bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Ultra-High Field Study of Cerebellar Pathology in Early Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Using MP2RAGE
Authors: Fartaria Mário João , O'Brien Kieran , Şorega Alexandra , Bonnier Guillaume , Roche Alexis , Falkovskiy Pavel , Krueger Gunnar , Kober Tobias , Bach Cuadra Meritxell , Granziera Cristina
Published: November 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to study focal cerebellar pathology in early stages of multiple sclerosis (MS) using ultra-high-field magnetization-prepared 2 inversion-contrast rapid gradient-echo (7T MP2RAGE).

Materials and Methods

Twenty early-stage relapsing-remitting MS patients underwent an MP2RAGE acquisition at 7 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (images acquired at 2 different resolutions: 0.58 × 0.58 × 0.58 mm3, 7T_0.58, and 0.75 × 0.75 × 0.90 mm3, 7T_0.75) and 3 T MRI (1.0 × 1.0 × 1.2 mm3, 3T_1.0). Total cerebellar lesion load and volume and mean cerebellar lesion volume were compared across images using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Mean T1 relaxation times in lesions and normal-appearing tissue as well as contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) measurements were also compared using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. A multivariate analysis was applied to assess the contribution of MRI metrics to clinical performance in MS patients.

Results

Both 7T_0.58 and 7T_0.75 MP2RAGE showed significantly higher lesion load compared with 3T_1.0 MP2RAGE (P < 0.001). Plaques that were judged as leukocortical in 7T_0.75 and 3T_1.0 MP2RAGEs were instead identified as WM lesions in 7T_0.58 MP2RAGE. Cortical lesion CNR was significantly higher in MP2RAGEs at 7 T than at 3 T. Total lesion load as well as total and mean lesion volume obtained at both 7 T and 3 T MP2RAGE significantly predicted attention (P < 0.05, adjusted R
2 = 0.5), verbal fluency (P < 0.01, adjusted R
2 = 0.6), and motor performance (P = 0.01, adjusted R
2 = 0.7).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the value of 7 T MP2RAGE to study the cerebellum in early MS patients. 7T_0.58 MP2RAGE provides a more accurate anatomical description of white and gray matter pathology compared with 7T_0.75 and 3T_1.0 MP2RAGE, likely due to the improved spatial resolution, lower partial volume effects, and higher CNR.
Transvaginal Pelvic Floor Muscle Injection Technique: A Cadaver Study
Authors: Gupta Priyanka , Ehlert Michael , Sirls Larry T. , Peters Kenneth
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Women with pelvic floor dysfunction can have tender areas on vaginal examination, which can be treated with trigger-point injections. There are no publications to evaluate the accuracy of pelvic floor muscle injections.

Methods

Trigger-point injections were performed on 2 fresh cadaveric pelvises using a curved nasal cannula guide and 7-in spinal needle. This was performed using our standard template of 2 sets of injections at the 1-, 3-, and 5-o'clock positions distally and proximally. The first pelvis was dissected to examine dye penetration. Based on these results, we modified our technique and repeated the injections on the second cadaver. We dissected the second pelvis and compared our findings.

Results

The 1-o'clock proximal and distal injections stained the obturator internus and externus near the insertion at the ischiopubic ramus. The 3-o'clock injections stained the midbody of the pubococcygeus and puborectalis. The distal 5-o'clock position was too deep and stained the fat of the ischiorectal space. The proximal 5-o'clock injection stained the area of the pudendal nerve. Our goal at the distal 5-o'clock position was to infuse the iliococcygeus muscle, so we shortened the needle depth from 2 to 1 cm beyond the cannula tip. In our second dissection, the distal 5-o'clock injection again stained only the fat of the ischiorectal space.

Conclusions

This is the first study to characterize the distribution of pelvic floor muscle injections in a cadaver model and confirms the ability to deliver medications effectively to the pelvic floor muscles.
The Global Avian Invasions Atlas - A database of alien bird distributions worldwide
Authors: Dyer Ellie E. , Redding David W. , Blackburn Tim M.
Published: November 2016

The introduction of species to locations where they do not naturally occur (termed aliens) can have far-reaching and unpredictable environmental and economic consequences. Therefore there is a strong incentive to stem the tide of alien species introduction and spread. In order to identify broad patterns and processes of alien invasions, a spatially referenced, global dataset on the historical introductions and alien distributions of a complete taxonomic group is required.

Here we present the Global Avian Invasions Atlas (GAVIA) – a new spatial and temporal dataset comprising 27,723 distribution records for 971 alien bird species introduced to 230 countries and administrative areas spanning the period 6000BCE – AD2014. GAVIA was initiated to provide a unified database of records on alien bird introductions, incorporating records from all stages of invasion, including introductions that have failed as well as those that have succeeded. GAVIA represents the most comprehensive resource on the global distribution of alien species in any major taxon, allowing the spatial and temporal dynamics of alien bird distributions to be examined.
Chemotherapy weakly contributes to predicted neoantigen expression in ovarian cancer
Authors: O’Donnell Timothy , Christie Elizabeth L. , Ahuja Arun , Buros Jacqueline , Aksoy B. Arman , Bowtell David D. L. , Snyder Alexandra , Hammerbacher Jeff
Published: November 2016

Background

Patients with highly mutated tumors, such as melanoma or smoking-related lung cancer, have higher rates of response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy, perhaps due to increased neoantigen expression. Many chemotherapies including platinum compounds are known to be mutagenic, but the impact of standard treatment protocols on mutational burden and resulting neoantigen expression in most human cancers is unknown.

Methods

We sought to quantify the effect of chemotherapy treatment on computationally predicted neoantigen expression for 12 high grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC) patients with pre- and post-chemotherapy samples collected in the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study. We additionally analyzed 16 patients from the cohort with post-treatment samples only, including five primary surgical samples exposed to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Our approach integrates tumor whole genome and RNA sequencing with class I MHC binding prediction and mutational signatures of chemotherapy exposure extracted from two preclinical studies.

Results

The mutational signatures for cisplatin and cyclophosphamide identified in a preclinical model had significant but inexact associations with the relevant exposure in the clinical samples. In an analysis stratified by tissue type (solid tumor or ascites), relapse samples collected after chemotherapy harbored a median of 90% more expressed neoantigens than untreated primary samples, a figure that combines the effects of chemotherapy and other mutagenic processes operative during relapse. Neoadjuvant-treated primary samples showed no detectable increase over untreated samples. The contribution from chemotherapy-associated signatures was small, accounting for a mean of 5% (range 0–16) of the expressed neoantigen burden in relapse samples. In both treated and untreated samples, most neoantigens were attributed to COSMICSignature (3), associated with BRCA disruption,Signature (1), associated with a slow mutagenic process active in healthy tissue, andSignature (8), of unknown etiology.

Conclusion

Relapsed HGSC tumors harbor nearly double the predicted expressed neoantigen burden of primary samples, but mutations associated with chemotherapy signatures account for only a small part of this increase. The mutagenic processes responsible for most neoantigens are similar between primary and relapse samples. Our analyses are based on mutations detectable from whole genome sequencing of bulk samples and do not account for neoantigens present in small populations of cells.
SCnorm: A quantile-regression based approach for robust normalization of single-cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Bacher Rhonda , Chu Li-Fang , Leng Ning , Gasch Audrey P. , Thomson James A. , Stewart Ron M. , Newton Michael , Kendziorski Christina
Published: November 2016

Normalization of RNA-sequencing data is essential for accurate downstream inference, but the assumptions upon which most methods are based do not hold in the single-cell setting. Consequently, applying existing normalization methods to single-cell RNA-seq data introduces artifacts that bias downstream analyses. To address this, we introduce SCnorm for accurate and efficient normalization of scRNA-seq data.
Retrotransposons are specified as DNA replication origins in the gene-poor regions of Arabidopsis heterochromatin
Authors: Vergara Zaida , Sequeira-Mendes Joana , Morata Jordi , Hénaff Elizabeth , Peiró Ramón , Costas Celina , Casacuberta Josep M. , Gutierrez Crisanto
Published: November 2016

Genomic stability depends on faithful genome replication. This is achieved by the concerted activity of thousands of DNA replication origins (ORIs) scattered throughout the genome. In spite of multiple efforts, the DNA and chromatin features that determine ORI specification are not presently known. We have generated a high-resolution genome-wide map of ORIs in cultured Arabidopsis thaliana cells that rendered a collection of 3230 ORIs. In this study we focused on defining the features associated with ORIs in heterochromatin. We found that while ORIs tend to colocalize with genes in euchromatic gene-rich regions, they frequently colocalize with transposable elements (TEs) in pericentromeric gene-poor domains. Interestingly, ORIs in TEs associate almost exclusively with retrotransposons, in particular, of the Gypsy family. ORI activity in retrotransposons occurs independently of TE expression and while maintaining high levels of H3K9me2 and H3K27me1, typical marks of repressed heterochromatin. ORI-TEs largely colocalize with chromatin signatures defining GC-rich heterochromatin. Importantly, TEs with active ORIs contain a local GC content higher than the TEs lacking them. Our results lead us to conclude that ORI colocalization with TEs is largely limited to retrotransposons, which are defined by their transposition mechanisms based on transcription, and they occur in a specific chromatin landscape. Our detailed analysis of ORIs responsible for heterochromatin replication has also implications on the mechanisms of ORI specification in other multicellular organisms in which retrotransposons are major components of heterochromatin as well as of the entire genome.
The natural selection of metabolism explains curvature in allometric scaling
Authors: Witting Lars
Published: November 2016

I simulate the evolution of metabolism and mass to explain the curvature in the metabolic allometry for placental and marsupial mammals. I assume that the release of inter-specific competition by the extinction of dinosaurs 65 million years ago made it possible for each clade to diversity into a multitude of species across a wide range of niches. The natural selection of metabolism and mass was then fitted to explain the maximum observed body masses over time, as well as the current inter-specific allometry for metabolism. The estimated selection of mass specific metabolism was found to bend the metabolic allometry over time, with the strongest curvature in the placental clade. The rate of exponential increase in mass specific metabolism for placentals was estimated to 9.3 × 10−9(95% CI:7.3 × 10−9− 1.1 × 10−8) on the per generation time-scale. This is an order of magnitude larger than the estimate for marsupials, in agreement with an average metabolism that is 30% larger in placentals relative to marsupials of similar size.
Behavioral evidence for feedback gain control by the inhibitory microcircuit of the substantia nigra
Authors: Brown Jennifer , Martin Kathleen A. , Dudman Joshua T.
Published: November 2016

We recently demonstrated that the collaterals of substantia nigra (SN) projection neurons can implement divisive feedback inhibition, or gain control (Brown et al., 2014). While in vivo recordings were consistent with divisive feedback inhibition, a causal test was lacking. A gain control model of the nigral microcircuit implies behavioral effects of disrupting intranigral inhibition that are distinct from previous functional models. To test the model predictions experimentally, we develop a chemogenetic approach that can selectively suppress synaptic release within the substantial nigra without affecting the propagation of activity to extranigral targets. We observe behavioral consequences of suppressing intranigral inhibition that are uniquely consistent with a gain control model. Our data further suggest that if endogenous metabotropic signaling can modulate intranigral synapses, this would provide a circuit mechanism for an exploitation/exploration trade-off in which the timing and variability of goal-directed movements are controlled independently of changes in action.
Tuning the course of evolution on the biophysical fitness landscape of an RNA virus
Authors: Rotem Assaf , Serohijos Adrian W.R. , Chang Connie B. , Wolfe Joshua T. , Fischer Audrey E. , Mehoke Thomas S. , Zhang Huidan , Tao Ye , Ung W. Lloyd , Choi Jeong-Mo , Kolawole Abimbola O. , Koehler Stephan A. , Wu Susan , Thielen Peter M. , Cui Naiwen , Demirev Plamen A. , Giacobbi Nicholas S. , Julian Timothy R. , Schwab Kellogg , Lin Jeffrey S. , Smith Thomas J. , Pipas James M. , Wobus Christiane E. , Feldman Andrew B. , Weitz David A. , Shakhnovich Eugene I.
Published: November 2016

Predicting viral evolution remains a major challenge with profound implications for public health. Viral evolutionary pathways are determined by the fitness landscape, which maps viral genotype to fitness. However, a quantitative description of the landscape and the evolutionary forces on it remain elusive. Here, we apply a biophysical fitness model based on capsid folding stability and antibody binding affinity to predict the evolutionary pathway of norovirus escaping a neutralizing antibody. The model is validated by experimental evolution in bulk culture and in a drop-based microfluidics device, the “Evolution Chip”, which propagates millions of independent viral sub-populations. We demonstrate that along the axis of binding affinity, selection for escape variants and drift due to random mutations have the same direction. However, along folding stability, selection and drift are opposing forces whose balance is tuned by viral population size. Our results demonstrate that predictable epistatic tradeoffs shape viral evolution.
Discovery and genotyping of structural variation from long-read haploid genome sequence data
Authors: Huddleston John , Chaisson Mark J.P. , Steinberg Karyn Meltz , Warren Wes , Hoekzema Kendra , Gordon David , Graves-Lindsay Tina A. , Munson Katherine M. , Kronenberg Zev N. , Vives Laura , Peluso Paul , Boitano Matthew , Chin Chen-Shin , Korlach Jonas , Wilson Richard K. , Eichler Evan E.
Published: November 2016

In an effort to more fully understand the full spectrum of human genetic variation, we generated deep single-molecule, real-time (SMRT) sequencing data from two haploid human genomes. By using an assembly-based approach (SMRT-SV), we systematically assessed each genome independently for structural variants (SVs) and indels resolving the sequence structure of 461,553 genetic variants from 2 bp to 28 kbp in length. We find that >89% of these variants have been missed as part of analysis of the 1000 Genomes Project even after adjusting for more common variants (MAF > 1%). We estimate that this theoretical human diploid differs by as much as ∼16 Mbp with respect to the human reference, with long-read sequencing data providing a fivefold increase in sensitivity for genetic variants ranging in size from 7 bp to 1 kbp compared with short-read sequence data. Although a large fraction of genetic variants were not detected by short-read approaches, once the alternate allele is sequence-resolved, we show that 61% of SVs can be genotyped in short-read sequence data sets with high accuracy. Uncoupling discovery from genotyping thus allows for the majority of this missed common variation to be genotyped in the human population. Interestingly, when we repeat SV detection on a pseudodiploid genome constructed in silico by merging the two haploids, we find that ∼59% of the heterozygous SVs are no longer detected by SMRT-SV. These results indicate that haploid resolution of long-read sequencing data will significantly increase sensitivity of SV detection.
Crystal structure of bis(bis{μ3-3-methyl-3-[(4-nitro-2-oxidobenzylidene)amino]propane-1,3-diolato}tris[chlorido(dimethyl sulfoxide)iron(III)]) dimethyl sulfoxide heptasolvate dihydrate
Authors: Chygorin Eduard , Smal Yuri , Omelchenko Irina V.
Published: November 2016

The title compound, [Fe3(C11H11N2O5)2Cl3(C2H6OS)3]2·7C2H6OS·2H2O, was isolated accidentally from an Fe0–NiCl2·6H2O–H3L–TEA–DMSO system [where H3Lis the product of the condensation betweenp-nitrosalicylaldehyde and 2-amino-2-methylpropane-1,3-diol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and TEA is triethylamine]. The structure is based on a trinuclear {Fe3(μ-O)4} core, with an angular arrangement of the FeIIIions that can be explained by the geometrical restrictions of two bulky ligands, each coordinating to all of the metal cations.
Crystal structures of three bicyclic carbohydrate derivatives
Authors: Schilde Uwe , Kelling Alexandra , Umbreen Sumaira , Linker Torsten
Published: November 2016

The title compounds, [(1R,3R,4R,5R,6S)-4,5-bis(acetyloxy)-7-oxo-2-oxabicyclo[4.2.0]octan-3-yl]methyl acetate, C14H18O8, (I), [(1S,4R,5S,6R)-5-acetyloxy-7-hydroxyimino-2-oxobicyclo[4.2.0]octan-4-yl acetate, C11H15NO6, (II), and [(3aR,5R,6R,7R,7aS)-6,7-bis(acetyloxy)-2-oxooctahydropyrano[3,2-b]pyrrol-5-yl]methyl acetate, C14H19NO8, (III), are stable bicyclic carbohydrate derivatives. They can easily be synthesized in a few steps from commercially available glycals. As a result of the ring strain from the four-membered rings in (I) and (II), the conformations of the carbohydrates deviate strongly from the ideal chair form. Compound (II) occurs in the boat form. In the five-membered lactam (III), on the other hand, the carbohydrate adopts an almost ideal chair conformation. As a result of the distortion of the sugar rings, the configurations of the three bicyclic carbohydrate derivatives could not be determined from their NMR coupling constants. From our three crystal structure determinations, we were able to establish for the first time the absolute configurations of all new stereocenters of the carbohydrate rings.
Crystal structure of a 2:1 co-crystal of meloxicam with acetylendicarboxylic acid
Authors: Tantardini Christian , Arkhipov Sergey G. , Cherkashina Ksenya A. , Kil'met'ev Alexander S. , Boldyreva Elena V.
Published: November 2016

The pharmaceutical 2:1 co-crystal of meloxicam [MXM; systematic name: 4-hydroxy-2-methyl-N-(5-methylthiazol-2-yl)-2H-1,2-benzothiazine-3-carboxamide 1,1-dioxide] with acetylenedicarboxylic acid (ACA; systematic name: but-2-ynedioic acid), crystallizes with one MXM molecule and half an ACA molecule in the asymmetric unit, C14H13N3O4S2·0.5C4H2O4. The mid-point of the triple bond of ACA is located on an inversion centre. In the crystal, the two stereoisomers of MXM with respect to the N atom of the sulfonamide group are related by the inversion centre. The carbonyl and hydroxy groups belonging to the MXM molecule are involved in an intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond. The structure-forming motif includes two MXM molecules linkedviaan ACA conformer through N—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen bonds, similar to MXM co-crystals with other dicarboxylic acids.
Molecular determinants of substrate specificity revealed by the structure ofClostridium thermocellumarabinofuranosidase 43A from glycosyl hydrolase family 43 subfamily 16
Authors: Goyal Arun , Ahmed Shadab , Sharma Kedar , Gupta Vikas , Bule Pedro , Alves Victor D. , Fontes Carlos M. G. A. , Najmudin Shabir
Published: November 2016

The recent division of the large glycoside hydrolase family 43 (GH43) into subfamilies offers a renewed opportunity to develop structure–function studies aimed at clarifying the molecular determinants of substrate specificity in carbohydrate-degrading enzymes. α-L-Arabinofuranosidases (EC 3.2.1.55) remove arabinose side chains from heteropolysaccharides such as xylan and arabinan. However, there is some evidence suggesting that arabinofuranosidases are substrate-specific, being unable to display a debranching activity on different polysaccharides. Here, the structure ofClostridium thermocellumarabinofuranosidase 43A (CtAbf43A), which has been shown to act in the removal of arabinose side chains from arabinoxylan but not from pectic arabinan, is reported.CtAbf43A belongs to GH43 subfamily 16, the members of which have a restricted capacity to attack xylans. The crystal structure ofCtAbf43A comprises a five-bladed β-propeller fold typical of GH43 enzymes.CtAbf43A displays a highly compact architecture compatible with its high thermostability. Analysis ofCtAbf43A along with the other member of GH43 subfamily 16 with known structure, theBacillus subtilisarabinofuranosidase BsAXH-m2,3, suggests that the specificity of subfamily 16 for arabinoxylan is conferred by a long surface substrate-binding cleft that is complementary to the xylan backbone. The lack of a curved-shaped carbohydrate-interacting platform precludes GH43 subfamily 16 enzymes from interacting with the nonlinear arabinan scaffold and therefore from deconstructing this polysaccharide.
(10-Ethyl-10H-phenothiazine-3,7-diyl)bis(p-tolylmethanone)
Authors: Hemanathan Karunakaran , Ravivarma Mahalingam , Satheeshkumar Chinnadurai , Rajakumar Perumal , Sakthi Murugesan K.
Published: November 2016

The title compound, C30H25NO2S, crystallizes with two independent molecules (AandB) having similar conformations in the asymmetric unit. Both phenothiazine units have a butterfly structure; the dihedral angles between the planes of the benzene rings are 17.95 (13) and 12.65 (14)° for moleculesAandB, respectively. In the crystal, theBmolecules are linked by pairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with anR22(10) ring motif. TheAmolecules are linked by C—H...π interactions. Layers ofAmolecules and layers ofBmolecules are linked by a second C—H...π interaction, formingA–B–B–Aslabs, which stack back-to-back and lie parallel to thebcplane.
3-Hydroxy-4-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one:cisisomer
Authors: Rida Mohammed , El Bakri Youness , Doumbia Mohamadou Lamine , Benchidmi Mohammed , Essassi El Mokhtar , Mague Joel T
Published: November 2016

In the title compound, C15H14N2O2, the seven-membered benzodiazepine ring adopts a twist-boat conformation and the two aromatic rings are inclined to one another by 81.06 (15)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along the [10-1] direction. The chains are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming sheets parallel to theacplane. Within the sheets, there are N—H...π interactions present, and C—H...π interactions link the sheets to form a three-dimensional structure.
Enhancing clinical practice: reducing health inequalities – reflections on a clinical education and training partnership
Authors: Marshall-Tate Karina
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline a two-year project designed to reduce health inequalities and improve health outcomes of people with intellectual disabilities using health services in South London by raising awareness and increasing health staff confidence and capability.

Design/methodology/approach

The project was conducted in two stages. In stage 1, a mapping exercise was undertaken to establish existing intellectual disabilities education and training availability. In stage 2, a network of stakeholders was formed and education and training materials were developed and delivered.

Findings

A formal evaluation of the project is underway and this paper seeks to share information about the project. That said prima facie data appear to indicate that health staff who attended education and training events learned new knowledge and skills that they could implement in their practice, increasing confidence and capability.

Research limitations/implications

Health staff who attended the events appeared to have an interest in intellectual disabilities and wanted to increase their knowledge and skills base. This means that there is a significant group of health staff that the project was unable to reach or who may not know that they need to know about intellectual disabilities. The results of the project have not yet been formally analysed.

Practical implications

Work-based education and training events can have a positive impact on health staff capability and confidence, however, it would appear that only those who already have an interest in the field or recognise its value to their own practice attend such events. To truly capture all health staff intellectual disabilities needs to be visibly included in all health curricula.

Originality/value

This project has not focussed on one profession or one aspect of healthcare and has embraced the values of inter professional and inter agency learning; this has enabled health staff to learn from each other and think in a “joined up” way replicating the realities of providing healthcare to people with intellectual disabilities.
The role of negative affect in the relation between subjective social status and mental health among economically disadvantaged Latinos in primary care
Authors: Zvolensky Michael , Bakhshaie Jafar , Paulus Daniel J. , Garza Monica , Valdivieso Jeanette , Sampogna Olaguibel , Bogiaizian Daniel , Robles Zuzuky , Schmidt Norman B.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the explanatory role of negative affect in the relation between subjective social status and anxiety/depressive disorders, suicidality symptoms, and disruption in life domains (i.e. disability; work/school, social life, and family life/home responsibilities) among Latinos seeking health services at a primary healthcare facility.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment was designed using participants including 205 adult Latinos (Mage=39.2; SD=11.4) with annual incomes of less than $30,000. The sample was mostly female (85.9 percent) with a majority (98.5 percent) indicating Spanish as their first language.

Findings

Results indicated that subjective social status was indirectly related to the mental health variables through negative affect. Notably, these observed effects were evident above and beyond the variance accounted for by gender, age, marital status, educational status, employment status, and number of years in the USA.

Research limitations/implications

The present findings suggest that there is merit in focusing further scientific attention on the interplay between subjective social status and negative affect to better understand and possibly intervene to reduce anxiety/depressive vulnerability and disability among Latinos in primary care settings.

Originality/value

The current study sheds light on the relationship between social status and negative affect in the Latino population. Elucidating mental health in a minority population such as the Latino population provides insight into the mental health needs among minorities that have yet to be addressed.
Exploring the relationship of horizontal violence, organizational cynicism and turnover intention in the context of social exchange theory
Authors: Munir Yasin , Ghafoor Muhammad Mudasar , Rasli Amran Md.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship of horizontal violence, organizational cynicism and turnover intention in the nursing profession.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was utilized and 870 questionnaires were distributed to collect data from nursing staff working in Punjab region of Pakistan by using non-probability multistage sampling technique. A total of 711 questionnaires were returned, out of which, 668 questionnaires were scrutinized. Additionally, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were applied to analyze the data.

Findings

The results revealed an insignificant mediating effect of organizational cynicism between the relationship of horizontal violence and turnover intention.

Research limitations/implications

The current study has adopted a multistage non-probability sampling technique to collect data because the management of hospitals restricted researcher access to personal information about the nurses. Therefore, at the first stage, the researcher used convenience sampling and at the second stage, the researcher utilized quota sampling to collect the data. Moreover, the findings of the current study are based on cross-sectional data because of the limited time and resources.

Practical implications

The current study fosters the ongoing debate in organizational studies related to cynicism, and it is noteworthy for the nursing managers to understand the significant factors which directly or indirectly affect the nursing attitude.

Originality/value

The current study explored the mediating role of organizational cynicism between horizontal violence and turnover intention to fill the research gap.
Mission architecture for Mars exploration based on small satellites and planetary drones
Authors: Pergola Pierpaolo , Cipolla Vittorio
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deal with the study of an innovative unmanned mission to Mars, which is aimed at acquiring a great amount of detailed data related to both Mars’ atmosphere and surface.

Design/methodology/approach

The Mars surface exploration is conceived by means of a fleet of drones flying among a set of reference points (acting also as entry capsules and charging stations) on the surface. The three key enabling technologies of the proposed mission are the use of small satellites (used in constellation with a minimum of three), the use of electric propulsion systems for the interplanetary transfer (to reduce the propellant mass fraction) and lightweight, efficient, drones designed to operate in the harsh Mars environment and with its tiny atmosphere.

Findings

The low-thrust Earth-Mars transfer is designed by means of an optimization approach resulting in a duration of slightly more than 27 months with a propellant amount of about 125 kg, which is compatible with the choice of considering a 500 kg-class spacecraft. Four candidate drone configurations have been selected as the result of a sensitivity analysis. Flight endurance, weight and drone size have been considered as the driving design parameters for the selection of the final configuration, which is characterized by six rotors, a total mass of about 6.5 kg and a flight endurance of 28 minutes. In the mission scenario proposed, the drone is assumed to be delivered on the Mars surface by means of a passive entry capsule, which acts also as a docking station and charging base. Such a capsule has been sized both in terms of mass (68 kg) and power (80 W), showing to be compatible with 500 kg-class spacecraft.

Research limitations/implications

As a general conclusion, the study shows the mission concept feasibility.

Practical implications

The concept would return incomparable scientific data and can be also be potentially implemented with a relatively low budget exploiting of the shelf components to the larger extent, small identical spacecraft buses and modular low-cost drones.

Originality/value

The innovative mission architecture proposed in this study aims at providing a complete coverage of the surface and lowest atmospheric layers. The main innovation factor of the proposed mission consists in the adoption of small multi-copter UAVs, also called “drones,” as remote-sensing platforms.
Supply chain evolution – theory, concepts and science
Authors: MacCarthy Bart L. , Blome Constantin , Olhager Jan , Srai Jagjit Singh , Zhao Xiande
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Supply chains evolve and change in size, shape and configuration, and in how they are coordinated, controlled and managed. Some supply chains are mature and relatively unchanging. Some are subject to significant change. New supply chains may emerge and evolve for a variety of reasons. The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of supply chain evolution and address the question “What makes a supply chain like it is?”

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses and develops key aspects, concepts and principal themes concerning the emergence and evolution of supply chains over their lifecycle.

Findings

The paper defines the supply chain lifecycle and identifies six factors that interact and may affect a supply chain over its lifecycle – technology and innovation, economics, markets and competition, policy and regulation, procurement and sourcing, supply chain strategies and re-engineering. A number of emergent themes and propositions on factors affecting a supply chain’s characteristics over its lifecycle are presented. The paper argues that a new science is needed to investigate and understand the supply chain lifecycle.

Practical implications

Supply chains are critical for the world economy and essential for modern life. Understanding the supply chain lifecycle and how supply chains evolve provides new perspectives for contemporary supply chain design and management.

Originality/value

The paper presents detailed analysis, critique and reflections from leading researchers on emerging, evolving and mature supply chains.
What is the effect of size on the use of the EFQM excellence model?
Authors: Escrig Ana B. , de Menezes Lilian M.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

By contrasting a contingency with a universal approach to business excellence models (BEMs), the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of size on the use of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model by organizations that were officially “Recognized for Excellence” in Spain. It considers the potential differences between large organizations and SMEs on the level of adoption of EFQM criteria and on the impact that enablers-criteria may have on key performance measures.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses actual sub-criteria and criteria scores attained by organizations in their assessment for EFQM recognition. Scores of a population of 216 organizations are analyzed via analysis of variance, factor and structural equations models.

Findings

Although there are some criteria in the EFQM model that appear to be universally adopted irrespective of size, the empirical analyses indicate that size may shape the adoption of other criteria and the impact that enablers can have on results, thus supporting a contingency perspective. Moreover, the findings call for the revision of the relationships embedded in the EFQM model.

Originality/value

In contrast to most previous research, which relied on surveys of managers’ perceptions, this study uses the actual scores achieved by organizations in their assessment for EFQM recognition. It addresses the effect of size on the whole model, which so far has been neglected in the literature. All in all this study contributes to the literature on contingency approaches to best practices, and more specifically to BEMs. To the practitioner, it provides guidelines for addressing perceived performance gaps in their pursuit of recognition for excellence.
Exploiting the potential of manufacturing network embeddedness
Authors: Golini Ruggero , Deflorin Patricia , Scherrer Maike
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance in setting the level of autonomy (i.e. parental control) of plants in a network to enhance operational performance. In particular, the effect of autonomy on performance is analysed directly and indirectly through internal manufacturing network integration (MNI) and external supply chain integration (SCI) as two dimensions of manufacturing network embeddedness.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on data from 441 manufacturing plants in 17 countries. Data were gathered during the Sixth International Manufacturing Strategy Survey. Five main constructs were obtained after carrying out a confirmatory factor analysis: plant autonomy, internal MNI, external SCI, efficiency and effectiveness. Direct and indirect relationships among the constructs are tested through a structural equation model.

Findings

Higher levels of autonomy correlate with higher effectiveness and similar efficiency. However, lower autonomy leads to higher levels of manufacturing network and SCI, which enhance performance. Although not statistically significant, the analysis of the total effects reveals a mildly positive effect of autonomy on effectiveness and negative effect on efficiency, which requires further investigation.

Research limitations/implications

Further research could include headquarters’ perspectives or additional determinants (e.g. business strategy objectives).

Practical implications

Managers should set autonomy levels strategically: higher for effectiveness and lower for efficiency. However, lower autonomy can also strengthen internal MNI and external SCI, thus improving operational performance.

Originality/value

The concept of manufacturing network embeddedness highlights the importance of considering external supply chain and internal MNI in the same framework, as both dimensions can affect operational performance.
An application of technology-based design for exhibition services
Authors: Hsieh Yen-Hao , Yuan Soe-Tsyr
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This study aims propose an innovative notion of the advanced technology based on the expectation theory and the emotion theory for a case study of the context-aware service system applied to the exhibition service sector.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate the feasibility of the notion of the advanced technology and the context awareness, the authors have collected and analyzed the data from three stakeholders through the real field applications of the mExhibition service system.

Findings

The evaluation results show that customers fairly enjoyed and were satisfied different exhibition customer experience journeys.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is: facilitation of exquisite customer experience delivery via the advanced technology as evidenced by the mExhibition service system; exhibition service innovation through mExhibition; embodied value co-creation within the exhibition technology and mExhibition service system; and mExhibition commerce realization.
Perceived risk and the willingness to buy and pay for “corked” bottles of wine
Authors: Lecat Benoît , Le Fur Eric , Outreville J. François
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the purchase decision of consumers when faced with a perceived risk related to a “corked” wine for different levels of price. It provides an example of a study of consumer behavior in the context of risk aversion and when a risk-reduction strategy is proposed. The empirical analysis examines the perceive risk as is a major determinant of the willingness to buy (WTB) and to pay (WTP) for corked bottles of wine.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental investigation on consumer risk perception of corked bottles of wine is based on a choice-based questionnaire distributed to 310 graduate students in Bordeaux and Dijon in France. The context is the decision to purchase or not a bottle of wine at different price levels. Assuming the monotonicity of the demand function, the choice-based questionnaire is used to determine the maximum WTB and WTP for each participant.

Findings

Results demonstrate that when participants are asked simultaneously to reveal their perceived risk and purchase decision, the behavior significantly affects the WTB and WTP. At the same time, demand for risk-reduction devices (screw-caps in this study) also declines strongly with price and perceived risk.

Research limitations/implications

Although the experiment was replicated in a different region and students with a different profile, it cannot be generalized to other countries or region with a different wine culture.

Practical implications

The results have interesting behavior implications in the debate for screw-caps rather than corks. They confirm that screw-caps are associated with low quality, low value wines. Understanding the factors that influence consumers, wine purchase decisions are therefore important to wine producers, restaurant owners and retailers.

Originality/value

This is the first study that analyzes, in the context of risk taking when buying wine, the WTB and WTP for a bottle of wine when participants are required to reveal simultaneously their perceived risk and purchase decision.
Consumers’ luxury value perception in the Brazilian premium beer market
Authors: Thomé Karim Marini , Pinho Guilherme da Mata , Fonseca Daiane Pereira , Soares Ariel Barros Pirangy
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the consumers’ luxury value perception in Brazilian premium beer market.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from a survey of 418 Brazilian consumers were used to test the research model. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the reliability and validity of the measurement model, and the structural equation modeling was used to analyze the consumers’ luxury value perception.

Findings

The analytical results showed that the dimensions of social, individual and functional values featured items with high significance. For the fourth dimension (financial value), just one item presented relevance. Along with it, correlation between dimensions was analyzed. All four dimensions have higher significance and great estimates.

Research limitations/implications

This research was executed in a single country environment.

Practical implications

Results suggest that the only significant item to the consumers’ luxury value perception in the dimension of financial value is the higher price of premium beers. Other dimensions are well fit for the premium beer market.

Originality/value

To present date, marketing literature in the beer issue approaches its consumption as an economic phenomenon. This paper develops a notion that beer consumption can also be approached in a luxury consumption perspective. The framework developed in this paper can assist future researchers to consider consumption of different types and levels of beer, based on luxury value perception.
“From the same mad planet”: a grounded theory of service users’ accounts of the relationship within professional peer support
Authors: Bailie H. Alistair , Tickle Anna , Rennoldson Michael
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Peer support (PS) workers are being employed despite uncertain evidence for clinical and cost-effectiveness. Psychological theories have been proposed to explain the mechanisms of PS but these lack empirical validation and specificity to professional PS. The purpose of this paper is to develop a substantive interpretive grounded theory of service-users’ experience of professional PS work.

Design/methodology/approach

Constructivist grounded theory was used throughout. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten service-users who had engaged with a professional PS worker.

Findings

Three overarching themes were constructed. “The process of disclosure” describes how disclosure of mental health difficulties, experiences as a service-user and wider disclosure about life experiences, interests and values facilitate the development of a shared identity with the PS worker. “The product of disclosure” highlights the sense of being understood as a result of the disclosure and marks a deepening of the relationship. “Dual roles” describes the tenuous position of holding both a professional relationship and friendship.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should seek to refine the theory developed and compare the effects of therapist self-disclosure with that found within PS. There were limitations within the study, including limited diversity within the sample as well as difficulties with recruitment.

Originality/value

This study connects service-users’ accounts of receiving PS with existing psychological theory to move towards an understanding of the relationship between receivers and providers of professional PS.
A pilot study with adaptations to the Maudsley Method approach on workshops for carers of people with eating disorders
Authors: Linacre Stephen , Green Jessica , Sharma Vishal
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Carers of people with eating disorders (EDs) experience high levels of burden which can lead to clinical levels of depression and anxiety, high levels of expressed emotion and can lead to a non-conducive environment to support recovery. The Maudsley Method skills-based workshops can empower carers to support people with ED to move towards recovery, reduce carer burden and high levels of distress. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Adaptations have been made to the Maudsley Method skills based workshops to include evidence based approaches from cognitive remediation therapy; mindfulness and acceptance commitment therapy. The adapted workshops were assessed via a pilot study with ten carers of people with ED using a mixed method design. The Experience of Caregiving Inventory and SF-36 were used to assess aspects of caregiving and carer wellbeing, respectively pre and post intervention. Thematic analysis was used to evaluate carers’ views on the intervention.

Findings

Results indicated that carers reduced their level of burden particularly in their experience of stigma, dependency and loss. Furthermore, positive aspects of the relationship with the person with the ED improved. Thematic analysis was used to obtain feedback from carers of the workshops. Qualitative data identified that carers improved their self-awareness, understanding of ED and the techniques they could use, and increased their social support.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is required to compare the original workshops with this adapted intervention.

Originality/value

Although this is a pilot study, the results suggest that further evidence based interventions could be added to the Maudsley Method approach to support carers.