bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Centralized clearing for over‐the‐counter derivatives
Authors: Rausser Gordon , Balson William , Stevens Reid 
Published: November 2010

PurposeSystemic risk propagated through over‐the‐counter (OTC) derivatives can best be managed by a public‐private central counterparty clearing house. The purpose of this paper is to outline the market microstructure necessary for such a clearing house.Design/methodology/approachThe paper proposes using an request for quote platform with an active permissioning system that uses analytic approximations based on Monte Carlo simulation to estimate default risk and a two‐part pricing scheme to efficiently price that risk.FindingsIt is found that comprehensive clearing for complex and standardized derivatives is feasible using the clearing framework.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited by the authors' ability to give empirical examples. The paper gives a short example with data, but given the constraints on length, cannot go into more detail.Practical implicationsThis comprehensive clearing structure, in contrast to current proposed government regulations, will not drive out the “good” with the “bad” OTC derivative instruments.Originality/valueThis is the only paper the authors are aware of that outlines a detailed framework for clearing all OTC derivatives.
Survey‐based spreadsheet model on lean implementation
Authors: Shetty Devdas , Ali Ahad , Cummings Robert 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis research was conducted to study benefits of a concept, known as lean manufacturing, which elicits organizations to do more with less effort, time, space, and equipment by eliminating waste. Because lean implementation involves finances, dedication, and cultural change in business, there is a need to assess a company's lean initiative.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive lean assessment tool is designed targeted for use by manufacturing companies. Research of lean principles and practices was conducted through lean organizations, trade publications, manufacturing web sites, professional articles, textbooks, lean exhibitions, and non‐profit lean organizations.FindingsThis led to the development of a lean survey questionnaire delivered to 143 lean companies and lean consultants for authentic input. Based on the response, survey participation met a goal of 95 percent accuracy with 15 percent error. Completed surveys were compiled and analyzed for fundamental practices of lean organizations. Answers to the survey were assigned numerical values based on lean significance, and a lean assessment model was developed based on Excel. The lean assessment model was fine‐tuned and programmed to output a numerical and descriptive lean assessment grade. It was tested for soundness by inputting mock lean and traditional company answers into the model. Output results from the model correlated with the input.Originality/valueLean thinking philosophy and lean manufacturing methods and principles were exhaustively researched to make a successful lean organization. The research led to the development of a visual indicator, the Lean Thinking Management Wheel. This model to assess lean thinking manufacturing initiatives unique and has a great potential to use industry wide.
Outcomes from a descriptive survey of Six Sigma management practices in Brazil
Authors: Augusto Cauchick Miguel Paulo , Marcos Andrietta João 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe utilisation of Six Sigma and its associated techniques has yielded results that deserve a more detailed evaluation, since there is relatively little information published on the application of Six Sigma in developing countries. The objective of this work is to present the results of an exploratory‐descriptive field study, which was done to survey a series of practices related to Six Sigma programmes at companies that have adopted them.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a descriptive survey. More than 100 Six Sigma users were identified and contacted by telephone to respond a questionnaire. Two remembering letters were sent to companies that did not answer the survey resulting in a response rate of approximately 65 per cent, which can be considered suitable by the literature for a descriptive survey.FindingsThe results obtained from the survey revealed that the application of Six Sigma in Brazil is a reality. However, it concluded that the programme was adopted by large‐size companies that invest in infrastructure and training of their personnel, making it possible to obtain the financial benefits desired.Research limitations/implicationsThis is not a probabilistic study and, therefore, the external validity is limited. The paper also considers perspectives for future research on the use of techniques and tools associated to the application of the programme as well as factors of failure in its utilisation.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the few published studies that report and discuss Six Sigma programmes in developing countries.
Work‐based learning in US higher education policy
Authors: Raelin Joseph A. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss how US institutions of higher education make appreciable use of work‐based learning options, but their attention to experiential education as a learning vehicle is relatively limited. The connection between the work experience and the on‐campus curriculum is only loosely formed, and students are not often given a chance to reflect concurrently and collectively on their workplace lessons. Some changes in higher educational policy have been initiated to augment the pedagogical contribution of a work‐based learning, but notable institutional barriers remain.Design/methodology/approachEssay based on policy and literature review.FindingsWork‐based learning epistemology has demonstrated that knowledge may be equally, if not even more effectively, acquired through reflective discourse within the very activity of practice. Aside from discourse's lens into social structure, it can also be used as a means to expand knowledge for improved action in the world.Research limitations/implicationsStudents make sense out of their workplace experiences and construct knowledge through a process of negotiation between these experiences and their own cognitive frameworks.Originality/valueStudents learn by doing real work that is often designed to support and integrate with learning in the classroom and also to promote the acquisition of broad transferable skills. The paper shows that by equipping young adults with work‐related skills, work‐based learning promotes a high level of work role identification and efficacy, which in turn positively influences their successful transition into the work environment.
Practice‐based learning in entrepreneurship education
Authors: Hynes Briga , Costin Yvonne , Birdthistle Naomi 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a practice‐based entrepreneurship education programme which enhances collaboration between educational institutions and the small business community as a means of producing a more employable, well rounded and skilled graduates.Design/methodology/approachA case description of the business consulting programme operated at the University of Limerick.FindingsThe findings highlight how a practice‐based learning module brings real business learning into the classroom and simultaneously attends to the needs of different internal and external stakeholders by producing a more flexible and employable professional graduate. Furthermore, it creates a more meaningful relationship between education institutions (knowledge producers) and industry (knowledge users).Research limitations/implicationsEducators need to evaluate the benefits of practice‐based learning programmes from the external stakeholder perspective as a basis of identifying more innovative practice‐based learning options.Originality/valueThe paper draws attention to the need for, and suggestions on how educational institutions can be more outward focussed and responsive to the needs of industry when designing educational programmes.
From work‐based learning to organisational development
Authors: Mumford John G. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper studies the training and other learning‐related interventions that senior managers typically use to influence organisational capability and relate it to the programmes that a university might offer. The purpose of the paper is to identify potential opportunities for increasing the perceived relevance of university provided work‐based learning.Design/methodology/approachReflection and deliberation on personal experience.FindingsThere is a distinctive place for academically delivered and devised work‐based learning for industry but as an integrated offering with in‐house programmes.Originality/valueThe paper presents a suggestion for structuring higher education work‐based offerings.
Beyond a naturally occurring ethnography: the work‐based researcher
Authors: Walsh Anita 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the contrast between the approach to research taken by academic ethnographers and that taken by work‐based researchers. Van Manen claims that “a good ethnographer describes a cultural reality in such a way that a non‐member of the culture could ‘pass as an insider’ if he or she had internalized the cultural features of the particular setting”. In order to achieve this level of familiarity with a context, ethnographers spend considerable amounts of time embedded in the culture which they are studying – “being there” is seen as fundamental to effective research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a reflection and deliberation on personal experience.FindingsThe dominance of the academic disciplines and the model of research in higher education which considers the doctoral student as a novice researcher problematises the role of the work‐based researcher. It calls into question the extent to which valid research can be undertaken by practitioners in the workplace.Research limitations/implicationsPractitioner researchers, research their practice and/or context. These researchers are not novices – they are usually senior practising professionals who are very familiar with the organisational and occupational culture in their workplace. However, in contrast to academic researchers, usually their intention is not to provide an ethnographic account of it. They are concerned to address issues and/or achieve changes/developments in practice in order to improve the functioning of their organisation.Originality/valueThe paper reviews the function of insider researchers.
Cross‐university collaboration for work‐place learning: a case study
Authors: Felce Alison 
Published: November 2010

PurposeResearch into skills level of the workforce in the West Midlands in England has identified a shortage of graduate skills and that these are needed for the region to regain its competitiveness in the national and international markets of the twenty‐first century. The purpose of this paper is to explore the practices that enabled collaboration between higher education organisations to meet the needs of local industries and businesses through work‐place learning.Design/methodology/approachThe objectives of the case study are to review the background to the initiative described and the organisation and the activities undertaken. The paper reflects on the factors that enabled the collaboration to be effective and on those that jeopardised the potential success of the group. First, an overview of the case is given, starting with the concept for the project that was the focus of the collaboration. Next the organisation of the partnership is outlined and then the process of the development of the foundation degrees. Factors that impact on the effectiveness of the collaboration are explored drawing on illustrative extracts selected from the data.FindingsKey findings corroborate previous research that posited that success, or failure, of collaboration is due to a number of factors: mutual benefit, a change in product, process or output, stated, emergent and unstated aims, perceived benefits and mutual trust.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates that even where all these factors exist there may be unanticipated events that impact on the success of the project.
Resistance of Human Regulatory Foxp3+ T Cells to Normobaric Hyperoxia Exposure Under Resting and Stimulating Conditions
Authors: Švec P. , Vásárhelyi B. , Čižmár A. , Tulassay T. , Treszl A. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractOxygen tension levels may modulate immune responses. Evidence shows that hyperoxia influences the risk of infection, autoimmunity and alloreactivity and hence is a possible therapeutic option in a number of disorders. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a central role in tolerance maintenance, but their behaviour under hyperoxia is largely unknown. We investigated in vitro the impact of normobaric hyperoxia on human Tregs and their cellular network. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from six healthy men were cultured under normoxia and escalating duration of normobaric hyperoxia (10 min, 1, 16, 88 h) under resting conditions and at the presence of anti‐CD3/CD28 beads. Foxp3+ Tregs’ and other T cell subsets’ survival, proliferation, activation, maturation and Th1/Th2 markers were assessed by flow cytometry. We observed decreasing CD4+ cell survival with increasing duration of hyperoxia irrespectively of the presence of stimulators. The prevalence of CD4+CD45RA+ cells increased under stimulation (P = 0.001). In stimulated samples, the proliferation and induced Foxp3 expression decreased after 88 h of hyperoxia (both P = 0.001). In conclusion, normobaric hyperoxia up to 16 h does not induce significant changes in basic human T cell subsets, including the prevalence naturally occurring Tregs. Prolonged exposure to hyperoxia likely affects all unstimulated T cell subsets in a similar way. In stimulated T lymphocytes, the proliferation is hampered and cell death increases more evidently after prolonged hyperoxia (several days). Inducible Foxp3 expression is likely closely related to these processes. Naive CD4+ T cells are maintained by stimulation during exposure to hyperoxia.
The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) of the Secondary Transplant Tissue Donor Influences the Cross‐Reactivity of Alloreactive Memory Cells
Authors: Wang F. , Chen J. , Shao W. , Kang X. , Xu S. , Xia J. , Dai H. , Peng Y. , Thorlacius H. , Xing J. , Qi Z. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractMemory cells are currently thought to be a major barrier to tolerance induction in transplantation. However, whether alloreactive memory cells resulting from a primary transplant have cross‐reactivity in a second transplant is unclear. Here, we used skin transplantation from BALB/c mice donors to presensitize C57BL/6 (B6) mice. One month later, several strains of mice (including BALB/c, DBA/2, NOD, C3H and B6 mice) were chosen as donors to construct a memory model of heterotopic cardiac transplantation. The higher degree of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) mismatch to sensitizing MHC resulted in longer median survival times (MSTs, BALB/c 3.63 days versus C3H 6.08 days). After 3.5 days of cardiac transplantation, compared with the BALB/c and DBA/2 groups, in the groups of NOD and C3H, the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the grafts, the proportion and proliferation of memory cells in spleens and the function of allogeneic antibodies decreased significantly. The varying degrees of MHC mismatch between the primary and secondary donors influenced the intensity of alloreactive memory cell function, the higher degree of MHC mismatch resulted in better tolerance during secondary transplantation, and these may be related to the changed activation, proliferation and function of the alloreactive memory cells.
Characterization of the Hepatic and Splenic Immune Status and Immunoglobulin Synthesis in Aged Male Mice Lacking the Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor‐Alpha (PPARα)
Authors: Qazi M. R. , Abedi M. R. , Nelson B. D. , DePierre J. W. , Abedi‐Valugerdi M. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractIt is now well established that the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐alpha (PPARα) is expressed in different types of immune cells and plays a pivotal role in the regulation of age‐related production of inflammatory cytokines. However, the role(s) of this receptor in the regulation of immune cell homoeostasis in ageing non‐lymphoid and lymphoid organs has not yet been resolved. We examine this issue here by evaluating the hepatic and splenic immune status and immunoglobulin (Ig) production in male PPARα‐null mice and their wild‐type littermates at one and 2 years of age. In comparison with the age‐matched control animals, PPARα‐null mice exhibited age‐related elevations in the numbers of total, as well as of phenotypically distinct subpopulations of intrahepatic immune cells (IHIC) and splenocytes. Moreover, at 2 years of age, these alterations in hepatic immune cells were accompanied by significant increases in hepatic levels of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), in combination with the development of hepatic inflammatory loci containing mixtures of leucocytes. Alterations in splenocytes of old PPARα‐null mice were also accompanied by increases in cellularity of both white and red pulps of the spleen. Furthermore, these same animals exhibited pronounced increases in the numbers of splenic plasma cells and enhanced production of Ig of different isotypes, including IgG1, IgG2a and IgE. Thus, our findings indicate that upon ageing, PPARα plays a crucial role in regulating the total numbers, compositions and functions of immune cells in both lymphoid and non‐lymphoid immune organs of mice.
T Regulatory Cells and Immune Activation in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and the Effect of Preventive Therapy
Authors: Wergeland I. , Aßmus J. , Dyrhol‐Riise A. M. 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) often causes persistent infection and many immune cell subsets and regulatory mechanisms may operate throughout the various stages of infection. We have studied dendritic cell (DC) subsets, regulatory T cells (Treg) and the expression of activation and apoptosis markers on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in blood from patients with active TB (n = 20), subjects with positive QuantiFERON‐TB GOLD (QFT) test (LTBI, latent TB infection) (n = 20) before and after 3 months of preventive anti‐tuberculous therapy and from QFT‐negative controls (n = 28). The frequency of CD4+CD25+CD127− Treg was highest in the group with active TB (P = 0.001), but also increased in the LTBI group (P = 0.006) compared to controls. The highest level of activated T cells, defined as CD38+HLA‐DR+ cells, was found in the active TB group, for the CD4+ T cell subset positively correlated to the level of CD25+CD127− Treg (P < 0.001, r = 0.4268). After 3 months of preventive therapy, there was an increase in the fraction of foxp3+ Treg, but no differences in markers of activation or apoptosis. In conclusion, there seems to be an increased level of immune activation and Treg in both latent and active TB infection that is only modestly influenced by preventive therapy.
Autophosphorylation is essential for the in vivo function of the Lotus japonicus Nod factor receptor 1 and receptor‐mediated signalling in cooperation with Nod factor receptor 5
Authors: Madsen Esben B. , Antolín‐Llovera Meritxell , Grossmann Christina , Ye Juanying , Vieweg Syndi , Broghammer Angelique , Krusell Lene , Radutoiu Simona , Jensen Ole N. , Stougaard Jens , Parniske Martin 
Published: November 2010

SummarySoil‐living rhizobia secrete lipochitin oligosaccharides known as Nod factors, which in Lotus japonicus are perceived by at least two Nod‐factor receptors, NFR1 and NFR5. Despite progress in identifying molecular components critical for initial legume host recognition of the microsymbiont and cloning of downstream components, little is known about the activation and signalling mechanisms of the Nod‐factor receptors themselves. Here we show that both receptor proteins localize to the plasma membrane, and present evidence for heterocomplex formation initiating downstream signalling. Expression of NFR1 and NFR5 in Nicotiana benthamiana and Allium ampeloprasum (leek) cells caused a rapid cell‐death response. The signalling leading to cell death was abrogated using a kinase‐inactive variant of NFR1. In these surviving cells, a clear interaction between NFR1 and NFR5 was detected in vivo through bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC). To analyse the inter‐ and intramolecular phosphorylation events of the kinase complex, the cytoplasmic part of NFR1 was assayed for in vitro kinase activity, and autophosphorylation on 24 amino acid residues, including three tyrosine residues, was found by mass spectrometry. Substitution of the phosphorylated amino acids of NFR1 identified a single phosphorylation site to be essential for NFR1 Nod‐factor signalling in vivo and kinase activity in vitro. In contrast to NFR1, no in vitro kinase activity of the cytoplasmic domain of NFR5 was detected. This is further supported by the fact that a mutagenized NFR5 construct, substituting an amino acid essential for ATP binding, restored nodulation of nfr5 mutant roots.
Nematode CLE signaling in Arabidopsis requires CLAVATA2 and CORYNE
Authors: Replogle Amy , Wang Jianying , Bleckmann Andrea , Hussey Richard S. , Baum Thomas J. , Sawa Shinichiro , Davis Eric L. , Wang Xiaohong , Simon Rüdiger , Mitchum Melissa G. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryPlant‐parasitic cyst nematodes secrete CLAVATA3 (CLV3)/ESR (CLE)‐like effector proteins. These proteins have been shown to act as ligand mimics of plant CLE peptides and are required for successful nematode infection; however, the receptors for nematode CLE‐like peptides have not been identified. Here we demonstrate that CLV2 and CORYNE (CRN), members of the receptor kinase family, are required for nematode CLE signaling. Exogenous peptide assays and overexpression of nematode CLEs in Arabidopsis demonstrated that CLV2 and CRN are required for perception of nematode CLEs. In addition, promoter–reporter assays showed that both receptors are expressed in nematode‐induced syncytia. Lastly, infection assays with receptor mutants revealed a decrease in both nematode infection and syncytium size. Taken together, our results indicate that perception of nematode CLEs by CLV2 and CRN is not only required for successful nematode infection but is also involved in the formation and/or maintenance of nematode‐induced syncytia.
Light receptor action is critical for maintaining plant biomass at warm ambient temperatures
Authors: Foreman Julia , Johansson Henrik , Hornitschek Patricia , Josse Eve‐Marie , Fankhauser Christian , Halliday Karen J. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryThe ability to withstand environmental temperature variation is essential for plant survival. Former studies in Arabidopsis revealed that light signalling pathways had a potentially unique role in shielding plant growth and development from seasonal and daily fluctuations in temperature. In this paper we describe the molecular circuitry through which the light receptors cry1 and phyB buffer the impact of warm ambient temperatures. We show that the light signalling component HFR1 acts to minimise the potentially devastating effects of elevated temperature on plant physiology. Light is known to stabilise levels of HFR1 protein by suppressing proteasome‐mediated destruction of HFR1. We demonstrate that light‐dependent accumulation and activity of HFR1 are highly temperature dependent. The increased potency of HFR1 at warmer temperatures provides an important restraint on PIF4 that drives elongation growth. We show that warm ambient temperatures promote the accumulation of phosphorylated PIF4. However, repression of PIF4 activity by phyB and cry1 (via HFR1) is critical for controlling growth and maintaining physiology as temperatures rise. Loss of this light‐mediated restraint has severe consequences for adult plants which have greatly reduced biomass.