bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissolution of colemanite process waste in oxalic acid solutions
Authors: Bayca Salih U. , Kocan Feray , Abali Yuksel
Published: November 2013

The dissolution of colemanite waste in oxalic acid solutions was studied in a batch reactor, and the characterization of colemanite waste was determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis and X‐ray Fluorescence analysis. The dissolution parameters in this study were acid concentration, stirring speed, and reaction temperature, and it was observed that the dissolution rate increased with increasing reaction temperature. The experimental data were examined by using homogeneous and heterogeneous kinetic models, and the dissolution kinetics of the waste was determined to be a pseudo‐first‐order homogeneous reaction control model. The activation energy of colemanite waste in oxalic acid solution was calculated to be 27.80 kJ/mol. Thus, pure boric acid crystals can be produced using of colemanite waste, and this can benefit the environment and the economy. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 1111–1116, 2014
Loss of Control over Eating: A Description of the Eating Disorder/Obesity Spectrum in Women
Authors: Villarejo Cynthia , Jiménez‐Murcia Susana , Álvarez‐Moya Eva , Granero Roser , Penelo Eva , Treasure Janet , Vilarrasa Núria , Gil‐Montserrat de Bernabé Mónica , Casanueva Felipe F. , Tinahones Francisco J. , Fernández‐Real José Manuel , Frühbeck Gema , de la Torre Rafael , Botella Cristina , Agüera Zaida , Menchón José Manuel , Fernández‐Aranda Fernando
Published: November 2013

Goals

This study aimed to analyse the association, commonalities and differences between obesity and eating disorders (ED).

Method

A total of 150 female patients [50 obese with bulimia nervosa (OB + BN), 50 obese with binge eating disorders (OB + BED), 50 obese without eating disorders (OB)] and 50 female healthy‐eating/weight control (CG) volunteers participated in this study.

Assessment

All participants were assessed by the Eating Disorders Inventory‐2 (EDI‐2), the Symptom Checklist‐Revised (SCL‐90‐R) and the Temperament and Character Inventory‐Revised.

Results

In general, all the groups differed significantly and showed linear trends (OB + BN > OB + BED > OB > CG) on general and eating psychopathology (SCL‐90‐R and EDI‐2). Regarding personality traits, statistically significant differences across all four groups were found on Harm Avoidance and Self‐Directedness. Whereas some symptoms were shared in extreme weight conditions, others were specifically related to ED.

Conclusions

The presence of binge and purge symptomatology in obese patients is clinically relevant. These findings help to understand the relationship between Obesity and ED. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
China's food security is threatened by the unsustainable use of water resources in North and Northwest China
Authors: Du Taisheng , Kang Shaozhong , Zhang Xiying , Zhang Jianhua
Published: November 2013

China has a growing population of 1.35 billion at the moment and has been largely self‐sufficient in its food production. In consideration of the major agricultural resources (land, available fresh water, and ambient temperature), China is actually very vulnerable in maintaining its food security. Due to the unfavorable distributions of its water resources and temperature conditions, almost all the land that can be cropped has been utilized. Over cropping and over irrigation has led to some serious problems in two major areas of this country. In Northwest China where most of the land belongs to the inland river system, over expanding of irrigated area has resulted in some serious ecological problems, such as shrinking of oasis and desertification of grasslands. In North China Plain where about half of the country's wheat and maize are produced, over cropping has been supplemented with underground water for several decades, which has led to fast drop of underground water table, for example, 0.88 m per year in the recent 30 years at Luancheng County. China's food security is threatened by its diminishing and unsustainable use of water resources. Integrative agronomic, biological, engineering, and administrative practices that can sustainably use the water resources will be the key ways out to secure the country's future food production.
Effects of chemical agents on physical properties and structure of primary pulp chamber dentin
Authors: Miori Pascon Fernanda , Rosamilia Kantovitz Kamila , Franciele Gaspar Juliana , De Paula Andreia Bolzan , Puppin‐Rontani Regina Maria
Published: November 2013

This study evaluated the effects of chemical agents on the physical properties and structure of primary pulp chamber dentin using surface roughness, microhardness tests, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Twenty‐five primary teeth were sectioned exposing the pulp chamber and were divided into five groups (n = 5): NT, no treatment; SH1, 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); SH1U, 1% NaOCl + Endo‐PTC®; SH1E, 1% NaOCl + 17% EDTA; and E, 17% EDTA. After dentin treatment, the specimens were submitted to roughness, microhardness testing, and SEM analysis. Roughness and microhardness data were submitted to one‐way ANOVA and Tukey's test (P < 0.05). The SH1E group showed the highest roughness, followed by the E group (P < 0.05) when compared with the NT, SH1, and SH1U groups. Microhardness values of SH1 and SH1U showed no significant difference as compared to the NT (control) group (P > 0.05). Microhardness values could not be obtained in the EDTA groups (SH1E and E). The presence of intertubular dentin with opened dentin tubules was observed in the NT, SH1, and SH1U groups. SH1E showed eroded and disorganized dentin with few opened tubules and the intertubular/peritubular dentin was partially removed. Considering the physical and structural approaches and the chemical agents studied, it can be concluded that NaOCl and NaOCl associated with Endo‐PTC® were the agents that promoted the smallest changes in surface roughness, microhardness, and structure of the pulp chamber dentin of primary teeth. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:52–56, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mass spectrometry imaging as a tool for surgical decision‐making
Authors: Calligaris David , Norton Isaiah , Feldman Daniel R. , Ide Jennifer L. , Dunn Ian F. , Eberlin Livia S. , Graham Cooks R. , Jolesz Ferenc A. , Golby Alexandra J. , Santagata Sandro , Agar Nathalie Y.
Published: November 2013

Despite significant advances in image‐guided therapy, surgeons are still too often left with uncertainty when deciding to remove tissue. This binary decision between removing and leaving tissue during surgery implies that the surgeon should be able to distinguish tumor from healthy tissue. In neurosurgery, current image‐guidance approaches such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with neuronavigation offer a map as to where the tumor should be, but the only definitive method to characterize the tissue at stake is histopathology. Although extremely valuable information is derived from this gold standard approach, it is limited to very few samples during surgery and is not practically used for the delineation of tumor margins. The development and implementation of faster, comprehensive, and complementary approaches for tissue characterization are required to support surgical decision‐making – an incremental and iterative process with tumor removed in multiple and often minute biopsies. The development of atmospheric pressure ionization sources makes it possible to analyze tissue specimens with little to no sample preparation. Here, we highlight the value of desorption electrospray ionization as one of many available approaches for the analysis of surgical tissue. Twelve surgical samples resected from a patient during surgery were analyzed and diagnosed as glioblastoma tumor or necrotic tissue by standard histopathology, and mass spectrometry results were further correlated to histopathology for critical validation of the approach. The use of a robust statistical approach reiterated results from the qualitative detection of potential biomarkers of these tissue types. The correlation of the mass spectrometry and histopathology results to MRI brings significant insight into tumor presentation that could not only serve to guide tumor resection, but that is also worthy of more detailed studies on our understanding of tumor presentation on MRI. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relative Contributions of Polarizability and Free Volume in Reduction of Refractive Index and Dielectric Constant with Fluorine Substitution in Polyimides by Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy
Authors: Hougham Gareth G. , Jean Y. C.
Published: November 2013

Fluorine atom incorporation into polymers typically yields a low refractive index and dielectric constant. Two effects contribute to this: the decreased electronic polarizability of the C–F bond relative to C–H, and the introduction of additional fractional free volume due to less dense polymer chain packing. Here, it is reported that the change in fractional free volume contributes an average of 49% of the observed decrease in refractive index and 64% of the 1 kHz dielectric constant for symmetric structures. This surprisingly large magnitude is found comparing exact fluorine/hydrogen analogous pairs of polyimides using positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) spectroscopy and the application of a Lorenz–Lorentz normalization.

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Ammonium Carbamate Functionalization of Microgels for pH‐Sensitive Loading and Release of Anionic and Cationic Molecules
Authors: Behra Muriel , Hartmann Laura
Published: November 2013

The functionalization of porous microgels with polyamines is presented along with their partial conversion into carbamates with CO2 for an efficient loading and release via electrostatic interactions. The resulting ammonium carbamate particles switch their charge from negative at pH 10 to positive at pH 5 and present a zwitterionic state at pH 7. Thus, they can easily be loaded with both cationic and anionic molecules. Furthermore, the ammonium carbamate functionalization allows for an efficient release at pH values between 5.0 and 7.4, whereas classical functionalization with carboxy‐ or amine‐groups requires pH values below pH 4 or above pH 9. This versatile and easy‐to‐install functionalization has a great potential for various applications, such as the loading and release of drugs or nanoparticles from hydrogels.

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Minimal training is required to reliably perform quantitative ultrasound of muscle
Authors: Zaidman Craig m. , WU JIM S. , Wilder Sarah , Darras Basil T. , Rutkove Seward B.
Published: November 2013

Introduction: Quantitative ultrasound can measure skeletal muscle pathology. We investigated whether inexperienced evaluators could accurately obtain and analyze ultrasound images. Methods: Two examiners underwent a 20‐minute training session before obtaining ultrasound images of several limb muscles in 21 healthy boys and 19 boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Gray scale levels (GSLs) of muscle and subcutaneous fat were then measured by 2 analysts: a trained research assistant and a radiologist. We compared results between examiners and analysts. Results: Interrater reliability of muscle GSLs was high between examiners (ICC ≥ 0.85) and analysts (ICC ≥ 0.84). As anticipated, GSLs were higher in dystrophic than in healthy muscles (P < 0.001). Fat GSLs were less reliable (ICC = 0.5–0.89) than muscle and increased with age and body size. Conclusions: GSLs from ultrasound images of healthy and dystrophic skeletal muscle, but not from subcutaneous fat, can be obtained reliably and can be analyzed by inexperienced evaluators with minimal training. Muscle Nerve 50: 124–128, 2014
The future of targeted peptidomics
Authors: Findeisen Peter
Published: November 2013

Targeted MS is becoming increasingly important for sensitive and specific quantitative detection of proteins and respective PTMs. In this article, Ceglarek et al. [Proteomics Clin. Appl. 2013, 7, 794–801] present an LC‐MS‐based method for simultaneous quantitation of seven apolipoproteins in serum specimens. The assay fulfills many necessities of routine diagnostic applications, namely, low cost, high throughput, and good reproducibility. We anticipate that validation of new biomarkers will speed up with this technology and the palette of laboratory‐based diagnostic tools will hopefully be augmented significantly in the near future.
Human interleukin‐23 receptor antagonists derived from an albumin‐binding domain scaffold inhibit IL‐23‐dependent ex vivo expansion of IL‐17‐producing T‐cells
Authors: Kuchař Milan , Vaňková Lucie , Petroková Hana , Černý Jiří , Osička Radim , Pelák Ondřej , Šípová Hana , Schneider Bohdan , Homola Jiří , Šebo Peter , Kalina Tomáš , Malý Petr
Published: November 2013

Engineered combinatorial libraries derived from small protein scaffolds represent a powerful tool for generating novel binders with high affinity, required specificity and designed inhibitory function. This work was aimed to generate a collection of recombinant binders of human interleukin‐23 receptor (IL‐23R), which is a key element of proinflammatory IL‐23‐mediated signaling. A library of variants derived from the three‐helix bundle scaffold of the albumin‐binding domain (ABD) of streptococcal protein G and ribosome display were used to select for high‐affinity binders of recombinant extracellular IL‐23R. A collection of 34 IL‐23R‐binding proteins (called REX binders), corresponding to 18 different sequence variants, was used to identify a group of ligands that inhibited binding of the recombinant p19 subunit of IL‐23, or the biologically active human IL‐23 cytokine, to the recombinant IL‐23R or soluble IL‐23R‐IgG chimera. The strongest competitors for IL‐23R binding in ELISA were confirmed to recognize human IL‐23R‐IgG in surface plasmon resonance experiments, estimating the binding affinity in the sub‐ to nanomolar range. We further demonstrated that several REX variants bind to human leukemic cell lines K‐562, THP‐1 and Jurkat, and this binding correlated with IL‐23R cell‐surface expression. The REX125, REX009 and REX128 variants competed with the p19 protein for binding to THP‐1 cells. Moreover, the presence of REX125, REX009 and REX115 variants significantly inhibited the IL‐23‐driven expansion of IL‐17‐producing primary human CD4+ T‐cells. Thus, we conclude that unique IL‐23R antagonists derived from the ABD scaffold were generated that might be useful in designing novel anti‐inflammatory biologicals. Proteins 2014; 82:975–989. © 2013 The Authors. Proteins: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solution structure and interface‐driven self‐assembly of NC2, a new member of the Class II hydrophobin proteins
Authors: Ren Qin , Kwan Ann H. , Sunde Margaret
Published: November 2013

Hydrophobins are fungal proteins that self‐assemble spontaneously to form amphipathic monolayers at hydrophobic:hydrophilic interfaces. Hydrophobin assemblies facilitate fungal transitions between wet and dry environments and interactions with plant and animal hosts. NC2 is a previously uncharacterized hydrophobin from Neurospora crassa. It is a highly surface active protein and is able to form protein layers on a water:air interface that stabilize air bubbles. On a hydrophobic substrate, NC2 forms layers consisting of an ordered network of protein molecules, which dramatically decrease the water contact angle. The solution structure and dynamics of NC2 have been determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The structure of this protein displays the same core fold as observed in other hydrophobin structures determined to date, including the Class II hydrophobins HFBI and HFBII from Trichoderma reesei, but certain features illuminate the structural differences between Classes I and II hydrophobins and also highlight the variations between structures of Class II hydrophobin family members. The unique properties of hydrophobins have attracted much attention for biotechnology applications. The insights obtained through determining the structure, biophysical properties and assembly characteristics of NC2 will facilitate the development of hydrophobin‐based applications. Proteins 2014; 82:990–1003. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population shift of binding pocket size and dynamic correlation analysis shed new light on the anticooperative mechanism of PII protein
Authors: Ma Cheng‐Wei , Lüddecke Jan , Forchhammer Karl , Zeng An‐Ping
Published: November 2013

PII protein is one of the largest families of signal transduction proteins in archaea, bacteria, and plants, controlling key processes of nitrogen assimilation. An intriguing characteristic for many PII proteins is that the three ligand binding sites exhibit anticooperative allosteric regulation. In this work, PII protein from Synechococcus elongatus, a model for cyanobacteria and plant PII proteins, is utilized to reveal the anticooperative mechanism upon binding of 2‐oxoglutarate (2‐OG). To this end, a method is proposed to define the binding pocket size by identifying residues that contribute greatly to the binding of 2‐OG. It is found that the anticooperativity is realized through population shift of the binding pocket size in an asymmetric manner. Furthermore, a new algorithm based on the dynamic correlation analysis is developed and utilized to discover residues that mediate the anticooperative process with high probability. It is surprising to find that the T‐loop, which is believed to be responsible for mediating the binding of PII with its target proteins, also takes part in the intersubunit signal transduction process. Experimental results of PII variants further confirmed the influence of T‐loop on the anticooperative regulation, especially on binding of the third 2‐OG. These discoveries extend our understanding of the PII T‐loop from being essential in versatile binding of target protein to signal‐mediating in the anticooperative allosteric regulation. Proteins 2014; 82:1048–1059. © 2013 The Authors. Proteins: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Packing interface energetics in different crystal forms of the λ Cro dimer
Authors: Ahlstrom Logan S. , Miyashita Osamu
Published: November 2013

Variation among crystal structures of the λ Cro dimer highlights conformational flexibility. The structures range from a wild type closed to a mutant fully open conformation, but it is unclear if each represents a stable solution state or if one may be the result of crystal packing. Here we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to investigate the energetics of crystal packing interfaces and the influence of site‐directed mutagenesis on them in order to examine the effect of crystal packing on wild type and mutant Cro dimer conformation. Replica exchange MD of mutant Cro in solution shows that the observed conformational differences between the wild type and mutant protein are not the direct consequence of mutation. Instead, simulation of Cro in different crystal environments reveals that mutation affects the stability of crystal forms. Molecular Mechanics Poisson‐Boltzmann Surface Area binding energy calculations reveal the detailed energetics of packing interfaces. Packing interfaces can have diverse properties in strength, energetic components, and some are stronger than the biological dimer interface. Further analysis shows that mutation can strengthen packing interfaces by as much as ∼5 kcal/mol in either crystal environment. Thus, in the case of Cro, mutation provides an additional energetic contribution during crystal formation that may stabilize a fully open higher energy state. Moreover, the effect of mutation in the lattice can extend to packing interfaces not involving mutation sites. Our results provide insight into possible models for the effect of crystallization on Cro conformational dynamics and emphasize careful consideration of protein crystal structures. Proteins 2014; 82:1128–1141. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electro‐elastic properties of YCa4O(BO3)3 piezoelectric crystals
Authors: Yu Fapeng , Hou Shuai , Zhang Shujun , Lu Qingming , Zhao Xian
Published: November 2013

YCa4O(BO3)3 (YCOB) crystal was reported to be a potential material for high temperature piezoelectric sensing applications. In this paper, the full matrix of electro‐elastic constants, including dielectric permittivities, elastic constants, and piezoelectric coefficients were determined. The relative dielectric permittivities were measured to be , , , and , respectively. The piezoelectric coefficients were determined to be d11 = 1.7, d12 = 3.9, d13 = −4.2, d15 = −1.1, d24 = 4.4, d26 = 7.9, d31 = −0.77, d32 = −2.5, d33 = 1.4, and d35 = −5.0 pC N−1. In addition, piezoelectric cross‐talks of YCOB crystals were investigated, where (XZlw)45°/35° and (YXt)−30° crystal cuts were found to possess pure thickness shear mode, with relatively large effective piezoelectric coefficients, being on the order of d15 = 8.8 and d26 = 9.0 pC N−1, respectively.
Effect of boron addition on interface microstructure and thermal conductivity of Cu/diamond composites produced by high temperature–high pressure method
Authors: He Jinshan , Zhang Hailong , Zhang Yang , Zhao Yameng , Wang Xitao
Published: November 2013

In order to obtain high thermal conductivity materials for efficient heat sink applications, diamond particles dispersed CuB alloy matrix composites (CuB/diamond composites) containing diamond as high as 90 vol.% were produced by a high temperature–high pressure infiltration method. The thermal conductivity of the Cu–0.3 wt.%B/diamond composite was measured to be 731 W m−1 K−1. The presence of B4C on the surface of diamond was identified by Raman scattering. The influence of B addition on interface microstructure was clarified to interpret the thermal conductivity enhancement. The results show that B addition can improve the thermal conductivity of Cu/diamond composites produced by high temperature–high pressure infiltration method.
A Note on the Multivariate Process Capability Index MCpm
Authors: Scagliarini Michele
Published: November 2013

Important features of multivariate process capability indices are comparability, interpretability and ease of implementation. When poor process capability is indicated by an index, the user should determine why the process is incapable (e.g. excessive variability or off‐target process mean). One of the most used multivariate process capability indices is MCpm because it provides assessments of process precision and accuracy. In this work, we study and discuss a peculiarity of MCpm: processes that are equivalent in terms of precision, accuracy and MCpm index, after the occurrence of the same increase in the process variability, can have different values of the index. Because MCpm is often used for comparing processes, this behaviour may cause comparability difficulties. Therefore, we suggest how to take into account this specific behaviour for avoiding erroneous conclusions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CIT: A credit‐based incentive tariff scheme with fraud‐traceability for smart grid
Authors: Wen Mi , Zhang Kuan , Lei Jingsheng , Liang Xiaohui , Deng Ruilong , Shen Xuemin (Sherman)
Published: November 2013

The growing peak‐hour power demand has invoked an urgency to increase the peak‐hour supply. Although smart grid has been envisioned as the next generation power system due to its two‐way communication of information and power, the peak‐hour power shortage problem still exists. In this paper, we propose a credit‐based incentive tariff (CIT) scheme with fraud‐traceability for smart grid. Specifically, the CIT encourages retail customers to sell the power generated by their renewable resources back to the grid during peak hours via giving additional incentive rate to them based on their credits. If a fraud is detected during the power transaction, the malicious customer's identity can be traced out and his or her credit can be correspondingly reduced. The security analysis shows that the CIT resists various security threats and makes the incentive tariff fair and more secure. The performance evaluation demonstrates that the CIT can dramatically increase the peak‐hour supply and reduce the peak‐to‐average power demand ratio by up to 7%. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolically Active Human Brown Adipose Tissue Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Silva Francisco J , Holt Dolly J , Vargas Vanessa , Yockman James , Boudina Sihem , Atkinson Donald , Grainger David W. , Revelo Monica P. , Sherman Warren , Bull David A. , Patel Amit N.
Published: November 2013

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a key role in the evolutionarily conserved mechanisms underlying energy homeostasis in mammals. It is characterized by fat vacuoles 5–10 μm in diameter and expression of uncoupling protein one, central to the regulation of thermogenesis. In the human newborn, BAT depots are typically grouped around the vasculature and solid organs. These depots maintain body temperature during cold exposure by warming the blood before its distribution to the periphery. They also ensure an optimal temperature for biochemical reactions within solid organs. BAT had been thought to involute throughout childhood and adolescence. Recent studies, however, have confirmed the presence of active BAT in adult humans with depots residing in cervical, supraclavicular, mediastinal, paravertebral, and suprarenal regions. While human pluripotent stem cells have been differentiated into functional brown adipocytes in vitro and brown adipocyte progenitor cells have been identified in murine skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue, multipotent metabolically active BAT-derived stem cells from a single depot have not been identified in adult humans to date. Here, we demonstrate a clonogenic population of metabolically active BAT stem cells residing in adult humans that can: (a) be expanded in vitro; (b) exhibit multilineage differentiation potential; and (c) functionally differentiate into metabolically active brown adipocytes. Our study defines a new target stem cell population that can be activated to restore energy homeostasis in vivo for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders. Stem Cells  2014;32:572–581
Degenerating Black Saturns
Authors: Eckstein Michal
Published: November 2013

Abstract

We investigate the possibility of constructing degenerate Black Saturns in the family of solutions of Elvang-Figueras. We demonstrate that such solutions suffer from naked singularities.
Spacetime emergence via holographic RG flow from incompressible Navier-Stokes at the horizon
Authors: Kuperstein Stanislav , Mukhopadhyay Ayan
Published: November 2013

Abstract

We show that holographic RG flow can be defined precisely such that it corresponds to emergence of spacetime. We consider the case of pure Einstein’s gravity with a negative cosmological constant in the dual hydrodynamic regime. The holographic RG flow is a system of first order differential equations for radial evolution of the energy-momentum tensor and the variables which parametrize it’s phenomenological form on hypersurfaces in a foliation. The RG flow can be constructed without explicit knowledge of the bulk metric provided the hypersurface foliation is of a special kind. The bulk metric can be reconstructed once the RG flow equations are solved. We show that the full spacetime can be determined from the RG flow by requiring that the horizon fluid is a fixed point in a certain scaling limit leading to the non-relativistic incompressible Navier-Stokes dynamics. This restricts the near-horizon forms of all transport coefficients, which are thus determined independently of their asymptotic values and the RG flow can be solved uniquely. We are therefore able to recover the known boundary values of almost all transport coefficients at the first and second orders in the derivative expansion. We conjecture that the complete characterisation of the general holographic RG flow, including the choice of counterterms, might be determined from the hydrodynamic regime.
LC–ESI–MS Characterization of Phenolic Profiles Turkish Olive Oils as Influenced by Geographic Origin and Harvest Year
Authors: Kesen Songul , Kelebek Hasim , Selli Serkan
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate and compare the differences in the phenolic fractions and antioxidant properties of virgin olive oils from the Nizip yaglik and Kilis yaglik olive varieties cultivated in native and different olive growing areas of Turkey. The phenolic composition of olive oils was carried out by HPLC‐DAD and identifications were made by LC–MS. Fourteen phenolic compounds were identified and among these compounds elenolic acid, tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol were the most dominant. Based on the results, there was no difference in distribution of phenolic compounds, but the total phenolic content in oil from native regions was higher than in oil from Bornova regions. The antioxidant capacity of olive oil extracts was determined by two different methods, including DPPH and ABTS. In both methods, antioxidant capacity values were higher in oil from native regions.
A computational tool to predict the evolutionarily conserved protein–protein interaction hot‐spot residues from the structure of the unbound protein
Authors: Agrawal Neeraj J. , Helk Bernhard , Trout Bernhardt L.
Published: November 2013

Identifying hot‐spot residues – residues that are critical to protein–protein binding – can help to elucidate a protein's function and assist in designing therapeutic molecules to target those residues. We present a novel computational tool, termed spatial‐interaction‐map (SIM), to predict the hot‐spot residues of an evolutionarily conserved protein–protein interaction from the structure of an unbound protein alone. SIM can predict the protein hot‐spot residues with an accuracy of 36–57%. Thus, the SIM tool can be used to predict the yet unknown hot‐spot residues for many proteins for which the structure of the protein–protein complexes are not available, thereby providing a clue to their functions and an opportunity to design therapeutic molecules to target these proteins.
Anticalins: Exploiting a non‐Ig scaffold with hypervariable loops for the engineering of binding proteins
Authors: Richter A. , Eggenstein E. , Skerra A.
Published: November 2013

Antibodies, which can recognize a plethora of possible antigens, have been considered as a paradigm of protein engineering performed by nature itself. Lipocalins constitute a distinct family of proteins with functions in ligand binding and transport that occur in many organisms, including man. Like antibodies, lipocalins exhibit a structurally conserved framework – a β‐barrel with an attached α‐helix – which supports four structurally hypervariable loops forming a cup‐shaped binding site. Thus, lipocalins offer an ideal platform for protein engineering to generate novel binding reagents. Using recombinant/synthetic DNA technology and methods of combinatorial library selection, ‘Anticalins’ with prescribed target specificities can be easily generated. Anticalins with picomolar affinities have been developed for three classes of ligands having relevance in basic research and/or medical application: small molecules, peptides, and proteinaceous signalling molecules as well as cell surface receptors. Anticalins derived from human lipocalins have already reached the clinical trial stage. Due to their very small size and simple composition of a single polypeptide chain, which also facilitates the construction of bifunctional fusion proteins, Anticalins promise benefits as a next class of biopharmaceuticals.
Comparative analysis of adverse events between infliximab and adalimumab in Crohn's disease management: a Brazilian single-centre experience
Authors: Kotze Paulo Gustavo , Akiyoshi Fernando Kenji , Luvizotto Mateus , Olandoski Márcia , Kotze Lorete Maria da Silva , Coy Cláudio Saddy Rodrigues
Published: November 2013

Introduction Data is scarce regarding adverse events (AE) of biological therapy used in the management of Crohn's Disease (CD) among Brazilian patients.

Objectives To analyse AE prevalence and profile in patients with CD treated with Infliximab (IFX) or Adalimumab (ADA) and to verify whether there are differences between the two drugs.

Method Retrospective observational single-centre study of CD patients on biological therapy. Variables analysed: Demographic data, Montreal classification, biological agent adminis- tered, treatment duration, presence and type of AE and the need for treatment interruption.

Results Forty-nine patients were analysed, 25 treated with ADA and 24 with IFX. The groups were homogeneous in relation to the variables studied. The average follow-up period for the group treated with ADA was 19.3 months and 21.8 months for the IFX group (p = 0.585). Overall, 40% (n = 10) of patients taking ADA had AE compared with 50% (n = 12) of IFX users (p = 0.571). There was a tendency towards higher incidence of cutaneous and infusion reac- tions in the IFX group and higher incidence of infections in the ADA treated group, although without significant difference.

Conclusions No difference was found in the AE prevalence and profile between ADA and IFX CD patients in the population studied.
Quality of life assessment in the late postoperative period of patients with rectal cancer submitted to total mesorectal excision
Authors: Neto Paulo Rocha França , Queiroz Fábio Lopes de , Staino Isabella Rocha França Longo , Filho Antônio Lacerda
Published: November 2013

After the introduction of total mesorectal excision (TME) and radiochemotherapy, excellent results have been achieved in the treatment of patients with rectal cancer. With better oncologic control of the disease, the functional results of this type of therapeutic approach and their impact on the quality of life (QOL) of patients started to be increasingly valued. The aims of this study were to evaluate the QOL of patients with rectal cancer submitted to TME in the late postoperative period and the possible factors that directly influence their quality of life. A total of 72 patients submitted to TME due to extraperitoneal rectal tumor were assessed, after at least one postoperative year, by applying QOL questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-CR38), in addition to a specific clinical questionnaire and rectal examination. Patients were evaluated regarding gender, age, indication of radiotherapy and chemotherapy preoperatively, length of postoperative period, distance from the anastomosis to the anal verge and general health status. The mean overall health status of patients was satisfactory (82.06). There was no difference in overall health status between patients with respect to gender, but the male patients had less insomnia (p = 0.002), better future prospects (p = 0.011), fewer effects of chemotherapy (p = 0.020) and better sexual function (p < 0.0001). Patients younger than 50 years had fewer urinary problems (p = 0.035), whereas those older than 65 years reported poorer sexual function (p = 0.012). Patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy had more diarrhea (p = 0.012). Quality of life did not change significantly with time after surgery and the distance from the anastomosis to the anal verge. We conclude that patients undergoing TME have a good quality of life one year after the surgery and that the factors capable of affecting QOL should be identified and improved.
Relationship between nutritional status and immediate complications in patients undergoing colorectal surgery
Authors: de Souza Vanina Cordeiro , Dourado Keila Fernandes , Lima Airta Larissa Cerqueira , Bernardo Evane , Caraciollo Patrícia
Published: November 2013

Introduction several complications may occur during colorectal surgical procedures and factors, such as nutritional status, substantially contribute to this problem.

Objective evaluate the relationship between nutritional status (determined by different tools) and the emergence of early postoperative complications, as well as analyze social parameters, lifestyle, food intake, and time to diet reintroduction.

Methods case series study conducted in the surgical proctologic ward of the Hospital Barão de Lucena, Recife, Pernambuco, with individuals of both sexes diagnosed with colorectal cancer who underwent a surgical procedure involving at least one anastomosis. Social, demographic and clinical data, life style, dietary intake, nutritional status, and the immediate postsurgical complications were evaluated.

Results among the 31 patients studied, there was a higher prevalence of females (74.2%), mean age of 61.9 ± 12.4 years old, and the rectum was the primary site of cancer in 54.8%. Most patients came from the countryside, were retirees, had lower education, consumed too much red meat, processed meats, and fats, with low consumption of fruits and vegetables, and were sedentary. Regarding nutritional status, nutritional risk was found in 58.1%, mean BMI of 25.7 ± 6.8 kg/m2, and 54.8% had significant weight loss. Additionally, 38.7% had some of the immediate complications, particularly paralytic ileus and abdominal distension. There was a delay in the onset of renourishment, and there was no association between nutritional status and immediate complications.

Conclusion colorectal cancer is closely related to eating habits and lifestyle. Patients with this malignancy have a marked weight loss; however, in this study, we found no association between nutritional status and the incidence of postoperative complications.
The epidemiological and clinical features of familial adenomatous polyposis in Ribeirão Preto
Authors: Feitosa Marley Ribeiro , Oliveira Tais Helena Garcia Fernandes de , Kondo Bruno Ravenna Pinheiro , Lira Haline Gomes de , Abissamra André Antonio , Parra Rogério Serafim , Féres Omar , Rocha Jose Joaquim Ribeiro da
Published: November 2013

Purpose to study 75 familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients treated in a single institution in Ribeirão Preto/SP, from January 1981 to December 2011.

Methods this is a retrospective study and the following data were collected: gender, age, main symptoms, familial history, coexisting malignancies, surgical treatment, surgical morbidity and mortality, factors related to life quality.

Results median age was 29 years. Male-to-female ratio was 1.2:1. Bleeding was the most common symptom (62.6%). Colorectal cancer incidence was 25.5% (n = 19). Extracolonic neoplasia incidence was 8%. Colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) was performed in 72% of the patients. Eighteen patients (24%) were submitted to proctocolectomy with “J-pouch” ileoanal anastomosis. In three patients (4%) proctocolectomy with terminal ileostomy was performed. Early and late complication rate were similar (22.7% × 24%). Ileal pouch surgery exhibited tendency to a higher morbidity and mortality but no significance could be found. Overall mortality rate was 7.46%. Malignant neoplasia was the main cause of mortality, accounting for 60% of deaths.

Conclusion FAP is a rare pathology in our country. Genetic counseling and proper screening programs are essential tools to early diagnosis and follow-up. Surgery is the most effective treatment and the best option to prevent malignant neoplasia.
Feasibility of surgical treatment in octogenarian patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Oliveira Fábio Henrique de , Filho Antônio Lacerda , Queiroz Fábio Lopes de , Lamounier Paulo César de Carvalho , Castilho Bruno Alcântara de , Rabelo Fernanda Elias Ferreira , Martins Breno Xaia , Oliveira Klaus Rodrigues de
Published: November 2013

Objective this study aims to compare the profile of octogenarian individuals with colorectal cancer and those younger than 80 years of age regarding gender distribution, mean age of patients, length of hospital stay, type of surgery performed and postoperative complications.

Methods this study was carried out at the Coloproctology Department of Hospital Felicio Rocho, Belo Horizonte, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. We evaluated 438 patients with colorectal cancer undergoing curative surgery as disease treatment. Data was collected using specific guidelines established by the health care team during a clinical meeting. This is a descriptive and retrospective study that compared the profile of 52 octogenarian patients (Group I) and 386 patients younger than 80 years (Group II).

Results The female gender predominated in group I with 69%, whereas the distribution between genders was similar in group II, with 50.3% of women. Mean age in group I was 84.5 years. The mean hospital stay was 8.25 days for patients younger than 80 years and 9.3 for the octogenarians. Group I had a complication rate of 28.84%, while in Group II it was 22.02%.

Conclusion age older than 80 years does not contraindicate colorectal surgery.
Complications after intestinal resection in Crohn's disease: laparoscopic versus conventional approach
Authors: Kotze Paulo Gustavo , Abou-Rejaile Vinícius Rezende , Barcelos Ivan Folchini de , Martins Juliana Ferreira , Miranda Eron Fábio , Rocha Juliana Gonçalves , Kotze Lorete Maria da Silva
Published: November 2013

Background significant advances in medical therapy for Crohn's disease (CD) occurred in the last 12 years, mainly due to the introduction of anti-TNF therapy. Laparoscopic colorectal surgery represented the most important advance on surgical treatment in the management of CD, as it also had developed in the treatment of other conditions. There is a tendency for lower complication rates after laparoscopic bowel resections as compared to open surgery. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the complication rates after bowel resections for CD between the two approaches in a Brazilian case series.

Methods this was a retrospective longitudinal study, including CD patients submitted to bowel resections from a single Brazilian Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) referral center, treated between January 2008 and June 2012 with laparoscopic approach (LA) or conventional approach (CA).

Variables analyzed age at surgery, gender, Montreal classification, smoking, concomitant medication, type of surgery, surgical approach, presence and type of complication up to 30 days after the procedures. Readmission and reoperation rates, as well as mortality, were also analyzed. Patients were allocated in two groups regarding the type of procedure (LA or CA), and complication rates and characteristics were compared. Statistical analysis was performed with Mann-Whitney test (quantitative variables) and chi-square test (qualitative variables), with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results a total of 46 patients (25 men) were included (16 submitted to LA), with mean age of 38.1 (± 12.7) years. The groups were considered homogeneous according to age, gender, CD location, perianal disease and concomitant medications. There were more patients with fistulizing CD on the CA group (p = 0.029). The most common procedure performed was ileocolic resection on both groups (56.7% of the CA and 75% of the LA patients – p = 0.566). Overall, total complications (surgical and medical, including minor and major issues) occurred in 60% (18/30) of the CA group and 12.5% (2/16) of the LA group (p = 0.002). Wound infection was the most frequent complication (10/30 on CA and 1/16 on the LA groups). There were 3 deaths in the CA group. Specific analysis of each complication did not demonstrate any difference between the groups regarding abdominal sepsis, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, readmission, reoperations and deaths (p = 0.074).

Conclusions there was a higher complication rate in patients operated with CA as compared to LA. This was probably due to patient selection for the laparoscopic approach, with severe cases, mostly due to fistulizing abdominal CD, being operated mainly by open surgery. LA tends to be the recommended approach in most cases of non-complicated CD.
A British national observatory: the building of the New Physical Observatory at Greenwich, 1889–1898
Authors: HIGGITT REBEKAH
Published: November 2013

Over its long history, the buildings of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich were enlarged and altered many times, reflecting changing needs and expectations of astronomers and funders, but also the constraints of a limited site and small budgets. The most significant expansion took place in the late nineteenth century, overseen by the eighth Astronomer Royal, William Christie, a programme that is put in the context of changing attitudes toward scientific funding, Christie's ambitious plans for the work and staffing of the Observatory and his desire to develop a national institution that could stand with more recently founded European and American rivals. Examination of the archives reveals the range of strategies Christie was required to use to acquire consent and financial backing from the Admiralty, as well as his opportunistic approach. While hindsight might lead to criticism of his decisions, Christie eventually succeeded in completing a large building – the New Physical Observatory – that, in its decoration, celebrated Greenwich's past while, in its name, style, structure and contents, it was intended to signal the institution's modernization and future promise.
The challenge of feeding 9–10 billion people equitably and sustainably
Authors: Godfray H. C. J.
Published: November 2013

The present paper reviews some of the high-level challenges facing the global food system over the next 40 years, drawing in particular on the UK Government's Foresight Report on the ‘Future of Food and Farming’, to set the scene for discussions about the sustainable use of nitrogen in agriculture. It reviews the likely demand and supply pressures on the food system, and the pressing requirements to improve sustainability and address the needs of the world's poorest. It argues that the food system is entering a period of radical change, led particularly by growth in demand, which requires action on food production, diet, waste and efficiency, and governance. A key challenge on the supply side is sustainable intensification – producing more from the same amount of land with fewer and less profound negative effects on the environment. Increasing the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer application will be critical for increasing yields while reducing the many major environmental consequences of leaching and run-off.
London Parishioners in Times of Change: St Andrew Hubbard, Eastcheap, c. 1450–1570
Authors: BURGESS CLIVE
Published: November 2013

If St Andrew Hubbard, Eastcheap, was a fairly typical London parish in the later fifteenth and
sixteenth centuries, its archive is unusually good. A reasonable number of its parishioners have
surviving wills, which is true for the City's parishes generally; but St Andrew Hubbard is
extraordinary in preserving churchwardens' accounts in a virtually unbroken run from c. 1450. It
thus proves possible to gain a more than usually clear impression of parishioners' beliefs and conduct
both for the period preceding the Reformation and then during subsequent upheavals. Scrutiny of
testamentary practice either side of c. 1540 indicates a profound and rapid shift in the way in which
individuals conceived of and exploited their parish. While, by comparison, churchwardens' accounts
suggest institutional continuities, analysis of two mid sixteenth-century initiatives to keep property
which had been devised to the parish sheds further welcome light on the reflexes that a community
developed to safeguard its interests in this critical period.