bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(E)-4-Methoxy-N′-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide monohydrate
Authors: Veeramanikandan S. , Sherine H. Benita , Gunasekaran B. , Chakkaravarthi G.
Published: September 2016

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C18H20N2O5·H2O, consists of a benzohydrazide molecule which exists in anEconformation with respect to the C=N imine bond and a water molecule. The dihedral angle between the aromatic rings is 41.67 (9)°. The methoxy substituent of the 4-methoxyphenyl group is twisted at an angle of 6.8 (3)° out of the plane of the attached benzene ring. In the 2,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl unit, thepara-methoxy group is coplanar with the ring [C—C—O—C = −1.5 (3)°], whereas theortho- andmeta-methoxy groups are twisted out of the plane of the ring [C—C—O—C = 75.4 (2) and −67.1 (2)°, respectively]. Two molecules are connected by two water moleculesviaO—H...O hydrogen bonds, generating anR22(8) ring motif. One of the water H atoms forms an additional hydrogen bond to an N atom. The water molecules act as an acceptor for an N—H...O hydrogen bond. As a result, a three-dimensional network is formed.
Communicating an arts foundation’s values: sights, sounds and social media
Authors: Wilks Linda
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test and refine the long-established signal transmission model of the communication process by examining the ways in which a newly formed nonprofit arts foundation communicated its professed values to its stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a mixed method case study approach. Interviews with key informants and observations of the foundation’s webpages enabled the identification of the professed values of the arts foundation. Next, a questionnaire survey established whether these values had been successfully decoded by stakeholders and identified the channels via which the values-related signals had been received.

Findings

The transmission model was found to be relevant as a model. However, to improve its fit within a nonprofit arts context, a modification to the model is suggested which highlights the importance of multi-sensory channels, the importance of context and the increasingly important role of the stakeholder.

Research limitations/implications

This study is a small-scale case study, although its mixed methods help to ensure validity.

Practical implications

The findings will help nonprofit arts organisations to decide how to best communicate their values to their stakeholders.

Social implications

The improved communications model will contribute to the enabling of organisations to uphold and transmit their values and thus improve society’s overall quality of life.

Originality/value

Literature which provides in-depth examination of the communication of values within a nonprofit arts context via a range of channels, including traditional, online and multi-sensory, is sparse. The opportunity to study a newly formed nonprofit arts organisation is also rare. The results of this study provide valuable evidence that even in today’s social media-rich world, people, sounds, sights and material objects in physical space still have a vital role to play in the communication of values.
Cognitive micro-foundations at work: how organizations resist change in work practice
Authors: Malmstrom Malin
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the essence that is, the nature of organizational responses to efficiently resist enforced change in institutionalized work practice destined to address poor organizational performance. The micro-foundations of the cognitive logic that are activated when organizations face change are hereby conceptualized.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case study design, the study focusses on narratives of a failure to implement a regulatory enforced change in work practice at a military academy established in the 1600s. The interviews are complemented by secondary data.

Findings

The analysis reveals a cognitive framework by which the members of the organization shaped their responses. By building on micro-foundations for mobilizing resistance (i.e. the essential substance at a micro level), this study shows how the cognitive logic is activated to respond to change. To show how the cognitive logic is used to mitigate and compensate for incongruences with the regulatory logic, this study outlines a set of strategic resistance maneuvers and cognitive resistance forces that restrict regulatory influence on change in work practice. This study thus provides insights into maneuvers and resistance forces that members may activate to resist change efficiently.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to attempt to conceptualize the essence of the cognitive logic activated to resist organizational change.
Preserving prerequisites for innovation
Authors: Olander Heidi , Vanhala Mika , Hurmelinna-Laukkanen Pia , Blomqvist Kirsimarja
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study how the motivation in firms to safeguard the prerequisites of innovation relates to the strength of the employee-related protection mechanisms that deal with knowledge leaking and knowledge leaving, and the moderating effect of organizational trust in the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses were tested on a sample collected in Finland from 80 companies engaged in R&D. A partial least squares was used for the analyses.

Findings

Knowledge leaking and leaving from a firm can be approached with both formalized and soft types of employee-related mechanisms; that the motivation to secure innovativeness positively relates to both forms; and that the presence of organizational trust is especially effective in reinforcing employee-related practices that can prevent knowledge leaving.

Research limitations/implications

The data were gathered in a single western European country and that may have affected the results.

Practical implications

The managers would do well to introduce both formalized and soft forms of protection so as to mitigate the effects of knowledge both leaving and leaking. Building on the findings of this study, managers could prioritize between the different categories and mechanisms depending on the market and industry they operate in.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature by studying quantitatively the employee-related protection mechanisms and the effect of organizational trust in the usage of those mechanisms.
Examining the linkage between creative self-efficacy and work engagement
Authors: Chen I-Shuo
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between creative self-efficacy and work engagement using openness to experience as a moderator. The theoretical background is rooted in the resource perspective of the job demands-resources model (JD-R model) of work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

The developed hypotheses were tested in a study of 101 faculty members from a science and technology institute in the USA. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results supported a positive effect of creative self-efficacy on work engagement but did not support a moderating effect of openness to experience on the relationship between creative self-efficacy and work engagement.

Originality/value

This study introduces the context of creativity into the work engagement and JD-R model fields. Specifically, through the resource perspective of the JD-R model, it theoretically and empirically extends the contribution and explanatory ability of personal resources to the improvement of work engagement.
Biotech spin-off business models for the internationalization strategy
Authors: Bialek-Jaworska Anna , Gabryelczyk Renata
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the business model components and related attributes of biotech spin-offs activity that are key to the implementation of the internationalization strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a multiple case study analysis including business models of seven biotechnology spin-offs traded on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Based on the literature review the authors identify the key attributes of the business model for the commercialization of R&D outcomes. The authors conduct an analysis taking into consideration the determinants of biotech spin-off activity. The authors also measure the internationalization strategy implementation with the use of indicators identified in the empirical research literature review.

Findings

According to the results, the authors identified that international cooperation in research projects and partnering, as well as international experience in the management board and tacit knowledge, play a facilitating role in the business model for the commercialization of biotech spin-off research findings. The cost advantage on the global market, tax advantages and support of venture capital are the key to the exploitation of profit potential on the global market. An important component of the business model specific to companies conducting R&D activities is to ensure firm survival activities by funding research grants to makes R&D possible prior to commercialization.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is the small magnitude of the sample, particularly as only two of the seven analyzed spin-offs realized their profit potential on the global market.

Practical implications

The findings are important for the development of business models of new biotech ventures. Research results can be used as recommendations for universities on how to effectively build a business model for the commercialization of biotech spin-offs on the basis of R&D outcomes for the internationalization strategy.

Originality/value

The paper’s uniqueness results from the synergy of combining three research areas: components of business models for commercialization; attributes of biotech R&D activity; and indicators measuring the internationalization strategy implementation. The results can contribute to the existing body of knowledge on business models for the commercialization of R&D outcomes in the context of internationalization. The value of this paper is an extended knowledge of the internationalization of biotech ventures based on R&D outcomes.
Simulation on polytropic process of air springs
Authors: Li Xuebing , Wei Yintao , He Yuan
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a method to simulate the polytropic process of air springs.

Design/methodology/approach

An iterative finite element method (FEM) is proposed.

Findings

The proposed method is reliable and effective in solving the polytropic process of air springs.

Originality/value

This work would be helpful for understanding the simulation of pneumatic structures, and the proposed modified FEM would be useful for improving the simulation of the mechanical behavior of an air spring.
The moderating role of information technology capability in the relationship between supply chain collaboration and organizational responsiveness
Authors: Cai Zhao , Huang Qian , Liu Hefu , Liang Liang
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a model to test the relationship between supply chain collaboration (SCC) and organizational responsiveness. Three types of information technology (IT) capability are considered as moderators in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducted a questionnaire survey of 208 firms from various industries in China. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

SCC positively affects organizational responsiveness. Both outside-in and spanning IT capability positively moderates this relationship, whereas inside-out IT capability has a negative moderating effect on this relationship.

Originality/value

This research extends the knowledge regarding the value creation process of SCC from an organizational learning perspective. The study explores the moderating roles of three types of IT capability in this process and further clarifies the relationship between SCC and organizational responsiveness.
Performance measurement system in the situation of simultaneous vertical and horizontal integration
Authors: Pellinen Jukka , Teittinen Henri , Järvenpää Marko
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the knowledge of the use of performance measurement systems (PMS) in situations where the benefits of both vertical and horizontal integration strategies are sought simultaneously.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a single case study, the purpose of which is to build a contextual theory.

Findings

The main results highlight three competing and partly contradictory tendencies in the development and use of PMS in organizational integration. In addition, the authors have identified features of PMS that may benefit or hinder integration. Grounded on empirical findings the paper presents a more complete theoretical framework of PMS for integration.

Research limitations/implications

The propositions of the framework need to be tested in different contexts with case and field studies or a large sample of data using statistical techniques to improve external validity. The causal relationships explored in this study may be further developed using longitudinal studies.

Practical implications

In acquisition situations there exists the need for vertical integration to control the growing complexity but at the same time for horizontal control to advance customer-centred production. Performance measurement is the key issue to examine the execution and results of such integrations.

Originality/value

Case study findings are used to develop a more comprehensive theory of PMS design and use in situations where both vertical and horizontal integration are sought. Contrary to current understandings, the central statement of this study is that horizontal organization is not an alternative to vertical organizational structure but they can be effectively coupled.
A positive approach to management education
Authors: Luthans Kyle W. , Luthans Brett C. , Palmer Noel F.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the positive psychological strengths of undergraduate business students, collectively known as positive psychological capital (PsyCap), and their levels of engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has a cross-sectional design in which students from two Midwestern universities were surveyed regarding their levels of PsyCap and levels of engagement in educationally sound activities. Item response theory (IRT) and hierarchical regression were used to test study hypotheses. The authors assessed measurement validity using confirmatory factor analyses in MPLUS 7.0 using four-category 2PL graded response models with a weighted least squares means and variance adjusted estimator. Hierarchical regression was used to control for alternative explanations of variance in assessing the effects of PsyCap on student engagement.

Findings

Using measures of student engagement drawn from the National Survey of Student Engagement, the analysis indicated significant positive relationships between the academic PsyCap of 323 undergraduate business students and their levels of student-faculty engagement (SFE;r=0.30,p<0.01), community-based activities (CBA;r=0.28,p<0.01), and transformational learning opportunities (TLO;r=0.19,p<0.01). A series of hierarchical regressions also indicated that PsyCap is a significant predictor of student engagement as assessed against SFE, CBA, and TLO.

Research limitations/implications

The findings from this study suggest that further research examining the relationship between PsyCap development and student engagement could have significant implications for management educators. The positive associations found between these key variables could be utilized by management educators to implement novel and effective teaching interventions for developing the PsyCap of their students and, ultimately, increase their students’ levels of engagement.

Originality/value

Although extant research has demonstrated connections between positive psychological constructs (i.e. hope, self-efficacy, resilience, optimism) and student engagement, this is the first study to take a holistic view of developable, positive psychological capacities, collectively assessed as PsyCap, and examine the potential impact on three recognized dimensions of student engagement.
When public services fail: a research agenda on public service failure
Authors: Van de Walle Steven
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on public service failure and develop a research agenda for studying public service failure alongside private service failure. The general services management literature has devoted relatively little attention to public services, whereas developments in the private service management literature have not reached public management.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper drawing on the public management literature. Different failure types and causes are discussed, including service failures that are specific to public sector settings. This is linked to the specific public context within which public services operate. Customer reactions to public service failure are then introduced, as well as service recovery.

Findings

Service failures in a public and a private context are different. There are different failure types and different standards of failure. Public management literature mainly studies collective and political reactions to service failure, whereas the private service management literature tends to focus on individual reactions. Finally, attention for service recovery was found to be very limited in the public services literature.

Social implications

Studying public service failure is important because failure can have dramatic consequences for customers, public organisations, and society. Social inequalities that arise as a result of public service failure need to have a prominent role in future research.

Originality/value

This paper develops the concept of public service failure and sets a novel research agenda for studying processes, causes, and consequences of such failure, as well as public-private differences.
A longitudinal comparison of customer satisfaction and customer-company identification in a service context
Authors: Huang Min-Hsin , Cheng Zhao-Hong
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Customer satisfaction (CS) and customer-company identification (CCI) are two important relational constructs and play a complementary role in the service-profit chain. Drawing from the theory of relationship dynamics, the purpose of this paper is to define CS velocity and CCI velocity as the rate and direction of change in CS and CCI, respectively. A comparison of the relative effects of CCI velocity and CS velocity on customer loyalty is done through a latent growth curve modeling approach.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model is developed and empirically tested based on four waves of a longitudinal survey of 213 restaurant customers.

Findings

The results show that both CCI velocity and CS velocity have positive effects on customer loyalty. More importantly, the effects of CCI velocity on customer loyalty over time are stronger than those of CS velocity. The moderation analysis further shows that the higher the frequency of visits to the service firm, the stronger the effects of relationship velocity on customer loyalty.

Practical implications

The results provide new insights for service marketing managers by suggesting that, to benefit the long-term effectiveness of relationship investments, service firms should shift the priority from increasing CS to engendering CCI.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the theory of relationship dynamics by conceptualizing new constructs of CS velocity and CCI velocity and by empirically comparing their relative effects on customer loyalty over time.
Practice styles and service systems
Authors: Chandler Jennifer D. , Chen Steven
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how practices influence service systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Data across three service contexts (crafts, healthcare and fitness) were collected through depth interviews and netnographic analysis, and analyzed with a two-study multi-method approach focusing first on the micro- (individual) level and then on the macro- (network) level of service systems. Study 1 focused on a micro-level analysis using qualitative techniques (Spiggle, 1994). Study 2 focused on a macro-level analysis using partial least squares regression.

Findings

The results illustrate how practices can change service systems. This occurs when a nuanced practice (i.e. a practice style) orders and roots a service system in a specific form of value creation. The findings reveal four practice styles: individual-extant, social-extant, individual-modified and social-modified practice styles. These practice styles shift in response to event triggers and change service systems. These event triggers are: service beneficiary enhancement, service beneficiary failure, service provider failure and social change. Thus, the findings show that practices – when shifting in response to event triggers – change service systems. This transpires in the understudied meta-layer of a service system.

Practical implications

The study identifies four practice styles that can serve as the basis for segmentation and service design.

Originality/value

Service systems are dynamic and ever changing. This study explores how service systems change by proposing a practice approach to service systems.
Three forms of professional capital: systemic, social movement, and activist
Authors: Shirley Dennis
Published: September 2016

Purpose

As a “business capital” model premised upon a financial perspective of educational change spreads itself into school systems around the world, a countervailing view of “professional capital,” as proposed by Hargreaves and Fullan, provides a new framework for transforming teaching and uplifting learning. The purpose of this paper is to advance theory by distinguishing among three forms of professional capital found in three different settings.

Design/methodology/approach

Systemic professional capital is exemplified by the city-state of Singapore, in which schools, higher education, and the Ministry of Education all support one another to optimize student learning. Social movement professional capital is manifested in the Learning Communities Project of rural middle schools in Mexico, where change is driven forward with a model of tutorial relationships that has proven to be sustainable even when funding is cut and political support is withdrawn. Activist professional capital can be identified in a Teacher Solutions Team model in Arizona in the USA, where educators carve out new zones of interaction and support for one another to deepen their knowledge base. This paper examines and discusses the above.

Findings

Systemic, social movement, and activist forms of professional capital are found to share affinities with the three forms of teacher professionalism identified by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development based on findings from the Teaching and Learning International Survey.

Originality/value

These distinctions among various forms of professional capital invite further research and theory building to provide alternatives to the rise of business capital in schools and school systems.
Leading from the whole: values-based integrated leadership at EILEEN FISHER, Inc.
Authors: Sampson Susan D. , Betters-Reed Bonita Lynn , Misiaszek Tessa G.
Published: September 2016

Synopsis

The case is set in the Fall of 2008 as Susan Schor, Chief Culture Officer, at EILEEN FISHER Inc. is meeting with the other two members of the Facilitating Leader Team, Jim Gundell, Vice President of Retail and e-Commerce and Jonci Coukier, Vice President of Design and Merchandising Processes, as well as founder, Eileen Fisher. Faced with significant projected financial loss in 2009, Susan reflected on the evolution of the company as influenced by her perspective with her organizational behavior expertise and collaborative leadership that embraced a values-based culture. Stories, voices and structures are examined in this retrospective view as Dr Schor sets the stage for how this example of best practice leadership will tackle the challenge at hand.

Research methodology

The research for this case was conducted over an 18-month period with over 40 interviews, extensive observation of the various teams at EILEEN FISHER Inc., and review of corporate communications, publications and other secondary sources. This case focuses on stories and voices that explain the unique leadership of EILEEN FISHER. The use of extensive quotes allows for an authentic “hearing” of the experiences and values as well as allowing the students to better understand the nature of qualitative data. Some of the discussion questions are posed as experiential exercises as this method allows the students to better relate to understand and apply values concepts.

Relevant courses and levels

Graduate and undergraduate organizational behavior, leadership, retail management and ethics.
Comparing family and nonfamily candidates for promotion: manager selection at Acme Lumber
Authors: Perry John , Bereman Nancy
Published: September 2016

Synopsis

Ned Piper needs to improve the performance of Acme Lumber’s Broken Arrow store. There are two candidates for the store manager’s position, Larry Frazier and Chip Farmer. Larry has worked for Acme for 35 years in a variety of positions and is related to the Johnson family who has owned and managed Acme for three generations. Chip has worked for Acme for 19 years and has successfully helped to turn around another store. Chip is not related to the Johnsons. Ned is feeling pressure from the business and family to make the right decision. Which candidate should he select to become a manager?

Research methodology

The authors used a case study methodology.

Relevant courses and levels

Human resources, selection, staffing, and family business management.

Theoretical bases

Socioemotional wealth perspective, and agency theory.
Towards High Quality Health Care and Sustainable Financing – the Role of Health Care Programmes
Authors: Mills Mackenzie , Boekstein Nicola , Mackintosh Maxine , Kanavos Panos
Published: September 2016

This article develops a taxonomy of health care programmes, and assesses whether or not these programmes represent a viable option for addressing key health policy objectives, including efficiency, equity and sustainable financing. A broad literature review was undertaken to identify the various types of health care programmes to develop a taxonomy. Then, a targeted literature review of each type of health care programme was undertaken to collect evidence on the ability of programmes to address health policy objectives. Many health care programmes were identified and grouped into six categories: financial support, patient education, integrated care, special population, national/regional plans, and disease management. Design and implementation of these programmes varied widely within and across categories. Evidence surrounding impact of health care programmes was largely mixed, with evidence of both successful and unsuccessful initiatives. The evidence suggests that when properly implemented, health care programmes can help generate cost savings, improve patient adherence to treatment, address inequities in access to health care, and improve patient health outcomes. However, the evidence relies on a highly heterogeneous sample of studies, study populations and diseases studied; studies are often of variable quality. Further research on this subject would therefore be beneficial.
Function of theSIRT3 mitochondrial deacetylase in cellular physiology, cancer, and neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Ansari Aneesa , Rahman Md. Shahedur , Saha Subbroto K. , Saikot Forhad K. , Deep Akash , Kim Ki‐Hyun
Published: September 2016

In mammals, seven members of the sirtuin protein family known as class III histone deacetylase have been identified for their characteristic features. These distinguished characteristics include the tissues where they are distributed or located, enzymatic activities, molecular functions, and involvement in diseases. Among the sirtuin members,SIRT3 has received much attention for its role in cancer genetics, aging, neurodegenerative disease, and stress resistance.SIRT3 controls energy demand during stress conditions such as fasting and exercise as well as metabolism through the deacetylation and acetylation of mitochondrial enzymes.SIRT3 is well known for its ability to eliminate reactive oxygen species and to prevent the development of cancerous cells or apoptosis. This review article provides a comprehensive review on numerous (noteworthy) molecular functions ofSIRT3 and its effect on cancer cells and various diseases including Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease.
Individualized education programmes and parental behaviours for children with disabilities: moderation effects of head start on children's developmental outcomes
Authors: Lee Kyunghee , Clinton Marianne , Rispoli Kristin , Lee Jaewon
Published: September 2016

This study examined associations among Head Start attendance, individualized education programmes (IEPs), parental behaviours and child outcomes in a sample of five‐hundred and seventy 3‐ to 4‐year‐old children with disabilities. Home language, number of disabilities and Head Start enrollment were associated with having an IEP. Parents of children with IEPs and those who participated in Head Start used more social services, while social support was more prevalent for parents of non‐Head Start children with IEPs. For all children, frequent parental book reading, greater number of books in the home and greater perceived social support among parents were associated with favourable cognitive and social–emotional outcomes. Greater social service use was adversely associated with reading scores only for non‐Head Start children. Findings highlight the need for inclusive IEP policies and Head Start programmes for parents regarding access to special education supports for children who demonstrate developmental concerns. Participation in Head Start may buffer negative effects of social service use on children's reading skill development, although more research is needed to uncover the specific mechanisms responsible for this association.
Delayed Implants Outcome in Maxillary Molar Region
Authors: Crespi Roberto , Capparè Paolo , Crespi Giovanni , Gastaldi Giorgio , Gherlone Enrico F.
Published: September 2016

Background

The aim of the present study was to assess bone volume changes in maxillary molar regions after delayed implants placement.

Materials and Methods

Patients presented large bone defects after tooth extractions. Reactive soft tissue was left into the defects. No grafts were used. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were performed before tooth extractions, at implant placement (at 3 months from extraction) and 3 years after implant placement, bone volume measurements were assessed.

Results

Bucco‐lingual width showed a statistically significant decrease (p = .013) at implant placement, 3 months after extraction. Moreover, a statistically significant increase (p < .01) was measured 3 years after implant placement. No statistically significant differences (p > .05) were found between baseline values (before extraction) and at 3 years from implant placement. Vertical dimension showed no statistically significant differences (p > .05) at implant placement, 3 months after extraction. Statistically significant differences (p < .0001) were found between baseline values (before extraction) and at 3 months from implant placement as well as between implant placement values and 3 years later.

Conclusion

CT scans presented successful outcome of delayed implants placed in large bone defects at 3‐year follow‐up.
MARKET ENTRY MODE: EVIDENCE FROM THE GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD
Authors: Bridgman Benjamin
Published: September 2016

I examine international market entry modal choice using novel data sources on the early years of the U.S. motion picture industry. These data detail how studios built out their international distribution networks and give unusual access to revenues generated across modes. Motion picture exporters used a variety of entry modes: exports, licensed agents, and offices. Studios opened offices in distant, large markets first and used these markets as platforms to build out their distribution network. This pattern indicates that directed search for export customers is important. Offices generated more total revenue than licensed agents. They allowed headquarters to monitor employees through strict control of financial assets, limiting the diversion of intellectual property. (JEL F14, F21, L22, L24, L82)
Structural basis of steroid binding and oxidation by the cytochrome P450 CYP109E1 from Bacillus megaterium
Authors: Jóźwik Ilona K. , Kiss Flora M. , Gricman Łukasz , Abdulmughni Ammar , Brill Elisa , Zapp Josef , Pleiss Juergen , Bernhardt Rita , Thunnissen Andy‐Mark W. H.
Published: September 2016

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) are attractive enzymes for the pharmaceutical industry, in particular, for applications in steroidal drug synthesis. Here, we report a comprehensive functional and structural characterization of CYP109E1, a novel steroid‐converting cytochrome P450 enzyme identified from the genome of Bacillus megaterium DSM319. In vitro and whole‐cell in vivo turnover experiments, combined with binding assays, revealed that CYP109E1 is able to hydroxylate testosterone at position 16β. Related steroids with bulky substituents at carbon C17, like corticosterone, bind to the enzyme without being converted. High‐resolution X‐ray structures were solved of a steroid‐free form of CYP109E1 and of complexes with testosterone and corticosterone. The structural analysis revealed a highly dynamic active site at the distal side of the heme, which is wide open in the absence of steroids, can bind four ordered corticosterone molecules simultaneously, and undergoes substantial narrowing upon binding of single steroid molecules. In the crystal structures, the single bound steroids adopt unproductive binding modes coordinating the heme‐iron with their C3‐keto oxygen. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations suggest that the steroids may also bind in ~180° reversed orientations with the C16 carbon and C17‐substituents pointing toward the heme, leading to productive binding of testosterone explaining the observed regio‐ and stereoselectivity. The X‐ray structures and MD simulations further identify several residues with important roles in steroid binding and conversion, which could be confirmed by site‐directed mutagenesis. Taken together, our results provide unique insights into the CYP109E1 activity, substrate specificity, and regio/stereoselectivity.

Database

The atomic coordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank with accession codes 5L90 (steroid‐free CYP109E1), 5L91 (CYP109E1‐COR4), 5L94 (CYP109E1‐TES), and 5L92 (CYP109E1‐COR).

Enzymes

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase CYP109E1, EC 1.14.14.1, UniProt ID: D5DKI8, Adrenodoxin reductase EC 1.18.1.6.
Glass: The Geologic Connection
Authors: Glass Billy P.
Published: September 2016

Silicate glasses can be formed by several geological processes all of which involve melting of rock and rapid cooling to prevent crystallization. The most common and widespread natural glasses are volcanic glasses produced when magma is extruded onto the Earth's surface. The type of volcanic glass is determined by the composition of the magma and type of eruption, which in turn are related to the geological setting. During high velocity impacts of large extraterrestrial bodies, melted rock can be ejected into the atmosphere — and sometimes into space — where it cools to form large glass bodies centimeters in size or larger, called tektites, and smaller glass bodies, called impact spherules. Tektites and spherules can be thrown over large areas of the Earth's surface. Impact spherules can also form by condensation from an impact plume of vaporized surface rocks and impactor. Lightning strikes generate high enough temperatures to melt and vaporize rock. When they hit sand, they can produce tube‐like structures called fulgurites. Burning of organic material, like oil or coal, underground can melt rock and produce combustion‐metamorphic glasses. Glasses called frictionites can be produced by frictional heating at the base of massive landslides. Friction glasses can also be generated during faulting.
Understanding emotion in context: how the Boston marathon bombings altered the impact of anger on threat perception
Authors: Wormwood Jolie Baumann , Neumann Anna E. , Barrett Lisa Feldman , Quigley Karen S.
Published: September 2016

Three studies examine the impact of an anger manipulation on threat perception among Northeastern University students after the Boston Marathon bombings. Data collection for one experiment began within 24 hours of the bombings. Results suggest that the impact of anger on threat perception differed during the week of the bombings compared to 1 and 5 months later. During the week of the bombings only, participants experiencing anger were less sensitive to the distinction between threats and nonthreats, and more biased toward perceiving all stimuli as threatening relative to control participants. We discuss potential mechanisms for these effects and the need for more rapid response research in the wake of incidents of mass violence.
Beliefs and implementation of evidence‐based practice among nurses and allied healthcare providers in the Valais hospital, Switzerland
Authors: Verloo Henk , Desmedt Mario , Morin Diane
Published: September 2016

Rationale

Evidence‐based practice (EBP) is upheld as a means for patients to receive the most efficient care in a given context. Despite the available evidence and positive beliefs about it, implementing EBP as standard daily practice still faces many obstacles.

Aims and objectives

This study investigated the beliefs about and implementation of EBP among nurses and allied healthcare providers (AHP) in 9 acute care hospitals in the canton of Valais, Switzerland.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional descriptive survey was conducted. The target population was composed of 1899 nurses and 126 AHPs. Beliefs about and implementation of EBP were measured using EBP‐Beliefs and EBP‐Implementation scales of Melnyk et al.

Results

The initial sample consisted in 491 participants (overall response rate 24.2%): 421 nurses (22.4% response rate) and 78 AHPs (61.9% response rate). The final sample, composed only of those who declared previous exposure to EBP, included 391 participants (329 nurses and 62 AHPs). Overall, participants had positive attitudes towards EBP and were willing to increase their knowledge to guide practice. However, they acknowledged poor implementation of EBP in daily practice. A significantly higher level of EBP implementation was declared by those formally trained in it (P = 0.006) and by those occupying more senior professional functions (P = 0.004). EBP‐Belief scores predicted 13% of the variance in the EBP‐Implementation scores (R2 = 0.13).

Discussion

EBP is poorly implemented despite positive beliefs about it. Continuing education and support on EBP would help to ensure that patients receive the best available care based on high‐quality evidence, patient needs, clinical expertise, and a fair distribution of healthcare resources.

Conclusion

This study's results will be used to guide institutional strategy to increase the use of EBP in daily practice.
Genetic diversity and population structure of Hyporhamphus sajori (Beloniformes: Hemiramphidae) inferred from mtDNA control region and msDNA markers
Authors: Yu H. J. , Kai Y. , Kim J.‐K.
Published: September 2016

This paper presents preliminary data on the genetic diversity and population structure of Hyporhamphus sajori by analysing a 510 bp sequence in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region and eight polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci. The H. sajori individuals from different locations were indistinguishable from one another based on mtDNA variation, as demonstrated with a neighbour‐joining tree and minimum spanning network analysis. Low level of genetic diversity and the absence of population structure in H. sajori from the north‐west Pacific Ocean, combined with negative indices for neutral evolution in these populations, suggest that H. sajori underwent a population expansion after a recent bottleneck. The Structure analysis, discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) and the pair‐wise ΦST values after Bonferroni correction using eight microsatellite loci provided no clear inference on the genetic differentiation and thus no evidence of population structure of H. sajori. The genetic connectivity among locations might be due to fairly high gene flow via transport of eggs and larvae by the Kuroshio and Tsushima warm current. This study revealed low levels of genetic diversity and suggested high level of contemporary gene flow among populations of H. sajori in the East (Japan) Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Educational Attainment and Wage Inequality in Turkey
Authors: Popli Gurleen , Yılmaz Okan
Published: September 2016

This paper analyses the relationship between wage distribution and educational attainment of the workforce. Wage inequality in Turkey decreased over 2002–10; a period over which it also saw an increase in the supply of educated workers. Our findings suggest that decreasing inequality in the bottom half of the distribution was largely due to decreasing returns to education and experience; whereas the moderate decline in inequality in the upper tail of the wage distribution is explained by a fall in returns to the ‘routine’ occupational tasks. The effect of changes in the composition of workers was found to be moderate.
Development of the salt‐reduction and efficacy‐maintenance program in Indonesia
Authors: Irwan Andi Masyitha , Kato Mayumi , Kitaoka Kazuyo , Ueno Eiichi , Tsujiguchi Hiromasa , Shogenji Miho
Published: September 2016

We conducted a randomized, controlled trial to examine the effects of a salt‐reduction and efficacy‐maintenance program on the improvement and maintenance of self‐care and self‐efficacy in reducing the salt intake of older people with high blood pressure. A total of 51 participants with hypertension/prehypertension in Indonesia were randomly assigned to a control group or one of two intervention groups: salt‐reduction training or salt‐reduction and efficacy‐maintenance. The salt‐reduction and efficacy‐maintenance group received educational training and a maintenance meeting; the participants' knowledge, attitudes, self‐care practices, and self‐efficacy significantly improved after training and were maintained after the maintenance meeting. Participants in the salt‐reduction training group showed significant effects for the same variables; however, their food salt concentrations rebounded after the maintenance meeting. No significant improvement was found in the control group. The salt‐reduction and efficacy‐maintenance group participants reported positive effects of salt reduction and different practices based on who prepared their meals. The salt‐reduction and efficacy‐maintenance group program was effective in improving and maintaining knowledge, attitudes, and self‐efficacy of salt‐reduction practices and could be applied with community‐dwelling older people with high blood pressure.
May cannabinoids prevent the development of chemotherapy‐induced diarrhea and intestinal mucositis? Experimental study in the rat
Authors: Abalo R. , Uranga J. A. , Pérez‐García I. , de Andrés R. , Girón R. , Vera G. , López‐Pérez A. E. , Martín‐Fontelles M. I.
Published: September 2016

Background

The antineoplastic drug 5‐fluoruracil (5‐FU) is a pirimidine analog, which frequently induces potentially fatal diarrhea and mucositis. Cannabinoids reduce gastrointestinal motility and secretion and might prevent 5‐FU‐induced gut adverse effects. Here, we asked whether cannabinoids may prevent diarrhea and mucositis induced by 5‐FU in the rat.

Methods

Male Wistar rats received vehicle or the non‐selective cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212‐2 (WIN; 0.5 mg kg−1 injection−1, 1 injection day−1, 4 consecutive days) by intraperitoneal (ip) route; on the first 2 days, animals received also saline or 5‐FU (150 mg kg−1 injection−1, cumulative dose of 300 mg kg−1). Gastrointestinal motor function was radiographically studied after barium contrast intragastric administration on experimental days 1 and 4. Structural alterations of the stomach, small intestine and colon were histologically studied on day 4. PAS staining and immunohistochemistry for Ki67, chromogranin A and CD163 were used to detect secretory, proliferating, and endocrine cells, and activated macrophages respectively.

Key Results

As shown radiographically, 5‐FU induced significant gastric emptying delay (on days 1 and 4) and diarrhea (on day 4). WIN did not significantly alter the motility curves obtained for either control or 5‐FU‐treated animals but tended to reduce the severity of 5‐FU‐induced diarrhea and increased permanence of barium from day 1 to the beginning of day 4 in 5‐FU‐treated animals. 5‐FU‐induced mucositis was severe and not counteracted by WIN.

Conclusions and Inferences

5‐FU‐induced diarrhea, but not mucositis, was partly prevented by WIN at a low dose. Cannabinoids might be useful to prevent chemotherapy‐induced diarrhea.
Commentary: A Valuable Framework for Public Managers
Authors: Wray Lyle D.
Published: September 2016

Related Content: Yang (PAR November/December 2016)
Commentary: Promoting Public Service Ethics: Tools in the Toolbox
Authors: Speers JoAnne
Published: September 2016

Related Content: Downe, Cowell, and Morgan (PAR November/December 2016)
The effect of select seminal plasma proteins on endometrial mRNA cytokine expression in mares susceptible to persistent mating‐induced endometritis
Authors: Fedorka CE , Scoggin KE , Woodward EM , Squires EL , Ball BA , Troedsson MHT
Published: September 2016

Contents

In the horse, breeding induces a transient endometrial inflammation. A subset of mares are unable to resolve this inflammation, and they are considered susceptible to persistent mating‐induced endometritis PMIE Select seminal plasma proteins cysteine‐rich secretory protein‐3 (CRISP‐3) and lactoferrin have been shown to affect the innate immune response to sperm in vitro. The objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of CRISP‐3 and lactoferrin at the time of insemination had an effect on the mRNA expression of endometrial cytokines in susceptible mares after breeding. Six mares classified as susceptible to PMIE were inseminated during four consecutive oestrous cycles with treatments in randomized order of: 1 mg/ml CRISP‐3, 150 μg/ml lactoferrin, seminal plasma (positive control) or lactated Ringer's solution (LRS; negative control) to a total volume of 10 ml combined with 1 × 109 spermatozoa pooled from two stallions. Six hours after treatment, an endometrial biopsy was obtained for qPCR analysis of selected genes associated with inflammation (pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐8, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interferon (INF)‐γ, anti‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1RN and IL‐10, and inflammatory‐modulating cytokine IL‐6). Seminal plasma treatment increased the mRNA expression of IL‐1β (p = .019) and IL‐8 (p = .0068), while suppressing the mRNA expression of TNF (p = .0013). Lactoferrin also suppressed the mRNA expression of TNF (p = .0013). In conclusion, exogenous lactoferrin may be considered as one modulator of the complex series of events resulting in the poorly regulated pro‐inflammatory response seen in susceptible mares.