bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychometric properties of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Spiritual Well‐being (FACIT‐Sp) in an Arabic‐speaking, predominantly Muslim population
Authors: Lazenby Mark , Khatib Jamal , Al‐Khair Feda' , Neamat Majdoleen 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectiveThis study determined the psychometric properties of the Arabic Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Spiritual Well‐being (FACIT‐Sp) Version 4 and explored associations between its three factors (Peace, Meaning, and Faith) and health‐related quality of life (HrQoL) among Arab patients with cancer.MethodsA total of 205 Arabic‐speaking, study‐eligible cancer patients who were in treatment at the King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan, completed the FACIT‐Sp scale.ResultsCronbach's alpha reliability coefficients suggest that the Arabic FACIT‐Sp is reliable and that moderate to strong correlations among subscales suggest validity. Correlation analyses showed that the 12‐item Spiritual Well‐being scale was associated with Social (r = 0.45, p = 0.01) and Functional Well‐being (r = 0.48, p = 0.01). Hierarchical multiple regressions revealed that the Peace factor added 7.5% and the Meaning factor 3.8% to the prediction of HrQoL (p < 0.001). Faith did not significantly contribute to the unique prediction of HrQoL. Correlation analyses revealed that Peace was most prominently associated with the HrQoL subscale of Functional Well‐being (r = 0.53, p = 0.01).ConclusionsThis first study of Arabic‐speaking, predominantly Muslim Jordanian cancer patients using the FACIT‐Sp indicates that it is a psychometrically sound instrument for detailed assessment of the spiritual well‐being of Arabic‐speaking cancer patients. The three‐factor model appears to allow for discrimination among factors that are most highly associated with different aspects of HrQoL. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational studies of LXR molecular interactions reveal an allosteric communication pathway
Authors: Burendahl Sofia , Nilsson Lennart 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe liver X receptor, LXRα, is an important regulator of genes involved in metabolism and inflammation. The mechanism of communication between the cofactor peptide and the ligand in the ligand‐binding pocket is a crucial and often discussed issue for the nuclear receptors (NRs), but such allosteric signaling pathways are difficult to detect and the transmission mechanism remains elusive. Here, we apply the anisotropic thermal diffusion method to the LXRα with bound coactivator and ligand. We detected a possible communication pathway between the coactivator peptide and the ligand. The signal is transmitted both through the receptor backbone and side chains. A key signaling residue is the first leucine in the cofactor peptide recognition motif LXXLL, which is conserved within the NR cofactors, suggesting a general mechanism for allosteric signaling. Furthermore, we studied the LXR receptor and cofactor molecular interactions in detail using molecular dynamics simulations. The protein–protein interaction patterns in the complexes of nine different cofactor peptides and holo‐LXRα were characterized, revealing the importance of the receptor–cofactor charge clamp interaction. Specific, but infrequently occurring interactions were observed toward the cofactor peptide C‐terminal residues. Thus, additional specificity between LXRα and its cofactors is likely to be found in molecular interactions outside the cofactor peptide or in other biological factors. Proteins 2012;. ©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quadratic stability and stabilization of matrix second‐order time‐varying systems
Authors: Lu Jun‐Guo , Xiao Jizhong , Chen Weidong 
Published: September 2011

SUMMARYThis paper investigates the quadratic stability and stabilization of a class of matrix second‐order time‐varying systems. All the system matrices including the second‐order differential coefficient matrix are assumed to have the time‐varying norm‐bounded parameters. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the quadratic stability and stabilization of such time‐varying systems are derived. All the results are obtained in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Two illustrative examples are given to show that our results are effective and less conservative than the results obtained by other researchers. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DECLINE AND RECOVERY OF SMALL MAMMALS AFTER FLOODING: IMPLICATIONS FOR PEST MANAGEMENT AND FLOODPLAIN COMMUNITY DYNAMICS
Authors: Golet G. H. , Hunt J. W. , Koenig D. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTFloodplains often are managed both for agriculture and as habitat for native species. On the Sacramento River, farmers have expressed concern that natural areas may harbour small mammals in greater abundance than occurs on farms, which could make them sources of pests to adjoining farmlands. Concern over this has generated some opposition to riparian restoration. To better understand the issue, we studied small mammals at agricultural sites, young and older riparian restoration sites and remnant natural areas through live trapping and visual surveys over three successive years. Significant flooding occurred during the second winter of the study. We found that young riparian restoration sites (3–4 years since planting) did not harbour agricultural pests (e.g. California ground squirrel, Botta's pocket gopher) in greater abundance than agricultural sites, with the exception of California voles. Although voles were common at young sites, they declined dramatically as the sites matured, and neither 12‐ to 15‐year‐old sites nor remnant riparian habitats had higher abundances of any small mammal pest species than agricultural sites. All species except the arboreal western gray squirrel experienced significant population declines following the flood and remained at depressed levels for at least a full year thereafter. Native species were not less susceptible to flooding than exotic species. California vole was the first species to recover. Our study suggests that frequent winter flooding may be desirable from an agricultural pest management perspective. It illustrates a valuable ecosystem service, small mammal pest control, which is provided by flooding, an important natural disturbance process. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From business processes to software services and vice versa—an improved transition through service‐oriented requirements engineering
Authors: Adam Sebastian , Riegel Norman , Doerr Joerg , Uenalan Oezguer , Kerkow Daniel 
Published: September 2011

SUMMARYBusiness processes need to be agile and flexible to help organizations stay competitive. For this purpose, SOA promises the reuse of already existing information system functionality for enabling enterprises to change the business processes more quickly. However, many promises made by SOA authors have not found their way into practice, because methodological guidance that constructively assures a more successful SOA application is still missing. In this article, service‐oriented requirements engineering is therefore introduced as a discipline aiming at a better and more systematic handling and alignment of SOA and Business Process Management. Our industrial experience in this regard is also described. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Homogeneous synthesis and characterization of starch acetates in ionic liquid without catalysts
Authors: Luo Zhigang , Zhou Zidan 
Published: September 2011

AbstractHomogeneous modification of corn starch with acetic anhydride was performed in ionic liquids 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl) without catalysts. The results indicated that the pretreatment of starch, which starch was dissolved in BMIMCl at 105°C for 2 h before reaction, provided feasible reaction environment for starch functionalization. Optimum modification conditions for maximum degree of substitute (DS 2.11) were shown as following: acetic anhydride/anhydroglucose units (AGU) molar ratio 5:1, reaction temperature 105°C and reaction time 2 h. The pretence of acetyl groups in starch products was confirmed by FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. SEM and XRD data showed that the crystalline structure of native starch was disrupted and new structure was formed during the dissolution and modification processes. The higher DS due to acetylation had a beneficial effect on the thermal stability of samples.
Noble Gas Atoms as Electron Donors: Is the Stabilization of Strongly Electrophilic Borylnitrenes Feasible?
Authors: Bettinger Holger F. , Bornemann Holger 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe possible interaction between an electrophilic borylnitrene, CatBN (Cat = Catecholato), with the noble gas atoms Rg (Rg = Kr, Xe) is probed by computational chemistry techniques including hybrid density functional (B3LYP), second‐order Møller–Plesset perturbation (MP2), and coupled‐cluster theory with singles, doubles, and a perturbative estimate of triple excitations [CCSD(T)] in conjunction with aug‐cc‐pVDZ and cc‐pVTZ and the corresponding small‐core pseudopotential correlation consistent basis sets for krypton and xenon. In the triplet manifold the interaction between CatBN and Rg is of the van der Waals type with a small N–Rg bond dissociation energy. In contrast, the singlet CatBNRg(1A′) has a short N–Rg distance (Kr: 1.962 Å; Xe: 2.029 Å) in agreement with a single bond character. The N–Xe bond dissociation energy is 17 kcal·mol–1at the highest level of theory, while the N–Kr bond is significantly weaker. Experiments in xenon or xenon doped argon matrices do not give any indication for the formation of the CatBNXe(1A′) compound in spite of the strong N–Xe interaction predicted by theory. The experimental observation is explained by the existence of a crossing of singlet and triplet potential energy surfaces. At the geometry of triplet CatBNRg (large N–Rg distance) the singlet state is higher in energy whereas at the geometry of singlet CatBNRg (short N–Rg distance) the triplet is higher. Fast intersystem crossing to the lower lying triplet surface in the presence of Xe is assumed to preclude the formation of CatBNXe(1A′).
Synthesis and Characterization of the Organogermanate‐Based Inorganic‐Organic Hybrid Compound Ca2[(OOCC2H4Ge)2O3]2·3H2O
Authors: Schmidt Corinna , Lieb Alexandra , Stock Norbert 
Published: September 2011

AbstractUsing the bifunctional metalloligand bis(2‐carboxyethylgermanium sesquioxide), (HOOCCH2CH2Ge)2O3, a high‐throughput(HT) study was performed to investigate the systemCa2+ / (HOOCCH2CH2Ge)2O3 / H2O / 2‐propanol. The HT experiment comprised 72 individual reactions, developed to explore the influence of the molar ratio of the starting materials and the volume fraction of the solvents. With this approach one new compound Ca2[(OOCC2H4Ge)2O3]2·3H2O (1) (monoclinic, P21/c, a = 8.9562(18), b = 9.6638(19), c = 27.087(5) Å, β = 92.78(3)°, V = 2334.4(8) Å3,Z = 4) was obtained and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The crystal structure consists of alternating layers of corner‐sharing GeO3C tetrahedra and chains of edge‐sharing CaO7 polyhedra, which are connected via carboxylate groups of the bis(2‐carboxyethylgermanium sesquioxide) entities. Scale‐up of the synthesis procedure allowed the detailed characterization of the title compound using IR and Raman spectroscopy, TG analysis and temperature resolved XRPD measurements.
The Impact of Heavy Smoking on Anastomotic Leakage and Stricture After Low Anterior Resection in Rectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Kim Min Jung , Shin Rumi , Oh Heung‐Kwon , Park Ji Won , Jeong Seung‐Yong , Park Jae‐Gahb 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundAnastomotic complications after low anterior resection are associated with perianastomotic ischemia. Smoking is one of the main causes of microvascular disease that is correlated with tissue ischemia. The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of smoking on anastomotic complications after low anterior resection in rectal cancer patients.MethodsBetween January 2005 and December 2008, 412 patients underwent low anterior resection for rectal cancers by a single surgeon at Seoul National University Hospital. Excluded from this series were 197 patients with postoperative radiation therapy, cancers that were located above 10 cm from the anal verge, or lack of medical records, and the remaining 215 patients were included for analysis. Significant variables in the univariate analysis were subsequently subject to multivariate analysis for identification of risk factors for complications.ResultsThe rate of anastomotic complications was 10.7% (23 of 215 patients). Univariate analysis showed that male gender, body mass index higher than 25 kg/m2, smoking history, smoking amount, type of operation, and presence of a protective stoma were associated with anastomotic complications. In multivariate analysis, a history of heavy smoking was a significant risk factor for anastomotic complications.ConclusionsA history of heavy smoking (more than 40 pack‐years) is an independently significant risk factor for anastomotic complications after low anterior resection in rectal cancer patients.
UK Urology Trainees' Exposure to Dedicated Infertility Training: How Good is That Training?
Authors: Grey B.R. , O'Flynn K.J. , Payne S.R. 
Published: September 2011

Objective: The management of male-factor infertility (MFI) is one component of the UK urological training curriculum. Sub-specialising gynaecologists, training in reproductive medicine, are also expected to achieve similar competencies. This study aimed to determine UK urology trainees' views on the quality of Their training in managing the infertile male. Methods: All UK urological trainees, identified through the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) or Joint Committee on Surgical Training (JCST) databases were e-mailed and invited to partake in an online survey, accessed through SurveyMonkey™. Results: 176 (51.6%) urological trainees responded. Only 3.6% were assured of exposure to training in MFI investigation and management and <35% had any exposure to vasectomy reversal. 61.3% wanted infertility to make up some part of their work as a consultant but only 27% rated their training as adequate. 79.9% felt threatened by the potential loss of skills and patients to gynaecologists with sub-specialist interests in reproductive medicine. Conclusions: UK urological trainees reported that exposure to dedicated training in MFI is suboptimal and ultimately, insufficient to equip them for the consultant practice they desire. Urology training needs re-structuring to ensure retention of this skill set and to support the aspirations of interested urological trainees.
Copper handling by astrocytes: Insights into neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Tiffany‐Castiglioni Evelyn , Hong Sandra , Qian Yongchang 
Published: September 2011

AbstractCopper (Cu) is an essential trace element in the brain that can be toxic at elevated levels. Cu accumulation is a suspected etiology in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and prion‐induced disorders. Astrocytes are a proposed depot in the brain for Cu and other metals, including lead (Pb). This article describes the physiological roles of Cu in the central nervous system and in selected neurodegenerative diseases, and reviews evidence that astrocytes accumulate Cu and protect neurons from Cu toxicity. Findings from murine genetic models of Menkes disease and from cell culture models concerning the molecular mechanisms by which astrocytes take up, store, and buffer Cu intracellularly are discussed, as well as potential mechanistic linkages between astrocyte functions in Cu handling and neurodegenerative diseases.
First‐trimester maternal serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 status and pregnancy outcome
Authors: Fernández‐Alonso Ana M. , Dionis‐Sánchez Elia C. , Chedraui Peter , González‐Salmerón María D. , Pérez‐López Faustino R. ,   The Spanish Vitamin D and Women's Health Research Group
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the pregnancy outcome as a function of the first‐trimester serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D] status and to compare the 25(OH)D levels in the first and third trimesters.MethodsPregnant women (n = 466) tested for serum 25(OH)D levels during the first trimester were followed up until the end of pregnancy, and the obstetric and neonatal outcomes were compared in reference to the baseline 25(OH)D status. The third‐trimester 25(OH)D levels were additionally measured in a subset of women (n = 148).ResultsThe obstetric and neonatal outcomes did not vary as a function of the first‐trimester 25(OH)D status. Neither did the 25(OH)D levels vary as a function of pregnancy outcomes. Overall, the 25(OH)D levels significantly decreased from the first to the third trimester. The first‐ and third‐trimester 25(OH)D levels of samples initially taken during autumn/winter were significantly lower than those that were initially taken during spring/summer. Interestingly, the decrease in 25(OH)D levels during the third trimester was independent of the season of sampling.ConclusionThe pregnancy outcome was independent of the first‐trimester 25(OH)D status. Overall, the 25(OH)D levels significantly decreased in the third trimester. More research in this area is warranted.
Effects of Sleep or Food Deprivation During Civilian Survival Training on Cognition, Blood Glucose and 3-OH-butyrate
Authors: Ståhle Lars , Ståhle Ewa Ljungdahl , Granström Elisabeth , Isaksson Sven , Annas Peter , Sepp Harry 
Published: September 2011

Objectives The study was designed to compare effects of food deprivation (FD) and sleep deprivation (SD) on cognition during survival training. Methods In a cross-over design (n=12), the effects of FD (up to 66 hours followed by 500 kcal intake over 24 hours) and SD (up to 50 hours) on cognitive variables, blood glucose, and 3-OH-butyrate were studied. Results Food deprivation and SD impaired attention-dependent tasks. The FD impairment of simple reaction time was independent of blood glucose levels, which were normalized by a 500 kcal intake over 24 hours while the reaction time was not. Sleep deprivation and FD impaired maze-solving performance on all variables except rule breaks, which were significantly occurring after 50 hours of SD. Delayed word recall was impaired by SD for 50 hours. On the Balloon Analogue Risk Task, SD was associated with reduced risk-taking. In a gambling task, both SD for 50 hours and FD for 66 hours were associated with a tendency to make early choices when presented with consecutive choices, but the risk-taking was not affected. Conclusions Sleep deprivation has multiple cognitive effects, including attention, memory, visual-spatial ability, and risk-taking. Food deprivation had no affect on risk-taking, while the other tasks were affected in a way similar to SD but were less pronounced. The FD effects on cognition did not appear to depend on blood sugar levels. The need to sleep should be prioritized in survival situations to avoid cognitive impairment.
Snowboarding Injuries in Australia: Investigating Risk Factors in Wrist Fractures to Enhance Injury Prevention Strategies
Authors: Dickson Tracey J. , Terwiel F. Anne 
Published: September 2011

Objective To investigate risk factors associated with wrist fractures in snowboarders to inform future snowsport safety strategies. Methods A prospective case-control study using a nonprobability convenience sample was conducted with data collected via a respondent-completed questionnaire. Subjects consisted of snowboarders with a snowboard-related injury who presented to one of 10 medical centers and physiotherapy clinics in resort medical centers and gateway communities across the Australian snowsport season in 2007. Those presenting with injuries other than wrist fractures acted as the control. Results The 611 respondents reported 802 injuries (61.3% were males and 51.5% were aged 16–25 years). Protective equipment was worn by 57.0% of respondents. The main reason for not wearing a wrist guard was that they did not see the need; of these, 12.9% experienced a wrist fracture. Most injuries occurred on-piste, in a terrain park, or in a lesson. The main mechanism of injury was falling. The major risk factors for wrist fractures were being less than 16 years of age (OR 3.97, CI 2.54–6.22), being in the alpine area for a holiday (OR 2.77, CI 1.47–5.21), and being a first-day snowboard participant (OR 2.02, CI 1.15–3.64). A direct logistic regression indicated that 3 variables had a statistically significant contribution to the model (being less than 16 years old, being on holidays in the region, and not wearing a wrist guard). Conclusions The key risk factors in this Australian study reflect other international studies, providing a clear market segment for targeted snowsport safety messages: those less than 16 years old, visitors to the alpine regions, and those not wearing wrist guards.
Effects of Oxygen Supplementation on Acute Mountain Sickness Symptoms and Functional Capacity During a 2-Kilometer Walk Test on Chajnantor Plateau (5050 Meters, Northern Chile)
Authors: Silva-Urra Juan A. , Urizar Constanza , Basualto-Alarcón Carla , Torrella Joan Ramon , Pagés Teresa , Behn Claus , Viscor Ginés 
Published: September 2011

Objective The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that administration of low-flow oxygen will improve physical performance in subjects unacclimatized to altitude. We evaluated the effects of oxygen supplementation on functional capacity and acute mountain sickness (AMS) symptoms in young, healthy male and female subjects who performed a 2-km fast walk test following rapid ascent to the Chajnantor plateau (5050 m above sea level) in Northern Chile. Methods The participants were randomly distributed into 2 groups according to oxygen supplementation levels: 1 or 3 L O2·min−1. Within each group, males and females were evaluated separately. A preliminary walk test was carried out at sea level on a 100-m long, flat track with 10 U-turns. For the first walk at altitude, subjects carried the supplementary oxygen system but did not breathe the oxygen. Subjects received oxygen through a facemask the following day during the second test. The nights prior to altitude tests were spent at 2400 m in San Pedro de Atacama. Results Supplementary oxygen administration during a 2-km walk test significantly improved walking times at 5050 m. We also observed a significant improvement in AMS symptoms. As expected, however, performance was poorer at altitude compared to test values at sea level, despite supplementary oxygen administration. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate the beneficial effects of supplementary oxygen administration on physical capacity, reducing the incidence of AMS and, thus, improving health and safety conditions for high altitude workers following rapid ascent, when adequate acclimatization is not possible.