bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural, functional and molecular dynamics analysis of cathepsin B gene SNPs associated with tropical calcific pancreatitis, a rare disease of tropics
Authors: Singh Garima , Jayadev MSK , Sharma Rinku , Bhat Basharat , Madhusudhan CH , Singh Ashutosh 
Published: April 2018

AbstractTropical Calcific Pancreatitis (TCP) is a neglected juvenile form of chronic non-alcoholic pancreatitis. Cathepsin B (CTSB), a lysososmal protease involved in cellular degradation process, is recently been studied as a potential candidate gene in the pathogenesis of TCP. According to cathepsin B hypothesis, mutated CTSB can lead to premature intracellular activation of trypsinogen, which is a key regulatory mechanism in pancreatitis. So far, CTSB mutations have been studied in pancreatitis and neurodegenerative disorders but little is known about the structural and functional effect of variants in CTSB. In this study, we investigated the effect of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) associated with TCP, using molecular dynamics and simulation algorithms. There were two non-synonymous variants in the coding region (L26V and S53G) of CTSB, located in the propeptide region. We tried to predict the effect of these variants on structure and function using multiple algorithms: SIFT, Polyphen2, Panther, SDM sever, i-Mutant2.0 suite, mCSM algorithm and Vadar. Further, using databases like miRdbSNP, PolymiRTS and miRNASNP, two SNPs in 3’UTR region were predicted to affect the miRNA binding sites. Structural mutated models of nsSNP mutants (L26V and S53G) were prepared by MODELLER v9.15 and evaluated using TM-Align, Verify 3D, ProSA and Ramachandran plot. The results showed that the models (L26V and S53G) were of high accuracy. The 3D mutated structures were simulated using GROMACS 5.0 to predict the impact of these SNPs on protein stability. The results from in silico analysis and molecular dynamics simulations suggested that these variants in the propeptide region of cathepsin B could lead to structural and functional changes in the protein. Hence, the structural and functional analysis results have given interim conclusions that these variants can have deleterious effect in TCP and thus should be screen in samples from all TCP patients to decipher its distribution in patient population.
Homeostatic plasticity scales dendritic spine volumes and changes the threshold and specificity of Hebbian plasticity
Authors: Hobbiss Anna F. , Cortés Yazmin Ramiro , Israely Inbal 
Published: April 2018

AbstractInformation is encoded within neural networks through synaptic weight changes. Synaptic learning rules involve a combination of rapid Hebbian plasticity with slower homeostatic synaptic plasticity (HSP) that regulates neuronal activity through global synaptic scaling. While Hebbian plasticity has been extensively investigated, much less is known about HSP. Here we investigate the structural and functional consequences of HSP at dendritic spines of mouse hippocampal neurons. We find that prolonged activity blockade induces spine growth, paralleling synaptic strength increases. Following activity blockade, glutamate uncaging-mediated long-term potentiation at single spines leads to size-dependent structural plasticity: smaller spines undergo robust growth, while larger spines remain unchanged. Moreover, we find that neighboring spines in the vicinity of the stimulated spine exhibit volume changes following HSP, indicating that plasticity has spread across a group of synapses. Overall, these findings demonstrate that Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity shape neural connectivity through coordinated structural plasticity of clustered inputs.
Distinctive types of postzygotic single-nucleotide mosaicisms in healthy individuals revealed by genome-wide profiling of multiple organs
Authors: Yue Huang August , Yang Xiaoxu , Wang Sheng , Zheng Xianing , Wu Qixi , Yongxin Ye Adam , Wei Liping 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPostzygotic single-nucleotide mosaicisms (pSNMs) have been extensively studied in tumors and are known to play critical roles in tumorigenesis. However, the patterns and origin of pSNMs in normal organs of healthy humans remain largely unknown. Using whole-genome sequencing and ultra-deep amplicon re-sequencing, we identified and validated 164 pSNMs from 27 postmortem organ samples obtained from five healthy donors. The mutant allele fractions ranged from 1.0% to 29.7%. Inter- and intra-organ comparison revealed two distinctive types of pSNMs, with about half originating during early embryogenesis (embryonic pSNMs) and the remaining more likely to result from clonal expansion events that had occurred more recently (clonal expansion pSNMs). Compared to clonal expansion pSNMs, embryonic pSNMs had higher proportion of C>T mutations with elevated mutation rate at CpG sites. We observed differences in replication timing between these two types of pSNMs, with embryonic and clonal expansion pSNMs enriched in early- and late-replicating regions, respectively. An increased number of embryonic pSNMs were located in open chromatin states and topologically associating domains that transcribed embryonically. Our findings provide new insights into the origin and spatial distribution of postzygotic mosaicism during normal human development.Author SummaryGenomic mosaicism led by postzygotic mutation is the major cause of cancers and many non-cancer developmental disorders. Theoretically, postzygotic mutations should be accumulated during the developmental process of healthy individuals, but the genome-wide characterization of postzygotic mosaicisms across many organ types of the same individual remained limited. In this study, we identified and validated two types of postzygotic mosaicism from the whole-genomes of 27 organs obtained from five healthy donors. We further found that the postzygotic mosaicisms arising during early embryogenesis and later clonal expansion events show distinct genomic patterns in mutation spectrum, replication timing, and chromatin status.
Elevated alpha-1 antitrypsin is a major component of GlycA-associated risk for future morbidity and mortality
Authors: Ritchie Scott C. , Kettunen Johannes , Brozynska Marta , Nath Artika P. , Havulinna Aki S. , Männistö Satu , Perola Markus , Salomaa Veikko , Ala-Korpela Mika , Abraham Gad , Würtz Peter , Inouye Michael 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIntegration of electronic health records with systems-level biomolecular data has led to the discovery that GlycA, a complex nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy biomarker, predicts long-term risk of disease onset and death from myriad causes. To determine the molecular underpinnings of the disease risk of the heterogeneous GlycA signal, we used machine learning to build imputation models for GlycA’s constituent glycoproteins, then estimated glycoprotein levels in 11,861 adults across two population-based cohorts with long-term follow-up. While alpha-1-acid glycoprotein had the strongest correlation with GlycA, our analysis revealed that alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) was the most predictive of morbidity and mortality for the widest range of diseases, including heart failure (HR=1.60 per s.d., P=1×10−10), influenza and pneumonia (HR=1.37, P=6×10−10), and liver diseases (HR=1.81, P=1×10−6). Despite emerging evidence of AAT's role in suppressing inflammation, transcriptional analyses revealed elevated expression of diverse inflammatory immune pathways with elevated AAT levels, suggesting AAT is elevating to compensate for low-grade chronic inflammation. This study clarifies the molecular underpinnings of the GlycA biomarker and its associated disease risk, and indicates a previously unrecognised association between elevated AAT and severe disease onset and mortality.
Why people use social networking sites passively
Authors: Zhu Xinhua , Bao Zheshi 
Published: April 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the underlying mechanism of how passive social networking site (SNS) use happens from aspects of impression management concern, privacy concern, and SNS fatigue, and then examine whether sense of membership can work as a moderator in this process.Design/methodology/approachThe authors proposed a research model by integrating impression management concern, privacy concern, and SNS fatigue. A total of 301 valid online questionnaires were collected, and these data were assessed by PLS-SEM.FindingsThe results show that both impression management concern and privacy concern have direct and positive effects on passive SNS use, and meanwhile they can also indirectly and positively affect passive SNS use through SNS fatigue. Besides, the relationships between impression management concern and its outcomes (SNS fatigue and passive SNS use) can be moderated by sense of membership.Originality/valueThis research is novel in focusing on the formation of passive SNS use and providing new insight into some factors which can trigger users’ passive behaviors in SNS usage. The findings will contribute to SNS literature by offering a well proven conceptual model that facilitates the understanding of passive SNS use.
Intra-national diversity
Authors: Stamenkovic Srecko , Ratkovic Njegovan Biljana , Vukadinovic Maja S. 
Published: April 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of organizational justice on the ethical climate in organizations in Serbia.Design/methodology/approachIn the study, 3,413 employees participated whose task was to assess the dimensions of organizational justice (procedural, distributive and interactional) as well as the dimensions of ethical climate (egoism, benevolence and principle).FindingsThe obtained results show that the dimensions of organizational justice are significant predictors of dimensions of ethical climate. The dimension of distributive justice significantly predicts the dimensions of egoism and principle, while the dimensions of procedural and interactional justice significantly predict the dimensions of benevolence and principle. Concerning the structure of the relationship between dimensions of organizational justice and ethical climate, the results also showed that there is intra-national diversity depending on the region of the Republic of Serbia where the organization operates. Ethical climate based on maximization of personal interest is more connected to economically more developed regions with a larger population, while ethical climate based on duties related to norms, laws, rules and policies characterizes less developed regions with a smaller population.Originality/valueIn the context of contemporary Serbian business surrounding, the obtained results are discussed regarding the possibilities for improvement of ethical climate, which should be accompanied and supported by the positive impact of organizational justice.
Rural residents’ understanding and willingness to pay higher prices for mitigation against global warming in China
Authors: Chang Genying 
Published: April 2018

Purpose
Studies addressing rural residents’ understanding of global warming and their willingness to pay higher prices to mitigate it are very limited. The purpose of this study is to examine the general understanding and attitudes of rural residents in China regarding global warming and their willingness to pay higher prices to mitigate it.

Design/methodology/approach
This study surveyed 1,185 rural residents in three counties of coastal, middle and western China. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to reveal the relationships between the willingness to pay higher prices to mitigate global warming and influencing factors.

Findings
The majority of respondents had heard of global warming; however, their knowledge of the phenomenon and its causes was very limited. Most respondents admitted the likelihood of risks from global warming. Although most respondents thought they had an obligation to mitigate global warming, only a small percentage of them were willing to pay higher prices to address the problem; the unwillingness of respondents to pay higher prices to mitigate global warming may have been associated with their low income and perceived inability to handle the cost, externalisation of responsibility and causes and lack of knowledge of how to affect it.

Originality/value
This study examines the general understanding and attitudes of rural residents in China regarding global warming and their willingness to pay higher prices to mitigate it. The research is conducive to climate change communications and the implementation of climate policies in China’s rural areas.
Customer online shopping experience data analytics
Authors: Wong Eugene , Wei Yan 
Published: April 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a customer online behaviour analysis tool, segment high-value customers, analyse their online purchasing behaviour and predict their next purchases from an online air travel corporation.

Design/methodology/approach
An operations review of the customer online shopping process of an online travel agency (OTA) is conducted. A customer online shopping behaviour analysis tool is developed. The tool integrates competitors’ pricing data mining, customer segmentation and predictive analysis. The impacts of competitors’ price changes on customer purchasing decisions regarding the OTA’s products are evaluated. The integrated model for mining pricing data, identifying potential customers and predicting their next purchases helps the OTA recommend tailored product packages to its individual customers with reference to their travel patterns.

Findings
In the customer segmentation analysis, 110,840 customers are identified and segmented based on their purchasing behaviour. The relationship between the purchasing behaviour in an OTA and the price changes of different OTAs are analysed. There is a significant relationship between the flight duration time and the purchase lead time. The next travel destinations of segmented high-value customers are predicted with reference to their travel patterns and the significance of the relationships between destination pairs.

Practical implications
The developed model contributes to pricing evaluation, customer segmentation and package customization for online customers.

Originality/value
This study provides novel method and insights into customer behaviour towards OTAs through an integrated model of customer segmentation, customer behaviour and prediction analysis.
Something old, something new: the role of partitioned pricing in consumers’ preference for new versus used products
Authors: Crosno Jody L. , Cui Annie Peng 
Published: April 2018

PurposeThis research aims to represent an initial exploration of how partitioned pricing influences consumers’ purchase decisions of new versus used products from the theoretical perspectives of prospect theory and gain/loss decision frames.Design/methodology/approachFour experiments to test the hypotheses with multiple product categories have been conducted.FindingsResults from a series of experimental studies find that consumers prefer partitioned pricing over all-inclusive pricing for new products, whereas all-inclusive pricing is more preferred for used products. In addition, the authors demonstrate that a high-quality brand can reverse this effect for used products; specifically, consumers prefer partitioned pricing over all-inclusive pricing for a used product with a high-quality brand.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the literature on second-hand consumption by examining the impact of pricing strategies on consumer purchase decisions of new versus used products. This study deepens our understanding of consumer decision-making for new versus used products and it provides implications for bolstering sustainable consumption.
Price promotions: examining the buyer mix and subsequent changes in purchase loyalty
Authors: Dawes John G. 
Published: April 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the extent to which temporary price promotions attract people who do not normally buy a brand, and whether buyers change their propensity to buy the promoted brand afterwards.Design/methodology/approachThe study analyses promotions in 18 consumer goods categories in the UK and USA. It calculates the proportion of promotion purchasers that have bought a brand at least once in their last five purchases and the Share of Category Requirements of those purchasers. These figures are then compared to normal-price purchasers.FindingsThe study finds the majority of price-promotion buyers already bought the brand at least once in their last five category purchases (average = 77 per cent). This figure is similar to that for normal-price purchases (average = 81 per cent). Average Household SCR to the brand is also very similar for price-promotion purchases compared to normal price purchases. Therefore, promotions do not attract a markedly different mix of buyers. Furthermore, buyer propensity to buy the brand is the same after a promotion purchase as it was before.Research limitations/implicationsA contribution of the paper is that it supports a theory of consumers as cognitive misers, who screen out promotion information about unfamiliar brands. The paper also highlights that in packaged-goods markets, consumers can be generally seen as experienced buyers, who do not learn new information from buying brands they have previously purchased.Practical implicationsThe managerial implication is that price promotions must be judged on their immediate profitability. There seems little recourse to the idea they can result in “try it, like it, buy it again later” effects.Originality/valueWhile many studies have examined the effects of price promotions, this is the first to explicitly compare the mix of buyers attracted from a price promotion to that which occurs when a brand is sold at normal price.
Antecedents to consumers’ showrooming behaviour: an integrated TAM-TPB framework
Authors: Arora Sourabh , Sahney Sangeeta 
Published: April 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to propose an integrated framework utilizing the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and technology acceptance model (TAM) to augment the understanding on consumers’ showrooming behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach
Selective sampling was used for data collection. The integrated TAM-TPB framework led to 12 propositions, which were tested using partial least squares-structural equation modelling.

Findings
Both perceived relative search benefits offline and relative purchase benefits online significantly determined the consumers’ showrooming behaviour along with perceived ease purchasing online and the overall usefulness of the showrooming sequence. Results of the study revealed that the showrooming sequence helped consumers avoid the regret of making suboptimal product choices and paying a higher price for the same product. Online trust was found to partially mediate the relationship between consumers’ intention to showrooming and the actual showrooming behaviour.

Research limitations/implications
Notwithstanding the fact that further research is required to arrive at definitive conclusions, this study is an initial move towards understanding the consumers’ showrooming behaviour, and the research provides meaningful insights.

Practical implications
As showrooming substantially erodes profits, devising strategies to defend showrooming customers becomes crucial. The findings of the study provide the basis for formulating strategies to counter showrooming customers.

Originality/value
The paper is amongst the first studies which helps enhance the understanding of consumers’ showrooming behaviour, which is an emerging area in the present multi-channel retailing environment.
Dealing with “enemy-brothers”: Sunni Arab consumers’ animosity toward Iran and Turkey
Authors: Al Ganideh Saeb Farhan , Elahee Mohammad Niamat 
Published: April 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the causes and consequences of animosity that Sunni Arabs may harbor against Iran and Turkey – two regional powers and key players in the Middle East.Design/methodology/approachUsing Jordanians as proxy for Sunni Arab consumers, data were collected from 218 respondents by means of an intercept survey. A systematic random sampling was used in selecting the respondents. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the role of religious/sectarian commitment (Sunni Islamic), ethnic identification (Arab), nationalism, patriotism and internationalism as potential sources of animosity of Sunni Arabs toward Iran and Turkey.FindingsThe findings show integrative/multiplicative impact of various social attributes on Sunni Arabs’ animosity toward Iran and Turkey and indicate a higher prevalence of animosity toward Iran than toward Turkey among the respondents. The findings also show how animosity decreases the likelihood of buying Iranian and Turkish products by Jordanian consumers.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper, while unearthing interesting relationships among five antecedent variables, consumer animosity and purchase intentions, calls for further research to examine how the relationships between feelings of animosity and willingness to purchase products could be moderated by variables such as world-mindedness and foreign travel. Future researchers should also study how consumer animosity can be reduced.Practical implicationsThe findings provide insights as to how foreign marketers can adjust their marketing strategies in the lucrative Arab market.Social implicationsThe findings call for a more nuanced understanding of the role of religious/sectarian commitment, ethnicity, nationalism, patriotism and internationalism in causing and/or exacerbating animosity and consequently affecting purchase decisions of consumers.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the existing literature by measuring the hitherto unexamined role of intra-religious sectarian feelings in consumer animosity and purchase decisions and by analyzing the mediating role of consumer animosity between the five antecedent variables and willingness to purchase products from “enemy” countries.
Antecedents of green consumption: a scale of measure
Authors: Marde Sinove , Verite-Masserot Claire 
Published: April 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a scale of measure that is based on the antecedents of environmentally friendly consumption, which will measure multifaceted profiles and apply to several product categories over the long term.Design/methodology/approachThe list of antecedents is derived from the literature and a qualitative study. Exploratory and confirmatory analyses using two samples of respondents are conducted to validate the scale.FindingsThe results suggest the use of a scale with three multi-dimensional facets when examining the antecedents of environmentally friendly consumption. The first facet is called “barriers to purchase” and has a four-dimensional structure; the second facet is called the “relationship with the product” and has a two-dimensional structure; and the third facet is called the “propensity to consume environmentally friendly products” and has a four-dimensional structure.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should seek to test and confirm the version of the global tool of measure proposed in this study.Practical implicationsFirms can use the tool to better understand the reasons to buy or not buy green products. They can now have multifaceted profiles to better comprehend environmentally aware consumption and to adapt their marketing strategies.Originality/valueThe tool of measure proposed here highlights the predictive indicators of green consumption based on its antecedents. Because these antecedents can differ not only in their nature but also in their intensity, combining them to develop a global tool is necessary.