bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving of the efficiency through benchmarking: a case of Ukrainian breweries
Authors: Goncharuk Anatoliy G.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of competitive and international performance benchmarking in order to estimate efficiency, determine key factors, find the internal and foreign benchmarks, and reveal the full reserves of inputs reduction and potential growth efficiency for brewing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) and other tools of performance benchmarking are used to analyse the efficiency of brewing companies. Some key factors are examined for their impact on efficiency: the scale, regional location, proprietors and other endogenous and exogenous factors. The results are based on the samples of 34 Ukrainian brewing companies and 20 foreign brewing companies.

Findings

Only one domestic company can be recognized as a world‐class efficient company. The proprietors, location and the scale factors exert sufficient influence on efficiency of the brewing companies. The international benchmarking allows to widen essentially the capability of reduced consumption of various inputs and provides considerable benefit to Ukrainian breweries and industry efficiency. Some variants for improving of the efficiency of Ukrainian breweries and industry, including cooperation, mergers or friendly acquisitions, are proposed.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by single industry that is explained by requirement of technology (product) homogeneity while using DEA tools.

Practical implications

The results of the study contain data and recommendations that can be practicable for brewing companies' management, present and potential investors and proprietors. The foreign and domestic benchmarks most suitable for benchmarking implementation are established for each of the Ukrainian brewing companies.

Originality/value

This is the first study that adopts the various DEA models for measuring of efficiency in the brewing industry with the tools of competitive and international benchmarking.
Benchmarking performance measures in traditional and just‐in‐time companies
Authors: Meybodi Mohammad Z.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show if there are differences between traditional and just‐in‐time ( JIT) companies in choosing benchmarking performance measures at various levels of organization.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire‐based mailed survey was used to examine five questions on the differences between traditional and JIT companies. The target population for the study was manufacturing firms in midwestern USA. The sample covers organizations in a variety of industries ranging from fabricated metal, communication, electronics, automotive, toots, chemicals, rubber, and paper products. In addition to general organization and managerial profile items, the survey contained series of questions regarding organizational goals and objectives, competitive priorities, manufacturing performance objectives, and manufacturing action plans. Out of 91 completed surveys received, 84 surveys were usable resulting in a response rate of 17 percent. Out of 84 usable surveys, 33 respondents declared their organizations to be JIT organizations.

Findings

The paper finds that JIT companies are more consistent in choosing benchmarking performance measures that are aligned with organizational strategy.

Research limitations/implications

This research is general and not industry specific. Future research needs to focus on specific industries.

Practical implications

Successful implementation of JIT principles requires a thorough understanding of organizational strategy and deployment of the strategy into consistent sub strategies and action plans.

Originality/value

The paper shows that the benefits of JIT principles go much beyond inventory reduction and frequent deliveries. These principles could be applied to other areas of business.
Benchmarking organizational commitment across nonprofit human services organizations in Pennsylvania
Authors: Rutowski Kara D. , Guiler Jeffery K. , Schimmel Kurt E.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine organizational commitment within nonprofit organizations and demonstrate the effectiveness of benchmarking attitudinal constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

A web based 21 question survey was conducted utilizing a professional organization's membership list. The survey was then analyzed to determine if differences could be found in a local market compared to the larger (geographic) sample. Manova was used to examine mean differences across the variables.

Findings

The results revealed six constructs where attitudinal differences occurred. The differences allow management to determine if they are even with, above or below the average for the larger region and adjust management practices accordingly to increase organizational commitment.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further with a larger national sample.

Practical implications

Benchmarking organizational commitment allows management to adjust practices to improve and retain employees. Retaining employees saves the cost of training and ensures continued delivery of services.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to demonstrate the utility of benchmarking against a sample of peer organizations in the realm of organizational behavior and human resources constructs. This also extends the literature in the area of nonprofit management.
Adapting Australian health facilities to cope with climate‐related extreme weather events
Authors: Carthey Jane , Chandra Venny , Loosemore Martin
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the current state of FM preparedness required to deal with the risks to healthcare delivery posed by climate change‐related extreme weather events.

Design/methodology/approach

Selected stakeholders were invited to participate in targeted focus groups that, using the ROMS methodology, explored the status of current knowledge and preparedness of the NSW health system to deal with the expected demands imposed by increasing incidences of extreme weather events. Findings are summarised and discussed in terms of the key stakeholder objectives identified. Further areas of required research are then discussed.

Findings

The key objectives of the stakeholders were readily agreed, however a lack of information regarding the quantifiable impacts forecast to be associated with climate change constrained the development of other than generic strategies for dealing with these impacts. Further areas of research included assessment of changing demand for health services, likely physical impacts on facilities and their adequacy in coping with these, implementation strategies for augmenting coping capacity and associated costs, plus the need for integrating disaster planning and management strategies to ensure the continuity of operation of health facilities during extreme weather events.

Originality/value

The paper outlines the status of current knowledge regarding the likely impact of climate change‐related extreme weather events on healthcare infrastructure. It explores key issues and determines where future work should be undertaken to ensure that rigorous FM responses are available to cope with a clear and identified threat to the health of the Australian, and similar communities.
Leading teams to effective decisions: the vital role of framing
Authors: Gray Wilson Daniel
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illuminate in practical terms research‐based approaches that enable organizational leaders to support effective decision‐making in teams.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review of emerging group decision‐making research was conducted and thematically summarized. The themes were discussed and revised with input from twenty global leaders and a dozen university researchers at a two‐day conference held at Harvard University's Learning Innovation Laboratory.

Findings

What leaders do early on has lasting impact on a team's ability to make effective decisions. Research shows that leaders have the most impact on group decisions at the beginning when they frame the team's goal (purpose), member roles and skills they bring to the group (people), and initial strategies (process). The earlier teams establish these frames the more likely they have put in place the conditions for effective decision‐making.

Practical Implications

The themes illustrate a model that leaders can use when making choices of when to use teams for decisions, how to design decision making teams, and how to launch them.

Originality/value

This article aims to present a unique synthesis of research‐based findings on group decision‐making and offers a simple model for action.
Effects of offshore outsourcing of information technology work on client project management
Authors: Lacity Mary C. , Rottman Joseph W.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

While strategic outsourcing decisions are crafted by senior executives, they are executed by middle managers and staff who may not share the vision or enthusiasm of their senior leadership team. The purpose of this paper is to provide a deep understanding of the effects of outsourcing on one of those stakeholder groups – the client project managers – responsible for the implementation of outsourcing strategies, and to identify practices to better empower and enable them.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews with 67 client project managers in 25 organizations responsible for integrating suppliers into project teams.

Findings

Client project managers report 27 effects of outsourcing on their roles, including six positive effects and 21 negative effects.

Practical implications

Senior executives who implemented the following practices had more success with their outsourcing decisions: provide enough resources to implement the sourcing strategy, be willing to change internal work practices, build social capital with key supplier executives and seek independent assessment of sourcing strategy effectiveness.

Originality/value

The paper presents an original framework to categorize the effects of outsourcing on client project managers. The framework addresses six areas of concern: organizational support, project planning, knowledge transfer, process standards, managing work and managing people. The paper identifies four practices senior executives use to align and empower their employees to deliver the expected business benefits from strategic outsourcing decisions.
Corruption as a determinant of transaction governance structure
Authors: Zhang Aimao
Published: February 2009

Purpose

As companies move their businesses offshore to developing countries, how to estimate market costs and select transaction governance structures (TGS) accordingly has become a challenge. Based on transaction cost theory, the purpose of this paper is to propose that corruption is an influential factor, which can potentially increase market transaction costs and favor selections of hierarchy oriented TGSs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from World Development Indicators database and the Corruption Perception Index 2006. In total, 154 countries are included in the study. A regression analysis is used to demonstrate the correlation between levels of corruption and selections of TGS.

Findings

The results indicate a strong correlation between corruption and TGS.

Practical implications

Low labor costs and other incentives should not be the only reasons for moving businesses into developing countries. Managers should take a closer look at levels of corruption and estimate transaction costs accordingly. If a company plans to enter into a highly corrupted environment, it should consider using a hierarchy oriented TGS.

Originality/value

This paper applies transaction cost theory to strategic management of outsourcing and highlights corruption as an unfavorable factor for outsourcing to developing countries.
Captive outsourcing – a way to move complex products to emerging markets
Authors: Hameri Ari‐Pekka , Tunkelo Teemu
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how companies should off‐shore complex product related tasks to low‐cost countries, without jeopardizing their competitive advantage and intellectual property, while building solid and sustainable business in the sourcing country.

Design/methodology/approach

The underlying case concerns a multinational, globally operating engineering company delivering complex system products used as part of industrial and social infrastructure, and its entry to off‐shoring and how it has evolved from a green field operation to sizeable value center over the past six years.

Findings

The case provides support to the fact that companies understanding that building permanent, knowledge‐based and proprietary presence with full product management responsibility in lower labor cost countries will be more responsive in serving customers, cost efficient in maintaining old infrastructure products and in delivering new ones in the future. Further, complex product business companies focusing on long term and knowledge based legacy building in emerging economies will develop, not only more robust global business platform for themselves, but they will also contribute to the sustainable development of the global economy.

Originality/value

The paper presents unique descriptive data on the overall outsourcing strategy of a global engineering company and how one of its off‐shoring units has evolved over time since its inception.
Developing the pre‐employment schema
Authors: Fonner Kathryn , Roloff Michael
Published: February 2009

Purpose

Economic insecurity has had a major impact on employees; however, much less is known about its relationship to the expectations of individuals as they prepare to enter the full‐time professional workplace. This study aims to focuss on relationships between negative workplace information and emotional support communicated by social networks and the development of undergraduates' pre‐employment schemas.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of university upperclassman was conducted, resulting in a sample of 153 participants. Correlations and linear regressions were used to test hypotheses.

Findings

Results indicated that the emotional support undergraduates receive from parents and employed friends is more strongly related to their workplace expectations than the specific information they receive regarding downsizing, the faltering economy, and job insecurity.

Research limitations/implications

Data were collected using self‐report surveys. Future research should examine “non‐traditional” undergraduates who may have greater work experience and exposure to the workplace. Further exploration of work‐related discussion content, and whether it differs across cultures, is also warranted.

Originality/value

This study offers insight into the relationship between interpersonal discussions about the workplace ‐ and specifically emotional support during those discussions – to undergraduates' pre‐employment schemas. Study results contribute uniquely to the socialization literature by confirming the crucial role of friends as sources of information and emotional support during later stages of the anticipatory socialization process.
Considering individual linear/nonlinear thinking style and innovative corporate culture
Authors: Vance Charles , Zell Deone , Groves Kevin
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the importance of a balanced or versatile linear and nonlinear pattern of thinking style in contributing to effective innovative capability of individuals and their organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationship between these individual thinking style dimensions and the development of an innovative corporate culture that encourages linear/nonlinear thinking style balance and versatility, and how their mutual interaction may contribute to successful innovation management within organizations are considered.

Findings

The paper discusses how organizational leaders and other employees through collective development to a balanced linear/nonlinear thinking style can develop a corporate culture that in turn is supportive of organizational innovation.

Research limitations/implications

Implications for future research on organizational innovation are discussed involving composition of organizational executives and work group members relative to linear/nonlinear thinking style.

Practical implications

Individual linear/nonlinear thinking style balanced skill development and the formation of a supportive and reinforcing organizational culture have important implications for developing organizational intrapreneurship and innovation in medium‐sized and larger organizations leading to increased productivity.

Originality/value

This paper explores how the collective development of individual linear/nonlinear thinking style balance can contribute to a more supportive corporate culture for organizational innovation.
Responses to perceived voice in decision‐making among congregational members
Authors: Olison Willona , Roloff Michael
Published: February 2009

Purpose

Churches require an active congregation to provide services to their members and community. This study aims to examine the conditions under which perceived voice in decision‐making is related to church satisfaction and when satisfaction is related to withdrawal.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 193 congregational members from an urban African‐American ministry were surveyed about their responses to a recent decision.

Findings

Although members without perceived voice within the church were less satisfied when the amount of their financial contributions was high, the same association was not present when it came to the amount of hours spent volunteering within the church. Church members with low satisfaction levels scaled back their involvement in the church and considered terminating their membership. Among those who were dissatisfied, newer church members considered exiting from the church to a greater extent than did long‐term members.

Research limitations/implications

Because only one congregation was used, the findings might not generalize to congregations drawn from other denominations or who have a different demographic profile. Also, using self‐reports about a single critical incident may limit the generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

In order to enhance congregational involvement, church leadership should create opportunities for member voice and especially for those who make large financial donations.

Originality/value

This is the first study investigating how congregational members react to perceived voice in church decision‐making. It also demonstrates how perceived voice is related to financial contributions to churches.
Prevalence and correlates of purchasing contraband cigarettes on First Nations reserves in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Luk Rita , Cohen Joanna E. , Ferrence Roberta , McDonald Paul W. , Schwartz Robert , Bondy Susan J.
Published: February 2009

Aims  Non‐First Nations people purchasing cigarettes on First Nations reserves do not pay applicable taxes. We estimated prevalence and identified correlates of purchasing contraband cigarettes on reserves; we also quantified the share of contraband purchased on reserves relative to reported total cigarette consumption and the associated financial impact on taxation revenue.

Design  Data from the Ontario Tobacco Survey, a regionally stratified representative population telephone survey that over‐samples smokers.

Setting  Ontario, Canada.

Participants  A total of 1382 adult current smokers.

Measurements  Reported status of purchasing cigarettes on reserves and the quantity of cigarettes bought on reserves. The prevalence of purchasing cigarettes on reserves was assessed with descriptive statistics. A two‐part model was used to analyse correlates of having recently purchased contraband.

Findings  A total of 25.8% reported recent purchasing and 11.5% reported usual purchasing. Heavy smoking, having no plans to quit and lower education were correlated with recent purchasing. Heavy smoking and not having plans to quit were also correlated with buying more packs of cigarettes on reserves. Contraband purchases on reserves accounted for 14.0% of the reported total cigarette consumption and resulted in an estimated tax loss of $122.2 million.

Conclusions  There was substantial purchasing of contraband cigarettes on reserves in Ontario, resulting in significant losses in tax revenues. The availability of these cheap cigarettes undermines the effectiveness of tobacco taxation to reduce smoking. Wherever indicated, governments should strengthen their contraband prevention and control measures, as recommended by the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, to ensure that tobacco taxation achieves its intended health benefits and that tax revenues are protected.
Pathways to cannabis abuse: a multi‐stage model from cannabis availability, cannabis initiation and progression to abuse
Authors: Gillespie Nathan A. , Neale Michael C. , Kendler Kenneth S.
Published: February 2009

Aims  Although previous twin studies have modeled the association between drug initiation and abuse, none has included the obvious risk factor of drug availability. Our aim is to determine whether the genetic and environmental risk factors for cannabis availability also generate variation in cannabis initiation and/or progression to DSM‐IV symptoms of abuse.

Design  We used multi‐stage modeling, also known as causal‐common‐contingent (CCC) analysis, to partition the genetic and environmental factors into common and stage‐specific components.

Participants  This report is based on data collected from 1772 adult males from the Mid Atlantic Twin Registry.

Measurements  The twins participated in two structured interviews which included clinical and non‐clinical measures of cannabis abuse as well as retrospective assessments of perceived cannabis availability between ages 8 and 25 years.

Findings  Cannabis availability explained almost all the shared environmental risks in cannabis initiation and abuse. The influence of availability on the symptoms of abuse was indirect and mediated entirely by cannabis initiation.

Conclusion  These findings have begun to elucidate the causal processes underlying the liability to drug use and abuse in terms of putative risk factors. Specifically, our results show that the latent shared environmental factors in cannabis initiation and abuse can be explained by measured aspects of the shared environment—those responsible for variation in cannabis availability.
A systematic review of work‐place interventions for alcohol‐related problems
Authors: Webb Gloria , Shakeshaft Anthony , Sanson‐Fisher Rob , Havard Alys
Published: February 2009

Aims  The aims of this study were to (1) gauge any improvement in methodological quality of work‐place interventions addressing alcohol problems; and (2) to determine which interventions most effectively reduce work‐place‐related alcohol problems.

Methods  A literature search was undertaken of the data bases, Ovid Medline, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, HSELINE, OSHLINE and NIOSHTIC‐2 for papers published between January 1995 and September 2007 (inclusive). Search terms varied, depending on the database. Papers were included for analysis if they reported on interventions conducted at work‐places with the aim of reducing alcohol problems. Methodological adequacy of the studies was assessed using a method derived from the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines.

Results  Ten papers reporting on work‐place alcohol interventions were located. Only four studies employed randomized controlled trials (RCT), but all these had methodological problems. Weaknesses in all studies related to representativeness of samples, consent and participation rates, blinding, post‐test time‐frames, contamination and reliability, and validity of measures used. All except one study reported statistically significant differences in measures such as reduced alcohol consumption, binge drinking and alcohol problems.

Conclusions  The literature review revealed few methodologically adequate studies of work‐place alcohol interventions. Study designs, types of interventions, measures employed and types of work‐places varied considerably, making comparison of results difficult. However, it appears from the evidence that brief interventions, interventions contained within health and life‐style checks, psychosocial skills training and peer referral have potential to produce beneficial results.
The global diversion of pharmaceutical drugs
Authors: Paoli Letizia , Greenfield Victoria A. , Charles Molly , Reuter Peter
Published: February 2009

Aims  This paper explores India's role in the world illicit opiate market, particularly its role as a producer. India, a major illicit opiate consumer, is also the sole licensed exporter of raw opium: this unique status may be enabling substantial diversion to the illicit market.

Methods  Participant observation and interviews were carried out at eight different sites. Information was also drawn from all standard secondary sources and the analysis of about 180 drug‐related criminal proceedings reviewed by Indian High Courts and the Supreme Court from 1985 to 2001.

Findings  Diversion from licit opium production takes place on such a large scale that India may be the third largest illicit opium producer after Afghanistan and Burma. With the possible exceptions of 2005 and 2006, 200–300 tons of India's opium may be diverted yearly. After estimating India's opiate consumption on the basis of UN‐reported prevalence estimates, we find that diversion from licit production might have satisfied a quarter to more than a third of India's illicit opiate demand to 2004.

Conclusions  India is not only among the world's largest consumer of illicit opiates but also one of the largest illicit opium producers. In contrast to all other illicit producers, India owes the latter distinction not to blatantly illicit cultivation but to diversion from licit cultivation. India's experience suggests the difficulty of preventing substantial leakage, even in a relatively well‐governed nation.
Ecohydrology of a seasonal wetland in the Rift Valley: ecological characterization of Lake Solai
Authors: De Bock Tanguy , Kervyn de Meerendré Baptiste , Hess Tim , Gouder de Beauregard Anne‐Christine
Published: February 2009

The following research describes through an ecohydrological approach, the first assessment of the ecology of Lake Solai, with a particular emphasis on the vegetation. Lake Solai is located 50 km north of Nakuru in the Rift Valley in Kenya at E36°80′–36°84′ to N00°05′–00°08′. It is a shallow lake that follows a very peculiar seasonal water regime, and that faces conflicts between agriculture and conservation water users. In the upper catchment, an overview of the agricultural practices was implemented and river water uses were identified to assess river flows. Crops/grassland and woodland/shrubland were the major land uses, covering c. 65% of the catchment. Closer to the lake, vegetation samples were collected around the lake together with samples of environmental factors such as soil and water quality. Thirteen vegetation communities were identified within four main zonations: forest, grassland, river inlet and rocky outcrop. These communities showed abundance, distribution and diversity determined mostly by the human pressures, the flooding periods and the salinity. Cynodon, Cyperus and Sporobolus genera were the most abundant.
Interleukin 10 (IL‐10) gene variants and susceptibility for paediatric onset Crohn’s disease
Authors: AMRE D. K. , MACK D. R. , MORGAN K. , ISRAEL D. , LAMBRETTE P. , COSTEA I. , KRUPOVES A. , FEGURY H. , DONG J. , GRIMARD G. , DESLANDRES C. , LEVY E. , SEIDMAN E. G.
Published: February 2009

Background  A recent genome‐wide association study in adult patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) has implicated the interleukin 10 (IL‐10) gene as an important candidate gene. Moreover, a UC‐associated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs3024405 was also significantly associated with adult Crohn’s disease (CD).

Aims  To examine whether IL‐10‐CD associations extended to paediatric‐onset CD.

Methods  We implemented the case‐control design at three paediatric gastroenterology clinics in Canada. CD patients (≤20 years) were recruited along with healthy controls. DNA samples were genotyped for tag‐single nucleotide polymorphisms (tag‐SNPs) in the IL‐10 gene. Allelic, genotype and haplotype associations with CD were studied.

Results  A total of 270 patients and 336 controls were studied. The mean age (±s.d.) at diagnosis was 12.1 (±3.5). There were a slightly higher proportion of male patients (56.3%). Of the five IL‐10 tag‐SNPs, rs2222202 (C/T) (P = 0.03) and rs1800871 (C/T) (P = 0.05) showed significant allelic associations with CD. Specific IL‐10 SNPs were associated with CD disease location and/or disease behaviour.

Conclusions  Our gene‐wide analysis replicates recent findings of associations between IL‐10 and adult CD, and suggests that these associations extend to paediatric‐onset CD as well.
Review article: anti TNF‐α induced psoriasis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: FIORINO G. , ALLEZ M. , MALESCI A. , DANESE S.
Published: February 2009

Background  Anti TNF‐α agents are used successfully for several autoimmune diseases, including IBD and psoriasis. An emerging challenge is the increasing incidence of anti TNF‐α induced psoriasis. A total of 120 cases have been currently reported, of whom 18 patients were treated with biological agents for IBD.

Objectives  To analyse all cases of anti TNF‐α induced psoriasis in patients with IBD in the literature and to investigate potential mechanisms of action.

Methods  A literature review was performed in the PubMed, Medline, Cochrane and EMBASE databases, with simple analysis of demographic data, drug administration and psoriasis onset. Risk and incidence patient/year/duration (pyd) was calculated.

Results  A total of 18 patients with IBD treated by anti TNF‐α agents developed drug‐induced psoriasis of which, 17 patients developed with infliximab, one with adalimumab. The most frequent time of onset is between 3rd and 4th infusion of infliximab. Withdrawal of infliximab led to regression of lesions in 16 patients. In six patients, infliximab was reintroduced with no further recurrence of psoriasis.

Conclusions  Although anti TNF‐α induced psoriasis is extremely rare, understanding the mechanism will be a key step towards better realizing the role played by TNF‐α and its pharmacological inhibitors in immune‐mediated diseases.
Liver test patterns in patients with acute calculous cholecystitis and/or choledocholithiasis
Authors: PADDA M. S. , SINGH S. , TANG S. J. , ROCKEY D. C.
Published: February 2009

Background  Liver tests are utilized to determine the presence of biliary obstruction.

Aim  To examine our hypothesis that liver tests aid in elucidating whether patients have simple calculous cholecystitis (ACC) or choledocholithiasis (CDL).

Methods  We performed a retrospective study of patients admitted to two University of Texas Southwestern teaching hospitals with a clinical picture consistent with ‘acute gallstone disease’, i.e. cholecystitis ± choledocolithiasis. The presence of ACC and CDL was based on defined clinical criteria.

Results  The cohort consisted of 154 patients meeting specific entry criteria, primarily with right upper quadrant pain; 62 ACC, 79 both ACC and CDL and 13 CDL alone. Approximately 30% of patients with ACC had abnormal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and/or bilirubin level and approximately 50% had abnormal aminotransferase levels. Among patients with ACC/CDL, 77% had abnormal ALP, 60% had abnormal bilirubin and 90% had abnormal aminotransferase levels. By multivariate analysis, increasing common bile duct size and an abnormal ALP and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were excellent predictors of having ACC with CDL.

Conclusions  Liver test patterns can aid in elucidating CDL, including in ACC patients. Fundamentally, patients with CDL were more likely to have more abnormal liver tests, whether they had CDL only, or CDL and ACC. A dilated CBD, and abnormal ALP and ALT had modest sensitivity and high specificity for identification of patients with ACC and CDL.
Dependence of carbon sequestration on the differential responses of ecosystem photosynthesis and respiration to rain pulses in a semiarid steppe
Authors: CHEN SHIPING , LIN GUANGHUI , HUANG JIANHUI , JENERETTE G. DARREL
Published: February 2009

Precipitation pulses play an important role in regulating ecosystem carbon exchange and balance of semiarid steppe ecosystems. It has been predicted that the frequency of extreme rain events will increase in the future, especially in the arid and semiarid regions. We hypothesize that large rain pulses favor carbon sequestration, while small ones cause more carbon release in the semiarid steppes. To understand the potential response in carbon sequestration capacity of semiarid steppes to the changes in rain pulse size, we conducted a manipulative experiment with five simulated rain pulse sizes (0, 5, 10, 25, and 75 mm) in Inner Mongolia steppe. Our results showed that both gross ecosystem productivity (GEP) and ecosystem respiration (Re) responded rapidly (within 24 h) to rain pulses and the initial response time was independent of pulse size. However, the time of peak GEP was 1–3 days later than that of Re, which depended on pulse size. Larger pulses caused greater magnitude and longer duration of variations in GEP and Re. Differences in the response time of microbes and plants to wetting events constrained the response pattern of heterotrophic (Rh) and autotrophic (Ra) components of Re following a rain event. Rh contributed more to the increase of Re in the early stage of rain pulse response, while Ra played an more important role later, and determined the duration of pulse response, especially for large rain events of >10 mm. The distinct responses of ecosystem photosynthesis and respiration to increasing pulse sizes led to a threshold in rain pulse size between 10 and 25 mm, above which post wetting responses favored carbon sequestration. The disproportionate increase of the primary productivity of higher plants, compared with those in the activities of microbial decomposers to larger pulse events suggests that the carbon sequestration capacity of Inner Mongolia steppes will be sensitive to changes in precipitation size distribution rather than just precipitation amount.
Ecosystem responses to increased precipitation and permafrost decay in subarctic Sweden inferred from peat and lake sediments
Authors: KOKFELT U. , ROSÉN P. , SCHONING K. , CHRISTENSEN T. R. , FÖRSTER J. , KARLSSON J. , REUSS N. , RUNDGREN M. , CALLAGHAN T. V. , JONASSON C. , HAMMARLUND D.
Published: February 2009

Recent accelerated decay of discontinuous permafrost at the Stordalen Mire in northern Sweden has been attributed to increased temperature and snow depth, and has caused expansion of wet minerotrophic areas leading to significant changes in carbon cycling in the mire. In order to track these changes through time and evaluate potential forcing mechanisms, this paper analyses a peat succession and a lake sediment sequence from within the mire, providing a record for the last 100 years, and compares these with monitored climate and active layer thickness data. The peat core was analysed for testate amoebae to reconstruct changes in peatland surface moisture conditions and water table fluctuations. The lake sediment core was analysed by near infrared spectroscopy to infer changes in the total organic carbon (TOC) concentration of the lake‐water, and changes inδ13C and C, N andδ15N to track changes in the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) pool and the influence of diagenetic effects on sediment organic matter, respectively. Results showed that major shifts towards increased peat surface moisture and TOC concentration of the lake‐water occurred around 1980, one to two decades earlier than a temperature driven increase in active layer thickness. Comparison with monitored temperature and precipitation from a nearby climate station indicates that this change in peat surface moisture is related to June–September (JJAS) precipitation and that the increase in lake‐water TOC concentration reflects an increase in total annual precipitation. A significant depletion in13C of sediment organic matter in the early 1980s probably reflects the effect of a single or a few consecutive years with anomalously high summer precipitation, resulting in elevated DIC content of the lake water, predominantly originating from increased export and subsequent respiration of organic carbon from the mire. Based on these results, it was not possible to link proxy data obtained on peat and lake‐sediment records directly to permafrost decay. Instead our data indicate that increased precipitation and anomalously high rainfall during summers had a significant impact on the mire and the adjacent lake ecosystem. We therefore propose that effects of increased precipitation should be considered when evaluating potential forcing mechanisms of recent changes in carbon cycling in the subarctic.
Climate change and bet‐hedging: interactions between increased soil temperatures and seed bank persistence
Authors: OOI MARK K. J. , AULD TONY D. , DENHAM ANDREW J.
Published: February 2009

In order to predict the long‐term consequences of climate change, it is necessary to link future environmental changes to mechanisms that control plant population processes. This information can then be incorporated into strategies to more accurately model climate change impacts on species or to estimate future extinction risks. We examined the impact of increased temperatures on the longevity and dynamics of the persistent soil seed banks of eight ephemeral species from arid Australia. We found that the predicted global temperature increases under climate change will be reflected in increased soil temperatures, and that seeds in the soil seed bank will be exposed to long durations of high temperatures over the summer months. Three of the eight species studied had significantly greater levels of germination after exposure to predicted increased soil temperatures. Another species displayed a dramatic decrease in seed viability after such exposure. The capacity of such species to use the seed bank to bet hedge against rainfall events that cause germination but are insufficient to allow plant maturation, is compromised by increased germinability and subsequent loss or reduction of seed bank persistence. These predicted changes in the dynamics of soil seed banks increase the risk of local extinctions of these species, while the composition of the community may be altered by changes in species abundance. Our results show that the risk spreading mechanism provided by persistent seed banks could be compromised by the mechanistic impact of forecast temperature increases in arid habitats, and highlight the need to understand mechanisms that control population dynamics when attempting to address likely future impacts of climate change on biodiversity.
Climate‐related, decadal‐scale assemblage changes of seagrass‐associated fishes in the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: FODRIE F. JOEL , HECK KENNETH L. , POWERS SEAN P. , GRAHAM WILLIAM M. , ROBINSON KELLY L.
Published: February 2009

Global temperatures are rising, and are expected to produce a poleward shift in the distribution of many organisms. We quantified changes in fish assemblages within seagrass meadows of the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) between the 1970s and 2006–2007, and observed changes consistent with this forecast. During 2006–2007 we sampled seagrass meadows using the same gears and methods previously employed by R. J. Livingston in coastal waters of northwest Florida throughout the 1970s. Comparisons between datasets revealed numerous additions to the fish fauna during 2006–2007 that were completely absent in the 1970s, including: Lutjanus synagris (lane snapper), Epinephelus morio (red grouper), Chaetodon ocellatus (spotfin butterflyfish), Mycteroperca sp (grouper, non gag), Centropristis philadelphica (rock sea bass), Fistularia tabacaria (bluespotted cornetfish), Ocyurus chrysurus (yellowtail snapper), Thalassoma bifasciatum (bluehead wrasse), Abudefduf saxatilis (sergeant major), Acanthuridae spp. (surgeonfishes) and Sparisoma viride (stoplight parrotfish). Several other species showed large increases in abundance during the interval between 1979 and 2006, including Mycteroperca microlepis (gag grouper, up ∼200 ×), Lutjanus griseus (gray snapper, up ∼105 ×), and Nicholsina usta (emerald parrotfish, up ∼22 ×). All of these are tropical or subtropical species that now make up a greater percentage of seagrass‐associated fish assemblages in the northern GOM than in the past. Additionally, we observed regional increases in air and sea surface temperatures (> 3 °C) during the ∼30 years that separate Livingston's samples and ours that correlate with northern shifts in the distribution of warm‐water fishes. Documenting these range shifts is a critical first step in investigating the consequences of global warming for endemic marine communities and fishery production in the northern GOM.
The historical and situated nature design experiments – Implications for data analysis
Authors: Krange I. , Ludvigsen Sten
Published: February 2009

This article is a methodological contribution to the use of design experiments in educational research. We will discuss the implications of a historical and situated interpretation to design experiments, the consequences this has for the analysis of the collected data and empirically based suggestions to improve the designs of the computer‐based learning resources. This interpretation differs from that of the majority of other researchers who consider design experiments as fixed interventions. Our interpretation allows for an understanding of students' learning trajectories as part of the school's overall activities, which in turn has implications for suggestions regarding the improvement of computer‐based learning resources. We develop argument in three different ways. First, we discuss our interpretation of design experiments and compare it with the dominant debate about design experiments as a methodological approach. Second, we discuss the implications this position has for interaction analysis methods. Finally, we empirically demonstrate this methodological implication by illustrating how vital it might be to consider data collected as part of design experiments as an element of a larger, established institutional setting characterized by inherent socio‐cultural features. A conclusion that may be drawn from our situated interpretation of this design experiment is that, to improve students' knowledge constructions, it is not enough – nor is it in principle possible – to perfect the design of the technology. We also need to improve institutional aspects on how schools support students' knowledge constructions when using these technological tools, where the teacher's role in this work is invaluable. A historical and situated interpretation of design experiments provides insight into how these improvements may be made.
Gonadotrophin‐Inhibitory Hormone: A Multifunctional Neuropeptide
Authors: Bentley G. E. , Ubuka T. , McGuire N. L. , Calisi R. , Perfito N. , Kriegsfeld L. J. , Wingfield J. C. , Tsutsui K.
Published: February 2009

Gonadotrophin‐inhibitory hormone (GnIH) was discovered 8 years ago in birds. Its identification raised the possibility that gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) is not the sole hypothalamic neuropeptide that directly influences pituitary gonadotrophin release. Initial studies on GnIH focused on the avian anterior pituitary as comprising the only physiological target of GnIH. There are now several lines of evidence indicating that GnIH directly inhibits pituitary gonadotrophin synthesis and release in birds and mammals. Histological studies on projections from hypothalamic GnIH neurones subsequently implied direct actions of GnIH within the brain and in the periphery. In addition to actions on the pars distalis via the median eminence, GnIH axons and terminals are present in multiple brain areas in birds, and the GnIH receptor is expressed on GnRH‐I and ‐II neurones. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the presence of GnIH and its receptor in avian and mammalian gonads. Thus, GnIH can act directly at multiple levels: within the brain, on the pituitary and in the gonads. In sum, our data indicate that GnIH and its related peptides are important modulators of reproductive function at the level of the GnRH neurone, the gonadotroph and the gonads. Here, we provide an overview of the known levels of GnIH action in birds and mammals. In addition, environmental and physiological factors that are involved in GnIH regulation are reviewed.
A Biological Role for the Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Metabolite, GnRH‐(1‐5)
Authors: John Wu T. , Pagano E. , Mani S. K.
Published: February 2009

Gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) was first isolated in the mammal and shown to be the primary regulator of the reproductive system through its initiation of pituitary gonadotrophin release. Subsequent to its discovery, this form of GnRH has been shown to be one of many structural variants found in the brain and peripheral tissues. Accordingly, the original form first discovered and cloned in the mammal is commonly referred to as GnRH‐I. In addition to the complex regulation of GnRH‐I synthesis, release and function, further evidence suggests that the processing of GnRH‐I produces yet another layer of complexity in its activity. GnRH‐I is processed by a zinc metalloendopeptidase EC 3.4.24.15 (EP24.15), which cleaves the hormone at the covalent bond between the fifth and sixth residue of the decapeptide (Tyr5‐Gly6) to form GnRH‐(1‐5). It was previously thought that the cleavage of GnRH‐I by EP24.15 represents the initiation of its degradation. Here, we review the evidence for the involvement of GnRH‐(1‐5), the metabolite of GnRH‐I, in the regulation of GnRH‐I synthesis, secretion and facilitation of reproductive behaviour.
Psychosocial profiles of painful TMD patients
Authors: MANFREDINI D. , MARINI M. , PAVAN C. , PAVAN L. , GUARDA‐NARDINI L.
Published: February 2009

Summary  The aim of the present investigation is to test the null hypothesis that the presence of psychopathology in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is related to the presence of pain, independent of its location [(i.e. myofascial and/or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain]. Ninety‐six (n = 96) patients affected by painful TMD underwent a clinical assessment in accordance with the research diagnostic criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) guidelines and filled out the Symptoms Check List – Revised (SCL‐90‐R) instrument to investigate the presence of symptoms of psychopathology. Patients with myofascial pain, alone or combined with TMJ pain, endorsed the highest scores in all SCL‐90‐R scales and showed the highest percentage of abnormal values in the depression (DEP) and somatization (SOM) scales for the assessment of depressive and somatization symptoms. Nonetheless, anova revealed no significant differences between groups in any of the SCL‐90‐R scales, except than in the Positive Symptom Total Index (F = 3·463; P = 0·035), and the chi‐squared test did not detect any significant differences between groups for the prevalence of abnormal scores in the DEP and SOM scales. The existence of a close association between pain and psychosocial disorders in TMD patients was supported by the present study. The null hypothesis is that no differences exist between patients with different painful TMD cannot be fully accepted for the presence of psychosocial disorders because of the trend evidencing higher SCL‐90‐R scores for myofascial pain patients, alone or combined with TMJ pain, with respect to TMJ pain alone.