bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local Excision Techniques for Rectal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy: What Are We Doing?
Authors: Smith Fraser McLean , Ahad Abdul , Perez Rodrigo Oliva , Marks John , Bujko Krzysztof , Heald Richard J.
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND:

Recent evidence shows that the majority of rectal cancers demonstrate occult tumor scatter after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy that can extend for several centimeters under adjacent normal-appearing mucosa beside the residual mucosal abnormality or scar.

OBJECTIVE:

This systematic review aimed to determine all of the published selection criteria and technical descriptions for local excision to date with regard to this phenomenon.

DATA SOURCES:

PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase were searched using the following key words: rectal cancer, local excision, radiotherapy, and neoadjuvant.

STUDY SELECTION:

Studies that assessed local excision of rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy were included. Duplicate series were excluded from final analysis.

INTERVENTION:

All of the data points were tabulated and analyzed using Microsoft Excel.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Criteria for patient selection, surgical technique, clinical restaging, pathologic assessment, and indications for completion surgery were analyzed.

RESULTS:

After exclusions, data from 25 studies that in total evaluated local excision in 1001 patients were included. Compared with the single accepted technique of total mesorectal excision, described techniques for local excision after neoadjuvant therapy demonstrate significant variability in many critical technical issues, such as marking/tattooing original tumor margins before neoadjuvant therapy, using pretreatment tumor size/stage as exclusion criteria, and specifically stating lateral excision margins. Where detailed, the majority of local recurrences occurred in patients with clear pathological margins, yet significant variation existed for pathological assessment and reporting, with few studies detailing R status and some not reporting margin status at all. Significant variability also existed for adverse tumor features that mandated completion surgery, and, importantly, many series describe patients refusing completion surgery where indicated.

LIMITATIONS:

We were unable to perform meta-analysis because studies lacked sufficient methodologic homogeneity to synthesize.

CONCLUSIONS:

The observations from this study prompt additional study, standardization of technique, and cautious use of local excision of rectal cancer in the setting of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.
Validation of MRI and Surgical Decision Making to Predict a Complete Resection in Pelvic Exenteration for Recurrent Rectal Cancer
Authors: Brown Wendy E. , Koh Cherry E. , Badgery-Parker Tim , Solomon Michael J.
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND:

The main predictor of long-term survival in patients with recurrent rectal cancer is surgical resection with a clear resection margin. MRI plays a role in patient selection and surgical planning.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to validate MRI in determining pelvic involvement by comparing MRI to histological outcomes, to assess the effect of MRI on surgical planning by comparing MRI findings with the surgical procedure, and to compare MRI anatomical involvement with resection outcome to assess if MRI can predict a clear resection margin.

DESIGN:

Retrospective study reviewing prepelvic exenteration MRI and correlating organ, involving an MRI with pathological involvement and surgical outcomes.

SETTINGS:

Single quaternary referral center with a special interest in pelvic exenteration.

PATIENTS:

The patients included 40 men and 22 women with median age of 60 years who had locally recurrent rectal cancer.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

The accuracy of MRI as measured using sensitivity and specificity by correlating MRI involvement with pathological involvement was the primary outcome measured.

RESULTS:

Recurrence in the anterior and central compartments was identified with accuracy on MRI and was likely to be associated with clear resection margins. MRI was less accurate at determining pelvic sidewall involvement. Lateral recurrence, high sacral, and nerve involvement were more likely to be associated with a positive resection margin. Sensitivity and specificity for pelvic sidewall structures was 46% and 91%. Involvement of nerve roots (60%–69%) and the upper sacrum (80%) on MRI was more likely to predict a positive resection margin than involvement of major pelvic viscera (22%).

LIMITATIONS:

This study was limited by its retrospective nature.

CONCLUSIONS:

MRI findings can be used to help predict resection margin. Prospective work with MRI interpretation and close correlation and involvement by pathologists is needed to address imaging and surgical limitations at the pelvic sidewall and high posterior margin.
Gynecologic Surgery: Preoperative Assessment With Ultrasound
Authors: STADTMAUER LAUREL , SHAH AKHIL
Published: January 2017

Ultrasonography, especially 3D, is essential in the diagnosis and preoperative evaluation of gynecologic surgeries and is important in surgical planning and counseling of patients. In addition, it is useful during hysteroscopic procedures, particularly difficult Asherman syndrome cases, resection of transverse vaginal septum, and treatment of hematometria. 3D ultrasound is especially helpful for fibroid mapping as the simultaneous visualization of the endometrium and myometrium with the coronal view is possible, it can be done by the gynecologist and at a lower cost than an magnetic resonance imaging. The ability to visualize with ultrasound during surgery may reduce complications and eliminate the use of laparoscopy.
Obtaining a History of Childhood Traumatic Brain Injury Using the Ohio State University TBI Identification Method to Elicit Adult Recall
Authors: McKinlay Audrey , Corrigan John D. , Bogner Jennifer A. , Horwood L. John
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To investigate the concordance between medically documented childhood traumatic brain injury (TBI) and recall of same by adults aged 35 years.

Participants:

A total of 962 birth cohort members from the Christchurch Health and Development Study available at the 35-year follow-up.

Main Measures:

Childhood TBI information prospectively collected yearly over ages 0 to 15 years as part of the Christchurch Health and Development Study. At age 35 years, cohort members were administered the Ohio State University TBI Identification Method (OSU TBI-ID) to elicit recall of TBIs with loss of consciousness (LOC).

Results:

Ninety-four individuals reported 116 TBI events. Twenty-five TBI events resulting in LOC, 17 (68%) were recalled (true positives) and 8 (32%) were not recalled (false negatives). LOC was incorrectly recalled for 56 events (false positives), but 868 individuals correctly recalled no TBI event (no LOC). A further 35 events were (correctly) recalled for which a TBI had been recorded but no LOC (true negatives; 91.8%).

Implications:

We evaluated the utility of the OSU TBI-ID to identify adult recall of childhood TBI with LOC occurring 19 to 35 years earlier. Most of the cohort accurately reported whether or not they had experienced a medically attended TBI with LOC, indicating that a positive result from the OSU TBI-ID provides useful screening information.
Comparison of Hospital Cornea Retrieval and Voluntary Eye Donation Program in Eye Banking
Authors: Sharma Namrata , Agrawal Nikhil , Maharana Prafulla K. , Agarwal Tushar , Vanathi Murugesan , Vajpayee Rasik B.
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

Comparison of demographic, clinical, microbiological, and utility profile of the corneas obtained through hospital corneal retrieval program (HCRP) and voluntary eye donation (VED) program.

Methods:

Donor corneas retrieved during a 14 months period at National eye bank, India were included in the study. The donor cornea grading was done according to the cornea donor study. The corneal swabs were taken from the donor eyes and were sent for microbiological evaluation. The quality of the donor corneas and their utility was assessed.

Results:

Out of 1,014 donor corneas collected (700 through HCRP, 314 through VED), 455 were of optical grade (91.2% [415/455] through the HCRP and 8.7% [40/455] through the VED). HCRP had a higher proportion of donors in younger age (81.6% vs. 21%, P<0.0001), clear lens (78.6% vs. 66.2%, P<0.0001), and endothelial cell counts of more than2,000 cells per squared millimeter (64.9% vs. 28%, P<0.0001). Higher proportions of corneas in HCRP were used for optical indications (Penetrating keratoplasty, 24.5% vs. 13.3%, P<0.0001 and endothelial keratoplasty, 18.14% vs. 4.14%, P<0.0001). VED had a greater number of corneas found unsuitable for keratoplasty (37.4% vs. 6.4%, P<0.001). Most of the donors in the HCRP belonged to lower socioeconomic status (59.4% vs. 17.9%, P<0.0001). No significant difference was found in the microbial contamination between the two groups.

Conclusions:

Most corneas retrieved through HCRP were of optical grade quality and efforts should be focused on HCRP to reduce the demand-supply deficit in cornea transplantation.
Effect of Overnight Wear Orthokeratology Lenses on Corneal Shape and Tears
Authors: Li Jian , Dong Ping , Liu Hu
Published: January 2017

Objective:

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of the overnight wear orthokeratology (OK) lenses on corneal shape and tear film stability.

Methods:

Forty patients with myopia aged between 11 and 18 years who wore OK lens continuously for more than 1 year were selected. Refractive error (D), corneal curvature, corneal surface regularity index (SRI), tear breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer I test score, and corneal staining were measured at the following time points: 1 week before wearing the OK lens (T0) and 1 week (T1), 1 month (T2), 3 months (T3), 6 months (T4), and 12 months (T5) after wear.

Results:

Compared with T0, the average spherical refractions at other time points had become less myopic, flattens the central cornea, the SRI increased, and the TBUT decreased (P<0.01). All the aforementioned variables became stable at T1. Conversely, results of the Schirmer I test showed no significant changes. The number of patients with a corneal epithelium stained with fluorescein increased; staining was mainly of the grade I type. At each time point, the TBUT in patients with grade I corneal fluorescein staining was significantly lower than in patients with grade 0 staining (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

The overnight wear OK lenses may have decreased the degree of myopia and flattened the cornea while leaving basal tear secretion unaffected; however, the stability of tears decreased, therefore regular follow-ups are recommended.
Laparoscopic Adhesiolysis in Chronic Abdominal Pain
Authors: Paajanen Paavo , Fagerström Anne , Paajanen Hannu
Published: January 2017

Background/Goal:

Intra-abdominal adhesions are probably underdiagnosed cause for chronic abdominal pain. Our aim was to evaluate late (>10 y) effect of laparoscopic adhesiolysis on chronic abdominal pain.

Study:

This was a nonrandomized follow-up study of 68 patients (9 males, 59 females) who suffered chronic abdominal pain. The index operation (laparoscopy and adhesiolysis; n=72 patients) was performed during 1997 to 2001. A quality-of-life questionnaire was asked after the mean follow-up time of 15 years. The hospital records of patients, reoperations for chronic abdominal pain, and full medical history were also reviewed.

Results:

Patients reported that adhesion-related pain was abolished or diminished in 90% during 15-year follow-up, but still 28 (41%) complained about some abdominal symptom. One third of the patients used pain-relieving medication or proton-pump inhibitors to relieve their symptoms. Furthermore, 46 (68%) patients had contacted medical service for reexamination of abdominal discomfort and 16 (24%) were reoperated because of some abdominal disease. When the patients with dense adhesions versus no or minimal adhesions were compared in the long term, no difference in the response of pain was noticed after 15 years of adhesiolysis.

Conclusions:

In carefully selected patients suffering from chronic abdominal pain, the positive effect of laparoscopic adhesiolysis stands beyond 15 years after the surgery. Although the patients reported relief of pain they still had various abdominal symptoms.
Myofibroma in Infancy and Childhood
Authors: Mahajan Priya , Hicks John , Chintagumpala Murali , Venkatramani Rajkumar
Published: January 2017

Myofibromas are rare fibroblastic-myofibroblastic tumors in children. Their biological behavior is unpredictable and spontaneous regressions have been described. This is a retrospective review of clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome of children diagnosed with myofibroma between 1999 and 2013 at Texas Children’s Hospital. The median age at diagnosis of 42 patients was 37 months. Approximately two thirds of the patients were male. The median length of follow-up was 50.5 months (range, 0 to 165 mo). Thirty-eight patients (90%) had solitary lesions; 19 (50%) in the head and neck, 10 (26%) in the limbs, and 9 (24%) in the trunk. Twelve patients underwent a complete surgical resection. Of the 30 patients with positive margins, only 1 had tumor progression. Two patients had multicentric involvement, and 2 patients had generalized disease with visceral involvement. One patient with generalized disease and a progressive maxillary sinus mass was treated with vinblastine and methotrexate chemotherapy followed by complete surgical resection. All patients were alive at last follow-up. Myofibromas of childhood demonstrate clinical variability, and may spontaneously regress. Positive surgical margins do not adversely affect outcome. The rare patient with progressive unresectable disease may benefit from chemotherapy.
The Sickle β-Thalassemia Phenotype
Authors: Adekile Adekunle D. , Akbulut Nagihan , Azab Asmaa F. , Al-Sharida Sundus , Thomas Diana
Published: January 2017

Sβ-thalassemia (Sβ-thal) is common among Gulf Arab patients with sickle cell disease, but the phenotype of this group had not been well-documented. We have studied a group of Kuwaiti patients and compared the phenotype in the homozygotes (SS) and Sβ-thal patients. Complete blood count, hemoglobin quantitation, serum bilirubin, and lactate dehydrogenase were determined with standard techniques. The patients were screened for α-globin genotype. The Sβ-thal patients were also screened for the HBG2 Xmn-1 polymorphism. β-Thal mutations were determined by arrayed primer extension or direct sequencing. There were 70 SS and 32 Sβ-thal patients with mean ages of 14.8±5.9 and 14.2±5.9 years, respectively. The Sβ-thal patients had more frequent, severe pain episodes per year compared with the SS, while the patterns among Sβ0-thal and Sβ+-thal patients were not significantly different. There were no differences in the frequencies of acute chest syndrome, gallstones, and blood transfusion in the SS and Sβ-thal patients. However, none of the Sβ+-thal patients had been transfused. Among the Sβ-thal patients, 25 had β0-thal and 7 had β+-thal mutations, the most common being cd39 (C→T) and IVS-I-110 (G→A), respectively. Sβ-thal shows a severe phenotype in Kuwait, even among those with Sβ+-thal, in whom the IVS-I-110 (G→A) mutation is predominant.
Early-Life Trauma in Hospitalized Patients With Mood Disorders and Its Association With Clinical Outcomes
Authors: PARSAIK AJAY K. , ABDELGAWAD NOHA , CHOTALIA JIGAR K. , LANE SCOTT D. , PIGOTT TERESA A.
Published: January 2017

Background:

The prevalence of childhood trauma and its impact on clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with mood disorders is unknown. We studied the frequency of childhood trauma among inpatient adults with mood disorders and its association with clinical outcomes.

Methods:

Patients admitted to our hospital with a primary diagnosis of mood disorders completed the short form of the Early Trauma Inventory–Self-Report (ETISR-SF), the Sheehan Disability Scale, and the Clinician-Rated Dimensions of Psychosis Symptom Severity scale. A regression model adjusted for multiple comparisons was used to examine the association between scores on the ETISR-SF and clinical outcomes.

Results:

Subjects were 167 patients, all of whom reported ≥1 types of childhood trauma: 90% general trauma, 75% physical abuse, 71% emotional abuse, 50% sexual abuse, and 35% all 4 types of abuse. The subtypes of abuse did not differ by sex or race. Diagnoses in the sample were bipolar disorder 56%, major depressive disorder 24%, schizoaffective disorder 14%, and substance-induced mood disorder 5%. The mean age in the sample was 35±11.5 years, 53% were male, and 64% also had substance abuse disorders. Higher scores on the ETISR-SF were associated with longer hospital stays [odds ratio (OR)=1.13; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05-1.22], and greater disruption of work/school life (OR=1.12; 95% CI, 1.04-1.21). There was also a trend for higher ETISR-SF scores to be associated with more severe psychotic symptoms (OR=1.13; 95% CI, 1.01-1.27) and more disruption in social (OR=1.14; 95% CI, 1.06-1.22) and family life (OR=1.09; 95% CI, 1.02-1.17).

Conclusion:

Childhood trauma was reported by all of the 167 patients, with general trauma the most common and approximately half reporting sexual abuse. Childhood trauma was associated with poor clinical outcomes. Early recognition of trauma and trauma-related therapeutic interventions may improve outcomes.
Sensory Hypersensitivity Predicts Reduced Sleeping Quality in Patients With Major Affective Disorders
Authors: ENGEL-YEGER BATYA , GONDA XENIA , WALKER MUFFY , RIHMER ZOLTAN , POMPILI MAURIZIO , AMORE MARIO , SERAFINI GIANLUCA
Published: January 2017

The goal of this study was to examine the sensory profile (expressed as hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity) of patients with major affective disorders and its relative contribution to the prediction of sleep quality while considering affective temperaments and depression, which may impact sleep quality. We recruited 176 participants (mean age, 47.3 y), of whom 56.8% had a diagnosis of unipolar major depressive disorder and 43.2% a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Reduced sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Affective temperaments were assessed using the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego. Sensory hypersensitivity, assessed using the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, significantly distinguished between poor and good sleepers. Sleep quality was mainly predicted by the Beck Depression Inventory-II total score and anxious temperament. Sensory hypersensitivity contributed to this prediction mainly with regard to sleep efficiency and related daytime dysfunction.
Optimal homotopy analysis of a chaotic HIV-1 model incorporating AIDS-related cancer cells
Authors: Duarte Jorge , Januário Cristina , Martins Nuno , Ramos C. Correia , Rodrigues Carla , Sardanyès Josep
Published: January 2017

The studies of nonlinear models in epidemiology have generated a deep interest in gaining insight into the mechanisms that underlie AIDS-related cancers, providing us with a better understanding of cancer immunity and viral oncogenesis. In this article, we analyse an HIV-1 model incorporating the relations between three dynamical variables: cancer cells, healthyCD4+ T lymphocytes and infectedCD4+ T lymphocytes. Recent theoretical investigations indicate that these cells interactions lead to different dynamical outcomes, for instance to periodic or chaotic behavior. Firstly, we analytically prove the boundedness of the trajectories in the system’s attractor. The complexity of the coupling between the dynamical variables is quantified using observability indices. Our calculations reveal that the highest observable variable is the population of cancer cells, thus indicating that these cells could be monitored in future experiments in order to obtain time series for attractor’s reconstruction. We identify different dynamical behaviors of the system varying two biologically meaningful parameters:r1, representing the uncontrolled proliferation rate of cancer cells, andk1, denoting the immune system’s killing rate of cancer cells. The maximum Lyapunov exponent is computed to identify the chaotic regimes. Considering very recent developments in the literature related to the homotopy analysis method (HAM), we construct the explicit series solution of the cancer model and focus our analysis on the dynamical variable with the highest observability index. An optimal homotopy analysis approach is used to improve the computational efficiency of HAM by means of appropriate values for the convergence control parameter, which greatly accelerate the convergence of the series solution.
D-Alanine esterification of teichoic acids contributes toLactobacillus plantarummediated intestinal peptidase expression andDrosophilagrowth promotion upon chronic undernutrition
Authors: Matos Renata C. , Gervais Hugo , Joncour Pauline , Schwarzer Martin , Gillet Benjamin , Martino Maria Elena , Courtin Pascal , Hughes Sandrine , Chapot-Chartier Marie-Pierre , Leulier François
Published: January 2017

The microbial environment influence animal physiology. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of such functional interactions are largely undefined. Previously, we showed that upon chronic undernutrition, strains ofLactobacillus plantarum, a dominant commensal partner ofDrosophila, promote host juvenile growth and maturation partly via enhanced expression of intestinal peptidases. By screening a transposon insertion library ofLactobacillus plantarumin gnotobioticDrosophilalarvae, we identify a bacterial cell wall modifying machinery encoded by thepbpX2-dltXABCDoperon that is critical to enhance host digestive capabilities and promote growth and maturation. Deletion of this operon leads to bacterial cell wall alteration with a complete loss of teichoic acids D-alanylation. We thus conclude that teichoic acids modifications participate in commensal-host interactions and specifically, D-alanine esterification of teichoic acids contributes to optimalL. plantarummediated intestinal peptidase expression andDrosophilajuvenile growth upon chronic undernutrition.

Highlights

-LpNC8mutant library screening identifies genes affectingDrosophilagrowth promotion.

-pbpX2-dltoperon is required for D-alanylation of teichoic acids andDrosophilagrowth.

- Deleting thepbpX2-dltoperon alters host intestinal peptidase expression.

- Peptidoglycan andpbpX2-dltdependent signals are required forLpNC8mediated growth promotion.

eTOC blurb

Animals establish interactions with their microbial communities that shape many aspects of their physiology including juvenile growth. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely undefined. Matoset al.reveal that bacterial teichoic acids modifications contribute to host juvenile growth promotion.
Pharmacogenetic testing through the direct-to-consumer genetic testing company 23andMe
Authors: Lu Mengfei , Lewis Cathryn M. , Traylor Matthew
Published: January 2017

Background

Rapid advances in scientific research have led to an increase in public awareness of genetic testing and pharmacogenetics. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing companies, such as 23andMe, allow consumers to access their genetic information directly through an online service without the involvement of healthcare professionals. Here, we evaluate the clinical relevance of such pharmacogenetic tests reported by 23andMe.

Methods

The research papers listed under each 23andMe report were evaluated, extracting information on effect size, sample size and ethnicity. A wider literature search was performed to provide a fuller assessment of the pharmacogenetic test and variants were matched to FDA recommendations. Additional evidence from CPIC guidelines, PharmGKB, and Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group was reviewed to determine current clinical practice. The value of the tests across ethnic groups was determined, including information on linkage disequilibrium between the tested SNP and causal pharmacogenetic variant, where relevant.

Results

23andMe offers 12 pharmacogenetic tests, some of which are in standard clinical practice, and others which are less widely applied. The clinical validity and clinical utility varies extensively between tests. The variants tested are likely to have different degrees of sensitivity due to different risk allele frequencies and linkage disequilibrium patterns across populations. The clinical relevance depends on the ethnicity of the individual and variability of pharmacogenetic markers. Further research is required to determine causal variants and provide more complete assessment of drug response and side effects.

Conclusion

23andMe reports provide some useful pharmacogenetics information, mirroring clinical tests that are in standard use. Other tests are unspecific, providing limited guidance and may not be useful for patients without professional interpretation. Nevertheless, DTC companies like 23andMe act as a powerful intermediate step to integrate pharmacogenetic testing into clinical practice.
Selectivity matters: rules of thumb for management of plate-sized, sex-changing fish in the live reef food fish trade
Authors: Kindsvater Holly K. , Reynolds John D. , Sadovy de Mitcheson Yvonne , Mangel Marc
Published: January 2017

Effective management of fisheries depends on the selectivity of different fishing methods, control of fishing effort, and the life history and mating system of the target species. For sex-changing species, it is unclear how the truncation of age structure or selection of specific size or age classes (by fishing for specific markets) affects population dynamics. We specifically address the consequences of plate-sized selectivity, whereby sub-mature, ‘plate-sized’ fish are preferred in the live reef food fish trade. We use an age-structured model to investigate the decline and recovery of populations fished with three different selectivity scenarios (asymptotic, dome-shaped, and plate-sized) applied to two sexual systems (female-first hermaphroditism and gonochorism). We parameterized our model with life-history data from Brown-marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) and Napoleon fish (Cheilinus undulatus). ‘Plate-sized’ selectivity had the greatest negative effect on population trajectories, assuming accumulated fishing effort across ages was equal, while the relative effect of fishing on biomass was greatest with low natural mortality. Fishing such sex-changing species before maturation decreased egg production (and the spawning potential ratio) in two ways: average individual size decreased, and, assuming plasticity, females became males at a smaller size. Somatic growth rate affected biomass if selectivity was based on size-at-age because in slow growers, a smaller proportion of total biomass was vulnerable to fishing. We recommend fisheries avoid taking individuals near their maturation age, regardless of mating system, unless catch is tightly controlled. We also discuss the implications of fishing post-settlement individuals on population dynamics and offer practical management recommendations.
(6-Fluoro-2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl)methyl diethylcarbamodithioate
Authors: El-Khatatneh Nasseem , Chandra  , Rajesh B. M. , Kumar Shamantha , Doreswamy B. H. , Mahendra M.
Published: January 2017

The title compound, C15H16FNO2S2, crystallizes with two independent molecules (A and B) in the asymmetric unit. They differ essentially in the orientation of the ethyl groups. The chromene rings are planar (r.m.s. deviations = 0.013 Å for both molecules), with the maximum deviation from the ring planes being 0.014 (2) and 0.018 (2) Å for atoms C9A and C9B, respectively. The mean plane of the chromene ring makes dihedral angles of 80.01 (7) and 76.97 (8)° with the carbamodithioate moiety [(N—C(=S)—S] of molecules A and B, respectively. In the crystal, the two molecules are linked by C—H...S hydrogen bonds, forming a ladder-like arrangement propagating along the a-axis direction. Within the ladders there are offset π–π interactions involving the coumarins rings of the B molecules [intercentroid distances vary from 3.705 (2) to 3.860 (1) Å]. Neighbouring ladders are linked via offset π–π interactions involving the coumarins rings of the A molecules [intercentroid distances vary from 3.539 (1) to 3.601 (1) Å]. These latter interactions lead to the formation of layers parallel to the ac plane.
trans-Diaquabis(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,4-dionato-κ2
O,O′)cobalt(II) dihydrate
Authors: Tominaga Takumi , Mochida Tomoyuki
Published: January 2017

The CoII atom in the mononuclear title compound, [Co(C5HF6O2)2(H2O)2]·2H2O, is situated on an inversion centre and exhibits a slightly distorted octahedral coordination sphere. In the crystal, molecules are arranged in layers parallel to (100), held together by O—H...O and O—H...F hydrogen bonds.
US foreign trade zones and import intensity examining determinants of import intensity in US foreign trade zones
Authors: Seyoum Belay
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate the effects of several determinants of firm import intensity in US foreign trade zones (FTZs). Even though the major objective for the establishment of US FTZs is to encourage exports by facilitating the duty-free entry of imports, US firms have used it as a gateway to import goods into the US market. Currently, over 90 per cent of US FTZ output is consumed in the USA. The author examines the major determinants for such import intensity in US FTZs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a survey that was conducted to explore the factors that influence import intensity of firms operating in US FTZs.

Findings

The findings reveal that besides export orientation of firms, the most promising predictors of import intensity of firms operating in USA FTZs are the policy environment in the form of inverted tariff benefits and firm business strategy.

Practical implications

The findings are important for managers presently operating in US FTZs or intend to do so in future.

Originality/value

Even though there are numerous studies on free trade zones and exports, this is the first study to examine the import intensity of US FTZs and their determinants.
Export barriers as liabilities: near perfect substitutes
Authors: Kahiya Eldrede T.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This study aims to use analogical reasoning to draw a conceptual link between liabilities in International Business (IB) and export barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a review of 130 articles on export barriers, the study develops and applies a “liabilities” metonymy to connect the source construct (liabilities in the IB) and target subject (export barriers).

Findings

Liabilities in the IB map to export barriers, and the concepts of liability of foreignness, liability of outsidership, liability of newness and liability of smallness can substitute export barriers.

Practical implications

Adoption of metonymy creates new opportunities for enhancing theory development while offering alternative perspectives regarding coping mechanisms for overcoming export barriers.

Originality/value

This, to the author’s best knowledge, is the first study in the IB to theorize based on metonymy.
Financial reporting quality of target companies and acquirer returns: evidence from Korea
Authors: Lim Joohyun , Lee Jaehong , Chang jinho
Published: January 2017

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the association between financial reporting quality in target companies and acquisition profitability in a sample of 280 acquisitions in South Korea between 2002 and 2011.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using the accruals quality measure developed by McNichols (2002) as a proxy for financial reporting quality, it was found that high-quality financial reporting in target companies is associated with more profitable acquisitions for the acquirer, as measured by the acquirer’s announcement returns.

Findings

– It was found that high-quality financial reporting in target companies is associated with more profitable acquisitions for the acquirer, as measured by the acquirer’s announcement returns. This finding suggests that higher-quality accounting information leads to better decision-making during acquisitions. It was also found that the importance of financial reporting quality increases when information about the target company is scarce. In addition, it was found that the financial reporting quality of target companies is less important when the agency costs of the acquirer are high.

Practical implications

– This analysis also complements several recent papers that examine target firm accounting information and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) returns (Shalev and Martin, 2009; McNichols and Stubben, 2012). By expanding this analysis, the authors help to provide a more complete understanding of how target firm’s accounting quality relates to the valuation of the target company and future expected synergies in M&A deal practice.

Originality/value

– This study is one of a growing body of literature on the relations between financial reporting quality and investment decisions (Bens and Monahan, 2004; Biddle and Hilary, 2006; Hope and Thomas, 2008; McNichols and Stubben, 2008; Biddle et al., 2009; Francis and Martin, 2010). These results extend and generalize the results of prior studies, in that data pertinent to acquisition profitability of M&As in South Korea are used.
The study of patent portfolio strategies of oil shale developers
Authors: Chang Shu-Hao , Chang Hsin-Yuan
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The development of oil shale has become a popular technique in the energy industry in recent years. Although more research attention has been paid to this topic, there are scanty studies on patent portfolios. This study aims to explore this current mainstream technique and the patent portfolios of oil shale developers and investigates the major assignees at present to find the technical development trend of oil shale as a reference for government, policy makers, investors and industrial strategic development.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies correspondence analysis and K-means clustering analysis on data mining and probes into the competitive techniques and strategic groups of the main enterprises in the oil shale industry. In addition, by approval dates, this study analyzes technical directions and the development trends of the current main oil shale enterprises.

Findings

The findings show differences in the enterprises regarding technical positions and patent portfolio strategies.

Originality/value

Differential positioning analysis suggests the relative technical advantages of the various enterprises and evaluates the competition among oil shale enterprises.
Influence research of multi-dimensional tech-innovation behavior on tech-innovation performance
Authors: Zhou Fu-li , Wang Xu , Lin Yun , He Yan-dong , Wu Nan
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the research on the influence of tech-innovation behavior on tech-innovation performance for Chinese manufacturing enterprises. Environmental performance has been taken into consideration with the green manufacturing and sustainability philosophy being a hotspot.

Design/methodology/approach

To verify the hypotheses and assumptions, a questionnaire was designed and a semi-structured interview was conducted for data collection. In addition, structural equation modeling (SEM) is applied to verify the influence model through assessing the fitting indexes based on the 317 questionnaire responses in the form of Likert-type scale.

Findings

Tech-innovation behavior and activity from direction, mode and investment behavior dimensions show their different positive influences on tech-innovation performance. This paper has creatively taken environmental tech-innovation performance into consideration, as well as economic performance. This investigation has provided the interpretation for each individual enterprise from three dimensions when conducting tech-innovation activity.

Research limitations/implications

Tech-innovation behavior, which has been a subject of extended discussion during recent decades, is the effective activity or action for tech-innovation. However, there have not been any studies on the environmental performance influence study, as well as the economic performance from these three dimensions and framework.

Practical implications

As this paper discusses the tech-innovation performance influence study from three dimensions, individual enterprises can choose the corresponding action for the proper tech-innovation path, especially for small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Originality/value

This study helps managers recognize tech-innovation activities for better tech-innovation performance based on the empirical study.
Evaluating Mindset as a Means of Measuring Personal Innovativeness
Authors: Stauffer Dennis A.
Published: January 2017

This article describes the creation and testing of an Innovator Mindset instrument for assessing personal innovativeness, using an Innovativeness Index. Its design is based on the Valuable Novelty Theory of innovation, and expands on that theory by applying it to human behavior and cognition. The design and methodology is explained, along with some of the instrument's theoretical and practical implications for fostering innovation. This is the second of three articles that together describe a hypothetical-deductive approach. The first article A Proposed Cross-Disciplinary Theory of Innovation and Innovativeness Generalized from Innovation Archetypes lays out the Valuable Novelty Theory and the Innovation Cycle. The third article Personal Innovativeness as a Predictor of Entrepreneurial Value Creation uses the instrument described here to predict innovation success.
Introducing Innovation Phase Transition
Authors: Singh Max Diamond , Terzidis Orestis
Published: January 2017

Innovation diffusion points toward how innovations spread into the market after launch. This paper investigates diffusion dynamics at market entry time and proposes a new evolution pattern at the intersection between inventions and innovations. With this in mind, we initially prove that patent filings correlate with new product introductions in the U.S. spine market. Then we test our new theory supposing that certain patent filing threshold numbers accelerate strong economic returns in terms of innovations. We find that firms hitting certain patent filing thresholds significantly increase their product launches in the mentioned market. Moreover, the results seem to indicate that economic returns of inventions may be measured substantially. Thus, this paper suggests a new research area by utilizing our proposed concept about an Innovation Outcome Trigger Value (IOTV). Furthermore, the implications may also be interesting for practitioners, since we empirically prove that inventive activities turn out to be worthwhile, indeed.
Data, information, knowledge and intelligence
Authors: Tang Victor , Yanine Fernando , Valenzuela Lionel
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper is about data, information, knowledge and judgment; their definitions and their parallel cognitive dimensionalities; and it is about their implications in innovation. This paper aims to discuss and illustrate the implications of this cognitive framework on innovation science and on the ability to innovate. To that end, the authors use a progression of examples and cases to identify and discuss new challenges and predicaments in innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors discuss how the development of Chemistry, as a science, inspires this work. But the authors have purposely eschewed examples from mathematics or the natural sciences. Instead, the authors study business examples because they are more readily understood. However, the implications they reveal, on innovation, are no less significant. The explosive volume, complexity and requirements – for data, information, knowledge and intelligence in business – are arguably more messy, demanding and difficult. They are sociotechnical problems of unprecedented scale and qualitative change.

Findings

The authors frame their conclusion as the mega-nano hypothesis, which asserts that problems, at this new scale and qualitative difference, cannot be solved with conventional thinking and tired mental models. They obstruct the ability to innovate and impede creative thinking about theory.

Originality/value

The mega-nano hypothesis is consistent with historical trajectories in scientific development. Namely, when there are mega or nano changes of scale and frame-breaking phenomena, a new science is required to address the new and unprecedented problems that emerge.
Resources and capabilities through the lens of value (co-) creation: a literature review
Authors: França Alexandra , Ferreira João
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Involving customers to create value is an important strategy for firms to compete, satisfy customized demands and gain competitive advantage. This potentially important alternate viewpoint for strategic management aims to widen avenues of business opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

To date in the strategy discipline, profuse research has been undertaken to identify the typology of resources/capabilities that explain firm’s unique competitiveness and superior performance. However, very little research has been undertaken to explain how firms attempt to create customer value, how resources become valuable for customers maximizing benefits and how investments in dynamic capabilities allow the firm to (co) create value. This paper is intended as a contribution to the ongoing conceptual development of resources and capabilities (RC) through the lens of value co-creation and provides initial guidance for future empirical studies.

Findings

The authors organize and integrate the diverse body of past literature relating to RC and, in doing so, develop a synthesized conceptual model. A critical interpretation of previous literature relating to RC and co-creation reveals how little attention has been paid to these connections and what exists is only partial.

Originality/value

The authors develop a first initial constructing of the past theory which is subsequently refined and strengthened into a conceptual model advancing on theoretical development in the field.
Disclosure of sexual orientation in the USA and its consequences in the workplace
Authors: Bonaventura Luigi , Biondo Alessio Emanuele
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Discrimination and hostility in the workplace prevents homosexual workers from performing their core functions on the job. Moreover, it introduces unnecessary costs by increasing absenteeism, lowering productivity, and fostering a less motivated, less entrepreneurial, and less committed workforce. By means of an agent-based model, the authors simulated the effects on unemployment rates of an increasing of sexual orientation (SO) disclosure in the workplaces. The authors tested the effects on workers’ utility, level of job satisfaction and segregation. The results show a complessive improvement of the firms’ performances and a better job satisfaction for undeclared and homosexual workers and employers. With a homosexual employer, the authors can observe an increasing homosexual utility and firm profit, with a low decrease in undeclared utility. Instead, with an undeclared employer, the firm’s profit decreases but the total effect is positive. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

An agent-based model applied.

Findings

Effects of sexual disclosure on unemployment rates, job satisfaction, and job segregation.

Originality/value

The economic literature on SO and job satisfaction is very meager.
Experimental tests and numerical modelling on slender steel columns at high temperatures
Authors: Franssen Jean-Marc , Zhao Bin , Gernay Thomas
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain from experimental tests an insight into the failure mode of slender steel columns subjected to fire. The tests will also be used to validate a numerical model.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of experimental fire tests were conducted on eight full-scale steel columns made of slender I-shaped Class 4 sections. Six columns were made of welded sections (some prismatic and some tapered members), and two columns were made of hot rolled sections. The nominal length of the columns was 2.7 meters with the whole length being heated. The load was applied at ambient temperature after which the temperature was increased under constant load. The load was applied concentrically on some tests and with an eccentricity in other tests. Heating was applied by electrical resistances enclosed in ceramic pads. Numerical simulations were performed with the software SAFIR® using shell elements.

Findings

The tests have allowed determining the appropriate method of application of the electrical heating system for obtaining a uniform temperature distribution in the members. Failure of the columns during the tests occurred by combination of local and global buckling. The numerical model reproduced correctly the failure modes as well as the critical temperatures.

Originality/value

The numerical model that has been validated has been used in subsequent parametric analyses performed to derive design equations to be used in practice. This series of test results can be used by the scientific community to validate their own numerical or analytical models for the fire resistance of slender steel columns.
A modified household economic portfolio model for assessing impact of microfinance using diaries
Authors: Alia Hayyan , Ashta Arvind , Ratsimalahelo Zaka
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Microfinance impact evaluation studies help in discovering client needs which are diverse, special and different from the needs of the conventional bankable clients. Thus, such area of market research is becoming essential for microfinance institutions for designing better client-centred products. In this research, the authors discuss the specific model of household economic portfolio (HEP) for qualitative impact evaluation in microfinance. The paper aims to discuss the complexity limitations of the HEP. Solutions are provided for overcoming these limitations. The modified household economic portfolio (M-HEP) model is simplified and detailed, and two types of diaries are suggested for implementing it.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors briefly review the literature on impact assessment methods in microfinance and on the HEP model. In the second part of the paper, the M-HEP is suggested and discussed in detail. In the third part, the authors present a case study to illustrate the additional information that can be generated by using our suggested research tool and model. Finally, the authors wrap up with a summary of the findings.

Findings

Solutions are provided for overcoming the limitations of the HEP model. The suggested model (M-HEP) is simplified and detailed, and two types of diaries are suggested for implementing it. The case study shows that, certainly, time and money are related. While time may mean money for a rich person, for a poor person, if money is not forthcoming, she may spend time on non-income generating work that adds to her social esteem. She may also consume inexpensive assets because spending time at low cost is important. Finally, she spends time in conducting activities for which she cannot afford to pay.

Originality/value

The paper offers two novelties. First, it details the interactions between the elements of the HEP model of Chen and Dunn. This improvement to the original model is highly important for defining the measures that are required for redrawing the economic portfolio of an individual. The second novelty is in suggesting the collection of time-use and financial daily data. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a combined diary is used in microfinance research. These two novelties allow the application of a modified version of the highly interesting HEP model in spite of its complexity.