bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential clinical characteristics and prognosis of intraventricular conduction defects in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Cinca Juan , Mendez Ana , Puig Teresa , Ferrero Andreu , Roig Eulalia , Vazquez Rafael , Gonzalez‐Juanatey Jose R. , Alonso‐Pulpon Luis , Delgado Juan , Brugada Josep , Pascual‐Figal Domingo ,   on behalf of the investigators of the Spanish Heart Failure Network (REDINSCOR)
Published: March 2013

Aims

Intraventricular conduction defects (IVCDs) can impair prognosis of heart failure (HF), but their specific impact is not well established. This study aimed to analyse the clinical profile and outcomes of HF patients with LBBB, right bundle branch block (RBBB), left anterior fascicular block (LAFB), and no IVCDs.

Methods and results

Clinical variables and outcomes after a median follow‐up of 21 months were analysed in 1762 patients with chronic HF and LBBB (n = 532), RBBB (n = 134), LAFB (n = 154), and no IVCDs (n = 942). LBBB was associated with more marked LV dilation, depressed LVEF, and mitral valve regurgitation. Patients with RBBB presented overt signs of congestive HF and depressed right ventricular motion. The LAFB group presented intermediate clinical characteristics, and patients with no IVCDs were more often women with less enlarged left ventricles and less depressed LVEF. Death occurred in 332 patients (interannual mortality = 10.8%): cardiovascular in 257, extravascular in 61, and of unknown origin in 14 patients. Cardiac death occurred in 230 (pump failure in 171 and sudden death in 59). An adjusted Cox model showed higher risk of cardiac death and pump failure death in the LBBB and RBBB than in the LAFB and the no IVCD groups.

Conclusion

LBBB and RBBB are associated with different clinical profiles and both are independent predictors of increased risk of cardiac death in patients with HF. A more favourable prognosis was observed in patients with LAFB and in those free of IVCDs. Further research in HF patients with RBBB is warranted.
One year clinical efficacy and reverse cardiac remodelling in patients with severe mitral regurgitation and reduced ejection fraction after MitraClip© implantation
Authors: Pleger Sven T. , Schulz‐Schönhagen Marius , Geis Nicolas , Mereles Derliz , Chorianopoulos Emmanuel , Antaredja Muliadi , Lewening Markus , Katus Hugo A. , Bekeredjian Raffi
Published: March 2013

Aims

The aim of the present study was to investigate 1 year clinical and functional efficacy of percutaneous mitral valve (MV) repair using MitraClip™ in high‐risk surgical patients with symptomatic severe MV regurgitation (MR) and reduced LVEF.

Methods and results

Between September 2009 and November 2011, 59 patients with reduced EF and severe MR received endovascular MV repair using MitraClip™. Patients were characterized after 1 and 12 months using echocardiography, 6 min walk test distance, and cardiac biomarkers. The predicted 30‐day surgical perioperative mortality rate was 11.4 ±2.2% using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons' score. Complete 1‐year clinical follow‐up was achieved in 70% of the patients (n = 41; EF 33 ±3%). Percutaneous MV repair resulted in significantly reduced MR and improved NYHA functional class, translating into significantly increased 6 min walk test distance, while high‐sensitive troponin T (P < 0.05) and NT‐proBNP (non‐significant) were reduced. Echocardiography revealed structural reverse remodelling with significantly reduced left atrial volume and LV end‐systolic diameter, as well as significantly increased LVEF. These results were consistent in a subgroup of patients with severely reduced LVEF (EF 23 ±2%; n = 25). Thirty‐day mortality was 2.9%.

Conclusion

Percutaneous MV repair using MitraClip™ is a safe technique in high‐risk surgical patients, causing significant 1 year reduction of MR which results in structural cardiac reverse remodelling and an increased LVEF. The present data encourage percutaneous MV repair in heart failure patients.
A new Early Cretaceous eutherian mammal from the Sasayama Group, Hyogo, Japan
Authors: Kusuhashi Nao , Tsutsumi Yukiyasu , Saegusa Haruo , Horie Kenji , Ikeda Tadahiro , Yokoyama Kazumi , Shiraishi Kazuyuki
Published: March 2013

We here describe a new Early Cretaceous (early Albian) eutherian mammal,Sasayamamylos kawaiigen. et sp. nov., from the ‘Lower Formation’ of the Sasayama Group, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.Sasayamamylos kawaiiis characterized by a robust dentary, a distinct angle on the ventral margin of the dentary at the posterior end of the mandibular symphysis, a lower dental formula of 3–4 : 1 : 4 : 3, a robust lower canine, a non-molariform lower ultimate premolar, and a secondarily reduced entoconid on the molars. To date,S. kawaiiis the earliest known eutherian mammal possessing only four premolars, which demonstrates that the reduction in the premolar count in eutherians started in the late Early Cretaceous. The occurrence ofS. kawaiiimplies that the relatively rapid diversification of eutherians in the mid-Cretaceous had already started by the early Albian.
Selective B-cell expression of the MHV-68 latency-associated M2 protein regulates T-dependent antibody response and inhibits apoptosis upon viral infection
Authors: de Oliveira V. L. , Almeida S. C. P. , Soares H. R. , Parkhouse R. M. E.
Published: March 2013

To better understand the role of the M2 protein of the murine herpes virus strain 68 (MHV-68) in vivo, B-lymphocyte-restricted, M2-transgenic mice were constructed. The transgenic mice contained normal B-cell subpopulations in bone marrow, lymph nodes and spleen. After immunization with sheep red blood cells, spleens from M2-transgenic mice had increased germinal centres. Transgenic mice responded to the T-cell-dependent antigen keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) with higher levels of secondary IgM and IgG2a antibodies than WT mice. Normal and M2-transgenic mice were infected with WT and M2 frame-shift mutant (M2FS) MHV-68 viruses. The pathogenesis of M2-transgenic mice infected with the M2-deficient mutant virus did not revert to that observed upon infection of normal mice with WT virus. However, the higher reactivation levels late after M2-transgenic mice were infected with WT virus reflected the importance of M2 as a target for the immune response, and thus with an impact on the establishment of latency. Finally, there was markedly less apoptosis in B-cells from M2-transgenic mice infected with either WT or M2FS mutant than from similarly infected WT mice, consistent with the published inhibitory influence of M2 on apoptosis in vitro. Thus, M2 provides a strategy to increase the pool of germinal centre B-cells through inhibition of apoptosis in the infected cell.
Organophosphorus acid anhydrolase fromAlteromonas macleodii: structural study and functional relationship to prolidases
Authors: Štěpánková Andrea , Dušková Jarmila , Skálová Tereza , Hašek Jindřich , Koval' Tomáš , Østergaard Lars H. , Dohnálek Jan
Published: March 2013

The bacterial enzyme organophosphorus acid anhydrolase (OPAA) is able to catalyze the hydrolysis of both proline dipeptides (Xaa-Pro) and several types of organophosphate (OP) compounds. The full three-dimensional structure of the manganese-dependent OPAA enzyme is presented for the first time. This enzyme, which was originally isolated from the marine bacteriumAlteromonas macleodii, was prepared recombinantly inEscherichia coli. The crystal structure was determined at 1.8 Å resolution in space groupC2, with unit-cell parametersa= 133.8,b= 49.2,c= 97.3 Å, β = 125.0°. The enzyme forms dimers and their existence in solution was confirmed by dynamic light scattering and size-exclusion chromatography. The enzyme shares the pita-bread fold of its C-terminal domain with related prolidases. The binuclear manganese centre is located in the active site within the pita-bread domain. Moreover, an Ni2+ion from purification was localized according to anomalous signal. This study presents the full structure of this enzyme with complete surroundings of the active site and provides a critical analysis of its relationship to prolidases.
Overexpression, crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of hypothetical protein SAV0479 fromStaphylococcus aureusMu50
Authors: Pathak Chinar , Jang Sun-Bok , Im Hookang , Yoon Hye-Jin , Lee Bong-Jin
Published: March 2013

SAV0479, a hypothetical protein from the Mu50 strain of methicillin- and vancomycin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus, was selected for structure and function determination as part of a structural genomics project. Here, the cloning, overexpression, purification and crystallization of SAV0479 are reported. Crystals were obtained by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method and diffraction data were collected to a resolution of 2.8 Å. The crystals belonged to space groupP3121, with unit-cell parametersa=b= 81.48,c= 82.53 Å. Three monomers of SAV0479 are present in each asymmetric unit.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic studies of the CARD domain of human CARMA1
Authors: Park Jin Hee , Park Hyun Ho
Published: March 2013

The CARMA1 signalosome, which is composed of CARMA1 [caspase recruitment domain (CARD) containing MAGUK protein 1], BCL10 (B-cell lymphoma 10) and MALT1 (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1), is a molecular-signalling complex that performs pivotal functions in T-cell receptor (TCR) and B-cell receptor (BCR) mediated NF-κB activation. In this study, the CARD domain of human CARMA1 (CARMA1 CARD), corresponding to amino acids 14–109, was overexpressed inEscherichia coliusing an engineered C-terminal His tag. CARMA1 CARD was then purified to homogeneity and crystallized at 293 K. Finally, X-ray diffraction data were collected to a resolution of 3.2 Å from a crystal belonging to space groupP212121with unit-cell parametersa= 45.73,b= 53.37,c = 91.89 Å.
Deer mouse hemoglobin exhibits a lowered oxygen affinity owing to mobility of the E helix
Authors: Inoguchi Noriko , Oshlo Jake R. , Natarajan Chandrasekhar , Weber Roy E. , Fago Angela , Storz Jay F. , Moriyama Hideaki
Published: March 2013

The deer mouse,Peromyscus maniculatus, exhibits altitude-associated variation in hemoglobin oxygen affinity. To examine the structural basis of this functional variation, the structure of the hemoglobin was solved. Recombinant hemoglobin was expressed inEscherichia coliand was purified by ion-exchange chromatography. Recombinant hemoglobin was crystallized by the hanging-drop vapor-diffusion method using polyethylene glycol as a precipitant. The obtained orthorhombic crystal contained two subunits in the asymmetric unit. The refined structure was interpreted as the aquo-met form. Structural comparisons were performed among hemoglobins from deer mouse, house mouse and human. In contrast to human hemoglobin, deer mouse hemoglobin lacks the hydrogen bond between α1Trp14 in the A helix and α1Thr67 in the E helix owing to the Thr67Ala substitution. In addition, deer mouse hemoglobin has a unique hydrogen bond at the α1β1 interface between residues α1Cys34 and β1Ser128.
Evaluation on net strength and arresting performance of aircraft arresting system by FE method
Authors: Yan Xiaojun , Deng Ying , Hui Zhang
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an effective way to evaluate structure strength margin of AAS (aircraft arresting system) barrier net and efficiency of its control scheme.

Design/methodology/approach

A numerical method to deal with barrier net strength design of AAS by means of nonlinear finite element (FE) has been used in this paper. The key of the simulation is that a special technique is proposed to cope with the arresting forces exerted on the tapes as boundary conditions, so the time history of stress/force distribution of AAS key components can be obtained. Also some techniques measures are taken to ensure good numerical convergence for this complex nonlinear system.

Findings

The simulation results cannot only provide the general important performance indexes of AAS, such as run‐out distance and the maximum deceleration of the arrested aircraft, but also present stress or force contours of barrier net, tapes and aircraft, etc. therefore it is easy to evaluate the component's strength when a specific control scheme is adopted.

Practical implications

From component/structure strength perspective, this paper gives a practical engineering design method to evaluate performance of AAS.

Originality/value

The paper is probably the first to give a method which can evaluate AAS components strength considering their 3D geometry, and also its control scheme. The method has been validated through experimental results.
Concept optimisation of fermented functional cereal beverages
Authors: Yu Huan , Bogue Joe
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This research aims to generate consumer knowledge to facilitate the development of new product concepts with optimal product design attributes for new fermented functional cereal beverages (FFCBs) with high market potential.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employed a sequential mixed research approach which integrated both qualitative and quantitative methods. A total of 12 in‐depth interviews and three focus groups were carried out to identify product concepts for new FFCBs. A conjoint model (n=299) was then developed to evaluate product‐specific factors that influenced consumer acceptance of FFCBs.

Findings

Potential target consumers of FFCBs were more likely to be young females who had relatively high educational and income levels. “Flavour” and “health/nutritional claim” were found to be the most important product attributes for consumers. The simulation analysis predicted two FFCB concepts for target consumers.

Research limitations/implications

As there is a limited range of FFCBs on the market, the concept of FFCBs may be novel to consumers. Further research would be beneficial that closely integrates the strategic marketing of FFCBs with sensory analysis conducted on a range of these beverages.

Practical implications

During the early stages of the new product development (NPD) process, a market‐oriented research methodology can help optimise product concepts in terms of product attributes that drive consumer acceptance.

Originality/value

This paper provides an important insight into the significance of market‐oriented knowledge generation techniques for the development of new cereal‐based functional foods. It provides market‐oriented information on FFCBs which can be valuable for food manufacturers to maximise NPD performance and to gain competitive advantage in the functional beverages market.
Forecasting regime switches to assist decision making
Authors: Huarng Kun‐Huang , Hui‐Kuang Yu Tiffany
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a novel model to forecast regime switches in a time series to assist decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply the clustering technique to group the data into five states. Then, a model is proposed to formulate the relationships from in‐sample observations, including regime switch relationships. Afterwards, the model uses the relationships to forecast the regime switches in out‐sample observations.

Findings

The study uses daily Taiwan Stock Exchange Capitalization Weighted Stock Index as the forecasting target. Regime switches in in‐sample observations are identified. And a regime switch is successfully forecasted by the proposed model.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model identifies a regime switch which matches the real event. It implies that the proposed model can be applied to other time series, such as Dow Jones or NASDAQ.

Originality/value

Previous studies contribute to the forecasting of regime switches. The forecasting results are validated with the real event. One of the forecasted regime switches matches the event of Lehman Brothers' declaring of bankruptcy.
Shared or non‐shared?
Authors: Kerrane Ben , Hogg Margaret K.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine children's consumption experiences within families in order to investigate the role that different family environments play in the consumer socialisation of children.

Design/methodology/approach

Key consumer socialisation literature is reviewed and family communication patterns and parental socialisation style studies are introduced. Such studies argue for the homogenous and shared nature of the family environment for children. A three‐stage qualitative study of six families is reported, incorporating existential phenomenological interviews. The voices of children and their parents are captured, and the transcribed interview texts are analyzed on two levels (within and across family cases) using a hermeneutical process.

Findings

The findings of the study point towards the differential treatment of children within the family environment by both parents and siblings. It is proposed that children inhabit a unique position, or micro‐environment, within their family setting. Consumer micro‐environments are introduced; these have important implications in terms of children's consumption behaviour and, more importantly, their consumer socialisation process within the family setting.

Research limitations/implications

Consumer micro‐environments have potentially important implications in any re‐evaluation of the literature on consumer socialisation, and it is suggested that children may not have equal access to socialisation advice and support offered by family members. A limited number of families and family types are recruited in this exploratory study, and scope exists to explore family micro‐environments across a greater variety of family forms.

Originality/value

A series of micro‐environments, which have implications for the consumer socialisation of children, will be developed on a theoretical level. Existing consumer research views the family environment in homogenous terms, with suggestions that children are socialised by their parents in a similar manner (inhabiting a shared family environment). These findings problematise such a view and also offer insights into the role played by siblings in the consumer socialisation process.
Cultural drivers and trust outcomes of consumer perceptions of organizational unethical marketing behavior
Authors: Leonidou Leonidas C. , Leonidou Constantinos N. , Kvasova Olga
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a model that focuses on the cultural drivers and trust outcomes of consumer perceptions on issues pertaining to the unethical marketing behavior of firms. It specifically investigates: the role of cultural orientation in forming consumer ethical ideology; the link between the consumer's ethical ideology and his/her perceptions regarding the unethical marketing behavior of firms; the effect of perceived unethical marketing behavior on trust in firms; and the moderating role of gender, age, and education of the consumer.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on a quantitative survey conducted among 387 Cypriot consumers aged 18 and above, using stratified random sampling procedures. The items comprising the constructs used were derived from multiple literature sources and these were measured on a seven‐point Likert scale. Data were gathered through personal, face‐to‐face interviews conducted at central locations in all major towns of Cyprus. To test the hypothesized relationships among the constructs of the model, structural equation modeling was employed.

Findings

The study confirmed that both power distance and uncertainty avoidance are important in forming idealistic attitudes, while both individualism and masculinity lead to an egoistic attitude. Idealism was observed to have a positive association with perceived marketing unethicality, while egoism was found to negatively affect consumer perceptions of unethical marketing behavior by firms. It was also revealed that perceived unethical marketing behavior decreases consumer trust. The study also revealed that the link between idealism and perceived marketing unethicality is stronger among male and older individuals, while consumer's level of education had no moderating impact on this link. Finally, none of the consumer demographics examined (i.e. gender, age, and education) moderated the association between egoism and perceived unethical marketing behavior.

Originality/value

The originality of the study lies in the fact that: it puts together in a single model both antecedents and outcomes of the marketing unethicality of firms, as this is perceived by the individual consumer; concurrently examines the role of cultural orientation and ethical ideology of the consumer in forming ethical attitudes and responses; focuses on the instrumental role of cultural characteristics on consumer ethical perceptions from the perspective of the individual, rather than the society as a whole; places emphasis on unethical issues taking place across all elements of the marketing mix; and provides useful examination of the effects of unethical marketing practices on consumer trust.
Factors influencing consumer evaluations of gift promotions
Authors: Buil Isabel , de Chernatony Leslie , Montaner Teresa
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to shed light on the determinants of consumers' evaluations and purchase intentions of gift promotions. Factors analysed relate to the promoted product, the gift, the relationship between the product and the gift, and consumer traits and perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2 (product type: utilitarian vs hedonic) × 2 (gift type: utilitarian vs hedonic) × 2 (brand type: high equity vs medium equity) between‐subjects factorial design was undertaken. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses on a sample of 247 respondents in the UK.

Findings

Gift attractiveness is the most important driver of consumers' overall evaluation of gift promotions, followed by the attitude toward the promoted brand, the perceived fit between the promoted product and the gift, the hedonic nature of the gift, plus value expression and entertainment benefits perceived by consumers. Results also reveal that deal proneness is positively associated with the hedonic benefits of value expression benefit and entertainment benefit. Finally, the overall evaluation of gift promotions with both brand attitudes and deal proneness positively influences consumers' purchase intentions.

Research limitations/implications

To generalise these findings, future research should use a wider sample.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide guidelines for marketers designing their gift promotional strategies.

Originality/value

The increased popularity of gift promotions necessitates a better understanding of the factors influencing consumers' evaluations. This study addresses the lack of research in this area by simultaneously investigating the effect of different key factors.
Nomological validity of the Net Promoter Index question
Authors: Leisen Pollack Birgit , Alexandrov Aliosha
Published: March 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is twofold. First, it aims to provide a review of the Net Promoter© Index (NPI), the evidence of its ability to predict financial performance, and the evidence of its superiority to other voice of customer metrics. Second, it seeks to investigate the nomological validity of the Net Promoter question. It aims to view the NP question as an alternative to the traditional word-of-mouth measure, which is one of the components of customer loyalty. The nomological validity of NP was evaluated in a model including customer satisfaction as an antecedent and repurchase intention as a consequence.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data for empirically addressing a set of hypotheses related to the nomological validity were collected via self-administered questionnaire. A total of 159 participants completed questions for banking services, 153 individuals completed questions for hairdresser/barber services, and 132 completed questions for cell phone services. The hypotheses were tested using partial least square analysis.

Findings

– The results provide evidence for the nomological validity of the NPI question; albeit, the traditional word-of-mouth measure seems to perform equally as well or even better.

Practical implications

– A set of pros and cons related to NPI are developed. The paper recommends including the NPI in a portfolio of voice of customer metrics but not as a standalone diagnostic tool. Further, given the present state of evidence, it cannot be recommended to use the NPI as a predictor of growth nor financial performance.

Originality/value

– The paper provides further insights into the validity of the Net Promoter Index as a measure of customer loyalty.
Time in corporate images: introducing image heritage and image‐in‐use
Authors: Rindell Anne
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of inputs from consumers' past experiences of a company on their current image‐construction processes, in the context of non‐food retailing.

Design/methodology/approach

Research data were collected by a multi‐method combination of several different qualitative research methods from individuals selected by the theoretical sampling procedure. Analysis and interpretation conformed to a classic grounded theory approach.

Findings

It was found that consumer images generated by relevant past experience are a direct and influential input into real‐time corporate image formation. Two new theoretical concepts were identified, “image heritage” and “image‐in‐use”, respectively, distinguishing consumers' past‐based images from those they construct in real time. Image heritage is moderated by three principal variables: timespan of awareness, content of earlier experiences, and key temporal focus.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused on the corporate image of non‐food retailers. Future research should broaden the context, to enhance understanding of image heritage and image‐in‐use, and yield useful conceptual generalisations.

Practical implications

Given that the consumer's view of the company's past plays an important role in their interpretation of its present corporate brand, branding strategy should be informed by a systematic effort to identify the probable components of that historical perception.

Originality/value

This study is the first to focus on the influence of the past on consumers' current corporate images. The constructs identified and the terminology novel, offering a radically new dimension to corporate image research.
Mediation and family group conferences in adult safeguarding
Authors: Hobbs Abbi , Alonzi Andrew
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper presents an overview of research and practice literature on the use of Mediation (M) and Family Group Conferences (FGC) in the context of adult safeguarding in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the main features of M and FGC and explores how such “family led” approaches to adult safeguarding fit within the wider agenda of personalisation and empowerment, including the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and its associated Code of Practice. It also considers the main implications for best practice and future research and service priorities.

Findings

M and FGC in an adult context are inclusive processes that enable people to explore choices and options in a supportive environment, assuring maximum possible independence and autonomous control over basic life decisions, while still addressing the person's need for assistance. When used appropriately, both approaches can be a valuable response to safeguarding concerns, promoting choice and control at the same time as protecting people from risk of abuse and harm. However, there are few robust evaluation studies currently available and no systematic research studies were found on cost‐effectiveness.

Originality/value

The paper shows that there is a clear need for further pilots of M and FGC in adult safeguarding. If such research and pilot evaluations find M and/or FGC to be effective, then more consideration will need to be given as to how to integrate such approaches into mainstream social work practice. There is also currently wide variation in the training and experience of mediators and FGC co‐ordinators, and further work is required to ensure that there are appropriate training and accreditation models in the UK for mediators and FGC co‐ordinators working with at‐risk adults.
Creating a coaching culture: relational field coaching
Authors: Chidiac Marie‐Anne
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight a link between the rise of executive coaching practice and less importance being place on growing a coaching culture in organizations. This paper seeks to outline how a coaching culture can be fostered through an emphasis on a relational field coaching approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The main research method is based on case studies and action research from the author's own organizational practice.

Findings

The paper emphasizes that a focus on the context or situation of coaching is just as important as individual considerations in a coaching dyad.

Practical implications

The paper calls for a review of the effectiveness of one‐to‐one coaching compared to establishing an organizational coaching culture.

Originality/value

This paper is a timely reminder to leaders, managers and HR practitioners to review the cost effectiveness of procuring external coaching versus developing internal coaching capability. In addition, it challenges organizations to refocus on the continuum of coaching interactions rather than just the “external expert” role.
Barriers to reintegration for Los Gitanos (Gypsies) in La Coruña, Spain: politics, the media and the Spanish community
Authors: Briggs Daniel
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the barriers to reintegration for Gitano (Gypsy) communities in one northern Spanish city.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on ethnographic research undertaken in Gitano communities throughout 2010.

Findings

Over the last 30 years, the city has witnessed vast commercial and residential expansion, resulting in the spatial and social exclusion of Gitanos to the outskirts of the city. Here they have had to survive by reduced access to their livelihoods in city markets and increasingly through illicit drug markets and crime. It is only recently that there have been attempts to relocate these people back into the city. Yet the social reintegration efforts have only perpetuated the social exclusion of the Gitanos and there is significant community opposition to their relocation.

Social implications

The council need to take more care in consulting Gitanos and seek to build the fragile relations they have with them before deciding on what “best to do about them”.

Originality/value

No ethnographic research has been undertaken in this city in the context of Gitanos.
Overview of perceptions of German wine tourism from the winery perspective
Authors: Koch Jasmine , Martin Andrew , Nash Robert
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider how German wineries can successfully diversify into wine tourism, in an effort to support their primary business activity of producing and selling high quality wine.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was created, collected and analysed using the software programme SurveyMonkey.

Findings

Results indicate that the implementation of wine tourism by German vintners will be a significant challenge as the respondents report a lack of marketing and tourism management skill and knowledge; most are small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) – which means they have little time or manpower available to devote to developing wine tourism; and there is a low level of reported co‐operation amongst stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

The research could have taken place over a longer period of time, in order to present more reliable data and also it could have included a more representative sample from other sectors of the industry, such as co‐operatives. The research is also limited in scope to Germany and further comparative studies could be carried out focusing on other wine tourism‐related countries, such as New Zealand, France or Italy.

Practical implications

Wine tourism is a crucial element of both the tourism industry as well as the sector of viniculture. Wine tourism marketing strategies fail to meet the expectations of either the vintners or the tourists. However, wine tourism is vitally important for vineyards as it helps to create brand loyalty and to establish customer relationships.

Social implications

There is a strong need to create marketing strategies which strike a balance between developing and promoting wine tourism and the core activity of the vineyards, which is to produce and sell wine.

Originality/value

The availability of literature in English on German wine tourism is scarce and this study is significant, especially because wine tourism in Germany is a relatively new phenomenon. The development of appropriate marketing strategies is therefore required to successfully improve wine tourism.
Picking up the pieces: supervisors and doctoral “orphans”
Authors: Wisker Gina , Robinson Gillian
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to present findings from the authors' research into how supervisors of doctoral students cope with change in supervisory relationships where a supervisor takes on a student previously supervised by another, or has to hand over a student to another supervisor's care, and to identify recommendations for applying these findings to supervisory practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used interviews to gather and analyse perceptions and practices from experienced supervisors, and aimed to identify good practice to support supervisors in enabling transitions to enhance student success. This work is underpinned by work on conceptual threshold‐crossing, students working at sufficiently critical, creative and conceptual levels to achieve doctorates; well‐being and emotional resilience, particularly in doctoral studies. It makes links between knowledge construction, resilience and well‐being, from the perspective of the supervisors, since it focuses on the experience of supervisors engaging with and supporting students.

Findings

The research identifies supervisors' anxiety at, and ways of managing the difficulties of, either losing or acquiring students. It highlights effective strategies for taking on students midway into their research to enable successful supervision.

Originality/value

This research offers new knowledge about supervisor perceptions of, experiences with and good practice suggestions for, supporting transitions for doctoral students who change supervisor.
Sports teams and equipment manufacturers going international
Authors: Richelieu André , Desbordes Michel
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this is to analyse co‐branding as leverage for both teams and equipment manufacturers in their internationalization endeavours. In other words, how can teams and equipment manufacturers benefit from their association in order to expand internationally?

Design/methodology/approach

The study involves four football cases for the 2009‐2010 season: Paris Saint‐Germain and Nike, Olympique de Marseille and Adidas, Olympique Lyonnais and Umbro, and the French national football team and Adidas. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with managers involved with the four teams and their respective equipment manufacturers. The managers were marketing directors, VPs of marketing, sales managers or presidents of their respective organization. Sponsors, university professors and journalists who interact closely with the teams and equipment manufacturers were also interviewed.

Findings

It seems as if the team and its equipment manufacturer do not have a formal strategy to jointly benefit from their association. That would be very important for a successful collaboration and for joint internationalization. Currently, the actions appear a little too ad hoc and opportunistic, with some exceptions (i.e. PSG and Emirates Cup). In other words, the commitment does not really transpire yet in the co‐branding partnerships studied.

Research limitations/implications

Other teams in other sports and other countries should be studied in the next stage of the research. All the more so since the paper focused on a convenience sample, comprised of only French teams. Furthermore, special attention should be paid to the differences between North America and Europe. Indeed, in North America, the league is very much involved and controlling in the international expansion of its teams to the point that the league dictates the internationalization of its teams, brands and merchandising offering; whereas in Europe, teams have much more freedom to expand abroad.

Originality/value

The global brand strategy, which refers to a new market and an existing co‐brand name, would be the most appropriate for sports teams and equipment manufacturers. This would be especially true when both the equipment maker and the sports team benefit from a strong brand equity, which they could carry into international markets and use to trigger a strong synergy abroad. The global brand strategy bears some resemblance with the “Brand Conquistador” strategy, where partnership, either between two teams or between a team and an equipment maker, is used in order to expand internationally.
The competency of New Zealand new graduate occupational therapists: Perceived strengths and weaknesses
Authors: Nayar Shoba , Gray Marion , Blijlevens Heleen
Published: March 2013

Background/aim

There is a paucity of research examining the issues faced by New Zealand new graduate occupational therapists entering practice, including understanding graduates' abilities to translate knowledge and skills gained in their professional training, into the clinical setting. This study sought to explore the perceived strengths and weaknesses of newly graduated occupational therapists in New Zealand.

Methods

A mixed methods approach was used including: (i) online survey completed by 458 New Zealand registered occupational therapists, and (ii) five focus groups, in four cities, with occupational therapists, educators and managers. Survey and focus group questions explored new graduates' preparedness for practice based on the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand competencies for registration.

Results

New graduates were perceived to be strong in the competencies of ‘communication’ and ‘continuing professional development’, and weaker in the areas of ‘implementation of occupational therapy’ and ‘management of environment and resources’. Perceptions of graduates’ preparedness in relation to ‘culturally safe practice’, ‘safe, ethical and legal practice’ and ‘management of self and people’ were mixed.

Conclusion

The profession has not raised any serious concerns about new graduates' preparedness for practice; however, there were some identified weaknesses. Currently, there is no clear evidence that increasing undergraduate training time would address these weaknesses and some indication that postgraduate focus may be preferable. Furthermore, the findings highlight the inconsistency in previous studies regarding perceptions of graduate preparedness. Further research regarding new graduates preparedness for practice, from multiple perspectives and taking into consideration length and stage of education, is recommended.
Microstructure of industrially manufactured goat cheese Queso de Murcia al Vino during synaeresis
Authors: Rovira Silvia , Garcia Victor , Laencina Jose , López Maria Belen
Published: March 2013

The microstructural parameters of an industrially manufactured goat cheese curd (pore number, area and perimeter, strand thickness and porosity) were analysed by scanning electron microscopy and image analysis during synaeresis. The water‐holding capacity, whey fat, pH and moisture content were also determined to establish any relationship with the curd microstructure. The quantification of the different microstructural parameters made it possible to assign pitching and stirring as important processing steps because these steps impart different features to the curd microstructure. Higher pore number was related to reduced pore area, perimeter and strand thickness, but higher porosity and moisture.
The Effects of Differential Extraction Conditions on the Premature Lysis of Spermatozoa,
Authors: Hennekens Catherine M. , Cooper Elyse S. , Cotton Robin W. , Grgicak Catherine M.
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect Proteinase K, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), incubation times, and temperatures had on differential extraction efficiencies and the premature lysis of spermatozoa. The effect was measured using Quantifiler® Duo and Identifiler™ PCR Amplification kits, where the resultant male and female DNA concentrations and their ratios within the nonsperm‐ and sperm fractions (SFs) were determined. Comparisons between expected and observed ratios illustrate the quantity of female DNA in the SF increased when Proteinase K was absent during the initial incubation. Additionally, there is no indication of simultaneous sperm and epithelial cell lysis in the absence of DTT at Proteinase K concentrations ranging from 10 to 300 μg/mL. All other conditions exhibited minimal variation in DNA concentration. Therefore, despite the various protocols used for the differential lysis of cell mixtures encountered in casework, the method is robust and successful at most conditions.
Impaired mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and insulin resistance in aging: novel protective role of glutathione
Authors: Nguyen Dan , Samson Susan L. , Reddy Vasumathi T. , Gonzalez Erica V. , Sekhar Rajagopal V.
Published: March 2013

Aging is associated with impaired fasted oxidation of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) suggesting a mitochondrial defect. Aging is also associated with deficiency of glutathione (GSH), an important mitochondrial antioxidant, and with insulin resistance. This study tested whether GSH deficiency in aging contributes to impaired mitochondrial NEFA oxidation and insulin resistance, and whether GSH restoration reverses these defects. Three studies were conducted: (i) in 82‐week‐old C57BL/6 mice, the effect of naturally occurring GSH deficiency and its restoration on mitochondrial 13C1‐palmitate oxidation and glucose metabolism was compared with 22‐week‐old C57BL/6 mice; (ii) in 20‐week C57BL/6 mice, the effect of GSH depletion on mitochondrial oxidation of 13C1‐palmitate and glucose metabolism was studied; (iii) the effect of GSH deficiency and its restoration on fasted NEFA oxidation and insulin resistance was studied in GSH‐deficient elderly humans, and compared with GSH‐replete young humans. Chronic GSH deficiency in old mice and elderly humans was associated with decreased fasted mitochondrial NEFA oxidation and insulin resistance, and these defects were reversed with GSH restoration. Acute depletion of GSH in young mice resulted in lower mitochondrial NEFA oxidation, but did not alter glucose metabolism. These data suggest that GSH is a novel regulator of mitochondrial NEFA oxidation and insulin resistance in aging. Chronic GSH deficiency promotes impaired NEFA oxidation and insulin resistance, and GSH restoration reverses these defects. Supplementing diets of elderly humans with cysteine and glycine to correct GSH deficiency could provide significant metabolic benefits.
Mitochondrial hormesis links low‐dose arsenite exposure to lifespan extension
Authors: Schmeisser Sebastian , Schmeisser Kathrin , Weimer Sandra , Groth Marco , Priebe Steffen , Fazius Eugen , Kuhlow Doreen , Pick Denis , Einax Jürgen W. , Guthke Reinhard , Platzer Matthias , Zarse Kim , Ristow Michael
Published: March 2013

Arsenite is one of the most toxic chemical substances known and is assumed to exert detrimental effects on viability even at lowest concentrations. By contrast and unlike higher concentrations, we here find that exposure to low‐dose arsenite promotes growth of cultured mammalian cells. In the nematode C. elegans, low‐dose arsenite promotes resistance against thermal and chemical stressors and extends lifespan of this metazoan, whereas higher concentrations reduce longevity. While arsenite causes a transient increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in C. elegans, co‐exposure to ROS scavengers prevents the lifespan‐extending capabilities of arsenite, indicating that transiently increased ROS levels act as transducers of arsenite effects on lifespan, a process known as mitohormesis. This requires two transcription factors, namely DAF‐16 and SKN‐1, which employ the metallothionein MTL‐2 as well as the mitochondrial transporter TIN‐9.1 to extend lifespan. Taken together, low‐dose arsenite extends lifespan, providing evidence for nonlinear dose‐response characteristics of toxin‐mediated stress resistance and longevity in a multicellular organism.
Foraging patterns and strategies in an Australian desert ant
Authors: Schultheiss Patrick , Nooten Sabine S.
Published: March 2013

The Australian desert ant Melophorus bagoti (Formicidae) is a thermophilic, solitary foraging ant that inhabits the semi‐arid regions of Australia. In recent years, it has become a model species for the study of navigation. However, its ecological traits are not well understood, especially on the level of the entire colony. Here, we investigated this species daily activity schedule and diet composition, and examined its foraging behaviour. Foraging activity is confined to a window of roughly 50–70°C soil surface temperature, and foragers reacted quickly to temperature changes. Consequently, the pattern of daily outbound traffic during summer is unimodal on warm days and bimodal on very hot days. Foragers are opportunistic scavengers; dead insects make up a large proportion of food items, but grass seeds are also occasionally brought back to the nest in large amounts. Diet composition changes with the seasonal availability of certain food groups. Melophorus bagoti foragers have the ability to recruit nestmates to profitable food sources. Recruitment seems to function without the use of pheromone trails, but the exact mechanism requires further investigation.
Emerging role of long acting muscarinic antagonists for asthma
Authors: Lipworth Brian J.
Published: March 2013

Acetlycholine is involved in the control of airway smooth muscle constriction and in recruitment of inflammatory cells via neuronal and paracrine effects on muscarinic type 3 receptors. Long acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) are well established in guidelines for COPD but are not currently licensed for use in asthma. There are emerging data from key clinical trials to show that LAMA may confer bronchodilator effects and improved control when used in addition to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) alone or in conjunction with long acting β‐adrenoceptor agonists (LABA). Further studies in persistent asthmatic patients are required to evaluate ICS sparing effects of LAMA looking particularly at airway hyper‐responsiveness and surrogate inflammatory markers, in addition to evaluation of possible synergy between LAMA and LABA when given together. Future possible development of combination inhalers comprising ICS/LAMA or ICS/LAMA/LABA will require long term studies looking at asthma control and exacerbations in both adult and paediatric patients.