bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the strategy-performance linkage
Authors: Luoma Mikko Antero 
Published: June 2015

Purpose– The linkage between strategy and performance is central to strategic management. Empirical studies have nevertheless produced mixed results on the nature of this relationship, and in recent decades, very little advancement has been made in research aimed at elucidating this relationship. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to identify the approaches to the strategy-performance linkage in previous studies and defines five principles that should characterize future research on this relationship. The paper develops a novel research design that follows these principles and tests the usefulness of this research design in practice.Design/methodology/approach– This paper is exploratory in nature and its empirical methods include content analysis, multidimensional scaling, and cluster analysis. The primary difference between this paper and studies in the mainstream literature on the linkage between strategy and performance relates to the application of an endogenous strategy typology instead of predefined strategy categories.Findings– The analysis shows that the adopted research design based on five principles is applicable to research on the linkage between strategy and performance and that such a research design produces meaningful results. The results support the findings of earlier studies regarding the potential of “hybrid” strategies for achieving superior firm performance.Research limitations/implications– This paper challenges the dominance of generic strategies in research on the strategy-performance linkage and provides statistical data that lay the foundation for more detailed investigation on this relationship. The paper argues for a contextually bound view of strategic management.Originality/value– This paper invigorates the discussion on the linkage between strategy and performance, which has long been diminishing as a research topic in the literature because of contradictory results and the lack of fresh research opportunities. This paper further introduces a methodology that has been underutilized in the study of strategic management.
Study of microRNAs (miRNAs) that are predicted to target the autoantigens Ro/SSA and La/SSB in primary Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Gourzi V C , Kapsogeorgou E K , Kyriakidis N C , Tzioufas A G 
Published: June 2015

Summary
The elevated tissue expression of Ro/SSA and La/SSB autoantigens appears to be crucial for the generation and perpetuation of autoimmune humoral responses against these autoantigens in Sjögren's syndrome (SS). The mechanisms that govern their expression are not known. miRNAs, the post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, might be implicated. We have identified previously the miRNAs let7b, miR16, miR181a, miR200b-3p, miR200b-5p, miR223 and miR483-5p that are predicted to target Ro/SSA [Ro52/tripartite motif-containing protein 21 (TRIM21), Ro60/TROVE domain family, member 2 (TROVE2)] and La/SSB mRNAs. To study possible associations with autoantigen mRNA expression and disease features, their expression was investigated in minor salivary gland (MSG) tissues, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and long-term cultured non-neoplastic salivary gland epithelial cells (SGEC) from 29 SS patients (20 of 29 positive for autoantibodies to Ro/SSA and La/SSB) and 24 sicca-complaining controls. The levels of miR16 were up-regulated in MSGs, miR200b-3p in SGECs and miR223 and miR483-5p in PBMCs of SS patients compared to sicca-complaining controls. The MSG levels of let7b, miR16, miR181a, miR223 and miR483-5p were correlated positively with Ro52/TRIM21-mRNA. miR181a and miR200b-3p were correlated negatively with Ro52/TRIM21 and Ro60/TROVE2 mRNAs in SGECs, respectively, whereas let7b, miR200b-5p and miR223 associated with La/SSB-mRNA. In PBMCs, let7b, miR16, miR181a and miR483-5p were correlated with Ro52/TRIM21, whereas let7b, miR16 and miR181a were also associated with La/SSB-mRNA expression. Significantly lower miR200b-5p levels were expressed in SS patients with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma compared to those without. Our findings indicate that miR16, miR200b-3p, miR223 and miR483-5p are deregulated in SS, but the exact role of this deregulation in disease pathogenesis and autoantigen expression needs to be elucidated.
Childhood origins and adult destinations: The impact of childhood living conditions on coexisting disadvantages in adulthood
Authors: Almquist Ylva B. 
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to analyse linkages between childhood living conditions and coexisting disadvantages in adulthood. Analyses were based on the Stockholm Birth Cohort, consisting of more than 14,000 individuals born in 1953, followed up until 2007. Based on education, labour market outcomes, economic poverty and health, four outcome profiles with varying levels of disadvantage were identified by means of latent class analysis. Coexisting disadvantages were present in approximately one‐fifth of the individuals. Low educational attainment, social welfare recipiency and mental health problems simultaneously occurred in two of the profiles, suggesting that these dimensions are highly interconnected. Results from multinomial regression analysis showed that individuals who had experienced disadvantaged childhood conditions had particularly high risks of ending up in these two outcome profiles, with or without the presence of unemployment.Key Practitioner Message: ● Four outcome profiles with varying combinations of adult disadvantage are identified; ● Coexisting disadvantages are present in approximately one‐fifth of the individuals; ● Those experiencing adverse childhood conditions have higher risks of coexisting disadvantages, with or without the presence of unemployment.
The effect of a calcium phosphate mouth rinse on (chemo) radiation induced oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients: a prospective study
Authors: Stokman MA , Burlage FR , Spijkervet FKL 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectivesPromising results of a calcium phosphate (CP) mouth rinse on reduced severity of oral mucositis have been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a CP mouth rinse on the frequency, duration and severity of (chemo) radiation induced oral mucositis in patients with head–neck cancer.Material and methodpatients with oral malignancies, treated with (chemo) radiotherapy, were included. Patients rinsed four times a day with a CP mouth rinse. Patients not willing to rinse with the CP mouth rinse served as control. Mucositis was scored according to the WHO score at baseline and twice a week during the full course of (chemo) radiotherapy. Patient's self‐reported mouth‐throat soreness (MTS) was evaluated at the same time interval using a diary in the CP mouth rinse group. The outcomes on MTS were compared with a historical control group.ResultsFifty‐two patients were analysed: 25 CP mouth rinse group, 11 control group and 16 historical group. There was no significant difference between the CP group and control group on development and severity of oral mucositis. No significant difference was found for subjective outcomes on MTS between the CP group and the historical group.ConclusionsThe CP mouth rinse seems to have no influence on the frequency, duration and severity of oral mucositis during (chemo) radiation in patients with head and neck cancer. A trend to develop less MTS for drinking and eating was found when applying the CP mouth rinse.
Helicobacter pylori CheZHP and ChePep form a novel chemotaxis‐regulatory complex distinct from the core chemotaxis signaling proteins and the flagellar motor
Authors: Lertsethtakarn Paphavee , Howitt Michael R. , Castellon Juan , Amieva Manuel R. , Ottemann Karen M. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryChemotaxis is important for Helicobacter pylori to colonize the stomach. Like other bacteria, H. pylori uses chemoreceptors and conserved chemotaxis proteins to phosphorylate the flagellar rotational response regulator, CheY, and modulate the flagellar rotational direction. Phosphorylated CheY is returned to its non‐phosphorylated state by phosphatases such as CheZ. In previously studied cases, chemotaxis phosphatases localize to the cellular poles by interactions with either the CheA chemotaxis kinase or flagellar motor proteins. We report here that the H. pylori CheZ, CheZHP, localizes to the poles independently of the flagellar motor, CheA, and all typical chemotaxis proteins. Instead, CheZHP localization depends on the chemotaxis regulatory protein ChePep, and reciprocally, ChePep requires CheZHP for its polar localization. We furthermore show that these proteins interact directly. Functional domain mapping of CheZHP determined the polar localization motif lies within the central domain of the protein and that the protein has regions outside of the active site that participate in chemotaxis. Our results suggest that CheZHP and ChePep form a distinct complex. These results therefore suggest the intriguing idea that some phosphatases localize independently of the other chemotaxis and motility proteins, possibly to confer unique regulation on these proteins' activities.
Field Investigation for Identifying the Effects of Dynamic Track Stabilizing Operation on Track Geometrical Indices
Authors: Jadidirendi Kazem , Zakeri Jabbar Ali , Teng Hualiang (Harry) 
Published: June 2015

At the construction stage of the track or during the operation period, in order to adjust the geometrical alignment of railway superstructure, a mechanized maintenance train (MDZ) track maintenance machines including tamping, ballast regulating, and dynamic track stabilizing (DTS) machines are used. Due to the uncertain effects of DTS machines on track geometry, one section of railway line around Tehran which was under almost heavy commute and freight traffic was selected and the influence of DTS on the track’s geometrical indices was investigated.
For this purpose, considering the longitudinal profile of the track, the entire track which was 15 km (almost 9.5 miles) were divided into similar sections and each section was marked, each direct and curved line was divided to exactly 2 sections and in first section both tamping and stabilizing applied while in the second section just tamping machine worked without any stabilizing to fulfill both stabilizing and tamping operations on the selected sections and solely tamping operation on the other sections. Following these tasks, track recording machine, EM120, measured the geometrical parameters of the track within 1, 3, 6 and 8 month intervals. In order to determine the variation of TGI and J indices, the geometrical index of the track were analyzed. The present paper is elaborated on the analyzed results.
CBTC Field Test and Commissioning
Authors: Diemunsch Kenneth 
Published: June 2015

Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology is the most advanced train control system for urban railway infrastructures. It is very different from conventional relay based signaling systems and more complex than most cab signaling systems. CBTC functions are numerous, highly complex with customized details for each project. They cannot be tested for all possible conditions at all locations. Knowledge of the CTBC system and experience with train control commissioning are keys to performing enough tests to detect most issues but permit the start of revenue service as early as possible. The testing strategy proposed by the CBTC supplier is the result of years of experience with the goal of minimizing expensive field tests while demonstrating that the system will work properly in revenue service. Despite the numerous tests performed before revenue service, it is inevitable that operating challenges will be faced during the first months of CBTC system operation.
The recent Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Std 1474.4-2011 Recommended Practice for Functional Testing of a Communications-Based Train Control System [1] provides a good description how and where CBTC functions should be tested. However, it does not describe the sequence of tests in the context of a project where CBTC is deployed on a transit property. This paper presents the sequence of field tests required to commission a CBTC system and provides insight based on experience with several CBTC projects in the last decade.
Crashworthiness Progress: U.S. Freight Locomotives, 1990-2014
Authors: Iden Michael , French Peter 
Published: June 2015

The design of freight locomotives for U.S. railroads began changing in late-1990 with the introduction of the first industry crashworthiness standard for the front nose of newly-manufactured freight. Between 1990 and 2008, that industry standard was revised and upgraded four times. In 1995 an industry standard for the crashworthiness of fuel tanks mounted underneath newly-manufactured freight locomotives was also introduced. Effective at the end of 2008, both of the industry standards were incorporated by reference into a new U.S. federal regulation mandating crashworthiness features on newly-manufactured locomotives effective with deliveries to railroads in 2009.
In addition to the crashworthiness-specific design changes, in 1992 and 1993 both of the major U.S. locomotive manufacturers introduced new designs for the attachment of the truck (bogie) assemblies to locomotive underframes; these changes were to facilitate the use of new trucks (bogies) producing higher adhesion for greater tractive effort. The “deep traction pin” designs also had a positive effect on the crashworthiness of new fuel tanks by reducing the chance of truck separation from the underframe (and impacting the fuel tank) during accidents. The changes cited here were for newly-manufactured freight locomotives, with retrofit to older locomotives impossible or extremely difficult to accomplish with similar results.
This paper briefly reviews the introduction of the crashworthiness features described, and also offers the first retrospective look at (a) how extensively the evolving crashworthiness features have reached across the U.S. freight locomotive fleet (through acquisition of newly-manufactured freight locomotives) and (b) attempts to measure the effectiveness of the various crashworthiness design changes in saving lives and reducing injuries of in-cab railroad employees.
It is believed that this paper is the first and only assessment to date of cumulative U.S. freight locomotive crashworthiness progress and its statistical impact on locomotive crew safety since the early 2000’s.
Liquefied Natural Gas Tender Crashworthiness Research
Authors: Tyrell David 
Published: June 2015

Research is being conducted to develop technical information needed to formulate effective natural gas fuel tender crashworthiness standards. This research is being performed for the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA’s) Office of Research, Development, and Technology, and intended to facilitate industry efforts to use natural gas as a locomotive fuel. Strategies to assure crashworthiness during moderate accidents, such as train-to-train collisions at speeds up to 40 mph, are being evaluated.
This research applies the approach FRA has used to develop technical information on locomotive, hazmat tank car, and diesel fuel tank crashworthiness. There are four primary tasks:
1. Definition of collision scenarios
2. Evaluation of traditional designs
3. Evaluation of alternative designs
4. Recommendation of effective crashworthiness strategies
The tender scenarios have been drafted from reviews of freight train accidents and of scenarios developed for locomotives, hazmat tank cars, and fuel tanks. From these reviews, five scenarios were selected. These scenarios are intended to bound the range of collisions that a tender may experience, are being used to evaluate the crashworthiness of traditional tender designs, and will be used to evaluate alternative design tenders. The five candidate scenarios are:
1. Train-to-train collision
2. Grade-crossing accident
3. Tender derailment and rollover
4. Impact into tender tank shell during derailment
5. Impact into tender tank head during derailment
As part of previous research on locomotives and passenger equipment, a range of crashworthiness analysis techniques were developed. These include simplified techniques, which can be performed rapidly and provide essential results, and detailed computer simulations which provide a wealth of information. The crashworthiness performance of a hypothetical tender design has been evaluated using simplified techniques. Simplified techniques include quasi-static crush analysis of structural elements and lumped-parameter analysis of train dynamics. The results suggest that efforts to enhance crashworthiness should principally be directed toward the train-to-train scenario. Work is ongoing to develop strategies for improving tender crashworthiness.
This research is being conducted cooperatively with the Association of American Railroads (AAR). The research results are being shared with the AAR’s Natural Gas Fuel Tender Technical Advisory Group (NGFT TAG). The NGFT TAG is developing industry standards, including crashworthiness requirements, for revenue-service natural gas fuel tenders. There is a companion paper which describes crashworthiness research sponsored by AAR, including detailed computer simulations of tender crashworthiness. This paper describes development of scenarios and simplified analyses of tender crashworthiness.
DksA and (p)ppGpp Have Unique and Overlapping Contributions to Haemophilus ducreyi Pathogenesis in Humans
Authors: Holley Concerta L. , Zhang Xinjun , Fortney Kate R. , Ellinger Sheila , Johnson Paula , Baker Beth , Liu Yunlong , Janowicz Diane M. , Katz Barry P. , Munson Robert S. , Spinola Stanley M. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

The (p)ppGpp-mediated stringent response is important for bacterial survival in nutrient limiting conditions. For maximal effect, (p)ppGpp interacts with the cofactor DksA, which stabilizes (p)ppGpp's interaction with RNA polymerase. We previously demonstrated that (p)ppGpp was required for the virulence of
Haemophilus ducreyi
in humans. Here, we constructed an
H. ducreyi
dksA
mutant and showed it was also partially attenuated for pustule formation in human volunteers. To understand the roles of (p)ppGpp and DksA in gene regulation in
H. ducreyi
, we defined genes potentially altered by (p)ppGpp and DksA deficiency using transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq). In bacteria collected at stationary phase, lack of (p)ppGpp and DksA altered expression of 28% and 17% of
H. ducreyi
open reading frames, respectively, including genes involved in transcription, translation, and metabolism. There was significant overlap in genes differentially expressed in the (p)ppGpp mutant relative to the
dksA
mutant. Loss of (p)ppGpp or DksA resulted in the dysregulation of several known virulence determinants. Deletion of
dksA
downregulated
lspB
and rendered the organism less resistant to phagocytosis and increased its sensitivity to oxidative stress. Both mutants had reduced ability to attach to human foreskin fibroblasts; the defect correlated with reduced expression of the Flp adhesin proteins in the (p)ppGpp mutant but not in the
dksA
mutant, suggesting that DksA regulates the expression of an unknown cofactor(s) required for Flp-mediated adherence. We conclude that both (p)ppGpp and DksA serve as major regulators of
H. ducreyi
gene expression in stationary phase and have both overlapping and unique contributions to pathogenesis.
Evidence that Autophosphorylation of the Major Sporulation Kinase in Bacillus subtilis Is Able To Occur in trans
Authors: Devi Seram Nganbiton , Kiehler Brittany , Haggett Lindsey , Fujita Masaya 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTEntry into sporulation inBacillus subtilisis governed by a multicomponent phosphorelay, a complex version of a two-component system which includes at least three histidine kinases (KinA to KinC), two phosphotransferases (Spo0F and Spo0B), and a response regulator (Spo0A). Among the three histidine kinases, KinA is known as the major sporulation kinase; it is autophosphorylated with ATP upon starvation and then transfers a phosphoryl group to the downstream components in a His-Asp-His-Asp signaling pathway. Our recent study demonstrated that KinA forms a homotetramer, not a dimer, mediated by the N-terminal domain, as a functional unit. Furthermore, when the N-terminal domain was overexpressed in the starving wild-type strain, sporulation was impaired. We hypothesized that this impairment of sporulation could be explained by the formation of a nonfunctional heterotetramer of KinA, resulting in the reduced level of phosphorylated Spo0A (Spo0A∼P), and thus, autophosphorylation of KinA could occur intrans. To test this hypothesis, we generated a series ofB. subtilisstrains expressing homo- or heterogeneous KinA protein complexes consisting of various combinations of the phosphoryl-accepting histidine point mutant protein and the catalytic ATP-binding domain point mutant protein. We found that the ATP-binding-deficient protein was phosphorylated when the phosphorylation-deficient protein was present in a 1:1 stoichiometry in the tetramer complex, while each of the mutant homocomplexes was not phosphorylated. These results suggest that ATP initially binds to one protomer within the tetramer complex and then the γ-phosphoryl group is transmitted to another in atransfashion. We further found that the sporulation defect of each of the mutant proteins is complemented when the proteins are coexpressedin vivo. Taken together, thesein vitroandin vivoresults reinforce the evidence that KinA autophosphorylation is able to occur in atransfashion.IMPORTANCEAutophosphorylation of histidine kinases is known to occur by either thecis(one subunit of kinase phosphorylating itself within the multimer) or thetrans(one subunit of the multimer phosphorylates the other subunit) mechanism. The present study provided directin vivoandin vitroevidence that autophosphorylation of the major sporulation histidine kinase (KinA) is able to occur intranswithin the homotetramer complex. While the physiological and mechanistic significance of thetransautophosphorylation reaction remains obscure, understanding the detailed reaction mechanism of the sporulation kinase is the first step toward gaining insight into the molecular mechanisms of the initiation of sporulation, which is believed to be triggered by unknown factors produced under conditions of nutrient depletion.