bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chondroitin 6‐O‐sulfotransferases are required for morphogenesis of the notochord in the ascidian embryo
Authors: Nakamura Jun , Yoshida Keita , Sasakura Yasunori , Fujiwara Shigeki
Published: October 2014

Background: Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a sulfated polysaccharide chain that binds to various core proteins to form proteoglycans. The amount and position of sulfate groups in CS are variable among different tissues, and are determined by specific sulfotransferases. Although the ascidians are the closest relatives of vertebrates, the functions of their sulfotransferases have not been studied. Results: The genome of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis contains eight genes encoding proteins similar to chondroitin 6‐O‐sulfotransferases (C6STs), which appear to have independently diverged in the ascidian lineage during evolution. Among them, Ci‐C6ST‐like1 and Ci‐C6ST‐like7 were predominantly expressed in the developing notochord. In addition, they were weakly expressed in the neural tube. The disruption of either one of them affected the convergent extension movement of notochordal cells. Presumptive notochord cells coming from both sides of the embryo did not intercalate. The results suggest that both of them are necessary. In some cases, the anterior neural tube failed to close. Forced expression of Ci‐C6ST‐like1 or Ci‐C6ST‐like7 in the notochord restored the normal intercalation of notochordal cells, indicating that the effects of morpholino oligos are specific. Conclusions: Ci‐C6ST‐like1 and Ci‐C6ST‐like7 are required for the morphogenesis of the notochord in the ascidian embryo. Developmental Dynamics 243:1637–1645, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Systolic blood pressure and mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure: insights from the AFFIRM and AF‐CHF studies
Authors: Tremblay‐Gravel Maxime , Khairy Paul , Roy Denis , Leduc Hugues , Wyse D. George , Cadrin‐Tourigny Julia , Macle Laurent , Dubuc Marc , Andrade Jason , Rivard Lena , Guerra Peter G. , Thibault Bernard , Ahmed Ali , Talajic Mario , Guertin Marie‐Claude , White Michel
Published: October 2014

Aims

To investigate the association between baseline systolic blood pressure levels and mortality in patients with AF with or without LV dysfunction. Hypertension leads to cardiovascular disease but, in specific groups, low blood pressure has been associated with a paradoxical increase in mortality. In patients with AF and heart failure, the relationship between blood pressure and death remains largely unknown.

Methods and results

We conducted a post‐hoc combined analysis on pooled data from AFFIRM and AF‐CHF trials and assessed the relationship between baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) and mortality and hospitalizations. Patients were classified according to LVEF (>40%, ≤40%) and baseline SBP (<120 mmHg, 120–140 mmHg, >140 mmHg). A total of 5436 patients with non‐permanent AF were followed for 41 ± 16 months. In patients with LVEF >40%, baseline SBP was not related to mortality using multivariate Cox regression analyses to adjust for baseline differences (P = 0.563). In contrast, in patients with LVEF ≤40% (n = 1980), SBP <120 mmHg and SBP >140 mmHg were both associated with a significant increase in total mortality compared with SBP 120–140 mmHg [hazard ratio (HR) 1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41–2.17; and HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.04–1.90, respectively]. Hospitalizations were unrelated to SBP regardless of LVEF.

Conclusions

Mortality is modulated by baseline SBP levels in patients with AF and depressed EF but not in patients with normal EF. Targeted therapy of AF patients based on SBP merits further prospective investigation.
Acyloxyphosphonium versus Aminophosphonium Intermediates: Application to the Synthesis of N‐Acylbenzotriazoles
Authors: Duangkamol Chuthamat , Wangngae Sirilak , Pattarawarapan Mookda , Phakhodee Wong
Published: October 2014

In attempts to convert carboxylic acids directly into N‐acylbenzotriazoles by using Ph3P/I2 as an acid‐activating system, the outcome of the reaction is reversed from no reaction to almost quantitative yield of the expected product simply by switching the order of the addition of the reagents to the presumed acyloxyphosphonium intermediate. If triethylamine was present before treatment with 1H‐benzotriazole, anhydride was always exclusively generated without a detectable amount of the expected product. However, if the base was applied after the addition of 1H‐benzotriazole, the reaction proceeded smoothly to afford N‐acylbenzotriazoles in good to excellent yields within short reaction times. 31P NMR spectroscopy revealed the presence of a benzotriazophosphonium species in preventing the formation of the anhydride by attack of the carboxylate anion at the acyl function of the acyloxyphosphonium salt.
Organocatalyzed Asymmetric 1,4‐Addition of Azlactones to α,β‐Unsaturated Trichloromethyl Ketones: Synthesis of α,α‐Disubstituted α‐Amino Acid Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Jinlong , Liu Xihong , Wu Chongyang , Zhang Panpan , Chen Jianbo , Wang Rui
Published: October 2014

The first asymmetric 1,4‐addition of azlactones to α,β‐unsaturated trichloromethyl ketones catalyzed by cinchona alkaloid derived bifunctional thiourea catalysts was developed. A series of α,α‐disubstituted α‐amino acid derivatives bearing a quaternary stereocenter at the α‐position were obtained in high yields with excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities (up to >20:1 dr and 99 % ee). In addition, the trichloromethyl moiety in these adducts was identified as a good leaving group.
Spontaneous Deposition of Prussian Blue on Reduced Graphene Oxide – Gold Nanoparticles Composites for the Fabrication of Electrochemical Biosensors
Authors: Bai Xiaoyun , Shiu Kwok‐Keung
Published: October 2014

A reduced graphene oxide‐gold nanoparticles‐Prussian blue (RGO‐AuNPs‐PB) composite was prepared by spontaneous deposition of PB on RGO‐AuNPs surface. The GC/RGO‐AuNPs‐PB modified electrode offered good electrocatalytic activity toward the reduction of hydrogen peroxide, indicating the possible synergistic effects of the RGO‐AuNPs‐PB composite material. Direct electron transfer of glucose oxidase (GOD) can be realized after codeposition of GOD and chitosan (CHIT) coating on GC/RGO‐AuNPs‐PB electrode. The resulting GC/RGO‐AuNPs‐PB/GOD‐CHIT biosensor exhibited an excellent amperometric response to glucose with a sensitivity of 84 mA M−1 cm−2, and a linear range from 13 µM to 2.0 mM at +0.1 V vs. Ag|AgCl reference.
Direct measurement of beta‐agonists in swine hair extract in multiplexed mode by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy and microfluidic paper
Authors: Dou Bin , Luo Yong , Chen Xu , Shi Bo , Du Yuguang , Gao Zhigang , Zhao Weijie , Lin Bingcheng
Published: October 2014

Bare gold nanoparticles selectively enhance the Raman signal of beta‐agnonists in swine hair extract at 780 nm, which enables analysis of beta‐agonists in swine hair extract without chemical labeling, purification, or separation. The analysis is multiplexable and the LOD of beta‐agonists is around ng/mL in the assistance of microfluidic paper.
A Person‐oriented Approach to Identifying Parenting Styles in Mothers of Early School‐age Children
Authors: Heberle Amy E. , Briggs‐Gowan Margaret J. , Carter Alice S.
Published: October 2014

A substantial body of work has been dedicated to understanding the behaviours that characterize mothers' interactions with their children. Most research on parenting has used a variable‐oriented approach, limiting analysis to one or a few parenting behaviours and failing to identify higher‐order interactions or patterns among variables. Thus, little is known about how different behaviours co‐occur in individual mothers to form styles of parenting. In this study, a person‐oriented approach was used to develop a typology of maternal parenting styles based on a broad range of observed and self‐reported parenting behaviours. The study sample consisted of 408 socio‐demographically diverse mother–child pairs. Cluster analysis revealed six parenting groups—(1) balanced parenting; (2) warm/involved parenting; (3) task‐focused parenting; (4) detached/inconsistent parenting; (5) intrusive parenting; and (6) self‐critical parenting—two of which (task‐focused and self‐critical parenting) have not been previously represented in the parenting literature. The maternal parenting typology developed through this study provides useful information on the profiles of parenting behaviour that are associated with the highest levels of demographic and psychological risk in mothers who exhibit these profiles. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biocompatibility property of 100% strontium‐substituted SiO2–Al2O3–P2O5–CaO–CaF2 glass ceramics over 26 weeks implantation in rabbit model: Histology and micro‐Computed Tomography analysis
Authors: Basu Bikramjit , Sabareeswaran A. , Shenoy S. J.
Published: October 2014

One of the desired properties for any new biomaterial composition is its long‐term stability in a suitable animal model and such property cannot be appropriately assessed by performing short‐term implantation studies. While hydroxyapatite (HA) or bioglass coated metallic biomaterials are being investigated for in vivo biocompatibility properties, such study is not extensively being pursued for bulk glass ceramics. In view of their inherent brittle nature, the implant stability as well as impact of long‐term release of metallic ions on bone regeneration have been a major concern. In this perspective, the present article reports the results of the in vivo implantation experiments carried out using 100% strontium (Sr)‐substituted glass ceramics with the nominal composition of 4.5 SiO2–3Al2O3–1.5P2O5–3SrO–2SrF2 for 26 weeks in cylindrical bone defects in rabbit model. The combination of histological and micro‐computed tomography analysis provided a qualitative and quantitative understanding of the bone regeneration around the glass ceramic implants in comparison to the highly bioactive HA bioglass implants (control). The sequential polychrome labeling of bone during in vivo osseointegration using three fluorochromes followed by fluorescence microscopy observation confirmed homogeneous bone formation around the test implants. The results of the present study unequivocally confirm the long‐term implant stability as well as osteoconductive property of 100% Sr‐substituted glass ceramics, which is comparable to that of a known bioactive implant, that is, HA‐based bioglass. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 1168–1179, 2015.
Determination of Nicotinamide in Food and Human Fluid Samples by Capillary
Authors: Han Suqin , Wu Kegang
Published: October 2014

A rapid and simple capillary electrophoresis (CE) coupled with chemiluminescence (CL) detection was proposed for analysis of nicotinamide. This method was based on the inhibitory effect of nicotinamide to CL reaction of luminol‐K3Fe(CN)6 in alkaline aqueous solution. Under the optimal conditions, nico‐tinamide can be assayed in the range of 0.01–10.0 μM with a limit of detection of 3.0 nM. The whole analysis process can be completed within 11 min. The relative standard deviations of the signal intensity and the migration time were 3.0% and 1.5% for a standard sample at 0.1 μM, respectively. The presented CE‐CL method was successfully applied to the determination of nicotinamide in yogurt, human urine and plasma samples.
Dose selection for the investigational anticancer agent alisertib (MLN8237): Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and exposure–safety relationships
Authors: Venkatakrishnan Karthik , Zhou Xiaofei , Ecsedy Jeffrey , Mould Diane R. , Liu Hua , Danaee Hadi , Fingert Howard , Kleinfield Robert , Milton Ashley
Published: October 2014

We report population pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and pharmacokinetic‐safety analyses to support phase II/III dose/regimen selection of alisertib, a selective Aurora A kinase (AAK) inhibitor. Phase I studies in adult cancer patients evaluated dosing on Days 1–7 in 21‐day cycles or Days 1–21 in 35‐day cycles, with corresponding maximum tolerated doses of 50 mg twice daily (BID) and 50 mg QD, respectively. Population pharmacokinetic analyses supported dose‐ and time‐linear pharmacokinetics without identification of clinically meaningful covariates. Exposure‐related increases in skin mitotic index and decreases in chromosomal alignment/spindle bipolarity in tumor mitotic cells confirmed AAK inhibition. Exposures in the 7‐day schedule at or near 50 mg BID are expected to result in tumor AAK inhibition based on pharmacodynamic assessment in patient tumors. Exposure‐safety analyses of data from patients receiving doses of 5–200 mg/day in the 7‐day schedule support a low (∼7%) predicted incidence of dose‐limiting toxicity at 50 mg BID. Taken together, these analyses support a pharmacologically active and acceptably tolerated dose range of alisertib for future clinical development.
Multi‐objective optimisation for design and operation of anaerobic digestion using GA‐ANN and NSGA‐II
Authors: Huang Mingzhi , Han Wei , Wan Jinquan , Ma Yongwen , Chen Xiaohong
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

Due to the complexity of nonlinear and biochemical phenomena involved in anaerobic wastewater treatment units, efficient operation and control is limited and difficult. The objective of this study was to implement a new multi‐objective control strategy to simultaneously optimise the effluent chemical oxygen demand (CODeff) and the biogas flow rate (Qgas) in an anaerobic bioreactor using non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithms‐II (NSGA‐II) and genetic algorithm–artificial neural network (GA‐ANN). The novel approach considered two operational objectives, i.e. control of the effluent quality and control of the maximum production rate of biogas, and took advantage of the difference between the dynamics of the liquid and gas phases using variables from both phases.

RESULTS

Based on the relatively lower values for the mean square error, the root mean square normalised error, and the mean absolute percentage error, as well as higher values for the correlation coefficient, GA‐ANN models achieve better performances than ANN models. Based on GA‐ANN and NSGA‐II, a more flexible and precise optimisation process was allowed, and an optimal balance between effluent quality and biogas flow rate of the anaerobic bioreactor can be achieved.

CONCLUSION

The proposed GA‐ANN models were shown to be capable of dynamically predicting CODeff and Qgas. Meanwhile the optimisation system developed may offer a useful tool for simulation, design, control and optimisation of anaerobic biodigesters. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Production of pectin‐derived oligosaccharides from lemon peels by extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis and membrane filtration
Authors: Gómez Belén , Yáñez Remedios , Parajó Juan Carlos , Alonso José Luis
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

There is growing interest in the search for new prebiotics with improved functional properties. In this field, pectin‐derived oligosaccharides (POS) have been identified as promising prebiotics. Lemon peels (an abundant agro‐industrial by‐product) can be used as a raw material for manufacturing a variety of POS, whose prebiotic properties depend on their chemical structure and composition. This work deals with the production of POS by partial enzymatic hydrolysis under a variety of operational conditions, with their purification by membrane filtration and detailed chemical characterisation.

RESULTS

As a result of a three‐stage process (water extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis and membrane filtration), two POS refined concentrates were obtained after 7.5 or 24 h of enzymatic hydrolysis (the contents of the non‐volatile impurities were 5.8 and 11.8 wt%, respectively), mainly made up of oligogalacturonides with different molar mass distribution and degree of methylation (43.4 and 37.4%, respectively) and degree of acetylation (5.5 and 8.6%, respectively) at yields of 13.1 and 10.8 g 100 g−1 dry lemon peel wastes, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A high‐yield process (based on simple and scalable technologies) enabled the production of two POS mixtures with different chemical characteristics, fulfilling the compositional requirements to be used as prebiotics. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Noninvasive prenatal testing: Impact on genetic counseling, invasive prenatal diagnosis, and trisomy 21 detection
Authors: Wax Joseph R. , Cartin Angelina , Chard Renée , Lucas F. Lee , Pinette Michael G.
Published: October 2014

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare rates of genetic counseling, invasive prenatal diagnosis, and trisomy 21 detection among women at increased risk for aneuploidy, before versus after the availability of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT).

Methods

This institutional review board–exempt retrospective study included all women who had an ultrasound (US) examination between 10 0/7 and 21 6/7 weeks' gestation and were eligible for NIPT (ie, age ≥35 years, US findings suggestive of increased aneuploidy risk, positive aneuploidy screen, prior trisomic fetus, parental balanced translocation with increased risk for trisomy 13 or 21) between June 1, 2012 and February 1, 2013. NIPT was performed by a single laboratory after patients received genetic counseling. We also identified a comparison group of women evaluated between December 1, 2010 and November 30, 2011, who would have been eligible for NIPT had it been available. The two groups were compared for maternal demographics, aneuploidy risk factors, rates of genetic counseling, invasive diagnostic procedures, and trisomy 21 detection.

Results

The before‐NIPT and after‐NIPT groups contained 1,464 and 1,046 subjects, respectively. All 33 fetuses with trisomy 21 in the two groups were identified by positive aneuploidy screening. After the introduction of NIPT, genetic counseling for aneuploidy risk increased (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.77 [1.49–2.11]; p < 0.0001) and the overall invasive diagnosis (aOR, 0.42 [0.32–0.55]; p < 0.0001), including amniocentesis (aOR, 0.37 [0.27–0.52], p < 0.0001), decreased, whereas the prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21 remained similar (88% versus 100%; p = 0.86).

Conclusions

NIPT in clinical practice uses more genetic counseling resources but requires significantly fewer invasive procedures to maintain the detection rates of trisomy 21. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 43:1–6, 2015
Multiple weak interaction‐assisted SERS detection platform for triadimefon
Authors: Li Ran , Liu Peipei , Shen Shanshan , Wang Haiyang , Lv Haiming , Yu Zhi , Wang Yue , Guo Zhinan , Chen Lei , Xue Xiangxin , Han Xiaoxia , Ruan Weidong , Song Wei , Cheng Jianbo , Zhao Bing
Published: October 2014

In this paper, a surface enhanced Raman spectra (SERS) detection platform for the widely used pesticide of triadimefon (TDF) is described. TDF is difficult to connect to the gold/silver SERS substrate, but the optical properties of the probe molecule 4‐mercaptobenzoic acid (4‐MBA), including the peak intensity and the peak position, are easily altered by the multiple weak interaction‐assisted SERS detection platform. The limit of detection (LOD) of this method is 1.0 × 10‐9 M, and the linear range is from 1.0 × 10‐6 M to 1.0 × 10‐9 M. The linear region is from 1.0 × 10‐6 M to 1.0 × 10‐9 M, described by the equation y = 884.01x + 2.24 with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9990. Interference of foreign metal ions with higher concentrations than common mineral water is too weak to the determination. Furthermore, physical insights into the phenomena and the detection mechanism were obtained and investigated theoretically. The preferential conformation of the complex and reduced density gradient (RDG) calculation results indicated that the interactions between TDF and 4‐MBA consisted of multiple weak interactions through two hydrogen bonds and one van der Waals interaction. The intermolecular interaction was negative for the charge transfer from the SERS substrate to the probe molecule; thus, the peak intensity decreased. TDF interacts directly with the carboxyl of the probe molecule and consequently has an effect on the ring vibrations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution Raman imaging reveals spatial location of heme oxidation sites in single red blood cells of dried smears
Authors: Marzec Katarzyna M. , Rygula Anna , Wood Bayden R. , Chlopicki Stefan , Baranska Malgorzata
Published: October 2014

Raman confocal microscopy with 488 nm excitation wavelength supported with atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning near‐field optical microscopy (SNOM) and UV–Vis spectrometry was used to investigate air‐dried erythrocytes (red blood cells, RBCs) in whole human blood smears. The central internal part of the cell was dominated by the laser‐induced O2 dissociated oxyHb form as evidenced by the Fe2+ marker band appearing at 1356 cm−1. The existence of a thin outer layer of hemoglobin in the periphery of RBCs was assigned to hemichrome. Evidence for hemichrome includes the oxidation state marker band appearing at 1376 cm−1, the absence of FeO2 band at 570 cm−1 and a UV–Vis spectrum consistent with hemichrome. This is the first time that distributions of Fe2+/Fe3+ hemes inside the single RBC have been reported. The outer layer formation of hemichrome was additionally studied when RBCs were in contact with leucocytes and carotenoids of blood plasma. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quick method (FT‐NIR) for the determination of oil and major fatty acids content in whole achenes of milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.)
Authors: Koláčková Pavla , Růžičková Gabriela , Gregor Tomáš , Šišperová Eliška
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

Calibration models for the Fourier transform–near infrared (FT‐NIR) instrument were developed for quick and non‐destructive determination of oil and fatty acids in whole achenes of milk thistle. Samples with a range of oil and fatty acid levels were collected and their transmittance spectra were obtained by the FT‐NIR instrument. Based on these spectra and data gained by the means of the reference method – Soxhlet extraction and gas chromatography (GC) – calibration models were created by means of partial least square (PLS) regression analysis.

RESULTS

Precision and accuracy of the calibration models was verified via the cross‐validation of validation samples whose spectra were not part of the calibration model and also according to the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP), root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC), root mean square error of cross‐validation (RMSECV) and the validation coefficient of determination (R2). R2 for whole seeds were 0.96, 0.96, 0.83 and 0.67 and the RMSEP values were 0.76, 1.68, 1.24, 0.54 for oil, linoleic (C18:2), oleic (C18:1) and palmitic (C16:0) acids, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The calibration models are appropriate for the non‐destructive determination of oil and fatty acids levels in whole seeds of milk thistle. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Acceptability and characterization of extruded pinto, navy and black beans
Authors: Simons Courtney W , Hall Clifford , Tulbek Mehmet , Mendis Mihiri , Heck Taylor , Ogunyemi Samuel
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

Consumption of dry beans has been relatively flat over the last decade. Creating new bean products may increase the consumption of beans and allow more consumers to obtain the health benefits of beans. In this study, pinto, navy and black beans were milled and the resulting flours extruded into puffs. Unflavored extruded puffs were evaluated by untrained panelists using a hedonic scale for appearance, flavor, texture and overall acceptability. The compositions of raw flours and extrudates were characterized.

RESULTS

Sensory results indicated that all beans met or exceeded the minimum requirement for acceptability. Overall acceptability of navy and pinto beans was not significantly different, while acceptability of black bean puffs was significantly lower. Total protein (198–217 g kg−1) in extrudates was significantly different among the three beans. Total starch ranged from 398 to 406 g kg−1 and was not significantly different. Resistant starch, total extractable lipid and raffinose contents were significantly reduced by extrusion. Extrusion did not affect crude fiber and phytic acid contents.

CONCLUSION

The minimal effects on protein and fiber contents, the significant reduction in raffinose content and the acceptability of the unflavored extruded puffs support using various bean flours as ingredients in extruded puffed products. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Quality attributes and composition of meat from red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama) and Aberdeen Angus and Holstein cattle (Bos taurus)
Authors: Bureš Daniel , Bartoň Luděk , Kotrba Radim , Hakl Josef
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

The consumption of venison from deer species has increased in recent years owing to presumably positive health effects. Therefore a comparison was made of the physical characteristics, chemical composition and sensory attributes of meat obtained from red deer, fallow deer and Aberdeen Angus and Holstein cattle raised under conditions typical for commercial farming practice and slaughtered at similar ages.

RESULTS

Venison had one‐quarter the crude fat content, lower total collagen and a higher proportion of heat‐soluble collagen. It was darker and less yellow than beef. Deer species provided meat with higher polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio and lower atherogenic index. In addition, the venison of red deer contained five times as much n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as the beef. Steaks prepared from venison were scored higher than beef for flavour and aroma intensity; they were also tenderer and more easily chewable.

CONCLUSION

Compared with beef, venison from two widely farmed deer species was superior in nutrient composition, thus offering potential benefits for human consumption, and it received higher scores for most of the sensory attributes examined. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
An Extended Search for Generic Consumer–Brand Relationships
Authors: Fritz Wolfgang , Lorenz Bettina , Kempe Michael
Published: October 2014

Relatively few empirical studies address the question of generic relationships between consumers and brands. But a relationship‐oriented brand communication seems to have become increasingly important to companies. In this article, the authors present details of a study on generic consumer–brand relationships conducted in Germany. Based on the data of more than 900 consumers, four different types of consumer–brand relationships emerge, characterized as “best friendship,” “unemotional purpose‐based relationship,” “loose contact,” and “happy partnership.” An extended analysis of the data using advanced statistical methods supports these findings to a high degree. Furthermore, as the results of the extended analysis also suggest, numerous well‐known brands often appear within less favorable relationships like “unemotional purpose‐based relationship” and “loose contact.” These findings indicate important shortcomings of relationship‐oriented brand management in many companies and suggest the need for further work in this area.
Guilty by Association: The Perils of Celebrity Endorsement for Endorsed Brands and their Direct Competitors
Authors: Carrillat François A. , d'Astous Alain , Christianis Haralambos
Published: October 2014

The objective of the research presented in this article is to examine the possibility that the adverse effects on consumer brand attitudes engendered by the involvement of a celebrity endorser in a negative event may spill over brands of the same product category (i.e., competitors). The results of an experimental study with 165 adult consumers showed that a scandal involving an athlete endorser had a negative impact not only on the attitude toward the endorsed brand, but also on the attitude toward competitor brands. This suggests that brands strongly associated with one sport may be vulnerable in the context of a scandal falling upon a celebrity athlete endorsing one of their direct competitors.
Comparison of fitting methods and b‐value sampling strategies for intravoxel incoherent motion in breast cancer
Authors: Cho Gene Young , Moy Linda , Zhang Jeff L. , Baete Steven , Lattanzi Riccardo , Moccaldi Melanie , Babb James S. , Kim Sungheon , Sodickson Daniel K. , Sigmund Eric E.
Published: October 2014

Purpose

To compare fitting methods and sampling strategies, including the implementation of an optimized b‐value selection for improved estimation of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters in breast cancer.

Methods

Fourteen patients (age, 48.4 ± 14.27 years) with cancerous lesions underwent 3 Tesla breast MRI examination for a HIPAA‐compliant, institutional review board approved diffusion MR study. IVIM biomarkers were calculated using “free” versus “segmented” fitting for conventional or optimized (repetitions of key b‐values) b‐value selection. Monte Carlo simulations were performed over a range of IVIM parameters to evaluate methods of analysis. Relative bias values, relative error, and coefficients of variation (CV) were obtained for assessment of methods. Statistical paired t‐tests were used for comparison of experimental mean values and errors from each fitting and sampling method.

Results

Comparison of the different analysis/sampling methods in simulations and experiments showed that the “segmented” analysis and the optimized method have higher precision and accuracy, in general, compared with “free” fitting of conventional sampling when considering all parameters. Regarding relative bias, IVIM parameters fp and Dt differed significantly between “segmented” and “free” fitting methods.

Conclusion

IVIM analysis may improve using optimized selection and “segmented” analysis, potentially enabling better differentiation of breast cancer subtypes and monitoring of treatment. Magn Reson Med 74:1077–1085, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Four‐dimensional, multiphase, steady‐state imaging with contrast enhancement (MUSIC) in the heart: A feasibility study in children
Authors: Han Fei , Rapacchi Stanislas , Khan Sarah , Ayad Ihab , Salusky Isidro , Gabriel Simon , Plotnik Adam , Finn J. Paul , Hu Peng
Published: October 2014

Purpose

To develop a technique for high resolution, four‐dimensional (4D), multiphase, steady‐state imaging with contrast enhancement (MUSIC) in children with complex congenital heart disease.

Methods

Eight pediatric patients underwent cardiovascular MRI with controlled mechanical ventilation after ferumoxytol administration. Breath‐held contrast‐enhanced MRA (CE‐MRA) was performed during the first‐pass and delayed phases of ferumoxytol, followed by a respiratory gated, 4D MUSIC acquisition during the steady state distribution phase of ferumoxytol. The subjective image quality and image sharpness were evaluated. Assessment of ventricular volumes based on 4D MUSIC was compared with those based on multislice 2D cardiac cine MRI.

Results

The 4D MUSIC technique provided cardiac‐phase‐resolved (65–95 ms temporal resolution) and higher spatial resolution (0.6–0.9 mm isotropic) images than previously achievable using first‐pass CE‐MRA or 2D cardiac cine. When compared with Ferumoxytol‐based first‐pass CE‐MRA, the 4D MUSIC provided sharper images and better definition of the coronary arteries, aortic root, myocardium, and pulmonary trunk (P < 0.05 for all). The ventricular volume measurements were in good agreement between 4D MUSIC and 2D cine (concordance correlation coefficient >0.95).

Conclusion

The 4D MUSIC technique may represent a new paradigm in MR evaluation of cardiovascular anatomy and function in children with complex congenital heart disease. Magn Reson Med 74:1042–1049, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Severe motor neuropathy or neuronopathy due to nitrous oxide toxicity after correction of vitamin B12 deficiency
Authors: Morris Nicholas , Lynch Karen , Greenberg Steven A.
Published: October 2014

Introduction: Nitrous oxide (N2O) toxicity can cause a sensory predominant myeloneuropathy identical to subacute combined degeneration caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. We describe a patient with a typical vitamin B12 deficiency syndrome after N2O abuse who recovered and then developed a severe lower motor neuron syndrome following vitamin B12 correction. This suggests N2O toxicity independent of functional vitamin B12 deficiency. Methods: Electrophysiological, serological, and clinical evaluations were undertaken in the evaluation of this patient. Results: A 22‐year‐old man abused N2O and presented with a dorsal column syndrome with low vitamin B12 and high homocysteine serum levels. He recovered with treatment but presented later with profound motor axonal degeneration and normal vitamin B12, homocysteine, and methlymalonic acid levels. Conclusions: This case illustrates that N2O‐associated severe motor neuropathy or neuronopathy can develop separately from typical vitamin B12 deficiency dorsal column myelopathy. This syndrome can present when functional measures of vitamin B12 deficiency have normalized. Muscle Nerve 51: 614–616, 2015
Tissue and cellular tropism, pathology and pathogenesis of Ebola and Marburg viruses
Authors: Martines Roosecelis Brasil , Ng Dianna L , Greer Patricia W , Rollin Pierre E , Zaki Sherif R
Published: October 2014

Ebola viruses and Marburg viruses include some of the most virulent and fatal pathogens known to humans. These viruses cause severe haemorrhagic fevers, with case fatality rates in the range 25–90%. The diagnosis of filovirus using formalin‐fixed tissues from fatal cases poses a significant challenge. The most characteristic histopathological findings are seen in the liver; however, the findings overlap with many other viral and non‐viral haemorrhagic diseases. The need to distinguish filovirus infections from other haemorrhagic fevers, particularly in areas with multiple endemic viral haemorrhagic agents, is of paramount importance. In this review we discuss the current state of knowledge of filovirus infections and their pathogenesis, including histopathological findings, epidemiology, modes of transmission and filovirus entry and spread within host organisms. The pathogenesis of filovirus infections is complex and involves activation of the mononuclear phagocytic system, with release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, endothelial dysfunction, alterations of the innate and adaptive immune systems, direct organ and endothelial damage from unrestricted viral replication late in infection, and coagulopathy. Although our understanding of the pathogenesis of filovirus infections has rapidly increased in the past few years, many questions remain unanswered. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dispersing Molecular Cobalt in Graphitic Carbon Nitride Frameworks for Photocatalytic Water Oxidation
Authors: Zhang Guigang , Huang Caijin , Wang Xinchen
Published: October 2014

The development of water oxidation catalysts (WOCs) to cooperate with light‐energy transducers for solar energy conversion by water splitting and CO2 fixation is a demanding challenge. The key measure is to develop efficient and sustainable WOCs that can support a sustainable photocatalyst to reduce over‐potentials and thus to enhance reaction rate of water oxidation reaction. Cobalt has been indentified as active component of WOCs for photo/electrochemical water oxidation, and its performance relies strongly on the contact and adhesion of the cobalt species with photoactive substrates. Here, cobalt is homogeneously engineered into the framework of pristine graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) via chemical interaction, establishing surface junctions on the polymeric photocatalyst for the water oxidation reaction. This modification promotes the surface kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction by the g‐C3N4‐based photocatalytic system made of inexpensive substances, and further optimizations in the optical and textural structure of Co‐g‐C3N4 is envisaged by considering ample choice of modification schemes for carbon nitride materials.
The Viable Systems Approach and its Contribution to the Analysis of Sustainable Business Behaviors
Authors: Barile Sergio , Saviano Marialuisa , Iandolo Francesca , Calabrese Mario
Published: October 2014

This paper aims to propose the contribution of adopting a systemic perspective to researching sustainability in terms of inclusivity and holistic view, going beyond the limitations of a reductionist approach. Among the different systemic approaches, the methodological lens proposed herein is the one of the Viable Systems Approach, according to which sustainability, which can be seen as a process that is dynamic and changing over time, is linked to the notion of systemic viability and connected to some of the most relevant key concepts of Viable Systems Approach.

Through the proposition of the conceptual model of ‘The Viable Systems Cycle’, the authors intend to propose a different approach to the analysis and interpretation of sustainability that concerns the relationship among efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability itself and the way they orient and influence sustainable business behaviors. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Longitudinal changes in maternal corin and mid‐regional proatrial natriuretic peptide in women at risk of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Khalil A. , Maiz N. , Garcia‐Mandujano R. , Elkhouli M. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: October 2014

Objective

Corin, an atrial natriuretic peptide‐converting enzyme, has been found to promote trophoblast invasion and spiral artery remodeling. Yet, elevated maternal plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and corin levels have been reported in pregnancies complicated by pre‐eclampsia (PE). The aim of this study was to investigate longitudinal changes in maternal plasma levels of corin and mid‐regional proatrial natriuretic peptide (MR‐PANP) in pregnancies that develop PE and gestational hypertension (GH).

Methods

This was a nested case–control study drawn from a larger prospective longitudinal study in singleton pregnancies identified as being at high risk for PE by screening at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation. Blood samples were taken every 4 weeks until delivery. Values were compared in pregnancies that developed preterm PE (requiring delivery before 37 weeks' gestation), term PE, GH and those that remained normotensive.

Results

A total of 471 samples were analyzed from 122 women, including 85 that remained normotensive, 12 that developed GH, 13 term PE and 12 preterm PE. In the normotensive group, log10corin levels were associated with gestational age (P < 0.01), whereas log10MR‐PANP levels were not. In the preterm‐PE group, compared with the normotensive group, corin was significantly lower until 20 weeks' gestation (P = 0.001). In the GH and term‐PE groups, corin did not differ significantly from the normotensive group (P = 0.637 and P = 0.161, respectively). Compared with the normotensive group, MR‐PANP levels were significantly higher in the pregnancies that developed preterm PE and GH (P = 0.046 and P = 0.019, respectively), but not term PE (P = 0.467).

Conclusion

Maternal‐plasma corin and MR‐PANP could potentially be useful biomarkers for the prediction of preterm PE. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Performance of screening for aneuploidies by cell‐free DNA analysis of maternal blood in twin pregnancies
Authors: Bevilacqua E. , Gil M. M. , Nicolaides K. H. , Ordoñez E. , Cirigliano V. , Dierickx H. , Willems P. J. , Jani J. C.
Published: October 2014

Objectives

To report clinical implementation of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) analysis of maternal blood in screening for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 in twin pregnancies and examine variables that could influence the failure rate of the test.

Methods

cfDNA testing was performed in 515 twin pregnancies at 10–28 weeks' gestation. The failure rate of the test to provide results was compared with that in 1847 singleton pregnancies, and logistic regression analysis was used to determine which factors among maternal and pregnancy characteristics were significant predictors of test failure.

Results

Failure rate of the cfDNA test at first sampling was 1.7% in singletons and 5.6% in twins. Of those with a test result, the median fetal fraction in twins was 8.7% (range, 4.1–30.0%), which was lower than that in singletons (11.7% (range, 4.0–38.9%)). Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that twin pregnancy, higher maternal weight and conception by in‐vitro fertilization provided significant independent prediction of test failure. Follow‐up was available in 351 (68.2%) of the twin pregnancies and comprised 334 with euploid fetuses, 12 discordant for trisomy 21 and five discordant for trisomy 18. In all 323 euploid cases with a result, the risk score for each trisomy was < 1:10 000. In 11 of the 12 cases with trisomy 21 and in the five with trisomy 18, the cfDNA test gave a high‐risk result, but in one case of trisomy 21, the score was < 1:10 000.

Conclusion

In twin pregnancies screening by cfDNA testing is feasible, but the failure rate is higher and detection rate may be lower than in singletons. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Tris(2,4,6‐triamino‐1,3,5‐triazin‐1‐ium) Dihydrogenphosphate Monohydrogenphosphate Tetrahydrate
Authors: Hausner Josef , Butterhof Christian , Martin Thomas , Milius Wolfgang , Breu Josef
Published: October 2014

When “recrystallizing” the commercial flame retardant melaminium orthophosphate, surprisingly a hydrate with a diverging stoichiometry of melaminium (M) and phosphate (P) was obtained (M3P2·4H2O). The structure of M3P2·4H2O was solved by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The arrangement of positive melaminium and negative phosphate layers found in the crystal structure allows for both electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding networks. The melaminium layers are comprised of hydrogen‐bonded ribbons of melaminium, which in turn are connected by π–π interactions into layers. The negatively charged phosphate layers are comprised of hydrogen bonded dihydrogenphosphate dimers and hydrogenphosphate dimers, which in turn are interconnected by direct and water‐mediated hydrogen bonding into layers.
Context‐Dependent Pathways of the Transmission of Risk from Communities to Individuals
Authors: Lamont Andrea E. , Van Horn M. Lee , Hawkins J. David
Published: October 2014

Research has consistently documented the role of environmental risk factors in the onset of delinquent behavior among youth. Less is known about the processes through which these contextual risks are translated to individual youth behavior. The aim of the current study is to examine the role of family risk factors in the transmission of community risk. Data was obtained from a nationally representative sample of over 30,000 middle school youth and community key informants (CKI). A multilevel, moderated mediation model was estimated with family risk as the moderator of the effect of CKI ratings of community risk on youth perceptions of risk. Results showed that when youth came from low risk families (measured by parental use of positive family management strategies), youth perceptions of risk mediated the effects of community risk on youth delinquency; however, there was no evidence of a significant mediated effect under conditions of high risk (measured by poor family management). This appears to be because youth from high‐risk families perceived their neighborhoods as high‐risk, regardless of actual levels of risk (as reported by CKI). This study finds that the relationship between communities and adolescent behavior is complex and interacts with the family environment.
Inborn errors of cytoplasmic triglyceride metabolism
Authors: Wu Jiang Wei , Yang Hao , Wang Shu Pei , Soni Krishnakant G. , Brunel‐Guitton Catherine , Mitchell Grant A.
Published: October 2014

Triglyceride (TG) synthesis, storage, and degradation together constitute cytoplasmic TG metabolism (CTGM). CTGM is mostly studied in adipocytes, where starting from glycerol‐3‐phosphate and fatty acyl (FA)‐coenzyme A (CoA), TGs are synthesized then stored in cytoplasmic lipid droplets. TG hydrolysis proceeds sequentially, producing FAs and glycerol. Several reactions of CTGM can be catalyzed by more than one enzyme, creating great potential for complex tissue‐specific physiology. In adipose tissue, CTGM provides FA as a systemic energy source during fasting and is related to obesity. Inborn errors and mouse models have demonstrated the importance of CTGM for non‐adipose tissues, including skeletal muscle, myocardium and liver, because steatosis and dysfunction can occur. We discuss known inborn errors of CTGM, including deficiencies of: AGPAT2 (a form of generalized lipodystrophy), LPIN1 (childhood rhabdomyolysis), LPIN2 (an inflammatory condition, Majeed syndrome, described elsewhere in this issue), DGAT1 (protein loosing enteropathy), perilipin 1 (partial lipodystrophy), CGI‐58 (gene ABHD5, neutral lipid storage disease (NLSD) with ichthyosis and “Jordan's anomaly” of vacuolated polymorphonuclear leukocytes), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL, gene PNPLA2, NLSD with myopathy, cardiomyopathy and Jordan's anomaly), hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL, gene LIPE, hypertriglyceridemia, and insulin resistance). Two inborn errors of glycerol metabolism are known: glycerol kinase (GK, causing pseudohypertriglyceridemia) and glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD1, childhood hepatic steatosis). Mouse models often resemble human phenotypes but may diverge markedly. Inborn errors have been described for less than one‐third of CTGM enzymes, and new phenotypes may yet be identified.
Defective lipid metabolism in neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) syndromes: not only a matter of iron
Authors: Colombelli Cristina , Aoun Manar , Tiranti Valeria
Published: October 2014

Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) is a group of devastating and life threatening rare diseases. Adult and early‐onset NBIA syndromes are inherited as X‐chromosomal, autosomal dominant or recessive traits and several genes have been identified as responsible for these disorders. Among the identified disease genes, only two code for proteins directly involved in iron metabolism while the remaining NBIA genes encode proteins with a wide variety of functions ranging from fatty acid metabolism and autophagy to still unknown activities. It is becoming increasingly evident that many neurodegenerative diseases are associated with metabolic dysfunction that often involves altered lipid metabolism. This is not surprising since neurons have a peculiar and heterogeneous lipid composition critical for the development and correct functioning of the nervous system. This review will focus on specific NBIA forms, namely PKAN, CoPAN, PLAN, FAHN and MPAN, which display an interesting link between neurodegeneration and alteration of phospholipids and sphingolipids metabolism, mitochondrial morphology and membrane remodelling
Who needs beds?
Authors: Cantillon Peter , Dornan Tim
Published: October 2014

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Análisis del tamaño de empaque en la cadena de valor para minimizar costos logísticos: un caso de estudio en Colombia
Authors: Mejía Argueta Christopher , Soto Cardona Osman Camilo , Gámez Albán Harol Mauricio , Moreno Moreno Jenny Patricia
Published: October 2014

El presente artículo es un caso de estudio aplicado a una empresa colombiana de consumo masivo para minimizar los costos relacionados con sus operaciones logísticas al utilizar diferentes tamaños de empaque. Se formularon 2 modelos de optimización: uno para determinar los 5 tamaños de empaque secundario que disminuyen la necesidad de apertura para atender los pedidos recibidos, y otro para definir cuáles de esos tamaños de empaques son los más apropiados para atender cada canal de venta, minimizando el costo logístico total asociado. El análisis muestra hallazgos útiles para la atención de diversos canales, donde la optimización en la definición de los tamaños de empaques secundarios produjo una reducción promedio del 8,2% del costo logístico total de la empresa analizada.