bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning and the loosely coupled elements of control
Authors: Moilanen Sinikka 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how a parent company ensures reliable accounting information from its subsidiaries located in a significantly different environment, analyzing the process and its outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs the conceptualization of management control as a loosely‐coupled system to explore the integration of accounting‐related work between a parent company and subsidiaries. Three Western firms and their subsidiaries in the territory of the former Soviet Union are studied, focusing on the couplings between different elements of control and their outcomes, and taking accounting as an object and element of control.FindingsThe results show how other elements of control can steer accounting‐related work. As the organizational structures made possible personnel controls in the form of informal training in accounting, results controls were responsive to these personnel controls. This constructed common models of thinking, meaning that cultural controls were responsive to results controls. The responsiveness also supports generative learning, since accounting‐related training includes and introduces Western business thinking.Originality/valueThe findings show that loose couplings within management control systems may lead to generative learning due to the rules imposed by the parent company. Elaborating the dual role of accounting as an object and element of control illustrates a relationship different from the earlier view that loose coupling between parent's rules and what is locally done tends to foster local stability based on preservation of existing ways of thinking, i.e. adaptation instead of adaptability.
The influence of sustainability performance management practices on organisational sustainability performance
Authors: Gadenne David , Mia Lokman , Sands John , Winata Lanita , Hooi George 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between organisations' sustainability performance management practices and sustainability performance.Design/methodology/approachData for the study were collected from 314 medium to large organisations operating in Australia. A mailed printed questionnaire was used to collect the data. Personal interviews with 20 senior executives were conducted to pilot test and refine the questionnaire.FindingsThe results indicate the organisations apply eight sustainability performance management practices (SPMPs) to improve seven different sustainability performance indicators (SPIs). Each of the eight SPMPs is positively associated with at least one or more SPIs. The paper finds that customer value, new product development and information capital performance indicators are each associated with a single SPMP, while the other four performance indicators (environmental, employee value, social responsibility, and financial performance) are each associated with multiple SPMPs. Overall, the results indicate that increasing the level of an organisation's focus on its individual SPMPs is positively associated with its better performance under one or more SPIs.Originality/valueThis study provides empirical evidence concerning which SPMPs are positively associated with particular SPIs. A framework of the identified SPMPs and SPIs is developed with a view towards promoting future research and practical applications to foster organisational sustainability performance.
Trust governance based on active interpersonal strategy
Authors: Wang Hongli , Lu Yunbo 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the new concept of trust governance and how to design trust‐related governance mechanisms.Design/methodology/approachThe paper defines trust governance based on the nature of governance, and proposes the micro design approach from the perspective of active interpersonal strategy. Based on a literature review, trust governance emerges as a new organizing principle which needs to be taken into account when considering the fast development of knowledge. Active interpersonal strategy is highlighted as a way to build trust and several governance mechanisms are proposed.FindingsThis paper concludes that trust governance is an important and new research field, and is also a necessary route of organizational promotion from human control to self‐control. Interpersonal threat control strategy could understand and drop a hint about others'cognitive risk. Active trust could excite trust by virtue of active express friendship. Such active interpersonal strategies enable the manager to explore the situational confidence from the micro individual level, and facilitate the micro‐mechanism design.Originality/valueThe paper shows that trust governance could initiate the innovation performance of individuals, and promote interpersonal trust development and evolution.
An experimental research on governance mechanisms for cost of value chain
Authors: Mu Linjuan , Cui Xuegang 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the governance mechanism of overcoming or solving three problems: cooperation problem, coordination problem and appropriation problem. Also to raise the value chain cost efficiency and to elevate the value chain competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is the experimental study. The authors design an experience simulating the transaction process across firms to explore the separate and joint governance effects of trust and incentive on the cost of value chain.FindingsAccording to the experimental results it is found that the high level of trust between firms and the incentive based on the joint interests of value chain can effectively mitigate or avoid the cooperation, coordination and appropriation problems, and thus have significant governance effects on the cost of value chain. Incentive is out of effect when a much lower level of trust across firms exists, which reflects that there is a significant complementary relationship between trust and incentive mechanisms.Research limitations/implicationsThe research limitation is that the practical experience and the cognition of experimenters of the researchers will influence the conclusion of the experiment, so the research on the influences of other factors must be deepened.Originality/valueThe paper's value is in setting out a value chain cost management theory frame, demonstrating trust and incentive as two kinds of governance mechanism in the value chain cost management mechanism, adopting experiment method to verify the above theory, and providing the relevant behavior evidence for future research.
Combination of ADH1B*2/ALDH2*2 polymorphisms alters acetaldehyde‐derived DNA damage in the blood of Japanese alcoholics
Authors: Yukawa Yoshiyuki , Muto Manabu , Hori Kimiko , Nagayoshi Haruna , Yokoyama Akira , Chiba Tsutomu , Matsuda Tomonari 
Published: June 2012

The acetaldehyde associated with alcoholic beverages is an evident carcinogen for the esophagus. Genetic polymorphisms of the alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) genes are associated with the risk of esophageal cancer. However, the exact mechanism via which these genetic polymorphisms affect esophageal carcinogenesis has not been elucidated. ADH1B*2 is involved in overproduction of acetaldehyde due to increased ethanol metabolism into acetaldehyde, and ALDH2*2 is involved in accumulation of acetaldehyde due to the deficiency of acetaldehyde metabolism. Acetaldehyde can interact with DNA and form DNA adducts, resulting in DNA damage. N2‐ethylidene‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (N2‐ethylidene‐dG) is the most abundant DNA adduct derived from acetaldehyde. Therefore, we quantified N2‐ethylidene‐dG levels in blood samples from 66 Japanese alcoholic patients using liquid chromatography/electrospray tandem mass spectrometry, and investigated the relationship between N2‐ethylidene‐dG levels and ADH1B and ALDH2 genotypes. The median N2‐ethylidene‐dG levels (25th percentile, 75th percentile) in patients with ADH1B*1/*1 plus ALDH2*1/*1, ADH1B*2 carrier plus ALDH2*1/*1, ADH1B*1/*1 plus ALDH2*1/*2, and ADH1B*2 carrier plus ALDH2*1/*2 were 2.14 (0.97, 2.37)/107 bases, 2.38 (1.18, 2.98)/107 bases, 5.38 (3.19, 6.52)/107 bases, and 21.04 (12.75, 34.80)/107 bases, respectively. In the ALDH2*1/*2 group, N2‐ethylidene‐dG levels were significantly higher in ADH1B*2 carriers than in the ADH1B*1/*1 group (P < 0.01). N2‐ethylidene‐dG levels were significantly higher in the ALDH2*1/*2 group than in the ALDH2*1/*1 group, regardless of ADH1B genotype (ADH1B*1/*1, P < 0.05; ADH1B*2 carriers, P < 0.01) N2‐ethylidene‐dG levels in blood DNA of the alcoholics was remarkably higher in individuals with a combination of the ADH1B*2 and ALDH2*2 alleles. These results provide a new perspective on the carcinogenicity of the acetaldehyde associated with alcoholic beverages, from the aspect of DNA damage.
Sensitization induces hypersensitivity in trigeminal nerve
Authors: Wang X. , Liang H. , Zhou C. , Xu M. , Xu L. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground and AimsTrigeminal neuralgia is one of the chronic neuropathic pains. The aetiology remains unclear. Chronic inflammation is proposed playing a role in the pathogenesis of trigeminal neuralgia. This study aims to assess the role of allergic inflammation in the pathological status of trigeminal neuralgia.MethodsAllergic inflammation was induced in the infraorbital skin of rats. The expression of 5‐HT receptor 3 (R3) in the trigeminal nerve and mastocytosis in the local tissue were observed by immunohistochemistry. The hyperalgesia status of the trigeminal nerve was determined by quantitatively recording the head‐withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimulation of the infraorbital nerve territory.ResultsAfter sensitization, the expression of 5‐HT R3 in the trigeminal nerve and the frequency of mast cells were markedly increased in the epidermal tissue of the infraorbital area. Applying exogenous 5‐HT to the local tissue also increased the expression of 5‐HT R3 in the trigeminal nerve. The threshold of mechanical allodynia to stimuli was significantly lower in sensitized rats than control rats, which could be blocked by pre‐treatment with either 5‐HT R3 antagonists, or neurokinin‐1 antagonists, or mast cell stabilizers.ConclusionsAllergic inflammation can induce the overexpression of 5‐HT R3 in the trigeminal nerve to induce the hyperalgesia status in the trigeminal nerve. The 5‐HT R3 may be a therapeutic target in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.
Maternal vitamin D status, its associated factors and the course of pregnancy in Thai women
Authors: Charatcharoenwitthaya Natthinee , Nanthakomon Tongta , Somprasit Charintip , Chanthasenanont Athita , Chailurkit La‐or , Pattaraarchachai Junya , Ongphiphadhanakul Boonsong 
Published: June 2012

SummaryContextThere are limited data on the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in pregnant women living in Southeast Asia and changes in their vitamin D status during pregnancy.ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy, its predictive factors and the changes in vitamin D status during the course of pregnancy.Design and patientsA prospective study of 120 pregnant Thai women with gestational age <14 weeks.MeasurementsSerum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and clinical data were obtained at the first visit, in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Vitamin D inadequacy was defined as 25OHD <75 nm.ResultsThe prevalences of vitamin D inadequacy were 83·3%, 30·9% and 27·4% for the first, second and third trimesters. The independent predictors of vitamin D inadequacy in the third trimester were not drinking vitamin‐fortified milk (OR 11·42; 95% CI: 3·12–41·86), not taking prenatal vitamins (OR 9·70; 95% CI: 2·28–41·19) and having vitamin D deficiency in the first trimester (OR 10·58; 95% CI: 2·89–38·80). Vitamin D deficiency was not found in women taking prenatal vitamins. However, 20 women who took at least 400 IU/day of vitamin D from prenatal vitamins still had vitamin D insufficiency in the third trimester.ConclusionsVitamin D inadequacy is common in pregnant Thai women, especially in the first trimester. Vitamin D supplementation may be needed prior to conception and during pregnancy. For areas with abundant sun exposure like Thailand, vitamin D supplementation at 400 IU/day is likely to prevent vitamin D deficiency, but is inadequate to prevent vitamin D insufficiency even at 800 IU/day.
Temperature adaptation of bacterial communities in experimentally warmed forest soils
Authors: Rousk Johannes , Frey Serita D. , Bååth Erland 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA detailed understanding of the influence of temperature on soil microbial activity is critical to predict future atmospheric CO2 concentrations and feedbacks to anthropogenic warming. We investigated soils exposed to 3–4 years of continuous 5 °C‐warming in a field experiment in a temperate forest. We found that an index for the temperature adaptation of the microbial community, Tmin for bacterial growth, increased by 0.19 °C per 1 °C rise in temperature, showing a community shift towards one adapted to higher temperature with a higher temperature sensitivity (Q10(5–15 °C) increased by 0.08 units per 1 °C). Using continuously measured temperature data from the field experiment we modelled in situ bacterial growth. Assuming that warming did not affect resource availability, bacterial growth was modelled to become 60% higher in warmed compared to the control plots, with the effect of temperature adaptation of the community only having a small effect on overall bacterial growth (<5%). However, 3 years of warming decreased bacterial growth, most likely due to substrate depletion because of the initially higher growth in warmed plots. When this was factored in, the result was similar rates of modelled in situ bacterial growth in warmed and control plots after 3 years, despite the temperature difference. We conclude that although temperature adaptation for bacterial growth to higher temperatures was detectable, its influence on annual bacterial growth was minor, and overshadowed by the direct temperature effect on growth rates.
Mechanisms used by virulent Salmonella to impair dendritic cell function and evade adaptive immunity
Authors: Bueno Susan M. , Riquelme Sebastián , Riedel Claudia A. , Kalergis Alexis M. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryInnate and adaptive immunity are inter‐related by dendritic cells (DCs), which directly recognize bacteria through the binding of pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) to specialized receptors on their surface. After capturing and degrading bacteria, DCs present their antigens as small peptides bound to MHC molecules and prime naive bacteria‐specific T cells. In response to PAMP recognition DCs undergo maturation, which is a phenotypic change that increases their immunogenicity and promotes the activation of naive T cells. As a result, a specific immune response that targets bacteria‐derived antigens is initiated. Therefore, the characterization of DC–bacteria interactions is important to understand the mechanisms used by virulent bacteria to avoid adaptive immunity. Furthermore, any impairment of DC function might contribute to bacterial survival and dissemination inside the host. An example of a bacterial pathogen capable of interfering with DC function is Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium). Virulent strains of this bacterium are able to differentially modulate the entrance to DCs, avoid lysosomal degradation and prevent antigen presentation on MHC molecules. These features of virulent S. Typhimurium are controlled by virulence proteins, which are encoded by pathogenicity islands. Modulation of DC functions by these gene products is supported by several studies showing that pathogenesis might depend on this attribute of virulent S. Typhimurium. Here we discuss some of the recent data reported by the literature showing that several virulence proteins from Salmonella are required to modulate DC function and the activation of host adaptive immunity.
Interleukin‐33 amplifies IgE synthesis and triggers mast cell degranulation via interleukin‐4 in naïve mice
Authors: Komai‐Koma M. , Brombacher F. , Pushparaj P. N. , Arendse B. , McSharry C. , Alexander J. , Chaudhuri R. , Thomson N. C. , McKenzie A. N. J. , McInnes I. , Liew F. Y. , Xu D. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe regulation and function of IgE in healthy individuals and in antigen‐naïve animals is not well understood. IL‐33 administration increases serum IgE in mice with unknown mechanism. We tested the hypothesis that IL‐33 provides an antigen‐independent stimulus for IgE production and mast cell degranulation.MethodsIL‐33 was administered to naïve wild‐type (WT), nude and ST2−/−, IL‐4−/−, IL4Rα−/− and T‐or B‐cell‐specific IL‐4Rα−/− mice. IgEand cytokines were quantified by ELISA. T‐ and B‐lymphocyte numbers and CD40L expression were determined by flow cytometry. Anaphylaxis was measured by temperature, mast cell degranulation and histamine release.ResultsIL‐33 enhanced IgE production in naïve WT, T‐IL‐4Rα−/− but not in ST2−/−, IL‐4−/−, IL‐4Rα−/− or B‐cell‐specific IL‐4Rα−/− mice, demonstrating IL‐33 specificity and IL‐4 dependency. Moreover, IL‐4 was required for IL‐33‐induced B‐cell proliferation and T‐cell CD40L expression, which promotes IgE production. IL‐33‐induced IL‐4 production was mainly from innate cells including mast cells and eosinophils. IL‐33 increased mast cell surface IgE and triggered degranulation and systemic anaphylaxis in allergen‐naïve WT but not in IL‐4Rα−/− mice.ConclusionIL‐33 amplifies IgE synthesis and triggers anaphylaxis in naïve mice via IL‐4, independent of allergen. IL‐33 may play an important role in nonatopic allergy and idiopathic anaphylaxis.
Effect of the Arg389Gly β1‐adrenoceptor polymorphism on plasma renin activity and heart rate, and the genotype‐dependent response to metoprolol treatment
Authors: Petersen Morten , Andersen Jon T , Jimenez‐Solem Espen , Broedbaek Kasper , Hjelvang Brian R , Henriksen Trine , Frandsen Erik , Forman Julie L , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Køber Lars , Poulsen Henrik E 
Published: June 2012

Summary
A gene–drug interaction has been indicated between β1‐adrenoceptor‐selective beta‐blockers and the Arg389Gly polymorphism (rs1801253) in the adrenergic beta‐1 receptor gene (ADRB1). In the present study, we investigated the effect of the ADRB1 Arg389Gly polymorphism on plasma renin activity (PRA) and heart rate (HR), as well as genotype‐dependent responses to metoprolol and exercise.
Twenty‐nine healthy male subjects participated in two treatment periods (placebo and 200 mg/day metoprolol). A 15 min submaximal exercise test was performed after each treatment period and PRA and HR were measured before and after exercise.
Before exercise, median PRA was lower in Gly/Gly subjects than in Arg/Arg subjects after both placebo (P = 0.030) and metoprolol (P = 0.020) treatment. After placebo, the exercise‐induced increase in PRA was greater in Gly/Gly than Arg/Gly and Arg/Arg subjects (P = 0.033). The linear association between log(PRA) and log(metoprolol concentration) varied significantly between genotypes (P = 0.024). In Gly/Gly subjects, PRA decreased significantly with metoprolol concentration before (P = 0.025) and after exercise (P < 0.001), whereas in Arg/Gly and Arg/Arg subjects metoprolol concentration had no effect on PRA. The effect of metoprolol concentration on PRA in Gly/Gly subjects was enhanced by exercise (P = 0.044). No significant differences in HR were seen between genotype groups.
Resting PRA was lower in Gly/Gly than Arg/Arg subjects and the effect of exercise and metoprolol concentration on PRA was stronger in Gly/Gly subjects than with the other two genotypes. Thus, Gly/Gly heart failure patients may require lower doses of metoprolol than other patients to block neurohumoral hyperactivity.
Impact of Past Forest Fires on Bird Populations in Flooded Forests of the Cuini River in the Lowland Amazon
Authors: Ritter Camila D. , Andretti Christian B. , Nelson Bruce W. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBlackwater floodplain forests of the Rio Negro are susceptible to understory fires. Bird composition was distinct between burned and unburned floodplain forest but not between young (12–18 yr) and old burns (>25 yr), indicating low resilience after fire. Forest regeneration is slow, with open grassy areas persisting >80 yr.
Ingestion of theanine, an amino acid in tea, suppresses psychosocial stress in mice
Authors: Unno Keiko , Iguchi Kazuaki , Tanida Naoki , Fujitani Keisuke , Takamori Nina , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Ishii Naoto , Nagano Hiroko , Nagashima Takashi , Hara Ayane , Shimoi Kayoko , Hoshino Minoru 
Published: June 2012

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?In the resident‐intruder model of psychosocial stress, the subordinate is aggressively attacked by the dominant, thus the two animals cannot be co‐housed for extended periods. We have developed a novel chronic model of social confrontation, and asked whether the intake of theanine, an amino acid in tea, could suppress stress.
What is the main finding and its importance?Using a cage partition, we developed a new confrontational housing mouse model of psychosocial stress. Although dominant and subordinate relationships were observed after the removal of the partition, the mice could be co‐housed without physical injury for a long period. Further, we found that the intake of theanine suppressed stress.
The antistress effect of theanine (γ‐glutamylethylamide), an amino acid in tea, was investigated using mice that were psychosocially stressed from a conflict among male mice in conditions of confrontational housing. Two male mice were housed in the same cage separated by a partition to establish a territorial imperative. When the partition was removed, the mice were co‐housed confrontationally. As a marker for the stress response, changes in the adrenal gland were studied in comparison to group‐housed control mice (six mice in a cage). Significant adrenal hypertrophy was observed in mice during confrontational housing, which was developed within 24 h and persisted for at least 1 week. The size of cells in the zona fasciculata of the adrenal gland, from which glucocorticoid is mainly secreted, increased (∼1.11‐fold) in mice during confrontational housing, which was accompanied by a flattened diurnal rhythm of corticosterone and ACTH in blood. The ingestion of theanine (>5 μg ml−1) prior to confrontational housing significantly suppressed adrenal hypertrophy. An antidepressant, paroxetin, suppressed adrenal hypertrophy in a similar manner in mice during confrontational housing. In mice that ingested theanine, behavioural depression was also suppressed, and a diurnal rhythm of corticosterone and ACTH was observed, even in mice that were undergoing confrontational housing. Furthermore, the daily dose of theanine (40 μg ml−1) blocked the counteracting effects of caffeine (30 μg ml−1) and catechin (200 μg ml−1). The present study demonstrated that theanine prevents and relieves psychosocial stress through the modulation of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity.