bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress‐Induced Cortisol, Mood, and Fat Distribution in Men
Authors: Epel Elissa E. , Moyer Anne E. , Martin Chloe D. , Macary Susan , Cummings Nancy , Rodin Judith , Rebuffe‐Scrive Marielle
Published: September 2012

EPEL, ELISSA A., ANNE E. MOYER, CHLOE D. MARTIN, SUSAN MACARY, NANCY CUMMINGS, JUDITH RODIN, AND MARIELLE REBUFFE‐SCRIVE. Stress‐induced Cortisol, mood, and fat distribution in men.Obes Res. 1999;7:9–15.

Objective: A previous study in our laboratory (Moyer et al.,Obes Res. 1994;2:255‐62 found that, in response to uncontrollable laboratory stress, women with a high waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) had higher Cortisol reactivity, poorer coping skills, and lower anger responses than women with low WHR. We aimed to compare high WHR men's stress responses to these women.

Research Methods and Procedures: The current study examined Cortisol reactivity and psychological data of 27 healthy high WHR men exposed to the same laboratory challenges as the women from our previous study. Men's data are discussed in relation to that of the high and low WHR women.

Results: Men responded to the stress with increases in both Cortisol and blood pressure. In comparison with the high and low WHR women, men had significantly higher total cortisof on the stress day. However, when comparing a sub‐sample of men and women matched in WHR's, differences in Cortisol secretion were greatly diminished and no longer significant. In addition, men had higher desire for control than both high and low WHR women, and lower mood reactivity than low WHR women. Despite the lower mood reactivity of high WHR groups, the high mood reactors among the high WHR women, and to a lesser extent, men, tended to have higher Cortisol reactivity.Discussion: These results suggest that the psychological differences and greater exposure to Cortisol observed amon; the high WHR men and women may have played a role ii contributing to their greater abdominal fat depots.

Discussion: These results suggest that the psychological differences and greater exposure to cortisol observed among the high WHR men and women may have played a role contributing to their greater abdominal fat depots.
Weight‐Related Attitudes and Behaviors in Fourth Grade American Indian Children
Authors: Stevens June , Story Mary , Becenti Alberta , French Simone A. , Gittelsohn Joel , Going Scott B. , Levin Sarah , Murray David M.
Published: September 2012

STEVENS, JUNE, MARY STORY, ALBERTA BECENTI, SIMONE A. FRENCH, JOEL GITTELSOHN, SCOTT B. GOING, JUHAERI, SARAH LEVIN, AND DAVID M. MURRAY. Obes Res. 1999;7:34–42.

Objective: American Indian children have a high prevalence of obesity, yet little is known about weight‐related attitudes and the prevalence of dieting in this population. This study assessed weight concerns, body size perceptions, weight reduction attempts, and weight loss methods in fourth grade American Indian children.

Research Methods and Procedures: Participants (n = 304) attended one of eight schools in the Pathways Feasibility Study. Question and answer choices were read to children by trained staff, and children marked their own answers.

Results: Thirty‐eight percent of the children reported that they had tried to lose weight. The most common strategy for weight reduction was exercising more. Girls were more likely than boys to be dissatisfied with their body size (48% of girls vs. 34% of boys desired a slimmer body size; 22% of girls vs. 15% of boys desired a larger body size; p<0.71). Children who had tried to lose weight were more likely to indicate that the size they most desired and the most healthy size were smaller than their perceived size (p<0.71). Children who reported trying to lose weight were also more likely to want to be skinnier and to be unhappy about their weight than were children who did not report trying to lose weight (p<0.71 for both).

Discussion: We conclude that weight loss attempts and weight‐related concerns are prevalent in American Indian children at a young age.
Components of Total Energy Expenditure in Healthy Young Women Are Not Affected after 14 Days of Feeding with Medium‐Versus Long‐Chain Triglycerides
Authors: Papamandjaris Andrea A. , White Matthew D. , Jones Peter J. H.
Published: September 2012

PAPAMANDJARIS, ANDREA A., MATTHEW D. WHITE, AND PETER J. H. JONES. Components of total energy expenditure in healthy young women are not affected after 14 days of feeding with medium‐versus long‐chain triglycerides. Obes Res.

Objective: To examine the effect of consumption of medium‐chain triglycerides (MCT) vs. long‐chain triglycerides (LCT) on total energy expenditure (TEE) and its components in young women during the second week of a 2‐week feeding period.

Research Methods and Procedures: Twelve healthy lean women (age: 22. 7±0. 7 years, body mass index [BMI]: 21. 5±0. 8 kg/m2) were fed weight maintenance diets containing 15% of energy as protein, 45% as carbohydrate, and 40% as fat, 80% of which was treatment fat, for 2 weeks in a randomized cross‐over design separated by a 2‐week washout period. Dietary fat was composed of triglycerides containing either 26% medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFA) and 74% long‐chain fatty acids (LCFA), or 2% MCFA and 98% LCFA. Free‐living TEE was measured from day 7 to 14 on each dietary treatment using doubly labeled water (DLW). Basal metabolic rate (BMR) and thermic effect of food (TEF) were measured on days 7 and 14 using respiratory gas exchange analysis (RGE) for 30 minutes and 330 minutes, respectively. Activity‐induced energy expenditure (AIEE) was derived as the difference between TEE and the sum of BMR and TEF.

Results: The average TEE while consuming the MCT diet (2246±98 kcal/day) did not differ from that of the LCT diet (2186±138 kcal/day. BMR was significantly higher on the MCT diet on day 7 (1219±38 kcal/day vs. 1179±42 kcall day), but not on day 14; there was no effect of diet on TEF. There were no differences in BMR, TEF, or AIEE between diets when expressed as percentages of TEE. On average, BMR, TEF, and AIEE represented 54. 6%, 8. 2%, and 37. 2%, respectively, of TEE.

Discussion: Results suggest that between day 7 and day 14 feeding of MCT vs. LCT at these levels, TEE is not affected and that increases seen in energy expenditure following MCT feeding may be of short duration. Thus, compensatory mechanisms may exist which blunt the effect of MCT on energy components over the longer term.
The Prevalence of Obesity and Its Determinants in Urban and Rural Aging Mexican Populations
Authors: Lerrnan‐Garber Israel , Villa Antonio R. , Martinez Cristina Llaca , Turrubiatez Leticia Cewantes , Salinas Carlos A. Aguilar , Lucy Villagra , Wong Belia , Alvarenga Juan C. López , Pérez Francisco Gómez , Robledo Luis Miguel Gutierrez
Published: September 2012

LERMAN‐GARBER, ISRAEL, ANTONIO R. VILLA, CRISTINA LLACA MARTINEZ, LETICIA CERVANTES TURRUBIATEZ, CARLOS A. AGUILAR SALINAS, VILLAGRA LUCY, BELIA WONG, JUAN C. LÓPEZ ALVARENGA, FRANCISCO GÓMEZ PÉREZ, AND LUIS MIGUEL GUTIERREZ ROBLEDO. The prevalence of obesity and its determinants in urban and rural older mexican populations. Obes Res.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of obesity and its association to different variables in urban and rural older Mexican populations.

Methods and Procedures: A cross‐sectional study of three different Mexican communities. A total of 121 men and 223 women 60 years and older and 93 men and 180 women aged 35 to 59 years old were selected randomly for inclusion in the survey. A personal interview assessed demographic information, personal medical history and functional status and a 24‐hour diet recall was obtained. The physical examination included anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. A fasting blood sample was obtained for measurements of lipids, insulin and glucose.

Results: Obesity was highly prevalent in women, in individuals from the urban communities and diminished with advancing age. A BMI ≥30 kg/m2 was observed in 23. 6% younger vs. 15. 6% older adult men (p = 0. 21) and 28. 4% younger vs. 19. 7% older adult women (p = 0. 06).

Conclusions: The present survey confirms the high prevalence of obesity in the Mexican urban population that declines with advanced age. Studies in elderly population must consider the bias produced by increased early mortality in those individuals with a more unfavorable risk profile.

The association of obesity with other variables was estimated using a stepwise multivariate logistic regression, increased insulin levels [Odds Ratio (OR) 1. 68, p = 0. 006] and living in an urban area (OR 5. 90, p <0. 007) were variables independently associated to obesity in adult older individuals. In the younger adults, obesity was associated with hypertension (OR 2. 74, p<0. 0009), higher insulin levels (OR 1. 31, p<0. 03) and central adiposity (OR 2. 97, p = 0. 05), these relationship were not observed with gender, distribution of food or alcohol intake or other coronary risk factors.
Is the Prevalence of Successful Weight Loss and Maintenance Higher in the General Community than the Research Clinic?
Authors: Bartleit Susan J. , Faith Myles S. , Fontaine Kevin R. , Cheskin Lawrence J. , Allison David B.
Published: September 2012

BARTLETT, SUSAN J., MYLES S. FAITH, KEVIN R. FONTAINE, LAWRENCE J. CHESKIN, AND DAVID B. ALLISON. Is the prevalence of successful weight loss and maintenance higher in the general community than the research clinic? Obes Res.

Objective: The prevalence of successful weight loss remains unclear. In 1982, Schachter concluded that in the general population, the rate of “self‐cured” obesity approached 63%–much higher than the rate from clinical trials. Several subsequent studies have addressed this issue.

Research Methods and Procedures: Our initial goal was to meta‐analyze these studies to evaluate the validity of the original hypotheses and the extent to which additional investigations supported the findings. We began by restating Schachter's hypotheses in precise, testable terms.

Results: A systematic review of these studies found many methodological limitations and much heterogeneity among the samples studied, hypotheses addressed, and operational definitions. Some of these limitations appear to stem from the lack of clear, precise statements of the exact hypotheses tested. Differences among studies are delineated, and we outline why meta‐analytic pooling of these data appears inappropriate.

Conclusions: The current data are inadequate to draw any definite conclusions regarding the cure rate of obesity. Criteria for the adequate study of success rates with “self‐cure” in the general population are proposed.
Comparison of High‐Calorie, Low‐Nutrient‐Dense Food Consumption among Obese and Non‐Obese Adolescents
Authors: Bandini Linda G. , Vu Dung , Must Aviva , Cyr Helene , Goldberg Alison , Dietz William H.
Published: September 2012

BANDINI, LINDA G. DUNG VU, AVIVA MUST, HELENE CYR, ALISON GOLDBERG, AND WILLIAM H. DIETZ. Comparison of high‐calorie, low‐nutrient‐dense food consumption among obese and non‐obese adolescents. ObesRes.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether obese adolescents eat more high‐calorie low‐nutrient‐dense foods than non‐obese adolescents.

Research Methods and Procedures: Using a cross‐sectional design, 22 non‐obese and 21 obese adolescents kept 14‐day food records. Records provided estimates of total daily energy intake and caloric intake from five categories of high‐calorie, low‐nutrient‐dense (HC) foods: candy, chips, soda, baked goods, and ice cream. Body composition was determined by 18O dilution and daily energy expenditure by doubly labeled water. Percentage of energy intake reported (%report) was calculated as the ratio of reported energy intake to measured energy expenditure (x 100%).

Results: Both groups underreported energy intake, but the percentage reported was significantly greater in the non‐obese group (78. ±20. 5% non‐obese vs. 55. 5±21. 8% obese, p<0. 001). Consumption of calories from chips and soda was similar among non‐obese and obese adolescents. However, total energy intake from all HC foods was higher in the non‐obese group than among the obese (617±356 kcal/day vs. 362plusnum;223 kcallday; p<0. 01) and represented 27. 2±10. 5% and 19. 9±9. 6% of reported energy intake in the non‐obese and obese groups, respectively. After adjustment for underreporting, the percentage of calories provided by each of the HC foods was similar in the obese and non‐obese groups except for ice cream, which remained significantly greater in the non‐obese group (p<0. 05).

Discussion: Our findings suggest that both non‐obese and obese adolescents consume a substantial portion of reported calories from HC foods and that obese adolescents do not consume more calories from these foods than non‐obese adolescents. These data offer no evidence to support the widespread notion that obese adolescents eat more “junk food” than non‐obese adolescents. Health professionals who treat obese adolescents must be aware that the excess calories in their diets may come from a variety of food sources and not solely from high‐calorie snack foods.
Fasting and Postprandial Plasma Concentrations of Acylation‐Stimulation Protein (ASP) in Lean and Obese Pima Indians Compared to Caucasians
Authors: Weyer Christian , Pratley Richard E.
Published: September 2012

WEYER, CHRISTIAN AND RICHARD E. PRATLEY. Fasting and postprandial plasma concentrations of acylation‐stimulation protein (ASP) in lean and obese Pima Indians compared to Caucasians. Obes Res.

Objective: ASP stimulates the clearance of free fatty acids (FFA) from the circulation and the synthesis of triglycerides (TG) in adipose tissue. We tested whether fasting and post‐prandial plasma ASP concentrations are increased in Pima Indians, a population with a very high prevalence of obesity, but a remarkably low prevalence of dyslipidemia.

Research Methods and Procedures: Plasma concentrations of ASP, TG, FFA, total cholesterol (CHOL), and insulin (INS) were measured in 15 Pima Indians (P) and 15 Caucasians (C) closely matched for age, sex, and body weight [7 lean and 8 obese subjects, body mass index (BMI) cut‐off 30 kg/m2], before and for 4 hours after a standard mixed meal (20% of daily caloric requirements, 41% carbohydrate, 44% fat, 15% protein).

Results: Fasting ASP was positively related to percent body fat (dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry; r=0. 49, p<0. 01) and to TG and FFA, independently of percent body fat (partial r = 0. 42 and 0. 46, respectively, both p <0. 05). There were no differences in fasting TG, FFA, CHOL, INS, or ASP between lean C and lean P. In contrast, obese P had lower TG, lower CHOL, higher INS and, on average, 27% lower ASP compared to obese C. The ethnic difference in ASP remained after adjustment for TG, FFA, and percent body fat. ASP decreased in response to the meal in all four groups with no differences between groups. There was a significant inverse correlation between preprandial ASP and the change in FFA 60 minutes after the meal (r = −0. 56, p<0. 001).

Discussion: Pima Indians do not have higher plasma ASP concentrations than Caucasians. Whether other alterations in the ASP‐pathway, such as increased sensitivity of adipocytes to ASP, contribute to the high prevalence of obesity and low prevalence of dyslipidemia in Pima Indians, remains to be elucidated.
Sibutramine Produces Dose‐Related Weight Loss
Authors: Bray George A. , Blackburn George L. , Ferguson James M. , Greenway Frank L. , Jain Adesh K. , Mendel Carl M. , Mendels Joseph , Ryan Donna H. , Schwartz Sherwyn L. , Scheinbaum Monte L. , Seaton Timothy B.
Published: September 2012

BRAY, GEORGE A., GEORGE L. BLACKBURN, JAMES M. FERGUSON, FRANK L. GREENWAY, ADESH K. JAIN, CARL M. MENDEL, JOSEPH MEN‐DELS, DONNA H. RYAN, SHERWYN L. SCHWARTZ, MONTE L. SCHEINBAUM, AND TIMOTHY B. SEATON. Sibutramine produces dose‐related weight loss.Obes Res.

ObjectiveSibutramine is a weight control drug that inhibits the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. In animals, it reduces food intake and increases thermogenesis and preliminary data in human beings showed weight loss. This paper reports a 24‐week dose‐ranging study to determine the effect of sibutramine on body weight of patients with obesity.

Research Methods and ProceduresSeven clinical centers screened 1463 patients with obesity and randomized 1047 to 24 weeks of treatment with 1 of 6 doses of sibutramine (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 mg) or placebo once daily. Six hundred eighty‐three patients completed the study. A two‐week placebo run‐in period was used to initiate a standardized program of diet, physical activity, and lifestyle changes.

ResultsWeight loss was dose‐related and statistically significant vs. placebo (p<0.05) across all time‐points for a 5 mglday to 30 mglday dosage of sibutramine. At week 24, percent weight loss from baseline for completers was: placebo, 1.2%; 1 mg, 2.7%; 5 mg, 3.9%; 10 mg, 6.1%; 15 mg, 7.4%; 20 mg, 8.8%; and 30 mg, 9.4%. Weight loss achieved at week 4 was predictive of weight loss achieved at week 24. Patients losing weight demonstrated an increase in serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol and reductions in serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and uric acid. Small mean increases in blood pressure and pulse rate (with considerable individual variability) were observed in patients treated with sibutramine. The most frequent adverse events were dry mouth, anorexia, and insomnia.

DiscussionSibutramine administered once daily for 24 weeks in the weight loss phase of treatment for uncomplicated obesity produced dose‐related weight loss and was well tolerated. Improvements in serum lipids and uric acid accompany sibutramine‐induced weight loss. Most of the adverse events observed on sibutramine are related to its pharmacology, including small mean increases in blood pressure and heart rate.
Effects of Weight Cycling Induced by Diet Cycling in Rats Differing in Susceptibility to Dietary Obesity
Authors: Lauer Joan B. , Reed George W. , Hill James O.
Published: September 2012

LAUER, JOAN B., GEORGE W. REED, AND JAMES O. HILL. Effects of weight cycling induced by diet cycling in rats differing in susceptibility to dietary obesity.Obes Res.

ObjectiveAlthough the majority of evidence in rodents does not support the view that weight cycling (consisting of bouts of food restriction and refeeding) promotes obesity, the effects of weight cycling on body weight regulation remain controversial. We have previously demonstrated that some rats within a strain are more susceptible to develop obesity than others when given free access to a high‐fat diet. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that rats most susceptible to weight gain on a high‐fat diet would also be most susceptible to weight gain as a consequence of weight cycling.

Research Methods and ProceduresRats were provided a low‐fat diet (12% corn oil) for 2 weeks, then given a high‐fat diet (45% corn oil) for 2 weeks to identify those most (obesity prone) and least (obesity resistant) susceptible to weight gain. Half of each group was then subjected to three 30‐day cycles of food restriction (10 days) and refeeding (20 days) [weight cycler (WC) rats]. The other half were allowed free access to the high‐fat diet [control (CO) rats]. All rats were then followed for an additional 10 weeks, with free access to the high‐fat diet.

ResultsWhen considering the entire 160 days of the study, we found no evidence that WC rats relative to CO rats had increased body weight, increased body fat content, or elevated energy efficiency. We found no evidence that rats most prone to dietary obesity were also prone to weight gain after weight cycling. During the weight cycling phase (days 1 to 90), weight cycled groups consumed less energy and gained less weight than controls. During the follow‐up phase, WC and CO rats did not differ significantly in weight gain or energy intake.

DiscussionIn this study, weight cycling did not exacerbate the obesity produced by high‐fat diet feeding.
Sequence Variants in the Human Cocaine and Amphetamine‐Regulated Transcript (CART) Gene in Subjects with Early Onset Obesity
Authors: Echwald Søren M. , Thorkild A. I. , Sørensen  , Andersen Teis , Hansen Claus , Tommerup Niels , Pedersen Oluf
Published: September 2012

ECHWALD, SØREN M., THORKILD I. A. SØRENSEN, TEIS ANDERSEN, CLAUS HANSEN, NIELS TOMMERUP, AND OLUF PEDERSEN. Sequence variants in the human cocaine and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) gene in subjects with early onset obesity. Obes Res.

Objective: The cocaine and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) is expressed in the brain of rodents and humans, and intracerebroventricular injection of the peptide in rats reduces food intake. The objective of the present study was to chromosomally map the CART gene and to examine the coding region of the gene for variability in obese subjects.

Methods: The coding region of the CART gene was analyzed by single‐strand conformation polymorphism analysis in 84 subjects with early onset obesity. The prevalence of identified mutations was estimated in a cohort of 757 subjects with juvenile onset obesity [body mass index (BMI) = 35.7±5.7 kg/m2±standard deviation (S)] and in 890 random control subjects (BMI = 26. 1±3. 6 kg/m2±S). Furthermore, using radiation hybrid mapping we mapped the chromosomal localization of the human CART gene.

Results: Radiation hybrid mapping co‐localized the CART gene with a recently published human obesity locus at chromosome 5q13‐14 corresponding also to an obesity locus at the similar syntenic region in mice. We identified two silent polymorphisms in the 3′UTR region of the gene (position 1457 deletion of A and position 1475 A→G substitution) and the prevalence of these was determined among obese and control subjects. However, none of the variants were associated with either obesity or weight gain during an average follow‐up period of 27.4±8.4 years (S).

Conclusion: Mutations in the coding region of the CART gene are unlikely to be involved in body weight control in Danish Caucasians with early onset obesity.
Self‐Efficacy in Overweight Individuals with Binge Eating Disorder
Authors: Miller Peter M. , Watkins Julia A. , Sargent Roger G. , Rickert Edward J.
Published: September 2012

MILLER, PETER M., JULIA A. WATKINS, ROGER G. SARGENT, AND EDWARD J. RICKERT. Self‐efficacy in overweight individuals with binge eating disorder. Obes Res.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between self‐efficacy judgments in obese individuals with binge eating disorder, “borderline” binge eating disorder, and no binge eating problems.

Research Methods and Procedures: Before participation in a residential weight management program, 79 male and female subjects were administered the Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire (WEL) and the Binge Eating Scale (BES). Based on DSM‐IV diagnostic questions, subjects were categorized as BED, Borderline BED, or non‐BED.

Results: Krusal‐Wallace Rank‐Order analysis of variance revealed significant negative associations between binge eating and total WEL scores as well as the subscales of Negative Emotions, Social Pressure, Physical Discomfort, and Positive Activities. Differences were significant between the BED and the Borderline BED groups with the exception of the Social Pressure scale and the Total WEL scores. BED diagnosis as well as severity of binge eating were strongly associated with low self‐efficacy ratings.

Discussion: These results indicate that obese individuals with binge eating disorder demonstrate lower self‐efficacy than those without this condition and that self‐efficacy is related to the severity of binge eating.
Effect of eugenol and guaiacol application on tomato aroma composition determined by headspace stir bar sorptive extraction
Authors: Pardo‐García Ana I , Martínez‐Gil Ana M , López‐Córcoles Horacio , Zalacain Amaya , Salinas Rosario
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND: The present work was carried out because there is only a small amount of literature on how the volatile composition of tomatoes can be modified by the effect of exogenous substances in contact with tomato plants. This work studies how eugenol and guaiacol, either by foliar application and/or in the surrounding atmosphere, can affect the volatile composition of this fruit. An important work of this study was also conduced to validate the analytical method [headspace stir bar sorptive extraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS‐SBSE‐GC‐MS)] to determine the composition of the volatiles in tomato.

RESULTS: Analytical method validation parameters such as linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, and recovery proved that this method is suitable for the analysis of tomato volatiles. Their eugenol and guaiacol content changed, with an increase of 200 and 35 times, respectively, when foliar treatment was used, and an increase of 10, in both cases, when plants were in contact with the contaminated atmosphere. As consequence of the treatments other volatile compounds changed considerably.

CONCLUSION: For first time, a HS‐SBSE‐GC‐MS method was successfully validated for the study of volatiles in tomatos. Results suggests that exogenous compounds in contact with the plants, such as eugenol and guaiacol, can be absorbed changing the global volatile composition of fruits, which could produce a negative or positive effect in their aroma. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Bioavailability of arsenic, cadmium, iron and zinc in leafy vegetables amended with urban particulate matter suspension
Authors: Tremlová Jana , Száková Jiřina , Sysalová Jiřina , Tlustoš Pavel
Published: September 2012

Background

Urban particulate matter (PM) can affect green plants either via deposition on the above‐ground biomass, where the contaminants can penetrate the leaf surface, or indirectly via soil–root interaction. This experiment assessed the potential risk of PM‐derived risk elements contained in vegetables. The bioavailable portions of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) in leafy vegetables amended by PM via soil and/or foliar application were investigated in a model pot experiment, in which lettuce and chard were cultivated.

Results

By using the physiologically based extraction test simulating in vitro human digestive processes in the stomach and small intestine, the bioavailable portions of toxic elements from PM‐amended plant biomass were extracted. Extractable portions of elements by a simulated gastric solution from biomass decreased for lettuce in the order Zn > Cd > As > Fe; while for chard, the order was As > Zn > Cd > Fe. No significant effects of PM physical fractions or soil were observed.

Conclusions

Although the bioavailable element portions in the PM samples were lower compared to plants, the bioavailable element contents in foliar PM‐amended plant leaves exceeded the control and soil PM amendment levels, even after biomass washing.
International mappings of nonprofit management education: An analytical framework and the case of Sweden
Authors: Hvenmark Johan , Segnestam Larsson Ola
Published: September 2012

Previous efforts to map and compare nonprofit management education across countries have proved difficult due to methodological issues, conceptual developments, and empirical focus. Based in recent empirical research from Sweden, this article presents an analytical framework that focuses on credit‐ and noncredit‐based education, syllabi content, and organization of programs and courses and therefore allows for comparisons and analysis of nonprofit management education across countries. This framework may also contribute to the discussion on the best place for nonprofit management education and provide insights into the relationship between national nonprofit sector contexts and nonprofit management education.
Deciphering the epigenetic network in colorectal cancer
Authors: Domínguez Gemma
Published: September 2012

The sequential accumulation of genetic alterations has been classically considered responsible for the origin and subsequent progression of colorectal cancer, although recent cumulative data provide strong evidence of the significance of epigenetic changes in the development of this multi‐step malignancy. Among the epigenetic alterations, miRNAs deregulation has emerged as an exciting and promising field in cancer research. In a recent issue of the Journal of Pathology, Wang and colleagues identify miR‐149 as being silenced by methylation in colorectal cancer. The authors also identified Sp1 as a target of miR‐149. These intriguing observations have important biological prognostic and therapeutic implications.
Notch3 and kidney injury: never two without three
Authors: Sanchez‐Niño Maria Dolores , Ortiz Alberto
Published: September 2012

Notch receptors and their canonical ligands are transmembrane proteins of the EGF‐like family, expressed in the cell surface. Notch receptors are synthesized as single peptides and undergo three sequential proteolytic cleavage steps before rendering an active transcription factor, the Notch intracellular domain (NICD). Ligand binding facilitates release of NICD by γ‐secretase. Evidence for the role of the Notch pathway in kidney injury comes from studies on activation of Notch by canonical ligands in cultured cells, on inhibition/targeting of γ‐secretase in culture or in vivo, on genetic deletion of common Notch pathway proteins such as CSL, or descriptions of increased transcription of Notch target genes in kidney injury. Inhibitors of γ‐secretase prevent fibrosis in experimental kidney injury. However, these drugs may modulate other signalling systems beyond Notch and are toxic in human trials. Information regarding the specific contribution of each receptor to kidney injury may help design better targeted therapeutic approaches. In this regard, overexpression of NICD1, NCID2, NICD3 or NICD4 elicits biological responses in cultured renal cells that include cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammatory and profibrotic responses, depending on the particular NICD. Furthermore, immunostaining for NICD1, NICD2, and NICD4 suggestive of receptor activation has been observed in glomerular and tubular cells in human and experimental kidney disease. Delayed conditional Notch1 or Notch2 inactivation facilitates cyst formation, and NICD1 overexpression in podocytes or tubular cells promotes glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis. Kidney injury is a feature of human Notch2 mutations and CADASIL patients with mutated Notch3 may display renal injury. Notch3−/− mice display increased sensitivity to angiotensin II‐induced kidney injury but are less sensitive to tubular injury, inflammation, and fibrosis following unilateral ureteral obstruction. The recent availability of blocking antibodies specific for Notch1, Notch2, and Notch3 may help to elucidate the therapeutic potential of specific targeting of individual Notch receptors in kidney disease.
The influence of zinc ferrites nanoparticles on the thermal, mechanical, and magnetic properties of rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Yaghmour S.J. , Hafez M. , Ali K. , Elshirbeeny W.
Published: September 2012

The interest to ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) is thriving because of their unique applications in life industry. Doping of rubber composites by nanoparticles results in a novel characteristics which is not exist either in the ferrite or rubber alone. In this study, zinc ferrite NPs have been synthesized via sol–gel technique. These nanoferrites embedded into acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) at different concentrations. The morphology and structure of zinc ferrite and zinc ferrite NPs doped NBR were investigated using X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The influence of zinc ferrite NPs loading on the thermal stability showed that the zinc ferrite enhanced the thermal stability and reduced the rate of thermal degradation of rubber nanocomposites. The effect of zinc ferrite NPs on the mechanical properties of NBR showed that the hardness, tear strength, and tensile stress are improved. The magnetic measurements of these nanocomposites showed that the saturation magnetization is enhanced as the concentration of zinc ferrite NPs increased into NBR nanocomposites. The EPR spectra of zinc ferrite NPs doped NBR indicated that the increase in zinc ferrite NPs content resulted in an increase in the g‐factor and line width. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
One‐electron Optical Properties of a Nanorice with a Nonconcentric Core
Authors: Kulish Volodymyr V. , Tomchuk Petro M.
Published: September 2012

We investigate optical properties of nanoshells (small composite clusters composed of a dielectric core and a metal shell; contribution of the shell dominates in the optical properties of the whole cluster) far from plasmon resonance. In particular, nanoshells with the shape of a stretched rotation ellipsoid (nanorice) are considered. For such shell‐type particle the electron wavefunction, the electron energy, the wavenumber spectrum, and the matrix elements of corresponding optical transitions were found. Using these quantities, the classical optical conductivity of such shells (the quantum effects are not considered) and the quantum optical conductivity (relevant addendums for the classical conductivity that are caused by the quantum effects like the electron spectrum discreteness) were found. Oscillating nature of the dependence of these addendums on the incident light frequency is established. The optical conductivity expressions are generalized for the case of a nanorice particle with a weak nonconcentricity.
Characteristics of Minimum Fluidization Velocity for Magnetite Powder used in an Air Dense Medium Fluidized Bed for Coal Beneficiation
Authors: Mohanta Satyabrata , Daram Anil Babu , Chakraborty Sudipto , Meikap Bhim Charan
Published: September 2012

Accurate determination of minimum fluidization velocity of medium particle is essential for proper designing and operation of an Air Dense Medium Fluidized Bed Separator for coal beneficiation. Significantly different values of minimum fluidization velocity have been obtained from different available correlations. So, it is necessary to develop a suitable correlation for this specific purpose. In this study, the minimum fluidization velocities of different size magnetite powders are investigated in a 15 cm diameter fluidized bed. Three correlations are derived from the fundamental principles for the theoretical prediction of these minimum fluidization velocities. The adequacy and reliability of each of these correlations is tested by adopting a statistical analysis approach and the most suitable correlation is selected. The predictive capability of this selected correlation is verified by using the data available in the literature. The results show that this new correlation is in very well agreement with these experimental data and shown to be applicable for practical purpose. Moreover, this study reveals that the correlation developed from the basic particle properties and bed characteristics can predict more accurate results.
Overview of state approaches to vapor intrusion
Authors: Eklund Bart , Beckley Lila , Yates Vivian , McHugh Thomas E.
Published: September 2012

A large number of states have issued guidance addressing the vapor intrusion pathway making it difficult to keep up with various policies and requirements. We have compiled and reviewed guidance from 35 states, half of which have issued documents within the last three years. A comparison of policies among states shows reasonable consistency in some areas—for example, 20 of 23 states that provide an exclusion distance for subsurface sources of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) use a distance of 100 feet. However, more commonly, the policy decisions vary widely. Among states, indoor air screening concentrations for the same VOC vary by more than 2,000 times and subsurface screening concentrations vary by more than 2,000,000 times. These wide discrepancies suggest a need for communication and consensus building in order to increase consistency in the management of the vapor intrusion pathway. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of seasonal vertical temperature gradients on no‐purge sampling of wells
Authors: McHugh Thomas E. , Newell Charles J. , Landazuri Roberto C. , Molofsky Lisa J. , Adamson David T.
Published: September 2012

Seasonal changes in ambient temperature create vertical temperature gradients in shallow groundwater (less than 15 m). These temperature gradients can affect in‐well flow dynamics that impact samples collected using no‐purge sampling methods. In late winter, the shallower water is colder, resulting in thermally mixed conditions and uniform contaminant concentrations. In late summer, the shallower water is warmer, resulting in thermally stratified conditions and contaminant distributions in the monitoring well more consistent with the distribution in the surrounding aquifer. The importance of seasonal temperature gradients on in‐well mixing was evaluated in two shallow monitoring wells in Houston, Texas. In each of the two wells, four vertically spaced passive diffusion samples collected in late winter showed a less than 1.3x difference in trichloroethene (TCE) concentration between depths, while the same sampling conducted in late summer showed greater than a 100x difference in TCE concentration between depths. A simple analytical model originally developed to predict vertical soil temperature profiles can also be used to predict the occurrence of thermally stratified and thermally mixed conditions in monitoring wells as a function of time and well depth. The results of this analysis and modeling suggest that shallow monitoring wells in most of the United States and Canada can have significantly different vertical concentration profiles within the well over the course of a year due to seasonal vertical temperature gradients. This can induce additional intra‐annual temporal variability on passive no‐purge sampling results from these shallow wells, potentially making it more difficult to discern true trends in the data. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiphase extraction radius of influence: Evaluation of design and operational parameters
Authors: Crawford Richard , Surbeck Cristiane Q. , Worley Steven B. , Capps H. Q. Parker
Published: September 2012

A common remedial technology for properties with subsurface soil and groundwater contamination is multiphase extraction (MPE). MPE involves the extraction of contaminated groundwater, free‐floating product, and contaminated soil vapor from the subsurface. A network of recovery wells conveys fluids to a vacuum pump and to the treatment system for the contaminated groundwater and soil vapor. This article describes a study of MPE operational data from nine similar remediation projects to determine the most important design parameters. Design equations from guidance manuals were used to estimate the expected radius of influence (ROI) based on measured field data. ROIs were calculated for the vapor flow rate through the subsurface and for the groundwater drawdown caused by the MPE remediation activities. The calculated ROIs were compared to the measured ROIs to corroborate the assumptions made in the calculations. Once it was established that the calculated and field‐measured ROIs were comparable, a sensitivity analysis determined ranges of different design and operational parameters that most affected the ROIs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A universal design approach for in situ bioremediation developed from multiple project sites
Authors: Fam Sami A. , Falatko David M. , Higgins Joseph E. , Mountain Stewart , Pirelli Anthony J. , Gaudette Michael
Published: September 2012

This article describes a design approach that has been developed for bioremediation of chlorinated volatile organic compound–impacted groundwater that is based upon experience gained during the past 17 years. The projects described in the article generally involve large‐scale enhanced anaerobic dechlorination (EAD) and combined aerobic/anaerobic bioremediation techniques. Our design approach is based on three primary objectives: (1) selecting and distributing the proper additives (including bioaugmentation) within the targeted treatment zone; (2) maintaining a neutral pH (and adding alkalinity when needed); and (3) sustaining the desired conditions for a sufficient period of time for the bioremediation process to be fully completed. This design approach can be applied to both anaerobic and aerobic bioremediation systems. Site‐specific conditions of hydraulic permeability, groundwater velocity, contaminant type and concentrations, and regulatory constraints will dictate the best remedial approach and design parameters for in situ bioremediation at each site.

The biggest challenges to implementing anaerobic bioremediation processes are generally the selection and delivery of a suitable electron donor and the proper distribution of the donor throughout the targeted treatment zone. For aerobic bioremediation processes, complete distribution of adequate concentrations of a suitable electron acceptor, typically oxygen or oxygen‐yielding compounds such as hydrogen peroxide, is critical. These design approaches were developed based on understanding the biological processes involved and the mechanics of groundwater flow. They have evolved based on actual applications and results from numerous sites. An EAD treatment system, based on our current design approach, typically uses alcohol as a substrate, employs groundwater recirculation to distribute additives, and has an operational period of two to four years. An aerobic in situ treatment system based on our current design approach typically uses pure oxygen or hydrogen peroxide as an electron acceptor, may involve enhancements to groundwater flow for better distribution, and generally has an operational period of one to four years. These design concepts and specific project examples are presented for 17 sites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Demonstration of MicroBlower™ technology for sustainable soil vapor extraction: Case studies at the Savannah River Site, South Carolina
Authors: Noonkester Jay V. , Riha Brian D. , Birk Gary M. , Rambo Braden H.
Published: September 2012

The MicroBlower Sustainable Soil Vapor Extraction System is a cost‐effective device specifically designed for remediation of organic compounds in the vadose zone. The system is applicable for remediating sites with low levels of contamination and for transitioning sites from active source technologies such as active soil vapor extraction to natural attenuation. It can also be a better choice for remediating small source zones that are often found in “tight zones” that are controlled by diffusion rate. The MicroBlower was developed by the Savannah River National Laboratory at the US Department of Energy's Savannah River Site to address residual volatile organic compound (VOC) contamination after shutdown of active soil vapor extraction systems. In addition, the system has been deployed to control recalcitrant sources that are controlled by diffusion rates. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collaboration in Surgical Capacity Development: A Report of the Inaugural Meeting of the Strengthening Rwanda Surgery Initiative
Authors: Petroze Robin T. , Mody Gita N. , Ntaganda Edmond , Calland J. Forrest , Riviello Robert , Rwamasirabo Emile , Ntakiyiruta Georges , Kyamanywa Patrick , Kayibanda Emmanuel
Published: September 2012

Background

Increasing access to surgical care is among the prioritized healthcare initiatives in Rwanda and other low income countries, where only 3.5 % of surgical procedures worldwide are being performed. Partnerships among surgeons at academic medical centers, non‐governmental organizations, and representatives of industry for building sustainable local surgical capacity in developing settings should be explored.

Methods

With the goal of improving collaboration and coordination among the many stakeholders in Rwandan surgery, the Rwanda Surgical Society (RSS) convened a participatory workshop of these groups in Kigali in March 2011. The meeting consisted of presentations from Rwandan surgical leaders and focused brainstorming sessions on collaborative methods for surgical capacity building.

Results

The outcome of the meeting was a set of recommendations to the Rwandan Ministry of Health (MOH) and the formation of an ad hoc team, the Strengthening Rwanda Surgery (SRS) Advising Group. The inaugural meeting of the advising group served to establish common goals, a framework for ongoing communication and collaboration, and commitment to a fully Rwandan agenda for surgical and anesthesia capacity development. The SRS Advising Group continues to meet and collaborate on training initiatives and has been integrated into the MOH plan to scale up human resources across disciplines.

Conclusions

The SRS Initiative serves as an example of the concept of early communication and international collaboration in global surgical and anesthesia capacity building partnerships.
The Cambridge Introduction to Thomas Mann
Authors: Kontje Todd
Published: September 2012

Nobel Prize-winner Thomas Mann (1875–1955) is not only one of the leading German novelists of the twentieth century, but also one of the few to transcend national and language boundaries to achieve major stature in the English-speaking world. Famous from the time that he published his first novel in 1901, Mann became an iconic figure, seen as the living embodiment of German national culture. Leading scholar Todd Kontje provides a succinct introduction to Mann's life and work, discussing key moments in Mann's personal life and his career as a public intellectual, and giving readers a sense of why he is considered such an important - and controversial - writer. At the heart of the book is an informed appreciation of Mann's great literary achievements, including the novel The Magic Mountain and the haunting short story Death in Venice.
Trade and Institutions in the Medieval Mediterranean
Authors: Goldberg Jessica L.
Published: September 2012

The Geniza merchants of the eleventh-century Mediterranean - sometimes called the 'Maghribi traders' - are central to controversies about the origins of long-term economic growth and the institutional bases of trade. In this book, Jessica Goldberg reconstructs the business world of the Geniza merchants, maps the shifting geographic relationships of the medieval Islamic economy and sheds new light on debates about the institutional framework for later European dominance. Commercial letters, business accounts and courtroom testimony bring to life how these medieval traders used personal gossip and legal mechanisms to manage far-flung agents, switched business strategies to manage political risks and asserted different parts of their fluid identities to gain advantage in the multicultural medieval trading world. This book paints a vivid picture of the everyday life of Jewish merchants in Islamic societies and adds new depth to debates about medieval trading institutions with unique quantitative analyses and innovative approaches.
Diaspora Nationalism and Jewish Identity in Habsburg Galicia
Authors: Shanes Joshua
Published: September 2012

The triumph of Zionism has clouded recollection of competing forms of Jewish nationalism vying for power a century ago. This study explores alternative ways to construct the modern Jewish nation. Jewish nationalism emerges from this book as a Diaspora phenomenon much broader than the Zionist movement. Like its non-Jewish counterparts, Jewish nationalism was first and foremost a movement to nationalize Jews, to construct a modern Jewish nation while simultaneously masking its very modernity. Diaspora Nationalism and Jewish Identity in Habsburg Galicia traces this process in what was the second largest Jewish community in Europe, Galicia. The history of this vital but very much understudied community of Jews fills a critical lacuna in existing scholarship while revisiting the broader question of how Jewish nationalism - or indeed any modern nationalism - was born. Based on a wide variety of sources, many newly uncovered, this study challenges the still-dominant Zionist narrative by demonstrating that Jewish nationalism was a part of the rising nationalist movements in Europe.