bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of copycat packaging strategies on the adoption of private labels
Authors: Coelho do Vale Rita , Verga Matos Pedro
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to analyze the impact of copycat packaging strategies on consumers’ product choices, assessing to what extent the adoption of this type of packaging increases the likelihood of purchase of private labels (PLs).

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected in a preliminary field study (1,032 observations), followed by two experimental studies. Study 1 analyzed to what extent PLs’ packaging similarity influences consumers perceptions regarding product quality and production origin across six product categories. Study 2 analyzed, in a simulated real retail setting, to what extent copycat packaging strategies influence consumers’ choice across 22 product categories.

Findings

– Results indicate that the higher the level of package similarity between PLs and national brands (NBs) (copycat strategy), the higher the likelihood that PLs’ products are perceived as being produced by one of the NBs’ manufacturers, leading to enhanced perceptions of quality of the PL products, and that the higher the level of package similarity, the higher the likelihood of consumption of PLs, especially when consumers are choosing products of utilitarian versus hedonic nature.

Research limitations/implications

– Data were collected in a south-western European country, which will aid the development of further studies in different retail settings.

Originality/value

– This paper analyzes the impact of copycat packaging adoption by retailers on consumers’ perceptions and preferences about PLs. To the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to assess, across multiple product categories and use market copycats, the potential effects of PLs packaging strategies on consumers’ purchase behavior.
Spillover of social responsibility associations in a brand portfolio
Authors: Wang Wenling , Korschun Daniel
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the spillover effect of social responsibility (SR) activity at the product brand level on the full brand portfolio. Extant research has established that SR activity can be beneficial to companies by influencing consumers’ SR associations with the company and its product brands. However, most studies only look at the outcomes of SR implemented at the corporate level (i.e. corporate social responsibility [CSR]). This paper provides a new and expanded perspective by exploring how SR at the product brand level reverberates throughout the full brand portfolio. Drawing on associative network theory, the authors propose a conceptual model that predicts when and how SR associations with a product brand spillover to corporate brand and other product brands and the consequences of this spillover.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two experiments were conducted to test the conceptual model. The authors used utilitarian products (frozen yogurt, ice cream, and soft drink) in the first experiment and value-expressive products (running shoes, T-shirt and watch) in the second experiment.

Findings

– Both experiments found support for the proposed spillover effect. The moderating impact of corporate branding strategy and product category fit on the strength of spillover effect were also examined.

Practical implications

– The findings will help managers make better decisions about which brands (product and corporate level) should be involved in SR activity.

Originality/value

– This research offers a new perspective to look at the consequences of SR activity and reveals a larger picture than extant research on CSR by indicating the impact of a product brand’s SR initiative on the whole brand portfolio.
The influence of “Facebook friends” on the intention to join brand pages
Authors: Palazon Mariola , Sicilia María , Lopez Manuela
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the role of Facebook friends on the intention to join brand pages in this social network site (SNS). SNSs have grown in both popularity and use. They allow individuals to articulate their social networks by developing a list of other members on the site with whom they share a connection. These platforms also allow companies to create profiles to promote their brands. However, many firms have jumped into SNSs by creating a “brand page” without fully understanding how to spread it successfully.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two experiments were developed. In the first one, the authors manipulated how the individual comes to know about brand pages. Participants discovered a brand page through a friend with whom they have either a strong tie or a weak tie. In the second experiment (2 × 2), the authors manipulated tie strength (strong vs weak) and the type of recommendation (active vs passive).

Findings

– Results of the first study show that as the individual has more experience in Facebook (measured in this paper through satisfaction, past behavior of following brands and Facebook intensity), the effect of tie strength on the intention to join a brand page dilutes. The second study confirms Study 1 and shows that strong ties exert more influence than weak ties when the brand page is actively recommended by Facebook friends.

Practical implications

– This paper shows that the influence of strong ties is particularly important for individuals with low levels of experience in Facebook. As experience in SNSs is expected to continue growing, managers should not forget the role of weak ties as a source of information for their networked friends. Strong ties only remain more influential than weak ties when the information about the brand page is received through an invitation.

Originality/value

– This paper explores the interpersonal influences in Facebook, asserting that the influence of tie strength depends on the level of experience in the SNS, and on the way, information about the brand page is received.
Cultural differences in servitization: Nordic manufacturers in China
Authors: Bao Sen , Toivonen Marja
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine the challenge of cultural differences in servitizing manufacturing. The focus is on services that the representatives of small, developed and open economies (exemplified by Nordic countries) provide in a large, developing and centralized economy (exemplified by China). Along with internationalization, cultural differences in business practices have become a topical issue. They may be particularly challenging when the business area is new and the cultures of business parties include opposing characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

– A multiple case study approach is applied, including five case companies from Finland and Sweden. They are all manufacturing companies in metals and mechanical engineering industries, offering product services, process optimization and consultancy services. Empirical data have been collected from both Nordic service providers and their customers in China.

Findings

– The data reveal that services including tangible elements (e.g. spare parts) are successful in China. However, there is also a growing demand for total solutions. Customers’ buying behavior is not only influenced by the Chinese business culture, e.g. “guanxi”, but it also varies according to the ownership of companies (state-owned, private, foreign) and to the geography. A prerequisite for success is a shared understanding of central business concepts – in this case, the interpretations of “tangibility” and “added-value” turned out to be particularly important.

Originality/value

– This study indicates that generalizations based on the experience of developed countries may be misleading in developing countries, as they may “jump over” some steps on their way toward advanced services. In China, services as offerings are newcomers, but service culture in a “tacit” form is embedded due to the Confucian influence. The recent view of service-dominant logic that highlights the mutual benefit as the core of service business may actually be quite near to the original Chinese thinking.
Audit research in the wake of SOX
Authors: Knechel W Robert
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to summarize the effect that the passage of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) by the US Congress had on audit research. More specifically, the paper compares the nature of research about auditing conducted before the Act’s passage to the nature of research about audit regulation that dominates the literature since its passage.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper builds on an extensive review of the research literature before and after the passage of SOX to suggest and examine potential future research paths that might develop in auditing. The streams of research are linked and organized around four themes: auditing as a competitive process, auditing as a service process, auditing as a production process and auditing as a quality control process.

Findings

– In general, auditing research prior to SOX tended to focus on issues encountered in the practice of auditing with tangential implications for audit regulation. The passage of SOX had the effect of focusing audit research on the nature, costs and benefits of regulation, particularly the components of the law that had the most effect on auditing such as the prohibition against many non-audit services, the establishment of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board as a standard setter that also inspects audit firms, and the introduction of the requirement that a client’s internal control over financial reporting be examined and opined upon as part of an integrated audit. Although this research has increased our understanding of auditing and regulation, the heavy focus on SOX has pushed research about auditing itself to a lesser role. The profession’s, academy’s and regulatory understanding of auditing may benefit from a more balanced approach to auditing as something separate from the regulation of auditing.

Originality/value

– The intent of this paper is to challenge the way researchers think about research questions in auditing. Hopefully, this approach will encourage auditing researchers to look at the audit and audit regulation through a new lens, testing propositions and aspects of auditing that have been overlooked by the dominate focus on audit regulation over the past decade.
CEO characteristics and audit report timeliness: do CEO tenure and financial expertise matter?
Authors: Baatwah Saeed Rabea , Salleh Zalailah , Ahmad Norsiah
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to hypothesise that demographic characteristics of managers play a significant role in performing their duties amongst which is financial reporting. This study aims to examine whether CEO characteristics, namely, tenure and financial expertise, are associated with audit report timeliness.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data from companies listed on the Oman capital market between 2007 and 2011 and three proxies for audit report timeliness are used.

Findings

– CEO tenure and CEOs with financial expertise are reported to be associated with timely audit reports. Supplementary tests also confirmed this result. In addition, it is suggested and documented that there is an interaction effect between CEO tenure and financial expertise concerning the timeliness of audit reports. The use of a two-stage least square analysis also supported the main results.

Research limitations/implications

– Hypotheses were tested using data from Oman with a relatively small sample size. Therefore, only a few characteristics of the CEO were considered and a more sophisticated approach of testing managers’ effect on company policies was unable to be used. In addition, the generalisability of the study findings should be made carefully.

Originality/value

– This paper differs from prior studies, in that it extends the audit report timeliness literature by examining whether the CEO tenure and CEOs with financial expertise are associated with audit report timeliness. Findings demonstrate that CEO characteristics are important factors for a timely audit report.
For what it’s worth – the open peer review landscape
Authors: Tattersall Andy
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is twofold, first, to discuss the current and future issues around post-publication open peer review. Second, to highlight some of the main protagonists and platforms that encourages open peer review, pre-and post-publication.

Design/methodology/approach

– The first part of the paper aims to discuss the facilitators and barriers that will enable and prevent academics engaging with the new and established platforms of scholarly communication and review. These issues are covered with the intention of proposing further dialogue within the academic community that ultimately address researchers’ concerns, whilst continuing to nurture a progressive approach to scholarly communication and review. The paper will continue to look at the prominent open post-publication platforms and tools and discuss whether in the future it will become a standard model.

Findings

– The paper identifies several problems, not exclusive to open peer review that could inhibit academics from being open with their reviews and comments of other’s research. Whilst identifies opportunities to be had by embracing a new era of academic openness.

Practical implications

– The paper summarises key platforms and arguments for open peer review and will be of interest to researchers in different disciplines as well as the wider academic community wanting to know more about scholarly communications and measurement.

Originality/value

– This paper looks at many of the new platforms that have been previously ignored and discusses issues relating to open peer review that have only been touched on in brief by other published research.
Riparian tree cover enhances the resistance and stability of woodland bird communities during an extreme climatic event
Authors: Nimmo Dale G. , Haslem Angie , Radford James Q. , Hall Mark , Bennett Andrew F.
Published: September 2015

Ecosystems world‐wide increasingly are subject to multiple interacting disturbances. Biodiversity in anthropogenic landscapes can be enhanced by manipulating landscape patterns, but could such landscape management also assist biota to cope with the effects of extreme climatic events, such as drought?

We surveyed woodland bird communities in 24 ‘whole’ landscapes (each 100 km2) in an agricultural region of south‐eastern Australia near the beginning (2002–2003), middle (2006–2007) and after (2011–2012) an extreme drought (the ‘Millennium Drought’). We quantified the resistance, resilience and stability of the avifauna to the decade of drought and related these measures to properties of the study landscapes: the extent of wooded habitat, configuration of habitat, land‐use composition, landscape productivity and geographic context.

Landscape productivity, represented by the extent of riparian tree cover in the landscape, was the strongest driver of the resistance, resilience and stability of avifaunal richness to severe drought. Woodland bird communities in landscapes with larger areas of riparian tree cover retained a larger proportion of their species richness during the Millennium Drought and consequently had greater stability over the drought's duration.

Synthesis and applications. Landscape properties can influence the resistance, resilience and stability of faunal communities to an extreme climatic event. By protecting, restoring and enhancing native vegetation in productive areas of landscapes along stream systems, drainage lines and floodplains, land managers can effectively build climatic refugia and thereby enhance the resistance of biota to climatic extremes. However, a net decline over the entire study period suggests this will not, by itself, arrest decline during periods of extreme drought.
Prenatal antidepressant exposure and child behavioural outcomes at 7 years of age: a study within the Danish National Birth Cohort
Authors: Grzeskowiak LE , Morrison JL , Henriksen TB , Bech BH , Obel C , Olsen J , Pedersen LH
Published: September 2015

Objective

To investigate the impact of prenatal antidepressant exposure on behavioural problems in children at 7 years of age.

Design

Nationwide population‐based study.

Setting

Danish National Birth Cohort.

Population

A cohort of 49 178 pregnant women recruited between 1996 and 2002.

Methods

Data obtained from computer‐assisted telephone interviews twice during pregnancy were used to identify children born to: (i) depressed women who took antidepressants during pregnancy (n = 210); (ii) depressed women who did not take any antidepressants during pregnancy (n = 231); and (iii) healthy women who were not depressed (n = 48 737). Childhood behavioural problems at 7 years of age were examined using the validated Danish parent‐report version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

Main outcome measures

SDQ scores.

Results

No associations were observed between prenatal antidepressant exposure and abnormal SDQ scores for overall problem behaviour (adjusted relative risk, aRR 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.49–2.05), hyperactivity/inattention (aRR 0.99; 95% CI 0.56–1.75), or peer problems (aRR 1.04; 95% CI 0.57–1.91). Although prenatal antidepressant exposure appeared to be associated with abnormal SDQ scores on the subscales of emotional symptoms (aRR 1.68; 95% CI 1.18–2.38) and conduct problems (aRR 1.58; 95% CI 1.03–2.42), these associations were significantly attenuated following adjustment for antenatal mood status (aRR 1.20; 95% CI 0.85–1.70 and aRR 1.19; 95% CI 0.77 1.83, respectively). Untreated prenatal depression was associated with an increased risk of all behavioural outcomes evaluated, compared with unexposed children, with significant attenuation following adjustment for antenatal mood status.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that independent of maternal illness, prenatal antidepressant exposure is not associated with an increased risk of behavioural problems in children at 7 years of age.

Tweetable abstract

Prenatal antidepressant exposure is not associated with an increased risk of child behavioural problems.
Antidepressant use in late gestation and risk of postpartum haemorrhage: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Grzeskowiak LE , McBain R , Dekker GA , Clifton VL
Published: September 2015

Objective

To investigate the association between antidepressant use in late gestation and postpartum haemorrhage (PPH).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary teaching hospital in Adelaide, Australia.

Population

A total of 30 198 women delivering between 2002 and 2008.

Methods

Relative risks adjusted for maternal sociodemographics and comorbidities (aRRs) were calculated for PPH, comparing women with late‐gestation exposure to antidepressants (n = 558), women with a psychiatric illness but no antidepressant use (n = 1292), and women with neither antenatal exposures (n = 28 348). Additional sensitivity analyses were undertaken, examining associations with severe PPH and postpartum anaemia.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was PPH, defined as a recorded blood loss of ≥500 mL for vaginal deliveries and ≥1000 mL for caesarean sections. Secondary outcomes included severe PPH (≥1000 mL blood loss, irrespective of method of delivery), and the presence of postpartum anaemia (identified from hospital medical records).

Results

Compared with unexposed controls, women exposed to antidepressants had an increased risk of PPH (aRR 1.53; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 1.25–1.86), whereas no increased risk was observed for women with a psychiatric illness but no antidepressant use (aRR 1.04; 95% CI 0.89–1.23). In sensitivity analyses, late gestation antidepressant exposure was associated with an increased risk of severe PPH (aRR 1.84; 95% CI 1.39–2.44), as well as postpartum anaemia (aRR 1.80; 95% CI 1.46–2.22).

Conclusions

Exposure to antidepressants in late gestation was associated with a significantly increased risk of PPH. Although potential confounding by unmeasured factors cannot be ruled out, these findings suggest a direct effect of antidepressant exposure on PPH.

Tweetable abstract

Late gestation antidepressant exposure is associated with a significantly increased risk of postpartum haemorrhage.
Maternal and perinatal outcomes associated with a trial of labour after previous caesarean section in sub‐Saharan countries
Authors: Kaboré C , Chaillet N , Kouanda S , Bujold E , Traoré M , Dumont A
Published: September 2015

Objective

To assess the risks of uterine rupture, maternal and perinatal outcomes associated with a trial of labour (TOL) after one previous caesarean were compared with having an elective repeated caesarean section (ERCS) without labour in low‐resource settings.

Design

A prospective 4‐year observational study.

Setting

Senegal and Mali.

Sample

A cohort of 9712 women with one previous caesarean delivery.

Methods

Maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared between 8083 women who underwent a TOL and 1629 women who had an ERCS. Perinatal and maternal outcomes were then stratified according to the presence or absence of risk factors associated with vaginal birth after caesarean section. These outcomes were adjusted on maternal, perinatal and institutional characteristics.

Main outcome measures

The risks of uterine rupture, maternal complication and perinatal mortality associated with TOL after one previous caesarean as compared with ERCS,

Results

The risks of hospital‐based maternal complication [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.52; 95% CI 1.09–2.13; P = 0.013] and perinatal mortality (adjusted OR 4.53; 95% CI 2.30–9.92; P < 0.001) were significantly higher in women with a TOL compared with women who had an ERCS. However, when restricted to low‐risk women, these differences were not significant (adjusted OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.55–1.46, P = 0.68, and adjusted OR 1.13; 95% CI 0.75–1.86; P = 0.53, for each outcome, respectively). Uterine rupture occurred in 25 (0.64%) of 3885 low‐risk women compared with 70 (1.66%) of 4198 women with unfavourable risk factors.

Conclusion

Low‐risk women have no increased risk of maternal complications or perinatal mortality compared with women with one or more unfavourable factors.

Tweetable abstract

Low‐risk women have a lower risk of maternal complications or perinatal mortality compared with high‐risk women.
Listeria monocytogenes: A Target for Bacteriophage Biocontrol
Authors: Strydom Amy , Witthuhn Corli R.
Published: September 2015

Listeria monocytogenes is a growing concern in the food industry as it is the causative agent of human listeriosis. There are many research articles concerning the growth, survival, and diversity of L. monocytogenes strains isolated from food‐related sources, elucidating the difficulty in controlling these bacteria in a food‐processing facility. Bacteriophage biocontrol of L. monocytogenes strains was introduced in 2006, through the first commercial bacteriophage product targeting L. monocytogenes ListShieldTM. This review focuses on the use of bacteriophage biocontrol to target L. monocytogenes in the food industry, specifically direct application of the bacteriophages to food products. In addition, we discuss characteristics of these bacteria that will have a significant influence on the effective treatment of bacteriophages such as genetic diversity between strains prevalent in one facility. There are many positive results of phage treatments targeting L. monocytogenes in food; however, success of in vitro studies might not be reproducible in practice. Future studies should focus on creating experimental design that will imitate the conditions found in the food industry, such as a stressed state of the targeted bacteria. In situ evaluation of bacteriophage treatment of L. monocytogenes will also be necessary because the presence of these bacteria in a processing facility can vary greatly regarding genetic diversity. The potential use of phages in the food‐processing facility as a biosanitizer for L. monocytogenes, as well as the use of lysins to target these bacteria should also be explored. Despite the exciting research avenues that have to be explored, current research shows that biocontrol of L. monocytogenes is feasible and has potential to positively impact the food industry.
The Emulsifying and Emulsion‐Stabilizing Properties of Pectin: A Review
Authors: Ngouémazong Eugénie D. , Christiaens Stefanie , Shpigelman Avi , Van Loey Ann , Hendrickx Marc
Published: September 2015

Pectin, a plant cell wall polysaccharide, is a natural multifunctional ingredientwhich imparts textural and rheological properties to a wide range of food systems. Up to the last decade, most pectin blank applications stemmed from its gel‐forming ability. Nowadays, pectin is gradually gaining acceptance as an effective emulsifier in numerous food applications. Accordingly, the emulsifying and emulsion‐stabilizing properties of this hydrocolloid are increasingly being assessed. These pectin functionalities are controlled by both the properties of the carbohydrate moieties and of the often attached protein groups. Generally, the protein moiety, feruloyl, and acetyl groups, play a major role in pectin emulsifying activities, while the emulsion‐stabilizing properties of the polymer are controlled by the homogalacturonan (HG) domain and the neutral sugar side chains of the rhamnogalacturonan‐I (RGI) structural element. However, the neutral sugar side chains might obstruct the accessibility of pectin hydrophobic species to the oil/water interface, thereby hampering emulsification. In addition, the contribution of HG to emulsion stabilization might be dependent on the polymer HG:RGI ratio. Hence, the influence of pectin structural features on the polymer emulsifying potentials is yet to be fully unraveled, as identified in this review. Furthermore, the emulsifying and emulsion‐stabilizing properties of pectin are influenced by the composition of emulsions.
Preparation of Chitosan‐Alginate Nanoparticles forTrans‐cinnamaldehyde Entrapment
Authors: Loquercio Andre , Castell‐Perez Elena , Gomes Carmen , Moreira Rosana G.
Published: September 2015

Trans‐cinnamaldehyde incorporated chitosan‐alginate nanoparticles were synthesized using the ionic gelation and polyelectrolyte complexation technique. Alginate, chitosan, calcium chloride, andtrans‐cinnamaldehyde at predetermined concentrations were complexed electrostatically to optimize particle size and loading efficiency. A final methodology using optimized processing parameters (for example, stirring time, homogenization time, equilibration time, and droplet size) was developed. The best working alginate to chitosan mass ratio was determined to be 1.5:1 at a pH dispersion of 4.7. Particle size (166.26 nm) and encapsulation efficiency (73.24%) were further optimized at this mass ratio using an alginate:calcium chloride mass ratio of 4.8:1, alginate:trans‐cinnamaldehyde mass ratio of 37.5:1, a 18 gauge syringe needle, stirring times of 90 min, 15 min of homogenization at 21000 rpm, and equilibration time of 24 h. Optimized nanoparticles showed increased stability (6 wk) and translucency in solution. The final radical scavenging effect of loaded particles in apple juice was 62% andtrans‐cinnamaldehyde was just as available to react in free form as it was in inclusion complexes. The final nanoparticle system with modified and optimized processing parameters reduced the size by 43.6% and increased entrapment efficiency by 17.2%. Nanoparticles resembled a spherical shell and core type arrangement (that is, spherical, distinct, and regular) and were in the size range of 10 to 100 nm.
Prediction of postoperative pain from assessment of pain induced by venous cannulation and propofol infusion
Authors: Persson A. KM. , Pettersson F. D. , Dyrehag L‐E. , Åkeson J.
Published: September 2015

Background

Postoperative pain may lead to delayed mobilization, persisting pain, and psychosocial distress. There are no simple and reliable techniques for prediction of postoperative pain. This study was designed to evaluate if pain induced by venous cannulation or propofol injection can be used to predict postoperative pain.

Methods

This prospective study included 180 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Pain intensity associated with peripheral venous cannulation and administration of propofol preoperatively and pain intensity, and use of opioid postoperatively was recorded.

Results

Patients scoring cannulation‐induced pain intensity > 2.0 VAS units were given postoperative opioid more often (65% vs. 36%; P < 0.001), earlier (12 min vs. 90 min; P < 0.001), and in higher doses (4.8 mg vs. 0 mg; P < 0.001), and also reported higher levels of postoperative pain intensity (5.8 vs. 2.9 VAS units; P < 0.001). There were also significant (P < 0.01) correlations with postoperative pain intensity (rs = 0.24), time to opioid administration (rs = −0.26), and total dose of opioid (rs = 0.25). Propofol‐induced pain intensity correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with postoperative pain intensity (rs = 0.19).

Conclusion

Pain intensity associated with venous cannulation and propofol infusion can easily be evaluated at bedside before surgery without specific equipment or training. Patients scoring > 2.0 VAS units on venous cannulation were found to have 3.4 times higher risk of postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Low pain intensity associated with venous cannulation and propofol infusion indicate lower risk of postoperative pain.
A genome‐wide association study reveals a quantitative trait locus for days open on chromosome 2 in Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Sasaki Shinji , Ibi Takayuki , Kojima Takatoshi , Sugimoto Yoshikazu
Published: September 2015

Days open (DO), which is the interval from calving to conception, is an important trait related to reproductive performance in cattle. To identify quantitative trait loci for DO in Japanese Black cattle, we conducted a genome‐wide association study with 33 303 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using 459 animals with extreme DO values selected from a larger group of 15 488 animals. We identified a SNP on bovine chromosome 2 (BTA2) that was associated with DO. After imputation using phased haplotype data inferred from 586 812 SNPs of 1041 Japanese Black cattle, six SNPs associated with DO were located in an 8.5‐kb region of high linkage disequilibrium on BTA2. These SNPs were located on the telomeric side at a distance of 177 kb from the parathyroid hormone 2 receptor (PTH2R) gene. The association was replicated in a sample of 1778 animals. In the replicated population, the frequency of the reduced‐DO allele (Q) was 0.63, and it accounted for 1.72% of the total genetic variance. The effect of a Q‐to‐q allele substitution on DO was a decrease of 3.74 days. The results suggest that the Q allele could serve as a marker in Japanese Black cattle to select animals with superior DO performance.
Crossbred cow adoption and its correlates: Countable adoption specification search in Sri Lanka's small holder dairy sector
Authors: Edirisinghe Jagath C. , Holloway Garth J.
Published: September 2015

Considerable specification choice confronts countable adoption investigations and there is need to measure, formally, the evidence in favor of competing formulations. This article presents alternative countable adoption specifications—hitherto neglected in the agricultural‐economics literature—and assesses formally their usefulness to practitioners. Reference to the left side of de Finetti's (1937) famous representation theorem motivates Bayesian unification of agricultural adoption studies and facilitates comparisons with conventional binary‐choice specifications. Such comparisons have not previously been considered. The various formulations and the specific techniques are highlighted in an application to crossbred cow adoption in Sri Lanka's small‐holder dairy sector.
Five‐year experience with infliximab: Follow up of the product familiarisation program
Authors: Nguyen Rebecca , Braue Anna , Baker Chris , Foley Peter
Published: September 2015

This 5‐year retrospective analysis is of 22 patients who participated in the product familiarisation program (PFP) at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, prior to the listing of infliximab on the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme. Criteria for inclusion were being an adult with chronic plaque psoriasis, having a psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score of at least 15 with an inadequate response or intolerance to three of the following: phototherapy, acitretin, cyclosporin and methotrexate. Participants were infused with infliximab 5 mg/kg on the standard induction (weeks 0, 2 and 6) and maintenance (8‐weekly) protocols. At each visit PASI and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) scores were recorded. Success was determined as the proportion of patients achieving at least a 75% improvement in the PASI score from baseline (PASI 75). At 60 months after commencement of therapy, 31% of patients remained on infliximab. Those who did retained PASI 75 with a DLQI of 0 or 1. Of those who ceased infliximab, nine did so due to loss of efficacy, three for personal reasons, two for serious adverse events and one was lost to follow up. Adverse events included non‐melanoma skin cancers, infections and abnormal liver enzymes. Infliximab in the Australian context has proven to be a highly effective treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis, and patients who remained on the drug derived a high level of satisfaction, assessed both subjectively (DLQI) and objectively (PASI 75). The variable response indicates that psoriasis is a heterogeneous disease and investigation into potential patient selection for treatment in the future is warranted.
Fluorescence Based Characterization of Calcium Sensitizer Action on the Troponin Complex
Authors: Schlecht William , Li King‐Lun , Hu Dehong , Dong Wenji
Published: September 2015

Calcium sensitizers enhance the transduction of the Ca2+ signal into force within the heart and have found use in treating heart failure. However the mechanisms of action for most Ca2+ sensitizers remain unclear. To address this issue an efficient fluorescence based approach to Ca2+ sensitizer screening was developed which monitors cardiac troponin C's (cTnC's) hydrophobic cleft. This approach was tested on four common Ca2+‐sensitizers, EMD 57033, levosimendan, bepridil and pimobendan with the aim of elucidating the mechanisms of action for each as well as proving the efficacy of the new screening method. Ca2+‐titration experiments were employed to determine the effect on Ca2+ sensitivity and cooperativity of cTnC opening, while stopped flow experiments were used to investigate the impact on cTnC relaxation kinetics. Bepridil was shown to increase the sensitivity of cTnC for Ca2+ under all reconstitution conditions, sensitization by the other drugs was context dependent. Levosimendan and pimobendan reduced the rate of cTnC closing consistent with a stabilization of cTnC's open conformation while bepridil increased the rate of relaxation. Experiments were also run on samples containing cTnT(T204E), a known Ca2+‐desensitizing phosphorylation mimic. Levosimendan, bepridil, and pimobendan were found to elevate the Ca2+‐sensitivity of cTnT(T204E) containing samples in this context.
Monoclonal antibody against macrophage colony-stimulating factor suppresses circulating monocytes and tissue macrophage function but does not alter cell infiltration/activation in cutaneous lesions or clinical outcomes in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Authors: Masek-Hammerman K , Peeva E , Ahmad A , Menon S , Afsharvand M , Peng Qu R , Cheng J B , Syed J , Zhan Y , O'Neil S P , Pleasic-Williams S , Cox L A , Beidler D
Published: September 2015

This study’s objective was to assess the effects of PD-0360324, a fully human immunoglobulin G2 monoclonal antibody against macrophage colony-stimulating factor in cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). Patients with active subacute CLE or discoid lupus erythematosus were randomized to receive 100 or 150 mg PD-0360324 or placebo via intravenous infusion every 2 weeks for 3 months. Blood and urine samples were obtained pre- and post-treatment to analyse pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic changes in CD14+ CD16+ monocytes, urinary N-terminal telopeptide (uNTX), alanine/aspartate aminotransferases (ALT/AST) and creatine kinase (CK); tissue biopsy samples were taken to evaluate macrophage populations and T cells using immunohistochemistry. Clinical efficacy assessments included the Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI). Among 28 randomized/analysed patients, peak/trough plasma concentrations increased in a greater-than-dose-proportional manner with dose increases from 100 to 150 mg. Statistically significant differences were observed between active treatment and placebo groups in changes from baseline in CD14+ CD16+ cells, uNTX, ALT, AST and CK levels at most time-points. The numbers, density and activation states of tissue macrophages and T cells did not change from baseline to treatment end. No between-group differences were seen in CLASI. Patients receiving PD-0360324 reported significantly more adverse events than those receiving placebo, but no serious adverse events. In patients with CLE, 100 and 150 mg PD-0360324 every 2 weeks for 3 months suppressed a subset of circulating monocytes and altered activity of some tissue macrophages without affecting cell populations in CLE skin lesions or improving clinical end-points.
A histomorphometric assessment of collagen‐stabilized anorganic bovine bone mineral in maxillary sinus augmentation – a prospective clinical trial
Authors: Alayan Jamil , Vaquette Cedryck , Farah Camile , Ivanovski Saso
Published: September 2015

Objective

To histomorphometrically compare the use of collagen‐stabilized anorganic bovine bone (ABBM‐C) (test) to anorganic bovine bone + autogenous bone (ABBM + AB) (control) in maxillary sinus augmentation.

Materials and Methods

Forty (n = 40 sinuses) patients underwent sinus augmentation and received either control (20 sinuses) or test bone graft (20 sinuses). Bone samples were harvested from the augmented sinuses 5 months postgrafting. The samples were processed for histomorphometry, which assessed within the primary region of interest (ROI‐1), the area fraction of new bone (%NB), graft particle osseointegration (% OI), residual graft (%RG), and soft tissue components (% STM). The same analysis was also carried out in a second region of interest (ROI‐2) located in a zone 1 mm proximal to the previous maxillary sinus floor.

Results

In both ROI‐1 and ROI‐2, the mean % NB, %RG, and %STM in the control group were similar to mean values in the test group. The % OI was significantly greater in the control group (42.0 +/− 26.8) when compared to the test group (19.6 +/− 27.3) in ROI‐2 (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were seen when ROI‐1 and ROI‐2 were compared except for improved %OI in ROI‐2 in the control group. The mean proportion of lamellar bone to woven bone in the control group (1.22 ± 1.48) was significantly greater than the test group (0.38 ± 0.29) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

ABBM‐C exhibited very similar histomorphometric parameters to the composite graft of ABBM + AB. The ABBM + AB group was more mature as indicated by the significantly greater proportion of lamellar bone when compared to the ABBM‐C. Improved % OI was seen in the zone proximal to the resident bony floor in the ABBM + AB group. Based on histological assessment, ABBM‐C is a suitable bone substitute for the purposes of maxillary sinus augmentation. Its clinical utility may be indicated in cases of sinus membrane perforation and insufficient autogenous bone in the local area.
Relationship between sarcopenic obesity‐related phenotypes and inflammatory markers in postmenopausal women
Authors: Dutra Maurílio Tiradentes , Avelar Bruna Pereira , Souza Vinícius Carolino , Bottaro Martim , Oliveira Ricardo Jacó , Nóbrega Otávio Toledo , Moreno Lima Ricardo
Published: September 2015

Ageing is associated with changes in body composition that may result in sarcopenic obesity (SO). Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) are important inflammatory markers related to ageing. SO has been examined as an important public health problem, but its association with inflammatory markers has yet to be investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between SO‐related phenotypes and inflammatory markers in postmenopausal women. A total of 130 women (66·7 ± 5·2 years) underwent body composition evaluation using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Volunteers were classified according to a SO definition previously described in the literature. Waist circumference (WC) and handgrip strength (HG) were also measured. Blood samples were collected for CRP, tumour necrosis factor and IL‐6 measurements. All the inflammatory markers were higher in SO individuals when compared to non‐SO; however, only IL‐6 reached statistical significance (median 3·34 versus 1·37 pg ml−1; P<0·05). Also, CRP was significantly correlated (P<0·01) with body mass index (rs = 0·34), fat mass (FM; rs = 0·25) and WC (rs = 0·33). Similarly, IL‐6 levels were significantly correlated (P<0·05) to age (rs = 0·19), FM (rs = 0·19) and WC (rs = 0·17). HG was found to be significantly reduced among subjects with higher IL‐6 levels (P = 0·02). In summary, the combination of reduced muscle mass and excess body fat (i.e. SO) is associated with elevated inflammatory markers in postmenopausal women. Moreover, CRP and IL‐6 are associated with SO‐related phenotypes in this population.
Measuring breathing patterns and respiratory movements with the respiratory movement measuring instrument
Authors: Hagman Carina , Janson Christer , Malinovschi Andrei , Hedenström Hans , Emtner Margareta
Published: September 2015

Introduction

The respiratory movement measuring instrument (RMMI) is a laser‐based non‐invasive technique to measure breathing patterns and respiratory movements (RMs). Little knowledge is known about the ability of the RMMI to measure breathing patterns and the correlation between RMs and breathing volumes.

Objectives

One aim was to investigate whether the RMMI could discriminate between normal versus abdominal versus high costal breathing patterns in different body positions. A second aim was to determine the correlation between RMs and breathing volumes in different body positions.

Method

Twenty adult, healthy subjects (10 women) were included in the study. The RMMI was used to study the above‐mentioned breathing patterns in supine, sitting and standing positions. A subgroup of 12 subjects (6 women) simultaneously performed measurements of breathing volumes while RMs were recorded.

Results

The RMMI was able to discriminate between different breathing patterns in different body positions (P<0·001). The upper thoracic contribution to RMs in the sitting position was 47% for natural breathing, 32% for abdominal breathing and 64% for high costal breathing; similar results were found in the supine and standing positions. A strong correlation was observed between RMs as measured by the RMMI and different breathing volumes in all three body positions (Spearman's rho 0·86–1·00).

Conclusion

The RMMI can be used to measure and analyse different breathing patterns in different body positions, and the correlation between measured RMs and breathing volumes is strong.
Talking About a Gracious God: Speaking of God out of Experience
Authors: Guðmundsdóttir Arnfríður
Published: September 2015

Talking about a gracious God in a meaningful way calls for a recognition of one's experience. Discovering a gracious God changed Luther's way of doing theology, and demonstrates how Luther's theology was shaped by his experience. Feminist theologians have made a conscious appeal to women's experience, particularly their experience of violence within a patriarchal social structure. This particular experience has to shape how we talk about a gracious God to victims/survivors of violence against women.
Grace Only? Or, All is Grace?
Authors: Stjerna Kirsi I.
Published: September 2015

Lutheran theology does not have a monopoly on grace. “Grace alone” statements do not suffice in unfolding what “all” grace is and does. In comparison to Catholic tradition, the Lutheran imagination of grace appears abstract and excludes experience. Feminist theology, in conversation with the tradition, promises to expand Lutheran hermeneutics and epistemology, starting with grace. In the footsteps of Tuomo Mannermaa, returning to Luther's transformative experience of grace, new avenues open up for reforming Lutheran grace‐language. With Luther, a holistic approach to grace can be developed, one that includes Mary the mother of God.
Is a Finite Life Such a Bad Idea? Transhumanism and Theological Anthropology
Authors: Henriksen Jan‐Olav
Published: September 2015

Creaturely life is finite life. Transhumanism suggests that human life will be better and even fulfilled in a new way, if humans can overcome some of the finite conditions now given. I argue that there are theological, ethical, and biological points to be taken into consideration that may challenge the transhuman vision of a good life. The finite conditions of human life are what makes human life human, and these conditions are also part of why the deeper meaning of human life is realized in love for others, and not in the quest for making one's own life go on (almost) endlessly. In addition to looking at some material from popular culture and the philosopher Hans Jonas, the article also draws on recent discussions on transhumanism present in contemporary theology.
Can children identify and achieve goals for intervention? A randomized trial comparing two goal‐setting approaches
Authors: Vroland‐Nordstrand Kristina , Eliasson Ann‐Christin , Jacobsson Helén , Johansson Ulla , Krumlinde‐Sundholm Lena
Published: September 2015

Aim

The efficacy of two different goal‐setting approaches (children's self‐identified goals and goals identified by parents) were compared on a goal‐directed, task‐oriented intervention.

Method

In this assessor‐blinded parallel randomized trial, 34 children with disabilities (13 males, 21 females; mean age 9y, SD 1y 4mo) were randomized using concealed allocation to one of two 8‐week, goal‐directed, task‐oriented intervention groups with different goal‐setting approaches: (1) children's self‐identified goals (n=18) using the Perceived Efficacy and Goal‐Setting System, or (2) goals identified by parents (n=16) using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Participants were recruited through eight paediatric rehabilitation centres and randomized between October 2011 and May 2013. The primary outcome measure was the Goal Attainment Scaling and the secondary measure, the COPM performance scale (COPM‐P). Data were collected pre‐ and post‐intervention and at the 5‐month follow‐up.

Results

There was no evidence of a difference in mean characteristics at baseline between groups. There was evidence of an increase in mean goal attainment (mean T score) in both groups after intervention (child‐goal group: estimated mean difference [EMD] 27.84, 95% CI 22.93–32.76; parent‐goal group: EMD 21.42, 95% CI 16.16−26.67). There was no evidence of a difference in the mean T scores post‐intervention between the two groups (EMD 6.42, 95% CI −0.80 to 13.65). These results were sustained at the 5‐month follow‐up.

Interpretation

Children's self‐identified goals are achievable to the same extent as parent‐identified goals and remain stable over time. Thus children can be trusted to identify their own goals for intervention, thereby influencing their involvement in their intervention programmes.