bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupational Mobility and Social Status: The Welsh Experience in Sharon, Pennsylvania, 1880–1930
Authors: Tyler Robert Llewellyn
Published: January 2016

This article identifies the Welsh as a distinct ethnolinguistic community in Sharon, Mercer County, during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and provides an analysis of intragenerational and intergenerational changes in socioeconomic status, as indicated by occupational shifts. The study provides a clearer picture than the images promulgated by contemporary Welsh leaders who strove to emphasize the industry and upward mobility of their fellow countrymen.
The Quaker Exiles: “The Cause of Every Inhabitant”
Authors: Whidbee Paige L.
Published: January 2016

In 1777 twenty-two Philadelphia Quakers were arrested by the new American government, who suspected the Quakers harbored loyalist sentiments. They were unable to support any charges against them with evidence. To keep these Quakers incarcerated, the government denied them a hearing, removed them from Pennsylvania, and had them imprisoned at a farm in Virginia. Far from home and denied a hearing, the exiled Quakers resorted to publishing petitions, letters, and pamphlets to argue for their release. This article will show that these arguments succeeded because they employed the same rhetoric and ideals that the Revolution's leaders used to justify the fight for Independence. Quaker use of this rhetoric forced the Revolution's leaders to meaningfully confront the contradictions between their promises about liberty and their actions, and established the Friends' response strategy as an effective tool for similar groups to use in the future.
Predicting Consumer Intention to Use Mobile Payment Services: Empirical Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen The Ninh , Cao Tuan Khanh , Dang Phuong Linh , Nguyen Hien Anh
Published: January 2016

Mobile payment has relative advantages compared to other payment methods, thus providing benefits for both consumers and the society. This study attempts to examine factors influencing consumer intention to use mobile payment services. Survey data are used to investigate the impact of consumers’ perceptions of mobile payment services and social influence on use intention. Empirical evidence from 489 Vietnamese consumers confirms a significant relationship between the factors and behavioral intention, and reveals that perceived trust is the strongest predictor of intention to use mobile payment services followed by perceived ease of use, perceived enjoyment, perceived behavioral control, perceived usefulness and subjective norm, respectively. The results contribute to the evolving literature, and suggest that mobile payment service providers should particularly focus on building up consumer trust, and making their services clear, understandable and easy to use. Future research directions for extending this study are also discussed.
Website Design, Technological Expertise, Demographics, and Consumer’s E-purchase Transactions
Authors: Saleh Mahmoud Abel Hamid
Published: January 2016

This study investigates the association of e-retailer’s website design, the consumers’ technological expertise, and some demographic characteristics with e-purchase transactions. The study was conducted on a sample of 290 respondents of Saudi consumers who had online purchase. The findings revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between the consumers’ technological expertise and their e-purchase transactions. The study also demonstrated no relationship between the e-retailer’s website design and the consumers’ e-purchase transactions. Regarding demographics and consumers’ e-purchase transactions, the study found nonsignificant differences between males and females, as well as among the different levels of education, as opposed to significant differences among the consumer’s monthly income levels in favor of higher-income consumers, and among different age levels in favor of the age 35-45 category. To help both marketers and consumers to gain the benefits of e-purchase, the study recommended e-marketers to establish marketing activities that enhance the consumer adoption of e-shopping; giving more concern to order processing as an important strategy for differentiation and positioning. The study also recommended e-retailers to focus on entertaining and luxury products to attract higher-income consumers. Furthermore, the study advised e-retailers to extensively do consumer behavior research as a base to enhance the planning of e-marketing strategies and activities.
A Study of the Impact of Marketing Mix for Attracting Medical Tourism in Jordan
Authors: Al-Azzam Abdel Fattah Mahmoud
Published: January 2016

Travel around the world for medical treatment is becoming further and further pronounced today. Furthermore, the basic premise of the medical tourism is that the care of the same or better quality of care, might be available in other countries, and acquired at a cheaper cost than in their country of origin (Jordan Tourism Board, 2015). Jordan, as one of the main destinations in medical tourism sector that is rapidly increasing, is developing worldwide trademark as “The Medical Hub of Middle East”. These days several Middle Eastern countries such as Jordan, with a high potential for attracting medical tourism has been trying to enter this market. The objective of this study was to determine the marketing mix to attract medical tourism to Jordan and evaluated the actual potential foreign patients represented by cost, quality and other aspects of recognition of the role of government and relevant bodies in this market. Jordanian medical facilities according to special circumstances of Jordan can offer a huge potential for medical and health tourism and Jordan can become a hub of medical tourism in the area in future.
Consumer Adoption of Cloud Computing Services in Germany: Investigation of Moderating Effects by Applying an UTAUT Model
Authors: Moryson Heiko , Moeser Guido
Published: January 2016

Cloud computing services have been growing rapidly in recent years, with Dropbox, Apple iCloud and Google Drive being amongst the most established. The main purpose of this study was to investigate whether there were moderator effects for cloud usage. Therefore, Gender, Age, IT Experience, and Usage Context were included as moderating variables. Theoretical backbone was an extension of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Herby, we investigated the UTAUT-determinants Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Facilitating Conditions, and Social Influence plus incorporated external factors Attitude towards Use, Perceived Security Risks and Perceived Trust into the research model.

Data was conducted via a web survey amongst internet users in Germany during October 2014. A total of 2135 panelists started the questionnaire with 2040 finishing. Data basis for the analyses was the number of cloud computing users (n=1047). Operationalization was tested using confirmatory factor analyses and causal hypotheses were evaluated by means of structural equation modeling. In addition, the critical ratios approach was applied to investigate moderating effects.

Firstly, the results show that extended UTAUT is a robust research model. In detail, Social Influence, Performance Expectancy Effort Expectancy, and Perceived Security Risks were shown to significantly impact Attitude towards Use cloud services. The combination of all constructs used accounted for 67.2% of the variances observed in users’ attitude and 82.4% in users’ intention to use cloud services. Secondly, we found the moderating effect for all factors investigated, particularly gender and IT experience were shown to significantly moderate attitude and behavioral intention to use cloud services.
Online and Offline Shopping Motivation of Apparel Consumers in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Falode Bukola Olamidun , Amubode Adetoun Adedotun , Adegunwa Mojisola Olanike , Ogunduyile Sunday Roberts
Published: January 2016

Shopping today is much more than just buying, it is an experience itself. Consumers now value convenience and choice as well as getting value for their hard-earned money. Motivation is where consumption starts, where it all begins, with the acknowledgement of a need. Online shopping has shown to provide more satisfaction to modern consumers seeking convenience and speed, however, in a country like Nigeria, consumers still buy a lot from shops and malls thereby still making offline shopping very relevant. This research made use of multi-stage sampling; using purposive, simple random and convenience sampling techniques. A four point Likert Scale was used to measure consumers’ shopping motivation and preferred shopping platform.

Most of the research on online shopping focuses on consumers in developed countries with little or none among Nigerian consumers. Consequently, this study provides information on apparel shopping motivation (utilitarian and hedonic) of the average Nigerian; such information is beneficial for online and offline Fashion merchants that seek to retain customers.

Consumers of this study were affected by all the utilitarian motivating factors as well as almost all the hedonic shopping motivations measured. It was revealed that the respondents preferred to shop offline than online shopping platforms.

In conclusion, the consumers of this study are fashion conscious, utilitarian and hedonic shoppers, however, they prefer the offline shopping platforms.
Understanding the Impact of the Brand Experience on Brand Reputation by the Moderating Role of Technology Turbulence
Authors: Ozyer Yagmur
Published: January 2016

Brand experience is the conceptualization of the brand’s design, identity, packaging and connection that will remind the brand’s perceptual, cognitive, emotional and behavioral reflections. In brand studies, mostly brand behavior, attitudes and feelings are analyzed. The brand experience arises not only under a general constraint or emotion situation but also in a more customized and detailed combination of feelings, perceptions, emotions and behaviors. This combination points out that brand consumers evaluate the brands and companies not only with the general sense or general behavior but also with more complex combinations. Brand’s organizational reputation arises not only from brand’s reputation of being a reliable brand, but also from emotional appeal, products and services, vision and leadership, workplace environment, which are also associated with factors such as social and environmental responsibility and financial performance. Brand experience influences the formation of this multifactorial brand reputation. The consumers in contact with the brand perceive the reputation of the brand they consume according to their experience in an environment where technology and market change constantly. This research examines the role of technological and market uncertainty which is a dimension of environmental uncertainty on the relationship between brand reputation and brand experience, which has emotional, behavioral and intellectual dimensions.
The Role of Marketing Information Systems in Reducing the Affects of the International Financial Crisis: A Study Applied on the Banks Working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from Islamic Perspective
Authors: Barakat Hamdi Jaber , Shatnawi Hisham Ali , Ismail Shaker Turki
Published: January 2016

The study aimed to measure the impact of the elements of marketing system in the banks working in Saudi Arabia and its role in meeting the effects of reducing the price of oil by the lawful rules.

The population of the study included three banks in all branches working in Saudi Arabia. The intentional sample was withdrawn for the distribution of the study tool (questionnaire) which included marketing managers, where 89 questionnaires were recovered and 75 questionnaires were appropriate for analysis issues.

The effects of the financial crisis on marketing banks working in Saudi Arabia due to a set of independent variables were formulated as hypotheses represented by: (the dimensions of marketing information systems, the Islamic requirements in marketing the Islamic banks, the core differences between the banks working in Saudi Arabia due to the marketing information systems) in order to measure its impact on the dependent variable (the ability of the banks working in Saudi Arabia to stand up and meet the effects of financial crisis). The hypotheses were selected due to (SPSS) method at the statistical significance 5%.

The researchers came up with a set of results that supported the hypotheses of the study showing the importance of marketing systems as independent variables in marketing and activating the Islamic financial management in the banks working in Saudi Arabia to prevent the effects of the financial crisis. It was notified that all independent variables that were mentioned above affected the dependent variable. In the light of conclusions, a set of recommendations were provided to enhance the role of marketing information system and activate the marketing of tools of banks working in Saudi Arabia to meet the financial crisis and reduce its effects.
Exploring Roles, Requirements and Rewards in French and English-Canadian Business Development Job Postings
Authors: Turgeon Normand
Published: January 2016

This paper examines the content of job postings in business development, a new career path proliferating around the world. Content analysis of 48 advertisements, half of which appeared in French and the other half in English, was conducted, and the results regarding roles, requirements rewards are presented according to two languages of work, the cultural expression mode of organizations. We find that business developers are heavily involved in implementing commercialization activities, mainly in the joint marketing-sales process. To a lesser extent, they also assume the roles of analysis, planning and control of these activities. Concerning the impact of cultural belonging, significant differences were noted for criteria associated with all three of the categories studied. More knowledge of business development is needed to better guide marketing and sales instructors, and to satisfy the needs of organizations seeking these commercialization professionals.
Marketing Innovation and Key Performance Indicator in Banking
Authors: Sansone Marcello , Formisano Vincenzo
Published: January 2016

This paper aims to analyze the relationship between marketing innovation and performance of an enterprise, studying in particular the banking sector. So after a brief review of the literature on services marketing and on the issue of business innovation, through the methodology of the single case (Yin, 1994; Dubois & Gadde, 2002), that is appropriate because of the complexity of the phenomenon, the research analyzes how innovation of bank management—interpreted as a tendency to integrate strategies and tools of “marketing” that have long been the preserve of industrial production and, in recent years, of retailers—influences the performance and competitive advantages.

In detail, the work provides an analysis of the main KPIs of the bank on the one hand, and innovation indicators of marketing on the other; subsequently it detects any correlation between the two elements and it emphasizes through what strategies a bank has managed to overcome the crisis and to gain a defensible competitive advantage.
Branded Versus Non-Branded: Differences in Consumer Preferences
Authors: Iazzi Antonio , Santovito Savino
Published: January 2016

Although brands can signal reputation and serve as proxies for trust, consumer preferences for attributes may differ for branded and non-branded products. The authors of this paper test this hypothesis using data from a particular experiment conducted with Italian jeans’ consumers. The results indicate that consumers appear uncertain when there is an absence of a brand; non-brand-oriented consumers ascribe greater importance to the attributes of a product, with emphasis on those that relate to the product model (fit, comfort, design). Price is important for both types of consumers. Factor and cluster analyses permit identification of elements for the positioning strategies of brand and non-branded products. For marketing managers, it is important to know the consumer’s perception of the product’s characteristics and, accordingly, adopt specific communication and positioning strategies.
Consumers’ Attitudes towards Brand Extensions: An Analysis on Food and Textile Industries in Turkey
Authors: Sahin Nilay , Ergin Elif Akagun
Published: January 2016

Brand extensions refer to use an established brand name in new product or product categories and are extensively applied as a marketing strategy. Brand extension success factors vary according to cultures. Consumers’ attitude towards extensions is modified on the basis of their cognitional reactions and relations between the parent brand and extended product and/ or product categories. This study aims at conducting an exploratory research and revealing the relationship between the parent brand and the extended brand. More specifically, the impact of parent brand loyalty on the extension is explored. Therefore, the main objective is to evaluate the attitudes of consumers towards brand extensions through brand loyalty. The study analyzes consumers’ attitudes towards brand extensions specifically in food and textile industries. This is in particular to portray that consumers respond positively to brand extensions in various industries due to different motivations. During the methodology application process, in-depth interviews were carried out with 16 participants who were selected from employees working for public and private institutions in Ankara, the capital of Turkey. The interviews were conducted in two stages. During the first stage, the interviews lasted approximately 45 minutes and consisted of open-ended questions about participants’ brand choices, reasons for choosing the brands they use. The goal was to evaluate their brand loyalty levels. In addition, the participants were provided with the definition of brand extension and their reactions towards extension were noted. In the second stage, the participants were asked to evaluate their attitudes towards brand extensions in food and textile industries along with the factors that have impact on their evaluations. The participants were specifically observed in terms of their approach to brand extensions where the extension was in a totally different sector from the parent brand. The results indicate that brand awareness has a significant impact on brand extensions with regards to quality and trust. However, this impact is at the highest level when the extension is within the same sector with the parent brand. Whenever the extension is in a different sector, consumers not only have negative attitudes toward that extension but also become suspicious about the parent brand. Thus, quality and trust are pivotal factors influencing consumers’ positive attitudes towards brand extensions.
The Impact of Brand Image and Corporate Branding on Consumer’s Choice: The Role of Brand Equity
Authors: Sallam Methaq Ahmed
Published: January 2016

Brand equity is an important issue in marketing construct, which has been shown to influence important marketing variables such as consumer's choice. The aim of this study is to explore the role of independent variables e.g. (brand image and corporate branding) on brand equity and the impact of brand equity on consumer's choice. When the customers own positive aspects of a company and its product e.g. brand image, corporate branding they usually form brand equity and this lead them to have a choice from the products and services of the company. This study develops a framework that explains how independent variables e.g. (brand image and corporate branding) effect on dependent variable which is called consumer’s choice, when brand equity is mediating. A study carried out in Saudi Arabia using 105 respondents as consumers who used any type of smart mobile phone. Path analysis confirmed that, corporate brand had more positive impact on brand equity while the results showed that brand image had no impact on brand equity. In addition, the study illustrated that brand equity had positive impact on customer’s choice.
Alginate-Encapsulation for the Improved Hypothermic Preservation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Swioklo Stephen , Constantinescu Andrei , Connon Che J.
Published: January 2016

Despite considerable progress within the cell therapy industry, unmet bioprocessing and logistical challenges associated with the storage and distribution of cells between sites of manufacture and the clinic exist. We examined whether hypothermic (4°C–23°C) preservation of human adipose-derived stem cells could be improved through their encapsulation in 1.2% calcium alginate. Alginate encapsulation improved the recovery of viable cells after 72 hours of storage. Viable cell recovery was highly temperature-dependent, with an optimum temperature of 15°C. At this temperature, alginate encapsulation preserved the ability for recovered cells to attach to tissue culture plastic on rewarming, further increasing its effect on total cell recovery. On attachment, the cells were phenotypically normal, displayed normal growth kinetics, and maintained their capacity for trilineage differentiation. The number of cells encapsulated (up to 2 × 106 cells per milliliter) did not affect viable cell recovery nor did storage of encapsulated cells in a xeno-free, serum-free,current Good Manufacturing Practice-grade medium. We present a simple, low-cost system capable of enhancing the preservation of human adipose-derived stem cells stored at hypothermic temperatures, while maintaining their normal function. The storage of cells in this manner has great potential for extending the time windows for quality assurance and efficacy testing, distribution between the sites of manufacture and the clinic, and reducing the wastage associated with the limited shelf life of cells stored in their liquid state.

Significance

Despite considerable advancement in the clinical application of cell-based therapies, major logistical challenges exist throughout the cell therapy supply chain associated with the storage and distribution of cells between the sites of manufacture and the clinic. A simple, low-cost system capable of preserving the viability and functionality of human adipose-derived stem cells (a cell with substantial clinical interest) at hypothermic temperatures (0°C–32°C) is presented. Such a system has considerable potential for extending the shelf life of cell therapy products at multiple stages throughout the cell therapy supply chain.
A Detailed Assessment of Varying Ejection Rate on Delivery Efficiency of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using Narrow-Bore Needles
Authors: Amer Mahetab H. , Rose Felicity R.A.J. , White Lisa J. , Shakesheff Kevin M.
Published: January 2016

As the number of clinical trials exploring cell therapy rises, a thorough understanding of the limits of cell delivery is essential. We used an extensive toolset comprising various standard and multiplex assays for the assessment of cell delivery postejection. Primary human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) suspensions were drawn up into 100-µl Hamilton syringes with 30- and 34-gauge needles attached, before being ejected at rates ranging from 10 to 300 µl/minute. Effects of ejection rate, including changes in viability, apoptosis, senescence, and other key aspects of cellular health, were evaluated. Ejections at slower flow rates resulted in a lower percentage of the cell dose being delivered, and apoptosis measurements of samples ejected at 10 µl/minute were significantly higher than control samples. Immunophenotyping also revealed significant downregulation of CD105 expression in samples ejected at 10 µl/minute (p < .05). Differentiation of ejected hMSCs was investigated using qualitative markers of adipogenesis, osteogenesis, and chondrogenesis, which revealed that slower ejection rates exerted a considerable effect upon the differentiation capacity of ejected cells, thereby possibly influencing the success of cell-based therapies. The findings of this study demonstrate that ejection rate has substantial impact on the percentage of cell dose delivered and cellular health postejection.

Significance

There are a growing number of clinical trials using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for cellular therapy in a multitude of clinical targets. Numerous cell-therapy procedures use injection-based administration to deliver high-density cell preparations to the target site, either systemically or directly. However, there is growing evidence in the literature of a problem with cell injection methods in various cellular therapy applications. Because a thorough understanding of the limits of cell delivery is essential, an extensive toolset comprising various standard and multiplex assays was used for the assessment of cell delivery post-ejection. The effects of clinically relevant ejection rates and needles were assessed in terms of different aspects of cellular health of ejected human MSCs and their differentiation capacity. Our study emphasizes the potential impact of the administration protocol of cell suspensions and the importance of optimization of delivery parameters according to the nature and cellular responses of cells post-ejection. Our novel findings and comprehensive assessment of different parameters of cellular health and differentiation potential may be used to improve cell delivery using fine needles.
PCR‐Based Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number, Mitochondrial DNA Damage, and Nuclear DNA Damage
Authors: Gonzalez‐Hunt Claudia P. , Rooney John P. , Ryde Ian T. , Anbalagan Charumathi , Joglekar Rashmi , Meyer Joel N.
Published: February 2016

Because of the role that DNA damage and depletion play in human disease, it is important to develop and improve tools to assess these endpoints. This unit describes PCR‐based methods to measure nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage and copy number. Long amplicon quantitative polymerase chain reaction (LA‐QPCR) is used to detect DNA damage by measuring the number of polymerase‐inhibiting lesions present based on the amount of PCR amplification; real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR) is used to calculate genome content. In this unit, we provide step‐by‐step instructions to perform these assays in Homo sapiens, Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, Danio rerio, Oryzias latipes, Fundulus grandis, and Fundulus heteroclitus, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these assays. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
TRPM7 channel regulates ox‐LDL‐induced proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells via MEK‐ERK pathways
Authors: Lin Jinghan , Zhou Shanshan , Zhao Tingting , Ju Ting , Zhang Liming
Published: February 2016

Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) plays a key role in the pathophysiological response of multiple cell types. However, the role of TRPM7 channels in ox‐LDL‐induced proliferation and migration of VSMC remains unclear. This study used the thoracic aorta VSMCs to explore the effects of ox‐LDL on cell proliferation and migration and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways. Data demonstrated that ox‐LDL significantly increased TRPM7 activity, and induced VSMC proliferation and migration. VSMC proliferation and migration were inhibited by nonspecific TRPM7 blocker 2‐APB or synthetic siRNA targeting TRPM7. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and MEK1/2 associated with cell proliferation and migration decreased in TRPM7‐deficient VSMC. Therefore, TRPM7 may constitute a useful target for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Plasma neurofilament light chain predicts progression in progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Rojas Julio C. , Karydas Anna , Bang Jee , Tsai Richard M. , Blennow Kaj , Liman Victor , Kramer Joel H. , Rosen Howard , Miller Bruce L. , Zetterberg Henrik , Boxer Adam L.
Published: February 2016

Objective

Blood‐based biomarkers for neurodegenerative conditions could improve diagnosis and treatment development. Neurofilament light chain (NfL), a marker of axonal injury, is elevated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The goal of this study was to determine the diagnostic and prognostic value of plasma NfL in patients with PSP.

Methods

Plasma NfL was measured with ultrasensitive digital immunoassay‐based technology at baseline and 1‐year follow‐up in a pilot cohort of 15 PSP patients and 12 healthy controls, and a validation cohort of 147 PSP patients. Mixed linear models tested the ability of plasma NfL to predict neurological, cognitive and functional decline, and brain atrophy.

Results

Baseline mean plasma NfL levels were elevated in PSP patients (31 ± 4 pg/mL, vs. control, 17.5 ± 1 pg/mL, P < 0.05) and this difference persisted at follow‐up. A cutoff value of 20 pg/mL related to the diagnosis of PSP with a sensitivity of 0.80 and specificity of 0.83 (positive likelihood ratio = 4.7 and a negative likelihood radio of 0.24). Patients with higher NfL levels had more severe neurological (PSPRS, −36.9% vs. −28.9%, P = 0.04), functional (SEADL, −38.2% vs. −20%, P = 0.03), and neuropsychological (RBANS, −23.9% vs. −12.3%, P = 001) deterioration over 1 year. Higher baseline NfL predicted greater whole‐brain and superior cerebellar peduncle volume loss. Plasma and CSF NfL were significantly correlated (r = 0.74, P = 0.002).

Interpretation

Plasma NfL is elevated in PSP and could be of value as a biomarker both to assist clinical diagnosis and to monitor pharmacodynamic effects on the neurodegenerative process in clinical trials.
Identification of NARMAX Hammerstein models with performance assessment using brain storm optimization algorithm
Authors: Pal Partha S. , Kar Rajib , Mandal Durbadal , Ghoshal Sakti P.
Published: February 2016

In this paper, brain storm optimization (BSO)‐based efficient identification approach has been applied to different types of stable and practically useful Nonlinear Auto Regressive Moving Average with exogenous noise (NARMAX) Hammerstein models with various performance criteria‐based assessments. Different performance measures of the estimation process like accuracy, precision and consistency have been established to ensure the general applicability and practical usefulness of the proposed approach. The accuracy and the precision of the parameter estimation are established with the corresponding bias and variance information, while the consistency has been justified with the help of hypothesis test results. BSO‐based optimum values of the output mean square errors and the parameters and their corresponding convergences ensure the stability and robustness of the proposed identification scheme. The comparative studies of the performance of the BSO algorithm with the other basic evolutionary algorithms have been reported with optimum values of the mean square errors, estimated values of the parameters, corresponding computational times and hypothesis test outcomes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Situ Surface Assembly Derived Ultralow Refractive Index MgF2–SiO2 Hybrid Film for Tri‐Layer Broadband Antireflective Coating
Authors: Cui Xinmin , Ding Ruimin , Wang Mengchao , Zhang Cong , Zhang Ce , Zhang Jing , Xu Yao
Published: February 2016

For the broadband antireflective (AR) coating working in specific wavelengths, the precise control over refractive index and film thickness of each layer is critical to guarantee the peak position locating at the targeted wavelengths. In this paper, a simple sol–gel procedure without post‐treatment is used to prepare MgF2–SiO2 hybrid coating with tunable refractive index for the fabrication of tri‐layer tri‐wavelength broadband AR coating. The MgF2–SiO2 coating with ultralow refractive index of 1.12 is realized through in situ surface assembly of negatively charged silanol groups on vesicle‐like MgF2 particles to obtain porous crosslinking structure. The electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged silanol groups and positively charged MgF2 colloidal particles plays a key role. Furthermore, the MgF2–SiO2 coating with a wide range of refractive index between 1.20 and 1.44 is achieved by adjusting the addition amount of acid‐catalyzed silica sol into the vesicle‐like MgF2 sol. According to the theoretical design, a tri‐layer broadband AR coating with refractive index model of 1.12/1.26/1.36 is prepared, which can enhance the transmittance of quartz substrate to near 100% simultaneously at 351, 527, and 1053 nm.
Low‐Cost and Large‐Area Strain Sensors Based on Plasmonic Fano Resonances
Authors: Lütolf Fabian , Casari Daniele , Gallinet Benjamin
Published: February 2016

This study presents a strain sensor based on plasmonic Fano resonances. The investigated system consists of U‐shaped aluminum nanowires that are fabricated at wafer scale with hot embossing and oblique metal evaporation. The proposed process is compatible with roll‐to‐roll manufacturing. The observed Fano resonance is very sensitive to the spacing between the wires and responds to strain with a spectral shift as well as attenuation of the resonance amplitude. This relation between nanoscopic displacement and optical properties is investigated with scanning electron microscopy and numerical simulations. Finally, a clearly visible color change from purple to green is achieved through optimization of the structural parameters, which enables colorimetric or even visual sensing and hence remote read‐out for example using a camera.
Expanding the phenotypic profile of Kleefstra syndrome: A female with low‐average intelligence and childhood apraxia of speech
Authors: Samango‐Sprouse Carole , Lawson Patrick , Sprouse Courtney , Stapleton Emily , Sadeghin Teresa , Gropman Andrea
Published: February 2016

Kleefstra syndrome (KS) is a rare neurogenetic disorder most commonly caused by deletion in the 9q34.3 chromosomal region and is associated with intellectual disabilities, severe speech delay, and motor planning deficits. To our knowledge, this is the first patient (PQ, a 6‐year‐old female) with a 9q34.3 deletion who has near normal intelligence, and developmental dyspraxia with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). At 6, the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Intelligence testing (WPPSI‐III) revealed a Verbal IQ of 81 and Performance IQ of 79. The Beery Buktenica Test of Visual Motor Integration, 5th Edition (VMI) indicated severe visual motor deficits: VMI = 51; Visual Perception = 48; Motor Coordination < 45. On the Receptive One Word Picture Vocabulary Test‐R (ROWPVT‐R), she had standard scores of 96 and 99 in contrast to an Expressive One Word Picture Vocabulary‐R (EOWPVT‐R) standard scores of 73 and 82, revealing a discrepancy in vocabulary domains on both evaluations. Preschool Language Scale‐4 (PLS‐4) on PQ's first evaluation reveals a significant difference between auditory comprehension and expressive communication with standard scores of 78 and 57, respectively, further supporting the presence of CAS. This patient's near normal intelligence expands the phenotypic profile as well as the prognosis associated with KS. The identification of CAS in this patient provides a novel explanation for the previously reported speech delay and expressive language disorder. Further research is warranted on the impact of CAS on intelligence and behavioral outcome in KS. Therapeutic and prognostic implications are discussed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
International research symposium on Goltz syndrome
Authors: Fete Timothy J. , Fete Mary
Published: February 2016

The International Research Symposium on Goltz Syndrome was held at Texas Children's Hospital on July 22 and 23, 2013. This unique research, educational, and family‐oriented symposium was sponsored by the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital. Goltz syndrome, or Focal Dermal Hypoplasia (FDH), is a highly variable X‐linked dominant disorder with abnormalities in tissues derived from the ectoderm and mesoderm. Classic clinical features include patchy hypoplastic skin, split hand/foot deformities, and ocular manifestations. FDH is caused by PORCN gene mutations. PORCN is involved in the secretion and signaling of Wnt proteins, which play a role in embryonic tissue development. The purpose of the International Research Symposium on Goltz Syndrome was to review the progress that has been made in recent years in research related to this rare disorder and to explore potential future research directions and treatments. This issue of American Journal of Medical Genetics contains the research findings from the evaluations from multiple subspecialties. There is a recommendation for a new diagnostic guideline to aid clinicians in identifying individuals with Focal Dermal Hypoplasia. A tissue repository has been instituted at Texas Children's Hospital, to aid future researchers in this area. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Beanspruchung von Brückenkappen durch Anprall an Fahrzeugrückhaltesysteme
Authors: Niederwald Michael , Keuser Manfred , Goj Karl , Geuder Stephan
Published: February 2016

Herrn Univ.‐Prof. Dr.‐Ing. Ingbert Mangerig zur Vollendung seines 65. Lebensjahres gewidmet

Die Nachrüstung bestehender Brücken mit modernen Fahrzeugrückhaltesystemen kann aufgrund der hohen einzuleitenden Anprallkräfte und der meist zu geringen vorhandenen Anschlussbewehrung zwischen Kappe und Brückenüberbau zu Überschreitungen der Tragfähigkeit führen. Das üblicherweise verwendete Tragmodell des Kappensegments vernachlässigt wichtige Tragmechanismen, wie beispielsweise die Lastausbreitung innerhalb der Kappe. Aus diesem Grund werden in diesem Beitrag Untersuchungen zur Beanspruchung von Brückenkappen infolge des Anpralls an Fahrzeugrückhaltesysteme vorgestellt, die an einem räumlichen FE‐Modell einer Kappe durchgeführt wurden. Zunächst wird auf der Grundlage der geltenden Normenregelungen eine Modifikation des Lastansatzes für die lokale Bemessung nach DIN EN 1991‐2/NA vorgenommen, die ebenfalls vorgestellt wird. Die wesentlichen Einflüsse auf die Lastausbreitung innerhalb der Kappe wurden in einer Parameterstudie eingehend untersucht. Anhand dieser Ergebnisse konnten mitwirkende Längen für die Anschlussbewehrung bestimmt werden, die für einen Tragfähigkeitsnachweis verwendet werden können.

Actions on bridge caps due to impact on vehicle restraint systems – Verification of the load bearing capacity of the connection reinforcement between cap and superstructure for existing bridges

Retrofitting of existing bridges with modern vehicle restraint systems often leads to exceedances of the carrying capacity due to the high impact forces and the small amount of existing connection reinforcement between cap and superstructure. The model commonly used is the cap segment, which is neglecting major effects such as the load distribution within the cap. For this reason, studies on the actions on bridge caps due to impact on vehicle restraint systems, which were carried out at a spatial finite element model will be presented in this paper. First, based on current normative regulations, a modification of the load approach for local design according to DIN EN 1991‐2/NA had to be made, which will also be presented. The main influences on load distribution within the cap have been thoroughly investigated in a parametric study. Based on these results effective lengths for the connection reinforcement could be determined, which can be used for a verification of the load bearing capacity.
The detection of hydrogen peroxide involved in plant virus infection by fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Lei Rong , Du Zhixin , Qiu Yanhong , Zhu Shuifang
Published: February 2016

The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) forms part of the defense reaction of plants against invading pathogens. ROS have multifaceted signaling functions in mediating the establishment of multiple responses. To verify whether hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contributes to plant virus infection and the development of induced symptoms, we used fluorescence to monitor the generation of H2O2 and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to investigate the subcellular distribution of H2O2 in leaves. In this study, the M strain of Cucumber mosaic virus (M‐CMV) induced heavy chlorotic symptoms in Nicotiana tabacum cv. white burley during systemic infection. Compared with mock‐inoculated leaves, H2O2 accumulation in inoculated leaves increased after inoculation, then decreased after 4 days. For systemically infected leaves that showed chlorotic symptoms, H2O2 accumulation was always higher than in healthy leaves. Subcellular H2O2 localization observed using CLSM showed that H2O2 in inoculated leaves was generated mainly in the chloroplasts and cell wall, whereas in systemically infected leaves H2O2 was generated mainly in the cytosol. The levels of coat protein in inoculated and systemically infected leaves might be associated with changes in the level of H2O2 and symptom development. Further research is needed to elucidate the generation mechanism and the relationship between coat protein and oxidative stress during infection and symptom development. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative magnetization transfer imaging made easy with qMTLab: Software for data simulation, analysis, and visualization
Authors: Cabana Jean‐François , Gu Ye , Boudreau Mathieu , Levesque Ives R , Atchia Yaaseen , Sled John G. , Narayanan Sridar , Arnold Douglas L. , Pike G. Bruce , Cohen‐Adad Julien , Duval Tanguy , Vuong Manh‐Tung , Stikov Nikola
Published: February 2016

Quantitative magnetization transfer imaging (qMTI) increases specificity to macromolecular content in tissue by modeling the exchange process between the liquid and the macromolecular pool. However, its use has been mostly restricted to researchers that have developed these methods, in part due to the need to write complicated in‐house software for modeling and data analysis. We have developed a software package (qMTLab) with a simple and easy to use graphical user interface that unifies three of the most widely used qMTI methods: MT spoiled gradient echo (MT‐SPGR), MT balanced steady‐state free precession (MT‐bSSFP), and selective inversion recovery with fast spin echo (SIR‐FSE). qMTLab is free open‐source software that allows anyone interested in using these methods to easily simulate qMTI data, compare the performance of the methods under various experimental conditions, define new acquisition protocols, fit acquired data, and visualize the fitted parameters maps. By providing free software that gives end users a simple and easy to use graphical interface, we hope to make qMTI accessible to a greater number of investigators and facilitate the development, evaluation, and optimization of acquisition protocols and models. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A, 2016.
Bevacizumab beyond disease progression for advanced non–small cell lung cancer: Does persistence have its rewards?
Authors: Guijarro‐Muñoz Irene , Roarty Emily B. , Heymach John V.
Published: February 2016

Persistence pays off when it comes to the vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor bevacizumab in non–small cell lung cancer patients who have progressed on first‐line chemotherapy. Continued vascular endothelial growth factor blockade after progression on first‐line therapy may provide at least a modest benefit when it is continued with second‐line chemotherapy. See also pages 000–000
Predictors and prognostic significance of tachycardiomyopathy: insights from a cohort of 1269 patients undergoing atrial flutter ablation
Authors: Brembilla‐Perrot Béatrice , Ferreira João Pedro , Manenti Vladimir , Sellal Jean Marc , Olivier Arnaud , Villemin Thibaut , Beurrier Daniel , De Chillou Christian , Louis Pierre , Brembilla Alice , Juillière Yves , Girerd Nicolas
Published: February 2016

Background

Atrial flutter‐related tachycardiomyopathy (AFL‐TCM) is a rare and treatable cause of heart failure. Little is known about its epidemiology and long‐term prognosis. Our aims are to determine the prevalence, predictors and outcomes of AFL‐TCM.

Methods and results

A total of 1269 patients were referred for radiofrequency ablation of AFL between January 1996 and September 2014; 184 had reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF <40%). At 6 months after AFL ablation, 103 patients (8.1% of the population, 56% of patients with baseline LVEF <40%) had marked LVEF improvement: these were considered to have AFL‐TCM. Patients with persisting reduced LVEF were considered to have systolic dysfunction unrelated to AFL. Patients were followed for a median (percentile25–75) of 1.15 (0.4–2.8) years. Patients with AFL‐TCM were younger, had lower prevalence of ischaemic cardiomyopathy and used less antiarrhythmic drugs than patients with systolic dysfunction unrelated to AFL. In multivariable analysis, ischemic cardiomyopathy [odds ratio (OR) = 0.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15–0.68) P = 0.003] and prescription of antiarrhythmic drug before ablation [OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.20–0.84, P = 0.02] were significantly associated with a lower probability of LVEF improvement during follow‐up. Patients with AFL‐TCM had similar survival to patients without systolic dysfunction at baseline [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.96 95% CI 0.34–2.65, P = 0.929], whereas patients with systolic dysfunction unrelated to AFL had higher mortality rates compared with patients without systolic dysfunction at baseline [HR = 2.88, 95% CI 1.45–5.72, P = 0.002].

Conclusions

Marked LVEF improvement was observed in 56% of patients with baseline LVEF <40% at 6 months after ablation. These patients had similar survival to patients without baseline systolic dysfunction, whereas patients who remained with LVEF <40% had a threefold increase in mortality rates.
The Reactivity of Diphenyllead(IV) Dichloride with Dissymmetric Thiosemicarbazone Ligands: Obtaining Monomers, Coordination Polymers, and an Organoplumboxane
Authors: Sesmero Ester , Calatayud David G. , Perles Josefina , López‐Torres Elena , Mendiola M. Antonia
Published: February 2016

The reaction of PbPh2Cl2 with two dissymmetric thiosemicarbazone ligands containing diacetyl 4‐methyl‐3‐thiosemicarbazone and hydrazonepyridine or hydrazonequinoline arms led to four new mononuclear complexes, [PbPh2(L)] (1 and 3) and [PbPh2Cl(HL)] (2 and 4). Reactions with the hydrazonequinoline ligand strongly depend on the reaction conditions and several unexpected compounds were isolated. At room temperature, in addition to complex 4, the polymeric compound [PbPh2Cl2CH3OH]n (5) was isolated, whereas under heating at reflux a symmetrization took place and a polymer containing diacetyl bis(4‐methyl‐3‐thiosemicarbazone), [PbPh2Cl2(H2ATSM)]n (6) was obtained. When PbPh2Cl2 was heated at reflux in wet dichloromethane with LiOH·H2O, the tetranuclear organoplumboxane [Pb4Ph8Cl4O2] (7) was isolated, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the first organoplumboxane to be crystallographically characterized. All the compounds were thoroughly characterized, including by 207Pb NMR and single‐crystal XRD. In addition, the hydrazonequinoline ligand has demonstrated its potential application as a chromophoric probe in the visible region for organolead(IV) species.
Pseudomorphic Transformation of Layered Simple Hydroxides into Prussian Blue Analogue Nanoplatelets
Authors: Lang Marina , Delahaye Emilie , Foix Dominique , Ihiawakrim Dris , Ersen Ovidiu , Leuvrey Cédric , Grenèche Jean‐Marc , Rogez Guillaume , Rabu Pierre
Published: February 2016

The reactivity of potassium or sodium hexacyanoferrate(II) with transition‐metal layered simple hydroxides (LSHs) has been investigated to evaluate the possibility of inserting Prussian Blue analogues (PBAs) into magnetic copper(II) LSHs. This report shows how such a reaction led, unexpectedly, to the direct formation of PBA nanoparticles, the layered hydroxide serving as a metal‐ion reservoir. The lamellar structure of the starting LSH collapses and copper–iron PBA nanoparticles were obtained as well‐defined cubic structures stacked in layers. In addition to structural and magnetic characterization, the reaction mechanism was investigated by 57Fe Mössbauer spectrometry and X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy. The layered copper hydroxide acetate turns out to be a smart precursor of well‐shaped PBA nanoparticle layers through pseudomorphic replication.