bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct evidence for activity-dependent glucose phosphorylation in neurons with implications for the astrocyte-to-neuron lactate shuttle
Authors: Patel Anant B. , Lai James C. K. , Chowdhury Golam M. I. , Hyder Fahmeed , Rothman Douglas L. , Shulman Robert G. , Behar Kevin L.
Published: March 2014

Significance

A near one-to-one relationship had previously been observed between increments in the fluxes of the glutamate−glutamine neurotransmitter cycle and neuronal glucose oxidation in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. This flux relationship was consistent with a hypothesized mechanism involving glycolytic ATP in astrocytes and astrocyte-to-neuron lactate shuttling. Here, 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose was used to evaluate the glucose flux through glycolysis and the TCA cycle in nerve terminals isolated from the brains of rats under baseline and high-activity conditions. In a direct contradiction of this hypothesis, the results show that nerve terminals metabolize significant amounts of glucose.
Polydispersity-driven topological defects as order-restoring excitations
Authors: Yao Zhenwei , Olvera de la Cruz Monica
Published: March 2014

Significance

Defects play an essential role in many aspects of materials. To actively introduce defects and to understand their roles in affecting the crystallinity constitutes fundamental problems in materials science. In this paper we report the introduction of topological defects by size polydispersity. Size polydispersity is usually an inevitable feature of a variety of real systems. It is important in several research fields to know how size polydispersity affects the degree of crystallinity and enhances mechanical properties of materials. In this study, the defects are found to be order-restoring excitations protecting the crystalline order. Moreover, they are shown to be crucial for the attraction of impurity particles. The disclosed mechanism may lead to engineering defects by size polydispersity.
Reciprocal knock-in mice to investigate the functional redundancy of lamin B1 and lamin B2
Authors: Lee John M. , Tu Yiping , Tatar Angelica , Wu Daniel , Nobumori Chika , Jung Hea-Jin , Yoshinaga Yuko , Coffinier Catherine , de Jong Pieter J. , Fong Loren G. , Young Stephen G.
Published: March 2014

Lamins B1 and B2 (B-type lamins) have very similar sequences and are expressed ubiquitously. In addition, both Lmnb1- and Lmnb2-deficient mice die soon after birth with neuronal layering abnormalities in the cerebral cortex, a consequence of defective neuronal migration. The similarities in amino acid sequences, expression patterns, and knockout phenotypes raise the question of whether the two proteins have redundant functions. To investigate this topic, we generated “reciprocal knock-in mice”—mice that make lamin B2 from the Lmnb1 locus (Lmnb1B2/B2) and mice that make lamin B1 from the Lmnb2 locus (Lmnb2B1/B1). Lmnb1B2/B2mice produced increased amounts of lamin B2 but no lamin B1; they died soon after birth with neuronal layering abnormalities in the cerebral cortex. However, the defects in Lmnb1B2/B2mice were less severe than those in Lmnb1-knockout mice, indicating that increased amounts of lamin B2 partially ameliorate the abnormalities associated with lamin B1 deficiency. Similarly, increased amounts of lamin B1 in Lmnb2B1/B1mice did not prevent the neurodevelopmental defects elicited by lamin B2 deficiency. We conclude that lamins B1 and B2 have unique roles in the developing brain and that increased production of one B-type lamin does not fully complement loss of the other.
Are we there yet? Initial targeting of the Male-Specific Lethal and Polycomb group chromatin complexes inDrosophila
Authors: McElroy Kyle A. , Kang Hyuckjoon , Kuroda Mitzi I.
Published: March 2014

Chromatin-binding proteins must navigate the complex nuclear milieu to find their sites of action, and a constellation of protein factors and other properties are likely to influence targeting specificity. Despite considerable progress, the precise rules by which binding specificity is achieved have remained elusive. Here, we consider early targeting events for two groups of chromatin-binding complexes inDrosophila: the Male-Specific Lethal (MSL) and the Polycomb group (PcG) complexes. These two serve as models for understanding targeting, because they have been extensively studied and play vital roles inDrosophila, and their targets have been documented at high resolution. Furthermore, the proteins and biochemical properties of both complexes are largely conserved in multicellular organisms, including humans. While the MSL complex increases gene expression and PcG members repress genes, the two groups share many similarities such as the ability to modify their chromatin environment to create active or repressive domains, respectively. With legacies of in-depth genetic, biochemical and now genomic approaches, the MSL and PcG complexes will continue to provide tractable systems for understanding the recruitment of multiprotein chromatin complexes to their target loci.
Palmitoylation is required for intracellular trafficking of influenza B virus NB protein and efficient influenza B virus growth in vitro
Authors: Demers Andrew , Ran Zhiguang , Deng Qiji , Wang Dan , Edman Brody , Lu Wuxun , Li Feng
Published: March 2014

All influenza viruses bud and egress from lipid rafts within the apical plasma membrane of infected epithelial cells. As a result, all components of progeny virions must be transported to these lipid rafts for assembly and budding. Although the mechanism of transport for other influenza proteins has been elucidated, influenza B virus (IBV) glycoprotein NB subcellular localization and transport are not understood completely. To address the aforementioned properties of NB, a series of trafficking experiments were conducted. Here, we showed that NB co-localized with markers specific for the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi region. The data from chemical treatment of NB-expressing cells by Brefeldin A, a fungal antibiotic and a known chemical inhibitor of the protein secretory pathway, further confirmed that NB is transported through the ER–Golgi pathway as it restricted NB localization to the perinuclear region. Using NB deletion mutants, the hydrophobic transmembrane domain was identified as being required for NB transport to the plasma membrane. Furthermore, palmitoylation was also required for transport of NB to the plasma membrane. Systematic mutation of cysteines to serines in NB demonstrated that cysteine 49, likely in a palmitoylated form, is also required for transport to the plasma membrane. Surprisingly, further analysis demonstrated thatin vitroreplication of NBC49S mutant virus was delayed relative to the parental IBV. The results demonstrated that NB is the third influenza virus protein to have been shown to be palmitoylated and together these findings may aid in future studies aimed at elucidating the function of NB.
Rice BiP3 regulates immunity mediated by the PRRs XA3 and XA21 but not immunity mediated by the NB-LRR protein, Pi5
Authors: Park Chang-Jin , Song Min-Young , Kim Chi-Yeol , Jeon Jong-Seong , Ronald Pamela C.
Published: March 2014

Plant innate immunity is mediated by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and intracellular NB-LRR (nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat) proteins. Overexpression of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone, luminal-binding protein 3 (BiP3) compromises resistance toXanthomonas oryzaepv.oryzae(Xoo) mediated by the rice PRR XA21 (Park et al., PLoS ONE 5(2): e9262). Here we show that BiP3 overexpression also compromises resistance mediated by rice XA3, a PRR that provides broad-spectrum resistance toXoo. In contrast, BiP3 overexpression has no effect on resistance mediated by rice Pi5, an NB-LRR protein that confers resistance to the fungal pathogenMagnaporthe oryzae(M. oryzae). Our results suggest that rice BiP3 regulates membrane-resident PRR-mediated immunity.
Three-dimensional modeling of the P. falciparum genome during the erythrocytic cycle reveals a strong connection between genome architecture and gene expression
Authors: Ay Ferhat , Bunnik Evelien M. , Varoquaux Nelle , Bol Sebastiaan M. , Prudhomme Jacques , Vert Jean-Philippe , Noble William Stafford , Le Roch Karine G.
Published: March 2014

The development of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is controlled by coordinated changes in gene expression throughout its complex life cycle, but the corresponding regulatory mechanisms are incompletely understood. To study the relationship between genome architecture and gene regulation in Plasmodium, we assayed the genome architecture of P. falciparum at three time points during its erythrocytic (asexual) cycle. Using chromosome conformation capture coupled with next-generation sequencing technology (Hi-C), we obtained high-resolution chromosomal contact maps, which we then used to construct a consensus three-dimensional genome structure for each time point. We observed strong clustering of centromeres, telomeres, ribosomal DNA, and virulence genes, resulting in a complex architecture that cannot be explained by a simple volume exclusion model. Internal virulence gene clusters exhibit domain-like structures in contact maps, suggesting that they play an important role in the genome architecture. Midway during the erythrocytic cycle, at the highly transcriptionally active trophozoite stage, the genome adopts a more open chromatin structure with increased chromosomal intermingling. In addition, we observed reduced expression of genes located in spatial proximity to the repressive subtelomeric center, and colocalization of distinct groups of parasite-specific genes with coordinated expression profiles. Overall, our results are indicative of a strong association between the P. falciparum spatial genome organization and gene expression. Understanding the molecular processes involved in genome conformation dynamics could contribute to the discovery of novel antimalarial strategies.
HierarchicalO(N) computation of small-angle scattering profiles and their associated derivatives
Authors: Berlin Konstantin , Gumerov Nail A. , Fushman David , Duraiswami Ramani
Published: March 2014

The need for fast approximate algorithms for Debye summation arises in computations performed in crystallography, small/wide-angle X-ray scattering and small-angle neutron scattering. When integrated into structure refinement protocols these algorithms can provide significant speed up over direct all-atom-to-all-atom computation. However, these protocols often employ an iterative gradient-based optimization procedure, which then requires derivatives of the profile with respect to atomic coordinates. This article presents an accurate,O(N) cost algorithm for the computation of scattering profile derivatives. The results reported here show orders of magnitude improvement in computational efficiency, while maintaining the prescribed accuracy. This opens the possibility to efficiently integrate small-angle scattering data into the structure determination and refinement of macromolecular systems.
Two practical Java software tools for small-angle X-ray scattering analysis of biomolecules
Authors: Hofmann Andreas , Whitten Andrew E.
Published: March 2014

Small-angle X-ray scattering has established itself as a common technique in structural biology research. Here, two novel Java applications to aid modelling of three-dimensional macromolecular structures based on small-angle scattering data are described.MolScatis an application that computes small-angle scattering intensities from user-provided three-dimensional models. The program can fit the theoretical scattering intensities to experimental X-ray scattering data.SAFIRis a program for interactive rigid-body modelling into low-resolution shapes restored from small-angle scattering data. The program has been designed with an emphasis on ease of use and intuitive handling. An embedded version ofMolScatis used to enable quick evaluation of the fit between the model and experimental scattering data.SAFIRalso provides options to refine macromolecular complexes with optional user-specified restraints against scattering data by means of a Monte Carlo approach.
High-efficiency focusing of hard X-rays exploiting the quasi-mosaic effect in a bent germanium crystal
Authors: Camattari Riccardo , Paternò Gianfranco , Battelli Alessandro , Bellucci Valerio , Bastie Pierre , Guidi Vincenzo
Published: March 2014

A germanium crystal was bent through a grid of superficial grooves, manufactured on the sample surface. The resulting diffraction planes were bent thanks to quasi-mosaicity, which is an effect of mechanical anisotropy in crystals. High integrated diffraction efficiency was achieved in symmetric Laue geometry with a monochromatic X-ray beam set at 150 and 300 keV. It is demonstrated that the sample is capable of efficiently focusing X-rays. Such crystals can be used as optical components to focalize X- and γ-rays in a high-resolution Laue lens.
X-ray resonant single-crystal diffraction technique, a powerful tool to investigate the kesterite structure of the photovoltaic Cu2ZnSnS4compound
Authors: Lafond Alain , Choubrac Léo , Guillot-Deudon Catherine , Fertey Pierre , Evain Michel , Jobic Stéphane
Published: March 2014

Cu/Zn disorder in the kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4derivatives used for thin film based solar cells is an important issue for photovoltaic performances. Unfortunately, Cu and Zn cannot be distinguished by conventional laboratory X-ray diffraction. This paper reports on a resonant diffraction investigation of a Cu2ZnSnS4single crystal from a quenched powdered sample. The full disorder of Cu and Zn in thez= 1/4 atomic plane is shown. The structure, namely disordered kesterite, is then described in the I\bar 42m space group.
Organizational groupings and performance in project-based organizations
Authors: Bourouni Atieh , Noori Siamak , Jafari Mostafa
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to empirically evaluate the impact of interorganizational groupings on corporate performance in project-based organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study develops and tests a theoretical model whereby groupings include project team, community of practice (CoP), community of interest (CoI), and knowledge network (KN). Organizational performance is supported on financial, process, internal, and cultural aspects. Based on a questionnaire, data was obtained from a sample of 142 companies in North America. The measurement model was tested and confirmed by using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

– The results confirm the positive effects of knowledge networks and communities of interest. However, the impact of project teams turned out to be negative, and communities of practice were not shown to affect corporate performance. Additionally, the results underscore the importance of organizational networks in creating conditions favorable to a firm's success.

Practical implications

– It was verified that knowledge networks and communities of interest affect the measures of organizational performance, including financial, process, internal, and cultural performance. This is useful for researchers and executives looking for appropriate outcomes through the implementation of knowledge management initiatives. Furthermore, this study provides a starting point for further research on the role of inter- and intraorganizational networks in project-based organizations.

Originality/value

– This study claims that a key to performance for project-based organizations is development and management of organizational networks in the form of knowledge networks and communities of interest.
Green supplier appraisement in fuzzy environment
Authors: Kumar Sahu Nitin , Datta Saurav , Sankar Mahapatra Siba
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– In recent years, stimulated environmental awareness (green consciousness) has favored the emergence of the green supply chain paradigm. Therefore, apart from traditional supplier selection criterions, green criteria are necessarily to be incorporated in the supplier selection problem. In this context, the present study aims to highlight an efficient supplier appraisement platform by considering green performance criteria, in fuzzy environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– The present work exhibits an efficient fuzzy-based supplier performance assessment system using generalized trapezoidal fuzzy numbers set. A fuzzy overall evaluation index has been estimated towards assessing suppliers' green performance extent, thus facilitating supplier appraisement cum selection decision-making.

Findings

– The proposed method has been found efficient for solving the group decision-making problem under uncertain environment due to vagueness, ambiguity associated with decision-makers' subjective judgment. The proposed appraisement platform has been explored by an Indian automobile part manufacturing company at eastern part of India. Suppliers have been evaluated individually to check their performance level with respect to green attributes. Apart from estimating overall performance metric, the model presented here can identify ill-performing areas that necessitate future attention.

Originality/value

– The major contributions of this work have been summarized as follows: Development and implementation of an efficient decision-making procedural hierarchy to support suppliers' green performance extent evaluation. An overall performance metric has been introduced. Concept of generalized trapezoidal fuzzy numbers has been efficiently explored to facilitate such an appraisement cum selection decision-making. The appraisement index system has been extended with the capability to search ill-performing areas that require future progress.
Moments of angst
Authors: M. Fawcett Amydee , E. Fawcett Stanley , Bixby Cooper M. , S. Daynes Kristine
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Competitive dynamics are placing greater emphasis on customer experience, making the management of the last 100 meters of the supply chain critical to differential performance. Traditionally, supply chain design has emphasized two processes: new product development and order fulfillment. Today, a third process must be designed and managed for competitive advantage. That is, the authors need to learn to design service value systems to enhance the customer experience and promote loyalty and lifetime streams of profit. This research informs the enduring challenge that underlies the delivery of high levels of customer satisfaction by enriching theory related to the design and provision of distinctive customer experience. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The critical incident technique (CIT), an inductive method, is employed to explore two core dimensions of expectancy theory and to identify the phenomenological and underlying systems design factors that bring about both positive and negative customer experiences.

Findings

– The analysis shows that few companies use customer experience as a competitive lever. Customer service failures persist from a lack of managerial commitment and poor service-delivery process design. A holistic view of customer service that emphasizes policy, people, performance measurement, and processes emerges.

Originality/value

– Identifying and describing the customer-experience system as a third fundamental supply chain process is an important contribution. By linking a CIT approach with cause-and-effect analysis, the authors go beyond the frequently analyzed cognitive phenomenology to identify vital systems design issues. By enhancing the customer experience at the end of the supply chain, greater advantage for all participants in the chain emerges.
Limited gender differences in ethical decision making between demographics in the USA and New Zealand
Authors: M. Fredricks Susan , Tilley Elspeth , Pauknerová Daniela
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The literature is divided upon whether a gender difference occurs with respect to ethical decisions. Notable researchers Tannen and Gilligan demonstrated gender difference while subsequent researchers indicate that gender differences are becoming more neutralized. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper analyzes the gender demographic and intercultural influences on ethical decision-making by undergraduate students from New Zealand and the USA through four scenarios.

Findings

– Overall for the USA and New Zealand, this research demonstrates this split as well, since two scenarios showed significance while two did not. The two that demonstrated a significance dealt with personnel issues and a past client relationship. These two scenarios suggested that a relationship orientation and relativistic nature among women may influence their decision making. The two scenarios without significance were less relationship oriented, involving dealing with a customer (a stranger) and a subordinate (implying a professional supervisory responsibility). In addition, the neutrality exhibited in the latter two scenarios may reflect Tannen's illustration that there is a cross-gender influence on decision making. With respect to the geographic location, the USA, when compared with New Zealand, and the gender demographics, only the USA reported significant differences for two scenarios.

Originality/value

– Undergraduate students in the USA provided situations and discussions that resulted in the development of a number of scenarios. Additional research and evaluation of current events, led to a total of ten scenarios with four scenarios yielding business related situations.
Developing safeguarding policy and practice for Spiritual Abuse
Authors: Ruth Oakley Lisa , Susan Kinmond Kathryn
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a ground-breaking survey into people's experiences of church and Spiritual Abuse (SA), in a context of issues of safeguarding and policy.

Design/methodology/approach

– The survey was delivered online between April 2011 and December 2012.

Findings

– The findings showed many people had encountered negative church experiences. Most respondents had very limited knowledge and understanding of SA and related support and intervention.

Research limitations/implications

– This survey represents the views of a small percentage of those who attend, or have attended, church and further more extensive research is required to provide a more comprehensive understanding. Additionally research is required within other faiths and cultural contexts.

Practical implications

– It is evident that there is clearly a need to strengthen current safeguarding policy and practice with regards to SA.

Originality/value

– This paper offers an initial insight into the challenges for safeguarding together with some suggested intervention strategies.
Cost analysis error? Exploring issues relating to whole-life cost estimation in sustainable housing
Authors: Sloan Brian , Tokede Olubukola , Wamuziri Sam , Brown Andrew
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The main purpose of the study is to promote consideration of the issues and approaches available for costing sustainable buildings with a view to minimising cost overruns, occasioned by conservative whole-life cost estimates. The paper primarily looks at the impact of adopting continuity in whole-life cost models for zero carbon houses.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study embraces a mathematically based risk procedure based on the binomial theorem for analysing the cost implication of the Lighthouse zero-carbon house project. A practical application of the continuous whole-life cost model is developed and results are compared with existing whole-life cost techniques using finite element methods and Monte Carlo analysis.

Findings

– With standard whole-life costing, discounted present-value analysis tends to underestimate the cost of a project. Adopting continuity in whole-life cost models presents a clearer picture and profile of the economic realities and decision-choices confronting clients and policy-makers. It also expands the informative scope on the costs of zero-carbon housing projects.

Research limitations/implications

– A primary limitation in this work is its focus on just one property type as the unit of analysis. This research is also limited in its consideration of initial and running cost categories only. The capital cost figures for the Lighthouse are indicative rather than definitive.

Practical implications

– The continuous whole-life cost technique is a novel and innovative approach in financial appraisal […] Benefits of an improved costing framework will be far-reaching in establishing effective policies aimed at client acceptance and optimally performing supply chain networks.

Originality/value

– The continuous whole-life costing pioneers an experimental departure from the stereo-typical discounting mechanism in standard whole-life costing procedures.
Learning the lessons from banding appeals
Authors: Moreton Adam , Jackson Emma , Ahmed-Little Yasmin
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Designing and running robust junior doctor rotas is a challenging task and much previous advice has been based on consensus or anecdote. This paper aims to discern the most frequently occurring problems with trainee working patterns and produce evidence-based guidance for implementing and running contract-compliant rotas.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 35 secondary care trusts in North West England were invited to supply information on pay banding appeals requested under the New Deal junior doctor contract. Of these, 15 (43 per cent) participated with data from 35 appeals between 2004 and 2012. A thematic analysis was undertaken to discern the commonly occurring causes of contractual breaches.

Findings

– A total of 83 per cent (n=29/35) of appeals were based on data showing the rota to be non-compliant with the contract (band 3), with the remainder being compliant with the contract but not in keeping with the pay banding currently assigned. Inability to take adequate natural breaks was the most frequently cited cause of rota non-compliance. Where underlying reasons were given for breaches of hours/rest limits they clustered around 20 themes, the top four being poor or absent dialogue between HR and doctors, excessive workload, inappropriately timed ward rounds, and inadequate or non-existent bleep policies.

Originality/value

– This is the first analysis of banding appeals under the UK junior doctor contract. The findings show that problems with rotas cluster around specific themes. The authors provide recommendations to target these so as to avoid financially detrimental contract breaches and trainee dissatisfaction.
“The college is so different from anything I have done”. A study of the characteristics of Nottingham Recovery College
Authors: McGregor Jane , Repper Julie , Brown Helen
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to describe the working of one of the first Recovery Colleges (RCs) and explore the defining characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study explores the ways in which an educational approach contributes to the process of recovery as observed in the Nottingham Recovery College (NRC). A mixed-method research design was adopted, combining interviews, observation and visual methods as well as analysis of quantitative data. The process contributed to the continuing development of “fidelity criteria”, or defining principles and key features, of the college.

Findings

– The NRC demonstrates the possibilities of offering an alternative approach within mental health services; one which is educationally rather than therapeutically informed. The design and operation of the college is informed by educational principles in the creation and execution of the curriculum. This is critically developed through processes of co-production and co-facilitation by those with professional and lived experience, supported by policy development, rigorous documentation and the creation of a supportive, but challenging culture and environment. Students are offered very real opportunities for involvement, progression and leadership within and beyond the college.

Research limitations/implications

– Whilst building on work on education in self-management, the RCs move beyond the transmission of information to create new relationships between mental health professionals and students (rather than “service users”) – and through this, the relationship between students and their “condition” appears to be transformed. Early evidence suggests the NRC also provides a model of interaction that is distinct in educational terms.

Practical implications

– There is significant interest nationally and internationally in the development and operation of RCs in England. RCs present a possibility of transformation in the lives of people with long-term mental health conditions, with outcomes such as greater confidence and hope for the future in addition to widening social networks and providing opportunities for progression. They are also important in the implementation of Recovery through organisational change and the remodelling of commissioning arrangements.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper to be presented for publication specifically on the NRC. There is currently little published research on RCs. These are unique (and varying) organisations which are creating considerable interest nationally and internationally. An exploration of their defining characteristics will feed into subsequent larger-scale research.
Product wheels to achieve mix flexibility in process industries
Authors: Wilson Shellyanne , Ali Nazma
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Mix flexibility is a critical manufacturing flexibility type needed to produce a company's range of products. Oftentimes, multiple products are produced on shared resources which require coordination mechanisms to ensure their effective utilization. This paper aims to explore the applicability of the product wheel concept as a coordination mechanism that can be used to manage shared resources in operational mix flexibility achievement in process industries.

Design/methodology/approach

– The product wheel concept is a construct from the theory of lean manufacturing adoption in process industries. This construct is applied as a sequencing coordination mechanism, where similar products are grouped together to run consecutively in a production schedule. A single case study is used to illustrate the development and evaluation of a product wheel design.

Findings

– The results show that the product wheel concept does achieve the aim of grouping similar products in the production schedule, and, as such, can be used to improve the production planning process through the reduction of the number of time-intensive changeovers without sacrificing product availability to meet customer demand. The product wheel, however, is not a mathematical optimization technique; but is instead a heuristic technique which requires the use of judgment and experience to achieve an optimal design.

Originality/value

– A theoretical contribution to the study of mix flexibility has been made, where the application of the product wheel construct presents a novel approach to the study of operational mix flexibility achievement, via the sequencing of products on shared manufacturing resources.
Examination of the roles played by brand love and jealousy in shaping customer engagement
Authors: Sarkar Abhigyan , Sreejesh S.
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the present paper is to develop and validate a scale of romantic brand jealousy and to examine the role played by the brand love-jealousy framework on consumers' active engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

– In order to develop and validate the romantic brand jealousy scale the present study has employed Churchill's methodology. The study has used common factor analysis and structural equation modeling using LISREL 8.72.

Findings

– This research provides empirical evidence for a three-item romantic brand jealousy scale. The study results indicate that the romantic jealousy scale developed is valid and reliable. It also shows that in contrast to previous literature, wherein authors found that brand love would create customer engagement, the brand love-jealousy framework would act as a better mediator to create customer engagement and also to motivate the customer to purchase the brand.

Research limitations/implications

– This research was conducted in a specific country (India). It would be more robust if the scale developed by this study could be examined in the context of other countries.

Practical implications

– This study is expected to help managers to formulate a better marketing strategy to increase customer engagement using the proposed brand love-jealousy framework.

Originality/value

– This research adds value to the domain of consumer psychology research by proposing that brand jealousy needs to be created along with brand love in customer's mind to augment the level of active engagement.
A “family of cycles” – major and auxiliary business cycles
Authors: Jadevicius Arvydas , Huston Simon
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to discuss the major and auxiliary types of cycles found in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– The existence of cycles within economy and its sub-sectors has been studied for a number of years. In the wake of the recent cyclical downturn, interest in cycles has increased. To mitigate future risks, scholars and investors seek new insights for a better understanding of the cyclical phenomenon. The paper presents systematic review of the existing copious cyclical literature. It then discusses general characteristics and the key forces that produce these cycles.

Findings

– The study finds four major and eight auxiliary cycles. It suggests that each cycle has its own distinct empirical periodicity and theoretical underpinnings. The longer the cycles are the greater controversy which surrounds them.

Practical implications

– Cycles are monumental to a proper understanding of complex property market dynamics. Their existence implies that economies, whilst not deterministic, have a rhythm. Cyclical awareness can therefore advance property market participants.

Originality/value

– The paper uncovers four major and eight auxiliary types of cycles and argues their importance.
Asset Management of low-zero carbon technology in social housing
Authors: Kempton Jim
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Households account for 27 per cent of the UK's total CO2 emissions therefore addressing housing energy efficiency has become a priority. Low-zero carbon technologies (LZCTs) for both new-build and the existing housing stock are one mechanism to reduce CO2. A gap in previous research into the subject was identified – the ongoing maintenance or “Asset Management” of LZCTs. This is important, inefficient or ineffective Asset Management may have a negative impact on the sustainability of energy efficient housing stock from a number of perspectives, including physical, social and economic. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research presents a sector based study of the English social housing sector with seven individual organisations (known as “Registered Social Landlords”) represented by senior Asset Management practitioners, providing the units of analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to evaluate the past, current and future ability of the sector to successfully maintain LZCTs. The interviews were coded and a theme/sub-theme building process undertaken.

Findings

– The interview analysis yielded three main themes (Asset Management Planning, Maintenance Skills and Occupier Impacts) and 12 sub-themes. Some of these confirmed findings from the literature review but others had not been previously located including inter-departmental conflicts and occupiers taking responsibility for maintenance.

Originality/value

– A paucity of previous work specifically relating to Asset Management and LZCTs in the social housing sector was found. The findings should therefore be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders including registered providers, asset managers, surveyors, developers and policy makers.
The cultural significance of synchronicity for Jung and Pauli
Authors: Main Roderick
Published: March 2014

This paper considers the cultural significance of C.G. Jung's concept of synchronicity, as this was envisaged both by Jung himself and by the physicist Wolfgang Pauli, Jung's most important discussant in developing the concept. For both thinkers the principle of synchronicity was, above all, an attempt to develop an expanded, more holistic understanding of science. The paper argues, however, that their motives for proposing this development were not just, as might be expected, scientific, philosophical, and psychological (including personal), but also historical, social, political, and religious, and involved consideration of esoteric as well as mainstream currents of thought.
Feasibility of Pediatric Plasma Apheresis in Intensive Care Settings
Authors: Haque Anwarul , Sher Gul , Hoda Mehar , Moiz Bushra
Published: March 2014

Therapeutic plasma apheresis or exchange (TPE) in the pediatric population is technically challenging. Moreover, there is generally an apprehension in using TPE in children compared to adults. Recently, usage of TPE has evolved and is now being used in heterogenous clinical conditions. Its usefulness is classified by the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) into various categories ranging from I to IV. The objective of this paper was to review the procedure in context of clinical indications, complications and outcomes in children. For this purpose, we retrospectively reviewed all TPE procedures performed on inpatients of 3 to 16 years of age during a 6‐year period (2007–2012). A total of 130 procedures were performed on 28 patients (M : F ratio of 1:1) with median age (range) of 8.8 (4–16) years. All procedures were done using the continuous cell‐separator centrifugal method. Due to organ dysfunctions, the majority of procedures (N = 26 of 28 or 92% patients) were performed in the pediatric intensive care unit. Twenty‐three, four and one patient belonged to ASFA categories I, II and III, respectively. The most common indications were neurological disorders (N = 13 or 46.4%), comprised of Guillain–Barré syndrome (N = 10) and myasthenia gravis (N = 3). Hematological disorders (N = 10 or 35.7%) including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura‐hemolytic uremic syndrome were a close second. Complete recovery was seen in 23 patients (84%). Trivial adverse effects were observed in 18/130 (13.8%) procedures. Major complications including cardiac arrest, hypotension and transfusion‐related acute lung injury were observed in 5/130 or 3.8% of procedures. However, there was no procedure‐related death though five patients died during treatment due to underlying pathology. In conclusion, TPE is a safe and effective option in sick children for appropriate indications. An experienced staff with sound procedural skills is imperative for successful therapy.
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Glucocorticosteroid‐Unresponsive Patients With Clinically Isolated Syndrome
Authors: Ehler Johannes , Koball Sebastian , Sauer Martin , Hickstein Heiko , Mitzner Steffen , Benecke Reiner , Zettl Uwe K
Published: March 2014

Clinically Isolated Syndromes (CIS) summarize clinical features of possible multiple sclerosis (MS) as a first clinical event of the disease. Escalation therapy in CIS episodes comprises high dose glucocorticosteroid (GCS) treatment followed by therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in patients unresponsive to GCS. The aim of our study was to analyze TPE effects in CIS patients. Eleven GCS‐unresponsive patients exhibiting CIS were treated with TPE. A median of 5.0 (range 3–8) treatments were performed with a median exchange volume of 3.0 L (range 2.2–3.5 L). Standard diagnostic results in CIS patients were collected. In 10 out of 11 patients clinical improvement was observed. In Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) Scoring, a commonly used score to assess disability in MS and CIS patients, significant improvement was shown as well. One patient was a non‐responder to TPE. Apheresis treatments were well tolerated in all patients. In the medical control of GCS‐unresponsive CIS episodes, TPE appears to be an effective and well‐tolerated treatment option. TPE response in CIS patients is comparable to TPE results in GCS‐unresponsive MS relapses. Further prospective studies are indicated.
Improved axenization method reveals complexity of symbiotic associations between bacteria and acanthamoebae
Authors: Lagkouvardos Ilias , Shen Jie , Horn Matthias
Published: March 2014

Bacteria associated with free‐living amoebae have attracted considerable attention because of their role in human disease and as models for studying endosymbiosis. However, the identification and analysis of such novel associations are hindered by the limitations of methods for isolation and axenization of amoebae. Here, we replaced the heat‐inactivated Escherichia coli, which is typically used as food source during axenization, with a live E. coli tolC knockout mutant strain hypersensitive to antibiotics. Together with the addition of otherwise sublethal amounts of ampicillin, this approach tripled the success rate and reduced the time required for axenization by at least 3 days. Using this method for two environmental samples, 10 Acanthamoeba strains were isolated, seven of which contained bacterial symbionts. In three cases, amoebae harbouring two phylogenetically distinct symbionts were recovered, supporting a more widespread occurrence of multi‐partner symbiotic associations among free‐living amoebae.
Controversies in the management of gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Yip Desmond , Zalcberg John , Ackland Stephen , Barbour Andrew P , Desai Jayesh , Fox Stephen , Kotasek Dusan , McArthur Grant , Smithers B Mark
Published: March 2014

Major advances in the medical treatment of gastrointestinal tumors (GISTs) have improved survival for both patients with advanced disease and those diagnosed with high‐risk primary tumors. The Consensus approaches to best practice management of gastrointestinal stromal tumors, published in this journal in 2008, provided guidance for the management of GIST to both clinicians and regulatory authorities. Since then, clinical trials have demonstrated the benefit of adjuvant imatinib in high‐risk patients, and mature data from advanced GIST studies suggest that a small but significant proportion of patients with advanced disease can achieve long‐term benefit with ongoing imatinib treatment. Other evolving management strategies include the controversial use of palliative or debulking surgery to improve outcomes in advanced GIST and the development of promising new multikinase inhibitors, such as regorafenib, which has established benefit in the third‐line setting. This review provides an update of recent developments in GIST management and discusses new controversies that these advances have generated.
Intensive chemotherapy and reduced‐intensity allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia in elderly patients
Authors: Jackson Kathryn , Kennedy Glen , Mollee Peter , Marlton Paula , Morris Kirk
Published: March 2014

Aims

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) incidence increases with age, yet treatment of elderly patients has reduced efficacy compared with younger patients and is often poorly tolerated. This retrospective study assessed the outcomes of older patients with AML treated with intensive chemotherapy with or without allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Methods

We identified all adult patients ≥60 years with newly diagnosed AML treated with induction chemotherapy at our institutions between February 1999 and July 2011. Institutional databases and medical records were used to collect information on baseline characteristics, chemotherapy protocols, response to therapy, relapse‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Three hundred and forty‐five patients ≥60 years were diagnosed with AML, including 172 patients (49.9%) who received intensive induction chemotherapy. The median age of intensively treated patients was 66 years (range 60–83 years). Responses to one to two cycles of induction chemotherapy were complete remission (CR) in 70.3% of patients, refractory disease in 15.1% and induction death in 14.5%. At a median follow‐up of 22 months for survivors, intensive induction chemotherapy resulted in 3‐year RFS of 20.2%, and 3‐year OS of 24.0%. Seventeen patients (14.0% of patients in CR1) proceeded to allogeneic HSCT in first remission. These patients experienced 3‐year RFS of 63.5% and 3‐year OS of 77.5%.

Conclusion

Intensive induction chemotherapy for newly diagnosed AML in older patients is feasible and effective in a proportion of patients, and those selected for allogeneic transplantation in CR1 may experience particularly favorable survival outcomes.
Natural evolution of skin‐test sensitivity in patients with IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity to cephalosporins
Authors: Romano A. , Gaeta F. , Valluzzi R. L. , Zaffiro A. , Caruso C. , Quaratino D.
Published: March 2014

There are studies demonstrating that skin‐test sensitivity to penicillins can decrease over time and that allergic patients may lose sensitivity if the responsible compounds are avoided. With regard to subjects with IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity to cephalosporins, however, such studies are lacking. We evaluated prospectively in a 5‐year follow‐up 72 cephalosporin‐allergic patients. After the first evaluation, patients were classified into two groups according to their patterns of allergologic‐test positivity: to both penicillins and cephalosporins (group A), or only to cephalosporins (group B). Skin tests and serum‐specific IgE assays were repeated 1 year later and, in case of persistent positivity, 3 and 5 years after the first allergologic examination. Seven (43.7%) of the 16 subjects of group A and 38 (67.8%) of the 56 patients of group B became negative; one was lost to follow‐up. Patients of group B became negative sooner and more frequently than group A subjects.
Reinterpretation of radiological findings in oesophago‐gastric multidisciplinary meetings
Authors: Lim Hou‐Kiat , Stiven Peter Noel , Aly Ahmad
Published: March 2014

Background

This study aims to objectively evaluate the clinical impact and significance of the multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT) in the management of oesophago‐gastric malignancies in a tertiary institution.

Methods

A prospective observational study was designed to examine the role of MDT in the interpretation of computerized tomography (CT) scans in oesophago‐gastric malignancies. The MDT reporting of CT scans were compared with the ‘pre‐meeting’ formal report of the scans. ‘Pre‐meeting’ CT reports are provided by internal institutional or independent radiologist. The frequency and significance of any reporting variance is examined.

Results

Of the 34 patients discussed, 13 patients (38%) had variations to the formal radiological report. This led a modification of disease stage in seven patients (21%) and change in diagnosis in three patients (9%). This had a major impact in nine patients (26%) of which seven patients (24%) had modification in treatment as a result of imaging reinterpretation.

Conclusion

This study provides preliminary quantative evidence of the utility and importance of the MDT process in the management of oesophago‐gastric malignancies. This has potential significant implications for basing patient treatment on isolated reports outside of MDT and supports this process as a standard of care.