bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cause manifesto
Authors: Ferguson Rick , Goldman Sharon M.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to encourage loyalty marketers to embrace cause‐related marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores companies which have used or are using cause‐related marketing, from McDonald's 1984‐established Ronald McDonald House to the newer LIVESTRONG campaign, and examines which programs’ successes, failures and consumer reactions.

Findings

According to the 2008 Edelman goodpurpose study, 63 percent of consumers think companies spend too much on marketing and advertising and should set aside more for a “good cause”. Even during a recession, the study adds, 80 percent of global consumers think it is still important that brands and companies set aside money for a social purpose. A recent survey of 9,000 consumers worldwide by Boston Consulting Group indicates that, despite the economic downturn, buying green products remains a priority – a majority of respondents in all countries expressed a willingness to pay a premium of 5 percent or more for green products, and 73 percent considered it important that companies have good environmental records.

Practical implications

Today, cause marketing is more than just a trend – it is an imperative. What began as a simple way to build brand affinity has become a consumer expectation in an era in which sustainable and ethical consumer choices are more important than ever before. And within that framework, loyalty marketing tactics are at the heart of creative innovation.

Originality/value

The paper presents exclusive interviews with representatives from some of the largest marketing firms in the industry today and offers tangible tips and tools to utilize in the real world marketing plans.
Gender and leadership styles in single‐sex academic institutions
Authors: Taleb Hanan M.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between gender and female leadership styles in a single‐sex academic institution in Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

Essentially, a qualitative research approach that utilised a single case‐study methodology was adopted. As part of this research, seven in‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted with senior managers of the all‐women's Saudi academic institution.

Findings

Evidence suggests that the interviewed female leaders of Manar College are inclined to adopt stereotypical attributes of feminine qualities of leadership. They also tend to prefer a democratic, interpersonally‐oriented and transformational style rather than autocratic, task‐oriented or transactional style of leadership. In essence their leadership styles seem to agree – to a large extent – with the mainstream view on women's ways of leading.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the depth and richness of collected data, this research – as with all case studies – suffers from a limited ability to generalise the findings due to small sample size. It could thus be of interest for future quantitative‐based research to test the findings and propositions of this research on a representative set of single‐sex academic institutions in order to determine whether their leaders are trapped in stereotyped visions of leadership.

Originality/value

Various studies have examined the relationship between gender and leadership styles in educational establishments. In this regard, the paper argues the need and relevance of considering single‐sex academic institutions, a perspective that has not yet received sufficient attention in the educational leadership literature.
Using informal classroom observations to improve instruction
Authors: Ing Marsha
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the variability of principals' classroom observations across schools and to relate classroom observations to the schools' instructional climate. This helps identify the conditions under which classroom observations effectively improve instruction in some schools and not in other schools.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study are from surveys from principals (n=319) and teachers (n=15,818) matched to administrative data on principals and schools. Data are analyzed using factor analysis, latent class analysis, and regression.

Findings

There is no evidence that the frequency, duration, or instructional focus of classroom observations varies across schools with different student demographic characteristics or student performance levels. There is also no evidence that the frequency or duration of conducting classroom observations relates to the instructional climate of the school. However, there is evidence that conducting observations with a focus on instructional improvement relates to the instructional climate of the school after controlling for school and principal characteristics. These findings suggest variability in the implementation of classroom observations.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information to guide the preparation and support of principals in order to use classroom observations most effectively for improving instructional opportunities.
Relationships in reform: the role of teachers' social networks
Authors: Daly Alan J. , Moolenaar Nienke M. , Bolivar Jose M. , Burke Peggy
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Scholars have focused their attention on systemic reform as a way to support instructional coherence. These efforts are often layered on to existing social relationships between school staff that are rarely taken into account when enacting reform. Social network theory posits that the structure of social relationships may influence the direction, speed, and depth of organizational change and therefore may provide valuable insights in the social forces that may support or constrain reform efforts. This study aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This mixed‐methods exploratory case study examined five schools within one under‐performing school district as it enacted a system‐wide reform. Quantitative survey data were collected to assess social networks and teacher work perception of five schools enacting the reform. Qualitative data were gathered through individual interviews from educators within representative grade levels as a way to better understand the diffusion and implementation of the reform.

Findings

Despite being enacted as a system‐wide reform effort, the results suggest significant variance within and between schools in terms of reform‐related social networks. These networks were significantly related to the uptake, depth, and spread of the change. Densely connected grade levels were also associated with more interactions focused on teaching and learning and an increased sense of grade level efficacy.

Practical implications

The findings underline the importance of attending to relational linkages as a complementary strategy to the technical emphasis of reform efforts, as social networks were found to significantly facilitate or constrain reform efforts. Implications and recommendations are offered for leadership, policy and practice that may support the design and implementation of reforms, which may ultimately increase student performance.

Originality/value

The study makes a unique contribution to the reform literature by drawing on social network theory as a way to understand efforts at reform. The work suggests that the informal social linkages on which reform is layered may support or constrain the depth of reform.
Understanding patrons' participation in activities at entertainment malls
Authors: Lotz Sherry L. , Eastlick Mary Ann , Mishra Anubha , Shim Soyeon
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to apply concepts from “flow” paradigm to examine factors contributing to participation in entertainment and shopping activities at, and future patronage intent toward, entertainment shopping malls.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 342 consumers via mall intercepts conducted at two major entertainment shopping malls located in major metropolitan areas in the US states of Arizona and California. A self‐administered questionnaire was provided to subjects to complete while shopping at the mall. Data analysis was conducted using standard error of mean.

Findings

Supporting flow theory, results suggest that future mall patronage intention is most directly influenced by participation in mall entertainment activities followed by shopping activities. Entertainment and shopping participation are indirectly and positively influenced by patrons' intrinsic motivations, freedom of choice to patronize the mall, and perceptions of challenges and skills in participating in mall activities through their effects on mood states.

Research limitations/implications

Results demonstrated that mall patrons do experience “flow‐like” mood states which influence activity levels in pursuing both mall entertainment and shopping. A study limitation included the focus on one mood state which pointed toward a need to investigate other mood states of mall shoppers.

Originality/value

This paper examines four antecedents, derived from flow theory, that may influence entertainment mall patrons' flow‐type mood states which, in turn, may drive their participation in mall shopping and entertainment activities.
A multi‐attribute ranking method for bridge management
Authors: Abu Dabous Saleh , Alkass Sabah
Published: May 2010

Purpose

A bridge network is a major capital asset that requires continuing investment in order to maintain the network within acceptable limits of safety and serviceability. Ranking and prioritizing procedures have been widely used by several departments of transportation to select bridges for intervention and to distribute the available funds among competing projects. The available ranking and prioritizing procedures have various drawbacks, and an improved, rational ranking and prioritizing procedure is needed. The paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The requirements and characteristics of an innovative ranking and prioritizing method are identified during interviews with professionals involved in bridge management. Based on these requirements, multi‐attribute utility theory (MAUT) is selected to develop the method. A technique to develop utility functions based on the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is discussed. A hierarchy structure that captures the decision‐making elements is presented. A case study is used to demonstrate the applicability and the validity of the proposed ranking method.

Findings

The research findings have identified the decision objectives and the criteria essential to rank and prioritize bridge projects, and these are included within a framework to rank and prioritize bridge projects while incorporating experts' input in the process.

Practical implications

The proposed framework includes weights for the various objectives and recommends utility functions to evaluate the different attributes. In addition, the framework provides flexibility to adjust the weights and to modify the utility functions to reflect network‐specific characteristics. This method can be used by departments of transportation to rank bridges in a network, even incorporating conflicting criteria, and it can be integrated within an already implemented bridge management methodology.

Originality/value

Ranking and prioritizing projects are essential steps in bridge management. Current methods for ranking and prioritizing bridge projects are associated with various drawbacks. This paper proposes an innovative ranking method for bridge networks, based on MAUT. This theory provides flexibility for the decision makers in expressing their degree of satisfaction with each bridge attribute.
Suitability of procuring large public works by PPP in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Esther , Chan Albert P.C. , Kajewski Stephen
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (hereinafter referred to as Hong Kong) is an international leading commercial hub, particularly in Asia. In order to keep up its reputation a number of large public works projects have been considered. Public‐private partnership (PPP) has increasingly been suggested for these projects, but the suitability of using this procurement method in Hong Kong is yet to be studied empirically. The purpose of this paper is to specifically consider whether PPPs should be used to procure public works projects in Hong Kong by studying the attractive and negative factors for adopting PPP.

Design/methodology/approach

As part of this study a questionnaire survey was conducted with industrial practitioners. The respondents were requested to rank the importance of 15 attractive factors and 13 negative factors for adopting PPP.

Findings

The results found that in general the top attractive factors ranked by respondents from Hong Kong were efficiency related: these included “Provide an integrated solution (for public infrastructure/services)”, “Facilitate creative and innovative approaches”, and “Solve the problem of public sector budget restraint”. It was found that Australian respondents also shared similar findings to those in Hong Kong, but the UK respondents showed a higher priority to those economic driven attractive factors. Also, the ranking of the attractive and negative factors for adopting PPP showed that on average the attractive factors were scored higher than the negative factors.

Originality/value

The results of this research have enabled a comparison of the attractive and negative factors for adopting PPP between three administrative systems. These findings have confirmed that PPP is a suitable means to procure large public projects, which are believed to be useful and interesting to PPP researchers and practitioners.
Technology implementation strategies for construction organisations
Authors: Henderson J.R. , Ruikar K.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to present an overview of the findings of a study aimed at investigating industry‐specific factors that influence the success of technology implementation in construction organisations. These include: the identification of a need, proposal procedures, benefit identification/evaluation, formulation of implementation strategies, implementation barriers, change management and overall implementation evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

A semi‐structured interview‐based approach is adopted to identify the industry‐specific factors that influence the success of technology implementation in construction organisations. The findings are discussed and recommendations to industry for potential improvements are given.

Findings

The extent to which successful technology implementation can be achieved, ultimately depends on the degree to which changes are planned, managed and evaluated. Therefore, technology implementation within construction organisations is not so much a technological problem as it is a human behavioural one.

Practical implications

As technology implementation ultimately consists of changes in practices being made, the fundamental issues regarding technology implementation strategies are well aligned with those of change management. As a result, it is vital that human behavioural and emotional issues are addressed if successful technology implementation is to be achieved.

Originality/value

An investigation into the industry‐specific factors which have resulted in the perception that the construction industry is lagging behind other industries in the uptake of new technologies.
Unlocking the mindsets of Government Affairs Managers
Authors: Barron Andrew
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the cultural dimensions of corporate political activity (CPA).

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a qualitative research design. Data collected from interviews conducted with the Brussels‐based Government Affairs Managers of French and British firms are analysed to examine the impact of national culture on their objectives and preferred political strategies.

Findings

The findings suggest possible relationships between the cultural dimensions elaborated by Hofstede and the different components of corporate political action: uncertainty avoidance can help explain managers' objectives when becoming politically active; the long‐term vs short‐term dimension can account for their general approaches to political activity; their level of participation in the political process can be explained by the individualism vs collectivism dimension; and their choices of specific lobbying tactics and techniques can be explained in terms of power distance.

Practical implications

As firms increasingly interact with foreign rivals when seeking to influence policy outcomes, knowing that corporate political strategies are in part culturally grounded can help Government Affairs Managers to anticipate, respond to and act on the strategies pursued by firms socialised in other national cultures.

Originality/value

While previous mainstream research into CPA is based largely on universal theories, the primary contribution of the paper is to introduce national culture as a variable to explain cross‐country differences in the types and processes of firms' political activities.
Performance assessment framework for supply chain partnership
Authors: Kim Dong‐Young , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Uma
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for assessing the comprehensive performance of supply chain partnership (SCP).

Design/methodology/approach

Using the literature review approach, the paper proposes a framework to assess the performance of SCP. The framework is based on the self‐assessment dimensions and approaches of the business excellence model developed by the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM). The proposed framework could be implemented not only in entire supply chains, but also in a dyadic relationship.

Findings

Identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement begins with assessing the level of SCP. The proposed framework focuses on assessing two dimensions of SCP – efforts and results – that will offer practitioners both balanced insights and valuable information. This framework also highlights assessment dimensions that could help qualified assessors to produce consistent judgments and evaluate multiple aspects of SCP. The framework includes practical indicators to help measure outcomes, such as cost efficiency and flexibility.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on the assessment dimensions based on the EFQM model. Assessors can conduct an objective and standardized assessment using these multiple dimensions. This paper expands the traditional concept of SCP performance into both tangible and intangible performance by emphasizing output and outcome.
Measuring chain digitisation maturity: an assessment of Dutch retail branches
Authors: Plomp Marijn G.A. , Batenburg Ronald S.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a validated measurement model and typology for chain digitisation maturity, defined as the degree of interorganisational collaboration through ICT.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a literature (meta) study, 22 existing maturity models are found and analysed, on the basis of which an integrated framework is developed. This framework is subsequently applied to interorganisational collaboration within the Dutch retail sector (i.e. retailers and their wholesalers, manufacturers, customers, and trade organisations). The measurement model is tested by determining the chain digitisation level of 24 different retail sub‐sectors (branches) through desk research, interviews, and surveys. Data are collected at the level of the branch, mainly through representatives of trade organisations.

Findings

The framework (i.e. measurement model) appears to be applicable to describing the Dutch retail sector and comparing its branches, providing both expected and new insights. The typology supports the vision of the combination of two dimensions: the level of technology and the level of organisation.

Research limitations/implications

The framework has been applied to the (Dutch) retail sector only. It seems suitable for application to other sectors as well.

Practical implications

The empirical application provides an extended view of the current situation of the (Dutch) retail sector with regard to chain digitisation. On this basis, a roadmap can be derived to support the adoption and deployment of chain digitisation among retail organisations.

Originality/value

The framework for chain digitisation and the derived typology are of value to the SCM research community, as they are specifically developed and tested at the level of interorganisational chains.
Electronic markets, data access and collaboration: relative value to performance in firm operations
Authors: Power Damien , Hanna Victoria , Singh Prakash J. , Samson Danny
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the direct and indirect effects of the use of electronic markets (e‐markets), access to online data and trading partner collaboration on operational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study involved survey data from 233 Australian firms. Data were provided by members of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Australia, who reflected upon relevant practices and performances of their firms. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results show that whilst all three direct effects are non‐significant, when the indirect effects are taken into account, the total effects are significant in strength. This suggests that use of e‐markets, access to online data and collaboration with trading partners, when taken in isolation, are not as effective as could be expected. However, when these factors are implemented together, their value and impact becomes significant.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to Australian firms.

Practical implications

The results highlight that investments in information and communication technology must be deployed in an holistic manner, for example, by combining use of web‐based applications and market mechanisms with effective data sharing and collaboration, if they are to produce significant improvements in operations.

Originality/value

While e‐markets may have been viewed as a mechanism for reducing the costs of inputs and/or as a new demand channel, this study establishes that more value can be extracted when this technology is viewed and exploited in a more strategic manner. E‐markets should be used in concert with access to data and collaboration with trading partners who are able to exploit the opportunities for mutual benefit.
Satisfaction with mentoring relationships: does gender identity matter?
Authors: Ortiz‐Walters Rowena , Eddleston Kimberly‐Ann , Simione Kathleen
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of gender identity on protégés' satisfaction with mentoring relationships. More specifically, it aims to investigate whether or not a protégé's feminine or masculine identity, by virtue of emphasizing different criteria, roles, and preferences, impacts his or her satisfaction with the performance of a mentor.

Design/methodology/approach

Managers and/or professionals, identified by in‐career MBA students at large universities in the East, completed surveys to assess relationship satisfaction as a mentoring outcome.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that masculine protégés, who strongly identify with their career roles, report being more satisfied with mentors who provide career development support. Conversely, feminine protégés, who measure career success using socio‐emotional‐based criteria, report being more satisfied with mentors who provide psychosocial support.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited in its generalizability due to the type of sample studied. The sample consisted of managers from a variety of male‐dominated occupations. In addition, since the data were self‐reported on a single survey, common method bias may also be an issue.

Practical implications

Despite limitations, the study implies that assessment of gender identity and related skills can provide organizations with more effective guidance and matching of mentors and protégés to maximize perceived satisfaction on the part of the protégé.

Originality/value

Although many studies have investigated a variety of factors that affect mentoring, few have examined the influence of gender identity on the functioning of these relationships.
Communication management as a second‐order management function
Authors: Nothhaft Howard
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide young communication managers with a theoretical framework to better understand what they are doing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper combines theoretical reflections with empirical material from an observation study, a “shadowing study” of eight communication managers in German companies undertaken by the author.

Findings

Communication management is explained as a second‐order management function, i.e. a function which not only coordinates organizational performance by planning, organizing, controlling, but also institutionalizes certain concerns in the organization. Drawing on the shadowing study, the paper describes how communication managers “manage the management of others” by acting in certain roles, e.g. the missionary (not the guru), the agent of common sense (not the enforcer), the buck's stop (not the CEO's darling). Communication management, it is argued, is not predominantly concerned with power in the organizations, but with influence.

Originality/value

Based on week‐long observations of eight experienced communication executives' everyday activities, the paper argues against concepts which implicitly or explicitly debase “soft”, “influence‐based” and “people‐oriented” approaches and portray “proper” communication management as “hard”, “power‐based” and “system‐oriented”.
PR professionals in France: an overview of the sector
Authors: Carayol Valérie
Published: May 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to present different types of data derived from recent surveys of the academic and professional literature. It intends to provide an overall account of the situation of PR professionals in France with insight into their views and their work.

Design/methodology/approach

The research question posed is: “What kinds of PR topics are being investigated and how is the professional sphere of PR regarded?”

Findings

PR studies are mostly the work of professional organizations. Although numerous studies were conducted by the university sector during the early 1990s in conjunction with the strong development of the communications professional field, there has been a decrease in university studies on PR professionals since early 2000. Generally speaking, studies conducted by professionals are more often focused on skills and activities, whereas those conducted by academics are more often focused on communications professions, people, reasoning behind actions in practice, and skills turned into action.

Originality/value

The various issues underlying the studies examined confirm a growing interest in the working environment, including socio‐political expectations of PR professionals. Through these studies a new perspective of PR professionals as social engineers – versus technicians – seems to appear. In addition, the consideration of societal and social issues by professionals, may suggest that the profession is working to improve its legitimacy.
Challenges in transforming manufacturing organisations into product‐service providers
Authors: Martinez Veronica , Bastl Marko , Kingston Jennifer , Evans Stephen
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present challenges experienced by UK manufacturing companies undergoing a servitization journey to becoming product‐service providers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an exploratory single‐case study approach based on semi‐structured interviews, and archival data. A total of 22 senior managers were interviewed from the product‐service provider and its two suppliers, resulting in more than 400 pages of interview data. Data were analysed through an inductive research analysis by an emergent identification of patterns.

Findings

This research identifies critical and frequent challenges experienced by UK manufacturing companies undergoing a servitization journey to becoming product‐service system (PSS) providers. They are condensed into five pillars, which constitute the architecture of challenges in servitization. The architecture of challenges in servitization provides a full description of the strategy and operations of PSSs.

Research limitations/implications

This is qualitative research based on a single case study. Given the nature of research design, the identified patterns cannot be used as a predictive tool.

Practical implications

This research provides a framework to understand, analyse and plan the strategic transformations to more highly servitized organisational forms.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to knowledge with a new model called “the architecture of challenges in servitization”. This is the only model that explains the importance of the strategic, operational and social tests that organisations confront when adopting servitization strategies. If companies understand these challenges, they have the potential to create unique sets of values for a variety of stakeholders.
Service postponement
Authors: Yang Biao , Yang Ying , Williams Sharon
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the application of manufacturing postponement in a service setting.

Design/methodology/approach

In elaborating on the many key differences between goods and services highlighted in the literature, it has been argued that postponement strategies developed in manufacturing have a potential for improving service performance. The authors then examine the implications of postponement for the service push‐pull boundary and the line of visibility.

Findings

A focus on postponement at the service push‐pull boundary enables more activities to be performed in advance. Its benefits include reducing costs and shortening service delivery time. Postponement can also assist service providers in re‐locating the line of visibility to develop a more effective service operation.

Originality/value

While the significant economic benefits of postponement have been documented in manufacturing companies, the literature has also mentioned the potential role of postponement in service. However, very little has been written with respect to the exploitation of the transferability and applicability of postponement to a service setting. In this paper, the authors have explored what value postponement might have to offer for service operations. The application of postponement has a potential for service performance akin to what is expected of a manufacturing organisation.
Process management in healthcare: investigating why it's easier said than done
Authors: Hellström Andreas , Lifvergren Svante , Quist Johan
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate what happens when a new management idea with manufacturing origin is implemented in a healthcare organization. In this paper, it is focussed on process management: what happens when the processes are highlighted, process owners are appointed and more power is allocated to the process dimension of the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the case of a hospital group in Sweden to investigate difficulties in implementing process management. The studied hospital group has been involved in systematic fundamental change to the system for nearly a decade. The research project was conducted using a collaborative management research approach in which academic researchers worked together with the development director.

Findings

The paper shows that the organization itself in many ways becomes an obstacle to the achievement of a process‐oriented management style. In the empirical story, voices from the healthcare staff reveal conflicts over organizing principles and structures such as budgeting and reimbursement systems – systems obviously built on a more functional view from an organizational perspective. It is not completely evident that the two alternative perspectives are able to co‐exist easily – managing them seems to be an advanced balancing act.

Originality/value

The paper provides an illustration of knowledge transfer from manufacturing to service industries. It focuses on the meeting between a Swedish healthcare organization and the idea of process management.
The implementation of lean Six Sigma in financial services organizations
Authors: Delgado Catarina , Ferreira Marlene , Castelo Branco Manuel
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to obtain pertinent information pertaining to benefits accomplished, main difficulties felt, and key lessons learned in the implementation of lean Six Sigma (LSS), which are likely to be helpful to financial services organizations wanting to implement the same tool.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports the results of a case study from a financial services organization which has begun the implementation of LSS methodologies ten years ago, in the pursuit of service excellence.

Findings

The benefits derived from LSS implementation, such as lowering the operational costs, improving processes and product quality, increased efficiency, which leads to the increase of productivity, the agility and versatility obtained by the organization, vastly outweigh the costs. At an international level, there are cultural differences pertaining mainly to internal resistance and openness to change.

Research limitations/implications

This work focuses on a specific case study.

Practical implications

The authors compiled the lessons learned and recommendations for future implementations of this methodology. The paper, therefore, will be of interest to managers of similar companies.

Originality/value

The paper presents a successful application of LSS for a financial services company.
Phylogeny of New World Stipeae (Poaceae): an evaluation of the monophyly of Aciachne and Amelichloa
Authors: Cialdella Ana M. , Salariato Diego L. , Aagesen Lone , Giussani Liliana M. , Zuloaga Fernando O. , Morrone Osvaldo
Published: May 2010

© The Willi Hennig Society 2010.

The tribe Stipeae, with nearly 550 species, includes 28 core genera, of which 13 occur in America: Achnatherum, Aciachne, Amelichloa, Anatherostipa, Hesperostipa, Jarava, Nassella, Ortachne, Oryzopsis, Pappostipa, Piptatherum, Piptochaetium and Ptilagrostis. Based on 37 species representing 14 Stipeae genera, and using four chloroplast markers and morphological characters, we provide a phylogenetic hypothesis of the New World Stipeae, with our focus on Amelichloa and Aciachne. Parsimony analyses included two approaches: (i) a multiple‐sequence alignment where gaps were treated as missing or coded, (ii) using direct sequences by direct optimization as implemented by the program POY v.4.0.2870. Analyses under direct optimization were conducted using the molecular data sets independently and combined, and with morphological data. Different cost regimes were explored and the one producing the highest congruence between partitions was chosen. Among the genera considered, only Piptochaetium, Austrostipa, and Hesperostipa were resolved as monophyletic, while Achnatherum, Amelichloa s.l., Anatherostipa, Jarava and Nassella were polyphyletic, and Aciachne was polyphyletic or paraphyletic. As a result, Amelichloa can be restricted to a monophyletic group if including A. brachychaeta, A. ambigua, A. clandestina and A. caudata, or it should be considered within Nassella. The phylogenetic position of species of Aciachne suggests inbreeding and outbreeding events with species of Anatherostipa, Ortachne and Hesperostipa.
Bilateral zosteriform extragenital lichen sclerosus et atrophicus: A new clinical presentation
Authors: CHEN Jeng‐Feng , CHIANG Chien‐Ping , CHEN Yu‐Fei
Published: April 2010

We report a 13‐year‐old female child with sequentially occurring lesions of extragenital zosteriform lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA). The skin lesions first appeared at the right waist when she was 8 years and gradually extended inferiorly and medially along the dermatome of the right L1–2. Subsequently, another skin lesion occurred along the dermatome of the left L5–S1 from the left buttock to left dorsum of the foot in the following 5 years. Microscopic findings obtained from the right inguinal sclerotic plaque revealed typical features of LSA. We report the first case of bilateral zosteriform LSA and remind clinicians of including lichen sclerosus in the differential diagnoses of cutaneous zosteriform lesions.
Interstitial type granuloma annulare associated with Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: SUMIKAWA Yasuyuki , ANSAI Shinichi , KIMURA Tetsunori , NAKAMURA Junnosuke , INUI Shigeki , KATAYAMA Ichiro
Published: April 2010

We describe a case of granuloma annulare (GA) associated with Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) in a 69‐year‐old woman. She complained of erythematous plaques on the left forearm and neck in addition to dry eyes and mouth. The laboratory and clinical findings also fulfilled the criteria for diagnosis of SS. Histopathological examination revealed the features of interstitial type GA. It is not rare that granulomatous diseases are associated with autoimmune diseases. This case indicated that granulomatous diseases and SS are closely related and that GA should be recognized as a cutaneous manifestation associated with autoimmune diseases, including SS.
Glucocorticoid resistance in atopic dermatitis associated with decreased expression of glucocorticoid receptor‐α in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: INUI Shigeki , SUMIKAWA Yasuyuki , ASADA Hideo , ITAMI Satoshi
Published: April 2010

A 51‐year‐old man had been followed up for approximately 10 years at our clinic for persistent itchy eczematous lesions on his limbs and trunk. At the first visit, physical examination revealed itchy lichenificated and eczematous eruptions and many pruriginous papules over his entire body. Laboratory data showed remarkably high levels of immunoglobulin E (20 000 IU/mL). He was diagnosed as having severe atopic dermatitis (AD). Topical treatment with a potent corticosteroid (class I–II) did not significantly decrease the eruptions and occasional administration of a systemic corticosteroid elicited only a subtle response. The pruriginous lesions did not respond at all to topical or systemic corticosteroids. We used semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to examine the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR)α and GRβ mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of this patient and compared those with six other patients with AD and three normal controls. As a result, the expression of GRα was remarkably decreased compared to normal controls and the other AD patients. Therefore, his poor response to corticosteroid was at least partially caused by this GRα decrease in the PBMC.
Clinical trial: chest pain caused by presumed gastro‐oesophageal reflux in coronary artery disease – controlled study of lansoprazole vs. placebo
Authors: Talwar V. , Wurm P. , Bankart M. J. G. , Gershlick A. H. , De Caestecker J. S.
Published: April 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 191–199

Background  Gastro‐oesophageal reflux (GER) and coronary artery disease commonly co‐exist. Coronary artery disease patients may mistake GER‐induced pain for cardiac pain or GER might provoke angina.

Aim  To investigate if GER might contribute to nocturnal/rest chest pain among coronary artery disease patients.

Methods  Double‐blind placebo‐controlled crossover study investigating effect of lansoprazole on chest pain; 125 patients with angiographically proven coronary artery disease enrolled with at least one weekly episode of nocturnal/rest pain, randomized to lansoprazole 30 mg daily or placebo with crossover after 4 weeks. Symptoms recorded and QOL assessed by Nottingham Health Profile Questionnaire; ST segment depression episodes counted from 24 h electrocardiographic monitoring in final week of both periods. Statistical analysis: ANCOVA with period and carryover analysis.

Results  In all, 108 patients completed the study. There was a modest increase in pain‐free days on lansoprazole vs. placebo (P < 0.02), with fewer days with pain at rest (P < 0.05) and at night (P < 0.009) on lansoprazole vs. placebo, but no significant differences in ST segment depression episodes (P = 0.64). There was a trend for reduction in the ‘physical pain’ QOL domain.

Conclusions  Among coronary artery disease patients, lansoprazole modestly increases pain‐free days and reduces rest/nocturnal pain. As lansoprazole did not affect ST segments, this may be by suppression of GER‐provoked pain misinterpreted as angina, rather than acid‐provoked ischaemia.
Antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides identify adult coeliac disease patients negative for antibodies against endomysium and tissue transglutaminase
Authors: Dahle C. , Hagman A. , Ignatova S. , Ström M.
Published: April 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 254–260

Background  This study was done to evaluate the diagnostic utility of antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides compared to traditional markers for coeliac disease.

Aim  To evaluate diagnostic utility of antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP).

Methods  Sera from 176 adults, referred for endoscopy without previous analysis of antibodies against tissue transglutaminase (tTG) or endomysium (EmA), were retrospectively analysed by ELISAs detecting IgA/IgG antibodies against DGP or a mixture of DGP and tTG, and compared with IgA‐tTG and EmA. Seventy‐nine individuals were diagnosed with coeliac disease.

Results  Receiver operating characteristic analyses verified the manufacturers’ cut‐off limits except for IgA/IgG‐DGP/tTG. In sera without IgA deficiency, the sensitivity was higher for IgA/IgG‐DGP (0.85–0.87) compared with IgA‐tTg (0.76) and EmA (0.61). All tests showed high specificity (0.95–1.00). Eighteen coeliac disease‐sera were negative regarding IgA‐tTG, nine of which were positive for IgA/IgG‐DGP. Sera from coeliac disease‐patients >70 years were more often negative for IgA‐tTG (50%) and IgA/IgG‐DGP (36%) than younger patients (15% and 8% respectively) (P < 0.01). Three of the four IgA‐deficient patients were positive in the IgA/IgG‐DGP assay.

Conclusions  In this study of patients unselected regarding IgA‐tTg/EmA, thus unbiased in this respect, IgA/IgG‐DGP identified adult coeliac disease patients negative for antibodies against endomysium and tissue transglutaminase. Serology is often negative in elderly patients with coeliac disease; a small bowel biopsy should therefore be performed generously before coeliac disease is excluded.
Hepatitis‐associated aplastic anaemia: epidemiology and treatment results obtained in Europe. A report of The EBMT aplastic anaemia working party
Authors: Locasciulli Anna , Bacigalupo Andrea , Bruno Barbara , Montante Barbara , Marsh Judith , Tichelli André , Socié Gerard , Passweg Jakob ,   On the Behalf of the Severe Aplastic Anemia Working Party of the European Blood and Marrow Transplant Group (SAA‐WP, EBMT)
Published: April 2010

In order to assess the epidemiology of Hepatitis‐Associated Aplasia (HAA) and compare treatment outcome of HAA with non‐HAA patients, we evaluated 3916 aplastic anaemia patients reported to the European Registry between 1990 and 2007. Year, month, season of diagnosis, type and outcome of first‐line therapy were analysed. Prevalence of HAA (n = 214) in Europe was 5%. Compared to non‐HAA patients, HAA patients were younger (15 vs. 20 years, P < 0·001), with a male prevalence (68% vs. 58%P = 0·002), and were treated earlier after diagnosis (46 vs. 62 d; P < 0·001). No significant differences were found regarding the year or month of diagnosis. No geographic clusters could be identified. Actuarial survival at 10 years after first‐line immunosuppression was 69%, and did not differ according to aetiology. The 10‐year actuarial survival after transplantation was 70%, and was comparable in HAA and non‐HAA patients, when stratified for age and donor type. In a multivariate Cox analysis, increasing age and delayed treatment were significant negative indicators for survival. In conclusion, the incidence of HAA was 5% and was evenly distributed over time and geographic areas in Europe. Treatment outcome and predictive variables, were comparable in patients with or without HAA.
Purification of FANCD2 sub‐complexes
Authors: Zhi Gang , Chen Xiaoyong , Newcomb William , Brown Jay , Semmes Oliver J. , Kupfer Gary M.
Published: April 2010

Fanconi anaemia (FA) is a recessive genetic disorder characterized by bone marrow failure, birth defects and cancer. Cells from FA patients are particularly defective in removing DNA interstrand crosslinks. We have developed a working chromatography purification scheme for FANCD2, a pivotal player in the FA DNA repair pathway, to facilitate identification of FANCD2 interacting partners. In doing so, at least three distinct FANCD2 subcomplexes were found to be present, designated as large, middle, and small complexes. The small complex is composed of tetramer of FANCD2 polypeptides, which may be the building block for other FANCD2 subcomplexes.
A method for experimental heating of intact soil profiles for application to climate change experiments
Authors: HANSON PAUL J. , CHILDS KENNETH W. , WULLSCHLEGER STAN D. , RIGGS JEFFERY S. , THOMAS WARREN K. , TODD DONALD E. , WARREN JEFFREY M.
Published: April 2010

A new system for simulating future belowground temperature increases was conceived, simulated, constructed and tested in a temperate deciduous forest in Oak Ridge, TN, USA. The new system uses low‐wattage, 3 m deep heaters installed around the circumference of a defined soil volume. The heaters add the necessary energy to achieve a set soil temperature differential within the treatment area and add exterior energy inputs equal to those, which might be lost from lateral heat conduction. The method, which was designed to work in conjunction with aboveground heated chambers, requires only two control sensor positions one for aboveground air temperatures at 1 m and another for belowground temperatures at 0.8 m. The method is capable of achieving temperature differentials of at least +4.0±0.5 °C for soils to a measured depth of −2 m. These +4 °C differential soil temperatures were sustained in situ throughout 2009, and both diurnal and seasonal cycles at all soil depths were retained using this simple heating approach. Measured mean energy inputs required to sustain the target heating level of +4 °C over the 7.1 m2 target area were substantial for aboveground heating (21.1 kW h day−1 m−2), but 16 times lower for belowground heaters (1.3 kW h day−1 m−2). Observations of soil CO2 efflux from the surface of the target soil volumes showed CO2 losses throughout 2009 that were elevated above the temperature response curve that have been reported in previous near‐surface soil warming studies. Stimulation of biological activity within previously undisturbed deep‐soil carbon stocks is the hypothesized source. Long‐term research programs may be able to apply this new heating method that captures expected future warming and temperature dynamics throughout the soil profile to address uncertainties in process‐level responses of microbial, plant and animal communities in whole, intact ecosystems.