bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical signals activate p38 MAPK pathway-dependent reinforcement of actin via mechanosensitive HspB1
Authors: Hoffman Laura , Jensen Christopher C. , Yoshigi Masaaki , Beckerle Mary
Published: August 2017

Despite the importance of a cell’s ability to sense and respond to mechanical force, the molecular mechanisms by which physical cues are converted to cell-instructive chemical information to influence cell behaviors remain to be elucidated. Exposure of cultured fibroblasts to uniaxial cyclic stretch results in an actin stress fiber reinforcement response that stabilizes the actin cytoskeleton. p38 MAPK signaling is activated in response to stretch, and inhibition of p38 MAPK abrogates stretch-induced cytoskeletal reorganization. Here we show that the small heat shock protein HspB1 (hsp25/27) is phosphorylated in stretch-stimulated mouse fibroblasts via a p38 MAPK-dependent mechanism. Phosphorylated HspB1 is recruited to the actin cytoskeleton, displaying prominent accumulation on actin “comet tails” that emanate from focal adhesions in stretch-stimulated cells. Site-directed mutagenesis to block HspB1 phosphorylation inhibits the protein’s cytoskeletal recruitment in response to mechanical stimulation. HspB1-null cells, generated by CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease genome editing, display an abrogated stretch-stimulated actin reinforcement response and increased cell migration. HspB1 is recruited to sites of increased traction force in cells geometrically constrained on micropatterned substrates. Our findings elucidate a molecular pathway by which a mechanical signal is transduced via activation of p38 MAPK to influence actin remodeling and cell migration via a zyxin-independent process.
The SAGA complex, together with transcription factors and the endocytic protein Rvs167p, coordinates the reprofiling of gene expression in response to changes in sterol composition inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Dewhurst-Maridor Gisèle , Abegg Daniel , David Fabrice P. A. , Rougemont Jacques , Scott Cameron C. , Adibekian Alexander , Riezman Howard
Published: August 2017

Changes in cellular sterol species and concentrations can have profound effects on the transcriptional profile. In yeast, mutants defective in sterol biosynthesis show a wide range of changes in transcription, including a coinduction of anaerobic genes and ergosterol biosynthesis genes, biosynthesis of basic amino acids, and several stress genes. However the mechanisms underlying these changes are unknown. We identified mutations in the SAGA complex, a coactivator of transcription, which abrogate the ability to carry out most of these sterol-dependent transcriptional changes. In the erg3 mutant, the SAGA complex increases its occupancy time on many of the induced ergosterol and anaerobic gene promoters, increases its association with several relevant transcription factors and the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, and surprisingly, associates with an endocytic protein, Rvs167p, suggesting a moonlighting function for this protein in the sterol-regulated induction of the heat shock protein, HSP42 and HSP102, mRNAs.
Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Population-Based Nested Case-Control Study in Israel
Authors: Raz Raanan , Levine Hagai , Pinto Ofir , Broday David M , Yuval  , Weisskopf Marc G
Published: August 2017

Accumulating evidence suggests that perinatal air pollutant exposures are associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but evidence for traffic pollutants outside the United States is inconclusive. We assessed the association between nitrogen dioxide, a traffic pollution tracer, and risk of ASD. We conducted a nested case-control study among the entire population of children born during 2005–2009 in the central coastal area of Israel. Cases were identified through the National Insurance Institute of Israel (n = 2,098). Controls were a 20% random sample of the remaining children (n = 54,191). Exposure was based on an optimized dispersion model. We estimated adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals using logistic regression and a distributed-lag model. In models mutually adjusted for the 2 periods, the odds ratio per 5.85-parts per billion (ppb) increment of nitrogen dioxide exposure during pregnancy (median, 16.8 ppb; range, 7.5–31.2 ppb) was 0.77 (95% confidence interval: 0.59, 1.00), and the odds ratio for exposure during the 9 months after birth was 1.40 (95% confidence interval: 1.09, 1.80). A distributed-lag model revealed reduced risk around week 13 of pregnancy and elevated risk around week 26 after birth. These findings suggest that postnatal exposure to nitrogen dioxide in Israel is associated with increased odds of ASD, and prenatal exposure with lower odds. The latter may relate to selection effects.
The Politics of Buying, Boycotting, Complaining, and Disputing: An Extension of the Research Program by Jung, Garbarino, Briley, and Wynhausen
Authors: Jost John T , Langer Melanie , Singh Vishal
Published: August 2017

Research in political psychology indicates that liberals are less motivated than conservatives by epistemic, existential, and relational needs to reduce uncertainty, threat, and social discord, and are therefore more prone to challenge the status quo. In a compelling extension of this work into the field of consumer behavior, Jung, Garbarino, Briley, and Wynhausen (this issue) demonstrate that people residing in more liberal (vs. conservative) areas register more complaints with the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and dispute more resolutions offered in response to their complaints. Furthermore, liberals were found to object more strongly to the hypothetical imposition of an unanticipated banking fee, and this effect was mediated by system justification. Inspired by Jung and colleagues, we investigated the hypothesis that liberals would also be more likely to buy and boycott consumer products for political reasons. We analyzed data from the American National Election Studies and European Social Surveys and discovered that, even after we adjusted for demographic factors, liberals in the United States and leftists in all 15 European countries were more likely than conservatives and rightists to report having bought a product—or refrained from buying a product—for political reasons.
Convective–reactive nucleosynthesis of K, Sc, Cl and p-process isotopes in O–C shell mergers
Authors: Ritter C , Andrassy R , Côté B , Herwig F , Woodward P R , Pignatari M , Jones S
Published: August 2017

We address the deficiency of odd-Z elements P, Cl, K and Sc in Galactic chemical evolution models through an investigation of the nucleosynthesis of interacting convective O and C shells in massive stars. 3D hydrodynamic simulations of O-shell convection with moderate C-ingestion rates show no dramatic deviation from spherical symmetry. We derive a spherically averaged diffusion coefficient for 1D nucleosynthesis simulations, which show that such convective–reactive ingestion events can be a production site for P, Cl, K and Sc. An entrainment rate of 10−3 M⊙ s−1 features overproduction factors OPs ≈ 7. Full O–C shell mergers in our 1D stellar evolution massive star models have overproduction factors OPm > 1 dex but for such cases 3D hydrodynamic simulations suggest deviations from spherical symmetry. γ-process species can be produced with overproduction factors of OPm > 1 dex, for example, for 130, 132Ba. Using the uncertain prediction of the 15 M⊙, Z = 0.02 massive star model (OPm ≈ 15) as representative for merger or entrainment convective–reactive events involving O- and C-burning shells, and assume that such events occur in more than 50 per cent of all stars, our chemical evolution models reproduce the observed Galactic trends of the odd-Z elements.
Prosthetic Joint Infection Due to Histoplasma capsulatum Complicating a Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Nowbakht Cima , Garrity Katherine , Webber Nicholas , Eraso Jairo , Ostrosky-Zeichner Luis
Published: August 2017

Histoplasmosis is a common pathogen but rarely reported in prosthetic joint infections. We present a case of Histoplasmosis capsulatum prosthetic joint infection along with a literature review revealing no guidelines or consensus on surgical and antifungal management. We chose the 2-stage management with an antifungal spacer and systemic oral itraconazole.
Can Use of Viral Load Improve Norovirus Clinical Diagnosis and Disease Attribution?
Authors: Shioda Kayoko , Barclay Leslie , Becker-Dreps Sylvia , Bucardo-Rivera Filemon , Cooper Philip J , Payne Daniel C , Vinjé Jan , Lopman Benjamin A
Published: August 2017

Background

Real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the state-of-the-art diagnostic for norovirus. Cycle threshold (Ct), an indicator of viral load, may be associated with symptomatic disease as well as demographic and outbreak characteristics.

Methods

Data on (1) outbreak and sporadic cases and (2) asymptomatic controls in the United States and Latin America were analyzed. With multivariate regression models, we assessed relationships between various factors and Ct values, and we calculated odds ratios (ORs) for the presence of symptoms and attributable fractions of norovirus. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis was performed to define an optimal Ct cutoff to identify disease-causing infections.

Results

Cycle threshold values were lower (ie, higher viral loads) among symptomatic cases (model-adjusted mean ± standard error: 25.3 ± 1.2) compared with asymptomatic controls (28.5 ± 1.4). Cycle threshold values were significantly different across age groups, norovirus genogroups, timing of specimen collection, outbreak settings, and transmission modes. Genogroup II (GII) Ct values were associated with presence of symptoms (OR = 1.1), allowing us to estimate that 16% of diarrheal disease was attributable to norovirus. The optimized Ct cutoff led to poor sensitivity and specificity for genogroup I and GII.

Conclusions

Cycle threshold values were associated with host, pathogen, and outbreak factors. Cycle threshold values may not effectively distinguish disease-causing infection for individual patients, but they are useful for epidemiological studies aiming to attribute disease.
Giant H i hole inside the 3 kpc ring and the North Polar Spur—The Galactic crater
Authors: Sofue Yoshiaki
Published: August 2017

Applying a newly developed tangent-circle method (TCM), we derive a volume density map of H i gas in the inner Galaxy as a function of galactocentric distance R and height Z. The H i hole around the Galactic Center (GC) is shown to have a crater-shaped wall, which coincides with the brightest ridge of the North Polar Spur and emanates from the 3 kpc expanding ring. The crater structure is explained by sweeping of the halo gas by a shock-wave from the GC. The unperturbed H i halo outside 3 kpc is shown to be in hydrostatic equilibrium, obeying the sech2Z/h density law with a scale height h ∼ 450 pc.
Cost-Effectiveness of Health Coaching
Authors: Hale Rachel , Giese Jeannie
Published: August 2017

Purpose/Objectives:

The purpose of this review was to evaluate published literature to distinguish how health coaching influences the cost of chronic disease management in insured adults with chronic conditions.

Primary Practice Setting:

An integrated literature review was conducted. MEDLINE, Business Source Complete, and OneSearch were searched for the years 2001–2016 utilizing the following key words: health coaching, health coaching AND insurance companies, health coaching AND cost, health coaching AND health insurance, and health coaching AND insurance cost. A total of 67 articles met inclusion criteria and were assessed for applicability. Of those, 27 articles were found to be relevant to the research question. The practice settings of these articles are mostly primary care and wellness programs.

Findings/Conclusions:

Throughout the literature, health coaching has been found effective in chronic disease management such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Studies evaluating the cost-effectiveness of health coaching are limited. The current literature does not clearly demonstrate that health coaching lowers expenditures and patient copayments in the short term but projects future savings.

Implications for Case Management Practice:

Health coaching has the potential to improve chronic disease management and lower health care expenditures. Further long-term research is needed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of health coaching. It has been projected that the cost-effectiveness of health coaching will be long-term or over 12 months after initiating the health coaching program.
The Effect of Single-Scan and Scan-Pair Intensity Inhomogeneity Correction Methods on Repeatability of Voxel-Based Morphometry With Multiple Magnetic Resonance Scanners
Authors: Goto Masami , Yamashita Fumio , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Abe Osamu , Aoki Shigeki , Miyati Tosiaki , Gomi Tsutomu , Takeda Tohoru
Published: August 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of single-scan and scan-pair intensity inhomogeneity correction methods on the repeatability of voxel-based morphometry (VBM) using images acquired with multiple magnetic resonance (MR) scanners.

Methods

Three-dimensional T1-weighed MR images of the brain were obtained from 22 healthy participants using each of 5 MR scanners, yielding 110 images (5 scanners × 22 subjects) in total. Six patterns of intensity inhomogeneity corrections (no correction, single-scan corrections, and scan-pair correction, and their combinations) were applied in the VBM procedure to investigate the effect of the corrections on the repeatability of gray and white matter volume measurements.

Results

Single-scan and scan-pair intensity inhomogeneity corrections significantly reduced the variance in spatially normalized gray and white matter volumes. However, combining the 2 methods did not significantly improve the repeatability when evaluated as whole brain.

Conclusions

Single-scan and scan-pair intensity inhomogeneity corrections improved the repeatability of gray and white matter volumes obtained by multiple MR scanners and assessed by VBM.
Sarcopenia increases risk of long-term mortality in elderly patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery
Authors: Rangel Erika L. , Rios-Diaz Arturo J. , Uyeda Jennifer W. , Castillo-Angeles Manuel , Cooper Zara , Olufajo Olubode A. , Salim Ali , Sodickson Aaron D.
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Frailty is associated with poor surgical outcomes in elderly patients but is difficult to measure in the emergency setting. Sarcopenia, or the loss of lean muscle mass, is a surrogate for frailty and can be measured using cross-sectional imaging. We sought to determine the impact of sarcopenia on 1-year mortality after emergency abdominal surgery in elderly patients.

METHODS

Sarcopenia was assessed in patients 70 years or older who underwent emergency abdominal surgery at a single hospital from 2006 to 2011. Average bilateral psoas muscle cross-sectional area at L3, normalized for height (Total Psoas Index [TPI]), was calculated using computed tomography. Sarcopenia was defined as TPI in the lowest sex-specific quartile. Primary outcome was mortality at 1 year. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and mortality at 30, 90, and 180 days. The association of sarcopenia with mortality was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression and model performance judged using Harrell's C-statistic.

RESULTS

Two hundred ninety-seven of 390 emergency abdominal surgery patients had preoperative imaging and height. The median age was 79 years, and 1-year mortality was 32%. Sarcopenic and nonsarcopenic patients were comparable in age, sex, race, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, procedure urgency and type, operative severity, and need for discharge to a nursing facility. Sarcopenic patients had lower body mass index, greater need for intensive care, and longer hospital length of stay (p < 0.05). Sarcopenia was independently associated with increased in-hospital mortality (risk ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6–3.7) and mortality at 30 days (hazard ratio [HR], 3.7; 95% CI, 1.9–7.4), 90 days (HR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.8–6.0), 180 days (HR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4–4.4), and 1 year (HR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.4–3.9).

CONCLUSION

Sarcopenia is associated with increased risk of mortality over 1 year in elderly patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery. Sarcopenia defined by TPI is a simple and objective measure of frailty that identifies vulnerable patients for improved preoperative counseling, setting realistic goals of care, and consideration of less invasive approaches.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic study, level III.
The GSS is an unreliable indicator of biological sciences postdoc population trends
Authors: Pickett Christopher L. , Bankston Adriana , McDowell Gary S.
Published: August 2017

The postdoctoral research position is an essential step on the academic career track, and the biomedical research enterprise has become heavily dependent on postdoctoral scholars to conduct experimental research. Monitoring postdoc population trends is important for crafting and evaluating policies that affect this critical population. The tool most use for understanding the trends of the biological sciences postdoc population is the Survey of Graduate Students and Postdoctorates in Science and Engineering (GSS) administered by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics. To determine how well institutions tracked their postdocs, we analyzed the yearly changes in the biological sciences postdoc population at institutions surveyed by the GSS from 1980 to 2015. We find examples of large changes in the biological sciences postdoc population at one or a few institutions most years from 1980 to 2015. Most universities could not explain the data presented in the GSS, and for those that provided an explanation, the most common causes were improved institutional policies and more robust tracking of their postdocs. These large changes, unrelated to hiring or layoffs, sometimes masked population trends in the broader biological sciences postdoc population. We propose the adoption of a unified definition and titles for postdocs and the creation of an index to better assess biological sciences postdoc population trends.

Abbreviations

NSF

National Science Foundation

NCSES

National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics

GSS

Survey of Graduate Students and Postdoctorates in Science and Engineering
Restricted access to beneficial mutations slows adaptation and biases fixed mutations in diploids
Authors: Marad Daniel A. , Lang Gregory I.
Published: August 2017

Ploidy varies considerably in nature. Yet, our understanding of the impact of ploidy on adaptation is incomplete. Many microbial evolution experiments characterize adaptation in haploid organisms, but few focus on diploid organisms. Here, we perform a 4,000-generation evolution experiment using diploid strains of the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae. We show that the rate of adaptation and spectrum of beneficial mutations are influenced by ploidy. Haldane’s sieve effectively restricts access to beneficial mutations in diploid populations, leading to a slower rate of adaptation and a spectrum of beneficial mutations shifted towards dominant mutations. Genomic position also plays an important role, as the prevalence of homozygous mutations is largely dependent on their proximity to a recombination hotspot. Our results demonstrate key aspects of diploid adaptation that have previously been understudied and provide support for several proposed theories.
New barcoded primers for efficient retrieval of cercozoan sequences in high-throughput environmental diversity surveys, with emphasis on worldwide biological soil crusts
Authors: Fiore-Donno Anna Maria , Rixen Christian , Rippin Martin , Glaser Karin , Samolov Elena , Karsten Ulf , Becker Burkhard , Bonkowski Michael
Published: August 2017

We describe the performance of a new metabarcoding approach to investigate the environmental diversity of a prominent group of widespread unicellular organisms, the Cercozoa. Cercozoa is an immensely large group of protists and although it may dominate in soil and aquatic ecosystems, its environmental diversity remains undersampled. We designed PCR primers targeting the hyper-variable region V4 of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU or 18S) gene, which is the recommended barcode marker for Cercozoa. The length of the amplified fragment (ca. 350 bp) is suitable for Illumina MiSeq, the most cost-effective platform for molecular environmental surveys. We provide barcoded primers, an economical alternative to multiple libraries for multiplex sequencing of over a hundred samples.In silico, our primers matched 68% of the cercozoan sequences of the reference database and performed better than previously proposed new generation sequencing primers. In mountain grasslands soils and in biological soil crusts from a variety of climatic regions, we were able to detect cercozoan sequences encompassing nearly the whole range of the phylum. We obtained 901 OTUs at 97% similarity threshold from 26 samples, with ca. 50,000 sequences per site, and only 8% of non-cercozoan sequences. We could contribute to a further increase of the diversity of Cercozoa, since only 43% of the OTUs were 97-100% similar to any known sequence. Our study thus provides an advanced tool for cercozoan metabarcoding and to investigate their diversity and distribution in the environment.
Shaping dendritic NMDA spikes by timed synaptic inhibition: Implications for the I/O properties of cortical neurons
Authors: Doron Michael , Chindemi Giuseppe , Muller Eilif , Markram Henry , Segev Idan
Published: August 2017

The pronounced, long lasting, regenerative NMDA-spike is initiated in individual dendritic branches of different types of neurons and is known to play a key role in dendritic computations and plasticity. Combining dynamic system theory and computational approaches, we systematically analyzed how timed synaptic inhibition activated during the NMDA-spike time-course, sculpts this spike and its associated current influx. When impinging on its early phase, individual GABAergic synapse activation transiently, but strongly, dampened the NMDA-spike; later inhibition prematurely terminated it. This inhibition reduced the NMDA-mediated Ca2+ current by up to 60%. NMDA-spikes in distal dendritic branches/spines are longer lasting and more resilient to inhibition, and thus enhance synaptic plasticity at these branches. Examination of this sensitivity of the NMDA-spike to well-timed synaptic inhibition suggests that NMDA-spikes are highly modifiable signals which enable sparse weak distal dendritic inhibition to finely tune both the neuron's output spikes as well as the branch's/spine's Ca2+ current associated with the local NMDA spike.
Predicting motivation: computational models of PFC can explain neural coding of motivation and effort-based decision-making in health and disease
Authors: Vassena Eliana , Deraeve James , Alexander William H.
Published: August 2017

Human behavior is strongly driven by the pursuit of rewards. In daily life, however, benefits mostly come at a cost, often requiring that effort be exerted in order to obtain potential benefits. Medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) are frequently implicated in the expectation of effortful control, showing increased activity as a function of predicted task difficulty. Such activity partially overlaps with expectation of reward, and has been observed both during decision-making and during task preparation. Recently, novel computational frameworks have been developed to explain activity in these regions during cognitive control, based on the principle of prediction and prediction error (PRO model, Alexander and Brown, 2011, HER Model, Alexander and Brown, 2015). Despite the broad explanatory power of these models, it is not clear whether they can also accommodate effects related to the expectation of effort observed in MPFC and DLPFC. Here, we propose a translation of these computational frameworks to the domain of effort-based behavior. First, we discuss how the PRO model, based on prediction error, can explain effort-related activity in MPFC, by reframing effort-based behavior in a predictive context. We propose that MPFC activity reflects monitoring of motivationally relevant variables (such as effort and reward), by coding expectations, and discrepancies from such expectations. Moreover, we derive behavioral and neural model-based predictions for healthy controls and clinical populations with impairments of motivation. Second, we illustrate the possible translation to effort-based behavior of the HER model, an extended version of PRO model based on hierarchical error prediction, developed to explain MPFC-DLPFC interactions. We derive behavioral predictions which describe how effort and reward information is coded in PFC, and how changing the configuration of such environmental information might affect decision-making and task-performance involving motivation.
Serial representation of items during working memory maintenance at letter-selective cortical sites
Authors: Bahramisharif Ali , Jensen Ole , Jacobs Joshua , Lisman John
Published: August 2017

We used intracranial recordings to study brain oscillations during a working memory task. To analyze sites involved in working memory, we focused on sites at which the elevation of the broadband gamma signal depended on which letter was presented. We tested a previously proposed model according to which different items are active at different phases of the theta cycle (in different gamma cycles within the theta cycle). Consistent with this model, the theta phase of letter-induced gamma elevation during maintenance reflected the order of letter presentation. These results suggest that working memory is organized by a theta-gamma code and provide strong support for the serial representation of items held in working memory.
The impact of experimental design choices on parameter inference for models of growing cell colonies
Authors: Parker Andrew , Simpson Matthew J. , Baker Ruth E.
Published: August 2017

To better understand development, repair and disease progression it is useful to quantify the behaviour of proliferative and motile cell populations as they grow and expand to fill their local environment. Inferring parameters associated with mechanistic models of cell colony growth using quantitative data collected from carefully designed experiments provides a natural means to elucidate the relative contributions of various processes to the growth of the colony. In this work we explore how experimental design impacts our ability to infer parameters for simple models of the growth of proliferative and motile cell populations. We adopt a Bayesian approach, which allows us to characterise the uncertainty associated with estimates of the model parameters. Our results suggest that experimental designs that incorporate initial spatial heterogeneities in cell positions facilitate parameter inference without the requirement of cell tracking, whilst designs that involve uniform initial placement of cells require cell tracking for accurate parameter inference. As cell tracking is an experimental bottleneck in many studies of this type, our recommendations for experimental design provide for significant potential time and cost savings in the analysis of cell colony growth.
The harmonic meanp-value for combining dependent tests
Authors: Wilson Daniel J.
Published: August 2017

Analysis of ‘big data’ frequently involves statistical comparison of millions of competing hypotheses to discover hidden processes underlying observed patterns of data, for example in the search for genetic determinants of disease in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Controlling the family-wise error rate (FWER) is considered the strongest protection against false positives, but makes it difficult to reach the multiple testing-corrected significance threshold. Here I introduce the harmonic meanp-value (HMP) which controls the FWER while greatly improving statistical power by combining dependent tests using generalized central limit theorem. I show that the HMP easily combines information to detect statistically significant signals among groups of individually nonsignificant hypotheses in examples of a human GWAS for neuroticism and a joint human-pathogen GWAS for hepatitis C viral load. The HMP simultaneously tests all combinations of hypotheses, allowing the smallest groups of hypotheses that retain significance to be sought. The power of the HMP to detect significant hypothesis groups is greater than the power of the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure to detect significant hypotheses, even though the latter only controls the weaker false discovery rate (FDR). The HMP has broad implications for the analysis of large datasets because it enhances the potential for scientific discovery.
Exploring customer engagement valences in the social services
Authors: Naumann Kay , Lay-Hwa Bowden Jana , Gabbott Mark
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Minimal attention is given to the negative valences of customer engagement and how they manifest in ways that detract from service value. The purpose of this paper is to uncover the meaning and conceptual dimensions of disengagement and negative engagement in conjunction with positive engagement. It explores how three valences of engagement manifest towards dual objects: the service community and the focal service organisation. This exploration is based within a new and novel social service context.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach using (four) focus groups is used.

Findings

A conceptual model of customer engagement is derived from the groups that include strongly held and positive customer engagement; passive, yet negatively orientated customer disengagement; and active and destructive negative customer engagement. Positive customer engagement is found to be directed at the service community object, whereas customer disengagement and negative engagement are directed at the focal service organisation object. A spillover effect is also revealed whereby negative engagement with the focal service organisation detracts from customers’ positive engagement within their service community. This suggests that engagement within a social service is multifaceted: several engagement valences may exist within one service relationship. It also suggests that these engagement valences are interrelated.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to apply three valences of engagement within the one focal relationship and examine how they manifest towards two objects, providing a unique perspective of how different interactions within the service ecosystem can influence engagement.
The influence of Vietnamese consumers’ altruistic values on their purchase of energy efficient appliances
Authors: Nguyen The Ninh , Lobo Antonio , Greenland Steven
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how consumers’ altruistic values influence their personal norms, environmental attitudes, subjective norms and perceived barriers, all of which in turn influence their pro-environmental behaviour (i.e. the purchase of energy efficient household appliances).

Design/methodology/approach

This research follows a hypothetic-deductive approach. A unique conceptual model examines the role of consumers’ altruistic values in relation to their environmentally responsible purchase behaviour. Structured questionnaires were administered to randomly selected Vietnamese consumers who visited busy electronics and appliance specialist stores, which yielded 682 usable responses.

Findings

Structural equation modelling revealed that consumers’ altruistic values tend to positively influence their personal norms, environmental attitudes, subjective norms and mitigate their perceived barriers in relation to the purchase of energy efficient appliances.

Practical implications

Marketers, policymakers and sustainability campaigners should develop relevant communication and education programmes that emphasise the importance of purchasing energy efficient appliances for the environment and society, arousing consumers’ sense of moral obligation and societal responsibility to purchase such products. They should also provide a convenient and easily accessible shopping environment for consumers.

Originality/value

This research makes an important contribution by presenting and testing a new altruistic-values-based model that seeks to understand consumers’ environmentally responsible purchase behaviour. This model could serve as a blueprint for future studies in the domain of pro-environmental behaviour, especially those in emerging markets.
A brand foci model to explain achievement needs: a contradictory explanation
Authors: Sierra Jeremy J. , Taute Harry A. , Lee Byung-Kwan
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the indirect effect of smartphone-brand tribalism on the need for achievement.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data from 272 South Korean respondents, path analysis is used to evaluate the hypotheses.

Findings

Only the sense of community dimension of brand tribalism affects brand pride (PRIDE), which in turn leads to a sequential process of brand attitude, purchase intention, and need for achievement (NACHIEVE).

Research limitations/implications

South Korean data may confine generalizability. As effect sizes in this context are understood, researchers have an additional benchmark for future brand tribalism and PRIDE research.

Practical implications

The psychological underpinning and, the presence of brand tribes in society cannot be overlooked by strategists. Such tribal-laden following is also evident within smartphone communities. By further understanding brand tribalism outcomes, marketers and brand leaders are in an improved position to develop strategies that appeal to targeted customers, ultimately growing and strengthening their brand tribes.

Originality/value

Supported by the anthropological view of brand tribalism, this research contributes to the branding literature by examining the indirect effects of brand tribalism on the NACHIEVE through brand-related attitudes and behavioral intentions. Where previous research using westerners indicates the explanatory power of defense of the tribe on brand-related factors, no effect in this regard is found here using eastern smartphone consumers.
A game-theoretic approach to evaluating the competitiveness of container carriers in the Northeast Asian shipping market
Authors: Park Byung-In , Min Hokey
Published: August 2017

Purpose

In times of increasing shipping risks and uncertainty, the purpose of this paper is to analyze fiercely competitive shipping markets in the Asia-Pacific region and help the carriers develop the optimal pricing schemes, shipping networks (e.g. routes and shipping frequency), and future investment plans.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops viable maritime logistics strategies based on the non-cooperative game theory which determines the optimal vessel size/type, shipping route, and shipping frequency, while taking into account multiple cost components and unpredictable shipping market dynamics.

Findings

This study revealed that the container carrier’s optimal shipping strategy was insensitive to changes in freight rates, fuel prices, and loading/unloading fees at the destination ports. However, it tends to be more sensitive to an increase in the shipping volume than the aforementioned parameters. In other words, aggressive pricing schemes and drastic cost-cutting measures alone cannot enhance carrier competitiveness in today’s shipping markets characterized by overcapacity and weak demand.

Originality/value

This paper is one of a few attempts to identify a host of factors influencing the container carrier’s competitiveness using the game theory and develop an optimal shipping strategy in the presence of conflicting interests of multiple stakeholders (e.g. carriers, shippers, and port authorities). To validate the rigor and usefulness of the proposed game-theoretic model, the authors also experiment it with an actual case study of container carriers serving the Northeast Asian shipping market.
Linking values and ideologies: a scale of managerial social responsibility values
Authors: Turker Duygu , Ozmen Y. Serkan
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The literature on corporate social responsibility (CSR) provides fragmented and sometimes contradictory empirical findings on the role of managerial values in CSR. This is partly due to the absence of a unifying framework and its subsequent measurement. Following the Schwartz’s (1994) Value Survey (SVS), this study aims to provide an original scale to measure CSR values based on their ideological underpinnings of classical liberalism and economic egalitarianism.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the scale-development procedure, a scale was developed in six steps and tested on a sample of 105 Turkish managers through confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

On the basis of a sound theoretical construct, the study provides an original and reliable measurement tool to capture the link between ideology and values. A scale with a four-factor solution as self-transcendence, self-enhancement, openness to change and conservation was obtained at the end of the process.

Research limitations/implications

Despite that the sample size was relatively small and drawn from a single country setting, the model has a reasonable fit to the data, and the scale is reliable at 0.869 Cronbach’s alpha value. Therefore, the scale can be used in future studies to reveal the nature, structure and magnitude of socially responsible managerial values based on their ideological roots.

Social implications

Although the managerial values towards CSR have been studied for a long time, the interwoven relations of such values with diverse ideological stances are not clearly investigated in literature. By linking values and ideologies on a theoretical ground, the scale developed in this study can be used as a valuable tool to better understand socially responsible behaviours of managers in our modern societies.

Originality/value

Considering the fragmented body of knowledge in literature, this scale can be useful for both scholars and practitioners when exploring the ideologically driven and value-laden nature of socially responsible behaviours.
Experiential sponsorship activation at a sports mega-event: the case of Cisco at London 2012
Authors: Gillooly Leah , Crowther Philip , Medway Dominic
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the application of event design principles in the creation and execution of effective experiential sponsorship activations (ESAs) by B2B brands and examine the challenges posed by the sponsorship context to sponsors seeking to create ESAs, with proposed potential solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of Cisco’s ESA activities as part of its London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games sponsorship activation is developed, drawing on interviews with key Cisco employees and secondary sources of data, both internal and external to Cisco.

Findings

Blending the event design principles typically associated with B2B events with those more commonly found in corporate hospitality or B2C events enables sponsors to address the cognitive needs of attendees as business representatives, while also satisfying their needs as individuals seeking more sensorial experiences. Effective use of event design principles, creative marketing and promotion, and collaboration with other sponsors allow brands to overcome constraints placed on them by the unpredictable nature of sponsorship, sponsorship rights agreements and the increased clutter in the sponsorship environment.

Research limitations/implications

Existing knowledge on sponsorship activation is extended, drawing on principles of event design to offer a sponsor-focused perspective on the creation and execution of effective ESAs for B2B brands. Existing thinking around B2B event design is challenged and augmented when considering its application to ESA design.

Practical implications

Inter-sponsor collaboration and the blending of cognitive and sensorial elements of event design are important for sponsors seeking to create and deliver effective ESAs.

Originality/value

The paper draws on the event design literature to appraise the execution of ESA by B2B brands within the context of event sponsorship.
Differential host responses to parasitism shape divergent fitness costs of infection
Authors: Budischak Sarah A. , O'Neal Dawn , Jolles Anna E. , Ezenwa Vanessa O.
Published: August 2017

Fitness costs of infection are fundamental to understanding the ecology and evolution of host–parasite interactions. However, these costs, and particularly their underlying mechanisms, are challenging to evaluate in wild populations.

Here, we quantified total and species‐specific costs of gastrointestinal worms on African buffalo, by combining the power of an anthelmintic treatment experiment that perturbed the entire worm community with a longitudinal study that tracked the two most dominant community members.

Reducing all worms improved buffalo body condition, which was strongly associated with increases in survival and reproduction. Species‐specific analyses revealed that condition‐mediated fitness costs of infection differed between parasite species. Hosts that gained the blood‐sucking wormHaemonchus, lost condition, and this loss may have been mediated by reductions in forage intake. Hosts that resistedHaemonchusby elevatingIL‐4 and eosinophil immune defences were able to reduce their parasite loads and gain back condition.

Conversely, hosts that gainedCooperia, a less pathogenic worm, gained condition and had higher survival and reproductive success. Elevating immune defences had no effect onCooperiaabundance. Coupled with the positive relationship observed betweenCooperiaand host condition, our data suggest that hosts might benefit from toleratingCooperiarather than incurring the costs of resistance.

Overall, our study reveals that differential host responses to parasites play a key role in mediating the costs of infection.

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Native species dispersal reduces community invasibility by increasing species richness and biotic resistance
Authors: Howeth Jennifer G.
Published: August 2017

Recent studies indicate that diversity–invasibility relationships can depend on spatial scale, but the contributing role of native species dispersal among local communities in mediating these relationships remains unaddressed. Metacommunity ecology highlights the effects of species dispersal rates on local diversity, thereby suggesting that native species dispersal may influence local biotic resistance to invasion by non‐native species. However, the effects of native species dispersal rates on local native diversity and invasibility could depend on any intraspecific differences of the invader that may alter establishment success.

Here, I experimentally tested for the influence of native dispersal–diversity relationships on the invasibility of native communities by a non‐native species represented by core, midrange and peripheral regions of the introduced geographic range.

In mesocosms, native plankton communities were connected by low or moderate rates of dispersal to yield dispersal rate–driven differences in native species richness prior to invasion by a non‐native zooplankter, Daphnia lumholtzi. After invasion, establishment success and effects of the non‐native species on native community structure and ecosystem properties were evaluated as a function of dispersal rate and invader source region relative to a control without native species.

Native species richness was greater at the moderate dispersal rate than the low dispersal rate and yielded a dispersal rate‐dependent diversity–invasibility relationship that was robust to invader source region. There was almost no establishment success of the non‐native species at moderate dispersal and reduced success at low dispersal relative to the control. Invader population growth rates were negative only at the moderate dispersal rate. Effects of species dispersal on native community and ecosystem response were more influential than effects of invasion and impacts associated with invader source region.

The results demonstrate that dispersal–diversity relationships can influence diversity–invasibility relationships at the local spatial scale. These dispersal‐driven responses of invasion were unaffected by any ecological differences associated with invasion history‐related intraspecific variation of the non‐native species. This study emphasizes that dispersal rates of native species in metacommunities can differentially alter local biotic resistance to invasion. Thus, native species dispersal rates have largely been an underappreciated local diversity maintenance mechanism that can confer insurance against biological invasions.
5‐HT modulates the rat mesenteric vasopressor outflow by 5‐HT1D sympatholytic receptors
Authors: García‐Pedraza José‐Ángel , García‐Domingo Mónica , Gómez‐Roso Miriam , Rodríguez‐Barbero Alicia , Martín María‐Luisa , Morán Asunción
Published: August 2017

5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) modulates noradrenergic activity in different cardiovascular territories, but its effect on the mesenteric vasopressor outflow has not yet been clarified. This study investigated the in vivo serotonergic influence, characterizing 5‐HT receptors implicated, in sympathetic innervation of mesenteric vasculature. Wistar rats were anaesthetised and prepared for the in situ autoperfused rat mesentery, monitoring systemic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR) and mesenteric perfusion pressure (MPP). Electrical stimulation of mesenteric sympathetic nerves resulted in frequency‐dependent increases in MPP (9 ± 1.6, 25.7 ± 3.9 and 60.2 ± 5 mmHg for 2, 4 and 8 Hz, respectively), without altering SBP or HR. 5‐HT (1‐25 μg/kg), 5‐carboxamidotryptamine (5‐HT1/7 agonist; 25 μg/kg) or L‐694,247 (5‐HT1D agonist; 1‐25 μg/kg) i.a. bolus inhibited vasopressor responses by mesenteric nerves electrical stimulation, unlike i.a. bolus of agonists 8‐OH‐DPAT (5‐HT1A), CGS‐12066B (5‐HT1B), BRL 54443 (5‐HT1e/1F), α‐methyl‐5‐HT (5‐HT2), 1‐PBG (5‐HT3), cisapride (5‐HT4) or AS‐19 (5‐HT7) (25 μg/kg each). Interestingly, i.a. L‐694,247 (25 μg/kg) also reduced the exogenous norepinephrine‐induced vasoconstrictions. Pretreatment with selective 5‐HT1D receptor antagonist, LY310762 (1 mg/kg, i.v.), completely abolished L‐694,247‐ and 5‐HT‐induced mesenteric sympathoinhibition. Furthermore, ELISA analysis confirmed 5‐HT1D receptors expression in mesenteric artery. These findings suggest that serotonergic mechanisms‐induced sympathoinhibition of mesenteric noradrenergic outflow is mediated by pre and/or postjunctional 5‐HT1D receptors.