bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marketing resource-capability complementarity and firm performance in B2B firms
Authors: O'Cass Aron , Ngo Liem Viet , Siahtiri Vida
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to examine how market orientation (MO), marketing resources and marketing resource deployment are related and impact business-to-business (B2B) firm- and customer-level performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– A self-administrated questionnaire was used to collect data from 251 firms out of a sample of 1000 B2B firms selected from a database of businesses.

Findings

– Marketing resources and marketing capability are complementary in contributing to both firm and customer performance. In addition, they are partial mediators of the relationship between MO and firm- and customer-level performance. Only marketing resources fully mediate the relationship between MO and firm-level performance.

Research limitations/implications

– This study relied on self-reporting by marketing executives, thus inferences about causality should be made with caution. Specifically, the time sequence of the relationships among resource possession and resource deployment and marketing results is not easily discernible with cross-sectional data.

Originality/value

– This study sought to address research gaps in the two research streams; MO-firm performance via the mediating role of marketing resources and deployment, and the resource based view (RBV) resource–deployment interaction. Our contribution to the literature is threefold. First, MO indirectly enhances performance at both firm and customer level via marketing resources and marketing resource deployment. Second, while possessing marketing resources does explain some of the economic rent differentials, the effect depends fundamentally on how firms deploy their marketing resources. Third, our findings suggest research on resources, resource deployment and cross-level firm performance should be conducted at the business process level within firms.
The value creation scale of supplier-distributor relationship in international markets
Authors: Lai Chi-Shiun , Chan Delphine Ya-Chu , Yang Chin-Fang , Hsu Wei-Chun
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to develop a value-creation measurement which is applicable to the supplier–overseas distributor relationship. As cross-border cooperation is increasingly important, there is yet no appropriate scale to measure the relationship value between the supplier and the distributor in cross-boundary context.

Design/methodology/approach

– With a view to establishing the measurement scale for the relationship value created between manufacturer and its overseas distributor, this study uses exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and regression to test reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity and nomological validity of the scale.

Findings

– The scale is made up of six factors, including “customer service”, “relationship interaction”, “cost reduction”, “product promotion”, “product sales” and “information offering”; subsequent statistical tests strongly support the measurement.

Research limitations/implications

– First, the sample collection was not conducted randomly, and the sample was limited to 190 valid questionnaires. Future research might be conducted randomly or in a longitudinal fashion to increase the sample size. Second, this study focuses mainly on manufacturers in the mechanical parts industry and was conducted unilaterally to discuss the creation of relationship value. It is suggested that future researchers investigate relationship value generated in cross-border cooperation from a bilateral perspective or discuss cooperative relationships in other industries.

Practical implications

– This study creates a functional scale to measure the supplier–distributor value creation in cross-border cooperation, and it proves that six factors pertaining to relationship value have significant positive correlation with operating performance; in this regard, in supplier–distributor cooperative relationship, more value the distributor creates for its supplier, the better the operating performance of the supplier will be.

Originality/value

– In the academic sense, this measurement will be of substantial help to future empirical research on a larger scale. When applied to practice, this measurement supplements the extant body of value-measuring tools and works as an evaluation index for choosing overseas distributor.
Understanding the relevance of ethics reviews of ICT research in UK computing departments using dialectical hermeneutics
Authors: Eke Damian Okaibedi , Stahl Bernd Carsten , Fidler Christine
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to attempt to investigate how Information and Communications Technology (ICT) researchers in UK computing departments address ethics in their research. Whilst research and innovation in ICT has blossomed in the last two decades, the ethical, social and legal challenges they present have also increased. However, the increasing attention the technical development receives has not been replicated in the area of developing effective guidelines that can address the moral issues inherent in ICT research.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research is qualitative and made use of interviews. The data analysis was done with dialectical hermeneutics. Through a dialectical hermeneutic process, this research unpacks different understandings of relevance attached to ethics reviews of ICT research in UK computing departments.

Findings

– The findings include that ethics reviews are relevant because; it is a moral duty, it improves trust for researchers, it is part of risk assessment, it is in compliance with the law and it is a sustainable act.

Practical implications

– These various understandings illustrate an important dialectic process on the current state of the art in ICT research.

Social implications

– It asks to what degree the currently dominant model of ethics review based on biomedical ethics is optimal to ICT.

Originality/value

– It proposes a framework that can effectively help researchers and administrators to ensure responsible research and innovation in ICT. Finally, it identifies that ICT researchers would benefit from the developing repertoire of responsible research innovation.
The clean side of Slow Tech: an overview
Authors: Patrignani Norberto , Whitehouse Diane
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide an overview of clean information and communication technology (ICT), including a brief review of recent developments in the field and a lengthy set of possible reading matter. The need to rethink the impact of ICTs on people’s lives and the survival of the planet is beginning to be addressed by a Slow Tech approach. Among Slow Tech’s main questions are these two: Is ICT sustainable in the long term? What should be done by computer ethics scholars, computer professionals, policy makers and society in general to ensure that clean ICT can be produced, used and appropriately disposed of?

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on a comprehensive review of clean tech-related literature and an investigation of progress made in the clean tech field.

Findings

– This opening paper of aJournal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Societyspecial session aims to provide an overview of clean ICT, including a brief review of recent developments in the field and a lengthy set of possible reading matter. As a result, it is anticipated that Slow Tech – and in this case, its second component of clean ICT – can provide a compass to steer research, development and the use and reuse of environmentally friendly, sustainable ICT.

Originality/value

– This conceptual paper emphasises that, until only recently, no one questioned the potential long-term sustainability of ICT. This issue is, however, now very much a matter that is on the research and teaching, and action, agenda.
ICT as an enabler for sustainable development: reflections on opportunities and barriers
Authors: Bull Richard
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– Information and communications technology (ICT) offers a peculiar twenty-first century conundrum, as it offers both a cause and solution to rising carbon emissions. The growth in the digital economy is fueling increased energy consumption while affording new opportunities for reducing the environmental impacts of our daily lives. This paper responds and builds on Patrignani and Whitehouse’s overview of Slow Tech by providing examples of how ICT can be used to reduce energy. Encouraging examples are provided from the field of energy and buildings and implications for wider society are raised.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper builds on the previous overview “The Clean Side of Slow Tech”, based on a comprehensive knowledge of literature of the latest developments in the field of digital economy, energy and sustainability.

Findings

– This paper provides clear and encouraging signs of how ICT can be used to contribute to sustainability through controlling systems more efficiently, facilitating behavioural changes and reducing energy consumption. Future challenges and recommendations for future research are presented.

Originality/value

– This conceptual paper presents the latest research into the use of ICT in energy reduction and offers cautious, but encouraging signs that while the environmental impact of ICT must not be overlooked, there are benefits to be had from the digital economy.
Utilizing discovery tools for classrooms: how do librarian attitudes on discovery impact tools they teach?
Authors: Allen Natasha Danae
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the utilization of discovery tools in classrooms with the aim of trying to assess the attitude toward them.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology adopted in this article is a literature review.

Findings

– Despite the author's best efforts to look at the data from all angles, the author found no statistical significance in any of the data pulled from the survey. The author also tested to see if personal preference had any bearing on reference preference and found that there was no statistical significance between personal preference and reference preference. The author removed all responses that said “it depends” and the results showed that there still was no statistical significance between personal preference and reference preference.

Originality/value

– Libraries can rebrand their services by utilizing and advocating for discovery tools, but it will only happen if they are willing to make changes on their attitudes toward discovery tools.
The Quality Maturity Model: your roadmap to a culture of quality
Authors: Wilson Frankie
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the complete details of the Quality Maturity Model (QMM), and the associated Quality Culture Assessment Instrument (QCAI). The QMM provides a framework for libraries to self-assess their progress towards achieving a culture of quality.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research used a Design Science approach and predominantly grounded theory methodology to develop the QMM as a roadmap that defines an ordinal scale for measuring the maturity of an academic library’s quality culture.

Findings

– The QMM describes seven facets of quality culture, and five levels for each facet.

Practical implications

– The QCAI enables libraries to locate themselves within the quality maturity landscape. They will then be able to use the QMM as a roadmap to plan their route to improvement. Such a strategic approach to improvement allows libraries to make sense of the literature in terms of what is appropriate for them, so avoiding expensive irrelevancies.

Originality/value

– The QMM is unique. There are other models that assess quality culture, but the details of these models are kept secret and the only way to be assessed is by paying a consultancy fee. There are other models that make their details public, but they describe only one or two aspects of quality culture, not all.
Affective relationships between users and libraries in times of economic stress
Authors: Giannopoulou Angeliki , Tsakonas Giannis
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– Academic libraries are considered as key factors in the educational system of a country and strong pylons for the economic and societal development. During the current economic recession, libraries have been struck by severe budget cuts that have forced them to shrink services to the end users. The purpose of this paper is to measure the opinion of academic libraries users on four main criteria categories, namely, cost, space and atmosphere, personnel behavior and facilitation of collaborative work and to reflect the level of affective relationship of users with their libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

– The survey followed a quota sampling technique and was addressed to users of all levels (students, post-graduate, faculty members, etc.) from all academic libraries across Greece, resulting in 950 questionnaires that were then processed with inferential statistical methods. The study applies the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) behavioral framework to measure the opinion of the users on the criteria categories.

Findings

– The study provides representative findings from all Greek academic libraries and shows that libraries are considered as spaces that facilitate pleasant reading and studying, as well as efficient collaborative work. Library users are in overall satisfied by the personnel behavior and productivity, but they also believe that there are margins for further improvement of its knowledge, while they think that the cost of services should be revised and echo the current situation.

Practical implications

– The study is primarily a quantitative one and as such it provides the broad view of the current situation in the country. It focusses on important drivers of the expression of affective relationships and its findings can be useful to library administrators as it highlights the effects of economic crisis on key areas of library operation.

Originality/value

– It is the first nation-wide user survey that reports findings and recommendations from a national-wide user-based survey that was conducted in 2012. Previous nation-wide surveys were mainly addressed to library personnel or limited to specific institutions. The study is also the only one to the authors’ knowledge that applies the S.O.R. framework in the academic library setting.
Measures of relationship capital for the value scorecard
Authors: Town J. Stephen
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the development of ideas relating to the value of library relationships. The paper is conceptual and provides a framework for the measurement of relationship capital (RC) for academic and research libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research approach has been to employ a mixed method research strategy combining desk research on the concepts of the definition of RC and its foundation theories with an exploration of relational capital assessment methods from other industries. A historical review is presented with cases of the traditional main method of delivering effective relationships in libraries (embedded librarians, academic liaison and subject librarians).

Findings

– The synthesis suggests a measurement approach to populate the RC dimension of the value scorecard, thereby providing an estimation of the full value of the library’s relational capital.

Originality/value

– The paper fills a gap in the consideration of the importance of relationships to academic and research libraries, and provides a unique and original framework for assessment and measurement.
New evidence on alliance experience and acquisition performance
Authors: Fang Yiwei , Jin Dawei , Sun Xian , Wang Haizhi
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to build on the organizational learning theory and propose a complex strategy by combining strategic alliance with subsequent acquisitions to penetrate new product markets. The authors empirically examined whether and to what extent preacquisition alliance experience affects the short- and long-term stock performance of acquiring firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data on acquisitions, in which the acquirers have experience from preacquisition alliance activities in their targets’ respective industry, were collected. Diversifying acquisitions were focused upon to ensure that preacquisition alliance experience is the major source of organizational learning. A standard event study to examine acquirers’ abnormal returns was used and a Fama-French calendar-time portfolio approach to gauge long-run abnormal stock performance was adopted. In addition, regression analysis was conducted to investigate the alliance–acquisition relationship, controlling a set of variables capturing firm and acquisition characteristics.

Findings

– It has been documented that in the short run, alliance experience may not always benefit acquirers’ stock performance surrounding the acquisition announcements. In particular, for acquiring firms experiencing negative cumulative abnormal returns, investors value alliance experience negatively. However, for up to 36 months after acquisitions, acquirers with alliance experience outperform their counterparts in almost every acquisition category regardless of the short-term announcement returns.

Originality/value

– The current study has used a large-scale representative sample to investigate the dynamic interaction between alliances and acquisitions as two organizational forms for firms to grow. Findings indicate that firms can deliberately learn from their alliance activities and, later on, enter new markets through acquisitions. More importantly, it was found that, at least for some acquirers, preacquisition alliance activities are associated with worse short-term stock price performance because of possible information spillover and lifted entry barriers. It was confirmed that short-term pain nets long-term gains for acquirers heading into new markets.
Flight to quality?
Authors: Fuerst Franz , McAllister Patrick , Sivitanides Petros
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of the crisis on the pricing of asset quality attributes. This paper uses sales transaction data to examine whether flight from risk phenomena took place in the US office market during the financial crisis of 2007-2009.

Design/methodology/approach

– Hedonic regression procedures are used to test the hypothesis that the spread between the pricing of low-quality and high-quality characteristics increased during the crisis period compared to the pre-crisis period.

Findings

– The results of the hedonic regression models suggest that the price spread between Class A and other properties grew significantly during the downturn.

Research limitations/implications

– Our results are consistent with the hypothesis of an increased price spread following a market downturn between Class A and non-Class A offices. The evidence suggests that the relationships between the returns on Class A and non-Class A assets changed during the period of market stress or crisis.

Practical implications

– These findings have implications for real estate portfolio construction. If regime switches can be predicted and/or responded to rapidly, portfolios may be rebalanced. In crisis periods, portfolios might be reweighted towards Class A properties and in positive market periods, the reweighting would be towards non-Class A assets.

Social implications

– The global financial crisis has demonstrated that real estate markets play a crucial role in modern economies and that negative developments in these markets have the potential to spillover and create contagion for the larger economy, thereby affecting jobs, incomes and ultimately people’s livelihoods.

Originality/value

– This is one of the first studies that address the flight to quality phenomenon in commercial real estate markets during periods of financial crisis and market turmoil.
Working-Class Mothers' School Involvement: A Class-Specific Maternal Ideal?
Authors: Lavee Einat , Benjamin Orly
Published: February 2015

Recent ideological shifts, along with budgeting constraints, have made parental involvement in the schooling process necessary. Such expectations have increased the toll on working-class mothers, who now have to assume responsibility in three time-consuming areas: child care at home, school involvement and labour market participation. In analysing how mothers deal with this threefold expectation, research has focused on class-specific maternal ideals and practices, but rarely directed systematic attention to how these concurrent expectations shape the maternal ideals they embrace. Moreover, few studies have examined how mothers' maternal ideals shape their employment interruptions. The current paper considers how working-class mothers rationalize the maternal ideals they embrace with regard to school involvement and examines how they negotiate them vis-à-vis other possible maternal ideals. Interviews of 48 Israeli low-income mothers reveal that educational success is consensually perceived as critical for maximizing life chances and that this understanding evolved from the gradual realization that school involvement through extensive mothering – where women rely on others to meet their children's schooling needs – must be replaced by school involvement through intensive mothering – namely, personal presence-based nurturing. We draw some implications relevant to the debate over class-based maternal ideals.
‘Domestic Friends’: Women's Friendships, Motherhood and Inclusive Intimacy
Authors: Cronin Anne M.
Published: February 2015

Based on a qualitative, interview-based study of friendship, this article examines the specificity of ‘domestic friendships’ between women. Forged from the particular experiences, emotions and challenges of motherhood, they are qualitatively different from most friendships which tend to be based on individualistic connection and self-expression. Domestic friendships facilitate a specific form of ‘inclusive intimacy’ and shape an expansive experience of domestic life beyond the family or household. They help shape mothers' sense of self as profoundly relational and interconnected with others, and channel a sense of biographical selfhood whose form and temporality is tied firmly to others' lives.
Concentration characteristics of bovine β‐defensin 1 and 2 in fresh bovine milk and infant formula
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Fang , Cao Rui‐Ming , Li Jing , Wu Sheng‐Mei , Chen Tong‐Xin
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of defensins BNBD‐1 and BNBD‐2 in fresh bovine milk and infant formula, and to compare the defensin concentrations of bovine milk and human milk. Abundant BNBD‐1 and BNBD‐2 was found in fresh bovine colostrum. However, compared to fresh bovine milk, BNBD‐1 and BNBD‐2 concentrations in infant formula were very low. The BNBDs concentration ranges were also less than β‐defensins in human milk. The BNBD‐2 concentration in fresh bovine milk was higher than that of BNBD‐1.
The ‘B’ in EBD is not just for bullying
Authors: Kauffman James M.
Published: February 2015

Problems in defining emotional and behavioural difficulties of all types, including bullying, are discussed. Interactions among seeing, naming and communicating about these phenomena are considered. School and community characteristics of students with emotional and behavioural difficulties are touched upon. Major problems in definition and prevention of such difficulties include the dilemma of difference, cultural heterogeneity and statistics.
Review of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the diabetic patient
Authors: Punjabi Paawan , Hira Angela , Prasad Shanti , Wang Xiangbing , Chokhavatia Sita
Published: February 2015

This article reviews the known pathophysiological mechanisms of comorbid gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the diabetic patient, discusses therapeutic options in care, and provides an approach to its evaluation and management. We searched for review articles published in the past 10 years through a PubMed search using the filters diabetes mellitus, GERD, pathophysiology, and management. The search only yielded a handful of articles, so we independently included relevant studies from these review articles along with related citations as suggested by PubMed. We found diabetic patients are more prone to developing GERD and may present with atypical manifestations. A number of mechanisms have been proposed to elucidate the connection between these two diseases. Studies involving treatment options for comorbid disease suggest conflicting drug–drug interactions. Currently, there are no published guidelines specifically for the evaluation and management of GERD in the diabetic patient. Although there are several proposed mechanisms for the higher prevalence of GERD in the diabetic patient, this complex interrelationship requires further research. Understanding the pathophysiology will help direct diagnostic evaluation. In our review, we propose a management algorithm for GERD in the diabetic patient.
Some isolates of the nematophagous fungusPochonia chlamydosporiapromote root growth and reduce flowering time of tomato
Authors: Zavala‐Gonzalez E.A. , Escudero N. , Lopez‐Moya F. , Aranda‐Martinez A. , Exposito A. , Ricaño‐Rodríguez J. , Naranjo‐Ortiz M.A. , Ramírez‐Lepe M. , Lopez‐Llorca L.V.
Published: February 2015

The fungal parasite of nematode eggsPochonia chlamydosporiais also a root endophyte known to promote growth of some plants. In this study, we analysed the effect of nineP.chlamydosporiaisolates from worldwide origin on tomato growth. Experiments were performed at different scales (Petri dish, growth chamber and greenhouse conditions) and developmental stages (seedlings, plantlets and plants). SevenP.chlamydosporiaisolates significantly (P< 0.05) increased the number of secondary roots and six of those increased total weight of tomato seedlings. SixP.chlamydosporiaisolates also increased root weight of tomato plantlets. Root colonisation varied between different isolates of this fungus. AgainP.chlamydosporiasignificantly increased root growth of tomato plants under greenhouse conditions and reduced flowering and fruiting times (up to 5 and 12 days, respectively) versus uninoculated tomato plants.P. chlamydosporiaincreased mature fruit weight in tomato plants. The basis of the mechanisms for growth, flowering and yield promotion in tomato by the fungus are unknown. However, we found thatP. chlamydosporiacan produce Indole‐3‐acetic acid and solubilise mineral phosphate. These results suggest that plant hormones or nutrient ability could play an important role. Our results put forward the agronomic importance ofP. chlamydosporiaas biocontrol agent of plant parasitic nematodes with tomato growth promoting capabilities.
Sensory and inflammatory colonic changes induced by vincristine in distinct rat models of colitis
Authors: Viana‐Cardoso K. V. , Silva M. T. B. , Peixoto‐Junior A. A. , Marinho L. S. , Matias N. S. , Soares P. M. G. , Santos A. A. , Brito G. A. C. , Rola F. H. , Gondim F. de A. A.
Published: February 2015

Preclinical and clinical studies show that gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation can evoke sensory changes occasionally far from the original inflammatory site. Animal models of colitis with either trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS) or mustard oil (MO) produce distinct patterns of somatic and visceral sensory changes. We evaluated the effects of four doses of i.v. vincristine 150 μg kg−1 (total of 600 μg kg−1) treatment on the somatic (thermal nociceptive threshold) and colonic (morphological) changes induced by TNBS or MO in rats. TNBS and MO groups were further submitted to vincristine or saline pretreatments. TNBS induced somatic hypersensitivity, while MO induced somatic hyposensitivity (P < 0.05) when compared to the saline and ethanol control groups. Vincristine per se induced somatic hypersensitivity (P < 0.05). This effect was enhanced by TNBS and reversed by MO treatments. Although vincristine increased the colitis area (colonic weight length−1 ratio) and the Morris' score in TNBS‐treated rats, it did not alter the colitis area and even lowered the Morris' score in MO‐treated rats. Compared to the saline (control) group, vincristine did not alter the colonic microscopic pattern. However, such lesions scores are higher (P < 0.05) in colitis groups induced by TNBS and MO, pretreated or not with vincristine. In conclusion, the somatic changes induced by different models of experimental colitis are diverse and modulated differently by vincristine.
Small Area Estimation via Multivariate Fay–Herriot Models with Latent Spatial Dependence
Authors: Porter Aaron T. , Wikle Christopher K. , Holan Scott H.
Published: February 2015

The Fay–Herriot model is a standard model for direct survey estimators in which the true quantity of interest, the superpopulation mean, is latent and its estimation is improved through the use of auxiliary covariates. In the context of small area estimation, these estimates can be further improved by borrowing strength across spatial regions or by considering multiple outcomes simultaneously. We provide here two formulations to perform small area estimation with Fay–Herriot models that include both multivariate outcomes and latent spatial dependence. We consider two model formulations. In one of these formulations the outcome‐by‐space dependence structure is separable. The other accounts for the cross dependence through the use of a generalized multivariate conditional autoregressive (GMCAR) structure. The GMCAR model is shown, in a state‐level example, to produce smaller mean square prediction errors, relative to equivalent census variables, than the separable model and the state‐of‐the‐art multivariate model with unstructured dependence between outcomes and no spatial dependence. In addition, both the GMCAR and the separable models give smaller mean squared prediction error than the state‐of‐the‐art model when conducting small area estimation on county level data from the American Community Survey.
Genes determining the severity of cerebral palsy: the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms on the amount and structure of apolipoprotein E
Authors: Lien Espen , Andersen Guro , Bao Yongde , Gordish‐Dressman Heather , Skranes Jon S. , Blackman James A. , Vik Torstein
Published: February 2015

Aim

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) influences repair and other processes in the brain, and the apoE4 variant is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and for prolonged recovery following traumatic brain injury. We previously reported that specific single nucleotide polymorphisms in the APOE or TOMM40 genes affecting the structure and production of apoE were associated with epilepsy, more impaired hand function and gastrostomy tube feeding in children with cerebral palsy (CP). This study explored how various combinations of the same polymorphisms may affect these clinical manifestations.

Methods

Successful DNA analyses of APOE and TOMM40 were carried out on 227 children. The CP Register of Norway provided details of gross and fine motor function, epilepsy and gastrostomy tube feeding. Possible associations between these clinical manifestations and various combinations of the APOEε2, ε3 or ε4 alleles and of the rs59007384 polymorphism in the TOMM40 gene were explored.

Results

Epilepsy, impaired fine motor function and gastrostomy tube feeding were less common in children carrying the combination of rs59007384 GG and APOEε2 or ε3 than in children with other combinations.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that specific combinations of genes influence the structure and production of apoE differently and affect the clinical manifestations of CP.
Effects of pro‐inflammatory cytokines on cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors in immune cells
Authors: Jean‐Gilles L. , Braitch M. , Latif M. L. , Aram J. , Fahey A. J. , Edwards L. J. , Robins R. A. , Tanasescu R. , Tighe P. J. , Gran B. , Showe L. C. , Alexander S. P. , Chapman V. , Kendall D. A. , Constantinescu C. S.
Published: February 2015

Aims

To investigate the regulation of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 on immune cells by pro‐inflammatory cytokines and its potential relevance to the inflammatory neurological disease, multiple sclerosis (MS).

CB1 and CB2 signalling may be anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective in neuroinflammatory diseases. Cannabinoids can suppress inflammatory cytokines but the effects of these cytokines on CB1 and CB2 expression and function are unknown.

Methods

Immune cells from peripheral blood were obtained from healthy volunteers and patients with MS. Expression of CB1 and CB2 mRNA in whole blood cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and T cells was determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Expression of CB1 and CB2 protein was determined by flow cytometry. CB1 and CB2 signalling in PBMC was determined by Western blotting for Erk1/2.

Results

Pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α (the latter likely NF‐κB dependently) can upregulate CB1 and CB2 on human whole blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). We also demonstrate upregulation of CB1 and CB2 and increased IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α mRNA in blood of patients with MS compared with controls.

Conclusion

The levels of CB1 and CB2 can be upregulated by inflammatory cytokines, which can explain their increase in inflammatory conditions including MS.
International study on antidepressant prescription pattern at 40 major psychiatric institutions and hospitals in Asia: A 10‐year comparison study
Authors: Chee Kok‐Yoon , Tripathi Adarsh , Avasthi Ajit , Chong Mian‐Yoon , Sim Kang , Yang Shu‐Yu , Glover Sandeep , Xiang Yu‐Tao , Si Tian‐Mei , Kanba Shigenobu , He Yan‐Ling , Lee Min‐Soo , Chiu Helen Fung‐Kum , Kuga Hironori , Mahendran Rathi , Udormatn Pichet , Kallivayalil Roy A , Tanra Andi J , Maramis Margarita , Shinfuku Naotaka , Shen Winston W , Tan Chay‐Hoon , Sartorius Norman
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Research in prescription pattern of antidepressants in Asia is lacking. This study aims to compare the antidepressants prescription pattern in Asia in 2003–2004 and 2013.

Methods

The Research in East Asia Psychotropic Prescription Pattern on Antidepressants (REAP‐AD) had worked collaboratively in 2003–2004 (REAP‐AD 2003/2004) and 2013 (REAP‐AD 2013) to study the prescription pattern of antidepressants in Asia. The REAP‐AD 2013 study was conducted in China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand using a unified research protocol and questionnaire.

Results

Forty psychiatric centers participated in REAP‐AD 2013 and a total of 2,319 patients receive antidepressants were analyzed. In 2013, 39.6% of the antidepressant prescriptions were for diagnoses other thandepressive disorder compared with 38.4% in REAP‐AD 2003/2004. Out of all the antidepressants listed in the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification index by the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Drug Statistics Methodology (Oslo), only 38% antidepressants were prescribed in participating centers in 2013 compared with 46% in REAP‐AD 2003/2004. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were the most common antidepressant prescribed in the participating centers, which was similar to the 2003–2004 survey. Prescription of newer generation antidepressants had increased in 2013 survey; on the contrary, prescription of tricyclic antidepressants had reduced.

Discussion

This study has contributed significantly in relation to the changing patterns of antidepressant use in all the participating Asian centers in the last 10 years. The findings are important in shaping optimal antidepressant prescription and future policy making.
Helicobacter pylori second‐line rescue therapy with levofloxacin‐ and bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy, after failure of standard triple or non‐bismuth quadruple treatments
Authors: Gisbert J. P. , Romano M. , Gravina A. G. , Solís‐Muñoz P. , Bermejo F. , Molina‐Infante J. , Castro‐Fernández M. , Ortuño J. , Lucendo A. J. , Herranz M. , Modolell I. , del Castillo F. , Gómez J. , Barrio J. , Velayos B. , Gómez B. , Domínguez J. L. , Miranda A. , Martorano M. , Algaba A. , Pabón M. , Angueira T. , Fernández‐Salazar L. , Federico A. , Marín A. C. , McNicholl A. G.
Published: February 2015

Background

The most commonly used second‐line Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens are bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy and levofloxacin‐containing triple therapy, both offering suboptimal results. Combining bismuth and levofloxacin may enhance the efficacy of rescue eradication regimens.

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a second‐line quadruple regimen containing levofloxacin and bismuth in patients whose previous H. pylori eradication treatment failed.

Methods

This was a prospective multicenter study including patients in whom a standard triple therapy (PPI–clarithromycin–amoxicillin) or a non‐bismuth quadruple therapy (PPI–clarithromycin–amoxicillin–metronidazole, either sequential or concomitant) had failed. Esomeprazole (40 mg b.d.), amoxicillin (1 g b.d.), levofloxacin (500 mg o.d.) and bismuth (240 mg b.d.) was prescribed for 14 days. Eradication was confirmed by 13C‐urea breath test. Compliance was determined through questioning and recovery of empty medication envelopes. Incidence of adverse effects was evaluated by questionnaires.

Results

200 patients were included consecutively (mean age 47 years, 67% women, 13% ulcer). Previous failed therapy included: standard clarithromycin triple therapy (131 patients), sequential (32) and concomitant (37). A total of 96% took all medications correctly. Per‐protocol and intention‐to‐treat eradication rates were 91.1% (95%CI = 87–95%) and 90% (95%CI = 86–94%). Cure rates were similar regardless of previous (failed) treatment or country of origin. Adverse effects were reported in 46% of patients, most commonly nausea (17%) and diarrhoea (16%); 3% were intense but none was serious.

Conclusions

Fourteen‐day bismuth‐ and levofloxacin‐containing quadruple therapy is an effective (≥90% cure rate), simple and safe second‐line strategy in patients whose previous standard triple or non‐bismuth quadruple (sequential or concomitant) therapies have failed.
Collateral thermal damage to the pancreas by ultrasonic instruments during lymph node dissection in laparoscopic gastrectomy
Authors: Fujita Takeshi , Ohta Manabu , Ozaki Yusuke , Takahashi Yoshiaki , Miyazaki Shinichiro , Harada Takashi , Iino Ichirota , Kikuchi Hirotoshi , Hiramatsu Yoshihiro , Kamiya Kinji , Konno Hiroyuki
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) with D2 or more extended lymphadenectomy for advanced gastric cancer is technically demanding. Collateral thermal damage to the pancreas secondary to energized dissection during lymphadenectomy has been reported. We retrospectively compared the pancreatic damage between LG and open gastrectomy (OG) by measuring the amylase concentration of the drainage fluid and analyzing heat conductance to the pancreas with a porcine model.

Methods

We evaluated the data of 105 consecutive patients with gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent LG or OG with lymph node dissection. Digital thermography was used to evaluate the extent of heat conductance to the pancreas during suprapancreatic lymph node dissection by either an ultrasonically activated device or electric cautery in a porcine model.

Results

The incidence of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula formation was not statistically significant between the LG and OG groups (3/57 vs 0/48 cases; P = 0.306). However, the median amylase concentrations of the drainage fluid on postoperative days 1 and 3 were 1355.7 and 308.8 IU/L, respectively, in the LG group and 369.0 and 125.8 IU/L, respectively, in the OG group (P < 0.001). In the experimental model, more time was required to cool the surface of the pancreas to < 40°C in the ultrasonically activated device group than in the electric cautery group (10.1 ± 5.2 vs 5.2 ± 3.0 s; P = 0.013).

Conclusions

Unavoidable collateral thermal damage to the pancreas associated with electrosurgical devices might exist during LG. Heat conductance must be given more consideration in extended lymph node dissection.
Post‐Injection Delirium/Sedation Syndrome after Olanzapine Long‐Acting Intramuscular Injection – Who is at Risk?
Authors: Łukasik‐Głębocka Magdalena , Sommerfeld Karina , Teżyk Artur , Panieński Paweł , Żaba Czesław , Zielińska‐Psuja Barbara
Published: February 2015

The post‐injection olanzapine delirium/sedation syndrome (PDSS) was observed in a 60‐year‐old Caucasian, schizophrenic, non‐smoker and underweight [body mass index (BMI), 18.2 kg/m2] women after the fourth intramuscular injection of 405 mg olanzapine pamoate. Clinical symptoms of PDSS were similar to those of acute oral olanzapine intoxication. The patient received supportive treatment and recovered fully. High olanzapine concentrations in serum, with maximum level of 698 ng/mL, were confirmed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The authors wonder whether a low BMI and advanced age may predispose patients to PDSS occurrence.
Seasonal Migration and Microcredit During Agricultural Lean Seasons: Evidence from Northwest Bangladesh
Authors: Shonchoy Abu S.
Published: February 2015

This paper investigates the interlinkage between microcredit and temporary seasonal migration, an issue which has been given little attention in the standard rural–urban migration literature. Seasonal migration due to agricultural downturns is a common phenomenon in developing countries. Using primary data from a cross‐sectional household survey of the northwest part of Bangladesh, this paper quantifies the factors that influence such migration decisions. Our results suggest that people with prior access to microcredit are more likely to migrate during an agricultural lean season. Furthermore, we find evidence of a negative selection effect between microcredit and seasonal migration, conditional on an individual's village of residence and observed characteristics. Our results have numerous potential policy implications, including the design of typical microcredit schemes for developing countries.
The Impact of the Shadow Economy on Indirect Tax Revenues
Authors: Vlachaki Mina
Published: February 2015

This paper examines empirically the impact of the shadow economy on indirect tax revenues in an unbalanced panel of 125 countries for the period 1990–2011. The same analysis is conducted excluding at first and then including international trade tax revenues in (total) indirect tax revenues, as a way to disentangle any impact of trade liberalization. In both cases, the results suggest that the size of the shadow economy increases the ratio of indirect tax revenues to GDP, as long as informality does not exceed a cutoff value. When the size of the shadow economy exceeds that level, any further increase affects indirect taxation negatively. The findings are robust to a number of sensitivity tests and when addressing the problem of potential endogeneity. The empirical evidence is in line with the predictions provided by the theoretical framework of the paper.
Uncovering different parameters influencing florivory in a specialist herbivore
Authors: ABDALSAMEE MOHAMED K. , MÜLLER CAROLINE
Published: February 2015

1. It has become increasingly recognised that several herbivores switch from folivory (leaf‐feeding) to florivory (flower‐feeding) during larval development. Yet, it remains poorly understood which cues influence this behaviour, whether a switch to florivory is consistently shown on different hosts, and to what extent florivory could be hindered by plant traits.

2. Using the sawfly Athalia rosae and two Brassicaceae differing in architecture and surface structure, the cues that influence larval movement to the flowers were investigated. A broad set of behavioural assays was employed and physical and chemical plant traits potentially affecting the larvae were analysed. Furthermore, the consequences of folivory versus florivory on insect performance were studied.

3. The larvae preferred flowers over leaves. Consumption of particular flower parts correlated partly with measured plant traits such as glucosinolate distribution. Visual cues were of higher importance than volatile cues. The initial position of newly hatched larvae on plants influenced the probability of the larvae reaching the flowers during development. Trichomes and surface waxes hindered the larvae from moving upwards to the flowers. Larvae developed slower and gained less body mass when feeding on inflorescences of Brassica nigra than when feeding on leaves, in contrast to the patterns observed before on Sinapis alba, where florivory led to an improved performance.

4. This study demonstrates that florivory depends on various host plant traits. It reveals new insights into different parameters influencing this multifaceted phenomenon and into the expected impact on the ecology and fitness of both the attacking herbivores and the plants.
Immunohistochemical Expressions of MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6 in Normal, Helicobacter pylori Infected and Metaplastic Gastric Mucosa of Children and Adolescents
Authors: Park Ji Sook , Yeom Jung‐Sook , Seo Ji‐Hyun , Lim Jae‐Young , Park Chan‐Hoo , Woo Hyang‐Ok , Youn Hee‐Shang , Jun Jin‐Su , Park Ji‐Hoe , Ko Gyung‐Hyuck , Baik Seung‐Chul , Lee Woo‐Kon , Cho Myung‐Je , Rhee Kwang‐Ho
Published: February 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate expression of gastric mucins in children and adolescents and to assess their relations with age and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.

Methods

Gastric biopsies were collected from 259 pediatric and adulthood patients with gastrointestinal symptoms among all of patients undergone gastroduodenoscopy from 1990 to 2004 at Gyeongsang National University hospital and assorted based on H. pylori infection, age, and intestinal metaplasia as follows; H. pylori infection before 5 years of age or not, H. pylori infection between 5 and 9 years of age or not, H. pylori infection between 10 and 14 years of age or not, H. pylori infection between 20 and 29 years of age or not and intestinal metaplasia between 21 and 35 years of age. Total 810 tissue slides from the subjects were examined regarding expressions of Mucin2 (MUC2), Mucin5AC (MUC5AC), and Mucin6 (MUC6) in nine groups using immunohistochemical stains. A semiquantitative approach was used to score the staining extent of tissue slide.

Results

Increased expressions of MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6 were noted in intestinal metaplasia compared with subjects infected with H. pylori between 20 and 29 years. Gastric expressions of MUC5AC were decreased in older than 5 years with H. pylori compared with in older than 5 years without H. pylori (p < .001). Expressions of MUC2 and MUC6 did not change significantly by H. pylori status. Some nuclear expressions of MUC2 and MUC6 were noted in children without intestinal metaplasia.

Conclusions

MUC5AC might be affected by chronic H. pylori infection. In addition to biomarkers for intestinal metaplasia or prognostic factors for gastric cancer in adults, MUC2 and MUC6 in children might have an another role, based on ectopic gastric nuclear expressions of MUC2 and MUC6 in children without intestinal metaplasia.