An application of grounded theory: a study of European integration

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the use of a methodological technique (grounded theory) in relation to European integration theory. This is accomplished through categorisation and process, in conjunction with theoretical coding (open, axial and selective). Indeed, the paper builds a substantive theory to enhance our understanding of intergovernmentalism and neo-functionalism (pre-existing formal theories). In the aftermath of the Single European Act (SEA), the beginnings of the Single European Market (SEM) and the Maastricht Treaty it became evident that industries/sectors needed to involve themselves in the creation of the European Union. This paper illustrates the extent of industry/sector involvement through an empirical study of European life insurance and in doing so investigates and clarifies a number of theoretical propositions relating to the formal theories

Integration processes and the European Union: some theoretical implications

This paper examines the extent to which a neo-functional or intergovernmental process may be at work in the evolving European Union (EU). Indeed, it investigates two models of governance that relate to these theories to allow an understanding of decision-making procedures at the EU level. An analysis of a service sector (the life insurance industry) has been undertaken in respect of its relationships with the EU decision-making institutions and it is considered that through self-interest, national life insurance industries attempt to create a Single European Market (SEM) in their own image. Following a discussion of the theoretical implications of neofunctionalism, intergovernmentalism, state-centric and multi-level governance the paper undertakes a comparative analysis of the Member States' regulatory regimes and combines this study with the results of a survey conducted in 1994 to create a regulation matrix: this gives an understanding of different regulatory environments in twelve Member States. Secondly, the survey results illustrate the separate kinds of regulatory environments that Member States wanted the single market to be and offers an explanation of how different understandings of legislation and regulatory structures may have been compromised. Additionally, a second survey and a number of interviews indicate decision-making procedures at the EU level and these are illustrated through a decision-making model. Finally, the extent of neo-functional and intergovernmental processes are posited in relation to the findings. In theoretical terms the paper identifies aspects of both neo-functionalism and intergovernmentalism. Indeed, it considers that multi-level governance is the predominant means of decision-making at the EU level. On a practical level, the paper indicates implications for the financial services sector in relation to participation in the EU decision-making process. Fundamentally, the paper identifies a process in a situation that relates to financial services and tentatively makes generalisations in respect of other industries within the financial services sector

Regulation formulation in the European Union: a case of the life insurance industry

This paper provides an illustration of the difficulties in harmonising European Member State legislation and explores the intricacies and practicalities of successful decision-making in the European Union [EU]. In the aftermath of the Single European Act [SEA], the beginnings of the Single European Market [SEM] and the initiation of monetary union it has become evident that financial service sectors need to involve themselves in the creation of the EU. Through a study of the discussions that revolved around the creation of the Third Life Assurance Directive this paper investigates the extent of sector involvement in EU decision-making and in doing so, analyses the utilisation of interest groups and supranationality in the process of European regulation formulation

Neo-Functionalism Reassessed: Suggesting a Synthesis of European Integration Theory

How are we to understand processes of European integration? There are a number of theories that attempt to shed-light on the integration process each considering that a particular variant of social existence provides the best means of interpretation. Intergovernmentalism proposes that the only way to understand European integration is through the actions of nationstates. Neo-functionalism emphasises the role of sectors and sub-national actors in the international economy and the extent to which a supranational authority would engender economic benefit and political acceptance of the process. Consequently, these factors add impetus to further integration in other sectors until a single economy emerges. Indeed, these general theories provide the basis for two models of governance at the European Union (EU) level. State-centricism adheres to intergovernmental understandings of European integration and multilevel governance elements of both neo-functional and intergovernmental propositions. Through a study of the insurance industry this paper investigates the extent of sector involvement in EU decision-making and in doing so, analyses the utilisation of sub-national actors, supranationality and spillover in the process of European integration

European integration reassessed: a grounded theory approach.

This thesis investigates the mechanics and predominant theories (neo-functionalism and intergovernmentalism) at work in the process of European integration. Indeed, it provides an illustration of the difficulties in achieving the harmonisation of Member State legislation and identifies the intricacies and practicalities of successful decision-making in the European Union (EU). In the aftermath of the Single European Act (SEA), the beginnings of the Single European Market (SEM) and the Maastricht Treaty, it has become evident that financial service sectors need to involve themselves in the creation of the EU. Through grounded theory methodology, an empirical study of the European life insurance industry in general and of the Third Life Assurance Directive in particular, this thesis investigates the extent of sector involvement in the EU's decision-making processes and in doing so, critically analyses theoretical understandings of European integration. Grounded theory methodology is illustrated by the thesis in the following ways. First, through a comparative analysis which was achieved through the open coding (conceptualisation, categorisation and dimensionalisation) of individual Member States' life insurance regulations. Open coding leads to the formulation of a regulation table and matrix. Further coding, through a survey of Member State life insurance industries, refined and verified the matrix. This investigation raised questions as to how the legislative differences (that underpin regulatory structures) between Member States may be resolved. Secondly, through an interview programme, process was verified and illustrated through a series of models. The tables, models and the matrix provide the building blocks of the substantive theory. Thirdly, axial coding is illustrated by the matrix and models fitting together around the core category of European integration. The core category was identified through selective coding and is the category around which sub-categories are integrated. Axial coding draws all parts of the analysis together: it is the pivot or the axis of theory building. Finally, substantive theory is formulated through grounded theory techniques in relation to the formal theories of neo-functionalism and intergovernmentalism; this allows a reassessment of European integration and provides a clearer understanding of the formal theories

Unacylated-Ghrelin Impairs Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Memory in Mice and Is Altered in Parkinson’s Dementia in Humans

Blood-borne factors regulate adult hippocampal neurogenesis and cognition in mammals. We report that elevating circulating unacylated-ghrelin (UAG), using both pharmacological and genetic methods, reduced hippocampal neurogenesis and plasticity in mice. Spatial memory impairments observed in ghrelin-O-acyl transferase-null (GOAT/) mice that lack acyl-ghrelin (AG) but have high levels of UAG were rescued by acyl-ghrelin. Acyl-ghrelin-mediated neurogenesis in vitro was dependent on non-cell-autonomous BDNF signaling that was inhibited by UAG. These findings suggest that post-translational acylation of ghrelin is important to neurogenesis and memory in mice. To determine relevance in humans, we analyzed circulating AG:UAG in Parkinson disease (PD) patients diagnosed with dementia (PDD), cognitively intact PD patients, and controls. Notably, plasma AG:UAG was only reduced in PDD. Hippocampal ghrelin-receptor expression remained unchanged; however, GOAT+ cell number was reduced in PDD. We identify UAG as a regulator of hippocampal-dependent plasticity and spatial memory and AG:UAG as a putative circulating diagnostic biomarker of dementia

Structure of the AlgKX modification and secretion complex required for alginate production and biofilm attachment in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Synthase-dependent secretion systems are a conserved mechanism for producing exopolysaccharides in Gram-negative bacteria. Although widely studied, it is not well understood how these systems are organized to coordinate polymer biosynthesis, modification, and export across both membranes and the peptidoglycan. To investigate how synthase-dependent secretion systems produce polymer at a molecular level, we determined the crystal structure of the AlgK-AlgX (AlgKX) complex involved in Pseudomonas aeruginosa alginate exopolysaccharide acetylation and export. We demonstrate that AlgKX directly binds alginate oligosaccharides and that formation of the complex is vital for polymer production and biofilm attachment. Finally, we propose a structural model for the AlgEKX outer membrane modification and secretion complex. Together, our study provides insight into how alginate biosynthesis proteins coordinate production of a key exopolysaccharide involved in establishing persistent Pseudomonas lung infections.Bio-organic Synthesi

The Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost:A Grounded Theory approach to the comparative study of decision-making in the NAC and PSC

Studies of the relationship between the EU and NATO often focus on the limitations of cooperation, be it at the political or the operational level. However, little is known about the functioning of the political institutional linkages between the EU and NATO. This article therefore studies the main decision-making bodies of the two organisations at the political, ambassadorial level, namely the Political and Security Committee (PSC) of the EU and the North Atlantic Council (NAC) in NATO, as well as their joint meetings. The article employs an inductive Grounded Theory approach, drawing on open-ended interviews with PSC and NAC ambassadors, which reveal direct insights from the objects of analysis. The findings emphasise the impact of both structural and more agency-related categories on decision-making in these three fora. The article thus addresses both the paucity of study on these bodies more broadly and the complete lacuna on joint PSC–NAC meetings specifically, warranting the inductive approach this article endorses

Pseudomonas aeruginosa AlgF is a protein-protein interaction mediator required for acetylation of the alginate exopolysaccharide

Enzymatic modifications of bacterial exopolysaccharides enhance immune evasion and persistence during infection. In the Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, acetylation of alginate reduces opsonic killing by phagocytes and improves reactive oxygen species scavenging. Although it is well known that alginate acetylation in P. aeruginosa requires AlgI, AlgJ, AlgF, and AlgX, how these proteins coordinate polymer modification at a molecular level remains unclear. Here, we describe the structural characterization of AlgF and its protein interaction network. We characterize direct interactions between AlgF and both AlgJ and AlgX in vitro and demonstrate an association between AlgF and AlgX, as well as AlgJ and AlgI, in P. aeruginosa. We determine that AlgF does not exhibit acetylesterase activity and is unable to bind to polymannuronate in vitro. Therefore, we propose that AlgF functions to mediate protein-protein interactions between alginate acetylation enzymes, forming the periplasmic AlgJFXK (AlgJ-AlgF-AlgX-AlgK) acetylation and export complex required for robust biofilm formation.Bio-organic Synthesi

Pseudomonas aeruginosa AlgF is a protein-protein interaction mediator required for acetylation of the alginate exopolysaccharide

Bio-organic Synthesi