bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding the lean voice of the customer
Authors: Found Pauline , Harrison Richard 
Published: October 2012

PurposeUnderstanding customer value is described as the first Lean principle but there is scant literature on how customer value is defined. The purpose of this paper is to present a model for understanding the product and service elements that a customer values and expects from the supply relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe research approach taken in this work has been based around model development from a review of the existing literature and synthesis of a range of industry cases. The industry cases have been studied using a range of research approaches, including direct observation, semi‐structured interviews and action‐based research.FindingsThe key to sustaining a customer‐supplier relationship is managing customer expectations so that the product, or service, that is being supplied at least meets, or exceeds, their basic requirements. The problem is that if it is not fully understand what the customer values and expects, then we cannot hope to satisfy them adequately.Practical implicationsA framework for understanding the voice of the customer (VoC) has practical implications for industry striving to compete in the current economic climate. In addition, the paper has implications for academics trying to understand sustainability of lean supply chain programs and delivering research‐led teaching in logistics and operations management.Originality/valueThe originality and value of this paper is in its synthesis of existing best practice from industry, consultancy and academia into a coherent framework for understanding the VoC in a Lean Six Sigma implementation.
Casino capitalism and social polarization in Macao
Authors: Tong Ip Wing 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to utilize the theory of global city, as advanced by Saskia Sassen and other scholars, to explore the relationships between global capital and social polarization in the newly‐established Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR).Design/methodology/approachThis paper will give a picture of economic growth and its impacts to budgetary surplus, as well as the labour market in MSAR, by extracting statistical data from the Macao’s Yearbook of Statistics 2010 published by the government.FindingsThis paper demonstrates the powerful explanation of the global city theory in examining: the causes and consequences of the global casino capital in remodelling the MSAR’s economy and society; and the positive response of the MSAR government in dealing with the emerging problems under the patronage of the Central Government in Beijing.Practical implicationsTo extend the application of the Global City Theory to the MSAR, that was created upon retrocession of sovereignty to The People’s Republic of China in 1999, the MSAR government has adopted the liberalization policy of gaming and thus allowed global casino capital to channel into the city‐state since 2002.Originality/valueThe paper will help readers to understand the social conflicts and governance problems in the MSAR, as caused by the global casino capital.
Hong Kong and the knowledge‐based economy: developments and prospects
Authors: Lung Ka‐Lun Alan 
Published: October 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine Hong Kong's future economic diversification prospects to become a high value‐added knowledge‐based economy.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a view of the knowledge‐based economic development of Hong Kong and its potential future prospects since its re‐unification with China. It is important to have a good understanding of the past before trying to predict the future.FindingsThe key message is that Hong Kong now needs a “horizontal” support structure, a good understanding of how things work in a globalized knowledge economy, continuation of the “free market” structure and a lightweight facilitation system that supports all high‐value added economic activities in Hong Kong.Originality/valueThe papers provides an original viewpoint on the potential for Hong Kong's knowledge‐based economic development, in line with the rise of China as a global economic power.
Transcriptional regulatory network for psoriasis
Authors: Lu Xiaonian , Du Juan , Liang Jun , Zhu Xiaohua , Yang Yongsheng , Xu Jinhua 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPsoriasis is a common, chronic, intractable skin disease that affects approximately 2% of the world's population. Transcriptional regulation is one of the most fundamental processes in psoriasis. However, high‐throughput functional analysis of multiple transcription factors and their target genes in psoriasis is still rare. Thus, the objective of our study was to interpret the mechanisms of psoriasis through the regulation network construction using the GSE14905 microarray data. The results showed E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1), jun proto‐oncogene (JUN), nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B‐cells 1 (NF‐κB1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), STAT3 and SP3 were hinge points in our transcriptome network. Importantly, JUN may regulate activating transcription factor 3 expression to involve cell proliferation process; STAT1 and STAT3 can inhibit tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐3 expression to modulate the cell adhesion molecule pathway; NF‐κB and E2F1 can downregulate cyclin D1, but upregulate proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression to promote the cell cycle pathway. In addition, the regulation network between transcription factors and pathways revealed that NF‐κB1 could promote the Toll‐like receptor signaling pathway and that SP3 may inhibit the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway in psoriasis. This transcriptional regulation analysis may provide a better understanding of molecular mechanism and some potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of human psoriasis.
Serum levels of interleukin‐1α in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Maekawa Takeo , Jinnin Masatoshi , Ohtsuki Mamitaro , Ihn Hironobu 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune systemic connective tissue disorder characterized by sclerotic change of the skin and multiple internal organs. Although the pathogenesis of this disorder is still unknown, overproduction of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagens and fibronectin, and aberrant immune activation may be involved in the mechanism. Interleukin (IL)‐1 is one of the key regulators of inflammatory response. IL‐1 is also involved in regulating connective tissue remodeling and cellular differentiation of epithelial and ectodermal cells. There are three major members of the IL‐1 family: IL‐1α, IL‐1β and IL‐1 receptor antagonist. IL‐1α was first described as a factor derived from keratinocytes that stimulates thymocyte proliferation. IL‐1α plays a crucial role in procollagen production by fibroblasts derived from patients with SSc. The present study was undertaken to investigate the serum levels of IL‐1α in patients with SSc. Serum samples were obtained from 66 Japanese patients with SSc and 19 healthy controls. Levels of serum IL‐1α were measured with a specific enzyme‐linked immunoassay kit. Mean serum levels were significantly higher in SSc patients than in those healthy control subjects. Moreover, contracture of phalanges was found at a significantly lower prevalence in SSc patients with elevated serum IL‐1α levels than those with normal levels. These results suggest that IL‐1α may play a role in the pathogenesis of SSc.
Bacterial and archaeal diversities in Yunnan and Tibetan hot springs, China
Authors: Song Zhao‐Qi , Wang Feng‐Ping , Zhi Xiao‐Yang , Chen Jin‐Quan , Zhou En‐Min , Liang Feng , Xiao Xiang , Tang Shu‐Kun , Jiang Hong‐Chen , Zhang Chuanlun L. , Dong Hailiang , Li Wen‐Jun 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThousands of hot springs are located in the north‐eastern part of the Yunnan–Tibet geothermal zone, which is one of the most active geothermal areas in the world. However, a comprehensive and detailed understanding of microbial diversity in these hot springs is still lacking. In this study, bacterial and archaeal diversities were investigated in 16 hot springs (pH 3.2–8.6; temperature 47–96°C) in Yunnan Province and Tibet, China by using a barcoded 16S rRNA gene‐pyrosequencing approach. Aquificae, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Deinococcus‐Thermus and Bacteroidetes comprised the large portion of the bacterial communities in acidic hot springs. Non‐acidic hot springs harboured more and variable bacterial phyla than acidic springs. Desulfurococcales and unclassified Crenarchaeota were the dominated groups in archaeal populations from most of the non‐acidic hot springs; whereas, the archaeal community structure in acidic hot springs was simpler and characterized by Sulfolobales and Thermoplasmata. The phylogenetic analyses showed that Aquificae and Crenarchaeota were predominant in the investigated springs and possessed many phylogenetic lineages that have never been detected in other hot springs in the world. Thus findings from this study significantly improve our understanding of microbial diversity in terrestrial hot springs.
Problematic computer game use among adolescents, younger and older adults
Authors: Festl Ruth , Scharkow Michael , Quandt Thorsten 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimsPlaying digital games has been associated with forms of addictive behavior. Past research on the subject has often been criticized on theoretical and empirical grounds, due mainly to measurement or sampling issues. The present study aims to overcome these two limitations, and presents data from a representative study in Germany using an already established instrument for measuring problematic game use.DesignLarge‐scale, representative study using a computer‐assisted telephone survey.SettingGermany.ParticipantsA total of 580 adolescents between 14 and 18 years of age, 1866 younger adults between 19–39 years and 1936 older adults aged 40 years and older (overall n = 4382).MeasurementsProblematic game use was measured with the Gaming Addiction Short Scale (GAS), which covers seven criteria including salience, withdrawal and conflicts. Additionally, differential aspects of personality, as well as gaming behaviour, were measured.FindingsOnly seven respondents [0.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.1, 0.3] met all criteria of the GAS Scale. In contrast, 3.7% (95% CI: 3.1, 4.3) of the respondents can be considered problematic users, meeting at least half these conditions. The percentage of problematic gamers among adolescents is above average (7.6%, 95% CI: 5.6, 10.1). High GAS scores are associated with aggression, low sociability and self‐efficacy and lower satisfaction with life. Additionally, these scores correspond with intensive use and preferences for certain gaming genres across all age groups.ConclusionsFollowing Gaming Addiction Short Scale criteria, gaming addiction is currently not a widespread phenomenon among adolescents and adults in Germany. Gaming Addiction Short Scale scores are associated with intensive use, as well as certain problematic aspects of individuals' personalities and social lives.
Patients' perspectives on dental implant and bone graft surgery: questionnaire‐based interview survey
Authors: Hof Markus , Tepper Gabor , Semo Besnik , Arnhart Christoph , Watzek Georg , Pommer Bernhard 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPurposeTo assess up‐to‐date expectations and preferences of patients seeking dental implants.Material and methodsOne hundred and fifty consecutive patients (66 male and 84 female interviewees) were asked to rank their concerns regarding implant therapy and answer a questionnaire on implant and bone graft surgery, cost and time considerations and second‐opinion behaviour.ResultsTreatment predictability and avoidance of removable dentures were ranked high priority (compared with time and cost efficiency or avoidance of bone grafts). Patients' estimation of the 10‐year implant success rate was 84%, and 59% of patients expected implants to last for a lifetime. Total treatment time was estimated to be 4 months on average, and only 12% would tolerate increased risk of implant failure for the sake of shortening treatment duration. 61% of interviewees accepted autologous bone grafts (the majority favouring the retromolar area), while only 23% were willing to undergo bone harvesting from the hip. 43% opted for bone substitute material to avoid donor site morbidity. 67% would accept the additional costs associated with computed tomography, software‐based treatment planning and guided implant placement to avoid bone graft surgery. Motivation for second‐opinion seeking was high (46–62%), especially in young and male patients.ConclusionPatient expectations on implant success and predictability are high compared with their reluctance towards treatment costs and duration. Acceptance of treatment morbidity is high among patients reporting low denture satisfaction; however, minimally invasive treatment alternatives are generally preferred.
Frequency and risk factors of non‐retinopathy ocular conditions in people with diabetes: the Singapore Malay Eye Study
Authors: Chiang P. P.‐C. , Lamoureux E. L. , Zheng Y. , Tay W. T. , Mitchell P. , Wang J. J. , Wong T. Y. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimTo investigate the frequency and risk factors of non‐retinopathy ocular conditions in persons with diabetes.MethodsA population‐based cross‐sectional study of 3176 Malay persons aged between 40 and 79 years in Singapore was conducted. Cataract, glaucoma, refractive errors, age‐related macular degeneration, dry eye, epiretinal membrane, ocular hypertension and retinal conditions were assessed based on standardized interviews, clinical examinations and laboratory investigations.ResultsA total of 768 participants (24.2%) had diabetes. People with diabetes were more likely to have cortical cataract (52.1 vs. 37.3%, P < 0.001), ocular hypertension (10.9 vs. 7.4%, P = 0.002) and epiretinal membrane (17.2 vs. 10.1%, P < 0.001) compared with those without diabetes. The odds of having cortical cataract (odds ratio 1.63, 95% CI 1.20–2.20) and epiretinal membrane (among those with previous cataract surgery: odds ratio 1.63, 95% CI 1.20–2.20) were significantly higher in people with diabetes compared with those without. The population attributable risks for cortical cataract and epiretinal membrane because of diabetes were 8.7 and 9.0%, respectively. In persons with diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol were the major risk factors associated with non‐retinopathy eye complications such as ocular hypertension (odds ratio 1.18, 95% CI 1.04–1.33) and retinal emboli (odds ratio 1.99, 95% CI 1.05–3.80).ConclusionOur results allow clinicians to better inform patients with diabetes that they are more likely to have cortical cataract and epiretinal membranes (those with previous cataract surgery) in addition to diabetic retinopathy. Two modifiable risk factors—blood pressure and cholesterol associated with ocular hypertension and retinal emboli, respectively—are also risk factors for non‐retinopathy ocular conditions in persons with diabetes.
Diversity in Mediterranean farm ponds: trade‐offs and synergies between irrigation modernisation and biodiversity conservation
Authors: FUENTES‐RODRÍGUEZ FRANCISCA , JUAN MELCHOR , GALLEGO IRENE , LUSI MIRIAN , FENOY ENCARNACIÓN , LEÓN DAVID , PEÑALVER PATRICIO , TOJA JULIA , CASAS J. JESÚS 
Published: October 2012

Summary1. Agricultural intensification has caused dramatic biodiversity loss in many agricultural landscapes over the last century. Here, we investigated whether new types of farm ponds (made of artificial substrata) in intensive systems and natural‐substratum ponds in traditional farming systems differ in their value for aquatic biodiversity conservation.2. We analysed the main patterns of environmental variation, compared α‐, β‐ and γ‐diversity of macroinvertebrates between ponds types and evaluated the role of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV). Generalised additive models (GAM) were used to analyse the relationships of α‐ and β‐diversity with environmental predictors, and variation partitioning to separate the effect of environmental and spatial characteristics on the variation in macroinvertebrate assemblages. Moran’s eigenvector maps (MEMs) were used to define spatial variables.3. A principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) detected a primary environmental gradient that separated nutrient‐rich ponds from those dominated by SAV; a secondary morphometric gradient distinguished natural‐substratum ponds, with large surface area and structural complexity, from artificial‐substratum ponds with steeper slopes. Natural‐substratum ponds had almost twice the α‐ and γ‐diversity of artificial‐substratum ponds, and diversity significantly increased when SAV was present, particularly in artificial‐substratum ponds. Total phosphorus (TP) strongly contributed to explain the patterns in diversity, while SAV was a significant predictor of assemblage composition and diversity. GAMs revealed optima of both α‐diversity at intermediate SAV covers and β‐diversity at intermediate–high TP concentrations.4. These findings have important implications for conservation planning. Adaptation of artificial‐substratum ponds by adding natural substratum and smoothing the gradient of pond margins would improve their conservation value. Development of SAV with occasional harvests and certain cautionary measures to control nutrient levels may also improve both the agronomical and environmental function of ponds.
Comparative analyses of the two proliferating cell nuclear antigens from the hyperthermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus kodakarensis
Authors: Kuba Yumani , Ishino Sonoko , Yamagami Takeshi , Tokuhara Masahiro , Kanai Tamotsu , Fujikane Ryosuke , Daiyasu Hiromi , Atomi Haruyuki , Ishino Yoshizumi 
Published: October 2012

The DNA sliding clamp is a multifunctional protein involved in cellular DNA transactions. In Archaea and Eukaryota, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is the sliding clamp. The ring‐shaped PCNA encircles double‐stranded DNA within its central hole and tethers other proteins on DNA. The majority of Crenarchaeota, a subdomain of Archaea, have multiple PCNA homologues, and they are capable of forming heterotrimeric rings for their functions. In contrast, most organisms in Euryarchaeota, the other major subdomain, have a single PCNA forming a homotrimeric ring structure. Among the Euryarchaeota whose genome is sequenced, Thermococcus kodakarensis is the only species with two genes encoding PCNA homologues on its genome. We cloned the two genes from the T. kodakarensis genome, and the gene products, PCNA1 and PCNA2, were characterized. PCNA1 stimulated the DNA synthesis reactions of the two DNA polymerases, PolB and PolD, from T. kodakarensis in vitro. PCNA2, however, only had an effect on PolB. We were able to disrupt the gene for PCNA2, whereas gene disruption for PCNA1 was not possible, suggesting that PCNA1 is essential for DNA replication. The sensitivities of the Δpcna2 mutant strain to ultraviolet irradiation (UV), methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and mitomycin C (MMC) were indistinguishable from those of the wild‐type strain.
Effects of thrombopoietin on growth of hepatocellular carcinoma: Is thrombopoietin therapy for liver disease safe or not?
Authors: Nozaki Reiji , Murata Soichiro , Nowatari Takeshi , Maruyama Takehito , Ikeda Naoya , Kawasaki Takuya , Fukunaga Kiyoshi , Ohkohchi Nobuhiro 
Published: October 2012

AimLiver cirrhosis (LC) is the end stage of chronic liver disease. No definitive pharmacological treatment is currently available. We previously reported that thrombopoietin (TPO) promoted liver regeneration and improved liver cirrhosis by increasing platelet count. TPO is therefore considered to be a therapeutic agent for LC; however, it is unclear whether TPO has proliferative effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which arises frequently in cirrhotic livers. In this study, we examined the effects of TPO on growth of HCC.MethodsExpression of the TPO receptor, myeloproliferative leukemia virus oncogene (MPL) was examined in various liver tumor cell lines and liver cell types. In an in vitro study, the effects of TPO on signal transduction, cell proliferation, migration and invasion were examined in Huh7 cells, in which MPL is highly expressed. In an in vivo study, we subcutaneously transplanted Huh7 cells into nude mice that were divided into a TPO‐treated group and a control group, and the tumor volume of each group was measured.ResultsMPL was expressed strongly in hepatocytes but not in other cell types. Among liver tumor cell lines, Huh7 showed the highest expression of MPL. In Huh7, the addition of TPO activated Akt phosphorylation but not cell proliferation, migration or invasion. In the mouse experiment, there was no significant difference in tumor volume between the two groups.ConclusionTPO had no proliferative effect on HCC in vitro or in vivo, and could therefore be useful in the treatment of liver cirrhosis.
Building an online community to promote communication and collaborative learning between health professionals and young people who self‐harm: an exploratory study
Authors: Owens Christabel , Sharkey Siobhan , Smithson Janet , Hewis Elaine , Emmens Tobit , Ford Tamsin , Jones Ray 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundOnline communities are known to break down barriers between supposed experts and non‐experts and to promote collaborative learning and ‘radical trust’ among members. Young people who self‐harm report difficulties in communicating with health professionals, and vice versa.AimWe sought to bring these two groups together online to see how well they could communicate with each other about self‐harm and its management, and whether they could agree on what constituted safe and relevant advice.MethodsWe allocated 77 young people aged 16–25 with experience of self‐harm and 18 recently/nearly qualified professionals in relevant health‐care disciplines to three separate Internet discussion forums. The forums contained different proportions of professionals to young people (none; 25%; 50% respectively) to allow us to observe the effect of the professionals on online interaction.ResultsThe young people were keen to share their lived experience of self‐harm and its management with health professionals. They engaged in lively discussion and supported one another during emotional crises. Despite registering to take part, health professionals did not actively participate in the forums. Reported barriers included lack of confidence and concerns relating to workload, private–professional boundaries, role clarity, duty of care and accountability. In their absence, the young people built a vibrant lay community, supported by site moderators.ConclusionsHealth professionals may not yet be ready to engage with young people who self‐harm and to exchange knowledge and experience in an anonymous online setting. Further work is needed to understand and overcome their insecurities.