bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality and value in university services
Authors: Pencarelli Tonino , Splendiani Simone , Cini Daniela
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: on the one hand, to point out the concepts of quality and value; on the other hand to explain how university placement services can increase the value created for the various stakeholders of a University.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is based on empirical study carried out through the analysis of the placement service of the University of Urbino “Carlo Bo” through “participant observation”, related to the experience gained by the authors within the service.

Findings

This study reveals that the placement service at the University of Urbino is innovative in terms of organization and management. The involvement of all actors in design and implementation of the initiatives is a strategic factor, crucial for meeting the expectations of stakeholders, raising levels of quality and satisfaction and, ultimately, the value created.

Originality/value

Although limited to only one placement case – the University of Urbino – the research presents original features regarding the application of service management principles to an institution like the University, which is increasingly directed towards value creation for its stakeholders. This application appears necessary given that increased competition among universities is based not only on traditional core activities – research and training – but also on the ability to contribute to student employability after the obtainment of a degree.
Planning human resource requirements to meet target customer service levels
Authors: Hafeez Khalid , Aburawi Izidean
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Effective human resource planning allows management to recruit, develop and deploy the right people at the right place at the right time, to meet organizational internal and external service level commitments. Firms are constantly looking out for strategies to cope with skill shortages that are particularly acute in the “knowledge intense” industries due to high staff turnover. The purpose of this paper is to describe how system dynamics modeling allows management to plan to hire and develop right level of skills and competencies in the organizational inventory to meet desired service level targets.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated system dynamics framework is used to develop various feedbacks and feed forward paths in the context of competence planning and development. The model is mapped onto an overseas process industry company's recruitment and attrition situations and tested using real data.

Findings

Strategies for human resource planning are developed by conducting time‐based dynamic analysis. Optimum design guidelines are provided to reduce the unwanted scenario of competence surplus and/or shortage, and therefore, to reduce disparity in between service level needs and availability of right competencies.

Research limitations/implications

System dynamics type of modeling is usually suited for medium to long range timescale (two to five years scenarios). There is a need for the model to be tested in a high turnover industry such as IT to test its efficacy in short‐term time scale, where shortage in required talent is more acute. Also this model is tested for measuring the generic skill‐sets in here. There is a need to test the model for a mixture of generic and specialized skills‐set in a specific business operation.

Practical implications

The authors anticipate that system dynamics modeling would help the decision makers and HR professionals to devise medium to long‐term human resource planning strategies to anticipate and meet the service level expectations from the internal and external customers.

Social implications

Such planning exercise will avoid the situation of customer dissatisfaction due to right competence shortages. Also this will reduce the staff surplus scenario that usually leads to knee‐jerk reaction to lay‐off unwanted skills, which is usually a costly exercise and impacts negatively on staff morale.

Originality/value

Use of the systems dynamics model introduced here is a novel way to analyze human resource planning function to meet the target service level demands. The idea that an organization can estimate the service level requirements for medium to long‐term situations, and conduct what‐if scenarios in a dynamic sense, can provide valuable information in strategic planning purposes.
Role configurations in the service provision process: empirical insights into co‐creation of value
Authors: Siltaloppi Jaakko , Nenonen Suvi
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Research on value co‐creation has gained ground rapidly but remained at a very theoretical level. Thus, it has provided relatively little insight into the nature of individual processes of service provision/value creation, and how firms interact with their customers and contribute to their value creation processes. On this basis, the purpose of this paper is to identify and elaborate possible roles firms and their customers enact in the service provision/value creation process.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilizes a multiple case study approach building primarily on qualitative interview data from eight service concepts in the Finnish residential real estate industry.

Findings

The research reveals three roles of the firm based on the extent to which firms engage in service provision/value creation processes with their customers. At one extreme, the output of the firms acts as a resource, which is transformed into an outcome and used by the customers. At the other, firms and customers jointly co‐create value, with the firm coordinating the whole offering for the customer. In between, firms transform their resources into relatively standardized outcomes, which customers use in their value creation processes.

Research limitations/implications

The results contribute to the understanding of service provision by categorizing firm‐customer interaction into differing configurations of roles. This reinforces the notion that the depth of interaction affects the extent to which value is co‐created between the firm and customer; different services having different configurations of roles which shape the interaction. Limited to eight service cases, the results only exemplify aggregate role configurations. Moreover, by focusing only on the perspectives of firm representatives, the results do not allow a closer analysis on customer‐specific roles in the value creation process.

Originality/value

This research presents an empirical analysis and interpretation of the service co‐production/value co‐creation process, complementing the extensive theoretical research on the topic. Particularly, the results display different depths of interaction between firms and their customers in co‐producing and co‐creating value, which suggests that it is not necessarily meaningful to consider everything co‐creation from an empirical perspective.
Changing role of the Slovenian defence industry
Authors: Bojnec Štefan
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the literature on the changing role of the defence sector in the economy at industry and enterprise levels focusing on defence‐civilian cooperation and defence supply networking with foreign industry enterprises from complex industry‐perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Measuring is based on the comparative industry data and the unique survey evidence for the Slovenian defence industry enterprises to derive managerial and policy implications.

Findings

The role of the defence industry in the economy declined, but trade deficits from arms and ammunition increased. The industry enterprises can gain from defence‐civilian cooperation and defence supply chain networking with foreign industry enterprises. Information‐coordination institutions are seen to provide opportunities for future industry development in Slovenia.

Research limitations/implications

This research focuses on Slovenia. Future enhancement of the research would be to look into the possibility of applying the findings to other countries. The size of the enterprise, and even more the size of the country, does matter in the defence‐market chain activities.

Practical implications

The proposed industry firm‐level survey approach provides useful policy and managerial implications in the evaluation of defence industry supply and market chain cooperation and networking activities with foreign industry enterprises. The study proves the usefulness of the results, both to the future organizational development and as a decision‐making tool in the complex industry systems.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the industry firm‐level analyses as data management tools for evaluating the defence‐civilian cooperation and networking of complex industry market chain activities for more effective management.
Stock option fraud prevention in Islamic country: does corporate governance matter?
Authors: Ismail Tariq H. , Abdelmoniem Zakia
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the extent to which companies in one of the Islamic culture countries, Egypt, are complying with the Islamic implementation of the Anglo‐Saxon model of corporate governance and testing the impact, if any, of such compliance on mitigating of stock option fraud incentives.

Design/methodology/approach

A logistic regression model is used to examine the effects of board of directors, audit committee, ownership structure and other firm characteristics on the likelihood of stock option fraud. The analysis is based on the data for stock option grants obtained during the period from 2006 to 2009.

Findings

The results suggest that the rate of compliance with the Islamic implementation of the Anglo‐Saxon model of corporate governance in Egyptian public‐held companies is low. Weak corporate governance allows executives to exercise greater influence over the board of directors and audit committee decisions. Furthermore, a low level of disclosure, duality of CEO, high percentage of insiders in board of directors, auditor turnover, and management ownership are among the factors that increase the likelihood of stock option fraud in the Egyptian setting.

Research limitations/implications

The results are constrained by the proxies used to define stock option fraud. Additionally, the limited number of companies with stock option grants in Egypt might affect the results.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights into exposing stock option fraud by Egyptian public‐held companies and sheds light on the effective role of corporate governance mechanisms to mitigate this phenomenon. This would help policy setters to enhance compliance with the Anglo‐Saxon model of corporate governance and develop a comprehensive Shari'ah model of corporate governance that reduces stock option fraud.
Illuminating the work‐family interface on international assignments
Authors: Schütter Heike , Boerner Sabine
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the perception of the work‐family interface in an expatriation context. Furthermore, potential antecedents of work‐family enrichment and work‐family conflict in the work as well as in the family domain are identified and potential gender differences in perceptions sought.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory approach was adopted. The authors conducted in‐depth interviews with 15 expatriates and repatriates that were analysed using content analysis.

Findings

Work‐to‐family conflict was perceived as a time‐based conflict, whereas family‐to‐work conflict was perceived as an energy‐based conflict. Work‐family enrichment (i.e. work‐to‐family; family‐to‐work) was perceived as a transfer of skills and mood. Furthermore, at least in an expatriation context, the work‐family interface is reflected in more reciprocal influences than are currently presented in existing concepts. In total, four potential antecedents of work‐family interaction were identified: social support at work; development opportunities at work; family social support; and family adjustment. Finally, gender differences in the perception of the work‐family interface could be revealed.

Research limitations/implications

First, the interviews were analysed solely by one person; consequently, inter‐rater‐reliability could not be tested. Second, a direct relationship between each potential antecedent and work‐family interaction can only be hypothesized.

Practical implications

The findings enable companies to implement support strategies that foster a positive interaction between the work and the family domain which, in turn, will enhance expatriation success.

Originality/value

The study provides one of the first exploratory examinations of the perception of the complete work‐family interface in an expatriation context. Furthermore, this is one of the few studies that include female and male international assignees in the sample and therefore can give a balanced perspective of the work‐family interface among male and female assignees.
The impact of experience‐based MBA educational programs on international career mobility
Authors: Ryan Jason , Silvanto Sari , Brown Haakon T.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine empirically whether teaching methodologies that emphasize international experiential learning have a significant role in fostering or encouraging greater international mobility. To that end, it assesses whether MBA programs that emphasize experience‐based learning in the form of international travel, exchanges and internships have more internationally mobile graduates than programs that do not. It also discusses the broader role of experiential learning in teaching students skills relevant to international business.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data from the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings and the A.T. Kearney/Foreign Policy Globalization Index to assess whether international experiential learning is conducive to the future international mobility of graduates. It employs a multivariate data analysis methodology to examine whether the international experience and exposure received during an MBA is a predictor of subsequent international mobility.

Findings

This study finds that MBA programs that use experiential teaching methods that emphasize international travel, exchanges and internships tend to have more internationally mobile graduates than those that do not, even after the influence of foreign students and location have been controlled for.

Originality/value

Relatively few studies have examined the question of whether the international experiential teaching methods that many MBA programs use, such as exchanges, internships and travel, have an impact on the subsequent international mobility of graduates. This is an important research area as many MBA programs have embraced experiential learning techniques as the centerpiece of their efforts to train more culturally sensitive, adaptable and internationally‐minded graduates to work both domestically and overseas.
Reclaiming “Anthropology: the forgotten behavioral science in management history” – commentaries
Authors: Luthans Fred , Milosevic Ivana , Bechky Beth A. , Schein Edgar H. , Wright Susan , Van Maanen John , Greenwood Davydd J.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This collection of commentaries on the reprinted 1987 article by Nancy C. Morey and Fred Luthans, “Anthropology: the forgotten behavioral science in management history”, aims to reflect on the treatment of the history of anthropological work in organizational studies presented in the original article.

Design/methodology/approach

The essays are invited and peer‐reviewed contributions from scholars in organizational studies and anthropology.

Findings

The scholars invited to comment on the original article have seen its value, and their contributions ground its content in contemporary issues and debates.

Originality/value

The original article was deemed “original” for its time (1987), anticipating as it did considerable reclamation of ethnographic methods in organizational studies in the decades that followed it. It was also deemed of value for our times and, in particular, for readers of this journal, as an historical document, but also as one view of the unsung role of anthropology in management and organizational studies.
Thermally stable pigments based on mixed metal oxides
Authors: Fahim Abdel‐Mohsen Fawzia , Salah Aly Emira Hassan
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This work aimed to prepare black transition metal oxide pigments to be used as solar absorbers in the solar selective and other industrial paints.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed metal oxide CoCuMnOx spinel pigments were synthesised via the sol‐gel route. These oxides, namely (I‐Co0.50Cu0.25Mn0.25)Ox, (II‐Co0.25Cu0.50Mn0.25)Ox and (III‐Co0.25Cu0.25Mn0.50)Ox, were prepared with different molar ratios and annealed at 600, 800 and 900°C, respectively. The prepared oxides were characterised by infrared spectrometer (IS), differential scanning calorimetry analysis (DSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM).

Findings

The prepared pigments have a spinel structure with the composition CoCuMnOx. All synthesised pigments consisted of nano particles ranged from 10 to 80 nm. The optical properties showed high absorption and moderately low reflectance in the solar wavelength range.

Research limitations/implications

The prepared samples, used in the present work, were synthesized from cobalt sulphate, copper chloride and manganese chloride. The salts were dispersed in polyacrylamide as a precursor.

Practical implications

The prepared samples were thermally stable and had good optical properties. They could be used as absorber materials in the painting of solar collectors.

Originality/value

These thermally stable mixed metal oxides could be used in the painting of solar collectors. The three mixed metal oxides could be used as absorber materials for heating solar collectors due to their high absorption and moderately low reflectance in the solar wavelength range.
Growth behaviors of tin whisker in RE‐doped Sn‐Zn‐Ga solder
Authors: Ye Huan , Xue Songbai , Chen Cheng , Li Yang
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the growth behavior and mechanism of Sn whisker induced by RE addition in Sn‐Zn‐Ga‐Pr solder at ambient condition.

Design/methodology/approach

By means of aging treatment, FIB and SEM microstructure analysis, the whisker growth behavior was investigated.

Findings

It was found that the morphologies of tin whisker are changed during air exposure. After 60 days aging, the average length of the longest whiskers could reach up to 70 μm, some whiskers even can grow to a length of 100 μm. It was discussed that the oxidation of Pr‐Sn intermetallics provides driving force for whisker growth.

Originality/value

Tin whisker growth is a complex reliability issue for lead‐free solder. The current research can be helpful in re‐understanding the issue of tin whisker growth as well as an enriched understanding on the effects of REs on lead‐free solders.
Comparative genomic analysis provides insights into the evolution and niche adaptation of marine Magnetospira sp. QH‐2 strain
Authors: Ji Boyang , Zhang Sheng‐Da , Arnoux Pascal , Rouy Zoe , Alberto François , Philippe Nadège , Murat Dorothée , Zhang Wei‐Jia , Rioux Jean‐Baptiste , Ginet Nicolas , Sabaty Monique , Mangenot Sophie , Pradel Nathalie , Tian Jiesheng , Yang Jing , Zhang Lichen , Zhang Wenyan , Pan Hongmiao , Henrissat Bernard , Coutinho Pedro M. , Li Ying , Xiao Tian , Médigue Claudine , Barbe Valérie , Pignol David , Talla Emmanuel , Wu Long‐Fei
Published: June 2013

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are capable of synthesizing intracellular organelles, the magnetosomes, that are membrane‐bounded magnetite or greigite crystals arranged in chains. Although MTB are widely spread in various ecosystems, few axenic cultures are available, and only freshwater Magnetospirillum spp. have been genetically analysed. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of a marine magnetotactic spirillum, Magnetospira sp. QH‐2. The high number of repeats and transposable elements account for the differences in QH‐2 genome structure compared with other relatives. Gene cluster synteny and gene correlation analyses indicate that the insertion of the magnetosome island in the QH‐2 genome occurred after divergence between freshwater and marine magnetospirilla. The presence of a sodium‐quinone reductase, sodium transporters and other functional genes are evidence of the adaptive evolution of Magnetospira sp. QH‐2 to the marine ecosystem. Genes well conserved among freshwater magnetospirilla for nitrogen fixation and assimilatory nitrate respiration are absent from the QH‐2 genome. Unlike freshwater Magnetospirillum spp., marine Magnetospira sp. QH‐2 neither has TonB and TonB‐dependent receptors nor does it grow on trace amounts of iron. Taken together, our results show a distinct, adaptive evolution of Magnetospira sp. QH‐2 to marine sediments in comparison with its closely related freshwater counterparts.
The microbial communities in two apparently physically separated deep subsurface oil reservoirs show extensive DNA sequence similarities
Authors: Lewin Anna , Johansen Jostein , Wentzel Alexander , Kotlar Hans Kristian , Drabløs Finn , Valla Svein
Published: June 2013

It is well established that micro‐organisms colonize a variety of extreme environments, including habitats like oil reservoirs deep inside the earth crust. Here, we present the results of a comparative high‐coverage DNA sequencing study of metagenomes derived from two different oil reservoirs, both located about 2.5 km subseafloor below the Norwegian Sea. A previously reported bioinformatic analysis of DNA sequence data derived from one of the reservoirs (Well I) indicated that the community is dominated by bacterial species with a smaller fraction of Archaea. Here, we report results of a similar analysis from another reservoir (Well II) located in the same geographical area, however, according to available geological knowledge lacking direct physical contact with Well I. Interestingly, the Well II community is largely dominated by Archaea with a subordinate fraction of Bacteria. Comparison of the two datasets showed that large fractions of the sequences are extremely similar, both with respect to identity (typically above 98%) and gene organization. We therefore conclude that both wells contain essentially the same organisms, but in different relative abundances. Assuming that the communities have been distinct for long timescales because of physical separation, the results also indicate that microbial growth in the reservoirs is extremely slow.
Solving Macroeconomic Models with Homogeneous Technology and Logarithmic Preferences
Authors: Bethmann Dirk
Published: June 2013

In a stylised Robinson Crusoe economy, we illustrate basic dynamic programing techniques. In a first step, we define state‐like and control‐like variables. In a second step, we introduce the value‐function‐like function. While the former step reduces the number of variables that have to be considered when solving the model, the latter step reduces the dimensionality of the Bellman equation associated with the optimisation problem. The model's solution is shown to be saddle‐path stable, such that the phase diagram associated with the Bellman equation has two solution branches. The simplicity of our model allows us to state both the stable and the unstable branch explicitly. We also explain the usefulness of logarithmic preferences when studying the continuous‐time Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman equation. In this case, the utility maximisation problem can be transformed into an initial value problem for an ordinary differential equation.
‘Them That Runs the Country Don't Know What They're Doing’: Political Dissatisfaction Amongst Members of the White Working Class
Authors: Holmes Mary , Manning Nathan
Published: June 2013

There are signs that a significant number of British people do not feel that their concerns are being addressed by the mainstream parties or the political system. This paper attends to the quality of that political dissatisfaction amongst members of ‘the white working classes’. There is a need to extend typical concerns about youth disengagement to adults and to consider the role that class plays. Lower participation in formal democratic processes may not mean disengagement from all forms of politics, but could have considerable consequences for who gains power and for the tone and focus of political debates and policies. Our project contributes to exploring political dissatisfaction by engaging with low wage workers in Yorkshire and the North West, where high support for the far-right BNP and low voter turnout are signs that mainstream politics and politicians are failing to impress. We asked people about their feelings in relation to mainstream politics and their concerns. These participants feel distanced from governing elites, formal political processes and old ideologies. They are searching for ways to make sense of their struggles to live a decent life, and in doing so must contend with the dominance of racist discourses.
Tolerance to individual and joint effects of arsenic and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis or Lysinibacillus sphaericus in Culex mosquitoes
Authors: Mogren Christina L. , Walton William E. , Trumble John T.
Published: June 2013

Arsenic contamination of global water supplies has come to the forefront in policy decisions in recent decades. However, the effects of arsenic on lower trophic levels of insects inhabiting contaminated ecosystems are not well understood. One approach to document both acute and sublethal effects of toxicants like arsenic is to assay them in combination with microbial pathogens to evaluate shifts in survival curves of the test organisms. Larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex tarsalis were reared in water containing 0 or 1 000 μg/L of arsenate or arsenite. Fourth instars were then exposed to a range of doses of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) or Lysinibacillus sphaericus (Ls), with shifts in lethal concentrations determined. Arsenic accumulation in 4th instars was also quantified, and a relative growth index (RGI) calculated for the treatments and compared to controls. Larvae of both species accumulated between 4 447 ± 169 ng As/g and 6 983 ± 367 ng As/g, though RGI values indicated accumulation did not affect growth and development. In all cases, the LC50's and LC90's of Cx. quinquefasciatus exposed jointly with arsenic and Bti/Ls were higher than Cx. tarsalis. Cx. tarsalis reared in arsenite showed a significant reduction in their Bti LC90 values compared to the control, indicating a sublethal effect of Bti. When exposed jointly with Ls, arsenite was more toxic than arsenate in Cx. tarsalis. Overall, these results indicate tolerance of these Culex species to arsenic exposures, and why this may occur is discussed.
Combining dead recovery, auxiliary observations and robust design data to estimate demographic parameters from marked individuals
Authors: Kendall William L. , Barker Richard J. , White Gary C. , Lindberg Mark S. , Langtimm Catherine A. , Peñaloza Claudia L.
Published: June 2013

When estimating demographic parameters for wild populations, using multiple data sources can increase robustness through greater precision, reducing bias and permitting the estimation of otherwise confounded parameters.

We present a method that combines recapture data from marked individuals, collected at a single study site, under a robust design framework, with dead recoveries and auxiliary resightings collected at any time and place. This model permits the joint modelling of survival, permanent and temporary emigration from the study area.

We demonstrate that the usefulness of this model is compelling in the case of long‐lived species with substantial rates of temporary emigration, to mitigate bias in survival at the end of the time series and to permit conservation decisions based on more current information. We use the case of Florida manatees as an example.

Our model can easily be extended to account for an arbitrary number of phenotypic states and account for state uncertainty. The increase in precision overall in vital rates, and the mitigation of bias in survival estimation in the final years of a time series, permits managers to base resource decisions on more robust and timely information. The model also provides the ability to adapt monitoring to changing conditions or specific management objectives, via dynamic allocation of effort to auxiliary resightings.
The conservation of arable weeds at crop edges of barley fields in northeast Spain
Authors: José‐María L. , Armengot L. , Chamorro L. , Xavier Sans F.
Published: June 2013

The effects of weed control practices and fertilisation on weed flora and crop yield were evaluated in crop edges of barley fields in northeastern Spain. The study was carried out in four organic and four conventional barley fields. In each field, four permanent plots were delimited at the crop edge, and fertilisation and weed control treatments in a factorial design were applied over 3 years. Weed composition and the aboveground biomass of weeds and barley were recorded before the crop harvest in the first and the third year. We found relatively low values of species richness per field, as well as low values of weed biomass, especially in the organic crop edges (3.9% of total biomass). Weeds were significantly reduced by herbicide applications on conventional fields and were not affected by weed harrowing on organic fields or fertilisation. These results demonstrate that specific measures are needed to enhance biodiversity at crop edges both in organic and conventional fields. Our results also suggest that under Mediterranean conditions and among impoverished weed communities, limiting the use of herbicides is crucial to enhancing arable diversity and that, contrary to findings found in previous studies in temperate climates, fertilisation and weed harrowing have little effect on weeds.
Effects of oxidative stress caused by NaCl or Na2SO4 excess on lipoic acid and tocopherols in Genovese and Fine basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Authors: Tarchoune I. , Sgherri C. , Baâtour O. , Izzo R. , Lachaâl M. , Navari‐Izzo F. , Ouerghi Z.
Published: June 2013

With this investigation, we aimed to study more deeply the antioxidative response to moderate doses of NaCl or Na2SO4 in two cultivars of basil differentially sensitive to salinity. Tolerance to salinity was previously evaluated by the extent of growth inhibition whereas the antioxidant response was assessed studying the changes in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase as well as in the amounts of tocopherols and lipoic acid. To make possible the comparison of the responses of basil cv. Genovese and cv. Fine to different salts, the experiment was carried out with equimolar concentrations of Na+. The results showed that changes caused by salinity were dependent on cultivar and exposure time. In particular, cv. Genovese was more sensitive to Na2SO4 excess than cv. Fine whereas both of them had higher SOD activity under NaCl salinity. Generally, Fine basil withstood salinity better than Genovese, being endowed with higher constitutive levels of reduced lipoic acid [dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA)] as well as of α‐ and γ‐tocopherols. Moreover, cv. Fine showed the ability to utilise DHLA and to synthesise tocopherols during stressful conditions. Thus, more than one mechanism was involved in basil in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species during salt stress. In fact, when lipoic acid did not participate in the regeneration of reduced ascorbate and glutathione form, high amounts of tocopherols were present, likely protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage and making basil tolerant to moderate salinity.
Response of near‐isogenic sorghum lines, differing at the P locus for plant colour, to grain mould and head smut fungi
Authors: Funnell‐Harris D.L. , Prom L.K. , Sattler S.E. , Pedersen J.F.
Published: June 2013

Leaves and stalks of many sorghum genotypes accumulate dark red or purple pigments upon wounding while some plants, called ‘tan,’ do not. Grains with unpigmented ‘white’ pericarps grown on tan plants are more desirable for food. The hypothesis tested was that pigments in plants protected grain against the panicle diseases grain mould and head smut. Near‐isogenic tan or purple plant colour genotypes with white grain were planted at Lincoln and Ithaca, NE and Corpus Christi, TX. The field grown grain was plated onto semi‐selective media to detect the presence of grain colonisation by mould genera Alternaria, Fusarium and Curvularia. More Fusarium and Curvularia spp. were recovered from grain grown at Corpus Christi than the Nebraska locations; however, there was no indication that the grain from purple plants was more resistant to the three fungal genera. Most fungi were identified morphologically as Alternaria alternata. Molecular identification of Fusarium species, using translation elongation factor 1‐α gene sequences, showed that Fusarium thapsinum and Fusarium proliferatum infected grain at all three locations. Head smut disease of panicles, caused by the fungus Sporisorium reilianum, was assessed at Corpus Christi; surprisingly, purple plants had significantly greater disease incidence than tan plants. We propose that the tan plant colour lines with white grain are promising for development of food‐grade sorghums not more susceptible than pigmented lines to grain mould and head smut.
Phenological growth stages of caper plant (Capparis spinosa L.) according to the Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemical scale
Authors: Legua P. , Martínez J.J. , Melgarejo P. , Martínez R. , Hernández Fca.
Published: June 2013

Capparis spinosa is an evergreen perennial shrub known from ancient times. During the last years it has been intensively studied because of its multiple uses. The phenological growth stages of caper plant were described using the BBCH scale (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemical industry). The decimal code established nine principal growth stages using a two‐digit numerical system, and every major stage was in turn subdivided into secondary growth stages.
Chronic pain and the development of a symptom checklist: a pilot study
Authors: KENDALL S. , HOLM N. R. , HØJSTED J. , FRICH L. , ROTBØLL NIELSEN P. , JENSEN N.‐H. , SJØGREN P.
Published: June 2013

Background

There is currently no instrument to systematically assess the range of symptoms/problems and their bothersomeness in patients with chronic non‐cancer pain (CNPN). Systematic assessment and prioritizing may target treatments and improve outcomes.

Methods

The authors developed a checklist of symptoms and problems, the Copenhagen Symptom Checklist (CSC), presented clinically by patients. Fifty‐three items representing biological, psychological and social areas were selected. Symptom/problem severity was rated on a 5‐point scale anchored at 0 = ‘not at all’ and 4 = ‘severe’. Patients ranked the five most bothersome symptoms/problems and could add five open‐ended items. Patients completed the CSC after the first visit at the multidisciplinary pain centre.

Results

One hundred and twelve consecutive patients completed the CSC. Eighty‐nine percent scored pain as rather severe or very severe (score = 3 plus score = 4), followed by reduction in physical activity (67%), fatigue (66%) and sleep disturbance (53%). Pain and fatigue, but not reduction in physical activity, were given highest priority. Cognitive problems were important to a third of the patients. Depressive symptoms, cognitive problems and worry explained 17.5% of the total variance. Patients filled in the CSC without important loss of information, but a minority prioritized more than three areas or used the free text alternative.

Conclusions

Patients prioritized pain and fatigue as the most burdensome symptoms, but reduction in physical activity and sleep problems were also highly ranked. Patients were positive to the idea of symptom reporting; however, the 53‐item number in this version of CSC is larger than may be necessary.
The Significance of Heat‐Shock Protein GP96 and its Receptors' CD91 and Toll‐Like Receptor 4 Expression at the Maternal Foetal Interface
Authors: Gulic Tamara , Laskarin Gordana , Redzovic Arnela , Eminović Senija , Haller Herman , Rukavina Daniel
Published: June 2013

Problem

Differences in the expression of gp96 and its receptors were analysed in normal and pathological human pregnancy.

Material and Methods

Immunohistology and immunofluorescence of sections from decidual part of term placenta, first trimester normal decidua, missed abortion and blighted ovum decidua were performed together with reverse transcriptase–quantitative polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry.

Results

In missed abortion, gp96 was intensively stained, when compared to normal early pregnancy. The intensity of CD91 and TLR4 was higher in the first trimester pregnancy and blighted ovum, when compared to missed abortion. Decidual part of the term placenta is invaded with gp96+, CD91+ and TLR4+ trophoblast. Progesterone‐induced blocking factor (PIBF) decreased the frequency of TLR4+ T lymphocytes, CD91+ T, natural killer (NK) and mature dendritic cells after an 18‐h culture. Decidual mononuclear cells (DMCs) treated with PIBF down‐regulated CD91, TLR4 and gp96 gene expression.

Conclusion

The presence of gp96, CD91 and TLR4 at the maternal–foetal interface provides a molecular basis for their interaction, particularly in the absence of PIBF.
Placental abruption and placental weight – implications for fetal growth
Authors: Ananth Cande V. , Williams Michelle A.
Published: June 2013

Objective

Placental abruption is associated with increased risks of preterm delivery and fetal growth restriction. As abruption is apparently a disease of the placenta, the extent to which abruption impacts the growth and development of the placenta remains poorly understood. We reasoned that a study of fetal growth and placental growth in relation to abruption might provide some clues to understanding the process through which placental abruption impacts fetal growth.

Design

Multicenter, prospective cohort study.

Setting

USA, 1959–1966.

Population

A total of 38 684 pregnancies resulting in singleton live births (22–44 weeks).

Main outcome measures

Risk ratio of placental ratio <10th centile for gestational age in relation to abruption. Placental ratio was defined as the difference between placental weight and birthweight divided by birthweight (and expressed per 100 births).

Results

Mean birthweight and placental weight were, on average, lower among abruption than nonabruption births, but this difference was observed only among births at <37 weeks. Births with placental ratio <10th centile were lower among abruption than nonabruption births at 22–36 weeks (risk ratio 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.8), but not at term (risk ratio 0.9, 95% CI 0.6–1.2).

Conclusions

In normal pregnancies, fetal weight and placental weight may operate under independent mechanisms, but in the presence of abruption, the associations appear largely through an interaction of both the maternal and fetal environments. This study underscores the importance of examining both the maternal and fetal compartments – and their interactions – to fully understand the consequences of abruption on fetal growth impairment.
Primary immunodeficiencies predisposed to Epstein‐Barr virus‐driven haematological diseases
Authors: Parvaneh Nima , Filipovich Alexandra H. , Borkhardt Arndt
Published: June 2013

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), a ubiquitous human herpesvirus, maintains lifelong subclinical persistent infections in humans. In the circulation, EBV primarily infects the B cells, and protective immunity is mediated by EBV‐specific cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells. However, EBV has been linked to several devastating diseases, such as haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and lymphoproliferative diseases in the immunocompromised host. Some types of primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are characterized by the development of EBV‐associated complications as their predominant clinical feature. The study of such genetic diseases presents an ideal opportunity for a better understanding of the biology of the immune responses against EBV. Here, we summarize the range of PIDs that are predisposed to EBV‐associated haematological diseases, describing their clinical picture and pathogenetic mechanisms.
‘Trifecta’ after radical prostatectomy: is there a standard definition?
Authors: Borregales Leonardo D. , Berg William T. , Tal Oded , Wambi Chris , Kaufman Sarah , Gaya Jose M. , Urzúa Cristian , Badani Ketan K.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To determine the extent of variability in the definitions of the ‘trifecta’ after radical prostatectomy (undetectable PSA, urinary continence and potency) to be found in the literature.

To establish a consensus definition of the trifecta in an effort to standardize criteria and reporting.

Materials and Methods

A systematic review of published articles found in the PubMed database for the period from January 2003 to March 2012 was performed.

The search queries included the keywords ‘radical prostatectomy,’ ‘prostatectomy outcome,’ and ‘trifecta’.

Results

A total of 86 publications were identified of which 14 were used for analysis.

Eight different definitions of biochemical recurrence were reported, the most common definition being PSA ≥0.2 ng/mL.

The definition of potency was the most variable. Ten different definitions of potency were found, with the most common being ‘having erections sufficient for intercourse with or without a phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor’.

Nine different definitions of continence were found. The most common definition of continence was ‘wearing no pads’.

Only six of the 14 articles used validated questionnaires in their outcome measures.

Conclusions

The definitions of trifecta reported in the literature are highly variable.

We propose the following consensus definition based on our analysis: (1) PSA >0.2 ng/mL with confirmatory value; (2) attainment of erections sufficient for intercourse with or without oral pharmacological agents; (3) wearing zero pads. This consensus definition should be considered when designing studies and reporting outcomes of radical prostatectomy.
Spatial distribution of positive cores improves the selection of patients with low‐risk prostate cancer as candidates for active surveillance
Authors: Abdollah Firas , Suardi Nazareno , Capitanio Umberto , Gallina Andrea , Sun Maxine , Villa Luca , Scattoni Vincenzo , Bianchi Marco , Tutolo Manuela , Fossati Nicola , Karakiewicz Pierre , Rigatti Patrizio , Montorsi Francesco , Briganti Alberto
Published: June 2013

Objective

To test the hypothesis that spatial distribution of positive cores at biopsy is a predictor of unfavourable prostate cancer characteristics at radical prostatectomy (RP) in active surveillance (AS) candidates.

Patients and Methods

We examined the data of 524 patients treated with RP, between 2000 and 2012. All fulfilled at least one of four commonly used AS criteria.

Regression models tested the relationship between positive cores spatial distribution, defined as the number of positive zones at biopsy (PBxZ) and tumour laterality at biopsy and two endpoints: (i) unfavourable prostate cancer at RP (Gleason score ≥4 + 3, and/or pT3 disease), and (ii) clinically significant prostate cancer (tumour volume ≥2.5 mL).

Results

Unfavourable prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer rates were 8 and 25%, respectively. Patients with more than one PBxZ had a 3.2‐fold higher risk of harbouring unfavourable prostate cancer, and a 2.3‐fold higher risk of harbouring clinically significant prostate cancer compared with their counterparts with one PBxZ (both P = 0.01).

Patients with bilateral tumour at biopsy had a 3.3‐fold higher risk of harbouring unfavourable prostate cancer and a 1.7‐fold higher risk of harbouring clinically significant prostate cancer compared with their counterparts with unilateral tumour at biopsy (both P ≤ 0.04).

Some of these results did not reach a statistically significant level, when the analyses were restricted to patients that fulfilled the most stringent AS criteria.

Conclusions

Positive cores spatial distribution at biopsy should be considered, when advising patients about AS.

The addition of this predictor to AS inclusion criteria can help identifying patients at a higher risk of progression, and reduce the rate of inappropriate surveillance of aggressive tumours. However, the most stringent AS criteria (namely John‐Hopkins criteria and Prostate Cancer Research International: Active Surveillance criteria) might not benefit from the addition of this predictor. This point warrants further investigation in future studies.
Activation-induced CD137 is a fast assay for identification and multi-parameter flow cytometric analysis of alloreactive T cells
Authors: Litjens N H R , de Wit E A , Baan C C , Betjes M G H
Published: June 2013

Detection and isolation of viable alloreactive T cells at the single-cell level requires a cell surface marker induced specifically upon T cell receptor activation. In this study, a member of the tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-family, CD137 (4-1BB) was investigated for its potential to identify the total pool of circulating alloreactive T cells. Optimal conditions for sensitive and specific detection of allogeneic-induced CD137 expression on circulating T cells were established. Thereafter, CD137+ alloreactive T cells were phenotypically and functionally characterized by multi-parameter flow cytometry. Alloantigen-induced CD137 expression identified both alloreactive CD8+ T cells (mean ± standard error of the mean: 0·21 ± 0·07%) and alloreactive CD4+ T cells (0·21 ± 0·05%). CD137+ alloreactive T cells were detected in different T cell subsets, including naive T cells, but were found preferentially in CD28+ T cells and not in the terminally differentiated T cell subset. Upon allogeneic (re-)stimulation, the cytokine-producing as well as proliferative capacity of T cells resided mainly within the CD137-expressing fraction. About 10% of the CD137+ alloreactive T cells produced any combination of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2 and TNF-α. Polyfunctional alloreactive T cells, defined by multiple cytokine expression, were observed infrequently. In conclusion, activation-induced CD137 expression is a fast assay allowing for detection and functional analysis of the total alloreactive T cell compartment at the single-cell level by multi-parameter flow cytometry.