bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of HSP70 and HO-1 in the protective effects of raloxifene on multiple organ dysfunction syndrome by endotoxemia in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Shen Hsin-Hsueh , Huang Shieh-Yang , Cheng Pao-Yun , Chu Yen-Ju , Chen Shu-Ying , Lam Kwok-Keung , Lee Yen-Mei
Published: March 2017

Objective:

Accumulating evidence demonstrates that raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, possesses anti-inflammatory action. This study evaluates the preventive effects of long-term treatment of raloxifene on acute inflammation and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats with endotoxemia and its underlying mechanism of action.

Methods:

Adult female rats were OVX bilaterally to induce estrogen insufficiency. OVX rats were administered with raloxifene (1 mg/kg, gavage, once daily) for 8 weeks, beginning 1 week after surgery, followed by induction of sepsis via intravenous infusion of lipopolysaccharides (LPS; 30 mg/kg) for 4 hours. LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells were used to investigate the mechanism of raloxifene.

Results:

Ovariectomy amplified the endotoxemia-induced hypotensive effect, MODS, and superoxide anion production in the myocardium. The levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase, high mobility group box 1, and nuclear factor-κB p65 protein increased in OVX rats 6 hours after LPS initiation. Raloxifene mitigated MODS, together with reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase induction and fewer superoxide anions in organs. Raloxifene induced high levels of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), which are associated with an increase in the transcription factor heat shock factor-1 and Nrf-2, respectively. Pretreatment with quercetin, an inhibitor of HSP70, or SnPP, an inhibitor of HO-1, reversed the protective effects of raloxifene in septic OVX rats and LPS-activated macrophages.

Conclusions:

Long-term treatment with raloxifene reduces the severity of sepsis in OVX rats, attributed from up-regulation of HSP70 and HO-1 to exert the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. These findings provide new insights into bacterial infection during menopause and the molecular mechanism of raloxifene.
Spheno-Orbital Meningiomas: An Analysis Based on World Health Organization Classification and Ki-67 Proliferative Index
Authors: Belinsky Irina , Murchison Ann P. , Evans James J. , Andrews David W. , Farrell Christopher J. , Casey James P. , Curtis Mark T. , Nowak Choi Kamila A. , Werner-Wasik Maria , Bilyk Jurij R.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical behavior of spheno-orbital meningiomas with regard to World Health Organization (WHO) tumor grade and Ki-67, a cellular marker of proliferation.

Methods:

A retrospective review over a 16-year period of the demographic, clinical, radiographic, and surgical data of all patients with spheno-orbital meningioma who underwent surgical resection. Tumor specimens were examined histologically using the current WHO 2016 classification and immunohistochemically using Ki-67/MIB-1 monoclonal antibody.

Results:

Thirty-eight patients met all inclusion criteria: 78.9% of tumors were WHO grade I with a mean Ki-67 of 3.76, and 93% of patients were clinically stable at last follow up; 10.5% of lesions were WHO grade II (atypical) with a mean Ki-67 of 14.93, and 10.5% of lesions were WHO grade III (anaplastic) with a mean Ki-67 of 58.3. All grade II and III meningiomas exhibited an aggressive clinical course. There were statistically significant correlations between disease clinical progression and WHO tumor grade (p < 0.001), between disease clinical progression and Ki-67 (p < 0.001), and between increasing Ki-67 index and higher WHO grade (p < 0.001). For WHO grade I lesions, a Ki-67 of ≥3.3 correlated with recurrence (p = 0.0256). Overall, disease-specific mortality occurred in 5 (13%) patients.

Conclusions:

Ki-67 index is a valuable marker to use in conjunction with WHO grade to predict meningioma behavior, particularly in histologically borderline lesions, and possibly to identify a subset of WHO grade I tumors at risk of recurrence. This combination of methods can aid in tailoring treatment and surveillance strategies.
The yield of endoscopic investigation for unintentional weight loss
Authors: Abu-Freha Naim , Lior Yotam , Shoher Shira , Novack Victor , Fich Alexander , Rosenthal Alexander , Etzion Ohad
Published: March 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the yield of endoscopic evaluation in isolated unintentional weight loss (UWL) patients compared with patients with weight loss and additional symptoms or signs.

Patients and methods

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent an endoscopic evaluation for the investigation of UWL at Soroka University Medical Center between 2006 and 2012. Data on clinical indication, endoscopic, and laboratory finding were retrieved. Severe inflammation, ulcers, achalasia, and neoplasias were considered clinically significant endoscopic findings (CSEF) that could explain weight loss. Detection rates of CSEF were compared between endoscopic studies for which UWL was the sole indication (group 1) and those performed for UWL and at least one other indication (group 2).

Results

During the study period, 1843 patients with UWL were evaluated with 2098 endoscopic procedures. Of these, 1540 underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and 558 underwent colonoscopy. EGD was performed in 229 (14.8%) patients in group 1 (mean age: 60.9±16.4, 43.3% men), and in 1311 (85.2%) patients in group 2 (mean age: 60.5±18.5, 45% men). Pathological endoscopic findings were identified in 712 (46%) EGDs. Of these, 155 (10%) studies detected significant outcomes: six (3.9%) in group 1 and 149 (96.1%) in group 2. Of the 558 colonoscopies performed, 105 (18.8%) were performed in group 1 (mean age: 61.7±17.5, 43% men) and 453 (82.2%) in group 2 patients (mean age: 62.9±14.6, 49% men). Abnormal findings were found in 190 (33.8%) of the procedures. CSEF were found in 34 (6%) patients: two in group 1 and 32 in group 2.

Conclusion

The diagnostic yield of endoscopy for investigation of patients with UWL is non-negligible, and should be considered as part of its baseline evaluation, especially in older individuals and those who present with other gastrointestinal manifestations.
Missed Fractures in Infants Presenting to the Emergency Department With Fussiness
Authors: Kondis Jamie S. , Muenzer Jared , Luhmann Janet D.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate incidence of prior fussy emergency visits in infants with subsequently diagnosed fractures suggestive of abuse.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of infants younger than 6 months who presented to the pediatric emergency department (ED) between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2011. Inclusion criteria included age 0 to 6 months, discharge diagnosis including “fracture,” “broken” (or break), or “trauma” or any child abuse diagnosis or chief complaint of “fussy” or “crying” as documented in the electronic medical record by the triage nurse.

Results

Three thousand seven hundred thirty-two charts were reviewed, and 279 infants with fractures were identified. Eighteen (6.5%) of 279 infants had a prior ED visit for fussiness without an obvious source. Of these, 2 had a witnessed event causing their fracture, and therefore the fracture was not considered concerning for abuse. The remaining 16 had fractures concerning for abuse. Mean age was 2.5 (SD, 1.2) months. Fifteen (83%) of 18 infants were 3 months or younger at the time of the fussy visit. The mean interval between the first and second ED visits was 27 days (median, 20 days). Thirty-nine percent were evaluated by a pediatric emergency medicine–trained physician during their initial fussy visit, whereas 78% were evaluated by pediatric emergency medicine–trained physician during their subsequent visit. Most common injuries were multiple types of fractures followed by extremity and rib fractures.

Conclusions

Fractures concerning for child abuse are an important cause of unexplained fussiness in infants presenting to the pediatric ED. A high index of suspicion is essential for prompt diagnosis and likely prevention of other abuse.
Gait Training With Visual Feedback and Proprioceptive Input to Reduce Gait Asymmetry in Adults With Cerebral Palsy: A Case Series
Authors: Levin Ilana , Lewek Michael D. , Feasel Jeff , Thorpe Deborah E.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

The purpose of this case series was to investigate the feasibility of using visual feedback on gait asymmetry during gait retraining and whether this leads to reduced asymmetry, improvement in gait speed, cost of walking, and dynamic balance in ambulant adults with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods:

Five adults with CP, who were ambulatory and had step length or stance time asymmetry, trained for 18 sessions on a split-belt treadmill with concurrent visual feedback from a virtual environment. Training also included overground gait training to encourage transfer of learning.

Results:

All participants reduced gait asymmetry and improved on outcomes at posttest and follow-up.

Conclusions:

Outcome measures and training protocols were feasible in this sample of convenience of adults with CP who were ambulatory and who did not have visual impairment. The adults with CP in this study demonstrated individual improvements in gait and balance following training.
Impact of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation on the HIV Reservoir and Immune Response in 3 HIV-Infected Individuals
Authors: Koelsch Kersten K. , Rasmussen Thomas A. , Hey-Nguyen William J. , Pearson Chester , Xu Yin , Bailey Michelle , Marks Katherine H. , Sasson Sarah C. , Taylor Mark S. , Tantau Robyn , Obeid Solange , Milner Brad , Morrissey Orla , Pinto Angie N. , Suzuki Kazuo , Busch Michael P. , Keating Sheila M. , Kaiser Philipp , Yukl Steven , Wong Joseph K. , Hiener Bonnie M. , Palmer Sarah , Zaunders John , Post Jeffrey J. , Chan Derek J. , Avery Sharon , Milliken Sam T. , Kelleher Anthony D. , Lewin Sharon R. , Cooper David A.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can lead to significant changes to the HIV reservoir and HIV immune responses, indicating that further characterization of HIV-infected patients undergoing HSCT is warranted.

Methods:

We studied 3 patients who underwent HSCT after either reduced intensity conditioning or myeloablative conditioning regimen. We measured HIV antigens and antibodies (Ag/Ab), HIV-specific CD4+ T-cell responses, HIV RNA, and DNA in plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, isolated CD4+ T cells from peripheral blood, and lymph node cells. The patients remained on antiretroviral therapy throughout the follow-up period.

Results:

All patients have been in continued remission for 4–6 years post-HSCT. Analyses of HIV RNA and DNA levels showed substantial reductions in HIV reservoir–related measurements in all 3 patients, changes in immune response varied with pronounced reductions in 2 patients and a less dramatic reduction in 1 patient. One patient experienced unexpected viral rebound 4 years after HSCT.

Conclusions:

These 3 cases highlight the substantial changes to the HIV reservoir and the HIV immune response in patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT. The viral rebound observed in 1 patient indicates that replication competent HIV can re-emerge several years after HSCT despite these marked changes.
Overall Splenectomy Rates Stable Despite Increasing Usage of Angiography in the Management of High-grade Blunt Splenic Injury
Authors: Dolejs Scott C. , Savage Stephanie A. , Hartwell Jennifer L. , Zarzaur Ben L.
Published: March 2017

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to understand the contemporary trends of splenectomy in blunt splenic injury (BSI) and to determine if angiography and embolization (ANGIO) may be impacting the splenectomy rate.

Background:

The approach to BSI has shifted to increasing use of nonoperative management, with a greater reliance on ANGIO. However, the impact ANGIO has on splenic salvage remains unclear with little contemporary data.

Methods:

The National Trauma Data Bank was used to identify patients 18 years and older with high-grade BSI (Abbreviated Injury Scale >II) treated at Level I or II trauma centers between 2008 and 2014. Primary outcomes included yearly rates of splenectomy, which was defined as early if performed within 6 hours of ED admission and delayed if greater than 6 hours, ANGIO, and mortality. Trends were studied over time with hierarchical regression models.

Results:

There were 53,689 patients who had high-grade BSI over the study period. There was no significant difference in the adjusted rate of overall splenectomy over time (24.3% in 2008, 24.3% in 2014, P value = 0.20). The use of ANGIO rapidly increased from 5.3% in 2008 to 13.5% in 2014 (P value < 0.001). Mortality was similar overtime (8.7% in 2008, 9.0% in 2014, P value = 0.33).

Conclusion:

Over the last 7 years, the rate of angiography has been steadily rising while the overall rate of splenectomy has been stable. The lack of improved overall splenic salvage, despite increased ANGIO, calls into question the role of ANGIO in splenic salvage on high-grade BSI at a national level.
Imaging morphogenesis
Authors: Bell Donald M.
Published: March 2017

The hostile environment of the microscope stage poses numerous challenges to successful imaging of morphogenesis in live tissues. This review aims to highlight some of the main practical considerations to take into account when embarking on a project to image cell behaviour in the context of cells' normal surroundings. Scrutiny of these activities is likely to be the most informative approach to understanding mechanical morphogenesis but is often confounded by the substantial technical difficulties involved in imaging samples over extended periods of time. Repeated observation of cells in live tissue requires that strategies be adopted to prioritize the stability of the sample, ensuring that it remains viable and develops normally while being held in a manner accessible to microscopic examination. Key considerations when creating reliable protocols for time-lapse imaging may be broken down into three main criteria; labelling, mounting and image acquisition. Choices and compromises made here, however, will directly influence image quality, and even small refinements can substantially improve what information may be extracted from images. Live imaging of tissue is difficult but paying close attention to the basics along with a little innovation is likely to be well rewarded.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Systems morphodynamics: understanding the development of tissue hardware’.
Vertex models: from cell mechanics to tissue morphogenesis
Authors: Alt Silvanus , Ganguly Poulami , Salbreux Guillaume
Published: March 2017

Tissue morphogenesis requires the collective, coordinated motion and deformation of a large number of cells. Vertex model simulations for tissue mechanics have been developed to bridge the scales between force generation at the cellular level and tissue deformation and flows. We review here various formulations of vertex models that have been proposed for describing tissues in two and three dimensions. We discuss a generic formulation using a virtual work differential, and we review applications of vertex models to biological morphogenetic processes. We also highlight recent efforts to obtain continuum theories of tissue mechanics, which are effective, coarse-grained descriptions of vertex models.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Systems morphodynamics: understanding the development of tissue hardware’.
Cellular systems for epithelial invagination
Authors: Pearl Esther J. , Li Jingjing , Green Jeremy B. A.
Published: March 2017

Epithelial invagination is a fundamental module of morphogenesis that iteratively occurs to generate the architecture of many parts of a developing organism. By changing the physical properties such as the shape and/or position of a population of cells, invagination drives processes ranging from reconfiguring the entire body axis during gastrulation, to forming the primordia of the eyes, ears and multiple ducts and glands, during organogenesis. The epithelial bending required for invagination is achieved through a variety of mechanisms involving systems of cells. Here we provide an overview of the different mechanisms, some of which can work in combination, and outline the circumstances in which they apply.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Systems morphodynamics: understanding the development of tissue hardware’.
Parallel evolution of sperm hyper-activation Ca2+channels
Authors: Cooper Jacob C. , Phadnis Nitin
Published: March 2017

Sperm hyper-activation is a dramatic change in sperm behavior where mature sperm burst into a final sprint in the race to the egg. The mechanism of sperm hyper-activation in many metazoans, including humans, consists of a jolt of Ca2+into the sperm flagellum via CatSper ion channels. Surprisingly,CatSpergenes have been independently lost in several animal lineages. InDrosophila, sperm hyper-activation is performed through the co-option of the polycystic kidney disease 2 (Dpkd2) Ca2+channel. The parallels betweenCatSpersin primates andDpkd2inDrosophilaprovide a unique opportunity to examine the molecular evolution of the sperm hyper-activation machinery in two independent, nonhomologous calcium channels separated by more than 500 million years of divergence. Here, we use a comprehensive phylogenomic approach to investigate the selective pressures on these sperm hyper-activation channels. First, we find that the entireCatSpercomplex evolves rapidly under recurrent positive selection in primates. Second, we find thatpkd2has parallel patterns of adaptive evolution inDrosophila. Third, we show that this adaptive evolution ofpkd2is driven by its role in sperm hyper-activation. These patterns of selection suggest that the evolution of the sperm hyper-activation machinery is driven by sexual conflict with antagonistic ligands that modulate channel activity. Together, our results add sperm hyper-activation channels to the class of fast evolving reproductive proteins and provide insights into the mechanisms used by the sexes to manipulate sperm behavior.
ClusterEnG: An interactive educational web resource for clustering big data
Authors: Manjunath Mohith , Zhang Yi , Yeo Steve H. , Sobh Omar , Russell Nathan , Followell Christian , Bushell Colleen , Ravaioli Umberto , Song Jun S.
Published: March 2017

Clustering is one of the most common techniques used in data analysis to discover hidden structures by grouping together data points that are similar in some measure into clusters. Although there are many programs available for performing clustering, a single web resource that provides both state-of-the-art clustering methods and interactive visualizations is lacking. ClusterEnG (acronym for Clustering Engine for Genomics) provides an interface for clustering big data and interactive visualizations including 3D views, cluster selection and zoom features. ClusterEnG also aims at educating the user about the similarities and differences between various clustering algorithms and provides clustering tutorials that demonstrate potential pitfalls of each algorithm. The web resource will be particularly useful to scientists who are not conversant with computing but want to understand the structure of their data in an intuitive manner.

Availability

ClusterEnG is part of a bigger project called KnowEnG (Knowledge Engine for Genomics) and is available athttp://education.knoweng.org/clustereng.

Contact

songi@illinois.edu
Primary souring: a novel bacteria-free method for sour beer production
Authors: Osburn Kara , Amaral Justin , Metcalf Sara R. , Nickens David M. , Rogers Cody M. , Sausen Christopher , Caputo Robert , Miller Justin , Li Hongde , Tennessen Jason M. , Bochman Matthew L.
Published: March 2017

In the beverage fermentation industry, especially at the craft or micro level, there is a movement to incorporate as many local ingredients as possible to both capture terroir and stimulate local economies. In the case of craft beer, this has traditionally only encompassed locally sourced barley, hops, and other agricultural adjuncts. The identification and use of novel yeasts in brewing lags behind. We sought to bridge this gap by bio-prospecting for wild yeasts, with a focus on the American Midwest. We isolated 284 different strains from 54 species of yeast and have begun to determine their fermentation characteristics. During this work, we found several isolates of five species that produce lactic acid and ethanol during wort fermentation:Hanseniaspora vineae,Lachancea fermentati,Lachancea thermotolerans,Schizosaccharomyces japonicus, andWickerhamomyces anomalus. Tested representatives of these species yielded excellent attenuation, lactic acid production, and sensory characteristics, positioning them as viable alternatives to lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for the production of sour beers. Indeed, we suggest a new LAB-free paradigm for sour beer production that we term “primary souring” because the lactic acid production and resultant pH decrease occurs during primary fermentation, as opposed to kettle souring or souring via mixed culture fermentation.

Chemical compounds studied in this article:Lactic acid (PubChem CID: 612); Ethanol (PubChem CID: 702)

Abbreviations:ABV, alcohol by volume; DIC, differential interference contrast; EtOH, ethanol; FG, final gravity; gDNA, genomic DNA; IBU, international bittering unit; LAB, lactic acid bacteria; LASSO, lactic acid specific soft-agar overlay; N-J, neighbor-joining; OG, original gravity; WLN, Wallerstein Laboratories nutrient; YPD, yeast extract, peptone, and dextrose
Fast and flexible simulation and parameter estimation for synthetic biology using bioscrape
Authors: Swaminathan Anandh , Poole William , Pandey Ayush , Hsiao Victoria , Murray Richard M.
Published: March 2017

In systems and synthetic biology, it is common to build chemical reaction network (CRN) models of biochemical circuits and networks. Although automation and other high-throughput techniques have led to an abundance of data enabling data-driven quantitative modeling and parameter estimation, the intense amount of simulation needed for these methods still frequently results in a computational bottleneck. Here we present bioscrape (Bio-circuit Stochastic Single-cell Reaction Analysis and Parameter Estimation) - a Python package for fast and flexible modeling and simulation of highly customizable chemical reaction networks. Specifically, bioscrape supports deterministic and stochastic simulations, which can incorporate delay, cell growth, and cell division. All functionalities - reaction models, simulation algorithms, cell growth models, partioning models, and Bayesian inference - are implemented as interfaces in an easily extensible and modular object-oriented framework. Models can be constructed via Systems Biology Markup Language (SBML) or specified programmatically via a Python API. Simulation run times obtained with the package are comparable to those obtained using C code - this is particularly advantageous for computationally expensive applications such as Bayesian inference or simulation of cell lineages. We first show the package’s simulation capabilities on a variety of example simulations of stochastic gene expression. We then further demonstrate the package by using it to do parameter inference on a model of integrase enzyme-mediated DNA recombination dynamics with experimental data. The bioscrape package is publicly available online (https://github.com/biocircuits/bioscrape) along with more detailed documentation and examples.
Cycad coralloid roots contain bacterial communities including cyanobacteria andCaulobacterspp that encode niche-specific biosynthetic gene clusters
Authors: Gutiérrez-García Karina , Bustos-Díaz Edder D. , Corona-Gómez José Antonio , Ramos-Aboites Hilda E. , Sélem-Mojica Nelly , Cruz-Morales Pablo , Pérez-Farrera Miguel A. , Barona-Gómez Francisco , Cibrián-Jaramillo Angélica
Published: March 2017

Cycads are the only early seed plants that have evolved a specialized root to host endophytic bacteria that fix nitrogen. To provide evolutionary and functional insights into this million-year old symbiosis, we investigate endophytic bacterial sub-communities isolated from coralloid roots of species fromDioon(Zamiaceae) sampled from their natural habitats. We employed a sub-community co-culture experimental strategy to reveal both predominant and rare bacteria, which were characterized using phylogenomics and detailed metabolic annotation. Diazotrophic plant endophytes, includingBradyrhizobium, Burkholderia, Mesorhizobium, Nostoc, andRhizobiumspecies, dominated the epiphyte-free sub-communities. Draft genomes of six cyanobacteria species were obtained after shotgun metagenomics of selected sub-communities and used for whole-genome inferences that suggest twoDioon-specific monophyletic groups and a level of specialization characteristic of co-evolved symbiotic relationships. In agreement with this, the genomes of these cyanobacteria were found to encode unique biosynthetic gene clusters, predicted to direct the synthesis of specialized metabolites, mainly involving peptides. After combining genome mining with metabolite profiling using multiphoton excitation fluorescence microscopy, we also show thatCaulobacterspecies co-exist with cyanobacteria, and may interact with them by means of a novel indigoidine-like specialized metabolite. We provide an unprecedented view of the composition of the cycad coralloid root, including phylogenetic and functional patterns mediated by specialized metabolites that may be important for the evolution of ancient symbiotic adaptations.
DNA-dependent protein synthesis exhibited by cancer shed particulates
Authors: Ulaganathan Vijay K. , Ullrich Axel
Published: March 2017

Genetic heterogeneity in tumours is the bonafide hallmark applicable to all cancer types (Burrell et al, 2013). Furthermore, deregulated ribosome biogenesis and elevated protein biosynthesis have been consistently associated with multiple cancer types (Ruggero, 2012; Ruggero & Pandolfi, 2003). We observed that under cultivation conditions almost all cancer cell types actively shed significant amount of particulates as compared to non-malignant cell lines requiring frequent changing of cultivation media. We therefore asked if cancer cell shed particulates might still retain biological activity associated with protein biosynthesis. Here, we communicate our observations of DNA-dependent protein biosynthetic activity exhibited by the cell-free particulates shed by the cancer cell lines. Using pulsed isotope labelling approach we confirmed the cell-free protein translation activity exhibited by particulates shed by various cancer cell lines. Interestingly, the bioactivity was largely dependent on temperature, pH and on 3’-DNA elements. Our results demonstrate that cancer shed particulates are biologically active and may potentially drive expression of tissue non-specific promoters in distant organs.
Combinatorial DNA methylation codes at repetitive elements
Authors: Papin Christophe , Ibrahim Abdulkhaleg , Gras Stéphanie Le , Velt Amandine , Stoll Isabelle , Jost Bernard , Menoni Hervé , Bronner Christian , Dimitrov Stefan , Hamiche Ali
Published: March 2017

DNA methylation is an essential epigenetic modification, present in both unique DNA sequences and repetitive elements, but its exact function in repetitive elements remains obscure. Here, we describe the genome-wide comparative analysis of the 5mC, 5hmC, 5fC, and 5caC profiles of repetitive elements in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and mouse embryonic stem cells. We provide evidence for distinct and highly specific DNA methylation/oxidation patterns of the repetitive elements in both cell types, which mainly affect CA repeats and evolutionarily conserved mouse-specific transposable elements including IAP-LTRs, SINEs B1m/B2m, and L1Md-LINEs. DNA methylation controls the expression of these retroelements, which are clustered at specific locations in the mouse genome. We show that TDG is implicated in the regulation of their unique DNA methylation/oxidation signatures and their dynamics. Our data suggest the existence of a novel epigenetic code for the most recently acquired evolutionarily conserved repeats that could play a major role in cell differentiation.
9-(1H-Benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1H,5H-pyrido[3,2,1-ij]quinoline
Authors: González Gerardo García , Unnamatla M. V. Basavanag
Published: March 2017

The title compound, C19H19N3, is a 2-heteroaryl benzimidazole derivative obtained through a straightforward and efficient protocol starting from julolidine-9-carbaldehyde and 1,2-phenylendiamine. The mean planes of the heterocyclic moieties in the molecule, benzimidazole and julolidine, form a dihedral angle of 40.9 (1)°. In the crystal, N—H...N hydrogen bonds link the imidazole rings, forming chains along the c-axis direction.
Corrosion of copper exposed to Zhanjiang and Zhuhai atmospheric environments
Authors: Su Wei , Lv Wangyan , Liu Zhengchun , Zhang Zengguang
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper was to study the initial corrosion behavior of copper in the substations of Zhanjiang and Zhuhai.

Design/methodology/approach

The copper exposed at the substation of Guangdong coastal region in southern China for up to 12 months. The rust layer formed on the copper has been examined by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray energy spectrum, X-ray diffraction and electrochemical polarization techniques.

Findings

The corrosion weight loss of copper at Zhanjiang exposure site is a little more serious than that at Zhuhai exposure site in every exposure period. The corrosion products of copper have different changes in color and composition at the two exposure sites. The tensile strength of copper has a slight decrease after one-year exposure.

Originality/value

The atmospheric exposure experiments of copper in the substations of Zhanjiang and Zhuhai have been adopted for the first time. The corrosion behavior of copper was investigated, and it can provide reference for material selection of the substation.
Performance of Ni–Cu–ZrO2nanocomposite coatings fabricated by electrodeposition technique
Authors: Abdel Hamid Z. , El-Etre A.Y. , Fareed M.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the incorporated zirconia (ZrO2) nanoparticles on the performance of the deposited layer Ni–Cu alloy on steel sheet.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim was to produce Ni–Cu–ZrO2nanocomposite coatings by electrodeposition technique and estimate the influence of ZrO2 nanoparticles on the performance of Ni–Cu alloy. The surface morphologies and chemical compositions of the deposited layers were assessed using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, respectively. Nanoindentation was used as a well-advanced technique for measuring microhardness and Young’s modulus values of different coatings. The corrosion resistance in 3.5 per cent NaCl solution of electrodeposited films has been investigated.

Findings

The main conclusion is that the surface morphologies of Ni–Cu–ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings were fine granular compared with Ni–Cu alloy. The corrosion behavior illustrated that the incorporation of ZrO2nanoparticles with Ni–Cu film improved the corrosion resistance. Significant improvement was also demonstrated in the hardness of nanocomposite coatings.

Social implications

The optimized industrial use of steel-coated Ni–Cu alloy with super properties. Consequently, a social benefit can be associated with the reduction in the corrosion rate and increases the microhardness and Young’s modulus.

Originality/value

The results presented in this work are an insight into understanding the incorporation of ceramic reinforcement with metal or alloy films (matrix) on carbon steel using the electrodeposition technique. The development of corrosion resistance of Ni–Cu alloys has been considered as a promising behavior. In this work, a consistent assessment of the results achieved on laboratory scale has been conducted.
Mediating effects of students’ social bonds between self-esteem and customer citizenship behaviour in the context of international university branch campuses
Authors: Tan VieMing , Quoquab Farzana , Ahmad Fauziah Sh. , Mohammad Jihad
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer empirical evidence on the role of self-esteem and social bonding in explaining citizenship behaviour of students at international university branch campuses (IBCs).

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 400 students from four IBCs in Malaysia was administered in a questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS and partial least squares 3.0.

Findings

This research demonstrates that students’ self-esteem and social bonds have positive direct effects on customer citizenship behaviour (CCB). Moreover, self-esteem has an indirect effect on CCB via intervening of attachment, commitment and involvement of social bonds.

Research limitations/implications

CCB of IBC students can be explained by self-consistency theory via mediation of social bonds from social bonding theory.

Practical implications

To encourage CCB in IBCs, university management should target students who have high self-esteem, closely tied to parents and lecturers, committed to university, highly involved in co-curricular activities and comply with university regulations.

Originality/value

Greater understanding of students’ citizenship behaviour may help transnational universities to improve relationship marketing strategy and enhance students’ campus experience.
Cosmopolitanism and ethnocentrism among young consumers in emerging Asia
Authors: Han C. Min
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how consumer cosmopolitanism (COS) and consumer ethnocentrism (CET) may affect young populations in China (an emerging country) and Korea (an advanced emerging country) on their evaluations of Japanese brands.

Design/methodology/approach

The author hypothesize that the levels and the effects of COS and CET will differ between China and Korea because of their differing levels of economic development and globalization. Surveys were conducted with 311 Chinese and Korean young individuals with comparable sample characteristics.

Findings

The research reveals a few interesting findings. First, the findings show that Chinese young consumers may be more ethnocentric and moderately less cosmopolitan than their Korean counterparts. Additionally, COS was found to have greater effects on evaluations of Japanese brands in China than in Korea. On the other hand, CET played a subdued role in brand evaluations for both countries.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that COS and CET may have reduced influences on future consumers in emerging Asia and other emerging countries as they experience increasing globalization.

Originality/value

This study addresses an under-researched issue of how consumer values may change in emerging Asia experiencing rapid economic development and globalization.
Importance of acquiring knowledge through feedback in an emerging industry
Authors: Duarte Alonso Abel , Alexander Nevil
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of feedback in developing and operationalising knowledge from the perspective of craft brewing operators. The study contributes to various literature streams, including marketing and craft brewing entrepreneurship. An additional contribution is made through the adoption of the knowledge-based theory of the firm, and the SECI process to facilitate understanding of the significance of knowledge in the craft brewing industry.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire was designed to gather data from mainly micro and small craft brewery operators. Of the 110 craft breweries identified across Australia, 57 (51.8 per cent) participated. The predominantly qualitative data were analysed using content analysis and word association.

Findings

The importance of knowledge acquisition for craft brewery firms was revealed in various ways. For example, respondents most favoured new knowledge to learn about quality issues and perceptions of quality among buyers/consumers. Further, acquired knowledge through feedback was a determinant factor in participants’ decision to produce particular styles of beers. Several alignments with the adopted theoretical frameworks were revealed, including the role of socialisation (SECI process) illustrated through the transformation of explicit into tacit knowledge.

Originality/value

The study examines the dimension of knowledge in the craft brewing industry, which, although considerably developing, continues to be underresearched. Furthermore, the study’s findings underline various important implications for the craft brewing industry, suppliers, and for end consumers. The study also proposes a refinement of both the RBTF and the SECI process based on the findings.
E-fulfillment dimensions and its influence on customers in e-tailing: a critical review
Authors: Jain Nikunj Kumar , Gajjar Hasmukh , Shah Bhavin J. , Sadh Ashish
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the dimensions of the e-fulfillment process and its influence on customers in pure e-tailing; to classify the pertinent literature that has evolved over time addressing relevant managerial issues; and to identify the gaps between the practices prevalent in the e-fulfillment and those suggested by academicians to develop insights for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical systemic literature review approach was used for the study with quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Findings

The authors identified seven dimensions of e-fulfillment in the literature on pure e-tailing: e-business quality, product quality, pricing, availability, timeliness, condition and ease of return and explored its linkages with shopping satisfaction and repurchase intention of customers in e-tailing.

Research limitations/implications

The study was skewed toward an empirical approach. The study does not include many of the analytical models in this space.

Practical implications

This study helps e-tailers, academicians and practitioners understand critical dimensions of e-fulfillment and its influence on customers in the pure e-tailing setting in order to design customer-centric e-fulfillment architecture.

Originality/value

The study identified seven dimensions of e-fulfillment in the literature and explored its influence on shopping satisfaction and repurchase intention of customers in pure e-tailing. This is the first compilation of standalone/isolated studies available in the literature to provide e-tailers and academicians meaningful insights into e-fulfillment in the pure e-tailing setting.
Exploring the dynamic capabilities required for servitization
Authors: Kanninen Tiina , Penttinen Esko , Tinnilä Markku , Kaario Kari
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine what kinds of capabilities are required by process industry companies as they move toward servitization. The authors proceed in two steps. First, the authors explore the capabilities needed in servitization with a qualitative multiple case study. Second, the authors link the identified capabilities to the servitization steps that were derived from prior literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on earlier servitization literature, the authors build a five-step servitization model for industrial companies. Then, drawing on the empirical study consisting of three focus group sessions with three case companies and 20 interviews in 14 case companies, the authors identify 14 servitization capabilities and link them to the servitization steps.

Findings

The study reveals how dynamic capabilities are required in servitization. In contrast to operational capabilities, which are geared toward enabling firms to make a living in the present, dynamic capabilities extend or modify operational capabilities in response to market changes. Based on the empirical study, the authors were able to identify dynamic capabilities for all five steps of servitization: identification of current services and customer needs, determination of a service strategy, creation of new business models and pricing logics, improvements in capabilities, and, ultimately, management services as a separate function.

Research limitations/implications

The current study is exploratory in nature and the number of empirical observations is limited to 14 industrial companies operating in the process industry.

Practical implications

Most importantly, in servitization, companies need dynamic capabilities to transform their operating capabilities in sales and marketing as well as in quantifying and communicating the value created for customers.

Originality/value

The study is the first one to make a link between the capabilities needed and the various stages of servitization and also the first to study the specific context of process industry companies.
The prioritization and categorization method (PCM) process evaluation at Ericsson: a case study
Authors: Ohlsson Jens , Han Shengnan , Bouwman Harry
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate and evaluate the prioritization and categorization method (PCM), which facilitates the active participation of process stakeholders (managers, owners, customers) in process assessments. Stakeholders evaluate processes in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and relevance against certain contextual business and industry factors. This collective evaluation serves as a foundation for the management decision-making process regarding process improvement and redesign.

Design/methodology/approach

The PCM is examined based on a case study at Ericsson. In total, 55 stakeholders, representing different organizational levels and functions, assessed eight core processes. Follow-up interviews and feedback after the evaluation sessions were collected for triangulation purpose.

Findings

The PCM helps Ericsson evaluate its processes within business context and industry environments. The results show that, to realize seamless end-to-end processes in the eight assessed processes, Ericsson has to make a greater effort to improve its process structures, governance and culture for fulfilling the needs of future business. Ericsson Steering Group is satisfied with the insights provided and has decided to train more stakeholders to use PCM.

Research limitations/implications

This research is based on a single case within a specific organizational setting. The results may not be necessary generalizable to other business and industry settings. Organizations need to configure PCM in consideration of their own processes and business contingencies to explore and fulfil their process improvement purposes.

Originality/value

This paper presents a new context-aware, easy-to-use and holistic method for business process management (BPM), the PCM. The method requires the active engagement of stakeholders, it focusses on developing dynamic BPM capabilities and fully embeds organizational contingencies and contextual factors in the decision-making regarding BPM. This paper contributes a novel method to explorative BPM.
Visual management in highways construction and maintenance in England
Authors: Tezel Algan , Aziz Zeeshan
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current visual management (VM) practices in highways construction projects in England.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a comprehensive literature review, the research topic was investigated by using five case studies and focus groups.

Findings

The main findings are the current implementation of VM is limited, particularly on the construction field, there are some identified points (suggestions) that require attention to disseminate and advance the current practices further many conventional and Building Information Modelling (BIM)-based opportunities to extend the current VM implementations exist for the sector.

Originality/value

The highways construction and maintenance sector in England has been systematically deploying lean construction techniques in its operations for a while. One of those lean techniques is a close-range visual communication strategy called VM. The literature on the VM implementation in construction is scarce and generally limited to the building construction context. This paper documents the current industry practice in conventional and BIM-based VM and identifies a set of recommendations and some VM ideas for future implementation efforts in the highways construction and maintenance sector.
Rent-seeking behavior of BIM- and IPD-based construction project in China
Authors: Mei Tingting , Wang Qiankun , Xiao Yaping , Yang Mi
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the rent-seeking behavior of stakeholders in construction projects and to provide a reference for further studies on collaboration in China, which could thus improve the collaborative management in construction and reduce the waste of resources.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors discuss and analyze the current situation of rent-seeking behavior in infrastructure construction projects, integrated project delivery (IPD), and the application of a building information model (BIM) in China. The authors analyze the collusive behavior between the supervision department and the contractor via the rent-seeking model on the basis of the game theory and present that BIM and IPD have a positive impact on rent-seeking activities of construction projects. The key factors influencing the rent-seeking activities from the perspective of the owner are studied via a questionnaire survey.

Findings

The research status of IPD in China includes the application of IPD, IPD collaborative management and the combination of lean construction (LC), IPD and BIM. The enthusiasm of the adoption of BIM and IPD is higher for design institute, construction units, research institutions and universities. The findings indicate that the owner appears to have a significant influence on stakeholders in construction projects, such as supervising efficiency, rewards and punishment. Therefore, the results also demonstrate that the construction project based on BIM and IPD can effectively avoid the rent-seeking activities of the participants.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are primarily based on questionnaire data originated from Central China; hence there are some limitations that are worth noting.

Practical implications

First, it provides compelling data evidence for the adoption of BIM and IPD in China. Second, it paves a solid foundation for the behavior of stakeholders in construction projects based on BIM and IPD.

Originality/value

In this paper, a game model of contractor, supervisor and owner is established, and a preliminary attempt is made to introduce BIM and IPD into the model for the behavioral research of participants.