bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of lateral ordering of InP dots grown on InGaP layers
Authors: Bortoleto J. R. R. , Gutiérrez H. R. , Cotta M. A. , Bettini J.
Published: June 2005

The mechanisms leading to the spontaneous formation of a two-dimensional array of InP∕InGaP dots grown by chemical-beam epitaxy are discussed. Samples where the InGaP buffer layer was grown at different conditions were characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Our results indicate that a periodic strain field related to lateral two-dimensional compositional modulation in the InGaP buffer layer determines the dot nucleation positions during InP growth. Although the periodic strain field in the InGaP is large enough to align the InP dots, both their shape and optical properties are effectively unaltered. This result shows that compositional modulation can be used as a tool for in situ dot positioning.
Switching mirror in the CdTe-based photonic crystal
Authors: Cada Michael
Published: June 2005

Theoretical investigations, modeling and design of a Bragg mirror (photonic crystal structure) in the CdTe-based material system are presented. It is shown that, in addition to the third-order nonlinearity (Kerr-like effect), the two-photon absorption and the resulting free-carrier refraction have to be included in the analysis and design. Inclusion of changes in the refractive index with the square of the light intensity (fifth-order nonlinearity) leads to desirable functional features of the switching mirror. The analysis provides insight into the complex nonlinear effects and serves as a tool for designing a nonlinear intra-cavity mirror for a novel pulsed laser.
Optical study of disorder and defects in hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbon alloys
Authors: Nguyen-Tran Th. , Suendo V. , Roca i Cabarrocas P.
Published: June 2005

We have studied the defect density and disorder in hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbon alloys produced by rf glow discharge of silane-methane-hydrogen mixtures, by combining spectroscopic ellipsometry and photothermal deflection spectroscopy measurements. Increasing the methane flow rate leads to a widening of the optical gap and to an increase of the apparent disorder, deduced from the standard analysis of the exponential absorption edge; the so-called Urbach energy. Interestingly, the subgap absorption decreases with increasing methane flow rate. This points towards a lower density of defects with increasing carbon content and is in contrast with the increased disorder. This apparent contradiction results from the presence of three absorption bands within the gap of this material, as reported by [Ivashchenko et al., J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 14, 1799 (2002)], and which make unreliable the standard analysis of the disorder in silicon carbon alloys.
GaN nanostructure fabrication by focused-ion-beam-assisted chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Nagata T. , Ahmet P. , Sakuma Y. , Sekiguchi T. , Chikyow T.
Published: June 2005

Gallium nitride (GaN) nanostructures were fabricated by focused-ion-beam-assisted chemical vapor deposition. Gallium precursor gas and atomic nitrogen radicals were irradiated onto the surface simultaneously during the irradiation of a Ga ion beam of 25keV at 600°C. Scanning electron microscopy observations revealed three-dimensional structures formed periodically on the substrates. Although near-band-edge emission from GaN was observed using this method, other luminescence attributed to defects and/or impurities was also observed. Surface damage caused by the ion beam was also observed. To improve the structural shape and optical properties, a two-step growth method is proposed. First, structure formation was performed at 300°C. Second, nitridation was performed at 600°C to make the GaN nanostructures stoichiometric and to activate the nitrogen in the structures. GaN nanostructures of a 200nm×100nm block of height 50nm were fabricated and strong near-band-edge emission at 3.37eV from GaN was observed.
Reduction of the internal electric field in wurtzite a-plane GaN self-assembled quantum dots
Authors: Garro N. , Cros A. , Budagosky J. A. , Cantarero A. , Vinattieri A. , Gurioli M. , Founta S. , Mariette H. , Daudin B.
Published: June 2005

We present a study of the emission of GaN∕AlN self-assembled quantum dots grown on a-plane 6H-SiC showing evidence of the suppression of the internal electric field. The strain in dots and barriers is determined by means of Raman scattering and the induced piezoelectric polarizations are estimated. These reveal a compensation of the spontaneous polarization and justify the lack of a quantum confined Stark effect found in the photoluminescence spectra. Strain effects and strong confinement are responsible for the partial depolarization of the emission and its energy dependence.
Study of fluorine behavior in silicon by selective point defect injection
Authors: Kham M. N. , El Mubarek H. A. W. , Bonar J. M. , Ashburn P.
Published: June 2005

This letter reports a point defect injection study of 185keV 2.3×1015cm−2 fluorine implanted silicon. After an inert anneal at 1000°C, fluorine peaks are seen at depths of 0.3Rp and Rp and a shoulder between 0.5–0.7Rp. The shallow peak (at 0.3Rp) is significantly smaller under interstitial injection than under both inert and vacancy injection conditions. For a longer anneal under interstitial injection, both the shallow peak and the shoulder are eliminated. These results support earlier work suggesting that the shallow fluorine peak is due to vacancy-fluorine clusters which are responsible for suppression of boron thermal diffusion in silicon. The elimination of the shallow fluorine peak and the shoulder is explained by the annihilation of vacancies in the clusters with injected interstitials.
Surface roughness and dislocation distribution in compositionally graded relaxed SiGe buffer layer with inserted-strained Si layers
Authors: Yoon Tae-Sik , Liu Jian , Noori Atif M. , Goorsky Mark S. , Xie Ya-Hong
Published: June 2005

We investigate the surface roughness and dislocation distribution of compositionally graded relaxed SiGe buffer layers by inserting two tensile-strained Si layers. The 20nm thick strained Si layers, less than the critical thickness for dislocation formation, are inserted at 10 and 20% Ge content regions of the 1μm thick graded SiGe layer with a final Ge content of 30%. The surface immediately after growing the second strained Si layer on SiGe with 20% Ge content is found to be flat with about 1.1nm root-mean-square roughness. However, the crosshatched surface with the 7.8nm roughness develops during subsequent SiGe growths, which is slightly less than the 10.3nm value for SiGe without inserted Si layers. Another important issue of consideration is that inserting the strained Si layers leads to increased interaction among dislocations as shown by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. This study explores the possibility of using strained layers for achieving flat surfaces and illustrates the need for optimization when using this approach.
Transflective spatial filter based on azo-dye-doped cholesteric liquid crystal films
Authors: Lin Tsung-Hsien , Fuh Andy Y.-G.
Published: June 2005

This work demonstrates the feasibility of exploiting the photoisomerization effect in azo-dye-doped cholesteric liquid crystal (DDCLC) films with a concomitant decline of the phase transition temperature from the cholesteric to an isotropic phase (TCh-I) as a spatial filter. The fabrication depends on the fact that the various intensities of the diffracted orders are responsible for the various degrees of transparency associated with the photoisomerized DDCLC film. High- and low-pass images in the Fourier optical signal process can be simultaneously observed via reflected and transmitted signals, respectively. A simulation is also performed, and the results are consistent closely with experimental data.
Pulse duration dependence of femtosecond-laser-fabricated nanogratings in fused silica
Authors: Hnatovsky C. , Taylor R. S. , Rajeev P. P. , Simova E. , Bhardwaj V. R. , Rayner D. M. , Corkum P. B.
Published: June 2005

Femtosecond laser radiation tightly focused in bulk fused silica is used to generate self-ordered nanogratings when the sample is translated under the lens at constant speed. The nanogratings are preserved over a length scale of millimeters. We demonstrate that nanogratings are formed for all pulse durations tested, ranging from 40to500fs, and that the pulse energy threshold for this phenomenon increases with decreasing pulse duration. We use high spatial resolution diagnostics based upon selective chemical etching followed by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to reveal the morphology of the nanogratings.
c-Myc induces chromosomal rearrangements through telomere and chromosome remodeling in the interphase nucleus
Authors: Louis Sherif F. , Vermolen Bart J. , Garini Yuval , Young Ian T. , Guffei Amanda , Lichtensztejn Zelda , Kuttler Fabien , Chuang Tony C. Y. , Moshir Sharareh , Mougey Virginie , Chuang Alice Y. C. , Kerr Paul Donald , Fest Thierry , Boukamp Petra , Mai Sabine
Published: June 2005

In previous work, we showed that telomeres of normal cells are organized within the 3D space of the interphase nucleus in a nonoverlapping and cell cycle-dependent manner. This order is distorted in tumor cell nuclei where telomeres are found in close association forming aggregates of various numbers and sizes. Here we show that c-Myc overexpression induces telomeric aggregations in the interphase nucleus. Directly proportional to the duration of c-Myc deregulation, we observe three or five cycles of telomeric aggregate formation in interphase nuclei. These cycles reflect the onset and propagation of breakage-bridge-fusion cycles that are initiated by end-to-end telomeric fusions of chromosomes. Subsequent to initial chromosomal breakages, new fusions follow and the breakage-bridge-fusion cycles continue. During this time, nonreciprocal translocations are generated. c-Myc-dependent remodeling of the organization of telomeres thus precedes the onset of genomic instability and subsequently leads to chromosomal rearrangements. Our findings reveal that c-Myc possesses the ability to structurally modify chromosomes through telomeric fusions, thereby reorganizing the genetic information.
Interaction of DJ-1 with Daxx inhibits apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 activity and cell death
Authors: Junn Eunsung , Taniguchi Hiroyuki , Jeong Byeong Seon , Zhao Xin , Ichijo Hidenori , Mouradian M. Maral
Published: June 2005

Investigations into the cellular and molecular biology of genes that cause inherited forms of Parkinson's disease, as well as the downstream pathways that they trigger, shed considerable light on our understanding the fundamental determinants of life and death in dopaminergic neurons. Homozygous deletion or missense mutation in
DJ-1
results in autosomal recessively inherited Parkinson's disease, suggesting that wild-type DJ-1 has a favorable role in maintaining these neurons. Here, we show that DJ-1 protects against oxidative stress-induced cell death, but that its relatively modest ability to quench reactive oxygen species is insufficient to account for its more robust cytoprotective effect. To elucidate the mechanism of this cell-preserving function, we have screened out the death protein Daxx as a DJ-1-interacting partner. We demonstrate that wild-type DJ-1 sequesters Daxx in the nucleus, prevents it from gaining access to the cytoplasm, from binding to and activating its effector kinase apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1, and therefore, from triggering the ensuing death pathway. All these steps are impaired by the disease-causing L166P mutant isoform of DJ-1. These findings suggest that the regulated sequestration of Daxx in the nucleus and keeping apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 activation in check is a critical mechanism by which DJ-1 exerts its cytoprotective function.
Complex humoral immune response against a benign tumor: Frequent antibody response against specific antigens as diagnostic targets
Authors: Comtesse Nicole , Zippel Andrea , Walle Sascha , Monz Dominik , Backes Christina , Fischer Ulrike , Mayer Jens , Ludwig Nicole , Hildebrandt Andreas , Keller Andreas , Steudel Wolf-Ingo , Lenhof Hans-Peter , Meese Eckart
Published: June 2005

There are numerous studies on the immune response against malignant human tumors. This study was aimed to address the complexity and specificity of humoral immune response against a benign human tumor. We assembled a panel of 62 meningioma-expressed antigens that show reactivity with serum antibodies of meningioma patients, including 41 previously uncharacterized antigens by screening of a fetal brain expression library. We tested the panel for reactivity with 48 sera, including sera of patients with common-type, atypical, and anaplastic meningioma, respectively. Meningioma sera detected an average of 14.6 antigens per serum and normal sera an average of 7.8 antigens per serum (
P
= 0.0001). We found a decline of seroreactivity with malignancy with a statistical significant difference between common-type and anaplastic meningioma (
P
< 0.05). We detected 17 antigens exclusively with patient sera, including 12 sera that were reactive against KIAA1344, 9 against natural killer tumor recognition (NKTR), and 7 against SRY (sex determining region Y)-box2 (SOX2). More than 80% of meningioma patients had antibodies against at least one of the antigens KIAA1344, SC65, SOX2, and C6orf153. Our results show a highly complex but specific humoral immune response against a benign tumor with a distinct serum reactivity pattern and a decline of complexity with malignancy. The frequent antibody response against specific antigens offers new diagnostic and therapeutic targets for meningioma. We developed a statistical learning method to differentiate sera of meningioma patients from sera of healthy donors.
Silencing the expression of multiple Gβ-subunits eliminates signaling mediated by all four families of G proteins
Authors: Hwang Jong-Ik , Choi Sangdun , Fraser Iain D. C. , Chang Mi Sook , Simon Melvin I.
Published: June 2005

The Gβγ-subunit complex derived from heterotrimeric G proteins can act to regulate the function of a variety of protein targets. We established lentiviral-based RNA interference in J774A.1 mouse macrophages to characterize the role of Gβ in G protein-coupled receptor signaling. The expression of Gβ1 and Gβ2, the major subtypes present in J774A.1 cells, was eliminated by sequential treatment with small hairpin RNA expressing lentivirus. These βγ complex-deficient cells lost the ability to respond to G protein-mediated signals. Chemotaxis and the phosphorylation of Akt in response to C5a were both blocked. Similarly, C5a-mediated actin polymerization, C5a- and UTP-stimulated intracellular calcium mobilization, and the stimulation of cAMP formation by isoproterenol were all eliminated in the absence of the Gβ-subunits. In addition, stabilization and membrane localization of several Gα- and Gγ-subunit proteins was strongly effected. Furthermore, in DNA microarray analysis, regulation of gene expression stimulated by prostaglandin E2 and UTP was not observed in cells lacking Gβ-subunits. In contrast, phagocytotic activity, serum-dependent cell growth and the patterns of gene expression induced by stimulating the Toll receptors with LPS were similar in wild-type cells and small hairpin RNA-containing cells. Thus, ablation of the Gβ-subunits destabilized Gα- and Gγ-subunits and effectively eliminated G protein-mediated signaling responses. Unrelated ligand regulated pathways remained intact. These cells provide a system that can be used to study signaling in the absence of most G protein-mediated functions.
Altered ultrasonic vocalization in mice with a disruption in theFoxp2gene
Authors: Shu Weiguo , Cho Julie Y. , Jiang Yuhui , Zhang Minhua , Weisz Donald , Elder Gregory A. , Schmeidler James , De Gasperi Rita , Sosa Miguel A. Gama , Rabidou Donald , Santucci Anthony C. , Perl Daniel , Morrisey Edward , Buxbaum Joseph D.
Published: June 2005

Neurobiology of speech and language has previously been studied in the KE family, in which half of the members have severe impairment in both speech and language. The gene responsible for the phenotype was mapped to chromosome 7q31 and identified as theFOXP2gene, coding for a transcription factor containing a polyglutamine tract and a forkhead DNA-binding domain. Because of linkage studies implicating 7q31 in autism, where language impairment is a component of the disorder, and in specific language impairment,FOXP2has also been considered as a potential susceptibility locus for the language deficits in autism and/or specific language impairment. In this study, we characterized mice with a disruption in the murineFoxp2gene. Disruption of both copies of theFoxp2gene caused severe motor impairment, premature death, and an absence of ultrasonic vocalizations that are elicited when pups are removed from their mothers. Disruption of a single copy of the gene led to modest developmental delay but a significant alteration in ultrasonic vocalization in response to such separation. Learning and memory appear normal in the heterozygous animals. Cerebellar abnormalities were observed in mice with disruptions inFoxp2, with Purkinje cells particularly affected. Our findings support a role forFoxp2in cerebellar development and in a developmental process that subsumes social communication functions in diverse organisms.
Early experience affects the intergenerational transmission of infant abuse in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Maestripieri Dario
Published: June 2005

Maternal abuse of offspring in macaque monkeys shares some similarities with child maltreatment in humans, including its transmission across generations. This study used a longitudinal design and a cross-fostering experiment to investigate whether abusive parenting in rhesus macaques is transmitted from mothers to daughters and whether transmission occurs through genetic or experiential factors. Nine of 16 females who were abused by their mothers in their first month of life, regardless of whether they were reared by their biological mothers or by foster mothers, exhibited abusive parenting with their firstborn offspring, whereas none of the females reared by nonabusive mothers did. These results suggest that the intergenerational transmission of infant abuse in rhesus monkeys is the result of early experience and not genetic inheritance. The extent to which the effects of early experience on the intergenerational transmission of abusive parenting are mediated by social learning or experience-induced physiological alterations remains to be established.
A multipotent precursor in the thymus maps to the branching point of the T versus B lineage decision
Authors: Benz Claudia , Bleul Conrad C.
Published: June 2005

Hematopoietic precursors continuously colonize the thymus where they give rise mainly to T cells, but also to B and dendritic cells. The lineage relationship between these three cell types is unclear, and it remains to be determined if precursors in the thymus are multipotent, oligopotent, or lineage restricted. Resolution of this question necessitates the determination of the clonal differentiation potential of the most immature precursors in the thymus. Using a CC chemokine receptor 9–enhanced green fluorescent protein knock-in allele like a surface marker of unknown function, we identify a multipotent precursor present in bone marrow, blood, and thymus. Single cells of this precursor give rise to T, B, and dendritic cells. A more differentiated stage of this multipotent precursor in the thymus has lost the capacity to generate B but not T, dendritic, and myeloid cells. Thus, the newly identified precursor maps to the branching point of the T versus B lineage decision in the hematopoietic lineage hierarchy.
Why not walk faster?
Authors: Usherwood James Richard
Published: June 2005

Bipedal walking following inverted pendulum mechanics is constrained by two requirements: sufficient kinetic energy for the vault over midstance and sufficient gravity to provide the centripetal acceleration required for the arc of the body about the stance foot. While the acceleration condition identifies a maximum walking speed at a Froude number of 1, empirical observation indicates favoured walk–run transition speeds at a Froude number around 0.5 for birds, humans and humans under manipulated gravity conditions. In this study, I demonstrate that the risk of ‘take-off’ is greatest at the extremes of stance. This is because before and after kinetic energy is converted to potential, velocities (and so required centripetal accelerations) are highest, while concurrently the component of gravity acting in line with the leg is least. Limitations to the range of walking velocity and stride angle are explored. At walking speeds approaching a Froude number of 1, take-off is only avoidable with very small steps. With realistic limitations on swing-leg frequency, a novel explanation for the walk–run transition at a Froude number of 0.5 is shown.
No sex difference in yolk steroid concentrations of avian eggs at laying
Authors: Pilz Kevin M , Adkins-Regan Elizabeth , Schwabl Hubert
Published: June 2005

Yolk steroids of maternal origin have been proposed to influence genetic sex determination in birds, based on sex differences in yolk steroid concentrations of peafowl eggs incubated for 10 days. More recent reports dispute this proposal, as yolk steroids in eggs incubated for 3 days do not show such sex differences. To date, research examining this phenomenon has only analysed incubated eggs, although sex in avian species is determined before incubation begins. This may be a serious methodological flaw because incubation probably affects yolk steroid concentrations. Therefore, we investigated sex differences in yolk steroid concentrations of unincubated avian eggs. We withdrew yolk for steroid analysis from fresh, unincubated Japanese quail (
Coturnix japonica
) eggs by biopsy, and then incubated those eggs for 10 days, after which we harvested the embryonic material for genetic sexing and the incubated yolk for further steroid analysis. We found no sex differences in fresh Japanese quail eggs; however, sex differences were apparent in yolk steroids by day 10 of incubation, when female eggs had significantly more oestrogen in relation to androgen than male eggs. Concentrations of all yolk androgens decreased dramatically between laying and day 10 of incubation, whereas oestradiol (E2) concentrations increased marginally. Thus, yolk concentrations of androgens and E2 do not appear critical for avian sex determination.
Epidemiological implications of the contact network structure for cattle farms and the 20–80 rule
Authors: Woolhouse M.E.J , Shaw D.J , Matthews L , Liu W.-C , Mellor D.J , Thomas M.R
Published: June 2005

The network of movements of cattle between farm holdings is an important determinant of the potential rates and patterns of spread of infectious diseases. Because cattle movements are uni-directional, the network is unusual in that the risks of acquiring infection (by importing cattle) and of passing infection on (by exporting cattle) can be clearly distinguished, and there turns out to be no statistically significant correlation between the two. This means that the high observed degree of heterogeneity in numbers of contacts does not result in an increase in the basic reproduction number,R0, in contrast to findings from studies of other contact networks. Despite this, it is still the case that just 20% of holdings contribute at least 80% of the value ofR0.
Brain size, innovative propensity and migratory behaviour in temperate Palaearctic birds
Authors: Sol Daniel , Lefebvre Louis , Rodríguez-Teijeiro J. Domingo
Published: June 2005

The evolution of migration in birds remains an outstanding, unresolved question in evolutionary ecology. A particularly intriguing question is why individuals in some species have been selected to migrate, whereas in other species they have been selected to be sedentary. In this paper, we suggest that this diverging selection might partially result from differences among species in the behavioural flexibility of their responses to seasonal changes in the environment. This hypothesis is supported in a comparative analysis of Palaearctic passerines. First, resident species tend to rely more on innovative feeding behaviours in winter, when food is harder to find, than in other seasons. Second, species with larger brains, relative to their body size, and a higher propensity for innovative behaviours tend to be resident, while less flexible species tend to be migratory. Residence also appears to be less likely in species that occur in more northerly regions, exploit temporally available food sources, inhabit non-buffered habitats and have smaller bodies. Yet, the role of behavioural flexibility as a response to seasonal environments is largely independent of these other factors. Therefore, species with greater foraging flexibility seem to be able to cope with seasonal environments better, while less flexible species are forced to become migratory.
Invertebrate biodiversity in maize following withdrawal of triazine herbicides
Authors: Brooks David R , Clark Suzanne J , Perry Joe N , Bohan David A , Champion Gillian T , Firbank Les G , Haughton Alison J , Hawes Cathy , Heard Matthew S , Woiwod Ian P
Published: June 2005

Responses of key invertebrates within Farm Scale Evaluations (FSEs) of maize reflected advantageous effects for weeds under genetically modified herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) management. Triazine herbicides constitute the main weed control in current conventional systems, but will be withdrawn under future EU guidelines. Here, we reappraise FSE data to predict effects of this withdrawal on invertebrate biodiversity under alternative management scenarios. Invertebrate indicators showed remarkably consistent and sensitive responses to weed abundance. Their numbers were consistently reduced by atrazine used prior to seedling emergence, but at reduced levels compared to similar observations for weeds. Large treatment effects were, therefore, maintained for invertebrates when comparing other conventional herbicide treatments with GMHT, despite reduced differences in weed abundance. In particular, benefits of GMHT remained under comparisons with best estimates of future conventional management without triazines. Pitfall trapped Collembola, seed-feeding carabids and a linyphiid spider followed closely trends for weeds and may, therefore, prove useful for modelling wider biodiversity effects of herbicides. Weaker responses to triazines applied later in the season, at times closer to the activity and capture of invertebrates, suggest an absence of substantial direct effects. Contrary responses for some suction-sampled Collembola and the carabidLoricera pilicorniswere probably caused by a direct deleterious effect of triazines.
Associations between malaria and MHC genes in a migratory songbird
Authors: Westerdahl Helena , Waldenström Jonas , Hansson Bengt , Hasselquist Dennis , von Schantz Torbjörn , Bensch Staffan
Published: June 2005

Malaria parasites are a widespread and species-rich group infecting many wild populations of mammals, birds and reptiles. Studies on humans have demonstrated that genetic factors play a key role in the susceptibility and outcome of malaria infections. Until the present study, it has not been examined whether genetic variation in hosts is important for the outcome of malaria infections in natural avian populations. We investigated associations between major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes and prevalence of three different avian malaria parasites (Haemoproteus payevskyi(GRW1),Plasmodiumsp. (GRW2) andPlasmodiumsp. (GRW4)) in a long-term study of great reed warblersAcrocephalus arundinaceus. We hypothesized that the MHC genes could either give full protection against a malaria infection, or confer protection against lethal malaria and direct the infection towards being milder. We found a positive association between numbers of MHC class I alleles (a measure of level of heterozygosity) and prevalence of the GRW2 parasite, suggesting the latter scenario. There was also a positive association between a specific MHC allele (B4b), previously shown to be under frequency-dependent selection in the study population, and prevalence of GRW2. These associations suggest that individuals carrying either a large number of MHC alleles or a specific MHC allele are protected against lethal malaria infections.
Granular ripples under rotating flow: a new experimental technique for studying ripples in non-rotating, geophysical applications?
Authors: Thomas P.J , Zoueshtiagh F
Published: June 2005

A review of our research investigating a new pattern formation process in granular material underlying a rotating fluid is given. The purpose of this summary is to introduce the phenomenon to the geophysical research community and to draw attention to the potential practical benefits of our new experimental method. To this end, the applied and scientific advantages of the technique over traditional studies employing, for instance, water channels, are discussed for the first time. It is shown here that the system rotation in our new technique does not appear to affect the scaling law expressing the dependence of the ripple-pattern wavelength on the governing independent experimental parameters. This suggests that it may become possible to extrapolate appropriate results from rotating to non-rotating systems and, hence, to geophysical environments. Consequently, our new technique may find applications in the context of geophysical research on the formation of sedimentary granular ripple structures.
Management of records in Nigerian universities
Authors: Basil Iwhiwhu Enemute
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the management of records in Nigerian universities, in line with the Management Information Systems (MIS) programme put in place in federal universities by the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National University Commission to ensure effective and efficient decision making, based on available data.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on the management of records in Nigerian universities.

Findings

The study reveals that records management programmes or policy on records are not available in Nigerian universities; hence the administration of records is without recourse to the principles of records management. There is no University Records Manual, no records retention and disposition schedule, personnel handling the records are not trained in records management, inadequate facilities for the preservation, storage, and retrieval of records, no filing manual, inadequate computers to manage the volume of records generated and the attitude of administrators towards records and records management constitute the problems of records management in Nigerian universities.

Originality/value

The article notes a number of recommendations made to improving records management practices in Nigerian universities. The university management and administrators and personnel handling the records should develop a positive attitude towards records and implement records management programmes in Nigerian universities. Records have “life”, and should be allowed to live through their life cycle process. Above all, the use of these records in solving problems and taking far‐reaching decision, will reduce crises in Nigerian universities.
Comparing US and European perspectives on B2B repair service quality for mission‐critical equipment
Authors: Peterson Mark , Gregory Gary , Munch James M.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To evaluate the cross‐regional equivalence of repair service quality for mission‐critical equipment.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the five dimensions of SERVPERF as a framework, clinical laboratory directors across Europe and the USA were surveyed about repair service for mission‐critical equipment. Assessment of construct equivalence across the two regions was then performed using item bias analysis. Following this, assessment of model equivalence across the two regions was conducted using both the Chow test of model equivalence and regression in structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

Results suggest that service quality in this B2B domain is perceived to be remarkably the same in both the USA and Europe.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could focus on repair services for other types of mission‐critical equipment, and another region of the world, such as Asia. Both of these steps would boost the generalizability of the study's findings.

Practical implications

The practical implications of the study's results suggest not only the applicability of the SERVPERF framework across these two regions, but also standardization possibilities in repair service for mission‐critical equipment because of the homogeneity evident in these markets regarding service quality.

Originality/value

This study should be valuable reading for those interested in issues related to service quality, as well as international services. The paper provides new insight into the relative importance of service quality dimensions, as the “responsiveness” dimension was found to be more than twice as important as any other dimension – even the “reliability” dimension.
Beyond disconfirmation
Authors: Imrie Brian C.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To explore the extent to which generosity, as instructed by culture, performs both a formative and a filtering role in the consumers’ service experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The critical realism paradigm, a multi‐method/discipline approach is adopted. The research focuses on the Taiwanese consumer as a case and uses qualitative research techniques to model their consumption.

Findings

The most significant contribution this paper makes is informing understanding of the cognitive processes Taiwanese consumers engage in when determining their quality evaluation. The results lend further support to the existence of a relationship between culture and service quality evaluation.

Practical implications

The paper has consequences at a macro level for global strategy formulation and at a micro level for service quality measurement.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the growing body of evidence lending support to the existence of a relationship between culture and service quality evaluation. The conceptual foundation is laid for further measure development.
A conceptualisation of a customer‐bank bond in the context of the twenty‐first century UK retail banking industry
Authors: Ahmad Rizal
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This paper has two purposes. First, it is to highlight the importance of customer retention and bonding in the context of twenty‐first century banking environment. Second, it is to propose a conceptual model of the customer‐bank bond.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is written based on both extant literature and the author's observation. The paper begins by discussing the context of UK retail banking industry and stressing the importance of retaining bank customers. It then discusses various perspectives of interaction, relationship and bond between customers and providers of services, particularly between retail banking customers and banks. Finally, the paper proposes a conceptual model of bond between retail banking customers and their banks and discusses the implications for managers and theories.

Findings

A conceptual model – a triplex bond, which comprises three categories: the primary, secondary, and superlative bond.

Research limitations/implications

The paper acknowledges that further research is needed to validate the relevance of various dimensions to those proposed categories of bond and to test the power of related measuring instruments.

Practical implications

The proposed model of a bond could potentially help UK bank managers in mapping out a plan for strengthening customer‐bank bond and, ultimately, in retaining their customers.

Originality/value

The key contribution of this paper is a conceptualisation of customer‐bank bond that takes into account customer non‐personal interactions with their banks.
The saliency and significance of generic identity: an explanatory study of UK building societies
Authors: He Hong‐Wei , Balmer John M.T.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To investigate empirically the salience, and significance, of generic identity (industry‐wide identity) within the British Building Society Movement.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative, explanatory study drawing on the principles of grounded theory/case‐study research design.

Findings

The study confirmed the survival/existence of an industry‐wide identity and found this identity type to be of considerable significance and strength. The antecedents of the industry's identity were shown to be a common historical legacy; strong industry culture; effect of regulation; and industry responsiveness to threats. The study builds on the earlier work of Balmer regarding generic image and identity and confirms the salience of the “historicity” of identity articulated by Moingeon and Ramanantsoa. It broadly supports Albert and Whetten's categorisation of identity except with regard to enduringness. In this regard the research found Gioia's notion of adaptive instability to be salient.

Practical implications

The management of generic identity is of crucial importance. Changes of corporate identity need to take account of the generic identity.

Originality/value

The first major empirical study of generic identity and, as such, the first empirical study of industry identity within the financial services sector.
The evolving role of public relations in Ireland
Authors: O'Dwyer Michèle
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The nature of the international corporate public relations function is the substance of ongoing debate by both leading public relations academics and practitioners, with the predominant body of literature advocating public relations as a management rather than a line function. This ongoing debate formed the basis of a 1993 exploration of public relations as a management function within Irish companies, which concluded that public relations was a line rather than management function at that time. In light of changes in the intervening decade, this article aims to assess the evolution of public relations practice to date.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the results of longitudinal research undertaken in 2003, replicating the 1993 study with the original participant companies, addressing seven key prerequisites identified from literature in the classification of public relations as a management function.

Findings

Based on an exploration of these prerequisites the paper concludes that the public relations function in the companies surveyed is now a management function.

Research limitations/implications

The research undertaken illustrates further possibilities in longitudinal research with the same companies in addition to illuminating the wider possibilities in both public relations practitioner and function research. Furthermore, qualitative research adopting either a case study or depth interview methodology would add greater understanding the nature, development and complexities of public relations in Irish companies.

Practical implications

The paper notes the progression of public relations from a line to a management function. This progression will have implications for the education and management of the public relations practitioner and the positioning of the function within organisations.

Originality/value

The paper depicts a longitudinal study of public relations in Ireland. The paper is of value to both academics and practitioners in benchmarking the progression of public relations.
A stakeholder approach to relationship marketing strategy
Authors: Payne Adrian , Ballantyne David , Christopher Martin
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the development, extension and use of the “six markets” model and to outline a framework for analysing stakeholder relationships and planning stakeholder strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The “six markets” stakeholder model is examined. Refinement of the model and improved understanding as a result of field‐based research is described. A stakeholder relationship planning framework is proposed.

Findings

The paper examines the use of the “six markets” model in a wide range of organisational contexts utilizing a range of research approaches. A stakeholder relationship planning model is developed consisting of four inter‐related elements, i.e. stakeholder value propositions, value delivery design, stakeholder relationship marketing plans, and measurement and feedback.

Research limitations/implications

The article suggests a number of areas for future research, including the development of planning approaches for different classes of stakeholders and more detailed testing of the stakeholder model and planning framework in specific market sectors.

Practical implications

The research suggests that managers find that the development and implementation of relationship plans for the key stakeholder markets generates valuable new knowledge and insights into stakeholder conditions, constraints and opportunities.

Originality/value

This article contributes to knowledge in the relationship marketing and stakeholder theory areas through the development, refinement and use of a planning model that addresses the complexity of stakeholder relationships and networks. The stakeholder planning approach that is developed represents a means by which managers can achieve greater transparency of stakeholders' interests and improved rigour in planning relationships with stakeholders.
Educating future digitizers
Authors: Lynn Maroso Amy
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed description of the Illinois Digitization Institute's Basics and Beyond digitization training program and to describe how successful the project's different training approaches have been.

Design/methodology/approach

The training consists of one‐day workshops, web‐based courses, and web‐based courses plus a hands‐on workshop element. Courses are given at different price points and for different lengths of time. Surveys and quizzes measure how well the participants learn the material.

Findings

As surveys, quiz results, and other data from the courses show, the objective of the project is being accomplished: to present cultural heritage institutions with different types of digitization training to suit their time constraints, budgets, and education needs and produce a new set of professionals who will create successful and long‐lasting digitization projects.

Practical implications

The success of the project shows that participants respond well to different training approaches and these different approaches can be implemented to provide cultural heritage institutions with a wide range of digitization learning options suited to their needs. Such methods can also be used for other types of library and non‐library training.

Originality/value

This is the first time asynchronous but instructor‐led web‐based courses have been used for digitization training, and findings indicate that it has been successful. The outcomes of this training can be useful for institutions interested in how well participants respond to this unique style of training.
The human resource management practice of retail branding
Authors: Girod Stéphane J.G.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

While the charity retail literature emphasizes the richness of human resource practices among charity retailers, it rarely makes the link between these practices and their interest for establishing charity retailers' brands. Simultaneously, while the retail branding literature increasingly emphasizes the central role of human resource practices for retail branding, it rarely explains how retailers should conduct such practices. The purpose of this study is to test the recent model proposed by Burt and Sparks in 2002 (the “fifth generation of retail branding”) which proposes that a retail brand depends on the alignment between a retailer's substance (vision and culture) and its perceived image by customers.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on an ethnographic study conducted within the Oxfam Trading Division, GB from October to December 2002.

Findings

The study supports the Burt and Spark's model and makes explicit the practice of human resource for branding. The study demonstrates that it was the alignment between the vision of Oxfam's top management and its new customer‐oriented culture, two elements of its core substance mediated to customers by store employees, which has enabled an improved customers' perception of the brand. The study also seeks to elaborate upon the Burt and Spark's model by specifying an ascending feedback loop starting from customers' perception of Oxfam brand and enabling the creation of a suitable culture and vision again mediated by store employees.

Research limitations/implications

New research should explore whether and how retailers create synergies between human resource and marketing functions to sustain their brand image.

Practical implications

If the adoption of business practices by charity retailers is often discussed, this study highlights that commercial retailers could usefully transfer human resource best practices from leading charity retailers to develop their retail brand.

Originality/value

The paper is of value to commercial retailers.
A brand orientation typology for SMEs: a case research approach
Authors: Yin Wong Ho , Merrilees Bill
Published: June 2005

Purpose

This research paper aims to discuss the role of branding strategy in small and medium size enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The literature on traditional brand management and strategic branding are first reviewed. Four critical constructs are identified, namely brand distinctiveness, brand orientation, brand‐marketing performance and brand barriers. The literature, in combination with (eight) case research interviews, has been synthesised to develop a new theory of SME branding.

Findings

The paper reveals that the theory identifies the ladder of SME brand orientation, moving from minimal brand orientation, to embryonic brand orientation to integrated brand orientation. Further, it is suggested that most SMEs will be on the lower steps of the ladder. A model of the brand strategy process has been formulated, specifying links between brand barriers, brand distinctiveness, brand orientation and brand‐marketing performance. The study puts forward some propositions about the pre‐conditions to move higher up the ladder, particularly to an integrated brand orientation.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of this research is that it is based on eight case studies. It is suggested that a quantitative survey be carried out to enhance the generalisability of the model.

Originality/value

This paper makes original contributions in that it uses case studies to establish the relationship between the level of brand orientation and brand‐marketing performance; and conceptualises the four brand‐related constructs.