bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AFP Innova: competing in a tender for new affiliates
Authors: Farías Pablo 
Published: November 2014

Subject area
The concepts of customer lifetime value (CLV) and customer equity (CE).

Study level/applicability
BA, MBA, MSc courses: customer equity, marketing metrics, marketing plan, marketing research. Because students are asked to complete a customer lifetime value analysis based on a range of financial and non-financial data, students will need at least a modest level of proficiency in dealing with a few basic financial accounting concepts.

Case overview
In Chile, a law passed in 2008 introduced a bidding process to be held every 24 months in the pension industry. The tender mechanism was introduced as part of a reform aimed at reducing the commissions charged by pension fund administrators and at making it easier for new players to enter the market. In early 2009, Daniel Ugarte wondered if it was finally the right time for his firm to enter the pension industry. Ugarte was asked by the board to help chart a direction for the firm. The winning criterion was the lowest management fee (commission) paid by the affiliates. The main focus of the case is a quantitative assignment that asks students to calculate how customer lifetime value (CLV) and customer equity (CE) would be affected by the commission offered.

Expected learning outcomes
These include: understanding the concepts of customer lifetime value (CLV) and customer equity (CE) and the importance of maximizing a customer's lifetime value for the firm by calculating the CLV and the CE based on a combination of financial and non-financial data.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available. Consult the librarian for access.
Risk factors for delayed gastric emptying after pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Chong Charing Ching‐Ning , Lee Kit‐Fai , Ip Philip Ching‐Tak , Liu Shirley Yuk‐Wah , Chan Micah Chi‐King , Cheung Yue‐Sun , Wong John , Lai Paul Bo‐San 
Published: November 2014

AimEvaluation of the prevalence of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) post‐operatively is thwarted by an inconsistency in DGE definition. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence and underlying risk factors of DGE after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), employing the International Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) consensus definition.Patients and MethodsPatient demographics, operative details, clinical course and pathology of 95 consecutive patients who underwent PD at a tertiary academic institution were analysed.ResultsThe overall incidence of DGE was 32.6 per cent, and those of grades A, B and C were 18.9 per cent, 5.3 per cent and 8.4 per cent, respectively. DGE was associated with longer post‐operative length of stay (17 days vs 13 days, P = 0.016). With increasing DGE severity, there was a statistically‐significant increase in the presence of post‐operative pancreatic fistula greater than grade A (P = 0.033) and the post‐operative length of stay (P = 0.020). Post‐operative pleural effusion (P = 0.020) and increased number of lymph nodes resected (P = 0.014) are significant independent risk factors for DGE.ConclusionsThe ISGPS definition and grading systems for DGE are applicable and correlate well with clinical course. An association between more extensive lymphatic dissection and DGE is noted.
Reintroduction objectives, decisions and outcomes: global perspectives from the herpetofauna
Authors: Ewen J. G. , Soorae P. S. , Canessa S. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractReintroductions and other conservation translocations are an important but often controversial form of wildlife management. Some authors have suggested the low success rates may reflect poor planning and decision‐making. In this study, we used examples of herpetofaunal reintroductions, published in four volumes of the IUCN's Reintroduction Specialist Group Global Perspectives in Reintroduction Biology, to identify the objectives set by reintroduction practitioners, the indicators of success they choose and the types of difficulties they encounter. We found objectives focused on target species, but also on broader ecological objectives, such as ecosystem restoration, and social and economic aims. Practitioners reported high success rates: however, these referred to a mixture of general objectives, reflecting the fundamental aims of programmes, and technical aspects, such as developing husbandry protocols, that are important only as stepping stones for broader objectives. In some cases, important objectives were not assigned relevant indicators, thus making assessment impossible. Non‐biological aspects such as funding dynamics were the most important source of difficulties; however, they were not always openly recognized by assigning relevant objectives and indicators. We argue that the adoption of a more structured approach to decision‐making could help in addressing all these issues. In particular, we recommend that where possible, managers should clearly state all relevant objectives and constraints, and distinguish their respective relevance and importance. If such elements are not clearly defined a priori, planning and assessing reintroductions can become difficult or even impossible, increasing the risk of inefficient use of resources.
Evaluation of headstarting and release techniques for population augmentation and reintroduction of the smooth green snake
Authors: Sacerdote‐Velat A. B. , Earnhardt J. M. , Mulkerin D. , Boehm D. , Glowacki G. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractHeadstarting is a conservation technique for improving survival of species with high juvenile mortality by accelerating growth rate and increasing body size of captive‐born young. With reptiles, headstarts are often kept active year‐round to achieve body size goals and increase survival, omitting overwintering (brumation). As brumation is part of the life cycle of reptiles, there may be tradeoffs related to temperature response post‐release when reptiles are kept active. Upon release into habitats, reptiles are either soft released, where acclimation is provided with in situ enclosures, or hard released without acclimation, directly into habitat. Soft releases have resulted in greater survival and site fidelity than hard releases, but evaluations with snakes are rare. We used a comparative approach to examine effects of brumation versus year‐round activity on prerelease growth and survival of smooth green snake Opheodrys vernalis headstarts. We estimated short‐term post‐release daily survival rates of headstarts and compared movements of hard and soft released snakes. Despite decreases in body mass during brumation, prerelease body size, growth rate and survival did not differ among brumation treatments. Brumated headstarts exhibited rapid compensatory growth, attaining the size of active headstarts within 2 months of brumation. We observed qualitative evidence of reproductive potential in brumated snakes with the production of spermatozoa and unfertilized eggs, which was absent in active headstarts. The short‐term survival rate of all headstarts during post‐release tracking was 0.83 (±0.01), but we lacked power to examine differences in survival among release treatments. Daily movements did not differ among release treatments. Soft releases had slightly greater recaptures, facilitating monitoring. Although brumation comparisons produced equivalent prerelease growth and survival, as a precautionary measure for post‐release survival, we recommend incorporating brumation into headstarting efforts. While further study with other reptiles is warranted, we recommend a comparative framework in planning headstarting efforts with additional species.
TIMING OF LUMPY INVESTMENT, PRICING AND TECHNICAL PROGRESS
Authors: Brusco Sandro , Tarola Ornella , Trento Sandro 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTIn equipment‐intensive sectors – such as water utilities, power generation, and gas – billions of dollars are spent in capital equipment. The nature of the investment is often lumpy: at some point a plant has to be replaced and a large investment is required. We characterize the dynamic optimal investment policy of profit‐maximizing and welfare‐maximizing firms. We first show that, when there is no technical progress, the duration of the plant is longer for a profit‐maximizing firm. We then consider technical progress leading to either capacity expansion or to operating costs reduction. We show that duration tends to increase when the installed capacity increases over time, while it tends to decrease when technical progress reduces operating costs, both for profit‐maximizing and welfare‐maximizing firms. Under some conditions, when capacity expands over time the duration of the plant is longer for a profit‐maximizing firm than for a welfare‐maximizing firm.
Immune modulation by a tolerogenic myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)10–60 containing fusion protein in the marmoset experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model
Authors: Kap Y S , van Driel N , Arends R , Rouwendal G , Verolin M , Blezer E , Lycke N , 't Hart B A 
Published: November 2014

SummaryCurrent therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune neuroinflammatory disease, mostly target general cell populations or immune molecules, which may lead to a compromised immune system. A more directed strategy would be to re-enforce tolerance of the autoaggressive T cells that drive tissue inflammation and injury. In this study, we have investigated whether the course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice and marmosets can be altered by a potent tolerizing fusion protein. In addition, a multi-parameter immunological analysis was performed in marmosets to assess whether the treatment induces modulation of EAE-associated cellular and humoral immune reactions. The fusion protein, CTA1R9K-hMOG10–60-DD, contains a mutated cholera toxin A1 subunit (CTA1R9K), a dimer of the Ig binding D region of Staphylococcus aureus protein A (DD), and the human myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (hMOG) sequence 10–60. We observed that intranasal application of CTA1R9K-hMOG10–60-DD seems to skew the immune response against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) towards a regulatory function. We show a reduced number of circulating macrophages, reduced MOG-induced expansion of mononuclear cells in peripheral blood, reduced MOG-induced production of interleukin (IL)-17A in spleen, increased MOG-induced production of IL-4 and IL-10 and an increased percentage of cells expressing programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4). Nevertheless, the treatment did not detectably change the EAE course and pathology. Thus, despite a detectable effect on relevant immune parameters, the fusion protein failed to influence the clinical and pathological outcome of disease. This result warrants further development and improvement of this specifically targeted tolerance inducing therapy.
Quantitative CT measurements of small pulmonary vessels in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: do they change on follow‐up scans?
Authors: Saruya Shinji , Matsuoka Shin , Yamashiro Tsuneo , Matsushita Shoichiro , Fujikawa Atsuko , Yagihashi Kunihiro , Kurihara Yasuyuki , Nakajima Yasuo 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe aims of this study were to perform a longitudinal evaluation of the cross‐sectional area (CSA) of small pulmonary vessels and the extent of emphysema measured on computed tomography (CT) scans of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to correlate the pulmonary vascular measurements with extent of emphysema. The institutional review board approved this retrospective study and waived the need for patients' informed consent. Seventy‐four patients with COPD who underwent both initial and follow‐up CT scans at an interval of ≥12 months were analysed. The CSA of small pulmonary vessels <5 mm2 was measured, and the percentage of total CSA of the area of the lung (%CSA<5) was calculated. The extent of emphysema was assessed as the percentage of low attenuation area (%LAA, <−950 Hounsfield units). Comparisons between initial and follow‐up measurements were performed using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. The relationship between longitudinal changes in %CSA<5 and %LAA during the follow‐up period was assessed using the Spearman rank correlation. The %LAA increased significantly on follow‐up CT scans (P<0·0001). The %CSA<5 was slightly decreased on follow‐up scans, but the difference was not significant. Although longitudinal change in %LAA was positively correlated with duration of follow‐up period (ρ = 0·505, P<0·0001), longitudinal change in %CSA<5 was not. In conclusion, there was a progressive increase in the extent of emphysema over time, but no significant decrease in the CSA of small pulmonary vessels over the same time period.
The diagnostic performance of cardiac magnetic resonance in detection of myocardial involvement in AL amyloidosis
Authors: Fikrle Michal , Palecek Tomas , Masek Martin , Kuchynka Petr , Straub Jan , Spicka Ivan , Rysava Romana , Linhart Ales 
Published: November 2014

SummaryBackgroundThe non‐invasive assessment of amyloid heart disease may be challenging. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) represents a method of choice for assessment of left ventricular (LV) morphology and function, and it also provides a unique possibility to evaluate the presence of amyloid deposition by the late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) technique. However, so far, published studies have not been consistent in terms of described LGE patterns associated with amyloid cardiomyopathy.AimsTo compare echocardiographic and CMR assessment of LV morphology and function and to evaluate the presence and pattern of LGE in a population of patients with AL amyloid cardiomyopathy.MethodsTwenty‐two consecutive patients with newly diagnosed AL amyloid cardiomyopathy and without contraindications to CMR were comprehensively examined by echocardiography and CMR.ResultsEchocardiography and CMR did not differ in the evaluation of interventricular septal thickness, LV end‐diastolic diameter and ejection fraction. Significant differences were found between echocardiographic and CMR estimates of LV end‐diastolic volume (P<0·01) and LV mass (P<0·001). Various global LGE patterns (transmural homogenous or heterogeneous, subendocardial) were present in 17 patients (77%), patchy LGE was observed in one case (4·5%) and suboptimal nulling of the myocardium was reported in two subjects (9%).ConclusionsEchocardiography significantly overestimates LV mass and underestimates LV volumes in patients with AL amyloid cardiomyopathy as compared to CMR. As it is present in more than three quarters of individuals with AL amyloid cardiomyopathy, any type of global LGE pattern may be considered as pathogenomic for amyloid heart disease.
Increased adult hippocampal neurogenesis is not necessary for wheel running to abolish conditioned place preference for cocaine in mice
Authors: Mustroph M. L. , Merritt J. R. , Holloway A. L. , Pinardo H. , Miller D. S. , Kilby C. N. , Bucko P. , Wyer A. , Rhodes J. S. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractRecent evidence suggests that wheel running can abolish conditioned place preference (CPP) for cocaine in mice. Running significantly increases the number of new neurons in the hippocampus, and new neurons have been hypothesised to enhance plasticity and behavioral flexibility. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that increased neurogenesis was necessary for exercise to abolish cocaine CPP. Male nestin–thymidine kinase transgenic mice were conditioned with cocaine, and then housed with or without running wheels for 32 days. Half of the mice were fed chow containing valganciclovir to induce apoptosis in newly divided neurons, and the other half were fed standard chow. For the first 10 days, mice received daily injections of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) to label dividing cells. On the last 4 days, mice were tested for CPP, and then euthanized for measurement of adult hippocampal neurogenesis by counting the number of BrdU‐positive neurons in the dentate gyrus. Levels of running were similar in mice fed valganciclovir‐containing chow and normal chow. Valganciclovir significantly reduced the numbers of neurons (BrdU‐positive/NeuN‐positive) in the dentate gyrus of both sedentary mice and runner mice. Valganciclovir‐fed runner mice showed similar levels of neurogenesis as sedentary, normal‐fed controls. However, valganciclovir‐fed runner mice showed the same abolishment of CPP as runner mice with intact neurogenesis. The results demonstrate that elevated adult hippocampal neurogenesis resulting from running is not necessary for running to abolish cocaine CPP in mice.
Does exposure of male Drosophila melanogaster to acute gamma radiation influence egg to adult development time and longevity of F1–F3 offspring?
Authors: Shameer P. Mohamed , Sowmithra K. , Harini B. P. , Chaubey R. C. , Jha S. K. , Shetty N. J. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractTwo‐ to three‐day‐old male Drosophila melanogaster flies were irradiated with 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 20, 25, 30, 40 and 50 Gy doses of gamma radiation. The longevity and rate of development were observed for three successive generations to assess the impact of irradiation. The mean lifespan of irradiated flies was significantly increased at 1, 2 and 8 Gy, while it was vice versa for high doses at 30, 40 and 50 Gy. Paternal irradiation had an impact on F1 generation, with significantly increased mean longevity at 2 (female), 4, 6, 8 and 10 and decreased mean longevity at 40 and 50 Gy (male and female). Significant increase in the longevity was observed in the F2 generation of the 8 (male and female) and 10 Gy (male) irradiated groups, while decreased longevity was observed in F2 female progeny at 40 Gy. In the case of F3 progeny of irradiated flies, longevity did not show significant difference with the control. Paternal exposure to radiation had a significant impact on the mean egg to adult developmental time of the F1 generation; it was shortened at 2 Gy and extended at 25, 30, 40 and 50 Gy compared to the control. Mean development time at 30, 40 and 50 Gy was significantly increased in the F2 generation, while there were no significant changes in the F3 generation. The present study concludes that the effect of acute gamma irradiation on longevity and “egg to adult” development time of D. melanogaster may persist to following generations.
Long‐term LEGO therapy with humanoid robot for children with ASD
Authors: Barakova Emilia I. , Bajracharya Prina , Willemsen Marije , Lourens Tino , Huskens Bibi 
Published: November 2014

AbstractTo utilise the knowledge gained from highly specialised domains as autism therapy to robot‐based interactive training platforms, an innovative design approach is needed. We present the process of content creation and co‐design of LEGO therapy for children with autism spectrum disorders performed by a humanoid robot. The co‐creation takes place across the disciplines of autism therapy, and behavioural robotics, and applies methods from design and human–robot interaction, in order to connect state‐of‐the‐art developments in these disciplines. We designed, carried out and analyzed a pilot and final experiment, in which a robot mediated LEGO therapy between pairs of children was mediated by a robot over the course of 10 to 12 sessions. The impact of the training on the children was then analysed from a clinical and human–robot interaction perspective. Our major findings are as follows: first, game‐based robot scenarios in which the game continues over the sessions opened possibilities for long‐term interventions using robots and led to a significant increase in social initiations during the intervention in natural settings; and second, including dyadic interactions between robot and child within triadic games with robots has positive effects on the children's engagement and on creating learning moments that comply with the chosen therapy framework.
Use of a combined in vitro assay for effect‐directed assessment of infant formulas
Authors: La Rocca Cinzia , Tait Sabrina , Mantovani Alberto 
Published: November 2014

SummaryMilk (M), soya (S) and hypoallergenic (HA) infant formulas were evaluated for an effect‐directed assessment of whole food on human liver (HuH6) and colon (DLD‐1) cell lines. Treatment concentrations were derived from an estimated meal for a 4‐month infant. The expression of a panel of genes (ERα, ERβ, AR, PPARγ, AhR) and functional markers (TNFα, IL‐8 in DLD1; γ‐GT in HuH6) were evaluated comparing results with bisphenol A, vinclozolin, genistein, TCDD and mixture effects at concentrations reflecting dietary exposures. M increased only ERα in DLD‐1; HA affected only DLD‐1 (ERα and ERβ upregulation; AhR and TNFα downregulation); S upregulated ERβ both cell lines), ERα (DLD‐1) and AR (HuH6). Bisphenol A showed similar effects as HA and S in DLD‐1; the mixture upregulated AR and ERβ in HuH6 as S. Although DLD‐1 was more responsive than HuH6, the use of both cell lines and all selected endpoints allow to characterise each tested formula or substance.
An epistemological shift: from evidence‐based medicine to epistemological responsibility
Authors: van Baalen Sophie , Boon Mieke 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn decision making concerning the diagnosis and treatment of patients, doctors have a responsibility to do this to the best of their abilities. Yet we argue that the current paradigm for best medical practice – evidence‐based medicine (EBM) – does not always support this responsibility. EBM was developed to promote a more scientific approach to the practice of medicine. This includes the use of randomized controlled trials in the testing of new treatments and prophylactics and rule‐based reasoning in clinical decision making. But critics of EBM claim that such a scientific approach does not always work in the clinic. In this article, we build on this critique and argue that rule‐based reasoning and the use of general guidelines as promoted by EBM does not accommodate the complex reasoning of doctors in clinical decision making. Instead, we propose that a new medical epistemology is needed that accounts for complex reasoning styles in medical practice and at the same time maintains the quality usually associated with ‘scientific’. The medical epistemology we propose conforms to the epistemological responsibility of doctors, which involves a specific professional attitude and epistemological skills. Instead of deferring part of the professional responsibility to strict clinical guidelines, as EBM allows for, our alternative epistemology holds doctors accountable for epistemic considerations in clinical decision making towards the diagnosis and treatment plan of individual patients. One of the key intellectual challenges of doctors is the ability to bring together heterogeneous pieces of information to construct a coherent ‘picture’ of a specific patient. In the proposed epistemology, we consider this ‘picture’ as an epistemological tool that may then be employed in the diagnosis and treatment of a specific patient.