bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

SummaryEnhanced 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

SummaryAlcoholic 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

SummaryStudies 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.
Tropisetron ameliorates early diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Barzegar‐Fallah Anita , Alimoradi Houman , Asadi Firouzeh , Dehpour Ahmad Reza , Asgari Mojgan , Shafiei Massoumeh 
Published: February 2015

SummaryIt has been well established that oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. It has been shown that tropisetron exerts anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. The current study was designed to investigate protective effects of tropisetron on early diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. Rats were divided into six groups: (i) untreated diabetic (streptozotocin group); (ii) untreated control; (iii) diabetic rats treated with tropisetron (3 mg/kg); (iv) normal rats treated with tropisetron (3 mg/kg); (v) diabetic rats treated with granisetron (3 mg/kg); and (vi) normal rats treated with granisetron (3 mg/kg); rats began receiving treatment at the time of diabetes induction for 2 weeks. At the termination of the experiments, bodyweight, kidney index, urinary albumin excretion, and glomerular filtration rate were measured. The levels of oxidative stress markers and tumour necrosis factor‐α were also determined. Streptozotocin‐treated animals showed significant loss of bodyweight and renal enlargement and dysfunction. Diabetic rats also exhibited an increase in malondialdehyde along with a significant decrease in glutathione, superoxide dismutase activity, and catalase activity. Furthermore, the diabetic animals demonstrated a significant rise in renal cortical, urinary tumour necrosis factor‐α, and urinary albumin excretion. Both granisetron and tropisetron decreased blood glucose in diabetic animals, but this decrease was not significant for granisetron. Treatment with tropisetron, but not granisetron, prevented increases in oxidative stress and tumour necrosis factor‐α, decreased urinary cytokine excretion and albuminuria, and improved renal morphological damage. In conclusion, the present study suggests that tropisetron may be a protective agent in early diabetic nephropathy, and its action is mediated, at least in part, by anti‐oxidative and anti‐inflammatory mechanisms that appear to be independent of the 5‐HT3 receptor.
Investigation of Postmortem Absorption and Redistribution After the Application of a Fentanyl Patch
Authors: Wu Alan H. B. , Hamilton Rebecca , Middleberg Robert , Kacinko Sherri , Kearney Thomas 
Published: February 2015

AbstractFentanyl deaths have increased with availability of transdermal patches. Interpretation of postmortem fentanyl levels may be complicated by postmortem redistribution and absorption of fentanyl from a patch. We applied an unused 100‐μg/h fentanyl patch onto the lower abdomen of a decedent with no premortem fentanyl exposure. Ocular fluid, blood, and urine were collected prior to placement, and the decedent was refrigerated for 23 h. Prior to the autopsy, urine, subcutaneous tissue under the patch, and samples from the same anatomic sites were obtained. We observed no fentanyl in any postpatch placement samples (LOD: 0.1 ng/mL for blood and vitreous fluid, 1.0 ng/mL urine, 2.0 ng/g for tissues). Although we observed no postmortem absorption of fentanyl, this was only a single case; therefore, we recommend that patches be removed after receipt of a cadaver before initiation of an autopsy, with the location of removed patch documented.
Dating of Iron Gall Ink Using the Dissolution‐Diffusion Method
Authors: Li Biao , Xie Peng 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn many criminal and civil cases, some questioned documents are written with iron gall ink. Determining the date when an iron gall ink entry was written can be important to assess the authenticity of a document. A dissolution‐diffusion method was successfully employed to draw aging curves of iron gall ink entries stored in controlled conditions over 40 months. Calibration curves were created to indicate the relationship between the average dissolution‐diffusion rate of ink components and the age of ink entries stored under natural aging conditions. As preliminary findings of this study, the mixed solution of dimethyl formamide (DMF) and anhydrous ethanol was suitable to dissolve the dye of iron gall ink strokes made at different time. It was also determined that brands of iron gall inks, types of paper, and thickness of iron gall ink strokes had varying impacts on estimating the dates of iron gall ink strokes.
How Should Forensic Anthropologists Correct National Weather Service Temperature Data for Use in Estimating the Postmortem Interval?
Authors: Dabbs Gretchen R. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThis study examines the correlation between site‐specific and retrospectively collected temperature data from the National Weather Service (NWS) over an extended time period. Using iButtonLink thermochrons (model DS1921G), hourly temperature readings were collected at 15 sites (1 validation; 14 experimental) from December 2010 to January 2012. Comparison between the site‐specific temperature data and data retrieved from an official reporter of NWS temperature data shows statistically significant differences between the two in 71.4% (10/14) of cases. The difference ranged between 0.04 and 2.81°C. Examination of both regression and simple adjustment of the mean difference over extended periods (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 9 months) suggests that on the timescale typical in forensic anthropology cases neither method of correction is consistent or reliable and that forensic anthropologists would be better suited using uncorrected NWS temperature data when the postmortem interval is extended.
Comparative analysis of boar seminal plasma proteome from different freezability ejaculates and identification of Fibronectin 1 as sperm freezability marker
Authors: Vilagran I. , Yeste M. , Sancho S. , Castillo J. , Oliva R. , Bonet S. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryVariation in boar sperm freezability (i.e. capacity to withstand cryopreservation) between ejaculates is a limitation largely reported in the literature. Prediction of sperm freezability and classification of boar ejaculates into good (GFEs) and poor freezability ejaculates (PFEs) before cryopreservation takes place may increase the use of frozen‐thawed spermatozoa. While markers of boar sperm freezability have been found from sperm cell extracts, little attention has been paid to seminal plasma. On this basis, the present study compared the fresh seminal plasma proteome of 9 GFEs and 9 PFEs through two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D‐DIGE) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The ejaculates were previously classified as GFE or PFE upon their sperm viability and progressive motility assessments at 30 and 240 min post thawing. From a total of 51 spots, four were found to significantly (p < 0.05) differ between GFEs and PFEs, and two were identified as fibronectin‐1 (FN1) and glutathione peroxidase 5 (GPX5). These two potential markers were further studied by western blot and correlation analysis between protein relative abundances in fresh seminal plasma and regression factors from principal component analyses (PCA) run using post‐thawing sperm quality parameters. Results confirmed that FN1 is a reliable marker of boar sperm freezability, because GFEs presented significantly (p < 0.05) higher FN1‐amounts than PFEs and FN1 was found to be correlated with the first PCA component at 240 min post thawing. In contrast, GPX5 was not validated as a boar sperm freezability marker. We can thus conclude that levels of FN1 in fresh seminal plasma from boar semen may be used as a sperm freezability marker, thereby facilitating the use of frozen‐thawed boar spermatozoa.
Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) induced antimicrobial gene expression in the male reproductive tract of rat: evaluation of the potential of Defensin 21 to limit infection
Authors: Biswas B. , Bhushan S. , Rajesh A. , Suraj S. K. , Lu Y. , Meinhardt A. , Yenugu S. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryEscherichia coli (E. coli) is a common pathogen in epididymitis, which represents a prevalent entity in male reproductive tract infections (RTI). Although current treatment regimens using antibiotics are satisfactory, development of antimicrobial resistance by the pathogen represents a challenge in the management of RTI. Hence, identification of antimicrobial peptides as alternatives to antibiotics has gained importance. We demonstrate that in a rat epididymo‐orchitis model induced with uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) strain MTCC 729, the expression of defensins and defensin‐like Spag11 genes are induced in the epididymis and testes. The induction of antimicrobial gene expression is paralleled by phosphorylation of the NF‐kB subunit p65 and the inhibitor of NFkB (IkB‐alpha), decreased levels of histone deacetylase 1 and increased methylation of Histone 3, indicating the role of classical Toll‐like receptor mediated signaling and epigenetic regulation. Recombinant Defensin 21, when administered to UPEC‐infected rats, substantially reduced the bacterial load in the epididymis and testis and proved to be more effective than gentamycin. The ability of Defensin 21 to limit RTI provides support that antibacterial proteins of the male reproductive tract may be used as potential alternatives to antibiotics in treatment of this disease.
Routine Use of an Antenatal Infection Screen‐and‐Treat Program to Prevent Preterm Birth: Long‐Term Experience at a Tertiary Referral Center
Authors: Farr Alex , Kiss Herbert , Hagmann Michael , Marschalek Julian , Husslein Peter , Petricevic Ljubomir 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundVaginal infection in early pregnancy is associated with preterm birth. This study evaluates long‐term results after integrating an antenatal screen‐and‐treat program for asymptomatic vaginal infections into routine pregnancy care.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data of all women with singleton high‐risk pregnancies delivering at our tertiary referral center between 2005 and 2014. The intervention group included women who presented for a prenatal visit for a planned birth between 10 + 0 and 16 + 0 gestational weeks. Women were routinely screened for asymptomatic infections using Gram stain. In cases of bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis or trichomoniasis, women were treated according to our clinical protocol. The control group included women who did not undergo the program. Prenatal care was equal in both groups. Preterm birth served as the primary outcome variable.ResultsOf the 20,052 women with singleton pregnancies, 8,490 (42.3%) participated in the antenatal prevention program. The mean gestational age at birth was 38.8 ± 2.6 weeks and 37.5 ± 4.3 weeks in the intervention and control groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The incidence of preterm birth was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (9.7% vs 22.3%; p < 0.001). Low‐birthweight neonates, stillbirths, and late miscarriages were less frequent in the intervention group (p < 0.001).ConclusionsLong‐term results support the use of an antenatal infection screen‐and‐treat program to prevent preterm birth. If integrated into routine pregnancy care at a high‐risk obstetrical setting, this simple public health intervention could lead to a significant reduction in preterm birth, low infant birthweight, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Targeting Influenza A Virus RNA Promoter
Authors: Bottini Angel , De Surya K. , Wu Bainan , Tang Changyan , Varani Gabriele , Pellecchia Maurizio 
Published: February 2015

The emergence of drug‐resistant strains of influenza virus makes exploring new classes of inhibitors that target universally conserved viral targets a highly important goal. The influenza A viral genome is made up of eight single‐stranded RNA‐negative segments. The RNA promoter, consisting of the conserved sequences at the 3′ and 5′ end of each RNA genomic segment, is universally conserved among influenza A virus strains and in all segments. Previously, we reported on the identification and NMR structure of DPQ (6,7‐dimethoxy‐2‐(1‐piperazinyl)‐4‐quinazolinamine) (compound 1) in complex with the RNA promoter. Here, we report on additional screening and SAR studies with compound 1, including ex vivo anti‐influenza activity assays, resulted in improved cellular activity against influenza A virus in the micromolar range.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Evaluation of 6‐Alkylamino‐N‐phenylpyrazine‐2‐carboxamides
Authors: Servusova‐Vanaskova Barbora , Paterova Pavla , Garaj Vladimir , Mandikova Jana , Kunes Jiri , Naesens Lieve , Jílek Petr , Dolezal Martin , Zitko Jan 
Published: February 2015

This work presents synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of nineteen 6‐alkylamino‐N–phenylpyrazine‐2‐carboxamides. Antimycobacterial activity was determined against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, M. kansasii and two strains of M. avium. Generally, the antimycobacterial activity increased with prolongation of simple alkyl chain and culminated in compounds with heptylamino substitution (3e, 4e) with MIC = 5–10 μm against M. tuberculosis H37Rv. On the contrary, derivatives with modified alkyl chain (containing e.g. terminal methoxy or hydroxy group) as well as phenylalkylamino derivatives were mainly inactive. The most active compounds (with hexyl to octylamino substitution) were evaluated for their in vitro activity against drug‐resistant strains of M. tuberculosis and possessed activity comparable to that of the reference drug isoniazid. None of the tested compounds were active against M. avium. Some derivatives exhibited activity against Gram‐positive bacteria including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (best MIC = 7.8 μm), while Gram‐negative strains as well as tested fungal strains were completely unsusceptible. Active compounds were tested for in vitro toxicity on various cell lines and in most cases were non‐toxic up to 100 μm.