bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of absolute photoluminescence quantum yields using integrating spheres – Which way to go?
Authors: Faulkner D.O. , McDowell J.J. , Price A.J. , Perovic D.D. , Kherani N.P. , Ozin G.A.
Published: October 2012

Two common methods for recording absolute photoluminescence quantum yields using integrating spheres are discussed. These methods are developed from a theoretical standpoint, with a discussion of the assumptions made in each and their principle differences, and practical comparisons between the two are made using a range of different materials and sample types. It is shown that despite the underlying theoretical differences both methods ultimately yield very similar experimental results. Additionally, the concept of a time‐dependent quantum yield is examined and preliminary studies along these lines are presented in the form of an investigation into the photo‐oxidation of a luminescent polymer film.
Inhibition of bladder cancer by broccoli isothiocyanates sulforaphane and erucin: Characterization, metabolism, and interconversion
Authors: Abbaoui Besma , Riedl Kenneth M. , Ralston Robin A. , Thomas‐Ahner Jennifer M. , Schwartz Steven J. , Clinton Steven K. , Mortazavi Amir
Published: October 2012

Scope

Epidemiologic evidence suggests diets rich in cruciferous vegetables, particularly broccoli, are associated with lower bladder cancer risk. Our objectives are to investigate these observations and determine the role of isothiocyanates in primary or secondary bladder cancer prevention.

Methods and results

We initially investigate the mechanisms whereby broccoli and broccoli sprout extracts and pure isothiocyanates inhibit normal, noninvasive (RT4), and invasive (J82, UMUC3) human urothelial cell viability. Sulforaphane (IC50 = 5.66 ± 1.2 μM) and erucin (IC50 = 8.79 ± 1.3 μM) are found to be the most potent inhibitors and normal cells are least sensitive. This observation is associated with downregulation of survivin, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu), G2/M cell cycle accumulation, and apoptosis. In a murine UMUC3 xenograft model, we fed semipurified diets containing 4% broccoli sprouts, or 2% broccoli sprout isothiocyanate extract; or gavaged pure sulforaphane or erucin (each at 295 μmol/kg, similar to dietary exposure); and report tumor weight reduction of 42% (p = 0.02), 42% (p = 0.04), 33% (p = 0.04), and 58% (p < 0.0001), respectively. Sulforaphane and erucin metabolites are present in mouse plasma (micromolar range) and tumor tissue, with N‐acetylcysteine conjugates as the most abundant. Interconversion of sulforaphane and erucin metabolites was observed.

Conclusion

This work supports development of fully characterized, novel food products containing broccoli components for phase I/II human studies targeting bladder cancer prevention.
Polymorphisms in genes involved in the metabolism and transport of soy isoflavones affect the urinary metabolite profile in premenopausal women following consumption of a commercial soy supplement as a single bolus dose
Authors: Wakeling Luisa A. , Ford Dianne
Published: October 2012

Scope

Genetic variation in relevant enzymes and transporters may contribute to discordant observations concerning health outcomes of dietary isoflavone consumption, so we examined the association of the UGT1A1*28 promoter polymorphism and of other SNPs with isoflavone metabolites in urine.

Methods and results

We genotyped prospectively for polymorphisms in UGT1A1 (UGT1A1*28), LPH (666G>A), CBG (1368T>A), ABCG2 (421C>A), and ABCC2 (1249G>A) to select 100 women (18–50 years) to receive a commercial soy supplement as a single dose and collect all urine over 24 h for analysis by RP‐HPLC. We observed large differences in isoflavone recovery (mean 39%, eightfold variation) and metabolites. Glucuronides were the major metabolites (72% of total). UGT1A1*28 was associated only with percentage of glycitein as sulphate (positive; p = 0.046), but excluding five participants with both minor alleles of CBG and ABCG2 uncovered additional associations with percentage of glycitein as glucuronide (negative; p = 0.028), combined isoflavones as sulphate (positive; p = 0.035) and sulphate‐to‐glucuronide ratio for combined isoflavones (positive; p = 0.036). CBG1368T>A, ABCG2 421C>A, and ABCC2 1249G>A were also associated with differences in isoflavone metabolites in urine.

Conclusion

Genetic variation in UGT1A1, CBG, ABCG2, and ABCC2 influences isoflavone metabolism so may affect benefits of dietary consumption.
A high strain‐rate constitutive model for sand and its application in finite‐element analysis of tunnels subjected to blast
Authors: Higgins William , Chakraborty Tanusree , Basu Dipanjan
Published: October 2012

The paper presents a constitutive model for simulating the high strain‐rate behavior of sands. Based on the concepts of critical‐state soil mechanics, the bounding surface plasticity theory and the overstress theory of viscoplasticity, the constitutive model simulates the high strain‐rate behavior of sands under uniaxial, triaxial and multi‐axial loading conditions. The model parameters are determined for Ottawa and Fontainebleau sands, and the performance of the model under extreme transient loading conditions is demonstrated through simulations of split Hopkinson pressure bar tests up to a strain rate of 2000/s. The constitutive model is implemented in a finite‐element analysis software Abaqus to analyze underground tunnels in sandy soil subjected to internal blast loads. Parametric studies are conducted to examine the effect of relative density and type of sand and of the depth of tunnel on the variation of stresses and deformations in the soil adjacent to the tunnels. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibody‐Capped Mesoporous Nanoscopic Materials: Design of a Probe for the Selective Chromo‐Fluorogenic Detection of Finasteride
Authors: Climent Estela , Martínez‐Máñez Ramón , Maquieira Ángel , Sancenón Félix , Marcos M. Dolores , Brun Eva M. , Soto Juan , Amorós Pedro
Published: October 2012

The synthesis of capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) conjugated with an antibody (AB) as a gatekeeper has been carried out in order to obtain a delivery system able to release an entrapped cargo (dye) in the presence of a target molecule (antigen) to which the conjugated antibody binds selectively. In particular, MSN loaded with rhodamine B and functionalized on the external surface with a suitable derivative of N‐(t‐butyl)‐3‐oxo‐(5α,17β)‐4‐aza‐androst‐1‐ene‐17‐carboxamide (finasteride) have been prepared (S1). The addition of polyclonal antibodies against finasteride induced capping of the pores due to the interaction with the anchored hapten‐like finasteride derivative to give a MSN–hapten–AB nanoparticle S1‐AB. It was found that the addition of capped material S1‐AB to water solutions containing finasteride resulted in displacement of the antibody, pore uncapping and entrapped‐dye release. The response of the gated material is highly selective, and only finasteride, among other steroids, was able to induce a significant uncapping process. Compared with finasteride, the finasteride metabolite was able to release 17 % of the dye, whereas the exogen steroids testosterone, metenolone and 16‐β‐hydroxystanozolol only induced very little release of rhodamine B (lower than 10 %) from aqueous suspensions containing sensing solid S1‐AB. A detection limit as low as 20 ppb was found for the fluorimetric detection of finasteride. In order to evaluate a possible application of the material for label‐free detection of finasteride, the capped material was isolated and stored to give final sensing solid S1‐AB‐i. It was found to display a similar behavior towards finasteride as to that shown by freshly prepared S1‐AB; even after a period of two months, no significant loss of selectivity or sensitivity was noted. Moreover, to study the application for the detection of finasteride in biological samples, this “aged” material, S1‐AB‐i, was tested using commercially available blank urine as matrix. Samples containing 70 and 90 % blank urine were spiked with a defined amount of finasteride, and the concentration was determined using capped S1‐AB‐i. Recovery ranges from 94 % to 118 % were reached.
Whole‐genome methylation analysis of benign and malignant colorectal tumours
Authors: Beggs Andrew D , Jones Angela , El‐Bahwary Mona , Abulafi Muti , Hodgson Shirley V , Tomlinson Ian PM
Published: October 2012

Changes in DNA methylation, whether hypo‐ or hypermethylation, have been shown to be associated with the progression of colorectal cancer. Methylation changes substantially in the progression from normal mucosa to adenoma and to carcinoma. This phenomenon has not been studied extensively and studies have been restricted to individual CpG islands, rather than taking a whole‐genome approach. We aimed to study genome‐wide methylation changes in colorectal cancer. We obtained 10 fresh‐frozen normal tissue–cancer sample pairs, and five fresh‐frozen adenoma samples. These were run on the lllumina HumanMethylation27 whole‐genome methylation analysis system. Differential methylation between normal tissue, adenoma and carcinoma was analysed using Bayesian regression modelling, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and hierarchical clustering (HC). The highest‐rated individual gene for differential methylation in carcinomas versus normal tissue and adenomas versus normal tissue was GRASP (padjusted = 1.59 × 10–5, BF = 12.62, padjusted = 1.68 × 10–6, BF = 14.53). The highest‐rated gene when comparing carcinomas versus adenomas was ATM (padjusted = 2.0 × 10–4, BF = 10.17). Hierarchical clustering demonstrated poor clustering by the CIMP criteria for methylation. GSEA demonstrated methylation changes in the Netrin–DCC and SLIT–ROBO pathways. Widespread changes in DNA methylation are seen in the transition from adenoma to carcinoma. The finding that GRASP, which encodes the general receptor for phosphoinositide 1‐associated scaffold protein, was differentially methylated in colorectal cancer is interesting. This may be a potential biomarker for colorectal cancer. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Macrophage plasticity and polarization in tissue repair and remodelling
Authors: Mantovani Alberto , Biswas Subhra K , Galdiero Maria Rosaria , Sica Antonio , Locati Massimo
Published: October 2012

Mononuclear phagocyte plasticity includes the expression of functions related to the resolution of inflammation, tissue repair and remodelling, particularly when these cells are set in an M2 or an M2‐like activation mode. Macrophages are credited with an essential role in remodelling during ontogenesis. In extraembryonic life, under homeostatic conditions, the macrophage trophic and remodelling functions are recapitulated in tissues such as bone, mammary gland, decidua and placenta. In pathology, macrophages are key components of tissue repair and remodelling that occur during wound healing, allergy, parasite infection and cancer. Interaction with cells bearing stem or progenitor cell properties is likely an important component of the role of macrophages in repair and remodelling. These properties of cells of the monocyte–macrophage lineage may represent a tool and a target for therapeutic exploitation.
RNF43 is a tumour suppressor gene mutated in mucinous tumours of the ovary
Authors: Ryland Georgina L , Hunter Sally M , Doyle Maria A , Rowley Simone M , Christie Michael , Allan Prue E , Bowtell David DL ,   Australian Ovarian Cancer Study Group,, Gorringe Kylie L , Campbell Ian G
Published: October 2012

Mucinous carcinomas represent a distinct morphological subtype which can arise from several organ sites, including the ovary, and their genetic characteristics are largely under‐described. Exome sequencing of 12 primary mucinous ovarian tumours identified RNF43 as the most frequently somatically mutated novel gene, secondary to KRAS and mutated at a frequency equal to that of TP53 and BRAF. Further screening of RNF43 in a larger cohort of ovarian tumours identified additional mutations, with a total frequency of 2/22 (9%) in mucinous ovarian borderline tumours and 6/29 (21%) in mucinous ovarian carcinomas. Seven mutations were predicted to truncate the protein and one missense mutation was predicted to be deleterious by in silico analysis. Six tumours had allelic imbalance at the RNF43 locus, with loss of the wild‐type allele. The mutation spectrum strongly suggests that RNF43 is an important tumour suppressor gene in mucinous ovarian tumours, similar to its reported role in mucinous pancreatic precancerous cysts. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Placental histopathological correlates of umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction
Authors: Spinillo Arsenio , Gardella Barbara , Bariselli Silvia , Alfei Alessandro , Silini Enrico , Dal Bello Barbara
Published: October 2012

Objective

The objective of the study was to evaluate the association between placental histological patterns and umbilical artery (UA) Doppler velocimetry in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Methods

A cohort of 126 FGR pregnancies was followed according to a standard protocol. Placental lesions were diagnosed according to consensus nomenclature and standardized criteria.

Results

Pulsatility index was normal in 45 (35.7%) and increased in 44 (34.9%) women. End‐diastolic UA Doppler flow was absent in 27 (21.4%) and reversed in 10 (7.9%). Fifty‐four women (42.9%) had preeclampsia. In preeclampsia, increasing Doppler abnormalities, from normal to reversed UA end‐diastolic flow, were directly associated only with an increased number of placental syncytial knots. In normotensive pregnancies, Doppler abnormalities were associated with increased intervillous fibrin deposits, villous hypoplasia, syncytial knots, placental site giant cells, immature intermediate trophoblast, and with pattern of lesions indicating superficial implantation and maternal vascular underperfusion. In the whole cohort, increase of syncytial knots [odds ratio (OR) = 28.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.75–298.5], intervillous fibrin deposits (OR = 2.1; 95%CI = 1.04–4.28), placental site giant cells (OR = 3.0; 95%CI = 1.05–8.84), and patterns suggesting maternal underperfusion (OR = 2.9; 95%CI = 1.0–7.1) were independently associated with increased rates of absent/reversed UA end‐diastolic flow.

Conclusions

In pregnancies complicated by FGR, abnormalities of UA Doppler velocimetry were associated with placental lesions indicating superficial implantation and maternal vascular underperfusion. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The discourse around usefulness, morality, risk and trust: a focus group study on prenatal genetic testing
Authors: Pivetti Monica , Montali Lorenzo , Simonetti Giorgia
Published: October 2012

Objective

This study explores the underlying values and beliefs that guide women's reasoning on prenatal genetic test (PGT) uptake, as framed by their own words, during a group discussion, in a Catholic country such as Italy.

Methods

Women's reasoning was explored by means of five focus group consisting of seven pregnant women and 13 new mothers.

Results

The focus group material content was analysed using the Nudist software. The discourse around PGT was rooted into four frames of reference: The usefulness dimension was used to express the positions in favour of PGT, whereas morality, risk and trust were used to express negative evaluations on such a technology. Participants advocated for themselves the choice of being tested, besides giving some credit to the partner's opinion. Moreover, participants reported little knowledge on PGT.

Conclusion

The research shed some light on the frames of reference used by participants to build their positions on PGT uptake, confirming the public's ability to translate scientific accounts into personally meaningful information. A more complete understanding of the reasons for decisions to test would help counsellors to better communicate with women and couples, and to better assist them to make a better informed testing decision. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absence of ‘over‐the‐counter’ medicinal products in on‐line prescription records: a risk factor of overlooking interactions in the elderly
Authors: Olesen C. , Harbig P. , Barat I. , Damsgaard E. M.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

To assess possible origins of harmful interactions in elderly patients arising from the current absence of information on over‐the‐counter (OTC) medicines in the Danish ‘on‐line prescription record’.

Methods

Information on current use of prescription drugs and OTC medicinal products (non‐prescription drugs, herbal medicine, dietary supplements, and others) was collected by home visit interviews. The latter OTC products were not listed in an on‐line prescription record that covered the previous two years. Information on interactions between OTC medicines and between OTC products and prescription drugs was obtained from the Danish National Drug Interaction Database.

Results

Of the 309 patients recruited (median age 75 years, interquartile range (IQR) 70–81), 229 (74%) used 568 OTC medicines not listed in the Danish ‘on‐line prescription record’, amongst which we identified 166 potential interactions ‐ between OTC treatments or between OTC and prescription drugs. Fifty percent of patients taking OTC medicines were exposed to potential interactions, i.e. one to three instances per patient. Twenty‐five percent of patients exposed to interactions experienced interaction listed as ‘Can be used with certain precautions’.

Conclusion

The absence of information on OTC products in an on‐line prescription record entails a risk of overlooking interactions in elderly patients. Such products should be included in on‐line medication records to prevent adverse effects from interactions. However, online medication records are not available in all countries and as inclusion of data on OTC drugs seem not to be feasible presently. Still, it is highly recommended that the patient's drug list is reviewed on a regular basis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of heavy metal ions using a water‐soluble conjugated polymer based on thiophene and meso‐2,3‐dimercaptosuccinic acid
Authors: Laurenti Marco , García Blanco Francisco , Lopez‐Cabarcos Enrique , Rubio‐Retama Jorge
Published: October 2012

This work reports the synthesis of a new water‐soluble conjugated polymer, which interacts specifically with heavy metal ions such as lead and mercury. In order to produce such a material, the fluorescent properties of polythiophene, which constitutes the polymer backbone, were combined with the chelating capacity of meso‐2,3‐dimercaptosuccinic acid, which forms the side‐chain of the conjugated polymer. Thus, the new polymer acts as chemical complexing agent, the fluorescence of which is quenched in the presence of heavy metal ions. A possible explanation of the mechanism of such a variation is also discussed. The system presented is envisaged to be used as a sensor for heavy metal ions that appear as pollutants in the environment.
Assessing the effects of school‐wide Second Step implementation in a predominately English language learner, low SES, Latino sample
Authors: Brown Jacqueline A. , Jimerson Shane R. , Dowdy Erin , Gonzalez Victoria , Stewart Kaitlyn
Published: October 2012

Because school violence is widespread, social and emotional competence must be targeted. Second Step is a social and emotional violence‐prevention curriculum that teaches prosocial skills and reduces aggressive behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Second Step implementation on students (N = 403) in preschool through fourth grade who were predominately Latino, English language learners, and from families with low socioeconomic status. The data of 165 out of the 403 students were included in the present study. Analyses consisted of paired‐samples t‐tests to identify changes in social and emotional knowledge and behavioral and emotional risk. Results showed that there was a significant increase in both social and emotional knowledge and behavioral and emotional risk following the implementation of Second Step. These results are discussed with regard to previous and future research, limitations, and implications for school practice.
Design, synthesis and fungicidal activity of 11‐alkoxyimino‐5,6‐dihydro‐dibenzo[b,e] azepine‐6‐one derivatives
Authors: Xiao Yan‐shuang , Yan Xiao‐jing , Xu Yan‐jun , Huang Jia‐xing , Yuan Hui‐zhu , Liang Xiao‐mei , Zhang Jian‐jun , Wang Dao‐quan
Published: October 2012

Background

Macrocyclic compounds with an oxime ether side chain, discovered in Wang's group, showed good fungicidal activity. However, the long synthetic route makes the cost too high for them to be developed further as practical fungicides. Alternative compounds with good fungicidal activity and an easier synthesis than the above‐mentioned macrolactams were sought, and a series of 11‐alkoxyimino‐5,6‐dihydro‐dibenzo[b,e]azepine‐6‐one derivatives (4) were designed and bioassayed.

Results

The structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and LC‐MS. The bioassay showed that about half of the 11‐alkoxyimino‐5,6‐dihydro‐dibenzo[b,e]azepine‐6‐one derivatives (4) displayed good fungicidal activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, with EC50 values <15 µg mL−1. 11‐(n‐Butyloxyimino)‐5,6‐dihydro‐dibenzo[b,e]azepine‐6‐one (4A‐05), 11‐(4‐nitrobenzyloxyimino)‐5,6‐dihydro‐dibenzo[b,e]azepine‐6‐one (4A‐12) and 11‐(2‐chloro‐6‐fluorobenzyloxyimino)‐5,6‐dihydro‐dibenzo[b,e]azepine‐6‐one (4A‐21) displayed excellent fungicidal activity, with EC50 values of <2.5 µg mL−1, much better than the commercial fungicide chlorothalonil with an EC50 value of 7.16 µg mL−1. In addition, about half of the 11‐alkoxyimino‐5,6‐dihydro‐dibenzo[b,e]azepine‐6‐one derivatives (4) had good fungicidal activity against Botrytis cinerea (De Bary) Whetzel, with EC50 values of <10 µg mL−1. 11‐(2‐Fluorobenzyloxyimino)‐5,6‐dihydro‐dibenzo[b,e]azepine‐6‐one (4A‐16), 11‐(3‐fluorobenzyloxyimino)‐5,6‐dihydro‐dibenzo[b,e]azepine‐6‐one (4A‐17) and 11‐(2‐chloro‐6‐fluorobenzyloxyimino)‐5,6‐dihydro‐dibenzo[b,e]azepine‐6‐one (4A‐21) displayed excellent fungicidal activity, with EC50 values of 3.73, 2.54 and 3.20 µg mL−1 respectively, comparable with the commercial fungicide procymidon with an EC50 value of 2.45 µg mL−1. Their structure–activity relationship is discussed.

Conclusions

The present work demonstrates that the title compounds show promise as fungicides. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PERCEPTIONS AND FEEDBACKS FOR EFFECTIVELY MANAGING WOOD IN RIVERS
Authors: Chin A. , Laurencio L. R. , Daniels M. D. , Wohl E. , Urban M. A. , Boyer K. L. , Butt A. , Piegay H. , Gregory K. J.
Published: October 2012

This article reports a survey of 196 river managers in seven states across the USA assessing their perceptions of in‐stream wood. This survey followed corresponding questionnaires given to undergraduate students representing non‐expert views in the same states and in 10 countries around the world. Whereas most students registered predominantly negative views of in‐stream wood (i.e. not aesthetically pleasing, dangerous and needing improvement), American managers perceive rivers with wood as significantly more aesthetically pleasing, less dangerous and needing less improvement than rivers without wood. These views were consistent across different types of managers (conservation, fisheries, forestry, recreation and water), suggesting that because of education, training and field experience beyond the undergraduate degree, managers gain more positive views of in‐stream wood. Analysis of manager responses grouped by years in the profession suggests that professional experience or information within professional networks plays a role. As years worked in the profession increase, managers' responses to photos with and without wood became significantly different, showing sharper discernment in viewing in‐stream wood more positively. We conceptualize evolving management strategies involving wood in American rivers as a series of iterative states within changing human–landscape systems produced by interacting impacts and feedbacks. In this example application, the Interactive, Integrative, and Iterative (III) Framework for Human Landscape Change highlights the importance of public education and policy as necessary feedback linkages to close the gap between people's perceptions of wood and scientific advances that recognize the significant role of wood in rivers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transforming the Model T: random effects meta‐analysis with stable weights
Authors: Malloy Michael J. , Prendergast Luke A. , Staudte Robert G.
Published: October 2012

Standard meta‐analytic theory assumes that study outcomes are normally distributed with known variances. However, methods derived from this theory are often applied to effect sizes having skewed distributions with estimated variances. Both shortcomings can be largely overcome by first applying a variance stabilizing transformation. Here we concentrate on study outcomes with Student t‐distributions and show that we can better estimate parameters of fixed or random effects models with confidence intervals using stable weights or with profile approximate likelihood intervals following stabilization. We achieve even better coverage with a finite sample bias correction. Further, a simple t‐interval provides very good coverage of an overall effect size without estimation of the inter‐study variance. We illustrate the methodology on two meta‐analytic studies from the medical literature, the effect of salt reduction on systolic blood pressure and the effect of opioids for the relief of breathlessness. Substantial simulation studies compare traditional methods with those newly proposed. We can apply the theoretical results to other study outcomes for which an effective variance stabilizer is available. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atomic orbital basis sets
Authors: Jensen Frank
Published: October 2012

Electronic structure methods for molecular systems rely heavily on using basis sets composed of Gaussian functions for representing the molecular orbitals. A number of hierarchical basis sets have been proposed over the last two decades, and they have enabled systematic approaches to assessing and controlling the errors due to incomplete basis sets. We outline some of the principles for constructing basis sets, and compare the compositions of eight families of basis sets that are available in several different qualities and for a reasonable number of elements in the periodic table. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods
Changing contexts of youth development: An overview of recent social trends and a psychological model
Authors: Tomasik Martin J. , Pavlova Maria K. , Lechner Clemens M. , Blumenthal Anja , Körner Astrid
Published: October 2012

Globalization and economic change are translated into a variety of changes in the proximal contexts of youth development, which are perceived and tackled differently by different individuals
Academic expectations and well‐being from school to work during the economic downturn
Authors: Salmela‐Aro Katariina
Published: October 2012

Academic well‐being and expectations change in educational transitions during economic downturn.
Is uncertainty bad for you? It depends …
Authors: Schoon Ingrid , Gutman Leslie Morrison , Sabates Ricardo
Published: October 2012

Parents and educators should be more concerned about uncertainty in educational aspirations than uncertainty regarding career choice among adolescents. Moreover, the impact of uncertainty on young people's attainment varies by socio‐historical context, the timing of uncertainty, the available resources, and individual characteristics of the adolescents themselves.
The future of young women's economic role in a globalized economy: New opportunities, persisting constraints
Authors: Buchmann Marlis , Malti Tina
Published: October 2012

Young women in advanced industrial countries have been outperforming young men in educational attainment at the same time that their labor market outcomes are still lagging. Sex segregation in education and the labor market is identified as an important source of this imbalance.
Technology and youth
Authors: Mesch Gustavo S.
Published: October 2012

Long‐term studies monitoring the process of young people adopting new media patterns of social interaction and communication with parents and peers are needed to better understand how young people cope with perpetual peer communication, how parents and adolescents deal with intergenerational conflicts, and the outcomes of these practices and conflicts.
Competent youth in a “disorderly world”: Findings from an eighteen‐nation study
Authors: Seiffge‐Krenke Inge
Published: October 2012

Future‐ and school‐related stressors are salient for adolescents from different regions of the world, and they cope with these stressors competently.
Similar dark matter and baryon abundances with TeV-scale leptogenesis
Authors: Davidson Sacha , Elmer Martin
Published: October 2012

Abstract

We estimate the Baryon Asymmetry of the Universe (BAU) produced in an inverse seesaw model containing extra light singlets, and with lepton number conservation prior to the electroweak phase transition. A CP asymmetry ϵ ~
$ \mathcal{O}(1) $
is required to obtain a large enough BAU. We discuss the relation between the baryon and WIMP relic densities in baryogenesis scenarios using the out-of-equilibrium decay of a baryon-parent of mass M: when baryon number violation freezes out, the remaining density of baryon-parents is ~ M/m

W

× the WIMP relic density. So the baryon/WIMP ratio is ~ ϵM/m

W
. A natural explanation of the similar WIMP and baryon densities could be that CP violation is of order the ratio m

W

/M.
Pitfalls in screening streptococci for retrieving superior streptokinase (SK) genes: no activity correlation for streptococcal culture supernatant and recombinant SK
Authors: Keramati Malihe , Roohvand Farzin , Aslani Mohammad Mehdi , Motevalli Fatemeh , khatami Shohreh , Memarnejadian Arash
Published: October 2012

Streptokinase (SK), the heterogeneous protein family secreted by some groups of β-hemolytic streptococci (βHS), is a plasminogen activator and well-known drug for thrombolytic therapy. Differences in plasminogen activation property of streptococcal culture supernatants (SCS) have been traditionally used to identify superior producer strains and SK genes (skc) for recombinant SK (rSK) production. However, the role of SK heterogeneity and whether SK activities in SCS correlate with that of their corresponding rSK is a matter of debate. To address these concerns, SCS of nine group C streptococci (GCS) screened among 252 βHS clinical isolates were compared for plasminogen activation using S-2251 chromogenic assay. The GCS (Streptococcus equisimilis) showing the highest (GCS-S87) and lowest (GCS-S131) activities were selected for PCR-based isolation of skc, cloning and rSK production in Escherichia coli. The 6×His-tagged rSK proteins were purified by NI–NTA chromatography, analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting and their activities were determined. While SCS of GCS-S87 and GCS-S131 showed different plasminogen activations (95 and 35 %, respectively) compared to that of the reference strain (GCS-9542), but interestingly rSK of all three strains showed close specific activities (1.33, 1.70, and 1.55 × 104 IU mg−1). Accordingly, SKS87 and SKS131 had more than 90 % sequence identity at the amino acids level compared to SK9542. Therefore, SK heterogeneity by itself may not contribute to the differences in plasminogen activation properties of SCS and evaluation of this activity in SCS might not be a proper assay for screening superior skc.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Novel Amido‐Amine‐Based Cationic Gemini Surfactants
Authors: Ghumare Anant K. , Pawar Balu V. , Bhagwat Sunil S.
Published: October 2012

A series of novel cationic gemini surfactants were synthesized from corresponding amido‐amines in a single step reaction. The amido‐amines were obtained from long chain carboxylic acids and 3‐N,N‐dimethylamino‐1‐propyl‐amine with excellent isolated yield (up to 95 %). All the synthesized quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) were further investigated for surface active properties. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) and the effectiveness of surface tension reduction were determined. The surface tension measurements of newly synthesized gemini surfactants showed good water solubility, and low CMC values, had great efficiency in lowering the surface tension and a strong adsorption at the air/water interface than the corresponding monomeric surfactants. Further, the antibacterial activity of the synthesized QACs against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria was also investigated.
Key Lipid Oxidation Products Can Be Used to Predict Sensory Quality of Fish Oils with Different Levels of EPA and DHA
Authors: Sullivan Ritter Jenna C. , Budge Suzanne M.
Published: October 2012

Despite its many health benefits, many consumers avoid fish oil supplements due to fishy tastes and odors. Common chemical measures of oxidation have little correlation with sensory properties, making it difficult to determine the sensory quality of fish oil without the use of an expensive sensory panel. Here we investigate an alternative method to assess oxidation using solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Fish oils containing different amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were oxidized, and headspace volatiles were monitored over time and compared to sensory evaluations by a taste panel. Peroxide value and anisidine value were also measured. Sensory panel scores and headspace volatile data were analyzed using principal component analysis and linear regression to identify key volatiles responsible for changes in sensory degradation of oils over time. A total of eight compounds were identified, primarily aldehydes and ketones. By monitoring these volatiles, it may be possible to create a simple method to assess oxidation in fish oils that correlates well with sensory properties of the oil without the use of a sensory panel.
The PGM3 gene encodes the major phosphoribomutase in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Walther Thomas , Baylac Audrey , Alkim Ceren , Vax Amélie , Cordier Hélène , François Jean Marie
Published: October 2012

The phosphoglucomutases (PGM) Pgm1, Pgm2, and Pgm3 of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae were tested for their ability to interconvert ribose‐1‐phosphate and ribose‐5‐phosphate. The purified proteins were studied in vitro with regard to their kinetic properties on glucose‐1‐phosphate and ribose‐1‐phosphate. All tested enzymes were active on both substrates with Pgm1 exhibiting only residual activity on ribose‐1‐phosphate. The Pgm2 and Pgm3 proteins had almost equal kinetic properties on ribose‐1‐phosphate, but Pgm2 had a 2000 times higher preference for glucose‐1‐phosphate when compared to Pgm3. The in vivo function of the PGMs was characterized by monitoring ribose‐1‐phosphate kinetics following a perturbation of the purine nucleotide balance. Only mutants with a deletion of PGM3 hyper‐accumulated ribose‐1‐phosphate. We conclude that Pgm3 functions as the major phosphoribomutase in vivo.
MiR‐34a is involved in Tat‐induced HIV‐1 long terminal repeat (LTR) transactivation through the SIRT1/NFκB pathway
Authors: Zhang Hong-Sheng , Chen Xin-Yu , Wu Tong-Chao , Sang Wei-Wei , Ruan Zheng
Published: October 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and may contribute to HIV‐1 infection. In this study, our goal was to investigate the mechanisms by which miR‐34a influenced Tat‐induced HIV‐1 transactivation through the SIRT1/NFκB pathway. We showed that Tat induced up‐regulation of miR‐34a expression in TZM‐bl cells. MiR‐34a significantly inhibited SIRT1 expression. Overexpression of miR‐34a increased Tat‐induced LTR transactivation. Forced expression of miR‐34a decreased SIRT1 protein expression and consequently diminished Tat‐induced acetylation of p65, while treatment with a miR‐34a inhibitor had the opposite effect. These results suggest that regulating SIRT1 by down‐regulation of miR‐34a levels may be a therapeutic strategy against HIV‐1 replication.
Steamplicity: Un service alimentaire qui réalise ses promesses
Authors: Dillon Helen Ann , McDonald Sharon , Jonus Ilona
Published: October 2012

En 2009, Morrison, la division des « services alimentaires » en milieu hospitalier du Groupe Compass Canada, a lancé Steamplicity, un système novateur de production et de livraison de repas. Morrison se targue d'une plus grande satisfaction de la part des patients, ses repas obtenant des indices de satisfaction de plus de 90 %, ainsi que d'une diminution de 39 % du gaspillage dans les plateaux. Les patients mangent ce qu'ils commandent. D'après les rapports de gaspillage généralement produits par les services alimentaires des hôpitaux, on constate une réduction de l'empreinte écologique éq. CO2 à hauteur de 60 % par rapport à l'impact environnemental des systèmes de livraison de repas utilisés auparavant.
Drug Shortages: Canadian Strategies for a Complex Global Problem
Authors: Boyle Kathleen
Published: October 2012

Drug shortages are a complex global problem. Increasingly intricate global supply chains, stricter drug regulations and current economic conditions, have exposed Canadians to greater shortage risks. That Canada represents only a limited share of the global drug market means that all stakeholders—hospitals, shared service organizations, group purchasing organizations, supplier networks and governments—must coordinate their efforts to find an effective market solution to recurring shortages. Based on ongoing collaboration between Health PRO Procurement Services Inc. and multi-level national healthcare stakeholders, this article examines the primary causes of drug shortages in Canada, with recommendations for ensuring reliable sources of supply. Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) are vitally important in this regard. By building contracting processes that support market competition, GPOs can improve the reliability of supply for medically-necessary products, while creating a more flexible procurement strategy that supports competition, leverages innovation, creates value and adapts more readily to volatile global markets and changing patient needs.
Adhering to the Medical Technology Industry's Code of Conduct
Authors: Winsor Pamela
Published: October 2012

Understanding and adhering to codes of conduct is important in healthcare. Collaboration is required to drive innovation and transform the healthcare system. Little is known about the industry—health system leaders/executives relationship. In Canada, the medical technology industry consults health system leaders to align business models with the health systems' needs, and understanding the implications of these fairly new relationships as related to ethics and codes of conduct. This research reflects agreement that ethical conduct and adherence to one's code of conduct or ethics is paramount. Any conflicts of interests can compromise public trust and inhibit much-needed public—private synergy. There is a high level of interest on the part of health system leaders to develop a more robust approach to reciprocally sharing and discussing codes of conduct. Opportunities are identified to improve both discussion and education. Instead of restricting industry, the focus should be on transparency and actively managing these relationships. Ethical and transparent partnerships are critical to the advancement of high-quality and cost-effective patient care. As health leaders are faced with the challenges of financial sustainability, efficiency, and quality, the medical technology industry can be instrumental in translating global best practices and supporting system innovations.
Un cadre pour évaluer la valeur des diagnostics en laboratoire
Authors: Anonychuk Andrea , Beastall Graham , Shorter Simon , Kloss-Wolf Regina , Neumann Peter
Published: October 2012

Les ministères de la Santé et les chefs de la direction des hôpitaux, les chefs de département et les directeurs médicaux de divers types d'hôpitaux classent constamment la qualité des soins et l'optimisation des ressources parmi les grandes priorités. Le rôle du laboratoire évolue dans le continuum de la santé, et de nouveaux diagnostics en laboratoire sont mis en marché à un rythme constant. Il y a un besoin de mieux définir, mesurer et évaluer la valeur des diagnostics en laboratoire. Le présent article expose des points de vue sur les divers défis liés à l'évaluation des diagnostics en laboratoire et propose un cadre des principales dimensions à inclure pour évaluer leur valeur auprès des hôpitaux et des systèmes de santé.
L'adhésion au code de conduite de l'industrie de la technologie médicale
Authors: Winsor Pamela
Published: October 2012

Dans le milieu de la santé, il est important de comprendre les codes de conduite et d'y adhérer. Il faut de la collaboration pour stimuler l'innovation et transformer le système de santé. On ne sait pas grand-chose de la relation entre l'industrie et les leaders et dirigeants du système de santé. Au Canada, l'industrie de la technologie médicale consulte les leaders du système de santé pour harmoniser ses modèles d'affaires avec les besoins du système de santé et pour comprendre les répercussions de ces relations relativement nouvelles sur les codes de déontologie et de conduite. La présente recherche reflète l'entente selon laquelle il est capital de respecter une conduite éthique ainsi que son propre code de conduite ou de déontologie. Tout conflit d'intérêts peut compromettre la confiance du public et inhiber une synergie public-privé essentielle. Les leaders du système de santé s'intéressent énormément à la mise sur pied d'une démarche plus solide pour partager les codes de conduite et en discuter de manière plus réciproque. Des possibilités sont évoquées en vue d'améliorer la discussion et l'éducation. Au lieu de limiter l'industrie, on devrait plutôt opter pour la transparence et la gestion active de ces relations. Il est essentiel de compter sur des partenariats éthiques et transparents pour faire progresser des soins aux parents rentables et de haute qualité. Tandis que les leaders en santé affrontent les défis de la pérennité financière et de la qualité, l'industrie de la technologie médicale peut contribuer à transmettre les pratiques exemplaires mondiales et à soutenir les innovations.
A new informant‐based questionnaire for instrumental activities of daily living in dementia
Authors: Sikkes Sietske A.M. , de Lange‐de Klerk Elly S.M. , Pijnenburg Yolande A.L. , Gillissen Freek , Romkes Rolinka , Knol Dirk L. , Uitdehaag Bernard M.J. , Scheltens Philip
Published: October 2012

Background

Interference in everyday functioning is part of the diagnostic criteria for dementia. Questionnaires measuring “instrumental activities of daily living” (IADL) are used to measure this interference, but the psychometric quality of these questionnaires is often questioned. In addition, these questionnaires are less suited for early‐onset patients. This is problematic, given the high frequency of relatively young patients in memory clinics. In this article, we describe the development and psychometric properties of a new informant‐based IADL questionnaire aimed at detecting incipient dementia and appropriate for a broad age range.

Methods

We defined IADL in consensus with experts and constructed items based on existing items and suggestions from experts and informants. Informants of subjects (n = 206) who visited the Alzheimer Center of the VU University Medical Center completed the questionnaire. Factor structure was investigated using classical exploratory factor analysis and item response theory. We assessed test–retest reliability in 73 informants using weighted κ values.

Results

The questionnaire consisted of 75 items and was computerized to enhance ease of administration. Exploratory factor analysis supported a single‐factor model, with 48.3% of the variance being explained by the first factor. We removed five items, as they did not fit the model. High internal consistency was demonstrated. Test–retest reliability showed that the majority of items (87.9%) had substantial‐to‐almost perfect κ values.

Conclusion

The Amsterdam IADL Questionnaire (Amsterdam IADL questionnaire is a registered trademark of Alzheimer Center VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands) is a 70‐item informant‐based computerized questionnaire aimed at detecting early dementia and early‐onset dementia. Initial results show that this questionnaire is a promising new tool.
Cardiovascular risk factors, cortisol, and amyloid‐β deposition in Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Authors: Toledo Jon B. , Toledo Estefanía , Weiner Michael W. , Jack Clifford R. , Jagust William , Lee Virginia M.‐Y. , Shaw Leslie M. , Trojanowski John Q.
Published: October 2012

Background

There is epidemiological evidence that cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) also are risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, but there is limited information on this from neuropathological studies, and even less from in vivo studies. Therefore, we examined the relationship between CVRF and amyloid‐β (Aβ) brain burden measured by Pittsburgh Compound B‐positron emission tomography (PiB‐PET) studies in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.

Methods

Ninety‐nine subjects from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative cohort who had a PiB‐PET study measure, apolipoprotein E genotyping data, and information available on CVRF (body mass index [BMI], systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure [DBP], and cholesterol and fasting glucose test results) were included. Eighty‐one subjects also had plasma cortisol, C‐reactive protein, and superoxide dismutase 1 measurements. Stepwise regression models were used to assess the relation between the CVRF and the composite PiB‐PET score.

Results

The first model included the following as baseline variables: age, clinical diagnosis, number of apolipoprotein ε4 alleles, BMI (P = .023), and DBP (P = .012). BMI showed an inverse relation with PiB‐PET score, and DBP had a positive relation with PiB‐PET score. In the second adjusted model, cortisol plasma levels were also associated with PiB‐PET score (P = .004). Systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, or impaired fasting glucose were not found to be associated with PiB‐PET values.

Conclusion

In this cross‐sectional study, we found an association between Aβ brain burden measured in vivo and DBP and cortisol, indicating a possible link between these CVRF and Aβ burden measured by PiB‐PET. These findings highlight the utility of biomarkers to explore potential pathways linking diverse Alzheimer's disease risk factors.