bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Service quality and global competitiveness: evidence from global service firms
Authors: Sun Wenbin , Pang Jing 
Published: October 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between service quality and firms’ global competitiveness in the service industry. A set of moderating effects is formulated to further reveal how the relationship varies under different situations.Design/methodology/approachThis paper tests the model with data collected from multiple sources such as World’s Most Admired Companies and COMPUSTAT. Two types of robust regressions for panel data are employed in the empirical model estimation.FindingsService quality is found to significantly drive global competitiveness. Specifically, its impact is stronger for large service firms and when the global environment is characterized as low munificence, high dynamism, or high complexity.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a set of implications for managers of service firms regarding global expansion and quality management. It generates useful guidelines of maximizing the power of service quality when a firm’s global competitive advantage is considered.Originality/valueThis paper takes the first attempt to formulate service quality’s influence on firm’s global competitiveness with a consideration of specific situational factors.
Leveraging sport and entertainment facilities in small- to mid-sized cities
Authors: Mason Daniel , Sant Stacy-Lynn , Misener Laura 
Published: October 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand how, once a city has made a decision to build a new arena, local stakeholders envision the venue as a leverageable asset to achieve broader development goals through event hosting.Design/methodology/approachA total of 66 semi-structured interviews were undertaken in 12 cities across Canada. Participants included city employees (parks and recreation, tourism), elected officials (current and former mayors, councilors), arena management, management from the local team (serving as anchor tenant), members of chambers of commerce and local business associations, prominent members of the local business community, and other politicians and relevant stakeholders (members of parliament, bloggers, journalists, educators, and community activists). Interviews were transcribed and subject to coding to identify themes.FindingsCore themes were identified which captured how key stakeholders viewed the arena as an opportunity to leverage other events being targeted and held at the arena. This included: opportunities and benefits of hosting other events; the arena, competitiveness, and competition; partnerships and collaboration; capacity: knowledge and experience; and leveraging challenges.Originality/valueThis study makes several important contributions to the literature. First, it examines sports facilities in smaller cities, a subject more widely studied in larger, “major league” cities. Second, it takes a different approach to understanding leveraging, examining facilities rather than the event that the city is hosting or the franchise that plays in the city. Third, it examines a context where the facility has been built for a sports team, and not for other sport and entertainment events that might be hosted there.
Mycobacterial cord factor enhances migration of neutrophil‐like HL‐60 cells by prolonging AKT phosphorylation
Authors: Lee Wook‐Bin , Yan Ji‐Jing , Kang Ji‐Seon , Chung Seok , Kim Lark Kyun 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTTrehalose 6,6′‐dimycolate (TDM), or cord factor, is a crucial stimulus of immune responses during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Although TDM has immuno‐stimulatory properties, including adjuvant activity and the ability to induce granuloma formation, the mechanisms underlying these remain unknown. We hypothesized that TDM stimulates transendothelial migration of neutrophils, which are the first immune cells to infiltrate the tissue upon infection. In this study, it was shown that TDM enhances N‐formylmethionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLP)‐induced chemotaxis and transendothelial movement by prolonging AKT phosphorylation in human neutrophils. TDM induced expression of macrophage‐inducible C‐type lectin, a receptor for TDM, and induced secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in differentiated HL‐60 cells. In 2‐ and 3‐D neutrophil migration assays, TDM‐stimulated neutrophils showed increased fMLP‐induced chemotaxis and transendothelial migration. Interestingly, following fMLP stimulation of TDM‐activated neutrophils, AKT, a crucial kinase for neutrophil polarization and chemotaxis, showed prolonged phosphorylation at serine 473. Taken together, these data suggest that TDM modulates transendothelial migration of neutrophils upon mycobacterial infection through prolonged AKT phosphorylation. AKT may therefore be a promising therapeutic target for enhancing immune responses to mycobacterial infection.
Prepregnancy habitual intake of vitamin D from diet and supplements in relation to risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Bao Wei , Song Yiqing , Bertrand Kimberly A. , Tobias Deirdre K. , Olsen Sjurdur F. , Chavarro Jorge E. , Mills James L. , Hu Frank B. , Zhang Cuilin 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundVitamin D may play a pivotal role in regulating insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. However, the effect of vitamin D intake, either from the diet or from supplements, on the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains unclear. We prospectively examined the association of prepregnancy habitual intake of vitamin D from diet and supplements with the risk of incident GDM in a well‐established cohort.MethodsThe present study was performed on 21 356 singleton pregnancies from 15 225 women in the Nurses’ Health Study II cohort. Diet information, including vitamin D intake from food sources and supplements, was assessed in 1991 and every 4 years thereafter by validated food frequency questionnaires. Log‐binomial models with generalized estimating equations were used to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsDuring 10 years of follow‐up, 865 incident GDM cases were documented. After adjustment for age, parity, race/ethnicity, family history of diabetes, dietary and lifestyle factors, and body mass index, the RRs (95% CIs) of GDM risk associated with supplemental vitamin D intake of 0, 1–399, and ≥400 IU/day were 1.00 (reference), 0.80 (0.67–0.96), and 0.71 (0.56–0.90), respectively (Ptrend = 0.002). Dietary and total vitamin D intakes were also inversely associated with GDM risk, but the associations were not statistically significant.ConclusionsPrepregnancy supplemental vitamin D intake was significantly and inversely associated with risk of GDM. This study indicates potential benefits of increasing vitamin D intake from supplements in the prevention of GDM in women of reproductive age.
Cost‐effectiveness of prevention and management of diabetic foot ulcer and amputation in a health resource‐limited setting
Authors: Wu Bin , Wan Xu , Ma Jing 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to estimate the lifetime health and economic effects of different strategies of caring for diabetic foot in the Chinese setting.MethodsA mathematical model was developed to simulate the onset and progression of diabetic foot disease in patients with type 2 diabetes managed with optimal care and usual care. Clinical and utility data were obtained from the published literature. Direct medical costs and resource utilization in the Chinese healthcare setting were considered. Sensitivity analyses were undertaken to test the effects of a range of variables and assumptions on the results. Heath benefits and costs were the outcome measures assessed.ResultsCompared with usual care, optimal care was a cost‐saving option that exhibited lower costs with improved health benefits, including greater quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) and reduced incidence of foot complications. The lifetime saving costs per additional QALY gained by optimal care were US$2015. The model outcome was most sensitive to the risk ratio of foot ulcers and amputation for optimal care over usual care.ConclusionsImplementing guideline‐based optimal care for diabetic foot is likely to be cost‐effective in a health resource‐limited setting.
Clinicopathological features and survival of early stage breast cancer in northwest China: A population‐based retrospective study of 1287 patients
Authors: Li Shuting , Wang Xiangtang , Yang Jiao , Lv Meng , Zhang Xiao , Li Chunli , Zhang Lingxiao , Shen Yanwei , Zhang Xiaoman , Chen Zheling , Wang Fan , Wang Xin , Li Dan , Yi Min , Yang Jin 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC) displays different clinicopathological features and outcomes based on patient age, molecular subtype, and treatment. However, such features in BC patients in northwest China are unclear. This study investigated the clinicopathological features and overall survival (OS) of early stage BC patients using a population‐based study.MethodsPatients who were newly diagnosed with BC at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University between January 2001 and June 2012 were included. Clinicopathological features and OS were assessed.ResultsThe median age of 1287 patients was 50 years, with an average tumor size of 2.65 cm. Additionally, 42.7% were luminal A, 25.6% luminal B, 9.3% Her2 overexpression, and 17.7% triple negative. The cut‐off age was 35 years, and young patients (< 35) tended to have larger tumors, ≥ 4 positive lymph nodes, grade 2 or 3 histology, non‐luminal types, high Ki67, and poor outcomes. Patients with luminal A tumors showed moderate features: 50.6% had tumors < 2 cm, 56.7% had negative lymph nodes. Patients with Her2 overexpression tumors showed aggressive features and the poorest survival (5‐year OS 67.6%). Patients with triple negative tumors were the youngest (average 48.4 years), but had the largest proportion of grade 3 histology and poor outcomes.ConclusionOur results are consistent with those in other provinces in China, but showed an earlier age at diagnosis and more aggressive pathological features compared to developed countries. Additionally, each molecular subtype showed specific features and different survival outcomes.
Peanut consumption associated with a reduced risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A case–control study in a high‐risk area in China
Authors: Zhao Yanjie , Zhao Lin , Hu Zhiping , Wu Jiangping , Li Jun , Qu Chenxu , He Yongming , Song Qingkun 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundEsophageal cancer (EC) is ranked as the top 10th malignancy in China; however, an association between peanut consumption and EC risk has not yet been identified. This study explored the protective effects of peanut consumption against the risk of developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in a high‐risk area.MethodsA case–control design was applied, with frequency matching by age and gender. A logistic regression model was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Two hundred and twenty‐two cases and 222 controls were recruited from Yanting County from 2011 to 2012.ResultsPeanut consumption 1–3 times per week reduced cancer risk by 38% (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.34–1.13), while consumption ≥ 4 times per week reduced the risk by 70% (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.16–0.59). A significant association was observed among individuals with negative family EC history (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.12–0.49).ConclusionPeanut consumption may act as a protector against the occurrence of ESCC in high‐risk areas, thus production and consumption should be promoted in high‐risk areas in order to reduce the ESCC burden.
Meat Consumption During Pregnancy and Substance Misuse Among Adolescent Offspring: Stratification of TCN2 Genetic Variants
Authors: Hibbeln Joseph R. , SanGiovanni John Paul , Golding Jean , Emmett Pauline M. , Northstone Kate , Davis John M. , Schuckit Marc , Heron Jon 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundReducing meat consumption is often advised; however, inadvertent nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy may result in residual neurodevelopmental harms to offspring. This study assessed possible effects of maternal diets in pregnancy on adverse substance use among adolescent offspring.MethodsPregnant women and their 13‐year‐old offspring taking part in a prospective birth cohort study, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), provided Food Frequency Questionnaire data from which dietary patterns were derived using principal components analysis. Multivariable logistic regression models including potential confounders evaluated adverse alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco use of the children at 15 years of age.ResultsLower maternal meat consumption was associated with greater problematic substance use among 15‐year‐old offspring in dose–response patterns. Comparing never to daily meat consumption after adjustment, risks were greater for all categories of problem substance use: alcohol, odds ratio OR = 1.75, 95% CI = (1.23, 2.56), p < 0.001; tobacco use OR = 1.85, 95% CI = (1.28, 2.63), p < 0.001; and cannabis OR = 2.70, 95% CI = (1.89, 4.00), p < 0.001. Given the likelihood of residual confounding, potential causality was evaluated using stratification for maternal allelic variants that impact biological activity of cobalamin (vitamin B12) and iron. Lower meat consumption disproportionally increased the risks of offspring substance misuse among mothers with optimally functional (homozygous) variants (rs1801198) of the gene transcobalamin 2 gene (TCN2) which encodes the vitamin B12 transport protein transcobalamin 2 implicating a causal role for cobalamin deficits. Functional maternal variants in iron metabolism were unrelated to the adverse substance use. Risks potentially attributable to cobalamin deficits during pregnancy include adverse adolescent alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco use (14, 37, and 23, respectively).ConclusionsLower prenatal meat consumption was associated with increased risks of adolescent substance misuse. Interactions between TCN2 variant status and meat intake implicate cobalamin deficiencies.
Estimating carbon stock in lowland Papua New Guinean forest: Low density of large trees results in lower than global average carbon stock
Authors: Peck Mika Robert , Kaina Graham S. , Hazell Richard John , Isua Brus , Alok Clant , Paul Luda , Stewart Alan J. A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPapua New Guinean forests (PNG), sequestering up to 3% of global forest carbon, are a focus of climate change mitigation initiatives, yet few field‐based studies have quantified forest biomass and carbon for lowland PNG forest. We provide an estimate for the 10 770 ha Wanang Conservation Area (WCA) to investigate the effect of calculation methodology and choice of allometric equation on estimates of above‐ground live biomass (AGLB) and carbon. We estimated AGLB and carbon from 43 nested plots at the WCA. Our biomass estimate of 292.2 Mg AGLB ha−1 (95% CI 233.4–350.6) and carbon at 137.3 Mg C ha−1 (95% CI 109.8–164.8) is higher than most estimates for PNG but lower than mean global estimates for tropical forest. Calculation method and choice of allometric model do not significantly influence mean biomass estimates; however, the most recently calibrated allometric equation generates estimates 13% higher for lower 95% confidence intervals of mean biomass than previous allometric models – a value often used as a conservative estimate of biomass. Although large trees at WCA (>70 cm diameter at breast height) accounted for 1/5 total biomass, their density was lower than that seen in SE Asian and Australia forests. Lower density of large trees accounts for lower AGLB than in neighbouring forests – as large trees contribute disproportionately to forest biomass. Reduced frequency of larger trees at WCA is explained by the lack of diversity of large dipterocarp species common to neighbouring SE Asian forests and, potentially, higher rates of local disturbance dynamics. PNG is susceptible to the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) extreme drought events to which large trees are particularly sensitive and, with still over 20% carbon in large trees, differential mortality under increasing ENSO drought stress raises the risk of PNG forest switching from carbon sink to source with reduced long‐term carbon storage capacity.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide receptors in the trigeminovascular system: implications for migraine
Authors: Sundrum Tahlia , Walker Christopher S 
Published: October 2017

The neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP) has been implicated in a wide range of functions including vasodilatation, neuroprotection, nociception and neurogenic inflammation. PACAP activates three distinct receptors, the PAC1 receptor, which responds to PACAP, and the VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, which respond to both PACAP and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. The trigeminovascular system plays a key role in migraine and contains the trigeminal nerve, which is the major conduit of craniofacial pain. PACAP is expressed throughout the trigeminovascular system and in higher brain regions involved in processing pain. Evidence from human clinical studies suggests that PACAP may act outside the blood–brain barrier in the pathogenesis of migraine. However, the precise mechanisms involved remain unclear. PACAP potentially induces migraine attacks by activating different receptors in different cell types and tissues. This complexity prompted this review of PACAP receptor pharmacology, expression and function in the trigeminovascular system. Current evidence suggests that the PAC1 receptor is the likely pathophysiological target of PACAP in migraine. However, multiple PACAP receptors are expressed in key parts of the trigeminovascular system and further work is required to determine their contribution to PACAP physiology and the pathology of migraine.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Molecular Pharmacology of GPCRs. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.21/issuetoc
Performance of iPad‐based threshold perimetry in glaucoma and controls
Authors: Schulz Angela M , Graham Elizabeth C , You YuYi , Klistorner Alexander , Graham Stuart L 
Published: October 2017

AbstractImportanceIndependent validation of iPad visual field testing software Melbourne Rapid Fields (MRF).BackgroundTo examine the functionality of MRF and compare its performance with Humphrey SITA 24–2 (HVF).DesignProspective, cross‐sectional validation study.ParicipantsSixty glaucomas mean deviation (MD:‐5.08±5.22); 17 pre‐perimetric, 43 HVF field defects and 25 controls.MethodsThe MRF was compared with HVF for scotoma detection, global indices, regional mean threshold values and sensitivity/specificity. Long‐term test–retest variability was assessed after 6 months.Main Outcome MeasuresLinear regression and Bland Altman analyses of global indices sensitivity/specificity using (ROC) curves, intraclass correlations.ResultsUsing a cluster definition of three points at <1% or two at 0.5% to define a scotoma on HVF, MRF detected 39/54 abnormal hemifields with a similar threshold‐based criteria. Global indices were highly correlated between MRF and HVF: MD r2 = 0.80, PSD r2 = 0.77, VFI r2 = 0.85 (all P < 0.0001). For manifest glaucoma patients, correlations of regional mean thresholds ranged from r2 = 0.45–0.78, despite differing array of tested points between devices. ROC analysis of global indices showed reasonable sensitivity/specificity with (AUC) values of MD:0.89, (PSD:0.85) and (VFI:0.88). MRF retest variability was low with (ICC) values at 0.95 (MD and VFI), 0.94 (PSD). However, individual test point variability for mid‐range thresholds was higher.Conclusions and RelevanceMRF perimetry, despite using a completely different test paradigm, shows good performance characteristics compared to HVF for detection of defects, correlation of global indices and regional mean threshold values. Reproducibility for individual points may limit application for monitoring change over time, and fixation monitoring needs improvement.
A European survey of bowel preparation in colorectal surgery
Authors: Devane L. A. , Proud D. , O'Connell P. R. , Panis Y. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimMeta‐analysis has shown that mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) does not improve outcomes in colonic surgery; however, there is uncertainty regarding MBP use in laparoscopic and rectal surgery and the addition of oral antibiotic regimens. The aim of this study was to assess current use of bowel preparation among European surgeons.MethodAn online survey was circulated to members of the European Society of Coloproctology. Chi‐squared analysis was used to compare subgroups.ResultsA total of 426 surgeons responded to the survey. MBP is routinely prescribed by 29.6% of respondents prior to colonic surgery and in 77.0% prior to rectal surgery. In the cohort performing > 30% of colorectal operations laparoscopically (n = 294), routine use of MBP in colonic surgery was significantly lower (19.7% vs 51.5%, P < 0.01). Less than 10% prescribe oral antibiotic bowel preparation whereas 96% prescribe perioperative intravenous antibiotics.ConclusionAmong the majority of respondents to this survey, MBP is used routinely for rectal operations. For colonic surgery, laparoscopic surgeons have a significantly lower use of MBP. Use of oral antibiotic bowel preparation remains uncommon.
Contribution of cell blocks obtained through endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration for the determination of lung cancer subtypes
Authors: Demirci Nilgün Yılmaz , Dikmen Asiye Uğraş , Abdullayeva Zarife , Öztürk Can 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIntroductionIt is crucial to diagnose the subtype of lung cancer quickly and accurately for effective therapy. Conventional cytology staining sometimes provides limited information, and additional tissue is often required to diagnose lung cancer. Cell blocks (CB) recovered during endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) increases the diagnostic accuracy of the procedure and the likelihood of additional valuable histochemical and immunohistochemical staining.ObjectivesTo evaluate the diagnostic significance of smears and CBs for lung cancer subtypesMethodsRecords of patients who underwent EBUS‐TBNA between July 2014 and December 2016 for lung cancer diagnosis and/or staging were retrospectively analysed.ResultsThe study included 156 patients and 232 LNs diagnosed as malignancies. Twenty‐seven patients were diagnosed with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and 129 were diagnosed with non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) (68 patients adenocarcinoma, 36 patients squamous cell carcinoma, 23 patients NSCLC if not otherwise stated, 1 patient large cell carcinoma and 1 patient pleomorphic carcinoma). The mean age was 60.5 ± 10.2 years, and 74.5% of the patients were males. The diagnostic rate for CBs was 231/232 (99.6%) and was 206/232 (88.8%) (P < .001) for smears. The diagnostic rate for SCLC was 37/39 (94.9%) for smears and 39/39 (100%) for CB (P < .001). For NSCLC, it was 169/193 (87.6%) for smears and 192/193 (99.5%) for CB (P < .001).ConclusionsCell‐block preparation after an EBUS‐TBNA is a simple method that provides important additional information related to lung cancer for morphological analyses.