bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The best‐practice supplier diversity program at Caterpillar
Authors: Min Hokey 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to profile the successful implementation of a corporate‐wide supplier diversity program utilized by Caterpillar, Inc., one of the Fortune 500 companies. Caterpillar's supplier diversity program can be a blue‐print for other companies which would like to accomplish the corporate mission of promoting the free enterprise system by prohibiting restraints of trade, unfair practices, reciprocity, or abuse of economic power.Design/methodology/approachTo comply with stricter government regulations demanding a diverse supplier base and match a supplier base to changing customer demographics, a growing number of purchasing organizations have launched supplier diversity programs. Despite such a trend and abundant theory about the supplier diversity program, there is a paucity of case‐based research that can explain what it takes to become a supplier diversity champion. To fill the void left by previous studies, the paper conducted an in‐depth analysis of Capterpillar's best‐practices and unearthed its secret behind the success.FindingsThrough Caterpillar's case, it was found that a supplier diversity program could not only help save sourcing cost, but also enhance quality at the source. Thus, it offers long‐term competitive advantages. Also, a key to the successful supplier diversity program is the buying firm's ability to adapt to new cultural change that breaks the ties with “good old boys networks”.Originality/valueThe paper elaborated on six different strategic initiatives that provided equal contractual opportunity to historically underutilized but qualified suppliers such as small, small disadvantaged, or women‐owned small businesses and leveraged such opportunity to create a strategic sourcing advantage. Other organizations that wish to develop supplier diversity programs may consider these strategic initiatives and emulate Caterpillar's success.
The effect of ranitidine versus proton pump inhibitors on gastric secretions: a meta‐analysis of randomised control trials
Authors: Clark K. , Lam L. T. , Gibson S. , Currow D. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryAspiration of acid into the lungs is an infrequent but potentially devastating complication of general anaesthesia. Routine practice often includes use of pharmacological agents to reduce gastric volume and increase gastric pH. The aim of this study was to compare the net benefit of proton pump inhibitors with histamine 2 blockers in a meta‐analysis. Electronic databases were searched for trials that compared ranitidine vs proton pump inhibitors in their effect on volume and pH of gastric fluid aspirates. We identified nine trials of which seven were suitable for meta‐analysis. Pooled outcomes suggest that premedication with ranitidine is more effective than proton pump inhibitors in reducing the volume of gastric secretions (by an average of 0.22 ml.kg−1; 95% confidence interval 0.04–0.41) and increasing gastric pH (by an average of 0.85 pH units; 95% confidence interval −1.14 to −0.28).
Communication skills for the anaesthetist
Authors: Cyna A. M. , Andrew M. I. , Tan S. G. M. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryAnaesthetists have traditionally focused on technological and pharmacological advances when considering the provision of anaesthetic care. Anaesthetists are expected to be able to communicate effectively with peers, patients, their families and others in the medical community; however, few details are provided regarding how this might be achieved. Recent evidence suggests that communication practices should include a consideration of conscious and subconscious processes and responses. This model has potential relevance when learning and teaching how to communicate effectively in the stressful environment of anaesthetic clinical practice, and includes: reflective listening; observing; acceptance; utilisation; and suggestion. Understanding these processes could allow the development of a learnable framework for effective communication when the usual strategies are not working. This concept could also be used to facilitate communicating with surgeons and other colleagues, with potential benefits to patients.
Distinct roles for tetraspanins CD9, CD63 and CD81 in the formation of multinucleated giant cells
Authors: Parthasarathy Varadarajan , Martin Francine , Higginbottom Adrian , Murray Helen , Moseley Gregory W. , Read Robert C. , Mal Gorakh , Hulme Rachel , Monk Peter N. , Partridge Lynda J. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryMembers of the tetraspanin superfamily of proteins are implicated in a variety of complex cell processes including cell fusion. However, the contribution of individual tetraspanins to these processes has proved difficult to define. Here we report the use of recombinant extracellular regions of tetraspanins to investigate the role of specific members of this family in the fusion of monocytes to form multinucleated giant cells (MGC). In contrast to their positive requirement in sperm–egg fusion, previous studies using antibodies and knockout mice have indicated a negative regulatory role for tetraspanins CD9 and CD81 in this process. In an in vitro model of fusion using human monocytes, we have confirmed observations that antibodies to CD9 and CD81 enhance MGC formation; however, in contrast to previous investigations, we found that all members of a panel of antibodies to CD63 inhibited fusion. Moreover, recombinant proteins corresponding to the large extracellular domains (EC2s) of CD63 and CD9 inhibited MGC formation, whereas the EC2s of CD81 and CD151 had no effect. The potent inhibition of fusion and binding of labelled CD63 EC2 to monocytes under fusogenic conditions suggest a direct interaction with a membrane component required for fusion. Our findings indicate that the tetraspanins CD9, CD63 and CD81 are all involved in MGC formation, but play distinct roles.
Bright lines on fuzzy boundaries? How the law of New South Wales deals with the existence and extent of endangered ecological communities
Authors: Larkin Patrick W. 
Published: May 2009

Summary  Endangered ecological communities are described in final determinations made under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act). The boundaries of ecological communities usually involve ecotones, with a gradual transition from one community to another. Especially in the case of high‐level communities with wide geographical and climatic distributions, in the vicinity of any location, many species mentioned in final determinations may not be present, leading to debate as to whether the community exists on a site or not. In nature, there are often no bright lines or clear delineations.The law is a logical system of rules which operate upon people, objects or events. It has developed a system of procedural rules to aid decision‐making. These rules have not been developed in ecological or environmental contexts. Nevertheless, they apply to the interpretation and application of final determinations made under the TSC Act.The TSC Act, National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act) and Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) have adopted as their objects a number of cardinal principles of environmental and ecological management, including the precautionary principle and principles of conservation of biological diversity, ecological integrity and ecologically sustainable development. Application of the ordinary procedural rules has meant that, where choices must be made concerning the interpretation and application of final determinations, interpretations which favour the advancement of these objects are to be preferred. In this manner, where decisions have to be made in a legal context concerning the extent and existence of endangered ecological communities, cardinal ecological principles influence the outcome of the choice.This paper examines three recent decisions of the Courts concerning the interpretation and application of final determinations under the TSC Act. In these cases, the Court has interpreted and applied the determinations so that their provisions achieve the result which will best give effect to the purpose and language of the TSC, NPW and EP&A Acts, including the adopted cardinal ecological principles, while maintaining the unity of the language in the determinations and avoiding inconsistency. In this search for the meaning which best maintains the unity of the language of the determinations, the Court has been careful to examine in detail and apply all of the relevant terms of the determinations, rather than apply a reductionist approach which attaches too much significance to one aspect at the expense of others.
WOLTERSTORFF, RIGHTS, WRONGS, AND THE BIBLE
Authors: Attridge Harold W. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTAccording to Wolterstorff, an accurate genealogy of rights begins, not with the late Middle Ages and the Enlightenment, but with the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. The Gospel of Luke, Wolterstorff says, provides especially important witness, and he gives it considerable attention. Wolterstorff's careful analysis of Luke is both lexical and narratological. This paper argues that the lexical data of the Gospel of Luke does indeed lend some support to Wolterstorff's case. But the support is qualified since, in Luke, a critical word group—the dikaio‐family—is used in a way that emphasizes relationship to God rather than obligations to neighbor. The most important narratives and teachings of the Gospel lend similarly qualified support to Wolterstorff's genealogy. The paper concludes that while nothing in the Gospel of Luke is incompatible with the observation and defense of human rights, the program Luke sketches has another focus that a comprehensive reading of that Gospel must keep in view.
GOD'S VELVETEEN RABBIT
Authors: Weithman Paul 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTThis article lays out a central argument of Wolterstorff's book, which I call the Argument from Under‐Respect. That argument, I contend, is central to Wolterstorff's thought about wrongs and human rights. Close attention to the argument raises questions about whether Wolterstorff's account of rights can explain what a theory of rights must include: why violating rights wrongs the rights‐bearer.
AFTER LYNN WHITE: RELIGIOUS ETHICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
Authors: Jenkins Willis 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTThe fields of environmental ethics and of religion and ecology have been shaped by Lynn White Jr.'s thesis that the roots of ecological crisis lie in religious cosmology. Independent critical movements in both fields, however, now question this methodological legacy and argue for alternative ways of inquiry. For religious ethics, the twin controversies cast doubt on prevailing ways of connecting environmental problems to religious deliberations because the criticisms raise questions about what counts as an environmental problem, how religious traditions change, and whether ethicists should approach problems and traditions with reformist commitments. This article examines the critiques of White's legacy and presents a pluralist alternative that focuses religious ethics on the contextual strategies produced by moral communities as they confront environmental problems.
Implant stability during osseointegration in irradiated and non‐irradiated minipig alveolar bone: an experimental study
Authors: Verdonck Henk W. D. , Meijer Gert J. , Laurin Thorsten , Nieman Fred H. , Stoll Christian , Riediger Dieter , Stoelinga Paul J. W. , Baat Cees de 
Published: May 2009

Abstract:Objectives: Primary implant stability is related to local bone density. After insertion of an implant, implant stability is subject to changes due to bone remodeling. In patients who have undergone radiotherapy in the head and neck region, implant stability is impaired because irradiation reduces bone vitality. The current study was designed to monitor and test implant stability immediately after implant placement and during osseointegration in irradiated and non‐irradiated minipig alveolar bone.Materials and methods: All maxillary and mandibular premolars and molars of six adult Göttingen minipigs were extracted. The maxilla and mandible of three minipigs received three irradiation exposures at a total dose of 24 Gy. After irradiation, five initial implant holes were drilled in the residual alveolar ridge of each edentulous site. In order to assess bone vascularity, laser Doppler flowmetry recordings were carried out in the initial holes. A total of 120 implants were placed in the six minipigs. Subsequently, and at 8, 16, and 24 weeks after implant placement, implant stability was recorded by resonance frequency analysis (RFA). RFA values were expressed as an implant stability quotient (ISQ).Results: ISQ values recorded immediately after implant placement showed no differences between irradiated and non‐irradiated minipigs. Repeated measurements at the four recording moments showed a decrease of ISQ values in all minipigs, being more pronounced in irradiated bone, when compared with non‐irradiated bone. The results at the third and fourth recording moments showed a stabilization or even a slight increase of ISQ values.Conclusions: The results document the negative effect of irradiation on bone vascularity and hence on implant stability.
A systematic review of the survival and complication rates of resin‐bonded bridges after an observation period of at least 5 years
Authors: Pjetursson Bjarni E. , Tan Wah Ching , Tan Ken , Brägger Urs , Zwahlen Marcel , Lang Niklaus P. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjectives: The objectives of this systematic review were to assess the 5‐year survival of resin‐bonded bridges (RBBs) and to describe the incidence of technical and biological complications.Methods: An electronic Medline search complemented by manual searching was conducted to identify prospective and retrospective cohort studies on RBBs with a mean follow‐up time of at least 5 years. Patients had to have been examined clinically at the follow‐up visit. Assessment of the identified studies and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. Failure and complication rates were analyzed using random‐effects Poissons regression models to obtain summary estimates of 5‐year proportions.Results: The search provided 6110 titles and 214 abstracts. Full‐text analysis was performed for 93 articles, resulting in 17 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Meta‐analysis of these studies indicated an estimated survival of RBBs of 87.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 81.6–91.9%) after 5 years. The most frequent complication was debonding (loss of retention), which occurred in 19.2% (95% CI: 13.8–26.3%) of RBBs over an observation period of 5 years. The annual debonding rate for RBBs placed on posterior teeth (5.03%) tended to be higher than that for anterior‐placed RBBs (3.05%). This difference, however, did not reach statistical significance (P=0.157). Biological complications, like caries on abutments and RBBs lost due to periodontitis, occurred in 1.5% of abutments and 2.1% of RBBs, respectively.Conclusion: Despite the high survival rate of RBBs, technical complications like debonding are frequent. This in turn means that a substantial amount of extra chair time may be needed following the incorporation of RBBs. There is thus an urgent need for studies with a follow‐up time of 10 years or more, to evaluate the long‐term outcomes.
Outpatient management of asthma in children age 5–11 years: Guidelines for practice
Authors: Watts Barbara 
Published: May 2009

AbstractPurpose: To increase awareness among nurse practitioners (NPs) regarding diagnostic and treatment guidelines for asthma for the 5–11 year age group recently updated by the National Asthma Education Prevention Program‐Expert Panel 3 (NAEPP‐EPR3).Data sources: NAEPP‐EPR3 guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma released from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in August 2007, selected clinical trials, meta‐analyses, and clinical reviews.Conclusions: Recent research has revealed that children suffering from asthma in the United States are underdiagnosed and their asthma is poorly controlled. Compelling evidence supports that children classified as having persistent asthma following NAEPP‐EPR3 guidelines benefit from daily inhaled corticosteroid therapy, yet many are misclassified and undertreated.Implications for practice: With application of current guidelines from NAEPP‐EPR3, NPs can more effectively assess, diagnose, treat, and foster a collaborative self‐management plan for children age 5–11 years. These interventions will result in an improved quality of life and decreased health risks for this young population.
Induction of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha and Interleukin-8 Gene Expression in Bronchial Epithelial Cells by Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin 1
Authors: Aubert Vincent , Schneeberger Dominik , Sauty Alain , Winter Judith , Sperisen Peter , Aubert John-David , Spertini François 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTMajor histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II engagement by toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) transduces signals leading to proinflammatory cytokine gene expression (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]) in human monocytes. To study the proinflammatory role of MHC class II molecules expressed by bronchial epithelial cells (BEC), primary human BEC were isolated from surgical bronchial samples, expanded in vitro, and cultured in the presence or absence of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) for 48 h.125I-TSST-1 binding to BEC pretreated with IFN-γ was inhibited up to 97% by anti-MHC class II monoclonal antibody 3B12, indicating that in BEC also MHC class II molecules were targets for the staphylococcal exotoxin. As analyzed by a quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR, a 1-h stimulation of BEC with TSST-1 resulted in a vigorous expression of TNF-α and interleukin-8 (IL-8) genes. TNF-α and IL-8 expression was optimal in BEC pretreated with 50 IU of IFN-γ/ml, whereas TSST-1 stimulation of BEC pretreated with 200 IU of IFN-γ/ml failed to enhance either TNF-α or IL-8 transcripts. In a time course study, peak expression of TNF-α and IL-8 mRNA was reached 6 h after TSST-1 stimulation. These results demonstrate that bacterial superantigen TSST-1 binds to MHC molecules on BEC and induces TNF-α and IL-8 gene expression upon engagement of MHC class II molecules on BEC, thus contributing to the perpetuation of bronchial mucosa inflammation via chemokine or cytokine gene expression.
Additive Attenuation of Virulence of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
by Mutation of the Genes Encoding Pneumolysin and Other Putative Pneumococcal Virulence Proteins
Authors: Berry Anne M. , Paton James C. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT

Although the polysaccharide capsule of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
has been recognized as a sine qua non of virulence, much recent attention has focused on the role of pneumococcal proteins in pathogenesis, particularly in view of their potential as vaccine antigens. The individual contributions of pneumolysin (Ply), the major neuraminidase (NanA), autolysin (LytA), hyaluronidase (Hyl), pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA), and choline-binding protein A (CbpA) have been examined by specifically mutagenizing the respective genes in the pneumococcal chromosome and comparing the impact on virulence in a mouse intraperitoneal challenge model. Mutagenesis of either the
ply
,
lytA
, or
pspA
gene in
S. pneumoniae
D39 significantly reduced virulence, relative to that of the wild-type strain, indicating that the respective gene products contribute to pathogenesis. On the other hand, mutations in
nanA
,
hyl
, or
cbpA
had no significant impact. The virulence of D39 derivatives carrying a
ply
deletion mutation as well as an insertion-duplication mutation in one of the other genes was also examined. Mutagenesis of either
nanA
or
lytA
did not result in an additional attenuation of virulence in the
ply
deletion background. However, significant additive attenuation in virulence was observed for the strains with
ply-hyl
,
ply-pspA
, and
ply-cbpA
double mutations.
T-Cell-Dependent Control of AcuteGiardia lambliaInfections in Mice
Authors: Singer Steven M. , Nash Theodore E. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTWe have studied immune mechanisms responsible for control of acuteGiardia lambliaandGiardia murisinfections in adult mice. Association of chronicG. lambliainfection with hypogammaglobulinemia and experimental infections of mice withG. murishave led to the hypothesis that antibodies are required to control these infections. We directly tested this hypothesis by infecting B-cell-deficient mice with eitherG. lambliaorG. muris. Both wild-type mice and B-cell-deficient mice eliminated the vast majority of parasites between 1 and 2 weeks postinfection withG. lamblia. G. muriswas also eliminated in both wild-type and B-cell-deficient mice. In contrast, T-cell-deficient andscidmice failed to controlG. lambliainfections, as has been shown previously forG. muris. Treatment of wild-type or B-cell-deficient mice with antibodies to CD4 also prevented elimination ofG. lamblia, confirming a role for T cells in controlling infections. By infecting mice deficient in either αβ- or γδ-T-cell receptor (TCR)-expressing T cells, we show that the αβ-TCR-expressing T cells are required to control parasites but that the γδ-TCR-expressing T cells are not. Finally, infections in mice deficient in production of gamma interferon or interleukin 4 (IL-4) and mice deficient in responding to IL-4 and IL-13 revealed that neither the Th1 nor the Th2 subset is absolutely required for protection fromG. lamblia. We conclude that a T-cell-dependent mechanism is essential for controlling acuteGiardiainfections and that this mechanism is independent of antibody and B cells.
Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Epitopes for HLA-B53 and Other HLA Types in the Malaria Vaccine Candidate Liver-Stage Antigen 3
Authors: Aidoo Michael , Lalvani Ajit , Gilbert Sarah C. , Hu Jiang Ting , Daubersies Pierre , Hurt Nicole , Whittle Hilton C. , Druihle Pierre , Hill Adrian V. S. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTThe development of an effective preerythrocytic vaccine againstPlasmodium falciparummalaria is likely to require inclusion of components from several preerythrocytic antigens. The association of HLA-B53 with resistance to severe malaria in West Africa provided evidence that HLA class I-restricted CD8+T-cell responses play a role in protective immunity in African children, supporting data from rodent models of malaria. Previously, a single epitope from liver-stage-specific antigen 1 (LSA-1) has been shown to be recognized by HLA-B53-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), but HLA-B53 epitopes were not found in four other antigens. In this study we measured CTL responses to peptides from the recently sequenced antigen liver-stage antigen 3 (LSA-3) and identified in it a new epitope restricted by HLA-B53. Several CTL epitopes restricted by other class I types were also identified within LSA-3 in studies in The Gambia and Tanzania. CTL were also identified to an additionalP. falciparumantigen, exported protein 1 (Exp-1), the homologue of which is a protective antigen in a rodent model of malaria. These findings emphasize the diversity ofP. falciparumantigens recognized by CD8+T cells in humans and support the inclusion of components from several antigens in new CTL-inducing vaccines against malaria.