bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bubbles: towards a typology
Authors: Dholakia Nikhilesh , Turcan Romeo V. 
Published: April 2013

PurposeBubbles – technology, stock market, housing, and more – have punctuated modern economic history with some regularity, and seem to be happening with greater frequency in recent periods. Part of the authors' larger work on a meta‐theory of bubbles, this paper aims to compare and contrast bubbles in the fields of entertainment, technology, commodities, housing, and stock markets. It seeks to offer a typology of bubbles.Design/methodology/approachUsing the literature on bubbles and related socioeconomic phenomena, and experience‐based insights, the paper compares and contrasts bubbles in different fields, to derive inductively a typology of bubbles.FindingsThe paper finds six main types of bubbles, ranging from relatively harmless transient and playful bubbles for some movies at one end, to socially dangerous, contagious, irrational and punctured bubbles at the other end, for stock markets or real estate.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the dimensions that lead to bubbles can provide policymakers with some early intervention tools – to prevent dangerous bubbles.Social implicationsThe insights into dimensions and processes of bubble formation presented provide society with a way to judge actors (businesses, public policymakers) and institutions in terms of their roles in creating or managing bubbles.Originality/valueThe main contribution here is the development of two sets of dimensions – the immediate asset‐linked dimensions and somewhat removed but even more powerful meta‐dimensions – that contribute to the formation or collapse of bubbles.
A conceptual model of HRIS‐Trust: an understanding of suppliers'/customers' relationship
Authors: Ngoc Duc Nguyen , Siengthai Sununta , Page Steve 
Published: April 2013

PurposeIn this research, the aim is to argue that “trust” is very important in all stages of technology management for human resource management efficiency and effectiveness to improve organizational performance. Therefore the purpose of this paper is to propose the concept and model of “HRIS‐trust” for human resource information system (HRIS) suppliers, who will approach HRIS potential customers.Design/methodology/approachThis is an exploratory study; hence, based on the relevant literature review and the authors' own analysis, six propositions were proposed for HRIS‐Trust model.FindingsHRIS‐Trust is one of the pivotal determinants to help managers make decisions to apply HRIS in the organization in order to achieve sustainable human resource management (HRM) performance. Accordingly, to achieve an effective level of HRIS deployment, HRIS‐suppliers and their customers need to have a clear understanding and definition of appropriate terminology of HRIS‐trust for operational management systems.Research limitations/implicationsAs yet this model is untested. Clearly, further research is necessary to test the propositions of the authors' model.Practical implicationsIn this paper, it is argued that HRIS‐trust is very important in relation to HRIS deployment. Therefore, HRIS suppliers need to have an understanding about the factors influencing trust in HRIS, especially how to increase customer trust in their HRIS products.Originality/valueAlthough many previous studies have demonstrated how an organization can initiate and implement human resource information system (HRIS) efficiently and effectively, very few have investigated factors influencing the trust in HRIS. Hence, this research is one of the first exploratory studies to explore such an issue. In addition, a definition and a model of HRIS‐Trust was proposed.
Risk management: the next source of competitive advantage
Authors: Elahi Ehsan 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to show how proper risk management capabilities can lead to competitive advantage for a company. There is much evidence that suggests that the current very high level of volatilities in the business world is going to get worse in the years and decades to come. This trend of increasing uncertainties and the resulting risks for businesses, demands a strategic‐level attention to risk management. This strategic‐level attention is warranted by the fact that proper risk management capabilities can lead to competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachThe work is conceptual in its approach. The paper also provides many examples from a wide range of industries, as well as the results from other research works to support the finding of the paper.FindingsThe paper first shows how firms' perspective of risk management is evolving. It then characterizes the main drivers behind the trend of increasing uncertainties in the business world which results in higher levels of risk exposure for companies. Finally, the paper characterizes four different ways through which proper risk management capabilities can lead to competitive advantage (depending on different risk categories).Originality/valueAlthough the importance of risk management and its potential strategic role has been widely studied in the literature, the question of how risk management capabilities can turn into a competitive advantage has received less attention. The answer to this question might help firms to better understand the strategic role of risk management and the importance of developing a proper set of risk management capabilities. This paper tries to identify the relationship between risk management capabilities and competitive advantage under different types of risks.
Naufraga balearica, a threatened narrow endemism of the Balearic Islands (western Mediterranean basin): assessing the population dynamics of two subpopulations
Authors: Cursach Joana , Rita Juan 
Published: April 2013

AbstractNaufraga balearica constitutes a monospecific genus of Majorca (Balearic Islands) and is Critically Endangered according to International Union for Conservation of Nature categories. The species has a narrow distributional area, with one subpopulation at Coves Blanques (CB) and a small set of subpopulations on the Formentor Peninsula. A previous work has shown that the subpopulation in Cap de Catalunya (CC) (located on the Formentor Peninsula) has undergone a distinct decline over the last decade. Herein, we report a comparative study of the population dynamics of N. balearica at the CB and CC sites. By monitoring permanent plots for 6 years (2004–2009), we analyzed the frequency of cells in which the species was present, and, for each annual transition (from November, year t to November, year t + 1), we determined the frequency of cells in which the species was stable, decreased or increased for each species and site using a G‐test of independence. The same parameters were also analyzed for N. balearica at the quarterly transitions of November–February, February–May, May–August and August–November. The results indicated that the decline of the threatened species was more marked in the CB subpopulation. N. balearica showed a seasonal trend at both sites, with some exceptions. The most common neighboring species were Dactylis glomerata and Erodium reichardii, and they negatively affected N. balearica; however, the neighboring species effect was not homogeneous among the annual transitions analyzed, indicating that other factors are involved. Finally, some conservation measures are proposed.
Balanced transcription of cell division genes in Bacillus subtilis as revealed by single cell analysis
Authors: Trip Erik Nico , Veening Jan‐Willem , Stewart Eric J. , Errington Jeff , Scheffers Dirk‐Jan 
Published: April 2013

SummaryCell division in bacteria is carried out by a set of conserved proteins that all have to function at the correct place and time. A cell cycle‐dependent transcriptional programme drives cell division in bacteria such as Caulobacter crescentus. Whether such a programme exists in the Gram‐positive model organism Bacillus subtilis is unknown. Here, we investigate the role of gene transcription as a potential regulatory mechanism for control of division in B. subtilis. Transcriptional GFP fusions in combination with flow cytometry demonstrated a constitutive promoter activity, independent of growth rate, of nine tested cell division genes. These measurements were verified by quantitative real‐time reverse‐transcription PCR (qrtPCR). Time‐lapse fluorescence microscopy was performed on a set of selected reporter strains to test transcriptional regulation during the cell cycle. Interestingly, although the average fluorescence remained constant during cell‐cycle progression, individual cells demonstrated a roughly twofold higher promoter activity at the end of the cell cycle. This cell cycle‐dependent increased promoter activity can be partly explained by the doubled promoter copy number after DNA replication. Our results indicate that the transcriptional activity of promoters for cell division genes remains constant regardless of growth rate and cell‐cycle state, suggesting that regulation of cell division in B. subtilis predominantly takes place at the post‐translational level.
A Dialogue of the Deaf? Conflicting Discourses over the EU and Services Liberalisation in the WTO
Authors: Crespy Amandine 
Published: April 2013

Research Highlights and Abstract The role of the European Union (EU) in services liberalisation—and the impact thereof on the provision of services of general interest—has been highly contentious both globally and in the EU. Besides other policy issues, services liberalisation contributes to make the EU a ‘conflicted trade power’ ( Meunier and Nicolaïdis 2006 ). The study of conflicting discourses and, in particular, the EU's responsiveness to criticism towards the conduct of its trade policy can help to understand the legitimacy issues the EU has to face better than approaches focused on negotiating positions shaped. The study finds that the EU's trade policy is characterised by continuity in spite of the a) potentially various ideological profiles of EU Trade Commissioners b) in the face of contention by civil society, c) external events such as the global financial crisis and the EU debt crisis. However, specific institutional settings can prompt political responsiveness from the Commission in a greater extent. In the European arena, unlike in the more loosely structured global arena, the existence of a parliamentary debate and formal as well as informal contacts with organised civil society (NGOs, interest groups and unions) constrain the EU Commission to more discursive responsiveness and provides for better accountability. This article examines interactions between two conflicting discourses over the EU, public services and negotiations during the WTO Doha Round (2001–2012): on the one hand, the discourse of the anti-GATS transnational advocacy network, and on the other, that of the two EU Trade Commissioners. Conducting a frame analysis in a discursive institutionalist perspective, the eventfulness of political interactions is found to be more important than Commissioners' personal views, but differentiated institutional settings are even more crucial: the presence of a parliamentary arena in the EU arena, in particular, constrains Commissioners to engage with the discourse put forward by its critics; whereas in the global arena they tend to stick to their own framing of services liberalisation as a win-win process. The stalling of the Doha Round and the rise of the debt crisis have brought about new ways of framing threats related to the EU's trade policy.
Identification of Antimutagenic Properties of Anthocyanins and Other Polyphenols from Rose (Rosa centifolia) Petals and Tea
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Gautam Satyendra , Sharma Arun 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPetals from different rose (Rosa centifolia) cultivars (“passion,” “pink noblesse,” and “sphinx”) were assessed for antimutagenicity using Escherichia coli RNA polymerase B (rpoB)‐based Rif S→Rif R (rifampicin sensitive to resistant) forward mutation assay against ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)‐induced mutagenesis. The aqueous extracts of rose petals from different cultivars exhibited a wide variation in their antimutagenicity. Among these, cv. “passion” was found to display maximum antimutagenicity. Upon further fractionation, the anthocyanin extract of cv. “passion” displayed significantly higher antimutagenicity than its phenolic extract. During thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) analysis, the anthocyanin extract got resolved into 3 spots: yellow (Rf: 0.14), blue (Rf: 0.30), and pink (Rf: 0.49). Among these spots, the blue one displayed significantly higher antimutagenicity than the other 2. Upon high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis, this blue spot further got resolved into 2 peaks (Rt: 2.7 and 3.8 min). The 2nd peak (Rt: 3.8 min) displaying high antimutagenicity was identified by ESI‐IT‐MS/MS analysis as peonidin 3‐glucoside, whereas less antimutagenic peak 1 (Rt: 2.7) was identified as cyanidin 3, 5‐diglucoside. The other TLC bands were also characterized by ESI‐IT‐MS/MS analysis. The least antimutagenic pink band (Rf: 0.49) was identified as malvidin 3‐acetylglucoside‐4‐vinylcatechol, whereas non‐antimutagenic yellow band (Rf: 0.14) was identified as luteolinidin anthocyanin derivative. Interestingly, the anthocyanin extracted from rose tea of cv. “passion” exhibited a similar antimutagenicity as that of the raw rose petal indicating the thermal stability of the contributing bioactive(s). The findings thus indicated the health protective property of differently colored rose cultivars and the nature of their active bioingredients.
Cranberries and Wild Blueberries Treated with Gastrointestinal Enzymes Positively Modify Glutathione Mechanisms in Caco‐2 Cells In Vitro
Authors: Slemmer Jennifer E. , Livingston‐Thomas Jessica M. , Gottschall‐Pass Katherine T. , Sweeney Marva I. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract Beneficial health effects of cranberries (CBs) and wild blueberries (BBs), such as reduced levels of oxidative stress, have been demonstrated in feeding studies. These Vaccinium berries contain high levels of flavonoids; however, the bioavailability of flavonoids is generally low. We investigated the in vitro effects of these berries on intestinal cells, focusing on mitigating oxidative stress and associated reactive oxygen species (ROS). First, we simulated the passage of CB and BB through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract by treating berry homogenates to a battery of digestive enzymes. Then, Caco‐2 cells, a model of small intestine epithelial uptake, were exposed to these homogenates for 60 min. Using a cell‐free assay, we found that the antioxidant activity in CB homogenates was not affected by these enzymes, but that BB homogenates treated with gut enzymes had 43% lower free‐radical quenching activity (P < 0.05). However, both of the enzyme‐treated homogenates were still able to counteract the ROS‐generating ability of H2O2 added exogenously to Caco‐2 cells. Berry homogenates also increased mitochondrial metabolic rates at 60 min posttreatment, as measured by MTT assays. Enzyme‐treated CB (but not BB) homogenates increased the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) relative to oxidized glutathione (GSSG), a critical indicator of the cellular redox state (P < 0.05). Our data suggest that CBs do not lose their antioxidant ability when passing through the GI tract, and specifically, digested CB may serve to enhance cytoprotective effects in intestinal cells by reducing potential damage caused by free radicals and ROS derived from other food sources.
Ant diversity partitioning across spatial scales: Ecological processes and implications for conservingTropicalDryForests
Authors: Marques Tatianne , Schoereder José H. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractSeveral ecological and evolutionary processes can drive changes in diversity at different spatial scales. To determine the scale at which these processes are most influential, we hypothesized that (i) broad‐scale differences between ecoregions had greater influence on ant species richness and species turnover than local differences among fragments within ecoregions; and (ii) the degree of dissimilarity in ant species composition is larger betweenTropicalDryForest fragments and the surrounding vegetations than amongTropicalDryForests located in different ecoregions, indicating that extantTropicalDryForests are relicts of a broader distribution of this vegetation. To examine ant diversity patterns, we built a nested hierarchical design on three spatial scales, ranging from fragments (local scale),TropicalDryForest + surroundings vegetation (landscape scale) andBrazilian ecoregions (regional scale). We used 450 sampling units (45 sampling units × two fragments × five ecoregions = 450). A null model based on the sample was used to identify variations in the random distribution across spatial scales. Spatial partitioning of ant diversity showed that observed β1diversity (between fragments) and β2diversity (among ecoregions) were higher than expected by chance. When the partitioning was analysed separately for each region, the observed β1diversity (TropicalDryForest and surrounding vegetation) was higher than expected by the null hypothesis in all ecoregions ofBrazil. Based on species composition and diversity patterns, we stress the importance of creating more protected areas throughout the coverage area ofTropicalDryForests, favouring a more efficient conservation process.
Contrasting habitat use of morphologically similar bat species with differing conservation status in south‐easternAustralia
Authors: McConville Anna , Law Bradley , Penman Trent , Mahony Michael 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe east‐coast free‐tailed batMormopterus norfolkensis Gray, 1839 is a threatened insectivorous bat that is poorly known and as such conservation management strategies are only broadly prescribed. Insectivorous bats that use human‐modified landscapes are often adapted to foraging in open microhabitats. However, few studies have explored whether open‐adapted bats select landscapes with more of these microhabitat features. We compared three morphologically similar and sympatric, molossid bats (genusMormopterus) with different conservation status in terms of their association with vegetation, climate, landform and land‐use attributes at landscape and local habitat element scales. We predicted that these species would use similar landscape types, with semi‐cleared and low density urban landscapes used more than forested and heavily cleared landscapes. Additionally, we explored which environmental variables best explained the occurrence of each species by constructingpost‐hocmodels and habitat suitability maps. Contrary to predictions, we found that the three species varied in their habitat use with no one landscape type used more extensively than other types. Overall,M. norfolkensiswas more likely to occur in low‐lying, non‐urban, riparian habitats with little vegetation cover.Mormopterusspecies 2 occupied similar habitats, but was more tolerant of urban landscapes. In contrast,Mormopterusspecies 4 occurred more often in cleared than forested landscapes, particularly dry landscapes with little vegetation cover. The extensive use of coastal floodplains by the threatenedM. norfolkensisis significant because these habitats are under increasing pressure from human land‐uses and the predicted increase in urbanization is likely to further reduce the amount of suitable habitat.
Extensive polymorphism of the major histocompatibility complex DRA gene in Balkan donkeys: perspectives on selection and genealogy
Authors: Arbanasić Haidi , Galov Ana , Ambriović‐Ristov Andreja , Grizelj Juraj , Arsenos Georgios , Marković Božidarka , Dovenski Toni , Vince Silvijo , Čurik Ino 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThe major histocompatibility complex (MHC) contains genes important for immune response in mammals, and these genes exhibit high polymorphism and diversity. The DRA gene, a member of the MHC class II family, is highly conserved across a large number of mammalian species, but it displays exceptionally rich sequence variations in Equidae members. We analyzed allelic polymorphism of the DRA locus in 248 donkeys sampled across the Balkan Peninsula (Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Greece and Montenegro). Five known alleles and two new alleles were identified. The new allele Eqas‐DRA*0601 was found to carry a synonymous mutation, and new allele Eqas‐DRA*0701, a non‐synonymous mutation. We further analyzed the historical selection and allele genealogy at the DRA locus in equids. Signals of positive selection obtained by various tests were ambiguous. A conservative conclusion is that DRA polymorphism occurred relatively recently and that positive selection has been acting on the DRA locus for a relatively brief period.
A focus group study investigating medical decision making in octogenarians of high socioeconomic status with successful outcomes following cardiac surgery
Authors: Oldroyd John C , Levinson Michele R , Stephenson Gemma , Rouse Alice , Leeuwrik Tina 
Published: April 2013

AimTo explore medical decision making in octogenarians having cardiac surgery.MethodsFive focus groups conducted in a private hospital setting with octogenarians of high socioeconomic status who had successful cardiac surgery in the previous 3–13 months.ResultsOctogenarian's motivations for having cardiac surgery include survival, relief of symptoms, convenience and improving quality of life. The decision to have surgery involved clinical advice by doctors that the time had come to take up a surgical option. Patient's decisions did not take into account alternative treatment options either because these had not been presented by doctors or because medical management had failed. The final decision was made by patients.ConclusionsDecisions to have cardiac surgery in octogenarians are made by patients after discussions with family based on their risks as communicated by their doctors. This underlines the importance of effective risk communication by doctors to help patients make appropriate medical decisions.
IgE‐mediated anaphylaxis and allergic reactions to idursulfase in patients withHunter syndrome
Authors: Kim J. , Park M. R. , Kim D. S. , Lee J. O. , Maeng S. H. , Cho S. Y. , Han Y. , Ahn K. , Jin D. K. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundEnzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant human idursulfase is effective for the treatment of Hunter syndrome, mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) typeII. However, various adverse events can occur by the infusion of idursulfase. The purpose was to evaluate the occurrence of infusion‐related allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, to idursulfase in patients withMPS IIreceivingERTand to elucidate its possible mechanism.MethodsA total of 34 patients withMPS IIwere enrolled to receiveERTwith Elaprase®at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg intravenously once a week. Information regarding the symptoms, frequency, and timing of anaphylaxis during treatment was analyzed. Presence of anti‐idursulfaseIgEantibody was assessed by skin prick test (SPT) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blotting was performed to confirm the reaction between idursulfase and specificIgE.ResultsThree patients (8.8%) showed anaphylaxis by infusion of idursulfase. No deaths occurred during the study. Anti‐idursulfaseIgEantibody was detected bySPTandELISA. Immunoblotting with patients’ sera and Elaprase®showed a single band of specificIgEbinding to the protein around 70 kD, and idursulfase did not display amino acid sequence homology to known allergens. SPT with idursulfase demonstrated positive results in all patients with anaphylaxis. However, we failed to reveal any risk factors for the development of infusion‐related immediate‐type allergic reactions.ConclusionsAnaphylaxis related to infusion of idursulfase is mediated by anti‐idursulfaseIgEantibody, which might be produced by de novo synthesis. SPT is useful in predicting the occurrence of anti‐idursulfaseIgE‐mediated anaphylaxis during infusion.