bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloud computing adoption by SMEs in the north east of England
Authors: Alshamaila Yazn , Papagiannidis Savvas , Li Feng
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a growing body of research on cloud computing, by studying the small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) adoption process. If SMEs have access to scalable technologies they could potentially deliver products and services that in the past only large enterprises could deliver, flattening the competitive arena.

Design/methodology/approach

By adopting the Technological, Organisational and Environmental (TOE) framework as a theoretical base, this qualitative exploratory study used semi‐structured interviews to collect data in 15 different SMEs and service providers in the north east of England. The north east of England was selected as it is a region that aspires to become home to innovative digital firms and most of the companies in the region are SMEs.

Findings

The main factors that were identified as playing a significant role in SME adoption of cloud services were: relative advantage, uncertainty, geo‐restriction, compatibility, trialability, size, top management support, prior experience, innovativeness, industry, market scope, supplier efforts and external computing support. In contrast, this study did not find enough evidence that competitive pressure was a significant determinant of cloud computing adoption.

Research limitations/implications

These findings have important implications and great value to the research community, managers and information and communication technologies (ICT) providers, in terms of formulating better strategies for cloud computing adoption. For service providers, using the research model in this study can assist in increasing their understanding of why some SMEs choose to adopt cloud computing services, while seemingly similar ones facing similar market conditions do not. Also, cloud computing providers may need to improve their interaction with SMEs which are involved in the cloud computing experience, in an effort to create a healthy environment for cloud computing adoption, and to remove any vagueness surrounding this type of technology.

Originality/value

This study is an attempt to explore and develop an SME cloud computing adoption model that was theoretically grounded in the TOE framework. By adopting the TOE framework this study has shown that the three contexts of this framework (technological, organisational, and environmental) are connected to each other.
A comparative analysis of information visibility in two supply chain management information systems
Authors: Goswami Suparna , Engel Tobias , Krcmar Helmut
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Coordination in supply chains and networks calls for information sharing among the members of the supply chain. Accordingly, information visibility – the availability of relevant information for making supply chain related decisions is an important concept in the context of supply chain management. The purpose of this paper is to identify the different dimensions of information visibility and propose a framework based on these information visibility dimensions. The proposed framework can be used to evaluate supply chain information systems (SCIS) and their contribution towards information visibility in supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the proposed framework, we compare two different SCIS (SAP APO and SupplyOn) to assess the extent to which these systems meet the information visibility needs within supply chains and networks. In order to carry out the comparison, data regarding the two systems in collected using multiple methods such as from system documentations, training sessions, interviews with experts and systems engineers.

Findings

The findings indicate that both systems perform well in terms of supporting information visibility, however they serve different purposes within supply chains and networks. Based on the findings, the authors discuss the role of different types of SCIS depending on the characteristics of adopting firms and their supply chains, and how the use of these different systems can complement each other. The research and practical implications of this study are discussed in the overall context of supply chain management.

Originality/value

The framework can be used by organizations to assess the extent to which relevant information is accessible within their supply chains and to select from various SCIS solutions that are available. This research advances understanding on ways of achieving information visibility.
The role of project management offices (PMOs) in IS project success and management satisfaction
Authors: Ward John , Daniel Elizabeth M.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Organisations are increasingly using project or programme management offices (PMOs) to co‐ordinate activities across information system (IS) projects. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the presence of PMOs and their involvement in IS projects relates to project success and to senior management satisfaction with those projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses an exploratory survey method to consider the relationship of both the presence of a PMO and the involvement of the PMO in five key practices that span the project life‐cycle on project success and management satisfaction.

Findings

Counter‐intuitively, it is found that the presence of a PMO reduces senior management satisfaction with IS projects and has no effect on the overall success rates of those projects. The study draws on ideas of escalation of commitment to explain this finding.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that it is more important for PMOs to be involved at the start and at the review stage of projects, rather than in the on‐going monitoring, which is where much of their current focus is.

Originality/value

This study is the first, that the authors are aware of, to identify a reduced level of management satisfaction associated with the presence of a PMO. It is also the first study to consider PMO involvement at the level of key project practices and hence to be able to suggest how to understand and address the reduced management satisfaction identified.
Using a mobile application to support children's writing motivation
Authors: Kanala Sari , Nousiainen Tuula , Kankaanranta Marja
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of the prototype of a mobile application for the enhancement of children's motivation for writing. The results are explored from students' and experts' perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a field trial and expert evaluations of a prototype of a mobile application. The field trial data consists of questionnaire data collected from elementary school students (n=25) who used the mobile prototype. The expert evaluations (n=8) of the prototype were conducted based on usability and pedagogical heuristics. The main research question is how the mobile application motivates children to learn creative writing.

Findings

The findings suggest that the use of a mobile application can have potential in supporting children's creative writing skills and their motivation to complete writing tasks.

Research limitations/implications

Due to a limited sample of students (only one class), and the mobile application of Ruff being only a prototype, the results cannot be directly generalized. In the future, longer and more comprehensive field trial periods with a larger sample group should be conducted.

Originality/value

These findings are valuable for teachers and researchers. This research points out both students' and experts' opinions of the prototype of a mobile application, Ruff, and its potential to motivate children to learn creative writing.
Designing empathy: the role of a “control room” in an e‐learning environment
Authors: Gentès Annie , Cambone Marie
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the challenge of designing an interface for a virtual class, where being represented together contributes to the learning process. It explores the possibility of virtual empathy.

Design/methodology/approach

The challenges are: How can this feeling of empathy be recreated through a delicate staging of location and interactions? How can the feeling of togetherness be organized in a 3D environment without creating a feeling of distraction? What are the tools of empathy in a mediated situation? The authors propose to use the concept of “contradictory semiotic analysis” to describe the design process that taps into visual cultures to build a representation and tools that support users' empathetic interactions. The analysis of designers' work from a semiotic point of view shows that they do not necessarily paint after life but play with different media and representations to build “remediated” situations of use.

Findings

The paper introduces the concept of “control room” elaborated after Manovich's control panel, to describe the visual interface that supports a diversity of points of view, hence supporting mediated empathetic relationships.

Originality/value

The paper answers the design questions: how can the system of representation support the feeling of empathy amongst participants through a delicate staging of space, people and of interactions within this space? How can a participant get, first, a feeling of togetherness and, second, a feeling of empathy with other participants? The design methodology is explained based on a “contradictory semiotic analysis” made of the comparison with similar platforms and with other modalities of empathy in different media. Second, the design proposition is described. Third, the design challenges that this type of production entails are discussed and the difficulties faced during the design process are analyzed.
Promoting the consumer society: Ernest Dichter, the Cold War and FBI
Authors: Tadajewski Mark
Published: April 2013

Purpose

In the annals of marketing history and the history of marketing thought, there is a key figure whose influence from the mid‐twentieth century through to the present day is worthy of note, Dr Ernest Dichter. The purpose of this paper is to place Dichter's writings in appropriate context and posit that arguably more insight into this charismatic figure can be discerned by taking greater account of the Cold War (1946‐1991) climate in which he was working and writing.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is best thought of as an example of biographically inflected research. The paper focuses on the “socially progressive” aspect of his writings in order to display Dichter's support for the American economic system in the Cold War climate of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. The author highlights how Dichter came to the attention of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the mid‐1950s. What this paper underscores above and beyond all those that have explored aspects of Dichter's life is that his character was interpreted by respondents to FBI questioning in ways that reflected geopolitical circumstance.

Findings

Some of those interviewed by the Bureau praised him highly, whilst others labelled him a Communist, and accused his organisation of employing people with similar leanings. While Dichter may have had some limited associations with socialist doctrines in his early youth, such accusations were misplaced. But, overall, what this paper highlights is a highly malleable practitioner whose practices and writings both contributed to the society in which they were disseminated, but also shifted with the circumstances in which they circulated.

Originality/value

This paper adds an important dimension to the biography of Ernest Dichter which has not previously been explored.
The female perspective on family business successor commitment
Authors: Otten‐Pappas Dominique
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Amidst the perpetual evasiveness of a general succession model, successor commitment has been identified as an important factor. The purpose of this paper is to examine to what extent female successor commitment displays particular characteristics and which insights this sheds on successor commitment theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a review of the relevant literature, propositions concerning female successor commitment are developed. Qualitative case study data are used to explore the applicability of the multidimensional successor commitment model.

Findings

Normative commitment was only observed in female successors at a time of crisis or when no other successor was available. It was found to be a dynamic concept and the data indicated a general shift towards affective commitment. A combination of calculative and affective commitment was found when the female successor chose a career in the family business, to be able to combine career and child care responsibilities, indicating the need to include personal cost in the antecedents for calculative successor commitment.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest amendments to consider for the successor commitment model and the calculative commitment type in particular. The most important implication for future research is the development of assessment tools to be able to measure and quantify different types of commitment and their relative strength, in order to be able to make inferences about co‐occurrence and change.

Originality/value

The paper takes a female perspective to explore the successor commitment issue and thereby allows identifying issues hitherto invisible to the successor commitment discussion.
Copreneurial identity development during new venture creation
Authors: Danes Sharon M. , Jang Juyoung
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate formation of a copreneurial identity during new venture creation by investigating underpinnings of spousal commitment considering business communication quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was grounded in identity theory, used a longitudinal copreneurial sample, and SEM modeling. Entrepreneurial literature is filled with how entrepreneurs form their identity, but little is known about how entrepreneurs and their spouses mutually form their copreneurial identity.

Findings

Entrepreneurs’ reported spouses having high Time 1 commitment, but spouses reported they were more committed than reported by entrepreneurs. Links between spouse’s Time 1 commitment self‐assessment and Time 2 entrepreneur’s assessment of spousal commitment differed by business communication quality. Time 1 spouse’s commitment self‐assessment was positively related to Time 2 entrepreneur’s appraisal of spousal commitment only for the high business communication group and not for the low business communication group. For couples having high business communication quality, entrepreneur’s assessment of spousal commitment over time was composed of spouse’s self‐assessment of commitment and entrepreneur’s appraisal of spousal commitment, reflecting the mutual verification of a copreneurial identity.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence for Van Auken and Werbel's proposition that an entrepreneur's decision to launch a new business depends not only on opportunity analyses but also on the degree that an entrepreneur's spouse shares a common vision about firm goals. This study not only contributes to the theoretical development of a copreneurial identity but it also addresses measurement issues related to spousal business identity formation. Unlike previous studies considering spousal commitment in terms of marital status or work involvement, a measurement model for spousal commitment was tested using three indicators of cognitive moral commitment. Distinctions were made in stock and flow measures of spousal social capital and initial spousal stock levels were assessed. Furthermore, there appeared to be relatively high consistency between entrepreneur's assessment of spousal commitment and spousal's reflection of their own commitment, suggesting that the spousal commitment construct has some clearly defined properties.
Multiple measures of US entrepreneurial activity and classical liberal institutions
Authors: Campbell Noel , Mitchell David T. , Rogers Tammy M.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a robustness check of the relationship between entrepreneurial activity and economic freedom. As a deliberate “robustness check,” the authors estimated various spatial measures of entrepreneurship found in the research literature, using the same estimator within a consistent model that included political institutions, proxied by the Economic Freedom of North America index. Like many exemplars in the literature, the authors’ focus was on the US states.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors estimated models of five different measures of entrepreneurial activity in a model based on Reynolds, Storey, and Westhead (1994).

Findings

The authors failed to replicate many of the results found in the literature. The various measures of entrepreneurship were related to different independent variables. Economic freedom was not a consistently significant predictor of entrepreneurial activity.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical work focuses on the US states, and may not be generalizable. By deliberate choice, the authors did not include many of the independent variables, data corrections, or estimation techniques found in the literature. The results imply the need for additional development in the theory that relates institutions to entrepreneurial activity.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no one else has “raced,” side‐by‐side, various entrepreneurship measures in a model that includes institutions.
Public policy and expatriate entrepreneurs
Authors: Ahmed Zafar U. , Zgheib Philip W. , Carraher Shawn , Kowatly Abdulrahim K.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between demographic and public policy with the entrepreneurial related variables of entrepreneurial orientation, self employment, customer service, and leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

Results from 264 first generation expatriate entrepreneurs from Lebanon are used in order to examine the relationships between the variables using a mail questionnaire.

Findings

It was found that educational level was important with all of the dependent variables and that the public policy variable of Property Rights was related to entrepreneurial orientation.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of the research is that there was range restriction in the dependent variables, likely due to the sample characteristic of them all being expatriate entrepreneurs. The major implications of the study include that additional research should examine the importance of public policy variables with entrepreneurs and the importance of education in encouraging entrepreneurial activities.

Originality/value

Very little research has examined expatriate entrepreneurs and nearly none has examined the relationship between public policy and expatriate entrepreneurship.
Feature Extraction and Representation for Distributed Multi-View Human Action Recognition
Authors: Luo Jiajia , Wang Wei , Qi Hairong
Published: April 2013

Multi-view human action recognition has gained a lot of attention in recent years for its superior performance as compared to single view recognition. In this paper, we propose a new framework for the real-time realization of human action recognition in distributed camera networks (DCNs). We first present a new feature descriptor (Mltp-hist) that is tolerant to illumination change, robust in homogeneous region and computationally efficient. Taking advantage of the proposed Mltp-hist, the noninformative 3-D patches generated from the background can be further removed automatically that effectively highlights the foreground patches. Next, a new feature representation method based on sparse coding is presented to generate the histogram representation of local videos to be transmitted to the base station for classification. Due to the sparse representation of extracted features, the approximation error is reduced. Finally, at the base station, a probability model is produced to fuse the information from various views and a class label is assigned accordingly. Compared to the existing algorithms, the proposed framework has three advantages while having less requirements on memory and bandwidth consumption: 1) no preprocessing is required; 2) communication among cameras is unnecessary; and 3) positions and orientations of cameras do not need to be fixed. We further evaluate the proposed framework on the most popular multi-view action dataset IXMAS. Experimental results indicate that our proposed framework repeatedly achieves state-of-the-art results when various numbers of views are tested. In addition, our approach is tolerant to the various combination of views and benefit from introducing more views at the testing stage. Especially, our results are still satisfactory even when large misalignment exists between the training and testing samples.
Quantitative geophysical pore‐type characterization and its geological implication in carbonate reservoirs
Authors: Zhao Luanxiao , Nasser Mosab , Han De‐hua
Published: April 2013

This paper discusses and addresses two questions in carbonate reservoir characterization: how to characterize pore‐type distribution quantitatively from well observations and seismic data based on geologic understanding of the reservoir and what geological implications stand behind the pore‐type distribution in carbonate reservoirs. To answer these questions, three geophysical pore types (reference pores, stiff pores and cracks) are defined to represent the average elastic effective properties of complex pore structures. The variability of elastic properties in carbonates can be quantified using a rock physics scheme associated with different volume fractions of geophysical pore types. We also explore the likely geological processes in carbonates based on the proposed rock physics template. The pore‐type inversion result from well log data fits well with the pore geometry revealed by a FMI log and core information. Furthermore, the S‐wave prediction based on the pore‐type inversion result also shows better agreement than the Greensberg‐Castagna relationship, suggesting the potential of this rock physics scheme to characterize the porosity heterogeneity in carbonate reservoirs. We also apply an inversion technique to quantitatively map the geophysical pore‐type distribution from a 2D seismic data set in a carbonate reservoir offshore Brazil. The spatial distributions of the geophysical pore type contain clues about the geological history that overprinted these rocks. Therefore, we analyse how the likely geological processes redistribute pore space of the reservoir rock from the initial depositional porosity and in turn how they impact the reservoir quality.
The DnaA N‐terminal domain interacts with Hda to facilitate replicase clamp‐mediated inactivation of DnaA
Authors: Su'etsugu Masayuki , Harada Yuji , Keyamura Kenji , Matsunaga Chika , Kasho Kazutoshi , Abe Yoshito , Ueda Tadashi , Katayama Tsutomu
Published: April 2013

DnaA activity for replication initiation of the Escherichia coli chromosome is negatively regulated by feedback from the DNA‐loaded form of the replicase clamp. In this process, called RIDA (regulatory inactivation of DnaA), ATP‐bound DnaA transiently assembles into a complex consisting of Hda and the DNA–clamp, which promotes inter‐AAA+ domain association between Hda and DnaA and stimulates hydrolysis of DnaA‐bound ATP, producing inactive ADP–DnaA. Using a truncated DnaA mutant, we previously demonstrated that the DnaA N‐terminal domain is involved in RIDA. However, the precise role of the N‐terminal domain in RIDA has remained largely unclear. Here, we used an in vitro reconstituted system to demonstrate that the Asn‐44 residue in the N‐terminal domain of DnaA is crucial for RIDA but not for replication initiation. Moreover, an assay termed PDAX (pull‐down after cross‐linking) revealed an unstable interaction between a DnaA‐N44A mutant and Hda. In vivo, this mutant exhibited an increase in the cellular level of ATP‐bound DnaA. These results establish a model in which interaction between DnaA Asn‐44 and Hda stabilizes the association between the AAA+ domains of DnaA and Hda to facilitate DnaA–ATP hydrolysis during RIDA.
Cities within the City: Do‐It‐Yourself Urbanism and the Right to the City
Authors: Iveson Kurt
Published: April 2013

In many cities around the world we are presently witnessing the growth of, and interest in, a range of micro‐spatial urban practices that are reshaping urban spaces. These practices include actions such as: guerrilla and community gardening; housing and retail cooperatives; flash mobbing and other shock tactics; social economies and bartering schemes; ‘empty spaces’ movements to occupy abandoned buildings for a range of purposes; subcultural practices like graffiti/street art, skateboarding and parkour; and more. This article asks: to what extent do such practices constitute a new form of urban politics that might give birth to a more just and democratic city? In answering this question, the article considers these so‐called ‘do‐it‐yourself urbanisms’ from the perspective of the ‘right to the city’. After critically assessing that concept, the article argues that in order for do‐it‐yourself urbanist practices to generate a wider politics of the city through the appropriation of urban space, they also need to assert new forms of authority in the city based on the equality of urban inhabitants. This claim is illustrated through an analysis of the do‐it‐yourself practices of Sydney‐based activist collective BUGA UP and the New York and Madrid Street Advertising Takeovers.
On Life as a Fictitious Commodity: Cities and the Biopolitics of Late Neoliberalism
Authors: Rossi Ugo
Published: April 2013

Building on a biopolitical understanding of the economic crisis, this essay contends that the occurrence of the crisis warns that life is not a real commodity but — to put it inKarlPolanyi's terms — a ‘fictitious commodity’. This means that life cannot be integrally subsumed within the economy, and therefore the crisis is to be seen as a pathological way in which societies react to the pervasiveness of capitalist relations, showing the illusory character of self‐regulating markets and ownership ideologies. Two mutually contradictory biopolitical responses to the neoliberal crisis, led by the state and grassroots movements respectively, are discussed in the concluding section of the essay.
Neoliberal Urbanism Redux?
Authors: Peck Jamie , Theodore Nik , Brenner Neil
Published: April 2013

Neoliberalization processes have been reshaping the landscapes of urban development for more than three decades, but their forms and consequences continue to evolve through an eclectic blend of failure and crisis, regulatory experimentation, and policy transfer across places, territories and scales. The proliferation of familiar neoliberal discourses and policy formulations in the aftermath of the 2007‐09 world financial crisis masks evidence of more deeply rooted transformations of policies, institutions and spaces that continue to combatively remake terrains of urban development. Accordingly, the critical intellectual project of deciphering the problematic of neoliberal urbanism must continue to evolve. This essay outlines some of the methodological and political challenges associated with (re)constructing a ′moving map′ of post‐crisis neoliberalization processes. We affirm a form of critical urban theory that adopts a restlessly antagonistic stance towards orthodox urban formations and their dominant ideologies, institutional arrangements and societal effects, tracking their endemic policy failures and crisis tendencies while at the same time demarcating potential terrains for heterodox, radical and/or insurgent theories and practices of emancipatory social change.
The effect of Tyrophagus putrescentiae on Fusarium poae transmission and fungal community in stored barley in a laboratory experiment
Authors: Hubert Jan , Nesvorná Marta , Kopecký Jan
Published: April 2013

The effect of Tyrophagus putrescentiae on Fusarium poae transmission and fungal community composition was studied in nonsterile barley grain. The experiments included following treatments: control barley without mites; barley containing 10 or 50 mites without preincubation on F. poae (Tp10 and Tp50); barley containing 10 or 50 mites after preincubation on F. poae (FTp10 and FTp50). The number of mites, successful transfer of F. poae, and changes in the fungal communities were examined after 21 d of experiment. Increase of deoxynivalenol (DON) content in the barley was chosen as a criterion of successful F. poae transfer. The preincubation of T. putrescentiae on F. poae increased DON level approximately to 800 and 300 μg/kg of grain for FTp10 and FTp50, respectively. T. putrescentiae population growth in FTp10 was lower than in Tp10, while no difference was found between FTp50 and Tp50. Fungal communities were compared by amplification, cloning and sequencing of ITS fragments, and operational taxonomic units (OTU) analysis. The OTU analysis did not support the transfer of F. poae via mites. From the analyzed clones, only 13 cloned sequences clustered with F. poae in an OTU defined at distance level 0.07. The related clones originated from FTp10, Tp10, Tp50 and control treatments, but not from FTp50. However, the presence of F. poae in FTp50 was confirmed by PCR amplification with specific primers. The observation may be explained by different effect of mite population density, that is, in the high density, (FTp50 treatment) the fungus was overgrazed, while the lower population density (FTp10) supported F. poae transfer.
Encounters with aphid predators or their residues impede searching and oviposition by the aphid parasitoid Aphidius ervi (Hymenoptera: Aphidiinae)
Authors: Almohamad Raki , Hance Thierry
Published: April 2013

Intraguild predation (IGP) can be an important factor influencing the effectiveness of aphid natural enemies in biological control. In particular, aphid parasitoid foraging could be influenced by the presence of predators. This study investigated the effect of larvae of the predatory hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus DeGeer (Diptera: Syrphidae) and the multicolored Asian ladybird Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on the foraging behavior of the aphid parasitoid, Aphidius ervi Haliday (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae) in choice experiments using a leaf disc bioassay. Wasp response to chemical tracks left by those predator larvae was also tested. Parasitoid behavior was recorded using the Observer (Noldus Information Technology, version 5.0, Wageningen, the Netherlands). The experiments were conducted under controlled environmental conditions using leaves of the broad bean plant, Vicia faba L. (Fabaceae) with Myzus persicae Sulzer (Homoptera: Aphididae) as the host complex. A. ervi females avoided aphid patches when larvae of either predator were present. A similar avoidance response was shown by A. ervi to aphid patches with E. balteatus larval tracks, whereas no significant response was observed to tracks left by H. axyridis larvae. It was concluded that IG predator avoidance shown by the aphid parasitoid A. ervi may be a factor affecting their distribution among host patches.
Floristic variation in ecotonal areas: Patterns, determinants and biogeographic origins of subtropical forests in South America
Authors: Gonçalves Erivelton Tomazzoni , Souza Alexandre F.
Published: April 2013

We present the first quantification of forest community composition and its relationship with environmental factors in South American subtropical Atlantic Forests. In this region, rain, seasonally dry and mixed forests form an ecotonal zone near the parallel of latitude 30°S. To investigate how well current knowledge on climatic effects and biogeographic distribution apply to subtropical ecotones, we tested the following expectations: (i) there is a floristic longitudinal gradient correlated to altitudinal and climatic gradients; (ii) climatic variables are more important than soil factors in shaping floristic composition; and (iii) there are three floristic regions in the southernmost limit of the Atlantic Forest biome that are expected to be distinct in composition, structure and biogeographical origin. We examined floristic composition and its relationship with environmental factors across 52 1‐ha permanent study areas in subtropical Brazil, containing in total 269 tree species ≥ 9.5 dbh (diameter at breast height). Climatic data, related to rainfall seasonality and temperature, as well as soil properties, were compiled from published sources or global data banks. Expectations one and two were confirmed, but expectation three was only partially met. Hierarchical cluster analysis divided the southernmost Atlantic Forests into four major groups (Rain, Seasonally Dry, Western Mixed and Eastern Mixed Forests). Overall, the tested environmental variables differed significantly among the four regions. Using indicator species analysis, we distinguished 46 indicator species, which had significant environmental preferences for one floristic region. These species can be used as indicators of environmental conditions or to determine to which floristic region a certain forest belongs. Biogeographic distributions differed between floristic groups, supporting the interpretation that Eastern Mixed Forests are relict forests of a temperate forest of Andean origin that occurred during colder palaeoclimates. Western Mixed Forests represent the main floristic ecotone between Seasonally dry and Eastern Mixed Forests.
Genes involved in muscle lipid composition in 15 European Bos taurus breeds
Authors: Dunner S. , Sevane N. , Garcia D. , Levéziel H. , Williams J. L. , Mangin B. , Valentini A. ,   GeMQual Consortium
Published: April 2013

Consumers demand healthy and palatable meat, both factors being affected by fat composition. However, red meat has relatively high concentration of saturated fatty acids and low concentration of the beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids. To select animals prone to produce particular fat types, it is necessary to identify the genes influencing muscle lipid composition. This paper describes an association study in which a large panel of candidate genes involved in adipogenesis, lipid metabolism and energy homoeostasis was tested for effects on fat composition in 15 European cattle breeds. Sixteen genes were found to have significant effects on different lipid traits, and among these, CFL1 and MYOZ1 were found to have large effects on the ratio of 18:2/18:3, CRI1 on the amount of neutral adrenic acid (22:4 n‐6), MMP1 on docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n‐3) and conjugated linoleic acid, PLTP on the ratio of n‐6:n‐3 and IGF2R on flavour. Several genes – ALDH2, CHRNE, CRHR2, DGAT1, IGFBP3, NEB, SOCS2, SUSP1, TCF12 and FOXO1 – also were found to be associated with both lipid and organoleptic traits although with smaller effect. The results presented here help in understanding the genetic and biochemical background underlying variations in fatty acid composition and flavour in beef.
Insights into the genetic history of Green‐legged Partridgelike fowl: mtDNA and genome‐wide SNP analysis
Authors: Siwek M. , Wragg D. , Sławińska A. , Malek M. , Hanotte O. , Mwacharo J. M.
Published: April 2013

The Green‐legged Partridgelike (GP) fowl, an old native Polish breed, is characterised by reseda green‐coloured shanks rather than yellow, white, slate or black commonly observed across most domestic breeds of chicken. Here, we investigate the origin, genetic relationships and structure of the GP fowl using mtDNA D‐loop sequencing and genome‐wide SNP analysis. Genome‐wide association analysis between breeds enables us to verify the genetic control of the reseda green shank phenotype, a defining trait for the breed. Two mtDNA D‐loop haplogroups and three autosomal genetic backgrounds are revealed. Significant associations of SNPs on chromosomes GGA24 and GGAZ indicate that the reseda green leg phenotype is associated with recessive alleles linked to the W and Id loci. Our results provide new insights into the genetic history of European chicken, indicating an admixd origin of East European traditional breeds of chicken on the continent, as supported by the presence of the reseda green phenotype and the knowledge that the GP fowl as a breed was developed before the advent of commercial stocks.
Living Longer Living Stronger™: A community‐delivered strength training program improving function and quality of life
Authors: Vrantsidis Freda , Hill Keith , Haralambous Betty , Renehan Emma , Ledgerwood Kay , Pinikahana Jaya , Harper Stephanie , Penberthy Mitsuko
Published: April 2013

Aim

This study investigated changes in function and quality of life for older adults participating in Living Longer Living Stronger™, a community‐delivered strength training program for people aged over 50.

Methods

Assessments were conducted at baseline, 4 and 8 months using measures of function, balance, mobility, strength, mental health and quality of life.

Results

Thirty‐five participants (mean age 66 years, 69% female) completed 4 months of the program; 24 completed 8 months. Using repeated‐measures anova, significant improvements were found at 4 and 8 months for step test, gait stride length, 6‐minute walk test, timed sit to stand, physical performance test and reported health transition (SF‐36). At 4 months (n = 35), vitality (SF‐36), quality of life and left shoulder abductor strength significantly improved; at 8 months (n = 24), role physical and mental health (SF‐36) and gait velocity significantly improved.

Conclusion

The program appears to be an effective community‐delivered strength training program.
Changes in cerebral tissue oxygen saturation during anaesthetic‐induced hypotension: an interpretation based on neurovascular coupling and cerebral autoregulation
Authors: Meng L. , Gelb A. W. , McDonagh D. L.
Published: April 2013

There is currently no consensus regarding how to intervene in anaesthetic‐induced hypotension. Whether or not the balance between cerebral oxygen supply and demand is maintained lacks adequate elucidation. It is thus intriguing to explore how cerebral tissue oxygen saturation is affected by anaesthetic‐induced hypotension. Thirty‐three patients scheduled for elective non‐neurosurgical procedures were included in this study. Physiological measurements were performed immediately before induction with propofol and fentanyl and after tracheal intubation. Mean (SD) Bispectral index decreased from 84.3 (9.3) to 24.4 (8.0) (p < 0.001). Mean arterial pressure decreased from 84.4 (10.6) mmHg to 53.6 (11.4) mmHg (p < 0.001). However, cerebral tissue oxygen saturation remained stable (67.0 (9.4) % vs 67.5 (7.8) %, p = 0.6). These results imply that the fine balance between cerebral oxygen supply and demand is not disrupted by anaesthetic‐induced hypotension. An interpretation based on neurovascular coupling and cerebral autoregulation is proposed.
B‐type natriuretic peptide for assessment of haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants
Authors: Mine Kenji , Ohashi Atsushi , Tsuji Shoji , Nakashima Jun‐ichi , Hirabayashi Masato , Kaneko Kazunari
Published: April 2013

Aim

Haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) is frequently observed in premature infants. This study was conducted to explore whether the blood BNP can be a valuable biomarker to assess the necessity of treatment for hsPDA in premature infants.

Methods

Serial measurements of the blood BNP were performed during the first 5 days of life in premature infants with hsPDA (Group I) and those without hsPDA (Group N). The definition of the hsPDA was the PDA requiring treatment, such as indomethacin administration and/or surgical ligation.

Results

Forty‐six subjects were enrolled. Compared with Group N, Group I showed significantly higher level of blood BNP at postnatal 24–96 h and demonstrated the peak value at postnatal 24–48 h. With the ROC curve using the data at postnatal 24–48 h in Group I, we deduced the predictive value of 250 pg/mL of blood BNP for indomethacin treatment. Similarly, with the ROC curve using the maximal value of blood BNP within the first 5 days of life, the predictive value of 2000 pg/mL for surgical ligation was deduced.

Conclusions

Blood BNP during early postnatal period can be a useful biomarker to assess the necessity of treatment for hsPDA in premature infants.
Systematic review: the efficacy of nutritional interventions to counteract acute gastrointestinal toxicity during therapeutic pelvic radiotherapy
Authors: Wedlake L. J. , Shaw C. , Whelan K. , Andreyev H. J. N.
Published: April 2013

Background

Radiotherapy‐induced damage to noncancerous gastrointestinal mucosa has effects on secretory and absorptive functions and can interfere with normal gastrointestinal physiology. Nutrient absorption and digestion may be compromised. Dietary manipulation is an attractive option for the prevention and management of symptoms.

Aim

To synthesise the evidence for the use of elemental formula low‐ or modified‐fat diets, fibre, lactose restriction and probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics to protect the gastrointestinal tract during pelvic radiotherapy.

Methods

Four electronic databases were searched. Randomised controlled trials (RCT), controlled trials (CT) and case series in adult patients receiving radiotherapy for pelvic cancers employing nutritional interventions to reduce gastrointestinal toxicity were included. Methodological quality was assessed using a bespoke tool.

Results

Twenty‐two original studies (2446 patients) were identified. Study quality was highly variable with only 37% scoring ≥10 points (maximum 17: bespoke scale). Few studies assessed compliance with the intervention. End‐points varied and included symptom scales (IBDQ, CTC, Bristol Stool and RTOG). Evidence from RCTs was weak for elemental, low‐ or modified‐fat, fibre and low‐lactose interventions with 1/4, 3/4, 1/2, 0/1 trials respectively reporting favourable outcomes. Evidence for probiotics as prophylactic interventions was more promising (4/5 favourable), but dose, strains and methodologies varied.

Conclusions

There is insufficient high‐grade evidence to recommend nutritional intervention during pelvic radiotherapy. Total replacement of diet with elemental formula may be appropriate in severe toxicity. Probiotics offer promise, but cannot be introduced into clinical practice without rigorous safety analysis, not least in immunocompromised patients. The methodological quality of nutritional intervention studies needs to be improved.
Changes in rural–urban sex ratio differences in the young professional age group as an indicator of social sustainability in rural areas: a case study of continental Spain, 2000–2010
Authors: Gurrutxaga Mikel
Published: April 2013

Unbalanced sex ratio in rural areas is currently an endemic problem in most western countries that needs to be addressed if socially sustainable rural development is to be achieved. Higher percentages of females migrating from rural areas to the cities have given rise to an unequal spatial distribution of the sex ratio along the urban–rural gradient. In this paper it is proposed that temporal changes in rural–urban sex ratio differences in the young professional age group who are mostly independent and living outside the parental home should be included as a relevant factor in the framework of multi‐criteria monitoring of rural development policies. As a case in point, an analysis is carried out in continental Spain between 2000 and 2010 using the 30–39‐year‐old age group to focus on young people who for the most part have left the parental home. The overall results show that the sex ratio gap between rural and urban areas decreased during the decade in rural municipalities, independently of their size, which are contiguous to or at an intermediate distance from urban areas, as it did also in more remote medium‐sized and large rural municipalities. The gap did not vary significantly in the case of smaller and more remote rural municipalities, though there were specific regional tendencies upward or downward. The method can be applied to other study areas at different spatial and temporal scales.
Suppression of lymph node and lung metastases of endometrial cancer by muscle‐mediated expression of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐3
Authors: Takahashi Kayoko , Mizukami Hiroaki , Saga Yasushi , Takei Yuji , Urabe Masashi , Kume Akihiro , Machida Shizuo , Fujiwara Hiroyuki , Suzuki Mitsuaki , Ozawa Keiya
Published: April 2013

Lymph node metastasis is the most important prognostic factor of endometrial cancer. However, effective therapy has not been established against lymph node metastasis. In this study, we explored the efficacy of gene therapy targeting lymph node metastasis of endometrial cancer by suppressing the action of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐C through soluble VEGF receptor‐3 (sVEGFR‐3) expression. For this purpose, we first conducted a model experiment by introducing sVEGFR‐3 cDNA into an endometrial cancer cell line HEC1A and established HEC1A/sVEGFR‐3 cell line with high sVEGFR‐3 expression. The conditioned medium of HEC1A/sVEGFR‐3 cells inhibited lymphatic endothelial cell growth in vitro, and sVEGFR‐3 expression in HEC1A cells suppressed in vivo lymph node and lung metastases without inhibiting the growth of a subcutaneously inoculated tumor. To validate the therapeutic efficacy, adeno‐associated virus vectors encoding sVEGFR‐3 were injected into the skeletal muscle of mice with lymph node metastasis. Lymph node and lung metastases of HEC1A cells were completely suppressed by the muscle‐mediated expression of sVEGFR‐3 using adeno‐associated virus vectors. These results suggest the possibility of gene therapy against lymph node and lung metastases of endometrial cancer by using muscle‐mediated expression of sVEGFR‐3.
Diversity in Structural Consequences of MexZ Mutations in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Jahandideh Samad
Published: April 2013

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis. The high level of intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance of P. aeruginosa is attributable to the low permeability of its outer membrane in combination with the expression of several multidrug resistance efflux systems. MexZ, the negative regulator of the MexXY efflux pump, is found to be the most frequently mutated gene in P. aeruginosa isolated from cystic fibrosis patient lungs, confirming its importance in multidrug resistance. Structural consequences of four MexZ mutations, including L25P, G46V, P151L, and S202F, have been explored based on the known structure of MexZ using both molecular modeling and molecular dynamics methods. According to obtained results, G46V mutation, which completely abolishes the ability of MexZ binding to DNA, occurs in a specific evolutionary conserved region of MexZ. In addition, the most fluctuation values occur in DNA‐binding domain and Helix4. The obtained results explore details of diversity in structural consequences of MexZ mutations in P. aeruginosa.