bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacterial community structure on two alpine debris-covered glaciers and biogeography of Polaromonas phylotypes
Authors: Franzetti Andrea , Tatangelo Valeria , Gandolfi Isabella , Bertolini Valentina , Bestetti Giuseppina , Diolaiuti Guglielmina , D’Agata Carlo , Mihalcea Claudia , Smiraglia Claudio , Ambrosini Roberto 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
High-elevation cold environments are considered ideal places to test hypotheses about mechanisms of bacterial colonization and succession, and about bacterial biogeography. Debris-covered glaciers (glaciers whose ablation area is mainly covered by a continuous layer of rock debris fallen from the surrounding mountains) have never been investigated in this respect so far. We used the Illumina technology to analyse the V5 and V6 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplified from 38 samples collected in July and September 2009 at different distances from the terminus on two debris-covered glaciers (Miage and Belvedere—Italian Alps). Heterotrophic taxa-dominated communities and bacterial community structure changed according to ice ablation rate, organic carbon content of the debris and distance from the glacier terminus. Bacterial communities therefore change during downwards debris transport, and organic carbon of these recently exposed substrates is probably provided more by allochthonous deposition of organic matter than by primary production by autotrophic organisms. We also investigated whether phylotypes of the genus Polaromonas, which is ubiquitous in cold environments, do present a biogeographical distribution by analysing the sequences retrieved in this study together with others available in the literature. We found that the genetic distance among phylotypes increased with geographic distance; however, more focused analyses using discrete distance classes revealed that both sequences collected at sites &lt;100 km and at sites 9400–13 500 km to each other were more similar than those collected at other distance classes. Evidences of biogeographic distribution of Polaromonas phylotypes were therefore contrasting.
High‐intensity vs. sham inspiratory muscle training in patients with chronic heart failure: a prospective randomized trial
Authors: Marco Ester , Ramírez‐Sarmiento Alba L. , Coloma Ana , Sartor Monique , Comin‐Colet Josep , Vila Joan , Enjuanes Cristina , Bruguera Jordi , Escalada Ferran , Gea Joaquim , Orozco‐Levi Mauricio 
Published: March 2013

AimsThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility, and safety of a 4‐week high‐intensity inspiratory muscle training (hi‐IMT) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).Methods and resultsA double‐blind randomized clinical trial was carried out in 22 patients with CHF. Participants were assigned to the hi‐IMT or sham‐IMT group. The trainer device was a prototype of the Orygen‐Dual Valve®. The training workloads were adjusted weekly at the inspiratory pressure which allowed the performance of 10 consecutive maximal repetitions (10RM). Main outcomes were strength and endurance of the respiratory muscles assessed by maximal respiratory pressures (PImax and PEmax) and a 10RM manoeuvre, respectively. Twenty‐one patients presented impairment in respiratory muscle strength and endurance. Patients in the hi‐IMT group showed a significant improvement in both strength and endurance: inspiratory muscle strength in the intervention group increased 57.2% compared with 25.9% in the control group (P = 0.001). The percentage change in endurance was 72.7% for the hi‐IMT group compared with 18.2% in the sham‐IMT group (P < 0.001). No adverse effects occurred during the intervention.ConclusionA 4‐week hi‐IMT with the use of the Orygen‐Dual Valve® is shown to be an effective, feasible, and safe tool to improve weakness and fatigue of the inspiratory muscles. The key point of this study is to discuss immediate practical implications in terms of respiratory muscle dysfunction postulated as a potential prognostic factor and as an additional therapeutic target.Trials registrationNCT01606553.
The ‘Echo Heart Failure Score’: an echocardiographic risk prediction score of mortality in systolic heart failure
Authors: Carluccio Erberto , Dini Frank Lloyd , Biagioli Paolo , Lauciello Rosanna , Simioniuc Anca , Zuchi Cinzia , Alunni Gianfranco , Reboldi Gianpaolo , Marzilli Mario , Ambrosio Giuseppe 
Published: March 2013

AimsAlthough many transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) measurements have been shown to predict outcome in heart failure (HF), whether incremental risk prediction is afforded by their combination is unknown. We developed a simple echocardiographic risk score of mortality in HF patients.Methods and resultsWe performed TTE in 747 systolic HF patients followed‐up for 34 ± 23 months. The Cox hazard model was used to evaluate the association between 14 TTE parameters and death. The Echo Heart Failure Score (EHFS) was derived by assigning the value of 1 to each independent predictor when present, and 0 when it was absent, and then by summing the number. The 3‐year risk prediction improvement was tested by adding the EHFS to a model containing clinical predictors, and by calculating the C index and net reclassification improvement (NRI). Five baseline TTE variables (end‐systolic volume index, left atrial volume index, mitral E‐wave deceleration time, tricuspid annular peak systolic excursion, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure) remained independent predictors of mortality. The mortality rate (per 100 patients/year) significantly increased with EHFS ranging from 0 to 5 (EHFS = 0, 2.7%; 1, 5.2%; 2, 10.1%; 3, 13.7%, 4, 29.7%; 5, 36.9%; P < 0.0001). Patients with EHFS ≥3 had a mortality hazard ratio of 3.58 (95% confidence interval 2.74–4.78) compared with EHFS <3. Adding EHFS to the base model improved the C index (from 0.74 to 0.81, P < 0.0001), yielding a continuous NRI of 0.63 (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe EHFS, an easily obtainable echo score, improved risk prediction of death over traditional prognostic factors in systolic HF patients, and it may prove useful for risk stratification.
Differential clinical characteristics and prognosis of intraventricular conduction defects in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Cinca Juan , Mendez Ana , Puig Teresa , Ferrero Andreu , Roig Eulalia , Vazquez Rafael , Gonzalez‐Juanatey Jose R. , Alonso‐Pulpon Luis , Delgado Juan , Brugada Josep , Pascual‐Figal Domingo ,   on behalf of the investigators of the Spanish Heart Failure Network (REDINSCOR)
Published: March 2013

AimsIntraventricular conduction defects (IVCDs) can impair prognosis of heart failure (HF), but their specific impact is not well established. This study aimed to analyse the clinical profile and outcomes of HF patients with LBBB, right bundle branch block (RBBB), left anterior fascicular block (LAFB), and no IVCDs.Methods and resultsClinical variables and outcomes after a median follow‐up of 21 months were analysed in 1762 patients with chronic HF and LBBB (n = 532), RBBB (n = 134), LAFB (n = 154), and no IVCDs (n = 942). LBBB was associated with more marked LV dilation, depressed LVEF, and mitral valve regurgitation. Patients with RBBB presented overt signs of congestive HF and depressed right ventricular motion. The LAFB group presented intermediate clinical characteristics, and patients with no IVCDs were more often women with less enlarged left ventricles and less depressed LVEF. Death occurred in 332 patients (interannual mortality = 10.8%): cardiovascular in 257, extravascular in 61, and of unknown origin in 14 patients. Cardiac death occurred in 230 (pump failure in 171 and sudden death in 59). An adjusted Cox model showed higher risk of cardiac death and pump failure death in the LBBB and RBBB than in the LAFB and the no IVCD groups.ConclusionLBBB and RBBB are associated with different clinical profiles and both are independent predictors of increased risk of cardiac death in patients with HF. A more favourable prognosis was observed in patients with LAFB and in those free of IVCDs. Further research in HF patients with RBBB is warranted.
One year clinical efficacy and reverse cardiac remodelling in patients with severe mitral regurgitation and reduced ejection fraction after MitraClip© implantation
Authors: Pleger Sven T. , Schulz‐Schönhagen Marius , Geis Nicolas , Mereles Derliz , Chorianopoulos Emmanuel , Antaredja Muliadi , Lewening Markus , Katus Hugo A. , Bekeredjian Raffi 
Published: March 2013

AimsThe aim of the present study was to investigate 1 year clinical and functional efficacy of percutaneous mitral valve (MV) repair using MitraClip™ in high‐risk surgical patients with symptomatic severe MV regurgitation (MR) and reduced LVEF.Methods and resultsBetween September 2009 and November 2011, 59 patients with reduced EF and severe MR received endovascular MV repair using MitraClip™. Patients were characterized after 1 and 12 months using echocardiography, 6 min walk test distance, and cardiac biomarkers. The predicted 30‐day surgical perioperative mortality rate was 11.4 ±2.2% using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons' score. Complete 1‐year clinical follow‐up was achieved in 70% of the patients (n = 41; EF 33 ±3%). Percutaneous MV repair resulted in significantly reduced MR and improved NYHA functional class, translating into significantly increased 6 min walk test distance, while high‐sensitive troponin T (P < 0.05) and NT‐proBNP (non‐significant) were reduced. Echocardiography revealed structural reverse remodelling with significantly reduced left atrial volume and LV end‐systolic diameter, as well as significantly increased LVEF. These results were consistent in a subgroup of patients with severely reduced LVEF (EF 23 ±2%; n = 25). Thirty‐day mortality was 2.9%.ConclusionPercutaneous MV repair using MitraClip™ is a safe technique in high‐risk surgical patients, causing significant 1 year reduction of MR which results in structural cardiac reverse remodelling and an increased LVEF. The present data encourage percutaneous MV repair in heart failure patients.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic studies of the CARD domain of human CARMA1
Authors: Park Jin Hee , Park Hyun Ho 
Published: March 2013

The CARMA1 signalosome, which is composed of CARMA1 [caspase recruitment domain (CARD) containing MAGUK protein 1], BCL10 (B-cell lymphoma 10) and MALT1 (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1), is a molecular-signalling complex that performs pivotal functions in T-cell receptor (TCR) and B-cell receptor (BCR) mediated NF-κB activation. In this study, the CARD domain of human CARMA1 (CARMA1 CARD), corresponding to amino acids 14–109, was overexpressed inEscherichia coliusing an engineered C-terminal His tag. CARMA1 CARD was then purified to homogeneity and crystallized at 293 K. Finally, X-ray diffraction data were collected to a resolution of 3.2 Å from a crystal belonging to space groupP212121with unit-cell parametersa= 45.73,b= 53.37,c = 91.89 Å.
Evaluation on net strength and arresting performance of aircraft arresting system by FE method
Authors: Yan Xiaojun , Deng Ying , Hui Zhang 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an effective way to evaluate structure strength margin of AAS (aircraft arresting system) barrier net and efficiency of its control scheme.Design/methodology/approachA numerical method to deal with barrier net strength design of AAS by means of nonlinear finite element (FE) has been used in this paper. The key of the simulation is that a special technique is proposed to cope with the arresting forces exerted on the tapes as boundary conditions, so the time history of stress/force distribution of AAS key components can be obtained. Also some techniques measures are taken to ensure good numerical convergence for this complex nonlinear system.FindingsThe simulation results cannot only provide the general important performance indexes of AAS, such as run‐out distance and the maximum deceleration of the arrested aircraft, but also present stress or force contours of barrier net, tapes and aircraft, etc. therefore it is easy to evaluate the component's strength when a specific control scheme is adopted.Practical implicationsFrom component/structure strength perspective, this paper gives a practical engineering design method to evaluate performance of AAS.Originality/valueThe paper is probably the first to give a method which can evaluate AAS components strength considering their 3D geometry, and also its control scheme. The method has been validated through experimental results.
Concept optimisation of fermented functional cereal beverages
Authors: Yu Huan , Bogue Joe 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis research aims to generate consumer knowledge to facilitate the development of new product concepts with optimal product design attributes for new fermented functional cereal beverages (FFCBs) with high market potential.Design/methodology/approachThis research employed a sequential mixed research approach which integrated both qualitative and quantitative methods. A total of 12 in‐depth interviews and three focus groups were carried out to identify product concepts for new FFCBs. A conjoint model (n=299) was then developed to evaluate product‐specific factors that influenced consumer acceptance of FFCBs.FindingsPotential target consumers of FFCBs were more likely to be young females who had relatively high educational and income levels. “Flavour” and “health/nutritional claim” were found to be the most important product attributes for consumers. The simulation analysis predicted two FFCB concepts for target consumers.Research limitations/implicationsAs there is a limited range of FFCBs on the market, the concept of FFCBs may be novel to consumers. Further research would be beneficial that closely integrates the strategic marketing of FFCBs with sensory analysis conducted on a range of these beverages.Practical implicationsDuring the early stages of the new product development (NPD) process, a market‐oriented research methodology can help optimise product concepts in terms of product attributes that drive consumer acceptance.Originality/valueThis paper provides an important insight into the significance of market‐oriented knowledge generation techniques for the development of new cereal‐based functional foods. It provides market‐oriented information on FFCBs which can be valuable for food manufacturers to maximise NPD performance and to gain competitive advantage in the functional beverages market.
Forecasting regime switches to assist decision making
Authors: Huarng Kun‐Huang , Hui‐Kuang Yu Tiffany 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a novel model to forecast regime switches in a time series to assist decision making.Design/methodology/approachThe authors apply the clustering technique to group the data into five states. Then, a model is proposed to formulate the relationships from in‐sample observations, including regime switch relationships. Afterwards, the model uses the relationships to forecast the regime switches in out‐sample observations.FindingsThe study uses daily Taiwan Stock Exchange Capitalization Weighted Stock Index as the forecasting target. Regime switches in in‐sample observations are identified. And a regime switch is successfully forecasted by the proposed model.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed model identifies a regime switch which matches the real event. It implies that the proposed model can be applied to other time series, such as Dow Jones or NASDAQ.Originality/valuePrevious studies contribute to the forecasting of regime switches. The forecasting results are validated with the real event. One of the forecasted regime switches matches the event of Lehman Brothers' declaring of bankruptcy.
Shared or non‐shared?
Authors: Kerrane Ben , Hogg Margaret K. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine children's consumption experiences within families in order to investigate the role that different family environments play in the consumer socialisation of children.Design/methodology/approachKey consumer socialisation literature is reviewed and family communication patterns and parental socialisation style studies are introduced. Such studies argue for the homogenous and shared nature of the family environment for children. A three‐stage qualitative study of six families is reported, incorporating existential phenomenological interviews. The voices of children and their parents are captured, and the transcribed interview texts are analyzed on two levels (within and across family cases) using a hermeneutical process.FindingsThe findings of the study point towards the differential treatment of children within the family environment by both parents and siblings. It is proposed that children inhabit a unique position, or micro‐environment, within their family setting. Consumer micro‐environments are introduced; these have important implications in terms of children's consumption behaviour and, more importantly, their consumer socialisation process within the family setting.Research limitations/implicationsConsumer micro‐environments have potentially important implications in any re‐evaluation of the literature on consumer socialisation, and it is suggested that children may not have equal access to socialisation advice and support offered by family members. A limited number of families and family types are recruited in this exploratory study, and scope exists to explore family micro‐environments across a greater variety of family forms.Originality/valueA series of micro‐environments, which have implications for the consumer socialisation of children, will be developed on a theoretical level. Existing consumer research views the family environment in homogenous terms, with suggestions that children are socialised by their parents in a similar manner (inhabiting a shared family environment). These findings problematise such a view and also offer insights into the role played by siblings in the consumer socialisation process.
Cultural drivers and trust outcomes of consumer perceptions of organizational unethical marketing behavior
Authors: Leonidou Leonidas C. , Leonidou Constantinos N. , Kvasova Olga 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and test a model that focuses on the cultural drivers and trust outcomes of consumer perceptions on issues pertaining to the unethical marketing behavior of firms. It specifically investigates: the role of cultural orientation in forming consumer ethical ideology; the link between the consumer's ethical ideology and his/her perceptions regarding the unethical marketing behavior of firms; the effect of perceived unethical marketing behavior on trust in firms; and the moderating role of gender, age, and education of the consumer.Design/methodology/approachThe article is based on a quantitative survey conducted among 387 Cypriot consumers aged 18 and above, using stratified random sampling procedures. The items comprising the constructs used were derived from multiple literature sources and these were measured on a seven‐point Likert scale. Data were gathered through personal, face‐to‐face interviews conducted at central locations in all major towns of Cyprus. To test the hypothesized relationships among the constructs of the model, structural equation modeling was employed.FindingsThe study confirmed that both power distance and uncertainty avoidance are important in forming idealistic attitudes, while both individualism and masculinity lead to an egoistic attitude. Idealism was observed to have a positive association with perceived marketing unethicality, while egoism was found to negatively affect consumer perceptions of unethical marketing behavior by firms. It was also revealed that perceived unethical marketing behavior decreases consumer trust. The study also revealed that the link between idealism and perceived marketing unethicality is stronger among male and older individuals, while consumer's level of education had no moderating impact on this link. Finally, none of the consumer demographics examined (i.e. gender, age, and education) moderated the association between egoism and perceived unethical marketing behavior.Originality/valueThe originality of the study lies in the fact that: it puts together in a single model both antecedents and outcomes of the marketing unethicality of firms, as this is perceived by the individual consumer; concurrently examines the role of cultural orientation and ethical ideology of the consumer in forming ethical attitudes and responses; focuses on the instrumental role of cultural characteristics on consumer ethical perceptions from the perspective of the individual, rather than the society as a whole; places emphasis on unethical issues taking place across all elements of the marketing mix; and provides useful examination of the effects of unethical marketing practices on consumer trust.
Factors influencing consumer evaluations of gift promotions
Authors: Buil Isabel , de Chernatony Leslie , Montaner Teresa 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to shed light on the determinants of consumers' evaluations and purchase intentions of gift promotions. Factors analysed relate to the promoted product, the gift, the relationship between the product and the gift, and consumer traits and perceptions.Design/methodology/approachA 2 (product type: utilitarian vs hedonic) × 2 (gift type: utilitarian vs hedonic) × 2 (brand type: high equity vs medium equity) between‐subjects factorial design was undertaken. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses on a sample of 247 respondents in the UK.FindingsGift attractiveness is the most important driver of consumers' overall evaluation of gift promotions, followed by the attitude toward the promoted brand, the perceived fit between the promoted product and the gift, the hedonic nature of the gift, plus value expression and entertainment benefits perceived by consumers. Results also reveal that deal proneness is positively associated with the hedonic benefits of value expression benefit and entertainment benefit. Finally, the overall evaluation of gift promotions with both brand attitudes and deal proneness positively influences consumers' purchase intentions.Research limitations/implicationsTo generalise these findings, future research should use a wider sample.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study provide guidelines for marketers designing their gift promotional strategies.Originality/valueThe increased popularity of gift promotions necessitates a better understanding of the factors influencing consumers' evaluations. This study addresses the lack of research in this area by simultaneously investigating the effect of different key factors.