bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strategic alliances on performance of retail firms in Nairobi County, Kenya
Authors: Muange Rosemary , Maru Loice C. 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of strategic alliances on firm performance and the moderating effect of firm size in retail firms in Nairobi County in Kenya.

Design/methodology/approach
– Resource Dependency Theory was used to guide the study. The study adopted explanatory research design. Questionnaires were used to collect data from sample of 216 respondents through stratified and simple random sampling technique. The study used inferential statistics to test hypotheses.

Findings
– Study findings indicated that joint marketing alliances, procurement-supplier alliances, joint manufacturing alliances and technology development alliances have significant and positive effect on firm performance. Based on the findings, creating a joint marketing, procurement-supplier, joint manufacturing and technology development alliances mostly enhance firm performance.

Research limitations/implications
– The study considered only one county out of 47, although this county hosts the capital city, where most of the firms considered are located. It therefore is representative of all counties and firms considered in this study. It also considered top management staff and thus may have an effect since the lower cadre staff were not considered. However, most of the required information was expected from top management since these are the ones who make decisions, and hence most affected by strategic alliances.

Practical implications
– This study has practical implication on firm performance because it has established that strategic alliance improves on overall firm performance. This manifests itself in terms of improve productivity, production efficiency and profitability. It also helps in the availability of products to the end users.

Social implications
– Through improved productivity, efficiency and profitability, this translates to improved terms of payment of staff and hence improved quality of lives of their families and communities within which they live. It also enables the firms to participate more in corporate social responsibility projects which in turn improves the standard of living of the communities around them.

Originality/value
– The study has provided an empirical insight on the importance of strategic alliance on firm performance. This is the first study done in the Kenyan context concerning strategic alliances formed by firms to improve on their performance especially on retail firms.
Gastrointestinal perforation after liver transplantation
Authors: Fang Cheng , Yan Sheng , Liu Jianhua , Zheng Shusen 
Published: November 2015

AimThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the risk factors and outcomes of gastrointestinal perforation post‐liver transplantation.Patients and MethodsEleven patients were found to have complications as a result of gastrointestinal perforation post‐liver transplantation at our centre from May 2008 to February 2014. Seven of these patients were selected for statistical analysis. Each patient was randomly matched with six recipients in age (± 10 years), primary disease and sex. Factors, including cold ischaemic time, blood loss volume, previous hepatobiliary surgery history and 1‐year survival rate, were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe sites of perforation were the stomach (n = 2), duodenum (n = 2), jejunum (n = 1), ileum (n = 3) and colon (n = 3). Univariate analysis showed a significant difference in previous hepatobiliary surgery history (P < 0.01). No difference was found in portal venous cross‐clamp time, cold ischaemic time, model for end‐stage liver disease score, body mass index, steroid therapy or blood type incompatibility. Previous hepatobiliary surgery history was found to be an independent risk factor in the multivariate analysis (P < 0.05). The 1‐year survival rate was lower in the perforation group (P < 0.01).ConclusionGastrointestinal perforation leads to a high rate of morbidity and mortality, and significantly decreases graft and recipient survival. A history of hepatobiliary surgery is a risk factor of this complication. Careful dissection and avoiding iatrogenic injury during operation are important.
Efficacy and functional outcome of flexible ureteroscopy for renal stones in patients with a solitary kidney
Authors: Liao Wenbiao , Xiong Yunhe , Yang Sixing , Song Chao , Liu Lingqi , Meng Lingchao 
Published: November 2015

AimThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and functional outcome of flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) for renal stones in patients with a solitary kidney.Patients and MethodsFrom February 2011 to February 2015, 60 patients with a solitary kidney underwent fURS for the treatment of renal stones. Factors, such as operation duration, complications and stone‐free rate (SFR), were analysed. Changes in the renal function were evaluated by comparing preoperative and postoperative glomerular filtration rates (GFR) and serum creatinine. The stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) was measured to evaluate the influence of fURS on renal function.ResultsThe total SFR were 76.67 per cent and 93.33 per cent after the first and final procedures, respectively. Postoperative minor complications, classified as Clavien grade II, were recorded in 4.2 per cent (2/48) and 25 per cent (3/12) of patients with renal stones < 2 cm and > 2 cm, respectively. Serious complications, classified as Clavien grade III, occurred in 8.3 per cent (1/12) with renal stones > 2 cm. For patients with renal stones < 2 cm, the preoperative and postoperative mean GFR, as well as serum creatinine, had statistical difference (P < 0.05). For patients with a solitary kidney with stage 5 CKD, fURS did not improve the renal function regardless of the stone size.ConclusionfURS is a more effective and safer procedure, with a higher SFR and a lower rate of complications in treating stones < 2 cm in a solitary kidney than those > 2 cm. For patients with a solitary kidney with stage 5 CKD, fURS did not improve the renal function regardless of the stone size.
Male fertility following spinal cord injury: an update
Authors: Ibrahim E. , Lynne C. M. , Brackett N. L. 
Published: November 2015

SummarySpinal cord injury (SCI) occurs most often in young men at the peak of their reproductive health. The majority of men with SCI cannot father children naturally. Three major complications contribute to infertility in men with SCI: erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, and abnormal semen quality. Erectile dysfunction can be managed by regimens available to the general population, including oral administration of phosphodiesterase‐5 (PDE‐5) inhibitors, intracavernosal injections, vacuum devices, and penile prostheses. Semen may be obtained from anejaculatory men with SCI via the medically assisted ejaculation methods of penile vibratory stimulation (PVS) or electroejaculation (EEJ). Sperm retrieval is also possible via prostate massage or surgical sperm retrieval. Most men with SCI have abnormal semen quality characterized by normal sperm concentrations but abnormally low sperm motility and viability. Accessory gland dysfunction has been proposed as the cause of these abnormalities. Leukocytospermia is evident in most SCI patients. Additionally, elevated concentrations of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and elevated concentrations of inflammasome components are found in their semen. Neutralization of these constituents has resulted in improved sperm motility. There is a recent and alarming trend in the management of infertility in couples with SCI male partners. Although many men with SCI have sufficient motile sperm in their ejaculates for attempting intrauterine insemination (IUI) or even intravaginal insemination, surgical sperm retrieval is often introduced as the first and only sperm retrieval method for these couples. Surgical sperm retrieval commits the couple to the most advanced, expensive, and invasive method of assisted conception: in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI). Couples should be informed of all options, including semen retrieval by PVS or EEJ. Intravaginal insemination or IUI should be considered when indicated.
Variable selection and estimation in high‐dimensional models
Authors: Horowitz Joel L. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractModels with high‐dimensional covariates arise frequently in economics and other fields. Often, only a few covariates have important effects on the dependent variable. When this happens, the model is said to be sparse. In applications, however, it is not known which covariates are important and which are not. This paper reviews methods for discriminating between important and unimportant covariates with particular attention given to methods that discriminate correctly with probability approaching 1 as the sample size increases. Methods are available for a wide variety of linear, nonlinear, semiparametric and nonparametric models. The performance of some of these methods in finite samples is illustrated through Monte Carlo simulations and an empirical example.
Association between green tea/coffee consumption and biliary tract cancer: A population‐based cohort study in Japan
Authors: Makiuchi Takeshi , Sobue Tomotaka , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Ishihara Junko , Sawada Norie , Iwasaki Motoki , Sasazuki Shizuka , Yamaji Taiki , Shimazu Taichi , Tsugane Shoichiro 
Published: November 2015

Green tea and coffee consumption may decrease the risk of some types of cancers. However, their effects on biliary tract cancer (BTC) have been poorly understood. In this population‐based prospective cohort study in Japan, we investigated the association of green tea (total green tea, Sencha, and Bancha/Genmaicha) and coffee consumption with the risk for BTC and its subtypes, gallbladder cancer, and extrahepatic bile duct cancer. The hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the Cox proportional hazard model. A total of 89 555 people aged 45–74 years were enrolled between 1995 and 1999 and followed up for 1 138 623 person‐years until 2010, during which 284 cases of BTC were identified. Consumption of >720 mL/day green tea was significantly associated with decreased risk compared with consumption of ≤120 mL/day (hazard ratio = 0.67 [95% confidence interval, 0.46–0.97]), and a non‐significant trend of decreased risk associated with increased consumption was observed (P‐trend = 0.095). In the analysis according to the location of the primary tumor, consuming >120 mL green tea tended to be associated with decreased risk of gallbladder cancer and extrahepatic bile duct cancer. When Sencha and Bancha/Genmaicha were analyzed separately, we observed a non‐significant trend of decreased risk of BTC associated with Sencha but no association with Bancha/Genmaicha. For coffee, there was no clear association with biliary tract, gallbladder, or extrahepatic bile duct cancer. Our findings suggest that high green tea consumption may lower the risk of BTC, and the effect may be attributable to Sencha consumption.
Postprandial capillary–venous glucose gradient in Type 1 diabetes: magnitude and clinical associations in a real world setting
Authors: Lee I. , Lunt H. , Chan H. , Heenan H. , Berkeley J. , Frampton C. M. A. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimsTo determine the magnitude of the peripheral glucose gradient in patients with Type 1 diabetes in a real world setting and to explore its relationship with insulin dose and macronutrient intake.MethodsAll patients used mealtime analogue insulin. The glucose gradient was assessed using antecubital fossa venous and finger‐stick capillary samples, collected concurrently at room temperature. Baseline sampling occurred before the administration of an insulin dose and breakfast of the patient's choosing. Breakfast was consumed an average of 15 min after baseline. The macronutrient content of breakfast was documented. Sampling was repeated 1 and 2 h after baseline.ResultsThe mean (95% CI) plasma capillary–venous glucose gradient values for 43 patients were: pre‐breakfast, 0.21 (0.08–0.34) mmol/l; 1 h after baseline, 0.87 (0.66–1.07) mmol/l; and 2 h after baseline, 0.52 (0.33–0.71) mmol/l. Glucose gradient and dietary carbohydrate intake (g/kg body weight) were positively correlated at both 1 h (P < 0.01) and 2 h after baseline (P < 0.01). No relationship was observed between this gradient and mealtime insulin dose, or the glucose concentration at either time point.ConclusionsIn patients with Type 1 diabetes, a clinically significant glucose gradient is present after the ingestion of a carbohydrate‐rich meal. As postprandial capillary and venous plasma glucose concentrations are not equivalent, defining the site of sample collection is important.
Cryptochrome 1b: a possible inducer of visual lateralization in pigeons?
Authors: Ströckens Felix , Güntürkün Onur 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe visual system of adult pigeons shows a lateralization of object discrimination with a left hemispheric dominance on the behavioural, physiological and anatomical levels. The crucial trigger for the establishment of this asymmetry is the position of the embryo inside the egg, which exposes the right eye to light falling through the egg shell. As a result, the right‐sided retina is more strongly stimulated with light during embryonic development. However, it is unknown how this embryonic light stimulation is transduced to the brain as rods and cones are not yet functional. A possible solution could be the blue‐light‐sensitive molecule cryptochrome 1 (Cry1), which is expressed in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) of several mammalian and avian species. RGCs have been shown to be functional during the time of induction of asymmetry and possess projections to primary visual areas. Therefore, Cry1‐containing RGCs could be responsible for induction of asymmetry. The aim of this study was to identify the expression pattern of the Cry1 subtype Cry1b in the retina of embryonic, post‐hatch and adult pigeons by immunohistochemical staining and to show whether Cry1b‐containing RGCs project to the optic tectum. Cry1b‐positive cells were indeed mainly found in the RGC layer and to lesser extent in the inner nuclear layer at all ages, including the embryonic stage. Tracing in adult animals revealed that at least a subset of Cry1b‐containing RGCs project to the optic tectum. Thus, Cry1b‐containing RGCs within the embryonic retina could be involved in the induction of asymmetries in the visual system of pigeons.
Intact working memory in non‐manifesting LRRK2 carriers – an fMRI study
Authors: Thaler Avner , Helmich Rick C. , Or‐Borichev Ayelet , van Nuenen Bart F.L. , Shapira‐Lichter Irit , Gurevich Tanya , Orr‐Urtreger Avi , Marder Karen , Bressman Susan , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Giladi Nir , Hendler Talma , Mirelman Anat ,   the LRRK2 Ashkenazi Jewish consortium
Published: November 2015

AbstractCognitive impairments are prevalent in patients with Parkinson's disease. Mutations in the leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene are the most common cause of genetic Parkinsonism. Non‐manifesting carriers of the G2019S mutation in the LRRK2 gene were found to have lower executive functions as measured by the Stroop task. This exploratory study aimed to assess whether the cognitive impairment in non‐manifesting carriers is specific for executive functions or includes other cognitive domains such as working memory. We recruited 77 non‐manifesting first‐degree relatives of Parkinson's disease patients (38 carriers). A block‐design fMRI N‐back task, with 0‐back, 2‐back and 3‐back conditions, was used in order to assess working memory. Participants were well matched on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III, digit span, age, gender and Beck Depression Inventory. The task achieved the overall expected effect in both groups with longer reaction times and lower accuracy rates with increasing task demands. However, no whole‐brain or region‐of‐interest between‐groups differences were found on any of the task conditions. These results indicate that non‐manifesting carriers of the G2019S mutation in the LRRK2 gene have a specific cognitive profile with executive functions, as assessed by the Stroop task, demonstrating significant impairment but with working memory, as assessed with the N‐back task, remaining relatively intact. These finding shed light on the pre‐motor cognitive changes in this unique ‘at risk’ population and should enable more focused cognitive assessments of these cohorts.
Optogenetic stimulation of cholinergic brainstem neurons during focal limbic seizures: Effects on cortical physiology
Authors: Furman Moran , Zhan Qiong , McCafferty Cian , Lerner Benjamin A. , Motelow Joshua E. , Meng Jin , Ma Chanthia , Buchanan Gordon F. , Witten Ilana B. , Deisseroth Karl , Cardin Jessica A. , Blumenfeld Hal 
Published: November 2015

SummaryFocal temporal lobe seizures often cause impaired cortical function and loss of consciousness. Recent work suggests that the mechanism for depressed cortical function during focal seizures may depend on decreased subcortical cholinergic arousal, which leads to a sleep‐like state of cortical slow‐wave activity. To test this hypothesis, we sought to directly activate subcortical cholinergic neurons during focal limbic seizures to determine the effects on cortical function. Here we used an optogenetic approach to selectively stimulate cholinergic brainstem neurons in the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus during focal limbic seizures induced in a lightly anesthetized rat model. We found an increase in cortical gamma activity and a decrease in delta activity in response to cholinergic stimulation. These findings support the mechanistic role of reduced subcortical cholinergic arousal in causing cortical dysfunction during seizures. Through further work, electrical or optogenetic stimulation of subcortical arousal networks may ultimately lead to new treatments aimed at preventing cortical dysfunction during seizures.
Aberrant topological patterns of brain structural network in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Yasuda Clarissa Lin , Chen Zhang , Beltramini Guilherme Coco , Coan Ana Carolina , Morita Marcia Elisabete , Kubota Bruno , Bergo Felipe , Beaulieu Christian , Cendes Fernando , Gross Donald William 
Published: November 2015

SummaryObjectiveAlthough altered large‐scale brain network organization in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) has been shown using morphologic measurements such as cortical thickness, these studies, have not included critical subcortical structures (such as hippocampus and amygdala) and have had relatively small sample sizes. Here, we investigated differences in topological organization of the brain volumetric networks between patients with right TLE (RTLE) and left TLE (LTLE) with unilateral hippocampal atrophy.MethodsWe performed a cross‐sectional analysis of 86 LTLE patients, 70 RTLE patients, and 116 controls. RTLE and LTLE groups were balanced for gender (p = 0.64), seizure frequency (Mann‐Whitney U test, p = 0.94), age (p = 0.39), age of seizure onset (p = 0.21), and duration of disease (p = 0.69). Brain networks were constructed by thresholding correlation matrices of volumes from 80 cortical/subcortical regions (parcellated with Freesurfer v5.3 https://surfer.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/) that were then analyzed using graph theoretical approaches.ResultsWe identified reduced cortical/subcortical connectivity including bilateral hippocampus in both TLE groups, with the most significant interregional correlation increases occurring within the limbic system in LTLE and contralateral hemisphere in RTLE. Both TLE groups demonstrated less optimal topological organization, with decreased global efficiency and increased local efficiency and clustering coefficient. LTLE also displayed a more pronounced network disruption. Contrary to controls, hub nodes in both TLE groups were not distributed across whole brain, but rather found primarily in the paralimbic/limbic and temporal association cortices. Regions with increased centrality were concentrated in occipital lobes for LTLE and contralateral limbic/temporal areas for RTLE.SignificanceThese findings provide first evidence of altered topological organization of the whole brain volumetric network in TLE, with disruption of the coordinated patterns of cortical/subcortical morphology.
Kinship moderates the association between a demented individual's behavioral disturbance and a caregiver's burden: Findings from a national survey in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Linen Nymphas , Wu Shwu‐Chong 
Published: November 2015

AimThe present study aimed to assess the moderating role of kinship between the behavioral disturbance of care recipients (CRs) with dementia and the caregivers' (CGs') burden in Taiwan.MethodsThe data of 965 CG‐CR dyads on the behavioral disturbance of CR with dementia, CG burden, CG kinship to CR and other relevant variables were obtained from the Assessment of the National Long‐Term Care Need in Taiwan (ANLTCNT). To test the moderating effect of CG‐CR kinship on the association between behavioral disturbance of CR and CG burden, a series of hierarchical multiple linear regression models were used after controlling for potential factors associated with CG burden.ResultsDifferent kinships had significant differences in terms of burden, except for relational burden. The interaction terms (of CRs' behavioral disturbance by kinship) were not significant on burden of time and emotional burden. On relational burden, the impact of CRs' behavioral disturbance on CG burden was significantly higher for a wife than for a daughter‐in‐law or a son. The impact of CRs' behavioral disturbance on financial burden was lower for a wife than for a daughter‐in‐law. In terms of the total burden, the impact of CRs' behavioral disturbance was higher for a daughter than for a son.ConclusionThese findings highlight the importance of CG kinship to CR moderating the association between the CRs' level of behavioral disturbance and the CGs' relational, financial, and total burden, when refining kinship‐oriented interventions for community services to CRs with dementia and their CGs. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1272–1280.
Effects of spousal illness on self‐rated health in older couples: Role of sex and proximity to adult children
Authors: Saito Tami , Wakui Tomoko , Kai Ichiro 
Published: November 2015

AimsThe present study examined the impact of serious spousal illness or hospitalization on community‐dwelling older adults' self‐rated health (SRH), and explored the moderating effects of sex and residential proximity to adult children using a prospective and representative survey design.MethodsThe sample was obtained from a 2‐year longitudinal survey of non‐institutionalized men and women aged 65 years and older carried out in the Fukui Prefecture, Japan (n = 1573). The effect of serious spousal illness or hospitalization on SRH during the survey period was examined after controlling for baseline SRH, sex, age, socioeconomic status, chronic illness and other baseline covariates.ResultsOverall, 15.7% of respondents had experienced a serious spousal illness or hospitalization within the previous year. After controlling for covariates, spousal illness had a significant negative effect on SRH at follow‐up (P = 0.031). More serious effects of spousal illness were found in older adults whose children lived farther than 30 min away than in couples who lived with their children (P = 0.009). However, there was no significant interaction effect between sex and spousal illness.ConclusionsSerious spousal illness could cause deterioration in the health of older spouses, particularly for older parents whose children live a distance away. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1332–1338.