bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of a Gene Encoding Mitochondrial Aldehyde Dehydrogenase in Rice Increases under Submerged Conditions
Authors: Nakazono Mikio , Tsuji Hiroyuki , Li Yuhua , Saisho Daisuke , Arimura Shin-ichi , Tsutsumi Nobuhiro , Hirai Atsushi
Published: July 2002

It is known that alcoholic fermentation is important for survival of plants under anaerobic conditions. Acetaldehyde, one of the intermediates of alcoholic fermentation, is not only reduced by alcohol dehydrogenase but also can be oxidized by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). To determine whether ALDH plays a role in anaerobic metabolism in rice (Oryza sativa L. cv Nipponbare), we characterized a cDNA clone encoding mitochondrial ALDH from rice (Aldh2a). Analysis of sub-cellular localization of ALDH2a protein using green fluorescent protein and an in vitro ALDH assay using protein extracts from Escherichia coli cells that overexpressed ALDH2a indicated that ALDH2a functions in the oxidation of acetaldehyde in mitochondria. A Southern-blot analysis indicated that mitochondrial ALDH is encoded by at least two genes in rice. We found that the Aldh2a mRNA was present at high levels in leaves of dark-grown seedlings, mature leaf sheaths, and panicles. It is interesting that expression of the riceAldh2a gene, unlike the expression of the tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) Aldh2a gene, was induced in rice seedlings by submergence. Experiments with ruthenium red, which is a blocker of Ca2+ fluxes in rice as well as maize (Zea mays), suggest that the induction of expression of Adh1 and Pdc1 by low oxygen stress is regulated by elevation of the cytosolic Ca2+level. However, the induction of Aldh2a gene expression may not be controlled by the cytosolic Ca2+ level elevation. A possible involvement of ALDH2a in the submergence tolerance of rice is discussed.
Rac-Related GTP-Binding Protein in Elicitor-Induced Reactive Oxygen Generation by Suspension-Cultured Soybean Cells
Authors: Park Jumok , Choi Hyun-Jung , Lee Sumin , Lee Taehoon , Yang Zhenbiao , Lee Youngsook
Published: July 2002

Plant cells produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to many stimuli. However, the mechanism of ROS biosynthesis remains unclear. We have explored the hypothesis that the superoxide burst in plants mechanistically resembles the oxidative burst in neutrophils. First we have confirmed that ROS production, which occurs in suspension-cultured soybean (Glycine max) cells in response to hypo-osmotic shock, is inhibited by diphenylene iodonium, an inhibitor of the flavin-dependent oxidase of neutrophils. Because a Rac family G protein is an essential regulator of this NADPH oxidase, and because many plant homologs of Rac have been cloned, we next examined whether Rac-like proteins might be involved in the oxidative burst in the soybean cells. We identified a Rac-like 21-kD soybean protein that cross-reacts with antibodies to human Rac and garden pea Rop and also binds [γ-35S] GTP, a diagnostic trait of small G proteins. This Rac-related protein translocated from the cytosol to microsomes during the oxidative burst. Moreover, soybean cells transiently transformed with either a dominant negative (RacN17) or a dominant positive (RacV12) form of Rac1 showed the anticipated altered responses to three different stimuli: hypo-osmotic shock, oligo-GalUA, and harpin. In response to these stimuli, cells transformed with RacN17 produced less ROS and cells transformed with RacV12 generated more ROS than control cells. These results strongly suggest that a Rac-related protein participates in the regulation of ROS production in soybean cells, possibly via activation of an enzyme complex similar to the NADPH oxidase of phagocytes in animal systems.
Molecular and Biochemical Characterization of a Cytokinin Oxidase from Maize
Authors: Bilyeu Kristin D. , Cole Jean L. , Laskey James G. , Riekhof Wayne R. , Esparza Thomas J. , Kramer Michelle D. , Morris Roy O.
Published: July 2002

It is generally accepted that cytokinin oxidases, which oxidatively remove cytokinin side chains to produce adenine and the corresponding isopentenyl aldehyde, play a major role in regulating cytokinin levels in planta. Partially purified fractions of cytokinin oxidase from various species have been studied for many years, but have yet to clearly reveal the properties of the enzyme or to define its biological significance. Details of the genomic organization of the recently isolated maize (Zea mays) cytokinin oxidase gene (ckx1) and some of its Arabidopsis homologs are now presented. Expression of an intronless ckx1 inPichia pastoris allowed production of large amounts of recombinant cytokinin oxidase and facilitated detailed kinetic and cofactor analysis and comparison with the native enzyme. The enzyme is a flavoprotein containing covalently bound flavin adenine dinucleotide, but no detectable heavy metals. Expression of the oxidase in maize tissues is described.
Comparison of Gas Exchange and Bioassay Determinations of the Ammonia Compensation Point in Luzula sylvatica (Huds.) Gaud.
Authors: Hill Paul W. , Raven John A. , Loubet Benjamin , Fowler David , Sutton Mark A.
Published: July 2002

Determinations of the NH3 compensation point for the understory plant of semi-natural woodlands Luzula sylvatica (Huds.) Gaud. were carried out by measurements of gas exchange and by calculation from the NH4  +concentration and pH of extracts of the foliar apoplast. Compensation points determined by gas exchange measurements were among the lowest yet reported (0.51–1.10 μg NH3 m−3) and those calculated from apoplast extracts were lower than any yet reported (0.017–0.54 μg NH3 m−3). Those determined by gas exchange were consistently found to be between 2 and 30 times higher than those determined from apoplast extracts. Consideration of possible causes of this discrepancy, which is not confined to this investigation, showed that all likely errors would result in an increase in the discrepancy, or were insufficient to account for observed differences. It is suggested that spatial variability of pH and NH4  + concentration within the foliar apoplast represents the most promising line for further investigation. It is also shown that the foliar apoplast of L. sylvatica is sufficiently buffered to eliminate the need for correction of H+ concentration for dilution during extraction, but that it is necessary to correct the NH4  + concentration of apoplast extracts for dilution.
Molecular Structure of Three Mutations at the Maizesugary1 Locus and Their Allele-Specific Phenotypic Effects
Authors: Dinges Jason R. , Colleoni Christophe , Myers Alan M. , James Martha G.
Published: July 2002

Starch production in all plants examined is altered by mutations of isoamylase-type starch-debranching enzymes (DBE), although how these proteins affect glucan polymer assembly is not understood. Various allelic mutations in the maize (Zea mays) genesugary1 (su1), which codes for an isoamylase-type DBE, condition distinct kernel phenotypes. This study characterized the recessive mutations su1-Ref,su1-R4582::Mu1, and su1-st, regarding their molecular basis, chemical phenotypes, and effects on starch metabolizing enzymes. The su1-Ref allele results in two specific amino acid substitutions without affecting the Su1 mRNA level. The su1-R4582::Mu1 mutation is a null allele that abolishes transcript accumulation. Thesu1-st mutation results from insertion of a novel transposon-like sequence, designated Toad, which causes alternative pre-mRNA splicing. Three su1-st mutant transcripts are produced, one that is nonfunctional and two that code for modified SU1 polypeptides. The su1-st mutation is dominant to the null allele su1-R4582::Mu1,but recessive to su1-Ref, suggestive of complex effects involving quaternary structure of the SU1 enzyme. All threesu1- alleles severely reduce or eliminate isoamylase-type DBE activity, although su1-st kernels accumulate less phytoglycogen and Suc than su1-Ref orsu1-R4582::Mu1 mutants. The chain length distribution of residual amylopectin is significantly altered bysu1-Ref and su1-R4582::Mu1, whereas su1-st has modest effects. These results, together with su1 allele-specific effects on other starch- metabolizing enzymes detected in zymograms, suggest that total DBE catalytic activity is the not the sole determinant ofSu1 function and that specific interactions between SU1 and other components of the starch biosynthetic system are required.
Possible Role of Root Border Cells in Detection and Avoidance of Aluminum Toxicity
Authors: Miyasaka Susan C. , Hawes Martha C.
Published: July 2002

Root border cells are living cells that surround root apices of most plant species and are involved in production of root exudates. We tested predictions of the hypothesis that they participate in detection and avoidance of aluminum (Al) toxicity by comparing responses of two snapbean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivars (cv Dade and cv Romano) known to differ in Al resistance at the whole-root level. Root border cells of these cultivars were killed by excess Al in agarose gels or in simple salt solutions. Percent viability of Al-sensitive cv Romano border cells exposed in situ for 96 h to 200 μm total Al in an agarose gel was significantly less than that of cv Dade border cells; similarly, relative viability of harvested cv Romano border cells was significantly less than that of cv Dade cells after 24 h in 25 μm total Al in a simple salt solution. These results indicate that Al-resistance mechanisms that operate at the level of whole roots also operate at the cellular level in border cells. Al induced a thicker mucilage layer around detached border cells of both cultivars. Cultivar Dade border cells produced a thicker mucilage layer in response to 25 μM Al compared with that of cv Romano cells after 8 h of treatment and this phenomenon preceded that of observed cultivar differences in relative cell viability. Release of an Al-binding mucilage by border cells could play a role in protecting root tips from Al-induced cellular damage.
Induction of Vacuolar ATPase and Mitochondrial ATP Synthase by Aluminum in an Aluminum-Resistant Cultivar of Wheat
Authors: Hamilton Christie A. , Good Allen G. , Taylor Gregory J.
Published: July 2002

Two 51-kD aluminum (Al)-induced proteins (RMP51, root membrane proteins of 51 kD) were recently discovered in an aluminum-resistant cultivar of wheat (Triticum aestivum) cv PT741 (Basu et al., 1994a). These proteins segregate with the aluminum resistance phenotype in a segregating population arising from a cross between Al-resistant cv PT741 and Al-sensitive cv Katepwa (Taylor et al., 1997). The proteins have been purified by continuous elution electrophoresis and analyzed by peptide microsequencing. Sequence analysis of the purified peptides revealed that they are homologous to the B subunit of the vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) and the α- and β-subunits of the mitochondrial ATP synthase (F1F0-ATPase). To confirm that these ATPases are induced by Al, ATPase activity and transcript levels were analyzed under Al stress. Both V-ATPase and F1F0-ATPase activities were induced by Al and responded in a dose-dependent manner to 0 to 150 μm Al. In contrast, plasma membrane H+-ATPase (P-ATPase) activity decreased to 0.5× control levels, even when plants were exposed to 25 μm Al. Northern analysis showed that the transcript encoding the B subunit of V-ATPase increased by 2.2× in a dose-dependent manner, whereas levels of the transcript encoding the α-subunit of F1F0-ATPase remained constant. The effect of Al on ATPase activity in other cultivars was also examined. The Al-resistant cultivar, cv PT741, was the only cultivar to show induction of V- and F1F0-ATPases. These results suggest that the V-ATPase in cv PT741 is responding specifically to Al stress with the ATP required for its activity supplied by ATP synthase to maintain energy balance within the cell.
Nitrite Reductase Gene Enrichment Improves Assimilation of NO2 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Takahashi Misa , Sasaki Yukari , Ida Shoji , Morikawa Hiromichi
Published: July 2002

Transgenic plants of Arabidopsis bearing the spinach (Spinacia oleracea) nitrite reductase (NiR, EC 1.7.7.1) gene that catalyzes the six-electron reduction of nitrite to ammonium in the second step of the nitrate assimilation pathway were produced by use of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter and nopaline synthase terminator. Integration of the gene was confirmed by a genomic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern-blot analysis; its expression by a reverse transcriptase-PCR and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis western-blot analysis; total (spinach + Arabidopsis) NiR mRNA content by a competitive reverse transcriptase-PCR; localization of NiR activity (NiRA) in the chloroplast by fractionation analysis; and NO2 assimilation by analysis of the reduced nitrogen derived from NO2(NO2-RN). Twelve independent transgenic plant lines were characterized in depth. Three positive correlations were found for NiR gene expression; between the total NiR mRNA and total NiR protein contents (r = 0.74), between the total NiR protein and NiRA (r = 0.71), and between NiRA and NO2-RN (r = 0.65). Of these twelve lines, four had significantly higher NiRA than the wild-type control (P < 0.01), and three had significantly higher NO2-RN (P < 0.01). Each of the latter three had one to two copies of spinach NiR cDNA per haploid genome. The NiR flux control coefficient for NO2 assimilation was estimated to be about 0.4. A similar value was obtained for an NiR antisense tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv Xanthi XHFD8). The flux control coefficients of nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase were much smaller than this value. Together, these findings indicate that NiR is a controlling enzyme in NO2assimilation by plants.
Jasmonate-Dependent Induction of Indole Glucosinolates in Arabidopsis by Culture Filtrates of the Nonspecific PathogenErwinia carotovora
Authors: Brader Günter , Tas Éva , Palva E. Tapio
Published: July 2002

Elicitors from the plant pathogen Erwinia carotovoratrigger coordinate induction of the tryptophan (Trp) biosynthesis pathway and Trp oxidizing genes in Arabidopsis. To elucidate the biological role of such pathogen-induced activation we characterized the production of secondary defense metabolites such as camalexin and indole glucosinolates derived from precursors of this pathway. Elicitor induction was followed by a specific increase in 3-indolylmethylglucosinolate (IGS) content, but only a barely detectable accumulation of the indole-derived phytoalexin camalexin. The response is mediated by jasmonic acid as shown by lack of IGS induction in the jasmonate-insensitive mutant coi1-1. In accordance with this, methyl jasmonate was able to trigger IGS accumulation in Arabidopsis. In contrast, ethylene and salicylic acid seem to play a minor role in the response. They did not trigger alterations in IGS levels, and methyl jasmonate- or elicitor-induced IGS accumulation in NahG and ethylene-insensitiveein2-1 mutant plants was similar as in the wild type. The breakdown products of IGS and other glucosinolates were able to inhibit growth of E. carotovora. The results suggest that IGS is of importance in the defense against bacterial pathogens.
Seed-Specific Over-Expression of an Arabidopsis cDNA Encoding a Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase Enhances Seed Oil Content and Seed Weight
Authors: Jako Colette , Kumar Arvind , Wei Yangdou , Zou Jitao , Barton Dennis L. , Giblin E. Michael , Covello Patrick S. , Taylor David C.
Published: July 2002

We recently reported the cloning and characterization of an Arabidopsis (ecotype Columbia) diacylglycerol acyltransferase cDNA (Zou et al., 1999) and found that in Arabidopsis mutant line AS11, an ethyl methanesulfonate-induced mutation at a locus on chromosome II designated as Tag1 consists of a 147-bp insertion in the DNA, which results in a repeat of the 81-bp exon 2 in theTag1 cDNA. This insertion mutation is correlated with an altered seed fatty acid composition, reduced diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT; EC 2.3.1.20) activity, reduced seed triacylglycerol content, and delayed seed development in the AS11 mutant. The effect of the insertion mutation on microsomal acyl-coenzyme A-dependent DGAT is examined with respect to DGAT activity and its substrate specificity in the AS11 mutant relative to wild type. We demonstrate that transformation of mutant AS11 with a single copy of the wild-type Tag1 DGAT cDNA can complement the fatty acid and reduced oil phenotype of mutant AS11. More importantly, we show for the first time that seed-specific over-expression of the DGAT cDNA in wild-type Arabidopsis enhances oil deposition and average seed weight, which are correlated with DGAT transcript levels. The DGAT activity in developing seed of transgenic lines was enhanced by 10% to 70%. Thus, the current study confirms the important role of DGAT in regulating the quantity of seed triacylglycerols and the sink size in developing seeds.
Hormonal Changes in the Grains of Rice Subjected to Water Stress during Grain Filling
Authors: Yang Jianchang , Zhang Jianhua , Wang Zhiqing , Zhu Qingsen , Wang Wei
Published: July 2002

Lodging-resistant rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars usually show slow grain filling when nitrogen is applied in large amounts. This study investigated the possibility that a hormonal change may mediate the effect of water deficit that enhances whole plant senescence and speeds up grain filling. Two rice cultivars showing high lodging resistance and slow grain filling were field grown and applied with either normal or high amount nitrogen (HN) at heading. Well-watered and water-stressed (WS) treatments were imposed 9 days post anthesis to maturity. Results showed that WS increased partitioning of fixed 14CO2 into grains, accelerated the grain filling rate but shortened the grain filling period, whereas the HN did the opposite way. Cytokinin (zeatin + zeatin riboside) and indole-3-acetic acid contents in the grains transiently increased at early filling stage and WS treatments hastened their declines at the late grain filling stage. Gibberellins (GAs; GA1 + GA4) in the grains were also high at early grain filling but HN enhanced, whereas WS substantially reduced, its accumulation. Opposite to GAs, abscisic acid (ABA) in the grains was low at early grain filling but WS remarkably enhanced its accumulation. The peak values of ABA were significantly correlated with the maximum grain filling rates (r = 0.92**,P < 0.01) and the partitioning of fixed14C into grains (r = 0.95**,P < 0.01). Exogenously applied ABA on pot-grown HN rice showed similar results as those by WS. Results suggest that an altered hormonal balance in rice grains by water stress during grain filling, especially a decrease in GAs and an increase in ABA, enhances the remobilization of prestored carbon to the grains and accelerates the grain filling rate.
Rab2 GTPase Regulates Vesicle Trafficking between the Endoplasmic Reticulum and the Golgi Bodies and Is Important to Pollen Tube Growth[W]
Authors: Cheung Alice Y. , Chen Christine Y.-h. , Glaven Richard H. , de Graaf Barend H. J. , Vidali Luis , Hepler Peter K. , Wu Hen-ming
Published: July 2002

Pollen tube elongation depends on the secretion of large amounts of membrane and cell wall materials at the pollen tube tip to sustain rapid growth. A large family of RAS-related small GTPases, Rabs or Ypts, is known to regulate both anterograde and retrograde trafficking of transport vesicles between different endomembrane compartments and the plasma membrane in mammalian and yeast cells. Studies on the functional roles of analogous plant proteins are emerging. We report here that a tobacco pollen-predominant Rab2, NtRab2, functions in the secretory pathway between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi in elongating pollen tubes. Green fluorescent protein–NtRab2 fusion protein localized to the Golgi bodies in elongating pollen tubes. Dominant-negative mutations in NtRab2 proteins inhibited their Golgi localization, blocked the delivery of Golgi-resident as well as plasmalemma and secreted proteins to their normal locations, and inhibited pollen tube growth. On the other hand, when green fluorescent protein–NtRab2 was over-expressed in transiently transformed leaf protoplasts and epidermal cells, in which NtRab2 mRNA have not been observed to accumulate to detectable levels, these proteins did not target efficiently to Golgi bodies. Together, these observations indicate that NtRab2 is important for trafficking between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi bodies in pollen tubes and may be specialized to optimally support the high secretory demands in these tip growth cells.
The use of technology for housekeeping and bibliographic searching activities in university libraries of Saudi Arabia: the need for acceleration
Authors: Khalid H.M.
Published: July 2002

A range of factors has provided facilities for the maximum use of technology in libraries. This application has marked a new era for library services. A postal survey confirms its lesser use in university libraries of Saudi Arabia (less than the UK and Malaysia for example) for housekeeping and bibliographic searching. A literature review points out a number of reasons for this lower use, for example, non‐existence of a national information policy and the lack of trained staff. Use can be increased by taking initiatives by professional organisations and Government agencies. Among these, planning of technology, implementing information policy, developing broader awareness for the use of technology in libraries, establishing staff training and development and user education programmes are particularly important.
Knowledgeability and democracy in an information age
Authors: Webster Frank
Published: July 2002

Critically examines claims for the use of information and communication technologies for the easy availability of information and so for the improvement of citizen participation in democratic processes. Examines the quality as opposed to the quantity of information available and discusses the nature of the information infrastructure as envisioned in the New Library: The People’s Network report against the historical reality of the failure of established systems to fulfill their potential and the characteristics of the present information environment. Considers attacks on the established public library system and discusses the nature of official information as embodied in official statistics. Examines the commercialisation of broadcasting, the decline of public service broadcasting and the failure of radio and television to develop in private hands into vehicles for mass education, concluding that where quality of content is paramount for information purposes over techniques of presentation, the claims for technological solutions for the information age are overstated.
An algorithm to estimate the friction energy of a grease lubricated contact
Authors: Kuhn Erik
Published: July 2002

This paper presents a tribological analysis of a grease lubricated contact with a consideration of the grease structure (density distribution).
Oil ageing ‐ drain period in a petrol engine
Authors: Kaleli Hakan , Yavasliol Irfan
Published: July 2002

The more frequently an engine oil is changed, the more the overhaul life of the engine is extended but with an increase in the cost both of the oil and of the oil drain services. If engine oil is changed less frequently the associated costs will decrease. In order to find the optimum drain interval, it is necessary to establish the relationship between the cost of the oil and oil drain services and the cost of more frequent overhauls. Presents an investigation into the degradation of a proprietary lubricant marketed in Turkey, and the wear rate of a petrol engine driven in urban traffic. Lubricant samples were examined approximately every 2,000km for deterioration of the lubricant and evidence of wear of the engine components. From the experimental results, determines the optimum oil drain period of the engine.
A comparison of work values and motives among Zimbabwean and British managers
Authors: Harvey Joan , Carter Steve , Mudimu Godfrey
Published: July 2002

Work values and attitudes were compared for 117 African and 82 British managers and management students. It was predicted that Africans would place more importance on status, prestige and position as motivators, would be less likely to accept criticism, and rate courtesy, social approval and loyalty more favourably than British respondents. Existing scales of social approval and derived need satisfaction were modified and a third one constructed in order to obtain the measurements. The results confirmed the hypothesis relating to status, prestige, position, tentatively supported that relating to social approval, partly confirmed the hypothesis for loyalty and the results for courtesy and acceptance of criticism were not proven. These results are discussed in terms of the methodological issues associated with cross‐cultural comparisons and the implications for motivation and management activities.
Strategic planning of human resources in the library system of the
Pontifical Catholic University of Chile
Authors: Luisa Arenas Franco Maria , Iniguez Diaz Rosita
Published: July 2002

To achieve the strategic objectives necessary for an organization
to face the future with confidence, human resource planning has been
implemented in the library system of the Pontificial Catholic University
of Chile (SIBUC). Analyses the environment and its impact on SIBUC using
an organizational model, which also permits strategic objectives to be
established and personnel to be analysed in terms of strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Based on this approach, specifies
human resource objectives, and assures optimal achievement with
well‐defined individual strategies that also include plans for action
and control measures. Finally, and as a result of the whole methodology,
creates a matrix to structure an organizational design of the direction
of human resources in the library system.
ROBODOC ‐ surgical robot success story
Authors: Pransky Joanne
Published: July 2002

Describes the history of Integrated Surgical Systems (ISS), the US company that created ROBODOC, a surgical robot system used to perform total human hip replacement surgery, and ORTHODOC, a computer workstation that enables orthopaedic surgeons to examine a patient’s bone more accurately and perform a pre‐operative plan prior to total hip replacement (THR) surgery. ISS recently went public on the NASDAQ Small Cap market. ORTHODOC has received US FDA approval, while ROBODOC’s approval is still pending. More than 850 patients in six hospitals worldwide have received surgical procedures performed by ROBODOC.
Magnetic pulse welding shows potential for automotive applications
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: July 2002

Reviews developments in the magnetic pulse welding process, describes how the technique can be used for joining two different metals, and outlines potential applications in the automotive industry.
Changing the balance – the “ins and outs” of retail development
Authors: Jones Peter , Hillier David
Published: July 2002

During the past 30 years the balance between retail development in “out of town” as opposed to “town centre” locations has been a recurrent theme in retail planning policy debates and policy initiatives within the UK. This paper reviews the continuing growth and diversification of out‐of‐town retail development and draws attention to the recent investment in retail services complexes in out‐of‐town sites. A brief outline of changing central government thinking suggests an increasingly restrictive approach to new out‐of‐town retail development coupled with a policy commitment to “put town centres first”. The paper then offers some illustrative examples of town centre management initiatives in Leicester, Leeds and Manchester, and concludes with a brief discussion of some of the issues surrounding the “in town – out‐of‐town debate”.
The changing role of the traditional players in the new information age: the future of document delivery services
Authors: Smith Malcolm , Osborne Mick
Published: July 2002

One of the most significant recent developments for libraries has been the increasing availability of electronic versions of journals produced by the major publishers. Virtually instant online access to the full text of articles is engineering a fundamental rethink of how libraries provide information and services to their users: are libraries as physical entities still needed; can end‐users go it alone in searching for and retrieving documents they require; how can new and traditional services be effectively integrated, and so on. However, while technically many things are possible, the business models, the information delivery infrastructure, and the shifting relationships between the traditional players, are still in a state of flux and do not as yet provide a solid basis on which libraries can make confident decisions about the future. Explores the role of document supply services in the new paradigm and argues that, if they can seize the opportunity, they will have a vital though substantially different role to play.
Layout optimization of doubly‐curved laminated composite shells of revolution
Authors: Muc Aleksander
Published: July 2002

Presents a finite element formulation of the layout optimization and design sensitivity applied to doubly‐curved shells of revolution. The objectives of the optimization are to maximize buckling pressures and first‐ply‐failure pressures. The problem is formulated and solved with the use of geometrically non‐linear transverse shear shell theory. However, the optimization method proposed limits the sensitivity analysis to a geometrically linear problem. Focuses special attention on the formulation of the optimization problem taking into account various factors, such as the form of geometrical and physical relations, types of design variables and the finite element discretization. Demonstrates several numerical examples to illustrate the capability of the proposed optimization procedures.
Evolutionary structural optimisation (ESO) using a bidirectional algorithm
Authors: Querin O.M. , Steven G.P. , Xie Y.M.
Published: July 2002

Describes development work to combine the basic ESO with the additive evolutionary structural optimisation (AESO) to produce bidirectional ESO whereby material can be added and can be removed. It will be shown that this provides the same results as the traditional ESO. This has two benefits, it validates the whole ESO concept and there is a significant time saving since the structure grows from a small initial one rather than contracting from a sometimes huge initial one where 90 per cent of the material gets removed over many hundreds of finite element analysis (FEA) evolutionary cycles. Presents a brief background to the current state of Structural Optimisation research. This is followed by a discussion of the strategies for the bidirectional ESO (BESO) algorithm and two examples are presented.
Applying the theory of reasoned action to the analysis of an individual’s polychronicity
Authors: Slocombe Thomas E.
Published: July 2002

The analysis of polychronicity at the cultural level is compared with the analysis of polychronicity at the level of the individual member of the culture. We suggest that a more detailed analysis of an individual’s polychronicity is appropriate, including the individual’s beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. We identify the theory of reasoned action as a useful framework for studying an individual’s polychronicity. Examples are provided in which the theory of reasoned action is used to address questions about an individual’s polychronicity, along with the description of the relationships among the components of individual‐level polychronicity suggested by the theory.
Recruitment and training in small firms
Authors: Jameson Stephanie M.
Published: July 2002

The hospitality and tourism industries are two of the fastest growing and most dynamic sectors of the UK economy. Both industries are highly labour intensive and, because of this, the effective management of human resources is critical to their success. A defining characteristic of these industries is the high incidence of small firms. The issue of training in the small business sector in general has been neglected by academics and management specialists and this is also the case specifically in tourism and hospitality. This article goes some way to address this gap in knowledge and examines the recruitment and training practices of small tourism and hospitality firms. The issues examined include sources of recruitment, the extent to which small tourism and hospitality firms had training plans and training budgets, participation, and evaluation of training.
Towards a holistic model of professional competence
Authors: Cheetham Graham , Chivers Geoff
Published: July 2002

Describes a model of professional competence which attempts to bring together a number of apparently disparate views of competence, including the “outcomes” approach, a key feature of UK National Vocational Qualifications, and the “reflective practitioner” approach, suggested by Schon and now well recognized within professional education programmes.
Vocational education as a “life‐project”? Reflections from the case of Finland
Authors: Heikkinen Anja
Published: July 2002

Discusses the problem of “creating” a vocational education and training profession in Europe. In approaching the problem, national and cultural differences of vocational education and training must be recognized. Typical ways of comparing and analysing them may, however, be limited for reflecting on the topic of vocational education and training (VET) profession. Suggests that an analysis on the “education functions” of different categories of vocational educators and trainers in different cultures is needed. To promote further discussion, gives an example from Finland. In the Finnish case, vocational teachers have become the proponents of vocational education.
Aspects of ethics in systemic thinking
Authors: Johannessen Jon‐Arild
Published: July 2002

Examines the subject “How can we study value systems from a systemic angle of incidence?”, based on the philosophy developed by Bunge through his treatise on basic philosophy. Develops a conceptual model for the value system, consisting of the following entities: wellbeing, needs and wishes, values, moral codes and action. Discusses each element of the model from a systemic angle of incidence. The ethical norm expressed is referred to as systemic principle of balance and can be expressed in the following way: the wellbeing of those most subject to suffering in the social system should be given number one priority, despite the fact that wellbeing of the majority will deteriorate as a result of this priority.
Gender differences in information search strategies for a Christmas gift
Authors: Laroche Michel , Saad Gad , Cleveland Mark , Browne Elizabeth
Published: July 2002

Examines the underlying determinants of in‐store information search for a Christmas clothing gift, specifically focusing on gender differences. Two non‐personal (general and specific) and one personal (sales clerk assistance) in‐store information search domains were obtained from the results of a survey of actual consumers carried out shortly after the Christmas season. Consistent with the predictions of the selectivity model, females appeared to comprehensively acquire in‐store information, whereas males appeared to heuristically limit their search to a smaller subset of in‐store information. More specifically, females scored significantly higher than males on indices of both general and specific information search. Females, compared to males, were also found to start Christmas shopping much earlier, purchase more gifts, and embark on a greater number of shopping trips. Other observed gender differences are discussed.
Marketing higher education: the MBA experience
Authors: Nicholls John , Harris John , Morgan Eleanor , Clarke Ken , Sims David
Published: July 2002

Given the increasing competition in higher education, including
that on MBA degrees, it is surprising that more attention has not been
paid to marketing issues, such as are educational institutions really
“customer‐oriented”?; do they choose the most appropriate
market segments?; the complexities of the decision processes of the
“buyers”. Looks first at general issues facing educational
marketers, and then examines the marketing of MBA degrees in the light
of theory, of previous survey data and of evidence arising from their
collective experience. Concludes that, whether the
“customer” is an individual student or a company, a greater
understanding of buyer behaviour is needed; business schools should
improve their marketing or stand accused of not practising what they
preach.
Window of opportunity in Asia: economic turmoil offers a second chance to EU companies
Authors: Hajidimitriou Yannis , Mourdoukoutas Panos
Published: July 2002

Investigates EU‐Asian economic relations and identifies some of the factors that can explain their lag vis‐à‐vis Japan and the USA. Argues that the Asian economic turmoil offers the EU a second chance to catch up in their economic relations with the region. Argues further that recent EU initiatives and the European recovery will make it easier for Asian countries to expand their exports to Europe than to the USA and Japan.
Teacher receptivity to system‐wide educational change
Authors: Moroz Rose , Waugh Russell F.
Published: July 2002

Focuses on the receptivity of Western Australian government teachers towards a system‐wide educational change, the use of Student Outcome Statements, that help teachers’ classroom planning, student learning and assessment. The dependent variable, teacher receptivity, is measured in four aspects: overall feelings, attitudes, behaviour intentions and behaviour. The group 1 independent variables are non‐monetary cost benefits, alleviation of fears and concerns, significant‐other support, and feelings compared to the previous system. The group 2 independent variables are shared goals, collaboration and teacher learning opportunities. Data relating to all the variables were collected in 1997 from a sample of 126 teachers some of whom had been involved in the official trial of Student Outcome Statements and analysed using correlation and regression techniques. The group 1 and group 2 independent variables accounted for 59 per cent of the variance in overall feelings, 49 per cent in attitudes, 50 per cent in behaviour intentions and 40 per cent in behaviour.
Creating smarter schools through collaboration
Authors: Tschannen‐Moran Megan , Uline Cynthia , Woolfolk Hoy Anita , Mackley Timm
Published: July 2002

Principles of cognitive psychology are considered, not primarily as they inform classroom practice, but as they inform school organization and administrative practice in schools. Theories of knowledge as distributed, social, situated, and based on prior beliefs and knowledge are applied to organizational learning within schools. Collaborative problem solving is explored as a means that schools might employ to become smarter. The study is situated within a Midwestern high school that is striving to improve itself. This school employs collaborative strategies to learn and adapt to changed expectations and circumstances. In the school examined, this collaboration is orchestrated through the creation of discourse communities among teachers and cognitive apprenticeships among teachers and administrators.
Anxiety and Depression among School Principals – Warning, Principalship
Can Be Hazardous to Your Health
Authors: Carr Adrian
Published: July 2002

A principal who participated in an exploratory study to ascertain the
extent and sources of stress among school principals realized the
apparent isolation and lack of support felt by a significant number of
school principals. Argues that the high incidence of anxiety and
depression among principals is in large measure related to the
insistence on educational administration being a technical activity.
Concludes with an appeal for a new notion of educational administration
and raises a number of issues for further research.
Creative management of a school
Authors: Vandenberghe Roland
Published: July 2002

Taking into consideration the scope and pace of change in education
at the start of the 1990s, it is not at all surprising that many
researchers asked questions about the changes in the role of principals.
Groups these changes in the principalship under two broad categories:
changes in internal operations (internal leadership) and alterations in
relationships with the larger school environment (environmental
leadership). One common theme underlying both types of leadership is the
expectation that principals justify permanently the general and specific
decisions they make. Considers this justification to be one of the main
requirements for creative leadership. Data from four different studies
in primary schools in the Dutch‐speaking part of Belgium are used to
illustrate how principals organize and structure this justification
task. The data illustrate clearly that teachers are confronted with
different justification styles and that principals do differ a great
deal as far as creative management is concerned.
Mentoring for new headteachers: recent British experience
Authors: Bolam Ray , McMahon Agnes , Pocklington Keith , Weindling Dick
Published: July 2002

Reports selected findings from a national evaluation of a British
pilot scheme for mentoring new primary and secondary headteachers.
Information was collected by questionnaire from 238 new headteachers,
from 303 experienced headteachers who acted as mentors and via 16
detailed case studies of reportedly successful pairs. Deals with the
nature and impact of the mentoring process and the characterisitics of
successful mentoring. Mentoring was judged to be a success by the
overwhelming majority of participants because it offered considerable
practical help with pressing problems and brought benefits which were
distinct from other forms of headteacher training and support. Discusses
major implications for practice, research and policy and concludes that
mentoring should be offered as an integral part of national strategy for
the management development of headteachers.
Transformational leadership and the implementation of large‐scale innovation programs
Authors: Geijsel Femke , Sleegers Peter , van den Berg Rudolf
Published: July 2002

Examines the nature of transformational leadership and its relation to teachers’ changed practices within the context of Dutch large‐scale innovation. Presents two qualitative studies and a survey. The qualitative studies produced three dimensions of transformational leadership: vision, individual consideration, and intellectual stimulation. Within the framework of the survey, these dimensions were further operationalized and exploratively related to teachers’ concerns, teachers’ learning activities, and teachers’ changed practices. The results indicate the significance of the dimensions of transformational leadership in relation to changed teacher practices. The results also suggest the significance of intervening constructs for future research into the impact of leadership on changed teacher practices.
Enhancing forced convection by inserting porous substrate in the core of a parallel‐plate channel
Authors: Hamdan M.O. , Al‐Nimr M.A. , Alkam M.K.
Published: July 2002

Investigates numerically the mechanism of enhancing heat transfer by using porous substrate. The numerical investigation is carried out for transient forced convection in the developing region of a parallel‐plate channel partially filled with a porous medium. A porous substrate is inserted in the channel core in order to reduce the boundary layer thickness and hence, enhance heat transfer. Darcy‐Brinkman‐Forchheimer model is used to simulate the physical problem. Results of the current model show that the existence of the porous substrate may improve the Nusselt number at the fully developed region by a factor of four and even higher depending on the value of Darcy number. It is found that the maximum Nusselt number is achieved at an optimum thickness. Also, the study shows that partially filled channels have better thermal performance than the totally filled ones. However, there is an optimum thickness of porous substrate, beyond it the Nusselt number starts to decline.
The role of employee communication in achieving commitment and quality in higher education
Authors: Thornhill Adrian , Lewis Phil , Saunders Mark N.K.
Published: July 2002

High quality of provision in higher education is seen as an institutional imperative in the 1990s. This coincides with the need to reduce unit costs and increase productivity. The delivery of these three outputs results in considerable demands being made on staff and places great stress on the need to ensure employee commitment. Organizations are explicitly or implicitly seeking employee commitment through a number of human resource and quality initiatives. One of these means is through employee communication. Briefly examines the theory of employee commitment. Proceeds to examine the role of employee communication in helping to promote and manage employee commitment. Uses survey data related to the attitudes of staff at a British higher education institution to discuss the linkage between communication, commitment and quality. Discusses key issues for those who manage communication in order to attempt to achieve commitment for quality.
Networking for K‐12 education: the federal perspective
Authors: Vedantham Anu , Breeden Laura
Published: July 2002

Explains the need for quality educational technology in our schools
and notes the contributions of existing technology in improving
education. Describes the potential that telecommunications network
technology holds for revitalizing American education. Out‐lines the
major federal programs that provide policy guidance and funding
assistance for educational institutions to access and contribute to the
evolving National Information Infrastructure (NII), and summarizes
federal activities to date. In particular, describes the relevant
experiences of the first year of the Telecommunications and Information
Infrastructure Assistance Program (TIIAP) which is part of the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) at the
Department of Commerce. Contact information for all federal programs is
provided as well.
Security considerations of doing business via the Internet: cautions to be considered
Authors: Aldridge Alicia , White Michele , Forcht Karen
Published: July 2002

Looks at the growth and potential of the Internet in relation to security issues. Presently, lack of security is perceived as a major roadblock to doing business on‐line. Risks of system corruption, fraud, theft and viruses point companies to the need for enhanced security. Investigates the importance of securing a company’s systems, its individual users, and its commercial transactions, and provides a checklist along with a brief discussion of available protection measures for these three primary security concerns.
Rapid tooling
Authors: Radstok Eric
Published: July 2002

Rapid tooling can be seen as the second wave in rapid prototyping because, with rapid tooling, the production process can be prototyped instead of the final product. This article discusses and compares several existing processes available for rapid tooling. For each process, the product size and the number of shots is estimated. Since this text was part of the Internet Conference on Rapid Prototyping, a summary of the reactions from the participants is also given.