bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chiral skyrmions in the plane
Authors: Melcher Christof
Published: October 2014

Magnets without inversion symmetry are a prime example of a solid-state system featuring topological solitons on the nanoscale, and a promising candidate for novel spintronic applications. Magnetic chiral skyrmions are localized vortex-like structures, which are stabilized by antisymmetric exchange interaction, the so-called Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction. In continuum theories, the corresponding energy contribution is, in contrast to the classical Skyrme mechanism from nuclear physics, of linear gradient dependence and breaks the chiral symmetry. In the simplest possible case of a ferromagnetic energy in the plane, including symmetric and antisymmetric exchange and Zeeman interaction, we show that the least energy in a class of fields with unit topological charge is attained provided the Zeeman field is sufficiently large.
Onshore–offshore gradient in metacommunity turnover emerges only over macroevolutionary time-scales
Authors: Tomašových Adam , Dominici Stefano , Zuschin Martin , Merle Didier
Published: October 2014

Invertebrate lineages tend to originate and become extinct at a higher rate in onshore than in offshore habitats over long temporal durations (more than 10 Myr), but it remains unclear whether this pattern scales down to durations of stages (less than 5 Myr) or even sequences (less than 0.5 Myr). We assess whether onshore–offshore gradients in long-term turnover between the tropical Eocene and the warm-temperate Plio-Pleistocene can be extrapolated from gradients in short-term turnover, using abundances of molluscan species from bulk samples in the northeast Atlantic Province. We find that temporal turnover of metacommunities does not significantly decline with depth over short durations (less than 5 Myr), but significantly declines with depth between the Eocene and Plio-Pleistocene (approx. 50 Myr). This decline is determined by a higher onshore extinction of Eocene genera and families, by a higher onshore variability in abundances of genera and families, and by an onshore expansion of genera and families that were frequent offshore in the Eocene. Onshore–offshore decline in turnover thus emerges only over long temporal durations. We suggest that this emergence is triggered by abrupt and spatially extensive climatic or oceanographic perturbations that occurred between the Eocene and Plio-Pleistocene. Plio-Pleistocene metacommunities show a high proportion of bathymetric generalists, in contrast to Eocene metacommunities. Accordingly, the net cooling and weaker thermal gradients may have allowed offshore specialists to expand into onshore habitats and maintain their presence in offshore habitats.
Metabolic regulation of phytoplasma malic enzyme and phosphotransacetylase supports the use of malate as an energy source in these plant pathogens
Authors: Saigo Mariana , Golic Adrián , Alvarez Clarisa E. , Andreo Carlos S. , Hogenhout Saskia A. , Mussi María A. , Drincovich María F.
Published: October 2014

Phytoplasmas (‘CandidatusPhytoplasma’) are insect-vectored plant pathogens. The genomes of these bacteria are small with limited metabolic capacities making them dependent on their plant and insect hosts for survival. In contrast to mycoplasmas and other relatives in the classMollicutes, phytoplasmas encode genes for malate transporters and malic enzyme (ME) for conversion of malate into pyruvate. It was hypothesized that malate is probably a major energy source for phytoplasmas as these bacteria are limited in the uptake and processing of carbohydrates. In this study, we investigated the metabolic capabilities of ‘Candidatus(Ca.) phytoplasma’ aster yellows witches’-broom (AYWB) malic enzyme (ME). We found that AYWB-ME has malate oxidative decarboxylation activity, being able to convert malate to pyruvate and CO2with the reduction of either NAD or NADP, and displays distinctive kinetic mechanisms depending on the relative concentration of the substrates. AYWB-ME activity was strictly modulated by the ATP/ADP ratio, a feature which has not been found in other ME isoforms characterized to date. In addition, we found that the ‘Ca.Phytoplasma’ AYWB PduL-like enzyme (AYWB-PduL) harbours phosphotransacetylase activity, being able to convert acetyl-CoA to acetyl phosphate downstream of pyruvate. ATP also inhibited AYWB-PduL activity, as with AYWB-ME, and the product of the reaction catalysed by AYWB-PduL, acetyl phosphate, stimulated AYWB-ME activity. Overall, our data indicate that AYWB-ME and AYWB-PduL activities are finely coordinated by common metabolic signals, like ATP/ADP ratios and acetyl phosphate, which support their participation in energy (ATP) and reducing power [NAD(P)H] generation from malate in phytoplasmas.
A Proteomic Strategy for Global Analysis of Plant Protein Complexes
Authors: Aryal Uma K. , Xiong Yi , McBride Zachary , Kihara Daisuke , Xie Jun , Hall Mark C. , Szymanski Daniel B.
Published: October 2014

Global analyses of protein complex assembly, composition, and location are needed to fully understand how cells coordinate diverse metabolic, mechanical, and developmental activities. The most common methods for proteome-wide analysis of protein complexes rely on affinity purification-mass spectrometry or yeast two-hybrid approaches. These methods are time consuming and are not suitable for many plant species that are refractory to transformation or genome-wide cloning of open reading frames. Here, we describe the proof of concept for a method allowing simultaneous global analysis of endogenous protein complexes that begins with intact leaves and combines chromatographic separation of extracts from subcellular fractions with quantitative label-free protein abundance profiling by liquid chromatography-coupled mass spectrometry. Applying this approach to the crude cytosolic fraction of Arabidopsis thaliana leaves using size exclusion chromatography, we identified hundreds of cytosolic proteins that appeared to exist as components of stable protein complexes. The reliability of the method was validated by protein immunoblot analysis and comparisons with published size exclusion chromatography data and the masses of known complexes. The method can be implemented with appropriate instrumentation, is applicable to any biological system, and has the potential to be further developed to characterize the composition of protein complexes and measure the dynamics of protein complex localization and assembly under different conditions.
Emotional dimensions of intra-family transmission: Moroccan Shipping, a team adrift
Authors: Minialai Caroline , Hirigoyen Gérard
Published: October 2014

Subject area

Intergenerational transmission is a paramount managerial and patrimonial issue. Although planning and governance tools are being developed and spread in business, the handling of emotions often remains the key to a successful process. It is within the framework of the paternalistic Moroccan society that we are led to question the psychology and emotions of the stakeholders in the transmission of this small services business.

Study level/applicability

Masters students in Family Business, Management Science, Entrepreneurship, Small Business Management.

Case overview

After 19 years of existence, Moroccan Shipping is confronted at the beginning of 2010 to the issue of the sustainability of the family business. The founder directs his affair with an iron fist, and his sons, who were educated abroad, are determined not to get fooled. The father claims he wishes to be relieved from daily operations and handover part of his responsibilities to his second son. At the same time, the youngest doesn't feel like he fits in the present firm's configuration and is ready to quit.

Expected learning outcomes

This case study will lead users to work on several managerial dimensions of small family businesses in emerging economies. At first, the entrepreneur's traits might be highlighted, as they deeply affect the way the succession process may be handled. However, as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) specificity, the Moroccan family system will be taken into consideration to better analyse both the incumbent and the successor behaviours. Management tools may then be discussed to help with the transfer of both power and ownership in family businesses.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Costly moves: a strong brand, Dentonic loses its power
Authors: Meghani Shahnaz Mohammad ali
Published: October 2014

Subject area

Marketing Management.

Study level/applicability

BBA Students of Marketing Management.

Case overview

The brand ⇓Dentonic” by Ala Chemicals was originally launched as a tooth powder meant for the middle and lower socioeconomic classes. The tooth powder was a hugely successful product. Dentonic tooth powder held the highest market share in the category at 80 per cent in the 1990s. However, the tooth powder market in the urban areas is declining and consumer preference is slowly moving to toothpastes. Although tooth powder is still used in the rural areas, some toothpaste manufacturers have extended their reach at the lower end of the market offering consumers “value propositions” in the shape of toothpaste at the comparable price of tooth powder. The market for dental cleaning products has seen a shift in terms of young consumers switching from powder to the lower-priced toothpaste brands. The company Ala Chemicals did not want to sit back and face a declining tooth powder market. Therefore, they launched a premium quality toothpaste by the same brand name, Dentonic, and made efforts to penetrate the premium segment of toothpaste. However, the marketing strategies did not have the desired effect and the company was unable to get consumers to accept Dentonic as a premium toothpaste. Although Ala Chemicals indulged in promotional spending, using social media, offering a high-quality product and making it accessible with competitive prices, somehow they were unable to create the required pull.

Expected learning outcomes

This study provides an example of how “over positioning” of a brand can be an impediment in the case of a brand extension, especially when a lower end brand is positioned as a premium brand. It is also meant to show that the product concept alone cannot lead to marketing success and consumer acceptance. It also exposes students to the requirement of creating a Unique Value Proposition in a brand and the difficulties of pursuing a segment invasion, without considering the entry barriers, and the marketing strategies/positions of competitors.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
The power of karma yoga in human development
Authors: Brown Shelley
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to focus on Swami Vivekananda’s teachings on higher self-development through karma yoga – spiritualizing contemporary life in today’s fast-paced world – and on evolving a more humane civilization through the service of enlightened citizens.

Design/methodology/approach

– Stressing the essential role of self-development in human progress, Swami Vivekananda taught Vedanta to East and West as a practical dynamic philosophy.

Findings

– With his prophetic vision, he adapted ancient wisdom for modern living in his concept of karma yoga. Extending the idea of “holy” to the whole of human endeavor, whether exploring truths in the world or discovering the light of the soul within, Vivekananda deemed every struggle sacred when pursued with sincere, selfless intent.

Originality/value

– Each action taken in the right spirit, Vivekananda taught, can manifest our innate divinity and bring us one step closer to our sublime nature, which acts in the common good.
Vivekananda’s interpretation of Vedanta philosophy and values for sustained human development
Authors: Sarvapriyananda Swami
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to outline the unique aspects of Vivekananda’s interpretation of Vedanta philosophy.

Design/methodology/approach

– The doctrine of the One and the many being the same reality is the philosophical core of the vast and varied treasury of Vivekananda’s teachings and, indeed, of his life.

Findings

– Vivekananda has given a remarkable interpretation of the Vedanta philosophy which is not only universal but also both inspiring and rational (and accommodative).

Practical implications

– Combining service with spirituality, grounding religion in rationality and being very contemporary in its sensitivities, Vivekananda’s thought is poised to become the ideology of the modern Indian nation.

Originality/value

– Vedanta philosophy is inclusive of ethics that are well-grounded in Vedantic metaphysics and constitutes a very effective response to the inequities and corruption widespread in contemporary societies.
Towards eradication of poverty and inequality: Vivekananda’s perspective for sustained human development
Authors: Baneshananda Swami
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The aims of this paper is to deal with the issue from the perspective of Swami Vivekananda’s original contribution toward our fight against “Inequality and Poverty”.

Design/methodology/approach

– Some of our approaches toward sustained human development are tangential in nature. However, it is a fact that no single objective is achievable without development on others.

Findings

– “Sustained Human Development” is a comprehensive subject.

Originality/value

– Ever since Vivekananda’s historic appearance in the Parliament of Religions in 1893 in Chicago, scholars of different fields have been engaged in assessing his seminal contributions in various areas of human development.
“Surplus in Man” and the capability-based sustained/total human development
Authors: Dutta Dilip
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to define a capability-based sustained/total human development, after reviewing both the concept of “Surplus in Man” as the source for achieving the Vedântic ideal of transcendence, and the capability approach to human development.

Design/methodology/approach

– The capability-based sustained/total human development has been defined by integrating the Vedântic concept of “Surplus in Man” and the deontological theories of morality into the basic approach to capability-based human development.

Findings

– An answer to the question: “How to apply a holistic approach to our daily life?” is outlined.

Practical implications

– An example is provided on the role of yoga and meditation as the key initial bridging forces between the Western and Eastern concept of mental health. Also, the recent trend in a morally demanding lifestyle of a section of people in the Western societies for moving towards a galloping spiritual pluralism has been exemplified.

Originality/value

– Role of responsibility of an individual human being along with his or her right has explicitly been emphasized in the approach to capability-based sustained/total human development.
Editorial
Authors: P. Abeles Tom
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This essay aims to explore the changing academic landscape, P-16 and beyond. Experience and study has shown that the current model of education, in general, and post-secondary education in particular, cannot hold in a rapidly changing, increasingly digital world. Institutions, faculty and students cannot be embedded in an Ivory Tower, separate from the larger world.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a structured essay exploring the future of education.

Findings

– How knowledge is created and acquired is changing. Student needs and access is evolving. Faculty rolls are being challenged. Economic models are under pressure and driving changes internationally.

Originality/value

– The article challenges conventional wisdom that incremental change in the higher education industry can be meaningfully accomplished, especially when driven by rapidly changing external factors.
The changing roles of higher education: curator, evaluator, connector and analyst
Authors: K. Wolfe Julianne , W. Andrews David
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the changing role of higher education as it adapts to the information age. The article posits that a personalized, competency-based model will be the most successful.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on research and observations of post-secondary education. It relies on existing literature and comparisons across disciplines to demonstrate the need for change and the ability for universities to adapt to the current needs.

Findings

– Universities will focus less on information dissemination and more on increasing the quality of available information; improving programs and processes for learners; and ensuring that all learners receive, analyze and apply knowledge that will allow them to be successful in their fields. The paper describes the evidence for these needs and potential pathways for competence.

Practical implications

– Learners in the information age look to universities for different roles than in the past. Universities must be able to respond to learners’ preferences and needs, connecting with industries to determine best practices and training skills.

Originality/value

– This is an original work. This paper draws on existing literature and the expertise of education leaders involved in many national and regional associations on the future of education.
A literature review on central bank communication
Authors: T. Hughes Peter , Kesting Stefan
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to review the economic literature on central bank communication to address the questions of how economists account for the effects of speech acts and whether and to what extent discourse analysis is applied in their studies. Moreover, whether there may be room for more linguistic approaches to analyse central bank communication is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

– A range of recently published (2004-2013) works in the area of central bank communication are critically scrutinized to highlight the current thinking in this area. The sources are organised into different sections, namely, communication in monetary policy theory; impacts of speech acts; optimizing central bank communication; and linguistic analysis of central bank communication.

Findings

– The current literature is developing a coherent argument that central bank communication is an important part of monetary policy and that speech acts by the central bank do have impacts at the macroeconomic level. Linguistic analysis does have the potential to contribute to this literature, as little attention has been paid to the content of the speech acts.

Originality/value

– This paper fulfils the need for an up-to-date review of the developing literature on central bank communication. This paper also provides support for linguistic analysis in this area.
Why do markets react to words?
Authors: Muchlinski Elke
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explain why central banking as a practice needs to be based on everyday language and communication because a central bank must be able to act flexibly. The meaning of a central bank’s language and communication is not a linear transferred meaning from the sender to the receiver. Language is not the gateway to transmitting a pre-given meaning. Whereas the meaning of a coded language is rooted in a pre-defined system independent of changing environment and context, everyday language is not. Expectation-building cannot be anchored in an artificial system such as formal language, codes and deductive premises based on formal language. In guiding expectations of economic agents, a central bank is a part of its own context through the language it uses in both its communication and in its policy of information disclosure concerning its own risk assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper explains the constitutive function of language for common understanding in central banking and monetary policy.

Findings

– The paper contributes to the literature on central bank communication and transparency.

Originality/value

– The interaction between the markets and the central bank is understandable within a particular history and context which also helps to build up or to restore confidence in monetary transactions and relations.
Money as metaphor
Authors: Ali Tanweer
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine two rival narratives regarding the nature and evolution of money with reference to metaphor.

Design/methodology/approach

– The article draws on theoretical literature on money. Post-Keynesian perspectives are given consideration due to the particular attention that this school has given to money.

Findings

– A crucial divide in the understanding of money is interpreted in terms of two different narratives. We conclude that the narrative of money as credit has greater explanatory power, but that the commodity narrative, which is metaphorical in nature, is easier to comprehend and conceptualize.

Research limitations/implications

– This study has been qualitative in nature; further research would require specification of a linguistic methodology, including selection and analysis of a corpus. A process for detecting metaphors within a selected corpus would also need to be established. Moreover, the discussion of the commodity metaphor as a normative theory has not considered the moral aspects of different views on debt and credit.

Social implications

– Study of metaphor should shed light on basic assumptions behind public policy choices. This should enhance the general understanding of related debates, for example on public spending (i.e. austerity versus stimulus).

Originality/value

– This article examines a familiar debate in economics using the methods of linguistics. The approach may also serve a function as a pedagogical tool.
Oligomer-in-water emulsion based waterborne UV-curable paints for cotton printing
Authors: Zhang Tao , Zhang Kairui , Li Tao , Wang Chaoxia , Yang Fan
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to prepare waterborne UV-curable pigment pastes for cotton fabric printing.

Design/methodology/approach

– O/W (oligomer-in-water) emulsions of polyurethane acrylate (PUA) oligomer in sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate (SDBS) aqueous solution were prepared by ultrasonic emulsification method.

Findings

– The present work studies various factors affecting the stability and droplet size of the O/W emulsion stabilised by SDBS. The optimal emulsifier concentration was 2.5 per cent, under which condition the stability of the emulsion increased as the emulsifier content increased, with a subsequent decrease in the droplet size of the emulsion, while above which emulsion agglomeration occurred. Increasing the power and duration of ultrasonic dispersion resulted in increased emulsion stability and decreased droplet size, while increases in the oligomer content reduced the emulsion stability. Darocure 1173 mixed with PUA and then emulsified in the SDBS aqueous solution guaranteed uniform dispersion of the photoinitiator, resulting in faster curing speed.

Originality/value

– This paper presents a new method for making waterborne externally emulsified oligomers for UV curing, and finds that it is easy to convert the existing oligomers into waterborne equivalents by this method. Cotton fabrics printed with the oligomer emulsion based pastes were found to have good colour strength and crockfastness.
BisGMA/jute fibre/fly ash hybrid composites
Authors: Pritam Praharaj Ankita , Behera Dibakar , Kumar Bastia Tapan , Rath Prasanta , Mohanty Priyabrata
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to prepare BisGMA (bisphenol-A glycidyldimethacrylate)/jute fibre/fly ash hybrid composites with improved mechanical and corrosive properties.

Design/methodology/approach

– BisGMA prepolymer was first synthesised using diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A and methacrylic acid. Then 2-hydroxy ethylacrylate-treated jute fibre and sodium hydroxide-treated fly ash were incorporated in the fabrication of composites using dicumyl peroxide, cobalt naphthenate and N,N-dimethyl aniline as catalyst, accelerator and promoter, respectively. The composition of BisGMA, jute fibre and fly ash was kept constant, whereas treated and untreated jute fibre and fly ash were used alternatively.

Findings

– Treatment of both jute and fly ash leads to improved mechanical properties of composites. However, treated fabric plays a dominant role compared to treated fly ash as filler. Among all the composites, the one having both treated jute fibre and treated fly ash is the most suitable composite for structural applications.

Research limitations/implications

– The present investigation has come up with a hybrid composite that can be used for a wide range of applications like low-cost housing and structural projects, structural laminates, etc., as it is both corrosion- and moisture-resistant. It is also the most durable from the mechanical point of view. There is also a scope of using other fillers instead of fly ash to study the changes brought about in the mechanical properties.

Originality/value

– The above composites have never been fabricated before.
Synthesis and application of cationic fluorinated acrylic resin for use in cathodic electrodeposition coatings
Authors: Chen Lijun , Li Wen , Jiang Wei
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to prepare a fluorinated acrylate resin, which would be synthesised via solution polymerisation of fluorinated monomer, acrylate monomers and other functional monomers. Relevant characterisation and application studies were also carried out. Fluorinated polymers are expected to be adopted in specific coatings to afford outstanding advantages, such as high chemical and photochemical resistance, low surface tension and low refractive index. At present, fluorinated cathodic electrodeposition (CED) coatings are attracting the attention that they deserve and seldom reported.

Design/methodology/approach

– Cationic fluorinated acrylic resin was successfully prepared by solution polymerisation of dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid initiated by 2,2,-azo-bis-iso-butyronitrile in a solvent of butyl cellosolve. The resultant resin was neutralised with acetic acid. The CED coatings are prepared when moderate amounts of blocked isocyanate and distilled water were added into the resultant resin.

Findings

– The hydrophobicity of the film is improved when the fluorinated monomer is introduced to co-polymerise with other monomers. The optimum conditions of preparing the resin are as follows: the amount of azodiisobutyronitrile is controlled with the range of 3.0 and 4.0 per cent; the amine value of the resin is 70 mg KOH/g; the hydroxyl value of resin and mole ratio of hydroxyl to isocyanate is 60 mg KOH/g and 1.0/1.0, respectively; the degree of neutralisation of the resin is within the range of 35 and 40 per cent.

Practical implications

– The cationic fluorinated acrylic resin can be used to be the binder of CED coatings, which can be applied to electrodeposition finishing for high demand of exterior decorative and weather resistance, such as hardware, accessories, office furniture and so on.

Originality/value

– The cationic fluorinated acrylic resin was successfully prepared by solution polymerisation. The hydrophobicity of the film is improved.
A case of anaplastic large cell lymphoma of skeletal muscle
Authors: Kubo Yosuke , Aoi Jun , Johno Takamitsu , Makino Takamitsu , Sakai Keisuke , Masuguchi Shinichi , Fukushima Satoshi , Jinnin Masatoshi , Inoue Yuji , Ihn Hironobu
Published: October 2014

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a high grade non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that is comprised of the malignant proliferation of large lymphoid cells, which express CD30. Primary ALCL of the skeletal muscle is extremely uncommon. A 51‐year‐old Japanese female presented at our hospital with a 2‐month history of severe pain and swelling of the right leg. A gallium‐67 SPECT/CT scan showed a large mass involving the skeletal muscles from the gluteus to femoris. A biopsy of the mass demonstrated diffuse infiltration of medium and large neoplastic cells with round or lobulated hyperchromatic pleomorphic nuclei. A subset of Reed‐Sternberg‐like cells was also identified. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells were strongly positive for CD4 and CD30, but negative for CD3, CD8, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), CD20, CD79α, CD21 and CD23. Based on the histological examination, this patient was diagnosed to have ALK‐negative ALCL of the skeletal muscle. Further studies are needed to clarify the biological behavior of primary skeletal muscle ALCL.
Organizational learning in the Philippines: how do team and individual learning contribute?
Authors: Dayaram Kandy , Fung Lucia
Published: October 2014

Organizational learning is essential especially in rapidly changing environments, through seeking new knowledge and the effective use of existing knowledge,to unleash innovative potential. It is therefore, important to identify what increases employee engagement in these organizational learning activities. Research was conducted through a survey of local public sector employees in the Philippines to examine empirically the hypothesis that individual learning will increase employee involvement in organizational learning activities through their increased engagement in team learning activities. The findings confirm the mediating role of team learning between individual learning and organizational learning. This study also examines the distinct roles of internal (within team) and external team (across team) learning in this relationship and findings suggest team learning also plays a significant role in improving organizational performance. This study has the potential to inform the development of appropriate human resource management strategies to facilitate knowledge sharing and learning within and across teams at the local level, as a major intermediate step toward motivating employees to engage in organizational learning activities by applying their individual knowledge.
Strategic human resource management in the Asia Pacific region: similarities and differences?
Authors: Kramar Robin , Parry Emma
Published: October 2014

This paper examines human resource management (HRM) policies within five countries in the Asia Pacific region – Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Philippines and Taiwan. We examine whether HRM in these countries is similar to the idealised model of strategic HRM, largely developed in the United States of America (USA), or whether HRM in this region has its own characteristics. We also investigate whether there are broad similarities or differences between the HRM policies of these countries. Drawing on data from the Cranet survey of comparative HRM, we found that HR practice within these five countries was indeed similar to strategic HRM, but that there were also important differences, both between Asia Pacific HRM and the general model of strategic HRM and between HRM in the five countries.
Reduction of Methanol in Brewed Wine by the Use of Atmospheric and Room‐Temperature Plasma Method and the Combination Optimization of Malt with Different Adjuncts
Authors: Liang Ming‐Hua , Liang Ying‐Jie , Chai Jiang‐Yan , Zhou Shi‐Shui , Jiang Jian‐Guo
Published: October 2014

Methanol, often generated in brewed wine, is highly toxic for human health. To decrease the methanol content of the brewed wine, atmospheric and room‐temperature plasma (ARTP) was used as a new mutagenesis tool to generate a mutant of Saccharomy cescerevisiae with lower methanol content. Headspace gas chromatography was used to determine the identity and concentration of methanol with butyl acetate as internal standard in brewed wine. With 47.4% higher and 26.3% positive mutation rates were obtained, the ARTP jet exhibited a strong effect on mutation breeding of S. cerevisiae. The mutant S. cerevisiae S12 exhibited the lowest methanol content, which was decreased by 72.54% compared with that of the wild‐type strain. Subsequently, the mutant S. cerevisiae S12 was used to ferment different combinations of malt and adjuncts for lower methanol content and higher alcoholic content. It was shown that the culture 6#, which was 60% malt, 20% wheat, and 20% corn, was the best combinations of malt and adjuncts, with the lowest methanol content (104.8 mg/L), and a relatively higher alcoholic content (15.3%, v/v). The optimal malt–adjunct culture 6#, treated with the glucoamylase dose of 0.04 U/mg of grain released the highest reducing sugars (201.6 mg/mL). It was indicated that the variation in reducing sugars among the combinations of malt and different adjuncts could be due to the dose of exogenous enzymes.
Steroid‐induced diabetes mellitus in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: analysis from a Malaysian multi‐ethnic lupus cohort
Authors: Shaharir Syahrul Sazliyana , Gafor Abdul Halim Abdul , Said Mohd Shahrir Mohamed , Kong Norella C. T.
Published: October 2014

Objective

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease and glucocorticoid is the mainstay of treatment in SLE. The reported incidence of steroid‐induced diabetes mellitus (SDM) ranged between 1–53%. We sought to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of SDM in patients with SLE.

Methodology

A total of 100 SLE patients attending the Nephrology/SLE and Rheumatology Clinic, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) who received corticosteroid treatment were recruited. The diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was based on the 2010 American Diabetes Association's criteria. Prevalent cases of SDM were also included. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with SDM.

Results

Thirteen of them (13%) developed SDM, with the median onset of diagnosis from commencement of glucocorticoid treatment being 8 years (range 0.5–21 years). Although only seven Indians were recruited into the study, three of them (42.9%) had SDM compared to Malays (9.3%) and Chinese (12.8%) (P ≤ 0.05). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that higher numbers of system or organ involvement in SLE, abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia and daily prednisolone of ≥ 1 mg/kg/day were the important associated factors of SDM (P ≤ 0.05). Meanwhile, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) use was associated with reduced SDM prevalence (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The prevalence of SDM among SLE patients was 13% and Indians were more prone to develop SDM compared to other races. Higher numbers of system involvement, abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia and the use of oral prednisolone of ≥ 1 mg/kg/day were associated with SDM, while HCQ use potentially protects against SDM.
Single amino acid substitution in homogentisate 1,2‐dioxygenase is responsible for pigmentation in a subset of Burkholderia cepacia complex isolates
Authors: Gonyar Laura A. , Fankhauser Sarah C. , Goldberg Joanna B.
Published: October 2014

The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is a group of Gram‐negative bacilli that are ubiquitous in the environment and have emerged over the past 30 years as opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised populations, specifically individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic granulomatous disease. This complex of at least 18 distinct species is phenotypically and genetically diverse. One phenotype observed in a subset of Burkholderia cenocepacia (a prominent Bcc pathogen) isolates is the ability to produce a melanin‐like pigment. Melanins have antioxidant properties and have been shown to act as virulence factors allowing pathogens to resist killing by the host immune system. The melanin‐like pigment expressed by B. cenocepacia is produced through tyrosine catabolism, specifically through the autoxidation and polymerization of homogentisate. Burkholderia cenocepacia J2315 is a CF clinical isolate that displays a pigmented phenotype when grown under normal laboratory conditions. We examined the amino acid sequences of critical enzymes in the melanin synthesis pathway in pigmented and non‐pigmented Bcc isolates, and found that an amino acid substitution of glycine for arginine at amino acid 378 in homogentisate 1,2‐dioxygenase correlated with pigment production; we identify this as one mechanism for expression of pigment in Bcc isolates.
The importance of lizards and small mammals as reservoirs for Borrelia lusitaniae in Portugal
Authors: Norte Ana Cláudia , Alves da Silva António , Alves Joana , da Silva Luís Pascoal , Núncio M. Sofia , Escudero Raquel , Anda Pedro , Ramos Jaime A. , Lopes de Carvalho Isabel
Published: October 2014

Borrelia lusitaniae is a pathogen frequent in the Mediterranean area. Apart from lizards, evidence for birds and small mammals as competent reservoirs for this genospecies has been occasional. We collected questing ticks, skin biopsies and Ixodes sp. ticks feeding on lizards, birds and small mammals in a B. burgdorferi s.l. (sensu lato) enzootic area to assess their importance in the maintenance of B. lusitaniae. Borrelia lusitaniae was the most prevalent genospecies in questing ticks and was commonly found in larvae feeding on Psammodromus algirus. One biopsy infected with B. lusitaniae was collected from the tail of one Podarcis hispanica, which suggests systemic infection. Ixodes ricinus larvae feeding on Apodemus sylvaticus were infected with B. lusitaniae but with a lower prevalence. Our results reinforce the importance of lizards as reservoirs for B. lusitaniae, suggesting that P. algirus, in particular, acts as main reservoir for B. lusitaniae in Portugal.
Single Representative, Single Voice: Magical Thinking and the Representation of the EU on the World Stage
Authors: Novak Stéphanie
Published: October 2014

It is frequently argued that the EU should speak with a single voice on the international stage in order to play an effective role in the field of foreign policy. The representation of the EU by a single representative is often viewed as a remedy to this lack of a single voice. This article analyzes that argument and asks whether the relative disillusionment that followed the appointment of a president of the European Council and of a high representative of the EU suggests that stronger EU representation on the world stage is needed. The article argues that equating the institutionalization of a single representative with an ability on the part of the EU to speak with a single voice amounts to ‘magical thinking’ because no institutional engineering can overcome member states’ divisions. Furthermore, different successful cases of external action led by a few member states in spite of the lack of unanimity show that the single voice is an unhelpful myth. Lastly, the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty reforms reveals that the EU does not need stronger external representation and that any principle of representation relying on personalization should be dismissed as inadequate in the EU context.
Does Environmental Sustainability Contradict Prosperity?
Authors: Edenhofer Ottmar , Steckel Jan Christoph , Jakob Michael
Published: October 2014

Continuous economic growth, understood as an increase of consumption, is often seen to be incompatible with ambitious climate protection. In this article we aim to structure the debate by asking two questions: is economic growth possible with regard to achieving ambitious climate targets? And, is economic growth desirable? We argue that foregoing economic growth would neither be sufficient to achieve ambitious climate targets, nor would it reduce the need of partially contested mitigation technologies, such as nuclear energy or Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS). In addition, we argue that economic growth should not be an end by itself but rather a means to achieve prosperity. We propose to define guardrails and specific goals for prosperity that need to be achieved, in analogy to the Millennium Development Goals. One example could be to provide minimum access levels to specific infrastructure services, e.g. access to water, electricity or sanitation. Their provision could be financed by revenues from taxing the overuse of (global) commons, e.g. a carbon tax.
Interaction effects between the 5‐hydroxy tryptamine transporter‐linked polymorphic region (5‐HTTLPR) genotype and family conflict on adolescent alcohol use and misuse
Authors: Kim Jueun , Park Aesoon , Glatt Stephen J. , Eckert Tanya L. , Vanable Peter A. , Scott‐Sheldon Lori A. J. , Carey Kate B. , Ewart Craig K. , Carey Michael P.
Published: October 2014

Aims

To investigate whether the effects of family conflict on adolescent drinking differed as a function of 5‐hydroxy tryptamine transporter‐linked polymorphic region (5‐HTTLPR) genotype cross‐sectionally and prospectively in two independent samples of adolescents.

Design

Path analysis and multi‐group analysis of two prospective datasets were conducted.

Settings

United States and United Kingdom.

Participants

Sample 1 was 175 adolescents in the United States (mean age = 15 at times 1 and 2 with a 6‐month interval); Sample 2 was 4916 adolescents in the United Kingdon (mean age = 12 at time 1 and 15 at time 2).

Measurements

In both samples, demographics, tri‐allelic 5‐HTTLPR genotype and perceived family conflict were assessed at time 1. Alcohol use (frequency of drinking) and alcohol misuse (frequency of intoxication, frequency of drinking three or more drinks, maximum number of drinks) were assessed at times 1 and 2.

Findings

A significant gene–environment interaction on alcohol misuse at time 1 was found in both sample 1 (β = 0.57, P = 0.001) and sample 2 (β = 0.19, P = 0.01), indicating that the 5‐HTTLPR low‐activity allele carriers exposed to higher levels of family conflict were more likely to engage in alcohol misuse than non‐carriers. A significant gene–environment interaction effect on change in alcohol misuse over time was found only in sample 1 (β = 0.48, P = 0.04) but not in sample 2.

Conclusions

Compared with non‐carriers, adolescents carrying the 5‐HTTLPR low‐activity allele are more susceptible to the effects of family conflict on alcohol misuse.
Plain cigarette packs do not exert Pavlovian to instrumental transfer of control over tobacco‐seeking
Authors: Hogarth Lee , Maynard Olivia M. , Munafò Marcus R.
Published: October 2014

Aims

To gain insight into the potential impact of plain tobacco packaging policy, two experiments were undertaken to test whether ‘prototype’ plain compared with branded UK cigarette pack stimuli would differentially elicit instrumental tobacco‐seeking in a nominal Pavlovian to instrumental transfer (PIT) procedure.

Design, Setting and Participants

Two experiments were undertaken at the University of Bristol UK, with a convenience sample of adult smokers (experiment 1, n = 23, experiment 2, n = 121).

Measurement

In both experiments, smokers were trained on a concurrent choice procedure in which two responses earned points for cigarettes and chocolate, respectively, before images of branded and plain packs were tested for capacity to elicit the tobacco‐seeking response in extinction. The primary outcome was percentage choice of the tobacco‐ over the chocolate‐seeking response in plain pack, branded pack and no‐stimulus conditions.

Findings

Both experiments found that branded packs primed a greater percentage of tobacco‐seeking (overall mean = 62%) than plain packs (overall mean = 53%) and the no‐stimulus condition (overall mean = 52%; Ps ≤ 0.01, ŋp2s ≥ 0.16), and that there was no difference in percentage tobacco‐seeking between plain packs and the no‐stimulus condition (Ps ≥ 0.17, ŋp2s ≤ 0.04). Plain tobacco packs showed an overall 9% reduction in the priming of a tobacco choice response compared to branded tobacco packs.

Conclusions

Plain packaging may reduce smoking in current smokers by degrading cue‐elicited tobacco‐seeking.
Dialogism as Antiracist Education: Engaging with Competing Racial Ideologies inBrazil
Authors: da Silva Antonio José Bacelar
Published: October 2014

Brazil has recently enacted sweeping policies against racial inequality, including a mandate to teachAfrican andAfro‐Brazilian history and culture in schools across the country. This article analyzesAfro‐Brazilian activists' heteroglossic engagement with recent legal and social changes while leading teacher‐training courses. I demonstrate how participants juxtapose long‐held narratives of racial mixture with the discourse of new antiracist legislation and, in doing so, construct antiracist positions in relation toBrazil's competing racial ideologies.
Proteomic pattern changes associated with obesity‐induced asthenozoospermia
Authors: Liu Y. , Guo Y. , Song N. , Fan Y. , Li K. , Teng X. , Guo Q. , Ding Z.
Published: October 2014

Obesity, an increasingly frequent societal disease can also be accompanied by declines in spermatozoa quality and male subfecundity. To determine if there are obesity‐associated proteomic changes potentially affecting sperm quality and motility, differential proteomic analysis was performed on spermatozoa from both obesity‐associated asthenozoospermia and clinically healthy individuals, using a label‐free quantitative LC‐MS/MS approach. We resolved 1975 proteins in the human sperm proteome, amongst which, 105 proteins were less abundant, whereas 22 other proteins increased in obesity‐associated asthenozoospermia. Functional category analyses indicated that the differentially expressed proteins are mainly related to cytoskeletal regulation, vesicle biogenesis, metabolism, and protein degradation involved in spermiogenesis and sperm motility. Furthermore, declines in endoplasmic reticulum protein 57 (ERp57) and actin‐binding‐related protein T2 (ACTRT2) expression were verified by immunofluorescence, Western blot, and flow cytometry analyses. It is evident that ERp57 is localized in the acrosome region, neck and principal piece of human spermatozoa, whereas ACTRT2 is localized in the post‐acrosomal region and middle piece. Thus, these differences in protein expression in asthenozoospermia may contribute to the underlying sperm quality defects afflicting these individuals. Notably, declines in ERp57 and ACTRT2 expression in obesity‐associated asthenozoospermia may play critical roles in reducing sperm motility.
Small doses of droperidol do not present relevant torsadogenic actions: a double‐blind, ondansetron‐controlled study
Authors: Tracz Krzysztof , Owczuk Radosław
Published: October 2014

Aim

Drugs used for postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis are believed to provoke torsadogenic changes in cardiac repolarization. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of small doses of droperidol on the parameters of cardiac repolarization, including the QTc interval and transmural dispersion of repolarization.

Methods

A total of 75 patients were randomly allocated to receive 0.625 or 1.25 mg droperidol or 8 mg ondansetron. The QTc interval was calculated using Bazett's formula and the Framingham correction. The transmural dispersion of repolarization was determined as Tpeak–Tend time.

Results

Transient QT prolongation, corrected with both formulae, followed 1.25 mg of droperidol 10 min after administration. No change in the QTc value was observed in the other groups. When corrected with Bazett's formula, QTc was prolonged above 480 ms in two patients receiving 1.25 mg droperidol (at the 10th and 20th minute of the study) and in one receiving ondansetron. No patients developed a QTcB prolongation over 500 ms. No increase above 480 ms was observed relative to the Framingham correction method. There were no significant differences in the Tpeak–Tend time either between or within the groups.

Conclusion

In men without cardiovascular disorders small doses (1.25 mg) of droperidol prophylaxis induced transient QTc prolongation without changes in transmural dispersion of repolarization. The apparently low risk of the drug applies only in low risk male patients with a low pro‐QTc score.