bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of sibutramine on platelet morphology of Spraque‐Dawley rats fed a high energy diet
Authors: Oberholzer Hester Magdalena , Van Der Schoor Ciska , Pretorius Etheresia
Published: April 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Sibutramine on platelet ultrastructure and discuss the morphological observations in relation to known physiological effects of the compound. Six‐week‐old, female Spraque‐Dawley rats were used in this study. The animals were placed on a high energy diet after which sibutramine administration followed. Blood was drawn on the day of termination and platelet rich plasma was obtained to prepare plasma smears for analysis. Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the ultrastructure of the platelets. Platelets of the Sibutramine‐treated animals showed smooth surface with limited pseudopodia formation when compared with that of the control animals. Higher magnification of the platelet surface showed membrane tears and swelling, typically seen in necrotic cells. It can therefore be concluded from these results that Sibutramine alters the membrane morphology of platelets to that typical of necrotic cells. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:653–657, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Catalyst‐Free Protocol for the Synthesis of Quinoxalines and Pyrazines in PEG
Authors: Huang Tie‐Qiang , Qu Wen‐Yan , Ding Jin‐Chang , Liu Miao‐Chang , Wu Hua‐Yue , Chen Jiu‐Xi
Published: April 2013

A facile and simple catalyst‐free protocol has been developed for the condensation of 1,2‐diketones with aromatic 1,2‐diamines in polyethylene glycol (PEG), providing quinoxaline derivatives in good yields. The important features of the methodology are broad substrates scope, simple workup, catalyst free, environmentally benign, and no requirement for metal catalysts. It is noteworthy that the cyclization reaction of 1,2‐diketones with aliphatic 1,2‐diamines is also conducted smoothly to afford pyrazines in good yields under the standard conditions. In addition, PEG could be recovered easily and was reused without evident loss in activity
Solid‐phase microextraction with fast GC combined with a high‐speed triple quadrupole mass spectrometer for targeted and untargeted food analysis
Authors: Tranchida Peter Quinto , Zoccali Mariosimone , Schipilliti Luisa , Sciarrone Danilo , Dugo Paola , Mondello Luigi
Published: April 2013

The present contribution is focused on the evaluation of a high‐speed triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, carried out under moderately fast GC conditions (analysis time: 16.6 min). The mass spectrometric instrument can be operated under high‐speed GC conditions, in both full‐scan (maximum scan speed: 20 000 amu/s) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) modes (minimum dwell time: 0.01 s). Additionally, the mass spectrometric system can generate full scan and MRM information, simultaneously and rapidly. A headspace solid‐phase microextraction with fast GC coupled to triple quadrupole MS approach was developed for the: (i) qualitative untargeted analysis of brewed tea volatiles, and (ii) MRM qualitative and quantitative analysis of targeted volatiles (also in brewed tea), namely 30 phytosanitary contaminants. The performance of the triple quadrupole instrument was satisfactory both for identification and quantification purposes. Furthermore, the method sensitivity was more than sufficient for the requirements of current legislation. Method validation, related to the MRM analysis, was performed considering: precision of quantification data (maximum coefficient of variation value: 12.0%) and quantification/qualification ion ratios (maximum coefficient of variation value: 14.4%), along with limits of detection (4 parts per trillion–5 parts per billion range) and quantification (14 parts per trillion–16 parts per billion range).
Quantitative analysis of Cistanches Herba using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and high‐resolution mass spectrometry combined with chemometric methods
Authors: Lu Danyi , Zhang Jiayu , Yang Zhenya , Liu Hongming , Li Sha , Wu Baojian , Ma Zhiguo
Published: April 2013

We aim to determine the chemical constituents of three species of Cistanches Herba using HPLC coupled with diode array detection and high‐resolution MS. Ten phenylethanoid glycosides were identified and further quantified as marker substances by HPLC coupled with diode array detection method. The separation was conducted using an Agilent TC‐C18 column with 0.1% formic acid and methanol as the mobile phases under gradient elution. The analytical method was fully validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity, precision, repeatability as well as recovery, and subsequently applied to evaluate the quality of 36 batches of Cistanche plants. The chemometric procedures (i.e., hierarchical clustering analysis and principal component analysis) were used to compare different species of Cistanches Herba, leading to successful classification of the Cistanche samples in accordance with their origins. In conclusion, this study provides a chemical basis for quality control of Cistanches Herba.
Development of a sensitive determination method for benzotriazole UV stabilizers in enviromental water samples with stir bar sorption extraction and liquid desorption prior to ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Montesdeoca‐Esponda Sarah , del Toro‐Moreno Adrián , Sosa‐Ferrera Zoraida , Santana‐Rodríguez José Juan
Published: April 2013

Benzotriazole UV stabilizers are emerging compounds used in personal care products and can enter surface water after passing through wastewater treatment plants without being removed. Because these analytes are strongly hydrophobic, there is an environmental risk of accumulation in solid matrices and magnification through the trophic chain. In this work, a method based on stir bar sorption extraction with liquid desorption is presented for the extraction of benzotriazole UV stabilizers from water samples. Stir bar sorptive extraction was combined with ultra‐high performance LC with MS/MS detection. All important factors affecting the stir bar sorptive extraction procedure are discussed, and the optimized method was applied to seawater and wastewater samples from Gran Canaria Island, providing good selectivity and sensitivity with LODs and limits of quantification in the range of 18.4–55.1 and 61.5–184 ng/L, respectively. Recoveries between 68.4–92.2% were achieved for the more polar compounds, whereas the recoveries were lower for the two less polar compounds, most likely due to their strong absorption into the polydimethylsiloxane stir bar phase that does not allows the complete desorption. The repeatability studies gave RSDs of between 6.45 and 12.6% for all compounds in the real samples.
Lysosomal impairment in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Dehay Benjamin , Martinez‐Vicente Marta , Caldwell Guy A. , Caldwell Kim A. , Yue Zhenyue , Cookson Mark R. , Klein Christine , Vila Miquel , Bezard Erwan
Published: April 2013

Impairment of autophagy‐lysosomal pathways (ALPs) is increasingly regarded as a major pathogenic event in neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). ALP alterations are observed in sporadic PD brains and in toxic and genetic rodent models of PD‐related neurodegeneration. In addition, PD‐linked mutations and post‐translational modifications of α‐synuclein impair its own lysosomal‐mediated degradation, thereby contributing to its accumulation and aggregation. Furthermore, other PD‐related genes, such as leucine‐rich repeat kinase‐2 (LRRK2), parkin, and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)‐induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), have been mechanistically linked to alterations in ALPs. Conversely, mutations in lysosomal‐related genes, such as glucocerebrosidase (GBA) and lysosomal type 5 P‐type ATPase (ATP13A2), have been linked to PD. New data offer mechanistic molecular evidence for such a connection, unraveling a causal link between lysosomal impairment, α‐synuclein accumulation, and neurotoxicity. First, PD‐related GBA deficiency/mutations initiate a positive feedback loop in which reduced lysosomal function leads to α‐synuclein accumulation, which, in turn, further decreases lysosomal GBA activity by impairing the trafficking of GBA from the endoplasmic reticulum‐Golgi to lysosomes, leading to neurodegeneration. Second, PD‐related mutations/deficiency in the ATP13A2 gene lead to a general lysosomal impairment characterized by lysosomal membrane instability, impaired lysosomal acidification, decreased processing of lysosomal enzymes, reduced degradation of lysosomal substrates, and diminished clearance of autophagosomes, collectively contributing to α‐synuclein accumulation and cell death. According to these new findings, primary lysosomal defects could potentially account for Lewy body formation and neurodegeneration in PD, laying the groundwork for the prospective development of new neuroprotective/disease‐modifying therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring lysosomal levels and function. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Thermal and photostabilization studies on carbohydrates functionalized with azo chromophoric system 2‐[(E)‐(3‐hydroxynaphthalen‐2‐yl)diazenyl]benzoic acid
Authors: Chandran Ambily , Kuriakose Sunny , Mathew Tessymol
Published: April 2013

In the present work, 2‐[(E)‐(3‐hydroxynaphthalen‐2‐yl)diazenyl]benzoic acid, an azo chromophoric system was prepared and incorporated onto carbohydrates such as starch and cellulose by dicyclohexylcarbodiimide coupling. The products were characterized by UV‐visible, fluorescence, FT‐IR and NMR spectroscopic methods. The results of the studies show that incorporation of the chromophoric system onto the polymeric core enhanced the light absorption, emission and light stabilization properties of the chromophoric system. The light fastening properties of chromophoric system and the carbohydrate‐bound photochromic systems were compared. It shows that light stabilization of the chromophoric system greatly enhanced on attaching to the polymeric core materials. Thermal stability of the chromophoric system also enhanced on attaching to the biopolymeric core systems. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of octyl substituted octakis(dimethylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxane on the morphology and thermal and mechanical properties of low density polyethylene
Authors: Panaitescu Denis Mihaela , Frone Adriana Nicoleta , Radovici Constantin , Nicolae Cristian , Perrin François Xavier
Published: April 2013

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) was melt blended with octyl substituted octakis(dimethylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxane (AS8) prepared in high yield by hydrosilylation of octene with octakis(hydrodimethylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxane. Two procedures were used to incorporate AS8 into LDPE at nanolevel and their efficiency was investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry and mechanical characterization. A slight increase of crystallite mean dimensions was observed by XRD in both types of LDPE‐AS8 composites compared with neat LDPE. Better AS8 dispersion was observed by AFM in the composite prepared by the first procedure and the increase of both tensile strength and elongation at break in this composite confirmed the nanolevel dispersion and interface improvement in this case. AS8 influence in the final stages of polyethylene fracture was illustrated by AFM of elongated tensile specimens and a new mechanism of AS8 action was suggested. An interesting behavior consisting of simultaneous improvement of elastic modulus, strength and ductility was detected in the low range of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane concentration in LDPE (0.5 wt%). © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Properties and tailoring of the ubiquitous core–shell p–n junction in semiconductor nanowires by δ‐doping
Authors: Zervos Matthew
Published: April 2013

magnified image

The properties of the core–shell p–n junction in GaAs nanowires have been investigated via the self‐consistent solution of the Poisson–Schrödinger equations in cylindrical coordinates and the effective mass approximation for doping levels between 1017–1019 cm–3 and radii ≤100 nm at 300 K. Only electrons or holes are confined in the n‐ or p‐type core for equal core–shell thicknesses and doping levels but the shell is depleted even when a flat‐band condition exists at the surface for equal core–shell volumes. In contrast, a δ‐doped n–i–n–i–p–i junction has a balanced charge distribution and flat‐band potential in the core and shell which is critical for the realization of high performance nanowire devices. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Applying biometrics to design three‐factor remote user authentication scheme with key agreement
Authors: Li Xiong , Niu Jianwei , Wang Zhibo , Chen Caisen
Published: April 2013

There are some biometrics‐based three‐factor remote user authentication schemes proposed by researchers for ensure high security features for network‐based application systems. Recently, Das pointed out the security flaws of Li and Hwang's three‐factor remote user authentication scheme, and proposed an enhanced biometrics‐based three‐factor remote user authentication scheme. Das's scheme overcomes the defects of Li and Hwang's scheme, and maintains the advantages of Li and Hwang's scheme at the same time. However, after detailed analysis, we find that Das's scheme remains vulnerable to forgery attack and stolen smart card attack; at the same time, Das's scheme cannot provide the session key agreement after the mutual authentication. To provide more security features, we design a three‐factor remote user authentication scheme with key agreement using biometrics. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Lewis Acidity of the BO Triple Bond in Methyl(oxo)­borane
Authors: Bettinger Holger F. , Brough Sarah , Grunenberg Jörg
Published: April 2013

The interaction of methyl(oxo)borane, CH3BO, with typical Lewis bases (nitrogen based and N‐heterocyclic carbenes) was investigated using density functional theory (B97‐D, TPSS‐D3), double hybrid density functionals (PWPB95‐D3, B2PLYP‐D3) in conjunction with empirical dispersion corrections, and coupled cluster theory involving singles, doubles, and a perturbative estimate of triple excitations [CCSD(T)]. A polarized quadruple‐zeta basis set was used throughout. The interaction energies computed with the double‐hybrid methods agree very well with CCSD(T). Compared to typical boron Lewis acids, the interaction energies are much smaller for methyl(oxo)borane, indicating that the BO triple bond results in significantly reduced Lewis acidity. An analysis of the mechanical bond strengths in CH3BO and its complexes indicates that the relaxed BO force constants (compliance constants) and the stretching vibrations decrease with increasing strengths of the dative interactions.
Synthesis and Properties of New (Phosphinoylmethyl)Pyridine N‐Oxides
Authors: Pailloux Sylvie L. , Rosario‐Amorin Daniel , Chakravarty Manab , Camus Jean‐Michel , Smith Karen Ann , Duesler Eileen N. , Dickie Diane A. , Paine Robert T. , Klausmeyer Kevin K. , Padron Daniel A. , Hay Benjamin P. , Delmau Laetitia H.
Published: April 2013

Syntheses for 2‐[1‐(diarylphosphinoyl)‐1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)methyl]pyridines, (8a, b), and 2‐[1‐(diarylphosphinoyl)‐1, 1‐bis(methylpyridin‐2yl)methyl]pyridines, (11a, b), (Ar = C6H5 and 2‐CF3C6H4), based on substitution of 2‐methylpyridine fragments onto the exo methylene carbon atom of 2‐[(diaryl)phosphinoylmethyl]pyridine platforms, are described. N‐oxidations of 8a, b and 11a, b produced the 2‐[1‐(diarylphosphinoyl)‐1‐(1‐oxy‐pyridin‐2yl)methyl]pyridine N‐oxides (5a, b) and the 2‐[1‐(diarylphosphinoyl)‐1, 1‐bis(1‐oxy‐methylpyridin‐2‐yl)methyl]pyridines (6a, b), respectively. The “short‐arm“ pyridine fragment of 11a, b resists N‐oxidation, and the fully oxidized molecules, 2‐[1‐(diarylphosphinoyl)‐1, 1‐bis(1‐oxy‐methylpyridin‐2‐yl)methyl]pyridine N‐oxides (7a, b) were not isolated. Molecular mechanics calculations for gas phase 1:1 ligand/lanthanide complexes indicated that 5a should accommodate a tridentate NO(meNO)PO coordination mode with minimal steric strain. In contrast, 7a cannot form tetradentate NO(meNO)2PO chelates; however, tridentate binding should be accessible with minimal ligand strain. Coordination complexes of 8a, b, 5a, b, 6a, b and 11a, b with Ln(NO3)3 salts were isolated and a X‐ray crystal structure for [Er(8a)(NO3)3(MeOH)2]·CH2Cl2, revealed a monodentate Er–O=P interaction. On the other hand, complexes formed by a more symmetrical trifunctional phenylphosphino‐bis‐2‐methylpyridine N, N, P‐trioxide ligand, (meNO)2PO*, {La[(meNO)2PO*)](OTf)2(MeOH)3(H2O)+}(OTf–) and {Pr[(meNO)2PO*)](OTf)(MeOH)4+}(OTf–)2, realized a tridentate coordination mode. Solvent extraction behaviors for EuIII and AmIII in nitric acid solutions using 5a, b, 6a, b, Ph3PO and the parent bifunctional ligand 2‐[(diphenylphosphanyl)methyl]pyridine N, P‐dioxide (3a) in 1, 2‐dichloroethane were assessed, and 5a, b and 6a, b were found to behave more like Ph3PO than 3a.
A strategy for preparing software organizations for statistical process control
Authors: Barcellos Monalessa Perini , de Almeida Falbo Ricardo , Rocha Ana Regina
Published: April 2013

Software organizations have increased their interest in software process improvement (SPI). Nowadays, there are several frameworks that support SPI implementation. Some of them, such as CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration), propose to implement SPI in levels. At high maturity levels, such as CMMI levels 4 and 5, SPI involves carrying out statistical process control (SPC), which requires measures and data suitable for this context. However, measurement problems have been pointed in the literature as one of the main obstacles for a successful implementation of SPC in SPI efforts. With this scenario in mind, we developed a strategy to help software organizations prepare themselves regarding measurement aspects in order to implement SPC. The strategy is made up of three components: a Reference Software Measurement Ontology, an Instrument for Evaluating the Suitability of a Measurement Repository for SPC, and a Body of Recommendations for Software Measurement Suitable for SPC. In this paper we present the strategy as a whole and describe each one of its components.
Latent structure of psychosis in the general population: results from the Singapore Mental Health Study
Authors: Subramaniam M. , Abdin E. , Vaingankar J. A. , Verma S. , Chong S. A.
Published: April 2013

Background

Few studies have examined the latent construct of psychotic symptoms or distinguished between the latent construct and its manifest indicators. The current study aimed to investigate the latent structure of psychotic symptoms using factor mixture modeling (FMM) and to use the best-fitting model to examine its sociodemographic and clinical correlates.

Method

The Singapore Mental Health Study (SMHS) was based on an adult representative sample of the Singapore population. Psychotic symptoms were assessed by using the Psychosis Screen section of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0 (CIDI 3.0). FMM analyses were applied to determine the latent construct of psychotic symptoms. Sociodemographic and clinical correlates of the latent structure of psychosis symptoms were examined using multiple linear and logistic regression analyses.

Results

The overall weighted lifetime prevalence of any psychotic experience was 3.8% in the SMHS after excluding subthreshold experiences. The FMM analysis clearly supported the dimensional model of the latent structure of psychotic symptoms. On deriving the total score for ‘psychosis symptoms’ in accordance with the one latent trait model, and correlating it with sociodemographic factors, we found that female gender, vocational education, current and past smokers were positively associated with the ‘psychosis’ total score.

Conclusions

There is a need for an increased understanding of, and research into, this intermediate state of ‘psychosis symptoms’ that do not meet diagnostic criteria for psychosis. It is also important to learn more about the group of individuals in the community who may have preserved functioning to elucidate the protective factors that prevent transition to psychosis.
Is sceptical religion adequate as a religion?
Authors: DOLE ANDREW
Published: April 2013

I argue that J. L. Schellenberg's sceptical religion faces two problems of religious adequacy. The first has to do with its relationship to the goal of bringing persons into proper alignment with an ultimate good; the second, with the desideratum of sceptical religion's becoming sufficiently well-established as to be a vehicle for the accomplishment of great things on the stage of history. I argue that actual sceptical religion would need to accommodate itself to the requirements of historical existence, and that such accommodation might well lead to a blurring of the distinctions Schellenberg draws between ‘sectarian’ and sceptical religion.
Leo's Liturgical Topography: Contestations for Space in Fifth-Century Rome
Authors: Salzman Michele Renee
Published: April 2013

This paper examines theSermonsof Leo the Great (a.d.440–461) for their liturgical topography. Leo developed an annual cycle of set places on set days — the very definition of stational liturgy — in Rome as one means to assert papal authority over the city's Christian communities and especially over the resident Roman senatorial aristocracy. Leo'sSermonsindicate that the bishop found new ways to centralize the liturgy at St Peter's in the Vatican, making St Peter's — not St John the Lateran — the religious centre and the symbol of the papacy.
Community-dwelling older adults' perceptions of dignity: core meanings, challenges, supports and opportunities
Authors: BLACK KATHY , DOBBS DEBRA
Published: April 2013

Dignity is a universally important issue for all people, and particularly vital for older adults who face multiple losses associated with ageing. In the United States of America and beyond, the maintenance of dignity is a key aim of policy and service provision for older people. Yet surprisingly little research has been conducted into the meaning of dignity to community-based older adults in the context of everyday life. As life expectancy continues to increase worldwide, unprecedented numbers of people are living longer than ever before. The majority of older adults will face declining health and other factors that may impact dignity in the course of ageing in their communities. This paper reports on a study that explored older people's understandings and experiences of dignity through focus groups and a survey. Three key components of dignity are identified: autonomy, relational and self-identity. In addition, the paper discusses a range of factors that can facilitate or inhibit a sense of dignity for older people, including long-term health issues, sensory deficits and resilience to life events. Finally, the implications of these findings for policy and practice are considered in the context of American social structures and values.
Biology as destiny? Rethinking embodiment in ‘deep’ old age
Authors: PICKARD SUSAN
Published: April 2013

Despite sociological understanding that bodies are social and morphological, material and discursive, there is a persistent, prevailing tendency within sociology to approach the old body – particularly in ‘deep old age’ – as non-social. No longer amenable either to reflexive (consumerist) choice, or expressive of the self, it is viewed rather through a biomedical explanatory framework in which it is held to succumb to ‘natural’ physiological processes of decline that lie outside culture. This paper critically questions such assumptions which it links to sociology's acquiescing in modernity's age ideology rather than taking it as a starting point for critique. This means that sociology's sensitivity towards ageing is displayed not in challenging models of the older body but in diverting attention away from the body altogether and focusing on structural and cultural determinants which are not considered to encompass physiology. Arguing, however, that biology and society do not exist on separate plains, and that the body in deep old age is, like other bodies, first and foremost a social body, the paper draws upon feminist methodology and epistemology for the purpose of dismantling such essentialism. It suggests that the sociological imagination will benefit from the eradication of age ideology through a clearer understanding not just of ageing but of embodiment at all stages of the lifecourse.
Fire Safety Knowledge and Practices Among Residents of an Assisted Living Facility
Authors: Jaslow David , Ufberg Jacob , Yoon Russell , McQueen Clay , Zecher Derek , Jakubowski Greg
Published: April 2013

Introduction:

Assisted living facilities (ALFs) pose unique fire risks to the elderly that may be linked to specific fire safety (FS) practices.

Objective:

To evaluate self-reported FS practices among ALF residents.

Methods:

All residents of a small ALF were surveyed regarding actual and hypothetical FS behaviors, self-perceived fire risk, and FS preparedness.

Results:

Fifty-eight ALF residents completed the survey. Thirty-three 58%) individuals reported one or more disabilities. Seven (12%) residents ignored the fire alarm and 21 (35%) could not hear it clearly. Sixteen (28%) residents would attempt to locate the source of a fire rather than escape from the building. Only 24 (42%) residents were familiar with the building fire plan.Twenty-three (40%) people surveyed believed that they were not at risk of fire in the study facility.

Conclusion:

Residents of an ALF may be at increased fire injury risk due to their FS practices and disabilities.
Cognitive Reserve Components as Expressed in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Levi Yifat , Rassovsky Yuri , Agranov Eugenia , Sela-Kaufman Michal , Vakil Eli
Published: April 2013

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of brain damage, resulting in long-term disability. The “reserve” construct has been proposed to account for the reported mismatch between brain damage and its clinical expression. Although numerous studies have used various measures thought to reflect this construct, few studies have examined its underlying structure in clinical populations, and no studies have systematically studied this construct in TBI. In the present study, structural equation modeling technique was used to evaluate several models hypothesized to represent cognitive reserve (CR) in TBI. A broad range of data typically reported in the literature as representing CR was collected from 89 individuals who sustained moderate-to-severe TBI. Analyses revealed a best fitting model that consisted of three separate factors representing premorbid intelligence, socioeconomic status and leisure activity, with distinct pattern of associations among the three factors. Findings provide empirical support for the notion of a multi-factorial CR and suggest a coherent framework for further investigation. (JINS, 2013,19, 1–8)
School food standards in the UK: implementation and evaluation
Authors: Adamson Ashley , Spence Suzanne , Reed Lowri , Conway Ruth , Palmer Alison , Stewart Eve , McBratney Jennifer , Carter Lynne , Beattie Shirley , Nelson Michael
Published: April 2013

Objective

To outline the evolution of school food standards and their implementation and evaluation in each of the four countries of the UK since 2000.

Design

Review of relevant policies, surveys and evaluations, including country-specific surveys and regional evaluations.

Setting

UK: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Subjects

Primary and secondary schools and schoolchildren.

Results

By September 2013 standards will have been introduced in all primary and secondary schools in the UK. Evaluations have varied in their scope and timing, relating to government forward planning, appropriate baselines and funding. Where standards have been implemented, the quality and nutritional value of food provided have improved. Emerging evidence shows improved overall diet and nutrient intake by school-aged children as a result.

Conclusions

The re-introduction of school food standards in the UK has not been centrally coordinated, but by September 2013 will be compulsory across all four countries in the UK, except in England where academies are now exempt. Provision of improved school food has had a demonstrable impact on diet and nutrition beyond the school dining room and the school gate, benefiting children from all socio-economic groups. Improved school food and dining environments are associated with higher levels of school lunch take up. Implementation of school food standards requires investment. It is critical to policy development that the value of this investment is measured and protected using planned, appropriate, robust and timely evaluations. Where appropriate, evaluations should be carried out across government departments and between countries.
School lunches v. packed lunches: a comparison of secondary schools in England following the introduction of compulsory school food standards
Authors: Stevens Lesley , Nicholas Jo , Wood Lesley , Nelson Michael
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To compare food choices and nutrient intakes of pupils taking a school lunch or a packed lunch in eighty secondary schools in England, following the introduction of the food-based and nutrient-based standards for school food.

Design

Cross-sectional data collected between October 2010 and April 2011. Pupils’ lunchtime food choices were recorded over five consecutive days.

Setting

Secondary schools, England.

Subjects

A random selection of 5925 pupils having school lunches and 1805 pupils having a packed lunch in a nationally representative sample of eighty secondary schools in England.

Results

The differences in the specific types of food and drink consumed by the two groups of pupils are typical of differences between a hot and cold meal. On average, school lunches as eaten contained significantly more energy, carbohydrate, protein, fibre, vitamin A, folate, Fe and Zn than packed lunches, and 8 % less Na.

Conclusions

Although neither school lunches nor packed lunches provided the balance of nutrients required to meet the nutrient-based standards (based on about one-third of daily energy and nutrient requirements), school lunches generally had a healthier nutrient profile, with lower Na and percentage of energy from fat, and higher fibre and micronutrient content. These differences were greater than those reported prior to the introduction of compulsory standards for school lunches. In order to ensure more pupils have a healthy lunch, schools could introduce and enforce a packed lunch policy or make school meals the only option at lunchtime.
Child Mortality After Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Kanter Robert K.
Published: April 2013

Background: Age-specific pediatric health consequences of community disruption after Hurricane Katrina have not been analyzed. Post-Katrina vital statistics are unavailable. The objectives of this study were to validate an alternative method to estimate child mortality rates in the greater New Orleans area and compare pre-Katrina and post-Katrina mortality rates.

Methods: Pre-Katrina 2004 child mortality was estimated from death reports in the local daily newspaper and validated by comparison with pre-Katrina data from the Louisiana Department of Health. Post-Katrina child mortality rates were analyzed as a measure of health consequences.

Results: Newspaper-derived estimates of mortality rates appear to be valid except for possible underreporting of neonatal rates. Pre-Katrina and post-Katrina mortality rates were similar for all age groups except infants. Post-Katrina, a 92% decline in mortality rate occurred for neonates (<28 days), and a 57% decline in mortality rate occurred for postneonatal infants (28 days–1 year). The post-Katrina decline in infant mortality rate exceeds the pre-Katrina discrepancy between newspaper-derived and Department of Health–reported rates.

Conclusions: A declining infant mortality rate raises questions about persistent displacement of high-risk infants out of the region. Otherwise, there is no evidence of long-lasting post-Katrina excess child mortality. Further investigation of demographic changes would be of interest to local decision makers and planners for recovery after public health emergencies in other regions.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2010;4:62-65)
The Social Distancing Law Project Template: A Method for Jurisdictions to Assess Understanding of Relevant Legal Authorities
Authors: Leeb Karen , Chrysler Denise , Goodman Richard A.
Published: April 2013

Methods: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials selected 17 state and large local jurisdictions on the basis of their proximity to federal quarantine stations and collaborated with their state health department legal counsel to conduct formulaic self-assessments of social distancing legal authorities, create tables of authority, and test and report on the laws' sufficiency (ie, scope and breadth). Select jurisdictions also held tabletop exercises to test public health and law enforcement officials' understanding and implementation of pertinent laws. This report presents findings for Michigan, which completed the legal assessment and tabletop exercise and made several recommendations for change as a result.

Results: Officials in Michigan concluded that there are sufficient existing laws to support social distancing measures but that a spectrum of questions remained regarding implementation of these legal authorities. Based on the findings of this assessment, Michigan initiated actions to address areas for improvement.

Conclusions: The results of this project highlighted the value of integrally involving the state health department's legal counsel—those most familiar with and who advise on a given state's public health laws—in the periodic identification, assessment, and testing of the state's legal authorities for social distancing and other measures used in response to many public health emergencies.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2010;4:74-80)
High rates of denitrification and nitrous oxide emission in arid biological soil crusts from the Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Abed Raeid M M , Lam Phyllis , de Beer Dirk , Stief Peter
Published: April 2013

Using a combination of process rate determination, microsensor profiling and molecular techniques, we demonstrated that denitrification, and not anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox), is the major nitrogen loss process in biological soil crusts from Oman. Potential denitrification rates were 584±101 and 58±20 μmol N m−2 h−1 for cyanobacterial and lichen crust, respectively. Complete denitrification to N2 was further confirmed by an 15NO3− tracer experiment with intact crust pieces that proceeded at rates of 103±19 and 27±8 μmol N m−2 h−1 for cyanobacterial and lichen crust, respectively. Strikingly, N2O gas was emitted at very high potential rates of 387±143 and 31±6 μmol N m−2 h−1 from the cyanobacterial and lichen crust, respectively, with N2O accounting for 53–66% of the total emission of nitrogenous gases. Microsensor measurements revealed that N2O was produced in the anoxic layer and thus apparently originated from incomplete denitrification. Using quantitative PCR, denitrification genes were detected in both the crusts and were expressed either in comparable (nirS) or slightly higher (narG) numbers in the cyanobacterial crusts. Although 99% of the nirS sequences in the cyanobacterial crust were affiliated to an uncultured denitrifying bacterium, 94% of these sequences were most closely affiliated to Paracoccus denitrificans in the lichen crust. Sequences of nosZ gene formed a distinct cluster that did not branch with known denitrifying bacteria. Our results demonstrate that nitrogen loss via denitrification is a dominant process in crusts from Oman, which leads to N2O gas emission and potentially reduces desert soil fertility.
Combined effect of loss of the caa3 oxidase and Crp regulation drives Shewanella to thrive in redox-stratified environments
Authors: Zhou Guangqi , Yin Jianhua , Chen Haijiang , Hua Yijie , Sun Linlin , Gao Haichun
Published: April 2013

Shewanella species are a group of facultative Gram-negative microorganisms with remarkable respiration abilities that allow the use of a diverse array of terminal electron acceptors (EA). Like most bacteria, S. oneidensis possesses multiple terminal oxidases, including two heme-copper oxidases (caa3- and cbb3-type) and a bd-type quinol oxidase. As aerobic respiration is energetically favored, mechanisms underlying the fact that these microorganisms thrive in redox-stratified environments remain vastly unexplored. In this work, we discovered that the cbb3-type oxidase is the predominant system for respiration of oxygen (O2), especially when O2 is abundant. Under microaerobic conditions, the bd-type quinol oxidase has a significant role in addition to the cbb3-type oxidase. In contrast, multiple lines of evidence suggest that under test conditions the caa3-type oxidase, an analog to the mitochondrial enzyme, has no physiological significance, likely because of its extremely low expression. In addition, expression of both cbb3- and bd-type oxidases is under direct control of Crp (cAMP receptor protein) but not the well-established redox regulator Fnr (fumarate nitrate regulator) of canonical systems typified in Escherichia coli. These data, collectively, suggest that adaptation of S. oneidensis to redox-stratified environments is likely due to functional loss of the caa3-type oxidase and switch of the regulatory system for respiration.
On the weak viscous effect of the reflection and transmission over an arbitrary topography
Authors: Tsai Chia-Cheng , Lin Yueh-Ting , Hsu Tai-Wen
Published: April 2013

In this article, monochromatic viscous waves propagating over an arbitrary topography are studied, specifically the effect of bottom sliding coefficient and molecular viscosity. In the theoretical formulation, the perturbation approximation is directly applied to the Navier-Stokes equation and boundary conditions which are specified to correspond to realistic situations. Furthermore, the arbitrary topography is approximated using successive shelves separated by abrupt steps. On each shelf, the solution is represented in terms of reflection and transmission of monochromatic waves. Matching kinematic and dynamic conditions are implemented to interpret the solutions. The formulation of our modified plane-wave approximation can be analytically reduced to the traditional formulation by Lamb [Hydrodynamics, 6th ed. (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1937)] when the bottom sliding coefficient and molecular viscosity are neglected. Next, the wave transformations over three different trenches are simulated. The results indicate that wave reflection and transmission are certainly affected by molecular viscosity especially in shallow or intermediate fluid depths. In addition, numerical results are in good agreement with existing theoretical results and laboratory experiments without considering bottom sliding coefficient and molecular viscosity.
Spalling and melting in nanocrystalline Pb under shock loading: Molecular dynamics studies
Authors: Xiang Meizhen , Hu Haibo , Chen Jun
Published: April 2013

The mechanisms of spalling and melting in nanocrystalline Pb under shock loading are studied by molecular dynamics simulations. A wide range of shock intensity is conducted with the lowest one just above the threshold of solid spallation, and the highest one higher than the threshold of compression melting. The spallation mechanism is dominated by cavitation, i.e., nucleation, growth, and coalescence of voids. Our results show that grain boundaries have significant influences on spalling behaviors in cases of classical spallation and releasing melting. In these cases, cavitation and melting both start on grain boundaries, and they display mutual promotion: melting makes the voids nucleate at smaller tensile stress, and void growth speeds melting. Influences of microstructure, strain rate, and temperature on spall strength are qualitatively discussed. Due to grain boundary effects, the spall strength of nanocrystalline Pb varies slowly with the shock intensity in cases of classical spallation. In cases of releasing melting and compression melting, spall strength of both single-crystalline and nanocrystalline Pb drops dramatically as shock intensity increases.
Anisotropic charge and heat conduction through arrays of parallel elliptic cylinders in a continuous medium
Authors: Martin James E. , Ribaudo Troy
Published: April 2013

Arrays of circular pores in silicon can exhibit a phononic bandgap when the lattice constant is smaller than the phonon scattering length, and so have become of interest for use as thermoelectric materials, due to the large reduction in thermal conductivity that this bandgap can cause. The reduction in electrical conductivity is expected to be less, because the lattice constant of these arrays is engineered to be much larger than the electron scattering length. As a result, electron transport through the effective medium is well described by the diffusion equation, and the Seebeck coefficient is expected to increase. In this paper, we develop an expression for the purely diffusive thermal (or electrical) conductivity of a composite comprised of square or hexagonal arrays of parallel circular or elliptic cylinders of one material in a continuum of a second material. The transport parallel to the cylinders is straightforward, so we consider the transport in the two principal directions normal to the cylinders, using a self-consistent local field calculation based on the point dipole approximation. There are two limiting cases: large negative contrast (e.g., pores in a conductor) and large positive contrast (conducting pillars in air). In the large negative contrast case, the transport is only slightly affected parallel to the major axis of the elliptic cylinders but can be significantly affected parallel to the minor axis, even in the limit of zero volume fraction of pores. The positive contrast case is just the opposite: the transport is only slightly affected parallel to the minor axis of the pillars but can be significantly affected parallel to the major axis, even in the limit of zero volume fraction of pillars. The analytical results are compared to extensive FEA calculations obtained using Comsol™ and the agreement is generally very good, provided the cylinders are sufficiently small compared to the lattice constant.
Rounding of a first-order magnetic phase transition in La0.7Ca0.3Mn0.85Ni0.15O3
Authors: Phan The-Long , Zhang P. , Zhang Y. D. , Grinting D. , Thanh T. D. , Yu S. C.
Published: April 2013

We prepared a polycrystalline sample of orthorhombic La0.7Ca0.3Mn0.85Ni0.15O3, and then studied its critical behavior. Based on the Landau phase-transition theory and Banerjee's criteria, we have found the sample undergoing a second-order magnetic phase transition. This continuous transition is characterized by critical parameters of TC = 170 K, β = 0.320 ± 0.009, γ = 0.990 ± 0.082, and δ = 4.09 ± 0.17 determined from modified Arrott plots. With these values, the magnetization-field-temperature (M-H-T) behaviors of La0.7Ca0.3Mn0.85Ni0.15O3 below and above TC are well described by an equation of state M(H,ε)=εβf±(H/εβ+γ), where ε=(T−TC)/TC, f+ for T > TC and f− for T < TC. Having compared to the theoretical models, the critical-exponent values determined in our case are close to those expected for the 3D Ising model and mean-field theory. This indicates an existence of ferromagnetic short-range interactions in the system below TC. The nature of the transformation from first-order to second-order phase transitions related to the Ni doping is discussed in detail.
Feasibility of supersonic diode pumped alkali lasers: Model calculations
Authors: Barmashenko B. D. , Rosenwaks S.
Published: April 2013

The feasibility of supersonic operation of diode pumped alkali lasers (DPALs) is studied for Cs and K atoms applying model calculations, based on a semi-analytical model previously used for studying static and subsonic flow DPALs. The operation of supersonic lasers is compared with that measured and modeled in subsonic lasers. The maximum power of supersonic Cs and K lasers is found to be higher than that of subsonic lasers with the same resonator and alkali density at the laser inlet by 25% and 70%, respectively. These results indicate that for scaling-up the power of DPALs, supersonic expansion should be considered.
Photoluminescence of nanoparticles in vapor phase of colliding plasma
Authors: Gupta Shyam L. , Thareja Raj K.
Published: April 2013

We report photoluminescence observed from ZnO nano particles/clusters formed in gaseous phase of two colliding plumes ZnO plasma using fourth harmonic 266 nm of Nd:YAG laser. The two expanding plumes generated using 1.06 μm of Nd:YAG laser interact with each other, resulting in an overlap region where the collision front in lateral direction of two plumes forms an overlapping region starting at ∼20 ns lasting ∼5 μs with respect to ablating pulse. The blue shift in peak position (∼30–5 meV) of photoluminescence profile of ZnO clusters to that observed in bulk ZnO shows the effect of quantum confinement. The dynamical growth of nanoparticles is ascertained using Rayleigh scattered second harmonic radiation at 532 nm of Nd:YAG laser. A combined photoluminescence and light scattering at longer time delays ∼1.5 ms where plasma emission is absent confirms the formation of the nano-particles/clusters of ZnO. Observed intensity variation in the Rayleigh scattered signal and blue shift in photoluminescence peak position at different temporal delays with respect to the ablation pulse corroborates the presence and size variation of nano-particles/clusters. The defect related emission band arising due to oxygen vacancy is not observed from the ZnO clusters.
Formation and annihilation of intrinsic defects induced by electronic excitation in high-purity crystalline SiO2
Authors: Kajihara Koichi , Skuja Linards , Hosono Hideo
Published: April 2013

Formation and thermal annihilation of intrinsic defects in α-quartz were examined using high-purity samples, while minimizing the contributions of reactions involving metallic impurities. Electronic excitation with 60Co γ-rays was employed to avoid radiation-induced amorphization. The results clearly show that formation of oxygen vacancies (SiSi bonds) as a result of decomposition of regular SiOSi bonds (Frenkel process) is the dominant intrinsic defect process. Compared with amorphous SiO2, in α-quartz, the formation yield of SiSi bonds is an order of magnitude smaller, the 7.6 eV optical absorption band is less broadened, and their thermal annihilation is complete at a lower temperature, around the α–β quartz transition. In contrast, radiation-induced interstitial oxygen atoms practically do not form interstitial oxygen molecules.