bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gm allogenotype distribution and lack of HLA‐DR, Gm interaction in SLE and CREST/PSS
Authors: Jazwinska Elizabeth C , Dunckley Heather , Gatenby Paul A , Serjeantson Susan W 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe distribution of Gm allogenotypes (Gm allotypes identified by IgCH restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis) was compared in 66 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, 38 CREST/PSS patients and 56 healthy controls. Patient/control comparison showed that Gm homozygosity was increased in the CREST/PSS group (P<0·05) but not in the SLE group. HLA‐DR5 is significantly increased in frequency in this series of CREST/PSS patients compared to controls (P<0·001), and log linear regression analysis showed that although both DR5 and Gm homozygosity were significant factors determining disease susceptibility, there was no evidence of an interactive effect between these two groups of genes increasing the predisposition to CREST/PSS.
Peroxynitrite mediates the failure of neutrophil migration in severe polymicrobial sepsis in mice
Authors: Torres‐Dueñas D , Celes M R N , Freitas A , Alves‐Filho J C , Spiller F , Dal‐Secco D , Dalto V F , Rossi M A , Ferreira S H , Cunha F Q 
Published: July 2007

Background and purpose:Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response resulting from the inability of the host to restrict local infection. The failure of neutrophil migration to the infection site is one of the mechanisms involved in this process. Recently, it was demonstrated that this event is mediated by nitric oxide (NO). The present study addresses the possibility that peroxynitrite (ONOO‐), a NO‐derived powerful oxidizing and nitrating compound, could also be involved in neutrophil migration failure.Experimental approach:Male C57Bl/6 mice were subjected to moderate (MSI) or severe (SSI) septic injury, both induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The leukocyte rolling and adhesion in the mesentery was evaluated by intravital microscopy. Cytokines (TNF‐α and MIP‐1α) were measured by ELISA and 3‐nitrotyrosine (3‐NT) by immunofluorescence.Key results:Compared with saline pretreatment of SSI mice, pre‐treatment with uric acid, a ONOO‐ scavenger, partially restored the failure of neutrophil rolling, adhesion and migration to the site of infection. These mice also presented low circulating bacterial counts and diminished systemic inflammatory response. Pretreatment with uric acid reduced 3‐NT labelling in leukocytes in mesenteric tissues and in neutrophils obtained from peritoneal exudates. Finally, uric acid pretreatment enhanced significantly the survival rate in the SSI mice. Similarly, treatment with FeTPPs, a more specific ONOO‐ scavenger, re‐established neutrophil migration and increased mice survival rate.Conclusions and implications:These results indicate that ONOO‐ contributed to the reduction of neutrophil/endothelium interaction and the consequent failure of neutrophil migration into infection foci and hence susceptibility to severe sepsis.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 341–352; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707393; published online 16 July 2007
The PP2C-Type Phosphatase AP2C1, Which Negatively Regulates MPK4 and MPK6, Modulates Innate Immunity, Jasmonic Acid, and Ethylene Levels inArabidopsis
Authors: Schweighofer Alois , Kazanaviciute Vaiva , Scheikl Elisabeth , Teige Markus , Doczi Robert , Hirt Heribert , Schwanninger Manfred , Kant Merijn , Schuurink Robert , Mauch Felix , Buchala Antony , Cardinale Francesca , Meskiene Irute 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWound signaling pathways in plants are mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and stress hormones, such as ethylene and jasmonates. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the transmission of wound signals by MAPKs has been the subject of detailed investigations; however, the involvement of specific phosphatases in wound signaling is not known. Here, we show that AP2C1, an Arabidopsis Ser/Thr phosphatase of type 2C, is a novel stress signal regulator that inactivates the stress-responsive MAPKs MPK4 and MPK6. Mutant ap2c1 plants produce significantly higher amounts of jasmonate upon wounding and are more resistant to phytophagous mites (Tetranychus urticae). Plants with increased AP2C1 levels display lower wound activation of MAPKs, reduced ethylene production, and compromised innate immunity against the necrotrophic pathogen Botrytis cinerea. Our results demonstrate a key role for the AP2C1 phosphatase in regulating stress hormone levels, defense responses, and MAPK activities in Arabidopsis and provide evidence that the activity of AP2C1 might control the plant's response to B. cinerea.
A Unique β1,3-Galactosyltransferase Is Indispensable for the Biosynthesis of N-Glycans Containing Lewis a Structures in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Strasser Richard , Bondili Jayakumar Singh , Vavra Ulrike , Schoberer Jennifer , Svoboda Barbara , Glössl Josef , Léonard Renaud , Stadlmann Johannes , Altmann Friedrich , Steinkellner Herta , Mach Lukas 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
In plants, the only known outer-chain elongation of complex N-glycans is the formation of Lewis a [Fucα1-4(Galβ1-3)GlcNAc-R] structures. This process involves the sequential attachment of β1,3-galactose and α1,4-fucose residues by β1,3-galactosyltransferase and α1,4-fucosyltransferase. However, the exact mechanism underlying the formation of Lewis a epitopes in plants is poorly understood, largely because one of the involved enzymes, β1,3-galactosyltransferase, has not yet been identified and characterized. Here, we report the identification of an Arabidopsis thaliana β1,3-galactosyltransferase involved in the biosynthesis of the Lewis a epitope using an expression cloning strategy. Overexpression of various candidates led to the identification of a single gene (named GALACTOSYLTRANSFERASE1 [GALT1]) that increased the originally very low Lewis a epitope levels in planta. Recombinant GALT1 protein produced in insect cells was capable of transferring β1,3-linked galactose residues to various N-glycan acceptor substrates, and subsequent treatment of the reaction products with α1,4-fucosyltransferase resulted in the generation of Lewis a structures. Furthermore, transgenic Arabidopsis plants lacking a functional GALT1 mRNA did not show any detectable amounts of Lewis a epitopes on endogenous glycoproteins. Taken together, our results demonstrate that GALT1 is both sufficient and essential for the addition of β1,3-linked galactose residues to N-glycans and thus is required for the biosynthesis of Lewis a structures in Arabidopsis. Moreover, cell biological characterization of a transiently expressed GALT1-fluorescent protein fusion using confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed the exclusive location of GALT1 within the Golgi apparatus, which is in good agreement with the proposed physiological action of the enzyme.
Blending existentialist and constructionist approaches in leadership studies
Authors: Ford Jackie , Lawler John 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the contribution of combined social constructionist and existential perspectives to the understanding of leadership and calls for a reconsideration of the objectivist, functionalist assumptions and approaches to leadership. It aims to argue the value of incorporating the subjective perspective through two related approaches.Design/methodology/approachThe paper considers the contribution of an existentialist perspective before going on to explore the value of a social constructionist approach.FindingsThis paper calls for a reconsideration of the objectivist, functionalist assumptions and approaches to leadership and argues the value of incorporating the subjective perspective through two related approaches.Originality/value– The value of the paper is in the combination of social constructionist and existential perspectives in relation to understanding the experience of leadership. This is intended to have longer‐term implications both for practice, for how people share understandings of leadership, and for research in considering how these ideas might be explored further.
Organizing in the mist: a case study in leadership and complexity
Authors: Simpson Peter 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to help develop an understanding of how complexity theory may be applied to an understanding of leadership and organizational dynamics and contributes to the growing body of literature in the same subject.Design/methodology/approachStacey's theory of complex responsive processes is used to analyse leadership and organizational dynamics in an unusual example of an organizational simulation exercise on an MBA programme.Practical implicationsThis article shows how the theory of complex responsive processes may offer the potential to understand episodes of emergent, and potentially creative, forms of organization and leadership. It demonstrates how to recognise and work with the qualities of participation, conversational life, anxiety, diversity, and with unpredictability and paradox.Originality/valueThis paper complements previous articles in LODJ that seek to use complexity theories in the analysis of leadership and organizational dynamics. It demonstrates how an analysis from the perspective of complex responsive processes differs from that of complexity theories that focus on systemic rather than process thinking and that do not incorporate insights from psychology and social theory.
Towards a definition of a business performance measurement system
Authors: Franco‐Santos Monica , Kennerley Mike , Micheli Pietro , Martinez Veronica , Mason Steve , Marr Bernard , Gray Dina , Neely Andrew 
Published: July 2007

PurposeScholars in the field of performance measurement tend to use the term business performance measurement (BPM) systems without explaining exactly what they mean by it. This lack of clarity creates confusion and comparability issues, and makes it difficult for researchers to build on one an each other's work. The purpose of this paper is to identify the key characteristics of a BPM system, by reviewing the different definitions of a BPM system that exist in the literature. This work aims to open a debate on what are the necessary and sufficient conditions of a BPM system. It is also hoped that a greater level of clarity in the performance measurement research arena will be encouraged.Design/methodology/approachThe performance measurement literature is reviewed using a systematic approach.FindingsBased on this research, a set of conditions of a BPM system has been proposed from which researchers can choose those which are necessary and sufficient conditions for their studies.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis in this paper provides a structure and set of characteristics that researchers could use as a reference framework to define a BPM system for their work, and as a way to define the specific focus of their investigations. More clarity and precision around the use of the BPM systems phrase will improve the generalisability and comparability of research in this area.Originality/valueBy reviewing the different definitions of a BPM system that exist in the literature this paper will hopefully stimulate a debate on the necessary and sufficient conditions of a BPM system and encourage a greater level of clarity in the performance measurement research arena.
Quality of business graduates in Vietnamese institutions: multiple perspectives
Authors: Quang Duoc Truong , Metzger Christoph 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this exploratory and analytical study is to investigate some quality indicators of graduates in business master programmes in Vietnam and the perception gaps of graduate quality if any among the three primary participants in the educational process, e.g. graduate, faculty and employers.Design/methodology/approachThe exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and MANOVA are the two major statistical approaches used for scale purification and data analysis. The population for this study is composed of 460 graduate students and 195 faculty members from 7 main tertiary institutions across Vietnam and 153 employers in Hochiminh City.FindingsThe findings from the study indicate that there are 19 variables which represent the graduate quality in business master programmes in Vietnam. Of the 19 variables, critical analysis, problem‐solving skills, and overall quality of work are the most important indicators. The findings also indicate that there is a significant difference of perception on graduate quality between the three groups surveyed. Research limitations/implications – As far as personal attributes are concerned, such indicators as willingness to learn, enthusiasm, and self‐motivation are rated differently. The similar views as well as the different ones on those variables might serve as points of reference for business schools and employers to update their curriculum and staff development programmes. Such multiple perspectives on graduate quality would also help to raise students' awareness of core skills and competencies needed for their future career.Practical implicationsThe research findings are most applicable to business training programmes. For other types of training programmes, further research is to be recommended.Originality/valueSo far, there has not been any empirical research that relates to this issue in Vietnamese case, a special case for the transition process. An investigation into the graduate quality indicators in Vietnam, therefore, is desirable.
Organizational learning in representative Singapore public organizations
Authors: Yeo Roland K. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore several key issues on organizational learning and their contributions to theory, practice and policy in public‐sector management in Singapore. It also aims to determine the crucial factors and strategies in the development of organizational learning initiatives as a means of keeping competitive with the rapid changing business environment.Design/methodology/approachFour representative Singapore public organizations were chosen for this study. A total of 24 organizational learning practitioners, including senior management and human resources personnel, participated in the in‐depth interviewing.FindingsIt was found that Singapore's public sector is more concerned with the cognitive and behavioral development of individuals, rather than financial results.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this study is limited by the single geographical context, it offers direction for further research.Practical implicationsData revealed that: The complexity between different levels of learning can be reduced by understanding specific goals unique to each level; The relationship between learning and performance goes beyond tangible expectations; Reward and recognition is a catalyst for the development of organizational learning; and Dialogue and feedback is crucial to the implementation of organizational learning initiatives.Originality/valueOrganizational learning in the public sector has not been comprehensively explored. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of organizational and management issues that have arisen from the recent public sector reform in Singapore. It offers a spectrum of recommendations in feasible terms for both organizational practitioners and researchers.
Performance measurement systems in the Finnish public sector
Authors: Rantanen Hannu , Kulmala Harri I. , Lönnqvist Antti , Kujansivu Paula 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to identify the specific problems faced by the Finnish public sector organizations in designing and implementing performance measurement systems (PMS).Design/methodology/approachAn understanding of the problems is obtained by examining three case organizations in practice. In order to support the analysis of the empirical findings, a review of prior literature on the private and public sector PMSs is carried out.FindingsThe design and implementation processes in the Finnish public sector organizations differ significantly from the way they are realized in industrial private sector companies. The four underlying reasons for problems in public sector organizations are the following: there are many stakeholders with conflicting needs; the end products and goals are undefined; there is a lack of property ownership and lacking management skills.Practical implicationsBy utilizing the results of the study, PMS design and implementation in the public sector can be carried out by taking into account and avoiding the evident pitfalls introduced in the study.Originality/valueA large portion of the prior research on public sector PMSs consists of surveys and conceptual studies. This paper describes three case studies and reveals new insights into the specific challenges faced by public sector organizations, especially in designing and implementing PMSs.
Student evaluations of teaching: perceptions and biasing factors
Authors: Al‐Issa Ahmad , Sulieman Hana 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine students' perception of end‐of‐semester Student Evaluations of Teaching (SET), and to explore the extent to which SET are biased by non‐instructional factors.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire about the end‐of‐semester SET was designed and administered to 819 students selected from a random list of summer classes at the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. Appropriate statistical analysis methods of the resulting data were performed.FindingsThe results of this study show that significant differences exist among the various demographic groups with respect to both students' perceptions of the evaluation process and their tendency to be biased by a number of non‐instructional factors. The study has presented evidence on how students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds affect their responses to SET.Practical implicationsThis paper provides useful information for the academic community concerning the validity and reliability of SET rating scales used in US universities abroad and whether the data obtained from such rating scales should be used for administrative and personnel decisions. In addition, teachers should examine SET assessments with care before undertaking modifications to their teaching practices.Originality/valueThis paper was the first to examine SET in a US university overseas, where the majority of students are non‐native speakers of the English language, and of an Arab origin. The findings illuminate the importance of understanding the cultural and linguistic contexts of the institution in which SET are conducted.
Conflict management styles: the differences among the Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans
Authors: Kim Tae‐Yeol , Wang Chongwei , Kondo Mari , Kim Tae‐Hyun 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how the Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans resolve an interpersonal conflict with their supervisors and how cultural factors explain the differences in conflict management styles.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted involving 275 employees from China, Japan and South Korea. A hierarchical regression analysis and A‐matrix hypothesis test were used to analyze the data.FindingsKoreans, compared with the Chinese and Japanese, were more likely to use a compromise style. In addition, the Japanese, compared with the Chinese and Koreans, were less likely to dominate and were more likely to oblige their supervisors. The country differences in obliging and dominating styles were partially explained by goal emphasis (self vs collective) and concern for the self, respectively.Research limitations/implicationsWhile limited to recalling specific incidents and self‐reported responses, there is evidence that East Asians differ from each other in resolving their interpersonal conflicts with supervisors. Future research needs to examine East Asian differences in resolving an interpersonal conflict with other targets such as peers and subordinates and using other kinds of conflict management styles such as mediation and arbitration.Originality/valueThis is one of few studies that have examined East Asian differences in conflict management styles.
The relationship between conflict and decision outcomes
Authors: Parayitam Satyanarayana , Dooley Robert S. 
Published: July 2007

PurposeResearch on strategic decision making has over‐emphasized the importance of cognitive conflict because of its potential benefits. Recent research documented that, apart from the benefits, cognitive conflict leads to affective conflict. Taking information processing perspective, the present study seeks to argue that the benefits of cognitive conflict can be stimulated by the cognition‐based trust, while the interplay between cognitive conflict and affective conflict can be influenced by affect‐based trust. The present study therefore aims to demonstrate the divergent roles of the perceived trustworthiness as potential moderators in strategic decision‐making teams.Design/methodology/approachUsing structured survey instrument, multi‐informant data was collected from CEOs and senior executives of 109 US hospitals. After performing confirmatory factor analysis of the measures used, the data was analyzed using hierarchical regression techniques to analyze divergent roles of cognition‐ and affect‐based trust as moderators in the relationship between conflict and decision outcomes.FindingsResults showed that cognition‐based trust is the key to fortify the benefits of cognitive conflict while affect‐based trust is the panacea for the ills of cognitive conflict.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample consisted of hospitals in healthcare industry only. Self‐report measures may have some inherent social desirability bias.Practical implicationsThis study contributes to both practicing managers as well as to strategic management literature. This study suggests that trust between the executives involved in strategic decision‐making process plays an important role in enhancing decision quality. It is therefore suggested that CEOs and administrators engage the executives who have both cognition‐ and affect‐based trust with each other to have successful decision outcomes.Originality/valueThough the sample in the present study focuses only on healthcare industry, to the extent strategic decision‐making process is similar in other industries, the findings can be generalizable across other industries.
Third party intervention strategies of managers in subordinates' conflicts in Turkey
Authors: Kamil Kozan M. , Ergin Canan , Varoglu Demet 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate strategies used by managers when intervening in subordinates' conflicts and the factors affecting choice of strategy in Turkish organizations, where heavy emphasis is placed on intermediaries in managing conflicts.Design/methodology/approachData were collected by means of a questionnaire from 392 employees of a convenience sample of 59 organizations, most of which were located in Ankara.FindingsFactor analysis results showed that managers utilize as many as five strategies: mediation, inquisitorial (similar to arbitration), motivational tactics, conflict reduction through restructuring, and educating the parties. The conditions under which these strategies are used were analyzed by regression. Harmony emphasis in the organization led to increased use of mediation. However, harmony emphasis, when coupled with a low degree of delegation of authority to subordinates, resulted in increased use of the inquisitorial strategy. Harmony emphasis, when combined with substantive (as opposed to personal) conflicts and with high impact conflicts led to educating the subordinates. Motivational tactics were used more when the conflict had high impact at the workplace and had escalated or threatened to get out of control.Research limitations/implicationsReaders are cautioned on possible common factor bias; relations between variables may have emerged as a result of the data being reported by the same respondent.Originality/valueThe findings have research implications for future studies and for training of managers for conflict intervention in collectivistic cultures.