bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulation of the energy transport through a peptide helix
Authors: Nguyen Phuong H. , Park Sang-Min , Stock Gerhard
Published: January 2010

Recent progress in transient infrared spectroscopy has made it possible to monitor the transient flow of vibrational energy along a peptide helix [V. Botan et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 104, 12749 (2007)]. To provide a theoretical description of these experiments, extensive nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations of the photoinduced energy transport in a photoswitchable Aib peptide are performed. By calculating the response of the molecule caused by its excitation via optical and infrared pulses as well as temperature jump and stationary heating, it is shown that these methods are equivalent in that they provide approximately the same molecular energy transfer times. The resulting thermal diffusivity of 10 Å2 ps−1 qualitatively agrees with the results of previous normal mode calculations for proteins and with experimental bulk values (e.g., 14 Å2 ps−1 for water). To compare to experiment, a new way of approximating the measured signals is suggested which leads to an improved agreement with the experimental results and explains previous discrepancies. To elucidate the mechanism of energy transfer, modifications to the molecular dynamics force field are introduced, which reveal that the energy transfer occurs mainly through the peptide backbone and depends surprisingly little on the force field parametrization. Employing a harmonic model, quantum-mechanical effects are estimated to moderately (about a factor of 2) speed up the energy transport along the peptide.
The direct approach to gravitation and electrostatics method for periodic systems
Authors: Losilla S. A. , Sundholm D. , Jusélius J.
Published: January 2010

The direct approach to gravitation and electrostatics (DAGE) algorithm is an accurate, efficient, and flexible method for calculating electrostatic potentials. In this paper, we show that the algorithm can be easily extended to consider systems with many different kinds of periodicities, such as crystal lattices, surfaces, or wires. The accuracy and performance are nearly the same for periodic and aperiodic systems. The electrostatic potential for semiperiodic systems, namely defects in crystal lattices, can be obtained by combining periodic and aperiodic calculations. The method has been applied to an ionic model system mimicking NaCl, and to a corresponding covalent model system.
Determination of the saturation magnetization of ion irradiated Py/Ta samples using polar magneto-optical Kerr effect and ferromagnetic resonance
Authors: Markó D. , Strache T. , Lenz K. , Fassbender J. , Kaltofen R.
Published: January 2010

Based on polar magneto-optical Kerr effect and frequency dependent ferromagnetic resonance measurements, a method has been found that allows for the quantitative determination of the saturation magnetization of samples with unknown effective magnetic volume. Conventional magnetometry cannot be used for this purpose. Thin Py/Ta multilayers with an overall Py thickness of 20 nm but different number of interfaces are used as test systems. By means of Ne ion irradiation the magnetic moment and the saturation magnetization are affected due to interfacial mixing. With both increasing ion fluence and increasing number of Py/Ta interfaces, a decrease of saturation magnetization is observed.
Memory effect of a single-walled carbon nanotube on nitride-oxide structure under various bias conditions
Authors: Park Hongsik , Shin Hyunjung , Kim Jin Ho , Hong Seungbum , Xu Jimmy
Published: January 2010

We report on the memory effect of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) placed on a nitride-oxide layer structure designed as a charge storage medium. The conductance of the SWNT was modulated by the injected charge in the nitride-oxide interface and the polarities of injected charges were then detected. A large on/off-state current ratio (>104) was obtained at a small program/erase voltage range (<3 V). We also studied the effect of a half-selected cell on the conductance of the SWNTs to identify the issues with cross-point memory architecture.
Evolution and lifetimes of flow topology in a turbulent boundary layer
Authors: Elsinga G. E. , Marusic I.
Published: January 2010

The average rates of change in the invariants of the velocity gradient tensor (Q and R) have been determined experimentally in the outer layer of a turbulent boundary layer as a function of the invariants themselves. Subsequent integration yields trajectories in the QR plane describing the average evolution of the local flow topology following a fluid particle. The trajectories reveal inward spiraling orbits around and converging to the origin. The orbit’s period is nearly constant at 14.3δ/Ue corresponding to 470ν/uτ2, which may be regarded as the characteristic lifetime of the energy containing eddies in this part of the boundary layer. Furthermore, an empirical model for the average Q and R evolution is presented that reproduces the main features of the orbits in the vicinity of the origin. The deviation of the QR trajectories of individual fluid particles from the average trajectory is discussed in relation to the significant scatter observed in the rates of change in the invariants around their average.
The role of cluster energy nonaccommodation in atmospheric sulfuric acid nucleation
Authors: Kurtén Theo , Kuang Chongai , Gómez Pedro , McMurry Peter H. , Vehkamäki Hanna , Ortega Ismael , Noppel Madis , Kulmala Markku
Published: January 2010

We discuss the possible role of energy nonaccommodation (monomer-cluster collisions that do not result in stable product formation due to liberated excess energy) in atmospheric nucleation processes involving sulfuric acid. Qualitative estimates of the role of nonaccommodation are computed using quantum Rice–Ramsberger–Kassel theory together with quantum chemically calculated vibrational frequencies and anharmonic coupling constants for small sulfuric acid—containing clusters. We find that energy nonaccommodation effects may, at most, decrease the net formation rate of sulfuric acid dimers by up to a factor of 10 with respect to the hard-sphere collision rate. A decrease in energy nonaccommodation due to an increasing number of internal degrees of freedom may kinetically slightly favor the participation of amines rather than ammonia as stabilizing agents in sulfuric acid nucleation, though the kinetic enhancement factor is likely to be less than three. However, hydration of the clusters (which always occurs in ambient conditions) is likely to increase the energy accommodation factor, reducing the role that energy nonaccommodation plays in atmospheric nucleation.
On the possibility of a shunt-stabilized superlattice terahertz emitter
Authors: Xu Huidong , Teitsworth Stephen W.
Published: January 2010

High field electronic transport through a strongly coupled superlattice (SL) with a shunting side layer is numerically studied using a drift-diffusion model that includes both vertical and lateral dynamics. The bias voltage corresponds to an average electric field in the negative differential conductivity region of the intrinsic current-field curve of the SL, a condition that generally implies space charge instability. Key structural parameters associated with both the shunt layer and SL are identified for which the shunt layer stabilizes a uniform electric field profile. These results support the possibility to realize a SL-based terahertz oscillator with a carefully designed structure.
Supplementary Books on Critical Thinking
Authors: Marek Pam , Jackson Sherri L. , Griggs Richard A. , Christopher Andrew N.
Published: January 2010

To complement our companion study of critical thinking in introductory psychology textbooks and ancillary workbooks and readers, we describe 12 critical thinking books that instructors could use as supplements in psychology courses. Some books strongly emphasize skills in evaluating arguments, whereas others stress methodology and biases in thinking. Although the breadth and depth of most of these books limit their use in a one-term introductory course, they fit comfortably in a two-term course. We suggest alternative ways to incorporate supplementary critical thinking books into the psychology curriculum.
Teaching Communication Skills in Psychology
Authors: Rileigh Kathryn K.
Published: January 2010

In this article, I describe a sophomore-level course on communication skills in psychology that includes library research skills, writing research reports and term papers in American Psychological Association (APA) style, making behavioral observation notes, and giving oral presentations. Students learn by listening to topical minilectures, seeing examples of students' writing, and doing their own writing and editing. Scores on written examinations testing knowledge of specific APA principles and application in writing showed steady improvement throughout the course. Student evaluations also reflected satisfaction with the course. The article includes suggestions for future refinement.
Teaching a Course on Psychology Ethics to Undergraduates: An Experiential Model
Authors: Plante Thomas G.
Published: January 2010

In this article, I detail a course for teaching ethics to undergraduates. In addition to learning about moral philosophy and the ethical principles for psychologists, the purpose of the course is to help students become more sensitive to the complex ethical dilemmas involved in the field of psychology and related disciplines. Participation in a service-learning experience allows students to reflect on ethical implications both in and outside of the classroom.
The Warm-Cold Study: A Classroom Demonstration of Impression Formation
Authors: Symbaluk Diane G. , Cameron Judy
Published: January 2010

In this article, we describe a procedure for teaching experimental design to students in the social sciences. By replicating Asch's (1946) and Kelley's (1950) classic studies on impression formation, students learn how to conduct experiments, analyze data, and evaluate the significance of research. We provide instructions for implementing this strategy in the classroom.
We Dream, you do: “Great” Grandmothers Teach a Lesson in Women's Changing Roles
Authors: Vozzola Elizabeth C.
Published: January 2010

A student-designed life history interview project on women's changing roles and expectations provided a powerful learning experience linking textbook material on gender bias and cohort effects to the lives of actual women. Psychology of Women students invited 7 grandmothers to talk about their lives, perceptions of changing roles, and expectations for their daughters and granddaughters. In this article, I discuss and evaluate student responses to the activity.
Teaching Analysis of Interaction in the 2 × 2 Factorial Design
Authors: Richardson W. Kirk , Segal Don M.
Published: January 2010

We review an approach, presented by Schaefer (1976), for teaching the analysis and interpretation of interaction in an undergraduate psychological statistics course. We present learning objectives based on this approach. Finally, we describe a Windows computer program used both for in-class lecture presentation of material and for student guided practice on each objective.
A Multimedia Program in Associative Learning
Authors: Bond Nigel W.
Published: January 2010

In this article, I describe a multimedia program in associative learning, resident on CD-ROM, available for Macintosh computers. The program uses HyperCard (1993) and consists of 70 minilectures grouped into 9 chapters. Each minilecture consists of an audio track, bullet charts, quotes, graphs, pictures, animations, and photographs; most contain one or more video clips. The text for each minilecture is available on an adjacent card. Student performance on objective tests suggests that the software is useful.
Pier Paolo Di Fiore: Plumbing the depths of endocytosis
Authors: Powell Kendall
Published: January 2010

Di Fiore specializes in fishing out connections between the endocytic machinery and cancer.
Overexpression of the E2 ubiquitin–conjugating enzyme UbcH10 causes chromosome missegregation and tumor formation
Authors: van Ree Janine H. , Jeganathan Karthik B. , Malureanu Liviu , van Deursen Jan M.
Published: January 2010

The anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) E3 ubiquitin ligase functions with the E2 ubiquitin–conjugating enzyme UbcH10 in the orderly progression through mitosis by marking key mitotic regulators for destruction by the 26-S proteasome. UbcH10 is overexpressed in many human cancer types and is associated with tumor progression. However, whether UbcH10 overexpression causes tumor formation is unknown. To address this central question and to define the molecular and cellular consequences of UbcH10 overexpression, we generated a series of transgenic mice in which UbcH10 was overexpressed in graded fashion. In this study, we show that UbcH10 overexpression leads to precocious degradation of cyclin B by the APC/C, supernumerary centrioles, lagging chromosomes, and aneuploidy. Importantly, we find that UbcH10 transgenic mice are prone to carcinogen-induced lung tumors and a broad spectrum of spontaneous tumors. Our results identify UbcH10 as a prominent protooncogene that causes whole chromosome instability and tumor formation over a wide gradient of overexpression levels.
The clathrin heavy chain isoform CHC22 functions in a novel endosomal sorting step
Authors: Esk Christopher , Chen Chih-Ying , Johannes Ludger , Brodsky Frances M.
Published: January 2010

Clathrin heavy chain 22 (CHC22) is an isoform of the well-characterized CHC17 clathrin heavy chain, a coat component of vesicles that mediate endocytosis and organelle biogenesis. CHC22 has a distinct role from CHC17 in trafficking glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in skeletal muscle and fat, though its transfection into HEK293 cells suggests functional redundancy. Here, we show that CHC22 is eightfold less abundant than CHC17 in muscle, other cell types have variably lower amounts of CHC22, and endogenous CHC22 and CHC17 function independently in nonmuscle and muscle cells. CHC22 was required for retrograde trafficking of certain cargo molecules from endosomes to the trans-Golgi network (TGN), defining a novel endosomal-sorting step distinguishable from that mediated by CHC17 and retromer. In muscle cells, depletion of syntaxin 10 as well as CHC22 affected GLUT4 targeting, establishing retrograde endosome–TGN transport as critical for GLUT4 trafficking. Like CHC22, syntaxin 10 is not expressed in mice but is present in humans and other vertebrates, implicating two species-restricted endosomal traffic proteins in GLUT4 transport.
Quantitative analysis of the native presynaptic cytomatrix by cryoelectron tomography
Authors: Fernández-Busnadiego Rubén , Zuber Benoît , Maurer Ulrike Elisabeth , Cyrklaff Marek , Baumeister Wolfgang , Lučić Vladan
Published: January 2010

The presynaptic terminal contains a complex network of filaments whose precise organization and functions are not yet understood. The cryoelectron tomography experiments reported in this study indicate that these structures play a prominent role in synaptic vesicle release. Docked synaptic vesicles did not make membrane to membrane contact with the active zone but were instead linked to it by tethers of different length. Our observations are consistent with an exocytosis model in which vesicles are first anchored by long (>5 nm) tethers that give way to multiple short tethers once vesicles enter the readily releasable pool. The formation of short tethers was inhibited by tetanus toxin, indicating that it depends on soluble N-ethyl-maleimide sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptor complex assembly. Vesicles were extensively interlinked via a set of connectors that underwent profound rearrangements upon synaptic stimulation and okadaic acid treatment, suggesting a role of these connectors in synaptic vesicle mobilization and neurotransmitter release.
Prometaphase spindle maintenance by an antagonistic motor-dependent force balance made robust by a disassembling lamin-B envelope
Authors: Civelekoglu-Scholey Gul , Tao Li , Brust-Mascher Ingrid , Wollman Roy , Scholey Jonathan M.
Published: January 2010

We tested the classical hypothesis that astral, prometaphase bipolar mitotic spindles are maintained by balanced outward and inward forces exerted on spindle poles by kinesin-5 and -14 using modeling of in vitro and in vivo data from Drosophila melanogaster embryos. Throughout prometaphase, puncta of both motors aligned on interpolar microtubules (MTs [ipMTs]), and motor perturbation changed spindle length, as predicted. Competitive motility of purified kinesin-5 and -14 was well described by a stochastic, opposing power stroke model incorporating motor kinetics and load-dependent detachment. Motor parameters from this model were applied to a new stochastic force-balance model for prometaphase spindles, providing a good fit to data from embryos. Maintenance of virtual spindles required dynamic ipMTs and a narrow range of kinesin-5 to kinesin-14 ratios matching that found in embryos. Functional perturbation and modeling suggest that this range can be extended significantly by a disassembling lamin-B envelope that surrounds the prometaphase spindle and augments the finely tuned, antagonistic kinesin force balance to maintain robust prometaphase spindles as MTs assemble and chromosomes are pushed to the equator.
The P3 Protein of Turnip mosaic virus Can Alone Induce Hypersensitive Response-Like Cell Death in Arabidopsis thaliana Carrying TuNI
Authors: Kim Bo Min , Suehiro Noriko , Natsuaki Tomohide , Inukai Tsuyoshi , Masuta Chikara
Published: January 2010

Strains TuR1 and TuC of Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) induce different symptoms on Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Landsberg erecta (Ler); plants infected with TuR1 develop systemic necrosis, while TuC causes mosaics. We previously found that the Ler systemic necrosis was controlled by a single dominant gene, TuNI (TuMV necrosis inducer), and that it was actually a form of host defense response leading to a hypersensitive reaction (HR)-like cell death. To identify the viral factor interacting with TuNI, the domain swapping between the genomic clones of TuR1 and TuC was carried out, and we identified the TuMV symptom determinant interacting with TuNI as the P3 gene. Moreover, it was found that the central 0.5-kb domain of P3, including three different amino acids between the two isolates, was responsible for the systemic HR. To verify that the P3 gene can alone induce necrosis, we analyzed the constitutive P3 expression in Ler transgenic plants and the transient P3 expression in Ler protoplasts. These results indicated that P3 alone caused HR-like cell death. In this study, we successfully demonstrated that the systemic necrosis by TuMV in Arabidopsis was determined by the gene-for-gene interaction between TuNI and P3 using the protoplast system for direct verification.
Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021 Loss-of-Function Deletion Mutation in chvI and Its Phenotypic Characteristics
Authors: Wang Chunxia , Kemp Jocelyn , Da Fonseca Isabel O. , Equi Raymie C. , Sheng Xiaoyan , Charles Trevor C. , Sobral Bruno W. S.
Published: January 2010

Bacterial two-component regulatory systems (TCS) are common components of complex regulatory networks and cascades. In Sinorhizobium meliloti, the TCS ExoS/ChvI controls exopolysaccharide succinoglycan production and flagellum biosynthesis. Although this system plays a crucial role in establishing the symbiosis between S. meliloti and its host plant, it is not well characterized. Attempts to generate complete loss-of-function mutations in either exoS or chvI in S. meliloti have been unsuccessful; thus, it was previously suggested that exoS or chvI are essential genes for bacterial cell growth. We constructed a chvI mutant by completely deleting the open reading frame encoding this gene. The mutant strain failed to grow on complex medium, exhibited lower tolerance to acidic condition, produced significantly less poly-3-hydroxybutyrate than the wild type, was hypermotile, and exhibited an altered lipopolysaccharide profile. In addition, this mutant was defective in symbiosis with Medicago truncatula and M. sativa (alfalfa), although it induced root hair deformation as efficiently as the wild type. Together, our results demonstrate that ChvI is intimately involved in regulatory networks involving the cell envelope and metabolism; however, its precise role within the regulatory network remains to be determined.
Streptomyces scabies 87-22 Contains a Coronafacic Acid-Like Biosynthetic Cluster That Contributes to Plant–Microbe Interactions
Authors: Bignell Dawn R. D. , Seipke Ryan F. , Huguet-Tapia José C. , Chambers Alan H. , Parry Ronald J. , Loria Rosemary
Published: January 2010

Plant-pathogenic Streptomyces spp. cause scab disease on economically important root and tuber crops, the most important of which is potato. Key virulence determinants produced by these species include the cellulose synthesis inhibitor, thaxtomin A, and the secreted Nec1 protein that is required for colonization of the plant host. Recently, the genome sequence of Streptomyces scabies 87-22 was completed, and a biosynthetic cluster was identified that is predicted to synthesize a novel compound similar to coronafacic acid (CFA), a component of the virulence-associated coronatine phytotoxin produced by the plant-pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae. Southern analysis indicated that the cfa-like cluster in S. scabies 87-22 is likely conserved in other strains of S. scabies but is absent from two other pathogenic streptomycetes, S. turgidiscabies and S. acidiscabies. Transcriptional analyses demonstrated that the cluster is expressed during plant–microbe interactions and that expression requires a transcriptional regulator embedded in the cluster as well as the bldA tRNA. A knockout strain of the biosynthetic cluster displayed a reduced virulence phenotype on tobacco seedlings compared with the wild-type strain. Thus, the cfa-like biosynthetic cluster is a newly discovered locus in S. scabies that contributes to host–pathogen interactions.
Overexpression of a Redox-Regulated Cutinase Gene, MfCUT1, Increases Virulence of the Brown Rot Pathogen Monilinia fructicola on Prunus spp.
Authors: Lee Miin-Huey , Chiu Chiu-Min , Roubtsova Tatiana , Chou Chien-Ming , Bostock Richard M.
Published: January 2010

A 4.5-kb genomic DNA containing a Monilinia fructicola cutinase gene, MfCUT1, and its flanking regions were isolated and characterized. Sequence analysis revealed that the genomic MfCUT1 carries a 63-bp intron and a promoter region with several transcription factor binding sites that may confer redox regulation of MfCUT1 expression. Redox regulation is indicated by the effect of antioxidants, shown previously to inhibit MfCUT1 gene expression in cutin-induced cultures, and in the present study, where H2O2 enhanced MfCUT1 gene expression. A β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene (gusA) was fused to MfCUT1 under the control of the MfCUT1 promoter, and this construct was then used to generate an MfCUT1-GUS strain by Agrobacterium spp.-mediated transformation. The appearance of GUS activity in response to cutin and suppression of GUS activity by glucose in cutinase-inducing medium verified that the MfCUT1-GUS fusion protein was expressed correctly under the control of the MfCUT1 promoter. MfCUT1-GUS expression was detected following inoculation of peach and apple fruit, peach flower petals, and onion epidermis, and during brown rot symptom development on nectarine fruit at a relatively late stage of infection (24 h postinoculation). However, semiquantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction provided sensitive detection of MfCUT1 expression within 5 h of inoculation in both almond and peach petals. MfCUT1-GUS transformants expressed MfCUT1 transcripts at twice the level as the wild type and caused more severe symptoms on Prunus flower petals, consistent with MfCUT1 contributing to the virulence of M. fructicola.
Regulation of Ustilago maydis Dimorphism, Sporulation, and Pathogenic Development by a Transcription Factor with a Highly Conserved APSES Domain
Authors: García-Pedrajas María D. , Baeza-Montañez Lourdes , Gold Scott E.
Published: January 2010

In Ustilago maydis, the causal agent of corn smut, the morphological transition from yeast to filamentous growth is inextricably linked to pathogenicity; budding haploid cells are saprobic and, upon mating of compatible strains, the fungus converts to dikaryotic filamentous growth and obligate parasitism. The filamentous dikaryon proliferates in the host plant, inducing tumor formation and undergoing additional morphological changes that eventually result in the production of melanized diploid teliospores. In an attempt to identify new trans-acting factors that regulate morphogenesis in U. maydis, we searched for the presence of common binding sequences in the promoter region of a set of 37 genes downregulated in the filamentous form. Putative cis-acting regulatory sequences fitting the consensus binding site for the Aspergillus nidulans transcription factor StuA were identified in 13 of these genes. StuA is a member of the APSES transcription factors which contain a highly conserved DNA-binding domain with a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)-like structure. This class of proteins comprises critical regulators of developmental processes in ascomycete fungi such as dimorphic growth, mating, and sporulation but has not been studied in any fungus of the phylum Basidiomycota. A search for StuA orthologs in the U. maydis genome identified a single closely related protein that we designated Ust1. Deletion of ust1 in budding haploid wild-type and solopathogenic strains led to filamentous growth and abolished mating, gall induction, and, consequently, in planta teliosporogenesis. Furthermore, cultures of ust1 null mutants produced abundant thick-walled, highly pigmented cells resembling teliospores which are normally produced only in planta. We showed that ssp1, a gene highly induced in teliospores produced in the host, is also abundantly expressed in cultures of ust1 null mutants containing these pigmented cells. Our results are consistent with a major role for ust1 in regulating dimorphism, virulence, and the sporulation program in U. maydis.
Identification and Functional Analysis of Type III Effector Proteins in Mesorhizobium loti
Authors: Okazaki Shin , Okabe Saori , Higashi Miku , Shimoda Yoshikazu , Sato Shusei , Tabata Satoshi , Hashiguchi Masatsugu , Akashi Ryo , Göttfert Michael , Saeki Kazuhiko
Published: January 2010

Mesorhizobium loti MAFF303099, a microsymbiont of the model legume Lotus japonicus, possesses a cluster of genes (tts) that encode a type III secretion system (T3SS). In the presence of heterologous nodD from Rhizobium leguminosarum and a flavonoid naringenin, we observed elevated expression of the tts genes and secretion of several proteins into the culture medium. Inoculation experiments with wild-type and T3SS mutant strains revealed that the presence of the T3SS affected nodulation at a species level within the Lotus genus either positively (L. corniculatus subsp. frondosus and L. filicaulis) or negatively (L. halophilus and two other species). By inoculating L. halophilus with mutants of various type III effector candidate genes, we identified open reading frame mlr6361 as a major determinant of the nodulation restriction observed for L. halophilus. The predicted gene product of mlr6361 is a protein of 3,056 amino acids containing 15 repetitions of a sequence motif of 40 to 45 residues and a shikimate kinase-like domain at its carboxyl terminus. Homologues with similar repeat sequences are present in the hypersensitive-response and pathogenicity regions of several plant pathogens, including strains of Pseudomonas syringae, Ralstonia solanacearum, and Xanthomonas species. These results suggest that L. halophilus recognizes Mlr6361 as potentially pathogen derived and subsequently halts the infection process.
Evidence of extinction in strongly textured high-purity copper
Authors: Palacios Gomez J. , Walter J. M. , Jansen E. , Kryshtab T.
Published: January 2010

In order to test the influence of extinction on texture measurements, pole figures of four copper samples were measured using neutron diffraction with three different wavelengths. The copper samples had previously been cold rolled to different extents and partially annealed. Therefore, three of the samples presented a relatively strong texture and the fourth sample a relatively weak texture. In this study, the results from equivalent pole figures were compared between the different samples. These investigations showed that, in general, except for the sample with weak texture, the 222 reflection showed higher pole density maxima than the 111 reflection. Since all measuring conditions were the same for both reflections, this difference was attributed to extinction. The pole density maxima of strong reflections also revealed a slight tendency to lower values with decreasing wavelengths. This phenomenon is attributed to the fact that more reflections exist at shorter wavelengths and therefore an increase in secondary extinction is measurable at these wavelengths.
Crystal structure study of selected xanthine derivatives
Authors: Lasocha W. , Gaweł B. , Rafalska-Lasocha A. , Pawłowski M. , Talik P. , Paszkowicz W.
Published: January 2010

The crystal structures of two compounds belonging to a group of theophylline derivatives have been solved by X-ray powder diffraction methods. Despite the fact that these compounds seemed to be rather simple (23 atoms in an asymmetric unit), the preferred orientation and dominant zone problems created very serious obstacles in the investigations, even for the most modern powder diffraction methods. The crystal structure of the first compound, 8-phenylazoxanthine, C14H14N6O2, was finally solved from laboratory diffractometer data, while in the case of the second compound, 8-(3-bromobenzylidene)xanthine, C15H14N5O2Br, it was not possible to reliably index its diffraction pattern until data had been collected at the high-resolution powder diffractometer ID31 at the ESRF Grenoble. The serious problems encountered during anab initiocrystal structure solution from powder data of these pharmaceutical samples are described and discussed.
Investigating attractiveness in the hiring process of female athletes
Authors: Henderson Angela C. , Grappendorf Heidi , Burton Laura J.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of attractiveness on perceptions of female athletes' potential success in managerial positions using role congruity as the theoretical framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a simulated employment evaluation, participants (n=68 male,n=121 female) were asked to evaluate the résumé of either an attractive female athlete or an unattractive female athlete for an entry‐level management position in a sport organization. Participants evaluated the athlete on hiring recommendations, competence, and anticipated liking for the applicant.

Findings

Analysis of the data indicated that attractive‐looking athletes had a significant advantage over unattractive‐looking athletes on all dependent measures. Athletes perceived to be unattractive were more harshly evaluated for entry‐level managerial positions.

Research limitations/implications

The unattractive‐looking female athletes in this study may have been perceived as having both the masculine characteristics of athlete in addition to appearing to be less feminine. This combination of the masculine role of athlete, heightened by a less‐feminine appearance (i.e. unattractive‐looking), may have negatively impacted the unattractive‐looking female athletes in this study, providing further support that when women demonstrate characteristics considered to violate appropriate gender roles, they will be punished for such violations. These findings are a potential addition to role congruity theory in that backlash was occurring as a result of violating two roles; being both athletic and less attractive.

Originality/value

This study was the first to explore if the influence of perceived attractiveness on hiring preferences for female athletes applying for management positions was similar to the influence of attractiveness as reported in research that has examined this influence for women in social and managerial settings. The results of the current study indicated female athletes that are perceived as unattractive must walk the tightrope of being masculine, but not too masculine.
Constraints and opportunities facing women entrepreneurs in developing countries
Authors: Jamali Dima
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This purpose of the paper to examine the interplay of constraints and opportunities affecting female entrepreneurship in developing countries. The paper integrates salient micro‐ and macro‐level perspectives and provides a rounded account of opportunities and constraints as part of a holistic interdependent system.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts an integrative multi‐level research design and an interpretive research methodology, capitalizing on in‐depth interviews with ten women entrepreneurs to explore their perceptions and interpretations of constraints and opportunities facing female entrepreneurship in the Lebanese context.

Findings

The findings presented in this paper clearly illustrate the relevance of micro‐, meso‐, and macro‐level factors in entrepreneurship research and the usefulness of integrating multiple lens and units of analysis to capture the complexity of the women entrepreneurship experience in any particular context.

Originality/value

The value added of this research lies in adapting a framework recently popularized in the context of diversity management for use in entrepreneurship research, helping to capture in turn the dynamic interplay of multiple levels of analysis and objective/subjective factors influencing female entrepreneurship.
Total employee participation equals quality
Authors: Simmons John
Published: January 2010

The Association for Quality and Participation has widened its focus, recognising the growing importance of employee participation in the successful operation of all types of organisations. The Association foresees a workplace where individuals at all levels of an organisation are fully responsible for the quality, productivity and creativity of their work.
Creating the competitive advantage
Authors: Black Sam
Published: January 2010

Annual quality improvement is a continual effort at Caterpillar — an effort that is becoming increasingly important as the company strives to reduce costs and maintain its leadership position.
Strategy for success: ‘Quality — the ICL way’
Authors: Goasdoué Joe
Published: January 2010

ICL, the information systems subsidiary of STC, defines quality as providing systems, products and services which fully meet customers' requirements, and it is through this single‐minded, customer‐led approach that ICL succeeds in fiercely competitive markets. To build on this success, in 1987 Joe Goasdoué was appointed to the ICL Board as director of quality to lead a long‐term quality improvement process. The programme includes company‐wide training and education and is designed to create a new quality culture in which every employee is dedicated above all else to customer satisfaction and service.
Total Quality — Fact or fiction?
Authors: Chase R.L.
Published: January 2010

Managing total quality has moved beyond the awareness stage in the UK. Today, British companies are actively pursuing the TQM route to success — or are they? Develin & Partners, a London‐based consultancy, has just released a survey on the effectiveness of quality management programmes in British business. Some of the report's findings might challenge your own views on quality management.
Engagement qualité de Rhône‐Poulenc
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: January 2010

When two plants manufacturing much the same product show a great discrepancy in performance, something somewhere is obviously very badly wrong. This was certainly the case at the Fibre division of Rhône‐Poulenc, the French chemical company whose headquarters is in Lyon. Two factories in Switzerland and Germany were giving much better results than the six factories in France where similar products were produced, says Pierre Gandilhon, director of communications and quality at the division. Not only was the quality of product higher but the costs and manpower required were lower. It was this realisation that motivated the 10‐man board of directors for the eight French sites to take a look at TQM in 1986.
The UMIST Quality management programme
Authors: Dale B.
Published: January 2010

The UMIST Multi‐Company Quality Management Programme, run under the Teaching Company Scheme, is a unique endeavour to build active partnerships between industrial companies and academics. This paper reviews the benefit and outcomes to the Associates, companies and academics and provides guidance in setting‐up and managing this type of programme.
Implementing SPC: Keys to success
Authors: OWEN MAL , DALE BARRIE , SHAW PETER
Published: January 2010

Most organisations experience difficulties when implementing and developing SPC. The mistakes can be avoided. This paper provides the framework for the successful introduction of Statistical Process Control.
Statistical process development
Authors: Collins Allan
Published: January 2010

The Japanese are investing in the development function — experimental design techniques contribute an estimated 50% towards the quality of Japanese goods and processes. Quality specialist Alan Collins reveals how SPD can help you enhance the final uality of your product to achieve the competitive edge.
Quality engineering
Authors: Henshall E.J.
Published: January 2010

Ford of Europe has as its mission ‘to continually improve our products and services to meet our customer needs’. The company is adopting Taguchi's philosophy of Loss Function analysis and the Quality Function Deployment planning tool to support its Total Quality culture.
Out of the crisis
Authors: Timmers Joanna G. , Van Der Wiele Ton
Published: January 2010

In this article the authors give an overview of the 1990 British Denting Association (BDA) conference by reviewing Deming's philosophy and presenting some of the lessons learned from practitioners who are implementing the philosophy in their organisations. They offer some concluding remarks and comments on two important categories of participants who were conspicuously absent and on what the BDA could mean to the British economy.
Leadership in a TQM environment
Authors: Wilcox D
Published: January 2010

There is nothing mysterious, romantic or necessarily laudable about leadership. In reality, leadership is that extension of management which focuses upon the ‘people’ element of management and provides the motivation which enables individuals to give more and achieve more than they might have otherwise accomplished.
Hilti sells total quality
Authors: Wilshaw G. , Dale B.
Published: January 2010

Over the past decade Hilti (Gt. Britain) Ltd tried a number of quality initiatives to improve product delivery and service. The implementation of TQM in 1990 has produced a single‐minded focus on the customer. This article traces the company's journey towards total quality.
Total customer service
Authors: Wilkinson A. , Snape E. , Allen P.
Published: January 2010

Black & Decker UK has approached quality management through Total Customer Service. The programme involves communications, employee participation through quality circles and TCS groups, plant reorganisation and changes in pay and grading. After five years, what are the results?
Innovation through involvement
Authors: McConville James
Published: January 2010

Suggestion schemes in the West are alive and well, thanks to a new impetus provided by total quality initiatives. Investment in performance systems designed to encourage and reward good ideas from employees is paying off with major contributions to every area of corporate health.
All that glitters is not gold
Authors: Stevens Frans , Williams Roger
Published: January 2010

More and more organisations are seeking both quality awards and accreditation to enhance their competitive edge. In this article, the authors unwrap the ‘shiny paper’ that surrounds these quality awards.
World‐class quality
Authors: Houghton James
Published: January 2010

The aim of quality is meeting your customer's requirements. With its six point strategy, however, Corning is aiming to go beyond that and ‘delight’ its customers.
Beyond functional excellence
Authors: Churchill Lawrence
Published: January 2010

Allied Dunbar is utilising its teams to align the varied organisational functions and enhance its overall business performance. In this article the author introduces the concept of business sector management.
Responsible customer management
Authors: Coulson‐Thomas Colin
Published: January 2010

A British Institute of Management report has revealed that most European organisations are focusing their attention on customer satisfaction. It suggests that everyone is responsible to the customer and that viewing their products/services through their customers' eyes is the way forward.
A limited understanding
Authors: Howard David
Published: January 2010

TQM may well be the latest buzz word, but a recent survey carried out by the author reveals a serious dearth of understanding by the UK's leading PLCs of the benefits of Total Quality Management.
Designing for the future
Authors: Lee‐Mortimer Andrew
Published: January 2010

NCR (Manufacturing) Ltd, the sole manufacturer of the company's Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), sees the 1990s as a demanding challenge. The Dundee, Scotland plant, with 36% of the world's ATM market (excluding Japan) and the 1990 winner of the Best UK Factory Award, is aiming to become the undisputed leader. To improve upon its existing position, the site is actively pursuing improvements to its design‐to‐manufacture cycle — Design For Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) is a key part of this strategy.
Profit by design
Authors: Nicholls Keith
Published: January 2010

Digital Equipment is increasing its competitive edge by focusing its quality investment at the design stage. Its goal is to produce products that are less costly, on‐time and, more importantly, geared towards the customers' needs.
Starting on the road to success
Authors: Dale Barrie
Published: January 2010

Starting the journey towards Total Quality Management can be very complex. The author has surveyed delegates to TQM conferences to see how far down the road their companies are progressing.
The dawn of a new era?
Authors: Ashton Chris
Published: January 2010

Even though companies are loading themselves up with the full TQM armoury, the benefits do not always appear to match the effort. One of the main reasons for this is a reluctance by senior management to inspire and empower their first‐line managers and supervisors.
An element of change
Authors: Hall Robert
Published: January 2010

In the chemical industry, the need for higher and higher safety and quality standards is immense. To ensure it not only met but exceeded these new standards, Hickson & Welch realised that it needed the full backing and commitment to change from all of its workforce.
Sensing the need for change
Authors: Williams Melanie
Published: January 2010

Even though GEC Sensors started its total quality programme six years ago, it is only recently that it has become a real part of the company's business improvement culture. The turning point in its quest for quality was the attainment of senior and middle management commitment.
Maintaining control
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: January 2010

It was the need for survival that prompted Volvo's Ghent factory to improve its quality and cost effectiveness. To help achieve this, the company adopted a Total Productive Maintenance programme which places the responsibility for equipment maintenance and quality control on all employees.
Reasons for failure
Authors: McDonald John
Published: January 2010

Many companies have become all fired up about TQM, only to find themselves disappointed with the results. The author has identified nine key reasons for their apparent failure.
Employing habitual success
Authors: Ashton Chris
Published: January 2010

Nissan's Sunderland plant in the UK is a shining example of employee ownership and participation in action. This strategy of continuous Training and development has helped the company achieve its many successes and, it is hoped, will continue to do so in the future.
Riding the waves
Authors: Price Frank
Published: January 2010

These are hard times. It seems that the harder we try, the poorer we become. Cash which flowed like a Mississippi of money in the 1980s has dried to a fitful trickle, seeped without a trace into deserts of debt in the arid 1990s. What went wrong? Whatever did we do to bring about this impoverishment? Do you understand what the hell is happening to our capitalist economy? I'm dammed if I do.
Applying quality in redundancy
Authors: Oddey Graham , Bull Owen
Published: January 2010

To many people, the thought of quality companies making employees redundant makes a mockery of the whole idea of TQM. This article looks at how both TQM and redundancies can not only coexist, but be compatible.
Fuelled by change
Authors: Ashton Chris
Published: January 2010

According to Ian Wood of John Wood Group Plc, the key to surviving the recession is to continuously diversify and adapt to your strengths.
A dynamic collaboration
Authors: Lee‐Mortimer Andrew
Published: January 2010

Especially in a recession, organisations should try and support one another by developing supplier partnerships to help reduce both costs and risks. Some companies have already initiated such programmes and uncovered some impressive results.
Cottoning on to the need for change
Authors: Williams Melanie
Published: January 2010

John Cotton Automotive realised that it needed to change the company's culture to one of growth in order to survive.
Building up from the recession
Authors: Leslie gunaratne P.
Published: January 2010

The construction industry has been one of the hardest hit industries in this recession. To help ‘make up’ for the inevitable loss of manpower, the need to reduce rework and remain competitive, companies need to focus much more heavily on quality.
Sservice you can bank on
Authors: Crawford Robert
Published: January 2010

According to the Royal Bank of Scotland, service in the recession is only more of the same. To help it remain competitive, both in and out of recession, it has refocused itself on providing a better service to its customers, whatever else may happen.
The Spanish experience
Authors: Levene Penny
Published: January 2010

According to Sistecal, a Spanish quality management consultancy, Spain is going through a TQM boom. Companies are looking both home and abroad for experiences of successful practise.
ASTELL v. LONDON TRANSPORT BOARD
Authors: Willmer L. J. , Davies L. J. , Salmon L. J.
Published: January 2010

May 10, 1966 Building — Safety regulations — Guard‐rails — Outside staircase — Guard‐rail three feet above stairs — Plaintiff's fall over side under rail — Purpose of guard‐rails to provide effective physical barrier — Whether one guard‐rail “suitable” — Building (Safety, Health and Welfare) Regulations, 1948 (S. I. 1948 No. 1145), reg. 27(2)(a).
WRIGHT v. RICHARD THOMAS & BALDWINS LTD.
Authors: Sellers L. J. , Danckwerts L. J. , Winn L. J.
Published: January 2010

July 21, 1966. Negligence — Contributory negligence — Plaintiff workman crushed by guide car in steelworks — Movement of car without warning after plaintiff discharged from car to repair another vehicle —Car driver's admitted negligence — Plaintiff's assumption that guide car would not be moved — Whether assumption justified — Whether failure to keep a proper look out — Whether contributory negligence. Damages — Quantum — Semi‐paraplegic — Grave injuries to lower part of body — Plaintiff fit for light work and mobile — Proper amount of damages.