bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substrate Specificity of Barley Cysteine Endoproteases EP-A and EP-B1
Authors: Davy Anne , Svendsen Ib , Sørensen Susanne O. , Blom Sørensen Mikael , Rouster Jacques , Meldal Morten , Simpson David J. , Cameron-Mills Verena
Published: July 2002

The cysteine endoproteases (EP)-A and EP-B were purified from green barley (Hordeum vulgareL.) malt, and their identity was confirmed by N-terminal amino acid sequencing. EP-B cleavage sites in recombinant type-C hordein were determined by N-terminal amino acid sequencing of the cleavage products, and were used to design internally quenched, fluorogenic peptide substrates. Tetrapeptide substrates of the general formula 2-aminobenzoyl-P2-P1-P1′-P2′-tyrosine(NO2)-aspartic acid, in which cleavage occurs between P1 and P1′, showed that the cysteine EPs preferred phenylalanine, leucine, or valine at P2. Arginine was preferred to glutamine at P1, whereas proline at P2, P1, or P1′ greatly reduced substrate kinetic specificity. Enzyme cleavage of C hordein was mainly determined by the primary sequence at the cleavage site, because elongation of substrates, based on the C hordein sequence, did not make them more suitable substrates. Site-directed mutagenesis of C hordein, in which serine or proline replaced leucine, destroyed primary cleavage sites. EP-A and EP-B were both more active than papain, mostly because of their much lower Km values.
Isolation and Characterization of a Histidine Biosynthetic Gene in Arabidopsis Encoding a Polypeptide with Two Separate Domains for Phosphoribosyl-ATP Pyrophosphohydrolase and Phosphoribosyl-AMP Cyclohydrolase
Authors: Fujimori Ko , Ohta Daisaku
Published: July 2002

Phosphoribosyl-ATP pyrophosphohydrolase (PRA-PH) and phosphoribosyl-AMP cyclohydrolase (PRA-CH) are encoded by HIS4 in yeast and byhisIE in bacteria and catalyze the second and the third step, respectively, in the histidine biosynthetic pathway. By complementing a hisI mutation of Escherichia coli with an Arabidopsis cDNA library, we isolated an Arabidopsis cDNA (At-IE) that possesses these two enzyme activities. The At-IE cDNA encodes a bifunctional protein of 281 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 31,666 D. Genomic DNA-blot analysis with the At-IE cDNA as a probe revealed a single-copy gene in Arabidopsis, and RNA-blot analysis showed that the At-IE gene was expressed ubiquitously throughout development. Sequence comparison suggested that the At-IE protein has an N-terminal extension of about 50 amino acids with the properties of a chloroplast transit peptide. We demonstrated through heterologous expression studies in E. coli that the functional domains for the PRA-CH (hisI) and PRA-PH (hisE) resided in the N-terminal and the C-terminal halves, respectively, of the At-IE protein.
Identification of the Binding and Inhibition Sites in the Calmodulin Molecule for Ophiobolin A by Site-Directed Mutagenesis
Authors: Kong Au Tai , Chow Leung Pak
Published: July 2002

Ophiobolin A, a fungal toxin that affects maize and rice, has previously been shown to inhibit calmodulin by reacting with the lysine (Lys) residues in the calmodulin. In the present study we mutated Lys-75, Lys-77, and Lys-148 in the calmodulin molecule by site-directed mutagenesis, either by deleting them or by changing them to glutamine or arginine. We found that each of these three Lys residues could bind one molecule of ophiobolin A. Normally, only Lys-75 and Lys-148 bind ophiobolin A. Lys-77 seemed to be blocked by the binding of ophiobolin A to Lys-75. Lys-75 is the primary binding site and is responsible for all of the inhibition of ophiobolin A. When Lys-75 was removed, Lys-77 could then react with ophiobolin A to produce inhibition. Lys-148 was shown to be a binding site but not an inhibition site. The Lys-75 mutants were partially resistant to ophiobolin A. When both Lys 75 and Lys-77 or all three Lys residues were mutated, the resulting calmodulins were very resistant to ophiobolin A. Furthermore, Lys residues added in positions 86 and/or 143 (which are highly conserved in plant calmodulins) did not react with ophiobolin A. None of the mutations seemed to affect the properties of calmodulin. These results show that ophiobolin A reacts quite specifically with calmodulin.
Developmental and Environmental Effects on the Expression of the C3-C4 Intermediate Phenotype inMoricandia arvensis
Authors: Rylott Elizabeth L. , Metzlaff Karin , Rawsthorne Stephen
Published: July 2002

Cellular anatomy and expression of glycine decarboxylase (GDC) protein were studied during leaf development of the C3-C4intermediate species Moricandia arvensis. Leaf anatomy was initially C3-like and the number and profile area of mitochondria in the bundle-sheath cells were the same as those in adjacent mesophyll cells. Between a leaf length of 6 and 12 mm there was a bundle-sheath-specific, 4-fold increase in the number of mitochondrial profiles, followed by a doubling of their individual profile areas as the leaves expanded further. Subunits of GDC were present in whole-leaf extracts before the anatomical development of bundle-sheath cells. Whereas the GDC H-protein content of leaves increased steadily throughout development, the increase in GDC P-protein was synchronous with the development of mitochondria in the bundle sheath. The P-protein was confined to bundle-sheath mitochondria throughout leaf development, and its content in individual mitochondria increased before the anatomical development of the bundle sheath. Anatomical and biochemical attributes of the C3-C4 character were present in the cotyledons and sepals but not in other photosynthetic organs/tissues. In leaves and cotyledons that developed in the dark, the expression of the P-protein and the organellar development were reduced but the bundle-sheath cell specificity was retained.
In Vitro Biosynthesis of Phosphorylated Starch in Intact Potato Amyloplasts1
Authors: Wischmann Bente , Hamborg Nielsen Tom , Lindberg Møller Birger
Published: July 2002

Intact amyloplasts from potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) were used to study starch biosynthesis and phosphorylation. Assessed by the degree of intactness and by the level of cytosolic and vacuolar contamination, the best preparations were selected by searching for amyloplasts containing small starch grains. The isolated, small amyloplasts were 80% intact and were free from cytosolic and vacuolar contamination. Biosynthetic studies of the amyloplasts showed that [1-14C]glucose-6-phosphate (Glc-6-P) was an efficient precursor for starch synthesis in a manner highly dependent on amyloplast integrity. Starch biosynthesis from [1-14C]Glc-1-P in small, intact amyloplasts was 5-fold lower and largely independent of amyloplast intactness. When [33P]Glc-6-P was administered to the amyloplasts, radiophosphorylated starch was produced. Isoamylase treatment of the starch followed by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection revealed the separated phosphorylated α-glucans. Acid hydrolysis of the phosphorylated α-glucans and high-performance anion-exchange chromatography analyses showed that the incorporated phosphate was preferentially positioned at C-6 of the Glc moiety. The incorporation of radiolabel from Glc-1-P into starch in preparations of amyloplasts containing large grains was independent of intactness and most likely catalyzed by starch phosphorylase bound to naked starch grains.
Developmental Expression of Violaxanthin De-Epoxidase in Leaves of Tobacco Growing under High and Low Light
Authors: Bugos Robert C. , Chang Sue-Hwei , Yamamoto Harry Y.
Published: July 2002

Violaxanthin de-epoxidase (VDE) is a lumen-localized enzyme that catalyzes the de-epoxidation of violaxanthin in the thylakoid membrane upon formation of a transthylakoid pH gradient. We investigated the developmental expression of VDE in leaves of mature tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants grown under high-light conditions (in the field) and low-light conditions (in a growth chamber). The difference in light conditions was evident by the increased pool size (violaxanthin + antheraxanthin + zeaxanthin, VAZ) throughout leaf development in field-grown plants. VDE activity based on chlorophyll or leaf area was low in the youngest leaves, with the levels increasing with increasing leaf age in both high- and low-light-grown plants. However, in high-light-grown plants, the younger leaves in early leaf expansion showed a more rapid increase in VDE activity and maintained higher levels of VDE transcript in more leaves, indicating that high light may induce greater levels of VDE. VDE transcript levels decreased substantially in leaves of mid-leaf expansion, while the levels of enzyme continued to increase, suggesting that the VDE enzyme does not turn over rapidly. The level of VDE changed in an inverse, nonlinear relationship with respect to the VAZ pool, suggesting that enzyme levels could be indirectly regulated by the VAZ pool.
Mechanically Induced Avoidance Response of Chloroplasts in Fern Protonemal Cells
Authors: Sato Yoshikatsu , Kadota Akeo , Wada Masamitsu
Published: July 2002

Cell response to mechanical stimulation was investigated at a subcellular level in protonemal cells of the fern Adiantum capillus-veneris L. by pressing a small part of the cell with a microcapillary. In cells receiving local stimulation, the chloroplasts moved away from the site of stimulation, whereas the nuclei failed to show such avoidance movement. Mechanical stimulation for a period as short as 0.3 min was enough to induce the avoidance response to a maximal level. The avoidance movement of chloroplasts started within 30 min and the plateau level of avoidance was attained around 2 h after stimulation. By tracing the movement of chloroplasts during the response, it was shown that the mobility of chloroplasts near the stimulation site increased transiently within 1 h after the stimulation. After 2 to 3 h, it slowed down to the control level without stimulation. The avoidance response was inhibited by 0.1 mm cytochalasin B and 25 mm2,3-butanedione monoxime but not by 3.3 μmamiprophosmethyl or 5 mm colchicine. These findings indicate that the protonemal cells were very sensitive to mechanical stimulation and that chloroplasts moved away from the mechanically stimulated site through the actomyosin motile system.
Recombinant Expression of Molybdenum Reductase Fragments of Plant Nitrate Reductase at High Levels in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Mertens Jeffrey A. , Shiraishi Naomasa , Campbell Wilbur H.
Published: July 2002

Mo reductase (MoR; formerly cytochrome c reductase) fragments of NADH:NO3 reductase (NR; EC1.6.6.1) were cytosolically expressed in Pichia pastoris, a methylotrophic yeast, using spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and corn (Zea maize) cDNAs. In fermenter cultures, spinach MoR was expressed at 420 mg L−1, corn MoR at 32 mg L−1, and corn MoR plus with putative NR interface domain N terminus (MoR+) at 17 mg L−1. Constitutively expressed MoR+ was structurally stable while it was degraded when expressed by methanol induction, which suggests methanol growth produces more proteinase. Methanol-induced expression yielded more target protein. All three MoR were purified to homogeneity and their polypeptides were approximately 41 (MoR) and approximately 66 (MoR+) kD. MoR was monomeric and MoR+ dimeric, confirming the predicted role for dimer interface domain of NR. MoR+, although differing in quaternary structure from MoR, has similar kinetic properties for ferricyanide and cytochrome c reductase activities and visible spectra, which were like NR. Redox potentials of MoR and MoR+ were similar for flavin, whereas MoR+ had a more negative potential for heme-iron. Reaction schemes for MoR catalyzed reactions were proposed based on fast-reaction rapid-scan stopped-flow kinetic analysis of MoR. P. pastoris is an excellent system for producing the large amounts of NR fragments needed for detailed biochemical studies.
The Mid-Pericarp Cell Layer in Soybean Pod Walls Is a Multicellular Compartment Enriched in Specific Lipoxygenase Isoforms
Authors: Dubbs Wesley E. , Grimes Howard D.
Published: July 2002

Specific lipoxygenase isoforms immunolocalize to the cytosol of a single cell layer in the soybean (Glycine max L.) pod wall. The cells of this layer, termed the mid-pericarp layer (MPL), are larger than adjacent cells and are highly branched. The entire MPL appears to form an elaborate interdigitated network within the pod wall. A particularly striking feature of the MPL is the presence of extensive regions of very thin, approximately 30 nm, cell wall, which connect the cells of the MPL. It was demonstrated that after mechanical wounding of the pod wall, 40-kD fluorescein-dextran was able to move throughout the MPL. In addition, when pod walls are cut, an exudate flows from the MPL that is highly enriched in lipoxygenase isoforms (approximately 40% of the total protein). The MPL of soybean pod walls may represent a novel multicellular compartment involved in defense of leguminous plants.
Aspartate Kinase 2. A Candidate Gene of a Quantitative Trait Locus Influencing Free Amino Acid Content in Maize Endosperm
Authors: Wang Xuelu , Stumpf David K. , Larkins Brian A.
Published: July 2002

The maize (Zea mays) Oh545o2inbred accumulates an exceptionally high level of free amino acids, especially lysine (Lys), threonine (Thr), methionine, and iso-leucine. In a cross between Oh545o2 and Oh51Ao2, we identified several quantitative trait loci linked with this phenotype. One of these is on the long arm of chromosome 2 and is linked with loci encoding aspartate (Asp) kinase 2 and Asp kinase (AK)-homoserine dehydrogenase (HSDH) 2. To investigate whether these enzymes can contribute to the high levels of Asp family amino acids, we measured their specific activity and feedback inhibition properties, as well as activities of several other key enzymes involved in Lys metabolism. We did not find a significant difference in total activity of dihydrodipicolinate synthase, HSDH, and Lys ketoglutarate reductase between these inbreds, and the feedback inhibition properties of HSDH and dihyrodipicolinate synthase by Lys and/or Thr were similar. The most significant difference we found between Oh545o2 and Oh51Ao2 is feedback inhibition of AK by Lys but not Thr. AK activity in Oh545o2 is less sensitive to Lys inhibition than that in Oh51Ao2, with a Lys I50 twice that of Oh51Ao2. AK activity in Oh545o2 endosperm is also higher than in Oh51Ao2 at 15 d after pollination, but not 20 d after pollination. The results indicate that the Lys-sensitive Asp kinase 2, rather than the Thr-sensitive AK-HSDH2, is the best candidate gene for the quantitative trait locus affecting free amino acid content in Oh545o2.
Phytochrome A Mediates Blue Light and UV-A-Dependent Chloroplast Gene Transcription in Green Leaves
Authors: Chun Louis , Kawakami Alana , Christopher David A.
Published: July 2002

We characterized the photobiology of light-activated chloroplast transcription and transcript abundance in mature primary leaves by using the following two systems: transplastomic promoter-reporter gene fusions in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), and phytochrome (phyA, phyB, and hy2) and cryptochrome (cry1) mutants of Arabidopsis. In both dicots, blue light and UV-A radiation were the major signals that activated total chloroplast and psbA, rbcL, and 16S rrntranscription. In contrast, transcription activities in plants exposed to red and far-red light were 30% to 85% less than in blue light/UV-A, depending on the gene and plant species. Total chloroplast,psbA, and 16S rrn transcription were 60% to 80% less in the Arabidopsis phyA mutant exposed to blue light/UV-A relative to wild type, thus definitively linking phyA signaling to these photoresponses. To our knowledge, the major role of phyA in mediating the blue light/UV-A photoresponses is a new function for phyA in chloroplast biogenesis at this stage of leaf development. AlthoughrbcL expression in plants exposed to UV-A was 50% less in the phyA mutant relative to wild type, blue light-induced rbcL expression was not significantly affected in the phyA, phyB, andcry1 mutants. However, rbcL expression in blue light was 60% less in the phytochrome chromophore mutant,hy2, relative to wild type, indicating that another phytochrome species (phyC, D, or E) was involved in blue light-inducedrbcL transcription. Therefore, at least two different phytochromes, as well as phytochrome-independent photosensory pathways, mediated blue light/UV-A-induced transcription of chloroplast genes in mature leaves.
Regulation of Alternative Oxidase Activity in Six Wild Monocotyledonous Species. An in Vivo Study at the Whole Root Level
Authors: Millenaar Frank F. , Gonzàlez-Meler Miquel A. , Fiorani Fabio , Welschen Rob , Ribas-Carbo Miquel , Siedow James N. , Wagner Anneke M. , Lambers Hans
Published: July 2002

The activity of the alternative pathway is affected by a number of factors, including the level and reduction state of the alternative oxidase (AOX) protein, and the reduction state of the ubiquinone pool. To investigate the significance of these factors for the rate of alternative respiration in vivo, we studied root respiration of six wild monocotyledonous grass species that were grown under identical controlled conditions. The activity of the alternative pathway was determined using the oxygen isotope fractionation technique. In all species, the AOX protein was invariably in its reduced (high activity) state. There was no correlation between AOX activity and AOX protein concentration, ubiquinone (total, reduced, or oxidized) concentration, or the reduction state of the ubiquinone pool. However, when some of these factors are combined in a linear regression model, a good fit to AOX activity is obtained. The function of the AOX is still not fully understood. It is interesting that we found a positive correlation between the activity of the alternative pathway and relative growth rate; a possible explanation for this correlation is discussed. Inhibition of the AOX (with salicylhydroxamic acid) decreases respiration rates less than the activity present before inhibition (i.e. measured with the 18O-fractionation technique).
shl, a New Set of Arabidopsis Mutants with Exaggerated Developmental Responses to Available Red, Far-Red, and Blue Light
Authors: Pepper Alan E. , Seong-Kim Mi-seon , Hebst Stephanie M. , Ivey Kathryn N. , Kwak Su-Jin , Broyles Denise E.
Published: July 2002

The interaction of light perception with development is the subject of intensive genetic analysis in the model plant Arabidopsis. We performed genetic screens in low white light—a threshold condition in which photomorphogenetic signaling pathways are only partially active—for ethyl methane sulfonate-generated mutants with altered developmental phenotypes. Recessive mutants with exaggerated developmental responses were obtained in eight complementation groups designated shl for seedlings hyperresponsive to light.shl1, shl2, shl5, and shl3 shl4 (double mutant) seedlings showed limited or no phenotypic effects in darkness, but showed significantly enhanced inhibition of hypocotyl elongation in low-white, red, far-red, blue, and green light across a range of fluences. These results reflect developmental hyper-responsiveness to signals generated by both phytochrome and cryptochrome photoreceptors. The shl11 mutant retained significant phenotypic effects on hypocotyl length in both the phyA mutant andphyB mutant backgrounds but may be dependent onCRY1 for phenotypic expression in blue light. Theshl2 phenotype was partially dependent onPHYB, PHYA, and CRY1 in red, far-red, and blue light, respectively. shl2 and, in particular, shl1 were partially dependent onHY5 activity for their light-hyperresponsive phenotypes. The SHL genes act (genetically) as light-dependent negative regulators of photomorphogenesis, possibly in a downstream signaling or developmental pathway that is shared byCRY1, PHYA, and PHYB and other photoreceptors (CRY2, PHYC,PHYD, and PHYE).
An examination of the cause of extensive corrosion of the shell of a 3CR12 conditioning tower in a cement plant
Authors: van Bennekom A. , Potgieter J.H.
Published: July 2002

The failure of a conditioning tower at a cement plant was investigated. It was found that the structure failed due to a combination of high temperature oxidation and sulphidation. This was aggravated by the presence of sodium and potassium salts in the exit gases. It was concluded that a stainless steel with a higher chromium content than the 3CR12 would be more suitable for this application.
Venturing overseas
Authors: Muthaly Siva , Ratnatunga Janek , Schroder William
Published: July 2002

The theoretical underpinnings of this paper focus on foreign investment, modes of entry, export marketing, strategic alliances, investment criteria, firm characteristics, international strategy, external factors, and host and home country factors, and Asian culture and management. The research project presented in the paper was initially designed to obtain case study information on a number of foreign food companies which had invested in Malaysia, especially in terms of their strategic approaches, investment bases and market share achievement. However, subsequent to the preliminary discussions with the respondent companies, the researchers believed that the conventional models needed to be studied further. This research was undertaken via both structured and unstructured interviews of 11 multinational companies. The results demonstrated that there are both significant similarities and differences between the strategic approaches adopted by major global multinationals and minor regional multinationals and uncovered new investment‐market share strategies not previously covered in the literature. These results are discussed at length in this paper, and form the essence of the contribution to knowledge of the research project.
Controlling E. coli O157
Authors: Betts G.D.
Published: July 2002

Escherichia coli O157 is a virulent food pathogen that can cause severe illness in humans. The number of cases is steadily rising and reached over 1,000 in 1999. Foods associated with E. coli O157 are primarily meat and meat products, but other foods have been implicated, including cheese, lettuce and fruit products. A particular problem for food manufacturers is that this organism may survive in acidic products, for example, fermented meats, apple juice and mayonnaise. Studies were done to evaluate the growth and survival of E. coli O157 in acid environments. It was shown that this organism could grow at a pH of 3.75 and could survive for seven days at pH 3.3 and six hours at pH 2.8 in the presence of 3 per cent (v/v) acetic acid. These data are of use to manufacturers of acid products to control the growth and survival of E. coli O157.
Lubricants for four‐stroke motorcycles
Authors: Margaroni David
Published: July 2002

Lubricants for four‐stroke motorcycles have traditionally been rebranded versions of those used for passenger car engine lubrication. Recent developments in passenger car engine oils with the intention of improving fuel utilisation efficiencies were not compatible with some of the specific requirements of four‐stroke motorcycle powertrain lubrication. The effect of using such lubricants on the various components of the motorcycle powertrain, including the engine, clutch, gearbox, starter system drive and back torque limiter is described. The subsequent development of a new specification specifically for use in four‐stroke motorcycles is described.
Assessor Decision Making Information Processing and Assessor Decision
Strategies in a British Assessment Centre
Authors: Anderson Neil , Payne Tim , Ferguson Eammon , Smith Tom
Published: July 2002

A series of analyses was performed to evaluate the decision‐making
strategies of assessors involved in a final‐stage assessment centre
(AC). Thirty‐eight assessors rated applicants (n = 222) for an
engineering sponsorship placement. Applicants were evaluated on four
dimensions (Interactive Awareness, Work Structure, Drive and Enthusiasm,
and Business Awareness) over three exercises (a group exercise, an
individual exercise and a structured interview). In addition, two
psychometric tests of cognitive ability were administered, one of
numerical reasoning ability and one of verbal reasoning ability. Thus
the assessors were provided with two types of information: their own
observational ratings, and psychometric test scores of candidates.
Analysis revealed that assessors perceived the observational and
psychometric sources as distinct and that assessors integrated
information from each source differently. Further, it was found that
assessors weighted observational information as more salient than
psychometric information in their outcome decision‐making processes,
although both sources were integrated in final decisions. Interprets
results in terms of strategies to reduce cognitive strain, information
overload upon assessors and cognitive biases in decision making.
Discusses the implications of these findings for AC design and
validation.
Personnel specialists’ advanced use of information technology Evidence and explanations
Authors: Kinnie Nicholas J. , Arthurs Alan J.
Published: July 2002

A national survey shows that personnel specialists are still failing to exploit fully the benefits of information technology (IT) in their own work. In seeking to explain this, looks at the IT skills and knowledge of personnel specialists and their attitudes towards the use of IT. While these provide part of the explanation for the under‐utilization of IT, argues that more important inhibitions derive from the professional values of personnel specialists and their political power within organizations.
Responsibilities for human resource management practices in the modern enterprise
Authors: Poole Michael , Jenkins Glenville
Published: July 2002

Proposes to assess the extent to which line management has responsibility for human resource management (HRM) practices in the enterprise. First, addresses a number of theoretical positions that include “traditional”, “cyclical” and “secular” approaches and that emphasizing “diversity”. Then deploys survey data based on the responses of more than 900 managers in the Institute of Management and located throughout the UK to assess these approaches. Investigates four main areas: employee involvement, training and development, rewards and work practices. Reveals that with the partial exception of rewards, line management is found to be dominant in most areas. However, this pattern is likely to have been historically the case rather than representing a “new wave” or movement associated with the rise of HRM itself.
The filling in the sandwich: HRM and middle managers in the health sector
Authors: McConville Teri , Holden Len
Published: July 2002

The central role of line managers in implementing human resource management, is widely acknowledged. There has, however, been scant research into how far that group affect, or are affected by, such practices. Through a case study in two Trust hospitals, this article demonstrates that middle line managers, positioned between the service’s decision‐making bodies and its employees, are bearing many of the consequences of the change process. The effects of growing workloads, combined with altered expectations of their increasingly visible roles, have enhanced the tensions and role conflict inherent to their position. This creates “role dissonance” for managers who must balance the various aspects of their work from a weak power base, and act as a buffer between their staff and their seniors. Their perception is that they are under‐resourced and lack the time needed to manage their staff effectively.
The relationship between charismatic leadership behaviors and organizational commitment
Authors: Rowden Robert W.
Published: July 2002

This article reports on a study to measure the relationship between the six leadership behaviors identified by Conger and Kanunago and the two organizational commitment components identified by Porter and Smith. A total of 245 respondents from six organizations in south‐eastern USA participated in the study. Pearson correlations of the factors from the two scales were computed and revealed that five of the six C‐K factors were significantly correlated with the two commitment factors. These findings indicate leader’s sensitivity to member’s needs is related to organizational commitment, having a clear vision and articulating it seems related to commitment, and managers need to be clear about the goals and values of the organization. This study has implications for the strategic role of managers as change agents in organizations.
Leadership for strategic change
Authors: Landrum Nancy E. , Howell Jon P. , Paris Lori
Published: July 2002

Organizations in need of strategic turnaround often seek charismatic leaders to lead change efforts. With the growing popularity of democratizing workplaces, team‐based approaches to strategic change are emerging. The literature on each of these change approaches is reviewed. Several research propositions are offered which suggest that strategic teams can be a better choice than charismatic leaders for turning around an organization. The authors also note the need for future research to compare the effectiveness of charismatic leaders with the effectiveness of strategic teams in planning and initiating strategic change.
Beyond codes of ethics: an integrated framework for stimulating morally responsible behaviour in organisations
Authors: McDonald Gael , Nijhof André
Published: July 2002

This paper contributes to the study of ethics programmes by the building of a theoretical model for implementing an ethics programme and examining the application of this model to an actual implementation case study. Ethics programmes aim at stimulating ethical behaviour in the organisation and assisting employees to act in a morally responsible way. It is proposed that for an organisational ethics programme to be effective, five dominant conditions are necessary: awareness of formal organisational goals and corresponding informal norms; suitable procedures for decision making; correct distribution of resources; presence of necessary skills; and personal intentions for ethical behaviour. Following detailed discussion of each condition, and with reference to an actual case example, the conditions will be further developed and supplemented with suggested organisational activities that could be used to support these conditions.
Remploy: disabled and thriving
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: July 2002

Focuses on Remploy, which seeks to find employment for disabled people. Discusses Remploy’s work in PCB assembly and the role of the well‐motivated staff in ensuring high‐quality products.
Interface element including point‐to‐surface constraints for three‐dimensional problems with damage propagation
Authors: Gonçalves J.P.M. , de Moura M.F.S.F. , de Castro P.M.S.T. , Marques A.T.
Published: July 2002

An interface finite element for three‐dimensional problems based on the penalty method is presented. The proposed element can model joints/interfaces between solid finite elements and also includes the propagation of damage in pure mode I, pure mode II and mixed mode considering a softening relationship between the stresses and relative displacements. Two different contact conditions are considered: point‐to‐point constraint for closed points (not satisfying the failure criterion) and point‐to‐surface constraint for opened points. The performance of the element is tested under mode I, mode II and mixed mode loading conditions.
Surviving redundancy: the perceptions of UK managers
Authors: Worrall Les , Campbell Fiona , Cooper Cary
Published: July 2002

Redundancy, delayering and other forms of organizational change have become increasingly prevalent over the last ten years. This paper is based on a five year UMIST‐Institute of Management research programme which has been used to explore the impact of redundancy on UK managers’ sense of loyalty, motivation, morale and loyalty to the organization. The paper reveals that redundancy is a particularly damaging form of organizational change even on the survivors of redundancy. The research reveals that where redundancy has been used as a means of change surviving managers’ perceptions of their organizations are significantly more adversely affected than where change is enacted without the use of delayering or redundancy. The research raises significant questions about how change is managed in organizations.
Health is wealth ‐ Organisational Utopia or myopia?
Authors: McHugh Marie , Brotherton Chris
Published: July 2002

Although the healthy organisation has attracted the attention of researchers over the last decade and beyond, the concept remains poorly defined. Nonetheless, there would appear to be an underlying acceptance that health is a desirable state, and is one which is likely to enable the organisation to cope effectively with the challenges presented by its environment. Using financial measures as one index of the economically healthy organisation, this paper explores organisational health within two financially healthy and two financially unhealthy clothing companies in Northern Ireland. Statistical analyses reveal that each of the organisations was unhealthy for different reasons and in different ways. Furthermore, the findings suggest that “wealth” does not necessarily mean “health”, and it may in fact be indicative of organisational myopia rather than Utopia.
Performance appraisal: an obstacle to training and development?
Authors: Wilson John P. , Western Steven
Published: July 2002

Describes research conducted into some of the potential inhibitors which can reduce the effectiveness of a hospital performance appraisal system in relation to training and development plans. Takes as its perspective the views of the appraisees which counter the more usual overview provided by managers and other commentators. Relates these findings to literature on the subject and concludes that in spite of its limitations the performance appraisal process is likely to remain. Finally, makes a number of recommendations to improve the process and make it more supportive of training and development interventions.
Crisis‐driven evolutionary learning: conceptual foundations and systemic modelling ‐ a summary abstract
Authors: Byron Michael P.
Published: July 2002

Evaluates the hypothesis that the real‐world political system constitutes a complex adaptive learning system. Abstracts relevant parameters of this system to create a computer model, which is utilized to generate data for a singular predictive instance (SPI) of systemic learning: warfare frequencies. Compares these data with corresponding real‐world empirical data for this SPI. A finding that the two sets of data are closely correlated allows for extrapolation of model systemic findings to the real‐world system. Discovers that the data support the hypothesis that the real‐world system is, indeed, a complex adaptive learning system.
Reassessing resource allocation strategies in higher education: methods for analysis
Authors: Clarke Geraldine
Published: July 2002

Outlines the imperative of higher education organizations to remain in the forefront of strategic planning thinking. They are the breeding ground for innovative approaches to competitive and co‐operative advantage in the commercial world. Draws attention to models of higher education organization which have been matched by similar strategic paradigms in business. Investigates the growing popularity of supply‐side methods of competitiveness in the context of the collegiate system of higher education. Core competences are now as important as customer focus in strategic planning. Core competences relate to all resources that a university has. Appropriability indices give a measure of how institutions can begin to measure some of their core competences from the ground up. Another method for understanding and assessing core competences is to apply system network mapping. System networks are complex webs of interrelationships between staff and other facilities which give the organization valuable competitive advantage and which are not easily imitated.
Predictive validity of the locus of control test in selection of school administrators
Authors: Klein Joseph , Wasserstein‐Warnet Marc
Published: July 2002

This study examines the hypothesis that life experience may alter the orientation of locus of control. (The literature ascribes to successful managers an internal locus of control, signifying that they perceive success or failure as a consequence of their own actions.) Subjects were 112 Israeli public school principals with limited autonomy, in a centralized system. A total of 39 were ranked by supervisors as highly successful, 43 as moderately successful, and 30 as unsuccessful. Subjects were tested for basic and work‐related locus of control traits. Successful principals have a basic orientation toward an internal locus of control. With respect to work, however, they tend more toward an external locus of control than less successful colleagues. The author concludes that the locus of control test should be supplemented by investigation of previous and current experience. Practical implications of the selection of applicants for different types of managerial positions are discussed.
Teacher Leadership Style: A Classroom‐level Study
Authors: Cheong Cheng Yin
Published: July 2002

Borrowing the ideas from the theories of adult organizations,
investigates how teacher leadership style is related to use of power,
social climate, student‐affective performance in a sample of 678
classrooms in 190 Hong Kong primary schools. Finds that class teacher′s
leadership and use of power are interrelated in process of leading a
class of students. Leadership style was found to be strongly related to
social climate and student‐affective performance. The leadership style
of “high initiating structure and high consideration” should be preferable
and effective in terms of nearly all of the climate and affective
measures. The findings support the importance of balanced leadership
style not only in adults organizations, but also in classrooms. The
profiles of the four leadership styles provide a useful pattern for
developing teacher leadership as well as classroom environment for
better students′ outcomes. The findings support the possibility of
generalization of the concepts of organization and management that were
developed from adults organizations to a context of classrooms in
primary schools.
Jurassic management
Authors: Gunter Helen
Published: July 2002

Current orthodoxy in management text and training is the human
resource management model which has its origins in the excellence and
quality models of US business writings. Investigates the failure of
“Jurassic management”: visioning, consensus value systems,
proactively created teams, and development planning. Just as Jurassic
Park failed, so will self‐managing schools and colleges unless they
recognize that certain management development programmes are leading
them into disaster. Argues that organizations should not be seeking
stability with the environment and meeting the needs of customers, but
should be creating the environment and celebrating professional
competence. Shows that Chaos Theory can be applied to educational
institutions in order to identify that survival in turbulent times is
based on the capacity of educational managers to make rather than
control the future. Management development is at a critical point
whereby the choices will create the future: the key learning outcome
from Chaos Theory is that self‐organization and micropolitics are
essential to understanding organizational survival and development.
A three‐dimensional numerical method for thermal analysis in X‐ray lithography
Authors: Dai W. , Nassar R.
Published: July 2002

X‐ray irradiation of photoresists, such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), on a silicon substrate is an important technique in micro fabrication used to obtain structures and devices with a high aspect ratio. The process is composed of a mask and a photoresist deposited on a substrate (with a gap between mask and resist). Predictions of the temperature distribution in three dimensions in the different layers (mask, gap, photoresist and substrate) and of the potential temperature rise are essential for determining the effect of high flux X‐ray exposure on distortions in the photoresist due to thermal expansion. In this study, we develop a numerical method for obtaining the steady state temperature profile in an X‐ray irradiation process by using a preconditioned Richardson method for the Poisson equation in the micro‐scale. A domain decomposition algorithm is then obtained based on the parallel “divide and conquer” procedure for tridiagonal linear systems. Numerical results show that such a method is efficient.
Stakeholder conceptions of quality in single company management education
Authors: Macfarlane Bruce , Lomas Laurie
Published: July 2002

Acknowledging the claims of stakeholders is part of the new lexicon of higher education management. Institutions, through mission statements, now explicitly recognise their obligation to meet the needs of a range of stakeholders such as students, employers, professional associations, the government, the academic community, and wider society. However, while it is easy to list stakeholders, and promise to safeguard their various interests at the institutional level, significant conflicts can arise in managing their competing claims. Previously, stakeholder mapping has focused attention at the institutional level although the practical responsibility for managing these relationships often occurs at the micro or programme level. Drawing on interviews with programme leaders and lecturers involved in single company management education programmes, this paper explores lecturer understandings of stakeholder interests and relates these findings to different conceptions of quality. It is argued that such programmes face particular challenges in managing multiple, and often conflicting, stakeholder interests and expectations.
“Progress shadowed by human waste”: the Women’s Bureau films scientific management
Authors: Sue Bix Amy
Published: July 2002

Within the context of America’s Depression, the Women’s Bureau of the US Department of Labor produced a unique film,Behind the Scenes in the Machine Age. The movie emphasized the seriousness of economic crisis, but promised that by eliminating “waste”, America could return to solid ground. The concept of “waste” allowed the Bureau to link scientific management to a broader message preaching workplace safety, endorsing government expertise and economic planning, and underlining women’s role in modern industrial production. The organization tailored its philosophy of scientific management to a popular audience, while highlighting woman‐centered aspects of economic life.
Experimental study of post‐build cure of stereolithography polymers for injection molds
Authors: Colton Jonathan , Blair Bryan
Published: July 2002

A common procedure for processing stereolithography epoxy injection molds includes a one hour post‐cure in a UV chamber. This research investigates the degree of cure achieved in the UV chamber and the degree of cure achieved by heating in a thermal oven. It is hypothesized that a more fully cured mold is harder and hence will produce more parts before failure. This research investigates various post‐cure processes and suggests a post‐cure strategy to achieve this end.
Strategies for implementing knowledge management: role of human resources management
Authors: Soliman Fawzy , Spooner Keri
Published: July 2002

The successful implementation of new technologies is dependent on many factors including the efficient management of human resources. Furthermore, recent research indicates that intellectual assets and resources can be utilised much more efficiently and effectively if organisations apply knowledge management techniques for leveraging their human resources and enhancing their personnel management. The human resources departments are well positioned to ensure the success of knowledge management programs, which are directed at capturing, using and re‐using employees’ knowledge. Through human resources management a culture that encourages the free flow of knowledge for meeting organisational goals can be created. The strategic role of the human resources department in identifying strategic and knowledge gaps using knowledge mapping is discussed in this paper. In addition, the drivers and implementation strategies for knowledge management programs are proposed.
Application of high‐precision isotope ratio monitoring mass spectrometry to identify the biosynthetic origins of proteins
Authors: Apostol Izydor , Brooks Paul D. , Mathews Antony J.
Published: July 2002

Isotope ratio monitoring (IRM) mass spectrometry was used to measure the relative abundance of stable isotopes in several samples of adult human hemoglobin expressed in E. coli, yeast, and human blood. The results showed significant differences in the distribution of 15N and 13C isotopes among hemoglobin samples produced in these organisms. This indicates that IRM mass spectrometry can be used in forensic protein chemistry to identify the origin of protein expression.
Frictionally Excited Thermoelastic Instability in Automotive Drum Brakes
Authors: Lee Kwangjin
Published: July 2002

Thermoelastic instability in automotive drum brake systems is investigated using a finite layer model with one-sided frictional heating. With realistic material properties of automotive brakes, the stability behavior of the one-sided heating mode is similar to that of the antisymmetric mode of two-sided heating but the critical speed of the former is higher than that of the latter. The effects of the friction coefficient and brake material properties on the critical speeds are examined and the most influential properties are found to be the coefficient of friction and the thermal expansion coefficient of drum materials. Vehicle tests were performed to observe the critical speeds of the drum brake systems with aluminum drum materials. Direct comparisons are made between the calculation and measurement for the critical speed and hot spot spacing. Good agreement is achieved when the critical speeds are calculated using the temperature-dependent friction material properties and the reduced coefficient of friction to account for the effect of intermittent contact. [S0742-4787(00)01503-4]
Natural Convection in Low Prandtl Number Fluids With a Vertical Magnetic Field
Authors: Saravanan S. , Kandaswamy P.
Published: July 2002

[S0022-1481(00)00403-5]
Vibration Control of Beams Using Electro-Magnetic Compressional Damping Treatment
Authors: Oh J. , Poh S. , Ruzzene M. , Baz A.
Published: July 2002

A new class of structural damping treatments is introduced. This class is the electro-magnetic damping treatment (EMDT) which relies in its operation on a viscoelastic damping layer sandwiched between two magnetic layers. Interaction between the magnets generates magnetic forces that enhance the compressional damping mechanism of the viscoelastic layer. With proper tuning of the magnetic forces, in response to the structural vibration, undesirable resonances and catastrophic failures can be avoided. The fundamentals and the underlying phenomena associated with the EMDT are investigated theoretically and experimentally. A finite element model is developed to describe the interaction between the dynamics of flexible beams, the viscoelastic damping layer and the magnetic layers. The validity of the developed finite element model is checked experimentally using aluminum beams treated with EMDT patches. The beam/EMDT system is subjected to sinusoidal excitations and its multi-mode response is monitored when the magnetic layers are activated or not. Several control strategies are considered to activate the magnetic layers including simple PD controllers. The performance of the uncontrolled and controlled system is determined at various operating conditions. Attenuation of 49.4 percent is obtained for the amplitude of first mode of vibration (5.2 Hz) with control voltage of 0.2 volts. The attenuation increases to 72.56 percent for the second mode of vibration (28.6 Hz) with a control voltage of 1.68 volts. Comparisons with conventional Passive Constrained Layer Damping (PCLD) treatments emphasize the potential of the EMDT treatment as an effective means for controlling structural vibrations. [S0739-3717(00)00603-6]