bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radical Product Innovation Capability: Literature Review, Synthesis, and Illustrative Research Propositions
Authors: Slater Stanley F. , Mohr Jakki J. , Sengupta Sanjit
Published: October 2013

Product innovation is a key to organizational renewal and success. Relative to other forms of innovation, radical product innovations offer unprecedented customer benefits, substantial cost reductions, or the ability to create new businesses, any of which should lead to superior organizational performance. In other words, a radical product innovation capability is a dynamic capability, one that enables the organization to maintain alignment with rapidly evolving customer needs in high‐velocity environments. Extensive research has been conducted on the antecedents to an incremental/general product innovation capability, and meta‐analyses have been conducted to integrate the results from the various studies. However, whether and how a radical product innovation capability differs from an incremental product innovation capability is also critical. The purpose of this work is to develop a testable model of the antecedents to radical product innovation success. Based on an extensive literature review, a comprehensive set of organizational components that comprise a firm's radical product innovation capability is identified. These organizational components include senior leadership, organizational culture, organizational architecture, the radical product innovation development process, and the product launch strategy. Of course, each of these components has subcomponents that provide even more texture. This review highlights how the components of a radical innovation capability function differently from those for an incremental capability. In addition, this review strongly suggests that the direct effects models that dominate this literature underestimate the complexity of the interplay of components that comprise a radical product innovation capability. Thus, a model to demonstrate this interplay of these organizational components is provided. Illustrative research propositions are offered to provide guidance to researchers. Suggestions for executives and managers who are involved in the product development process and for scholars who seek to advance the state of knowledge in this area are offered in the conclusion.
Timing the Start of Material Substitution Projects: Creating Switching Options under Volatile Material Prices
Authors: Fisch Jan Hendrik , Ross Jan‐Michael
Published: October 2013

Firms developing new products often face the challenge of making investment decisions under uncertain input–cost conditions due to the price volatilities of the materials they use. These decisions need to be made long before the final products are launched on the market. Therefore, firms that invest in the opportunity to switch materials in a timely manner will have the flexibility to react to material price changes and realize competitive advantages. However, volatile material prices may also cause a firm to delay investment. Using real‐options reasoning, this paper studies the influence of input‐cost fluctuations on the timing decision to start new product development (NPD) and thus create the follow‐on opportunity to later replace an existing product. A model that combines waiting and switching options to derive influencing factors of the flexibility value that triggers the investment is developed and tested on a sample of material substitution projects from manufacturing firms. The results show how price uncertainty of the new and the old material, their joint price development, the expected project duration, and competitive preemption are related to the propensity to delay the start of NPD. The findings provide new insights on how timing in adopting materials can be used to hedge exposure to volatile material prices. The insights are relevant for adopters and producers of new materials, as well as for policy makers who strive for supporting the diffusion of new materials.
Good Cop–Bad Cop: Trust, Control, and the Lure of Integration
Authors: Brattström Anna , Richtnér Anders
Published: October 2013

Based on a longitudinal case study of four interorganizational product development collaborations, this paper identifies a lure to cross‐functional integration that has hereto been neglected. In particular, findings suggest that when the buyer firm separates the Research and Development (R&D) Department from the Procurement Department, the two departments play a good cop–bad cop strategy toward the supplier. Thereby, they are able to foster a high level of goodwill trust between R&D personnel of the collaborating firms, while procurement personnel maintain a high level of formal control. Using an intricate sample design with polar cases, the study shows that cross‐functional integration of the two departments hampers interorganizational goodwill trust at the benefit of formal control. The findings offer a way forward for managers seeking to reap the benefits of collaboration, while limiting their exposure to the associated risks.
Quality of life, social support, and severity of psychiatric symptoms in Jordanian patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Hamaideh S. , Al‐Magaireh D. , Abu‐Farsakh B. , Al‐Omari H.
Published: October 2013

Accessible summary

The domain of social relationship was the highest domain of quality of life for patients with schizophrenia.

Patients with schizophrenia received their highest social support from significant others and friends.

Anxiety, guilt feeling, tension and depression were the most severe symptoms of schizophrenia among patients.

The major purposes of this study were to examine levels and correlations of quality of life (QOL), social support, and severity of psychiatric symptoms as well as to identify the variables that best predict QOL among Jordanian patients with schizophrenia. Descriptive cross‐sectional design was used to collect data from 160 patients selected through systematic random sampling from two psychiatric outpatient clinics. Results showed that the highest domain of QOL was the social relationship domain, and the highest source of social support was perceived from significant others. Severity of affective symptoms was the highest, and severity of positive symptoms was the lowest. QOL correlated positively with social support, patients' educational and income level, and employment; and negatively with severity of psychiatric symptoms, duration of untreated illness, and duration of treatment. Support from friends, duration of untreated illness, income level, and severity of affective symptoms predicted QOL and accounting for 47.3% of the variance.
Nutritional interventions to prevent and rear low‐birthweight piglets
Authors: De Vos M. , Che L. , Huygelen V. , Willemen S. , Michiels J. , Van Cruchten S. , Van Ginneken C.
Published: October 2013

Selection for hyperprolific sows, as a means of increasing litter size and profit, has resulted in an increased number of low‐birthweight (LBW) piglets. TheseLBWpiglets might suffer from increased morbidity and mortality during the early neonatal period. In addition, they show reduced growth performance, meat and carcass quality, which leads to an important economic loss for the farmer in the post‐natal period. Therefore, nutritional interventions can be undertaken to prevent and rearLBWpiglets. In the first part of this review, the preventive strategies at the sow level will be discussed. Approaches in preventingLBWpiglets are to optimize the intrauterine environment via supplementing the sow during gestation. In the second part of this review, the interventions at the piglet level will be described. To increase the survival and growth rates ofLBWpiglets, one must focus on ensuring adequate colostrum and milk intake. Interventions include supplementing piglets, split nursing, split weaning and cross‐fostering. Additional interventions increasing the probability of optimal post‐natal food intake will be discussed.
Molecular and morphological criteria for revision of the genus Microcoleus (Oscillatoriales, Cyanobacteria)
Authors: Strunecký Otakar , Komárek Jiří , Johansen Jeffrey , Lukešová Alena , Elster Josef
Published: October 2013

Ninety‐two strains of Microcoleus vaginatus (=nomenclatural‐type species of the genus Microcoleus Desmazières ex Gomont) and Phormidium autumnale Trevisan ex Gomont from a wide diversity of regions and biotopes were examined using a combination of morphological and molecular methods. Phylogenies based on the 16S rDNA and 16S‐23S ITS (partial) demonstrated that the 92 strains, together with a number of strains in GenBank, were members of a highly supported monophyletic clade of strains (Bayesian posterior probability = 1.0) distant from the species‐cluster containing the generitype of Phormidium. Similarity of the 16S rRNA gene exceeded 95.5% among all members of the Microcoleus clade, but was less than 95% between any Microcoleus strains and species outside of the clade (e.g., Phormidium sensu stricto). These findings, which are in agreement with earlier studies on these taxa, necessitate the revision of Microcoleus to include P. autumnale. Furthermore, the cluster of Phormidium species in the P. autumnale group (known as Group VII) must be moved into Microcoleus as well, and these nomenclatural transfers are included in this study. The main diacritical characters defining Microcoleus are related to the cytomorphology of trichomes, including: narrowed trichome ends, calyptra, cells shorter than wide up to more or less isodiametric, and facultative presence of sheaths. The majority of species are 4–10 μm in diameter. The possession of multiple trichomes in a common sheath is present facultatively in many but not all species.
Polyamine effects on protein disulfide isomerase expression and implications for hypersalinity stress in the marine algaUlva lactucaLinnaeus1
Authors: Li Lu‐Chuan , Hsu Yuan‐Ting , Chang Hsueh‐Ling , Wu Tzure‐Meng , Sung Ming‐Shiuan , Cho Chung‐Lung , Lee Tse‐Min
Published: October 2013

Full‐length protein disulfide isomerase (UfPDI) cDNAwas cloned from the intertidal macroalgaUlva lactucaLinnaeus. Modulation ofUfPDIexpression by stresses and polyamines (PA) was studied.UfPDItranscription and enzyme activity were increased by hypersalinity (90) or high light illumination (1,200 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1), decreased by the addition of 100 μMCuSO4. An exposure to a salinity of 90 decreasedPAcontents. Treating withPAbiosynthetic inhibitors, D‐arginine (D‐Arg) or α‐methyl ornithine (α‐MO), led to a further decrease and also inhibitedUfPDIexpression and recovery of the growth rate. These results suggest thatPAs are required to activateUfPDIexpression with hypersalinity, evenPAcontents are decreased at a salinity of 90. The induction ofUfPDIexpression by hypersalinity of 90 and tolerance to hypersalinity could be enhanced if internalPAcontents rise. Sung et al. (2011b) showed thatPAcontents could be increased by pretreating with putrescine (Put, 1 mM), spermidine (Spd, 1 mM), or spermine (Spm, 1 mM) at a salinity of 30. Therefore,PApretreatment effect onUfPDIexpression was examined. Pretreatment with Spd and Spm, but not with Put, enhancedUfPDIexpression after transferred to a salinity of 90 and restored the growth rate. In conclusion, induction ofUfPDIexpression by Spd or Spm before exposure to hypersaline conditions and continuous up‐regulation after hypersalinity exposure are required for the acquisition of hypersalinity tolerance in the intertidal green macroalgaU. lactuca.
The genus Pseudo-nitzschia (Bacillariophyceae) in a temperate estuary with description of two new species: Pseudo-nitzschia plurisecta sp. nov. and Pseudo-nitzschia abrensis sp. nov.
Authors: Orive Emma , Pérez‐Aicua Lara , David Helena , García‐Etxebarria Koldo , Laza‐Martínez Aitor , Seoane Sergio , Miguel Irati
Published: October 2013

The genus Pseudo‐nitzschia contains potentially toxic species of problematic taxonomy, making it one of the most intensively studied diatom genera. The study of 35 clonal strains isolated from the Bilbao estuary, an area that experiences recurrent blooms of Pseudo‐nitzschia, revealed the presence of two new species, P. abrensis and P. plurisecta, differing from their congeners in both morphology and gene sequence. The morphological features were analyzed by LM and EM, whereas molecular analyses were based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) regions of the rDNA. P. plurisecta appears closely related to P. cuspidata/P. pseudodelicatissima in the phylogenetic tree, whereas P. abrensis forms a moderately supported clade with P. heimii/P. subpacifica and P. caciantha/P. circumpora. Comparison of the secondary structure of ITS2 regions reveals marked differences in the most highly conserved regions among related taxa. Morphologically, the new species differ from their closest congeners in the arrangement of the poroid sectors and the density of valve striae and fibulae. The two species share similar pigment composition, and belong to the group of Pseudo‐nitzschia species containing only chlorophyll c2 and c3.
cPPB‐aE is discovered from photosynthetic benthic dinoflagellates
Authors: Yamada Norico , Tanaka Ayumi , Horiguchi Takeo
Published: October 2013

Although chlorophyll degradation pathways in higher plants have been well studied, little is known about the mechanisms of chlorophyll degradation in microalgae. In this article, we report the occurrence of a chlorophyll a derivative that has never been discovered in photosynthetic organisms. This chlorophyll derivative emits no fluorescence and has a peculiar absorbance peak at 425, 451, 625, and 685 nm. From these features, it was identified as 132,173‐cyclopheophorbide a enol (cPPB‐aE), reported as a degradation product of chlorophyll a derived from prey algal cells in heterotrophic protists. We discovered cPPB‐aE in six benthic photosynthetic dinoflagellates that are phylogenetically separated into four clades based on SSU rDNA molecular phylogeny. This is the first report of this chlorophyll derivative in photosynthetic organisms and we suggest that the derivative is used to quench excess light energy.
Deferoxamine promotes osteoblastic differentiation in human periodontal ligament cells via the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor‐mediated antioxidant signaling pathway
Authors: Chung J‐H. , Kim Y‐S. , Noh K. , Lee Y‐M. , Chang S‐W. , Kim E‐C.
Published: October 2013

Background and Objective

Recently it was reported that deferoxamine (DFO), an iron chelator, stimulates bone formation from MG63 and mesenchymal stem cells, but inhibits differentiation in rat calvarial cells; however, the effect of DFO on osteoblastic differentiation in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) has not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and the possible underlying mechanism of DFO on osteoblastic differentiation of hPDLCs.

Material and Methods

The effect of DFO on osteoblast differentiation was determined by the staining intensity of calcium deposits with Alizarin red and by RT‐PCR analysis of the expression of osteoblastic markers. Signal transduction pathways were analyzed by western blotting.

Results

DFO increased osteogenic differentiation in a concentration‐dependent manner by expression of the mRNA for differentiation markers and calcium nodule formation. Exposure of hPDLCs to DFO resulted in increases in the production of reactive oxygen species and in the levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor (Nrf2) protein in nuclear extractions, as well as a dose‐dependent increase in the expression of Nrf2 target genes, including glutathione (GSH), glutathione S‐transferase, γ‐glutamylcysteine lygase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase. Pretreatment with Nrf2 small interfering RNA, GSH depletion by buthionine sulfoximine and diethyl maleate, and with antioxidants by N‐acetylcysteine and vitamin E, blocked DFO‐stimulated osteoblastic differentiation. Furthermore, pretreatment with GSH depletion and antioxidants blocked DFO‐induced p38 MAPK, ERK, JNK and nuclear factor‐kappaB pathways.

Conclusion

These data indicate, for the first time, that nontoxic DFO promotes osteoblastic differentiation of hPDLCs via modulation of the Nrf2‐mediated antioxidant pathway.
A Creative Therapy in Treating Cavernous Hemangioma of Penis with Copper Wire
Authors: Zhang Dong , Zhang Haiyang , Sun Peng , Li Peng , Xue Aibing , Jin Xunbo
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Cavernous hemangiomas of penis are rare benign lesions infrequently described in the literature. No completely satisfactory treatment has been found to correct the cosmetic deformities especially the extensive hemangiomas of corpus penis.

Aim

In light of the promising application of copper wire/needle in vascular malformations, we began a clinical study to investigate the safety, feasibility, and cosmetic effect of copper wire therapy in treating cavernous hemangioma of penis.

Methods

Seven patients ranging in age from 12 to 32 years with penile cavernous hemangiomas entered our study from 2005 to 2011. All patients received treatments with percutaneous copper wires.

Main Outcome Measures

Perioperative data including mean operation time, estimated blood loss, length of copper wire retention, and length of hospital stay were analyzed. All possible complications were noted, and cosmetic result was evaluated. Patients were followed up after discharge from the hospital.

Results

All operations were successful, and no obvious complications were observed. The patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results. Follow-up time ranged from 1 to 5 years. Recurrence was discovered in a patient with the largest lesion of corpus penis 2 months after the treatment. Secondary procedure was carried out with the same technique, and no lesions were found later.

Conclusions

The shortage of studies on this topic prevented us from defining a therapeutic reference standard. The results of our study confirmed that copper wire therapy was a simple, safe, and useful option for penile cavernous hemangioma.
Concordance Between Patient and Physician Assessment of the Magnitude of Peyronie's Disease Curvature
Authors: Matsushita Kazuhito , Stember Doron S. , Nelson Christian J. , Mulhall John P.
Published: October 2013

Introduction

The magnitude of penile deformity is a critically important factor in Peyronie's disease, as it is associated with increased difficulty in penetrative sexual intercourse and in turn with negative psychosocial consequences. Deformity magnitude also influences treatment choice when surgical correction is indicated.

Aim

To determine the concordance between patient and physician assessment of magnitude of penile curvature in men with Peyronie's disease.

Methods

Patient assessment of curvature was obtained at initial interview. Physician assessment was performed using intracavernosal injection-assisted erection using a goniometer applied during excellent penile rigidity.

Main Outcome Measures

Patient and physician assessments of penile curvature.

Results

The sample consisted of 192 men with a mean age of 54 ± 12 years old. Mean curvature on patient and physician assessment was 33 ± 17 and 36 ± 18 degrees, respectively. Only 49% of patients (94) correctly assessed their curvature, whereas 35% underestimated and 16% overestimated it.

Conclusions

Only half of PD patients accurately assess their penile curvature, with more than twice as many patients underestimating it than overestimating it. These data suggest that patient self-reporting of penile curvature should not be used as a clinical marker or end point in Peyronie's disease trials.
Upper Airway Obstruction in Norwich Terriers: 16 Cases
Authors: Johnson L.R. , Mayhew P.D. , Steffey M.A. , Hunt G.B. , Carr A.H. , McKiernan B.C.
Published: October 2013

Background

Norwich Terriers have grown increasingly popular as show animals and pets, and awareness of respiratory problems within the breed is growing.

Objective

To describe components of obstructive upper airway syndrome in a nonbrachycephalic terrier breed.

Animals

Sixteen Norwich Terriers; 12 with and 4 without clinical signs of respiratory disease.

Methods

Prospective case series. Physical and laryngoscopic examinations were performed by 1 investigator in all dogs. Medical and surgical interventions were summarized and results of follow‐up examination or owner reports were recorded.

Results

The study population was comprised of 9 females (6 intact) and 7 males (5 intact). Median age was 3.0 years (range, 0.5–11 years). Of 12 dogs presented for a respiratory complaint, physical examination was normal in 4 dogs. Laryngoscopic examination was abnormal in 11/12 dogs with redundant supra‐arytenoid folds, laryngeal collapse, everted laryngeal saccules, and a narrowed laryngeal opening in most. Of 4 dogs lacking clinical signs, all had normal physical examination; however, 3/4 dogs had similar appearance of the larynx to dogs with clinical signs. Response to surgical intervention was minimal to moderate in all dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Norwich Terriers suffer from an upper airway obstructive syndrome that differs from that encountered in brachycephalic breeds. Affected dogs are difficult to identify without laryngoscopic examination because of the lack of clinical signs and abnormalities in physical examination findings, despite severe airway obstruction. Care is warranted when anesthetizing Norwich Terriers because of the small size of the laryngeal opening.
Evaluation of 2 Trilostane Protocols for the Treatment of Canine Pituitary‐Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism: Twice Daily versus Once Daily
Authors: Arenas C. , Melián C. , Pérez‐Alenza M.D.
Published: October 2013

Background

Trilostane is the drug of choice to treat pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) in dogs, but there is still controversy about which protocol best controls the clinical signs and results of adrenal functioning test.

Objectives

To compare the efficacy of twice daily (BID) versus once daily (SID) trilostane administration and to compare the safety of both protocols in the treatment of dogs with PDH.

Animals

Thirty‐two client‐owned dogs diagnosed with PDH between 2008 and 2010 and treated with trilostane either BID or SID.

Methods

In this prospective randomized study, 2 trilostane protocols were evaluated on the basis of the owner′s perception of clinical signs, on the results of laboratory tests, and on the results of the ACTH stimulation test in dogs with PDH. Dogs were followed up for a period of 1 year.

Results

During the study, more dogs in the BID group had complete clinical recovery than in the SID group. However, there was no significant difference in the mean post‐ACTH cortisol concentration between groups. Basal cortisol concentration at 6 months was higher in animals treated SID compared with animals treated BID. Mean total daily doses of trilostane used to control PDH, as well as adverse effects observed in the course of the study, in both groups were not statistically different.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Adverse effects were mild using either protocol of treatment. Using trilostane BID might increase the number of dogs with a good clinical response compared with using trilostane SID.
The Prognostic Utility of Degenerative Left Shifts in Dogs
Authors: Burton A.G. , Harris L.A. , Owens S.D. , Jandrey K.E.
Published: October 2013

Background

A degenerative left shift (DLS) in dogs is reported to be a poor prognostic indicator, but no studies have been reported to verify this claim.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To characterize the canine population affected by DLS and to determine if the presence and severity of the DLS are associated with increased risk of euthanasia or death.

Animals

Three‐hundred and nineteen dogs with DLS (cases) and 918 dogs without DLS (controls) presented to the University of California, Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between April 1, 1995 and April 1, 2010.

Methods

Retrospective case–control study. All cases had a CBC performed within 24 hours of presentation that showed an immature neutrophil count higher than the mature neutrophil count. Controls were matched by year of presentation and primary diagnosis. Survival analysis was used to determine the risk of death or euthanasia associated with DLS and other potential predictors.

Results

Half of cases versus 76% of controls were alive at discharge. Median in‐hospital survival time was 7 days for cases and 13 days for controls. DLS was a significant predictor of death or euthanasia in both univariate and multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, HR, 1.9; 95% CI 1.54–2.34).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

DLS in dogs is associated with an increased risk of death or euthanasia. This finding, however, varies with disease diagnosis and should be interpreted in light of the individual patient.
Bone density in the loggerhead turtle: functional implications for stage specific aquatic habits
Authors: Maffucci F. , Annona G. , de Girolamo P. , Bologna M. A. , Meomartino L. , Montesano A. , Bentivegna F. , Hochscheid S.
Published: October 2013

Several studies investigated how changes in bone density are related to the evolution of complex buoyancy control systems in aquatic mammals. Very little is known on sea turtles, although this is one of the most ancient tetrapod groups that successfully colonized the marine environments. Here, we investigated for the first time the relationship between bone density and body size in the loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta, with the aim to elucidate possible functional connections with the species’ aquatic habits. Humeri were extracted from the carcasses of 72 loggerhead turtles ranging in size from 7 to 89 cm (males = 18, females = 44, unknown = 10). Whole bone density was determined by Archimedes’ principle. Sexes exhibited comparable humerus densities (t‐value = 0.49, P > 0.05). Mean humerus density (1.33 g cm−3) was intermediate within the range reported for marine mammals and suggested no extreme specialization towards an either pelagic or benthic lifestyle. Turtle size and humerus density were significantly correlated (Pearson's correlation = 0.638, P < 0.01). Small juveniles had very light bones compared to adults in accordance with their stage specific pelagic diving and foraging behaviour.
The Role of Profit Sharing in Dual Labour Markets with Flexible Outsourcing
Authors: König Jan , Koskela Erkki
Published: October 2013

We combine profit sharing for high‐skilled workers and outsourcing of low‐skilled tasks in a partly imperfect dual domestic labour market, which means that only low‐skilled labour is represented by a labour union. In that framework we analyse how the implementation of profit sharing for high‐skilled workers influences the amount of outsourcing and the labour market outcome for low‐skilled worker. By doing this, we use some specific assumptions, e.g. exponentially increasing outsourcing costs or the wage for low‐skilled workers will be determined by a union whereas the wage for high‐skilled workers is given. Assuming that low‐skilled labour and outsourcing are interchangeable we show that profit sharing has a positive effect on the wage for low‐skilled workers and helps to decrease wage dispersion. However, under these circumstances, profit sharing enhances outsourcing. Concerning the employment effects for high‐ and low‐skilled workers, we show that there is an employment reducing effect due to higher wages for low‐skilled work, which can be offset by higher productivity of highly skilled workers, as the domestic labour inputs complement each other.
Postharvest transfer and survival of Salmonella enterica serotype enteritidis on living lettuce
Authors: Waitt J.A. , Kuhn D.D. , Welbaum G.E. , Ponder M.A.
Published: October 2013

The potential for postharvest transfer of Salmonella to ‘living lettuce’ is not well understood. In this study, the transfer of Salmonella enterica Enteritidis (6 log CFU g−1) from worker hands or contaminated roots to leaves of living lettuce was quantified. Transfer rates of Salmonella from contaminated gloves to sequentially handled lettuce heads ranged from 94% to head 1, 82% to head 2 and 69% to head 3. On average, 2·9 ± 0·1 log CFU g−1 (64%) Salmonella was transferred from inoculated roots to leaves resulting from typical postharvest handling activities for living lettuce. Salmonella persisted on leaves stored at recommended storage temperatures (4°C) and increased 0·5 log CFU g−1 when stored at temperature abuse conditions (12°C). Salmonella increased 1·6 log CFU g−1 on roots after 18-day storage at 12°C, emphasizing the need to maintain temperature control to reduce the risk of human illness.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Hydroponically grown lettuce packaged in plastic clamshells with intact roots, marketed as ‘living lettuce’, is increasing in popularity due to its extended shelf life. This study demonstrates the transfer of Salmonella from contaminated worker hands and contaminated roots to leaves where it persisted at 4°C for 18 day. Temperature abuse (12°C) increased Salmonella on roots and leaves. These findings suggest that failure to maintain temperatures below 12°C can pose a risk for consumers purchasing living lettuce at markets where recommended storage temperatures are not maintained.
Relationship of L1 Skills and L2 Aptitude to L2 Anxiety on the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale
Authors: Sparks Richard L. , Patton Jon
Published: October 2013

The Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) has been challenged on the grounds that it may also assess language learning skills. In this study, 128 students who had been administered measures of first language (L1) skills in elementary school were followed from 1st to 10th grade. Fifty‐three students had completed second language (L2) courses in high school where they were administered the Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT), FLCAS, and measures of L1 skills. A full information likelihood procedure (FIML) was used to conduct a path analysis and hierarchical regressions. The results showed that the FLCAS accounted for significant unique variance in L1 skills in elementary school several years before the students’ engaged in L2 study as well as significant unique variance on the MLAT and L1 skills measured in high school. Hierarchical regressions found that the FLCAS predicted growth in L1 skills (reading, spelling, language) in elementary school and also from elementary to high school. Findings suggest that the FLCAS is likely to be measuring individual differences in students’ language skills and/or self‐perceptions about their language learning skills rather than anxiety unique to L2 learning.
Pre-dating Vicky Pryce: the Peel case (1922) and the origins of the marital coercion statutory defence
Authors: Rubin Gerry
Published: October 2013

Until 1925, there was a common law presumption that a wife committing an offence in her husband's presence did so as a result of marital coercion. However, when an upper-class wife facing prosecution with her husband for a betting fraud in 1922 successfully relied upon the defence, there was a public outcry against a doctrine that was perceived as reinforcing the ancient concept of a wife as her husband's chattel. It is argued that the abolition of the presumption, but not the doctrine itself, in the (still in force) Criminal Justice Act 1925, s 47, while reflecting changes towards a more companionate style of marriage, was primarily driven by the objectives of predominantly middle-class women's organisations. Whether the change benefited working-class wives at the time is, however, more problematic.
Inhibition of ceramide de novo synthesis reduces liver lipid accumulation in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kurek Krzysztof , Piotrowska Dominika M. , Wiesiołek‐Kurek Patrycja , Łukaszuk Bartłomiej , Chabowski Adrian , Górski Jan , Żendzian‐Piotrowska Małgorzata
Published: October 2013

Background & Aims

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an insulin resistance‐related hepatic disorder which can transform to cirrhosis. Insulin resistance deregulates hepatic lipid metabolism, leading to accumulation of cytotoxic lipids including ceramide and diacylglycerols. Myriocin, obtained from fungi traditionally used in Chinese medicine in an effort to attain eternal youth, is a potent pharmacological inhibitor of ceramide de novo synthesis. We examined whether inhibition of ceramide de novo synthesis with myriocin ameliorate hepatic lipid accumulation and reverse NAFLD.

Methods

The experiment was carried out on male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into four groups: (i) control group, fed standard rodent diet, (ii) group, fed standard diet also treated with myriocin for 7 days, (iii) group, fed high‐fat diet for 5 weeks, (iv) group, fed high‐fat diet and treated with myriocin. In liver samples sphingolipids: ceramide, sphingosine and sphingosine‐1‐phosphatate and neutral lipids, such as diacylglycerols and triacylglycerols were measured. In peripheral blood samples, glucose and insulin levels and aminotransferases activities were measured.

Results

High‐fat diet feeding caused NAFLD, confirmed by histological assessment, with increased hepatic lipids accumulation and whole‐body insulin resistance. After treating with inhibitor of ceramide de novo synthesis, decrease in hepatic ceramide and other toxic lipids were noticed. Moreover, histological analysis of liver samples revealed that inhibition of ceramide de novo synthesis reduced hepatic steatosis.

Conclusions

Inhibition of ceramide de novo synthesis reduced hepatic lipid accumulation in rats with NAFLD, this led to amelioration of hepatic steatosis.
Strain dependence of diet‐induced NASH and liver fibrosis in obese mice is linked to diabetes and inflammatory phenotype
Authors: Farrell Geoffrey C. , Mridha Auvro R. , Yeh Matthew M. , Arsov Todor , Van Rooyen Derrick M. , Brooling John , Nguyen Tori , Heydet Deborah , Delghingaro‐Augusto Viviane , Nolan Christopher J. , Shackel Nicholas A. , McLennan Susan V. , Teoh Narci C. , Larter Claire Z.
Published: October 2013

Background & Aims

Obese Alms1 mutant (foz/foz) NOD.B10 mice develop diabetes and fibrotic NASH when fed high‐fat(HF) diet. To establish whether diabetes or obesity is more closely associated with NASH fibrosis, we compared diabetic foz/foz C57BL6/J with non‐diabetic foz/foz BALB/c mice. We also determined hepatic cytokines, growth factors and related profibrotic pathways.

Methods

Male and female foz/foz BALB/c and C57BL6/J mice were fed HF or chow for 24 weeks before determining metabolic indices, liver injury, cytokines, growth factors, pathology/fibrosis and matrix deposition pathways.

Results

All foz/foz mice were obese. Hepatomegaly, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycaemia and hypoadiponectinaemia occurred only in foz/foz C57BL6/J mice, whereas foz/foz BALB/c formed more adipose. Serum ALT, steatosis, ballooning, liver inflammation and NAFLD activity score were worse in C57BL6/J mice. In HF‐fed mice, fibrosis was severe in foz/foz C57BL6/J, appreciable in WT C57BL6/J, but absent in foz/foz BALB/c mice. Hepatic mRNA expression of TNF‐α, IL‐12, IL‐4, IL‐10 was increased (but not IFN‐γ, IL‐1β, IL‐17A), and IL‐4:IFN‐γ ratio (indicating Th‐2 predominance) was higher in HF‐fed foz/foz C57BL6/J than BALB/c mice. In livers of HF‐fed foz/foz C57BL6/J mice, TGF‐β was unaltered but PDGFα and CTGF were increased in association with enhanced α‐SMA, CD147and MMP activity.

Conclusions

In mice with equivalent genetic/dietary obesity, NASH development is linked to strain differences in hyperinsulinaemia and hyperglycaemia inversely related to lipid partitioning between adipose and liver. Diabetes‐mediated CTGF‐regulation of MMPs as well as cytokines/growth factors (Th‐2 cytokine predominant, PDGFα, not TGF‐β) mobilized in the resultant hepatic necroinflammatory change may contribute to strain differences in NASH fibrosis.
Diabetes mellitus and advanced liver fibrosis are risk factors for severe anaemia during telaprevir‐based triple therapy
Authors: Crismale James F. , Martel‐Laferrière Valérie , Bichoupan Kian , Schonfeld Emily , Pappas Alexis , Wyatt Christina , Odin Joseph A. , Liu Lawrence U. , Schiano Thomas D. , Perumalswami Ponni V. , Bansal Meena , Dieterich Douglas T. , Branch Andrea D.
Published: October 2013

Background & Aims

Adding telaprevir to pegylated‐interferon and ribavirin increased both response rates and side effects of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. We identified variables associated with severe anaemia during telaprevir‐based triple therapy.

Methods

An observational study was performed on 142 HCV‐infected patients between June 2011 and March 2012. All subjects completed 12 weeks of telaprevir‐based triple therapy or discontinued early because of anaemia. Severe anaemia was defined by a haemoglobin ≤8.9 g/dl; advanced fibrosis was determined by Fib‐4 ≥3.25.

Results

The 47 (33%) patients who developed severe anaemia were similar to those who did not in sex, race, and prior response to dual therapy, but they were more likely to have diabetes (23.4% vs. 6.3%, P < 0.01), advanced fibrosis (46.8% vs. 29.5%, P = 0.04) and a history of anaemia during previous dual therapy (29.7% vs. 11.4%, P = 0.02). Patients developing severe anaemia were older (59 vs. 56 years, P = 0.02), had lower baseline platelet counts (134 vs. 163 × 109/L, P = 0.04), haemoglobin (14.0 vs. 15.0 g/dl, P < 0.01), estimated glomerular filtration rate (79 vs. 90 ml/min/1.73 m2, P = 0.03) and a higher median ribavirin/weight ratio (14.9 vs. 13.2 mg/kg, P < 0.01). In multivariable logistic regression, presence of diabetes (OR = 5.61, 95% CI: 1.59–19.72), Fib‐4 ≥3.25 (OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.28–7.46), higher ribavirin/weight ratio (OR = 1.31 per mg/kg, 95% CI: 1.13–1.52) and lower baseline haemoglobin (OR = 0.57 per g/dl, 95% CI, 0.41–0.80) were independently associated with developing severe anaemia.

Conclusions

Severe anaemia occurred in one‐third of patients receiving telaprevir‐based triple therapy. Risk was greater in patients with diabetes, advanced liver fibrosis, higher ribavirin/weight ratio and lower baseline haemoglobin.
A model to predict antiviral treatment in HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B with alanine aminotransferase ≤2 upper limit of normal
Authors: Gao Shuai , Fan Yu‐Chen , Zhao Jing , Sun Feng‐Kai , Han Jie , Zhao Ze‐Hua , Wang Kai
Published: October 2013

Background & Aims

Liver histological assessment is essential for predicting antiviral therapy in HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤2 upper limit of normal (ULN). The aim was to establish a model to predict antiviral treatment for those patients without liver biopsy.

Methods

Three hundred and one consecutive treatment naive HBeAg negative CHB patients with HBV DNA ≥2000 IU/ml and ALT ≤2 ULN were retrospectively enrolled, among which 158 patients were for the training set and 143 for validation set. A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed in the training set and validated in the validation set.

Results

Our model identified four independent factors for the timing of treatment: Age (OR 1.050, 95%CI 1.004–1.098), Ln(aspartate aminotransferase) (OR 17.425, 95%CI 5.394–56.292), Log10 [HBV DNA] (OR 0.704, 95%CI 0.514–0.963) and platelet (OR 0.980, 95%CI 0.970–0.990). It showed 94% sensitivity, 88% negative predictive value (NPV) in the training set and 93% sensitivity, 85% NPV in the validation set using the low cut‐off point of 5.16. Meanwhile, it showed 92% specificity, 88% positive predictive value (PPV) in the training set and 94% specificity, 92% PPV in the validation set using the high cut‐off point of 7.26. It could predict treatment for 179 of 301(59%) patients without biopsy.

Conclusions

We established a model to predict antiviral therapy in HBeAg negative CHB patients with ALT ≤2 ULN. Antiviral treatment should be initiated if the model value >7.26 and not if its value ≤5.16. Liver biopsy is needed only when its value between the two points.
Embryonic development and intracapsular feeding inHexaplex trunculus(Gastropoda:Muricidae)
Authors: Güler Mehmet , Lök Aynur
Published: October 2013

Spawning, phases of embryonic development, intracapsular feeding mechanism and development mode of banded murexHexaplex trunculus(Linnaeus, 1758) were examined using specimens from theAegean Sea. In addition, the numbers and characteristics of non‐viable nurse eggs during different phases were examined in relation to the development phases of viable embryos. Females spawned between 59 and 162 egg capsules containing 306.76 ± 50.74 eggs. Trochophore larvae first appeared on the 15th day after spawning. Nurse egg consumption began on the 17th day after spawning when the embryos reached the early veliger stage. In the beginning, veligers consumed the nurse eggs by mechanically disintegrating them with velar cilia movement. From the 18th day after spawning, embryos began to consume whole nurse eggs, although mechanical disintegration continued until hatching. Viable embryos consumed the most developed nurse eggs first. The average number of nurse eggs consumed per embryo was 24.67 by the end of the intracapsular period. The average number of hatchlings was 11.95 ± 3.81 per capsule with 1321.48 ± 133.1 μm shell length. According to our observationsH. trunculusshows dispersal polymorphism, with most of the hatchlings completing metamorphosis after a short planktonic non‐feeding period (up to 2 days), while others metamorphose prior to hatching. Planktonic hatchlings had both foot and well developed four‐lobed velum and minimum 1 3/4 whorls. Both hatchling types could be seen in the capsule mass from the same female.
LINKED RECURSIVE PREFERENCES AND OPTIMALITY
Authors: Levental Shlomo , Sinha Sumit , Schroder Mark
Published: October 2013

We study a class of optimization problems involving linked recursive preferences in a continuous‐time Brownian setting. Such links can arise when preferences depend directly on the level or volatility of wealth, in principal–agent (optimal compensation) problems with moral hazard, and when the impact of social influences on preferences is modeled via utility (and utility diffusion) externalities. We characterize the necessary first‐order conditions, which are also sufficient under additional conditions ensuring concavity. We also examine applications to optimal consumption and portfolio choice, and applications to Pareto optimal allocations.
OPTIMAL EXECUTION OF A VWAP ORDER: A STOCHASTIC CONTROL APPROACH
Authors: Frei Christoph , Westray Nicholas
Published: October 2013

We consider the optimal liquidation of a position of stock (long or short) where trading has a temporary market impact on the price. The aim is to minimize both the mean and variance of the order slippage with respect to a benchmark given by the market volume‐weighted average price (VWAP). In this setting, we introduce a new model for the relative volume curve which allows simultaneously for accurate data fit, economic justification, and mathematical tractability. Tackling the resulting optimization problem using a stochastic control approach, we derive and solve the corresponding Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation to give an explicit characterization of the optimal trading rate and liquidation trajectory.
CVaR HEDGING USING QUANTIZATION‐BASED STOCHASTIC APPROXIMATION ALGORITHM
Authors: Bardou O. , Frikha N. , Pagès G.
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we investigate a method based on risk minimization to hedge observable but nontradable source of risk on financial or energy markets. The optimal portfolio strategy is obtained by minimizing dynamically the conditional value‐at‐risk (CVaR) using three main tools: a stochastic approximation algorithm, optimal quantization, and variance reduction techniques (importance sampling and linear control variable), as the quantities of interest are naturally related to rare events. As a first step, we investigate the problem of CVaR regression, which corresponds to a static portfolio strategy where the number of units of each tradable assets is fixed at time 0 and remains unchanged till maturity. We devise a stochastic approximation algorithm and study its a.s. convergence and weak convergence rate. Then, we extend our approach to the dynamic case under the assumption that the process modeling the nontradable source of risk and financial assets prices is Markovian. Finally, we illustrate our approach by considering several portfolios in connection with energy markets.
RESILIENCE TO CONTAGION IN FINANCIAL NETWORKS
Authors: Amini Hamed , Cont Rama , Minca Andreea
Published: October 2013

We derive rigorous asymptotic results for the magnitude of contagion in a large counterparty network and give an analytical expression for the asymptotic fraction of defaults, in terms of network characteristics. Our results extend previous studies on contagion in random graphs to inhomogeneous‐directed graphs with a given degree sequence and arbitrary distribution of weights. We introduce a criterion for the resilience of a large financial network to the insolvency of a small group of financial institutions and quantify how contagion amplifies small shocks to the network. Our results emphasize the role played by “contagious links” and show that institutions which contribute most to network instability have both large connectivity and a large fraction of contagious links. The asymptotic results show good agreement with simulations for networks with realistic sizes.
COMPARING LOCAL RISKS BY ACCEPTANCE AND REJECTION
Authors: Schreiber Amnon
Published: October 2013

It is said that risky asset h acceptance dominates risky asset k if any decision maker who rejects the investment in h also rejects the investment in k. While in general acceptance dominance is a partial order, we show that it becomes a complete order if only infinitely short investment time horizons are considered. Two indices that induce different variants of this order are proposed, absolute acceptance dominance and relative acceptance dominance, and their properties are studied. We then show that many indices of riskiness that are compatible with the acceptance dominance order coincide with our indices in the continuous‐time setup.
Is the loss of Australian digging mammals contributing to a deterioration in ecosystem function?
Authors: Fleming Patricia A. , Anderson Hannah , Prendergast Amy S. , Bretz Michael R. , Valentine Leonie E. , Hardy Giles E. StJ.
Published: October 2013

Despite once being described as common, digging mammal species have been lost from the Australian landscape over the last 200 years. Around half of digging mammal species are now extinct or under conservation threat, and the majority of extant species have undergone marked range contractions.

Our aim is to identify the role of digging mammals in ecosystem processes throughout Australia. We highlight how the actions of digging mammals are vital for maintaining ecosystem functioning and how their extirpation has led to loss of ecosystem functions.

A review of the literature indicates that many aspects of the influence of bioturbation on ecosystem functioning have been studied. The role of digging mammals in arid and semi‐arid zones has been previously established. We collate and review a broader scope of studies, including those carried out in the mesic woodlands and forests of Australia. We identify roles of digging mammals in the context of ecosystem functioning and conservation management.

Bioturbation significantly alters soil processes, increasing soil turnover and altering the chemical and structural properties of soil. Greater water infiltration and decreased surface run‐off and erosion alter soil hydrophobicity and increase soil moisture. Diggings capture organic matter, provide habitat for a diversity of microscopic and macroscopic organisms, and increase nutrient cycling. Mycophagous mammals disperse fungi (e.g. mycorrhizae), while all diggings can create suitable sites for fungal growth. Diggings also capture plant seeds, increasing seedling germination, recruitment and plant growth. The overall effect of mammal diggings is therefore increased plant vigour and resilience, increased biodiversity and consequently improved ecosystem functioning.

We propose that the loss of digging mammals has contributed to the deterioration of ecosystems in Australia. Recognising the roles of digging mammals will inform potential management options such as species translocations or reintroductions.