bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Algebraic and Absolute Luminance Differences on Achromatic Surface Grouping
Authors: Masin Sergio Cesare
Published: June 2003

The algebraic luminance difference corresponding to a uniform achromatic surface on a uniform achromatic background determines the dark or light quality and the extent of this quality in the achromatic colour of the surface, while the absolute value of this difference determines the amount of perceived contrast between the achromatic colours of the surface and of the background. The results of an experiment designed to test whether grouping of achromatic surfaces depends on one or on both of these differences are here reported. Grouping was found to depend prevailingly on algebraic luminance difference in some subjects, prevailingly on absolute luminance differences in other subjects, and on both of these differences with similar probabilities in still other subjects.
Comparing Solid-Body with Point-Light Animations
Authors: Hill Harold , Jinno Yuri , Johnston Alan
Published: June 2003

The movement of faces provides useful information for a variety of tasks and is now an active area of research. We compare here two ways of presenting face motion in experiments: as solid-body animations and as point-light displays. In the first experiment solid-body and point-light animations, based on the same motion-captured marker data, produced similar levels of performance on a sex-judgment task. The trend was for an advantage for the point-light displays, probably in part because of residual spatial cues available in such stimuli. In the second experiment we compared spatially normalised point-light displays of marker data with solid-body animations and pseudorandom point-light animations. Performance with solid-body animations and normalised point-light displays was similar and above chance, while performance with the pseudorandom point-light stimuli was not above chance. We conclude that both relatively few well-placed points and solid-body animations provide useful information about facial motion, but that a greater number of randomly placed points does not support above-chance performance. Solid-body animations have the methodological advantages of reducing the importance of marker placement and are more effective in isolating motion information, even if they are subsequently rendered as point-light displays.
Talk as Technique – A Critique of the Words and Deeds Distinction in the Diffusion of Customer Service Cultures in Call Centres
Authors: Sturdy Andrew , Fleming Peter
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACT This paper critically explores the common distinction made between words and deeds (or ideas and techniques) in the diffusion of management knowledge literature. The concern with whether management ideas arereallybeing implemented in an organizational context intuitively points to the possibility of a contrast between simply talking about a practice or ‘hype’ and practical implementation. Drawing on empirical research on the diffusion of customer service culture in two call centres where ‘verbal labour’ predominates, it is argued that this distinction is important, but overdrawn. Eschewing discursive reductionism, the concepts of ‘talk in work’ and ‘talk about work’ are developed to illustrate how talk can be a technique of implementation in its own right.
The Recontextualization of Management: A Discourse‐based Approach to Analysing the Development of Management Thinking*
Authors: Thomas Pete
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACT  Many analysts have sought to explain the development and growth of management ideas and discourse in recent years, using notions such as the diffusion and consumption of ideas, and analogies with the fashion industry. These frameworks have a number of weaknesses that inhibit their value. Conceptualizing management knowledge or ideas or thinking as a form of discourse leads us to alternative frameworks for examining developments in this field. Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) can be used to explore the social processes and structures from which discourse emanates and which discourse in turn underpins. Bernstein's concept of recontextualization can be employed to analyse the discursive relations between different social spheres or conjunctures within which human action takes place and how discourse is changed as it moves between conjunctures to meet the needs of different social agents. In this respect it can be used to analyse how management discourse unfolds as it is produced, distributed and acquired by agents within the academic, consultant and practitioner conjunctures. By doing so we can explore: the intertextual relations between the discourses; how the management discourse becomes technologized; and how hybrid forms of discourse, which mix genres and styles, emerge.
‘Control – What Control?’ Culture and Ambiguity Within a Knowledge Intensive Firm*
Authors: Robertson Maxine , Swan Jacky
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACT This paper explores the distinctive culture that existed within a knowledge‐intensive firm (KIF) and also attempts to explain the emergence and effects of this culture. The findings are based on a detailed case study that was conducted over two years within a consultancy firm that created and applied scientific knowledge and expertise to the invention of solutions for clients. The firm employed highly educated scientists, considered ‘leading’ in their respective disciplines and project work was inherently fluid, complex, and uncertain. These kinds of ‘knowledge workers’, and this kind of work, are expected to demand high levels of autonomy. This creates complex managerial dilemmas around how to balance autonomy with control and uncertainty and flexibility with efficiency. The analysis shows how a strong culture based on an acceptance of ambiguity (e.g. in roles, power relations, organizational routines and practices) promoted the development of a loyal, committed, effective workforce and sustained a fluid and flexible form of project working over time. Critically, ambiguity allowed individuals to sustain multiple identities as both ‘expert’ and ‘consultant’. This, coupled with a corporate identity premised on ‘élitism’, helped to maximize commitment to the work and minimize tensions between control and autonomy. Thus the culture that embraced ambiguity (a consensus that there would be no consensus) engendered a form of normative control whereby consultants operated freely and at the same time willingly participated in the regulation of their own autonomy.
Corporate Governance, Strategy and Survival in a Declining Industry: A Study of UK Cotton Textile Companies*
Authors: Filatotchev Igor , Toms Steve
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACT Building on the strategic flexibility perspective, this paper examines the influences of organizational diversity, ownership structure and board characteristics on strategic responses to industrial decline in firms from the UK textile industry. Using samples of exiting and surviving companies it shows that, in line with the predictions of the strategic flexibility framework, the surviving companies tended to have a higher level of organizational diversity. They also tended to have larger institutional ownership and more diverse boards. These factors are associated with higher investment, financial performance, and growth. The results are consistent with the resource and service roles of the corporate governance factors.
Strategic Groups, Frontier Benchmarking and Performance Differences: Evidence from the UK Retail Grocery Industry*
Authors: Athanassopoulos Antreas D.
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACT  In this paper we seek to advance the theory and practice of strategic group theory by means of powerful benchmarking tools that allow the composition of strategic groups on the basis of empirically derived production function frontiers. The relative performance of firms is assessed based on multiple inputs and outputs and as a result, firms are associated with different segments of the efficient frontiers. These segments constitute strategic facets and are used in the current paper as strategic group variables. The strategic facets are composed by outlier firms in the sense that they satisfy the Pareto dominance criterion when compared with other firms. Such advancement offers significant advantages compared to the ‘average’ firm that is used traditionally as a basis to define strategic groups. The proposed methodology for the formation of strategic groups has been applied on a panel of data from the grocery industry in the UK in the period 1987–93. The results of the study confirmed the existence of three stable strategic groups and one with a more volatile membership. Performance differences were also identifiled both between and within strategic groups using as criteria traditional accounting methods and also the relative efficiency indices obtained from the benchmarking methodology applied to the panel of data.
Strategy in the Public Sector: Management in the Wilderness
Authors: Llewellyn Sue , Tappin Emma
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACT  The central question addressed in this paper is ‘Why have organizational strategies emerged in the public sector?’ Two broad answers are suggested. First, ‘strategies’ profile the organization through identifying aims, outputs and outcomes. Public services must, now, provide such transparency in order to secure on‐going funding from government bodies. Once ‘strategies’ are being produced, they also offer an organizational vision that potential additional funding agencies can buy into (with both commitment and money). And public services are short of resources. Second, ‘strategies’ signal greater devolved responsibility in the public sector for both acquiring resources and achieving results. They enable the inclusion of managerial priorities and values in setting the direction of public services. And politicians desire more control over the professionals that dominate public services whilst, simultaneously, wanting to make them more responsible for outcomes. This article explores the growth of strategic planning in a particular area of the public sector – the national parks. Strategies as ‘dormant documents’ and strategies as ‘funding pitches’ are discussed. It is suggested that, in the public sector, strategies should be the object of strategy.
Understanding Labour Turnover in a Labour Intensive Industry: Evidence from the British Clothing Industry*
Authors: Taplin Ian M. , Winterton Jonathan , Winterton Ruth
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACT  The clothing industry is both a quintessential global industry and one that is inescapably labour intensive. Despite more and more production shifting to low wage economies in the past decades, there remains a significant amount of clothing manufacturing in high wage economies. This study examines the drivers of change that are forcing restructuring in one such country and the outcomes of such changes for the organization of production. Because the changes have involved treating workers as a resource to be developed rather than a cost, preventing labour turnover has become a crucial component of this strategic repositioning. In presenting the results of a national survey of UK clothing manufacturers we find that high labour turnover rates persist. We discuss the historical background to this phenomenon and current trends, and then explore the principal variables that might explain these trends. We conclude with a discussion of the outcomes facing firms in this industry and comment on why managers resist comprehensive changes in organizational routines and the effort bargain.
Seeing the Need for ISO 14001
Authors: Jiang Ruihua Joy , Bansal Pratima
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACT  Many firms worldwide have adopted environmental management systems, and some have taken the extra step and had their systems certified for the international standard ISO 14001. While institutional pressures and market demand often motivate firms to adopt an EMS, the reasons why they certify for ISO 14001 are less clear. In this study, we interviewed members of the Canadian pulp and paper industry who had either an EMS or ISO 14001 certification to understand why they may have become ISO 14001 certified. We found that task visibility and environmental impact opacity lead to differences in a firm's approach to ISO 14001 certification in the absence of coercive pressures.
The Theory of Differential Overqualification: Does it Work?
Authors: Büchel Felix , Battu Harminder
Published: June 2003

Abstract

The theory of differential overqualification, developed by Robert Frank (1978),claims that married women in smaller labour markets have a higher risk of workingin jobs for which they are overqualified. This stems from the problem of dual jobsearch for couples which is much more difficult to optimize than single job search.Here, for several reasons husbands tend to first optimize their individual job search.Their wives are `tied movers' or `tied stayers' in the sense that their job search isundertaken under the condition that the job search of their husbands is optimized.This leads especially in smaller labour markets to a higher risk of a mismatchbetween formal qualifications and job requirements. The only specific empiricaltest of this theory, until now, has been performed by McGoldrick and Robst (1996). Their results, using US data, do not support the theory. Using Germanpanel data (GSOEP), we also test the theory of differential overqualification.Unlike previous studies we control for commuting distances and our own resultsprovide some mixed support for the differential overqualification hypothesis.
Central Bankers and Central Bank Independence
Authors: Beblavy Miroslav
Published: June 2003

Abstract

This paper uses results of a questionnaire survey to look at how central bankers inthe Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia view various criteria of centralbank independence and compares their responses with central bankers in industrialcountries. Central bankers from both groups agree very strongly on the importanceof two pillars of central bank independence: goal independence and freedom toimplement these goals, together with a system of how credit is granted by a centralbank to a government that gives the central bank powers to determine terms andlimits the extent of such credit. Based on the responses, the paper also identifiessome weaknesses of the most frequently used indices of central bank independenceand makes recommendations on how to improve them.
Another Piece in the Feldstein — Horioka Puzzle
Authors: Abbott Andrew J. , Vita Glauco De
Published: June 2003

Abstract

Using UK quarterly data, we re‐examine the nature and degree of the relationshipbetween savings and investment by means of a newly developed bounds testingprocedure to cointegration within an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL)framework. Our finding of cointegration in all samples considered is consistent withthe view that the long‐run relationship between savings and investment is notexclusively dependent upon the level of financial integration. The evidence alsoindicates that this relationship weakens after the abolition of UK controls oncapital flows in 1979, suggesting that the Feldstein‐Horioka framework providesat least a partial measure of the degree of capital mobility.
Public Investment Rules and Endogenous Growth with Empirical Evidence From Canada
Authors: Kalyvitis Sarantis
Published: June 2003

Abstract

This paper examines theoretically and empirically the effects of public investmentrules on output growth in an economy with private and public capital. It is shownthat the decisions on public capital formation are closely associated with the growthrate of output and generate endogenous growth. A permanent change in the policyrule implies a new long‐run growth rate of output, but the economy will onlygradually approach the new steady‐state due to adjustment costs in private capitalaccumulation. The model predictions are tested using data from Canada for theperiod 1955‐1999. The data support the endogenous growth hypothesis and thetwo central assumptions of the model: (i) the growth rate of output follows closelythe rate of infrastructure formation and (ii) private capital formation also followsthe rate of infrastructure formation but adjusts with a delay.
Quantifying Central Hypotheses on Environmental Kuznets Curves for a Rich Economy: A Computable General Equilibrium Study
Authors: Bruvoll Annegrete , Fæhn Taran , Strøm Birger
Published: June 2003

We investigate whether the future relationships between several pollutants and per capita income in rich countries may assume the inverted U‐forms of Environmental Kuznets Curves (EKC). The emission‐augmenting effect of scaling up aggregate economic activity can be counteracted by greener composition of production and consumption, technological progress, and increased demand for environmental quality and policy. To quantify the importance of these central hypotheses, we use a CGE model with endogenous policy for Norway. Our results suggest significant future effects of all these three counteracting mechanisms. For most local and regional pollutants, they may be strong enough to prolong the falling emission trends. However, we cannot rely on reductions in emissions of climate gases and some transport‐related local pollutants. Our results also indicate that pollution leakages abroad are likely to take place.
Estimating Households’ Preferences for Environmental Amenities Using Equilibrium Models of Local Jurisdictions
Authors: Wu JunJie , Cho Seong‐Hoon
Published: June 2003

Much research has focused on the development of equilibrium models of local jurisdictions to analyze the formation of social structures and community characteristics. These models, however, have been subjected to little empirical testing. In a recent paper, Epple and Sieg (1999) developed a new method for estimating equilibrium models of local jurisdictions, but they did not include environmental amenities in their empirical application. In this paper, we extend and apply this new method to estimate households’ preferences for alternative environmental amenities in the Portland Oregon metropolitan area. We show that estimated structural parameters would be biased if environmental amenities are ignored. By including amenities into the structural models of local jurisdictions, households’ preferences for alternative environmental amenities and public goods are estimated. Parameter values underlying households’ residential choices are uncovered. Many of the empirical regularities observed in the data are replicated (JEL R1, R2, Q2).
Numerical Challenges for Resolving Spike Dynamics for Two One‐Dimensional Reaction‐Diffusion Systems
Authors: Sun Wentao , Tang Tao , Ward Michael J. , Wei Juncheng
Published: June 2003

Asymptotic and numerical methods are used to highlight different types of dynamical behaviors that occur for the motion of a localized spike‐type solution to the singularly perturbed Gierer–Meinhardt and Schnakenberg reaction‐diffusion models in a one‐dimensional spatial domain. Depending on the parameter range in these models, there can either be a slow evolution of a spike toward the midpoint of the domain, a sudden oscillatory instability triggered by a Hopf bifurcation leading to an intricate temporal oscillation in the height of the spike, or a pulse‐splitting instability leading to the creation of new spikes in the domain. Criteria for the onset of these oscillatory and pulse‐splitting instabilities are obtained through asymptotic and numerical techniques. A moving‐mesh numerical method is introduced to compute these different behaviors numerically, and results are compared with corresponding results computed using a method of lines based software package.
On Maxentropic Reconstruction of Countable Markov Chains and Matrix Scaling Problems
Authors: Preda Vasile , B˘lc˘u Costel
Published: June 2003

Using the Maximum Entropy Principle we consider maxentropic reconstruction of some countable Markov chains with given common steady‐state probabilities. The probability transition matrix is obtained from the knowledge of the expected values of some random variables. For this, we consider the problem as an entropy optimization problem with linear constraints, which we solve by the geometric programming method. In the same way, we derive a method for solving a matrix scaling problem, namely maxentropic reconstruction of some nonnegative matrix with fixed row‐column sums.
Evolution of Small Periodic Disturbances into Roll Waves in Channel Flow with Internal Dissipation*
Authors: Yu Jun , Yang Yi
Published: June 2003

This paper concerns the asymptotic behavior of small disturbances subject to periodic boundary conditions as they evolve in time to produce the quasi‐steady pattern of roll waves. The mathematical problem is rather interesting as solutions of the linearized equations are unstable. We use a combination of perturbation and Fourier series methods to derive evolution equations for asymptotic solution, which corresponds to a single mode initially. Due to the nonlinear wave and wave interactions higher modes are generated at higher order. We show that by including the interactions between the first and second modes, these evolution equations turn out to be a system of one first‐order real equation and two second‐order complex equations. We present asymptotic and numerical results to show that our theory predicts the solution accurately for both transient and quasi‐steady traveling wave phases.
should Transfers To Poor Families Be Conditional On School Attendance? A Household Bargaining Perspective*
Authors: Martinelli César , Parker Susan W.
Published: June 2003

This article considers the welfare implications of transfers to poor families that are conditional on school attendance and other forms of investment in children's human capital. Family decisions are assumed to be the result of (generalized) Nash bargaining between the two parents. We show that, as long as bequests are zero, conditional transfers are better for children than unconditional transfers. The mother's welfare may also be improved by conditional transfers. Thus, conditioning transfers to bequest‐constrained families have potentially desirable intergenerationalandintragenerational welfare effects. Conditioning transfers to unconstrained families make every family member worse off.
Collective Choice and Voluntary Provision of Public Goods*
Authors: Epple Dennis , Romano Richard
Published: June 2003

Some public goods are provided entirely with private contributions, others with a mixture of public and private funding, and still others are entirely publicly funded. In order to study this variation, a model of dual provision is developed that endogenizes public and private funding. Households vote over an income tax that finances public supply of the good and on whether to permit private contributions. While permitting private contributions may lead to a reduction in total provision, a majority always favors permitting private contributions. Results are developed for small and large economies, and the relevance of nonexcludability and noncongestion are investigated.
Firm‐Specific Learning and the Investment Behavior of Large and Small Firms*
Authors: Li Wenli , Weinberg John
Published: June 2003

We examine a model of size distribution and growth of firms where firms learn about idiosyncratic productivity parameters through their production experience. Aggregate shocks, by adding noise to learning at the firm level, can produce different responses across firms. In particular, young firms, which are smaller on average than older firms and more uncertain about their productivity, can “overreact” to aggregate shocks. Such differences across firm sizes and ages, which arise here in a model with perfect financial markets, are often attributed to financial frictions that hit small and large firms differently.
The Mercantilist Index of Trade Policy*
Authors: Anderson James E. , Neary J. Peter
Published: June 2003

We introduce an index of trade policy restrictiveness defined as the uniform tariff that maintains the same trade volume as a given tariff/quota structure. Our index overcomes the problems of the trade‐weighted average tariff: It avoids substitution bias, correctly accounts for general equilibrium transfers, and takes import volume instead of welfare as benchmark. Empirical applications to international cross section and time‐series comparisons of trade policy confirm our theoretical results: Trade‐weighted average tariffs generally underestimate the true height of tariffs as measured by the trade‐volume‐equivalent index; this in turn always underestimates the welfare‐equivalent index.
The Oecd Model Tax Treaty: Tax Competition And Two‐Way Capital Flows*
Authors: Davies Ronald B.
Published: June 2003

Model tax treaties do not require tax rate coordination, but do require that either credits or exemptions be applied to repatriated earnings. This contradicts recent models with a single capital exporter where deductions are most efficient. I incorporate the fact that capital flows are typically bilateral. With symmetric countries, credits by both is the unique and efficient treaty equilibrium. This equilibrium weakly dominates the nontreaty equilibrium. With asymmetric countries, the treaty need not offer improvements without tax harmonization. With harmonization, it is always possible to reach efficient capital allocations while increasing both countries' welfares only if neither uses deductions.
Do good workers hurt bad workers—or is it the other way around?*
Authors: Moen Espen R.
Published: June 2003

I study the effect of worker heterogeneities on wages and unemployment in a directed search model. A worker's productivity in a given firm depends both on his type and on a worker–firm specific component. Firms advertise unconditional wage offers only. The resulting equilibrium is inefficient, with a too high wage premium for high‐type workers, and too few high‐type jobs. This reduces the welfare of high‐type workers. My findings contrast with the findings in the literature on labor market segmentation, where it is argued that the existence of high‐type workers forces down wages and reduces welfare for low‐type workers.
An Analysis of the Market for Taxicab Rides in New York City*
Authors: Lagos Ricardo
Published: June 2003

In the last few years, the city of New York has increased taxicab fares and relaxed a 59‐year‐old cap on the number of licenses. This article uses a dynamic equilibrium model of meeting frictions to quantify the impact of these policies on medallion prices and on the process that rules the meetings between passengers and taxicabs in New York City.
On the Welfare Cost of Economic Fluctuations in Developing Countries*
Authors: Pallage Stéphane , Robe Michel A.
Published: June 2003

Macroeconomic fluctuations are much stronger in developing countries than in the United States. Yet, while a large literature debates the welfare cost of economic fluctuations in the United States, it remains an open question how large that cost is in developing countries. Using several models, we provide such a measure. We find that the welfare cost of consumption volatility per se is far from trivial and averages a substantial multiple of the corresponding U.S. estimate. Moreover, in many poor countries, the welfare gain from eliminating volatility may in fact exceed the welfare gain from an additional percentage point of growth forever.
Ring-opening Metathesis Polymerization of Norbornene in the Presence of Heteroatom-substituted Vinylic Compounds: Highly Selective Synthesis of End-functionalized Poly(norbornene)s
Authors: Katayama Hiroyuki , Urushima Hideto , Ozawa Fumiyuki
Published: June 2003

Heteroatom-substituted vinylic compounds including vinyl ether, acetate, sulfide, and pyrrolidinone have been found to serve as efficient chain-transfer agents for ring-opening metathesis polymerization of norbornene in the presence of vinylideneruthenium complexes as the catalyst precursors, leading to selective formation of poly(norbornene)s with end-functionalities.
Oxidation of Cyclopentene by H2O2 to Glutaraldehyde over the WO3/SiO2 Catalyst
Authors: Jin Ronghua , Xia Xin , Xue Di , Deng Jing-Fa
Published: June 2003

A novel WO3/SiO2 was designed for the catalytic oxidation of cyclopentene by H2O2 to glutaraldehyde. In comparison with those homogeneous catalysts, it seems more suitable for the industrial process owing to the high yield of glutaraldehyde and easy separation of the present catalyst from reaction products.
Novel Direct Preparation of n-Butyl 2-Amino-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranoside from Chitosan and n-Butanol Using Biocatalyst
Authors: Matsumura Shuichi , Yao Eiya , Sakiyama Kazuya , Toshima Kazunobu
Published: June 2003

n-Butyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranoside (C4GlcN) was prepared by the novel direct transglycosylation reaction of chitosan and n-butanol using the resting cells of Penicillium funiculosum KY616 as the enzyme source of exo-β-d-glucosaminidase. Using this strain, a versatile synthetic intermediate, C4GlcN, was prepared in a yield of 210 mg/g chitosan when chitosan and n-butanol were incubated at a temperature of 30 °C and pH 4 for 2 d.
Hydrogen-Treated Active Carbon Supported Palladium Catalysts for Wet Air Oxidation of Ammonia
Authors: Takayama Hideki , Jiang-Yan Qin , Inazu Koji , Aika Ken-ichi
Published: June 2003

Almost complete conversion of dilute aqueous ammonia (1.5 g-NH3 dm−3) to dinitrogen has been attained over a hydrogen-treated active carbon supported (3 wt%) Pd catalyst under a rather mild condition (2.0 MPa of air, 453 K). The hydrophobicity of the support surface is considered to be important to provide high activity and selectivity in Pd catalysis.
Temperature-Induced Precipitation of Specific DNA Fragments Using DNA-Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Conjugate
Authors: Umeno Daisuke , Maeda Mizuo
Published: June 2003

Soluble conjugates between double stranded DNA and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (polyNIPAAm) was synthesized and applied to the selective separation of DNA fragments: the target fragments were connected to the DNA-polyNIPAAm conjugate with the aid of T4 DNA ligase, followed by temperature-induced precipitation. Target DNA was collected from the resultant precipitate in high purity.
Facilitated Ion-Transfer of a Hydrophobic Tetraalkylammonium Ion in Nitrobenzene to Aqueous Phase by Humic Acid
Authors: Ichihashi Keiko , Ichimura Akio , Doe Hidekazu , Teranishi Kiyoshi
Published: June 2003

Ion transfer at an interface of organic nitrobenzene and aqueous phases was polarographically studied in the presence of humic acid using an ascending aqueous electrode. The transfer of hydrophobic tetraheptylammonium cation as a supporting electrolyte ion in nitrobenzene to the aqueous phase was greatly facilitated by the incorporation into the micelle-like humic acid aggregates formed around CMC of humic acid.
Flyash as Support for Ni Catalysts in Carbon Dioxide Reforming of Methane
Authors: Wang Shaobin , Lu GQ , Zhu HT
Published: June 2003

A series of Ni catalysts supported on flyash treated by various chemical methods was tested for carbon dioxide reforming of methane. Ni catalyst on the flyash treated with CaO (Ni/Ash-CaO) shows high conversion and stability, being close to those of the well-reported Ni/Al2O3 and Ni/SiO2 catalysts with conversions approaching thermodynamic equilibrium levels.
Artificial Biocatalyst Prepared by the Surface Molecular Imprinting Technique
Authors: Toorisaka Eiichi , Yoshida Masahiro , Uezu Kazuya , Goto Masahiro , Furusaki Shintaro
Published: June 2003

A novel artificial biocatalyst that catalyzes a hydrolysis reaction was prepared by a surface molecular imprinting technique. The properties of the artificial biocatalysts were investigated in the hydrolysis reaction of an amino acid derivative in a biphasic system. The enzyme-mimic biocatalyst showed a high activity and maintained high stability for a long time. We demonstrate that the surface molecular imprinting technique is effective for designing novel artificial enzyme materials.
Synthesis and Structure of NLO-active 8,8-Dicyano-3-(4′-N,N-dimethylamino)phenylheptafulvene
Authors: Otani Hiroyuki , Mizuguchi Jin
Published: June 2003

Some new 8,8-dicyanophenylheptafulvene derivatives have been synthesized, among which the title compound 1a is found to crystallize in the polar space group of P1 showing non-linear optical characteristics. Compound 1a is composed of a strong acceptor of the dicyanomethylene group and a strong donor of the dimethylamino group, both of which are combined with the π-conjugated phenylheptafulvene skeleton.
Regulation of Redox Properties of 6-Azaflavin by Hydrogen Bonding with a Receptor in Chloroform-Acetonitrile
Authors: Kajiki Takeshi , Moriya Hideki , Hoshino Kazuhiko , Kondo Shin-ichi , Yano Yumihiko
Published: June 2003

A melamine derivative bearing two guanidinium ions binds 6-azaflavin via hydrogen bonds at N(1), C(2)=O, N(3)–H, C(4)=O, N(5), and N(6) positions, and affects considerably the redox properties in CHCl3 containing 20% (v/v) CH3CN.
A New Chiral Molecular Square with D4 Symmetry Composed of Enantiomerically Pure Spirosilane
Authors: Yamaguchi Shigehiro , Ishii Hiroyuki , Tamao Kohei
Published: June 2003

A cyclic tetramer of optically active spirosilane 1 was prepared as a new chiral molecular square with D4 symmetry by the Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction, which shows a larger anisotropy factor gabs in the CD spectrum relative to a series of linear oligomers of 1.
Novel Dihydridoruthenium(II) Complexes with Chelating Diphosphine Ligands, RuH2(CO)(diphosphine)(PPh3) (diphosphine = dppe, dppp, dppb, and dppf)
Authors: Kawano Hiroyuki , Tanaka Rie , Fujikawa Tomoko , Hiraki Katsuma , Onishi Masayoshi
Published: June 2003

Ligand exchange of [RuH2(CO)(PPh3)3] with some diphosphine ligands affords a series of [RuH2(CO)(diphosphine)(PPh3)] (diphosphine = dppe, dppp, dppb, and dppf). The X-ray structure analysis of [RuH2(CO)(dppp)(PPh3)] reveals its distorted octahedral structure. The diphosphine ligand complexes react with styrene to generate ruthenium(0) species, which successively proceed with the intramolecular C-H addition to give the cyclometallated aryl(hydrido)ruthenium(II) species.
Preparation of Molybdenum Porphyrin Dioxygen Complexes without Bulky Substituents
Authors: Fujihara Tetsuaki , Sasaki Yoichi , Imamura Taira
Published: June 2003

Molybdenum porphyrin dioxygen complexes without bulky substituents, MoVIO(ttp)(O2) 1 and MoVIO(tpp)(O2) 2 were successfully prepared by the direct dioxygenation of corresponding oxomolybdenum(IV) porphyrin complexes in the solid state.
Synthesis of (+)-(R)-1-Amino-2,2-difluorocyclopropane-1-carboxylic Acid through Lipase-Catalyzed Asymmetric Acetylation
Authors: Kirihara Masayuki , Takuwa Tomofumi , Kawasaki Masashi , Kakuda Hiroko , Hirokami Shun-ichi , Takahata Hiroki
Published: June 2003

(+)-(R)-1-Amino-2,2-difluorocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid was synthesized via the lipase-catalyzed asymmetric acetylation of a pro-chiral diol as the key step.
Synthesis of Niobium- and Tantalum-Containing Silicalite-1
Authors: Hartmann Martin
Published: June 2003

Silicalite-1 containing niobium and tantalum anchored to the zeolite framework is obtained by hydrothermal crystallization and characterized by 29Si-MAS NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
Catalytic Decomposition of CF4 over AlPO4-Based Catalysts
Authors: Takita Yusaku , Morita Chiharu , Ninomiya Maiko , Wakamatsu Hironori , Nishiguchi Hiroyasu , Ishihara Tatsumi
Published: June 2003

The most stable perfluorocarbon, CF4, was decomposed to CO2 at above 550 °C in the presence of water vapor over AlPO4 in which 10 atomic % of Al ions are substituted by Ce. Catalytic activity slightly decreased within first 50 h and then took a stationary state for succeeding 50 h. No changes in the structure of catalyst were observed after 100 h reaction. Mg pyrophosphate and phosphates of Ca, B, Fe, Zn, Bi, and Ni were not active up to 700 °C. The addition of Ce, La, Pr, Nd, Gd, Yb, Er, or Y into AlPO4 increased the catalytic activity.
Mechanical Properties of Poly(acrylamide-sodium acrylate) Hydrogels Synthesized under Direct Current Electric Fields with High Voltages
Authors: Shan Jun , Chen Jie , Shen Xu , Chen Ronghua
Published: June 2003

The poly(acrylamide-sodium acrylate) hydrogels were synthesized by free polymerization under externally imposed electric fields. The mechanical properties of hydrogel were measured by tensile test. The results indicate that the Young’s modulus of hydrogel is increased with electric field strength. It is shown that the polymerization of polar monomer molecules with ordered arrangement in the direction of electric field results in the formation of orientated network structure hydrogel.
Preparation of New Robust Organic Gels by in situ Cross-link of a Bis(diacetylene) Gelator
Authors: Inoue Kazuhiko , Ono Yoshiyuki , Kanekiyo Yasumasa , Hanabusa Kenji , Shinkai Seiji
Published: June 2003

Polymerizable gelator 1 which has two diacetylene groups as well as two amide groups showed an excellent gelation ability for many organic solvents. Photoirradiation readily induced polymerization in the gel phase but the polymerization results were dependent upon the gelation solvent. It was shown that the three-dimensional cross-link of these organic gels resulted in new robust gels, retaining their gel fiber super-structure.
One-Step Syntheses of Polyhalogenometal Complexes by Direct Dissolution of the Metals in Halogen-Halide-Acetonitrile Systems
Authors: Nakao Yukimichi
Published: June 2003

Polyhalogeno complexes of FeII, FeIII, NiII, CuI, CuII, ZnII, PdII, PdIV, AgI, SnII, SnIV, AuI, and AuIII are synthesized in one step by dissolving the corresponding metals in halogen-halide-acetonitrile systems.
Selective Isomerization of 2-Allylphenol to (Z)-2-Propenylphenol Catalyzed by Ru(cod)(cot)/PEt3
Authors: Sato Takehiro , Komine Nobuyuki , Hirano Masafumi , Komiya Sanshiro
Published: June 2003

Ru(cod)(cot) (cod = cycloocta-1,5-diene, cot = cycloocta-1,3,5-triene) catalyzes selective isomerization of 2-allylphenol to (Z)-2-propenylphenol in the presence of triethylphosphine with high yield (94%) and (Z)-selectivity (97%).
Intramolecular Energy Transfer of [60]Fullerene-linked Oligothiophenes
Authors: Yamashiro Takashi , Aso Yoshio , Otsubo Tetsuo , Tang Heqing , Harima Yutaka , Yamashita Kazuo
Published: June 2003

[60]Fullerene-linked quarter-, octi-, and duodeci-thiophenes have been synthesized, and their emission spectra demonstrate efficient intramolecular energy transfer from the thiophene moiety to the fullerene, whose rate constant largely depends on the chain length of the oligothiophene moiety.
Preparation and Characterization of a Zirconia Oxygen Sensor with an Internal Reference for Low-Temperature Operation
Authors: Kaneko Hiroyuki , Sato Hiroaki , Taimatsu Hitoshi
Published: June 2003

A miniature zirconia oxygen sensor with a Ag-based electrode as a measuring electrode and with a Cu/Cu2O or Pd/PdO electrode as an internal reference electrode is workable at low temperatures even near 550 K in a wide range of oxygen pressures.
Mechanism of Photosensitized Chemiluminescence of 2-Methyl-6-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyrazin-3(7H)-one (CLA) in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Yasuta Norihiko , Takenaka Nobuo , Takemura Takeshi
Published: June 2003

The photosensitized chemiluminescence (CL) of 2-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyrazin-3(7H)-one (CLA) in aqueous solution of Rose Bengal near pH 7 has been investigated. Three time profiles (fast decay, fast rise–and–decay, and very slow decay components) of CL were observed at 380 nm. The former two terms were due to the Type II and Type I reactions, respectively. The intermediates of the each reactions were apparently different.
Chain Compound of Mixed-Valent Ruthenium Dimers Linked by Hydrogen-Bonding between the Axially Coordinated Nitronyl Nitroxide and Water Molecules
Authors: Sayama Yasuyoshi , Handa Makoto , Mikuriya Masahiro , Hiromitsu Ichiro , Kasuga Kuninobu
Published: June 2003

An adduct of ruthenium(II,III) dimer with nitronyl nitroxide, [{Ru2(O2CCMe3)4(nitme)2}{Ru2(O2CCMe3)4(H2O)2}]n(BF4)2n (nitme = 2,4,4,5,5-pentamethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazolyl-1-oxyl 3-oxide), which has a chain structure formed by hydrogen bonds between the axial nitme and water molecules, has been prepared and characterized by the X-ray crystallography, magnetic susceptibility, and EPR measurements.
Rapid, Highly Linear-Selective Dehydrocoupling of Phenylsilane with New Group 4 Metallocene-Based Combination Catalysts
Authors: Woo Hee-Gweon , Song Sun-Jung
Published: June 2003

The dehydrocoupling of phenylsilane with Cp′2MCl2/Red-Al (Cp′ = C5H5 or C5Me5; M = Ti, Zr, Hf; Red-Al = Na[H2Al(OCH2CH2OMe)2]) cormbination catalysts rapidly produces linear polyphenylsilanes, and the linear selectivity drastically decreases in the order of Cp(C5Me5)Hf > Cp2Hf > Cp(C5Me5)Zr > Cp2Zr > Cp2Ti; in the presence of solvent (neat > toluene > THF) and 4 Å molecular sieve; with heating.
A Unique Chelating Effect of Sc(OTf)3 to Organofluorine Compounds
Authors: Kajiro Hiroshi , Mori Atsunori , Nishihara Yasushi , Hiyama Tamejiro
Published: June 2003

The scandium trifluoromethanesulfonate-catalyzed cleavage of acetate bearing two or three fluorine atoms at a position β to an acetoxy group proceeds exceptionally rapidly. The high efficiency of the hydrolysis is caused by a chelating effect of scandium with the fluorine atoms and an acetate moiety.
Determination of the Absolute Configurations of Norte’s Obtusenynes by Total Syntheses of (12R,13R)-(−)- and (12S,13R)-(+)-Obtusenynes
Authors: Awakura Daisuke , Fujiwara Kenshu , Murai Akio
Published: June 2003

The total syntheses of (12R,13R)-(−)-obtusenynes and (12S,13R)-(+)-obtusenynes were achieved. The absolute configurations of the obtusenynes isolated by Norte from Laurencia pinnatifida were clarified as the former.
Electronic Factors in the C-Glycosidation with Silylacetylene
Authors: Isobe Minoru , Saeeng Rungnapha , Nishizawa Rena , Konobe Masato , Nishikawa Toshio
Published: June 2003

Two kinds of electronic factors have been clarified to control the reactivity in alkynylation of glycals with silylacetylenes. One is that the reactivity of nucleophile silylpropargyl alcohol derivative largely depends on the protecting group. The second factor is found in the similar electrophiles as oxocarbenium intermediates that were generated from glucals or galactals. Diminished reactivity was found with the 4-axial substituents such as acetoxy or methoxy group.
Efficient Photooxygenation of Olefins by a C60 Derivative Bearing an Organofluorine Tail
Authors: Nagashima Hideo , Hosoda Koji , Abe Tomoaki , Iwamatsu Shoichi , Sonoda Takaaki
Published: June 2003

A C60 derivative bearing an organofluorine tail through the dimethylsilyl moiety (1) was proved to be an efficient photosensitizer in C6F6. Photooxygenation of olefins or dienes was accomplished by catalysis of 1 (0.5–1.5 mol%) at room temperature under an oxygen atmosphere.
A Kinetic Assay for Cytochrome b5 Based on Electron Transfer to Cytochrome c
Authors: Tani Hirofumi , Akasaka Toshifumi , Kamidate Tamio
Published: June 2003

Cytochrome b5-mediated electron-transfer reaction from NADH to cytochrome c was exploited for the determination of cytochrome b5. A linear relationship between cytochrome b5 concentration and the reducing rate of cytochrome c was obtained in the range of 15-700 pM.
The First Evidence for the Acceleration of Dissolution Process of Oxygen into Water by a Homogeneous Magnetic Field
Authors: Kishioka Shin-ya , Aogaki Ryoichi
Published: June 2003

Homogeneous magnetic field effect on dissolved oxygen from atmosphere was investigated by electrochemical measurement. Under a homogeneous magnetic field, amounts of dissolved oxygen during initial 10 min increased linearly with a magnetic flux density up to 1.0 T and over 1.0 T it showed almost constant value.
Green-Blue Photoluminescence from a Novel Silicon-Containing Alternating Copolymer
Authors: Chen Zhi-Kuan , Lai Yee-Hing , Chan Hardy Sze-On , Ng Siu-Choon , Huang Wei
Published: June 2003

A novel silicon-containing copolymer with an alternating structure, poly[(5-decyldimethylsilyl-1,3-phenylenevinylene)-alt-(2,5-didodecyloxy-1,4-phenylenevinylene)], is synthesized through the Wittig reaction. The polymer is a promising green-blue emissive material for light-emitting device application due to its good solubility, high thermal stability, and intense photoluminescence.
The Solvothermal Synthesis for Nanocrystalline FeIn2S4 at Low Temperature
Authors: Lu Qingyi , Hu Junqing , Tang Kaibin , Qian Yitai , Zhou Guien , Liu Xianming
Published: June 2003

5 nm thiospinel FeIn2S4 nanocrystallines were prepared through a solvothermal process at 280 °C. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveal that the product was nanocrystalline FeIn2S4, with cubic cell, and uniform spherical particle morphology. The factors to the formation of uniform FeIn2S4 nanocrystallines with a narrow size distribution were discussed also.
A Rapid and Cheap Synthesis of Cephalosporins
Authors: Kidwai Mazaahir , Bhushan Kumar Ranjan , Misra Preeti
Published: June 2003

A fast, cheap and pollution free microwave assisted method for the synthesis of cephalosporin and its comparison with conventional method in terms of yield and reaction time were described.
One-Pot Synthesis of 2,3-Disubstituted Naphtho[2,3-b]thiophene-4,9-diones from a 2-Sulfenyl-1,4-naphthoquinone and Enamines
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Furuta Yoshihisa , Matsuoka Hideki , Uchida Masaharu , Morikawa Osamu , Konishi Hisatoshi
Published: June 2003

The title naphthothiophenequinone derivatives were generally synthesized in one-pot using a tandem conjugate addition–cyclization sequence between 2-[2-(ethoxycarbonyl)ethyl]thio-1,4-naphthoquinone and enamines, derived from cyclic and acyclic ketones.
Large Flexibility of Dihydrofolate Reductase as Revealed by Temperature Effects on the Volume and Compressibility
Authors: Kamiyama Tadashi , Ohmae Eiji , Gekko Kunihiko
Published: June 2003

The partial specific volume and adiabatic compressibility of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) from Escherichia coli remarkably increased as temperature was higher, corresponding to the conformational changes as revealed by spectroscopic measurements. These results demonstrate that this protein has a highly flexible structure at the native state whose tertiary structure or hydrophobic core is easily expanded with temperature to produce the internal cavities.
Synthetic Study of C-1027 Chromophore: Enantioselective Synthesis of β-Tyrosine Moiety and Effective Aryl Ether Formation
Authors: Sato Itaru , Kikuchi Tsukasa , Hirama Masahiro
Published: June 2003

The β-tyrosine moiety of C-1027 chromophore (1) was enantioselectively synthesized and efficiently coupled with propargylic epoxide (2) using CsF.
Synthesis of a Novel Bismesoionic Phenylsydnonyl-Münchnone System as an in-situ Intermediate Intended for the Preparation of Phenylsydnonyl-Heterocycles
Authors: Lo Chok Wah , Chan Wing Lai , Szeto Yau Shan , Yip Chiu Wing
Published: June 2003

The title bismesoionic system was generated in-situ by the treatment of N-(3-phenylsydnonyl-4-carbonyl)-N-substituted amino acid with acid anhydride. The sydnonyl münchnone reacted with DMAD and gave phenylsydnonyl-pyrrole.
7,7,8,8-Tetra(2-thienyl)-p-quinodimethanes. New Electron-Donating p-Quinodimethanes
Authors: Kurata Hiroyuki , Inase Maki , Oda Masaji
Published: June 2003

Tetra(2-thienyl)-p-quinodimethanes, a new family of electron-rich p-quinodimethane, show good amphoteric redox properties: in particular, the tetrakis(methylthio) derivative is an excellent electron-donor to form charge transfer complexes of good electrical conductivity.
Structures of Four Types of Novel High-Valent Manganese Complexes Obtained by the Reactions of KMnO4 with Tridentate Schiff Base Ligands
Authors: Asada Hideyuki , Ozeki Minoru , Fujiwara Manabu , Matsushita Takayuki
Published: June 2003

Four types of novel manganese complexes, MnIV (N-EtO-sal)2, MnIII(N-PhO-sal)(L), [MnIV(5,6-Benzo-L)2 (μ-O)2]2, and MnIII(L-4-Me)3 have been found to be obtained by the reactions of KMnO4 with tridentate Schiff base ligands (N-EtOH-salH, N-PhOH-salH and their derivatives) in dry MeCN, where N-EtOH-salH, N-PhOH-salH, LH, 5,6-Benzo-LH, and L-4-MeH denote N-2-hydroxyethyl-salicylideneamine, N-2-hydroxyphenyl-salicylideneamine, 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-benzoxazole, 2-(2-hydroxynaphthyl)-benzoxazole, and 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-methylbenzoxazole, respectively.