bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerous recent shows highlight the latest in sensor innovations
Authors: Bloss Richard
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the Automate Show (vision and robotics), The Promat Show (material handling) that run jointly in Chicago, plus the Sensor Expo, with emphasis on the new sensor innovations and applications on display.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on in‐depth interviews with exhibitors of sensors of all types at these recent shows.

Findings

Sensor suppliers have been busy applying wireless and energy harvesting technology to their devices. Vision suppliers continue to expand the capabilities of the video eye with 3D and other innovations.

Practical implications

System integrators and users have an ever‐growing array of new sensor technologies to answer previously tough application needs. Wireless sensors and innovative vision systems, including 3‐D, offer new answers to material handling and other applications. MEMS commercialization development continues to drive ahead.

Originality/value

Users and system integrators have an ever‐increasing range of innovative sensor solutions to help solve those previously difficult application requirements. For example, adding smart vision to logistic applications makes them faster, more accurate and more autonomous.
Nanostructured material sensor processing using microfabrication techniques
Authors: Hunter Gary , Vander Wal Randy , Evans Laura , Xu Jennifer , Berger Gordon , Kullis Michael , Biaggi‐Labiosa Azlin
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The development of chemical sensors based on nanostructures, such as nanotubes or nanowires, depends on the capability to reproducibly control the processing of the sensor. Alignment and consistent electrical contact of nanostructures on a microsensor platform is challenging. This can be accomplished using labor‐intensive approaches, specialized processing technology, or growth of nanostructures in situ. However, the use of standard microfabrication techniques for fabricating nanostructured microsensors is problematic. The purpose of this paper is to address this challenge using standard photoresist processing combined with dielectrophoresis.

Design/methodology/approach

Nanostructures are suspended in photoresist and aligned between opposing sawtooth electrode patterns using an alternating current (AC) electric field (dielectrophoresis). The use of photoresist processing techniques allow the burying of the nanostructures between layers of metal, thus improving the electrical contact of the nanostructures to the microsensor platform.

Findings

This approach is demonstrated for both multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and tin oxide nanowires. Preliminary data show the electrical continuity of the sensor structure as well as the response to various gases.

Research limitations/implications

It is concluded that this approach demonstrates a foundation for a new tool for the fabrication of microsensors using nanostructures, and can be expanded towards enabling the combination of common microfabrication techniques with nanostructured sensor development.

Originality/value

This approach is intended to address the significant barriers of deposition control, contact robustness, and simplified processing to realizing the potential of nanotechnology as applied to sensors.
Application of homotopy perturbation and numerical methods to the magneto‐micropolar fluid flow in the presence of radiation
Authors: Madani Mohammad , Khan Yasir , Fathizadeh Mahdi , Yildirim Ahmet
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the effect of radiation on flow of a magneto‐micropolar fluid past a continuously moving plate with suction and blowing.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing equations are transformed into dimensionless nonlinear ordinary differential equations by similarity transformation. Analytical technique, namely the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) combining with Padé approximants and finite difference method, are used to solve dimensionless non‐linear ordinary differential equations. The skin friction coefficient and local Nusselt numbers are also calculated. Beside this, the comparison of the analytical solution with numerical solution is illustrated by the graphs for different values of dimensionless pertinent parameters.

Findings

The authors have studied laminar magneto‐micropolar flow in the presence of radiation by using HPM‐Padé and finite difference methods. Results obtained by HPM‐Padé are in excellent agreement with the results of numerical solution.

Originality/value

The HPM‐Padé is used in a direct way without using linearization, discritization or restrictive assumption. The authors have attempted to show the capabilities and wide‐range applications of the HPM‐Padé in comparison with the finite difference solution of magneto‐micropolar flow in the presence of radiation problem.
Linking perceived value of mobile marketing with the experiential consumption of mobile phones
Authors: Andrews Lynda , Drennan Judy , Russell‐Bennett Rebekah
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This study seeks to examine the nature of consumers' perceptions of the value they derive from the everyday experiential consumption of mobile phones and how mobile marketing (m‐marketing) can potentially enhance these value perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

Q methodology is used with a framework of experiential consumption and perceived consumer value, to examine how consumers' subjective perceptions and opinions of the two areas of interest are shared at a collective level. A total of 40 participants undertook two Q sorts and the data were analysed using PQ‐method.

Findings

The first Q sort identified three clusters of perceived value: the Mobile Pragmatists, the Mobile Connectors and the Mobile Revellers. The second Q sort identified two clusters of perceived value of m‐marketing: one emerging from the shared opinions of the Mobile Pragmatists and the Mobile Connectors, and the second from the Mobile Revellers.

Research limitations/implications

The findings show how consumers can be segmented based on their contextualised perceived value of consuming mobile phones. The findings also show that m‐marketing can be tailored to enhance these value perceptions. The study demonstrates how to use Q methodology to examine subjective areas of consumer behaviour. Limitations relate to deriving statements for the Q sorts and the generalisability of the results.

Practical implications

The findings highlight ways to tailor m‐marketing strategies to complement consumers' perceptions of the value offered through their mobile phones.

Originality/value

The study contributes to existing theory and practice through using Q methodology to examine two subjective areas of consumer behaviour research: experiential consumption in everyday life and consumer perceived value, which is applied in the context of mobile phones and m‐marketing.
Limits to mobility: competence and qualifications in Europe
Authors: Le Deist Françoise , Tūtlys Vidmantas
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to explore structural and systemic influences in the development of competence models and qualifications systems at sectoral and national levels across Europe, considering the influences of different socio‐economic models of skill formation on the processes of design and provision of qualifications.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a meta analysis of three European projects that used literature review, documentary analysis and interviews with practitioners and policy makers.

Findings

The main methodological and practical challenges posed by varieties of competence and qualifications to inter‐country comparability of qualifications are shown to be related to different socio‐economic models of skill formation.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to 13 countries and four sectors but these were carefully selected to maximise coverage of European diversity with respect to competence models, training regimes and approaches to qualifications. There is clearly a need for further research involving more countries and sectors.

Practical implications

The paper offers recommendations for improving the potential of the European Qualifications Framework to promote comparability of qualifications and hence mobility of labour. These recommendations will be of interest to policy makers and practitioners involved in using the EQF and similar instruments.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic attempt to explore the methodological and practical difficulties of establishing comparability between qualifications.
Sustaining higher education reforms
Authors: Phusavat Kongkiti , Ketsarapong Suphattra , Ooi Keng‐Boon , Shyu Stacy H.P.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The paper aims to share experiences in Thailand's higher educational reforms in which academic excellence cannot be sustained without proper financial and fiscal consideration. The overall goal is to disclose the experiences and future issues facing public universities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on actual involvement by Kasetsart University in assisting the Commission of Higher Education's (CHE) university reform efforts. In addition to projects supported financially by CHE, Kasetsart University has also participated as a committee member and an invited expert. The paper is narrative in nature. It begins by showing the positive impacts from higher education on a country's level of competitiveness, and the inter‐relationship between higher education and innovation. The paper describes the country's recent major reform initiatives to achieve academic excellence and raises concerns over sustainability for public universities.

Findings

The experiences from Thailand can be helpful for many countries as the country is moving from an industrial‐based economy towards a knowledge‐based economy. The major concern is that academic excellence for public universities cannot be sustained without more effective fiscal management and public‐private partnership. Finally, despite the fact that the article is descriptive; the knowledge and lessons learned should be beneficial to scholars and practitioners who are interested in higher education reforms.

Originality/value

Academic excellence has often been discussed within the context of quality and innovation without explicitly considering fiscal management. The potential use of public‐private partnerships, which can improve the effectiveness of fiscal management, is revealed and discussed. The knowledge and lessons learned should be beneficial to scholars and practitioners who are interested in higher education reforms.
The ethics application
Authors: Daff Lyn
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This poem aims to reflect on the process of preparing a successful ethics application and likens it to facing a giant.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a poem reflecting on factors that hinder and aid a successful ethics application and emotions that applicants may experience during the process.

Findings

Achieving a successful ethics application requires attention to detail, knowledge of the process and persistence. Accountability falls heavily on the applicant while the committee wants to minimise risk for the university. One can experience a range of emotions during the application process.

Research limitations/implications

While the findings reflect the author's experience they are nevertheless often privately discussed amongst academics.

Originality/value

The paper brings to light issues that ethics applicants experience that are seldom publicly discussed.
Discursive constructions of the role of cultural intermediaries in the wine markets of Japan and Singapore
Authors: Rod Michel , Ellis Nick , Beal Tim
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role and influence of cultural intermediaries in the developing wine markets of Japan and Singapore by taking a discursive view of relationships amongst these cultural intermediaries, as well as between them and various members of the supply chain in international wine marketing – including consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors explore cross‐cultural issues by taking a discursive perspective to studying representations of self, and of inter‐organizational and inter‐personal relationships in the global wine business, specifically through the analysis of a series of accounts of cultural intermediaries and key stakeholders involved in potentially influencing the extent to which New Zealand wines achieve a greater presence in the Japan and Singapore marketplaces.

Findings

In their talk, participants explicitly (and sometimes implicitly) construct “vertical” relationships with downstream and upstream supply chain actors (consumers and producers, respectively) as needing guidance or assistance that seemingly only they are capable of providing. They also construct “horizontal” relations with fellow cultural intermediaries. In these discursive constructions, evaluative positioning often occurs, as the various actors are constructed positively or negatively, depending on the nature of the legitimisation sought by the speaker as they seek to justify their contribution to the network.

Practical implications

The insights gained through an examination of discourse should help B2B practitioners in the increasingly globalising wine industry to navigate through the complexity of emerging wine markets in the Asian context.

Originality/value

The paper's contribution is in looking at these cultural intermediaries as cultural bridges in the context of “sophisticated globalization” in specific Asian societies not traditionally known for wine‐drinking.
Feasibility of adopting in‐and‐out‐sourcing
Authors: Haroun Ahmed E. , Elfaki Elkhawad Ali , Mahdi A. M. Beshir El
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to find the “effect of economic value of maintenance cost on the optimum selection of one alternative (either out‐or‐in‐sourcing) through the analysis of a case study of two projects: an existing on‐going project and a proposed bidding project”. In particular, the research is conducted to help PetroCost for Engineering Investment and Construction Company to take a decision on whether to have its own earth moving fleet (and hence maintain it) or rent one including the maintenance service as part of the outsourcing contract.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a case study approach whereby cost data and information are collected from two case projects, then presented and analyzed. Economic tools (measures of worth) and excel software were used in the first project, where payback period method and break‐even analysis are used in the second project. The two projects were considered as an integrated (complementary) case study, so different measures were applied to each project, although the three measures could be applied, implicitly, to each of them. The payback method is used as a quick screening method to determine, approximately, how long the project takes to recover the invested outlays. If the period is shorter than the period of time desired by the investor, then a further thorough analyses, rate of return and break‐even, are recommended to be undertaken. Two of the authors were consultants to the study, where the third was the technical manager of the company (PetroCost).

Findings

The results obtained from the analysis of the first case project (existing on‐going project) showed a saving of SDG717,484.31, while the second case study (bidding) showed a saving of 33.4 percent over the out‐sourcing cost, and a break‐even point of 27 days, one third of the recommended project life. Both cases are in favor of having their own trucks while conducting in‐house maintenance.

Practical implications

The traditional in‐house approach is considered by many firms as the best maintenance strategy. Nevertheless, out‐sourcing becomes a recognized challenging competing option, worldwide. However, out‐sourcing option not widely practiced in Sudan. The decision criteria presented in this paper provides a useful management tool for selecting the appropriate maintenance organization strategy. Although the criteria is applied for a truck fleet case in a construction firm, but it can be extended to the management of maintenance activities in the growing oil and associated industries in the country, besides the existing ones, where the skills' shortage of qualified maintenance personnel is evident.

Originality/value

Much of previous and current research on outsourcing focuses on managing outsourcing projects and evaluating ex post decisions' consequences (e.g. output measurability) more than addressing early planning and feasibility study stages. Hence, the paper is relevant in this respect and intended to contribute to the practice of maintenance management.
Reliability analysis of drum shearer machine at mechanized longwall mines
Authors: Hadi Hoseinie Seyed , Ataei Mohammad , Khalokakaie Reza , Ghodrati Behzad , Kumar Uday
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Longwall mining is a special mining method with high productivity and smooth operation and the drum shearer is known as the most important component in longwall mines due to its direct role in the coal cutting and production process. Therefore, its reliability is important in keeping the mine production at a desired level. Hence, reliability analysis is essential in identifying and removing existing problems of this machine in order to achieve a better production condition. This paper seeks to learn about the reliability of the shearer machine in order to locate critical subsystems. The improvement of the reliability of the critical subsystems, to enhance the optimum operation of the shearer machine, is the main objective of this research.

Design/methodology/approach

A basic methodology was used in this paper for the reliability modeling of the shearer machine. First, failure and performance data from a two‐year period at the Tabas Coal Mine‐Iran was classified and sorted. The tests for validating the assumption of independent and identical distribution (iid) of TBF data are done and the best modeling method for each subsystem was selected among the renewal process, homogeneous Poisson process and non‐homogeneous Poisson process. Finally, the reliability of subsystems and the machine were assessed.

Findings

The study revealed that six important subsystems of the shearer machine are; water system, haulage, electrical system, hydraulic system, cutting arms, and cable system. Pareto analysis shows that the 30 percent of failures and stoppages of the shearer were related to the water system and this system is the most critical subsystem of the machine. The failure rate analysis shows that the failure rates of the hydraulic, haulage and electrical systems were decreasing, meanwhile, the failure rates of the water system, cutting arms and cable system were increasing. The reliability of drum shearer reaches the zero value after 100 hours.

Originality/value

This paper, for the first time, defines a practical set of subsystems for the coal shearer based on field data and machine design.
Baltic States and the Euro: a spectral analysis of the 2007 financial crisis
Authors: Gray David
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the banking crisis in the USA and Western Europe that began in August 2007 precipitated a change in the relationship between the currencies of the Baltic States and the Euro, such that it could be described as shift contagion. The paper also considers whether the “hardness” of the currency peg affects the market reaction to that crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Shift contagion is said to be revealed if there a change in the co‐movements of exchange rates after August 2007 compared with before. Change is revealed by coherence and phase shifts. Both are drawn from cross‐spectral analysis.

Findings

Rather than weaken, the bonds between the currency board‐managed Kroon and the Litas, in a similar way to the Lat, exhibited greater bonding after the banking crisis began compared with before. The phase angles suggest some shift in money flows between the Baltic currencies and the Euro. With the Lat, the delays appear to be the same but at longer periodicies. The other two appear be subject to a reversal of money flows at various periodicies.

Research limitations/implications

Spectral analysis reveals that bonding between currencies of ERMII countries and the Euro increased, but the structure of money flows changed as a result of the Western banking crisis in related geographical and financial markets, before a local crisis became evident. To what extent this is an improvement over correlation methods could be the basis of further research. The phase switch is a structural change that other techniques could not have revealed.

Originality/value

The paper shows that spectral analysis could be more widely used in financial economics to reveal the impact of events on term structures.
Answering the journalistic six on the training needs assessment of pharmaceutical sales representatives
Authors: Zahid Iqbal Muhammad , Alam Malik Shahab , Khan Rashid Ahmad
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a schema for carrying out a comprehensive training needs assessment (TNA) of medical representatives. The schema answers commonly posed questions, the journalistic six.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 292 medical representatives (trainees) and 60 training/sales managers (trainers) from 32 pharmaceutical organizations of Pakistan was surveyed. The study attempted to answer the why, what, when, and where aspects of TNA by using correlation and two independent samples t‐test. Who‐ and how‐related aspects were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Findings

The results reveal that the perspectives of trainers and trainees are fully and partially consistent with each other on competency‐based TNA (why), and TNA inputs and TNA products/outcomes (what) respectively. However, a significant difference is found befallen TNA time‐line (when) and TNA situate (where). The results related to TNA decision makers (who), and TNA mechanisms (how) reveal a range of options.

Research limitations/implications

Reliance on data elicited with one shot can border the issue of generalization. Therefore, to compensate this, the study design is explained in fair detail.

Practical implications

The study identifies the gap between the existing literature on the journalistic six on TNA and the perceptions of the study participants on prevailing practices. To fill this gap, the study offers a framework to the pharmaceutical organizations for conducting a comprehensive TNA of their medical representatives.

Originality/value

The proposed schema reveals a set of six coherent areas to be considered for conducting a comprehensive TNA.
Inadequate return questions: return when? Sometime?
Authors: Wang Ching‐Tang , Huan Tzung‐Cheng , Kan Tang‐Chung
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This paper has two main aims: to show responses like yes or very likely for inbound visitors returning to a destination can lead to misleading and unreliable information; and to clarify the kind of information that should be collected.

Design/methodology/approach

Responses from Taiwan's inbound visitors relating to returning are examined to see what can be learned. Modeling is used to extract meaningful quantitative information from data.

Findings

Modeling shows that survey responses about return are inconsistent. Although 95 percent of non‐visiting‐friends‐and‐relations (VFR) leisure visitors indicate returning, this is not consistent with a retention rate of 90 percent. A retention rate of 33 percent is consistent with the observation that 70 percent of person‐visits are first‐visits. However, 33 percent retention is not consistent with over 95 percent of visitors returning. Conventional questions are yielding highly unreliable information and, therefore, data collection should be changed.

Originality/value

Relations between vague questions and return trips have been established. This research provides new evidence of the need for return data to include information allowing estimation of volume and timing of return.
Building a bioeconomy in the heartland
Authors: Dunham Lee , Ahn Mark , York Anne S.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the gap between the resources required to build a strong biotechnology ecosystem in Nebraska and the perception of resources currently available within the state for doing so.

Design/methodology/approach

Using resource‐based theory along with data from a Battelle survey commissioned by BioNebraska, the authors first identify the human and financial capital needed to support a viable biotechnology industry sector, benchmarking with other regions currently undertaking such development. The authors then compare identified resource requirements with data from a survey of BioNebraska members regarding their perceptions of the importance of these resources to, and their availability within, Nebraska.

Findings

This process revealed gaps in several key resource areas that could impede the state's ability to achieve its sector development goals.

Practical implications

In the authors' view, understanding the gap between resources required and resources available for building a high technology industry sector, as well as benchmarking against the competition, are key first steps in developing successful economic policy.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the implications of gaps in several key resource areas for future success and makes recommendations for possible ways in which Nebraska decision makers might develop necessary resources. Also addressed is the importance of considering the perceptions of key stakeholders and decision makers regarding the resources required for developing knowledge industries such as biotechnology.
A comparative study on the level of efficiency between Islamic and conventional banking systems in Malaysia
Authors: Hisham Yahya Mohamed , Muhammad Junaina , Razak Abdul Hadi Abdul
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the difference (or lack of difference) in the efficiency level of Islamic and conventional banking in Malaysia. Are the Islamic banks performing as good as the conventional banks, even though they are constrained by Islamic tenets?

Design/methodology/approach

Data envelopment analysis is used to measure the efficiency levels of banks in both sectors.

Findings

It is found that there is no significant difference in the level of efficiency between Islamic banks and conventional banks.

Research limitations/implications

The period of study is only three years, with only two banks which have been operating for more than three years, while the other Islamic banks in this study are just beginning their operation in Islamic banking. The inclusion of foreign banks operating in Malaysia in this analysis might distort the findings, as foreign banks have different capital structures and objectives compared to local ones.

Practical implications

The paper shows that even though Islamic banks are limited by Islamic tenets in their operations, they are able to maintain a performance that is equivalent to the conventional banks.

Originality/value

The paper makes comparisons of the efficiency levels between two different banking systems.
Prediction of breed composition in an admixed cattle population
Authors: Frkonja A. , Gredler B. , Schnyder U. , Curik I. , Sölkner J.
Published: March 2012

Swiss Fleckvieh was established in 1970 as a composite of Simmental (SI) and Red Holstein Friesian (RHF) cattle. Breed composition is currently reported based on pedigree information. Information on a large number of molecular markers potentially provides more accurate information. For the analysis, we used Illumina BovineSNP50 Genotyping Beadchip data for 90 pure SI, 100 pure RHF and 305 admixed bulls. The scope of the study was to compare the performance of hidden Markov models, as implemented in structure software, with methods conventionally used in genomic selection [BayesB, partial least squares regression (PLSR), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) variable selection)] for predicting breed composition. We checked the performance of algorithms for a set of 40 492 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), subsets of evenly distributed SNPs and subsets with different allele frequencies in the pure populations, using FST as an indicator. Key results are correlations of admixture levels estimated with the various algorithms with admixture based on pedigree information. For the full set, PLSR, BayesB and structure performed in a very similar manner (correlations of 0.97), whereas the correlation of LASSO and pedigree admixture was lower (0.93). With decreasing number of SNPs, correlations decreased substantially only for 5% or 1% of all SNPs. With SNPs chosen according to FST, results were similar to results obtained with the full set. Only when using 96 and 48 SNPs with the highest FST, correlations dropped to 0.92 and 0.90 respectively. Reducing the number of pure animals in training sets to 50, 20 and 10 each did not cause a drop in the correlation with pedigree admixture.
Clinical significance of the ratio between FOXP3 positive regulatory T cell and interleukin‐17 secreting cell in renal allograft biopsies with acute T‐cell‐mediated rejection
Authors: Chung Byung H. , Oh Hye J. , Piao Shang G. , Hwang Hyeon S. , Sun In O. , Choi Sun R. , Park Hoon S. , Choi Bum S. , Choi Yeong J. , Park Cheol W. , Kim Yong‐Soo , Cho Mi‐La , Yang Chul W.
Published: March 2012

The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical significance of the ratio between interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) secreting cell and FOXP3‐positive regulatory T cell (FOXP3+ Treg) infiltration in renal allograft tissues with acute T‐cell‐mediated rejection (ATCMR). Fifty‐six patients with biopsy‐proven ATCMR were included. Infiltration of FOXP3+ Treg and IL‐17‐secreting cells was evaluated with immunostaining for FOXP3 or IL‐17 on the biopsy specimens, and the patients were divided into the FOXP3 high group (Log FOXP3/IL‐17 > 0·45) or the IL‐17 high group (Log FOXP3/IL‐17 < 0·45). We compared the allograft function, severity of tissue injury, and clinical outcome between the two groups. In the IL‐17 high group, allograft function was significantly decreased compared with the FOXP3 high group (P < 0·05). The severity of interstitial and tubular injury in the IL‐17 high group was higher than the FOXP3 high group (P < 0·05). The proportions of steroid‐resistant rejection, incomplete recovery and recurrent ATCMR were higher in the IL‐17 high group than in the FOXP3 high group (all indicators, P < 0·05). The IL‐17 high group showed lower 1‐year (54% versus 90%, P < 0·05) and 5‐year (38% versus 85%, P < 0·05) allograft survival rates compared with the FOXP3 high group. Multivariate analysis revealed that the FOXP3/IL‐17 ratio was a significant predictor for allograft outcome. The FOXP3/IL‐17 ratio is a useful indicator for representing the severity of tissue injury, allograft dysfunction and for predicting the clinical outcome of ATCMR.
Microsatellite genotyping reveals end‐Pleistocene decline in mammoth autosomal genetic variation
Authors: NYSTRÖM VERONICA , HUMPHREY JOANNE , SKOGLUND PONTUS , McKEOWN NIALL J. , VARTANYAN SERGEY , SHAW PAUL W. , LIDÉN KERSTIN , JAKOBSSON MATTIAS , BARNES IAN , ANGERBJÖRN ANDERS , LISTER ADRIAN , DALÉN LOVE
Published: March 2012

The last glaciation was a dynamic period with strong impact on the demography of many species and populations. In recent years, mitochondrial DNA sequences retrieved from radiocarbon‐dated remains have provided novel insights into the history of Late Pleistocene populations. However, genotyping of loci from the nuclear genome may provide enhanced resolution of population‐level changes. Here, we use four autosomal microsatellite DNA markers to investigate the demographic history of woolly mammoths (Mammuthus primigenius) in north‐eastern Siberia from before 60 000 years ago up until the species’ final disappearance c. 4000 years ago. We identified two genetic groups, implying a marked temporal genetic differentiation between samples with radiocarbon ages older than 12 thousand radiocarbon years before present (ka) and those younger than 9 ka. Simulation‐based analysis indicates that this dramatic change in genetic composition, which included a decrease in individual heterozygosity of approximately 30%, was due to a multifold reduction in effective population size. A corresponding reduction in genetic variation was also detected in the mitochondrial DNA, where about 65% of the diversity was lost. We observed no further loss in genetic variation during the Holocene, which suggests a rapid final extinction event.
Hyper‐Immunoglobulin M Syndrome Type 3 with Normal CD40 Cell Surface Expression
Authors: Karaca N. E. , Forveille M. , Aksu G. , Durandy A. , Kutukculer N.
Published: March 2012

Mutations of theCD40gene have been found in patients with autosomal recessive hyper‐immunoglobulin M (HIGM) syndrome type 3. Five patients from four unrelated families withCD40mutation have been reported so far. Clinical manifestations include recurrent sinopulmonary infections,Pneumocystis cariniipneumonia andCryptosporidium parvuminfection. Affected patients typically have very low levels of IgG and IgA and normal or high levels of IgM. Flow cytometry analysis of these five patients demonstrated that peripheral blood B lymphocytes lacked expression of surface CD40. Herein, we present two siblings from second‐degree consanguineous Turkish parents with homozygousCD40deletion of four nucleotides including the stop codon resulting presumably to a longer protein. Clinical and immunological profile of these patients is similar to the already reported HIGM3 patients except normal CD40 expression on B lymphocytes. This observation emphasizes the requirement ofCD40mutation analysis for definite diagnosis of HIGM3 despite normal flow cytometric expression of CD40, particularly if the immunological and clinical profile is suggestive for HIGM3.
Relationship between cultivar difference in the sensitivity of net photosynthesis to ozone and reactive oxygen species scavenging system in Japanese winter wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Inada Hidetoshi , Kondo Taisuke , Akhtar Nahid , Hoshino Daiki , Yamaguchi Masahiro , Izuta Takeshi
Published: March 2012

To clarify the relationship between cultivar difference in the sensitivity of net photosynthesis to ozone (O3) and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging system in wheat (Triticum aestivum), we investigated the effects of chronic exposure to ambient levels of O3 on gas exchange rates, activity and concentration of ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), activity of ROS scavenging enzymes and concentration of antioxidants of the flag leaf in two Japanese winter wheat cultivars (Norin 61 and Shirogane‐komugi). Although the net photosynthetic rate of the flag leaf in Norin 61 was not significantly reduced by exposure to O3, that in Shirogane‐komugi was significantly reduced by the exposure to O3 during the anthesis and early grain‐filling stages. In the two cultivars, stomatal diffusive conductance to H2O of the flag leaf was not significantly affected by the exposure to O3. The exposure to O3 induced significant reductions in the activity and concentration of Rubisco, activities of catalase (CAT) and monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDAR) and concentrations of reduced form of ascorbate and total glutathione of the flag leaf in Shirogane‐komugi. It was concluded that the sensitivity of net photosynthesis of flag leaf to O3 is higher in Shirogane‐komugi than in Norin 61, and the difference in the sensitivity to O3 between the two cultivars is mainly due to that in the effects of O3 on the detoxification ability of ROS, mainly determined by the activity of ROS scavenging enzymes, such as CAT and MDAR.
Insight in schizophrenia: From conceptualization to neuroscience
Authors: Ouzir Mounir , Azorin Jean Michel , Adida Marc , Boussaoud Driss , Battas Omar
Published: March 2012

Lack of insight into illness is a prevalent and distinguishing feature of schizophrenia, which has a complex history and has been given a variety of definitions. Currently, insight is measured and treated as a multidimensional phenomenon, because it is believed to result from psychological, neuropsychological and organic factors. Thus, schizophrenia patients may display dramatic disorders including demoralization, depression and a higher risk of suicide, all of which are directly or indirectly related to a lack of insight into their illness, and make the treatment difficult. To improve the treatment of people with schizophrenia, it is thus crucial to advance research on insight into their illness. Insight is studied in a variety of ways. Studies may focus on the relationship between insight and psychopathology, may view behavioral outcomes or look discretely at the cognitive dysfunction versus anatomy level of insight. All have merit but they are dispersed across a wide body of literature and rarely are the findings integrated and synthesized in a meaningful way. The aim of this study was to synthesize findings across the large body of literature dealing with insight, to highlight its multidimensional nature, measurement, neuropsychology and social impact in schizophrenia. The extensive literature on the cognitive consequences of lack of insight and the contribution of neuroimaging techniques to elucidating neurological etiology of insight deficits, is also reviewed.
Inter‐field variability in the microbial communities of hydrothermal vent deposits from a back‐arc basin
Authors: FLORES G. E. , SHAKYA M. , MENEGHIN J. , YANG Z. K. , SEEWALD J. S. , GEOFF WHEAT C. , PODAR M. , REYSENBACH A.‐L.
Published: March 2012

Diverse microbial communities thrive on and in deep‐sea hydrothermal vent mineral deposits. However, our understanding of the inter‐field variability in these communities is poor, as limited sampling and sequencing efforts have hampered most previous studies. To explore the inter‐field variability in these communities, we used barcoded pyrosequencing of the variable region 4 (V4) of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize the archaeal and bacterial communities of over 30 hydrothermal deposit samples from six vent fields located along the Eastern Lau Spreading Center. Overall, the bacterial and archaeal communities of the Eastern Lau Spreading Center are similar to other active vent deposits, with a high diversity of Epsilonproteobacteria and thermophilic Archaea. However, the archaeal and bacterial communities from the southernmost vent field, Mariner, were significantly different from the other vent fields. At Mariner, the epsilonproteobacterial genus Nautilia and the archaeal family Thermococcaceae were prevalent in most samples, while Lebetimonas and Thermofilaceae were more abundant at the other vent fields. These differences appear to be influenced in part by the unique geochemistry of the Mariner fluids resulting from active degassing of a subsurface magma chamber. These results show that microbial communities associated with hydrothermal vent deposits in back‐arc basins are taxonomically similar to those from mid‐ocean ridge systems, but differences in geologic processes between vent fields in a back‐arc basin can influence microbial community structure.
Slow receptor dissociation is not a key factor in the duration of action of inhaled long‐acting β2‐adrenoceptor agonists
Authors: Sykes David A , Charlton Steven J
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE β2‐Adrenoceptor agonists are important bronchodilators used for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Clinical data on β2‐adrenoceptor agonists show a range of onset and duration of action. We have investigated whether the receptor binding kinetics of β2‐adrenoceptor agonists can explain their observed onset of action and duration of effect in the clinic.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH [3H]‐DHA was used to label β2‐adrenoceptors expressed in CHO‐cell membranes (Kd of 0.084 nM). Competition kinetic experiments were performed in the presence of unlabelled β2 agonists at 37°C in HBSS containing GTP. To determine the kinetic parameters, three concentrations (10, 3 and 1 ×Ki) of the unlabelled compound were employed against a fixed concentration of [3H]‐DHA (0.6 nM).

KEY RESULTS The clinically used β2‐adrenoceptor agonists exhibited a range of association and dissociation rates. The kinetic Kd and the competition Ki values of the eight β2‐adrenoceptor agonists examined were strongly correlated, suggesting that the method had produced accurate koff and kon rates. The kinetic on‐rate was highly correlated with equilibrium binding affinity.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Although the β2‐adrenoceptor agonists displayed a range of kinetic rate parameters, simulations at relevant drug concentrations suggest that receptor kinetics do not play an important role in determining onset of action in the clinic. In addition, it is unlikely that receptor kinetics exert an important influence on the duration of action of these agonists, as indacaterol (once daily dosing) had a shorter residency time at the receptor than salmeterol (twice daily dosing).
Application of collagen hydrogel/sponge scaffold facilitates periodontal wound healing in class II furcation defects in beagle dogs
Authors: Kosen Y. , Miyaji H. , Kato A. , Sugaya T. , Kawanami M.
Published: March 2012

Kosen Y, Miyaji H, Kato A, Sugaya T, Kawanami M. Application of collagen hydrogel/sponge scaffold facilitates periodontal wound healing in class II furcation defects in beagle dogs. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 626–634. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  A three‐dimensional scaffold may play an important role in periodontal tissue engineering. We prepared bio‐safe collagen hydrogel, which exhibits properties similar to those of native extracellular matrix. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of implantation of collagen hydrogel/sponge scaffold on periodontal wound healing in class II furcation defects in dogs.

Material and Methods:  The collagen hydrogel/sponge scaffold was prepared by injecting collagen hydrogel, cross‐linked to the ascorbate‐copper ion system, into a collagen sponge. Class II furcation defects (of 5 mm depth and 3 mm width) were surgically created in beagle dogs. The exposed root surface was planed and demineralized with EDTA. In the experimental group, the defect was filled with collagen hydrogel/sponge scaffold. In the control group, no implantation was performed. Histometric parameters were evaluated 2 and 4 wk after surgery.

Results:  At 2 wk, the collagen hydrogel/sponge scaffold displayed high biocompatibility and biodegradability with numerous cells infiltrating the scaffold. In the experimental group, reconstruction of alveolar bone and cementum was frequently observed 4 wk after surgery. Periodontal ligament tissue was also re‐established between alveolar bone and cementum. Volumes of new bone, new cementum and new periodontal ligament were significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group. In addition, epithelial down‐growth was suppressed by application of collagen hydrogel.

Conclusion:  The collagen hydrogel/sponge scaffold possessed high tissue compatibility and degradability. Implantation of the scaffold facilitated periodontal wound healing in class II furcation defects in beagle dogs.
SNAP‐tag Based Proteomics Approach for the Study of the Retrograde Route
Authors: Shi Getao , Azoulay Michel , Dingli Florent , Lamaze Christophe , Loew Damarys , Florent Jean‐Claude , Johannes Ludger
Published: March 2012

Proteomics is a powerful technique for protein identification at large scales. A number of proteomics approaches have been developed to study the steady state composition of intracellular compartments. Here, we report a novel vectorial proteomics strategy to identify plasma membrane proteins that undergo retrograde transport to the trans‐Golgi network (TGN). This strategy is based on the covalent modification of the plasma membrane proteome with a membrane impermeable benzylguanine derivative. Benzylguanine‐tagged plasma membrane proteins that are subsequently targeted to the retrograde route are covalently captured by a TGN‐localized SNAP‐tagged fusion protein, which allows for their identification. The approach was validated step‐by‐step using a well explored retrograde cargo protein, the B‐subunit of Shiga toxin. It was then extended to the proteomics format. Among other hits we found one of the historically first identified cargo proteins that undergo retrograde transport, which further validated our approach. Most of the other hits were kinases, receptors or transporters. In conclusion, we have pioneered a vectorial proteomics approach that complements traditional methods for the study of retrograde protein trafficking. This approach is of generic nature and could in principle be extended to other endocytic pathways.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—LACK OF CONTRAST ENHANCEMENT IN METASTATIC CEREBRAL ADENOCARCINOMA
Authors: Singh Jeannine Brunner , Oevermann Anna , Henke Diana , Segard Emilie , Gorgas Daniela
Published: March 2012

A 7‐year‐old female spayed Scottish Terrier was presented with central nervous system symptoms suggestive of a lesion in the forebrain. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed multifocal disease in the forebrain. Because of complete lack of contrast enhancement, the changes were attributed to lesions of inflammatory origin. Histopathology of the brain revealed multiple metastatic lesions of an adenocarcinoma. Brain metastases in general show contrast enhancement. The reason for a complete absence of contrast enhancement is unknown. Previous administration of corticosteroids, increased diffusion time of contrast medium, increased intracranial pressure in combination with an intact blood–tumor barrier is discussed as possible reasons.
Odontocete bycatch and depredation in longline fisheries: A review of available literature and of potential solutions
Authors: Hamer Derek J. , Childerhouse Simon J. , Gales Nick J.
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Operational interactions between odontocetes (i.e., toothed whales) and longline gear are a global phenomenon that may threaten the conservation of odontocete populations and the economic viability of longline fisheries. This review attempts to define the issue, summarize the trends and geographical extent of its occurrence over the last half century, explore the potential impact on odontocetes and on fisheries, and describe potential acoustic and physical mitigation solutions.

Reports of odontocete bycatch rates are highly variable (between 0.002 and 0.231 individuals killed per set) and at least 20 species may be involved. Information about marine mammal population size, migration patterns and life history characteristics are scarce, although at least one population may be in decline due to losses attributable to longline bycatch. Information about the financial impact of depredation on pelagic longline fisheries is also scarce, although estimates of daily fleet‐wide losses range between US$1,034 and US$8,495 (overall fleet income was not reported). Such biological and financial losses may be unsustainable.

Recent developments in acoustic and physical mitigation technologies have yielded mixed results. Acoustic mitigation technologies have no moving parts, although require complex electronics. To date, they are insufficiently developed and their efficacy has been difficult to assess. Physical mitigation technologies generally require complex moving parts, although they are relatively simple to develop and assess. Further development and testing remains necessary before widespread implementation would be possible. Development of these approaches should be prioritized and a “toolbox” of various strategies and solutions should be compiled, because a single panacea to the problem is unlikely to emerge.