bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cover slip external cavity diode laser
Authors: Carr Adra V. , Sechrest Yancey H. , Waitukaitis Scott R. , Perreault John D. , Lonij Vincent P. A. , Cronin Alexander D.
Published: October 2007

A 671nm diode laser with a mode-hop-free tuning range of 40GHz is described. This long tuning range is achieved by simultaneously ramping the external cavity length with the laser injection current. The laser output pointing remains fixed, independent of its frequency because of the cover slip cavity design. This system is simple, economical, robust, and easy to use for spectroscopy, as we demonstrate with lithium vapor and lithium atom beam experiments.
Enhancing ultrasound texture differences for developing an in vivo 'virtual histology' approach to bovine ovarian imaging
Authors: Eramian Mark G. , Adams Gregg P. , Pierson Roger A.
Published: October 2007

A ‘virtual histology’ can be thought of as the ‘staining’ of a digital ultrasound image via image processing techniques in order to enhance the visualisation of differences in the echotexture of different types of tissues. Several candidate image-processing algorithms for virtual histology using ultrasound images of the bovine ovary were studied. The candidate algorithms were evaluated qualitatively for the ability to enhance the visual differences in intra-ovarian structures and quantitatively, using standard texture description features, for the ability to increase statistical differences in the echotexture of different ovarian tissues. Certain algorithms were found to create textures that were representative of ovarian micro-anatomical structures that one would observe in actual histology. Quantitative analysis using standard texture description features showed that our algorithms increased the statistical differences in the echotexture of stroma regions and corpus luteum regions. This work represents a first step toward both a general algorithm for the virtual histology of ultrasound images and understanding dynamic changes in form and function of the ovary at the microscopic level in a safe, repeatable and non-invasive way.
Effects of deslorelin implants on reproduction in the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)
Authors: Eymann Jutta , Herbert Catherine A. , Thomson Brian P. , Trigg Tim E. , Cooper Desmond W. , Eckery Douglas C.
Published: October 2007

The present study investigated the effects of slow-release implants containing the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist deslorelin on reproduction in the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Captive female brushtail possums were assigned to control (placebo implant), low dose (4.7 mg deslorelin) or high dose (9.4 mg deslorelin) groups; males were assigned to control or high dose (9.4 mg deslorelin) groups. The acute effects of deslorelin treatment at the level of the pituitary gland were similar between the two sexes, where a transient rise in luteinising hormone concentration was induced over the first 24 h. In females, this was associated with the disruption of the normal oestrous cycle and mating within 2–10 days in some treated individuals, but no young were subsequently detected. By 3 weeks after treatment, treated females became anoestrus and remained infertile for at least one breeding season. The effects of treatment were reversible in a subset of females that had their implants removed, although the time taken to produce offspring was variable. Paradoxically, male brushtail possums remained fertile during chronic deslorelin exposure. Despite significant declines in basal follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone concentrations, as well as an inability to respond to a GnRH challenge, treated males sired as many offspring as control males and there was no evidence of testicular regression. In conclusion, there is potential to control reproduction in female brushtail possums by using chronic GnRH agonist treatment.
Molecular mechanism for metal-independent production of hydroxyl radicals by hydrogen peroxide and halogenated quinones
Authors: Zhu Ben-Zhan , Kalyanaraman Balaraman , Jiang Gui-Bin
Published: October 2007

We have shown previously that hydroxyl radicals (HO
•
) can be produced by H
2
O
2
and halogenated quinones, independent of transition metal ions; however, the underlying molecular mechanism is still unclear. In the present study, using the electron spin resonance secondary radical spin-trapping method, we found that tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone (TCBQ), but not its corresponding semiquinone anion radical, the tetrachlorosemiquinone anion radical (TCSQ
•−
), is essential for HO
•
production. The major reaction product between TCBQ and H
2
O
2
was identified by electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry to be the ionic form of trichlorohydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone (TrCBQ-OH), and H
2
O
2
was found to be the source and origin of the oxygen atom inserted into the reaction product TrCBQ-OH. On the basis of these data, we propose that HO
•
production by H
2
O
2
and TCBQ is not through a semiquinone-dependent organic Fenton reaction but rather through the following mechanism: a nucleophilic attack of H
2
O
2
to TCBQ, forming a trichlorohydroperoxyl-1,4-benzoquinone (TrCBQ-OOH) intermediate, which decomposes homolytically to produce HO
•
. This represents a mechanism of HO
•
production that does not require redox-active transition metal ions.
Viable but nonculturable
Vibrio cholerae
O1 in biofilms in the aquatic environment and their role in cholera transmission
Authors: Alam Munirul , Sultana Marzia , Nair G. Balakrish , Siddique A. K. , Hasan Nur A. , Sack R. Bradley , Sack David A. , Ahmed K. U. , Sadique A. , Watanabe H. , Grim Christopher J. , Huq A. , Colwell Rita R.
Published: October 2007

Vibrio cholerae
persists in aquatic environments predominantly in a nonculturable state. In this study coccoid, nonculturable
V. cholerae
O1 in biofilms maintained for 495 days in Mathbaria, Bangladesh, pond water became culturable upon animal passage. Culturability, biofilm formation, and the
wbe
,
ctxA
, and
rstR2
genes were monitored by culture, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA), and multiplex PCR. DFA counts were not possible after formation of biofilm. Furthermore,
wbe
, but not
ctxA
, were amplifiable, even after incubation for 54 and 68 days at room temperature (≈25°C) and 4°C, respectively, when no growth was detectable. Slower biofilm formation and extended culturability were observed for cultures incubated at 4°C, compared with ≈25°C, suggesting biofilm production to be temperature dependent and linked to loss of culturability. Small colonies appearing after incubation in microcosms for 54 and 68 days at 25°C and 4°C, respectively, were
wbe
positive and
ctxA
and
rstR2
negative, indicating loss of bacteriophage CTXΦ. The coccoid
V. cholerae
O1 observed as free cells in microcosms incubated for 495 days could not be cultured, but biofilms in the same microcosms yielded culturable cells. It is concluded that biofilms can act as a reservoir for
V. cholerae
O1 between epidemics because of its long-term viability in biofilms. In contrast to biofilms produced in Mathbaria pond water,
V. cholerae
O1 in biofilms present in cholera stools and incubated under identical conditions as the Mathbaria pond water biofilms could not be cultured after 2 months, indicating that those
V. cholerae
cells freshly discharged into the environment are significantly less robust than cells adapted to environmental conditions.
γ-Band deficiency and abnormal thalamocortical activity in P/Q-type channel mutant mice
Authors: Llinás Rodolfo R. , Choi Soonwook , Urbano Francisco J. , Shin Hee-Sup
Published: October 2007

Thalamocortical
in vivo
and
in vitro
function was studied in mice lacking P/Q-type calcium channels (Ca
V
2.1), in which N-type calcium channels (Ca
V
2.2) supported central synaptic transmission. Unexpectedly,
in vitro
patch recordings from thalamic neurons demonstrated no γ-band subthreshold oscillation, and voltage-sensitive dye imaging demonstrated an absence of cortical γ-band-dependent columnar activation involving cortical inhibitory interneuron activity.
In vivo
electroencephalogram recordings showed persistent absence status and a dramatic reduction of γ-band activity. Pharmacological block of T-type calcium channels (Ca
V
3), although not noticeably affecting normal control animals, left the knockout mice in a coma-like state. Hence, although N-type calcium channels can rescue P/Q-dependent synaptic transmission, P/Q calcium channels are essential in the generation of γ-band activity and resultant cognitive function.
Drosophila
TRP channels require a protein with a distinctive motif encoded by the
inaF
locus
Authors: Cheng Yuzhong , Nash Howard A.
Published: October 2007

In both vertebrates and invertebrates, ion channels of the TRP superfamily are known to be influenced by a variety of accessory factors, but the list of interacting proteins is acknowledged to be incomplete. Although previous work showed that
Drosophila
TRP function is disrupted by mutations in the
inaF
locus, the mechanism of this effect has remained obscure. Here we show that a previously overlooked small protein, INAF-B, is encoded by the locus and fulfills its critical role in retinal physiology. The 81-aa INAF-B gene product is an integral membrane protein that colocalizes to rhabdomeres along with TRP channels. Immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that the two proteins participate in a complex, and blotting experiments show that neither protein survives in the absence of the other. Both proteins are normally part of a large supramolecular assembly, the signalplex, but their interaction persists even in the absence of the scaffold for this structure. The
inaF
locus encodes three other proteins, each of which has diverged from INAF-B except for a 32-aa block of residues that encompasses a transmembrane domain. This conserved sequence defines an inaF motif, representatives of which are found in proteins from organisms as diverse as nematodes, fish, and humans. Given the role of INAF-B, these proteins are good candidates for interacting partners of other members of the TRP superfamily.
The virtual human: Towards a global systems biology of multiscale, distributed biochemical network models
Authors: Kell Douglas B.
Published: October 2007

There is an emerging recognition of the importance of modelling large‐scale biochemical systems, with the ‘digital human’ an obviously desirable goal. This will then permit researchers to analyse the behaviour of such systems in silico so as to be able to perform ‘what‐if?’ experiments prior to determining whether they are actually worthwhile or not, and for understanding whether a particular model does in fact describe or predict experimental observations. Existing and developing standards such as SBML are beginning to permit the principled storage and exchange of biochemical network models, while environments for effecting distributed workflows (such as Taverna) will allow us to link together these models and their behaviour. This allows the local experts to work on those parts of cellular or organellar biochemistry on which they have most expertise, while making their results available to the community as a whole. This kind of architecture permits the distributed yet integrated goal of an evolving ‘digital human’ model to be realized. IUBMB Life, 59: 689‐695, 2007
Timeout-Based Information Forwarding Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Jeong Wootae , Nof Shimon Y.
Published: October 2007

Recent wireless microsensor network protocols provide more flexible leverage to the applications with dynamically changing topology, but they should be designed to overcome energy constraints, the bandwidth limit, and system latency. Thus, microsensor network protocols should be effective both in energy and in latency. In addition, they should be evaluated through designated tools at each level of networking characteristics. This paper proposes a new Timeout-based Information Forwarding (TIF) protocol for wireless sensor networks. It uses a relatively simple logic to forward the data packet with multi-hop fashion to reduce the overall network energy consumption. The TIF protocol has been implemented into a network evaluation tool, called TIE/MEMS, and provides a design strategy for distributed wireless sensor network systems needed for various emerging applications. The simulated results show that the TIF protocol has low energy consumption and provides design guidelines between energy consumption and latency according to the number of hops by adjusting weight values in the timeout function.
A molecular switch that controls cell spreading and retraction
Authors: Flevaris Panagiotis , Stojanovic Aleksandra , Gong Haixia , Chishti Athar , Welch Emily , Du Xiaoping
Published: October 2007

Integrin-dependent cell spreading and retraction are required for cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation, and thus are important in thrombosis, wound repair, immunity, and cancer development. It remains unknown how integrin outside-in signaling induces and controls these two opposite processes. This study reveals that calpain cleavage of integrin β3 at Tyr759 switches the functional outcome of integrin signaling from cell spreading to retraction. Expression of a calpain cleavage–resistant β3 mutant in Chinese hamster ovary cells causes defective clot retraction and RhoA-mediated retraction signaling but enhances cell spreading. Conversely, a calpain-cleaved form of β3 fails to mediate cell spreading, but inhibition of the RhoA signaling pathway corrects this defect. Importantly, the calpain-cleaved β3 fails to bind c-Src, which is required for integrin-induced cell spreading, and this requirement of β3-associated c-Src results from its inhibition of RhoA-dependent contractile signals. Thus, calpain cleavage of β3 at Tyr759 relieves c-Src–mediated RhoA inhibition, activating the RhoA pathway that confines cell spreading and causes cell retraction.
Getting a G–RRP on regulated exocytosis in the heart
Authors: Glembotski Christopher C.
Published: October 2007

A study by Rybkin et al. (see p. 527) substantially advances our understanding of regulated exocytois by specialized secretory cells, such as atrial myocytes. A second member of the Ras-related protein family, RRP17, was identified and shown to participate in regulating the secretion of the cardiac-derived peptide hormone, atrial natriuretic peptide. In addition to the heart, RRP17 was shown to be expressed in neuronal, pancreatic, and skeletal muscle cells, suggesting a widespread role in regulated secretion for this new protein.
Facilitation of Th1-mediated immune response by prostaglandin E receptor EP1
Authors: Nagamachi Miyako , Sakata Daiji , Kabashima Kenji , Furuyashiki Tomoyuki , Murata Takahiko , Segi-Nishida Eri , Soontrapa Kitipong , Matsuoka Toshiyuki , Miyachi Yoshiki , Narumiya Shuh
Published: October 2007

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) exerts its actions via four subtypes of the PGE receptor, EP1–4. We show that mice deficient in EP1 exhibited significantly attenuated Th1 response in contact hypersensitivity induced by dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). This phenotype was recapitulated in wild-type mice by administration of an EP1-selective antagonist during the sensitization phase, and by adoptive transfer of T cells from sensitized EP1−/− mice. Conversely, an EP1-selective agonist facilitated Th1 differentiation of naive T cells in vitro. Finally, CD11c+ cells containing the inducible form of PGE synthase increased in number in the draining lymph nodes after DNFB application. These results suggest that PGE2 produced by dendritic cells in the lymph nodes acts on EP1 in naive T cells to promote Th1 differentiation.
Ets-1 is a negative regulator of Th17 differentiation
Authors: Moisan Jacques , Grenningloh Roland , Bettelli Estelle , Oukka Mohamed , Ho I-Cheng
Published: October 2007

IL-17 is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a role in the clearance of extracellular bacteria and contributes to the pathology of many autoimmune and allergic conditions. IL-17 is produced mainly by a newly characterized subset of T helper (Th) cells termed Th17. Although the role of Th17 cells in the pathology of autoimmune diseases is well established, the transcription factors regulating the differentiation of Th17 cells remain poorly characterized. We report that Ets-1–deficient Th cells differentiated more efficiently to Th17 cells than wild-type cells. This was attributed to both low IL-2 production and increased resistance to the inhibitory effect of IL-2 on Th17 differentiation. The resistance to IL-2 suppression was caused by a defect downstream of STAT5 phosphorylation, but was not caused by a difference in the level of RORγt. Furthermore, Ets-1–deficient mice contained an abnormally high level of IL-17 transcripts in their lungs and exhibited increased mucus production by airway epithelial cells in an IL-17–dependent manner. Based on these observations, we report that Ets-1 is a negative regulator of Th17 differentiation.
Two Distinct Modes of Processive Kinesin Movement in Mixtures of ATP and AMP-PNP
Authors: Subramanian Radhika , Gelles Jeff
Published: October 2007

An enzyme is frequently conceived of as having a single functional mechanism. This is particularly true for motor enzymes, where the necessity for tight coupling of mechanical and chemical cycles imposes rigid constraints on the reaction pathway. In mixtures of substrate (ATP) and an inhibitor (adenosine 5′-(β,γ-imido)triphosphate or AMP-PNP), single kinesin molecules move on microtubules in two distinct types of multiple-turnover “runs” that differ in their susceptibility to inhibition. Longer (less susceptible) runs are consistent with movement driven by the alternating-sites mechanism previously proposed for uninhibited kinesin. In contrast, kinesin molecules in shorter runs step with AMP-PNP continuously bound to one of the two active sites of the enzyme. Thus, in this mixture of substrate and inhibitor, kinesin can function as a motor enzyme using either of two distinct mechanisms. In one of these, the enzyme can accomplish high-duty-ratio processive movement without alternating-sites ATP hydrolysis.
Orai1 Mutations Alter Ion Permeation and Ca2+-dependent Fast Inactivation of CRAC Channels: Evidence for Coupling of Permeation and Gating
Authors: Yamashita Megumi , Navarro-Borelly Laura , McNally Beth A. , Prakriya Murali
Published: October 2007

Ca2+ entry through store-operated Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels is an essential trigger for lymphocyte activation and proliferation. The recent identification of Orai1 as a key CRAC channel pore subunit paves the way for understanding the molecular basis of Ca2+ selectivity, ion permeation, and regulation of CRAC channels. Previous Orai1 mutagenesis studies have indicated that a set of conserved acidic amino acids in trans membrane domains I and III and in the I–II loop (E106, E190, D110, D112, D114) are essential for the CRAC channel's high Ca2+ selectivity. To further dissect the contribution of Orai1 domains important for ion permeation and channel gating, we examined the role of these conserved acidic residues on pore geometry, properties of Ca2+ block, and channel regulation by Ca2+. We find that alteration of the acidic residues lowers Ca2+ selectivity and results in striking increases in Cs+ permeation. This is likely the result of enlargement of the unusually narrow pore of the CRAC channel, thus relieving steric hindrance for Cs+ permeation. Ca2+ binding to the selectivity filter appears to be primarily affected by changes in the apparent on-rate, consistent with a rate-limiting barrier for Ca2+ binding. Unexpectedly, the mutations diminish Ca2+-mediated fast inactivation, a key mode of CRAC channel regulation. The decrease in fast inactivation in the mutant channels correlates with the decrease in Ca2+ selectivity, increase in Cs+ permeability, and enlargement of the pore. We propose that the structural elements involved in ion permeation overlap with those involved in the gating of CRAC channels.
Oral Administration of Ren‐Shen‐Yang‐Rong‐Tang ‘Ninjin’yoeito’ Protects against Hematotoxicity and Induces Immature Erythroid Progenitor Cells in 5‐Fluorouracil‐Induced Anemia
Authors: Takano Fumihide , Ohta Yasuyuki , Tanaka Tomoaki , Sasaki Kenroh , Kobayashi Kyoko , Takahashi Tomoya , Yahagi Nobuo , Yoshizaki Fumihiko , Fushiya Shinji , Ohta Tomihisa
Published: October 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of four different Japanese and Chinese herbal prescriptions, Ren‐Shen‐Yang‐Rong‐Tang (Ninjin’yoeito, NYT), Chai‐Hu‐Gui‐Zhi‐Gan‐Jiang‐Tang (Saikokeishikankyoto, SKKT), Si‐Jun‐Zi‐Tang (Shikunshito, SKT) and Si‐Wu‐Tang (Shimotsuto, SMT), which are traditionally used for anemia and fatigue, against hematotoxicity in mice treated with 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). NYT 1–100 mg kg–1 day–1 injected orally for 7 consecutive days before and after 5‐FU injection significantly suppressed reductions in red blood cell, white blood cell and platelet counts in peripheral blood, and accelerated their recovery. Administration of SKKT also produced a slight but significant improvement in 5‐FU‐induced erythrocytopenia, whereas SMT and SKT could not prevent anemia. Oral injection of NYT also inhibited 5‐FU‐induced decreases in peripheral reticulocyte and bone marrow cell counts on day 10, and markedly hastened their recovery on day 20, in a dose‐dependent manner. Erythroid progenitor colonies, such as colony forming units‐erythroid and burst forming units‐erythroid, formed by marrow cells from mice treated with 5‐FU were significantly increased by oral administration of NYT. These findings suggest that NYT has the potential to protect against hematotoxicity, and also has hematopoietic activity, through stimulation of immature erythroid progenitor cell differentiation.
Improvement of Experimentally Induced Hepatic and Renal Disorders in Rats using Lactic Acid Bacteria‐fermented Soybean Extract (Biofermentics™)
Authors: Shin Ryoichi , Suzuki Momoyo , Mizutani Takeo , Susa Nobuyuki
Published: October 2007

The effects of lactic acid bacteria‐fermented soybean extract (Biofermentics™; BF) on experimental models of hepatic and renal disorders were investigated in vivo and in vitro. In rat, hepatitis induced by feeding of deoxycholic acid (DCA, 0.5 wt/wt, n = 6) or intraperitoneal injection of d‐galactosamine (GMN, 500 mg/body wt, n = 6), the increase in serum AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) levels were inhibited significantly (P < 0.05) by feeding a diet containing 5% dried BF. Moreover, the BF‐administered rat group showed lower concentrations of blood urea nitrogen and a larger amount of urine as compared with values in the control group. Pretreatment of primary cell cultures of rat hepatic and renal cells with BF prior to exposure to dichromate (K2Cr2O7) resulted in a marked decrease of dichromate‐induced cytotoxicity as evaluated by the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase The levels of dichromate‐induced lipid peroxidation, as monitored by malondialdehyde formation, were also reduced by pretreatment of hepatocytes with BF. These results suggest that BF may play a role in hepatic and renal disorders, and may be useful for maintaining health in humans as well.
Evaluating Complementary Therapies for Canine Osteoarthritis Part I: Green‐Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus)
Authors: Hielm-Björkman Anna , Tulamo Riitta-Mari , Salonen Hanna , Raekallio Marja
Published: October 2007

A green‐lipped mussel (GLM) preparation was evaluated in a randomized, double‐controlled and double‐blinded clinical trial. It was hypothesized that the treatment effect would be less than that of the positive control (carprofen) but more than that of the negative control (placebo). Forty‐five dogs with chronic pain and a radiographic diagnosis of osteoarthritis that were randomly allocated into one of three groups completed the study. All dogs were fed the test products or placebo for 8 weeks. The dogs were evaluated four times, at 4‐week intervals. Six different variables were assessed: veterinary‐assessed mobility index, two force plate variables, owner‐evaluated chronic pain index and pain as well as locomotion visual analogue scales (VASs). Intake of extra carprofen was also evaluated. A chi‐squared and a Mann–Whitney test were used to determine significance between groups. When changed to dichotomous variables, there were more dogs in the GLM than in the placebo group that improved, according to veterinary‐assessed mobility, owner‐evaluated chronic pain index and pain VAS (P = 0.031, P = 0.025, P = 0.011, respectively). For the same three, the odds ratio and their confidence interval were over one. The extent of improvement was significantly different between the GLM and the control in veterinary‐assessed mobility (P = 0.012) and pain VAS (P = 0.004). In conclusion, GLM alleviated chronic orthopedic pain in dogs although it was not as effective as carprofen. As no side‐effects were detected, GLM may be beneficial in dogs e.g. when non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs cannot be used.
Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry) Extracts Reduce Angiogenesis In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Matsunaga Nozomu , Chikaraishi Yuichi , Shimazawa Masamitsu , Yokota Shigeru , Hara Hideaki
Published: October 2007

Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry) extracts (VME) were tested for effects on angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. VME (0.3–30 µg ml−1) and GM6001 (0.1–100 µM; a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor) concentration‐dependently inhibited both tube formation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A). In addition, VME inhibited VEGF‐A‐induced proliferation of HUVECs. VME inhibited VEGF‐A‐induced phosphorylations of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2) and serine/threonine protein kinase family protein kinase B (Akt), but not that of phospholipase Cγ (PLCγ). In an in vivo assay, intravitreal administration of VME inhibited the formation of neovascular tufts during oxygen‐induced retinopathy in mice. Thus, VME inhibited angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo, presumably by inhibiting the phosphorylations of ERK 1/2 and Akt. These findings indicate that VME may be effective against retinal diseases involving angiogenesis, providing it can reach the retina after its administration. Further investigations will be needed to clarify the major angiogenesis‐modulating constituent(s) of VME.
Can Homeopathy Bring Additional Benefits to Thalassemic Patients on Hydroxyurea Therapy? Encouraging Results of a Preliminary Study
Authors: Banerjee Antara , Chakrabarty Sudipa Basu , Karmakar Susanta Roy , Chakrabarty Amit , Biswas Surjyo Jyoti , Haque Saiful , Das Debarsi , Paul Saili , Mandal Biswapati , Naoual Boujedaini , Belon Philippe , Khuda-Bukhsh Anisur Rahman
Published: October 2007

Several homeopathic remedies, namely, Pulsatilla Nigricans (30th potency), Ceanothus Americanus (both mother tincture and 6th potency) and Ferrum Metallicum (30th potency) selected as per similia principles were administered to 38 thalassemic patients receiving Hydroxyurea (HU) therapy for a varying period of time. Levels of serum ferritin (SF), fetal hemoglobin (HbF), hemoglobin (Hb), platelet count (PC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), white blood cell (WBC) count, bilirubin content, alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and serum total protein content of patients were determined before and 3 months after administration of the homeopathic remedies in combination with HU to evaluate additional benefits, if any, derived by the homeopathic remedies, by comparing the data with those of 38 subjects receiving only HU therapy. Preliminary results indicated that there was a significant decrease in the SF and increase in HbF levels in the combined, treated subjects. Although the changes in other parameters were not so significant, there was a significant decrease in size of spleen in most patients with spleenomegaly and improvement in general health conditions along with an increased gap between transfusions in most patients receiving the combined homeopathic treatment. The homeopathic remedies being inexpensive and without any known side‐effects seem to have great potentials in bringing additional benefits to thalassemic patients; particularly in the developing world where blood transfusions suffer from inadequate screening and fall short of the stringent safety standards followed in the developed countries. Further independent studies are encouraged.
Micro‐thermonuclear AB‐reactors for aviation
Authors: Bolonkin Alexander
Published: October 2007

Purpose

The paper's aim is to suggest a new micro‐thermonuclear reactor for aerospace.

Design/methodology/approach

Methods of the thermonuclear physics are used for the research.

Findings

The result is new micro‐thermonuclear reactor with very small fuel pellet that uses plasma confinement generated by multi‐reflection of laser beam or its own magnetic field. The Lawson criterion increases by hundreds of times. The author also suggests a new method of heating the power‐making fuel pellet by outer electric current as well as new direct method of transformation of ion kinetic energy into harvestable electricity. These offered innovations dramatically decrease the size, weight and cost of thermonuclear reactor, installation, propulsion system and electric generator.

Practical implications

The author is researching the efficiency of these innovations for two types of the micro‐thermonuclear reactors: multi‐reflection reactor (inertial confinement fusion) and self‐magnetic reactor (magnetic confinement fusion).

Originality/value

The author offers several innovations. Results may be used for the design of thermonuclear aerospace engines, propulsion and electric generators.
High tech M&A – strategic valuation
Authors: Patrick Lemieux Odilon , Banks John C.
Published: October 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how Sarbanes‐Oxley is motivating corporate boards to bring heightened scrutiny for all aspects of the acquisition process, including valuation. This paper examines how in addition to the high‐tech M&A strategic objective, the decision on the post closing integration strategy should be considered as part of a target's firm valuation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper argues that, within the high‐tech sector, the target firm characteristics in relation to the market are not sufficient for the basis of valuation. Planned management interventions, including the acquirer's management integration strategy decision, should also be considered. It further argues that intellectual capital retention, an important element of the target firm's valuation, is directly related to how closely the pace and degree of integration matches the acquirer's strategic objectives and the outcome of the due diligence.

Findings

Based on the findings from a set of interviews with M&A practitioners in the high‐tech field, due diligence, post closing integration planning and identity are viewed as important factors to the acquisition outcome. They appear not to be considered for the target firm valuation, which may result in an acquirer paying an excessive premium.

Practical implications

Finally the paper proposes a framework to guide high‐tech firms to select an integration strategy and its valuation impact in relation to the acquisition strategic objective, the due diligence outcome and the integration strategy.

Originality/value

The outcome of this project is raising the importance of due diligence and post integration strategy in relation to other factors that impact transaction outcome such as intellectual capital retention and valuation.
Human capital valuation: tripartite paradigm framework and narratives
Authors: Cox Donovan , Wilcock Anne , Aung May
Published: October 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new measure for organization health. It is proposed that the Donohue tripartite paradigm model can be used to pierce the veneer of the satisficing account to identify the moral appraisal stakeholders have made of corporate strategies based on external (i.e. economic, etc.) standards.

Design/methodology/approach

A cognitive mapping process through narratives is used to operationalize a tripartite paradigm framework to measure human capital. An existential‐phenomenological approach is adopted to ensure the figural integrity of data.

Findings

This paper can be viewed as the prototypical development phase for a methodology to support future real‐time ethical inquiry concerning social responsibility within the corporate world.

Research limitations/implications

The tripartite paradigm model expressed by Donohue was intended for “real‐time” application. This study, however, proposed a retrospective analysis of stakeholder decision‐making within a firm as a means of unearthing any deficiencies that might block the operationalization of Donohue's generalist theory.

Practical implications

This appraisal can identify the conflict of conscience that characterizes a stakeholder's “lived‐worlds” based on their participation and exposure to company decision making. This diagnostic tool can assist stakeholders in identifying evidence of decline early enough in the history of an organization for proactive remedial action to be taken.

Originality/value

It is the hope of this study that the proposed cognitive mapping process can derive a measure of organizational health through an existential‐phenomenological approach to ensure the integrity of the data. Ultimately, the aim is that this will be a tool that can explore the phenomenon of misrepresentation and its effect on social cooperation within a market culture.
An intellectual capital evaluation approach in a government organization
Authors: Dalkir Kimiz , Wiseman Erica , Shulha Michael , McIntyre Susan
Published: October 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an assessment framework for evaluating the success of knowledge management (KM) initiatives in a government setting.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used was to first conduct a brief review of the leading thinking on KM and intellectual capital (IC) measurement approaches. The selection process used to recommend the results‐based management assessment framework (RMAF) as the most appropriate measurement framework is then discussed together with the development of logic models for all KM objectives. Finally, the validation methodology used, a survey design and data collection methodology, is described.

Findings

The study finds that the RMAF framework proved to be a good fit for KM assessment in a government setting.

Research limitations/implications

The evaluation of KM and IC are necessarily organization‐specific. Further research is needed to report on the generalizability of this evaluation approach.

Practical implications

The KM evaluation approach proposed here helped the government organization translate its KM strategy into action and enhanced management of the KM program. The proposed evaluation approach will help ensure that each type of stakeholder receives assessment results in a form that is of greatest use to them.

Originality/value

While there are many KM and IC metrics described in the literature, there have been limited attempts to address the evaluation question from a more holistic perspective. This paper shows how quantitative and qualitative measures can be combined to better assess the success of KM initiatives in a systematic and concrete manner.
Towards workplace flexibility: flexitime arrangements in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala , Jayabandu Suranga
Published: October 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to present and discuss the findings of a study on flexitime as a novel people management practice emerging in Sri Lanka. Specifically, the paper presents and discusses factors that predict the level of satisfaction with flexitime, differences in attitudes towards flexitime, the effectiveness of flexitime as a strategy to attract and retain employees, and barriers that hinder its use.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 108 employees involved in producing IT‐related output as their primary job function, from 30 software development companies, responded to the self‐administered survey questionnaire. In analysis, univariate, bivariate and multivariate techniques were adopted.

Findings

Flexitime allowed autonomy to employees to harmonize work and non‐work demands on their time, resulting in better workplace relations. Overall, the findings support a non‐traditional approach to people management. However, the findings also have important implications for the design or modification of flexitime arrangements.

Originality/value

The majority of flexitime research is criticized for its theoretical nature, a failure to include statistical treatment of the data, and failure to pay specific attention to managerial and professional employees. Further, there is a marked absence of research‐led literature in developing countries to clarify the way in which non‐traditional people management practices work in different contexts. Specifically, no such studies have been conducted in the context of Sri Lanka.
The impact of HRM practices on organisational performance in the Indian hotel industry
Authors: Chand Mohinder , Katou Anastasia A.
Published: October 2007

Purpose

The study has a two‐fold purpose: to investigate whether some specific characteristics of hotels affect organisational performance in the hotel industry in India; and to investigate whether some HRM systems affect organisational performance in the hotel industry in India.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 439 hotels, ranging from three‐star to five‐star deluxe, responded to a self‐administered questionnaire that measured 27 HRM practices, five organisational performance variables, and ten demographic variables. Factor analysis was performed to identify HRM systems, one‐way ANOVA was employed to test the association of the demographic variables with organisational performance, and correlation analysis was used to test the relation between HRM systems and organisational performance.

Findings

The results indicate that hotel performance is positively associated with hotel category and type of hotel (chain or individual). Furthermore, hotel performance is positively related to the HRM systems of recruitment and selection, manpower planning, job design, training and development, quality circle, and pay systems.

Research limitations/implications

Single respondent bias may have occurred because a single respondent from each organisation provided information on HRM practices and perceived measures of organisational performance. The sample was drawn from the population of best performing hotels in India, so is not representative of the hotel industry in India.

Practical implications

If hotels are to achieve higher performance levels, they should preferably belong to a chain and increase their category, and management should focus on “best” HRM practices indicated in the study.

Originality/value

The study makes a modest attempt to add information to the very little empirical knowledge available referring to the link between HRM and performance in the hotel industry.
When in Rome …?
Authors: Björkman Ingmar , Budhwar Pawan
Published: October 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine the kind of HRM practices being implemented by overseas firms in their Indian subsidiaries and also to analyze the linkage between HRM practices and organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilizes a mixture of both quantitative and qualitative techniques via personal interviews in 76 subsidiaries.

Findings

The results show that while the introduction of HRM practices from the foreign parent organization is negatively associated with performance, local adaption of HRM practices is positively related with the performance of foreign firms operating in India.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations include data being collected by only one respondent from each firm, and the relatively small sample size.

Practical implications

The key message for practitioners is that HRM systems do improve organizational performance in the Indian subsidiaries of foreign firms, and an emphasis on the localization of HRM practices can further contribute in this regard.

Originality/value

This is perhaps the very first investigation of its kind in the Indian context.
The relationship of organisational culture with productivity and quality
Authors: Mathew Jossy
Published: October 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of organisational culture on productivity and quality in software organisations, with special reference to India.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study was done in two phases. The first phase adopts qualitative methodology and examines the significant aspects of organisational culture, productivity, and quality and the nature of the relationship organisational culture has with productivity and quality. The second phase makes a quantitative analysis of this relationship.

Findings

The study develops a range of insights into the way cultural processes tend to influence productivity and quality in people centric and knowledge intensive work contexts such as software.

Research limitations/implications

This study employed perceptual measures of productivity and quality in the quantitative analysis. Future studies can develop objective criteria, which would facilitate robust quantitative analysis. Future studies should also explore whether the findings of this study have generalisability beyond the Indian context.

Practical implications

The study provides insights into the management of productivity and quality in contexts where work is characterised by high levels of abstraction and invisibility.

Originality/value

There are very few empirical studies on this relationship in dynamic and sophisticated work contexts such as software and this further contributes to the debate concerning the impact of organisational culture on effectiveness.
Internal marketing and the enactment of sexual identity
Authors: Bairstow Sam , Skinner Heather
Published: October 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore issues surrounding the enactment of a lesbian, gay or bisexual person's sexual identity and their role as an internal customer of mainstream service organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is written from a critical marketing perspective, the prefix “critical” signifying adoption of what may be considered somewhat radical philosophies and theories, allowing questioning of not only generally accepted theories of marketing, but also the assumptions upon which they rest. The “radical” approaches, i.e. the lenses through which the critique is offered, are postmodernism and queer theory. The theoretical perspectives critiqued in this article are internal marketing and emotional labour, and the assumptions questioned are those surrounding the importance of the role of the internal customer's identity in consumption of the work role.

Findings

The findings suggest a link that needs to be made between an individual's status as an internal customer (particularly in a front‐line service job), their identity (as defined by the individual themselves), and its impact upon their consumption of work (which viewed through a postmodern lens can be seen to help create, maintain and communicate such identity).

Practical implications

For those charged with the management of people in organisations, this paper offers critical insights into the complex practical regulation of organisational diversity in service industries.

Originality/value

The paper has drawn together various perspectives in the literature that have not previously been linked. If an external customer consumes products and services in order to create or display an identity, and if we accept the argument that employees should be treated as internal customers then the logical conclusion of this perspective is that these internal customers also create their identity through the consumption of work, and not just through their consumption of goods and services. The complexities of this proposition have been considered, using sexual identity management as one example, but the principle could equally apply to other areas of diversity among internal customers within the workplace.
The ethics of marketing in Muslim and Christian communities
Authors: Gibbs Paul , Ilkan Mustafa , Pouloukas Stavros
Published: October 2007

Purpose

This paper takes advantage of the closeness of two secular, separated communities on the island of Cyprus to study how controversial products and forms of offensive advertising can be related to levels of religiousness, time usage and temporality. The resulting observations are then offered as insights into the notion of ethics in the two religious groups and how these might influence marketing to multicultural communities.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings are based on a small‐scale survey of 530 students (211 Christians, 302 Muslims and 18 undeclared) who responded to a questionnaire distributed at two privately owned, English speaking institutions, one in the north and one in the south part of Cyprus.

Findings

This study indicates a high degree of commonality between Muslim and Christian students living in the adjoining communities in Cyprus. In general, overall reactions were tolerant of most products and forms of advertising, but where there were differences occurred there were specific reactions to the forms of the advertising. Significant differences were found across the communities when devoutness was tested especially regarding products that were of a sexual nature.

Research limitations/implications

The relatively small numbers studied in the special case of Cyprus and the focus on students could limit the generalisation of these results.

Practical implications

The results raise some issues for marketing segmentation and image use. For instance, positive and forward‐looking images would stimulate most of the group regardless of their level of faith.

Originality/value

This paper identifies commonalties and also ontological differences that could have implications for global marketing campaigns.