bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Industrial buyers' use of references, word-of-mouth and reputation in complex buying situation
Authors: Aarikka-Stenroos Leena , Sakari Makkonen Hannu
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to provide understanding on how the buyer can mobilize experience-based information scattered around the business network, by means of customer references, word-of-mouth and reputation, and how this facilitates the buying process.

Design/methodology/approach

– The qualitative study scrutinizes eight cases comprising buyers of knowledge intensive services and technology innovations. The paper draws on the literature on buying and purchasing, customer references, word-of-mouth and reputational information.

Findings

– The findings identify the different roles of references, word-of-mouth, collegial advice networks, and reputation, and suggest that experience-based information provides information on offerings, suppliers and the problem solving situation in complex buying per se.

Research limitations/implications

– The article's contribution is to provide a framework depicting the employment of experience-based information in complex buying, which ensues through focal and continuous buying processes. Insights from this research are broadly applicable to the contexts of knowledge intensive, innovation and solutions business. Further qualitative research should aim to form constructs and define their interrelations to be tested in subsequent quantitative research.

Originality/value

– This study generates new understanding on how buyers gather and use experience-based information to solve complex problems in buying. It contributes by merging references, word-of-mouth, collegial social networks, and reputation as sources of experience-based information, identifying information embedded in those means, and exploring how the information and means are used throughout the complex buying situation.
Pro-Environmental Purchasing Behaviour during the economic crisis
Authors: Tilikidou Irene , Delistavrou Antonia
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Examination of Pro-Environmental Purchasing Behaviour (PPB) and its potential components. Investigation of the number and the size of relevant consumer segments. Determining the factors able to describe the segment of frequent pro-environmental purchasers. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Investigation of PPB as a total multi-item variable. Disclosure of the PPB components. Examination of the Purchase component and disclosure of its clusters. Focus on the cluster of frequent purchasers. Estimation of the demographic, attitudinal and psychographic variables able to describe and predict these consumers.

Findings

– Two components of PPB were found, namely Conservation (high consumer engagement in this) and Purchase (low consumer engagement in this). Inside the Purchase component of PPB three clusters were found, indicating, respectively, low, average and relatively high consumers’ involvement. Consumers in Cluster 3 (frequent pro-environmental purchasers) are fewer than in the past. They were found to be negatively influenced by environmental unconcern attitudes and Materialism, while they were positively affected by locus of control over politics and Universalism.

Research limitations/implications

– No demographic profile of frequent purchasers. Geographical area limited (a potential) generalisation of results. Social desirability effect. Future research with reference to evolutions in pro-environmental post-purchasing or non-purchasing behaviours during the years of economic crisis.

Practical implications

– Fewer consumers would buy ecological products if these were not comparable enough with the conventional products in terms of price and efficacy.

Originality/value

– First effort to explore the impact of the economic crisis on PPB in Greece. Encompassed new categories of ecological products. Revealed two components inside PPB (Purchase and Conservation) as well as number and size of consumer segments inside the Purchase component. Formulation of a partial profile of the frequent pro-environmental purchasers. Impact of Universalism on PPB was for the first time examined.
Strategic alliance motivation for technology commercialization and product development
Authors: Sompong Kusumaphorn , Igel Barbara , Lawton Smith Helen
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the relationship among alliance motivation (AM), execution of cooperation (EC) and alliance performance of strategic alliance for commercializing technology and developing products.

Design/methodology/approach

– The measurements were constructed and tested empirically through a survey of 320 strategic alliances in the food processing industry in Thailand. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were applied to refine scales for measuring AM, execution and cooperation performance.

Findings

– This research found that firms adopted social interaction with alliance partners in order to establish mutual expectations about technology characteristics, access opportunity and organisational management styles, factors that are shown to have positive influences on both commercial and partnership performance. Findings also confirm a significant positive impact of technology characteristics, access opportunity, market potential and financial benefit on the adoption of a formal partnership agreement, but a significant impact only on commercial performance.

Research limitations/implications

– Further research should use random samples in different industries in other emerging economies, and other data analysis methods to assess decision-making in strategic technology alliances that may include different types of partnerships.

Practical implications

– The findings are also useful for managers who leverage operations with external resources obtained through strategic alliances parameters both in the process of managing relationships and achieving results.

Originality/value

– This article contributes to extant literature by developing a practical measurement system of AM, actual EC and resulting performance in an emerging economy country. It also contributes to clarify the decision-making of firms that form strategic alliances for commercializing technology and developing products to facilitate more quality management research in other industries and countries.
Reassortant swine influenza viruses isolated in Japan contain genes from pandemic A(H1N1) 2009
Authors: Kanehira Katsushi , Takemae Nobuhiro , Uchida Yuko , Hikono Hirokazu , Saito Takehiko
Published: April 2014

In 2013, three reassortant swine influenza viruses (SIVs)—two H1N2 and one H3N2—were isolated from symptomatic pigs in Japan; each contained genes from the pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 virus and endemic SIVs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the two H1N2 viruses, A/swine/Gunma/1/2013 and A/swine/Ibaraki/1/2013, were reassortants that contain genes from the following three distinct lineages: (i) H1 and nucleoprotein (NP) genes derived from a classical swine H1 HA lineage uniquely circulating among Japanese SIVs; (ii) neuraminidase (NA) genes from human‐like H1N2 swine viruses; and (iii) other genes from pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 viruses. The H3N2 virus, A/swine/Miyazaki/2/2013, comprised genes from two sources: (i) hemagglutinin (HA) and NA genes derived from human and human‐like H3N2 swine viruses and (ii) other genes from pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 viruses. Phylogenetic analysis also indicated that each of the reassortants may have arisen independently in Japanese pigs. A/swine/Miyazaki/2/2013 were found to have strong antigenic reactivities with antisera generated for some seasonal human‐lineage viruses isolated during or before 2003, whereas A/swine/Miyazaki/2/2013 reactivities with antisera against viruses isolated after 2004 were clearly weaker. In addition, antisera against some strains of seasonal human‐lineage H1 viruses did not react with either A/swine/Gunma/1/2013 or A/swine/Ibaraki/1/2013. These findings indicate that emergence and spread of these reassortant SIVs is a potential public health risk.
Assessing the utility of statistical adjustments for imperfect detection in tropical conservation science
Authors: Banks‐Leite Cristina , Pardini Renata , Boscolo Danilo , Cassano Camila Righetto , Püttker Thomas , Barros Camila Santos , Barlow Jos
Published: April 2014

In recent years, there has been a fast development of models that adjust for imperfect detection. These models have revolutionized the analysis of field data, and their use has repeatedly demonstrated the importance of sampling design and data quality. There are, however, several practical limitations associated with the use of detectability models which restrict their relevance to tropical conservation science.

We outline the main advantages of detectability models, before examining their limitations associated with their applicability to the analysis of tropical communities, rare species and large‐scale data sets. Finally, we discuss whether detection probability needs to be controlled before and/or after data collection.

Models that adjust for imperfect detection allow ecologists to assess data quality by estimating uncertainty and to obtain adjusted ecological estimates of populations and communities. Importantly, these models have allowed informed decisions to be made about the conservation and management of target species.

Data requirements for obtaining unadjusted estimates are substantially lower than for detectability‐adjusted estimates, which require relatively high detection/recapture probabilities and a number of repeated surveys at each location. These requirements can be difficult to meet in large‐scale environmental studies where high levels of spatial replication are needed, or in the tropics where communities are composed of many naturally rare species. However, while imperfect detection can only be adjusted statistically, covariates of detection probability can also be controlled through study design. Using three study cases where we controlled for covariates of detection probability through sampling design, we show that the variation in unadjusted ecological estimates from nearly 100 species was qualitatively the same as that obtained from adjusted estimates. Finally, we discuss that the decision as to whether one should control for covariates of detection probability through study design or statistical analyses should be dependent on study objectives.

Synthesis and applications. Models that adjust for imperfect detection are an important part of an ecologist's toolkit, but they should not be uniformly adopted in all studies. Ecologists should never let the constraints of models dictate which questions should be pursued or how the data should be analysed, and detectability models are no exception. We argue for pluralism in scientific methods, particularly where cost‐effective applied ecological science is needed to inform conservation policy at a range of different scales and in many different systems.
Antagonism by salvianolic acid B of lipopolysaccharide‐induced disseminated intravascular coagulation in rabbits
Authors: Wu Zheng , Li Jian‐nan , Bai Zhi‐quan , Lin Xi
Published: April 2014

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of salvianolic acid B on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in rabbits. Continuous infusion of LPS was used to induce a DIC model in rabbits. Treatment with salvianolic acid B (1, 3 or 6 mg/kg) was started simultaneously with LPS infusion (0.5 mg/kg LPS in 60 mL saline; 10 mL/h over a period of 6 h) through the contralateral marginal ear vein. Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), platelet count and fibrinogen concentration were determined, as were plasma levels of fibrin–fibrinogen degradation products (FDP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), protein C activity, antithrombin III (ATIII) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α concentration. The gradual impairment of haemostatic parameters was induced by continuous infusion of LPS. There were marked increases in APTT, PT, BUN, ALT and plasma TNF‐α and marked decreases in the platelet count, fibrinogen, FDP, protein C and ATIII. The intravenous administration of 1, 3 or 6 mg/kg salvianolic acid B attenuated the increases in APTT, PT, BUN, ALT and plasma TNF‐α and the decreases in fibrinogen, platelet, FDP, protein C and ATIII induced by LPS infusion. These observations indicate that salvianolic acid B has an effect against LPS‐induced DIC in rabbits.
Impact of short‐term low‐dose atorvastatin on low‐density lipoprotein and high‐density lipoprotein subfraction phenotype
Authors: Xu Rui‐Xia , Guo Yuan‐Lin , Li Xiao‐Lin , Li Sha , Li Jian‐Jun
Published: April 2014

Statins can significantly reduce low‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol (LDL‐C) and modestly raise or not alter high‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol (HDL‐C). However, their impact on high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) subfractions has been less examined. The aim of the present study was to investigate the short‐term impact of low‐dose atorvastatin on HDL and LDL subfractions in humans. In this randomized study, data from 52 subjects were analysed. Thirty‐seven patients with atherosclerosis were randomized to treatment with atorvastatin 10 mg/day (n = 17) or 20 mg/day (n = 20) for 8 weeks, with 15 healthy subjects without therapy used as a control group. The lipid profile and lipoprotein subfractions were determined using the Lipoprint system at baseline and at 8 weeks. The data suggest that atorvastatin treatment (10 and 20 mg/day) for 8 weeks significantly decreases LDL‐C levels and reduces the cholesterol concentration of all LDL subfractions, which is accompanied by an increase of the mean LDL particle size. Although 10 mg/day atorvastatin treatment for 8 weeks had no impact on the HDL subfraction, 20 mg/day atorvastatin for 8 weeks significantly increased the cholesterol concentration of large HDL particles and decreased the cholesterol concentration of small HDL particles without changing serum HDL‐C levels in patients with atherosclerosis. Therefore, the results suggest that 20 mg/day atorvastatin treatment for 8 weeks may result in a favourable modification of the HDL subfraction phenotype in addition to its effects on the cholesterol concentration of all LDL subfractions and mean LDL particle size.
Using genotyping data to assign markers to their chromosome type and to infer the sex of individuals: a Bayesian model‐based classifier
Authors: Gautier Mathieu
Published: April 2014

The recent democratization of next‐generation‐sequencing‐based approaches towards nonmodel species has made it cost‐effective to produce large genotyping data sets for a wider range of species. However, when no detailed genome assembly is available, poor knowledge about the organization of the markers within the genome might hamper the optimal use of this abundant information. At the most basic level of genomic organization, the type of chromosome (autosomes, sex chromosomes, mitochondria or chloroplast in plants) may remain unknown for most markers which might be limiting or even misleading in some applications, particularly in population genetics. Conversely, the characterization of sex‐linked markers allows molecular sexing of the individuals. In this study, we propose a Bayesian model‐based classifier named detsex, to assign markers to their chromosome type and/or to perform sexing of individuals based on genotyping data. The performance of detsex is further evaluated by a comprehensive simulation study and by the analysis of real data sets from various origins (microsatellite and SNP data derived from genotyping assay designs and NGS experiments). Irrespective of the origin of the markers or the size of the data set, detsex was proved efficient (i) to identify the sex‐linked markers, (ii) to perform molecular sexing of the individuals and (iii) to perform basic quality check of the genotyping data sets. The underlying structure of the model also allows to consider each of these potential applications either separately or jointly.
Lessons to be learnt in managing the breech presentation at term: An 11‐year single‐centre retrospective study
Authors: Borbolla Foster Ailsa , Bagust Annalise , Bisits Andrew , Holland Matthew , Welsh Alec
Published: April 2014

Background

The 2000 publication of the Term Breech Trial significantly impacted obstetric practice in Australia with a rapid increase in delivery of term breech singletons by caesarean section. More reassuring data from European centres who continued to offer vaginal breech deliveries to carefully selected women have led to a softening of international guidelines which now support an individualised approach to management. The application of this principle to an Australian population, particularly in the wake of such a major change in obstetric practice, has not previously been demonstrated.

Aim

To compare short‐term neonatal and maternal morbidity for infants with a singleton breech presentation born after 37 weeks, according to planned mode of delivery.

Materials and Methods

Eleven‐year single‐centre retrospective study with intention‐to‐treat analysis based on intended mode of delivery.

Results

Two hundred and forty‐three of 766 (31.7%) eligible women elected for planned vaginal breech delivery. The overall success rate in this group was 58%. Morbidity rates were low and compare favourably with similar international studies. However, there was a nonsignificant trend towards higher rates of short‐term serious neonatal and maternal morbidity in the planned vaginal delivery group (1.6 vs 0.4%, P = 0.08 and 8.2 vs 4.8%, P = 0.06, respectively).

Conclusions

Attempted vaginal delivery for breech presentation remains an option in carefully selected women under strict obstetric protocols.
The KITD816V allele burden predicts survival in patients with mastocytosis and correlates with the WHO type of the disease
Authors: Hoermann G. , Gleixner K. V. , Dinu G. E. , Kundi M. , Greiner G. , Wimazal F. , Hadzijusufovic E. , Mitterbauer G. , Mannhalter C. , Valent P. , Sperr W. R.
Published: April 2014

KIT D816V is present in a majority of patients with systemic mastocytosis (SM). We determined the KIT D816V allele burden by quantitative real‐time PCR in bone marrow and peripheral blood of 105 patients with mastocytosis. KIT D816V was detected in 92/105 patients (88%). Significant differences in the median allele burden were observed between disease subgroups: cutaneous mastocytosis (0.042%), indolent SM (0.285%), smoldering SM (5.991%), aggressive SM (9.346%), and SM with associated hematologic non‐mast cell lineage disease (3.761%) (P < 0.001). The KIT D816V burden also correlated with serum tryptase (R = 0.5, P < 0.005) but not with mast cell infiltration in bone marrow or mediator symptoms. Moreover, the allele burden was of prognostic significance regarding survival (P < 0.01). Patients responding to cytoreductive therapy showed a significant decrease in KIT D816V (P < 0.05). To conclude, the KIT D816V burden correlates with the variant of mastocytosis, predicts survival, and is a valuable follow‐up parameter in SM.
A novel technique to determine an ‘apparent ke0’ value for use with the Marsh pharmacokinetic model for propofol
Authors: Thomson A. J. , Nimmo A. F. , Engbers F. H. M. , Glen J. B.
Published: April 2014

Debate continues over the most appropriate blood–brain equilibration rate constant (ke0) for use with the Marsh pharmacokinetic model for propofol. We aimed to define the optimal ke0 value. Sixty‐four patients were sedated with incremental increases in effect‐site target concentration of propofol while using six different ke0 values within the range 0.2–1.2 min−1. Depth of sedation was assessed by measuring visual reaction time. A median ‘apparent ke0’ value of 0.61 min−1 (95% CI 0.37–0.78 min–1) led to the greatest probability of achieving a stable clinical effect when the effect‐site target was fixed at the effect‐site concentration displayed by the target‐controlled infusion system, at the time when a desired depth of sedation had been reached. By utilising a clinically relevant endpoint to derive this value, inter‐individual pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variability may be accounted for.
Induction of general anaesthesia by effect‐site target‐controlled infusion of propofol: influence of pharmacokinetic model and ke0 value
Authors: Thomson A. J. , Morrison G. , Thomson E. , Beattie C. , Nimmo A. F. , Glen J. B.
Published: April 2014

We studied the use of a new ke0 value (0.6 min−1) for the Marsh pharmacokinetic model for propofol. Speed of induction and side‐effects produced were compared with three other target‐controlled infusion systems. Eighty patients of ASA physical status 1–2 were studied in four groups in a prospective, randomised study. Median (IQR [range]) induction times were shorter with the Marsh model in effect‐site control mode with a ke0 of either 0.6 min−1 (81 (61–101 [49–302])s, p < 0.01), or 1.2 min−1 (78 (68–208 [51–325])s, p < 0.05), than with the Marsh model in blood concentration control (132 (90–246 [57–435])). The Schnider model in effect‐site control produced induction times that were longer (298 (282–398 [58–513])s) than those observed with the Marsh model in blood control (p < 0.05), or either effect‐site control mode (p < 0.001). There were no differences in the magnitude of blood pressure changes or frequency of apnoea between groups.
Fetal effects of combined spinal‐epidural vs epidural labour analgesia: a prospective, randomised double‐blind study
Authors: Patel N. P. , El‐Wahab N. , Fernando R. , Wilson S. , Robson S. C. , Columb M. O. , Lyons G. R.
Published: April 2014

We have compared fetal heart rate patterns, Apgar scores and umbilical cord gas values following initiation of labour analgesia using either combined spinal‐epidural or epidural. One hundred and fifteen healthy women requesting neuraxial analgesia in the first stage of labour were randomly assigned to receive either combined spinal‐epidural (n = 62) or epidural analgesia (n = 53). Fetal heart rate traces, recorded for 30 min before and 60 min after neuraxial block, were categorised as normal, suspicious or pathological according to national guidelines. Sixty‐one fetal heart rate tracings were analysed in the combined spinal‐epidural group and 52 in the epidural group. No significant differences were found in fetal heart rate patterns, Apgar scores or umbilical artery and vein acid‐base status between groups. However, in both combined spinal‐epidural and epidural groups, there was a significant increase in the incidence of abnormal fetal heart rate patterns following neuraxial analgesia (p < 0.0001); two before compared with eight after analgesia in the combined spinal‐epidural group and zero before compared with 11 after in the epidural group. These changes comprised increased decelerations (p = 0.0045) (combined spinal‐epidural group nine before and 14 after analgesia, epidural group four before and 16 after), increased late decelerations (p < 0.0001) (combined spinal‐epidural group zero before and seven after analgesia, epidural group zero before and eight after), and a reduction in acceleration rate (p = 0.034) (combined spinal‐epidural group mean (SD) 12.2 (6.7) h−1 before and 9.9 (6.1) h−1 after analgesia, epidural group 11.0 (7.3)  h−1 before and 8.4 (5.9) h−1 after). These fetal heart rate changes did not affect neonatal outcome in this healthy population.
The effect of audible alarms on anaesthesiologists' response times to adverse events in a simulated anaesthesia environment: a randomised trial
Authors: de Man F. R. , Erwteman M. , van Groeningen D. , Ziedses des Plantes P. V. , Boer C. , Loer S. A. , Krage R.
Published: April 2014

Alarms are ubiquitous in anaesthetic practice, but their net effect on anaesthesiologists' performance and patient safety is debated. In this study, 27 anaesthesiologists performed two simulation sessions in random order; one session was programmed to include an alarm condition, with a standard, frequent, clearly audible alarm sound. During these sessions, adverse events were simulated and anaesthesiologists' response times to these events were recorded. Perceived workload was assessed with the NASA Task Load Index. Response times to adverse events and perceived workload were similar in both groups. Pooled response times to atrial fibrillation and desaturation were fast, with a median (range [IQR]) of 8 (4–14 [1–41]) s and 9 (6–16 [1–44]) s, respectively. Pooled response times to an ST segment elevation on the ECG and an obstructed intravenous line were significantly slower, with median (IQR[range]) times of 34 (21–76[4–300]) s and 227 (95–399 [2–600]) s, respectively (p < 0.001). This study shows that in a simulated anaesthesia environment, response times to adverse events are similar in the absence or presence of an audible alarm, and that response times to various critical events differ.
Relationship of Electrocardiographic Left Ventricular Hypertrophy to the Presence of Diastolic Dysfunction
Authors: Krepp Joseph M. , Lin Fay , Min James K. , Devereux Richard B. , Okin Peter M.
Published: April 2014

Background

Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (DD) is a known predictor of poor cardiovascular outcomes. Although ECG LV hypertrophy (LVH) is strongly associated with LV systolic dysfunction and heart failure, the relation of LV DD to ECG LVH is unclear.

Methods

ECG LVH by Cornell product (CP) criteria was examined in a cohort of 185 patients who underwent both cardiac computed tomographic angiography and transthoracic echocardiography with complete evaluation of diastolic function. The presence of DD was determined via evaluation of mitral inflow velocities, tissue Doppler imaging, deceleration time, isovolumic relaxation time, pulmonary venous systolic: diastolic ratio, and left atrial enlargement.

Results

Among the 185 patients (56% female, mean age 54.6 ± 15.6), 105 (57%) had DD. In univariate logistic regression analysis, patients in the upper quartile of CP (≥1595 mm·ms) had a >5‐fold greater odds of DD (odds ratio [OR] 5.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2–11.7, P < 0.001). In alternative analyses treating CP as a continuous variable, each 1 SD increase in CP (664 mm·ms) was associated with an OR of 1.9 for DD (95% CI 1.3–2.7, P < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusting for univariate predictors of DD, the highest quartile of CP remained associated with a 5.9‐fold increased odds of DD (95% CI 2.3–15.4, P = 0.001), and each 1 SD of CP with a 1.7‐fold increased odds of DD (95% CI 1.2–2.5, P = 0.005).

Conclusions

CP LVH is a strong predictor of DD, even after adjustment for other potential risk factors and ECG variables.
Assessment of human baroreflex function using carotid ultrasonography: what have we learnt?
Authors: Taylor C. E. , Willie C. K. , Ainslie P. N. , Tzeng Y.‐C.
Published: April 2014

The arterial baroreflex is critical to both short‐ and long‐term regulation of blood pressure. However, human baroreflex research has been largely limited to the association between blood pressure and cardiac period (or heart rate) or indices of vascular sympathetic function. Over the past decade, emerging techniques based on carotid ultrasound imaging have allowed new means of understanding and measuring the baroreflex. In this review, we describe the assessment of the mechanical and neural components of the baroreflex through the use of carotid ultrasound imaging. The mechanical component refers to the change in carotid artery diameter in response to changes in arterial pressure, and the neural component refers to the change in R‐R interval (cardiac baroreflex) or muscle sympathetic nerve activity (sympathetic baroreflex) in response to this barosensory vessel stretch. The key analytical concepts and techniques are discussed, with a focus on the assessment of baroreflex sensitivity via the modified Oxford method. We illustrate how the application of carotid ultrasound imaging has contributed to a greater understanding of baroreflex physiology in humans, covering topics such as ageing and diurnal variation, and physiological challenges including exercise, postural changes and mental stress.
Randomised clinical trial: the beneficial effects of VSL#3 in obese children with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Alisi A. , Bedogni G. , Baviera G. , Giorgio V. , Porro E. , Paris C. , Giammaria P. , Reali L. , Anania F. , Nobili V.
Published: April 2014

Background

Gut microbiota modifiers may have beneficial effects of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) but randomised controlled trials (RCT) are lacking in children.

Aim

To perform a double‐blind RCT of VSL#3 vs. placebo in obese children with biopsy‐proven NAFLD.

Methods

Of 48 randomised children, 44 (22 VSL#3 and 22 placebo) completed the study. The main outcome was the change in fatty liver severity at 4 months as detected by ultrasonography. Secondary outcomes were the changes in triglycerides, insulin resistance as detected by the homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA), alanine transaminase (ALT), body mass index (BMI), glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) and activated GLP‐1 (aGLP‐1). Ordinal and linear models with cluster confidence intervals were used to evaluate the efficacy of VSL#3 vs. placebo at 4 months.

Results

At baseline, moderate and severe NAFLD were present in 64% and 36% of PLA children and in 55% and 45% of VSL#3 children. The probability that children supplemented with VSL#3 had none, light, moderate or severe FL at the end of the study was 21%, 70%, 9% and 0% respectively with corresponding values of 0%, 7%, 76% and 17% for the placebo group (P < 0.001). No between‐group differences were detected in triglycerides, HOMA and ALT while BMI decreased and GLP‐1 and aGLP1 increased in the VSL#3 group (P < 0.001 for all comparisons).

Conclusions

A 4‐month supplement of VSL#3 significantly improves NAFLD in children. The VSL#3‐dependent GLP‐1 increase could be responsible for these beneficial effects. Trial identifier: NCT01650025 (www.clinicaltrial.gov)
The Not‐So‐Common‐Wealth of Australia: Evidence for a Cross‐Cultural Desire for a More Equal Distribution of Wealth
Authors: Norton Michael I. , Neal David T. , Govan Cassandra L. , Ariely Dan , Holland Elise
Published: April 2014

Recent evidence suggests that Americans underestimate wealth inequality in the United States and favor a more equal wealth distribution (Norton & Ariely, ). Does this pattern reflect ideological dynamics unique to the United States, or is the phenomenon evident in other developed economies—such as Australia? We assessed Australians’ perceived and ideal wealth distributions and compared them to the actual wealth distribution. Although the United States and Australia differ in the degree of actual wealth inequality and in cultural narratives around economic mobility, the Australian data closely replicated the United States findings. Misperceptions of wealth inequality as well as preferences for more equal distributions may be common across developed economies. In addition, beliefs about wealth distribution only weakly predicted support for raising the minimum wage, suggesting that attitudes toward inequality may not translate into preferences for redistributive policies.
Minimal residual disease monitoring in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients. A comparative analysis of flow cytometry and ASO IgH RQ‐PCR
Authors: Raponi Sara , Della Starza Irene , De Propris Maria S. , Del Giudice Ilaria , Mauro Francesca R. , Marinelli Marilisa , Di Maio Valeria , Piciocchi Alfonso , Foà Robin , Guarini Anna
Published: April 2014

Minimal residual disease (MRD) is becoming increasingly important in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) as treatment strategies are progressively improving. The primary objective of this study was to compare the applicability of three different flow cytometric approaches: basic 4‐colour analysis, European Research Initiative in CLL (ERIC) consensus method and 8‐colour analysis. Secondly, we investigated the sensitivity and specificity of flow cytometry (FC) compared to molecular analyses for MRD detection. A total of 462 CLL samples were evaluated by basic FC; in 143, ERIC consensus method was also performed and all three FC methodologies were applied in a subgroup of 10 cases. No discordance in defining MRD‐positive/negative samples was observed between the FC methods; within positive samples, the ERIC consensus method and 8‐colour analysis showed the most accurate results. MRD was analysed by FC and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 243 cases: concordant results were obtained in 199/243 samples (81·9%); 42/243 were FC−/PCR+. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of FC compared to PCR was 96·5% and 77·2%, respectively. Both FC and PCR proved suitable for the detection of MRD and prediction of progression‐free survival, which was significantly reduced in MRD‐positive patients, regardless of the methodology. These results offer the rationale for a strategy to monitor MRD in CLL patients.
Late Pleistocene stratigraphy and sedimentary environments of the Severnaya Dvina‐Vychegda region in northwestern Russia
Authors: Lyså Astrid , Larsen Eiliv , Buylaert Jan‐Pieter , Fredin Ola , Jensen Maria A. , Kuznetsov Denis , Murray Andrew S. , Subetto Dmitry A. , van Welden Aurelien
Published: April 2014

The Late Pleistocene stratigraphy from the Severnaya Dvina‐Vychegda region of northwestern Russia is revised based on investigations of new localities, revisiting earlier localities, introduction of about 110 new OSL dates and burial depth corrections of earlier published OSL dates, in addition to six new radiocarbon dates. Most of the OSL samples studied here are from fluvial and subaquaeous sediments, which we found to be well bleached. Six chronostratigraphical units and their sedimentary environment are described, with the oldest unit consisting of pre‐Eemian glacial beds. For the first time, Early Weichselian sediments are documented from the region and a fluvial environment with some vegetation and permafrost conditions is suggested to have persisted from the end of the Eemian until at least about 92 ka ago. The period in which a Middle Weichselian White Sea Lake could have existed is constrained to 67−62 ka, but as the lake level never reached the thresholds of the drainage basin, the lake probably existed only for a short interval within this time‐span. Blocking and reversal of fluvial drainage started again around 21−20 ka ago when the Fennoscandian Ice Sheet advanced into the area, reaching its maximum 17−15 ka ago. At that time, an ice‐dammed lake reached its maximum water level, which was around 135 m above present sea level. Drainage of the lake started shortly after 15 ka ago, and the lake was emptied within 700 years. Severe periglacial conditions, with permafrost and aeolian activity, prevailed in the area until about 10.7 ka.
Serine proteases and protease‐activated receptor 2 mediate the proinflammatory and algesic actions of diverse stimulants
Authors: Cattaruzza F , Amadesi S , Carlsson J F , Murphy J E , Lyo V , Kirkwood K , Cottrell G S , Bogyo M , Knecht W , Bunnett N W
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose

Although serine proteases and agonists of protease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2) cause inflammation and pain, the spectrum of proteases that are activated by proinflammatory and algesic stimuli and their contribution to inflammatory pain are uncertain.

Experimental Approach

Enzymic assays and selective inhibitors were used to characterize protease activity in mice after intraplantar injections of formalin, bradykinin, PAR2 activating peptide (AP) or vehicle. The capacity of these proteases and of recombinant mouse trypsin 4 to cleave fragments of PAR2 and to activate PAR2 in cell lines was determined. Protease inhibitors and par2−/− mice were used to assess the contributions of proteases and PAR2 to pain and inflammation.

Key Results

Intraplantar injection of formalin, bradykinin or PAR2‐AP led to the activation of proteases that were susceptible to the serine protease inhibitor melagatran but resistant to soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI). Melagatran inhibited mouse trypsin 4, which degraded SBTI. Proteases generated in inflamed tissues cleaved PAR2‐derived peptides. These proteases and trypsin 4 increased [Ca2+]i in PAR2‐transfected but not in untransfected cells, and melagatran suppressed this activity. Melagatran or PAR2 deletion suppressed oedema and mechanical hypersensitivity induced by intraplantar formalin, bradykinin and PAR2‐AP, but had no effect on capsaicin‐induced pain.

Conclusions and Implications

Diverse proinflammatory and algesic agents activate melagatran‐sensitive serine proteases that cause inflammation and pain by a PAR2‐mediated mechanism. By inducing self‐activating proteases, PAR2 amplifies and sustains inflammation and pain. Serine protease inhibitors can attenuate the inflammatory and algesic effects of diverse stimuli, representing a useful therapeutic strategy.
Incorporating climate change in conservation planning for freshwater fishes
Authors: Bond Nick R. , Thomson James R. , Reich Paul
Published: April 2014

Aim

To assess how the inclusion of predicted climate‐change‐related range shifts alters the spatial prioritization of habitats and predicted biodiversity benefits from systematic conservation planning under alternative realized climates.

Location

Victoria, Australia.

Methods

We combined predicted distribution patterns of freshwater fish under multiple climate scenarios with marginal benefit conservation planning algorithms to compare conservation outcomes from multiple planning scenarios based on predicted present and future range‐shifted distributions. For each of these planning options, we examined the outcomes under a range of possible realized climates.

Results

Expected conservation outcomes under future climate scenarios were always better when potential range shifts were incorporated into the planning process, irrespective of which climate scenario was realized. However, the differences in conservation outcomes between planning strategies were often small, and expected conservation outcomes always were worse under altered climate scenarios than under a stable baseline climate scenario. River segments with variable rankings across planning scenarios reflected areas where risks of maladaptive prioritization are potentially high.

Main conclusions

This study highlights that greatest conservation gains will come from ongoing efforts to limit the degree of global warming. Nevertheless, within the constraints imposed by a changing climate, the inclusion of future range shifts in conservation plans can help insure against ineffective and potentially maladaptive prioritization decisions. The acknowledged caveats around statistical predictions of species distributions and range shifts also need to be considered when acting on the outputs from modelled predictions such as these.
Increased RBP4 in a human model of activated anti‐atherosclerotic and antiremodelling defences
Authors: Calò Lorenzo A. , Maiolino Giuseppe , Pagnin Elisa , Vertolli Ugo , Davis Paul A.
Published: April 2014

Background

Both increased and decreased levels of the adipokine retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4) have been reported in cardiovascular disease, and levels of RBP4 have been related to diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk. Recently, clear in vitro and ex vivo vasodilatory and inhibitory of platelet activation effects of RBP4 has been shown and a reduced RBP4 level was found in high cardiovascular risk patients, suggesting a potential cardiovascular protective role for increased levels of RBP4.

Patients and methods

Plasma level of RBP4 (ELISA) was determined in a cohort of Bartter's and Gitelman's syndrome (BS/GS) patients, a human model of endogenous Ang II signalling antagonism and activation of anti‐atherosclerotic and antiremodelling defenses, the opposite of cardiovascular risk patients, and in healthy normotensive subjects. Haem Oxygenase (OH)‐1 protein level (sandwich immunoassay) as a potential mediator of RBP4 stimulation of PI3K/Akt pathway and flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) as a measure of endothelium (NO)‐dependent response have also been measured.

Results

RBP4 in BS/GS patients (40·59 ± 15·32 μg/mL vs. 25·05 ± 5·56, P = 0·011) along with HO‐1 protein levels (9·44 ± 3·09 ng/mL vs. 5·49 ± 1·04, P = 0·003) and FMD (10·52% ± 2·22 vs. 7·99 ± 1·13 P = 0·006) were significantly increased compared with healthy normotensive subjects.

Conclusions

The increase of RBP4 in BS/GS, a human model of endogenous Ang II signalling antagonism and activation of anti‐atherosclerotic and antiremodelling defenses, the opposite of cardiovascular risk patient, found in concert with an increased NO‐mediated vasodilation and HO‐1 levels supports a protective role for this adipokine in vascular protection/cardiovascular risk.
Discharges from an early intervention in psychosis service: where do patients stand after 3 years?
Authors: Ahmed Shiraz , Khan Rashid , Pursglove Danny , O'Donoghue Jo , Chakraborty Nandini
Published: April 2014

Aim

Continuity of care is an important therapeutic factor in psychiatric services. This study aimed to look at the continuity of care for patients following discharge from an early intervention in psychosis service.

Method

Continuity of care was assessed by looking at whether a patient was still with the same service after 3 years or more following discharge from an early intervention in psychosis service. If not, records were checked to see where their care had moved. Discharges from 2006 to 2009 were included in the study.

Results

Descriptive statistics were worked out to calculate the proportion of service users who remained with the same service and those who had moved to other services. About 8% of patients had moved to another service during the identified study period. Only 4% of patients had moved from a less intensive to a more intensive service within this time.

Conclusions

The findings from this study showed that only a very small proportion of patients discharged from an early intervention in psychosis service move to another service in the 3 years following their discharge. Movement of patients to a more intensive service after discharge from the early intervention in psychosis team was even lower. Most patients thereby have a stable continuity of care following discharge from an early intervention team.
Modulation of alpha and gamma oscillations related to retrospectively orienting attention within working memory
Authors: Poch Claudia , Campo Pablo , Barnes Gareth R.
Published: April 2014

Selective attention mechanisms allow us to focus on information that is relevant to the current behavior and, equally important, ignore irrelevant information. An influential model proposes that oscillatory neural activity in the alpha band serves as an active functional inhibitory mechanism. Recent studies have shown that, in the same way that attention can be selectively oriented to bias sensory processing in favor of relevant stimuli in perceptual tasks, it is also possible to retrospectively orient attention to internal representations held in working memory. However, these studies have not explored the associated oscillatory phenomena. In the current study, we analysed the patterns of neural oscillatory activity recorded with magnetoencephalography while participants performed a change detection task, in which a spatial retro‐cue was presented during the maintenance period, indicating which item or items were relevant for subsequent retrieval. Participants benefited from retro‐cues in terms of accuracy and reaction time. Retro‐cues also modulated oscillatory activity in the alpha and gamma frequency bands. We observed greater alpha activity in a ventral visual region ipsilateral to the attended hemifield, thus supporting its suppressive role, i.e. a functional disengagement of task‐irrelevant regions. Accompanying this modulation, we found an increase in gamma activity contralateral to the attended hemifield, which could reflect attentional orienting and selective processing. These findings suggest that the oscillatory mechanisms underlying attentional orienting to representations held in working memory are similar to those engaged when attention is oriented in the perceptual space.
Activation of α2A‐containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors mediates nicotine‐induced motor output in embryonic zebrafish
Authors: Menelaou Evdokia , Udvadia Ava J. , Tanguay Robert L. , Svoboda Kurt R.
Published: April 2014

It is well established that cholinergic signaling has critical roles during central nervous system development. In physiological and behavioral studies, activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) has been implicated in mediating cholinergic signaling. In developing spinal cord, cholinergic transmission is associated with neural circuits responsible for producing locomotor behaviors. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern of the α2A nAChR subunit as previous evidence suggested it could be expressed by spinal neurons. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed that the α2A nAChR subunits are expressed in spinal Rohon–Beard (RB) neurons and olfactory sensory neurons in young embryos. To examine the functional role of the α2A nAChR subunit during embryogenesis, we blocked its expression using antisense modified oligonucleotides. Blocking the expression of α2A nAChR subunits had no effect on spontaneous motor activity. However, it did alter the embryonic nicotine‐induced motor output. This reduction in motor activity was not accompanied by defects in neuronal and muscle elements associated with the motor output. Moreover, the anatomy and functionality of RB neurons was normal even in the absence of the α2A nAChR subunit. Thus, we propose that α2A‐containing nAChRs are dispensable for normal RB development. However, in the context of nicotine‐induced motor output, α2A‐containing nAChRs on RB neurons provide the substrate that nicotine acts upon to induce the motor output. These findings also indicate that functional neuronal nAChRs are present within spinal cord at the time when locomotor output in zebrafish first begins to manifest itself.
ANTIQUARIANISM AS GENEALOGY: ARNALDO MOMIGLIANO'S METHOD
Authors: GOULD REBECCA
Published: April 2014

This essay uses Arnaldo Momigliano's genealogy of antiquarianism and historiography to propose a new method for engaging the past. Momigliano traced antiquarianism from its advent in ancient Greece and later growth in Rome to its early modern efflorescence, its usurpation by history, and its transformation into anthropology and sociology in late modernity. Antiquarianism performed for Momigliano the work of excavating past archives while infusing historiographical inquiry with a much‐needed dose of contingency. This essay aims to advance our understanding of the mutual imbrications of antiquarian methods with modern conceptions of history, while also suggesting how antiquarianism can generate alternatives to historical inquiry.