bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-27 inhibits ectopic lymphoid-like structure development in early inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Jones Gareth W. , Bombardieri Michele , Greenhill Claire J. , McLeod Louise , Nerviani Alessandra , Rocher-Ros Vidalba , Cardus Anna , Williams Anwen S. , Pitzalis Costantino , Jenkins Brendan J. , Jones Simon A.
Published: September 2015

Ectopic lymphoid-like structures (ELSs) reminiscent of secondary lymphoid organs often develop at sites of chronic inflammation where they contribute to immune-mediated pathology. Through evaluation of synovial tissues from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, we now show that low interleukin-27 (IL-27) expression corresponds with an increased incidence of ELS and gene signatures associated with their development and activity. The presence of synovial ELS was also noted in mice deficient in the IL-27 receptor (IL-27R) after the onset of inflammatory arthritis. Here, pathology was associated with increased synovial expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, homeostatic chemokines, and transcriptional regulators linked with lymphoid neogenesis. In both clinical and experimental RA, synovial ELS coincided with the heightened local expression of cytokines and transcription factors of the Th17 and T follicular helper (Tfh) cell lineages, and included podoplanin-expressing T cells within lymphoid aggregates. IL-27 inhibited the differentiation of podoplanin-expressing Th17 cells, and an increased number of these cells were observed in IL-27R–deficient mice with inflammatory arthritis. Thus, IL-27 appears to negatively regulate ELS development in RA through control of effector T cells. These studies open new opportunities for patient stratification and treatment.
The Dutch Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI)
Authors: Kregel Jeroen , Vuijk Pieter J. , Descheemaeker Filip , Keizer Doeke , van der Noord Robert , Nijs Jo , Cagnie Barbara , Meeus Mira , van Wilgen Paul
Published: September 2015

Objectives:

A standardized assessment of central sensitization can be performed with the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), an English questionnaire consisting of 25 items relating to current health symptoms. The aim of this study was to translate the CSI into Dutch, to perform a factor analysis to reveal the underlying structure, examine its discriminative power, and test-retest reliability.

Methods:

The CSI was first translated into Dutch. A factor analysis was conducted on CSI data of a large group of chronic pain patients (n=368). The ability to discriminate between chronic pain patients (n=188) and pain-free controls (n=49) was determined and the test-retest reliability for chronic pain patients (n=36) and controls (n=45) with a time interval of 3 weeks was evaluated.

Results:

The exploratory factor analysis resulted in a 4-factor model based on 20 items, representing the domains “General disability and physical symptoms” (Cronbach α=0.80), “Higher central sensitivity”(Cronbach α=0.78), “Urological and dermatological symptoms”(Cronbach α=0.60), and “Emotional distress”(Cronbach α=0.80). Furthermore, a parsimonious second-order factor model was found, where the factor “General central sensitization” was underlying the 4 first-order factors. Chronic pain patients scored significantly worse on all 4 factors. The test-retest reliability was excellent values in both chronic pain patients (ICC=0.88) and controls (ICC=0.91).

Discussion:

The original CSI was translated into Dutch and did not reveal any problems during data acquisition. The domains represented by the 4 factors may be useful in setting up specific patient profiles and treatment targets. To conclude, the Dutch CSI revealed 4 distinguishable domains, showed good internal consistency for the total score and 3 out of 4 domains, good discriminative power, and excellent test-retest reliability.
Comparative Effectiveness of Calabadion and Sugammadex to Reverse Non-depolarizing Neuromuscular-blocking Agents
Authors: Haerter Friederike , Simons Jeroen Cedric Peter , Foerster Urs , Moreno Duarte Ingrid , Diaz-Gil Daniel , Ganapati Shweta , Eikermann-Haerter Katharina , Ayata Cenk , Zhang Ben , Blobner Manfred , Isaacs Lyle , Eikermann Matthias
Published: September 2015

AbstractAbstract

Calabadion 2 rapidly reversed deep rocuronium-, vecuronium-, and cisatracurium-induced neuromuscular blockade in a dose-dependent manner. Calabadion 2 reversed rocuronium- and vecuronium-induced neuromuscularblockade with a 1:1 binding ratio, like sugammadex, but it had a higher in vitro binding affinity and a higher molar potency in vivo.

Background

The authors evaluated the comparative effectiveness of calabadion 2 to reverse non-depolarizing neuromuscular-blocking agents (NMBAs) by binding and inactivation.

Methods

The dose–response relationship of drugs to reverse vecuronium-, rocuronium-, and cisatracurium-induced neuromuscular block (NMB) was evaluated in vitro (competition binding assays and urine analysis), ex vivo (n = 34; phrenic nerve hemidiaphragm preparation), and in vivo (n = 108; quadriceps femoris muscle of the rat). Cumulative dose–response curves of calabadions, neostigmine, or sugammadex were created ex vivo at a steady-state deep NMB. In living rats, the authors studied the dose–response relationship of the test drugs to reverse deep block under physiologic conditions, and they measured the amount of calabadion 2 excreted in the urine.

Results

In vitro experiments showed that calabadion 2 binds rocuronium with 89 times the affinity of sugammadex (Ka = 3.4 × 109 M−1 and Ka = 3.8 × 107 M−1). The results of urine analysis (proton nuclear magnetic resonance), competition binding assays, and ex vivo study obtained in the absence of metabolic deactivation are in accordance with an 1:1 binding ratio of sugammadex and calabadion 2 toward rocuronium. In living rats, calabadion 2 dose-dependently and rapidly reversed all NMBAs tested. The molar potency of calabadion 2 to reverse vecuronium and rocuronium was higher compared with that of sugammadex. Calabadion 2 was eliminated renally and did not affect blood pressure or heart rate.

Conclusions

Calabadion 2 reverses NMB induced by benzylisoquinolines and steroidal NMBAs in rats more effectively, i.e., faster than sugammadex. Calabadion 2 is eliminated in the urine and well tolerated in rats.
Microdialysis as a Part of Invasive Cerebral Monitoring During Porcine Septic Shock
Authors: Ditz Claudia , Klaus Stephan , Bahlmann Ludger , Onken Nils , Keck Alexander , Gliemroth Jan
Published: September 2015

Background:

Metabolic changes in critically ill patients with endotoxin-induced septic shock are measured primarily by techniques that afford organ-specific metabolic monitoring based on interstitial fluid samples. The present study was designed to evaluate the role of cerebral microdialysis (MD) as a part of invasive neuromonitoring during endotoxemia in a porcine model.

Materials and Methods:

Continuous endotoxin infusion was administered to 7 female pigs and, in addition to hemodynamic monitoring and blood chemistry, interstitial lactate, pyruvate, glucose and glycerol concentrations in muscle, liver, and cerebral tissue were measured via in vivo MD for an observation period of 180 minutes.

Results:

The cerebral concentrations of lactate and glycerol showed no significant increases, whereas the hepatic and muscular levels rose dramatically under endotoxemia. However, the lactate/pyruvate ratio and especially the lactate/glucose ratio showed a profound and significant increase in brain tissue as well. Cerebral perfusion pressure decreased from 77 to 50 mm Hg without reaching pathologic values.

Conclusions:

Although our results confirm the special protection of the brain during endotoxemia compared with other organs, early metabolic changes become evident by increasing lactate/pyruvate ratio and lactate/glucose ratio. MD appears to be a suitable additional technique in invasive neuromonitoring for obtaining early information about metabolic deterioration in the brain during septic shock.
Pretransfusion Comparison of Dialyser-Based Hemoconcentrator with Cell Saver System for Perioperative Cell Salvage
Authors: Garg Pankaj , Malhotra Amber , Desai Manan , Sharma Pranav , Bishnoi Arvind Kumar , Tripathi Payal , Rodricks Dayesh , Pandya Himani
Published: September 2015

Objective

Cell Saver system is the method of choice for red blood cell salvage from the surgical field; however, cost is a limiting factor. We at our institute have devised a cost-effective version of dialyser-based autotransfusion system. We performed pretransfusion comparison of our autotransfusion system with conventional cell saver system.

Methods

A prospective randomized observational study was performed in 104 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease undergoing by off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Patients were divided into two groups. In the dialyser group (53 patients), blood from surgical field was salvaged by our dialyser-based system. In the cell saver group (51 patients), blood was salvaged by cell saver. In both groups, 20-mL sample from the salvaged blood was analyzed for hemoglobin, platelets, protein, albumin, free hemoglobin, osmotic fragility, and peripheral blood smear examination.

Results

Total hemoglobin salvaged was comparable in both groups (85% vs 76%). On peripheral smear, red blood cells were swollen, but morphology was preserved. Moreover, normal osmotic fragility suggested absence of any lethal damage to red blood cells in either group. Dialyser-based system was more efficient in salvaging platelets (42.9% vs 6%), proteins (79.2% vs 0%), and albumin (65% vs 0%). Total free hemoglobin was three times more in dialyser group but was well below recommended limits.

Conclusions

Dialyser-based system is economical, is equally efficacious in salvaging red blood cells, is more effective in salvaging platelets and proteins, and does not contain significant amount of free hemoglobin. Therefore, this salvaged blood can be safely transfused.
Attrition in Long‐Term Nutrition Research Studies
Authors: Fewtrell Mary S. , Domellöf Magnus , Hojsak Iva , Hulst Jessie M. , Kennedy Kathy , Koletzko Berthold , Mihatsh Walter , Stijnen Theo
Published: September 2015

Long‐term follow‐up of randomised trials and observational studies provide the best evidence presently available to assess long‐term effects of nutrition, and such studies are an important component in determining optimal infant feeding practices. Attrition is, however, an almost inevitable occurrence with increasing age at follow‐up. There is a common assumption that studies with <80% follow‐up rates are invalid or flawed, and this criticism seems to be more frequently applied to follow‐up studies involving randomised trials than observational studies. In this article, we explore the basis and evidence for this “80% rule” and discuss the need for greater consensus and clear guidelines for analysing and reporting results in this specific situation.
Bullying and Suicide Risk Among Pediatric Emergency Department Patients
Authors: Stanley Ian H. , Horowitz Lisa M. , Bridge Jeffrey A. , Wharff Elizabeth A. , Pao Maryland , Teach Stephen J.
Published: September 2015

Objectives

This study aimed to describe the association between recent bullying victimization and risk of suicide among pediatric emergency department (ED) patients.

Methods

Patients presenting to 1 of 3 different urban pediatric EDs with either medical/surgical or psychiatric chief complaints completed structured interviews as part of a study to develop a suicide risk screening instrument, the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions. Seventeen candidate items and the criterion reference Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire were administered to patients ages 10 to 21 years. Bullying victimization was assessed by a single candidate item (“In the past few weeks, have you been bullied or picked on so much that you felt like you couldn't stand it anymore?”).

Results

A total of 524 patients completed the interview (34.4% psychiatric chief complaints; 56.9% female; 50.4% white, non-Hispanic; mean [SD] age, 15.2 [2.6] years). Sixty patients (11.5%) reported recent bullying victimization, and of these, 33 (55.0%) screened positive for suicide risk on the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions or the previously validated Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire. After controlling for demographic and clinical variables, including a history of depression and drug use, the odds of screening positive for suicide risk were significantly greater in patients who reported recent bullying victimization (adjusted odds ratio, 3.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.66–6.11). After stratification by chief complaint, this association persisted for medical/surgical patients but not for psychiatric patients.

Conclusions

Recent bullying victimization was associated with increased odds of screening positive for elevated suicide risk among pediatric ED patients presenting with medical/surgical complaints. Understanding this important correlate of suicide risk in pediatric ED patients may help inform ED-based suicide prevention interventions.
Clostridium luticellarii sp. nov., isolated from a mud cellar used for producing strong aromatic liquors
Authors: Wang Qian , Wang Chuan-dong , Li Cheng-hou , Li Jun-gang , Chen Qi , Li Yue-zhong
Published: September 2015

A strictly anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive bacterium, designated FW431T, was isolated from a mud cellar used for producing strong aromatic Chinese liquors. The strain was able to produce butanoic acid, an important component of the aroma style of Chinese liquors. Cells of strain FW431T were straight or slightly curved rods with a polar endospore and peritrichous flagella. The major cellular fatty acids (>10 % of the total) were C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω9c and C18 : 0. Biolog assays indicated that the strain preferably metabolizes palatinose, l-fucose, β-hydroxybutyric acid, l-rhamnose and α-ketobutyric acid among 95 carbon sources tested. FW431T was related most closely to Clostridium ljungdahlii DSM 13528T and Clostridium kluyveri DSM 555T based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 95.0 and 94.2 %, respectively. The DNA G+C content of the genomic DNA was 44.4 mol%. Based on the evidence presented here, FW431T ( = CGMCC 1.5201T = KCTC 15519T) is proposed as the type strain of a novel species, Clostridium luticellarii sp. nov.
Mycobacterium angelicum sp. nov., a non-chromogenic, slow-growing species isolated from fish and related to Mycobacterium szulgai
Authors: Pourahmad Fazel , Pate Mateja , Ocepek Matjaž , Borroni Emanuele , Cabibbe Andrea M. , Capitolo Eleonora , Cittaro Davide , Frizzera Eliana , Jenčič Vlasta , Mariottini Alessandro , Marumo Kenji , Vaggelli Guendalina , Cirillo Daniela M. , Tortoli Enrico
Published: September 2015

The name ‘Mycobacterium angelicum’ dates back to 2003 when it was suggested for a slowly growing mycobacterium isolated from freshwater angelfish. This name is revived here and the novel species is proposed on the basis of the polyphasic characterization of four strains including the original one. The four strains presented 100 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity withMycobacterium szulgaibut clearly differed fromM. szulgaifor the milky white aspect of the colonies. The sequence similarity with the type strain ofM. szulgairanged, in eight additionally investigated genetic targets, from 78.9 to 94.3 %, an evident contrast with the close relatedness that emerged at the level of 16S rRNA gene. The average nucleotide identity between the genomes ofM. szulgaiDSM 44166Tand strain 126/5/03T(type strain of the novel species) was 92.92 %, and supported the status of independent species. The confirmation of the nameMycobacterium angelicumsp. nov. is proposed, with strain 126/5/03T( = CIP 109313T = DSM 45057T) as the type strain.
Pseudorhodoplanes sinuspersici gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from oil-contaminated soil
Authors: Tirandaz Hassan , Dastgheib Seyed Mohammad Mehdi , Amoozegar Mohammad Ali , Shavandi Mahmoud , de la Haba Rafael R. , Ventosa Antonio
Published: September 2015

Strain RIPI 110T was isolated from a soil sample collected from an oil-contaminated site on Siri Island, Persian Gulf, Iran. Cells of the novel isolate were Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped. Cells divided asymmetrically by budding and formed rosette-like clusters. The optimum pH and temperature for growth were pH 7 and 30 °C, while the strain was able to grow at pH 5.5–8 and 15–35 °C. Strain RIPI 110T utilized only complex carbon sources and pyruvate as the sole carbon source and could not grow under photoautotrophic conditions. The highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, 93.9, 93.9 and 93.5 %, were obtained with Variibacter gotjawalensis GJW-30T, Rhodoplanes roseus 941T and Rhodoplanes elegans AS130T, respectively. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c/ω6c), C16 : 0 and C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c. Polar lipid analyses revealed that strain RIPI 110T contained phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, an unknown aminophospholipid and four unknown phospholipids. Ubiquinone-10 was the predominant quinone component. The DNA G+C content was 59.4 mol%. On the basis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data, the novel isolate could not be classified in any recognized genera. Strain RIPI 110T is thus considered to represent a novel species of a new genus within the order Rhizobiales, for which the name Pseudorhodoplanes sinuspersici gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is RIPI 110T ( = IBRC-M 10770T = CECT 8374T).
A novel astrovirus species in the gut of yaks with diarrhoea in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, 2013
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhang Bin , Yue Hua , Wang Yong , Zhou Fang , Zhang Qiang , Tang Cheng
Published: September 2015

The yak (Bos grunniens) is an iconic symbol in the high-altitude region of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Diarrhoea is a common disease in yaks, resulting in major economic losses. To investigate the diversity of viral species, we reported the metagenomics-derived virome in a pooled faecal sample of 20 diarrhoeic yaks. The nine viruses found in the pooled diarrhoeic samples, in order of abundance of nucleic acid sequence, were influenza A virus, bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), rotavirus, ungulate tetraparvovirus 1 (bovine hokovirus), astrovirus (AstV), bovine enterovirus, hepatitis E virus, kobuvirus and woodchuck hepatitis virus. Compared with healthy yaks, only AstV had a significantly higher prevalence rate in diarrhoeal samples, indicating a correlation with the clinical symptoms of diarrhoea in yaks. To further investigate the molecular characterization of yak AstV, a near-full genome was obtained from a diarrhoeic sample. It was 6243 bp in length and shared 46.4–66.2 % similarity with other related bovine AstVs from faeces. Phylogenetic analysis of the genome demonstrated that the yak AstV fell within the bovine AstVs cluster, but was located in a unique lineage, suggesting a novel AstV species was identified in yaks. Interestingly, the ORF2 region of yak AstV had closer similarity and genetically relationship with deer AstV strain CcAstV-2 than that of the bovine AstVs. Further analysis showed that one possible interspecies recombination event occurred in ORF2. In summary, this study expanded our understanding of the viral communities of diarrhoeal yaks and identified a novel AstV that was associated with diarrhoea in yaks.
Elevating the status of code in ecology
Authors: Mislan K. A. S. , Heer Jeffrey M. , White Ethan P.
Published: September 2015

Code is increasingly central to research in ecology. From running statistical analyses for field and lab projects to developing software intended to be used broadly for modeling and data analysis, most ecologists now commonly write code as part of their research. It is important that the communication of research results addresses the fact that code is now a key component of most ecological studies.
An Option Space for Early Neural Evolution
Authors: Jékely Gáspár , Keijzer Fred , Godfrey Smith Peter
Published: September 2015

The origin of nervous systems has traditionally been discussed within two conceptual frameworks. Input-output models stress the sensory-motor aspects of nervous systems, while internal coordination models emphasize the role of nervous systems in coordinating multicellular activity, especially muscle-based motility. Here we consider both frameworks and apply them to describe aspects of each of three main groups of phenomena that nervous systems control: behavior, physiology and development. We argue that both frameworks and all three aspects of nervous system function need to be considered for a comprehensive discussion of nervous system origins. This broad mapping of the option space enables an overview of the many influences and constraints that may have played a role in the evolution of the first nervous systems.
Study of Antimicrobial Activity of Ethnomedically Important Plant Murraya paniculata
Authors: Nath Abhijit , Bhattacharjee Mrinal Kanti
Published: September 2015

Murraya paniculata is a potent ethno medicinally important plant used both in traditional medicine as an analgesic and for wood and its activity against S. aureus established its traditional uses too. Selaginella is also used traditionally in wounds, postpartum, menstrual disease against microbes Lycopodium is used in Rheumatism and disease of lungs and kidneys and our study also revealed the scientific base behind its uses. The result of our experiments showed that in vitro antimicrobial screening of extracts and pure compounds of Murraya paniculata indicated positive activity against Staphylococcus aureus. They showed acetone extracts of the plants showed in inhibition zone of 13mm, methanol extract showed in inhibition zone of 9mm and ethanol extract showed in inhibition zone of 7mm but the distilled water extract showed no inhibition zone. We also performed work on selaginella and lycopodium but got no inhibition zone.
MG7: Configurable and scalable 16S metagenomics data analysis
Authors: Alekhin Alexey , Kovach Evdokim , Manrique Marina , Pareja-Tobes Pablo , Pareja Eduardo , Tobes Raquel , Pareja-Tobes Eduardo
Published: September 2015

As part of the Cambrian explosion of omics data, metagenomics brings to the table a specific, defining trait: its social essence. Themetaprefix exerts its influence, with multitudes manifesting themselves everywhere; from samples to data analysis, from actors involved to (present and future) applications. Of these dimensions, data analysis is where needs lay further from what current tools provide. Key features are, among others, scalability, reproducibility, data provenance and distribution, process identity and versioning. These are the goals guiding our work in MG7, a 16S metagenomics data analysis system. The basic principle is a new approach to data analysis, where configuration, processes, or data locations are static, type-checked and subject to the standard evolution of a well-maintained software project. Cloud computing, in its Amazon Web Services incarnation, when coupled with these ideas, produces a robust, safely configurable, scalable tool. Processes, data, machine behaviors and their dependencies are expressed using a set of libraries which bring as much as possible checking and validation to the type level, without sacrificing expressiveness. Together they form a toolkit for defining scalable cloud-based workflows composed of stateless computations, with a static reproducible specification of dependencies, behavior and wiring of all steps. The modeling of taxonomy data is done using Bio4j, where the new paradigm of graph databases allows for both a simple expression of taxonomic assignment tasks and the calculation of taxa abundance values considering the hierarchic structure of the taxonomy tree. MG7 includes a new 16S reference database,16S-DB7, built with a flexible and sustainable update system, and the possibility of project-driven personalization.
A benchmark of gene expression tissue-specificity metrics
Authors: Kryuchkova Nadezda , Robinson-Rechavi Marc
Published: September 2015

One of the major properties of genes is their expression pattern. Notably, genes are often classified as tissue-specific or housekeeping. This property is of interest to molecular evolution as an explanatory factor of, e.g., evolutionary rate, as well as a functional feature which may in itself evolve. While many different methods of measuring tissue specificity have been proposed and used for such studies, there has been no comparison or benchmarking of these methods to our knowledge, and little justification of their use. In this study we compare nine measures of tissue-specificity. Most methods were established for ESTs and microarrays, and several were later adapted to RNA-seq. We analyze their capacity to distinguish gene categories, their robustness to the choice and number of tissues used, and their capture of evolutionary conservation signal.
Fractality and Entropic Scaling in the Chromosomal Distribution of Conserved Noncoding Elements in the Human Genome
Authors: Polychronopoulos Dimitris , Athanasopoulou Labrini , Almirantis Yannis
Published: September 2015

Conserved, ultraconserved and other classes of constrained non-coding elements (referred as CNEs) represent one of the mysteries of current comparative genomics. These elements are defined using various degrees of sequence similarity between organisms and several thresholds of minimal length and are often marked by extreme conservation that frequently exceeds the one observed for protein-coding sequences. We here explore the distribution of different classes of CNEs in entire chromosomes, in the human genome. We employ two complementary methodologies, the scaling of block entropy and box-counting, with the aim to assess fractal characteristics of different CNE datasets. Both approaches converge to the conclusion that well-developed fractality is characteristic of elements that are either marked by extreme conservation between two or more organisms or are of ancient origin, i.e. conserved between distant organisms across evolution. Given that CNEs are often clustered around genes, especially those that regulate developmental processes, we verify by appropriate gene masking that fractal-like patterns emerge irrespectively of whether elements found in proximity or inside genes are excluded or not. An evolutionary scenario is proposed, involving genomic events, that might account for fractal distribution of CNEs in the human genome as indicated through numerical simulations.
The novel double-folded structure of d(GCATGCATGC): a possible model for triplet-repeat sequences
Authors: Thirugnanasambandam Arunachalam , Karthik Selvam , Mandal Pradeep Kumar , Gautham Namasivayam
Published: September 2015

The structure of the decadeoxyribonucleotide d(GCATGCATGC) is presented at a resolution of 1.8 Å. The decamer adopts a novel double-folded structure in which the direction of progression of the backbone changes at the two thymine residues. Intra-strand stacking interactions (including an interaction between the endocylic O atom of a ribose moiety and the adjacent purine base), hydrogen bonds and cobalt-ion interactions stabilize the double-folded structure of the single strand. Two such double-folded strands come together in the crystal to form a dimer. Inter-strand Watson–Crick hydrogen bonds form four base pairs. This portion of the decamer structure is similar to that observed in other previously reported oligonucleotide structures and has been dubbed a `bi-loop'. Both the double-folded single-strand structure, as well as the dimeric bi-loop structure, serve as starting points to construct models for triplet-repeat DNA sequences, which have been implicated in many human diseases.
One-dimensional CuIIcoordination polymers containingC2h-symmetric 1,1′:4′,1′′-terphenyl-3,3′-dicarboxylate linkers
Authors: Kim Hyun-Chul , Gu Ja-Min , Huh Seong , Yo Chul-Hyun , Kim Youngmee
Published: September 2015

Two new one-dimensional CuIIcoordination polymers (CPs) containing theC2h-symmetric terphenyl-based dicarboxylate linker 1,1′:4′,1′′-terphenyl-3,3′-dicarboxylate (3,3′-TPDC), namelycatena-poly[[bis(dimethylamine-κN)copper(II)]-μ-1,1′:4′,1′′-terphenyl-3,3′-dicarboxylato-κ4O,O′:O′′:O′′′] monohydrate], {[Cu(C20H12O4)(C2H7N)2]·H2O}n, (I), andcatena-poly[[aquabis(dimethylamine-κN)copper(II)]-μ-1,1′:4′,1′′-terphenyl-3,3′-dicarboxylato-κ2O3:O3′] monohydrate], {[Cu(C20H12O4)(C2H7N)2(H2O)]·H2O}n, (II), were both obtained from two different methods of preparation: one reaction was performed in the presence of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) as a potential pillar ligand and the other was carried out in the absence of the DABCO pillar. Both reactions afforded crystals of different colours,i.e.violet plates for (I) and blue needles for (II), both of which were analysed by X-ray crystallography. The 3,3′-TPDC bridging ligands coordinate the CuIIions in asymmetric chelating modes in (I) and in monodenate binding modes in (II), forming one-dimensional chains in each case. Both coordination polymers contain two coordinated dimethylamine ligands in mutuallytranspositions, and there is an additional aqua ligand in (II). The solvent water molecules are involved in hydrogen bonds between the one-dimensional coordination polymer chains, forming a two-dimensional network in (I) and a three-dimensional network in (II).
A co-crystal of nonahydrated disodium(II) with mixed anions fromm-chlorobenzoic acid and furosemide
Authors: London Bianca King , Claville Michelle O. Fletcher , Babu Sainath , Fronczek Frank R. , Uppu Rao M.
Published: September 2015

In the title compound, [Na2(H2O)9](C7H4ClO2)(C12H10ClN2O5S) {systematic name:catena-poly[[[triaquasodium(I)]-di-μ-aqua-[triaquasodium(I)]-μ-aqua] 3-chlorobenzoate 4-chloro-2-[(furan-2-ylmethyl)amino]-5-sulfamoylbenzoate]}, both the originalm-chlorobenzoic acid and furosemide exist with deprotonated carboxylates, and the sodium cations and water molecules exist in chains with stoichiometry [Na2(OH2)9]2+that propagate in the [-110] direction. Each of the two independent Na+ions is coordinated by three monodentate water molecules, two double-water bridges, and one single-water bridge. There is considerable cross-linking between the [Na2(OH2)9]2+chains and to furosemide sulfonamide and carboxylate by intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds. All hydrogen-bond donors participate in a complex two-dimensional array parallel to theabplane. The furosemide NH group donates an intramolecular hydrogen bond to the carboxylate group, and the furosemide NH2group donates an intramolecular hydrogen bond to the Cl atom and an intermolecular one to them-chlorobenzoate O atom. The plethora of hydrogen-bond donors on the cation/water chain leads to many large rings, up to graph setR44(24), involving two chains and two furosemide anions. The chlorobenzoate is involved in only oneR22(8) ring, with two water moleculescis-coordinated to Na. The furan O atom is not hydrogen bonded.
Crystal structure of 4-[(2,4-dichlorophenyl)(5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]-5-methyl-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-3-one
Authors: Kumar Balbir , Mahajan Hitesh , Paul Satya , Kant Rajni , Gupta Vivek K.
Published: September 2015

In the title compound C27H22Cl2N4O2, the pyrazol-5-ol ring makes a dihedral angle of 34.80 (11)° with the phenyl ring to which it is bound, while the pyrazolone ring is inclined at 34.34 (12)° to its attached phenyl ring. In the crystal, N—H...O and C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds link the molecules into chains along [010]. Intermolecular π–π interactions are observed between the pyrazolone ring and the phenyl ring bound to the pyrazol-5-ol ring system [centroid–centroid separation = 3.916 (2) Å].
The effect of knowledge management on environmental innovation
Authors: Stanovcic Tatjana , Pekovic Sanja , Bouziri Amira
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze whether knowledge management (KM) practices trigger environmental innovation. Additionally, distinguishing between two types of KM practices, the authors want to examine whether different types of KM practices have the same role for environmental innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Employing two French surveys, namely, the Community Innovation Survey (2002-2004 and 2006-2008) and Annual Firm Survey (EAE, 2000), the authors analyze empirically the relationship between KM practices and environmental innovation. The theoretical relationship the authors propose is tested using bivariate probit model on 1,117 French manufacturing firms.

Findings

– The econometric estimations show that the investment in KM practices trigger environmental innovation. Furthermore, the authors distinguish between two types of KM practices: a written policy of KM and a culture intended to promote KM sharing. The main results are also confirmed for both types of KM practices. Moreover, based on coefficients and significance levels, the empirical results indicate that a culture intended to promote KM sharing has a more substantial impact on green innovation than a written policy of KM.

Practical implications

– KM can boost environmental innovation, which also enhances firm business performance. Therefore, managers should foster investment in KM capabilities. They need to create working atmosphere that generates, stores, transfers and applies knowledge in order to improve a firm’s green innovativeness. Additionally, the study results show that managers can choose among different KM practices in order to enhance environmental innovation. However, managers should be aware that not all KM practices provide the full advantage in terms of performance improvement. They should know that different KM practices have differential impacts on different performance outcomes. In this sense, managers should implement KM practices that fit their performance strategy.

Originality/value

– The relationship between KM and innovation performance has received increasing attention from researchers during the past years. However, even though scholars underline the importance of environmental innovation, the relationship between KM and environmental innovation remains significantly under-researched. The findings suggest that KM should be considered as an important source for environmental innovation improvement.
Exploring the role of knowledge management practices in fostering customer relationship management as a catalyst of marketing innovation
Authors: Garrido-Moreno Aurora , Lockett Nigel , Garcia-Morales Victor
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a research model exploring the link between knowledge management processes and customer relationship management (CRM) performance. It seeks to answer two research questions: What are the effective drivers of knowledge management processes in the context of a CRM initiative? Do these processes make a real impact on CRM performance?

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on data obtained from a sample of 93 service companies located in Spain. The authors conducted a structural equation modeling analysis using PLS to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

– It was observed that both technological and organizational readiness were effective drivers of knowledge management. However, it was contrasted also that the usage of social media tools was not significantly related to knowledge management. Results show a real impact of knowledge management processes on CRM performance, so companies can understand how to implement successfully those initiatives.

Research limitations/implications

– The main limitations of the study are that it was based on cross-sectional data and that variables were measured based on the perceptions of general managers.

Practical implications

– Service companies need to invest in technological infrastructures, and create an appropriate organizational climate (top management support, employees commitment) in order to promote effective knowledge management processes, that will enable CRM success, paving the way for the development of marketing innovations.

Originality/value

– This is the first empirical work that examines in confirmatory way what are the main drivers of knowledge management processes, including in the analysis the impact of both organizational and technological readiness, and considering also the usage of social media tools, in the context of a CRM initiative.
Knowledge management practices and innovation performance in Finland
Authors: Inkinen Henri Tapio , Kianto Aino , Vanhala Mika
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Recent empirical studies have suggested that knowledge-based issues are closely related to companies’ innovation performance. However, the majority of research seems to be focused either on static knowledge assets or knowledge processes such as knowledge creation. The purpose of this paper is to concentrate on the conscious and systematic managerial activities for dealing with knowledge in firms (i.e. knowledge management (KM) practices), which aim at innovation performance improvements through proactive management of knowledge assets. The study explores the impact that KM practices have on innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors provide empirical evidence on how various KM practices influence innovation performance. The results are based on survey data collected in Finland during fall 2013. The authors use partial least squares to test the hypothesized relationships between KM practices and innovation performance.

Findings

– The authors find that firms are capable of supporting innovation performance through strategic management of knowledge and competence, knowledge-based compensation practices, and information technology practices. The authors also point out that some of the studied KM practices are not directly associated with innovation performance.

Originality/value

– This study adds to the knowledge-based view of the firm by demonstrating the significance of the management of knowledge for innovation performance. Furthermore, the division of KM practices into ten types and the provision of the validated scales for measuring these add to the general understanding of KM as a field of theory and practice. This study is valuable also from managerial perspective, as it sheds light on the potentially most effective KM practices to improve companies’ innovation performance.
Restaurant brand pages on Facebook
Authors: Kang Juhee , Tang Liang (Rebecca) , Fiore Ann Marie
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of members’ active participation in customer–brand relationships, considering brand trust and brand commitment in an online community context. It also investigates the moderating effect of monetary sales promotions in building and maintaining customer–brand relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study is based on an online survey sent to Facebook users who have been engaging with restaurants’ brand pages on Facebook. The empirical data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling.

Findings

– Results revealed that members who actively participated in activities on restaurant, Facebook fan pages were likely to feel that the brands were trustworthy and developed commitment toward the brands. The moderating effect of monetary sales promotions between active participation and brand trust was supported. In particular, active participation was more likely to generate brand trust for members who had less interest in monetary sales promotions on restaurant Facebook fan pages.

Practical implications

– This study provides practical implications for restaurant marketers on the applications of Facebook as a branding tool. Marketers are advised to identify active members who can contribute to the maintenance of the community by encouraging active communication and engaging in marketing activities. As active participants are critical to the success of a restaurant Facebook page, marketers are encouraged to develop marketing strategies that can generate members’ interest and increase participation in a marketing campaign.

Originality/value

– Although Facebook has been widely used to improve customer–brand relationships in the food service industry, research on the effect of an online community scares. The study proposes a conceptual model to examine the role of active participation in customer–brand relationships and the role of monetary promotions in enhancing customer–brand relationships. Management and marketing strategies for practitioners in the food service industry are suggested.
The perceived effectiveness of social couponing campaigns for hotels in Italy
Authors: Cassia Fabio , Magno Francesca , Ugolini Marta
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effectiveness of social couponing campaigns for hotels. In particular, the perceived effectiveness related to four specific objectives is explored (acquiring and retaining new customers, building brand awareness, balancing seasonality and stimulating demand among existing customers).

Design/methodology/approach

– A questionnaire-based survey was conducted that involved 108 hotels, each of which has run at least one social couponing campaign through Groupon in Italy. The importance-performance approach was applied to analyze the data.

Findings

– Overall, the perceived effectiveness of social couponing for hotels is quite low. Social couponing is useful to increase brand awareness but does not encourage customer behavioral loyalty. Larger hotels can successfully use this marketing tool to balance demand seasonality.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample size is limited but includes approximately one-fourth of all Italian hotels that have run social coupon campaigns through Groupon. Only social couponing campaigns run through one daily deal site (Groupon) in one country (Italy) were considered.

Practical implications

– Social couponing is not perceived as equally effective for all hotels. This study provides hotel managers with suggestions for deciding whether to allocate a share of their marketing resources to social couponing.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to present field data to complement the available theoretical knowledge on social couponing for hotels.
Proactive and reactive strategies deployed by restaurants in times of crisis
Authors: Alonso-Almeida María del Mar , Bremser Kerstin , Llach Josep
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to examine the development of dynamic capabilities and their effect on the competitive advantage of restaurants in 2009, one year after the beginning of the global financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

– The restaurants were personally surveyed to discern the importance of proactive and reactive strategies for the organization. The resulting two organizational effects – cost cutting and the development of dynamic capabilities – were tested for their influence on competitive advantage.

Findings

– The findings show that both proactive and reactive strategies reduce costs; however, only proactive strategies develop dynamic capabilities that improve competitive advantage.

Research limitations/implications

– The conclusions are drawn from a small sample of restaurants in Madrid, the capital of Spain. Given that Madrid enjoys a higher standard of living and greater business expenditures than other cities, the results may not be generalizable to the rest of the country or to other southern European capitals.

Practical implications

– Managers must use proactive strategies for companies to survive during times of crisis. A focus on proactive strategies will improve a company’s competitive position.

Social implications

– Policy makers should support the development of proactive strategies and provide an adequate infrastructure of counseling and network creation.

Originality/value

– To the best of our knowledge, no previous research specifically analyzes both the type of strategy deployed and its subsequent effect on dynamic capabilities and the consequences of the strategy on competitive advantage during a financial crisis.
“LuXurY” hotel loyalty – a comparison of Chinese Gen X and Y tourists to Macau
Authors: Yang Fiona X. , Lau Virginia M.C.
Published: September 2015

Purpose;

– This study aims to investigate generational disparities of Chinese Generation (Gen) X and Y tourists by examining their loyalty determinants in a luxury hotel setting.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey of five-star hotel guests in Macau yielded 285 complete responses. Structural equation modeling was used to test the quality-loyalty framework through the mediating roles of perceived value and satisfaction, with a multi-group comparison to examine generational differences.

Findings

– The results indicate that top quality rooms and services are high on the agenda of both generations, while Gen X places more weight on convenience and food and Gen Y on security; satisfaction does not induce loyalty, whereas value fully or partially mediates the quality-loyalty relationship; and Gen X is value-centered in building loyalty, yet Gen Y exhibits both value consciousness and stronger demands for upscale quality features.

Practical implications

– The findings help hotel managers cater to different generations by improving determinant attributes of service quality and enhancing hotel value.

Originality/value

– The study makes noteworthy contributions to the generational differences of Chinese tourists and sheds light on future research in tourism and hospitality to explore the characteristics of young generations.
A new forecasting approach for the hospitality industry
Authors: Claveria Oscar , Monte Enric , Torra Salvador
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to apply a new forecasting approach to improve predictions in the hospitality industry. To do so, the authors developed a multivariate setting that allows the incorporation of the cross-correlations in the evolution of tourist arrivals from visitor markets to a specific destination in neural network models.

Design/methodology/approach

– This multiple-input-multiple-output approach allows the generation of predictions for all visitor markets simultaneously. Official data of tourist arrivals to Catalonia (Spain) from 2001 to 2012 were used to generate forecasts for one, three and six months ahead with three different networks.

Findings

– The study revealed that multivariate architectures that take into account the connections between different markets may improve the predictive performance of neural networks. Additionally, the authors developed a new forecasting accuracy measure and found that radial basis function networks outperform the rest of the models.

Research limitations/implications

– This research contributes to the hospitality literature by developing an innovative framework to improve the forecasting performance of artificial intelligence techniques and by providing a new forecasting accuracy measure.

Practical implications

– The proposed forecasting approach may prove very useful for planning purposes, helping managers to anticipate the evolution of variables related to the daily activity of the industry.

Originality/value

– A multivariate neural network framework has been developed to improve forecasting accuracy, providing professionals with an innovative and practical forecasting approach.