bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced pre-frontal functional-structural networks to support behavioural deficits after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Diez Ibai , Drijkoningen David , Stramaglia Sebastiano , Bonifazi Paolo , Marinazzo Daniele , Gooijers Jolien , Swinnen Stephan P. , Cortes Jesus M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) affects its structural connectivity, triggering the re-organization of structural-functional circuits in a manner that remains poorly understood. We studied the re-organization of brain networks after TBI, taking advantage of a computational method based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including diffusion-weighted imaging in combination with functional resting state data obtained from the blood-oxygenation-level-dependent T2*signal. We enrolled young participants who had suffered moderate to severe TBI (N=14, age 13.14 ± 3.25 years), comparing them to young typically developing control participants (N=27, age 15.04 ± 2.26 years). We found increased functional and structural connectivity within a cortico-subcortical network in TBI patient’s brains that involved prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate gyrus, orbital gyrus and caudate nucleus. In comparison to control participants, TBI patients increased functional connectivity from prefrontal regions towards two different networks: 1) a subcortical network including part of the motor network, basal ganglia, cerebellum, hippocampus, amygdala, posterior cingulum and precuneus; and 2) a task-positive network, involving regions of the dorsal attention system together with the dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal regions. We also found the increased prefrontal activation in TBI patients was correlated with some behavioural indices, such as the amount of body sway, whereby patients with worse balance activated frontal regions more strongly. The enhanced prefrontal activation found in TBI patients may provide the structural scaffold for stronger cognitive control of certain behavioural functions, consistent with the observation that various motor tasks are performed less automatically following TBI and that more cognitive control is associated with such actions.
Estimating the functional impact of INDELs in transcription factor binding sites: a genome-wide landscape
Authors: Eickhardt Esben , Als Thomas Damm , Grove Jakob , Boerglum Anders Dupont , Lescai Francesco 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundVariants in transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) may have important regulatory effects, as they have the potential to alter transcription factor (TF) binding affinities and thereby affecting gene expression. With recent advances in sequencing technologies the number of variants identified in TFBSs has increased, hence understanding their role is of significant interest when interpreting next generation sequencing data. Current methods have two major limitations: they are limited to predicting the functional impact of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and often rely on additional experimental data, laborious and expensive to acquire. We propose a purely bioinformatic method that addresses these two limitations while providing comparable results.ResultsOur method uses position weight matrices and a sliding window approach, in order to account for the sequence context of variants, and scores the consequences of both SNVs and INDELs in TFBSs. We tested the accuracy of our method in two different ways. Firstly, we compared it to a recent method based on DNase I hypersensitive sites sequencing (DHS-seq) data designed to predict the effects of SNVs: we found a significant correlation of our score both with their DHS-seq data and their prediction model. Secondly, we called INDELs on publicly available DHS-seq data from ENCODE, and found our score to represent well the experimental data. We concluded that our method is reliable and we used it to describe the landscape of variation in TFBSs in the human genome, by scoring all variants in the 1000 Genomes Project Phase 3. Surprisingly, we found that most insertions have neutral effects on binding sites, while deletions, as expected, were found to have the most severe TFBS-scores. We identified four categories of variants based on their TFBS-scores and tested them for enrichment of variants classified as pathogenic, benign and protective in ClinVar: we found that the variants with the most negative TFBS-scores have the most significant enrichment for pathogenic variants.ConclusionsOur method addresses key shortcomings of currently available bioinformatic tools in predicting the effects of INDELs in TFBSs, and provides an unprecedented window into the genome-wide landscape of INDELs, their predicted influences on TF binding, and potential relevance for human diseases. We thus offer an additional tool to help prioritising non-coding variants in sequencing studies.
Snapshots of a shrinking partner: Genome reduction inSerratia symbiotica
Authors: Manzano-Marín Alejandro , Latorre Amparo 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTGenome reduction is pervasive among maternally-inherited endosymbiotic organisms, from bacteriocyte- to gut-associated ones. This genome erosion is a step-wise process in which once free-living organisms evolve to become obligate associates, thereby losing non-essential or redundant genes/functions.Serratia symbiotica(Gammaproteobacteria), a secondary endosymbiont present in many aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae), displays various characteristics that make it a good model organism for studying genome reduction. While some strains are of facultative nature, others have established co-obligate associations with their respective aphid host and its primary endosymbiont (Buchnera). Furthermore, the different strains hold genomes of contrasting sizes and features, and have strikingly disparate cell shapes, sizes, and tissue tropism. Finally, genomes from closely related free-livingSerratia marcescensare also available. In this study, we describe in detail the genome reduction process (from free-living to reduced obligate endosymbiont) undergone byS. symbiotica, and relate it to the stages of integration to the symbiotic system the different strains find themselves in. We establish that the genome reduction patterns observed inS. symbioticafollow those from other dwindling genomes, thus proving to be a good model for the study of the genome reduction process within a single bacterial taxon evolving in a similar biological niche (aphid-Buchnera).
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Tracking of Distal Inflammatory Changes following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) in rats
Authors: Gillham SB , Figueroa JD , Bartnik B 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTSensorimotor disturbances continue to represent one of the most debilitating and widely reported complications in patients suffering mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). Loss of peripheral neuronal function at sites distal and disconnected to the central nervous control central centers is well documented. Distal muscular atrophy, complex regional pain symptoms, and poor wound healing are just a few of the many complications with often more severe secondary complications such decubitus ulcers and osteomyelitis seen at sites in the body distal to the center of injury. MRI has been widely established as a diagnostic and therapeutic planning tool in patients and animal models with neuronal disease. However, studies investigating the neural correlates of spinal cord changes after TBI are lacking. Here, we used T2 MR imaging to determine the effects of mTBI on the morphology and inflammatory changes of the spinal cord. We hypothesize that rats receiving mTBI utilizing a controlled cortical impact (CCI) contusion will demonstrate T2 signal changes at distal locomotor centers in the spine. Experimental mTBI and sham groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were used (n = 2 sham and 4 experimental). A mild CCI was applied to the right brain cortex. Rats were sacrificed at 60 days post injury and spinal cords harvested for ex vivo MRI T2 analysis. Focal areas/lesions of increased T2 hyperintensity were noted in mTBI injured rats (n = 4).Experimental group of rats also demonstrated secondary spinal cord locomotor and sensation adverse effects clinically. MR imaging showed volumetric reductions and T2 signal changes in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar segments of the spinal cord at 8 weeks’ post-injury. T2 intensity values were elevated in all experimental groups in comparison to the sham group within the distal cord, suggesting that remote CCI causes secondary spinal cord inflammation and neurodegeneration at distant sites. These findings also further support the idea that the most peripheral nerves and spinal cord will be most negatively affected by a TBI. While our research is in its preliminary stages, our results further confirm that mTBI has more far reaching effects than previously understood. T2 MRI is an effective tool to assess the extent of spinal cord injury related to antecedent TBI.
Examining the effects of patient characteristics and prior value needs on the patient-doctor encounter process in healthcare service delivery
Authors: Osei-Frimpong Kofi 
Published: June 2016

Purpose
Considering the increasing conceptualization of value creation, this paper aims to empirically examine the influence of pre-encounter value needs of patients on the clinical encounter process and how this impacts on their perceived experiential value, and contributes to the patient’s role in value creation in healthcare service delivery.

Design/methodology/approach
A model is proposed to suggest the antecedent and consequences of key elements of the patient–doctor encounter process. Following survey design approach, data collected from 332 outpatients from two clinics in Accra, Ghana, are examined through structural equation modeling using AMOS 23.0.

Findings
The findings reveal that patient pre-encounter value needs significantly influence key elements of the patient–doctor encounter process (care delivery approach, level of trust and shared-decision making approach). This in turn affects patient’s perceived experiential value and satisfaction evaluation. The results also suggest that patient characteristics (e.g. educational background and frequency of visit) had no significant effect on the encounter process leading to perceived experiential value; however, patient’s age had significant influence on the encounter process.

Research limitations/implications
This study empirically establishes a need to understand patient’s pre-encounter value needs, which fundamentally influence the patient-doctor encounter process and their perceived experiential value. However, the research only focused on the patient, which could limit the findings considering the multi-actors involved in the service delivery.

Practical implications
Creating value with patients suggests a need for providers to understand patient value needs or goals and adopt an approach to engage in a holistic manner that would result in positive experiences. This would empower and increase confidence of patients in consultations.

Originality/value
Using a quantitative research approach, this research engages in a highly focused investigation of the influence of patient’s pre-encounter value needs on key elements of the patient–doctor encounter process, which has received limited attention in the extant literature. The study also furthers our understanding of the effects of fundamental patient characteristics on encounter process and how this influence actor perceived experiential value.
A workplace intervention designed to interrupt prolonged occupational sitting
Authors: Mainsbridge Casey P. , Cooley Dean , Fraser Sharon P , Pedersen Scott J 
Published: June 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of a workplace intervention designed to interrupt prolonged occupational sitting time (POST) and its impact on the self-reported health of a cohort of desk-based employees.

Design/methodology/approach
– In total, 43 participants received an interactive computer-based software intervention for 26 weeks. For the first 13 weeks the intervention passively prompted the participants to interrupt POST and perform brief bouts of non-purposeful movement. The second 13 weeks involved the passivity of the intervention being removed, with the intervention only accessible voluntarily by the participant. This approach was adopted to determine the sustainability of the intervention to change workplace health behaviour.

Findings
– ANOVA results revealed a significant interaction between group and test occasion, F(2, 42)=2.79, p
<
0.05, such that the experimental group increased their total health from pre-test to post-test (13 weeks), and to second post-test (26 weeks) with a medium effect size of Cohen’s d=0.37.

Research limitations/implications
– An action research approach was implemented for this study, and hence the participants were organised into one group. Based on a communitarian model, the intervention aimed to monitor how desk-based employees adapted to specific health behaviours, and therefore a control group was not included.

Practical implications
– Passively prompting desk-based employees to interrupt POST and perform non-purposeful movement at work improved self-reported health. Participant perceptions of health were maintained following the removal of the passive feature of the intervention.

Social implications
– Interventions predicated on a social ecological model that modify how employees interact with the workplace environment might provide a framework for health behaviour change in populations where sitting is customary.

Originality/value
– The passive approach used in this study removed the individual decision-making process to engage in health behaviour change, and established a sustainable effect on participant health.
The role of senior managers’ use of performance measures in the relationship between decentralization and organizational performance
Authors: Bangchokdee Sirilak , Mia Lokman 
Published: June 2016

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the role of senior managers’ use of financial and non-financial performance measures in the relationship between decentralization and organizational performance in the hotel industry.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using a mailed questionnaire. General Managers in charge of medium-to-large hotels in Thailand completed the questionnaire. In total, 131 general managers, one from each hotel, participated in the study. Path analysis technique was used to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe results indicate that the general managers’ use of financial and non-financial performance measures fully mediates the relationship between the extent of decentralization of decision-making and hotel performance. The results reveal that the decentralization of decision-making alone is not enough to help a hotel improve its performance. Indeed, the relationship between decentralization of decision-making and hotel performance exists only via the general manager’s use of the performance measures. It is contended that a general manager’s use of the performance measures in a hotel encourages department managers to make appropriate decisions to successfully improve their department’s performance which, in turn, leads to increased performance of the hotel.Originality/valueThis study provides empirical evidence indicating how senior managers in hotels with decentralized decision-making could use performance measures to better manage their hotels, thereby improving the hotel’s performance. An in-depth analysis of the data reveals that the senior manager’s use of the non-financial, and not the financial, performance measures is a mediator of the relationship between decentralization of decision-making and hotel performance.
Collective identity, institutional logic and environmental management accounting change
Authors: Järvenpää Marko , Länsiluoto Aapo 
Published: June 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine how collective identity and institutional logic affect the design and use of an environmental performance measurement system.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors use a qualitative case study with abductive theorizing and empirical data obtained through semi-structured interviews, observation and document analysis.

Findings
The new environmental measures were reshaped by aligning them with the existing and dominant collective identity in the case organization – in other words, cost savings and profitability. Moreover, the institutional logic forced the environmental measures to remain as non-strategic and non-bonus criteria in favour of traditional financial measures.

Originality/value
Thornton and Ocasio’s (2008) institutional logic is applied and its potential for analyzing change in environmental accounting is shown. The paper illustrates how collective identity and institutional logic are important mechanisms reshaping environmental performance measurement design and use, when the existing collective identity is reproduced.
Mall brand meaning: an experiential branding perspective
Authors: Merrilees Bill , Miller Dale , Shao Wei 
Published: June 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to examine mall consumer brand meaning through understanding consumer brand associations of shopping malls.

Design/methodology/approach
Building on the literature, a quantitative methodology is applied. A large sample (n = 755) of an Australian shopping mall is surveyed, and the data are analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings
The first set of findings is that mall atmosphere and mall merchandise are the main determinants of consumer mall satisfaction. In turn, consumer mall satisfaction and mall merchandise are the main determinants of consumer mall brand attitudes.

Research limitations/implications
The study is the first known study to measure consumer-based mall brand meaning quantitatively. This discovery gives a more holistic understanding of the mall brand. Additionally, the study highlights that mall branding is essentially experiential branding.

Practical implications
The study provides sound guidance for mall managers by suggesting priorities in shaping the mall brand, the emphasis on mall atmosphere and the criticality of tenant mix. Some malls spend hundreds of millions of dollars on refurbishments, enhancing mall atmosphere, consistent with the emphasis of this paper.

Social implications
More effective experiential branding could influence community well-being.

Originality/value
This original research pioneers the discovery of customer-based mall brand meaning. Additionally, the study adds to the experiential branding literature. Sensory experiences are not sufficient to examine brand experiences; additionally, the core product (mall merchandise in our context) enhances the total (mall) brand experience.
Surprise! We changed the logo
Authors: Grobert Julien , Cuny Caroline , Fornerino Marianela 
Published: June 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the impact of brand attachment and familiarity on perceived congruence between the logo and the brand. It explores the role of an under-researched factor, surprise, on perceived congruence in the case of a radical logo change.

Design/methodology/approach
A study was conducted with 220 students following a university logo change. Perceived congruence between the logos (old and new) and the school brand values was measured for two kinds of students, current and future (i.e. applicants).

Findings
Results show the importance of surprise in the acceptance of a logo change. Brand familiarity and brand attachment affect surprise in opposite ways, such that higher familiarity increases negative surprise, whereas higher attachment enhances positive surprise.

Research limitations/implications
This research used a school logo. Because schools represent a particular type of company, brand attachment to another type of brand could be different. The current model needs to be tested in different contexts.

Practical implications
Companies must pay special attention when communicating with their most attached consumers. In particular, companies that aim to change their logos must prepare for the change by relying on communications that can lead to positive surprise.

Originality/value
This study was conducted in a real context of logo change. It is the first study to focus on the link among familiarity, attachment and surprise when a radical logo change takes place within a company.
Internal branding and sustainability: investigating perceptions of employees
Authors: Biedenbach Galina , Manzhynski Siarhei 
Published: June 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate perceptual differences between employees characterized by various levels of internal brand commitment and sustainability importance. The identified clusters of employees are compared considering the main determinants of internal brand commitment and their evaluations of a company’s sustainability performance.

Design/methodology/approach
The study was conducted among employees of industrial companies operating in Belarus. Two hundred thirty-eight responses were analyzed by using the K-means cluster analysis. The analysis of variance was applied for evaluating differences between the three identified clusters.

Findings
Based on internal brand commitment and sustainability importance, the paper identifies three alternative clusters of employees: uncommitted sustainability laggards, committed sustainability followers and committed sustainability leaders. The results show that the three clusters differ in regard to the main determinants of internal brand commitment, which are brand orientation, internal brand knowledge and internal brand involvement. The findings demonstrate significant perceptual differences between the three clusters regarding their evaluations of a company’s sustainability performance. The assessment of sustainability performance focuses on sustainability objectives, sustainability policies and sustainability decision-making and disclosure.

Research limitations/implications
The study was conducted in the context of a transition economy. Future studies are recommended to develop a cross-cultural comparison of relationships between employees’ perceptions about sustainability performance, different determinants and the outcomes of internal brand commitment.

Originality/value
The paper makes a theoretical contribution to research on internal branding and sustainability by examining the potential interrelationships between internal branding strategies and sustainability performance.
Learning in the service environment: the influence of diversity climate
Authors: Guchait Priyanko , Madera Juan , Dawson Mary 
Published: June 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine how diversity climate in service organizations influence employee learning behavior. Additionally, the study examined the mediating effects of psychological safety and communication satisfaction between diversity climate and learning behavior.Design/methodology/approach– Data were collected from 128 hotel and lodging managers by administering survey questionnaires. The dual mediational model was tested using the mediation test suggested by Preacher and Hayes (2008).Findings– Results indicated that when managers perceived a positive diversity climate they also reported high engagement in learning behavior. Additionally, the study found the mediating effects of psychological safety and communication satisfaction.Originality/value– The importance of learning behavior has been noted by researchers and practitioners because of its influence on service performance. Learning behavior is especially important in complex, error prone, and fast changing businesses like the services industry. This research contributes to the existing body of research by examining the influence of diversity climate on learning behavior, which has not been investigated empirically in the literature. The current research not only makes a significant contribution to the learning and diversity literature, but also informs practitioners how learning behavior can be increased and how diversity climate can be created in within service organizations, in particularly hospitality.