bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technology acceptance and m‐commerce in an operational environment
Authors: Snowden Simon , Spafford John , Michaelides Roula , Hopkins John 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo provide a case study in the implementation of mobile technologies in an operations management environment, and viewed through a model for technology acceptance.Design/methodology/approachThis is an assessment of the technology acceptance model (TAM) through action research, a practical implementation based upon understandings developed in the TAM.FindingsProvides fresh data to further develop the TAM, shedding light on some of the factors expounded within TAM, and their relationships.Research limitations/implicationsThis is not the empirical research required to fully validate the TAM, but is useful in terms of investigating its various features within a detailed case study. It is also useful in terms of the project management implications for the implementation of new technologies.Practical implicationsUseful for those looking at the practical implementation of mobile technologies in an operations environment, and highlights the role of technology acceptance in the project management process.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an important role in helping to validate the TAM developed by other researchers.
Information technology in supply networks
Authors: Günter Hannes , Grote Gudela , Thees Oliver 
Published: October 2006

PurposeOne of the main challenges of supply chain management (SCM) is to improve collaborative planning in supply networks while preserving autonomy of each network member. In order to improve coordination and planning processes across company boundaries supply chain management systems (SCMS;, e.g. shared databases) are introduced in supply networks. Aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachThere is a lack of knowledge about the extent to which SCMS can support collaborative planning processes. The preliminary findings concerning this question are based on a case study of a supply network in the forestry and timber industry.FindingsThe results indicate that the SCMS implemented in this forestry network has had only limited effects on collaborative planning processes so far. One possible explanation for this result is that the SCMS was implemented suboptimally (e.g. modifications of the SCMS were not communicated to users).Originality/valueSupply networks in forestry have to pay close attention to change management issues when designing and implementing information technology to tap the full potential of SCMS.
Examining knowledge management factors in the creation of new city
Authors: Wang Xuefeng , Lihua Richard 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThis paper seeks to address issues of sustainability in the rapid urbanization in China with examination of knowledge management factors in the creation of new Chinese cities.Design/methodology/approachA case study was undertaken at Zhengdong New District along with semi‐structured interview mixed with evaluation and content analyses of successful knowledge management factors as the analytical approach.FindingsThis study explores the ongoing revolution of building new cities and towns in China, and highlights the importance of knowledge‐based development in achieving sustainable development. Following the establishment of the theory and model of the knowledge city, it explores the features of knowledge city in practice. Focusing on the case study of Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, it examines the factors of knowledge management in the creation of the new city. However, it is believed that the strategic development plan was made following the principles of sustainability. Furthermore, it has been accepted that the strategic plan reflexes the framework and sustains various features of the knowledge city, which could be seen as the embryo of knowledge city in China. In the meantime, it has to be recognised that the outcome of the evaluation of Zhengdong New District, which has been discussed in this paper, is merely the audit of what is currently happening in the first phase of the project and reflexes the current issues, and might give impact to the implementation of municipal government strategy in the future.Originality/valueThis paper concludes that, while the local authority is endeavouring to build a physically modern city, it might have overlooked the importance of using knowledge management principles as a tool to promote social, cultural, and environmental sustainability. Yet the analysis in this paper demonstrates that it is not impossible to use knowledge management framework as a tool to assist policy makers governing the creation of a new city in a sustainable way. The discussion in this paper is expected to be thought‐provoking in a holistic understanding of the theoretical perspective of knowledge city and further research into this field in the Chinese context.
Outcome of peptic ulcer bleeding among users of traditional non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and selective cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors
Authors: THOMSEN R. W. , RIIS A. , CHRISTENSEN S. , MCLAUGHLIN J. K. , SØRENSEN H. T. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryBackgroundFew data exist on the impact of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug use on peptic ulcer outcome.AimTo examine the 30‐day mortality from peptic ulcer bleeding associated with the use of traditional non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and newer selective cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors.MethodsCohort study of patients with a first hospitalization for peptic ulcer bleeding in three Danish counties between 1991 and 2003. Data on pre‐admission non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug use, use of other ulcer‐related drugs and comorbidities were obtained from population‐based registries. Follow‐up data on mortality were obtained from the Danish Civil Registry System.ResultsOf 7232 patients hospitalized for peptic ulcer bleeding, 28% were current non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug users. Thirty‐day mortality was 11% overall, and 13% among current non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug users. Compared with never‐use, the adjusted 30‐day mortality rate ratios were 1.4 (95% CI: 1.1–1.9) for current use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs alone and 1.3 (95% CI: 1.0–1.7) for current use combined with other ulcer‐related drugs. For users of celecoxib, alone and in combination, adjusted mortality rate ratios were 1.4 (95% CI: 0.5–3.9) and 2.0 (95% CI: 1.2–3.5), and for users of rofecoxib, 1.2 (95% CI: 0.4–3.9) and 0.9 (95% CI: 0.5–1.6).ConclusionAmong patients hospitalized with peptic ulcer bleeding, use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, including some newer cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors, is associated with increased short‐term mortality.
Malignant phyllodes tumours of the breast display increased stromal p53 protein expression
Authors: Millar E K A , Beretov J , Marr P , Sarris M , Clarke R A , Kearsley J H , Lee C S 
Published: October 2006

AimsTo determine the variation in p53 protein expression in phyllodes tumours and fibroadenomas of the breast.Methods and resultsFifteen phyllodes tumours (six malignant, nine benign) and 20 fibroadenomas were examined for p53 expression by immunohistochemistry. Five of the six malignant phyllodes tumours showed moderate or strong p53 positivity at sites of peri‐epithelial stromal condensation and atypia. All 20 fibroadenomas, nine benign phyllodes tumours and one malignant phyllodes tumour showed either negativity or focal weak nuclear positivity of scattered stromal cells.ConclusionsIncreased p53 immunoreactivity is present in malignant phyllodes tumours in contrast to benign phyllodes tumours and fibroadenomas. Malignant phyllodes tumours display a distinctive pattern of p53 immunostaining which may be of diagnostic value. These findings suggest that p53 protein may be important in the progression of benign to malignant phyllodes tumours.
Origin of hyperplastic epithelial cells in idiopathic collapsing glomerulopathy
Authors: Kihara I , Yaoita E , Kawasaki K , Yamamoto T , Hara M , Yanagihara T 
Published: October 2006

AimsGlomerular epithelial cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia are listed as the primary criteria for the diagnosis of collapsing glomerulopathy (CG), a distinct variant of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. However, the extent of podocyte phenotypic alterations that occur in CG, and the origin of the hyperplastic epithelial cells remain to be established.Methods and resultsRenal biopsy materials from seven out of three patients with CG were studied by serial section analysis for immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Markers for podocytes (PHM5 and synaptopodin), parietal epithelial cells (PECs: cytokeratin) and macrophages (CD68) were used for the immunohistochemistry. Multiple ultrathin sections from a total of 15 glomeruli, including some from patients with CG, were examined by electron microscopy. Glomerular adhesions occurred in 71% of the serially sectioned glomeruli taken from patients with CG. Hyperplastic epithelial cells were immunonegative for podocyte markers and CD68, but invariably immunopositive for cytokeratin. Electron microscopy revealed that detachment of the podocytes from involved glomerular capillary walls was extensive. Many of the detached podocytes appeared to be necrotic and apoptotic. In contrast, junctional complexes of desmosomes and zonula adherens connected hyperplastic epithelial cells to each other. Cilia were also often observed.ConclusionsThe results of our ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study suggest that the hyperplastic epithelial cells observed in cases of CG are derived from PECs. Our results raise the possibility that PECs play a general role in covering glomerular tufts from which the podocytes have disappeared.
Variations on a theme: sources of heterogeneity in the form of the interspecific relationship between abundance and distribution
Authors: BLACKBURN TIM M. , CASSEY PHILLIP , GASTON KEVIN J. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryA positive interspecific relationship between abundance and distribution is widely considered to be one of the most general patterns in ecology. However, the relationship appears to vary considerably across assemblages, from significant positive to significant negative correlations and all shades in between.This variation has led to the suggestion that the abundance–distribution relationship has multiple forms, with the corollary that different patterns may inform about, or have different, causes. However, this variation has never been formally quantified, nor has it been determined whether the observed variation is indicative of sampling error in estimating a single effect or of real heterogeneity in such relationships. Here, we use the meta‐analytical approach to assess variation in abundance–distribution relationships, and to test different hypotheses for it.Analysis of 279 relationships found a mean effect size of 0·655, which was both highly significantly different from zero and indicative of a strong positive association between abundance and distribution. However, effect sizes were highly heterogeneous, supporting the contention that this relationship does indeed have multiple forms.Most notably, relationships vary significantly in strength across realms, with the strongest in the marine and intertidal, intermediate relationships for terrestrial and parasitic assemblages, and the weakest relationships in freshwater systems. Effect sizes in all of the aquatic realms are homogeneous, suggesting that realm is an important source of the heterogeneity observed across all studies. We posit that this may be because the different spatial structure of the environment in each realm affects the opportunity for the dispersal of individuals between sites.Some of the remaining heterogeneity in effect sizes for terrestrial assemblages could be explained by partitioning assemblages by habitat, scale, biogeographical region and taxon, but considerable heterogeneity in effect sizes for terrestrial and parasitic assemblages remained unexplained.
Genetic admixture of burbot (Teleostei: Lota lota) in Lake Constance from two European glacial refugia
Authors: BARLUENGA MARTA , SANETRA MATTHIAS , MEYER AXEL 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe burbot, Lota lota, is the only freshwater species of the codfish family and has a Holarctic distribution. Pleistocene glaciations caused significant geographical differentiation in the past, but its life history characterized by winter spawning migrations over large distances is likely to homogenize populations by contemporary gene flow. We investigated the population genetic structure of 541 burbots from Lake Constance and adjacent Rhine and Danube tributaries in Europe using the entire mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region and 11 microsatellites. Microsatellites revealed considerable population divergence (FST = 0.26) and evidenced recent bottlenecks in two Central European rivers. In accordance to previous evidence two main phylogeographic lineages (Atlantic and Danubian) were found co‐occurring at similar frequencies in Lake Constance, where they currently undergo random mating as indicated by microsatellites. The Danubian lineage contributed only a small proportion to the lake's mtDNA diversity, and probably expanded within the lake shortly after its formation ∼10 000–15 000 bp. The larger Atlantic haplotype diversity suggested a population expansion older than the lake itself. Levels of admixture at microsatellite loci were less obvious due to their high variability, and coalescence methods were used to estimate past admixture proportions. Our results reinforce a model of a two‐step colonization of Europe by burbot from an ancestral Danubian refuge, and confirm the persistence of a secondary Atlantic refuge, as proposed to exist for other freshwater fish. We conclude that the present‐day burbot population in Lake Constance bears the genetic signature of both contemporary gene flow and historical separation events.
Elevated plasma urokinase receptor predicts low birth weight in maternal malaria
Authors: OSTROWSKI S. R. , SHULMAN C. E. , PESHU N. , STAALSØE T. , HØYER‐HANSEN G. , PEDERSEN B. K. , MARSH K. , ULLUM H. 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARY The blood level of soluble urokinase receptor (suPAR) is increased and associated with a poor clinical or fatal outcome in children with acute malaria. This study hypothesized that the suPAR level would be associated with foetal outcome in maternal malaria. suPAR was measured by ELISA in maternal and cord plasma samples taken during delivery in 253 pregnant Kenyan women stratified according to placental histology: no malaria infection (non‐infected), active or active‐chronic infection (actively infected) or past‐chronic infection (past‐infected). Maternal‐suPAR was higher in actively infected women (median 3·93 (IQR 2·92–5·29) ng/mL) compared with non‐infected (median 2·78 (IQR 1·86–3·87) ng/mL, P = 0·001) and past‐infected (median 2·67 (IQR 1·94–3·7) ng/mL, P = 0·012) women. Cord‐suPAR was comparable across the groups (median 2·98 (IQR 2·38–3·77) ng/mL). In actively infected women, maternal‐suPAR and gestational age were the only independent predictors of birth weight in multivariate linear regression adjusted for maternal‐suPAR, HIV‐1 infection, age, BMI, haemoglobin, peripheral parasitaemia, parity and gestational age; 1 ng/mL higher maternal‐suPAR predicted −56 g (95% CI −100 to −12, P = 0·016) reduced birth weight. Cord‐suPAR could not predict birth weight after adjusting for gestational age. Future studies are warranted to investigate whether the maternal suPAR level is increased earlier in pregnancy in women with active placental malaria infection and whether early maternal suPAR measurements can predict birth weight. If so, measurements of maternal suPAR early in pregnancy might then potentially identify women with increased needs for antenatal care and intervention.
Preparing professionals from a wide range of disciplines for life and work in rural and small communities
Authors: Medves Jennifer M. , Paterson Margo , Young The Reverend John H. , McAndrews Brian , Bowes Denise , Smith The Reverend Elaine , Hobbs Neil , Seaton Fairleigh 
Published: October 2006

Abstract A new inter‐professional subject has been offered at a Canadian university, which examines issues related to professionals’ integrating into rural practice; understanding the history and geography of rural communities and important issues affecting life in rural settings.
Acute effects of cigarette smoking on multifocal electroretinogram
Authors: Gundogan Fatih C , Erdurman Cuneyt , Durukan Ali H , Sobaci Gungor , Bayraktar M Zeki 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground:  Cigarette smoking was shown to have stimulant effects on pattern visual‐evoked potentials. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of cigarette smoking on multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG).Methods:  This prospective case–control study was held in a tertiary referral centre in Turkish Armed Forces. mfERGs were investigated in a group of habitual smokers (30 right eyes of 30 subjects) in separate real smoking and sham smoking sessions. mfERG responses of the subjects were recorded after overnight abstinence. The responses were averaged over five retinal regions, the central hexagon (CH; central 6°) and four concentric rings (ring 1 [R1; 7°−12°], ring 2 [R2; 13°−18°], ring 3 [R3; 19°−24°], ring 4 [R4; 25°−30°]). On each session mfERGs were recorded before (BS) and after smoking (AS) conditions.Results:  Regarding P1 amplitudes (first positive deflection of the mfERG) in the real smoking sessions, the differences were significant in the CH (BS: 66.2 ± 16.3 µV, AS: 73.3 ± 19.6 µV, P < 0.001), in R1 (BS: 44.3 ± 13.0, AS: 48.3 ± 16.0, P = 0.004) and in R2 (BS: 30.1 ± 8.3, AS: 33.7 ± 9.7, P = 0.002). Similar results were found for N1 amplitudes and P1 and N1 (first negative deflection of the mfERG) latencies in the CH, R1 and R2. The differences in outer retinal areas (R3, R4) in the real smoking sessions and in all rings in the sham smoking sessions were not significant.Conclusion:  Cigarette smoking may stimulate the central retinal areas in the acute phase. This effect may be related with the stimulant effect of nicotine on neurotransmission, deleterious effects on retinal and/or choroidal circulation, carbon monoxide toxicity and nicotine withdrawal.
Calvinist Internationalism and the English Officer Corps, 1562–1642
Authors: Trim David 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis article uses a crucial but little‐known text to examine two problematic issues in early‐modern history: whether there was, in any meaningful sense, a ‘Calvinist international’; and the extent to which religious commitment influenced career soldiers. The Defence of Militarie Profession (1579), by a Calvinist soldier, Geoffrey Gates, is rich on both issues and an excellent potential source for students. This article outlines how close reading reveals a transnational concept of the Reformed Churches as Israel, derived from a distinctive understanding and application of the Bible. Then, analysis of English military officers indicates that many were Calvinist and shared this internationalist concept of their confession. Thus, this essay argues that a ‘Calvinist international’ did exist as a conscious transnational movement and that its ideology was an important factor in the mental world of English career soldiers; and it introduces a text that students can use to explore these large issues.
Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, peripheral vision and refraction in low birthweight teenagers
Authors: Lindqvist Susanne , Vik Torstein , Indredavik Marit S. , Brubakk Ann‐Mari 
Published: October 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  To assess visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity, visual fields, refractive errors and use of correction in adolescents with very low birthweight (VLBW; birthweight < 1500 g) and adolescents born at term but small for gestational age (SGA; birthweight < 10th percentile) in a population‐based study.Methods:  Ophthalmological examination including VA, Vistech contrast sensitivity and Humphrey two‐zone, 120‐point perimetry was performed in 51 VLBW, 59 SGA and 77 control adolescents.Results:  The VLBW adolescents had reduced VA, reduced contrast sensitivity, and were more often anisometropic compared with control adolescents. They had started wearing glasses earlier, but were not more likely to use correction as teenagers. However, they were more often undercorrected (for refractive status) than control adolescents. Hypermetropia was more common in the SGA group than in the control group, but otherwise the SGA group did not differ from the control group.Conclusions:  Being born SGA may be a risk factor for hypermetropia in adolescence. Prematurely born adolescents present lower VA and contrast sensitivity and are more prone to anisometropia than adolescents born at term. It may be noteworthy that a higher proportion of VLBW than control adolescents were undercorrected, despite the well known vulnerability of visual function associated with preterm birth.
Potent Reduction of Apolipoprotein B and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol by Short-Term Administration of an Antisense Inhibitor of Apolipoprotein B
Authors: Kastelein John J.P. , Wedel Mark K. , Baker Brenda F. , Su John , Bradley JoAnn D. , Yu Rosie Z. , Chuang Emil , Graham Mark J. , Crooke Rosanne M. 
Published: October 2006

Background—Apolipoprotein B (apoB) is an important structural component of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and plays a key role in LDL-C transport and removal. Reduction in apoB synthesis is expected to reduce circulating LDL-C, a proven risk factor of cardiovascular disease. In the present study, we describe the outcome of the first-in-humans study on the safety and efficacy of an antisense oligonucleotide inhibitor of apoB.Methods and Results—This study was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation investigation conducted at a single site in 36 volunteers with mild dyslipidemia. The study utilized an initial single dose of 50 to 400 mg of ISIS 301012, a 20-mer oligonucleotide, followed by a 4-week multiple-dosing regimen with the same assigned dose. Safety was assessed by the incidence, severity, and relationship of adverse events to dose. Efficacy was determined by changes in serum apoB and LDL-C relative to baseline and placebo. The most common adverse event was erythema at the injection site (21 of 29 subjects). ApoB was reduced by a maximum of 50% (P=0.002) from baseline in the 200-mg cohort. This decrease in apoB coincided with a maximum 35% reduction of LDL-C (P=0.001). LDL-C and apoB remained significantly below baseline (P<0.05) up to 3 months after the last dose.Conclusions—Administration of an antisense oligonucleotide to human apoB resulted in a significant, prolonged, and dose-dependent reduction in apoB and LDL-C. Although injection-site reactions were common, adherence to protocol was unaffected.