bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exogenous technological change and wage inequality in rural India: a theoretical note
Authors: Banik Arindam , Bhaumik Pradip K. , Iyare Sundayo
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical model to explore the economic consequences of an exogenous skill‐biased technological change.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a theoretical model based on assumptions and conditions that replicate those of a government‐sponsored poverty reduction programme in India.

Findings

The paper finds that, under certain stated conditions, wage inequality between artisans with improved toolkits and those without is likely to increase, while, under a different set of conditions, this is likely to decrease.

Research limitations/implications

Actual wage inequality implications of specific exogenous skill‐biased technological changes need to be studied to take the theoretical model further.

Practical implications

One major implication is that, when government help is provided by way of an exogenous skill‐biased technological change to a fraction of workers, it may have the unintended consequence of increasing wage inequality between the beneficiary and the non‐beneficiary workers. In extreme cases, it may even lower the equilibrium wages of the non‐beneficiary workers.

Originality/value

The paper brings out the critical role of efficiency units of workers with skill‐biased technology (artisans with improved toolkits) and those without these in determining the wage inequality between these categories of workers (artisans) based on a theoretical model of the trajectory along which the rural economy moves.
Performance of initial public offerings and privatized offers
Authors: Peter Suren
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate returns of initial public offerings (IPOs) in an emerging market and differences in the returns of privatized and non‐privatized offerings.

Design/methodology/approach

Market‐adjusted return is computed as daily cumulative excess returns for six‐ and 12‐month periods. Long‐run performance is measured by calculating market‐adjusted buy and hold return assuming that shareholders pursue strategies of 1, 2 and 3 years.

Findings

The paper finds that underpricing exists even in emerging markets and at a higher level than in developed countries. Average returns are over 55 per cent and is comparable with that of Malaysia, Mexico, Poland and Thailand. POs generally outperform the market, with the privatized IPOs offering superior excess returns than the non‐privatized IPOs. Excess returns diminish by the end of three years. The pattern of the returns seen in this case is different to similar studies elsewhere, where excess returns are observed over four to five years after the initial listing.

Research limitations/implications

The number of IPOs investigated here is comparatively small. However, because the sample consists of a mix of privatized vs non‐privatized companies, the results provide useful insights on factors that may drive the unusual returns. While underpricing is common in most IPOs, the state when privatizing enterprises seem to be offering investors excessive returns.

Originality/value

This paper provides researchers and policymakers some insights into the workings of capital markets in emerging economies.
Society of Scholarly Publishing (SSP) Annual Meeting
Authors: Gelfand Julia
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight sessions and themes of the annual Society of Scholarly Publishing conference.

Design/methodology/approach

Conference report Building on Technology 2.0 and Library 2.0, this theme was on Scholarly Communication 2.0 and even though there was some obvious overlap well known by librarians, there was plenty of creative and new ideas that were shared.

Findings

The role of the reader and library user are of more importance than in the past and new products and services now cater to that increasingly emphasized role.

Originality value

Change in readership, product development, marketing, branding, and nearly everything in the scholarly publishing marketplace has determined that new partnerships and interests are evolving.
Impediments to Harnessing Scholarly Electronic Journals on the Internet in Developing Countries: A Nigerian University Case Study
Authors: Olatunji Ajegbomogun Frederick
Published: September 2007

Purpose

Electronic journals continue to usually be the format of choice for institutional serials subscriptions. However, in developing countries this is not always the case, due to access and connectivity issues. Harnessing electronic journals is the aim this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was designed to ascertain the impediments to harnessing scholarly electronic journals on the internet in developing countries: University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria: as a case study. To this end, a questionnaire method was used to obtain data. Of the users surveyed, 79.4 per cent returned the questionnaire. Questions were raised on users’ accessibility, usefulness, access point and impediments to harnessing electronic journals on the internet. The identified problems were based on socio‐psychological phenomenon, inadequate provision of computer facilities, power outage and inadequate infrastructure such as telecommunication. Hence, these facilities are still poorly developed in developing countries.

Findings

Insufficient administrative infrastructure and resources are the major contributing factors and reasons why harnessing of e‐journals is not more ubiquitous and common in Nigeria.

Originality value

The paper offers some useful suggestions on how to tackle these problems through constant training of users on the use of internet, networking all libraries’ computer terminals, provides stand‐by generator, and put in place a technical‐oriented manpower. Finally, there is a need to overhaul the telecommunication industry so as to get a better result in term of Information Technology development in the developing countries.
The impact of purpose, people and technology on the virtual project team
Authors: Stockdale Rosemary , Kühne Sven
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the growing body of research into virtual teams by using empirical data to validate existing theory. It analyses a project in the travel and tourism industry to determine the key elements that contributed to a successful outcome.

Design/methodology/approach

An ethnographic approach is used in this case of a multi‐national, multi‐organisational virtual project tasked with market validation of an ontology management system. Participant observation is supported by a range of primary and secondary data.

Findings

The importance of key factors changes over the time of the project. The early emphasis on constructs relating to technology and purpose moves towards those related to people as the project matured. The caretaker/gatekeeper role of the project leader made a significant contribution to overcoming problems of complexity. A lack of commitment to a range of information technologies heightened the reliance on periodic face‐to‐face meetings to support team interactions.

Research limitations/implications

Cultural diversity is common in the travel sector and related issues may play a more significant role in other industries. Further research is needed to fully assess the impact of context on virtual team outcomes.

Practical implications

Recommendations for practitioners include the need to establish a framework of rules and identify training needs. A socialising period, virtual or face‐to‐face, is an essential requirement for successful virtual teamwork.

Originality/value

A conceptual framework, drawn from previous studies, adds clarity to the importance and relevance of the constructs of people, purpose and technology in virtual teamwork.
Internet banking in Jordan
Authors: AbuShanab E. , Pearson J.M.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the key determinants of the adoption of internet banking in Jordan. The paper also attempts to validate the appropriateness of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) within the context of internet banking.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was developed based on previous work in the areas of technology acceptance and internet banking. The questionnaire was distributed through three banks in Jordan to customers as they enter each bank's main office. Multiple regressions were utilized to evaluate the collected data.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that UTAUT provides a good foundation for future technology acceptance research. The three main predictors relevant to this study (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence) were significant and explained a significant amount of the variance in predicting a customer's intention to adopt internet banking. The results also indicate that gender moderated the relationships between the three independent variables and the dependent variable (behavioral intention).

Research limitations/implications

This study did not follow‐up with respondents to determine if they actually adopted internet banking. Therefore, the results do not measure actual adoption.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to utilize the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to the technology acceptance domain. It also provides a broader view of the technology acceptance decision in that the study took place in a non‐English speaking culture (Arabic – Jordan).
Agile supply chain transformation matrix: an integrated tool for creating an agile enterprise
Authors: Baramichai Manisra , Zimmers Emory W. , Marangos Charalambos A.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a tool, the Agile Supply Chain Transformation Matrix (ASCTM), and the implementation methodology for a systematic approach to achieve agility in the supplier‐buyer supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual framework for agile capability creation is developed based on literatures in the supply chain management and manufacturing agility field and the ASCTM tool is constructed using the quality function deployment (QFD) and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique. The implementation methodology including the tools to support the implementation of the ASCTM tool are developed based on the QFD/AHP approach and the agility concepts established through the Agility Program at Lehigh University. A practical case study is used to illustrate the applicability of the ASCTM tool.

Findings

This tool can help companies create and improve their agility by relating the business changes with the appropriate approaches for supplier‐buyer supply chain configuration and supplier‐buyer relationship establishment and determine the business processes and the infrastructures needed to support the creation of agile capability.

Research limitations/implications

The ASCTM tool constitutes an important effort to bridge the gap between theory and practice as it is used to achieve supply chain agility in practice. Additional case studies need to be conducted to validate the practicability of the ASCTM tool.

Originality/value

The ASCTM tool is developed with the aim to help companies identify the most appropriate way to improve their supply chain agility by contrasting the environmental dynamics and changes to the company's ability to keep pace using the systematic approach. This tool is necessary because different companies experience different sets of changes and require different degree of agility and combination of strategies and practices to achieve agility. For practitioners, the ASCTM tool provides a basis for assessing their business situations and a guideline for identifying capability required for creating/improving supply chain agility.
Variance vs average: supply chain lead‐time as a predictor of financial performance
Authors: Christensen William J. , Germain Richard N. , Birou Laura
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of supply chain lead‐time averages and variability on an organization's financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The “executive” list for manufacturers, consisting of 1,264 individuals of the Institute of Supply Management provided the study's sampling frame, with surveys sent to 402 firms and responses obtained from 210 firms. The empirical model is tested using LISREL.

Findings

The results show that as variance in supply chain lead‐times increases, the financial performance of the organization decreases. Of equal significance, the results show that average supply chain lead‐times have no direct impact on financial performance. The results also indicate that demand uncertainty associates with greater supply chain lead‐time variance and that production technology routineness associates with lower supply chain lead‐time variance. Product complexity and organizational size have no impact on supply chain lead‐time variance or supply chain lead‐time average.

Research limitations/implications

The research is an initial effort to understand variance in supply chain systems. An ongoing challenge in this area is operationalization of measures and data collection techniques that go beyond a single firm and examine a network of organizations cooperating in a value‐added supply chain.

Practical implications

The results suggest that managing the variance in a supply chain system may be more important to an organization's financial performance than managing averages.

Originality/value

This is particularly significant since organizations often act contrary to these findings, focusing scarce resources on reducing average lead‐times rather than on reducing variability in supply chain lead‐times.
Information sharing and supply chain performance: the role of connectivity and willingness
Authors: Fawcett Stanley E. , Osterhaus Paul , Magnan Gregory M. , Brau James C. , McCarter Matthew W.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how information technology (IT) is used to enhance supply chain performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A large‐scale survey and semi‐structured interviews were used to collect industry data.

Findings

Two distinct dimensions to information sharing – connectivity and willingness – are identified and analyzed. Both dimensions are found to impact operational performance and to be critical to the development of a real information sharing capability. However, many companies are found to have placed most of their emphasis on connectivity, often overlooking the willingness construct. As a result, information sharing seldom delivers on its promise to enable the creation of the cohesive supply chain team.

Research limitations

Despite the extensive data collection, the research represents a snapshot of practice. Replication from a longitudinal perspective would help define how IT is evolving to enable supply chain management.

Practical implications

A roadmap is presented to help guide IT development and investment decisions.

Originality/value

The research presents a two‐by‐two matrix to help managers and academics understand the related nature of connectivity and willingness. A roadmap is presented to help guide IT development and investment decisions.
The impact of culture on accounting: does Gray's model apply to Iran?
Authors: Noravesh Iraj , Dianati Dilami Zahra , Bazaz Mohammad S.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between cultural values (as defined by Hofstede) and accounting values (as described by Gray) in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

The appropriate data for a period of ten years (1993‐2002) were compiled from economical magazines, the Iran Statistical Yearbook, financial statements, and auditors’ reports of the firms listed in Tehran Stock Exchange. LISREL was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results of this research show the relationships among cultural and accounting values in Iran and found support for more than one‐half of Gray's hypotheses. Numerous issues, such as the abnormal evolution of accounting in Iran, the impact of unstable economics, inappropriate use of accounting methods and procedures which are common among developing countries, the impact of governmental ownership, and the lack of well developed capital market tradition may be some determining factors as to why several of Gray's hypotheses were not supported through this research.

Originality/value

This paper analyzes the effect of Iran's cultural changes on accounting practice and encourages research that examines all dimensions of accounting in Iran and other developing countries.
Evidence on factors affecting the relationship between CEO stock option compensation and earnings management
Authors: Meek Gary K. , Rao Ramesh P. , Skousen Christopher J.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors affecting the relationships between CEO stock option compensation and earnings management.Design/methodology/approach – Regression of CEO stock option compensation and other factors on measures of discretionary accruals.Findings – A positive relationship between CEO stock option compensation and discretionary accruals was found, implying that earnings management is more likely where stock options are a larger part of CEO compensation. Earnings management is found to be moderated in large firms with stock option compensation and the relationship between stock options and earnings management has intensified in recent years. It was also found that stock options exacerbate earnings management in firms with growth opportunities.Research limitations/implications – Beyond the scope of this paper, these findings raise the following questions: What does the evidence of a size effect mean? Does it reflect information asymmetry, governance, external monitoring, or political risk? Why has the stock option effect on earnings management become more pronounced in recent years? Is it possible to mitigate the negative effects of option compensation on earnings management through the presence of stronger governance structures? Is it possible to mitigate the negative effects of option compensation on earnings management through the presence stronger governance structures? There are implications for compensation policies for corporate executives.Originality/value – This paper extends prior research on the relationship between CEO stock option compensation and earnings management. It provides new insight into the factors affecting this relationship.
Total acquisition cost of overseas outsourcing/sourcing: a framework and a case study
Authors: Song Ninghua , Platts Ken , Bance David
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework of total acquisition cost of overseas outsourcing/sourcing in manufacturing industry. This framework contains categorized cost items that may occur during the overseas outsourcing/sourcing process. The framework was tested by a case study to establish both its feasibility and usability.

Design/methodology/approach

First, interviews were carried out with practitioners who have the experience of overseas outsourcing/sourcing in order to obtain inputs from industry. The framework was then built up based on combined inputs from literature and from practitioners. Finally, the framework was tested by a case study in a multinational high‐tech manufacturer to establish both its feasibility and usability.

Findings

A practical barrier for implementing this framework is shortage of information. The predictability of the cost items in the framework varies. How to deal with the trade off between accuracy and applicability is a problem needed to be solved in the future research.

Originality/value

There are always limitations to the generalizations that can be made from just one case. However, despite these limitations, this case study is believed to have shown the general requirement of modeling the uncertainty and dealing with the dilemma between accuracy and applicability in practice.
Wireless technologies for logistic distribution process
Authors: See Win‐Bin
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the integration of logistic management with information and communication technologies to largely improve the effectiveness of logistic fleet operations. The work presented here shows a real‐world fleet management system that integrates mobile communication and supports real‐time logistic information flow management.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the application of information and mobile communication technologies in providing effective logistic distribution service is introduced. Then, the proposed real‐time fleet management system (RTFMS) architecture is depicted, the technology profiles for mobile data terminal (MDT) and logistic information system are described, and the considerations of various wireless mobile communication technologies for logistic distribution process are also addressed. Finally, the implications of this paper are discussed and plans for further work are outlined.

Findings

The proposed architecture for a real‐world logistic fleet management system, the RTFMS, can be served as reference architecture for real‐time logistic fleet management design. The major components of the RTFMS have been described in UML use cases to facilitate reuse of this design. This paper presents the RTFMS architecture with associated information flows and timing considerations could be used for the architecture adaptation in similar applications. Wireless technologies provide the logistics feet management with bi‐directional real‐time information flows as shown in this paper, and this would stimulate new ideas in logistics management and services models.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides a reference model with implementation in adopting wireless technologies in logistics distribution process. However, the services provided by each specific system would depend on all stakeholders in specific chain of logistics service provider and consumer.

Originality/value

The work presented here shows a real‐world fleet management system that integrates mobile communication and supports real‐time logistic information flow management.
Pre‐structured motifs in the natively unstructured preS1 surface antigen of hepatitis B virus
Authors: Chi Seung‐Wook , Kim Do‐Hyoung , Lee Si‐Hyung , Chang Iksoo , Han Kyou‐Hoon
Published: September 2007

The preS1 surface antigen of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is known to play an important role in the initial attachment of HBV to hepatocytes. We have characterized structural features of the full‐length preS1 using heteronuclear NMR methods and discovered that this 119‐residue protein is inherently unstructured without a unique tertiary structure under a nondenaturing condition. Yet, combination of various NMR parameters shows that the preS1 contains “pre‐structured” domains broadly covering its functional domains. The most prominent domain is formed by residues 27–45 and overlaps with the putative hepatocyte‐binding domain (HBD) encompassing residues 21–47, within which two well‐defined pre‐structured motifs, formed by Pro32–Ala36 and Pro41–Phe45 are found. Additional, somewhat less prominent, pre‐structured motifs are also formed by residues 11–18, 22–25, 37–40, and 46–50. Overall results suggest that the preS1 is a natively unstructured protein (NUP) whose N‐terminal 50 residues, populated with multiple pre‐structured motifs, contribute critically to hepatocyte binding.
The role of the turn in β‐hairpin formation during WW domain folding
Authors: Sharpe Tim , Jonsson Amanda L. , Rutherford Trevor J. , Daggett Valerie , Fersht Alan R.
Published: September 2007

The folding of WW domains is rate limited by formation of a β‐hairpin comprising residues from strands 1 and 2. Residues in the turn of this hairpin have reported Φ‐values for folding close to 1 and have been proposed to nucleate folding. High Φ‐values do not necessarily imply that the energetics of formation are a driving force for initiating folding. We demonstrate by NMR studies and molecular dynamics simulations that the first turn of the hYAP, FBP28, and PIN1 WW domains is structurally dynamic and solvent exposed in the native and folding transition states. It is, therefore, unlikely that the formation of the β‐turn per se provides the energetic driving force for hairpin folding. It is more likely that the turn acts as an easily formed hinge that facilitates the formation of the hairpin; it is a nucleus as defined by the nucleation–condensation mechanism whereby a diffuse nucleus is stabilized by associated interactions.
Crystal Structure of human pyridoxal kinase: Structural basis of M+ and M2+ activation
Authors: Musayev Faik N. , di Salvo Martino L. , Ko Tzu‐Ping , Gandhi Amit K. , Goswami Ashwini , Schirch Verne , Safo Martin K.
Published: September 2007

Pyridoxal kinase catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP to the 5′ alcohol of pyridoxine, pyridoxamine, and pyridoxal. In this work, kinetic studies were conducted to examine monovalent cation dependence of human pyridoxal kinase kinetic parameters. The results show that hPLK affinity for ATP and PL is increased manyfold in the presence of K+ when compared to Na+; however, the maximal activity of the Na+ form of the enzyme is more than double the activity in the presence of K+. Other monovalent cations, Li+, Cs+, and Rb+ do not show significant activity. We have determined the crystal structure of hPLK in the unliganded form, and in complex with MgATP to 2.0 and 2.2 Å resolution, respectively. Overall, the two structures show similar open conformation, and likely represent the catalytically idle state. The crystal structure of the MgATP complex also reveals Mg2+ and Na+ acting in tandem to anchor the ATP at the active site. Interestingly, the active site of hPLK acts as a sink to bind several molecules of MPD. The features of monovalent and divalent metal cation binding, active site structure, and vitamin B6 specificity are discussed in terms of the kinetic and structural studies, and are compared with those of the sheep and Escherichia coli enzymes.
Discrimination of metabolic profiles of pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis by high‐resolution magic angle spinning 1H nuclear magnetic resonance and principal components analysis
Authors: Fang Fang , He Xinhong , Deng Huiwen , Chen Qun , Lu Jianping , Spraul Manfred , Yu Yihua
Published: September 2007

The metabolic profiles of Sprague–Dawley rat pancreases were investigated by high‐resolution magic angle spinning proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) combined with principal components analysis (PCA) to discriminate pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis. Intact pancreatic tissue samples were obtained from Sprague–Dawley rats with histologically proven pancreatic cancer (n = 5), chronic pancreatitis (n = 5), and two matched controls (n = 5 per group). Two 1H NMR experiments, single‐pulse and Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill, were carried out separately. Increases in phosphocholine and glycerophosphocholine levels and decreases in leucine, isoleucine, valine, lactate and alanine levels were observed in chronic pancreatitis, whereas the opposite trends were observed in pancreatic cancer. Increasing taurine and decreasing betaine were found both in chronic pancreatitis and in pancreatic cancer. Additionally, the lipid content in pancreatic cancer was higher than that in chronic pancreatitis. PCA was carried out for the single‐pulse and Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill 1H NMR spectra, respectively, to visualize separation among the samples and to extract characteristic metabolites of pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis. Decreased phosphocholine and glycerophosphocholine were suggested as unique metabolite indicators of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, even with the disturbance of various quantities of lipid contents pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis could be differentiated well by the combination of high‐resolution magic angle spinning 1H NMR and PCA. Thus this combination was demonstrated to have the potential to improve magnetic resonance spectroscopy for positive early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in clinical settings. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1678–1682)
The use of plethysmography and oscillometry to compare long‐acting bronchodilators in patients with COPD
Authors: Borrill Zoë L. , Houghton Catherine M. , Tal‐Singer Ruth , Vessey S Rupert , Faiferman Isidore , Langley Stephen J. , Singh Dave
Published: September 2007

What is already known about this subject

• Forced expiratory voume in 1 s (FEV1) is the standard measurement used to measure drug effects in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) clinical trials.

• Having previously shown that specific airway conductance (sGaw) measured using body plethysmography and impulse oscillometry (IOS) are more sensitive than FEV1 for assessing short‐acting bronchodilator effects in patients with COPD, we conducted the first randomized, placebo‐controlled study to compare long‐acting bronchodilators in COPD patients using these techniques.

What this study adds

• sGaw and IOS sensitively differentiated between the effects of tiotropium and salmeterol when FEV1 measurements were similar.

• sGaw and IOS measurements are better than FEV1 for sensitively assessing bronchodilator pharmacology and differentiating between treatments in COPD clinical trials.

Aims

Assessment of bronchodilator pharmacology in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be improved by using more sensitive methods than spirometry, such as impulse oscillometry (IOS) and body plethysmography. We sought to compare salmeterol (S) and tiotropium (Tio) using these methods.

Methods

In this double‐blind, randomized, four‐way crossover study, 32 COPD patients received single doses of Tio (18 µg), S (50 and 100 µg) or placebo. Specific airway conductance (sGaw), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and IOS were measured pre‐ and up to 26 h postdose. Comparisons between treatments were analysed by weighted means (WM) between 0 and 12 (WM 0–12 h) and 12–24 h (WM 12–24 h) postdose. Data are expressed as mean difference (or geometric ratio for nonparametric data) with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Tio and S100 significantly improved FEV1, sGaw and IOS parameters up to 26 h and S50 up to 16 h. WM analysis showed no difference between Tio and S100 in FEV1 for 0–12 h or 12–24 h. Maximum mid‐expiratory flow (−0.06; −0.11, −0.01) and R35 (0.02; 0.01, 0.03) demonstrated superiority of S100 compared with Tio for WM 0–12 h sGaw (1.12; 1.02, 1.23), R5 (−0.06; −0.09, −0.02), R15 (−0.03; −0.05, −0.01), and resonant frequency (RF) (−2.30; −3.83, −0.77) showed superiority of Tio compared with S100 for WM 12–24 h. At 26 h, sGaw, R5, R15, X5 and RF also showed superiority of Tio compared with S100.

Conclusions

sGaw and IOS parameters sensitively differentiated between the effects of Tio and S when FEV1 measurements were similar. Clinical trials in patients with COPD should use IOS and sGaw to assess comprehensively bronchodilator pharmacology.
Complete inhibition of allergic airway inflammation and remodelling in quadruple IL‐4/5/9/13−/− mice
Authors: Nath Puneeta , Yee Leung Sum , Williams Alison S. , Noble Alistair , Xie Shaoping , McKenzie Andrew N. J. , Chung Kian Fan
Published: September 2007

Background
T‐helper type 2 (Th2)‐derived cytokines such as IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐9 and IL‐13 play an important role in the synthesis of IgE and in the promotion of allergic eosinophilic inflammation and airway wall remodelling.

Objective
We determined the importance of IL‐13 alone, and of the four Th2 cytokines together, by studying mice in which either IL‐13 alone or the Th2 cytokine cluster was genetically disrupted.

Methods
The knock‐out mice and their BALB/c wild‐type (wt) counterparts were sensitized and repeatedly exposed to ovalbumin (OVA) aerosol.

Results
Bronchial responsiveness measured as the concentration of acetylcholine aerosol needed to increase baseline lung resistance by 100% (PC100) was decreased in IL‐13−/−, but increased in IL‐4/5/9/13−/− mice. Chronic allergen exposure resulted in airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in wt mice but not in both genetically modified mice. After allergen exposure, eosinophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and in airways mucosa, and goblet cell numbers were not increased in IL‐4/5/9/13−/− mice, and were only attenuated in IL‐13−/− mice. Airway smooth muscle (ASM) hyperplasia after allergen exposure was prevented in both IL‐13−/− and IL‐4/5/9/13−/− mice to an equal extent. Similarly, the rise in total or OVA‐specific serum IgE levels was totally inhibited.

Conclusion
IL‐13 is mainly responsible for AHR, ASM hyperplasia and increases in IgE, while IL‐4, ‐5 and ‐9 may contribute to goblet cell hyperplasia and eosinophilic inflammation induced by chronic allergen exposure in a murine model. Both redundancy or complementariness of Th2 cytokines can occur in vivo, according to specific aspects of the allergic response.
Responsiveness to montelukast is associated with bronchial hyperresponsiveness and total immunoglobulin E but not polymorphisms in the leukotriene C4 synthase and cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 genes in Korean children with exercise‐induced asthma (EIA)
Authors: Lee S.‐Y. , Kim H.‐B. , Kim J.‐H. , Kim B.‐S. , Kang M.‐J. , Jang S.‐O. , Seo H.‐J. , Hong S.‐J.
Published: September 2007

Background
As previous studies have shown that cysteinyl leukotrienes are important mediators in exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), and leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) such as montelukast have been shown to improve post‐exercise bronchoconstrictor responses, we herein investigated whether clinical responsiveness to montelukast was associated with polymorphisms in the genes encoding leukotriene C4 synthase (LTC4S) and cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLTR1) and/or clinical parameters in Korean asthmatic children with EIB.

Methods
The study population consisted of 100 asthmatic children with EIB. The individuals studied were given exercise challenge tests before and after receiving montelukast (5 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Responders were defined as children showing>10% post‐treatment improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). The LTC4S A(−444)C and CysLTR1 T(+927)C polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

Results
Of 100 enrolled children, 68 were classified as responders and 32 were classified as non‐responders. No significant association was observed between montelukast responsiveness and LTC4S or CysLTR1 genotype, either alone or in combination. In contrast, montelukast‐induced improvement in FEV1 after exercise was correlated with higher pre‐treatment PC20 (methacholine) values (r=0.210, P=0.036) and lower total IgE levels (r=−0.216, P=0.031).

Conclusions
The LTC4S A(−444)C and CysLTR1 T(+927)C genotypes do not appear to be useful for predicting clinical responsiveness to montelukast, whereas bronchial hyperresponsiveness and total IgE appear to predict the degree of montelukast responsiveness in Korean asthmatic children with EIB.
A polymorphism in the resistin gene promoter and the risk of coronary artery disease in a Chinese population
Authors: Tang Na‐Ping , Wang Lian‐Sheng , Yang Li , Zhou Bo , Gu Hai‐Juan , Sun Qing‐Min , Cong Ri‐Hong , Zhu Huai‐Jun , Wang Bin
Published: September 2007

Objective  Resistin, a novel adipocyte‐derived peptide, has been linked to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Recently, –420C>G, a variant located in the promoter region of the resistin gene (RETN) was identified. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between this RETN–420C>G polymorphism and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Design  A hospital‐based case–control study.

Patients  A total of 225 CAD patients and 225 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects.

Measurements  Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction enzyme analysis to detect the presence of the RETN–420C>G polymorphism.

Results  The frequencies of RETN–420C>G genotypes in the CAD group were significantly different from those in the control group (P = 0·024). Subjects with the variant genotypes (CG and GG) had a 62% increased risk of CAD compared to CC carriers [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1·62, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1·09–2·41, P = 0·016]. However, there were no significant differences between the genotypes with respect to weight, body mass index (BMI) and lipid profiles in CAD patients, and no significant association was found between the RETN–420C>G polymorphism and the severity of CAD.

Conclusions  Our data suggest that the RETN–420C>G polymorphism might be associated with an increased risk of CAD in a Chinese population.
O‐10 Endometrial cells in cervical smears: cytological features associated with clinically significant endometrial pathology
Authors: Tiam R. N. , Theodosiou M. , Wadehra V.
Published: September 2007

Introduction:  To establish the significance of cytological features which could predict clinically significant endometrial pathology, and therefore guide reporting practice in cervical samples.

Methods:  A retrospective review of SurePath liquid‐based cytology (LBC) cervical samples between 2002 and 2006, obtained at screening and colposcopy. These smears contained normal endometrial cells present at inappropriate times of the menstrual cycle, endometrial cells with atypia (borderline change) and with features suspicious / diagnostic of endometrial carcinoma (glandular neoplasia). False negative and false positive cases detected on subsequent histology were also included. The control group comprised negative samples and a few abnormal smears. All smears were randomly assigned and blinded to menopausal status, age, use of oral contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy and presence of intrauterine device. Each smear was reviewed for 16 cytologic criteria and a cytological diagnosis was given for each.

Results:  A total of 219 smears were available for review; 137 were negative, out of which 85 contained normal endometrial cells, 41 contained endometrial cells with atypia, 10 contained endometrial cells with features suggestive of adenocarcinoma and 31 contained endometrial cells with features diagnostic of adenocarcinoma. The feature most associated with benign endometrial cells is top hat with central cell condensation. In contrast, the features associated with malignant endometrial cells are smooth nuclear membrane, pale chromatin, small nucleoli and scalloped borders.

Discussion:  The criteria identified in this study do not definitively define a neoplastic process, but appear to be helpful in individual cases. This study emphasises that endometrial changes should be always interpreted with the relevant clinical information, which would otherwise lead to overdiagnosis in premenopausal women.
O‐11 Proposal for extending the role Of ABMSPS in reporting cervical loops
Authors: Ellis K. , Perunovic B. , Dudding N. , Smith J. H. F.
Published: September 2007

Introduction:  The advanced biomedical scientist practitioner (ABMSP) in Cervical Cytology was established in the NHS cervical screening programme (NHSCCSP) in 2001 and there are approximately 60 ABMSPs in post. The aim of this study was to explore the potential for further expansion of their role in the NHSCSP by reporting the histology of loop excision biopsies of the cervical transformation zone (LLETZ).

Methods:  The initial study included LLETZ specimens from 55 sequential patients, which, according to standard local practice had the diagnosis of CIN confirmed by cervical punch biopsy prior to the procedure. All the cases were independently examined by an ABMSP and a consultant histopathologist and reports complying with the Royal College of pathologists (RCPath) minimum data sets were assembled. The cases were reviewed at the discussion microscope and ABMSP reports were compared to the final reports issued by the histopathologist.

Results:  In the preliminary findings, total agreement between ABMSP and consultant histopathologist was reached on just under 90% of cases. Of those cases that did not reach total agreement, none varied by more than one grade. There was agreement on other parameters from the RCPath minimum data sets.

Discussion:  Based on our preliminary findings, it appears there may be scope for extending the role of ABMSPs to report LLETZ samples under the supervision of a histopathologist. We plan to increase the number of cases both in our department and through collaboration with other UK centres and to present evidence to the RCPath, with a view to adoption of this role by ABMSPs and development of an appropriate training scheme.
O‐4 Performance indicators of primary practitioners screening thinprep and surePath liquid based cytology samples in a large screening centre
Authors: Narine N. , Hughes Y. , Rana D. , Desai M.
Published: September 2007

Introduction:  In the National Health Service Cervical Screening Programme, performance of primary screeners is usually measured in house by their dyskaryotic pick up rates, most notably high grade dyskaryosis rate. The department began implementation of liquid based cytology screening in 2001 and by January 2006 both ThinPrep (58 973) and SurePath (27 738) samples were being screened. In keeping with a culture of reflective practice towards continued professional development, after the first full year of screening both systems, an audit was commissioned to assess performance of primary screeners and the laboratory.

Method:  A statistical comparison was done for both systems on 1) primary screeners’ reporting rates for all grades of dyskaryosis 2) their reporting rates for high grade dyskaryosis, 3) an inferential comparison to determine impact on dyskaryotic pick up rates by years of screening experience and 4) laboratory's reporting rates for unsatisfactory samples. A two year comparison was also done on the overall reporting profile of ThinPrep samples by the department. All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 15.

Results: 

ThinPrep versus SurePath
Screening Experience
2006 versus 2004

All grade dyskaryosis
P = 0.198
P = 0.314
‐

High grade dyskaryosis
P = 0.565
P = 0.383
‐

Unsatisfactory rate
P = 0.000
‐
‐

ThinPrep profile
‐
‐
P = 1.000

Discussion:  There is no significant difference in performance indicators for primary practitioners screening both ThinPrep and SurePath samples.
O‐5 Reporting profile review post LBC conversion
Authors: Parsons P. , Parker M.
Published: September 2007

This study was undertaken by a pathology network providing cervical cytology screening services across two trusts, using SurePath LBC technology. The aim of this study was to establish if LBC screening results and histological correlation was in concordance with the pilot sites findings, with particular reference to glandular atypia. All the data was extrapolated from the Apex database for the specified times using Cognos. Data from Jan to Dec 2004 (last complete year conventional cytology) and Jan to Dec 2006 (first complete year LBC) have been used in this study.

In summary from 2004 to 2006 we found:

 A reduction in the inadequate rate to 1.1%

 Low‐grade rates remained stable 4.9%

 High grade grades increased by 45% (PPV 84%)

 Glandular neoplasia increased by 75% with a PPV for endocervical origin of 92% and for endometrial cell origin of 43%

 Borderline endocervical rates remained stable 0.036% (PPV 50%)

The PPV of endometrial glandular neoplasia was disappointing and possibly reflects increased endometrial sampling, reduced adherence to mid‐cycle sampling, and our lack of experience, resulting in poor endometrial interpretation. In conclusion, our data produced a different profile to the pilot sites with increase high grade and ? Glandular neoplasia reporting, but with a significant overcall in endometrial glandular neoplasia.
Platelet function to estimate the bleeding risk in autoimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Panzer S. , Rieger M. , Vormittag R. , Eichelberger B. , Dunkler D. , Pabinger I.
Published: September 2007

Background  Knowledge of platelet function may assist in patient care in chronic autoimmune thrombocytopenia (cAITP).

Materials and methods  We evaluated the association of platelet function with haemorrhage in 41 patients, median age 41 years (range 14–82 years, 24 females) with chronic autoimmune thrombocytopenia (cAITP). Samples were investigated for platelet P‐selectin, and adhesion and aggregate formation under high shear conditions. Data were compared to those from 28 healthy controls (median age 39 years, range 23–70 years, 17 females) and correlated with a bleeding score of 0 (no bleeding) to 3 (overt mucosal bleedings).

Results  P‐selectin levels were higher in patients than in controls (P < 0·0004). Compared to controls, the patients’ samples responded to high shear with decreased adhesion to the polystyrene surface (P < 0·0001), but formed aggregates of normal size. P‐selectin expression was neither correlated with platelet counts, nor platelet adhesion, nor the bleeding score. Only the size of formed aggregates correlated with P‐selectin (P = 0·01). Platelet counts (odds ratio 0·5, 95% confidence interval 0·22–0·88; P = 0·04) and adhesion (odds ratio 0·45, 95% confidence interval 0·17–0·87; P = 0·04) were independently inversely correlated with bleeding symptoms.

Conclusion  Platelet adhesion correlates with bleeding symptoms, while the size of aggregates that are formed under high shear correlates with in vivo platelet activation. The determination of these parameters may assist in estimating an individual bleeding risk and thus a decision for treatment.
Equivalent time‐average and effective medium for periodic layers
Authors: Stovas Alexey , Ursin Bjorn
Published: September 2007

The propagation of acoustic waves through a periodic layered medium is analyzed by an eigenvalue decomposition of the propagator matrix. This reveals how the velocity and attenuation of the layered medium vary as function of the periodic structure, material parameters and frequency. There are two important parameters which control the wave propagation in the periodic medium: the reflection coefficient and the ratio between one‐way traveltimes of the two parts of the cyclic layered medium.

For low frequencies (large values of wavelength to layer thickness), the layered structure behaves as an effective medium, then there is a transition zone, and for higher frequencies (small values of wavelength to layer thickness) the medium is described by the time‐average velocity.

In this paper we mostly concentrate on the transition zone between an effective medium and time‐average medium regimes. The width of the transition zone increases with larger values of the reflection coefficient. The transition zone corresponds to a blocking regime for which the transmission response of the layered structure is close to zero. For even higher frequencies, the time‐average medium is replaced by a new transition zone, and then again a time‐average medium. This pattern is periodically repeated with higher frequencies. For small values of the reflection coefficient, the transition between effective medium and time‐average medium occurs around a value of wavelength to layer thickness equal to 4.