bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonalcoholic fatty pancreas disease and Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: more than ectopic fat
Authors: Della Corte C. , Mosca A. , Majo F. , Lucidi V. , Panera N. , Giglioni E. , Monti L. , Stronati L. , Alisi A. , Nobili V.
Published: July 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolic effects of fatty pancreas (nonalcoholic fatty pancreas disease – NAFPD) in a group of obese paediatric patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

We included 121 consecutive children with echographic evidence of hepatic steatosis. All patients underwent to abdominal ultrasound to evaluate pancreatic echogenic pattern. We divided the patients into two groups on the basis of the presence of fatty pancreas. In all patients liver function tests, lipid and gluco‐insulinemic profile were evaluated. A selected subset of patients (67) underwent to liver biopsy.

Results

Of these 121 patients, 58 showed NAFPD and 63 patients exhibited a normal pancreatic echogenic pattern. No differences were found in age, transaminases serum levels, lipid profile and pancreatic enzymes between the two groups. The patients with NAFPD had a significantly higher z‐BMI, fasting insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and lower ISI respect to the group without fatty pancreas. The patients with fatty pancreas showed a more advanced form of liver disease, with higher values of fibrosis, ballooning and NAS score with respect to the group without NAFPD.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that NAFPD is a frequent condition in obese paediatric patients affected by NAFLD. Our data suggest that pancreatic fat should not be considered an inert accumulation of fat, but as an additional factor able to affect glucose metabolism and severity of liver disease, increasing the risk of develop metabolic syndrome.
Are All Non‐Family Managers (NFMs) Equal? The Impact of NFM Characteristics and Diversity on Family Firm Performance
Authors: Binacci Martina , Peruffo Enzo , Oriani Raffaele , Minichilli Alessandro
Published: July 2015

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

Although non‐family managers (NFMs) can be expected to influence firm performance, this issue is largely under‐investigated. In this study, we examine how diversity inside the non‐family component of the top management team (non‐family team, or NFT) influences family firm performance. More specifically, we investigate the performance effects of three specific sources of NFT diversity (NFT size; NFT tenure diversity; and NFT dominant functional diversity).

Research Findings/Insights

The analysis of 584 survey responses by top managers representing 97 complete NFTs (and the related top management teams, TMTs) out of the top 500 family‐controlled firms in the Italian furniture industry indicates that (1) NFT‐dominant functional diversity improves firm performance; (2) a U‐shaped relationship exists between NFT tenure diversity and family firm performance; (3) an inverted U‐shaped relationship exists between NFT size and family firm performance. Additionally, we show that the relation between non‐family manager characteristics and firm performance is moderated by family dominance in the entire TMT, that is, the proportion of family to non‐family managers.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our results call for further exploration regarding the demographic characteristics of non‐family managers and their effect on the performance of family firms. In this way, they have several implications for the family business literature, contributing to the growing debate on the socio‐emotional wealth (SEW) perspective of family firms’ behaviors. Moreover, our results highlight the importance of better contextualizing research on strategic leadership and strategic leaders.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our study suggests that the choice of outsiders should take into account not only their “market value” and reputation, but also the attributes of other NFMs among the company's executives, providing guidance to family owners in their decisions about professionalization.
Changing the paradigm of organ utilization from PHS increased‐risk donors: an opportunity whose time has come?
Authors: Sibulesky Lena , Javed Imran , Reyes Jorge D. , Limaye Ajit P.
Published: July 2015

Approximately 8–11% of all organ donors are classified by Public Health Service (PHS) as increased‐risk. The proportion of PHS increased‐risk donors is on the rise. At the University of Washington Medical Center, in 2014, the proportion of transplants from PHS increased‐risk donors was 28% of liver transplants and 23% of kidney transplants. Nationally, transplant providers have been reluctant to use organs from PHS increased‐risk donors because of concern for transmission of HIV, HCV, or HBV. There is also patient apprehension when these organs are being offered, and thus the discard rate of these otherwise good quality organs is high. Because of the organ shortage, preventing underutilization of such organs is essential. We provide data and considerations that should be used to guide the use of organs from PHS increased‐risk donors.
Inter‐ and intraspecific variation in susceptibility to dothistroma needle blight in Britain. How susceptible are Pinus sylvestris and Pinus contorta?
Authors: Fraser S. , Woodward S. , Brown A.V.
Published: July 2015

Dothistroma needle blight (DNB), caused by Dothistroma septosporum, is a serious disease in British pine plantations. Natural infection (NI) and artificial inoculation (AI) experiments were conducted to evaluate the susceptibility of Pinus sylvestris and Pinus contorta to DNB, relative to Pinus mugo, Pinus muricata, Pinus nigra ssp. laricio, Pinus nigra ssp. nigra and Pinus ponderosa. A range of P. sylvestris and P. contorta provenances were included in experiments to simultaneously investigate intraspecific variation within these host species. In NI experiments, 20–30 12‐month‐old seedlings of each species/provenance were planted adjacent to infected mature trees at two Scottish sites. In the AI experiment, eighteen 16‐month‐old seedlings of each species/provenance were inoculated with a D. septosporum conidial suspension and maintained under optimum conditions for D. septosporum infection and development. In the NI experiments, the most DNB‐susceptible species were P. muricata and P. ponderosa, while the least susceptible species were P. contorta and P. sylvestris. Pinus nigra spp. nigra and P. nigra spp. laricio had intermediate DNB susceptibility. In the AI experiment, there was no evidence for interspecific variation in DNB susceptibility. Intraspecific variation in DNB susceptibility within P. sylvestris was seen in the NI experiment, but not the AI experiment. Intraspecific variation in DNB susceptibility within P. contorta was not observed in either experiment. In a further AI experiment with 24‐month‐old P. sylvestris and P. contorta seedlings, the virulence of three Scottish D. septosporum isolates (haplotypes) was examined. There was no significant interaction between isolate and relative susceptibility of pine species/provenances. Furthermore, no between‐isolate variation in virulence was observed.
A newly identified mouse hypothalamic area having bidirectional neural connections with the lateral septum: the perifornical area of the anterior hypothalamus rich in chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans
Authors: Horii‐Hayashi Noriko , Sasagawa Takayo , Hashimoto Takashi , Kaneko Takeshi , Takeuchi Kosei , Nishi Mayumi
Published: July 2015

While previous studies and brain atlases divide the hypothalamus into many nuclei and areas, uncharacterised regions remain. Here, we report a new region in the mouse anterior hypothalamus (AH), a triangular‐shaped perifornical area of the anterior hypothalamus (PeFAH) between the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus and fornix, that abundantly expresses chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs). The PeFAH strongly stained with markers for chondroitin sulfate/CSPGs such as Wisteria floribunda agglutinin and antibodies against aggrecan and chondroitin 6 sulfate. Nissl‐stained sections of the PeFAH clearly distinguished it as a region of comparatively low density compared to neighboring regions, the paraventricular nucleus and central division of the anterior hypothalamic area. Immunohistochemical and DNA microarray analyses suggested that PeFAH contains sparsely distributed calretinin‐positive neurons and a compact cluster of enkephalinergic neurons. Neuronal tract tracing revealed that both enkephalin‐ and calretinin‐positive neurons project to the lateral septum (LS), while the PeFAH receives input from calbindin‐positive LS neurons. These results suggest bidirectional connections between the PeFAH and LS. Considering neuronal subtype and projection, part of PeFAH that includes a cluster of enkephalinergic neurons is similar to the rat perifornical nucleus and guinea pig magnocellular dorsal nucleus. Finally, we examined c‐Fos expression after several types of stimuli and found that PeFAH neuronal activity was increased by psychological but not homeostatic stressors. These findings suggest that the PeFAH is a source of enkephalin peptides in the LS and indicate that bidirectional neural connections between these regions may participate in controlling responses to psychological stressors.
Probing the role of highly conserved residues in triosephosphate isomerase – analysis of site specific mutants at positions 64 and 75 in the Plasmodial enzyme
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Debarati , Murthy Mathur R. N. , Balaram Hemalatha , Balaram Padmanabhan
Published: July 2015

Highly conserved residues in enzymes are often found to be clustered close to active sites, suggesting that functional constraints dictate the nature of amino acid residues accommodated at these sites. Using the Plasmodium falciparum triosephosphate isomerase (PfTIM) enzyme (EC 5.3.1.1) as a template, we have examined the effects of mutations at positions 64 and 75, which are not directly involved in the proton transfer cycle. Thr (T) occurring at position 75 is completely conserved, whereas only Gln (Q) and Glu (E) are accommodated at position 64. Biophysical and kinetic data are reported for four T75 (T75S/V/C/N) and two Q64 (Q64N/E) mutants. The dimeric structure is weakened in the Q64E and Q64N mutants, whereas dimer integrity is unimpaired in all four T75 mutants. Measurement of the concentration dependence of enzyme activity permits an estimate of Kd values for dimer dissociation (Q64N = 73.7 ± 9.2 nm and Q64E = 44.6 ± 8.4 nm). The T75S/V/C mutants have activities comparable to the wild‐type enzyme, whereas a fourfold drop is observed for T75N. All four T75 mutants show a dramatic fall in activity between 35 °C and 45 °C. Crystal structure determination of the T75S/V/N mutants provides insights into the variations in local interactions, with the T75N mutant showing the largest changes. Hydrogen‐bond interactions determine dimer stability restricting the choice of residues at position 64 to Gln (Q) and Glu (E). At position 75, the overwhelming preference for Thr (T) may be dictated by the imperative of maintaining temperature stability of enzyme activity.

Database

Structural data have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under accession numbers 4ZZ9, 5BMW, 5BMX, 5BNK and 5BRB.
Local deformation heterogeneity in cyclically deformed interstitial free steel
Authors: Sinha S. , De P. S. , Mukherjee S. , Kundu A. , Chakraborti P. C. , Bhattacharya B. , Shome M. , Bhattacharjee D.
Published: July 2015

Heterogeneity of cyclic plastic deformation in interstitial‐free steel has been studied through a measurement of local average misorientation using electron back‐scattering diffraction technique. It is found that with increase of strain amplitude, the local average misorientation increases linearly within ±0.15 to ±0.40% and then decreases with further increase of strain amplitude. It is proposed that due to more homogeneous deformation vis‐à‐vis less generation of geometrically necessary dislocations, misorientation development per cycle becomes almost saturated in the predominantly low cycle fatigue regime. It is also found that the local average misorientation depends upon grain size in such a manner that in small grains, the misorientation is less as compared with large grains.
Impact of paleoclimate on the distribution of microbial communities in the subsurface sediment of the Dead Sea
Authors: Thomas C. , Ionescu D. , Ariztegui D. ,   the DSDDP Scientific Team
Published: July 2015

A long sedimentary core has been recently retrieved from the Dead Sea Basin (DSB) within the framework of the ICDP‐sponsored Dead Sea Deep Drilling Project. Contrasting climatic intervals were evident by distinctive lithological facies such as laminated aragonitic muds and evaporites. A geomicrobiological investigation was conducted in representative sediments of this core. To identify the microbial assemblages present in the sediments and their evolution with changing depositional environments through time, the diversity of the 16S rRNA gene was analyzed in gypsum, aragonitic laminae, and halite samples. The subsurface microbial community was largely dominated by the Euryarchaeota phylum (Archaea). Within the latter, Halobacteriaceae members were ubiquitous, probably favored by their ‘high salt‐in’ osmotic adaptation which also makes them one of the rare inhabitants of the modern Dead Sea. Bacterial community members were scarce, emphasizing that the ‘low salt‐in’ strategy is less suitable in this environment. Substantial differences in assemblages are observed between aragonitic sediments and gypsum–halite ones, independently of the depth and salinity. The aragonite sample, deposited during humid periods when the lake was stratified, consists mostly of the archaeal MSBL1 and bacterial KB1 Candidate Divisions. This consortium probably relies on compatible solutes supplied from the lake by halotolerant species present in these more favorable periods. In contrast, members of the Halobacteriaceae were the sole habitants of the gypsum–halite sediments which result from a holomictic lake. Although the biomass is low, these variations in the observed subsurface microbial populations appear to be controlled by biological conditions in the water column at the time of sedimentation, and subsequently by the presence or absence of stratification and dilution in the lake. As the latter are controlled by climatic changes, our data suggest a relationship between local lacustrine subsurface microbial assemblages and large‐scale climatic variations over the Dead Sea Basin.
Determinants of Firm Failure: Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: He Canfei , Yang Rudai
Published: July 2015

During the economic transition, Chinese industries are highly dynamic, with substantial firm entry and failure. This study investigates the driving forces of firm failure in China. Based on the annual survey of industrial firms during 1998–2007, this study first describes the patterns of firm failure. On average, less productive and older firms are more likely to fail, while firms with governmental supports are more likely to survive. Statistical results based on the linear probability model for panel data indicate that market competition crowds out less productive firms. Competition dominates learning effects and imposes challenges on the survival of older firms. There is an inverted U‐shaped relationship between firm age and firm failure. Local supportive policies such as subsidies and banking loans can reduce the chance of firm failure. Governmental policies also moderate the impact of productivity and firm age on firm failure. The findings from this study enrich the understanding of industrial dynamics in the transitional China.
Disclosure of research results: a randomized study on GENEPSO‐PS cohort participants
Authors: Mancini Julien , Le Cozannet Elodie , Bouhnik Anne‐Déborah , Resseguier Noémie , Lasset Christine , Mouret‐Fourme Emmanuelle , Noguès Catherine , Julian‐Reynier Claire
Published: July 2015

Background

There exist no recommendations as to how aggregate research results should best be disclosed to long‐term cohort participants.

Objective

To study the impact of cohort results disclosure documents of various kinds on participants’ satisfaction.

Design

Randomized study with a 2x2 factorial design.

Setting and participants

The GENEPSO‐PS cohort is used to study the psychosocial characteristics and preventive behaviour of both BRCA1/2 carriers and non‐carriers; 235 participants wishing to receive ‘information about the survey results’ answered a self‐administered questionnaire.

Interventions

The impact of providing the following items in addition to a leaflet about aggregate psychosocial research results was investigated (i) an up‐to‐date medical information sheet about BRCA1/2 genetic topics, (ii) a photograph with the names of the researchers.

Main outcome measures

Satisfaction profiles drawn up using cluster analysis methods.

Results

Providing additional medical and/or research team information had no significant effect on satisfaction. The patients attributed to the ‘poorly satisfied’ group (n = 60, 25.5%) differed significantly from those in the ‘highly satisfied’ group (n = 51, 21.7%): they were younger [odds ratio (OR) = 0.96, 95% confidence interval (0.92–0.99), P = 0.028], less often had a daughter [OR = 4.87 (1.80–13.20), P = 0.002], had reached a higher educational level [OR = 2.94 (1.24–6.95), P = 0.014] and more frequently carried a BRCA1/2 mutation [OR = 2.73 (1.20–6.23), P = 0.017].

Conclusions

This original approach to disclosing research results to cohort participants was welcomed by most of the participants, but less by the more educated and by BRCA1/2 carriers. Although an easily understandable document is necessary, it might also be worth providing some participants with more in‐depth information.
Does Size Really Matter? On the Relationship between Immigrant Group Size and Anti-Immigrant Prejudice
Authors: Pottie-Sherman Yolande , Wilkes Rima
Published: July 2015

Group threat theory understands prejudice as a manifestation of the threat, either actual or assumed, that minority groups pose to majority groups. This theory is often operationalized by analyzing the impact of group size on anti-immigrant prejudice. We test this hypothesis with a new dataset documenting 487 effects of group size on prejudice provided in 55 studies. More than half of these results show no relationship and the remainder shows both positive and negative relationships. Three explanations for this divergence are that there are (1) differences in the measurement of prejudice and immigrant group size across studies; (2) differences in the model through which size is hypothesized to lead to prejudice; and (3) differences in the geographic unit of analysis at which these relationships have been considered. Our analyses support the measurement explanation: results vary across studies because they reflect different measures of group size and prejudice.
Antioxidative Response of Quinoa Exposed to Iso‐Osmotic, Ionic and Non‐Ionic Salt Stress
Authors: Amjad M. , Akhtar S. S. , Yang A. , Akhtar J. , Jacobsen S.‐E.
Published: July 2015

Antioxidants play an important role in adapting plants to abiotic stress by detoxifying reactive oxygen species (ROS). Involvement of antioxidant enzymes in abiotic stress tolerance of highly stress‐tolerant quinoa was studied in a climatic chamber at 6 mOsm (milliosmolar) ionic (300 mm NaCl) and non‐ionic (600 mm mannitol) salts combined with increasing levels of potassium K1 and K2 (6, 12 mm), respectively. Fifteen days of salt treatment (both ionic and non‐ionic) decreased plant growth (shoot and root fresh weight), stomatal conductance and chlorophyll content index. Furthermore, both forms of salt stress increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and peroxidase up to 2.33‐, 3.98‐, 4.78‐ and 5.55‐folds, respectively, compared to no salt treatment, whereas membrane stability index decreased corresponding to increase in lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde), with salt treatments compared to non‐stressed plants. However, no significant effect of potassium and salt treatments has been noticed on the maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII. The results suggested that enhanced antioxidant enzymes activity under salt stress could be one of the factors responsible for abiotic stress tolerance in quinoa.
Evapotranspiration as a Criterion to Estimate Nitrogen Requirement of Maize Under Salt Stress
Authors: Lacerda C. F. , Ferreira J. F. S. , Liu X. , Suarez D. L.
Published: July 2015

We tested the hypothesis that by reducing the application of N, based on the decrease in evapotranspiration (ET) expected due to increase in soil salinity, it is possible to reduce N loss without causing N deficiency or further yield loss in salt‐stressed maize plants. We tested four levels of salinity of irrigation water (S1 = 0.5; S2 = 2.5; S3 = 5.0; and S4 = 7.5 dS m−1) and four N rates using outdoor soil columns with five replicates. The N rates were as follows: N1: N recommendation for maize (2.6 g per column); N2: 0.3 times the N recommendation (0.78 g per column); N3: reduction in N1 based on the decrease in ET caused by salinity; and N4: reduction in N2 based on the decrease in ET caused by salinity. The amounts of N for N3 and N4 were reduced (in relation to N1 and N2) by 7 %, 15 % and 30 % for 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 dS m−1, respectively. Salinity caused NO3− accumulation in the soil, plant growth inhibition and stomatal closure. The low rates of N (N2 and N4) did not meet the N demand of maize plants, especially for low levels of salinity (control and 2.5 dS m−1). On the other hand, based on the available growth data, physiological responses and nutritional status, one can conclude that plants under N1 and N3 had the same potential for final yield. For these N rates, reduction in N application according to ET (N3 rate) not only allowed plant growth and maize physiological responses, but also increased N‐use efficiency and greatly reduced soil nitrate accumulation compared to N1 rate, at the same levels of salinity. We conclude that reduction in N application, based on reductions in ET, is a good strategy to reduce both the risk of ground water contamination by NO3− leaching and fertilization costs, without causing additional damage to plant development under salt stress.
Development and Durability Testing of a Low‐Temperature Sintering Bi–Si–Zn Oxide Glass Composite Material (GCM) 129I Waste Form
Authors: Mowry Curtis D. , Brady Patrick V. , Garino Terry J. , Nenoff Tina M.
Published: July 2015

The capture and safe storage of radiological iodine (129I) from nuclear fuel reprocessing is of concern due to its long half‐life and potential mobility in the environment. The development of durable waste forms in which to store captured iodine requires materials that are both compatible with the iodine capture phases and durable to repository environments. To that end, Sandia is developing a low‐temperature sintering Bi–Si–Zn oxide glass composite material (GCM) waste form and herein presents results of durability testing. Furthermore, durability studies were extended to both the occluded iodine capture material Ag‐Zeolite (Mordenite, MOR) as well as the GCM, synthesized with compositional variations including: amount of Ag flake added, AgI‐MOR particle size in the GCM, and mass loading of I within the AgI‐MOR. Product consistency test (PCT‐B), chemical durability (MCC‐1) tests, and single‐pass flow‐through (SPFT) tests, were performed on both the individual components of the GCM and the completed GCMs. Durability tests indicate low GCM dissolution rates (<10−3 g/m2·d) across wide variable ranges including: pH, AgI‐MOR loading, I loading, and AgI‐MOR particle size. Results indicate that the Bi–Si–Zn oxide glass matrix sharply limits the release of iodine from the otherwise relatively fast degrading AgI‐MOR getter material. Furthermore, the formation of an amorphous AgI phase during sintering of the GCM results in the limitation of iodine release during waste form degradation. Durability of GCM and release rates approximate those of established nuclear waste glasses, or analogues such as basaltic glass. This suggests that the Bi–Si–Zn GCM is a viable candidate as a repository iodine waste form.
Expanded and Enhanced Deep‐UV Excitations of Mn2+‐Doped Phosphate Glasses Sensitized by Gd3+ Ions
Authors: Xia Fanshu , Liu Yinyao , Wang Yiqun , Chen Guorong
Published: July 2015

Mn2+‐doped phosphate glasses sensitized by Gd3+ ions are investigated. Enhanced photoluminescence (PL) properties of the samples are found with the excitations expanding toward the deep‐UV part of the spectrum. PL emission and excitation spectra correlated with the lifetime data consistently present evidences of the enhanced Mn2+ emission in association with the energy transfer from Gd3+ ions. In particular, the Gd3+ codoping benefits greatly the energy harvesting of Mn2+ ions, resulting in the enhanced and tunable excitations of Mn2+ ions which expand toward the deep‐UV part of the spectrum at 273 and 311 nm, respectively. Thus by Gd3+ sensitizing, the excitation source of the Mn2+ emission has covered the broad range of the spectrum from the original blue and near‐UVA to the deep‐UVB and UVC together with the enhanced emission in the green‐to‐red spectral region. The possible energy‐transfer mechanisms involved are discussed.
Nurses as therapeutic agents in the extreme environment of the desert war, 1940–44
Authors: Brooks Jane
Published: July 2015

Aims

The purpose of this article is to explore therapeutic nursing with combatants in the extreme environment of the desert in World WarII.

Background

The notion of nursing as therapy gained credence in the 1990s and is currently experiencing resurgence, as nurses seek to find meaning in their work and improve patient care in the post‐Francis environment.

Design

This discussion paper will use the hostile space of the desert war zone in World WarIIto explore nurses' therapeutic engagement with their combatant patients. It will examine how nurses provided care and comfort through the use of self, fundamental nursing skills, improvisation and innovation and the manipulation of the environment.

Data sources

The data used are a combination of letters, diaries, memoirs and published archival material. Much of the personal testimony is part of an uncatalogued archive of correspondence between nurses and the Matron‐in‐Chief of the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service.

Implications for nursing

Nurses sometimes struggle to identify the importance of their work, compared with other members of the multidisciplinary team. By understanding nursing as therapy, the profession can articulate how their work is fundamental to the healing, or support to a dignified death of their patients. This article illustrates how the therapeutic engagement with patients, even in the most difficult of environments, is possible and brings comfort.

Conclusion

Deserts are among the most hostile of any space inhabited by people. Yet, even in a place where survival is difficult, therapeutic nursing can support healing and recovery.
Selecting clinical diagnoses: logical strategies informed by experience
Authors: Stanley Donald Edward , Campos Daniel G.
Published: July 2015

This article describes reasoning strategies used by clinicians in different diagnostic circumstances and how these modes of inquiry may allow further insight into the evaluation and treatment of patients. Specifically, it aims to make explicit the implicit logical considerations that guide a variety of strategies in the diagnostic process, as exemplified in specific clinical cases. It focuses, in particular, in strategies that clinicians use to move from a large set of possible diagnoses initially suggested by abductive inferences – the process of hypothesis generation that creates a diagnostic space – to a narrower set or even to a single ‘best’ diagnosis, where the criteria to determine what is ‘best’ may differ according to different strategies. Experienced clinicians should have a diversified kit of strategies – for example, Bayesian probability or inference to a lovely explanation – to select from among previously generated hypotheses, rather than rely on any one approach every time.
Contribution of treatment acceptability to acceptance of randomization: an exploration
Authors: Sidani Souraya , Fox Mary , Epstein Dana R.
Published: July 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Randomization to treatment is viewed unfavourably by many trial participants. There is limited research that investigated factors contributing to acceptance of randomization. This study explored the influence of participants' socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics, and their perceived acceptability of the treatments on their acceptance of randomization (i.e. willingness to be randomized) in a clinical trial.

Methods

Persons with insomnia (n = 383) were asked about their acceptance of randomization before and after they rated the acceptability of behavioural therapies for managing insomnia (sleep education and hygiene booklet, stimulus control therapy and sleep restriction therapy). Socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics, and treatment acceptability, were measured with established instruments. Logistic regression was applied to explore the association between participants' characteristics and treatment acceptability, and reported acceptance of randomization.

Results

Prior to rating treatments' acceptability, 54.6% of participants were willing to be randomized; socio‐demographic (age and ethnicity) and clinical (severity of insomnia's impact, state anxiety, depression, vitality and mental and social functions) contributed to acceptance of randomization. After rating the treatments' acceptability, 87.8% of participants were unwilling to be randomized; age, severity of insomnia's impact and acceptability of behavioural therapy were significantly associated with acceptance of randomization.

Conclusions

The study findings indicated that participants are likely to express unwillingness to be randomized once they receive treatment information and rate the acceptability of treatments. The reported non‐acceptance may influence participants' behaviour (e.g. withdrawal, non‐adherence) during the trial, suggesting the need to explore alternative designs for intervention evaluation.
Tailored therapy for the refractory GERD patients by combined multichannel intraluminal impedance–pH monitoring
Authors: Xiao Yinglian , Liang Mengya , Peng Sui , Zhang Ning , Chen Minhu
Published: July 2015

Background and Aims

About 30% of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are refractory to proton pump inhibitor (PPI). The reason for the PPI failure in Asian GERD patients has rarely been studied, and the therapy remained unclear. The aims were to explore the possible reasons for PPI failure and to treat these patients with the guidance of 24‐h multichannel intraluminal impedance‐pH (MII‐pH) monitoring.

Methods

Thirty‐nine consecutive patients with refractory GERD were enrolled; 24‐h MII‐pH monitoring was performed on PPI. The refractory GERD patients were grouped into acid overexposure, non‐acid reflux, and functional heartburn after the MII‐pH monitoring. Double dose of either PPI or paroxetine was administered to refractory GERD patients within different groups.

Results

The number of patients in groups of acid overexposure, non‐acid reflux, and functional heartburn was 6, 12, and 21, respectively. The acid overexposure group had the most acid reflux events. Among the acid overexposure group, five (5/6) patients accomplish symptom relief with double dose of esomeprazole. For the patients in non‐acid reflux group, double dose of esomeprazole made half (6/12) of the patients obtain symptom relief. For the patients in functional heartburn group, the paroxetine had relieved the symptoms in 14 patients among all the 21 patients. In total, with the guidance of MII‐pH monitoring, 64.1% (25/39) of refractory GERD patients accomplished symptom relief.

Conclusions

Acid overexposure, non‐acid reflux, and functional heartburn were the common reasons for persistent reflux symptoms despite PPI. With the guidance of MII‐pH, a tailored therapy could resolve the persistent reflux symptoms among two‐third of patients.
Pancreatic cystic lesions with atypical steroid response should be carefully managed in cases of autoimmune pancreatitis
Authors: Matsubayashi Hiroyuki , Iwai Tomohiro , Matsui Toru , Wada Takuya , Kawata Noboru , Ito Hiroaki , Sasaki Keiko , Uesaka Katsuhiko , Ono Hiroyuki
Published: July 2015

Background and Aim:

Pancreatic cysts have been reported in cases with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and are often treated by corticosteroid; however, their response to steroid has not been determined fully. We aimed to see the incidence and steroid response of pancreatic cysts and the features of cysts without proper response in cases with AIP.

Methods:

Fifty‐eight AIP cases were analyzed for the incidence and associated factors of pancreatic cystic lesions (≥10 mm). Of these, 47 cases, determined for steroid response, were retrospectively investigated for the factors associated with cyst change by corticosteroid therapy.

Results:

At initial diagnosis, 17 pancreatic cystic lesions were recognized in 13 cases (22.4%) of AIP, with an average size of 30 mm (range: 11–130 mm), associated with higher incidence of elevated serum amylase (38.5% vs 11.1%, P = 0.02). Of these 13 cases, nine cases with 10 cystic lesions underwent steroid therapy in our hospital. All of seven unilocular cysts were dramatically shrunken or vanished in a few months; meanwhile, three cases with multilocular cysts showed scarcely any steroid response (P = 0.008). Of these three cases, two cases were revealed to accompany pancreatic ductal carcinoma, in contrast to null of seven unilocular cysts (P = 0.07).

Conclusions:

Pancreatic cystic lesions are sometimes recognized in cases with AIP, and most unilocular cysts can be minimized by corticosteroids. However, clinicians must be alert for atypical pancreatic cysts, such as multilocular cysts or cysts without obvious steroid response.
Alzheimer's disease and modern lifestyle: what is the role of stress?
Authors: Marcello Elena , Gardoni Fabrizio , Di Luca Monica
Published: July 2015

image

This Editorial highlights a study by Baglietto‐Vargas et al. 2015 published in this issue of J. Neurochem. Stress is one of the environmental factors that can contribute to Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. However, the role of modern‐life stress has not been investigated yet. The authors reveal that modern‐life stress reduces the number of dendritic spines in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease transgenic mice. The mechanism underlying such effect involves an increase in corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) release that stimulates the amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing and fosters the generation of Amyloid‐β, which negatively affects dendritic spines.
Serotonergic dysfunction in the A53T alpha‐synuclein mouse model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Deusser Janina , Schmidt Stefanie , Ettle Benjamin , Plötz Sonja , Huber Sabine , Müller Christian P. , Masliah Eliezer , Winkler Jürgen , Kohl Zacharias
Published: July 2015

Parkinson's disease, neuropathologically defined by the aggregation of α‐synuclein, is characterized by neuropsychiatric symptoms such as depression and anxiety preceding the onset of motor symptoms. A loss of serotonergic neurons or their projections into the hippocampus and alterations in serotonin release may be linked to these symptoms. Here, we investigate the effect of human A53T α‐synuclein on serotonergic neurons using 12‐months‐old transgenic mice. We detected human α‐synuclein in the perikarya of brainstem median and dorsal raphe neurons as well as in serotonergic fibers in the hippocampus. Despite intracellular α‐synuclein accumulation there was no loss of serotonergic neurons in dorsal and median raphe nuclei of A53T α‐synuclein mice. However, serotonin levels were significantly reduced in the brainstem. In addition, serotonergic fiber density in the dorsal dentate gyrus was significantly less dense in transgenic mice. Interestingly, we detected a significantly compromised increase in doublecortin+ neuroblasts after chronic treatment with fluoxetine at the site of reduced serotonergic innervation, the infrapyramidal blade of the dorsal dentate gyrus in A53T α‐synuclein mice. This suggests that α‐synuclein affects serotonergic projections in a spatially distinct pattern within the hippocampus thereby influencing the response to antidepressant treatment.

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A transgenic mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD) shows α‐synuclein expression in serotonergic neurons of raphe nuclei. Besides lower serotonin levels in the raphe nuclei, a topographical restricted reduction in serotonergic fiber density was present in the hippocampus accompanied by an impaired fluoxetine‐response of hippocampal neuroblasts. In conclusion, α‐synuclein in the serotonergic system may account for psychiatric symptoms in PD. DR, dorsal raphe nucleus; MnR, median raphe nucleus.
Facing a Biased Adviser While Choosing a Retirement Plan: The Impact of Financial Literacy and Fair Disclosure
Authors: Carmel Eyal , Carmel Dana , Leiser David , Spivak Avia
Published: July 2015

Buying a retirement saving plan in Israel involves meeting with an agent whose interests may differ from those of his or her customers. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of the advice given by the agent, along with that of two further factors: a fair disclosure statement regarding the agent's conflict of interest, and the customer's degree of financial literacy. Two experiments conducted among undergraduate students in Israel showed that customers mostly follow the agent's recommendation, even against their best interest, and despite the presence of a fair disclosure statement. Only participants with high financial literacy, who received a disclosure statement, did examine the alternatives closely and rejected the advice when the recommendation was damaging. We also ruled out the existence of a negative psychological reactance response to a disclosure statement that would work to the detriment of financially literate participants.
Attitudes and Beliefs of Nonspecialist and Specialist Trainee Health and Physical Education Teachers Toward Obese Children: Evidence for “Anti‐Fat” Bias
Authors: Lynagh Marita , Cliff Ken , Morgan Philip J.
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the beliefs and attitudes of preservice health and physical education (HPE) specialist and nonspecialist schoolteachers toward obese children.

METHODS

A total of 177 nonspecialist and 62 HPE specialist trainee teachers completed a series of pen‐and‐paper validated measures of attitudes and beliefs toward obese children.

RESULTS

Both groups of preservice teachers reported strong implicit and moderate explicit anti‐fat bias. Enrollment in the HPE specialist degree was found to be a significant predictor of both implicit bad/good anti‐fat bias (β = 3.97, p = .002) and implicit bias on the stupid/smart scale (β = 2.983, p = .016) of the IAT. Beliefs that obese children were less healthy, more self‐conscious, and less satisfied with themselves were strongly endorsed by the majority of participants. HPE specialists were found to have significantly lower expectations for obese children in regard to “reasoning” (mean difference = 0.21, p = .0107) and “cooperation” skills (mean difference = 0.25, p = .0354) compared to nonspecialist trainees.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to document the strong anti‐fat bias of both preservice nonspecialist and HPE specialist teachers. It is also the first to find that preservice HPE specialist teachers have stronger anti‐fat biases and differential expectations regarding particular abilities of obese children, compared to nonspecialists.
Creaky voice as a phonational device marking parenthetical segments in talk
Authors: Lee Sinae
Published: July 2015

This study examines the function of creaky voice through investigating salient occurrences in sociolinguistic interviews. By identifying different types of embedded frames within the interviews, as well as paying attention to linguistic features that co‐occur with creaky voice, the study provides evidence that creaky voice marks detachment of an utterance from the surrounding discourse, or from the speaker. Detailed discourse analysis, undertaken mostly from the perspective of conversation analysis, illustrates that creaky voice is a phonational device marking parenthetical segments. The study further demonstrates that the parenthetical function of creak can be extended, and that creaky voice can come to be employed in structuring a narrative by organizing information of different levels of importance, and in conveying stance – particularly a stance of distance or detachment. I suggest that the association between creak and parentheticals is attributed to the ‘less voiced’ nature of creak, which may be an articulatory manifestation of parentheticality.
Police interviews with vulnerable people alleging sexual assault: Probing inconsistency and questioning conduct
Authors: Antaki Charles , Richardson Emma , Stokoe Elizabeth , Willott Sara
Published: July 2015

Reporting sexual assault to the authorities is fraught with difficulties, and these are compounded when the complainant is hindered by an intellectual disability (ID). In a study of 19 U.K. police interviews with complainants with ID alleging sexual assault and rape, we found that most interviewing officers on occasion pursued lines of questioning which not only probed inconsistencies (which is mandated by their guidelines), but implicitly questioned complainants’ conduct (which is not). We detail two main conversational practices which imply disbelief and disapproval of the complainants’ accounts and behaviour, and whose pragmatic entailments may pose problems for complainants with ID. Such practices probably emerge from interviewers’ foreshadowing of the challenges likely to be made in court by defence counsel. As a policy recommendation, we suggest providing early explanation for the motivation for such questioning, and avoiding certain question formats (especially how come you did X? and why didn't you do Y?).
‘First things first, I'm the realest’: Linguistic appropriation, white privilege, and the hip‐hop persona of Iggy Azalea
Authors: Eberhardt Maeve , Freeman Kara
Published: July 2015

The ‘hip‐hop nation’ is a multiethnic, transnational community that originates from and privileges urban African American experiences. Scholars have explored ways that non‐African Americans worldwide use linguistic features of African American English (AAE) as a way of constructing hip‐hop affiliated identities. The current paper ties these strands together in a study of the linguistic patterns of white Australian rapper Iggy Azalea, who makes use ofAAEin her music, but not in other public speech. Our study presents a variationist analysis of copula absence in her lyrics. Findings show that her rates of this hallmark feature ofAAEare extremely high, when compared to similar analyses of other rappers. We argue that her overzealous application ofAAEfeatures in her music, in order to create a specific linguistic style, enables a success that rests ultimately on the appropriation of African American language and culture, and the privilege that whiteness affords.
Psychophysical Curves for Tasting Based on A Dissociation Model
Authors: Martín‐Guerrero Teresa L. , Rosas Juan M. , Paredes‐Olay Concepción , Ramos‐Álvarez Manuel M.
Published: July 2015

An experiment on taste sensory analysis of an artificially arranged compound of salty and sour flavors was conducted with the goal of evaluating sensory performance to a mixture of flavors akin to natural food, but that allows for keeping a higher experimental control than natural foods do. Participants performed a detection task in which the concentration of salt was manipulated between‐subjects (from 0.07 to 0.75%). A procedure based on a dissociative model that allows for obtaining independent measures of sensitivity and criterion performance was used. In general, sensitivity index increased with the increase in signal salience, with actual performance approaching a Weibull distribution. A slight but reliable lenient response bias was found regardless of the salt concentration. The relevance of using independent measures of sensitivity and bias in sensory evaluation of complex compounds, and its relevance for sensory analysis of food is discussed.

Practical Applications

In tasting situations, perception seems to be easily influenced by cognitive factors and different response biases might appear, modifying the response criterion location. Difficulty of discrimination may also increases by qualitative changes that occur in taste mixtures. Signal Detection Theory allows the measurement of both: sensory and nonsensory components. Taking apart cognitive and sensory components is central to uncovering small differences in sensory qualities and developing accurate models of perception. This approach is of special interest to study the psychological processes involved in tasting situations, including the evaluation of training programs conducted to improve tasters’ discriminative abilities. In addition, function modelization has important implications for the area of perceptual research since psychophysical functions for binary compounds as it allows conducting predictions about interaction effects between studied components in complex stimuli.
The Role of Packaging and Presentation Format in Consumers’ Preferences for Food: An Application of Projective Techniques
Authors: Eldesouky A. , Pulido A.F. , Mesias F.J.
Published: July 2015

Qualitative research techniques are frequently used as a means to understand consumers’ perceptions and behavior when it comes to food choice. Particularly, projective techniques have been increasingly used in marketing and consumer research. In this context, this study aims to evaluate two projective techniques – word association and completion techniques – to study consumers’ expectations about food packaging. Additionally, it is intended to assess how packaging and presentation format influence food purchase decisions. The results obtained from both methodologies suggest that handiness to open, resealability, packaging size and packaging material transparency are among the features most appreciated by consumers. Specifically, word association has facilitated the identification of a larger number of items, probably thanks to the nonrestricted response character of this technique. Conversely, completion methodologies, a stimuli‐guided technique, has resulted in a richer range of perspectives by consumers thank to the focus on different aspects of the problem.

Practical Applications

Recent changes in eating habits and lifestyles are forcing the food industry to develop new foods or to improve existing products. In this context, sensory and nonsensory characteristics must be taken into account to meet consumer requirements. Packaging, especially, has become an important extrinsic quality cue which provides information not only about food but also about brand image or lifestyle. Nevertheless, the role of packaging and presentation format in the shaping of consumers’ preferences must be extensively assessed. In this article, we have used a qualitative research due to the complex aspects involved in the consumer/packaging relationship. The projective techniques used in this study proved to be suitable and, therefore, food companies could use them as a way to undertake preliminary researches about new packaging features or packaging materials. The information obtained is of great interest for food industries when planning to place new packaging formats in the market or to identify target markets.