bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature dependence of tris(2,2′-bipyridine) ruthenium (II) device characteristics
Authors: Slinker Jason D. , Malliaras George G. , Flores-Torres Samuel , Abruña Héctor D. , Chunwachirasiri Withoon , Winokur Michael J.
Published: March 2004

We have investigated the temperature dependence of the current, radiance, and efficiency from electroluminescent devices based on [Ru(bpy)3]2+(PF6−)2, where bpy is 2,2′-bipyridine. We find that the current increases monotonically with temperature from 200 to 380 K, while the radiance reaches a maximum near room temperature. For temperatures greater than room temperature, an irreversible, current-induced degradation occurs with thermal cycling that diminishes both the radiance and the photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield, but does not affect the current. The temperature dependence of the external quantum efficiency is fully accounted for by the dependence of the PL quantum yield as measured from the emissive area of the device. This implies that the contacts remain ohmic throughout the temperature range investigated. The quenching of the PL with temperature was attributed to thermal activation to a nonradiative d–d transition. The temperature dependence of the current shows a complex behavior in which transport appears to be thermally activated, with distinct low-temperature and high-temperature regimes.
Mechanical properties of nanotube sheets: Alterations in joint morphology and achievable moduli in manufacturable materials
Authors: Berhan L. , Yi Y. B. , Sastry A. M. , Munoz E. , Selvidge M. , Baughman R.
Published: March 2004

Nanotube sheets, or “bucky papers,” have been proposed for use in actuating, structural and electrochemical systems, based in part on their potential mechanical properties. Here, we present results of detailed simulations of networks of nanotubes/ropes, with special emphasis on the effect of joint morphology. We perform detailed simulations of three-dimensional joint deformation, and use the results to inform simulations of two-dimensional (2D) networks with intertube connections represented by torsion springs. Upper bounds are established on moduli of nanotube sheets, using the 2D Euler beam-network simulations. Comparisons of experimental and simulated response for HiPco-nanotube and laser-ablated nanotube sheets, indicate that ∼2–30-fold increases in moduli may be achievable in these materials. Increasing the numbers of interrope connections appears to be the best target for improving nanotube sheet stiffnesses in materials containing straight segments.
Reaction–diffusion model for the preparation of polymer gratings by patterned ultraviolet illumination
Authors: Leewis Christian M. , de Jong Arthur M. , van IJzendoorn Leo J. , Broer Dirk J.
Published: March 2004

A model is developed to describe the migration mechanism of monomers during the lithographic preparation of polymer gratings by ultraviolet polymerization. The model is based on the Flory–Huggins theory: a thermodynamic theory that deals with monomer/polymer solutions. During the photoinduced polymerization process, monomer migration is assumed to be driven by a gradient in the chemical potential rather than the concentration. If the chemical potential is used as the driving force, monomer migration is not only driven by a difference in concentration, or volume fraction, but also by other entropic effects such as monomer size and the degree of crosslinking of the polymer network, which is related to the ability of a polymer to swell. Interaction of the monomers with each other or the polymer is an additional energetic term in the chemical potential. The theoretical background of the model is explained and results of simulations are compared with those of nuclear microprobe measurements. A nuclear microprobe is used to determine the spatial monomer distribution in the polymer gratings. It is shown that two-way diffusion is expected if the monomers are both difunctional and have the same size. In some cases, if one monomer is considerably smaller than the other, it can eventually have a higher concentration in the illuminated regions, even when it has a lower reactivity. The model is used to simulate the grating formation process. This results in a calculated distribution of the monomer volume fractions as a function of position in polymer gratings. An excellent agreement with the nuclear microprobe measurements is obtained.
Power dependence of NF3 plasma stability for in situ chamber cleaning
Authors: Ji Bing , Elder Delwin L. , Yang James H. , Badowski Peter R. , Karwacki Eugene J.
Published: March 2004

We investigated the stability of NF3 plasmas for in situ chamber cleaning in a production plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition reactor. An rf power threshold, normalized by NF3 molar number (Pnn) and NF3 flow rate (Pnf), is observed to be PnnPnf=39 (W/μ mol)(W/sccm) for stable plasmas with high NF3 destruction efficiency. This is rationalized by the energy required to maintain sufficient electron–ion pair creation in an electronegative discharge.
Are Incubators Good for Business? Understanding Incubation Practice—The Challenges for Policy
Authors: Hannon Paul D , Chaplin Paul
Published: March 2004

In this paper we explore a phenomenon that is currently a key component of the UK government's business support policies. Growing investment in incubation, and increased emphasis on it as a tool for regional development, require an understanding of its practice. We aim to provide insights for policymakers and practitioners to help them meet the needs and aspirations of users. Initially we present the key findings from a significant global review of studies of incubators, conducted on behalf of UK Business Incubation (UKBI), and the UK Department of Trade and Industry. The review identifies key factors in determining the potential added value of incubators. We then present the key findings from a subsequent in-depth study of seven incubators across England and Scotland, commissioned by UKBI. The conclusions of the study highlight the dichotomies relating to the potential polarisation of incubator objectives (from property development focus to business development focus) and how these influence the implementation of effective incubation processes from the perspective of tenant and graduate firms. The policies and practices of operators highlight a blurring of the distinction between incubator management and incubation development.
Employment in Host Regions and Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: McDonald Frank , Tüselmann Heinz J , Heise Arne , Williams David
Published: March 2004

This paper examines the relationship between foreign direct investment inflows and employment using international business strategy literature to identify the factors influencing the development of subsidiaries that might affect employment growth in host regions. A survey of German subsidiaries in North West England is used to test the significance of the variables that are identified as likely to affect employment. The results of logit regression indicate that entry mode, technology transfer, and firm age affect the growth of employment. The study also highlights that other factors, such as sector, organisational structure, the level of diversification of operations by subsidiaries in the local economy, and range of markets supplied may have important affects on employment. The research indicates that further conceptual and empirical work is required to clarify our understanding of how the organisational, operational, and diversification characteristics of subsidiaries affect employment.
Spatial Scale and Neighbourhood Regeneration in England: A Case Study of Avon
Authors: Harris Richard , Johnston Ron
Published: March 2004

In England and Wales a number of recent urban policy initiatives have been targeted to the electoral ward geography, treating this spatial unit as equivalent to a geography of ‘neighbourhoods’. In this paper we question the assumption implicit to some neighbourhood regeneration schemes that marginalised and socially excluded populations are spatially concentrated at the ward scale. Adopting a recently developed procedure used in studies of ethnic residential segregation, we argue that neighbourhood funding at such a scale is unlikely to be fully effective; what is required is a consistent, fine-scale geography for a fine scale in policy targeting.
Theory and Praxis in Economic Geography: ‘Enterprising’ and Local Growth in a Global Economy
Authors: Plummer Paul , Taylor Michael
Published: March 2004

In a globalising world, a key question is: how can communities, cities, and regions continue to cope and prosper given the constraints within which they must work? The authors propose an approach to the geographical analysis of regional economic issues based on theoretically informed empirical modelling. The authors operationalise the approach by distilling eight measurable dimensions from a set of six institutionalist theories of local growth, with each theory being a unique combination of subsets of these dimensions. The impact of these dimensions on local economic growth is then explored in the empirical context of regional change in Australia. The results of this linkage of theoretical and empirical research suggest that local growth, at least in Australia, is fostered by two sets of processes associated with (1) ‘human resources’; and (2) an enterprising culture. The processes revealed suggest general lines that policy development might follow.
Michigan's Renaissance Zones: Eliminating Taxes to Attract Investment and Jobs in Distressed Communities
Authors: Sands Gary
Published: March 2004

The Michigan Renaissance Zone initiative provides a virtual total exemption from state and local property and income taxes both for businesses and for residents of limited areas of distressed communities. During its first three years, the program has been successful in attracting investment of US$367 million and claims responsibility for some 3750 jobs. Whereas some of the designated areas have experienced significant gains, for others the radical reductions in tax liability have provided insufficient incentives to attract new activity.
The Impact of Investors in People on Small Business Growth: Who Benefits?
Authors: Fraser Stuart
Published: March 2004

Investors in People (IiP) plays a central role in the UK government's policies for workforce development. Small firms have been a particular focus of government support with IiP along with claims that the scheme will enhance the performance of these firms. However, it is argued in this paper that such benefits are unlikely to accrue to all types of small firm. In particular, only those businesses with a comparative advantage from investing in formalised human resource programmes are likely to experience enhanced performances. An econometric model is developed and applied to examine this issue empirically. The model incorporates the multistage decisionmaking processes that are entailed for firms involved with IiP In this manner we are able to control for selection bias in the performance (employment growth) estimates. The empirical results support the contention of comparative advantage. Businesses that choose IiP achieve enhanced growth as a result of their investments. In contrast, the impact for an ‘average’ small firm is neutral.
Dynamic changes in
N
-methyl-
d
-aspartate receptors after closed head injury in mice: Implications for treatment of neurological and cognitive deficits
Authors: Biegon Anat , Fry Pamela A. , Paden Charles M. , Alexandrovich Alexander , Tsenter Jeanna , Shohami Esther
Published: March 2004

Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among young people. For the last couple of decades, it was believed that excess stimulation of brain receptors for the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate was a major cause of delayed neuronal death after head injury, and several major clinical trials in severely head injured patients used blockers of the glutamate
N
-methyl-
d
-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. All of these trials failed to show efficacy. Using a mouse model of traumatic brain injury and quantitative autoradiography of the activity-dependent NMDA receptor antagonist MK801, we show that hyperactivation of glutamate NMDA receptors after injury is short-lived (<1 h) and is followed by a profound and long-lasting (≥7 days) loss of function. Furthermore, stimulation of NMDA receptors by NMDA 24 and 48 h postinjury produced a significant attenuation of neurological deficits (blocked by coadministration of MK801) and restored cognitive performance 14 days postinjury. These results provide the underlying mechanism for the well known but heretofore unexplained short therapeutic window of glutamate antagonists after brain injury and support a pharmacological intervention with a relatively long (≥24 h) time window easily attainable for treatment of human accidental head injury.
Selective expression of IL-7 receptor on memory T cells identifies early CD40L-dependent generation of distinct CD8
+
memory T cell subsets
Authors: Huster Katharina M. , Busch Verena , Schiemann Matthias , Linkemann Kathrin , Kerksiek Kristen M. , Wagner Hermann , Busch Dirk H.
Published: March 2004

Several recent studies have demonstrated that T-helper cell-dependent events during the initial priming period are required for the generation of CD8
+
T cell-mediated protective immunity. The underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon have not yet been determined, mostly because of difficulties in studying memory T cells or their precursor populations at early stages during immune responses. We identified IL-7 receptor (CD127) surface expression as a marker for long-living memory T cells, most importantly allowing the distinction between memory and effector T cells early after
in vivo
priming. The combination of surface staining for CD127 and CD62L further separates between two functionally distinct memory cell subsets, which are similar (if not identical) to cell subsets recently described as central memory T cells (CD127
high
and CD62L
high
) and peripheral effector memory T cells (CD127
high
and CD62L
low
). Using this new tool of memory T cell analysis, we demonstrate that CD8
+
T cell priming in the absence of T cell help or CD40L specifically alters the generation of the effector memory T cell subset, which appears to be crucial for immediate memory responses and long-term maintenance of effective protective immunity. Our data reveal a unique strategy to obtain information about the quality of long-term protective immunity early during an immune response, a finding that may be applied in a variety of clinical settings, including the rapid monitoring of vaccination success.
Identification of genes that synergize with Cbfb-MYH11 in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Castilla L. H. , Perrat P. , Martinez N. J. , Landrette S. F. , Keys R. , Oikemus S. , Flanegan J. , Heilman S. , Garrett L. , Dutra A. , Anderson S. , Pihan G. A. , Wolff L. , Liu P. P.
Published: March 2004

Acute myeloid leukemia subtype M4 with eosinophilia is associated with a chromosome 16 inversion that creates a fusion gene
CBFB-MYH11
. We have previously shown that
CBFB-MYH11
is necessary but not sufficient for leukemogenesis. Here, we report the identification of genes that specifically cooperate with
CBFB-MYH11
in leukemogenesis. Neonatal injection of
Cbfb-MYH11
knock-in chimeric mice with retrovirus 4070A led to the development of acute myeloid leukemia in 2-5 months. Each leukemia sample contained one or a few viral insertions, suggesting that alteration of one gene could be sufficient to synergize with
Cbfb-MYH11
. The chromosomal position of 67 independent retroviral insertion sites (RISs) was determined, and 90% of the RISs mapped within 10 kb of a flanking gene. In total, 54 candidate genes were identified; six of them were common insertion sites (CISs). CIS genes included members of a zinc finger transcription factors family,
Plag1
and
Plagl2
, with eight and two independent insertions, respectively. CIS genes also included
Runx2, Myb, H2T24
, and
D6Mm5e
. Comparison of the remaining 48 genes with single insertion sites with known leukemia-associated RISs indicated that 18 coincide with known RISs. To our knowledge, this retroviral genetic screen is the first to identify genes that cooperate with a fusion gene important for human myeloid leukemia.
Enhancement of folates in plants through metabolic engineering
Authors: Hossain Tahzeeba , Rosenberg Irwin , Selhub Jacob , Kishore Ganesh , Beachy Roger , Schubert Karel
Published: March 2004

Humans depend on plants as a major source of dietary folates. Inadequate dietary levels of the vitamin folate can lead to megaloblastic anemia, birth defects, impaired cognitive development, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. The biofortification of folate levels in food crops is a target for metabolic engineering. Folates are synthesized
de novo
from pterins and
para
-amino benzoic acid, which are subsequently combined to form dihydropteroate, the direct precursor to dihydrofolate. We postulated that GTP cyclohydrolase-1, which catalyzes the first committed step in pterin biosynthesis, was a rate-limiting step in pterin synthesis in plants and, therefore, in folate synthesis. On this basis, we proposed that the expression of an unregulated bacterial GTP cyclohydrolase-1 in plants would increase pterin biosynthesis with a concomitant enhancement of folate levels. The
folE
gene encoding GTP cyclohydrolase-1 was cloned from
Escherichia coli
and introduced into
Arabidopsis thaliana
through plant transformation. The expression of bacterial GTP cyclohydrolase-1 in transgenic
Arabidopsis
resulted in a 1,250-fold and 2- to 4-fold enhancement of pterins and folates, respectively. These results helped to identify other potential factors regulating folate synthesis, suggesting ways to further enhance folate levels in food crops.
Mickey Mouse and Milton: book publishing in the humanities
Authors: Cronin Blaise , La Barre Kathryn
Published: March 2004

We report the results of a survey of tenure and promotion criteria in university departments of literature and language in the US. It is clear that the publication of a scholarly monograph remains a conditio sine qua non for the awarding of tenure. We analyze the language of institutional guidelines and standards: these range from the highly concrete to the intentionally vague.
The role of China's English‐language scientific journals in scientific communication
Authors: Ren Shengli , Rousseau Ronald
Published: March 2004

Between 1929 and 2002 over 200 English‐language scientific journals were founded in China. The number of China's English edition journals in each discipline is, however, not correlated to the corresponding output of China's articles listed in the ISI's Science Citation Index. Clearly, the goal of these journals is to be internationally recognized. It is shown that this goal is rarely achieved. We think that lack of good‐quality papers, low international visibility and a citation ‘Matthew effect’ are the main causes for the small role played by China's English‐language journals.
The JISC's FAIR Programme: disclosing and sharing institutional assets
Authors: Awre Chris
Published: March 2004

An account is given of the work of the FAIR programme in developing and supporting projects in the sharing of digitally stored institutional assets within the higher and further education sectors in the United Kingdom.
Cardiac Arrest/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Increases Anxiety-Like Behavior and Decreases Social Interaction
Authors: Neigh Gretchen N. , Kofler Julia , Meyers Jessica L. , Bergdall Valerie , La Perle Krista M. D. , Traystman Richard J. , DeVries A. Courtney
Published: March 2004

Advances in medical technology have increased the number of individuals who survive cardiac arrest/cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This increased incidence of survival has created a population of patients with behavioral and physiologic impairments. We used temperature manipulations to characterize the contribution of central nervous system damage to behavioral deficits elicited by 8 minutes of cardiac arrest/CPR in a mouse model. Once sensorimotor deficits were resolved, we examined anxiety-like behavior with the elevated plus maze and social interaction with an ovariectomized female. We hypothesized that anxiety-like behavior would increase and social interaction would decrease in mice subjected to cardiac arrest/CPR and that these changes would be attributable to central nervous system damage rather than damage to peripheral organs or changes orchestrated by the administration of epinephrine. Mice that were subjected to cardiac arrest/CPR while the peripheral organs, but not the brain, were protected by hypothermia exhibited increased anxiety-like behavior and decreased social interaction, whereas mice with hypothermic brains and peripheral organs during cardiac arrest/CPR did not exhibit behavioral impairments. The present study demonstrates that central nervous system damage from cardiac arrest/CPR results in increased anxiety and decreased social interaction and that these behavioral changes are not attributed to underlying sensorimotor deficits, dynamics of arrest and CPR, or peripheral organ damage.
Effects of Interleukin-1β and Prostaglandin E2 on Prostaglandin D Synthase Production in Cultivated Rat Leptomeningeal Cells
Authors: Muraki Takeshi , Fujimori Ko , Ishizaka Mami , Ohe Yoshihide , Urade Yoshihiro , Okajima Fumikazu , Ishikawa Koichi
Published: March 2004

Although the interleukin (IL)-1 receptor is densely distributed in the leptomeninges constituting the blood/cerebrospinal fluid barrier, its physiologic significance has remained unclear. In the present study, we show that in cultured leptomeningeal cells, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factors, or lipopolysaccharide causes a prominent increase in the synthesis and release of prostaglandin (PG) D synthase, which catalyzes the final step in the biosynthesis of PGD2. Although significant increases in the amount of PGD synthase were also observed with cells exposed to somatostatin, thrombin, or ciliary neurotrophic factor, these were much smaller than were those induced by the proinflammatory cytokines. Other agents tested including IGF-I had no effect upon the enzyme levels in the culture media. Furthermore, we found that the increased secretion of PGD synthase by IL-1β was completely inhibited by 10−7 M PGE2. The same dose of PGD2 or 15-deoxy-Δ 12–14 PGJ2 had no effect upon the IL-1β action. In addition, PGE2 increased the level of fibronectin and eliminated the expression of zonula occludentes-1, a tight junction-associated protein from cultured cells, effects likely reflecting a loss of barrier integrity. These results demonstrate the importance of inflammatory stimuli as a physiologic regulator of the leptomeningeal cell function.
Activated Neural Stem Cells Contribute to Stroke-Induced Neurogenesis and Neuroblast Migration toward the Infarct Boundary in Adult Rats
Authors: Zhang Ruilan , Zhang Zhenggang , Wang Lei , Wang Ying , Gousev Anton , Zhang Li , Ho Khang-Loon , Morshead Cindi , Chopp Michael
Published: March 2004

Stroke increases neurogenesis. The authors investigated whether neural stem cells or progenitor cells in the adult subventricular zone (SVZ) of rats contribute to stroke-induced increase in neurogenesis. After induction of stroke in rats, the numbers of cells immunoreactive to doublecortin, a marker for immature neurons, increased in the ipsilateral SVZ and striatum. Infusion of an antimitotic agent (cytosine-β-D-arabiofuranoside, Ara-C) onto the ipsilateral cortex eliminated more than 98% of actively proliferating cells in the SVZ and doublecortin-positive cells in the ipsilateral striatum. However, doublecortin-positive cells rapidly replenished after antimitotic agent depletion of actively proliferating cells. Depleting the numbers of actively proliferating cells in vivo had no effect on the numbers of neurospheres formed in vitro, yet the numbers of neurospheres derived from stroke rats significantly ( P < 0.05) increased. Neurospheres derived from stroke rats self-renewed and differentiated into neurons and glia. In addition, doublecortin-positive cells generated in the SVZ migrated in a chainlike structure toward ischemic striatum. These findings indicate that in the adult stroke brain, increases in recruitment of neural stem cells contribute to stroke-induced neurogenesis, and that newly generated neurons migrate from the SVZ to the ischemic striatum.
Comparison of Glucose Influx and Blood Flow in Retina and Brain of Diabetic Rats
Authors: Puchowicz Michelle A. , Xu Kui , Magness Danielle , Miller Casey , Lust W. David , Kern Timothy S. , LaManna Joseph C.
Published: March 2004

Diabetes is associated with extensive microvascular pathology and decreased expression of the glucose transporter (GLUT-1) in retina, but not brain. To explore the basis of these differences, the authors simultaneously measured glucose influx (μmol · g−1 · min−1) and blood flow (mL · g−1 · min−1) in retina and brain cortex of nondiabetic control rats (normoglycemic and acute-hyperglycemic) and in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes (with or without aminoguanidine (AMG) treatment) using a single-pass, dual-label indicator method. In addition, tissue glucose and adenosine triphosphate (nmol/mg dry weight) levels were measured. Glucose influx in retina exceeded that of cortex by about threefold for both the nondiabetic and diabetic groups. In contrast, blood flow in retina was significantly lower than in cortex by about threefold for each group. Retinal and cortical glucose influx in the diabetic rats was lower than in the nondiabetic acute-hyperglycemic group, but not in the normoglycemic group. Blood flow in these tissues remained relatively unchanged with glycemic conditions. The glucose levels in the diabetic retina (aminoguanidine untreated and aminoguanidine treated) were fourfold to sixfold greater than the nondiabetic retina. The cortical glucose levels remained unchanged in all groups. These data suggest that the accumulation of glucose in the diabetic retina cannot be explained by increased endothelial-glucose uptake or increased vascular membrane permeability.
Nuclear Translocation of Apoptosis-Inducing Factor after Focal Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Plesnila Nikolaus , Zhu Changlian , Culmsee Carsten , Gröger Moritz , Moskowitz Michael A. , Blomgren Klas
Published: March 2004

Signaling cascades associated with apoptosis contribute to cell death after focal cerebral ischemia. Cytochrome c release from mitochondria and the subsequent activation of caspases 9 and 3 are critical steps. Recently, a novel mitochondrial protein, apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), has been implicated in caspase-independent programmed cell death following its translocation to the nucleus. We, therefore, addressed the question whether AIF also plays a role in cell death after focal cerebral ischemia. We detected AIF relocation from mitochondria to nucleus in primary cultured rat neurons 4 and 8 hours after 4 hours of oxygen/glucose deprivation. In ischemic mouse brain, AIF was detected within the nucleus 1 hour after reperfusion after 45 minutes occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. AIF translocation preceded cell death, occurred before or at the time when cytochrome c was released from mitochondria, and was evident within cells showing apoptosis-related DNA fragmentation. From these findings, we infer that AIF may be involved in neuronal cell death after focal cerebral ischemia and that caspase-independent signaling pathways downstream of mitochondria may play a role in apoptotic-like cell death after experimental stroke.
Leadership for today and tomorrow in health sciences librarianship
Authors: Rockman Ilene F.
Published: March 2004

Promotes the important leadership role that academic librarians should play in medical and health sciences communities. This role includes teaching, technology, research support, outreach activities, and scholarly communication services.
Evaluation in health information outreach programs
Authors: Burroughs Catherine M.
Published: March 2004

The National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM) includes eight Regional Medical Libraries and their Network members who are vital to the National Library of Medicine’s (NLM) outreach efforts to health professionals and consumers. Evaluation is a key component of effective outreach projects. Recognizing the need for guidance about evaluation, an exploratory study was conducted by the Pacific Northwest Regional Medical Library in collaboration with NLM to identify and document evaluation best practices. There were several major outcomes from this study. One is a field manual for librarians, providing a step‐by‐step framework for integrating evaluation within a program. Another outcome is the Outreach Evaluation Resource Center at the Pacific Northwest Regional Medical Library, funded by the NLM to enhance and facilitate skilled and effective use of evaluation in health information outreach. Describes the evolution of these outcomes and lessons learned along the way.
From the “other” side: working for a vendor
Authors: Fortney Lynn
Published: March 2004

The author works for a library vendor, EBSCO Information Services, as director of the Biomedical Division, with responsibility to monitor trends and issues of importance to biomedical librarians and recommend services and service enhancements to best meet the needs of this library community. Most people do not know that there are profound differences between types of libraries, their clientele, the programs they offer and the services they provide. Medical librarians’ issues and needs are different from those of other librarians. Most things librarians know are learned and that knowledge base is not universally understood or appreciated by those outside the profession. Businesspeople think “return on investment”, which is not a concept librarians keep foremost in their decision‐making process. Describes how it is interesting and extremely challenging to serve as a combination of an informationist and translator between EBSCO and the biomedical library community.
Assessing records management in China against ISO 15489 and the implications
Authors: An Xiaomi , Jiao Hongyan
Published: March 2004

ISO 15489 has provided best practice guidelines for records management which have many implications to the world. This paper, based on the results of a research project, provides a case study which shows that ISO 15489 can also be used for measuring records management performance as well. It can contribute to the identification of gaps between best practice, captured in the standard, and what is happening in reality in relation to records management policies, programmes, procedures and processes. It can then provide directions for further effective improvement. The author introduces records management in China and its features to provide the context and then measures records management in China against items of ISO 15489. Based on the weaknesses found, the author gives suggestions for the improvement of records management in China.
The impact of the Internet on travel agencies
Authors: Law Rob , Leung Kenith , Wong RJames
Published: March 2004

This paper examines tourist perceptions of the potential for the elimination of travel agencies in the presence of the Internet. The opinions of 413 tourists on making transactions through both Internet‐based (hereafter, online) and traditional distribution channels were analysed. Experimental results illustrated that tourists still used professional services and advice offered by travel agencies. Tourists also agreed that more information could be found through the Internet. Following the findings, the paper suggests that both online and traditional distributional channels can coexist in the future.
Reasons for going green in serviced accommodation establishments
Authors: Tzschentke Nadia , Kirk David , Lynch Paul A.
Published: March 2004

This paper reports on the preliminary findings of an exploratory study on environmental decision making in the context of largely small serviced accommodation establishments. It focuses on the motivations of owner‐managers for becoming environmentally involved and their reasons for joining an environmental accreditation scheme. The study was conducted in Scotland using face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews with members of the Green Tourism Business Scheme, an environmental accreditation scheme for tourism businesses. Initial analysis suggests that involvement in environmental activities may be driven by economic as well as ethical considerations. The results point to the role played by personal values and beliefs in small firms’ decision making and the need to gain a greater understanding of the complexity of motives that drive the small hospitality business owner.
The impact of SARS on Hong Kong’s tourism industry
Authors: Pine Ray , McKercher Bob
Published: March 2004

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) first appeared in February 2002 in China’s Guangdong Province before emerging in neighbouring Hong Kong in late February. The epidemic had a negatively profound impact on tourism around the world, with particularly strong impacts on countries in South‐East Asia. This paper will present a brief SARS chronology with critical events or impacts on Hong Kong’s tourism industry.
Learning to make more effective decisions: changing beliefs as a prelude to action
Authors: Friedman Sheldon
Published: March 2004

Decision‐makers in organizations often make what appear as being intuitively obviously and reasonable decisions, which often turn out to yield unintended outcomes. The cause of such ineffective decisions can be a combination of cognitive biases, poor mental models of complex systems, and errors in thinking provoked by anxiety, all of which tend to reinforce the currently held belief structures that reinforce even further resistance to change in people. While Senge has advocated for the use of simulations, called, “microworlds” to overcome such resistance, there are times when such simulations are not available for use or are otherwise infeasible. At these times, alternative methods need to be considered for improving the capacity of managers to learn from experience and improve the quality of their decision‐making. Among the alternatives that can be used to improve decision‐making are role‐play, neuro‐linguistic programming, the use of corrective methods related to groupthink, critical thinking skills and failure analysis. A review of the causes of poor decision‐making, methods of changing one's beliefs, guiding principles for making better decisions, and a process for improving the quality of lessons learned from experience is presented in this article.
Generative learning management: a hypothetical model
Authors: Österberg Peter
Published: March 2004

It is proposed that to reach a state of generative learning, an organization requires a “generative learning manager”: a person who understands the importance of development and directing of knowledge. The purpose of this study was, therefore, both to explain mechanisms like knowledge distribution, goal setting and symbolic convergence from a cognitive psychological perspective on organizations, as well as to reach conclusions on a hypothetical model for the function of generative learning management. The study was accomplished by a theoretical analysis. The results suggest that a goal setting manager – who has the ability to help the organization communicate more as a network, where procedural and declarative knowledge, as well as multi‐intelligent aspects of knowledge can move in a more widely distributed procedural fashion between co‐workers – has the potential to become a generative learning manager.
Organizational learning and knowledge management: the relationship
Authors: Firestone Joseph M. , McElroy Mark W.
Published: March 2004

To many in the fields of organizational learning (OL) and knowledge management (KM), the relationship between the two is something of a small mystery. The authors are practitioners coming from the KM side, who in the course of their work developed a process framework to delimit the scope of KM. They believe this framework also provides a context for viewing OL and for relating it to both social knowledge processing and KM
Reducing M&A risk through improved due diligence
Authors: Perry Jeffery S. , Herd Thomas J.
Published: March 2004

Making an M&A deal “work” is one of the hardest tasks in business. A handful of best practices can reduce the risk and give the deal a fighting chance. The inherent danger in due diligence is not that companies fail to do it, but that they fail to do it well. The deals that are being struck today are far riskier than those of the 1990s. Four “best practices” separate the winners from the losers in the M&A playoffs. Call on the experts (internal and external) who have experience in helping companies identify and realize cost and revenue synergies. Trust but verify. Focus on what matters – such as: create an aggressive market penetration strategy; devise an innovative plan for product launches; realign the sales force; rationalize the supply chain network and IT applications and create a shared services organization. Identify the high priority, complex initiatives, determine the associated risks and craft risk mitigation plans. Orchestrate the unveiling – smart acquirers know that analysts react more favorably to an announcement of an acquisition if it is followed up with a cogent discussion about the acquirer’s high priority integration initiatives, key risk factors and risk mitigation plans (including timing of each).
IBM’s Think strategy – melding strategy and branding
Authors: Clark Kevin , McNeilly Mark
Published: March 2004

When operations are consolidated to simplify product lines and to gain efficiencies in practices and marketing, can the brand identities also be consolidated? This was the question that IBM PC Division marketers faced. This article explores their approach to answering it. Key factors addressed by the team tasked with this project, included: value is moving beyond just providing products to providing value that improves the customer’s business; branding and business strategy are inextricably linked; and look for opportunity out of adversity. This was the chance to meld several disparate brands into a family. Strategically this reenergized IBM in the personal computer space and enabled them to send a new message to the marketplace. Tactically this improved marketing communications efficiency because the investment supported a single message and family of offerings.
A topological hierarchy‐sorting algorithm for layered manufacturing
Authors: Choi S.H. , Kwok K.T.
Published: March 2004

This paper proposes an algorithm that constructs the topological hierarchy relationship of complex slice contours for layered manufacturing (LM). It facilitates toolpath generation for fabrication of multi‐material parts and virtual simulation for defect quantification and process optimization of LM. The algorithm consists of two main modules, namely the hierarchy‐sorting module and contour‐sequencing module. The hierarchy‐sorting module builds a parent‐and‐child list that defines the containment relationship of the slice contours, while the contour‐sequencing module arranges the slice contours in an appropriate sequence based on the user's requirements. Topological hierarchy relationship facilitates toolpath planning for multi‐material LM and also alleviates some major graphics problems in the virtual simulation of LM.
The response of internal dynamics to hydrophobic core mutations in the SH3 domain from the Fyn tyrosine kinase
Authors: Mittermaier Anthony , Kay Lewis E.
Published: March 2004

We have used 15N‐ and 2H‐NMR spin relaxation experiments to study the response of backbone and side‐chain dynamics when a leucine or valine is substituted for a completely buried phenylalanine residue in the SH3 domain from the Fyn tyrosine kinase. Several residues show differences in the time scales and temperature dependences of internal motions when data for the three proteins are compared. Changes were also observed in the magnitude of dynamics, with the valine, and to a lesser extent leucine mutant, showing enhanced flexibility compared to the wild‐type (WT) protein. The motions of many of the same amide and methyl groups are affected by both mutations, identifying a set of loci where dynamics are sensitive to interactions involving the targeted side chain. These results show that contacts within the hydrophobic core affect many aspects of internal mobility throughout the Fyn SH3 domain.
Similar active sites in lysostaphins and D‐Ala‐D‐Ala metallopeptidases
Authors: Bochtler Matthias , Odintsov Sergey G. , Marcyjaniak Malgorzata , Sabala Izabela
Published: March 2004

Specific peptidases exist for nearly every amide linkage in peptidoglycan. In several cases, families of peptidoglycan hydrolases with different specificities turned out to be related. Here we show that lysostaphin‐type peptidases and D‐Ala‐D‐Ala metallopeptidases have similar active sites and share a core folding motif in otherwise highly divergent folds. The central Zn2+ is tetrahedrally coordinated by two histidines, an aspartate, and a water molecule. The Zn2+ chelating residues occur in the order histidine, aspartate, histidine in all sequences and contact the metal via the Nε, the Oδ, and the Nδ, respectively. The identity of the other active‐site residues varies, but in all enzymes of known structure except for VanX, a conserved histidine is present two residues upstream of the second histidine ligand to the Zn2+. As the same arrangement of active‐site residues is also found in the N‐terminal, cryptic peptidase domain of sonic hedgehog, we propose that this arrangement of active‐site residues be called the “LAS” arrangement, because it is present in lysostaphin‐type enzymes, D‐Ala‐D‐Ala metallopeptidases, and in the cryptic peptidase in the N‐domain of sonic hedgehog.
NMR structure of the noncytotoxic α‐sarcin mutant Δ(7‐22): The importance of the native conformation of peripheral loops for activity
Authors: García‐Mayoral Ma Flor , García‐Ortega Lucia , Lillo Ma Pilar , Santoro Jorge , Martínez Del Pozo Álvaro , Gavilanes José G. , Rico Manuel , Bruix Marta
Published: March 2004

The deletion mutant Δ(7‐22) of α‐sarcin, unlike its wild‐type protein counterpart, lacks the specific ability to degrade rRNA in intact ribosomes and exhibits an increased unspecific ribonuclease activity and decreased interaction with lipid vesicles. In trying to shed light on these differences, we report here on the three‐dimensional structure of the Δ(7‐22) α‐sarcin mutant using NMR methods. We also evaluated its dynamic properties on the basis of theoretical models and measured its correlation time (6.2 nsec) by time‐resolved fluorescence anisotropy. The global fold characteristic of ribotoxins is preserved in the mutant. The most significant differences with respect to the α‐sarcin structure are concentrated in (1) loop 2, (2) loop 3, which adopts a new orientation, and (3) loop 5, which shows multiple conformations and an altered dynamics. The interactions between loop 5 and the N‐terminal hairpin are lost in the mutant, producing increased solvent accessibility of the active‐site residues. The degree of solvent exposure of the catalytic His 137 is similar to that shown by His 92 in RNase T1. Additionally, the calculated order parameters of residues belonging to loop 5 in the mutant correspond to an internal dynamic behavior more similar to RNase T1 than α‐sarcin. On the other hand, changes in the relative orientation of loop 3 move the lysine‐rich region 111–114, crucial for substrate recognition, away from the active site. All of the structural and dynamic data presented here reveal that the mutant is a hybrid of ribotoxins and noncytotoxic ribonucleases, consistent with its biological properties.
Unions and Unemployment Insurance Benefits Receipt: Evidence from the Current Population Survey
Authors: Budd John W. , McCall Brian P.
Published: March 2004

Using data from the January 1996 Current Population Survey's Displaced Worker Supplement, this article analyzes the effect of union representation on the likelihood that individuals eligible for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits receive UI benefits. For white‐collar workers, unions do not have a significant effect on the probability of UI benefit receipt. Eligible blue‐collar workers laid off from union jobs are approximately 23 percent more likely than comparable nonunion workers to receive UI benefits.
The Reform of the German Works Constitution Act: A Critical Assessment
Authors: Addison John T. , Bellmann Lutz , Schnabel Claus , Wagner Joachim
Published: March 2004

Since 1920, the thrust of German law on workplace codetermination has changed on a number of occasions. We describe the latest swing of the legislative pendulum—favoring works council formation and competence—and evaluate the case for it. We provide new information on the extent of works councils before reviewing the evidence on their economic effects, focusing on some new results from matched‐plant data. If the former evidence points to a codetermination deficit, this shortfall does not appear to have negative consequences for workplace productivity, profitability, and employment.
A Reexamination of Public‐Sector Wage Differentials in the United States: Evidence from the NLSY with Geocode
Authors: Lee Sang‐Hyop
Published: March 2004

While many researchers have sought to estimate federal‐private wage differentials in the United States, most of them ignore the issues of unobserved heterogeneity and selectivity among sectors. This article seeks to fill the gap in previous literature by using a more appropriate data set and several compelling techniques. The main results suggest substantial bias in ordinary least squares (OLS) estimates of federal‐private wage differentials due to individual heterogeneity and self‐selection. The direction of bias under selectivity correction (upward for men and downward for women) is consistent with results from both test‐score approach estimates and the fixed‐effects estimates.
Comparison of sun protection factors determined by an in vivo and different in vitro methodologies: a study with 58 different commercially available sunscreen products
Authors: Heinrich U. , Tronnier H. , Kockott D. , Kuckuk R. , Heise H. M.
Published: March 2004

Synopsis

An extensive study on the sun protection factors (SPF) of sun care products was carried out using the COLIPA (The European Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association) method, which relates to in vivo experiments. Furthermore, in vitro methods were tested with sunscreen formulations that were prepared as films on surface‐roughened plates of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). One of the in vitro methods, i.e. using the sunscreen tester, has been recently developed, whereas the second has been defined by a pure spectroscopic approach, which is based on spectral transmission measurements of sunscreen films. Altogether 58 different sunscreen formulations, with manufacturer declared SPF values ranging from 4 to 60 and currently available on the European market, were investigated. The quality of correlations with results from the individual products based on the different in vitro methods versus the COLIPA values that were considered as generally accepted standard values was assessed. In this context, also variations because of sample preparation and spectral measurement were discussed. For sunscreen products with in vivo SPF values larger 25, the spectral transmittance within the UVA/UVB range is rapidly decreasing, which is experienced even for products with reduced amounts reaching 0.5 mg cm−2 and still leading to unsatisfactory correlation of the spectroscopically derived SPF values versus the results from the alternative assays. Opposite to these small amounts, a sunscreen product spread of 2 mg cm−2 is standard for the in vivo COLIPA method, whereas an area‐normalized amount of 1 mg cm−2 is currently routinely used for the sunscreen tester method. Furthermore, an overview of the individual product characteristics, such as their specific critical wavelengths and their UVA/UVB ratios is provided; both parameters can also be calculated from the spectral absorbances of the standardized sunscreen films.