bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The inverse-trans-influence in tetravalent lanthanide and actinide bis(carbene) complexes
Authors: Gregson Matthew , Lu Erli , Mills David P. , Tuna Floriana , McInnes Eric J. L. , Hennig Christoph , Scheinost Andreas C. , McMaster Jonathan , Lewis William , Blake Alexander J. , Kerridge Andrew , Liddle Stephen T.
Published: February 2017

Across the periodic table the trans-influence operates, whereby tightly bonded ligands selectively lengthen mutually trans metal–ligand bonds. Conversely, in high oxidation state actinide complexes the inverse-trans-influence operates, where normally cis strongly donating ligands instead reside trans and actually reinforce each other. However, because the inverse-trans-influence is restricted to high-valent actinyls and a few uranium(V/VI) complexes, it has had limited scope in an area with few unifying rules. Here we report tetravalent cerium, uranium and thorium bis(carbene) complexes with trans C=M=C cores where experimental and theoretical data suggest the presence of an inverse-trans-influence. Studies of hypothetical praseodymium(IV) and terbium(IV) analogues suggest the inverse-trans-influence may extend to these ions but it also diminishes significantly as the 4f orbitals are populated. This work suggests that the inverse-trans-influence may occur beyond high oxidation state 5f metals and hence could encompass mid-range oxidation state actinides and lanthanides. Thus, the inverse-trans-influence might be a more general f-block principle.
Evolution of Shh endoderm enhancers during morphological transition from ventral lungs to dorsal gas bladder
Authors: Sagai Tomoko , Amano Takanori , Maeno Akiteru , Kimura Tetsuaki , Nakamoto Masatoshi , Takehana Yusuke , Naruse Kiyoshi , Okada Norihiro , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Shiroishi Toshihiko
Published: February 2017

Shh signalling plays a crucial role for endoderm development. A Shh endoderm enhancer, MACS1, is well conserved across terrestrial animals with lungs. Here, we first show that eliminating mouse MACS1 causes severe defects in laryngeal development, indicating that MACS1-directed Shh signalling is indispensable for respiratory organogenesis. Extensive phylogenetic analyses revealed that MACS1 emerged prior to the divergence of cartilaginous and bony fishes, and even euteleost fishes have a MACS1 orthologue. Meanwhile, ray-finned fishes evolved a novel conserved non-coding sequence in the neighbouring region. Transgenic assays showed that MACS1 drives reporter expression ventrally in laryngeal epithelium. This activity has been lost in the euteleost lineage, and instead, the conserved non-coding sequence of euteleosts acquired an enhancer activity to elicit dorsal epithelial expression in the posterior pharynx and oesophagus. These results implicate that evolution of these two enhancers is relevant to the morphological transition from ventral lungs to dorsal gas bladder.
Erratum: Quantum enhanced feedback cooling of a mechanical oscillator using nonclassical light
Authors: Schäfermeier Clemens , Kerdoncuff Hugo , Hoff Ulrich B. , Fu Hao , Huck Alexander , Bilek Jan , Harris Glen I. , Bowen Warwick P. , Gehring Tobias , Andersen Ulrik L.
Published: February 2017

Nature Communications 7: Article number: 13628 (2014); Published 29 November 2016; Updated 3 February 2017 This Article contains a typographical error in the second line of the right column on page 4, in which the exponent ‘−1’ incorrectly appears before the final closing parenthesis. The correct equation is
Reduced Activity of SRY and its Target Enhancer Sox9-TESCO in a Mouse Species with X*Y Sex Reversal
Authors: Zhao Liang , Quinn Alexander , Ng Ee Ting , Veyrunes Frederic , Koopman Peter
Published: February 2017

In most eutherian mammals, sex determination is governed by the Y-linked gene Sry, but in African pygmy mice Mus minutoides, Sry action is overridden by a variant X chromosome (X*), yielding X*Y females. We hypothesized that X*Y sex reversal may be underpinned not only by neomorphic X chromosome functionality, but also by a compromised Sry pathway. Here, we show that neither M. minutoides SRY nor its target, the Sox9-TESCO enhancer, had appreciable transcriptional activity in in vitro assays, correlating with sequence degradation compared to Mus musculus counterparts. However, M. minutoides SRY activated its cognate TESCO to a moderate degree, and can clearly engage the male pathway in M. minutoides in the wild, indicating that SRY and TESCO may have co-evolved in M. minutoides to retain function above a threshold level. We suggest that weakening of the SRY/TESCO nexus may have facilitated the rise and spread of a variant X* chromosome carrying female-inducing modifier gene(s).
Immune Signature of Enhanced Functional Avidity CD8+ T Cells in vivo Induced by Vaccinia Vectored Vaccine
Authors: Hu Zhidong , Zhu Lingyan , Wang Jing , Wan Yanmin , Yuan Songhua , Chen Jian , Ding Xiangqing , Qiu Chenli , Zhang Xiaoyan , Qiu Chao , Xu Jianqing
Published: February 2017

Functional avidity of T cells is a critical determinant for clearing viral infection and eliminating tumor. Understanding how functional avidity is maintained in T cells is imperative for immunotherapy. However, studies systematically characterize T cell with high functional avidity induced in vivo are still lacking. Previously, we and others found vaccinia vectored vaccine (VACV) induced antigen-specific CD8+ T cells with relatively high functional avidity to those from DNA vaccine. Herein, we used functional, immune phenotyping and transcriptomic studies to define the immune signature of these CD8+ T cells with high functional avidity. Antigen-specific CD8+ T cells induced by VACV executed superior in vivo killing activity and displayed a distinct transcriptional profile, whereas no significantly differences were found in composition of memory sub-populations and cytokine poly-functionality. Transcriptional analyses revealed unique features of VACV induced CD8+ T cells in several biological processes, including transport, cell cycle, cell communication and metabolic processes. In summary, we characterize CD8+ T cells of high functional avidity induced in vivo by VACV, which not only improves our understanding of adaptive T cell immunity in VACV vaccination, but also provides clues to modulate functional avidity of CD8+ T cells for T cell based immunotherapy.
Controlling thermal emission of phonon by magnetic metasurfaces
Authors: Zhang X. , Liu H. , Zhang Z. G. , Wang Q. , Zhu S. N.
Published: February 2017

Our experiment shows that the thermal emission of phonon can be controlled by magnetic resonance (MR) mode in a metasurface (MTS). Through changing the structural parameter of metasurface, the MR wavelength can be tuned to the phonon resonance wavelength. This introduces a strong coupling between phonon and MR, which results in an anticrossing phonon-plasmons mode. In the process, we can manipulate the polarization and angular radiation of thermal emission of phonon. Such metasurface provides a new kind of thermal emission structures for various thermal management applications.
Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Kidney Tissue Sections of Rat Subjected to Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction
Authors: Liu Huihui , Li Wan , He Qing , Xue Jinjuan , Wang Jiyun , Xiong Caiqiao , Pu Xiaoping , Nie Zongxiu
Published: February 2017

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a serious threat to the quality of human life and health with an increasing incidence worldwide. Renal fibrosis is closely related to CKD and regarded as the final common pathophysiological pathway in most cases of end-stage renal diseases. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying renal fibrosis and developing novel therapeutic strategies are of great importance. Herein, matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI) based on 1, 5-diaminonaphthalene hydrochloride was applied to the rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) to investigate metabolic changes during renal fibrosis. Among identified endogenous compounds, twenty-one metabolites involved in metabolic networks such as glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, ATP metabolism, fatty acids metabolism, antioxidants, and metal ions underwent relatively obvious changes after 1 and 3 weeks of UUO. Unique distribution of the metabolites was obtained, and metabolic changes of kidneys during renal fibrosis were investigated simultaneously for the first time. These findings once again highlighted the promising potential of the organic salt matrix for application in small molecule in situ MSI and in the field of biomedical research.
Uranium rhodium bonding in heterometallic complexes
Authors: Hlina J. A. , Wells J. A. L. , Pankhurst J. R. , Love Jason B. , Arnold P. L.
Published: February 2017

The UIV–RhIintermetallic distances in the U2Rh2complex (left, 2.7601(5) Å) and URh complex (right, 2.7630(5) Å) are very short and almost identical in the solid state even though solution electrochemistry suggests very different metal-based reduction processes.
Stabilization of ion concentration polarization layer using micro fin structure for high-throughput applications
Authors: Kim Kihong , Kim Wonseok , Lee Hyekyung , Kim Sung Jae
Published: February 2017

A fin structure was employed to stabilize ion concentration polarization phenomenon, enhancing the efficiency of molecular preconcentrator and electrofiltration device.
Dual-stimuli responsive liposomes using pH- and temperature-sensitive polymers for controlled transdermal delivery
Authors: Yamazaki Naoko , Sugimoto Takumi , Fukushima Mitsuhiro , Teranishi Ryoma , Kotaka Aki , Shinde Chiharu , Kumei Takayuki , Sumida Yasushi , Munekata Yuki , Maruyama Kei-ichi , Yuba Eiji , Harada Atsushi , Kono Kenji
Published: February 2017

The use of skin environment-sensitive liposomes for transdermal penetration is beneficial for improving cosmetic efficacy.
Injectable shear-thinning hydrogels with enhanced strength and temperature stability based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane end-group aggregation
Authors: Qin Zezhao , Qu Baoliu , Yuan Liguang , Yu Xiaofeng , Li Jinge , Wang Jie , Lv Hongying , Yang Xiaoniu
Published: February 2017

A strategy based on the physical association of POSS end-groups was designed to reinforce shear-thinning hydrogels, and their shear-thinning and recovery properties remained unchanged.
Effects of fish density distribution and effort distribution on catchability
Authors: Ellis Nick , Wang You-Gan
Published: February 2017

Ellis, N., and Wang, Y-G. 2007. Effects of fish density distribution and effort distribution on catchability – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64, 178–191. The effects of fish density distribution and effort distribution on the overall catchability coefficient are examined. Emphasis is also on how aggregation and effort distribution interact to affect overall catch rate [catch per unit effort (cpue)]. In particular, it is proposed to evaluate three indices, the catchability index, the knowledge parameter, and the aggregation index, to describe the effectiveness of targeting and the effects on overall catchability in the stock area. Analytical expressions are provided so that these indices can easily be calculated. The average of the cpue calculated from small units where fishing is random is a better index for measuring the stock abundance. The overall cpue, the ratio of lumped catch and effort, together with the average cpue, can be used to assess the effectiveness of targeting. The proposed methods are applied to the commercial catch and effort data from the Australian northern prawn fishery. The indices are obtained assuming a power law for the effort distribution as an approximation of targeting during the fishing operation. Targeting increased catchability in some areas by 10%, which may have important implications on management advice.
Gas-phase formation of the prebiotic molecule formamide: insights from new quantum computations
Authors: Barone V. , Latouche C. , Skouteris D. , Vazart F. , Balucani N. , Ceccarelli C. , Lefloch B.
Published: February 2017

New insights into the formation of interstellar formamide, a species of great relevance in prebiotic chemistry, are provided by electronic structure and kinetic calculations for the reaction NH2 + H2CO → NH2CHO + H. Contrarily to what previously suggested, this reaction is essentially barrierless and can, therefore, occur under the low temperature conditions of intestellar objects thus providing a facile formation route of formamide. The rate coefficient parameters for the reaction channel leading to NH2CHO + H have been calculated to be A = 2.6 × 10−12 cm3 s−1, β = −2.1 and γ = 26.9 K in the range of temperatures 10–300 K. Including these new kinetic data in a refined astrochemical model, we show that the proposed mechanism can well reproduce the abundances of formamide observed in two very different interstellar objects: the cold envelope of the Sun-like protostar IRAS16293−2422 and the molecular shock L1157-B2. Therefore, the major conclusion of this Letter is that there is no need to invoke grain-surface chemistry to explain the presence of formamide provided that its precursors, NH2 and H2CO, are available in the gas phase.
Clinical Outcomes Following Surgical Management of Coexisting Parkinson Disease and Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Xiao Roy , Miller Jacob A. , Lubelski Daniel , Mroz Thomas E. , Benzel Edward C. , Krishnaney Ajit A. , Machado Andre
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: Distinguishing the causes of weakness and gait instability in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) and cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to symptomatic similarities. No study has reported outcomes following decompression in patients with PD and CSM.

OBJECTIVE: To report outcomes following cervical decompression for patients with coexisting PD and CSM.

METHODS: A retrospective matched cohort study of all patients with PD and CSM undergoing cervical decompression at a tertiary-care center between January 1996 and December 2014 was conducted. PD patients were matched to patients with CSM alone by age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, and operative parameters. Myelopathy was assessed by Nurick and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scales. The effect of PD on mJOA was modeled using multivariable regression.

RESULTS: Twenty-one matched pairs were included. PD patients experienced poorer improvement in Nurick (0.0 vs –1.0, P < .01) and mJOA (0.9 vs 2.5, P < .01) composite scores. However, no significant changes in absolute improvement in the upper extremity motor, upper extremity sensory, or sphincter mJOA components were observed. Multivariable regression identified PD as a significant predictor of decreased improvement in mJOA (β = –0.89, P < .01) and failure to achieve a minimal clinically important difference in change in mJOA (OR 0.18, P = .03).

CONCLUSION: This study is the first to characterize outcomes following cervical decompression in patients with PD and CSM. PD patients experienced symptomatic improvement but less overall improvement in myelopathy compared to controls. However, PD patients demonstrated improvement in upper extremity motor, upper extremity sensory, and sphincter symptoms no worse than control patients.
ACCULTURATION AND CORONARY HEART DISEASE IN JAPANESE-AMERICANS
Authors: MARMOT MICHAEL G. , SYME S. LEONARD
Published: February 2017

Among men of Japanese ancestry, there is a gradient in the occurrence of coronary heart disease (CHD). It is lowest in Japan, intermediate in Hawaii, and highest in California. This gradient appears not to be completely explained by differences in dietary intake, serum cholesterol, blood pressure or smoking. To test the hypothesis that social and cultural differences may account for the CHD differences between Japan and the United States, 3809 Japanese-Americans in California were classified according to the degree to which they retained a traditional Japanese culture. The most traditional group of Japanese-Americans had a CHD prevalence as low as that observed in Japan. The group that was most acculturated to Western culture had a three- to five-fold excess in CHD prevalence. This difference in CHD rate between most and least acculturated groups could not be accounted for by differences in the major coronary risk factors.
A STUDY OF HEPATITIS B ANTIGEN CARRIERS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN IN NETANYA, ISRAEL
Authors: NAGGAN L. , MORAG B. , BAR-SHANY S. , BRACHOTT D.
Published: February 2017

In the town of Netanya 9162 elementary school children (age 6–14 years)were tested for hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg) by the counter-electrophoresis method. The overall prevalence was 1.8% with a higher rate for males (2.2%)than for females (1.4%). Higher rates were observed among children born in the autumn and winter, particularly among the boys. This seasonal trend and male-female difference may partially be explained if infection occurs at circumcision. The ethnic distribution showed highest rates among children of Libyan and Yemenite origin (3.9% and 2.6%. respectively), and lowest rates among children of European and Israeli born parents (0.4% and 0.2%, respectively). Prevalence of HBsAg among children from large families andthose from families living in poor and crowded quarters was very significantly higher than among children from smaller families living in richer areas and inless crowded conditions. These variables, which are closely associated with social class, remain significant after adjustment for ethnic origin and seem toaccount for a large proportion of the variation among the Israeli school children. The variation due to ethnicity is markedly reduced when adjusted for five other pertinent variables: age, sex, season of birth, crowding and family size. Assuming that prevalence of HBsAg in a population reflects the rates of infection (past or present), the results of this study strongly support the hypothesis that type B hepatitis in Israel behaves essentially as a contagious infection manifested primarily as a subclinical disease of early and mid-child-hood.
CONTROLLING FOR TIME-VARYING POPULATION DISTRIBUTIONS IN DISEASE CLUSTERING STUDIES
Authors: ROBERSON PAUL K.
Published: February 2017

Both the Knox test and the Mantel test for the presence of disease clustering have previously been shown to be sensitive to changes that occur in the relative geographic population distribution during the time period of study. Although these procedures do not require knowledge of the underlying population density, they implicitly assume it is constant with time. If this is not the case, one may detect clustering which is completely independent of the disease process and simply reflects time-space clustering of the population. Modified procedures are presented which incorporate information from appropriately selected controls to adjust for the effect of a shifting population. Results of a computer simulation study demonstrating the stability of the modified tests in the face of an expanding population are reported.
APPROPRIATE PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSES TO CLUSTERS: THE ART OF BEING RESPONSIBLY RESPONSIVE
Authors: BENDER ALAN P. , WILLIAMS ALLAN N. , JOHNSON REBECCA A. , JAGGER HELEN G.
Published: February 2017

Between 1981 and 1988, the Minnesota Department of Health actively responded to over 400 reports from persons concerned about disease occurrence in their community, school, or workplace. Almost all of these reports involved perceived excesses of cases of cancer. Although there is little potential for identifying unsuspected public health problems or developing new etiologic insights, the Minnesota Department of Health has found that responding to reported clusters is a legitimate and necessary public health activity. To be responsibly responsive to these concerns, the Department has developed four steps to prioritize investigation of reported disease clusters, as well as six criteria for determination of the feasibility of environmental epidemiologic investigations. Approximately 95% of all concerns have been handled within the first two steps of this approach, generally requiring only education, or sometimes examination of readily-available data. Less than 5% of the concerns have required additional data collection and evaluation, and only about 1% have resulted in full-scale epidemiologic studies. Successful conclusions at all levels of this process require that public health officials develop effective communication, maintain objectivity, and provide leadership for controversial and difficult issues.
Main causes that lead strategies to decline at execution phase: an analysis of Brazilian companies
Authors: Bernardo Samuel Moretti , Anholon Rosley , Novaski Olivio , Silva Dirceu , Quelhas Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify what are the main causes that lead strategies to decline at execution phase.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopted the strategy of survey with the 69 Brazilian businessmen. The questionnaire was developed from 16 causes pointed out in the literature and the results analyzed using Cronbach’s α coefficient, multidimensional scaling, exploratory factor analysis and Pearson correlation coefficient.

Findings

The results of statistical analysis showed that the main causes are primarily associated to leaders’ defaults during execution strategies, lack of support and feedback of senior management, no involvement of the teams during the strategies formulation, failure of communication on the strategic objectives in all organizational levels, and others.

Research limitations/implications

The 69 businessmen work in different sectors and there may be specific causes for each sector. The research presented by this paper did not have objectives to analyze specific sectors of the economy.

Practical implications

The results are extremely important and useful for managers during the implementation phase of the strategies and researchers in the field of business strategies.

Originality/value

There are no research with the same focus and objective presented by this paper about Brazilian companies.
Technical efficiency in dairy farms
Authors: Mareth Taciana , Thomé Antônio Márcio Tavares , Scavarda Luiz Felipe , Cyrino Oliveira Fernando Luiz
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This systematic literature review integrates the findings of existing studies regarding technical efficiency (TE) in dairy farms. The purpose of this paper is to offer a research framework that assembles TE descriptors, a classification of previous literature that provides the basis for the synthesis and research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper systematically reviews 86 survey research studies using rigorous and reproducible procedures. The review is applied to published survey research.

Findings

The framework relates context, inputs, outputs and metrics of TE. There is no agreement among the authors on the context and determinants of TE. The main determinants of TE are geographical location, farm size, investments in veterinary care, feeding and milking practice, TE model estimation techniques, public policy, and management-related variables. This paper offers ten propositions for future research on the controversial results on the determinants of TE. The authors also explore the reasons for the discrepant results based on the Debreu-Farrell’s definition of TE, the contingency theory and the resource-based view of the firm, elucidating the literature and serving as a basis for future investigation. Implications for dairy farmers and researchers close the review.

Originality/value

Meta-analysis and meta-regression studies were long at the forefront of reviews in the TE of dairy farms. This paper offers a novel qualitative research synthesis with frameworks and the classification of previous literature and a research agenda, which provides a new and different perspective for analysis, by innovating over the available quantitative procedures to combine statistical results.
Style and substance: a case study of the expansion of mature business-to-business relationships in the Italian clothing industry
Authors: Colucci Mariachiara , Visentin Marco
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a model of the determinants of the expansion of mature business-to-business relationships in the downstream channel of the Italian clothing industry. The authors investigate the role of both economic and social determinants of retail buyers’ intentions to expand their relationships with a seller.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis is based on surveys of more than 150 retail buyers in mature relationships with a major clothing company. This context offers a unique opportunity to explore the interplay between the need for stable relationships and the need to continuously innovate to satisfy consumer demand, given rapidly changing tastes and styles, which can inhibit relationship expansion.

Findings

Buyers’ intentions to expand relationships are primarily determined by the absence of a formal agreement with the seller. Perceptions of a seller’s goodwill seem to overshadow the detrimental effects of two likely sources of opportunism in the clothing industry: demand uncertainty and the availability of alternative suppliers. Findings also provide evidence of a substitutive effect of formal control and trust in mature business relationships.

Originality/value

The authors provide insights into the dynamics of mature business relationships with a focus on expansion, rather than just the propensity for relational continuity, and they show how the interplay of transaction costs and social dimensions leads to this expansion. The authors also provide empirical evidence of a context, the clothing industry, where downstream relationships represent an important source of competitive advantage.
Thirty years of the Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Valenzuela Leslier Maureen , Merigó José M. , Johnston Wesley J. , Nicolas Carolina , Jaramillo Jorge Fernando
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study is to reveal the contribution that Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing has to scientific research and its most influential thematic work in B-to-B since its beginning in 1986 until 2015, in commemoration of the 30th anniversary.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with a qualitative introduction: the emergence of the magazine, its origins, editorial and positioning. Subsequently, it is based on bibliometric methodologies to develop quantitative analysis. The distribution of annual publications is analyzed, the most cited papers, the keywords that are mostly used, the influence on the publishing industry and authors, universities and the countries that have the most publications.

Findings

The predominant role of the USA at all levels is highlighted. It also highlights the presence (given its size and population) of the countries of Northern Europe. There is great interest in appreciating the evolution of the number of publications that are always increasing which demonstrates the growing and sustained interest in these types of articles, with certain times of retreat (often coincide with economic crisis).

Research limitations/implications

The Scopus database gives one unit to each author, university or country involved in the paper, without distinguishing whether it was one or more authors in the study. Therefore, this may bring some deviations in the analysis. However, the study considers some figures with fractional counting to partially solve these limitations.

Practical implications

After observing the different perspectives of the journal’s production, it allows to give an objective view of the evolution that the Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing has had in the past 30 years.

Originality/value

It is part of the trend that several journals (Journal of Marketing, Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Business Research) made special sections to show progress and contribution of these journals to scientific research.
Validating a framework of stakeholders in connection to business sustainability efforts in supply chains
Authors: Ferro Carlos , Padin Carmen , Svensson Göran , Sosa Varela Juan Carlos , Wagner Beverly , Høgevold Nils M.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is two-fold: to determine the extent to which companies’ efforts aimed at sustainable business practices consider stakeholders in their organisations and business networks, the marketplace and society; and to validate or refute a stakeholder framework of business sustainability efforts within focal companies, the marketplace, society and business networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a questionnaire survey targeting large companies across industries and sectors in Spain. The sample consisted of 231 companies generating a useable response rate of 38.5 per cent. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on a cross-industry sample to test a five-dimensional framework.

Findings

This study reports on the validation of initial and refined factor solutions. The factor analysis confirmed five stakeholder dimensions related to business sustainability efforts of organisations, their business networks, marketplace and society. The validated results indicate satisfactory convergent, discriminant and nomological validity and reliability through time and across contexts.

Research limitations/implications

The stakeholder framework in connection with business sustainability efforts in supply chains consisting of five factors was validated: the focal company, downstream stakeholders, societal stakeholders, market stakeholders and upstream stakeholders. Suggestion for further research is provided.

Practical implications

The validated framework of stakeholders allows an insight into the environment in which stakeholders operate and how they influence the focal company.

Originality/value

The manuscript contributes to the validation of a stakeholder framework of business sustainability efforts within focal companies, their business networks, the marketplace and society. The measurement properties provide support for acceptable validity and reliability across contexts and through time.
The evolving gift-giving practices of bicultural consumers
Authors: Aung May , Zhang Xiying , Teng Lefa
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to offer a better understanding of contemporary consumer behaviour. This study relates to the complex and value-laden phenomenon of “gift-giving” from the perspective of bicultural consumers. The focus was on the gift-giving practices of Chinese immigrants in Canada within both their current and their past residencies (Canada and China, respectively).

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual guidelines for this study embodied the gift-giving conceptual framework of Sherry (1983) and Chinese cultural values on gift giving (Yau et al., 1999). A qualitative research study was implemented. Specifically, in-depth interviews with Chinese immigrant women mainly from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Ontario, Canada, offered empirical evidence relating to the gestation stage of gift giving.

Findings

The findings indicate the complexity of acculturation in gift-giving practices. In terms of gift-giving occasions, Chinese immigrants in Canada, for the most part, adopted the Canadian gift-giving occasions. However, the important role of ethnicity in decision-making is found through their strong sense of differentiation between Chinese and Canadian gift receivers. The results also indicate some Chinese cultural values such as relationship, reciprocity and group orientation as being still important in shaping gift-giving practices, even after immigration to a new country quite distant from the homeland. One cautionary note is that some cultural values such as relationship can be common to both Chinese and Canadian cultural groups.

Research limitations/implications

This research was conducted mainly in the GTA in Ontario, Canada. Future studies could address other large Canadian cities with significant bicultural Chinese populations such as Vancouver in British Columbia and Motreal in Quebec.

Practical implications

This research extends the knowledge of bicultural consumers by examining the evolving gift-giving practices of Chinese immigrants living in Canada. A good understanding of the cultural values important to bicultural consumers will help marketers to efficiently and effectively allocate their marketing resources in attracting these niche consumers.

Social implications

This study has contributed to the broader field of marketing research. Specifically, the current study offers the importance of understanding values transference of bicultural consumers and their behaviours in integrating into the mainstream gift-giving cultural context.

Originality/value

This study has contributed by offering evidence of how a minority consumer group formed complex acculturation realities within a gift-giving consumption context. This contribution can be counted as a step towards theoretical advancement in the field of acculturation and of understanding bicultural consumers.
Entrepreneurship and ethics under extreme conditions of poverty: “Exploring the realities”
Authors: Chikweche Tendai , Fletcher Richard
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This article investigates the relationship between entrepreneurship and ethics under extreme poverty conditions to unearth context-specific nuances faced by entrepreneurs in these conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study, research method approach was used to collect data from established firms engaged in some form of entrepreneurship and new entrepreneurs.

Findings

Findings from the study indicate that a different mindset is required for entrepreneurs to conduct business in conditions of extreme poverty, and therefore a different approach is needed to evaluate business ethics instead of a wholesale adaptation of Western-based ethical values and practices. The study identifies and provides evidence of imitative entrepreneurship undertaken by both new entrepreneurs and established firms to address basic human needs such as for food and personal hygiene.

Research limitations/implications

The emic focus on Zimbabwe, which has its own inherent circumstances, has the potential to minimise the generalisability of findings from the study. However, this does not detract from the findings of the study but actually provides a basis for further research in other markets that have extreme poverty conditions.

Practical implications

Coping strategies are outlined for managing constraints faced by entrepreneurs and opportunities for interacting with consumers. A conceptual framework is developed for use in understanding and managing the relationship between entrepreneurship and ethics in markets where there are conditions of extreme poverty.

Originality/value

Previous studies have largely focused on Western developed markets. This article extends the debate to markets under conditions of extreme poverty.
A heteroscedastic generalized linear model with a non‐normal speed factor for responses and response times
Authors: Molenaar Dylan , Bolsinova Maria
Published: February 2017

In generalized linear modelling of responses and response times, the observed response time variables are commonly transformed to make their distribution approximately normal. A normal distribution for the transformed response times is desirable as it justifies the linearity and homoscedasticity assumptions in the underlying linear model. Past research has, however, shown that the transformed response times are not always normal. Models have been developed to accommodate this violation. In the present study, we propose a modelling approach for responses and response times to test and model non‐normality in the transformed response times. Most importantly, we distinguish between non‐normality due to heteroscedastic residual variances, and non‐normality due to a skewed speed factor. In a simulation study, we establish parameter recovery and the power to separate both effects. In addition, we apply the model to a real data set.
Spontaneous and imposed speed of cognitive test responses
Authors: De Boeck Paul , Chen Haiqin , Davison Mark
Published: February 2017

Based on data from a cognitive test presented in a condition with time constraints per item and a condition without time constraints, the effect of speed on accuracy is investigated. First, if the effect of imposed speed on accuracy is negative it can be explained by the speed–accuracy trade‐off, and if it can be captured through the corresponding latent variables, then measurement invariance applies between a condition with and a condition without time constraints. The results do show a negative effect and a lack of measurement invariance. Second, the conditional accuracy function (CAF) is investigated in both conditions, with and without time constraints. The CAF shows an (item‐dependent) negative conditional dependence between response time and response accuracy and thus a positive relationship between speed and accuracy, which implies that faster responses are more accurate. In sum, there seem to be two kinds of speed effects: a speed–accuracy trade‐off effect induced by imposed speed and an opposite CAF effect associated with speed within conditions. The second effect is interpreted as stemming from a within‐person variation of the cognitive capacity during the test which simultaneously favours or disfavours speed and accuracy.
Protein‐arginine deiminase 2 suppresses proliferation of colon cancer cells through protein citrullination
Authors: Funayama Ryo , Taniguchi Hajime , Mizuma Masamichi , Fujishima Fumiyoshi , Kobayashi Minoru , Ohnuma Shinobu , Unno Michiaki , Nakayama Keiko
Published: February 2017

Expression of the gene for protein‐arginine deiminase 2 (PADI2) has been shown to be downregulated in colon cancer, with such downregulation being indicative of a poor prognosis in individuals with this disease. We have now examined the expression of PADI2 in matched colon cancer and normal colon tissue specimens as well as in colon cancer cell lines. We found that isoform 1 of PADI2 is the predominant isoform in colon tissue and is downregulated during colon carcinogenesis. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that PADI2 is expressed in normal colonic epithelial cells. Overexpression of PADI2 isoform 1 suppressed the proliferation of colon cancer cells in vitro in association with increased protein citrullination. Expression of a catalytically inactive mutant (C647A) of PADI2 or of PADI2 isoform 2 did not induce such effects, indicating that the protein citrullination activity of PADI2 is required for inhibition of cell growth. The growth defect induced by PADI2 was not attributable to increased apoptosis but rather was accompanied by arrest of cell cycle progression in G1 phase. Finally, we detected citrullinated proteins in normal colon tissue by immunoblot analysis. Our data thus suggest that PADI2 suppresses the proliferation of colonic epithelial cells through catalysis of protein citrullination, and that downregulation of PADI2 expression might therefore contribute to colon carcinogenesis.
How Can Genetically Informed Research Help Inform the Next Generation of Interparental and Parenting Interventions?
Authors: Harold Gordon T. , Leve Leslie D. , Sellers Ruth
Published: February 2017

There is robust evidence that the interparental relationship and parenting behaviors each have a significant influence on children's risk for emotional (internalizing) and behavioral (externalizing) problems. Indeed, interventions targeting the interparental relationship and parenting processes show significant intervention‐related reductions in child internalizing and externalizing problems. However, most evidence‐based parenting‐ and couple‐focused interventions result in small to medium effects on children's emotional and behavior problems. It is proposed that there is opportunity to improve upon these interventions through incorporation of knowledge from quantitative genetic research. Three core recommendations are provided for practitioners engaging in intervention work with children and families. These recommendations are contextualized relative to what quantitative genetic studies can tell us about the role of the interparental relationship and parenting behaviors on child outcomes.
Novel Word Learning in Bilingual and Monolingual Infants: Evidence for a Bilingual Advantage
Authors: Singh Leher , Fu Charlene S. L. , Tay Zhi Wen , Golinkoff Roberta Michnick
Published: February 2017

Previous studies revealing that monolingual and bilingual infants learn similar sounding words with comparable success are largely based on prior investigations involving single‐feature changes in the onset consonant of a word. There have been no investigations of bilingual infants' abilities to learn similar sounding words differentiated by vowels. In the current study, 18‐month‐old bilingual and monolingual infants (n = 90) were compared on their sensitivity to a vowel change when learning the meanings of words. Bilingual infants learned similar sounding words differing by a vowel contrast, whereas monolingual English‐ and Mandarin‐learning infants did not. Findings are discussed in terms of early constraints on novel word learning in bilingual and monolingual infants.
Enhanced fitness of a Bactrocera cucurbitae genetic sexing strain based on the addition of gut‐isolated probiotics (Enterobacter spec.) to the larval diet
Authors: Yao Mingyan , Zhang Hehe , Cai Pumo , Gu Xiaohong , Wang Dan , Ji Qinge
Published: February 2017

The melon fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is polyphagous and an important fruit and vegetable pest. Sterile insect technique (SIT) is a ‘hot’ research field for pest control, particularly in fruit flies. A B. cucurbitae genetic sexing strain (GSS) was established for SIT. Mass rearing and superior‐fit target species are crucial components of SIT. Some reports have demonstrated that the irradiation used for SIT damages the midgut and tissues of target species, which can impair SIT success. Other studies have found that probiotics in the fruit fly larval diet can enhance host fitness. We used culture‐based approaches to isolate and characterize gut‐associated bacterial species from the B. cucurbitae GSS during mass rearing and applied one of the isolated bacteria, Enterobacter spec., as a probiotic mixed into the larval diet to examine its effect on B. cucurbitae. The results indicate that pupal weight, survival rate, and some morphological indices were significantly increased.
The Conundrum of Solving ‘Too Big to Fail’ in the European Union: Supranationalization at Different Speeds
Authors: Quaglia Lucia , Spendzharova Aneta
Published: February 2017

In the aftermath of the international financial crisis, the European Union (EU) adopted a series of regulatory reforms concerning capital adequacy, bank structures and resolution in order to tackle the risks created by financial institutions that were ‘too big to fail’. This article demonstrates different degrees of progress towards a supranational framework in two important areas of reform: Limited harmonization of the rules on bank structures, but robust progress toward the supranationalization of bank resolution, where the euro area dimension is also considered. What accounts for this variation? We draw on a synthesis of neofunctionalism and liberal intergovernmentalism to explain the diverging outcomes. We explain the low supranationalization in bank structural reforms with the absence of strong spillovers and availability of domestic options to unilaterally contain financial instability. In bank resolution, we examine the causal mechanisms through which significant spillovers modified the government preferences of key Member States.
Minor collagens of the skin with not so minor functions
Authors: Theocharidis Georgios , Connelly John T.
Published: February 2017

The structure and function of the skin relies on the complex expression pattern and organisation of extracellular matrix macromolecules, of which collagens are a principal component. The fibrillar collagens, types I and III, constitute over 90% of the collagen content within the skin and are the major determinants of the strength and stiffness of the tissue. However, the minor collagens also play a crucial regulatory role in a variety of processes, including cell anchorage, matrix assembly, and growth factor signalling. In this article, we review the expression patterns, key functions and involvement in disease pathogenesis of the minor collagens found in the skin. While it is clear that the minor collagens are important mediators of normal tissue function, homeostasis and repair, further insight into the molecular level structure and activity of these proteins is required for translation into clinical therapies.
Term Structure of Consumption Risk Premia in the Cross Section of Currency Returns
Authors: ZVIADADZE IRINA
Published: February 2017

I relate the downward‐sloping term structure of currency carry returns to compensation for currency exposures to macroeconomic risk embedded in the joint dynamics of U.S. consumption, inflation, nominal interest rate, and their stochastic variance. The interest rate and inflation shocks play a prominent role. Higher yield currencies exhibit higher multiperiod exposures to these shocks. The prices of these risk exposures are positive and sizeable across all investment horizons. The interest rate shock is qualitatively similar to the long‐run risk of Bansal and Yaron.
POSTCLAIMUNDERWRITING AND THEVERIFICATION OFINSUREDINFORMATION: EVIDENCEFROM THELIFEINSURANCEINDUSTRY
Authors: Bisco Jill M. , McCullough Kathleen A. , Nyce Charles M.
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

This research investigates information verification by life insurers with respect to postclaim underwriting through denied and resisted claims. We provide a theoretical model to explore the optimal strategy for insurers regarding preloss versus postclaim underwriting. Using differential cost structures, the model predicts that it is possible for some insurers to follow a strategy of postclaim underwriting while others do not. Evidence of this is found in the empirical analysis. Insurers that postclaim underwrite are identified by a decrease in underwriting expenses and an increase in the claim investigation expense in conjunction with increases in denied and resisted claims.
Performance of 4 Point‐of‐Care Screening Tests for Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Levy J.K. , Crawford P. Cynda , Tucker S.J.
Published: February 2017

Background

More than 3 million cats in the United States are infected with FeLV or FIV. The cornerstone of control is identification and segregation of infected cats.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To compare test performance with well‐characterized clinical samples of currently available FeLV antigen/FIV antibody combination test kits.

Animals

Surplus serum and plasma from diagnostic samples submitted by animal shelters, diagnostic laboratories, veterinary clinics, and cat research colonies. None of the cats had been vaccinated against FIV. The final sample set included 146 FeLV+, 154 FeLV−, 94 FIV+, and 97 FIV− samples.

Methods

Prospective, blind comparison to a gold standard: Samples were evaluated in 4 different point‐of‐care tests by ELISA antigen plate tests (FeLV) and virus isolation (FIV) as the reference standards. All test results were visually read by 2 blinded observers.

Results

Sensitivity and specificity, respectively, for FeLV were SNAP® (100%/100%), WITNESS® (89.0%/95.5%), Anigen® (91.8%/95.5%), and VetScan® (85.6%/85.7%). Sensitivity and specificity for FIV were SNAP® (97.9%/99.0%), WITNESS® (94.7%/100%), Anigen® (96.8%/99.0%), and VetScan® (91.5%/99.0%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The SNAP® test had the best performance for FeLV, but there were no significant differences for FIV. In typical cat populations with seroprevalence of 1–5%, a majority of positive results reported by most point‐of‐care test devices would be false‐positives. This could result in unnecessary segregation or even euthanasia.