bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Naphthalene Diimide Carrying Two Cysteine Termini at Both Imide Linkers as a Molecular Staple
Authors: Sato Shinobu , Yamamura Kosuke , Takenaka Shigeori
Published: July 2013

Naphthalene diimide (1) carrying cysteines at the termini of amide substituents were synthesized to act as a molecular staple of double stranded DNA. Since 1 is able to bind to double stranded DNA with threading intercalation, the complex of 1 with double stranded DNA can be topologically immobilized on a gold surface through the SAu linkage as confirmed by cyclic voltammetric experiment. Ferrocenyl‐double stranded 23‐mertic oligonucleotide, dsFcODN, was immobilized on gold electrode with 1.0×1012 molecules cm−2 when electrode was treated with 2.0 µM dsFcODN and 4.0 µM 1 for 1 h at room temperature. The coverage density was similar to that obtained for the terminal thiol‐modified oligonucleotide. Compound 1 was applied to detect the 321‐meric PCR product of P. gingivalis, which is important in the diagnosis of periodontal disease. This experiment, coupled with the use of ferrocenylnaphthalene diimide, FND as electrochemical indicator for double stranded DNA, resulted in quantitative detection of PCR product within the range of 10 pg µL−1–10 ng µL−1 (15 nM–15 µM). The 1 and FND established a simple and rapid detection method of double stranded PCR product with a detection limit of 10 pg µL−1 (15 nM).
Regional variation in the particulate organic carbon to nitrogen ratio in the surface ocean
Authors: Martiny A. C. , Vrugt Jasper A. , Primeau Francois W. , Lomas Michael W.
Published: July 2013

The concept of constant elemental ratios in plankton communities—the Redfield ratio—is of central importance to ocean biogeochemistry. Recently, several studies have demonstrated regional differences in the plankton C:P and N:P ratio. However, less is known about potential systematic variations in the C:N ratio. Here we present an analysis of the particulate organic carbon to nitrogen ratio of 40,482 globally distributed samples from the upper 200 m of the ocean water column. Particulate organic carbon and nitrogen concentrations are highly correlated (R2 = 0.86) with a median value of 6.5. Using an artificial neural network analysis, we find regional variations in the C:N ratio linked to differences in environmental conditions. The ratio is lower in upper latitude cold water as well as upwelling regions in comparison to the warm oligotrophic gyres. We find substantial differences between ocean gyres that might be associated with differences in the nutrient supply ratio. Using cell sorting, we also quantified the C:N ratio of Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus, and picoeukaryotic field populations. The analysis demonstrates that picophytoplankton lineages exhibit a significantly higher ratio than the bulk particulate material but are only marginally significantly different from each other. Thus, the dominance of picophytoplankton in ocean gyres may contribute to the elevated ratios observed in these regions. Overall, the median C:N ratio derived from 40,482 samples is close to the canonical Redfield ratio, but significant regional deviations from this value are observed. These differences could be important for marine biogeochemistry and the regional coupling between the ocean's carbon and nitrogen cycles.
THE IMPACT OF MACROECONOMIC CONDITIONS ON OBESITY IN CANADA
Authors: Latif Ehsan
Published: July 2013

The paper used longitudinal Canadian data from the National Population Health Survey to estimate the impact of macroeconomic conditions measured by provincial unemployment rate on individual obesity and BMI. To control for individual‐specific unobserved heterogeneity, the study utilized the conditional fixed effect logit and fixed effects models. The study found that unemployment rate had a significant positive impact on the probability of being severely obese. The study also found that unemployment rate significantly increased BMI. However, the study did not find any significant impact of unemployment rate on the probability of being overweight or obese. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low prevalence of germline PALB2 mutations in Australian triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Wong‐Brown Michelle W. , Avery‐Kiejda Kelly A. , Bowden Nikola A. , Scott Rodney J.
Published: July 2013

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a tumour classification that is defined by oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 receptor negativity. TNBCs share a similar gene expression profile to BRCA‐mutated tumours, have been shown to carry a high proportion of BRCA mutations and have a more adverse prognosis compared to other types of breast tumours. PALB2 has been shown to be a moderate‐penetrance breast cancer susceptibility gene and is involved in the same DNA damage repair pathway as BRCA1 and BRCA2; this raises the possibility that germline PALB2 mutations may be involved in the pathogenesis of TNBCs. In our study, we sequenced the coding regions of PALB2 (including intron/exon boundaries) in genomic DNA from 347 patients diagnosed with TNBC to determine the prevalence of deleterious mutations in this population. Two novel truncating mutations (c.758dup and c.2390del) and one previously detected truncating mutation (c.3113+5G>C) were found. In addition, five variants predicted to be protein‐affecting were also identified. Our study shows that the prevalence of PALB2 germline mutations in individuals with TNBC is ∼1%, similar to the prevalence of PALB2 germline mutation of 1% in familial non‐BRCA1/2 breast cancer cohorts.
Genetic variation in the TLR and NF‐κB pathways and cervical and vulvar cancer risk: A population‐based case–control study
Authors: Bodelon Clara , Madeleine Margaret M. , Johnson Lisa G. , Du Qin , Galloway Denise A. , Malkki Mari , Petersdorf Effie W. , Schwartz Stephen M.
Published: July 2013

Genital infection with the oncogenic human papillomavirus is the necessary cause of cervical cancer and of a large fraction of vulvar cancers. The toll‐like receptor and the nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) signaling pathways have been implicated in inflammation, autoimmune disease and cancer, but whether common nucleotide variation in these pathways is associated with the risk of cervical and vulvar cancers has received little study. Using data from a population‐based case–control study of cervical and vulvar cancers, we genotyped 205 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in and around 32 candidate gene regions within these pathways. Gene‐based analyses were used to estimate the associations between individual gene regions and the risk of cervical and vulvar cancers. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess the risk of cervical and vulvar cancers for each SNP. p‐Values were adjusted for multiple testing. A total of 876 cervical cancer cases, 517 vulvar cancer cases and 1,100 controls were included in the analysis. The TNF region was significantly associated with the risks of cervical cancer (gene‐based p‐value: 2.0 × 10−4) and vulvar cancer (gene‐based p‐value: 1.0 × 10−4). The rare allele (A) of SNP rs2239704 in the 5′ UTR of the LTA gene was significantly associated with increased risks of cervical cancer (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.15–1.50; adjusted p‐value: 0.013) and vulvar cancer (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.30–1.75; adjusted p‐value: 1.9 × 10−5). These findings add to the evidence of the importance of the immune system in the etiology of cervical and vulvar cancers.
Demographic, socioeconomic, disease history, dietary and lifestyle cancer risk factors associated with alcohol consumption
Authors: Touvier Mathilde , Druesne‐Pecollo Nathalie , Kesse‐Guyot Emmanuelle , Andreeva Valentina A. , Galan Pilar , Hercberg Serge , Latino‐Martel Paule
Published: July 2013

Data are lacking regarding the association of alcohol consumption with a broad range of other cancer risk factors. Objectives: (i) to assess which sociodemographic, lifestyle and dietary factors were associated with alcohol consumption; (ii) to identify profiles of alcohol consumers by beverage type; (iii) to estimate the number of cancer risk factors accumulated on the individual level according to alcohol consumption. Alcohol and dietary intakes were assessed by six 24 hr records among 29,566 adults of the NutriNet‐Santé cohort. Factors associated with alcohol consumption (nondrinkers (reference)/< 10 g/day/≥ 10 g/day) were assessed by polytomic multivariate logistic regression stratified by gender. Among alcohol consumers, percentages of alcohol brought by each beverage type were compared across sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics using Kruskal‐Wallis rank tests. Several factors were associated with alcohol consumption ≥ 10 g/day in both genders: older age (pmen = 0.02, pwomen < 0.0001), smoking (pmen&women < 0.0001), higher socioprofessional category (pmen&women < 0.0001), higher income (pmen = 0.003, pwomen < 0.0001) and less healthy dietary intakes. Profiles of subjects varied across alcoholic beverage types. Men with history of cardiovascular disease (p = 0.0002) or depression (p = 0.03) and women with history of cirrhosis (p < 0.0001) consumed less alcohol. In women, personal history of cancer was associated with a lower proportion of moderate alcohol users only (< 10 g/day, p = 0.04). In both genders, higher alcohol drinkers clustered more cancer risk factors (median = 5, apart from alcohol) than nondrinkers (median = 4), p < 0.0001. The multiplicity of deleterious lifestyle behaviors combined with alcohol drinking must be taken into account in cancer prevention efforts. Gender‐specific medical advice for people with personal or family history of alcohol‐related diseases, including cancer, should be strengthened.
Meta‐analysis of transcriptome reveals let‐7b as an unfavorable prognostic biomarker and predicts molecular and clinical subclasses in high‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Tang Zhiqun , Ow Ghim Siong , Thiery Jean Paul , Ivshina Anna V. , Kuznetsov Vladimir A.
Published: July 2013

High‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HG‐SOC) is a heterogeneous, poorly classified, lethal disease that frequently exhibits altered expressions of microRNAs. Let‐7 family members are often reported as tumor suppressors; nonetheless, clinicopathological functions and prognostic values of individual let‐7 family members have not been addressed in HG‐SOC. In our work, we performed an integrative study to investigate the potential roles, clinicopathological functions and prognostic values of let‐7 miRNA family in HG‐SOC. Using microarray and clinical data of 1,170 HG‐SOC patients, we developed novel survival prediction and system biology methods to analyze prognostic values and functional associations of let‐7 miRNAs with global transcriptome and clinicopathological factors. We demonstrated that individual let‐7 members exhibit diverse evolutionary history and distinct regulatory characteristics. Statistical tests and network analysis suggest that let‐7b could act as a global synergistic interactor and master regulator controlling hundreds of protein‐coding genes. The elevated expression of let‐7b is associated with poor survival rates, which suggests an unfavorable role of let‐7b in treatment response for HG‐SOC patients. A novel let‐7b‐defined 36‐gene prognostic survival signature outperforms many clinicopathological parameters, and stratifies HG‐SOC patients into three high‐confidence, reproducible, clinical subclasses: low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk, with 5‐year overall survival rates of 56–71%, 12–29% and 0–10%, respectively. Furthermore, the high‐risk and low‐risk subclasses exhibit strong mesenchymal and proliferative tumor phenotypes concordant with resistance and sensitivity to primary chemotherapy. Our results have led to identification of promising prognostic markers of HG‐SOC, which could provide a rationale for genetic‐based stratification of patients and optimization of treatment regimes.
Therapeutic plasma exchange: An effective treatment in ethylene dibromide poisoning cases
Authors: Pahwa Naresh , Bharani Rajesh , Jain Manish , Argal Suarabh , Soni Harish , Kosta Susmit , Kumar Ravindra
Published: July 2013

Background

Ethylene dibromide (EDB) poisoning is very common in Central India and has fatal outcome. EDB is highly protein bound and, therefore, it is suggested that therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) may be useful in removing drug from body shortly after ingestion before EDB metabolizes and causes severe end organ damage. The aim of our study is to find the effect of time of start of TPE on survival outcome of EDB poisoning cases.

Material and Methods

Fifty‐eight cases of EDB poisoning were reviewed from 2007 to 2012 in Department of critical care medicine in tertiary care hospitals at Indore. Five patients were discharged against medical advice and lost to follow up. TPE was done in 47 patients as early as possible and irrespective of appearance of clinical symptoms. TPE was not performed in six cases as they were hypotensive at admission.

Result

The patients with EDB poisoning were 15–45 yrs old with 3:2 male to female ratio. Out of 47 who received TPE, 39 patients survived. TPE had started within 24 h of ingestions of EDB in 36 out of 39 survived patients. Survival outcome was nine times higher in patients who received TPE within 24 h than after 24 h of ingestion. Survival rate was increased to 100% in patients where TPE was done within 12 h of ingestion of EDB.

Conclusion

Early TPE help to remove plasma protein bound toxin with significant mortality reduction. However, delay in start of TPE after ingestion of poison has significant poor survival outcome. J. Clin. Apheresis 28:374–377, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Virtual Screening: Using Molecular Docking and 3D‐QSAR Analysis of Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors
Authors: Amador‐Falcón Laura , Rodríguez‐Clavijo Daniela , Baldiris‐Ávila Rosa , Valdiris‐Ávila Verónica , Salgado‐Morán Guillermo , Glossman‐Mitnik Daniel , Vivas‐Reyes Ricardo
Published: July 2013

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) are a family of calcium‐dependent zinc‐containing endopeptidases which are responsible for the tissue remodeling and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including collagens, elastins, gelatin, matrix glycoproteins, and proteo‐ glycan. In this study, by using molecular docking and 3D‐QSAR analysis we get new insights into the relationship between experimental IC50 values and their descriptors obtained from CoMSIA and CoMFA programs. Obtained information on molecular structural of a series of β‐N‐biaryl ether sulfonamide hydroxamates as potential MMP inhibitors, that can be used to understand the drug receptor interactions of these kind of molecules.
Electrochemical Oxidative Detection of Guanosine‐5′‐triphosphate Based on a New Ionic Liquid Modified Carbon Paste Electrode
Authors: Shi Fan , Zhu Huanhuan , Li Linfang , Ling Luyang , Sun Wei
Published: July 2013

An ionic liquid (IL) 1‐(3‐chloro‐2‐hydroxy‐propyl)‐3‐methylimidazolium trifluoroacetate was used as the modifier for the preparation of the modified carbon paste electrode (CPE). The IL‐CPE showed excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of guanosine‐5′‐triphosphate (5′‐GTP) in a pH 5.0 Britton‐Robinson buffer solution. Due to the presence of high conductive IL on the electrode surface, the electrooxidation of 5′‐GTP was greatly promoted with a single well‐defined irreversible oxidation peak appeared. The electrode reaction was an adsorption‐controlled process and the electrochemical parameters of 5′‐GTP on IL‐CPE were calculated with the electron transfer coefficient (α) as 0.44, the electron transfer number (n) as 1.99, the apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (ks) as 2.21 × 10−9 s−1 and the surface coverage (ΓT) as 1.53 × 10−10 mol cm−2. Under the selected conditions a linear calibration curve between the oxidation peak currents and 5′‐GTP concentration was obtained in the range from 2.0 to 1000.0 μmol L−1 with the detection limit as 0.049 μmol L−1 (3σ) by differential pulse voltammetry. The proposed method showed good selectivity to the 5‘‐GTP detection without the interferences of coexisting substances and the practical application was checked by measurements of the artificial samples.
Propagation delay of solar wind discontinuities: Comparing different methods and evaluating the effect of wavelet denoising
Authors: Munteanu C. , Haaland S. , Mailyan B. , Echim M. , Mursula K.
Published: July 2013

We present a statistical study of the performance of three methods used to predict the propagation delay of solar wind structures. These methods are based on boundary normal estimations between the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft orbiting the L1 libration point and the Cluster spacecraft near the Earth's magnetopause. The boundary normal estimation methods tested are the cross product method (CP), the minimum variance analysis of the magnetic field (MVAB), and the constrained minimum variance analysis (MVAB0). The estimated delay times are compared with the observed ones to obtain a quantitative measure of each method's accuracy. Boundary normal estimations of magnetic field structures embedded in the solar wind are known to be sensitive to small‐scale fluctuations. Our study uses wavelet denoising to reduce the effect of these fluctuations. The influence of wavelet denoising on the performance of the three methods is also analyzed. We find that the free parameters of the three methods have to be adapted to each event in order to obtain accurate propagation delays. We also find that by using denoising parameters optimized to each event, 88% of our database of 356 events are estimated to arrive within ±2 min from the observed time delay with MVAB, 74% with CP, and 69% with the MVAB0 method. Our results show that wavelet denoising significantly improves the predictions of the propagation time delay of solar wind discontinuities.
Viticulture–climate relationships in Greece: the impacts of recent climate trends on harvest date variation
Authors: Koufos George , Mavromatis Theodoros , Koundouras Stefanos , Fyllas Nikolaos M. , Jones Gregory V.
Published: July 2013

Climate characteristics and relationships with indigenous varieties in Greece are examined to better understand how these varieties perform in their native climate and assess the impact regional climate change has on the Greek wine industry. Thus, harvest dates (ΔH) for eight indigenous varieties and regions, along with climate data, were gathered and systematically explored using linear regression models and principal component analysis for three ‘effective’ growing season time period definitions (calendar year, growing season and ripening period). The eight study regions had marked differences in their general climatic characteristics, mainly between mainland and island areas.ΔHresponse was not particularly sensitive to time period definition. In five out of eight regions, a systematic shift ofΔHwas identified (earlier harvest), mainly driven by changes in maximum and minimum temperatures. Significant trends in climate parameters and viticulture–climate relationships were more evident for island regions when compared to mainland locations. Moreover, areas with late ripening varieties were shown to be less sensitive to climate changes. Only in one region harvest was delayed, possibly due to non‐climate factors. The identification of up‐to‐date climate and grapevine phenology relationships could be an important step for broader and more confident future assessments of climate suitability for viticulture and climate change impacts in Greece, and provide insights into how lesser known varieties might perform in other regions.
The role of cave ventilation in governing cave air temperature and radon levels (Postojna Cave, Slovenia)
Authors: Gregorič Asta , Vaupotič Janja , Šebela Stanka
Published: July 2013

Radon concentration and cave temperature were studied at two morphologically different locations (the Beautiful Caves—BC and the lowest point—LP) in Postojna Cave (Slovenia). Radon concentration was considered a trace gas for cave ventilation research, where cave temperature was used as a supported microclimatic parameter. The influence of several climatic factors on radon concentration was studied, from which outside air temperature was found to have the highest control over cave ventilation. Measured radon concentration during 1‐year period was in the range from 740 to 4000 Bq m−3 at LP, whereas during 2‐year period at BC radon concentration experienced two different annual cycles. The change was observed after flood in September 2010. Radon concentration was in the range from 500 to 9000 Bq m−3 in the year 2010 and 500 to 5500 Bq m−3 in the year 2011 and 2012. Temperature was in the range from 9.9 to 10.5 °C and 9.8 to 10.7 °C at BC and BC‐1 (the main passage connected to the LP), respectively. Two different ventilation regimes can be distinguished for LP location and for year 2010 at BC, whereas after flood, three ventilation regimes are characteristic for BC location. Significant change of radon emissions was observed after flood.
‘Clustering’ documents automatically to support scoping reviews of research: a case study
Authors: Stansfield Claire , Thomas James , Kavanagh Josephine
Published: July 2013

Background

Scoping reviews of research help determine the feasibility and the resource requirements of conducting a systematic review, and the potential to generate a description of the literature quickly is attractive.

Aims

To test the utility and applicability of an automated clustering tool to describe and group research studies to improve the efficiency of scoping reviews.

Methods

A retrospective study of two completed scoping reviews was conducted. This compared the groups and descriptive categories obtained by automatically clustering titles and abstracts with those that had originally been derived using traditional researcher‐driven techniques.

Results

The clustering tool rapidly categorised research into themes, which were useful in some instances, but not in others. This provided a dynamic means to view each dataset. Interpretation was challenging where there were potentially multiple meanings of terms. Where relevant clusters were unambiguous, there was a high precision of relevant studies, although recall varied widely.

Conclusions

Policy‐relevant scoping reviews are often undertaken rapidly, and this could potentially be enhanced by automation depending on the nature of the dataset and information sought. However, it is not a replacement for researcher‐developed classification. The possibilities of further applications and potential for use in other types of review are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of the Physical Properties of Poly(ortho‐ and para‐trifluoromethoxy styrenes)
Authors: Sengupta Arijit , Koike Yasuhiro , Okamoto Yoshiyuki
Published: July 2013

Ortho and para ‐OCF3 substituted styrenes are prepared by the Grignard cross‐coupling reaction between ‐OCF3 substituted bromobenzene and vinyl bromide and further polymerized in bulk using benzoyl peroxide. The glass‐transition temperatures (Tg) are 80 °C and 73 °C for the ortho and para –OCF3 substituted polystyrenes, respectively, which are much lower compared with polystyrene (100 °C). The size of the ‐OCF3 group is large and the ether bond is flexible; thus, the ‐OCF3 substituted polystyrenes have larger free volumes, which has more effect on the Tg value compared with that of the steric hindrance effect. The refractive indices are 1.4908 and 1.4809 at 650 nm for ortho and para –OCF3 substituted polystyrenes, respectively, which are much lower than that of polystyrene (1.5861) due to the presence of fluorine atoms in the polymer unit.

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Stabilized semi‐implicit spectral deferred correction methods for Allen–Cahn and Cahn–Hilliard equations
Authors: Liu Fei , Shen Jie
Published: July 2013

Stabilized semi‐implicit spectral deferred correction methods are constructed for the time discretization of Allen–Cahn and Cahn–Hilliard equations. These methods are unconditionally stable, lead to simple linear system to solve at each iteration, and can achieve high‐order time accuracy with a few iterations in each time step. Ample numerical results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the stabilized semi‐implicit spectral deferred correction methods for solving the Allen–Cahn and Cahn–Hilliard equations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iterative algorithms for finding minimum‐norm fixed point of nonexpansive mappings and applications
Authors: Tang Yuchao , Liu Liwei
Published: July 2013

This paper deals with the problem of finding minimum‐norm fixed point of nonexpansive mappings. We present two types of iteration methods (one is implicit, and the other is explicit). We establish strong convergence theorems for both methods. Some applications are given regarding convex optimization problems and split feasibility problems. These results improve some known results existing in the literatures. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A POD reduced‐order model for eigenvalue problems with application to reactor physics
Authors: Buchan A. G. , Pain C. C. , Fang F. , Navon I. M.
Published: July 2013

A reduced‐order model based on proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) has been presented and applied to solving eigenvalue problems. The model is constructed via the method of snapshots, which is based upon the singular value decomposition of a matrix containing the characteristics of a solution as it evolves through time. Part of the novelty of this work is in how this snapshot data are generated, and this is through the recasting of eigenvalue problem, which is time independent, into a time‐dependent form. Instances of time‐dependent eigenfunction solutions are therefore used to construct the snapshot matrix. The reduced order model's capabilities in efficiently resolving eigenvalue problems that typically become computationally expensive (using standard full model discretisations) has been demonstrated. Although the approach can be adapted to most general eigenvalue problems, the examples presented here are based on calculating dominant eigenvalues in reactor physics applications. The approach is shown to reconstruct both the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions accurately using a significantly reduced number of unknowns in comparison with ‘full’ models based on finite element discretisations. The novelty of this paper therefore includes a new approach to generating snapshots, POD's application to large‐scale eigenvalue calculations, and reduced‐order model's application in reactor physics.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Education and age at migration
Authors: Aisa Rosa , Cabeza Josefina , Larramona Gemma
Published: July 2013

The population of the developed world is growing older, leading to shortages in the labor market, and the age and level of education of migrants will be important factors in the labor market in the coming decades. This paper presents a theoretical framework in which the timing of migration and the educational attainments of immigrants are determined endogenously. The combination of social and economic factors related to migration allows us to detect different patterns in these variables. The main finding is that the optimal age for migration, in the case of individuals who attain a higher educational level, is lower than those who have a lower level of education. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subcellular protein localization (cell envelope) in Phaeobacter inhibens DSM 17395
Authors: Koßmehl Sebastian , Wöhlbrand Lars , Drüppel Katharina , Feenders Christoph , Blasius Bernd , Rabus Ralf
Published: July 2013

Phaeobacter inhibens DSM 17395 is a metabolically versatile, secondary metabolite producing and surface colonizing member of the alphaproteobacterial Roseobacter clade. Proteins compartmentalized across the Gram‐negative cell envelope are expected to be relevant for the habitat success of P. inhibens DSM 17395. Subcellular fractionation was followed by gel‐ or nano‐LC‐based separation of proteins and peptides, respectively. Subsequent MS‐based identification of in total 1187 proteins allowed allocation to cytoplasm (303 proteins), cytoplasmic membrane (346), periplasm (325), outer membrane (76), and extracellular milieu (22). Multidimensional scaling was used to visualize the spreading of heuristically allocated proteins across the five different compartments. Experimentally inferred subcellular protein localization was compared with PSORTb prediction of protein secretion and membrane localization. Determined subcellular localizations of identified proteins were interpreted to reconstruct the functional traits of the different cell envelope compartments, in particular protein secretion and sorting, direct effector molecule transit, and cell envelope biogenesis. From a proteogenomic perspective, functional prediction of 74 genes (including 17 coding for proteins of hitherto unknown function) could be refined.
The prevalence and correlates of supportive care needs in testicular cancer survivors: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Smith Allan ‘Ben’ , King Madeleine , Butow Phyllis , Luckett Tim , Grimison Peter , Toner Guy C. , Stockler Martin , Hovey Elizabeth , Stubbs John , Hruby George , Gurney Howard , Turner Sandra , Alam Mahmood , Cox Keith , Olver Ian
Published: July 2013

Objective

This cross‐sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence and correlates of supportive care needs in testicular cancer (TC) survivors.

Methods

Men who had completed active anti‐cancer treatment for TC between 6 months and 5 years previously showing no evidence of recurrence were recruited from 14 Australian cancer centers (September 2009–February 2011). Participants completed a self‐report questionnaire measuring sociodemographics, disease, and treatment information, supportive care needs (CaSUN), psychological distress (DASS21) and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL; SF36v2).

Results

Of the 486 eligible TC survivors invited to participate, 244 completed the questionnaire. Sixty‐six percent reported one or more unmet supportive care needs. The mean number of unmet needs was 4.73 (SD = 7.0, Range = 0–34). The most common unmet needs related primarily to existential survivorship issues (e.g., life stress) and relationships (e.g., sex life). Younger age and presence of chronic illness other than TC were significantly associated with higher number of unmet needs. The number of unmet needs was more highly correlated with psychological distress and HRQoL than unmet need strength.

Conclusions

The majority of TC survivors reported one or more unmet needs. Unmet needs regarding existential survivorship issues were frequently reported by TC survivors despite their favorable prognosis. Relationships unmet needs were less prevalent but still more common than in breast and gynecological cancer survivors. These findings appear to be related to the young age of TC survivors. As a higher number of unmet needs is significantly associated with psychological morbidity and impaired HRQoL, interventions addressing this constellation of issues are needed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adjustment and social support at work early after breast cancer surgery and its associations with sickness absence
Authors: Nilsson Marie I. , Petersson Lena‐Marie , Wennman‐Larsen Agneta , Olsson Mariann , Vaez Marjan , Alexanderson Kristina
Published: July 2013

Introduction

As half of the women with breast cancer are of working ages and usually survive, knowledge is needed on how to support them early regarding work‐related problems caused by treatments. Most previous studies have focused on individual and disease‐related factors, whereas few have focused on work‐related factors such as work adjustment and social support. The aim of this study was to investigate received and perceived social support from supervisor and colleagues as well as work adjustments, and their associations with sickness absence, among women who recently had had breast cancer surgery.

Method

Inclusion criteria were as follows: women aged 20–63 years, living in Stockholm County, treated surgically for a first diagnosis of breast cancer, literate in Swedish, without pre‐surgical chemotherapy or known distant metastases. Included in the study were 605 women who worked at diagnosis and that had answered a questionnaire within eight weeks of inclusion. Descriptive statistics, univariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied to estimate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the likelihood of being sickness absent.

Results

Most women perceived and received social support and work adjustment after breast cancer surgery. Low adjustment (OR = 2.14; 95% CI, 1.45–3.18) and less social support (OR = 1.80; 95% CI, 1.16–2.78) were significantly associated with being sickness absent. Adjusting for sociodemographics, strenuous work posture, and treatment did not attenuate these associations.

Conclusion

Adjustment at work and social support from employer are associated with sickness absence and needs to be explored in discussions on return to work after breast cancer surgery. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Degradation of TNT, RDX, and HMX Explosive Wastewaters Using Zero‐Valent Iron Nanoparticles
Authors: Lin Kuen‐Song , Dehvari Khalilalrahman , Hsien Ming‐June , Hsu Pei‐Ju , Kuo Hua
Published: July 2013

The high‐energy explosives 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine (RDX), and the high melting explosive octahydro‐1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocine (HMX) are common groundwater contaminants at active and abandoned munitions production facilities causing serious environmental problems. A highly efficient and environmentally friendly method was developed for the treatment of the explosives‐contaminated wastewaters using zero‐valent iron nanoparticles (ZVINs). ZVINs with diameters of 20–50 nm and specific surface areas of 42.56 m2 g−1 were synthesized by the co‐precipitation method. The explosives degradation reaction is expressed to be of pseudo first‐order and the kinetic reaction parameters are calculated based on different initial concentrations of TNT, RDX, and HMX. In addition, by comparison of the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) images for the fresh and reacted ZVINs, it was apparent that the ZVINs were oxidized and aggregated to form Fe3O4 nanoparticles as a result of the chemical reaction. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) measurements confirmed that the ZVINs corrosion primarily occurred due to the formation of Fe3O4. Furthermore, the postulated reaction kinetics in different concentrations of TNT, RDX, and HMX, showed that the rate of TNT removal was higher than RDX and HMX. Furthermore, by‐products obtained after degradation of TNT (long‐chain alkanes/methylamine) and RDX/HMX (formaldehyde/methanol/hydrazine/dimethyl hydrazine) were determined by LC/MS/MS, respectively. The high reaction rate and significant removal efficiencies suggest that ZVINs might be suitable and powerful materials for an in‐situ degradation of explosive polluted wastewaters.
Smoking and prostate cancer in a multi‐ethnic sample
Authors: Murphy Adam B. , Akereyeni Folasade , Nyame Yaw A. , Guy Mignonne C. , Martin Iman K. , Hollowell Courtney M. P. , Walker Kelly , Kittles Rick A. , Ahaghotu Chiledum
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) and smoking‐related morbidity disproportionately burdens African American (AA) men. Smoking is associated with high‐grade PCa and incidence, but few studies have focused on AA men. This study aims to determine the effect of tobacco‐use on odds of PCa and of high‐grade PCa in a population of predominantly AA men.

METHODS

This is a cross‐sectional study evaluating smoking and PCa status in men with incident PCa and screened healthy controls. Altogether, 1,085 men (527 cases and 558 controls), age ≥ 40 years were enrolled through outpatient urology clinics in two US cities from 2001 to 2012. Validated questionnaires were used to gather clinical and socioeconomic data.

RESULTS

The cases and controls were predominantly AA (79.9% and 71.3%, respectively, P = 0.01). AA men smoked more frequently (53.4% vs. 47.9%, P < 0.001) and quit less frequently than European American (EA) men (31.5% vs. 40.4%, P = 0.01). AA heavy smokers had increased odds of PCa diagnosis (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.09, 6.10) and high‐grade cancer (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.03, 3.48) relative to never smokers and light smokers. Among AAs, heavy smokers had lower odds of being in the low risk stratification in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. AA former smokers had a trend for increased odds of high‐grade cancer compared to never smokers. The associations between smokings, cancer diagnosis and cancer grade did not reach statistical significance in EA men.

CONCLUSION

We found ethnic differences in smoking behavior. Heavy smoking is associated with increased odds of PCa and of higher Gleason grade in AA men. Prostate 73: 1518–1528, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
TMEFF2 and SARDH cooperate to modulate one‐carbon metabolism and invasion of prostate cancer cells
Authors: Green Thomas , Chen Xiaofei , Ryan Stephen , Asch Adam S. , Ruiz‐Echevarría Maria J.
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

The transmembrane protein with epidermal growth factor and two follistatin motifs, TMEFF2, has been implicated in prostate cancer but its role in this disease is unclear. We recently demonstrated that the tumor suppressor role of TMEFF2 correlates, in part, with its ability to interact with sarcosine dehydrogenase (SARDH) and modulate sarcosine level. TMEFF2 overexpression inhibits sarcosine‐induced invasion. Here, we further characterize the functional interaction between TMEFF2 and SARDH and their link with one‐carbon (1‐C) metabolism and invasion.

METHODS

RNA interference was used to study the effect of SARDH and/or TMEFF2 knockdown (KD) in invasion, evaluated using Boyden chambers. The dependence of invasion on 1‐C metabolism was determined by examining sensitivity to methotrexate. Real‐time PCR and Western blot of subcellular fractions were used to study the effect of SARDH KD or TMEFF2 KD on expression of enzymes involved in one‐carbon (1‐C) metabolism and on TMEFF2 expression and localization. Protein interactions were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Cell viability and proliferation were measured by cell counting and MTT analysis.

RESULTS

While knocking down SARDH affects TMEFF2 subcellular localization, this effect is not responsible for the increased invasion observed in SARDH KD cells. Importantly, SARDH and/or TMEFF2 KD promote increased cellular invasion, sensitize the cell to methotrexate, render the cell resistant to invasion induced by sarcosine, a metabolite from the folate‐mediated 1‐C metabolism pathway, and affect the expression level of enzymes involved in that pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings define a role for TMEFF2 and the folate‐mediated 1‐C metabolism pathway in modulating cellular invasion. Prostate 73: 1561–1575, 2013 © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interface defects and impurities at the growth zone of Au‐catalyzed GaAs nanowire from first principles
Authors: Sakong Sung , Du Yaojun A. , Kratzer Peter
Published: July 2013

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The defects and impurities at the interface of a Au‐catalyzed GaAs nanowire have been studied by the first‐principles method. The interface is modeled by Au layers on the ${\rm GaAs}(\bar 1\bar 1\bar 1)$ substrate with both Ga‐ and As‐terminations. From the energetics of interface defects and impurities, we find that a highly ordered As‐terminated interface is expected under As‐rich growth, but mixed Ga‐ and As‐terminations are expected under Ga‐rich growth. Comparing the interface defects and impurities to their bulk species, we expect the interface to be a sink for Au impurities in the GaAs nanowire. Based on DFT results, we estimate that materials transport by impurity diffusion through a liquid nanoparticle is sufficient for sustained GaAs growth. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Making predictions about chemical reactivity: Assumptions and heuristics
Authors: Maeyer Jenine , Talanquer Vicente
Published: July 2013

Diverse implicit cognitive elements seem to support but also constrain reasoning in different domains. Many of these cognitive constraints can be thought of as either implicit assumptions about the nature of things or reasoning heuristics for decision‐making. In this study we applied this framework to investigate college students' understanding of structure–property relationships in the context of chemical reactivity. The ability to understand and apply structure–property relationships to explain the behavior of physical, chemical, and biological systems is a core competence that many science and engineering majors are expected to develop. Core findings were derived from semi‐structured interviews based on a ranking task. Study participants relied on intuitive, spurious, and valid assumptions about the nature of chemical entities in building their responses. In particular, many of students appeared to conceive chemical reactions as macroscopic reassembling processes thought to be more favored the easier it seemed to break reactants apart or put products together. Students also expressed spurious chemical assumptions based on the misinterpretation and overgeneralization of chemical ideas. Reasoning heuristics for decision‐making also played a significant role in the construction of answers to ranking questions. Specifically, interviewees demonstrated strong over‐reliance on variable reduction strategies and recognition memory in their reasoning. Our findings reveal the need for educational approaches that more effectively affect the conceptual sophistication and depth of reasoning about structure–property relationships of college students. Our research framework provides a productive approach for the analysis of student reasoning in scientific domains. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach
Pubertal development, physical self‐perception, and motivation toward physical activity in girls
Authors: Labbrozzi Dina , Robazza Claudio , Bertollo Maurizio , Bucci Ines , Bortoli Laura
Published: July 2013

We examined the differences in physical self‐perception and motivation toward physical activity in early‐ and mid‐adolescent girls. Body Mass Index (BMI) and pubertal status, assessed by means of the Tanner scale, were collected in 11‐year‐old (n = 74) and 13‐year‐old girls (n = 60). The assessment included six scales from the Physical Self‐Description Questionnaire, the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale, and the Situational Intrinsic Motivation Scale. Age differences emerged, with older girls showing a poorer physical perception and lower scores in intrinsic motivation and enjoyment of physical activity. In the subsample of 11‐year‐olds, findings showed that more developed girls reported a poorer physical perception on the scales of body fat, global physical self‐concept, and appearance, and a lower score in the PACES positive scale. Results underscore the need to promote interventions aimed at encouraging active lifestyles among children and adolescent girls, in order to prevent overweight prior to pubertal onset.
Effect of intrauterine infection on brain development and injury
Authors: Zhao Jing , Chen Yurong , Xu Yuxia , Pi Guanghuan
Published: July 2013

Intrauterine exposure of term and premature infants to infection/inflammation may increase the risk of perinatal brain injury, which may be more serious than that incurred by interpartum exposure to hypoxia–ischemia (HI). Many microorganisms, including certain viruses, protozoa, and bacteria, have been linked to this injury. In regard to the mechanisms of intrauterine infection‐triggered brain injury, the inflammatory risk factors such as cytokines play a central role. The inflammation signal is likely transmitted across the blood–brain barrier and initiates a neuroinflammatory response. Studies have reported that polymorphism of cytokine genes also has been implicated in perinatal brain injury. Moreover, inflammation and HI may be synergistically involved in this process. Although the relationship between inflammation and adverse neurodevelopmental outcome in affected infants is slowly being elucidated, the literature contains scant evidence of measures that can improve fetal neurologic outcome. Several pharmacologic molecules such as magnesium sulphate, erythropoietin, and corticosteroids as a neuroprotective agent for the fetus need further investigation.
Development‐ and activity‐dependent expression of clusterin in the mouse olfactory bulb
Authors: Wu Rui‐qi , Xu Zhi‐xiang , Rao Xiao‐ping , Xu Fu‐qiang
Published: July 2013

Clusterin, a protein involved in many biological processes, is expressed broadly in the central nervous system, but its functions remain largely unknown. As preparations for elucidating some possible functions, we examined the spatiotemporal expression patterns of clusterin in the mouse olfactory bulb at different developmental stages and under different neuronal activity levels. Our results revealed a dynamic expression of the protein during development. Clusterin signal was seemingly diffuse during the early stages of development, shifted to the cell somas later and then predominantly to the axons of projection neurons in the adult stage, with a transition point at approximately postnatal day 18. The effects of olfactory deficits on the clusterin expression level in an anosmic mouse model were neuron‐specific: the signals increased remarkably from faint to strong in olfactory sensory neurons, reduced considerably from moderate/strong to faint in the centrifugal projection neurons, decreased moderately from moderate to faint in the local bulbar projection neurons, and remained intense in long‐distance bulbar projection neurons. These results showed that clusterin expression is modulated dynamically during development and by sensory activity. These findings deepen our understanding of this broadly expressed protein.
Finanzas y gestión pública local en Colombia: el caso de la Hacienda en el municipio de Medellín
Authors: Tobón Alexander , López Mauricio , González Jenifer
Published: July 2013

La consolidación de la descentralización fiscal en Colombia ha permitido avances significativos en la gestión financiera de los municipios, evidentes en indicadores que permiten hacer seguimiento y evaluación permanente de la administración. Este artículo presenta un análisis de las finanzas públicas de Medellín realizado a través de algunos indicadores fiscales agregados y de la estimación de dos modelos econométricos de sensibilidad para los gastos de inversión y los ingresos tributarios. Se concluye que pese a que el municipio presenta un estado fiscal saludable, con un gasto de inversión creciente, hay evidencia de la presencia de los fenómenos de pereza fiscal y de relajación en el período 1998-2009, justificados por la dependencia cada vez mayor en los ingresos no tributarios.
Modelo para gestionar la sustentabilidad de las organizaciones a través de la rentabilidad, adaptabilidad e imagen
Authors: Blázquez Miguel , Peretti María Florencia
Published: July 2013

El presente artículo tiene por objetivo presentar una herramienta denominada hexágono de imagen que, junto con la herramienta de los hexágonos de utilidad-rentabilidad, desarrollada anteriormente, pretende servir de soporte a la gestión de la sustentabilidad, en pos de lograr un equilibrio dinámico entre ambos aspectos: rentabilidad e imagen. La metodología empleada comprende una síntesis del marco teórico de la investigación, consistente en una revisión bibliográfica y posterior propuesta sobre los conceptos e implicancias de imagen y rentabilidad como determinantes de la sustentabilidad organizacional. Como resultado se construyeron las bases lógicas y conceptuales del hexágono de imagen que se complementa con el anteriormente desarrollado hexágono de utilidad rentabilidad para operacionalizar en forma integrada la sustentabilidad organizacional.