bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of LDOC1 in Human Biliary Epithelial Cells Inhibits Apoptosis Through NF‐κB Signaling
Authors: Song Zai , Dong Rui , Zhao Rui , Zheng Shan 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTObjectives:Biliary atresia (BA) is a devastating pediatric cholestatic liver disease. Increasing evidence indicates that nuclear factor (NF)‐κB signaling plays a key role in the pathogenesis of BA. Leucine zipper downregulated in cancer 1 (LDOC1) may control the expression of NF‐κB. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between LDOC1 and inflammation/apoptosis mediated by NF‐κB in the human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells (HIBECs).Methods:HIBECs were divided into 3 treatment groups: control, mock transfection group, and LDOC1 transfection. Immunofluorescence, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and flow cytometry analysis were used to investigate the effectiveness of LDOC1‐transfected HIBECs and the expression of NF‐κB. Apoptosis was detected by Hochest/ propidium iodide staining. Interleukin (IL)‐2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α levels were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results:The expression of NF‐κB was higher in the LDOC1‐transfected group when compared with the control and mock‐transfected groups as evaluated by immunofluorescence, reverese transcription polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis. The rate of apoptosis was significantly lower in the LDOC1‐transfected group when compared with the control and mock‐transfected groups. The levels of IL‐2 and TNF‐α were significantly higher in the LDOC1‐transfected group when compared with the control and mock‐transfected groups.Conclusions:Upregulation of LDOC1 in HIBEC increases the expression of NF‐κB, which may promote the activation of IL‐2 and TNF‐α secretion and inhibit cell apoptosis.
The impact of organizational culture and social desirability on Australian CEO leadership
Authors: Densten Iain L. , Sarros James C. 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine empirically the effect of cultural and social acceptance on CEO leadership.Design/methodology/approachSeveral instruments were used to capture key concepts (i.e. Organisational Culture Profile, Marlowe‐Crowne Social Desirability Scale, Transformational Leadership Inventory, and Leader Reward and Punishment Questionnaire), which were examined using confirmatory factor analysis. Data were collected from 635 Australian CEOs.FindingsThe results of hierarchical multi‐regression analysis clarified the importance of self‐deception and impression management as influential context factors, and how both operate at the pinnacle of organisations. The study also identifies that transformational and transactional leadership behaviours were uniquely influenced by specific cultural dimensions, and suggests that CEOs use combinations of these behaviours to respond to four cultural dimensions (i.e. emphasis on rewards, performance orientation, innovation, and stability) in order to produce competitive advantages.Research limitations/implicationsThe study highlights how CEOs are still vulnerable to conforming to the social norms of their organisation and also how CEOs use a repertoire of leadership behaviours, in response to the importance of different cultural dimensions.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the leadership literature by directly addressing how context impacts on CEO leadership in three specific areas: social acceptance needs, demographics and culture. Further, the study investigates CEO transformational and transactional leadership behaviours rather than global constructs, and directly addresses the common method variance issue.
Examining the Japanese leadership orientations and their changes
Authors: Mujtaba Bahaudin G. , Isomura Kazuhito 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the leadership tendencies of Japanese people and relevant changes over time while exploring their task and relationship orientations on the basis of culture.Design/methodology/approachIn order to explore the behavioural tendencies of working adults in the Japanese workplace, the paper focused on comparing the leadership orientations of 231 respondents on the basis of age, gender and public/private sector work experience. To deepen the understanding of Japanese leadership orientation, the authors precisely examine Japanese culture, organisation and management practices.FindingsJapanese respondents have a significantly higher score on the relationship orientation. Their task score is also in the moderately high range. Japanese males were found to be more task‐oriented. No differences were found based on public/private sector work experience. However, older Japanese have a significantly higher focus on task orientation compared to their younger colleagues.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the limitations is the small number of responses. One specific limitation is the fact that this study was conducted with a convenient sample population. Future studies can compare specific populations in different parts of the country with similar working backgrounds and demographic variables.Practical implicationsThe findings that Japanese employees are more focused on their relationship but that they also have a moderately high task orientation score are useful for managers and expatriates working in Japan to understand the behavioural tendencies of Japanese people and the relevant changes over time.Originality/valueJapan is a high‐context culture; therefore Japanese people are traditionally regarded to be relationship‐oriented, and this was confirmed academically in the findings of this research. However, the paper showed that the Japanese also have a moderately high task orientation.
A review of research on direct‐to‐consumer advertising of prescription drugs
Authors: Mukherjee Avinandan , Limbu Yam , Wanasika Isaac 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review empirical research on direct‐to‐consumer advertising (DTCA) of prescription drugs published in journals over the period from 1997 to 2012.Design/methodology/approachA structured review of 130 published studies on direct‐to‐consumer advertising of prescription drugs was conducted.FindingsBased on the structured review, the authors identified seven key research themes in DTCA. These are: consumers' attitudes toward direct‐to‐consumer advertising, physician‐patient interaction, content of DTC advertisements, awareness, literacy and memory, consumer information source and search, effect of DTCA expenditures on financial performance, and physicians' attitudes toward DTCA.Research limitations/implicationsAvenues for future research are proposed. Future research needs to focus on more empirical studies, television DTCA, online and emerging media DTCA, new and improved measures, ethical issues and regulations, diverse countries, and nurse and pharmacist attitudes towards DTCA.Originality/valueThe primary contribution of this paper is a thorough understanding of the state‐of‐the‐art in research on DTCA and future research directions.
The influence of team knowledge sourcing on team creativity
Authors: Khedhaouria Anis , Ribiere Vincent 
Published: August 2013

PurposeIn a knowledge economy where innovation is a way for an organization to gain a competitive advantage, team creativity becomes an important factor of success. This paper aims to look at how a team's creativity is influenced by the degree of the team's knowledge sourcing.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical model is developed and tested to assess the influence of four main antecedents of team knowledge sourcing and creativity: learning orientation, intellectual demands, risk aversion, and relational capital. The research model is tested using PLSPM.FindingsThe findings show the significant influence of all the independent variables, but more particularly the strong influence of learning orientation on team knowledge sourcing and on team creativity.Research limitations/implicationsTeam creativity was examined as team member perceptions of the creative processes in the team task. Data were gathered from graduate students working in a team on an e‐commerce development project. The data set was relatively small (148). Despite these limitations, the initial findings show some interesting patterns that will be worth investigating on a larger scale and in various environments.Practical implicationsThe results provide considerable support for the idea that knowledge sourcing and the learning orientation of the team members can play an important role in supporting team creativity.Originality/valueThis research adapts the construct of knowledge sourcing from Gray and Meister to the team level of analysis. It conceptualizes the perspective that individually held knowledge influences creativity primarily through the process of knowledge sourcing (internal and external) at the team level.
Can organizational learning foster customer relationships? Implications for performance
Authors: Battor Moustafa , Battour Mohamed 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of both organisational learning and customer relationship management (CRM) on a firm's performance, as well as the potential mediating role of CRM in the link between organisational learning and performance.Design/methodology/approachBased on the literature, the authors designed a framework that links organisational learning, CRM, and performance. Data were collected through a self‐administered questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis is used to purify the measurement scales, and structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe findings provide support for a positive relationship between organisational learning and CRM. The results also indicate that organisational learning has a significant indirect effect (through CRM) on performance.Originality/valueKnowledge of the learning‐CRM‐performance chain is limited to a few conceptual articles. This research is one of the first empirical studies designed to examine the importance of CRM as one of the mediating mechanisms that can explain the association between learning and performance.
Quantifying and comparing intraspecific functional trait variability: a case study with Hypochaeris radicata
Authors: Mitchell Rachel M. , Bakker Jonathan D. 
Published: August 2013

Summary

The importance of intraspecific trait variation is increasingly recognized, but the ways in which this variation is quantified and compared have not been rigorously assessed.

We reviewed 5 years of ecological literature quantifying intraspecific variation (64 published studies) and identified commonly applied statistical methods. Analysis of variance techniques (n = 43) was the most commonly applied method. Levene's tests (n = 14), linear techniques (both general and generalized models) (n = 12) and mixed effects modelling (n = 9) were also used. Qualitative comparisons of plant phenotype using descriptive statistics (n = 10) and coefficients of variation (n = 8) were also applied. Bayesian analysis was used in a single study.

We compared the efficacy and interpretation of analysis of variance, tests for homogeneity of variance, qualitative comparisons, mixed effects models and Bayesian hierarchical modelling in a case study measuring variation in specific leaf area (SLA) and rosette diameter among 10 populations (n = 241 individuals) of Hypochaeris radicata. We also examined whether data base‐ and literature‐based trait values provided good estimates for measured populations.

Intraspecific variation was substantial, and significant differences existed in both means and variation across populations for both measured traits. There was a 27‐fold variation in SLA (1·7–46·1 mm2 mg−1) and a 34‐fold variation in rosette diameter (1·7–59·1 cm). The choice of statistical technique influenced the interpretation of results. Permutational anova was reasonably successful in detecting differences among populations, particularly when combined with a permutational test of dispersion within populations. Only Bayesian estimates were able to simultaneously quantify and compare variation within and across populations and to estimate trait values and variation on a larger, regional scale. Literature‐based trait values had poor fit for four of 10 populations and differed from the estimated regional trait distribution.

Synthesis. Although both classical and Bayesian techniques yielded similar results, Bayesian techniques were more sensitive to differences in intraspecific variation, could simultaneously examine variation within and across populations, could estimate regional trait distributions and did not require that the assumption of homogeneity of variance be met. Bayesian techniques and hierarchical models in particular represent a powerful analytical tool for studies of intraspecific variation.
Analysis of neoadjuvant therapies in breast cancer with respect to pathological complete response, disease‐free survival and overall survival: 15 years follow‐up data from Kuwait
Authors: Krishnan Yamini , Al Awadi Shafika , Sreedharan P.S , Sujith Nair Susovana , Thuruthel Sanjay 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimsOptimizing neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens is essential for achieving maximal pathological complete response (pCR) in patients with breast cancer. pCR is usually considered as a surrogate marker for survival. The aim of this study was to analyze pCR with respect to various neoadjuvant regimens and its effect on survival.MethodsThis retrospective analysis included 377 patients with stages II and III breast cancer treated between 1998 and 2009 with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant regimens were analyzed with respect to pCR, disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).ResultsThe median age of our population was 50 years with the majority being premenopausal and locally advanced. The overall pCR rate was 13.7% with higher rates seen in patients receiving combination of anthracyclines and taxanes (14.2%). The practice of sandwiching surgery and chemotherapy was inferior to true neoadjuvant chemotherapy of eight cycles. Addition of trastuzumab to Her2 positive patients resulted in higher pCR rates (P = 0.006). Achievement of pCR with neoadjuvant chemotherapy resulted in significantly higher DFS and OS.ConclusionpCR is associated with better survival in breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Initial anthracycline‐based chemotherapy followed by non‐cross‐resistant taxane‐based chemotherapy along with the addition of trastuzumab in Her2 positive patients might be the optimal neoadjuvant regimen in breast cancer patients.
Do Heterogeneous Background Risks Matter to Household Asset Allocation?
Authors: Cai Mingchao , Shi Jing , Ni Yang , Pan Rulu 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis paper extends the literature reviews of Curcuru et al. (2009, Handbook of Financial Econometrics, Elsevier Science, Amsterdam), on the heterogeneity of background risk during investment into the following categories: income from labor and entrepreneurial firm, housing, wealth, health, professional knowledge and risk aversion attitude. Referring to the literature on asset allocation, the paper designs a survey and sets up a two‐stage decision model to empirically test the relationship between households' risky assets demand and their heterogeneous background risks. Based on questionnaires administered to 770 Chinese households, the paper shows that a background risk substitution effect does not exist during households' market participation decisions and that their risky assets ratio mainly depends on subjective market expectations. Moreover, background factors are not properly considered; individuals with a higher income risk or older individuals exhibit a higher proportion of risky assets. Furthermore, households do not consider the background factors regarding housing and subjective risk preference attitudes significantly. The paper further finds that the value‐at‐risk of representative household's wealth in the sample is underestimated by approximately 29% when the housing background factor is not included.
Effect of topsoil removal and plant material transfer on vegetation development in created Mediterranean meso‐xeric grasslands
Authors: Muller Isabelle , Mesléard François , Buisson Elise 
Published: August 2013

AbstractQuestionCan plant material transfer combined with topsoil removal be an efficient method of restoring Mediterranean meso‐xeric grassland plant communities? Does increasing topsoil removal depth increase the success of plant material transfer establishment?LocationThe Camargue, Rhône delta, France.MethodsA small‐scale restoration experiment involving Mediterranean meso‐xeric grasslands was conducted in a former rice field area. During 3 yr, plant species richness and composition were compared on permanent plots subject to the following four treatments: 5 cm topsoil removal, 20 cm topsoil removal, 5 cm topsoil removal with plant material transfer, and 20 cm topsoil removal with plant material transfer. Additionally, the seed bank at 0‐ to 5‐cm deep, at 5‐ to 20‐cm deep and at 20‐ to 40‐cm deep were studied in order to evaluate the effect of topsoil removal.ResultsAfter 4 mo, species richness, number of target species and similarity to the reference Mediterranean meso‐xeric grassland significantly increased with plant material transfer relative to the no transfer treatment (topsoil removal without transfer). However, we found no significant difference in plant species number between the two depths of topsoil removal. This can be explained by the absence of any variation in soil seed bank between 5 cm and 20 cm. The species richness and number of target species decreased significantly in transfer treatment between the first and the second monitoring. Despite this general decrease in the first year, the plant material transfer treatment showed significantly more target species than the no transfer treatment and a higher similarity to the Mediterranean meso‐xeric grassland.ConclusionIn order to restore a Mediterranean meso‐xeric grassland plant community, plant material transfer combined with topsoil removal appears to be a relevant method. Removing 5 cm of topsoil eliminates half of the density of the undesired seed bank in a former rice field. However, the ability of target species to establish and persist in restored vegetation communities will require good management. Conditions with low competition in early stages of succession seem to be essential for transferred species to persist, and appropriately timed grazing and adequate stocking rates will be needed to limit the negative effects of competition.
MicroRNAs – Novel Therapeutic Targets of Eicosanoid Signalling
Authors: Ochs Meike J. , Steinhilber Dieter , Suess Beatrix 
Published: August 2013

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important regulators in human physiological and pathological processes. We summarize the current knowledge about the role of miRNA involved in the control of inflammatory responses with a special focus on eicosanoid signalling. Cyclooxygenase 2 – the key enzyme of the prostanoid pathway – is regulated by different miRNAs such as miRNA‐101, miR199a, miR26b and miR‐146a. In contrast to this, the understanding of miRNA regulation on enzymes of the leukotriene biosynthesis is just at the beginning. The knowledge of miRNAs regulating enzymes of the eicosanoid pathway offers a new way for the development of new therapeutic concepts for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Variability in the Response to Non‐Steroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs: Mechanisms and Perspectives
Authors: Bruno Annalisa , Tacconelli Stefania , Patrignani Paola 
Published: August 2013

AbstractNon‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a chemically heterogeneous group of compounds that provide unmistakable and significant health benefits in the treatment of pain and inflammation. They include traditional NSAIDs (tNSAIDs), which act by inhibiting both cyclooxygenase (COX)‐1 and COX‐2 and selective COX‐2 inhibitors (coxibs). The development of biomarkers predictive of the impact of NSAIDs on COX‐1 and COX‐2 activities in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo has been essential to read out the clinical consequences of selective and non‐selective inhibition of COX isozymes in human beings. The analgesic and anti‐inflammatory effects of NSAIDs are COX‐2‐dependent effects, unrelated to COX‐2 selectivity. The intensity and duration of these effects are influenced by dose and half‐life of the NSAID. However, the inhibition of COX‐1 in cells of the gastrointestinal (GI) system and COX‐2 in vascular cells translates into increased risk of serious GI adverse events and atherothrombosis and hypertension, respectively. The COX‐2 selectivity of NSAIDs can predict, at least in part, the GI toxicity. In contrast, the CV effects are largely COX‐2‐dependent effects, unrelated to COX‐2 selectivity but are dose dependent. The reduction in the dose is recommended and presumably will limit the number of patients exposed to a CV or a GI hazard by NSAIDs and coxibs. It will not, however, eliminate the risk on an individual level because there is a marked variability in how different people react to these drugs, based on their genetic background. The challenge of the next future will be to develop biomarkers useful to identify the individuals who react abnormally to COX inhibition.
LissitzRobert W & HongJiao ed (2012) Computers and their impact on state assessmentsIAP (Charlotte, NC) isbn 978‐1‐61735‐725‐1 326 pp $45.99 http://www.infoagepub.com/products/Computers‐and‐Their‐Impact‐on‐State‐Assessments
Authors: Garcia Laborda Jesus 
Published: August 2013

SummaryThis long awaited volume on computer based tests covers many of the aspects that general practitioners in education involved in the many different forms of state assessments have been missing. Although based on practice in the US, its application is universal in these times of educational accountability. Undoubtedly researchers in testing will find it full of well organised ideas that apply to their own work. If this book is likely to be relevant to your work, I recommend that you buy a copy for your own use.Jesus Garcia Laborda
Wildflower, Leni (2013) The hidden history of coachingOpen University Press (McGraw‐Hill Maidenhead UK & New York) isbn 978‐0‐3352‐4540‐6 165 pp £22.99 http://mcgraw‐hill.co.uk/html/0335245404.html
Authors: Cowan John 
Published: August 2013

SummaryIn a scholarly yet readable style, the writer presents a history which goes beyond the foundations of coaching. However, she chooses not to present the history chronologically, but rather by themes with clear and meaningful links within the text. Anyone with a keen interest and involvement in facilitation, mentoring or counselling will find this a rich and valuable source book. If you are such a person, I recommend you buy a copy of this book for your own use.John Cowan