bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Nitric Oxide in Saline‐Induced Natriuresis and Diuresis in Rats
Authors: Noonan William T. , Banks Robert O.
Published: November 2003

This study was designed to determine to what extent nitric oxide (NO) mediates the natriuretic and diuretic responses to acute isotonic saline (0.9 gram % NaCl) volume expansion (SVE, 0.5 ml min−1 kg−1). Studies were performed on 49 pentobarbital anesthetized (65 mg/kg) female Sprague‐Dawley rats with or without a NO synthase inhibitor, Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine (LNA). Group 1 received saline at 27 μl/min for 1 hr (baseline) and then SVE for 1 hr; Groups 2–4 received LNA at 10, 150, and 200 μg kg−1 min−1, respectively, for 1 hr followed by LNA + SVE. To determine to what extent inhibition of NOS would reverse an ongoing SVE‐induced natriuresis and diuresis, Group 5 was saline‐volume‐expanded for hours 1 and 2 whereas Group 6 was administered SVE during the first hour and then SVE + 150 μg kg −1 min−1 LNA during the second hour. SVE caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of Group 1 and the LNA‐treated rats (Groups 2–4). This SVE‐induced increase in the GFR occurred despite the fact that baseline GFR was significantly lower in the two groups of rats that were infused with the highest doses of LNA (Groups 3–4). SVE was also associated with similar increases in urine flow rate, sodium and potassium excretion, and total osmolar excretion in Groups 1–4. On the other hand, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was significantly higher in Group 2 during SVE + LNA and during the baseline as well as during the SVE periods in Groups 3–4; MAP was also significantly elevated in Group 6 during SVE + LNA. Thus, despite the fact that MAP was higher in LNA‐treated rats, sodium and urine flow rates were the same as in Group 1 (i.e., there was no evidence of a pressure natriuresis or diuresis in these animals). Along these lines, there was a small but significant positive linear correlation coefficient (r = 0.41, P = 0.05) between sodium excretion values and corresponding MAP values in SVE control rats but not in Groups 3–4 during SVE (r = 0.28, P = 0.26). The current data demonstrate that 1) NO does not mediate SVE‐induced hyperfiltration in the rat, 2) NO also does not mediate SVE‐induced natriuresis or diuresis, and 3), consistent with other reports, NO appears to mediate pressure natriuresis and diuresis.
Reversal of Propranolol Blockade of Adrenergic Receptors and Related Toxicity with Drugs that Increase Cyclic AMP
Authors: Whitehurst V. E. , Vick J. A. , Alleva F. R. , Zhang J. , Joseph X. , Balazs T.
Published: November 2003

An overdose of propranolol, a widely used nonselective β‐adrenergic receptor blocking agent, can result in hypotension and bradycardia leading to irreversible shock and death. In addition, the blockade of adrenergic receptors can lead to alterations in neurotransmitter receptors resulting in the interruption of the activity of other second messengers and the ultimate cellular responses. In the present experiment, three agents, aminophylline, amrinone, and forskolin were tested in an attempt to reverse the potential lethal effects of a propranolol overdose in dogs. Twenty‐two anesthetized beagle dogs were given a 10‐min infusion of propranolol at a dose of 1 mg/kg/min. Six of the dogs, treated only with intravenous saline, served as controls. Within 15–30 min all six control dogs exhibited profound hypotension and severe bradycardia that led to cardiogenic shock and death. Seven dogs were treated with intravenous aminophylline 20 mg/kg 5 min after the end of the propranolol infusion. Within 10–15 min heart rate and systemic arterial blood pressure returned to near control levels, and all seven dogs survived. Intravenous amrinone (2–3 mg/kg) given to five dogs, and forskolin (1–2 mg/kg) given to four dogs, also increased heart rate and systemic arterial blood pressure but the recovery of these parameters was appreciably slower than that seen with aminophylline. All of these animals also survived with no apparent adverse effects. Histopathologic evaluation of the hearts of the dogs treated with aminophylline showed less damage (vacuolization, inflammation, hemorrhage) than the hearts from animals given propranolol alone. Results of this study showed that these three drugs, all of which increase cyclic AMP, are capable of reversing the otherwise lethal effects of a propranolol overdose in dogs.
5‐Hydroxytryptamine Evokes Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Activation in Bovine Aortic Endothelial Cell Cultures
Authors: Mcduffie J. Eric , Coaxum Sonya D. , Maleque Mohammed A.
Published: November 2003

Activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) results in the production of nitric oxide (NO) that mediates the vasorelaxing properties of endothelial cells. The goal of this project was to address the possibility that 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) stimulates eNOS activity in bovine aortic endothelial cell (BAEC) cultures. Here, we tested the hypothesis that 5‐HT receptors mediate eNOS activation by measuring agonist‐stimulated [3H]L‐citrulline ([3H]L‐Cit) formation in BAEC cultures. We found that 5‐HT stimulated the conversion of [3H]L‐arginine ([3H]L‐Arg) to [3H]L‐Cit, indicating eNOS activation. The high affinity 5‐HT1B receptor agonist, 5‐nonyloxytryptamine (5‐NOT)‐stimulated [3H]L‐Cit turnover responses were concentration‐(0.01 nM to 100 μM) and time‐dependent. Maximal responses were observed within 10 min following agonist exposures. These responses were effectively blocked by the 5‐HT1B receptor antagonist, isamoltane, the 5‐HT1B/5‐HT2 receptor antagonist, methiothepin, and the eNOS selective antagonists (0.01–10 μM): L‐Nω ‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine (L‐NMMA) and L‐N ω‐iminoethyl‐L‐ornithine (L‐NIO). Pretreatment of BAEC cultures with pertussis toxin (PTX; 1–100 ng/ml) for 16 hr resulted in significant inhibition of the agonist‐stimulated eNOS activity, indicating the involvement of Gi proteins. These findings lend evidence of a 5‐HT1B receptor/eNOS pathway, accounting in part for the activation of eNOS by 5‐HT. Further investigation is needed to determine the role of other vascular 5‐HT receptors in the stimulation of eNOS activity.
Community Networking and Locally‐Based Social Ties in Two Suburban Localities
Authors: Mesch Gustavo S. , Levanon Yael
Published: November 2003

Concerns have been expressed that Internet use may affect social participation and involvement in the local community. Internet use can be viewed as a time‐consuming activity, and it may come at the expense of face‐to‐face activities. The time people devote to using the Internet might replace time spent on neighborly relations and community involvement. However, the use of computer‐mediated communication in geographically‐based communities might also increase face‐to‐face communication and even solve some of the problems associated with decreasing participation and involvement in the local community. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between membership in a geographically‐based mailing list and locally‐based social ties. A web‐based survey of subscribers to two suburban mailing lists in Israel was conducted to investigate the relationship between membership in a mailing list and neighborhood social ties, social ties in the extended community, and the movement from online to face‐to‐face relationships. It was found that although membership on the mailing list did not affect the extent of neighborhood interactions, it increased the number of individuals a participant knew in the community. Online relationships with members of the local community proved likely to change into face‐to‐face relationships. The results imply that community networking increases social involvement and participation not in the immediate neighborhood but in the extended community and serves to complement traditional channels of communication.
Age-dependent Requirement for γδ T Cells in the Primary but Not Secondary Protective Immune Response against an Intestinal Parasite
Authors: Ramsburg Elizabeth , Tigelaar Robert , Craft Joe , Hayday Adrian
Published: November 2003

Between weaning (3 wk of age) and adulthood (7 wk of age), mice develop increased resistance to infection with Eimeria vermiformis, an abundant intestinal parasite that causes coccidiosis. This development of resistance was perturbed in T cell receptor (TCR)δ−/− mice, which at 4 wk of age remained largely susceptible to infection and prone to infection-associated dehydration. These phenotypes were rescued by the repopulation of γδ cells after adoptive transfer of lymphoid progenitors into newborn recipients. Because αβ T cells are necessary and sufficient for the protection of adult mice against E. vermiformis, the requirement for γδ cells in young mice shows a qualitative difference between the cellular immune responses operating at different ages. An important contribution toward primary immune protection in young hosts may have provided a strong selective pressure for the evolutionary conservation of γδ cells. This notwithstanding, the development of effective, pathogen-specific immunity in young mice requires αβ T cells, just as it does in adult mice.
Lymphocyte–HEV Interactions in Lymph Nodes of a Sulfotransferase-deficient Mouse
Authors: van Zante Annemieke , Gauguet Jean-Marc , Bistrup Annette , Tsay Durwin , von Andrian Ulrich H. , Rosen Steven D.
Published: November 2003

The interaction of L-selectin expressed on lymphocytes with sulfated sialomucin ligands such as CD34 and GlyCAM-1 on high endothelial venules (HEV) of lymph nodes results in lymphocyte rolling and is essential for lymphocyte recruitment. HEC-GlcNAc6ST–deficient mice lack an HEV-restricted sulfotransferase with selectivity for the C-6 position of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc). HEC-GlcNAc6ST−/− animals exhibit faster lymphocyte rolling and reduced lymphocyte sticking in HEV, accounting for the diminished lymphocyte homing. Isolated CD34 and GlyCAM-1 from HEC-GlcNAc6ST−/− animals incorporate ∼70% less sulfate than ligands from wild-type animals. Furthermore, these ligands exhibit a comparable reduction of the epitope recognized by MECA79, a function-blocking antibody that reacts with L-selectin ligands in a GlcNAc-6-sulfate–dependent manner. Whereas MECA79 dramatically inhibits lymphocyte rolling and homing to lymph nodes in wild-type mice, it has no effect on HEC-GlcNAc6ST−/− mice. In contrast, in vitro rolling on purified GlyCAM-1 from HEC-GlcNAc6ST−/− mice, although greatly diminished compared with that on the wild-type ligand, is inhibited by MECA79. Our results demonstrate that HEC-GlcNAc6ST contributes predominantly, but not exclusively, to the sulfation of HEV ligands for L-selectin and that alternative, non-MECA79–reactive ligands are present in the absence of HEC-GlcNAc6ST.
A Novel Endothelial L-Selectin Ligand Activity in Lymph Node Medulla That Is Regulated by α(1,3)-Fucosyltransferase-IV
Authors: M'Rini Christine , Cheng Guiying , Schweitzer Colleen , Cavanagh Lois L. , Palframan Roger T. , Mempel Thorsten R. , Warnock Richard A. , Lowe John B. , Quackenbush Elizabeth J. , von Andrian Ulrich H.
Published: November 2003

Lymphocytes home to peripheral lymph nodes (PLNs) via high endothelial venules (HEVs) in the subcortex and incrementally larger collecting venules in the medulla. HEVs express ligands for L-selectin, which mediates lymphocyte rolling. L-selectin counterreceptors in HEVs are recognized by mAb MECA-79, a surrogate marker for molecularly heterogeneous glycans termed peripheral node addressin. By contrast, we find that medullary venules express L-selectin ligands not recognized by MECA-79. Both L-selectin ligands must be fucosylated by α(1,3)-fucosyltransferase (FucT)-IV or FucT-VII as rolling is absent in FucT-IV+VII−/− mice. Intravital microscopy experiments revealed that MECA-79–reactive ligands depend primarily on FucT-VII, whereas MECA-79–independent medullary L-selectin ligands are regulated by FucT-IV. Expression levels of both enzymes paralleled these anatomical distinctions. The relative mRNA level of FucT-IV was higher in medullary venules than in HEVs, whereas FucT-VII was most prominent in HEVs and weak in medullary venules. Thus, two distinct L-selectin ligands are segmentally confined to contiguous microvascular domains in PLNs. Although MECA-79–reactive species predominate in HEVs, medullary venules express another ligand that is spatially, antigenically, and biosynthetically unique. Physiologic relevance for this novel activity in medullary microvessels is suggested by the finding that L-selectin–dependent T cell homing to PLNs was partly insensitive to MECA-79 inhibition.
Regulation of the Chemokine Receptor CXCR4 by Hypoxia
Authors: Schioppa Tiziana , Uranchimeg Badarch , Saccani Alessandra , Biswas Subhra K. , Doni Andrea , Rapisarda Annamaria , Bernasconi Sergio , Saccani Simona , Nebuloni Manuela , Vago Luca , Mantovani Alberto , Melillo Giovanni , Sica Antonio
Published: November 2003

Cell adaptation to hypoxia (Hyp) requires activation of transcriptional programs that coordinate expression of genes involved in oxygen delivery (via angiogenesis) and metabolic adaptation (via glycolysis). Here, we describe that oxygen availability is a determinant parameter in the setting of chemotactic responsiveness to stromal-derived factor 1 (CXCL12). Low oxygen concentration induces high expression of the CXCL12 receptor, CXC receptor 4 (CXCR4), in different cell types (monocytes, monocyte-derived macrophages, tumor-associated macrophages, endothelial cells, and cancer cells), which is paralleled by increased chemotactic responsiveness to its specific ligand. CXCR4 induction by Hyp is dependent on both activation of the Hyp-inducible factor 1 α and transcript stabilization. In a relay multistep navigation process, the Hyp–Hyp-inducible factor 1 α–CXCR4 pathway may regulate trafficking in and out of hypoxic tissue microenvironments.
The Cellular Location of Self-antigen Determines the Positive and Negative Selection of Autoreactive B Cells
Authors: Ferry Helen , Jones Margaret , Vaux David J. , Roberts Ian S.D. , Cornall Richard J.
Published: November 2003

Systemic autoimmune disease is frequently characterized by the production of autoantibodies against widely expressed intracellular self-antigens, whereas B cell tolerance to ubiquitous and highly expressed extracellular antigens is strictly enforced. To test for differences in the B cell response to intracellular and extracellular self-antigens, we sequestered a tolerogenic cell surface antigen intracellularly by addition of a two amino acid endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention signal. In contrast to cell surface antigen, which causes the deletion of autoreactive B cells, the intracellularly sequestered self-antigen failed to induce B cell tolerance and was instead autoimmunogenic. The intracellular antigen positively selected antigen-binding B cells to differentiate into B1 cells and induced large numbers of IgM autoantibody-secreting plasma cells in a T-independent manner. By analyzing the impact of differences in subcellular distribution independently from other variables, such as B cell receptor affinity, antigen type, or tissue distribution, we have established that intracellular localization of autoantigen predisposes for autoantibody production. These findings help explain why intracellular antigens are targeted in systemic autoimmune diseases.
L-Selectin Shedding Does Not Regulate Constitutive T Cell Trafficking but Controls the Migration Pathways of Antigen-activated T Lymphocytes
Authors: Galkina Elena , Tanousis Kyriakos , Preece Graham , Tolaini Mauro , Kioussis Dimitris , Florey Oliver , Haskard Dorian O. , Tedder Thomas F. , Ager Ann
Published: November 2003

L-Selectin mediates rolling of lymphocytes in high endothelial venules (HEVs) of peripheral lymph nodes (PLNs). Cross-linking of L-selectin causes proteolytic shedding of its ectodomain, the physiological significance of which is unknown. To determine whether L-selectin shedding regulates lymphocyte migration, a mutant form that resists shedding (LΔP-selectin) was engineered. Transgenic mice expressing either LΔP or wild-type (WT) L-selectin on T cells were crossed with L-selectin knockout (KO) mice. The cellularity and subset composition of secondary lymphoid organs did not differ between LΔP and WT mice, however, they were different from C57BL/6. Plasma levels of soluble L-selectin in LΔP mice were reduced to <5% of WT and C57BL/6 mice. The rolling properties of T lymphocytes from LΔP and WT mice on immobilized L-selectin ligands were similar. Furthermore, similar numbers of LΔP and WT T lymphocytes were recruited from the bloodstream into PLNs in mice, although LΔP T cells transmigrated HEVs more slowly. WT, but not LΔP-selectin, underwent rapid, metalloproteinase-dependent shedding after TCR engagement, and LΔP T cells retained the capacity to enter PLNs from the bloodstream. These results suggest that the ability to shed L-selectin is not required for T cell recirculation and homing to PLNs. However, L-selectin shedding from antigen-activated T cells prevents reentry into PLNs.
CCR5 Expression Influences the Progression of Human Breast Cancer in a p53-dependent Manner
Authors: Mañes Santos , Mira Emilia , Colomer Ramón , Montero Sagrario , Real Luis M. , Gómez-Moutón Concepción , Jiménez-Baranda Sonia , Garzón Alfredo , Lacalle Rosa Ana , Harshman Keith , Ruíz Agustín , Martínez-A. Carlos
Published: November 2003

Chemokines are implicated in tumor pathogenesis, although it is unclear whether they affect human cancer progression positively or negatively. We found that activation of the chemokine receptor CCR5 regulates p53 transcriptional activity in breast cancer cells through pertussis toxin–, JAK2-, and p38 mitogen–activated protein kinase–dependent mechanisms. CCR5 blockade significantly enhanced proliferation of xenografts from tumor cells bearing wild-type p53, but did not affect proliferation of tumor xenografts bearing a p53 mutation. In parallel, data obtained in a primary breast cancer clinical series showed that disease-free survival was shorter in individuals bearing the CCR5Δ32 allele than in CCR5 wild-type patients, but only for those whose tumors expressed wild-type p53. These findings suggest that CCR5 activity influences human breast cancer progression in a p53-dependent manner.
Mycobacterium marinum Escapes from Phagosomes and Is Propelled by Actin-based Motility
Authors: Stamm Luisa M. , Morisaki J. Hiroshi , Gao Lian-Yong , Jeng Robert L. , McDonald Kent L. , Roth Robyn , Takeshita Sunao , Heuser John , Welch Matthew D. , Brown Eric J.
Published: November 2003

Mycobacteria are responsible for a number of human and animal diseases and are classical intracellular pathogens, living inside macrophages rather than as free-living organisms during infection. Numerous intracellular pathogens, including Listeria monocytogenes, Shigella flexneri, and Rickettsia rickettsii, exploit the host cytoskeleton by using actin-based motility for cell to cell spread during infection. Here we show that Mycobacterium marinum, a natural pathogen of fish and frogs and an occasional pathogen of humans, is capable of actively inducing actin polymerization within macrophages. M. marinum that polymerized actin were free in the cytoplasm and propelled by actin-based motility into adjacent cells. Immunofluorescence demonstrated the presence of host cytoskeletal proteins, including the Arp2/3 complex and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein, throughout the actin tails. In contrast, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein localized exclusively at the actin-polymerizing pole of M. marinum. These findings show that M. marinum can escape into the cytoplasm of infected macrophages, where it can recruit host cell cytoskeletal factors to induce actin polymerization leading to direct cell to cell spread.
Down-regulation of CD46 by Piliated Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Gill Darcy B. , Koomey Michael , Cannon Janne G. , Atkinson John P.
Published: November 2003

Human membrane cofactor protein (CD46) protects host cells against complement attack and may function as a receptor for pathogenic Neisseriae. We assessed CD46 expression in the human cervical cell line ME-180 after exposure to Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Piliated but not nonpiliated gonococci adhered to cells and produced up to an 80% reduction in CD46 surface expression by 6 h that persisted for at least 24 h. This response required a minimum multiplicity of infection of 10 and was not prevented by antibodies to CD46. CD46 down-regulation was not attributable to intracellular retention or a global or specific shutdown of mRNA or protein synthesis. Substantial quantities of CD46 were found in the supernatants, indicating a specific shedding of this protein. Adherent gonococci lacking the pilus retraction protein PilT did not down-regulate CD46 but de-repression of pilT expression restored CD46 down-regulation. After experimental infection of human volunteers with a gonococcal variant incapable of inducing CD46 down-regulation, variants of this strain were reisolated that exhibited CD46 down-regulation. Pilus-mediated interactions of gonococci with human epithelial cells results in a pathogen-induced manipulation of the host cell environment in which a membrane protein is removed from epithelial cells by liberation into the surrounding milieu.
RhoB controls Akt trafficking and stage-specific survival of endothelial cells during vascular development
Authors: Adini Irit , Rabinovitz Isaac , Sun Jing Fang , Prendergast George C. , Benjamin Laura E.
Published: November 2003

Blood vessel formation is a complex morphological process that is only beginning to be understood at the molecular level. In this study, we demonstrate a novel and critical role for the small GTPase, RhoB, in vascular development. RhoB null mice have retarded vascular development in the retina characterized by altered sprout morphology. Moreover, pharmaceutical means to deplete RhoB in neonatal rats is associated with apoptosis in the sprouting endothelial cells of newly forming vessels. Similarly, acute depletion of RhoB by antisense or dominant-negative strategies in primary endothelial cell culture models led to apoptosis and failures in tube formation. We identified a novel link between RhoB and the Akt survival signaling pathway to explain these changes. Confocal microscopy revealed that RhoB is highly localized to the nuclear margin with a small percentage found inside the nucleus. Similarly, total Akt is throughout the cell but has increased accumulation at the nuclear margin, and active phosphorylated Akt is found primarily inside the nucleoplasm, where it partially colocalizes with the RhoB therein. We show that this colocalization is functionally relevant, because when RhoB was depleted, Akt was excluded from the nucleus and total cellular Akt protein was decreased in a proteosome-dependent manner. Because the function of RhoB in vivo appears to only be rate limiting for endothelial cell sprouting, we propose that RhoB has a novel stage-specific function to regulate endothelial cell survival during vascular development. RhoB may offer a therapeutic target in diseases such as cancer, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration, where the disruption of sprouting angiogenesis would be desirable.
Smoothened transduces Hedgehog signal by physically interacting with Costal2/Fused complex through its C-terminal tail
Authors: Jia Jianhang , Tong Chao , Jiang Jin
Published: November 2003

The Hedgehog (Hh) family of secreted proteins controls many aspects of growth and patterning in animal development. The seven-transmembrane protein Smoothened (Smo) transduces the Hh signal in both vertebrates and invertebrates; however, the mechanism of its action remains unknown. We found that Smo lacking its C-terminal tail (C-tail) is inactive, whereas membrane-tethered Smo C-tail has constitutive albeit low levels of Hh signaling activity. Smo physically interacts with Costal2 (Cos2) and Fused (Fu) through its C-tail. Deletion of the Cos2/Fu-binding domain from Smo abolishes its signaling activity. Moreover, overexpressing Cos2 mutants that fail to bind Fu and Ci but retain Smo-binding activity blocks Hh signaling. Taken together, our results suggest that Smo transduces the Hh signal by physically interacting with the Cos2/Fu protein complex.
An mRNA structure in bacteria that controls gene expression by binding lysine
Authors: Sudarsan Narasimhan , Wickiser J. Kenneth , Nakamura Shingo , Ebert Margaret S. , Breaker Ronald R.
Published: November 2003

Riboswitches are metabolite-responsive genetic control elements that reside in the untranslated regions (UTRs) of certain messenger RNAs. Herein, we report that the 5′-UTR of the lysC gene of Bacillus subtilis carries a conserved RNA element that serves as a lysine-responsive riboswitch. The ligand-binding domain of the riboswitch binds to L-lysine with an apparent dissociation constant (KD) of ∼1 µM, and exhibits a high level of molecular discrimination against closely related analogs, including D-lysine and ornithine. Furthermore, we provide evidence that this widespread class of riboswitches serves as a target for the antimetabolite S-(2-aminoethyl)-L-cysteine (AEC). These findings add support to the hypotheses that direct sensing of metabolites by messenger RNAs is a fundamental form of genetic control and that riboswitches represent a new class of antimicrobial drug targets.
Operational requirements for fully automatic flight
Authors: McLean Donald
Published: November 2003

Fully automatic flight will be required in the near future to improve the financial state and safety of commercial air transportation. Technological means of providing fully automatic flight for aircraft have already been developed, but there remains the need to provide other systems with which aircraft must interact. Chief of these is the provision of an air traffic management system. Provides a description of the schemes which are being developed to bring about Free Flight.
Software‐based camera stabilisation on unmanned aircraft
Authors: Pienia˛żek Jacek
Published: November 2003

The concept of software‐based camera control and stabilisation and test results for two degree‐of‐freedom onboard cameras are presented in this paper. Contrary to the conventional gimballed observation cameras, the presented solution makes lightweight gimbal's construction possible. The unmanned aircraft state measurements and information of the target position are used in the computation of the desired angles of the camera rotation axes. The method has been tested using simulation technique. The results obtained in this paper show the need for fast enough camera actuation to stabilise image when aircraft attitude is disturbed by turbulence and attitude changes as a manoeuvre effect. The quantitative relationship between the parameters of camera actuators and achievable pointing accuracy are shown for exemplary flight condition simulation test.
Development of a civil aircraft dispatch reliability prediction methodology
Authors: Bineid Mansour , Fielding J.P.
Published: November 2003

This paper explains the development of a dispatch reliability prediction method for passenger aircraft. The method provides an objective means of assessing the delay rate for aircraft systems in the very early stages of aircraft design, leading to the minimisation of subsequent corrective actions, and thus reducing operating cost. The method encompasses two models: one each for short‐haul and long‐haul aircraft. It uses delay rate data and design/performance parameters to derive statistical equations, one set for each aircraft system. These equations relate the delay rate for a particular system to selected design/performance parameters. The models give high predictability and can be applied at the conceptual design phase, using the minimum amount of input data.
Electronic stripping interface
Authors: Eddine Debbache Nasr
Published: November 2003

The growing density in air traffic and the consequential increase in the workload of air traffic controllers generates the need for a constant evaluation of the existing capabilities of control systems. A possible solution to this issue would consist in recommending a new organisation of the control unit. In this work, we limit ourselves to the presentation and evaluation of the “Interface Dialogue Contrôleur”: electronic stripping interface. This interface is suggested as a replacement for strip papers, which are information supports on planes that transit in specific sectors. An evaluation of this interface will be presented at the end of the paper.
The link between the Wright brothers and the Royal Aeronautical Society
Authors: Ransom E.C.P.
Published: November 2003

In this paper, a brief history of the links between the Wright brothers and the Aeronautical Society has been discussed.
Internet‐based e‐commerce and its impact on manufacturing and business operations
Authors: Soliman Fawzy , Youssef Mohamed A.
Published: November 2003

The current dynamic and turbulent business environment has forced companies that are competing in global markets to change their traditional methods of conducting business. Recent developments in Internet‐based e‐commerce offer the most exciting business opportunities in the marketplace. Organisations must re‐evaluate every aspect of their manufacturing strategy and quickly move to a working mode where the Internet‐based e‐commerce is essential for their success. As the Internet develops it is possible that e‐mail and applications‐based technologies will take over from traditional telephony as the common method of communications. Furthermore, the Internet provides an unprecedented infrastructure for moving information. The real key to making e‐commerce over the Internet a normal, everyday business activity is the convergence of the telecommunications, content/media and software industries. The business‐to‐business and business‐to‐customer segments of commerce contain both common and differing characteristics that must be understood to succeed in implementing an Internet‐based e‐commerce strategy. This study examines the benefits and drawbacks of Internet‐based e‐commerce and its possible applications for future business operations.
An analysis of the relationship between quality and perceived innovation: “the case of financial firms”
Authors: Lloréns Montes Francisco Javier , Ruiz Moreno Antonia , Miguel Molina Luis
Published: November 2003

Many organizations are adopting quality and innovation as practices that allow them to achieve competitive advantage owing to an increase in competitiveness. The goal of this paper is to examine whether quality can be regarded as a resource that sets up the necessary bases for implementing innovations in organizations. First, the concepts of quality and innovation are determined, so that we can analyse how they relate to each other. Later on, the different contributions existing that deal with the relationship between quality and innovation are revised. In the second part of the research, we formulate and verify some hypotheses, which are empirically tested using a sample of bank employees in several financial entities. Results allow us to establish that quality relates to innovation both directly and indirectly, in the latter case through employees’ satisfaction.
Standard user interface in e‐commerce sites
Authors: Liu Shin‐Ping , Tucker Dennis , Koh Chang E. , Kappelman Leon
Published: November 2003

E‐commerce offers speed, convenience, and often cost‐effectiveness for today’s busy shoppers, but many e‐commerce sites are still too hard to use. The problem with e‐commerce sites is that the controls and organization are different for each site. This research investigates how an individual’s perceptions of key beliefs surrounding the use of the e‐commerce site with the standard user interface would influence the individual’s decision to accept these e‐commerce sites for online shopping purposes. This study applies the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) identifying components of usefulness and ease of use that predict user attitude toward the usage of the standard user interface. The research uses a Web‐based survey and employs TAM with path analysis to identify features of the standard user interface that might contribute to its usefulness and ease of use. It thus provides insights into the usefulness and ease of e‐commerce sites for developers, practitioners as well as researchers.
Organizational factors influencing the quality of the IS/IT strategic planning process
Authors: Bai Rong‐Ji , Lee Gwo‐Guang
Published: November 2003

Large investments in information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) have increased the need for effective IS/IT strategic planning (ISSP). As e‐business strategies have received growing attention from industrial managers, IS/IT strategic planning is now considered critical in developing a successful e‐strategy. However, despite the extensive literature on ISSP, the determinants of the quality of the ISSP process have seldom been examined. This study investigates the effects of organizational factors on the quality of the ISSP process. Data were collected using a questionnaire sent to the IS directors of 827 large companies in Taiwan and 239 usable responses were received. Survey results indicate that organizational context‐related factors influence the quality of the ISSP process. This study also discusses implications for IS practice and directions for future research.
Information quality for strategic technology planning
Authors: Gelle Esther , Karhu Katja
Published: November 2003

This article discusses the increasing importance of information to so called information factories. As information management is their core competence, development of information quality should be the key focus of quality management. Good quality information is error free and fulfills the user’s needs. Technology managers define their needs as having recent, relevant, reliable and analyzed information on competitive environment and development of technologies. Several methods used with full text search engines to improve different aspects of information quality, are demonstrated and described based on our constructive work, implementing Business Technology portals. Relevancy of information was improved with several used methods and reliability by structured searches with meta‐information and by reduced information space. Recentness of information was improved with push technology. As conclusion, full‐text search engines increase the information quality by filtering information, however recentness of information and analyzed information are more difficult aspects to improve than relevancy and reliability.
Business culture in Latin America: interactive learning for UK SMEs
Authors: Swift Jonathan S. , Lawrence Keith
Published: November 2003

In 2000, Academic Enterprise in the University of Salford, UK began working with TradePartnersUK to investigate how higher education could support the development of international trade, particularly in the small‐ to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) sector. The UK business community has traditionally suffered from a lack of foreign language and business culture skills and little understanding of the cultures within which they operate. SMEs in particular, with more limited financial resources, find it difficult to free staff to attend even short‐term courses. This suggested that e‐learning might provide a partial solution, enabling courses to be accessed at a time and place convenient to the learner, and at a fraction of the cost associated with more traditional methods of delivery. From this background the BUCLA (Business Culture in Latin America) project emerged, initially focused on Mexico. In view of the success achieved, the project was subsequently extended to cover other Latin American countries.
Training for Shainin’s approach to experimental design using a catapult
Authors: Antony Jiju , Ho Yuen Cheng Alfred
Published: November 2003

In the quest for continuous quality improvement of both products and processes, experimental design (ED) based on Shainin’s variables search method is still playing a major role in the manufacturing community. This article presents a simple methodology in a step‐by‐step manner for Shainin’s variables search method, in terms of uncovering the key process variables or factors which influence a response or quality characteristic of interest. In order to illustrate the potential of this powerful methodology as a problem solving tool, a simple catapult experiment was carried out. The authors believe that this simple experiment can be used in the classroom to train engineers and scientists on variables search method in order to identify the most critical variables which influence the process or product performance.
Attitudes and beliefs of doctors towards medication error reporting
Authors: McArdle D. , Burns N. , Ireland A.
Published: November 2003

A sample of 15 hospital doctors, from four clinical specialties within an acute hospital trust, was interviewed. Doctors were questioned on definition of medication errors, causes and methods to reduce errors, importance and knowledge of existing reporting systems and barriers to reporting. All doctors believed that reporting errors were important in order to learn from mistakes but this was not borne out in practice. Clinical incident forms were considered too time‐consuming to complete and “fell into a black hole”, since no feed back was provided. Disciplinary action was not felt to be a barrier to reporting and the need for honesty was essential. Overwork and lack of information led to errors as well as pharmacists making junior doctors lazy prescribers. Where mistakes were made, doctors perceived that, despite a support ethic amongst peers, there was not a no blame culture outside the hospital. The study concluded that errors should be a learning experience but only if relevant and timely feedback is given.
User feedback from family‐planning clients in Uganda
Authors: Kipp Walter , Flaherty Annette
Published: November 2003

The objectives of this study were to determine knowledge, satisfaction and perceptions of clients of a community‐based family‐planning program in Uganda. In an interview survey, male and female clients (48 female clients and one male client) were interviewed. Main outcome measures were the client knowledge score, the client satisfaction score, and the clients’ general perception of family‐planning services. Client knowledge and client satisfaction scores were high (85/100 vs 78/100). Obstacles to program improvement as perceived by clients were resistance to family planning by male sexual partners and religious leaders as well as shortages in the supply of contraceptives. In conclusion, it can be said that female clients in Kabarole were satisfied with the services they received from both male and female community‐based distributors (CBDs). Satisfaction with and acceptance of male CBDs by female clients are important for the increased recruitment of male CBDs in family planning.
Evaluating user experience of an NHS mental health service
Authors: Hanson Marie
Published: November 2003

This study evaluated the treatment and care received in terms of the care programme approach (CPA) framework within a local specialist mental health community team. A survey method was used to ascertain user experiences (31 respondents), using a brief questionnaire about their treatment and care. The results demonstrated that some clients did not perceive the CPA to be fully implemented. Specifically, clients revealed that they would like more information to be given to them and they did not indicate a full involvement in their care‐planning processes. However, the results pointed to mainly positive perceptions of the professionals involved in client treatment and care. The discussion highlights the similarity of these findings to previous research as well as reviewing the methodological limitations of this study.
Expatriate health‐care workers and maintenance of standards of practice factors affecting service delivery in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Brown Cary A. , Busman Mieke
Published: November 2003

Although Western‐trained expatriate workers (WTEW) have been widely studied in the business management field, over the last 20 years health‐care professionals working abroad have not received a comparable level of attention. Very little is known concerning the issues and performance of the large numbers of allied health‐care workers (rehabilitation therapists, dietitians, laboratory technologists, etc.). This study focused on how Western‐trained allied health‐care professionals, working in Saudi Arabia, perceived their standards of practice to be affected by working abroad. The study found that worker demographics (e.g. country of training and length of time in the country), personal resources (e.g. membership in professional organisations), and employer‐ controlled features of employment (continuing education, access to a library, management support) potentially all played a role in maintaining standards. Recommendations for future study, based on these findings, conclude the paper.
Paediatric home care for acute illness: I. GPs’ and hospital‐at‐home staff views
Authors: Davies Carol , Dale Jeremy
Published: November 2003

Previous studies of general practitioner views of paediatric home care have presented a rather negative view of such services. This study examines GPs’, nurses’ and managers’ views of a new, acute paediatric hospital‐at‐home nursing service in Rugby. Methods used are qualitative and quantitative questionnaires and interviews, including Likert‐type scales and open questions. Contrary to the mixed and somewhat negative findings of previous studies, this study reports positive views on the impact of hospital‐at‐home in Rugby, in terms of acceptability and impact on the roles and responsibilities of GPs.
Clashes between understanding and doing – leaders’ understanding of management in intensive care during a period of reorganisation
Authors: Lindberg E. , Henriksen E. , Rosenqvist U.
Published: November 2003

The objective was to elucidate hospital leaders’ understanding of the organisational structures and processes and their understanding of their leading role during an intensive period of reorganisation. From a qualitative exploratory study using semi‐structured interviews and thematic analysis four themes were identified: understanding the function of leadership and management, understanding organisational structures and processes, their own role as leader, and the outside world. The results indicate that the organisation is characterised by disintegration and erratic structures. The leaders perceive that they lead a learning organisation but in practical care work the organisation functions more like an organisation streamlined for mass production. This discrepancy between their understanding and practical daily care work led to dissatisfaction and existential chaos among the leaders. Our findings show an example of “clashes with the individual attractor pattern”, an urgent, but not yet very clear problem in health‐care organisations of today.
EDITORIAL: Spinning wheels
Authors: Taylor Gail
Published: November 2003

Looks at corporate responsibility in the clothing industry. States that by integrating ethical conduct into the corporate vision statement and company strategy there should be increased opportunities for smaller enterprises to export and larger enterprises to increase stakeholder interest. Reveals that the United Nations has proposed a series of stages for achieving conduct codes that treat enterprises working with communities in unequal circumstances equally. Concludes that the wheels are in motion, therefore, for incorporating the interests of all stakeholders.
Retailer and consumer perceptions of online fashion retailers: Web site design issues
Authors: Siddiqui Noreen , O’Malley Antonia , McColl Julie C. , Birtwistle Grete
Published: November 2003

Examines the Web sites of online fashion retailers. It evaluates the role of the Internet as a distribution channel and in particular discusses issues of Web page design. Retailer and consumer views within the fashion sector are explored in a three‐stage qualitative research process. This research highlights the differences in retail and consumer perception of fashion Web sites. While retailers are satisfied by their online offer they lack an understanding of consumer needs. Consumers are disappointed in the lack of service and product provision provided by fashion Web sites. Areas of concern include overall Web page design, level of interactivity, absence of information about fashion trends and inconsistency across Web sites.
Web sites for cultural products: Marketing potential for US consumers
Authors: Lee Seung‐Eun , Littrell Mary
Published: November 2003

The purpose of this study was to examine a series of retail Web sites for their potential in marketing cultural products to a projected audience of amenable US consumers and draw conclusions for marketing of cultural products to this market segment. Among 1,288 Web sites purported to market cultural products and crafts, a simple random sample of 101 retail Web sites were content analyzed based on the existence of five categories of information related to: company, product, culture, craft media and type, and transaction and fulfilment. The analysis revealed that a scarcity of information about the products, cultures, and artisans would hinder customers from purchasing cultural products. It was hypothesized that Web sites with greater appeal to the potential market segment would need to expand product information to include who, where, and how a product is made and cultural information to include indigenous symbolism and meaning underlying the products and the lives of artisans and families in the country.
Marketing capabilities and firm performance in fashion retailing
Authors: Moore Marguerite , Fairhurst Ann
Published: November 2003

Intense competition and short product life cycles in fashion retailing present a number of marketing challenges for retail firms in both the USA and abroad. In order to survive in this industry, it is vital for participants to develop and leverage core marketing capabilities. The current study examines the effectiveness of different marketing capability factors in a cross‐section of the US specialty apparel and footwear retailing sector (n = 60 retail firms). Data were collected from marketing executives in a national mail survey. Specifically, marketing capabilities in image differentiation, promotions, external‐market knowledge and customer service are examined for their impact on firm level performance. A two‐stage structural equation model is used to test the study’s hypotheses. Results suggest that the most effective marketing capabilities, in terms of performance, are image differentiation and promotional capability.
Fashion in the globalized world and the role of virtual networks in intrinsic fashion design
Authors: Azuma Nobukaza , Fernie John
Published: November 2003

The emergence of global fashion has transformed the way fashion is perceived in the contemporary world. While it has brought the consumer the in‐vogue style at the right price, a strong focus on standardization and low‐cost advantage has disbanded the traditional ethos of fashion design which is inspired by a variety of physical and psychological needs in a given precinct. Migration of fashion production offshore and resultant dependence on economies of scale not only threatens the existence of domestic small fashion manufacturers, but also prohibits up‐coming designers from creating intrinsic fashion on a small but sustainable scale. This paper, through a case study of a Japanese non‐profit organization, explores the way in which such an intrinsic fashion creation restores its salience as a counter style of global fashion capitalism. Emphases are placed on corroborating the necessity of intrinsic fashion in today’s society vis‐à‐visthe drawbacks of global fashion in cultural, ethical, ergonomic, and environmental terms.
The UK clothing sector 1993‐2001: Hats, workwear and other wearing apparel – and the final analysis
Authors: Jones Richard M.
Published: November 2003

Examines statistical trends in production and trade in the UK clothing sector during the period 1993‐2001. Studies the areas of hats, workwear and other wearing apparel. Concludes that consumption of clothing increased during this period as did imports, therefore there was a parallel decline in output and employment