bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water-soluble porphyrins as a dual-function molecular imaging platform for MRI and fluorescence zinc sensing
Authors: Zhang Xiao-an , Lovejoy Katherine S. , Jasanoff Alan , Lippard Stephen J.
Published: June 2007

We report a molecular platform for dual-function fluorescence/MRI sensing of mobile zinc. Zinc-selective binding units were strategically attached to a water-soluble porphyrin template. The synthetic strategy for achieving the designed target ligand is flexible and convenient, and the key intermediates can be applied as general building blocks for the construction of other metal sensors based on a similar mechanism. The metal-free form, (DPA-C
2
)
2
-TPPS
3
(
1
), where DPA is dipicolylamine and TPPS
3
is 5-phenyl-10,15,20-tris(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphine, is an excellent fluorescent sensor for zinc. It has certain superior physical properties compared with earlier-generation zinc sensors including emission in the red and near-IR regions [λ
em
= 645 nm (s) and 715 nm (m)], with a large Stokes shift of >230 nm. The fluorescence intensity of 1 increases by >10-fold upon zinc binding. The fluorescence “turn-on” is highly selective for zinc versus other divalent metal ions and is relatively pH-insensitive within the biologically relevant pH window. The manganese derivative, [(DPA-C
2
)
2
-TPPS
3
Mn(III)] (
2
), switches the function of the molecule to generate an MRI contrast agent. In the presence of zinc, the relaxivity of 2 in aqueous solution is significantly altered, which makes it a promising zinc MRI sensor. Both metal-free and Mn(III)-inserted forms are efficiently taken up by live cells, and the intracellular zinc can be imaged by either fluorescence or MR, respectively. We anticipate that
in vivo
applications of the probes will facilitate a deeper understanding of the physiological roles of zinc and allow detection of abnormal zinc homeostasis for pathological diagnoses.
The first skull of the earliest giant panda
Authors: Jin Changzhu , Ciochon Russell L. , Dong Wei , Hunt Robert M. , Liu Jinyi , Jaeger Marc , Zhu Qizhi
Published: June 2007

Fossils of the giant panda
Ailuropoda
(Order Carnivora, Family Ursidae) are largely isolated teeth, mandibles, and a few rare skulls, known from the late Pliocene to late Pleistocene in China and Southeast Asia. Much of this material represents a Pleistocene chronospecies,
Ailuropoda baconi
, an animal larger than the living giant panda,
Ailuropoda melanoleuca
. The earliest certain record of
Ailuropoda
is the late Pliocene chronospecies,
Ailuropoda microta
, smaller than either
A. baconi
or
A. melanoleuca
, and previously known only from teeth and a few mandibles from karst caves in south China. Here, we report the discovery of the first skull of
A. microta
, establishing its cranial anatomy and demonstrating that the specialized cranial and dental adaptations of
Ailuropoda
for durophagous feeding behavior centered on bamboo were already evident in this late Pliocene species. The skull from Jinyin cave (Guangxi) and dental remains from other karst localities in southeastern China show that
Ailuropoda microta
occupied south China from ≈2 to 2.4 Myr ago after a marked global climatic deterioration. Dental and basicranial anatomy indicate a less specialized morphology early in the history of the lineage and support derivation of the giant panda from the Miocene Asian ursid
Ailurarctos
Effect of antiferromagnetic spin correlations on lattice distortion and charge ordering in Pr
0.5
Ca
1.5
MnO
4
Authors: Chi Songxue , Ye F. , Dai Pengcheng , Fernandez-Baca J. A. , Huang Q. , Lynn J. W. , Plummer E. W. , Mathieu R. , Kaneko Y. , Tokura Y.
Published: June 2007

We use neutron scattering to study the lattice and magnetic structure of the layered half-doped manganite Pr
0.5
Ca
1.5
MnO
4
. On cooling from high temperature, the system first becomes charge-and orbital-ordered (CO/OO) near

T
CO

= 300 K and then develops checkerboard-like antiferromagnetic (AF) order below

T
N

= 130 K. At temperatures above

T
N

but below

T
CO

(

T
N

<
T
<

T
CO

), the appearance of short-range AF spin correlations suppresses the CO/OO-induced orthorhombic strain, contrasting with other half-doped manganites, where AF order has no observable effect on the lattice distortion. These results suggest that a strong spin-lattice coupling and the competition between AF exchange and CO/OO ordering ultimately determines the low-temperature properties of the system.
Secretion of pleiotrophin stimulates breast cancer progression through remodeling of the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Chang Yunchao , Zuka Masahiko , Perez-Pinera Pablo , Astudillo Aurora , Mortimer Joanne , Berenson James R. , Deuel Thomas F.
Published: June 2007

Pleiotrophin (PTN,
Ptn
) is an 18-kDa secretory cytokine expressed in many breast cancers; however, the significance of
Ptn
expression in breast cancer has not been established. We have now tested three models to determine the role of inappropriate expression of
Ptn
in breast cancer. Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter-driven
Ptn
expressed in MMTV-polyoma virus middle T antigen (
PyMT
)-
Ptn
mouse breast cancers was first shown to induce rapid growth of morphologically identified foci of “scirrhous” carcinoma and to extensively remodel the microenvironment, including increased tumor angiogenesis and striking increases in mouse protocollagens Iα2, IVα5, and XIα1, and elastin. Ectopic
Ptn
expression in MCF-7 (human breast cancer)-
Ptn
cell xenografts also was shown to markedly increase MCF-7-
Ptn
cell xenograft growth in nude mice; furthermore, it induced extensive remodeling of the microenvironment and tumor angiogenesis. In a coculture model of equal numbers of NIH 3T3 stromal fibroblasts and MCF-7-
Ptn
cells, PTN secreted from MCF-7-
Ptn
cells was then shown to induce a more malignant MCF-7-
Ptn
breast cancer cell phenotype and extensive remodeling of the MCF-7-
Ptn
/NIH 3T3 cell microenvironment; it up-regulated expression of markers of aggressive breast cancers, including PKCδ and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in both MCF-7-
Ptn
and NIH 3T3 cells. The morphological phenotypes of MCF-7-
Ptn
cell xenografts and MCF-7-
Ptn
cell/NIH 3T3 cell cocultures closely resembled breast cancers in MMTV-
PyMT-Ptn
mice. Inappropriate expression of
Ptn
thus promotes breast cancer progression in mice; the data suggest that secretion of PTN through stimulation of the stromal cell microenvironment alone may be sufficient to account for significant features of breast cancer progression.
Splitting Concepts
Authors: Piccinini Gualtiero , Scott Sam
Published: June 2007

A common presupposition in the concepts literature is that concepts constitute a singular natural kind. If, on the contrary, concepts split into more than one kind, this literature needs to be recast in terms of other kinds of mental representation. We offer two new arguments that concepts, in fact, divide into different kinds: (a) concepts split because different kinds of mental representation, processed independently, must be posited to explain different sets of relevant phenomena; (b) concepts split because different kinds of mental representation, processed independently, must be posited to explain responses to different kinds of category. Whether these arguments are sound remains an open empirical question, to be resolved by future empirical and theoretical work.
Keeping personal subscriptions out of the library
Authors: THOMMEN Moritz , HOLMES Carla
Published: June 2007

In recent decades library finances have been struggling to keep up with the growth of journals. Budget cuts, and subscription price increases due to resultant cancellations, have put additional strain on libraries, creating an accelerating spiral, the so‐called ‘serials crisis'. Personal subscriptions have suffered less from rising prices, but an increasing gap has opened up between personal and institutional subscription rates. This is being exploited by some unscrupulous agents, who are fraudulently buying journals at personal subscription rates and reselling them to libraries at discounted institutional rates, thus making huge profits and undermining the businesses of both the publishers and those agents who operate legitimately. Measures are being taken to counteract the problem, including the establishment by the Association of Subscription Agents and Intermediaries of a branch in the Middle East, where the problem is quite common, and the introduction of policy rules regarding personal subscriptions by the majority of STM publishers.
Sildenafil Prevents Cardiovascular Changes after Bone Marrow Fat Embolization in Sheep
Authors: Krebs Jörg , Ferguson Stephen J. , Nuss Katja , Leskosek Boris , Hoerstrup Simon P. , Goss Ben G. , Aebli Nikolaus
Published: June 2007

Background:

Sudden, intraoperative cardiovascular deterioration as a result of pulmonary embolization of bone marrow fat is a potentially fatal complication during total hip and knee arthroplasty, intramedullary nailing, and spine surgery. Anesthetic management is challenging in the presence of increased right ventricular afterload due to pulmonary hypertension. Selective pulmonary vasodilation may be an appropriate prophylactic or therapeutic measure. The effect of sildenafil (phosphodiesterase inhibitor) on cardiovascular deterioration after bone marrow fat embolization was therefore investigated.

Methods:

Bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate) was injected into three lumbar vertebrae in 12 sheep. Invasive blood pressures and heart rate were recorded continuously until 60 min after the last injection. Cardiac output and arterial and mixed venous blood gas variables were measured at selected time points. Before the first cement injection, 6 animals received a bolus injection (0.7 mg/kg) of sildenafil, with continuous infusion (0.2 mg · kg−1 · h−1) thereafter. Postmortem lung and kidney biopsies were taken for semiquantitative analysis of intravascular fat.

Results:

Fat embolism was associated with a transient increase (21 ± 7mmHg) in pulmonary arterial pressure. A transient decrease in arterial blood pressure and temporary increases in central venous pressure and dead space were also observed. No significant changes in any cardiovascular variable were observed after fat embolism in the sildenafil group. There was significantly (P < 0.05) less intravascular fat in the lungs of the sildenafil (median count of 5 emboli per microscopic view) compared with the control group (median count of 1).

Conclusions:

Administration of sildenafil prevented the acute cardiovascular complications after bone marrow fat embolism in sheep.
Nerve Growth Factor Expression after Plantar Incision in the Rat
Authors: Wu Chaoran , Boustany Leila , Liang Hong , Brennan Timothy J.
Published: June 2007

Background:

Postoperative pain control remains a significant problem. Advances will proceed if we can further reveal the underlying mechanisms of incisional pain and its mediators. Previous studies have demonstrated that nerve growth factor (NGF) is released in incised tissue and contributes to hyperalgesia in incisional pain. The purpose of this study is to examine the expression of NGF in skin after planter incision.

Methods:

Adult Sprague-Dawley rats underwent incision at the plantar aspect of hind paw. The NGF messenger RNA (mRNA) was measured at various times after incision by polymerase chain reaction. NGF protein expression was detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry in incisions.

Results:

NGF mRNA increased from 2 to 4 h after incision and was the same as control by postoperative day 1. A large-molecular-weight form of NGF, approximately 75 kd, was found in normal skin. The large-molecular-weight NGF protein increased 4 h after incision and returned to baseline on postoperative day 7. The skin immediately adjacent to the incision had the greatest NGF expression. Immunohistochemical staining for NGF was present adjacent to the incision and localized in Schwann cells and axons.

Conclusion:

NGF mRNA is increased and a large-molecular-weight form of NGF protein is expressed in the region adjacent to the incision. NGF immunoreactivity is present in nerve bundles; both Schwann cells and axons are labeled. Immunoreactive NGF in axons is likely taken up into cut axons. This study suggests some common mechanisms for neuropathic and incisional pain.
Advances in and Limitations of Up-and-down Methodology
Authors: Pace Nathan L. , Stylianou Mario P. , Warltier David C.
Published: June 2007

Sequential design methods for binary response variables exist for determination of the concentration or dose associated with the 50% point along the dose–response curve; the up-and-down method of Dixon and Mood is now commonly used in anesthesia research. There have been important developments in statistical methods that (1) allow the design of experiments for the measurement of the response at any point (quantile) along the dose–response curve, (2) demonstrate the risk of certain statistical methods commonly used in literature reports, (3) allow the estimation of the concentration or dose—the target dose—associated with the chosen quantile without the assumption of the symmetry of the tolerance distribution, and (4) set bounds on the probability of response at this target dose. This article details these developments, briefly surveys current use of the up-and-down method in anesthesia research, reanalyzes published reports using the up-and-down method for the study of the epidural relief of pain during labor, and discusses appropriate inferences from up-and-down method studies.
Adrenergic Receptor Genotype but Not Perioperative Bisoprolol Therapy May Determine Cardiovascular Outcome in At-risk Patients Undergoing Surgery with Spinal Block
Authors: Zaugg Michael , Bestmann Lukas , Wacker Johannes , Lucchinetti Eliana , Boltres Anita , Schulz Christian , Hersberger Martin , Kälin Gabriela , Furrer Lukas , Hofer Christoph , Blumenthal Stephan , Müller Annabelle , Zollinger Andreas , Spahn Donat R. , Borgeat Alain
Published: June 2007

Background:

Neuraxial blockade is used as primary anesthetic technique in one third of surgical procedures. The authors tested whether bisoprolol would protect patients at risk for cardiovascular complications undergoing surgery with spinal block.

Methods:

The authors performed a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial to compare the effect of bisoprolol with that of placebo on 1-yr composite outcome including cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina, congestive heart failure, and cerebrovascular insult. Bisoprolol was given orally before and after surgery for a maximum of 10 days. Adrenergic receptor polymorphisms and safety outcome measures of bisoprolol therapy were also determined.

Results:

A total of 224 patients were enrolled. Spinal block could not be established in 5 patients. One hundred ten patients were assigned to the bisoprolol group, and 109 patients were assigned to the placebo group. The mean duration of treatment was 4.9 days in the bisoprolol group and 5.1 days in the placebo group. Bisoprolol therapy reduced mean heart rate by 10 beats/min. The primary outcome was identical between treatment groups and occurred in 25 patients (22.7%) in the bisoprolol group and 24 patients (22.0%) in the placebo group during the 1-yr follow-up (hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.55–1.69; P = 0.90). However, carriers of at least one Gly allele of the β1-adrenergic receptor polymorphism Arg389Gly showed a higher number of adverse events than Arg homozygous (32.4% vs. 18.7%; hazard ratio, 1.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–3.35; P = 0.04).

Conclusions:

Perioperative bisoprolol therapy did not affect cardiovascular outcome in these elderly at-risk patients undergoing surgery with spinal block.
Association of Ethnicity with the Minimum Alveolar Concentration of Sevoflurane
Authors: Ezri Tiberiu , Sessler Daniel , Weisenberg Marian , Muzikant Gleb , Protianov Michael , Mascha Edward , Evron Shmuel
Published: June 2007

Background:

Selective breeding produces animal strains with varying anesthetic sensitivity. It thus seems unlikely that various human ethnicities have identical anesthetic requirements. Therefore, the authors tested the hypothesis that the minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane differs significantly as a function of ethnicity.

Methods:

The authors recruited 90 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II adult patients belonging to three Jewish ethnic groups: European, Oriental, and Caucasian (from the Caucasus Mountain region). All were scheduled to undergo surgery requiring a skin incision exceeding 3 cm. Without premedication, anesthesia was induced with 6–8% sevoflurane in 100% oxygen, and tracheal intubation was facilitated with succinylcholine. The skin incision was made after a predetermined end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane of 2.0% was maintained for at least 10 min in the first patient in each group. Blinded investigators observed the patient for movement during the subsequent minute. The concentration in the next patient was increased by 0.2% when patients moved, or decreased by the same amount when they did not. Results are presented as means [95% confidence intervals].

Results:

Morphometric and demographic characteristics were similar among the groups; however, mean arterial pressure was slightly greater in European Jews. Minimum alveolar concentration for sevoflurane was greatest in Caucasian Jews (2.32% [2.27–2.41%]), less in Oriental Jews (2.14% [2.06–2.22%]), and still less in European Jews (1.9% [1.82–1.99%]) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The results suggest that minimum alveolar concentration varies as a function of ethnicity. However, the extent to which confounding characteristics contribute, including lifestyle choices and environmental factors, remains unknown.
Free Mucosa Graft From the Lateral Tongue for Reconstruction of Intraoral Buccal/Lip Mucosal Defects After Tumor Resection
Authors: Lai Chi‐Chih , Su Chih‐Ying
Published: June 2007

Objectives: To develop a functional and morphologic reconstruction for intraoral buccal/lip mucosal defects after tumor resection.

Study Design: A prospective clinical series.

Methods: From November 2003 to July 2006, 32 patients underwent free tongue mucosa graft reconstruction after resection of buccal or lip tumors. Graft validity and acceptability, donor site morbidity, and postoperative articulation and swallowing functions were evaluated.

Results: Regular postoperative follow‐up for at least 6 (mean, 18.5; range, 6–38) months revealed good functional outcomes and satisfactory cosmetic results of grafts at recipient sites in 29 of 32 (90.6%) patients. There were minimal to mild postoperative pain and minor complications at the donor sites. Mouth opening width was preserved, and all patients could tolerate either soft or regular diets. None of the patients had postoperative functional deficiencies involving articulation, swallowing, mastication, or sense of taste.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that free mucosa grafts from the lateral tongue are an excellent alternative for reconstruction of buccal/lip mucosal defects after tumor resection.
Depletion of High‐density Lipoprotein and Appearance of Triglyceride‐rich Low‐density Lipoprotein in a Japanese Patient With FIC1 Deficiency Manifesting Benign Recurrent Intrahepatic Cholestasis
Authors: Nagasaka Hironori , Chiba Hitoshi , Hui Shu‐Ping , Takikawa Hajime , Miida Takashi , Takayanagi Masaki , Yorifuji Tohru , Hasegawa Makoto , Ota Akemi , Hirano Ken‐ichi , Kikuchi Hideaki , Tsukahara Hirokazu , Kobayashi Kunihiko
Published: June 2007

Objective:

Lipoprotein metabolism in FIC1 deficiency due to ATP8B1 mutations has never been studied sufficiently. This study was performed to investigate the detailed lipoprotein metabolism in benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis (BRIC) caused by FIC1 deficiency.

Patients and Methods:

Lipoprotein profile and major lipoprotein regulators such as lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), hepatic triglyceride lipase (HTGL), lipoprotein lipase, and cholesteryl ester transfer protein in a Japanese patient with BRIC were serially examined during a bout of cholestasis. Liver expression of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), which suppresses high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) generation, was also examined.

Results:

Hypercholesterolemia and lipoprotein X accumulation were never observed throughout this study. When the cholestasis was severe, triglyceride‐rich low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) accounted for most of the plasma lipoproteins whereas HDL was hardly detectable. Concurrently, activities of all regulators were decreased, together with decreases of the serum parameter for liver protein synthesis. In particular, suppressions of LCAT and HTGL activities were severe and greatly contributed to the appearance of triglyceride‐rich LDL. As the cholestasis improved, this LDL gradually transformed into normal LDL with the recoveries of LCAT and HTGL activities. The activities of all regulators for the last 1 to 2 months were normal but HDL remained depleted. His liver showed low FXR expression compared with control livers.

Conclusions:

The present study showed an appearance of triglyceride‐rich LDL due to suppressions of LCAT and HTGL activities and a depletion of HDL that is not able to be explained by lipoprotein regulators or FXR in our patient.
Gastropathy and Gastritis in Children With Portal Hypertension
Authors: El‐Rifai Nahida , Mention Karine , Guimber Dominique , Michaud Laurent , Boman Francoise , Turck Dominique , Gottrand Frédéric
Published: June 2007

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) and gastritis in children with portal hypertension and related factors. The study included 24 children with portal hypertension secondary to liver disease or extrahepatic venous obstruction. PHG was seen in 14 of 24 patients. PHG was significantly associated with the presence of esophageal varices and a history of hematemesis. Histologically, gastritis was identified in 14 of 24 patients and was significantly associated with cirrhosis. PHG is frequently found in children with portal hypertension, and it develops regardless of the cause of the portal hypertension.
Virus‐Specific T Cell Immune Response in Children and Adolescents with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Fischler Björn , Nyström Jessica , Björnsdottir Thora , Lindh Gudrun , Hultgren Catharina
Published: June 2007

Objectives:

To study the hepatitis B–specific T cell–mediated immune response in chronically infected children and adolescents.

Patients and Methods:

In all, 36 HBsAg‐positive patients, 2 to 19 years old, were included. There were 9 HBeAg‐positive patients with normal levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (group 1), 18 HBeAg‐positive patients with elevated ALT (group 2), and 9 HBeAg‐negative, anti‐HBe–positive patients (group 3). Four patients in group 2 were treated with interferon during the study. In all patients, HBcAg‐specific T cell proliferation and ALT levels were prospectively studied in repeated samples for a mean follow‐up time of 1.6 years. The baseline HBV‐DNA and plasma cytokine levels were determined, and genotypes were analyzed.

Results:

The percent of patients with at least 1 sample indicating T cell proliferation was 55% in group 1 and 89% in groups 2 and 3, respectively (P = 0.07 group 1 vs group 2, P = 0.013 group 1 vs the combined groups 2 and 3). Tendencies for positive correlations between the degree of T cell proliferation and ALT levels were noted in groups 1 and 3 and for negative correlations in HBeAg seroconverting patients of group 2. In patients with successful interferon treatment, a pattern of more vigorous T cell proliferation than in patients with spontaneous seroconversion was noted.

Conclusions:

A majority of patients showed signs of ongoing T cell proliferation. The continuation of the T cell–mediated immune response seems to be of importance in maintaining the HBeAg seroconversion over time.
Investigation of Genomic Instability in Paediatric Barrett's Oesophagus Using Laser Microdissection on Paraffin‐embedded Endoscopic Biopsies
Authors: Cohen Marta C , Vergani Patricia , Vigovich Felix , Thomson Mike , Taylor Chris J , Hammond David
Published: June 2007

Objectives:

To investigate the occurrence of microsatellite instability (MSI) in paediatric Barrett's oesophagus (BE) with the aim of identifying a potential marker for patients at risk for developing dysplasia or adenocarcinoma at a later stage.

Patients and Methods:

Endoscopic oesophageal biopsies from 6 pediatric patients harbouring BE and 6 age‐matched controls were retrospectively investigated. After all of the samples were made anonymous, a 5‐μm section was cut and stained with toluidine blue. A precise cell was selected and captured using a laser microdissection microscope. Microsatellite analysis was performed on the DNA extracted from the captured cells. Genomic DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction using primers for 5 mononucleotide repeats and analysed by GeneMapper software on an ABI 3730. DNA extracted from a formalin‐fixed colonic adenocarcinoma known to have MSI was used as a positive control.

Results:

The median age of the patients with BE was 9 years. The relevant complaint was long‐standing vomiting in 4 cases and history of dysphagia in 3 cases (1 case had both symptoms). All of the cases had a history of reflux oesophagitis with histological confirmation of oesophagitis. Reflux was associated with a hiatus hernia, obesity, and cerebral palsy in each of 3 cases, and with asthma in 2 patients. Histologically, all of the cases showed the presence of specialized intestinal metaplasia containing goblet cells replacing the squamous oesophageal epithelium. None of the cases tested showed any evidence of MSI.

Conclusions:

A single molecular marker that would allow recognition of those patients at risk for Barrett's adenocarcinoma has not yet been identified. The absence of MSI in our cases could be due to the need for a longer period of BE before genomic instability develops, or MSI may only arise in a proportion of patients. This does not exclude other genetic alterations, however rare they may be.
“Making schools practical”
Authors: Deissinger Thomas
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To provide information and insight into the potential of reforms in full‐time vocational education and training (VET) (practice firms in vocational colleges) in contrast with apprenticeships against the background of training market frictions in Germany.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural information on the German VET system; empirical study (2006) within a research project to illustrate the didactical and social benefits of practice firms.

Findings

Underlines that vocational colleges and practice firms within them are part of a “preparatory” system which predominantly serves further education needs and the follow‐up intention to undertake an apprenticeship; confirms preceding research which put them in line with the “typical” full‐time VET system.

Research implications/limitations

Limitations are due to the focus on one type of full‐time VET and the specific conditions in the federal state of Baden‐Württemberg.

Practical implications

Provides useful information to understand the nature of VET in a given country; insight into the limitations of full‐time VET can help teachers to rethink co‐operation with companies in general.

Originality/value

Useful contribution to rethinking VET policy and to understanding limitations in the wake of an implementation of new forms of vocational learning against the background of culturally‐rooted tradtions.
The progress of accounting harmonization in China
Authors: Chi Kuan Ip , Noronha Carlos
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Previous studies have demonstrated significant discrepancies in financial results prepared separately under Chinese and international accounting standards. After years of reforms of Chinese accounting practices, there is still doubt as to whether previous discrepancies persist. This study therefore purports to evaluate the current dimensions of differences between the H‐share and the A‐share financial results.

Design/methodology/approach

Corresponding figures from H‐share and A‐share reports were obtained in pairs and analyzed through paired sample t‐tests.

Findings

Except for the result on operating income, all other t‐tests suggest that there is no significant difference between the paired figures of sales revenue, income before tax, net income, assets, debts and equity.

Practical implications

It can be concluded that the harmonization progress of Chinese accounting standards has advanced remarkably. Although full convergence has not been reached, the existing Chinese accounting standards have incorporated both the traits of international standards and the features of Chinese accounting practices.

Originality/value

Contrary to previous findings, this study did not identify statistically significant differences between H‐share and A‐share financial reports.
Software engineering: a quality management perspective
Authors: McManus John , Wood‐Harper Trevor
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of quality related to the context of software development using the ISO, TickIT and CMM frameworks. The paper also seeks to stress the fact that the different perspectives of those involved in software development will influence how quality is seen and measured. In the context of software engineering projects, quality takes on a broad meaning that refers not only to the way in which companies manage software engineering projects, but also to the software development process itself.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach and methodology adopted for this paper were a review of the literature and best practice in software engineering. It is argued that users of software systems are more interested in how easy the software is to use than in the underlying application code that is used to generate the system. Using the body of knowledge that is software quality the basic characteristics of software quality are described and compared in terms of quality standards such as ISO, TickIT and CMM. Each of these standards is decomposed further in order to clarify its usefulness.

Findings

The findings in the paper suggest that, whilst there are many differences in the quality standards used, there are a number of similar characteristics. In essence the underlying philosophies of ISO and CMM have at the core the same goals. Some academics see CMM as being technically over‐engineered; a CMM‐compliant quality system is in many respects far in advance of ISO.

Research limitations/implications

This paper helps define the strengths and weaknesses within ISO, TickIT and CMM from a software engineering practitioner perspective.

Practical implications

The paper shows that software engineers need to pay more attention to the performance and conformance issues in software projects and to be proactive rather than reactive to quality issues.

Originality/value

It may be argued that the importance of this paper lies in the assertion that those engaged in the software engineering are in need of a multi‐perspective view on quality and, with that in mind, this paper should appeal to practitioners and members of the academic community with an interest in software quality.
The remarkable performance of international marketing in the second half of the twentieth century
Authors: Czinkota Michael R. , Coskun Samli A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

International marketing has performed extremely well during the second‐half of the twentieth century. This paper examines the outstanding performance from different perspectives and evaluates the future of international marketing in the age of globalization.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a chronological review of international marketing in four distinct periods: 1945‐1964, 1965‐1984, 1985‐2005, and 2005‐forward. These periods are labeled as ages of coincidence, confluence, commingling, and creative conflict. The state of the world, the state of international marketing and the status of the marketing context are analyzed as they have emerged and changed.

Findings

The paper posits that for international marketing to continue to perform in its spectacular manner, the field needs to cross fertilize with globalization, which enables international marketing to reach out to all corners of the globe successfully and smoothly.

Originality/value

The paper carefully identifies the relationship between globalization and international marketing and posits that the future success of international marketing is vitally dependent on the far reaching success of globalization.
The influence of personality traits and persuasive messages on entrepreneurial intention
Authors: de Pillis Emmeline , Reardon Kathleen K.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine persuasion and personality variables as predictors of entrepreneurial intention in a cross‐cultural sample.

Design/methodology/approach

Undergraduates in the USA and the Republic of Ireland completed measures of personal efficacy, achievement motivation, ambiguity tolerance, attitudes toward entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial intention.

Findings

The results suggest that the decision to become an entrepreneur comes about differently in different cultures. US participants appear to perceive entrepreneurship as a societally sanctioned and appropriate outlet for their achievement motivation. While achievement motivation correlated with entrepreneurial intention for the US participants, this result did not obtain for the Irish subjects. In both cultures, those who have come to believe that being an entrepreneur is consistent with their self‐image showed strong entrepreneurial intention independent of their other beliefs about entrepreneurship. This study suggests that recollections of positive interpersonal and mass media messages about entrepreneurship encourage entrepreneurial intention – but only for US participants. Other factors discussed in this report appear to mitigate the effect of such recollections for the Irish.

Research limitations/implications

This study is part of a larger research program that includes following up on these participants at a later date. With longitudinal data, we will be able to track the relationship between stated entrepreneurial intention and later business startup.

Originality/value

This investigation compares factors influencing entrepreneurial intention in the USA and Ireland.
Reflecting practice: The case of marketing and new product development
Authors: Littler Dale
Published: June 2007

Recently there has been debate about whether or not academic research and theories in management are ‘relevant’. The discussion has been extended to marketing and we explore whether or not there is a disconnection between marketing practice and the methodologies, theories and concepts put forward by marketing academics. The possible explanations for the divide between ‘theory’ and ‘practice’ in marketing are assessed. We then focus on new product development and consider the practical implications of the considerable corps of research aimed at identifying the influences affecting new product success. We continue by discussing the traditional representation of new product development. This assumes a staged process that can be managed, but which ignores in particular the impact of uncertainty. We conclude by suggesting that marketing needs to reappraise its model of the new product development process.
Networking in Calabria The case of Totti Industrie
Authors: Taylor David W. , Reintano Antonella
Published: June 2007

The early literature on learning in small firms has been linked to individual learning through training. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of networks as a vehicle for learning through knowledge transfer. It is how this network‐learning takes place that this paper helps to elucidate. The focus in this paper is a particular ‘life or death’ decision point at Totti Industrie, a small religious clothing manufacturer in Calabria, Italy. A problem‐centred approach was adopted in order to assess how the owner‐manager learned to solve problems and ultimately arrive at a decision. Preliminary findings diverge from similar studies undertaken in the United Kingdom where networks are less extensive but utilised more completely to resolve business related problems. It is suggested that a more limited use of the wider network could be down to the intensity and vastness of network relations and the susceptibility of this wider‐network to leakage of valuable company information.
Business process re‐engineering in the public sector: A case study
Authors: Proctor Tony , Gray Louise
Published: June 2007

Business process re‐engineering can be a very effective tool for introducing cost‐effective changes into an organisation to the benefit of the organisation and its customers. The article reports on the introduction of “One Stop Shops” into a UK metropolitan local government organisation commenting on the success of the venture and the problems encountered in introducing a new competency based pay structure for front office staff.
Contributing to the wellbeing of primary health care workers in PNG
Authors: Davy Carol
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how organisational frames of reference, which are neither not appropriately communicated nor supported, affect the wellbeing of workers.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature is used to develop a new model linking ambiguous frames of reference with reduced levels of workers' wellbeing. This is then tested using data collected in a study involving primary health care workers in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Findings

This paper finds that, for these particular workers, the model linking ambiguous frames of reference and reduced worker wellbeing is valid.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows that there is a need for further research into a variety of areas including the importance of frames of reference to worker wellbeing, the significance of reference groups to organisational frames of reference and the consequences of reduced worker wellbeing in developing countries.

Practical implications

In this paper, recommendations for changes to current PNG primary health care management practices, including ensuring the support for as well as communicating the organisational frame of reference, are discussed.

Originality/value

The paper shows that the experiences of these particular primary health care workers not only demonstrates the validity of the new model but also brings a unique perspective to the field of worker wellbeing, which up until now has been dominated by research conducted in western countries.
System characteristics of healthcare organizations conducting successful improvements
Authors: Olsson Jesper , Elg Mattias , Lindblad Staffan
Published: June 2007

Purpose

In a previous study, based on a survey to all clinical department and primary care center managers in Sweden, it was concluded that the prevailing general improvement strategy is characterized by: drivers for improvement are staff needs; patients and data are not as important; improvements mainly focus on administrative routines and stress management; improvements are mainly reached, by writing guidelines, and conducting meetings; the majority of managers perceive outcomes from this strategy as successful. The purpose of current research in this paper is to investigate whether there is any other improvement strategy at play in Swedish health care.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from the study of all Swedish managers were stratified into two populations based on an instrument predicting successful improvement. One population represented organizations with exceptionally high probability of successful imrpovement and remaining organizations represented the general improvement strategy.

Findings

The paper finds that organizations with high probability for successful change differed from the comparison population at the p=0.05 level in many of the surveyed characteristics. They put emphasis on patient focus, measuring outcomes, feedback of data, interorganizational collaboration, learning and knowledge, communication/information, culture, and development of administration and management. Thus these organizations center their attention towards behavioral changes supported by data.

Practical implications

Organizations predicted to conduct successful improvement apply comprehensive improvement strategies as suggested in the literature. Such actions are part of the Patient Centered Task Alignment strategy and it is suggested that this concept has managerial implications as well, as it might be useful in further studies on improvement work in health care.

Originality/value

This paper provides empirically based findings on a successful improvement strategy that can aid research‐informed policy decisions on organizational improvement strategies.
Learning and leading: how beliefs about learning can be used to promote effective leadership
Authors: Nailon Di , Delahaye Brian , Brownlee Jo
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the links between the core beliefs a leader holds about learning and knowing (called epistemological beliefs) and how they go about leading an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 15 directors in centre‐based child care organizations were interviewed about how they viewed learning and knowing in their leadership role.

Findings

In these interviews is was found that the directors who indicated transformational leadership behaviors also thought that staff learning and knowing should be active, meaningful and evidenced‐based. This means that they viewed knowledge as evolving, tentative and needing to be critiqued and evaluated in the light of evidence (known as evaluativism in epistemological belief jargon). Conversely, the director with transactional beliefs about leadership clearly demonstrated beliefs that knowledge was about his own “truths” or black‐and‐white facts that could be transmitted to others (known as objectivism).

Originality/value

While it may be useful to reflect on the connections between core beliefs about knowing and learning and transformational leadership practice, a more important task for the field is how such leaders might be nurtured.
Competitive resources of private housing developers: the Malaysian perspective
Authors: Rashid Abdul Aziz Abdul , Shiew Yi Ho , Jaafar Mastura
Published: June 2007

The resource‐based view (RBV) has been used on various industry studies. To examine the resources required to thrive in the private housing development sector in Malaysia, the RBV was similarly utilised. Using a combination of mailed questionnaires and face‐to‐face interviews, the study identified and ranked fourteen resources by virtue of their ability to exploit opportunities and/or neutralise threats, or in short, value. While the ranking of some of the resources echoe similar past industry studies, others interestingly did not, perhaps due to the unique characteristics of the industry, or even country. New players to the industry can take stock of the findings to maximise their chances of success. The paper ends by recommending that the study be repeated in Malaysia, this time with many more respondent, to confirm the findings. It also proposes that similar studies be conducted in other countries to enable cross‐country comparisons to be made.
Cycles and common cycles in real estate markets
Authors: Hiang Liow Kim
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to examine cycles and common cycles in the real estate markets of the UK, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia using a combination of time domain and frequency domain methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper identifies the patterns of cyclical movement (if any) in the five public real estate markets, and searches for common cycle characteristics and patterns in international real estate markets. In addition to the time domain analyses, these empirical investigations are further empowered by a frequency domain method that includes spectral and co‐spectral analyses.

Findings

International real estate markets are characterized by cyclical behavior that exhibits phenomenal fluctuations. The markets are also pro‐cyclical; they do tend to move together. Furthermore, some differences in the patterns of the common cycles and their lead‐lag linkages are evident.

Research limitations/implications

International investors would probably benefit from diversifying real estate stocks across the UK and Asian real estate markets, especially in the short and medium terms. However, the long‐term cyclical patterns across the national real estate stock markets are not sharply different, indicating that smaller diversification benefits are to be expected in the long term.

Originality/value

Common cycle analysis advances investors' understanding of the long‐term relationship and medium‐ and short‐term linkages across international real estate markets, thereby allowing investors and portfolio managers an opportunity to discern any contrasting cyclical patterns at all frequencies so as to assist in their portfolio decisions.
An examination of the Australian Stock Exchange and Australian Financial Review's fair values
Authors: Easton Steve , Ivanovic Irena
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to examine fair values provided by the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) and reported daily in the Australian Financial Review to determine whether they violate fundamental option relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Values reported in the Australian Financial Review from 4 January 2005 to 31 March 2005 are examined.

Findings

The results document that between 1 and 2 per cent violate the most fundamental option relationships, specifically the requirement for call and put option values to increase as term to expiry increases, and for call (put) option values to increase (decrease) as exercise price decreases. Further, the magnitude of these violations is too large to be explained solely by the bid‐ask spread. They are, nevertheless, consistent with staleness. Further, in nearly 30 per cent of cases these fair values violate the basic put‐call parity relationship. The type of these violations is also consistent with these values being stale.

Research limitations/implications

Simple screens should be included to remove fair values that breach the most basic relationships.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to highlight flaws in fair values provided by the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) and reported in the Australian Financial Review.