bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An exploratory study of groupware use in the knowledge management process
Authors: Bhatt Ganesh , Gupta Jatinder N.D. , Kitchens Fred
Published: January 2005

Purpose

Aims to explore the relationships between groupware use and the knowledge management process.

Design/methodology/approach

The activities comprising the knowledge management process are conceptualized as: knowledge creation, knowledge maintenance, knowledge distribution, and knowledge review and revision. The data for this exploratory study were gathered through a telephone survey of managers at Fortune 1000 firm divisions. Based on the prior literature, it was expected that use of certain types of groupware and certain aspects of the knowledge management process would be significantly associated with each other.

Findings

The results of this exploratory study show that the groupware tools which enhance or support traditional aural media were significantly associated with most of the knowledge management processes we identified. However, e‐mail is the sole groupware tool that is significantly associated with knowledge distribution.

Originality/value

As an exploratory study, this research highlights some interesting trends in the knowledge management process, and suggests multiple lines of future research.
Multi‐factor productivity measurement model for service organisation
Authors: Sahay B.S.
Published: January 2005

Purpose

To discuss the concept of productivity in the service sector and to present a multifactor productivity measurement model for a service organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

Employs a case study approach, featuring a service organisation which provides a range of engineering services to different industries. The model focuses on objectives of the organization and overall results rather than the individual departmental activities.

Findings

The case study shows how different factors of static, dynamic and development parameters can be taken into account to calculate the total productivity of an organisation.

Research limitations/implications

The case study organization represents only one industry sector. However, it is claimed that the generic model for productivity measurement described may be used by any type of service organisation. Warns that it is not always possible to assess the nature and extent of bias introduced by the measures selected and the weightages assigned to these measures.

Practical implications

The model can determine the gap between what is actually accomplished and what it is possible to accomplish (unlike subjective targeting), providing the potential for improvement.

Originality/value

The model presented is important in that it attempts to measure unmeasurable factors.
Business analytics: getting behind the numbers
Authors: Emblemsvåg Jan
Published: January 2005

Purpose

To identify, discuss and provide a solution for a common problem in the mathematical analyses in business analyses, namely, paralysis by analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first discusses the scale and frequency of the paralysis by analysis problem, before discussing it in more depth before addressing a fundamental problem, which is an important root of the paralysis by analysis problem, the indiscriminate usage of central tendency measures. Finally, it discusses how variance can be turned from being a liability into an asset. The approach is conversational but examples and a case study are provided to substantiate the arguments.

Findings

The paper provides some recommendations for avoiding paralysis by analysis.

Practical implications

Basically, the paper shows by argument and example why practitioners and some researchers need to better understand the limitations and promises of mathematical analyses and to some extent how to incorporate this understanding into their work.

Originality/value

There is nothing really new in this paper, but it discusses a problem that for some reason is often ignored by practitioners and some researchers. The true value of the paper therefore lies in making practitioners, in particular, more aware of the limitations as well as the possibilities in the mathematical analyses performed in business analytics so that they can better understand what they are doing and hence get behind the numbers, as it were.
Predation of Colorado potato beetle eggs by a polyphagous ladybeetle in the presence of alternate prey: potential impact on resistance evolution
Authors: Mallampalli Nikhil , Gould Fred , Barbosa Pedro
Published: January 2005

The influence of prey choice on the predation of a target prey item by a polyphagous insect predator was investigated in field plot studies. The target prey consisted of eggs of the Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), and the predator was the 12‐spotted ladybeetle, Coleomegilla maculata Lengi (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Eggs of the European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), and nymphs and adults of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer (Homoptera: Aphididae), comprised the alternative prey choices. The objectives of these studies were to: (1) examine predation in a multiprey scenario likely to occur in an agroecosystem, and (2) use the data to simulate the impact of predator‐induced mortality on the evolution of resistance to Bt‐transgenic plants in the target herbivore. Simulations of the rate of resistance evolution were carried out using a deterministic genetic model. Experiments were performed using potato field plots planted in a manner reflecting a 25% or 50% non‐transgenic refuge. CPB eggs were infested so as to mimic the densities of resistant and susceptible populations that might occur in commercial Bt‐transgenic plantings. Densities of predators and alternate prey species were chosen to represent those that might typically occur in potato crops in the eastern USA. Simulation results indicated that when ECB eggs were present, predation on CPB eggs either became inversely spatially density‐dependent, or increased significantly in a density‐dependent manner. When aphids were present, predation became positively density‐dependent. Model simulations predicted that ECB egg presence is beneficial, in that resistance was delayed by up to 40 pest generations (as compared to the scenario with CPB as the only prey), while aphid presence accelerated resistance evolution by 18 generations. Results suggest that resistance management strategies should take into account the composition of prey species available to generalist predators typically present, so as to best delay pest adaptation to Bt‐toxins.
The impact of transgenic plants on natural enemies: a critical review of laboratory studies
Authors: Lövei G.L. , Arpaia S.
Published: January 2005

We reviewed laboratory tests which studied the impact of genetically modified plants on arthropod natural enemies. A total of 18 species of predators and 14 species of parasitoids have been tested, most in only a few experiments. Certain groups (braconid wasps) or species (the green lacewing,Chrysoperla carnea) have attracted much effort, while representatives of others, including whole orders (e.g., Diptera), have never had a species tested. We conclude that laboratory tests are not the ‘worst case’ scenarios intended by the experimental designs, and are not often ecologically realistic: they typically provided ad libitum feeding, no prey choice, single prey type, no combination of stress factors and usually uniform temperatures. None of these are representative of field conditions, yet most could be easily mimicked in more complex laboratory tests. In most cases (94.6%), the studies were unable to indicate the level of power required to detect any impact. Small sample size and large variability are factors that mask all but very large differences in potential effects. For predators, 126 parameters were quantified, most commonly including survival/mortality (37 cases), development time (22), and body mass/size (20). For parasitoids, 128 parameters were quantified, the majority involving lectins or proteinase inhibitors. Most frequent measurements were: fecundity (23 experiments), adult longevity, extent of parasitism (17 each), body size, mortality, and larval development time. An aggregative scoring (summarising all quantified parameters) indicated that the laboratory tests quantified a remarkable number of cases (30% for predators, 39.8% for parasitoids), where the impacts of the genetically modified plant were significantly negative. These involve various parameters, organisms, test methods, and significance levels, but collectively they indicate that the use of genetically modified crops may result in negative effects on the natural enemies of crop pests.
Deficient translocation of c‐Rel is associated with impaired Th1 cytokine production in T cells from atopic dermatitis patients
Authors: Dieckhoff Karsten , Graf Philipp , Beinhauer Brigitte , Schwaerzler Christoph , Carballido José M. , Neumann Christine , Zachmann Karolin , Jung Thomas
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  Decreased production of T helper type 1 (Th1) cytokines, such as interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) or interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), is a hallmark of atopic diseases. While accessory signals from antigen‐presenting cells may be missing, T cells themselves may be suppressed in their ability to produce substantial amounts of Th1 cytokines. We show, in this study, that T cell receptor (TCR)‐activated T cells from atopic dermatitis (AD) patients proliferate less than control T cells and produce lower amounts of IFN‐γ and IL‐2, but comparable amounts of IL‐4. Because mice lacking the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) transcription factors – p65 or c‐Rel – show reduced Th1, but undisturbed Th2 responses, we investigated the role of c‐Rel and p65 for Th1 cytokine production in T cells from healthy and severe AD patients. TCR‐activated primary T cells from healthy donors treated with c‐Rel antisense oligonucleotides produced lower levels of IL‐2 and IFN‐γ and proliferated less efficiently than the corresponding control T cells. Moreover, transfection of primary T cells with c‐Rel or p65 enhanced proliferation and production of IL‐2 and IFN‐γ. Nuclear extracts of activated primary T cells from AD donors bound weakly to NF‐κB‐specific oligonucleotides, compared to extracts from healthy control T cells. Western blotting studies revealed that nuclear, but not cytosolic, extracts from T cells of AD patients lacked significant amounts of c‐Rel and p65. T cell clones derived from AD patients failed to sufficiently translocate c‐Rel and p65 into the nucleus following activation. Thus, impaired nuclear translocation of c‐Rel and p65 may determine an impaired Th1 cytokine response in AD.
Directing stem cells into the keratinocyte lineage in vitro
Authors: Heng Boon Chin , Cao Tong , Liu Hua , Phan Toan Thang
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  A major area of research in regenerative medicine is the potential application of stem cells in skin grafting and tissue engineering. This would require well defined and efficient protocols for directing the commitment and differentiation of stem cells into the keratinocyte lineage, together with their selective purification and proliferation in vitro. The development of such protocols would reduce the likelihood of spontaneous differentiation of stem cells into divergent lineages upon transplantation, as well as reduce the risk of teratoma formation in the case of embryonic stem cells. Additionally, such protocols could provide useful in vitro models for studying skin tissue biology, as well as facilitate the genetic manipulation of stem cells for therapeutic applications. The development of pharmacokinetic and cytotoxicity/genotoxicity screening tests for skin‐related biomaterials and drugs could also utilize protocols developed for the commitment and differentiation of stem cells into the keratinocyte lineage. Hence, this review critically examines the various strategies that could be employed to direct the commitment and differentiation of stem cells into the keratinocyte lineage in vitro.
Leukocyte extravasation as a target for anti‐inflammatory therapy – Which molecule to choose?
Authors: Boehncke W.‐H. , Schön M.P. , Giromolomi G. , Bos J.D. , Thestrup‐Pedersen K. , Cavani A. , Nestle F. , Bonish B.K. , Campbell J.J. , Nickoloff B.
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  In view of the central pathogenic importance of leukocyte extravasation in inflammatory skin diseases, therapeutic interference with this – surprisingly complex – process is clearly a promising new approach for treating these dermatoses. Despite some disappointments during the clinical use of these agents and despite their crippling price tag, the recent incorporation of biologicals that target defined molecular controls of leukocyte extravasation into dermatological and rheumatological practise, consequently, has greatly enriched our therapeutic options for battling major, chronic, inflammatory dermatoses such as psoriasis. However, the – as yet unresolved and still rather controversially discussed – critical question is: Which of the multiple steps that control leukocyte extravasation in the human system really offer the most promising, most pragmatic, and safest molecular targets for therapeutic intervention for which disease entity? The current debate intends to stimulate public and rational debate of this crucial issue, beyond the evident commercial interests that are touched by whatever stand one takes.
Immunohistochemical differentiation of eosinophilic heart diseases using antibodies against eosinophil activation markers
Authors: Grabellus F , Mall G , Schnabel P A , Wieneke H , Pfeifer U , Kersting C , Schmitz K J , Wohlschläger J , Sigusch H H , Bierhoff E , Kamler M , Scheld H‐H , Baba H A
Published: January 2005

Aims : Eosinophilic heart syndromes are rare in Western countries and include endocarditis parietalis fibroplastica (EPF) and hypersensitivity myocarditis (HM). There are striking differences in natural history and morphological findings. Since diagnosis can be difficult when analysing small myocardial biopsies lacking the characteristic histological features, we studied a set of immunohistochemical markers in order to characterize the activation status of the infiltrating eosinophils to distinguish between these two entities.

Methods and results : This study is based on the investigation of seven explanted hearts and one left ventricular specimen collected during implantation of a left ventricular assist device from a total of seven patients with HM. Also investigated were three right and three left ventricular specimens from five patients with EPF. We used antibodies (Ab) against EG1, and EG2, CD44, and CD69 which have been described as markers to distinguish between resting and activated eosinophils. The EG1 to EG2 ratio of eosinophils and the immunoreactivity against CD44 showed no differences between the two entities. However, eosinophils in the EPF were completely negative for CD69, whereas eosinophils reacted positively within the HM group.

Conclusion : The immunohistochemical investigation of eosinophilic heart diseases using antibodies against CD69 can be a useful tool to distinguish between hypersensitivity myocarditis and endocarditis parietalis fibroplastica.
Elevated expression of hyaluronan and its CD44 receptor in the duodenal mucosa of coeliac patients
Authors: Kemppainen T , Tammi R , Tammi M , Ågren U , Julkunen R , Böhm J , Uusitupa M , Kosma V‐M
Published: January 2005

Aims : Since hyaluronan (HA) metabolism is disturbed in some malignant tumours and in inflammatory diseases, we analysed HA and its receptor CD44 as well as the expression of the Ki67 nuclear protein, a marker of cell proliferation, in histological sections of duodenal biopsies of coeliac disease patients and controls.

Methods and results : The study group consisted of 52 patients with coeliac disease in remission, 40 patients with newly diagnosed disease and 10 healthy control subjects. HA was detected with a specific biotinylated probe prepared from cartilage aggrecan and link protein, and CD44 with an antibody recognizing all forms of CD44 and another specific for its v6 variant. For the expression of the nuclear protein, monoclonal antibody MIB‐1 was used. The percentage of HA‐positive cells in surface epithelium was higher in newly diagnosed patients (13%) compared with patients in remission (11%) and controls (2%). In addition, HA intensity in the lamina propria was decreased in the newly diagnosed patients. In patients with active disease, 22–26% of the surface epithelium was CD44+, whereas the corresponding figure in patients in remission was 5%, and that of controls 1%. The more intensive MIB‐1 labelling in the duodenal epithelium of coeliac patients without treatment was normalized after gluten‐free diet.

Conclusions : The HA‐positive coat on surface epithelium seen even in patients in remission suggests persistent or even permanent changes in the epithelial permeability barrier in coeliac disease.
Hypertrophic eosinophilic gastroenteropathy is associated with reduced enterocyte apoptosis
Authors: Cuperus R , Schäppi M G , Shah N , Lindley K J , Milla P J , Smith V V
Published: January 2005

Aims : To investigate the cause of grossly elongated villi in four children presenting with obstruction due to a novel form of eosinophilic gastroenteropathy in which there was profound hyperplasia of the intestinal villi with grossly increased villous/crypt ratio and prominent mucosal eosinophilia. Increased eosinophils were also present in the muscularis propria and submucosa. All had intermittent diarrhoea and signs of a protein‐losing enteropathy.

Methods and results : The cause of the grossly elongated villi was investigated by studying enterocyte proliferation (Ki67), survival factors (bcl‐2) and apoptosis (TUNEL) in these patients (n = 4) and normal (jejunum n = 6, ileum n = 6) and disease (n = 6) controls. The most remarkable finding was that apoptotic enterocytes were undetectable in the elongated villi.

Conclusions : It seems likely that a defect in the regulation of apoptosis of the epithelium occurs which could explain the remarkable hyperplasia of the villi seen.
PPARγ expression in breast cancer: clinical value and correlation with ERβ
Authors: Papadaki I , Mylona E , Giannopoulou I , Markaki S , Keramopoulos A , Nakopoulou L
Published: January 2005

Aims : To examine the expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in invasive breast carcinoma in relation to known clinicopathological features, ERβ, and relapse‐free and overall patient survival. PPARγ is a ligand‐activated transcriptional factor that regulates the transcription of various target genes and has been implicated in human breast cancer.

Methods and results : We performed immunohistochemistry to detect PPARγ, ERα, PR and ERβ in 170 infiltrative breast carcinomas. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. PPARγ was detected in the cytoplasm of 58% of breast carcinoma samples. PPARγ did not differ with regard to any of the clinicopathological parameters except for histological grade, to which it was found to be inversely correlated (P = 0.019), and ERβ, to which it was positively related (P = 0.016). As regards relapse‐free survival, in univariate statistical analysis PPARγ was found to exert a marginally favourable impact on all the patients (P = 0.076), but a strong one on patients with ductal carcinoma (P = 0.027), whereas Cox's regression analysis depicted PPARγ to be an independent prognosticator for patients with ductal carcinoma (P = 0.039). No association was found between PPARγ expression and overall survival.

Conclusion : These results indicate the favourable impact of PPARγ expression on disease‐free survival of patients with ductal breast carcinoma and its possible cooperation with ERβ in exerting that favourable effect.
Towards the enhancement of e‐democracy: identifying the notion of the ‘middleman paradox’
Authors: Mahrer Harald , Krimmer Robert
Published: January 2005

Abstract. The challenge towards e‐democracy, through the electronic transformation of political systems, has become increasingly evident within developed economies. It is regarded as an approach for increased and better quality citizen participation in the democratic processes. E‐democracy forms a component of overall e‐government initiatives where technology adoption and diffusion, to enhance wider access to, and the delivery of, government services, are apparent. However, previous research demonstrates that very few e‐democracy proposals survive the stage of formal political decision‐making to become substantive e‐government projects within national or international agendas. Furthermore, the implementation  of  e‐democracy  projects  is  undertaken  at  a  much  slower  pace and with dramatically less support than the implementation of other, so‐called e‐administration, activities in the public sector.

The research in this paper considers the notion of the ‘middleman paradox’, presenting theoretical and empirical evidence that further investigates the phenomenon associated with potential e‐democracy improvements. Specifically, the paper adds a new dimension to existing theories on the hesitant evolution of e‐democracy that clearly identifies politicians as an inhibiting factor. Proposals are made for an enhancement of these processes, and suggestions for further applicable research are demonstrated.
Does desertification diminish biodiversity? Enhancement of ant diversity by shrub invasion in south‐western USA
Authors: Bestelmeyer Brandon T.
Published: January 2005

The conversion of desert grasslands to shrublands is a long‐standing concern in the south‐western United States, but the effects of this change on native animals defy generalization. Here, I consider evidence that shrub invasion and encroachment, particularly that of honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), has led to increasing ecological dominance and diversity of ants in general, as well as increases in specific native taxa. The effects of shrub invasion on ants were measured at two scales: (1) between Chihuahuan Desert landscapes that vary slightly in temperature and strongly in the dominance of mesquite, and (2) across variation in mesquite density occurring within a generally mesquite‐dominated landscape. Ant richness and numerical dominance was measured at pitfall traps over 2 years and baits were used to assess ecological dominance across different temperatures. The mesquite‐dominated Jornada site harboured four times the number of ant foragers found at the relatively ‘pristine’ Sevilleta site, with several ecologically dominant taxa driving this pattern, especially Dorymyrmex bicolor. Species richness and ecological dominance were also greatest at the Jornada. Within the Jornada landscape, turnover in species composition was related to mesquite density, but local richness and abundance was unrelated to mesquite density. Coupled with the results of previous manipulative experiments and comparative studies, there is support for the notion that ant diversity is not negatively affected by shrub invasion but that several taxa prosper from it. The Jornada is uniquely saturated by dominant ant taxa, perhaps as a consequence of an overall high level of shrub availability that provides a reliable source of carbohydrate‐rich plant exudates. This raises important questions about the relationship between environmental degradation, ecosystem productivity, and animal diversity.
Associations among spring‐dependent aquatic assemblages and environmental and land use gradients in a Mojave Desert mountain range
Authors: Sada Donald W. , Fleishman Erica , Murphy Dennis D.
Published: January 2005

In many arid landscapes, springs provide the only reliable source of water. Accordingly, both native species and human land uses, including diversion of water, livestock grazing, and recreation, tend to concentrate around springs and spring‐fed riparian areas. We examined whether species richness and composition of aquatic macroinvertebrates at 45 springs in the Spring Mountains, an isolated mountain range in the eastern Mojave Desert (Nevada, USA), could be predicted using readily measured environmental gradients and estimates of disturbance intensity. The Spring Mountains is a focus of regional conservation planning, and managers are charged with prioritizing its springs for conservation and rehabilitation. Our results suggested that species richness of aquatic macroinvertebrates in the Spring Mountains system may be greatest at intermediate levels of natural and human disturbance. Discharge and springbrook length appeared to be only weakly correlated with species richness, whereas neither elevation, nor water temperature, nor electrical conductance was significantly associated with species richness. Nestedness analyses demonstrated that species present in relatively depauperate locations tended to be subsets of the species present in locations that were richer in species, but that pattern did not appear to be driven by either disturbance intensity or by the environmental variables we measured. Disturbance intensity was not associated with the extent to which species presences and absences were predictable. Although our results should not be interpreted to mean that major environmental gradients and disturbance intensity have no effect on distributional patterns of aquatic invertebrates in the Spring Mountains, the ability of these variables to serve as predictors of species richness and composition may be relatively low. Springs and other wetlands in arid landscapes are characterized by isolation and unpredictable disturbances, and faunal responses to environmental gradients may tend to be individualistic and taxon‐specific.
Testing the intermediate disturbance hypothesis: when will there be two peaks of diversity?
Authors: Johst Karin , Huth Andreas
Published: January 2005

Succession after disturbances generates a mosaic of patches in different successional stages. The intermediate disturbance hypothesis predicts that intermediate disturbances lead to the highest diversity of these stages on a regional scale resulting in a hump‐shaped diversity–disturbance curve. We tested this prediction using field data of forest succession and hypothetical succession scenarios in combination with analytical and simulation models. According to our study the main factors shaping the diversity–disturbance curve and the position of the diversity maximum were the transition times between the successional stages, the transition type, neighbourhood effects and the choice of diversity measure. Although many scenarios confirmed the intermediate disturbance hypothesis we found that deviations in the form of two diversity maximums were possible. Such bimodal diversity–disturbance curves occurred when early and late successional stages were separated by one or more long‐lived (compared to the early stages) intermediate successional stages. Although the field data which met these conditions among all those tested were rare (one of six), the consequences of detecting two peaks are fundamental. The impact of disturbances on biodiversity can be complex and deviate from a hump‐shaped curve.
Interaction of calbindin D28k and inositol monophosphatase in human postmortem cortex: possible implications for bipolar disorder
Authors: Shamir Alon , Elhadad (Rosolio) Naama , Belmaker Robert H , Agam Galila
Published: January 2005

Objectives:  Therapeutically relevant concentrations of lithium (Li) exert an uncompetitive inhibition on inositol monophosphatase (IMPase). It has recently been shown that calbindin D28k (calbindin) activates IMPase. Purified calbindin attaches to a specific amino acid sequence on purified IMPase enhancing its activity by several hundred fold. We studied whether calbindin activates IMPase in postmortem human brain crude homogenate, whether differences in calbindin levels between lymphocytes and brain may be responsible for our previous finding of reduced IMPase activity in lymphocytes but not brain of bipolar patients, and whether calbindin protein levels are altered in postmortem brain from bipolar patients versus control subjects and schizophrenic and major depressive patients.

Methods:  IMPase activity in human postmortem brain specimens with or without 10 μM human recombinant calbindin was quantified spectrophotometrically in an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reader. Calbindin protein levels in postmortem brain were determined using Western blot analysis.

Results:  Supplementation of human recombinant calbindin to postmortem human brain crude homogenate enhanced IMPase activity by 3.5‐fold. No difference in postmortem temporal cortex calbindin protein levels was found between bipolar patients versus comparison groups. Two‐fold higher calbindin protein levels were found in Li‐treated bipolar patients compared with other bipolar patients. Subchronic Li treatment in mice did not affect brain calbindin protein levels significantly. Chronic Li treatment reduced calbindin protein levels in the frontal cortex but not in the hippocampus.

Conclusions:  Calbindin is a physiological activator of IMPase in human brain. Protein levels of calbindin are not altered in postmortem temporal cortex of bipolar patients.
Bipolar disorder and myo‐inositol: a review of the magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings
Authors: Silverstone Peter H , McGrath Brent M , Kim Hyeonjin
Published: January 2005

Objectives:  Myo‐inositol is an important component of the phosphatidylinositol second messenger system (PI‐cycle). Alterations in PI‐cycle activity have been suggested to be involved in the pathophysiology and/or treatment of bipolar disorder. More specifically, lithium has been suggested to act primarily by lowering myo‐inositol concentrations, the so‐called inositol‐depletion hypothesis. myo‐Inositol concentrations can be measured in vivo with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).

Methods:  The current review primarily examines animal and human MRS studies that evaluated the role of myo‐inositol in bipolar illness and treatment.

Results:  Studies have been carried out in patients who are manic, depressed, and euthymic, both on and off treatment. However, there are several limitations of these studies.

Conclusions:  The preclinical and clinical MRS findings were generally supportive of the involvement of myo‐inositol in bipolar disorder and its treatment. Overall, in bipolar patients who are manic or depressed there are abnormalities in brain myo‐inositol concentrations, with changes in frontal and temporal lobes, as well as the cingulate gyrus and basal ganglia. These abnormalities are not seen in either euthymic patients or healthy controls, possibly due to a normalizing effect of treatment with either lithium or sodium valproate. There is also increasing evidence that sodium valproate may also act upon the PI‐cycle. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain if these changes in myo‐inositol concentration are primary or secondary. Findings regarding the specific inositol‐depletion hypothesis are also generally supportive in acutely ill patients, although it is not yet possible to definitively confirm or refute this hypothesis based on the current MRS evidence.
Relationship between Oxygen Consumption and Sex of Bovine In Vitro Fertilized Embryos
Authors: Agung B , Otoi T , Abe H , Hoshi H , Murakami M , Karja NWK , Murakami MK , Wongsrikeao P , Watari H , Suzuki T
Published: January 2005

Contents

The present study was conducted to examine the relationship between the oxygen consumption rate and sex ratio of bovine in vitro fertilized embryos on each day of blastocyst formation. The quality of blastocysts collected on day 7, 8, and 9 after in vitro fertilization (IVF) were categorized as ranks A and B (excellent and good, respectively) based on microscopic observation of the morphology. The oxygen consumption rate and sex of individual blastocysts were evaluated using two novel techniques: scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) and loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), respectively. The oxygen consumption rates of embryos of rank A were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of rank B, irrespective of the day of blastocyst appearance after IVF. Neither did the proportion of male embryos of ranks A and B differ significantly from each other at any of the days examined, nor from the average proportion (53%). The oxygen consumption rate of embryos of rank B collected on day 8 was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in female embryos than in male embryos collected on the same day. However, there were no apparent differences of oxygen consumption rates at each day of blastocyst appearance between male and female embryos of rank A. These results indicate that the oxygen consumption rate of individual embryos reflects their quality but does not correlate with the sex ratio of embryos of excellent quality.
Evaluation of the Lipid Content in Bovine Oocytes and Embryos with Nile Red: a Practical Approach
Authors: Leroy JLMR , Genicot G , Donnay I , Van Soom A
Published: January 2005

Contents

In this study, the fluorescent lipid dye Nile Red, was used to demonstrate that the lipid content of immature bovine oocytes is correlated with the morphological appearance of the ooplasm. Oocytes with a uniform dark cytoplasm contained significantly more intracellular lipids in lipid droplets compared with oocytes with a granulated or pale cytoplasm (p < 0.05). Furthermore, this lipid‐analysing technique was applied for the first time on single bovine in vitro embryos, showing a significant increase of the lipid content in lipid droplets after culture in the presence of serum (p < 0.05).
Strategy Research in Emerging Economies: Challenging the Conventional Wisdom*
Authors: Wright Mike , Filatotchev Igor , Hoskisson Robert E. , Peng Mike W.
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTThis review and introduction to the Special Issue on ‘Strategy Research in Emerging Economies’ considers the nature of theoretical contributions thus far on strategy in emerging economies. We classify the research through four strategic options: (1) firms from developed economies entering emerging economies; (2) domestic firms competing within emerging economies; (3) firms from emerging economies entering other emerging economies; and (4) firms from emerging economies entering developed economies. Among the four perspectives examined (institutional theory, transaction cost theory, resource‐based theory, and agency theory), the most dominant seems to be institutional theory. Most existing studies that make a contribution blend institutional theory with one of the other three perspectives, including seven out of the eight papers included in this Special Issue. We suggest a future research agenda based around the four strategies and four theoretical perspectives. Given the relative emphasis of research so far on the first and second strategic options, we believe that there is growing scope for research that addresses the third and fourth.
A Dual Networks Perspective on Inter‐Organizational Transfer of R&D Capabilities: International Joint Ventures in the Chinese Automotive Industry*
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Anand Jaideep , Mitchell Will
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTAcquisition of capabilities is both imperative and difficult in emerging economies. This study adopts a duel network perspective to examine how the source networks and recipient networks in which international joint venture (IJV) partners operate influence inter‐organizational transfer and diffusion of capabilities. We study multiple cases in the Chinese automotive industry to investigate how various factors of MNE source networks and the local recipient networks (business groups in China or qiye jituan) affect knowledge transfer from the MNE source networks into IJVs and knowledge diffusion from IJVs to their local recipient networks. The study suggests ways that the dual networks influence both types of knowledge transfer. We found both positive and negative effects of recipient and source networks on knowledge inflow to the IJVs and knowledge outflow from IJVs. The dual networks perspective is particularly relevant for emerging economies where the asymmetry between the knowledge, power and motivations of the recipient and source networks may significantly affect the knowledge transfer outcome.
Understanding Business Group Performance in an Emerging Economy: Acquiring Resources and Capabilities in Order to Prosper*
Authors: Yiu Daphne , Bruton Garry D. , Lu Yuan
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT The prevalent organizational form in most emerging markets is business groups. These groups have typically been viewed through a transaction cost economics perspective where they are perceived as responses to inefficiencies in the market. However, the evidence to date on what generates a positive business group‐performance relationship in such environments is not well understood. This study expands the understanding of business groups by employing the resource‐based and institutional theoretical perspectives to examine how groups acquire resources and capabilities to prosper. The empirical evidence is based on over 224 business groups in the emerging economy context of China and shows that most of the endowed government resources do not help business groups to create a competitive edge. Instead, those business groups with strategic actions to develop a unique portfolio of market‐oriented resources and capabilities are most likely to prosper. The results provide critical insights on the relationship between the initiation of institutional transformation and the desired outcome to be realized by organizational transformation, thus enriching our understanding of institutions and strategic choices facilitated or constrained by organizational resources in emerging economies.
The Chiang Mai Initiative and Beyond
Authors: Park Yung Chul , Wang Yunjong
Published: January 2005

More than three years have passed since the inception of the Chiang Mai Initiative (CMI) in May 2000. Although much progress has been made, the present structure of the CMI is still incomplete. The purpose of this paper is to provide a view on the current process and future prospects for regional financial and monetary cooperation in East Asia. Looking forward, the most realistic scenario is that the countries participating in the CMI will muddle through, continuously discussing modalities of policy dialogue, the types of the surveillance system the CMI needs, and also augmentation of swap amounts without making any substantial progress.
What's the Point of Reciprocal Trade Negotiations? Exports, Imports, and Gains from Trade
Authors: Wonnacott Paul , Wonnacott Ronald
Published: January 2005

This paper explains why trade‐policy makers may prefer reciprocal trade negotiations (RTN) to unilateral tariff reductions (UTR) foreconomicreasons. It answers puzzles like ‘Why WTO reciprocity?’ and strengthens the unnecessarily weak case made for the WTO by those who downplay or dismiss benefits from foreign tariff reductions (FTR).

RTN is superior to UTR because it provides economic benefits that UTR cannot – namely, FTR benefits which are clearer than potentially important UTR benefits: Whereas each policy offers efficiency gains, any terms‐of‐trade effect of UTR generally detracts from these gains, while any terms‐of‐trade effect of FTR is typically beneficial (especially for a small price‐taking country) with this benefit augmenting FTR's efficiency gains. Moreover, benefits from reductions in foreign barriers may come from several sources; they are not solely the result of terms‐of‐trade improvement – or economies of scale (the two benefits already noted in the literature, though often dismissed). For example, with foreign NTB elimination, possible home benefits are shown even with rising costs and terms‐of‐trade deterioration. RTN is also superior to UTR because, by eliminating protection in either NTB or tariff form, RTN provides an escape from not only a terms‐of‐trade prisoners’ dilemma, but many other previously unrecognised prisoners’ dilemmas, including one in international rent transfers, and several others with no economies‐of‐scale or terms‐of‐trade motivation.

Of course, if superior RTN is not an option, UTR may well be desirable. If reciprocityisan option, but only in a narrower CU or FTA form, such reciprocitymaystill be superior to UTR, or it may be inferior; theory cannot unambiguously rank these.
The Aftermath of a Currency Collapse: How Different are Emerging Markets?
Authors: Bleaney Michael
Published: January 2005

In currency crises, unlike in orderly devaluations, the financial markets dominate events. Previous research has shown that the output effects of a crisis tend to be worse in emerging markets, and the current account adjustment greater. This paper examines the evolution of a wider range of macroeconomic variables from two years before a currency collapse to two years afterwards. On the basis of twelve recent episodes, it is shown that currency collapses (crises followed by depreciations) have had a much greater adverse impact in emerging markets (defined as relatively high‐income developing countries exposed to international capital markets) than in developed countries. There is greater nominal and real depreciation, a substantial inflation shock, a much bigger output effect, and far greater import compression, whilst inflows of portfolio capital virtually cease. These differences are statistically significant. Nevertheless there is wide variation n the post‐collapse experience of the six emerging markets studied (Mexico, Thailand, Korea, Indonesia, Russia and Brazil). Although all six experienced a sudden stop or even a reversal of capital flows and very sharp nominal depreciations, inflation remained low in Thailand, Korea and Brazil, and output losses were comparatively small in Russia and Brazil. Previous studies of individual crises suggest that important factors are the state of the banking system and its vulnerability to currency movements, the ability of the authorities to establish a credible macroeconomic policy after the collapse, and whether the crisis triggers significant political instability.
Analgesic Comparison of Meloxicam or Ketoprofen for Orthopedic Surgery in Dogs
Authors: Deneuche Aymeric J. , Dufayet Cédric , Goby Laurent , Fayolle Pascal , Desbois Christophe
Published: January 2005

Objective—To compare the safety and efficacy of 2 analgesic protocols (preoperative meloxicam or intraoperative ketoprofen administration) during the first 24 hours after orthopedic surgery in dogs.

Study Design—Double‐blind, prospective randomized clinical trial.

Animals—Sixty client‐owned dogs.

Methods—Dogs with surgical orthopedic disorders were randomly separated into 2 groups: 30 dogs were administered 0.2 mg/kg meloxicam intravenously (IV) immediately before induction and 30 dogs were administered 2 mg/kg ketoprofen IV, 30 minutes before the end of surgery. Pain was assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS) and a cumulative pain score (CPS) preoperatively and at 30 minutes, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours after extubation. Selected serum biochemical variables were measured before and 24 hours after surgery and, buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT) and whole blood clotting time (WBCT) were measured before and 8 hours after surgery. Dogs were anesthetized with propofol and maintained on halothane in oxygen. Any complications were documented for 7 days after surgery. Results were compared between the 2 groups for significant differences in VAS scores (2‐sample t‐test) and in CPS (Wilcoxon's 2‐sample test). Moreover, results were analyzed for significant differences in area under the curve (AUC) for VAS (2‐sample t‐test) and CPS (Wilcoxon's 2‐sample test) among groups. To assess the effects of treatments on biochemical and coagulation functions, pre‐ and postoperative mean values of BMBT and WBCT were compared within both treatment groups (paired t‐tests) and between both groups (2‐sample t‐test).

Results—No significant differences in pain response or coagulation were found between meloxicam‐ and ketoprofen‐treated dogs. In both groups, alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase concentrations were significantly increased compared with baseline. No serious complications occurred.

Conclusions—Preoperative administration of meloxicam is a safe and effective method of controlling postoperative pain for up to 24 hours in dogs undergoing orthopedic surgery.

Clinical Relevance—Analgesia after administration of preoperative meloxicam was comparable with administration of ketoprofen at the end of the surgery.
Repeated Dual External Direct Cardioversions Using Two Simultaneous 360‐J Shocks for Refractory Atrial Fibrillation Are Safe and Effective
Authors: ALAEDDINI JAMSHID , FENG ZHANBIN , FEGHALI GEORGES , DUFRENE SHEILA , DAVISON NANCY H. , ABI‐SAMRA FREDDY M.
Published: January 2005

Failure of cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm (SR) by standard external direct current cardioversion (DCC) may be due to failure of delivery of enough defibrillating energy rather than to the true refractoriness of AF. Ninety‐nine patients with persistent AF (76 male; age 63.7 ± 0.4 years; weight 113.1 ± 25.1 kg) who failed standard DCC were included in this report. Under anesthesia, QRS synchronous shocks were delivered across anteroposterior electrodes in the following sequence: (1) a single 360‐J shock; (2) another single 360‐J shock within 2 minutes; (3) 30 minutes of rest, reinduction of anesthesia and delivery of two simultaneous monophasic 360‐J shocks. All patients underwent all three DCC steps. Sixty‐six (67%) patients converted to SR following the first dual simultaneous shock. Fourteen patients (14%) required more than one dual shock to achieve SR. This increased the overall success rate of resuming SR to 81%. Except for minor skin burns in three patients there were no procedure related complications. On follow‐up at 1 month, 55 (56%) patients were still in SR, whereas 50 (51%) patients maintained SR at 12 months. This was similar to our general DCC population (55% of the 1698 patients were in SR 6 months post‐DCC, P = ns). In conclusion, dual external monophasic 360‐J DCC is an effective rescue technique for restoration of SR in patients with AF refractory to standard DCC. AF in these patients seems to be as amenable to chronic suppression as AF in the general population of DCC patients.
Radiofrequency Ablation of a Concealed Right Anterior Accessory Pathway Associated with Right Atrial Diverticulum in a Child
Authors: CHIU SHUENN‐NAN , LIN JIUNN‐LEE , CHANG CHIEN‐CHIH , SUN LEE‐JEN , DAI ZEN‐KONG , TSAI SHEN‐KOU , LIN SU‐MAN , WANG JOU‐KOU , WU MEI‐HWAN
Published: January 2005

A 9‐year‐old boy had refractory supraventricular tachycardia and a right atrial (RA) diverticulum as diagnosed by ultrafast computed tomography. An electrophysiological study under transesophageal echocardiography guidance revealed a concealed right anterior accessory pathway passing through the body of the RA diverticulum. Radiofrequency ablation was performed to eliminate retrograde ventriculoatrial conduction.