bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abscisic Acid–Cytokinin Antagonism Modulates Resistance Against Pseudomonas syringae in Tobacco
Authors: Großkinsky Dominik K. , van der Graaff Eric , Roitsch Thomas
Published: June 2014

Phytohormones are known as essential regulators of plant defenses, with ethylene, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid as the central immunity backbone, while other phytohormones have been demonstrated to interact with this. Only recently, a function of the classic phytohormone cytokinin in plant immunity has been described in Arabidopsis, rice, and tobacco. Although interactions of cytokinins with salicylic acid and auxin have been indicated, the complete network of cytokinin interactions with other immunity-relevant phytohormones is not yet understood. Therefore, we studied the interaction of kinetin and abscisic acid as a negative regulator of plant immunity to modulate resistance in tobacco against Pseudomonas syringae. By analyzing infection symptoms, pathogen proliferation, and accumulation of the phytoalexin scopoletin as a key mediator of kinetin-induced resistance in tobacco, antagonistic interaction of these phytohormones in plant immunity was identified. Kinetin reduced abscisic acid levels in tobacco, while increased abscisic acid levels by exogenous application or inhibition of abscisic acid catabolism by diniconazole neutralized kinetin-induced resistance. Based on these results, we conclude that reduction of abscisic acid levels by enhanced abscisic acid catabolism strongly contributes to cytokinin-mediated resistance effects. Thus, the identified cytokinin–abscisic acid antagonism is a novel regulatory mechanism in plant immunity.
Synergistic Effect of Dazomet Soil Fumigation and Clonostachys rosea Against Cucumber Fusarium Wilt
Authors: Tian Tian , Li Shi-Dong , Sun Man-Hong
Published: June 2014

Soil fumigation and biological control are two control measures frequently used against soilborne diseases. In this study, the chemical fumigant dazomet was applied in combination with the biocontrol agent (BCA) Clonostachys rosea 67-1 to combat cucumber wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum KW2-1. When the mycoparasite C. rosea 67-1 was applied after dazomet fumigation, disease control reached 100%, compared with 88.1 and 69.8% for dazomet and 67-1 agent, respectively, applied alone, indicating a synergistic effect of dazomet and C. rosea in combating cucumber Fusarium wilt based on analysis of Bliss Independence. To understand the synergistic mechanism, the effects of chemical fumigation on the colonization potential and activity of F. oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum, and the interaction between the BCA and the pathogen were investigated. The results showed that growth of the pathogen decreased with increasing dazomet concentration subsequent to fumigation. When exposed to dazomet at 100 ppm, the fungal sporulation rate decreased by 94.4%. Severe damage was observed in fumigated isolates using scanning electron microscopy. In the greenhouse, disease incidence of cucumber caused by fumigated F. oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum significantly decreased. Whereas germination of C. rosea 67-1 spores increased by >sixfold in fumigated soil, and its ability to parasitize fumigated F. oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum significantly increased (P = 0.014).
Brachybacterium ginsengisoli sp. nov., isolated from soil of a ginseng field
Authors: Hoang Van-An , Kim Yeon-Ju , Nguyen Ngoc-Lan , Yang Deok-Chun
Published: June 2014

A novel Gram-staining-positive, aerobic bacterium, designed DCY80T, was isolated from soil of a ginseng field in the Republic of Korea. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain DCY80T belonged to the genus

Brachybacterium

(95.8–98.2 % similarity) and was most closely related to

Brachybacterium faecium

DSM 4810T (98.2 %). Colonies were circular, entire, low-convex, opaque and 0.5–1.0 mm in diameter after growth for 2 days on TSA at 30 °C. Growth occurred at 4–34 °C (optimum, 25 °C), at pH 5.0–10.0 (optimum, pH 6.5–7.0) and in the presence of 0–7.0 % NaCl. Strain DCY80T produced siderophores and was sensitive to penicillin G, erythromycin, cefazolin, oleandomycin, ceftazidime, vancomycin, tetracycline, novobiocin, carbamicillin, rifampicin and neomycin. The DNA G+C content was 71.0 mol%. Levels of DNA–DNA relatedness between strain DCY80T and

B. faecium

DSM 4810T,

B. paraconglomeratum

KCTC 9916T,

B. saurashtrense

DSM 23186T and

B. conglomeratum

KCTC 9915T were 46.9±0.5, 28.9±0.6, 20.4±0.9 and 17.3±0.4 %, respectively. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of strain DCY80T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. The menaquinones were MK-7 (85.8 %) and MK-8 (14.2 %). The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 (69.1 %) and anteiso-C17 : 0 (12.2 %). Phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified glycolipid, two unidentified phospholipids and five unidentified polar lipids were found. On the basis of our phenotypic and genotypic analyses, strain DCY80T represents a novel species of the genus

Brachybacterium

, for which the name Brachybacterium ginsengisoli sp. nov. is proposed (type strain DCY80T = KCTC 29226T = JCM 19356T).
Actinophytocola gilvus sp. nov., isolated from desert soil crusts, and emended description of the genus Actinophytocola Indananda et al. 2010
Authors: Sun Hong-Min , Zhang Tao , Yu Li-Yan , Lu Xin-Xin , Mou Xiao-Zhen , Zhang Yu-Qin
Published: June 2014

An actinomycete strain, designated I12A-02593T, was isolated from a desert soil crust sample collected in the Shapotou region of Tengger Desert, north-west China. The isolate grew well on International Streptomyces Project (ISP) media 2, 3, 5 and 7, YS and Bennett’s agar; it produced spherical bodies and formed clumps on the aerial mycelia on ISP 5 agar plates. Chemotaxonomically, the strain contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid, arabinose and galactose as the diagnostic sugars in whole-cell hydrolysates, MK-9(H4) as the sole isoprenoid quinone, and iso-C16 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 2-OH and iso-C16 : 1 H as the major cellular fatty acids, without mycolic acids. The profile of the phospholipids mainly comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and hydroxyphosphatidylethanolamine. The genomic DNA G+C content was 70.1 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain I12A-02593T exhibited 96.4–97.4 % similarities with members of the genus

Actinophytocola

. In the phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, the isolate formed a robust cluster with

Actinophytocola oryzae

NBRC 105245T,

Aactinophytocola timorensis

NBRC 105524T,

Actinophytocola corallina

NBRC 105525T,

Actinophytocola burenkhanensis

NBRC 105883Tand

Actinophytocola xinjiangensis

NBRC 106673T. DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain I12A-02593T and the five species of the genus

Actinophytocola

were all less than 70 %. On the basis of the polyphasic taxonomy evidence, a novel species of the genus

Actinophytocola

is proposed, with the name Actinophytocola gilvus sp. nov. The type strain is I12A-02593T ( = CPCC 203543T = DSM 45828T = NBRC 109453T = KCTC 29165T). An emended description of the genus

Actinophytocola

is also provided.
Streptomyces iconiensis sp. nov. and Streptomyces smyrnaeus sp. nov., two halotolerant actinomycetes isolated from a salt lake and saltern
Authors: Tatar Demet , Guven Kiymet , Spröer Cathrin , Klenk Hans-Peter , Sahin Nevzat
Published: June 2014

The taxonomic positions of two novel actinomycetes, designated strains BNT558T and SM3501T, were established by using a polyphasic approach. The organisms had chemical and morphological features that were consistent with their classification in the genus

Streptomyces

. The whole-cell hydrolysates of the two strains contained ll-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H6) and MK-9(H8) for strain BNT558T and MK-9(H8) and MK-9(H6) for strain SM3501T. Major fatty acids of the strains were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The polar lipid profile of strain BNT558T contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, one unidentified glycolipid and one unidentified aminophospholipid, while that of strain SM3501T consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified atypical aminolipids, one unidentified aminolipid and two unidentified glycolipids. The G+C contents of the genomic DNA were 70.2 and 69.6 mol% for strains BNT558T and SM3501T, respectively. 16S rRNA gene sequence data supported the classification of the isolates in the genus

Streptomyces

and showed that they formed two distinct branches within the genus. Based on almost-complete 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain BNT558T was related most closely to

Streptomyces albiaxialis

NRRL B-24327T and strain SM3501T was related most closely to

Streptomyces cacaoi subsp. cacaoi

NBRC 12748T. DNA–DNA relatedness between each of the isolates and its closest phylogenetic neighbours showed that they belonged to distinct species. The two isolates were readily distinguished from one another and from the type strains of the other species classified in the genus

Streptomyces

based on a combination of phenotypic and genotypic properties. Based on the genotypic and phenotypic evidence, strains BNT558T and SM3501T belong to two novel species in the genus

Streptomyces

, for which the names Streptomyces
iconiensis sp. nov. (type strain BNT558T = KCTC 29198T = DSM 42109T) and Streptomyces
smyrnaeus sp. nov. (type strain SM3501T = KCTC 29214T = DSM 42105T) are proposed, respectively.
Reclassification of Desulfobacterium anilini as Desulfatiglans anilini comb. nov. within Desulfatiglans gen. nov., and description of a 4-chlorophenol-degrading sulfate-reducing bacterium, Desulfatiglans parachlorophenolica sp. nov.
Authors: Suzuki Daisuke , Li Zhiling , Cui Xinxin , Zhang Chunfung , Katayama Arata
Published: June 2014

A strictly anaerobic, mesophilic, sulfate-reducing bacterial strain (DST), isolated from river sediment contaminated with volatile organic compounds, was characterized phenotypically and phylogenetically. Cells were Gram-reaction-negative, non-motile short rods. For growth, optimum NaCl concentration was 0.9 g l−1, optimum temperature was 30 °C and optimum pH was 7.2. Strain DST utilized phenol, benzoate, 4-hydroxybenzoate, 4-methylphenol, 4-chlorophenol, acetate, butyrate and pyruvate as electron donors for sulfate reduction. Electron donors were completely oxidized. Strain DST did not utilize sulfite, thiosulfate or nitrate as electron acceptors. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain DST was 58.9 mol%. Major cellular fatty acids were iso-C14 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and C18 : 1ω7c. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene indicated its closest relatives were strains of

Desulfobacterium anilini

(about 98–99 % sequence similarity) but the DNA–DNA hybridization value with

Desulfobacterium anilini

Ani1T was around 40 %. Although strain DST and its relatives shared most phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, the utilization of 4-chlorophenol, the range of electron acceptors and the optimum growth conditions differed. Strain DST is closely related to strains of

Desulfobacterium anilini

, but constitutes a different species within the genus. Based on phylogeny, phenotypic characteristics and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain DST and

Desulfobacterium anilini

were clearly different from strains of other species of the genus

Desulfobacterium

. We thus propose the reclassification of

Desulfobacterium anilini

within a new genus, Desulfatiglans gen. nov., as Desulfatiglans anilini comb. nov. We also propose Desulfatiglans parachlorophenolica sp. nov. to accommodate strain DST. The type strain is DST ( = JCM 19179T = DSM 27197T).
Martelella
radicis sp. nov. and Martelella
mangrovi sp. nov., isolated from mangrove sediment
Authors: Zhang De-Chao , Margesin Rosa
Published: June 2014

Two Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strains, designated BM5-7T and BM9-1T were isolated from soil of the root system of a mangrove forest. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the two isolates belong to the genus

Martelella

. The chemotaxonomic characteristics of these isolates included the presence of C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c and C18 : 1ω7c as the major cellular fatty acids and Q-10 as the dominant ubiquinone. The genomic DNA G+C contents of strains BM5-7T and BM9-1T were 61.0 and 59.7 mol% (HPLC method), respectively. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between the two strains was 98.1 %, but DNA–DNA hybridization indicated 44 % relatedness. Strains BM5-7T and BM9-1T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 98.0–99.2 % and 97.7–98.1 %, respectively, with type strains of

Martelella endophytica

and

Martelella mediterranea

. Combined data from phenotypic, phylogenetic and DNA–DNA relatedness studies demonstrated that strains BM5-7T and BM9-1T are representatives of two novel species of the genus

Martelella

, for which the names Martelella radicis sp. nov. (type strain BM5-7T = DSM 28101T = LMG 27958T) and Martelella mangrovi sp. nov. (type strain BM9-1T = DSM 28102T = LMG 27959T) are proposed.
Error correction and assembly complexity of single molecule sequencing reads
Authors: Lee Hayan , Gurtowski James , Yoo Shinjae , Marcus Shoshana , McCombie W. Richard , Schatz Michael
Published: June 2014

Third generation single molecule sequencing technology is poised to revolutionize genomics by enabling the sequencing of long, individual molecules of DNA and RNA. These technologies now routinely produce reads exceeding 5,000 basepairs, and can achieve reads as long as 50,000 basepairs. Here we evaluate the limits of single molecule sequencing by assessing the impact of long read sequencing in the assembly of the human genome and 25 other important genomes across the tree of life. From this, we develop a new data-driven model using support vector regression that can accurately predict assembly performance. We also present a novel hybrid error correction algorithm for long PacBio sequencing reads that uses pre-assembled Illumina sequences for the error correction. We apply it several prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes, and show it can achieve near-perfect assemblies of small genomes (<100Mbp) and substantially improved assemblies of larger ones. All source code and the assembly model are available open-source.
A three-dimensional cadmium(II) coordination polymer: poly[[[μ-4,4′-(propane-1,3-diyl)dipyridine-κ2N:N](μ-3,3′-thiodipropionato-κ3O,O′:O)cadmium(II)] monohydrate]
Authors: Hao Xiao-Min , Chen Gang , Gu Chang-Sheng , Liu Ji-Wei
Published: June 2014

In the title coordination polymer, {[Cd(C6H8O4S)(C13H14N2)]·H2O}n, the CdIIatom displays a distorted octahedral coordination, formed by three carboxylate O atoms and one S atom from three different 3,3′-thiodipropionate ligands, and two N atoms from two different 4,4′-(propane-1,3-diyl)dipyridine ligands. The CdIIcentres are bridged through carboxylate O atoms of 3,3′-thiodipropionate ligands and through N atoms of 4,4′-(propane-1,3-diyl)dipyridine ligands to form two different one-dimensional chains, which intersect to form a two-dimensional layer. These two-dimensional layers are linked by S atoms of 3,3′-thiodipropionate ligands from adjacent layers to form a three-dimensional network.
Oxazolochlorins. 14.
Authors: Zeller Matthias , Banerjee Subhadeep , Brückner Christian
Published: June 2014

The structure of 8-oxo-5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-7-oxaporphyrinN24-oxide, C43H28N4O3, (4B), shows thatN-oxidation of the pyrrole opposite the oxazolidone group cants the pyrrole out of the mean plane of the chromophore. This also affects the oxazolidone group, which is also slightly canted out. This conformation is qualitatively similar to that of the parentmeso-tetraphenylporphyrinN-oxide, but dissimilar to that of the porpholactoneN-oxide isomer 8-oxo-5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-7-oxaporphyrinN22-oxide, (4A), carrying theN-oxide at the oxazolidone group. While the degree of canting of theN-oxidized groups in both cases is comparable (and more pronounced than in the porphyrinN-oxide case), in (4A) the pyrrolic groups adjacent to theN-oxidized group are more affected than the opposing group. These differences in the conformational modes may contribute to rationalizing the distinctly different electronic properties of (4A) and (4B).
Entry mode decisions
Authors: Kouznetsov Alex , Dass Mohan , Schmidt Peter
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine whether political elements affect entry mode decisions of foreign small- to medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMMEs) into post-communist Russia.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper employs a qualitative research technique. The data were collected using confidential, semi-structured face-to-face interviews.

Findings

– Smaller manufacturers are more sensitive to the political environment. More specifically, during face-to-face interview, corruption and ineffective law enforcement were found to be the factors of significant concern to SMMEs in Russia.

Research limitations/implications

– The research on sensitive topics has limitations largely due to possible political implications for firms operating in Russia.

Practical implications

– This study on Russia is significant particularly for foreign small and medium enterprises, it will also raise concerns for firms entry modes into emerging markets of former USSR members.

Originality/value

– The paper presents findings that are based on primary sources – interviews with foreign firms currently conducting business in Russia. The research findings will be a valuable source of information to contemporary firms conducting feasibility studies with a view to doing business in Russia. In addition, this study contributes to the limited body of research knowledge on the business environment in Russia and the emerging markets of former USSR members.
Human resource management practices in Chinese organisations
Authors: Lin Song , Lamond David
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this special issue of Chinese Management Studies (CMS) focuses attention on a central activity of Chinese organisations – managing people. The aim is to support efforts to move beyond human resource management (HRM) research in China as a subset of international or comparative HRM research and promote indigenous approaches to research in China.

Design/methodology/approach

– Review and reflection.

Findings

– The research presented in the eight articles that constitute this special issue not only use sample data from China but also explore the mechanisms of different variables in the special Chinese condition, situation and context, resulting in meaningful results on a practical level. As such, they provide valuable contributions to theory construction in HRM and organisational behaviour, not just for China but for organisations around the world.

Research limitations/implications

– Developing an indigenous understanding of Chinese HRM has a long way to go. The findings here provide a contribution to the growing foundation on which to base further efforts. They will not only help build knowledge about complex organisation dynamics in Chinese businesses but also enrich the overall management knowledge base, not just Chinese organisations.

Originality/value

– Provides valuable contributions to theory construction in HRM and organisational behaviour, not just for China but for organisations around the world.
Segmenting and profiling attendees of a film festival
Authors: Báez Andrea , Devesa María
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse film festival spectators on the basis of their motives for attending as well as other variables linked to cultural consumption, the evaluation of the event and certain sociodemographic characteristics of attendees.

Design/methodology/approach

– Survey data were collected at the Valdivia International Film Festival, the case study. In order to achieve the goals of the paper, a variety of statistical methods and techniques were used. First, principal component factorial analysis was applied to identify the underlying motivational dimensions. Second, the authors adopted cluster analysis based on the dimensions pinpointed in the factorial analysis in order to segment festival attendees. Finally, analysis of variance and χ2 analysis were applied to establish each group's profile.

Findings

– The empirical research reveals three motivation factors (discovery, entertainment and cinema) and three discrete groups of spectators, labelled as socially indifferent, film lovers and enthusiasts). They present different profiles from a consumption viewpoint.

Research limitations/implications

– The results provide useful insights into cultural policy and management of this kind of events, and even for those in charge of tourism policies in the city and the region.

Originality/value

– The paper aims to contribute to the literature addressing festival motivation for the specific case of a film festival, a field for which there are almost no studies into motivation, in a given geographical area South America which is active in creating festivals.
Online repatronage intention: an empirical study among Malaysian experienced online shoppers
Authors: Rezaei Sajad , Amin Muslim , Khairuzzaman Wan Ismail Wan
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– Prior studies mostly investigate initial shopping intention in developed countries. The purpose of this paper is to sketch and determine the impact of perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceived value (PV), trust (TRT), perceived risk (PR), privacy concern (PC), internet literacy (IL), satisfaction (SAT) on online repatronage intention (ORI) among Malaysian experienced online shoppers.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 219 valid questionnaires were collected via an online survey among experienced online shoppers across young and old students aged 18-31. Subsequently, the two-step structural equation modelling (SEM) technique was employed to empirically examine the proposed integrative theoretical research framework and model fit with maximum likelihood estimation.

Findings

– The statistical analyses support the relationships between PU, PV, TRT and SAT with ORI while the relationships between PEOU, PR, PC and IL with ORI were rejected in which all the factors affecting ORI occur similarly across the study sample. The behaviour of experienced online shoppers was found to be different from findings of previous literature that examined initial adoption and intention. Due to the lack of distinction in the literature concerning experienced and inexperienced shoppers, our results show inconsistencies with prior research in examining ORI.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper suggests that future research consider multicultural analysis, atmosphere design, developing internet methodology and the role of flow experience in determining ORI. The research limitations and implications are also discussed.

Practical implications

– By realizing the differences between inexperienced shoppers and experienced shoppers, online retailers should segment these groups more effectively and should implement a different marketing strategy to target the right segment, right shoppers along with the right marketing tactic. The antecedents of future intention of online shopping are influenced by various variables because the human behaviour is sophisticated in nature. Thus, academicians and practitioners should realize the implications of examining their target population/market based on an assessment of different antecedents.

Originality/value

– This study is among the few attempts to examine attitudes and behaviour of Malaysian experienced online shoppers who have formed relevant experiences and skills in online shopping. Additionally, the paper empirically examine and distinct user perception of online retail attributes (including PU, PEOU, PV and PR), pre-purchase user attitudes (including TRT, PC, IL) and post-purchase users attitudes (including SAT) in forming ORI simultaneously.
The influence of managerial myopia on firm strategy
Authors: W. Ridge Jason , Kern Dave , A. White Margaret
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of temporal myopia (focussing on the short-term) and spatial myopia (focussing on the current market) on firm strategy. Specifically the paper investigates the effects of temporal and spatial myopia on the persistence and conformity of firm strategy. Additionally, the paper tests how environmental munificence moderates these effects. A secondary purpose of this paper is to develop a replicable method of measurement of temporal and spatial myopia.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors conducted a manual content analysis of letters to shareholders for 100 firms over three years to measure spatial and temporal myopia. After collecting strategy variables and control variables from Compustat, the authors utilize a random-effects panel methodology.

Findings

– The results indicate that strategy is influenced by both temporal and spatial myopia. Specifically, temporal myopia creates a focus on the firm's current strategy, leading to a persistent strategy over time and spatial myopia focusses firm decision makers on better known technologies and competitors, leading to conformity to industry strategic profiles. Additionally, the paper tests how environmental munificence influences these relationships. In total, the paper finds that the differing types of managerial myopia have distinct influences on firm outcomes.

Originality/value

– This paper makes two important contributions to the literature on managerial myopia. First, the paper investigates the differential effects of both spatial and temporal myopia on firm strategy, topics that have been relatively overlooked in empirical investigations of decision making. Second, the paper develops replicable measures for both temporal and spatial myopia, which have been previously suggested to limit the ability to empirically test the implications of managerial myopia (Laverty, 1996).
Gift-giving, sharing and commodity exchange at Bookcrossing.com: new insights from a qualitative analysis
Authors: Corciolani Matteo , Dalli Daniele
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– Through an empirical analysis of a consumption community, the purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the theories of gift-giving, sharing and commodity exchange should not be kept separated but integrated into a unifying model.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper provides new evidence about Bookcrossing.com, whose members share and give books as gifts; that is, physical goods rather than digital ones as in most of the communities considered in the literature. This community is analysed with qualitative tools, such as netnography, personal interviews and participant observation.

Findings

– The main result of the analysis of Bookcrossing is that gift-giving is not the only process responsible for value creation and distribution in consumption communities: sharing and commodity exchange also play a role. Furthermore, the paper provides new evidence about aspects of gift-giving and sharing that have received limited attention in the literature: collective reciprocity and anonymous sharing.

Research limitations/implications

– The limitations are related to the intrinsic properties of the methods employed (netnography, personal interviews and participant observation) and to the paper, which analyses only one community and one product category. The implications refer to the role of gift-giving in consumption communities and its relationships with other processes: consumer gift systems are not only gifting platforms, but they and the elements of sharing and commodity exchange need to be integrated.

Practical implications

– The empirical evidence and implications matter for the organisation and management of collaborative consumption platforms and the way in which traditional business models could and should interact with these platforms in an increasing number of businesses.

Originality/value

– The paper adds new evidence of and original insights into gift-giving and collective forms of exchange. Moreover, it provides managerial implications of the analysed community for the book publishing industry.
Fires, floods and financial meltdowns: black swan events and property asset management
Authors: M. Higgins David
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– In these ever challenging times, conventional property decision theory appears inadequate to deal with black swan events: those unforseen, rare and extreme natural and man-made disasters. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research maps, characterises and assesses these threats into: Known Knowns, Known Unknowns and Unknown Unknowns categories. Whereas, Known Knowns events can be managed and Unknown Unknowns events are difficult to even identify, those black swan Known Unknowns events that impact on a location, can be modelled based on available past and comparable evidence.

Findings

– As a starting point, black swan management tools can utilise available prediction-based scale indices to highlight the possibility of these extreme events occurring in locations, and so form an important consideration for property asset managers in their decision-making process.

Originality/value

– For property asset managers, this black swan management research attempts to identify, record and include those outlier events that directly impact on their property decision-making process. This can be undertaken by providing predictions as to the future occurrence of Known Unknown black swan events. These extreme events need to form an important part of a property asset manager's decision-making process. If overlooked, black swan events can have disastrous consequences for the valued client – building owner.
Pedagogic challenges in the learning organization
Authors: Ohlsson Jon
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to further clarify a conceptual understanding of pedagogic challenges in the learning organization and to propose a model for pedagogic interventions to facilitate organizational learning and managing tacit knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

– The “organization pedagogic” approach includes analysis of, and interventions in, learning processes in local school organizations' quality development. The empirical study focuses particularly on identified contradictions and challenges regarding organizational learning. Through a multi-case study design, 39 in-depth interviews with head teachers and teachers were carried out. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted.

Findings

– Observed obstacles regarding collective learning processes in the local school organizations mirrored underlying contradictions. These contradictions manifest as dilemmas concerning inconsistent and implicit quality analyses and assessments, as conflicting views regarding collaboration and interpretations of teacher’s role and as paradoxical views on managing processes regarding quality work.

Originality/value

– A conclusion is that dilemmas and paradoxes, more than conflicting views, are difficult to conceptualize and make explicit to create shared knowledge. This means that contradictions remain as underlying tensions in the organization and decrease the potential of both team learning and organizational learning. Therefore, a pedagogic intervention loop model is suggested, aiming at facilitating ongoing collective learning processes and managing tacit knowledge.
Fine structural analysis on triad spinning spigots of an orb‐web spider's capture threads
Authors: Park Jong‐Gu , Moon Myung‐Jin
Published: June 2014

Capture threads of the golden orb‐web spider Nephila clavata are produced from the silks of a pair of triad spinning units composed of a flagelliform gland (FLG) and two aggregate glands (AGG). In N. clavata, arrangement of the triad spigots is closely related to coating an axial supporting fiber with sticky aqueous droplets on a continuous and consistent basis for capture thread production. The central spigot of FLG and peripherally located AGG spigots are aligned along a single plane, and both have bullet‐type spigots with flexible segments. In particular, the pear‐shaped spigot of the AGG with a wide‐aperture nozzle provides not only sufficient luminal space for controlling transient storage of the aqueous gluey substance but also an effective spatial system that thoroughly coats the axial fibers with a viscous aqueous solution.
Quantification of gross tumour volume changes between simulation and first day of radiotherapy for patients with locally advanced malignancies of the lung and head/neck
Authors: Kishan Amar U , Cui Jing , Wang Pin‐Chieh , Daly Megan E , Purdy James A , Chen Allen M
Published: June 2014

Introduction

To quantify changes in gross tumour volume (GTV) between simulation and initiation of radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced malignancies of the lung and head/neck.

Methods

Initial cone beam computed tomography (CT) scans from 12 patients with lung cancer and 12 with head/neck cancer (head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)) treated with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy with image guidance were rigidly registered to the simulation CT scans. The GTV was demarcated on both scans. The relationship between percent GTV change and variables including time interval between simulation and start, tumour (T) stage, and absolute weight change was assessed.

Results

For lung cancer patients, the GTV increased a median of 35.06% (range, −16.63% to 229.97%) over a median interval of 13 days (range, 7–43), while for HNSCC patients, the median GTV increase was 16.04% (range, −8.03% to 47.41%) over 13 days (range, 7–40). These observed changes are statistically significant. The magnitude of this change was inversely associated with the size of the tumour on the simulation scan for lung cancer patients (P < 0.05). However, the observed changes in GTV did not correlate with the duration of the interval for either disease site. Similarly, T stage, absolute weight change and histologic type (the latter for lung cancer cases) did not correlate with degree of GTV change (P > 0.1).

Conclusion

While the observed changes in GTV were moderate from the time of simulation to start of radiotherapy, these findings underscore the importance of image guidance for target localisation and verification, particularly for smaller tumours. Minimising the delay between simulation and treatment initiation may also be beneficial.
Factors influencing the use of RT in NSW: A qualitative study exploring consumer and health professional perspectives
Authors: Sundaresan Puma , Milross Christopher G. , Smith Andrea , Evans Alison , Stockler Martin R. , King Madeleine T.
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Radiotherapy (RT) is an essential and cost‐effective cancer treatment. It is underutilised in Australia. Bridging the gap between actual and optimal RT utilisation requires not only provision of adequate RT infrastructure but also an understanding of the factors that influence the extent to which this opportunity for RT is utilised. This study explored factors perceived to affect RT‐related decision making by consumers and health professionals (HPs).

Methods

Six semi‐structured focus groups (FGs) and 13 interviews were conducted at three geographical locations in NSW, Australia (n = 26 consumers and 30 HPs). Audio recordings of FGs and interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

Results

An exhaustive list of issues perceived to affect consumer and HP RT decisions was identified. There were common themes across participant groups and locations. Perceptions of RT and its benefits, as well as accurate communication of the expected benefits and risks of RT, were highlighted as important to decision making. Perceived factors relating to ‘inconvenience’ of RT were multifaceted and included travel, relocation, accommodation, time away from work and financial challenges. Perceived potential barriers to RT referral included knowledge of RT and RT services, availability of a local or visiting RT service, referrer bias, and the low profile of RT.

Conclusions

Important drivers during RT decisions appear to include the perceived benefit, risks and inconvenience of RT. Underutilisation of RT may also result from multiple barriers at the referrer level. Further research into whether these factors influence actual RT decisions is needed.
Real‐time ultrasound‐guided spinal anesthesia using the SonixGPS ultrasound guidance system: a feasibility study
Authors: NIAZI A. U. , CHIN K. J. , JIN R. , CHAN V. W.
Published: June 2014

Background

Real‐time ultrasound‐guided neuraxial blockade remains a largely experimental technique. SonixGPS® is a new needle tracking system that displays needle tip position on the ultrasound screen. We investigated if this novel technology might aid performance of real‐time ultrasound‐guided spinal anesthesia.

Methods

Twenty patients with body mass index < 35 kg/m2 undergoing elective total joint arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia were recruited. Patients with previous back surgery and spinal abnormalities were excluded. Following a pre‐procedural ultrasound scan, a 17G proprietary needle‐sensor assembly was inserted in‐plane to the transducer in four patients and out‐of‐plane in 16 patients. In both approaches, the trajectory of insertion was adjusted in real‐time until the needle tip lay just superficial to the ligamentum flavum‐dura mater complex. At this point, a 25G 120 mm Whitacre spinal needle was inserted through the 17G SonixGPS® needle. Successful dural puncture was confirmed by backflow of cerebrospinal fluid from the spinal needle.

Results

An overall success rate of 14/20 (70%) was seen with two failures (50%) and four failures (25%) in the in‐plane and out‐of‐plane groups respectively. Dural puncture was successful on the first skin puncture in 71% of patients and in a single needle pass in 57% of patients. The median total procedure time was 16.4 and 11.1 min in the in‐plane and out‐of‐plane groups respectively.

Conclusion

The SonixGPS® system simplifies real‐time ultrasound‐guided spinal anesthesia to a large extent, especially the out‐of‐plane approach. Nevertheless, it remains a complex multi‐step procedure that requires time, specialized equipment, and a working knowledge of spinal sonoanatomy.
Maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy predicts drug use via externalizing behavior in two community‐based samples of adolescents
Authors: Lotfipour Shahrdad , Ferguson Eamonn , Leonard Gabriel , Miettunen Jouko , Perron Michel , Pike G. Bruce , Richer Louis , Séguin Jean R. , Veillette Suzanne , Jarvelin Marjo‐Riitta , Moilanen Irma , Mäki Pirjo , Nordström Tanja , Pausova Zdenka , Veijola Juha , Paus Tomáš
Published: June 2014

Background and Aims

Prenatal exposure to maternal cigarette smoking (PEMCS) is associated with a higher probability of substance use in adolescence. We explore if externalizing behavior mediates this relationship, while controlling for a number of potential covariates of this mediation process.

Methods

We used data obtained in two geographically distinct community samples of adolescents. The first (cross‐sectional) sample consisted of 996 adolescents (12–18 years of age) recruited from the Saguenay Youth Study (SYS) in Canada (47% with PEMCS). The second (longitudinal) sample consisted of 1141 adolescents (49% with PEMCS) from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort (NFBC1986). In both samples, externalizing behavior and substance use were assessed during adolescence. In the NFBC1986 cohort, externalizing behavior was also assessed in childhood.

Results

In both populations, PEMCS is associated with a higher likelihood of adolescent drug experimentation. In the NFBC1986 cohort, exposed (versus non‐exposed) adolescents experiment with an extra 1.27 [B = 0.24, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.15, 0.33 P < 0.001] drugs. In the SYS cohort, a clear protective effect of not being exposed is shown: non‐exposed (versus exposed) adolescents are 1.5 times [B = −0.42, 95% CI = −0.75, −0.09, P = 0.013] less likely to take drugs. These associations between PEMCS and drug experimentation remain in the multivariate and mediational analyses.

Conclusions

Prenatal exposure to maternal cigarette smoking appears to be associated with a higher probability of experimenting with drugs during adolescence, both directly and indirectly via externalizing behavior and the number of peers reported as using drugs.
Managing high‐risk surgical patients: modifiable co‐morbidities matter
Authors: Pham Clarabelle , Gibb Catherine , Field John , Gray Jodi , Fitridge Robert , Marshall Villis , Karnon Jonathan
Published: June 2014

Background

There are a subset of potentially modifiable co‐morbidities that may be targeted in the preoperative phase with a view to optimizing control and improving post‐operative outcomes. This study aims to estimate the effect of potentially modifiable co‐morbidities on post‐operative outcomes and to identify potential targets for preoperative management.

Methods

Retrospective data on hospital separations in South Australia were analyzed using multiple regression to estimate the association between nine potentially modifiable co‐morbidities and length of stay, post‐operative complications and in‐hospital mortality.

Results

After adjusting for primary diagnosis, age, gender and other potential confounders, significant increases in length of stay and complications were recorded for eight and six of the nine modifiable co‐morbidities, respectively. As examples, previous heart failure was associated with a 54% increase in length of stay and an odds ratio of 1.75 for complications. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was associated with a 38% increase in length of stay and an odds ratio of 1.64 for complications.

Conclusions

A set of potentially modifiable co‐morbidities is associated with a range of poorer post‐operative outcomes, relative to patients without those co‐morbidities. There is a clinical rationale that outcomes will be worse in the subset of patients for whom such co‐morbidities are poorly controlled, and that timely intervention to improve control in the period prior to surgery will improve post‐operative outcomes. Further research is required on post‐operative outcomes for patients with and without controlled co‐morbidities and on the effects of timely intervention to improve control prior to surgery.
Bayes Hilbert Spaces
Authors: van den Boogaart Karl Gerald , Egozcue Juan José , Pawlowsky‐Glahn Vera
Published: June 2014

A Bayes linear space is a linear space of equivalence classes of proportional σ‐finite measures, including probability measures. Measures are identified with their density functions. Addition is given by Bayes' rule and substraction by Radon–Nikodym derivatives. The present contribution shows the subspace of square‐log‐integrable densities to be a Hilbert space, which can include probability and infinite measures, measures on the whole real line or discrete measures. It extends the ideas from the Hilbert space of densities on a finite support towards Hilbert spaces on general measure spaces. It is also a generalisation of the Euclidean structure of the simplex, the sample space of random compositions. In this framework, basic notions of mathematical statistics get a simple algebraic interpretation. A key tool is the centred‐log‐ratio transformation, a generalization of that used in compositional data analysis, which maps the Hilbert space of measures into a subspace of square‐integrable functions. As a consequence of this structure, distances between densities, orthonormal bases, and Fourier series representing measures become available. As an application, Fourier series of normal distributions and distances between them are derived, and an example related to grain size distributions is presented. The geometry of the sample space of random compositions, known as Aitchison geometry of the simplex, is obtained as a particular case of the Hilbert space when the measures have discrete and finite support.
Self‐Efficacy Moderates but Collective Efficacy Mediates between Motivational Climate and Athletes’ Well‐Being
Authors: Blecharz Jan , Luszczynska Aleksandra , Tenenbaum Gershon , Scholz Urte , Cieslak Roman
Published: June 2014

Background: The relationship between perceived motivational climate and athletes’ well‐being may depend on personal resource factors such as self‐efficacy beliefs which are expected to shield individuals from negative outcomes when environmental factors may not suffice to secure positive outcomes. We explored the roles of self‐efficacy and collective efficacy by investigating whether they operated either as moderators or as mediators within this relationship. Methods: Study 1 was carried out among 56 athletes (basketball, volleyball, or soccer players), with a two‐week follow‐up, whereas Study 2 was conducted among 113 soccer players, with three measurement points (baseline, two‐month follow‐up, and nine‐month follow‐up). Their satisfaction with sport skills and performance served as an index of well‐being. Results: The findings of Study 1 indicated that general self‐efficacy moderated the relationship between task‐oriented motivational climate and satisfaction. Task‐oriented climate predicted satisfaction only among athletes with low self‐efficacy. Study 2 showed that self‐efficacy moderated the link between task‐oriented motivational climate and satisfaction at nine‐month follow‐up. In contrast, collective efficacy at two‐month follow‐up mediated the relationship between perceived motivational climate at baseline and satisfaction at nine‐month follow‐up. Conclusions: Athletes are at risk for lower well‐being if they perceive a negative task‐involving climate and if they harbor either low general self‐efficacy or low personal‐barrier self‐efficacy.
Systematic review: the treatment of muscle cramps in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Vidot H. , Carey S. , Allman‐Farinelli M. , Shackel N.
Published: June 2014

Background

Up to 88% of patients with hepatic cirrhosis experience painful muscle cramps resulting in sleep deprivation and impaired quality of life. Management is often based on poor evidence with varying degrees of success in controlling the frequency and severity of muscle cramps in this group.

Aim

To review systematically the treatment options for muscle cramps in cirrhosis.

Methods

A systematic review of the relevant databases to identify treatments for muscle cramps in patients with hepatic cirrhosis was performed. Studies meeting the selection criteria were reviewed and quality of the papers was rated using a validated quality rating scale. The results for each treatment are reported.

Results

Eighteen publications were identified as eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. The majority (n = 15) of these were treatment/intervention reports. Only three randomised‐control studies were identified. A wide range of treatments were identified including zinc, 1‐α‐hydroxy vitamin D, vitamin E, branched chain amino acids, taurine, l‐carnitine, nuiche‐shen‐qi‐wen, eperisone hydrochloride, intravenous albumin and quinidine. There were some reported improvements in muscle cramps with most interventions with the exception of vitamin E but the evidence predominantly relies on case study reports. There is a lack of randomised‐controlled clinical studies to support using these interventions.

Conclusions

There appear to be a number of promising treatments for muscle cramps in cirrhosis. However, there remains a need for further double‐blinded, randomised, controlled clinical investigations to support routine use of these interventions to treat muscle cramps in patients with hepatic cirrhosis.