bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disaster tourism and disaster landscape attractions after Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Shondell Miller DeMond 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe paper's primary goals are three‐fold: to explore how disaster tourism serves as a vehicle for self‐reflection in respect to how the disaster tour affects the tourist; to understand how cultures adapt to abrupt change; and to understand how the tourism industry can lead to the cultural and economic revitalization of devastated areas.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on sociological theory, experience, and participant observation to complete an autoethnographic study of a “disaster tour” in and around the New Orleans, Louisiana, metropolitan area.FindingsConveying information via auto‐ethnographic disaster tourism helps readers develop an understanding of others by being immersed in the tour experience. Placing the researchers in the midst of the analysis presents a perspective of the cultural mix of New Orleans as place set apart, even among places in the south. Finally, this study highlights the importance of a rapidly rebounding tourism industry by “branding” New Orleans as a “Come back city.”Research limitations/implicationsBecause the research employs an auto‐ethnograpic approach, it may not be possible to duplicate the observations and findings, which are subject to the interpretations of the reader.Originality/valueThe contribution of this work to the literature is its highlighting of the flexibility of the tourism industry after a catastrophe and noting that tour guides frame the reconstruction process as “signs of hope” and “rebirth,” rather than a city in decline. Readers come to understand that the key to the revival of New Orleans is how disaster tourists understand the disaster as well as the recovery process.
Learning investments and organizational capabilities
Authors: Killen Catherine P. , Hunt Robert A. , Kleinschmidt Elko J. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to improve understanding and provide guidance for investments in organizational learning mechanisms for the establishment and evolution of organizational capabilities such as project portfolio management (PPM) and project management capabilities.Design/methodology/approachA multiple‐case study research project investigates the development of PPM capabilities in six successful organizations across diverse industries.FindingsThe research indicates that PPM and organizational learning are dynamic capabilities that enhance an organization's ability to achieve and maintain competitive advantage in dynamic environments. PPM capabilities are shown to co‐evolve through a combination of tacit experience accumulation, explicit knowledge articulation and explicit knowledge codification learning mechanisms. Although all three learning mechanisms are important throughout the establishment and evolution of PPM capability development, the research indicates that the development of an effective PPM capability will require particularly strong investments in enhancing tacit experience accumulation mechanisms and explicit knowledge codification mechanisms during the initial establishment or during periods of radical change to the PPM process.Research limitations/implicationsThe research includes a sample of six case studies and the results may not be generalisable. In addition, the research was conducted over a short period of time whereas a longitudinal study would be required to gain more detailed information about the development of capabilities over time.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that managers can enhance and sustain competitive advantage by investing in tacit experience accumulation as well as explicit knowledge articulation and codification learning mechanisms to develop their PPM capability. Strengthened investment in experience accumulation and knowledge codification learning mechanisms is recommended during establishment of the PPM capability.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the understanding of the links between organizational learning and the development of dynamic capabilities. Original hypotheses are proposed and some initial support for these hypotheses is provided through multiple‐case study research.
Towards different communication in collaborative design
Authors: Smulders Frido , Lousberg Louis , Dorst Kees 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to create a social constructivist perspective on collaborative architecture that is complementary to the rational‐analytic perspective as embodied in the “hard” project management tools.Design/Methodology/approachTwo theoretical perspectives from the field of design methodology, “design as co‐evolution”, and “design as a social process”, form the base for an integrated perspective of collaboration. This integrated perspective describes in detail the social process among multi functional actors involved in co‐creational processes. A third theoretical framework discusses the process of maturing conflicts and conflict prevention using the integrated perspective on collaboration. Data from two empirical studies are used to illustrate both perspectives. The first study used a protocol study approach and the second a grounded approach.FindingsThis paper shows the similarities in design methodology and conflict literature by introducing a social constructivist perspective on collaborative architecture. Especially, the notion of cognitive errors as root cause of “conflictuous” situations becomes apparent. The paper describes in detail the role of perceptual differences that can make and break collaborative architecture.Practical implicationsBased on these findings some hypothetical intervention strategies are proposed that collaborating actors can apply in order to prevent “conflictuous” situations to grow beyond control and even bend those situations towards innovations. Actors engaged in multi functional and multi actor creational processes might benefit from building a rudimentary mental model representing the world of the other function or other organization.Originality/valueThe paper brings together the intra‐subjective and inter‐subjective level in the context of co‐creating (architectural) processes by combining two very different streams of literature, design methodology and maturing conflicts. In both streams one could identify a similar distinction between cognitive processes and social processes. Collaborative architecture without having social‐emotional conflicts is realized by explicating implicitly held knowledge, understandings and perceptions. An individual cognitive effort as well as a social‐interactive effort is needed in which actors explicitly discuss differences in perception before these perceptions evolve into misleading truths. As a basis for such synchronizing discussions the actors need to have some sort of rudimentary understanding of each other's thought world and trust in each other's professionalism and factuality. Thus, preventing conflicts is not about having more communication, but about different communication!
Improving cross‐company project management performance with a collaborative project scorecard
Authors: Niebecker Klaus , Eager David , Kubitza Klaus 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the current problems and difficulties in automotive project management and explore solutions to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. To meet the industry demands for new project management methods, a strategy‐based scorecard concept was developed to monitor and control collaborative projects, to measure their performance, and to manage risks. The method aims to improve the project management performance of cross‐company projects.Design/methodology/approachThe development of collaborative strategy maps and integrated measures for project control based on key performance indicators (KPIs) is an essential step for successful project management with a collaborative project scorecard. The concept was developed and evaluated on the basis of two workshops organised by the German Project Management Association (GPM e.V.) and interviews with project managers of automotive projects (manufacturers and suppliers).FindingsThe application of a balanced scorecard to cross‐company projects in the automotive industry can be facilitated by an impact matrix to develop strategy maps. Examples of collaborative strategy maps, project objectives, and KPIs to manage automotive projects are given and advantages, disadvantages, and limitations discussed. The paper discusses the possibilities of improving project management efficiency and effectiveness, as well as increasing project transparency with a CPS.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils the need to align collaborative project objectives with cross‐company business strategies in the automotive industry. The application of a balanced scorecard to cross‐company projects in the automotive industry is a new approach and would be of interest to all project managers aiming to increase transparency in their projects.
A study of project management leadership styles across life cycle stages of an IT project in Hong Kong
Authors: Ng Chui‐Ha (Tracy) , Walker Derek H.T. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a discussion of the way that teams and leaders interact over the life cycle stages of a project and how trust and confidence plays a vital part in this intimate relationship. Key issues relevant to this discussion are the nature of projects, the nature of trust and commitment and leadership style.Design/methodology/approachA case study was undertaken of an information and communication technology project delivered by an information technology (IT) company to a Hong Kong public sector organisation. The study extended over the whole of the project and data was gathered on how the leadership styles of individuals in “leader” positions of a project affected project management process success and failure from a critical historical event perspective. The study was considered over four stages: project initiation and design; development; testing and cut over; and finally project acceptance.FindingsThis paper highlights personnel changes in the leadership team. Issues relating to the leadership team of the public sector organisation and IT company are then explored, analysed and discussed. The source and use of power from the perspective of project delivery team leaders and the public sector organisation are explored to analyse how the adopted leadership style influenced the degree of trust and commitment exhibited by participants at each stage. Results suggest that team members should be considered as key project stakeholders and building their trust and confidence in the project leadership group is vital.Practical implicationsThe paper explores cultural national issues that affect leadership style that are particularly relevant in a Confucian cultural context. While findings from one study cannot be more generally applied they do help to build our understanding of processes at work and what critical incidents influence the way that these unfold – in this case, the way that leadership style affected the organisational form for example.Originality/valueEach case study is unique. This study provides particularly rich insights into the project and its characteristics across each stage of the project and so it contributes to the body of casework that helps explain the implications of how history, culture and context shapes the emergence of a particular leadership and followership style.
Bent Flyvbjerg: power and project management – an appreciation
Authors: Clegg Stewart 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a critique of Bent Flyybjerg's work that has high relevance to the project management (PM) literature.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a narrative with argument and analysis.FindingsThe paper challenges readers, PM academics and practitioners to view PM with a political perspective. This paper was delivered at the ICAN 2007 Conference (which is the focus of this issue), which was entitled “Mission Control: Power, Knowledge and Collaboration in Project Practice.”Originality/valueThis paper triggers and sustains the debate about the influence of power and its unintended consequences that may affect projects. The review raises PM issues worthy of consideration that are often neglected.
Rapid mass spectrometric analysis of 15N‐Leu incorporation fidelity during preparation of specifically labeled NMR samples
Authors: Truhlar Stephanie M.E. , Cervantes Carla F. , Torpey Justin W. , Kjaergaard Magnus , Komives Elizabeth A. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAdvances in NMR spectroscopy have enabled the study of larger proteins that typically have significant overlap in their spectra. Specific 15N‐amino acid incorporation is a powerful tool for reducing spectral overlap and attaining reliable sequential assignments. However, scrambling of the label during protein expression is a common problem. We describe a rapid method to evaluate the fidelity of specific 15N‐amino acid incorporation. The selectively labeled protein is proteolyzed, and the resulting peptides are analyzed using MALDI mass spectrometry. The 15N incorporation is determined by analyzing the isotopic abundance of the peptides in the mass spectra using the program DEX. This analysis determined that expression with a 10‐fold excess of unlabeled amino acids relative to the 15N‐amino acid prevents the scrambling of the 15N label that is observed when equimolar amounts are used. MALDI TOF‐TOF MS/MS data provide additional information that shows where the “extra” 15N labels are incorporated, which can be useful in confirming ambiguous assignments. The described procedure provides a rapid technique to monitor the fidelity of selective labeling that does not require a lot of protein. These advantages make it an ideal way of determining optimal expression conditions for selectively labeled NMR samples.
Effect of Silver-Doped Phosphate-Based Glasses on Bacterial Biofilm Growth
Authors: Valappil Sabeel P. , Knowles Jonathan C. , Wilson Michael 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT

Silver-containing phosphate-based glasses were found to reduce the growth of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and
Staphylococcus aureus
biofilms, which are leading causes of nosocomial infections. The rates of glass degradation (1.27 to 1.41 μg·mm
−2
·h
−1
) and the corresponding silver release were found to account for the variation in biofilm growth inhibitory effect.
Heterologous Expression of a Position 2-Substituted (1→3)-β-
d
-Glucan in
Lactococcus lactis
Authors: Werning María Laura , Corrales María Angeles , Prieto Alicia , de Palencia Pilar Fernández , Navas Jesús , López Paloma 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT

Exopolysaccharides play an important role in the rheology and texture of fermented foods, and among these β-glucans have immunomodulating properties. We show that the overproduction of the
Pediococcus parvulus
GTF glycosyltransferase in an uncapsulated
Lactococcus lactis
strain results in synthesis and secretion (300 mg liter
−1
) of a position 2-substituted (1→3)-β-
d
-glucan that has potential use as a food additive.
Genes for the Biosynthesis of the Fungal Polyketides Hypothemycin from
Hypomyces subiculosus
and Radicicol from
Pochonia chlamydosporia
Authors: Reeves Christopher D. , Hu Zhihao , Reid Ralph , Kealey James T. 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT

Gene clusters for biosynthesis of the fungal polyketides hypothemycin and radicicol from
Hypomyces subiculosus
and
Pochonia chlamydosporia
, respectively, were sequenced. Both clusters encode a reducing polyketide synthase (PKS) and a nonreducing PKS like those in the zearalenone cluster of
Gibberella zeae
, plus enzymes with putative post-PKS functions. Introduction of an O-methyltransferase (OMT) knockout construct into
H. subiculosus
resulted in a strain with increased production of 4-
O
-desmethylhypothemycin, but because transformation of
H. subiculosus
was very difficult, we opted to characterize hypothemycin biosynthesis using heterologous gene expression. In vitro, the OMT could methylate various substrates lacking a 4-O-methyl group, and the flavin-dependent monooxygenase (FMO) could epoxidate substrates with a 1′,2′ double bond. The glutathione
S
-transferase catalyzed
cis-trans
isomerization of the 7′,8′ double bond of hypothemycin. Expression of both hypothemycin PKS genes (but neither gene alone) in yeast resulted in production of
trans
-7′,8′-dehydrozearalenol (DHZ). Adding expression of OMT, expression of FMO, and expression of cytochrome P450 to the strain resulted in methylation, 1′,2′-epoxidation, and hydroxylation of DHZ, respectively. The radicicol gene cluster encodes halogenase and cytochrome P450 homologues that are presumed to catalyze chlorination and epoxidation, respectively. Schemes for biosynthesis of hypothemycin and radicicol are proposed. The PKSs encoded by the two clusters described above and those encoded by the zearalenone cluster all synthesize different products, yet they have significant sequence identity. These PKSs may provide a useful system for probing the mechanisms of fungal PKS programming.
Analysis of a Novel Insect Cell Culture Medium-Based Growth Medium for
Bartonella
Species
Authors: Riess Tanja , Dietrich Florian , Schmidt Katja V. , Kaiser Patrick O. , Schwarz Heinz , Schäfer Andrea , Kempf Volkhard A. J. 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT

Human- and animal-pathogenic
Bartonella
species are fastidious and slow-growing bacteria difficult to isolate and cultivate. We describe a novel, easy-to-prepare liquid medium for the fast and reliable growth of several
Bartonella
spp. that does not affect bacterial protein expression patterns or interactions with host cells.
Persistence of Biomarker ATP and ATP-Generating Capability in Bacterial Cells and Spores Contaminating Spacecraft Materials under Earth Conditions and in a Simulated Martian Environment
Authors: Fajardo-Cavazos Patricia , Schuerger Andrew C. , Nicholson Wayne L. 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT

Most planetary protection research has concentrated on characterizing viable bioloads on spacecraft surfaces, developing techniques for bioload reduction prior to launch, and studying the effects of simulated martian environments on microbial survival. Little research has examined the persistence of biogenic signature molecules on spacecraft materials under simulated martian surface conditions. This study examined how endogenous adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) would persist on aluminum coupons under simulated martian conditions of 7.1 mbar, full-spectrum simulated martian radiation calibrated to 4 W m
−2
of UV-C (200 to 280 nm), −10°C, and a Mars gas mix of CO
2
(95.54%), N
2
(2.7%), Ar (1.6%), O
2
(0.13%), and H
2
O (0.03%). Cell or spore viabilities of
Acinetobacter radioresistens, Bacillus pumilus
, and
B. subtilis
were measured in minutes to hours, while high levels of endogenous ATP were recovered after exposures of up to 21 days. The dominant factor responsible for temporal reductions in viability and loss of ATP was the simulated Mars surface radiation; low pressure, low temperature, and the Mars gas composition exhibited only slight effects. The normal burst of endogenous ATP detected during spore germination in
B. pumilus
and
B. subtilis
was reduced by 1 or 2 orders of magnitude following, respectively, 8- or 30-min exposures to simulated martian conditions. The results support the conclusion that endogenous ATP will persist for time periods that are likely to extend beyond the nominal lengths of most surface missions on Mars, and planetary protection protocols prior to launch may require additional rigor to further reduce the presence and abundance of biosignature molecules on spacecraft surfaces.
Influence of Particle Size on Bacterial Community Structure in Aquatic Sediments as Revealed by 16S rRNA Gene Sequence Analysis
Authors: Jackson Colin R. , Weeks Andrew Q. 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT

Bacterial communities associated with sediment particles were examined using PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Particle size influenced community structure, with attached bacterial assemblages separating into 63- to 125-, 125- to 1,000-, and 1,000- to 2,000-μm fractions. Differences were particularly pronounced for the
Verrucomicrobia
-
Planctomycetes
, whose numbers were significantly reduced on coarser particles.
Group 2 Sigma Factor SigB of
Corynebacterium glutamicum
Positively Regulates Glucose Metabolism under Conditions of Oxygen Deprivation
Authors: Ehira Shigeki , Shirai Tomokazu , Teramoto Haruhiko , Inui Masayuki , Yukawa Hideaki 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT

The
sigB
gene of
Corynebacterium glutamicum
encodes a group 2 sigma factor of RNA polymerase. Under conditions of oxygen deprivation, the
sigB
gene is upregulated and cells exhibit high productivity of organic acids as a result of an elevated glucose consumption rate. Using DNA microarray and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) analyses, we found that
sigB
disruption led to reduced transcript levels of genes involved in the metabolism of glucose into organic acids. This in turn resulted in retardation of glucose consumption by cells under conditions of oxygen deprivation. These results indicate that SigB is involved in positive regulation of glucose metabolism genes and enhances glucose consumption under conditions of oxygen deprivation. Moreover,
sigB
disruption reduced the transcript levels of genes involved in various cellular functions, including the glucose metabolism genes not only in the growth-arrested cells under conditions of oxygen deprivation but also in the cells during aerobic exponential growth, suggesting that SigB functions as another vegetative sigma factor.
NADPH Oxidases NOX-1 and NOX-2 Require the Regulatory Subunit NOR-1 To Control Cell Differentiation and Growth in
Neurospora crassa
Authors: Cano-Domínguez Nallely , Álvarez-Delfín Karen , Hansberg Wilhelm , Aguirre Jesús 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT

We have proposed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play essential roles in cell differentiation. Enzymes belonging to the NADPH oxidase (NOX) family produce superoxide in a regulated manner. We have identified three distinct NOX subfamilies in the fungal kingdom and have shown that NoxA is required for sexual cell differentiation in
Aspergillus nidulans
. Here we show that
Neurospora crassa
NOX-1 elimination results in complete female sterility, decreased asexual development, and reduction of hyphal growth. The lack of NOX-2 did not affect any of these processes but led instead to the production of sexual spores that failed to germinate, even in the presence of exogenous oxidants. The elimination of NOR-1, an ortholog of the mammalian Nox2 regulatory subunit gp67

phox

, also caused female sterility, the production of unviable sexual spores, and a decrease in asexual development and hyphal growth. These results indicate that NOR-1 is required for NOX-1 and NOX-2 functions at different developmental stages and establish a link between NOX-generated ROS and the regulation of growth. Indeed, NOX-1 was required for the increased asexual sporulation previously observed in mutants without catalase CAT-3. We also analyzed the function of the penta-EF calcium-binding domain protein PEF-1 in
N. crassa
. Deletion of
pef-1
resulted in increased conidiation but, in contrast to what occurs in
Dictyostelium discoideum
, the mutation of this peflin did not suppress the phenotypes caused by the lack of NOX-1. Our results support the role of ROS as critical cell differentiation signals and highlight a novel role for ROS in regulation of fungal growth.
AcrS/EnvR Represses Expression of theacrABMultidrug Efflux Genes inEscherichia coli
Authors: Hirakawa Hidetada , Takumi-Kobayashi Asuka , Theisen Ulrike , Hirata Takahiro , Nishino Kunihiko , Yamaguchi Akihito 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTTheacrSregulatory gene is located upstream of theacrEFmultidrug efflux system genes. However, the roles of AcrS in regulation of drug efflux pumps have not been clearly understood. Here we show that AcrS represses other multidrug efflux genes,acrAB, which encode a major efflux system inEscherichia coli.