bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Salesperson compensation contract design based on multi‐agent principal agent model
Authors: Liu Hongyan , Liu Shizheng 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe effective and efficient motivation of the sales personnel affects the sales of a firm directly. The aim of this paper is to study the incentive effects of different compensation contracts under the framework of multi‐agent principal agent model, and it finds that the optimal contract is not the one that ties one salesperson's compensation to his own performance, but the one that ties his compensation to all the salespersons' performance. Factors that influence the incentive degree are also discussed. The purpose of this article is to design a reasonable incentive contract for salespersons where there are competitions between them.Design/methodology/approachA multi‐agent model where the efforts of one agent harm the performance of the other agent is established.FindingsThe optimal compensation of a salesperson is always composed of two parts: an incentive for an agent to improve his own performance and a disincentive for the agent to harm his colleague's performance, provided that there is a competition relationship between the two agents.Research limitations/implicationsThis model applies only to the rewards incentive of multi‐agents with competitive relationships.Practical implicationsThe conclusion could be used anywhere when there are two agents with one's behavior harming the other's performance.Originality/valueA multi‐agent model where the efforts of one agent harm the performance of the other agent is established to study the compensation design problems for agents.
Building competitive advantage through social intrapreneurship
Authors: Venn Ronald , Berg Nicola 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe paper seeks to offer a novel perspective on “deep benefit management” in inclusive business ventures at the Base‐of‐the‐Pyramid (BoP). Furthermore, it explores tensions between social impact creation and financial objectives in multinational corporations (MNCs).Design/methodology/approachThe paper opts for an exploratory research design using empirical data, including an expert interview survey and expert discussions. Data is supplemented by documentary analysis, including corporate publications as well as case and impact studies. The paper applies a nested cross‐case comparison of three sustainability driven initiatives of PHILIPS Electronics.FindingsThe paper provides empirical insights on value creation for customers and partners. Findings indicate the need for “external benefit management”. In addition, MNCs can gain financial as well as non‐financial benefits by venturing at the BoP. “Internal benefit management” should consider employee engagement, reputation, and partnering capabilities. Nevertheless, results indicate conflicts between social and financial objectives to which employees respond with “social intrapreneurship”.Research limitations/implicationsDue to the research methodology, results may not be generalized. Future research is encouraged to corroborate findings.Practical implicationsThe paper develops deep benefit management as a powerful tool to plan, manage, and assess value creation in inclusive BoP ventures. Further, the paper proposes to establish protective space in MNCs to capitalize on social intrapreneurship.Originality/valueThis study provides an enhanced understanding of benefits of and barriers for inclusive business. Novel insights on social intrapreneurship are provided additionally.
From the root to the stem: interaction between the biocontrol root endophyte Pseudomonas fluorescens PICF7 and the pathogen Pseudomonas savastanoi NCPPB 3335 in olive knots
Authors: Maldonado‐González M. Mercedes , Prieto Pilar , Ramos Cayo , Mercado‐Blanco Jesús 
Published: February 2013

SummaryOlive knot disease, caused by Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi, is one of the most important biotic constraints for olive cultivation. Pseudomonas fluorescens PICF7, a natural colonizer of olive roots and effective biological control agent (BCA) against Verticillium wilt of olive, was examined as potential BCA against olive knot disease. Bioassays using in vitro‐propagated olive plants were carried out to assess whether strain PICF7 controlled knot development either when co‐inoculated with the pathogen in stems or when the BCA (in roots) and the pathogen (in stems) were spatially separated. Results showed that PICF7 was able to establish and persist in stem tissues upon artificial inoculation. While PICF7 was not able to suppress disease development, its presence transiently decreased pathogen population size, produced less necrotic tumours, and sharply altered the localization of the pathogen in the hyperplasic tissue, which may pose epidemiological consequences. Confocal laser scanning microscopy combined with fluorescent tagging of bacteria revealed that when PICF7 was absent the pathogen tended to be localized at the knot surface. However, presence of the BCA seemed to confine P. savastanoi at inner regions of the tumours. This approach has also enabled to prove that the pathogen can moved systemically beyond the hypertrophied tissue.
Intravascular metastatic melanoma: A difficult diagnosis
Authors: Ghattas Samer , Howle Julie , Wang Wei , Kefford Richard , Gruenewald Simon 
Published: February 2013

AbstractMelanoma is a common cancer with the potential for widespread metastasis; however intravascular metastasis is extremely rare. We report an unusual case of a patient with metastatic melanoma in whom 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (FDG PET‐CT) demonstrated an intravascular melanoma metastasis in the superior vena cava (SVC), successfully treated with external beam radiotherapy. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case where FDG PET‐CT was used to make this diagnosis.
The distribution of MLL breakpoints correlates with outcome in infant acute leukaemia
Authors: Emerenciano Mariana , Meyer Claus , Mansur Marcela B. , Marschalek Rolf , Pombo‐de‐Oliveira Maria S. ,   The Brazilian Collaborative Study Group of Infant Acute Leukaemia
Published: February 2013

SummaryAcute leukaemia in early childhood ‐ and mainly infant leukaemia (IL) – is characterized by acquired genetic alterations, most commonly by the presence of distinct MLL rearrangements (MLL‐r). The aim of this study was to investigate possible correlations between clinical features and molecular analyses of a series of 545 childhood leukaemia (≤24 months of age) cases: 385 acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and 160 acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The location of the genomic breakpoints was determined in a subset of 30 MLL‐r cases. The overall survival of the investigated cohort was 60·5%, as determined by the Kaplan‐Meier method. Worse outcomes were associated with age at diagnosis ≤6 months (P < 0·001), high white blood cell count (P = 0·001), and MLL‐r (P = 0·002) in ALL, while children with AML displayed a poorer outcome (P = 0·009) regardless of their age strata. Moreover, we present first evidence that MLL‐r patients with poor outcome preferentially displayed chromosomal breakpoints within MLL intron 11. Based on the literature, most MLL‐r IL display a breakpoint localization towards intron 11, which in turn may explain their worse clinical course. In summary, the MLL breakpoint localization is of clinical importance and should be considered as a novel outcome predictor for MLL‐r patients.
Interactive Planarization and Optimization of 3D Meshes
Authors: Poranne Roi , Ovreiu Elena , Gotsman Craig 
Published: February 2013

AbstractConstraining 3D meshes to restricted classes is necessary in architectural and industrial design, but it can be very challenging to manipulate meshes while staying within these classes. Specifically, polyhedral meshes—those having planar faces—are very important, but also notoriously difficult to generate and manipulate efficiently. We describe an interactive method for computing, optimizing and editing polyhedral meshes. Efficiency is achieved thanks to a numerical procedure combining an alternating least‐squares approach with the penalty method. This approach is generalized to manipulate other subsets of polyhedral meshes, as defined by a variety of other constraints.
Efficacy and safety of fumaric acid esters in patients with psoriasis on medication for comorbid conditions – a retrospective evaluation (FACTS)
Authors: Thaçi Diamant , Weisenseel Peter , Philipp Sandra , Rosenbach Thomas , Rotterdam Sebastian , Augustin Matthias , Neureither Marcus , Reich Kristian 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBackgroundSafety and efficacy of fumaric acid esters (FAE) in patients with psoriasis requiring treated comorbidit condition were investigated.Patients and MethodsData collected from 7 dermatology centers were used for a retrospective analysis of patients treated continuously with FAE for at least 6 weeks who required at least one medication for a comorbid condition. The records were analyzed at baseline and after 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months of therapy. Safety parameters were monitored and the severity of skin symptoms was assessed by ‘Physician's Global Assessment’ (PGA).ResultsA total of 69 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and a mean duration of 27.4 months of continuous treatment were included in the study. In less than 5% were interactions between FAE and co‐medications observed. Changes of hepatic, renal or hematological laboratory parameters were usually insignificant and required a modification of FAE treatment in less than 12% of the cases. The percentage of patients documented as markedly improved or clear was 61% after 6 months, 77% after 12 months, and 75% after 24 months of therapy.ConclusionsIn patients with moderate to severe psoriasis on co‐medications, FAE were effective and safe without any noteworthy drug interactions.
Agricultural intensification in Brazil and its effects on land‐use patterns: an analysis of the 1975–2006 period
Authors: Barretto Alberto G. O. P. , Berndes Göran , Sparovek Gerd , Wirsenius Stefan 
Published: February 2013

AbstractDoes agricultural intensification reduce the area used for agricultural production in Brazil? Census and other data for time periods 1975–1996 and 1996–2006 were processed and analyzed using Geographic Information System and statistical tools to investigate whether and if so, how, changes in yield and stocking rate coincide with changes in cropland and pasture area. Complementary medium‐resolution data on total farmland area changes were used in a spatially explicit assessment of the land‐use transitions that occurred in Brazil during 1960–2006. The analyses show that in agriculturally consolidated areas (mainly southern and southeastern Brazil), land‐use intensification (both on cropland and pastures) coincided with either contraction of both cropland and pasture areas, or cropland expansion at the expense of pastures, both cases resulting in farmland stability or contraction. In contrast, in agricultural frontier areas (i.e., the deforestation zones in central and northern Brazil), land‐use intensification coincided with expansion of agricultural lands. These observations provide support for the thesis that (i) technological improvements create incentives for expansion in agricultural frontier areas; and (ii) farmers are likely to reduce their managed acreage only if land becomes a scarce resource. The spatially explicit examination of land‐use transitions since 1960 reveals an expansion and gradual movement of the agricultural frontier toward the interior (center‐western Cerrado) of Brazil. It also indicates a possible initiation of a reversed trend in line with the forest transition theory, i.e., agricultural contraction and recurring forests in marginally suitable areas in southeastern Brazil, mainly within the Atlantic Forest biome. The significant reduction in deforestation that has taken place in recent years, despite rising food commodity prices, indicates that policies put in place to curb conversion of native vegetation to agriculture land might be effective. This can improve the prospects for protecting native vegetation by investing in agricultural intensification.
Bryophyte‐cyanobacteria associations as regulators of the northern latitude carbon balance in response to global change
Authors: Lindo Zoë , Nilsson Marie‐Charlotte , Gundale Michael J. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractEcosystems in the far north, including arctic and boreal biomes, are a globally significant pool of carbon (C). Global change is proposed to influence both C uptake and release in these ecosystems, thereby potentially affecting whether they act as C sources or sinks. Bryophytes (i.e., mosses) serve a variety of key functions in these systems, including their association with nitrogen (N2)‐fixing cyanobacteria, as thermal insulators of the soil, and producers of recalcitrant litter, which have implications for both net primary productivity (NPP) and heterotrophic respiration. While ground‐cover bryophytes typically make up a small proportion of the total biomass in northern systems, their combined physical structure and N2‐fixing capabilities facilitate a disproportionally large impact on key processes that control ecosystem C and N cycles. As such, the response of bryophyte‐cyanobacteria associations to global change may influence whether and how ecosystem C balances are influenced by global change. Here, we review what is known about their occurrence and N2‐fixing activity, and how bryophyte systems will respond to several key global change factors. We explore the implications these responses may have in determining how global change influences C balances in high northern latitudes.
Novel effect of ezetimibe to inhibit the development of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in Fatty Liver Shionogi mouse
Authors: Wang Xiang , Sugimoto Ken , Fujisawa Tomomi , Shindo Nobuyasu , Minato Satomi , Kamada Yoshihiro , Hamano Mina , Ohishi Mitsuru , Ikegami Hiroshi , Rakugi Hiromi 
Published: February 2013

AimSeveral studies using experimental non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) models have shown that ezetimibe, an inhibitor of cholesterol absorption mainly in the intestine, not only protects against diet‐induced hyperlipidemia, but also attenuates liver steatosis. The aim of this study was to clarify whether ezetimibe inhibits the development of NAFLD and to elaborate the mechanism of ezetimibe to inhibit the development of NAFLD using Fatty Liver Shionogi (FLS) mice, a spontaneous model of NAFLD/non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis.MethodsMale FLS mice at 20 weeks of age were divided into two groups (n = 7 in each group). Mice fed a normal laboratory chow, CRF‐1 or CRF‐1 containing 0.005% w/w ezetimibe (7 mg/kg per day) for 4 weeks. After 4‐week treatment with ezetimibe, the livers of each group of mice were subjected to histological as well as molecular evaluation.ResultsEzetimibe administration for 4 weeks was associated with improvement of steatosis and fibrosis of the liver in normal diet‐fed FLS mice. Ezetimibe reduced hepatic reactive oxygen species generation and prevented ubiquitination and protein degradation of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), a key molecule for very low‐density lipoprotein assembly and export, via downregulation of the protein expression of Skp2 and CDC20.ConclusionEzetimibe not only reduced lipid synthesis in the liver, but also promoted lipid discharge from the liver by preventing post‐translational degradation of MTP via a reduction of hepatic reactive oxygen species generation, leading to inhibition of the development of NAFLD.
Application of Thin‐Film Manufacturing Technologies to Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and Gas Separation Membranes
Authors: Menzler Norbert H. , Han Feng , van Gestel Tim , Schafbauer Wolfgang , Schulze‐Küppers Falk , Baumann Stefan , Uhlenbruck Sven , Meulenberg Wilhelm A. , Blum Ludger , Buchkremer Hans Peter 
Published: February 2013

The implementation of thin‐film technologies in energy‐related applications, such as special fuel cells and gas separation membranes for low‐emission power plants, is essential in terms of enhancing the functionality, reducing operating temperatures, and increasing lifetime. Introducing thin electrolyte layers into solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) decreases the internal cell resistance and thus drastically enhances the power density. This supports the goal of reducing the operation temperature from ~800°C to temperatures below 700°C. As the operation temperature is lowered, the temperature‐activated degradation processes are slowed down, and 40,000 h of operation becomes feasible. Reducing the thickness of the gas separation membranes also reduces internal losses, and therefore, the rate‐limiting steps within the layer. Thinner functional layers possess higher permeabilities but also involve a risk of more layer defects. This also holds for the fuel cells. Thus, the manufacturing of the supports and the intermediate layers is also very important. The paper gives an overview of the application of thin‐film technologies to SOFCs and gas separation membranes and highlights the efforts to date. Examples include SOFC stacks operated stably for in excess of 40,000 h and submicron‐sized membranes with high permeability and good separation factors.
Trephination of the Frontal Sinuses and Instillation of Clotrimazole Cream: A Computed Tomographic Study in Canine Cadavers
Authors: Burrow Rachel , Baker Martin , White Lindsay , McConnell James Fraser 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo use computed tomography (CT) to assess the distribution of surgically administered clotrimazole cream and associated filling of the frontal sinuses and caudal aspect of the nasal cavities in canine cadavers.Study DesignObservational study.AnimalsSmall (n = 1) and medium‐large (n = 11) breed canine cadavers.MethodsCT scans of 12 cadaveric canine heads were used to confirm absence of sinonasal disease. Then after creating an opening into the left and right frontal sinuses with a 3.2 mm Steinmann pin at standardized landmarks, clotrimazole cream (20 g) was instilled into each side. Postoperative CT scans of the heads was used to assess the distribution and degree of filling of the sinonasal cavities with clotrimazole cream, and to identify any damage to local structures.ResultsFilling was excellent in 22 sinuses, very poor in 2, and excellent in all caudal nasal cavities. Two cadavers had damage: unilateral penetration of the cranium (2) and unilateral penetration of the lateral sinus wall (1).ConclusionExcellent filling of most of the frontal sinuses and caudal nasal cavity of cadavers with clotrimazole cream is achieved when administered by this technique. Damage to local structures may occur intraoperatively using this technique.
Frequency of rebleeding events in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding with negative capsule endoscopy
Authors: Kim Ji‐Beom , Ye Byong Duk , Song Yelim , Yang Dong‐Hoon , Jung Kee Wook , Kim Kyung‐Jo , Byeon Jeong‐Sik , Myung Seung‐Jae , Yang Suk‐Kyun , Kim Jin‐Ho 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackground and AimsAlthough capsule endoscopy (CE) is widely used as a first‐line diagnostic modality for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), the rebleeding rate after negative CE varies according to different studies. We tried to elucidate the outcomes after negative CE for OGIB and to determine the risk factors associated with rebleeding.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data from 125 patients who had received CE for OGIB.ResultsPillCam SB capsules were used for 92 patients (73.6%) and SB2 capsules for the other 33 (26.4%). The complete visualization of the small bowel was achieved in 93 patients (74.4%). Of the 63 patients (50.4%) who showed negative CE results, 60 patients did not receive any further specific treatment for OGIB, and were analyzed for the rebleeding rate and risk factors for rebleeding. Of the 60 patients, rebleeding episodes were observed in 16 patients (26.7%), and the cumulative rebleeding rates after 6, 12, 24, and 36 months were 12.4%, 14.3%, 28.7%, and 35.9%, respectively. Substantial rebleeding events were observed with similar frequency both after negative CE without subsequent treatment (26.7%) and after positive CE without specific treatment (21.2%) (P = 0.496).ConclusionsConsiderable rebleeding episodes were observed after negative CE result for OGIB. Further complementary diagnostic work‐ups and close follow‐up are needed to be considered for patients with OGIB and negative CE results.
A Bayesian Approach to Analyzing Replicated Preference Tests
Authors: Dubnicka Suzanne R. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractReplicated preference tests have become important tools for assessing consistency in consumer preferences in repeated tests as well as overall consumer preference. Replicated preference tests can also provide the means for separating discriminators from nondiscriminators. Despite the increasing popularity of replicated preference tests, there are relatively few statistical tools for their analysis, especially when one is interested in examining the consistency of consumer preferences across tests. This paper presents flexible Bayesian methods for examining overall consumer preference and consistency of consumer preference in replicated preference tests. In particular, this paper presents Bayesian methods for forced‐choice preference testing with two tests and then extends this methodology to include forced‐choice preference testing with more than two tests and replicated preference testing with a no‐preference or no‐choice option. The methods produce intuitive and easily interpreted probabilities. These methods are applied to various replicated preferences test data from the literature.Practical ApplicationsThe Bayesian methods presented in this paper will help sensory scientists and statisticians working with sensory data to explore data from replicated preference tests more thoroughly. Much of the currently used methodology only allows scientists to assess the overall preference for a particular product, although a measure of overdispersion is sometimes incorporated. The methodology in this paper allows for a wider array of questions to be answered. In particular, this paper focuses on consumers' ability to consistently choose the same product. Initiallly, the methods apply to forced‐choice tests, but they are later extended to include a no‐preference option. Allowing for a no‐preference options is another important contribution of this work.
Fluoxetine reduces periodontal disease progression in a conditioned fear stress model in rats
Authors: Aguiar J. C. A. , Gomes E. P. P. , Fonseca‐Silva T. , Velloso N. A. , Vieira L. T. , Fernandes M. F. , Santos S. H. S. , Neto J. F. R. , De‐Paula A. M. B. , Guimarães A. L. S. 
Published: February 2013

Background and ObjectiveRecent evidence suggests that the use of fluoxetine could reduce periodontal disease severity. However, the effect of fluoxetine on periodontal disease has not been tested in the context of conditioned fear stress (CFS). We hypothesized that inhibition of chronic stress by fluoxetine might decrease the levels of bone loss in periodontal disease. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of fluoxetine on bone loss in chronic periodontitis.Material and MethodsFourteen Wistar rats were submitted to ligature‐induced periodontal disease and divided into four groups (A–D). Groups A (n = 3) and B (n = 4) were not stressed, while Groups C (n = 3) and D (n = 4) were submitted to a CFS paradigm for 38 d. Daily fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) was administered to Groups B and D from day 20 to day 39, at which point the rats were submitted to an open field test and killed on day 40. Mandibles were removed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses.ResultsStress was associated with a higher level of bone loss in Group C compared with Group A. Additionally, no differences in bone loss were observed among Groups A, B and D.ConclusionWe showed that stress is associated with the progression of bone loss in a CFS model in rats and that fluoxetine treatment reduces the bone loss.