bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disruptive ecological selection on a mating cue
Authors: Merrill Richard M. , Wallbank Richard W. R. , Bull Vanessa , Salazar Patricio C. A. , Mallet James , Stevens Martin , Jiggins Chris D.
Published: October 2012

Adaptation to divergent ecological niches can result in speciation. Traits subject to disruptive selection that also contribute to non-random mating will facilitate speciation with gene flow. Such ‘magic’ or ‘multiple-effect’ traits may be widespread and important for generating biodiversity, but strong empirical evidence is still lacking. Although there is evidence that putative ecological traits are indeed involved in assortative mating, evidence that these same traits are under divergent selection is considerably weaker.Heliconiusbutterfly wing patterns are subject to positive frequency-dependent selection by predators, owing to aposematism and Müllerian mimicry, and divergent colour patterns are used by closely related species to recognize potential mates. The amenability of colour patterns to experimental manipulation, independent of other traits, presents an excellent opportunity to test their role during speciation. We conducted field experiments with artificial butterflies, designed to match natural butterflies with respect to avian vision. These were complemented with enclosure trials with live birds and real butterflies. Our experiments showed that hybrid colour-pattern phenotypes are attacked more frequently than parental forms. For the first time, we demonstrate disruptive ecological selection on a trait that also acts as a mating cue.
The probability of genetic parallelism and convergence in natural populations
Authors: Conte Gina L. , Arnegard Matthew E. , Peichel Catherine L. , Schluter Dolph
Published: October 2012

Genomic and genetic methods allow investigation of how frequently the same genes are used by different populations during adaptive evolution, yielding insights into the predictability of evolution at the genetic level. We estimated the probability of gene reuse in parallel and convergent phenotypic evolution in nature using data from published studies. The estimates are surprisingly high, with mean probabilities of 0.32 for genetic mapping studies and 0.55 for candidate gene studies. The probability declines with increasing age of the common ancestor of compared taxa, from about 0.8 for young nodes to 0.1–0.4 for the oldest nodes in our study. Probability of gene reuse is higher when populations begin from the same ancestor (genetic parallelism) than when they begin from divergent ancestors (genetic convergence). Our estimates are broadly consistent with genomic estimates of gene reuse during repeated adaptation to similar environments, but most genomic studies lack data on phenotypic traits affected. Frequent reuse of the same genes during repeated phenotypic evolution suggests that strong biases and constraints affect adaptive evolution, resulting in changes at a relatively small subset of available genes. Declines in the probability of gene reuse with increasing age suggest that these biases diverge with time.
Comparative motif discovery combined with comparative transcriptomics yields accurate targetome and enhancer predictions
Authors: Naval-Sánchez Marina , Potier Delphine , Haagen Lotte , Sánchez Máximo , Munck Sebastian , Van de Sande Bram , Casares Fernando , Christiaens Valerie , Aerts Stein
Published: October 2012

The identification of transcription factor binding sites, enhancers, and transcriptional target genes often relies on the integration of gene expression profiling and computational cis-regulatory sequence analysis. Methods for the prediction of cis-regulatory elements can take advantage of comparative genomics to increase signal-to-noise levels. However, gene expression data are usually derived from only one species. Here we investigate tissue-specific cross-species gene expression profiling by high-throughput sequencing, combined with cross-species motif discovery. First, we compared different methods for expression level quantification and cross-species integration using Tag-seq data. Using the optimal pipeline, we derived a set of genes with conserved expression during retinal determination across Drosophila melanogaster, Drosophila yakuba, and Drosophila virilis. These genes are enriched for binding sites of eye-related transcription factors including the zinc-finger Glass, a master regulator of photoreceptor differentiation. Validation of predicted Glass targets using RNA-seq in homozygous glass mutants confirms that the majority of our predictions are expressed downstream from Glass. Finally, we tested nine candidate enhancers by in vivo reporter assays and found eight of them to drive GFP in the eye disc, of which seven colocalize with the Glass protein, namely, scrt, chp, dpr10, CG6329, retn, Lim3, and dmrt99B. In conclusion, we show for the first time the combined use of cross-species expression profiling with cross-species motif discovery as a method to define a core developmental program, and we augment the candidate Glass targetome from a single known target gene, lozenge, to at least 62 conserved transcriptional targets.
Differentially expressed, variant U1 snRNAs regulate gene expression in human cells
Authors: O'Reilly Dawn , Dienstbier Martin , Cowley Sally A. , Vazquez Pilar , Drożdż Marek , Taylor Stephen , James William S. , Murphy Shona
Published: October 2012

Human U1 small nuclear (sn)RNA, required for splicing of pre-mRNA, is encoded by genes on chromosome 1 (1p36). Imperfect copies of these U1 snRNA genes, also located on chromosome 1 (1q12-21), were thought to be pseudogenes. However, many of these “variant” (v)U1 snRNA genes produce fully processed transcripts. Using antisense oligonucleotides to block the activity of a specific vU1 snRNA in HeLa cells, we have identified global transcriptome changes following interrogation of the Affymetrix Human Exon ST 1.0 array. Our results indicate that this vU1 snRNA regulates expression of a subset of target genes at the level of pre-mRNA processing. This is the first indication that variant U1 snRNAs have a biological function in vivo. Furthermore, some vU1 snRNAs are packaged into unique ribonucleoproteins (RNPs), and many vU1 snRNA genes are differentially expressed in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and HeLa cells, suggesting developmental control of RNA processing through expression of different sets of vU1 snRNPs.
Procedural learning and associative memory mechanisms contribute to contextual cueing: Evidence from fMRI and eye-tracking
Authors: Manelis Anna , Reder Lynne M.
Published: October 2012

Using a combination of eye tracking and fMRI in a contextual cueing task, we explored the mechanisms underlying the facilitation of visual search for repeated spatial configurations. When configurations of distractors were repeated, greater activation in the right hippocampus corresponded to greater reductions in the number of saccades to locate the target. A psychophysiological interactions analysis for repeated configurations revealed that a strong functional connectivity between this area in the right hippocampus and the left superior parietal lobule early in learning was significantly reduced toward the end of the task. Practice related changes (which we call “procedural learning”) in activation in temporo-occipital and parietal brain regions depended on whether or not spatial context was repeated. We conclude that context repetition facilitates visual search through chunk formation that reduces the number of effective distractors that have to be processed during the search. Context repetition influences procedural learning in a way that allows for continuous and effective chunk updating.
Medial prefrontal lesions in mice impair sustained attention but spare maintenance of information in working memory
Authors: Kahn Julia B. , Ward Ryan D. , Kahn Lora W. , Rudy Nicole M. , Kandel Eric R. , Balsam Peter D. , Simpson Eleanor H.
Published: October 2012

Working memory and attention are complex cognitive functions that are disrupted in several neuropsychiatric disorders. Mouse models of such human diseases are commonly subjected to maze-based tests that can neither distinguish between these cognitive functions nor isolate specific aspects of either function. Here, we have adapted a simple visual discrimination task, and by varying only the timing of events within the same task construct, we are able to measure independently the behavioral response to increasing attentional demand and increasing length of time that information must be maintained in working memory. We determined that mPFC lesions in mice impair attention but not working memory maintenance.
Localization of molecular correlates of memory consolidation to buccal ganglia mechanoafferent neurons after learning that food is inedible in Aplysia
Authors: Levitan David , Saada-Madar Ravit , Teplinsky Anastasiya , Susswein Abraham J.
Published: October 2012

Training paradigms affecting Aplysia withdrawal reflexes cause changes in gene expression leading to long-term memory formation in primary mechanoafferents that initiate withdrawal. Similar mechanoafferents are also found in the buccal ganglia that control feeding behavior, raising the possibility that these mechanoafferents are a locus of memory formation after a training paradigm affecting feeding. Buccal ganglia mechanoafferent neurons expressed increases in mRNA expression for the transcription factor ApC/EBP, and for the growth factor sensorin-A, within the first 2 h after training with an inedible food. No increases in expression were detected in the rest of the buccal ganglia. Increased ApC/EBP expression was not elicited by food and feeding responses not causing long-term memory. Increased ApC/EBP expression was directly related to a measure of the efficacy of training in causing long-term memory, suggesting that ApC/EBP expression is necessary for the expression of aspects of long-term memory. In behaving animals, memory is expressed as a decrease in the likelihood to respond to food, and a decrease in the amplitude of protraction, the first phase of consummatory feeding behaviors. To determine how changes in the properties of mechanoafferents could cause learned changes in feeding behavior, synaptic contacts were mapped from the mechanoafferents to the B31/B32 neurons, which have a key role in initiating consummatory behaviors and also control protractions. Many mechanoafferents monosynaptically and polysynaptically connect with B31/B32. Monosynaptic connections were complex combinations of fast and slow excitation and/or inhibition. Changes in the response of B31/B32 to stimuli sensed by the mechanoafferent could underlie aspects of long-term memory expression.
Onset and offset of aversive events establish distinct memories requiring fear and reward networks
Authors: Andreatta Marta , Fendt Markus , Mühlberger Andreas , Wieser Matthias J. , Imobersteg Stefan , Yarali Ayse , Gerber Bertram , Pauli Paul
Published: October 2012

Two things are worth remembering about an aversive event: What made it happen? What made it cease? If a stimulus precedes an aversive event, it becomes a signal for threat and will later elicit behavior indicating conditioned fear. However, if the stimulus is presented upon cessation of the aversive event, it elicits behavior indicating conditioned “relief.” What are the neuronal bases for such learning? Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in humans we found that a fear-conditioned stimulus activates amygdala but not striatum, whereas a relief-conditioned stimulus activates striatum but not amygdala. Correspondingly, acute inactivation of amygdala or of ventral striatum in rats respectively abolished only conditioned fear or only conditioned relief. Thus, the behaviorally opponent memories supported by onset and offset of aversive events engage and require fear and reward networks, respectively. This may explain attraction to stimuli associated with the cessation of trauma or of panic attacks.
Organizational technology as a mediating variable in centralization‐formalization fit
Authors: Gonzalez‐Cruz Tomas F. , Huguet‐Roig Ana , Cruz‐Ros Sonia
Published: October 2012

Purpose

With a view to contributing to a better understanding of the interactions between design dimensions, the authors aim to present a formal model that analyzes the internal fit relationship between centralization and formalization, taking into account organizational technology and the “systems approach”.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the study by Zeffane, the authors develop an alternative, formal model that introduces organizational technology and assumes that greater structural control does not necessarily lead to better organizational integration. The model equally considers the possibilities of underfit and overfit.

Findings

The proposed formal model provides a sound rationale on how organizational technology determines the contribution of centralization and formalization to the achievement of integration. The complementary interactions between design dimensions result in very clear patterns, with all the complementary choice variables tending to be done together at a comparable level. Also, it evidences that only a finite of feasible set of intermediate choices exists.

Research limitations/implications

In the interests of simplicity, the model does not include other contingency factors, such as environment and strategy, nor does it address the question of non‐concavity of the objective function that allows equifinality. Questions such as whether the consequences of underfit are different from those produced by overfit should be addressed in further research and model developments.

Originality/value

This paper develops a rationale for better understanding the interactions between design dimensions, such as centralization and formalization and helps to fill the research gap related to the absence of analytical models that allow a rigorous analysis of the internal relationships between different organizational design dimensions.
Decision making in trauma centers from the standpoint of complex adaptive systems
Authors: deMattos Policarpo C. , Miller Daniel M. , Park Eui H.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to examine complex clinical decision‐making processes in trauma center units of hospitals in terms of the immediate impact of complexity on the medical team involved in the trauma event.

Design/methodology/approach

It is proposed to develop a model of decision‐making processes in trauma events that uses a Bayesian classifier model with convolution and deconvolution operators to study real‐time observed trauma data for the decision‐making process under tremendous stress. The objective is to explore and explain physicians' decision‐making processes under stress and time constraints during actual trauma events from the perspective of complexity.

Findings

Because physicians have blurred information and cues that are tainted by random environmental noise during injury‐related events, they must de‐blur (de‐convolute) the collected data to find a best approximation of the real data for decision‐making processes.

Research limitations/implications

The data collection and analysis is innovative and the permission to access raw audio and video data from an active trauma center will differentiate this study from similar studies that rely on simulations, self report and case study approaches.

Practical implications

Clinical decision makers in trauma centers are placed in situations that are increasingly complex, making decision‐making and problem‐solving processes multifaceted.

Originality/value

The science of complex adaptive systems, together with human judgment theories, provide important concepts and tools for responding to the challenges of healthcare this century and beyond.
Knowledge acquisition and leakage in inter‐firm relationships involving new technology‐based firms
Authors: Parker Hamieda
Published: October 2012

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the role of governance on knowledge acquisition and loss by new technology‐based firms engaged in inter‐firm collaborative new product development projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This work draws on the relational exchange perspective, transaction cost theory and the resource‐based view in order to develop hypotheses. Survey data collected from British new technology‐based firms, operating in three industry sectors, was used to examine these hypotheses.

Findings

Relational governance was found to have a positive relationship with the acquisition of knowledge‐based resources. Increased comprehensiveness in the formal contractual governance structure was found to be associated with lower levels of harmful knowledge loss.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted in one country. Future research should be done in different countries to determine the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

Managers engaging in collaborative new product development projects need to develop both relational as well as formal contractual governance mechanisms, so that positive collaboration outcomes can be maximized, while negative outcomes are minimized.

Originality/value

A review of the literature indicates that the study of the governance of short‐term, focused inter‐firm relationships has been neglected. Additionally, while there has been extensive examination of knowledge acquisition there has been much less exploration of knowledge loss within these inter‐firm relationships. This study contributes to the literature by responding to this need.
Higher education and the development of competencies for innovation in the workplace
Authors: Vila Luis E. , Perez Pedro J. , Morillas Francisco G.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the production function nexus between higher education practice and the development of innovation‐related competencies by university graduates in Spain. The research hypothesis is the presence of statistically significant relationships between the development of innovational competencies and the modes of teaching and learning used in higher education practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationships are modeled through a set of stochastic frontier and variance component equations with the development of each competency as the dependent variable. The main explanatory variables capture the prevalence of diverse teaching/learning modes and the behavior of graduates during their studies. Controls for individual and study programs are also included. Data comes from the European graduate survey REFLEX and includes about 5,500 records.

Findings

Estimates show evidence of significant marginal effects of the teaching and learning modes and the development of specific competencies by graduates. Proactive methods in general, and problem‐based learning in particular, appear as the most effective classroom practices to develop the competencies required to innovate in the workplace.

Research limitations/implications

To guide the implementation of reforms in higher education, more must be learned about possible trade‐offs between the diverse types of resources involved and the outcomes obtained. Resources should be examined in terms of their relative costs and the results interpreted with regard to their value to individuals and society.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper to explore quantitatively the influence of higher education practice on the development of the capabilities required to innovate in the workplace.
Return on marketing investment: Pizza Hut Korea's case
Authors: Lee Sungil , Yoo Shijin
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold – the first is to explore the key actions that enabled Pizza Hut Korea (PHK) to come out of a nine‐year decline in sales and profits. The second purpose is to delve deeper into the concept of return on marketing as applied to the turnaround of Pizza Hut Korea, using customer lifetime value (LTV) and the related return on marketing investment (ROMI) principles that were instrumental in turning around the business.

Design/methodology/approach

The main method used is interviews with company senior management, reviews of internal company data as well as external data and literature reviews of existing theories on return on marketing. The case uses a specific promotional decision that senior management must make to review the decision methodologies using return on marketing. This quantified return estimate is then combined with marketing and business strategic considerations to review the decision that management should make regarding the promotion. In addition, the detailed executive interviews shed light on the approaches taken by the senior management to effect a change in culture as well as the disciplined business reviews that were put in place to improve the financial performance. Finally the case describes the marketing insights that led the firm to implement their consumer promotions to help turn the business around.

Findings

Turning around a business that has been in decline for a long time requires not just keen consumer insight and excellent marketing tactics, it is a combination of changing the culture of the company and mindset of the leaders along with instilling disciplined financial processes and driving consumer insight driven strategies. In particular, this study focuses on the role of quantified marketing investment return model that helped to drive a fact‐based, data‐driven decision‐making process that, combined with strategic insight, helped to turn the business around. The lifetime value and return on marketing investment model employed by Pizza Hut Korea provides a starting framework for analyzing marketing investment returns that can be adapted by many other companies.

Originality/value

Though there has been research conducted in many turnaround situations, there has been virtually no work done to examine the turnaround strategies employed using key marketing return metrics. In addition, the study provides value in that it examines the totality of management principles employed (cultural, organizational, financial, marketing) to drive innovation and change. This study will be useful for those that seek to better understand the key principles involved in turning around a business but with particular emphasis on quantified marketing returns analysis using return on marketing investment method.
Economic freedom and entrepreneurial activity
Authors: Carlos Díaz‐Casero Juan , Ángel Manuel Díaz‐Aunión D. , Cruz Sánchez‐Escobedo Mari , Coduras Alicia , Hernández‐Mogollón Ricardo
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine empirically whether economic freedom affects entrepreneurial activity in three groups of countries, classified according to economic development.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on the index of entrepreneurial activity cover the period between 2002 and 2009, and are taken from the annual GEM (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor) reports and from theIndex of Economic Freedompublished by The Heritage Foundation from 1995 to 2009. The same analysis is carried out, grouping the countries by development level, following the classification included in theGlobal Competitiveness Report 2009‐2010. A Ridge regression analysis is performed to measure the model's goodness‐of‐fit and to determine equations that can be used for future predictions.

Findings

The results obtained in the correlation analysis show that economic freedom is closely related to entrepreneurial activity. The results suggest that TEA rates, opportunity‐TEA rates and necessity‐TEA rates decrease when there is an increase in economic freedom in a country, as just two of the areas analyzed – i.e. “government size” and “fiscal freedom” – appear to foster the emergence of new entrepreneurs. When countries are grouped by level of economic development, the results for countries belonging to the “Innovation‐Driven Economies” group show that the opportunity‐TEA rates increase as the economic freedom index grows.

Originality/value

The study indicates that entrepreneurship by opportunity increases in the group of Innovation‐Driven Economies with smaller “government size” and more “fiscal freedom”.
Beyond boolean, towards thinking: discovery systems and information literacy
Authors: Cmor Dianne , Li Xin
Published: October 2012

Purpose

As discovery systems take the library world by storm, there is a new opportunity for user‐centred information literacy programs to emerge. This paper aims to explore the impact that new web‐scale discovery systems might have on information literacy programs and pedagogical approaches to library instruction.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing both a conceptual approach and a case study of one particular library, various questions and possible answers are discussed with the goal of opening new avenues for information literacy instruction.

Findings

Discovery systems offer new possibilities to shift instruction programs away from their historical focus on explanatory searching and citing, towards exploratory higher level thinking in relation to evaluating and using information itself. As library search gets easier and varied platforms become unified, the focus of information literacy on search rules and platform choice and navigation is (finally) able to truly give way to critical thinking and imaginative exploration.

Originality/value

Many libraries have recently or are currently adopting discovery systems, but few have begun to explore and recognize the potential for a new era of instructional possibilities. This paper acts as a base for continuing exploration and discussion in this area.
Fostering innovation through cultural change
Authors: Leong Julia , Anderson Craig
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The paper aims to demonstrate a range of approaches to promoting innovative thought and action which can be applied in a variety of organisational contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes strategies adopted by one large academic library which sought to increase employee engagement and levels of innovation. Included is the background situation, a description of cultural change activities undertaken, information on provision of a suite of practical innovation process tools, and reference to relevant literature.

Findings

The leadership framework of RMIT University, and associated developmental opportunities, benefit the library which also offers a tailored developmental programme for its leadership group. Specific purpose groups are used in the library to build capacity and promote cultural change. The library promotes involvement in professional associations and supports innovation through the provision of practical tools and techniques which can be used by staff at all levels. Building an innovative culture is challenging in a large organisation, but sustaining effort over time, utilising a variety of approaches and developing positive sub‐cultures among motivated staff have been found to be beneficial.

Originality/value

By describing strategies to promote an innovative organisational culture, the paper has originality. Most related library literature addresses specific innovations.
Mendeley: teaching scholarly communication and collaboration through social networking
Authors: MacMillan Don
Published: October 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the productivity and collaborative features of Mendeley, a reference management tool, as well as recommendations on how Mendeley can be incorporated into an information literacy program.

Design/methodology/approach

Results from a literature review and feedback from students and faculty were used to provide background for this paper. Mendeley's features and potential benefits to librarians and researchers are discussed.

Findings

Feedback from students and faculty who use Mendeley are very positive owing to its productivity and social networking and collaboration features. The literature highlights Mendeley's usefulness in the context of citation management software.

Practical implications

The paper provides useful tips and best practices for integrating Mendeley into information literacy sessions and workshops for students and faculty. The paper also discusses how teaching Mendeley can facilitate scholarly communication between researchers and broaden the role of librarians on campus.

Originality/value

The paper shows that Mendeley enables higher level information literacy by helping users focus on locating and organizing information and spend less time on citation details. Mendeley's social networking features are compatible with emerging work practices, facilitating collaboration among researchers through group's functions and open sharing of information through groups and publication lists.
Achieving employee wellbeing in a changing work environment
Authors: Ernst Kossek Ellen , Kalliath Thomas , Kalliath Parveen
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this expert commentary is to provide an overview of current scholarship on changes occurring in the work environment and its impact on employee wellbeing. The commentary touches on frontier issues such as measurement of healthy work environment, positive and negative changes in work environment influencing employee wellbeing, link between employee productivity and wellbeing, challenges in converting theory into practice, sustainable organizational behavior, workplace wellness, and several other issues germane to the special issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The expert commentary explicates the current state of scholarship in relation to the theme of the special issue. The design of the expert commentary, a scholarly conversation between the Guest Editors and University Distinguished Professor Ellen Ernst Kossek, provides an easy to access summary of the current knowledge in the area. This format is intended to inform readers ofIJMand to stimulate further scholarship in the area.

Findings

The expert commentary provides a gist of key findings in the extant area of research, serving to inform readers about what we know, do not know, and fruitful areas for further enquiry.

Originality/value

It provides an overview of current knowledge in the area.
Ease of movement and sector affiliation as moderators of the organizational and career commitment
Authors: Koslowsky Meni , Weisberg Jacob , Yaniv Eyal , Zaitman‐Speiser Idit
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The paper's aim is to examine how the relationships between career commitment, organizational commitment and intentions to leave, an indicator of worker well‐being, were moderated by ease of movement and sector affiliation.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of 340 knowledge workers (107 low‐tech, 233 high‐tech), that anonymously filled in a structured questionnaire, that included measures of organizational commitment, career commitment, perceived ease of movement, sector affiliation and intention to leave.

Findings

Analysis of the questionnaires showed that organizational commitment, unlike career commitment, is related to intentions to leave regardless of other personal or structural considerations. By contrast, ease of movement and sector affiliation moderated the relationship between career commitment and intentions to leave.

Practical implications

Understanding the differences between career commitment and organizational commitment, employers, especially in the high‐tech sector, should advance employees’ organizational commitment.

Originality/value

The intention to leave one's present place of work is a widespread phenomenon, particularly among knowledge workers. Although organizational commitment as an antecedent variable appears in many turnover intention models, career commitment has been investigated much less frequently. The current study attempts to fill this gap.
Rest is the hidden key to successful leadership
Authors: Vanderpyl Tim
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The article aims to describe the reasons that rest is an important part of leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The benefits of rest to the organization and to the individual are explained. The article advances practical strategies that leaders can implement in their teams to replenish the energy levels within them.

Findings

The article details the importance of creating mandatory “no smart‐phone” times with teams; ensuring and enforcing a mandatory “no contact” practice between employees and the office while they are on vacation; finding ways to creatively praise employees who ask for time off for special family events, rather than praising those who sacrifice family events for the sake of work projects; and finding reasons, when possible, to send employees home early at random times with the mandate to relax at home.

Practical implications

It is explained that rest is essential to success as leaders. Leaders cannot perform at maximum efficiency 100 percent of the time.

Social implications

It is argued that society reveres leaders for their work ethic, but rarely for their “rest ethic”, and that a better balance between the two is needed.

Originality/value

The article focuses on how leaders regenerate energy after expending it.
Rourkela steel plant rolls out successful people strategy
Authors: Sharma Rohini , Sahoo Chandan Kumar
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The article aims to explain how leaders who initiate people‐centric reforms can help to create a profitable, harmonious and vibrant organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The article illustrates the point through a case study of the work of Sanak Mishra as chief executive of the Rourkela steel plant, India.

Findings

The article describes the traits of effective leadership for handling people. It advances the view that successful change initiatives require: people who have the tools and techniques to perform well; a shared vision between leaders and employees and the alignment of organizational goals with those of individuals; open communications across the organization to facilitate the sharing of the ideas, information and knowledge and build an atmosphere of trust; leaders who know how to empower people by delegating authority, and understand when to intervene; leaders who can network with external constituencies, troubleshoot and manage conflicts; leaders who can link the present with a better future for the organization; and leaders with the skills to create a supportive climate in the organization and the ability to influence employees to change their behavior.

Social implications

The impact of wider economic forces on the fate of an Indian steel plant is considered.

Originality/value

The article emphasizes that effective leaders are able to facilitate the free flow of ideas and tap the energy, commitment and imagination of employees, which then become the vehicle to increase productivity, profitability and the performance of the organization.
Aging‐like skin changes in metabolic syndrome model mice are mediated by mineralocorticoid receptor signaling
Authors: Nagase Takashi , Akase Tomoko , Sanada Hiromi , Minematsu Takeo , Ibuki Ai , Huang Lijuan , Asada Mayumi , Yoshimura Kotaro , Nagase Miki , Shimada Tsutomu , Aburada Masaki , Nakagami Gojiro , Sugama Junko
Published: October 2012

Aging is accelerated, at least in part, by pathological condition such as metabolic syndrome (MetS), and various molecular pathways such as oxidative stress are common mediators of aging and MetS. We previously developed the aging‐like skin model by single ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on the MetS model mice. Recent studies revealed that mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) signaling plays a pivotal role for various tissue inflammation and damages in MetS. Although previous studies reported that MR is expressed in the skin and that overexpression of MR in the skin resulted in the skin atrophy, the physiological or pathological functions of MR in the skin are not fully elucidated. Here, we show the involvement of MR signaling in the aging‐like skin changes in our own model. Elevations of oxidative stress and inflammation markers were observed in the MetS mice, and the UV‐evoked aging‐like skin damages were attenuated by topical antioxidant. MR expression was higher in the MetS mouse skin, and notably, expression of its effecter gene Sgk1 was significantly upregulated in the aging‐like skin in the UV‐irradiated MetS mice. Furthermore, topical application of MR antagonist spironolactone suppressed Sgk1 expression, oxidative stress, inflammation, and the aging‐like changes in the skin. The 2‐week UV onto the non‐MetS mice, the more usual photoaging model, resulted in the skin damages mostly equivalent to the MetS mice with single UV, but they were not associated with upregulation of MR signaling. Our studies suggested an unexpected role of MR signaling in the skin aging in MetS status.
Decreasing perinatal mortality in placental abruption
Authors: TIKKANEN MINNA , LUUKKAALA TIINA , GISSLER MIKA , RITVANEN ANNUKKA , YLIKORKALA OLAVI , PAAVONEN JORMA , NUUTILA MIKA , ANDERSSON STURE , METSÄRANTA MARJO
Published: October 2012

Objective. To study perinatal mortality associated with placental abruption. Design. Retrospective population study using the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register and Medical Birth Register data. Setting. Finland, 1987–2005. Population. Pregnancies with placental abruption and all other births without placental abruption. Methods. The national Hospital Discharge Register and Medical Birth Register were used to identify all pregnancies with placental abruption. Demographic data and delivery outcomes were collected retrospectively. Perinatal mortality associated with placental abruption was compared with that in other births. Potential risk factors were analysed. Main outcome measures. Perinatal mortality in placental abruption. Results. The study consisted of 618 735 women with 1.14 million pregnancies, 4336 of whom had placental abruption. Overall perinatal mortality with abruption was 119 per 1000 births. Placental abruption explained 7% of all perinatal deaths. The mortality among singleton births (125 per 1000) was higher than among multiple births (40 per 1000). The majority of deaths (77%) occurred in utero. Singleton perinatal mortality with abruption decreased from 173 per 1000 in 1987–1990 to 98 per 1000 in 2000–2005 (p < 0.001). In singleton births at <32 gestational weeks, overall perinatal mortality was high (345 per 1000) and was not increased by placental abruption. Prematurity, low birthweight, male fetal sex and maternal smoking were independent risk factors for placental abruption‐related perinatal mortality. Conclusions. Although mortality associated with placental abruption decreased during the study period, placental abruption still remains an important cause of perinatal mortality.
Helicobacter pylori eradication in Western Australia using novel quadruple therapy combinations
Authors: Tay C. Y. , Windsor H. M. , Thirriot F. , Lu W. , Conway C. , Perkins T. T. , Marshall B. J.
Published: October 2012

Background

Helicobacter pylori eradication rates with standard triple therapy are declining worldwide. The optimal management of H. pylori is evolving and new treatment combinations for antibiotic resistant H. pylori strains are required, especially for patients with penicillin allergy.

Aim

To review the effectiveness of alternative antibiotic combinations and necessity of pre‐antibiotic sensitivity testing.

Methods

A total of 310 consecutive patients who had failed at least one course of standard 7‐day triple therapy initially prescribed by their physicians were included in this study between year 2007 and 2011. Antibiotics were prescribed based on pre‐antibiotic sensitivity tests and, if any, patient's allergy to penicillin.

Results

In 98.7% of the patients' samples, H. pylori was successfully cultured. The proportion resistant to clarithromycin and metronidazole was 94.1% and 67.6% respectively, with 65% resistant to both. For the in‐house primary quadruple therapy, with Proton pump inhibitor, Amoxicillin, Rifabutin and Ciprofloxacin (PARC), H. pylori was successfully eradicated in 95.2% of patients. For patients allergic to amoxicillin, an alternative quadruple therapy using Proton pump inhibitor, Bismuth subcitrate, Rifabutin and Ciprofloxacin (PBRC) gave an eradication rate of 94.2%. Patients needing alternative salvage therapy were given novel personalised combinations consisting of bismuth, rifabutin, tetracycline or furazolidone; the eradication rate was 73.8%.

Conclusions

Patients who present with antibiotic resistant H. pylori can be confidently treated with PARC, PBRC or other personalised salvage therapies. These regimens can be used when treatment options are limited by penicillin allergy. Pre‐treatment H. pylori antibiotic sensitivity tests contributed to the high eradication rate in this study.
Treatment of gastric carcinoids type 1 with the gastrin receptor antagonist netazepide (YF476) results in regression of tumours and normalisation of serum chromogranin A
Authors: Fossmark R. , Sørdal Ø. , Jianu C. S. , Qvigstad G. , Nordrum I. S. , Boyce M. , Waldum H. L.
Published: October 2012

Background

Patients with chronic atrophic gastritis have long‐term gastric hypoacidity, and secondary hypergastrinaemia. Some also develop gastric ECL cells carcinoids (type 1 GC). Most type 1 GC remain indolent, but some metastasise. Patients undergo surveillance, and some are treated with somatostatin analogues, endoscopic resection or surgery. Netazepide (YF476) is a highly selective, potent and orally active gastrin receptor antagonist, which has anti‐tumour activity in various rodent models of gastric neoplasia driven by hypergastrinaemia. Netazepide has been studied in healthy volunteers.

Aim

To assess the effect of netazepide on type 1 GC.

Methods

Eight patients with multiple type 1 GC received oral netazepide once daily for 12 weeks, with follow‐up at 12 weeks in an open‐label, pilot trial. Upper endoscopy was performed at 0, 6, 12 and 24 weeks, and carcinoids were counted and measured. Fasting serum gastrin and chromogranin A (CgA) and safety and tolerability were assessed at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 weeks.

Results

Netazepide was well tolerated. All patients had a reduction in the number and size of their largest carcinoid. CgA was reduced to normal levels at 3 weeks and remained so until 12 weeks, but had returned to pre‐treatment levels at 24 weeks. Gastrin remained unchanged throughout treatment.

Conclusions

The gastrin receptor antagonist netazepide is a promising new medical treatment for type 1 gastric carcinoids, which appear to be gastrin‐dependent. Controlled studies and long‐term treatment are justified to find out whether netazepide treatment can eradicate type 1 gastric carcinoids.
Analgesia and central side‐effects: two separate dimensions of morphine response
Authors: Droney Joanne M. , Gretton Sophy K. , Sato Hiroe , Ross Joy R. , Branford Ruth , Welsh Kenneth I. , Cookson William , Riley Julia
Published: October 2012

Aims

To present a statistical model for defining interindividual variation in response to morphine and to use this model in a preliminary hypothesis‐generating multivariate genetic association study.

Methods

Two hundred and sixty‐four cancer patients taking oral morphine were included in a prospective observational study. Pain and morphine side‐effect scores were examined using principal components analysis. The resulting principal components were used in an exploratory genetic association study of single nucleotide polymorphisms across the genes coding for the three opioid receptors, OPRM1, OPRK1 and OPRD1. Associations in multivariate models, including potential clinical confounders, were explored.

Results

Two principal components corresponding to residual pain and central side‐effects were identified. These components accounted for 42 and 18% of the variability in morphine response, respectively, were independent of each other and only mildly correlated. The genetic and clinical factors associated with these components were markedly different. Multivariate regression modelling, including clinical and genetic factors, accounted for only 12% of variability in residual pain on morphine and 3% of variability in central side‐effects.

Conclusions

Although replication is required, this data‐driven analysis suggests that pain and central side‐effects on morphine may be two separate dimensions of morphine response. Larger study samples are necessary to investigate potential genetic and clinical associations comprehensively.
Confirmation biases across the psychosis continuum: The contribution of hypersalient evidence‐hypothesis matches
Authors: Balzan Ryan , Delfabbro Paul , Galletly Cherrie , Woodward Todd
Published: October 2012

Objectives

Hypersalience of evidence‐hypothesis matches has recently been proposed as the cognitive mechanism responsible for the cognitive biases, which, in turn, may contribute to the formation and maintenance of delusions. However, supporting evidence for this construct is still required. Using two tasks designed to elicit three core facets of the confirmation bias (i.e., biased search of confirming evidence; biased interpretation of confirming evidence; and biased recall of confirming evidence), this article investigated the possibility that individuals with delusions and those identified as delusion‐prone are hypersalient to evidence‐hypothesis matches.

Methods

A total of 75 participants (25 diagnosed with schizophrenia with a history of delusions; 25 non‐clinical delusion‐prone; 25 non‐delusion‐prone controls) completed both tasks.

Results

The results across both tasks showed that participants with schizophrenia and delusion‐prone participants prefer: non‐diagnostic or non‐specific positive tests over diagnostic negative tests (biased search); rate confirming evidence as more important than disconfirming evidence (biased interpretation); and remember confirming evidence with greater ease than disconfirming evidence (biased recall). Participants with higher delusional ideation also failed to integrate disconfirmatory evidence to modify prior hypotheses.

Conclusions

These results suggest that delusional ideation is linked to a hypersalience of evidence‐hypothesis matches. The theoretical implications of this cognitive mechanism on the formation and maintenance of delusions are discussed.

Practitioner Points

Clinical Implications

Evidence that people with delusions, and those identified as delusion‐prone, are more susceptible to confirmation biases than non‐delusion‐prone controls.

Confirmation biases may therefore play a role in the formation and maintenance of delusional beliefs.

Further evidence that one of the underlying cognitive mechanisms behind many cognitive biases in people with delusions is a hypersalience of evidence‐hypothesis matches. This has implications for psychotherapies that target delusion formation and maintenance, such as the metacognitive training (MCT) programme for people with schizophrenia.

Limitations

Heterogeneous delusional symptoms within patient group (i.e., consisted of individuals with mild to moderate active delusions and individuals with remitted delusions).

Delusion‐prone group not consistently distinct from non‐delusion‐prone group across all tasks.

Set order of tasks across participants may have led to practice effects.