bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coexpressing Escherichia coli Cyclopropane Synthase with Sterculia foetida Lysophosphatidic Acid Acyltransferase Enhances Cyclopropane Fatty Acid Accumulation
Authors: Yu Xiao-Hong , Prakash Richa Rawat , Sweet Marie , Shanklin John
Published: November 2013

Cyclopropane fatty acids (CPAs) are desirable as renewable chemical feedstocks for the production of paints, plastics, and lubricants. Toward our goal of creating a CPA-accumulating crop, we expressed nine higher plant cyclopropane synthase (CPS) enzymes in the seeds of fad2fae1 Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and observed accumulation of less than 1% CPA. Surprisingly, expression of the Escherichia coli  CPS gene resulted in the accumulation of up to 9.1% CPA in the seed. Coexpression of a Sterculia foetida lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (SfLPAT) increases CPA accumulation up to 35% in individual T1 seeds. However, seeds with more than 9% CPA exhibit wrinkled seed morphology and reduced size and oil accumulation. Seeds with more than 11% CPA exhibit strongly decreased seed germination and establishment, and no seeds with CPA more than 15% germinated. That previous reports suggest that plant CPS prefers the stereospecific numbering (sn)-1 position whereas E. coli  CPS acts on sn-2 of phospholipids prompted us to investigate the preferred positions of CPS on phosphatidylcholine (PC) and triacylglycerol. Unexpectedly, in planta, E. coli  CPS acts primarily on the sn-1 position of PC; coexpression of SfLPAT results in the incorporation of CPA at the sn-2 position of lysophosphatidic acid. This enables a cycle that enriches CPA at both sn-1 and sn-2 positions of PC and results in increased accumulation of CPA. These data provide proof of principle that CPA can accumulate to high levels in transgenic seeds and sets the stage for the identification of factors that will facilitate the movement of CPA from PC into triacylglycerol to produce viable seeds with additional CPA accumulation.
Poly[[(μ2-4,4′-bipyridyl-κ2N:N′)bis{μ2-N-[2-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)carbamothioyl]acetamidato-κ4O,N,O′:S}bis(nitrato-κ2O,O′)dicadmium] dimethylformamide tetrasolvate]
Authors: You Ming-Hua , Li Fo-Jun , Yang Xiao-Ping , Lin Xu-Xiang , Ye Hua-Yan
Published: November 2013

The asymmetric unit of the title complex, {[Cd2(C10H10N3O3S)2(C10H8N2)(NO3)2]·4C3H7NO}n, consists of one CdIIcation, oneN-[2-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)carbamothioyl]acetamidate ligand, half a 4,4′-bipyridyl ligand, one coordinating nitrate anion and two dimethylformamide solvent molecules of crystallization. The bipyridine ligand is completed by inversion symmetry. The metal cation exhibits a distorted pentagonal–bipyramidal coordination geometry provided by two O and one N atoms of the thiosemicarbazide ligand, two O atoms of the nitrate anion, one S atom of a neighbouring thiosemicarbazide ligand and one 4,4′-bipyridine N atom. The bridging role of the thiosemicarbazide ligand through the S atom leads to centrosymmetric binuclear units, which are further linked by 4,4′-bipyridine units, forming polymeric chains extending along theb-axis direction. An intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond occurs. The crystal structure also features N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds, leading to the formation of a three-dimensional network.
Bis(5-amino-1H-tetrazole-κN4)diaqua(oxalato-κ2O1,O2)cadmium
Authors: Liang Qian , Wang Yulin , Zhao Yan , Cao Gaojuan
Published: November 2013

In the monomeric title complex, [Cd(C2O4)(CH3N5)2(H2O)2], the CdIIion exhibits a distorted octahedral coordination geometry, with the equatorial plane defined by two O atoms from an oxalate ligand and two N atoms from two 5-amino-1H-tetrazole ligands; the axial sites are occupied by two water molecules, with longer Cd—O bond lengths. An intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond occurs. In the crystal, N—H...O as well as O—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen bonds (some of which are bifurcated) link the complex molecules into a three-dimensional network.
Tetraaquabis(piperazin-1-ium)cobalt(II) bis(sulfate) dihydrate
Authors: Sahbani Thameur , Smirani Sta Wajda , Rzaigui Mohamed
Published: November 2013

In the centrosymmetric title compound, [Co(C4H11N2)2(H2O)4](SO4)2·2H2O, the CoIIatom is coordinated in a distorted octahedral geometry by four water O atoms and two piperazinium N atoms. These four water O atoms define an equatorial plane with a maximum deviation of 0.0384 (1) Å while the two piperazinium N atoms complete the octahedron in the axial positions. Neighboring complex molecules and sulfate anions are connected through an extensive network of N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds, which link the different chemical species into layers in theabplane. Additional Owater—H...O hydrogen bonds involving the non-coordinating water molecules and C—H...O interactions connect these layers into a three-dimensional supramolecular structure.
An exploratory investigation into the role of a research and development programme on future craft practice
Authors: Valentine Louise , Fillis Ian , Follett Georgina
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of a research and development programme on improving craft practice through the provision of mentoring by academic practitioners, studio space and advice on marketing techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

– Following an initial focus group investigation of issues which impinge on contemporary craft practice, recipients of a bursary associated with the research and development programme were assessed with respect to how their craft and marketing competencies have developed.

Findings

– Practitioners can now reflect on their skills, experiment with techniques and consider the effectiveness of their approach and attitude towards marketing.

Research limitations/implications

– The programme only extends to practitioners working with one art and design institution but has implications for those concerned with creative practice elsewhere.

Practical implications

– There is wider potential to reinvigorate artistic and marketing practice across the creative and cultural industries, and the small and medium enterprise community in general.

Originality/value

– This is a novel programme which challenges experienced practitioners to extend their creative abilities in craft and approaches to marketing.
Happily ever after?
Authors: Münderlein Maria , F. Ybema Jan , Koster Ferry
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide an empirical test of theories proposed in the literature stating that turnover and retirement (two kinds of work withdrawal) involve different employee decisions. It also aims to provide a more general theoretical framework understanding turnover and retirement intentions integrating insights from different theories.

Design/methodology/approach

– Research hypotheses are tested using the Study on Transitions in Employment, Ability and Motivation (STREAM). This dataset includes information from approximately 15,000 respondents in The Netherlands. Respondents between the age of 45 and 64 were the target group in order to model transitions in the labor market for older workers. This dataset provides a unique opportunity to test turnover and retirement intentions.

Findings

– First, the results show that personal characteristics such as income, age or health, add more to the explanation of retirement intentions compared to turnover intentions and that work characteristics provide a better explanation of the turnover intention compared to retirement intention. Second, by focusing more closely on retirement intentions, the results show that organizational motivators can increase older workers' labor market participation.

Research limitations/implications

– First, it is acknowledged that the study investigates intentions rather than actual behavior. Second, given that the data are cross sectional, we cannot make claims about causality. Finally, some of the measures can be improved in future studies.

Originality/value

– This paper aims at integrating different perspectives on two kinds of work withdrawal (turnover and retirement) into one theoretical model.
Price regulation and cost accounting: the case of the Portuguese seaport sector
Authors: Martins António , Jorge Susana , Sá Patrícia
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how a stakeholder approach based on a case-study research was used to define a method to be applied across the Portuguese seaport administrations (SA) in order to justify the tariffs to be charged for a variety of services provided by these entities.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study involved both the Portuguese maritime transport regulator (IPTM) and the SA in the various stages that led to the proposition of a new method to be applied in cost calculation and reporting. Acting as consultant-researchers, the authors have used a multiplicity of data sources (e.g. regulations, reports and interviews), while involving users and providers of information in the design of the proposed method.

Findings

– The common acceptance of a set of rules regarding minimum levels of harmonisation in computing tariffs based on cost coverage was possible thanks to a strategy that has fostered a collaborative and interactive process engaging consultants and clients. The defined method respects the main principles and good practices of cost accounting, namely those related to cost traceability, classification and controllability. Moreover, it specifies how certain elements (e.g. depreciation, external services and personnel charges) with impact on cost structures of seaports should be measured according to the new financial accounting standards. The technical solution proposed represents a good compromise, while cost accounting systems in Portuguese SA are still under development.

Originality/value

– The paper describes the application of a case-study methodology to the resolution of a problem where requirements of customisation and harmonisation were essential to enhance the quality of the solution, as perceived by both the regulator and SA.
Export market location decision and performance
Authors: He Xinming , Wei Yingqi
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– Drawing on the resource-based view and network theory, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of external networks (ENs) and absorptive capacity (AC) in export market location decision of emerging economy firms (EEFs) and the performance implication of this decision.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study employs structural equation modeling to test three hypotheses: first, ENs influence an EEF manager's propensity to enter culturally/psychically distant markets for exports. Distant markets are more likely to be chosen by managers of firms with abundant ENs. Second, AC moderates this network-market location relationship. Third, superior performance results from the fit between managers’ propensity to enter a market and firms’ levels of ENs and AC.

Findings

– An analysis of 196 Chinese exporting firms supports the hypotheses.

Research limitations/implications

– Though the theoretical discussion is general, the empirical context is specific to Chinese export manufacturers. Replicating the study is necessary in different contexts.

Practical implications

– The study identifies to managers the importance of external (i.e. ENs) and internal resources and capabilities (i.e. AC) and linkages between resources and capabilities, strategy and performance.

Originality/value

– The study is novel in conceptually addressing the role of ENs and AC in firms’ decision making and performance and in testing hypotheses with robust methodology and data.
The effect of market orientation dimensions on multinational SBU's strategic performance
Authors: Dong Xiaodan , Andrew Hinsch Christian , Zou Shaoming , Fu Huifen
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to provide new insights into the link between market orientation (MO) and strategic performance by disaggregating the MO construct. With a focus on responsiveness, a crucial element of MO, this research explores antecedents as well as outcomes in the strategic business units (SBUs) of MNCs. The decision-making structure of the firm was modeled as a moderator of the link between responsiveness and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Survey data from upper level managers employed by 126 MNC SBUs representing 23 industries were collected.

Findings

– The key findings indicate that: responsiveness mediates the link between intelligence generation and strategic performance; responsiveness also mediates the link between resource flexibility and strategic performance; and the link between responsiveness and strategic performance is moderated by the SBU's decision-making structure (i.e. centralization).

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the conceptual precision of the composite construct MO, and also illustrates an avenue to increase strategic performance. Managerially, it provides managers with prescriptive suggestions for leveraging the value of the elements of MO with respect to the firm's decision-making structure.
Dividend taxation and the pricing of UK equities
Authors: Lindop Sarah , Holland Kevin
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which UK equity prices reflect shareholder level taxation on dividends (dividend tax capitalisation). Despite an extensive theoretical and empirical literature controversy exists.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a sample of UK firm year ends from 1991 to 2007 archival accounting and share price data are used to test for the presence or otherwise of dividend tax capitalisation.

Findings

– The paper finds evidence of equity values reflecting shareholder level dividend taxation. In particular, a significant reduction in the valuation of retained earnings, a measure of dividend paying potential, is observed around the July 1997 abolition of the repayment of dividend tax credits to tax exempt shareholders. This suggests a link between shareholder level taxation of dividends and firms’ cost of capital.

Research limitations/implications

– The analysis focuses on share prices and is therefore subject to an underlying assumption of shareholders’ understanding tax and other potential relevant information.

Practical implications

– The taxation of dividends is an important issue because of the potential for it to influence firms’ cost of capital and therefore investment decisions. Further, non-tax costs may be incurred to the extent that attempts are made to mitigate any “adverse” tax effects.

Social implications

– The results indicate that taxation of dividends and share prices are associated and therefore also indirectly firms’ cost of capital. This linkage has implications for investment appraisal and the allocation of capital between competing demands.

Originality/value

– In using an asset valuation approach the limitations of alternate methods of examining shareholder level taxation of dividends are avoided, e.g. analysis of dividend drop of ratios.
Fiscal year-end and non-lateral auditor switches
Authors: Chun Feng Nancy
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential effect of busy season resource constraints on the selection of a new auditor, conditioned upon the status of the prior auditor.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper employs multivariate logistic regressions for a sample of firms that changed auditors between 1979 and 2005 to explore the empirical correlations between having a December fiscal year-end (FYE) and non-lateral switches.

Findings

– The paper finds that non-BigN clients with December FYEs are less likely to switch to BigN auditors than those with non-December FYEs prior to the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). This trend subsides after SOX. For firms with BigN predecessor auditors, fiscal year-end appears to have insignificant influence on auditor switching.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings suggest that upwardly mobile clients face greater audit supply constraints compared to clients already being audited by a BigN firm during the traditional busy season. However, the curbing influence on switching upwards erodes after SOX.

Practical implications

– This study is to show the impact of supplier capacity constraints on audit production and structural changes within the auditing profession.

Originality/value

– The findings can further the understanding of the determinants of auditor-client realignment, given that the paper identifies and explores the effects of having a December FYE on subsequent auditor appointments, conditioned upon the status of the prior auditor.
Institutional mismatch in a transition economy. The collapse of Swedmilk Macedonia
Authors: Tuna Emelj , Nilsson Jerker
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present theoretical explanations for the failure of the largest dairy processing firm in Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) after only about one year of operation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper contains a case study on the establishment and failure of a new firm is presented. Data were collected through mass media reports and interviews with knowledgeable individuals in the dairy industry. The data were analyzed using neo-institutional theories, primarily agency theory.

Findings

– The core of the explanation is that the various categories of institutions were not aligned. For example, poor contract enforcement created insurmountable agency costs for all parties involved.

Research limitations/implications

– As this paper is based on a case study it is uncertain to which extent the finding can be generalized.

Originality/value

– Most case studies describe successes. This paper presents a case where the odds for success were poor, but the project was still initiated.
Supporting victims of sexual violence: whose responsibility?
Authors: Ward Carol , Whitfield Dianne , A. Piggott Samantha
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to share the challenges of, and learning gained by a voluntary sector organisation, Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC) in providing integrated care to victims of sexual violence.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper first considers the big picture, focusing on the current UK public sector commissioning environment, the policy commitment to integrated care, and challenges a current focus on definitions of integration that do not consider wider determinants of health and well-being. As an example of client groups who may not meet narrow criteria, but require person centred coordinated care, the needs of victims of sexual violence are explored, illustrated by a case study within CRASAC.

Findings

– Challenges faced by CRASAC include identifying responsibility for specialist commissioning, maintaining strategic partnerships and a lack of cross-sector understanding of the needs of victims of sexual violence. Key learning points are the need to form strategic alliances and partnerships, to lobby and influence decision makers, to develop monitoring tools that demonstrate impact on long-term client outcomes and to constantly raise awareness of the needs of victims of sexual violence. Final reflections focus on the questions these issues raise for the future of specialised integrated care in the voluntary sector.

Originality/value

– The paper is of value to commissioners in health, social care and the criminal justice system, in addition to providers of services that are in contact with victims of sexual abuse. These include health, criminal justice, education, police and social care, alongside other voluntary and community sector organisations.
The legitimacy of protecting intellectual property rights
Authors: Himma Kenneth
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider arguments both for and against intellectual property (IP) rights that are premised on each of two conceptions of the information commons that attributes either moral value or disvalue to its preservation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology is the philosophically standard one of reflective equilibrium. The author considers the argument for a morally protected information commons that is grounded in Locke's famous proviso limiting original acquisition of material property to situations that leave enough of the resource to others and Hardin's famous argument that holding material property in common leads to overuse and depletion – a Tragedy of the commons. In particular, the arguments are evaluated according to whether they cohere with ordinary foundational commitments.

Findings

– The author argues that neither conception of the commons is directly applicable to information objects and hence is relevant with respect to the issue of whether legal protection of IP rights is morally justified.

Originality/value

– The identification of key differences between material objects and information objects that shows the irrelevance of these two leading conceptions in resolving the general issue of whether legal protection of IP rights is justified.
Customer reactions to service failure and recovery in the banking industry: the influence of switching costs
Authors: Augusto de Matos Celso , Luiz Henrique Jorge , de Rosa Fernando
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to test the effects of satisfaction, satisfaction with service recovery (SSR) and switching costs (SC) on loyalty and positive word-of-mouth (PWOM) of bank customers in a service recovery context, taking into account the interaction among latent variables and the effects of contextual factors.

Design/methodology/approach

– A theoretical model is proposed based on previous studies and tested using structural equation modeling technique and bootstrapping estimates. A survey was conducted with 1,878 bank customers of a large Brazilian bank.

Findings

– Results supported the positive effects of satisfaction and SC on loyalty, while PWOM was influenced mainly by SAT. In addition, SC significantly interacted with satisfaction, reducing the effects of satisfaction on loyalty. Finally, relationship time, gender and age were the most relevant contextual factors.

Practical implications

– This study highlights the importance of switching costs in the banking industry. Although satisfaction is a relevant predictor of loyalty, this influence is contingent on the customer's SC. Hence, investment on marketing strategies and campaigns should be oriented to better convert switching perceptions into effective loyalty.

Originality/value

– Despite recent investigations on the roles of SC in customer loyalty, results have indicated mixed findings and most of the studies do not consider interactions between latent constructs. This study addresses this issue using the orthogonalization procedure.
Avoiding onboarding and promotion traps
Authors: Watkins Michael
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The author believes that it is crucial to follow a comprehensive framework for making transitions, one that distills the experience of many leaders facing a diverse range of situations when taking on a new job or a promotion.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author, an internationally known consultant, has distilled the experience of many leaders facing a diverse range of onboarding situations into a learning framework.

Findings

– New leaders must be systematic and focused about deciding what they need to learn and how they will learn it most efficiently.

Practical implications

– A leader's successful transition into a new position depends on the ability to influence people outside direct line of control. Supportive alliances, both internal and external, are necessary if leaders are to achieve their goals.

Originality/value

– The author shows the potential benefits to the organization from systematically accelerating everyone's learning during major transitions.
Venkat Ramaswamy – a ten-year perspective on how the value co-creation revolution is transforming competition
Authors: Leavy Brian
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– In this interview with Prof. Venkat Ramaswamy, Strategy & Leadership reviews the way the concept of co-creation of value with customers is being implemented on its tenth anniversary. Prof. Ramaswamy explains the basic elements of the co-creation playbook.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on his research with companies pioneering innovation co-creation with customers, Prof. Ramaswamy offers insights for executives into what makes this perspective different and powerful.

Findings

– Prof. Ramaswamy discusses the guiding principle underlying the transformation of enterprises towards co-creation: how to engage people to create valuable experiences together while enhancing network economics.

Practical implications

– In designing and managing a co-creation platform, ask, how accessible is it to consumers or any other key stakeholders; how well does it facilitate dialogue among them; how transparent is this interaction to all, which helps to build trust and attract even more participants; and how well does it enable the reflexive leveraging of the innovation and learning generated to enhance the value of the platform?

Originality/value

– Senior executives need to know how co-creation engagement platforms can also be used to generate ideas for continuously improving products and services through the lens of customer experiences.
“The concepts are universal, it is the picture you paint that is different”: key issues for Indigenous Australian alcohol and drug residential treatment centres
Authors: D. Chenhall Richard , Senior Kate
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to improve current evaluation designs for Indigenous Australian residential alcohol and drug treatment centres, by understanding the context of treatment in this modified TC context. The aim of the research is to present an analysis of the key features of treatment associated with four Indigenous Australian alcohol and drug treatment centres, as expressed by staff working in these centres.

Design/methodology/approach

– Ethnographic observations were made at each site between 2008 and 2009 with the first author attending treatment groups, education sessions, staff meetings and other events. The first author conducted informal conversational discussions with all programme staff and board members. In addition, 23 staff and 15 board members participated in a semi-structured interview with an emphasis on gaining views on the essential elements of residential alcohol and drug treatment, potential barriers to effective treatment delivery and “what works” in residential treatment.

Findings

– A number of key themes emerged, including the importance of the flexibility of programmes to include a wide variety of treatment approaches, the importance of culture (although defined differently) in the delivery of appropriate service, provision of safe spaces that allow for clients and staff interaction, the potential for improvement in the provision of effective client case management, the need to reduce job-related stress through staff professional development and organisational culture change and the need to address the difficulties experienced in the provision of effective aftercare.

Originality/value

– Currently, there is very little evidence related to Indigenous Australian approaches to the treatment of alcohol and drug misuse. The paper contributes to the understanding of the key features of treatment delivery, as identified by staff employed in drug and alcohol residential treatment. This understanding is vital so that government agencies can provide appropriate funding to areas of need for treatment services.
Breeding system of the threatened endemic Primula cusickiana var. maguirei (Primulaceae)
Authors: Davidson Jacob B. , Durham Susan L. , Wolf Paul G.
Published: November 2013

Maguire primrose (Primula cusickiana var. maguirei) is a threatened, narrow endemic found only along a 20‐km section within a single canyon in northern Utah, USA. Here we describe the breeding strategy of this perennial, distylous, primarily cliff‐dwelling species to test for reproductive constraints on the plants. Intermorph outcrossing treatments (i.e. between pin and thrum flowers) were the most successful hand pollinations performed, but those were usually inferior to natural pollination. Intramorph out‐crossing also was somewhat successful, but was consistently inferior to intermorph outcrossing. Seed‐set resulting from autogamy and geitonogamy treatments was least successful. Morph‐specific differences in seed set were observed for our hand pollinations, but not in natural pollination conditions. Our results suggest that pollinators play a crucial role by providing the pollen transfer necessary for maximal seed set in this rare and narrowly distributed distylous plant.
Decomposition trajectories of diverse litter types: a model selection analysis
Authors: Cornwell William K. , Weedon James T.
Published: November 2013

Decomposition of plant litter is a key process in the global carbon cycle, and its realistic representation is essential for accurate prediction of ecosystem carbon and nutrient dynamics. Traditionally, the exponential decay model, which assumes a constant relative decomposition rate through time, has been widely used for both the analysis of empirical data and large‐scale modelling. While this model may be adequate in some contexts, there are also many empirical observations for which it does not fit the data well.

Using a number of previously published leaf and wood decomposition data sets, comprising a diverse selection of litters, we compared the performance of five simple decay models varying in complexity and functional form. To accomplish this, we used a combination of model selection criteria and out‐of‐sample extrapolation analyses.

Model selection criteria favoured an optimal balance between parsimony and flexibility, and a rarely used model built on the Weibull distribution proved to have sufficient flexibility to fit the full range of decomposition trajectories including litters that show an initial lag phase. Using the Weibull fits, we further showed that the litter N content affects the shape of the decomposition trajectory, a novel biological result. Out‐of‐sample extrapolation showed biased predictions for all models and estimates of steady‐state stocks were often highly sensitive to model choice.

As the field moves beyond the single‐pool exponential framework, it is useful to confront alternate models with data from a wide array of litter types. This analysis demonstrates that model flexibility is important for representing the wide array of possible decomposition dynamics encountered in nature, with lag phase dynamics more widespread than previously thought. Out‐of‐sample extrapolation and derived parameters that rely on it remain problematic with all tested models. Progress in understanding the drivers and consequences of litter decomposition will come from combining empirical approaches with more focused process‐based modelling that allow for the assessment of alternative model assumptions.
Market‐Supporting Institutions, Gild Organisations, and the Industrial Revolution: A Comparative View
Authors: Tan Li
Published: November 2013

This article investigates the conditions for the emergence of the agents of the Industrial Revolution by comparing the market‐supporting institutions in pre‐modern England and China. Market‐supporting institutions in pre‐modern England supported group mobility and expansion of laws, which permitted the forthcoming of new entrepreneurs critical for launching industrial ventures. By contrast, market‐supporting institutions in pre‐modern China, although supporting individual mobility, led to stable social stratification and stagnancy in law development, which did not provide appropriate conditions for the emergence of industrial entrepreneurs.
We Used to Get and Give a Lot of Help: Networking, Cooperation and Knowledge Flow in the Hunter Valley Wine Cluster
Authors: McIntyre Julie , Mitchell Rebecca , Boyle Brendan , Ryan Shaun
Published: November 2013

The Hunter Valley, New South Wales, is both Australia's oldest continually producing wine region and a highly functioning wine business cluster. New generation cluster actors perceive that the region's concentration of historic family‐based firms has contributed to its strength. We have used rarely consulted and newly accessioned evidence from the 1820s to the 1920s to qualitatively test the extent to which early networking created pathways for knowledge flow in the region. Our cross‐disciplinary research into the historic depth of embedded cooperation reveals a little known feature of early Australian business history and complements the more commonplace breadth approach in cluster studies.
The Hollowing Out of Brazilian Metropolitan Governance As We Know It: Restructuring and Rescaling the Developmental State in Metropolitan Space
Authors: Klink Jeroen
Published: November 2013

Despite regulatory and financial rollout of the state at a number of scales, and a strengthening of the institutional framework that guides territorial planning and management, Brazilian metropolitan governance continues to be characterized by fragmented and relatively competitive organizational structures. Likewise, the Brazilian metropolis is marked by economic dynamism and intense socio‐spatial and environmental contradictions. Much of the mainstream literature on metropolitan governance has emphasized a natural “optimum” scale for planning and management in city‐regions, articulated by public and private stakeholders aimed at the coordinated delivery of economic, social and environmental services. Combining the literature on new state spaces and critical Brazilian urban‐regional studies, this paper provides an alternative framework to understand the impasse of Brazilian metropolitan areas, which is grounded within a geo‐historic reading of the contradictory projects and strategies of the developmental state and the contested nature of metropolitan scale itself.
Perioperative nutrition in extremely preterm infants undergoing surgical treatment for patent ductus arteriosus is suboptimal
Authors: Westin Vera , Stoltz Sjöström Elisabeth , Ahlsson Fredrik , Domellöf Magnus , Norman Mikael
Published: November 2013

Aim

To evaluate perioperative nutrition in extremely preterm infants undergoing surgery for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

Methods

This is a population‐based study of extremely preterm infants born in Sweden during 2004–2007 and operated on for PDA. Data on perioperative nutrition were obtained from hospital records. All enteral and parenteral nutrients and blood products were used to calculate daily nutritional intakes, starting 3 days before and ending 3 days after surgery. Data are mean (95% confidence intervals).

Results

Study infants (n = 140) had a mean gestational age (GA) of 24.8 weeks, and mean birth weight was 723 g. Energy and macronutrient intakes were below minimal requirements before, during and after PDA surgery. On the day of surgery, energy intake was 78 (74–81) kcal/kg/day, protein 2.9 (2.7–3.2) g/kg/day, fat 2.5 (2.3–2.7) g/kg/day and carbohydrate intake 10.7 (10.2–11.2) g/kg/day. Nutrition did not vary in relation to GA, but infants operated early (0–6 days after birth) received poorer nutrition than infants operated at older age. Fluid intake was 164 (159–169) mL/kg/day, and it did not vary during the week of surgery.

Conclusion

Perioperative nutrition in extremely preterm infants undergoing PDA surgery in Sweden is suboptimal and needs to be improved. The significance of malnutrition for outcome after PDA surgery remains unclear and requires further investigation.
Etomidate produces similar allosteric modulation in α1β3δ and α1β3γ2L GABAA receptors
Authors: Feng H‐J , Jounaidi Y , Haburcak M , Yang X , Forman S A
Published: November 2013

Background and Purpose

Neuronal GABAA receptors are pentameric chloride ion channels, which include synaptic αβγ and extrasynaptic αβδ isoforms, mediating phasic and tonic inhibition respectively. Although the subunit arrangement of αβγ receptors is established as β‐α‐γ‐β‐α, that of αβδ receptors is uncertain and possibly variable. We compared receptors formed from free α1, β3 and δ or γ2L subunits and concatenated β3‐α1‐δ and β3‐α1 subunit assemblies (placing δ in the established γ position) by investigating the effects of R‐(+)‐etomidate (ETO), an allosteric modulator that selectively binds to transmembrane interfacial sites between β3 and α1.

Experimental Approach

GABA‐activated receptor‐mediated currents in Xenopus oocytes were measured electrophysiologically, and ETO‐induced allosteric shifts were quantified using an established model.

Key Results

ETO (3.2 μM) similarly enhanced maximal GABA (1 mM)‐evoked currents in oocytes injected with 5 ng total mRNA and varying subunit ratios, for α1β3(1:1), α1β3δ(1:1:1) and α1β3δ(1:1:3), but this potentiation by ETO was significantly greater for β3‐α1‐δ/β3‐α1(1:1) receptors. Reducing the amount of α1β3δ(1:1:3) mRNA mixture injected (0.5 ng) increased the modulatory effect of ETO, matching that seen with β3‐α1‐δ/β3‐α1(1:1, 1 ng). ETO similarly reduced EC50s and enhanced maxima of GABA concentration‐response curves for both α1β3δ and β3‐α1‐δ/β3‐α1 receptors. Allosteric shift parameters derived from these data depended on estimates of maximal GABA efficacy, and the calculated ranges overlap with allosteric shift values for α1β3γ2L receptors.

Conclusion and Implications

Reducing total mRNA unexpectedly increased δ subunit incorporation into receptors on oocyte plasma membranes. Our results favour homologous locations for δ and γ2L subunits in α1β3γ2/δ GABAA receptors.
ADN‐1184 a monoaminergic ligand with 5‐HT6/7 receptor antagonist activity: pharmacological profile and potential therapeutic utility
Authors: Kołaczkowski M , Mierzejewski P , Bieńkowski P , Wesołowska A , Newman‐Tancredi A
Published: November 2013

Background and Purpose

Many dementia patients exhibit behavioural and psychological symptoms (BPSD) that include psychosis, aggressivity, depression and anxiety. Antipsychotic drugs are frequently prescribed but fail to significantly attenuate mood deficits, may interfere with cognitive function and are associated with motor and cardiac side effects, which are problematic in elderly patients. A need therefore exists for drugs that are better suited for the treatment of BPSD.

Experimental Approach

We used in vitro cellular and in vivo behavioural tests to characterize ADN‐1184, a novel arylsulfonamide ligand with potential utility for treatment of BPSD.

Key Results

ADN‐1184 exhibits substantial 5‐HT6/5‐HT7/5‐HT2A/D2 receptor affinity and antagonist properties in vitro. In tests of antipsychotic‐like activity, it reversed MK‐801‐induced hyperactivity and stereotypies and inhibited conditioned avoidance response (MED = 3 mg·kg−1 i.p.). Remarkably, ADN‐1184 also reduced immobility time in the forced swim test at low doses (0.3 and 1 mg·kg−1 i.p.; higher doses were not significantly active). Notably, up to 30 mg·kg−1 ADN‐1184 did not impair memory performance in the passive avoidance test or elicit significant catalepsy and only modestly inhibited spontaneous locomotor activity (MED = 30 mg·kg−1 i.p.).

Conclusions and Implications

ADN‐1184 combines antipsychotic‐like with antidepressant‐like properties without interfering with memory function or locomotion. This profile is better than that of commonly used atypical antipsychotics tested under the same conditions and suggests that it is feasible to identify drugs that improve BPSD, without exacerbating cognitive deficit or movement impairment, which are of particular concern in patients with dementia.
Chronic blockade of angiotensin AT1receptors improves cardinal symptoms of metabolic syndrome in diet‐induced obesity in rats
Authors: Müller‐Fielitz Helge , Hübel Nils , Mildner Martin , Vogt Florian M , Barkhausen Jörg , Raasch Walter
Published: November 2013

Background and Purpose

AT1 receptor antagonists decrease body weight gain in models of murine obesity. However, fewer data are available concerning the anti‐obesity effects of these antagonists, given as a treatment after obesity had been established.

Experimental Approach

In spontaneously hypertensive rats, obesity was established by cafeteria diet (CD) feeding for 19 weeks. Rats were then were treated with telmisartan (8 mg·kg−1·d−1) or amlodipine (10 mg·kg−1·d−1; serving as blood pressure control) or telmisartan + amlodipine (2 + 10 mg·kg−1·d−1; to control for dose‐dependency) for 17 weeks. Rats receiving only chow (Cchow) or CD‐fed rats treated with vehicle (CCD) served as controls.

Key Results

The CD feeding induced obesity, hyperphagia, hyperlipidaemia, and leptin and insulin resistance. Telmisartan reduced the CD‐induced increase in body weight and abdominal fat mass. Whereas energy intake was higher rather than lower, the respiratory ratio was lower. After telmisartan, leptin‐induced energy intake was reduced and respiratory ratio was increased compared with CCD rats. Telmisartan also decreased plasma levels of triglycerides, free fatty acids and low‐density lipoprotein. Amlodipine alone or the combination telmisartan + amlodipine did not affect body weight and eating behaviour. Telmisartan, but not amlodipine and telmisartan + amlodipine, improved glucose utilization. The decrease in BP reduction was almost the same in all treatment groups.

Conclusions and Implications

Telmisartan exerted anti‐obesity effects and restored leptin sensitivity, given as a treatment to rats with obesity. Such effects required high doses of telmisartan and were independent of the decrease in blood pressure.
Use of the Measure of Processes of Care (MPOC‐20) to evaluate health service delivery for children with cerebral palsy and their families in Jordan: validation of Arabic‐translated version (AR‐MPOC‐20)
Authors: Saleh M. , Almasri N. A.
Published: November 2013

Background

Family‐centred service (FCS) is widely accepted now as best practice in paediatric rehabilitation. The Measure of Processes of Care‐20 items set (MPOC‐20) is a valid and reliable self‐report measure of parents' perceptions of the extent to which health services are family‐centred. Arabic‐translated and validated version of the MPOC‐20 (AR‐MPOC‐20) is used to examine Jordanian families' perception of service providers' caregiving behaviours as they receive rehabilitation services for their children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

Parents of 114 children with CP who are receiving services at different settings in Jordan were interviewed using the AR‐MPOC‐20. Participating children aged 4.1 ± 4.4 years, 53.5% were males. Children varied across gross motor functional classification system (GMFCS). Parents were mostly mothers (76.3%), with at least high school education (71.9%).

Results

Factor analyses of the AR‐MPOC‐20 yielded a five‐factor solution with items loaded differently from the original measure. All items correlated best and significantly with their own Arabic scale score (rs: 0.91–0.26, P < 0.01). Internal consistency values of AR‐MPOC‐20 scales were acceptable (Cronbach's α: 0.69–0.82). Scale ‘Providing Written Information’ has the lowest average score (1.9 ± 1.6), while scale ‘Respectful & Coordinated Care’ has the highest average score (5.2 ± 1.5).

Conclusion

The AR‐MPOC‐20 is found to be a valid and reliable measure for use with Arabic‐Jordanian families of children with CP. FCS is not yet well implemented in Jordan, with parents reporting more need for information about their children's health and available services. Service providers are encouraged to apply FCS in paediatric rehabilitation, and giving more attention to effective communication and information exchange with families. AR‐MPOC‐20 is recommended for use for program evaluation.
Is Insecure Parent–Child Attachment a Risk Factor for the Development of Anxiety in Childhood or Adolescence?
Authors: Kerns Kathryn A. , Brumariu Laura E.
Published: November 2013

In this article, we address how and why parent–child attachment is related to anxiety in children. Children who do not form secure attachments to caregivers risk developing anxiety or other internalizing problems. While meta‐analyses yield different findings regarding which insecurely attached children are at greatest risk, our recent studies suggest that disorganized children may be most at risk. Insecure attachment itself may contribute to anxiety, but insecurely attached children also are more likely to have difficulties regulating emotions and interacting competently with peers, which may further contribute to anxiety. Clinical disorders occur primarily when insecure attachment combines with other risk factors. In this article, we present a model of factors related to developing anxiety.
Children's Social Self‐Concept and Internalizing Problems: The Influence of Peers and Teachers
Authors: Spilt Jantine L. , van Lier Pol A. C. , Leflot Geertje , Onghena Patrick , Colpin Hilde
Published: November 2013

This study aimed to understand how relationships with peers and teachers contribute to the development of internalizing problems via children's social self‐concept. The sample included 570 children aged 7 years 5 months (SD = 4.6 months). Peer nominations of peer rejection, child‐reported social self‐concept, and teacher‐reported internalizing problems were assessed longitudinally in the fall and spring of Grades 2 and 3. Teacher reports of support to the child were assessed in Grade 2. Results showed that peer rejection impeded children's social self‐concept, which in turn affected the development of internalizing problems. Partial support was found for individual (but not classroom‐level) teacher support to buffer the adverse effects of peer problems on children's self‐concept, thereby mitigating its indirect effects on internalizing problems.
Pancreas transplantation with portal venous drainage with an emphasis on technical aspects
Authors: Rogers Jeffrey , Farney Alan C. , Orlando Giuseppe , Farooq Umar , Al‐Shraideh Yousef , Stratta Robert J.
Published: November 2013

Advances in surgical techniques and clinical immunosuppression have led to improving results in vascularized pancreas transplantation. Most pancreas transplants are performed with enteric exocrine drainage and systemic venous delivery of insulin (systemic‐enteric technique) although bladder drainage (systemic‐bladder technique) remains a viable option. To improve the physiology of pancreas transplantation, an innovative technique of portal venous delivery of insulin and enteric drainage of the exocrine secretions (portal‐enteric technique) was developed and refined over the past 27 yr. However, the potential of portal‐enteric pancreas transplantation has never been fully realized as it is currently performed in only 18% of simultaneous pancreas‐kidney/sequential pancreas after kidney and 10% of pancreas‐alone transplants with enteric drainage. A number of studies have demonstrated no major or consistent differences in outcomes for bladder‐drained or enteric‐drained pancreas transplants with either portal or systemic venous drainage although some studies suggest purported metabolic and immunologic advantages associated with portal venous delivery of insulin. The purpose of this study is to review the existing literature on portal‐enteric pancreas transplantation with an emphasis on surgical aspects and technical modifications/nuances that have been introduced with time and experience.
Endoscopic clip closure of gastrointestinal perforations, fistulae, and leaks
Authors: Raju Gottumukkala S.
Published: November 2013

Development of endoscopic devices to close perforations has certainly revolutionized endoscopy. Immediate closure of perforations eliminates the need for surgery, which allows us to push the limits of endoscopic surgery from the mucosal plane to deep submucosal layers and eventually transmurally. The presentarticle focuses on endoscopic closure devices, closure techniques, followed by a review of animal and clinical studies on endoscopic closure of perforations.