bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inter-organizational digital divide: Civic groups’ media strategies in the Trinity River Corridor Project
Authors: Ignatow Gabe , Schuett Jessica Lynn
Published: May 2013

This study’s goals are 1) to investigate how leaders of civic groups make decisions about using new and social media versus older media forms of media, and 2) to reexamine major theses on the social effects of new media equipped with a better understanding of civic groups’ internal decision-making. To explore these issues, we conducted interviews with leaders of eight civic groups involved in the Trinity River Corridor development project in Dallas, TX. We also interviewed local journalists, and analyzed the eight civic groups’ web sites, social media sites, and blogs, as well as blogs that linked to the groups’ sites. We find that new and social media were used mainly by organizations that were not directly involved in major political actions, and that for the two groups most directly involved in political actions, the wealthier and more powerful group was better connected to other organizations that did use new and social media. The findings reveal a sharp digital divide between networks of civic organizations.
Understanding collaboration in Wikipedia
Authors: Kimmons Royce M.
Published: May 2013

Previous attempts at studying collaboration within Wikipedia have focused on simple metrics like rigor (i.e. the number of revisions in an article’s revision history) and diversity (i.e. the number of authors that have voluntarily contributed to a given article) or have made generalizations about collaboration within Wikipedia based upon the content validity of a few select articles. By analyzing the contents of randomly selected Wikipedia articles (n = 1,271) and their revisions (n = 85,563) more closely, this study attempts to understand what collaboration within Wikipedia actually looks like under the surface. Findings suggest that typical Wikipedia articles are not rigorous, in a collaborative sense, and do not reflect much diversity in the construction of content and macro-structural writing, leading to the conclusion that most articles in Wikipedia are not reflective of the collaborative efforts of any community but, rather, represent the work of relatively few contributors.
Accumulation, control and contingency: Towards a critical understanding of intellectual property rights’ ‘piracy’
Authors: Mylonas Yiannis
Published: May 2013

This article problematizes piracy a) as a hegemonic discourse and technology of control, aiming to securitize late capitalist accumulation; b) as a practice developed by the multitudes that is compatible to post–Fordist mode of production and to neoliberal norms; and, c) as resistance to dominant mode of late capitalist production, distribution and consumption of immaterial goods. The article addresses and criticizes capitalism’s ‘organic’ and strategic colonization of fundamental social commons, such as culture, intellectual goods, as well as human creativity and communication, by looking at the ideological, institutional and material processes that reproduce the capitalist ‘machine’. This paper concludes by considering the possibility of overcoming the capitalist approach to commons, through the politicization of IPR as well as through the connection of the problem they pose to broader social perspectives, confronting capitalism — in its post political disguises — politically.
Achieving rigor and relevance in online multimedia scholarly publishing
Authors: Anderson-Wilk Mark , Hino Jeff
Published: May 2013

This paper discusses the importance of relevance and rigor in scholarly publishing in a new media–rich world. We defend that scholarship should be useful and engaging to audiences through the use of new media, and at the same time scholarly publishers must develop and maintain methods of ensuring content accuracy and providing quality controls in the production of scholarly multimedia products. We review examples and a case study of existing scholarly publishing venues that attempt to maintain quality control standards while embracing innovative multimedia formats. We also present lessons learned from the case experience and challenges that face us in the scholarly publication of multimedia.
The more people I meet, the more I like my dog: A study of pet-oriented social networks on the Web
Authors: Golbeck Jennifer
Published: May 2013

Online social networks are one of the largest uses of the Web, and growing rapidly. They are also being used actively by pet owners. Just as pet owners are different, we might expect their needs within a social network to differ. In this work, we present an analysis of dog– and cat–owners behavior in pet–oriented social networks. Our results show that dog and cat owners use these sites quite differently. While dog owners focus on their relationship with their pets and looking for advice, cat owners tend to use the site more to build community. Both results show that these pet social networks are already being used to help support the human–animal bond online, and that different types of pet owners would benefit from different types of support within the systems. We discuss the implications of these results for designing networks to support different types of users and what this means for the understanding of passion–based social networks.
Measuring effectiveness and user satisfaction in Yahoo! Answers
Authors: Shah Chirag
Published: May 2013

Social question-answering services such as Yahoo! Answers (YA) are becoming highly prominent venues for online information seeking. While their immense popularity indicates their success, there is a need to measure how effective these services are and how satisfactory information they provide to the information seekers. To study these questions of effectiveness and user satisfaction, we collected a large amount of data from YA. For operationalizing these two constructs, we considered the amount of time lapsed between a question being asked and answered, and the asker choosing an answer to be satisfying, respectively. Using data mining, we show that the majority of the questions on YA get at least one answer within a few minutes, however, it takes longer to receive an answer that satisfies the asker. We also demonstrate that the sooner an answer appears for a question, the higher chances it has being selected as the best answer by the asker.
Multimedia, interactive and hypertextual features in divergent online news platforms: An exploratory study of Flemish online news
Authors: Opgenhaffen Michael
Published: May 2013

This paper argues for not studying the Web as one, homogeneous medium, but instead as a meta–medium that carries various divergent news media like news blogs, discussion forums, Web TV, and RSS news feeds, each with a specific presentation style. Based on a content analysis of Flemish online news media, the level of multimedia, interactivity and hypertext of different divergent news platforms are identified. Results suggest that multiple online platforms are used to present the news, even within meta–media like digital newspapers or portal sites. This analysis also reveals that the use of online news features varies among divergent news platforms, some being innovative and others rather traditional.
Credibility judgment and verification behavior of college students concerning Wikipedia
Authors: Lim Sook , Simon Christine
Published: May 2013

This study examines credibility judgments in relation to peripheral cues and genre of Wikipedia articles, and attempts to understand user information verification behavior based on the theory of bounded rationality. Data were collected employing both an experiment and a survey at a large public university in the midwestern United States in Spring 2010. This study shows some interesting patterns. It appears that the effect of peripheral cues on credibility judgments differed according to genre. Those who did not verify information displayed a higher level of satisficing than those who did. Students used a variety of peripheral cues of Wikipedia. The exploratory data show that peer endorsement may be more important than formal authorities for user generated information sources, such as Wikipedia, which calls for further research.
The impact of group attributes on communication activity and shared language in online communities
Authors: Huffaker David A.
Published: May 2013

This study examines how group size, network density, participation equality and member turnover are related to communication activity and shared language in online communities. It examines the social interactions of sixteen randomly selected discussion groups (33,450 participants and 632,622 messages) covering topics in politics, health, hobbies, and science and technology over a 20-month period. It relies on social network analysis, computational linguistics and hierarchical linear modeling to uncover the extent to which group attributes impact message replies, conversational thread length and shared word choices. The results show that group size and network density are positively related to communication activity and shared language, while participation equality and member turnover are not significant predictors.
How college students use the Web to conduct everyday life research
Authors: Head Alison J , Eisenberg Michael B.
Published: May 2013

This paper reports on college students’ everyday life information-seeking behavior and is based on findings from 8,353 survey respondents on 25 U.S. college campuses. A large majority of respondents had looked for news and, to a slightly lesser extent, decision-making information about purchases and health and wellness within the previous six months. Almost all the respondents used search engines, though students planning to purchase something were more likely to use search engines, and those looking for spiritual information were least likely to use search engines. Despite the widespread use of search engines, the process of filtering relevant from non-relevant search results was reportedly the most difficult part of everyday life research. As a whole, these students used a hybrid information-seeking strategy for meeting their everyday life information needs, turning to search engines and Wikipedia almost as much as they did to friends and family. A preliminary theory is introduced that describes the relationship between students’ evaluation practices and their risk-associated searches.
Community created open source hardware: A case study of "eCars - Now!"
Authors: Malinen Tiina , Mikkonen Teemu , Tienvieri Vesa , Vadén Tere
Published: May 2013

Based on a survey, we describe the demographic and motivational structure of one open source hardware (OSH) community and compare it to open source software (OSS) communities. Taken separately, both the demographics and the motivational structure of the OSH community fall clearly within the typology of OSS communities, but when the two are taken together the OSH community forms a type of its own. We also discuss bottlenecks in OSH development revealed by the survey and subsequent interviews.
Vernacular resistance to data collection and analysis: A political theory of obfuscation
Authors: Brunton Finn , Nissenbaum Helen
Published: May 2013

Computer-enabled data collection, aggregation, and mining dramatically change the nature of contemporary surveillance. Refusal is not a practical option, as data collection is an inherent condition of many essential societal transactions. We present one vernacular response to this regime of everyday surveillance, a tactic we call obfuscation. With a variety of possible motivations, actors engage in obfuscation by producing misleading, false, or ambiguous data with the intention of confusing an adversary or simply adding to the time or cost of separating bad data from good. Our paper develops a political theory of obfuscation, linking contemporary and historical cases to develop a descriptive account of obfuscation that is able to capture key commonalities in systems from radar chaff to BitTorrent.
Reading revolutions: Online digital text and implications for reading in academe
Authors: Cull Barry W.
Published: May 2013

While the Internet is a text-saturated world, reading online screens tends to be significantly different from reading printed text. This review essay examines literature from a variety of disciplines on the technological, social, behavioural, and neuroscientific impacts that the Internet is having on the practice of reading. A particular focus is given to the reading behaviour of emerging university students, especially within Canada and the United States. A brief overview is provided of the recent transformation of academic libraries into providers of online digital text in addition to printed books and other materials, before looking at research on college students’ preferences for print and digital text, and the cognitive neuroscience of reading on screen.
Tool for or source of action? A social psychological perspective on the influence of virtual worlds on reality
Authors: Schumann Sandy , Luong Francois
Published: May 2013

Social movements are, especially since the revolution in Egypt, often linked to the mobilizing “power” of the Internet. Very frequently, the Internet is viewed as a tool to coordinate and organize such actions. The aim of this article is to extend this perspective and introduce a framework of explicit and implicit mechanisms that can enforce a transfer of online actions off–line. We relate the proposed framework to the behavior model of persuasive design to identify necessary conditions for this transfer.
Finding the meaning of emo in youths' online social networking: A qualitative study of contemporary Italian emo
Authors: Seganti Francesca Romana , Smahel David
Published: May 2013

This paper analyses how young Italians aged 16 to 19 who identify themselves with emo subculture use social network sites (SNSs) in constructing their identity and social relations. Based on a qualitative methodology, the findings supported our hypothesis that SNS are tools to socialise rather than isolate. Emo emerges as a powerful identity mark, which through dissemination in new media provides the foundation for a new sense of subcultural belonging.
Online identity crisis: Real ID on the World of Warcraft forums
Authors: Albrechtslund Anne-Mette
Published: May 2013

In July 2010, Activision Blizzard announced that the Real ID system was going to be implemented on the official World of Warcraft forums, meaning that players would be required to identify themselves with their real names to be able to post on the forums. The plans were withdrawn only a few days later because of the overwhelming negative response from players. This article analyzes examples of players' responses on the forums and, having identified central themes concerning identity and sociality in this online setting, explores possible reasons why anonymity is so important to the player community.
The visibility of Wikipedia in scholarly publications
Authors: Park Taemin Kim
Published: May 2013

Publications in the Institute of Scientific Information’s (ISI, currently Thomson Reuters) Web of Science (WoS) and Elsevier’s Scopus databases were utilized to collect data about Wikipedia research and citations to Wikipedia. The growth of publications on Wikipedia research, the most active researchers, their associated institutions, academic fields and their geographic distribution are treated in this paper. The impact and influence of Wikipedia were identified, utilizing cited work found in (WoS) and Scopus. Additionally, leading authors, affiliated institutions, countries, academic fields, and publications that frequently cite Wikipedia are identified.
“Don’t feed the troll”: Shutting down debate about community expectations on Reddit.com
Authors: Bergstrom Kelly
Published: May 2013

While many online communities have explicit codes of conduct that one must follow in order to participate, there are often many “unwritten rules” or community expectations that users are expected to abide by. In this case study of www.reddit.com, a news aggregate Web site whose affordances seem to imply a transient and fluid approach to online identity, I outline an example of a community member (known as “Grandpa Wiggly”) who ran afoul of community expectations of authentic representation of one’s “true” off–line self. I also detail how accusations of trolling were used as a justification for shutting down debates about community expectations, as well as justifying actions against Grandpa Wiggly that violated the Reddit terms of service (and his privacy).
Visitors and Residents: A new typology for online engagement
Authors: White David S. , Le Cornu Alison
Published: May 2013

This article proposes a continuum of ‘Visitors’ and ‘Residents’ as a replacement for Prensky’s much‐criticised Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants. Challenging the basic premises upon which Prensky constructed his typology, Visitors and Residents fulfil a similar purpose in mapping individuals’ engagement with the Web. We argue that the metaphors of ‘place’ and ‘tool’ most appropriately represent the use of technology in contemporary society, especially given the advent of social media. The Visitors and Residents continuum accounts for people behaving in different ways when using technology, depending on their motivation and context, without categorising them according to age or background. A wider and more accurate representation of online behaviour is therefore established.
Culturomics 2.0: Forecasting large-scale human behavior using global news media tone in time and space
Authors: Leetaru Kalev
Published: May 2013

News is increasingly being produced and consumed online, supplanting print and broadcast to represent nearly half of the news monitored across the world today by Western intelligence agencies. Recent literature has suggested that computational analysis of large text archives can yield novel insights to the functioning of society, including predicting future economic events. Applying tone and geographic analysis to a 30–year worldwide news archive, global news tone is found to have forecasted the revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya, including the removal of Egyptian President Mubarak, predicted the stability of Saudi Arabia (at least through May 2011), estimated Osama Bin Laden’s likely hiding place as a 200–kilometer radius in Northern Pakistan that includes Abbotabad, and offered a new look at the world’s cultural affiliations. Along the way, common assertions about the news, such as “news is becoming more negative” and “American news portrays a U.S.–centric view of the world” are found to have merit.
Incidence of Orofacial Clefts in Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Agbenorku P. , Yore M. , Danso K. A. , Turpin C.
Published: May 2013

Background. Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common orofacial congenital anomalies. This study is to establish Orofacial Clefts Database for Kumasi, Ghana, with a view to extend it to other cities in future to obtain a national orofacial anomaly database. Methods. A descriptive prospective survey was carried out at eleven selected health facilities in Kumasi. Results. The total number of live births recorded was 27,449. Orofacial anomalies recorded were 36, giving an incidence of 1.31/1000 live births or 1 in 763 live births. The mean maternal age of cleft lip/palate babies was 29.85 years (range 18–40 years). The male : female ratio for the orofacial anomalies babies was 1.3 : 1; the male : female ratio was 0.5 : 1 in the cleft lip group, 1.3 : 1 in the cleft lip and palate group, and 4 : 1 in the cleft palate group. The majority of clefts were unilateral (69.4%, n=25), with females (n=14) outnumbering males (n=11). A family history of cleft was recorded with five babies (13.9%). Associated congenital anomalies were recorded in seven (19.4%) cleft lips and/or palates. Conclusion. The incidence of 1 in 763 live births found in this study indicates that cleft lip/palate is a common congenital anomaly in Kumasi.
Enhancing Social Support System for Improving Food Security Among the Elderly Headed Household in Communal Areas of Zimbabwe
Authors: Nyikahadzoi Kefasi , Zamasiya Byron , Muchinako George Alex , Dziro Charles
Published: May 2013

The study sought to establish factors that contribute towards food security among elderly headed households and then seek ways of enhancing them. The study was conducted in Mudzi District in Mashonaland East Province of Zimbabwe. Data was collected from wards 11, 12 and 16. The study used cross sectional household data collected using a structured questionnaire. Two measures of food security are used; namely household food insecurity access score and household dietary diversity score. The results showed that food insecurity access score was statistically higher for elderly headed household when compared to those headed by younger people. The study revealed that social capital, remittances, and off farm income generating projects can increase the elderly headed household’s likelihood of being food secure. The study also showed that public assistance is not making a positive contribution towards food security of elderly headed household. This paper argues that it is important for government and civil society to promote social capital and support channels of remittances to elderly headed households in communal areas.
Pricing and reimbursement of innovative pharmaceuticals in France and the new healthcare reform
Authors: Natz Alexander , Campion Marie-Geneviève
Published: May 2013

Over the last years, many cost-containment measures were implemented by the government leading to drastic price-cuts. New paradigms and healthcare models are emerging and health technology assessments are increasingly taken into consideration. France has the second biggest rank in terms of healthcare spending after the US. Pharmaceuticals represented around 19% of the budget of the Health Insurance funds in 2009. In France, innovative pharmaceuticals have been subject for a long-time to price-control and cost-containment measures. The present review provides a general description of the French health care system, analyzing the developments and changes by the recent French health care reform.
A pessoa: fenômeno causal ou espontâneo? Exame crítico das objeções de Ansgar Beckermann à existência da alma
Authors: Fischer Gerson Joni
Published: May 2013

Há de fato uma mudança em andamento na imagem que se tem de pessoa nas neurociências? A partir dessa indagação, questiona-se o uso totalizante do princípio de causa e efeito no âmbito dessas ciências, com os objetivos de obter indicações para a reflexão neuroética e apontar para o lugar da pastoral no cuidado do ser humano. Procede-se a um exame crítico da neurofilosofia de Ansgar Beckermann, configurando-se a hipótese de trabalho como contrária a reduzir-se ao cérebro a explicação do fenômeno da vida consciente. Esse fenômeno é sempre espontâneo. Não fosse assim, como seria possível responsabilizar os seres humanos por suas decisões e atos? Propõe-se um quadro de referência no qual a pessoa e a imagem que dela se faz partem de um ponto de vista integral. Ela é simplesmente alma vivente, sempre maior que uma de suas partes e mesmo à soma delas. A ética, nesse modelo, pode manifestar-se como neuroética, agregando-se os saberes das neurociências. Admite-se a centralidade do cérebro na manifestação da vida consciente, livre e responsável, jamais dissociada, porém, da pessoa em sua totalidade. Para a pastoral inspirada na mensagem cristã e que se dirige ao cuidado da pessoa, a vida necessita ser valorizada e zelada. Nela não se procura salvar o Sujeito moderno, ou outra imagem nele centrada. Em sua perspectiva, o ser humano é sempre carente de reconciliação. Porém, uma imagem reduzida de pessoa, que lhe negue alguma de suas características, em nada contribuirá para a continuidade de seu trabalho e testemunho.
Introdução à Fenomenologia
Authors: Mendes Everaldo Dos Santos
Published: May 2013

ALES BELLO, A. Introdução à Fenomenologia. Trad. Ir. Jacina Turolo Garcia e Miguel Mahfoud. Bauru, São Paulo: Edusc, 2006.
Bahia: inquisição & sociedade
Authors: Mott Luiz
Published: May 2013

Um trabalho de mérito, que tem o condão de revelar verdades desconhecidas para os que se interessam pelo conhecimento, nu e cru, dos bastidores da história. “Bahia: Inquisição & Sociedade” é uma amostra selecionada do que representou a ação da Santa Inquisição em Salvador e pelo interior da Capitania. São oito artigos reunidos, publicados entre 1986 e 1995, em diferentes revistas científicas, apresentando um cardápio variado e amplo dos aspectos mais significativos do que representou esta instituição em terras baianenses, em seus quase trezentos anos de atuação entre nós.
B Lymphocytes
Authors: Bondada Subbarao , Chelvarajan Ralph L , Gururajan Murali
Published: May 2013

Bone marrow‐derived (B) lymphocytes are antibody‐producing cells in the body. Antibody production is initiated on recognition of antigen via a specific immunoglobulin receptor, and reception of growth and differentiation signals. B lymphocytes are also important for the activation of helper T lymphocytes and are integral for the memory component of the immune response. A variety of B cell subsets exist that have distinct phenotypes and functions. Effector B cells mediate B‐cell responses to antigens and vaccines, whereas regulatory B cells mediate suppression of T cells. In addition to antibody secretion, B cells present antigen to T cells, and B‐cell secretion of soluble factors like cytokines and chemokines is important for B‐cell responses to infectious diseases. Excessive or uncontrolled B‐cell activation lead to the development of B‐cell lymphoma and autoimmune diseases. Therapeutic antibodies that deplete B cells are in clinical use for the treatment of B‐cell lymphomas and B cell‐mediated autoimmune diseases.

Key Concepts:

B cells develop in the bone marrow.

B lymphocytes mediate antibody responses.

B cell maturation occurs in the bone marrow and in the spleen.

Mature B cells reside in the secondary lymphoid organs like spleen and lymph nodes.

B cell subsets are defined by surface marker expression and phenotypic characteristics.

Thymus independent (TI) antigens activate B cells without a need for antigen‐specific helper T cells. Thymus‐dependent (TD) antigens have an obligate requirement for cognate interaction with antigen‐specific helper T cells to activate B cells.

B cells differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies.

Antibodies bind to antigens and neutralise the infection (neutralising antibodies).

B cell depletion is an effective therapy in B lymphoma and autoimmune diseases.
Lymphocyte Activation: Signal Transduction
Authors: P Kane Lawrence
Published: May 2013

Adaptive immunity depends on the transfer of information across the plasma membrane of T and B lymphocytes. This information takes the form of signal transduction pathways that are initiated by the recognition of antigens by specific transmembrane receptors, and that result in a complex series of biochemical changes within the cell that ultimately alter cellular function. A key feature of antigen receptors on T and B lymphocytes is that they contain no intrinsic catalytic activity. Rather, they signal through the initial activation of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases, which then phosphorylate various cytoplasmic and membrane‐bound adaptor proteins. These adaptor proteins function as molecular scaffolds for the further activation of downstream signalling pathways that mediate the ultimate effects of antigen recognition on lymphocyte function, including modification of transcription factors and changes in the cytoskeleton.

Key Concepts:

Lymphocyte antigen receptors consist of separate modules for antigen recognition and signal transduction.

Lymphocyte antigen receptors contain no intrinsic catalytic activity, but rather link to nonreceptor tyrosine kinases.

The immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based activation motif is critical for linking antigen receptors to tyrosine kinases.

Both cytoplasmic and transmembrane adaptor proteins are important for translating proximal antigen receptor signalling to common downstream signalling pathways.

Downstream effectors of antigen receptor signalling include serine/threonine kinases and small G proteins.

Antigen‐receptor signalling can be modulated by other coreceptors expressed by lymphocytes.

Antigen‐receptor signalling is critical for both activation of mature lymphocytes as well as for their development in the bone marrow or thymus.
Host Defence (Antimicrobial) Peptides and Proteins
Authors: Wuerth Kelli C , Hilchie Ashley L , Brown Kelly L , Hancock Robert EW
Published: May 2013

Host defence (antimicrobial) peptides are small cationic peptides that contain several hydrophobic amino acids. Such peptides typically form amphipathic structures in membrane‐mimicking environments, which contribute to peptide activity on essential membrane‐dependent processes, membrane permeabilisation and/or cell penetration. Host defence peptides (HDPs) have a variety of biological properties, including profound immune‐modulating properties and direct antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic and anticancer activities. Thus, HDPs are important effectors of the immune system; however, the effector functions of these peptides are often heavily dependent on their microenvironment. The direct antibacterial properties of many peptides are eliminated in the presence of physiologically relevant concentrations of cations and polyanions, although the immune‐modulating properties of these peptides persist under these conditions even in the presence of serum. The immune‐modulating properties are anti‐infective and include chemokine induction and host cell recruitment/differentiation, antiinflammatory activity, promotion of effective adaptive immunity and wound healing activity. Using human peptides as examples, the biological properties of HDPs are discussed herein in an attempt to expose their potential as templates for novel therapeutic agents.

Key Concepts:

The direct antimicrobial properties of small cationic peptides are often eliminated in the presence of physiologically relevant concentrations of serum and salt; thus they are more accurately described as host defence peptides.

The immunomodulatory properties of host defence peptides are complex, have been confirmed
in vivo
, and contribute to anti‐infective immunity.

Humans express several defensins and one cathelicidin (hCAP‐18/LL‐37).

Human defensins and cathelicidins are produced by many cell types and have many biological properties, including the ability to destroy pathogens and alter immune responses.

Host defence peptides can be modified to improve their biological activities.
Familial Breast Cancer: Genetic Testing
Authors: Alabek Michelle L , Farley Megan N
Published: May 2013

Hereditary breast cancer is uncommon, accounting for approximately 5–10% of all breast cancer diagnoses. However, it is critical to identify individuals with a hereditary breast cancer predisposition. These individuals can significantly benefit from altering their personal cancer surveillance plan from the general population recommendations. Individuals with a hereditary breast cancer risk should work with their clinicians to develop a personalised management plan, which may include a combination of increased screening, preventative surgeries and risk‐reducing medications. To best determine who may be at risk, what their particular risks are and the most appropriate testing strategy, a formal genetic risk assessment is needed. Genetic testing may confirm the presence of a cancer predisposition syndrome in a family, providing information regarding the cancer risks for the individual and their family members and directing appropriate clinical management. Owing to the complexities associated with this process, involvement of specially trained genetics professionals is crucial.

Key Concepts:

It is estimated that approximately 5–10% of breast cancers are hereditary.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most common genes associated with hereditary breast cancer risk.

In addition to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, there are several other genes that are associated with a well‐defined hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome that includes an increased breast cancer risk.

Formal genetic risk assessment is helpful to determine the most appropriate and cost‐effective strategy for genetic testing.

It is necessary to fully understand the implications of genetic testing results to form a comprehensive and adequate surveillance and management strategy for the individual and their family.

The medical management for hereditary breast cancer predisposition syndromes includes high‐risk surveillance, prophylactic surgical options, lifestyle changes and chemoprevention.

Recent studies suggest that breast cancer risk may be increased in young BRCA‐positive women who initiate screening mammograms before the age of 30.

Recent studies have suggested that doubling the standard 5‐year course of tamoxifen use can reduce breast cancer recurrence and mortality in high‐risk women.

Recent research has suggested that most ovarian cancers actually arise in the fallopian tube, leading researchers to propose prophylactic surgeries that may preserve the ovaries in the future.

Newer data suggest that maintaining a healthy weight reduces cancer recurrence risks, and that this may be due at least in part to the role the BRCA1 gene plays in mimicking a negative energy balance within the cell.
Alternative Plasmonic Materials: Beyond Gold and Silver
Authors: Naik Gururaj V. , Shalaev Vladimir M. , Boltasseva Alexandra
Published: May 2013

Materials research plays a vital role in transforming breakthrough scientific ideas into next‐generation technology. Similar to the way silicon revolutionized the microelectronics industry, the proper materials can greatly impact the field of plasmonics and metamaterials. Currently, research in plasmonics and metamaterials lacks good material building blocks in order to realize useful devices. Such devices suffer from many drawbacks arising from the undesirable properties of their material building blocks, especially metals. There are many materials, other than conventional metallic components such as gold and silver, that exhibit metallic properties and provide advantages in device performance, design flexibility, fabrication, integration, and tunability. This review explores different material classes for plasmonic and metamaterial applications, such as conventional semiconductors, transparent conducting oxides, perovskite oxides, metal nitrides, silicides, germanides, and 2D materials such as graphene. This review provides a summary of the recent developments in the search for better plasmonic materials and an outlook of further research directions.
Applications of Gold Nanoparticles in the Detection and Identification of Infectious Diseases and Biothreats
Authors: Lin Meihua , Pei Hao , Yang Fan , Fan Chunhai , Zuo Xiaolei
Published: May 2013

The situation of infectious diseases and biothreats all over the world remains serious. The effective identification of such diseases plays a very important role. In recent years, gold nanoparticles have been widely used in biosensor design to improve the performance for the detection of infectious diseases and biothreats. Here, recent advances of gold‐nanoparticle‐based biosensors in this field are summarized.
Bicyclization of Diazomethanes: A Synthetic Strategy for Fused Pyrazoles
Authors: Wang He , Zhao Yu‐Long , Li Lei , Zhang Zhen‐Wei , Liu Qun
Published: May 2013

On the terminal diazo nitrogen atom, two CN bonds are formed in the bicyclization reaction of the readily available acyclic substrates with diazomethanes as 1,3‐dipoles. The tandem 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition/intramolecular aza‐addition/oxidative aromatization reaction can tolerate a variety of functional groups and proceeds under mild metal‐free conditions to give substituted analogues of withasomnine alkaloids in good to high yields in a single step.
Palladium(II)/Polyoxometalate‐Catalyzed Direct C‐3 Alkenylation of Indoles using Dioxygen as the Terminal Oxidant
Authors: Huang Qiufeng , Song Qianqian , Cai Jin , Zhang Xiaofeng , Lin Shen
Published: May 2013

An efficient and practical synthetic method has been developed for the preparation of 3‐vinylindoles by the direct CH olefination of indoles with alkenes. The transformation is catalyzed by palladium acetate combined with 12‐molybdophosphoric acid and uses oxygen as the terminal oxidant. 4‐Dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) was observed to be an effective additive for the olefination reaction. Functional groups such as methoxy, benzyloxy, fluoro, bromo, ester, phenyl, and methyl were tolerated under the reaction conditions.
Synthesis of a Long Acting HIV Protease Inhibitor via Metal or Enzymatic Reduction of the Appropriate Chloro Ketone and Selective Zinc Enolate Condensation with an Amino Epoxide
Authors: Houpis Ioannis N. , Liu Renmao , Liu Lin , Wang Yanfei , Dong Nengfa , Zhao Xiangan , Zhang Yan , Xiao Tingting , Wang Youchu , Depre Dominique , Nettekoven Ulrike , Vogel Michael , Wilson Rob , Collier Steve
Published: May 2013

This paper describes a new convergent approach to the synthesis of an HIV protease inhibitor which was designed to be suitable in long acting formulations. Unique features in the synthesis include an asymmetric hydrogenation as well as enzymatic reduction of a key chloro ketone intermediate, to set the threo stereochemistry in the corresponding epoxide and the diastereoselective coupling of the latter with the zinc enolate of a suitable functionalized amide derivative.
Selective Intramolecular Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Aminooxygenation vs. Diamination of Alkenylureas: Efficient Microwave‐Assisted Reactions to Bicyclic Piperazinones
Authors: Broggini Gianluigi , Barbera Vincenzina , Beccalli Egle M. , Chiacchio Ugo , Fasana Andrea , Galli Simona , Gazzola Silvia
Published: May 2013

Alkenylureas arising from glycine allylamides were proven to be suitable substrates for the synthesis of bicyclic five‐membered ring‐fused piperazinones. The reported intramolecular domino processes, performed under oxidative conditions with bis(acetonitrile)palladium dichloride as catalyst and copper(II) chloride in a stoichiometric amount by microwave activation, were completely selective, involving either diamination or aminooxygenation. While the latter process is determined by the direct intervention of the urea oxygen on the σ‐alkylpalladium intermediate, the diamination reaction can in principle derive from a direct attack of the second nitrogen atom on the palladium complex or on the first formed chloromethylpiperazinone. Indeed, this latter species was isolated and proved to be capable of conversion solely into the imidazopiperazinone.
The identity game: constructing and enabling multicultural identities in a Finland–Swedish school setting
Authors: Forsman Liselott , Hummelstedt‐Djedou Ida
Published: May 2013

This study, building on previous studies stressing the bond between positive sense of ethnic identity and school belonging, puts at its center the very process of ethnic identity construction. Thus, identity is viewed as co‐constructed, within a social–constructionist perspective on learning. The study is two‐folded. It starts out by describing how participants in a Finland–Swedish preschool setting orient to ethnic identity in everyday interactions. Video recordings are analyzed using conversation analysis, a relatively recent approach to the exploration of how ethnicity is accomplished in interaction. It shows that the different ethnic backgrounds of the children were considerably more prominent in the informal self‐initiated interactions between themselves than in situations where adults were present. The children mainly used ethnicity as a resource to investigate themselves in relation to others to negotiate status and construct in‐ and out‐groups. The second part focuses on how to create a more inclusive school‐setting by more actively supporting students' ethnic identity construction. It discusses the experiences from a teacher–researcher collaboration, where the way children constructed ethnic identity in the first part of the study was taken as the starting‐point for the development of new practices. The study suggests the ongoing ethnic identity construction in everyday educational settings to be a fertile area for further research. We need to know more about how these processes can be supported in a manner that is sensitive to the students' needs to decide for themselves whether, and how, they wish to orient to their own ethnic backgrounds.
Comparative analysis of reference gene stability in human mesenchymal stromal cells during osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Jacobi Angela , Rauh Juliane , Bernstein Peter , Liebers Cornelia , Zou Xuenong , Stiehler Maik
Published: May 2013

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are one of the most frequently used cell sources for tissue engineering strategies. Cultivation of osteogenic MSCs is a prerequisite for cell‐based concepts that aim at bone regeneration. Quantitative real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) analysis is a commonly used method for the examination of mRNA expression levels. However, data on suitable reference genes for osteogenically cultivated MSCs is scarce. Hence, the aim of the study was to compare the regulation of different potential reference genes in osteogenically stimulated MSCs. Human MSCs were isolated from bone marrow aspirates of N = 6 hematologically healthy individuals, expanded by polystyrene‐adherence, and maintained with and without osteogenic supplements for 14 days. Cellular proliferation and osteogenic differentiation were assessed by total DNA quantification, cell‐specific alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and by qualitative staining for ALP and alizarin red, respectively. mRNA expression levels of N = 32 potential reference genes were quantified using the human Endogenous Control TaqMan® assays. mRNA expression stability was calculated using geNorm. The combined use of the most stable reference genes and DNA‐damage‐inducible alpha, Pumilio homolog 1, and large ribosomal protein P0 significantly improved gene expression accuracy as compared to the use of the commonly used reference genes beta actin and glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase during qRT‐PCR‐based target gene expression analysis of osteogenically stimulated MSCs. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:1034–1042, 2013
Cloning and Heterologous Expression of the Aurachin RE Biosynthesis Gene Cluster Afford a New Cytochrome P450 for Quinoline N‐Hydroxylation
Authors: Kitagawa Wataru , Ozaki Taro , Nishioka Taiki , Yasutake Yoshiaki , Hata Miyako , Nishiyama Makoto , Kuzuyama Tomohisa , Tamura Tomohiro
Published: May 2013

Aurachin RE is a prenylated quinoline antibiotic that was first isolated from the genus Rhodococcus. It shows potent antibacterial activity against a variety of Gram‐positive bacteria. Here we have identified a minimal biosynthesis gene cluster for aurachin RE in Rhodococcus erythropolis JCM 6824 by using random transposon mutagenesis and heterologous production. The Rhodococcus aurachin (rau) gene cluster consists of genes encoding cytochrome P450 (rauA), prenyltransferase, polyketide synthase, and farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, as well as others including genes involved in regulation and transport. Markerless gene disruption of rauA resulted in the complete loss of aurachin RE production and in the accumulation of a new aurachin derivative lacking the N‐hydroxy group. When the recombinant RauA was expressed in Escherichia coli, it catalyzed N‐hydroxylation of the derivative to form aurachin RE. This study establishes the biosynthetic pathway of aurachin RE and provides experimental evidence for the role of P450 RauA in catalyzing N‐hydroxylation of the quinoline ring, which is indispensable for the antibacterial activity of aurachin RE.
Single‐stent crossover technique from distal unprotected left main coronary artery to the left circumflex artery
Authors: Naganuma Toru , Chieffo Alaide , Basavarajaiah Sandeep , Takagi Kensuke , Costopoulos Charis , Latib Azeem , Carlino Mauro , Montorfano Matteo , Bernelli Chiara , Nakamura Sunao , Colombo Antonio
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To report the clinical outcomes of single‐stenting from distal unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) to the left circumflex artery (LCx).

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention of distal LMCA is usually performed by stenting into the left anterior descending artery (LAD). In some cases, stenting from LMCA to LCx alone is performed.

Methods

Between April 2002 and April 2011, single‐stenting with drug‐eluting stents for distal unprotected LMCA disease was performed in 584 patients. Thirty‐one patients underwent LMCA–LCx stenting, who were compared with the remaining 553 LMCA–LAD stented patients.

Results

At 3‐year follow‐up, there were no significant differences between LMCA–LCx and LMCA‐LAD stenting groups in major adverse cardiac events (24.1% vs. 19.6%; P = 0.540), cardiac death, and myocardial infarction. A trend toward higher target lesion revascularization (TLR) in the LMCA–LCx stenting group was noted. This was significant when the stented branch was only considered (18.2% vs. 3.0%; P < 0.001). In both TLR subgroups, LCx ostium was frequently involved (83.3% in LMCA–LCx vs. 66.2% in LMCA–LAD TLR subgroups; P = 0.39). The LAD ostium was more frequently involved in LMCA–LCx TLR subgroup (83.3% vs. 21.0%; P < 0.001). On the multivariable Cox regression analysis, LMCA–LCx stenting was an independent predictor of TLR for restenosis at the ostium of the stented branch (HR 6.49; 95% CI 2.27–18.53; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

TLR rate at the LCx ostium is high irrespective of LMCA–LCx or LMCA–LAD stenting. The former also seems to be associated with high TLR at the LAD ostium. It may therefore be important to evaluate alternative strategies for treating distal LMCA disease that extends into the LCx but not LAD. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
H(OEt2)2[P(1,2‐O2C6Cl4)3]: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application as a Single‐Component Initiator for the Carbocationic Polymerization of Olefins
Authors: Siu Paul W. , Hazin Khatera , Gates Derek P.
Published: May 2013

The development of novel Brønsted acids featuring the hexacoordinate phosphorus(V) anion [TRISPHAT]− {[1]−=[P(1,2‐O2C6Cl4)3]−} are reported. The title compound, H(OEt2)2[1], was synthesized from 1,2‐(HO)2C6Cl4 (3 equiv) and PCl5 in the presence of diethyl ether. This compound was fully characterized by 1H, 31P and 13C NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography and elemental microanalysis. Dissolution of H(OEt2)2[1] in acetonitrile results in the slow precipitation of crystalline H(OEt2)(NCMe)[1], which was characterized by X‐ray diffraction; however, in CD2Cl2 solution the [TRISPHAT]− anion protonated and ring‐opened. The weighable, solid H(OEt2)2 [1] was found to be a competent initiator for the polymerization of n‐butyl vinyl ether, α‐methylstyrene, styrene and isoprene at a variety of temperatures and monomer‐to‐initiator ratios. At low temperatures, polymers with Mn>105 were obtained for n‐butyl vinyl ether and α‐methylstyrene whereas slightly lower molecular weights were obtained with styrene and isoprene (104<Mn<105). The poly(α‐methylstyrene) synthesized at −78 °C is syndiotactic‐rich (ca. 87 % rr) whereas the polystyrene obtained at −50 °C is atactic. The polyisoprene obtained possessed all possible modes of enchainment as well as branched and/or cyclic structures that are often observed in polyisoprene.
Using “Threading Followed by Shrinking” to Synthesize Highly Stable Dialkylammonium‐Ion‐Based Rotaxanes
Authors: Wang Liang‐Yun , Ko Jia‐Ling , Lai Chien‐Chen , Liu Yi‐Hung , Peng Shie‐Ming , Chiu Sheng‐Hsien
Published: May 2013

Herein, we report a “threading followed by shrinking” approach for the synthesis of rotaxanes by using an “oxygen‐deficient” macrocycle that contained two arylmethyl sulfone units and the dumbbell‐shaped salt bis(3,5‐dimethylbenzyl)ammonium tetrakis(3,5‐trifluoromethylphenyl)borate as the host and guest components, respectively. The extrusion of SO2 from both of the arylmethyl sulfone units of the macrocyclic component in the corresponding [2]pseudorotaxane resulted in a [2]rotaxane that was sufficiently stable to maintain its molecular integrity in CD3SOCD3 at 393 K for at least 5 h.