bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A variational approach to cardiac motion estimation based on covariant derivatives and multi-scale Helmholtz decomposition
Authors: Duits Remco , Janssen Bart , Becciu Alessandro , van Assen Hans
Published: October 2012

The investigation and quantification of cardiac motion is important for assessment of cardiac abnormalities and treatment effectiveness. Therefore we consider a new method to track cardiac motion from magnetic resonance (MR) tagged images. Tracking is achieved by following the spatial maxima in scale-space of the MR images over time. Reconstruction of the velocity field is then carried out by minimizing an energy functional which is a Sobolev norm expressed in covariant derivatives. These covariant derivatives are used to express prior knowledge about the velocity field in the variational framework employed. Furthermore, we propose a multi-scale Helmholtz decomposition algorithm that combines diffusion and Helmholtz decomposition in one nonsingular analytic kernel operator in order to decompose the optic flow vector field in a divergence-free and a rotation-free part. Finally, we combine both the multi-scale Helmholtz decomposition and our vector field reconstruction (based on covariant derivatives) in a single algorithm and show the practical benefit of this approach by an experiment on real cardiac images.
Competition and the origins of novelty: experimental evolution of niche-width expansion in a virus
Authors: Bono Lisa M. , Gensel Catharine L. , Pfennig David W. , Burch Christina L.
Published: October 2012

Competition for resources has long been viewed as a key agent of divergent selection. Theory holds that populations facing severe intraspecific competition will tend to use a wider range of resources, possibly even using entirely novel resources that are less in demand. Yet, there have been few experimental tests of these ideas. Using the bacterial virus (bacteriophage)ϕ6 as a model system, we examined whether competition for host resources promotes the evolution of novel resource use. In the laboratory,ϕ6 exhibits a narrow host range but readily produces mutants capable of infecting novel bacterial hosts. Here, we show that whenϕ6 populations were subjected to intense intraspecific competition for their standard laboratory host, they rapidly evolved new generalist morphs that infect novel hosts.Our results therefore suggest that competition for host resources may drive the evolution of host range expansion in viruses. More generally, our findings demonstrate that intraspecific resource competition can indeed promote the evolution of novel resource-use phenotypes.
Secondary eyes mediate the response to looming objects in jumping spiders (
Phidippus audax
, Salticidae)
Authors: Spano Lauren , Long Skye M. , Jakob Elizabeth M.
Published: October 2012

Some species have sensory systems divided into subsystems with morphologically different sense organs that acquire different types of information within the same modality. Jumping spiders (family Salticidae) have eight eyes. Four eyes are directed anteriorly to view objects in front of the spider: a pair of principal eyes track targets with their movable retinae, while the immobile anterior lateral (AL) eyes have a larger field of view and lower resolution. To test whether the principal eyes, the AL eyes, or both together mediate the response to looming stimuli, we presented spiders with a video of a solid black circle that rapidly expanded (loomed) or contracted (receded). Control spiders and spiders with their principal eyes masked were significantly more likely to back away from the looming stimulus than were spiders with their AL eyes masked. Almost no individuals backed away from the receding stimulus. Our results show that the AL eyes alone mediate the loom response to objects anterior to the spider.
Depolymerization of actin facilitates memory formation in an insect
Authors: Ganeshina Olga , Erdmann Jessika , Tiberi Sandra , Vorobyev Misha , Menzel Randolf
Published: October 2012

In mammals, memory formation and stabilization requires polymerization of actin. Here, we show that, in the honeybee, inhibition of actin polymerization within the brain centres involved in memory formation, the mushroom bodies (MBs), enhances associative olfactory memory. Local application of inhibitors of actin polymerization (Cytochalasin D or Latrunculin A) to the MBs 1 h before induction of long-term memory increased memory retention 2 and 24 h after the onset of training. Post-training application of Cytochalasin D also enhanced retention, indicating that memory consolidation is facilitated by actin depolymerization. We conclude that certain aspects of memory mechanisms could have been established independently in mammals and insects.
Acoustic trapped modes in a three-dimensional waveguide of slowly varying cross section
Authors: Gaulter Simon N. , Biggs Nicholas R. T.
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we develop an asymptotic scheme to approximate the trapped mode solutions to the time harmonic wave equation in a three-dimensional waveguide with a smooth but otherwise arbitrarily shaped cross section and a single, slowly varying ‘bulge’, symmetric in the longitudinal direction. Extending previous research carried out in the two-dimensional case, we first use a WKBJ-type ansatz to identify the possible
quasi-mode
solutions that propagate only in the thicker region, and hence find a finite
cut-on
region of oscillatory behaviour and asymptotic decay elsewhere. The WKBJ expansions are used to identify a
turning point
between the cut-on and
cut-off
regions. We note that the expansions are non-uniform in an interior layer centred on this point, and we use the method of matched asymptotic expansions to connect the cut-on and cut-off regions within this layer. The behaviour of the expansions within the interior layer then motivates the construction of a uniformly valid asymptotic expansion. Finally, we use this expansion and the symmetry of the waveguide around the longitudinal centre,
x
=0, to extract trapped mode wavenumbers, which are compared with those found using a numerical scheme and seen to be extremely accurate, even to relatively large values of the small parameter.
The hummingbird's tongue: a self-assembling capillary syphon
Authors: Kim Wonjung , Peaudecerf François , Baldwin Maude W. , Bush John W. M.
Published: October 2012

We present the results of a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of the dynamics of drinking in ruby-throated hummingbirds.
In vivo
observations reveal elastocapillary deformation of the hummingbird's tongue and capillary suction along its length. By developing a theoretical model for the hummingbird's drinking process, we investigate how the elastocapillarity affects the energy intake rate of the bird and how its open tongue geometry reduces resistance to nectar uptake. We note that the tongue flexibility is beneficial for accessing, transporting and unloading the nectar. We demonstrate that the hummingbird can attain the fastest nectar uptake when its tongue is roughly semicircular. Finally, we assess the relative importance of capillary suction and a recently proposed fluid trapping mechanism, and conclude that the former is important in many natural settings.
Thermographic Imaging of the Superficial Temperature in Racing Greyhounds before and after the Race
Authors: Vainionpää Mari , Tienhaara Esa-Pekka , Raekallio Marja , Junnila Jouni , Snellman Marjatta , Vainio Outi
Published: October 2012

A total of 47 racing greyhounds were enrolled in this study on two race days (in July and September, resp.) at a racetrack. Twelve of the dogs participated in the study on both days. Thermographic images were taken before and after each race. From the images, superficial temperature points of selected sites (tendo calcaneus, musculus gastrocnemius, musculus gracilis,andmusculus biceps femoris portio caudalis) were taken and used to investigate the differences in superficial temperatures before and after the race. The thermographic images were compared between the right and left legs of a dog, between the raced distances, and between the two race days. The theoretical heat capacity of a racing greyhound was calculated. With regard to all distances raced, the superficial temperatures measured from themusculus gastrocnemiuswere significantly higher after the race than at baseline. No significant differences were found between the left and right legs of a dog after completing any of the distances. Significant difference was found between the two race days. The heat loss mechanisms of racing greyhounds during the race through forced conduction, radiation, evaporation, and panting can be considered adequate when observing the calculated heat capacity of the dogs.
Antibiotic, Pesticide, and Microbial Contaminants of Honey: Human Health Hazards
Authors: Al-Waili Noori , Salom Khelod , Al-Ghamdi Ahmed , Ansari Mohammad Javed
Published: October 2012

Agricultural contamination with pesticides and antibiotics is a challenging problem that needs to be fully addressed. Bee products, such as honey, are widely consumed as food and medicine and their contamination may carry serious health hazards. Honey and other bee products are polluted by pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria and radioactive materials. Pesticide residues cause genetic mutations and cellular degradation and presence of antibiotics might increase resistant human or animal's pathogens. Many cases of infant botulisms have been attributed to contaminated honey. Honey may be very toxic when produced from certain plants. Ingestion of honey without knowing its source and safety might be problematic. Honey should be labeled to explore its origin, composition, and clear statement that it is free from contaminants. Honey that is not subjected for analysis and sterilization should not be used in infants, and should not be applied to wounds or used for medicinal purposes. This article reviews the extent and health impact of honey contamination and stresses on the introduction of a strict monitoring system and validation of acceptable minimal concentrations of pollutants or identifying maximum residue limits for bee products, in particular, honey.
The selector gene Pax7 dictates alternate pituitary cell fates through its pioneer action on chromatin remodeling
Authors: Budry Lionel , Balsalobre Aurélio , Gauthier Yves , Khetchoumian Konstantin , L'Honoré Aurore , Vallette Sophie , Brue Thierry , Figarella-Branger Dominique , Meij Björn , Drouin Jacques
Published: October 2012

The anterior and intermediate lobes of the pituitary gland derive from the surface ectoderm. They provide a simple system to assess mechanisms of developmental identity established by tissue determinants. Each lobe contains a lineage expressing the hormone precursor pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC): the corticotropes and melanotropes. The T-box transcription factor Tpit controls terminal differentiation of both lineages. We now report on the unique role of Pax7 as a selector of intermediate lobe and melanotrope identity. Inactivation of the Pax7 gene results in loss of melanotrope gene expression and derepression of corticotrope genes. Pax7 acts by remodeling chromatin and allowing Tpit binding to a new subset of enhancers for activation of melanotrope-specific genes. Thus, the selector function of Pax7 is exerted through pioneer transcription factor activity. Genome-wide, the Pax7 pioneer activity is preferentially associated with composite binding sites that include paired and homeodomain motifs. Pax7 expression is conserved in human and dog melanotropes and defines two subtypes of pituitary adenomas causing Cushing's disease. In summary, expression of Pax7 provides a unique tissue identity to the pituitary intermediate lobe that alters Tpit-driven differentiation through pioneer and classical transcription factor activities.
Role for Apyrases in Polar Auxin Transport in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Xing , Wu Jian , Clark Greg , Lundy Stacey , Lim Minhui , Arnold David , Chan Jing , Tang Wenqiang , Muday Gloria K. , Gardner Gary , Roux Stanley J.
Published: October 2012

Recent evidence indicates that extracellular nucleotides regulate plant growth. Exogenous ATP has been shown to block auxin transport and gravitropic growth in primary roots of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Cells limit the concentration of extracellular ATP in part through the activity of ectoapyrases (ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases), and two nearly identical Arabidopsis apyrases, APY1 and APY2, appear to share this function. These findings, plus the fact that suppression of APY1 and APY2 blocks growth in Arabidopsis, suggested that the expression of these apyrases could influence auxin transport. This report tests that hypothesis. The polar movement of [3H]indole-3-acetic acid in both hypocotyl sections and primary roots of Arabidopsis seedlings was measured. In both tissues, polar auxin transport was significantly reduced in apy2 null mutants when they were induced by estradiol to suppress the expression of APY1 by RNA interference. In the hypocotyl assays, the basal halves of APY-suppressed hypocotyls contained considerably lower free indole-3-acetic acid levels when compared with wild-type plants, and disrupted auxin transport in the APY-suppressed roots was reflected by their significant morphological abnormalities. When a green fluorescent protein fluorescence signal encoded by a DR5:green fluorescent protein construct was measured in primary roots whose apyrase expression was suppressed either genetically or chemically, the roots showed no signal asymmetry following gravistimulation, and both their growth and gravitropic curvature were inhibited. Chemicals that suppress apyrase activity also inhibit gravitropic curvature and, to a lesser extent, growth. Taken together, these results indicate that a critical step connecting apyrase suppression to growth suppression is the inhibition of polar auxin transport.
An Endogenous Carbon-Sensing Pathway Triggers Increased Auxin Flux and Hypocotyl Elongation
Authors: Lilley Jodi L. Stewart , Gee Christopher W. , Sairanen Ilkka , Ljung Karin , Nemhauser Jennifer L.
Published: October 2012

The local environment has a substantial impact on early seedling development. Applying excess carbon in the form of sucrose is known to alter both the timing and duration of seedling growth. Here, we show that sucrose changes growth patterns by increasing auxin levels and rootward auxin transport in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Sucrose likely interacts with an endogenous carbon-sensing pathway via the PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR (PIF) family of transcription factors, as plants grown in elevated carbon dioxide showed the same PIF-dependent growth promotion. Overexpression of PIF5 was sufficient to suppress photosynthetic rate, enhance response to elevated carbon dioxide, and prolong seedling survival in nitrogen-limiting conditions. Thus, PIF transcription factors integrate growth with metabolic demands and thereby facilitate functional equilibrium during photomorphogenesis.
Impact of knowledge brokering on performance heterogeneity among business models
Authors: Nair Sujith , Nisar Arsalan , Palacios Miguel , Ruiz Felipe
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The strategic management literature lacks a comprehensive explanation as to why seemingly similar business models in the same industry perform differently. This paper strives to explain this phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is conceptualized and accompanied by a case study on the airline industry to explain knowledge brokerage that creates value from the effective utilization of knowledge resources acquired from intra‐ and inter‐firm environments.

Findings

The model explains a cyclical view of business model flexibility in which the knowledge‐based resource accumulation of the business model is spread across the intra‐ and inter‐firm environments. Knowledge brokerage strategies from the inter‐ and intra‐firm environments result in improved performance of the business model. The flexibility that the business model acquires is determined by how efficiently resource accumulation is aligned with its external environment.

Originality/value

The paper effectively integrates the concepts of knowledge brokerage and business models from a resource accumulation‐based view and simultaneously arrives at the performance heterogeneity of seemingly similar business models within the same industry. It has performance implications for firms that start out without any distinct resources of their own, or that use an imitated business model, to attain better performance through business model evolution aligned with successful knowledge brokerage strategies. It adds to the resource accumulation literature by explaining how resources can be effectively acquired to create value.
Stakeholder relations and sustainability practices of US small and medium‐sized manufacturers
Authors: Theyel Gregory , Hofmann Kay
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the adoption of sustainability practices by small and medium‐sized manufacturing (SMM) firms, the ways these firms work with their stakeholders for social and environmental purposes, and the relationships between the adoption of sustainability practices, stakeholder interaction, and product and process innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses data from telephone interviews with 296 companies, a sustainability typology, and descriptive and statistical regression analysis.

Findings

The majority of the firms are adopting sustainability practices at least to some degree, stakeholders such as community advocacy groups, employees, suppliers, customers, and the local media are influencing the adoption of sustainability practices, and firms with high adoption rates of environmental practices are more successful in product and process innovation.

Practical implications

The results of this research can help firms and stakeholder groups with their joint efforts to develop sustainability strategies. Community advocacy groups, employees, suppliers, customers, and the local media are capable of motivating firms to give something back to the communities in which they conduct their business.

Originality/value

This paper contributes new understanding of the adoption of sustainability practices by SMM firms, the ways these firms work with their stakeholders for social and environmental purposes, and the relationships between the adoption of sustainability practices, stakeholder interaction, and product and process innovation.
Collaborative research: opinions and information technology utilization potential
Authors: Kimiloglu Hande , Ozturan Meltem , Sencer Erdem Asli
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, to study collaborative research in general and identify its characteristics, advantages and disadvantages by conglomerating various views and ideas from the literature and from expert opinion research. Second, to determine the importance of and attitudes toward the usage of information technology (IT) in collaborative research projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, an extensive literature review and ten in‐depth interviews have been conducted to determine the identifying characteristics of collaborative research. Consequently, a questionnaire is used as the major data collection tool to assess academicians' opinions about collaborative research and attitudes toward IT utilization in such studies.

Findings

Collaborative research has been most distinctively defined with the concepts of teamwork, knowledge and experience sharing and direct and continuous communication. Increased visibility and recognition of such projects and enhanced access to various resources have also been pinpointed as important advantages. Academicians have shown a highly positive tendency to utilize IT and adopt IT tools that will enhance convenience and communication and contribute to the conduction of various basic and support processes of collaborative research projects.

Research limitations/implications

The major implication of this research is the general need for more collaborative research projects in academia and the necessity to develop and employ various IT tools that can be used in such studies. Similar studies can be done with larger sample sizes or across various contexts, for comparative purposes, to overcome the limitations of the study.

Originality/value

In this paper, the dispersed literature about collaborative research has been assembled and a unified scope has been drawn around the concept. Attitudes toward collaborative research and the potential value of utilizing IT in such projects, which has been studied at an inadequate level in the literature, have been evaluated comprehensively from the perspective of academicians.
Users' searching behaviour in using online databases at Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City
Authors: Hong Sinh Nguyen , Thi Hong Nhung Hoang
Published: October 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to focus on identifying the searching behaviours of users, their difficulties as well as their expectations from library supports while using online databases at the Central Library of Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City.

Design/methodology/approach

Usage reports of six online databases subscribed by the Central Library were analyzed, a survey by emailing users a questionnaire and four deep interviews were conducted.

Findings

The amount of usage increases yearly, however it is still low in comparison with the number of subscribers who have registered for using online databases. Users did search for their research and study rather than for their teaching or professional knowledge update. Often they looked for journal articles and theses rather than e‐books. Key words and titles were used the most when searching. Reading the guidance from the library websites or from the databases was most used. This suggested that most users did not know how to use the databases and preferred to learn by themselves. Email was preferred by users to communicate with library staff. English language and database searching skills were the biggest barriers preventing users from employing online databases.

Originality/value

This paper provides an understanding of users' behaviours and suggests that it is necessary to assist users in using online databases in Vietnam universities. Up to now, these issues have not been known. They are relevant to improving the utilization of online databases.
Creating a materials samples collection to support the engineering curriculum
Authors: Magnoni Dee , Offenbacher Charles , Kejriwal Ananya
Published: October 2012

Purpose

Engineers fundamentally solve problems. Engineering students are obtaining the education necessary to develop problem‐solving skills and tools. Olin College of Engineering was founded on the philosophy that a hands‐on, entrepreneurial, design‐centered engineering education would create engineers ready to solve current and emerging problems. This paper aims to discuss the philosophy and development of Olin College and the Olin College Library, and then to address its evolving materials collection.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the development of Olin College, its philosophy and discusses its evolving materials samples collection.

Findings

Olin's library has embraced the college's philosophy through the development of a realia, or learning objects collection that supports multiple intelligences. Moving beyond these learning objects, library staff wanted to build a collection of materials samples that enhance the engineering curriculum, and specifically design, sustainability and materials science courses. Students use the objects to make project decisions and for inspiration. The hands‐on nature of the collection aligns with the pedagogical philosophy of the college. These objects are physically available and also are beginning to have digital representation. A growing partnership between the library and specific courses is helping build the collection, while subscriptions from vendors assure a steady growth of new objects.

Practical implications

The collection requires three phases of thought and development beyond acquisitions: display of objects, storage of objects, and the digital representation of objects. The digital representation has several layers of development, from database building to metadata decisions to object photos to the workflow and policy decisions.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the philosophy and development of the Olin College materials samples collection.
Human resource practices, supply chain performance, and wellbeing
Authors: Menon Sanjay T.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to identify management and human resource (HR) practices that lead to satisfaction with the performance of an organization's supply chain as well as employee wellbeing, and to develop recommendations for practicing managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting an empirical approach, a Delphi expert panel study was first carried out to identify the possible impact of supply chain integration, particularly with regard to human resource management (HRM) policies and practices. Then, using a survey of 228 supply chain professionals, hypotheses linking satisfaction with supply chain performance to non‐traditional HR practices, training, and team organization were tested.

Findings

The Delphi study identified specific HR practices, such as flexible job descriptions and teamwork training that would need to accompany successful supply chain integration. Regression results indicate that flexible job descriptions, team organization, teamwork training, and the use of performance metrics to determine rewards, are significantly related to satisfaction with supply chain performance.

Research limitations/implications

The Delphi results are subjective by nature and the cross‐sectional survey design limits inferences of causality.

Practical implications

This paper identifies management and HR practices that lead to satisfaction with supply chain performance, which is particularly relevant to modern industrial organizations where the trend is toward inter‐organizational networks in the form of integrated supply chains. Implications for employee wellbeing are also discussed.

Originality/value

This paper adopts an interdisciplinary approach and links HRM practice with supply chain management; two separate fields with their own research traditions.
The influence of face and group orientation on the perception of luxury goods
Authors: Le Monkhouse Lien , Barnes Bradley R. , Stephan Ute
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The paper aims to further extend our understanding by assessing the extent to which two prominent cultural values in East Asia i.e. face saving and group orientation drive consumers’ perceptions of luxury goods across four East Asian markets.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐methods research approach was adopted consisting of: an expert panel of close to 70 participants, group discussions with five extended East Asian families, personal interviews with eight East Asian scholars, a pilot test with over 50 East Asian graduate students and a multi‐market survey of 443 consumer respondents in Beijing, Tokyo, Singapore and Hanoi.

Findings

The authors extend previous conceptual studies by empirically investigating the impact of these two cultural values on the perception of luxury among East Asian societies. Specifically the study reveals that across all four markets face saving has the strongest influence on the conspicuous and hedonistic dimensions of luxury, group orientation meanwhile is the strongest predictor of the quality, extended self and exclusivity dimensions of luxury. Collectively these two cultural values significantly influence East Asian perceptions of luxury. Overall, the findings reiterate the importance of understanding different cultural values and their influence across different East Asian societies.

Practical implications

The findings have important implications for managers of western luxury branded goods that are seeking to penetrate East Asian markets or seek to serve East Asian consumers. Specifically, to assist with developing suitable brand positioning, products, services, communications and pricing strategies.

Originality/value

This study contributes to our understanding of the subject by exploring the impact of face saving and group orientation on the perception of luxury goods across four East Asian countries. Several directions for future research are suggested.
Professional discourses and resistance to change
Authors: Pieterse Jos H. , Caniëls Marjolein C.J. , Homan Thijs
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how resistance to change might be a consequence of differences in professional discourse of professional groups working together in a change program.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses discourse analysis and rubrics to study the implementation of a new ICT system for an airline. Data for this case study were collected in semi‐structured interviews, desk research, participant observations and a diagnostic workshop.

Findings

The data suggest that the non‐aligned interaction between different professional discourses can be a source of resistance to change, in addition to other well‐known sources of resistance to change in the change management literature. Future research regarding change management should incorporate linguistics and discourse analysis. Investigating resistance to change could be done comprehensively, paying attention to differences in professional cultures in cross‐functional (project) teams. A managerial implication of the study is that making differences in professional discourses explicit is a constant point of attention in (project) teams.

Research limitations/implications

The authors' choices with regard to the sample size and methods limit the generalisability of the results. However, these choices were instrumental in reaching a rich set of data, which enabled the authors to get an understanding of the conversational dynamics in the case.

Originality/value

The paper argues that change programs contain subjective, informal and linguistic dimensions which might give reasons for understanding resistance to change in new ways. The theoretical contribution of the paper is that it integrates change management literature with linguistic literature about professional discourse.
Utilizing identity‐based resistance for diversity change: a narrative approach
Authors: Mahadevan Jasmin
Published: October 2012

Purpose

This article seeks to analyze retrospective and emergent narratives in a changing organization. It aims to uncover the emic meanings of resistance to diversity change.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is based on interpretative research in a German high‐tech company, informed by the anthropological frame of mind.

Findings

The organization studied needs to cope with an increasing number of foreign employees. As narrative analysis showed, English language and diversity are associated negatively with an organizational dark age. In the past, a focus on sameness and on German language has been a successful counter‐strategy. Yet, in the present, this strategy forces German and non‐German employees into a dichotomist relationship that hinders diversity change. Through narrative analysis, other values of the past, such as caring for each other, and the metaphor of organization as family, are discovered. These concepts are highly adaptable to the new present and should be supported and facilitated in order to create trans‐cultural sameness.

Research limitations/implications

The contribution of this article is to show how to utilize identity‐based resistance for organizational change, in this case diversity change. Emergent and retrospective narratives of the self are a viable tool of analysis.

Originality/value

Identity‐based resistance to change originates in the inability to link the past collective self to present conditions. This is often seen as an obstacle to change. This article uncovers the emic meanings of resistance, thereby utilizing it for diversity change.
Playing the HR field
Authors: Bell Gareth
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The aim of the article is to provide the text of an interview with Dr R. Wayne Pace

Design/methodology/approach

Gareth Bell interviews R. Wayne Pace, founding president of the Academy of Human Resource Development, and author of Human Resource Development: the Field.

Findings

Few people have been as prolific in the field of human resource development as Dr R. Wayne Pace. He is author of over 30 books and 100 articles, specializing in human resource development, organizational change, and organizational communication. He has also served as corporate advisor to training and development consultancies QuickKnowledge, Anchor Point Institute, and STS International.

Originality/value

The article provides an interview with one of the most respected figures in the field of human resource development, who gives his views on the challenges HR practitioners are faced with today.
Microbial mediation of plant competition and community structure
Authors: Hodge Angela , Fitter Alastair H.
Published: October 2012

The drivers behind plant competition and diversity have long been debated, and there is acceptance that soil micro‐organisms may act as key drivers in plant interactions and community structure. The evidence for a microbial role in shaping plant interactions and communities will be considered here with emphasis on symbionts and pathogens.

Microbial populations are themselves strongly influenced by the plant community via the ‘rhizosphere’ effect. The rhizosphere community includes microbes both beneficial and detrimental to the plant. Both the ability of plants to cultivate different rhizosphere microbial populations and the resulting impact upon other plant species have largely been studied via ‘plant–soil’ feedback studies, a proxy necessitated by the fact the majority of soil micro‐organisms are unculturable, but which nevertheless has rarely been used in conjunction with modern techniques to identify and quantify the micro‐organisms involved.

Both microbial symbionts and pathogens can affect plant diversity and productivity, but the direct evidence for impacts on competitive interactions is surprisingly scarce. Evidence comes from biological invasions, the unintentional introduction of microbial pathogens to native plant communities and manipulative experiments under both field and controlled conditions. Pathogens generally have direct effects on plants, reducing their growth and so rendering them less competitive, whereas other symbionts may act by altering the availability of resources, with more subtle effects on competitive interactions.

Some of the best evidence for indirect effects comes from studies on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. New developments in our understanding of nutrient exchange in the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis emphasize the need to view the fungal partners not as mere extensions of the plant. The suggestion that AM fungi may act to share resources among connected plants however remains to be proved.

Although plant competitive interactions can be driven by key microbial groups including symbionts and pathogens, knowledge gaps in the basic biology of these micro‐organisms has hindered a full mechanistic understanding of these processes. If ecologists now embrace new technologies, significant advances in this area should be forthcoming.
Risk factors of catheter‐associated urinary tract infections in paediatric surgical patients
Authors: Boybeyi Özlem , Karnak İbrahim , Ciftci Arbay Özden , Tanyel Feridun Cahit , Şenocak Mehmet Emin
Published: October 2012

Aim

Hospital‐acquired urinary tract infection (HAUTI) is an important issue that causes morbidity/mortality. We present a prospective study to identify the risk factors of HAUTI in catheterized patients hospitalized in a paediatric surgery unit.

Methods

Patients catheterized before/after surgery were evaluated. A total of 112 patients were followed up. Simultaneous urine analysis was conducted, and urine culture was obtained 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 days after catheterization. Patients taking antibiotics just before hospitalization or those who had urinary tract infections (UTI) just before catheterization were excluded. The age, sex, date of hospitalization, timing of catheterization, duration of catheterization, associating urinary tract anomalies, history of UTI, conditions at time of catheterization and antibiotic usage of patients were noted. The frequency of UTI and duration of catheterization were crossed. Patients catheterized during same period of time, who had UTI, were evaluated according to conditions at time of catheterization, associating urinary tract anomalies and antibiotic usage.

Results

Patients who had positive culture results were catheterized longer (13.4 ± 9.8 days vs 6 ± 5 days, P = 0.042). The duration of preoperative antibiotic usage was greater in cases with positive culture results (3.8 ± 5.2 days vs 0.8 ± 4.8 days, P = 0.003). The infection rate detected was higher in patients who were catheterized in units, rather than in an operating room (P = 0.030).

Conclusion

The most important risk factors of catheter‐associated UTI (CAUTI) are increased duration of catheterization, inappropriate conditions during catheterization and preoperative antibiotic usage. Urinary catheterization is an important risk factor of HAUTI in paediatric surgery units. The length of catheterization and antibiotic usage should be much shorter, and conditions during catheterization should be strictly sterile in order to prevent CAUTI.
Trust in management: the role of employee voice arrangements and perceived managerial opposition to unions
Authors: Holland Peter , Cooper Brian K. , Pyman Amanda , Teicher Julian
Published: October 2012

This study examines the relationship between employee voice arrangements and employees' trust in management using data from the 2007 Australian Worker Representation and Participation Survey of 1,022 employees. Drawing on social exchange theory and employee relations literature, we test hypotheses concerning the relationships between direct and union voice arrangements, perceived managerial opposition to unions and employees' trust in management. Consistent with our predictions, after controlling for a range of personal, job and workplace characteristics, regression analyses indicated that direct voice arrangements were positively related to employees' trust in management. Union voice arrangements and perceived managerial opposition to unions were negatively related to trust in management. The article concludes by highlighting the study's implications for management practice and avenues for further research.
Socialising employees’ trust in the organisation: an exploration of apprentices’ socialisation in two highly trusted companies
Authors: Eberl Peter , Clement Ute , Möller Heidi
Published: October 2012

We present here our investigation into how corporate employers deliberately seek to foster and build employees’ trust in the organisation through socialisation tactics. Interestingly enough, such deliberate development of employees’ trust in the organisation has hitherto rarely been addressed in academic research. Using qualitative case study research methods, we have closely observed the trust socialisation process experienced by entrant employees, namely apprentices in two separate and highly trusted German companies. Our findings are consistent with former trust socialisation research in that they indicate the importance of high levels of perceived organisational support and of a convincing communication of organisational values and principles. However, our research emphasises further aspects of trust socialisation, such as psychological empowerment, the efficacy of formal organisational rules and especially sensegiving activities.
Self‐Efficacy as a Predictor of Outcome After Residential Treatment Programs for Alcohol Dependence: Simply Ask the Patient One Question!
Authors: Ludwig Fabian , Tadayon‐Manssuri Elvira , Strik Werner , Moggi Franz
Published: October 2012

Background

Self‐efficacy has been identified as one of the most consistent variables that predict the outcome of alcohol treatment. However, many previous studies in this field failed to control for other important predictors (e.g., dependences severity, psychiatric symptoms, and treatment goal). Our study's first goal was to evaluate the predictive value of self‐efficacy when most other relevant variables were statistically controlled. The second goal was to compare the predictive values of self‐efficacy assessed with the Situational Confidence Questionnaire (SCQ), and general self‐efficacy assessed with a single question.

Methods

Four hundred and fifteen patients with alcohol dependence from 12 residential alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment programs were assessed at treatment admission, discharge, and the 1‐year follow‐up. A stepwise logistic regression for abstinence was calculated using all predictors. For those predictors that were significant, a Cox survival regression analysis was performed to predict the time to the first drink after discharge.

Results

Only abstinence as treatment goal, alcohol use during treatment, and general self‐efficacy as measured by 1 question were revealed to be significant predictors in the stepwise regression, whereas all other variables, including self‐efficacy as measured by the SCQ, were not significantly associated with abstinence at the 1‐year follow‐up. Cox survival regression analysis showed a significant difference in the time to first alcohol use between patients with maximum general self‐efficacy and those with lower general self‐efficacy, when the other 2 significant variables were controlled for.

Conclusions

General self‐efficacy, that is, the patients' own prognosis of his success in remaining abstinent, was a central variable in predicting residential alcohol dependence treatment outcome. Self‐efficacy showed a more accurate prognosis of outcome when it was assessed with just 1 question, than when assessed with the SCQ. With this simplified assessment, knowledge of the prognostic value of self‐efficacy could be made applicable for everyday practice.
Bacterial contamination of the fitting surfaces of restorations in teeth with pulp and periapical disease: a scanning electron microscopy study
Authors: Kwang S , Abbott PV
Published: October 2012

Background : The aim of this study was to evaluate the fitting surfaces of restorations in teeth with infected root canal systems and apical periodontitis to determine whether the restoration‐tooth interface is a potential pathway for bacterial penetration.

Methods : Thirty clinically satisfactory restorations were sectioned and removed from teeth that had infected root canal systems and apical periodontitis. In the control group, three clinically satisfactory restorations were sectioned and removed from extracted teeth with clinically healthy pulps. In order to confirm the clinical diagnosis of a healthy pulp, histological examination was performed. All restorations were placed in 10% formalin immediately and then prepared for examination using scanning electron microscopy. The degree of bacterial contamination on each restoration was recorded as low, moderate or high. The morphotypes observed were classified as cocci, filaments, rods or spirochaetes.

Results : The fitting surfaces of all restorations in both experimental and control groups showed signs of bacterial contamination.

Conclusions : This study has demonstrated the presence of bacteria on the fitting surfaces of restorations that were judged to be clinically satisfactory in teeth with infected root canal systems. The restoration‐tooth interface is a potential pathway for bacteria to enter teeth and infect the root canal systems.
Increased mean glucose levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and hyperandrogenemia as determined by continuous glucose monitoring
Authors: ZHU JIE‐PING , TENG YIN‐CHENG , ZHOU JIAN , LU WEI , TAO MIN‐FANG , JIA WEI‐PING
Published: October 2012

Objective. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of hyperandrogenemia on glucose metabolism in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients. Design. Cohort study. Setting. Reproductive Endocrinology Clinic of the Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital. Sample. Fifty‐three patients were recruited from June 2008 to December 2009, including 28 women with hyperandrogenism and 25 without hyperandrogenemia. Methods. Anthropometric parameters, including weight, height, body mass index and waist‐to‐hip ratio, as well as sex hormones, were measured. An oral glucose tolerance test, including fasting and two hour glucose and insulin levels, was recorded. Insulin resistance was evaluated by homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and patients underwent continuous glucose monitoring. Main outcome measures. Mean blood glucose level, mean amplitude of glycemic excursion, frequency of glycemic excursion and the percentage of time of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia during a 48 h period. Results. No differences in age, body mass index, waist‐to‐hip ratio, fasting and two hour glucose and insulin concentrations were observed between the groups. The hyperandrogenism group had higher levels of luteinizing hormone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (p < 0.05). However, continuous glucose monitoring showed that the minimal blood glucose and mean blood glucose were significantly higher in hyperandrogenemia group (p = 0.004). The percentage of time for hypoglycemia (≤70 mg/dL) was higher in the hyperandrogenemia group (p = 0.002). Conclusions. Polycystic ovarian syndrome patients with hyperandrogenemia had an increased mean glucose value, which may place them at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Anti‐inflammatory effects of tobramycin and a copper–tobramycin complex with superoxide dismutase‐like activity
Authors: Gziut M , MacGregor HJ , Nevell TG , Mason T , Laight D , Shute JK
Published: October 2012

Background and Purpose

Airway inflammation in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is characterized by accumulations of neutrophils in the airway and T cells in bronchial tissue, with activation of platelets in the circulation. CF patients are routinely treated with systemic or inhaled tobramycin for airway infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Clinical trials have indicated an anti‐inflammatory effect of tobramycin beyond its bactericidal activity. Here, we investigate the anti‐inflammatory properties of tobramycin in vitro and consider if these relate to the ability of tobramycin to bind copper, which is elevated in blood and sputum in CF.

Experimental Approach

A copper–tobramycin complex was synthesized. The effect of tobramycin and copper–tobramycin on neutrophil activation and migration of T cells and neutrophils across human lung microvascular endothelial cells in response to thrombin‐activated platelets were investigated in vitro. Tobramycin uptake was detected by immunocytochemistry. Intracellular reactive oxygen species were detected using the fluorescent indicator, 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA). Neutrophil superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and neutrophil elastase activity were measured using specific substrates. Copper was measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Key Results

Tobramycin and copper–tobramycin were taken up by endothelial cells via a heparan sulphate‐dependent mechanism and significantly inhibited T‐cell and neutrophil transendothelial migration respectively. Copper–tobramycin has intracellular and extracellular superoxide dismutase‐like activity. Neutrophil elastase inhibition by α1‐antitrypsin is enhanced in the presence of copper–tobramycin. Tobramycin and copper–tobramycin are equally effective anti‐pseudomonal antibiotics.

Conclusions and Implications

Anti‐inflammatory effects of tobramycin in vivo may relate to the spontaneous formation of a copper–tobramycin complex, implying that copper–tobramycin may be more effective therapy.