bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X-ray diffraction study of liquid mercury over temperature range 173 to 473 K
Authors: Bosio Louis , Cortes Robert , Segaud Christian
Published: February 2003

The structure of liquid mercury has been studied with both CuKα and MoKα radiation using a theta–theta diffractometer with monochromator in the diffracted beam. Special attention has been paid to the temperature dependence of the liquid structure and the use of small droplets of about 5 μm diameter actually allowed measurements on supercooled liquid down to 60 K below the normal melting point. No significant variation in the first coordination number is observed over the temperature range studied, the change in the shape and the height of the first peak of the structure factor being probably due to some long range correlation increase when the temperature is lowered. A structure model based on a relaxed lattice is found to fit satisfactorily the experimental pair correlation function for liquid mercury.
Diffusion coefficients of krypton–noble gas systems
Authors: Cain David , Taylor W. L.
Published: February 2003

The diffusion coefficients of krypton–noble gas binary mixtures were measured as a function of temperature from approximately 350 to 1200 K. A dual chamber apparatus with no moving parts was employed with an experimental procedure which is independent of the initial conditions. The new data agree well with previous workers except for Hogervorst’s high temperature results for Ar–Kr, which lie progressively further below the present work at increasing temperatures. All existing data were normalized for composition dependence to equimolar and fitted to the correlating function recommended by Marrero and Mason. Several intermolecular potentials for each system were used to calculate theoretical diffusion coefficients. These were compared to the experimental correlations and deviations from the correlations are shown for the preferred potentials.
Approach to the description of dynamical polymer coil overlap onset as perceived from NMR
Authors: Cohen-Addad J. P.
Published: February 2003

A simple model is proposed to describe the polymer coil overlap process as perceived from NMR; it is based on a two-step motional narrowing mechanism. Firstly, high relaxation frequency motions of monomer units only induce a partial motional narrowing effect leaving a nonzero average tensorial spin coupling ?D≠0; then motional narrowing is achieved by slow chain diffusion through entanglements :?D serves as a low NMR reference frequency. The tube renewal process as identified by De Gennes with an equivalent Rouse chain motion is used to predict chain length and temperature dependences of the concentration polymer coil overlap cν observed by NMR. It is proposed to define cν as the concentration where the motional narrowing condition is fulfilled for all relaxation modes of normal coordinates of the chain except for the slowest one. An attempt to evaluate the terminal relaxation time of entangled chains from NMR measurements is described.
Kinetic shift in chlorobenzene ion fragmentation and the heat of formation of the phenyl ion
Authors: Rosenstock Henry M. , Stockbauer Roger , Parr Albert C.
Published: February 2003

The fragmentation of chlorobenzene ion has been studied by photoelectron–photoion coincidence techniques. By varying the residence time it is possible to obtain breakdown curves as a function of residence time. The parent–daughter transition region shifts to lower energies as the residence time is increased (kinetic shift). The shift is of the order of 0.4 eV in going from 0.7 to 8.9 μs. A systematic analysis of the breakdown curves and residence time effects has been carried out using quasiequilibrium theory. The experimental results and analysis lead to ΔHf00  (phenyl ion)  =275±1 kcal/mol (1151±4 kJ/mol. The systematic analysis shows that this experiment leads to a quite accurate rate-energy curve in the range of 104–106 s−1. The sensitivity of the QET model has been studied, and the limitations to the determination of activated complex parameters is critically discussed. The parameters obtained in this work are rather similar to those of an analogous neutral process, i.e., thermal decomposition of bromobenzene.
Mössbauer studies of low-symmetry crystal fields in low-spin ferric heme complexes
Authors: Rhynard D. , Lang G. , Spartalian K. , Yonetani T.
Published: February 2003

The Mössbauer spectra of the azide and cyanide complexes of myoglobin and cytochrome c peroxidase as well as the spectra of the synthetic analogues heme bis-pyridine, heme cyanopyridine, and heme bis-cyanide were recorded a 4.2 K in small applied magnetic fields. These low-spin ferric ions exhibit well-resolved paramagnetic hyperfine structure below 20 K and the results were analyzed by assuming that the iron ion is in a low-symmetry crystal field. The crystal field parameters and the relative orientations and components of the magnetogyric tensor g̃, the magnetic hyperfine tensor Ã, and the quadrupole tensor Ṽ were determined for each sample. Good fits to the experimental data were achieved. In particular the orientation of the g-tensors obtained from the Mössbauer measurements on frozen solutions of the myoglobin complexes are in good agreement with published results derived from single-crystal EPR measurements.
The spin–Peierls phase transition in an anisotropic XY quasi-one-dimensional system
Authors: Lépine Y. , Caillé A.
Published: February 2003

The spin–Peierls phase transition in a quasi-one-dimensional XY chain of S=1/2 of spins interacting through an anisotropic exchange interaction is studied as a function of the degree of anisotropy γ. The spin–Peierls state is described using a mean field theory. As γ increases (small value of the anisotropy), the transition temperature Tc decreases. For intermediate values of the anisotropy parameter γ, a tricritical point separating the regions of first and second order phase transitions is obtained. For larger values of γ, a total suppression of the spin–Peierls state is predicted. Finally, a very unusual temperature dependent gap of the elementary spin excitations is predicted for the anisotropic XY system.
Observations of the electric quadrupole moments of a number of nuclear levels—111Cd (247 keV), 115In (ground state), 119Sn (24 keV), and 121Sb (ground state) —based on the electric field gradients in a series of t
r
a
n
s-[dimethyl organometallic moieties]
Authors: Sham T. K.
Published: February 2003

Nuclear electric quadrupole moments (Q) found in the literature for the 247 keV level of 111Cd, the ground state of 115In, the 24 keV level of 119Sn, and the ground state of 121Sb are used to calculate values for electric field gradients (eqn) at the nuclear sites in a series of isoelectronic, pseudoisostructural, linear (CH3)2M moieties (M=CdII, InIII, SnIV, and SbV) whose nuclear quadrupole coupling constants (e2qnQ) have been reported previously. Because several widely different Q values exist for each of these levels, the range of eqn permitted is large and opposing conclusions about the bonding of a given system cannot be excluded. We use Q (119Sn) =−0.065b as a reference to compare electric field gradients based on all these Q values. Assuming that eqn varies smoothly across the period in (CH3)2M compounds on the basis of their known bonding regularities, we find that eqn’s derived from Q values of 0.50±0.05 and −0.26±0.03b for 111Cd (247 keV) and 121Sb (g.s.), respectively, best describe the bonding of the (CH3)2M compounds. A new value, Q=0.60±0.12b, is deduced for 115In(g.s.) from linear regressions which correlate eqn well with the formal charge at the metal atoms and with the electronegativity of the central ion. The crystal field term, C20, a measure of the electric field gradient at the electronic site, eqe, has been evaluated recently from photoemission results for the 4d level of these compounds; these values are used to test the eqn’s derived from the Q values selected here. It turns out that the derived eqn’s are consistent with the C20 terms and hence with the chemical characteristics of the systems. On the other hand, if the commonly accepted Q (115In) =0.86b is used as the reference, another satisfactory bonding correlation parallel to that obtained with the Q (119Sn) =−0.065b standard is also obtained for an entirely different set of Q values (Q (111Cd) =0.77b, Q (115In) = 0.86, bQ (119Sn) =−0.094b, and Q (121Sb) =−0.37b). The discrepancy between these two sets of Q values is discussed.
Data collection using electronically assisted interviews in a roadshow
Authors: Marcella Rita , Baxter Graeme , Moore Nick
Published: February 2003

Discusses the second stage of a pilot study, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, which investigated the impact of technology on the communication of parliamentary information to the general public. This second stage tested the application of a new data collection tool – an interactive, electronically assisted interview delivered in a roadshow environment. The approach was tested in the context of the public's need for information about the UK Parliament, the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales. Interviews were carried out by a researcher, aboard a minibus equipped with a laptop and mobile data transmission equipment, who assisted members of the public in exploring and responding to parliamentary and devolved Assembly Websites. Roadshows took place across the UK at organisations such as public libraries, community centres, sheltered accommodation and universities. Discusses in critical detail all aspects of the execution of the methodology and draws conclusions as to its validity for future research.
Philosophical and theoretical perspectives of organisational structures as information processing systems
Authors: Burke M.E.
Published: February 2003

This paper considers the issues surrounding the fit between information systems and organisation structures. The paper uses philosophical ideas concerning knowledge and applies them to organisational design and information processing in order to encourage alternative perspectives and new ideas. This is achieved by a discussion of the issues surrounding organisational design and the impact of design on information processing; an overview of the ideas concerning the theory of knowledge proposed from both a rational and an empirical viewpoint and how these relate to other epistemological theories such as historicism and pragmatism. The paper closes with a discussion of the means by which philosophical considerations can assist towards new forms of information processing.
A new strategic information technology investment model
Authors: Schniederjans Marc J. , Hamaker Jamie L.
Published: February 2003

Many of the financial instruments used in classic investment analysis do not apply to typical information technology investment decision making because of the multi‐criteria and multi‐objective nature of the problem. This is particularly true when integrating strategic, tactical, and operations planning objectives in the decision. One approach for making IT investment decisions is a multi‐objective goal programming (GP) model proposed by Talluri in 2000. The purpose of our paper is twofold: to demonstrate how a simple ranking/scoring method can be used in place of the more involved Talluri GP modeling approach if only a solution is required; and, in decision situations where solution justification is desired, to explain how GP extension methodologies can be incorporated into the analysis to generate information to determine a solution’s reliability and identify economic tradeoffs that can be used to improve an existing solution.
Organizational mechanisms for successful IS/IT strategic planning in the digital era
Authors: Lee Gwo‐Guang , Bai Rong‐Ji
Published: February 2003

As e‐business strategies have received growing attention from entrepreneurs, executives, investors and industry, information systems (IS)/information technology (IT) strategic planning has progressively come to be considered a critical method for developing a successful e‐strategy. However, despite the growing number of theoretical frameworks for IS/IT strategic planning, practical implementation faces several problems. Most importantly, numerous IS/IT strategic planning frameworks do not seem to realize that IS‐related problems are not merely technological, but are also caused by neglecting the interrelationship between IS/IT and organizational context. This study aims to identify and explore the key organizational mechanisms related to IS/IT strategic planning, and thus improve planning effectiveness. The proposed mechanisms provide a valuable reference for business managers or strategic planners who are initiating or conducting IS/IT strategic planning exercises in the digital era, and for researchers interested in information systems management.
Does history matter in strategy? The possibilities and problems of counterfactual analysis
Authors: Booth Charles
Published: February 2003

Does history matter in strategy? The lack of attention given to historical perspectives in the mainstream literature suggests that it does not. Recently, however, authors have argued that historical forces do affect the strategic management of organizations, and have highlighted their importance through the concept of “path dependence”. I review the literature on path dependence and argue that a conception of the complexities of historical understanding is required in a dynamic understanding of organizations. To highlight these complexities, I review an important theme in twentieth century historiography: the possibilities and problems presented by counterfactual analysis. Despite some serious objections to counterfactual thinking, this method may yield benefits for both managers and theorists. I conclude that to do justice to the importance of history in organizations, we must follow Collingwood in engaging, not with the question “Shall I be a historian or not?”, but rather with the question, “How good a historian shall I be?”.
The emergence of the technostructure: lessons from the East India Company 1713‐1836
Authors: Buchan P. Bruce
Published: February 2003

This article examines the locus of power in the large corporation (The East India Company) over a 125 year period and the career paths of two of its dominant players (Laurence Sulivan and James Mill). Sulivan embodies the character of such modern powerful leaders as Jack Welch and Lee Iacocca. Mill represents the modern power broker associated with the “technostructure”. What gave rise to the technostructure? What were the qualities of Sulivan and Mill which allowed them to dominate the organization? These are two of the questions investigated.
The television (r)evolution within the multimedia convergence: a strategic reference framework
Authors: Rangone Andrea , Turconi Alessandro
Published: February 2003

The television business, traditionally static and conservative, is undergoing a deep transformation process in the multimedia age. Technological (r)evolutions are driving important changes in the market offer and broadening the boundaries of the television business. These are becoming fuzzier and fuzzier and opportunities for new entrants have been largely increasing. This article provides an exhaustive review of the ongoing processes changing television and proposes a strategic reference framework for comprehending the new structure of the television business.
To win without fighting: an integrative framework
Authors: Ma Hao
Published: February 2003

“To win without fighting” is perhaps the supreme ideal in strategic management. This article coalesces extant strategy literature under the overarching theme of “to win without fighting” as a style of strategy. It draws on managerial wisdom gained from the structural approach, the resource‐based view of the firm, the Schumpeterian perspective, and the commitment approach to strategy. From, respectively, both the challenger’s and the leader’s perspectives, it presents the necessary contextual conditions and the actual mechanisms through which “to win without fighting” could be practiced. Potential pitfalls of this style of strategy and its relationship with “to win by fighting” strategy are also addressed so as to put it into the larger perspective of strategic management practice.
The two faces of partnership?
Authors: Oxenbridge Sarah , Brown William
Published: February 2003

The paper examines the context and characteristics of partnership arrangements currently emerging between employers and unions at the workplace level in Britain. Case studies of 11 firms involving interviews with managers and trade union officials revealed two broad types of arrangement. Those in production sector firms nurtured collective bargaining through informal partnership relationships, while those in the private service sector contained collective bargaining tightly through formalised partnership agreements. We analyse the pressures that underlie relationships, the net benefits to the parties, the scope of relationships, and employer strategies for restricting union influence. A key finding is that partnership relationships can be characterised by a “continuum” of union involvement in the workplace, with unions having greater rights where they have informal relationships backed up with high levels of workforce unionisation.
The contingencies of partnership
Authors: Cooney Richard
Published: February 2003

This paper examines the development of an antecedent model of social partnership, the social “accord” employed by the Labor Government in Australia during the period 1983‐1996. The specific focus of the paper is upon the implementation of the Training Reform Agenda (TRA) in Australian manufacturing. The TRA was designed to provide for the upskilling of existing employees and the enhanced vocational preparation of new employees. This was a joint objective of government, business and union policy and one designed to encourage the growth of high‐wage, high‐skill industries. The achievement of this objective was, however, limited. Social partnership, in the case of the TRA, proved to be a way of legitimating a work change process which delivered greater gains to employers than it did to unions and employees. The partnerships formed under the aegis of the TRA had a limited lifespan and represented a contingent form of relationship between the partners, rather than a seachange in relations.
Bridging library resources across the Pacific: the characteristics of US academic users and their use of a gateway service
Authors: Xu Hong , Pang Jin
Published: February 2003

This study investigates the characteristics of US users and their document request patterns at the Gateway Service Center of the Chinese Academic Journal Publications at a research university library and evaluates the effectiveness of the service. The study shows that the center’s primary users are faculty, graduate students, and researchers in the areas of Chinese history, literature, language, philosophy, and politics. Their requests generally link to research‐related projects and focus on articles in the arts and humanities and social sciences, published in 1980s in Mainland Chinese publications. The center has significantly higher average fill rate and faster turnaround time compared with the ordinary ILL services.
Web accessible databases for electronic resource collections: a case study and its implications
Authors: Cohen Laura B. , Calsada Matthew M.
Published: February 2003

Access to online research databases and full text e‐journals is a core element of academic library Web sites. This case study describes one such site that implemented a data‐driven integrated interface for its online research collection. The project raises several issues that should be considered by libraries engaged in developing these applications. This article also addresses next steps that would enhance access to a library’s online research collection.
The Renardus broker service: collaborative frameworks and tools
Authors: Huxley Lesly , Carpenter Leona , Peereboom Marianne
Published: February 2003

Renardus was developed under the EU’s User‐friendly Information Society programme by partners from national libraries, university research and technology centres and subject information gateways Europe‐wide. Since January 2000, those partners have been working towards realisation of their aim to build a single Web‐based “broker service” providing cross‐search/cross‐browse access to existing Internet‐accessible scientific and cultural resource collections distributed across Europe. This paper describes Renardus’ key concepts and highlights some of the collaborative frameworks and tools developed and deployed during the project, and the existing technical and information standards used, particularly in support of metadata modelling, mapping and sharing and the information architecture. Issues, implications and benefits for end users and information professionals are presented through illustrations of the interface design. We conclude with an outline of organisational arrangements and strategies, outstanding issues and next steps in encouraging future collaboration with other services.
Electronic campuses
Authors: Falk Howard
Published: February 2003

Provides an overview of the technology being employed at some US colleges which is leading to the paperless campus. For example, the use of wireless networks to connect PCs and Internet displays in classrooms and laboratories that lack conventional network wiring, providing access to online libraries and other resources from laptop PCs and handheld devices. Looks at Web‐based technology and its use by faculty and students, not only for information gathering, but also for tutoring services. Shows how live chat sessions with teachers are heavily over‐subscribed. Looks at the use of e‐books (4 million e‐book units sold in 2000: predicted figure by 2005 – 140 million). Provides results of a study comparing print text books and e‐text books, and from another study which show undergraduates spend only a third of their study time in the library and faculty members only 10 per cent. To counteract these trends, online library resources are being expanded for 200,000 students and faculty at seven academic institutions in a unified students’ portal, with links to local online course materials and consultations with reference librarians.
Towards an understanding of cross‐national similarities and differences in export information utilization
Authors: Diamantopoulos Adamantios , Souchon Anne L. , Durden Geoffrey R. , Axinn Catherine N. , Holzmüller Hartmut H.
Published: February 2003

The extent to which and ways in which export information is used can play a significant role in a firm's level of export performance. Surprisingly, however, little empirical research has been conducted in the area of export information use, and even less attention has been paid to potential cross‐national differences in how export information is used. The focus of this study is the examination of export information use practices across different countries. Data from a total sample of 989 exporting companies across Austria, Germany, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA were analyzed using analyses of covariance to control for extraneous, firm‐level variables. The results indicate that firms from all countries use information instrumentally/conceptually more often than symbolically; they also tend to use export market intelligence more than other sources of information. Further, examination of the findings revealed that firms from different countries also use information differently. For instance, US exporters are much more symbolic in their use of information than exporters from the other countries, while Austrian exporters tend not to use information symbolically. Implications and limitations are discussed and future research avenues are proposed.
Symbolic use of export information
Authors: Vyas Rakhee , Souchon Anne L.
Published: February 2003

Using information effectively has become a critical determinant for gaining competitive advantage and enhancing business performance. In this context, the need for further research into export information use is particularly pressing, given the increased recognition that mere export information acquisition is not sufficient to ensure optimal decision‐making quality for foreign markets. Information use has been conceptualised in the past as a multi‐dimensional construct encompassing instrumental, conceptual, and symbolic use, with most studies focusing on the first two dimensions. However, the nature of the export‐non‐export dichotomy within firms sets the scene for political information‐related activity and thus symbolic use of export information. This paper presents a multidimensional conceptualisation of symbolic use of export information, anchored in a cross‐disciplinary review of the literature. Key propositions regarding the impact of symbolic use of export information on export performance are also proposed. Conclusions are drawn and a future research agenda is outlined.
Comparing the validity and utility of behavior description interview versus assessment center ratings
Authors: Harel Gedaliahu H. , Arditi‐Vogel Anat , Janz Tom
Published: February 2003

This research investigated the relationship between job performance ratings for 39 Israeli medical unit managers and two types of performance predictor: ratings from behavior description (BD) interviews and ratings from an assessment center. The BD validity 0.53 compared favorably with the 0.62 obtained by the assessment center. Utility analyses that table the financial return for investing in the more expensive assessment process under different levels of tenure, number of new hires, and selection ratio, reveal the conditions under which assessment centers pay off best.
The faking of personality questionnaire results: who's kidding whom?
Authors: Rees Christopher J. , Metcalfe Beverley
Published: February 2003

Explores the faking‐good of personality questionnaire results in occupational settings. Identifies three specific lines of research into faking‐good: first, whether it is possible for candidates to fake‐good personality questionnaire results; second, whether faking‐good adversely affects the criterion validity of personality questionnaire results; third, whether candidates actually engage in faking‐good behaviour. Notes, in relation to this third line of enquiry, the lack of information about the views of candidates and potential users of personality questionnaires towards the faking‐good of personality questionnaire results. Proceeds to explore the views of 190 people employed in personnel departments in the North‐West of England towards various issues associated with the faking‐good of personality questionnaire results. These issues include: the ease with which personality questionnaire results can be faked; the ease with which faking‐good can be detected; the extent to which candidates actually fake‐good; the ethics of faking‐good responding. The implications of the study focus on matters such as the face validity of personality questionnaires, the training of test users and the future development of non‐transparent fake‐good scales.
Comparison of socio‐economic and other transorganizational development methods
Authors: Boje David , Rosile Grace Ann
Published: February 2003

The purpose of this article is to compare and contrast the socio‐economic approach to management (SEAM) with 15 large system change methods. All 16 of these methods are part of the transorganizational development (TD) gameboard (see the Web site at http://web.nmsu.edu/ dboje/TDgameboard.html). Based on this comparison, the paper suggests that SEAM is broader‐based, more integrative, and more postmodern (more multi‐vocal and power‐conscious) than most other TD methodologies.
Theatrics of SEAM
Authors: Boje David , Rosile Grace Ann
Published: February 2003

The purpose of this article is to explore the similarities and differences in the socio‐economic approach to management (SEAM) method and postmodern approaches to theatre. Neither metaphorical nor managerialist, SEAM's perspective allows that the organization is theatre. Introduces the terms “metascript” and “metatheatre” to describe how SEAM's approach accomodates the multiple perspectives and simultaneous multiple stages populated by the “spect‐actors” (Boal, A.,Theatre of the Oppressed, translated by Charles A. and Maria‐Odillia Leal McBride, Theatre Communications Group, New York, NY, 1979, originally published in Spanish asTeatro de Oprimido, Ediciones de la Flor, Buenos Aires, 1974) of the Tamara‐esque postmodern organization theatre.
An updated presentation of the socio‐economic management model
Authors: Savall Henri
Published: February 2003

This article presents the socio‐economic model founded and developed by the author since 1973. It focuses on the fundamental hypothesis of the socio‐economic approach to management (SEAM) and demonstrates how the model is a system‐ wide approach to change management.
Postmodernism and thesocio‐economic approach to organizations
Authors: Péron Michel , Péron Monique
Published: February 2003

This article brings out the numerous connections that can be established between the socio‐economic approach to management (SEAM) considered as an architecture and the postmodern movement. The authors analyze the contribution of SEAM to the postmodern management approach, through the process of the construction and reconstruction of managerial discourses within the framework of socio‐economic interventions. They tackle the controversial issue of pessimism vs optimism in postmodern approach to conclude that SEAM is a tool and a method, which makes it possible to better control order and chaos so as to create positive change.
Organizational transformation through the socio‐economic approach in an industrial context
Authors: Zardet Véronique , Voyant Olivier
Published: February 2003

For more than a century companies’ organizational variables have been studied and researched. Historically, the practice is to focus on the precursors in the management sciences field, Frederick Winslow Taylor, Henri Fayol and Max Weber, the founders of the classical organization theory school. The objective of this article is to determine if the fundamental principles of this school are still present and an integral part of industrial companies today, and if so, to assess their impact. The paper demonstrates how the socio‐economic approach, which was created in 1973, goes well beyond the socio‐technical and organizational‐development approaches to change management, by taking into better account the economic and strategic dimensions of leadership management.
Enhancing the efficiency of networks in an urban area through socio‐economic interventions
Authors: Bonnet Marc , Cristallini Vincent
Published: February 2003

The research scheme presented here has been implemented in a city with over 250,000 inhabitants. The purpose of the article is to present the SEAM method in an urban setting, considered as a transorganizational field. The main hypothesis behind this research scheme is that any neighborhood is not organized enough to create networks which deliver efficient services, thus resulting in many dysfunctions and even violence in the city.
Dysfunctions in owner‐manager succession process in family firms and how a SEAM intervener‐researcher can address them
Authors: Besson Dominique , Haddadj Slimane
Published: February 2003

Most succession processes prove to be dysfunctional, resulting in high hidden costs. This article shows how a socio‐economic process can help the actors prevent those dysfunctions, while dealing with the creation of new forms of power.
SEAM‐less post‐merger integration strategies: a cause for concern
Authors: Buono Anthony F.
Published: February 2003

Most merger and acquisition strategies are still dominated by financial analyses, legal considerations and power plays by dominant groups as individuals jockey for position and influence. Rather than focusing on the inherent dysfunctions that can emerge in the combined organization due to the informal power held by organizational members – low productivity, poor quality, reduced commitment, voluntary turnover, and related hidden costs and untapped potential – far too many companies seem to meander through the post‐combination integration process.
Managing the unmanageable
Authors: Trepo Georges , de Geuser Fabien
Published: February 2003

Attempts to explain the sources of the basic assumption of the socio‐economic approach to management (SEAM): the existence of hidden costs and performance. These are due to the heterogeneity of situations and to the presence of multiple contradictions in these situations. Aims to show how SEAM can help to both spot these two dimensions and to shed light on the operational difficulties for managers to cope with them.
International dissemination of the socio‐economic method
Authors: Savall Henri
Published: February 2003

The socio‐economic approach to management (SEAM) model has been experimented in over 1,000 companies and organizations in 30 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, and America. The key success factors for the dissemination of SEAM are both individual and institutional. They rely on the diversity of actors, trans‐generation, and a variety of networks. At this stage, the dissemination process of SEAM brings to light unexpected synergies. This process is based on methodological principles such as generic contingency and cognitive interactivity.
Product involvement/brand loyalty: is there a link?
Authors: Quester Pascale , Lin Lim Ai
Published: February 2003

In an empirical examination of the link between product involvement and brand loyalty, a convenience sample of 253 students were asked to complete a questionnaire relating to two products which had been found in preliminary qualitative research to be associated with contrasted levels of involvement. The factor structure of involvement was found to vary between the two product categories (sneakers and pens). Furthermore, the link between product involvement and brand loyalty was found to involve different aspects of product involvement for each of the products concerned. Hence, future researchers in the area should be mindful that product involvement and brand loyalty are not universal constructs: they should be examined within specific consumer and product parameters.
Evolutionary Medicine: From Dwarf Model Systems to Healthy Centenarians?
Authors: Longo Valter D. , Finch Caleb E.
Published: February 2003

Restriction of the number of calories consumed extends longevity in many organisms. In rodents, caloric restriction decreases the levels of plasma glucose and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) and postpones or attenuates cancer, immunosenescence, and inflammation without irreversible side effects. In organisms ranging from yeast to mice, mutations in glucose or IGF-I–like signaling pathways extend life-span but also cause glycogen or fat accumulation and dwarfism. This information suggests a new category of drugs that could prevent or postpone diseases of aging with few adverse effects.
EDEM As an Acceptor of Terminally Misfolded Glycoproteins Released from Calnexin
Authors: Oda Yukako , Hosokawa Nobuko , Wada Ikuo , Nagata Kazuhiro
Published: February 2003

Terminally misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are retrotranslocated to the cytoplasm and degraded by proteasomes through a mechanism known as ER-associated degradation (ERAD). EDEM, a postulated Man8B-binding protein, accelerates the degradation of misfolded proteins in the ER. Here, EDEM was shown to interact with calnexin, but not with calreticulin, through its transmembrane region. Both binding of substrates to calnexin and their release from calnexin were required for ERAD to occur. Overexpression of EDEM accelerated ERAD by promoting the release of terminally misfolded proteins from calnexin. Thus, EDEM appeared to function in the ERAD pathway by accepting substrates from calnexin.
Antibody Multispecificity Mediated by Conformational Diversity
Authors: James Leo C. , Roversi Pietro , Tawfik Dan S.
Published: February 2003

A single antibody was shown to adopt different binding-site conformations and thereby bind unrelated antigens. Analysis by both x-ray crystallography and pre–steady-state kinetics revealed an equilibrium between different preexisting isomers, one of which possessed a promiscuous, low-affinity binding site for aromatic ligands, including the immunizing hapten. A subsequent induced-fit isomerization led to high-affinity complexes with a deep and narrow binding site. A protein antigen identified by repertoire selection made use of an unrelated antibody isomer with a wide, shallow binding site. Conformational diversity, whereby one sequence adopts multiple structures and multiple functions, can increase the effective size of the antibody repertoire but may also lead to autoimmunity and allergy.
An X-ray Nebula Associated with the Millisecond Pulsar B1957+20
Authors: Stappers B. W. , Gaensler B. M. , Kaspi V. M. , van der Klis M. , Lewin W. H. G.
Published: February 2003

We have detected an x-ray nebula around the binary millisecond pulsar B1957+20. A narrow tail, corresponding to the shocked pulsar wind, is seen interior to the known Hα bow shock and proves the long-held assumption that the rotational energy of millisecond pulsars is dissipated through relativistic winds. Unresolved x-ray emission likely represents the shock where the winds of the pulsar and its companion collide. This emission indicates that the efficiency with which relativistic particles are accelerated in the postshock flow is similar to that for young pulsars, despite the shock proximity and much weaker surface magnetic field of this millisecond pulsar.
Activation of Lysosomal Function During Dendritic Cell Maturation
Authors: Trombetta E. Sergio , Ebersold Melanie , Garrett Wendy , Pypaert Marc , Mellman Ira
Published: February 2003

In response to a variety of stimuli, dendritic cells (DCs) transform from immature cells specialized for antigen capture into mature cells specialized for T cell stimulation. During maturation, the DCs acquire an enhanced capacity to form and accumulate peptide–MHC (major histocompatibility complex) class II complexes. Here we show that a key mechanism responsible for this alteration was the generalized activation of lysosomal function. In immature DCs, internalized antigens were slowly degraded and inefficiently used for peptide loading. Maturation induced activation of the vacuolar proton pump that enhanced lysosomal acidification and antigen proteolysis, facilitating efficient formation of peptide–MHC class II complexes. Lysosomal function in DCs thus appears to be specialized for the developmentally regulated processing of internalized antigens.
Steroid Control of Longevity in
Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Simon Anne F. , Shih Cindy , Mack Antha , Benzer Seymour
Published: February 2003

Ecdysone, the major steroid hormone of
Drosophila melanogaster
, is known for its role in development and reproduction. Flies that are heterozygous for mutations of the ecdysone receptor exhibit increases in life-span and resistance to various stresses, with no apparent deficit in fertility or activity. A mutant involved in the biosynthesis of ecdysone displays similar effects, which are suppressed by feeding ecdysone to the flies. These observations demonstrate the importance of the ecdysone hormonal pathway, a new player in regulating longevity.
Spectroscopic Determination of the OH
−
Solvation Shell in the OH
−
·(H
2
O)

n

Clusters
Authors: Robertson William H. , Diken Eric G. , Price Erica A. , Shin Joong-Won , Johnson Mark A.
Published: February 2003

There has been long-standing uncertainty about the number of water molecules in the primary coordination environment of the OH
−
and F
−
ions in aqueous chemistry. We report the vibrational spectra of the OH
−
·(H
2
O)

n

and F
−
·(H
2
O)

n

clusters and interpret the pattern of OH stretching fundamentals with ab initio calculations. The spectra of the cold complexes are obtained by first attaching weakly bound argon atoms to the clusters and then monitoring the photoinduced evaporation of these atoms when an infrared laser is tuned to a vibrational resonance. The small clusters (
n
≤ 3) display an isolated, sharp feature near the free OH stretching vibration, the signature of open solvation morphologies where each water molecule binds independently to the ion. Pronounced changes in the spectra are observed at
n
= 4 in the hydroxide ion and at
n
= 5 in the fluoride ion. In both cases, new features appear in the region typically associated with interwater hydrogen bonding. This behavior establishes that the primary hydration shells occur at
n
= 3 and 4 in hydroxide and fluoride, respectively.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure Caused by a Mutation in Phospholamban
Authors: Schmitt Joachim P. , Kamisago Mitsuhiro , Asahi Michio , Li Guo Hua , Ahmad Ferhaan , Mende Ulrike , Kranias Evangelia G. , MacLennan David H. , Seidman J. G. , Seidman Christine E.
Published: February 2003

Molecular etiologies of heart failure, an emerging cardiovascular epidemic affecting 4.7 million Americans and costing 17.8 billion health-care dollars annually, remain poorly understood. Here we report that an inherited human dilated cardiomyopathy with refractory congestive heart failure is caused by a dominant Arg → Cys missense mutation at residue 9 (R9C) in phospholamban (PLN), a transmembrane phosphoprotein that inhibits the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticular Ca
2+
–adenosine triphosphatase (SERCA2a) pump. Transgenic PLN
R9C
mice recapitulated human heart failure with premature death. Cellular and biochemical studies revealed that, unlike wild-type PLN, PLN
R9C
did not directly inhibit SERCA2a. Rather, PLN
R9C
trapped protein kinase A (PKA), which blocked PKA-mediated phosphorylation of wild-type PLN and in turn delayed decay of calcium transients in myocytes. These results indicate that myocellular calcium dysregulation can initiate human heart failure—a finding that may lead to therapeutic opportunities.
Gas-Phase Infrared Spectrum of the Protonated Water Dimer
Authors: Asmis Knut R. , Pivonka Nicholas L. , Santambrogio Gabriele , Brümmer Mathias , Kaposta Cristina , Neumark Daniel M. , Wöste Ludger
Published: February 2003

The protonated water dimer is a prototypical system for the study of proton transfer in aqueous solution. We report infrared photodissociation spectra of cooled H
+
(H
2
O)
2
[and D
+
(D
2
O
2
] ions, measured between 620 and 1900 wave numbers (cm
−1
). The experiment directly probes the shared proton region of the potential energy surface and reveals three strong bands below 1600 cm
−1
and one at 1740 cm
−1
(for H
5
O
2
+
). From a comparison to multidimensional quantum calculations, the three lower energy bands were assigned to stretching and bending fundamentals involving the O⋯H
+
⋯O moiety, and the highest energy band was assigned to a terminal water bend. These results highlight the importance of intermode coupling in shared proton systems.
Unr Is Required In Vivo for Efficient Initiation of Translation from the Internal Ribosome Entry Sites of both Rhinovirus and Poliovirus
Authors: Boussadia Oréda , Niepmann Michael , Créancier Laurent , Prats Anne-Catherine , Dautry François , Jacquemin-Sablon Hélène
Published: February 2003

Translation of picornavirus RNAs is mediated by internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) elements and requires both standard eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs) and IRES-specific cellular
trans
-acting factors (ITAFs). Unr, a cytoplasmic RNA-binding protein that contains five cold-shock domains and is encoded by the gene upstream of N-
ras
, stimulates translation directed by the human rhinovirus (HRV) IRES in vitro. To examine the role of Unr in translation of picornavirus RNAs in vivo, we derived murine embryonic stem (ES) cells in which either one (−/+) or both (−/−) copies of the
unr
gene were disrupted by homologous recombination. The activity of picornaviral IRES elements was analyzed in
unr
+/+
,
unr
+/−
, and
unr
−/−
cell lines. Translation directed by the HRV IRES was severely impaired in
unr
−/−
cells, as was that directed by the poliovirus IRES, revealing a requirement for Unr not previously observed in vitro. Transient expression of Unr in
unr
−/−
cells efficiently restored the HRV and poliovirus IRES activities. In contrast, the IRES elements of encephalomyocarditis virus and foot-and-mouth-disease virus are not Unr dependent. Thus, Unr is a specific regulator of HRV and poliovirus translation in vivo and may represent a cell-specific determinant limiting replication of these viruses.
The STAT2 Activation Process Is a Crucial Target of Sendai Virus C Protein for the Blockade of Alpha Interferon Signaling
Authors: Gotoh Bin , Takeuchi Kenji , Komatsu Takayuki , Yokoo Junko
Published: February 2003

Sendai virus (SeV) C protein functions as an interferon (IFN) antagonist and renders cells unresponsive to both alpha/beta IFN (IFN-α/β) and IFN-γ. We have recently found the physical association of the C protein with signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) in infected cells. However, involvement of the C-STAT1 interaction in the blockade of IFN signaling has remained unclear. We generated here a series of C mutant proteins that retained or lost the STAT1-binding capacity and examined their effects on IFN-α signaling. All of the C mutant proteins with no STAT1-binding capacity lost the ability to inhibit the IFN-α response. In contrast, the C mutant proteins retaining the STAT1-binding capacity suppressed IFN-α-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of both STAT2 and STAT1 to various degrees. Remarkably, their anti-IFN-α capacities correlated well with the inhibitory effect on phosphorylation of STAT2 rather than STAT1. In infected cells, the levels of tyrosine-phosphorylated (pY) STAT2 were below the detection level irrespective of duration of IFN-α stimulation, whereas the levels of pY-STAT1 strikingly increased after long-term IFN-α stimulation. These results suggest that the STAT2 activation process is a crucial target for the blockade of IFN-α signaling. An in vitro binding assay with extracts from (STAT1-deficient) U3A and (STAT1-expressing) U3A-ST1 cells suggested the requirement of STAT1 for the C-STAT2 interaction. Furthermore, expression of STAT1 enhanced the inhibitory effect of the C protein on STAT2 activation in U3A cells. The C protein thus appears to participate in the inhibitory process for STAT2 activation through the STAT1 interaction.
Autographa californica
Nucleopolyhedrovirus
orf69
Encodes an RNA Cap (Nucleoside-2′-
O
)-Methyltransferase
Authors: Wu Xiaofeng , Guarino Linda A.
Published: February 2003

The AcNPV
orf69
gene encodes a protein that contains an
S
-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet)-dependent methyltransferase signature motif. More significantly, ORF69 shows high conservation at residues diagnostic for (nucleoside 2′-
O
)-methyltransferase activity. To analyze the function of this protein, which was renamed MTase1, it was overexpressed in
Escherichia coli
and purified to homogeneity. Photo cross-linking experiments showed that MTase1 bound AdoMet, and functional assays demonstrated cap 0-dependent methyltransferase activity. In vivo expression assays in insect cells showed that MTase1 was synthesized during the late phase of infection and that its expression was dependent on viral DNA replication. Primer extension analysis identified a late promoter motif, ATAAG, at the transcription start site. A mutant virus was constructed by inserting the
lacZ
gene into the coding region of
mtase1
. Immunoblot analysis confirmed that MTase1 was not synthesized in these cells, and single-step growth curves revealed that the rate of virus replication in tissue culture was not affected by the absence of MTase1.