bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dpb11 activates the Mec1–Ddc2 complex
Authors: Mordes Daniel A. , Nam Edward A. , Cortez David
Published: November 2008

The
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Mec1–Ddc2 checkpoint kinase complex (the ortholog to human ATR-ATRIP) is an essential regulator of genomic integrity. The
S. cerevisiae
BRCT repeat protein Dpb11 functions in the initiation of both DNA replication and cell cycle checkpoints. Here, we report a genetic and physical interaction between Dpb11 and Mec1–Ddc2. A C-terminal domain of Dpb11 is sufficient to associate with Mec1–Ddc2 and strongly stimulates the kinase activity of Mec1 in a Ddc2-dependent manner. Furthermore, Mec1 phosphorylates Dpb11 and thereby amplifies the stimulating effect of Dpb11 on Mec1–Ddc2 kinase activity. Thus, Dpb11 is a functional ortholog of human TopBP1, and the Mec1/ATR activation mechanism is conserved from yeast to humans.
Geographic, seasonal, and precipitation chemistry influence on the abundance and activity of biological ice nucleators in rain and snow
Authors: Christner Brent C. , Cai Rongman , Morris Cindy E. , McCarter Kevin S. , Foreman Christine M. , Skidmore Mark L. , Montross Scott N. , Sands David C.
Published: November 2008

Biological ice nucleators (IN) function as catalysts for freezing at relatively warm temperatures (warmer than −10 °C). We examined the concentration (per volume of liquid) and nature of IN in precipitation collected from Montana and Louisiana, the Alps and Pyrenees (France), Ross Island (Antarctica), and Yukon (Canada). The temperature of detectable ice-nucleating activity for more than half of the samples was ≥ −5 °C based on immersion freezing testing. Digestion of the samples with lysozyme (i.e., to hydrolyze bacterial cell walls) led to reductions in the frequency of freezing (0–100%); heat treatment greatly reduced (95% average) or completely eliminated ice nucleation at the measured conditions in every sample. These behaviors were consistent with the activity being bacterial and/or proteinaceous in origin. Statistical analysis revealed seasonal similarities between warm-temperature ice-nucleating activities in snow samples collected over 7 months in Montana. Multiple regression was used to construct models with biogeochemical data [major ions, total organic carbon (TOC), particle, and cell concentration] that were accurate in predicting the concentration of microbial cells and biological IN in precipitation based on the concentration of TOC, Ca
2+
, and NH
4
+
, or TOC, cells, Ca
2+
, NH
4
+
, K
+
, PO
4
3−
, SO
4
2−
, Cl
−
, and HCO
3
−
. Our results indicate that biological IN are ubiquitous in precipitation and that for some geographic locations the activity and concentration of these particles is related to the season and precipitation chemistry. Thus, our research suggests that biological IN are widespread in the atmosphere and may affect meteorological processes that lead to precipitation.
Complexin II plays a positive role in Ca
2+
-triggered exocytosis by facilitating vesicle priming
Authors: Cai Haijiang , Reim Kerstin , Varoqueaux Frederique , Tapechum Sompol , Hill Kerstin , Sørensen Jakob B. , Brose Nils , Chow Robert H.
Published: November 2008

SNARE-mediated exocytosis is a multistage process central to synaptic transmission and hormone release. Complexins (CPXs) are small proteins that bind very rapidly and with a high affinity to the SNARE core complex, where they have been proposed recently to inhibit exocytosis by clamping the complex and inhibiting membrane fusion. However, several other studies also suggest that CPXs are positive regulators of neurotransmitter release. Thus, whether CPXs are positive or negative regulators of exocytosis is not known, much less the stage in the vesicle life cycle at which they function. Here, we systematically dissect the vesicle stages leading up to exocytosis using a knockout-rescue strategy in a mammalian model system. We show that adrenal chromaffin cells from CPX II knockout mice exhibit markedly diminished releasable vesicle pools (comprising the readily and slowly releasable pools), while showing no change in the kinetics of fusion pore dilation or morphological vesicle docking. Overexpression of WT CPX II—but not of SNARE-binding-deficient mutants—restores the size of the the releasable pools in knockout cells, and in WT cells it markedly enlarges them. Our results show that CPXs regulate the size of the primed vesicle pools and have a positive role in Ca
2+
-triggered exocytosis.
Inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity blocks cell-to-cell spread of human cytomegalovirus
Authors: Schröer Jörg , Shenk Thomas
Published: November 2008

Human cytomegalovirus has previously been shown to induce the accumulation of cyclooxygenase-2 RNA, protein, and enzyme activity. High doses of cyclooxygenase inhibitors substantially block viral replication in cultured fibroblasts. However, doses corresponding to the level of drug achieved in the plasma of patients have little effect on the replication of human cytomegalovirus in cultured cells. Here, we demonstrate that two nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tolfenamic acid and indomethacin, markedly reduce direct cell-to-cell spread of human cytomegalovirus in cultured fibroblasts. The block is reversed by addition of prostaglandin E2, proving that it results from the action of the drugs on cyclooxygenase activity. Because direct cell-to-cell spread likely contributes importantly to pathogenesis of the virus, we suggest that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs might help to control human cytomegalovirus infections in conjunction with other anti-viral treatments.
The efficacy of HPV 16/18 vaccines on sexually active 18–23 year old women and the impact of HPV vaccination on organized cervical cancer screening
Authors: SIGURDSSON KRISTJAN , SIGVALDASON HELGI , GUDMUNDSDOTTIR THORBJORG , SIGURDSSON RAFN , BRIEM HARALDUR
Published: November 2008

Objective. Evaluate the efficacy of catch‐up HPV vaccination in sexually active young women and the potential impact of HPV vaccines on the practice of organized screening. Sample. (1) Women enrolled in the Future II study and (2) from a separate population‐based study in Iceland. Methods. (1) Analysis of cytological and histological results and colposcopic examinations among 710 women, aged 18–23, with less than five sexual partners, irrespectively of baseline HPV status at enrolment. (2) The impact on screening practice as determined by evaluating the distribution of 12 oncogenic HPV types in 582 cervical intraepithelial lesions (CIN 2–3) and cancer cases. Main outcome measures. (1) Distribution of evaluated parameters according to age at enrolment. (2) Age distribution of four HPV groups, within age classes and HPV groups: mean time to development of lesions, mean time to development of CIN 2–3+, cumulative frequency for CIN 2–3+ lesions after the last normal smear. Results. (1) After an average 52 months of post‐enrolment follow‐up, significant reductions in all evaluated parameters were observed in women aged 18–19 at enrolment. (2) Among women <25years, the proportion of cases with only HPV 16/18 was significantly lower and the proportion containing HPV16/18 plus ≥1 out of 10 non‐vaccine HPV types (31/33/45/52/58/35/39/51/56/59) was higher than at age 25–49. The proportion of cases containing only the non‐vaccine types was the same within all age groups. Cases with HPV 16/18 and some non‐vaccine types decreased significantly with age and accumulated more slowly after the last negative smear. Conclusions. Catch‐up vaccination of younger women should be considered in the context of sexual practices and the effects of prevalent disease on observed vaccine efficacy. Current data do not support a change in the lower age limit or screening intervals for women.
Morphological assessment of the interface between tumor and neighboring tissues, by magnetic resonance imaging, before and after radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Torkzad M. R. , Suzuki C. , Tanaka S. , Palmer G. , Holm T. , Blomqvist L.
Published: November 2008

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in rectal cancer is sometimes performed after radiotherapy (MRI 2) to evaluate tumor response and to choose alternative forms of surgery. The accuracy of MRI 2 in distinguishing tumor delineation might be difficult due to fibrosis.

Purpose: To evaluate the morphological changes in the interface between the tumor and neighboring organs on MRI 2 performed after radiotherapy, and to assess the accuracies of MRI before and after radiotherapy compared to histopathology after surgery.

Material and Methods: Sixteen patients with locally advanced primary rectal cancer, with MRI before and after radiotherapy, were retrospectively studied, concerning the interface between the tumor and neighboring structures. The accuracies of MRI before and after radiotherapy were compared based on histopathology as a reference.

Results: The accuracies of both MRI before and after radiotherapy were moderate, with no additional value of MRI after radiotherapy compared to MRI before radiotherapy. The most predictive form of interface for involvement of a neighboring organ after radiotherapy was nodular growth of the tumor into a neighboring structure.

Conclusion: The morphological assessment of pelvic MRI after preoperative radiotherapy does not provide any significant new information about tumor extent in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.
Diagnostic pitfalls in postinterventional intraarterial magnetic resonance angiography after recanalization of femoropopliteal arterial occlusions
Authors: Huegli R. W. , Aschwanden M. , Kos S. , Rasmus M. , Jaeger K. , Jacob A. L. , Bilecen D.
Published: November 2008

Background: Magnetic resonance (MR)-guided vascular interventions are of increasing interest, and, with the use of contrast-enhanced techniques, intraarterial contrast-enhanced MR angiography (ia-ce-MRA) competes with intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (ia-DSA) for the diagnostic evaluation of the infrainguinal vessel tree.

Purpose: To assess the diagnostic value of ia-ce-MRA and high-resolution T1-weighted (hr-T1w) imaging compared to the gold-standard ia-DSA for residual stenosis and local dissections after femoropopliteal recanalization in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD).

Material and Methods: Eight patients with PAOD and short vessel occlusion of their femoropopliteal arteries underwent recanalization and balloon positioning under DSA. Patients were transferred to a short-bore MR scanner. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was accomplished under MR fluoroscopy. Pre- and postinterventional ia-ce three-dimensional (3D) gradient-echo MRA with gadopentate dimeglumine was performed using the intraarterial introducer sheath. Maximum intensity projections (MIP) and multiplanar reconstructions (MPR) were calculated from the data set. High-resolution T1w images of the angioplasty region before and after dilatation were acquired. Control ia-DSA images were obtained.

Results: The postinterventional angioplasty results for stenosis grading were comparable in ia-MRA and ia-DSA. Only two of five local dissections in ia-DSA were visualized with the ia-ce-MRA runs including MIPs and MPRs. To clearly depict dissection, hr-T1w images were needed.

Conclusion: Grading of stenotic lesions with ia-ce-MRA after PTA is comparable to ia-DSA. Intraarterial ce-MRA with calculated MIPs and MPRs is only partially sufficient to visualize local dissections after PTA. High-resolution T1w images are required for precise diagnosis of dissections in magnetic resonance tomography.
Usefulness of diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of prostate transition-zone cancer
Authors: Yoshizako T. , Wada A. , Hayashi T. , Uchida K. , Sumura M. , Uchida N. , Kitagaki H. , Igawa M.
Published: November 2008

Background: Conventional T2-weighted (T2-WI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has poor sensitivity for prostate transition-zone (TZ) cancer detection.

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate the clinical value of diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in combination with T2-WI for the diagnosis of TZ cancer.

Material and Methods: Twenty-six TZ cancers in 23 patients with at least one tumor (tumor size >10 mm) located predominantly in the TZ were included in the study. Sixteen peripheral-zone (PZ) cancers in 12 patients with PZ cancer but without TZ cancer (control group) were selected by step-section pathologic maps. All patients underwent MRI and radical prostatectomy. MRI was obtained by a 1.5T superconducting system with a phased-array coil. Imaging sequences were T2-WI with fat saturation (FST2-WI), DW-MRI (single-shot echoplanar image, b=0 and 1000 s/mm2, apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC] map findings), and DCE-MRI (3D fast spoiled gradient recalled [SPGR], contrast medium [0.2 mmol/kg], total injection time 5 s, image acquisition 30, 60, and 90 s). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive value (PPV) for the diagnosis of TZ cancer were evaluated in four protocols: A) FST2-WI alone, B) FST2-WI plus DW-MRI, C) FST2-WI plus DCE-MRI, D) FST2-WI plus DW-MRI plus DCE-MRI.

Results: Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and PPV in protocol A (FST2-WI alone) were 61.5%, 68.8%, 64.3%, and 76.2%, respectively. FST2-WI plus DW-MRI (protocol B) improved the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and PPV. In FST2-WI plus DW-MRI plus DCE-MRI (protocol D), the number of true-negative lesions increased and false-positive lesions decreased, and the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and PPV were 69.2%, 93.8%, 78.6%, and 94.7%, respectively. There was a significant difference between protocols A and D ( P<0.05).

Conclusion: Adding DW-MRI to FST2-WI in the diagnosis of prostate TZ cancer increased the diagnostic accuracy. The addition of DCE-MRI may be an option to improve the specificity and PPV of diagnosing TZ cancer with FST2-WI and DW-MRI.
Improving time discrimination in children and adults in a temporal bisection task: The effects of feedback and no forced choice on decision and memory processes
Authors: Droit-Volet Sylvie , Izaute Marie
Published: November 2008

In children aged 5 and 8 years old as well as in adults, Experiment 1 tested the effect of feedback on temporal performance using a bisection task. Experiment 2 added a no-forced-choice condition by giving the participants the possibility of responding “I don't know”. The results of Experiment 1 showed that providing feedback increased the bisection point value (point of subjective equality) in all age groups and increased sensitivity to time in the youngest children. The results of Experiment 2 showed that the proportion of “I don't know” responses peaked at the probe duration close to the arithmetic mean of the two anchor durations and decreased as the distance from this central value increased in both the adults and the 8-year-olds. In the 5-year-olds, the proportion of “I don't know” responses was lower and remained constant whatever the probe duration values. Unlike in the youngest children, giving the adults and the 8-year-olds the opportunity to respond “I don't know” increased their sensitivity to time. The modelling of our data suggests that providing feedback in a temporal bisection task affects both the memory and the decision processes. However, whereas the feedback-related effect had a similar effect on decision processes across the age groups, it had an opposite effect on memory processes in the 5-year-olds and the older participants, decreasing the variability of the memory representation of the anchor durations in the former while increasing it in the latter. Finally, in bisection, feedback only improved temporal performance when the memory for duration was imprecise as in the case of the children.
GWAS GUI: graphical browser for the results of whole-genome association studies with high-dimensional phenotypes
Authors: Chen Wei , Liang Liming , Abecasis Gonçalo R.
Published: November 2008

Summary: We describe an interactive package that provides graphical overviews of the results of whole-genome association studies in datasets with rich multi-dimensional phenotypic information, such as global surveys of gene expression. Windows, Linux and Mac binaries are available from our website.

Availability:  http://www.sph.umich.edu/csg/weich/software.html

Contact:  weich@umich.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Phylogenetic inference under recombination using Bayesian stochastic topology selection
Authors: Webb Alex , Hancock John M. , Holmes Chris C.
Published: November 2008

Motivation: Conventional phylogenetic analysis for characterizing the relatedness between taxa typically assumes that a single relationship exists between species at every site along the genome. This assumption fails to take into account recombination which is a fundamental process for generating diversity and can lead to spurious results. Recombination induces a localized phylogenetic structure which may vary along the genome. Here, we generalize a hidden Markov model (HMM) to infer changes in phylogeny along multiple sequence alignments while accounting for rate heterogeneity; the hidden states refer to the unobserved phylogenic topology underlying the relatedness at a genomic location. The dimensionality of the number of hidden states (topologies) and their structure are random (not known a priori) and are sampled using Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms. The HMM structure allows us to analytically integrate out over all possible changepoints in topologies as well as all the unknown branch lengths.

Results: We demonstrate our approach on simulated data and also to the genome of a suspected HIV recombinant strain as well as to an investigation of recombination in the sequences of 15 laboratory mouse strains sequenced by Perlegen Sciences. Our findings indicate that our method allows us to distinguish between rate heterogeneity and variation in phylogeny caused by recombination without being restricted to 4-taxa data.

Availability: The method has been implemented in JAVA and is available, along with data studied here, from http://www.stats.ox.ac.uk/~webb.

Contact:  cholmes@stats.ox.ac.uk

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
AmiGO: online access to ontology and annotation data
Authors: Carbon Seth , Ireland Amelia , Mungall Christopher J. , Shu ShengQiang , Marshall Brad , Lewis Suzanna ,   the AmiGO Hub,   the Web Presence Working Group
Published: November 2008

AmiGO is a web application that allows users to query, browse and visualize ontologies and related gene product annotation (association) data. AmiGO can be used online at the Gene Ontology (GO) website to access the data provided by the GO Consortium1; it can also be downloaded and installed to browse local ontologies and annotations.2 AmiGO is free open source software developed and maintained by the GO Consortium.

Availability:  http://amigo.geneontology.org

Download:  http://sourceforge.net/projects/geneontology/

Contact:  sjcarbon@berkeleybop.org
A New Measure of Policy Spending Priorities in the American States
Authors: Jacoby William G. , Schneider Saundra K.
Published: November 2008

In this paper, we develop and test a general measure of policy expenditures in the American states. Our approach is to construct a spatial proximity model of yearly state program spending. The empirical analysis reveals that state spending patterns vary along a clear and readily-interpretable unidimensional continuum which differentiates policies that provide particularized benefits to needy constituencies from policies that provide broader collective goods. Based upon standard evaluative criteria, the variable created from our model possesses some highly desirable characteristics. And, it compares favorably to other measures of state policy activity. The net result is a yearly score for each state which summarizes that state's spending across all major program areas. More generally, we believe that our variable can be interpreted as valid and reliable representational measurement of state policy priorities. In this capacity, it could occupy an important position within models of state politics.
NaCl-Induced Alternations of Cellular and Tissue Ion Fluxes in Roots of Salt-Resistant and Salt-Sensitive Poplar Species
Authors: Sun Jian , Chen Shaoliang , Dai Songxiang , Wang Ruigang , Li Niya , Shen Xin , Zhou Xiaoyang , Lu Cunfu , Zheng Xiaojiang , Hu Zanmin , Zhang Zengkai , Song Jin , Xu Yue
Published: November 2008

Using the scanning ion-selective electrode technique, fluxes of H+, Na+, and Cl− were investigated in roots and derived protoplasts of salt-tolerant Populus euphratica and salt-sensitive Populus popularis 35-44 (P. popularis). Compared to P. popularis, P. euphratica roots exhibited a higher capacity to extrude Na+ after a short-term exposure to 50 mm NaCl (24 h) and a long term in a saline environment of 100 mm NaCl (15 d). Root protoplasts, isolated from the long-term-stressed P. euphratica roots, had an enhanced Na+ efflux and a correspondingly increased H+ influx, especially at an acidic pH of 5.5. However, the NaCl-induced Na+/H+ exchange in root tissues and cells was inhibited by amiloride (a Na+/H+ antiporter inhibitor) or sodium orthovanadate (a plasma membrane H+-ATPase inhibitor). These results indicate that the Na+ extrusion in stressed P. euphratica roots is the result of an active Na+/H+ antiport across the plasma membrane. In comparison, the Na+/H+ antiport system in salt-stressed P. popularis roots was insufficient to exclude Na+ at both the tissue and cellular levels. Moreover, salt-treated P. euphratica roots retained a higher capacity for Cl− exclusion than P. popularis, especially during a long term in high salinity. The pattern of NaCl-induced fluxes of H+, Na+, and Cl− differs from that caused by isomotic mannitol in P. euphratica roots, suggesting that NaCl-induced alternations of root ion fluxes are mainly the result of ion-specific effects.
Alterations in the Endogenous Ascorbic Acid Content Affect Flowering Time in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kotchoni Simeon O. , Larrimore Katherine E. , Mukherjee Madhumati , Kempinski Chase F. , Barth Carina
Published: November 2008

Ascorbic acid (AA) protects plants against abiotic stress. Previous studies suggested that this antioxidant is also involved in the control of flowering. To decipher how AA influences flowering time, we studied the four AA-deficient Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutants vtc1-1, vtc2-1, vtc3-1, and vtc4-1 when grown under short and long days. These mutants flowered and senesced before the wild type irrespective of the photoperiod, a response that cannot simply be attributed to slightly elevated oxidative stress in the mutants. Transcript profiling of various flowering pathway genes revealed a correlation of altered mRNA levels and flowering time. For example, circadian clock and photoperiodic pathway genes were significantly higher in the vtc mutants than in the wild type under both short and long days, a result that is consistent with the early-flowering phenotype of the mutants. In contrast, when the AA content was artificially increased, flowering was delayed, which correlated with lower mRNA levels of circadian clock and photoperiodic pathway genes compared with plants treated with water. Similar observations were made for the autonomous pathway. Genetic analyses demonstrated that various photoperiodic and autonomous pathway mutants are epistatic to the vtc1-1 mutant. In conclusion, our transcript and genetic analyses suggest that AA acts upstream of the photoperiodic and autonomous pathways.
HAB1–SWI3B Interaction Reveals a Link between Abscisic Acid Signaling and Putative SWI/SNF Chromatin-Remodeling Complexes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Saez Angela , Rodrigues Americo , Santiago Julia , Rubio Silvia , Rodriguez Pedro L.
Published: November 2008

Abscisic acid (ABA) has an important role for plant growth, development, and stress adaptation. HYPERSENSITIVE TO ABA1 (HAB1) is a protein phosphatase type 2C that plays a key role as a negative regulator of ABA signaling; however, the molecular details of HAB1 action in this process are not known. A two-hybrid screen revealed that SWI3B, an Arabidopsis thaliana homolog of the yeast SWI3 subunit of SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complexes, is a prevalent interacting partner of HAB1. The interaction mapped to the N-terminal half of SWI3B and required an intact protein phosphatase catalytic domain. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation and coimmunoprecipitation assays confirmed the interaction of HAB1 and SWI3B in the nucleus of plant cells. swi3b mutants showed a reduced sensitivity to ABA-mediated inhibition of seed germination and growth and reduced expression of the ABA-responsive genes RAB18 and RD29B. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments showed that the presence of HAB1 in the vicinity of RD29B and RAB18 promoters was abolished by ABA, which suggests a direct involvement of HAB1 in the regulation of ABA-induced transcription. Additionally, our results uncover SWI3B as a novel positive regulator of ABA signaling and suggest that HAB1 modulates ABA response through the regulation of a putative SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex.
Today's UK professional association library and information service
Authors: Jean Madden Maryna
Published: November 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to present an overview of the current library and information service in UK professional associations. Challenges in the sector are identified and some of the best information services are examined in order to construct useful models for best practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method approach is used: literature review, sources‐based research, content analysis of web sites, statistical analysis, and open‐ended interviews. A total of 50 web sites of professional associations were analysed and 13 association representatives were interviewed. Models of best practice in professional association library and information services are proposed.

Findings

The professional associations with the best web site information provision often have excellent in‐house libraries and a growth in membership between 1999 and 2007. Challenges include: attracting and retaining members through the information services, sufficient marketing and promotion of information services, generating or attracting enough funds, keeping information up‐to‐date, creating benchmarks and standards, and developing information policies and strategy.

Practical implications

The proposed models can be used by professional association library information services to improve their service delivery.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the under‐researched area of library and information services of UK professional associations. The paper outlines original models for building information strategy and best practice.
Evidence‐based practice, healthcare delivery and information management
Authors: Isetta Marco
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The evidence‐based practice (EBP) model appears to have established itself as the principal change driver and discourse for the healthcare sector. This study sets out to identify the emergence of the term EBP in the professional literature to establish an empirical foundation for discussion. The understanding of and relevance to healthcare practitioners in a large South West London hospital are assessed and their views related to the perspective of library and information professionals to assess implications for practice.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature search was carried out and the data generated used to produce a growth curve for the literature. A survey of health care professionals using e‐mail and follow‐up interviews was undertaken at the case hospital.

Findings

Between 1998 and 2004 the number of papers appearing to discuss the theme increased four‐fold. The first recorded reference was in 1991. The EBP model had strong official and political support in the field. On the user sample there is evidence of resistance to the orthodoxy.

Practical implications

The EBP model – variously adopted by several healthcare agencies – has placed information management at the centre of the care process. In spite of this, there are few definite implications for the role of library and information professionals, since the world of information and the UK NHS itself are continually in a state of flux, and the current EBP dominance may neither strengthen nor safeguard it.

Originality/value

The bibliometric study provides a baseline. The study of healthcare professionals is a case study to add to knowledge of practice.
Promotion, speculation and their outcome
Authors: Williams David M. , Armstrong John
Published: November 2008

Purpose

Offering an empirical study of the rush to promote a new technology of its time, which is a significant phenomenon in its own right, the paper's purpose is to offer a reminder that new technologies often generate speculative and unstable business conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses Henry English'sA Complete View of the Joint Stock Companies Formed during the Years 1824 and 1825to identify companies (n=70), and follows up cases with record and archive study.

Findings

The development of steamship services was an important push of transportation and communication technology. The establishment of steam shipping services in coastal waters and near country trade is an analogy of later technologies such as the telegraph, telephone and latterly computer‐mediated digital communication over the internet with global reach. Unlike the canal and railway manias the outcome was minimal.

Practical implications

As in the Dotcom boom of the early 2000s the study highlights the dangers of speculative business ventures (over‐ambitious promotion and fraud) which lacked a strong link to markets, the pull of significant demand and were weak in terms of business acumen and organization.

Originality/value

As a piece of original business historical research it is not only the findings which are of value, but the paper represents an exemplar of the continued use of archival and record material and information resources to support scholarly activity. Historians of today who wish to study the emerging digital economy may yet encounter problems in an ability to draw on bodies of contemporary evidence. The current issues of digital archiving and digital curation are only just beginning to be appreciated.
A new emerging trend? Cross border trade union mergers
Authors: Gennard John
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this editorial is to examine moves towards cross border trade union mergers.

Design/methodology/approach

This editorial outlines the reasons why trade unions see the need to act outside their nation state boundaries.

Findings

In the globalised economy if trade unions are to defend and advance the living standards of their members they cannot confine their activities to their national labour markets. Currently, trade unions attempt to do this via multi‐lateral link ups via Global Trade Union Federations and by developing links with their sister unions in other countries. A new mechanism is now being developed by trade unions to counter balance the economic strength of multi‐nationals, namely cross border trade union mergers.

Originality/value

The editorial offers insights into the reasons for, and gives examples, for the emerging trend of the movement towards cross border trade union mergers.
Trends in information categories on costume and textile collection web sites
Authors: Saiki Diana , Robbins Audrey
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to assess trends in information categories featured on costume and textile collection web sites, and to assess differences in the online capabilities of these features between 1997 and 2006.

Design/methodology/approach

The instrument was a content analysis of costume and textile collection web sites developed from a study completed in 1997. The previous study identified information categories which included hyperlinks to other sites, events calendars and forms to arrange visits, FAQs, online tours, and discussion group links. Information about education programs, contacting staff, volunteering, membership, and museum purchases was also noted. Data were collected from the 60 web sites used in the original study.

Findings

The findings revealed that costume and textile museums were using web sites to stimulate interest in visiting the physical museum. A picture of the artifact does not show all the specific features of an actual costume and textile, and thus the audience needs to actually visit the museum in order to learn about costume and textiles. A comparison of the 1997 and 2006 data revealed an increase in the frequency of features with higher levels of interaction capabilities.

Research limitations/implications

The research was limited to observing web sites and web site information categories documented in the original study.

Originality/value

The paper identifies the information categories that costume and textile museums find most useful to fulfill audience needs and describes trends in the use of information on web sites which can serve as a guideline in developing museum web sites.
Elementary schoolteachers' use of instructional materials on the web
Authors: Wu Ming‐der , Chen Shih‐chuan
Published: November 2008

Purpose

Studies have shown that schoolteachers are familiar with instructional materials on the web and integrate them into classroom teaching. In Taiwan, there are a number of online instructional materials, with the Learning Fueling Station being a leading web site. Using this popular site as an example, this study seeks to investigate how schoolteachers navigate online instructional materials and for what types of instructional materials they are looking.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 30 elementary schoolteachers were interviewed in their offices using computers to connect to the Learning Fueling Station web site, and web pages were visited as needed during the interview. Participants were asked to search for any topic in which they were interested, and the interviewer observed and recorded their search behavior.

Findings

All schoolteachers reported that they use the internet prior to designing their instructional activities. The two main reasons they gave for using the internet were to refer to other teachers' materials and to obtain up‐to‐date information on their subjects, especially in areas related to science and technology and social studies. Source materials (e.g. photographs and video clips) and ready‐to‐use instructional packages were two popular items that the schoolteachers search for online. Participants appreciated Learning Fueling Station's commitment to quality but reported that the quantity of information available on the site was insufficient to meet their needs.

Originality/value

Relatively few studies have dealt with issues concerning teachers' use behavior. The findings of the study could be helpful for those who are responsible for organizing or maintaining instructional materials web sites on the internet. School librarians may have a better understanding of teachers' behavior and work out a more useful library instruction program.
Measuring e‐CRM service quality in the library context: a preliminary study
Authors: Wang Mei‐Yu
Published: November 2008

Purpose

Customer relationship management (CRM) indicates a comprehensive strategy and an interactive process intended to achieve an optimum balance between corporate investment and the satisfaction of customer needs to generate the maximum profit. E‐CRM refers to CRM using internet technology plus a database, OLAP, data warehouse, data mining, etc. In order to gain an understanding of the efficiency of implementing an e‐CRM system within the library context, to develop theoretically and empirically an evaluation process for the e‐CRM system and survey its impact on service quality, a pilot scheme was initiated in 2004. The pilot scheme was to design and implement an e‐CRM prototype system for a particular academic library in Taiwan and to survey the system's performances. This paper aims to discuss this matter.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study methodology was chosen for this preliminary study. A prototype e‐CRM system was designed and built for an academic library in Taiwan. To measure its service quality, a questionnaire survey was conducted.

Findings

It was found that the respondents have the relatively highest perception scores related to the library's trying to improve its service quality, and the relatively lowest perception scores for the system's capability of keeping a promise. In general, the respondents' perception toward e‐CRM service quality was either neutral or positive.

Research limitations/implications

A workable methodology for measuring the e‐CRM service quality in a particular academic library is presented, and information about the service being evaluated is gathered.

Originality/value

Two strengths of the preliminary study are that a prototype e‐CRM system is designed and implemented in an academic library and a measurement instrument is devised. These will both be useful to other libraries.
Surface finishes in a lead‐free world
Authors: Milad George
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to detail the changes needed to ensure compatibility of printed‐circuit board (PCB) surface finishes with the use of lead‐free solders and in lead‐free assembly processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the various popular solderable surface finishes that are currently available. It then reviews them in terms of the required adaptations necessary to meet the requirements of the Restriction of Hazardous Substance (RoHS) Directive and to ensure compliance, whilst meeting the performance needs of the product.

Findings

Some of the available and popular finishes, such as organic solderability preservatives and tin require modifications while, others including silver, direct immersion gold and electroless nickel immersion gold are transitioning well into the world of lead‐free. Electroless nickel, electroless palladium, immersion gold is one finish that performs better with lead‐free assembly than it did with conventional eutectic solder‐based approaches.

Originality/value

The paper provides a concise overview of the implications for specific surface finishes when making choices for use with lead‐free and RoHS compliant PCB soldering and assembly.
Finite element modelling of a thin‐film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR)
Authors: Buccella Concettina , De Santis Valerio , Feliziani Mauro , Tognolatti Piero
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to propose a three‐dimensional (3D) finite element analysis to evaluate the electrical performances of a FBAR (thin‐film bulk acoustic resonator) resonator.

Design/methodology/approach

The piezoelectric theory that uses an equivalent circuit is able to evaluate the thickness‐extensional vibration modes in simple 1D configuration but it is not adequate to predict spurious modes with lateral wave vector. Therefore, a fully 3D finite element analysis has been carried out to evaluate the characteristics of a real FBAR prototype that has been fabricated in a research center.

Findings

The measured characteristics of the FBAR prototype are compared with simulations obtained by the 3D finite element analysis. The agreement between experimental and numerical results confirms the accuracy of the proposed technique.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a 3‐D numerical approach to design and analyze the electrical characteristics of a real FBAR which has been fabricated following the guidelines obtained by the proposed numerical design.
Distributed computing finite element electromagnetic analysis of traveling wave tubes
Authors: Coco Salvatore , Laudani Antonino , Pollicino Giuseppe
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The paper's aim is to focus on the utilization of the GRID distributed computing environment in order to reduce simulation time for parameter studies of travelling wave tube (TWT) electron guns and helix slow‐wave structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Two TWT finite‐element analysis modules were adapted to be run on the GRID, for this purpose scripts were written to submit a collection of independent jobs (the parameter study) to the GRID and collect the results.

Findings

A 25‐job electron gun parameter study runs on the GRID in 30‐40 min instead of 7 h locally. A 16‐job slow‐wave structure parameter study runs in 1 h on the GRID instead of 8 h locally. Turnaround time on the GRID was limited by priority levels presently set by GRID management for the various jobs submitted.

Practical implications

The procedures guarantee a remarkable reduction of the computing time.

Originality/value

For heavy‐computational cost tasks such as the above finite element electromagnetic calculations, the effective use of a heterogeneous, distributed, computing platform (the GRID computing platform) is very advantageous. The paper shows the development of new generation collaborative tools.
Monte Carlo method application to evaluate the infinite integrals of underground cable earth‐return path impedance
Authors: Vahidi B. , Hemmatian B. , Hosseinian S.H.
Published: November 2008

Purpose

To find an easy and accurate method for evaluating the Pollaczek's integral in earth‐return path impedance calculation.

Design/methodology/approach

The Monte Carlo method of evaluating the Pollaczek's integral is introduced.

Findings

The Monte Carlo method is easy and accurate method for this computation.

Research limitations/implications

Using proposed method in cases of earth stratification.

Practical implications

The proposed method can be used in power system transient software.

Originality/value

The proposed method introduces a computation method for calculation of Pollaczek's integral which is valuable for power engineers.
Epistemological role of case studies in logistics
Authors: Aastrup Jesper , Halldórsson Árni
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop the paradigmatic justification for the use of case studies in logistics research. The argument is based on a critical realist (CR) ontology and epistemology. The current logistics paradigm's flat ontology – based on regularity – is replaced by an ontology emphasising structures and mechanisms underlying actual events in the form of logistics practice and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of desk research, conceptual work and theorizing.

Findings

Based on this CR view of the logistics domain it is argued that the justifications for conducting case studies lie in their ability: to reach the causal depth required for revealing the real domain of logistics activities and performance: to reveal the working of mechanisms in loosely coupled structures showing open systems characteristics through a constant alternation between abstract and concrete reasoning and; to include the causal powers and effects of agents' ascribed meanings. Also, it is argued, in contrast with Yin's work which refers to the possibility of generalising case studies, that the justification of case studies not only must refer to their complementary role in research but also must build on groundings that allow this form of research to take a primary role in knowledge creation.

Practical implications

The arguments have direct implications primarily for the scientific justification for case studies in logistics. CR thinking in this respect offers a view in which case studies should be seen as a more legitimate method in logistics inquiries. Second, the paper has implications for further work on the methods of using case studies in logistics: between what types of case studies can one distinguish, and which practical guidelines regarding design and reasoning can be developed based on the CR view?

Originality/value

The paper problematizes current research methodology in logistics. Based on critical realism, it presents a thorough and systematic justification for using case studies as a research approach.
Assessing poor quality service: perceptions of customer service representatives
Authors: Helms Marilyn M. , Mayo Donna T.
Published: November 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the variables most often associated with customer dissatisfaction and to discern which variables result in customer defection. Identification of these variables can aid managers as they develop strategies to prevent their occurrence.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study examined customer service dissatisfaction from a respondent group of customer service representatives employed by a call center. These employees deal with customers as their exclusive job function and are trained to correct customer concerns. The customer service respondents were surveyed and asked to list their top service complaints. From this list they were also asked to indicate the top ranked poor service issue that would cause them, as customers, to defect and select a competitor to provide a substitute product or service.

Findings

Results of the study parallel those in other customer dissatisfaction research and indicate interesting characteristics of customer dissatisfaction arising from service failure. Interestingly, the top four categories (rude employees/poor attitudes; overall poor service; employees socializing and not paying attention to customers; and slow service) were noted most often as service problems by respondents and also ranked as the top reasons for defection. Areas for future research are also considered.

Practical implications

By understanding and anticipating poor service delivery, managers can regard these complaint categories as critical market research information. In addition, such information may help managers anticipate customer needs. They can re‐structure service experiences and train employees to avoid problem behaviors and actions.

Originality/value

While past research has focused on end‐user customers and their dissatisfaction, this research considers the opinions of consumers who are trained in, and work in, customer service.