bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemotherapy and cognitive complaints in women with breast cancer
Authors: Pullens Marleen J. J. , De Vries Jolanda , Van Warmerdam Laurence J. C. , Van De Wal Marieke A. , Roukema Jan A.
Published: October 2012

Background

Results of existing studies are inconclusive concerning the relationship between chemotherapy and subjective cognitive functioning (SCF). The aim of this study was to evaluate SCF of breast cancer (BC) patients and to find predictors of impaired SCF. Both satisfaction and frequency of complaints about SCF were measured.

Methods

BC patients who were about to receive chemotherapy (N = 74) and patients with a benign breast disease (BBD) (N = 63) participated. Before chemotherapy started (Time 1) and 3 months after ending chemotherapy (and at comparable moments for the BBD group) (Time 2), women completed validated questionnaires concerning the frequency of complaints and satisfaction with SCF, fatigue, perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.

Results

No differences were found between the BBD and BC patients concerning the frequency of complaints about SCF across time. Satisfaction with SCF decreased across time in BC patients but remained stable across time in BBD patients (p < 0.001; p = 0.003 after controlling for state anxiety and perceived stress). Correlation coefficients between the satisfaction and the frequency of complaints about SCF ranged between −0.26 and −0.49. Depressive symptoms and satisfaction with SCF (Time 1) predicted the frequency of complaints about SCF (Time 2). Diagnosis, frequency of complaints about SCF, and state anxiety (Time 1) predicted satisfaction with SCF (Time 2).

Conclusions

BC patients do not differ in the frequency of complaints about SCF compared with BBD patients, but their satisfaction with SCF decreased after treatment. Psychological factors predicted the frequency of complaints about SCF. Psychological factors and diagnosis predicted satisfaction with SCF.

Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Discharge Parameters and Surface Characteristics on Ambient‐Gas Plasma Disinfection
Authors: Pavlovich Matthew J. , Chen Zhi , Sakiyama Yukinori , Clark Douglas S. , Graves David B.
Published: October 2012

Ambient‐gas plasma, or plasma created from air at ambient conditions, has been studied as a means of disinfecting surfaces. However, the parameters that determine the effectiveness of plasma disinfection are not well understood. We report results from surface disinfection experiments and determine the characteristics that are responsible for the antimicrobial effect against the model bacterium Escherichia coli. Our results suggest that neutral reactive species are more influential in surface disinfection than charged particles. In addition, non‐biological surfaces are easier to disinfect than pig skin. Air plasma performed comparably to conventional antiseptics, indicating that ambient‐gas plasma treatment could be a promising strategy for both clinical and community infection control.

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Glycoproteomics using fluid‐based specimens in the discovery of lung cancer protein biomarkers: Promise and challenge
Authors: Li Qing Kay , Gabrielson Ed , Askin Frederic , Chan Daniel W. , Zhang Hui
Published: October 2012

Lung cancer is the leading cancer in the United States and worldwide. In spite of the rapid progression in personalized treatments, the overall survival rate of lung cancer patients is still suboptimal. Over the past decade, tremendous efforts have been focused on the discovery of protein biomarkers to facilitate the early detection and monitoring of lung cancer progression during treatment. In addition to tumor tissues and cancer cell lines, a variety of biological material has been studied. Particularly in recent years, studies using fluid‐based specimen or so‐called “fluid‐biopsy” specimens have progressed rapidly. Fluid specimens are relatively easier to collect than tumor tissue, and they can be repeatedly sampled during the disease progression. Glycoproteins are the major content of fluid specimens and have long been recognized to play fundamental roles in many physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we focus the discussion on recent advances of glycoproteomics, particularly in the identification of potential glyco protein biomarkers using fluid‐based specimens in lung cancer. The purpose of this review is to summarize current strategies, achievements, and perspectives in the field. This insight will highlight the discovery of tumor‐associated glycoprotein biomarkers in lung cancer and their potential clinical applications.
Synthesis and application of Nα‐Fmoc‐Nπ‐4‐methoxybenzyloxymethylhistidine in solid phase peptide synthesis
Authors: Hibino Hajime , Miki Yasuyoshi , Nishiuchi Yuji
Published: October 2012

The 4‐methoxybenzyloxymethyl (MBom) group was introduced at the Nπ‐position of the histidine (His) residue by using a regioselective procedure, and its utility was examined under standard conditions used for the conventional and the microwave (MW)‐assisted solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) with 9‐fluorenylmethyoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) chemistry. The Nπ‐MBom group fulfilling the requirements for the Fmoc strategy was found to prevent side‐chain‐induced racemization during incorporation of the His residue even in the case of MW‐assisted SPPS performed at a high temperature. In particular, the MBom group proved to be a suitable protecting group for the convergent synthesis because it remains attached to the imidazole ring during detachment of the protected His‐containing peptide segments from acid‐sensitive linkers by treatment with a weak acid such as 1% trifluoroacetic acid in dichloromethane. We also demonstrated the facile synthesis of Fmoc‐His(π‐MBom)‐OH with the aid of purification procedure by crystallization to effectively remove the undesired τ‐isomer without resorting to silica gel column chromatography. This means that the present synthetic procedure can be used for large‐scale production without any obstacles. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Life Course Preferences, Sibling Ties, and the Geographical Dispersion of Sibling Networks
Authors: Blaauboer Marjolein , Strömgren Magnus , Stjernström Olof
Published: October 2012

Using Swedish register data, we analyse how life course preferences and sibling ties are related to the geographical dispersion of siblings. We argue that life course preferences and sibling ties are influenced by siblings' sociodemographic characteristics, by similarities and differences between them, and by their family background. The measurement of geographical dispersion, the nearest neighbour index, allows us to go beyond dyadic relationships and investigate entire networks. Results from the OLS regression analysis show that life course preferences are related to the dispersion of siblings and that differences between siblings are associated with a greater geographical dispersion than similarities are. Sibling ties developed during childhood also seem to be associated with the dispersion of sibling networks. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of shock wave compression on double wall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Mases Mattias , Milyavskiy Vladimir V. , Waldbock Jeremy , Dossot Manuel , Devaux Xavier , McRae Edward , Soldatov Alexander V.
Published: October 2012

Double wall carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) have proven to have a very good structural stability when exposed to high static pressures. We report here on the study of DWCNTs after application of shock wave (dynamic) compression up to 36 GPa in a recovery assembly. TEM images of so‐treated samples reveal a threshold between 19 and 26 GPa of shock wave compression above which significant structural damage is induced whereas only minor damage can be detected below. The threshold detected with TEM coincides well with the collapse pressure of DWCNTs previously reported [You et al., High Press. Res. 31, 186 (2011); Aguiar et al., Phys. Chem. C 115, 5378 (2011)]. Raman data demonstrate a gradual accumulation of structural defects via an increase in D‐band to G‐band intensity ratio (ID/IG‐ratio) from ∼0.2 to ∼0.8 in going from the source CNT material to the nanotubes after compression to 36 GPa. Despite severe damage; the DWCNTs exposed to 36 GPa of shock wave compression survived which is evidenced by Raman spectra. The DWCNTs demonstrate a higher susceptibility to structural damage under dynamic than static pressure.
Elastic moduli of η‐Ta2N3, a tough self‐healing material, via laser ultrasonics
Authors: Zerr Andreas , Chigarev Nikolay , Brinza Ovidiu , Nikitin Sergey M. , Lomonosov Alexey M. , Gusev Vitalyi
Published: October 2012

The elastic moduli of the dense polycrystalline oxygen‐bearing η‐Ta2N3, a novel hard and tough high‐pressure (HP) material, were measured using the laser ultrasonic technique. The bulk modulus was determined to be B0 = 281(15) GPa which is only ∼11% below that from HP compression measurements. Our value of the shear modulus G0 = 123(2) GPa is below those ones predicted theoretically for model structures. The discrepancies in G0 could be due to a substitution of an‐ ions and the formation of cation vacancies in η‐Ta2N3. Self‐healing behaviour of η‐Ta2N3 by mechanical polishing was observed and confirmed by two independent experimental methods. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Antibacterial Effects of Ellagitannins from Acalypha wilkesiana var. macafeana hort.: Surface Morphology Analysis with Environmental Scanning Electron Microcopy and Synergy with Antibiotics
Authors: Din Wardah Mustafa , Jin Khoo Teng , Ramli Ramliza , Khaithir Tzar Mohd. Nizam , Wiart Christophe
Published: October 2012

The present study served to gain further insight into the bactericidal effects of ellagitannins from Acalypha wilkesiana var. macafeana hort. against pathogenic bacteria. Ellagitannins from the aerial parts of A. wilkesiana var. macafeana hort. (EAW) inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus (ATCC 11778), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 11632) and Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clinical strain with inhibition zones equal to 11.01 ± 1.53 mm, 16.63 ± 0.11 mm, 11.40 ± 1.10 mm and 8.22 ± 0.19 mm, respectively. The minimal inhibition concentration and the minimal bactericidal concentration of ellagitannins from A. wilkesiana var. macafeana hort. (EAW) against MRSA were 750 µg/mL and 3000 µg/mL, respectively. We then examined the synergistic effect of EAW with three antibiotics, i.e. ampicillin, streptomycin and tetracycline, via the checkerboard assay and time‐kill assay and observed that EAW is synergistic with ampicillin against S. aureus (ATCC 11632). Environmental electron scanning microscopy analysis showed cell lysis against S. aureus (ATCC 11632) upon treatment with the ellagitannin fraction. The ellagitannin fraction from A. wilkesiana var. macafeana hort. is bactericidal against gram‐positive bacteria tested and works synergistically with ampicillin against S. aureus. Morphology analysis of the cell suggests that the bactericidal property of the ellagitannin fraction mechanism involves lysis of the cell wall. In summary, our studies demonstrate that A. wilkesiana var. macafeana hort. produces bactericidal ellagitannins of clinical and/or cosmetological value. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comments on ‘The influence of rotational frontogenesis and its associated shearwise vertical motions on the development of an upper‐level front’ by A. A. Lang and J. E. Martin (January A, 2010, 136: 239–252)
Authors: Schultz David M.
Published: October 2012

Two previous studies by Rotunno et al. (1994, J. Atmos. Sci. 51: 3373–3398) and Schultz and Doswell (1999, Q. J. R. Meteorol. Soc. 125: 2535–2562) offer conflicting views on the origin of geostrophic cold‐air advection that is sometimes present during upper‐level frontogenesis. Although Lang and Martin (2010) claim to reconcile these two studies, this comment offers four reasons why reconciliation is not possible. First, the necessary calculations to compare the tilting frontogenesis term to the horizontal frontogenesis terms are not performed. Second, the thermal‐advection tendency or isentrope‐orientation tendency in the region of the developing cold‐air advection is not calculated. Third, previous studies showing that the vertical terms in these diagnostics are likely associated with warm‐air advection, not cold‐air advection, are not disproven. This fact also may explain the predominance of relatively weak geostrophic thermal advection in climatologies of upper‐level fronts. Fourth, concerns are raised about some of the statements made in Lang and Martin (2010). These comments also fix an error in Eq. (11) in Schultz and Doswell (1999). Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Weighted essentially non‐oscillatory scheme for cloud edge problem
Authors: Baba Yuya , Takahashi Keiko
Published: October 2012

The weighted essentially non‐oscillatory (WENO) scheme is applied to a cloud‐resolving model and is used for the cloud edge problem. Validity is tested using three idealized experiments and the results are compared with those of recent flux‐corrected transport (FCT) schemes. In all three experiments, the WENO scheme simulates the energy properties of cloud edges better than the FCT schemes do. Because the WENO scheme can capture cloud edge more sharply, the buoyancy of the cloud edge is simulated without numerical diffusion. The increased buoyancy also causes enhancement of the convection cycle in deep convection through the cold pool, which is formed below the convective cell. This fact indicates that underestimations of convection strengths can be avoided using the WENO scheme.
Validation of Met Office upper stratospheric and mesospheric analyses
Authors: Long D. J. , Jackson D. R. , Thuburn J. , Mathison C.
Published: October 2012

The accuracy of Met Office middle atmospheric analyses is investigated via direct validation against observational temperature data from two independent satellite instruments. A climatology of monthly zonal mean temperature biases from January 2005 to December 2010 is presented. For analyses produced before October 2009 there is a consistent cold bias of ∼30–40 K in the polar winter lower mesosphere, suggestive that gravity wave forcing in this region is too weak. Such cold biases are accompanied by smaller‐magnitude cold biases in the opposing summer hemisphere, most likely associated with compensating warm biases from an insufficient gravity wave‐driven circulation and cold biases resulting from deficiencies in radiative heating due to the operational ozone climatology. For analyses produced after October 2009, where the model lid was raised to include the upper mesosphere, cold biases in the winter lower mesosphere are reduced. However, systematic warm biases of ∼40–60 K in the summer upper mesosphere again suggest that gravity wave forcing within the operational system is underestimated. The absence of cold biases in the winter upper mesosphere also suggests that radiative errors contribute significantly in this region.
Balance properties of the short‐range forecast errors in the ECMWF 4D‐Var ensemble
Authors: Žagar N. , Isaksen L. , Tan D. , Tribbia J.
Published: October 2012

In this paper the normal‐mode function framework is applied to the representation of time‐averaged structure of short‐term forecast error variances in the 20‐member ensemble based on the 4D‐Var assimilation system of ECMWF. The applied methodology provides an attractive way to measure the balance by splitting forecast error variances into parts projecting on the balanced and inertio‐gravity (IG) circulations; the approach is particularly suitable for the Tropics, where IG circulation dominates on all scales.

A little over 50% of the global forecast error variance at short range is balanced. The component of the variance associated with eastward IG modes dominates over the westward IG modes on all zonal scales but the difference gets larger as the zonal wave number increases. There is a major difference in the vertical variance distribution between the balanced and IG modes. A large part of the balanced variance projects on to the barotropic structure in the troposphere, while the IG variances are found in vertical modes that have equatorially trapped horizontal structures corresponding to equivalent depths between a few tens and few hundred metres. The variance growth between 3 h and 12 h range is substantially different in the balanced, eastward and westward IG modes. The balanced variance growth dominates whereas the variance growth in the westerly IG modes is small. In the eastward IG modes, the variance growth is most significant in the large‐scale equatorial Kelvin mode.
Reply to comments on ‘The influence of rotational frontogenesis and its associated shearwise vertical motions on the development of an upper‐level front’
Authors: Lang Andrea A. , Martin Jonathan E.
Published: October 2012

Schultz (2012) proposes that our previous arguments regarding the initiation of along‐flow geostrophic cold air advection during the upper frontogenesis process are incomplete. The core of his criticism, and the motivation for his call to include additional diagnostic calculations, hinges upon the assertion that the vertical vorticity can rotate isentropes relative to isohypses. In this response we derive an expression for the rate of change of ∇ϕ that demonstrates that vorticity rotates ∇θ and ∇ϕ equally, in accord with our original statement to that effect. The derived expression also provides motivation to propose a revision of our previous conceptual model, highlighting the role of deformation instead of vorticity in the differential rotation of ∇θ relative to ∇ϕ that can contribute to the initiation of along‐flow geostrophic temperature advection. Finally, we present a four‐year synoptic‐climatology suggesting that upper frontogenesis over central North America is, in fact, biased toward environments characterized by northwesterly flow. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Interfacing Engineered Nanoparticles with Biological Systems: Anticipating Adverse Nano–Bio Interactions
Authors: Pelaz Beatriz , Charron Gaëlle , Pfeiffer Christian , Zhao Yuliang , de la Fuente Jesus M. , Liang Xing‐Jie , Parak Wolfgang J. , del Pino Pablo
Published: October 2012

The innovative use of engineered nanomaterials in medicine, be it in therapy or diagnosis, is growing dramatically. This is motivated by the current extraordinary control over the synthesis of complex nanomaterials with a variety of biological functions (e.g. contrast agents, drug‐delivery systems, transducers, amplifiers, etc.). Engineered nanomaterials are found in the bio‐context with a variety of applications in fields such as sensing, imaging, therapy or diagnosis. As the degree of control to fabricate customized novel and/or enhanced nanomaterials evolves, often new applications, devices with enhanced performance or unprecedented sensing limits can be achieved. Of course, interfacing any novel material with biological systems has to be critically analyzed as many undesirable adverse effects can be triggered (e.g. toxicity, allergy, genotoxicity, etc.) and/or the performance of the nanomaterial can be compromised due to the unexpected phenomena in physiological environments (e.g. corrosion, aggregation, unspecific absorption of biomolecules, etc.). Despite the need for standard protocols for assessing the toxicity and bio‐performance of each new functional nanomaterial, these are still scarce or currently under development. Nonetheless, nanotoxicology and relating adverse effects to the physico‐chemical properties of nanomaterials are emerging areas of the utmost importance which have to be continuously revisited as any new material emerges. This review highlights recent progress concerning the interaction of nanomaterials with biological systems and following adverse effects.
Multifunctional Au@mSiO2/Rhodamine B Isothiocyanate Nanocomposites: Cell Imaging, Photocontrolled Drug Release, and Photothermal Therapy for Cancer Cells
Authors: Jiang Zhenlong , Dong Biao , Chen Boting , Wang Jing , Xu Lin , Zhang Shuang , Song Hongwei
Published: October 2012

The synthesis of Au@mesoporous SiO2/rhodamine B isothiocyanate (Au@mSiO2/RBITC) composite nanoparticles (NPs) is presented and their unique biofunctional properties are studied. The structure and morphology of the NPs are characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. These NPs can not only be functionalized for fluorescence imaging, but also possess well‐defined mesopore structures for drug loading and strong infrared surface plasmon absorption for light‐controlled drug release and photothermal therapy for cancer cells. In the biological experiments, one 808 nm laser is coupled to a confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) system to monitor the photothermal therapy, drug release, and cell position and viability in real time by using the multichannel function of CLSM for the first time. Such novel nanomaterials offer a new chemotherapeutic route for cancer treatment by combining cell imaging and hyperthermia in a synergistic way.
Measurement of Thermal Load on Working Rolls during Hot Rolling
Authors: Raudensky Miroslav , Horsky Jaroslav , Ondrouskova Jana , Vervaet Bart
Published: October 2012

Work rolls in hot rolling mills are thermally and mechanically loaded; both of these loading aspects are difficult to measure. Laboratory tests can be used for the specification of the thermal load in the cooling area; however a thermal load in a roll gap is still difficult to measure. The paper describes an experimental technique developed for monitoring the work roll surface temperature by sensors embedded in the work roll. Continuous hot rolling pilot line trials were performed for different process conditions. One parameter, for example, roll cooling, rolling velocity, reduction, or skin cooling, can easily be changed during the trials, and the effect on the thermal cycle of the work roll can be directly measured. These thermal measurements give very detailed information about the temperature field. An inverse heat‐conduction model has been developed to compute the surface boundary condition from the measured temperatures. The heat flux and heat transfer coefficient distribution along the roll circumference can be obtained afterwards. The results for different rolling velocities and reductions (up to 50%) are shown.
Study on the Possibility of Using ZnO for Hot Metal Desulfurization
Authors: Lindström David , Nortier Patrice , Glaser Bjoern , Sichen Du
Published: October 2012

The possibility of using ZnO for desulfurization in hot metal was evaluated. A lab scale experimental setup was designed so that different desulfurizing agents could be added to hot metal for evaluation of their desulfurizing power. The setup had good control of both temperature and the gaseous atmosphere. It also provided stirring of the metal bath with an impeller as well as quenching facility to maintain the metal composition at high temperature. Desulfurization of hot metal using CaO powder showed evidently the applicability of the new setup. On the other hand, additions of ZnO into the hot metal under various experimental conditions showed no effect on desulfurization. The results were in contradiction to the suggestion found in literature. A thorough examination of the thermodynamic data employed by the previous work was carried out. The data used in the literature were found to be subjected to fundamental mistakes. The present experimental results convincingly rule out the possibility of using ZnO as a desulfurization agent.
Assessment of the dynamic effect of steel frame due to sudden middle column loss
Authors: Ali Kheyroddin , Mohsen Gerami , Farshad Mehrabi
Published: October 2012

The term progressive collapse is typically used to refer to the spread of an initial local failure within a structure. This paper proposes a new and simple method to calculate of the dynamic load amplification factor due to sudden column loss within a progressive collapse event in a structure. The conceptual basis of this method is the ability of the remaining structure after column loss to transfer the kinetic energy. Five principal stages are used in this research to achieve its purpose: (1) achieving the nonlinear static response of the remained structure to load using finite element method, (2) using the conceptual ductility at the maximum level of dynamic deformation to calculate the amplification factor, (3) designing a flowchart to determine the dynamic load amplification factor versus a ratio load, (4) achieving a series equation based on the statistical analyses to calculate dynamic load amplification factor and (5) designing a simplified graph using the results achieved from the previous stages. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cooperative localization techniques for wireless sensor networks: free, signal and angle based techniques
Authors: Benslimane Abderrahim , Saad Clement , Konig Jean‐Claude , Boulmalf Mohammed
Published: October 2012

This paper addresses the problem of localization in sensor networks where, initially, a certain number of sensors are aware of their positions (either by using GPS or by being hand‐placed) and are referred to as anchors. Our goal is to localize all sensors with high accuracy, while using a limited number of anchors. Sensors can be equipped with different technologies for signal and angle measurements. These measures can be altered by some errors because of the network environment that induces position inaccuracies. In this paper, we propose a family (AT‐Family) of three new distributed localization techniques in wireless sensor networks: free‐measurement (AT‐Free) where sensors have no capability of measure, signal‐measurement (AT‐Dist) where sensors can calculate distances, and angle‐measurement (AT‐Angle) where sensors can calculate angles. These methods determine the position of each sensor while indicating the accuracy of its position. They have two important properties: first, a sensor node can deduce if its estimated position is close to its real position and contribute to the positioning of others nodes; second, a sensor can eliminate wrong information received about its position. This last property allows to manage measure errors that are the main drawback of measure‐based methods such as AT‐Dist and AT‐Angle techniques. By varying the density and the error rate, simulations show that the three proposed techniques achieve good performances in term of high accuracy of localized nodes and less energy consuming while assuming presence of measure errors and considering low number of anchors. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Na0.28V2O5 Nanobelts and their Electrochemical Behavior in Lithium Batteries
Authors: Nagaraju Ganganagappa
Published: October 2012

A simple low temperature hydrothermal method was found to yield Na0.28V2O5 nanobelts after two days at 130 °C in acidic medium (H2SO4) without using any surfactant. The obtained products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and Raman spectroscopy. Their morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, their electrochemical behavior in a lithium battery was investigated. The XRD pattern shows that the product is composed of monoclinic Na0.28V2O5 nanobelts. From the FTIR spectrum, the band centered at 961 cm–1 is assigned to V=O stretching vibration, which is sensitive to intercalation and suggests that Na+ ions are inserted between the vanadium oxide layers. SEM/TEM analyses reveal that the products consist of a large quantity of nanobelts which have a thickness of 60–150 nm and a length of several tens of micrometers. The electrochemical results show that the nanobelts exhibit an initial discharge specific capacity of 390 mAh·g–1, and its stabilized capacity still remained around 200 mAh·g–1 after the 18th cycle.
The Environmentally Friendly Energetic Salt (ATZ)(TNPG) Based on 4‐Amino‐1, 2, 4‐triazole (ATZ) and Trinitrophloroglucinol (TNPG)
Authors: Wu Bi‐Dong , Zhang Tong‐Lai , Tang Shi‐Min , Yang Li , Zhang Jian‐Guo , Zhou Zun‐Ning
Published: October 2012

The environmentally friendly energetic salt (ATZ)(TNPG) (ATZ = 4‐amino‐1, 2, 4‐triazole, TNPG = trinitrophloroglucinol) was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and FT‐IR spectroscopy. The crystal structure was determined by X‐ray single crystal diffraction. It crystallizes in monoclinic space group P21/c and its crystal density is 1.832 g·cm–3. Thermal decomposition mechanisms were investigated through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In addition, the experimental data showed that the energy of combustion was approximately equal to the energies of combustion of RDX (1, 3, 5‐trinitro‐1, 3, 5‐triazacyclohexane) and HMX (1, 3, 5, 7‐tetranitro‐1, 3, 5, 7‐tetraazocane). The non‐isothermal kinetics parameters were also studied by applying Kissinger's, Ozawa's, and Starink's methods. Determination of the sensitivities revealed higher sensitivities of (ATZ)(TNPG) as compared to (ATZ)(PA) (PA = picrate).
Effects of orexin A on proliferation, survival, apoptosis and differentiation of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes into mature adipocytes
Authors: Skrzypski M. , Kaczmarek P. , Le T.T. , Wojciechowicz T. , Pruszyńska-Oszmalek E. , Szczepankiewicz D. , Sassek M. , Arafat A. , Wiedenmann B. , Nowak K.W. , Strowski M.Z.
Published: October 2012

Metabolic activities of orexin A (OXA) in mature adipocytes are mediated via PI3K/PKB and PPARγ. However, the effects of OXA on preadipocytes are largely unknown. We report here that OXA stimulates the proliferation and viability of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and protects them from apoptosis via ERK1/2, but not through PKB. OXA reduces proapoptotic activity of caspase‐3 via ERK1/2. Inhibition of ERK1/2 prevents the differentiation of preadipocytes into adipocytes. Unlike insulin, neither short‐term nor prolonged exposure of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes to OXA induces preadipocyte differentiation to adipocytes, despite increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Unlike insulin, OXA fails to activate PKB, which explains its inability to induce the differentiation of preadipocytes.
Reducing uncertainty in supplier selection decisions: Antecedents and outcomes of procedural rationality
Authors: Riedl Dominik F. , Kaufmann Lutz , Zimmermann Carsten , Perols Johan L.
Published: October 2012

Supplier selection decisions are characterized by a high degree of uncertainty. We draw upon the behavioral operations management and decision‐making literatures to examine factors that lead to the adoption of procedural rationality as a decision strategy. In addition, we emphasize the effect of procedural rationality on decision‐makers’ perceived uncertainty and subsequent supplier decision performance. Our structural equation model with cross‐country survey data from 461 respondents in the United States and China reveals that (i) organizational, situational, and personal antecedents significantly influence the use of procedural rationality, (ii) procedural rationality is effective in reducing uncertainty in supplier selection decisions, and (iii) the reduction in decision uncertainty improves supplier decision performance. We also emphasize contextual idiosyncrasies between China and the United States.
Strukturwandel im Gesundheitswesen – Neue Bedarfskonstellationen in der Pflegepraxis
Authors: Hasseler Martina
Published: October 2012

Einleitung

Seit vielen Jahren werden Diskussionen darüber geführt, ob es neben der Medizin einer Akademisierung weiterer Gesundheitsfachberufe bedarf. Diese liegen u.a. in strukturellen Veränderungen unserer Gesellschaft begründet. Es bedarf in der Pflege und weiterer Gesundheitsfachberufe an einer Fachlichkeit auf hohem Niveau, um eine qualitativ hochwertige Gesundheits- und Pflegeversorgung sicherzustellen. Studiengänge für die Qualifikation von Pflegenden auf unterschiedlichen Ebenen tragen zur Exzellenzförderung und zur Deckung zukünftiger Bedarfe in der Gesundheits- und Pflegeversorgung bei.
Growth medium composition of coated diamonds from the Sytykanskaya kimberlite pipe (Yakutia)
Authors: Skuzovatov S.Yu. , Zedgenizov D.A. , Ragozin A.L. , Shatsky V.S.
Published: October 2012

We present the first results of studying the major- and trace-element composition of microinclusions in the coats of type IV diamonds from the Sytykanskaya pipe. These microinclusions are of silicate–carbonate composition. Similar compositions are reported for diamonds from the placers of the northeastern Siberian Platform and cuboids from the Internatsional’naya pipe. The microinclusions studied are close to kimberlites and carbonatites in trace-element composition but depleted in HFSE, Mg, and transition metals and enriched in K and LILE. The distribution of incompatible elements in the microinclusions studied is similar to the “table” pattern, which was observed for high-density hydrous-silicic fluids.
High-Ba mica in olivinites of the Guli massif (Maimecha–Kotui province, Siberia)
Authors: Kogarko L.N. , Ryabchikov I.D. , Kuzmin D.V.
Published: October 2012

High-Ba (~ 11 wt.% BaO) phlogopite was found for the first time in olivinites of the Guli intrusion in the Maimecha–Kotui province of ultrabasic alkaline rocks and carbonatites. The high-Ba mica occurs in assemblage with a paragenesis of olivinite minerals—clinopyroxene, titanomagnetite, apatite, and ilmenite. High-Ba mica is an early phlogopite generation. Its magmatic crystallization led to a decrease in Ba content. Low-Ba mica is a late phlogopite generation. The high Ba/K ratios at the early stages of evolution of a mantle magmatic system are necessary for the formation of high-Ba minerals and point to magma formation at great depths and the contribution of mantle metasomatism to the geochemical characteristics of parental magmas.
The physicochemical characteristics and hydrocarbon composition of crude oils of the Timan–Pechora petroliferous basin
Authors: Golovko A.K. , Kam’yanov V.F. , Ogorodnikov V.D.
Published: October 2012

The total hydrocarbon composition and average structural-group characteristics of typical Paleozoic crude oils of the Timan–Pechora petroliferous basin are described. The hydrocarbon (HC) types of crudes are compared, which were conventionally determined from the composition of their gasoline fractions, by mass-spectrometric analysis of the HC composition of crudes, and by structural-group analysis of crudes, based on radiospectrometric data. The analyses have shown the presence of 30 structural types of HCs with up to 43 carbon atoms. The whole series of members up to C43 are specific only for HCs with no more than three rings in the molecule. It has been established that the carbonate strata in the basin under investigation, independently of the depth of their occurrence and the age of the host deposits, generate and accumulate heavy high-resin high-sulfur oils rich in alicyclic structures and assigned by HC composition to the naphthene–methane or even naphthene type. Terrigenous reservoirs here abound in crudes of methane–naphthene type. The contents of sulfur and resinous substances and the fraction of carbon atoms in alicyclic HC structures decrease as the depth of occurrence of the host deposits grows, thus reflecting the known gradual process of “methanization” of petroleum composition.
Actions of amenable equivalence relations on CAT(0) fields
Authors: ANDEREGG MARTIN , HENRY PHILIPPE
Published: October 2012

We present the general notion of Borel fields of metric spaces and show some properties of such fields. Then we make the study specific to the Borel fields of proper CAT(0) spaces and we show that the standard tools we need behave in a Borel way. We also introduce the notion of the action of an equivalence relation on Borel fields of metric spaces and we obtain a rigidity result for the action of an amenable equivalence relation on a Borel field of proper finite dimensional CAT(0) spaces. This main theorem is inspired by the result obtained by Adams and Ballmann regarding the action of an amenable group on a proper CAT(0) space.
Orbit spaces of gradient vector fields
Authors: CALCUT JACK S. , GOMPF ROBERT E.
Published: October 2012

We study orbit spaces of generalized gradient vector fields for Morse functions. Typically, these orbit spaces are non-Hausdorff. Nevertheless, they are quite structured topologically and are amenable to study. We show that these orbit spaces are locally contractible. We also show that the quotient map associated to each such orbit space is a weak homotopy equivalence and has the path lifting property.
Effects of a high protein diet on body weight and comorbidities associated with obesity
Authors: Clifton Peter
Published: October 2012

Red meat intake has been frequently associated with the development of coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes but vegetable protein has been associated with protection from these diseases. Whether this is related to the protein per se or to the increased polyunsaturated fat or higher fibre levels associated with more vegetarian diets is not clear.

High protein diets are associated with greater satiety and in some studies are associated with greater weight loss compared with high carbohydrate diets especially in an ad libitum design. These diets also lower plasma triglyceride and blood pressure and sometimes spare lean mass. There appear to be no harmful effects of high protein diets on bone density or renal function in weight loss studies.
Evidence for validity of ileal digestibility coefficients in monogastrics
Authors: Columbus Daniel , de Lange Cornelis F. M.
Published: October 2012

Measures of amino acid (AA) digestibility are used widely to estimate bioavailability of AA in feed and food ingredients for monogastric animals. In principle, the digestibility assay is simpler thanin vivoassessments of AA bioavailability and allows for simultaneous estimation of the bioavailability of all AA in an experimental diet. It is generally assumed that absorption of intact AA in the hindgut of monogastrics is minimal, even though colonocytes do contain AA transporters and have been shown to absorb AA. This assumption is supported by the observation that infusion of AA into the hindgut does not improve nitrogen balance in monogastrics. In addition, growth performance of monogastrics is more highly correlated with ileal than faecal AA digestibility. Therefore, ileal digestibility coefficients provide better estimates of AA bioavailability than faecal digestibility coefficients. Measures of apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of AA are confounded with endogenous gut AA losses (EAAL). The curvilinear increase in AID of AA with increasing dietary AA level has been attributed to the relatively large contribution of EAAL to total ileal AA flows at low dietary AA levels. Subtracting basal EAAL from total ileal AA flows yields standardized ileal digestibility (SID) coefficients that appear to be more additive than AID coefficients in mixtures of feed ingredients. An implicit assumption when using SID AA coefficients in diet formulation is that the post-absorptive utilization of AA is not influenced by the dietary protein source. This assumption appears inappropriate when using feed or food ingredients that have been over-heated, induce large amounts of EAAL, or contain substantial amounts of fermentable fibre. Improved understanding of processes that contribute to the discrepancy between bioavailability and ileal digestibility will allow a more effective use of AA digestibility coefficients in diet formulation.
Animal models for determining amino acid digestibility in humans – a review
Authors: Deglaire Amelie , Moughan Paul J.
Published: October 2012

Animal models have been commonly used for determining amino acid digestibility in humans. This allows digestibility assays to be undertaken more efficiently than those undertaken using humans directly. The laboratory rat, usually considered as a suitable animal model, has been widely used, especially as the rat is easy to raise and relatively inexpensive to house. Although more technically demanding, the pig has also been promoted as a useful model for human nutrition studies. It may be a better model than the rat, as it is a meal eater, its upper digestive tract is anatomically and physiologically closer to that of humans and it eats most foods consumed by humans. Amino acid digestibility may be determined either at the faecal or the ileal level, the latter being considered the most accurate. This contribution evaluates the suitability of the rat and pig as animal models for assessing ileal and faecal amino acid digestibility in humans. The drawbacks and advantages of using these animal models are discussed. The review is based mainly on results from controlled studies comparing both species; however, as the number of these studies is limited, data from indirect comparisons also provide insight.
Aspects of physical and chemical alterations to proteins during food processing – some implications for nutrition
Authors: Gerrard Juliet A. , Lasse Moritz , Cottam Justine , Healy Jackie P. , Fayle Sian E. , Rasiah Indira , Brown Paula K. , BinYasir Suhaimi Md. , Sutton Kevin H. , Larsen Nigel G.
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we give an overview of our research exploring the impact of physical and chemical processing on food proteins. There are three themes, applied to the proteins of wheat, soya, egg and dairy foods. Firstly, the impact of the Maillard reaction on food proteins is discussed, with a particular focus on how the reactions might be harnessed to manipulate food texture. Secondly, the potential of enzymatic protein-protein crosslinking is considered, especially the enzyme transglutaminase. Thirdly, the broader question of how the aggregation of proteins within a food is altered by chemical and physical modification and how, in turn, this might impact on the overall nutritional quality of the food is considered.
Protein intakes in India
Authors: Swaminathan Sumathi , Vaz Mario , Kurpad Anura V.
Published: October 2012

Indian diets derive almost 60 % of their protein from cereals with relatively low digestibility and quality. There have been several surveys of diets and protein intakes in India by the National Nutrition Monitoring Board (NNMB) over the last 25 years, in urban and rural, as well as in slum dwellers and tribal populations. Data of disadvantaged populations from slums, tribals and sedentary rural Indian populations show that the protein intake (mainly from cereals) is about 1 gm/kg/day. However, the protein intake looks less promising in terms of the protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS), using lysine as the first limiting amino acid, where all populations, particularly rural and tribal, appear to have an inadequate quality to their protein intake. The protein: energy (PE) ratio is a measure of dietary quality, and has been used in the 2007 WHO/FAO/UNU report to define reference requirement values with which the adequacy of diets can be evaluated in terms of a protein quality corrected PE ratio. It is likely that about one third of this sedentary rural population is at risk of not meeting their requirements. These levels of risk of deficiency are in a population with relatively low BMI populations, whose diets are also inadequate in fruits and vegetables. Therefore, while the burden of enhancing the quality of protein intake in rural India exists, the quality of the diet, in general, represents a challenge that must be met.
The role of high-protein diets in body weight management and health
Authors: Te Morenga Lisa , Mann Jim
Published: October 2012

Studies examining the health benefits of high-protein diets typical of most affluent and many developing countries are not consistent. Prospective epidemiological studies relating dietary protein to clinical and metabolic endpoints suggest increased weight gain and increased risk of diabetes amongst those with a high protein intake and an increased risk of cancer with high intakes of red meat, but lower blood pressure and possibly a reduced risk of heart disease with higher protein intakes. The potential for high-protein diets to confer greater benefit than other diets has been examined using ad libitum and energy restricted diets. Of greatest interest have been the comparisons between high-protein and high-carbohydrate diets. Many trials have reported greater weight loss especially in the context of ad libitum diets over the short-to medium-term, sparing of lean body mass, lowering of triglyceride levels, improved HDL: total cholesterol ratio and improved glycaemic control. Limited data regarding insulin sensitivity are less consistent. A major difficulty in interpreting the results of these studies is that carbohydrate quality has not been taken into account. Furthermore, longer term comparisons of weight reducing diets differing in macronutrient composition have reported similar outcomes, suggesting that compliance is a more important consideration. Nevertheless dietary patterns with high-protein intakes are appropriate for weight reduction and weight maintenance and may be useful for those who have high triglyceride levels and other features of the metabolic syndrome.
New perspectives in the control of body protein metabolism
Authors: McNurlan Margaret A.
Published: October 2012

Recent advances in elucidating the mechanisms that control body protein synthesis and degradation both expand and complicate our understanding of how these processes are regulated. This review presents an introduction to the multiple regulatory systems involved, emphasizing the number of potential controls. These include gene transcription, gene activation or suppression, activation or suppression of mRNA translation and activation or suppression of signaling pathways. The complexity of these interacting controls presents a challenge to our understanding of the overall coordinated regulation of protein synthesis and degradation and its response to any particular stimulus. Specific examples are used to illustrate regulatory mechanisms, including the ways in which protein metabolism is regulated by the amino acid leucine. In addition to regulation associated with gene expression and post-translational control, the expanding field of epigenetics adds another layer of complexity, including trans-generational responses to nutrient intake, highlighting the potential for long-term impact of nutritional experience on the metabolism of subsequent generations.
Recent advances in determining protein and amino acid requirements in humans
Authors: Elango Rajavel , Ball Ronald O. , Pencharz Paul B.
Published: October 2012

During the past 25 years a significant amount of research has been conducted to determine amino acid requirements in humans. This is primarily due to advancements in the application of stable isotopes to examine amino acid requirements. The indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) method has emerged as a robust and minimally invasive technique to identify requirements. The IAAO method is based on the concept that when one indispensable dietary amino acid (IDAA) is deficient for protein synthesis, then the excess of all other IDAA, including the indicator amino acid, will be oxidized. With increasing intakes of the limiting amino acid, IAAO will decrease, reflecting increasing incorporation into protein. Once the requirement for the limiting amino acid is met there will be no further change in the indicator oxidation. The IAAO method has been systematically applied to determine most IDAA requirements in adults. The estimates are comparable to the values obtained using the more elaborate 24h-indicator amino acid oxidation and balance (24h-IAAO/IAAB) model. Due to its non-invasive nature the IAAO method has also been used to determine requirements for amino acids in neonates, children and in disease. The IAAO model has recently been applied to determine total protein requirements in humans. The IAAO method is rapid, reliable and has been used to determine amino acid requirements in different species, across the life cycle and in disease. The recent application of IAAO to determine protein requirements in humans is novel and has significant implications for dietary protein intake recommendations globally.