bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The brand core and its management over time
Authors: Urde Mats 
Published: March 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the brand core and its management over time. The aim is to develop a framework for managing the core of a brand for continuity and change.Design/methodology/approach– A longitudinal case study of the Volvo brand’s core and its management serves as the empirical basis for a qualitative analysis of the “brand core” using rhetorical perspectives.Findings– The management of the brand core for both continuity and change is an unsolved paradox in strategic brand management literature and practice. Existing conceptualisations offer little or no guidance regarding managing a brand’s core over time. The Volvo brand has evolved by adding and shifting mindsets, which has kept its core surprisingly stable.Research limitations/implications– The new framework mitigates a paradox and, by defining the brand core as a point of reference, allows for brand management to address both continuity and change and consider a range of stakeholders while doing so. The integration ofs rhetoric into the framework makes it applicable to product, service and corporate brands, or indeed anything that can be considered a “brand”. The brand core is defined as “an entity of core values and a promise”.Practical implications– By shifting perspectives on a brand’s core over time, change and development are stimulated while preserving its inner values and promise.Originality/value– The brand core framework integrating rhetoric theory was supported by a longitudinal case study to resolve a strategic brand management paradox.
Brands, love and family
Authors: Iyer Pramod P. , Paswan Audhesh K , Davari Arezoo 
Published: March 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this study is to explore the extent to which love cues are used by brands targeted at multiple decision-makers in a family, specifically the mother and child.Design/methodology/approach– First, secondary database (SmartyPants, 2013) is used to identify clusters of brands with similar benefit groups (i.e. health and nutrition food, indulgence food, entertainment and technology for entertainment and learning) that are most loved by mothers and/or children. Next, a content analysis of the ads for brands in these clusters is used to identify the common positioning cues across these clusters. The data from the content analysis are used to explore the extent to which love cues (along with functional and hedonic) are used by these brands loved by mothers and children.Findings– The results of this study indicate that functional cues dominate the ads for the brands in functional product categories, as well as hedonic product categories. Love cues dominate the ads for functional brands preferred by only either moms or kids, whereas for hedonic brands, love cues dominate the ads targeted at both moms and kids.Research limitations/implications– The authors hope that this study provides an impetus for more empirical work toward understanding the role of love in positioning brands aimed at multiple family members.Practical implications– Love, the underlying thread that connects a family, can be used by brand managers to appeal to multiple family members.Social implications– Families are fundamental to the society. The authors hope that this study helps marketers appreciate that and do a better job of marketing to the families, as families also form the fundamental units of purchase and consumption.Originality/value– This study uses value congruency framework to look at the notion of love as a positioning theme for brands targeted at multiple decision-makers. Hence, the study contributes to the development of family decision-making behavior.
Value slippage in brand transformation: a conceptualization
Authors: Cova Bernard , Paranque Bernard 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore brand transformation and the value slippage that can ensue.

Design/methodology/approach
– This is a conceptual paper drawing upon a solid bibliographic base; its intended contribution is to create a linkage among constructs. It mobilizes a socio-economic framework which enables the multiple transformations of the brand to be monitored. Two case vignettes of Nutella brand are used to discuss this brand transformation framework.

Findings
– The framework identifies four key brand transformation practices: brand appropriation by consumers forming a brand community, brand “surfeiting” through brand community actions, brand genericization throughout the society and brand regeneration in the market. The discussion highlights four categories of value slippage effects that enable us to ascertain whether the use value generated by the brand community slips – or does not – to another actor who captures it in the form of use or exchange value.

Research limitations/implications
– This paper is a conceptual paper.

Practical implications
– The challenge for the firm is, therefore, to play an active role in these dynamics to gain ownership of new value that emerges beyond its confines and to offer its shareholders and/or external investors with new spaces within which to grow the value of their capital.

Originality/value
– Value slippage concerns the way any actors involved in these processes, particularly brand community members, exploit brand transformation for their own benefit.
Vertical Lip Position and Thickness in Facial Reconstruction: A Validation of Commonly Used Methods for Predicting the Position and Size of Lips
Authors: Zednikova Mala Pavla , Veleminska Jana 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis study examined several methods used to estimate oral fissure position, lip margin position, and lip thickness recommended by Angel, George, Lebedinskaya, Taylor, Wilkinson et al., Balueva and Veselovskaya. A sample of 86 lateral head cephalograms of adult subjects from central Europe were measured and the actual and predicted dimensions were compared. The best estimation for oral fissure position was “opposite the lower ¾ mark of maxillary incisors” (error of 1.3 mm). Upper lip margin was predicted best by “upper ¼ mark of maxillary incisors” (error of 1.7 mm), and lower lip margin by “cementum‐enamel junction of mandibular incisors” (error of 2.3 mm). The regression equations of Wilkinson et al. displayed least error (1.3 mm and 1.8 mm, respectively) for upper and lower lip thickness, and method of George (error of 3.4 mm) for total lip thickness.
Enhancement of Latent Fingerprints on Fabric Using the Cyanoacrylate Fuming Method Followed by Infrared Spectral Mapping
Authors: Sonnex Emily , Almond Matthew J. , Bond John W. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractA method has been developed for the visualization of latent fingerprints on fabrics, which is based upon cyanoacrylate (superglue) fuming followed by imaging using an infrared microscope. Results show that imaging on smooth, shiny fabrics such as polyester, silk, nylon, and acetate of different colors and patterns can give an improvement over existing enhancement methods. Results for cotton and polycotton were less successful and it is thought this may be due a combination of the presence of the carbonyl functional group in these fabrics as well as their absorbency to fingerprint sweat. The carbonyl peak (1700 cm−1) provided the optimum spectroscopic feature to map and image a fingerprint. Comparisons between infrared mapping at a specific frequency range and principal component analysis showed that improved imaging was obtained with principal component analysis.
Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Profiles of Sacubitril/Valsartan (LCZ696) in Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Kobalava Zhanna , Kotovskaya Yulia , Averkov Oleg , Pavlikova Elena , Moiseev Valentine , Albrecht Diego , Chandra Priya , Ayalasomayajula Surya , Prescott Margaret F. , Pal Parasar , Langenickel Thomas H. , Jordaan Pierre , Rajman Iris 
Published: March 2016

SummaryAimsConcomitant renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system blockade and natriuretic peptide system enhancement may provide unique therapeutic benefits to patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This study assessed the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of LCZ696 in patients with HFrEF.MethodsThis was an open‐label, noncontrolled single‐sequence study. After a 24‐h run‐in period, patients (n = 30) with HFrEF (EF ≤ 40%; NYHA class II–IV) received LCZ696 100 mg twice daily (bid) for 7 days and 200 mg bid for 14 days, along with standard treatment for heart failure (HF) (except angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors [ACEIs] or angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs]).ResultsOn Day 21, significant increases were observed in the plasma biomarkers indicative of neprilysin and RAAS inhibition (ratio‐to‐baseline: cyclic guanosine monophosphate [cGMP], 1.38; renin concentration and activity, 3.50 and 2.27, respectively; all, P < 0.05). Plasma NT‐proBNP levels significantly decreased at all the time points on Days 7 and 21; plasma aldosterone and endothelin‐1 levels significantly decreased on Day 21 (all, P < 0.05). Following administration of LCZ696, the Cmax of sacubitril (neprilysin inhibitor prodrug), LBQ657 (active neprilysin inhibitor), and valsartan were reached within 0.5, 2.5, and 2 h. Between 100‐ and 200‐mg doses, the Cmax and AUC0–12 h for sacubitril and LBQ657 were approximately dose‐proportional while that of valsartan was less than dose‐proportional.ConclusionsTreatment with LCZ696 for 21 days was well tolerated and resulted in plasma biomarker changes indicative of neprilysin and RAAS inhibition in patients with HF. The pharmacokinetic exposure of the LCZ696 analytes in patients with HF observed in this study is comparable to that observed in the pivotal Phase III study.
Expression of DNA repair genes in porcine oocytes before and after fertilization by ICSI using freeze‐dried sperm
Authors: Men Nguyen Thi , Kikuchi Kazuhiro , Furusawa Tadashi , Dang‐Nguyen Thanh Quang , Nakai Michiko , Fukuda Atsunori , Noguchi Junko , Kaneko Hiroyuki , Viet Linh Nguyen , Xuan Nguyen Bui , Tajima Atsushi 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBoar sperm freeze‐dried with trehalose showed a protective effect against sperm DNA fragmentation. However, normal fertilization and embryonic development were not improved. Damaged sperm may activate maternal DNA repair genes when injected into oocytes. Therefore, we investigated the expression profile of some DNA repair genes in porcine oocytes after intra‐cytoplasmic sperm injection. First, the expression levels of MGMT, UDG, XPC, MSH2, XRCC6 and RAD51 genes that are concerned with different types of DNA repair were examined in in vitro mature (IVM) oocytes injected with ejaculated sperm, or freeze‐dried sperm with or without trehalose. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed that expression of six DNA repair genes in the oocytes at 4 h after injection did not differ among the four groups. Next, we investigated the gene expression levels of these genes at different stages of maturation. The relative expression levels of UDG and XPC were significantly up‐regulated in mature oocytes compared with earlier stages. Furthermore, there was an increased tendency in relative expression of MSH2 and RAD51. These results suggested two possible mechanisms that messenger RNA of DNA repair genes are either accumulated during IVM to be ready for fertilization or increased expression levels of DNA repair genes in oocytes caused by suboptimal IVM conditions.
Distinct iris gene expression profiles of primary angle closure glaucoma and primary open angle glaucoma and their interaction with ocular biometric parameters
Authors: Seet Li‐Fong , Narayanaswamy Arun , Finger Sharon N , Htoon Hla M , Nongpiur Monisha E , Toh Li Zhen , Ho Henrietta , Perera Shamira A , Wong Tina T 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate differences in iris gene expression profiles between primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and their interaction with biometric characteristics.DesignProspective study.ParticipantsThirty‐five subjects with PACG and thirty‐three subjects with POAG who required trabeculectomy were enrolled at the Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.MethodsIris specimens, obtained by iridectomy, were analysed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction for expression of type I collagen, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A, ‐B and ‐C, as well as VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) 1 and 2. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) imaging for biometric parameters, including anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV) and lens vault (LV), was also performed pre‐operatively.Main Outcome MeasuresRelative mRNA levels between PACG and POAG irises, biometric measurements, discriminant analyses using genes and biometric parameters.ResultsCOL1A1, VEGFB, VEGFC and VEGFR2 mRNA expression was higher in PACG compared to POAG irises. LV, ACD and ACV were significantly different between the two subgroups. Discriminant analyses based on gene expression, biometric parameters or a combination of both gene expression and biometrics (LV and ACV), correctly classified 94.1%, 85.3% and 94.1% of the original PACG and POAG cases, respectively. The discriminant function combining genes and biometrics demonstrated the highest accuracy in cross‐validated classification of the two glaucoma subtypes.ConclusionsDistinct iris gene expression supports the pathophysiological differences that exist between PACG and POAG. Biometric parameters can combine with iris gene expression to more accurately define PACG from POAG.
Meibomian gland dysfunction and tear cytokines after cataract surgery according to preoperative meibomian gland status
Authors: Jung Ji Won , Han Soo Jung , Nam Sang Min , Kim Tae‐im , Kim Eung Kweon , Seo Kyoung Yul 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate the possible mechanisms by which cataract surgery aggravates meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), we evaluated the changes in tear cytokines and ocular surface parameters after cataract surgery according to the preoperative MGD grade.DesignProspective, observational case series.ParticipantsA total of 50 eyes from 50 patients who underwent cataract surgery were included.MethodsPatients were classified into two groups: Group I had no or minimal MGD, and group II had grades 2–4 MGD. Ocular surface parameters were measured, including tear film break‐up time, Schirmer I test, ocular surface staining and Ocular Surface Disease Index, and tear cytokine levels were measured.Main Outcome MeasuresThe main outcomes were changes in ocular surface parameters and inflammatory tear cytokine concentrations.ResultsIn group II, preoperative MGD grade, ocular surface staining, tear film break‐up time and Ocular Surface Disease Index were worse, and mean interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels were higher than those of group I. MGD and ocular surface parameters were worsened to a greater degree after surgery in group II than in group I (P < 0.050). In group II, IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels significantly increased at postoperative 1 month, and there were significant correlations between changes in ocular surface parameters and tear cytokines (IL‐2, IL‐6 and TNF‐α; P < 0.050).ConclusionsThe extent to which the MGD grade was aggravated following cataract surgery differed based on preoperative MGD grade. Preoperative MGD and ocular surface status should be carefully evaluated.
Modification of Tet1 and histone methylation dynamics in dairy goat male germline stem cells
Authors: Zheng Liming , Zhai Yuanxin , Li Na , Wu Chongyang , Zhu Haijing , Wei Zhuying , Bai Chunling , Li Guangpeng , Hua Jinlian 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectivesTet (ten‐eleven translocation) protein 1 is a key enzyme for DNA demethylation, which modulates DNA methylation and gene transcription. DNA methylation and histone methylation are critical elements in self‐renewal of male germline stem cells (mGSCs) and spermatogenesis. mGSCs are the only type of adult stem cells able to achieve intergenerational transfer of genetic information, which is accomplished through differentiated sperm cells. However, numerous epigenetic obstacles including incomplete DNA methylation and histone methylation dynamics make establishment of stable livestock mGSC cell lines difficult. The present study was conducted to detect effects of DNA methylation and histone methylation dynamics in dairy goat mGSCs self‐renewal and proliferation, through overexpression of Tet1.Materials and methodsAn immortalized dairy goat mGSC cell line bearing mouse Tet1 (mTet1) gene was screened and characteristics of the cells were assayed by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR), immunofluorescence assay, western blotting, fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) and use of the cell counting kit (CCK8) assay.ResultsThe screened immortalized dairy goat mGSC cell line bearing mTet1, called mGSC‐mTet1 cells was treated with optimal doxycycline (Dox) concentration to maintain Tet1 gene expression. mGSC‐mTet1 cells proliferated at a significantly greater rate than wild‐type mGSCs, and mGSCs‐specific markers such as proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclinD1 (CCND1), GDNF family receptor alpha 1 (Gfra1) and endogenic Tet1, Tet2 were upregulated. The cells exhibited not only reduction in level of histone methylation but also changes in nuclear location of that methylation marker. While H3K9me3 was uniformly distributed throughout the nucleus of mGSC‐mTet1 cells, it was present in only particular locations in mGSCs. H3K27me3 was distributed surrounding the edges of nuclei of mGSC‐mTet1 cells, while it was uniformly distributed throughout nuclei of mGSCs. Our results conclusively demonstrate that modification of mGSCs with mTet1 affected mGSC maintenance and seemed to promote establishment of stable goat mGSC cell lines.ConclusionsTaken together, our data suggest that Tet1 had novel and dynamic roles for regulating maintenance of pluripotency and proliferation of mGSCs by forming complexes with PCNA and histone methylation dynamics. This may provide new solutions for mGSCs stability and livestock mGSC cell line establishment.
Activation of extracellular signal‐related kinase in abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Groeneveld Menno E. , van Burink Max V. , Begieneman Mark P.V. , Niessen Hans W. M. , Wisselink Willem , Eringa Ed C. , Yeung Kak K. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundExtracellular matrix degeneration, caused by matrix metalloproteinase‐2, facilitates smooth muscle cell migration leading to medial layer decline and, ultimately, abdominal aortic aneurysm. It remains unclear what exactly causes aneurysms to rupture, which leads to death in most patients. The extracellular signal‐related kinase may be linked to the latter process. We aimed to clarify the role of extracellular signal‐related kinase in aortic aneurysm development and rupture in patients.DesignAortic fragments were harvested during open repair of nonruptured (n = 20) and ruptured (n = 8) aneurysms. As control, nondilated aortas (n = 6) were obtained during autopsy. We determined levels of phosphorylated and total extracellular signal‐related kinase by Western blot, matrix metalloproteinase‐2 by immunohistochemistry and medial layer thickness by conventional microscopy.ResultsNonruptured aneurysms had 1·8 times higher activation of extracellular signal‐related kinase (ratio: phosphorylated/total) than controls (P = 0·011). However, the ruptured aneurysms had only 0·9 times the activation of controls (ns). Both nonruptured and ruptured aneurysms showed significantly higher matrix metalloproteinase‐2 than controls (3·8 and 4·0‐times, respectively; P < 0·005). Of the medial layer thickness in controls, the median was 1·5 mm, in nonruptured 1·0 mm and in ruptured aneurysms 0·7 mm. Activation of extracellular signal‐related kinase correlated positively to medial layer thickness (Rs = 0·48; P = 0·014), but not to matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (Rs = −0·36; P = 0·10).ConclusionsIn this study, nonruptured aneurysms are associated with increased extracellular signal‐related kinase activation while ruptured aneurysms are not. Extracellular signal‐related kinase was not related to total matrix metalloproteinase‐2 expression. We therefore speculate that increased extracellular signal‐related kinase, in response to medial layer decline, could be protective against aneurysm rupture.
A review of the healing processes in equine superficial digital flexor tendinopathy
Authors: Dakin S. G. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryTendinopathy is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in athletic and aged horses. These injuries require prolonged convalescence and heal by the formation of scar tissue instead of neo‐tendon, predisposing to reinjury. This article reviews the biological processes involved in tendon healing and their implications for clinical practice to improve future treatment of these injuries.
Correlation between FIX genotype and pharmacokinetics of Nonacog alpha according to a multicentre Italian study
Authors: Morfini M. , Dragani A. , Paladino E. , Radossi P. , Di Minno G. , Mazzucconi M. G. , Rossetti G. , Barillari G. , Napolitano M. , Tagariello G. 
Published: March 2016

IntroductionPharmacokinetic (PK) studies on recombinant FIX concentrate, Nonacog alpha, were conducted with different sampling time designs which gave rise to not complete and homogenous outcomes. In addition, patient's FIX genotype/PK relationship has never been investigated.AimInvestigate how different sampling times may affect PK parameters and try to find a FIX genotype/PK relationship.Patients and MethodsA cohort pharmacokinetic, Nonacog Alpha single‐dose, open‐label, non‐comparative study was conducted in eight Comprehensive Care Haemophilia Centres in Italy. Seventeen previously treated moderate or severe haemophilia B patients were enrolled. Factors IX:C one‐stage clotting assay, FIX genotype and PK analysis were centralized.ResultsThe evaluation of PK outcomes showed a quite long half‐life, smaller clearance and volume of distribution of Nonacog Alpha in comparison with the results from previously reported studies, where blood sampling was stopped too early. The relationship between PK outcomes and FIX genotype showed that small deletions displayed the higher clearance and shorter half‐life, the nonsense mutations (the lower and the longer respectively), and missense mutations were in between.ConclusionsIt is evident that area under the curve (AUC) and other PK parameters depend from the sampling time design. In order to have a complete evaluation of clotting factors in vivo decay, blood samples must be collected until the baseline factor concentration has been achieved again. Due to the relationship between FIX genotype and clearance, tailored prophylaxis of HB patients could be partially predicted by genotyping.