bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C2‐ceramide mediates cerebellar granule cells apoptosis by activation of caspases‐2, ‐9, and ‐3
Authors: Miñano Alfredo , Caballero‐Benítez Andrea , Lluch Mónica , Morán Julio , Rodríguez‐Alvarez José
Published: March 2008

Ceramide is able to induce the apoptotic death of cerebellar granule cells (CGC) in culture. However, previous reports did not agree on whether ceramide‐induced apoptosis of CGC requires caspase activation. Here we have shown that addition of C2‐ceramide is able to produce extensive death of cultured CGC, which is associated with chromatin condensation, ladder‐like DNA fragmentation, and activation of caspases. Our results show that C2‐ceramide activates caspases‐3, ‐9, and ‐2 but not caspases‐1 and ‐8. Caspase‐9 activation was associated with cytochrome c release from mitochondria toward the cytosol and was followed by activation of caspases‐2 and ‐3. PARP proteolysis was also observed after caspase‐3 and ‐2 activation. The involvement of caspases‐9, ‐3, and ‐2 in ceramide‐mediated apoptotic death of CGC was further supported by the use of specific inhibitors. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of desipramine and citalopram treatments for depression in Parkinson's disease: A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Devos David , Dujardin Kathy , Poirot Isabelle , Moreau Caroline , Cottencin Olivier , Thomas Pierre , Destée Alain , Bordet Regis , Defebvre Luc
Published: March 2008

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disturbances in Parkinson's disease (PD). Recent reviews have highlighted the lack of controlled trials and the ensuing difficulty in formulating recommendations for antidepressant use in PD. We sought to establish whether antidepressants provide real benefits and whether tricyclic and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants differ in their short‐term efficacy, because the time to onset of therapeutic benefit remains an important criterion in depression. The short‐term efficacy (after 14 and 30 days) of two antidepressants (desipramine, a predominantly noradrenergic reuptake inhibitor tricyclic and citalopram, a SSRI) was assessed in a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐ controlled study of 48 nondemented PD patients suffering from major depression. After 14 days, desipramine prompted an improvement in the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score, compared with citalopram and placebo. Both antidepressants produced significant improvements in the MADRS score after 30 days. Mild adverse events were twice as frequent in the desipramine group as in the other groups. A predominantly noradrenergic tricyclic antidepressant induced a more intense short‐term effect on parkinsonian depression than did an SSRI. However, desipramine's lower tolerability may outweigh its slight short‐term clinical advantage. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Effect of short and long term STN stimulation periods on parkinsonian signs
Authors: Sturman Molly M. , Vaillancourt David E. , Shapiro Mark B. , Metman Leo Verhagen , Bakay Roy A.E. , Corcos Daniel M.
Published: March 2008

Currently, no study of subthalamic nucleus (STN) stimulation has compared continuous stimulation with a period of short‐term stimulation, which is frequently employed in the clinic and in research studies. Therefore, this study examined the effects of STN stimulation over 90 min (short) and greater than 3 months (long) on the cardinal signs of Parkinson's disease. The 90 min time period immediately followed a 12 hour withdrawal from both STN stimulation and medication. Ten PD patients who received STN stimulation were studied. Bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremor were evaluated using the UPDRS and motor control measures which included peak velocity (bradykinesia), work (rigidity), and amplitude (tremor). Results showed no difference between 90 min and greater than 3 months of STN stimulation for the UPDRS or motor control measures. This finding confirms that the treatment efficacy that is derived from a relatively short time course of stimulation generalizes to longer time periods of high frequency STN stimulation that patients experience in their daily lives. As such, it is reasonable to evaluate the effect of DBS after 90 min of stimulation in clinical trials and research studies. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Susceptibility genes in movement disorders
Authors: Scholz Sonja , Singleton Andrew
Published: March 2008

During the last years, remarkable progress in our understanding of molecular genetic mechanisms underlying movement disorders has been achieved. The successes of linkage studies, followed by positional cloning, have dominated the last decade and several genes underlying monogenic disorders have been discovered. The pathobiological understanding garnered from these mutations has laid the foundation for much of the search for genetic loci that confer risk for, rather than cause, disease. With the introduction of whole genome association studies as a novel tool to investigate genetic variation underlying common, complex diseases, a new era in neurogenomics has just begun. As the field rapidly moves forward several new challenges and critical questions in clinical care have to be addressed. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the discovery of susceptibility loci underlying major movement disorders, explain the newest methodologies and tools employed for finding and characterizing genes and discuss how insights into the molecular genetic basis of neurological disorders will impact therapeutic concepts in patient care. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Is there a glass ceiling for women in development?
Authors: Sampson Susan D. , Moore Lynda L.
Published: March 2008

This article reports the results of an empirical study of salary equity for Women in Development of Greater Boston. The study objectives were to examine whether a glass ceiling exists for women in development in the New England area and develop a historical review of equity progress as compared to previous studies. Issues specific to women in the development field were identified and recommendations given to address identified needs. The findings substantiate the existence of a glass ceiling with a significant difference in average salary and representation in upper management. Furthermore, the study revealed that the salary gap between men and women is widening over time. Perceptions of barriers to women's advancement and organizational practices that would contribute to equity were also assessed. Recommendations for future research and organizational practices are presented.
Self-Reported Suicidal Behavior and Attitudes Toward Suicide and Suicide Prevention Among Psychology Students in Ghana, Uganda, and Norway
Authors: Hjelmeland Heidi , Akotia Charity S. , Owens Vicki , Knizek Birthe L. , Nordvik Hilmar , Schroeder Rose , Kinyanda Eugene
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Self-reported suicidal behavior and attitudes toward suicide in psychology students are reported and compared in Ghana, Uganda, and Norway. Small differences only were found in own suicidal behavior. However, experience of suicidal behavior in the surroundings was more common in Uganda than in Ghana and Norway. Although differences were found between the three countries in attitudes toward suicide, which emphasizes the need for culture-sensitive research and prevention, many of the differences were not as big as expected. The most pronounced difference was that the Norwegian students were more reluctant to take a stand on these questions compared to their African counterparts. Some differences were also found between the two African countries. The implications of the results for suicide prevention in Africa are discussed.
Surviving The Suicides of Significant Others
Authors: Pompili Maurizio , Lester David , De Pisa Eleonora , Del Casale Antonio , Tatarelli Roberto , Girardi Paolo
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Psychological pain has been reported to be major contributing factor for completed suicide, and classical suicidology based its wisdom on this construct. In this paper we report the case of a patient whose family experienced a high number of suicides apparently due to an escalation of psychological pain in the family members after the successive suicides. We also briefly discuss the problem of helping survivors after the suicide of loved one.
Microfluidics of cytoplasmic streaming and its implications for intracellular transport
Authors: Goldstein Raymond E. , Tuval Idan , van de Meent Jan-Willem
Published: March 2008

Found in many large eukaryotic cells, particularly in plants, cytoplasmic streaming is the circulation of their contents driven by fluid entrainment from particles carried by molecular motors at the cell periphery. In the more than two centuries since its discovery, streaming has frequently been conjectured to aid in transport and mixing of molecular species in the cytoplasm and, by implication, in cellular homeostasis, yet no theoretical analysis has been presented to quantify these processes. We show by a solution to the coupled dynamics of fluid flow and diffusion appropriate to the archetypal “rotational streaming” of algal species such as
Chara
and
Nitella
that internal mixing and the transient dynamical response to changing external conditions can indeed be enhanced by streaming, but to an extent that depends strongly on the pitch of the helical flow. The possibility that this may have a developmental consequence is illustrated by the coincidence of the exponential growth phase of
Nitella
and the point of maximum enhancement of those processes.
Gating-associated conformational changes in the mechanosensitive channel MscL
Authors: Yoshimura Kenjiro , Usukura Jiro , Sokabe Masahiro
Published: March 2008

Bacterial cells avoid lysis in response to hypoosmotic shock through the opening of the mechanosensitive channel MscL. Upon channel opening, MscL is thought to expand in the plane of the membrane and form a large pore with an estimated diameter of 3–4 nm. Here, we set out to analyze the closed and open structure of cell-free MscL. To this end, we characterized the function and structure of wild-type MscL and a mutant form of the protein (G22N MscL) that spontaneously adopts an open substate. Patch-clamp analysis of MscL that had been reconstituted into liposomes revealed that wild-type MscL was activated only by mechanical stimuli, whereas G22N MscL displayed spontaneous opening to the open substate. In accord with these results, Ca
2+
influx into G22N MscL-containing liposomes occurred in the absence of mechanical stimulation. The electrophoretic migration of chemically cross-linked G22N MscL was slower than that of cross-linked wild-type MscL, suggesting that G22N MscL is in an expanded form. Finally, electron microscopy using low-angle rotary shadowing revealed the presence of a pore at the center of G22N MscL. No pore could be detected in wild-type MscL. However, wild-type MscL possessed a protrusion at one end, which was absent in G22N MscL. The deletion of carboxyl-terminal 27 residues resulted in the loss of protrusion and proper multimerization. The structures of wild-type and G22N MscL reveal that the opening of MscL is accompanied by the dissociation of a carboxyl-terminal protrusion and pore formation.
Molecular asymmetry in extraterrestrial chemistry: Insights from a pristine meteorite
Authors: Pizzarello Sandra , Huang Yongsong , Alexandre Marcelo R.
Published: March 2008

The nonracemic amino acids of meteorites provide the only natural example of molecular asymmetry measured so far outside the biosphere. Because extant life depends on chiral homogeneity for the structure and function of biopolymers, the study of these meteoritic compounds may offer insights into the establishment of prebiotic attributes in chemical evolution as well as the origin of terrestrial homochirality. However, all efforts to understand the origin, distribution, and scope of these amino acids' enantiomeric excesses (
ee
) have been frustrated by the ready exposure of meteorites to terrestrial contaminants and the ubiquitous homochirality of such contamination. We have analyzed the soluble organic composition of a carbonaceous meteorite from Antarctica that was collected and stored under controlled conditions, largely escaped terrestrial contamination and offers an exceptionally pristine sample of prebiotic material. Analyses of the meteorite diastereomeric amino acids alloisoleucine and isoleucine allowed us to show that their likely precursor molecules, the aldehydes, also carried a sizable molecular asymmetry of up to 14% in the asteroidal parent body. Aldehydes are widespread and abundant interstellar molecules; that they came to be present, survived, and evolved in the solar system carrying
ee
gives support to the idea that biomolecular traits such as chiral asymmetry could have been seeded in abiotic chemistry ahead of life.
In vitro
self-assembly of tailorable nanotubes from a simple protein building block
Authors: Ballister Edward R. , Lai Angela H. , Zuckermann Ronald N. , Cheng Yifan , Mougous Joseph D.
Published: March 2008

We demonstrate a method for generating discretely structured protein nanotubes from the simple ring-shaped building block, homohexameric Hcp1 from
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. Our design exploited the observation that the crystal lattice of Hcp1 contains rings stacked in a repeating head-to-tail pattern. High-resolution detail of the ring–ring interface allowed the selection of sites for specific cysteine mutations capable of engaging in disulfide bond formation across rings, thereby generating stable Hcp1 nanotubes. Protein nanotubes containing up to 25 subunits (≈100 nm in length) were self-assembled under simple conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the tube ends and interior can be independently and specifically functionalized to generate nanocapsules.
Tumor cell cycle arrest induced by shear stress: Roles of integrins and Smad
Authors: Chang Shun-Fu , Chang Cheng Allen , Lee Ding-Yu , Lee Pei-Ling , Yeh Yu-Ming , Yeh Chiuan-Ren , Cheng Cheng-Kung , Chien Shu , Chiu Jeng-Jiann
Published: March 2008

Interstitial flow in and around tumor tissue affects the mechanical microenvironment to modulate tumor cell growth and metastasis. We investigated the roles of flow-induced shear stress in modulating cell cycle distribution in four tumor cell lines and the underlying mechanisms. In all four cell lines, incubation under static conditions for 24 or 48 h led to G
0
/G
1
arrest; in contrast, shear stress (12 dynes/cm
2
) induced G
2
/M arrest. The molecular basis of the shear effect was analyzed, and the presentation on molecular mechanism is focused on human MG63 osteosarcoma cells. Shear stress induced increased expressions of cyclin B1 and p21
CIP1
and decreased expressions of cyclins A, D1, and E, cyclin-dependent protein kinases (Cdk)-1, -2, -4, and -6, and p27
KIP1
as well as a decrease in Cdk1 activity. Using specific antibodies and small interfering RNA, we found that the shear-induced G
2
/M arrest and corresponding changes in G
2
/M regulatory protein expression and activity were mediated by α
v
β
3
and β
1
integrins through bone morphogenetic protein receptor type IA-specific Smad1 and Smad5. Shear stress also down-regulated runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) binding activity and osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase expressions in MG63 cells; these responses were mediated by α
v
β
3
and β
1
integrins through Smad5. Our findings provide insights into the mechanism by which shear stress induces G
2
/M arrest in tumor cells and inhibits cell differentiation and demonstrate the importance of mechanical microenvironment in modulating molecular signaling, gene expression, cell cycle, and functions in tumor cells.
Editing and escape from editing in anti-DNA B cells
Authors: Khan Salar N. , Witsch Esther J. , Goodman Noah G. , Panigrahi Anil K. , Chen Ching , Jiang Yufei , Cline Amy M. , Erikson Jan , Weigert Martin , Prak Eline T. Luning , Radic Marko
Published: March 2008

Tolerance to dsDNA is achieved through editing of Ig receptors that react with dsDNA. Nevertheless, some B cells with anti-dsDNA receptors escape editing and migrate to the spleen. Certain anti-dsDNA B cells that are recovered as hybridomas from the spleens of anti-dsDNA H chain transgenic mice also bind an additional, Golgi-associated antigen. B cells that bind this antigen accumulate intracellular IgM. The intracellular accumulation of IgM is incomplete, because IgM clusters are observed at the cell surface. In the spleen, B cells that express the heavy and light chains encoding this IgM are surface IgM-bright and acquire the CD21-high/CD23-low phenotype of marginal zone B cells. Our data imply that expression of an Ig that binds dsDNA and an additional antigen expressed in the secretory compartment renders B cells resistant to central tolerance. In the periphery, these B cells may be sequestered in the splenic marginal zone.
Epidemiology of Enterococci in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Duchon Jennifer , Graham Philip , Della-Latta Phyllis , Whittier Susan , Carp Diane , Bateman David , Saiman Lisa
Published: March 2008

We performed an epidemiological investigation of a 62-bed neonatal intensive care unit in response to 2 infants with clinical cultures positive for vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Surveillance cultures detected 11 infants colonized with VRE. Surveillance triggered by even a single clinical culture positive for VRE may be justified in the neonatal intensive care unit, because a single culture result may represent a large hidden reservoir of VRE-colonized infants.
Are we overestimating the number of cell-cycling genes? The impact of background models on time-series analysis
Authors: Futschik Matthias E. , Herzel Hanspeter
Published: March 2008

Motivation: Periodic processes play fundamental roles in organisms. Prominent examples are the cell cycle and the circadian clock. Microarray array technology has enabled us to screen complete sets of transcripts for possible association with such fundamental periodic processes on a system-wide level. Frequently, quite large numbers of genes have been detected as periodically expressed. However, the small overlap between genes identified in different studies has cast some doubts on the reliability of the periodic expression detected.

Results: In this study, comparative analysis suggests that the lacking agreement between different cell-cycle studies might be due to inadequate background models for the determination of significance. We demonstrate that the choice of background model has considerable impact on the statistical significance of periodic expression. For illustration, we reanalyzed two microarray studies of the yeast cell cycle. Our evaluation strongly indicates that the results of previous analyses might have been overoptimistic and that the use of more suitable background model promises to give more realistic results.

Availability: R scripts are available on request from the corresponding author.

Contact:  matthias.futschik@charite.de

Supplementary information: Supplementary materials are available at Bioinformatics online.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS/RSD) and Neuropathic Pain: Role of Intravenous Bisphosphonates as Analgesics
Authors: Yanow Jennifer , Pappagallo Marco , Pillai Letha
Published: March 2008

Neuropathic pain is a sequela of dysfunction, injuries, or diseases of the peripheral and/or central nervous system pain pathways, which has historically been extremely difficult to treat. Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) types 1 and 2 are neuropathic pain conditions that have a long history in the medical literature but whose pathophysiology remains elusive and whose available treatment options remain few. While an exact animal model for CRPS doesn't yet exist, there are several animal models of neuropathic pain that develop behaviors of hypersensitivity, one of the hallmark signs of neuropathic pain in humans.

Bisphosphonates have been used for pathologic conditions associated with abnormal bone metabolism, such as osteoporosis, Paget’s disease and cancer-related bone pain for many years. More recently, results of clinical trials have indicated the potential role of bisphosphonates in the treatment of CRPS/RSD.

In this paper we will review the preclinical studies regarding the use of bisphosphonates as analgesics in animal models of neuropathic pain, and also summarize the clinical trials that have been done to date. We will give an overview of bisphosphonate pharmacology and discuss several potential mechanisms by which bisphosphonates may be analgesic in CRPS/RSD and bone pain of noncancer origin.
The Expanding Role for Retinoid Signaling in Heart Development
Authors: Hoover Loretta L. , Burton Elizabeth G. , Brooks Bonnie A. , Kubalak Steven W.
Published: March 2008

The importance of retinoid signaling during cardiac development has long been appreciated, but recently has become a rapidly expanding field of research. Experiments performed over 50 years ago showed that too much or too little maternal intake of vitamin A proved detrimental for embryos, resulting in a cadre of predictable cardiac developmental defects. Germline and conditional knockout mice have revealed which molecular players in the vitamin A signaling cascade are potentially responsible for regulating specific developmental events, and many of these molecules have been temporally and spatially characterized. It is evident that intact and controlled retinoid signaling is necessary for each stage of cardiac development to proceed normally, including cardiac lineage determination, heart tube formation, looping, epicardium formation, ventricular maturation, chamber and outflow tract septation, and coronary arteriogenesis. This review summarizes many of the significant milestones in this field and particular attention is given to recently uncovered cross-talk between retinoid signaling and other developmentally significant pathways. It is our hope that this review of the role of retinoid signaling during formation, remodeling, and maturation of the developing heart will serve as a tool for future discoveries.
Urachal Cyst, a Rare Cyst with Multiple Complications
Authors: Hawary Amr , Duffy Peter
Published: March 2008

Urachal cysts are rare, can be one of the forgotten causes of abdominal pain, and can present as adenocarcinoma of the bladder, along with many other presentations. There is a real need for physicians, general surgeons, and urologists to be acquainted with the different presentations and management of this rare condition.
Visual pattern memory requires foraging function in the central complex of Drosophila
Authors: Wang Zhipeng , Pan Yufeng , Li Weizhe , Jiang Huoqing , Chatzimanolis Lazaros , Chang Jianhong , Gong Zhefeng , Liu Li
Published: March 2008

The role of the foraging (for) gene, which encodes a cyclic guanosine-3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKG), in food-search behavior in Drosophila has been intensively studied. However, its functions in other complex behaviors have not been well-characterized. Here, we show experimentally in Drosophila that the for gene is required in the operant visual learning paradigm. Visual pattern memory was normal in a natural variant rover (forR) but was impaired in another natural variant sitter (forS), which has a lower PKG level. Memory defects in forS flies could be rescued by either constitutive or adult-limited expression of for in the fan-shaped body. Interestingly, we showed that such rescue also occurred when for was expressed in the ellipsoid body. Additionally, expression of for in the fifth layer of the fan-shaped body restored sufficient memory for the pattern parameter “elevation” but not for “contour orientation,” whereas expression of for in the ellipsoid body restored sufficient memory for both parameters. Our study defines a Drosophila model for further understanding the role of cGMP-PKG signaling in associative learning/memory and the neural circuit underlying this for-dependent visual pattern memory.
Potential Sites of Bioactive Gibberellin Production during Reproductive Growth inArabidopsis
Authors: Hu Jianhong , Mitchum Melissa G. , Barnaby Neel , Ayele Belay T. , Ogawa Mikihiro , Nam Edward , Lai Wei-Chu , Hanada Atsushi , Alonso Jose M. , Ecker Joseph R. , Swain Stephen M. , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Kamiya Yuji , Sun Tai-ping
Published: March 2008

Gibberellin 3-oxidase (GA3ox) catalyzes the final step in the synthesis of bioactive gibberellins (GAs). We examined the expression patterns of all four GA3ox genes in Arabidopsis thaliana by promoter–β-glucuronidase gene fusions and by quantitative RT-PCR and defined their physiological roles by characterizing single, double, and triple mutants. In developing flowers, GA3ox genes are only expressed in stamen filaments, anthers, and flower receptacles. Mutant plants that lack both GA3ox1 and GA3ox3 functions displayed stamen and petal defects, indicating that these two genes are important for GA production in the flower. Our data suggest that de novo synthesis of active GAs is necessary for stamen development in early flowers and that bioactive GAs made in the stamens and/or flower receptacles are transported to petals to promote their growth. In developing siliques, GA3ox1 is mainly expressed in the replums, funiculi, and the silique receptacles, whereas the other GA3ox genes are only expressed in developing seeds. Active GAs appear to be transported from the seed endosperm to the surrounding maternal tissues where they promote growth. The immediate upregulation of GA3ox1 and GA3ox4 after anthesis suggests that pollination and/or fertilization is a prerequisite for de novo GA biosynthesis in fruit, which in turn promotes initial elongation of the silique.
Towards AACR3: A Review of the Implications of OPACs for
Cataloguing Codes and Practices
Authors: Rowley J.E.
Published: March 2008

The increasing availability of on‐line public access catalogues
(OPACs) offers a new mode of access to all types of library and
information sources. The changing role of the catalogue merits a
reassessment of the role of cataloguing codes. A wholesale revision of
AACR is required. The basic purpose of a cataloguing code is
standardisation of description, headings and punctuation. The essential
nature of retrieval in OPACs is that retrieval can be based on words
anywhere in a record. This has implications for the contents of the
record, and merits a complete reassessment of the role of access points
in catalogues.
Alternating Work and Education: A Sandwich Programme for an
Under‐graduate Diploma in Library Science
Authors: Obokoh N.P.
Published: March 2008

The problems are described which confront experienced library
assistants in seeking improved status and promotion, since they have no
formal library school training and often have financial or family
obstacles to full‐time study. A new sandwich course at the University of
Port Harcourt is examined and the initial reactions of students and
teachers discussed.
Developing a Microcomputer‐Based Management Information
System
Authors: Gallimore Alec
Published: March 2008

How management information is an essential requirement for
assessing the performance of library services and how a management
information system (MIS) fits into the overall framework of management
in an organisation is described. Stages in the design of an integrated
MIS are discussed in turn, including an analysis of organisational
information needs at the senior, middle and operational management
levels. An appendix lists the type of questions which could be used in
structured interviews in the investigative phase of the system design.
Performance measures and indicators are described with reference to the
performance review process favoured by the Audit Commission for public
libraries. Software and hardware for a typical system are described,
including estimated costs.
The world is still round – like a soccer ball: redefining global strategy
Authors: Ghemawat Pankaj
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to look at the sustained differences among countries in devising and evaluating marketing strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the example of football to illustrate this view of globalization.

Findings

The paper finds that border‐crossing businesses need to pay more attention to the sustained differences among countries in devising and evaluating strategies.

Originality/value

The paper offers interesting views on the development of globalized marketing strategies.
Interview with Will King
Authors: by Rachel Brown Interview
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The paper aims to present an interview with Will King, founder of King of Shaves, and a leading entrepreneur.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent interviewer.

Findings

Answers are provided on a range of topics founder of King of Shaves, leading entrepreneur: the are of marketing male grooming/cosmetics, and brand development and expansion..

Practical implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.
Cleaning management of owner‐operated real estate
Authors: Stoy Christian , Johrendt Reinhold
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The costs of cleaning owner‐operated office buildings amount to an approximate 20 per cent share of the operating costs. As a result of their cost relevance and the growing cost pressures on real estate divisions, cleaning costs are increasingly coming under focus. This interest manifests itself in the search for cost indicators and their drivers to be used as a basis for the management of real estate. This paper seeks to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A study of the specialist literature revealed, from a theoretical perspective, the relevant drivers of cleaning costs. The empirical study is based on cost and property information collected, on a uniform basis, from over 100 owner‐operated office buildings in Switzerland, with the analysis of cost drivers being carried out using regression analysis.

Findings

The cleaning cost indicators of the examined properties revealed a median of 41 CHF/m2 usable floor area and year. With regard to cost drivers, it was established that both building characteristics and usage determine the costs. However, the decisive drivers are, above all, the management strategies and the owners' main objectives.

Research limitations/implications

The management strategies proved to be specific to the individual project partners. The causal relationships between strategies (e.g. outsourcing strategies) and costs may be considered to be well‐substantiated hypotheses, which require verification by means of future analyses.

Originality/value

The study identified both indicators and relevant drivers of cleaning costs. To this end, this study collected data from over 100 owner‐operated office buildings within Switzerland and examined these data using regression analysis. As a result, the cleaning costs of the examined properties were ascertained.
The indoor condition guarantee procedure and associated lease contract model
Authors: Saari Arto , Takki Tarja
Published: March 2008

Purpose

Numerous studies have shown that indoor environment affects health and performance, which in turn affect productivity. Property owners have not utilized Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) as a value‐added factor to market the office spaces. On the other hand, tenants have not had a tool to demand certain indoor conditions. The paper aims to present one market mechanism for including IEQ in office space supply: the office lease contract model entitled Indoor Environment Quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The research included a constructive search for a lease contract model for the problems presented above. The need for this novel lease model is proved by the financial calculations.

Findings

The lease contract procedure whereby a lessor issues a condition guarantee to a tenant consists of: technical building audit process; and entering the terms of the indoor condition guarantee in the lease contract. It makes sense for the owner to invest in a favourable indoor environment if the benefits are shared. An owner's monetary benefit from improved IEQ is also greatly related to longer lease periods. When tenants stay longer in the same facility there is less empty office space and less need for alterations by new tenants. Therefore, rental income is higher and alteration costs are lower, which in turn lead to higher profitability of the property owner's business.

Originality/value

The lease model proposed forms guidelines for taking account of the indoor air quality in lease contracts.
Modelling the relationship between business cycles and office location
Authors: Dettwiler Paul
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to create a model of FM and location variables in the dimensions of location and recessions.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on statistical analysis and quantitative methodology.

Findings

Significant differences and correlations argue for four settings with different features, first, in the dimension of single or multiple site locations, and second, the dimension in low and high growth of GDP, here termed “recession” and “boom”, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is a relevant study for growth firms in multiple facilities management perspectives.

Practical implications

A better knowledge and decision basis related to relocation and behaviour of FM during fluctuations of GDP is expected.

Originality/value

The paper presents a survey of FM‐related data that covers an entire nation and all major business sectors, collected concerning two successive periods, and analysed.
ABES – the Bibliographic Agency for Higher Education: its role in the resource sharing of documents in French universities and in document supply
Authors: Bérard Raymond
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe the role and the development of the French bibliographic agency, ABES. More generally, it aims to describe the state of bibliographic and document supply developments in France and possible futures.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is descriptive in nature.

Findings

The findings of the paper are that it is necessary to reduce the ILL failure rate, to reduce supply times, to capitalise on the streamlining of document supply, to improve the quality of supply, and to harmonise terms and conditions.

Originality/value

The paper is written by an authoritative figure in the French library network. It will be relevant to all those interested in developments in document supply and bibliographic organisation in France.
UnityUK celebrates its second birthday: a paradigm shift for UK public libraries
Authors: Birch Katie
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the UnityUK service and its benefits to the user community.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a factual review of the UnityUK service.

Findings

The paper finds that the UnityUK service is changing the way inter‐library loans work in the UK.

Originality/value

The paper shares experiences of the UK market with the wider community.
The use of scholarly electronic journals at the Indian Institute of Science: a case study in India
Authors: Galyani Moghaddam Golnessa , Talawar V.G.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of scholarly electronic journals at the Indian Institute of Science.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the methodology and results from a questionnaire‐based survey of networked electronic services in India at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) libraries, serving a variety of disciplines. A random sample of the main cohort was selected and, during five months from January 2004 until May 2004, 700 copies of the questionnaire were distributed among 40 departments of IISc; 397 completed and valid questionnaires (56.7 per cent) were received.

Findings

The results showed a growing interest in electronic journals among the users at IISc. Electronic journals were mostly used for research needs and PDF was the most preferred format. The fact that users have free access to electronic journals at all hours from their own computers seems to be the most appealing feature.

Research limitations/implications

There are many factors that may affect the use of scholarly electronic journals. An attempt is made in this study to see how these resources are being used in a multi‐disciplinary institute in India. Limiting its focus to one institute, this paper provides useful empirical evidence for library staff and the research community.

Practical implications

The results of the study will be useful for library staff at IISc and similar institutes in India.

Originality/value

The paper provides original data from Indian end users regarding their use of scholarly electronic journals.
Managing document supply: a SAGA come true in Sweden
Authors: Gavel Ylva , Hedlund Lars O.A.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how SAGA, a system for managing the library operations associated with document supply, was successfully developed using a very informal project model.

Design/methodology/approach

The project model and system architecture are described.

Findings

Initially, SAGA was tailored for the needs of the medical library at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. Subsequently, it has been implemented at other Swedish academic libraries. The system has features for automating the workflows associated with document supply for both loans and copies externally and internally. It integrates document requests from a diversity of ordering systems under a single interface. The methodology adopted when implementing the system suggests that an incremental approach sometimes has benefits over a more formal pre‐planned approach.

Practical implications

The project model described may be applied to development projects at other libraries. The system architecture may be applied to other systems for managing document supply.

Originality/value

The SAGA approach relies on managing requests placed in different systems via a single interface rather than trying to direct customers to a single ordering system.
The Swedish LIBRIS system offers new web facilities for searching and ILL to librarians and to the general public
Authors: Sagnert Britt
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give a general overview of the Swedish LIBRIS system and its database, the search facilities of LIBRIS WebSearch and the ILL services for libraries and end users.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the contents of the LIBRIS database and the different services of the four national library systems – LIBRIS WebSearch, LIBRIS ILL, the Patron Request Routine, and the Library Directory.

Findings

During the development process of the new versions of LIBRIS WebSearch and LIBRIS ILL the specific needs of the end user have been the priority, with the aim to create simple, intuitive and easily available systems.

Originality/value

The paper presents the recent development of the two national LIBRIS systems – LIBRIS WebSearch and LIBRIS ILL. The workflow of LIBRIS ILL for libraries and end users is described in detail.
The changing use of electronic document delivery in the inter‐library loan service: a survey
Authors: Walton Judith
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline findings of a recent MSc study into electronic article provision in interlending and document supply presented to the Robert Gordon University in June 2007.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is primarily based on data from questionnaires circulated to UK ILL departments (in academic, public, industrial, health and special libraries), recent users of ILL in a UK academic library and library managers within UK academic HE and public libraries.

Findings

Electronic document delivery was found to be used by half of libraries who responded: it was widespread in academic libraries, but seldom used in public libraries where demand for articles is comparatively low. Academic users appreciate the move to desktop delivery and the trend towards electronic delivery of articles in ILL is expected to grow in the future.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on a survey data of libraries and users (in an academic environment) in the UK and Ireland. As such it provides a snapshot of the situation and represents the views of the participants at that time.

Practical implications

The user survey shows that, in an academic context, users welcome the move to desktop delivery.

Originality/value

This paper provides a snapshot of the prevalence of, and attitudes to, electronic article delivery within the UK and Ireland.
Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature: 62
Authors: McGrath Mike
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the most recent literature concerning document supply and related matters.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on the reading of over 150 journals as well as monographs, reports and web sites.

Findings

It was found that the fundamental debate on the direction of scholarly publishing continues intensely. Electronic books remain a minority market but the literature at least remains optimistic. The mass digitisation of books continues apace. Open access continues to grow but with continuing and widely differing views on its impact.

Originality/value

The paper represents a useful source of information for librarians and others interested in document supply and related matters.
Implementation of service profit chain initiatives in a franchise system
Authors: Maritz Alex , Nieman Gideon
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the implementation of the service profit chain as an entrepreneurial marketing initiative within a defined franchise system. An objective is also to evaluate these initiatives against service quality dimensions. Despite recognition of the merits and advantages of service profit chain initiatives of retention, related sales and referrals, little research has empirically addressed the perceptions of franchisees regarding these initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

Methodology includes the empirical analysis of evaluating the effectiveness of service profit chain implementation, primarily based on initiatives of retention, related sales and referrals. Research methodology comprises the survey approach, using electronic media and Surveypro analysis. This is facilitated by descriptive and inferential statistical techniques using SPSS version 11.0 data analysis. Inferential significance tests include the ANOVA Kruskal‐Wallis hypothesis test; and the Cronbach's coefficient alpha.

Findings

Hypothesis tests highlight the significance of a positive association between service profit chain initiatives and service quality. All service profit chain initiatives were deemed appropriate. Item analysis highlights specific dominant service profit chain initiatives, linking key relationship marketing and service quality themes.

Research limitations/implications

Findings are indicative of implementation opportunities, including measurement of loyalty within the system, developing customer feedback and complaint systems, and communicating the value of service profit chain enhancement within the franchise system.

Originality/value

Originality includes cognizance of entrepreneurial orientation, relationships and service quality when implementing service profit chain initiatives. Concurrent research opportunities include the implementation of other entrepreneurial marketing initiatives, including relationship marketing and benchmarking for best practice.
An empirical analysis of e‐service implementation: antecedents and the resulting value creation
Authors: Rapp Adam , Rapp Tammy , Schillewaert Niels
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedents and perceived value associated with e‐business implementation in service firms. E‐business has enabled the development of e‐services and thus introduced a new vehicle for customer and supplier transactions.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from top managers in 231 Belgian business‐to‐business service firms crossing a broad spectrum of industries. The statistical techniques employed included a confirmatory factor analysis, and hierarchical regression analyses.

Findings

The findings of the study suggest that technical infrastructure and external drivers influence e‐business implementation. Additionally, e‐business was found to create value for firms through efficiency, novelty, lock‐in, and complementarities.

Research limitations/implications

The results imply that a firm's behavior, while driven in part by external factors (e.g. shareholders, competitors, customers, etc.), is largely contingent upon a firm's internal infrastructure and environment. It should be noted that only the firm side of the dyadic relationships was surveyed and examined.

Practical implications

Managers should assess a firm's technological infrastructure before launching an e‐business venture. Also, since firms believe that implementing e‐business has positive outcomes that extend beyond firm performance, it can be logically posited that these value drivers will positively influence a firm's overall performance.

Originality/value

The first empirical examination of the work of Javalgi et al. and Amit and Zott is integrated and provided to present a robust conceptual framework that incorporates the antecedents and value creation associated with e‐business implementation.
Causes and consequences of grudge‐holding in service relationships
Authors: Bunker Matthew P. , Ball Dwayne
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to place grudge‐holding as a theoretical construct, measure it, and empirically place it in a nomological net and, additionally to discuss the consequences of grudge‐holding in this research.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2 × 2 scenario‐based experiment was performed using 320 subjects, approximately 80 people per condition. The size of the exit barrier (high/low) and the effectiveness of the service recovery (good/poor) were varied between each scenario to determine changes in grudge‐holding.

Findings

Some consequences of grudge‐holding are retaliation desire and communication avoidance. Although trust was tested in this research, and is still an important relationship variable, the results show that loss of trust cannot explain these outcomes in the presence of grudge‐holding.

Research limitations/implications

The results are limited by the fact that they are based on scenarios rather than real events. As such, they should be interpreted with some caution, and confirmed by later studies using cross‐sectional or natural experimental data.

Practical implications

A grudge‐holding item should be included in routine customer satisfaction surveys, especially since grudge‐holders are less likely to initiate communication. If grudge‐holding is suspected, this paper suggests steps that managers can take to defuse grudges.

Originality/value

The results of this research confirm that grudge‐holding is an important construct of service relationships. Understanding grudge‐holding is important because it predicts the desire for retaliation and the desire to avoid communication, both of which can increase expenses for the firm, and eventually lead to a mass exit of customers.