bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical activity and survival of postmenopausal, hormone receptor–positive breast cancer patients: Results of the Tamoxifen Exemestane Adjuvant Multicenter Lifestyle study
Authors: de Glas Nienke A. , Fontein Duveken B. Y. , Bastiaannet Esther , Pijpe Anouk , De Craen Anton J. M. , Liefers Gerrit‐Jan , Nortier Hans J. W. R. , de Haes Hanneke J. C. J. M. , van de Velde Cornelis J. H. , van Leeuwen Flora E. 
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUNDPhysical activity has been related to improved breast cancer outcomes. Especially in the older breast cancer population, physical activity may be important because old age is associated with comorbidities and decreased physical function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between physical activity and overall survival, breast cancer–specific survival, and recurrence in several age groups of postmenopausal breast cancer patients.METHODSThe Tamoxifen Exemestane Adjuvant Multinational Lifestyle study was a side study of the Tamoxifen Exemestane Adjuvant Multinational trial and prospectively investigated lifestyle habits of postmenopausal, hormone receptor–positive breast cancer patients. The relations between prediagnosis and postdiagnosis physical activity and overall survival, breast cancer–specific survival, and recurrence‐free survival were assessed with Cox regression and competing risk regression models.RESULTSAmong 521 patients, high levels of physical activity before and after the diagnosis were associated with better overall survival (the multivariate hazard ratios were 0.50 [95% confidence interval = 0.26‐0.98] and 0.57 (95% confidence interval = 0.26‐1.40] for patients who were very active before and after the diagnosis, respectively, in comparison with inactive patients). This was most evident in patients who were 65 years old or older. Physical activity was not significantly associated with breast cancer–specific survival or the relapse‐free period.CONCLUSIONSOverall survival was better for patients who were active before and after the diagnosis. In contrast with previous studies, breast cancer survival and the risk of recurrence were not significantly associated with physical activity. These findings confirmed the need for more studies investigating the use of physical activity to supplement breast cancer treatment in older patients. Cancer 2014;120:2847–2854. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Electronic and Structural Properties of Highly Aluminum Ion Doped TiO2 Nanoparticles: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: de los Santos Desireé M. , Aguilar Teresa , Sánchez‐Coronilla Antonio , Navas Javier , Cruz Hernández Norge , Alcántara Rodrigo , Fernández‐Lorenzo Concha , Martín‐Calleja Joaquín 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis study presents the experimental and theoretical study of highly internally Al‐doped TiO2 nanoparticles. Two synthesis methods were used and detailed characterization was performed. There were differences in the doping and the crystallinity, but the nanoparticles synthesized with the different methods share common features. Anatase to rutile transformation occurred at higher temperatures with Al doping. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed the generation of oxygen vacancies, which is an interesting feature in photocatalysis. In turn, the band‐gap energy and the valence band did not change appreciably. Periodic density functional calculations were performed to model the experimentally doped structures, the formation of the oxygen vacancies, and the band gap. Calculation of the density of states confirmed the experimental band‐gap energies. The theoretical results confirmed the presence of Ti4+ and Al3+. The charge density study and electron localization function analysis indicated that the inclusion of Al in the anatase structure resulted in a strengthening of the TiO bonds around the vacancy.
Discrete polynary coding immune clonal selection‐based joint subcarrier and power allocation in uplink cognitive OFDM network
Authors: Shang Ronghua , Zhang Kun , Jiao Licheng , Wu Jianshe 
Published: May 2014

SummaryCognitive radio has been considered to be one of the main technologies to solve the problem of low spectrum utilization, while the adaptive allocation of network resource is one of the key technologies. A discrete polynary coding immune clonal selection (DPICS)‐based joint subcarrier and power allocation algorithm is proposed to solve the resource allocation problem in uplink cognitive OFDM networks. The novelties of DPICS include the following: A unique coding method is adopted to deal with multi‐value discrete variables. Compared with the traditional methods, the proposed method can acquire the shortest code. Meanwhile, the constraints of the subcarrier allocation are avoided. A heuristic mutation scheme is used to direct the mutation. Subcarriers are reallocated randomly to the secondary users with larger homotactic noise, which has a large probability to produce the optimal solution and improves the searching process. Subcarriers and power are allocated simultaneously, which is different with the traditional biphasic resource allocation algorithms. The biphasic resource allocation algorithms cannot acquire the subcarrier allocation result and power allocation result simultaneously, which makes the final result imprecise. The proposed algorithm avoids this situation and improves the accuracy of the final result. Compared with state‐of‐the‐art algorithms, the proposed algorithm is shown as effective by simulation results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Models of vocal learning in the songbird: Historical frameworks and the stabilizing critic
Authors: Nick Teresa A. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTBirdsong is a form of sensorimotor learning that involves a mirror‐like system that activates with both song hearing and production. Early models of song learning, based on behavioral measures, identified key features of vocal plasticity, such as the requirements for memorization of a tutor song and auditory feedback during song practice. The concept of a comparator, which compares the memory of the tutor song to auditory feedback, featured prominently. Later models focused on linking anatomically‐defined neural modules to behavioral concepts, such as the comparator. Exploiting the anatomical modularity of the songbird brain, localized lesions illuminated mechanisms of the neural song system. More recent models have integrated neuronal mechanisms identified in other systems with observations in songbirds. While these models explain multiple aspects of song learning, they must incorporate computational elements based on unknown biological mechanisms to bridge the motor‐to‐sensory delay and/or transform motor signals into the sensory domain. Here, I introduce the stabilizing critic hypothesis, which enables sensorimotor learning by (1) placing a purely sensory comparator afferent of the song system and (2) endowing song system disinhibitory interneuron networks with the capacity both to bridge the motor‐sensory delay through prolonged bursting and to stabilize song segments selectively based on the comparator signal. These proposed networks stabilize an otherwise variable signal generated by both putative mirror neurons and a cortical‐basal ganglia‐thalamic loop. This stabilized signal then temporally converges with a matched premotor signal in the efferent song motor cortex, promoting spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity in the premotor circuitry and behavioral song learning. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 75: 1091–1113, 2015
High‐resolution food webs based on nitrogen isotopic composition of amino acids
Authors: Chikaraishi Yoshito , Steffan Shawn A. , Ogawa Nanako O. , Ishikawa Naoto F. , Sasaki Yoko , Tsuchiya Masashi , Ohkouchi Naohiko 
Published: May 2014

AbstractFood webs are known to have myriad trophic links between resource and consumer species. While herbivores have well‐understood trophic tendencies, the difficulties associated with characterizing the trophic positions of higher‐order consumers have remained a major problem in food web ecology. To better understand trophic linkages in food webs, analysis of the stable nitrogen isotopic composition of amino acids has been introduced as a potential means of providing accurate trophic position estimates. In the present study, we employ this method to estimate the trophic positions of 200 free‐roaming organisms, representing 39 species in coastal marine (a stony shore) and 38 species in terrestrial (a fruit farm) environments. Based on the trophic positions from the isotopic composition of amino acids, we are able to resolve the trophic structure of these complex food webs. Our approach reveals a high degree of trophic omnivory (i.e., noninteger trophic positions) among carnivorous species such as marine fish and terrestrial hornets.This information not only clarifies the trophic tendencies of species within their respective communities, but also suggests that trophic omnivory may be common in these webs.
Enhanced suppressor function of TIM‐3+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Gautron Anne‐Sophie , Dominguez‐Villar Margarita , de Marcken Marine , Hafler David A. 
Published: May 2014

T‐cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM‐3) is an Ig‐superfamily member expressed on IFN‐γ‐secreting Th1 and Tc1 cells and was identified as a negative regulator of immune tolerance. TIM‐3 is expressed by a subset of activated CD4+ T cells, and anti‐CD3/anti‐CD28 stimulation increases both the level of expression and the number of TIM‐3+ T cells. In mice, TIM‐3 is constitutively expressed on natural regulatory T (Treg) cells and has been identified as a regulatory molecule of alloimmunity through its ability to modulate CD4+ T‐cell differentiation. Here, we examined TIM‐3 expression on human Treg cells to determine its role in T‐cell suppression. In contrast to mice, TIM‐3 is not expressed on Treg cells ex vivo but is upregulated after activation. While TIM‐3+ Treg cells with increased gene expression of LAG3, CTLA4, and FOXP3 are highly efficient suppressors of effector T (Teff) cells, TIM‐3− Treg cells poorly suppressed Th17 cells as compared with their suppression of Th1 cells; this decreased suppression ability was associated with decreased STAT‐3 expression and phosphorylation and reduced gene expression of IL10, EBI3, GZMB, PRF1, IL1Rα, and CCR6. Thus, our results suggest that TIM‐3 expression on Treg cells identifies a population highly effective in inhibiting pathogenic Th1‐ and Th17‐cell responses.
Protein Based Electrochemical Biosensors for H2O2 Detection Towards Clinical Diagnostics
Authors: Yagati Ajay Kumar , Choi Jeong‐Woo 
Published: May 2014

AbstractHydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has a diverse array of physiological and pathological effects within the living cells depending on the extent, timing, and location of its production. Detection of H2O2 is important in food industry, clinical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring at lowest levels. Electrochemical biosensors are efficient as they can analyze biological sample by direct conversion into an electrical signal. Electrochemical sensors based on direct electron transfer (DET) of proteins were developed to achieve fast electron transfer by avoiding free‐diffusing redox species with improved sensitivity. We summarize the prerequisites for the DET of proteins for immobilization on the electrode surfaces with recent developments in development of H2O2 sensors and future prospects in this field.
Investigation of the Antifouling Properties of Phenyl Phosphorylcholine‐Based Modified Gold Surfaces
Authors: Parviz Maryam , Darwish Nadim , Alam Muhammad Tanzirul , Parker Stephen G. , Ciampi Simone , Gooding J. Justin 
Published: May 2014

AbstractLow impedance, antifouling coatings on gold electrodes based on three new zwitterionic phenyl phosphorylcholine (PPC)‐based layers namely 1) reductively adsorbed PPC diazonium salt, 2) dithiocarbamate PPC SAM and 3) lipoamide PPC SAM (PPC coupled to α‐lipoic acid) were evaluated. The layers were assessed for their ability to limit nonspecific adsorption of proteins to electrode surface with some significant differences observed compared with previously studied PPC diazonium salts reductively adsorbed on glassy carbon. Fluorescence microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results suggest that protein adsorption is sensitive to the difference in the structure of the PPC molecules and the charge neutrality of the layers. The lipoamide PPC SAM was shown to be the most effective at resisting nonspecific protein adsorption and this layer was as effective as the ‘gold standard’ of oligo(ethylene oxide) SAMs on gold and PPC diazonium salts reductively adsorbed on glassy carbon.
Effects of dissolved organic matter from a eutrophic lake on the freely dissolved concentrations of emerging organic contaminants
Authors: Xiao Yi-Hua , Huang Qing-Hui , Vähätalo Anssi V. , Li Fei-Peng , Chen Ling 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

The authors studied the effects of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on the bioavailability of bisphenol A (BPA) and chloramphenicol by measuring the freely dissolved concentrations of the contaminants in solutions containing DOM that had been isolated from a mesocosm in a eutrophic lake. The abundance and aromaticity of the chromophoric DOM increased over the 25-d mesocosm experiment. The BPA freely dissolved concentration was 72.3% lower and the chloramphenicol freely dissolved concentration was 56.2% lower using DOM collected on day 25 than using DOM collected on day 1 of the mesocosm experiment. The freely dissolved concentrations negatively correlated with the ultraviolent absorption coefficient at 254 nm and positively correlated with the spectral slope of chromophoric DOM, suggesting that the bioavailability of these emerging organic contaminants depends on the characteristics of the DOM present. The DOM–water partition coefficients (log KOC) for the emerging organic contaminants positively correlated with the aromaticity of the DOM, measured as humic acid–like fluorescent components C1 (excitation/emission = 250[313]/412 nm) and C2 (excitation/emission = 268[379]/456 nm). The authors conclude that the bioavailability of emerging organic contaminants in eutrophic lakes can be affected by changes in the DOM. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1739–1746. © 2014 SETAC
Intercropping different varieties of radish can increase cadmium accumulation in radish
Authors: Lin Lijin , Liu Qihua , Shi Jun , Sun Jinlong , Liao Ming'an , Mei Luoyin 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Genetic diversity has supplied effective ways to improve crop yields and disease resistance. Therefore, crop uptake of heavy metals may be reduced by collecting germplasm resources. In the present study, cadmium accumulation and nutrients in radish were investigated by intercropping 3 genotypes (red, green, and white radish) in different combinations. Both pot and field experiments showed that cadmium content in radish was increased by intercropping 2 or 3 genotypes, except when white radish was intercropped with green radish. The biomass of red radish was improved by a mixture of all 3 genotypes, green radish biomass was improved by intercropping with the other 2 varieties, and white radish biomass was improved by intercropping with red radish in both pot and field experiments. The pot experiment indicated that the soil exchangeable cadmium concentration of red radish grown with green radish was lower than that of monoculture, whereas red radish intercropped with white radish was between the respective monocultures; the soil exchangeable cadmium concentrations of green radish grown with white radish and with all 3 genotypes grown together were greater than those of the monocultures. Some intercropping modes also improved potassium and phosphorus contents in the edible parts of radish in the pot experiment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014; 33:1950–1955. © 2014 SETAC
Antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds of Dezful sesame cake extracts obtained by classical and ultrasound‐assisted extraction methods
Authors: Esmaeilzadeh Kenari Reza , Mohsenzadeh Fatereh , Amiri Zeinab Raftani 
Published: May 2014

AbstractSesame cake is a by‐product of sesame oil industry. In this study, the effect of extraction methods (maceration and sonication) and solvents (ethanol, methanol, ethanol/water (50:50), methanol/water (50:50), and water) on the antioxidant properties of sesame cake extracts are evaluated to determine the most suitable extraction method for optimal use of this product. Total phenolic content is measured according to the Folin–Ciocalteu method and antioxidant activities of each extract are evaluated with the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), β‐carotene bleaching, and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. The highest amount of total phenolic compounds is observed in ethanol‐ultrasonic extract with the amount of 88.89 mg/g gallic acid equivalent. Methanol‐ultrasonic extract with the amount of 88.475% indicates the highest activity in scavenging DPPH free radicals. In β‐carotene‐linoleic acid system, ethanol‐ultrasonic extract indicates the highest inhibition percent of 45.64. In FRAP assay, ethanol/water (50:50)‐maceration and ethanol/water (50:50)‐ultrasonic extracts with the absorption of 1.132 and 1.0745 nm indicate the highest antioxidant activity.
Functional connectivity of insular efferences
Authors: Almashaikhi Talal , Rheims Sylvain , Jung Julien , Ostrowsky‐Coste Karine , Montavont Alexandra , De Bellescize Julitta , Arzimanoglou Alexis , Keo Kosal Pascale , Guénot Marc , Bertrand Olivier , Ryvlin Philippe 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of our study was to explore the functional connectivity between the insula and other cortical regions, in human, using cortico‐cortical evoked potentials (CCEPs)Experimental designWe performed intra‐cerebral electrical stimulation in eleven patients with refractory epilepsy investigated with depth electrodes, including 39 targeting the insula. Electrical stimulation consisted of two series of 20 pulses of 1‐ms duration, 0.2‐Hz frequency, and 1‐mA intensity delivered at each of the 39 insular bipoles. Rates of connectivity were reported whenever a noninsular cortical region was tested by at least ten stimulating/recording electrode pairs in three or more patientsResultsSignificant CCEPs were elicited in 193 of the 578 (33%) tested connections, with an average latency of 33 ± 5 ms. The highest connectivity rates were observed with the nearby perisylvian structures (59%), followed by the pericentral cortex (38%), the temporal neocortex (28%), the lateral parietal cortex (26%), the orbitofrontal cortex (25%), the mesial temporal structures (24%), the dorsolateral frontal cortex (15%), the temporal pole (14%), and the mesial parietal cortex (11%). No connectivity was detected in the mesial frontal cortex or cingulate gyrus. The pattern of connectivity also differed between the five insular gyri, with greater connectivity rate for the posterior short gyrus (49%), than for the middle short (29%), and two long gyri (28 and 33%)ConclusionThe human insula is characterized by a rich and complex connectivity that varies as a function of the insular gyrus and appears to partly differ from the efferences described in nonhuman primates. Hum Brain Mapp 35:5279–5294, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bayreuth Productivity Analysis—a method for ascertaining and improving the holistic service productivity of acute care hospitals
Authors: Pfannstiel Mario Alexander 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThe healthcare sector is lacking a method with which hospitals can measure the extent to which they achieve their goals in terms of aggregate productivity from both patients' and employees' perspectives. The Bayreuth Productivity Analysis (BPA) provides a solution to this problem because it uses two standardized questionnaires—one for patients and one for employees—to ascertain productivity at hospitals. These questionnaires were developed in several steps according to the principles of classical test theory, and they consist of six dimensions (information, organization, climate, methods, infrastructure and equipment) of five items each. One item describes a factual situation relevant to productivity and services so that it makes a contribution to the overall productivity of a hospital. After individualized evaluation of these items, the dimensions are subjectively weighted in the two questionnaires. The productivity index thus ascertained can be considered “holistic” when all patients and employees in a hospital make a differentiated assessment and weigh off each of the dimensions. In conclusion, the BPA constitutes a simple yet practicable method to ascertain and improve the holistic service productivity of hospitals. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The many functions of the endoplasmic reticulum chaperones and folding enzymes
Authors: Halperin Laura , Jung Joanna , Michalak Marek 
Published: May 2014

AbstractEndoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an essential sub‐cellular compartment of the eukaryotic cell performing many diverse functions essential for the cell and the whole organism. ER molecular chaperones and folding enzymes are multidomain proteins that are designed to support nascent proteins entering ER lumen to achieve their native conformation, mediate post‐translational modification, prevent misfolded protein aggregation, and facilitate exit from the ER. Typically the role of ER chaperones expands beyond protein folding. Here, we illustrate the multifunctional nature of many ER associated molecular chaperones and folding enzymes and unique functional overlap of these proteins all designed to support the many functions of the ER membrane. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(5):318–326, 2014
Synthesis of Nano‐structured Poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene‐oxide)/Polystyrene in Water
Authors: Lyndon Richelle , Saito Kei 
Published: May 2014

AbstractFor the first time, poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene‐oxide)/polystyrene (PPO/PS) nanocomposite particles have been successfully synthesized using fusion of recently developed green technologies, the oxidative polymerization in water. The emulsion polymerization of styrene and oxidative polymerization of DMP using water as a solvent in one pot was found to produce nano sized PPO/PS nanocomposite particles with higher thermal stability property than that of PPO polymer as well as PS nanoparticles.
Effect of surface equilibria on the electrokinetic behaviour of Pb and Cd ions in kaolinite
Authors: Mascia Michele , Vacca Annalisa , Palmas Simonetta 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDElectrokinetic remediation of fine‐grained soils polluted by heavy metals is affected by the equilibria between dissolved and sorbed ions; pH can also influence the surface equilibria. Geochemical models which describe the behaviour of different surface sites and their interactions with heavy metal ions have to be considered for a good mathematical representation of an electrokinetic process.RESULTSCd2+ and Pb2+ sorption isotherms were performed at different pH values using kaolinite as sorbent. Electrokinetic tests were performed with samples of kaolinite spiked with Cd2+ and Pb2+ at 0.7 and 2 V cm−1: the concentration profiles were obtained experimentally at different treatment times. The pH in the compartments was conditioned by acetate buffer. On the basis of the experimental results, a numerical model was formulated to simulate ion transport under an electric field combining the diffusion–advection equations with a two‐sites geochemical model taking into account ion exchange and surface complexation of the metal ions, as well as the protonation–deprotonation reactions of the surface sites.CONCLUSIONSThe process was effective for cadmium removal, while a strong dependence on pH was observed for lead removal. The model allowed prediction of time/space profiles in solid and liquid phase: a good agreement with the experimental data was obtained under all the conditions adopted. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry