bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoparticles Encapsulating Hepatitis B Virus Cytosine-Phosphate-Guanosine Induce Therapeutic Immunity against HBV Infection
Authors: Lv Shujuan , Wang Jun , Dou Shuang , Yang Xianzhu , Ni Xiang , Sun Rui , Tian Zhigang , Wei Haiming
Published: August 2013

Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the most common cause of liver disease worldwide. However, because the current interferon (IFN)-based treatments have toxic side effects and marginal efficacy, improved antivirals are essential. Here we report that unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanosine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs) from the HBV genome (HBV-CpG) induced robust expression of IFN-α by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in a Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9)-dependent manner. We also identified inhibitory guanosine-rich ODNs in the HBV genome (HBV-ODN) that are capable of inhibiting HBV-CpG-induced IFN-α production. Furthermore, nanoparticles containing HBV-CpG, termed NP(HBV-CpG), reversed the HBV-ODN-mediated suppression of IFN-α production and also exerted a strong immunostimulatory effect on lymphocytes. Our results suggest that NP(HBV-CpG) can enhance the immune response to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and skew this response toward the Th1 pathway in mice immunized with rHBsAg and NP(HBV-CpG). Moreover, NP(HBV-CpG)-based therapy led to the efficient clearance of HBV and induced an anti-HBsAg response in HBV carrier mice.

Conclusion

: Endogenous HBV-CpG ODNs from the HBV genome induce IFN-α production so that nanoparticle-encapsulated HBV-CpG may act as an HBsAg vaccine adjuvant and may also represent a potent therapeutic agent for the treatment of chronic HBV infection. (Hepatology 2014;59:385–394)
The low‐abundance transcriptome reveals novel biomarkers, specific intracellular pathways and targetable genes associated with advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Bizama Carolina , Benavente Felipe , Salvatierra Edgardo , Gutiérrez‐Moraga Ana , Espinoza Jaime A. , Fernández Elmer A. , Roa Iván , Mazzolini Guillermo , Sagredo Eduardo A. , Gidekel Manuel , Podhajcer Osvaldo L.
Published: August 2013

Studies on the low‐abundance transcriptome are of paramount importance for identifying the intimate mechanisms of tumor progression that can lead to novel therapies. The aim of the present study was to identify novel markers and targetable genes and pathways in advanced human gastric cancer through analyses of the low‐abundance transcriptome. The procedure involved an initial subtractive hybridization step, followed by global gene expression analysis using microarrays. We observed profound differences, both at the single gene and gene ontology levels, between the low‐abundance transcriptome and the whole transcriptome. Analysis of the low‐abundance transcriptome led to the identification and validation by tissue microarrays of novel biomarkers, such as LAMA3 and TTN; moreover, we identified cancer type‐specific intracellular pathways and targetable genes, such as IRS2, IL17, IFNγ, VEGF‐C, WISP1, FZD5 and CTBP1 that were not detectable by whole transcriptome analyses. We also demonstrated that knocking down the expression of CTBP1 sensitized gastric cancer cells to mainstay chemotherapeutic drugs. We conclude that the analysis of the low‐abundance transcriptome provides useful insights into the molecular basis and treatment of cancer.
Mechanical and cytotoxicity testing of acrylic bone cement embedded with microencapsulated 2‐octyl cyanoacrylate
Authors: Brochu Alice B. W. , Evans Gregory A. , Reichert William M.
Published: August 2013

The water‐reactive tissue adhesive 2‐octyl cyanoacrylate (OCA) was microencapsulated in polyurethane shells and incorporated into Palacos R bone cement. The tensile and compressive properties of the composite material were investigated in accordance with commercial standards, and fracture toughness of the capsule‐embedded bone cement was measured using the tapered double‐cantilever beam geometry. Viability and proliferation of MG63 human osteosarcoma cells after culture with extracts from Palacos R bone cement, capsule‐embedded Palacos R bone cement, and OCA were also analyzed. Incorporating up to 5 wt % capsules had little effect on the compressive and tensile properties of the composite, but greater than 5 wt % capsules reduced these values below commercial standards. Fracture toughness was increased by 13% through the incorporation of 3 wt % capsules and eventually decreased below the toughness of the capsule‐free controls at capsule contents of 15 wt % and higher. The effect on cell proliferation and viability in response to extracts prepared from capsule‐embedded and commercial bone cements were not significantly different from each other, whereas extracts from OCA were moderately toxic to cells. Overall, the addition of lower wt % of OCA‐containing microcapsules to commercial bone cement was found to moderately increase static mechanical properties without increasing the toxicity of the material. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 181–189, 2014.
Childhood Bone Mineral Content Is Associated With Methylation Status of the RXRA Promoter at Birth
Authors: Harvey Nicholas C , Sheppard Allan , Godfrey Keith M , McLean Cameron , Garratt Emma , Ntani Georgia , Davies Lucy , Murray Robert , Inskip Hazel M , Gluckman Peter D , Hanson Mark A , Lillycrop Karen A , Cooper Cyrus
Published: August 2013

Maternal vitamin D deficiency has been associated with reduced offspring bone mineral accrual. Retinoid-X receptor-alpha (RXRA) is an essential cofactor in the action of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25[OH]2-vitamin D), and RXRA methylation in umbilical cord DNA has been associated with later offspring adiposity. We tested the hypothesis that RXRA methylation in umbilical cord DNA collected at birth is associated with offspring skeletal development, assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, in a population-based mother-offspring cohort (Southampton Women's Survey). Relationships between maternal plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]-vitamin D) concentrations and cord RXRA methylation were also investigated. In 230 children aged 4 years, a higher percent methylation at four of six RXRA CpG sites measured was correlated with lower offspring bone mineral content (BMC) corrected for body size (β = −2.1 to −3.4 g/SD, p = 0.002 to 0.047). In a second independent cohort (n = 64), similar negative associations at two of these CpG sites, but positive associations at the two remaining sites, were observed; however, none of the relationships in this replication cohort achieved statistical significance. The maternal free 25(OH)-vitamin D index was negatively associated with methylation at one of these RXRA CpG sites (β = −3.3 SD/unit, p = 0.03). Thus, perinatal epigenetic marking at the RXRA promoter region in umbilical cord was inversely associated with offspring size–corrected BMC in childhood. The potential mechanistic and functional significance of this finding remains a subject for further investigation. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The R740S mutation in the V‐ATPase a3 subunit results in osteoclast apoptosis and defective early‐stage autophagy
Authors: Ochotny Noelle , Voronov Irina , Owen Celeste , Aubin Jane E. , Manolson Morris F.
Published: August 2013

Vacuolar‐type H+‐ATPases (V‐ATPases) are located in lysosomes and at the ruffled border in osteoclasts. We showed previously that the R740S mutation is dominant negative for V‐ATPase activity, uncouples proton transport from ATP hydrolysis and causes osteopetrosis in heterozygous mice (+/R740S). Here we show mice homozygous for R740S (R740S/R740S) have more severe osteopetrosis and die by postnatal day 14. Although R740S/R740S osteoclasts express wild‐type levels of a3, it is mislocalized. Acridine orange staining of R740S/R740S osteoclasts grown on a Corning resorptive surface reveals no resorption and no acidification of intracellular compartments. Whereas osteoblast and osteocyte apoptosis is normal, R740S/R740S osteoclasts exhibit increased apoptosis compared with wild‐type osteoclasts. Localization of the enzyme tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) is also aberrant. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that R740S/R740S osteoclasts do not polarize, lack ruffled borders, and contain fewer autophagosomes. Consistent with an early stage defect in autophagy, expression of LC3II is reduced and expression of p62 is increased in R740S/R740S compared to wild‐type osteoclasts. These results indicate the importance of intracellular acidification for the early stages of autophagy as well as for osteoclast survival, maturation, and polarization with appropriate cytoplasmic distribution of key osteoclast enzymes such as TRAP. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2823–2833, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simvastatin therapy decreases MMP‐9 levels in obese women
Authors: Andrade Vanessa Leite , Valle Izabella Batistelli do , Sandrim Valeria Cristina
Published: August 2013

Statins exert cholesterol‐independent beneficial effects on multiple targets including the cardiovascular system, in addition to modulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of simvastatin treatment in obese women without comorbidities. We recruited 33 obese women that received placebo or simvastatin at 20 mg/day for 45 days. Plasma MMP‐9, MMP‐2, TIMP‐1, and TIMP‐2 levels were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cardiovascular risk was assessed by the Framingham risk score and Castelli indexes I and II. Treatment with simvastatin significantly reduced MMP‐9 levels and the MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 ratio (P < .05) when compared to the placebo group (P > .05). Conversely, we found no effect on MMP‐2, TIMP‐1, and TIMP‐2 levels or on the MMP‐2/TIMP‐2 ratio (P > .05). The Framingham risk score and Castelli I and II indexes were significantly reduced in the simvastatin‐treatment group (P < .05), while we found no effect on the placebo group. These findings may have clinical importance since simvastatin therapy reduced cardiovascular risk and MMP‐9 levels in obese woman without comorbidities, indicating a potentially new therapeutic approach.
Evolutionary active transposable elements in the genome of the coelacanth
Authors: Chalopin Domitille , Fan Shaohua , Simakov Oleg , Meyer Axel , Schartl Manfred , Volff Jean‐Nicolas
Published: August 2013

The apparent morphological stasis in the lineage of the coelacanth, which has been called a “living fossil” by many, has been suggested to be causally related to a slow evolution of its genome, with strongly reduced activity of transposable elements (TEs). Analysis of the African coelacanth showed that at least 25% of its genome is constituted of transposable elements including retrotransposons, endogenous retroviruses and DNA transposons, with a strong predominance of non‐Long Terminal Repeat (non‐LTR) retrotransposons. The coelacanth genome has been shaped by four major general bursts of transposition during evolution, with major contributions of LINE1, LINE2, CR1, and Deu non‐LTR retrotransposons. Many transposable elements are expressed in different tissues and might be active. The number of TE families in coelacanth, but also in lungfish, is lower than in teleost fish, but is higher than in chicken and human. This observation is in agreement with the hypothesis of a sequential elimination of many TE families in the sarcopterygian lineage during evolution. Taken together, our analysis indicates that the coelacanth contains more TE families than birds and mammals, and that these elements have been active during the evolution of the coelacanth lineage. Hence, at the level of transposable element activity, the coelacanth genome does not appear to evolve particularly slowly. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 322B: 322–333, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structure beneath the Alboran from geodynamic flow models and seismic anisotropy
Authors: Alpert Lisa A. , Miller Meghan S. , Becker Thorsten W. , Allam Amir A.
Published: August 2013

Upper mantle heterogeneity beneath the Alboran Sea (western Mediterranean) as inferred from seismology has been associated with a range of subduction and lithospheric delamination scenarios. However, better constraints on the deep dynamics of the region are needed to determine the cause and consequence of complex surface tectonics. Here, we use an improved set of shear wave splitting observations and a suite of mantle flow models to test a range of suggested structures. We find that the observed seismic anisotropy is best reproduced by mantle flow models that include a continuous, deeply extending slab beneath the Alboran which elongates along the Iberian margin from Granada to Gibraltar and curves southward toward the High Atlas. Other models with detached slabs, slabs with spatial gaps, or drip‐like features produce results inconsistent with the splitting observations. SW‐directed shear flow, when combined with sublithospheric deflection in response to a dense sinker, generates NNW‐splitting orientations most similar to the patterns observed along Gibraltar. Slab viscosities of ∼250 times that of the upper mantle are preferred because they provide a balance between the poloidal flow induced by any sinker and toroidal flow induced by stiff slabs. The best match to anisotropy across the Atlas is a model with a stiff continental keel in northwestern Africa which deflects flow northward. Our results show that quantitative predictions of seismic anisotropy are useful in distinguishing the spatial and depth extent of regional density structures which may otherwise be ambiguous.
Influence of preoperative anti‐cancer therapy on resectability and perioperative outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer: Project study by the Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery
Authors: Motoi Fuyuhiko , Unno Michiaki , Takahashi Hidenori , Okada Takaho , Wada Keita , Sho Masayuki , Nagano Hiroaki , Matsumoto Ippei , Satoi Sohei , Murakami Yoshiaki , Kishiwada Masashi , Honda Goro , Kinoshita Hisafumi , Baba Hideo , Hishinuma Shoichi , Kitago Minoru , Tajima Hidehiro , Shinchi Hiroyuki , Takamori Hiroshi , Kosuge Tomoo , Yamaue Hiroki , Takada Tadahiro
Published: August 2013

Background

Little is known about the effects of neoadjuvant therapy on outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer. This study evaluated the effects of neoadjuvant therapy on resectability and perioperative outcomes.

Methods

A total of 992 patients were enrolled, with 971 deemed eligible. Of these, 582 had resectable tumors and 389 had borderline resectable tumors, and 388 patients received neoadjuvant therapy. Demographic characteristics and peri‐ and postoperative parameters were assessed by a questionnaire survey.

Results

The R0 rate was significantly higher in patients with resectable tumors who received neoadjuvant therapy than in those who underwent surgery first, but no significant difference was noted in patients with borderline resectable tumors. Operation time was significantly longer and blood loss was significantly greater in patients who received neoadjuvant therapy than in those who underwent surgery first, but there were no significant differences in specific complications and mortality rates. The node positivity rate was significantly lower in the neoadjuvant than in the surgery‐first group, indicating that the former had significantly lower stage tumors.

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant therapy may not increase the mortality and morbidity rate and may be able to increase the chance for curative resection against resectable tumor.
Characterization of local wind patterns in complex mountain valleys
Authors: Pérez‐Foguet A.
Published: August 2013

In this work, the wind patterns in high mountain areas with complex orography are characterized using hourly data provided by a network of weather stations. The key novelty of the study is the methodology. Data are grouped separately by wind speed and wind direction using two cluster analyses. The groups are analysed and described according to measurements at key stations in the network and their hourly presence. Both classifications are subsequently compared using contingency tables, and the main wind patterns are identified. The uncertainties associated with the average values of each wind pattern are quantified by principal component analysis of the wind vectors at each station. One year of data from nine stations located in the area of La Oroya, Peru was used to validate the proposed method. The local wind behaviour was characterized, the wind patterns were compared with respect to the seasons, and the winter morning transitions were analysed in detail. The methodology allows quantitative description of the local wind patterns and their temporal dynamics in complex mountain valleys. Both wind speed and direction were found to be relevant in wind pattern characterization. In particular, both parameters have proven helpful in identifying and quantifying the prevailing winds during cold dawns and thermal inversion periods.
When mastectomy is needed: Is the nipple‐sparing procedure a new standard with very few contraindications?
Authors: Fortunato Lucio , Loreti Andrea , Andrich Renato , Costarelli Leopoldo , Amini Mostafà , Farina Massimo , Santini Elena , Vitelli Carlo E.
Published: August 2013

Background and Objectives

Nipple‐sparing mastectomy (NSM) improves cosmetic results after mastectomy. As most consider advanced tumors, or tumors near the nipple–areola complex (NAC), as a contraindication for this type of surgery, we challenged this hypothesis.

Methods

One hundred thirty‐eight NSM were performed in 121 consecutive patients. In 122 procedures for cancer, patients were included if there was no evidence of NAC proximity (<1 cm), and if the retro‐areolar margin was negative, even for locally advanced tumors or after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

Total NAC necrosis occurred in six cases (4.3%). Additionally, NAC was removed after histological exam of the retro‐areolar tissue in 19 cases (16% of cancer patients). Among 93 cases whose tumor‐to‐NAC distance was recorded, NAC was removed in 11/31 cases (35%) if the distance was 1 cm, and in 8/62 cases (12.9%) if it was more than 1 cm (P = 0.01). NAC was removed more frequently in the first half of the study (17/69 vs. 8/69: P = 0.05). At a median follow‐up of 26 months for the cancer patient group, there was only one local recurrence (outside the NAC).

Conclusions

Our experience adds evidence that NSM is safe, if the retro‐areolar resection margin is clear and maximal surgical clearance is performed. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013 108:207–212. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population genetic structure among bobwhite in an agriculturally modified landscape
Authors: Berkman Leah K. , Nielsen Clayton K. , Roy Charlotte L. , Heist Edward J.
Published: August 2013

Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) depend on ephemeral habitats, which are constantly changing in quality and spatial structure. Given recent changes in agricultural practices in the Midwest, habitat patches on the landscape are undoubtedly occurring in new configurations, presenting new challenges to bobwhite. Yet, little is known about dispersal capabilities of bobwhite in Illinois where widespread change in land use has coincided with population declines. Since effective dispersal results in gene flow, we investigated the genetic population structure of bobwhite in Illinois using 11 DNA microsatellite loci. We analyzed bobwhite collected by hunters in southern and central counties of Illinois at 6 sampling areas separated by 27–276 km. We found a significant but low amount of genetic structure (FST = 0.009). We used multiple genetic analysis methods (FST, PCA, STRUCTURE, and Mantel tests) to gain greater insights into genetic structure. Patterns of differentiation did not correspond to those expected from an isolation‐by‐distance pattern. Genetic introgression from stock source birds was not strongly indicated. The low amount of population structure detected may be an early indication of genetic drift occurring due to recent landscape changes that may be isolating bobwhite subpopulations. Future sampling when more time has elapsed will help resolve where these subpopulations lie on the continuum between complete isolation and panmixia. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Indestructible strong compactness and level by level inequivalence
Authors: Apter Arthur W.
Published: August 2013

If are such that δ is indestructibly supercompact and γ is measurable, then it must be the case that level by level inequivalence between strong compactness and supercompactness fails. We prove a theorem which points to this result being best possible. Specifically, we show that relative to the existence of cardinals such that κ1 is λ‐supercompact and λ is inaccessible, there is a model for level by level inequivalence between strong compactness and supercompactness containing a supercompact cardinal in which κ’s strong compactness, but not supercompactness, is indestructible under κ‐directed closed forcing. In this model, κ is the least strongly compact cardinal, and no cardinal is supercompact up to an inaccessible cardinal.
Polylogarithms, multiple zeta values and superstring amplitudes
Authors: Broedel J. , Schlotterer O. , Stieberger S.
Published: August 2013

A formalism is provided to calculate tree amplitudes in open superstring theory for any multiplicity at any order in the inverse string tension. We point out that the underlying world‐sheet disk integrals share substantial properties with color‐ordered tree amplitudes in Yang‐Mills field theories. In particular, we closely relate world‐sheet integrands of open‐string tree amplitudes to the Kawai‐Lewellen‐Tye representation of supergravity amplitudes. This correspondence helps to reduce the singular parts of world‐sheet disk integrals – including their string corrections – to lower‐point results. The remaining regular parts are systematically addressed by polylogarithm manipulations.
Statistical Literacy Among Applied Linguists and Second Language Acquisition Researchers
Authors: Loewen Shawn , Lavolette Elizabeth , Spino Le Anne , Papi Mostafa , Schmidtke Jens , Sterling Scott , Wolff Dominik
Published: August 2013

The importance of statistical knowledge in applied linguistics and second language acquisition (SLA) research has been emphasized in recent publications. However, the last investigation of the statistical literacy of applied linguists occurred more than 25 years ago (Lazaraton, Riggenbach, & Ediger, 1987). The current study undertook a partial replication of this older work by investigating (a) applied linguists’ general experiences with statistics, (b) underlying factors that constitute applied linguists’ knowledge about and attitudes toward statistics, and (c) variables that predict attitudes toward statistics and statistical self‐efficacy. Three hundred thirty‐one scholars of applied linguistics and SLA completed a questionnaire. Eighty percent had taken a statistics class; however, only 14% of doctoral students and 30% of professors felt that their statistical training was adequate. A factor analysis of participants’ knowledge of statistical terms revealed three factors: common inferential statistics knowledge, advanced statistics knowledge, and basic descriptive statistics knowledge. An analysis of participants’ attitudes toward statistics revealed two factors: statistics are important and lack of statistical confidence. Regression analyses found that a quantitative research orientation was the strongest predictor of positive attitudes toward statistics; nevertheless, participants also expressed support for qualitative research. Recommendations for improving quantitative methods in our field are made based on our findings.
Phenomenology of Minimal Unified Tree Level Gauge Mediation at the LHC
Authors: Monaco Maurizio , Pierini Maurizio , Romanino Andrea , Spinrath Martin
Published: August 2013

Abstract

We study the collider phenomenology of the minimal unified version of the supersymmetry breaking scheme called Tree-level Gauge Mediation. We identify a peculiar source of gaugino mass non-universality related to the necessary SU(5)-breaking in the light fermion mass ratios and a gaugino mass sum rule at the GUT scale, 3M
2 + 2M
3 = 5M
1, which represents a smoking gun of this scenario, together with the known tree- level sfermion mass ratio
$ {{\widetilde{m}}_{{{d^c},l}}}=\sqrt{2}{{\widetilde{m}}_{{q,{u^c},{e^c}}}} $
. The boundary conditions of the soft SUSY breaking terms can be parameterised in terms of six relevant parameters only (plus the sign of the μ-parameter). We analyze the parameter space and define three benchmark points, corresponding to the three possible NLSPs, a bino- or wino-like neutralino or the stau. The LSP is the gravitino as in gauge mediation. For these benchmark points we show possible signatures at the LHC focusing on the Razor variable. We also comment on the Higgs mass.
Growth and decline of a penguin colony and the influence on nesting density and reproductive success
Authors: Sherley Richard B. , Barham Peter J. , Barham Barbara J. , Crawford Robert J. M. , Dyer Bruce M. , Leshoro T. Mario , Makhado Azwianewi B. , Upfold Leshia , Underhill Les G.
Published: August 2013

Colonial breeding is characteristic of seabirds but nesting at high density has both advantages and disadvantages and may reduce survival and fecundity. African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) initiated breeding at Robben Island, South Africa in 1983. The breeding population on the island increased in the late 1990s and early 2000s before decreasing rapidly until 2010. Before the number breeding peaked, local nest density in the areas where the colony was initiated plateaued, suggesting that preferred nests sites were mostly occupied, and the area used by breeding birds expanded. However, it did not contract again as the population decreased, so that nesting density varied substantially. Breeding success was related positively to the prey available to the breeding birds and negatively to local nest density, particularly during the chick‐rearing period, suggesting a density‐dependence operating through social interactions in the colony, possibly exacerbated by poor prey availability when the breeding population was large. Although nest density at Robben Island was not high, nesting burrows, which probably reduce the incidence of aggressive encounters in the colony, are scarce and our results suggest that habitat alteration has modified the strength of density‐dependent relationships for African penguins. Gaining a better understanding of how density dependence affects fecundity and population growth rates in colonial breeders is important for informing conservation management of the African penguin and other threatened taxa.
HACIA UN MODELO DE DESARROLLO INCLUYENTE PARA EL VALLE DEL CAUCA
Authors: Ortiz Carlos Humberto , Uribe José Ignacio
Published: August 2013

This article focuses in identifying those structural factors that explain the loss of log-run economic dynamism in Colombia and, in particular, in Valle del Cauca. The competitiveness of Valle in relation to Colombia and with the rest of the world is examined. The insistence in an exporting strategy as engine of economic development is challenged. It is identified that a large portion of population is excluded from the benefits of economic development. In order to build an inclusive model of development it is recommended to recover the path of industrialization, to invest in human capital (education of high quality, health, salubrity and nutrition), and to invest in infrastructure. The participation of the State in these social investments is necessary to diminish inequality and increase economic growth.
TRANSFERENCIA DE CONOCIMIENTO EN RELACIONES INTER-ORGANIZACIONALES: SU EFECTO SOBRE EL DESEMPEÑO DE LA FIRMA RECEPTORA
Authors: Rodriguez Orejuela Augusto
Published: August 2013

Last years have been marked by a radical change in how firms do compete. The traditional vision of individual competition has been substituted by the relational paradigm of competing in the context of interfirm relationships and networks. From this perspective, the firm would increase its resources endowment establishing relationships with other firms, and the use of mechanisms to transfer knowledge from one firm to the other would make a significant contribution to this. In this study we, first, develop a scale to measure the use of knowledge-transfer mechanisms in inter-organisational relationships considering three generic types: explicit directives, explicit routines, and tacit routines. Second, some hypothesis about the effects of knowledge-transfer mechanisms on the target’s firm are presented and empirically tested. Results indicate a positive effect, though with disparities among the different generic types of mechanisms analysed. Implications for the emerging theory of competitive advantage in inter-organisational relationships and managerial implications are presented at the end of the article.
INTEGRANDO INFORMACIÓN DE CARÁCTER TEMPORAL Y TRANSVERSAL EN LA PREDICCIÓN DEL RENDIMIENTO INICIAL DE LAS SALIDAS A BOLSA
Authors: Quintana Montero David , Isasi Viñuela Pedro
Published: August 2013

This article discusses the short-term performance of initial public offerings using an approach that considers both cross-sectional and longitudinal perspectives. We present a way to combine the inertia in the IPO market and variables related to the offering structure to predict the initial return of specific companies. The combination of both results in a substantial increase in the explanatory power of the regression models used to asses the results.
EL PAPEL DE LA LEALTAD EN LA CONSTRUCCIÓN DE REDES SOCIALES: UNA PROPUESTA PARA LA GERENCIA SOCIAL DE EMPRESAS DE SERVICIOS PÚBLICOS DOMICILIARIOS
Authors: Buitrago Betancur Olga Rocío , Valencia Agudelo Germán Darío
Published: August 2013

This paper discusses and reviews the concept of loyalty as a mechanism to improve the relationship between users and public household utility companies. In addition to the introduction and the conclusions, this article consists of 3 sections. The first section deals with Albert Hirschman's model "Exit, voice and loyalty" with an emphasis on the latter. The second presents an application of the model to household utilities in Colombia and shows the developments and regressions in the relationship between users and companies after the 1990 reform. The third section links the concept of loyalty with the construction of social networks as a proposal for improving the relationship between companies and citizen-customers.
ANALISIS DE LA FUNDAMENTACIÓN DEL MODELO ESTANDAR DE CONTROL INTERNO MECI 1000:2005
Authors: Montilla Galvis Omar de Jesús , Montes Salazar Carlos Alberto , Mejía Soto Eutimio
Published: August 2013

The Colombian government issued Decree 1599 of 2005 to establish and unify a Standard Internal Control Model to be applied to state-owned entities (MECI 1000:2005). The implementation of the model consists of 4 different stages. It has 3 sub-systems, 9 components, and 29 inter-related elements.
FACTORES DE ÉXITO EN LOS NEGOCIOS DE ARTESANÍA EN MÉXICO
Authors: Hernández Girón José de la Paz , Yescas León María , Domínguez Hernández María Luisa
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this paper is to identify a number of factors to succeed in the Mexican handcraft industry based on the use of business skills to acquire and coordinate resources and abilities.  In the literature there are a plethora of proposed success factors for consolidated companies. While the expectations of handcraft business owners rely on the consumer's preferences, there is a wide range of variability in the formal nature and flexible structure of their organizations, thus making it difficult to implement these factors. The data used in this study stemmed from a well-structured interview to 337 handcraft business owners in the 8 following different Mexican states: Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacan, Mexico, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Puebla, and Veracruz.In order to determine the success factors, a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted. As a result, the 9 following success factors were established: administrative innovation, financing impact, production technology, administration technology, process management ability, packaging, differentiation, and information. The author proposes a set of equations to be used for managing the success of a business when it is measured in terms of satisfaction with the business or based on sales revenue, business growth, or business size.
CASO DE ESTUDIO. SOCIEDAD COLOMBIANA DE JUEGOS Y APUESTAS S.A. BURKENROAD REPORT
Authors: Berggrun Preciado Luis , García Julián Esteban , Grande Amalia Andrea , Torres Paola Andrea
Published: August 2013

This paper presents a Burkenroad report of "Sociedad Colombiana de Juegos y Apuestas S.A", a company headquartered in Cali engaged in the gambling industry in the form of permanent bets or "chance". This company resulted from the merger of 18 out of 20 companies in total engaged in the gambling business in Cali. These companies merged to increase the likelihood of being awarded the bid arranged by the Valle del Cauca Department for this kind of business in the next five years. This report provides a brief description of the company, its market, an administrative summary, and an analysis of the risks faced by the organization.  The last section of the report shows an approximate value of the company using the free cash flow method in two different scenarios. It describes the second scenario, in which stock valuation suggests a price per share of $2.04, as the more feasible of both scenarios.
SISTEMAS DE GESTIÓN DE COMPETENCIAS BASADO EN CAPACIDADES Y RECURSOS Y SU RELACIÓN CON EL SISTEMA SECI DE GESTIÓN DEL CONOCIMIENTO REALIZADAS POR LAS PEQUEÑAS EMPRESAS DEL UROLA MEDIO (ESPAÑA)
Authors: Pinto Jiménez Juan de Jesús
Published: August 2013

This study starts from the investigation, “Access of small companies to innovation and knowledge networks,” and attempts to find the relationship that exists between Competency Management Systems based on capacities and resources and the SECI knowledge management system, carried out by small companies in the mid Urola Valley region.The study focuses on the development of the relationship between the construct, knowledge management, and that of management models. We attempt to find associations that the companies have in the practices related to capacities and resources, with the blocks of the SECI model (Socialization, Exteriorization, Combination and Interiorization).This empirical development comprises the following sections: (1) The variables associated with the conceptual model are identified. (2) In the same way, we identify the variables associated with competency management approaches based on capacities and resources in three specific areas: physical resources, human capital and organizational resources. (3) The database is created with each one of the variables defined in the model and a process is carried out to adapt them to the needs of the study. (4) A descriptive analysis is conducted for the categorical variables through the procedure of contingency tables, to check whether the variables included in the study have possible criteria of association with the assigned construct. (5) Lastly, a conclusion is drawn by determining if there is actually a positive association between the constructs of the management model of the company with the four constructs of the SECI model.
LA INVERSIÓN EXTRANJERA DIRECTA DE LA UNIÓN EUROPEA HACIA AMÉRICA LATINA: EL MÉTODO DE ENTRADA DE LAS PRINCIPALES MULTINACIONALES ELÉCTRICAS
Authors: Zapata Yudira
Published: August 2013

In a field as well-explored as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), certain aspects remain to be dealt with. In spite of the importance of the service sector in the theme, the investigations that have concentrated on explaining the relationship of the sector on the flows of FDI toward Latin America are scarce. The diversity of themes that can have a bearing on this explanation, as well as the characteristics of the service sector, convert it into a complex task, as much for academic investigation as for business management. Being conscious of this fact, this work represents an attempt to reduce this complexity by explaining the relationship between the flows of FDI and the methods of entry in external markets.  The method of entry of the FDI has played a major role in the internationalization of service companies, particularly in the case of the European power generation multinationals, which have been responsible for the increase in the flows of investment toward the region.
CASO DE ESTUDIO. COMERCIALIZACION DE HARINA DE TRIGO INDUSTRIAL EN LA COSTA ATLANTICA
Authors: Gudziol Juan Antonio , Calzada L. Diana Patricia , Jiménez T. Diana Patricia , Rozo O. Paola Andrea , Tobón Andrés Alfredo
Published: August 2013

This case study illustrates the decision faced by a Colombian company in the process of pursuing a new potential market. In this market the company share of market is almost void. This case analyzes the company, the market, the environment, like the first step to take a decision that could call for a dramatic change in the operations of the company.
PERCEPCIONES DEL COLOR Y DE LA FORMA DE LOS EMPAQUES: UNA EXPERIENCIA DE APRENDIZAJE
Authors: Arboleda Arango Ana María
Published: August 2013

The meaning consumers give to product packages’ colors and shapes takes place given their experience with packages themselves and with the use of products. This document analyses this issue from a qualitative and exploratory perspective through the use of focus groups. Thus, results suggest that consumers look for and expect to find certain characteristics on the packages, regarding their color and shape, that allow them to more easily recognize the product, its qualities and usefulness. Finally, given consumers tendency to generalize symbols throughout a category, it is recommended to maintain codes within the category in order to guarantee consumers product recognition and avoid confusions with other type of products. Having a package with different characteristics from those of the category, it is recommended to implement communications strategies in order to guarantee consumers learning of new symbols on the package.
FUNDAMENTOS TEÓRICOS DEL MODELO CONTABLE COMÚN PARA LAS PYMES DE AMÉRICA LATINA: UNA ALTERNATIVA A LA REGULACIÓN CONTABLE INTERNACIONAL IASB
Authors: Mejía Soto Eutimio , Montes Salazar Carlos Alberto , Montilla Galvis Omar de Jesús
Published: August 2013

This article presents an approximation to the descriptive aspects of accounting regulation, the relevant aspects of international standardization, the effects of accounting regulation, the present conditions of economic-accounting development, the place of accounting in this field of knowledge and its social function and, finally, a proposal for the development of accounting by considering different obstacles in the harmonization process.
ANÁLISIS DE LA CONTRIBUCIÓN DE HOLLANDER AL MACROMERCADEO
Authors: Muñoz Molina Yaromir , Vecino Arenas Carlos Enrique
Published: August 2013

Macromarketing, as a subject that approaches marketing in relation to the interest of society, requires more relevance in the field of marketing. Stanley Hollander built his marketing thought on the ideal of finding better social conditions. Our main objective is highlighting Hollander’s main contributions through a careful review of his publications in macromarketing, by selecting 18 of his main articles in this topic. We classified his contribution in seven areas: reforms, retailing evolution, marketing chain, comparative studies, the interest of marketing in public policy, the consumer power and other miscellaneous problems. After analyzing his ideas, we present some tips and methodological challenges as well as a discussion around teaching and learning considerations drawn from the concept of macromarketing. Finally, we propose possible questions for upcoming research.
EXTERNALIZACIÓN DE FUNCIONES: ALGUNAS REFLEXIONES TEÓRICAS
Authors: Ganga Contreras Francisco , Toro Reinoso Iván
Published: August 2013

The study about organizational behavior appears as one of the most important challenges of this new age. Its suitable comprehension symbolizes the foundations of the success or failure for those who take the organizational management as profession, and it also symbolizes the success or failure for those organizations.  This document main objective is the analysis of new tendencies referring to organizational models at the time it contributes to administrative knowledge by describing the main characteristics and alternatives that could be adopted in outsourcing. A review of the network model, the virtual organization, the shamrock organization and the federal organization model, is presented as examples of what is known as outsourcing. It is also studied the origin of the outsourcing, some conceptual differences, its main advantages and risks, and its current situation in Chile.
ESTRÉS EN EJECUTIVOS DE MEDIANAS Y GRANDES MEXICANAS: UN ENFOQUE DE DESARROLLO HUMANO ORGANIZACIONAL
Authors: Mercado Salgado Patricia , Salgado Mejía Roberto
Published: August 2013

Objective.- Identify sources of pressure, individual differences and effects of stress in Mexican CIO’s of enterprises with the Pressure Management Indicator (PMI).Method.- Descriptive research, no experimental design, with 41 participants. It was used a questionnaire integrated with 111 items using Likert scale.Findings.- Mexican executives work around 53 hours per week and they do not consider it as a source of pressure. However, they consider personal responsibility, daily hassles, recognition and home/work balance as a cause of it. Evidence shows that Mexican CIO’s do not pay attention to organizational climate and do not receive social support as a help to cope work stress.Subject.- Identify sources of pressure, individual differences and effects of stress in Mexican executives with the Pressure Management Indicator (PMI).Method.-Descriptive research, no experimental design, with 41 participants. It was used a questionnaire integrated with 111 items using Likert scale.Results.- Mexican executives work around 53 hours per week and they do not consider it as a source of pressure, but it is personal responsibility, daily hassles, recognition and home/work balance. They don’t pay any attention to organizational climate and don’t use s9cial support to cope occupational stress.
DIMENSIONALIDAD DE LA RESPONSABILIDAD SOCIAL EMPRESARIAL PERCIBIDA Y SUS EFECTOS SOBRE LA IMAGEN Y LA REPUTACIÓN: UNA APROXIMACIÓN DESDE EL MODELO DE CARROLL
Authors: Alvarado Herrera Alejandro , Schlesinger Díaz María Walesska
Published: August 2013

Marketing literature suggests that consumer perceptions of corporate social responsibility’s actions and programs could improve the image and the reputation of the firms. However, little is known about the issue. Hence to find it out, drawing from recent theoretical and empirical research, a structural relationship theoretical model was developed and subsequently empirically tested. The test was done in a mobile phone services consumption context through structural equations modeling using field survey collected data from 358 real young consumers from Valencia, Spain. Results indicate that the studied dimensions of corporate social responsibility do significantly and directly influence brand image, and that they also impacts on reputation but just in an indirect fashion. Results are discussed, and the conclusions include both academic and practitioners implications. Finally, research limitations and future research lines are presented too.
LA GESTIÓN DE MARCA CON ORIENTACIÓN AL MERCADO. UNA PERSPECTIVA DESDE LOS FRANQUICIADOS
Authors: Calderón Monge María Esther , Ayup González Jannett
Published: August 2013

Currently, the final consumer is being studied by administrators and brand manager because the effects of the brand in the market are too important. Besides that, franchises’ brand activities, especially in Mexican franchises, have not been enough researched. If we take into account that franchises have an important participation in the economy, and represent a success alternative for growth and expansion to domestic and international markets, it is needed to analyze the brand management influence over the consumer’s perception. This will be the main objective of this document. After a theoretical justification, an empirical study is done, applying the Structural Equation Modeling to information retrieved by surveys and interviews in an example of Mexican franchisees with at least five years in Mexico in the categories of foods, restaurants and beverages. The statistical results, underline the clearly proposal that the internal component of the brand management is determinant in the market; although, that is showed weak internal forces that affect the positive image at the consumer.
LA PUBLICACIÓN DE HONORARIOS DE LAS FIRMAS DE AUDITORÍA EN ESPAÑA: UN ANÁLISIS EMPÍRICO
Authors: López Gavira Rosario , Pérez López José Ángel , Romero García José Enrique
Published: August 2013

The present document analyzes whether the measures related to the disclosure of honoraria in Spain really contribute towards palliating the current independence conflicts of auditing profession to a certain extent. With respect to the evidence obtained by the questionnaire used for the investigation, an interesting finding is that academics, in general, tend to favour the imposition of this type of informative transparency measures, while auditors are against them. However, in spite of this deviating initial positioning, the evidence indicates that within the category of auditors two different groups have to be distinguished: consolidated professionals and non-consolidated professionals. Thus, our findings indicate that the last group shows an intermediate opinion closer in some points to that of the academics.
CASO DE ESTUDIO. CAEN LOS PANTALONCILLOS
Authors: Arboleda Arango Ana María , Coello C. Elsa María , Cuevas S. Gloria María , Gómez M. Lina Marcela
Published: August 2013

The first step while exploring the possibility of doing marketing research is to understand the research problem. Within this case study the student deals with the situation presented for Diseños para EL Interior S.A., a company of the clothing industry in Colombia that manufactures men’s underwear. The case (Falling underwear) shows the most common process that marketing teams go through as they encounter negative brand performance, in this case a significant drop in sales (20% in a year). This is a natural situation given that each group member has his/her own brand experience, which enhances their own hypothesis; additionally each one has his/her own expectations from the results of a marketing research activity. After discussing experiences, hypothesis and perceptions, the team finally agrees to engage in a marketing research process. The case study suggests how this agreement leads to a brief in which the team contextualizes conditions the brand is facing, and explains research objectives and sample group. The reading offers information which enables the student to elaborate the brief demanding marketing research.
LA VINCULACIÓN DE DESCENDIENTES A LA EMPRESA FAMILIAR. UN ESTUDIO DE CASOS COLOMBIANOS
Authors: Lozano Posso Melquicedec , Urbano David
Published: August 2013

This research focuses on the stage of offspring entry to the family business. This stage connects the entire professional and personal experiences that the potential successor has had previously to his entrance to the family business and all the responsibilities he will have in the early period of his (her) integration in the family business. Frequently this stage is analyzed as one-dimensional stage, but it is clear through this research that it is more a process with many factors affecting it. To study these factors, the analysis of four detailed Colombian family business cases was done. The results give evidence about the mode, the timing and the motivations, as fundamental factors in the decision of entry to the family business, moreover identifies the main proposals related to the offspring decision to become an employee of the family business. It suggests to the owners of family business and the offspring to examine this entry dimensions inside of the preparation process of the following generations.