bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of class 3 semaphorins and their receptors in human breast neoplasia
Authors: Staton Carolyn A , Shaw Lucy A , Valluru Manoj , Hoh Leslie , Koay Ivan , Cross Simon S , Reed Malcolm W , Brown Nicola J
Published: October 2015

Staton C A, Shaw L A, Valluru M, Hoh L, Koay I, Cross S S, Reed M W & Brown N J (2011) Histopathology59, 274–282

Expression of class 3 semaphorins and their receptors in human breast neoplasia

Aims:  This study aimed to identify the involvement of class 3 semaphorins (Sema3) and receptors, neuropilins (Np1 and Np2) and plexins (A1–A4) in breast cancer development and angiogenesis.

Methods and results:  We quantified and correlated Sema3A, Sema3B, Sema3F and their known receptors and coreceptors Plexin‐A1, Plexin‐A3, Np1 and Np2 in sections of normal human breast, benign and pre‐malignant hyperplastic tissue, pre‐invasive and invasive cancer, and compared these findings with our previously published data on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvessel density (MVD) in the same samples. Histological analysis revealed that Sema3B was expressed more strongly and widely than Sema3A and 3F in normal breast tissue and all three semaphorins decreased with the transition from in situ to invasive cancer (P < 0.014). Plexin‐A3 decreased significantly with progression towards invasive cancer (P < 0.045), whereas Plexin‐A1 expression was only significantly reduced once invasion had occurred (P = 0.012). Np1 and Np2 were expressed in both endothelial and epithelial/tumour cells. Np2 expression did not change, but Np1 expression significantly increased in the spectrum from hyperplasia to ductal carcinoma in situ (P < 0.035), but decreased with invasive cancer.

Conclusion:  These data suggest that a decrease in class 3 semaphorin and their plexin receptors have some relationship with disease progression in ductal breast carcinoma.
Pemphigus vulgaris is the most common autoimmune bullous disease in Northwestern Romania
Authors: Baican Adrian , Baican Corina , Chiriac Gabriela , Chiriac Mircea T. , Macovei Victorina , Zillikens Detlef , Ciuce Dorina , Sitaru Cassian
Published: October 2015

Background  Autoimmune bullous diseases are organ‐specific diseases characterized by autoreactive T and B cells specific for structural proteins of the skin. The incidence and prevalence of autoimmune blistering diseases vary in different countries and their epidemiology has not yet been addressed in Romania.

Methods  In this study between 2001 and 2007, we prospectively investigated a total of 116 patients with autoimmune blistering diseases from the Northwestern region of Romania. The diagnosis was based on the clinical, histo‐ and immunohistological as well as serological findings.

Results  Pemphigus was the most common disease representing 58.6% of the case (68 cases); 40 cases (34.5%) were diagnosed with bullous pemphigoid (BP) and eight cases (6.9%) with other autoimmune sub‐epidermal diseases. The incidence and prevalence of pemphigus diseases were four patients/1 000 000 inhabitants/year and 0.00248%, respectively. BP occurred in 2.5/1 000 000 inhabitants/year and its prevalence was 0.00146%. While the average onset age for pemphigus vulgaris was 53 years, BP patients were first diagnosed at a mean age of 73.6 years.

Conclusion  The genetic background of the local population may explain why pemphigus occurs more commonly than BP in Northwestern Romania compared with the population of Western Europe. In addition, the shorter life expectancy in Romania (71.3 years) compared with Western Europe (>80 years) may contribute to this phenomenon.
FAS, FAS ligand, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, and macrophages in malignant melanoma: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Bozdogan Nazan , Bozdogan Önder , Pak Işın , Atasoy Pınar
Published: October 2015

Background  FAS and its ligand, FASL, have important roles in the neoplasia‐immunity relationship. In melanoma, the importance of FAS and FASL remains controversial, despite a group of studies. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the distribution of FAS/FASL in melanotic lesions and to investigate the correlation between tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and macrophages.

Methods  Ten intra‐dermal nevi, 12 primary malignant melanoma, and eight skin and 15 lymph node metastases were included in this study. FAS and FASL were studied in all of the groups using classical labeled streptavidin‐biotin immunohistochemical method. Tumor infiltrating lymphocyte status and macrophage number demonstrated by CD68 immunostain were also evaluated in primary melanoma and skin metastases.

Results  FAS positivity was detected in all of the cases. FASL expressions were seen in 60% of the intra‐dermal nevus and in all of the other groups. There were significant differences in FASL between nevus and primary melanoma, nevus and skin metastasis, and nevus and lymph node metastasis. There were strong positive correlations between FAS expression and intra‐neoplastic macrophage score and between FASL and density of lymphocyte infiltration in skin metastases.

Conclusion  Although FAS and FASL expression is a constant feature of melanotic lesions, its diagnostic importance is very limited because of the different results obtained in the past studies. The correlation between FAS status and macrophage number and between FASL status and lymphocyte number in skin metastasis but not in primary lesions might point to diverse FAS/FASL interaction between neoplastic cells and macrophages in the different microenvironments.
Ovarian morphology and prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in reproductive aged women with or without mild acne
Authors: Kelekci Kıymet Handan , Kelekci Sefa , Incki Kuntay , Ozdemir Orcun , Yilmaz Bulent
Published: October 2015

Background  Acne and hirsutism are common manifestations of hyperandrogenemia. They may also be a sign of underlying severe diseases.

Aim  To compare ovarian morphology and prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in reproductive aged women with or without mild acne and hirsutism.

Methods  52 women with mild acne and 59 age‐matched controls were included in this study. Main outcome measures were the prevalence of PCOS, ovarian morphology, and ovarian stromal thickness in both groups, and acne and hirsutism subgroups. Patients in both groups were taking no hormonal therapy at that time. Androgen profiles were compared between the two groups.

Results  The prevalence of PCOS was 17.1% (19/111) in all women included in this study. In the acne group, the prevalence of PCOS was 26.9% (14/52), and significantly more prevalent than in control group [8.4% (5/59), P = 0.001]. Total ovarian volume was significantly larger and stromal thickness of the ovary was thicker in women with acne than women without acne. There were no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and 17‐hydroxyprogesterone, respectively, while serum total testosterone levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in women with acne than those women in the control group.

Conclusions  Acne and hirsutism may not only cause cosmetic concern but may also be a sign of underlying PCOS. Therefore, women presenting with acne and/or hirsutism should be evaluated in terms of PCOS.
Interferon‐induced vitiligo in hepatitis C patients: a case series
Authors: Hamadah Issam , Binamer Yousef , Sanai Faisal M. , Abdo Ayman A. , Alajlan Abdulmajeed
Published: October 2015

Background  Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterized by depigmented patches and macules. It is associated with many autoimmune diseases, the most common of which is thyroid disease. The association between Interferon (IFN) therapy and vitiligo is rarely reported in the literature, despite its common usage in hepatitis B viral infection, hepatitis C viral infection (HCV), hematological malignancies and melanoma.

Case  We are reporting eight cases of vitiligo that appeared after treating HCV with IFN.

Conclusion  Interferon unmasks vitiligo in susceptible individuals.
Prognostic significance of recurrent grade 1B rejection in the first year after pediatric cardiac transplantation: A case for reinstatement of the 1B rejection grade
Authors: Feingold Brian , Irving Claire , Tatum Gregory H. , Webber Steven A.
Published: October 2015

Feingold B, Irving C, Tatum GH, Webber SA. Prognostic significance of recurrent grade 1B rejection in the first year after pediatric cardiac transplantation: A case for reinstatement of the 1B rejection grade. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 589–593. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  The 2005 ISHLT rejection grading system merged grades 1A, 1B, and 2 into a single grade (1R) assuming equivalent prognostic significance. We hypothesized that recurrent 1B ACR is associated with adverse outcomes. Data on all heart transplant recipients at our center from 1990 to 2007 were reviewed. Patients were excluded if they had more than one grade ≥3A/2R biopsy in the first six wk or any grade ≥3A/2R biopsies during the first year thereafter. Patients with ≥2 grade 1B biopsies from six wk to one yr were classified as “recurrent 1B.” Outcomes were freedom from late (greater than one yr) ACR (grade ≥3A/2R), CAD, retransplantation/death, and a composite end‐point. Sixty‐two patients (53 non‐recurrent 1B, nine recurrent 1B) met inclusion criteria. In univariate analyses, recurrent 1B status was associated with decreased freedom from late ACR (p < 0.001), CAD (p = 0.004), and the composite outcome (p < 0.001). There was no difference in freedom from retransplantation/death (p = 0.48). After controlling for demographic differences between the groups, recurrent 1B status was independently associated with late ACR (HR 5.90; p = 0.002) and the composite outcome (HR 4.52; p = 0.002). These data suggest that further study of the impact of removal of the 1B classification from the ISHLT grading scheme is warranted.
The role of interleukin‐6, endothelins, and apoptotic genes in small bowel transplantation, in a swine model of ischemia and reperfusion injury
Authors: de Pinho‐Apezzato Maria Lúcia , Maksoud‐Filho João Gilberto , Valinetti Emília Aparecida , Santos Maria Mercês , Tannuri Ana Cristina Aoun , Mello Evandro Sobroza , Silva Luiz Fernando , de Mendonça Coelho Maria Cecília , Gibelli Nelson Elias Mendes , Rocha Rafael Malagoli , Nonogaki Suely , Guimarães Raimundo Renato Nunes , Tannuri Uenis
Published: October 2015

de Pinho‐Apezzato ML, Maksoud‐Filho JG, Valinetti EA, Santos MM, Tannuri ACA, Mello ES, Silva LF, de Mendonça Coelho MC, Gibelli NEM, Rocha RM, Nonogaki S, Guimarães RRN, Tannuri U. The role of interleukin‐6, endothelins, and apoptotic genes in small bowel transplantation, in a swine model of ischemia and reperfusion injury. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 617–627. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  IRI is closely related to sepsis in ITx setting. Complete understanding of the mechanisms involved in IRI development may improve outcomes. Ortothopic ITx without immunosuppression was performed in order to characterize IRI‐associated mucosal damage. Twenty pigs underwent ITx. Two groups were assigned to different CI times: G1: 90 min and, G2: 180 min. Euro‐Collins was used as preservation solution. Jejunal fragments were collected at donor laparotomy, 30 min, and 3 days after reperfusion. IRI assessment involved: histopathologic analysis, quantification of MPO‐positive cells through immunohistochemical studies, quantification of epithelial apoptotic cells using TUNEL staining, and quantification of IL‐6, ET‐1, Bak, and Bcl‐XL genes expression by RT‐PCR. Neutrophilic infiltration increased in a similar fashion in both groups, but lasted longer in G2. Apoptosis detected by TUNEL staining increased and anti‐apoptotic gene Bcl‐XL expression decreased significantly in G1, 3 days after surgery. Endothelin‐1 and IL‐6 genes expression increased 30 min after the procedure and returned to baseline 3 days after surgery. In conclusion, IL‐6 and ET‐1 are involved precociously in the development of intestinal IRI. Apoptosis was more frequently detected in G1 grafts by TUNEL‐staining and by RT‐PCR.
Use of annual ABPM, and repeated carotid scan and echocardiography to monitor cardiovascular health over nine yr in pediatric and young adult renal transplant recipients
Authors: Balzano Rita , Lindblad Ylva Tranæus , Vavilis Georgios , Jogestrand Tomas , Berg Ulla B. , Krmar Rafael T.
Published: October 2015

Balzano R, Lindblad YT, Vavilis G, Jogestrand T, Berg UB, Krmar RT. Use of annual ABPM, and repeated carotid scan and echocardiography to monitor cardiovascular health over nine yr in pediatric and young adult renal transplant recipients. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 635–641. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  In adult hypertensive patients, increased cIMT and LVH are independent risk factors for cardiovascular events. We have previously observed that in pediatric RTRs with tight control of BP, cIMT did not progress over time. This investigation is an extension of the aforementioned study aimed at re‐examining cIMT and also reporting serial echocardiography results. Twenty‐two RTRs aged 9.4 ± 3.3 yr at their baseline carotid scan underwent two additional vascular ultrasounds during a follow‐up of 9.1 ± 0.9 yr. Carotid scan and echocardiography examinations were carried out simultaneously with ABPM. Antihypertensive therapy was determined according to the recipient’s ABPM results, which were performed at yearly intervals. Baseline cIMT was significantly greater in RTRs than in healthy controls. There was no statistical evidence of systematic changes in cIMT over time. At the last examination, 14 of 17 RTRs with treated hypertension had controlled hypertension (prevalence 82%; 95% CI, 56.5–96.2), and the overall prevalence of LVH was 4.5% (95% CI, −0.01 to 23.5). The lack of progression of cIMT over time and the low prevalence of LVH might reflect the effect of long‐standing BP control.
What is the role of risk‐adjusted funnel plots in the analysis of radical cystectomy volume–outcome relationships?
Authors: Mayer Erik K. , Bottle Alex , Aylin Paul , Darzi Ara W. , Vale Justin A. , Athanasiou Thanos
Published: October 2015

Study Type – Therapy (outcomes research)

Level of Evidence 2b

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

The use of funnel plots has helped to overcome the limitations and risks of ranking surgical performance. The case for a more widespread application of funnel plots in assessing and reporting performance in surgery has been made. No study has previously published a funnel plot analysis of outcomes for radical cystectomy in England.

No Trust, using the final complex model for risk‐adjustment, can be confidently said to have a performance worse than the national average for both mortality and re‐intervention rates following radical cystectomy. Funnel plots act as a complementary method of validating volume‐outcome data by displaying disaggregated outcomes at a provider level and reduce the opportunity for spurious labelling of outliers.

OBJECTIVE

• To explore whether risk‐adjusted funnel plots are a useful adjunct to analyse volume–outcome data and to further facilitate our understanding of institutional performance data by combining funnel‐plot methodology with an incremental statistical modelling approach.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• Risk‐adjusted funnel plots were generated for mortality and re‐intervention rates after elective radical cystectomy using administrative data from NHS Hospital Trusts between 2000/01 and 2006/07. Trusts were divided into volume tertiles based on their average annual cystectomy rate.

• A funnel plot was produced for each of the following four incremental statistical models: model one (no adjustment), model two (adjusted for patient case mix variables), model three (case mix and ‘clustering’ of patients) and model four (additional adjustment for institutional structural and process‐of‐care variables).

RESULTS

• In the final complex model (model four), no Trusts had abnormally high mortality or re‐intervention rates.

• Comparison of the funnel plots showed the importance of adjusting for certain confounding factors, such as the surgeon, at the institutional level, before they could be labelled as having truly outlying performance.

CONCLUSION

• Risk‐adjusted funnel plots have a useful role to play as a component of a methodological framework for investigating the volume–outcome relationship at the institutional level. They can act as a complementary method of validating data by displaying disaggregated outcomes at provider level and account for unmeasured confounders, so reducing the opportunity for spurious labelling of outliers.
Assessing the Value Relevance of Accounting Data After the Introduction of IFRS in Europe
Authors: Devalle Alain , Onali Enrico , Magarini Riccardo
Published: October 2015

Since 2005, European‐listed companies have been required to prepare their consolidated financial statements in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). We examine whether value relevance increased following the introduction of IFRS, using a sample of 3,721 companies listed on five European stock exchanges: Frankfurt, Madrid, Paris, London, and Milan. We find mixed evidence of an increase in value relevance. However, the influence of earnings on share price increased following the introduction of IFRS in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, while the influence of book value of equity decreased (except for the United Kingdom).
Accounting for Employee Stock Options: What Can We Learn from the Market's Perceptions?
Authors: Bagna Emanuel , Bini Mauro , Bird Ron , Momentè Francesco , Reggiani Francesco
Published: October 2015

The scope of this is paper is to provide new empirical evidence on the value relevance of employee stock options (ESOs) in Europe. We show, empirically, that the market participants when pricing a firm's equity place approximately the same valuation weights on the ESO‐deferred compensation expense (the so called “ESO asset”) and the compensation option liability (the so called “ESO liability”). Our empirical findings support the theoretical work of Ohlson and Penman who suggest that the deferred compensation expense be treated as a contra‐liability. The second contribution of our work rests on the nature of the ESO expense. We show that the distinction between persistent and non‐persistent ESO expenses is of critical importance for the market participants. Accordingly, an improved accounting disclosure should assist the investors in assessing the long‐term goals of the ESO plans at the firm level.
Not Simply Returning to the Same Answer Over and Over Again: Reframing Relevance
Authors: Hodgkinson Gerard P. , Starkey Ken
Published: October 2015

From its earliest days, the field of business and management studies has wrestled with fundamental questions concerning its nature and purpose: for whom and to what ends is scholarly research ultimately directed? However, amid unprecedented changes to the world of work, over the past two and a half decades these questions have become of central importance to academicians, practitioners and policy‐makers. The British Academy of Management (BAM), through the work of its Research Policy Committee and theBritish Journal of Management, has played a central role in these developments. This paper traces the lineage of BAM's contribution and offers a critical assessment of the current state of play with regard to the so‐called relevance problem, arguing that design science and critical realism have the potential to take the field forward by transcending the ‘either/or’ game into which the rigour versus relevance debate has a tendency to develop.
Rigour, Relevance and Reward: Introducing the Knowledge Translation Value‐chain
Authors: Thorpe Richard , Eden Colin , Bessant John , Ellwood Paul
Published: October 2015

This paper recognizes the substantive contributions made within the British Journal of Management to conducting research relevant to management at the level of individual studies. We aim to reorient the debate to take account of a researcher's contribution to practice over time and, by so doing, to indicate the range of ways knowledge can be translated and (through engagement with users and policymakers) modified, embedded and otherwise found useful. To achieve this, we conceptualize management scholarship as a knowledge translation value‐chain. We propose that, to maximize relevance, knowledge must be reconfigured in multiple contexts, of which management research provides but one. The paper concludes with observations on the additional skills that researchers might need to make use of opportunities for engagement right across the knowledge translation value‐chain.
Management Education in the UK: The Roles of the British Academy of Management and the Association of Business Schools
Authors: Masrani Swapnesh , Williams Allan P. O. , McKiernan Peter
Published: October 2015

This paper uses institutional theory to analyse the role of the British Academy of Management (BAM) and the Association of Business Schools (ABS) in gaining legitimacy for management education in the UK. By the 1980s, serious issues surrounding rigour and relevance were being asked about UK business schools that raised concerns about the legitimacy of management as a discipline. A major consequence was that management received relatively low research funding compared with other social science disciplines from key funding bodies, e.g. the Economic and Social Science Research Council. Using archival and interview data, we examine how BAM and ABS, as professional bodies, applied multiple approaches aimed at improving the quality of management research and teaching to gain legitimacy from influential external agencies. An unintended consequence of these actions has been an increasing isomorphism in management research and education in the UK. Although some of the original concerns still remain with regard to management education, both organizations have been successful in increasing the external perception of legitimacy.
Global Mimicry: Putting Strategic Choice Back on the Business School Agenda
Authors: Wilson David , McKiernan Peter
Published: October 2015

Business schools1 are subject to strong institutional pressures. In this paper we examine university‐based business schools in the UK. We argue that the result of such pressures has been to render business schools isomorphic in a number of ways and to diminish the potential voice of business school research in social and economic issues. We detail the range of institutional pressures and then suggest that schools have choices in the ways they might adapt their strategies to counter normative, coercive and mimetic pressures. Drawing on Oliver's notion of strategic behaviours, we suggest that business schools should adopt a wider scholarly lens and turn its theoretical perspectives and empirical research toward ‘big’ social and economic questions. The difficulties, advantages and implications of changing strategic behaviours are discussed.
READING WITH PURPOSE
Authors: Ready Douglas , Truelove Emily Stecker
Published: October 2015

Where next for inspiration on the subject of purpose?Emily Stecker Truelove and Douglas Ready suggest the following titles.
RIDING THE NEXT WAVE OF CORPORATE VENTURE CAPTIAL
Authors: Dushnitsky Gary
Published: October 2015

How can established companies harness the innovative power of entrepreneurial ventures? Corporate venture capital is increasingly the answer as more and more corporations use it as a key component of their innovation strategy. Gary Dushnitsky examines its resurgence.
PROFILE: NIRMALYA KUMAR
Authors: Kumar Nirmalya
Published: October 2015

In this series, Business Strategy Review profiles one major thinker who has made a significant difference in how organisations are managed and how business careers have been shaped as a result.
731. MAHONIA × LINDSAYAE ‘CANTAB’
Authors: Cullen James
Published: October 2015

Mahonia×lindsayae P.F. Yeo ‘Cantab’ is illustrated, and its history is revealed. This continues a series of articles on plants connected with the Botanic Garden of Cambridge University – plants either raised there or distributed from there over the past 100 years or so. As with many of the others, this present plant has a complex history, involving accidental notice of seedlings and inferences about parentage; the original living plants have mostly disappeared, but descendants of some of them are still growing.
736. FIRMIANA SIMPLEX
Authors: Upson Tim M. , Cullen James
Published: October 2015

The cultivation and performance in the UK of the Chinese parasol tree, Firmiana simplex (L.) W. Wight are reviewed and aspects of its uses, flower and fruit morphology, nomenclature and typification are discussed.
RANUNCULALES ‐ BUTTERCUPS, POPPIES AND THEIR RELATIVES
Authors: Fay Michael F. , Christenhusz Maarten J. M.
Published: October 2015

Lardizabalaceae belong to the well‐circumscribed order Ranunculales. Here we summarise modern knowledge about the relationships between the seven families in the order, some of which have major horticultural and agricultural importance. They include many familiar garden plants, some major weeds, some important and controversial crop plants and sources of medicines and poisons.
741. STAUNTONIA LATIFOLIA
Authors: Christenhusz Maarten J. M.
Published: October 2015

Stauntonia latifolia (Wall.) Christenh. is described and illustrated here and its history of introduction is discussed. As Holboellia it was one of the first species of Stauntonia to appear in cultivation, and is currently one of the most widely grown.
Departmental Restructuring under New Labour
Authors: HEPPELL TIMOTHY
Published: October 2015

Despite their emphasis on joined up government, which was to be one of the defining features of the New Labour governing project, attempts to enhance policy delivery would also result in major departmental restructuring within each of their three terms in office. This article asks three questions with regard to the New Labour and departmental restructuring. First, from a historical comparative perspective was there a greater degree of departmental restructuring under New Labour than under previous governments? Second, in the case of New Labour what was the motivation for departmental restructuring? Finally, was New Labour characterised by successful departmental restructurings? Utilising select committee material for the views of civil servants and combining this with questionnaire feedback from former New Labour ministers this article seeks to address these questions to assess the record of departmental restructuring in the New Labour era.
An individual‐level assessment of the relationship between spin‐off activities and research performance in universities
Authors: Abramo Giovanni , D'Angelo Ciriaco Andrea , Ferretti Marco , Parmentola Adele
Published: October 2015

One of the most problematic aspects in the creation of spin‐offs by university personnel concerns the relationship between entrepreneurial activity and research activity by researcher‐entrepreneurs. The literature has expressed varying and opposing views as to the nature of the relationship, but very little has been produced to empirically legitimate one position or another. The present work proposes to address this shortcoming by exploring the relationship existing between academic spin‐off generation and the research performance of enterprise founders. The study investigates whether, and to what extent, scientific performance by academic entrepreneurs is different than that of their colleagues, and if the involvement in entrepreneurial activity has an influence on the individual's research activity. The research questions are answered by considering all spin‐offs generated by Italian universities over the period 2001–2008 and evaluating, through a bibliometric approach, the scientific performance of founders relative to that of their colleagues who carry out research in the same field. The data show better scientific performance by the researcher‐entrepreneurs than that of their colleagues, and in addition, although there are some variations across fields, the creation of a spin‐off does not seem, on average, to have negative effects on the scientific performance of the founders.
Can me‐too products prevail? Performance of new product development and sources of idea generation in China – an emerging market
Authors: Chen Jian , Guo Yidi , Zhu Hengyuan
Published: October 2015

New products developed in emerging markets such as China, India and Brazil are not only sold locally but also ‘exported’ globally, suggesting a changing landscape for global innovation. Existing literature in technology learning and capability accumulation has long held the claim that, for a certain period of time in their development, firms in latecomer countries rely on their counterparts in developed countries to get new product ideas. However, existing research in this area is generally based on case studies and historical analyses; there are few empirical studies exploring the performance consequence of learning from competitors abroad. Using large‐scale, nationwide survey data from China, we explore specifically whether learning about new product ideas from leading firms in foreign countries will lead to higher performance outcomes than other sources (i.e. domestic competitors, customers, universities or internal departments) in an emerging market. Our findings suggest that Chinese firms that source new product ideas from leading firms in foreign countries achieve overwhelmingly superior performance along financial, customer and technological dimensions. Implications to the managers and policy makers are also discussed.
Unveiling the successful process of technological transition: a case study ofMatsushitaElectric
Authors: Shibata Tomoatsu
Published: October 2015

Technological transition requires serious management decisions because it essentially means withdrawing from an existing technology, in which the company has been successful, and shifting management resources to a new technology with a high degree of uncertainty. We will analyze in detail an example of a successful transition to a new technology and draw key factors for success.

The subject of our analysis is the transition made byMatsushitaElectricGroup (MEG), a large corporate group representative of Japanese companies, at the time of its commercialization of plasma display panel (PDP)TVs. During commercialization process, Matsushita made a successful transition from accumulated direct current‐plasma display panel (DC PDP) to alternating current‐plasma display panel (AC PDP) through incorporatingAC PDPtechnology fromPlasmaco,VentureCompany established in 1987.

Key conceptual contributions are as follows. Old and new technology can differ in their knowledge base. According to existing literature, when the knowledge base is radically different, incumbent firms have a difficulty adapting to the technological change. On the other hand, when the knowledge base is very similar, incumbent firms have no trouble adapting to the change. Beyond these established existing understandings, this paper argues that when the knowledge base is moderately different, managers can increase the likelihood of successful transition by implementing a set of organizational strategies. Among these strategies, a particularly insightful one is that through the parallel development process of both existing and new technologies, managers can eventually integrate the advantages of both technologies by implementing a flexible resource allocation mechanism to overcome the dichotomy between old and new through creation of a ‘Ba’,Japanese concept offering shared context for knowledge creation.
The university entrepreneur: a census and survey of attributes and outcomes
Authors: Marion Tucker J. , Dunlap Denise R. , Friar John H.
Published: October 2015

This study looks at 400 technology transfer disclosures and their inventors over a 10‐year period at a large US research university. We find that faculty productivity in terms of patenting is not related to commercialization success, but entrepreneurial qualities are significantly correlated. Results indicate that the significant factors in successfully forming a university spin‐out are the level of experience of the faculty member and participation in an industry sponsored research agreement. We also find that the academic inventor's entrepreneurial experience and inclination toward commercialization have the most positive impacts on the formation of a new venture.
Appropriating the value from innovation: inimitability and the effectiveness of isolating mechanisms
Authors: Lawson Benn , Samson Danny , Roden Sinéad
Published: October 2015

Preventing the imitation of products and their underlying characteristics is a key source of competitive advantage. Isolating mechanisms, such as patents, brand name and speed to market, render an organisation's inventions imperfectly imitable by competitors, helping sustain the above‐normal returns achieved from a new product innovation. A theoretical framework is developed whereby the characteristics of isolating mechanisms, namely causal ambiguity, asset stock effects and enforceability of property rights, are shown to be important determinants of appropriation effectiveness. A multiple method research design, consisting of a survey of 238 large Australian organisations, and a further six case study organisations, is adopted. The results indicate that isolating mechanisms in the form of technological capabilities, market‐based assets and knowledge protection positively moderate an organisation's returns from their innovation activities, while being first‐to‐market is found to negatively moderate the business returns achieved. Implications for managers in increasing the effectiveness of their appropriation regime, and future directions for research are proposed.
Quality of Labor Markets in a Developing Country
Authors: Dei Fumio
Published: October 2015

This study is an application of Yano's market quality economics to trade. It considers the quality of labor markets in a developing country and sheds light on an important role of the voting mechanism in the process of which the quality of labor markets is endogenously determined. Assuming the majority vote, it is demonstrated that if the timing of voting is wrong, a developing country misses high‐quality labor markets although trade provides an opportunity for it to reach such markets.
Flexibility at the Margin and Labor Market Volatility in OECD Countries*
Authors: Sala Hector , Silva José I. , Toledo Manuel
Published: October 2015

We study the business‐cycle behavior of segmented labor markets with flexibility at the margin (e.g., just affecting fixed‐term contracts). We present a matching model with temporary and permanent jobs (i) where there is a gap in the firing costs associated with these types of jobs and (ii) where there are restrictions in the creation and duration of fixed‐term contracts. We show that a labor market with ``flexibility at the margin'' increases the unemployment volatility with respect to one that is fully regulated. This analysis yields new insights into the interpretation of the recent volatility changes witnessed in the OECD area.
Incentives and the Sorting of Altruistic Agents into Street‐Level Bureaucracies*
Authors: Buurman Margaretha , Dur Robert
Published: October 2015

Many street‐level bureaucrats have the dual task of helping some clients, while sanctioning others. We develop a model of a street‐level bureaucracy, and we study the implications of its personnel policy on the self‐selection and allocation decisions of agents who differ in altruism towards clients. When bureaucrats are paid flat wages, they do not sanction, and the most altruistic types sort into bureaucracy. Pay‐for‐performance induces some bureaucrats to sanction, but it necessitates an increase in compensation, which can result in sorting from the top and bottom of the altruism distribution. We also explain why street‐level bureaucrats often experience an overload of clients.
Does FDI Spur Productivity, Knowledge Sourcing and Innovation by Incumbent Firms? Evidence from Manufacturing Industry in Estonia
Authors: Vahter Priit
Published: October 2015

Does FDI affect knowledge sourcing activities, innovation and productivity growth of domestic firms? This study employs firm‐level panel data from Estonia’s manufacturing sector to investigate different channels through which FDI affects domestic firms. Based on instrumental variables approach, I find no evidence of an effect of FDI entry on local incumbents’ short‐term productivity growth. However, there is positive association between the entry of FDI and the more direct measures of spillovers. FDI inflow to a sector is associated with more knowledge flows to domestic firms and increase in their innovation activities.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MAGIC TO SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
Authors: Palmer Craig T. , Steadman Lyle B. , Cassidy Chris , Coe Kathryn
Published: October 2015

Many anthropological explanations of magical practices are based on the assumption that the immediate cause of performing an act of magic is the belief that the magic will work as claimed. Such explanations typically attempt to show why people come to believe that magical acts work as claimed when such acts do not identifiably have such effects. We suggest an alternative approach to the explanation of magic that views magic as a form of religious behavior, a form of communication that promotes or protects cooperative social relationships. We suggest that all forms of religious behavior involve persons communicating acceptance of a supernatural claim and that this act communicates a willingness to accept nonskeptically the influence of the person making such a claim. Thus, religious behavior communicates a willingness to cooperate with the claim maker and others who accept his or her influence. We suggest that magic, which can be distinguished by the communicated acceptance of the claim that certain techniques have supernatural effects, also promotes cooperation. Different types of magic, including sorcery, love magic, and curing magic, can be shown to communicate different types of messages, such as a threat to use violence to punish unsocial behavior, sexual desire, or concern for a person's well‐being. Ethnographic examples are used to support this hypothesis. This approach requires no assumptions about whether the practitioners of magic do or do not believe that the magical acts work as claimed. It attempts only to account for the identifiable talk and behavior that constitute magical acts by examining the identifiable, and often important, effects of these acts on the behavior of others.
JAMES B. ASHBROOK AND HIS HOLISTIC WORLD: TOWARD A “UNIFIED FIELD THEORY” OF MIND, BRAIN, SELF, WORLD, AND GOD
Authors: Albright Carol Rausch
Published: October 2015

James B. Ashbrook's “new natural theology in an empirical mode” pursued an integrated understanding of the spiritual, psychological, and neurological dimensions of spiritual life. Knowledge of neuroscience and personality theory was central to his quest, and his understandings were necessarily revised and amplified as scientific findings emerged. As a result, Ashbrook's legacy may serve as a case example of how to do religion‐and‐science in a milieu of scientific change. The constant in the quest was Ashbrook's core belief in the basic holism of brain, mind, personality, the nature of reality, and the underlying reality of God.
REFLECTING UPON RELIGION
Authors: Drees Willem B.
Published: October 2015

The new editor of Zygon considers the task of “yoking religion and science” not as the combination of two similar entities. Rather, their categorical difference makes reflection on their interplay worthwhile. One thereby confronts the understanding of religion, the multiple facets of religion, the diversity of religious traditions, and disagreements within religious communities. Although concern about secularization might stimulate an apologetic attitude, the author favors a critical and more skeptical attitude, countering superstition and the abuse of people. By being academic rather than apologetic we engage in the best apology for meaningful religion, if any.
GOD AND THE WORLD OF SIGNS: INTRODUCTION TO PART 2
Authors: Robinson Andrew , Southgate Christopher
Published: October 2015

We introduce the second part of a two‐part collection of articles exploring a possible new research program in the field of science and religion. At the center of the program lies an attempt to develop a new theology of nature drawing on the philosophy of C. S. Peirce. Our overall idea is that the fundamental structure of the world is exactly that required for the emergence of meaning and truth‐bearing representation. We understand the emergence of a capacity to interpret an environment to be important to the emergence of life, and we see the subsequent history of biological evolution as a story of increasing capacities for meaning‐making and ‐seeking. Theologically, we understand God to be the ground of all such meaning‐making and the ultimate goal of the universe's emerging capacity for interpreting signs. Here we summarize the articles in Part 1, which focused on scientific and philosophical aspects of the research program, and introduce Part 2, which turns to the theological outworking of the project.
SEMIOTICS AS A METAPHYSICAL FRAMEWORK FOR CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY
Authors: Robinson Andrew , Southgate Christopher
Published: October 2015

We provide an overview of a proposal for a new metaphysical framework within which theology and science might both find a home. Our proposal draws on the triadic semiotics and threefold system of metaphysical categories of C. S. Peirce. We summarize the key features of a semiotic model of the Trinity, based on observed parallels between Peirce's categories of Firstness, Secondness, and Thirdness and Christian thinking about, respectively, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We test and extend the semiotic model by exploring how Peirce's taxonomy of signs offers a new approach to theological reflection on the Incarnation. This leads to a novel way of framing scientific questions about human evolution in semiotic terms and to a new approach to theological anthropology. Finally, we use the semiotic model of the Trinity as the basis of a trinitarian approach to the theology of creation according to which the semiotic processes that are fundamental to life and to human behavior and cognition may be understood as “vestiges of the Trinity in creation.”
The Unsettling and Unsettled Monument against Torture in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Schneider Ann M.
Published: October 2015

This article examines the history of the Torture Never Again monument, which was proposed by Grupo Tortura Nunca Mais (Torture Never Again Group) and designed by Oscar Niemeyer for the city of Rio de Janeiro in the months following the transition from military to civilian government in Brazil in 1985. The prospect of the installation of the monument, although intended to denounce the human rights violations committed by the military government, evoked unexpected challenges and criticisms. Nonetheless, it was approved for installation and a foundation was put in place. Yet, the monument has yet to be erected. As a case study, this article shows the ways in which memorial projects must answer to multiple and often conflicting demands. It argues that the formidable opposition was not directed toward a project to memorialize the victims of torture, but rather toward the specific project proposed. Discussed primarily in terms of propriety and taste, the critiques effectively directed debates about the monument away from a denunciation of the military regime and toward other concerns.
Unarmed Forces: Civilian Strategy in Violent Conflicts
Authors: Barter Shane Joshua
Published: October 2015

What options are available to civilians faced with war? While civilians tend to be portrayed as helpless victims—and sometimes are—we know that they are not inert. Borrowing from Albert Hirschman, I propose that civilians’ strategies can be understood in terms of flight to safer areas, speaking out to or against armed groups, as support for armed groups, and combinations of these three strategies. This study introduces a simple, intuitive schema for understanding civilian strategies and illustrates it with examples drawn from several armed conflicts. The schema demonstrates that not only do civilians make decisions which enable them to survive bloody conflicts, but also that their strategies may influence armed groups and the course of a given war.
Strong serological responses and HIV RNA increase following AS03‐adjuvanted pandemic immunization in HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Calmy A , Bel M , Nguyen A , Combescure C , Delhumeau C , Meier S , Yerly S , Kaiser L , Hirschel B , Siegrist C‐A ,   the H1N1 study group
Published: October 2015

Introduction

We aimed to determine the antibody responses and effect on viral load of the AS03‐adjuvanted pandemic H1N1 vaccine in HIV‐infected patients.

Method

A total of 121 HIV‐infected patients and 138 healthy subjects were enrolled in a prospective, open‐label study. Healthy subjects received one dose and HIV‐infected patients two doses of the AS03‐adjuvanted split influenza A/09/H1N1 vaccine (Pandemrix®; GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, United Kingdom.) at an interval of 3–4 weeks. The study was extended in 2010/2011 for 66 patients. Geometric mean titres (GMTs), seroprotection rates (post‐vaccination titre ≥1:40) and HIV‐1 RNA levels were measured before and 4 weeks after immunization.

Results

After two immunizations, the seroprotection rate (94.2 vs. 87%, respectively) and GMT (376 vs. 340, respectively) in HIV‐infected patients were as high as in healthy subjects after one dose, regardless of CD4 cell count. Four weeks after immunization, HIV RNA was detected in plasma samples from 40 of 68 (58.0%) previously aviraemic patients [median 152 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL; interquartile range (IQR) 87–509 copies/mL]. Subsequent measures indicated that HIV RNA levels had again declined to <20 copies/mL in most patients (27 of 34; 79.4%). Following (nonadjuvanted) influenza immunization in 2010/2011, HIV RNA levels only slightly increased (median final level 28 copies/mL) in three of 66 (4.5%) previously aviraemic patients, including two of 25 (8%) patients in whom an increase had been elicited by AS03‐adjuvanted vaccine the year before.

Conclusion

Most HIV‐infected patients developed seroprotection after two doses of AS03‐adjuvanted pandemic vaccine. A transient effect on HIV RNA levels was observed in previously aviraemic patients. A booster dose of the nonadjuvanted influenza vaccine containing the A/09/H1N1 strain the following year did not reproduce this finding, indicating a non‐antigen‐specific adjuvant effect.
Involuntary part‐time workers in Britain: evidence from the labour force survey
Authors: Cam Surhan
Published: October 2015

Part‐time employment is widely considered functional for the economy, with both benign and detrimental implications for employees. However, specific analyses of involuntary part‐time work in Britain are surprisingly absent from the flexibility debate, and workers in such positions remain largely under‐researched. This article explores involuntary part‐time employment in relation to socio‐economic circumstances. We analyse Labour Force Survey data, using logistic regression modelling to identify the segments of workers filling part‐time jobs involuntarily. The results suggest that involuntariness for part‐time jobs is affected by a range of demographic and work‐related characteristics considered. Being a couple with dependent children, for example, reduces the likelihood of involuntariness among female part‐time employees whereas lower educational and occupational levels imply a higher involuntariness across both sexes.