bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Failure of foresight: had the Cold War more than one origin?
Authors: Richardson Jacques
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to recall, with specific developments in international relations, how the major powers failed to avoid prolonged political conflict that teetered for a half‐century on the brink of war.

Design/methodology/approach

Evocation of developments tending to confirm reciprocal hostility instead of cooperation between partners in international enterprise.

Findings

Foresight and determination, often translatable into expression of trust, may ensure the success of an undertaking. The Cold War, with its political as well as psychological origins, was not such a case.

Research limitations/implications

The period's history, now already detailed, remains incomplete. This paper is an effort to supplement other reconstructions.

Originality/value

Planners, strategists and designers may profit from the material reviewed to avoid hostile interpretation by partners in future efforts of combined initiative.
Demographic differences and the antecedents of blog stickiness
Authors: Lu Hsi‐Peng , Lee Ming‐Ren
Published: February 2010

Purpose

While many studies have focussed on web site stickiness, little is known about the antecedents of blog stickiness such as visit duration and user retention. How demographic differences affect the antecedents of blog stickiness is another research question. Based on social cognitive theory, the IS success model and individual differences theory, this study aims to explore blog quality, the need for cognition, and social influence as the antecedents of blog stickiness.

Design/methodology/approach

The subjects of this study were users who had blog reading experience. The structural equation modelling (SEM) approach was used to evaluate the research model.

Findings

After surveying 231 blog users, the results demonstrate that content is still king in the blog environment. Social influence affects the duration of visits to a blog, but not the retention to the blog. Female readers are mainly interested in content, while males are more interested in system quality and social influence. While blog veterans or heavy users care about content and social influence, blog “newbies” care about context and system quality. Students and non‐students also have different antecedents of blog stickiness.

Originality/value

This study increases understanding of blog stickiness and suggests avenues for future research.
Factors influencing web accessibility of big listed firms: an international study
Authors: De Andrés Javier , Lorca Pedro , Martínez Ana B.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the factors influencing the implementation of web accessibility.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the theoretical framework three hypotheses were developed. The database consisted of 108 non‐financial firms listed in the Dow Jones Industrial, CAC‐40, DAX and IBEX35 indexes. A multivariate regression equation was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Reasons for the implementation of web accessibility are technical rather than social or financial. The implementation of web accessibility is aimed at increasing the efficiency of the operations of the firm. Furthermore, web accessibility policies are more important in countries where the incorporation of the firms into the net has taken place at a date some time after the beginning of the scheme.

Research implications

An implication of the results is the advisability of orienting governmental policies to raise awareness that web accessibility should be part of corporate social responsibility activities.

Originality/value

This is a pioneering empirical study of the factors influencing web accessibility. The results of the present research are of interest to other countries.
The Icelandic Bank collapse: challenges to governance and risk management
Authors: Olaf Sigurjonsson Throstur
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extreme case of the Icelandic banking crisis in relation to critical governance issues at governmental, industry and civil society levels.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study of the Icelandic banking collapse in 2008.

Findings

The examination of governance failures within the Icelandic banking system reveals that government institutions need to find a balance between entrepreneurial growth, risk exposure and sustainable societal development. A euphoric attitude of laissez‐faire, where risk issues and issues of balanced development are largely ignored, creates challenges for sustainable banking. The findings suggest that achieving the necessary balance requires stressing governance issues on three levels; at the government level; at the industry level; and at the civil society level.

Practical implications

The paper illustrates why some of the corporate governance challenges facing sustainable banking should be addressed at multiple levels. Government should strive for realistic information and evaluation of societal risks; government should implement adequate regulatory frameworks; the finance industry itself should have effective self‐regulatory procedures and mechanisms; and, from a civil society point of view, the public at large should have realistic expectations and be adequately alerted as to the potential risks of governance failure.

Originality/value

The paper examines interactions between governance failures at different levels and has important implications for governance and policy makers, particularly those faced with re‐structuring national financial industries.
Governing from the middle: the C40 Cities Leadership Group
Authors: Román Mikael
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This study aims to analyze city networks as they face the challenges of global warming. It seeks to introduce the notion of “governance from the middle” as an alternative to traditional intergovernmental policy. This is developed by focusing on the particular experiences of the C40 Cities Leadership Group and discussing its prospects and risks.

Design/methodology/approach

CCI works with a number of commercial banks, institutional investors, international financial institutions and other capital providers to design financing programmes and source capital.

Findings

The C40 Group illustrates some fundamental traits of city networks with a hybrid governance structure, combining traditional public institutional structures with market‐based arrangements, organizationally and qualitatively governing from the middle. Critical factors in this dynamic are the use of an external implementing body, providing new organizational opportunities for the network, and the prominence given to an integrated procurement process, which develops incentive structures for action and effectively connects actors at various levels of society. The latter emphasis on market‐incentives as a template for action is an innovative governance feature but not the panacea many want. The complex nature of the governance arrangement itself, the structural asymmetries among its members, and the diversified set of issues the network intends to address are all factors that remain to be researched.

Originality/value

The study provides new perspectives on the conceptual discussions about governance by introducing the notion of “governance from the middle”. These allow us in turn to continue research about the role of market‐arrangements in linking global and local ambitions. This could have a decisive policy impact on climate governance in general.
Improving employee engagement and wellbeing in an NHS trust
Authors: Tinline Gordon , Crowe Kim
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present how Mersey Care NHS Trust introduced a unique integrated leadership development and employee wellbeing programme from UK business psychologists, Robertson Cooper, to help it prepare for Foundation Trust equivalent (FTe) status. A priority for the Trust was to ensure that staff felt involved and supported throughout the restructure and felt good about coming to work and engaged by their roles.

Design/methodology/approach

Robertson Cooper designed a programme to integrate management and leadership development with work to assess and improve levels of employee engagement and wellbeing. It used its employee survey ASSET to measure the levels of psychological wellbeing, engagement and productivity of employees in Mersey Care NHS Trust and assess the impact of the change.

Findings

Using the results, individual employee action plans were designed to improve wellbeing and engagement, and inform managers about how to address staff priorities and become more effective leaders. Of the senior managers and clinicians who completed the evaluation, 83 percent agreed that the content of the development centres met their expectations.

Originality/value

The paper describes a concrete example of how Mersey Care NHS Trust is improving employee engagement by focusing on wellbeing.
Continuous auditing for web‐released financial information
Authors: Chou Chi‐Chun , Janie Chang C.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The increasing provision of timely financial information through web‐based technology is expected to improve the quality of communication between a company and its stakeholders. However, the information asymmetry problem still exists since almost all “web‐releases” usually remain unaudited. The purpose of this paper is to propose conceptual and technical frameworks of continuous auditing to provide a solution for this problem. This solution could also move the traditional auditing forward to the new e‐auditing generation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a conceptual framework to present why continuous auditing would dominate other auditing approaches in examining web‐based financial information. Using a 3 × 2 × 2 × 1 design, this study compares the economic efficiency of three auditing approaches under the joint‐combination of various disclosure types, materiality perceptions and information environments. A technical framework, the external continuous auditing machine, is derived from the conceptual framework to specify the generic procedures to perform the online control testing and the continuous substantive testing over web‐releases.

Findings

Continuous auditing issues are scrutinized both theoretically and technically. Two main conclusions arise. First, the behavior model simulates various information disclosing and auditing environment and argues that the continuous auditing would be the most appropriate approach for web‐releasing assurance. Although the hypothesis derived from that model still needs further empirical supports, the anticipated sustaining is quite reasonable under the emergent web‐release practice.

Originality/value

Given the new era of online, real‐time business reporting, constructing a theoretical model and applying it to develop a technical model for implementing continuous audits for web‐releases provide significant contributions to the accounting/auditing professionals as well as researchers.
Can diversification degree amplify momentum and contrarian anomalies?
Authors: Ben Mhenni Haj Youssef Houda , El Moubarki Lassad , Benouda Sioud Olfa
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of industrial diversification on the profitability of contrarian and momentum strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using monthly returns, the weighted relative strength strategy (WRSS) is applied to 249 American listed stocks from January 1994 to April 2004. To study the impact of the 2000 crash on the results, the WRSS strategy during the 01/1994‐03/2000 and 04/2000‐04/2004 sub‐periods was implemented. Then, firms are classified, according to the intensity of their industrial diversification by Ward's method of hierarchical cluster analysis, into two sub‐samples: the diversified and non‐diversified samples. The WRSS strategy was re‐implemented on these sub‐samples. Finally, the Bootstrap without replacement is used to explore the risk‐based explanation of the trading strategies' profitability.

Findings

Results show that the momentum strategy seems to be no more profitable in the recent years. In fact, while momentum strategies earn large positive and significant returns before the 2000 crash, these returns are negative after the crash. Moreover, before the crash, the momentum effect was more pronounced for the non‐diversified sample. After the crash, a contrarian effect more important for this sample was identified. Finally, the Bootstrap without replacement results do not support the risk‐based explanation.

Research limitations/implications

Future research may study the impact of diversification on investor psychology.

Practical implications

Diversified firms are efficiently valued. However, specialized firms are not correctly valued.

Originality/value

This is the first study that shows that contrarian or momentum portfolios formed by industrial diversification did not yield significant return.
The issuance of convertible bonds and earnings management: evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Chang Ruey‐Dang , Tseng Yee‐Chy , Chang Ching‐Ping
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether companies engage in earnings management during the specific years when convertible bonds are issued and redeemed; also to determine if any differences exist in earnings management when convertible bonds are issued domestically or abroad.

Design/methodology/approach

Discretionary current accruals are adopted as proxies for earnings management and the regression models are used to control the related variables.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that companies conduct earnings management in the years when convertible bonds are issued, and that there is no significant difference between earnings management when convertible bonds are issued in Taiwan or abroad. However, data after 2001 indicate that companies issuing convertible bonds abroad perform less earnings management compared to those issuing convertible bonds domestically. The results show no significant difference in earnings management in the years when convertible bonds are redeemed; the reasons may be due to the relatively small sample size and that the majority of convertible bonds are still outstanding.

Originality/value

This paper advances findings from previous studies, that firms conducting seasoned equity offerings manage earnings upward to increase the offering proceeds. This paper highlights the linkage between convertible bonds and earnings management. Conducting an integrated analysis of the relationship between convertible bonds and earnings management, it aims to provide a better understanding of the process.
Development and emancipation
Authors: Carsten Stahl Bernd , McBride Neil , Elbeltagi Ibrahim
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the emancipatory promises and realities of information and communication technology (ICT) in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

The combination of Habermasian and Foucauldian ideas implemented by a critical discourse analysis of the Egyptian Information Society Policy and interviews with employees of local decision support systems employees. Promises and rhetoric are contrasted with findings and questioned with regards to their validity.

Findings

On the policy level, analysis shows that the emancipating rhetoric of ICT is not followed through. ICT is mostly seen as a means of attracting foreign direct investment. Neither political participation nor educational benefits are promoted seriously. On the local level, culture and organisational realities prevent individuals from exploiting the emancipatory potential of the technology.

Originality/value

The combination of the Habermasian and Foucauldian approach exposes the problems of ICT use in developing countries. It shows that emancipation is used to legitimise ICT policies but is not taken seriously on a policy level in Egypt. Local implementations also fail to deliver on their promise. In order to have emancipatory effects, ICT policy and use will need to be reconsidered.
Blurring the boundary: convergence of factory and service processes
Authors: Goldhar Joel , Berg Daniel
Published: February 2010

Purpose

In order to emphasize the universality of operations management concepts, this paper develops an integrative view of the similarities and continuities between “services products” and operations; and “goods products” and factory operations. The purpose of this paper is to move toward a better understanding of the impact of this convergence.

Design/methodology/approach

By reviewing the literature and trade press examples of evolution in both manufacturing and services businesses, it develop a model for understanding the observed phenomena.

Findings

This paper finds that services operations are continually adopting the characteristics of traditional manufacturing as they seek to grow and gain increased profitability through economies of scale. At the same time, traditional manufacturing/factory operations continually seek to differentiate themselves by offering more services such as customization, flexibility, and just‐in‐time; without giving up their economies of scale. As goods and services products become more integrated, these two distinct types of operating systems also converge. This paper also finds that information technology (IT) is pervasive, but used differently; and it develop new models to help us to understand the role and importance of IT in different operating systems and its impact upon the economics of innovation in operations.

Originality/value

This paper offers an integrative platform for future discussion and research on the convergence of factory and service operations, the integration of marketing and operations concepts and decisions, the design/management of operations processes, and the role of information systems and technology; in achieving sustained competitive advantage for any business.
The importance of user‐generated content: the case of hotels
Authors: Williams Roger , van der Wiele Ton , van Iwaarden Jos , Eldridge Steve
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop understanding about the quality of user generated content (UGC) on web sites from the point of view of the customer. This is an area not yet explored, while the use of UGC is expanding on many web sites and its importance is rapidly growing.

Design/methodology/approach

The research undertaken is a pilot amongst a small number of interviewees who have been asked to judge the quality of UGC on hotel web sites.

Findings

The findings of the research show that three types of information are needed by the person using UGC on hotel web sites: objective information about the hotel; information about the reviewer's qualifications; and information about the reviewer's beliefs and expectations.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the small number of interviewees this research is limited and can be defined as explorative. The outcomes can be used to develop a survey instrument in relation to further research on user generated content.

Originality/value

This research is original because there has not been any other initiative in this area and it will certainly stimulate more research because of the importance UGC has in a world of expanding internet usage. The outcomes of the small‐scale pilot will make it possible to develop broader quantitative research on UGC on web sites.
Quality screening in an information technology process
Authors: Besseris George J.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology that may aid in assessing information technology (IT) quality characteristic optimisation through the use of simple and robust tools with minimal effort.

Design/methodology/approach

Non‐linear saturated fractional factorial designs proposed by Taguchi receive robust data processing by the efficient nonparametric test of Jonckheere and Terpstra.

Findings

The paper finds that e‐mail quality improvement is achieved by collecting data through an unreplicated‐saturated L9(34) design. Active influences are attributed to the e‐mail volume and the receiving hardware type.

Research limitations/implications

The overall efficiency of the method is greatly enhanced due to incorporation of a nonparametric analysis tool that is known to perform effectively when data availability is minimal. The method does not succumb to normality and multi‐distributional effects which may easily handicap the decision‐making process when derived from other mainstream methods.

Practical implications

There are obvious professional and pedagogical aspects in this work aiming at IT quality practitioners offering facilitation towards implementing robust techniques while suppressing quality costs. It is noteworthy that nonparametric data processing improves on the ability to make predictions over Taguchi's regular Design of Experiments (DOE) formulation for small sampling conditions.

Originality/value

This method embraces designing efficiency by non‐linear orthogonal arrays with multi‐level order statistics providing the weaponry to deal with quality optimisation in complex environments such as those in the IT area. The value of this work may be appreciated best by quality managers and engineers engaged in routine quality improvement projects in the area of information systems which also augments the general database of quality‐related testing cases.
The present status of quality and manufacturing management techniques and philosophies within the Libyan iron and steel industry
Authors: Abdullah Hokoma Rajab , Khurshid Khan Mohammed , Hussain Khalid
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the present status of the implementation levels of total quality management (TQM), just‐in‐time (JIT) and manufacturing resource planning (MRPII) within the iron and steel industry in Libya and the management implications for this industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey methodology was applied in this investigation using an extensive questionnaire and one‐to‐one interviews within the correspondent Libyan iron and steel industry.

Findings

Based on the analysis of the questionnaire survey and the one‐to‐one interview responses, the results show that the strategies applied by the executive management body towards most of the areas that are considered as being crucial in any successful implementation of the investigated quality and manufacturing management techniques and philosophies are not well planned. The actual implementation levels of the TQM, JIT and MRPII practices were found to be in the modest levels within the surveyed industry. The paper has identified limitations within the iron and steel industry in terms of the investigated quality and manufacturing techniques and philosophies, and has pointed to areas where the senior managers need to take action in order to achieve an effective and successful implementation of these techniques and philosophies within their business areas. This is an important finding for the future success of the surveyed industry within Libya.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could be applied to cover other industries within Libya in order to investigate how widely these quality and manufacturing management techniques and philosophies from this research are reflected in other Libyan industries.

Originality/value

This paper investigates the present implementation status of TQM, JIT, and MRPII within the Libyan iron and steel industry, not covered in previous research. It makes a contribution by providing an insight into what extent the TQM, JIT and MRPII are understood and implemented within the Libyan iron and steel industry.
The effect of time‐of‐day dosing on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of dexlansoprazole MR: evidence for dosing flexibility with a Dual Delayed Release proton pump inhibitor
Authors: LEE R. D. , MULFORD D. , WU J. , ATKINSON S. N.
Published: February 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 1001–1011

Background  Dexlansoprazole MR is a Dual Delayed Release proton pump inhibitor formulated to extend the duration of acid suppression.

Aim  To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of dexlansoprazole MR dosed before 4 different meal times.

Methods  In this randomized, open‐label, four‐way crossover study, 48 healthy subjects received dexlansoprazole MR 60 mg once daily 30 min before breakfast, lunch, dinner or an evening snack. Pharmacokinetics of dexlansoprazole MR and intragastric pH were assessed over a 24‐h postdose interval on day 5 for each regimen.

Results  Absorption was delayed when dexlansoprazole MR was administered before each regimen relative to breakfast; however, systemic exposures of dexlansoprazole at all regimens were bioequivalent. There were no statistically significant differences in mean 24‐h intragastric pH between dosing before dinner or an evening snack vs. breakfast; however, there was a small (0.2), but statistically significant difference between lunch and breakfast. There was a statistically significant difference of 7 percentage points in the percentage of time intragastric pH was >4 for the snack regimen relative to the breakfast regimen, but there were no statistically significant differences between lunch or dinner compared with breakfast.

Conclusion  Dexlansoprazole MR provides comparable acid control when administered at different times of the day.
An open‐label, single‐dose bioavailability study of the pharmacokinetics of CAT‐354 after subcutaneous and intravenous administration in healthy males
Authors: Oh Chad K. , Faggioni Raffaella , Jin Feng , Roskos Lorin K. , Wang Bing , Birrell Claire , Wilson Rosamund , Molfino Nestor A.
Published: February 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• The safety profile and effective dose of CAT‐354 have been determined with intravenous (i.v.) administration, but no information is available on subcutaneous (s.c.) administration.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• This study characterized the pharmacokinetics of CAT‐354 following s.c. administration of 150 mg and 300 mg doses, and indicated a bioavailability of approximately 60%.

AIM

To assess the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of CAT‐354, an anti‐IL‐13 human monoclonal IgG4 antibody, following subcutaneous (s.c.) and intravenous (i.v.) administration.

METHODS

This was a single‐dose, randomized, open‐label, parallel‐group bioavailability study. Healthy male subjects aged 20–54 years were randomly assigned to one of three dose groups (n= 10/group) to receive CAT‐354: 150 mg i.v.; 150 mg s.c. or 300 mg s.c. (two 150 mg injections). Serum pharmacokinetics, adverse events (AEs), vital signs, electrocardiograms and laboratory parameters were assessed.

RESULTS

CAT‐354 showed bioavailability of 62% and 60% after 150 mg and 300 mg s.c. doses, respectively, and linear pharmacokinetics over the dose range tested. Peak serum concentrations in the s.c. groups occurred after 3–9 (median 5) days, with a mean elimination half‐life of 19.2 ± 3.1 days (150 mg) and 19.4 ± 3.59 days (300 mg) after s.c. and 21.4 ± 2.46 days after i.v. administration. Volume of distribution at steady state (Vss) was 4960 ± 1440 ml kg−1 after i.v. (slightly greater than plasma volume). Average apparent clearances (CL/F) were 292 ± 82.3 and 307 ± 109 ml day−1 after 150 and 300 mg s.c., respectively; systemic CL of 188 ± 84.0 ml day−1 after i.v. dosing was consistent with endogenous IgG and reticuloendothelial elimination. No severe or serious AEs occurred. Among 40 reported AEs, 25 were headache, sinus disorders/respiratory symptoms and changes in body temperature perception.

CONCLUSIONS

CAT‐354 exhibited bioavailability of approximately 60% when given s.c. to healthy male subjects.
Iron‐mediated suppression of bloom‐forming cyanobacteria by oxine in a eutrophic lake
Authors: MOLOT LEWIS A. , LI GUIYOU , FINDLAY DAVID L. , WATSON SUSAN B.
Published: February 2010

1. Published studies show that cyanobacteria have higher Fe requirements than eukaryotic algae. To test whether Fe availability can affect formation of a cyanobacterial bloom, a strong Fe chelator, oxine (8‐hydroxyquinoline, C9H7NO), was added to enclosures in eutrophic Lake 227 in the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) (northwestern Ontario).

2. Aphanizomenon schindlerii growth was suppressed, and growth of eukaryotic chlorophytes significantly promoted in enclosures to which oxine had been added. Significant eukaryotic growth did not occur in enclosures treated with ammonium, suggesting that N supplied by degradation of oxine was not responsible for eukaryotic success in the oxine enclosures.

3. In situ Fe2+ measurements were unreliable because of interference from high concentrations of dissolved organic compounds. However, oxine rapidly promoted oxidation of Fe2+ to Fe3+ in deionised water, suggesting that rapid removal of Fe2+ also occurred in the oxine‐treated enclosures.

4. In batch cultures, 10 μm Fe and 10 μm oxine (a 1 : 1 ratio) completely inhibited the growth of the cyanobacteria Synechococcus sp. and Anabaena flos‐aquae and the chlorophytes Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Scenedesmus quadricauda. Increasing Fe 10‐fold to 100 μm Fe completely and partially reversed oxine inhibition in the two chlorophytes but could not overcome inhibition of the cyanobacteria, indicating that inhibition was Fe‐mediated at least in the eukaryotes. Since oxine binds Fe3+ in a 1 : 3 ratio (Fe : oxine), inhibition at a 1 : 1 ratio indicates that not all of the Fe is bound, and a mechanism involving Fe other than chelation was at least partly responsible for inhibition.

5. Collectively, the enclosure and laboratory results suggest that the outcome of competition between cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae in the oxine‐treated enclosures in Lake 227 was likely a result of decreased availability of Fe, especially Fe2+.

6. The results suggest that remediation methods that dramatically restrict the supply rate of Fe2+ could reduce the relative abundance of cyanobacteria in eutrophic systems.
Blockade of Tachykinin NK1/NK2Receptors in the Brain Attenuates the Activation of Corticotrophin‐Releasing Hormone Neurones in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus and the Sympathoadrenal and Pituitary‐Adrenal Responses to Formalin‐Induced Pain in the Rat
Authors: Culman J. , Das G. , Ohlendorf C. , Haass M. , Maser‐Gluth C. , Zuhayra M. , Zhao Y. , Itoi K.
Published: February 2010

Evidence from pharmacological studies has implicated substance P (SP), a natural ligand of tachykinin NK1receptors which can also interact with NK2receptors, in the generation of pressor and tachycardic responses to stress. Using selective blockade of brain NK1and NK2receptors, we tested in conscious rats the hypothesis that SP initiates, within the neuronal brain circuits, the sympathoadrenal, hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) and behavioural responses to noxious stimuli. Formalin injected s.c. through a chronically implanted catheter in the area of the lower leg was used as a pain stimulus. Rats were pretreated i.c.v. with vehicle or the selective, nonpeptide antagonists of tachykinin NK1and NK2receptors, RP 67580 and SR 48968, respectively. Ten minutes thereafter, formalin was injected s.c. and the cardiovascular responses were recorded, plasma concentrations of catecholamines, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone were determined and the expression of the inducible transcription factor c‐Fos in the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic nuclei was detected to identify neurones which were activated during pain stimulation. Blockade of NK1and NK2receptors attenuated the formalin‐induced increases in mean arterial pressure and heart rate, adrenaline and ACTH concentrations in plasma, and completely abolished the pain‐induced c‐Fos expression in corticotrophin‐releasing hormone neurones localised in the parvocellular division of the PVN. The results obtained provide pharmacological evidence that tachykinins, most probably SP, act as mediators within the neuronal circuits linked to the initiation and control of the cardiovascular, sympathoadrenal, HPA and behavioural responses to pain stimuli and provide an excitatory input to corticotrophin‐releasing hormone neurones in the PVN to activate the HPA axis. Our data demonstrating the inhibition of the complex response pattern to noxious stimuli and stress are consistent with the proposed anxiolytic and antidepressant activity of NK1and NK2receptor antagonists.
The Brainstem Noradrenergic Systems in Stress, Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Itoi K. , Sugimoto N.
Published: February 2010

The locus coeruleus (LC) is regarded as a part of the central ‘stress circuitry’ because robust activation of the LC has been reported after stressful stimuli in experimental animals. A considerable amount of clinical evidence also suggests the relationship between the central noradrenergic (NAergic) system and fear/anxiety states or depression. However, previous animal studies have not been able to demonstrate unequivocally the involvement of the NAergic system in mediating fear or anxiety. The forebrain structures, including the hypothalamus, receive massive inputs from the medullary NAergic nuclei via the ventral NAergic bundle (VNAB). The VNAB has been implicated in the neuroendocrine stress axis mainly through its action on the corticotrophin‐releasing factor neurones in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Novel tools were introduced that are capable of disrupting the NAergic system more selectively and/or thoroughly than the neurotoxins employed in previous studies: the anti‐dopamine‐β hydroxylase (DBH)‐saporin is an immunotoxin that is taken up from nerve endings and disrupt the NAergic neurones in a retrograde manner. The genetically DBH‐depleted mice were also introduced, which lack endogenous noradrenaline. Owing to the rapid development of functional imaging technique, visualisation of the emotional phenomena has become possible in human subjects. Along with the advent of these technologies, endeavors have been continued to unravel the functional relevance of the central NAergic system to stress, anxiety and depression.
Performance, Properties and Plasticity of Identified Oxytocin and Vasopressin Neurones In Vitro
Authors: Armstrong W. E. , Wang L . , Li C. , Teruyama R.
Published: February 2010

The neurohypophysial hormones oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) originate from hypothalamic neurosecretory cells in the paraventricular and supraoptic (SON) nuclei. The firing rate and pattern of action potentials arising from these neurones determine the timing and quantity of peripheral hormone release. We have used immunochemical identification of biocytin‐filled SON neurones in hypothalamic slices in vitro to uncover differences between OT and VP neurones in membrane and synaptic properties, firing patterns, and plasticity during pregnancy and lactation. In this review, we summarise some recent findings from this approach: (i) VP neuronal excitability is influenced by slow (sDAP) and fast (fDAP) depolarising afterpotentials that underlie phasic bursting activity. The fDAP may relate to a transient receptor potential (TRP) channel, type melastatin (TRPM4 and/or TRPM5), both of which are immunochemically localised more to VP neurones, and especially, to their dendrites. Both TRPM4 and TRPM5 mRNAs are found in the SON, but single cell reverse transcriptase‐polymerisation suggests that TRPM4 might be the more prominent channel. Phasic bursting in VP neurones is little influenced by spontaneous synaptic activity in slices, being shaped largely by intrinsic currents. (ii) The firing pattern of OT neurones ranges from irregular to continuous, with the coefficient of variation determined by randomly distributed, spontaneous GABAergic, inhibitory synaptic currents (sIPSCs). These sIPSCs are four‐ to five‐fold more frequent in OT versus VP neurones, and much more frequent than spontaneous excitatory synaptic currents. (iii) Both cell types express Ca2+‐dependent afterhyperpolarisations (AHPs), including an apamin‐sensitive, medium duration AHP and a slower, apamin‐insensitive AHP (sAHP). In OT neurones, both AHPs are enhanced during pregnancy and lactation. During pregnancy, the plasticity of the sAHP is blocked by antagonism of central OT receptors. AHP enhancement is mimicked by exposing slices from day 19 pregnant rats to OT and oestradiol, suggesting that central OT and sex steroids programme this plasticity during pregnancy by direct hypothalamic actions. In conclusion, the differences in VP and OT neuronal function are underlain by differences in both membrane and synaptic properties, and differentially modulated by reproductive state.
High downward flux of mucilaginous aggregates in the Ligurian Sea during summer 2002: similarities with the mucilage phenomenon in the Adriatic Sea
Authors: Martín Jacobo , Miquel Juan‐Carlos
Published: February 2010

The DYFAMED sediment trap station in the Ligurian Sea (NW Mediterranean) has been active since 1986 and today comprises the longest time‐series of downward particle flux in the Mediterranean Sea. As such, it provides valuable information on the interannual variability of the particle flux, and also documents possible recent changes in the NW Mediterranean pelagic ecosystems. We report an unprecedented episode of downward flux of mucilaginous material at the DYFAMED station during summer 2002 in association with singular hydrometeorological conditions. The rain of mucilaginous aggregates clogged a PPS5 sediment trap at 260 m depth and was also clearly detected at 1080 m depth. The possible factors governing the development and sinking of the mucilaginous material are discussed. A very sharp increase of sea surface temperature during June and the presence of freshened waters in the surface the following month resulted in a stronger than usual stratification of the upper water column throughout the summer season. We suggest that the steepness of the vertical density gradient was responsible for the unusual accumulation of mucous aggregates. Additionally, a diatom bloom took place during the nutrient‐depleted conditions typical of summer, a factor which may have contributed to feed the pycnocline with transparent exopolymer substances. A storm occurring in the beginning of August relaxed the stratification and promoted the deposition of the mucilaginous aggregates accumulated in the upper water column during the preceding months. Important similarities of ambient conditions preceding the apparition of mucilaginous material in our open‐sea site and those reported in the Adriatic Sea during major mucilage events, suggest that general climatic conditions, rather than local factors, drive the occurrence of major accumulations of mucilaginous material in the water column at both sub‐basins of the Mediterranean Sea. In this regard, the strength of the air temperature increase during the onset of the stratified season is proposed as a major controlling factor.
Weed control in irrigated corn by hairy vetch interseeded at different rates and times
Authors: MOHAMMADI GHOLAM REZA
Published: February 2010

In order to study the potential of interseeded hairy vetch as a living mulch to control weeds in corn, a field study was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran. The experiment was carried out in a split‐split plot arrangement with four replications. The main plots were two weed treatments (weedy and weed‐free for all of the growing season), the subplots were two hairy vetch planting dates (simultaneous with corn planting and 10 days after corn emergence), and the sub‐subplots were three hairy vetch planting rates (0, 25, and 50 kg ha−1). The results indicated that the weedy condition for all of the growing season reduced corn plant traits, including the seed yield, number of ears per plant, number of seeds per ear, 100‐seed weight, height, Leaf Area Index, and leaf chlorophyll content, as compared to the weed‐free condition for the entire growing season. The hairy vetch dry weight also was reduced by the full‐season weedy condition. The traits under study were not significantly influenced by the hairy vetch planting times, but increasing the hairy vetch planting rate from 0 to 50 kg ha−1 improved the corn yield, number of seeds per ear, 100‐seed weight, height, Leaf Area Index, and leaf chlorophyll content. However, the number of ears per plant was not significantly influenced and the weed dry weight was reduced by half. Overall, from the standpoint of corn seed production, an interseeding amount of 25 kg ha−1 of hairy vetch is recommended; taking into consideration the legume forage yield, an interseeding amount of 50 kg ha−1 of hairy vetch is more beneficial.
Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in polycystic ovary syndrome: what are the risks and can they be reduced?
Authors: Tomlinson J. , Millward A. , Stenhouse E. , Pinkney J.
Published: February 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 498–515 (2010)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), but these risks are poorly defined. This study aimed to evaluate the evidence for these risks and whether screening and risk reduction are feasible. Medline reviews and data quality analysis were used using standard tools. Results showed that (i) polycystic ovary syndrome is a risk factor forT2DM but the magnitude of risk is uncertain, (ii) fasting plasma glucose is an inadequate screening test forT2DM in this population and the oral glucose tolerance test is superior, (iii) the identification of women with PCOS for diabetes screening is constrained by current diagnostic criteria for PCOS; however, women with oligomenorrhoea and those with diagnosed PCOS and obesity or a family history of T2DM are at highest risk, (iv) risk factors for T2DM are improved by weight loss interventions and by metformin. However, no studies have determined whether T2DM incidence is reduced, (v) polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors but data on CVD incidence are weak, (vi) risk factors for CVD are improved by the same interventions and statins and (vi) no studies have evaluated whether CVD incidence is reduced. While PCOS has important metabolic associations, and short‐term interventions reduce risk factors for T2DM and CVD, data on prevalence and incidence of T2DM and particularly CVD are poor. There is a need for a clear definition of PCOS, for diabetes screening protocols and for long‐term studies to determine whether risks can be reduced.
The risk of overt diabetes mellitus among women with gestational diabetes: a population‐based study
Authors: Chodick G. , Elchalal U. , Sella T. , Heymann A. D. , Porath A. , Kokia E. , Shalev V.
Published: February 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 779–785 (2010)

Aims To determine the incidence of postpartum diabetes mellitus in the years following a diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to determine whether the severity of GDM, represented by the magnitude of the deviation of diagnostic tests from the normal values or requirement for medications, is associated with the development of diabetes.

Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed among 185 416 pregnant women who had glucose challenge test or 3 h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in a large health maintenance organization in Israel. Subsequent diagnosis of diabetes was ascertained by using an automated patient registry.

Results A total of 11 270 subjects were diagnosed with GDM, comprising 6.07% of the cohort. During a total follow‐up period of 1 049 334 person‐years there were 1067 (16.9 per 1000 person‐years) and 1125 (1.1 per 1000 person‐years) diagnoses of postpartum diabetes among GDM and non‐GDM women, respectively. The cumulative risk of incident diabetes in GDM patients with up to 10 years of follow‐up was 15.7%, compared with 1% among the non‐GDM population. Gestational diabetes mellitus was associated with nearly an eightfold higher risk of postpartum diabetes after adjusting for important confounders, such as socioeconomic status and body mass index. Among women with a history of GDM, the number of abnormal OGTT values and use of insulin were associated with a substantially higher risk for developing diabetes.

Conclusions Three or four abnormal OGTT values and GDM requiring insulin or oral hypoglycaemic medications are important predictors of postpartum diabetes risk in women with a history of GDM.
The future of open innovation
Authors: Gassmann Oliver , Enkel Ellen , Chesbrough Henry
Published: February 2010

Institutional openness is becoming increasingly popular in practice and academia: open innovation, open R&D and open business models. Our special issue builds on the concepts, underlying assumptions and implications discussed in two previous R&D Management special issues (2006, 2009). This overview indicates nine perspectives needed to develop an open innovation theory more fully. It also assesses some of the recent evidence that has come to light about open innovation, in theory and in practice.
Risk Aversion and Sorting into Public Sector Employment
Authors: Pfeifer Christian
Published: February 2010

This research note uses two German datasets - the large-scale German Socioeconomic Panel and unique data from own student questionnaires - to analyse the relationship between risk aversion and the choice for public sector employment. Main results are (1) more risk-averse individuals sort into public sector employment, (2) the impact of career-specific and unemployment risk attitudes is larger than the impact of general risk attitudes and (3) risk taking is rewarded with higher wages in the private but not in the public sector.
Correlates of decline in gross motor capacity in adolescents with cerebral palsy in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels III to V: an exploratory study
Authors: BARTLETT DOREEN J , HANNA STEVEN E , AVERY LISA , STEVENSON RICHARD D , GALUPPI BARBARA
Published: February 2010

Aim  To explore associations between clinical variables and decline in motor capacity in adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method  Participants included 76 males and 59 females, whose mean age at the beginning of the study was 14 years 6 months (SD 2.4, range 11.6–17.9); 51 at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level III, 47 at level IV, and 37 at level V. Ninety‐six participants had tetraplegia, 32 had diplegia, and one had hemiplegia. Types of motor disorder were spastic n=98; mixed, n=11; dystonic, n=9; hypotonic, n=7; and ataxic n=3 (seven participants were not classified). Reliable raters collected data annually for 4 years on anthropometric characteristics, the Spinal Alignment and Range of Motion Measure, as well as the Gross Motor Function Measure, 66 items (GMFM‐66); participants or their parents reported on health status (using the Health Utilities Questionnaire), pain, and exercise participation (using measures developed for this study). The predicted drop in GMFM‐66 scores after childhood was calculated using data on the same children from an earlier study. Correlations were calculated between the drop in GMFM‐66 scores and the average and change scores of the clinical variables (the alpha level for statistical significance of this exploratory study was 0.10).

Results  The drop in GMFM‐66 score was significantly correlated with limitations in range of motion (r=0.42) and spinal alignment (r=0.28), and pain (r=0.16). Increases in triceps skinfold (r=−0.19), mid‐arm circumference (r=−0.23), and the ratio of mid‐arm circumference to knee height (r=−0.23) were associated with less decline.

Interpretation  Preventing range‐of‐motion limitations and pain experiences and optimizing nutrition might contribute to less decline in the gross motor capacity of adolescents with CP. Further investigation is required to clarify the role other factors that contribute to maintained function over time.