bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construction of Adenovirus Vectors for Transcriptional Targeting
Authors: Kawakami Yosuke , Curiel David T. 
Published: May 2009

INTRODUCTIONThe balance between target and nontarget cell toxicity determines the efficacy of any therapeutic agent. Therapeutic gene transfer strategies aim to maximize gene transfer and expression in target cells. However, gene delivery systems often fail to preferentially transduce target cells in mixed cell populations. In addition, limitations in vector specificity can lead to transduction of nontarget cells, resulting in untoward toxicity, even with compartmental dosing. Thus, vector optimization is critical for the development of efficient genetic experiments. The life cycle and biology of adenovirus (Ad) infection and transgene expression in cells have been thoroughly characterized. While genetically modified Ad vectors with transductional specificity for a single cell type can be generated by direct or indirect modifications of the carboxyl terminus of the vectors’ receptor recognition site, Ad vectors can also be targeted at the level of protein expression of the transgene in the targeted cells (i.e., transcription/translation). Target-cell-specific gene expression is accomplished using tissue-specific promoters (TSPs), DNA elements that restrict expression to specific cellular subsets. The major drawback of transcriptional retargeting is that pathological change in target tissues or organs, such as degeneration or malignant transformation, can ectopically activate TSPs. In this protocol, recombinant Ad vectors that express the luciferase gene are constructed through homologous recombination in Escherichia coli. TSPs are placed in front of the luciferase gene for selective expression.
Retinex theory‐based shadow detection and removal in single outdoor image
Authors: Sun Jing , Tian Jiandong , Du Yingkui , Tang Yandong 
Published: May 2009

PurposeShadows, the common phenomena in most outdoor scenes, bring many problems in practical image processing. Shadow detection and removal, especial in uncalibrated outdoor image, is still a difficult problem. The purpose of this paper is to detect and to remove shadows in single outdoor image based on retinex theory.Design/methodology/approachThe shadow extraction algorithm originates from a simple idea that the human‐vision‐based retinex has the natural ability to enhance the shadow regions of an image no matter it is penumbrae or umbrae. Shadows are detected by comparing the retinex‐enhanced images with original images in the paper. The shadow removal algorithm in the paper deals with the shadow regions and non‐shadow regions in the images separately using the retinex enhancement algorithm. Through adding smooth light forcibly to shadow edges and introducing shadow edge masks, the authors reduce the effects of shadow edges in shadow removal processing.FindingsSome real single outdoor images with the umbra regions and those with penumbra regions are both experimented in the paper. Experimental results validate the feasibility of the approach.Originality/valueThe approach proposed here does not use any special prior knowledge and assumptions. The feasibility of this method is testified for detecting and removing both penumbrae and umbrae in the outdoor images.
Influence of leader behaviors on the leader‐member exchange relationship
Authors: Yukl Gary , O'Donnell Mark , Taber Thomas 
Published: May 2009

PurposeMany studies have examined outcomes and antecedents of leader‐member exchange (LMX), but few studies have explored how LMX is related to specific types of leadership behaviors. The purpose of this paper is to examines a more comprehensive set of leader behaviors than any previous study on LMX.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reports the result of a survey study with a sample of 248 respondents from a diverse set of industries, organizations, and occupations. Respondents rated specific behaviors of their manager and the quality of the exchange relationship.FindingsFour of the five relations‐oriented behaviors (supporting, recognizing, consulting, and delegating) were strongly related to LMX. The task‐oriented behaviors (clarifying, planning, monitoring) were not significantly related to LMX. Results for the transformational behaviors were mixed. The relations‐oriented aspects of transformational leadership appear to have more influence on LMX than the change‐oriented aspects.Originality/valueThe present study clarifies the relationship between leader behavior and LMX. Practical implications of the findings for managers are discussed. Some recommendations for future research are provided.
Changing hearts and minds: the quest for open talk about race in educational leadership
Authors: Rusch Edith A. , Douglass Horsford Sonya 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to seek to conceptualize a theory of self‐contribution as a framework for understanding and demonstrating the dispositions and skills academics and educational leaders need to break the silence and engage in constructive talk about race across color lines.Design/methodology/approachBrian Fay's framework for critical theory provided the guideposts for the construct of self‐contribution. To address false consciousness, the authors turned to Mezirow's unlearning. The work of Tatum, and Parker and Shapiro clarified the social crisis and the educative components used the voice of color thesis (Delgado and Stefancic), Pillow's race‐based epistemologies, Horsford's research using counternarratives, and Argyris' work on defensive behaviors,. Finally, to address transformative actions the authors turned to Follett's principles of unifying, and Laible's loving epistemology.FindingsThe use of race‐based theories to center the discourse about race in mixed race settings has the potential to move the debate forward – beyond colorblindness and toward color consciousness – to place civic relationships based on the integration of desires, an openness to mutual influence and a commitment to unifying rather than equal opportunity to gain power over others (Follett).Originality/valueAt this moment in time, the potential of educational leadership students to lead socially just and equitable communities depends on educational leadership faculty's ability to participate in a way of knowing through self‐contribution.
Cross‐generational comparison of dispensed pharmacotherapy for depression
Authors: Sewitch Maida J. , Bexton Brian , Rahme Elham , Galarneau Sophie , Blais Régis 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare predictors of receipt of recommended first‐line pharmacotherapy in three generational cohorts of patients with new episode depression.Design/methodology/approachThis retrospective database cohort study included adolescent, adult and senior Quebec Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan beneficiaries with new episode depression, who were diagnosed by primary care physicians or psychiatrists (October 2000 to March 2001) and received pharmacotherapy. Receipt of recommended first‐line pharmacotherapy, based on the first psychoactive medication dispensed following the depression diagnosis, was defined according to Canadian guidelines.FindingsReceipt of first‐line pharmacotherapy was documented in 52 percent, 71 percent and 50 percent of adolescents, adults and seniors, respectively. Among adolescents and seniors, diagnosis by a psychiatrist was associated with a lower likelihood of receipt of recommended pharmacotherapy. Adolescent females and senior males were more likely and adults with comorbidity were less likely to receive recommended pharmacotherapy. For all age groups, having a physician who both diagnosed the depression and prescribed the initial pharmacotherapy was associated with an increased likelihood of receiving recommended pharmacotherapy. Relational continuity of care influenced receipt of recommended first‐line pharmacotherapy. Gender differences in treatment were found in adolescents and seniors.Originality/valueThis paper identifies predictors of receipt of recommended first‐line pharmacotherapy in three generational cohorts of patients with new episode depression.
Tourism entrepreneurship and regional development: example from New Zealand
Authors: Ateljevic Jovo 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the entrepreneurial behaviour of small tourism businesses and their ability to contribute to regional development in the context of a transitional economy.Design/methodology/approachThe research, by combining in‐depth interviews and a survey, reports on a case study of Wairarapa, a region of New Zealand that has recently seen a large expansion in the tourism sector.FindingsThe paper identifies a number of important criteria for the effective interaction of private‐public sectors as well as illustrating how small tourism firm owners are facing challenges in one of the most liberal economic environments whilst taking action to ensure periphery endurance.Originality/valueInductive theory or a bottom‐up model for regional development provides the conceptual structure for the research. The paper argues that the related paradigm is increasingly underpinned by entrepreneurial behaviour of a multiplicity of stakeholders in rural localities where tourism is seen as a key agent for regional rejuvenation on the demise of traditional economic activities.
Typologies of communicators in Europe
Authors: Beurer‐Züllig Bettina , Fieseler Christian , Meckel Miriam 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a quantitative investigation into the major working fields of European communication professionals.Design/methodology/approachThe paper build upon previous work done in roles research, but follow a grounded approach in using an explorative cluster analysis on a sample of 1,410 communicators from 30 different European countries.FindingsThe paper identifies five typologies into which the working fields of European communication practitioners can be categorized: negotiators, brand officers, policy advisors, internal communicators, and press agents. These clusters are distinctively different in terms of education, salary, and career, as well as job satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is focused on the typologies of the European communication profession, whereas differences regarding the cultural or national context of the communication profession as well as the particularities of the respective media systems are not discussed.Practical implicationsFollowing the five clusters, the research maps the field of professional communication on a European level and shows the various roles communication practitioners take, as well as their integration within organizations.Originality/valueThe study elicits on the state of the communication profession in Europe and brings forth five different roles communication professionals exert. In line with Dozier's and Broom's manager technician dichotomy the paper identifies two manager and three technician roles, whereas the technical activities to a small extent also contain some policy elements.
Fudging the supply chain to hit the number: five common practices that sacrifice the supply chain and what financial analysts should ask about them
Authors: Godsell Janet , van Hoek Remko 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe and detail practices that are commonly used to pursue short‐term functional targets (e.g. end of month sales targets) at the expense of supply chain integration. It also aims to identify the key questions that financial analysts should be asking companies to ensure that they are not using those practices and thereby destroying shareholder value.Design/methodology/approachThe insights were gained from the authors' hands‐on supply chain management experience and validated in discussions with supply chain executives across a range of industrial sectors (including electronics, consumer packaged goods and logistics service providers).FindingsThe paper identifies three sales and customer service practices, and two financial practices that undermine the performance of the integrated supply chain. In response it suggests alternative practices and four key questions that financial analysts should ask companies to ensure that the performance of the integrated supply chain is not sabotaged – thereby helping supply chain managers.Practical implicationsThe paper can help supply chain managers dispose of value‐destructive behaviour in their organizations by offering them screens/descriptions of poor practice which they can hold up to their peers as a mirror. It provides the business imperative for change, by identifying the key questions analysts should ask to uncover value‐destroying activities.Originality/valueSupply chain managers often share their frustration with peers in anecdotal ways. The paper describes common practices and sources of frustration, using actual data and examples.
An empirical study of the relationships among strategy, flexibility, and performance in the supply chain context
Authors: Aissa Fantazy Kamel , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Uma 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine the relationships among strategy, flexibility, and performance in the supply chain context.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on a quantitative approach using a questionnaire survey and personal interviews from a total of 175 small and medium‐sized Canadian manufacturing companies. The identified constructs have been utilized to test a theoretical model using the path analysis technique.FindingsFirst, the findings provide evidence of direct effects of strategy on flexibility and flexibility on performance. Second, innovative strategy firms must invest time and resources in developing new product and delivery flexibility; while customer‐oriented strategy firms are required to invest heavily in developing sourcing, product, and delivery flexibility and follower strategy firms need no investment in any specific type of flexibility. Third, results demonstrated that Canadian manufacturers must reconsider how they use information technology to enhance information systems flexibility and improve overall performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe measures of flexibility and strategy dimensions used to rate the supply chain organizations are a possible limitation of the research study.Practical implicationsManagers need to think seriously about which type of flexibility they implement and that they should not increase all dimensions of flexibility in their power; some dimensions of flexibility may not significantly contribute to the overall performance. Considering that small and medium‐sized enterprises have limited resources, it is important for managers to carefully assess their strategic needs before getting involved in any flexibility program; otherwise the result can be competitively negative.Originality/valueNo empirical study was found in the supply chain literature that specifically investigates the relationships among strategy, flexibility and performance in the supply chain context; the paper fills an important gap in the supply chain literature.
Understanding demand management challenges in intermediary food trading: a case study
Authors: Adebanjo Dotun 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a study into demand management practices in a trading organisation. It aims to bring together a number of key principles, including forecasting, promotions management and power, and examine how they impact the operations of the organisation. On the basis of its findings, the paper also aims to propose a framework for efficient use of forecasting resources.Design/methodology/approachA single case study approach was used. Iteratively designed semi‐structured interviews with different departments were used to identify the key challenges facing the organisation. Data analysis was then used to confirm some of the issues and identify emerging issues in the industry.FindingsIntermediary trading organisations in the UK food industry occupy a vulnerable position in their supply chains. For promotional products, in particular, the supply chains are characterised by unmatchable upstream‐downstream lead times and little flexibility in demand and supply requirements. Furthermore, consumers may be getting used to buying certain products only when they are on promotion.Practical implicationsTrading organisations suffer disproportionately from the inefficiencies of their supply chain and, consequently, need to take a leading role in co‐ordinating and synchronising supply chain activities. They also need to understand their supply chain positioning, relative power and the factors that are beyond their control.Originality/valueThe demand management operations and challenges of intermediary food traders have not previously been studied in great depth. The paper provides new knowledge and further contributes to academic thinking by proposing a forecasting framework.
Trends and approaches in lean healthcare
Authors: Brandao de Souza Luciano 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to provide a review of the existing literature on lean healthcare. It seeks to describe how this concept has being applied and to assess how trends and methods of approach in lean healthcare have evolved over the years.Design/methodology/approachThe paper surveys the applications of lean healthcare in the current literature and classifies over 90 works according to a taxonomy suggested.FindingsThough there seems to exist an agreement about the potential of lean healthcare, it remains a challenge for academics and practitioners to evaluate lean healthcare under a more critical perspective.Practical implicationsThis work is helpful not only for healthcare practitioners and for researchers in private and public organisations, but also for journal editors and reviewers because it offers ready access to an up to date comprehensive review.Originality/valueSince lean started being applied in healthcare, no effort to provide a complete resource surveying the existing literature has been done.
Healthcare leadership
Authors: Bergman David , Fransson‐Sellgren Stina , Wahlström Rolf , Sandahl Christer 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to study the impact of two leadership programmes for healthcare managers regarding their attitudes to, and views on, their leadership.Design/methodology/approachA total of 53 managers participated in two different leadership programmes i.e. one‐week (OW‐DGL) intensive leadership course and long‐term support groups. Of those, 39 (74 per cent) responded to the Wheel Questionnaire, both soon before and six months after the end of their respective leadership programmes. Overall, eight focus group interviews were conducted, and the data were analysed through content analysis.FindingsBoth leadership programmes seem to have strengthened the managers in their leadership roles. The OW‐DGL course supported the managers in learning about group dynamics and relationship‐orientated leadership. The programmes' methods differed, but the conclusion is that they complemented each other. The long‐term support groups helped the managers to structure and cope with everyday leadership situations in their occupational environment.Practical implicationsThe OW‐DGL course was found to be good for inexperienced managers and the long‐term support groups for more experienced managers.Originality/valueThere is a lack of intervention studies regarding the efficacy of leadership programmes directed toward managers in health care. Two different approaches to leadership training are compared in this paper, using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
Enabling effective change in healthcare delivery systems
Authors: Towill Denis R. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe aim of this article is to provide health leaders with a clear unambiguous description of a proven modus operandi for analysis, design, planning, implementation, and start‐up of effective and efficient healthcare delivery systems.Design/methodology/approachThe paper builds on previously published reviews of the successful TV series centred on Rotherham General Hospital. This featured Gerry Robinson (GR), a top executive from the public sector, and his endeavours to interact with, and improve, the NHS. Those reviews covered emergent lessons directed at hospitals and the Department of Health plus the de‐briefing carried out by GR. They also detailed the Healthcare Balanced Scorecard, and emphasised the importance of minimising elapsed time.FindingsTV programmes inevitably lack description of an infrastructure since “headline metrics” (preferably disputed) make the news and add to the viewing figures. Missing are some important steps along the way, identification of various key factors; resourcing issues; process monitoring; time scales; and team building. By showing that the GR approach can be related to a proven and well‐documented “engineering of change” methodology, a fully integrated approach to healthcare delivery system enhancement is evident.Research limitations/implicationsThe comprehensive approach is based on the systems engineering concept of seamless patient flow achieved by eliminating problems rather than finding ad‐hoc ways around them. This requires team‐based activities involving clinicians, nurses, managers, secretaries, and everyone associated with the healthcare process. “No involvement” usually means “no commitment”.Practical implicationsEmphasis is on “institutional change” achieved via a sequence of carefully selected improvement projects in which the first acts as an “exemplar”. This requires a proactive people‐first organisation practising open‐learning and a culture of continuous plan‐do‐check‐act activity. The “seven deadly sins” indicate what may go wrong and why.Originality/valueThis article assists in the exposure and exploitation of TV healthcare narrative and established “engineering of change” practice by carefully relating one to the other.
Influence of anaesthesia resident training on the duration of three common surgical operations
Authors: Hanss R. , Roemer T. , Hedderich J. , Roesler L. , Steinfath M. , Bein B. , Scholz J. , Bauer M. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryWe investigated the influence of resident training on anaesthesia workflow of three standard procedures – laparoscopic cholecystectomy, diagnostic gynaecological laparoscopy and transurethral prostate gland resection (TURP) – comparing 259 non‐emergency resident vs 341 consultant cases from 20 German hospitals. Each hospital provided 10 random cases for each procedure, yielding 600 cases for analysis. Standard time intervals as documented in the hospital information system were: ‘Case Time’ (the time from the start of anaesthesia induction to discharge of the patient to the recovery area) and ‘Anaesthesia Control Time’ (which was the Case Time minus the time from the start of surgery to the end of surgical closure). Case Time was significantly shorter for consultants in all three procedures (p < 0.05, analysis of variance) and Anaesthesia Control Time shorter for consultants only in gynaecological laparoscopy and TURP. Patient comorbidity, patient age and geographical location of the hospital were not influential factors in the analysis of variance. We conclude that resident training significantly increases duration of elective operative times.