bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, management, and knowledge management in business operations
Authors: Gao Fei , Li Meng , Clarke Steve
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to help knowledge managers systematically grasp “knowledge about management knowledge” and get a “deep and full” understanding of the nature, scope and methodologies of knowledge management.

Design/methodology/approach

Through presenting a variety of perspectives on knowledge, management, and knowledge management, the article explores the essence of knowledge management in organizations from a perspective of critical systems thinking.

Findings

Knowledge management in business organizations has the task of managing the activities of knowledge workers or the transformation and interaction of organizational “static substance knowledge” and “dynamic process knowledge” for “products, services, and practical process innovation” and, at the same time, “creating new or justifying existing organizational systematic knowledge”. Knowledge management is not simply about recording and manipulating explicit knowledge, but needs to address that which is implicit, and from which benefit can therefore be derived only through process rather than content.

Originality/value

The comprehensive review and classification of various management theories will expand both knowledge managers' and knowledge workers' understanding of the subject and provide a foundation for building a knowledge management toolkit in practice.
A holistic view of knowledge management strategy
Authors: Jasimuddin Sajjad M.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to seek to address the way in which knowledge is being transmitted among the members of a large corporation and suggests a realistic strategy that promises to be most appropriate for effective knowledge transfer in the new knowledge economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involves an in‐depth case study of knowledge transfer strategies used in a UK‐based group within a high‐tech global corporation. which was purposively selected for data collection. A semi‐structured instrument was developed based on the review of the knowledge management literature. The data analysis procedure within the case study employed in this research was based on the approach proposed by Miles and Huberman.

Findings

Drawing on an empirical work in a large high‐tech corporation, this paper suggests a hybrid strategy which recognises the interplay between the soft and hard mechanisms, and falls somewhere between the rather divergent mechanisms.

Research limitations/implications

Since the paper is based on a single research setting the findings have potential limitations in terms of generalisability and transferability.

Practical implications

To date it seems that the soft and hard mechanisms are being employed for knowledge transfer. There is considerable variation in the researchers' views about the role of the two approaches to knowledge transfer in an organisation.

Originality/value

The proposed hybrid approach to knowledge transfer provides powerful arguments for a more holistic view in terms of knowledge transfer which is crucial for the succesful implementation of knowledge management.
Knowledge domains and knowledge conversion: an empirical investigation
Authors: Byosiere Philippe , Luethge Denise J.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present evidence of how different domains of knowledge (basic, experiential, emotional and innovative knowledge) relate to knowledge conversion processes (socialization, externalization, combination and internalization) in the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

Confirmatory principal component analyses were performed on knowledge domain and knowledge conversion variables. Path analyses, based on stepwise multiple regressions, were performed in order to determine the strength and directionality of the relationships between the four processes of knowledge conversion and the four knowledge domains.

Findings

The results indicate that knowledge based on experience impacts the conversion of tacit knowledge within an organization, leading to innovative knowledge and competitive advantage. Emotional knowledge impacts the knowledge conversion process similarly. Only basic knowledge impacts the explicit components of combination.

Research limitations/implications

First, the results of this study are drawn from a fairly large sample in only one firm, and hence, one industry. Not all of the middle managers who participated in this study are equally familiar with knowledge creation and dissemination within their organization.

Practical implications

The results suggest that investing in basic training of employees and managers in order to reach a basal level of knowledge can act as a precursor to fuel other types of knowledge conversion as well as the innovative and experiential knowledge domains.

Originality/value

Past research has not examined how the domains of knowledge (the content) are related to the conversion of knowledge. In addition, little research in the area of knowledge conversion has taken place in a European setting. This paper addresses the deficits.
Knowledge creation in small‐firm network
Authors: Balestrin Alsones , Vargas Lilia Maria , Fayard Pierre
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to aim to understand how the dynamic of knowledge creation takes place within a small‐firm network (SFN).

Design/methodology/approach

The research, qualitative in nature, was developed through the case study of the Clothing Industries Association, called AGIVEST, formed by 35 small clothing industries located in southern Brazil. This article attempts to offer a more comprehensive approach towards the creation of organizational knowledge, by shifting from an endogenous process of the individual firm to a multidirectional exogenous process within networks.

Findings

The research presents evidence that the context of a cooperation network may provide an environment of collective learning, represented above all by the interaction dynamic that occurs between the firms through the creation of several types of ba (specific context in terms of time, space and relationship), which support the process of knowledge creation.

Originality/value

This approach should consider the tacit, complex, interdependent and contextual nature of knowledge, overcoming the eminently IT‐oriented view defended by the Western perspective of knowledge management. It is intended that the evidence presented encourages debate and a critical attitude concerning the concepts of knowledge creation, cooperation and SFN in the academic community.
Life as an entrepreneur: leadership and learning
Authors: Pitts Grahame
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide experienced insights to help entrepreneurs to maximise organisational change and achieve long term business growth and success.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on personal experience ‐ as a mentor/coach for over 15 years ‐ working directly with entrepreneurs who are looking to make breakthroughs with their business or for themselves as individuals.

Findings

Because so many businesses fail, the impact of the entrepreneur ‐ the business leader ‐ is critical. The transition from entrepreneurial control to business management is crucial and if not well handled can result in missed opportunities, failure or even sabotage.

Originality/value

The paper will interest entrepreneurs and SMEs, but is also targeted at larger organisations which invest in organisational change. The paper emphasises the key link between leadership, personal development and business growth.
Facing the elements: analysing trends in Antarctic tourism
Authors: Lamers Machiel , Haase Daniela , Amelung Bas
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Tourism in Antarctica is rapidly growing and diversifying, which raises concerns about its impacts and the robustness of the current regulatory regime. Focusing on the analysis of past developments and trends of Antarctic tourism, this paper aims to describe the future opportunities for tourism in Antarctica.

Design/methodology/approach

Using literature on the recreation opportunity spectrum (ROS) and ecotourism opportunity spectrum (ECOS), the paper analyzes the future opportunities of Antarctic tourism and the key factors that determine the window of opportunity for Antarctic tour operators.

Findings

The analysis shows that tourism opportunities in Antarctica are defined by a combination of factors, which the authors integrate into an Antarctic tourism opportunity spectrum (ATOS). The paper argues that the opportunity settings for tourism in Antarctica vary from operations of increasing scale and efficiency to the continued development of smaller scale niche products, both of which will continue to diversify and drive the development of tourism in Antarctica.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is an attempt to transfer the concept of ROS, originally designed for the operational level of national park management, to the more strategic level of tourism trends in Antarctica. The research findings are based on stakeholder interaction within a limited number of countries.

Practical implications

The paper is a potential source of information and advice for policy makers and managers of Antarctic resources, as well as scholars interested in Antarctic tourism issues.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the ongoing debate on the regulation of tourism in Antarctica.
Threshold of tolerability: the impact of management changes to recreational fishing in Ningaloo Marine Park
Authors: Northcote Jeremy , Macbeth Jim
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine a model for conceptualizing the impacts of environmental management strategies on travel and recreation choice making behavior that considers tolerance thresholds in visitor responses to destination change.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey involving a sample of 347 regular campers and fishers in the Ningaloo Marine Park, Australia, is analyzed to discern the effect of tolerance thresholds.

Findings

Despite widespread dissatisfaction with enlarged sanctuary zones and negative impacts on recreational activities, visitors indicated a high level of satisfaction with their stay. This apparent contradiction is, it is argued, best explained by the threshold of tolerability concept.

Research limitations/implications

It is argued that recreational users, planning authorities and other stakeholders have a threshold of tolerability in terms of decision‐making concerning management changes. These thresholds mean that changes in management policies, modes of activity and destination travel choices are rarely predictable in their effect, but are bounded by minimal and ideal expectations of destination appeal.

Originality/value

The paper introduces an important concept for tourism research that will aid tourism planning and management authorities in the face of growing environmental pressures caused by overpopulation and climate change.
Do general indexes mask sectoral efficiencies?
Authors: Benjelloun Hicham , Squalli Jay
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to attempt to shed light on whether the use of general indexes may mask sectoral efficiencies by investigating the random walk (RW) and weak‐form efficiency (WFE) hypotheses in the equity markets of Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies the multiple variance ratio test and the runs test to each equity market's weekly general and sectoral indexes.

Findings

The paper provides evidence of inconsistencies in three of the five analyzed equity markets when testing the RW hypothesis and in four of the five analyzed markets when testing the WFE hypothesis.

Originality/value

The findings in this paper provide empirical evidence supporting the use of sectoral indexes in lieu of general indexes in equity market analyses. These results have important financial and policy implications and would be of interest to investors, financial managers, and policy makers.
Determined: a system with novel techniques for XML query optimization and evaluation
Authors: Che Dunren , Hou Wen‐Chi
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Efficient processing of XML queries is critical for XML data management and related applications. Previously proposed techniques are unsatisfactory. The purpose of this paper is to present Determined – a new prototype system designed for XML query processing and optimization from a system perspective. With Determined, a number of novel techniques for XML query processing are proposed and demonstrated.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology emphasizes on query pattern minimization, logic‐level optimization, and efficient query execution. Accordingly, three lines of investigation have been pursued in the context of Determined: XML tree pattern query (TPQ) minimization; logic‐level XML query optimization utilizing deterministic transformation; and specialized algorithms for fast XML query execution.

Findings

Developed and demonstrated were: a runtime optimal and powerful algorithm for XML TPQ minimization; a unique logic‐level XML query optimization approach that solely pursues deterministic query transformation; and a group of specialized algorithms for XML query evaluation.

Research limitations/implications

The experiments conducted so far are still preliminary. Further in‐depth, thorough experiments thus are expected, ideally carried out in the setting of a real‐world XML DBMS system.

Practical implications

The techniques/approaches proposed can be adapted to real‐world XML database systems to enhance the performance of XML query processing.

Originality/value

The reported work integrates various novel techniques for XML query processing/optimization into a single system, and the findings are presented from a system perspective.
Attitudinal, normative and demographic influences on female students' alcohol consumption
Authors: O'Hara Rebecca , Harker Debra , Raciti Maria , Harker Michael
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Risky and high‐risk alcohol consumption is prevalent amongst young females and university students. Relatively little research in Australia has focused on these groups. This study aims to use social marketing and consumer behavior principles to examine the attitudinal, normative and demographic factors which influence alcohol consumption amongst 18‐24‐year‐old, female university students.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 230 female students in this age group were surveyed utilizing a personally administered, self‐report questionnaire. These participants were categorized as either low risk alcohol consumers (n=122) or high‐risk alcohol consumers (n=108).

Findings

The findings from this research indicate that a mixture of attitudinal, normative and demographic factors influence alcohol consumption amongst young, female university students.

Originality/value

This study aids in the development of targeted interventions to mitigate risky and high‐risk alcohol consumption amongst this cohort.
The influence of public self‐consciousness and materialism on young consumers' compulsive buying
Authors: Xu Yingjiao
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This study aims to investigate young consumers' compulsive buying tendency from the perspective of psychological motivation. Specifically, this research aims to study the influence of public self‐consciousness and materialism on young consumers' compulsive buying.

Design/methodology/approach

A self‐administered survey was distributed to a class at a Mid‐Western university. LISREL 8.7 was employed to assess the validity and reliability of the constructs by using confirmatory factor analyses and to test the hypotheses by using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Materialism was found to have a strong, significant and direct influence on young consumers' compulsive buying tendency. Public self‐consciousness was strongly related to young consumers' compulsive buying tendency. However the influence of public self‐consciousness on compulsive buying tendency was mediated by materialism.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on young consumers' compulsive buying. Not only is the influence of materialism confirmed, but this study also provides an insight into the motivation behind compulsive buying by investigating the relationship between public self‐consciousness and compulsive buying.
Collaborative academic/practitioner research in project management
Authors: Walker Derek H.T. , Anbari Frank T. , Bredillet Christophe , Söderlund Jonas , Cicmil Svetlana , Thomas Janice
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a cost‐benefit interpretation of academic‐practitioner research by describing and analysing several recent relevant examples of academic‐practitioner research with a focus on doctoral theses carried out at universities and business schools in clusters of research centred in North America, Australia and Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

Using case study examples, a value proposition framework for undertaking collaborative research for higher degree level study is developed and presented.

Findings

Value proposition benefits from this level of collaborative research can be summarised as enhancing competencies at the individual and organisational level as well as providing participating universities with high‐quality candidates/students and opportunities for industry engagement. The project management (PM) professional bodies can also extend PM knowledge but they need to be prepared to provide active support.

Practical implications

A model for better defining the value proposition of collaborative research from a range of stakeholder perspectives is offered that can be adapted for researchers and industry research sponsors.

Originality/value

Few papers offer a value proposition framework for explaining collaborative research benefits. This paper addresses that need.
The beauty and the beast – on the creativity/project management encounter
Authors: Lundin Rolf A.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the creativity/project management (PM) encounter in TV production.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is prompted by several questions. Does the project work form constitute a threat to creativity, inventiveness or innovation in problem solving? Is it also indirectly a threat to development? Is PM the beast killing off much of the creativity, the beauty that exists in the world? Is it the other way around? Or what is the character of the encounter? Is there even an encounter? An ongoing study of TV production companies provides empirical illustrations to our reasoning.

Findings

First, the PM focus on time performance in TV production can trigger innovative and creative responses to challenging targets because deadlines are good inspirations for creativity when time has to be compressed. Second, developing formats for TV production programs and series requires different PM creativity skills. Third, strategic development might be helped by a more strictly formulated PM procedure in order to activate attention to strategic issues in the turbulent industry.

Originality/value

It is rare to obtain deep insights of the lived experience of PM in the TV industry in general and more recently evolving TV cases such as in Sweden. This case study adds to our knowledge base in a PM sector viewing itself as highly creative. It also introduces readers to the idea of developing TV formats as a project product and contrasts creativity in design or TV shows with creativity in producing them. Considering the ongoing “projectification” and the commonly held views on the needs for creativity in project work, the questions are more than relevant and need to be explored further and beyond mere lip service.
Development of a method to improve the definition and alignment of intangible project outcomes and tangible project outputs
Authors: Nogeste Kersti , Walker Derek H.T.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a doctoral research study, including a summary of key literature review topics, the application of an action research methodology, key research findings and potential areas of future research.

Design/methodology/approach

Research reported in this paper was based upon a series of five cycles of action research.

Findings

An Outcome Profile™ template can be used to guide project stakeholders through the process of identifying, defining and aligning intangible project outcomes with tangible project outputs.

Practical implications

The research study will advance general management and project management research and practice by providing organisations with an improved template and method for linking project stakeholders' outcomes and benefits‐based perspective of project success with the more traditional project management outputs‐based perspective of project success. The research study, in itself provides a “how‐to” guide.

Originality/value

This paper alerts practitioners and academics to this recent research work to improve the definition of intangible project outcomes; to better determine what value a given project is expected to deliver.
Computational intelligence in multiple sequence alignment
Authors: Bi Chengpeng
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Multiple sequence alignment (MSA) is one of essential bioinformatics methods for decoding cis‐regulatory elements in gene regulation, predicting structure and function of proteins and RNAs, reconstructing phylogenetic tree, and other common tasks in biomolecular sequence analysis. The purpose of this paper is to describe briefly the basic concepts and formulations of gapped MSA and un‐gapped motif discovery approaches, and then review computational intelligence (CI) applications in MSA and motif‐finding problems.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper performs exhaustive literature review on the MSA and motif discovery using CI techniques.

Findings

Although CI‐based MSA algorithms were developed nearly a decade ago, most recent CI effort seems attempted to tackle the NP‐complete motif discovery problem. Applications of various CI techniques to solve motif discovery problem, including neural networks, self‐organizing map, genetic algorithms, swarm intelligence and combinations thereof, are surveyed. Finally, the paper concludes with discussion and perspective.

Practical implications

The algorithms and software discussed in this paper can be used to align DNA, RNA and protein sequences, discover motifs, predict functions and structures of protein and RNA sequences, and estimate phylogenetic tree.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the first comprehensive survey of CI techniques that are applied to MSA and motif discovery.
A decentralization approach for swarm intelligence algorithms in networks applied to multi swarm PSO
Authors: Janson Stefan , Merkle Daniel , Middendorf Martin
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an approach for the decentralization of swarm intelligence algorithms that run on computing systems with autonomous components that are connected by a network. The approach is applied to a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm with multiple sub‐swarms. PSO is a nature inspired metaheuristic where a swarm of particles searches for an optimum of a function. A multiple sub‐swarms PSO can be used for example in applications where more than one optimum has to be found.

Design/methodology/approach

In the studied scenario the particles of the PSO algorithm correspond to data packets that are sent through the network of the computing system. Each data packet contains among other information the position of the corresponding particle in the search space and its sub‐swarm number. In the proposed decentralized PSO algorithm the application specific tasks, i.e. the function evaluations, are done by the autonomous components of the system. The more general tasks, like the dynamic clustering of data packets, are done by the routers of the network.

Findings

Simulation experiments show that the decentralized PSO algorithm can successfully find a set of minimum values for the used test functions. It was also shown that the PSO algorithm works well for different type of networks, like scale‐free network and ring like networks.

Originality/value

The proposed decentralization approach is interesting for the design of optimization algorithms that can run on computing systems that use principles of self‐organization and have no central control.
Selection methods for extended least squares support vector machines
Authors: Valyon József , Horváth Gábor
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present extended least squares support vector machines (LS‐SVM) where data selection methods are used to get sparse LS‐SVM solution, and to overview and compare the most important data selection approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

The selection methods are compared based on their theoretical background and using extensive simulations.

Findings

The paper shows that partial reduction is an efficient way of getting a reduced complexity sparse LS‐SVM solution, while partial reduction exploits full knowledge contained in the whole training data set. It also shows that the reduction technique based on reduced row echelon form (RREF) of the kernel matrix is superior when compared to other data selection approaches.

Research limitations/implications

Data selection for getting a sparse LS‐SVM solution can be done in the different representations of the training data: in the input space, in the intermediate feature space, and in the kernel space. Selection in the kernel space can be obtained by finding an approximate basis of the kernel matrix.

Practical implications

The RREF‐based method is a data selection approach with a favorable property: there is a trade‐off tolerance parameter that can be used for balancing complexity and accuracy.

Originality/value

The paper gives contributions to the construction of high‐performance and moderate complexity LS‐SVMs.
Social networks in simulated multi‐robot environment
Authors: Rodić Daniel , Engelbrecht Andries P.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel approach to coordination of multi‐agent teams, and in particular multi‐robot teams. The new approach is based on models of organisational sociology, namely the concept of social networks. The social relationships used in the model that is presented in this paper are trust and kinship relationships, but modified for use in heterogeneous multi‐robot teams.

Design/methodology/approach

The coordination of a robot team is achieved through task allocation. The proposed task allocation mechanism was tested in the multi‐robot team task allocation simulation.

Findings

The social networks‐based task allocation algorithm has performed according to expectations and the obtained results are very promising. Some intriguing similarities with higher mammalian societies were observed and they are discussed in this paper. The social networks‐based approach also exhibited the ability to learn and store information using social networks.

Research limitations/implications

The research focused on simulated environments and further research is envisaged in the physical environments to confirm the applicability of the presented approach.

Practical implications

In this paper, the proposed coordination was applied to simulated multi‐robot teams. It is important to note that the proposed coordination model is not robot specific, but can also be applied to almost any multi‐agent system without major modifications.

Originality/value

The paper emphasizes applicability of considering multi‐robot teams as socially embodied agents. It also presents a novel and efficient approach to task allocation.
A comprehensive mathematical framework for bridging a gap between two approaches to creating a meaning‐understanding web
Authors: Fomichov Vladimir
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Since, the middle of the 1990s, UNO has been funding a large‐scale project aimed at designing a family of natural language (NL) processing systems transforming the sentences in various NLs into the expressions of a new language‐intermediary called the Universal Networking Language (UNL) and vice versa. The purpose of the paper is to propose a constructive way of developing a semantic networking language (SNL) of a new generation and, as a consequence, to bridge a gap between UNL‐based studies and Semantic Web projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological basis of the paper is a new theory of designing semantic‐syntactic analyzers of NL texts elaborated by the author of the paper and called the theory of K‐representations (knowledge representations). One of its basic components is a mathematical model describing a system of ten partial operations on conceptual structures and determining a new class of formal languages called restricted standard knowledge languages (RSK‐languages).

Findings

It is shown that the expressive possibilities of RSK‐languages surpass the expressive possibilities of UNL from the standpoint of representing the meanings of discourses, compound goals, descriptions of sets, definitions of notions. It is proposed to use the definition of the class of RSK‐languages as a model of a SNL of a new generation in comparison with UNL.

Practical implications

It is also proposed to use the definition of RSK‐languages for building semantic annotations of arbitrary web‐documents and web‐services.

Originality/value

The paper describes an original approach to representing conceptual structure of NL texts.
Expression of RUNX3 in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma: Implications for tumor progression and prognosis
Authors: He Jian‐Feng , Ge Ming‐Hua , Zhu Xin , Chen Chao , Tan Zhuo , Li Yi‐Ning , Gu Zhi‐Yuan
Published: April 2008

Runt‐related transcription factor‐3 (RUNX3), being a tumor suppressor gene in gastric cancer, plays an important role in inhibiting cellular growth by participating in the transforming growth factor‐β‐dependent apoptosis. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of RUNX3 in normal salivary glands and adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACCs), comparing the results with clinicopathological factors and patient survival. The quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis and Western blot analysis revealed the expression of RUNX3 both in normal salivary glands and ACCs. Nuclear and cytoplasmic immunoreactivities against RUNX3 in ductal luminal cells and acinous cells, but immunonegative in myoepithelial cells, were detected in normal salivary glands. In ACC, the RUNX3 immunostaining was shown in the cytoplasm of tumor cells; however, no nuclear location of RUNX3 was found. Lower RUNX3 expression showed significant correlation to distant metastasis and histological growth pattern (P = 0.009 and P = 0.025, respectively). On univariate analysis, low level of RUNX3 immunolabeling (P = 0.012), stage T4 (P = 0.017), lymph node involvement (P = 0.007), and distant metastasis (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with decreased overall survival. Multivariate analysis showed only distant metastasis had an independent prognostic effect on overall survival (P = 0.043). Our results demonstrate the expression of RUNX3 in normal salivary glands and salivary ACCs. The low level of RUNX3 protein in salivary ACCs might play a pivotal role in tumor progression and have prognostic values in ACCs. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 1334–1340)
The Arabidopsis GSQ5/DOG1 Cvi allele is induced by the ABA‐mediated sugar signalling pathway, and enhances sugar sensitivity by stimulating ABI4 expression
Authors: Teng Sheng , Rognoni Sara , Bentsink Leónie , Smeekens Sjef
Published: April 2008

ABI4 encodes an AP2 family transcription factor that is a central regulator in sugar responsive gene expression in plants. Sugar‐induced ABI4 regulates plant genes essential for photosynthesis, and carbon, nitrogen and lipid metabolism. ABI4 activity is induced via the ABA‐mediated sugar signalling pathway, which is initiated by the glucose sensing protein hexokinase. Natural variation in sugar sensitivity was used to identify new loci involved in sugar signalling. Five quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for glucose sensitivity (GSQ1–GSQ5) were identified in a Ler/Cvi recombinant inbred line (RIL) population. The GSQ3, GSQ4 and GSQ5 loci are positioned in regions not previously associated with known sugar‐sensing genes. GSQ5 was fine mapped and cloned using a candidate‐gene approach. The GSQ5 locus was shown to encode the DELAY OF GERMINATION 1 (DOG1) gene. DOG1 was previously identified as a major locus in seed dormancy control. Glucose addition induced the expression of the GSQ5/DOG1 Cvi allele, whereas the Ler and Col alleles did not respond to glucose. Positive feedback was observed between the ABA‐mediated sugar signalling pathway and the GSQ5/DOG1 Cvi allele. Expression of the GSQ5/DOG1 Cvi allele requires the ABA‐mediated sugar signalling pathway, of which ABI4 is an important component. In addition, sugar induction of ABI4 was promoted by the GSQ5/DOG1 Cvi allele.
The cytoplasmic‐localized, cytoskeletal‐associated RNA binding protein OsTudor‐SN: evidence for an essential role in storage protein RNA transport and localization
Authors: Wang Changlin , Washida Haruhiko , Crofts Andrew J. , Hamada Shigeki , Katsube‐Tanaka Tomoyuki , Kim Dongwook , Choi Sang‐Bong , Modi Mahendra , Singh Salvinder , Okita Thomas W.
Published: April 2008

Previous studies have demonstrated that the major storage protein RNAs found in the rice endosperm are transported as particles via actomyosin to specific subdomains of the cortical endoplasmic reticulum. In this study, we examined the potential role of OsTudor‐SN, a major cytoskeletal‐associated RNA binding protein, in RNA transport and localization. OsTudor‐SN molecules occur as high‐molecular‐weight forms, the integrity of which are sensitive to RNase. Immunoprecipitation followed by RT‐PCR showed that OsTudor‐SN binds prolamine and glutelin RNAs. Immunofluorescence studies using affinity‐purified antibodies show that OsTudor‐SNs exists as particles in the cytoplasm, and are distributed to both the protein body endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and cisternal ER. Examination of OsTudor‐SN particles in transgenic rice plants expressing GFP‐tagged prolamine RNA transport particles showed co‐localization of OsTudor‐SN and GFP, suggesting a role in RNA transport. Consistent with this view, GFP‐tagged OsTudor‐SN is observed in living endosperm sections as moving particles, a property inhibited by microfilament inhibitors. Downregulation of OsTudor‐SN by antisense and RNAi resulted in a decrease in steady state prolamine RNA and protein levels, and a reduction in the number of prolamine protein bodies. Collectively, these results show that OsTudor‐SN is a component of the RNA transport particle, and may control storage protein biosynthesis by regulating one or more processes leading to the transport, localization and anchoring of their RNAs to the cortical ER.
Region‐selective alterations of glucose oxidation and amino acid synthesis in the thiamine‐deficient rat brain: a re‐evaluation using 1H/13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Navarro Darren , Zwingmann Claudia , Butterworth Roger F.
Published: April 2008

Thiamine deficiency provides an effective model of selective neuronal cell death. 1H and 13C‐NMR was used to investigate the effects of thiamine deficiency on the synthesis of amino acids derived from [1‐13C]glucose in vulnerable (medial thalamus; MT) compared to non‐vulnerable (frontal cortex; FC) brain regions. Following 11 days of thiamine deficiency, a time‐point associated with the absence of significant neuronal cell death, regional concentrations of glutamate, glutamine and GABA remained unaffected in FC and MT; however, decreased levels of aspartate in MT at this time‐point were a predictor of regional vulnerability. De novo synthesis of glutamate and GABA were unaffected at 11 days of thiamine deficiency, while synthesis of [2‐13C]aspartate was significantly impaired. Glucose loading, which has been shown to exacerbate symptoms in patients with thiamine deficiency, resulted in further decreases of TCA cycle flux and reduced de novo synthesis of glutamate, aspartate and GABA in thiamine‐deficient (TD) rats. Isotopomer analysis revealed that impaired TCA cycle flux and decreased aspartate synthesis due to thiamine deficiency occurred principally in neurons. Glucose loading deteriorated TD‐related decreases in TCA cycle flux, and concomitantly reduced synthesis of aspartate and glutamate in MT.
FasL shedding is reduced by hypothermia in experimental stroke
Authors: Liu Liping , Kim Jong Youl , Koike Maya A. , Yoon Yone Jung , Tang Xian Nan , Ma Hualong , Lee Hokyou , Steinberg Gary K. , Lee Jong Eun , Yenari Midori A.
Published: April 2008

Protection by mild hypothermia has previously been associated with better mitochondrial preservation and suppression of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. It is also known that the brain may undergo apoptotic death via extrinsic, or receptor‐mediated pathways, such as that triggered by Fas/FasL. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats subjected to 2 h middle cerebral artery occlusion with 2 h intraischemic mild hypothermia (33°C) were assayed for Fas, FasL and caspase‐8 expression. Ischemia increased Fas, but decreased FasL by ∼ 50–60% at 6 and 24 h post‐insult. Mild hypothermia significantly reduced expression of Fas and processed caspase‐8 both by ∼ 50%, but prevented ischemia‐induced FasL decreases. Fractionation revealed that soluble/shed FasL (sFasL) was decreased by hypothermia, while membrane‐bound FasL (mFasL) increased. To more directly assess the significance of the Fas/FasL pathway in ischemic stroke, primary neuron cultures were exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation. Since FasL is cleaved by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and mild hypothermia decreases MMP expression, treatment with a pan‐MMP inhibitor also decreased sFasL. Thus, mild hypothermia is associated with reduced Fas expression and caspase‐8 activation. Hypothermia prevented total FasL decreases, and most of it remained membrane‐bound. These findings reveal new observations regarding the effect of mild hypothermia on the Fas/FasL and MMP systems.
Mechanisms of non‐steroid anti‐inflammatory drugs action on ASICs expressed in hippocampal interneurons
Authors: Dorofeeva Natalia A. , Barygin Oleg I. , Staruschenko Alexander , Bolshakov Konstantin V. , Magazanik Lev G.
Published: April 2008

The inhibitory action of non‐steroid anti‐inflammatory drugs was investigated on acid‐sensing ionic channels (ASIC) in isolated hippocampal interneurons and on recombinant ASICs expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Diclofenac and ibuprofen inhibited proton‐induced currents in hippocampal interneurons (IC50 were 622 ± 34 μM and 3.42 ± 0.50 mM, respectively). This non‐competitive effect was fast and fully reversible for both drugs. Aspirin and salicylic acid at 500 μM were ineffective. Diclofenac and ibuprofen decreased the amplitude of proton‐evoked currents and slowed the rates of current decay with a good correlation between these effects. Simultaneous application of acid solution and diclofenac was required for its inhibitory effect. Unlike amiloride, the action of diclofenac was voltage‐independent and no competition between two drugs was found. Analysis of the action of diclofenac and ibuprofen on activation and desensitization of ASICs showed that diclofenac but not ibuprofen shifted the steady‐state desensitization curve to more alkaline pH values. The reason for this shift was slowing down the recovery from desensitization of ASICs. Thus, diclofenac may serve as a neuroprotective agent during pathological conditions associated with acidification.
Spastin oligomerizes into a hexamer and the mutant spastin (E442Q) redistribute the wild‐type spastin into filamentous microtubule
Authors: Pantakani D. V. Krishna , Swapna Lakshmipuram S. , Srinivasan Narayanaswamy , Mannan Ashraf U.
Published: April 2008

Spastin, a member of the ATPases associated with various cellular activities (AAA) family of proteins, is the most frequently mutated in hereditary spastic paraplegia. The defining feature of the AAA proteins is a structurally conserved AAA domain which assembles into an oligomer. By chemical cross‐linking and gel filtration chromatography, we show that spastin oligomerizes into a hexamer. Furthermore, to gain a comprehensive overview of the oligomeric structure of spastin, we generated a structural model of the AAA domain of spastin using template structure of VPS4B and p97/VCP. The generated model of spastin provided us with a framework to classify the identified missense mutations in the AAA domain from hereditary spastic paraplegia patients into different structural/functional groups. Finally, through co‐localization studies in mammalian cells, we show that E442Q mutant spastin acts in a dominant negative fashion and causes redistribution of both wild‐type spastin monomer and spastin interacting protein, RTN1 into filamentous microtubule bundles.
High cholesterol‐induced neuroinflammation and amyloid precursor protein processing correlate with loss of working memory in mice
Authors: Thirumangalakudi Lakshmi , Prakasam Annamalai , Zhang Ran , Bimonte‐Nelson Heather , Sambamurti Kumar , Kindy Mark S. , Bhat Narayan R.
Published: April 2008

Recent findings suggest that hypercholesterolemia may contribute to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease‐like dementia but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we evaluated the cognitive performance in rodent models of hypercholesterolemia in relation to neuroinflammatory changes and amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing, the two key parameters of Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis. Groups of normal C57BL/6 and low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR)‐deficient mice were fed a high fat/cholesterol diet for an 8‐week period and tested for memory in a radial arm maze. It was found that the C57BL/6 mice receiving a high fat diet were deficient in handling an increasing working memory load compared with counterparts receiving a control diet while the hypercholesterolemic LDLR−/− mice showed impaired working memory regardless of diet. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the presence of activated microglia and astrocytes in the hippocampi from high fat‐fed C57BL/6 mice and LDLR−/− mice. Consistent with a neuroinflammatory response, the hyperlipidemic mice showed increased expression of cytokines/mediators including tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β and ‐6, nitric oxide synthase 2, and cycloxygenase 2. There was also an induced expression of the key APP processing enzyme i.e. β‐site APP cleaving enzyme 1 in both high fat/cholesterol‐fed C57BL/6 and LDLR−/− mice accompanied by an increased generation of C‐terminal fragments of APP. Although ELISA for beta‐amyloid failed to record significant changes in the non‐transgenic mice, a threefold increase in beta‐amyloid 40 accumulation was apparent in a strain of transgenic mice expressing wild‐type human APP on high fat/cholesterol diet. The findings link hypercholesterolemia with cognitive dysfunction potentially mediated by increased neuroinflammation and APP processing in a non‐transgenic mouse model.
Pre‐synaptic and post‐synaptic localization of EphA4 and EphB2 in adult mouse forebrain
Authors: Bouvier David , Corera Amadou T. , Tremblay Marie‐Ève , Riad Mustapha , Chagnon Miguel , Murai Keith K. , Pasquale Elena B. , Fon Edward A. , Doucet Guy
Published: April 2008

The ephrin receptors EphA4 and EphB2 have been implicated in synaptogenesis and long‐term potentiation in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, where they are generally viewed as post‐synaptic receptors. To determine the precise distribution of EphA4 and EphB2 in mature brain synapses, we used subcellular fractionation and electron microscopy to examine the adult mouse forebrain/midbrain. EphA4 and EphB2 were both enriched in microsomes and synaptosomes. In synaptosomes, they were present in the membrane and the synaptic vesicle fractions. While EphA4 was tightly associated with PSD‐95‐enriched post‐synaptic density fractions, EphB2 was easily extracted with detergents. In contrast, both receptors were found in the pre‐synaptic active zone fraction. By electron microscopy, EphA4 was mainly detected in axon terminals, whereas EphB2 was more frequently detected in large dendritic shafts, in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. However, in the ventrobasal thalamus, EphB2 was detected most frequently in axon terminals and thin dendritic shafts. The localization of EphA4 and EphB2 in multiple compartments of neurons and synaptic junctions suggests that they interact with several distinct scaffolding proteins and play diverse roles at synapses.
Altered expression of key dopaminergic regulatory proteins in the postnatal brain following perinatal n‐3 fatty acid dietary deficiency
Authors: Kuperstein Faina , Eilam Raya , Yavin Ephrain
Published: April 2008

The consequences of maternal linolenic acid (LNA, 18:3n‐3) dietary deficiency on key dopamine (DA)‐associated regulatory proteins in mesolimbic and mesocortical structures of the postnatal rat brain have been investigated. A marked (4.5‐fold) decrease of the DA‐synthesizing enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase accompanied by a down‐regulation (approx 7.5‐fold) of the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT‐2) and a depletion of VMAT‐associated vesicles in the hippocampus were observed in deficient offspring compared with adequately fed controls. The DA transporter (DAT) was not affected by the LNA deficiency indicative of a DAT/VMAT‐2 ratio increase that may enhance the risk of damage of the dopaminergic (DAergic) terminal. A robust increase in DA receptor (DAR1 and DAR2) levels was noticed in the cortex and striatum structures possibly to compensate for the low levels of DA in synaptic clefts. Microglia activation characterized by enhanced levels of ED1 antibody and nuclear internalization of p65 NFκB was noticed following LNA deficiency. Diminished levels of 22:6n‐3 docosahexaenoic acid (Schiefermeier and Yavin 2002), the most ubiquitous metabolite generated by LNA is proposed to reduce the anti‐oxidant arsenal in the developing brain and cause microglia activation and enhanced oxidative stress to increase the risk of certain DA‐associated neurological disorders.
Intra‐neural administration of fractalkine attenuates neuropathic pain‐related behaviour
Authors: Holmes Fiona E. , Arnott Nighat , Vanderplank Penny , Kerr Niall C. H. , Longbrake Erin E. , Popovich Philip G. , Imai Toshio , Combadière Christophe , Murphy Philip M. , Wynick David
Published: April 2008

There is increasing evidence that a number of cytokines and their receptors are involved in the processes that lead to the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain states. Here we demonstrate that levels of CX3CR1 (the receptor for the chemokine fractalkine) mRNA in lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRG) increase 5.8‐fold 7 days after sciatic nerve axotomy, and 1.7‐ and 2.9‐fold, 3 and 7 days respectively, after the spared nerve injury (SNI) model of neuropathic pain. In contrast, no significant change in the levels of fractalkine mRNA is apparent in the DRG after axotomy or SNI. The increase in CX3CR1 mRNA is paralleled by a 3.9‐ and 2.1‐fold increase in the number of CX3CR1‐positive macrophages in the DRG 7 days after axotomy and SNI, respectively. Expression of CX3CR1 in macrophages is also markedly increased in the sciatic nerve proximal to site of injury, by 25.7‐fold after axotomy and 16.2‐fold after SNI, 7 days after injury. Intra‐neural injection into the sciatic nerve of 400 ng or 100 ng of fractalkine in adult 129OlaHsd mice significantly delayed the development of allodynia for 3 days following SNI. Further, CX3CR1 knockout (KO) mice display an increase in allodynia for three weeks after SNI compared to strain‐matched Balb/c controls. Taken together, these results suggest an anti‐allodynic role for fractalkine and its receptor in the mouse.