bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of mutant SOD1 disulfide oxidation and aggregation in the pathogenesis of familial ALS
Authors: Karch Celeste M. , Prudencio Mercedes , Winkler Duane D. , Hart P. John , Borchelt David R.
Published: May 2009

Transgenic mice that model familial (f)ALS, caused by mutations in superoxide dismutase (SOD)1, develop paralysis with pathology that includes the accumulation of aggregated forms of the mutant protein. Using a highly sensitive detergent extraction assay, we traced the appearance and abundance of detergent-insoluble and disulfide cross-linked aggregates of SOD1 throughout the disease course of SOD1-fALS mice (G93A, G37R, and H46R/H48Q). We demonstrate that the accumulation of disulfide cross-linked, detergent-insoluble, aggregates of mutant SOD1 occurs primarily in the later stages of the disease, concurrent with the appearance of rapidly progressing symptoms. We find no evidence for a model in which aberrant intermolecular disulfide bonding has an important role in promoting the aggregation of mutant SOD1, instead, such cross-linking appears to be a secondary event. Also, using both cell culture and mouse models, we find that mutant protein lacking the normal intramolecular disulfide bond is a major component of the insoluble SOD1 aggregates. Overall, our findings suggest a model in which soluble forms of mutant SOD1 initiate disease with larger aggregates implicated only in rapidly progressing events in the final stages of disease. Within the final stages of disease, abnormalities in the oxidation of a normal intramolecular disulfide bond in mutant SOD1 facilitate the aggregation of mutant protein.
Prolonged use of intrauterine contraceptive device as a risk factor for tubo‐ovarian abscess
Authors: CHARONIS GEORGIOS , LARSSON PER‐GÖRAN
Published: May 2009

Objective. The intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) is the most preferred method of reversible contraception in the world today. The Swedish Medical Products Agency currently recommends that women who had a copper IUCD inserted around age 40 do not need to have it extracted until one year after the menopause. Design. Retrospective study. Setting. Skövde Central Hospital, Sweden. Population. All 114 women receiving in‐patient treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) over five years between January 2001 and December 2005. Methods. Comparison between cases of tubo‐ovarian abscesses and salpingitis with focus on the effects of IUCDs used continually for >5 years after insertion. Main outcome measures. Age‐adjusted risk of PID within or after five years of use, microbiological findings in blood, intraabdominal pus, cervical secretions or on extracted IUCDs. Results. There were 31 cases of tubo‐ovarian abscesses, 63 of salpingitis, four of endometritis, and 16 of mild genital infection. When comparing women with the same IUCD > 5 years to women having the same IUCD ≤ 5 years, the risk of tubo‐ovarian abscess was higher than the risk of salpingitis (OR 19.7; 95% CI 4.5–87.2). The risk remained significant after adjustment for age, both on multiple regression analysis (OR 13.5; 95% CI 2.5–72.9) and in stratified analysis for the age group 35–50 years (OR 12.0; 95% CI 1.8–81.7). Blood or abdominal cultures from patients operated upon were positive in 47.7% of the sampled cases. Intestinal tract microbes and upper respiratory tract microbes were more common than sexually transmitted infection microbes. Conclusions. The current Medical Products Agency recommendation that a woman nearing the end of her reproductive phase can safely use the same IUCD for a period exceeding five years is challenged.
Uterine artery Doppler ultrasound in postpartum women with retained placental tissue
Authors: MULIC‐LUTVICA AJLANA , EURENIUS KARIN , AXELSSON OVE
Published: May 2009

We measured prospectively uterine artery Doppler flow resistance indices and looked for hyper‐vascular areas in 20 patients who were to undergo surgical evacuation due to clinical and ultrasound‐based suspicion of retained placental tissue (RPT). We compared these findings with those of the normal puerperium. All 20 patients underwent surgical procedures. Placental tissue was histologically confirmed in 19 patients. Mean pulsatility and mean resistance values were below the 10th percentile for eight and seven women, respectively, but overlapping was extensive. A hyper‐vascular area was observed in 12 patients with histological confirmation. In eight cases, six of them with histological confirmation, no hyper‐vascular area was observed. Although RPT is associated with lower resistance indices in the uterine arteries, this knowledge has limited value as a diagnostic tool for RPT. Absence of a hyper‐vascular area in the myometrium does not exclude RPT, but its presence is common finding associated with RPT and should not be misinterpreted as an arterio‐vascular malformation.
School ethnic composition and aspirations of immigrant students in Belgium
Authors: Van Houtte Mieke , Stevens Peter A. J.
Published: May 2009

This article examines the association between school ethnic composition and immigrant students’ intentions to finish high school and to move on to higher education. We used data from 1324 immigrant and 10,546 native students gathered in the school year 2004–2005 in a sample of 85 Flemish (Belgian) secondary schools. Logistic multilevel analyses (HLM6) show that students attending schools with a majority of native students (enrolling less than 20% immigrant students) were twice as likely to plan to finish high school and to plan for higher education than those attending high concentration schools (more than 50% immigrant students). These associations were due to students’ socio‐economic status (SES) and there was no difference in aspirations between high and low concentration schools after controlling for students’ SES and the SES context of the school. All else being equal, immigrant students in high concentration schools tended to aspire to finish high school and move on to higher education slightly more than those attending medium concentration schools (20–50% immigrant students). The analyses further show that these differences between high and medium concentration schools can be explained by the more optimistic culture in high concentration schools. The main conclusion is that high concentration schools are not necessarily detrimental for students’ educational aspirations.
The PBW filtration
Authors: Feigin Evgeny
Published: May 2009

In this paper we study the PBW filtration on irreducible integrable highest weight representations of affine Kac-Moody algebras

g

^

\widehat {\mathfrak {g}}

. The

n
n

-th space of this filtration is spanned by the vectors

x
1

…

x
s

v

x_1\dots x_s v

, where

x
i

∈

g

^

x_i\in \widehat {\mathfrak {g}}

,

s
≤
n

s\le n

, and

v
v

is a highest weight vector. For the vacuum module we give a conjectural description of the corresponding adjoint graded space in terms of generators and relations. For

g

\mathfrak {g}

of the type

A
1

A_1

we prove our conjecture and derive the fermionic formula for the graded character.
Herring and ICES: a historical sketch of a few ideas and their linkages
Authors: Sinclair Mike
Published: May 2009

Sinclair, M. 2009. Herring and ICES: a historical sketch of a few ideas and their linkages. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 1652–1661. This introduction to the Symposium on “Linking Herring” sketches the development of some ideas generated from herring research within an ICES context. The work of Committee A (1902–1908), under the leadership of Johan Hjort, led to a paradigm shift from “migration thinking” to “population thinking” as the interpretation of fluctuations in herring landings. From the 1920s to the 1950s, the focus on forecasting services for the herring fisheries, although ultimately unsuccessful, had the unintended consequence of generating ideas on recruitment overfishing and the match–mismatch hypothesis. The collapse of the East Anglian fishery led, in 1956, to considerable debate on its causes, but no consensus was reached. Three consecutive symposia dealing with herring (1961, 1968, and 1970) reveal a changing perspective on the role of fishing on recruitment dynamics, culminating in Cushing’s 1975 book (“Marine Ecology and Fisheries”, referred to here as the “Grand Synthesis”), which defined the concept of recruitment overfishing and established the future agenda for fisheries oceanography. The 1978 ICES “Symposium on the Assessment and Management of Pelagic Fish Stocks” is interpreted as the “Aberdeen Consensus” (i.e. without effective management, recruitment overfishing is to be expected). In conclusion, herring research within ICES has led to many ideas and two major paradigm shifts.
Particle Segregation Within a Pile of Bulk Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) and Variability of Nutrient Content
Authors: Clementson C. , Ileleji K. E. , Stroshine R. L.
Published: May 2009

Piling Dried Distillers's Grains with Solubles (DDGS) using gravity discharge is common in the corn‐ethanol industry. This study investigated the occurrence of particle segregation within piles of DDGS formed by gravity discharge and subsequent spatial nutrient variability. Particle segregation tests were performed in a laboratory study where piles of DDGS were formed using samples collected from two fuel ethanol plants (an “old” and a “new” generation plant), and a plant study performed on piles of DDGS formed at the same two fuel ethanol plants. In both the laboratory and plant studies, the piles were formed by gravity‐driven discharge and sampled at various categorized sections from the center of the pile to the periphery. Our results gave similar conclusions to a prior bench‐scale study and confirmed that particle segregation does result in significant differences in particle size at the sampled locations of the pile. Particle size expressed as the geometric mean diameter (dgw) increased from the core of the pile to the periphery. Of all the nutrient composition tested, only crude protein and moisture correlated with particle size. While the correlation of crude protein with particle size was not consistent and clearly discernible in all the piles sampled in both the bench‐scale and plant studies, the correlation of particle size with moisture showed a strong positive correlation. Based on these findings, we recommend the development of a standard sampling protocol following good sampling practices for bulk granular solids.
Unraveling the Impact of Nitrogen Nutrition on Cooked Rice Flavor and Texture
Authors: Champagne Elaine T. , Bett‐Garber Karen L. , Thomson Jessica L. , Fitzgerald Melissa A.
Published: May 2009

Understanding the influences of amylose and protein contents on rice sensory properties is key to maintaining quality and providing consumers with rice with desired flavor and textural attributes. This research focused on delineating the effects of nitrogen nutrition on cooked rice texture and flavor. The sensory properties of cultivars grown in adjoining fields with differing rates of nitrogen fertilizer (to yield grains with a large spread in protein contents) were measured by a panel trained in descriptive analysis. Second, rice sensory properties were modeled using apparent amylose and protein data. Fertilizer level affected protein and apparent amylose contents and, in turn, cooked rice texture. Protein contents were significantly higher (P < 0.0007) and apparent amylose contents were significantly lower (P < 0.0001) at the higher fertilizer level. Models revealed a negative correlation of protein content with initial starchy coating, slickness, and stickiness between grains—three attributes that are perceived when cooked rice is first introduced into the mouth. Models for roughness, hardness, and moisture absorption—attributes representing three phases of evaluation in the mouth—showed a positive correlation with protein content. The models provide insight into the magnitude of change in protein content that is likely required to observe textural changes in cooked rice.
Factors Influencing β‐Glucan Levels and Molecular Weight in Cereal‐Based Products
Authors: Tiwari U. , Cummins E.
Published: May 2009

The beneficial role of soluble dietary fiber in human nutrition is well documented and has lead to a growing demand for the incorporation of β‐glucan, particularly from oats and barley, into foods. β‐Glucan with high solubility and high molecular weight distribution results in increased viscosity in the human intestine, which is desirable for increased physiological activity. Molecular weight, level, and solubility of β‐glucan are affected by genotype, environment, agronomic input, and the interactions of these factors and food processing methods. Available literature reveals that the level of β‐glucan in a finished product (e.g. bread, cake, muffins) depends upon several factors in the production chain, whereas food processing operations are major factors affecting molecular weight and solubility of β‐glucans. Therefore, to avail themselves of the natural bioactive compounds, food manufacturers must pay attention not only to ensure sufficient concentration of β‐glucan in the raw material but also to the processing methods and functional properties of β‐glucan, minimizing enzymatic or mechanical breakdown of the β‐glucans in end‐product and optimizing processing conditions. This review discusses the different sources of β‐glucan for use in human functional foods and factors affecting the levels and the molecular weight of β‐glucan at various pre‐ and postharvest operations.
Non-Darwinian estimation: My ancestors, my genes' ancestors
Authors: Weiss Kenneth M. , Long Jeffrey C.
Published: May 2009

There is widespread interest in characterizing the organization of human genetic variation around the world from a population perspective. Related to this are attempts to describe the pattern of genetic variation in the human species generally, including “recreational” genomics, the genome-based estimation of the ancestry of individuals. These approaches rest on subtle concepts of variation, time, and ancestry that are perhaps not widely appreciated. They share the idea that there are, or were, discrete panmictic human populations such that every person is either a member of such a population or is an admixed descendant of them. Ancestry fraction estimation is biased by assumptions about past and present human population structure, as when we trace ancestry to hypothetical unmixed ancestral populations, or assign an individual's ancestry to continental populations that are indistinguishable from classical “races.” Attempts to identify even individuals' local subpopulations are less precise than most (geneticists included) expect, because that is usually based on a small portion of a person's ancestry, relative to the much larger pool of comparably related ancestors. It is easier to show that two people have some relationship than to show who or where the actual ancestor was. There is an important distinction between individuals' demographic ancestry and the ancestry of their genes. Despite superficial appearances, these interpretations of genetic data are often based on typological rather than Darwinian thinking, raising important issues about the questions that are actually being asked.
Evolutionary descent of a human chromosome 6 neocentromere: A jump back to 17 million years ago
Authors: Capozzi Oronzo , Purgato Stefania , D'Addabbo Pietro , Archidiacono Nicoletta , Battaglia Paola , Baroncini Anna , Capucci Antonella , Stanyon Roscoe , Della Valle Giuliano , Rocchi Mariano
Published: May 2009

Molecular cytogenetics provides a visual, pictorial record of the tree of life, and in this respect the fusion origin of human chromosome 2 is a well-known paradigmatic example. Here we report on a variant chromosome 6 in which the centromere jumped to 6p22.1. ChIP-chip experiments with antibodies against the centromeric proteins CENP-A and CENP-C exactly defined the neocentromere as lying at chr6:26,407–26,491 kb. We investigated in detail the evolutionary history of chromosome 6 in primates and found that the primate ancestor had a homologous chromosome with the same marker order, but with the centromere located at 6p22.1. Sometime between 17 and 23 million years ago (Mya), in the common ancestor of humans and apes, the centromere of chromosome 6 moved from 6p22.1 to its current location. The neocentromere we discovered, consequently, has jumped back to the ancestral position, where a latent centromere-forming potentiality persisted for at least 17 Myr. Because all living organisms form a tree of life, as first conceived by Darwin, evolutionary perspectives can provide compelling underlying explicative grounds for contemporary genomic phenomena.
Genetic architecture of quantitative traits in mice, flies, and humans
Authors: Flint Jonathan , Mackay Trudy F.C.
Published: May 2009

We compare and contrast the genetic architecture of quantitative phenotypes in two genetically well-characterized model organisms, the laboratory mouse, Mus musculus, and the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, with that found in our own species from recent successes in genome-wide association studies. We show that the current model of large numbers of loci, each of small effect, is true for all species examined, and that discrepancies can be largely explained by differences in the experimental designs used. We argue that the distribution of effect size of common variants is the same for all phenotypes regardless of species, and we discuss the importance of epistasis, pleiotropy, and gene by environment interactions. Despite substantial advances in mapping quantitative trait loci, the identification of the quantitative trait genes and ultimately the sequence variants has proved more difficult, so that our information on the molecular basis of quantitative variation remains limited. Nevertheless, available data indicate that many variants lie outside genes, presumably in regulatory regions of the genome, where they act by altering gene expression. As yet there are very few instances where homologous quantitative trait loci, or quantitative trait genes, have been identified in multiple species, but the availability of high-resolution mapping data will soon make it possible to test the degree of overlap between species.
The African Butterfly Bicyclus anynana: A Model for Evolutionary Genetics and Evolutionary Developmental Biology
Authors: Brakefield Paul M. , Beldade Patrícia , Zwaan Bas J.
Published: May 2009

INTRODUCTION

The butterfly model based on laboratory stocks of the African species Bicyclus anynana provides a special system for several reasons. First, a range of phenotypes has proven to be amenable to examination in this system. These include wing color patterns (including eyespots), seasonal forms, male androconia (secondary sexual traits), and a range of life-history traits (relevant to aging research). These phenotypes have a clear ecological relevance that is associated with dramatic differences in ecological environments represented by the dry and wet seasons in East Africa. Second, the Bicyclus genus and closely related genera from independent radiations in Asia and Madagascar are highly speciose, thereby providing opportunities to explore diversity among species for wing patterning, life histories, and male secondary sexual traits. There are also rich opportunities for examining interactions among all of these phenotypes and both natural and sexual selection. Moreover, the size of the organisms provides important practical advantages. B. anynana individuals are small enough to be readily reared in large numbers, but big enough to allow marking and tracking and also to facilitate such manipulations as microsurgical procedures on developing wing discs and the noninvasive sampling of hemolymph. Here, we explore the characteristics of B. anynana that enable integrative research linking variations among genotypes via development and physiology to variations in phenotypes and variations in adaptation to natural environments.
Immunohistochemistry Staining of Wing Discs from the African Butterfly Bicyclus anynana
Authors: Brakefield Paul M. , Beldade Patrícia , Zwaan Bas J.
Published: May 2009

INTRODUCTION

This protocol describes an immunohistochemical method for the detection of proteins in developing wings of the African butterfly Bicyclus anynana. The wing discs are stained with a primary antibody against a protein of interest, followed by a fluorescently labeled secondary antibody.
Fresh Weight, Dry Weight, and Fat Content of Adult African Butterflies Bicyclus anynana
Authors: Brakefield Paul M. , Beldade Patrícia , Zwaan Bas J.
Published: May 2009

INTRODUCTION

For many biological processes, such as metabolic rate, starvation resistance, and fecundity, knowledge of body composition is important. This protocol describes how to measure fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW), and fat-free dry weight (FFDW) of African butterfly Bicyclus anynana adults. From this, the weight of water and fat can be calculated, as well as water and fat fractions.
Construction of Adenovirus Vectors for Transcriptional Targeting
Authors: Kawakami Yosuke , Curiel David T.
Published: May 2009

INTRODUCTION

The balance between target and nontarget cell toxicity determines the efficacy of any therapeutic agent. Therapeutic gene transfer strategies aim to maximize gene transfer and expression in target cells. However, gene delivery systems often fail to preferentially transduce target cells in mixed cell populations. In addition, limitations in vector specificity can lead to transduction of nontarget cells, resulting in untoward toxicity, even with compartmental dosing. Thus, vector optimization is critical for the development of efficient genetic experiments. The life cycle and biology of adenovirus (Ad) infection and transgene expression in cells have been thoroughly characterized. While genetically modified Ad vectors with transductional specificity for a single cell type can be generated by direct or indirect modifications of the carboxyl terminus of the vectors’ receptor recognition site, Ad vectors can also be targeted at the level of protein expression of the transgene in the targeted cells (i.e., transcription/translation). Target-cell-specific gene expression is accomplished using tissue-specific promoters (TSPs), DNA elements that restrict expression to specific cellular subsets. The major drawback of transcriptional retargeting is that pathological change in target tissues or organs, such as degeneration or malignant transformation, can ectopically activate TSPs. In this protocol, recombinant Ad vectors that express the luciferase gene are constructed through homologous recombination in Escherichia coli. TSPs are placed in front of the luciferase gene for selective expression.
Crystallization columns in a laboratory furnace
Authors: Cabric Branislav , Danilovic Nebojsa
Published: May 2009

A design for a modular and adaptable air cooler (crystallization lattice bridge) installed in a laboratory furnace is presented. The setup allows easy regulation and simultaneous crystallization tests of a series of different temperature gradients, shapes of crystallization fronts and rate intervals in crucible columns, enabling rapid acquisition of crystals in school laboratories.
Hantzsch 1,4-dihydropyridine esters and analogs: candidates for generating reproducible one-dimensional packing motifs
Authors: Rathore R. S. , Reddy B. Palakshi , Vijayakumar V. , Ragavan R. Venkat , Narasimhamurthy T.
Published: May 2009

Examination of the symmetric Hantzsch 1,4-dihydropyridine ester derivatives of the prototypical nifedipine molecule indicates the tendency of this class of molecule to form a common packing motif. Crystal structure analysis of 2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic diesters and analogs reveals that they form extended chains, characterized as the C(6) packing motif, via intermolecular (amine) N—H...O=C (C3,C5 carbonyl) hydrogen bonds. In addition, all the prepared derivatives also satisfy the basic structural requirements for their high binding efficiency to the receptor. The reproducible C(6) packing motif observed among these compounds has a use in the design of solid-state materials.
Retinex theory‐based shadow detection and removal in single outdoor image
Authors: Sun Jing , Tian Jiandong , Du Yingkui , Tang Yandong
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Shadows, the common phenomena in most outdoor scenes, bring many problems in practical image processing. Shadow detection and removal, especial in uncalibrated outdoor image, is still a difficult problem. The purpose of this paper is to detect and to remove shadows in single outdoor image based on retinex theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The shadow extraction algorithm originates from a simple idea that the human‐vision‐based retinex has the natural ability to enhance the shadow regions of an image no matter it is penumbrae or umbrae. Shadows are detected by comparing the retinex‐enhanced images with original images in the paper. The shadow removal algorithm in the paper deals with the shadow regions and non‐shadow regions in the images separately using the retinex enhancement algorithm. Through adding smooth light forcibly to shadow edges and introducing shadow edge masks, the authors reduce the effects of shadow edges in shadow removal processing.

Findings

Some real single outdoor images with the umbra regions and those with penumbra regions are both experimented in the paper. Experimental results validate the feasibility of the approach.

Originality/value

The approach proposed here does not use any special prior knowledge and assumptions. The feasibility of this method is testified for detecting and removing both penumbrae and umbrae in the outdoor images.
Influence of leader behaviors on the leader‐member exchange relationship
Authors: Yukl Gary , O'Donnell Mark , Taber Thomas
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Many studies have examined outcomes and antecedents of leader‐member exchange (LMX), but few studies have explored how LMX is related to specific types of leadership behaviors. The purpose of this paper is to examines a more comprehensive set of leader behaviors than any previous study on LMX.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports the result of a survey study with a sample of 248 respondents from a diverse set of industries, organizations, and occupations. Respondents rated specific behaviors of their manager and the quality of the exchange relationship.

Findings

Four of the five relations‐oriented behaviors (supporting, recognizing, consulting, and delegating) were strongly related to LMX. The task‐oriented behaviors (clarifying, planning, monitoring) were not significantly related to LMX. Results for the transformational behaviors were mixed. The relations‐oriented aspects of transformational leadership appear to have more influence on LMX than the change‐oriented aspects.

Originality/value

The present study clarifies the relationship between leader behavior and LMX. Practical implications of the findings for managers are discussed. Some recommendations for future research are provided.
Changing hearts and minds: the quest for open talk about race in educational leadership
Authors: Rusch Edith A. , Douglass Horsford Sonya
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to seek to conceptualize a theory of self‐contribution as a framework for understanding and demonstrating the dispositions and skills academics and educational leaders need to break the silence and engage in constructive talk about race across color lines.

Design/methodology/approach

Brian Fay's framework for critical theory provided the guideposts for the construct of self‐contribution. To address false consciousness, the authors turned to Mezirow's unlearning. The work of Tatum, and Parker and Shapiro clarified the social crisis and the educative components used the voice of color thesis (Delgado and Stefancic), Pillow's race‐based epistemologies, Horsford's research using counternarratives, and Argyris' work on defensive behaviors,. Finally, to address transformative actions the authors turned to Follett's principles of unifying, and Laible's loving epistemology.

Findings

The use of race‐based theories to center the discourse about race in mixed race settings has the potential to move the debate forward – beyond colorblindness and toward color consciousness – to place civic relationships based on the integration of desires, an openness to mutual influence and a commitment to unifying rather than equal opportunity to gain power over others (Follett).

Originality/value

At this moment in time, the potential of educational leadership students to lead socially just and equitable communities depends on educational leadership faculty's ability to participate in a way of knowing through self‐contribution.
Cross‐generational comparison of dispensed pharmacotherapy for depression
Authors: Sewitch Maida J. , Bexton Brian , Rahme Elham , Galarneau Sophie , Blais Régis
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare predictors of receipt of recommended first‐line pharmacotherapy in three generational cohorts of patients with new episode depression.

Design/methodology/approach

This retrospective database cohort study included adolescent, adult and senior Quebec Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan beneficiaries with new episode depression, who were diagnosed by primary care physicians or psychiatrists (October 2000 to March 2001) and received pharmacotherapy. Receipt of recommended first‐line pharmacotherapy, based on the first psychoactive medication dispensed following the depression diagnosis, was defined according to Canadian guidelines.

Findings

Receipt of first‐line pharmacotherapy was documented in 52 percent, 71 percent and 50 percent of adolescents, adults and seniors, respectively. Among adolescents and seniors, diagnosis by a psychiatrist was associated with a lower likelihood of receipt of recommended pharmacotherapy. Adolescent females and senior males were more likely and adults with comorbidity were less likely to receive recommended pharmacotherapy. For all age groups, having a physician who both diagnosed the depression and prescribed the initial pharmacotherapy was associated with an increased likelihood of receiving recommended pharmacotherapy. Relational continuity of care influenced receipt of recommended first‐line pharmacotherapy. Gender differences in treatment were found in adolescents and seniors.

Originality/value

This paper identifies predictors of receipt of recommended first‐line pharmacotherapy in three generational cohorts of patients with new episode depression.
Tourism entrepreneurship and regional development: example from New Zealand
Authors: Ateljevic Jovo
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the entrepreneurial behaviour of small tourism businesses and their ability to contribute to regional development in the context of a transitional economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The research, by combining in‐depth interviews and a survey, reports on a case study of Wairarapa, a region of New Zealand that has recently seen a large expansion in the tourism sector.

Findings

The paper identifies a number of important criteria for the effective interaction of private‐public sectors as well as illustrating how small tourism firm owners are facing challenges in one of the most liberal economic environments whilst taking action to ensure periphery endurance.

Originality/value

Inductive theory or a bottom‐up model for regional development provides the conceptual structure for the research. The paper argues that the related paradigm is increasingly underpinned by entrepreneurial behaviour of a multiplicity of stakeholders in rural localities where tourism is seen as a key agent for regional rejuvenation on the demise of traditional economic activities.
Typologies of communicators in Europe
Authors: Beurer‐Züllig Bettina , Fieseler Christian , Meckel Miriam
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a quantitative investigation into the major working fields of European communication professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper build upon previous work done in roles research, but follow a grounded approach in using an explorative cluster analysis on a sample of 1,410 communicators from 30 different European countries.

Findings

The paper identifies five typologies into which the working fields of European communication practitioners can be categorized: negotiators, brand officers, policy advisors, internal communicators, and press agents. These clusters are distinctively different in terms of education, salary, and career, as well as job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is focused on the typologies of the European communication profession, whereas differences regarding the cultural or national context of the communication profession as well as the particularities of the respective media systems are not discussed.

Practical implications

Following the five clusters, the research maps the field of professional communication on a European level and shows the various roles communication practitioners take, as well as their integration within organizations.

Originality/value

The study elicits on the state of the communication profession in Europe and brings forth five different roles communication professionals exert. In line with Dozier's and Broom's manager technician dichotomy the paper identifies two manager and three technician roles, whereas the technical activities to a small extent also contain some policy elements.
Fudging the supply chain to hit the number: five common practices that sacrifice the supply chain and what financial analysts should ask about them
Authors: Godsell Janet , van Hoek Remko
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and detail practices that are commonly used to pursue short‐term functional targets (e.g. end of month sales targets) at the expense of supply chain integration. It also aims to identify the key questions that financial analysts should be asking companies to ensure that they are not using those practices and thereby destroying shareholder value.

Design/methodology/approach

The insights were gained from the authors' hands‐on supply chain management experience and validated in discussions with supply chain executives across a range of industrial sectors (including electronics, consumer packaged goods and logistics service providers).

Findings

The paper identifies three sales and customer service practices, and two financial practices that undermine the performance of the integrated supply chain. In response it suggests alternative practices and four key questions that financial analysts should ask companies to ensure that the performance of the integrated supply chain is not sabotaged – thereby helping supply chain managers.

Practical implications

The paper can help supply chain managers dispose of value‐destructive behaviour in their organizations by offering them screens/descriptions of poor practice which they can hold up to their peers as a mirror. It provides the business imperative for change, by identifying the key questions analysts should ask to uncover value‐destroying activities.

Originality/value

Supply chain managers often share their frustration with peers in anecdotal ways. The paper describes common practices and sources of frustration, using actual data and examples.
An empirical study of the relationships among strategy, flexibility, and performance in the supply chain context
Authors: Aissa Fantazy Kamel , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Uma
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationships among strategy, flexibility, and performance in the supply chain context.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a quantitative approach using a questionnaire survey and personal interviews from a total of 175 small and medium‐sized Canadian manufacturing companies. The identified constructs have been utilized to test a theoretical model using the path analysis technique.

Findings

First, the findings provide evidence of direct effects of strategy on flexibility and flexibility on performance. Second, innovative strategy firms must invest time and resources in developing new product and delivery flexibility; while customer‐oriented strategy firms are required to invest heavily in developing sourcing, product, and delivery flexibility and follower strategy firms need no investment in any specific type of flexibility. Third, results demonstrated that Canadian manufacturers must reconsider how they use information technology to enhance information systems flexibility and improve overall performance.

Research limitations/implications

The measures of flexibility and strategy dimensions used to rate the supply chain organizations are a possible limitation of the research study.

Practical implications

Managers need to think seriously about which type of flexibility they implement and that they should not increase all dimensions of flexibility in their power; some dimensions of flexibility may not significantly contribute to the overall performance. Considering that small and medium‐sized enterprises have limited resources, it is important for managers to carefully assess their strategic needs before getting involved in any flexibility program; otherwise the result can be competitively negative.

Originality/value

No empirical study was found in the supply chain literature that specifically investigates the relationships among strategy, flexibility and performance in the supply chain context; the paper fills an important gap in the supply chain literature.
Understanding demand management challenges in intermediary food trading: a case study
Authors: Adebanjo Dotun
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a study into demand management practices in a trading organisation. It aims to bring together a number of key principles, including forecasting, promotions management and power, and examine how they impact the operations of the organisation. On the basis of its findings, the paper also aims to propose a framework for efficient use of forecasting resources.

Design/methodology/approach

A single case study approach was used. Iteratively designed semi‐structured interviews with different departments were used to identify the key challenges facing the organisation. Data analysis was then used to confirm some of the issues and identify emerging issues in the industry.

Findings

Intermediary trading organisations in the UK food industry occupy a vulnerable position in their supply chains. For promotional products, in particular, the supply chains are characterised by unmatchable upstream‐downstream lead times and little flexibility in demand and supply requirements. Furthermore, consumers may be getting used to buying certain products only when they are on promotion.

Practical implications

Trading organisations suffer disproportionately from the inefficiencies of their supply chain and, consequently, need to take a leading role in co‐ordinating and synchronising supply chain activities. They also need to understand their supply chain positioning, relative power and the factors that are beyond their control.

Originality/value

The demand management operations and challenges of intermediary food traders have not previously been studied in great depth. The paper provides new knowledge and further contributes to academic thinking by proposing a forecasting framework.
Trends and approaches in lean healthcare
Authors: Brandao de Souza Luciano
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to provide a review of the existing literature on lean healthcare. It seeks to describe how this concept has being applied and to assess how trends and methods of approach in lean healthcare have evolved over the years.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper surveys the applications of lean healthcare in the current literature and classifies over 90 works according to a taxonomy suggested.

Findings

Though there seems to exist an agreement about the potential of lean healthcare, it remains a challenge for academics and practitioners to evaluate lean healthcare under a more critical perspective.

Practical implications

This work is helpful not only for healthcare practitioners and for researchers in private and public organisations, but also for journal editors and reviewers because it offers ready access to an up to date comprehensive review.

Originality/value

Since lean started being applied in healthcare, no effort to provide a complete resource surveying the existing literature has been done.
Healthcare leadership
Authors: Bergman David , Fransson‐Sellgren Stina , Wahlström Rolf , Sandahl Christer
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to study the impact of two leadership programmes for healthcare managers regarding their attitudes to, and views on, their leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 53 managers participated in two different leadership programmes i.e. one‐week (OW‐DGL) intensive leadership course and long‐term support groups. Of those, 39 (74 per cent) responded to the Wheel Questionnaire, both soon before and six months after the end of their respective leadership programmes. Overall, eight focus group interviews were conducted, and the data were analysed through content analysis.

Findings

Both leadership programmes seem to have strengthened the managers in their leadership roles. The OW‐DGL course supported the managers in learning about group dynamics and relationship‐orientated leadership. The programmes' methods differed, but the conclusion is that they complemented each other. The long‐term support groups helped the managers to structure and cope with everyday leadership situations in their occupational environment.

Practical implications

The OW‐DGL course was found to be good for inexperienced managers and the long‐term support groups for more experienced managers.

Originality/value

There is a lack of intervention studies regarding the efficacy of leadership programmes directed toward managers in health care. Two different approaches to leadership training are compared in this paper, using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
Enabling effective change in healthcare delivery systems
Authors: Towill Denis R.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The aim of this article is to provide health leaders with a clear unambiguous description of a proven modus operandi for analysis, design, planning, implementation, and start‐up of effective and efficient healthcare delivery systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds on previously published reviews of the successful TV series centred on Rotherham General Hospital. This featured Gerry Robinson (GR), a top executive from the public sector, and his endeavours to interact with, and improve, the NHS. Those reviews covered emergent lessons directed at hospitals and the Department of Health plus the de‐briefing carried out by GR. They also detailed the Healthcare Balanced Scorecard, and emphasised the importance of minimising elapsed time.

Findings

TV programmes inevitably lack description of an infrastructure since “headline metrics” (preferably disputed) make the news and add to the viewing figures. Missing are some important steps along the way, identification of various key factors; resourcing issues; process monitoring; time scales; and team building. By showing that the GR approach can be related to a proven and well‐documented “engineering of change” methodology, a fully integrated approach to healthcare delivery system enhancement is evident.

Research limitations/implications

The comprehensive approach is based on the systems engineering concept of seamless patient flow achieved by eliminating problems rather than finding ad‐hoc ways around them. This requires team‐based activities involving clinicians, nurses, managers, secretaries, and everyone associated with the healthcare process. “No involvement” usually means “no commitment”.

Practical implications

Emphasis is on “institutional change” achieved via a sequence of carefully selected improvement projects in which the first acts as an “exemplar”. This requires a proactive people‐first organisation practising open‐learning and a culture of continuous plan‐do‐check‐act activity. The “seven deadly sins” indicate what may go wrong and why.

Originality/value

This article assists in the exposure and exploitation of TV healthcare narrative and established “engineering of change” practice by carefully relating one to the other.
Honourable Sacrifice: A Visual Ethnography of the Family Lives of Korean Children with Autistic Siblings
Authors: Hwang Se Kwang , Charnley Helen
Published: May 2009

Literature on the siblings of disabled children has been dominated by western psychosocial theories that focus on stresses associated with being a ‘young carer’ or on children as active agents realising their ‘rights’ rather than as the victims of familial expectations. This article presents the findings of a visual ethnographic study exploring the lives of nine children living with an autistic sibling in South Korea (hereafter Korea). Despite personal challenges and family tensions, experiences of ‘being’ a sibling were strongly influenced by Confucian familist cultural values in which sacrifice plays a central role in achieving honourable and harmonious family life.
Do Integrated Children’s Services Improve Children’s Outcomes?: Evidence From England’s Children’s Trust Pathfinders
Authors: O’Brien Margaret , Bachmann Max O. , Jones Natalia R. , Reading Richard , Thoburn June , Husbands Chris , Shreeve Ann , Watson Jacqueline
Published: May 2009

Thirty‐five children’s trust pathfinders, local cross‐sector partnerships, were introduced across England in 2003 to promote greater integration in children’s services. Using administrative performance data, this paper tracks yearly trends in child service outputs and child well‐being outcomes from 1997 to 2004 in these local areas, including the period before their introduction. Professional perceptions of change in child outcomes are also presented. Time series regression analysis shows there was a general improvement in England in these selected performance indicators prior to the introduction of children’s trusts pathfinders. Children’s trust pathfinder areas initially focusing on ‘all children’ in their local area, rather than selected groups of children, showed the most progress. There was no consistent quantitative evidence for better outcomes in more integrated areas, however, 25 of the 35 survey respondents provided locally specific examples of children’s trust pathfinder arrangements improving outcomes for children and young people.
Influence of anaesthesia resident training on the duration of three common surgical operations
Authors: Hanss R. , Roemer T. , Hedderich J. , Roesler L. , Steinfath M. , Bein B. , Scholz J. , Bauer M.
Published: May 2009

We investigated the influence of resident training on anaesthesia workflow of three standard procedures – laparoscopic cholecystectomy, diagnostic gynaecological laparoscopy and transurethral prostate gland resection (TURP) – comparing 259 non‐emergency resident vs 341 consultant cases from 20 German hospitals. Each hospital provided 10 random cases for each procedure, yielding 600 cases for analysis. Standard time intervals as documented in the hospital information system were: ‘Case Time’ (the time from the start of anaesthesia induction to discharge of the patient to the recovery area) and ‘Anaesthesia Control Time’ (which was the Case Time minus the time from the start of surgery to the end of surgical closure). Case Time was significantly shorter for consultants in all three procedures (p < 0.05, analysis of variance) and Anaesthesia Control Time shorter for consultants only in gynaecological laparoscopy and TURP. Patient comorbidity, patient age and geographical location of the hospital were not influential factors in the analysis of variance. We conclude that resident training significantly increases duration of elective operative times.