bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant ribulosamine/erythrulosamine 3-kinase, a putative protein-repair enzyme
Authors: FORTPIED Juliette , GEMAYEL Rita , STROOBANT Vincent , van SCHAFTINGEN Emile 
Published: June 2005

FN3K (fructosamine 3-kinase) is a mammalian enzyme that catalyses the phosphorylation of fructosamines, which thereby becomes unstable and detaches from proteins. The homologous mammalian enzyme, FN3K-RP (FN3K-related protein), does not phosphorylate fructosamines but ribulosamines, which are probably formed through a spontaneous reaction of amines with ribose 5-phosphate, an intermediate of the pentose–phosphate pathway and the Calvin cycle. We show in the present study that spinach leaf extracts display a substantial ribulosamine kinase activity (approx. 700 times higher than the specific activity of FN3K in erythrocytes). The ribulosamine kinase was purified approx. 400 times and shown to phosphorylate ribulose-ε-lysine, protein-bound ribulosamines and also, with higher affinity, erythrulose-ε-lysine and protein-bound erythrulosamines. Evidence is presented for the fact that the third carbon of the sugar portion is phosphorylated by this enzyme and that this leads to the formation of unstable compounds decomposing with half-lives of approx. 30 min at 37 °C (ribulosamine 3-phosphates) and 5 min at 30 °C (erythrulosamine 3-phosphates). This decomposition results in the formation of a 2-oxo-3-deoxyaldose and inorganic phosphate, with regeneration of the free amino group. The Arabidopsis thaliana homologue of FN3K/FN3K-RP was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and shown to have properties similar to those of the enzyme purified from spinach leaves. These results indicate that the plant FN3K/FN3K-RP homologue, which appears to be targeted to the chloroplast in many species, is a ribulosamine/erythrulosamine 3-kinase. This enzyme may participate in a protein deglycation process removing Amadori products derived from ribose 5-phosphate and erythrose 4-phosphate, two Calvin cycle intermediates that are potent glycating agents.
Tolerance of the Rieske-type [2Fe-2S] cluster in recombinant ferredoxin BphA3 fromPseudomonassp. KKS102 to histidine ligand mutations
Authors: KIMURA Shigenobu , KIKUCHI Akihiro , SENDA Toshiya , SHIRO Yoshitsugu , FUKUDA Masao 
Published: June 2005

BphA3 from Pseudomonas sp. KKS102 is a Rieske-type [2Fe-2S] ferredoxin that transfers electrons from an NADH-dependent oxidoreductase, BphA4, to a biphenyl dioxygenase complex. A high-level expression and purification system for the recombinant BphA3 in Escherichia coli was constructed. Two histidine ligands of the Rieske-type cluster in BphA3, were each replaced with serine, cysteine, asparagine and tyrosine. The single mutants, in which either His44 or His65 was replaced with a cysteine residue (CH and HC mutants respectively), and the double mutant, in which both histidine residues were replaced with cysteine residue (CC mutant), accumulated to high levels in the E. coli cells, while the other single mutants did not. The purified WT (wild-type) protein showed characteristic near-UV and visible absorption and CD spectra of Rieske-type clusters. The X-ray absorption spectra were suggestive of the existence of [2Fe-2S] clusters, with one histidine and three cysteine ligands in the CH and HC mutants, and an [2Fe-2S] cluster with four cysteine ligands in the CC mutant. The BphA4-dependent cytochrome c reductase activities of the mutants were less than 0.3% of that of the WT protein. The redox potential of the WT protein determined by cyclic voltammetry was −180±5 mV compared with the standard hydrogen electrode, and that of the CH mutant was approx. 175 mV lower. The changes in the near-UV and visible absorption spectra of the mutants showed that the reduced iron–sulphur clusters in the mutants were unstable. His44 and His65 in BphA3 can be replaced with cysteine residues, but are required for the stabilization of the reduced form of the cluster.
Interaction between the bacterial nucleoid associated proteins Hha and H-NS involves a conformational change of Hha
Authors: GARCÍA Jesús , CORDEIRO Tiago N. , NIETO José M. , PONS Ignacio , JUÁREZ Antonio , PONS Miquel 
Published: June 2005

The H-NS family of proteins has been shown to participate in the regulation of a large number of genes in Gram-negative bacteria in response to environmental factors. In recent years, it has become apparent that proteins of the Hha family are essential elements for H-NS-regulated gene expression. Hha has been shown to bind H-NS, although the details for this interaction are still unknown. In the present paper, we report fluorescence anisotropy and NMR studies of the interaction between Hha and H-NS64, a truncated form of H-NS containing only its N-terminal dimerization domain. We demonstrate the initial formation of a complex between one Hha and two H-NS64 monomers in 150 mM NaCl. This complex seems to act as a nucleation unit for higher-molecular-mass complexes. NMR studies suggest that Hha is in equilibrium between two different conformations, one of which is stabilized by binding to H-NS64. A similar exchange is also observed for Hha in the absence of H-NS when temperature is increased to 37 °C, suggesting a key role for intrinsic conformational changes of Hha in modulating its interaction with H-NS.
Professional food purchasers' practice in using environmental information
Authors: Bergström Kerstin , Solér Cecilia , Shanahan Helena 
Published: June 2005

PurposeFood consumption impacts heavily on the environment. It is therefore highly relevant to study food‐purchasing processes and needs for environmental information in the food supply chain. The objective of this article is to report findings from a study identifying practices in using environmental information when making decisions on what food to procure and purchase.Design/methodology/approachUsing a phenomenographic approach, professional purchasing managers at food production companies and wholesalers in public and commercial food services as well as retailing were interviewed with the aim of identifying practices when using environmental information in decisions on what food to procure for purchasing.FindingsThe findings show that purchasers are dependent on corporate policy when it comes to environmental considerations related to food. Purchasers are mainly guided by business parameters with respect to price, quality and service. These factors are given priority over co‐operation along the food supply chain. Such co‐operation has been shown to have the potential to encourage environmentally friendly purchasing decisions.Originality/valueThe study places the issue of the use of and need for environmental information in the food supply chain on the national agenda in Sweden. Thus, the study contributes to increasing the awareness of the importance of professional food purchasers as actors for change towards more environmentally friendly food consumption.
Metadata quality: implications for library and information science professionals
Authors: Robertson R. John 
Published: June 2005

PurposeIn contrast with recent studies noting the necessity of library and information science (LIS) skills in digital library and repository projects, this study aims to examine the impact of metadata quality requirements on how LIS professionals apply their skills outside a library setting.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the concept of metadata quality and examines the implications of this for LIS professionals by reviewing the differences between the context of the library community and other relevant communities of practice.FindingsThe paper argues that, although much needed, LIS skills require contextualisation before application outside library settings.Research limitations/implicationsMany of the new opportunities for and settings of LIS skills are immature – consequently this analysis may date as the context of these settings mature. Current trends, however, suggest that it will not.Practical implicationsTraining in LIS skills should take account of how they might apply differently outside libraries. Librarians co‐operating with colleagues outside the library should appreciate the potential metadata “compromises” they might have to make and why they are necessary.Originality/valueThe paper provides food for thought on the increasing number of LIS professionals working outside library settings.
Using research to support management decision making within the field of education
Authors: Hemsley‐Brown Jane 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThere has been much interest in evidence‐informed decision making in education – identifying effective ways of increasing the use of research evidence to provide a basis for management decision making, in both the private and public sectors. However, in education, although there has been much speculation and discussion, there has been a paucity of recent empirical research evidence that provides insights into the characteristics, practice and mechanisms of successful research utilisation strategies. This study aimed to explore how research evidence was successfully disseminated and how the barriers to research use by head teachers (principals) were successfully addressed. The study was qualitative and exploratory in nature and aimed to identify examples of projects led by, and supported by, local education authorities (LEAs), that aimed to help education practitioners to access, engage with, and use the findings from published research and research carried out by themselves, and shared with others.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents and discusses the findings from an empirical study conducted in eight local authorities in England and Wales.FindingsThe research evidence suggests that to improve research use among managers in education, strategies should focus on facilitating communication networks, partnerships and links between researchers and practitioners, with the key long‐term objective of developing a culture that supports and values the contribution that research can make to management decision making in education.Originality/valueManagers in local education authorities (LEAs) can help to build networks, develop partnerships between professionals locally, nationally and internationally, and also act as change agents in the dissemination and adoption of new ideas. However, the research focused on illustrative examples of research use – and further research is needed to evaluate the impact of using research for decision making in education.
Towards a high‐performance workplace: managing corporate climate and conflict
Authors: Suliman Abubakr M. , Abdulla Mohamed H. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the role of work climate in influencing employees’ perceptions of intra‐individual conflict in a Middle Eastern context.Design/methodology/approachA self‐administered questionnaire in which 600 employees were surveyed. The co‐opted participants were selected from 17 companies and represented top‐, middle‐ and bottom‐level management.FindingsThe findings revealed that feelings of frustration and perceptions of role and goal conflict among participants were largely determined by the factors of work climate.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample represented only industrial and service sectors. The implications of the findings for researchers together with some future guidelines are discussed in the paper.Practical implicationsThe paper provides practitioners with some advice about understanding and managing climate and conflict.Originality/valueThe paper is the first study in the Middle Eastern context that explores the link between the multifaceted concepts of climate and conflict.
An overview of continuous improvement: from the past to the present
Authors: Bhuiyan Nadia , Baghel Amit 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo provide an overview of the history, evolution, and existing research on continuous improvement.Design/methodology/approachExtensive review of the literature.FindingsThis paper provides an overview of continuous improvement, its inception, how it evolved into sophisticated methodologies used in organizations today, and existing research in this field in the literature.Research limitations/implicationsIt does not provide an exhaustive review of the existing literature, or an exhaustive list of all continuous improvement programs, only the most well known.Originality/valueThis paper traces how organizations have used various tools and techniques to address the need for improvement on various levels. The paper also presents research conducted in this field. It should be of value to practitioners of continuous improvement programs and to academics who are interested in how continuous improvement has evolved, and where it is today. To the authors’ knowledge, no recent papers have provided an historical perspective of continuous improvement. Furthermore, our paper also discusses the existing research in this field.
The real meaning of value in trading relationships
Authors: Ramsay John 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThe paper aims to survey the main usages of the term “value” in the economics, marketing, strategy and operations fields.Design/methodology/approachThe way in which all four fields adopt an unbalanced approach, concentrating exclusively on the customer's perspective, is highlighted. A complete, balanced analysis including both the customer and supplier perspectives is outlined. The precise meaning of the term value is then explored in detail, revealing and exploring the difference between the potential and realised versions.FindingsThese insights are applied to an analysis of the concept of the “value chain” leading to the conclusion that, given the ontology of value, much of the language used to describe value and chains is deeply misleading.Practical implicationsThe paper ends with a discussion of the possible effects of this ontological and linguistic sloppiness on practitioners and business practice. By bringing clarity to the real meaning of value in trade it may be possible to improve the effectiveness of the use of the word by management as a motivational tool for enhancing company performance.Originality/valueThe paper offers a clear, detailed explanation of the nature of value in trading relations.
Has ISO 9000 lost some of its lustre? A longitudinal impact study
Authors: Casadesús Martí , Karapetrovic Stanislav 
Published: June 2005

PurposeSeeks to analyze changes in the perceived benefits and costs of ISO 9000 implementation over time.Design/methodology/approachResults of two surveys, performed in 1998 and 2002, with 283 and 399 Catalonian companies participating, respectively, are presented, compared and analyzed.FindingsThere has been a significant decrease in the perception of ISO 9000 implementation benefits from 1998 to 2002. However, most companies still believe that ISO 9000 is beneficial overall. ISO 9000 implementation and maintenance costs have substantially decreased in the same four‐year period.Research limitations/implicationsIn July 2002, when the second survey was conducted, the majority of the participating companies were still registered to one of the old versions of the standard, namely ISO 9001/2/3:1994. The findings support the notion that ISO 9000 standards are limited in providing a set of concrete benefits over time.Practical implicationsThe outcome of the study contributes to a better understanding of the temporal nature of the impact ISO 9000 requirement standards have had on companies.Originality/valueThis is one of the first papers that analyses the benefits and costs of ISO 9000 implementation over time.
Health service use of whole system interventions
Authors: Papworth Mark A. , Crosland Ann 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThis paper aims to evaluate a whole system intervention (WSI) that was applied to North Tyneside (UK) adult mental health services and offer a discussion on the broader implications of these results. WSIs are brief, participant‐intensive, democratic change methods that are widely utilised but have received relatively little empirical consideration.Design/methodology/approachTwo methods were used for the WSI evaluation: comparative (of local documentary evidence with scientific and professional sources); and qualitative (analysis of semi‐structured interviews with project planners, stakeholders and participants).FindingsIssues emerged from the research associated principally with the following topics: system definition, power, stakeholder representation, facilitator role, intervention planning, as well as WSI follow‐up and time‐scale.Originality/valueGuidance is offered associated with WSI methodology choice and its implementation within a health service context.
Towards a typology of managerial barriers to learning
Authors: McCracken Martin 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo contribute to the literature on managerial learning and illustrate the most important barriers to participation in learning for mid‐career managers. To provide recommendations on how to eliminate such barriers.Design/methodology/approachFrom a larger sample of 61 managers, 22 were selected for further in‐depth analysis of their interview transcripts, due to the severity of barriers experienced. Using a grounded theory approach, they were categorised according to whether they had intrinsic (perceptual, emotional, motivational, cognitive) or extrinsic (organisational culture, management development culture or physical pressures) barriers to learning.FindingsThree distinct groupings emerged when the managers were plotted on a chart according to the barriers experienced. Solutions were then proposed for eliminating barriers for each group of managers. The most important recommendations were that the support of top management was necessary to encourage continued development and that line managers had a critical role to play in developing tailored development packages.Research limitations/implicationsFor future research, it would be useful to test whether or not these findings could be replicated across other sectors and managerial types. It is suggested that widening the sample would also be beneficial to eliminate issues inherent with a small population.Practical implicationsLeadership programmes for managers, focussing on understanding motivation at the individual level. In addition, top management should be involved in the evaluation of training and development so that they can lead their managerial teams effectively.Originality/valueThis paper is original in that it focuses on managers with severe barriers to learning and offers practical advice on what organisations should do in relation to these issues.
Sustainable competitiveness of aluminium building products
Authors: Radlbeck Christina , Dienes Eszter , Kosteas Dimitris 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo explore the potential and weaknesses of aluminium building products in practice and to consider the material's competitiveness and sustainable performance.Design/methodology/approachThe characteristics of aluminium are reviewed and data is collected from architects and materials’ suppliers. These two groups are chosen because they have most influence on the builder's decision and consequently on the selection of the building material.FindingsStandards addressing sustainability are currently being developed and will soon be obligatory for building and construction activities. These changes are also likely to have an impact on the conditions for competition.. Aluminium possesses high potential for sustainable building applications mainly due to its light‐weight, durability, formability, low maintenance need and excellent recycling properties. From the perspectives of architects and providers, these facts are not known sufficiently yet. In addition no correlations between sustainability and the current competitiveness of aluminium building products are observed.Research limitations/implicationsThe research has been carried out in Germany, which may limit the usefulness of the results elsewhere.Practical implicationsA useful information source for architects, engineers and providers of aluminium building products.Originality/valueThis paper identifies the current knowledge gap of architects and providers concerning the potential of aluminium in respect to the whole life‐cycle as well as the use of sustainability to influence the competitiveness of aluminium products.
B2C e‐commerce web site quality: an empirical examination
Authors: Cao Mei , Zhang Qingyu , Seydel John 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo identify what constitutes web site quality or what makes a web site effective.Design/methodology/approachThis article examines and integrates four sets of factors that capture e‐commerce web site quality using an IS success model: system quality, information quality, service quality, and attractiveness. A questionnaire survey was conducted to verify the measures of web site quality. Based on TAM, a framework is also developed relating web site quality to customers' beliefs (perceived usefulness and ease of use), attitudes (preferences for the site), and intentions (to revisit the site).FindingsA set of instruments of web site quality has been developed and empirically validated by factor analysis.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on a sample of students browsing several book web sites and they may not sense the web site quality across different B2C commercial web sites such as music, computer, travel, clothes and flowers. Data in these domains should be collected in any future research to examine further the measures developed here.Practical implicationsGuidelines for web interface design are proposed.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils the identification of web site quality and the development and validation of its measures and offers a framework and practical guidelines for e‐commerce managers and web designers.
Marketing standardisation: tour operators in the Nordic region
Authors: Roper Angela 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThis paper aims to evaluate the marketing decisions made by European tour operators. It seeks to assess the extent of marketing standardisation/adaptation across and within the Nordic region and to identify the centric profiles of the sample firms in terms of marketing decision‐making.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study approach was employed and the research design combined a range of empirical data gathered from regional headquarters and one subsidiary.FindingsThese indicate that the case study firms manage marketing regionally, at the same time; certain activities are adapted to local market and competitive conditions. It is clear that the “think regional‐act local” philosophy or “cooperative centralisation” is a challenge for tour operators to manage and that the level of international marketing standardisation is affected by situation‐specific factors such as product and industry characteristics.Research limitations/implicationsAny bias in the research as a result of basing findings only on the views of executives interviewed and upon company documentation is tempered with reports from outside sources. Further research needs to be undertaken at the corporate level, in other source markets, and longitudinally. It would also be interesting to carry out a comparative study of other types of firms.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to our knowledge of marketing standardisation/adaptation from the perspective of a regional market‐place by investigating the strategic approach chosen for the establishment of marketing decisions. In exploiting the concept of centricity, it is more conceptually grounded than some previous studies.