bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managing and improving service quality in higher education
Authors: Sharabi Moshe 
Published: August 2013

PurposeIn today's environment, higher education (HE) institutions need to become more efficient and participate in a competitive global market where client expectations are continually rising. In this new reality, quality is critical for success. While the economic benefits of quality have been long established, many HE institutions still ignore them at their own risk. This is especially true for service quality and this paper will focus on HE service quality management and improvement. This paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachThe paper implements Schneider and Bowen's model of the three tiers of service organizations and service quality management and improvement methods, on HE institutions.FindingsAn analysis of the service process within HE institutions reveals that the quality of service given to the customer tier (the students) by the boundary tier (all the employees who have contact with the students) is greatly dependent on the coordination tier (top HE management and its various departments). In this service chain, there are several problems and pitfalls that prevent the enhancement of service quality.Practical implicationsIn light of the three tiers of service model, the paper discusses practical implications and focuses on recommendations how to manage and improve service quality in HE.Originality/valueThe paper presents a comprehensive approach for managing and improving the service quality chain while addressing the integration between the coordination, boundary and customer tiers, with an emphasis on meeting students' needs and expectations.
Parsing religiosity, guilt and materialism on consumer ethics
Authors: Bakar Abou , Lee Richard , Hazarina Hashim Noor 
Published: August 2013

Purpose
– This study examines the differential influence of religiosity, materialism and guilt on consumer ethical judgment. It further investigates how the influence may differ across two religiosity dimensions (intrinsic and extrinsic) and two types of unethical behaviour (active and passive).

Design/methodology/approach
– A quasi-experimental approach assigned Pakistani university students randomly to two groups. One group (n=144) answered a survey regarding an active unethical behaviour (changing price tag), while the other (n=123) answered a similar survey but regarding a passive unethical behaviour (given and pocketing surplus change). This paper used projective technique to help reduce respondents' sensitiveness to the two scenarios. The data was methodologically analysed and fitted using structural equation modelling.

Findings
– Religiosity does not influence ethical judgment directly, but is mediated by guilt. As expected, materialism negatively determines ethical judgment, and the influence is stronger with active than with passive unethical behaviour. Materialism influences ethical judgment more (less) than guilt does when unethical behaviour is active (passive). Religiosity stems more from intrinsic than extrinsic dimension regardless of the unethical-behaviour type.

Research limitation/implications
– Overall, this study highlights that the effects of religiosity on consumer ethics is not straightforward in that the relationship cannot be fully understood without accounting for the role of guilt and materialism, as well as the types of religiosity and ethical behaviour. Significant academic and managerial implications are presented.

Originality/value
– This is an initial study on consumer ethics to consider the differential influence of religiosity, materialism and guilt across different religiosity dimensions and unethical behaviour. The context of a Muslim market is also under-researched compared to Western markets.
Biological Flora of the British Isles: Pulmonaria officinalis
Authors: Meeus Sofie , Brys Rein , Honnay Olivier , Jacquemyn Hans 
Published: August 2013

Summary

This account presents information on all aspects of the biology of Pulmonaria officinalis L. (Common Lungwort) that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the framework of the Biological Flora of the British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characteristics, herbivores and disease, history and conservation.

Pulmonaria officinalis is a distylous, perennial rosette hemicryptophyte that is naturalized in Britain. It occurs predominantly in the understory of broadleaved, mixed, open woods rich in hornbeam, beech and oak, but is has also been recorded from hedges, banks alongside streams, (sunken) roadsides, built‐up areas, gardens, rubbish tips, yew woodland and, less frequently, coniferous woodland. Its native range stretches from southern Sweden, in the north, to northern Italy, in the south, and from western Germany to Poland and Lithuania. It is most common in central Europe.

Pulmonaria officinalis reproduces both by sexual and vegetative means. The underground parts consist of a slowly creeping rhizome with adventitious roots. Despite the presence of an elaiosome that is attractive to ants that likely facilitates seed dispersal, populations often show a significant fine‐scale spatial genetic structure and small neighbourhood sizes.

The leaves and flowering stalks are covered in hairs of varied length and stiffness, and stems and inflorescences are sparsely covered with glandular hairs. Flowers of P. officinalis are heterostylous, with distinct pin and thrum morphs. The corolla varies from purple, violet or blue to shades of pink and red, or sometimes white. The flowers are mainly pollinated by solitary bees and bumblebees.

Pulmonaria officinalis has significantly expanded its distribution in the British Isles since the 18th century, especially in southern England. P. officinalis is currently not regarded as threatened in Europe. Nonetheless, small, isolated populations of the species often show reduced reproductive success and lower genetic diversity, potentially affecting their long‐term survival. Preservation of local habitat conditions by regular opening of the forest canopy and restoration of gene flow among populations are required to maintain viable populations of P. officinalis in the long term.
Austral Thysanoptera: 100 years of progress
Authors: Mound Laurence A 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAn overview of the present state of knowledge of the insect order Thysanoptera in the four southern continents is provided. Knowledge of thrips biology and host associations has increased considerably in Australia, but not in the other three areas. The rich fauna of South America, particularly the southern areas, remains poorly explored, and faunal relationships across the Austral regions are not well documented.
Targeting the ABCG2‐overexpressing multidrug resistant (MDR) cancer cells by PPARγ agonists
Authors: To Kenneth K W , Tomlinson Brian 
Published: August 2013

Background and PurposeMultidrug resistance (MDR), usually mediated by overexpression of efflux transporters such as P‐gp, ABCG2 and/or MRP1, remains a major obstacle hindering successful cancer chemotherapy. There has been great interest in the development of inhibitors towards these transporters to circumvent resistance. However, since the inhibition of transporter is not specific to cancer cells, a decrease in the cytotoxic drug dosing may be needed to prevent excess toxicity, thus undermining the potential benefit brought about by a drug efflux inhibitor. The design of potent MDR modulators specific towards resistant cancer cells and devoid of drug‐drug interactions will be needed to effect MDR reversal.Experimental ApproachRecent evidence suggests that the PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathway may be exploited to alter ABCG2 subcellular localization, thereby circumventing MDR. Three PPARγ agonists (telmisartan, pioglitazone and rosiglitazone) that have been used in the clinics were tested for their effect on the PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathway and possible reversal of ABCG2‐mediated drug resistance.Key ResultsThe PPARγ agonists were found to be weak ABCG2 inhibitors by drug efflux assay. They were also shown to elevate the reduced PTEN expression in a resistant and ABCG2‐overexpressing cell model, which inhibit the PI3K‐Akt pathway and lead to the relocalization of ABCG2 from the plasma membrane to the cytoplasma, thus apparently circumventing the ABCG2‐mediated MDR.Conclusions and ImplicationsSince this PPARγ/PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathway regulating ABCG2 is only functional in drug‐resistant cancer cells with PTEN loss, the PPARγ agonists identified may represent promising agents targeting resistant cells for MDR reversal.
Phase II feasibility study of preoperative chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hara Hiroki , Tahara Makoto , Daiko Hiroyuki , Kato Ken , Igaki Hiroyasu , Kadowaki Shigenori , Tanaka Yoichi , Hamamoto Yasuo , Matsushita Hisayuki , Nagase Michitaka , Hosoya Yoshinori 
Published: August 2013

The combination of docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5‐fluorouracil (DCF) as preoperative treatment for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has not been investigated. We carried out a multicenter phase II feasibility study of preoperative chemotherapy with DCF for ESCC. Patients with clinical stage II/III ESCC (International Union Against Cancer TNM classification system, 6th edition) were eligible. Chemotherapy consisted of i.v. docetaxel (70–75 mg/m2) and cisplatin (70–75 mg/m2) on day 1, and continuous infusion of fluorouracil (750 mg/m2/day) on days 1–5. Antibiotic prophylaxis on days 5–15 was mandatory. This regimen was repeated every 3 weeks with a maximum of three cycles allowed. After completion of chemotherapy, esophagectomy with extended lymphadenectomy was carried out. The primary endpoint was the completion rate of protocol treatment. Forty‐two eligible patients were enrolled. During chemotherapy, the most common grade 3 or 4 toxicities were neutropenia (83%), anorexia (7%), and stomatitis (5%). Forty‐one (98%) patients underwent surgery. The completion rate of protocol treatment was 90.5% (38/42). No treatment‐related death was observed and the incidence of operative morbidity was tolerable. According to RECIST, the overall response rate after the completion of DCF was 64.3%. Pathological complete response was achieved in 17%. The estimated 2‐year progression‐free survival and overall survival were 74.5% and 88.0%, respectively. Although these data are preliminary, preoperative DCF was well tolerated. Antitumor activity was highly promising and warrants further investigation. This trial was registered with University Hospital Medical Information Network (no. UMIN000002396).
Inguinal hernia containing a kidney with a duplicated system: An exceptionally rare case
Authors: Farrell Michael Ryan , Coogan Christopher , Hibbeln John , Millikan Keith , Benson Jonas 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAn inguinal hernia is a commonly encountered surgical case, with multiple unusual contents being reported. We present an exceptionally rare case of an inguinal hernia. Computed tomography imaging of the 62‐year‐old male patient showed a large left inguinal hernia extending into the left scrotum that contained a duplicated left kidney. There was an associated large left hydrocele and incidental non‐obstructive nephrolithiasis. Left nephropexy, left orchiectomy, and repair of the incarcerated left inguinal hernia with mesh placement via a preperitoneal (retroperitoneal) approach were performed. The patient was discharged to home on post‐operative day 5 and the post‐operative course was uneventful. We discuss a possible mechanism for this rare event.
Unexpected Imidazoquinoxalinone Annulation Products in the Photoinitiated Reaction of Substituted‐3‐Methyl‐Quinoxalin‐2‐Ones with N‐Phenylglycine
Authors: De la Fuente Julio R. , Cañete Álvaro , Jullian Carolina , Saitz Claudio , Aliaga Christian 
Published: August 2013

AbstractPhotoinduced electron transfer between N‐phenylglycine (NPG) and electronically excited triplets of 7‐substituted‐3‐methyl‐quinoxalin‐2‐ones in acetonitrile generate the respective ion radical pair, where by decarboxylation the phenyl‐amino‐alkyl radical, PhNHCH2•, is generated. This radical reacts with the 3‐methyl‐quinoxalin‐2‐ones ground states, leading to the product 2. Other, unexpected, 7‐substituted‐1,2,3,3a‐tetrahydro‐3a‐methyl‐2‐phenylimidazo[1,5‐a]quinoxalin‐4(5H)‐ones, annulation products, 3a–f, were generated; likely by the addition of two PhNHCH2• radicals, to positions 3 and 4 of the quinoxalin‐2‐ones. The reaction mechanism includes a photoinduced one electron transfer initiation step, propagation steps involving radical intermediates and NPG with radical chain termination steps that lead to the respective products 2a–f and 3a–f and NPG by‐products. The proposed mechanism accounts for the strong dependency found for the initial photoconsumption quantum yields on the electron‐withdrawing power of the substituent. Therefore, photolysis of common reactants widely used such as NPG and substituted quinoxalin‐2‐ones may provide a simple synthetic way to the unusual, unreported tetrahydro‐imidazoquinoxalinones 3a–f.
Simultaneous measurement of thrombin and plasmin generation to assess the interplay between coagulation and fibrinolysis
Authors: Matsumoto Tomoko , Shima Midori , Nogami Keiji 
Published: August 2013

summaryNormal haemostasis is maintained by a controlled balance between coagulation and fibrinolysis, involving thrombin and plasmin the respective key enzymes. Simultaneous evaluation of both enzymes facilitates, therefore, an overall understanding of normal and pathological haemostasis. Combined thrombin and plasmin generation (T/P-G) assays have been recently described, and we have adapted the technique to investigate the interplay between coagulation and fibrinolysis in patients with various haemostatic disorders. Our modified T/P-G was initiated by the addition of a mixture of optimised lower concentrations of tissue factor and tissue-type plasminogen activator. Thrombin generation (TG) and plasmin generation (PG) were monitored simultaneously using individual fluorescent substrates in separate microtitre wells. The relationship between coagulation and fibrinolysis was demonstrated by analysing the effects of thrombin inhibitors, activated protein C and thrombomodulin. The most evident impairments in TG were observed with plasma samples deficient of coagulation factors participating in the prothrombinase complex. Defects in PG were observed with deficiencies of factor (F)V, FX, fibrinogen, and plasminogen. TG appeared to be a prerequisite for the initiation of PG, and overall PG was governed by fibrinogen concentration. TG in patients with haemophilia A correlated with levels of FVIII activity, but there was no significant relationship between PG and FVIII:C, confirming that the abnormal haemostasis in haemophilia A results in a severe imbalance between coagulation and fibrinolysis. The findings demonstrate that global haemostasis depends on a sensitive balance between coagulation and fibrinolysis, and that the modified T/P-G assay could provide an enhanced understanding of haemorrhage and thrombosis in clinical practice.
Neuropsychological Effects of MRI-Detected Brain Lesions After Left Atrial Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Herm Juliane , Fiebach Jochen B. , Koch Lydia , Kopp Ute A. , Kunze Claudia , Wollboldt Christian , Brunecker Peter , Schultheiss Heinz-Peter , Schirdewan Alexander , Endres Matthias , Haeusler Karl Georg 
Published: August 2013

Background—
MRI-detected brain lesions are common after left atrial catheter ablation for symptomatic atrial fibrillation. The clinical relevance of these acute ischemic lesions is not fully understood, but ablation-related cerebral injury could contribute to cognitive dysfunction.

Methods and Results—

In the prospective Mesh Ablator versus Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Ablation of Symptomatic Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (MACPAF) study, serial 3-T brain MRIs and neuropsychological assessment were performed to analyze the rate of ablation-related brain lesions and their effect on cognitive function. Thirty-seven patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (median age, 63.0 [interquartile range, 57–68] years; 41% female; median CHA
2
DS
2
VASc score 2 [interquartile range, 1–3]) underwent 41 ablation procedures according to study criteria. None of these patients had overt neurological deficits after ablation. High-resolution diffusion-weighted imaging, performed within 48 hours after ablation, showed that new brain lesions (range, 1–17) were present in 16 (43.2%) patients after 18 (43.9%) left atrial catheter ablation procedures. Follow-up MRI at 6 months (median, 6.5; interquartile range, 6–7) revealed that 7 (12.5%) of the 56 total acute brain lesions after ablation formed a persistent glial scar in 5 (31.3%) patients. Large diffusion-weighted imaging lesions and a corresponding fluid-attenuated inversion recovery lesion 48 hours after ablation predicted lesion persistence on 6-month follow-up. Neither persistent brain lesions nor the ablation procedure itself had a significant effect on attention or executive functions, short-term memory, or verbal and nonverbal learning after 6 months.

Conclusions—
Ablation-related acute ischemic brain lesions persist to some extent but do not cause cognitive impairment 6 months after the ablation procedure.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01061931.
Deficient eNOS Phosphorylation Is a Mechanism for Diabetic Vascular Dysfunction Contributing to Increased Stroke Size
Authors: Li Qian , Atochin Dmitriy , Kashiwagi Satoshi , Earle John , Wang Annie , Mandeville Emiri , Hayakawa Kazuhide , d’Uscio Livius V. , Lo Eng H. , Katusic Zvonimir , Sessa William , Huang Paul L. 
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose—
Phosphorylation of eNOS, an important post-translational modulator of its enzymatic activity, is reduced in diabetes mellitus. We hypothesized that modulation of eNOS phosphorylation could overcome diabetic vascular dysfunction and improves the outcome to stroke.

Methods—
We used the db/db mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We mated db/db mice with eNOS knock-in mice that carry single amino acid mutations at the S1176 phosphorylation site; the phosphomimetic SD mutation (serine replaced by aspartate) shows increased eNOS enzymatic activity, whereas the unphosphorylatable SA mutation (serine replaced by alanine) shows decreased eNOS activity. We characterized the vascular anatomy, baseline physiological parameters, and vascular reactivity. We used the middle cerebral artery occlusion model of stroke and measured infarct volume and neurological deficits.

Results—
db/db mice showed diminished eNOS phosphorylation at S1176. eNOS SD and SA mutations do not change the vascular anatomy at the Circle of Willis, brain capillary density, heart rate, or arterial blood gases of db/db mice. The eNOS SD mutation, but not the SA mutation, lowers blood pressure and improves vascular reactivity to acetylcholine in db/db mice. The eNOS SD mutation reduces stroke size and neurological deficit after middle cerebral artery occlusion.

Conclusions—
Diminished eNOS phosphorylation is a mechanism of vascular dysfunction in db/db mice. We show here that modulation of the eNOS S1176 phosphorylation site in db/db mice is associated with improved vascular reactivity and improved outcome to stroke after middle cerebral artery occlusion.
English Law in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Rogowska Anna 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
This article argues that it is important for Saudi law graduates to be familiar with certain aspects of English law (alongside Shariʿah and Saudi laws). Accordingly, it firstly discusses the importance of English law in international business practice and then briefly presents its current use in Saudi Arabia, and the Middle East in general. This study is mainly based on teaching and studying English law at Dar al-Hekma, a private college for women in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It examines how Dar al-Hekma students in particular can benefit in their future practice from studying English law.
Sporting Mega-Events and South-to-South Security Exchanges: A Comparative Study of South Africa and Brazil
Authors: McMichael Christopher 
Published: August 2013

Summary
The FIFA World Cup and the Summer Olympics are the most prestigious major sporting events in the world, and host governments implement security measures to match this stature. While global concerns about terrorism have led to a dramatic upsurge in the extent of security measures, the perceived threat of urban crime is becoming an increasingly prominent cause for apprehension. This has been of particular importance to South Africa’s recent 2010 World Cup and for the unprecedented sequential hosting of both the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. In both contexts, security has been used as a statement of intent: the respective states have instrumentalized mega-events as an international platform to signal their ability to secure urban environments. This article will focus on a comparative study of areas in which the respective security preparations for the World Cup in Brazil have overlapped with the measures deployed in South Africa. Using examples of how Brazilian authorities have sought advice from their South Africa counterparts, it will suggest that both countries have adopted comparable risk aversion strategies.
South Africa’s Engagement in Sports Diplomacy: The Successful Hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup
Authors: e Castro Andreia Soares 
Published: August 2013

Summary
This article begins by recognizing the importance of sport in South African history, before turning to South Africa’s vision and strategy, as articulated around and beyond the successful hosting of mega-events, particularly the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first World Cup to be held on the African continent. The article suggests that mega-events are an important stage and priority of a broader and longer-term strategy of enhancing South Africa’s soft power, prestige and visibility. In this context, sport and mega-events are important foreign policy tools and have greatly benefited South Africa, the African continent and the international relations system. Using South Africa as a case study, this article explores the concept of sports diplomacy — that is, the use of sports as an instrument for furthering foreign policy goals, causes or interests — and argues that it is a significant and a rising source of soft power.
Web Apollo: a web-based genomic annotation editing platform
Authors: Lee Eduardo , Helt Gregg A , Reese Justin T , Munoz-Torres Monica C , Childers Chris P , Buels Robert M , Stein Lincoln , Holmes Ian H , Elsik Christine G , Lewis Suzanna E 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWeb Apollo is the first instantaneous, collaborative genomic annotation editor available on the web. One of the natural consequences following from current advances in sequencing technology is that there are more and more researchers sequencing new genomes. These researchers require tools to describe the functional features of their newly sequenced genomes. With Web Apollo researchers can use any of the common browsers (for example, Chrome or Firefox) to jointly analyze and precisely describe the features of a genome in real time, whether they are in the same room or working from opposite sides of the world.