bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Body Mass Index, Midwifery Intrapartum Care, and Childbirth Lacerations
Authors: Albers Leah L. , Greulich Betsy , Peralta Patricia
Published: June 2006

Weight status is an important determinant of many health indices. Data from a clinical trial on measures to lower genital tract trauma in vaginal birth were used for a secondary analysis. The goal was to describe the relationship of body mass index and pregnancy weight gain to clinical intrapartum care, infant birthweight, and genital tract trauma with vaginal birth. Intrapartum care measures and labor events did not vary by maternal weight status. Overweight and obese women were more likely to be parous, and Hispanic or American Indian. Total pregnancy weight gain decreased, and infant birthweight increased as body mass index category increased. Obese women who gained 40 or more pounds during pregnancy had elevated rates of macrosomia and genital tract lacerations.
NATIONAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY OR INTELLECTUAL ARROGANCE? THE CURRENT ATTITUDE OF AMERICAN COURTS TOWARDS FOREIGN LAW
Authors: Markesinis Sir Basil
Published: June 2006

DURING the 19th century American law (as, indeed, English law) was open to foreign influences. Foreign creativity was welcomed, not seen as an attempt to interfere with American values and life by telling them how to ordain their affairs. English statutes, mainly on matters of private law, would thus reach the westward expanding United States with a jet lag of anything between 10 and 20 years. Decisions of the highest English courts would also be followed, within about the same period of time, unless local conditions made their adoption undesirable. Occasionally and increasingly local courts also developed the courage to challenge the wisdom of the progenitor system, displaying not only growing intellectual confidence in their own, but also showing the flexibility that is found in societies which have the mixed blessing of a shorter tradition; but when they did so, they invariably felt the need to explain why they chose to go down another path. The reasons given for distinguishing or rejecting the parent model were often informative about both systems. American courts were thus among the first which would allude openly to the policy reasons which dictated their results.
RELATIVITY OF TITLE AT LAW AND IN EQUITY
Authors: Fox David
Published: June 2006

THE relativity of titles to land is a fundamental feature of property holding in the common law system. It is treated as one of the features that distinguishes it from civilian systems of property holding and proves the pragmatic stuff from which the common law is made.
DO NO HARM—DO PATIENTS HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES TOO?
Authors: Brazier Margaret
Published: June 2006

TOWARDS the end of his judgment in R. v. Collins and Ashworth Hospital Authority ex p. Brady,Kay J. (as he then was) delivered the following homily: it would seem to me a matter of deep regret if the law has developed to a point in this area where the rights of a patient count for everything and other ethical values and institutional integrity count for nothing.
THE CREATION OF PUBLIC SPACES BY WOMEN IN THE EARLY MEIJI PERIOD AND THE TŌKYŌ FUJIN KYŌFŪKAI
Authors: Patessio Mara
Published: June 2006

Other than a few remarkable exceptions, and because of their lack of social, educational, and political rights, women of the early Meiji period (1868–1890) have often been regarded as powerless actors in the formation and expansion of the bourgeoning Japanese public sphere. Following the research that feminist scholars have developed over the past twenty years on the redefinition of Jürgen Habermas' concepts of “public” and “private” in relation to Western women's lives, I would like to demonstrate how, even when lacking the possibility of changing their lives, some groups of Japanese women during the 1880s were nevertheless able to gather together, bring forth demands in public settings, and make public topics of discussion that had hither to been considered unworthy of public debate and pertaining only to the private lives of Japanese male citizens. In order to do so, I will take into consideration some of the activities organized by the women belonging to the Tōkyō Fujin Kyōfūkai, the Japanese branch of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (W.C.T.U.).
THE CONTINUING CONCLUSION TO THE PACIFIC WAR: SAMUEL YAMASHITA'S LEAVES FROM AN AUTUMN OF EMERGENCIES
Authors: Astley Ian
Published: June 2006

Samuel Hideo Yamashita. Leaves from an Autumn of Emergencies: Selections from the Wartime
Diaries of Ordinary Japanese. Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press, 2005; pp. xi + 331.
Biological versus nonbiological older brothers and men’s sexual orientation
Authors: Bogaert Anthony F.
Published: June 2006

The most consistent biodemographic correlate of sexual orientation in men is the number of older brothers (fraternal birth order). The mechanism underlying this effect remains unknown. In this article, I provide a direct test pitting prenatal against postnatal (e.g., social/rearing) mechanisms. Four samples of homosexual and heterosexual men (total
n
= 944), including one sample of men raised in nonbiological and blended families (e.g., raised with half- or step-siblings or as adoptees) were studied. Only biological older brothers, and not any other sibling characteristic, including nonbiological older brothers, predicted men’s sexual orientation, regardless of the amount of time reared with these siblings. These results strongly suggest a prenatal origin to the fraternal birth-order effect.
The dominant role of CD8+dendritic cells in cross-presentation is not dictated by antigen capture
Authors: Schnorrer Petra , Behrens Georg M. N. , Wilson Nicholas S. , Pooley Joanne L. , Smith Christopher M. , El-Sukkari Dima , Davey Gayle , Kupresanin Fiona , Li Ming , Maraskovsky Eugene , Belz Gabrielle T. , Carbone Francis R. , Shortman Ken , Heath William R. , Villadangos Jose A.
Published: June 2006

Mouse spleens contain three populations of conventional (CD11chigh) dendritic cells (DCs) that play distinct functions. The CD8+DC are unique in that they can present exogenous antigens on their MHC class I molecules, a process known as cross-presentation. It is unclear whether this special ability is because only the CD8+DC can capture the antigens used in cross-presentation assays, or because this is the only DC population that possesses specialized machinery for cross-presentation. To solve this important question we examined the splenic DC subsets for their ability to both present via MHC class II molecules and cross-present via MHC class I using four different forms of the model antigen ovalbumin (OVA). These forms include a cell-associated form, a soluble form, OVA expressed in bacteria, or OVA bound to latex beads. With the exception of bacterial antigen, which was poorly cross-presented by all DC, all antigenic forms were cross-presented much more efficiently by the CD8+DC. This pattern could not be attributed simply to a difference in antigen capture because all DC subsets presented the antigen via MHC class II. Indeed, direct assessments of endocytosis showed that CD8+and CD8−DC captured comparable amounts of soluble and bead-associated antigen, yet only the CD8+DC cross-presented these antigenic forms. Our results indicate that cross-presentation requires specialized machinery that is expressed by CD8+DC but largely absent from CD8−DC. This conclusion has important implications for the design of vaccination strategies based on antigen targeting to DC.
Loss of hepatic NF-κB activity enhances chemical hepatocarcinogenesis through sustained c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 activation
Authors: Sakurai Toshiharu , Maeda Shin , Chang Lufen , Karin Michael
Published: June 2006

A major link between inflammation and cancer is provided by NF-κB transcription factors.IkkβΔhepmice, which specifically lack IκB kinase β (IKKβ), an activator of NF-κB, in hepatocytes, are unable to activate NF-κB in response to proinflammatory stimuli, such as TNF-α. Surprisingly,IkkβΔhepmice are hypersusceptible to diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Because defective NF-κB activation promotes sustained c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation in cells exposed to TNF-α, whose expression is induced by DEN, and JNK activity is required for normal hepatocyte proliferation, we examined whether increased susceptibility to DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenesis inIkkβΔhepmice requires JNK activation. Hepatocytes express both JNK1 and JNK2, but previous studies indicate that JNK1 is more important for hepatocyte proliferation. We therefore investigated this hypothesis using mice homozygous for a JNK1 deficiency either in wild-type orIkkβΔhepbackgrounds. In both cases, mice lacking JNK1 were much less susceptible to DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. This impaired tumorigenesis correlated with decreased expression of cyclin D and vascular endothelial growth factor, diminished cell proliferation, and reduced tumor neovascularization. Whereas hepatocyte-specific deletion of IKKβ augmented DEN-induced hepatocyte death and cytokine-driven compensatory proliferation, disruption of JNK1 abrogated this response. In addition to underscoring the importance of JNK1-mediated hepatocyte death and compensatory proliferation, these results strongly suggest that the control of tissue renewal through the IKK and JNK pathways plays a key role in liver carcinogenesis.
Translocation of Endothelial Nitric-Oxide Synthase Involves a Ternary Complex with Caveolin-1 and NOSTRIN
Authors: Schilling Kirstin , Opitz Nils , Wiesenthal Anja , Oess Stefanie , Tikkanen Ritva , Müller-Esterl Werner , Icking Ann
Published: June 2006

Recently, we characterized a novel endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS)-interacting protein, NOSTRIN (for eNOS-trafficking inducer), which decreases eNOS activity upon overexpression and induces translocation of eNOS away from the plasma membrane. Here, we show that NOSTRIN directly binds to caveolin-1, a well-established inhibitor of eNOS. Because this interaction occurs between the N terminus of caveolin (positions 1–61) and the central domain of NOSTRIN (positions 323–434), it allows for independent binding of each of the two proteins to eNOS. Consistently, we were able to demonstrate the existence of a ternary complex of NOSTRIN, eNOS, and caveolin-1 in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-eNOS cells. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), the ternary complex assembles at the plasma membrane upon confluence or thrombin stimulation. In CHO-eNOS cells, NOSTRIN-mediated translocation of eNOS involves caveolin in a process most likely representing caveolar trafficking. Accordingly, trafficking of NOSTRIN/eNOS/caveolin is affected by altering the state of actin filaments or cholesterol levels in the plasma membrane. During caveolar trafficking, NOSTRIN functions as an adaptor to recruit mediators such as dynamin-2 essential for membrane fission. We propose that a ternary complex between NOSTRIN, caveolin-1, and eNOS mediates translocation of eNOS, with important implications for the activity and availability of eNOS in the cell.
Sir2 Represses Endogenous Polymerase II Transcription Units in the Ribosomal DNA Nontranscribed Spacer
Authors: Li Chonghua , Mueller John E. , Bryk Mary
Published: June 2006

Silencing at the rDNA, HM loci, and telomeres in Saccharomyces cerevisiae requires histone-modifying enzymes to create chromatin domains that are refractory to recombination and RNA polymerase II transcription machineries. To explore how the silencing factor Sir2 regulates the composition and function of chromatin at the rDNA, the association of histones and RNA polymerase II with the rDNA was measured by chromatin immunoprecipitation. We found that Sir2 regulates not only the levels of K4-methylated histone H3 at the rDNA but also the levels of total histone H3 and RNA polymerase II. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that the ability of Sir2 to limit methylated histones at the rDNA requires its deacetylase activity. In sir2Δ cells, high levels of K4-trimethylated H3 at the rDNA nontranscribed spacer are associated with the expression of transcription units in the nontranscribed spacer by RNA polymerase II and with previously undetected alterations in chromatin structure. Together, these data suggest a model where the deacetylase activity of Sir2 prevents euchromatinization of the rDNA and silences naturally occurring intergenic transcription units whose expression has been associated with disruption of cohesion complexes and repeat amplification at the rDNA.
Nuclear Localization of PTEN by a Ran-dependent Mechanism Enhances Apoptosis: Involvement of an N-Terminal Nuclear Localization Domain and Multiple Nuclear Exclusion Motifs
Authors: Gil Anabel , Andrés-Pons Amparo , Fernández Elena , Valiente Miguel , Torres Josema , Cervera Javier , Pulido Rafael
Published: June 2006

The targeting of the tumor suppressor PTEN protein to distinct subcellular compartments is a major regulatory mechanism of PTEN function, by controlling its access to substrates and effector proteins. Here, we investigated the molecular basis and functional consequences of PTEN nuclear/cytoplasmic distribution. PTEN accumulated in the nucleus of cells treated with apoptotic stimuli. Nuclear accumulation of PTEN was enhanced by mutations targeting motifs in distinct PTEN domains, and it was dependent on an N-terminal nuclear localization domain. Coexpression of a dominant negative Ran GTPase protein blocked PTEN accumulation in the nucleus, which was also affected by coexpression of importin α proteins. The lipid- and protein-phosphatase activity of PTEN differentially modulated PTEN nuclear accumulation. Furthermore, catalytically active nuclear PTEN enhanced cell apoptotic responses. Our findings indicate that multiple nuclear exclusion motifs and a nuclear localization domain control PTEN nuclear localization by a Ran-dependent mechanism and suggest a proapoptotic role for PTEN in the cell nucleus.
Industrial relations climate and staff attitudes in the fire service: a case of union renewal?
Authors: Redman Tom , Snape Ed
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the evidence for trade union renewal in the UK fire service. Its aim is to consider two main questions: “How have union‐management relations and the industrial relations climate been affected by management reforms?” and “To the extent that there is deterioration in the IR climate, has this had an effect on union leadership style and also on union commitment and participation amongst ordinary members?”

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on interviews with managers and union representatives and a survey of firefighters in the north of England.

Findings

The research finds that a marked deterioration in the industrial relations climate led to changes in union leadership and to an increase in union commitment and participation amongst ordinary members. The poor climate created the conditions for union renewal by bringing forward union activists with more inclusive styles and by raising membership awareness of the need to vigorously defend their existing terms and conditions.

Research limitations/implications

There is a research gap in the industrial relations literature on how industrial relations climate impacts on the renewal of workplace trade unionism.

Originality/value

This paper helps to fill the research gap in the industrial relations literature on how industrial relations climate impacts on the renewal of workplace trade unionism.
Equal opportunity and diversity management meet downsizing
Authors: Bajawa Asma , Woodall Jean
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on case study research of employment downsizing and the implications for equal opportunity and diversity management conducted in the UK airline industry during 2002/2003.

Design/methodology/approach

Review of literature on downsizing and equal opportunity and diversity management followed by identification of a number of research questions which are answered with reference to secondary analysis of labour market data and interviews with key informants from senior management and line management.

Findings

A planned approach to downsizing had been adopted that was strongly influenced by the human resources function in terms of equal opportunity and diversity management. An adverse impact on different employee groups had been avoided in order to sustain the diversity of the workforce.

Research limitations/implications

The research focuses on the management of downsizing and equal opportunity and diversity management. It addresses the perceptions of managers involved in developing and implementing policy, but does not examine the perceptions of other employees.

Practical implications

There are some reflections on ways in which equal opportunity and diversity management policy might adapt to organisational change and downsizing.

Originality/value

This paper brings together two scholarly debates on downsizing and equal opportunity and diversity management, and provides case study evidence of how an equal opportunity and diversity management agenda is implemented during organisational restructuring and downsizing.
On establishing the core competency identifying model
Authors: Yang Bai‐Chuan , Wu Bing‐Eng , Shu Pei‐Gi , Yang Ming‐Hsien
Published: June 2006

Purpose

This research intends to establish a model integrating the related theories in strategy management and competency in the HRM field, and to develop a systematic tool that can help a company quickly and precisely identify its core competency.

Design/methodology/approach

An internal value activity chain is obtained through analyzing customers' needs. The priority of the activities is then determined via examining external factors. The critical competency needed by the activity is abstracted from a process and operation analysis. Standardized procedures and tools for applying the Process Oriented Core Competency Identification (POCCI) model are sequentially deployed.

Findings

An empirical case was illustrated that the POCCI model not only helps a company identify the core competency that prevails over alternative approaches but also draws more recognition from the raters. The linkage between individual competency and organizational competitive advantage was solidified by the POCCI model and evidenced by an empirical case.

Research limitations/implications

Misunderstanding over competency items might impede the consensus formation. A handbook of standardized procedures with unified definition is strongly suggested to facilitate the progression of competency identification.

Practical implications

The model, procedures and tools proposed in this paper can help most companies quickly and precisely identify their specific core competencies.

Originality/value

The POCCI model that emphasizes interdisciplinary integration and practical usage has never been thoroughly investigated in the previous literature and could serve as a prototype for further explorations.
Enhancing business networks using social network based virtual communities
Authors: Lea Bih‐Ru , Yu Wen‐Bin , Maguluru Nisha , Nichols Michael
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To enhance an entrepreneur's business network through the integration of the social network concepts and design principles of virtual communities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study documents the design and initial deployment of a virtual community case, Innovation Information Infrastructure, based on social network concepts.

Findings

Basic design principles, deployment strategy, and future directions for social network‐based virtual communities are presented.

Research limitations/implications

Because of resource and time constraints, only basic content service, communication tools, and transaction functions were implemented in the initial deployment. Future extensions of this study may include development of a personalized and intelligent information retrieval system utilizing data mining techniques, development of advanced communication features to promote active participation, and creation of automatic social network‐tracking tools to monitor an individual's network evolution.

Practical implications

Sample designs are provided for researchers who are interested in conducting a similar study.

Originality/value

This study serves as a starting‐point for how theories from social network and virtual community research streams can be applied in creating a virtual community that facilitates transformation of knowledge into products and services, which in turn lead to greater economic prosperity.
Legitimising quality principles through critical incidents in organisational development
Authors: McAdam Rodney , Hazlett Shirley‐Ann , Henderson Joan
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to analyse how critical incidents or organisational crises can be used to check and legitimise quality management change efforts in relation to the fundamental principles of quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple case studies analyse critical incidents that demonstrate the importance of legitimisation, normative evaluation and conflict constructs in this process. A theoretical framework composed of these constructs is used to guide the analysis.

Findings

The cases show that the critical incidents leading to the legitimisation of continuous improvement (CI) were diverse. However all resulted in the need for significant ongoing cost reduction to achieve or retain competitiveness. In addition, attempts at legitimising CI were coupled with attempts at destabilising the existing normative practice. This destabilisation process, in some cases, advocated supplementing the existing approaches and in others replacing them. In all cases, significant conflict arose in these legitimising and normative evaluation processes.

Research limitations/implications

It is suggested that further research could involve a critical analysis of existing quality models, tools and techniques in relation to how they incorporate, and are built upon, fundamental quality management principles. Furthermore, such studies could probe the dangers of quality curriculum becoming divorced from business and market reality and thus creating a parallel existence.

Practical implications

As demonstrated by the case studies, models, tools and techniques are not valued for their intrinsic value but rather for what they will contribute to addressing the business needs. Thus, in addition to being an opportunity for quality management, critical incidents present a challenge to the field. Quality management must be shown to make a contribution in these circumstances.

Originality/value

This paper is of value to both academics and practitioners.
Using a knowledge management approach to support quality costing
Authors: Eldridge Steve , Balubaid Mohammed , Barber Kevin D.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine the difficulties associated with quality costing and propose a solution based upon the use of knowledge management techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

A widely available software tool is used to create a quality costing ontology based upon the prevention appraisal failure classification of quality costs. This ontology is used for the collection, processing, sharing and use of quality cost‐related knowledge. The ontology was evaluated using case study data and compared with conventional approaches to quality costing.

Findings

The quality costing ontology is easier and more efficient than conventional quality costing methods. It has greater capability in terms of the analysis and use of quality costing knowledge and overcomes the barriers to quality costing due to poor understanding and awareness.

Research limitations/implications

The quality costing ontology provides a platform for researchers to investigate quality cost behaviour within a well‐structured environment. The use of alternative classifications to prevention appraisal failure in the ontology need to be investigated further.

Practical implications

Traditionally, training and education have been used to rectify poor understanding and awareness of quality costs but with limited success. The quality cost ontology provides an alternative solution that uses knowledge management (KM) technology and is based on information systems.

Originality/value

The authors could find no research or published paper that has discussed the role of KM in quality costing.
The view from the trenches: an interview with Harvey Seifter and Tim Stockil
Authors: Bartelme Lois
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the viewpoints of two leaders in bridging the world of the arts and the world of business in order to enhance organizational success. Harvey Seifter from the Arts and Business Council and Tim Stockil, formerly a director of Creative Development for Arts & Business in the UK, discuss the history, development and current status of the relationships between businesspeople and artists.

Design/methodology/approach

The author conducted separate interviews with Seifter and Stockil and summarizes their perspectives.

Findings

The relationship between business and arts has changed from business sponsorship of the arts to include the application of knowledge and expertise in the creative process to the solutions of business problems. The scope of artistic skills and arts‐based applications is wide ranging and impacts culture change in organizations. The interviewees explain how skills utilized by artists such as team building, feedback and rehearsing contribute to success. They examine the barriers, such as concern for ROI and risk avoidance, impacting the transference of artistic knowledge to business endeavors. Stockil and Seifter conclude by examining the role of creativity in shaping the future of business.

Practical implications

The paper should be of interest to corporate executives, organizational development professionals and human performance improvement specialists who are seeking new approaches to solving workplace issues.

Originality/value

This paper describes insights from two of the primary leaders in building bridges between business and the arts. It provides descriptions and case studies that illustrate the creative application of artistic skills and processes to solving organizational problems.
Mapping and assessing the key management issues influencing UK public healthcare purchaser‐provider cooperation
Authors: Carruthers Janet , Ashill Nicholas J. , Rod Michel
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose is to examine the bases of positive relations between suppliers and purchasers of healthcare services. In doing so, the paper examines the nature of cooperation between the providers of healthcare services (hospitals) and those who commission and purchase healthcare on behalf of patients (regional health authorities).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a qualitative interview approach for gathering and analysing major stakeholder (provider and purchaser) perceptions of their interorganisational relations and how these interactions impact on the quest of the healthcare provider to meet the needs of the community they serve.

Findings

The paper identifies group relevant variables into four major themes or “core categories” that characterise purchaser‐provider stakeholder cooperation. These themes represent provider and purchaser views on those factors characterising stakeholder relationships within the purchaser‐provider dyad.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that extending practitioners' understanding of the nature of these interrelated factors may lead to better insights of how interorganisational relations and partnerships might be managed more proactively throughout the healthcare value chain.

Originality/value

In the extant literature, there is a paucity of research that has illustrated multi‐stakeholder perspectives in the public sector. This paper explores the perceptions of two main stakeholders in public healthcare to map and assess management issues influencing purchaser‐provider cooperation.
How do we count our chickens? Or do citation counts count?
Authors: Gorman G.E.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

This issue aims to look into the subject of citation counts and whether they have an impact on the articles being cited.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses Selgens list of citations that have been counted within such areas as: review articles, long articles, short publications and research fields as an example.

Findings

Finds that citation counts and impact factors can be easily manipulated.

Originality/value

Gives a strong view to a controversial subject.
E‐mentoring: solving the issue of mentoring across distances
Authors: Hunt Kevin
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To show how e mentoring can be used.

Design

The article quotes case evidence on the value of e mentoring.

Findings

E mentoring can be an effective mode and does not suffer from as many problems as some would imagine

Practical implications

E mentoring can be used in organizations as an effective development approach

Originality/value

Very little has been written about e mentoring and this article is a useful addition to the literature.
IT excellence starts with governance
Authors: Robinson Nick
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To explain how information technology (IT) governance enables an organization to achieve three vital objectives: regulatory and legal compliance, operational excellence, and optimal risk management.

Design/methodology/approach

Describes the role in IT governance of functions such as value creation (distilling company's mission and strategic direction into business needs for IT applications), value delivery (formal project management methodology and system development life cycle), value preservation (integrated control and risk management program), resource management, performance management (capability maturity model, balanced scorecard, Six Sigma), and oversight. Describes governance frameworks such as COBIT, ITIL, and ISO/IEC 17799: 2000. Offers advice on getting started.

Findings

When governance is effective, IT becomes a valued asset, inseparable from the business and regarded as an asset, not a cost.

Originality/value

Helps a compliance officer think about the connection between effective IT and compliance systems.
State of New York versus ten investment banks
Authors: Ng Chee
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To test and compare how the value of ten major investment banking firms was affected by the announcement in April 2002 of an investigation by the New York State Attorney General's office and by the announcement of a settlement between the Attorney‐General's office and the indicted firms in December 2002.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents a hypothesis that the defendant firms would experience greater negative returns on the announcement day than on the settlement day, describes method of data collection and analysis, and draws conclusions from the results.

Findings

Announcement of the anti‐fraud investigation was more value‐depleting than announcement of the punitive settlement. The decline in the defendant banks’ share prices over the following year was correlated with the amounts of their punitive settlements.

Originality/value

While primarily a corporate finance study comparing the effects of the announcement of the investigation and of the final settlement on the securities firms’ share prices, also shows how the alleged infractions affected the firms’ shareholder values.
Low cost compliance technology being used to implement new SEC and FSA regulations governing “soft dollars”
Authors: Saluzzi Joseph
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To explain that, unlike with Sarbanes‐Oxley, relatively low‐cost technologies and procedures are becoming widely accepted for helping institutional money managers and hedge funds to comply with reforms to increase the transparency, documentation, and justification of “soft dollars”. Soft dollars are commissions that money managers pay to brokerage firms above and beyond actual trading execution costs.

Design/methodology/approach

The article examines two such technologies by surveying different offerings and reviewing in detail market‐leading systems. The first technology examined is trade‐idea communication and management systems, which capture and analyze quantitative information about equity‐trade ideas. The second technology is broker review systems, which capture and analyze qualitative information on proprietary brokerage and research services. Both trade ideas and proprietary brokerage services are paid for through soft dollars and generate approximately 50 percent of an estimated $18 billion in annual brokerage commissions for Wall Street.

Findings

There are three primary reasons why these technologies and procedures cost much less than those used to enforce Sarbanes‐Oxley. Technologically, they have features that keep costs low, encourage use, facilitate customization and leverage existing data. Operationally, they automate practices already in place, capturing lost value and generating important management information. From a regulatory point of view, they do not require the documentation and testing of controls in advance, as Sarbanes‐Oxley does – procedures that can only be defensively accomplished by outside auditors and attorneys. Instead, money managers are being asked to capture and evaluate management information, which, in turn, they are using to increase productivity.

Originality/value

Rather than avoiding soft dollars for fear of the regulatory overhead, or developing complicated and expensive legalistic procedures, institutional money managers and hedge funds are using relatively low cost technology to enforce “soft dollar” compliance. At the same time, they are generating valuable management information that is helping them to become more productive.
The impact of ERP systems on firm and business process performance
Authors: Wieder Bernhard , Booth Peter , Matolcsy Zoltan P. , Ossimitz Maria‐Luise
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide further insights into the adoption of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and the impacts on organisational performance. It aims at challenging existing claims of ERP vendors with regard to the benefits of their products and at providing evidence of the benefits of bundling ERPS with supply chain management systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted to collect data on several aspects of organisational performance in companies that adopted ERPS and/or SCMS and the respective control groups. Financial key performance indicators were used to measure overall firm performance and the supply‐chain operations reference model to operationalise performance at the business process (supply chain) level.

Findings

The key results contradict the claims of ERPS vendors insofar as no significant performance differences were found between ERPS adopters and non‐adopters, either at the business process level, or at the overall firm level. While it could be confirmed that the longer the experience of firms with ERPS, the higher their overall performance, no evidence was found of a similar effect on business process (supply chain) performance. Only those ERPS adopters that also adopted SCMS achieved significantly higher performance at the business process level.

Originality/value

Despite the small size of the SCMS user sample, the results do provide some important insights into the relationships between ERPS, SCMS and performance which might encourage both researchers and practitioners in that field to critically reflect on the “optimal” mix of modules and software packages within increasingly diverse forms of enterprise systems.
Enterprise resource planning systems, strategic enterprise management systems and management accounting
Authors: Rom Anders , Rohde Carsten
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the body of knowledge about to what extent integrated information systems, such as ERP and SEM systems, affect the ability to solve different management accounting tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationship between IIS and management accounting practices was investigated quantitatively. A total of 349 responses were collected using a survey, and the data were analysed using linear regression models.

Findings

Analyses indicate that ERP systems support the data collection and the organisational breadth of management accounting better than SEM systems. SEM systems, on the other hand, seem to be better at supporting reporting and analysis. In addition, modern management accounting techniques involving the use of non‐financial data are better supported by an SEM system. This indicates that different management accounting tasks are supported by different parts of the IIS.

Research limitations/implications

The study applies the methods of quantitative research. Thus, the internal validity is threatened. Conducting in‐depth studies might be able to reduce this possible shortcoming.

Practical implications

On the basis of the findings, there is a need to consider the potential of closer integration of ERP and SEM systems in order to solve management accounting tasks.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the limited body of knowledge about the relationship between IIS and management accounting practices.
Enterprise systems implementation and accounting benefits
Authors: Spathis Charalambos
Published: June 2006

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the accounting benefits involved in adopting enterprise systems, but also to comprehend the underlying causes that motivate their adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents evidence from a survey of 73 companies which implemented ES on the related benefits to their accounting information provision and practices.

Findings

Empirical evidence confirms a number of benefits derived from the application of ES that focus on the following dimensions: organisation, operations, management and IT infrastructure. These benefits are related both to the reasons leading to the implementation of ES and to the relevant selection of ES modules.

Originality/value

The corresponding results from this survey can then be used as a basis for establishing the best approach in order to fully exploit the potential of future ES applications in accounting practice.
How technological capability influences business performance
Authors: Wang Yonggui , Lo Hing‐Po , Zhang Quan , Xue Youzhi
Published: June 2006

Purpose

This study seeks to address three research questions: how technology capability impact business performance? Does the linkage between technology capability and business performance depend on specific contexts? Why do some high‐tech firms of strong technological capability fail?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on various theoretical perspectives to develop hypotheses that propose a direct relationship between technological capability and business performance (both new product development and overall business performance), the mediating role of customer value, the possible moderating effects of business environment and other important contingent factors such as learning orientation. A conceptual framework is devised and tested that examines these relationships in general and in various contexts, which is believed more important and useful for firms to manage their technological capability more effectively.

Findings

Findings from high‐tech firms in China confirm the validity of the framework and afford various insights on the role of various contingent factors in the proposed relationships.

Originality/value

The paper provides a framework that examines companies' technological capability relationships.
Mercaptobenzothiazole or the mercapto‐mix: which should be in the standard series?
Authors: Diepgen Thomas L. , Bruynzeel Derk P. , Andersen Klaus E. , Brandão Francisco M. , Bruze Magnus , Gonçalo Margarida , Goossens An , Lahti Arto , Mahler Vera , Menné Torkil , White Ian R. , Wilkinson John D. ,   the European Environmental Contact Dermatitis Research Group (EECDRG)
Published: June 2006

Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) compounds are well known contact allergens. To detect rubber allergic patients we use both MBT (2% in petrolatum) and a mercapto‐mix with 4 constituents of 0.5% each in our standard series. In this article the EECDRG presents data of in total 32 475 consecutive tested patients attending the respective contact dermatitis clinics from 11 centres in Europe to determine if the mix and MBT detected the same allergic patients. We found 327 patients positive to the mix or MBT, or to both. 261 were positive to the mix and 254 to MBT. MBT was negative in 73 patients who were positive to the mix. If the mix had not been in the standard series, on average 22% of patients allergic to a mercapto‐compound would have been missed, for MBT this would have been on average 20%. All clinics would have missed a significant number of positive reactions if both compounds had not been tested. We conclude, that both the mercapto mix and MBT are required in the standard series.
Acute irritant contact dermatitis due to Juglans regia
Authors: Neri Iria , Bianchi Federica , Giacomini Federica , Patrizi Annalisa
Published: June 2006

Juglone is the active ingredient of the green flesh of walnuts and is known to be a strong irritant. We report the first two paediatric cases of contact pigmentation and acute irritant contact dermatitis due to the juice of green walnut husks in two young nursery‐school playmates.
Inhibition of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma activity in esophageal carcinoma cells results in a drastic decrease of invasive properties
Authors: Takahashi Hirokazu , Fujita Kouji , Fujisawa Toshio , Yonemitsu Kyoko , Tomimoto Ayako , Ikeda Ikuko , Yoneda Masato , Masuda Tomotaka , Schaefer Katherine , Saubermann Lawrence J , Shimamura Takeshi , Saitoh Satoru , Tachibana Masashi , Wada Koichiro , Nakagama Hitoshi , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: June 2006

Esophageal cancer is difficult to treat because of its rapid progression, and more effective therapeutic approaches are needed. The PPARγ is a nuclear receptor superfamily member that is expressed in many cancers. PPARγ expression is a feature of esophageal cancer cell lines, and in the present investigation, the PPARγ antagonists T0070907 and GW9662 could induce loss of invasion but could not induce growth reduction or apoptosis at low concentrations (<10 mM). A high concentration of antagonists (50 µM) inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis, but these effects did not explain our result at the low concentration. Morphological change, decreased expression of the cell signaling pathway and inhibition of cancer cell invasion were observed in the low concentration. This suggested that PPARγ antagonists inhibited esophageal cancer cell invasion as well as cell adherence, most likely due to alteration in the FAK–MAPK pathway, and this was independent of apoptosis. These results suggested that PPARγ plays an important role in cancer cell invasion and that it might be a novel target for therapy of esophageal cancer. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 854–860)
Centrosome amplification in adult T‐cell leukemia and human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1 Tax‐induced human T cells
Authors: Nitta Takayuki , Kanai Masayuki , Sugihara Eiji , Tanaka Masakazu , Sun Binlian , Nagasawa Toshiro , Sonoda Shunro , Saya Hideyuki , Miwa Masanao
Published: June 2006

Centrosomes play pivotal roles in cell polarity, regulation of the cell cycle and chromosomal segregation. Centrosome amplification was recently described as a possible cause of aneuploidy in certain solid tumors and leukemias. ATL is a T‐cell malignancy caused by HTLV‐1. Although the precise mechanism of cell transformation is unclear, the HTLV‐1‐encoded protein, Tax, is thought to play a crucial role in leukemogenesis. Here we demonstrate that lymphocytes isolated from patients with ATL show centrosome amplification and that a human T cell line shows centrosome amplification after induction of Tax, which was suppressed by CDK inhibitors. Micronuclei formation was also observed after centrosome amplification in Tax‐induced human T cells. These findings suggest that Tax deregulates CDK activity and induces centrosome amplification, which might be associated with cellular transformation by HTLV‐1 and chromosomal instability in HTLV‐1‐infected human T cells. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 836–841)
Rapid induction of skin tumors in human but not mouse c‐Ha‐ras proto‐oncogene transgenic mice by chemical carcinogenesis
Authors: Muto Satoru , Katsuki Motoya , Horie Shigeo
Published: June 2006

The rasH2 transgenic mice carry human c‐Ha‐ras proto‐oncogene, and are highly susceptible to chemical carcinogenesis. Previous studies showed that the mutation of c‐Ha‐ras induced by DMBA in the tumors of rasH2 were detected only in transgenes. To examine if the difference between the codons of the c‐Ha‐ras gene in human and mouse contributed to the tissue‐specific sensitivity to DMBA, we generated a line of transgenic mice, mras, carrying mouse c‐Ha‐ras genome with its own promoter. Western blot analysis showed that the protein expression of H‐RAS in the skin was increased in both rasH2 and mras compared with wild‐type. Chemical skin carcinogenesis was induced by DMBA and TPA. In rasH2 mice, the latency of tumor formation was shorter than wild‐type littermates. Both the number and the volume of skin tumors were increased in rasH2 than those of wild‐type. However, in mras mice, enhancement of tumor formation was not observed as compared with wild‐type. The mean number of tumors and the latency of tumor development was almost the same between mras and wild‐type littermates. Mutational analysis showed only A to T transversion in human c‐Ha‐ras transgenes at codon 61 but not in murine endogenous c‐Ha‐ras gene in the tumors of rasH2. In the tumors of wild‐type littermates and mras, A to T transversion in murine c‐Ha‐ras at codon 61 were detected. These results indicate that the differences in the codon of the c‐Ha‐ras gene between mouse and human might contribute to the tissue‐specific sensitivity of DMBA. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 842–847)
Natural killer T cell‐mediated antitumor immune responses and their clinical applications
Authors: Seino Ken‐ichiro , Motohashi Shinichiro , Fujisawa Takehiko , Nakayama Toshinori , Taniguchi Masaru
Published: June 2006

A unique lymphocyte population, CD1d‐restricted NKT cells, has been revealed to be a key player in both the innate and acquired immune responses, including antitumor effects. Recent studies revealed that at least two subsets of CD1d‐restricted NKT cells exist: type I, having invariant Vα14 receptor; and type II, having heterogeneous non‐Vα14 receptor. The specific glycolipid ligand, α‐GalCer, effectively stimulates mouse and human type I NKT cells. The activation of type I NKT cells substantially influences function of other various cell types, particularly DC, NK cells, CD4 Th1 cells, and CD8 cytotoxic T cells, all contributing to the antitumor immune responses. Recent studies also indicated that, unlike type I NKT cells, type II NKT cells have a potential to repress antitumor immune responses. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of the antitumor immune responses mediated by both mouse and human CD1d‐restricted NKT cells and discuss their potential in clinical applications against cancer. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 807–812)