bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thioredoxin-insensitive plastid ATP synthase that performs moonlighting functions
Authors: Kohzuma Kaori , Dal Bosco Cristina , Kanazawa Atsuko , Dhingra Amit , Nitschke Wolfgang , Meurer Jörg , Kramer David M.
Published: February 2012

The chloroplast ATP synthase catalyzes the light-driven synthesis of ATP and acts as a key feedback regulatory component of photosynthesis.
Arabidopsis
possesses two homologues of the regulatory γ subunit of the ATP synthase, encoded by the
ATPC1
and
ATPC2
genes. Using a series of mutants, we show that both these subunits can support photosynthetic ATP synthesis in vivo with similar specific activities, but that in wild-type plants, only
γ
1
is involved in ATP synthesis in photosynthesis. The
γ
1
-containing ATP synthase shows classical light-induced redox regulation, whereas the mutant expressing only
γ
2
-ATP synthase (gamma exchange-revised ATP synthase,
gamera
) shows equally high ATP synthase activity in the light and dark. In situ redox titrations demonstrate that the regulatory thiol groups on
γ
2
-ATP synthase remain reduced under physiological conditions but can be oxidized by the strong oxidant diamide, implying that the redox potential for the thiol/disulphide transition in
γ
2
is substantially higher than that for
γ
1
. This regulatory difference may be attributed to alterations in the residues near the redox-active thiols. We propose that
γ
2
-ATP synthase functions to catalyze ATP hydrolysis-driven proton translocation in nonphotosynthetic plastids, maintaining a sufficient transthylakoid proton gradient to drive protein translocation or other processes. Consistent with this interpretation,
ATPC2
is predominantly expressed in the root, whereas modifying its expression results in alteration of root hair development. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that
γ
2
originated from ancient gene duplication, resulting in divergent evolution of functionally distinct ATP synthase complexes in dicots and mosses.
Composite low affinity interactions dictate recognition of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor Sic1 by the SCFCdc4ubiquitin ligase
Authors: Tang Xiaojing , Orlicky Stephen , Mittag Tanja , Csizmok Veronika , Pawson Tony , Forman-Kay Julie D. , Sicheri Frank , Tyers Mike
Published: February 2012

The ubiquitin ligase SCFCdc4(Skp1/Cul1/F-box protein) recognizes its substrate, the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor Sic1, in a multisite phosphorylation-dependent manner. Although short diphosphorylated peptides derived from Sic1 can bind to Cdc4 with high affinity, through systematic mutagenesis and quantitative biophysical analysis we show that individually weak, dispersed Sic1 phospho sites engage Cdc4 in a dynamic equilibrium. The affinities of individual phosphoepitopes serve to tune the overall phosphorylation site threshold needed for efficient recognition. Notably, phosphoepitope affinity for Cdc4 is dramatically weakened in the context of full-length Sic1, demonstrating the importance of regional environment on binding interactions. The multisite nature of the Sic1-Cdc4 interaction confers cooperative dependence on kinase activity for Sic1 recognition and ubiquitination under equilibrium reaction conditions. Composite dynamic interactions of low affinity sites may be a general mechanism to establish phosphorylation thresholds in biological responses.
Anomalous Brownian motion discloses viscoelasticity in the ear’s mechanoelectrical-transduction apparatus
Authors: Kozlov Andrei S. , Andor-Ardó Daniel , Hudspeth A. J.
Published: February 2012

The ear detects sounds so faint that they produce only atomic-scale displacements in the mechanoelectrical transducer, yet thermal noise causes fluctuations larger by an order of magnitude. Explaining how hearing can operate when the magnitude of the noise greatly exceeds that of the signal requires an understanding both of the transducer’s micromechanics and of the associated noise. Using microrheology, we characterize the statistics of this noise; exploiting the fluctuation-dissipation theorem, we determine the associated micromechanics. The statistics reveal unusual Brownian motion in which the mean square displacement increases as a fractional power of time, indicating that the mechanisms governing energy dissipation are related to those of energy storage. This anomalous scaling contradicts the canonical model of mechanoelectrical transduction, but the results can be explained if the micromechanics incorporates viscoelasticity, a salient characteristic of biopolymers. We amend the canonical model and demonstrate several consequences of viscoelasticity for sensory coding.
Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis as a therapeutic alternative in patients with advanced congestive heart failure
Authors: Núñez Julio , González Miguel , Miñana Gema , Garcia‐Ramón Rafael , Sanchis Juan , Bodí Vicent , Núñez Eduardo , Puchades Maria Jesús , Palau Patricia , Merlos Pilar , Llàcer Angel , Miguel Alfonso
Published: February 2012

Aims

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) has been proposed as an additional therapeutic resource for patients with advanced congestive heart failure (CHF). The objective of this study was to determine the therapeutic role of CAPD, in terms of surrogate endpoints, in the management of patients with advanced CHF and renal dysfunction.

Methods and results

A total of 57 candidates with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV CHF, renal dysfunction (glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2), persistent fluid congestion despite loop diuretic treatment, and at least two previous hospitalizations for acute heart failure (AHF) were invited to be included in the CAPD programme; however, 25 patients were finally included. The primary outcome was evaluated by the change at 6 and 24 weeks for the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLWHFQ), the 6 min walk test (6MWT), NYHA class, serum natriuretic peptides [brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N‐terminal proBNP (NT‐proBNP)], serum carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), and hospitalization rates for AHF. CAPD was associated with a substantial improvement in the MLWHFQ (−21.3, P < 0.001; and −20.4, P < 0.001), the 6MWT (54.0, P < 0.001; and 45.6, P = 0.023), and NYHA class (−1.0, P < 0.001; and −1.4, P < 0.001) at 6 and 24 weeks, respectively. The Ln(CA125) decreased markedly (−0.8, P = 0.003; and −0.98, P = 0.003), with no effect on BNP and NT‐proBNP. There was a marked reduction in the number of days hospitalized for AHF (6 month post‐CAPD vs. 6 months pre‐CAPD: −84%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In advanced CHF and renal dysfunction, CAPD was associated with short/mid‐term improvement in severity parameters, with an acceptable rate of side effects.
Angiogenic Remodeling in Pediatric EoE Is Associated With Increased Levels of VEGF‐A, Angiogenin, IL‐8, and Activation of the TNF‐α–NFκB Pathway
Authors: Persad Rabindranath , Huynh Hien Q. , Hao Li , Ha Jacqueline R. , Sergi Consolato , Srivastava Rahul , Persad Sujata
Published: February 2012

Objectives:

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a clinicopathologic diagnosis characterized by inflammation and infiltration of eosinophils at the esophageal mucosa. The underlying etiology of EoE remains elusive. Inflammatory diseases, such as asthma, are associated with structural remodeling of the airways, which includes angiogenesis. The aims of this study were to determine the angiogenic profile of esophageal mucosa in children presenting with EoE and to evaluate the putative mechanism(s) underlying the early inflammatory angiogenic response observed in EoE.

Methods:

Endoscopically obtained biopsy samples from 18 EoE and 18 control pediatric patients were analyzed for angiogenic markers (CD31, von Willebrand factor, vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1) and tissue levels of angiogenic factors (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]‐A, VEGF‐R2, angiogenin and interleukin [IL]‐8). Expression levels of angiogenic factors and markers in EoE and control samples were characterized by immunofluorescence analysis and quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. Vascular density of biopsy samples was evaluated by immunofluorescence analysis.

Results:

Samples from patients with EoE exhibited higher levels of von Willebrand factor, CD31, and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, which is suggestive of neovascularization and an activated endothelium. Moreover, EoE biopsies showed greater levels of the angiogenesis promoters VEGFA, angiogenin, and IL‐8. Interestingly, there were greater cellular levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α in EoE samples compared with controls. Furthermore, there were higher nuclear levels of p50 and p65 subunits of NFκB and lower cellular levels of the inhibitor of NFκB, IκB‐α, in EoE samples compared with controls.

Conclusions:

We demonstrate increased angiogenesis in the esophageal mucosa of pediatric patients with EoE. The data also provided evidence that the angiogenic factors VEGF‐A, angiogenin, and IL‐8 were prominently involved in promoting angiogenic remodeling.
Association Between Mannose‐binding Lectin Gene Polymorphisms and Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants
Authors: Prencipe Giusi , Azzari Chiara , Moriondo Maria , Devito Rita , Inglese Rita , Pezzullo Marco , Piersigilli Fiammetta , Trucchi Alessandro , De Benedetti Fabrizio , Auriti Cinzia
Published: February 2012

Objectives:

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether polymorphisms of the mannose‐binding lectin (MBL‐2) gene and MBL serum levels on admission to neonatal intensive care unit are associated with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants and to verify MBL expression in NEC bowels.

Methods:

In this retrospective cohort study, 107 neonates (41 with NEC and 66 controls) were included. MBL‐2 genotyping for the promoter polymorphism −221 and for the exon 1 variant alleles at codons 52, 54, and 57 was performed. MBL levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 55 infants. Immunohistochemical staining for MBL expression was performed on bowel specimens. The main study outcome was severe NEC (Bell stages II/III).

Results:

The −221 Y allele and the MBL‐2 YY genotype were more frequent in neonates with severe NEC than in controls (P = 0.04 and P = 0.004, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, the MBL‐2 YA/YA genotype was associated with NEC (odds ratio = 3.03, 95% confidence interval 1.13%–8.13%, P = 0.024). Neonates with NEC had MBL level on admission >400 ng/mL more frequently than controls (P = 0.043). Among neonates with severe NEC, the deceased neonates were carriers of high or intermediate producing MBL‐2 genotypes (P = 0.035). Finally, MBL was highly expressed in intestinal tissue from infants with NEC.

Conclusions:

MBL‐2 genotypes associated with high MBL serum levels represent a risk factor for NEC. This finding, together with the MBL expression in bowel tissue, supports a role for MBL in the pathogenesis of NEC.
Bacillus cytotoxicus sp. nov. is a novel thermotolerant species of the Bacillus cereus Group occasionally associated with food poisoning
Authors: Guinebretière Marie-Hélène , Auger Sandrine , Galleron Nathalie , Contzen Matthias , De Sarrau Benoit , De Buyser Marie-Laure , Lamberet Gilles , Fagerlund Annette , Granum Per Einar , Lereclus Didier , De Vos Paul , Nguyen-The Christophe , Sorokin Alexei
Published: February 2012

An aerobic endospore-forming bacillus (NVH 391-98T) was isolated during a severe food poisoning outbreak in France in 1998, and four other similar strains have since been isolated, also mostly from food poisoning cases. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, these strains were shown to belong to the

Bacillus cereus

Group (over 97 % similarity with the current Group species) and phylogenetic distance from other validly described species of the genus

Bacillus

was less than 95 %. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and MLST data, these novel strains were shown to form a robust and well-separated cluster in the

B. cereus

Group, and constituted the most distant cluster from species of this Group. Major fatty acids (iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, iso-C13 : 0) supported the affiliation of these strains to the genus

Bacillus

, and more specifically to the

B. cereus

Group. NVH 391-98T taxon was more specifically characterized by an abundance of iso-C15 : 0 and low amounts of iso-C13 : 0 compared with other members of the

B. cereus

Group. Genome similarity together with DNA–DNA hybridization values and physiological and biochemical tests made it possible to genotypically and phenotypically differentiate NVH 391-98T taxon from the six current

B. cereus

Group species. NVH 391-98T therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Bacillus cytotoxicus sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain NVH 391-98T ( = DSM 22905T = CIP 110041T).
Sphingomonas cynarae sp. nov., a proteobacterium that produces an unusual type of sphingan
Authors: Talà Adelfia , Lenucci Marcello , Gaballo Antonio , Durante Miriana , Tredici Salvatore M. , Debowles Danisha A. , Pizzolante Graziano , Marcuccio Carlo , Carata Elisabetta , Piro Gabriella , Carpita Nicholas C. , Mita Giovanni , Alifano Pietro
Published: February 2012

Strain SPC-1T was isolated from the phyllosphere of Cynara cardunculus L. var. sylvestris (Lamk) Fiori (wild cardoon), a Mediterranean native plant considered to be the wild ancestor of the globe artichoke and cultivated cardoon. This Gram-stain-negative, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped and non-motile strain secreted copious amounts of an exopolysaccharide, formed slimy, viscous, orange-pigmented colonies and grew optimally at around pH 6.0–6.5 and 26–30 °C in the presence of 0–0.5 % NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on comparisons of 16S rRNA gene sequences demonstrated that SPC-1T clustered together with species of the genus

Sphingomonas

sensu stricto. The G+C content of the DNA (66.1 mol%), the presence of Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone, sym-homospermidine as the predominant polyamine, 2-hydroxymyristic acid (C14 : 0 2-OH) as the major hydroxylated fatty acid, the absence of 3-hydroxy fatty acids and the presence of sphingoglycolipid supported this taxonomic position. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that SPC-1T was most closely related to

Sphingomonas hankookensis

ODN7T,

Sphingomonas insulae

DS-28T and

Sphingomonas panni

C52T (98.19, 97.91 and 97.11 % sequence similarities, respectively). However, DNA–DNA hybridization analysis did not reveal any relatedness at the species level. Further differences were apparent in biochemical traits, and fatty acid, quinone and polyamine profiles leading us to conclude that strain SPC-1T represents a novel species of the genus

Sphingomonas

, for which the name Sphingomonas cynarae sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is SPC-1T ( = JCM 17498T = ITEM 13494T). A component analysis of the exopolysaccharide suggested that it represents a novel type of sphingan containing glucose, rhamnose, mannose and galactose, while glucuronic acid, which is commonly found in sphingans, was not detected.
Micrococcus cohnii sp. nov., isolated from the air in a medical practice
Authors: Rieser Gernot , Scherer Siegfried , Wenning Mareike
Published: February 2012

Three Gram-reaction-positive bacteria, isolated from the air in a medical practice (strains WS4601T, WS4602) or a pharmaceutical clean room (strain WS4599), were characterized using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA and recA gene sequences of the three novel strains showed that they formed a distinct lineage within the genus

Micrococcus

, sharing 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 96.1–98.0 % with other species of this genus. Chemotaxonomic features also supported the classification of the three novel strains within the genus

Micrococcus

. The major cellular fatty acids of strain WS4601T were anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0, the cell-wall peptidoglycan was of type A3α (l-Lys–l-Ala), and the predominant respiratory quinones were MK-7(H2) and MK-8(H2). The polar lipid profile contained diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol, but no phosphatidylinositol. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 70.4 mol%. Numerous physiological properties were found that clearly distinguished strains WS4599, WS4601T and WS4602 from established members of the genus

Micrococcus

. Based on the phenotypic and phylogenetic data, strains WS4599, WS4601T and WS4602 are considered to represent three different strains of a novel species of the genus

Micrococcus

, for which the name Micrococcus cohnii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WS4601T ( = DSM 23974T = LMG 26183T).
Kutzneria buriramensis sp. nov., isolated from soil, and emended description of the genus

Kutzneria
Authors: Suriyachadkun Chanwit , Ngaemthao Wipaporn , Chunhametha Suwanee , Tamura Tomohiko , Sanglier Jean-Jacques
Published: February 2012

A Gram-staining-positive, filamentous bacterium, which developed large globose sporangia at the ends of long sporangiophores on aerial mycelium, was isolated from dry soil collected in a deciduous forest in Thailand. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of the novel bacterium, which was designated strain A-T 1846T, contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and the whole-cell sugars comprised rhamnose, ribose, mannose, glucose and galactose. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4). Mycolic acids were not detected. The identified phospholipids were phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxyphosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 2-OH and C16 : 0 10-methyl. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 72 mol%. The phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics of the novel strain resembled those of established members of the genus

Kutzneria

. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences also indicated that this strain belonged to the genus

Kutzneria

but as a representative of a putative novel species. In hybridization experiments, the DNA–DNA relatedness values recorded between the novel strain and established members of the genus

Kutzneria

all fell well below 70 %. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic evidence and the results of the DNA–DNA hybridizations, strain A-T 1846T represents a novel species in the genus

Kutzneria

, for which the name Kutzneria buriramensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A-T 1846T ( = BCC 29373T  = NBRC 107931T). An emended description of the genus

Kutzneria

is provided.
Asanoa siamensis sp. nov., isolated from soil from a temperate peat swamp forest
Authors: Niemhom Nantawan , Suriyachadkun Chanwit , Tamura Tomohiko , Thawai Chitti
Published: February 2012

A novel actinomycete strain, PS7-2T, which produced spore chains borne on the tips of short sporophores, was isolated from soil collected from a temperate peat swamp forest in Phu-Sang National Park, Phayao province, Thailand. The isolate contained glutamic acid, glycine, alanine, 3-hydroxy-diaminopimelic acid and meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The whole-cell sugars were glucose, mannose, rhamnose and xylose, and the major phospholipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10(H8) and MK-9(H8) and the predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 72.3 mol%. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain PS7-2T clustered with members of the genus

Asanoa

and appeared most closely related to the type strains of

Asanoa hainanensis

(99.5 % sequence similarity),

Asanoa iriomotensis

(99.0 %),

Asanoa ishikariensis

(98.9 %) and

Asanoa ferruginea

(98.5 %). DNA–DNA hybridizations and some physiological and biochemical properties indicated that strain PS7-2T could be readily distinguished from its closest phylogenetic relatives. Based on the phenotypic and genotypic evidence and DNA–DNA relatedness values, strain PS7-2T represents a novel species in the genus

Asanoa

, for which the name Asanoa siamensis sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is PS7-2T ( = BCC 41921T = NBRC 107932T).
A role for O-GlcNAcylation in setting circadian clock speed
Authors: Kim Eun Young , Jeong Eun Hee , Park Sujin , Jeong Hyun-Jeong , Edery Isaac , Cho Jin Won
Published: February 2012

Post-translational modifications of one or more central “clock” proteins, most notably time-of-day-dependent changes in phosphorylation, are critical for setting the pace of circadian (≅24 h) clocks. In animals, PERIOD (PER) proteins are the key state variable regulating circadian clock speed and undergo daily changes in abundance and cytoplasmic–nuclear distribution that are partly driven by a complex phosphorylation program. Here, we identify O-GlcNAcylation (O-GlcNAc) as a critical post-translational modification in circadian regulation that also contributes to setting clock speed. Knockdown or overexpression of Drosophila O-GlcNAc transferase (ogt) in clock cells either shortens or lengthens circadian behavioral rhythms, respectively. The Drosophila PERIOD protein (dPER) is a direct target of OGT and undergoes daily changes in O-GlcNAcylation, a modification that is mainly observed during the first half of the night, when dPER is predominantly located in the cytoplasm. Intriguingly, the timing of when dPER translocates from the cytoplasm to the nucleus is advanced or delayed in flies, wherein ogt expression is reduced or increased, respectively. Our results suggest that O-GlcNAcylation of dPER contributes to setting the correct pace of the clock by delaying the timing of dPER nuclear entry. In addition, OGT stabilizes dPER, suggesting that O-GlcNAcylation has multiple roles in circadian timing systems.
Transport of Indole-3-Butyric Acid and Indole-3-Acetic Acid in Arabidopsis Hypocotyls Using Stable Isotope Labeling
Authors: Liu Xing , Barkawi Lana , Gardner Gary , Cohen Jerry D.
Published: February 2012

The polar transport of the natural auxins indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) has been described in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) hypocotyls using radioactive tracers. Because radioactive assays alone cannot distinguish IBA from its metabolites, the detected transport from applied [3H]IBA may have resulted from the transport of IBA metabolites, including IAA. To test this hypothesis, we used a mass spectrometry-based method to quantify the transport of IBA in Arabidopsis hypocotyls by following the movement of [13C1]IBA and the [13C1]IAA derived from [13C1]IBA. We also assayed [13C6]IAA transport in a parallel control experiment. We found that the amount of transported [13C1]IBA was dramatically lower than [13C6]IAA, and the IBA transport was not reduced by the auxin transport inhibitor N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid. Significant amounts of the applied [13C1]IBA were converted to [13C1]IAA during transport, but [13C1]IBA transport was independent of IBA-to-IAA conversion. We also found that most of the [13C1]IBA was converted to ester-linked [13C1]IBA at the apical end of hypocotyls, and ester-linked [13C1]IBA was also found in the basal end at a level higher than free [13C1]IBA. In contrast, most of the [13C6]IAA was converted to amide-linked [13C6]IAA at the apical end of hypocotyls, but very little conjugated [13C6]IAA was found in the basal end. Our results demonstrate that the polar transport of IBA is much lower than IAA in Arabidopsis hypocotyls, and the transport mechanism is distinct from IAA transport. These experiments also establish a method for quantifying the movement of small molecules in plants using stable isotope labeling.
From LAMP to Koha: case study of the Pakistan legislative assembly libraries
Authors: Shafi‐Ullah Farasat , Qutab Saima
Published: February 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to elaborate the library data migration process from LAMP (Library Automation Management Program) to the open source software Koha's (2.2.8 Windows based) Pakistani flavour PakLAG‐Koha in six legislative assembly libraries of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains different steps of the data migration from one ILM (integrated library management system) to a new ILM in six libraries over the course of three months. Qualitative research methods, i.e. direct observation and interviews, were adopted for finding the problems and solutions of the delayed project. Training and support was offered by a local volunteer group (PakLAG). One of the authors of the paper presented first‐hand experience of being a consultant of this project. The study and results are the author's own reflections and first‐hand experiences, and hence results are based on direct observations.

Findings

The paper identifies several critical issues and their solutions concerning data migration within a local scenario as well as how local consultants and support groups are coping with these issues. It was noticed that the data migration can be done quickly if any support group is properly involved with the library staff.

Originality/value

This paper provides first‐hand experience and success story of library data migration from DOS‐based ILM to open source software. Process, tools and findings discussed in this paper are valuable for the libraries planning to convert non‐MARC data to open source MARC‐based software Koha.
Student part‐time employment: characteristics and consequences
Authors: Robotham David
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to examine the consequences of students engaging in part‐time employment during their studies. It reports the results of a survey of part‐time employment among university students. The research examined the possible consequences of combining part‐time employment with full‐time study, with particular reference to stress.

Design/methodology/approach

The research consisted of an institution‐wide Web‐based survey of full‐time undergraduates within a post‐1992 university in the UK.

Findings

The survey found that part‐time employment, in common with many previous studies, is a majority experience for full‐time undergraduates. It also found that some students were spending longer in their chosen employment than in time‐tabled classes. A central finding was that unlike much previous research, it emerged here that students reported more positive than negative outcomes.

Practical implications

The data shows that students continue to engage in part‐time employment at a significant level and for some studying is almost a secondary activity. This perhaps raises questions about the existing model of higher education delivery and the need for institutions to consider offering more support mechanisms for individual students.

Originality/value

The paper is of value in seeking to clarify the nature of the consequences for students seeking to combine employment and studying. Furthermore the paper builds on our understanding of the continuing growth of student part‐time employment.
Service orientation: the derivation of underlying constructs and measures
Authors: Oliveira Pedro , Roth Aleda V.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

This paper coins the construct of Service Orientation (SO) and empirically develops its measurement in the context of business‐to‐business (B2B) e‐commerce. SO is operationally defined as the business' overall propensity for delivering service excellence. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that multi‐item measurement scales have sufficient psychometric properties of validity and reliability to be useful for theory building and testing.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors followed Menor and Roth's two‐phased approach to develop new multi‐item measurement scales. First, the authors reviewed the literature, held structured interviews with managers and performed six independent rounds of item‐sorting analyses to obtain insights for the initial measurement model specification. Second, survey research procedures were employed to develop and refine a questionnaire to collect data on a sample of senior managers of 181 US businesses that implemented B2B e‐services. The psychometric properties of the SO dimensions were confirmed using structural equations modeling.

Findings

The authors empirically confirm the nomological network of SO as a third‐order latent variable comprised of five combinative service competency bundles: service climate; market focus; process management; human resource policy; and metrics and standards. Together these bundles provide a holistic and integrative representation of the general operating environment's orientation towards customers and a business' general propensity to deliver service excellence. Importantly, the measurement structure of service orientation was found to be invariant for both goods producing and service firms.

Practical implications

The proposed metrics are a useful benchmarking tool for practitioners from both manufacturing and service firms to use to monitor and improve their business's SO.

Originality/value

The paper is believed to be the first to operationally define and measure SO in the context of B2B e‐commerce.
Understanding the organizational impact of PLM systems: evidence from an aerospace company
Authors: Cantamessa Marco , Montagna Francesca , Neirotti Paolo
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The implementation of product lifecycle management (PLM) technologies poses different challenges in comparison to the ones faced by companies using other information systems. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of PLM on both new product development (NPD) process and on users' individual work, and also to analyse the linkages between PLM's organizational impact and users' attitudes towards technology.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on a survey of PLM end‐users in an aerospace company.

Findings

This paper shows that in the NPD process, PLM favoured a tighter workflow logic, easier product carryover, and more efficient product data retrieval. At the individual level, this has led users to spend more time on technical work, without impacting their productivity. This was true in the product design department and for older workers with low job seniority in particular.

Research limitations/implications

Although the findings were drawn from a single case, this paper highlights the contribution made by technology acceptance models in explaining the organizational impact of technologies that support complex knowledge‐intensive tasks.

Practical implications

This paper points out that for a technology like PLM, each user needs different supporting mechanisms depending on his/her role and age. Young workers primarily need adequate sponsorship by top management and compatibility of new technology with their job. Older users, given their higher initial scepticism, need more training in the early phases of a new technology's introduction.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to existing literature by providing empirical evidence of both the impact of PLM systems and the determinants of their acceptance among end‐users.
Leader behavior and LMX: a constructive replication
Authors: O'Donnell Mark , Yukl Gary , Taber Thomas
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine if the relationships found between a leader's behavior and the quality of the exchange relationship with a subordinate can be replicated using a different measure of leader‐member exchange (LMX) and a different sample.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports the result of a survey study with a sample of 239 employees who rated specific behaviors of their manager and the quality of the LMX relationship.

Findings

In a regression analysis that included several other important leader behaviors, supporting, delegating, and leading by example were statistically significant predictors of LMX.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that the positive relationship found in several earlier studies between LMX and a broad measure of transformational leadership was not interpreted correctly.

Practical implications

The results from this study identify specific leader behaviors that are likely to be useful for developing a stronger exchange relationship with individual subordinates.

Social implications

The leader behaviors identified in the present study also have clear implications for the effectiveness of top executives and political leaders.

Originality/value

More types of leadership behavior were measured than in earlier LMX studies, the limitations of broadly‐defined behaviors were avoided, and a different measure of LMX was used than in most prior studies on the relationship of leader behaviors to LMX.
An analysis of citizen satisfaction with public service delivery in the Sedibeng district municipality of South Africa
Authors: Akinloye Akinboade Oludele , Chanceline Kinfack Emilie , Putuma Mokwena Mandisa
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze citizen satisfaction with public service delivery in the Sedibeng district municipality of South Africa. The municipality consists of three local municipalities, Lesedi, Emfuleni and Midvaal.

Design/methodology/approach

The sampling procedure was carefully designed, taking into account the spatial distribution of the population in the Sedibeng district municipality and the three local municipalities. A structured sample of 1,000 respondents was used for the study and descriptive and inferential statistics approaches were used. The focus was on citizen satisfaction with public service delivery in health care, housing, water, electricity, solid waste removal, community services or overall physical appearance of the community, cutting crimes and job creation.

Findings

Respondents are most dissatisfied with roads maintenance, government efforts to create jobs and reduce crime. Respondents from Emfuleni local municipality hold more positive feelings about public service delivery in the area of water, electricity, and solid waste. Their most negative feeling is in the area of job creation, roads and the municipality's efforts in cutting down on crime. On balance, respondents from Lesedi hold positive feelings about public service delivery only in the area of water and electricity supplies. Similarly, their most negative feelings are in the area of job creation, roads, and the municipality's efforts in cutting crime. Respondents from Midvaal do not hold positive feelings about public service delivery in their local municipality. Similar to other two local municipalities, their most negative feelings are in the area of job creation, roads, and the municipality's efforts in cutting crime. Overall, the most negative sentiment about public service delivery has been expressed by respondents from Midvaal, followed by Emfuleni and Lesedi.

Practical implications

It is important for public service delivery in Sedibeng municipality to improve so that citizens' public confidence can rise.

Originality/value

Throughout Africa, governments have been entrusted to finance and provide basic services such as health, education, telecommunications, safe water and modern sanitation. Adequate access to these services enhances development. Public services are a key determinant of quality of life that is not measured in per capita income. They are also an important element of any poverty reduction strategy. Thus, improving public service delivery is one of the biggest challenges in the continent.
The harm indicators of negative externality of efficiency focused organizational practices
Authors: Mariappanadar Sugumar
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual model of harm indicators of negative externality (NE) of organizational practices, to help practitioners and researchers identify the harmful aspects associated with the unsustainable internal efficiency focused organizational practices to achieve a sustainable society.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, the harm indicators of NE of organizational practices are theoretically explored. Subsequently, the direct costs associated with the harm indicators of NE of work intensification, one of the strategic organizational practices, on employees and the community are examined using published information.

Findings

There are clear indications of direct costs for handling the psychological and social aspects of harm of organizational practices on employees, and the employee work‐related health treatment costs to the community.

Research limitations/implications

The published research used in estimating the direct costs of harm indicators on employees and the community in this paper are not originally designed to examine the NE of organizational practices. Therefore, future studies need to explore the costs of harm indicators of NE of organizational practices on society.

Social implications

An understanding of the costs of harm indicators of NE of organizational practices on society can help organizations to be proactive to introduce sustainable human resource management strategies, so as to minimize the harmful aspects of NE before it starts curbing employees making positive contributions to their families and the community.

Originality/value

The model of harm indicators of NE provides a new insight – that over‐utilization of human resources for an organization's internal efficiency purpose – has unsustainable impact on society.
Developing India‐centric B2B sales theory: an inductive approach using sales job ads
Authors: Mantrala Murali , Sridhar Shrihari , Dong Xiaodan (Dani)
Published: February 2012

Purpose

Given India's rapid industrial growth and burgeoning numbers of sales and marketing employees, there is an urgent need to develop India‐centric B2B sales management knowledge. However, there is little hard information about similarities or differences between sales management strategies in India and the developed economies. To shed more light on this issue, in this commentary the aim is to report the results of a novel exploratory study of recent India B2B sales job ads motivated by the idea that sales recruiting is a critical sales management function that provides insights into hiring organizations' overall business strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors content analyze a sample of India sales job ad postings to identify the job goals, skills and additional roles sought by Indian B2B sales recruiters. Subsequently, they use latent class clustering to segment companies along these requirements.

Findings

It is found that B2B sales organizations in India appear to be recruiting according to the same core strategies, principles and criteria as those in the developed world, especially with regard to customer management.

Research limitations/implications

This research develops confidence that some extant B2B sales management theories, models, and knowledge accumulated in developed markets are applicable to the Indian context, with suitable modifications to accommodate idiosyncratic cultural and economic differences.

Originality/value

This is the first, albeit exploratory, effort to utilize the content of India‐specific B2B sales job advertisements as a source of data and insights into sales management strategies in India.
Organized retailing in India: upstream channel structure and management
Authors: Srivastava Dabas Chitra , Sternquist Brenda , Mahi Humaira
Published: February 2012

Purpose

This paper's aim is to identify structural and relational factors influencing the upstream channel management of organized retailers in India.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews were conducted with 15 organized retailers and two manufacturers in India. Data were analyzed using the thematic network analysis technique from qualitative research. The authors use the framework of institutional theory to guide the discussion.

Findings

The findings suggest that government regulations influence the supply chain structure in India. Relational bonds offset the uncertainty borne of weak institutions. Informational transparency and long‐term orientation foster trust between channel partners. This trust, in turn, leads to collaborative partnerships.

Research limitations/implications

The findings have implications for multinationals planning to enter the Indian retail industry. There is a need to understand complex regulatory and social institutions in India. The uniqueness of these institutions calls for adaptive strategies toward channel management.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature on the supply chain structure in India. Despite growing interest in the Indian retailing industry, not many studies reflect on the specific B2B exchange structure in India. The paper fills this gap and also provides several marketing implications for multinational retailers planning to enter the Indian market.
Competitive intelligence and firm's performance in emerging markets: an exploratory study in India
Authors: Tej Adidam Phani , Banerjee Madhumita , Shukla Paurav
Published: February 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the impact of competitive intelligence (CI) practices on the firm's performance in the emerging market context of India. The paper seeks to answer the following questions: do CI activities have an impact on the market performance of Indian firms? If so, what are the macro and micro environmental drivers of CI for Indian firms? How are CI activities organized within Indian firms? How is the usage and dissemination of CI taking place within Indian firms?

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a stratified sample developed from a variety of mailing lists focusing on Indian firms. The study employed a cross‐sectional, survey‐based methodology.

Findings

The study identifies two key aspects: Indian firms that exhibit higher levels of CI activities indeed achieve better financial performance results; and the current level of CI activities in Indian firms is at a moderate level, thereby suggesting an opportunity for using and implementing more sophisticated CI techniques.

Practical implications

The findings of this study should assist local and foreign managers in having a more informed understanding of CI activities in the Indian marketplace. Additionally, these findings provide directives to managers regarding the untapped opportunities and potential that CI can offer in a highly volatile and rapidly changing market scenario.

Originality/value

This is the first study that empirically investigates the relationship between the level of CI activities and firm performance in an emerging market context. It is also the first study of its kind that explores the current state of CI practices in the Indian market.
Accounting's past, present and future: the unifying power of history
Authors: Carnegie Garry D. , Napier Christopher J.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to revisit the special issue ofAccounting, Auditing & Accountability Journalpublished in 1996 on the theme “Accounting history into the twenty‐first century”, in order to identify and assess the impact of the special issue in shaping developments in the accounting history literature, and to consider issues for future historical research in accounting.

Design/methodology/approach

A retrospective and prospective essay focusing on developments in the historical accounting literature.

Findings

The special issue's advocacy of critical and interpretive histories of accounting's past has influenced subsequent research, particularly within the various research themes identified in the issue. The most significant aspect of this influence has been the engagement of increasing numbers of accounting historians with theoretical perspectives and analytical frameworks.

Research limitations/implications

The present study examines the content and impact of a single journal issue. It explores future research possibilities, which inevitably involves speculation.

Originality/value

In addressing recent developments in the literature through the lens of the special issue, the paper emphasises the unifying power of history and offers ideas, insights and reflections that may assist in stimulating originality in future studies of accounting's past.
Spiritualepisteme: sensemaking in the framework of organizational spirituality
Authors: Izak Michal
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to enable the examination of sensemaking mechanisms, inherent in the discourse of organizational spirituality (OS), which embed meanings this discourse creates. In order to achieve this goal the paper explores the pivotal notion of “spirituality” in OS, examines the conditions of emergence of its main characteristics, and inquires into OS participants' mental processes which help to sustain it. Thus, the conceptual space is critically explored in which organizational actors make their commitments to attain goals by spiritual means and in which the alleged causal mechanisms operate.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is a critical analysis of literature and empirical material.

Findings

The logic of OS conceptual framework is vastly inconsistent with rationalism, which underpins typical functionalist assertions of OS proponents. The central OS notion – spirituality – lacks concrete and independent characteristics. It can be perceived as a mere classification tool which groups together certain “positive” phenomena, perspectives or outcomes. The legitimacy of this operation within the discourse is guaranteed by itsepisteme– the set of rules, which makes certain moves possible and excludes some others. It may easily enforce or preclude the particular interpretations of organizational reality or validity of certain initiatives. The latter hints at the political dimension of OS.

Research limitations/implications

Potential researchers should be sensitive to the issues of logical circularity of OS discourse and its degree of incoherence with rationalist assumptions. The design of research on OS should attempt to delve into meanings created by OS discourse profiting from proximity to research subjects ensured by careful application of qualitative methods. Research could focus more on the political dimension: issues of power relations; methods of exerting influence; gaining support, etc., instead of contemplating more vague territories which OS studies seem inclined to explore. These results refer to a limited number of participants and organizations and are not fully generalizable, which is inevitable in qualitative research. The geographical concentration of the research sample might have affected the results to some extent, however this fact is innocuous to the overall validity of this study.

Originality/value

Beyond the scope of many recent papers that emphasize the positive role of organizational spirituality as a means of attaining particular objectives, the paper offers an alternative approach in which OS makes such calculations very difficult, and yet creates conditions which are conducive to advancing OS participants' political agendas.