Early signaling defects in human T cells anergized by T cell presentation of autoantigen.

Major histocompatibility complex class II-positive human T cell clones are nontraditional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that are able to simultaneously present and respond to peptide or degraded antigen, but are unable to process intact protein. Although T cell presentation of peptide antigen resulted in a primary proliferative response, T cells that had been previously stimulated by T cells presenting antigen were completely unresponsive to antigen but not to interleukin 2 (IL-2). In contrast, peptide antigen presented by B cells or DR2+ L cell transfectants resulted in T cell activation and responsiveness to restimulation. The anergy induced by T cell presentation of peptide could not be prevented by the addition of either autologous or allogeneic B cells or B7+ DR2+ L cell transfectants, suggesting that the induction of anergy could occur in the presence of costimulation. T cell anergy was induced within 24 h of T cell presentation of antigen and was long lasting. Anergized T cells expressed normal levels of T cell receptor/CD3 but were defective in their ability to release [Ca2+]i to both alpha CD3 and APCs. Moreover, anergized T cells did not proliferate to alpha CD2 monoclonal antibodies or alpha CD3 plus phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), nor did they synthesize IL-2, IL-4, or interferon gamma mRNA in response to either peptide or peptide plus PMA. In contrast, ionomycin plus PMA induced both normal proliferative responses and synthesis of cytokine mRNA, suggesting that the signaling defect in anergized cells occurs before protein kinase C activation and [Ca2+]i release

A case for contrast as a catalyst for change

This is a qualitative, largely reflective, interpretive case study of our evolution from teachers of market research to educational collaborators who work with students to co-develop qualitative researchers. This case both explores the ways to extend and improve qualitative research and researchers and presents a more general, interpretivist approach to problem-solving. The case is mixed method. It reports the combination and interpretation of reflective elements including articulating our individual memories and inter-relating these in a series of discussions where we also considered the nature and meaning of our educational approaches and the effectiveness of what we are doing

Why qualitative researchers squint: A micro analysis of the temporal aspects for grocery shopping

This paper discusses the rewards for the researchers when they adopted a multidimensional approach, incorporating temporal aspects, to the analysis of emotion factors for in-store shopping behavior. Of particular interest was the role these emotions play in brand selection. Whilst emotional research is not unique, little has been done to understand it from an internally consumer-driven perspective for grocery brands. We used videography to capture the behavior. As a result of our findings, it is proposed that the temporal affect becomes the moderating variable in developing emotive bonds between the consumer and the brand whilst making in-store decisions

Why happy shoppers don't stop and think

This paper discusses findings from observational research of grocery shopping. Videographic analysis via qualitative research techniques reveals that consumers who display less emotion tend to be more positive about the experience and have shorter shopping visits. Whereas those who display distinct emotional responses tend to reveal negative reactions and result in taking longer to make a decision. Four categories of consumer decision behaviour for grocery products are suggested as a result of this research and as a discussion point for further investigations into this specific topic

The nature and role of social relationships in social responsibility

The importance of socially responsible purchasing continues to grow. However there is limited work that considers high involvement purchasing and the importance of social relationships in building attitudes and guiding behavior in this context. This paper presents findings that consider these issues. Social relationships are found to be an important factor in responsible purchasing however these effects often are not consciously recognized by consumers. The paper concludes by considering the need for research methods to uncover the importance of social relations