findings

Despite trends toward shared collections and a library of access rather than ownership, it is still necessary to develop careful knowledge of one's patrons and to shape one's collections and services to meet local needs.

Practical implications

Libraries must aggressively use focus groups, surveys and above all the personal relationship between faculty and library subject specialists to shape the development and management of their collections and the services they offer. These methods must shape not only one's title‐by‐title selection but one's larger, policy decisions and the overall configuration of one's collections.

Originality/value

A broad assessment of the relationship between the new information landscape and the manner in which librarians and users communicate.
ANSI standards: creating a local, searchable database
Authors: Dowell Norma J.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To review the history behind and steps taken to inventory and build search/edit modules for a database containing the Iowa State University Library's extensive collection of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. Design/methodology/approach – Iowa State University built a database inventory of the ANSI collection of standards through the use of Microsoft Excel and Oracle production software. The collection was inventoried and input into an Excel database, then converted into a web‐based search engine using Oracle software. Edit modules were developed to allow for adding to the database, and updating and correcting existing records.

Findings

With the addition of this search engine and edit module, the task of keeping records up to date and keeping patrons informed as to the availability of standards within the ISU collection has been greatly improved.

Practical implications

The implications for this form of database suggest it could be introduced into other major research libraries with large collections of uncatalogued literature utilizing similar software and expertise. This was a local concern that could have a broad impact on the way ANSI standards are inventoried and searched in libraries.

Originality/value

The library that possesses a large collection of work under a single call number that is not inventoried and is looking for solutions for improved patron access will find this information valuable.
Collection development policies in university libraries: a space for reflection
Authors: Susana Sanchez Vignau Barbara , Meneses Grizly
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To identify the necessary components in the formulation of collection development policies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on both research about collection development policies and data compiled as a result of a survey of 16 centers of higher and technical education in Cuba.

Findings

Although the directors of university libraries and managers of collection development were aware of the process of collection development, few have collection development policies, and few have carried out user studies.

Originality/value

A model for a collection development policy for the system of university libraries is proposed.
Customer perspectives on the role and importance of branding in Irish retail financial services
Authors: O'Loughlin Deirdre , Szmigin Isabelle
Published: February 2005

Purpose

This paper explores the role of financial services brand values and compares the importance of process and outcome factors in terms of their impact on customer perceptions, behaviour and experience.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on exploratory managerial and consumer research, 50 in‐depth interviews were conducted with a quota sample of Irish consumers representing the desired range of demographic and product‐related characteristics, including income and financial experience.

Findings

Contrary to the literature, functional values are deemed by consumers to be significantly more important than emotional values. In addition, process factors, facilitated through positive interactions with staff, play a comparatively more salient role than outcome factors in building positive brand experience.

Research limitations/implications

Further in‐depth qualitative and/or quantitative studies need to be conducted with larger sample sizes to address issues in terms of making inferences and generalisations from the research. As this study was conducted in an Irish context, further comparative research should be conducted with other similar financial markets to investigate any underlying cultural bias.

Practical implications

It is recommended that financial services providers design brand appeals and advertising messages that are targeted at consumers' functional financial needs. Furthermore, financial service providers can maximise superior brand experience through a successful integrated strategy of meeting customer functional brand needs in an outcome‐driven approach and exceeding customer expectations within a process‐driven service experience.

Originality/value

This paper broadens understanding and insight into the complex and evolving area of brand management within retail financial services and has far‐reaching theoretical and practical implications.
Learning during developing and implementing new bank offerings
Authors: Stevens Eric , Dimitriadis Sergios
Published: February 2005

Purpose

Knowledge of the management issues for developing new bank offerings efficiently is limited. Furthermore, recent research suggests that organisational learning can contribute greatly to the success of innovation projects. The aims of this paper are to provide a detailed description of the development process of a new financial product and to identify learning actions that may contribute to its effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Reports findings from a qualitative, longitudinal case study of a well‐known French bank.

Findings

The results revealed an informal development process consisting of a sequence of issues to solve and decisions to make.

Research limitations/implications

Though observations fit with the theoretical model, the findings cannot be generalized due to the use of a qualitative methodology. Thus, selecting a development project that brings variance to the scope and degree of innovativeness could enrich the observed learning mechanisms. Second, as services are very heterogeneous, further research should be done on the development processes of different new services, for example standardised versus customised. Third, mechanisms of adoption or avoidance of learning procedures remain to be explored extensively. Understanding the reasons of choice and adoption of learning strategies according to the environment and nature of the project could lead to further managerial recommendations.

Practical implications

Implications for banks to encourage learning during innovation are discussed and several opportunities for further research are suggested.

Originality/value

An informal development process is revealed, consisting of a sequence of issues to solve and decisions to make. Multiple learning actions and strategies are identified that enhance process effectiveness and efficiency.
Enhancing microfinance outreach through market‐oriented new service development in Indian regional rural banks
Authors: Megicks Philip , Mishra Atul , Lean Jonathan
Published: February 2005

Purpose

Hitherto, assessments of the effectiveness of Indian microfinance institutions in achieving their economic and social goals have largely identified only limited success. Critics of Indian regional rural banks (RRBs) and their prevailing culture have argued that a product‐focused rather than a market‐oriented approach to new service development (NSD) is responsible for their inadequate performance. With this in mind, this work aims to develop a conceptual understanding of the factors influencing market orientation in these institutions, and to assess its impact on outreach performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an extensive review of the literature on the Indian microfinance sector, market orientation and new service development, a model framework for understanding the relationships between the factors affecting outreach performance in Indian RRBs is developed. Research propositions for further evidence‐based investigation are posited.

Findings

The attitudes and behaviours of managers, along with institutional characteristics, are identified as influences on market orientation, service innovation, customer satisfaction and outreach performance within RRBs.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is theoretical in its nature and as such proposes a basis for a detailed empirical examination of the proposed model and its associated propositions.

Practical implications

Banking practitioners need to be aware that market orientation may influence NSD and performance in this and related contextual situations.

Originality/value

The conceptual relationships proposed inform those seeking to enhance the performance of RRBs of some of the key internal marketing issues involved in their success, and thus give direction to the development of policies to reduce poverty. In particular, cultural issues relating to perceptions of customers and their effect on effective NSD are examined.
The impact of a prestigious partner on affinity card marketing
Authors: Fock Henry K.Y. , Woo Ka‐shing , Hui Michael K.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

This study investigates the synergetic impact of joint marketing collaboration between a bank and an affinity organisation on their affinity credit card holders' behaviours. Seeks to identify the sources of the influence of the alliance partners which induce changes in the attitude and behaviour of cardholders.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model was developed to reveal the impact of perceived card benefits, affective customer loyalty toward the bank, affective customer loyalty toward the affinity organisation, and perceived prestige of affinity organisation, on the card usage behaviours of customers. Survey data were obtained from 162 students who were holders of a university affinity credit card in Hong Kong.

Findings

Findings indicated two routes of influence that affect the intention and behaviours of affinity credit cardholders. The two routes were complementary rather than competitive in a symbiotic collaboration. The first is a cognitive route. It shows that a cardholder's attitude formation is strongly influenced by the cognitive evaluation of card benefits instead of by affective loyalty toward the bank or toward the affinity organisation. The second route is an emotional route of influence. It originates from the perceived prestige of the affinity organisation to cardholders' intention and usage behaviours.

Originality/value

The impact of the symbiotic collaboration on customer behaviours is an important question which has yet to be answered in the literature of strategic alliances. To the best of one's knowledge, this is a pioneering empirical study addressing this research issue.
Decision waves: consumer decisions in today's complex world
Authors: Lye Ashley , Shao Wei , Rundle‐Thiele Sharyn , Fausnaugh Carolyn
Published: February 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the dominant consumer decision theory models and understand why that theory has received little empirical validation. A “decision waves” theory is proposed – an alternative, multi‐phase approach to decision making using image theory. An approach to validating empirically the multi‐phase theory is outlined.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper examines the foundations of modern consumer decision theory and argues for a more representative model of actual consumer decisions.

Findings

Decision waves provide a theoretical approach to represent more accurately consumer decision making and improve understanding in this foundational component of marketing. Decision waves do not change detailed empirical findings: however, they do change the macro perspective of how those findings are assembled for marketing.

Research limitations/implications

An empirical test of decision waves theory is ongoing.

Practical implications

The concepts outlined in this paper will change segmentation, positioning and how tactical plans are developed within the marketing mix, particularly for promotional strategies.

Originality/value

A theoretical approach that represents decision making more accurately will bring us closer to understanding this foundational component of marketing. It provides a basis for differentiation in congested markets.
Performance measurement in municipalities
Authors: Pollanen Raili M.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

This paper examines the actual and desired use of performance measures for management and external reporting purposes, as well as perceived impediments to their effective use.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 334 senior administrators in Canadian municipalities participated in this survey study.

Findings

Somewhat more efficiency measures than effectiveness measures have been used for various purposes. However, greater use was perceived desirable than actually occurred, particularly for effectiveness measures. A significant increase in the use was expected in the near future especially for effectiveness measures. Internal and external verification of measures was considered important by both internal and external auditors. Although the study also identified impediments to the development and meaningful use of performance measures, performance measurement appears to have been accepted as a useful managerial tool and have significant future potential.

Research limitations/implications

The results are limited by the survey method.

Practical implications

The results can provide guidance to public‐sector administrators and professionals for planning and decision making purposes and to professional bodies and regulatory agencies for developing comparative performance reporting standards.

Originality/value

Using the descriptive and normative perspectives, this study provides new evidence in the Canadian context. It concludes that, although the mandatory performance measurement and reporting requirements for municipalities in Canada lag those in the UK, the USA, and Australia, a significant degree of usage occurred voluntary in Canadian municipalities.
Introduction
Authors: Johnson Bob L. , Fauske Janice R.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

This essay argues that it is time to revisit and reintegrate the contributions of organization theory to the understanding of educational organizations and leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The arguments presented in this essay are predicated on the following assumptions: a collective recognition of the rich theoretical and conceptual contributions the field of organization has made to the understanding of educational organizations and leadership; a concern that the pragmatic press of the current reform movement – with its preoccupation with outcome measures – would discourage efforts to pursue a theoretical and conceptual understanding of educational organizations; and a recognized need to re‐articulate the utility of the frameworks and concepts provided by organizational theory literature to the larger research community.

Findings

As a defining venue for social interaction, the organization provides a context for understanding this interaction. Organizations exhibit tendencies that exist in various human groups and provide the context for a variety of basic social processes. The numerous activities witnessed in educational organizations – leading, teaching, learning, counseling, coaching, etc. – take place in an organizational context. One cannot discuss these activities without considering the context in which they occur.

Originality/value

The value of this essay lies in the message it seeks to convey: it is time to revisit and reconsider the important role and contributions of the organizational theory literature with regard to educational research and the larger educational enterprise.
Routines in school organizations
Authors: Conley Sharon , Enomoto Ernestine K.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

This paper presents routinized action theory as a way to examine the regular, habitual activities that occur in school organizations. Using this theoretical lens, school routines were analyzed in order to understand organizational stability and change.

Design/methodology/approach

Using case study methods, three discrete cases are presented, a K‐12 public school setting, a private international school, and a central office in an educational system. Cases were selected for their descriptive detail and illustrate different aspects of the theory.

Findings

Routinized action theory posits that alterations in routines occur for different reasons: failure to produce desired outcome; producing new possibilities, and/or falling short of ideal targets. In these case studies, routines were altered by management to address problems, repair what did not work, and strive toward new targets. Management also shifted resources accordingly. While these actions can help the organization survive environmental changes, routines may also restrict the organization's response to change.

Practical implications

By analyzing the resources associated with routines, school administrators can understand the possibilities for accomplishing necessary work in ways that reduce environmental influences. Routines might be a useful lever for change.

Originality/value

Routinized action theory may have been overlooked as a viable means to analyze educational organizations. The systematic application of this theoretical lens to schools holds significant implications for practitioners and researchers because schools are deeply routinized organizations.
Building new bridges
Authors: Johnson Bob L. , Owens Michael
Published: February 2005

Purpose

This paper provides an example of how organization theory can be linked with other literatures in a complementary and productive manner. Establishing a bridge between the organization theory and learning environment literatures, the authors seek to provide an example of how such literature‐bridging can enrich our understanding of the school‐classroom relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

After providing a set of working criteria with which to assess the developmental maturity of a field, this paper provides a general review of the learning environments literature. This is followed by an examination of an important yet under‐explored relationship in this literature: the school‐classroom relationship. Using concepts from organizational theory, the authors seek to establish the utility these concepts have for understanding the relationship that exists between classroom‐ and school‐level learning environments.

Findings

Given the importance of organization theory to our understanding of educational organizations and the increased absence of a substantive organizational perspective from our dialogue, there is a need to build and/or re‐establish bridges between organization theory and other lines of inquiry in education. Teaching and learning occur in an organizational context. Thus it is important that this context be considered by educational researchers. The time has also come to aggressively link the study of learning environments with literatures such as organization theory.

Originality/value

This paper provides an example of how literature‐bridging can be used to encourage and enrich dialogue between separate yet complementary lines of inquiry. It also sheds light on the relationship shared between the classroom and larger school.