bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biogas Catalytic Reforming Studies on Nickel‐Based Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anodes
Authors: Johnson G. B. , Hjalmarsson P. , Norrman K. , Ozkan U. S. , Hagen A.
Published: February 2016

Heterogeneous catalysis studies were conducted on two crushed solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes in fixed‐bed reactors. The baseline anode was Ni/ScYSZ (Ni/scandia and yttria stabilized zirconia), the other was Ni/ScYSZ modified with Pd/doped ceria (Ni/ScYSZ/Pd‐CGO). Three main types of experiments were performed to study catalytic activity and effect of sulfur poisoning: (i) CH4 and CO2 dissociation; (ii) biogas (60% CH4 and 40% CO2) temperature‐programmed reactions (TPRxn); and (iii) steady‐state biogas reforming reactions followed by postmortem catalyst characterization by temperature‐programmed oxidation and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. Results showed that Ni/ScYSZ/Pd‐CGO was more active for catalytic dissociation of CH4 at 750 °C and subsequent reactivity of deposited carbonaceous species. Sulfur deactivated most catalytic reactions except CO2 dissociation at 750 °C. The presence of Pd‐CGO helped to mitigate sulfur deactivation effect; e.g. lowering the onset temperature (up to 190 °C) for CH4 conversion during temperature‐programmed reactions. Both Ni/ScYSZ and Ni/ScYSZ/Pd‐CGO anode catalysts were more active for dry reforming of biogas than they were for steam reforming. Deactivation of reforming activity by sulfur was much more severe under steam reforming conditions than dry reforming; a result of greater sulfur retention on the catalyst surface during steam reforming.
Pd‐W Alloy Electrocatalysts and Their Catalytic Property for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Dai Y. , Yu P. , Huang Q. , Sun K.
Published: February 2016

In order to design Pt‐free efficient cathode catalyst and promote the commercialization of fuel cells, different atomic ratio of carbon‐supported Pd‐W alloy catalysts were developed for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results show the Pd‐W alloys have the similar lattice characteristics to pure Pd. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) results show that the Pd‐W alloys disperse on the surface of carbon support uniformly. The results of the electrochemical tests show that the Pd19W/C has two‐fold mass activity over Pd/C, which is hopeful for the application as low‐cost cathode catalyst.
Ketamine administration reduces amygdalo‐hippocampal reactivity to emotional stimulation
Authors: Scheidegger Milan , Henning Anke , Walter Martin , Lehmann Mick , Kraehenmann Rainer , Boeker Heinz , Seifritz Erich , Grimm Simone
Published: February 2016

Increased amygdala reactivity might lead to negative bias during emotional processing that can be reversed by antidepressant drug treatment. However, little is known on how N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonism with ketamine as a novel antidepressant drug target might modulate amygdala reactivity to emotional stimulation. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and resting‐state fMRI (rsfMRI), we assessed amygdalo‐hippocampal reactivity at baseline and during pharmacological stimulation with ketamine (intravenous bolus of 0.12 mg/kg, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.25 mg/kg/h) in 23 healthy subjects that were presented with stimuli from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS). We found that ketamine reduced neural reactivity in the bilateral amygdalo‐hippocampal complex during emotional stimulation. Reduced amygdala reactivity to negative pictures was correlated to resting‐state connectivity to the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex. Interestingly, subjects experienced intensity of psychedelic alterations of consciousness during ketamine infusion predicted the reduction in neural responsivity to negative but not to positive or neutral stimuli. Our findings suggest that the pharmacological modulation of glutamate‐responsive cerebral circuits, which is associated with a shift in emotional bias and a reduction of amygdalo‐hippocampal reactivity to emotional stimuli, represents an early biomechanism to restore parts of the disrupted neurobehavioral homeostasis in MDD patients. Hum Brain Mapp 37:1941–1952, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Boredom at Work and Job Monotony: An Exploratory Case Study within the Catering Sector
Authors: Tsai Chin‐Ju
Published: February 2016

This article presents an exploratory study that examines workplace boredom in monotonous catering‐sector jobs. It investigates whether boredom is associated with monotonous tasks and explores strategies for minimizing it. Data were collected from multiple sources that included observation, company documentation, and interviews with management and unskilled staff engaged in simple, repetitive work in the catering department of a British university. The findings indicate that there is no linkage between boredom and monotonous tasks, and that job rotation and management support are the two key organizational mechanisms used to support the work of catering personnel. The reasons for the absence of boredom were found to be related to the workers’ job requirements, their interest in doing their jobs, the organization's strategies for alleviating workplace boredom, and the time lag of the tasks. The implications for human resource development (HRD) are discussed.
Association of 3D Geometric Measures Derived From Quantitative Computed Tomography With Hip Fracture Risk in Older Men
Authors: Borggrefe Jan , de Buhr Timm , Shrestha Smriti , Marshall Lynn M , Orwoll Eric , Peters Kathy , Black Dennis M , Glüer Claus C ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study Research Group
Published: February 2016

We investigated the associations of 3D geometric measures and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) of the proximal femur assessed by quantitative computed tomography (QCT) with hip fracture risk among elderly men. This study was a prospective case-cohort design nested within the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS) cohort. QCT scans of 230 men (65 with confirmed hip fractures) were evaluated with Mindways' QCTPRO-BIT software. Measures that are indicative of bone strength for the femoral neck (FN) and for the trochanteric region (TR) were defined. Bending strength measures were estimated by minimum section modulus, buckling strength by buckling ratio, and a local thinning index (LTI). Integral and trabecular vBMD measures were also derived. Areal BMD (aBMD) of the total proximal femur from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is presented for comparison. Associations of skeletal measures with incident hip fracture were estimated with hazard ratios (HR) per standard deviation and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) from Cox proportional hazard regression models with adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), site, and aBMD. Men with hip fractures were older than men without fracture (77.1 ± 6.0 years versus 73.3 ± 5.7 years, p < 0.01). Age, BMI, and site-adjusted HRs were significant for all measures except TR_LTI. Total femural BMD by DXA (HR = 4.9, 95% CI 2.5–9.9) and QCT (HR = 5.5, 95% CI 2.5–11.7) showed the strongest association followed by QCT FN integral vBMD (HR = 3.6, 95% CI 1.8–6.9). In models that additionally included aBMD, FN buckling ratio (HR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.2) and trabecular vBMD of the TR (HR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.2–3.4) remained associated with hip fracture risk, independent of aBMD. QCT-derived 3D geometric indices of instability of the proximal femur were significantly associated with incident hip fractures, independent of DXA aBMD. Buckling of the FN is a relevant failure mode not entirely captured by DXA. Further research to study these relationships in women is warranted. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effects of Daily or Cyclic Teriparatide on Bone Formation in the Iliac Crest in Women on No Prior Therapy and in Women on Alendronate
Authors: Dempster David W , Cosman Felicia , Zhou Hua , Nieves Jeri W , Bostrom Mathias , Lindsay Robert
Published: February 2016

There is little information on the effects of combination therapy for osteoporosis at the tissue level. Using quadruple tetracycline-labeled bone biopsies, we have compared the bone formation response to teriparatide (TPTD) in treatment-naïve subjects (Rx-Naïve) and in subjects on prior and ongoing alendronate (ALN) treatment (ALN-Rx). Three bone envelopes were analyzed: cancellous, endocortical, and intracortical. TPTD was given as a standard, continuous daily injection or as a cyclic regimen (3 months on daily TPTD, 3 months off, 3 months on daily TPTD). Subjects were biopsied at 7 weeks and at 7 months to allow comparison of the bone formation response to the first and second cycles of TPTD. Baseline values for dynamic bone formation indices were lower in ALN-Rx than Rx-Naïve subjects. Both Rx-Naïve and ALN-RX subjects responded to TPTD with significant increases in bone formation indices at both time points. With cyclic TPTD treatment, the first and second cycles of TPTD stimulated bone formation rate in the cancellous and endocortical envelopes to a similar extent in ALN-Rx and Rx-Naïve subjects. However, in Rx-Naïve patients, bone formation rate (BFR/BS) was higher in patients receiving daily treatment compared with those receiving cyclic TPTD treatment in all three envelopes in the 7-month biopsies. This suggests that the cyclic approach does not provide a skeletal benefit in treatment-naive patients. In the 7-month biopsies, cortical porosity was higher in the Rx-Naïve group receiving daily TPTD than in all other groups. These data provide supporting evidence at the tissue level for previous biochemical and densitometric data suggesting that addition of either cyclic or daily TPTD to ongoing ALN treatment may be an effective approach for patients with severe osteoporosis already treated with ALN who remain at high risk of fracture. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Evidence of relative iron deficiency in platelet‐ and plasma‐pheresis donors correlates with donation frequency
Authors: Li Huihui , Condon Frances , Kessler Debra , Nandi Vijay , Rebosa Mark , Westerman Mark , Shaz Beth H. , Ginzburg Yelena
Published: February 2016

Background: The loss of iron stores and resulting iron deficiency is well documented in whole blood or red blood cell donors. We hypothesized that relative iron deficiency also occurs as a result of more frequent platelet‐ and plasma‐pheresis (apheresis) donation. Materials and Methods: To test this hypothesis, we proposed a pilot cross‐sectional study to analyze erythropoiesis‐ and iron‐related parameters in white male apheresis donors: (1) relative to controls, (2) in correlation with apheresis donation frequency, and (3) in correlation with pre‐donation platelet count. Results: Fifty eligible apheresis donors and eight controls were enrolled in the study. Apheresis donors were found to have a lower serum ferritin and serum hepcidin and exhibited evidence of iron restricted erythropoiesis relative to controls. Furthermore, among donors, lower MCV, CHr, hepcidin concentration, and serum ferritin were observed in more frequent apheresis donors. Correlations between donation frequency and hepcidin and ferritin were noted in apheresis donors. Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrates that apheresis donors are relatively iron deficient compared to controls and supports the premise that frequent apheresis donation correlates with relatively iron restricted erythropoiesis. An analysis of iron‐ and erythropoiesis‐related parameters in a broader population of frequent apheresis donors (i.e., female and non‐white donors) may demonstrate larger deficits and an even greater potential benefit of iron replacement. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:551–558, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Handling and Apoptotic Resistance in Tumor‐Derived Endothelial Colony Forming Cells
Authors: Poletto Valentina , Dragoni Silvia , Lim Dmitry , Biggiogera Marco , Aronica Adele , Cinelli Mariapia , De Luca Antonio , Rosti Vittorio , Porta Camillo , Guerra Germano , Moccia Francesco
Published: February 2016

Truly endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) can be mobilized from bone marrow to support the vascular network of growing tumors, thereby sustaining the metastatic switch. Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) are the only EPC subtype belonging to the endothelial phenotype and capable of incorporating within neovessels. The intracellular Ca2+ machinery plays a key role in ECFC activation and is remodeled in renal cellular carcinoma‐derived ECFCs (RCC‐ECFCs). Particularly, RCC‐ECFCs seems to undergo a drop in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]ER). This feature is remarkable when considering that inositol‐1,4,5‐trisphosphate (InsP3)‐dependent ER‐to‐mitochondria Ca2+ transfer regulates the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Herein, we sought to assess whether: (1) the [Ca2+]ER and the InsP3‐induced ER‐mitochondria Ca2+ shuttle are reduced in RCC‐ECFCs; and (2) the dysregulation of ER Ca2+ handling leads to apoptosis resistance in tumor‐derived cells. RCC‐ECFCs displayed a reduction both in [Ca2+]ER and in the InsP3‐dependent mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, while they expressed normal levels of Bcl‐2 and Bak. The decrease in [Ca2+]ER was associated to a remarkable ER expansion in RCC‐ECFCs, which is a hallmark of ER stress, and did not depend on the remodeling of the Ca2+‐transporting and the ER Ca2+‐storing systems. As expected, RCC‐ECFCs were less sensitive to rapamycin‐ and thapsigargin‐induced apoptosis; however, buffering intracellular Ca2+ levels with BAPTA dampened apoptosis in both cell types. Finally, store‐operated Ca2+ entry was seemingly uncoupled from the apoptotic machinery in RCC‐ECFCs. Thus, the chronic underfilling of the ER Ca2+ pool could confer a survival advantage to RCC‐ECFCs and underpin RCC resistance to pharmacological treatment. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2260–2271, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use of Monte Carlo Simulations to Determine Optimal Carbapenem Dosing in Critically Ill Patients Receiving Prolonged Intermittent Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Lewis Susan J. , Kays Michael B. , Mueller Bruce A.
Published: February 2016

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analyses with Monte Carlo simulations (MCSs) can be used to integrate prior information on model parameters into a new renal replacement therapy (RRT) to develop optimal drug dosing when pharmacokinetic trials are not feasible. This study used MCSs to determine initial doripenem, imipenem, meropenem, and ertapenem dosing regimens for critically ill patients receiving prolonged intermittent RRT (PIRRT). Published body weights and pharmacokinetic parameter estimates (nonrenal clearance, free fraction, volume of distribution, extraction coefficients) with variability were used to develop a pharmacokinetic model. MCS of 5000 patients evaluated multiple regimens in 4 different PIRRT effluent/duration combinations (4 L/h × 10 hours or 5 L/h × 8 hours in hemodialysis or hemofiltration) occurring at the beginning or 14–16 hours after drug infusion. The probability of target attainment (PTA) was calculated using ≥40% free serum concentrations above 4 times the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the first 48 hours. Optimal doses were defined as the smallest daily dose achieving ≥90% PTA in all PIRRT combinations. At the MIC of 2 mg/L for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, optimal doses were doripenem 750 mg every 8 hours, imipenem 1 g every 8 hours or 750 mg every 6 hours, and meropenem 1 g every 12 hours or 1 g pre‐ and post‐PIRRT. Ertapenem 500 mg followed by 500 mg post‐PIRRT was optimal at the MIC of 1 mg/L for Streptococcus pneumoniae. Incorporating data from critically ill patients receiving RRT into MCS resulted in markedly different carbapenem dosing regimens in PIRRT from those recommended for conventional RRTs because of the unique drug clearance characteristics of PIRRT. These results warrant clinical validation.
Screening of soil bacteria as potential agents for drugs biodegradation: a case study with clofibric acid
Authors: Popa Ungureanu Claudia , Favier Lidia , Bahrim Gabriela
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Clofibric acid (CLF), the main pharmacologically active metabolite of blood lipid regulating pharmaceutical clofibrat, etofibrat, etofyllinclofibrat is one of the most widely reported drugs found in water. It is hardly or not degraded by the conventional technology used in wastewater treatment plants.

RESULTS

Sixteen new filamentous bacteria belonging to genus Streptomyces spp. isolated from different Romanian soil samples and three strains from a collection of microorganisms (MIUG) were morphologically characterized, tested based on their resistance against clofibric acid toxicity and then investigated as bioremediation agents. Only five Streptomyces spp. isolates coded MIUG 4.88, MIUG 4.89, LP1, LP2, SNA, showed high CLF tolerance at most of the concentrations tested (0.2, 0.5, 1, 5, 8 mg L−1).

CONCLUSION

The data obtained showed that only the strain Streptomyces MIUG 4.89 presents promising potential for clofibric acid biodegradation, with an elimination yield of 35%, which was not reported for this class of bacteria to date. However, further research is needed for optimization of the CLF biodegradation conditions to enhance its bioremediation yield especially in polluted aquatic systems. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
A new approach for kLa determination by gassing‐out method in pneumatic bioreactors
Authors: Cerri Marcel Otavio , Nordi Esperança Mateus , Colli Badino Alberto , Perencin de Arruda Ribeiro Marcelo
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Determination of the volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient (kLa) is very important for bioreactor design and process analysis. Among all the methods available, the gassing‐out technique is one of the simplest and most widely used for this task. However, this method is very sensitive to the probe dynamics (due to delay effects), which can lead to inaccuracy in the kLa determination. This is especially pronounced for airlift bioreactors, where the circulation time affects the initial dynamics of the assay (a transient effect). In the present work, a new method for kLa determination is proposed.

RESULTS

Values of kLa and the electrode response time (τe) were determined experimentally, employing the traditional gassing‐out method and the method proposed here. The latter was shown to be reliable, easier to apply, and suitable for the simultaneous determination of kLa and electrode sensitivity (ke = 1/τe), without any need for additional assays.

CONCLUSION

The new method overcomes the effects of probe delay on kLa determination, making the procedure faster and simpler. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
The complete biodegradation pathway of ellagitannins by Aspergillus niger in solid‐state fermentation
Authors: Ascacio‐Valdés Juan A. , Aguilera‐Carbó Antonio F. , Buenrostro José J. , Prado‐Barragán Arely , Rodríguez‐Herrera Raúl , Aguilar Cristóbal N.
Published: February 2016

Our research group has found preliminary evidences of the fungal biodegradation pathway of ellagitannins, revealing first the existence of an enzyme responsible for ellagitannins degradation, which hydrolyzes pomegranate ellagitannins and it was called ellagitannase or elagitannin acyl hydrolase. However, it is necessary to generate new and clear information in order to understand the ellagitannin degradation mechanisms. This work describes the distinctive and unique features of ellagitannin metabolism in fungi. In this study, hydrolysis of pomegranate ellagitannins by Aspergillus niger GH1 was studied by solid‐state culture using polyurethane foam as support and pomegranate ellagitannins as substrate. The experiment was performed during 36 h. Results showed that ellagitannin biodegradation started after 6 h of fermentation, reaching the maximal biodegradation value at 18 h. It was observed that ellagitannase activity appeared after 6 h of culture, then, the enzymatic activity was maintained up to 24 h of culture reaching 390.15 U/L, after this period the enzymatic activity decreased. Electrophoretic band for ellagitannase was observed at 18 h. A band obtained using non‐denaturing electrophoresis was identified as ellagitannase, then, a tandem analysis to reveal the ellagitannase activity was performed using Petri plate with pomegranate ellagitannins. The extracts were analyzed by HPLC/MS to evaluate ellagitannins degradation. Punicalin, gallagic acid, and ellagic acid were obtained from punicalagin. HPLC/MS analysis identified the gallagic acid as an intermediate molecule and immediate precursor of ellagic acid. The potential application of catabolic metabolism of ellagitannin hydrolysis for ellagic acid production is outlined.
Heterologous expression and characterisation of the Aspergillus aspartic protease involved in the hydrolysis and decolorisation of red‐pigmented proteins
Authors: Takenaka Shinji , Umeda Mayo , Senba Hisanori , Koyama Dai , Tanaka Kosei , Yoshida Ken‐ichi , Doi Mikiharu
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Aspergillus repens strain MK82 produces an aspartic protease (PepA_MK82) that efficiently decolorises red‐pigmented proteins during dried bonito fermentation. However, further expansion of the industrial applications of PepA_MK82 requires the high‐level production and efficient preparation of the recombinant enzyme.

RESULTS

The genomic DNA and cDNA fragments encoding the protease were cloned from strain MK82 and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of PepA_MK82 and comparisons with previously reported fungal aspartic proteases showed that PepA_MK 82 clusters with different groups of these enzymes. Heterologous expression of PepA_MK82 in Pichia pastoris yielded preparations of higher purity than obtained with an Escherichia coli expression system. Total protease activity in a 100‐mL culture of the P. pastoris transformant was 14 times higher than that from an equivalent culture of A. repense MK82. The recombinant PepA_MK82 was easily obtained via acetone precipitation; the final recovery was 83%. PepA_MK82 and its recombinant had similar characteristics in terms of their optimal pH, thermostability, and decolorisation activity. The recombinant was also able to decolorise flaked, dried bonito and to bleach a blood‐stained cloth.

CONCLUSION

Given its ability to hydrolyse and decolorise red‐pigmented proteins, recombinant PepA_MK8 can be exploited in the food industry and as a stain‐removal agent in laundry applications. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Sexual Trauma and Adverse Health and Occupational Outcomes Among Men Serving in the U.S. Military
Authors: Millegan Jeffrey , Wang Lawrence , LeardMann Cynthia A. , Miletich Derek , Street Amy E.
Published: February 2016

Although absolute counts of U.S. service men who experience sexual trauma are comparable to service women, little is known about the impact of sexual trauma on men. The association of recent sexual trauma (last 3 years) with health and occupational outcomes was investigated using longitudinal data (2004–2013) from the Millennium Cohort Study. Of 37,711 service men, 391 (1.0%) reported recent sexual harassment and 76 (0.2%) sexual assault. In multivariable models, sexual harassment or assault, respectively, was associated with poorer mental health: AOR = 1.60, 95% CI [1.22, 2.12], AOR = 4.39, 95% CI [2.40, 8.05]; posttraumatic stress disorder: AOR = 2.50, 95% CI [1.87, 3.33], AOR = 6.63, 95% CI [3.65, 12.06]; depression: AOR = 2.37, 95% CI [1.69, 3.33], AOR = 5.60, 95% CI [2.83, 11.09]; and multiple physical symptoms: AOR = 2.22, 95% CI [1.69, 2.92]; AOR = 3.57, 95% CI [1.98, 6.42], after adjustment for relevant covariates. Sexual harassment was also associated with poorer physical health: AOR = 1.68, 95% CI [1.27, 2.22]. Men who reported sexual trauma were more likely to have left military service: AOR = 1.60, 95% CI [1.14, 2.24], and be disabled/unemployed postservice: AOR = 1.76, 95% CI [1.02, 3.02]. Results suggest that sexual trauma was significantly associated with adverse health and functionality extending to postmilitary life. Findings support the need for developing better prevention strategies and services to reduce the burden of sexual trauma on service men.
How Much Can We Coarse‐Grain while Retaining the Chemical Specificity? A Study of Sulfonated Poly(ether ether ketone)
Authors: Tripathy Madhusmita , Deshpande Abhijit P. , Kumar Palakurissi B. Sunil
Published: February 2016

For mesoscale structural studies of polymers, obtaining maximum level of coarse‐graining that maintains the chemical specificity is highly desirable. Here we present a systematic coarse‐graining study of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone), sPEEK, and show that a 71:3 coarse‐grained (CG) mapping is the maximum possible map within a CG bead‐spring model. We perform single chain atomistic simulation on the system to collect various structural distributions, against which the CG potentials are optimized using iterative Boltzmann inversion technique. The potentials thus extracted are shown to reproduce the target distributions for larger single chains as well as for multiple chains. The structure at the atomistic level is shown to be preserved when we back‐map the CG system to re‐introduce the atomistic details. By using the same CG mapping for another repeat unit sequence of sPEEK, we show that the nature of the effective interaction at the CG level depends strongly on the polymer sequence and cannot be assumed based on the nature of the corresponding atomistic unit. These CG potentials will be the key to future mesoscopic simulations to study the structure of sPEEK based polymer electrolyte membranes.

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Interleaved multivoxel 31P MR spectroscopy
Authors: Niess Fabian , Fiedler Georg B. , Schmid Albrecht I. , Goluch Sigrun , Kriegl Roberta , Wolzt Michael , Moser Ewald , Meyerspeer Martin
Published: February 2016

Purpose

Separate measurements are required when investigating multiple exercising muscles with singlevoxel‐localized dynamic 31P‐MRS. With multivoxel spectroscopy, 31P‐MRS time‐series spectra are acquired from multiple independent regions during one exercise‐recovery experiment with the same time resolution as for singlevoxel measurements.

Methods

Multiple independently selected volumes were localized using temporally interleaved semi‐LASER excitations at 7T. Signal loss caused by mutual saturation from shared excitation or refocusing slices was quantified at partial and full overlap, and potential contamination was investigated in phantom measurements. During an exercise‐recovery experiment both gastrocnemius medialis and soleus of two healthy volunteers were measured using multivoxel acquisitions with a total TR of 6 s, while avoiding overlap of excitation slices.

Results

Signal reduction by shared adiabatic refocusing slices selected 1 s after the preceding voxel was between 10% (full overlap) and 20% (half overlap), in a phantom measurement. In vivo data were acquired from both muscles within the same exercise experiment, with 13–18% signal reduction. Spectra show phosphocreatine, inorganic phosphate, adenosine‐triposphate, phosphomonoesters, and phosphodiesters.

Conclusion

Signal decrease was relatively low compared to the 2‐fold increase in information. The approach could help to improve the understanding in metabolic research and is applicable to other organs and nuclei. Magn Reson Med 77:921–927, 2017. © 2016 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Modulus‐based matrix splitting iteration methods for a class of implicit complementarity problems
Authors: Hong Jun‐Tao , Li Chen‐Liang
Published: February 2016

Some modulus‐based matrix splitting iteration methods for a class of implicit complementarity problem are presented, and their convergence analysis is given. Numerical experiments confirm the theoretical analysis and show that the proposed methods are efficient. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How Did They Grow: An Intervention to Reduce Stunted Growth in Low‐Income Mexican‐American Children
Authors: Reifsnider Elizabeth , Shin Cha‐Nam , Todd Michael , Jeong Mihyun , Gallagher Martina , Moramarco Michael
Published: February 2016

Growth stunting is a complex phenomenon related to undernutrition that can contribute to developmental delay, cognitive deficits, and small size and obesity in adulthood. Stunted growth, defined as height for age below the 5th percentile, is primarily caused by chronic malnutrition. In this study, a community‐based intervention to reduce undernutrition was tested in a quasi‐experimental design with 174 low‐income, Mexican‐American mothers and children recruited from a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clinic in a major southwestern city. The intervention was based on the public health nursing practice of collaborating with mothers of young children on appropriate nutrition and parenting, and was tailored by the author and community informants for mothers of children with stunted growth. Data were collected on child height and weight, dietary intake, maternal acculturation, maternal perceived stress as measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), home environment as measured by the home screening questionnaire (HSQ), and maternal–child interaction as measured by the Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale (NCATS). Intervention children had higher growth velocity than the children in the comparison group. These findings were especially prominent for children of women who were older and less acculturated. Results suggest that a nursing intervention delivered in collaboration with WIC can make a significant improvement in growth of low‐income children with growth stunting. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The apple of their eye: Attitudinal and behavioral correlates of parents’ perceptions of child obesity
Authors: Lydecker Janet A. , Grilo Carlos M.
Published: February 2016

Objective

This study addressed gaps in the existing literature about correlates of parental perception of child weight using a community sample. This study evaluated how weight‐status and its perception related to parents’ personal and parenting attitudes/behaviors.

Design and Methods

Participants were parents (N = 1,007; 65.3% mothers, 34.4% fathers) of children 5 to 15 years old. Parents completed online measures of personal eating attitudes/behaviors, attitudes/behaviors about their children's eating and weight, and parental practices related to weight‐related attitudes.

Results

Parents frequently underestimated children's overweight/obesity, even more frequently than their own overweight/obesity (P < 0.001). Parents’ personal eating attitudes/behaviors were related to their own weight‐status (P < 0.001) and perceived child weight‐status (P < 0.001) but not actual child weight‐status. Parents’ child‐focused eating attitudes/behaviors were related to actual (P < 0.001) and perceived child weight‐status (P < 0.001), but not parent weight‐status.

Conclusions

In general, parents’ personal attitudes/behaviors did not extend into their perceptions of their children's weight or their response to it. Results suggest a dual need to improve parent accuracy perceiving children's overweight/obesity and to guide parent responses to perceived overweight/obesity. Given the high prevalence of childhood obesity, and the serious consequences during childhood and into adulthood, further research is needed to enhance understanding of parents’ specific needs to engage in prevention and treatment programs.
Differences in weight change trajectory patterns in a publicly funded adult weight management centre
Authors: Kuk J. L. , Wharton S.
Published: February 2016

Objective

To describe differences in weight loss (WL) trajectory patterns at a publicly funded clinical weight management centre.

Methods

Groups with differences in the attainment of a 5% total body WL and percentage WL patterns over time were identified in 7,121 patients who attended a physician lead multi‐disciplinary clinical lifestyle weight management that predominantly focused on education and diet counselling. Resultant health differences were examined.

Results

Patients had 3.2 ± 6.3%WL with 35% of patients achieving and maintaining a 5%WL. Half of these patients achieved the 5%WL within 6 months, while the other half had a more gradual approach. Another 10% achieved 5%WL, but regained weight after 6 months. There were seven distinct WL patterns identified: LargeWL (Mean WL: 21.2 ± 8.1%; Probability of group membership (PGM): 2.4%), ModerateWL (15.1 ± 5.1%WL; 5.4%PGM), SlowWL (6.7 ± 3.2%WL; 20.1%PGM) and MinimalWL (2.4 ± 2.2%WL; 34.6%PGM), WL Regain (9.4 ± 3.5%WL; 8.2%PGM), Weight Stable (1.2 ± 3.2%WL; 28.5%PGM) and Weight Gain (18.4 ± 11.2%WG; 0.8%PGM) groups. Improvements in blood pressure, lipids and glucose were generally related to the magnitude of WL achieved more than the pattern or speed of WL.

Conclusions

There are large differences in the absolute WL attained and the pattern of WL during a publicly funded weight management program. Changes in clinical health markers appear to be more strongly related with the absolute WL attained as opposed to patterns of weight change. © 2016 The Authors. Obesity Science & Practice published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd, World Obesity and The Obesity Society.
Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Timing of Relapse and Overall Survival for Children Treated on Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute ALL Consortium Protocols (2000–2010)
Authors: Bona Kira , Blonquist Traci M. , Neuberg Donna S. , Silverman Lewis B. , Wolfe Joanne
Published: February 2016

Background

Population‐based evidence suggests that lower socioeconomic status (SES) negatively impacts the overall survival (OS) of children with leukemia; however, the relationships between SES and treatment‐related mortality, relapse, and timing of relapse remain unclear.

Procedure

We examined OS, event‐free survival (EFS) and cumulative incidence (CI) and timing of relapse by community‐level poverty for 575 children aged 1–18 years with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated on consecutive phase III multicenter Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute ALL Consortium Protocols between 2000 and 2010. Children were categorized into high‐ and low‐poverty areas for the analysis using aggregate U.S. Census data linked to zip code.

Results

Children living in high‐poverty areas experienced a 5‐year OS of 85% as compared with 92% for those in low‐poverty areas (P = 0.02); poverty remained marginally significant (P = 0.07) after adjustment for immunophenotype, age, and white blood cell count. There were no differences detected in EFS or CI relapse by poverty area. However, 92% of the relapses observed in children from high‐poverty areas occurred <36 months from complete remission, compared to 48% of those in children from low‐poverty areas (P = 0.008).

Conclusions

U.S. children with ALL living in high‐poverty areas have a higher risk of early relapse when compared with those living in low‐poverty areas despite uniform treatment. This may in part explain decreased OS observed in these children. This finding highlights disparities in childhood cancer outcomes by SES despite uniform treatment. Further investigations of the mechanistic pathways underlying this finding are needed.
Chemotaxonomic Studies of Nine Gentianaceae Species from Western China Based on Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Pan Yu , Zhang Ji , Zhao Yan‐Li , Wang Yuan‐Zhong , Jin Hang
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Gentianaceae species which widely occur all over the world are used as folk medicine and raw food material with bitter properties. Although comparative analysis on metabolites in several Gentianaceae species has been reported, metabolic similarities used for chemotaxonomic studies are not yet clear.

Objective

To systematically characterise the variations of holistic metabolome and characteristic metabolites (iridoid glycosides and phenols) in nine Gentianaceae species from western China.

Methodology

Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy was applied to determine the variations of holistic metabolome. A targeted metabolic profiling using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was established for determination of seven characteristic metabolites and identification of their derivatives. Both FT‐IR and LC–MS/MS data were subjected to chemometrics analysis for exploring variations in iridoid glycosides and phenols within these species.

Results

Holistic metabolome in genera Gentiana and Swertia was largely different. Diversity of the biosynthetic pathway of iridoid glycosides was also observed in these species. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed a clear separation according to infrageneric classifications of genus Gentiana. Some secondary metabolites, such as mangiferin, rhodenthoside A‐C, isoorientin, isovitexin, amarogentin, and swertianolin would serve as potential chemotaxonomic markers to differentiate Gentianaceae species. Furthermore, the accumulation of the six major metabolites seems to depend on geographical regions in Sect. Monopodiae and Sect. Cruciata.

Conclusions

The combination of LC–MS/MS and FT‐IR would provide some potential evidence on chemotaxonomic studies of Gentianaceae. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Dual Component Catalytic System Composed of Non‐Noble Metal Oxides for Li–O2 Batteries with Enhanced Cyclability
Authors: Zhao Changtai , Yu Chang , Yang Juan , Liu Shaohong , Zhang Mengdi , Qiu Jieshan
Published: February 2016

One of the great challenges in the development of lithium–oxygen batteries (Li–O2 batteries) is to synthesize cost‐effective and efficient electrocatalysts to overcome several issues such as high charge overpotential and poor cycle life. Here, an efficient method is reported to fabricate a dual component electrocatalyst made of MnO2 nanoparticles supported on 1D Co3O4 nanorods (MnO2–Co3O4), and its electrochemical behavior as a non‐noble metal cathode catalyst is demonstrated in Li–O2 batteries. It is found that the as‐made MnO2–Co3O4 catalyst exhibits an enhanced electrochemical performance, such as increased specific capacity (increase to 4023 mA h g−1 from 2993 mA h g−1), low charge overpotential (reduce 350 mV), high rate performance, and superior cyclability up to 150 cycles. The excellent electrochemical performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of the dual component catalytic system.
Ageing of Australian DNAN Based Melt‐Cast Insensitive Explosives
Authors: Provatas Arthur , Wall Craig
Published: February 2016

2,4‐Dinitroanisole (DNAN) is a new melt‐cast matrix ingredient that replaces traditional TNT in TNT‐based melt‐cast explosives. Aside from sensitiveness improvements, the use of DNAN allows for the continued operation of existing melt‐cast facilities (for example the Australian Munitions plants located at Mulwala and Benalla) without the need for major plant modifications. Researchers at Defence Science and Technology Group (DST Group) have developed several DNAN based formulations that have been extensively characterized. In an effort to better understand the ageing properties of these formulations, an accelerated ageing program was undertaken. Testing was conducted under two different ageing conditions; the first test condition was conducted at a constant 60 °C with ambient humidity and the second test condition was the A2 diurnal cycle (representative of hot dry climates). Analysis of the formulation density, sensitiveness, mechanical and thermal properties was made at three‐month intervals for a period of 12 months and results compared with conventional explosives similarly aged. For all DNAN‐based formulations there was negligible change in impact, friction, electrostatic discharge, and thermal testing over time. These results highlight the ability of the ARX formulations to diurnal temperature cycling and to hold favorable sensitiveness properties to various stimuli.
Introducing folding stability into the score function for computational design of RNA‐binding peptides boosts the probability of success
Authors: Xiao Xingqing , Agris Paul F. , Hall Carol K.
Published: February 2016

A computational strategy that integrates our peptide search algorithm with atomistic molecular dynamics simulation was used to design rational peptide drugs that recognize and bind to the anticodon stem and loop domain (ASLLys3) of human
for the purpose of interrupting HIV replication. The score function of the search algorithm was improved by adding a peptide stability term weighted by an adjustable factor λ to the peptide binding free energy. The five best peptide sequences associated with five different values of λ were determined using the search algorithm and then input in atomistic simulations to examine the stability of the peptides' folded conformations and their ability to bind to ASLLys3. Simulation results demonstrated that setting an intermediate value of λ achieves a good balance between optimizing the peptide's binding ability and stabilizing its folded conformation during the sequence evolution process, and hence leads to optimal binding to the target ASLLys3. Thus, addition of a peptide stability term significantly improves the success rate for our peptide design search. Proteins 2016; 84:700–711. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fabrication of nanocomposites based on silicon nanowires and study of their optical properties
Authors: Niauzorau Stanislau , Girel Kseniya , Sherstnyov Alexander , Chubenko Eugene , Bandarenka Hanna , Bondarenko Vitaly
Published: February 2016

This article presents the results on a fabrication of silicon nanowires by a two‐step metal‐assisted chemical etching. Morphological and optical properties of the obtained silicon nanostructures depending on the type and resistivity of the initial silicon wafer have been studied. In addition, we have used the silicon nanowires as templates for zinc oxide and silver deposition. The resulting nanocomposites have been shown to demonstrate intensive photoluminescence and activity in the surface enhanced Raman scattering respectively. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Luminescence dynamics of hybrid ZnO nanowire/CdSe quantum dot structures
Authors: Bley Stephanie , Albrecht Friederike , Resch Sebastian , Waldvogel Siegfried R. , Menzel Andreas , Zacharias Margit , Voss Tobias , Gutowski Jürgen
Published: February 2016

Colloidal CdSe quantum dots (QDs) functionalized with different organic linker molecules are attached to ZnO nanowires (NWs) to investigate the electron transfer dynamics between dots and wires. After linking the quantum dots to the nanowires, the photo‐induced electron transfer (PET) from the QDs into the NWs becomes visible in the PL transients by a decrease of dot luminescence decay time. The different recombination paths inside the QDs and the PET process are discussed in the framework of a rate equation model. Photoconductivity studies confirm the electron transfer by demonstrating a strong enhancement of the wire photocurrent under light irradiation into the dot transition. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Elucidating the Indirect Contributions of Packaging to Sustainable Development: A Terminology of Packaging Functions and Features
Authors: Lindh Helena , Williams Helen , Olsson Annika , Wikström Fredrik
Published: February 2016

Packaging has great potential to contribute to sustainable development through its functions. Previous research has indicated a need for increased knowledge among consumers, suppliers, authorities and media of how packaging functions and features influence sustainable development. Previous research also shows the need for a common terminology of packaging functions and features in order to facilitate and improve communication and understanding in development and decision processes.

This conceptual paper sets out to identify, collect, analyse and systemize packaging functions and features and evaluate them based on their indirect contributions to sustainable development. The systemized functions and features are expressed in generic terminology. Three clusters of packaging functions were identified from the literature: protect, facilitate handling and communicate. Nineteen packaging features were also identified. They were grouped under the three functions and elaborated based on their indirect contributions to the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development. Fourteen potential positive indirect effects were identified including decreased product waste, reduced risk for human health hazards, increased handling and transport efficiency. Decreased product waste was generated by 13 of the features and was thus the most frequently appearing. Reducing waste is thereby indicated to be a manifold matter, but also one of great potential.

The proposed terminology can contribute to an increased understanding of how packaging can actually contribute to sustainable development. In a theoretical context, this paper attempts to complement earlier work in sustainable packaging development by its emphasis on the indirect contributions of packaging to sustainable development.
Density functional analysis of group 10 organometallic diphosphinito complexes for catalytic formation of C‐P bonds
Authors: Ellis Matthew , Downey Karen
Published: February 2016

New group 10 metalloorganic complexes are proposed as the basis of new catalysts for the formation of carbon‐phosphorous bonds. Density functional theory (DFT) is applied, using multiple DFT functionals, to model molecular geometry as well as electron density distribution in the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) expected to carry out a reductive catalytic cycle. DFT/M06 analysis predicts a robust planar geometry, regardless of alteration of major components. Precursors for rapid catalyst generation should begin with an electron‐withdrawing monodentate ligand. Palladium and platinum catalysts have lower chemical hardness, but the electron distribution in the HOMO of the nickel‐based catalyst is preferred for reductive catalytic mechanisms. Both electron density and chemical hardness, however, are affected by the choice of metal ion and the composition of the monodentate ligand bound to it. Group 10 metalloorganic complexes are modeled as precursors for generating new catalysts for a minimally wasteful method of forming bonds commonly found in biochemically active compounds. Suitable precursors have an accessible metal center, as well as significant the HOMO/LUMO involvement at the metal center. All complexes studied offer similar geometries, but precursor transformation into catalyst depends on the electron‐withdrawing ligand being exchanged. Catalyst turn over number is predicted to depend primarily on the central metal. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.