bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ebp50, A β–Catenin-Associating Protein, Enhances Wnt Signaling and Is Over–Expressed in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Shibata Tatsuhiro , Chuma Makoto , Kokubu Akiko , Sakamoto Michiie , Hirohashi Setsuo
Published: June 2003

Wnt signaling mediated by β–catenin plays crucial roles in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and other cancers such as colorectal cancer. β–Catenin associates with T–cell factor (TCF) transcription factors and functions as a transcriptional activator in the nucleus. By protein interaction screening, we identified EBP50, a cytoplasmic protein with 2 PDZ domains, as a β–catenin–associating molecule. EBP50 interacted with β–catenin through its carboxyl–PDZ domain in vitro and in vivo. Northern blot and RT–PCR analysis revealed an increase of EBP50 messenger RNA (mRNA) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines and surgical specimens of human HCC. Over–expression of EBP50 protein with focal nuclear localization was detected in human HCC. In human HCC and colorectal cancer cell lines, EBP50 enhanced β–catenin/TCF–dependent transcription in a dose–dependent manner. In an HCC cell line, over–expression of the carboxyl PDZ domain resulted in a decrease of endogenous β–catenin/TCF transactivation. EBP50 promoted β–catenin–mediated transactivation only in cells in which β–catenin was already stabilized, suggesting that EBP50 may work with stabilized β–catenin for transcriptional regulation. In conclusion, the EBP50/β–catenin complex promotes Wnt signaling, and over–expression of EBP50 may work cooperatively with β–catenin in the development of liver cancer.
Deficiency of Thrombin Activatable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor in Cirrhosis Is Associated With Increased Plasma Fibrinolysis
Authors: Colucci Mario , Binetti Bianca M. , Branca Maria G. , Clerici Carlo , Morelli Antonio , Semeraro Nicola , Gresele Paolo
Published: June 2003

Hyperfibrinolysis is thought to contribute to bleeding associated with advanced cirrhosis. Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is a plasma precursor of a carboxypeptidase (TAFIa) with antifibrinolytic activity and was recently shown to be reduced in cirrhosis. In this study, we evaluated the influence of TAFI deficiency on in vitro fibrinolysis in cirrhotic patients. Fifty–three patients with cirrhosis and 43 healthy controls were studied. TAFI antigen was measured by enzyme–linked immunosorbent assay and TAFI activity by chromogenic assay. Fibrinolysis was evaluated as tissue plasminogen activator–induced plasma clot lysis time in the absence and in the presence of a specific inhibitor of TAFIa. TAFI antigen and activity levels were markedly reduced in cirrhotic patients (P < .0001). In these patients, the lysis time of plasma clots was shorter than in controls (median, interquartile range: 25 minutes, 21–36 minutes vs. 48 minutes, 40–60 minutes, respectively; P < .0001) and was poorly influenced by the TAFIa inhibitor. Accordingly, TAFIa and thrombin activity, generated in cirrhotic samples during clot lysis, were significantly lower than in control samples. Addition of purified TAFI to cirrhotic plasma prolonged the lysis time and enhanced the response to TAFIa inhibitor in a dose–dependent manner. In conclusion, our results indicate that in vitro plasma hyperfibrinolysis in cirrhosis is largely due to a defective TAFIa generation resulting from low TAFI levels and probably from impaired thrombin generation. Impairment of the antifibrinolytic TAFI pathway might contribute to bleeding associated with this disease.
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis in Children: A Long–Term Follow–Up Study
Authors: Feldstein Ariel E. , Perrault Jean , El-Youssif Mounif , Lindor Keith D. , Freese Deborah K. , Angulo Paul
Published: June 2003

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is increasingly diagnosed in children and adolescents, but its long–term prognosis remains uncertain. The aim of this longitudinal, cohort study was to determine the long–term outcome of children with PSC. Fifty–two children with cholangiography–proven PSC (34 boys and 18 girls; mean age 13.8 ± 4.2 years; range, 1.5–19.6 years) who were seen at our institution over a 20–year period were followed–up for up to 16.7 years. Two thirds presented with symptoms and/or signs of PSC and 81% had concomitant inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Twenty–five percent had total alkaline phosphatase activity within the normal range for the age group, but all of them had elevated γ–glutamyl transpeptidase levels. Autoimmune hepatitis overlapping with PSC was present in 35% of children. A positive but transient clinical and/or biochemical response occurred under therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid, alone or in combination with immunosuppressive medications. During follow–up, 11 children underwent liver transplantation for end–stage PSC and 1 child died. The median (50%) survival free of liver transplantation was 12.7 years. Compared with an age– and gender–matched U.S. population, survival was significantly shorter in children with PSC (P < .001). In a Cox regression model, lower platelet count, splenomegaly, and older age were associated with shorter survival. Presence of autoimmune hepatitis overlapping with PSC (P = .2) or medical therapy (P = .2) did not affect survival. In conclusion, PSC significantly decreases survival in this child population. Although pharmacologic therapy may improve symptoms and liver test results initially, it does not seem to impact the long–term outcome.
Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Incident Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Mehta Shruti H. , Brancati Frederick L. , Strathdee Steffanie A. , Pankow James S. , Netski Dale , Coresh Josef , Szklo Moyses , Thomas David L.
Published: June 2003

Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is more common among adults with type 2 diabetes, it is uncertain whether HCV precedes the development of diabetes. Thus, we performed a prospective (case–cohort) analysis to examine if persons who acquired type 2 diabetes were more likely to have had antecedent HCV infection when enrolled in a community–based cohort of men and women between the ages of 44 and 65 in the United States (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study [ARIC]). Among 1,084 adults free of diabetes at baseline, 548 developed diabetes over 9 years of follow–up evaluation. Incident cases of diabetes were identified by using fasting glucose and medical history and HCV antibodies were assessed at baseline. A priori, persons were categorized as low–risk or high–risk for diabetes based on their age and body mass index, factors that appeared to modify the type 2 diabetes–HCV infection incidence estimates. The overall prevalence of HCV in this population was 0.8%. Among those at high risk for diabetes, persons with HCV infection were more than 11 times as likely as those without HCV infection to develop diabetes (relative hazard, 11.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.39–96.6). Among those at low risk, no increased incidence of diabetes was detected among HCV–infected persons (relative hazard, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.05–4.40). In conclusion, pre–existing HCV infection may increase the risk for type 2 diabetes in persons with recognized diabetes risk factors. Additional larger prospective evaluations are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Chronic Alcohol Consumption Increases the Sensitivity of Rat Liver Mitochondrial Respiration to Inhibition by Nitric Oxide
Authors: Venkatraman Aparna , Shiva Sruti , Davis Ashley J. , Bailey Shannon M. , Brookes Paul S. , Darley-Usmar Victor M.
Published: June 2003

Chronic alcohol consumption is a well–known risk factor for hepatic injury, and mitochondrial damage plays a significant role in this process. Nitric oxide (NO) is an important modulator of mitochondrial function and is known to inhibit mitochondrial respiration. However, the impact of chronic alcohol consumption on NO–dependent control of liver mitochondrial function is unknown. This study examines the effect of alcohol exposure on liver mitochondria in a rat model and explores the interaction of NO and mitochondrial respiration in this context. Mitochondria were isolated from the liver of both control and ethanol–fed rats after 5 to 6 weeks of alcohol consumption. Mitochondria isolated from ethanol–treated rats showed a significant decrease in state 3 respiration and respiratory control ratio that was accompanied by an increased sensitivity to NO–dependent inhibition of respiration. In conclusion, we show that chronic alcohol consumption leads to increased sensitivity to the inhibition of respiration by NO. We propose that this results in a greater vulnerability to hypoxia and the development of alcohol–induced hepatotoxicity.
Alcohol Potentiates Hepatitis C Virus Replicon Expression
Authors: Zhang Ting , Li Yuan , Lai Jian-Ping , Douglas Steven D. , Metzger David S. , O'Brien Charles P. , Ho Wen-Zhe
Published: June 2003

Alcohol consumption accelerates liver damage and diminishes the anti–hepatitis C virus (HCV) effect of interferon alfa (IFN–α) in patients with HCV infection. It is unknown, however, whether alcohol enhances HCV replication and promotes HCV disease progression. The availability of the HCV replicon containing hepatic cells has provided a unique opportunity to investigate the interaction between alcohol and HCV replicon expression. We determined whether alcohol enhances HCV RNA expression in the replicon containing hepatic cells. Alcohol, in a concentration–dependent fashion, significantly increased HCV replicon expression. Alcohol also compromised the anti–HCV effect of IFN–α. Investigation of the mechanism(s) responsible for the alcohol action on HCV replicon indicated that alcohol activated nuclear factor κB (NF–κB) promoter. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a specific inhibitor of the activation of NF–κB, abolished alcohol–induced HCV RNA expression. In addition, naltrexone, an opiate receptor antagonist, abrogated the enhancing effect of alcohol on HCV replicon expression. In conclusion, alcohol, probably through the activation of NF–κB and the endogenous opioid system, enhances HCV replicon expression and compromises the anti–HCV effect of IFN–α. Thus, alcohol may play an important role in vivo as a cofactor in HCV disease progression and compromise IFN–α–based therapy against HCV infection.
Pparγ Ligands Inhibit Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Growth Through P53–Dependent Gadd45 and P21Waf1/Cip1 Pathway
Authors: Han Chang , Demetris Jake A. , Michalopoulos George K. , Zhan Qimin , Shelhamer James H. , Wu Tong
Published: June 2003

Ligands of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor–γ (PPARγ) induce differentiation and growth inhibition in several human cancers. However, the role of PPARγ ligands in the growth control of human cholangiocarcinoma cells remains unknown. This study was designed to investigate the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of PPARγ ligands in the growth regulation of human cholangiocarcinoma cells. Western blot analysis showed that PPARγ is expressed in all of the three human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines used in this study (SG231, CC–LP–1, and HuCCT1). Transient transfection assays using a peroxisome proliferator response element (PPRE) reporter construct showed that the PPARγ expressed in human cholangiocarcinoma cells is functional as a transcription activator. Exposure of SG231, CC–LP–1, and HuCCT1 cells to PPARγ ligands 15–deoxy–Δ12, 14–prostaglandin J2 (15d–PGJ2) and troglitazone for 24 to 96 hours resulted in a dose–dependent inhibition of cell growth. Flow cytometry analysis showed that 15d–PGJ2 and troglitazone–induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M checkpoint. Consistent with these findings, both 15d–PGJ2 and troglitazone significantly inhibited the G2/M cyclin–dependent kinase (CDK) Cdc2 activity. Furthermore, cells treated with 15d–PGJ2 and troglitazone showed elevated expression of p53 and two p53–controlled downstream genes, GADD45 and p21WAF1/Cip1. Dominant negative inhibition of p53 in SG231 cells significantly blocked the 15d–PGJ2 and troglitazone–induced growth inhibition, G2/M arrest, and GADD45/p21 induction. 15d–PGJ2 and troglitazone failed to directly inhibit Cdc2 activity in a cell–free system in spite of direct association between GADD45 and PPARγ proteins. In conclusion, these results show a novel p53–dependent mechanism in the PPARγ ligand–mediated inhibition of cholangiocarcinoma growth and suggest a potential therapeutic role of PPARγ ligands in the treatment of human cholangiocarcinoma.
Inhibition of Microsomal Triglyceride Transfer Protein: Another Mechanism for Drug–Induced Steatosis in Mice
Authors: Lettéron Philippe , Sutton Angela , Mansouri Abdellah , Fromenty Bernard , Pessayre Dominique
Published: June 2003

Although many steatogenic drugs inhibit mitochondrial fatty acid β–oxidation, limited information is available on possible effects on hepatic lipoprotein secretion. In the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) lipidates apolipoprotein B (Apo B), to form triglyceride (TG)–rich very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles, which follow vesicular flow to the plasma membrane to be secreted, whereas incompletely lipidated Apo B particles are partly degraded. We studied hepatic MTP activity, the lipoproteins present in the ER lumen, and hepatic lipoprotein secretion 4 hours after administration of a single dose of amineptine (1 mmol/kg), amiodarone (1 mmol/kg), doxycycline (0.25 mmol/kg), tetracycline (0.25 mmol/kg), tianeptine (0.5 mmol/kg), or pirprofen (2 mmol/kg) in mice. These various doses have been shown previously to markedly inhibit fatty acid oxidation after a single dose, and to trigger steatosis either after repeated doses (doxycycline) or a single dose (other compounds) in mice. In the present study, amineptine, amiodarone, pirprofen, tetracycline, and tianeptine, but not doxycycline, inhibited MTP activity in vitro, decreased ex vivo MTP activity in the hepatic homogenate of treated mice, decreased TG in the luminal VLDL fraction of hepatic microsomes of treated mice, and decreased in vivo hepatic lipoprotein secretion (TG and Apo B). In conclusion, several steatogenic drugs inhibit not only mitochondrial β–oxidation, as previously shown, but also MTP activity, Apo B lipidation into TG–rich VLDL particles, and hepatic lipoprotein secretion. Drugs with these dual effects may be more steatogenic than drugs acting only on β–oxidation or only MTP.
The utility of marginal donors in liver transplantation
Authors: Busuttil Ronald W. , Tanaka Koichi
Published: June 2003

The shortage of organs has led centers to expand their criteria for the acceptance of marginal donors. The combination of multiple marginal factors seems to be additive on graft injury. In this review, the utility of various marginal donors in patients requiring liver transplantation will be described, including older donors, steatotic livers, non-heart-beating donors, donors with viral hepatitis, and donors with malignancies. The pathophysiology of the marginal donor will be discussed, along with strategies for minimizing the ischemia reperfusion injury experienced by these organs. Finally, new strategies for improving the function of the marginal/expanded donor liver will be reviewed. (Liver Transpl 2003;9:651-663.)
Mortality in candidates waiting for combined liver-intestine transplants exceeds that for other candidates waiting for liver transplants
Authors: Fryer Jonathan , Pellar Suzanne , Ormond Debra , Koffron Allan , Abecassis Michael
Published: June 2003

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) reports indicate that mortality on the intestine transplant waiting list is higher than on other transplant waiting lists. The goals of this study were (1) to determine whether most of the intestinal transplant candidate deaths have occurred in those who also need liver transplants, and (2) to compare the waiting list mortality in the liver-intestine candidate subset with the overall liver transplant candidate population. We found that 90%l of intestine transplant waiting list deaths have occurred in candidates who also needed liver transplants. Since 1994, annual mortality has been higher in liver-intestine transplant candidates than in the overall liver transplant candidate population, and these differences have been statistically significant since 1996. These mortality differences applied to all age groups. Also, status 2B, 3, and 7 candidate mortality was significantly higher in liver-intestine candidates than in the overall liver transplant candidate population. Because there were so few liver-intestine transplant candidates listed as status 1 or 2A, a meaningful comparison was not possible in these statuses. These data indicate that liver-intestine transplant candidates are a unique subset of liver transplant candidates with a significantly higher risk of dying on the waiting list. Recent changes in UNOS liver allocation policy that gives higher priority to liver-intestine candidates may help to reduce this discrepancy. However, further research into the etiology of liver disease in patients on long-term parenteral nutrition and earlier referral of high-risk short bowel syndrome patients to centers with special expertise in their management are needed for an ultimate solution to this problem. (Liver Transpl 2003;9:748-753.)
Using job support tools to increase individual productivity and improve workgroup performance
Authors: Coulson‐Thomas Colin
Published: June 2003

Providing knowledge is often not enough. Work groups may also require tools that help them apply it. Job support tools capture and spread best practice. Devices such as “traffic‐lighting” can also influence or change behaviour. The right tools increase understanding with each use. Job support tools can use whatever formats, from text and graphics to animations, visual images and video and audio material, best help understanding. Building knowledge into job support tools can make it easier for workgroups to excel at complex tasks. Significant improvements in individual performance and salesforce productivity can be achieved. The greatest benefits are usually achieved with relatively homogeneous groups of people undertaking similar tasks.
A layered approach for investigating the topological structure of communities in the Web
Authors: Thelwall Mike
Published: July 2003

A layered approach for identifying communities in the Web is presented and explored by applying the flake exact community identification algorithm to the UK academic Web. Although community or topic identification is a common task in information retrieval, a new perspective is developed by: the application of alternative document models, shifting the focus from individual pages to aggregated collections based upon Web directories, domains and entire sites; the removal of internal site links; and the adaptation of a new fast algorithm to allow fully‐automated community identification using all possible single starting points. The overall topology of the graphs in the three least‐aggregated layers was first investigated and found to include a large number of isolated points but, surprisingly, with most of the remainder being in one huge connected component, exact proportions varying by layer. The community identification process then found that the number of communities far exceeded the number of topological components, indicating that community identification is a potentially useful technique, even with random starting points. Both the number and size of communities identified was dependent on the parameter of the algorithm, with very different results being obtained in each case. In conclusion, the UK academic Web is embedded with layers of non‐trivial communities and, if it is not unique in this, then there is the promise of improved results for information retrieval algorithms that can exploit this additional structure, and the application of the technique directly to partially automate Web metrics tasks such as that of finding all pages related to a given subject hosted by a single country's universities.
Information seeking in the context of writing
Authors: Attfield Simon , Blandford Ann , Dowell John
Published: July 2003

Information seeking does not occur in a vacuum but invariably is motivated by some wider task. It is well accepted that to understand information seeking we must understand the task context within which it takes place. Writing is amongst the most common tasks within which information seeking is embedded. This paper considers how writing can be understood in order to account for embedded information seeking. Following Sharples, the paper treats writing as a design activity and explore parallels between the psychology of design and information seeking. Significant parallels can be found and ideas from the psychology of design offer explanations for a number of information seeking phenomena. Next, a design‐oriented representation of writing tasks as a means of providing an account of phenomena such as information seeking uncertainty and focus refinement is developed. The paper illustrates the representation with scenarios describing the work of newspaper journalists.
The WEB Book experiments in electronic textbook design
Authors: Wilson Ruth , Landoni Monica , Gibb Forbes
Published: July 2003

This paper describes a series of three evaluations of electronic textbooks on the Web, which focused on assessing how appearance and design can affect users’ sense of engagement and directness with the material. The EBONI Project's methodology for evaluating electronic textbooks is outlined and each experiment is described, together with an analysis of results. Finally, some recommendations for successful design are suggested, based on an analysis of all experimental data. These recommendations underline the main findings of the evaluations: that users want some features of paper books to be preserved in the electronic medium, while also preferring electronic text to be written in a scannable style.
Collection‐level descriptions: metadata of the future?
Authors: Macgregor George
Published: July 2003

The potential for digital library growth has recently drawn into question the ability of users to navigate large distributed and heterogeneous collections. This column attempts to summarise some of the potential benefits to be derived through the implementation of collection‐level descriptions for both user resource discovery and institutional collection management. In particular, the concept of “functional granularity” is introduced and some related issues are briefly explored.
Machine tending in the modern age
Authors: Rooks Brian
Published: June 2003

Machine tending is the oldest of applications for the Industrial Robot, and is even more economically beneficial today than it was in 1960 when the first robot was installed at a die casting machine. Robots now serve many more types of machines and a number of recent applications are described. These include injection moulding machines, machining centres, CNC lathes, cylindrical grinders and press brakes. All these cases identify the key benefit of “lights out” operation. However, the absence of operators brings the problems of unscheduled stoppages going undetected until “the day shift arrives”. One answer discussed is remote monitoring by tele‐linking the machine to a control centre. Finally, a case study is described of a polishing cell for stainless steel sanitary and catering equipment in which the robots handle the parts as well as manipulate the polishing tools.
Reconfigurable robot tool designs and integration applications
Authors: Ranky Paul G.
Published: June 2003

Robot tools, or in more general terms, end‐of‐arm tools, or robot end‐effectors are general purpose, programmable or task‐oriented devices connected between the robot wrist and the object or load to be manipulated and/or processed by the robot. They can offer and/or limit the versatility of grasping and/or processing of different components, sensing their characteristics and working together with the robot control system to provide a reliable “service” throughout the component manipulation cycle. Reconfigurable robot tooling enables the robot to rapidly change its end‐effectors or fingers of its end‐effectors, typically under programmable software control. The importance of providing lean‐flexibility by means of reconfigurable, automated robot hand changers (ARHC), particularly in small‐batch robotic welding, assembly, machine loading and in other flexible robot cells, is discussed with examples. Some known systems are demonstrated and the “Ranky‐type” ARHC design is illustrated in more detail.
Analysing organisational competence: implications for the management of operations
Authors: Lewis Michael A.
Published: July 2003

Despite the potential for operations management to be a competence‐based discipline, it is not clear how practical the construct is in ex ante operations strategy formulation or how useful it is as a critical lens on operations theory. This paper develops a preliminary model of competence as a transformation process, combining resource and activity inputs into operational processes that result in specific competitive performance outcomes. Empirical evidence from three aerospace manufacturing case studies offers an opportunity to explore the conceptual and practical implications of the model. Three conclusions are highlighted: the need for a strategic (re)conceptualisation of operational resources and processes; recognition that any practical operations strategy needs to continually reconcile ambiguous internal and external priorities; and concern over the potentially dysfunctional effects of competence analysis.
Factors affecting location decisions in international operations – a Delphi study
Authors: MacCarthy B.L. , Atthirawong W.
Published: July 2003

Only a limited amount of research has been reported on factors influencing international location decisions for contemporary manufacturing operations. In this paper a comprehensive set of factors that may influence international location decisions is identified from an analysis of the existing literature. Results are presented from a Delphi study that used a worldwide panel of experts to investigate factors affecting international location decisions. Findings are reported on the motivations of firms in seeking to manufacture across national borders and the key steps that should be followed in making international location decisions. The top five major factors identified that may strongly influence international location decisions generally were: costs, infrastructure, labour characteristics, government and political factors and economic factors. Ten key sub‐factors identified were: quality of labour force, existence of modes of transportation, quality and reliability of modes of transportation, availability of labour force, quality and reliability of utilities, wage rates, motivation of workers, telecommunication systems, record of government stability and industrial relations laws. Additional sub‐factors of increasing importance include: protection of patents, availability of management resources and specific skills and system and integration costs. The factors identified have implications for management practice, for policy‐making by governments and other agencies and for academic research in international operations.
Regulating ageism in UK advertising: an industry perspective
Authors: Carrigan Marylyn , Szmigin Isabelle
Published: July 2003

Demographic trends are suggesting that older people are growing in importance in the population. The advertising industry has been accused of ignoring older people in advertisements, or treating them inappropriately. In order to respond to accusations of ageism within the industry it is suggested that regulation may be required to raise the awareness of advertisers and agencies to the importance of older people, and to encourage more age diverse advertising. This paper presents the findings of a study conducted to elicit the opinions of advertising industry commentators about the issue of ageism in advertising. The general opinion was that the industry was ageist, and may require the incentive of regulation before it will respond to the needs of the older population.
Service quality measurement in the banking sector in South Korea
Authors: Chi Cui Charles , Lewis Barbara R. , Park Won
Published: July 2003

There have been numerous studies on measures of service quality, such as SERVQUAL and SERVPERF, in a variety of contexts, but the validity of these instruments in Asian markets is under‐researched. The present study was focused in South Korea and data on expectations, perceptions and importance measures were collected from 153 bank customers. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the measurement scales lacked validity with the South Korean sample, and principal component analyses revealed that SERVQUAL and SERVPERF were not uni‐dimensional. An amended SERVQUAL type scale showed three factors similar to the original SERVQUAL analysis, and an amended SERVPERF type scale showed two factors, with most of the original items converged on different conceptual dimensions.
Developing retail credit infrastructure: a network perspective
Authors: Shulver Michael , Lewis Michael A.
Published: July 2003

This paper explores theoretical and practical aspects (i.e. resources allocated, activities undertaken, actors/decisions involved) of corporate “parenting” in the development of a retail lending network. A review of the relevant corporate strategy, supply‐chain, networks and services management literature underpins a preliminary content (capability; market orientation) and process (top‐down; bottom‐up) typology of network parenting. This provides the structure for discussion of findings from extended analysis of a UK retail banking sector case study. Analysis of the case data suggests that a richer conceptualisation of different forms of “network parenting” is needed to provide both practical guidance and support further theoretical developments. A preliminary typology (with contingent management mechanisms) is developed and used to represent the parenting trajectory described in the case study. The paper concludes with a discussion of possible directions for future work.
The effect of insoluble anodes on the process control and deposit quality of acid copper electroplating baths
Authors: Cobley A.J. , Gabe D.R.
Published: June 2003

Despite the fact that insoluble anodes are becoming more utilized in acid copper electroplating for printed circuit board manufacture, little work has been published on the impact of using such anodes on the process control of the baths or their effect on the electroplated deposit. In this study, two electroplating tanks were set up, which were identical in all aspects except that one tank used the traditional phosphorized soluble anodes, whilst the other employed insoluble anodes. Incorporating insoluble anodes into the electroplating tank caused a large increase in brightener consumption rate and the mechanical properties of the electroplate and the throwing power tended to be somewhat inferior to when soluble copper anodes were employed. This was thought to be due to the problems of controlling the brightener concentration at optimum levels rather than to any deterioration in the electrolyte, attributable to, for example, by‐product build‐up.
An overview of the current status of lead‐free assembly and related issues
Authors: Goosey Martin
Published: June 2003

Over the last few years, the emergence of new European draft legislation has focussed electronics industry attention on the likely ultimate proscription of lead in electronics assembly. Much work has already been undertaken to identify the possible alternatives to conventional tin‐lead solders and to evaluate their performance benefits and limitations in comparison with the traditional materials. Although, some companies are already offering products manufactured using lead‐free products, there is still a widespread lack of activity in many areas. With this none‐too‐distant deadline rapidly approaching, Envirowise has sponsored this paper as part of its coordinated activities to assist the UK electronics industry and to promote environmental efficiency and best practice. This paper details the current situation with respect to the drivers towards the adoption of lead‐free assembly before giving an overview of the current situation. This paper concludes with details of sources of further information.
New materials and challenges in build‐up, RF and high speed applications – an overview
Authors: Shang James , Liu Yung‐I
Published: June 2003

Miniaturization, with increased functionality and use of high‐density packages is a rapidly growing facet of the electronics industry. Low loss materials for high frequency applications, low Dk materials applied for high speed signal propagation and build‐up films used in semi‐additive processes (SAP) for flip‐chip applications (line width/space down to 20 μm/20 μm) are receiving more attention. It is believed that these high performance materials will lead the electronic industry to the next level. In this paper, an overview of materials, their properties, applications and manufacturability will be addressed.
A new method for destroying organic contaminants and recycling waste water from printed circuit board manufacturing process effluent streams
Authors: Wright Neil , Potter Martin , Bains Narinder , Goosey Martin
Published: June 2003

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and other organic chelates are widely employed in electroless plating processes used by the printed circuit board and metal finishing industries. These chelating agents can pose problems with downstream waste water treatment, and metals and water recycling processes, due to their ability to complex heavy metal ions and their low biodegradabilities. Conventional treatment methods, such as carbon adsorption, air stripping and reverse osmosis can create secondary waste problems and are normally applied as “end of pipe” treatments. The development of new technology to address these problems would be welcomed. The ROCWAT project, funded by the EC under the “CRAFT” programme, detailed in this paper was undertaken to develop and deliver innovative techniques for the in situ destruction of chelates and other organics found in manufacturing process chemistries and effluent streams.
Of biblical interest, brotherhood and charity
Authors: Schein Andrew
Published: June 2003

Historically restrictions on interest rates are one of the most common examples of intervention in the market. It has recently been suggested that the biblical prohibition of interest was a primitive form of social insurance. This paper rejects this approach and argues that a better understanding of the prohibition of interest in the Pentateuch is that the goal was to limit the power of the creditor with regard to the debtor. This reduced the level of inequality in society, which was considered a greater benefit than the economic inefficiencies that resulted from the reduction in the available supply of funds. This understanding of the prohibition of interest is integrated into the biblical system of charity and some examples are provided of the applicability of the biblical laws of lending to present day issues.
Career anchors and the effects of downsizing: implications for generations and cultures at work. A preliminary investigation
Authors: Marshall Verena , Bonner Dede
Published: July 2003

This paper examines the relationships between career anchors, age, culture, gender, employment experience and the impact of downsizing on career planning. Presents the results drawn from 423 graduate business students in Australia, the USA, Malaysia, South Africa and the UK. Aims to explore Schein’s contention that employees develop a self‐concept or career anchor that holds their “internal career” together even as they experience a dramatic change in their “external career” that leads to greater self‐discovery. Previous studies have examined differences in career orientations in Europe, the USA and the UK. This research allows examination of the distribution of career anchors within a multi‐cultural sample across age groups, gender, culture and work experience. The data also enable investigation of the relationship between career anchors and reported impact of organisational downsizing on career decisions.
The “STAIR” model
Authors: Zeppou Mary , Sotirakou Tatiana
Published: July 2003

This paper examines the merits of using a comprehensive systems approach for measuring public sector performance in Greece. It introduces the preliminary results of a pilot case study where the STAIR model was used as a modernising vehicle within the Greek civil service. Following the steps of the “STAIR” (strategy, targets, assessment, implementation, results) model, public sector organisations in Greece are presented with the challenge of transforming themselves from rigid bureaucracies to strategically thinking and acting agencies.
Measuring health service satisfaction: female inmates
Authors: Guthrie Jill , Butler Tony , Sefton Anne
Published: June 2003

This study examines female inmates’ utilisation of and satisfaction with provision of health services, based on data from the 1996 New South Wales (Australia) Inmate Health Survey. Particular variables – indigenous status, mean age, age range, and education level – were analysed for factors associated with satisfaction with provision of health services. Further analysis indicated that for nine outcomes, correctional centre location was the only statistically significant indicator of satisfaction with various aspects of health‐care provision. Three factors – correctional centre location, indigenous status, and age group – were associated with being satisfied with health care received during a woman’s last prison doctor consultation. This study’s most important finding – that correctional centre location was associated with inmates’ satisfaction with health care services in gaol – has implications for governments regarding physical access to health services, and for ensuring services meet inmates’ needs at each correctional centre location.
Listening practices and performance in service organisations
Authors: Glynn William J. , de Búrca Sean , Brannick Teresa , Fynes Brian , Ennis Sean
Published: June 2003

Considers the concept of the “listening” organisation and its influence on service and business performance. Specifically reports on empirical research which investigated the link between service quality information practices, the listening organisation and service and business performance. In this respect, builds on an earlier model of service management developed by the London Business School and Warwick Business School in the UK. This extended model employs two composite performance indexes as moderator variables. Surveyed 438 service organisations in the Republic of Ireland; the loglinear model used to analyse the data shows a clear pattern. By taking listening practices, including information technology, as a holistic view of a constellation of information‐related practice type factors, demonstrates that there is a close relationship with service performance, which in turn influences business performance. Furthermore, technology type and competitive intensity, moderate this relationship. Establishes that the relationship between listening practices and service performance is much more important for the sophisticated task technology sector and that competitive intensity has a very minor interactive effect on the relationship. The results of the survey mirror recent empirical research in market orientation and organisational learning.
Customer role and skill trajectories in services
Authors: Chervonnaya Oxana
Published: June 2003

Customer behavior in services is usually perceived as volatile and unpredictable. However, this conceptual paper seeks to demonstrate that for service processes sharing certain common characteristics, one can find similarities in customer behavior patterns. On the basis of the extensive literature review, four types of service processes are identified in a matrix, and it is argued that specific combinations of customer roles and skills within each type of service processes form the basis for customer role and skill trajectories of certain length and structure. Two propositions are suggested at the end of the study to assist the empirical investigation of these trajectories, and some aspects of the problem of collective consumption are addressed.
Does organizational climate add to service quality in hotels?
Authors: Davidson Michael C.G.
Published: July 2003

This paper examines organizational climate and organizational culture within a hotel industry framework. An argument is put forward that there is a causal link between good organizational climate and the level of service quality in a hotel. Organizational climate is also examined within the service quality framework to explore the effects of its integration into quality initiatives. A conceptual model of organizational climate and service quality and performance is presented that provides an explanation of the linkage between organizational culture, organizational climate, service quality, customer satisfaction and hotel performance.
Are consultants blowing smoke? An empirical test of the impact of menu layout on item sales
Authors: Kincaid Clark S. , Corsun David L.
Published: July 2003

For years, menu design consultants have asserted that the layout of the items on menus is asociated with item sales. To date, no scientific studies exist either supporting or refuting this assertion. In order to test this relationship we conducted a field experiment in which we tracked the pre‐ and post‐treatment sales of items on a three‐page menu over a period of four months. The treatment consisted of switching the contents of pages 2 and 3 of the menu. The data revealed no significant differences in item sales from time 1 to time 2. Implications for restaurant managers are discussed.
Beyond reference price: understanding consumers’ encounters with unexpected prices
Authors: Lindsey‐Mullikin Joan
Published: June 2003

The concept of reference price is a well‐established phenomenon in the marketing and consumer behavior literature. Given this, we investigate what happens when consumers, given a particular reference price, encounter unexpected prices. It is proposed that the theory of dissonance reduction provides a framework for studying situations in which consumers’ encountered prices are significantly different from their expectations. The three modes of dissonance reduction proposed: to change one’s attitude or cognition, to seek consonant information, and to trivialize some element of the dissonant relationship are demonstrated through theoretical interpretation and illustrated with in‐depth interviews.
Technology acceptance model for wireless Internet
Authors: Lu June , Yu Chun‐Sheng , Liu Chang , Yao James E.
Published: June 2003

Wireless Internet via mobile devices (WIMD) is leading the world into another spectrum of communications and means of conducting day‐to‐day business and life activities. Full bloom of wireless Internet services depends on user acceptance, as well as technology improvement. This paper develops a technology acceptance model for wireless Internet via mobile devices (TAM for wireless Internet), a conceptual framework to explain the factors influencing user acceptance of WIMD. By revising the technology acceptance model (TAM) to represent some unique features of the wireless system under study, TAM for wireless Internet proposes that constructs such as individual differences, technology complexity, facilitating conditions, social influences, and wireless trust environment determine user‐perceived short and long‐term usefulness, and ease of using WIMD. These, in turn, determine user intention and willingness to adopt WIMD. Twelve propositions are developed to promote and facilitate future empirical research relating to WIMD.
Structural change in large police agencies during the 1990s
Authors: Maguire Edward R. , Shin Yeunhee , “Solomon” Zhao Jihong , Hassell Kimberly D.
Published: June 2003

According to community policing advocates, police agencies should implement a variety of important organizational changes. These changes are supposed to occur in a number of different substantive domains, including the culture, behavior, and structure of police organizations. This paper examines the evidence for change in just one of these domains: formal organizational structure. Based on concepts derived from organization theory, and using data from six different data sets, the paper explores whether the structures of US police organizations changed during the 1990s. Overall, it finds mixed evidence. Some changes have occurred in the direction encouraged by community policing reformers, some changes have occurred in the opposite direction, and some changes have not occurred at all.
Measurement and association in the structure of municipal police organizations
Authors: Wilson Jeremy M.
Published: June 2003

Aside from a few groundbreaking studies, there has been little empirical exploration into the structure of American police organizations. Traditional organizational inquiries have suggested that structural characteristics can be differentiated between those that represent complexity or differentiation within the organization and those that represent control mechanisms to coordinate and manage the complexity. This research investigates whether these various structural elements are indicative of two latent constructs by developing and testing measurement models representing structural complexity and control. Organizational scholars have also argued that structural complexity increases the demand for structural control. Maguire investigated this issue in the context of police organizations and found little support for the hypothesis. The paper reexamines this relationship by extending and replicating Maguire’s analysis to ascertain if a different specification and sample sustain his conclusion. Utilizing data from the 1997 Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics survey and a survey conducted by Edward Maguire, the paper explores these issues using a sample of 401 large, municipal police organizations in the USA. The results indicate that structural control is unidimensional, while structural complexity is not. This study also provides modest evidence supporting an association between structural complexity and control.
Residential property value and locational externalities
Authors: Kauko Tom
Published: June 2003

It is well‐known from the literature that locational externalities influence the price formation of residential property. This effect is usually studied empirically with the hedonic price models, by including various neighbourhood and proximity variables in the model. These regression based techniques have, however, been criticised for a number of reasons. The arguments pertain partly to technical issues such as model flexibility, functional discontinuity and nonlinearity, and data quality, and partly to more fundamental problems regarding the nature of the value formation process. The criticism has attracted experiments with new modelling approaches, each of which adds something substantial to the hedonic approach. The study comprises two parts: it first highlights the rationale behind each broad approach composed of specific modelling techniques currently available, and then demonstrates an improvement of the demand side analysis by applying the analytic hierarchy process. This method enables quantification of qualitative expert judgements, and may lead to conclusions that go beyond the purely economic value framework.
Professional futurists reflect on the state of futures studies
Authors: Mahaffie John B.
Published: June 2003

Poking fun at futurists is not new and so when mainstream journalists deride futures research for being no longer relevant they tend to be dismissed by the futures community as ill informed. But sometimes these accusations hit home and deserve greater reflection and response.