bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monoclonal antibodies to the West Nile virus NS5 protein map to linear and conformational epitopes in the methyltransferase and polymerase domains
Authors: Hall Roy A. , Tan Si En , Selisko Barbara , Slade Rachael , Hobson-Peters Jody , Canard Bruno , Hughes Megan , Leung Jason Y. , Balmori-Melian Ezequiel , Hall-Mendelin Sonja , Pham Kim B. , Clark David C. , Prow Natalie A. , Khromykh Alexander A.
Published: November 2009

The West Nile virus (WNV) NS5 protein contains a methyltransferase (MTase) domain involved in RNA capping and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domain essential for virus replication. Crystal structures of individual WNV MTase and RdRp domains have been solved; however, the structure of full-length NS5 has not been determined. To gain more insight into the structure of NS5 and interactions between the MTase and RdRp domains, we generated a panel of seven monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to the NS5 protein of WNV (Kunjin strain) and mapped their binding sites using a series of truncated NS5 proteins and synthetic peptides. Binding sites of four mAbs (5D4, 4B6, 5C11 and 6A10) were mapped to residues 354–389 in the fingers subdomain of the RdRp. This is consistent with the ability of these mAbs to inhibit RdRp activity in vitro and suggests that this region represents a potential target for RdRp inhibitors. Using a series of synthetic peptides, we also identified a linear epitope (bound by mAb 5H1) that mapped to a 13 aa stretch surrounding residues 47 and 49 in the MTase domain, a region predicted to interact with the palm subdomain of the RdRp. The failure of one mAb (7G6) to bind both N- and C-terminally truncated NS5 recombinants indicates that the antibody recognizes a conformational epitope that requires the presence of residues in both the MTase and RdRp domains. These data support a structural model of the full-length NS5 molecule that predicts a physical interaction between the MTase and the RdRp domains.
Domain organization of the N-terminal portion of hordeivirus movement protein TGBp1
Authors: Makarov Valentin V. , Rybakova Ekaterina N. , Efimov Alexander V. , Dobrov Eugene N. , Serebryakova Marina V. , Solovyev Andrey G. , Yaminsky Igor V. , Taliansky Michael E. , Morozov Sergey Yu. , Kalinina Natalia O.
Published: November 2009

Three ‘triple gene block’ proteins known as TGBp1, TGBp2 and TGBp3 are required for cell-to-cell movement of plant viruses belonging to a number of genera including Hordeivirus. Hordeiviral TGBp1 interacts with viral genomic RNAs to form ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes competent for translocation between cells through plasmodesmata and over long distances via the phloem. Binding of hordeivirus TGBp1 to RNA involves two protein regions, the C-terminal NTPase/helicase domain and the N-terminal extension region. This study demonstrated that the extension region of hordeivirus TGBp1 consists of two structurally and functionally distinct domains called the N-terminal domain (NTD) and the internal domain (ID). In agreement with secondary structure predictions, analysis of circular dichroism spectra of the isolated NTD and ID demonstrated that the NTD represents a natively unfolded protein domain, whereas the ID has a pronounced secondary structure. Both the NTD and ID were able to bind ssRNA non-specifically. However, whilst the NTD interacted with ssRNA non-cooperatively, the ID bound ssRNA in a cooperative manner. Additionally, both domains bound dsRNA. The NTD and ID formed low-molecular-mass oligomers, whereas the ID also gave rise to high-molecular-mass complexes. The isolated ID was able to interact with both the NTD and the C-terminal NTPase/helicase domain in solution. These data demonstrate that the hordeivirus TGBp1 has three RNA-binding domains and that interaction between these structural units can provide a basis for remodelling of viral RNP complexes at different steps of cell-to-cell and long-distance transport of virus infection.
AMP-activated protein kinase facilitates avian reovirus to induce mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 and MAPK kinase 3/6 signalling that is beneficial for virus replication
Authors: Ji Wen T. , Lee Long H. , Lin Feng L. , Wang Lai , Liu Hung J.
Published: November 2009

Stimulated by energetic stress, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) controls several cellular functions. It was discovered here that infection of Vero cells with avian reovirus (ARV) upregulated AMPK and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 phosphorylation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Being an energy status sensor, AMPK is potentially an upstream regulator of MAPK p38. Treatment with 5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide ribose (AICAR), a well-known activator of AMPK, induced phosphorylation of MAPK p38. Unlike AICAR, wortmannin or rapamycin did not induce phosphorylation of MAPK p38, suggesting that mTOR inhibition is not a determining factor in MAPK p38 phosphorylation. Inhibition of AMPK by compound C antagonized the effect of AICAR on MAPK p38 in Vero cells. Specific inhibition of AMPK by small interfering RNA or compound C also suppressed ARV-induced phosphorylation of MAPK kinase (MKK) 3/6 and MAPK p38 in Vero and DF-1 cells, thereby providing a link between AMPK signalling and the MAPK p38 pathway. The mechanism of ARV-enhanced phosphorylation of MKK 3/6 and MAPK p38 in cells was not merely due to glucose deprivation, a probable activator of AMPK. In the current study, direct inhibition of MAPK p38 by SB202190 decreased the level of ARV-induced syncytium formation in Vero and DF-1 cells, and decreased the protein levels of ARVσA andσC and the progeny titre of ARV, suggesting that activation of MAPK p38 is beneficial for ARV replication. Taken together, these results suggested that AMPK could facilitate MKK 3/6 and MAPK p38 signalling that is beneficial for ARV replication. Although well studied in energy metabolism, this study provides evidence for the first time that AMPK plays a role in modulating ARV and host-cell interaction.
Cross-talk between Rac1 and Cdc42 GTPases regulates formation of filopodia required for dengue virus type-2 entry into HMEC-1 cells
Authors: Zamudio-Meza Horacio , Castillo-Alvarez Aída , González-Bonilla César , Meza Isaura
Published: November 2009

Infection with dengue virus type-2 (DENV-2) begins with virus adherence to cell surface receptors. In endothelial cells (HMEC-1), a cell model for DENV-2 infection,α5β3 integrin has been identified as a putative receptor for the virus. Previous work had suggested that the actin cytoskeleton of HMEC-1 cells plays an important role in virus entry and infection. In the present work, fixed and living HMEC-1 cells expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein–actin were monitored for actin reorganization after virus inoculation, utilizing fluorescence and time lapse microscopy. Cell infection and production of infective viruses were quantified using an anti-E protein antibody and by measuring the p.f.u. ml−1. Specific drugs that antagonize actin organization and regulate actin-signalling pathways were tested in viral adhesion and infection assays, as were the expression of dominant-negative Rac1 and Cdc42 proteins. Disorganization of actin precluded infection, while microtubule depolymerization had no effect. Activation of Rac1 and Cdc42 signalling, which occurs upon virus binding, induced reorganization of actin to form filopodia in the cellular periphery. Formation of filopodia was a requirement for virus entry and further cell infection. Expression of the dominant-negative proteins Rac1 and Cdc42 confirmed the role of these GTPases in the actin reorganization that is required to form filopodia. In addition, inhibition of the ATPase activity of myosin II greatly decreased infection, suggesting its participation in filopodial stability. We show here, for the first time, that internalization of DENV-2 into endothelial cells requires viral induction of dynamic filopodia regulated by Rac1 and Cdc42 cross-talk and myosin II motor activities.
Influence of NS5A protein of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) on CSFV internal ribosome entry site-dependent translation
Authors: Xiao Ming , Wang Yujing , Zhu Zailing , Yu Jialin , Wan Lingzhu , Chen Jun
Published: November 2009

An internal ribosome entry site (IRES) present in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) promotes translation of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) genomes. Using anin vitrosystem with monocistronic reporter RNA containing the CSFV 5′UTR, this study found that CSFV NS5A decreased CSFV IRES-mediated translation in a dose-dependent manner. Deletion analysis showed that the region responsible for repressing CSFV IRES activity might cover aa  390–414, located in the C-terminal half of CSFV NS5A. Triple and single alanine-scanning mutagenesis revealed that the inhibitory effect on CSFV IRES-directed translation mapped to the K399, T401, E406 and L413 residues of NS5A. These important amino acids were also found to be present in the NS5A proteins of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV)-1, BVDV-2, border disease virus and hepatitis C virus, indicating that NS5A may play an important role in the switch from translation to replication in these viruses.
Phylogeny and primary structure analysis of fiber shafts of all human adenovirus types for rational design of adenoviral gene-therapy vectors
Authors: Darr Sebastian , Madisch Ijad , Hofmayer Sören , Rehren Fabienne , Heim Albert
Published: November 2009

The fiber shaft of human adenoviruses (HAdVs) is essential for bringing the penton base into proximity to the secondary cellular receptor. Fiber shaft sequences of all 53 HAdV types were studied. Phylogeny of the fiber shaft revealed clustering corresponding to the HAdV species concept. An intraspecies recombination hot spot was found at the shaft/knob boundary, a highly conserved sequence stretch. For example, HAdV-D20 clustered with HAdV-D23 in the fiber shaft, but with HAdV-D47 in the fiber knob. Although all shafts exhibited the typical pseudorepeats, amino acid sequence identity was found to be as high as 92 % (interspecies) and 54 % (intraspecies). In contrast to a previous study, a flexibility motif (KXGGLXFD/N) was found in eight HAdV-D types, whereas the putative heparan sulfate-binding site (KKTK) was only found in species HAdV-C. Our results suggest that pseudotyping of gene-therapy vectors at the shaft/knob boundary is feasible, but that flexibility data of shafts should be considered.
Dating the origins of the maize-adapted strain of maize streak virus, MSV-A
Authors: Harkins Gordon W. , Martin Darren P. , Duffy Siobain , Monjane Aderito L. , Shepherd Dionne N. , Windram Oliver P. , Owor Betty E. , Donaldson Lara , van Antwerpen Tania , Sayed Rizwan A. , Flett Bradley , Ramusi Moses , Rybicki Edward P. , Peterschmitt Michel , Varsani Arvind
Published: November 2009

Maize streak virus (MSV), which causes maize streak disease (MSD), is one of the most serious biotic threats to African food security. Here, we use whole MSV genomes sampled over 30 years to estimate the dates of key evolutionary events in the 500 year association of MSV and maize. The substitution rates implied by our analyses agree closely with those estimated previously in controlled MSV evolution experiments, and we use them to infer the date when the maize-adapted strain, MSV-A, was generated by recombination between two grass-adapted MSV strains. Our results indicate that this recombination event occurred in the mid-1800s, ∼20 years before the first credible reports of MSD in South Africa and centuries after the introduction of maize to the continent in the early 1500s. This suggests a causal link between MSV recombination and the emergence of MSV-A as a serious pathogen of maize.
Sfp-Type 4′-Phosphopantetheinyl Transferase Is Indispensable for Fungal Pathogenicity
Authors: Horbach Ralf , Graf Alexander , Weihmann Fabian , Antelo Luis , Mathea Sebastian , Liermann Johannes C. , Opatz Till , Thines Eckhard , Aguirre Jesús , Deising Holger B.
Published: October 2009

In filamentous fungi, Sfp-type 4′-phosphopantetheinyl transferases (PPTases) activate enzymes involved in primary (α-aminoadipate reductase [AAR]) and secondary (polyketide synthases and nonribosomal peptide synthetases) metabolism. We cloned the PPTase gene PPT1 of the maize anthracnose fungus Colletotrichum graminicola and generated PPTase-deficient mutants (Δppt1). Δppt1 strains were auxotrophic for Lys, unable to synthesize siderophores, hypersensitive to reactive oxygen species, and unable to synthesize polyketides (PKs). A differential analysis of secondary metabolites produced by wild-type and Δppt1 strains led to the identification of six novel PKs. Infection-related morphogenesis was affected in Δppt1 strains. Rarely formed appressoria of Δppt1 strains were nonmelanized and ruptured on intact plant. The hyphae of Δppt1 strains colonized wounded maize (Zea mays) leaves but failed to generate necrotic anthracnose disease symptoms and were defective in asexual sporulation. To analyze the pleiotropic pathogenicity phenotype, we generated AAR-deficient mutants (Δaar1) and employed a melanin-deficient mutant (M1.502). Results indicated that PPT1 activates enzymes required at defined stages of infection. Melanization is required for cell wall rigidity and appressorium function, and Lys supplied by the AAR1 pathway is essential for necrotrophic development. As PPTase-deficient mutants of Magnaporthe oryzea were also nonpathogenic, we conclude that PPTases represent a novel fungal pathogenicity factor.
A Population Genomics Study of theArabidopsisCore Cell Cycle Genes Shows the Signature of Natural Selection
Authors: Sterken Roel , Kiekens Raphaël , Coppens Emmy , Vercauteren Ilse , Zabeau Marc , Inzé Dirk , Flowers Jonathan , Vuylsteke Marnik
Published: October 2009

Large-scale comparison of sequence polymorphism and divergence at numerous genomic loci within and between closely related species can reveal signatures of natural selection. Here, we present a population genomics study based on direct sequencing of 61 mitotic cell cycle genes from 30 Arabidopsis thaliana accessions and comparison of the resulting data to the close relative Arabidopsis lyrata. We found that the Arabidopsis core cell cycle (CCC) machinery is not highly constrained but is subject to different modes of selection. We found patterns of purifying selection for the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK), CDK subunit, retinoblastoma, and WEE1 gene families. Other CCC gene families often showed a mix of one or two constrained genes and relaxed purifying selection on the other genes. We found several large effect mutations in CDKB1;2 that segregate in the species. We found a strong signature of adaptive protein evolution in the Kip-related protein KRP6 and departures from equilibrium at CDKD;1 and CYCA3;3 consistent with the operation of selection in these gene regions. Our data suggest that within Arabidopsis, the genetic robustness of cell cycle–related processes is more due to functional redundancy than high selective constraint.
Evolution of Allometry inAntirrhinum
Authors: Feng Xianzhong , Wilson Yvette , Bowers Jennifer , Kennaway Richard , Bangham Andrew , Hannah Andrew , Coen Enrico , Hudson Andrew
Published: October 2009

Correlated variation in shape and size (allometry) is a major component of natural diversity. We examined the evolutionary and genetic basis for allometry using leaves and flower petals of snapdragon species (Antirrhinum). A computational method was developed to capture shape and size variation in both types of organ within the Antirrhinum species group. The results show that the major component of variation between species involves positively correlated changes in leaf and petal size. The correlation was maintained in an F2 population derived from crossing two species with organs of different sizes, suggesting that developmental constraints were involved. Identification of the underlying genes as quantitative trait loci revealed that the larger species carried alleles that increased organ size at all loci. Although this was initially taken as evidence that directional selection has driven diversity in both leaf and petal size, simulations revealed that evolution without consistent directional selection, an undirected walk, could also account for the parental distribution of organ size alleles.
Consumer‐awareness and information sources on food safety
Authors: Koç Beşir , Ceylan Melike
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the importance of the sources and means of communications that inform consumers about food risks. Another basic aim of this study is to identify certain effects of communication, such as a change, if any, in consumers' purchasing habits as a result of information they obtain.

Design/methodology/approach

Field research was carried out in urban areas of Van province, which is located in the eastern part of Turkey. Questionnaire surveys were conducted through face‐to‐face interviews with consumers. The sample size was 300 determined using sampling selection method. The data obtained were classified and interpreted according to the education level of the consumers. Chi‐square analyses were added to selected charts. In addition, correspondence analysis was used to analyze the general characteristics of consumers related to change in consumption habits and information level regarding the organizations, which supervise food enterprises.

Findings

Television was the main information source about food safety for all groups. It was found that consumers changed their food purchasing habits according to the information they received from various sources. However, unlike other groups, those with the lowest educational level mostly took information from health professionals. It was found that 85 percent of participants with a university‐level education changed their food purchasing behavior, compared with 56 percent of the participants in the lower educated consumer group. While 46 percent of participants preferred only food products with a quality guarantee, 29 percent of consumers stopped purchasing the food product and 18 percent of consumers began to pay greater attention to food labeling.

Originality/value

This study assessed changes in consumer attitudes towards the consumption of food products during the preceding 6 months after receiving information from various communication tools regarding food safety.
Rutin alters fatty acid composition in diabetic tissues
Authors: Kamalakkannan Narasimhanaidu , Alnumair Khalid S.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of rutin, a polyphenolic flavonoid on the fatty acid composition in liver and kidney of streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats.

Design/methodology/approach

Extensive literature review was carried out and no reports on the effect of rutin on the fatty acid composition in diabetic tissues were found.

Findings

Streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats showed altered lipid concentration in liver and kidney. The fatty acid composition was also altered in these tissues. Treatment with rutin to diabetic rats significantly decreased the concentration of palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid, whereas linolenic and arachidonic acids were significantly increased in liver and kidney of diabetic rats. Rutin administration to normal rats did not show any significant effect on the fatty acid composition in liver and kidney.

Originality/value

This paper gives an idea of the changes in the fatty acid composition of diabetic tissues and during treatment with rutin.
Effects of low‐fat and low‐GI diets on health
Authors: Apekey Tanefa A. , Morris Anne J.E. , Fagbemi Shamusi , Griffiths Graham J.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Excess weight and poor quality diets are known to be major and manageable causes of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) but the optimal diet for the prevention and reduction of CVD risk is not known. The purpose of this paper is to compare the effects of low‐fat and low‐GI diets on weight loss, liver function and CVD risk factors.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 18 overweight/obese females were randomly assigned to eight weeks of either isocalorie (1,200 kcal day) low‐fat (<20 per cent energy intake as fat) or low‐GI (≤40 per cent energy intake as carbohydrate) diet. Participants kept a one week food and drink intake diary prior to starting the prescribed diet (week 0) and during weeks 4 and 8 of the diet. BMI, blood pressure, serum lipids, AST and ALT concentrations were measured at specific time intervals.

Findings

The low‐fat group reported more adequate micronutrient intake than the low‐GI group. Mean weight, BMI and systolic blood pressure reduced significantly in each group but there was no significant difference between groups. There was no significant change in mean LDL, HDL and total cholesterol concentration within and between groups. Mean triglyceride reduced significantly (33 per cent) in the low‐GI group but there was no significant change in the low‐fat group. The low‐GI diet significantly reduced ALT concentration by 16 per cent after four weeks but there was no significant change for the low‐fat group.

Originality/value

The paper shows that a low‐GI diet may be more effective at reducing CVD risk and improving liver function than a low‐fat diet. This extends data on a previous studies that compared low‐fat and low‐GI diets.
Service dominant logic
Authors: Kasouf Chickery J. , Darroch Jenny , Hultman Claes M. , Miles Morgan P.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the implications of service dominant logic (SDL) on the marketing/entrepreneurship interface.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper integrates research from co‐creation and service dominant logic with entrepreneurship to explore the value of SDL for entrepreneurial marketing organizations.

Findings

This paper offers insights on: the implications of SDL for entrepreneurship; the value of co‐creation in an entrepreneurial context; and an exploration of risk and co‐creation, mass customization, and scale production in an entrepreneurial marketing context.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the work of both academics and executives attempting to better understand the concepts of SDL and co‐creation and how they might be leveraged to create advantage. In addition, a set of research implications is offered pertaining to co‐creation and SDL in an entrepreneurial marketing context.
Marketing/entrepreneurship interface research priorities (2010‐2012)
Authors: Uslay Can , Teach Richard D.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The goal of this paper is to provide leadership and guidance to scholars interested/working on the marketing/entrepreneurship interface (MEI) and those in the related fields of marketing and entrepreneurship, and drive the research agenda through the use of collective intelligence. As such, this research note aims to publicize the research priorities gathered from the collective wisdom of the field.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires and interviews were utilized to gather information in multiple stages.

Findings

A three‐tier structure of research priorities was identified. The authors hope that accomplishments and progress towards these research priorities will be documented in the next iterations of an ongoing effort for gathering, updating, publicizing, and utilizing MEI research priorities.

Originality/value

This research note presents the MEI research priorities for 2010‐2012 in a three‐tier structure, describes the motivation for the initiative, the process used to construct the research priorities, and expected outcomes.
National standards of customer satisfaction in facilities management
Authors: Tucker Matthew , Pitt Michael
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the first stage of primary research undertaken to establish generic customer satisfaction benchmarks for the facilities management (FM) industry, and test whether the benchmarks can be strategically implemented into individual FM provider organisations to further enhance their existing performance measurement processes and subsequent service provision.

Design/methodology/approach

The study proposes the development of a conceptual framework, the Customer Performance Measurement System (CPMS). The CPMS consists of four stages, and uses a mixed methodological strategy. This paper provides the findings from the first stage of the CPMS, to establish generic customer satisfaction benchmarks for the FM industry. This is undertaken through two annual customer satisfaction surveys in 2007 and 2008 across the UK and Ireland.

Findings

The paper establishes customer satisfaction benchmarks for individual FM services. The benchmarks identify trends between key variables of criticality, efficiency and service provision, including general variables regarding the performance of the FM team delivering the services and overall satisfaction with all services provided.

Research limitations/implications

The research presented forms part of a wider study testing the concept of the CPMS framework. The paper provides an overview of the wider study, while focusing on the completion of the first stage of primary research.

Originality/value

Information on the application of customer satisfaction indicators within the industry is limited. This paper provides an insight into how customers perceive individual FM services within the UK and Ireland.
Indicators for evaluating environmental performance of the Hong Kong urban renewal projects
Authors: Lee Grace K.L. , Chan Edwin H.W.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This study is a follow‐up to the previous studies undertaken by the authors. The paper aims to develop a set of valid and reliable performance indicators to evaluate the environmental quality of a project in order to minimise the adverse impacts of urban renewal projects on the environment.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a brief introduction to the most critical environmentally sustainable factors that should be considered when planning an urban renewal project is provided. Then this study identifies criteria for the selection of indicators, and develops appropriate indicators and a corresponding points‐scoring system for six major environmental design criteria through a comprehensive literature review and with the help of a number of experts from industry and academia.

Findings

This study proposes a set of environmental performance indicators and a corresponding points‐scoring system for the assessment model derived in a previous study. A total of 12 indicators have been developed for six design criteria (i.e. two indicators per criterion) in which both quantitative and qualitative indicators are derived, and five different scales are adopted to score individual assessment indicators.

Originality/value

By developing relevant indicators, the parties concerned can easily identify whether a renewal project meets pre‐determined planning initiatives and environmental objectives. Once deficiencies are noted, the relevant parties can take immediate action to rectify and refine the design accordingly. It is expected that the environmental performance of a renewal project can be evaluated effectively against the benchmarks through the assessment process.
Six new approaches
Authors: Maxymuk John
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine some of the leading competitors to Google in searching the world wide web.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses six search engines that are alternatives to Google: Bing, Wolfram Alpha, Topsy, Scoopler, Scribd, and Data.gov

Findings

The paper finds that all but Bing among the six search tools have a narrower and more defined approach than Google. Each has value in context.

Originality/value

The paper provides an evaluation of when these more specialized tools would be useful to internet searchers.
Age associated changes in older consumers retail behaviour
Authors: Meneely Lisa , Burns Amy , Strugnell Chris
Published: October 2009

Purpose

An understanding of consumer behaviour will enable service providers to segment their client base and target specific customer groups with strategies designed to meet their retail needs. Hence, an insight into and understanding of how consumers interact with and evaluate a retail offering will help improve customer service and satisfaction. The purpose of this paper is to examine the changes in consumers' food retail behaviour with regard to the demographic variable of age, based on the older population. This paper focuses on food shoppers aged over 60 years living independently in Northern Ireland. The retail geography in Northern Ireland has changed and whilst affecting all consumers has impacted to a greater degree on older consumers. This and the fact that the over 60 age group is increasing demographically illustrate why this consumer segment is worthy of greater consideration.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative methodological approach is employed and data are collected using a consumer questionnaire (n=791). The questionnaire is analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.

Findings

The results show that as age increases older consumers' retail buying and food‐related behaviour changes. A decline in patronage of multiple retailers is evident as age increases; as is consumers' perceived value of multi‐purchase promotions and nutritional confidence. Alongside increasing age there is an apparent increase in the use of local shops, the enjoyment gained from shopping, the difficulty experienced in accessing food retail sites and the problems experienced when cooking.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that age may be used to differentiate between customer groups and retailers must take age into consideration when providing a product offering and in retail provision for the elderly consumer.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a need for information on older consumers' retail behaviour in Northern Ireland and offers advice to food retailers attempting to better serve this increasingly important consumer segment.
Corporate identity manifested through historical references
Authors: Blombäck Anna , Brunninge Olof
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on how firms draw on historical references in corporate marketing. The paper seeks to analyze the logic behind such efforts from a corporate identity perspective and to propose potential risks and/or benefits of doing so. The paper aims to inspire the understanding of how references to history are used in marketing and the outcome of such use.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper mainly draws on literature relating to corporate marketing and the use of history in organizations. Combining these theories, and pointing at empirical examples, the paper clarifies why references to history can be important manifestations of corporate identity. The paper comes up with propositions concerning what consequences the reference to history in corporate marketing can have for firms' marketing strategies and business development.

Findings

The paper outlines a connection among corporate identity, organizational identity, and image through corporate communications. It suggests that among the range of corporate characteristics, historical references can be particular valuable for corporate communications thanks to the reliability age can provide (as opposed to liabilities of newness). Still, elaborations suggest that the planned use of historical references has both pros and cons in terms of business development.

Originality/value

Despite the notion that history, as an inevitable and distinctive firm feature, can play an important role in corporate marketing, research on the topic is quite scarce. This paper offers some remedy to this gap by elaborating on the internal and external rationales for applying historical references and how these can be explained in connections between corporate identity and history.
Advertising corporate social responsibility initiatives to communicate corporate image
Authors: Pomering Alan , Johnson Lester W.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a set of research propositions concerned with how the alignment between socially responsible corporate image and corporate identity might be enhanced through the reduction of scepticism by considering diagnostic dimensions of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) image advertising claim.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews corporate image advertising, the tool investigated for informing about the firm's CSR record, discusses the scepticism construct and theoretical explanations of why this communication approach might induce scepticism, considers extant empirical findings that lend support to these theories, and describes several elements of CSR advertising claims considered to be diagnostic and capable of inhibiting scepticism responses to CSR image advertisements among consumers. Research propositions are advanced and discussed.

Findings

The paper provides conceptual insights into reducing consumer scepticism toward CSR‐based corporate identity communicated via corporate image advertising.

Research limitations/implications

The paper advances four research propositions, and proposes a method for testing these propositions.

Practical implications

The paper acknowledges the increase in CSR‐based corporate image advertising, discusses why such communication approaches may be prone to consumer scepticism, and considers message elements to inhibit this persuasion‐eroding cognitive response.

Originality/value

This paper suggests a study to understand how corporate identity based on CSR achievements can be more persuasively communicated via CSR‐based corporate image advertising
How money got its tail (not too light; not too heavy; but “just so”)
Authors: Powers Michael R.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the theoretical basis for heavy‐tailed asset‐return distributions.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a simple model of asset‐price formation, one can formulate the asset‐return random variable, ln (Pt/Pt−1), as a constant plus the natural log of a ratio of Bernoulli proportions. This random variable admits of different approximations, whose distributions may be studied analytically.

Findings

The paper finds that for two reasonable approximations to the asset‐return random variable, the tails are approximately exponential. This suggests that the Gaussian assumption provides a poor “starting point” for asset‐pricing models, and empirically validated heavy‐tailed behavior is likely the result of time‐dependent components in the tail parameters.

Originality/value

The editorial offers a theoretical analysis of asset‐return distributions using parsimonious modeling assumptions.
Consolidation of performance measures in a supply chain environment
Authors: Sambasivan Murali , Nandan Tamizarasu , Abidin Mohamed Zainal
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Many researchers have stressed the importance of using the right measures and metrics to manage a supply chain efficiently and effectively and have developed them from different perspectives. The basic purpose of this paper is to consolidate the measures and metrics that have been developed so far, verify the relevance of these measures from the practitioners, produce a usable list with proper classification (database), and demonstrate the use of this database through a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

An initial list of metrics and measures is consolidated after analyzing the literature (journals and books) and web sites that deal with supply chains and conducting interviews with industry practitioners. A questionnaire is designed with these measures and metrics and is sent to 300 companies within the electronics industry in Malaysia to obtain feedback from the industry practitioners about the relevance of these measures. A case study is conducted with an electronics manufacturing company to demonstrate the use of the database to identify relevant measures and metrics.

Findings

About 838 performance measures form the initial list. From these, the practitioners consider 159 important and very important measures and 135 are in use in the industry. The entire list of measures is classified into the following metrics: Fund flow, Internal process flow, Material flow, Sales and services flow, Information flow, and Partner evaluation. These metrics are further classified into different groups of measures using confirmatory factor analysis.

Research limitations/implications

Only the industry practitioners from electronics industry in Malaysia participate in the study to identify the relevant measures and metrics.

Originality/value

The paper will be valuable to the academicians and practitioners working to develop measures and metrics for manufacturing supply chains.
The impact of enterprise application integration on stock prices
Authors: Roztocki Narcyz , Weistroffer Heinz Roland
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Enterprise application integration (EAI) technologies are critical to functionally integrate diverse corporate computer systems, and as such may be expected to have a positive effect on business value. The purpose of this paper is to examine the market reaction to announcements of EAI investments as a surrogate for investor perceived business value of such technology.

Design/methodology/approach

An event study approach is used with 81 announcements of EAI investments between 1998 and 2005, taken from Lexis‐Nexis database.

Findings

The results suggest that investors do not always receive EAI investments positively, especially if the announcements are from financially distressed companies and if market conditions are unfavorable.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include the possibility of confounding events, possible bias in the identified announcements, and our focus on EAI technology only. Future research may try to better account for confounding events, identify a more comprehensive list of relevant announcements, and also look at other technologies.

Practical implications

Managers should not view EAI technology as a panacea for organizational problems. Financial markets mostly respond negatively to EAI announcements when the announcing company is perceived as an investment risk or the announcement is released during bear market conditions.

Originality/value

This study expands the existing body of knowledge on IT contribution to market value. The focus on EAI technology allows for better comparison of results and testing of hypotheses. Also new is the finding that perceived company risk as well as market conditions play an important role in the reaction to IT investment announcements.
The relationship between benefits of ERP systems implementation and its impacts on firm performance of SCM
Authors: Yang Chyan , Su Yi‐fen
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide managers with a critical insight into the relationship between the benefits of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems implementation and the impacts on firm performance of supply chain management (SCM).

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the relationship between ERP benefits and SCM performance. Hypotheses derived from the key benefits of adopting ERP system and related SCM practices presented by previous authors. An empirical survey is conducted to collect data from Taiwanese IT companies listed in the Taiwan Stock Exchanges on several aspects of firm competences and supply chain performance that adopted ERP systems and/or SCM systems.

Findings

The results confirm the operational, tactical, and strategic benefits of ERP for the firm performance of SCM in the internal and external business processes, customer service, and cost management, except for the strategic benefits of ERP are not significant predictors of SCM performance in the external business process. Furthermore, responses show that ERP implementations in these Taiwanese companies have a significant impact on other companies, both small and medium‐size enterprise (SME), within the global supply chain.

Originality/value

This study extends research efforts concerning the relationship between ERP benefits and SCM performance, which the unequivocally positive results are not surprising, yet differ from most of other studies. This fundamental framework is expected not only to aid managers to make better decisions on how they cultivate specific SCM competences but also to conclude that future research can extend the focus to the impact on SCM competences of the aid of external tools such as supplier/customer relationship management, and internet‐based collaborative commerce systems.
Beyond criticism: towards alternatives
Authors: Murphy Jonathan
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue for more widespread and consistent engagement of critical management scholars in influencing policy debates on globalisation, social and economic justice, and the proper role of international business.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the reasons that critical management studies (CMS) scholars have been relatively absent from the policy debate surrounding the global economic crisis beginning in 2007. It begins by reviewing the opportunities for policy engagement provided by the crisis, and outlining some of the notable contributions to the debate that have been made by critical management scholars. The paper lists and discusses six factors that need to be addressed if CMS is to have a bigger practical policy impact in the future.

Findings

The paper asserts that the critical management scholarly community could have been more effective in the contemporary global economic crisis. Some common policy objectives need to be settled upon, including a global focus on egalitarianism. There is a need to move beyond the exhausted epistemological debate between Marxism and post‐structuralism, and to pay more attention to practical policy impact. CMS scholars should resist academic narrow‐casting, keep a focus on meta‐narratives, and treat each other more collegially.

Originality/value

The paper encourages discussion within the critical management scholarly community on the need for engagement in practical policy debate and advocacy.
The Bologna Process, globalisation and engineering education developments
Authors: Uhomoibhi James O.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the Bologna Process in the light of globalisation and examine how it affects curriculum and engineering education developments.

Design/methodology/approach

The growing need for creative competitiveness and the striving for specific profiles of engineering qualifications that are of high quality whilst taking account of diversity, transparency have resulted in the declaration of the Bologna Process. The qualifications framework proposed involving the cycle systems are examined taking account of globalization, quality assurance, management and diversity of needs. The future opportunities are explored taking account of global expectations.

Findings

The present research reveals that the Bologna Process provides a means through which higher education institutions (HEIs) can be encouraged to provide more attractive curricula for the younger generation for differing cultures whilst catering for the broad range of engineering fields where they could become more active later. The point is made that it serves to re‐invent engineering to meet the needs of the twenty‐first century.

Research limitations/implications

The present investigation focuses on the Bologna Process and its implications on engineering education in Europe. Future work hopes to extend this to other disciplines and to examine global effects in diverse cultures and also from gender, economic and development perspectives.

Practical implications

This paper could provoke HEIs outside Europe to evaluating their policies, revise strategies and moderate existing provisions, thereby assessing impact of the Bologna Process on engineering education in different countries and cultures.

Originality/value

Account is taken of the diversity and transparency which have resulted in the declaration of the Bologna Process. The paper discusses and reports on developments, prospects and challenges faced in the engineering curriculum provision following the introduction of the Bologna Process in the culturally diverse European higher education area. The new field of process systems engineering is also reported.
Gap junctions sensitize cancer cells to proteasome inhibitor MG132‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Huang Tao , Zhu Ying , Fang Xin , Chi Yuan , Kitamura Masanori , Yao Jian
Published: October 2009

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 713–721)

Proteasome inhibition is a promising approach for cancer therapy. However, the mechanisms involved have not been fully elucidated. Gap junctions play important roles in the regulation of tumor cell phenotypes and mediation of the bystander effect in cancer therapy. Because the degradation of gap junction proteins involves the proteasome, we speculated that altered gap junctions might contribute to the antitumor activities of proteasome inhibition. Incubation of Hepa‐1c1c7 cells with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 elevated the levels of gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) and promoted gap junctional intercellular communication. This was associated with a marked accumulation of ubiquitylated Cx43 and a significantly decreased rate of Cx43 degradation. The elevated Cx43 contributed to MG132‐induced cell apoptosis. This is shown by the observations that: (i) overexpression of Cx43 in the gap junction‐deficient LLC‐PK1 cells rendered them vulnerable to MG132‐elicited cell injury; (ii) fibroblasts derived from Cx43‐null mice were more resistant to MG‐132 compared with Cx43 wild‐type control; and (iii) the gap junction inhibitor flufenamic acid significantly attenuated cell damage caused by MG132 in Hepa‐1c1c7 cells. Further studies demonstrated that MG132 activates endoplasmic reticulum stress. Exposure of cells to the endoplasmic reticulum stress inducers thapsigargin and tunicamycin also led to cell apoptosis, which was modulated by Cx43 levels in a way similar to MG132. These results suggested that elevated Cx43 sensitizes cells to MG132‐induced cell apoptosis. Regulation of gap junctions could be an important mechanism behind the antitumor activities of proteasome inhibitors.