bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics and chronicity of acute hepatitis B induced by lamivudine‐resistant strains
Authors: Luo Qingzhou , Zhong Yandan , Yang Yongfeng , Xiong Qingfang , Hu Zhiliang , Lu Weiming , Huang Ping , Zhang Ning
Published: August 2012

Whether resistant hepatitis B virus (HBV) strains are transmissible and can lead to chronic infection remains to be studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with acute hepatitis B caused by lamivudine (LAM)‐resistant strains. Sera were collected from 234 Chinese patients with acute hepatitis B. LAM‐resistance mutations were identified by direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing. LAM‐resistant HBV variants were detected in 11 of the 234 (4.7%) patients. Among these patients, six harbored the rtM204I mutation, two harbored the rtL180M + rtM204I mutations, one harbored the rtM204I + rtM204V mutations, one harbored the rtL80I + rtM204I mutations, and one harbored the rtV173L + rtL180M + rtM204V mutations. Three patients were infected with genotype B HBV and eight patients were infected with genotype C HBV. Two patients infected with viruses with LAM‐resistance mutations developed severe acute hepatitis. One patient developed chronic hepatitis B. This patient was infected with genotype C HBV that had LAM‐resistance mutations (rtL180M + rtM204I). The patient was diagnosed with an occult hepatitis B virus infection based on the presence of HBV DNA in the liver and the absence of detectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the serum. LAM‐resistant HBV strains in China are transmissible, can cause acute hepatitis B, and can even progress to chronic infection in China. J. Med. Virol. 84:1558–1561, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatitis B e antigen predicts delayed reduction of HBV DNA without viral breakthrough with adefovir dipivoxil and lamivudine: A 5‐year study of patients with hepatitis B with lamivudine resistance
Authors: Ikeda Fusao , Baba Nobuyuki , Takaguchi Koichi , Kubota Junichi , Miyoshi Kenji , Fujioka Shin‐ichi , Moritou Yuki , Takeuchi Yasuto , Yasunaka Tetsuya , Miyake Yasuhiro , Takaki Akinobu , Iwasaki Yoshiaki , Kobashi Haruhiko , Yamamoto Kazuhide
Published: August 2012

To clarify the factors associated with delayed reduction of HBV DNA during combination treatment with adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) and lamivudine (LAM) for patients with LAM‐resistant hepatitis B virus (HBV), factors including patient characteristics, viral mutations, and drug metabolism were investigated during a 5‐year observation period. Delayed reduction of HBV DNA was defined as delayed viral response of detectable HBV DNA after 3 years of combination therapy. Of 67 consecutive patients, 47 attained undetectable HBV DNA after 3 years of combination therapy, and the mean therapeutic duration was 5 years (range: 3.0–8.4 years). The patients with delayed viral response had high levels of HBV DNA and HBe antigen, while those with negative or low levels of HBe antigen were also negative for HBV DNA, even if they had high levels of HBV DNA. In the multivariate analysis with the proportional hazards model, a high baseline level of HBe antigen was negatively associated with viral decline to an undetectable level (P = 0.013). A higher baseline of HBe antigen corresponded to a lower annual decline in HBV DNA (R = −0.38, P = 0.004). No patients showed ADV‐resistant mutations in the HBV reverse transcriptase region. Trough concentrations of LAM and ADV showed no clear associations with viral response. HBe antigen levels at the initiation of therapy, and reductions in these levels during therapy are predictive of the therapeutic response to combination therapy with ADV and LAM for patients with LAM‐resistant HBV. J. Med. Virol. 84:1562–1570, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dried blood spot samples: Optimization of commercial EIAs for hepatitis C antibody detection and stability under different storage conditions
Authors: Marques B.L.C. , Brandão C.U. , Silva E.F. , Marques V.A. , Villela‐Nogueira C.A. , Do Ó K.M.R. , de Paula M.T. , Lewis‐Ximenez L.L. , Lampe E. , Villar L.M.
Published: August 2012

This study was undertaken to optimize and compare the efficiency of two commercial EIAs for anti‐HCV detection (HCV Ab Radim, Pomezzia, Italy and ETI‐AB‐HCVK‐4 DiaSorin, Vercelli, Italy), in dried blood spot (DBS) samples. The long‐term stability of anti‐HCV on DBS samples stored at three environmental conditions was also evaluated at: 2–8°C, 20–25°C, and −20°C. Paired DBS and serum samples were obtained from individuals with or without anti‐HCV. The type of elution buffer, sample and conjugate volume, sample incubation time and cut‐off values were evaluated. For both EIAs, a larger sample volume was used, and the cut‐off value determined by the manufacturer was employed for Radim EIA; however, ROC curve analysis was used for the DiaSorin EIA. The sensitivity and specificity of Radim EIA on DBS were 97.5% and 99.5%, respectively, and of DiaSorin EIA were 88.9% and 98.9%, respectively. Accurate results were obtained for a period of 117 days using DBS samples stored at all storage conditions, but storage at −20°C resulted in the lowest variation among the absorbance values. Both EIAs demonstrated the same limit of detection (until dilution of 1:104 with estimated viral load of 3.1 × 10−1 UI/ml), but the Radim EIA was associated with the best performance because a low coefficient of variation was observed in the repetition and reproducibility studies. In conclusion, commercial EIAs can be optimized for anti‐HCV detection in DBS samples that are extremely stable at different conditions for more than 100 days. J. Med. Virol. 84:1600–1607, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatitis C virus infection of human cytotrophoblasts cultured in vitro
Authors: Nie Qing‐He , Gao Lu‐Hua , Cheng Yong‐Qian , Huang Xiao‐Feng , Zhang Ya‐Fei , Luo Xin‐Dong , Wang Jun‐Qing , Wang Yuan‐Yuan
Published: August 2012

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the uterus is a significant path of vertical HCV transmission. Some studies consider vertical HCV transmission in the uterus as the result of maternal blood leakage into infant blood, whereas others theorize that HCV is transmitted by the mother to the infant through cells constituting the placenta barrier. Although trophoblasts play an important role in the placenta barrier, no definitive evidence has been presented to prove that cytotrophoblasts can be infected with HCV. The current study investigated whether or not these can be infected with HCV by conducting an experiment, in which cultured human cytotrophoblasts were infected with HCV in vitro. The results were analyzed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), ultrastructural characteristic changes under an electron microscope, and immunoelectron microscopy. HCV RNA in the supernatant of the cultured medium of the infected group was intermittently detected during the 16‐day incubation period using RT‐PCR. Under an electron microscope, the ultrastructures of infected human cytotrophoblasts were markedly different from normal cells, demonstrating lysosomal hyperplasia, rough endoplasmic reticulum, decreased lipid droplets, presence of vacuoles, and the appearance of HCV‐like particles. Using immunoelectron microscopy, HCV‐like particles conjoined with golden granules were also observed. Based on the data, the current study concludes that HCV infects a human cytotrophoblast cultured in vitro; moreover, its ultrastructure changes dramatically upon infection. J. Med. Virol. 84:1586–1592, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phylogenetic analysis of rubella virus strains during an outbreak in São Paulo, 2007–2008
Authors: Figueiredo C.A. , Oliveira M.I. , Curti S.P. , Afonso A.M.S. , Frugi Yu A.L. , Gualberto F. , Durigon E.L.
Published: August 2012

Rubella virus (RV) is an important human pathogen that causes rubella, an acute contagious disease. It also causes severe birth defects collectively known as congenital rubella syndrome when infection occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy. Here, we present the phylogenetic analysis of RV that circulated in São Paulo during the 2007–2008 outbreak. Samples collected from patients diagnosed with rubella were isolated in cell culture and sequenced. RV RNA was obtained from samples or RV‐infected cell cultures and amplified by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. Sequences were assigned to genotypes by phylogenetic analysis using RV reference sequences. Seventeen sequences were analyzed, and three genotypes were identified: 1a, 1G, and 2B. Genotypes 1a and 1G, which were isolated in 2007, were responsible for sporadic rubella cases in São Paulo. Thereafter, in late 2007, the epidemiological conditions changed, resulting in a large RV outbreak with the clear dominance of genotype 2B. The results of this study provide new approaches for monitoring the progress of elimination of rubella from São Paulo, Brazil. J. Med. Virol. 84:1666–1671, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
OpenCL‐based acceleration of the FDTD method in computational electromagnetics
Authors: Stefański Tomasz , Benkler Stefan , Chavannes Nicolas , Kuster Niels
Published: August 2012

The evolution of processors into multi‐core architectures has led to the acceleration of scientific codes using numerous highly specialized processors, that is, multi‐core central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs) and also devices that merge both technologies in a single‐die chip. Development of parallel codes that are both scalable and portable between the processor architectures is challenging. To overcome this limitation, we investigated the acceleration of the finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method in computational electromagnetics on modern computing architectures, that is, multi‐core CPUs and GPUs, through the use of Open Computing Language (OpenCL). Further extension of the OpenCL parallel programing model with the Message Passing Interface allows for the targeting of standard distributed memory computer clusters as well as clusters accelerated by GPUs. Portability between hardware manufactured by different vendors and highly specialized and parallel computing architectures is the main advantage of the developed FDTD solvers. The codes were coupled with a commercial simulation platform to evaluate the performance of the solvers in real‐world industrial scenarios. Although the portability resulted in a slightly reduced performance (10–35%) of the OpenCL‐accelerated FDTD simulations compared with the native Compute Unified Device Architecture or Open Multiprocessing implementations, the obtained benchmarking results of the OpenCL FDTD solvers on distributed memory systems show that the communication overhead can be hidden by computations for sufficiently large simulation domains with a scaling efficiency higher than 90%. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organization–environment adaptation: A macro‐level shift in modeling work distress and morale
Authors: Dollard Maureen F. , Osborne Karen , Manning Ian
Published: August 2012

We theorized that organization–environment adaptation, the interaction between external demands and personnel resources, predicts distress and morale. We tested this hypothesis in 29 stations within one state police department, and combined three data sources. We measured environmental demands for policing via census data pertaining to the station precinct (e.g., per cent unemployed; per cent in public housing). We assessed resources via personnel numbers within stations. Outcomes were employee's perceptions of staff distress and morale at the station (N = 247), assessed twice, 14 months apart. Using hierarchical linear modeling, we found that environmental demands predicted perceptions of workgroup distress and morale and that the relationships were moderated by personnel resources. For distress, when resources were low, demands were positively associated with distress; when resources were high, demands were negatively associated with distress. For morale, when resources were high, demands were positively associated with morale; there was no relationship when resources were low. Results show that aversive and pleasurable reactions at work may be traced to how resources are employed to manage external demands. Results support a macro‐level shift in modeling distress and morale, incorporating external demands, and strategic management decisions regarding personnel resourcing. Our research suggests that rather than being a result of individual failure to adapt, compromised work ability may result from an organizational failure to adapt to the environmental context. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role stress, physical symptomatology, and turnover intentions: A causal analysis of three alternative specifications
Authors: Kemery Edward R. , Mossholder Kevin W. , Bedeian Arthur G.
Published: August 2012

Causal relationships involving role stressors, physical symptomatology, and turnover intentions were examined within three alternative specifications. These specifications stemmed from Beehr and Newman's (1978) and Schuler's (1982) models of role stress and Locke's (1976) theory of job satisfaction. The results, derived from LISREL VI analyses, indicate that a revised Schuler model is the most plausible specification. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for understanding role stress and employee withdrawal.
Work‐Family conflict: The effect of job and family involvement
Authors: Frone Michael R. , Rice Robert W.
Published: August 2012

A review of past research revealed inconsistent findings concerning the relationship between job involvement and work‐family conflict. This study tested whether family involvement moderates the relationship between job involvement and work‐family conflict. Two types of family involvement (spouse and parent) and two types of work‐family conflict (job‐spouse and job‐parent) were assessed. Data were gathered via questionnaire from a sample of nonteaching professionals employed by a large public university in the northeastern United States. As hypothesized, job involvement and job‐spouse conflict were positively related for individuals high in spouse involvement and unrelated for individuals low in spouse involvement. Contrary to prediction, parental involvement did not moderate the relationship between job involvement and job‐parent conflict. Instead, job involvement was positively related to job‐parent conflict regardless of the level of parental involvement. Results are discussed in terms of standards for role performance and strength of role demands. Implications for future research are also discussed.
Distribution of isoflavones and coumestrol in neglected tropical and subtropical legumes
Authors: Leuner Olga , Havlik Jaroslav , Hummelova Jana , Prokudina Elena , Novy Pavel , Kokoska Ladislav
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Isoflavones and coumestrol from dietary legumes are plant constituents showing multiple beneficial effects on humans. Owing to their ability to bind with mammalian estrogenic receptors and thereby intervention in several kinds of hormone‐related cancers, they have received much attention. Soybean (Glycine max) is currently the major source of isoflavonoids in human diet. However, dozens of tropical and subtropical leguminous species remain unexplored for their isoflavonoids content.

RESULTS: We have analyzed 55 extracts from 41 tropical and subtropical legume species used either in human or animal diet by high‐performance liquid chromatography for the content of soy isoflavones, biochanin A, daidzein, daidzin, formononetin, genistein, genistin, sissotrin, ononin and the coumestan coumestrol. Genistein and biochanin A were the most abundant compounds. The highest content of genistein was found in aerial parts of Andira macrothyrsa, seeds of Pachyrhizus tuberosus and aerial parts of Calopogonium mucunoides (598, 250 and 184 µg g−1, respectively) and biochanin A in aerial parts of Cratylia argentea, C. mucunoides and flowers of A. macrothyrsa (76, 53 and 40 µg g−1, respectively).

CONCLUSION: None of the samples tested was richer overall source of soy isoflavones and coumestrol than soybean; nevertheless several species (C. mucunoides or A. macrothyrsa) may serve as a promising source of individual compounds. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Anti‐obesity and hypolipidemic effects of Fuzhuan brick tea water extract in high‐fat diet‐induced obese rats
Authors: Li Qin , Liu Zhonghua , Huang Jianan , Luo Guoan , Liang Qionglin , Wang Die , Ye Xiaoyan , Wu Chaobi , Wang Lili , Hu Jiehui
Published: August 2012

Background

Fuzhuan brick tea is a kind of microbial fermented tea, which has received increasing attention in recent years owing to its benefits for human health. In this study, the anti‐obesity and hypolipidemic effects of Fuzhuan brick tea water extracts (FTEs) were investigated.

Results

FTEs consisted of 204.07 ± 3.38 mg g−1 polyphenol, 109.20 ± 1.36 mg g−1 flavonoids, and others. The FTEs significantly suppressed the increase of body weight and accumulation of adipose tissue, and reduced the level of serum triacylglycerol, total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in obese rats fed a high‐fat diet. Moreover, FTEs attenuated the gene expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1c, fatty acid synthase and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α, which is related to lipogenic metabolism. In contrast, the gene expressions of enzymes involved in energy expenditure and lipodieresis including hepatic peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a and LDL receptor gene expression were increased by FTE treatment.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that FTEs have anti‐obesity and hypolipidemic functions, suggesting that it might be effective for treatment of obesity and hyperlipemia.
Variability in tannin content, chemistry and activity in a diverse group of tannin containing sorghum cultivars
Authors: Kaufman Rhett C , Herald Thomas J , Bean Scott R , Wilson Jeff D , Tuinstra Mitch R
Published: August 2012

Background

Tannins are large polyphenolic polymers and are known to bind proteins, limiting their digestibility, but are also excellent antioxidants. Numerous studies investigating the functional properties of sorghum tannin have been conducted by comparing grain samples from different sorghum lines without considering the other intrinsic characteristics of the grain. The purpose of this study was to remove the confounding intrinsic factors present in the endosperm so the effect of the tannins could be evaluated utilizing a unique decortication/reconstitution procedure.

Results

The tannin content of the 14 cultivars tested ranged from 2.3 to 67.2 catechin equivalents. The bran fractions were studied for their impact on protein binding and antioxidant capacity. Protein digestibility by pepsin ranged from 8% to 58% at the highest tannin level addition. Protein binding ranged from 3.11 to 16.33 g blue bovine serum albumin kg−1 bran. Antioxidant capacity ranged from 81.33 to 1122.54 µmol Trolox equivalents g−1 bran. High‐performance size‐exclusion chromatography detailed molecular size distributions of the tannin polymers and relationship to tannin functionality.

conclusion

The tannin content and composition play a significant role in determining tannin functionality. These differences will allow for selections of high‐tannin sorghums with consideration of the biological activities of the tannins.
Effects of season, browse species and polyethylene glycol addition on gas production kinetics of forages in the subhumid subtropical savannah, South Africa
Authors: Basha Nasreldin AD , Scogings Peter F , Nsahlai Ignatius V
Published: August 2012

Background

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of season, species and polyethylene glycol addition on gas production (GP) and GP kinetic parameters by in vitro incubation (72 h) of five plant species from the subhumid subtropical savannah, South Africa. Plant species used were Acacia natalitia, Acacia nilotica, Dichrostachys cinerea, Scutia myrtina and Chromolaena odorata, leaves of which were harvested during the dry (June/July), early wet (November/December) and late wet (February/March) seasons. An automated in vitro gas production technique was used in two experiments carried out with nine replicates. The first experiment was to test the effect of season and species, while the second experiment tested the effect of tannins using polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG). The PEG treatment was applied to samples in the early wet and late wet seasons.

Results

There were wide variations among seasons and species in crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and condensed tannin (CT). Season and species affected the maximum GP and GP kinetic parameters. During the three seasons, C. odorata had the highest CP (186–226 g kg−1 dry matter (DM)) and GP (87–104 mL g−1 DM) and S. myrtina had the lowest CP (105–129 g kg−1 DM), while A. nilotica, A. natalitia, D. cinerea and S. myrtina had similar and low GP (23–50 mL g−1 DM). The maximum GP, its degradation rate and GP from the soluble fraction were positively correlated with CP both without and with PEG. With PEG, GP from the soluble fraction was negatively correlated with NDF, ADL and CT; without PEG, it was negatively correlated with CT.

Conclusion

Both season and species affected the GP parameters. The addition of PEG emphasises that the inhibitory effect of tannins on rumen microbes was greater for all but C. odorata, confirming that these browse species can be used as feed supplements.
Prediction of the dry‐milling performance of maize hybrids through hardness‐associated properties
Authors: Blandino Massimo , Sacco Dario , Reyneri Amedeo
Published: August 2012

Background

The hardness of kernels determines the dry‐milling processing performance of maize hybrids. The identification of the best maize hybrids for the dry‐milling process requires a limited number of simple, practical and reliable tests that are able to predict the potential grit yield.

Results

A total of 119 samples from different genetic and environmental backgrounds, collected over 3 years, were analysed for coarse/fine ratio (C/F), floating test (FLT), protein content (PC), kernel sphericity (S), total milling energy (TME) and test weight (TW). The total grit yield (TGY) of each sample was obtained through a micromilling procedure based on the manual separation of kernel endosperm followed by grinding and sieving under standard operational conditions. The TGY was used to establish the capability of the tests to predict the dry‐milling aptitude. Single and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to establish equations for the prediction of TGY using C/F, FLT, PC, S, TME and TW as independent variables. The analyses were performed on three data sets, clustered year by year of the sample collection and analysis, and the resulting average coefficients of determination (R2) were compared by analysis of variance. C/F, FLT, TME and, to a lesser extent, TW appeared to be easy‐to‐use independent descriptors of maize dry‐milling. An improved model prediction ability was observed when different combinations of a few physical and chemical properties were used as input variables. However, the models in which three or more variables were used did not lead to any significant improvement in TGY prediction compared with the smaller models.

Conclusion

This study contributes towards establishing the best predictor of maize kernel aptitude to dry‐milling processes. Of all considered data sets, a milling evaluation factor (C/F or TME) coupled with kernel density (measured by means of the FLT) showed the best predictive ability for dry‐milled product yields.
Development of a cloud point extraction method for the determination of phenolic compounds in environmental water samples coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Ma Huihui , Mu Fengtian , Fan Shujuan , Zhou Xiao , Jia Qiong
Published: August 2012

A method based on ultrasound‐assisted cloud point extraction (CPE) was developed for the determination of phenolic compounds in water samples by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection (DAD) (HPLC–DAD). A nonionic surfactant, Tergitol 15‐S‐7, was chosen as the surfactant. The parameters affecting the CPE efficiency, such as Tergitol 15‐S‐7 concentration, salt concentration, extraction temperature, incubation time, centrifugation time, ultrasonic time, sample pH, and dilution solvent were systematically evaluated and optimized. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the linear regression coefficients of the standard curves were greater than 0.9986 and the limits of detection were in the range of 1.7–6.0 μg/L. The method was shown to be reproducible and reliable with intraday and interday relative standard deviations lower than 4.0 and 5.8%, respectively. The recoveries for the addition of different concentrations of phenolic compounds to water samples were in the range of 81.1–109.4%.
Sequential extraction of inorganic arsenic compounds and methyl arsenate in human urine using mixed‐mode monolithic silica spin column coupled with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Namera Akira , Takeuchi Akito , Saito Takeshi , Miyazaki Shota , Oikawa Hiroshi , Saruwatari Tatsuro , Nagao Masataka
Published: August 2012

A sequential analytical method was developed for the detection of arsenite, arsenate, and methylarsenate in human urine by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The combination of a derivatization of trivalent arsenic compounds by 2,3‐dithio‐1‐propanol (British antilewisite; BAL) and a reduction of pentavalent arsenic compounds (arsenate and methylarsenate) were accomplished to carry out the analysis of arsenic compounds in urine. The arsenic derivatives obtained using BAL were extracted in a stepwise manner using a monolithic spin column and analyzed by GC‐MS. A linear curve was observed for concentrations of arsenic compounds of 2.0 to 200 ng/mL, where the correlation coefficients of calibration curves were greater than 0.996 (for a signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratio >10). The detection limits were 1 ng/mL (S/N > 3). Recoveries of the targets in urine were in the range 91.9–106.5%, and RSDs of the intra‐ and interday assay for urine samples containing 5, 50, and 150 ng/mL of arsenic compounds varied between 2.95 and 13.4%. The results from real samples obtained from a patient suspected of having ingested As containing medications using this proposed method were in good agreement with those obtained using high‐performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
Surfaces Resistant to Fouling from Biological Fluids: Towards Bioactive Surfaces for Real Applications
Authors: Rodriguez‐Emmenegger Cesar , Houska Milan , Alles Aldo Bologna , Brynda Eduard
Published: August 2012

The fouling from four human body fluids – blood plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, urine and saliva – and four animal fluids – foetal bovine and calf sera, egg and milk – relevant to human and veterinary medicine, immunology, biology and diagnostics is assessed on antifouling SAMs and on polymer brushes of oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate, 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate, carboxybetaine acrylamide and N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide synthesized via ATRP. While important deposits from the all biofluids are observed on SAMs, a superior resistance is achieved on polymer brushes. Importantly, only poly(CBAA) and poly(HPMA) are capable of resisting the fouling from the most challenging media, blood plasma and eggs.

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Oxidant‐Dependent REDOX Responsiveness of Polysulfides
Authors: Carampin Paolo , Lallana Enrique , Laliturai Jureerat , Carroccio Sabrina C. , Puglisi Concetto , Tirelli Nicola
Published: August 2012

Poly(propylene sulfide) (PPS) is studied as an oxidation‐responsive macromolecular building block, in the perspective of anti‐inflammatory therapies. Here, we show that the nature of the oxidant has profound effects on the outcome of the oxidation process. PPS was exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hypochlorite (OCl−), which are oxidizing species commonly encountered during inflammatory processes. It was found that the oxidation with H2O2 converted thioethers into sulfoxides, producing water‐soluble macromolecular products with extremely low toxicity (L929 fibroblasts); on the contrary, the reaction with NaOCl produced sulfones in addition to sulfoxides, and this was accompanied by depolymerization, which appears to considerably affect the toxicity of the oxidation products.
Poly(phenylnorbornene) from Ring‐Opening Metathesis and Its Hydrogenated Derivatives
Authors: Li Sheng , Burns Adam B. , Register Richard A. , Bell Andrew
Published: August 2012

Novel polymers are synthesized from 5‐phenyl‐2‐norbornene (PhNb) and its saturated side group analog, 5‐cyclohexyl‐2‐norbornene, using ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Polymers of both endo‐rich and all‐exo PhNb show glass transition temperatures (Tg) = 88 ± 1 °C, indicating a negligible effect of monomer stereoisomerism on segmental packing or the energy barriers to motion at the glass transition, despite the substantial size of the side group. Post‐polymerization hydrogenation of the PhNb polymers using catalysts with different selectivities reveals that saturation of the backbone produces a 17 °C decrease in Tg (for both aromatic and cycloaliphatic side groups), whereas saturation of the side groups produces a 14 °C increase in Tg (for both saturated and unsaturated backbones).
It Is a Match: The Impact of Congruence between Celebrity Image and Consumer Ideal Self on Endorsement Effectiveness
Authors: Choi Sejung Marina , Rifon Nora J.
Published: August 2012

Using celebrities for promoting products is a popular advertising strategy. The selection of celebrity endorsers is of great concern to advertisers given the large sums of money to secure their participation. To date, most academic research on celebrity endorser effectiveness has focused on endorser characteristics (e.g., source credibility) or a match between a product and the endorser (e.g., match‐up hypothesis). The study presented here introduces a new dimension for understanding celebrity endorser effects, the congruence between a consumer's perception of a celebrity's personality characteristics with the consumer's self‐concept. Consumers’ self‐concept is an important influence on purchase decisions (Ericksen, 1997; Graeff, 1996; Sirgy, 1982, 1985), and advertising has been viewed as the most effective tool for creating product images in relation to such self‐concept (Sirgy, 1982). Drawn from the two streams of literature, this study proposes and tests an integrative model of celebrity endorsement by examining congruence effects of consumer self‐concept and celebrity as well as product and celebrity. Results suggest that ideal congruity (congruence between consumers’ ideal self‐image and celebrity image) adds explanatory power to a congruence model of celebrity endorser effects. Implications for advertisers and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Celebrity Worship, Materialism, Compulsive Buying, and the Empty Self
Authors: Reeves Robert A. , Baker Gary A. , Truluck Chris S.
Published: August 2012

This study tested common predictions from the absorption‐addiction model of celebrity worship and the empty self theory. A sample of 171 university students completed a set of scales that included celebrity worship, materialism, and compulsive buying, as well as self‐concept clarity, and several other measures of well‐being, such as boredom proneness, self‐esteem, and life satisfaction. As predicted, materialism and compulsive buying were significantly correlated with celebrity worship, extending research on the empty self theory. Celebrity worship, materialism, and compulsive buying were significantly related to lower self‐concept clarity and to lower levels of well‐being, supporting both absorption‐addiction and empty self theories. The results provide clear evidence for absorption‐addiction and empty self theory predictions of a compromised identity. Implications for future research were discussed.
Desire for Fame: Scale Development and Association with Personal Goals and Aspirations
Authors: Gountas John , Gountas Sandra , Reeves Robert A. , Moran Lucy
Published: August 2012

The desire for fame appears to be an aspiration for many people, which is associated with material wealth, social recognition, and admiration. Recently, reality TV has provided the opportunity for ordinary people to become famous with little effort or outstanding achievement. A literature review revealed no scale to measure the desire for fame that is not specifically concerned with celebrity worship or personality, but related to the perception of lifestyle benefits associated with being famous. The key objective of this study was to develop a scale to measure the desire for fame and test its validity and reliability. The scale items were developed through the literature review and exploratory interviews. A pilot study was conducted to test the relationship between the desire for fame and external goals, which indicated positive associations. A second, online survey was conducted using a sample of 507 people. The Desire for Fame scale was found to have good psychometric properties and the findings suggest significant relationships with extrinsic and intrinsic aspirations, consistent with self‐determination theory. The social and marketing implications of the research are discussed and suggestions have been made for future research.
Milk protein and fat play different roles in affecting the bioavailability and the antioxidant activity of jujube juice phenolics in rats
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zheng Junyan , Liu Xianting , Ding Qingbo , Jiang Lu , Guo Huiyuan , Ren Fazheng
Published: August 2012

Scope

In this study, we intend to clarify the role that milk proteins and fat may play in affecting the bioavailability and the antioxidant activity of jujube juice phenolics.

Methods and results

Three milk preparations—skimmed milk, milk fat, and whole milk were produced to represent milk protein, milk fat, and milk protein and fat together, respectively. The bioavailability of phenolics and the rat plasma antioxidant capacity were measured for 8 h after the consumption of jujube juice with and without milk preparations. The addition of skimmed milk to jujube juice resulted in significant changes in the plasma kinetics profile of phenolics, rather than affecting the overall absorption. Milk fat did not interact with jujube juice phenolics. However, when jujube juice was ingested with whole milk, a significant reduction of the bioavailability of phenolics and the maximum increase in plasma antioxidant capacity was observed. Moreover, a consistent increase in the median diameters of the emulsions indicated the formation of complexes of proteins, fat, and phenolics during digestion.

Conclusion

The present study suggests that when ingested with jujube juice, milk proteins and fat play different roles in affecting the bioavailability and the antioxidant activity of jujube juice phenolics.
Blood biomarkers of methylation in Down syndrome and metabolic simulations using a mathematical model
Authors: Obeid Rima , Hartmuth Kathrin , Herrmann Wolfgang , Gortner Ludwig , Rohrer Tilman R. , Geisel Jürgen , Reed Michael C. , Nijhout H. Frederik
Published: August 2012

Scope

The study tests the metabolites of the methylation cycle in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and applies a mathematical model in order to change this cycle by nutritional factors.

Methods and results

We measured concentrations of the metabolites related to the methylation cycle in the blood of 35 young individuals with DS and 47 controls of comparable age. Moreover, we applied a mathematical model to learn more about the regulation of the methylation cycle in DS. Concentrations of cystathionine, cysteine, betaine, choline, dimethylglycine, S‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM), and holotranscobalamin were significantly higher in DS compared to the controls. The median SAM/SAH ratio was lower in DS and that of methionine and reduced glutathione did not differ significantly between the groups. The mathematical model showed that enhanced methionine turnover and accelerated Hcy‐remethylation might explain the shift in the methylation cycle in DS.

Conclusion

In addition to the DS‐related excess of cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) activity, increases in the activities of MS and betaine homocysteine methyl transferase, and in methionine input were necessary to account for the changes in metabolite levels observed in DS. A low‐methionine diet might offer a perspective for reversing the metabolic imbalance in DS, but this awaits clinical investigations.
Noninvasive respiratory management and diaphragm and electrophrenic pacing in neuromuscular disease and spinal cord injury
Authors: Bach John R.
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this monograph is to describe noninvasive management of respiratory muscle weakness/paralysis for patients with neuromuscular disease (NMD) and spinal cord injury (SCI). Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) assists and supports inspiratory muscles, whereas mechanically assisted coughing (MAC) simulates an effective cough. Long‐term outcomes will be reviewed as well as the use of NIV, MAC, and electrophrenic pacing (EPP) and diaphragm pacing (DP) to facilitate extubation and decannulation. Although EPP and DP can facilitate decannulation and maintain alveolar ventilation for high‐level SCI patients when they cannot use NIV because of lack of access to oral interfaces, there is no evidence that they have any place in the management of NMD. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Inverse activation between the deeper vastus intermedius and superficial muscles in the quadriceps during dynamic knee extensions
Authors: Akima Hiroshi , Saito Akira
Published: August 2012

Introduction: We sought to determine the neuromuscular activation patterns of 4 synergistic muscles of the quadriceps femoris (QF), including the vastus intermedius (VI) muscle, during dynamic knee extensions. Methods: Nine healthy men performed dynamic knee extensions in the range of 20–100% of the one‐repetition maximum (1RM) load. Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the 4 muscles of the QF. Results: The normalized EMG amplitude of the VI was significantly higher at knee joint angles between 90° and 115° during both the concentric and eccentric phases, and it was significantly lower between 140° and 165° during concentric and eccentric phases, compared with those of vastus lateralis at 60–100% of 1RM load (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that the VI plays a key role during dynamic knee extension with flexed joint angles and specifically contributes to the initial concentric and final eccentric phases of knee joint movements. Muscle Nerve 47: 682–690, 2013
Blood oxygenation level‐dependent functional MRI signal turbulence caused by ultrahigh spatial resolution: numerical simulation and theoretical explanation
Authors: Chen Zikuan , Chen Zeyuan , Calhoun Vince
Published: August 2012

High‐spatial‐resolution functional MRI (fMRI) can enhance image contrast and improve spatial specificity for brain activity mapping. As the voxel size is reduced, an irregular magnetic fieldmap will emerge as a result of less local averaging, and will lead to abnormal fMRI signal evolution with respect to the image acquisition TE. In this article, we report this signal turbulence phenomenon observed in simulations of ultrahigh‐spatial‐resolution blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) fMRI (voxel size of less than 50 × 50 × 50 µm3). We present a four‐level coarse‐to‐fine multiresolution BOLD fMRI signal simulation. Based on the statistical histogram of an intravoxel fieldmap, we reformulate the intravoxel dephasing summation (a form of Riemann sum) into a new formula that is a discrete Fourier transformation of the intravoxel fieldmap histogram (a form of Lebesgue sum). We interpret the BOLD signal formation by relating its magnitude (phase) to the even (odd) symmetry of the fieldmap histogram. Based on multiresolution BOLD signal simulation, we find that the signal turbulence mainly emerges at the vessel boundary, and that there are only a few voxels (less than 10%) in an ultrahigh‐resolution image that reveal turbulence in the form of sparse point noise. Our simulation also shows that, for typical human brain imaging of the cerebral cortex with millimeter resolution, TE < 30 ms and B0 = 3 T, we are unlikely to observe BOLD signal turbulence. Overall, the main causes of voxel signal turbulence include a high spatial resolution, high field, long TE and large vessel. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three decades of progress: Productivity, quality, environment
Authors: Ruch William A.
Published: August 2012

Over the past two decades, organizational progress has been defined by the revolutionary productivity and quality movements. So what can organizations expect to face as they embark on the new millennium? In this article, the author predicts that the next decade will focus on environmental management systems and offers guidelines for dealing with the critical issues, challenges, and opportunities that ultimately will arise.
The self‐management payoff: Making ten years of improvements in one
Authors: Carroll Bob
Published: August 2012

Although much has been written about how self‐managed teams are much more effective than traditional work groups, almost nothing has been written as to why they are more effective. As this article explains, the very way a self‐managed team operates leads to greater improvements in quality and speed than are possible in a traditional command‐and‐control structure.
Tying quality to strategy to ensure the success of both
Authors: Kossoff Leslie L.
Published: August 2012

Only by binding the quality initiative to the strategy and goals of the larger organization can management and its teams ensure that they are doing the right things for the right reasons leading to the best outcomes. This article presents a means of tying quality to strategy for organizations new to quality initiatives and those dissatisfied with previous results. It also outlines a three‐phase implementation structure incorporating a system of checks and balances to ensure that the initiative stays on track.
Focusing on technology, operations, and processes at Witco Houston
Authors: Montgomery H. Keith , Recardo Ronald J.
Published: August 2012

When a parent corporation recasts its vision, what must its member components do to keep up? This case study analyzes an approach for work redesign that substantively changed the way work was done at a 170‐person manufacturing facility. Through this innovative approach, the plant realized significant financial and operational improvements in just four months.
Teaming up with training for world‐class performance
Authors: Williams Mark K.
Published: August 2012

How can a nonunion manufacturing plant—plagued with poor customer service and low inventory turns—and a unionized distribution center suffering a host of operating inefficiencies become profitable beyond management's expectations? For the Vermont American Corporation, the answer lay in pairing teamwork with training.
An organizational framework for the information age
Authors: Reilly Bernard J. , Ozatalay Savas
Published: August 2012

Man or machine: Which is more important? Although the mass‐production systems of the past required the obedience of people to the demands of technology, today's information‐based organizations use technology as a tool for developing expertise. This paradigm shift requires a redefinition of the role of technology and the role of the people who use it, for only through a partnership of capital and skill can organizations achieve the value‐added component of modern work.
Moving training to the strategic level with learning requirements planning
Authors: Kapp Karl M.
Published: August 2012

Manufacturing organizations have a tremendous opportunity to obtain a competitive advantage through the alignment of their training programs with organizational strategic goals. Yet, few manufacturing organizations are able to achieve a competitive advantage through organizational learning. In this article, the author details a comprehensive model for aligning corporate strategic goals with the everyday training and education sessions that occur within the organization. Besides laying the groundwork for strategic advantage, implementing a Learning Requirements Planning (LRP) process should especially appeal to manufacturing organizations, because it uses the same logic and structure as much of the manufacturing software on the market today.
Self‐Managed knowledge teams simplify high‐tech manufacturing
Authors: Carroll Bob
Published: August 2012

Historically, hardware for applications in space has been designed and built in traditional command‐and‐control organizations. Modern budget restraints and advanced technology require a very different organizational design, however. This case study demonstrates that the best organizational design for such high‐tech production is a lean empowering organization that maximizes all workers' ability to contribute to the success of each mission.
The role of management in a self‐managing organization
Authors: Purser Ronald E. , Cabana Steven
Published: August 2012

As more companies implement self‐managing work teams to improve organizational performance, the question naturally arises: What part will management play in the new environment? In this excerpt from The Self‐Managing Organization, the authors detail the dynamic new responsibilities and challenges to be embraced by forward‐thinking managers at the strategic, growth, and operational levels.
Mandated performance measurement: A help or a hindrance?
Authors: Halachmi Arie
Published: August 2012

Instead of promoting greater productivity, current efforts to increase the use of performance measurements in the public and private sectors increase the risk of undermining it. Reviewing some of the possible questions about the use and the wisdom of the 1993 Government Performance and Results Act, this article examines some of the concerns managers should have when performance results are mandated by outside organizations.
Team learning: Best practices and tools for an elusiue concept
Authors: Cross Rob , Rieley James B.
Published: August 2012

In an increasingly global, interconnected, and dynamic business environment, an organization's ability to learn and improve is critical to success. Although the appeal of such metaphors as organic structures and synergistic thought common in the learning organization literature is undeniable, these descriptions do little to help managers understand where organizations should focus their learning initiatives. As teams increasingly form and tackle important tasks on a project basis, they seem to be a logical starting point. Yet, few ideas have been presented on how to improve team learning from experience. This article identifies practices that facilitate and undermine learning in team settings and offers two potent interventions for team learning: the vision deployment matrix and the learning history.
Do you know who your best customers really are?
Authors: Desirey Stephen T. , Ozatalay Savas
Published: August 2012

Traditionally, customers have been ranked according to the revenue they generate, with the largest customers typically considered the best. But organizations that try to meet the demands of such large customers may be misplacing their efforts, as traditional customer valuation measures do not necessarily maximize shareholder value. This article outlines an alternative approach to allow businesses to assess sales according to a metric other than mere revenue.