bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 3 Signaling Contributes to Angioobliterative Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Al‐Husseini Ayser , Kraskauskas Donatas , Mezzaroma Eleanora , Nordio Andrea , Farkas Daniela , Drake Jennifer I. , Abbate Antonio , Felty Quentin , Voelkel Norbert F.
Published: February 2015

The mechanisms involved in the development of severe angioobliterative pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are multicellular and complex. Many of the features of human severe PAH, including angioobliteration, lung perivascular inflammation, and right heart failure, are reproduced in the Sugen 5416/chronic hypoxia (SuHx) rat model. Here we address, at first glance, the confusing and paradoxical aspect of the model, namely, that treatment of rats with the antiangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 1 and 2 kinase inhibitor, Sugen 5416, when combined with chronic hypoxia, causes angioproliferative pulmonary vascular disease. We postulated that signaling through the unblocked VEGF receptor VEGFR3 (or flt4) could account for some of the pulmonary arteriolar lumen–occluding cell growth. We also considered that Sugen 5416–induced VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 blockade could alter the expression pattern of VEGF isoform proteins. Indeed, in the lungs of SuHx rats we found increased expression of the ligand proteins VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D as well as enhanced expression of the VEGFR3 protein. In contrast, in the failing right ventricle of SuHx rats there was a profound decrease in the expression of VEGF‐B and VEGF‐D in addition to the previously described reduction in VEGF‐A expression. MAZ51, an inhibitor of VEGFR3 phosphorylation and VEGFR3 signaling, largely prevented the development of angioobliteration in the SuHx model; however, obliterated vessels did not reopen when animals with established PAH were treated with the VEGFR3 inhibitor. Part of the mechanism of vasoobliteration in the SuHx model occurs via VEGFR3. VEGFR1/VEGFR2 inhibition can be initially antiangiogenic by inducing lung vessel endothelial cell apoptosis; however, it can be subsequently angiogenic via VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D signaling through VEGFR3.
Variations in noncommutative potential theory: Finite-energy states, potentials and multipliers
Authors: Cipriani Fabio , Sauvageot Jean-Luc
Published: February 2015

In this work we undertake an extension of various aspects of the potential theory of Dirichlet forms to noncommutative C

∗

^*

-algebras with trace. In particular we introduce finite-energy states, potentials and multipliers of Dirichlet spaces. We prove several results among which are the celebrated Deny’s embedding theorem, Deny’s inequality, the fact that the carré du champ of bounded potentials are finite-energy functionals and the fact that bounded eigenvectors are multipliers. Deny’s embedding theorem and Deny’s inequality are also crucial to prove that the algebra of finite-energy multipliers is a form core and that it is dense in

A
A

provided the resolvent has the Feller property.

Examples include Dirichlet spaces on group C

∗

^*

-algebras associated to negative definite functions, Dirichlet forms arising in free probability, Dirichlet forms on algebras associated to aperiodic tilings, Dirichlet forms of Markovian semigroups on locally compact spaces, in particular on post critically finite self-similar fractals, and Bochner and Hodge-de Rham Laplacians on Riemannian manifolds.
MESMER: minimal ensemble solutions to multiple experimental restraints
Authors: Ihms Elihu C. , Foster Mark P.
Published: February 2015

Motivation: Macromolecular structures and interactions are intrinsically heterogeneous, temporally adopting a range of configurations that can confound the analysis of data from bulk experiments. To obtain quantitative insights into heterogeneous systems, an ensemble-based approach can be employed, in which predicted data computed from a collection of models is compared to the observed experimental results. By simultaneously fitting orthogonal structural data (e.g. small-angle X-ray scattering, nuclear magnetic resonance residual dipolar couplings, dipolar electron-electron resonance spectra), the range and population of accessible macromolecule structures can be probed.

Results: We have developed MESMER, software that enables the user to identify ensembles that can recapitulate experimental data by refining thousands of component collections selected from an input pool of potential structures. The MESMER suite includes a powerful graphical user interface (GUI) to streamline usage of the command-line tools, calculate data from structure libraries and perform analyses of conformational and structural heterogeneity. To allow for incorporation of other data types, modular Python plugins enable users to compute and fit data from nearly any type of quantitative experimental data.

Results: Conformational heterogeneity in three macromolecular systems was analyzed with MESMER, demonstrating the utility of the streamlined, user-friendly software.

Availability and implementation:  https://code.google.com/p/mesmer/

Contact:  foster.281@osu.edu or ihms.2@osu.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Rational design of new NO and redox sensitivity into connexin26 hemichannels
Authors: Meigh Louise , Cook Daniel , Zhang Jie , Dale Nicholas
Published: February 2015

CO
2
directly opens hemichannels of connexin26 (Cx26) by carbamylating K125, thereby allowing salt bridge formation with R104 of the neighbouring subunit in the connexin hexamer. The formation of the inter-subunit carbamate bridges within the hexameric hemichannel traps it in the open state. Here, we use insights derived from this model to test whether the range of agonists capable of opening Cx26 can be extended by promoting the formation of analogous inter-subunit bridges via different mechanisms. The mutation K125C gives potential for nitrosylation on Cys125 and formation of an SNO bridge to R104 of the neighbouring subunit. Unlike wild-type Cx26 hemichannels, which are insensitive to NO and NO
2
−
, hemichannels comprising Cx26
K125C
can be opened by NO
2
−
and NO donors. However, NO
2
−
was unable to modulate the doubly mutated (K125C, R104A) hemichannels, indicating that an inter-subunit bridge between C125 and R104 is required for the opening action of NO
2
−
. In a further test, we introduced two mutations into Cx26, K125C and R104C, to allow disulfide bridge formation across the inter-subunit boundary. These doubly mutated hemichannels open in response to changes in intracellular redox potential.
Spectral analysis of pair-correlation bandwidth: application to cell biology images
Authors: Binder Benjamin J. , Simpson Matthew J.
Published: February 2015

Images from cell biology experiments often indicate the presence of cell clustering, which can provide insight into the mechanisms driving the collective cell behaviour. Pair-correlation functions provide quantitative information about the presence, or absence, of clustering in a spatial distribution of cells. This is because the pair-correlation function describes the ratio of the abundance of pairs of cells, separated by a particular distance, relative to a randomly distributed reference population. Pair-correlation functions are often presented as a kernel density estimate where the frequency of pairs of objects are grouped using a particular bandwidth (or bin width), Δ>0. The choice of bandwidth has a dramatic impact: choosing Δ too large produces a pair-correlation function that contains insufficient information, whereas choosing Δ too small produces a pair-correlation signal dominated by fluctuations. Presently, there is little guidance available regarding how to make an objective choice of Δ. We present a new technique to choose Δ by analysing the power spectrum of the discrete Fourier transform of the pair-correlation function. Using synthetic simulation data, we confirm that our approach allows us to objectively choose Δ such that the appropriately binned pair-correlation function captures known features in uniform and clustered synthetic images. We also apply our technique to images from two different cell biology assays. The first assay corresponds to an approximately uniform distribution of cells, while the second assay involves a time series of images of a cell population which forms aggregates over time. The appropriately binned pair-correlation function allows us to make quantitative inferences about the average aggregate size, as well as quantifying how the average aggregate size changes with time.
Stability analysis and simulations of coupled bulk-surface reaction–diffusion systems
Authors: Madzvamuse Anotida , Chung Andy H. W. , Venkataraman Chandrasekhar
Published: February 2015

In this article, we formulate new models for coupled systems of bulk-surface reaction–diffusion equations on stationary volumes. The bulk reaction–diffusion equations are coupled to the surface reaction–diffusion equations through linear Robin-type boundary conditions. We then state and prove the necessary conditions for diffusion-driven instability for the coupled system. Owing to the nature of the coupling between bulk and surface dynamics, we are able to decouple the stability analysis of the bulk and surface dynamics. Under a suitable choice of model parameter values, the bulk reaction–diffusion system can induce patterning on the surface independent of whether the surface reaction–diffusion system produces or not, patterning. On the other hand, the surface reaction–diffusion system cannot generate patterns everywhere in the bulk in the absence of patterning from the bulk reaction–diffusion system. For this case, patterns can be induced only in regions close to the surface membrane. Various numerical experiments are presented to support our theoretical findings. Our most revealing numerical result is that, Robin-type boundary conditions seem to introduce a boundary layer coupling the bulk and surface dynamics.
Freeze fracturing of elastic porous media: a mathematical model
Authors: Vlahou I. , Worster M. G.
Published: February 2015

We present a mathematical model of the fracturing of water-saturated rocks and other porous materials in cold climates. Ice growing inside porous rocks causes large pressures to develop that can significantly damage the rock. We study the growth of ice inside a penny-shaped cavity in a water-saturated porous rock and the consequent fracturing of the medium. Premelting of the ice against the rock, which results in thin films of unfrozen water forming between the ice and the rock, is one of the dominant processes of rock fracturing. We find that the fracture toughness of the rock, the size of pre-existing faults and the undercooling of the environment are the main parameters determining the susceptibility of a medium to fracturing. We also explore the dependence of the growth rates on the permeability and elasticity of the medium. Thin and fast-fracturing cracks are found for many types of rocks. We consider how the growth rate can be limited by the existence of pore ice, which decreases the permeability of a medium, and propose an expression for the effective ‘frozen’ permeability.
A numerical technique for linear elliptic partial differential equations in polygonal domains
Authors: Hashemzadeh P. , Fokas A. S. , Smitheman S. A.
Published: February 2015

Integral representations for the solution of linear elliptic partial differential equations (PDEs) can be obtained using Green's theorem. However, these representations involve both the Dirichlet and the Neumann values on the boundary, and for a well-posed boundary-value problem (BVPs) one of these functions is unknown. A new transform method for solving BVPs for linear and integrable nonlinear PDEs usually referred to as the
unified transform
(
or the Fokas transform
) was introduced by the second author in the late Nineties. For linear elliptic PDEs, this method can be considered as the analogue of Green's function approach but now it is formulated in the complex Fourier plane instead of the physical plane. It employs two
global relations
also formulated in the Fourier plane which couple the Dirichlet and the Neumann boundary values. These relations can be used to characterize the unknown boundary values in terms of the given boundary data, yielding an elegant approach for determining the
Dirichlet to Neumann map
. The numerical implementation of the unified transform can be considered as the counterpart in the Fourier plane of the well-known boundary integral method which is formulated in the physical plane. For this implementation, one must choose (i) a suitable basis for expanding the unknown functions and (ii) an appropriate set of complex values, which we refer to as collocation points, at which to evaluate the global relations. Here, by employing a variety of examples we present simple guidelines of how the above choices can be made. Furthermore, we provide concrete rules for choosing the collocation points so that the condition number of the matrix of the associated linear system remains low.
A new two-component integrable system with peakon solutions
Authors: Xia Baoqiang , Qiao Zhijun
Published: February 2015

A new two-component system with cubic nonlinearity and linear dispersion:

m
t

=
b

u

x

+

1
2

[
m
(
u
v
−

u
x

v
x

)
]

x

−

1
2

m
(
u

v
x

−

u
x

v
)
,

n
t

=
b

v

x

+

1
2

[
n
(
u
v
−

u
x

v
x

)
]

x

+

1
2

n
(
u

v
x

−

u
x

v
)
,

m

=
u
−

u

x
x

,

n
=
v
−

v

x
x

,

where
b
is an arbitrary real constant, is proposed in this paper. This system is shown integrable with its Lax pair, bi-Hamiltonian structure and infinitely many conservation laws. Geometrically, this system describes a non-trivial one-parameter family of pseudo-spherical surfaces. In the case
b
=0, the peaked soliton (peakon) and multi-peakon solutions to this two-component system are derived. In particular, the two-peakon dynamical system is explicitly solved and their interactions are investigated in details. Moreover, a new integrable cubic nonlinear equation with linear dispersion

m
t

=
b

u

x

+

1
2

[
m
(

|

u

|

2

−

|

u
x

|

2

)
]

x

−

1
2

m
(
u

u
x
∗

−

u
x

u
∗

)
,

m
=
u
−

u

x
x

,

is obtained by imposing the complex conjugate reduction
v
=
u
* to the two-component system. The complex-valued
N
-peakon solution and kink wave solution to this complex equation are also derived.
The evolution of air resonance power efficiency in the violin and its ancestors
Authors: Nia Hadi T. , Jain Ankita D. , Liu Yuming , Alam Mohammad-Reza , Barnas Roman , Makris Nicholas C.
Published: February 2015

The fact that acoustic radiation from a violin at air-cavity resonance is monopolar and can be determined by pure volume change is used to help explain related aspects of violin design evolution. By determining the acoustic conductance of arbitrarily shaped sound holes, it is found that air flow at the perimeter rather than the broader sound-hole area dominates acoustic conductance, and coupling between compressible air within the violin and its elastic structure lowers the Helmholtz resonance frequency from that found for a corresponding rigid instrument by roughly a semitone. As a result of the former, it is found that as sound-hole geometry of the violin's ancestors slowly evolved over centuries from simple circles to complex f-holes, the ratio of inefficient, acoustically inactive to total sound-hole area was decimated, roughly doubling air-resonance power efficiency. F-hole length then slowly increased by roughly 30% across two centuries in the renowned workshops of Amati, Stradivari and Guarneri, favouring instruments with higher air-resonance power, through a corresponding power increase of roughly 60%. By evolution-rate analysis, these changes are found to be consistent with mutations arising within the range of accidental replication fluctuations from craftsmanship limitations with subsequent selection favouring instruments with higher air-resonance power.
Bending a beam by a generalized ideal elastomeric gel
Authors: Cai Shengqiang
Published: February 2015

A hybrid beam with a gel layer bonded on the top of an elastic non-swellable substrate has been commonly adopted to make various sensors and actuators. Usually, different models need to be developed for the hybrid beam when different gels are used in the system. In this article, based on the generalized ideal elastomeric gel model, we formulate a unified relationship between the swelling of hydrogels and the bending curvature of the elastic beam, which is independent of specific swelling mechanisms of gels. We further illustrate that the equations derived in the article can be used to validate the ideal elastomeric gel model and measure the elasticity of polymer networks of the gels.
Apolipoprotein E (
ApoE
) polymorphism is related to differences in potential fertility in women: a case of antagonistic pleiotropy?
Authors: Jasienska Grazyna , Ellison Peter T. , Galbarczyk Andrzej , Jasienski Michal , Kalemba-Drozdz Malgorzata , Kapiszewska Maria , Nenko Ilona , Thune Inger , Ziomkiewicz Anna
Published: February 2015

The alleles that are detrimental to health, especially in older age, are thought to persist in populations because they also confer some benefits for individuals (through antagonistic pleiotropy). The
ApoE4
allele at the
ApoE
locus, encoding apolipoprotein E (ApoE), significantly increases risk of poor health, and yet it is present in many populations at relatively high frequencies. Why has it not been replaced by natural selection with the health-beneficial
ApoE3
allele? ApoE is a major supplier of cholesterol precursor for the production of ovarian oestrogen and progesterone, thus
ApoE
has been suggested as the potential candidate gene that may cause variation in reproductive performance. Our results support this hypothesis showing that in 117 regularly menstruating women those with genotypes with at least one
ApoE4
allele had significantly higher levels of mean luteal progesterone (144.21 pmol l
−1
) than women with genotypes without
ApoE4
(120.49 pmol l
−1
), which indicates higher potential fertility. The hormonal profiles were based on daily data for entire menstrual cycles. We suggest that the finding of higher progesterone in women with
ApoE4
allele could provide first strong evidence for an evolutionary mechanism of maintaining the ancestral and health-worsening
ApoE4
allele in human populations.
Ten days of darkness causes temporary blindness during an early critical period in felines
Authors: Mitchell Donald E. , Crowder Nathan A. , Holman Kaitlyn , Smithen Matthew , Duffy Kevin R.
Published: February 2015

Extended periods of darkness have long been used to study how the mammalian visual system develops in the absence of any instruction from vision. Because of the relative ease of implementation of darkness as a means to eliminate visually driven neural activity, it has usually been imposed earlier in life and for much longer periods than was the case for other manipulations of the early visual input used for study of their influences on visual system development. Recently, it was shown that following a very brief (10 days) period of darkness imposed at five weeks of age, kittens emerged blind. Although vision as assessed by measurements of visual acuity eventually recovered, the time course was very slow as it took seven weeks for visual acuity to attain normal levels. Here, we document the critical period of this remarkable vulnerability to the effects of short periods of darkness by imposing 10 days of darkness on nine normal kittens at progressively later ages. Results indicate that the period of susceptibility to darkness extends only to about 10 weeks of age, which is substantially shorter than the critical period for the effects of monocular deprivation in the primary visual cortex, which extends beyond six months of age.
Who is the puppet master? Replication of a parasitic wasp-associated virus correlates with host behaviour manipulation
Authors: Dheilly Nolwenn M. , Maure Fanny , Ravallec Marc , Galinier Richard , Doyon Josée , Duval David , Leger Lucas , Volkoff Anne-Nathalie , Missé Dorothée , Nidelet Sabine , Demolombe Vincent , Brodeur Jacques , Gourbal Benjamin , Thomas Frédéric , Mitta Guillaume
Published: February 2015

Many parasites modify their host behaviour to improve their own transmission and survival, but the proximate mechanisms remain poorly understood. An original model consists of the parasitoidDinocampus coccinellaeand its coccinellid host,Coleomegilla maculata; during the behaviour manipulation, the parasitoid is not in contact with its host anymore. We report herein the discovery and characterization of a new RNA virus of the parasitoid (D. coccinellaeparalysis virus, DcPV). Using a combination of RT-qPCR and transmission electron microscopy, we demonstrate that DcPV is stored in the oviduct of parasitoid females, replicates in parasitoid larvae and is transmitted to the host during larval development. Next, DcPV replication in the host's nervous tissue induces a severe neuropathy and antiviral immune response that correlate with the paralytic symptoms characterizing the behaviour manipulation. Remarkably, virus clearance correlates with recovery of normal coccinellid behaviour. These results provide evidence that changes in ladybeetle behaviour most likely result from DcPV replication in the cerebral ganglia rather than by manipulation by the parasitoid. This offers stimulating prospects for research on parasitic manipulation by suggesting for the first time that behaviour manipulation could be symbiont-mediated.
Crystal structure ofN-[4-amino-5-cyano-6-(methylsulfanyl)pyridin-2-yl]-2-chloroacetamide
Authors: Mohamed Shaaban K. , Knight Kyle S. , Akkurt Mehmet , Hussein Bahgat R. M. , Albayati Mustafa R.
Published: February 2015

In the title compound, C9H9ClN4OS, the dihedral angle between the acetamide moiety and the pyridine ring is 4.83 (12)°. The O=C—C—Cl torsion angle is 46.4 (3)° and an intramolecular C—H...O interaction generates anS(6) ring. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...O, N—H...N and C—H...N hydrogen bonds, generating sheets lying parallel to (120).
Crystal structure ofN-[4-amino-5-cyano-6-(methylsulfanyl)pyridin-2-yl]acetamide hemihydrate
Authors: Akkurt Mehmet , Knight Kyle S. , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Hussein Bahgat R. M. , Albayati Mustafa R.
Published: February 2015

The title compound, C9H10N4OS·0.5H2O, crystallizes with two independent molecules (AandB) in the asymmetric unit, together with a water molecule of crystallization. The acetamide moiety, which has an extended conformation, is inclined to the pyridine ring by 7.95 (16)° in moleculeAand by 1.77 (16)° in moleculeB. In the crystal, theAandBmolecules are linked by two N—H...Ocarbonylhydrogen bonds, forming a dimer. The dimers are linkedviaN—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming ribbons that are linked by N—H...Owaterhydrogen bonds to form sheets parallel to (110). The sheets are linked by O—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming slabs, and between the slabs there are weak slipped parallel π–π interactions [inter-centroid distance = 3.734 (2) Å, interplanar distance = 3.3505 (11) Å and slippage = 1.648 Å], forming a three-dimensional structure.
Crystal structure of heptaguanidinium nonahydrogen bis[α-hexamolybdoplatinate(IV)] heptahydrate
Authors: Joo Hea-Chung , Park Ki-Min , Lee Uk
Published: February 2015

The title compound, (CH6N3)7H9[PtMo6O24]2·7H2O, containing the well-known Anderson-type heteropolyoxomolybdate, was obtained by recrystallization of its powdered guanidinium salt. The protonated O atoms in the polyanion were confirmed by electron-density maps, interpolyanion hydrogen bonds and bond-valance sums (BVS). The {[H4.5PtMo6O24]2}7−polyanion is the same as that already characterized in K7[H4.5PtMo6O24]2·11H2O [space groupP-1; Lee & Joo (2010).Acta Cryst.E66, i8–i9]. The heteropolyanions form inversion-generated dimers, {[H4.5PtMo6O24]2}7−, held together by each of the four μ3-O—H...μ1-O, two μ2-O—H...μ2-O hydrogen bonds and one centrosymmetric μ3-O—H—μ3-O hydrogen bond. The H atom of the centrosymmetric hydrogen bond is located on an inversion centre. One guanidinium ion and one water molecule are equally disordered about a twofold rotation axis.
Crystal structure of diethyl 2,2′-[((1E,1′E)-{[(1R,4R)-cyclohexane-1,4-diyl]bis(azanylylidene)}bis(methanylylidene))bis(1H-pyrrole-2,1-diyl)]diacetate
Authors: Alshawi Jasim , Yousif Muoayed , Zangana Karzan H. , Vitorica Yrezabal Inigo J. , Winpenny Richard , Al-Jeboori Mohamad J.
Published: February 2015

The whole molecule of the title compound, C24H32N4O4, is generated by inversion symmetry. The cyclohexane ring adopts a chair conformation and the conformation about the C=N bonds isE. The pyrrole rings have ananticonfirmation with respect to the cyclohexane moiety and the ethyl acetate groups have extended conformations. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds forming chains, enclosingR22(10) ring motifs with inversion symmetry, propagating parallel to the (101) plane.
Crystal structure of 4-bromoanilinium 4-methylbenzenesulfonate
Authors: Sivakumar P. K. , Kumar M. Krishna , Kumar R. Mohan , Chakkaravarthi G. , Kanagadurai R.
Published: February 2015

In the crystal of the title molecular salt, C6H7BrN+·C7H7O3S−, the anions and cations are linkedviaN—H...O hydrogen bonds forming layers, enclosingR22(4) ring motifs, lying parallel to (001). Within the layers there are short O...O contacts of 2.843 (2) Å.
Crystal structure of (4Z)-4-{[(2-chlorophenyl)amino](furan-2-yl)methylidene}-3-methyl-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-5-one
Authors: Zhang Heng-Qiang , Yang Xing , Wu Qiong , Chen Hong-Li
Published: February 2015

In the title compound, C21H16ClN3O2, the pyrazolone ring and the O=C—C=C—N mean plane [maximum deviation = 0.022 (2) Å] are nearly coplanar, making a dihedral angle 4.56 (8)°, while the phenyl and pyrazole rings subtend a dihedral angle of 19.75 (8)°. The compound is in the enamine–keto form and its structure is stabilized by an intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaC—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming chains along [010]. Between the chains there are π–π interactions [inter-centroid distances = 3.3902 (9) and 3.5956 (11) Å], linking the chains to form sheets parallel to (10-1).
Crystal structure and luminescent properties of [1-(biphenyl-4-yl)-1H-imidazole-κN3]dichloridozinc
Authors: Liu Xiao-Xiao , Wang Yuan
Published: February 2015

The mononuclear title compound, [ZnCl2(C15H12N2)2], was synthesized by reaction of zinc chloride and 1-(biphenyl-4-yl)-1H-imidazole (bpi) under hydrothermal conditions. The ZnIIatom is tetrahedrally coordinated by the free imidazole N atoms of two bpi ligands and by two Cl atoms. The bpi ligands are not planar, with dihedral angles of 37.52 (14) and 42.45 (14)° between the phenyl rings and 37.13 (14) and 40.05 (14)° between the phenyl rings and the attached imidazole rings, respectively. Mutual π–π interactions, with a centroid-to-centroid distance of 3.751 (2) Å between the phenyl and imidazole rings of neighbouring ligands, are present, leading to dimers that are arranged in rows parallel to [-211].
Designations and consumer perceptions
Authors: Marano Marcolini Carla , Parras Rosa Manuel , Lopez-Zafra Esther
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the labeling and denominations of olive oils and to examine to what extent these factors confuse consumers. Specifically, the authors analyze the extent to which the different denominations of olive oil prevent consumers from distinguishing among the types of olive oil. Furthermore, the authors analyze whether the current generic names of olive oil affect consumer perceptions regarding the product’s various qualities and characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors performed an experiment with 128 participants divided into two groups (experimental n=64 and control n=64). In the pretest, participants completed a survey with 12 terms related to olive oil. The experimental group was then trained in the meaning of each term, after which the group returned to complete the same survey.

Findings

– The authors can confirm H1 and H2. Results show that there is no clear knowledge regarding some of these terms.

Social implications

– This study provides positive implications to both consumers, providing them a clear information, and producers and marketers, helping distinguish in the market olive oils of more quality.

Originality/value

– This paper is pioneer in the literature. The authors provide a number of proposals and amendments regarding olive oil names to improve the knowledge and clarity of olive oil with direct implications for agricultural policy.
Consumer perceptions of food quality in Malaysia
Authors: Chamhuri Norshamliza , Batt Peter J
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to gain an understanding of the quality cues that consumers look for in purchasing fresh meat and fresh fruit and vegetables in Malaysia. Through a perceived quality model, this paper identifies the implicit, intrinsic, extrinsic and credence quality cues consumers’ use in their decision to purchase fresh meat and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study utilised the shopping mall intercept survey method. Data were collected from traditional markets and modern retail outlets in the Klang Valley region in Malaysia. A structured questionnaire was designed to measure consumer’s perceptions and experiences of food quality when purchasing fresh meat and fresh fruit and vegetables from retail outlets. In this study, univariate data analysis (descriptive analysis, one-way analysis of variance) and exploratory factor analysis were performed to analyse the data sets.

Findings

– Freshness (intrinsic cue), was the most frequently cited variable when respondents thought about the quality of both product categories. Other variables included price and cleanliness (extrinsic cues) and Halal (credence cue), which was associated with the quality of fresh meat. Quality was associated with freshness, food safety, nutrition and value. Exploratory factor analysis identified food safety (implicit cue) as the most important construct in the respondents’ evaluation of quality for both fresh meat and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Originality/value

– There is a paucity of research focusing on consumer’s perceptions and experiences of food quality in the purchase of fresh meat and fresh produce in Malaysia. The findings of this research may assist the Malaysian food industry by providing new insights into the consumers’ perceptions of food quality.
Consumer perceptions and attitudes of organic food products in Eastern China
Authors: Xie Biao , Wang Liyuan , Yang Hao , Wang Yanhua , Zhang Mingli
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– In response to food scares related to high levels of agro-chemical residues sometimes found on foods, consumers in China increasingly demand for organic foods. As little is known on consumer perceptions and attitudes toward organic food products, the purpose of this paper is to gain insight into the purchase of organic food products by consumers and to explore the main factors driving this process.

Design/methodology/approach

– Mixed (quantitative and qualitative) market survey approaches were used to provide a potentially deeper insight into consumer’s perspective and could help get a better picture of the complex factors involved.

Findings

– The main trigger for purchasing organic food products is that consumers expect them to be healthier and safer. The respondents who have bought organic food products tend to have a higher education level and disposable incomes, be families with children and be older than those who have not bought them. The main barriers to increasing the market share of organic food products are the consumers’ lack of knowledge, the relatively high price premium and the lack of availability of organic food products. Informing consumers about unique characteristics of organic production methods, the decline in the prices of and increasing the availability of organic food products to its customers might be a promising strategy to develop the market for organic food products.

Originality/value

– This paper provides a unique insight into buying behavior and attitudes of organic consumers in China. The results of the research could provide information for the organic food industry to expand its market and improve its profitability and reliability.
Consumer motivation and willingness to pay for “safer” vegetables in Ghana
Authors: Yahaya Iddrisu , Yamoah Fred A. , Adams Faizal
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess consumer motivation and willingness to pay (WTP) for “safer” vegetables from the use of non-treatment options of wastewater use in urban/peri-urban vegetable production.

Design/methodology/approach

– As a theoretical basis, consumer theory of maximizing utility being an indicator of individual preference was examined through choice experiment (CE) method to measure the WTP for value of safety within the context of health reduced risk (pathogen reduction) of illness. WTP was tested empirically using survey data from 650 households in the two largest cities in Ghana (Accra and Kumasi) that are characterized by a number of well-established vegetable producers who use wastewater in their production and a large urban and peri-urban vegetable consumer market.

Findings

– Experience of vegetable borne diseases drives the need for safer vegetables and income and gender are key demographic factors influencing WTP. It was further found that consumers are willing to pay an average amount of GH¢ 4.7 ($2.40) per month for a technology change that would result in the production of “safer” vegetables.

Research limitations/implications

– Understanding WTP offers insight into consumer concerns, behaviour and their readiness to pay for safer vegetable options. However, a further consideration of the impact of the combinations of the various non-treatment options on pathogen reduction and the assessment of the financial viability of each option will collectively ensure an efficient and cost-effective implementation of the technologies.

Practical implications

– WTP insight gained has implications for vegetable production, marketing and public health policy. The understanding from the findings forms a solid basis to canvass for certification system for urban/peri urban vegetables. The information provided also helps to formulate effective public education on the safety of vegetables.

Originality/value

– Measuring WTP for safer vegetables by Ghanaian urban/peri-urban consumers is novel. The CE approach is robust and the findings can inform vegetable production and marketing decisions as well as public health policy formulation.
The effects of convenience and speed in m-payment
Authors: Teo Aik-Chuan , Tan Garry Wei-Han , Ooi Keng-Boon , Hew Teck-Soon , Yew King-Tak
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to uncover the effects of perceived transaction convenience (PTC) and perceived transaction speed (PTS) on unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) in the context of m-payment.

Design/methodology/approach

– A predictive analysis approach was used to examine the PTC and PTS using a two-stage partial least square (PLS) and neural network (NN) analyses.

Findings

– The findings reveal that only effort expectancy (EE) and facilitating conditions (FC) were discovered to significantly influence BI. More importantly, PTC was found to have positive significant relationship with EE and performance expectancy (PE). Moreover, PTS also supported the positive relationship with BI and EE.

Practical implications

– The findings of the study provided further insights to mobile payment service providers, online banking industry players, and all decision makers and stakeholders involved.

Originality/value

– Despite of many attempts devoted to understand m-payment adoption, the effects of PTC and PTS on m-payment are not well understood.
Fuzzy association rule mining for fashion product development
Authors: Lee Carmen Kar Hang , Tse Y.K. , Ho G.T.S. , Choy K.L.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The emergence of the fast fashion trend has exerted a great pressure on fashion designers who are urged to consider customers’ preferences in their designs and develop new products in an efficient manner. The purpose of this paper is to develop a fuzzy association rule mining (FARM) approach for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of new product development (NPD) in fast fashion.

Design/methodology/approach

– The FARM identifies the hidden relationships between product styles and customer preferences. The knowledge discovered help the fashion industry design new products which are not only fashionable, but are also saleable in the market.

Findings

– To evaluate the proposed approach, a case study is conducted in a Hong Kong-based fashion company in which a real-set of data are tested to generate fuzzy association rules. The results reveal that the FARM approach can provide knowledge support to the fashion industry during NPD, shorten the NPD cycle time, and increase customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

– Compared with traditional association rule mining, the proposed FARM approach takes the fuzziness of data into consideration and the knowledge represented in the fuzzy rules is in a more human-understandable structure. It captures the voice of the customer into fashion product development and provides a specific solution to deal with the challenges brought by fast fashion. In addition, it helps increase the innovation and technological capability of the fashion industry.
Psychological factors explaining consumer adoption of an e-vendor’s recommender
Authors: Martínez-López Francisco José , Esteban-Millat Irene , Cabal Claudia C. , Gengler Charles
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– e-Commerce recommenders have positive benefits both for consumers and the online stores using them. The focus of research in this topic has mostly been technical (e.g. design, type of recommenders, inputs, or outputs). However, a prior key question is what leads a consumer to use an e-vendor’s recommender. The consumer process of adoption and use of such recommenders involves subjective factors which need a psychological approach. This perspective has been neglected so far. The purpose of this paper is to discuss and validate an integrative model which adapts various theories and models – i.e. the original formulation of the technology acceptance model (TAM), the integrated trust-TAM model, and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) – in order to explain such a process.

Design/methodology/approach

– The field study consisted of a simulated online shopping process undertaken by a valid sample of 300 internet users with a recommender at a real online store (Amazon). Many of the constructs’ measurement scales have been adapted from previously validated scales never before applied to this study’s context, and the authors have consequently rigorously validated them here too; this also constitutes one of the research’s valuable contributions. Detailed exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses are applied to assess the empirical validity of the model.

Findings

– The model’s core structure and its relationships are proved to be valid for explaining a consumer’s intention to use an e-vendor’s recommender In particular, trust and perceived usefulness of the recommender stand out as the determining factors of its use, though the consumer’s attitude toward the recommender and others’ opinion of its use also have significant influence too.

Originality/value

– The consumer’s psychological angle has been overlooked by previous studies on the adoption and use of online stores’ recommendation systems. To the best of the knowledge, this is the first attempt to validate a model aimed at comprehensively approaching the consumer’s adoption of an e-vendor’s recommender. The findings provide several theoretical contributions and implications for practitioners.
The development and validation of a Multitarget Affective Commitment Scale
Authors: Schoemmel Kristina , Jønsson Thomas Skriver , Jeppesen Hans-Jeppe
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– In order to contribute to the understanding of affective commitment towards distinct workplace targets, the purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a Multitarget Affective Commitment Scale (MACS) through two data collections. The MACS uses similarly worded items for distinct targets and reflects the most recent theoretical development of affective commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the first data collection, items from previous commitment scales were tested through the social network service Facebook (n=305). The second data collection was conducted in the healthcare system of Denmark (n=496) using survey questionnaires.

Findings

– In Study 1, exploratory factor analyses were conducted to reduce the items based on the Facebook data. In Study 2, the authors confirm the findings of Study 1 and further reduce the items based on the healthcare sample. The healthcare sample is also used in Study 3, where the authors validate the MACS by investigating its relationship with predictors, correlates, and outcomes.

Originality/value

– The results suggest that the MACS are a reliable and valid measure of affective commitment compatible with the diverse targets to which affective commitment often occurs. Consequently, the MACS is applicable for research investigating multiply affective commitments, thereby advancing the understanding of interactions between affective commitments and diverse targets, among other applications.
Enhanced external counterpulsation reduces indices of central blood pressure and myocardial oxygen demand in patients with left ventricular dysfunction
Authors: Beck Darren T , Casey Darren P , Martin Jeffrey S , Sardina Paloma D , Braith Randy W
Published: February 2015

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) therapy decreases angina episodes and improves quality of life in patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanisms relative to the benefits of EECP therapy in patients with LV dysfunction have not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of EECP on indices of central haemodynamics, aortic pressure wave reflection characteristics, and estimates of LV load and myocardial oxygen demand in patients with LV dysfunction. Patients with chronic stable angina and LV ejection fraction < 40% but > 30%, were randomized to either an EECP group (LV ejection fraction = 35.1 ± 4.6%; n = 10) or sham‐EECP group (LV ejection fraction = 34.3 ± 4.2%; n = 7). Pulse wave analysis of the central aortic pressure waveform and LV function were evaluated by applanation tonometry before and after 35 1‐h sessions of EECP or sham‐EECP. Enhanced external counterpulsation therapy was effective in reducing indices of LV wasted energy and myocardial oxygen demand by 25% and 19%, respectively. In addition, indices of coronary perfusion pressure and subendocardial perfusion were increased by 9% and 30%, respectively, after EECP. Our data indicate that EECP may be useful as adjuvant therapy for improving functional classification in heart failure patients through reductions in central blood pressure, aortic pulse pressure, wasted LV energy, and myocardial oxygen demand, which also suggests improvements in ventricular–vascular interactions.
Diethylcarbamazine: Possible therapeutic alternative in the treatment of alcoholic liver disease in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Rodrigues Gabriel Barros , Rocha Sura Wanessa Santos , Santos Laise Aline Martins dos , de Oliveira Wilma Helena , Gomes Fabiana Oliveira dos Santos , de França Maria Eduarda da Rocha , Lós Deniele Bezerra , Peixoto Christina Alves
Published: February 2015

Alcoholic liver disease is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) is a drug that has anti‐inflammatory properties due to its effects on the metabolism of arachidonic acid. The present study examined the anti‐inflammatory effects of DEC on the mechanisms of alcoholic liver disease. C57BL/6 mice were divided into seven groups: (i) control; (ii) DEC 50 mg/kg; (iii) alcohol; (iv) alcohol + DEC 50 mg/kg; (v) alcohol + celecoxib 50 mg/kg; (vi) alcohol + pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate 100 mg/kg; and (vii) alcohol + pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate 100 mg/kg + DEC 50 mg/kg. Liver fragments were stained with haemotoxylin–eosin and Sirius red, and processed for immunofluorescence, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Serum was also collected for biochemical measurements. Alcohol induced liver damage, elevated collagen content, and increased expression of nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells and inflammatory markers (tumour necrosis factor‐α, interferon‐γ, interleukin‐1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenases‐2, and transforming growth factor‐β). Treatment with DEC was able to reduce liver damage, collagen content, the expression of nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells and inflammatory markers; it also ameliorated biochemistry parameters (total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride content and aspartate aminotransferase) and increased the expression of anti‐inflammatory markers (p‐5′ adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase and interleukin‐10). Future clinical trials may demonstrate that oral administration of DEC may be suitable for the treatment of alcoholic liver disease and other liver diseases.
Protective cardiorenal effects of spironolactone in a rodent model of polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Jeewandara Thamarasee M , Ameer Omar Z , Boyd Rochelle , Wyse Benjamin F , Underwood Conor F , Phillips Jacqueline K
Published: February 2015

Studies were performed to examine the contribution of aldosterone to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and renal disease in a rodent model of genetic kidney disease. Spironolactone (20 mg/kg per day) was administered in water to mixed sex Lewis Polycystic Kidney (LPK) rats (n = 20) and control Lewis rats (n = 27) from 4 to 12 weeks of age. At 12 weeks of age, hypertension was reduced in female LPK rats; systolic blood pressure declined from 226.4 ± 26.8 mmHg in untreated rats and to 179.2 ± 3.2 mmHg in treated rats (P = 0.018). No similar effect on male or control rats was found. Water consumption and urine volume were significantly greater in LPK animals than in Lewis rats, and treatment reduced both variables by ~30% in LPK animals (P < 0.05). Proteinuria and the urinary protein‐to‐creatinine ratio were normalized in treated LPK relative to Lewis controls, and plasma creatinine levels were significantly reduced by treatment in LPK rats. Spironolactone did not alter kidney morphology in LPK rats (fibrosis or cyst size). Aortic vascular responses to noradrenaline and acetylcholine were sensitized and impaired in the LPK (P < 0.01). Aldosterone antagonism did not alter these responses or indicators of aortic structural remodelling. There was no treatment effect on left ventricular hypertrophy or elevated cardiac messenger RNA for β‐myosin‐heavy chain and brain natriuretic peptide in the LPK rats. However, perivascular fibrosis and messenger RNA for α‐cardiac actin were normalized by spironolactone in LPK animals relative to Lewis controls. In conclusion, we have shown an important blood pressure independent effect whereby inhibition of aldosterone via spironolactone was able to retard both renal and cardiac disease progression in a rodent model of polycystic kidney disease.