bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and outcome of fetal cystic hygroma diagnosed in the first trimester
Authors: GRAESSLIN OLIVIER , DERNIAUX EMILIE , ALANIO ELISABETH , GAILLARD DOMINIQUE , VITRY FABIEN , QUÉREUX CHRISTIAN , DUCARME GUILLAUME
Published: November 2007

Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the course of pregnancy and the neonatal outcome of fetuses with cystic hygroma diagnosed at 10–14 weeks’ gestation. Methods. Maternal and fetal data (nuchal translucency, karyotype, pregnancy outcome) in cases of fetal cystic hygroma, admitted or referred to our antenatal diagnostic centre, were prospectively entered into a computer database. Paediatric outcome was analysed when relevant. Results. Some 72 fetuses had cystic hygroma. The mean size of the cystic hygroma was 7.9 mm. Chromosomal abnormalities were present in 52.7% of cases (38/72), including 14 cases (36.8%) of Down syndrome. A total of 34 chromosomally normal pregnancies gave rise to 18 live births (52.9%), with no visible serious structural abnormalities. The outcome of pregnancy was unfavourable (miscarriage, elective termination, serious structural abnormalities) in 77.7% of cases (56/72). The 18 live‐born infants were followed up for 17–98 months. Sixteen infants developed normally, while 1 developed Noonan's syndrome and 1 had a urinary tract abnormality (pyelo‐ureteral junction; PUJ). Conclusion. These data suggest that the prognosis of fetal cystic hygroma detected during the first trimester is poor, and show that sonographic evaluation of fetal nuchal translucency thickness in the first trimester is crucial.
Peripartum hysterectomy in Denmark 1995–2004
Authors: SAKSE ABELONE , WEBER TOM , NICKELSEN CARSTEN , SECHER NIELS JØRGEN
Published: November 2007

Background. Severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a potentially life‐threatening situation that sometimes requires a hysterectomy. We examined the national incidence, risk factors, indications, outcomes and complications of peripartum hysterectomy following vaginal and caesarean delivery. Methods. Peripartum hysterectomy was defined as a hysterectomy after birth until 1 month after delivery using the codes for hysterectomy from the NOMESCO classification (1995). National data from the period 1995–2004 were extracted from the Danish Medical Birth Register and linked to the Danish National Hospital Register followed by registration of relevant data from the medical records of all the patients. Results. We found 152 hysterectomies corresponding to an incidence of 0.24/1,000 deliveries. The risk of peripartum hysterectomy increased 11‐fold following caesarean compared to vaginal delivery. Placenta accrete was present in 37% of the cases and 68%. Conclusion. Peripartum hysterectomy has increased significantly during the last 20 years. Optimizing treatment of PPH may decrease the incidence of peripartum hysterectomy in the future.
Outcome of primary repair of obstetric anal sphincter rupture using the overlap technique
Authors: MOLANDER PONTUS , Väyrynen Tapio , PAAVONEN JORMA , LEPISTÖ ANNA , LUUKKONEN PEKKA
Published: November 2007

Background. Grade III and IV anal sphincter ruptures after vaginal delivery are an increasing problem. We assessed the outcome of an overlap technique in primary repair. Methods. In this retrospective observational study, from 2002 to 2004, 61 consecutive women with grade III and IV obstetric tears were included. Of the 61 women, 42 had complete rupture of the external sphincter and underwent sphincter repair using standardised overlap technique. The outcome was assessed by clinical examination, Wexner questionnaire, and endoanal ultrasonography (EAUS), after a median follow‐up of 9.4 months. Main outcome measure was continence following primary repair. Results. At follow‐up, 64% of the patients had no symptoms of anal incontinence. A total of 29% experienced occasional incontinence to flatus, 1 patient (2%) experienced occasional incontinence to liquid stools, and 1 patient to liquid or normal stools. EAUS revealed intact external sphincter in 29 of the 35 patients (83%). In 6 patients (17%), EAUS showed partial discontinuity of the sphincter muscle. Conclusion. The results show that the primary overlap technique in the repair of anal sphincter rupture following vaginal delivery is highly successful.
Pain and quality of life among long‐term gynecological cancer survivors: a population‐based case‐control study
Authors: RANNESTAD TORIL , EGIL SKJELDESTAD FINN
Published: November 2007

Background. The population of gynecological cancer survivors is growing, yet little is known about the effects of cancer and treatment on pain and quality of life well beyond the completion of therapy. The aims of this study were to investigate quality of life and the prevalence, intensity and presentation of pain in long‐term survivors of gynecological cancer compared to a representative group of women from the general population. Methods. The study comprised women aged 32–75, residing in a central part of Norway. Cases were gynecological cancer survivors treated at University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway, between 1987 and 1996, and age‐matched women selected at random from the general population served as controls. After 1 reminder, the response rate was 55% (176/319) and 41% (521/1,276) for survivors and controls, respectively. A total of 160 gynecological cancer survivors and 493 controls were eligible for final analyses. Pain was measured by the item ‘How often do you have pain?’ and marks on a body chart indicating pain sites. Ferrans and Powers’ Quality of Life Index (QLI) measured quality of life. The level of statistical significance was set at p≤0.05. A φ2 test for categorical variables, unpaired t‐test for continuous variables, and logistic regression were applied. Results. On average, the long‐term gynecological cancer survivors had a complete recurrence‐free period of 12 years (range: 7–18). The prevalence of pain was 26%. The results revealed no difference in the prevalence of pain between women who survived gynecological cancer and women without a gynecological cancer history. Women suffering from musculoskeletal disorders or living in households with low income are more likely to suffer pain. The small group of women with a previous history of gynecological cancer and living in a low income household experience more pain, particular if they suffer from edema. Pain shows a clear negative effect on quality of life, especially on the health and functioning domain. There was no difference in the quality of life between cancer survivors and controls. Conclusion. Long‐term gynecological cancer survivors do not differ from other women in terms of pain and quality of life. Pain is associated with musculoskeletal disorders and low income.
Algebraic stability indicators for ranked lists in molecular profiling
Authors: Jurman Giuseppe , Merler Stefano , Barla Annalisa , Paoli Silvano , Galea Antonio , Furlanello Cesare
Published: November 2007

Motivation: We propose a method for studying the stability of biomarker lists obtained from functional genomics studies. It is common to adopt resampling methods to tune and evaluate marker-based diagnostic and prognostic systems in order to prevent selection bias. Such caution promotes honest estimation of class prediction, but leads to alternative sets of solutions. In microarray studies, the difference in lists may be bewildering, also due to the presence of modules of functionally related genes. Methods for assessing stability understand the dependency of the markers on the data or on the predictor's type and help selecting solutions.

Results: A computational framework for comparing sets of ranked biomarker lists is presented. Notions and algorithms are based on concepts from permutation group theory. We introduce several algebraic indicators and metric methods for symmetric groups, including the Canberra distance, a weighted version of Spearman's footrule. We also consider distances between partial lists and an aggregation of sets of lists into an optimal list based on voting theory (Borda count). The stability indicators are applied in practical situations to several synthetic, cancer microarray and proteomics datasets. The addressed issues are predictive classification, presence of modules, comparison of alternative biomarker lists, outlier removal, control of selection bias by randomization techniques and enrichment analysis.

Availability: Supplementary Material and software are available at the address http://biodcv.fbk.eu/listspy.html

Contact:  furlan@fbk.eu

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Defining clusters from a hierarchical cluster tree: the Dynamic Tree Cut package for R
Authors: Langfelder Peter , Zhang Bin , Horvath Steve
Published: November 2007

Summary: Hierarchical clustering is a widely used method for detecting clusters in genomic data. Clusters are defined by cutting branches off the dendrogram. A common but inflexible method uses a constant height cutoff value; this method exhibits suboptimal performance on complicated dendrograms. We present the Dynamic Tree Cut R package that implements novel dynamic branch cutting methods for detecting clusters in a dendrogram depending on their shape. Compared to the constant height cutoff method, our techniques offer the following advantages: (1) they are capable of identifying nested clusters; (2) they are flexible—cluster shape parameters can be tuned to suit the application at hand; (3) they are suitable for automation; and (4) they can optionally combine the advantages of hierarchical clustering and partitioning around medoids, giving better detection of outliers. We illustrate the use of these methods by applying them to protein–protein interaction network data and to a simulated gene expression data set.

Availability: The Dynamic Tree Cut method is implemented in an R package available at http://www.genetics.ucla.edu/labs/horvath/CoexpressionNetwork/BranchCutting

Contact:  stevitihit@yahoo.com

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Characterization of two genes of Cotesia vestalis polydnavirus and their expression patterns in the host Plutella xylostella
Authors: Chen Ya-Feng , Shi Min , Huang Fang , Chen Xue-xin
Published: November 2007

Cotesia vestalis is an endoparasitoid of larval stages of Plutella xylostella, the diamondback moth. For successful parasitization, this parasitoid injects a polydnavirus into its host during oviposition. Here we isolated two genes, which we named CvBV1 and CvBV2. CvBV1 was located on segment CvBV-S5 with a size of 790 bp, while CvBV2 was located on segment CvBV-S51 with a size of 459 bp. A gene copy of CvBV2 was found on segment CvBV-S48, which we name CvBV2’. Gene duplication occurred in both genes, tandem gene duplication for CvBV1 and segmental duplication for CvBV2. Gene transcripts of the two genes were detected in hosts as early as 0.5 h post-parasitization (p.p.) and continued to be detected for six days, and tissue-specific expression patterns showed that they could be detected in the haemolymph and brain at 2 h p.p., suggesting that they could participate in early protection of parasitoid eggs from host cellular encapsulation.
Hepatitis C virus non-structural proteins responsible for suppression of the RIG-I/Cardif-induced interferon response
Authors: Tasaka Megumi , Sakamoto Naoya , Itakura Yoshie , Nakagawa Mina , Itsui Yasuhiro , Sekine-Osajima Yuko , Nishimura-Sakurai Yuki , Chen Cheng-Hsin , Yoneyama Mitsutoshi , Fujita Takashi , Wakita Takaji , Maekawa Shinya , Enomoto Nobuyuki , Watanabe Mamoru
Published: November 2007

Viral infections activate cellular expression of type I interferons (IFNs). These responses are partly triggered by RIG-I and mediated by Cardif, TBK1, IKKϵ and IRF-3. This study analysed the mechanisms of dsRNA-induced IFN responses in various cell lines that supported subgenomic hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. Transfection of dsRNA into Huh7, HeLa and HEK293 cells induced an IFN expression response as shown by IRF-3 dimerization, whilst these responses were abolished in corresponding cell lines that expressed HCV replicons. Similarly, RIG-I-dependent activation of the IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE) was significantly suppressed by cells expressing the HCV replicon and restored in replicon-eliminated cells. Overexpression analyses of individual HCV non-structural proteins revealed that NS4B, as well as NS34A, significantly inhibited RIG-I-triggered ISRE activation. Taken together, HCV replication and protein expression substantially blocked the dsRNA-triggered, RIG-I-mediated IFN expression response and this blockade was partly mediated by HCV NS4B, as well as NS34A. These mechanisms may contribute to the clinical persistence of HCV infection and could constitute a novel antiviral therapeutic target.
Antigenic drift in the evolution of H1N1 influenza A viruses resulting from deletion of a single amino acid in the haemagglutinin gene
Authors: McDonald Natalie J. , Smith Catherine B. , Cox Nancy J.
Published: November 2007

Two genetically distinct lineages of H1N1 influenza A viruses, circulated worldwide before 1994, were antigenically indistinguishable. In 1994, viruses emerged in China, including A/Beijing/262/95, with profound antigenic differences from the contemporary circulating H1N1 strains. Haemagglutinin sequence comparisons of either a predecessor virus, A/Hebei/52/94, or one representative of the cocirculating A/Bayern/7/95-like clade, A/Shenzhen/227/95, revealed a deletion of K at position 134 (H3 numbering) in the antigenic variants. The K134 deletion conferred a selective advantage to the Chinese deletion lineage, such that it eventually gave rise to currently circulating H1 viruses. Using reverse genetics to generate viruses with either an insertion or deletion of aa 134, we have confirmed that the K134 deletion, rather than a constellation of sublineage specific amino acid changes, was sufficient for the antigenic difference observed in the Chinese deletion lineage, and reinsertion of K134 revealed the requirement of a compatible neuraminidase surface glycoprotein for viral growth.
The type I interferon system protects mice from Semliki Forest virus by preventing widespread virus dissemination in extraneural tissues, but does not mediate the restricted replication of avirulent virus in central nervous system neurons
Authors: Fragkoudis Rennos , Breakwell Lucy , McKimmie Clive , Boyd Amanda , Barry Gerald , Kohl Alain , Merits Andres , Fazakerley John K.
Published: November 2007

Semliki Forest virus (SFV) infection of the mouse provides a powerful model to study the pathogenesis of virus encephalitis. SFV and other alphavirus-based vector systems are increasingly used in biotechnology and medicine. This study analysed the strong susceptibility of this virus to type I interferon (IFN) responses. Following intraperitoneal infection of adult mice, SFV strain A7(74) was efficiently (100 %) neuroinvasive. In contrast, SFV4 was poorly (21 %) neuroinvasive. Upon entry into the brain, both viruses activated type I IFN responses. As determined by quantitative RT-PCR, activation of the IFN-αgene was proportional to virus RNA load. An intact type I IFN system was required for protection against both strains of SFV. IFN strongly curtailed virus spread in many cell types and in many tissues. In mice with an intact type I IFN system, infected cells were rarely observed and tissue tropism was difficult to determine. In the absence of a functional type I IFN system, the tropism and the potential for rapid and widespread infection of this virus was revealed. Virus infection was readily observed in the myocardium, endocardium, exocrine pancreas, adipose tissue, smooth muscle cells and in the brain in meningeal cells, ependymal cells and oligodendrocytes. In the brains of mice with and without type I IFN responses, virus infection of neurons remained rare and focal, indicating that the previously described restricted replication of SFV A7(74) in neurons is not mediated by type I IFN responses.
Xeroderma pigmentosum C is involved in Epstein–Barr virus DNA replication
Authors: Lu Chih-Chung , Chen Yi-Chun , Wang Jiin-Tarng , Yang Pei-Wen , Chen Mei-Ru
Published: November 2007

Cellular mismatch and base-excision repair machineries have been shown to be involved in Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) lytic DNA replication. We report here that nucleotide-excision repair (NER) may also play an important role in EBV lytic DNA replication. Firstly, the EBV BGLF4 kinase interacts with xeroderma pigmentosum C (XPC), the critical DNA damage-recognition factor of NER, in yeast andin vitro, as demonstrated by yeast two-hybrid and glutathioneS-transferase pull-down assays. Simultaneously, XPC was shown, by indirect immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation assays, to interact and colocalize with BGLF4 in EBV-positive NA cells undergoing lytic viral replication. In addition, the efficiency of EBV DNA replication was reduced about 30–40 % by an XPC small interfering RNA. Expression of BGLF4 enhances cellular DNA-repair activity in p53-defective H1299/bcl2 cells in a host-cell reactivation assay. This enhancement was not observed in the XPC-mutant cell line XP4PA-SV unless complemented by ectopic XPC, suggesting that BGLF4 may stimulate DNA repair in an XPC-dependent manner. Overall, we suggest that the interaction of BGLF4 and XPC may be involved in DNA replication and repair and thereby enhance the efficiency of viral DNA replication.
Comparative analysis reveals frequent recombination in the parvoviruses
Authors: Shackelton Laura A. , Hoelzer Karin , Parrish Colin R. , Holmes Edward C.
Published: November 2007

Parvoviruses are small single-stranded DNA viruses that are ubiquitous in nature. Infections with both autonomous and helper-virus dependent parvoviruses are common in both human and animal populations, and many animals are host to a number of different parvoviral species. Despite the epidemiological importance of parvoviruses, the presence and role of genome recombination within or among parvoviral species has not been well characterized. Here we show that natural recombination may be widespread in these viruses. Different genome regions of both porcine parvoviruses and Aleutian mink disease viruses have conflicting phylogenetic histories, providing evidence for recombination within each of these two species. Further, the rodent parvoviruses show complex evolutionary histories for separate genomic regions, suggesting recombination at the interspecies level.
Genetic characterization of small ruminant lentivirus in Italian mixed flocks: evidence for a novel genotype circulating in a local goat population
Authors: Grego Elena , Bertolotti Luigi , Quasso Antonio , Profiti Margherita , Lacerenza Daniela , Muz Dilek , Rosati Sergio
Published: November 2007

In this study, characterization of the gag gene of small ruminant lentiviruses was carried out in Italian mixed flocks. The nearly complete gag gene was amplified and sequenced. Within genotype A, subtype A1 and a novel subtype, A8, were found in goats, and another novel subtype, A9, was found in both sheep and goats. Subtype B1 was found in both host species and subtype B2 was identified only in sheep. A novel, highly divergent sequence was obtained from goats in two epidemiologically related flocks and is proposed to represent a novel genotype, E. Major epitopes of matrix and capsid antigen were highly divergent, suggesting that serological identification of animals infected with genotype E may have been missed by using currently available diagnostic tests. A recombinant subunit ELISA, based on genotype E-specific epitopes, was developed and a third independent flock carrying this genotype was identified, based on serology.
PHYTOCHROME KINASE SUBSTRATE1 Regulates Root Phototropism and Gravitropism
Authors: Boccalandro Hernán E. , De Simone Silvia N. , Bergmann-Honsberger Ariane , Schepens Isabelle , Fankhauser Christian , Casal Jorge J.
Published: November 2007

Light promotes the expression of PHYTOCHROME KINASE SUBSTRATE1 (PKS1) in the root of Arabidopsis thaliana, but the function of PKS1 in this organ is unknown. Unilateral blue light induced a negative root phototropic response mediated by phototropin 1 in wild-type seedlings. This response was absent in pks1 mutants. In the wild type, unilateral blue light enhanced PKS1 expression in the subapical region of the root several hours before bending was detectable. The negative phototropism and the enhanced PKS1 expression in response to blue light required phytochrome A (phyA). In addition, the pks1 mutation enhanced the root gravitropic response when vertically oriented seedlings were placed horizontally. The negative regulation of gravitropism by PKS1 occurred even in dark-grown seedlings and did not require phyA. Blue light also failed to induce negative phototropism in pks1 under reduced gravitational stimulation, indicating that the effect of pks1 on phototropism is not simply the consequence of the counteracting effect of enhanced gravitropism. We propose a model where the background level of PKS1 reduces gravitropism. After a phyA-dependent increase in its expression, PKS1 positively affects root phototropism and both effects contribute to negative curvature in response to unilateral blue light.
Physiological Roles of the β-Substituted Alanine Synthase Gene Family in Arabidopsis
Authors: Watanabe Mutsumi , Kusano Miyako , Oikawa Akira , Fukushima Atsushi , Noji Masaaki , Saito Kazuki
Published: November 2007

The β-substituted alanine (Ala) synthase (Bsas) family in the large superfamily of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate-dependent enzymes comprises cysteine (Cys) synthase (CSase) [O-acetyl-serine (thiol) lyase] and β-cyano-Ala synthase (CASase) in plants. Nine genomic sequences encode putative Bsas proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana. The physiological roles of these Bsas isoforms in vivo were investigated by the characterization of T-DNA insertion mutants. Analyses of gene expression, activities of CSase and CASase, and levels of Cys and glutathione in the bsas mutants indicated that cytosolic Bsas1;1, plastidic Bsas2;1, and mitochondrial Bsas2;2 play major roles in Cys biosynthesis. Cytosolic Bsas1;1 has the most dominant contribution both in leaf and root, and mitochondrial Bsas2;2 plays a significant role in root. Mitochondrial Bsas3;1 is a genuine CASase. Nontargeted metabolome analyses of knockout mutants were carried out by a combination of gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The level of γ-glutamyl-β-cyano-Ala decreased in the mutant bsas3;1, indicating the crucial role of Bsas3;1 in β-cyano-Ala metabolism in vivo.
Genome-Wide Analysis of mRNA Decay Rates and Their Determinants inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Narsai Reena , Howell Katharine A. , Millar A. Harvey , O'Toole Nicholas , Small Ian , Whelan James
Published: November 2007

To gain a global view of mRNA decay in Arabidopsis thaliana, suspension cell cultures were treated with a transcriptional inhibitor, and microarrays were used to measure transcript abundance over time. The deduced mRNA half-lives varied widely, from minutes to >24 h. Three features of the transcript displayed a correlation with decay rates: (1) genes possessing at least one intron produce mRNA transcripts significantly more stable than those of intronless genes, and this was not related to overall length, sequence composition, or number of introns; (2) various sequence elements in the 3′ untranslated region are enriched among short- and long-lived transcripts, and their multiple occurrence suggests combinatorial control of transcript decay; and (3) transcripts that are microRNA targets generally have short half-lives. The decay rate of transcripts correlated with subcellular localization and function of the encoded proteins. Analysis of transcript decay rates for genes encoding orthologous proteins between Arabidopsis, yeast, and humans indicated that yeast and humans had a higher percentage of transcripts with shorter half-lives and that the relative stability of transcripts from genes encoding proteins involved in cell cycle, transcription, translation, and energy metabolism is conserved. Comparison of decay rates with changes in transcript abundance under a variety of abiotic stresses reveal that a set of transcription factors are downregulated with similar kinetics to decay rates, suggesting that inhibition of their transcription is an important early response to abiotic stress.
Comparison ofPetunia inflata S-Locus F-Box Protein (Pi SLF) with Pi SLF–Like Proteins Reveals Its Unique Function in S-RNase–Based Self-Incompatibility
Authors: Hua Zhihua , Meng Xiaoying , Kao Teh-hui
Published: November 2007

Petunia inflata possesses S-RNase–based self-incompatibility (SI), which prevents inbreeding and promotes outcrossing. Two polymorphic genes at the S-locus, S-RNase and P. inflata S-locus F-box (Pi SLF), determine the pistil and pollen specificity, respectively. To understand how the interactions between Pi SLF and S-RNase result in SI responses, we identified four Pi SLF–like (Pi SLFL) genes and used them, along with two previously identified Pi SLFLs, for comparative studies with Pi SLF2. We examined the in vivo functions of three of these Pi SLFLs and found that none functions in SI. These three Pi SLFLs and two other Pi SLFs either failed to interact with S3-RNase (a non-self S-RNase for all of them) or interacted much more weakly than did Pi SLF2 in vitro. We divided Pi SLF2 into FD1 (for Functional Domain1), FD2, and FD3, each containing one of the Pi SLF–specific regions, and used truncated Pi SLF2, chimeric proteins between Pi SLF2 and one of the Pi SLFLs that did not interact with S3-RNase, and chimeric proteins between Pi SLF1 and Pi SLF2 to address the biochemical roles of these three domains. The results suggest that FD2, conserved among three allelic variants of Pi SLF, plays a major role in the strong interaction with S-RNase; additionally, FD1 and FD3 (each containing one of the two variable regions of Pi SLF) together negatively modulate this interaction, with a greater effect on interactions with self S-RNase than with non-self S-RNases. A model for how an allelic product of Pi SLF determines the fate of its self and non-self S-RNases in the pollen tube is presented.
The role of dynamic cultural theories in explaining the viability of international strategic alliances
Authors: Patel Taran
Published: November 2007

Purpose

Many managers of Indo‐French alliances consider culture to be a failure, rather than a success factor because they address the national or corporate level for cross‐cultural comparisons. In contrast, this study proposes using the Douglasian Cultural Theory (CT) to address the transactional level of culture. In so doing, it aims to overcome some of the limitations of the national, corporate and transactional approaches and provide a systematic framework for discussing the viability of international alliances.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of 48 ethnographic interviews and field studies was conducted in 25 Indo‐French alliances.

Findings

Through an analysis of the ethnographic interviews and field studies conducted, the paper offers the following guidelines to managers for the design of viable alliances: the commonly‐cited interdependence of the hierarchical and competitive solidarities is not sufficient to ensure the viability of international alliances; the presence of a third solidarity seems essential; an analysis of failed alliances reveals that fatalism is not the third solidarity we are looking for; and an analysis of viable alliances shows that the egalitarian solidarity plays a role in ensuring the viability of international alliances by building a bridge between the hierarchical and competitive solidarity, thereby preventing gridlocks.

Research limitations/implications

Major methodological limitations of this study include over‐emphasis on ethnographic interviews for data and use of unsystematic criteria for identifying solidarities in Indo‐French alliances

Originality/value

Unlike the paper's predecessors, it recommends that cultural plurality, not cultural domination, leads to viable alliances. International managers often tend to impose their own thought styles on others, thereby neglecting the inherent wisdom of other thought styles. The paper stresses that cultural diversity without duality leads to viability.
Reference theory: strategic groups and competitive benchmarking
Authors: Panagiotou George
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The concept of strategic groups is a central theme in the field of strategic management, and over time it has been used by a considerable body of theoretical and empirical literature to examine different aspects of competitive strategy. However, to date, there has been little systematic investigation that examines aspects associated with competitive benchmarking and the impact and effect that this has on strategy development. Thus despite the level of knowledge that has been accumulated over the years regarding the dynamics of competitive landscapes, our understanding of the impact and effect of this particular matter on decision making is limited. More importantly, studies that have addressed the topic are either theoretical alone in contents or have only used secondary data. Equally, these studies have approached the subject mostly from an impersonal mathematical perspective and practitioners' views on the issue have been overlooked. This paper aims to address these weaknesses in the literature. In doing so, it seeks to place attention on the individual, which has been overlooked by previous examinations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is cross‐sectional and it is based on primary methodology, having employed qualitative techniques for analysis. It involves face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews combined with the repertory grid technique. The industry investigated is the UK mainstream leisure foreign package holidays. The sample size is near to the sampling frame of the research and the investigation took place between March and August 2003.

Findings

It was found that managers of firms from the same strategic group consider their group as a reference point in their decision‐making process and as a result of their benchmarking observations they adjust their firms' competitive strategies to reflect their group's strategic behaviour. It was also found that firms of the same strategic group are more likely to respond to market conditions and events in a similar manner.

Originality/value

This paper examined issues associated with benchmarking, in the context of strategic groups, having employed primary qualitative research strategies in order to add “fresh” data on a topic that so far has merely been investigated quantitatively through secondary sources alone. As such, it has initiated a much needed contents dimension on the topic to complement the activity and process‐oriented only studies in the area. The research not only tested earlier propositions in order to accumulate more evidence in the field and enable better generalisations on the subject but it has also expanded current theories in the area.
Innovation in Learning
Authors: Thorsell Jørgen
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to look at how the Danish Leadership Institute facilitated the programme Innovation in Learning in Fujitsu Services during a three‐year period.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines how the Danish Leadership Institute developed 2,200 managers from Fujitsu Services from 13 different countries.

Findings

This case story reveals: how highly focused one‐day interventions can create immediate impact in managers' performance; the effect of a management development initiative for 2,200 managers throughout Europe; how multinational development initiatives can be implemented to address directly both global and local issues; and, finally, how 100 per cent tailored learning solutions were used.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information for those wanting to improve managers' performance.
Dietary habits of Mauritian school adolescents
Authors: Oogarah‐Pratap Brinda
Published: November 2007

Purpose

There is a strong need for nutrition education strategies that foster healthy eating from a young age in Mauritius, as the island has one of the highest rates of diet‐related diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardio‐vascular diseases in the world. In order to be effective, the strategies should focus on current eating habits of adolescents. However, there is limited up‐to‐date information on the eating habits of Mauritian adolescents. This study, thus, aims to provide up‐to‐date data on the dietary habits of Mauritian adolescents.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross‐sectional study on the dietary habits of school adolescents (13‐16 years old) was conducted in 2003/2004. Stratified random sampling was used to select study participants (n = 315) from 12 secondary schools across the island. Data were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire.

Findings

Foods that are high in fats, sugar or salt and low in dietary fibre were commonly consumed by adolescents. The most popular sources of nutrition information were parents, the Science and Home Economics teachers and print materials. More than half of the adolescents (54 per cent) regularly gave dietary advice to their friends and relatives, and 41.2 per cent prepared foods at home on their own. The majority of adolescents (81.2 per cent) expressed their interest in learning more about nutrition at school.

Practical implications

Findings should provide a sound basis for local nutrition educators to identify priority areas, and thereafter develop appropriate health promotion strategies in collaboration with health and education authorities.

Originality/value

This study provides up‐to‐date baseline data on the eating habits of young adolescents in Mauritius. Moreover, it is the first study of its kind to focus on the food skills of Mauritian adolescents.
Hypocholesterolemic effect of diet supplemented with Indian bean (Dolichos lablab L. var lignosus) seeds
Authors: Ramakrishna Vadde , Jhansi Rani Pochana , Ramakrishna Rao Pillutla
Published: November 2007

Purpose

Legume seeds provide one of the most concentrated sources of nutrients rich in fibre and high‐quality protein in the diet. The present work aims to investigate the hypocholesterolemic effect of germinated Indian bean (Dolichos lablab L. var lignosus) by feeding albino rats with a hypercholesterolemic diet.

Design/methodology/approach

Male albino rats of Wistar strain were divided into five groups (each group consisting of ten rats) according to randomized block design, housed in individual cages and fed with one of the five diets over an eight‐week period. At the end of eight weeks, the body weights were recorded and the rats put down. Samples of blood and liver were collected and used for analysis of liver and plasma cholesterol.

Findings

Supplementation of the diet with dried powder of soaked bean almost brought the plasma cholesterol to 72.5 ± 0.75 from 178 ± 1.85 compared with that of the control (61.5 ± 0.70), although the liver cholesterol was still three times higher compared with the control. The 24h germinated Indian bean cotyledons could effectively counteract the effects of added cholesterol on liver and plasma by their high fibre content coupled with enormous increase in ascorbic acid levels.

Originality/value

Results suggest germination to be a simple biochemical tool to effectively lower the cholesterol levels in liver and plasma by virtue of its higher contents of ascorbic acid and dietary fibre in ischemic heart disease patients.
The effect of some Lactobacillus strains on deoxynivalenol biodegradation
Authors: Štyriak I. , Čonkova´ E. , Bořutová R. , Mojžišova´ J.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

Some useful bacteria could be used regularly in mycotoxins biodegradation. It is a very good and ecological method, which was tested in experiments when lactobacilli were used. The paper aims to describe this.

Design/methodology/approach

Five strains of lactobacilli in experiments were shown, by direct enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (CD‐ELISA) test after their growth in MRS broth, to have decreased in the amount of deoxynivalenol (DON) measured by spectrophotometer. Free DON in the samples and control is allowed to compete with enzyme‐labeled DON (conjugate) for the antibody binding sites. The test was read in a microwell reader to yield optical densities.

Findings

It was found that Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus fermentum were more active than human strain Lactobacillus casei Shirota.

Originality/value

The paper suggests that other lactobacilli should be tested in this research field and could be used for detoxification of some feed kinds contaminated minimally by DON.
Chemical and sensory properties of yam (Discorea alata) flour substituted with grain amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) flour
Authors: Babalola S.O. , Taylor O. , Babalola A.O. , Ashaye O.A.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

Yam flour (YMF) is an important staple food in the tropics but its utilization is limited by low nutrient and consumer acceptability. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of substituting yam flour with grain amaranth on chemical and sensory properties.

Design/methodology/approach

YMF and grain amaranth flour (GAF) were prepared on a dry matter basis; GAF was mixed with YMF at ratio 1:3. All flour samples were subjected to chemical (moisture, protein, fat, ash, crude fibre, carbohydrate and minerals) evaluation and sensory evaluation of the stiff gel was conducted by a ten‐member panel consisting of five adult males and five females.

Findings

GAF increased the protein content of YMF significantly atp < 0.05 from 1.8 to 9.63 per cent. There was a decrease in carbohydrate content of YAF when substituted with GAF. There was a significant increase (atp < 0.05) in phosphorus and sodium elements when YMF was substituted with GAF. There was no significant difference in acceptability of gel from grain amaranth and yam flour (GAF–YMF) compared with whole YMF gel on colour, texture, flavour and overall acceptability.

Originality/value

It was apparent that substitution of YMF with GAF improved nutrient composition without affecting the acceptability. This will further improve the nutritional status of people in YMF‐consuming areas.
Social interaction and adolescent's learning in enterprise education
Authors: Wing Yan Man Thomas , Wai Mui Yu Christina
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of social interaction on participants' learning experience in enterprise education.

Design/methodology/approach

On a sample of 420 high school students who participated in an enterprise activity in Hong Kong, two questionnaires surveys were conducted to collect data on them at the beginning of and after the enterprise activity. Hypotheses were tested on the impacts of two particular aspects of interactive learning – interaction with facilitator and interaction with team members in the enterprise activity.

Findings

The results support the hypotheses that both types of social interaction are positively correlated to students' affection on the enterprise activity and the change in their perceived level of personal competencies before and after the activity.

Research limitations/implications

Although two types of interaction are identified in this study, it is possible to extend the scope of interactive learning toward a broader range of social interaction. Also, the impacts of social interaction on other learning outcomes may be considered in further studies.

Practical implications

It is necessary to maximise social interaction and develop participants' interpersonal skills for achieving effective enterprise education. More guidance and supervision on social interaction should also be provided in enterprise programmes and activities.

Originality/value

The studies help to address the importance of the social interaction aspect in enterprise education, as the majority of the focus has been centred on the uses of experiential learning approaches.
“Learning to work” in small businesses
Authors: Ruggeri‐Stevens Geoff , Goodwin Susan
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The paper alerts small business employers to new dictates of the Disability Discrimination Act (2005) as it applies to learning disabilities. Then the “Learning to Work” project featured in the paper offers small business employers a set of approaches and methods for the identification of a learning‐disabled young adult candidate's training needs.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were carried out with 12 of the 52 companies in which the Breakaway‐supported employment service, operating from the Southdown Housing Association, has so far secured employment for people with learning disabilities.

Findings

Comments from employers in the survey represented predominantly very favourable experiences with the learning‐disabled individuals, mixed with some reservations about their need for additional training time, and their relative inflexibility in response to change of work routines.

Research limitations/implications

The investigation was confined to SMEs in Sussex. As they stand, the methods could be used in different business sectors, but further research is planned on elicitation of candidates' personal constructs, resource modelling, and continuous training cycles.

Originality/value

Recognised supported employment models were used but significantly adapted. Some methods used in the paper were new.
The emerging importance of feminist research paradigms in built environment research
Authors: Wilkinson Sara J. , Morton Pat
Published: November 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to establish and demonstrate the relevance of feminist research methods within built environment research. While no one definition of feminist research exists, many feminist researchers identify characteristics which distinguish it from traditional social science research; it is research that studies women, or that focuses on gender.

Design/methodology/approach

There is a growing body of research into women and the built environment adopting feminist paradigms. This paper explains the dynamic, evolving philosophical basis of feminist research methods drawing comparisons to traditional positivist methodologies and demonstrates that feminist research has characteristics that can be imported into other research paradigms.

Findings

The paper shows that there is much to be learned from an understanding of feminist research for all researchers in the built environment and that by adopting different approaches to research, researchers may find new and original ways of examining complex issues.

Research limitations/implications

The implications are that all researchers in the built environment should consider the benefits of adopting a feminist approach in their research especially where the researcher is seeking to gain a deeper understanding of peoples' experiences.

Originality/value

This paper seeks to raise awareness of the benefits of adopting feminist research methods in a discipline dominated by traditional approaches to research.
Mistaking a marketing perspective for ethical analysis: when consumers can't know that they should want
Authors: Rotfeld Herbert Jack
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to point out the distinction between needs which marketing aims to satisfy, and the consumers' true needs for their own health and safety. While marketing professionals might cite consumer satisfaction as serving consumers, they are mistaking marketing for morality.

Design/methodology/approach

Gives reference to some articles of recent research literature on consumers in the marketplace, with emphasis on the consumers' not‐uncommon inability to know what they should need or want.

Findings

What satisfies or interests segments of consumers is not the same as understanding the consumers' interests.

Originality/value

Points out an important distinction that marketing professionals wish to ignore. What is in consumers' best interests, the proper or ethical decision, might not be what most consumers perceive as their needs. Sometimes, even if something is in the consumers' best interests, there does not exist a segment that knows it should be needed.
The elderly's internet usage: an updated look
Authors: Reisenwitz Tim , Iyer Rajesh , Kuhlmeier David B. , Eastman Jacqueline K.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend earlier research on mature consumers and their internet use by examining how mature consumers' use of the internet is impacted by their nostalgia proneness, innovativeness, and risk aversion.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a convenience sample (n=374) of respondents who were 65 years of age or older. Several scales were used to measure the constructs of interest to the research, all of which have been used in earlier research.

Findings

Results revealed that those seniors with higher levels of nostalgia proneness used and accessed the internet less, purchased less online, had less online experience and felt less comfortable using the internet. There is also support for the impact of innovativeness on mature consumers' internet use, frequency, online purchases, experience, comfort level with the internet, and satisfaction with the internet. In terms of risk aversion, seniors with more online experience report a lower level of risk aversion to the internet than other mature consumers.

Research limitations/implications

Future research needs to determine if these results can be replicated with a national random sample. Additionally, research is needed to determine what factors increase seniors' experience with the internet.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates that seniors are becoming an increasingly more viable segment for internet marketers.
Innovation resistance among mature consumers
Authors: Laukkanen Tommi , Sinkkonen Suvi , Kivijärvi Marke , Laukkanen Pekka
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate innovation resistance among mature consumers in the mobile banking context. The reasons inhibiting mature consumers' mobile banking adoption were compared to those of younger consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

Following Ram and Sheth, resistance was measured with five barriers namely Usage, Value, Risk, Tradition and Image barriers. An extensive internet survey was implemented and 1,525 usable responses were collected, of which 370 respondents (24.3 percent) represented the mature consumer segment (age over 55) and 1,155 respondents (75.7 percent) represented the younger consumers.

Findings

The empirical findings indicate that the value barrier is the most intense barrier to mobile banking adoption among both mature and younger consumers. However, aging appears to be related especially to the risk and image barriers; the most significant differences between mature and younger consumers' perceptions of mobile banking were related to input and output mechanisms of information, the battery life of a mobile phone, a fear that the list of PIN codes would be lost and end up in the wrong hands and the usefulness of new technology in general.

Practical implications

The study has practical implications to marketers in different fields in that strategies to overcome resistance to innovations like mobile banking are discussed.

Originality/value

Innovation resistance can be seen as a less developed concept in adoption research. While the majority of studies have focused on the success of innovations and reasons to adopt, this study empirically investigates the reasons preventing innovation adoption.