bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical correlates of dysphagia to oesophageal dysmotility: studies using combined manometry and impedance
Authors: Chen C. L. , Yi C. H.
Published: February 2008

Abstract  This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of dysphagia by determining the simultaneous relationships between subjective perception of swallow with oesophageal motility and bolus transport in patients with non‐obstructive dysphagia (NOD). Combined oesophageal manometry and impedance was performed in 18 consecutive NOD patients and 14 healthy controls. Swallow was abnormal if the amplitude of distal oesophageal contractions was less than 30 mmHg or simultaneous contractions occurred. Bolus transit was abnormal if bolus exit was not found at one or more of the measuring sites. Perception of each swallow was assessed using a standardized scoring system and was enhanced if score was >1. The prevalence of complete bolus transit was lower in NOD patients compared with healthy controls (P = 0.001). Abnormal liquid bolus transit was found in 40% of patients with normal motility and 38% of patients with abnormal motility, whereas abnormal viscous bolus transit was observed in 38% of patients with normal motility and 70% of patients with abnormal motility. Agreement between enhanced perception and impedance was poor during liquid (κ = 0.12, 95% CI: −0.003 to 0.233) and viscous swallowing (κ = 0.12, 95% CI: −0.004 to 0.244). Agreement between enhanced perception and manometry was even poorer during liquid (κ = −0.16, 95% CI: −0.302 to 0.022) and viscous swallowing (κ = −0.12, 95% CI: −0.25 to 0.002). NOD patients show poor correlation between dysphagia and oesophageal motility parameters. The results suggest that, in patients with NOD, oesophageal motor dysfunction may play a limited role, if any, in the generation of dysphagia.
Significance of terpenoids in induced indirect plant defence against herbivorous arthropods
Authors: MUMM ROLAND , POSTHUMUS MAARTEN A. , DICKE MARCEL
Published: February 2008

Many plants respond to herbivory by arthropods with an induced emission of volatiles such as green leaf volatiles and terpenoids. These herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) can attract carnivores, for example, predators and parasitoids. We investigated the significance of terpenoids in attracting herbivores and carnivores in two tritrophic systems where we manipulated the terpenoid emission by treating the plants with fosmidomycin, which inhibits one of the terpenoid biosynthetic pathways and consequently terpenoid emission.

In the ‘lima bean’ system, volatiles from spider‐mite‐infested fosmidomycin‐treated plants were less attractive to the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis than from infested control plants. In the ‘cabbage’ system, fosmidomycin treatment did not alter the attractiveness of Brussels sprouts to two Pieris butterflies for oviposition. The parasitoid Cotesia glomerata did not discriminate between the volatiles of fosmidomycin‐treated and water‐treated caterpillar‐infested cabbage. Both P. persimilis and C. glomerata preferred volatiles from infested plants to uninfested ones when both were treated with fosmidomycin.

Chemical analysis showed that terpenoid emission was inhibited more strongly in infested lima bean plants than in Brussels sprouts plants after fosmidomycin treatment.

This study shows an important role of terpenoids in the indirect defence of lima bean, which is discussed relative to the role of other HIPVs.
The Adjuvant Effect of CpG Oligodeoxynucleotide Linked to the Non‐Toxic B Subunit of Cholera Toxin for Induction of Immunity Against H. pylori in Mice
Authors: Nyström‐Asklin J. , Adamsson J. , Harandi A. M.
Published: February 2008

The present study was carried out to test the immunostimulatory and adjuvant effects of the non‐toxic B subunit of cholera toxin (CTB), CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) and CpG ODN linked to CTB (CTB–CpG) for generation of immunity against H. pylori in mice. Herein, we showed that CTB–CpG induces more potent proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine responses in the cervical and the mesenteric lymph nodes (CLN and MLN, respectively) cells in vitro compared with those of CTB and CpG ODN. The adjuvant effects of these agents were examined following intranasal immunization of C57Bl/6 mice with H. pylori lysate in combination with CpG ODN, CTB or CTB–CpG. All three immunization regimes resulted in high H. pylori‐specific IgG antibody responses; however, only the CTB–CpG and, to some extent, the CpG ODN immunized mice mounted a sustainable IgG2c antibody response. Importantly, mice immunized with H. pylori antigen and CTB–CpG or CpG ODN, but not CTB, developed strong H. pylori‐specific proliferative and IFN‐γ responses in their MLN CD4+ T cells upon recall antigen stimulation in vitro. These mice also had significantly lower bacterial load compared with the control‐infected mice. Furthermore, the CTB–CpG and the CpG ODN immunized mice developed increased specific IgA antibody responses in their gastrointestinal tracts following H. pylori challenge. These results imply that CTB–CpG and CpG ODN, but not CTB, could serve as nasal adjuvants for induction of a H. pylori‐specific Th1 type immunity in MLN and also a specific mucosal IgA antibody response in the gastrointestinal tract upon H. pylori challenge.
Gene trap lines identify Arabidopsis genes expressed in stomatal guard cells
Authors: Galbiati Massimo , Simoni Laura , Pavesi Giulio , Cominelli Eleonora , Francia Priscilla , Vavasseur Alain , Nelson Timothy , Bevan Michael , Tonelli Chiara
Published: February 2008

We employed a gene trap approach to identify genes expressed in stomatal guard cells of Arabidopsis thaliana. We examined patterns of reporter gene expression in approximately 20 000 gene trap lines, and recovered five lines with exclusive or preferential expression in stomata. The screen yielded two insertions in annotated genes, encoding the CYTOCHROME P450 86A2 (CYP86A2) mono‐oxygenase, and the PLEIOTROPIC DRUG RESISTANCE 3 (AtPDR3) transporter. Expression of the trapped genes in guard cells was confirmed by RT‐PCR experiments in purified stomata. Examination of homozygous mutant lines revealed that abscisic acid (ABA)‐induced stomatal closure was impaired in the atpdr3 mutant. In three lines, insertions occurred outside transcribed units. Expression analysis of the genes surrounding the trapping inserts identified two genes selectively expressed in guard cells, corresponding to a PP2C PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE and an unknown expressed protein gene. Statistical analyses of the chromosomal regions tagged by the gene trap insertions revealed an over‐represented [A/T]AAAG motif, previously described as an essential cis‐active element for gene expression in stomata. The lines described in this work identify novel genes involved in the modulation of stomatal activity, provide useful markers for the study of developmental pathways in guard cells, and are a valuable source of guard cell‐specific promoters.
Chlamydomonas chloroplasts can use short dispersed repeats and multiple pathways to repair a double‐strand break in the genome
Authors: Odom Obed W. , Baek Kwang‐Hyun , Dani Radhika N. , Herrin David L.
Published: February 2008

Certain group I introns insert into intronless DNA via an endonuclease that creates a double‐strand break (DSB). There are two models for intron homing in phage: synthesis‐dependent strand annealing (SDSA) and double‐strand break repair (DSBR). The Cr.psbA4 intron homes efficiently from a plasmid into the chloroplast psbA gene in Chlamydomonas, but little is known about the mechanism. Analysis of co‐transformants selected using a spectinomycin‐resistant 16S gene (16Sspec) provided evidence for both pathways. We also examined the consequences of the donor DNA having only one‐sided or no homology with the psbA gene. When there was no homology with the donor DNA, deletions of up to 5 kb involving direct repeats that flank the psbA gene were obtained. Remarkably, repeats as short as 15 bp were used for this repair, which is consistent with the single‐strand annealing (SSA) pathway. When the donor had one‐sided homology, the DSB in most co‐transformants was repaired using two DNAs, the donor and the 16Sspec plasmid, which, coincidentally, contained a region that is repeated upstream of psbA. DSB repair using two separate DNAs provides further evidence for the SDSA pathway. These data show that the chloroplast can repair a DSB using short dispersed repeats located proximally, distally, or even on separate molecules relative to the DSB. They also provide a rationale for the extensive repertoire of repeated sequences in this genome.
LZF1, a HY5‐regulated transcriptional factor, functions in Arabidopsis de‐etiolation
Authors: Chang Chiung‐swey Joanne , Li Yi‐Hang , Chen Li‐Teh , Chen Wan‐Chieh , Hsieh Wen‐Ping , Shin Jieun , Jane Wann‐Neng , Chou Shu‐Jen , Choi Giltsu , Hu Jer‐Ming , Somerville Shauna , Wu Shu‐Hsing
Published: February 2008

We surveyed differential gene expression patterns during early photomorphogenesis in both wild‐type and mutant Arabidopsis defective in HY5, an influential positive regulator of the responses of gene expression to a light stimulus, to identify light‐responsive genes whose expression was HY5 dependent. These gene‐expression data identified light‐regulated zinc finger protein 1 (LZF1), a gene encoding a previously uncharacterized C2C2‐CO B‐box transcriptional regulator. HY5 has positive trans‐activating activity toward LZF1 and binding affinity to LZF1 promoter in vivo. HY5 is needed but not sufficient for the induction of LZF1 expression. Anthocyanin content is significantly diminished in lzf1 under far red, which is the most efficient light for the induction of LZF1. The expression of PAP1/MYB75 is elevated in plants overexpressing LZF1, which leads to the hyperaccumulation of anthocyanin in transgenic Arabidopsis. The transition from etioplast to chloroplast and the accumulation of chlorophyll were notably compromised in the lzf1 mutant. We provide molecular evidence that LZF1 influences chloroplast biogenesis and function via regulating genes encoding chloroplast proteins. In the absence of HY5, mutation of LZF1 leads to further reduced light sensitivity for light‐regulated inhibition of hypocotyl elongation and anthocyanin and chlorophyll accumulation. Our data indicate that LZF1 is a positive regulator functioning in Arabidopsis de‐etiolation.
Enzymatic, but not non‐enzymatic, 1O2‐mediated peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids forms part of the EXECUTER1‐dependent stress response program in the flu mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Przybyla Dominika , Göbel Cornelia , Imboden André , Hamberg Mats , Feussner Ivo , Apel Klaus
Published: February 2008

The conditional flu mutant of Arabidopsis accumulates excess amounts of protochlorophyllide within plastid membranes in the dark and generates singlet oxygen upon light exposure. By varying the length of the dark period, the level of the photosensitizer protochlorophyllide may be modulated, and conditions have been established that either endorse the cytotoxicity of 1O2 or reveal its signaling role. Two criteria have been used to distinguish between these two modes of activity of 1O2: the impact of the EXECUTER1 mutation and the prevalence of either non‐enzymatic or enzymatic lipid peroxidation. During illumination of etiolated flu seedlings, toxic effects of 1O2 prevail and non‐enzymatic lipid peroxidation proceeds rapidly. In contrast, in light‐grown flu plants that were subjected to an 8 h dark/light shift, lipid peroxidation occurred almost exclusively enzymatically. The resulting oxidation product, 13‐hydroperoxy octadecatrienoic acid (13‐HPOT), serves as a substrate for synthesis of 12‐oxo phytodienoic acid (OPDA) and jasmonic acid (JA), both of which are known to control various metabolic and developmental processes in plants. Inactivation of the EXECUTER1 protein abrogates not only 1O2‐mediated cell death and growth inhibition of flu plants, but also enzymatic lipid peroxidation. However, inactivation of jasmonate biosynthesis in the aos/flu double mutant does not affect 1O2‐mediated growth inhibition and cell death. Hence, JA and OPDA do not act as second messengers during 1O2 signaling, but form an integral part of a stress‐related signaling cascade activated by 1O2 that encompasses several signaling pathways known to be activated by abiotic and biotic stressors.
Regulation of plant cytosolic glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase isoforms by thiol modifications
Authors: Holtgrefe Simone , Gohlke Jochen , Starmann Julia , Druce Samantha , Klocke Susanne , Altmann Bianca , Wojtera Joanna , Lindermayr Christian , Scheibe Renate
Published: February 2008

Cytosolic NAD‐dependent glyceraldehyde 3‐P dehydrogenase (GAPDH; GapC; EC 1.2.1.12) catalyzes the oxidation of triose phosphates during glycolysis in all organisms, but additional functions of the protein has been put forward. Because of its reactive cysteine residue in the active site, it is susceptible to protein modification and oxidation. The addition of GSSG, and much more efficiently of S‐nitrosoglutathione, was shown to inactivate the enzymes from Arabidopsis thaliana (isoforms GapC1 and 2), spinach, yeast and rabbit muscle. Inactivation was fully or at least partially reversible upon addition of DTT. The incorporation of glutathione upon formation of a mixed disulfide could be shown using biotinylated glutathione ethyl ester. Furthermore, using the biotin‐switch assay, nitrosylated thiol groups could be shown to occur after treatment with nitric oxide donors. Using mass spectrometry and mutant proteins with one cysteine lacking, both cysteines (Cys‐155 and Cys‐159) were found to occur as glutathionylated and as nitrosylated forms. In preliminary experiments, it was shown that both GapC1 and GapC2 can bind to a partial gene sequence of the NADP‐dependent malate dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.37; At5g58330). Transiently expressed GapC‐green fluorescent protein fusion proteins were localized to the nucleus in A. thaliana protoplasts. As nuclear localization and DNA binding of GAPDH had been shown in numerous systems to occur upon stress, we assume that such mechanism might be part of the signaling pathway to induce increased malate‐valve capacity and possibly other protective systems upon overreduction and initial formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species as well as to decrease and protect metabolism at the same time by modification of essential cysteine residues.
Engines of speciation: a comparative study in birds of prey
Authors: KRÜGER O.
Published: February 2008

Sexual selection as a promoter of speciation has received much attention in recent years, but has produced highly equivocal evidence. Here, I test whether sexual conflict is related to species richness among genera in accipitrid birds of prey using phylogenetically controlled comparative analyses. Increased species richness was associated with both ‘male‐win’ as well as ‘female‐win’ situations, i.e. males being able to promote gene flow through mating or females being able to restrict gene flow through female choice. Species richness was higher when plumage differed between males and females and in polygynous breeding systems compared with monogamous ones. To assess the relative importance of sexual conflict and natural selection as correlates of species richness simultaneously, I also performed a multivariate analysis of correlates of species richness. Population density, plumage polymorphism, geographic range size and breeding latitude were predictors of species richness for birds of prey. These results stress the importance of both sexual and natural selection in determining species richness but with a clear overall emphasis on natural selection in birds of prey.
Structure of the Lipopolysaccharide Side‐chain of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae Strain S29
Authors: Smith A. R. W.
Published: February 2008

Using 1H‐ and 13C‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the repeat unit of the lipopolysaccharide side‐chain from Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae strain S29 was shown to have the following structure:
image

This structure is identical with that of the side‐chain of Pseudomonas syringae pv. mori CFPB 1656.a
An siRNA against JC virus (JCV) agnoprotein inhibits JCV infection in JCV‐producing cells inoculated in nude mice
Authors: Matoba Tomoko , Orba Yasuko , Suzuki Tadaki , Makino Yoshinori , Shichinohe Hideo , Kuroda Satoshi , Ochiya Takahiro , Itoh Hiroshi , Tanaka Shinya , Nagashima Kazuo , Sawa Hirofumi
Published: February 2008

JC virus (JCV) is the etiological agent of the demyelinating disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Because JCV has a very narrow host range, it has been difficult to develop an animal model of JCV infection; as a result, no effective therapy for PML has been established. In this study, we have tried to create an animal model that replaces an in vivo JCV infection. As a result, we have obtained a stable persistence of JCV‐infected human cells in the mouse brain by inoculating the virus‐infected cells into the nude mice brains. In this model, the JCV‐infected cells were well preserved in the nude mouse brains for 2 weeks. We then treated JCV‐injected brains with an siRNA against the JCV agnoprotein that is known to be an effective inhibitor of JCV infection in vitro. A highly purified type I collagen, atelocollagen, was used as a carrier for the siRNA. The siRNA inhibited the expression of JCV protein in inoculated JCV‐infected cells in the mouse brain, compared to the medium containing only atelocollagen used as a placebo. Thus, the combination of siRNA and atelocollagen might be a candidate therapeutic agent for the treatment of JCV infection.
Familial scleroderma: nature, nurture or both?
Authors: Englert H. , Roberts‐Thomson P. J. , Byth K. , Manolios N.
Published: February 2008

Background:  The aim of the study was to investigate: (i) familial scleroderma (FS) risk factors, (ii) subtype concordance and (iii) relationship between dates (DSO) and ages (ASO) at scleroderma onset.

Methods:  Forty‐seven cases (23 families; 25 FS pairs) were identified. Scleroderma disease onset was defined by (i) Raynaud’s onset, (ii) first symptom onset (1SxO), (iii) second symptom onset (2SxO) and (iv) scleroderma diagnosis (SDx).

Results:  Female : male and limited : diffuse (L : D) ratios were 8.4:1 and 3.3:1. The Raynaud’s onset – SDx interval was longer in limited disease (L : D = 14.6:3.1 years; P = 0.01). Raynaud’s first occurred in 36% women ≥50 years. The median differences in ASO between affected family members were 10–12 years. Disease subtype concordance exceeded discordance (16:9 clusters; (P = 0.32) 16:7 families; (P = 0.17)). The observed/expected LL : LD : DD ratios were 14: 8:1/11:7:1 (P = 0.66). FS affected 34% (95% confidence interval 19–50) sister–sister and 44% (95% confidence interval 27–75) mother–daughter pairs. The second family member’s SDx was made at the same (9%) or a younger age (80%) than the first family member. In 14 LL disease families ASO was closer between sisters than mothers–daughters (P = 0.07). There was a trend towards closer ages – than dates – at Raynaud’s and 1SxO in scleroderma‐affected family members (P = 0.054) and closer dates – than ages – at 2SxO (P = 0.02) and SDx.

Conclusion:  FS showed female predominance, relatively late onset Raynaud’s, subtype ratios similar to idiopathic scleroderma and earlier SDx in younger family members. Familial L scleroderma has a longer prediagnostic latency than familial D scleroderma. FS is likely under‐ascertained. In LL scleroderma, Raynaud’s/1SxO is possibly more genetically determined and 2SxO/SDx more environmentally determined.
Marine methylotrophs revealed by stable‐isotope probing, multiple displacement amplification and metagenomics
Authors: Neufeld Josh D. , Chen Yin , Dumont Marc G. , Murrell J. Colin
Published: February 2008

The concentrations of one‐carbon substrates that fuel methylotrophic microbial communities in the ocean are limited and the specialized guilds of bacteria that use these molecules may exist at low relative abundance. As a result, these organisms are difficult to identify and are often missed with existing cultivation and gene retrieval methods. Here, we demonstrate a novel proof of concept: using environmentally‐relevant substrate concentrations in stable‐isotope probing (SIP) incubations to yield sufficient DNA for large‐insert metagenomic analysis through multiple displacement amplification (MDA). A marine surface‐water sample was labelled sufficiently by incubation with near in situ concentrations of methanol. Picogram quantities of labelled 13C‐DNA were purified from caesium chloride gradients, amplified with MDA to produce microgram amounts of high‐molecular‐weight DNA (≤ 40 kb) and cloned to produce a fosmid library of > 10 000 clones. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) demonstrated minimal bias associated with the MDA step and implicated Methylophaga‐like phylotypes with the marine metabolism of methanol. Polymerase chain reaction screening of 1500 clones revealed a methanol dehydrogenase (MDH) containing insert and shotgun sequencing of this insert resulted in the assembly of a 9‐kb fragment of DNA encoding a cluster of enzymes involved in MDH biosynthesis, regulation and assembly. This novel combination of methodology enables future structure–function studies of microbial communities to achieve the long‐desired goal of identifying active microbial populations using in situ conditions and performing a directed metagenomic analysis for these ecologically relevant microorganisms.
Associations between glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion phenotypes and polymorphisms in adiponectin and adiponectin receptor genes in the Quebec Family Study
Authors: Ruchat S.‐M. , Loos R. J. F. , Rankinen T. , Vohl M.‐C. , Weisnagel S. J. , Després J.‐P. , Bouchard C. , Pérusse L.
Published: February 2008

Aims  Studies suggest that adiponectin (APM1) and its receptors 1 and 2 (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) play an important role in the development of insulin resistance (IR). Our objective was to examine associations between APM1 (+45T>G, +276G>T and –3971A>G), AdipoR1 (−100G>T and −3882T>C) and AdipoR2 (−35361A>G and –1352G>A) genes single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and adiponectin plasma levels, indicators of glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity (IS) and insulin secretion.

Methods  Six hundred and twenty‐two non‐diabetic subjects from the Quebec Family Study (QFS) underwent a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), with measurement of fasting adiponectin, glucose, insulin and C‐peptide levels. Indices of glucose tolerance, IS and insulin secretion were derived from fasting and OGTT measurements.

Results  Significant evidence of association was found between indices of IS and APM1 and AdipoR1 SNPs. The APM1 –3971G/G homozygotes exhibited a reduced area under the curve of insulin during the OGTT (P = 0.007) and higher Cederholm index (P = 0.01) compared to the A/A homozygotes. The APM1+45T>G variant was also associated with fasting (P = 0.002) and 2‐h (P = 0.007) glucose values as well as with higher Cederholm index (P = 0.04) and disposition index (P = 0.02). Finally, the AdipoR1−3882T>C SNP was associated with fasting glucose (P = 0.03), the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (P = 0.04) and an index of insulin secretion (P30/G30, P = 0.02). No evidence of association was found with plasma adiponectin levels.

Conclusions  These results provide evidence for an influence of common SNPs in the APM1 and AdipoR1 genes on different phenotypes of glucose and insulin metabolism associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
EXPLAINING RISING INEQUALITY: SKILL‐BIASED TECHNICAL CHANGE AND NORTH–SOUTH TRADE*
Authors: Chusseau Nathalie , Dumont Michel , Hellier Joël
Published: February 2008

Abstract We review the ‘skill‐biased technological change (SBTC) versus North–South trade (NST)’ debate in order to explain widening wage inequality between skilled and unskilled workers. The traditional explanations based on exogenous SBTC and on the North–South Heckscher–Ohlin–Samuelson approach, as well as the early estimates that diagnosed a clear prevalence of the former, are firstly exposed and discussed. A presentation is then made of the recent theoretical literature that endogenizes SBTC, introduces new channels of impacts from NST, and combines both explanations. Finally, the current estimates show that (i) both explanations are relevant, (ii) their impacts differ according to industries and countries, (iii) outsourcing is the main vector of impact from NST and (iv) SBTC and NST interact.
SELECTING POTENTIAL CHILDREN AND UNCONDITIONAL PARENTAL LOVE
Authors: DAVIS JOHN
Published: February 2008

For now, the best way to select a child's genes is to select a potential child who has those genes, using genetic testing and either selective abortion, sperm and egg donors, or selecting embryos for implantation. Some people even wish to select against genes that are only mildly undesirable, or to select for superior genes. I call this selection drift– the standard for acceptable children is creeping upwards. The President's Council on Bioethics and others have raised the parental love objection: Just as we should love existing children unconditionally, so we should unconditionally accept whatever child we get in the natural course of things. If we set conditions on which child we get, we are setting conditions on our love for whatever child we get. Although this objection was prompted by selection drift, it also seems to cover selecting against genes for severe impairments.

I argue that selection drift is not inconsistent with the ideal of unconditional parental love and, moreover, that the latter actually implies that we should practise selection drift – in other words, we should try to select potential children with the best genetic endowments. My endowment argument for the second claim works from an analogy between arranging an endowment prior to conception to fund a future child's education, and arranging a genetic endowment by selecting a potential child who already has it, where in both cases the child would not have existed without the endowment. I conclude with some programmatic remarks about the nonidentity problem.
Organizational Discourse and New Organization Development Practices
Authors: Marshak Robert J. , Grant David
Published: February 2008

A new ensemble of organization development (OD) practices have emerged that are based more on constructionist, post modern and new sciences premises than the assumptions of the early founders. These include practices associated with appreciative inquiry, large group interventions, changing mindsets and consciousness, addressing diversity and multicultural realities, and advancing new and different models of change. We propose that the emerging field of organizational discourse offers sympathetic concepts and research that could add additional insights and theoretical rigour to the New OD. In particular, studies of organizational discourse based upon social constructionist and critical perspectives offer compelling ideas and practices associated with the establishment of change concepts, the role of power and context in relation to organizational change, and specific discursive interventions designed to foster organizational change.
Organizational Change and the Importance of Embedded Assumptions*
Authors: Palmer Ian , Dunford Richard
Published: February 2008

‘Managing change’ appears a simple enough term. However, no common ontological assumption underlies either the notion of ‘managing’ or that of ‘change’. In this paper, we identify different assumptions about both what it means to manage and the nature of change outcomes. From these assumptions we derive six different images of managing organizational change: directing, navigating, caretaking, coaching, interpreting and nurturing. We show how each image is underpinned by different organization theories. We then take each image and show how the differing ontological assumptions about managing and change outcomes are associated with different research agendas. We illustrate this by focusing on three elements commonly associated with managing organizational change: vision, communication and resistance.
A Study of the Promotion to Partner Process in a Professional Services Firm: How Women are Disadvantaged
Authors: Kumra Savita , Vinnicombe Susan
Published: February 2008

Increasing numbers of women are attracted to careers in the professional services. However, when their progress is considered to partner positions, it is found that they are not advancing to the levels anticipated. When the literature in relation to the partnership promotion process is explored, we find explanatory models are rare, and rarer yet is work that considers the impact of sex bias on the process. The article adds to the limited work available by presenting findings from a behavioural process perspective through an empirical study with male and female management consultants in a professional services firm which indicates that the promotion to partner process is indeed sex biased. Two areas of disadvantage for women are identified: the presence of a self‐managed career advancement process necessitating a proactive approach to demonstrating individual contribution; and the need to ‘fit’ a prevailing model of success within the firm which is a masculine model and is more problematic for women. The article calls for a differentiated treatment of the glass ceiling phenomenon, capable of capturing disadvantage accruing from societally based factors and sector‐based factors. The implications of the findings for future research and professional service firms are discussed.
Queen Bees, Wannabees and Afraid to Bees: No More ‘Best Enemies’ for Women in Management?
Authors: Mavin Sharon
Published: February 2008

There is a lack of research that problematizes solidarity behaviour and the Queen Bee label for women in management. Few studies contextualize the propensity for women to support each other to reach senior management or surface the shadow side of relationships between women in management. Underpinning assumptions of solidarity behaviour and Queen Bee focus upon individual women's behaviour. Neither questions whether women are enabled ‘natural allies’. It is assumed that women align themselves with women; in senior management women are responsible for the ‘women in management mantle’, and when they do not conform they are pejoratively labelled Queen Bees. Queen Bee ‘blames’ women for not supporting each other, constructs women as out of place in senior management and maintains a gendered status quo. This article provides a conceptual critique of solidarity behaviour and the Queen Bee as labels researchers and the popular media attach to women's behaviour in organizations. The aim is to challenge assumptions and inherent contradictions and highlight the negative impact of the sexist Queen Bee label, prompting us to reflexively question and challenge our own assumptions about solidarity behaviour and use of the Queen Bee label, to prevent unrealistic expectations of senior women and continued pejorative construction of women in management.
Reconsidering Work–Life Balance Debates: Challenging Limited Understandings of the ‘Life’ Component in the Context of Ethnic Minority Women's Experiences
Authors: Kamenou Nicolina
Published: February 2008

This article argues for a broader, more diverse approach to the ‘life’ component of the work–life balance equation. This is discussed within the context of ethnic minority women's experiences of balancing their work and personal life, contending that there are restrictions in our understanding of lives that may fall outside the standard white western model. A key aim of this work is to question existing understandings of work–life balance debates that focus almost exclusively on gender and childcare, ignoring issues around ethnicity, culture and religion. A social constructionist framework was adopted for this study, which acknowledges an interaction between structure, culture and agency. Primary data were collected in the form of semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews with 26 minority female participants, 15 ethnic minority men, eight white women and six white men, all employed across a range of industries and occupations. Although the focus of this paper primarily lies with ethnic minority women's experiences, data from ethnic minority men, white women and men are incorporated in the analysis where appropriate or useful. The empirical data have indicated that both white and ethnic minority women struggle with balancing work and personal life demands to a greater extent than their male counterparts. However, an ethnicity or cultural dimension was apparent, as ethnic minority women often had to deal with additional cultural, community or religious demands. It is argued, nevertheless, that a deeper understanding of the diversity within groups is necessary to avoid essentializing experiences and needs. By acknowledging different forms of life, a more realistic analysis can take place which can inform organizational policy and practice.
Sexual Dynamics in Mentoring Relationships – A Critical Review
Authors: Morgan Lynn M. , Davidson Marilyn J.
Published: February 2008

This paper considers the nature of the interpersonal dynamic in mentoring relationships and the correlation between a close mentoring relationship and the possibility of that relationship becoming romantic or sexual. In considering this issue we have reviewed the literature that is pertinent to this context; this includes research on the workplace as a sexualized environment, the criteria considered to be desirable for an effective mentoring relationship and issues of gender and sexual orientation in the workplace. In highlighting these issues we suggest that organizations, mentees and mentors should be made aware of the potential risks before embarking on a mentoring relationship, and suggest this is an area that clearly needs more research.
The Careers of Senior Men and Women – A Capabilities Theory Perspective
Authors: Cornelius Nelarine , Skinner Denise
Published: February 2008

In this article we adopt a capabilities theory perspective to analyse 40 in‐depth interviews (20 women, 20 men) exploring the careers of senior women and men in human resource management. Both groups felt driven by increasingly unconstrained demands of work, in the case of women paid and non‐paid domestic work and for men primarily paid work, and perceptions of time autonomy (being able to exercise autonomy in allocating one's time) for both differed markedly. However, these senior women appeared to have negotiated a path which fitted with their realized functioning and quality of life goals and they measured success in their own terms. Senior men's working patterns and definitions of success remained largely traditional and for most the demands of work were dominant. However, there was evidence that male views were changing with some expressing a desire for a better balance with less time involved with work. Our findings highlight the importance of the family and we suggest that there is a need for the obligations of organizations in terms of their impact on the family unit to be stated and acted upon with the role of fathers as carers equally and explicitly expounded with that of mothers.
The Regular Practice of Morality in Law
Authors: GIUDICE MICHAEL
Published: February 2008

Abstract.  This article examines the possibility of moral considerations and arguments serving as validity conditions of law in legal positivist theory. I argue that, despite recent attempts, this possibility has yet to be established. My argument turns on a defense of Joseph Raz's Sources Thesis, yet I do not adopt his famous “argument from authority.” Rather, I offer a renewed defense of the distinction between creation and application of law and argue that moral considerations and arguments, whether recognized in law or not, remain arguments about the modification of law.
The Political Economy of Basle II: The Costs for Poor Countries
Authors: Claessens Stijn , Underhill Geoffrey R. D. , Zhang Xiaoke
Published: February 2008

The financial crises of the 1990s triggered many changes to the design of the international financial system. We use the formulation of the new Basle capital accord for banks (B‐II) to illustrate that, while much affected, developing countries have had very little influence on this so‐called new international financial architecture. We argue that B‐II has been formulated largely to serve the interests of powerful market players, with developing countries being left out. At the same time, we demonstrate that B‐II is likely to raise the costs and reduce the supply of external financing for developing countries in particular. Furthermore, and importantly, B‐II may well increase the pro‐cyclicality of external financing, an unfortunate outcome given that developing countries already face much volatility in terms of capital flows. Overall, while B‐II may indeed compensate for a range of weaknesses of Basle I, the exclusionary policy process and costs which B‐II imposes on developing countries require a re‐think of the way in which crucial elements of financial governance, such as the Basle capital accords, are developed and implemented.
Foreign Currency Derivatives versus Foreign Currency Debt and the Hedging Premium
Authors: Clark Ephraim , Judge Amrit
Published: February 2008

This paper compares the effect on firm value of different foreign currency (FC) financial hedging strategies identified by type of exposure (short‐ or long‐term) and type of instrument (forwards, options, swaps and foreign currency debt). We find that hedging instruments depend on the type of exposure. Short‐term instruments such as FC forwards and/or options are used to hedge short‐term exposure generated from export activity while FC debt and FC swaps into foreign currency (but not into domestic currency) are used to hedge long‐term exposure arising from assets located in foreign locations. Our results relating to the value effects of foreign currency hedging indicate that foreign currency derivatives use increases firm value but there is no hedging premium associated with foreign currency debt hedging, except when combined with foreign currency derivatives. Taken individually, FC swaps generate more value than short‐term derivatives.
Transfer of training: A review and new insights
Authors: Cheng Eddie W.L. , Hampson Ian
Published: February 2008

Even successful training programs cannot guarantee that newly learned knowledge and skills will be transferred to the workplace. This has led to researchers’ interests in understanding the transfer process. Notwithstanding that transfer issues have been studied for several decades, the recent emphasis on ‘workplace learning’, especially the so‐called ‘situated learning’ approach, suggests that conventional training transfer research may be inadequate to understand the dynamics of performance improvement through training. Against this, the authors point to the increased policy emphasis on the development of transferable generic skills, which underscores the ongoing importance of training transfer. This review paper suggests that the role of trainees themselves has not been dealt with sufficiently in research, which leads to a new direction for studying the transfer of training.
The sexual lives of men with mild learning disability: a qualitative study
Authors: Yacoub Evan , Hall Ian
Published: February 2008

Accessible summary

We talked to some men with learning disability about sex and relationships. Some people lived in the community, and some people lived in hospital.

The men knew quite a lot about sex. Most people said they got good support from their keyworkers.

Some people were asked for sex when they did not want it. Some people were made to have sex that was not safe.

We have some ideas about how men with learning disabilities can speak up for themselves about sex and relationships.

We aimed to explore in detail the sexual lives and behaviour of men with mild learning disabilities living both in community and in secure hospital settings. We wanted to generate hypotheses about them and identify potential unmet needs. We used a narrative interview that focused on areas such as relationships, sex education, contraception and the attitudes of others towards the participants’ sexual lives and orientation. We used the constant comparative method to analyse transcribed interviews. Several clients reported engaging in unsafe practices despite being aware of the risks. Participants generally felt that services had shifted from a paternalistic to a more supportive approach towards their sexual lives and orientation. Experiences with other men were commonly reported. Several participants reported being pressurised into sex as adults. In our sample, sexual knowledge did not lead to safe sexual practices. The good rapport with services reported by the participants may be utilised to provide further education and empowerment to improve the safety of sexual practices in this group. Other ways of improved service delivery are suggested.
Docosahexaenoic acid‐dependent iron accumulation in oligodendroglia cells protects from hydrogen peroxide‐induced damage
Authors: Brand Annette , Schonfeld Eldi , Isharel Ilanit , Yavin Ephraim
Published: February 2008

Iron, a transition metal and essential nutrient, is a typical pro‐oxidant forming free radicals, lipid peroxides and causing cell damage when added at high (≥ 50 μM) concentrations to oligodendroglia‐like OLN‐93 cells that have been enriched for 3 days with 10 μM docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22 : 6 n‐3). At low (5 μM) iron concentrations lipid peroxides were still formed, but cells turned resistant to 250 μM H2O2, a secondary genotoxic stress. This has been attributed most likely to a time‐dependent (16 h preconditioning) increase of cellular antioxidant enzyme activities i.e., glutathione peroxidase (38%) and glutathione reductase (26%). DHA but not arachidonic acid (20 : 4 n‐6) supplements induced 3‐fold increase in gene expression of divalent metal transporter‐1, a transporter protein presumably responsible for the increase in intracellular iron. Elevated iron levels triggered a transient scrambling of membrane lipid asymmetry as evident by an accelerated ethanolamine phosphoglyceride translocation to the outer cell surface. Ethanolamine phosphoglyceride reorientation is proposed to activate certain signaling cascades leading to changes in nuclear transcription, a reaction that could represent a mechanism of preconditioning. These findings may have important implications for understanding the interactive role of iron and DHA in nutritional deficiencies, losses of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the aging brain or excessive iron accumulation in degenerative disorders.
Characterization of 1,4‐dideoxy‐1,4‐imino‐d‐arabinitol (DAB) as an inhibitor of brain glycogen shunt activity
Authors: Walls Anne B. , Sickmann Helle M. , Brown Angus , Bouman Stephan D. , Ransom Bruce , Schousboe Arne , Waagepetersen Helle S.
Published: February 2008

The pharmacological properties of 1,4‐dideoxy‐1,4‐imino‐d‐arabinitol (DAB), a potent inhibitor of glycogen phosphorylase and synthase activity in liver preparations, were characterized in different brain tissue preparations as a prerequisite for using it as a tool to investigate brain glycogen metabolism. Its inhibitory effect on glycogen phosphorylase was studied in homogenates of brain tissue and astrocytes and IC50‐values close to 400 nM were found. However, the concentration of DAB needed for inhibition of glycogen shunt activity, i.e. glucose metabolism via glycogen, in intact astrocytes was almost three orders of magnitude higher. Additionally, such complete inhibition required a pre‐incubation period, a finding possibly reflecting a limited permeability of the astrocytic membrane. DAB did not affect the accumulation of 2‐deoxyglucose‐6‐phosphate indicating that the transport of DAB is not mediated by the glucose transporter. DAB had no effect on enzymes involving glucose‐6‐phosphate, i.e. glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphoglucoisomerase and hexokinase. Furthermore, DAB was evaluated in a functional preparation of the isolated mouse optic nerve, in which its presence severely reduced the ability to sustain evoked compound action potentials in the absence of glucose, a condition in which glycogen serves as an important energy substrate. Based on the experimental findings, DAB can be used to evaluate glycogen shunt activity and its functional importance in intact brain tissue and cells at a concentration of 300–1000 μM and a pre‐incubation period of 1 h.
INTRA‐HOUSEHOLD ALLOCATIONS IN RURAL ETHIOPIA: A DEMAND SYSTEMS APPROACH
Authors: Kebede Bereket
Published: February 2008

This article examines the effects of price, income and demographic changes on intra‐household allocations by integrating the outlay equivalent method into the Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (QUAIDS). Tests for separability in preferences and “demographic separability” are conducted. Longitudinal data to control for household heterogeneity are used. Results indicate that Ethiopian rural households respond to price, income and demographic changes in a more complicated manner than usually presumed; price, income and demographic changes do not have similar effects on all household members. Income changes affect men and boys more than women and girls, but variations in prices affect women and boys more than men and girls. Even though outlay equivalent ratios on average indicate discrimination against girls, girls are more protected from fluctuations in income and prices compared to boys. The results highlight limitations of previous studies that ignore direct income and price effects.
Inadequate Sleep and Unintentional Injuries in Young Children
Authors: Koulouglioti Christina , Cole Robert , Kitzman Harriet
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between adequacy of sleep and injuries sustained by children between 18 months and 4 years of age.

Design, sample, and measures: Data from a descriptive, longitudinal study of 278 mothers and their preschool children were collected in Rochester, NY, from September 2002 to December 2004. Participants were recruited from 4 pediatric practices. The number of medically attended injuries that each child sustained between 18 months and 4 years of age served as the dependent variable. Data on injuries were collected through maternal report and medical record abstraction. Mothers reported on the child's sleep. The relationships among variables were evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficients and Poisson regression analysis.

Results: Children who did not get enough sleep sustained a higher number of medically attended injuries. The results were significant even after controlling for key demographic variables and child's temperament.

Conclusions: The present findings provide support for a relationship between children's sleep and injuries. Improving children's sleep hygiene may be an important component of parental interventions to reduce preschoolers' unintentional injuries.