bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumer Debt Relief in South Africa—Should the Insolvency System Provide for NINA Debtors? Lessons from New Zealand
Authors: Coetzee Hermie , Roestoff Melanie
Published: July 2013

South African natural person insolvency law has remained largely creditor‐orientated despite the international trend to assist over‐indebted debtors. Furthermore, although the South African system provides for a number of debt relief procedures, the entry requirements are of such a nature that most debtors are effectively excluded from any form of relief and therefore bound to their desperate situations. The majority of these excluded debtors fall within the no income and no assets (the so‐called No Income No Asset (NINA) debtors) category‐the main feature of this article. In the South African insolvency system, a person can therefore be ‘too poor to go bankrupt’. With reference to international principles and a thorough comparative study of the New Zealand system, the South African system is analysed, and some recommendations are made in order to provide a more accessible, effective and nondiscriminate system with specific focus on the plight of the NINA debtor. This is done by keeping the complex South African debt and poverty situation in mind as it is acknowledged that any reform should take cognisance of the unique socio‐economic and cultural background. It is recognised that providing relief to the NINA category debtors will have an impact on the economy. However, it is submitted that the exclusion of this group will be even more expensive as it creates an obstacle for these debtors to enter the formal sector and economy, thereby discouraging broader economic growth. Copyright © 2013 INSOL International and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detritus in small streams of the Tatra mountains – the role of abiotic factors
Authors: Galas Joanna
Published: July 2013

The quantity and quality of detrital input to alpine and forested mountain streams depends mainly upon the type of adjacent riparian vegetation: from alpine meadows to lower mountain forests. Benthic organic matter (BOM) and transported organic matter (TOM) content were quantified in six streams flowing in different vegetation zones of the Tatra Mountains. Annual BOM ranged from 0.1 g AFDM m−2 in the alpine meadow zone to 5.9 g AFDM m−2 in the lower mountain zone, and the coarse fraction of BOM was generally greatest. Similarly, average annual seston (particles <100 µm) concentrations increased from 0.1 to 0.4 mg AFDM l−1 in consecutive studied zones. VFPOM constituted 97% of total TOM. In the Tatra Mountains, stream BOM storage and the amount of TOM were negatively related to altitude and stream gradient and positively related to stream width and order. Very fine fractions of TOM in Tatra streams were negatively correlated with stream gradient. The performed analysis revealed some discrepancies concerning relation of BOM and TOM to stream gradient and order with that published for North American temperate zone streams from undisturbed forested catchments.
Aquatic hyphomycetes as survivors and/or first colonizers after a red sludge disaster in the Torna stream, Hungary
Authors: Vass Máté , Révay Ágnes , Kucserka Tamás , Hubai Katalin , Üveges Viktória , Kovács Kata , Padisák Judit
Published: July 2013

A dam of a red sludge reservoir had ruptured on October 4, 2010 in Hungary and a mixture of 1 million m3 red sludge and water inundated two villages via the Torna stream. The industrial waste wiped out all detectable forms of life in the Torna stream, mainly due to its high pH value (pH 12.8). To study the fungal colonization leaves, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus cerris, Populus nigra, and Salix alba leaf litter were used as baits at two sites of the Torna stream. The leaves were sampled at seven occasions between February and June 2011 and a total of 26 aquatic hyphomycetes were revealed. Tricladium sp., Heliscus lugdunensis, and Tetracladium marchalianum were the dominant species at the impacted site. The total number of fungal species was lower at the impacted than at the reference site. The peak number of species associated with leaf litter was achieved later at the impacted site. Fungal species richness between leaf‐species at the two sites was compared by Fisher's exact test. Gypsum, which was dispersed into the stream in order to reduce the alkalinity, formed a layer on the leaves. Its effect for fungal colonization is discussed.
More Than Protest: Further Explorations of Alternative Metaphors in Narrative Therapy
Authors: Stacey Kathleen , Hills Deby
Published: July 2013

In the experience of non‐narratively trained therapists, as well as some narratively trained therapists, the ‘protest metaphor’ for framing externalising conversations retains signature status. Yet this metaphor does not adequately represent the breadth of narrative work. As therapist and client reflecting on our joint work, we explore what using a range of metaphors offers to narratively informed therapeutic work. The concept of ‘resistance practices’ from Stacey (1997) is revisited, alternative metaphors employed in externalising conversations are reviewed, and power is re‐examined. We then review the effects on practice that ensue from drawing on a range of alternative metaphors, illustrating our account with extracts from letters and comments on sessions.
Open Days for NESB Communities: Primary Prevention for Sexual Abuse
Authors: Mesuraco Beatriz
Published: July 2013

The realisation that cultural contexts were impeding access to services for many disadvantaged families and hindering the disclosure of child sexual abuse prompted two agencies to organise collaborative primary prevention strategies. Family groups were convened from the local Cambodian, Vietnamese, Latin American and Arabic‐speaking communities. Focus groups were attended by one or more members of each family. Participants contributed to the formation of a collective understanding that could then be adapted and passed on to other families in their communities. It was observed that once individual families entered this process, isolation diminished and steps towards exploration of the issues could be taken. This paper outlines a process through which family therapists can use primary prevention strategies to reach NESB groups.
Cults and the Family
Authors: Ward David
Published: July 2013

In recent years an increasing number of therapists have come into contact with ex‐cult members. Consequently there has been a renewed interest in various facets of intervention with this population. However, the effects of cult affiliation and disaffiliation on the cult member's family are not as well documented, particularly in Australia. This paper offers an overview of cult dynamics as well as some of the difficulties experienced by families whose loved one has had cult involvement.
Fundamentals of Theory and Practice Revisited; The Reality of Voices: ‘Auditory Hallucinations’
Authors: Gagg Sue
Published: July 2013

This paper describes some recent developments in approaches to voice‐hearing and relates them to contemporary ideas about psychosis and therapy. The author looks at the growing body of work on cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis. She examines the similarities and differences between these approaches and those of innovators like Marius Romme and Sandra Escher, Philip Thomas, Michael White and the Hearing Voices Network. The author describes some influences upon her own systemic practice with clients diagnosed with schizophrenia, in a Community Mental Health Team in Wales.
23rd Family Therapy Conference; A Student's Perspective
Authors: Horn Craig
Published: July 2013

Greetings! I am a family worker in regional Victoria, and a post grad student in Family Centred Practice. Being relatively new to the field I was pleasantly surprised to be asked to review the 23rd Family Therapy Conference, Hobart 2002. This was my first Family Therapy conference, and these are my impressions.
‘Let's Live, and See’: Interview with Moshe Talmon
Authors: Cox Lil , Campbell Alistair
Published: July 2013

Moshe Talmon, author of Single Session Therapy and Single Session Solutions, spoke to Lil Cox, family therapist from Oakrise Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service at Launceston, when she caught up with him at the Inaugural Pan‐Pacific Family Therapy Conference in Melbourne, Australia in September 2001. He spoke about his early life, training, his research showing that clients can get what they need from one session, and his current approach to therapy. Finally, he gives his reasons for continuing to live and work in Israel.
Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples and Attachment Theory
Authors: Crawley Jim , Grant Jan
Published: July 2013

Emotionally focused therapy for couples (EFTC) is an important framework for couples therapy. It provides an integrative model, drawing upon experiential, systems and attachment theory to understand the dynamics of the couple relationship and to describe the therapeutic process. The aim of this paper is to ask how EFTC uses attachment theory, and whether it draws as fully as it can upon the richness of that theory to inform the process of therapy. This is set in the context of the evolving importance of attachment theory for therapeutic work.
Explorations of Post‐Divorce Experiences: Women's Reconstructions of Self1
Authors: van Schalkwyk Gertina
Published: July 2013

In this article I explore from a social constructionist perspective the experiences of women when recovering from divorce. Women have a natural resilience and develop unique ways of coping with the experience of divorce through reconstructing themselves in their linguistic and cultural context. Divorced women often face dominant discourses that elicit intense internal discomfort, conflict, and loss of socially constructed self. This can result in their experiencing themselves as less meaningful and worthy as relational beings. I explore the processes by which four women, single again, have experienced these constraints and emerged as reconstructed selves. The discussion is based on qualitative analysis of textual data obtained from written accounts.
Modeling water resource systems within the framework of the MIT Integrated Global System Model: IGSM‐WRS
Authors: Strzepek Kenneth , Schlosser Adam , Gueneau Arthur , Gao Xiang , Blanc Élodie , Fant Charles , Rasheed Bilhuda , Jacoby Henry D.
Published: July 2013

Through the integration of a water resource system (WRS) component, the MIT Integrated Global System Model (IGSM) framework has been enhanced to study the effects of climate change on managed water‐resource systems. Development of the WRS involves the downscaling of temperature and precipitation from the zonal representation of the IGSM to regional (latitude‐longitude) scale, and the translation of the resulting surface hydrology to runoff at the scale of river basins, referred to as assessment subregions (ASRs). The model of water supply is combined with analysis of water use in agricultural and nonagricultural sectors and with a model of water system management that allocates water among uses and over time and routes water among ASRs. Results of the IGSM‐WRS framework include measures of water adequacy and ways it is influenced by climate change. Here we document the design of WRS and its linkage to other components of the IGSM and present tests of consistency of model simulation with the historical record.
A Commentary on iPS Cells: Potential Applications in Autologous Transplantation, Study of Illnesses and Drug Screening
Authors: Romano Gaetano , Morales Fátima , Marino Ignazio R. , Giordano Antonio
Published: July 2013

Undoubtedly, the focus of the field of stem cell research is predominantly aimed at the artificial reprogramming of human somatic cells for the production of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. This relatively new technology may circumvent the ethical issues of using human embryonic stem (hES) cells for the potential applications in cell replacement therapy. Besides such ethical issues, iPS cell technology offers the advantage of obtaining patient‐derived tissues and/or cells, which may be utilized for autologous transplantation and tissue regeneration, investigation of a variety of human illnesses and for the screening of new drugs. The field of stem cell research has placed a major emphasis in understanding the genetic and epigenetic codes for pluripotency, in order to control and optimize autologous transplantation techniques and avoid teratoma formation. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 148–152, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PAP/HIP Protein Is an Obesogenic Factor
Authors: Secq Veronique , Mallmann Cecilia , Gironella Meritxell , Lopez Belen , Closa Daniel , Garcia Stéphane , Christa Laurence , Montalto Giuseppe , Dusetti Nelson , Iovanna Juan L.
Published: July 2013

In this article we report the obesogenic role of the acute phase protein PAP/HIP. We found that the transgenic TgPAP/HIP mice develop spontaneous obesity under standard nutritional conditions, with high levels of glucose, leptin, and LDL and low levels of triglycerides and HDL in blood. Accordingly, PAP/HIP‐deficient mice are skinny under standard nutritional conditions. We also found that expression of PAP/HIP is induced in intestinal epithelial cells in response to gavage with olive oil and this induction is AG490 sensitive. We demonstrated that incubation of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes with a low concentration as 1 ng/ml of recombinant PAP/HIP results in accelerated BrdU incorporation in vitro. PAP/HIP‐dependent adipocytes growth is sensitive to the MEK inhibitor U0126. Finally, patients with severe obesity present higher blood levels of PAP/HIP than non‐obese control individuals. Altogether our data suggest that PAP/HIP could be a mediator of fat tissue development, released by the intestine and induced by the presence of food into the gut. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 225–231, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bending the Rules: Widefield Microscopy and the Abbe Limit of Resolution
Authors: Verdaasdonk Jolien S. , Stephens Andrew D. , Haase Julian , Bloom Kerry
Published: July 2013

One of the most fundamental concepts of microscopy is that of resolution–the ability to clearly distinguish two objects as separate. Recent advances such as structured illumination microscopy (SIM) and point localization techniques including photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM), and stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) strive to overcome the inherent limits of resolution of the modern light microscope. These techniques, however, are not always feasible or optimal for live cell imaging. Thus, in this review, we explore three techniques for extracting high resolution data from images acquired on a widefield microscope–deconvolution, model convolution, and Gaussian fitting. Deconvolution is a powerful tool for restoring a blurred image using knowledge of the point spread function (PSF) describing the blurring of light by the microscope, although care must be taken to ensure accuracy of subsequent quantitative analysis. The process of model convolution also requires knowledge of the PSF to blur a simulated image which can then be compared to the experimentally acquired data to reach conclusions regarding its geometry and fluorophore distribution. Gaussian fitting is the basis for point localization microscopy, and can also be applied to tracking spot motion over time or measuring spot shape and size. All together, these three methods serve as powerful tools for high‐resolution imaging using widefield microscopy. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 132–138, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Magnetospheric electron‐velocity‐distribution function information from wave observations
Authors: Benson Robert F. , Viñas Adolfo F. , Osherovich Vladimir A. , Fainberg Joseph , Purser Carola M. , Adrian Mark L. , Galkin Ivan A. , Reinisch Bodo W.
Published: July 2013

The electron‐velocity‐distribution function was determined to be highly non‐Maxwellian and more appropriate to a kappa distribution, with κ ≈ 2.0, near magnetic midnight in the low‐latitude magnetosphere just outside a stable plasmasphere during extremely quiet geomagnetic conditions. The kappa results were based on sounder‐stimulated Qn plasma resonances using the Radio Plasma Imager (RPI) on the IMAGE satellite; the state of the plasmasphere was determined from IMAGE/EUV observations. The Qn resonances correspond to the maximum frequencies of Bernstein‐mode waves that are observed between the harmonics of the electron cyclotron frequency in the frequency domain above the upper‐hybrid frequency. Here we present the results of a parametric investigation that included suprathermal electrons in the electron‐velocity‐distribution function used in the plasma‐wave dispersion equation to calculate the Qn frequencies for a range of kappa and fpe/fce values for Qn resonances from Q1 to Q9. The Qn frequencies were also calculated using a Maxwellian distribution, and they were found to be greater than those calculated using a kappa distribution with the frequency differences increasing with increasing n for a fixed κ and with decreasing κ for a fixed n. The calculated fQn values have been incorporated into the RPI BinBrowser software providing a powerful tool for rapidly obtaining information on the nature of the magnetospheric electron‐velocity‐distribution function and the electron number density Ne. This capability enabled accurate (within a few percent) in situ Ne determinations to be made along the outbound orbital track as IMAGE moved away from the plasmapause. The extremely quiet geomagnetic conditions allowed IMAGE/EUV‐extracted counts to be compared with the RPI‐determined orbital‐track Ne profile. The comparisons revealed remarkably similar Ne structures.
Processes controlling upper‐ocean heat content in Drake Passage
Authors: Stephenson Gordon R. , Gille Sarah T. , Sprintall Janet
Published: July 2013

A 16 year record of expendable bathythermograph transects across Drake Passage is used to examine variability in upper‐ocean heat content that is not associated with the annual cycle. Links between upper‐ocean heat content and anomalous heat fluxes, winds, two large‐scale climate indices, and mesoscale eddies and meanders are examined. Results suggest that interannual variations in surface heat fluxes explain ∼5 to 10% of the variance in upper‐ocean heat content. Anomalous surface heat fluxes are linked to meridional wind anomalies upstream of Drake Passage, which in turn are linked to forcing by El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). ENSO and SAM are correlated with upper‐ocean heat content at near‐zero lags, and statistically significant correlations occur at longer time lags as well. The impact of mesoscale eddies and meanders on upper‐ocean heat content is explored with the use of a tracked eddy database. An empirical relationship is constructed relating upper‐ocean heat content anomalies to eddy length scales and amplitudes. Eddies and meanders are estimated to account for more than one third of the nonannual cycle variance in Drake Passage upper‐ocean heat content.
Simultaneous, common‐volume lidar observations and theoretical studies of correlations among Fe/Na layers and temperatures in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere at Boulder Table Mountain (40°N, 105°W), Colorado
Authors: Huang Wentao , Chu Xinzhao , Gardner Chester S. , Wang Zhangjun , Fong Weichun , Smith John A. , Roberts Brendan R.
Published: July 2013

Simultaneous and common‐volume observations of Fe density, Na density, and temperatures in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere were made for 12 nights with an Fe Boltzmann lidar and a Na Doppler lidar at the Table Mountain Lidar Facility (40.13°N, 105.24°W) near Boulder, Colorado, in August and September 2010. We derive the correlations among temporal variations of Fe/Na densities and temperatures, eliminating the covariance bias via computing the cross correlations between Fe (Na) density and Na (Fe) temperature perturbations. The Fe‐Na density correlation is positive below the Fe layer peak and above the Na peak where the Fe/Na density gradients have the same signs but becomes negative in between the Fe and Na peaks where the gradients are opposite. The large correlation between temperature and density fluctuations is positive on the layer bottomside but negative on the topside with the transitions occurring near the layer peaks. The relative Fe/Na variances reach minimum near the layer peaks but rapidly increase and exceed the relative temperature variance significantly toward edges. These observations can be largely reproduced by theoretically modeling the metal layer responses to the wave‐induced perturbations only through dynamic processes with a Gaussian stationary density distribution. These results suggest that the dynamic effects (mainly the vertical displacement) induced by gravity waves or tides dominate the observed short‐term density and temperature variations over a night. We explain the Fe/Na gradient difference observed at the bottomside via the chemical “shelf” around 80 km for reactive chemicals and the Fe/Na layer height difference.
Fracturing, block faulting, and moulin development associated with progressive collapse and retreat of a maritime glacier: Falljökull, SE Iceland
Authors: Phillips Emrys , Finlayson Andrew , Jones Lee
Published: July 2013

Since 2007, Falljökull in southeast Iceland has been undergoing passive downwasting, providing an ideal opportunity to study a range deformation structures developed in response to ice‐marginal collapse and retreat. An integrated terrestrial lidar, Ground Penetrating Radar, and glaciological structural study of the clean, debris‐free ice at the margin of Falljökull has allowed a detailed model of the surface and subsurface 3D structure to be developed. Collapse of the glacier margin takes the form of a multiple rotational failure controlled by large‐scale, down‐ice dipping normal faults. As the fault‐bound blocks of ice are displaced downslope, they rotate leading to localized compression and the formation of down‐faulted graben‐like structures. Moulins present within the marginal zone of Falljökull are closely associated with the zones of relatively more intense brittle deformation which crosscut the glacier. A model is proposed where the moulins have formed in response to the progressive collapse of englacial drainage channels located along down‐ice dipping normal faults. The preferential development of the moulins and englacial drainage channels along the normal faults weakens the ice along these structures, promoting or even accelerating further collapse of the ice margin. The complex pattern of surface lowering within the marginal zone of Falljökull has also been shown to be directly related to movement on the main faults controlling the collapse of the ice margin. This evidence suggests that structurally controlled collapse may, in some instances, have a profound effect on glacier surface lowering and geodetic mass balance measurements.
The Synthesis of Some Novel 1,2‐Dihydroisoquinoline Derivatives
Authors: Wong Lai Chun , Harrington Ross W. , Stanforth Stephen P.
Published: July 2013

Treatment of methyl 2‐aryl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline‐3‐carboxylates 5 with N‐bromosuccinimide followed by heating in the presence of an acid catalyst resulted in the formation of the corresponding methyl 2‐aryl‐1,2‐dihydroisoquinoline‐3‐carboxylates 10 via an oxidation–dehydration sequence.
Syntheses and Crystal Structures of 2,7‐Di(trimethylsilyl)thieno[3,2‐e]benzothiophene, 1,2,5,6(5)‐Tetra(trimethylsilyl)‐1,2,5,6(2,3)‐tetrathiophenacyclooctaphan‐3(z),7(z)‐diene, and 2,7‐Di(trimethylsilyl)thieno[3,2‐e]benzothiophene‐4‐ol
Authors: Wang Zhihua , Shi Jianwu , Tian Xinyong , Xu Li , Li Chunli , Wang Hua
Published: July 2013

With 5,5′‐di(trimethylsilanyl)‐3,3′‐bithiophenyl‐2,2′‐dicarbaldehyde as precusor, 2,7‐di(trimethylsilyl)‐thieno[3,2‐e]benzothiophene was obtained effiently via intramolecular McMurry reaction. At the same time, another two unexpected compounds, 1,2,5,6(5)‐tetra‐(trimethylsilyl)‐1,2,5,6(2,3)‐tetrathiophena‐cyclooctaphan‐3(Z),7(Z)‐diene and 2,7‐di(trimethylsilyl)thieno[3,2‐e]‐benzothiophene‐4‐ol were generated as side products. The crystal structures of all three title compounds are described.
A steady state solver for modelling rotating electromechanical devices exploiting the transformation from time to position domain
Authors: Bernat Jakub , Kolota Jakub , Stepien Slawomir , Sykulski Jan
Published: July 2013

The paper presents a study on a novel steady state solver for modelling rotating electromechanical devices. As the new contribution, the transformation of the system from time to position domain is exploited to improve the efficiency of computation. The proposed methodology is well suited to optimizing the current or voltage waveforms to drive the system with an imposed reference torque. To illustrate the technique, a brushless direct current motor is considered. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth factors in human serum during operative tibial lengthening with the ilizarov method
Authors: Stogov Maksim V. , Luneva Svetlana N. , Novikov Konstantin I.
Published: July 2013

Despite the widespread clinical use of distraction osteogenesis for limb lengthening, the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which this surgical treatment promotes new bone formation in humans are not well understood. The aim of the research was to study the levels of growth factors (GFs) in the serum of patients that were undergoing tibial lengthening with the Ilizarov method of distraction osteogenesis. Those were patients with unilateral congenital discrepancy of the tibia (n = 12), unilateral posttraumatic tibial shortening (n = 7), and healthy patients that underwent cosmetic bilateral tibial lengthening (n = 10). The study established that unlike the congenital group, the posttraumatic group and healthy subjects showed a significantly evident increase in the levels of angiogenic GFs in their serum on day 10 of distraction. In the congenital group, the changes were not significant at this time point. The levels of TGF‐α, TGF‐β1, and TGF‐β2 tended to decrease on day 10 of distraction and on day 30 of the post‐distraction period in the cosmetic and posttraumatic groups while they grew in the congenital group. Most dynamic changes in the GFs levels during tibial lengthening were noted in the subjects undergoing cosmetic lengthening, and the least ones were in the congenital group. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1966–1970, 2013
Application of photo‐selective films to manipulate wavelength of transmitted radiation and photosynthate composition in red beet (Beta vulgaris var. conditiva Alef.)
Authors: Stagnari Fabio , Galieni Angelica , Cafiero Giovanni , Pisante Michele
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Interest is increasing around both the use of plants as functional foods and the agronomic techniques which can increase nutrients and phytochemicals. Nevertheless, little research has focused on the effects of light on accumulation of active compounds in root storage organs. Red beet was treated with RED (red/far red ratio: 1.29; transmitted photosynthetically active radiation: 66.9%) and GREEN (red/far red ratio: 0.43; transmitted photosynthetically active radiation: 25.8%) photo‐selective films and changes in nutrients and biomass accumulation were measured.

RESULTS

Plants subjected to GREEN treatment had less dry weight accumulation both in storage roots (68%) and leaves (42%); moreover, soluble and structural carbohydrate concentration in roots was increased, as were the K, Mg and Zn concentrations (40.08, 2.95 and 0.023 mg g−1 fresh weight, respectively). Conversely, GREEN lowered total phenolic concentration (0.33 vs. 0.47 mg g−1 fresh weight) and antioxidant activity (0.65 vs. 0.94 µm Trolox equivalents g−1 fresh weight) compared to CONTROL. Total pigment concentration was reduced by 20% and 48% with RED and GREEN treatments, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Red beet showed a strong plasticity in its adaptation to light availability. Some macronutrients (fiber, sugars, minerals) can be concentrated in roots by modifying the amount and quality of the light, principally with GREEN photo‐selective films. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
The Impact of Food‐Related Values on Food Purchase Behavior and the Mediating Role of Attitudes: A Swiss Study
Authors: Hauser Mirjam , Nussbeck Fridtjof W. , Jonas Klaus
Published: July 2013

Personal values and attitudes can help to explain food choice. This study confirmed a hierarchical organization of the value–attitude–behavior chain: Food‐related values influence attitudes, and these, in turn, impact behavior. Contrary to previous findings, values are only partially mediated by attitudes: Some food‐related values are fully mediated, whereas others are partially mediated, and still others have exclusively direct effects on purchase behavior. Questionnaire data from a roughly representative sample of 851 adults living in Switzerland was complemented with actual food purchase behavior measured by a loyalty card of a Swiss retailer over the period of one year. Four theoretically derived structural equation models were compared across eight different food product categories (organic, fair trade, low‐budget, fresh convenience, ready‐to‐eat, light, functional foods, fruits and vegetables). The results question central assumptions of the theory of planned behavior and emphasize the role of food‐related values in food consumption. Implications for marketing and future product developments of food companies are discussed.
zCap: a zero configuration adaptive paging and mobility management mechanism
Authors: Kreuger Per , Gillblad Daniel , Arvidsson Åke
Published: July 2013

Today, cellular networks rely on fixed collections of cells (tracking areas) for user equipment localisation. Locating users within these areas involves broadcast search (paging), which consumes radio bandwidth but reduces the user equipment signalling required for mobility management. Tracking areas are today manually configured, hard to adapt to local mobility and influence the load on several key resources in the network. We propose a decentralised and self‐adaptive approach to mobility management based on a probabilistic model of local mobility. By estimating the parameters of this model from observations of user mobility collected online, we obtain a dynamic model from which we construct local neighbourhoods of cells where we are most likely to locate user equipment. We propose to replace the static tracking areas of current systems with neighbourhoods local to each cell. The model is also used to derive a multi‐phase paging scheme, where the division of neighbourhood cells into consecutive phases balances response times and paging cost. The complete mechanism requires no manual tracking area configuration and performs localisation efficiently in terms of signalling and response times. Detailed simulations show that significant potential gains in localisation efficiency are possible while eliminating manual configuration of mobility management parameters. Variants of the proposal can be implemented within current (LTE) standards. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One‐ and Two‐dimensional High‐performance Thin‐layer Chromatography as an Alternative Analytical Tool for Investigating Polyphenol–Protein Interactions
Authors: Tscherch Kathrin , Biller Julia , Lehmann Mareen , Trusch Maria , Rohn Sascha
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Polyphenols and simple phenolic compounds are able to react with other food constituents during processing and storage. In the past, it has been shown that their reaction with proteins can lead to changes of the technofunctional or even physiological properties of both compound classes. However, identification of specific binding sites of small molecules within a protein sequence (and the corresponding conformational position) is still challenging.

Objective

Investigating the reaction between different food proteins and phenolic compounds in alkaline medium with one‐ and two‐dimensional high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC) coupled to matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) with time‐of‐flight (TOF) MS for analysing the peptide profiles after tryptic digestion.

Methods

After modification with phenolic compounds, protein derivatives were digested and peptides were separated with one‐ and two‐dimensional HPTLC. Peptide profiles were detected with visible and UV wavelengths as well as with fluorescamine, ninhydrin and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid staining. In order to perform mass spectrometric measurements, peptides separated in the first dimension were analysed by MALDI/TOF/MS.

Results

Results show that the phenolic acids applied in this study show different specificity and susceptibility when modifying proteins resulting in changes of the peptide profiles, peptide quantity, polarity, UV‐activity, radical‐scavenging activity and molecular mass.

Conclusion

One‐ and two‐dimensional HPTLC supported by mass spectrometric detection represents an innovative, alternative tool for investigating and understanding polyphenol–protein interactions. This approach enables the identification of binding sites inside the protein chain and contributes to understanding the mechanism of polyphenol–protein interactions in vitro and in vivo. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive functioning and cortisol suppression in recurrent major depression
Authors: Hansson Pia Berner , Murison Robert , Lund Anders , Hammar Åsa
Published: July 2013

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is often associated with high levels of stress and disturbances in the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) system, yielding high levels of cortisol in addition to cognitive dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to examine the relation between cortisol levels after the dexamethasone suppression test and cognitive function in recurrent unipolar MDD patients. Twenty‐four patients meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.) criteria for a recurrent MDD diagnosis were included in the study. The control group was matched for age, sex, and education level. Cortisol was measured in saliva collected with Salivette sampling devices. Saliva samples were collected four times during a 24‐hr period over two consecutive days: at awakening, after 45 min, after 7 hr, and at 11:00 p.m. One milligram of dexamethasone was given on Day 1 at 11:00 p.m. The neuropsychological test battery consisted of standardized tests measuring cognitive functioning within verbal and visual memory, as well as executive functioning. Cortisol levels did not differ between patients and controls on Day 1. Cortisol levels in patients were higher than in controls at awakening on Day 2 (D2S1), after dexamethasone administration the previous evening. All significant correlations between cognitive measures and cortisol at D2S1 were negative, indicating that low suppression after intake of dexamethasone is related to poor cognitive functioning. Significant relations were found in three of the cognitive tests measuring verbal memory, semantic fluency, and inhibition. The present findings indicate that dysregulation of the HPA‐axis is related to poor verbal memory functioning. There was no firm evidence that abnormal cortisol levels were associated with inhibition difficulties.
Methylation‐specific multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification: utility for prenatal diagnosis of parental origin in human triploidy
Authors: Joergensen M. W. , Rasmussen A. A. , Niemann I. , Hindkjaer J. , Agerholm I. , Bolund L. , Kolvraa S. , Sunde L.
Published: July 2013

Objective

When a triploid pregnancy is diagnosed prenatally, gynaecologists have traditionally relied on the histopathological examination of the tissue from the terminated pregnancy to determine if the pregnancy is molar. However, reproducibility is poor and variability is high when diagnosing hydatidiform moles. Triploid pregnancies can have either the chromosomal constitution of two maternal and one paternal set, or two paternal and one maternal set, but only the conceptuses with two paternal sets have the potential to cause maternal complications. Therefore, it would be beneficial to introduce a method that gives the gynaecologist the parental origin of the genome of the triploid conceptus as early as possible, without delaying the process by first collecting parental samples.

Methods

Using methylation‐specific multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification, we measured methylation levels at different imprinted sites.

Results

We were able to correctly determine the parental origin of the genome in all 105 triploid pregnancies analysed.

Conclusions

We present methylation‐specific multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification as a method capable of determining the parental origin of the genome of triploid conceptuses within 24 h; it is inexpensive, simple and easy to use, and parental samples are not needed. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ductus venosus versus cerebral transverse sinus Doppler velocimetry for predicting acidemia at birth in pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency
Authors: Martins Neto Manoel , Carvalho Francisco Herlânio Costa , Barbosa Maurício Mendes , Mota Rosa Maria Salani , de Menezes Denise Teixeira , Murta Carlos Geraldo Viana , Santana Renato Martins , Moron Antonio Fernandes
Published: July 2013

Objectives

The objectives of this study is to compare ductus venosus (DV) and cerebral transverse sinus (CTS) Doppler velocimetry for predicting acidemia at birth in pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency.

Methods

A prospective cross‐sectional study involving 69 cases. Doppler assessment of the DV and CTS was carried out in the last 24 hours prior to delivery. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and the accuracy and false‐positive and false‐negative rates were calculated for those parameters considered to be good predictors of acidemia. The McNemar test was used to compare the various parameters.

Results

The DV pulsatility index(PI), S/A, and (S − A)/S ratios as well as the CTS PI and the (S − A)/S ratio were good predictors of acidemia. The comparison between DV and CTS showed that for pulsatility index for veins, the sensitivity was 52.4% versus 66.7%, p = 0.508; the specificity was 81.2% versus 77.1%, p = 0.774; and the accuracy was 72.5% versus 73.9%, p = 1.00. For the (S − A)/S ratio the sensitivity was 52.4% versus 52.4%, p = 1.00; the specificity was 85.4% versus 79.2%, p = 0.508; and the accuracy was 75.4% versus 71%, p = 0.647.

Conclusions

In pregnancies with placental insufficiency, the PI and the (S − A)/S ratio of both DV and CTS were equally effective in predicting acidemia at birth. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical Performance of a Control Chart for Individual Observations Monitoring the Ratio of Two Normal Variables
Authors: Celano G. , Castagliola P. , Faraz A. , Fichera S.
Published: July 2013

Statistical Process Control monitoring of the ratio Z of two normal variables X and Y has received too little attention in quality control literature. Several applications dealing with monitoring the ratio Z can be found in the industrial sector, when quality control of products consisting of several raw materials calls for monitoring their proportions (ratios) within a product. Tables about the statistical performance of these charts are still not available. This paper investigates the statistical performance of a Phase II Shewhart control chart monitoring the ratio of two normal variables in the case of individual observations. The obtained results show that the performance of the proposed chart is a function of the distribution parameters of the two normal variables. In particular, the Shewhart chart monitoring the ratio Z outperforms the (p = 2) multivariate T2 control chart when a process shift affects the in‐control mean of X or, alternatively, of Y and the correlation among X and Y is high and when the in‐control means of X and Y shift contemporarily to opposite directions. The sensitivity of the proposed chart to a shift of the in‐control dispersion has been investigated, too. We also show that the standardization of the two variables before computing their ratio is not a good practice due to a significant loss in the chart's statistical performance. An illustrative example from the food industry details the implementation of the ratio control chart. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards Perfectly Ordered Novel ZnO/Si Nano‐Heterojunction Arrays
Authors: Yadian Boluo , Liu Hai , Wei Yuefan , Wu Junsheng , Zhang Sen , Sun Linfeng , Zhao Chunwang , Liu Qing , Ramanujan Raju V. , Zhou Kun , Gan Chee Lip , Huang Yizhong
Published: July 2013

The fabrication of a highly ordered novel ZnO/Si nano‐heterojuntion array is introduced. ZnO seed layer is first deposited on the Si (P<111>) surface. The nucleation sites are then defined by patterning the surface through focused ion beam (FIB) system. The ZnO nanorods are grown on the nucleation sites through hydrothermal process. The whole fabrication process is simple, facile and offers direct control of the space, length and aspect ratio of the array. It is found that ZnO/Si nanojunctions show an improved interface when subjected to heat treatment. The recrystallization of ZnO and the tensile lattice strain of Si developed during the heating process contribute the enhancement of their photoresponses to white light. The photoluminescence (PL) measurement result of nano‐heterojunction arrays with different parameters is discussed.
Experimental and Numerical Determination of Roll Forming Loads
Authors: Groche Peter , Mueller Christian , Traub Tilman , Butterweck Katja
Published: July 2013

Metal forming companies are confronted with increasing customer requirements and qualitative demands. In the course of tighter tolerances and use of harder materials the roll forming process need to be aligned optimally to the profile's specification. Especially in the case of complex cross‐sections the simulation of the forming process is a valuable aid. One challenge of reliable simulations is the consideration of the interaction between sheet metal and tools. Due to their simplification, e.g., missing roll compliance, rigid body models cannot describe the profile – tool interaction sufficiently. This can lead to big differences between experimentally and numerically obtained loads and stresses. Since verification possibilities are unavailable, a consideration of the mill compliance in simulation models has rarely been considered, if at all. This paper shows options to respect the compliance of roll forming mills in simulations. For verification of the load parameters, e.g., contact normal stress, standardized, and new measuring methods are applied.
Temperature Dependent Crystal Structure Analyses and Ion Volume Determinations of Organic Salts
Authors: Beichel Witali , Preiss Ulrich P. , Benkmil Boumahdi , Steinfeld Gunther , Eiden Philipp , Kraft Anne , Krossing Ingo
Published: July 2013

The crystal structures of nine organic salts of which seven are ionic liquids (ILs), comprising imidazolium, ammonium, piperidinium, and sulfonium cations, were determined. The occurrence of short contacts in the compounds' crystal structures was quantified with Hirshfeld surface analyses. Temperature dependent crystal structure data for several organic salts were recorded systematically in the temperature range from 100 K to room temperature. The thermal behavior of the cell constants was linear and anisotropic for almost all compounds. The accuracy of the molecular volume (Vm) – the key quantity in volume based thermodynamics (VBT) – was investigated in terms of its temperature dependency and the statistical error of the constituent ion volumes (Vm+/–). The former effect turned out to be at most on the same order of magnitude as the errors of Vm+/–. The same analysis was applied to the recently proposed new internally consistent molecular ion volumes (Vm, new+/–). For this purpose, a set of overall 40 Vm, new+/– values of typical polyatomic ions constituting ILs was established. In general, it is recommended to use as many salts as possible and as many temperature dependent data as available for the derivation of new Vm+/– and Vm, new+/– values.
Comparison of Peristomal Adhesion Formation Between Laparoscopic and Open Low Anterior Resection of Rectal Cancer
Authors: Jeong Woon Kyung , Park Ji Won , Choi Hyo Seong , Jeong Seung‐Yong , Oh Jae Hwan
Published: July 2013

Background

Postoperative adhesions appear to be less common following laparoscopic surgery than after conventional open surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of laparoscopic and conventional open rectal surgery on peristomal adhesion formation.

Methods

We enrolled 97 subjects who were participants in a trial comparing open versus laparoscopic surgery for mid and low rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. These patients had undergone rectal cancer surgery with ileostomy formation. Peristomal adhesions were assessed during ileostomy takedown using an adhesion grading system: (1) no adhesions or fine, filmy adhesions separable by blunt dissection; (2) dense adhesions, separable by sharp dissection; (3) very dense adhesions, resulting in enterotomy and/or requiring extension of the abdominal wall incision.

Results

A total of 57 patients underwent laparoscopic resection (group A) and 40 underwent open resection (group B). Operating time for ileostomy dissection was shorter in group A than in group B (14.6 vs. 19.8 min, respectively; p = 0.047). Dense adhesions (grades 2 and 3) were more common in group B (22/40, 55 %) than in group A (12/57, 21 %; p < 0.001). In particular, grade 3 adhesions were present only in group B (6/40).

Conclusions

The present findings suggest that laparoscopic rectal surgery results in less peristomal adhesion formation than does conventional open surgery.
Taurine Supplementation of Plant Derived Protein and n‐3 Fatty Acids are Critical for Optimal Growth and Development of Cobia, Rachycentron canadum
Authors: Watson Aaron M. , Barrows Frederic T. , Place Allen R.
Published: July 2013

We examined growth performance and the lipid content in juvenile cobia, Rachycentron canadum, fed a taurine supplemented (1.5 %), plant protein based diet with two fish oil replacements. The first fish oil replacement was a thraustochytrid meal (TM + SOY) plus soybean oil (~9 % CL) and the second was a canola oil supplemented with the essential fatty acids (EFA) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) (~8 % CL). The diet using the thraustochytrid meal plus soybean oil performed equivalently to the fish oil diet; both resulting in significantly higher growth rates, lower feed conversion ratios, and higher survival than the supplemented canola oil diet, even though all three diets were similar in overall energy and met known protein and lipid requirements for cobia. The poor performance of the canola oil diet was attributed to insufficient addition of EFA in the supplemented canola oil source. Increasing levels of EFA in the supplemented canola oil above 0.5 g EFA kg−1 would likely improve results with cobia. When fish fed either of the fish oil replacement diets were switched to the fish oil control diet, fatty acid profiles of the fillets were observed to transition toward that of the fish oil diet and could be predicted based on a standard dilution model. Based on these findings, a formulated diet for cobia can be produced without fish products providing 100 % survivorship, specific growth rates greater than 2.45 and feed conversion ratios less than 1.5, as long as taurine is added and EFA levels are above 0.5 g EFA kg−1.