bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Distribution of Cell Division Rate Can Be Deduced from that of p34cdc2 Kinase Activity in Maize Leaves Grown at Contrasting Temperatures and Soil Water Conditions
Authors: Granier Christine , Inzé Dirk , Tardieu François
Published: July 2002

We have investigated the spatial distributions of cell division rate, p34cdc2 kinase activity, and amount of p34cdc2a in maize (Zea mays) leaves grown at contrasting temperatures and soil water conditions. An original method for calculating cell division rate in all leaf tissues is proposed. In all studied conditions, cell division rate was stable and maximum in the first 2 cm beyond the leaf insertion point, declined afterward, and reached zero at 7 cm from the insertion point. The spatial distribution of p34cdc2 kinase activity, expressed on a per cell basis, followed the same pattern. In contrast, the amount of p34cdc2a was maximum in the first centimeter of the leaf, declined afterward, but remained at 20% of maximum in more distal zones with a near-zero cell division rate. A mild water deficit caused a reduction in cell division rate and p34cdc2 kinase activity by approximately 45% in all leaf zones, but did not affect the amount of p34cdc2a. Growth temperature affected to the same extent cell division rate and p34cdc2 kinase activity, but only if p34cdc2 kinase activity was assayed at growth temperature, and not if a standard temperature was used in all assays. A common linear relationship between cell division rate and p34cdc2 kinase activity applied to all causes of changes in cell division rate, i.e. cell aging, water deficit, or changes in temperature. It is shown that temperature has two distinct and additive effects on p34cdc2 kinase activity; first, an effect on the rate of the reaction, and second, an effect on the amount of p34cdc2a.
Lipid Peroxidation Is an Early Symptom Triggered by Aluminum, But Not the Primary Cause of Elongation Inhibition in Pea Roots
Authors: Yamamoto Yoko , Kobayashi Yukiko , Matsumoto Hideaki
Published: July 2002

Pea (Pisum sativum) roots were treated with aluminum in a calcium solution, and lipid peroxidation was investigated histochemically and biochemically, as well as other events caused by aluminum exposure. Histochemical stainings were observed to distribute similarly on the entire surface of the root apex for three events (aluminum accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and callose production), but the loss of plasma membrane integrity (detected by Evans blue uptake) was localized exclusively at the periphery of the cracks on the surface of root apex. The enhancement of four events (aluminum accumulation, lipid peroxidation, callose production, and root elongation inhibition) displayed similar aluminum dose dependencies and occurred by 4 h. The loss of membrane integrity, however, was enhanced at lower aluminum concentrations and after longer aluminum exposure (8 h). The addition of butylated hydroxyanisole (a lipophilic antioxidant) during aluminum treatment completely prevented lipid peroxidation and callose production by 40%, but did not prevent or slow the other events. Thus lipid peroxidation is a relatively early symptom induced by the accumulation of aluminum and appears to cause, in part, callose production, but not the root elongation inhibition; by comparison, the loss of plasma membrane integrity is a relatively late symptom caused by cracks in the root due to the inhibition of root elongation.
Tomato Allene Oxide Synthase and Fatty Acid Hydroperoxide Lyase, Two Cytochrome P450s Involved in Oxylipin Metabolism, Are Targeted to Different Membranes of Chloroplast Envelope
Authors: Froehlich John E. , Itoh Ayah , Howe Gregg A.
Published: July 2002

Allene oxide synthase (AOS) and hydroperoxide lyase (HPL) are related cytochrome P450s that metabolize a common fatty acid hydroperoxide substrate to different classes of bioactive oxylipins within chloroplasts. Here, we report the use of in vitro import assays to investigate the targeting of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) AOS (LeAOS) and HPL (LeHPL) to isolated chloroplasts. LeAOS, which contains a typical N-terminal transit peptide, was targeted to the inner envelope membrane by a route that requires both ATP and proteinase-sensitive components on the surface of chloroplasts. Imported LeAOS was peripherally associated with the inner envelope; the bulk of the protein facing the stroma. LeHPL, which lacks a typical chloroplast-targeting sequence, was targeted to the outer envelope by an ATP-independent and protease-insensitive pathway. Imported LeHPL was integrated into the outer envelope with most of the protein exposed to the inter-membrane space. We conclude that LeAOS and LeHPL are routed to different envelope membranes by distinct targeting pathways. Partitioning of AOS and HPL to different envelope membranes suggests differences in the spatial organization of these two branches of oxylipin metabolism.
Molecular Interactions between the Specialist HerbivoreManduca sexta (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae) and Its Natural Host Nicotiana attenuata. I. Large-Scale Changes in the Accumulation of Growth- and Defense-Related Plant mRNAs
Authors: Hermsmeier Dieter , Schittko Ursula , Baldwin Ian T.
Published: July 2002

Plants respond to herbivore attack with a dramatic functional reorganization that involves the activation of direct and indirect defenses and tolerance, which in turn make large demands on primary metabolism. Here we provide the first characterization of the transcriptional reorganization that occurs after insect attack in a model plant-herbivore system: Nicotiana attenuata Torr. ex Wats.-Manduca sexta. We used mRNA differential display to characterize one-twentieth of the insect-responsive transcriptome of N. attenuata and verified differential expression for 27 cDNAs. Northern analyses were used to study the effects of folivory and exposure to airborne methyl jasmonate and for kinetic analyses throughout a 16-h- light/8-h-dark cycle. Sequence similarity searches allowed putative functions to be assigned to 15 transcripts. Genes were related to photosynthesis, electron transport, cytoskeleton, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, signaling, and a group responding to stress, wounding, or invasion of pathogens. Overall, transcripts involved in photosynthesis were strongly down-regulated, whereas those responding to stress, wounding, and pathogens and involved in shifting carbon and nitrogen to defense were strongly up-regulated. The majority of transcripts responded similarly to airborne methyl jasmonate and folivory, and had tissue- and diurnal-specific patterns of expression. Transcripts encoding Thr deaminase (TD) and a putative retrotransposon were absent in control plants, but were strongly induced after herbivory. Full-length sequences were obtained for TD and the pathogen-inducible α-dioxygenase, PIOX. Effects of abiotic and biotic stimuli were investigated for transcripts encoding TD, importin α, PIOX, and a GAL83-like kinase cofactor.
A Comparative Molecular-Physiological Study of Submergence Response in Lowland and Deepwater Rice
Authors: Van Der Straeten Dominique , Zhou Zhongyi , Prinsen Els , Van Onckelen Harry A. , Van Montagu Marc C.
Published: July 2002

Survival of rice (Oryza sativa) upon an extreme rise of the water level depends on rapid stem elongation, which is mediated by ethylene. A genomic clone (OS-ACS5) encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase, which catalyzes a regulatory step in ethylene biosynthesis, has been isolated from cv IR36, a lowland rice variety. Expression was induced upon short- and long-term submergence in cv IR36 and in cv Plai Ngam, a Thai deepwater rice variety. Under hypoxic conditions, abscisic acid and gibberellin had a reciprocal opposite effect on the activity ofOS-ACS5. Gibberellin up-regulated and abscisic acid down-regulated OS-ACS5 mRNA accumulation. Growth experiments indicated that lowland rice responded to submergence with a burst of growth early on, but lacked the ability to sustain elongation growth. Sustained growth, characteristic for deepwater rice, was correlated with a prolonged induction of OS-ACS5. In addition, a more pronounced capacity to convert ACC to ethylene, a limited ACC conjugation, and a high level of endogenous gibberellin20 were characteristic for the deepwater variety. An elevated level of OS-ACS5 messenger was found in cv IR36 plants treated with exogenous ACC. This observation was concomitant with an increase in the capacity of converting ACC to ethylene and in elongation growth, and resulted in prolonged survival. In conclusion, OS-ACS5 is involved in the rapid elongation growth of deepwater rice by contributing to the initial and long-term increase in ethylene levels. Our data also suggest that ACC limits survival of submerged lowland rice seedlings.
Induction of a Major Leaf Acid Phosphatase Does Not Confer Adaptation to Low Phosphorus Availability in Common Bean
Authors: Yan Xiaolong , Liao Hong , Trull Melanie C. , Beebe Steve E. , Lynch Jonathan P.
Published: July 2002

Acid phosphatase is believed to be important for phosphorus scavenging and remobilization in plants, but its role in plant adaptation to low phosphorus availability has not been critically evaluated. To address this issue, we compared acid phosphatase activity (APA) in leaves of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in a phosphorus-inefficient genotype (DOR364), a phosphorus-efficient genotype (G19833), and their F5.10 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). Phosphorus deficiency substantially increased leaf APA, but APA was much higher and more responsive to phosphorus availability in DOR364 than in G19833. Leaf APA segregated in the RILs, with two discrete groups having either high (mean = 1.71 μmol/mg protein/min) or low (0.36 μmol/mg protein/min) activity. A chi-square test indicated that the observed difference might be controlled by a single gene. Non-denaturing protein electrophoresis revealed that there are four visible isoforms responsible for total APA in common bean, and that the difference in APA between contrasting genotypes could be attributed to the existence of a single major isoform. Qualitative mapping of the APA trait and quantitative trait loci analysis with molecular markers indicated that a major gene contributing to APA is located on linkage group B03 of the unified common bean map. This locus was not associated with loci conferring phosphorus acquisition efficiency or phosphorus use efficiency. RILs contrasting for APA had similar phosphorus pools in old and young leaves under phosphorus stress, arguing against a role for APA in phosphorus remobilization. Our results do not support a major role for leaf APA induction in regulating plant adaptation to phosphorus deficiency.
Biosynthesis of Germacrene A Carboxylic Acid in Chicory Roots. Demonstration of a Cytochrome P450 (+)-Germacrene A Hydroxylase and NADP+-Dependent Sesquiterpenoid Dehydrogenase(s) Involved in Sesquiterpene Lactone Biosynthesis
Authors: de Kraker Jan-Willem , Franssen Maurice C. R. , Dalm Marcella C. F. , de Groot Aede , Bouwmeester Harro J.
Published: July 2002

Sprouts of chicory (Cichorium intybus), a vegetable grown in the dark, have a slightly bitter taste associated with the presence of guaianolides, eudesmanolides, and germacranolides. The committed step in the biosynthesis of these compounds is catalyzed by a (+)-germacrene A synthase. Formation of the lactone ring is the postulated next step in biosynthesis of the germacrene-derived sesquiterpene lactones. The present study confirms this hypothesis by isolation of enzyme activities from chicory roots that introduce a carboxylic acid function in the germacrene A isopropenyl side chain, which is necessary for lactone ring formation. (+)-Germacrene A is hydroxylated to germacra-1(10),4,11(13)-trien-12-ol by a cytochrome P450 enzyme, and is subsequently oxidized to germacra-1(10),4,11(13)-trien-12-oic acid by NADP+-dependent dehydrogenase(s). Both oxidized germacrenes were detected as their Cope-rearrangement products elema-1,3,11(13)-trien-12-ol and elema-1,3,11(13)-trien-12-oic acid, respectively. The cyclization products of germacra-1(10),4,11(13)-trien-12-ol, i.e. costol, were also observed. The (+)-germacrene A hydroxylase is inhibited by carbon monoxide (blue-light reversible), has an optimum pH at 8.0, and hydroxylates β-elemene with a modest degree of enantioselectivity.
Expression of d-myo-Inositol-3-Phosphate Synthase in Soybean. Implications for Phytic Acid Biosynthesis
Authors: Hegeman Carla E. , Good Laura L. , Grabau Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2002

Phytic acid, a phosphorylated derivative ofmyo-inositol, functions as the major storage form of phosphorus in plant seeds. Myo-inositol phosphates, including phytic acid, play diverse roles in plants as signal transduction molecules, osmoprotectants, and cell wall constituents.d-myo-inositol-3-phosphate synthase (MIPS EC5.5.1.4) catalyzes the first step in de novo synthesis ofmyo-inositol. A soybean (Glycine max) MIPS cDNA (GmMIPS1) was isolated by reverse transcriptase-PCR using consensus primers designed from highly conserved regions in other plant MIPS sequences. Southern-blot analysis and database searches indicated the presence of at least four MIPS genes in the soybean genome. Northern-blot and immunoblot analyses indicated higher MIPS expression and accumulation in immature seeds than in other soybean tissues. MIPS was expressed early in the cotyledonary stage of seed development. The GmMIPS1 expression pattern suggested that it encodes a MIPS isoform that functions in seeds to generated-myo-inositol-3-phosphate as a substrate for phytic acid biosynthesis.
In Vivo Observation of Cavitation and Embolism Repair Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging,
Authors: Holbrook N. Michele , Ahrens Eric T. , Burns Michael J. , Zwieniecki Maciej A.
Published: July 2002

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to noninvasively monitor the status of individual xylem vessels in the stem of an intact, transpiring grape (Vitis vinifera) plant over a period of approximately 40 h. Proton density-weighted MRI was used to visualize the distribution of mobile water in the stem and individual xylem vessels were scored as either water or gas filled (i.e. embolized). The number of water-filled vessels decreased during the first 24 h of the experiment, indicating that approximately 10 vessels had cavitated during this time. Leaf water potentials decreased from −1.25 to −2.1 MPa during the same period. Watering increased leaf water potentials to −0.25 MPa and prevented any further cavitation. Refilling of xylem vessels occurred as soon as the lights were switched off, with the majority of vessels becoming refilled with water during the first 2 to 3 h in darkness. These measurements demonstrate that MRI can be used to monitor the functional status of individual xylem vessels, providing the first method to study the process of cavitation and embolism repair in intact plants.
Brassica rapaHas Three Genes That Encode Proteins Associated with Different Neutral Lipids in Plastids of Specific Tissues
Authors: Kim Hyun Uk , Wu Sherry S.H. , Ratnayake Chandra , Huang Anthony H.C.
Published: July 2002

Plastid lipid-associated protein (PAP), a predominant structural protein associated with carotenoids and other non-green neutral lipids in plastids, was shown to be encoded by a single nuclear gene in several species. Here we report three PAP genes in the diploidBrassica rapa; the three PAPs are associated with different lipids in specific tissues. Pap1 andPap2 are more similar to each other (84% amino acid sequence identity) than to Pap3 (46% and 44%, respectively) in the encoded mature proteins. Pap1 transcript was most abundant in the maturing anthers (tapetum) and in lesser amounts in leaves, fruit coats, seeds, and sepals;Pap2 transcript was abundant only in the petals; andPap3 transcript had a wide distribution, but at minimal levels in numerous organs. Immunoblotting after sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that most organs had several nanograms of PAP1 or PAP2 per milligram of total protein, the highest amounts being in the anthers (10.9 μg mg−1 PAP1) and petals (6.6 μg mg−1 PAP2), and that they had much less PAP3 (<0.02 μg mg−1). In these organs PAP was localized in isolated plastid fractions. Plants were subjected to abiotic stresses; drought and ozone reduced the levels of the three Pap transcripts, whereas mechanical wounding and altering the light intensity enhanced their levels. We conclude that the PAP gene family consists of several members whose proteins are associated with different lipids and whose expressions are controlled by distinct mechanisms. Earlier reports of the expression of one Pap gene in various organs in a species need to be re-examined.
Heat Stress Response in Pea Involves Interaction of Mitochondrial Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase with a Novel 86-Kilodalton Protein
Authors: Escobar Galvis Martha L. , Marttila Salla , Håkansson Gunilla , Forsberg Jens , Knorpp Carina
Published: July 2002

In this work we have further characterized the first mitochondrial nucleoside diphosphate kinase (mtNDPK) isolated from plants. The mitochondrial isoform was found to be especially abundant in reproductive and young tissues. Expression of the pea (Pisum sativum L. cv Oregon sugarpod) mtNDPK was not affected by different stress conditions. However, the pea mtNDPK was found to interact with a novel 86-kD protein, which is de novo synthesized in pea leaves upon exposure to heat. Thus, we have evidence for the involvement of mtNDPK in mitochondrial heat response in pea in vivo. Studies on oligomerization revealed that mtNDPK was found in complexes of various sizes, corresponding to the sizes of e.g. hexamers, tetramers, and dimers, indicating flexibility in oligomerization. This flexibility, also found for other NDPK isoforms, has been correlated with the ability of this enzyme to interact with other proteins. We believe that the mtNDPK is involved in heat stress response in pea, possibly as a modulator of the 86-kD protein.
Regeneration of a Lytic Central Vacuole and of Neutral Peripheral Vacuoles Can Be Visualized by Green Fluorescent Proteins Targeted to Either Type of Vacuoles
Authors: Di Sansebastiano Gian Pietro , Paris Nadine , Marc-Martin Sophie , Neuhaus Jean-Marc
Published: July 2002

Protein trafficking to two different types of vacuoles was investigated in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv SR1) mesophyll protoplasts using two different vacuolar green fluorescent proteins (GFPs). One GFP is targeted to a pH-neutral vacuole by the C-terminal vacuolar sorting determinant of tobacco chitinase A, whereas the other GFP is targeted to an acidic lytic vacuole by the N-terminal propeptide of barley aleurain, which contains a sequence-specific vacuolar sorting determinant. The trafficking and final accumulation in the central vacuole (CV) or in smaller peripheral vacuoles differed for the two reporter proteins, depending on the cell type. Within 2 d, evacuolated (mini-) protoplasts regenerate a large CV. Expression of the two vacuolar GFPs in miniprotoplasts indicated that the newly formed CV was a lytic vacuole, whereas neutral vacuoles always remained peripheral. Only later, once the regeneration of the CV was completed, the content of peripheral storage vacuoles could be seen to appear in the CV of a third of the cells, apparently by heterotypic fusion.
Light-Induced Growth Promotion by SPA1 Counteracts Phytochrome-Mediated Growth Inhibition during De-Etiolation
Authors: Parks Brian M. , Hoecker Ute , Spalding Edgar P.
Published: July 2002

Previous evidence has suggested that SPA1 is a signal transduction component that appears to require phytochrome A for function in seedling photomorphogenesis. Using digital image analysis, we examined the time course of growth inhibition induced by red light inspa1 mutants to test the interpretation that SPA1 functions early in a phyA-specific signaling pathway. By comparing wild-type and mutant responses, we found that SPA1 caused an increase in hypocotyl growth rate after approximately 2 h of continuous red light, whereas the onset of phyA-mediated inhibition was detected within several minutes. Thus, SPA1-dependent growth promotion began after phyA started to inhibit growth. The action of SPA1 persisted for approximately 2 d of red light, a period well beyond the time when the phyA photoreceptor and its influence on growth have both decayed to undetectable levels. Also, SPA1 promoted growth for many hours in the complete absence of a light stimulus when red-light-grown seedlings were shifted to darkness. We propose that SPA1 functions in a light-induced mechanism that promotes growth and thereby counteracts growth inhibition mediated by phyA and phyB. Our finding thatspa1 seedlings do not display growth promotion in response to end-of-day pulses of far-red light, even in a phyA-null background, supports this interpretation. Combined, these results lead us to the view that the rate of hypocotyl elongation in light is determined by at least two independent, opposing processes; an inhibition of growth by the phytochromes and a promotion of growth by light-activated SPA1.
Nitrate-Induced Genes in Tomato Roots. Array Analysis Reveals Novel Genes That May Play a Role in Nitrogen Nutrition,
Authors: Wang Yi-Hong , Garvin David F. , Kochian Leon V.
Published: July 2002

A subtractive tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) root cDNA library enriched in genes up-regulated by changes in plant mineral status was screened with labeled mRNA from roots of both nitrate-induced and mineral nutrient-deficient (−nitrogen [N], −phosphorus, −potassium [K], −sulfur, −magnesium, −calcium, −iron, −zinc, and −copper) tomato plants. A subset of cDNAs was selected from this library based on mineral nutrient-related changes in expression. Additional cDNAs were selected from a second mineral-deficient tomato root library based on sequence homology to known genes. These selection processes yielded a set of 1,280 mineral nutrition-related cDNAs that were arrayed on nylon membranes for further analysis. These high-density arrays were hybridized with mRNA from tomato plants exposed to nitrate at different time points after N was withheld for 48 h, for plants that were grown on nitrate/ammonium for 5 weeks prior to the withholding of N. One hundred-fifteen genes were found to be up-regulated by nitrate resupply. Among these genes were several previously identified as nitrate responsive, including nitrate transporters, nitrate and nitrite reductase, and metabolic enzymes such as transaldolase, transketolase, malate dehydrogenase, asparagine synthetase, and histidine decarboxylase. We also identified 14 novel nitrate-inducible genes, including: (a) water channels, (b) root phosphate and K+transporters, (c) genes potentially involved in transcriptional regulation, (d) stress response genes, and (e) ribosomal protein genes. In addition, both families of nitrate transporters were also found to be inducible by phosphate, K, and iron deficiencies. The identification of these novel nitrate-inducible genes is providing avenues of research that will yield new insights into the molecular basis of plant N nutrition, as well as possible networking between the regulation of N, phosphorus, and K nutrition.
Corrosion behaviour of silver brazing alloys in different environments
Authors: Dev S.C. , Singh Inder , Basu D.K. , Bhattamishra A.K. , Sivaramakrishnan C.S.
Published: July 2002

Corrosion data of the widely used silver brazing alloys (BAg‐1 and BAg‐3) of the American Welding Society’s (AWS) specification are scant in literature. Deals with the study of the corrosion behaviour of these alloys in different environments with particular emphasis on the industrial and marine atmospheres.
In the librarian’s chair: an analysis of factors which influence the motivation of library staff and contribute to the effective delivery of services
Authors: Green Jamie , Chivers Barbara , Mynott Glen
Published: July 2002

Suggests that the task of ensuring a high level of staff motivation requires from library managers a range of managerial, sociological and psychological skills for which they have had very little training, if any at all. These include effective communication with staff, the encouragement of good workplace relationships, the involvement of staff in the decision making process, helping staff to come to terms with change, promoting job rotation, recognising and rewarding initiative and providing relevant training for staff.
A case for reducing salt in processed foods
Authors: Gibson Joanna , Armstrong Gillian , McIlveen Heather
Published: July 2002

Salt is one of the most valuable substances available to man, with a definitive role in the human body and in food production. However, the continued use or indeed misuse of salt has led to adverse effects on health. The increasing consumption of convenience foods has contributed greatly to a high salt intake. Highly processed, convenience foods are known to contain large quantities of salt to optimise storage stability and flavour acceptability. Current high salt intakes have therefore been attributed to processed foods, accounting for 75‐85 per cent of total salt intake. Such findings and associated health implications have prompted a call from health professionals and food researchers to reduce salt intake. Effective salt reduction, however, can only be achieved with the co‐operation and commitment of the food industry in the development of lower‐salt processed foods.
The use of action learning in British higher education
Authors: Frank Harley D.
Published: July 2002

Asks to what extent have institutions which educate managers adopted action learning (AL) as part of their approach? Presents a preliminary description of the present state of AL in British higher education. Identifies the universities providing validated courses leading to a qualification, and highlights marked differences in the extent to which higher education courses rely on AL; i.e. less than one‐third of the identified courses use AL essentially on its own as a learning method; the remainder use AL, typically learning sets, but only in addition to workshops and other taught components. Provides systematic data on the use of learning diaries and how AL sets are organized in the courses examined and how they function.
Cross‐cultural influences on quality management systems: two case studies
Authors: Sui Pheng Low , Alfelor Winifredo M.
Published: July 2002

An emphasis on the technical requirements of ISO 9000 by quality managers is a common occurrence in the construction industry. This is particularly so when construction firms first introduce quality management into their organizations. There is now, however, a recognition that to be effective, quality managers should address both the technical and non‐technical (or behavioural) issues. There is then a premise that everyone within an organization shares a common cultural platform. This premise is, however, untenable in international construction projects where people from diverse cultural background and nationalities work together. This paper suggests that cross‐cultural influences can significantly influence quality management in international construction projects. Using two case studies, it explains regional cultural influences and suggests ways of minimising their adverse effects on quality management.
Empowering service workers at Harvester Restaurants
Authors: Ashness Diane , Lashley Conrad
Published: July 2002

Increasingly both academic and industrial commentators advocate that a commitment to service quality improvement requires the development of “service driven culture” or a “total quality culture”, based on approaches to human resource management which ensure greater employee involvement and empowerment. Harvester Restaurants is an organization which has made attempts to address some of these issues through the empowerment of employees in the group′s restaurants.
The rhetoric and bureaucracy of quality management
Authors: Dawson Patrick
Published: July 2002

New empirical research is presented on the human resource management implications of introducing a service excellence programme into an Australian optometry company. The case study is used to demonstrate the difficulties of changing employee behaviour and illustrates how the rhetorical hype behind the quality initiative has done little to improve employee relations at work. Company shifts between the “softer” and “harder” aspects of quality are also examined and the more recent market‐driven push for companies to comply with an expanding raft of bureaucratic procedures is questioned. The article concludes by calling for further critical research to offset the quality campaigns of vested interests which often mask the commercial downside associated with some elements of the “quality revolution”.
Assessing the effectiveness of relocation support
Authors: Saunders Mark N.K. , Thornhill Adrian R.
Published: July 2002

Reviews and integrates UK and North American research on job relocation relating to managerial and professional employees. Notes evidence which indicates an increasing level of reluctance by such employees to relocate for job reasons. Examines barriers to domestic relocation, including those related to financial and personal reasons, and organisational interventions designed to overcome them. Recognises that traditional forms of organisational intervention to alleviate barriers to relocation may be becoming less effective despite careful targeting. Analyses research data from the UK local authority sector to explore the effectiveness of organisational interventions to overcome barriers to relocation. Uses force field theory to evaluate the relationship between these barriers and organisational interventions in relation to organisations in general and UK local authorities in particular. Draws conclusions about the nature and use of organisational interventions to overcome barriers to domestic relocation, and discusses the applicability of the findings drawn from the UK local authorities research data.
Politicking for success: the missing skill
Authors: Peled Alon
Published: July 2002

Argues that leaders with extensive backgrounds in organizational politics are more likely than technology‐focused leaders to complete their information technology projects successfully. Describes how successful technological leaders in the public sector manage their projects, mainly upwards and outwards, and tailor their technical visions to the day‐to‐day reality of their organizations. Compares the evolution and fate of two information technology projects, one managed by a technology‐oriented scientist (success) and the other by a politics‐driven bureaucrat (failure). Proposes that senior decision makers can hone the political skills of their technological leaders by training them on the “soft” skills of management and helping them balance the skill sets of their teams. Suggests how to change current incentive systems in order to encourage technological leaders to politick their projects to success.
Business innovation through customer‐value creation
Authors: Kodama Mitsuru
Published: July 2002

For the various cyber businesses of the future based on the Internet, multimedia and other new electronic fields, business organization styles, management methods and the distribution of management resources must be re‐structured to accommodate the transformation of the business environment. This article examines the case of a virtual education business in Japan, which has recently been garnering attention as a knowledge‐based business that utilizes multimedia, networks, etc. It considers how Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, Japan’s largest telecommunications carrier, created business communities based on strategic partnerships with various customers, and how then, through customer value creation‐model businesses based on knowledge innovation within these communities, it created a new virtual education business.
Linking FM practice and research
Authors: Nutt Bev
Published: July 2002

This paper looks at the practical opportunities for collaboration between facilities management (FM) practice and research. It provides a framework for mapping the basic origins for innovation in FM and the territory for collaborative research, through which futures in FM may be explored.
From the Visual book to the WEB book: the importance of design
Authors: Landoni M. , Wilson R. , Gibb F.
Published: July 2002

This paper presents the results of two studies into electronic book production. The Visual book study explored the importance of the visual component of the book metaphor for the production of more effective electronic books, while the WEB book study took the findings of the Visual book and applied them to the production of books for publication on the World Wide Web (WWW). Both studies started from an assessment of which kinds of paper book are more suitable for translation into electronic form. Both also identified publications which are meant to be used for reference rather than those which are read sequentially, and usually in their entirety. This group includes scientific publications and textbooks which were both used as the target group for the Visual book and the WEB book experiments. In this paper we discuss the results of the two studies and how they could influence the design and production of more effective electronic books.
Evolutionary natural frequency optimization of two‐dimensional structures with additional non‐structural lumped masses
Authors: Zhao Chongbin , Steven G.P. , Xie Y.M.
Published: July 2002

Extends the evolutionary structural optimization method to the solution for the natural frequency optimization of a two‐dimensional structure with additional non‐structural lumped masses. Owing to the significant difference between a static optimization problem and a structural natural frequency optimization problem, five basic criteria for the evolutionary natural frequency optimization have been established. The inclusion of these criteria into the evolutionary structural optimization method makes it possible to solve structural natural frequency optimization problems for two‐dimensional structures with additional non‐structural lumped masses. Gives two examples to demonstrate the feasibility of the extended evolutionary structural optimization method when it is used to solve structural natural frequency optimization problems.
On the formulation of enhanced strain finite elements in finite deformations
Authors: Glaser S. , Armero F.
Published: July 2002

Presents recent advances obtained by the authors in the development of enhanced strain finite elements for finite deformation problems. Discusses two options, both involving simple modifications of the original enhancement strategy of the deformation gradient as proposed in previous works. The first new strategy is based on a full symmetrization of the original enhanced interpolation fields; the second involves only the transposed part of these fields. Both modifications lead to a significant improvement of the performance in problems involving high compressive stresses, showing in particular a mode‐free response, while maintaining a simple and efficient (strain driven) numerical implementation. Demonstrates these properties with a number of numerical benchmark simulations, including a complete modal analysis of the elements.
Development of the service predisposition instrument
Authors: Lee‐Ross Darren
Published: July 2002

Summarizes data from 768 respondents from eight organizations collected using the service predisposition instrument (SPI) and describes the properties, content and some uses of the instrument. The SPI consists of question statements based upon a number of model‐specified variables according to a theory of how service industry workers perceive their respective importance during the service encounter. The SPI may be used to identify attitudes of existing workers and in the recruitment and training of new personnel. The instrument provides measures of service elements, cognitive expressions and a personal service outcome.
German unification: persistent differences between those from East and West
Authors: Kirkcaldy Bruce , Trimpop Rüdiger , Furnham Adrian
Published: July 2002

A large‐scale survey was conducted to assess “attitudes towards risk and safety at work”, and more general attitudes to work among vets four to five years after German unification. Clear differences were observed between the old (West) and new (East) Federal States of Germany. Stress levels were significantly higher in the new Federal States but, interestingly, the city of Berlin shared the low stress features of employees in the former West Germany. Social cohesion or working climate was generally perceived more favourably in the new Federal States. Satisfaction at work was not significantly related to job stress, and did not show such clear differences between new and old federal States. Individuals from the new federal States were more emotional in their driving styles, less risk‐taking and more safety conscious than their colleagues in the older federal States. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Hospital human resource planning in Slovakia
Authors: Wagner Robert , Hlavacka Svatopluk , Bacharova Ljuba
Published: July 2002

The study is an attempt to provide empirical evidence, in the context of acute hospital care, of the current human resource practices in the health sector of the Slovak Republic. Using a sample of 72 acute care hospitals the research explored the perceived functions, typical customers and priorities of hospital human resource departments, ownership of a workforce plan, and the relationships between ownership of a workforce plan and type of hospital, as well as the degree to which different human resource activities are given priority. Cross‐tabulation procedure revealed statistically significant relationships between ownership of a workforce plan and the degree of priority given to having a quick, efficient and cost‐effective recruitment and selection system and, not surprisingly, the degree of priority given to ensuring that the human resource department has a workforce plan. The study evidence also indicates that, although the human resource staff in hospitals seem to be aware of their role in assisting hospital management in decision making, the human resource function in the Slovak hospitals still rather resembles that of a personnel administration than that of an important strategic human resource activity.
Transforming graduates, transforming small firms
Authors: Roffe Ian
Published: July 2002

Examines the influence of intra‐European co‐operation on a regional response to human resource development, and in particular, to graduate placement in small firms. Discusses the attitudes and cultural differences to enterprise of Welsh and non‐Welsh speakers. Identifies common features of placement programmes compared with other entrepreneurship training courses, and the specialist skills to give the individual and the firm a competitive advantage. Highlights the crucial requirement in graduate placement to balance the needs of the graduate, the small firm, the funding agency and the training organization.
Curing and film properties of palm stearin alkyds
Authors: Gan Seng‐Neon , Teo Kim‐Teck
Published: July 2002

Reports the effects of composition and curing temperature on the film properties of three water reducible enamels prepared from palm stearin alkyds. The properties studied were hardness, flexibility, and adhesion. While all the formulations exhibit excellent adhesion, generally increasing the melamine content and curing temperature can increase the hardness but reduce the resistance to cracking and deformation of the coating. Applies Fourier transform infra‐red spectroscopy (FTIR) to the study of the curing reactions. Finds that FTIR is able to identify the predominant cross‐linking reactions.
The relationship between college experience and academic performance among minority students
Authors: Saenz Terry , Marcoulides George A. , Junn Ellen , Young Ray
Published: July 2002

A number of factors have been identified as important to the retention and success of minority students in American higher education. Foremost among these factors are college experience variables like academic integration and social integration. The purpose of this study was to model the relationship between college experience and academic performance for minority students enrolled in an American institution of higher learning. Using structural equation modeling techniques, a model of the college experience consistent with past research was proposed and tested. The results provide support for the proposed model. Implications of the findings for improving research and practice in the field of educational management are outlined.
Development and validation of lead‐free wave soldering process
Authors: Forstén Atso , Steen Hector , Wilding Ian , Friedrich Jürgen
Published: July 2002

Though lead‐free replacements for SnPb eutectic alloys for reflow, wave, and hand soldering have been developed, relatively little has been reported on practical experience of lead‐free wave soldering processes. In wave soldering, the interaction between the PCB, flux, solder alloy and processing equipment makes it desirable to develop the consumables and the wave soldering machine concurrently. A crossfunctional project team was formed and a lead‐free wave soldering process developed and validated through nine months of industrial use in production of broad‐band communications technology products.
Suburban secondary school principals′ perceptions of administrative
control in schools
Authors: Myers Emily , Murphy Joseph
Published: July 2002

Examines the control mechanisms which superintendents used to shape
and direct the work of suburban high school principals. Includes four
hierarchical controls (supervision, input, behaviour and output) and two
non‐hierarchical controls (section/socialization and environmental).
Examines two additional areas, the social status of the school and the
size of the district, for their effects on the application of the six
control mechanisms. Finds the control mechanisms were used in all of the
schools in varying degrees, but the extent of use across areas conveys
how controls were “zoned” with tight controls (constraints)
over some areas or loose controls (autonomy) over other areas. Concludes
that district size does affect the variability of control and autonomy.
Coping with stress in the principalship
Authors: Allison Donald G.
Published: July 2002

Reports the responses of 643 public school principals in Canada to a survey on coping with administrative stress. A factor analysis of responses to the 26 item coping preference scale prepared for this study identified seven coping factors. Lists the ten most popular coping strategies and compares the coping preferences of principals with high scores on the administrative stress index with those with low scores. Uses multivariate regression analysis to identify eight coping items associated with administrative stress. Reveals that principals who set realistic goals, approach problems optimistically and objectively, engage in activities that support spiritual growth, take mini‐vacations, and are actively involved in their communities, are likely to experience less stress. Analyses the responses to the coping scale with respect to several personal and environmental variables. Concludes that principals who have more extensive coping repertoires are more likely to be in better health and experience less stress.
Leading people in a chaotic world
Authors: Sullivan Terence J.
Published: July 2002

The organisations in which we go about our daily lives are indeed complex. Not only does layer upon layer of sub‐groups interact within our educational organisations but also these same organisations interact with the myraid organisations that form the whole of society. Such continuous interaction at all levels in our educational organisations is part of a giant network which is in a state of flux. As leaders we need a theoretical tool to describe this perpetual evolution if we are to understand our organisations and so lead people. The link between complexity and computer simulation seems particularly promising in order to understand the many possible scenarios that may result from the evolving variables present in our educational organisations. Although theories on complexity, including chaos theory, are descriptive rather than predictive, an understanding of the way our organisations function must surely facilitate our role of administration and management.
Total Quality Management and School Restructuring
Authors: Weller L. David , Hartley Sylvia H.
Published: July 2002

School restructuring efforts in the USA have failed in the past because
no clear conceptual model or delivery system existed which allowed for
unified implementation of restructuring. However, lessons from
successful corporations using total quality management (TQM) are now
providing educators with a proven process to attain quality education
through a structured, systematic delivery system designed to promote
continuous improvement. Georgia has become one of the states turning TQM
as a conceptual model for reform. Describes the TQM initiative in
Georgia′s public schools, including how the need for reform was
identified, who is driving the reform efforts, and how these efforts are
progressing.
Costs and performance of injection moulding tools produced using slip casting
Authors: Ainsley Chris , Gong HaiQing
Published: July 2002

This paper presents results from the testing and benchmarking of a slip cast 316 stainless steel injection moulding tool. A brief out line of the slip casting process and the test cavity geometry is given as well as a discussion of some of the commercial alternative methods of forming injection moulding cavities. The calculations for the slip cast test cavity cost and lead time are given and comparisons between slip casting tool formation and alternative methods are made. The paper concludes that the slip casting method has potential in replacing some of the other tooling methods.
Plasticity of quaternary structure: Twenty‐two ways to form a LacI dimer
Authors: Swint‐Kruse Liskin , Elam Corey R. , Lin Jennifer W. , Wycuff Diane R. , Matthews Kathleen Shive
Published: July 2002

The repressor proteins of the LacI/GalR family exhibit significant similarity in their secondary and tertiary structures despite less than 35% identity in their primary sequences. Furthermore, the core domains of these oligomeric repressors, which mediate dimerization, are homologous with the monomeric periplasmic binding proteins, extending the issue of plasticity to quaternary structure. To elucidate the determinants of assembly, a structure‐based alignment has been created for three repressors and four periplasmic binding proteins. Contact maps have also been constructed for the three repressor interfaces to distinguish any conserved interactions. These analyses show few strict requirements for assembly of the core N‐subdomain interface. The interfaces of repressor core C‐subdomains are well conserved at the structural level, and their primary sequences differ significantly from the monomeric periplasmic binding proteins at positions equivalent to LacI 281 and 282. However, previous biochemical and phenotypic analyses indicate that LacI tolerates many mutations at 281. Mutations at LacI 282 were shown to abrogate assembly, but for Y282D this could be compensated by a second‐site mutation in the core N‐subdomain at K84 to L or A. Using the link between LacI assembly and function, we have further identified 22 second‐site mutations that compensate the Y282D dimerization defect in vivo. The sites of these mutations fall into several structural regions, each of which may influence assembly by a different mechanism. Thus, the 360‐amino acid scaffold of LacI allows plasticity of its quaternary structure. The periplasmic binding proteins may require only minimal changes to facilitate oligomerization similar to the repressor proteins.