bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Microbiological Condition of Canadian Beef Steaks Offered for Retail Sale in Canada
Authors: Badoni M. , Rajagopal S. , Aalhus J. L. , Klassen M. D. , Gill C. O.
Published: October 2012

Steaks of 4 types collected from 113 retails stores in 4 Canadian cities were frozen for storage. Swab samples collected from approximately 100 cm2 of each of 598 thawed steaks were processed for enumeration of bacteria. The fraction of steaks from which total aerobic counts (AER), psychrotrophs (PSY), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), pseudomonads(PSE) and Brochothrix thermosphacta (BRO) were not recovered at > 2 log cfu/100 cm2 were 3, 12, 8, 25 and 51%, respectively. The fractions of steaks from which coliforms (COL) and Escherichia coli (ECO) were not recovered at > 0 log cfu/ 100 cm2 were 56 and 92%, respectively. The log number per 100 cm2 recovered from > 90% of steaks were < 6 for AER, PSY and LAB, < 5 for PSE, <4 for BRO, and < 2 for COL. The microbiological conditions of groups of steaks of different types, from different cities or from different groups of stores were not substantially different.
Culinary Method Affects the Antioxidant Activity of Collard Greens (Brassica oleracea)
Authors: Clifford Alexander , Dawson Paul
Published: October 2012

The antioxidant activity of collard greens was determined after exposed to eight different thermal treatments: 1) untreated raw group, 2) short simmer 3short simmer water 4) short simmer + saute’, 5) saute’ 6) long simmer 7) long simmer water 8) long simmer + saute’. After treatment, total phenolic content (TPC) expressed in gallic acid equivalents/sample concentration (GAE/conc.), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferrous ion chelating (FIC) antioxidant assays were determined. The sauté treated group showed the highest TPC (8.2858 GAE/conc.) followed by the raw group (8.0361) and the short simmer + sauté group (7.6227). The raw group showed the highest DPPH activity (7.7952% inhibition/conc.) followed by the sauté group (7.5877) and the short simmer + sauté group (7.4753). In both of these assays the addition of a sauté treatment to either short or long simmered treatment increased the antioxidant activity of samples compared to just the short or long simmer treatment alone. Additionally both TPC and DPPH assays showed greater antioxidant activity in the cooking water reserved from a long simmer treatment compared to the reserved cooking water of a short simmer treatment suggesting significant (p<0.05) leeching of antioxidants from collard greens into the water related to the duration of aquathermal treatment. Similar trends were not found in the results of the FIC chelating assay where both long and short simmer treatment groups showed the highest chelating abilities and the reserved cooking water from both treatments showed the lowest chelating abilities. This suggests that chelators contained in collard greens were not relatively water soluble and therefore not negatively affected byaquathermal treatments.
Effect of Loading Rate on Hen’s Eggshell Mechanics
Authors: Trnka Jan , Buchar Jaroslav , Severa Libor , Nedomová Šárka , Stoklasová Pavla
Published: October 2012

The study is focused on analysis of mechanical behavior of hen’s eggshell expressed in terms of average rupture force and corresponding deformation. Some other physical properties such as mass, length, diameter, geometric mean diameter, surface area, sphericity, and volume were also evaluated. The egg samples were compressed along their X and Z-axes. Two different experimental methods were used: compression between two plates (loading rates 0.0167, 0.167, and 1.67 mm/s) and impact of a free-falling cylindrical bar (loading rates up to 17 mm/s). Surface displacement and surface velocity were measured using the laser-vibrometer. The increase in rupture force with loading rate was observed for loading in all direction (along main axes). Dependence of the rupture force on loading rate was quantified and described. The highest rupture force was obtained when the eggs were loaded along the X-axis. Compression along the Z-axis required the least compressive force to break the eggshells.
Binary Ferromagnetic Nanostructures: Fabrication, Static and Dynamic Properties
Authors: Ding Junjia , Adeyeye Adekunle O.
Published: October 2012

The fabrication of large area binary magnetic nanostructures made from one or two ferromagnetic materials (Ni and Ni80Fe20) is reported using self‐aligned shadow deposition technique. The static and dynamic properties are characterized using magneto‐optical Kerr effects (MOKE) and broadband ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Compared with Ni80Fe20 nanomagnets made using a conventional lithographic technique from identical resist templates, tunable magnetization switching is observed with a marked increase in the coercive field and more adjustable dynamic response for the Ni80Fe20/Ni80Fe20 and Ni/Ni80Fe20 binary structures. The results are validated by direct domain imaging using magnetic force microscopy and micromagnetic simulations.
Robust, Self‐Healing Superamphiphobic Fabrics Prepared by Two‐Step Coating of Fluoro‐Containing Polymer, Fluoroalkyl Silane, and Modified Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhou Hua , Wang Hongxia , Niu Haitao , Gestos Adrian , Lin Tong
Published: October 2012

A robust, superamphiphobic fabric with a novel self‐healing ability to autorepair from chemical damage is prepared by a two‐step wet‐chemistry coating technique using an easily available material system consisting of poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene), fluoroalkyl silane, and modified silica nanoparticles. The coated fabrics can withstand at least 600 cycles of standard laundry and 8000 cycles of abrasion without apparently changing the superamphiphobicity. The coating is also very stable to strong acid/base, ozone, and boiling treatments. After being damaged chemically, the coating can restore its super liquid‐repellent properties by a short‐time heating treatment or room temperature ageing. This simple but novel and effective coating system may be useful for the development of robust protective clothing for various applications.
Nanoengineered Polypyrrole‐Coated Fe2O3@C Multifunctional Composites with an Improved Cycle Stability as Lithium‐Ion Anodes
Authors: Han Fei , Li Duo , Li Wen‐Cui , Lei Cheng , Sun Qiang , Lu An‐Hui
Published: October 2012

Novel multifunctional composites composed of highly dispersed nanosized Fe2O3 particles, a tubular mesoporous carbon host, and a conductive polypyrrole (PPy) sealing layer are hierarchically assembled via two facile processes, including bottom‐up introduction of Fe2O3 nanoparticles in tubular mesoporous carbons, followed by in situ surface sealing with the PPy coating. Fe2O3 particles are well‐dispersed within the carbon matrix and PPy is spatially and selectively coated onto the external surface and the pore entrances of the Fe2O3@C composite, thereby bridging the composite particles together into a larger unit. As an anode material for Li‐ion batteries (LIBs), the PPy‐coated Fe2O3@C composite exhibits stable cycle performance. Additionally, the PPy‐coated Fe2O3@C composite also possesses fast electrode reaction kinetics, high Fe2O3 use efficiency, and large volumetric capacity. The excellent electrochemical performance is associated with a synergistic effect of the highly porous carbon matrix and the conducting PPy sealing layer. Such multifunctional configuration prevents the aggregation of NPs and maintains the structural integrity of active materials, in addition to effectively enhancing the electronic conductivity and warranting the stability of as‐formed solid electrolyte interface (SEI) films. This nanoengineering strategy might open new avenues for the design of other multifunctional composite architectures as electrode materials in order to achieve high‐performance LIBs.
Spray‐Coated Silver Nanowires as Top Electrode Layer in Semitransparent P3HT:PCBM‐Based Organic Solar Cell Devices
Authors: Krantz Johannes , Stubhan Tobias , Richter Moses , Spallek Stefanie , Litzov Ivan , Matt Gebhard J. , Spiecker Erdmann , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: October 2012

Silver nanowire (Ag NW) thin films are investigated as top electrodes in semitransparent inverted organic solar cells. The performance of semitransparent poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl):[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) organic solar cells with Ag NW top electrode layers is found to match very closely the performance of reference devices based on thermally evaporated, highly reflective metal silver top electrodes. The optical losses of the semitransparent electrodes are investigated in detail and analyzed in terms of transmission, scattering, and reflection losses. The impact on an external back reflector is shown to increase the light harvesting efficiency of optically thin devices. Further analysis of transparent devices under illumination from the indium tin oxide (ITO) backside and through the Ag NW front electrode open the possibility to gain deep insight into the vertical microstructure related devices performance. Overall, Ag NW top electrodes are established as a serious alternative to TCO based electrodes. Semitransparent devices with efficiencies of over η = 2.0% are realized.
Inverted Semi‐transparent Polymer Solar Cells with Transparency Color Rendering Indices approaching 100
Authors: Czolk Jens , Puetz Andreas , Kutsarov Dimitar , Reinhard Manuel , Lemmer Uli , Colsmann Alexander
Published: October 2012

Window‐ or building‐integrated semi‐transparent solar cells are particularly interesting applications for organic photovoltaic devices. In this work, we present an easy‐to‐process inverted device architecture comprising fully solution processable poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) bilayer top‐electrodes for efficient semi‐transparent organic solar cells. By incorporating dyes with a complementary absorption to the light harvesting polymer poly[[9‐(1‐octylnonyl)‐9H‐carbazole‐2,7‐diyl]‐2,5‐thiophenediyl‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole‐4,7‐diyl‐2,5‐thiophenediyl] (PCDTBT) into the PEDOT:PSS electrode, we achieve fully color neutral transparency perception and a color rendering index approaching 100. This makes the devices suitable for applications such as window shadowing or the integration into overhead glazing.
The Importance of Fullerene Percolation in the Mixed Regions of Polymer–Fullerene Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Bartelt Jonathan A. , Beiley Zach M. , Hoke Eric T. , Mateker William R. , Douglas Jessica D. , Collins Brian A. , Tumbleston John R. , Graham Kenneth R. , Amassian Aram , Ade Harald , Fréchet Jean M. J. , Toney Michael F. , McGehee Michael D.
Published: October 2012

Most optimized donor‐acceptor (D‐A) polymer bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells have active layers too thin to absorb greater than ∼80% of incident photons with energies above the polymer's band gap. If the thickness of these devices could be increased without sacrificing internal quantum efficiency, the device power conversion efficiency (PCE) could be significantly enhanced. We examine the device characteristics of BHJ solar cells based on poly(di(2‐ethylhexyloxy)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐co‐octylthieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6‐dione) (PBDTTPD) and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) with 7.3% PCE and find that bimolecular recombination limits the active layer thickness of these devices. Thermal annealing does not mitigate these bimolecular recombination losses and drastically decreases the PCE of PBDTTPD BHJ solar cells. We characterize the morphology of these BHJs before and after thermal annealing and determine that thermal annealing drastically reduces the concentration of PCBM in the mixed regions, which consist of PCBM dispersed in the amorphous portions of PBDTTPD. Decreasing the concentration of PCBM may reduce the number of percolating electron transport pathways within these mixed regions and create morphological electron traps that enhance charge‐carrier recombination and limit device quantum efficiency. These findings suggest that (i) the concentration of PCBM in the mixed regions of polymer BHJs must be above the PCBM percolation threshold in order to attain high solar cell internal quantum efficiency, and (ii) novel processing techniques, which improve polymer hole mobility while maintaining PCBM percolation within the mixed regions, should be developed in order to limit bimolecular recombination losses in optically thick devices and maximize the PCE of polymer BHJ solar cells.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Bischromone Derivatives with Antiproliferative Activity
Authors: Szulawska‐Mroczek Agata , Szumilak Marta , Szczesio Malgorzata , Olczak Andrzej , Nazarski Ryszard B. , Lewgowd Wieslawa , Czyz Malgorzata , Stanczak Andrzej
Published: October 2012

The synthesis of new bischromone derivatives (4a–c and 5a–c) as potential anticancer drugs is described. The difference in the reactivity between 4‐oxo‐4H‐chromene‐3‐carboxylic acid 2 (or its methyl ester 3) and 4‐oxo‐4H‐chromene‐3‐carbonyl chloride 1 with three different polyamines: 3,3′‐diamino‐N‐methyldipropylamine (a), 1,4‐bis(3‐aminopropyl)piperazine (b), 4,9‐dioxa‐1,12‐dodecanediamine (c) resulted in the formation of two different groups of products, compounds 4a–c and 5a–c, designed in agreement with the bisintercalators' structural requirements. The transformation of 4‐oxo‐4H‐chromene‐3‐carboxylic acid into 2H‐chromene‐2,4(3H)‐diones (5) was confirmed by the NMR and XRD experiments. Compounds 4a and 5a were evaluated in vitro in the highly aggressive melanoma cell line A375. An enhanced induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest clearly revealed that compound 5a was more potent than 4a. Compound 5a was also more active in diminishing the adhesive potential of melanoma cells. Current studies support the notion that small changes in the three‐dimensional structure of molecules might have a substantial impact on their biological activity.
The association between neonatal thyroxine and craniosynostosis, Texas, 2004–2007
Authors: Hashmi Syed Shahrukh , Canfield Mark A. , Marengo Lisa , Moffitt Karen B. , Belmont John W. , Freedenberg Debra , Tanksley Susan M. , Lupo Philip J.
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND

Craniosynostosis (CS), a structural anomaly characterized by premature fusion of cranial sutures, occurs in 1 in 2000 live births. Associations of CS with the thyroid have been reported. Neonatal thyroid hormone (T4) is evaluated nationally at birth by the Newborn Screening Program (NBS). This study evaluated the relationship between NBS T4 levels and craniosynostosis.

METHODS

Live‐born singleton babies born in 2004 through 2007 were identified through the Texas Birth Defects Registry (499 cases) and Texas Bureau of Vital Statistics (3570 controls) and successfully linked to analyte data available in the Texas NBS Database. Cases were classified based on the absence of other major defects (isolated cases, n = 382) and suture(s) involved. Mean T4 levels were compared between controls and cases (overall and stratified by classification). T4 levels were stratified by quintiles to evaluate differences between cases and controls within quintiles. The diagnostic utility of NBS T4 was evaluated using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

Mean T4 levels were lower in isolated cases (16.89 μg/dl) than in controls (17.77 μg/dl; p = 0.0004). This trend persisted for sagittal (16.69 μg/dl; p = 0.002) and metopic (16.83 μg/dl; p = 0.042) CS. When stratified by quintiles, 54% of isolated lambdoid CS were in the first quintile compared to controls (p = 0.012). ROC area under the curve (AUC) was approximately 0.55 for all classifications except lambdoid (AUC = 0.73).

CONCLUSION

NBS T4 levels were slightly lower among cases with nearly half of all lambdoid CS having T4 levels in the lowest quintile. However, overall NBS T4 levels are not suitable for potential screening or diagnostic application. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Scarless integumentary wound healing in the mammalian fetus: Molecular basis and therapeutic implications
Authors: Kathju Sandeep , Gallo Phillip H. , Satish Latha
Published: October 2012

Adult mammals respond to injury of their skin/integument by forming scar tissue. Scar is useful in rapidly sealing an injured area, but can also lead to significant morbidity. Mammals in fetal life retain the ability to heal integumentary wounds regeneratively, without scar. The critical molecular mechanisms governing this remarkable phenomenon have been a subject of great interest, in the hopes that these could be dissected and recapitulated in the healing adult wound, with the goal of inducing scarless healing in injured patients. Multiple lines of investigation spanning decades have implicated a number of factors in distinguishing scarless from fibrotic wound healing, including most prominently transforming growth factor‐β and interleukin‐10, among others. Therapeutic interventions to try to mitigate scarring in adult wounds have been developed out of these studies, and have reached the level of clinical trials in humans, although as yet no FDA‐approved treatment exists. More recent expressomic studies have revealed many more genes that are differentially expressed in scarlessly healing fetal wounds compared with adult, and microRNAs have also been identified as participating in the fetal wound healing response. These represent an even greater range of potential therapeutics (or targets for therapy) to translate the promise of scarless fetal wound healing to the injured adult patient. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 96:223–236, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Embryonic wound healing: A primer for engineering novel therapies for tissue repair
Authors: Degen Katherine E. , Gourdie Robert G.
Published: October 2012

Scar is the default tissue repair used by the body in response to most injuries–a response that occurs in wounds ranging in seriousness from minor skin cuts to complete severance of the spinal cord. By contrast, before the third trimester of pregnancy embryonic mammals tend to heal without scarring due to a variety of mechanisms and factors that are uniquely in operation during development in utero. The goal of tissue engineering is to develop safe and clinically effective biological substitutes that restore, maintain, or improve tissue function in patients. This review provides a comparative overview of wound healing during development and maturation and seeks to provide a perspective on just how much the embryo may be able teach us in the engineering of new therapies for tissue repair. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 96:258–270, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
When a domain is not a domain, and why it is important to properly filter proteins in databases
Authors: Towse Clare‐Louise , Daggett Valerie
Published: October 2012

Membership in a protein domain database does not a domain make; a feature we realized when generating a consensus view of protein fold space with our consensus domain dictionary (CDD). This dictionary was used to select representative structures for characterization of the protein dynameome: the Dynameomics initiative. Through this endeavor we rejected a surprising 40% of the 1,695 folds in the CDD as being non‐autonomous folding units. Although some of this was due to the challenges of grouping similar fold topologies, the dissonance between the cataloguing and structural qualification of protein domains remains surprising. Another potential factor is previously overlooked intrinsic disorder; predictions suggest that 40% of proteins have either local or global disorder. One thing is clear, filtering a structural database and ensuring a consistent definition for protein domains is crucial, and caution is prescribed when generalizations of globular domains are drawn from unfiltered protein domain datasets.
Overview: Information architecture
Authors: Haller Thom
Published: October 2012

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

This issue's special section delves into issues in information architecture and usability (IA/UX), ranging from the theoretical and conceptual to the practical. Authors explore the fundamental nature of information and evolving designs to support its complexity and translating patterns in semantic space to the screen and interface. The value of metaphors is shown for demonstrating information architecture to clients, while visual images can help illustrate the process. Last, an interview with Eric Reiss reveals the noted IA practitioner's thoughts on explaining usability to clients and his new publication.
Information architecture in the age of complexity
Authors: Resmini Andrea
Published: October 2012

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

While the distinction between complex and complicated may seem negligible, the key is understanding that complexity applies to a system that cannot be simulated, modeled and predicted. Website architecture within the Internet environment may be just such a system with evolving underlying technologies and demands, and handling their complexity is the information architect's challenge. Complexity is added by the undercurrent of social, cultural and economic influences, infusing pervasive layers of extra meaning, often indirect and detached from the immediate content in a postmodern sense. Progress has moved to postdigital, where the focus is on the user, not the technology, generating pseudo‐modern cultural products dependent on user interaction. The result is a new need for place and meaning that supports the user's cross‐channel experience. Resulting websites, still complex, may elude modeling, but with new meanings and structures emerging from a new style of usage, they can still be designed.
The Architecture of information
Authors: Dade‐Robertson Martyn
Published: October 2012

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

The relationship among architecture, information and information architecture can be thought of from the perspective of architectural prehistory. The first instance of architecture may not have been a structure but the more conceptual designation and naming of territory, an information activity. Early representations of digital space drew heavily on images of buildings and cities as a visual medium. As information space has evolved, the link to any physical reality has vanished, though we retain the metaphor of navigation to make real the experience of interacting with the abstract on multiple levels. Users relate with information in semantic space, screen space and interaction space, each of which must be addressed by the information architect. The rise of ubiquitous computing may disrupt much of that conceptualization, leaving only an abstracted link between information and user action, with that interaction itself shaping the architectural space.
A conversation with eric reiss, author of usable usability: Simple steps for making stuff better
Authors: Haller Thom
Published: October 2012

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

In an interview with the author, Eric Reiss discusses his contributions to information architecture, including his recent book, which explores usability from two angles. He breaks down the topic into “ease of use,” focusing on physical interaction, and “elegance and clarity,” addressing psychological aspects, each with five simple subtopics. The analysis lends itself to client presentations and to teaching students. Reiss prompts all to look at how well any product functions and at any website to consider its success on aspects including function, ergonomics, convenience, logic and predictability. Contemplating the foundations of his work, he traces his interest in usability back to redesigning a rocking horse as a three‐year‐old.
Palladium(II) Complexes with Small N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands as Highly Active Catalysts for the Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reaction
Authors: Szulmanowicz Michał S. , Gniewek Andrzej , Gil Wojciech , Trzeciak Anna M.
Published: October 2012

Four new palladium(II) complexes of the type [Pd(NHC)2X2] with N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands of relatively small steric hindrance were prepared and characterized by using spectroscopic and X‐ray methods. For [Pd(bmim‐y)2Br2] (bmim‐y=1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazol‐2‐ylidene), crystals of both cis and trans isomers were obtained. All the studied complexes demonstrated very high activity in Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling in ethylene glycol, which yielded turnover numbers of up to 760 000. High activity was also observed if NaBPh4 was used instead of PhB(OH)2, and the best results (turnover number=580 000) were obtained with [Pd(emim‐y)2Cl2] (emim‐y=1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazol‐2‐ylidene). In the reaction mixture, different forms containing [Pdx(NHC)y]+ fragments (x=1–4, y=2–5) were identified by using ESI‐MS. In the presence of Suzuki–Miyaura reaction substrates, catalytic palladium intermediates with aryl groups—[Pd(NHC)2Ph]+ and [Pd3(NHC)4Ph]+—were detected. Additional mechanistic investigations, such as TEM observations and mercury poisoning experiments, substantiated the formation of nanoparticles as a catalyst resting state. These heterogeneous particles serve as a reservoir for soluble palladium species—atoms or clusters that function as homogeneous catalysts for the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction.
Selecting Ceramic Grinding Media: Part 1 – Theory
Authors: Kotzé H.
Published: October 2012

In the mining industry where large volumes of grinding media per mill are required, media wear versus cost is a key optimization consideration. Quantification of in‐plant media wear is, however, often problematic. It can be done indirectly via small‐scale laboratory mill tests or potentially via measurement of the physical and mechanical properties of the media: size, density, sphericity, hardness, toughness, etc. While some of these parameters are easily quantifiable, hardness and toughness as indicators of media wear are not as straightforward. The importance of hardness and toughness of grinding media in the stirred‐mill environment are explained as well as the considerations that should be borne in mind when using these measurements as quality parameters. These considerations are given against the background of the various manufacturing methods of ceramic grinding media and the influence thereof on media quality.
Determination of Critical Factors in Implementing River Clean‐Up Projects: A Malaysian Case Study
Authors: Ismail Zubaidah , Salim Khatijah
Published: October 2012

Fast economic growth of a country contributes to the increase of activities that can also bring negative impacts on the rivers. Contamination of rivers, sedimentation, coastal erosion, decrease of aquatic life, and also flooding are some of these universal impacts. There are several rivers around the world, which are categorized as very polluted and require cleaning‐up operations. Several factors have been identified to be influencing factors in the success or otherwise of the implementation and operation of these projects. This study examined the factors related to the steps taken to clean‐up and rehabilitate these rivers and deduce by utilizing factor analysis the most critical success factors from the results obtained. A responsible river community is by far the most effective way to keep a river basin clean. Very often, however, cleaning‐up operations are necessary to revive and maintain the quality of the river so that it can be save to use as an important source of water for human consumption. It was found that community awareness was the most critical cluster of factors determining the success of the clean‐up work.
The role of eating and emotion in binge eating disorder and loss of control eating
Authors: Pollert Garrett A. , Engel Scott G. , Schreiber‐Gregory Deanna N. , Crosby Ross D. , Cao Li , Wonderlich Stephen A. , Tanofsky‐Kraff Marian , Mitchell James E.
Published: October 2012

Objective:

Binge eating, defined as the consumption of large amounts of food during which a sense of loss of control (LOC) is experienced, is associated with negative affect. However, there are no data on the experience of LOC after accounting for the effects of negative affect and caloric intake.

Method:

Nine adult patients with binge eating disorder (BED) and 13 obese nonbinge eating disorder (NBED) participants carried a palmtop computer for 7 days, rating momentary mood and sense of LOC multiple times each day. Electronic food logs were collected once daily.

Results:

After removing the effects of caloric intake and negative affect, a significant group difference was observed for ratings of LOC between BED and NBED participants.

Discussion:

These findings suggest the experience of LOC in adults with BED is a salient feature of binge episodes, beyond that explained by caloric intake and momentary affect. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013)
Modeling toxicity of binary metal mixtures (Cu2+–Ag+, Cu2+–Zn2+) to lettuce, Lactuca sativa, with the biotic ligand model
Authors: Yen Le T.T. , Vijver Martina G. , Jan Hendriks A. , Peijnenburg Willie J.G.M.
Published: October 2012

The biotic ligand model (BLM) was applied to predict metal toxicity to lettuce, Lactuca sativa. Cu2+ had the lowest median effective activity (EA50M), compared with Ag+ and Zn2+ (EA50Cu = 2.60 × 10−8 M, EA50Ag = 1.34 × 10−7 M, EA50Zn = 1.06 × 10−4 M). At the 50% response level, the fraction of the total number of biotic ligands occupied by ions (f50M) was lowest for Ag+ among the metals (f50Ag = 0.22, f50Cu = 0.36, f50Zn = 0.42). Cu2+ had the highest affinity for biotic ligands compared with Ag+ and Zn2+, as shown by stability constants of the cation–biotic ligand binding, expressed as log KMBL (log KCuBL = 7.40, log KAgBL = 6.39, log KZnBL = 4.00). Furthermore, the BLM was combined with the toxic equivalency factor approach in predicting toxicity of mixtures of Cu2+–Zn2+ and Cu2+–Ag+. The fraction of biotic ligands occupied by ions was used to determine the relative toxic potency of metals and the toxic equivalency quotient (TEQ) of mixtures. This approach allowed for including interactions in estimating mixture toxicity and showed good predictive power (r2 = 0.64–0.84). The TEQ at the 50% response level (TEQ50, Cu2+ equivalents) for Cu2+–Zn2+ mixtures was significantly lower than the value for Cu2+–Ag+ mixtures. Joint toxicity depended on both TEQ and specific composition of the mixture. The present study supports the use of the accumulation of metal ions at the biotic ligands as a predictor of toxicity of single metals and mixtures. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:137–143. © 2012 SETAC
Effects of repeated pulsed herbicide exposures on the growth of aquatic macrophytes
Authors: Boxall Alistair B.A. , Fogg Lindsay A. , Ashauer Roman , Bowles Teresa , Sinclair Chris J. , Colyer Alison , Brain Richard A.
Published: October 2012

Many contaminants are released into aquatic systems intermittently in a series of pulses. Pulse timing and magnitude can vary according to usage, compound-specific physicochemical properties, and use area characteristics. Standard laboratory ecotoxicity tests typically employ continuous exposure concentrations over defined durations and thus may not accurately and realistically reflect the effects of certain compounds on aquatic organisms, resulting in potential over- or underestimation. Consequently, the relative effects of pulsed (2 and 4 d) and continuous exposures of the duckweed Lemna minor to isoproturon, metsulfuron-methyl, and pentachlorophenol over a period of 42 d were explored in the present study. At the highest test concentrations, exposure of L. minor to pulses of metsulfuron-methyl resulted in effects on growth similar to those of an equivalent continuous exposure. For isoproturon, pulsed exposures had a lower impact than a corresponding continuous exposure, whereas the effect of pentachlorophenol delivered in pulses was greater. These differences may be explained by compound-specific uptake and degradation or dissipation rates in plants and the recovery potential that occurs following pulses for different pesticides. Given these results, use of a simple time-weighted average approach to estimate effects of intermittent exposures from short-term standard toxicity studies may not provide an accurate prediction that reflects realistic exposure scenarios. Development of mechanistic modeling approaches may facilitate better estimates of effects from intermittent exposures. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:193–200. © 2012 SETAC
Enantioselective toxicity and bioaccumulation of fipronil in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) following water and sediment exposures
Authors: Baird Suzanne , Garrison Arthur , Jones Jack , Avants Jimmy , Bringolf Robert , Black Marsha
Published: October 2012

Fipronil is a widely used, broad-spectrum pesticide that is applied as an equal mixture of two enantiomers. As regulations on older pesticides become more stringent, production and application of fipronil is expected to grow, leading to increased inputs into aquatic environments and complex exposures to biota. To better understand the potential exposures introduced by fipronil contamination, we conducted subchronic toxicity tests with larval fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) and waterborne fipronil and its enantiomers and exposed juvenile fathead minnows to fipronil-spiked sediment. Enantioselective toxicity was observed in fish after the 7-d subchronic exposure, with increased toxicity of the racemate and (+) enantiomer observed compared with the (−) enantiomer. Curiously, toxicities of the racemate and (+) enantiomer were not significantly different, even though the racemate contains 50% of the (+) enantiomer and 50% of the less toxic (−) enantiomer. During the sediment exposure, racemic fipronil in sediment was transformed primarily to fipronil sulfide, while exposed fish rapidly accumulated fipronil and/or fipronil sulfide and transformed the majority to fipronil sulfone. Using the results of the sediment-exposure experiment, the authors explored a mechanism that may contribute to the interesting trends in enantioselective toxicity observed during the waterborne exposures. In tandem, the aquatic toxicity experiment and the spiked sediment exposure demonstrate the potentially complex behavior of fipronil in sediment and fish. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:222–227. © 2012 SETAC
Effects of bisphenol A on growth and nitrogen nutrition of roots of soybean seedlings
Authors: Sun Hai , Wang Lihong , Zhou Qing
Published: October 2012

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmental endocrine disruptor that seriously threatens ecological systems. Plants are the primary producers in ecological systems, but little information is available concerning the toxic effect of BPA on plants. In the present study, the effects of BPA on the growth and nitrogen nutrition of roots of soybean seedlings were investigated by using a root automatic scan apparatus and biochemical methods. It was found that when soybean seedlings were treated with 1.5 mg/L BPA, the growth of roots was improved, the content of nitrate in roots was increased, the content of ammonium in roots was decreased, and the activities of nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase in roots were not changed. The opposite effects were observed in roots treated with 17.2 mg/L and 50.0 mg/L BPA, except for an increase in the content of nitrate in roots treated with 17.2 mg/L BPA and a decrease in the activities of nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase in roots of soybeans seedlings. Statistical analysis indicated that the change in the nitrogen nutrition of roots of soybean seedlings treated with BPA was one reason why the growth of roots was changed. The authors suggest that the potential environmental and ecological risk of BPA to plants should receive more consideration. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:174–180. © 2012 SETAC
Bound‐based spectrum allocation for cooperative positioning
Authors: Raulefs R. , Zhang S. , Mensing C.
Published: October 2012

This paper discusses the performance of distributed and centralised cooperative positioning system for multiple mobile terminals. A cooperative positioning system uses ranging between base stations and mobile terminals, and in addition exploits the links between the mobile terminals as well. However, the number of links in an all‐to‐all connected setup increases quadratically with the number of nodes. Our goal is to schedule the access for the available resources (used bandwidth) to track the nodes of a dynamic system. Therefore, it is essential to reason if the different links between the mobile terminals are useful. The reasoning assists in allocating resources properly. We investigate distributed algorithms that act based on the Cramér–Rao Lower Bound. We use as benchmark a centralised and much more complex algorithm that requires all link information and we ignore any latency aspects. The results show that our distributed algorithm using limited information performs well. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive Processing of Trauma and Attitudes Toward Disclosure in the First Six Months After Military Deployment
Authors: Currier Joseph M. , Lisman Ross , Irene Harris J. , Tait Rhondie , Erbes Christopher R.
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To examine the role of cognitive processing and attitudes toward trauma disclosure among newly returned veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Method

In total, 110 veterans completed the Cognitive Processing of Trauma Scale, Disclosure of Trauma Questionnaire, and assessments of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), depression, and posttraumatic growth (PTG).

Results

Both maladaptive and adaptive processing were the strongest predictors of PTSS and depression, ßs = .21 to .38. However, urge to discuss trauma was the main predictor of PTG, ß = .53. Correlational findings suggested that veterans’ willingness to discuss their traumas and reactivity to doing so were related with their processing of these experiences, rs = .23 to .40.

Conclusion

This study provides further support for the critical intersection between cognitive processing and disclosure, while also suggesting the need for more research on the intra‐ and inter‐personal dimensions of these constructs in negative and constructive outcomes after trauma.
Expression of the male reproduction‐related gene in spermatic ducts of the blue swimming crab, Portunus pelagicus, and transfer of modified protein to the sperm acrosome
Authors: Sroyraya Morakot , Hanna Peter J. , Changklungmoa Narin , Senarai Thanyaporn , Siangcham Tanapan , Tinikul Yotsawan , Sobhon Prasert
Published: October 2012

Expression of a sex‐specific gene in Macrobrachium rosenbergii (Mr‐Mrr), encoding a male reproduction‐related (Mrr) protein, has been identified in the spermatic ducts (SDs) and postulated to be involved in sperm maturation processes. M. rosenbergii is the only decapod that the expression and fate of the Mrr protein has been studied. To determine that this protein was conserved in decapods, we firstly used cloning techniques to identify the Mrr gene in two crabs, Portunus pelagicus (Pp‐Mrr) and Scylla serrata (Ss‐Mrr). We then investigated expression of Pp‐Mrr by in situ hybridization, and immunolocalization, as well as phosphorylation and glycosylation modifications, and the fate of the protein in the male reproductive tract. Pp‐Mrr was shown to have 632 nucleotides, and a deduced protein of 110 amino acids, with an unmodified molecular weight of 11.79 kDa and a mature protein with molecular weight of 9.16 kDa. In situ hybridization showed that Pp‐Mrr is expressed in the epithelium of the proximal, middle, distal SDs, and ejaculatory ducts. In Western blotting, proteins of 10.9 and 17.2 kDa from SDs were all positive using anti‐Mrr, antiphosphoserine/threonine, and antiphosphotyrosine. PAS staining showed they were also glycosylated. Immunolocalization studies showed Pp‐Mrr in the SD epithelium, lumen, and on the acrosomes of spermatozoa. Immunofluorescence staining indicated the acrosome of spermatozoa contained the Mrr protein, which is phosphorylated with serine/threonine and tyrosine, and also glycosylated. The Mrr is likely to be involved in acrosomal activation during fertilization of eggs. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Managers' Interpersonal Skills and Their Role in Achieving Organizational Diversity and Inclusiveness
Authors: Mulqueen Casey , Kahn Amy , Kirkpatrick J. Stephen
Published: October 2012

This study is an analysis of workplace dynamics specific to diversity and inclusiveness (DI) as it relates to managerial effectiveness. The findings illustrate a direct correlation between the interpersonal skills related to versatility and leveraging diversity to sustain an inclusive organizational culture. The authors found that people can have a variety of individual behavioral styles or backgrounds, yet the key element to managerial effectiveness and organizational transformation is the level of versatility that an individual possesses. Much like the findings for emotional intelligence, this study offers an important perspective on individual effectiveness, attitude, and behavior. Managers can learn to be more versatile. This study provides an important mechanism to measure and achieve organizational results through versatility and effectiveness.
Best Cross‐Cultural Training Practices for North American and European Expatriates in China: A Delphi Study
Authors: Cheema Harjinder
Published: October 2012

The deployment of expatriate managers by business leaders is expensive, with the cost reported to be in the millions of lost revenue dollars when expatriates fail at their assignment. The rate of failure, which can result in financial loss and talent depletion, necessitates an examination of successful training strategies and techniques used by North American or European expatriates, especially in China, where expatriates face many cross‐cultural challenges. The purpose of this modified Delphi study was to explore the strategies and techniques used to prepare expatriates before relocating to China and to develop consensus on the elements most necessary for a successful cross‐cultural training (CCT) program. Twenty‐three expatriates with at least one year of experience in a foreign assignment participated in the study. Three rounds of data collection and analysis resulted in consensus for the inclusion of 61 CCT outcomes, covering the seven categories for adaptation. The categories were (a) cultural shock and transition; (b) professional and working life, which was grouped into two subcategories of skills and knowledge and cultural awareness and understanding; (c) language and communication; (d) general cultural training; (e) living in China; and (f) training methods. The findings in the current study are important with respect to the identification of a multidimensional theoretical construct for the development of practitioner training programs.
Authenticity and quality of animal origin food investigated by stable‐isotope ratio analysis
Authors: Vinci Giuliana , Preti Raffaella , Tieri Alessandra , Vieri Simone
Published: October 2012

Authentication of a food product is the procedure by which it is verified that the product matches the statements on the label, and that it conforms to what is established by regulations. This testing process includes analysis of the ingredients, determination of the geographical origin, and examination of the production methods. In particular, the use of rapid, effective and reliable analytical methods, when correctly applied to verify the authenticity and the traceability of the product, represents a valuable and irreplaceable tool for the authorities to carry out control functions. Tools and methodologies from scientific innovation and technological evolution can help to quickly locate particularly sophisticated frauds and adulterations. The feeding regime of livestock is a fundamental issue for the properties and safety of animal origin food, but this regime is often hidden from the consumer, making the zootechnical sector more prone to fraudulent practices. This review reports the results recently obtained in authentication of animal origin food by the application of stable‐isotope ratio analysis, the most promising analytical technique in this field.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Alpha‐Helix Self‐Assembly of Oligopeptides Originated From Beta‐Sheet Keratin
Authors: Zhang Qianjie , Liebeck Bernd M. , Yan Kelu , Demco Dan E. , Körner Andrea , Popescu Crisan
Published: October 2012

The structure and characterization of the oligopeptide crystals formed from the feather keratin solution obtained by superheated water treatment are reported. The FTIR spectra and 1H and 13C solid‐state NMR results indicate that the peptides, arranged mostly in a beta‐sheet structure in feather, reorganize into a mainly alpha‐helix and less beta‐sheet mixed secondary structure, when self‐assemble from the solution at room temperature. MALDI‐ToF‐ToF spectra confirm that the most primary sequence with the mass 1884 come from the feather keratin 4, KRFA_CHICK of Gallus gallus. The largely preservation of all but cystine amino acid species and the increase of hydrophobic amino acids content in the oligopeptide crystals are proved by the amino acid analysis.
Elevated p66Shc is associated with intracellular redox imbalance in developmentally compromised bovine embryos
Authors: Bain Nathan T. , Madan Pavneesh , Betts Dean H.
Published: October 2012

The in vitro production of mammalian embryos suffers from low efficiency, with 50–70% of all fertilized oocytes failing to develop to the blastocyst stage. This high rate of developmental failure is due, in part, to the effects of oxidative stress generated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The p66Shc adaptor protein controls oxidative stress response by regulating intracellular ROS levels through multiple pathways, including mitochondrial ROS generation and the repression of antioxidants. This study explored the relationship between p66Shc levels, redox state, and developmental potential in early bovine embryos. Embryo developmental potential was established based on observing their time of first cleavage. P66Shc, catalase, and mitochondrial‐specific, manganese‐superoxide dismutate (MnSOD) levels were compared between embryos with high and low developmental potentials. Additionally, p66Shc, catalase, and MnSOD content were assayed following a variety of oxidative stress‐inducing and‐alleviating conditions. Increased developmental potential correlated with significantly lower p66Shc content, significantly higher levels of catalase and MnSOD, and significantly lower intracellular ROS levels (MitoSOX staining) and reduced DNA damage (γ‐H2A.X(phospho S139) immunostaining). p66Shc content was increased by either high (20%) O2 culture or H2O2 treatment, and significantly decreased by supplementing culture media with the antioxidant polyethylene glycol‐conjugated catalase. While the abundance of p66Shc varied according to pro/anti‐oxidant culture conditions, antioxidant content varied only according to developmental potential. This discrepancy has important implications regarding ongoing efforts towards maximizing in vitro embryo production. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80: 22–34, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.