A theoretical framework of alliance performance : the role of trust, social capital and knowledge development

While studies on alliances have been substantial in the international business literature, much is still unexplored in understanding what alliance performance really is and how superior alliance performance is facilitated (Das & Teng 2003). Drawing from research on alliances, we develop a theoretical framework to examine alliance performance by integrating a partner analysis approach, focusing on alliance trust, alliance partners' social capital, and knowledge development from alliance relationships. We consider the level of mutual trust between alliance partners to be the precursor to such relationship (Das & Teng 1998). Trust, we argue, subsequently builds and enhances the partners' social capital. Two types of social capital are considered in this article: internal social capital and external social capital. In developing our framework, we further subscribe to the notion that knowledge is a contributing factor to superior alliance performance, and consider how such relationships influence the development of partners' knowledge in terms of the development in the tacit firm-specific and the more explicit market-specific knowledge. Key managerial implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Organizational learning orientation - how can it foster alliance relationships?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the importance of an organization's learning orientation in developing alliance relationships.

Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on research conducted on organizations involved in alliances as well as practical evidence.

Findings – The paper finds that alliance managers need to focus on developing learning capabilities within their organizations to achieve superior alliance performance.

Practical implications – The paper has practical implications for managers involved in alliances as it shows the importance of an organization focusing on learning. With the relatively small number of alliance relationships that succeed, it is important that managers harness their organization's learning potential in the context of an alliance.

Originality/value – The paper is unique as it highlights the importance of an organization's learning orientation in an alliance context.

N-acetylcysteine in psychiatry - current therapeutic evidence and potential mechanisms of action

There is an expanding field of research investigating the benefits of alternatives to current pharmacological therapies in psychiatry. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is emerging as a useful agent in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Like many therapies, the clinical origins of NAC are far removed from its current use in psychiatry. Whereas the mechanisms of NAC are only beginning to be understood, it is likely that NAC is exerting benefits beyond being a precursor to the antioxidant, glutathione, modulating glutamatergic, neurotropic and inflammatory pathways. This review outlines the current literature regarding the use of NAC in disorders including addiction, compulsive and grooming disorders, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. N-acetylcysteine has shown promising results in populations with these disorders, including those in whom treatment efficacy has previously been limited. The therapeutic potential of this acetylated amino acid is beginning to emerge in the field of psychiatric research.

Oxidative stress in psychiatric disorders : evidence base and therapeutic implications

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diverse disease states, and may be a common pathogenic mechanism underlying many major psychiatric disorders, as the brain has comparatively greater vulnerability to oxidative damage. This review aims to examine the current evidence for the role of oxidative stress in psychiatric disorders, and its academic and clinical implications. A literature search was conducted using the Medline, Pubmed, PsycINFO, CINAHL PLUS, BIOSIS Previews, and Cochrane databases, with a time-frame extending to September 2007. The broadest data for oxidative stress mechanisms have been derived from studies conducted in schizophrenia, where evidence is available from different areas of oxidative research, including oxidative marker assays, psychopharmacology studies, and clinical trials of antioxidants. For bipolar disorder and depression, a solid foundation for oxidative stress hypotheses has been provided by biochemical, genetic, pharmacological, preclinical therapeutic studies and one clinical trial. Oxidative pathophysiology in anxiety disorders is strongly supported by animal models, and also by human biochemical data. Pilot studies have suggested efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in cocaine dependence, while early evidence is accumulating for oxidative mechanisms in autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In conclusion, multi-dimensional data support the role of oxidative stress in diverse psychiatric disorders. These data not only suggest that oxidative mechanisms may form unifying common pathogenic pathways in psychiatric disorders, but also introduce new targets for the development of therapeutic interventions.

A conceptual model of the strategic alliance process : from initiation to conclusion

The primary focus of this paper is to present a conceptual model of the strategic alliance process that delineates the stages of initiation, formation and sustained operation of strategic alliances. Based on a detailed review of the literature, the model takes a process perspective and explicitly focuses on the key factors that influence the outcomes and behaviour of an alliance during these stages. The model provides insights to both policy-makers and alliance managers on establishing and managing successful alliances. Based on different aspects of the model, the possible hypotheses have been developed related to the initiation, formation and operation of strategic alliances. The approaches that are currently under way to test these hypotheses are described and the possible practical implications of the findings that could emerge are also discussed.

Therapeutic molecules

The present invention relates generally to a ligand for a protein associated with modulating obesity, diabetes and metabolic energy levels in animals including humans. More particularly, the present invention provides a ligand of the protein, Beacon, and its homologs. The identification of a Beacon ligand permits the identification of agents which agonize or antagonize the Beacon-ligand interaction and, hence, the development of therapeutic molecules useful in modulating obesity, diabetes and/or energy imbalance.

THERAPEUTIC MOLECULES

The present invention relates generally to a ligand for a protein associated with modulating obesity, diabetes and metabolic energy levels in animals including humans. More particularly, the present invention provides a ligand of the protein, Beacon, and its homologs. The identification of a Beacon ligand permits the identification of agents which agonize or antagonize the Beacon-ligand interaction and, hence, the development of therapeutic molecules useful in modulating obesity, diabetes and/or energy imbalance.

THERAPEUTIC MOLECULES

The present invention relates generally to a ligand for a protein associated with modulating obesity, diabetes and metabolic energy levels in animals including humans. More particularly, the present invention provides a ligand of the protein, Beacon, and its homologs. The identification of a Beacon ligand permits the identification of agents which agonize or antagonize the Beacon-ligand interaction and, hence, the development of therapeutic molecules useful in modulating obesity, diabetes and/or energy imbalance.

THERAPEUTIC MOLECULES

The present invention relates generally to a ligand for a protein associated with modulating obesity, diabetes and metabolic energy levels in animals including humans. More particularly, the present invention provides a ligand of the protein, Beacon, and its homologs. The identification of a Beacon ligand permits the identification of agents which agonize or antagonize the Beacon-ligand interaction and, hence, the development of therapeutic molecules useful in modulating obesity, diabetes and/or energy imbalance.

Therapeutic molecules

The present invention relates generally to a ligand for a protein associated with modulating obesity, diabetes and metabolic energy levels in animals including humans. More particularly, the present invention provides a ligand of the protein, Beacon, and its homologs. The identification of a Beacon ligand permits the identification of agents which agonize or antagonize the Beacon-ligand interaction and, hence, the development of therapeutic molecules useful in modulating obesity, diabetes and/or energy imbalance.

THERAPEUTIC MOLECULES

The present invention relates generally to a ligand for a protein associated with modulating obesity, diabetes and metabolic energy levels in animals including humans. More particularly, the present invention provides a ligand of the protein, Beacon, and its homologs. The identification of a Beacon ligand permits the identification of agents which agonize or antagonize the Beacon-ligand interaction and, hence, the development of therapeutic molecules useful in modulating obesity, diabetes and/or energy imbalance.

Effects of electric fields on pollen rupture

RATIONALE: To determine whether the potential for previous termpollennext term fragmentation is increased during thunderstorms by exploring the previous termeffectsnext term of previous termelectricnext termprevious termfieldsnext term, with magnitude as found in the outdoor environment.

METHODS: Fresh previous termpollennext term grains were collected from bermudagrass flowers. A light microscope was modified with the addition of an previous termelectricnext termprevious termfieldnext term generated from a DC source (0-20 V) that was applied to the stage. Water was added to test for previous termpollennext termprevious termrupturenext term and to assess previous termpollennext term viability.

RESULTS: Bermuda grass previous termpollennext term did not previous termrupturenext term within 1 h of contact with water. Only after exposure to an previous termelectricnext termprevious termfieldnext term did Bermudagrass previous termpollennext term show a considerable amount of rupturing immediately upon immersion in water. The higher the voltage the previous termpollennext term is exposed to before coming into contact with water, the higher the percentage of previous termrupturenext term of the previous termpollennext term. previous termElectricnext termprevious termfieldsnext term, generated in the laboratory and of magnitude found during thunderstorms, affected the previous termpollennext term after as little as a 5 s exposure. The highest percentage of previous termrupturenext term occurred after exposures of at least 10 s: 80% previous termrupturenext term occurred after 10 s exposure at 10kVolts/m. This previous termeffectnext term is sustained for at least 15 min.

CONCLUSIONS: Thunderstorm regularly generate previous termelectricnext termprevious termfieldsnext term up to 5 kV/m in strength, and can reach 10kV/m, and cover several km in distance. The magnitude of the previous termelectricnext termprevious termfieldsnext term that affects the previous termpollennext term grains in the laboratory is low enough to be commonly found in the outdoor environment during thunderstorms. These previous termelectricnext termprevious termfields prime previous termpollen grains for more rapid release of allergenic particles.

Birch pollen rupture and the release of aerosols of respirable allergens

Backgound Birch pollen allergens have been implicated as asthma triggers; however, pollen grains are too large to reach the lower airways where asthmatic reactions occur. Respirable-sized particles containing birch pollen allergens have been detected in air filters, especially after rainfall but the source of these particles has remained speculative.

Objective To determine the processes by which birch pollen allergens become airborne particles of respirable size with the potential to contribute to airways inflammation.

Methods Branches with attached male catkins were harvested and placed in a controlled emission chamber. Filtered dry air was passed through the chamber until the anthers opened, then they were humidified for 5 h and air-dried again. Flowers were disturbed by wind generated from a small electric fan. Released particles were counted, measured and collected for immuno-labelling and high-resolution microscopy.

Results Birch pollen remains on the dehisced anther and can rupture in high humidity and moisture. Fresh pollen takes as long as 3 h to rupture in water. Drying winds released an aerosol of particles from catkins. These were fragments of pollen cytoplasm that ranged in size from 30 nm to 4 μm and contained Bet v 1 allergens.

Conclusion When highly allergenic birch trees are flowering and exposed to moisture followed by drying winds they can produce particulate aerosols containing pollen allergens. These particles are small enough to deposit in the peripheral airways and have the potential to induce an inflammatory response.