bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract Böhm trees
Authors: CURIEN PIERRE-LOUIS
Published: July 2002

We present a formalism of trees with pointers, called abstract
Böhm trees, that provide a
suitable abstract framework in which various cut-free proofs or normal
terms of several
λ-calculus based languages (including PCF and Parigot's
λμ-calculus) can be faithfully
encoded. A simple abstract machine called the View Abstract Machine (VAM)
allows us to
compute over abstract Böhm trees. The VAM is closely related
to Coquand's interaction
sequences and debates. The VAM execution over finite abstract
Böhm trees always
terminates. We next introduce an abstract notion of type that fits the
purpose of
guaranteeing that the VAM cannot go into deadlock, i.e.,
that it always reaches a satisfactory
final state. Typed abstract Böhm trees can be turned into a category
– more naturally a
‘multi-category’ where the domains of arrows are sets of named
objects or records. We then
go from the abstract to the concrete by giving examples. Our sets of abstract
(typed) Böhm
trees are relative to an alphabet and a set of types. By instantiating
these two parameter sets
appropriately, we recover, successively: (η-long) typed Böhm trees;
PCF trees as considered
in the game models of Hyland–Ong or of Abramsky–Jagadeesan–Malacaria;
a notion of
classical Böhm tree due to Herbelin that provides a classical version
of PCF trees in the style
of λμ-calculus; and, finally, cut-free proofs in Novikov's
infinitary propositional logic as
investigated by Coquand. In a companion paper, we investigate the operational
aspects of
(untyped) Böhm trees in more depth.
Extending partial combinatory algebras
Authors: BETHKE INGE , KLOP JAN WILLEM , de VRIJER ROEL
Published: July 2002

We give a negative answer to the question of whether every partial combinatory algebra can
be completed. The explicit counterexample will be an intricately constructed term model.
The construction and the proof that it works depend heavily on syntactic techniques. In
particular, it provides a nice example of reasoning with elementary diagrams and
descendants. We also include a domain-theoretic proof of the existence of an incompletable
partial combinatory algebra.
SANIELLA AND ITS RELATION TO OTHER SOUTH AFRICAN GENERA OF HYPOXIDACEAE
Authors: BURTT B. L.
Published: July 2002

A re-examination of the status of the monotypic genus Saniella Hilliard & Burtt (Hypoxidaceae) was inspired by the rediscovery of Empodium occidentale on Hantam Mountain in Calvinia Division, SW Cape. This plant does not belong to Empodium, and has critical features that show that it is better placed as a second species of Saniella, but at the same time it lessens the gap between Saniella and Spiloxene. It is concluded that the whole question of the interrelations of Saniella, Spiloxene and Pauridia needs to be studied in depth. In the interim these three genera should all be maintained. Empodium occidentale is accordingly transferred to Saniella.
Telemedicine: A Proposal for an Ethical Code
Authors: ISERSON KENNETH V.
Published: July 2002

Telemedicine encompasses medical practice, teaching,
and research with real-time interactions over distances
too great for unaided communication. It includes audio
and video transmissions, either separately or combined,
and can be done through mechanical (e.g., signal flags
or lights) or electronic means (e.g., telecommunications).
In many ways, telemedicine is a subset of medical informatics,
itself a rapidly developing field. Prior definitions have
been broader, including not only medical practice over
distance, but also simple information transfer.
Dubious Premises—Evil Conclusions: Moral Reasoning
at the Nuremberg Trials
Authors: PELLEGRINO EDMUND D. , THOMASMA DAVID C.
Published: July 2002

Fifty years ago, 23 Nazi physicians were defendants
before a military tribunal in Nuremberg, charged with crimes
against humanity. During that trial, the world learned
of their personal roles in human experimentation with political
and military prisoners, mass eugenic sterilizations, state-ordered
euthanasia of the “unfit,” and the program
of genocide we now know as the Holocaust. These physicians,
and their colleagues who did not stand trial, were universally
condemned in the free world as ethical pariahs. The term
“Nazi doctor” became the paradigm for total
defection from the most rudimentary elements of medical
morality. The caduceus literally became the instrument
of the swastika.
Response to “Entitlement to Cloning” by Timothy
Murphy (CQ Vol 8, No 3) and “Cloning and Infertility”
by Carson Strong (CQ Vol 7, No 3)
Authors: Chambers Jean E.
Published: July 2002

Carson Strong argues, in “Cloning and Infertility,”
that if cloning of humans by somatic cell nuclear transfer were to
become a safe procedure, then infertile couples should have access
to it as a last resort. He lists six reasons such couples might desire
genetically related children. Of these, two are relevant to justifying
their access to cloning—namely, that they want to jointly
participate in the creation of a person, and that having a genetically
related child would constitute an affirmation of their mutual love.
According to Strong, these reasons justify at least some infertile
couples' freedom to clone themselves. He wants to prevent the
widespread use of cloning technology by making it available to only
infertile couples and only as a last resort. One way to enforce this
restriction, he suggests, is to penalize physicians who carry out
disallowed clonings. After all, fertile couples and many infertile
couples can satisfy their need to have genetically related children
in other ways.
Gene Patents—A Pharmaceutical Perspective
Authors: TRIBBLE JACK L.
Published: July 2002

The decade-long debate over ownership of living
human materials has recently intensified with the ability
of biomedical research to isolate, purify, and use human
genes and gene products as therapeutics, factories for
the production of therapeutics, and targets for the identification
of therapeutic pharmaceuticals. Indeed, advances in genomic
research have resulted in the identification of hundreds of
thousands of DNA fragments and hundreds of genes. Many within
the scientific and business communities believe genes and gene
fragments have commercial value and have filed patent applications
on the nucleic acid sequences. This commercialization has amplified
the discussion surrounding the ethics of patenting genes and the
ownership of the human genome.
In vitro parthenogenesis of mouse oocytes under several experimental conditions
Authors: Martini A.C. , Cuneo M. Fiol de , Ruiz R.D. , Ponce A.A. , Lacuara J.L.
Published: July 2002

Although the in vitro fertilisation index is a parameter commonly employed to investigate sperm functional activity, little attention has been given to the occurrence of parthenogenesis. The purpose of this study was to study at 6 h or 22 h incubation: (a) the cleavage-related events that occur in in vitro incubated mouse oocytes, in the absence (parthenogenesis) or presence of homologous spermatozoa; (b) the effect of mineral oil, commonly used in in vitro fertilisation assays; (c) the effect of piroxicam, a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, on the parthenogenetic rate; and (d) the influence on parthenogenesis of spontaneous loss of the cumulus oophorus coat during incubation. Under the experimental conditions employed, there was parthenogenetic activation and activation due to fertilisation. Both increased in a time-dependent manner. The mineral oil enhanced the parthenogenetic rate at 22 h incubation. However, it did not have any effect when the oocytes were inseminated. Since we can not discriminate how much of this activation was due to fertilisation and how much to parthenogenesis we must be very careful with this comparison. Piroxicam 10-8 M did not show any effect on the mouse oocyte parthenogenetic rate at neither 6 h or 22 h incubation. Our results suggest that oocyte susceptibility to spontaneous parthenogenetic activation may be modified by the presence of the cumulus and corona radiata cells. In conclusion, we consider that further rigorous studies on these influences are necessary in order to confer more reliability on the results.
FERTILITY, CHILDHOOD, AND DEATH IN THE VICTORIAN FAMILY
Authors: Vallone Lynne
Published: July 2002

GEORGE ELIOT’S MIDDLEMARCH concludes with the summing up of the lives of her most visionary characters, bringing them to either happy fulfillment or early demise according, not to the worth of their dreams but, in part, to their success or failure in choosing a domestic partner. For Dorothea Brooke, Middlemarch’s most luminous and large-souled citizen, Eliot can finally justify no other existence than that of a devoted wife and mother. Eliot defends this apparent demotion of her heroine from modern Saint Theresa to London matron by arguing that her “study of provincial life” was of necessity the story of domestic times, when, in fact, the “heroics” of raising a family and offering “wifely help” to a husband were more noble than sororal obligation or religious mysticism. Though the novel is set in the late Georgian period just before the first Reform Bill of 1832, it was published in 1871–72, at the height of the Victorian era and is thoroughly Victorian in character. For the Victorians, the “reformed rakes” of Richardson and Fielding are no longer desirable as heads of households. The Queen herself seemed to offer a model of perfect domesticity in her large family, middle-class values, and reliance on her husband. In fact, just as Eliot concedes the dominance of the “home epic” (890), the myth of the Victorian family continues to maintain a powerful presence within contemporary American culture. Questions that still consume us today — What makes a good mother?
THE REDUCTION OF TEMPERAMENTAL RISK FOR ANXIETY IN WITHDRAWN PRESCHOOLERS: A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Rapee Ronald M. , Jacobs Donna
Published: July 2002

Empirical findings and theoretical models posit a central role for an inhibited temperament in the development of anxiety. In turn, this suggests that reduction of withdrawn and inhibited characteristics in very young children may prevent the later development of anxiety disorders. To date, no programs have targeted inhibited temperament as a focus of treatment and it is often assumed that temperament is an immutable phenomenon. The current study piloted a brief education program for the mothers of seven temperamentally withdrawn 4-year-old boys. Results showed marked changes in mothers' perceptions of withdrawn temperament and anxious symptoms that continued over the following 6 months. These data encourage a larger-scale investigation of parent education for the reduction of inhibited temperament in pre-school children.
Neuroscience History in Words and Pictures
Authors: Lezak Muriel D.
Published: July 2002

Yes, that is the Horace Magoun who, with the
distinguished neurophysiologist Louise Marshall, has
produced a treasure trove of stories about the founders,
foundations, and development of contemporary brain science.
While large enough (8½″ × 11½″)
and with enough interesting pictures that it can serve
as a coffee table conversation piece, this book brings
research and investigators to life in a lively, conversational
text that should be fully accessible to entering college
students and fully interesting to mature neuroscientists.
This is the kind of book which, if available to young people
interested in a scientific or science-based career, could
easily attract them to the neurosciences. This is not to
say that the book is simplistic; rather it is rich in the
truly interesting stories, studies, and pictorial stuff
of neuroscience that reminds those of us in the field why
we were drawn to brain studies in the first place.
Neuropsychiatric alterations and neurocognitive performance
in HIV/AIDS: A response to C. Bungener and R. Jouvent
Authors: CASTELLON STEVEN A. , HINKIN CHARLES H. , MYERS HECTOR F.
Published: July 2002

The findings reported in the Letter to the Editor authored
by Bungener and Jouvent are consistent with results we have
presented here (Castellon et al., 2000) and again underscore
the importance of considering the potentially multifactorial
nature of depression in many neurologic diseases/disorders.
We have suggested, although the idea is hardly a new one, that
depression in HIV/AIDS can be secondary to any of multiple
potential etiologies. For example, it may be a direct central
nervous system (CNS) consequence of infection (i.e., neurochemical
and/or neuropathological changes), a result of increased exposure
to social, medical, and financial stressors secondary to living
with HIV, a reaction to multiple losses (e.g., bereavement,
loss of instrumental capacity), or be an admixture of multiple
etiological factors. The phenomenology of this disruption of
mood, motivation, and affect may differ as a function of
etiology/pathophysiology. We believe that a prominent
amotivation/apathy syndrome may be a more pure manifestation
of the CNS effects of HIV-1 infection than is the more
heterogeneous construct of depression and therefore more closely
associated with other putative measures of CNS integrity (e.g.,
neurocognitive performance).
Considering the Relationship Between Biological Aging and Cognitive Aging
Authors: Saxton Judith
Published: July 2002

The psychological and neuropsychological changes
of aging and dementia have been a topic of study for decades,
if not centuries. It is only more recently, however, that
technological changes have allowed the biological processes
triggering the changes of aging to be uncovered. The overlap
between these two sciences, the relationship between cognitive
aging and the study of biological aging, is an emerging
area of research. The study of aging, however, is confounded
by the close association between aging and the development
of particular diseases. Older people are far more likely
than young people to suffer from multiple illnesses. Furthermore,
older people are far more vulnerable to specific types
of diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and dementia.
The relationship between the onset of the aging process
and the development of dementing disorders such as Alzheimer's
disease is of particular interest.
Trade-offs among competing uses of a Malaysian forested catchments
Authors: MOHD SHAHWAHID H. O. , AWANG NOOR A. G. , ABDUL RAHIM N. , ZULKIFLI Y. , RAZANI U.
Published: July 2002

In this project, an attempt is made to estimate the costs and benefits of managing forested catchments in Malaysia. Three land use options are simulated for four selected catchments in the Hulu Langat Forest Reserves (HLFR), Selangor, Malaysia. These options are no logging or catchment protection (CP), reduced impact logging (RIL) and conventional logging (CL). The potential sedimentation impacts of each option on the dam and water intake ponds in the catchments are calculated. The benefits derived from logging, hydro-electric power (HEP) generation and the water regulatory dam for water treatment and the external costs emanating from the sedimentation under the three options are estimated. The computations are based on data collected from previous studies conducted in adjacent areas with similar hydrological parameters, secondary data from published reports by various departmental agencies and from on-site personnel surveys.
EXPECTATIONS, CREDIBILITY, AND TIME-CONSISTENT MONETARY POLICY
Authors: Ireland Peter N.
Published: July 2002

This paper addresses the problem of multiple equilibria in
a model of time-consistent monetary policy. It suggests that this problem
originates in the assumption that agents have rational expectations and
proposes several alternative restrictions on expectations that allow the
monetary authority to build credibility for a disinflationary policy by
demonstrating that it will stick to that policy even if it imposes short-run
costs on the economy. Starting with these restrictions, the paper derives
conditions that guarantee the uniqueness of the model's steady state;
monetary policy in this unique steady state involves the constant deflation
advocated by Milton Friedman.
UNCERTAIN DURATION OF REFORM
Authors: Calvo Guillermo A. , Drazen Allan
Published: July 2002

We develop a framework to study the
effects of policies of uncertain duration on consumption dynamics under
both complete and incomplete markets. We focus on the dynamic implications
of market incompleteness, specifically on the lack of state-contingent
bonds. Two policies are considered: pure output-increasing and
tariff-reducing (trade liberalization). With complete markets, the
output-increasing
policy leads to flat consumption, whereas with no
contingent assets, consumption jumps upward on the announcement of the
policy, continues rising as long as the policy is in effect, and collapses
when it is abandoned. A similar consumption path obtains in a trade
liberalization in the realistic case of low elasticity of substitution and
no rebate of tariffs. Market incompleteness rationalizes the existence of
gradual changes in consumption.
Nongenic, bidirectional transcription precedes and may promote developmental DNA deletion in Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Chalker Douglas L. , Yao Meng-Chao
Published: July 2002

A large number of DNA segments are excised from the chromosomes of the somatic nucleus during development of Tetrahymena thermophila. How these germline-limited sequences are recognized and excised is still poorly understood. We have found that many of these noncoding DNAs are transcribed during nuclear development. Transcription of the germline-limited M element occurs from both DNA strands and results in heterogeneous transcripts of < 200 b to > 1 kb. Transcripts are most abundant when developing micro- and macronuclei begin their differentiation. Transcription is normally restricted to unrearranged DNA of micronuclei and/or developing nuclei, but germline-limited DNAs can induce their own transcription when placed into somatic macronuclei. Brief actinomycin D treatment of conjugating cells blocked M-element excision, providing evidence that transcription is important for efficient DNA rearrangement. We propose that transcription targets these germline-limited sequences for elimination by altering chromatin to ensure their accessibility to the excision machinery.
The Arabidopsis Profilin Gene Family (Evidence for an Ancient Split between Constitutive and Pollen-Specific Profilin Genes)
Authors: Huang S. , McDowell J. M. , Weise M. J. , Meagher R. B.
Published: July 2002

Profilin is a ubiquitous eukaryotic protein that regulates the actin cytoskeleton and recently has been identified as a potent allergen in pollen. We examined the profilin gene family in the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana, and found that it contained approximately 8 to 10 members. Four distinct profilin sequences, three cDNAs, PRF1, PRF2, and PRF3, and two genomic clones, PRF1 and PRF4, were isolated and characterized. These genes encoded four distinct profilin isoforms of 131 to 134 amino acids. Northern and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analyses demonstrated that Arabidopsis PRF1 was expressed in all major plant organs, whereas PRF4 was specifically expressed in mature pollen. Gene trees constructed from amino acid sequence data revealed the presence of two ancient, distinct profilin gene classes in plants. PRF4 was in a class with previously identified pollen-specific profilins from monocot and dicot species. PRF1, PRF2, PRF3, and a distant dicot sequence formed a separate novel class, suggesting an ancient separation of plant profilins based on regulation and perhaps function. The coevolution of plant actin and profilin classes with similar patterns of expression is discussed. The similarity of plant, fungal, protist, insect, and nematode profilins and their extreme divergence from the vertebrate profilins has striking implications for the evolution of fungal-spore- and plant-pollen-profilins as allergens.
Evidence That a 77-Kilodalton Protein from the Starch of Pea Embryos Is an Isoform of Starch Synthase That Is Both Soluble and Granule Bound
Authors: Edwards A. , Marshall J. , Denyer K. , Sidebottom C. , Visser RGF. , Martin C. , Smith A. M.
Published: July 2002

In this paper we provide further evidence about the nature of a 77-kD starch synthase (SSII) that is both soluble and bound to the starch granules in developing pea (Pisum sativum L.) embryos. Mature SSII gives rise to starch synthase activity when expressed in a strain of Escherichia coli lacking glycogen synthase. In transgenic potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) expressing SSII, the protein is both soluble and bound to the starch granules. These results confirm that SSII is a starch synthase and indicate that partitioning between the soluble and granule-bound fraction of storage organs is an intrinsic property of the protein. A 60-kD isoform of starch synthase found both in the soluble and granule-bound fraction of the pea embryos is probably derived by the processing of SSII and is different gene product from GBSSI, the exclusively granule-bound 59-kD isoform of starch synthase that is similar to starch synthases encoded by the waxy genes of cereals and the amf gene of potatoes. Consistent with this, expression in E. coli of an N-terminally truncated version of SSII gives rise to starch synthase activity.
Evidence for the Critical Role of Sucrose Synthase for Anoxic Tolerance of Maize Roots using a Double Mutant
Authors: Ricard Bérénice , Toai Tara Van , Chourey Prem , Saglio Pierre
Published: July 2002

The induction of the sucrose synthase (SuSy) gene (SuSy) by low O2, low temperature, and limiting carbohydrate supply suggested a role in carbohydrate metabolism under stress conditions. The isolation of a maize (Zea mays L.) line mutant for the two knownSuSy genes but functionally normal showed that SuSy activity might not be required for aerobic growth and allowed the possibility of investigating its importance during anaerobic stress. As assessed by root elongation after return to air, hypoxic pretreatment improved anoxic tolerance, in correlation with the number ofSuSy genes and the level of SuSy expression. Furthermore, root death in double-mutant seedlings during anoxic incubation could be attributed to the impaired utilization of sucrose (Suc). Collectively, these data provide unequivocal evidence that Suc is the principal C source and that SuSy is the main enzyme active in Suc breakdown in roots of maize seedlings deprived of O2. In this situation, SuSy plays a critical role in anoxic tolerance.
Expression of Aluminum-Induced Genes in Transgenic Arabidopsis Plants Can Ameliorate Aluminum Stress and/or Oxidative Stress
Authors: Ezaki Bunichi , Gardner Richard C. , Ezaki Yuka , Matsumoto Hideaki
Published: July 2002

To examine the biological role of Al-stress-induced genes, nine genes derived from Arabidopsis, tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were expressed in Arabidopsis ecotype Landsberg. Lines containing eight of these genes were phenotypically normal and were tested in root elongation assays for their sensitivity to Al, Cd, Cu, Na, Zn, and to oxidative stresses. An Arabidopsis blue-copper-binding protein gene (AtBCB), a tobacco glutathione S-transferase gene (parB), a tobacco peroxidase gene (NtPox), and a tobacco GDP-dissociation inhibitor gene (NtGDI1) conferred a degree of resistance to Al. Two of these genes, AtBCB andparB, and a peroxidase gene from Arabidopsis (AtPox) also showed increased resistance to oxidative stress induced by diamide, while parB conferred resistance to Cu and Na. Al content of Al-treated root tips was reduced in the four Al-resistant plant lines compared with wild-type Ler-0, as judged by morin staining. All four Al-resistant lines also showed reduced staining of roots with 2′,7′-dichloro fluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA), an indicator of oxidative stress. We conclude that Al-induced genes can serve to protect against Al toxicity, and also provide genetic evidence for a link between Al stress and oxidative stress in plants.
The Structure and Expression of the Wheat Starch Synthase III Gene. Motifs in the Expressed Gene Define the Lineage of the Starch Synthase III Gene Family
Authors: Li Zhongyi , Mouille Greg , Kosar-Hashemi Behjat , Rahman Sadequr , Clarke Bryan , Gale Kevin R. , Appels Rudi , Morell Matthew K.
Published: July 2002

The endosperm of hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum[L.]) was shown to contain a high molecular weight starch synthase (SS) analogous to the product of the maize du1 gene, starch synthase III (SSIII; DU1). cDNA and genomic DNA sequences encoding wheat SSIII were isolated and characterized. The wheat SSIII cDNA is 5,346 bp long and contains an open reading frame that encodes a 1,628-amino acid polypeptide. A putative N-terminal transit peptide, a 436-amino acid C-terminal catalytic domain, and a central 470-amino acid SSIII-specific domain containing three regions of repeated amino acid similarity were identified in the wheat gene. A fourth region between the transit peptide and the SSIII-specific domain contains repeat motifs that are variable with respect to motif sequence and repeat number between wheat and maize. In dicots, this N-terminal region does not contain repeat motifs and is truncated. The gene encoding wheat SSIII, designated ss3, consists of 16 exons extending over 10 kb, and is located on wheat chromosome I. Expression of ss3 mRNA in wheat was detected in leaves, pre-anthesis florets, and from very early to middle stage of endosperm development. The entire N-terminal variable repeat region and the majority of the SSIII-specific domain are encoded on a single 2,703-bp exon. A gene encoding a class III SS from the Arabidopsis genome sequencing project shows a strongly conserved exon structure to the wheat ss3 gene, with the exception of the N-terminal region. The evolutionary relationships of the genes encoding monocot and dicot class III SSs are discussed.
Electrochemical studies on nitrogen ion implanted Ti6Al4V alloy
Authors: Sundararajan T. , Rajeswari S. , Subbaiyan M. , Kamachi Mudali U. , Nair K.G.M.
Published: July 2002

Nitrogen ion implantation on a Ti6Al4V alloy with 70KeV energy was carried out at different doses ranging from 5 × 1015to 2.5 × 1017ions/cm2. The implanted samples were subjected to open circuit potential/time measurement and cyclic polarization studies to evolve the optimum dose which can give good corrosion resistance in a simulated body fluid condition. The results show that there was an increase in corrosion resistance with increased doses up to 7 × 1016ions/cm2, beyond which it started to decrease. The stability of the passive film at a higher potential was assessed by potentiotransient techniques after impressing a constant potential of 1.5V for three hours. The results of the investigation indicate that nitrogen ion implantation can be used as a viable method to improve the corrosion resistance of orthopaedic implant devices made of Ti6Al4V alloy. The nature of the stable passive film and its influence on corrosion resistance are discussed in this paper.
The effect of some organophosphorus compounds on the corrosion behaviour of iron in 6 M HCI
Authors: Mutombo Pingo , Hackerman Norman
Published: July 2002

The effect of some organophosphorus compounds on iron corrosion in 6 M HCl has been examined by means of polarization and capacitance measurements. It appears that these compounds inhibit iron corrosion by affecting both cathodic and anodic reactions. A quantum chemical approach was used to correlate the inhibition efficiency to the molecular structure of the compounds. It was found that there is not a noticeable relationship between their molecular structure and their inhibition effectiveness. Also based on these calculations, it can be suggested that the inhibitor molecules behave as electron acceptor when they adsorb on the iron metal.
EAPs and Stress Management
Authors: Dewe Philip
Published: July 2002

Recently a more cynical attitude to workplace stress reduction
programmes has been emerging. If these programmes are accepted as
beneficial then what has gone wrong? Attempts to answer this question
and to search for reasons why stress intervention programmes have failed
to realize their potential. Identifies a number of possible stumbling
blocks including issues of power, ethics, theory, methodology,
philosophy and skill practice. Out of the discussion come a number of
directions for future practice.
Personnel management in the public sector
Authors: Oswick Clifford , Grant David
Published: July 2002

The management of human resources in the UK public sector has been dramatically transformed in recent years. Discusses the major areas of change in relation to: generalist and specialist personnel roles; relationships between personnel professionals and line managers; and perceptions of personnel activities. Also examines the power ramifications of these changes. Posits that the changes which have occurred to personnel management practice within the public sector have had a detrimental impact on the duties and activities of the personnel practitioner and have also led to a dilution of professional power. Uses a methodology based on sequence analysis to explore the existence of characteristic trends across a range of public sector organizations (n = 14). Interviews with key stakeholders (n = 42) were undertaken, a variety of documentary sources were analysed and, as part of the process of “colligation”, group feedback sessions were held.
Robots improve the quality and cost‐effectiveness of composite structures
Authors: Groppe David
Published: July 2002

Describes the benefits of using robots for advanced composite lay‐up procedures. Particular emphasis is on aerospace structures. Argues that the use of robots now makes viable many fabrication operations that were previously too expensive, and highlights the improved quality afforded by consistent and rapid, automated lay‐up procedures.
A review of the alternating current field measurement inspection technique
Authors: Raine Alan , Lugg Martin
Published: July 2002

This paper describes the principles of the a.c. field measurement technique, a non‐contacting electromagnetic method of crack detection and sizing in metals. The development of the technique is covered, followed by examples of some of the many different applications the technique has been used for, including multi‐sensor arrays for rapid manual inspection or for deployment by robotic manipulator in hazardous environments. Finally, recent work on replacing the normal multi‐turn coil magnetic field sensors with newly available GMR sensors is discussed.
Assessing building façades using infra‐red thermography
Authors: Chew M.Y.L.
Published: July 2002

The applicability of infra‐red thermography for assessing building façades was studied. Results from the laboratory experiments highlight the importance of the environmental conditions on the accuracy of technique. The thermograms were found effective in showing the simulated anomalies in test samples.
Automatic adaptive mesh generation using metric advancing front approach
Authors: Lee C.K.
Published: July 2002

A new mesh generation procedure is suggested for the generation of 2D adaptive finite element meshes with strong element gradation and stretching effects. Metric tensors are employed to define and control the element characteristics during the mesh generation process. By using the metric tensor specification and a new, robust and refined advancing front triangulation kernel, triangles with nearly unit edge length with respect to the normalized space are generated. Highly graded and stretched elements can be generated without much difficulty and the operation complexity of the mesh generation process is exactly the same as the usual 2D advancing front mesh generator. A set of mesh quality enhancement procedures has also been suggested for the further improvement of the quality of the finite element meshes. A simple and effective mesh conversion scheme is used to convert the output triangular mesh to a pure quadrilateral mesh while all the essential element characteristics are preserved. Mesh generation examples show that high quality finite element meshes with element characteristics compatible with the specified metric tensors are generated within a reasonable time limit in a common small computing environment.
An assessment of foreign language training for English‐speaking exporters
Authors: Clarke W.M.
Published: July 2002

Reports on a study of Irish exporting companies aimed at discovering the extent to which they use foreign languages in conducting their export business and discusses the implications of its findings for export‐oriented foreign language training. Concludes that a high level of foreign language skill is not essential for success in exporting to non‐English‐speaking markets, but that some competence in the language of the foreign target market can be immensely valuable in gaining the confidence of prospective customers and in understanding their needs. Training aimed at improving the foreign language skills of exporters should also cover the culture and business practices of the foreign market, and the technical terms used in a particular industrial sector. However the real need is for competence at a relatively low level within exporting companies to enable junior staff to deal effectively with incoming messages. Language training should focus initially on developing reading and basic writing skills rather than seeking to achieve fluency in speaking the foreign language.
Magnetic permeance of doubly‐salient airgap geometry with finite slot depth and tapered teeth
Authors: Faiz Jawad , Finch John W.
Published: July 2002

Method of unaligned permeance determination for a doubly‐salient rectilinear airgap with infinite slot depth is used in order to cover a wider range of gap geometry. The results are arranged in a more convenient form than is available in the literature. A set of new correction factor curves for finite slot depth and taper are then obtained. These data can directly give the unaligned permeance of a rectilinear slotted geometry for given airgap proportions (t/λ and λ/g, where λ is the tooth pitch, t is the tooth width and g is the airgap length). A wide and useful range of airgap proportions are covered, the aim having been to encompass all geometries likely to be of practical importance.
Stress, health and leisure satisfaction: the case of teachers
Authors: Ho Janice T.S.
Published: July 2002

Suggests that although stress research has burgeoned in recent years, little attention has been paid to the relationship between leisure satisfaction, work stress and psychological wellbeing. Presents data from secondary school teachers in a major UK city. A validated teacher stress measure comprising role‐related, task‐based, and environmental stress was used to tap the nature and prevalence of teacher stress. Results showed that overall teacher stress arose from five main areas: role‐related issues (e.g. overload, conflict, ambiguity); general job satisfaction; life satisfaction; supervisory support; and student discipline problems. A positive association was found between the amount of work stress reported and poor psychological health as measured by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). While no strong relationship was found between leisure satisfaction and stress, overall leisure satisfaction was significantly correlated with life satisfaction. The findings provide evidence that relaxational leisure satisfaction could well be a moderator of occupational stress for some teachers.
Principal role in magnet schools: transformed or entrenched?
Authors: Hausman Charles S.
Published: July 2002

Although school choice programs are expected to alter the traditional roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders involved in the education of children, empirical evidence on differences between principals in schools of choice and traditional schools is scant. Relying primarily on the theoretical frameworks posited by Kerchner and Crow, this study compares self‐reported survey data from principals of magnet schools (i.e. schools of choice) to principals of nonmagnet schools (i.e. traditional neighborhood schools) to ascertain how the principal’s role may differ in choice environments. Despite the predictions of market theorists, collectively, the findings from this study suggest that magnet schools do little, if anything, to alter the role of the principal. Specifically, no significant differences were found in the extent to which the principals of these school types served as entrepreneurial leaders, middle managers, or instructional leaders. Potential explanations for the lack of differences in role are provided.
A hybrid finite element‐finite difference method for thermal analysis in X‐ray lithography
Authors: Dai W. , Nassar R.
Published: July 2002

X‐ray lithography is an important technique in micro fabrication used to obtain structures and devices with a high aspect ratio. The X‐ray exposure takes place in a system composed of a mask and a photoresist deposited on a substrate (with a gap between mask and resist). Predictions of the temperature distribution in three dimensions in the different layers (mask, gap, photoresist and substrate) and of the potential temperature rise are essential for determining the effect of high flux X‐ray exposure on distortions in the photoresist due to thermal expansion. In this study, we develop a three‐dimensional numerical method for obtaining the temperature profile in an X‐ray irradiation process by using a hybrid finite element‐finite difference scheme for solving three‐dimensional parabolic equations on thin layers. A domain decomposition algorithm is then obtained based on a parallel Gaussian elimination for solving block tridiagonal linear systems. The method is illustrated by a numerical method.
Ownership of electronic course materials in higher education
Authors: Burk Dan L.
Published: July 2002

The introduction of sophisticated information technology to higher education is now forcing faculty and administrators to reexamine the traditional allocations of ownership interests in course materials. This article has been prepared to alert educators and administrators in higher educational institutions to the issues surrounding ownership of electronic course materials. In particular, the article focuses on the allocation of copyright ownership in electronic course materials as between faculty and their sponsoring institutions. While copyright laws vary somewhat from country to country, basic ownership issues will be common to nearly all copyright regimes. Drawing on US copyright law as an example, the article briefly reviews relevant copyright basics, the work made for hire doctrine, and options for contractual allocations of copyright. The article concludes by laying out a series of criteria that should be considered in formulating an institution’s intellectual property policy.
Commercial Web sites: lost in cyberspace?
Authors: Thelwall Mike
Published: July 2002

How easy are business Web sites for potential customers to find? This paper reports on a survey of 60,087 Web sites from 42 of the major general and commercial domains around the world to extract statistics about their design and rate of search engine registration. Search engines are used by the majority of Web surfers to find information on the Web. However, 23 per cent of business Web sites in the survey were not registered at all in the five major search engines tested and 82 per cent were not registered in at least one, missing a sizeable potential audience. There are some simple steps that should also be taken to help a Web site to be indexed properly in search engines, primarily the use of HTML META tags for indexing, but only about a third of the site home pages in the survey used them. Wide national variations were found for both indexing and META tag inclusion.
A comparative chronology of money
Authors: Davies Glyn , Davies Roy
Published: July 2002

This is the second part of a detailed annotated chronology of significant events in the history of money in the context of social, economic, political and technological developments from the dawn of civilization until the closing years of the twentieth century. Part 2 covers events from the start of the industrial revolution onwards. This period saw major changes in the relative importance of coinage, paper money and bank money, as well as the beginnings of electronic money. These changes, and the financial effects of the Napoleonic and World Wars, the rise and decline of the British Empire, the emergence of the United States and Japan, decolonisation and Third World debt, and moves towards a single currency in Europe, are all covered.
Computational estimation of specific side chain interaction energies in α helices
Authors: Fisinger Samo , Serrano Luis , Lacroix Emmanuel
Published: July 2002

We have used a structure energy‐based computer program developed for protein design, Perla, to provide theoretical estimates of all specific side chain–side chain interaction energies occurring in α helices. The computed side chain–side chain interaction energies were used as substitutes for the corresponding values used by the helix/coil transition algorithm, AGADIR. Predictions of peptide helical contents were nearly as successful as those obtained with the originally calibrated set of parameters; a correlation to experimentally observed α‐helical populations of 0.91 proved that our theoretical estimates are reasonably correct for amino acid pairs that are frequent in our database of peptides. Furthermore, we have determined experimentally the previously uncharacterized interaction energies for Lys–Ile, Thr–Ile, and Phe–Ile amino acid pairs at i,i + 4 positions. The experimental values compare favorably with the computed theoretical estimates. Importantly, the computed values for Thr–Ile and Phe–Ile interactions are better than the energies based on chemical similarity, whereas for Lys–Ile they are similar. Thus, computational techniques can be used to provide precise energies for amino acid pairwise interactions, a fact that supports the development of structure energy–based computational tools for structure predictions and sequence design.
Structural similarity of the covalent complexes formed between the serpin plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 and the arginine‐specific proteinases trypsin, LMW u‐PA, HMW u‐PA, and t‐PA: Use of site‐specific fluorescent probes of local environment
Authors: Backovic Marija , Stratikos Efstratios , Lawrence Daniel A. , Gettins Peter G.W.
Published: July 2002

We have used two fluorescent probes, NBD and dansyl, attached site‐specifically to the serpin plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) to address the question of whether a common mechanism of proteinase translocation and full insertion of the reactive center loop is used by PAI‐1 when it forms covalent SDS‐stable complexes with four arginine‐specific proteinases, which differ markedly in size and domain composition. Single‐cysteine residues were incorporated at position 119 or 302 as sites for specific reporter labeling. These are positions ∼30 Å apart that allow discrimination between different types of complex structure. Fluorescent derivatives were prepared for each of these variants using both NBD and dansyl as reporters of local perturbations. Spectra of native and cleaved forms also allowed discrimination between direct proteinase‐induced changes and effects solely due to conformational change within the serpin. Covalent complexes of these derivatized PAI‐1 species were made with the proteinases trypsin, LMW u‐PA, HMW u‐PA, and t‐PA. Whereas only minor perturbations of either NBD and dansyl were found for almost all complexes when label was at position 119, major perturbations in both wavelength maximum (blue shifts) and quantum yield (both increases and decreases) were found for all complexes for both NBD and dansyl at position 302. This is consistent with all four complexes having similar location of the proteinase catalytic domain and hence with all four using the same mechanism of full‐loop insertion with consequent distortion of the proteinase wedged in at the bottom of the serpin.
Regulatory Capital of Financial Institutions: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Ball Clifford A. , Stoll Hans R.
Published: July 2002

This study analyzes regulatory capital requirements of banks, thrifts and securities firms. Regulatory capital has traditionally guarded against credit risk and has been set on an asset‐by‐asset basis. Regulators now recognize the need to guard against a wider range of risks and to measure risk in a portfolio context rather than on an asset‐by‐asset basis. However, the measurement of portfolio risk in the presence of a wide variety of financial instruments and the complexity of financial institutions requires a level of sophistication that regulators are unlikely to possess. Consequently, it is important to reassess the purpose of regulatory captial. Regulatory capital now guards against the failure of the entire financial institution, while regulatory responsibility extends only to the insurance fund that guarantees bank deposits or brokerage accounts. Narrowing the regulatory focus to protect only insured accounts would reduce the need to consider all the activities of a financial instituion as is now necessary in order to establish regulatory capital.
Non‐invasive magnetic resonance imaging assessment of myocardial changes and the effects of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition in diabetic rats
Authors: Al‐Shafei Ahmad I. M. , Wise R. G. , Gresham G. A. , Bronns G. , Carpenter T. A. , Hall L. D. , Huang Christopher L.‐H.
Published: July 2002

A non‐invasive cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique was developed to allow, for the first time, detection and characterization of chronic changes in myocardial tissue volume and the effects upon these of treatment by the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor captopril in streptozotocin (STZ)‐diabetic male Wistar rats. Animals that had been made diabetic at the ages of 7, 10 and 13 weeks and a captopril‐treated group of animals made diabetic at the age of 7 weeks were scanned. The findings were compared with the results from age‐matched controls. All animal groups (n = 4 animals in each) were consistently scanned at 16 weeks. Left and right ventricular myocardial volumes were reconstructed from complete data sets of left and right ventricular transverse sections which covered systole and most of diastole using twelve equally incremented time points through the cardiac cycle. The calculated volumes remained consistent through all twelve time points of the cardiac cycle in all five experimental groups and agreed with the corresponding post‐mortem determinations. These gave consistent myocardial densities whose values could additionally be corroborated by previous reports, confirming the validity of the quantitative MRI results and analysis. The myocardial volumes were conserved in animals whose diabetes was induced at 13 weeks but were significantly increased relative to body weight in animals made diabetic at 7 and 10 weeks. Captopril treatment, which was started immediately after induction of diabetes, prevented the development of this relative hypertrophy in both the left and right ventricles. We have thus introduced and validated quantitative MRI methods in a demonstration, for the first time, of chronic myocardial changes in both the right and left ventricles of STZ‐diabetic rats and their prevention by the ACE inhibitor captopril.
Experimental Characterization of Sliding Friction: Crossing From Deformation to Plowing Contact
Authors: Lovell M. R. , Deng Zhi , Khonsari M. M.
Published: July 2002

A pin-on-disk tribometer was used to investigate the influence of several parameters on the sliding friction coefficient between hard and deformable surfaces. Pin (1045 tool steel) and disk (aluminum 1100) were utilized to simulate the interaction of a harder tool sliding relative to a softer deformable workpiece. Friction coefficient results were obtained at 561 distinct operating conditions by varying the ball diameter (3.18, 6.35, and 12.70 mm), lubricant (oil B, oil A, and grease), sliding speed (0.1∼0.8 m/s) and normal load (50∼1200 g). Several relationships which characterize the behavior of the friction coefficient as a function of the shear factor, τk, are established. the importance of these relationships, as related to stamping and forming processes, is discussed. [S0742-4787(00)01703-3]