bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyber café entrepreneurs: their perceptions and preferences
Authors: Sahay A. , Chhikara M.S.
Published: June 2010

Becoming an entrepreneur and playing the role of a job creator calls for crossing many milestones. During the journey, they create certain perception about entrepreneurship which is varying; some find it sour while some others find it sweet. In every step of the entrepreneurial journal, he has to make preferences between multiple choices which give him an opportunity to create his own first hand impressions about entrepreneurship. The present study observes that though any educated person with average socio‐economic and educational background can establish and operate a cyber café business, the success, however, depends on his judicious and timely decisions. White some succeed, others get weeded out by the market forces. This obviously creates an impression in the mind as to what should be the career option for their offspring. The article captures their viewpoint which is varied though majority would like their children to avoid the risk that is associated with entrepreneurship.
A systems‐based approach for city logistics decision making
Authors: Awasthi Anjali , Proth Jean‐Marie
Published: June 2010

This paper presents a systems based approach for the city logistics decision making. Using this approach, we present the layout of a simulation model called CILOSIM (CITY‐LOGISTICS‐SIMULATION). CILOSIM encapsulates three sub‐models namely Goods to Vehicle Assignment model, Goods movement model and Impact assessment model. The Goods to vehicle assignment model allocates commodities to vehicles. The Goods movement model performs the scheduling and routing of goods vehicles from the source of origin to source of destination. The routing and scheduling decisions for vehicles are done taking into account the latest traffic conditions existing on the network. Finally, Impact assessment model evaluates the impact of goods movement on city environment and society. The advantage of using the systems approach is that it explains the dynamic and complex nature of city logistics in terms of cause and effect variables. Another advantage is that it permits the user to have a global view of city logistics problems and provides possible solutions in terms of few system variables.
Analysis of bullwhip effect in reverse supply chain
Authors: Sharma Neeraj , Balan S. , Vrat Prem , Kumar Pradeep
Published: June 2010

Demand variability increases when it moves downstream to upstream in a supply chain is called “Bullwhip effect”. The paper describes the impact of two different information sharing strategies decentralized and centralized under two different demand forecasting policies (Moving Average and Exponential Weighted Moving Average). The bullwhip ratio is calculated for the two different policies by using the analytical models. Using simulation based analysis the variance of demand is performed for a three stage reverse supply chain, consisting of single supplier of waste paper, godown owner and waste paper merchant. Two inventory control policies (min‐max and stock‐to‐demand) are used for the analysis. The results of the analytical analysis and the simulation based analysis are validated by taking a waste paper recycling industry and the research recommends some key points to reduce the bullwhip effect of reverse supply chain.
Integration of marketing and operations (M/O): conceptualisation and research issues
Authors: Swami Sanjeev , Ranjan Rakesh Vineet , Sudhakar G. , Raut Sumit
Published: June 2010

Rapid rate of change in technologies, markets and other environmental factors make “integration of marketing and operations” as one of the most crucial decision for business survival and performance in today’s world. Integration between functions and departments is an important strategy for a firm in today’s dynamic and competitive environment. It is widely recognized that manufacturing/operations can be a formidable competitive weapon if equipped and managed properly, and that to achieve this success a company must have the correct alignment of manufacturing/operations and marketing strategies. This paper deals with the familiar but classic problem that afflicts every manufacturing as well as service organization, namely, conflicts between thse two functional areas. The various key decision areas between these functions are discussed. The paper covers the various aspects of integration: analytical, conceptual as well as empirical studies which are available in literature. Drawing on the literature and prior empirical work in marketing/operations (M/O) strategies, several frameworks and models developed so far in literature are reviewed in this paper.
Debt financing of corporate enterprises in India: a study showing impact of industry, size and age factors
Authors: Rastogi Ashish Kumar , Jain P.K. , Yadav Surendra S.
Published: June 2010

The objective of this paper is to examine whether there are significant variations in the profile of debt‐financing as a result of differences in industry, size and age group of the sample corporate enterprises in India. It also ascertains the trend in debt financing practices among the various groups during the period 1992‐2003 and finds out the impact of the liberalized environment, in terms of the significant changes, if any, in phase‐2 (year 1998‐2003) of the liberalized business scenario vis‐à‐vis phase‐1 (year 1992‐1997) in the debt financing decisions of different group of the sample firms. The study covers a stratified representative sample of 601 corporate enterprises, consisting of fourteen industry groups, and is segregated into four size classes and two age categories. The study brings to fore that while industry and size have been observed to be a significant factor influencing composition and maturity structure of debt financing, the empirical evidence does not support the hypotheses that the debt financing decisions vary significantly across age categories.
A comparative analysis of demand estimation approaches in yield management
Authors: Sabale Anand H. , Swami Sanjeev
Published: June 2010

The objective of this paper is to provide a comparative analysis of demand estimation approaches in the context of yield management. We propose different theoretical modeling approaches for demand estimation. Demand is assumed to be function of price, time and inventory remaining. The proposed models are – intrinsically linear model, nonhomogeneous Poisson demand process (Leemis 1991), and a neural network approach. These are compared with three benchmark models: Swami and Khairnar (2003), Tretheway and Weinberg (1991) model, and price‐based model. Four representative demand data sets from the car rental business are used (Wang 2001). Our empirical analysis results show that the proposed intrinsically linear model and neural network approach provide good estimates of demand.
A resilient structure as a survival strategy for Japan’s chemical industry amidst megacompetition
Authors: Yamauchi Shinichi , Morisaki Shogo , Watanabe Chihiro , Tou Yuji
Published: June 2010

Japan’s chemical industry is currently amidst mega‐competition in the paradigm shift from an industrial society to an information society that emerged in the 1990s and consequent globalizing economy. The checkered development trajectory of Japan’s chemical industry has resulted in a fragile structure with increasing geographical constraints and excessive competition in certain markets among a number of small‐scale firms. A simultaneous solution to divergent activities for diversified customer requirements as well as dynamically changing external circumstances and convergence for improving competitiveness in core competent fields is thus essential. This paper attempts to identify an optimal trajectory for Japan’s chemical industry by providing a simultaneous solution to the above contradicting demands. A resilient structure that incorporates an optimal level of diversification based on a specific reinforced core competent field is postulated as a survival strategy in a business environment characterized by mega‐competition. Aiming at demonstrating the significance of a resilience structure, an empirical analysis focusing on Japan’s 28 leading chemical firms was conducted. An optimal level of technological diversification for Japan’s chemical industry firms was thereby identified, thus leading to construction of a resilient structure.
TQM implementation in the Indian automobile sector: insights using system dynamics approach
Authors: Khanna V.K. , Sahay B.S. , Vrat Prem , Shankar Ravi
Published: June 2010

Application of Total Quality Management (TQM) approach has played an important role in the survival and growth of many industries. Indian automobile sector has also adopted TQM path but it is still a player of little consequence in the global auto market. One of the major reasons for dismal performance of the Indian automobile sector can be attributed to the fact that it has not been able to prioritize and focus on the key variables, which are instrumental in enhancing TQM index. For the success of the Indian automobile sector, it is equally important to understand the implications of key variables in two different market scenarios and take policy decisions accordingly. TQM initiatives also fail due to lack of understanding of the complex interactions among different TQM variables. To overcome these limitations causal loop diagram has been developed to provide better insight regarding interactions and policy experimentations using system dynamics methodology has been used to prioritize the key variables in two different market scenarios. These experimentations reveal that the main contributing variables to enhance TQM index are leadership, strategic planning, customer and market focus, and human resource focus in both the market scenarios. However, the contribution of each variable and the priority of variables change in two different market scenarios.
Design of evaluation model for ERP systems: an empirical study of Indian Industry
Authors: Goyal D.P. , Randhawa Gurbinder
Published: June 2010

In view of the changing business environment, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems have come to signify a never before opportunity for oganizations to gain a clear edge over their competitors. A review of related literature reveals a gap in research pertaining to evaluation model for ERP Systems. Moreover, being cross‐functional & enterprise level, these systems are not only high investment decisions; rather ERP implementation is regarded as a total transformation projects in the organizations. Keeping such a high importance and the gaps in research, the reseachers have undertaken an empirical study in Indian organizations with an objective to design an evaluation model for the ERP systems. Based on the empirical study, an integrated evaluation model has been designed. The thus designed model would provide a general framework which can help organizations evaluating their ERP systems and would go a long way in the successful maintaining and controlling of these systems.
Impact of consumerism on marketing practices: a study in national capital region
Authors: Verma D.P.S. , Nanda Shashi
Published: June 2010

Consumerism is fast emerging as an environmental force affecting major business decisions as consumers become more aware about their rights. Even though comprehensive staturory measures have been provided in India for curbing unfair business practices, for protecting consumer interest, and for promoting consumerism; companies have yet to do a lot. This paper seeks to assess the impact of consumerism marketing practices in India. It examines how businessmen react, respond and adapt to consumerism and the problems posed and opportunities provided by consumerism. It seeks to ascertain whether the firms are capable of handling consumerism pressures and to identify appropriate measures for minimising consumer dissatisfaction and complaints. Based on a survey of 65 companies, located in the National Capital Region of Delhi, and engaged in the production of consumer durables, they study has reevealed that a broad recognition and growing acceptance of consumerism tends to make the firms more consumer‐oriented rather than product‐oriented. It is noted that consumerism tends to serve as an opportunity for those corporate managers who are able to identify and anticipate the consumer’s problems.
Vendor managed inventory model: a case study
Authors: Reddy Malla , Vrat Prem
Published: June 2010

This paper describes with the help of a case study how vendor managed inventory (VMI) model managers in real time the dynamic needs of supply chain process. Throughout the supply chain, VMI model is a way to cut inventory related costs and keep inventory levels low. VMI model helps companies to reduce the inventory‐associated costs by shifting the responsibility of managing and replenishing inventory to vendors. A study of a leading tyre manufacturer (XYZ) is reported. The supply chain of this company includes raw materials, manufacturing operations and the distribution network. The product range includes truck tyres, front‐end tractor tyres, scooter tyres, LCV tyres, and passenger radial tyres for both domestic and international market from manufacturing plants at different locations in the country. A prototype of VMI model based on simulation approach has been developed to illustrte how VMI model can enhance the performance of this organization by minimizing the inventory associated costs.
A resonant development trajectory for IT deployment: lessons from Japan’s I‐mode
Authors: Kondo Reiko , Watanabe Chihiro , Moriyama Koji
Published: June 2010

Under the new paradigm of an information society, Japan’s institutions did not function as effeciently as they did in an industrial society. Consequently, Japan experienced a vicious cycle between non‐elastic institutions and insufficient utilization of the potential benefits of IT. However, the deployment of i‐mobile service (NTT DoCoMo’s mobile Internet access service) in the late 1990s provided encouragement that, once potential is exploited, Japan’s institutional systems can effectively stimulate the self‐propagating behavior of IT. The deployment of i‐mode service can be attributed to resonance between IT driven self‐propagating trajectory and “an institutional spiral trajectory” initiated by non‐organizational initiatives based on learning exercise from preceding services such as message exchange, mobile phone and Internet access. While i‐mode service itself was not necessarily successful in the global deployment, it induced mobile phone driven innovation that stimulated activation of Japan’s economy in the early 2000th by playing such a role as catalysis in disseminating spillover of core technologies. This paper, on the basis of an empirical analysis of the deployment trajectory of i‐mode service, attempts to identify the structural sources that enabled the dramatic deployment of IT and subsequent inducement of mobile phone driven innovation in Japan.
Extreme value estimators and their performance across various beta levels
Authors: Ganesan Bharanidharan , Yadav Surendra S.
Published: June 2010

Volatility of an asset or a portfolio is one of the most important parameters that are estimated in asset allocation, risk management, options pricing etc. Various approaches have been developed to estimate and forecast the volatility of an asset. These include the conditional volatility estimators like ARCH and its various improvements and the unconditional volatility estimators like the extreme value estimators. This paper analyses empirically the efficiency and bias of the various extreme value estimators in estimating the volatility across different beta levels of the 50 stocks which make up the S&P CNX Nifty index. The Garman‐Klas estimator performs the best in estimating the volatility over one day and five day return periods for high and low beta stocks, while the other return periods and beta levels portray mixed results.
Directors’ trades, information hierarchy and ownership structure: evidence from India
Authors: Gupta Amitabh , Sangray Sudesh
Published: June 2010

In this paper we analyze the market reaction to directors’ trades in India and investigate whether the reaction is affected by the nature of trade (purchase or sale), by the type of director making the trade (chief executive officer, managing director, promoters, other executive directors, non‐executive directors, former directors etc.) or by the ownership structure of the company. We find that the absolute value of market reaction to directors’ purchases is significantly greater than to directors’ sales; type of director making the trade does not influence the market reaction; presence of dominant institutional investors tends to dilute the positive market reaction to directors’ purchases and that the presence of dominant monitoring corporate investors does not influence the market reaction to directors’ trades.
Career advancement challenges for women executives in the service sector
Authors: Sandhu H.S. , Mehta Ritu
Published: June 2010

Admittedly, in the happening world of today, the woman has become concertedly visible. She is treading every domain of activities with self‐belief and proven competence. Her forays into the male monopoly of executive role in management affairs have registered a significant success in spite of so many constraints in her march to hierarchical positions. The present paper investigates the challenges preventing women from reaching the top management positions especially in the service sector. A sample of 271 women executives has been drawn from the selected organisations of the service sector from a progressive state of India – Pubjab. The results of the study reveal that lack of network access; gender discrimination; and gender stereotypes are the three major factors which inhibit women from advancing to top corporate positions. The findings depict an overall negative picture of the women executives’ advancement in the service sector. Women still face subtle discrimination and evaluation of their performance tends to be prejudiced against them. The results would help alleviate the challenges that women executives face by enhancing the awareness of the factors that inhibit their advancement in the corporate world.
Stress as a correlate of job performance: a study of manufacturing organizations
Authors: Mathur Garima , Vigg Silky , Sandhar Simranjeet , Holani Umesh
Published: June 2010

Presence of stress at work is almost inevitable in all the organizations. This study looks at the effect of stress on the performance of the employees working in different manufacturing organizations. In this competitive world companies are facing challenges at every step. Now it has become difficult even to survive in the new economic era. With increased competition work load on the employees has also increased. Most of the times employees and even the management are not clear about their roles in the organization. These factors eventually eresults in increased stress level. Yet previous researchers indicate that in spite of increase in stress level, employees exerts better performance. These studies also indicate that stress is necessary up to certain extent to increase performance. This study has tried to find out the underlying factors responsible for stress as well as does stress effects the performance of the employees on the job. The result came out with factors such as organizational cultur, role and responsibility that are responsible for stress and the regression test has been applied to check the affect of stress on job performance revealed that stress has an affect on job performance and that also a positive affect that is job performance increases with the increase in stress.
RFID in retail industry: integration to application in Indian perspective
Authors: Chaudhuri Ranjan , Shankar Ravi
Published: June 2010

The need for retail and manufacturing companies to better track inventory and raw materials, and the decreasing cost of microchips have led to enhanced interest in automatic identification systems. Retailers continue to face challenges in managing their business due to inconsistencies in data and are often unable to use the same to the fullest competitive advantage. In addition, retailers aren’ always able to quantify key performance indicators across the enterprise and have difficulty providing financial and non‐financial (including sales, marketing and operational) metrics across the enterprise. Automatic identification technologies try to overcome this by allowing machines to identify objects and capture information, providing organizations with much greater degrees of control and flexibility in managing goods as they move through the supply chain. The aim of most auto‐ID systems is to increase efficiency, reduce data entry errors and free up staff to perform more value‐added functions, such as providing customer service. One such automatic identification technology is Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). This article led through a series of case study, is an attempt to explore application of RFID in retail systems. The literature survey, case studies, managerial and ethical issues discussed here have important implications for system developments. Seen by the industry as the next transformational technology, RFID promises higher quality information and real‐time tracking.
Two‐wheeler service sector in India: factors of importance for sustainable growth
Authors: Bagodi Virupaxi , Mahanty Biswajit
Published: June 2010

It is an era of customer delight. The conventional measures implemented by the service organizations tend to be inadquate to attract customers persistendly. We examine the current status of two‐wheeler service stations in terms of their strategies and actions adopted in managing the service stations. The important factors to achieve customer satisfaction in two‐wheeler service industry are identified. Data collected for this study encompasses: (1) questionnaire survey of the service stations, (2) questionnaire survey of the customers (3) formal interviews with the managers and representatives of the manufacturing units, and (4) informal interview with service personnel and the customers. The specific contribution of our research in lies in identificaion and categorizing the factors in Indian context.
Journey to implement Toyota production system – a case study
Authors: Khanna V.K. , Shankar Ravi
Published: June 2010

The paper presents the initiative taken by leading automobile Original Equipment Manufacturer (oem) XYZ in India for their implementation of Toyota Production System (TPS) to meet competitor’s challenge and its efforts to benchmark against its principle located in Japan. The paper deals with a programme involving vendor upgradation and related TPS initiatives. The paper concludes that such efforts will definitely help XYZ to optimize its productivity and to meet competitor’s challenge successfully.
Diversity, extinction risk and conservation of Malaysian fishes
Authors: Chong V. C. , Lee P. K. Y. , Lau C. M.
Published: June 2010

A total of 1951 species of freshwater and marine fishes belonging to 704 genera and 186 families are recorded in Malaysia. Almost half (48%) are currently threatened to some degree, while nearly one third (27%) mostly from the marine and coral habitats require urgent scientific studies to evaluate their status. Freshwater habitats encompass the highest percentage of threatened fish species (87%) followed by estuarine habitats (66%). Of the 32 species of highly threatened (HT) species, 16 are freshwater and 16 are largely marine–euryhaline species. Fish extinctions in Malaysia are confined to two freshwater species, but both freshwater and marine species are being increasingly threatened by largely habitat loss or modification (76%), overfishing (27%) and by‐catch (23%). The most important threat to freshwater fishes is habitat modification and overfishing, while 35 species are threatened due to their endemism. Brackish‐water, euryhaline and marine fishes are threatened mainly by overfishing, by‐catch and habitat modification. Sedimentation (pollution) additionally threatens coral‐reef fishes. The study provides recommendations to governments, fish managers, scientists and stakeholders to address the increasing and unabated extinction risks faced by the Malaysian fish fauna.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Monoclonal autoantibodies to the TSH receptor, one with stimulating activity and one with blocking activity, obtained from the same blood sample
Authors: Evans Michele , Sanders Jane , Tagami Tetsuya , Sanders Paul , Young Stuart , Roberts Emma , Wilmot Jane , Hu Xiaoling , Kabelis Katarzyna , Clark Jill , Holl Sabrina , Richards Tonya , Collyer Alastair , Furmaniak Jadwiga , Smith Bernard Rees
Published: June 2010

Objective  Patients who appear to have both stimulating and blocking TSHR autoantibodies in their sera have been described, but the two activities have not been separated and analysed. We now describe the isolation and detailed characterization of a blocking type TSHR monoclonal autoantibody and a stimulating type TSHR monoclonal autoantibody from a single sample of peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Design, patients and measurements  Two heterohybridoma cell lines secreting TSHR autoantibodies were isolated using standard techniques from the lymphocytes of a patient with hypothyroidism and high levels of TSHR autoantibodies (160 units/l by inhibition of TSH binding). The ability of the two new monoclonal antibodies (MAbs; K1‐18 and K1‐70) to bind to the TSHR and compete with TSH or TSHR antibody binding was analysed. Furthermore, the effects of K1‐18 and K1‐70 on cyclic AMP production in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) cells expressing the TSHR were investigated.

Results  One MAb (K1‐18) was a strong stimulator of cyclic AMP production in TSHR‐transfected CHO cells and the other (K1‐70) blocked stimulation of the TSHR by TSH, K1‐18, other thyroid‐stimulating MAbs and patient serum stimulating type TSHR autoantibodies. Both K1‐18 (IgG1 kappa) and K1‐70 (IgG1 lambda) bound to the TSHR with high affinity (0·7 × 1010 l/mol and 4 × 1010 l/mol, respectively), and this binding was inhibited by unlabelled K1‐18 and K1‐70, other thyroid‐stimulating MAbs and patient serum TSHR autoantibodies with stimulating or blocking activities. V region gene analysis indicated that K1‐18 and K1‐70 heavy chains used the same V region germline gene but different D and J germline genes as well as having different light chains. Consequently, the two antibodies have evolved separately from different B cell clones.

Conclusions  This study provides proof that a patient can produce a mixture of blocking and stimulating TSHR autoantibodies at the same time.
The influence of pelagic habitat selection and interspecific competition on productivity of juvenile walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) and capelin (Mallotus villosus) in the Gulf of Alaska
Authors: LOGERWELL ELIZABETH A. , DUFFY‐ANDERSON JANET , WILSON MATTHEW , MCKELVEY DENISE
Published: June 2010

Here we investigate processes affecting productivity of capelin and walleye pollock in the Gulf of Alaska. We examine pelagic habitat selection by comparing the distribution of juvenile fish and their prey with oceanographic properties and we evaluate the potential for interspecific competition by comparing diets and measures of foraging. The primary field study was conducted in Barnabus Trough, Kodiak Island, Alaska, during September 2005. The distribution of fish was assessed acoustically and trawls were used to collect individual fish for stomach content analyses. Physical and biological data were collected with conductivity–temperature–depth probes and zooplankton tows. Age‐0 pollock were distributed in cool waters offshore of a mid‐trough front, coincident with the distribution of euphausiids, their preferred prey. In contrast, capelin and their prey (copepods) were distributed throughout the trough. We observed that sympatric capelin (occurring with pollock) often had reduced foraging success compared to allopatric capelin (occurring alone). Results of a bioenergetic model also suggest that the exclusion of capelin from foraging on euphausiids can have negative consequences for capelin growth.
Consumer‐generated media and product labelling: designed in California, assembled in China
Authors: Saunders Stephen G.
Published: June 2010

Product country‐of‐origin labelling is an important extrinsic cue for consumers about a product's attributes. In a globalized world where products components and parts originate from multiple countries, companies have resorted to inventive country‐of‐origin labelling. The objective then of this paper is to better understand consumers' evaluation of products that have inventive country‐of‐origin labelling (i.e. Designed in California, Assembled in China). Exploratory qualitative data were collected from consumer‐generated media (36 weblogs) using Nielsen's Research BlogPulse tool. A grounded theory analysis revealed that four key themes emerged from the data that related to confusion about the labelling strategy, strong symbolic and emotional ties to country‐of‐origin, and the importance of country‐of‐origin as a quality signal.
Pampered Sons, (Wo)manly Men, or Do‐nothing Machos? Costa Rican Men Coming of Age under Neoliberalism
Authors: MANNON SUSAN E. , KEMP EAGAN
Published: June 2010

This article explores how young men in Costa Rica negotiate ideas of manhood under neoliberalism. We draw on interview data involving 23 men, ages 15–35, residing in one Costa Rican city. Comparing men across three different class locations, we find diverse ‘markers of manhood’. Our data suggest an emerging globally dominant masculine ideal among an elite class of men, a declining locally dominant masculine ideal among working‐class men, and a cynical, possibly counter‐cultural masculine ideal among poor men. We conclude that masculinities are not only fluid, but tied to changing economic circumstances and class structures.
Longevity is not influenced by prenatal programming of body size
Authors: Conover Cheryl A. , Bale Laurie K. , Grell Jacquelyn A. , Mader Jessica R. , Mason Megan A.
Published: June 2010

Insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) signaling is essential for achieving optimal body size during fetal development, whereas, in the adult, IGFs are associated with aging and age‐related diseases. However, it is unclear as to what extent lifespan is influenced by events that occur during development. Here, we provide direct evidence that the exceptional longevity of mice with altered IGF signaling is not linked to prenatal programming of body size. Mice null for pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A), an IGF‐binding protein proteinase that increases local IGF bioavailability, are 60–70% the size of their wild‐type littermates at birth and have extended median and maximum lifespan of 30–40%. In this study, PAPP‐A−/− mice whose body size was normalized during fetal development through disruption of IgfII imprinting did not lose their longevity advantage. Adult‐specific moderation of IGF signaling through PAPP‐A inhibition may present a unique opportunity to improve lifespan without affecting important aspects of early life physiology.
Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography Evaluation in a Patient with Congenital Pulmonary Vein Stenosis
Authors: Jing‐Jing Ye , Wei‐ze Xu , Qiang Shu , Jian‐hua Li , Xi‐Wang Liu , Guo‐ping Jiang
Published: June 2010

Although real time three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (RD‐3DTTE) has been used in children with complex congenital heart diseases, the benefit of RD‐3DTTE as a vision of the pulmonary veins still requires further evaluation. We present here, a 3‐year‐old girl with a stenosis of the left upper pulmonary vein (LUPV). Excellent images were obtained rapidly by RD‐3DTTE that successfully visualized the narrowing at the junction of the LUPV. The result was demonstrated by MRI, cardiac catheterization, and operation. RD‐3DTTE is a feasible and promising technique in evaluating pulmonary veins in children. (Echocardiography 2010;27:E109‐E111)
Urinary estrogens, progesterone, and LH changes during normal menstrual cycles of a captive female pileated gibbon (Hylobates pileatus)
Authors: Aramaki Yusuke , Oae Hideaki , Mouri Yasushi , Takizawa Koji , Nakanishi Kazunori , Hyoudou Yoshio , Omasa Masao , Kusunoki Hiroshi
Published: June 2010

Urinary steroid hormones and luteinizing hormone (LH) were monitored in a female pileated gibbon. The LH concentration almost peaked the day after estrogens peaks. The progesterone increased sharply after the LH peaks. Our results revealed for the first time the relationship between daily changes in urinary hormones throughout normal menstrual cycles in pileated gibbon.
Crystal Structures of IL‐2‐inducible T cell Kinase Complexed with Inhibitors: Insights into Rational Drug Design and Activity Regulation
Authors: Kutach Alan K. , Villaseñor Armando G. , Lam Diana , Belunis Charles , Janson Cheryl , Lok Stephen , Hong Li‐Na , Liu Chao‐Min , Deval Jerome , Novak Thomas J. , Barnett Jim W. , Chu Wei , Shaw David , Kuglstatter Andreas
Published: June 2010

IL‐2‐inducible T cell kinase plays an essential role in T cell receptor signaling and is considered a drug target for the treatment of Th2‐mediated inflammatory diseases. By applying high‐throughput protein engineering and crystallization, we have determined the X‐ray crystal structures of IL‐2‐inducible T cell kinase in complex with its selective inhibitor BMS‐509744 and the broad‐spectrum kinase inhibitors sunitinib and RO5191614. Sunitinib uniquely stabilizes IL‐2‐inducible T cell kinase in the helix C‐in conformation by inducing side chain conformational changes in the ATP‐binding site. This preference of sunitinib to bind to an active kinase conformation is reflective of its broad‐spectrum kinase activity. BMS‐509744 uniquely stabilizes the activation loop in a substrate‐blocking inactive conformation, indicating that structural changes described for Src family kinases are also involved in the regulation of IL‐2‐inducible T cell kinase activity. The observed BMS‐509744 binding mode allows rationalization of structure–activity relationships reported for this inhibitor class and facilitates further structure‐based drug design. Sequence‐based analysis of this binding mode provides guidance for the rational design of inhibitor selectivity.
α‐Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Bromophenol Purified from the Red Alga Polyopes lancifolia
Authors: Kim Keun Young , Nguyen The Han , Kurihara Hideyuki , Kim Sang Moo
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  A bromophenol, bis(2,3‐dibromo‐4,5‐dihydroxybenzyl) ether, was purified from the red alga Polyopes lancifolia. Its IC50 values were 0.098 and 0.120 μM against Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Bacillus stearothermophilus α‐glucosidases, respectively, and 1.00 and 1.20 mM against rat‐intestinal sucrase and maltase. This bromophenol competitively inhibited S. cerevisiae α‐glucosidase with a KI value of 0.068 μM and was very stable at pH 2 for 60 min at 37 °C. Therefore, this P. lancifolia bromophenol may have potential as natural nutraceutical for the management of type 2 diabetes.

Practical Application:  One therapeutic approach for preventing diabetes mellitus is to retard the absorption of glucose via inhibition of α‐glucosidase. In this study, one compound with strong α‐glucosidase‐inhibitory activity, bis(2,3‐dibromo‐4,5‐dihydroxybenzyl) ether, was purified and identified from the red alga P. lancifolia. Therefore, P. lancifolia bromophenol can potentially be developed as a novel natural nutraceutical for the management of type 2 diabetes.
Preoperative assessment of myometrial and cervical invasion in endometrial carcinoma: Comparison of multi‐section dynamic MR imaging using a three dimensional FLASH technique and T2‐weighted MR imaging
Authors: Emlik D , Kiresi D , Özdemir S , Çelik Ç , Karaköse S
Published: June 2010

Introduction: We aimed to show the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging by comparing T2‐weighted images and dynamic 3D MR images in the assessment of myometrial and cervical invasion by endometrial carcinoma.

Methods: This prospective study included 53 women consecutively diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma. The subjects were evaluated by TSE T2‐weighted images and 3D FLASH‐VIBE dynamic MR images by two radiologists with a special training in gynecology. Sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values were calculated for each imaging modality with regard to assessment of myometrial and cervical invasion.

Results: The diagnostic accuracy of TSE T2‐weighted and dynamic 3D FLASH‐VIBE MR imaging for the identification of any myometrial invasion were estimated as 64% and 84%, respectively. In the differentiation of deep myometrial invasion from the superficial invasion, the diagnostic accuracy of TSE T2‐weighted and dynamic 3D FLASH‐VIBE MR images were 75.5%, and 88.7%, respectively. Additionally, in the determining of deep myometrial invasion the sensitivity, the specifity, PPV, and NPV were 76%, 75%, 50%, and 90.9% on T2‐weighted images, respectively; 100%, 85%, 68.4%, and 100% on dynamic 3D MR images, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of TSE T2‐weighted and dynamic 3D FLASH‐VIBE MR images for cervical invasion by endometrial carcinoma were 86%, and 92%, respectively.

Conclusion: The multiplanar capabilities of MRI are invaluable to evaluate spreading and margins of an endometrial mass, and the 3D dynamic MR techniques offer the advantages of increased coverage and high spatial resolution. Three dimensional dynamic MR imaging may be recommended in the especially postmenouposal cases before performing potentially curative treatments.
The role of off-frequency masking in binaural hearing
Authors: Buss Emily , Hall Joseph W.
Published: June 2010

The present studies examined the binaural masking level difference (MLD) for off-frequency masking. It has been shown previously that the MLD decreases steeply with increasing spectral separation between a pure tone signal and a 10-Hz wide band of masking noise. Data collected here show that this reduction in the off-frequency MLD as a function of signal/masker separation is comparable at 250 and 2500 Hz, indicating that neither interaural phase cues nor frequency resolution are critical to this finding. The MLD decreases more gradually with spectral separation when the masker is a 250-Hz-wide band of noise, a result that implicates the rate of inherent amplitude modulation of the masker. Thresholds were also measured for a brief signal presented coincident with a local masker modulation minimum or maximum. Sensitivity was better in the minima for all NoSπ and off-frequency NoSo conditions, with little or no effect of signal position for on-frequency NoSo conditions. Taken together, the present results indicate that the steep reduction in the off-frequency MLD for a narrowband noise masker is due at least in part to envelope cues in the NoSo conditions. There was no evidence of a reduction in binaural cue quality for off-frequency masking.
Characterization of scattered acoustic intensity fields in the resonance region of a motionless rigid sphere
Authors: Barton Robert J. , Smith Kevin B. , Vincent Harold T.
Published: June 2010

In this study, the properties of the scattered acoustic vector fields generated by simple rigid motionless spheres are investigated. Analytical solutions are derived from general acoustic pressure scattering models, and analyzed for wave numbers in the resonance region. The separable active and reactive components of the acoustic intensity are used to investigate the structural features of the scattered field components. Numerical results are presented. The ability to extract scattered field features is illustrated with measurements obtained from a recent in-air experiment using an anechoic chamber and acoustic intensity probes to measure the scattered acoustic vector field from motionless rigid spheres.
Redesign, Reconstruction, and Directed Extension of the
Brevibacterium linens
C
40
Carotenoid Pathway in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Kim Se Hyeuk , Park Yun Hee , Schmidt-Dannert Claudia , Lee Pyung Cheon
Published: June 2010

In this study, the carotenoid biosynthetic pathways of
Brevibacterium linens
DSMZ 20426 were reconstructed, redesigned, and extended with additional carotenoid-modifying enzymes of other sources in a heterologous host
Escherichia coli
. The modular lycopene pathway synthesized an unexpected carotenoid structure, 3,4-didehydrolycopene, as well as lycopene. Extension of the novel 3,4-didehydrolycopene pathway with the mutant
Pantoea
lycopene cyclase CrtY
2
and the
Rhodobacter
spheroidene monooxygenase CrtA generated monocyclic torulene and acyclic oxocarotenoids, respectively. The reconstructed β-carotene pathway synthesized an unexpected 7,8-dihydro-β-carotene in addition to β-carotene. Extension of the β-carotene pathway with the
B. linens
β-ring desaturase CrtU and
Pantoea
β-carotene hydroxylase CrtZ generated asymmetric carotenoid agelaxanthin A, which had one aromatic ring at the one end of carotene backbone and one hydroxyl group at the other end, as well as aromatic carotenoid isorenieratene and dihydroxy carotenoid zeaxanthin. These results demonstrate that reconstruction of the biosynthetic pathways and extension with promiscuous enzymes in a heterologous host holds promise as a rational strategy for generating structurally diverse compounds that are hardly accessible in nature.
Detection and Quantification of the Coral Pathogen
Vibrio coralliilyticus
by Real-Time PCR with TaqMan Fluorescent Probes
Authors: Pollock F. Joseph , Morris Pamela J. , Willis Bette L. , Bourne David G.
Published: June 2010

A real-time quantitative PCR-based detection assay targeting the
dnaJ
gene (encoding heat shock protein 40) of the coral pathogen
Vibrio coralliilyticus
was developed. The assay is sensitive, detecting as little as 1 CFU per ml in seawater and 10
4
CFU per cm
2
of coral tissue. Moreover, inhibition by DNA and cells derived from bacteria other than
V. coralliilyticus
was minimal. This assay represents a novel approach to coral disease diagnosis that will advance the field of coral disease research.
AidH, an Alpha/Beta-Hydrolase Fold Family Member from an
Ochrobactrum
sp. Strain, Is a Novel
N
-Acylhomoserine Lactonase
Authors: Mei Gui-Ying , Yan Xiao-Xue , Turak Ali , Luo Zhao-Qing , Zhang Li-Qun
Published: June 2010

N
-Acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs) are signaling molecules in many quorum-sensing (QS) systems that regulate interactions between various pathogenic bacteria and their hosts. Quorum quenching by the enzymatic inactivation of AHLs holds great promise in preventing and treating infections, and several such enzymes have been reported. In this study, we report the characterization of a novel AHL-degrading protein from the soil bacterium
Ochrobactrum
sp. strain T63. This protein, termed AidH, shares no similarity with any of the known AHL degradases but is highly homologous with a hydrolytic enzyme from
Ochrobactrum anthropi
ATCC 49188 that contains the alpha/beta-hydrolase fold. By liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS) analysis, we demonstrate that AidH functions as an AHL-lactonase that hydrolyzes the ester bond of the homoserine lactone ring of AHLs. Mutational analyses indicate that the G-X-Nuc-X-G motif or the histidine residue conserved among alpha/beta-hydrolases is critical for the activity of AidH. Furthermore, the AHL-inactivating activity of AidH requires Mn
2+
but not several other tested divalent cations. We also showed that AidH significantly reduces biofilm formation by
Pseudomonas fluorescens
2P24 and the pathogenicity of
Pectobacterium carotovorum
, indicating that this enzyme is able to effectively quench QS-dependent functions in these bacteria by degrading AHLs.
Comparison of Barley Succession and Take-All Disease as Environmental Factors Shaping the Rhizobacterial Community during Take-All Decline
Authors: Schreiner Karin , Hagn Alexandra , Kyselková Martina , Moënne-Loccoz Yvan , Welzl Gerhard , Munch Jean Charles , Schloter Michael
Published: June 2010

The root disease take-all, caused byGaeumannomyces graminisvar.tritici, can be managed by monoculture-induced take-all decline (TAD). This natural biocontrol mechanism typically occurs after a take-all outbreak and is believed to arise from an enrichment of antagonistic populations in the rhizosphere. However, it is not known whether these changes are induced by the monoculture or by ecological rhizosphere conditions due to a disease outbreak and subsequent attenuation. This question was addressed by comparing the rhizosphere microflora of barley, either inoculated with the pathogen or noninoculated, in a microcosm experiment in five consecutive vegetation cycles. TAD occurred in soil inoculated with the pathogen but not in noninoculated soil. Bacterial community analysis using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism of 16S rRNA showed pronounced population shifts in the successive vegetation cycles, but pathogen inoculation had little effect. To elucidate rhizobacterial dynamics during TAD development, a 16S rRNA-based taxonomic microarray was used.Actinobacteriawere the prevailing indicators in the first vegetation cycle, whereas the third cycle—affected most severely by take-all—was characterized byProteobacteria,Bacteroidetes,Chloroflexi,Planctomycetes, andAcidobacteria. Indicator taxa for the last cycle (TAD) belonged exclusively toProteobacteria, including several genera with known biocontrol traits. Our results suggest that TAD involves monoculture-induced enrichment of plant-beneficial taxa.
Evaluation of the
Limulus
Amebocyte Lysate and Recombinant Factor C Assays for Assessment of Airborne Endotoxin
Authors: Thorne Peter S. , Perry Sarah S. , Saito Rena , O'Shaughnessy Patrick T. , Mehaffy John , Metwali Nervana , Keefe Thomas , Donham Kelley J. , Reynolds Stephen J.
Published: June 2010

As a potent inflammatory agent, endotoxin is a key analyte of interest for studies of lung ailments in domestic environments and occupational settings with organic dust. A relatively unexplored advance in endotoxin exposure assessment is the use of recombinant factor C (rFC) from the
Limulus
pathway in a fluorometric assay. In this study, we compared airborne endotoxin concentrations in laboratory- and field-collected parallel air samples using the kinetic
Limulus
amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay and the rFC assay. Air sampling was performed using paired Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) samplers, Button samplers, closed-face cassettes, and cyclone samplers. Field sampling was performed in 10 livestock production facilities, including those housing swine, chicken, turkey, dairy cows, cattle, and horses. Laboratory sampling was performed in exposure chambers using resuspended airborne dust collected in five livestock facilities. Paired samples were extracted in pyrogen-free water with 0.05% Tween 20 and analyzed using LAL and rFC assays. In 402 field sample pairs there was excellent agreement between endotoxin concentrations determined by LAL and rFC (
r
= 0.93;
P
< 0.0001). In 510 laboratory sample pairs there was also excellent agreement between the two assays (
r
= 0.86;
P
< 0.0001). Correlations for subgroups of facility or dust type ranged from 0.65 to 0.96. Mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the field studies showed significant interactions of facility-sampler and facility-assay. rFC/LAL ratios of the geometric means were 0.9 to 1.14 for the samplers (not significantly different from 1.0). The data from this study demonstrate that the LAL assay and the rFC assay return similar estimates of exposure in livestock facilities. Both methods provided suitable lower limits of detection such that all but 19 of 1,824 samples were quantifiable.