bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial reform and transition in China: a study of the evolution of banks in rural China
Authors: Shen Minggao , Huang Jikun , Zhang Linxiu , Rozelle Scott
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to understand the evolution of financial intermediation in the course of China's economic transition.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a unique data set collected by the authors and other collaborators from a 1998 survey of financial institutions, enterprises, and government officials in southern China.

Findings

Based on an empirical investigation of rural financial reforms, it is argued that China's two‐decade long financial reform was a gradual process that accommodates reforms in other sectors and responds to changing policy goals and the economic and institutional environment in which financial institutions operate. Although using standard measures of financial system performance may cast doubt on the effectiveness of China's rural banking system, when one understands the different roles that it has been asked to play, it can be argued that it has not operated so poorly.

Research limitations/implications

In conclusion, it is found that China's rural economic environment is still changing. If the system continues to change in the future, responding to pressures in the economy, further financial reforms will almost certainly emerge in the coming years.

Practical implications

These findings, although primarily from the 1980s and 1990s, are still helpful in understanding the reform process that is currently ongoing.

Social implications

This paper will help readers make sense of agricultural financial reforms and will allow for more discourse over what has been accomplished and what still is needed.

Originality/value

This is the first manuscript to comprehensively put China's rural financial reforms into the context of modern economic analysis, explaining why China's government proceeded as they did and why the reforms have unfolded in such a stop and start manner.
Assessing organically: turning an assignment into an assessment
Authors: Perruso Brown Carol , Kingsley‐Wilson Barbara
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to report on how a close collaboration between librarian and instructor made it possible for an existing course assignment to organically evolve into an information literacy assessment, overcoming some of the impediments educators confront in assessing student learning. In addition, the paper seeks to discuss how assessment with realistic scenarios requiring actual research helped to highlight deficiencies in skills and critical thinking, a method known as “authentic assessment”. Results from a pilot and the formal assessment are included.

Design/methodology/approach

A six‐question pre‐ and post‐test “authentic assessment” was piloted with 60 students, then administered to 43 students. Other journalism instructors and librarians reviewed the questions for validity. A detailed scoring rubric was used, with the authors reviewing each other's work for reliability.

Findings

Of students completing both tests, 80 percent showed an average improvement of 47 percent, and average scores increased on five of the six questions. The assessment tool, which addresses most learning outcomes for the course, appears to be a useful gauge of information literacy for journalism students.

Research limitations/implications

The reliability of the instrument needs to be tested. Also, modifying questions between pre‐ and post‐test, to prevent copy‐and‐paste answers, requires care to assure similar levels of difficulty.

Originality/value

While there are many case studies of collaboration in information‐literacy instruction and of assessment performed by librarians, there are few examples of assessments jointly developed by librarians and course faculty, and fewer still “authentic assessments” using measures requiring real‐world research because of the effort involved. Additionally, the paper finds no examples of what is described as “organic assessment”, wherein an existing course assignment, if developed to demonstrate student learning, was adapted to become an assessment tool.
The audit consideration of environmental matters
Authors: Chiang Christina , Northcott Deryl
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the responses of New Zealand auditors to the promulgation of Audit Guidance Statement (AGS) 1010: The Consideration of Environmental Matters in the Audit of Financial Statements and the consequent impact on audit practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts an interpretive methodology. It draws on dual research methods – interviews with 27 senior auditors, and a critical analysis of AGS‐1010. Legitimacy theory informs the interpretation of the findings.

Findings

The findings point to significant gaps in the guidance AGS‐1010 provides and reveal its limited impact on practice, which seems to reflect “business as usual” in regard to the audit of environmental matters. However, AGS‐1010 does appear to serve a ceremonial, legitimating role by supporting practising auditors' efforts to appear responsive to concerns about this emergent accountability issue.

Research limitations/implications

The findings highlight the practical challenges that exist in the audit of environmental matters, and point to the need to scrutinise the role of auditors in providing opinions on the financial reports of firms whose activities give rise to material environmental matters.

Practical implications

The findings suggest points for reflection for a profession that relies on maintaining its societal legitimacy, but which is failing to pursue or achieve best practice in the audit of environmental matters.

Originality/value

This paper presents a novel critique of AGS‐1010 and a first examination of how New Zealand auditors are dealing with environmental matters in light of this professional promulgation. The findings contribute to the international literature by exploring the relatively neglected role of the auditor in advancing the “greening of accounting”.
Buyer supplier perspectives on supply chain relationships
Authors: Ambrose Eamonn , Marshall Donna , Lynch Daniel
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to employ transaction cost theory and social exchange theory to compare how buyers and suppliers perceive relationship mechanisms. The paper also explains the antecedents and dynamics of relationship performance by comparing buyer and supplier perceptions of the same relationships. The paper specifically focuses on the issue of relationship success and test the hypothesis that the antecedents of perceived relationship success for buyers differ from those of suppliers within supply chain relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a study of the supply chain relationships of a major ICT company where matched pairs of buyers and suppliers were surveyed on the nature of their relationships. The survey instrument drew from previously published constructs on key relationship dimensions such as trust, commitment, power, communication, uncertainty and performance. A series of nested measurement models were then developed and tested for the two groups – buyers and suppliers.

Findings

The study found that buyers and suppliers have significantly different perceptions of their relationships across a range of dimensions. In addition, the antecedents of relationship success for both groups bear little similarity, thus supporting our hypotheses.

Originality/value

The paper directly compares transaction cost theory and social exchange theory and finds that both are useful in explaining success in buyer‐supplier relationships. Methodologically, the paper is unique due to the combination of over 100 matched buyer‐supplier dyads with a comprehensive survey of relationship constructs. Given the use of both transaction cost and social exchange theory, the breadth of the dimensions studied, the unique access to practitioners gained and the nature of the matched‐pair data, this paper is an important contribution to the literature on relationship management. Furthermore, the findings indicate a rich seam of potential future research topics.
Using data mining to improve digital library services
Authors: Kovacevic Ana , Devedzic Vladan , Pocajt Viktor
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a solution for recommending digital library services based on data mining techniques (clustering and predictive classification).

Design/methodology/approach

Data mining techniques are used to recommend digital library services based on the user's profile and search history. First, similar users were clustered together, based on their profiles and search behavior. Then predictive classification for recommending appropriate services to them was used. It has been shown that users in the same cluster have a high probability of accepting similar services or their patterns.

Findings

The results indicate that k‐means clustering and Naive Bayes classification may be used to improve the accuracy of service recommendation. The overall accuracy is satisfying, while average accuracy depends on the specific service. The results were better for frequently occurring services.

Research limitations/implications

Datasets were used from the KOBSON digital library. Only clustering and predictive classification was applied. If the correlation between the service and the institution were higher, it would have better accuracy.

Originality/value

The paper applied different and efficient data mining techniques for clustering digital library users based on their profiles and their search behavior, i.e. users' interaction with library services, and obtain user patterns with respect to the library services they use. A digital library may apply this approach to offer appropriate services to new users more easily. The recommendations will be based on library items that similar users have already found useful.
RF‐MEMS switches on a printed circuit board platform
Authors: Lian Keryn , Eliacin Manes , Lempkowski Robert , Chason Marc , O'Keefe Matthew , Drewniak James
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new class of printed circuit board (PCB)‐based, radio frequency micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (RF‐MEMS) switches and to describe the packaging method and evaluate performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Traditional PCB materials and processes were combined with photolithographic high‐density interconnect (HDI) and MEMS to form 3D high‐performance RF switches.

Findings

A new type of MEMS RF switch has been developed on a PCB platform. Using processes analogous to those used for silicon MEMS, PCB, and HDI technologies were utilized to fabricate these 3D structures. The PCB‐based microstructures are “mil‐scale” rather than the “micro‐scale” of silicon MEMs. A co‐fabrication packaging method for the MEMS RF switch was also developed. The PCB‐based MEMS switches have demonstrated excellent RF performance and “hot‐switching” RF power‐handling capability. PCB‐based MEMS RF switches have the advantages of low cost and amenability to scale‐up for a high degree of integration.

Research limitations/implications

Further development on photo imageable dielectric materials will enable this technology to improve yield and processability.

Originality/value

The paper describes the development of PCB‐based MEMS RF switches. These elements will enable new applications and enhance the functionality of PCBs. They are also more amenable to system integration compared with silicon MEMS.
Retail logistics in the UK: past, present and future
Authors: Fernie John , Sparks Leigh , McKinnon Alan C.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the logistical transformation of British retailing over the last three decades and to discuss likely challenges that face logistics managers in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviews the key works on retail logistics, including the research undertaken by the authors over the last 20 years.

Findings

Illustrates how retailers have control of the supply chain in the UK, drawing upon examples from both the grocery and fashion sectors. Challenges for the future include macro‐environment issues such as climate change and recession in addition to improvements in existing in operations with regard to e‐fulfilment and implementation of technologies such as RFID.

Originality/value

This paper provides one of the few contributions to appraise the research undertaken on retail logistics in the UK over the last 20‐30 years.
Research in management accounting innovations
Authors: Haiza Muhammad Zawawi Nur , Hoque Zahirul
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of paper is to present a review of the literature on management accounting innovations (MAIs). Specifically, it explores recent developments in research on MAIs and offers suggestions for future research. The review differs from existing reviews by its specific focus on MAIs and the recent time period covered. In this paper, MAIs refer to the adoption of “newer” or modern forms of management accounting systems such as activity‐based costing (ABC), activity‐based management, time‐driven ABC, target costing, and balanced scorecards.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a review of findings from journal articles published in 22 notable accounting journals.

Findings

The review finds that research on MAIs has intensified during the period 2000‐2008, with the main focus on exploring the extent to which a host of organizational and environmental factors influence the implementation and use of MAIs in organizations. In addition, research on MAIs indicates the dominant use of sociological theories and increasing use of empirical/field studies.

Research limitations/implications

A literature review using a given set of accounting journals and search words used to identify relevant articles may overlook literature within the scope of the review. The paper concludes the importance of more research on MAIs by offering some directions for future research.

Originality/value

The paper's specific focus on MAIs and the recent time period offer the reader useful insights on management accounting research and theory.
Eliciting requirements for an inter‐company cooperative information system
Authors: Bendjenna Hakim , Zarour Nacer‐eddine , Charrel Pierre‐Jean
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The requirements engineering (RE) process constitutes the earliest phase of the information system development life cycle. Requirements elicitation is considered as one of the most critical activities of this phase. Moreover, requirements elicitation is still a challenge, especially in the distributed environment of so‐called inter‐company cooperative information systems (ICISs). The purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology to elicit requirements for an ICIS.

Design/methodology/approach

An analytical research approach was conducted. The current RE approaches, which are based either on goal, scenario or viewpoint were evaluated. Then the role of the elicitation technique selection step within the requirements elicitation process was examined. Finally the factors that affect this step in a distributed environment were studied. An example from the textile industry is used to illustrate the applicability of the proposed methodology.

Findings

Though existing requirements elicitation approaches based either on goal, scenario or viewpoint are effective techniques, they do not fit exactly to a cooperative distributed environment: more issues are created by inadequate communication, time difference between sites, cultural, language and characteristics diversity of stakeholders which affect the elicitation technique selection step and thus the requirements elicitation process. In order to tackle these issues, this paper presents a methodology called MAMIE (from Macro‐ to Micro‐level requirements Elicitation) to elicit requirements for an ICIS. A prototype tool has been developed to support the operation of the methodology.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of the paper is that has not yet been tested in an existing organization.

Practical implications

To provide the analyst with well‐defined steps in order to elicit requirements of an ICIS. To understand the role of the elicitation technique selection step within the requirements elicitation process and identifying the factors which have an impact on this step. To select an appropriate elicitation technique according to these factors.

Originality/value

MAMIE integrates the three notions of goal, scenario and viewpoint to elicit requirements for an ICIS. The paper argues that these concepts may be used simultaneously and in a complementary way to improve the requirements elicitation process. Moreover, in order to increase the quality of the elicited requirements and thus the quality of the system‐to‐be, selecting an elicitation technique in MAMIE is not based on personal preferences but on situation assessment.
The “day after” Basel 2: do regulators comply with banking culture?
Authors: Carretta Alessandro , Farina Vincenzo , Schwizer Paola
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the cultural fit between supervisory authorities and banks, considering cultural gaps as possible stumbling blocks for effective supervision.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a text‐analysis approach. The methodological assumption is that the analysis of culture is closely connected to the analysis of the type of language used by the members of an organization. To this aim, a cultural survey was developed in order to compare cultures of Bank of Italy, Italian banks, and Basel Committee during the years 1999 and 2004.

Findings

The results highlight several significant, but decreasing, cultural gaps relating to important issues for banks, such as risk, disclosure, change, and innovation.

Practical implications

The evidence and the measurement of cultural gaps are useful elements for the identification of change actions by supervisors and banks. In fact, identified gaps could be detrimental for an effective supervision and could be a source of regulatory risk for regulated banks.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on an evolutionary aspect of text analysis, concerning standardization in the treatment of data, combined with the use of standard vocabularies. This allows a greater comparability of the output of the various studies, enabling us to further refine the methodology. The analysis model includes the definition of several concepts – such as “risk” and “disclosure” – at the base of the development of banking culture and representing basic goals of prudential regulation.
Corporate governance law effect in Greece
Authors: Lazarides Themistokles
Published: November 2010

Purpose

Legislators legislate, but how feasible and effective the implementation and enforcement of these laws are and how congruent with the countries characteristics, is under doubt. The paper seeks to argue that the Greek law on corporate governance (CG) had no effect on the fundamental elements of the corporate environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Seven hypotheses are tested using three different econometric methodologies (panel data, probit, and ordinal probit regression).

Findings

The paper pinpoints the legal disarrays and their impact on the firm and argues that there is a need for a new set of principles and laws that focus on the real issues of CG rather than the size, structure and leadership of the administrating bodies or the disclosure mechanisms.

Research limitations/implications

The data used have been collected from the annual reports and not from questionnaires. Furthermore, there is no methodology to integrate all seven models to a structured or nested model.

Practical implications

The study provides evidence that there is a need for a different set of provisions than the ones in the Anglo‐Saxon countries.

Originality/value

The paper uses a variety of methodologies and tests seven hypotheses. It takes a more holistic approach.
Reputation and stakeholder engagement: an Italian case study
Authors: Romenti Stefania
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to argue that corporate communication reaches its full potential in building corporate reputation, when it moves beyond the influencing of public opinion's perceptions, towards the shaping of organizational reality by engaging stakeholders as the main reputation drivers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the case study of a leading dairy company in Italy, Granarolo, where stakeholder engagement activities have been put at the centre of the corporate reputation development.

Findings

It is argued that corporate reputation of Granarolo has been built on a network of stakeholder partnerships through which the company continuously improves organizational learning and develops new business solutions. In particular, the activation of co‐decisional processes involving stakeholders, the building of partnerships, and the stimulation of supporting behaviours, enabled the company to recover from a severe loss of confidence by investors in the second half of the 1990s.

Originality/value

The paper proposes the case of a company where the corporate communication function effectively contributed to reputation development, because it moved beyond the mere activity of listening to stakeholders, towards a deeper engagement with stakeholders which looked for shared business solutions.
Option pricing for jump diffussion model with random volatility
Authors: Thavaneswaran A. , Singh Jagbir
Published: November 2010

Purpose

Option pricing based on Black‐Scholes model is typically obtained under the assumption that the volatility of the return is a constant. The purpose of this paper is to develop a new method for pricing derivatives under the jump diffusion model with random volatility by viewing the call price as an expected value of a truncated lognormal distribution.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Taylor series expansion the call price under random volatility is expressed as a function of kurtosis of the observed volatility process and applied to various class of GARCH models.

Findings

A modified option pricing formula is developed for jump diffusion process model with random volatility.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the paper is the development of a kurtosis‐dependent option pricing formula for a jump diffusion model with random volatility.
Impulse buying and cognitive dissonance: a study conducted among the spring break student shoppers
Authors: George Babu P. , Yaoyuneyong Gallayanee
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine certain aspects of the relationship between impulse buying and resulting cognitive dissonance in the context of spring break student shopping.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs exploratory analysis utilizing a quantitative approach. The sample population was drawn from college students who went on shopping trips during their spring break. The survey instrument measures the cognitive dissonance construct and the impulsive trait, among other things. Because spring break shopping by students differs from typical adult shopping, some context specific nuances are also explored.

Findings

The first hypothesis tested was that the level of cognitive dissonance resulting from impulsive buying would be significantly greater than that which occurred after a planned purchase. Additionally, informed by prior theory, it was expected that more impulsive individuals would experience a higher level of cognitive dissonance after an unplanned purchase than less impulsive individuals. However, the empirical data were found to directly contradict these hypotheses. Impulsive buyers seem to experience rather lower levels of cognitive dissonance than planned buyers. Likewise, when a typically non‐impulsive buyer makes an impulsive purchase, the cognitive dissonance experienced by him is seen to be significantly higher than when a typically impulsive buyer makes such a purchase. These findings lead to a new theory, according to which, impulse buying behavior may be a coping strategy used to avoid discomfort associated with the possible disconfirmation of expectations.

Originality/value

Understanding present generation college students' consumption‐related behavior may give vital clues about the changing nature of consumption, as well as offering predictors for the consumption behavior of the adult population in the near future. In addition, by testing certain so far unexplored aspects of the relationship between impulse buying and cognitive dissonance, the paper enriches consumer research literature.
The social economy of trust: social entrepreneurship experiences in Poland
Authors: Curtis Timothy , Herbst Jan , Gumkovska Marta
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the notion, and dynamics, of trust between social enterprises and the public sector in two different cultural contexts. The strategy was to ask very simple and broad questions of a number of people in the social enterprise/public sector nexus, and allow them to talk. This talk was recorded and analysed for patterns and insights. This paper looks in detail at one of the insights derived from this wealth of data and makes a startling claim, one that needs further investigation and thought, that in social enterprises, trust precedes performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on grounded theory and comprises a series of semi‐structured interviews based on a common framework undertaken in two countries – the UK and Poland. The interviews were transcribed and then coded by the two teams independently and key insights recorded.

Findings

The research indicated an unsolicited pre‐occupation with trust relationships between the social enterprises and the public sector organisations. The research suggests that trust precedes performance, in that the public sector partner extended a trust relationship before the organisation was able to demonstrate their track record. This challenges EU public procurement rules which require that an organisation demonstrates competency and track record before a contract is let.

Research limitations/implications

Grounded theory by necessity provides insights on which to build theory rather than to prove theory. This research project did not have the resources to develop a questionnaire that could indicate whether the findings are wide spread and therefore robust.

Practical implications

Trust is an under‐theorised resource in the literature on social capital. This research begins to conceptualise trust as an essential resource for social enterprises in the startup, and may prompt social enterprise practitioners to consider trust as a non‐financial resource in their business planning. The insights derived from this field provide some notes of guidance to public sector agents working with social entrepreneurs to understand the trust resources required, and the limits to that trust, and the impact of bureaucratisation on the socially entrepreneurial startup.

Originality/value

This paper builds on existing literature on social capital and inter‐organisational trust but extends it in a unique manner to the body of social entrepreneurship literature.
Developments in gender and leadership: introducing a new “inclusive” model
Authors: Alimo‐Metcalfe Beverly
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess developments in gender and leadership since 1995.

Design/methodology/approach

The author reflects on how she developed her work as an organisational psychologist during this time and introduces an “inclusive” model of leadership.

Findings

Statistics regarding the intransigence in progress in the representation of women means there is little to celebrate.

Originality/value

The paper offers suggestions as to how gender bias in leadership can be eliminated or reduced.
Alfred P. Sloan's 1921 repositioning strategy
Authors: Powers Thomas L. , Steward Jocelyn L.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

In 1921, Alfred P. Sloan developed an extensive repositioning strategy that was instrumental to General Motors' success over the decades that followed. This paper aims to provide a review of the development and evolution of this strategy and how the later deviation from this strategy was responsible for the company's marketplace decline and eventual bankruptcy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the historical 1921 repositioning strategy developed by Sloan and the specific models and price levels that were a part of this strategy. These price levels are then examined over the following decades to determine when and how this strategy was modified over time.

Findings

The findings indicate that although Sloan developed a brilliant strategy at the time of its inception, General Motors has over time deviated from its own historic and successful repositioning strategy. It is demonstrated that the deviation from the 1921 strategy has contributed to the decline in General Motors' market share and their bankruptcy in 2009. In addition, the 1921 strategy is compared to those of successful 21st century competition.

Originality/value

The research provides the reader with a historical review and analysis of the Sloan strategy and provides evidence that a historically successful marketing strategy can be applicable in other time periods for the company that developed it and for other competitors that make use of a similar strategy.
Six Sigma project selection methodology
Authors: Ray Sanjit , Das Prasun
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The selection of right projects in a Six Sigma program is a major concern for early success and long‐term acceptance within any organization. One of the ever‐increasing challenges is to define and select right measure for improvement and appropriate problem definition. Many projects encounter the problem of no linkage with business objectives or customer needs, too large or high‐level project scope along with unclear problem and goal statement. Improperly, chosen metrics lead to sub‐optimal behavior and can lead people away from the organization's goal instead of joining them. This paper aims to propose a project selection methodology for different situations.

Design/methodology/approach

This research develops a model for project identification; ensuring well‐defined projects are selected having large impact on customer satisfaction or bottom line. The model is described for the situations: availability of performance data, balanced business score card implemented and no data is available.

Findings

A “top‐down approach” model is developed for project selection, since top management support for Six Sigma initiatives is absolutely critical to see tangible, significant results. The authors suggest establishing the linkage with data (either reactive or survey), otherwise through prioritization tool for project selection. Finally, factors influencing successful Six Sigma projects include management commitment; project selection and control skill, irrespective of whether this is a define, measure, analyze, improve and control or define, measure, analyze, design and validate/verify project.

Originality/value

This approach will help the organizations to select the specific project from multivariate organizational and customer needs. Three different methods for project selection are explained with examples and reasons for selection. Merits and demerits of each method are also highlighted.
Phase I study of LY2469298, an Fc‐engineered humanized anti‐CD20 antibody, in patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma
Authors: Tobinai Kensei , Ogura Michinori , Kobayashi Yukio , Uchida Toshiki , Watanabe Takashi , Oyama Takashi , Maruyama Dai , Suzuki Tatsuya , Mori Masakazu , Kasai Masanobu , Cronier Damien , Wooldridge James E. , Koshiji Minori
Published: November 2010

Patients with follicular lymphoma (FL), where position 158 of FcγR‐IIIa is heterozygous valine/phenylalanine or homozygous phenylalanine (F‐carriers), have natural killer cells with lower binding affinity to IgG than valine homozygote patients. In addition, F‐carriers show less efficacy with rituximab treatment than patients homozygous for valine. LY2469298 is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting CD20, with human germline framework regions, and specific amino acid substitutions engineered into the Fc region to increase effector function in antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity. This dose‐escalation, phase I study was conducted to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics and preliminary efficacy of LY2469298 in Japanese patients with previously treated, CD20‐positive FL who had not relapsed or progressed within 120 days of prior rituximab. LY2469298 was administered by intravenous infusion at 100 or 375 mg/m2 weekly for 4 weeks. Ten patients were enrolled (median age, 60 years); all had previously been treated with rituximab. Nine patients were F‐carriers while one was homozygous for valine at position 158 of FcγRIIIa. No patients developed dose‐limiting toxicities, and the most frequent adverse events were lymphopenia, pyrexia, leukopenia, chills and neutropenia. Five (50%) of the ten patients responded to LY2469298 treatment (three complete responses, one unconfirmed complete response and one partial response). Serum LY2469298 was eliminated in a biphasic manner and the pharmacokinetic profiles were not different from those in a preceding study in the United States. In conclusion, LY2469298 was well tolerated and clinical activity was observed in FL patients pretreated with rituximab, mostly consisting of F‐carriers. Further investigation of FL is warranted. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 432–438)
The course of substance use disorders in patients with borderline personality disorder and Axis II comparison subjects: a 10‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Zanarini Mary C. , Frankenbur Frances R. , Weingeroff Jolie L. , Reich D. Bradford , Fitzmaurice Garrett M. , Weiss Roger D.
Published: November 2010

Aim  The purpose of this study is to detail the course of substance use disorders (SUDs) over 10 years of prospective follow‐up among patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and Axis II comparison subjects.

Design  This study uses data from the McLean Study of Adult Development (MSAD), a multi‐faceted study of the longitudinal course of BPD using reliable repeated measures administered every 2 years over a decade of prospective follow‐up.

Setting  All subjects were initially in‐patients at McLean Hospital in Belmont Massachusetts.

Participants  A total of 290 patients with BPD and 72 Axis II comparison subjects were assessed at baseline and five waves of follow‐up.

Measurements  The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐III‐R Axis I Disorders (SCID‐I), the Revised Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines (DIB‐R) and the Diagnostic Interview for DSM‐III‐R Personality Disorders (DIPD‐R) were administered six times. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess longitudinal prevalence of SUDs. Kaplan–Meier analyses were used to assess time‐to‐remission, recurrence and new onsets of SUDs.

Results  The prevalence of SUDs among borderline patients and Axis II comparison subjects declined significantly over time, while remaining significantly more common among those with BPD. More than 90% of borderline patients meeting criteria for a SUD at baseline experienced a remission by 10‐year follow‐up. Recurrences and new onsets of SUDs were less common (35–40% and 21–23%).

Conclusions  Remissions of alcohol and drug abuse/dependence among borderline patients are both common and relatively stable. Results also suggest that new onsets of these disorders are less common than might be expected.
Guidelines on travel‐related venous thrombosis
Authors: Watson Henry G. , Baglin Trevor P.
Published: November 2010

Long duration travel is a weak risk factor for the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The incidence of VTE after flights of >4 h is 1 in 4656 and for flights of more than 8 h in low and intermediate risk flyers is around 0·5%.

 Severe symptomatic pulmonary embolism in the period immediately after travel is extremely rare after flights of <8 h. In flights over 12 h the rate is 5 per million.

 VTE may be attributable to travel if it occurs up to 8 weeks following the journey.

 The risk of travel‐related thrombosis is higher in individuals with pre‐existing risk factors for the development of VTE.

 There is no evidence for an association between dehydration and travel‐associated VTE and so whilst maintaining good hydration is unlikely to be harmful it cannot be strongly recommended for prevention of thrombosis (recommendation grade 2, level of evidence, B).

 There is indirect evidence that maintaining mobility may prevent VTE and, in view of the likely pathogenesis of travel‐related VTE, maintaining mobility is a reasonable precaution for all travellers on journeys over 3 h (2B).

 Global use of compression stockings and anticoagulants for long distance travel is not indicated (1C).

 Assessment of risk should be made on an individual basis but it is likely that recent major surgery (within 1 month), active malignancy, previous unprovoked VTE, previous travel‐related VTE with no associated temporary risk factor or presence of more than one risk factor identifies those travellers at highest thrombosis risk (1C).

 Travellers at the highest risk of travel‐related thrombosis undertaking journeys of >3 h should wear well fitted below knee compression hosiery (2B).

 Where pharmacological prophylaxis is considered appropriate, anticoagulants as opposed to anti‐platelet drugs are recommended based on the observation that, in other clinical scenarios, they provide more effective thromboprophylaxis. Usual contraindications to any form of thromboprophylaxis need to be borne in mind (2C).
Pathophysiology and management of chronic immune thrombocytopenia: focusing on what matters
Authors: Toltl Lisa J. , Arnold Donald M.
Published: November 2010

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common autoimmune disease characterized by low platelet counts and an increased risk of bleeding. Antibody‐mediated platelet destruction has been the prevailing hypothesis to explain ITP pathogenesis, supported by the efficacy of B‐cell depletion therapy; however, the recent success of thrombopoietin receptor agonists lends support to the notion that platelet production is also insufficient. Best practice for the management of chronic ITP has not yet been established because data from comparative trials are lacking. Despite renewed interest in novel drugs capable of increasing platelet counts, ultimate treatment goals for ITP patients must be kept in mind: to improve patients’ health and well‐being. In this article, the pathophysiology of ITP is reviewed and key remaining questions about mechanism are explored. A rational approach to the management of ITP in adults is outlined, acknowledging evidence and evidence gaps, and highlighting the need for clinically important endpoints in future clinical trials.
The role of BCL6 in lymphomas and routes to therapy
Authors: Wagner Simon D. , Ahearne Matthew , Ferrigno Paul Ko
Published: November 2010

BCL6 is a transcription factor that has essential B‐cell and T‐cell roles in normal antibody responses. It is involved in chromosomal translocations in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DBCL; including primary mediastinal B‐cell lymphoma) and nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, and is expressed in follicular lymphoma and Burkitt's lymphoma. The neoplastic T‐cells of angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma also express BCL6. BCL6 prevents terminal B‐cell differentiation largely through repression of PRDM1. In the “cell of origin” classification of DLBCL BCL6 is associated with the germinal centre subtype, which carries a good response to modern treatments. More recently, specific BCL6 antagonists, including small molecule inhibitors, have been developed. These antagonists have demonstrated that DLBCL cells, in which BCL6 is transcriptionally active, are dependent on this gene for survival. BCL6 antagonists are active against primary DLBCL and may find future application in the treatment of lymphomas.
Primary ocular adnexal mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALT): single institution experience in a large cohort of patients
Authors: Bayraktar Soley , Bayraktar Ulas D. , Stefanovic Alexandra , Lossos Izidore S.
Published: November 2010

Extranodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma is the most common orbital tumour. We conducted a retrospective analysis to examine: (i) the impact of initial presentation and staging on outcome and (ii) response to various treatment modalities and the effect of the latter on recurrence. Ninety patients with primary ocular adnexal marginal zone lymphoma (POAML) diagnosed at our institution between 1984 and 2009 were studied. POAML was associated with monoclonal gammopathy (13%) at presentation. Most POAML patients (86%) presented with Ann‐Arbor stage I disease. Radiotherapy led to excellent local control, but relapses occurred in 18% of Ann‐Arbor stage I patients during a median follow‐up of 5 years. Local relapses, including secondary central nervous system (CNS) involvement, were observed in patients receiving radiation doses <30·6 Gy. No differences in relapse rate and survival were observed between patients who did or did not undergo staging bone marrow biopsy. Ann‐Arbor stage II–IV disease and high lactate dehydrogenase levels were associated with shorter freedom from progression. In conclusion, POAML is an indolent lymphoma with continuous risk for relapse. Radiation doses of at least 30·6 Gy should be given in Ann‐Arbor stage I disease, since lower doses may be more frequently associated with relapses, including CNS relapses.
Chinese parents' perceptions of their children's weights and their relationship to parenting behaviours
Authors: Wen X. , Hui S. S. C.
Published: November 2010

Purpose  The purpose of this study is to examine Chinese parents' perceptions of their children's weights and explore the parenting behaviours associated with these perceptions.

Methods  A total of 2143 adolescents and 1869 parents were recruited from secondary schools in Ganzhou and Shantou in China. The adolescents' actual weights and heights were measured by trained testers. The self‐reported parents' weights and heights, parental perception of the adolescents' weights, adolescents' perception of their own weights, parenting behaviours and demographic information were collected through the questionnaires distributed to the respondents.

Results  The results based on Kappa statistics show only a slight agreement between parental perception of their children's weights and the adolescents' actual weights (Kappa = 0.221). The results from the logistic regression show that the parents' gender [odds ratio (OR) = 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.64–1.00], adolescents' gender (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.29–2.01) and perception of their own weights (OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.24–0.38) are associated with the parents' perception of their children's weights. Statistically significant difference in several parenting behaviours was found between the parents with correct and incorrect perceptions of their children's weight.

Discussion and conclusion  Misconceptions about their children's weights are prevalent among Chinese parents. The association between parents' perception of their children's weight and parenting behaviours suggests that the accurate classification of children's weights could help prevent childhood obesity.
Childhood obesity: the extent of the problem among 6‐year‐old Irish national school children
Authors: Evans D. S. , Glacken M. , Goggin D.
Published: November 2010

Background  Childhood obesity is rapidly increasing worldwide. In Ireland, the number of overweight children has trebled over the last decade. The study aimed to provide an assessment of the prevalence of obesity of 6‐year‐old children in one region of Ireland.

Methods  Following training, School Public Health Nurses included the measurement of height and weight as part of the annual ‘senior infants’ school health check for 5453 6‐year‐old children in 189 schools between 2004 and 2007. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using the International Obesity Taskforce cut‐off points using lmsGrowth (a Microsoft Excel add‐in), which uses a child's exact age. Kendall's Tau b was used to determine the reliability of measurements. Prevalence trends were tested using multinomial logistic regression. Pearson's chi‐squared test was utilized to assess the statistical significance of differences in BMI by gender, school year, and to compare with similar other Irish studies.

Results  Out of the 5453 children measured, 3493 were aged 6 years old. A further 11 were excluded because of incomplete data. Data were analysed for 3482 6‐year‐old children. Overall, 27% of 6‐year‐olds were classified as either overweight or obese. A significantly greater proportion of girls are overweight or obese compared with boys (31% compared with 23%). Gender differences have remained relatively stable from 2004–2007. Overall, there have been no significant changes in the level of obesity from 2004–2007. In addition, when comparing with other Irish studies that collected data for 2001/2, there are no significant differences in obesity levels.

Conclusions  There is a clear need to urgently prioritize the effective management of obesity. Resourses should now be targeted towards ensuring government policies in Ireland and elsewhere are implemented.
Complexity and emergent properties in aquatic ecosystems: predictability of ecosystem responses
Authors: REYNOLDS COLIN S. , ALEX ELLIOTT J.
Published: November 2010

1. The paper explores the predictability of ecological conditions in aquatic systems and of their responses to catchment management schemes, in which the hydrological and material loads can be accurately and precisely quantified. Linkages between catchment hydrology and impacts on water quality are considered.

2. New approaches to modelling the complex biological behaviour of recipient systems are briefly reviewed. The case is made for simulating emergent outcomes based on the adaptive strategies and dynamic behaviours of species attempting to meet their material demands within the supportive capacities furnished by local environments. This ‘bottom‐up’ approach is justified by the fact that ecosystems are the sum of their smallest components; their behaviour is the aggregate of the activities of individuals.

3. A framework model template founded upon the emergent properties of high‐performing organisms is developed within the context of exergy fluxes and their deployment and against axes representing the resource‐carrying capacity versus the energy (photosynthetic and chemical) available to process it.

4. Some worked examples of simulated emergence in lakes are given, using the phytoplankton‐community model, PROTECH, to demonstrate the acuity of predictions of the responses to quite subtle variations in biologically active solutes and suspensoids to simulated communities of the pelagic.