bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous imaging of plasmon rulers in live cells reveals early-stage caspase-3 activation at the single-molecule level
Authors: Jun Young-wook , Sheikholeslami Sassan , Hostetter Daniel R. , Tajon Cheryl , Craik Charles S. , Alivisatos A. Paul
Published: October 2009

The use of plasmon coupling in metal nanoparticles has shown great potential for the optical characterization of many biological processes. Recently, we have demonstrated the use of “plasmon rulers” to observe conformational changes of single biomolecules in vitro. Plasmon rulers provide robust signals without photobleaching or blinking. Here, we show the first application of plasmon rulers to in vivo studies to observe very long trajectories of single biomolecules in live cells. We present a unique type of plasmon ruler comprised of peptide-linked gold nanoparticle satellites around a core particle, which was used as a probe to optically follow cell-signaling pathways in vivo at the single-molecule level. These “crown nanoparticle plasmon rulers” allowed us to continuously monitor trajectories of caspase-3 activity in live cells for over 2 h, providing sufficient time to observe early-stage caspase-3 activation, which was not possible by conventional ensemble analyses.
Exploring the folding energy landscape of a series of designed consensus tetratricopeptide repeat proteins
Authors: Javadi Yalda , Main Ewan R. G.
Published: October 2009

Repeat proteins contain short, tandem arrays of simple structural motifs (20−40 aa). These stack together to form nonglobular structures that are stabilized by short-range interactions from residues close in primary sequence. Unlike globular proteins, they have few, if any, long-range nonlocal stabilizing interactions. One ubiquitous repeat is the tetratricopeptide motif (TPR), a 34-aa helix-turn-helix motif. In this article we describe the folding kinetics of a series of 7 designed TPR proteins that are assembled from arraying identical designed consensus repeats (CTPRa
n
). These range from the smallest 2-repeat protein to a large 10-repeat protein (≈350 aa). In particular, we describe how the energy landscape changes with the addition of repeat units. The data reveal that although the CTPRa proteins have low local frustration, their highly symmetric, modular native structure is reflected in their multistate kinetics of unfolding and folding. Moreover, although the initial folding of all CTPRa
n
proteins involves a nucleus with similar solvent accessibility, their subsequent folding to the native structure depends directly on repeat number. This corresponds to an increasingly complex landscape that culminates in CTPRa10 populating a misfolded, off-pathway intermediate. These results extend our current understanding of the malleable folding pathways of repeat proteins and highlight the consequences of adding identical repeats to the energy landscape.
Structure of a trimeric nucleoporin complex reveals alternate oligomerization states
Authors: Nagy Vivien , Hsia Kuo-Chiang , Debler Erik W. , Kampmann Martin , Davenport Andrew M. , Blobel Günter , Hoelz André
Published: October 2009

The heptameric Nup84 complex constitutes an evolutionarily conserved building block of the nuclear pore complex. Here, we present the crystal structure of the heterotrimeric Sec13·Nup145C·Nup84 complex, the centerpiece of the heptamer, at 3.2-Å resolution. Nup84 forms a U-shaped α-helical solenoid domain, topologically similar to two other members of the heptamer, Nup145C and Nup85. The interaction between Nup84 and Nup145C is mediated via a hydrophobic interface located in the kink regions of the two solenoids that is reinforced by additional interactions of two long Nup84 loops. The Nup84 binding site partially overlaps with the homo-dimerization interface of Nup145C, suggesting competing binding events. Fitting of the elongated Z-shaped heterotrimer into electron microscopy (EM) envelopes of the heptamer indicates that structural changes occur at the Nup145C·Nup84 interface. Docking the crystal structures of all heptamer components into the EM envelope constitutes a major advance toward the completion of the structural characterization of the Nup84 complex.
Structure of an integrin αIIbβ3 transmembrane-cytoplasmic heterocomplex provides insight into integrin activation
Authors: Yang Jun , Ma Yan-Qing , Page Richard C. , Misra Saurav , Plow Edward F. , Qin Jun
Published: October 2009

Heterodimeric integrin adhesion receptors regulate diverse biological processes including angiogenesis, thrombosis and wound healing. The transmembrane-cytoplasmic domains (TMCDs) of integrins play a critical role in controlling activation of these receptors via an inside-out signaling mechanism, but the precise structural basis remains elusive. Here, we present the solution structure of integrin αIIbβ3 TMCD heterodimer, which reveals a right-handed coiled-coil conformation with 2 helices intertwined throughout the transmembrane region. The helices extend into the cytoplasm and form a clasp that differs significantly from a recently published αIIbβ3 TMCD structure. We show that while a point mutation in the clasp interface modestly activates αIIbβ3, additional mutations in the transmembrane interface have a synergistic effect, leading to extensive integrin activation. Detailed analyses and structural comparison with previous studies suggest that extensive integrin activation is a highly concerted conformational transition process, which involves transmembrane coiled-coil unwinding that is triggered by the membrane-mediated alteration and disengagement of the membrane-proximal clasp. Our results provide atomic insight into a type I transmembrane receptor heterocomplex and the mechanism of integrin inside-out transmembrane signaling.
Language policy and legislation in post-Soviet Azerbaijan
Authors: Garibova Jala , Asgarova Matanat
Published: October 2009

This paper examines the policy and legislative framework for the regulation of language in Azerbaijan. During the Soviet period, language issues were addressed in the Constitution. Post-independence language revival initiatives promoted laws, high status decrees, and official regulations, particularly in the sphere of status-building. The authors analyze post-Soviet language policy and language legislation from the perspective of both national and minority languages. To illuminate the ways in which language strategies are developed, laws covering various domains are examined and evaluated as reflections of the country’s political priorities, socio-economic tendencies and international relations. This paper also discusses the subject of policy implementation. Although the term “Azerbaijan” refers, mostly in popular parlance, also to the northern part of Iran (“South Azerbaijan”) populated by ethnic Azerbaijanis, in this paper the term will be used in reference to the post-Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan, except in certain historical contexts.
International languages and education in Botswana and Malawi
Authors: Kamwendo Gregory , Mooko Theophilus , Moumakwa Tshiamiso
Published: October 2009

This article is a comparative study of how the language-in-education policies of two Southern African countries — Botswana and Malawi — have responded to the need to have citizens who can compete favourably on the global scene. While private schools have tended to offer several international languages, public schools, on the other hand, have not done so. Public schools are unable to give learners the linguistic power needed in a world in which, besides English, there are other languages of global communication. The paper also highlights the dilemma faced when one tries to reconcile the local and the global in the context of language-in-education policies.
Wikipedia and lesser-resourced languages
Authors: van Dijk Ziko
Published: October 2009

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, exists in more than 260 different language editions, some larger, some smaller. This article deals with difficulties in comparing them with each other and assessing their strength. Wikimedia Statistics can mislead if not interpreted with a knowledge about the ways Wikipedia editing works. Many language editions embellish the total number of articles by creating pseudo-articles with little or no encyclopedic value. The main question of the study presented by this article is what factors make a language edition grow, such as the existence of a standardized language, language status, Internet access for the average speaker, and the attitude of speakers to their language.
Causes of the relative success of Esperanto
Authors: Blanke Detlev
Published: October 2009

Among what are now more than 1000 efforts to create an international language, primarily the project of L. L. Zamenhof (1887) has developed into a living and flexible language. Although Zamenhof’s hopes for a language accepted worldwide were not fulfilled, Esperanto proves that in principle it is possible to create a new language through language planning and bring it to practical use. This is an important fact for linguistics. Esperanto’s success also lies in the fact that so far it has been able to resist competition from other systems of planned language. The factors that explain this success relate in part to linguistic structures (e.g. the system’s potential for development) and in part to sociolinguistic and language policy considerations. Of particular significance was Zamenhof’s language-policy role: he saw language as primarily a social phenomenon, he linked humanistic ideals to his language, and he passed Esperanto on to an emerging language community with all of its evolving and varied communicative needs. Zamenhof intuitively understood several important factors that contributed to Esperanto’s stability, for example the need for a standard and its codification. Over the past decades, the scholarly literature of Esperanto studies has grown in quality and is regularly recorded in the bibliography of the Modern Language Association of America (MLA).
Applications of the time-resolved two-colour two-photon excitation of UV fluorophores using femtosecond laser pulses
Authors: Denicke S , Quentmeier S , Ehlers J-E , Gericke K-H
Published: October 2009

A short overview of the principles and applications of the two-colour two-photon (2C2P) excitation of fluorescence by using femtosecond pulses is given. Fluorescence is generated by the simultaneous absorption of an 800 nm photon and a 400 nm photon of overlapping laser beams of a titanium:sapphire laser. Two examples of its application are presented: firstly, it is used to monitor the enzymatic cleavage of bovine serum albumin (BSA) by elastase. The fluorescent amino acid tryptophan present in BSA is excited corresponding to an effective one-photon wavelength of 266 nm. Secondly, it is shown how one can utilize the different polarizations of the excited beams for determining the symmetry of the excited states of molecules, exemplarily shown for p-terphenyl in cyclohexane. Further applications and experiments for 2C2P are suggested for using it in UV-fluorescence microscopy and for determining the properties of the electronic states of biomolecules by using differently polarized photons.
Imaging fast relaxation dynamics of NO2
Authors: Cireasa Raluca , Hamard Jean-Benoît , Maury Cécile , Blanchet Valérie
Published: October 2009

Time-resolved spectroscopy combined with velocity map imaging techniques have been used to investigate the multiphoton dynamics of the NO2 molecule. Two different pump–probe excitation schemes were used to explore different potential energy surfaces (PESs) located in the first dissociation region and in the Rydberg region around 9.2 eV. Integrated and energy-resolved signals of NO2
+, NO+ and photoelectrons were recorded as a function of time. When exciting with 403 nm photons, the NO+ signal exhibits an intriguing oscillatory behaviour with a period of 512 fs. The NO+ and photoelectron kinetic energy distributions produced by this pump wavelength were cold, while those produced when employing 269 nm photons as pump were very rich, evidencing the presence of multiple excitation channels. A couple of sharp long-lived photoion–photoelectron peaks represents the most salient feature of the latter. They were assigned to an excitation by two 269 nm photons to a Rydberg state dissociating into NO(A2Σ+)+O(3P). This NO+ peak as well as another one located at 0 eV display very complex time dependencies including the signatures of two dissociation dynamics on timescales of 400 and 600 fs. The different pathways responsible for this temporal behaviour are discussed in view of shedding light onto the underlying multichannel multiphoton dynamics.
The role of orbiting resonances in the vibrational predissociation of Ne–Br2(B)
Authors: García-Vela A
Published: October 2009

The spectrum of Ne–Br2(B,v) orbiting resonances embedded in the continuum of the v=25 vibrational manifold has been studied and compared with the spectrum previously obtained for v=26. The spectra of orbiting resonances are found to be very similar in the two vibrational manifolds, with the resonances located at nearly the same energy positions and with similar widths. The same result was found for the spectra of orbiting resonances of He–I2(B,v) for v=59 and 60. This confirms that the nature of the continuum resonances is the same in both van der Waals complexes, and suggests that this type of resonance might be present in other van der Waals rare gas–halogen clusters.
Collision energy dependence for the Br formation in the reaction of OD+HBr
Authors: Che Dock-Chil , Doi Akiyoshi , Yamamoto Yoshiki , Okuno Yasuhiro , Kasai Toshio
Published: October 2009

The collision energy dependence for Br(2P3/2) atom formation in the reaction of OD + HBr has been investigated from 0.05 to 0.26 eV using a crossed molecular beam experiment. OD radicals were selected as the single rotational state in the upper state of Λ-doubling of using a 1 m electric hexapole field. Br atoms were detected by the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) laser-induced fluorescence technique. We find that the reaction cross-section decreases, increasing the collision energy. This negative collision energy dependence suggests that there is no barrier on the potential energy surface for the formation pathway considered. Results were compared with those previously reported for the OH + HBr reaction system. We find that the ratio of the reaction cross-section of σ(OD)/σ(OH) shows values larger than one and an increasing tendency when collision energy increases. The collision energy dependence observed is explained in terms of the zero-point energy differences and the rotational periods of OD and OH, which may be related to the time for the proper reorientation of the OH radical prior to the reaction.
Reaction of sodium atoms with water clusters
Authors: Vorontsov A V , Novakovskaya Yu V
Published: October 2009

Na
n
(H2O)
m
clusters with n=0–4 and m=1–8 and their structural fragments with various nuclear configurations are non-empirically calculated in order to clarify the motive force and the most probable mechanism of the gas-phase reaction between sodium atoms and water clusters leading to the formation of sodium hydroxide and molecular hydrogen. Minimum-energy and transient reaction structures are determined at the MP2 level, while the excited electronic states are analyzed at the CASSCF level. The limiting stage of the process is found to be the inclusion of a sodium nucleus in the OH bond of a water molecule, which is assisted by another sodium nucleus. The process is predicted to be essentially non-adiabatic: the first excited electronic state of Na
n
(H2O)
m
systems provides such electron density redistribution that promotes the limiting-stage transformation. The smallest system, in which the process should proceed relatively easily, is predicted to be Na3(H2O)6 or Na3(H2O)7.
Low and ultra-low energy chemical processes involving ions
Authors: Bodo Enrico
Published: October 2009

We briefly review here the relevance of ionic chemistry at low energies. We comment on two examples of the application of scattering theory in this context: the chemical reaction in He3
+ and the charge exchange process in HD+.
Spin depolarization of N2
+ (2Σ+) in collisions with 3He in a magnetic field: general behaviour and zero energy Feshbach resonances
Authors: Guillon G , Stoecklin T , Voronin A
Published: October 2009

We give a brief account of the effect of a magnetic field on the spin-depolarization cross sections of N2
+(2Σ) in collisions with 3He at very low collision energy. The fundamental states of the two nuclear spin isomers of N2
+ are shown to respond quite differently to the application of the field. When the applied magnetic field increases, the spin depolarization cross sections are found to monotonously decrease for the fundamental para level N=0 of N2
+, whereas they monotonously increase for the fundamental ortho level N=1 of N2
+. This effect is found to be amplified around the resonances and an explanation based on the different mechanism of spin flipping acting for these two levels is proposed. We also explore the tuning of zero energy Feshbach resonances by examining the variation of the scattering length as a function of the magnetic field. We use the Smith Q matrix to calculate the lifetimes of the complexes associated with these resonances and discuss the law of variation as a function of the magnetic field of the Q matrix eigenvalues across such resonances.
Partial cross-sections of hydrated hydronium reduction
Authors: Chulkov S K , Novakovskaya Yu V
Published: October 2009

Cross-sections of the hydrogen atom formation upon the electron capture by positively charged hydronium–water clusters in gas phase are found with the use of the Breit–Wigner approximation. Calculations are based on the data of quantum chemical studies of H3O+(H2O)
n
and H3O(H2O)
n
clusters, including the estimated average density of high-lying states of the radicals, the determined character of the unpaired electron density distribution, and the constructed dependence of the electron–cation interaction energy on the number of water molecules. Lifetimes of the radicals before the dissociation are taken from the classical nonempirical molecular dynamics runs.
Applications of Zeeman quantum beat spectroscopy to angular momentum polarization studies
Authors: Brouard Mark , Chadwick Helen , Chang Yuan-Pin , Cireasa Raluca , Eyles Chris J
Published: October 2009

New applications of Zeeman quantum beat spectroscopy (ZQBS) to the study of angular momentum polarization effects produced by photodissociation or molecular collisions are introduced. A brief account of recent work on measuring the collisional depolarization of OH(A2Σ+) by Ar demonstrates the usefulness of ZQBS as a tool for studying angular momentum polarization effects. Results are presented for the polarization of the NO(X) photofragments generated by the photolysis of NO2 via its first absorption band at wavelengths around 300 and 350 nm. These experiments illustrate the feasibility of measuring a wide range of vector correlations using ZQBS, and point the way to a number of other potential applications of the technique.
Photoabsorption of the fullerene C60 and its positive ions
Authors: Belyaev A K , Tiukanov A S , Toropkin A I , Ivanov V K , Polozkov R G , Solov'yov A V
Published: October 2009

The electronic structures and the total photoionization cross sections of the fullerene C60 and its positive ions C60

n+ (n=1, 2, 3) are calculated for the photon energy range from the ionization thresholds up to 80 eV and compared with the recent experimental data and other calculations. The theoretical approach is based on the local density approximation, the random phase approximation and the jellium models. In contrast to the previous studies, the Perdew–Wang parametrization for the exchange-correlation energy functional is used at present, which leads to more accurate electronic structures and cross sections. Two jellium models are thoroughly tested: the sphere jellium model and the spherical layer jellium model with a finite thickness. It is shown that the spherical layer jellium model provides more reliable results than the sphere model. Two giant resonances are found in the photoionization spectra of all fullerenes treated. The position and the shape of the resonances are determined in agreement with the experimental data.
Ultra-sensitive detection of nitric oxide isotopologues
Authors: Mitscherling Christoph , Maul Christof , Gericke Karl-Heinz
Published: October 2009

This paper reviews recent technical advances of resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) spectroscopy and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy, both extremely sensitive techniques for the determination of low nitric oxide (NO) concentrations. Because NO is involved in a multitude of biological functions, labeling and isotope-specific detection are important tools for elucidating chemical pathways. Mass selective REMPI discovers spectroscopic windows for monitoring the most abundant isotopologues such as14N16O,15N16O and14N18O without these species interfering spectroscopically with each other. This has been realized by using theA2Σ+(v′=0)←X2ΠΩ(v″ =0) transition (NO γ-band) in the ultraviolet region around 226 nm. Selected rovibrational transitions are employed for the ultra-sensitive and isotope-specific detection of exhaled NO by LIF. The detection limit for14N18O has been improved to 0.8 parts per trillion.

Furthermore, preliminary results from a study of theA2Σ+(v′ =1)←X2ΠΩ(v″ =0) transition interfering with theB2Π(v′ =1)←X2ΠΩ(v″ =0) transition are presented as an alternative approach for isotopologue selective measurements of14N18O. From experimental data the rotational constantB=1.10310 cm- 1and the spin–orbit coupling constantA=33.170 cm- 1of14N16O (B2Π(v′ =1)) have been calculated.
Structure of electron–positron clusters: Hartree–Fock approximation
Authors: Yatsyshin P I , Polozkov R G , Ivanov V K , Solov'yov A V
Published: October 2009

The structure, stability and annihilation of a novel finite quantum object—electron–positron droplet (EPD)—is investigated. An EPD can briefly be defined as the ‘metallic’ phase of electron–positron matter. Our analysis is based on the non-relativistic Hartree–Fock (HF) approximation. In order to reveal the effect of correlation, we discuss our new results within the HF approximation in view of calculations within the local density approximation. Comparison between electron–positron clusters and metal clusters is done in order to emphasize the similar properties and reveal the effects of cluster core quantization. Our new calculations are performed for EPDs with sizes of up to 100 pairs of electrons and positrons.
Probing free jet expansions of supercritical fluids
Authors: Christen W , Rademann K
Published: October 2009

Attempting to improve the comprehension of supersonic molecular beams at elevated pressures we present a comparative study of thermodynamic descriptions of the terminal flow velocity in free jet expansions. As model system we choose carbon dioxide due to its widespread utilization in supercritical fluid technology. Numerical results for the thermodynamic quantities are obtained using a high accuracy equation of state explicit in the Helmholtz free energy. The influence of pressure and temperature on the beam velocity is investigated for a broad range of stagnation conditions. A consistent physical picture is obtained for calculations employing the initial and final molar enthalpies, while enormous discrepancies are found for descriptions based on the molar isobaric heat capacity or the heat capacity ratio. The deviations are particularly pronounced at the gas–liquid phase transition and in the vicinity of the critical point and can be related to the diverse assumptions of ideal gas behavior. It is shown that computations using real fluid enthalpies permit to assess the fraction of condensation in supersonic jets.
Functionally guided alignment of protein interaction networks for module detection
Authors: Ali Waqar , Deane Charlotte M.
Published: October 2009

Motivation: Functional module detection within protein interaction networks is a challenging problem due to the sparsity of data and presence of errors. Computational techniques for this task range from purely graph theoretical approaches involving single networks to alignment of multiple networks from several species. Current network alignment methods all rely on protein sequence similarity to map proteins across species.

Results: Here we carry out network alignment using a protein functional similarity measure. We show that using functional similarity to map proteins across species improves network alignment in terms of functional coherence and overlap with experimentally verified protein complexes. Moreover, the results from functional similarity-based network alignment display little overlap (<15%) with sequence similarity-based alignment. Our combined approach integrating sequence and function-based network alignment alongside graph clustering properties offers a 200% increase in coverage of experimental datasets and comparable accuracy to current network alignment methods.

Availability: Program binaries and source code is freely available at http://www.stats.ox.ac.uk/research/bioinfo/resources

Contact:  ali@stats.ox.ac.uk

Supplementary Information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Processing and population genetic analysis of multigenic datasets with ProSeq3 software
Authors: Filatov Dmitry A.
Published: October 2009

Motivation: The current tendency in molecular population genetics is to use increasing numbers of genes in the analysis. Here I describe a program for handling and population genetic analysis of DNA polymorphism data collected from multiple genes. The program includes a sequence/alignment editor and an internal relational database that simplify the preparation and manipulation of multigenic DNA polymorphism datasets. The most commonly used DNA polymorphism analyses are implemented in ProSeq3, facilitating population genetic analysis of large multigenic datasets. Extensive input/output options make ProSeq3 a convenient hub for sequence data processing and analysis.

Availability: The program is available free of charge from http://dps.plants.ox.ac.uk/sequencing/proseq.htm

Contact:  dmitry.filatov@plants.ox.ac.uk
Coexpression network based on natural variation in human gene expression reveals gene interactions and functions
Authors: Nayak Renuka R. , Kearns Michael , Spielman Richard S. , Cheung Vivian G.
Published: October 2009

Genes interact in networks to orchestrate cellular processes. Analysis of these networks provides insights into gene interactions and functions. Here, we took advantage of normal variation in human gene expression to infer gene networks, which we constructed using correlations in expression levels of more than 8.5 million gene pairs in immortalized B cells from three independent samples. The resulting networks allowed us to identify biological processes and gene functions. Among the biological pathways, we found processes such as translation and glycolysis that co-occur in the same subnetworks. We predicted the functions of poorly characterized genes, including CHCHD2 and TMEM111, and provided experimental evidence that TMEM111 is part of the endoplasmic reticulum-associated secretory pathway. We also found that IFIH1, a susceptibility gene of type 1 diabetes, interacts with YES1, which plays a role in glucose transport. Furthermore, genes that predispose to the same diseases are clustered nonrandomly in the coexpression network, suggesting that networks can provide candidate genes that influence disease susceptibility. Therefore, our analysis of gene coexpression networks offers information on the role of human genes in normal and disease processes.
Fatigue evaluation of high‐loaded aeronautical composite structures
Authors: Rodzewicz Mirosław
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a study on effective methods for fatigue evaluation of composite structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on topological correspondence between half‐cycle arrays and the Haig diagrams, the fatigue data for composite structure in the form of array containing numbers of half‐cycles to failure (or in form of unitary damage array) are obtained. Such forms of the fatigue data facilitate significantly calculation of damage produced by any load spectrum (LS), presented as a half‐cycle array.

Findings

The loads of highest increments inside the operational range are of crucial importance for the fatigue life of composite structures, therefore it is possible to replace the whole LS with the equivalent loads of significantly reduced cycle numbers, which is very beneficial in the case when the fatigue life evidence is provided in the experimental way.

Originality/value

The paper presents novel evaluation methods for equivalent load cycles determination, consisting in application of unitary damage array, and simplified estimation procedure of fatigue properties on experimental basis.
How a systematic approach to innovation can bring radical improvements to organisations by liberating the staff
Authors: Desmond Vincent
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate ways in which innovative thinking can bring about radical change to organisations. It aims to identify some of the many creative ways this innovative thought can be liberated from staff members using quality processes, and argue that a structured, quality approach to engaging staff in improvement and innovation can bring about this radical change.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper consists of a combination of case study based material and includes the author's opinion and interpretation. The integral focus is on encouraging innovation from within, implementing ways to involve staff members and introducing structured, gradual, change. The paper uses examples of organisations across varied industries to showcase how they have accomplished this task.

Findings

Developing collaborative environments and encouraging employee contribution to facilitate innovative thinking can liberate not only employees but the whole organisation. The case study organisations featured have found that introducing new methods of innovation can provide a manageable process, which over time can result in significant change.

Originality/value

This paper sets out the systematic approach organisations should follow to unlock the creative power of their employees, develop fast and stay ahead of the competition. It argues that in the current economic climate, organisations will need to make these radical improvements in order to survive and prosper.
Public library closures in England: the need to Act?
Authors: McMenemy David
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relevance of the 1964 Public Libraries and Museums Act in light of recent announced public library closures in England and the subsequent investigation by the Secretary of State for Culture into proposed closures in Wirral libraries. The paper asks whether the Act is fit for purpose or merely confuses the status of public libraries in a legal sense. It provides a discussion of the limitations of the Act, some background to recent public library closure controversies, and the powers central government have to intervene locally.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a reflective viewpoint.

Findings

The paper finds that a new Act may be necessary to further define how public libraries should provide services and what a basic level of provision is defined as.

Practical implication

Reflects on the current statutory provision and should be of interest to those working in public libraries or those researching the area.

Originality/value

Provides a reflective analysis of a current issue of importance in UK public libraries.
Online digital thesis collections and national information policy
Authors: Joint Nicholas
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of ETD (electronic thesis and dissertation) collection development trends to date, with an emphasis on the comparative merits of different national models of digital thesis provision.

Design/methodology/approach

A brief historical narrative combined with commentary from the point of view of the library practitioner.

Findings

The paper finds that the case for the superior benefits of digital thesis services as opposed to print‐only thesis provision has undoubtedly been made. However, the relative merits of different levels of public versus private sector involvement in the national digital thesis system are open to debate, which means that ETD information systems can be structured very differently from one country to another. The US and UK systems are particularly different from each other and form a focus of discussion.

Research limitations/implications

A rich research area in future will lie in the comparison of the performance of the US and the UK systems. This research should elicit opinions from librarians engaged with thesis provision while also compiling objective evidence about which approach provides the better service to end users and which approach more successfully boosts the knowledge economy of each country.

Practical implications

Evidence cited about the strengths and weaknesses of the two digital thesis systems analysed demonstrates the benefits of open access at the immediate level of library service delivery.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to combine insights into national policy making with straightforward recommendations relevant to everyday library practice.
Oils quality and performance analysis of vehicle's engines using radial basis neural networks
Authors: Kalkat Menderes , Yıldırım Şahin , Erkaya Selçuk
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the application of neural networks on vehicle engine systems for fault detecting and analysing engine oils.

Design/methodology/approach

Three types of neural networks are employed to find exact neural network predictor of vehicle engine oil performance and quality. Nevertheless, two oil types are analysed for predicting performance in the engine. These oils are used and unused oils. In experimental work, two accelerometers are located at the bottom of the car engine to measure related vibrations for analysing oil quality of both cases.

Findings

The results of both computer simulation and experimental work show that the radial basis neural network predictor gives good performance at adapting different cases.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the proposed neural network analyser follow the desired results of the vehicle engine's vibration variation. However, this kind of neural network scheme can be used to analyse oil quality of the car in experimental applications.

Practical implications

As theoretical and practical studies are evaluated together, it is hoped that oil analysers and interested researchers will obtain significant results in this application area.

Originality/value

This paper is an original contribution on vehicle oil quality analysis using a proposed artificial neural network and it should be helpful for industrial applications of vehicle oil quality analysis and fault detection.
An introduction to the interaction between the universities and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand
Authors: Devonport Bernadette F.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the relationship between New Zealand universities and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand (ICANZ), the main organization of the accounting profession in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationship is approached as an archival search, producing a descriptive analysis of the universities' involvement in the Institute's professional exams, from the creation of the Institute in 1908 until the turn of this century.

Findings

At first this connection was through the qualifying examination system of the Institute, with the universities providing the means for the Institute to educate prospective members. Differences in approach towards accounting education, identified in the ongoing issue of a degree prerequisite, and the development of accountancy departments in the universities, led to the Institute later in the twentieth century turning to other tertiary institutions to provide its accounting professional examinations. This paper shows that although the accountancy departments in the universities have benefited from contact with the Institute, the nature of the relationship has been determined to a large extent by the requirements of the New Zealand accounting profession.

Originality/value

The paper provides historical insights on the interaction between the universities and the Institute, explaining the reasons for the Institute's influence on accounting education in the universities.
The differences in customer complaint behaviour between loyal customers and first comers in the retail banking industry
Authors: Kitapci Olgun , Taylan Dortyol Ibrahim
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the differences in customer complaint behaviour between loyal customers and first comers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has adopted the work of Ndubisi and Ling, which categorized consumer complaint actions into public, private, defection and no action. Interview and survey data were collected. SPSS 15.0 for Windows was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics such as means, frequencies, Mann‐Whitney U test and chi‐square tests were calculated.

Findings

The results reveal that first comers are more willing to engage in private complaining actions such as negotiation and worth‐of‐mouth comments and telling friends and family about their bad experiences compared to loyal customers. Our major findings indicate that even if a first comer does not complain, this does not mean that the person is satisfied. As there is a likelihood that when a customer makes a private complaint, such as spreading negative word‐of‐mouth criticisms, bank managers should pay more attention to those customers. Further, first comers are more likely to take part in a defection by doing business with another firm following the bad experience compared to loyal customers.

Originality/value

It is a new study about the differences in customer complaint behaviour between loyal and first customers in Turkey. It presents valuable information that can assist bank managers and marketers understand the customer complaint behaviour of both loyal customers and first comers.
Who are minimum and sub‐minimum wage workers?
Authors: Pacheco Gail
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive portrait of who earns the minimum wage, in terms of the characteristics of the individual that are most important in determining this outcome.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses individual data from the Annual Income Supplements of the New Zealand (NZ) Household Labour Force Surveys between June 1997 and June 2004. This unit record data allows isolation of workers earning the minimum wage or close to it. A more sophisticated quantitative analysis is also carried out, where the probability of earning at or below the minimum wage is modelled to estimate what individual characteristics are most significant in determining minimum wage status.

Findings

One of the key findings was that individual characteristics (such as age) are much more important than household circumstance or industry affiliations, in terms of the probability of earning minimum wage.

Originality/value

NZ has substantially increased minimum wages for teenagers and adults since 2000. For example, since the youth minimum was introduced in March 1994, it had increased by 52 per cent in real terms by 2004. Consequently, recent NZ experience offers a rare opportunity to isolate who earns the minimum wage and which subgroups are more likely to be potentially impacted by a rising minimum.
A model of stock price adjustment after dividends
Authors: Rosa Borges Maria
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the stock price adjustment after a dividend distribution, allowing for different types of investors and market imperfections, including taxes and transaction costs.

Design/methodology/approach

An arbitrage model is developed to determine the possible equilibria for the stock price adjustment, after a dividend distribution. The approach is theoretical, providing general results.

Findings

The model shows that, in the presence of different types of investors, a unique equilibrium only exists in the absence of transaction costs. The allowance for market imperfections, such as taxes and transactions costs, implies that there is not a unique equilibrium for the level of stock price adjustment following a dividend distribution event, but rather there is much possible equilibrium. It is showed that the observation of abnormal trading volume around the dividend event may give us some insights on the identification of which investors are present in the market.

Practical implications

On future studies of the stock price adjustment after dividend distributions, it should be taken into account that there is no unique equilibrium.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is to show that the existence of taxes and transaction costs precludes the determination of a unique equilibrium point for the stock price adjustment after a dividend distribution.
The fast‐moving world of MEMS technology
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a technical review of silicon micro‐electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology and its applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an introduction, the paper describes silicon MEMS fabrication and assembly techniques, considers a selection of commercially important products and their applications and concludes with a brief review of power MEMS research.

Findings

Silicon MEMS fabrication technology is derived from techniques used in semiconductor manufacture and has yielded a diverse and ever‐growing range of sensors, actuators and other miniaturised devices that find applications in a multitude of industries.

Originality/value

This paper provides a detailed technical review of MEMS technology and its applications.
Precision assembly systems for medical devices
Authors: Connolly Christine
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the approach and technology of various companies making automated assembly equipment for medical devices.

Design/methodology/approach

The structure of the medical device assembly market is introduced, and the expertise and applications of a small company working in the intermediate production market is described. The modular approach of Mikron Assembly Technology is examined in detail. Finally, a company making machines for very high‐volume medical device assembly is considered.

Findings

The development of new medical device products is dependent on many stages of verification and validation, providing niches for assembly machinery builders of very different sizes. Reliability and precision of assembly is vital for the correct operation of the products throughout their lifetime. Testing and inspection stations form an integral part of many assembly lines, to provide a high degree of process security and traceability.

Originality/value

This paper reveals the nature of the medical device market and shows how three different‐sized assembly machinery manufacturers operate in the sector.
The research challenge of French business schools: the case of the Grandes Ecoles
Authors: Thietart Raymond‐Alain
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to cover the emergence, history, and development of French business schools. It is a reflection on organizational tensions, more particularly within the Grandes Ecoles system, that the challenge of research has created following the schools internationalization of the last 20 years.

Design/methodology/approach

Institutional theory, social dynamics, and history provide the frame of analysis.

Findings

Internationalization of the French business schools context has transformed the rules of the game. Ability to produce international quality publications has become a competitive necessity to attract faculty and students. Research is now a priority to gain international credibility, hire new faculty and perform successfully in the accreditation process. The shift from teaching institutions to international and research‐orientated business schools has created tensions and new challenges that need to be met.

Originality/value

The paper provides an historical account of the French business schools evolution and of their new research imperative. It stresses the governance and strategic issues this new imperative creates.
Never tickle a sleeping bookworm: how readers devour Harry Potter
Authors: Patterson Tony , Brown Stephen
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Harry Potter is one of the world's most remarkable marketing phenomena. The purpose of this paper is to reveal that consumers interact with the Potter brand in a variety of ways, ways that parallel the four archetypal houses at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper interrogates Pottermania by means of a longitudinal qualitative study of fans, non‐fans and neutrals.

Findings

The paper finds that, just as pupils at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and wizardly are many and varied, so too Rowling's readers come in several distinctive forms. In keeping with the prototypical characteristics of the Hogwarts houses, four Rowling reading archetypes can be tentatively identified: Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins.

Practical implications

This paper shows, contrary to the stereotype, that there is much more to Harry Potter consumers than the long lines of enthusiastic fans standing outside bookstores at midnight.

Originality/value

In a world where brands are narratives and consumers are readers, this paper shows that there are several distinctive modes of “reading a brand” and evaluates their implications for the future of the Harry Potter franchise.
Process efficiency of the enterprise resource planning adoption
Authors: Yan Huang Shaio , Huang Shi‐Ming , Wu Tung‐Hsien , Lin Wen‐kai
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the performance of business processes, operational process efficiency and profitability of enterprise resource planning (ERP) pre‐ and post‐adoption in the long term. The paper also aims to examine the factors of ERP supplier types and firm size in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper measures business process (structure capital value added and operational expense ratio), process efficiency (account receivable turnover and inventory turnover) and profitability (continuing operating income and net profit margin) of pre‐ and post‐adoption ERP. First, the overall samples are tested. Second, ERP performances are compared, classified as large, medium and small. Finally, the ERP performances, classified as international and local supplier, are compared using the Wilcoxon rank test.

Findings

The results show that the business process, process efficiency, and profitability increase in the fourth or fifth years. This shows that the benefits of ERP are evident in the long term. Regarding firm size, big firms enhance their business process through process efficiency and financial performance. Medium‐sized firms raise continuing operating income only in the first five years. Small firms show no improvement. The results show that the business process, relating to process efficiency and profitability, demonstrates significant improvements in implementing international ERP vendors. Adversely, firms using local ERP systems have a diminished outcome in overall performance.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that when companies plan to adopt an ERP system, large firms possess more advantages than medium‐sized or small firms and international ERP vendors are preferable to local systems.

Originality/value

Previous research has rarely compared the results of process reengineering after ERP system implementation. This paper offers insight into ERP adopters in the electronics industry.