bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topical delivery of siRNA-based spherical nucleic acid nanoparticle conjugates for gene regulation
Authors: Zheng Dan , Giljohann David A. , Chen David L. , Massich Matthew D. , Wang Xiao-Qi , Iordanov Hristo , Mirkin Chad A. , Paller Amy S. 
Published: July 2012

Topical application of nucleic acids offers many potential therapeutic advantages for suppressing genes in the skin, and potentially for systemic gene delivery. However, the epidermal barrier typically precludes entry of gene-suppressing therapy unless the barrier is disrupted. We now show that spherical nucleic acid nanoparticle conjugates (SNA-NCs), gold cores surrounded by a dense shell of highly oriented, covalently immobilized siRNA, freely penetrate almost 100% of keratinocytes in vitro, mouse skin, and human epidermis within hours after application. Significantly, these structures can be delivered in a commercial moisturizer or phosphate-buffered saline, and do not require barrier disruption or transfection agents, such as liposomes, peptides, or viruses. SNA-NCs targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), an important gene for epidermal homeostasis, are > 100-fold more potent and suppress longer than siRNA delivered with commercial lipid agents in cultured keratinocytes. Topical delivery of 1.5 uM EGFR siRNA (50 nM SNA-NCs) for 3 wk to hairless mouse skin almost completely abolishes EGFR expression, suppresses downstream ERK phosphorylation, and reduces epidermal thickness by almost 40%. Similarly, EGFR mRNA in human skin equivalents is reduced by 52% after 60 h of treatment with 25 nM EGFR SNA-NCs. Treated skin shows no clinical or histological evidence of toxicity. No cytokine activation in mouse blood or tissue samples is observed, and after 3 wk of topical skin treatment, the SNA structures are virtually undetectable in internal organs. SNA conjugates may be promising agents for personalized, topically delivered gene therapy of cutaneous tumors, skin inflammation, and dominant negative genetic skin disorders.
TLM-Tracker: software for cell segmentation, tracking and lineage analysis in time-lapse microscopy movies
Authors: Klein Johannes , Leupold Stefan , Biegler Ilona , Biedendieck Rebekka , Münch Richard , Jahn Dieter 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Motivation: Time-lapse imaging in combination with fluorescence microscopy techniques enable the investigation of gene regulatory circuits and uncovered phenomena like culture heterogeneity. In this context, computational image processing for the analysis of single cell behaviour plays an increasing role in systems biology and mathematical modelling approaches. Consequently, we developed a software package with graphical user interface for the analysis of single bacterial cell behaviour.
Results: A new software called TLM-Tracker allows for the flexible and user-friendly interpretation for the segmentation, tracking and lineage analysis of microbial cells in time-lapse movies.
Availability: The software package, including manual, tutorial video and examples, is available as Matlab code or executable binaries at http://www.tlmtracker.tu-bs.de.
Contact: r.muench@tu-bs.de
Otolith microstructure analysis to resolve seasonal patterns of hatching and settlement in western Baltic cod
Authors: Rehberg-Haas Sabine , Hammer Cornelius , Hillgruber Nicola , Hüssy Karin , Temming Axel 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Rehberg-Haas, S., Hammer, C., Hillgruber, N., Hüssy, K., and Temming, A. 2012. Otolith microstructure analysis to resolve seasonal patterns of hatching and settlement in western Baltic cod. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: . Previous studies showed that Baltic cod (Gadus morhua) settle to demersal life at a given size, while the annulus is formed seasonally, irrespective of size. The goal of this study was to examine the timing of check formation in juvenile Baltic cod otoliths to validate macrostructural ageing and to differentiate between true annuli and secondary structures such as settlement checks. Otoliths were collected from fish off Fehmarn Island in 2008 and 2009, and were examined for macrostructural and microstructural patterns using light and scanning electron microscopy. All fish examined were age-0. Back-calculation of hatch dates indicated hatching from April to June and from February to August in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Juveniles formed either one or two translucent rings. The first translucent ring started to form ∼3 months post-hatch and was interpreted as a settlement check, since it appeared to be a function of age and/or size and not season. Deposition of the second ring began in mid October to early November irrespective of fish size and/or age, thus indicating that this ring may represent the first annulus of Baltic cod. Both rings were clearly distinguishable in individuals hatched between February and May, but were merged in those fish where settlement coincided with the seasonally formed second ring.
The Rice Monovalent Cation Transporter OsHKT2;4: Revisited Ionic Selectivity
Authors: Sassi Ali , Mieulet Delphine , Khan Imran , Moreau Bertrand , Gaillard Isabelle , Sentenac Hervé , Véry Anne-Aliénor 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
The family of plant membrane transporters named HKT (for high-affinity K+ transporters) can be subdivided into subfamilies 1 and 2, which, respectively, comprise Na+-selective transporters and transporters able to function as Na+-K+ symporters, at least when expressed in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) or Xenopus oocytes. Surprisingly, a subfamily 2 member from rice (Oryza sativa), OsHKT2;4, has been proposed to form cation/K+ channels or transporters permeable to Ca2+ when expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Here, OsHKT2;4 functional properties were reassessed in Xenopus oocytes. A Ca2+ permeability through OsHKT2;4 was not detected, even at very low external K+ concentration, as shown by highly negative OsHKT2;4 zero-current potential in high Ca2+ conditions and lack of sensitivity of OsHKT2;4 zero-current potential and conductance to external Ca2+. The Ca2+ permeability previously attributed to OsHKT2;4 probably resulted from activation of an endogenous oocyte conductance. OsHKT2;4 displayed a high permeability to K+ compared with that to Na+ (permeability sequence: K+ &gt; Rb+ ≈ Cs+ &gt; Na+ ≈ Li+ ≈ NH4 +). Examination of OsHKT2;4 current sensitivity to external pH suggested that H+ is not significantly permeant through OsHKT2;4 in most physiological ionic conditions. Further analyses in media containing both Na+ and K+ indicated that OsHKT2;4 functions as K+-selective transporter at low external Na+, but transports also Na+ at high (&gt;10 mm) Na+ concentrations. These data identify OsHKT2;4 as a new functional type in the K+ and Na+-permeable HKT transporter subfamily. Furthermore, the high permeability to K+ in OsHKT2;4 supports the hypothesis that this system is dedicated to K+ transport in the plant.
A Cytosolic Acyltransferase Contributes to Triacylglycerol Synthesis in Sucrose-Rescued Arabidopsis Seed Oil Catabolism Mutants
Authors: Hernández M. Luisa , Whitehead Lynne , He Zhesi , Gazda Valeria , Gilday Alison , Kozhevnikova Ekaterina , Vaistij Fabián E. , Larson Tony R. , Graham Ian A. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Triacylglycerol (TAG) levels and oil bodies persist in sucrose (Suc)-rescued Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seedlings disrupted in seed oil catabolism. This study set out to establish if TAG levels persist as a metabolically inert pool when downstream catabolism is disrupted, or if other mechanisms, such as fatty acid (FA) recycling into TAG are operating. We show that TAG composition changes significantly in Suc-rescued seedlings compared with that found in dry seeds, with 18:2 and 18:3 accumulating. However, 20:1 FA is not efficiently recycled back into TAG in young seedlings, instead partitioning into the membrane lipid fraction and diacylglycerol. In the lipolysis mutant sugar dependent1and the β-oxidation double mutant acx1acx2 (for acyl-Coenzyme A oxidase), levels of TAG actually increased in seedlings growing on Suc. We performed a transcriptomic study and identified up-regulation of an acyltransferase gene, DIACYLGLYCEROL ACYLTRANSFERASE3 (DGAT3), with homology to a peanut (Arachis hypogaea) cytosolic acyltransferase. The acyl-Coenzyme A substrate for this acyltransferase accumulates in mutants that are blocked in oil breakdown postlipolysis. Transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana confirmed involvement in TAG synthesis and specificity toward 18:3 and 18:2 FAs. Double-mutant analysis with the peroxisomal ATP-binding cassette transporter mutant peroxisomal ABC transporter1 indicated involvement of DGAT3 in the partitioning of 18:3 into TAG in mutant seedlings growing on Suc. Fusion of the DGAT3 protein with green fluorescent protein confirmed localization to the cytosol of N. benthamiana. This work has demonstrated active recycling of 18:2 and 18:3 FAs into TAG when seed oil breakdown is blocked in a process involving a soluble cytosolic acyltransferase.
Professional development for company directors – a strategic leadership opportunity for HR? The case of Air Astana
Authors: Davis Paul J. , Callahan William 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to explore potential opportunities for corporate learning and development functions to play a strategic leadership role by meeting the professional development needs of company directors.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted an interview with Mr Dmitriy Larionov, an independent director at Kazakhtelecom and Air Astana.FindingsThe interview revealed that, from the perspective of the interviewee, company directors do have important professional development needs. These needs, however, are not easily satisfied and can go unmet.Practical implicationsLearning and development professionals in listed companies can play a heightened strategic and influencing role in corporate governance by better equipping directors to perform their duties well.Originality/valueAir Astana is a rapidly expanding company in a highly competitive and universally significant industry. Kazakhstan is a new country without a history of private companies. Kazakhstan is one of the world's fastest developing economies.
Evaluation – training's ignored leverage point
Authors: O'Connor John , Little Bob 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe paper aims to describe the results assessment approach to the evaluation of training and development programmes.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains the shortfalls with current approaches to evaluation, outlines the research that led to the development of the results assessment approach, and describes a realistic, pragmatic method to evaluate any training initiative.FindingsUltimately, “results” are what training and development professionals' customers need – and want – delivered, yet training and development professionals think and act within the limits of a training expertise that often lacks the necessary business perspective. Yet, the good news is that it doesn't take a huge effort or costly resources to improve things.Practical implicationsThe results of every significant development programme must fall into one or more of the following domains: perception, transfer and impact.Social implicationsThe results assessment evaluation model can play a key part in ensuring training and development activities are central to an organisation's goal, aims and objectives.Originality/valueThe paper describes a model that challenges current training evaluation practice and by focusing on business results enables “training” to become a core business partner.
Mapping service processes in manufacturing companies: industrial service blueprinting
Authors: Biege Sabine , Lay Gunter , Buschak Daniela 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a process‐modelling method that is based on methods from both operations management (OM) and service operations management (SOM), which complies with the special requirements of servitised manufacturers.Design/methodology/approachAfter a comprehensive literature review of organisational change in servitised manufacturers, the requirements for modelling industrial services are established. In addition, existing business process‐modelling methods from OM and SOM are classified and related to these requirements. A modelling method that is adapted to the needs of servitised manufacturers is proposed, and the practical advantages of this methodology are explored in an exemplary case study of a machine tool manufacturer.FindingsThis paper suggests that existing instruments that have been developed within OM and SOM need considerable adjustment to comply with the needs of servitised manufacturers.Originality/valueThis paper contributes towards mastering the transition from the production of capital goods to the offering of entire solutions by outlining the special requirements of the process structure in a manufacturing company as it turns into a solution‐provider.
Analysis of interaction fit between manufacturing strategy and technology management and its impact on performance
Authors: Ortega Cesar H. , Garrido‐Vega Pedro , Dominguez Machuca Jose Antonio 
Published: July 2012

PurposeUsing the matching/difference perspective, the purpose of this paper is to examine the interaction fit between a set of managerial practices from manufacturing strategy (MS) and another set from technology management (TM) and the link of this fit to operational performance.Design/methodology/approachThe paper applies multiple statistical methods to a database of an international sample of plants in the auto supplier sector to explore (deviation score analysis/multiple linear regression) and confirm (correlation and variance subgroup analysis) whether a matching model presents organisational disequilibrium, where states of fit are related to effectively higher performance than states of misfit.FindingsResults from regression show that there were no states of misfit between the levels of both manufacturing practice sets/areas. This means that there are no significant differences in performance that may be tested for matching interaction. However, subgroup analysis provides greater detail on why there might not be any misfits (i.e. state of fit), by illustrating that when grouping by plant type (high/world class performer, HP, and standard performer, SP), the slight lack of significant difference in the correlation between MS and TM was in favour of HP. The implementation levels of MS‐TM found were not significantly different, showing for HP slightly higher levels for both practices (+&+) than for SP, with slightly lower values in both cases (− & −). Therefore, it seems that both groups might perform equally well, due not to interaction but to the presence of a state of MS‐TM fit alone. A state of fit such as this, known as selection or congruency, would be the reason for there being no significant matching interaction originally.Originality/valueMost of the interaction fit bibliography is from the accounting perspective. Therefore, the impact of the matching interaction fit between MS and TM (as well as its impact on performance) has not been well documented theoretically, and much less, empirically, in production and operations management.
How to assess the corporate parenting strategy? A conceptual answer
Authors: Kruehler Matthias , Pidun Ulrich , Rubner Harald 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe major purpose of this paper is the development of a theoretical framework that can be used by corporate practitioners to understand the implicit parenting strategy of their company, assess its performance, and adjust it for improving the net corporate value creation.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a three‐dimensional framework is developed that accounts for corporate‐to‐business and business‐to‐business interactions, value‐adding and value‐destroying activities, and strategic and operational levers. The framework is operationalized by assigning a broad set of individual activities to these levers.FindingsThe paper delivers a robust, systematic, and operational framework to assess the net benefits to a given business of being part of a corporate portfolio, and to identify and evaluate implicit parenting strategies in corporate practice. While previous studies mainly focused on broad parenting approaches with low granularity this framework now allows earlier observations to be substantiated, finer distinctions between the applied strategies to be drawn, and the core of superior value added approaches to be investigated.Practical implicationsThe introduced framework can be used to analyze the origin and underlying drivers of conglomerate discounts and premia and thus enhance understanding of capital market valuation of multi‐business companies. The developed framework can also be the basis for the derivation of a typology of corporate parenting strategies. In this way, it can support practitioners in portfolio management – which was also the explicit motivation for the development of the original parenting advantage concept.Originality/valueThe outlined framework will facilitate the investigation of structural, strategic, and organizational roots of superior parenting strategies in corporate practice. It may be used to analyze performance differences of multi‐business companies that go beyond the degree of diversification and may finally contribute to solving the puzzle of the conglomerate discount.
The digital challenge for the book industry: a viewpoint of Frankfurt Book Fair
Authors: Song Sandra 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThis article seeks to give an overview of important developments in the book and media industry, from the specific viewpoint of the Frankfurt Book Fair.Design/methodology/approachThe article is a viewpoint, a summary of the studies, market research and surveys which the Frankfurt Book Fair has conducted into the situation of the book market, and which it has used to develop its current profile.FindingsThe content business is opening up new areas of great potential – digital rights and multimedia formats are taking place alongside the international trade in translation rights. Traditionally linear value chains are becoming intermeshed to form multidimensional “value spaces”. The industry focuses today on cooperating with new partners on new multimedia formats and ideas, involving the creative industries of films, games, books as well as the ICT sector. Knowledge and exchange will become relevant factors. At the same time, digitisation is strengthening the situation of authors and other content producers. By consequence, publishers, agents and booksellers are repositioning themselves.Originality/valueThe Frankfurt Book Fair must always anticipate today what will be influencing the book industry tomorrow. Its purpose is to reflect the book industry while at the same time providing orientation in a world where change is becoming a constant. This article examines the Frankfurt Book Fair's own view of the developments and trends in the industry.
Which books are challenged more – classics or contemporary?
Authors: Grace Akers Carly 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to compare the American Library Association's statistics on the most frequently challenged books in the years 2000‐2010 that appear on the ALA's “Banned and Challenged Classics” list versus those that are contemporary that are found in the ALA published Banned Book Resource Guide.Design/methodology/approachAnalyses were made to determine whether classics were challenged more than contemporary books, and if there has been a rise in contemporary challenged books. To find out the similarities and difference in contemporary and classic books, the reasons for challenges were broken down into the categories of: drugs, homosexuality, offensive language, parental permission, racism, religious viewpoint, sexually explicit, suicide, unsuited to age group, violence, witchcraft, challenged, and “other”.FindingsThe study found that contemporary books were challenged more than classic books between 2000‐2010, but there has not been a rise in the number of challenges. The similarities and differences show that a small percentage of difference is seen in some of the reasons for the challenges, but the largest percentage for being sexually explicit, and the largest margin of difference in the percentages in racism.Research limitations/implicationsBecause the Banned Book Resource Guide was published in 2010, the statistics for challenged books in the year 2010 are incomplete. A suggestion for further research would be conducting the study when a later version of the Resource Guide is available and includes the 2010 statistics.Originality/valueBy examining patterns that have taken place in book challenges over the past ten years, the paper helps those interested in censorship and its many complications to better understand its trends.
In the library: quiet space endures
Authors: Massis Bruce E. 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this column is to present a single snapshot of the modern library. Even though much of the building itself has evolved into a collaborative learning space and a highly visible social environment, the traditional notion of at least a portion of the building as quiet study space must remain in place to support its place, for many, as an enduring exemplar of solitude. For those who are engaged in independent study and quiet contemplation, it is essential that the quiet study spaces in libraries endure.Design/methodology/approachThe article takes the form of a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by writers and researchers.FindingsData indicate that, even though technology is a paramount request by patrons using libraries, many require a quiet place to study as an integral part of their library experience.Originality/valueThe value in addressing this issue is to consider the substantiation suggesting that even though libraries have and continue to transform to meet the varied technological and other needs of the patron, those needs should include providing quiet study space for them as well.
Interpersonal factors affecting communication in clinical consultations
Authors: Lovell Brenda L. , Lee Raymond T. , Brotheridge Celeste M. 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThis study seeks to determine how process and latent errors in the interpersonal, organizational, health system, and public health domains impact doctor/patient communication and patient safety.Design/methodology/approachThere were 278 physicians from Manitoba, Canada who completed a self‐report questionnaire during 2006. The largest specialty was family medicine, followed by internal medicine and pediatrics. Mean years of practice was 16, and 60 percent of the respondents were male. Respondents indicated the extent to which difficulties were encountered when communicating with patients.FindingsThe study finds that physicians had more difficulties with patients in the 0‐20 year age bracket on 12 of the 18 communication statements. Psychiatry and pediatrics reported more difficulties with language interpreters. Pediatrics reported more difficulties with patients using culturally‐based alternative medicine. Internal medicine had more difficulty with patients not appearing to trust or participate in treatment decisions. Patients in the 41‐60 years age bracket had the highest mean for non‐adherence to treatment plans, health maintenance and needed lifestyle change. The female physician‐female patient dyad had fewer communication difficulties on all statements.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research should examine how family structure influences health‐care delivery and health outcomes. Health care organizations can contribute to improving quality of care by seeking out and correcting sources of latent errors, and by supporting professional development and practice interventions.Originality/valueFew studies exist that have linked communication difficulties to adverse events. This study provides insight on sources of interpersonal errors in communication that directly impact the physician/patient relationship and which may represent threats to patient safety.