bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endurance Exercise in Hypoxia, Hyperoxia and Normoxia: Mitochondrial and Global Adaptations
Authors: Przyklenk Axel , Gutmann Boris , Schiffer Thorsten , Hollmann Wildor , Strueder Heiko , Bloch Wilhelm , Mierau Andreas , Gehlert Sebastian
Published: June 2017

We hypothesized short-term endurance exercise (EN) in hypoxia (HY) to exert decreased mitochondrial adaptation, peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and peak power output (PPO) compared to EN in normoxia (NOR) and hyperoxia (PER). 11 male subjects performed repeated unipedal cycling EN in HY, PER, and NOR over 4 weeks in a cross-over design. VO2peak, PPO, rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate (Bla) were determined pre- and post-intervention to assess physiological demands and adaptation. Skeletal muscle biopsies were collected to determine molecular mitochondrial signaling and adaptation. Despite reduced exercise intensity (P<0.05), increased Bla and RPE levels in HY revealed higher metabolic load compared to PER (P<0.05) and NOR (n.s.). PPO increased in all groups (P<0.05) while VO2peak and mitochondrial signaling were unchanged (P>0.05). Electron transport chain complexes tended to increase in all groups with the highest increase in HY (n.s.). EN-induced mitochondrial adaptability and exercise capacity neither decreased significantly in HY nor increased in PER compared to NOR. Despite decreased exercise intensity, short term EN under HY may not necessarily impair mitochondrial adaptation and exercise capacity while PER does not augment adaptation. HY might strengthen adaptive responses under circumstances when absolute training intensity has to be reduced.
Influence of cation off-stoichiometry on structural and transport properties of (Ba,La)SnO3 epitaxial thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Ozaki Yusuke , Kan Daisuke , Shimakawa Yuichi
Published: June 2017

We investigate the influences of cation off-stoichiometry on structural and transport properties of 3% La-doped BaSnO3 (BLSO) epitaxial thin films grown on SrTiO3 substrates by pulsed laser deposition. We show that cation off-stoichiometry, namely, Sn excess and Sn deficiency, is introduced by variations in either laser fluence or the cation composition of the target used for the film growth and that the cation off-stoichiometry influences the properties of the grown films. While all films investigated in this study undergo relaxations from the substrate-induced strain, the out-of-plane lattice constant decreases with the increase in the Sn content in the film. The electrical conductivity, carrier concentration, and mobility are strongly dependent on the type of the cation off-stoichiometry (Sn excess and Sn deficiency). The highest room-temperature mobility, 35 cm2/V−1s−1, is seen for a film grown by ablating the stoichiometric target with a fluence of 1.6 J/cm2, which keeps the cation ratio in the film close to the stoichiometric one. The conductivity and the carrier concentration of the Sn-excess films grown with the fluence smaller than 1.6 J/cm2 are as high as 2 × 103 S/cm and 5 × 1020 cm−3, respectively, while the mobility remains as low as 25 cm2/V−1s−1. The observed carrier concentration is slightly higher than that calculated from the stoichiometric composition of BLSO, implying that the excess Sn in the films provides additional carriers and also acts as scattering centers for the carriers. On the other hand, no measurable electrical conduction is observed in the Sn-deficient films grown with a fluence greater than 1.6 J/cm2, indicating that the carriers provided by the dopants are trapped by defects due to the Sn deficiency. We also show that cation off-stoichiometry influences the surface morphology of the films. Our results highlight that the cation stoichiometry of the BLSO films is an important factor influencing their properties.
Variability in professional practice among departments explains the type of end-of-life care but not the difficulty of professionals with decision-making / La variabilidad de la práctica profesional entre los departamentos explica el tipo de cuidados sanitarios al final de la vida, pero no las dificultades que afrontan los profesionales respecto de la toma de decisiones
Authors: Guardia-Mancilla Plácido , Montoya-Juárez Rafael , Expósito-Ruiz Manuela , Hueso-Montoro César , García-Caro M. Paz , Cruz-Quintana Francisco
Published: June 2017

An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, multicentre study was conducted to determine the perspectives and experience of physicians and nurses in regard to clinical, psychosocial and ethical actions at the end of life and to determine any variability among departments. A questionnaire was completed by 312 medical and nursing professionals in general and regional hospitals and primary care centres in Granada (Spain). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Bonferroni test were applied to compare responses among departments/centres. p ≤ .05 was considered significant. Questionnaire results significantly differed as a function of the department in which participants worked. Lowest consideration was given to psychological actions, advance directives and ethical dilemmas. Professionals in oncology, palliative care and primary care showed higher and less-variable scores in comparison to those in surgery, internal medicine or intensive care departments. Additional efforts are needed to improve the hospital care of these patients.
Atopic dermatitis phenotypes and the need for personalized medicine
Authors: Cabanillas Beatriz , Brehler Ann-Christin , Novak Natalija
Published: June 2017

Purpose of review

To describe recent developments in therapies which target the molecular mechanisms in atopic dermatitis.

Recent findings

Current advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of atopic dermatitis are leading to the stratification of different atopic dermatitis phenotypes. New therapies offer the option to target-specific molecules involved in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis. Current new therapies under investigation aim to modulate specific inflammatory pathways associated with distinctive atopic dermatitis phenotypes, which would potentially translate into the development of personalized, targeted-specific treatments of atopic dermatitis.

Despite the unmet need for well tolerated, effective, and personalized treatment of atopic dermatitis, the current standard treatments of atopic dermatitis do not focus on the individual pathogenesis of the disease. The development of targeted, phenotype-specific therapies has the potential to open a new promising era of individualized treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Perioperative Factors Associated With Chronic Central Pain After the Resection of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumor
Authors: Onishi-Kato Yuki , Nakamura Masaya , Iwanami Akio , Kato Masayoshi , Suzuki Takeshi , Kosugi Shizuko , Katori Nobuyuki , Hashiguchi Saori , Tsuzaki Koichi , Takeda Junzo , Morisaki Hiroshi
Published: June 2017

Objective:

Some patients experience severe chronic pain after intramedullary spinal cord tumor (IMSCT) resection, but the underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated. We aimed to investigate perioperative factors associated with chronic pain after IMSCT resection.

Materials and Methods:

We analyzed data from a postal survey and the medical records of patients who had undergone IMSCT resection in our institution between 2000 and 2008. Chronic pain was assessed using the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory score, and its associations with factors related to tumor pathology, patient demographics, neurological findings, surgery, anesthesia, and perioperative management were determined.

Results:

Seventy-eight consecutive patients (55 men and 23 women; age 17 to 79 y) were included in the statistical analysis of the present study. In univariate analyses, sex, body mass index, preoperative tumor-related pain, preoperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, intraoperative hypotension, postoperative corticosteroids, and decrease in Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were found to be associated with postsurgical chronic central pain. Logistic regression analysis identified 3 significant factors: a decline in JOA scores compared with preoperative values (odds ratio [OR], 3.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-9.42; P=0.023), intraoperative hypotension (OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.02-8.97; P=0.047), and postoperative corticosteroids (OR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.02-10.09; P=0.046).

Discussion:

Decline in JOA score, intraoperative hypotension, and postoperative corticosteroids are independently associated with postsurgical chronic central pain. Intraoperative hypotension and the use of postoperative corticosteroids can be avoided or modified during perioperative management. As results from animal studies have indicated that the administration of corticosteroids may intensify chronic pain, further studies in larger cohorts are required to definitively determine the effect of corticosteroids on postsurgical central pain.
Osteoporosis in childhood
Authors: Vierucci Francesco , Saggese Giuseppe , Cimaz Rolando
Published: June 2017

Purpose of review

The aim of this review is to highlight recent findings in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric osteoporosis.

Recent findings

Several genes are involved in bone mass acquisition, and various monogenic bone disorders characterized by reduced bone mineral density and increased bone fragility have been recently described. Moreover, many chronic diseases and/or their treatment have been associated with impaired bone mass acquisition. Pediatric osteoporosis should be adequately suspected and properly diagnosed in children at risk of fractures. Particularly, detection of vertebral fracture allows the diagnosis regardless of densitometric evaluation. Dual X-ray absorptiometry remains the most widely used densitometric technique in childhood, but interpretation of results should be made with caution because of different confounding factors. Bisphosphonates represent one of the main medical treatments of pediatric osteoporosis, and many different protocols have been proposed. Bisphosphonates administration should be characterized by a first phase, followed by a period of maintenance. Optimal route of administration, duration of therapy, and long-term safety of bisphosphonates treatment require further investigation.

Careful monitoring of children at risk of fractures is essential to pose early diagnosis of osteoporosis. In children with persistent risk factors and reduced probability of spontaneous recovery, medical treatment with bisphosphonates should be considered.
Daily Experiences and Challenges Among Children and Adolescents With Celiac Disease
Authors: Meyer Sonya , Rosenblum Sara
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

Maintaining a restrictive gluten‐free diet is the only treatment for celiac disease (CD). Adherence among children and adolescents presents unique challenges and is often inadequate. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Children and Youth version (ICF‐CY) model encompasses all aspects of human health and daily function while dealing with a disease and interacting with the environment. The purpose was to explore everyday life experiences and challenges as perceived by children and adolescents with CD and their parents in light of the ICF‐CY concepts to identify the most crucial components in management challenges. The present study was the first stage in developing a standardized questionnaire to assess these needs.

Methods:

Children and adolescents diagnosed with CD for more than 6 months and their parents participated in 4 separate focus group interviews: 12 children (8–12 years) and 13 of their parents, and 10 adolescents (13–16 years) and 10 of their parents.

Results:

The ICF‐CY body functions component that includes higher‐level cognitive functions, such as organization, planning, and problem solving was largely reflected. Food‐related activities in and out of the home were discussed, yet thorough activity analysis was lacking in the available literature.

Conclusions:

The focus groups revealed a wide scope of coping issues that contribute to a deeper understanding of specific CD characteristics including daily management, participation in food‐related activities, roles, strategies, and supporting or hindering factors in everyday life with CD.
Normative and Cataclysmic Career Transitions
Authors: Donnelly Gloria F.
Published: June 2017

Drawn from 54 years of experience as a nursing professional, this author gives a personal account of 2 types of career transitions: (1) normative transitions/stages, which include position changes, educational pursuits, and promotion; and (2) cataclysmic transitions, such as dismissal, bankruptcy, and mergers, that arise out of disruptive work situations that dramatically influence one's beliefs, actions, and perspective over time and ultimately shape a career. The importance of influencers throughout a career and lessons learned along the way are also explored.
Growing Clinical and Academic Nursing Leaders
Authors: Sessler Branden Pennie , Sharts-Hopko Nancy C.
Published: June 2017

Nursing faces a crisis because there exists a dearth of qualified nurse academicians and administrators willing to step up to high-level leadership positions such as deanships and chief nursing operators. This article critically appraises the available literature regarding succession planning in the nursing profession and offers pragmatic suggestions to the profession to engage in succession planning in a deliberate and thoughtful manner.
Phenotypic Intratumoral Heterogeneity of Endometrial Carcinomas
Authors: Silva Cátia , Pires-Luís Ana S. , Rocha Eduardo , Bartosch Carla , Lopes José M.
Published: June 2017

Intratumoral heterogeneity has been shown to play an important role in diagnostic accuracy, development of treatment resistance, and prognosis of cancer patients. Recent studies have proposed quantitative measurement of phenotypic intratumoral heterogeneity, but no study is yet available in endometrial carcinomas. In our study we evaluated the phenotypic intratumoral heterogeneity of a consecutive series of 10 endometrial carcinomas using measures of dispersion and diversity. Morphometric architectural (%tumor cells, %solid tumor, %differentiated tumor, and %lumens) and nuclear [volume-weighted mean nuclear volume (

JOURNAL/ijgyp/04.03/00004347-201803000-00009/inline-formula1/v/2023-08-24T000032Z/r/image-tiff

)] parameters, as well as estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, p53, vimentin, and beta-catenin immunoexpression (H-score) were digitally analyzed in 20 microscopic fields per carcinoma. Quantitative measures of intratumoral heterogeneity included coefficient of variation (CV) and relative quadratic entropy (rQE). In each endometrial carcinoma there was slight variation of architecture from field to field, resulting in globally low levels of heterogeneity measures (mean CV %tumor cells: 0.10, %solid tumor: 0.73, %differentiated tumor: 0.19, %lumens: 0.61 and mean rQE %tumor cells: 18.5, %solid tumor: 20.3, %differentiated tumor: 25.6, %lumens: 21.8). Nuclear intratumoral heterogeneity was also globally low (mean

JOURNAL/ijgyp/04.03/00004347-201803000-00009/inline-formula2/v/2023-08-24T000032Z/r/image-tiff

CV: 0.23 and rQE: 27.3), but significantly higher than the heterogeneity of architectural parameters within most carcinomas. In general, there was low to moderate variability of immunoexpression markers within each carcinoma, but estrogen receptor (mean CV: 0.56 and rQE: 46.2) and progesterone receptor (mean CV: 0.60 and rQE: 39.3) displayed the highest values of heterogeneity measures. Intratumoral heterogeneity of immunoexpression was significantly higher than that observed for morphometric parameters. In conclusion, our study indicates that endometrial carcinomas present a variable but predominantly low degree of phenotypic intratumoral heterogeneity.
Free Diced Cartilage: A New Application of Diced Cartilage Grafts in Primary and Secondary Rhinoplasty
Authors: Kreutzer Christian , Hoehne Julius , Gubisch Wolfgang , Rezaeian Farid , Haack Sebastian
Published: June 2017

Background:

Irregularities or deformities of the nasal dorsum after hump reduction account for a significant number of revision rhinoplasties. The authors therefore developed a technique of meticulously dicing and exactly placing free diced cartilage grafts, harvested from septum, rib, or ear cartilage. The cartilage paste is used for smoothening, augmentation, or camouflaging of the nasal dorsum in primary or revision rhinoplasties.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of multisurgeon consecutive open approach rhinoplasties from January to December of 2014 was conducted at a single center. The authors compared the outcome of three different techniques to augment or cover the nasal dorsum after an observation period of 7 months. In group I, 325 patients with free diced cartilage grafts as the only onlay were included. In group II, consisting of 73 patients, the dorsal onlay was either fascia alone or in combination with free diced cartilage grafts. Forty-eight patients in group III received a dorsal augmentation with the classic diced cartilage in fascia technique.

Results:

Four hundred forty-six patients undergoing primary and secondary rhinoplasties in which one of the above-mentioned diced cartilage techniques was used were included in the study. The authors found revision rates for dorsal irregularities within the 7-month postoperative observation period of 5.2, 8.2, and 25 percent for groups I, II, and III, respectively.

Conclusion:

The authors’ findings strongly support their clinical experience that the free diced cartilage graft technique presents an effective and easily reproducible method for camouflage and augmentation in aesthetic and reconstructive rhinoplasty.
Beyond autoantibodies: Biological roles of human autoreactive B cells in rheumatoid arthritis revealed by whole transcriptome profiling
Authors: Mahendra Ankit , Yang Xingyu , Abnouf Shaza , Park Daechan , Soomro Sanam , Adolacion Jay RT , Roszik Jason , Coarfa Cristian , Romain Gabrielle , Wanzeck Keith , Bridges S. Louis , Aggarwal Amita , Qiu Peng , Agarwal Sandeep Krishna , Mohan Chandra , Varadarajan Navin
Published: June 2017

Although the contribution of B-cell derived autoreactive antibodies to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been studied extensively, the autoantibody-independent roles of B cells in the progression of the disease is not well-defined. Here we present the first comprehensive transcriptome profile of human autoreactive B cells in an autoimmune disease by performing RNA-sequencing of citrulline-specific B cells from RA patients. In order to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the profile of these citrulline-specific (RA-CCPPOS) B cells, we performed comparative analyses to both citrulline-negative (RA-CCPNEG) B cells from the same donors, and identified 431 differentially expressed genes (DEGs); and hemagglutinin-specific (HA) B cells from healthy individuals and identified 1658 DEGs. Three-way comparisons of these B cell populations demonstrated that RA-CCPPOSB cells, in comparison to the RA-CCPNEGB cells, demonstrate a potential role in protein citrullination and inflammation; RA-CCPPOSB cells in comparison to HA-specific B cells demonstrate RA-specific signatures like the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, costimulatory molecules and B-cell activation cascades; and all B cells from RA patients demonstrated a significant impact of the multitude of TNF signaling pathways. Furthermore, transcription factor profiling suggested that cyclic AMP (cAMP) related pathways and downstream signaling molecules are selectively enriched in RA-CCPPOScells in comparison to the other two B cell subsets. We advanced the understanding of the citrulline reactive B cells in RA pathophysiology by documenting and validating two novel observations in independent cohorts of patients: (1) the expression of IL15Rα is restricted to citrulline-specific cells within RA patients and the concentration of soluble IL15Rα is elevated in the sera of RA patients, (2) B cells from RA patients are capable of producing epidermal growth factor ligand, amphiregulin (AREG) which in turn has a direct impact on the mechanistic effectors of RA, osteoclasts and fibroblastlike synoviocytes (FLS). Overall, our comprehensive dataset identifies several existing FDA-approved drugs that can potentially be repurposed for RA and can serve as a foundation for studying the multi-faceted roles of B cells in other autoimmune diseases.
Contextual Tumor Suppressor Function of T Cell Death-Associated Gene 8 (TDAG8) in Hematological Malignancies
Authors: Justus Calvin R. , Sanderlin Edward J. , Dong Lixue , Sun Alice , Chi Jen-Tsan , Lertpiriyapong Kvin , Yang Li V.
Published: June 2017

Key points

1. TDAG8 (GPR65) gene expression is down-regulated in hematological malignancies.

2. Restoration of TDAG8 gene expression in blood cancer cells suppresses tumor growth and metastasis.

Extracellular acidosis is a condition found within the tumor microenvironment due to inadequate blood perfusion, hypoxia, and altered tumor cell metabolism. Acidosis has pleiotropic effects on malignant progression; therefore it is essential to understand how acidosis exerts its diverse effects. In this study a bioinformatics analysis revealed the expression of the proton sensing G-protein-coupled receptor TDAG8 is significantly reduced in human blood cancers in comparison to normal blood cells. To understand how TDAG8 functions in hematological malignancies, TDAG8 expression was restored in U937 acute myeloid leukemia cells and other blood cancer cells. It was discovered that severe acidosis, pH 6.4, inhibited U937 cell proliferation while mild acidosis, pH 6.9, stimulated cell proliferation. However, restoring TDAG8 gene expression modulated the U937 cell response to mild extracellular acidosis and physiological pH by reducing cell proliferation. Tumor xenograft experiments further revealed that restoring TDAG8 expression in U937 and Ramos cancer cells reduced tumor growth. It was also shown U937 cells with restored TDAG8 expression attached less to Matrigel, migrated slower toward a chemoattractant, and metastasized less in severe combined immunodeficient mice. These effects correlated with a reduction in c-myc oncogene expression. The mechanistic investigation indicated that Gα13/RhoA signaling arbitrated the TDAG8-mediated c-myc oncogene repression in response to acidosis. Overall, this study provides compelling data to support the concept that TDAG8 functions as a contextual tumor suppressor in hematological malignancies and sensitizes blood cancer cells to acidotic stress.
Reproducible Bioconductor Workflows Using Browser-based Interactive Notebooks and Containers
Authors: Almugbel Reem , Hung Ling-Hong , Hu Jiaming , Almutairy Abeer , Ortogero Nicole , Tamta Yashaswi , Yeung Ka Yee
Published: June 2017

Objective

Bioinformatics publications typically include complex software workflows that are difficult to describe in a manuscript. We describe and demonstrate the use of interactive software notebooks to document and distribute bioinformatics research. We provide a user-friendly tool, BiocImageBuilder, to allow users to easily distribute their bioinformatics protocols through interactive notebooks uploaded to either a GitHub repository or a private server.

Materials and methods

We present three different interactive Jupyter notebooks using R and Bioconductor workflows to infer differential gene expression, analyze cross-platform datasets and process RNA-seq data. These interactive notebooks are available on GitHub. The analytical results can be viewed in a browser. Most importantly, the software contents can be executed and modified. This is accomplished using Binder, which runs the notebook inside software containers, thus avoiding the need for installation of any software and ensuring reproducibility. All the notebooks were produced using custom files generated by BiocImageBuilder.

Results

BiocImageBuilder facilitates the publication of workflows with a point-and-click user interface. We demonstrate that interactive notebooks can be used to disseminate a wide range of bioinformatics analyses. The use of software containers to mirror the original software environment ensures reproducibility of results. Parameters and code can be dynamically modified, allowing for robust verification of published results and encouraging rapid adoption of new methods.

Conclusion

Given the increasing complexity of bioinformatics workflows, we anticipate that these interactive software notebooks will become as ubiquitous and necessary for documenting software methods as traditional laboratory notebooks have been for documenting bench protocols.
Structural propensity database of proteins
Authors: Tamiola Kamil , Heberling Matthew M , Domanski Jan
Published: June 2017

An overwhelming amount of experimental evidence suggests that elucidations of protein function, interactions, and pathology are incomplete without inclusion of intrinsic protein disorder and structural dynamics. Thus, to expand our understanding of intrinsic protein disorder, we have created a database of secondary structure (SS) propensities for proteins (dSPP) as a reference resource for experimental research and computational biophysics. The dSPP comprises SS propensities of 7,094 unrelated proteins, as gauged from NMR chemical shift measurements in solution and solid state. Here, we explain the concept of SS propensity and analyze dSPP entries of therapeutic relevance,α-synuclein, MOAG-4, and the ZIKA NS2B-NS3 complex to show: (1) how propensity mapping generates novel structural insights into intrinsically disordered regions of pathologically relevant proteins, (2) how computational biophysics tools can benefit from propensity mapping, and (3) how the residual disorder estimation based on NMR chemical shifts compares with sequence-based disorder predictors. This work demonstrates the benefit of propensity estimation as a method that reports both on protein structure, lability, and disorder.
Dodecaallylhexasilacyclohexane
Authors: Mizuhata Yoshiyuki , Omatsu Yamato , Tokitoh Norihiro
Published: June 2017

The molecule of the title compound, C36H60Si6, exhibits point group symmetryCi, with the centre of inversion located at the centre of the Si6ring. The Si6ring has a chair conformation. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaC—H...π(allyl) interactions.
Social responsibility in a troubled world
Authors: Anderson Verl , Ndalamba Ken Kalala , Caldwell Cam
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Social responsibility (SR) in accepting the obligation to resolve the many troubling problems facing tomorrow’s generations is essential if those problems are to be effectively addressed. The purpose of this paper is to identify the nature of SR for business, academic institutions, government, religious institutions, and individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a conceptual paper which relies heavily on the current literature about social obligations for five major organizations: business, academic institutions, government, religious institutions, and individuals.

Findings

The paper provides the standard of the virtuous continuum and the Hosmer decision-making model to explain why leaders, organizations, and individuals must be more responsible to be perceived as virtuous leaders, complete with 50 examples of action to be taken.

Research limitations/implications

As this paper is not an empirical study, it does not present research information.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that organizations can be more effective if they come to understand the responsibilities and stewardship of social responsibilities entrusted to them.

Originality/value

The paper expands on Hosmer’s research and incorporates a virtuous continuum in examining the responsibilities of leaders, organizations, and individuals. More importantly, this paper is among the first to identify specific steps organizations and individuals can take in addressing the challenges and problems facing the world of in key aspects of society.
Exploring the gap between policy and practice in private branding strategy management in an emerging market
Authors: Herstein Ram , Drori Netanel , Berger Ron , Barnes Bradley R.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Private-label goods are now available in more than 55 countries worldwide and their total sales value is estimated to be in excess of one trillion US dollars. The prevalence of such goods, however, drastically differs across countries. Whilst market share in some developed economies exceeds 50 percent, penetration appears much lower in emerging economies. The purpose of this paper is to investigate marketing issues surrounding such low-penetration levels in emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews were conducted with: 36 store managers and the marketing director of a large emerging market retail chain.

Findings

Eight factors were found to impede the retail chain’s vision regarding implementation of the private branding strategy.

Practical implications

Several implications are extracted from the study, mainly in the context of emerging markets that managers should consider in order to improve their private branding strategies.

Originality/value

Although some research has aimed to shed light concerning the significance of private brands from retailers’ perspectives, such research has not tended to address the issue of how to implement private brand strategies in emerging markets. To bridge the gap, this study investigates these issues from a retail chain management perspective in order to potentially leverage performance advantages associated with the nurturing of private-label branded goods.
Do luxury brands successfully entice consumers? The role of bandwagon effect
Authors: Shaikh Shayan , Malik Aneela , Akram M.S. , Chakrabarti Ronika
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the underlying motivations for bandwagon luxury brand consumption among consumers of an emergent market by empirically investigating the effects of consumers’ interdependent and independent orientations on their personality traits, such as conformity, need for uniqueness and status consumption, which in turn affect their bandwagon luxury brand consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

A paper-based survey method is used to collect data from more than 400 Pakistani consumers indulging in bandwagon luxury brand consumption. The model is estimated through structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results show that individuals’ personality traits significantly affect their bandwagon luxury brand consumption. Further, the results suggest that the relationship between individuals’ interdependent/independent orientation and bandwagon luxury brand consumption is partially/fully mediated by their personality traits.

Research limitations/implications

These findings offer insights into consumers’ perceptions about bandwagon luxury brand consumption and provide useful managerial implications for the managers/marketers to build reputable luxury brands.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature by investigating the mediating role of consumers’ personality traits in the relationship between their interdependent/independent orientation and bandwagon luxury brand consumption behavior. There is scant literature on bandwagon luxury brand consumption, especially in the context of collectivistic society where the proposed framework has been empirically tested.
Finding beneficiaries: trade adjustment assistance system in South Korea
Authors: Song Joon-heon
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the essential cause for the policy failure of Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) in South Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

To substantiate the claims made for the failure of the policy, this paper focuses on the differences in policy preferences among the government ministries and agencies involved in TAA.

Findings

The failure in the TAA policy, according to this study, was attributed to the conflicts and miscoordination arising from the differences in policy preferences among government ministries and agencies. To rectify this failure, the South Korean government had to revise its laws and regulations several times over a short period.

Originality/value

Drawing on the analytical framework of the literature on policy failure, this paper examines the causal relationships between outcomes of TAA policy and the conflicts or miscoordination among government bodies at each stage: initiatives and planning, implementation and operation of the policy.
Anti-persistence and long-memory behaviour of SAREITs
Authors: Ijasan Kolawole , Tweneboah George , Mensah Jones Odei
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical evidence on the long-memory behaviour of South African real estate investment trusts (SAREITs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a battery of advanced techniques to examine the behaviour of returns of 29 SAREIT equities listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The authors analysed daily closing prices covering different periods up to 21 May 2016. The results provide support for long memory in majority of SAREIT returns.

Findings

The finding of negative fractional integration parameters provides evidence of anti-persistence in SAREIT returns.

Practical implications

It is recommended that the regulatory authorities adopt technologies that allow a more effective, faster means to disseminate information, and improve the electronic trading mechanism that facilitates quicker price adjustment to news entering the market.

Originality/value

The paper determines the fractional differencing (long-memory) parameter for SAREITs and adds value to the existing body of knowledge.
Conversion of cis‐2‐carboxycyclohexylacetyl‐CoA in the downstream pathway of anaerobic naphthalene degradation
Authors: Weyrauch Philip , Zaytsev Andrey V. , Stephan Susanne , Kocks Lena , Schmitz Oliver J. , Golding Bernard T. , Meckenstock Rainer U.
Published: June 2017

The cyclohexane derivative cis‐2‐(carboxymethyl)cyclohexane‐1‐carboxylic acid [(1R,2R)‐/(1S,2S)‐2‐(carboxymethyl)cyclohexane‐1‐carboxylic acid] has previously been identified as metabolite in the pathway of anaerobic degradation of naphthalene by sulfate‐reducing bacteria. We tested the corresponding CoA esters of isomers and analogues of this compound for conversion in cell free extracts of the anaerobic naphthalene degraders Desulfobacterium strain N47 and Deltaproteobacterium strain NaphS2. Conversion was only observed for the cis‐isomer, verifying that this is a true intermediate and not a dead‐end product. Mass‐spectrometric analyses confirmed that conversion is performed by an acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase and a subsequent hydratase yielding an intermediate with a tertiary hydroxyl‐group. We propose that a novel kind of ring‐opening lyase is involved in the further catabolic pathway proceeding via pimeloyl‐CoA. In contrast to degradation pathways of monocyclic aromatic compounds where ring‐cleavage is achieved via hydratases, this lyase might represent a new ring‐opening strategy for the degradation of polycyclic compounds. Conversion of the potential downstream metabolites pimeloyl‐CoA and glutaryl‐CoA was proved in cell free extracts, yielding 2,3‐dehydropimeloyl‐CoA, 3‐hydroxypimeloyl‐CoA, 3‐oxopimeloyl‐CoA, glutaconyl‐CoA, crotonyl‐CoA, 3‐hydroxybutyryl‐CoA and acetyl‐CoA as observable intermediates. This indicates a link to central metabolism via β‐oxidation, a non‐decarboxylating glutaryl‐CoA dehydrogenase and a subsequent glutaconyl‐CoA decarboxylase.
How Do Digital Technologies Drive Economic Growth?
Authors: Qu Jason , Simes Ric , O'Mahony John
Published: June 2017

This paper seeks to provide new empirical evidence that demonstrates the importance of digital technologies in promoting economic growth, drawing on the literature on advances in growth and leveraging a broader and more robust country‐level panel dataset. In particular, this paper estimates the long‐run economic impact of digital technologies using mobile phone penetration and internet usage as broad indicators. The empirical results suggest that, between 2004 and 2014, the diffusion of digital technologies significantly improved economic output in Australia and abroad, contributing to steady‐state gross domestic product per capita growth of approximately 5.8 per cent on average. These findings could serve as the starting‐point for predictions about the likely impact of future technologies, providing a better understanding for policy‐makers in prioritising initiatives that will continue to lift living standards in the coming years.
Advantages of the modified double ring areolar incision over the traditional areolar incision in multicentric breast fibroadenoma surgery
Authors: Zhang Mingliang , Shen Gongjin , Zhang Song , Cui Zhen , Qian Jun
Published: June 2017

Background

This study was conducted to investigate the clinical advantages of modified double ring areola incision (MDRAI) compared to ordinary areola incision (OAI) in multicentric breast fibroadenoma in women.

Methods

Sixty cases of multicentric benign breast tumor were recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from January to December 2016. The cases were divided into two groups according to surgical approach: MDRAI (n = 20) and OAI (n = 40). The operation duration, intraoperative blood loss, drainage time, and postoperative recurrence rate in the first six months were compared.

Results

The mean age and tumor locations were not statistically different between the groups (P > 0.05). However, more lesions and larger tumor diameter were found in the MDRAI group than in the OAI group, with statistical difference (P < 0.05). The operation duration and drainage time of the two groups were not statistically different for unilateral or bilateral lesions (P > 0.05). However, the intraoperative blood loss was statistically different between the two groups (P < 0.05). All 60 cases received six months of follow‐up. Eight recurrent cases were found in the OAI group, but none in the MDRAI group. The recurrence rate was significantly different (χ2 = 4.62, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with OAI, MDRAI offers greater advantages in the aspects of blood loss and recurrence for the treatment of breast benign tumor, especially for multicentric larger lesions.
Estradiol inhibits hepatic stellate cell area and collagen synthesis in the chicken liver
Authors: Nishimura Shotaro , Teshima Akifumi , Kawabata Fuminori , Tabata Shoji
Published: June 2017

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the main collagen‐producing cells in the liver. The HSC area and amount of collagen fibers are different between male and female chickens. This study was performed to confirm the effect of estradiol on collagen synthesis in the growing chicken liver. Blood estradiol levels in chicks were compared at 4 and 8 weeks of age, and the collagen fibril network in liver tissue was observed at 8 weeks by scanning electron microscopy. Intraperitoneal administrations of estradiol and tamoxifen to male and female chicks, respectively, were performed daily from 5 to 8 weeks of age. The areas of HSCs and collagen contents were measured in the liver tissue. The blood estradiol level was higher in females than in males, and the collagen fibril network was denser in males than in females at 8 weeks of age. Estradiol administration in males induced decreases in the HSC area and collagen content of the liver. Conversely, tamoxifen administration in females induced an increase in the HSC area but did not facilitate collagen synthesis. Based on these results, estradiol inhibits the area and collagen synthesis of HSCs in the growing chicken liver under normal physiological conditions.
Hindered Care: Institutional Obstructions to Carework and Professionalism in Czech Nursing
Authors: Bludau Heidi
Published: June 2017

Over its history, while nursing responsibilities have shifted from primarily hygienic tasks (vocational work) to more medically centered duties (professional work), the work of care remains at the core of the nursing profession. Nurses judge themselves and each other as professionals based on how well they are able to care for the patients in their charge. A professional nurse's ability to care centers on the institutional environment in which she works. Using an ethnographic case study of Czech nurses as migrants, this article explores how the discourse of care work enables nurses to examine their professional identities in different institutional contexts, that of their native Czech Republic and in foreign workplaces. At its foundation, I explore what happens when the institutional setting in which caring is supposed to take place hinders the production of caring practices.
Breastfeeding Support: From Informal Care Work to Professional Health‐Care Work
Authors: Eden Aimee R.
Published: June 2017

Breastfeeding care work performed informally in the “private” domain by female kin and community largely disappeared in the United States after the emergence of artificial infant formula as a safe breast‐milk substitute at the turn of the nineteenth century. Infant formula feeding became the cultural norm, accompanied by the loss of experiential breastfeeding knowledge. Breastfeeding care work was transformed in the 1950s by volunteer mother‐to‐mother support groups formalized by La Leche League (LLL). In the 1980s, LLL drove the creation of a new allied health‐care professional: the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Drawing on interviews with 17 founders of the profession and 30 practicing IBCLCs, as well as on clinical observations of three IBCLCs working in different institutional settings and a content analysis of the professional journal, this ethnohistorical study explores the construction of expert knowledge and the implications of the professionalization of breastfeeding care work on IBCLC practice.
Leadership for the Sustainability Transition
Authors: Throop William , Mayberry Matt
Published: June 2017

Society is looking to business to help solve our most complex environmental and social challenges as we transition to a more sustainable economic model. However, without a fundamental shift in the dominant virtues that have influenced business decision making for the past 150 years to a new set of dominant virtues that better fit today's environment, it will be more natural for companies to resist the necessary changes than to find the opportunities within them. We use the term “virtues” quite broadly to describe dispositions to think, feel and act in skillful ways that promote the aims of a practice. Addressing this deeper level of cultural change is essential to cultivating new instinctive behavior in business decision making. In this article, we describe five clusters of virtues that facilitate effective response to the transition challenges—adaptive, collaborative, frugality, humility, and systems virtues. To illustrate the application of these virtues, we present a detailed case study of Green Mountain Power, a Vermont electric utility that has embraced the shift to renewable energy and smart‐grid technology, and is creating an innovative business model that is disrupting the industry. After distilling key findings from the case, we outline an approach to leadership development that can help accelerate the infusion of transitional virtues across an organization.
The journey between brain and gut: A systematic review of psychological mechanisms of treatment effect in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Windgassen Sula , Moss‐Morris Rona , Chilcot Joseph , Sibelli Alice , Goldsmith Kimberley , Chalder Trudie
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. It is estimated to affect 10–22% of the UK population. The use of psychological interventions in IBS is increasingly empirically supported, but little is known about the mechanism of psychological treatment approaches. The present systematic review aimed to investigate the mechanisms of psychological treatment approaches applied to IBS.

Methods

The systematic review included studies conducting mediation analysis in the context of psychological interventions for IBS, focusing on the outcomes of symptom severity and/or quality of life (QoL).

Results

Nine studies in total were included in the review. Eight of the studies assessed mediation in the context of cognitive behavioural‐based interventions, and one study assessed mediation in a mindfulness‐based stress reduction intervention. Results indicate that change in illness‐specific cognitions is a key process by which psychological treatments may have an effect on the outcomes of symptom severity and QoL. Furthermore, results suggest that whilst GI‐specific anxiety may also be a key mechanism of treatment effect, it would appear that general or state anxiety is not. Although less commonly included in mediation analysis, illness‐specific behaviours may also have a mediating role.

Conclusions

A mediational model amalgamating the results of studies is proposed to illustrate the findings of the review. The model depicts the process by which psychotherapy changes illness‐specific cognitions, behaviours, and anxiety to achieve reduction in symptom severity.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject? Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the predominant psychological treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), although there is some research supporting other treatments such as mindfulness and hypnotherapy. Mediation analysis in the context of psychological treatments for IBS has just begun to explore possible mechanisms of treatment effect especially within CBT studies. Some studies include anxiety in a basic mediation analysis, whilst others include cognitions with inconsistent results for each.

What does this study add?

Reviews mediators included in mediation analysis and the methods used for mediation analysis

Proposes a mediation model informed by the results of the review for future studies to investigate

Provides clinical implications for the targeting of cognitions and behaviours rather than general anxiety