bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Fluorescent Potassium Ion–Sensing Probes Based on a Thrombin‐Binding DNA Aptamer–Peptide Conjugate
Authors: Takenaka Shigeori 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis unit provides a procedure for synthesis of the potassium‐sensing peptide‐oligodeoxyribonucleotide conjugate PSO‐5 for visualizing potassium ions (K+) in living cells. It is constructed by combining an oligodeoxyribonucleotide carrying a thrombin‐binding DNA aptamer (TBA) sequence with an uncharged peptide carrying biotin and the fluorescence tags fluorescein (FAM) and tetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA). The PSO‐5 and biotin‐modified nuclear export signal peptide are conjugated through streptavidin, and this sensing molecule is introduced into the cell where it is localized in the cytoplasm. The TBA part of PSO‐5 shows a conformational change from a random coil to a tetraplex structure induced by K+ and a change in the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) efficiency between FAM and TAMRA arising from its conformational change, enabling fluorometric detection of changes in K+ concentration. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Supported Lipid Bilayer Technology for the Study of Cellular Interfaces
Authors: Crites Travis J. , Maddox Michael , Padhan Kartika , Muller James , Eigsti Calvin , Varma Rajat 
Published: September 2015

AbstractGlass‐supported lipid bilayers presenting freely diffusing proteins have served as a powerful tool for studying cell‐cell interfaces, in particular, T cell–antigen presenting cell (APC) interactions, using optical microscopy. Here we expand upon existing protocols and describe the preparation of liposomes by an extrusion method, and describe how this system can be used to study immune synapse formation by Jurkat cells. We also present a method for forming such lipid bilayers on silica beads for the study of signaling responses by population methods, such as western blotting, flow cytometry, and gene‐expression analysis. Finally, we describe how to design and prepare transmembrane‐anchored protein‐laden liposomes, following expression in suspension CHO (CHOs) cells, a mammalian expression system alternative to insect and bacterial cell lines, which do not produce mammalian glycosylation patterns. Such transmembrane‐anchored proteins may have many novel applications in cell biology and immunology. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Digestion, Purification, and Enrichment of Protein Samples for Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hedrick Victoria E. , LaLand Mercedes N. , Nakayasu Ernesto S. , Paul Lake N. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractProteomic studies rely heavily on the use of liquid chromatography (LC)–mass spectrometry (MS and MS/MS) analyses to provide information about protein composition and function. Profiling the proteome can be the first step to understanding biological pathways, but the challenges scientists face with the complex nature of proteins and proteolysis products can be daunting. Techniques involving fractionation, immunoprecipitation, and phosphopeptide enrichment can simplify complex protein mixtures and enhance the amount of target proteins that are important to the investigator. Emphasis on sample preparation for LC‐MS/MS analyses is essential to acquisition of high‐quality data for proteomic research. Certain classes of reagents, materials, and contaminants that can be introduced during sample processing may limit the effectiveness of LC‐MS/MS analysis. These protocols outline methods for proteolytic digestion of proteins that are compatible with LC‐MS/MS, along with procedures that allow for simplification of complex protein matrices. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Genetic Code Expansion of Mammalian Cells with Unnatural Amino Acids
Authors: Brown Kalyn A. , Deiters Alexander 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe expansion of the genetic code of mammalian cells enables the incorporation of unnatural amino acids into proteins. This is achieved by adding components to the protein biosynthetic machinery, specifically an engineered aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase/tRNA pair. The unnatural amino acids are chemically synthesized and supplemented to the growth medium. Using this methodology, fundamental new chemistries can be added to the functional repertoire of the genetic code of mammalian cells. This protocol outlines the steps necessary to incorporate a photocaged lysine into proteins and showcases its application in the optical triggering of protein translocation to the nucleus. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Examining the Spatially Non- Stationary Associations Between the Second Demographic Transition and Infant Mortality: A Poisson GWR Approach
Authors: Yang Tse-Chuan , Shoff Carla , Matthews Stephen A. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Based on ecological studies, second demographic transition (SDT) theorists concluded that some areas in the US were in vanguard of the SDT compared to others, implying spatial non-stationarity may be inherent in the SDT process. Linking the SDT to the infant mortality literature, we sought to answer two related questions: Are the main components of the SDT, specifically marriage postponement, cohabitation, and divorce, associated with infant mortality? If yes, do these associations vary across the US? We applied global Poisson and geographically weighted Poisson regression (GWPR) models, a place-specific analytic approach, to county-level data in the contiguous US. After accounting for the racial/ethnic and socioeconomic compositions of counties and prenatal care utilization, we found (1) marriage postponement was negatively related to infant mortality in the southwestern states, but positively associated with infant mortality in parts of Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee, (2) cohabitation rates were positively related to infant mortality, and this relationship was stronger in California, coastal Virginia, and the Carolinas than other areas, and (3) a positive association between divorce rates and infant mortality in southwestern and northeastern areas of the US. These spatial patterns suggested that the associations between the SDT and infant mortality were stronger in the areas in vanguard of the SDT than in others. The comparison between global Poisson and GWPR results indicated that a place-specific spatial analysis not only fit the data better, but also provided insights into understanding the non-stationarity of the associations between the SDT and infant mortality.
Validating Adolescent Socioeconomic Status: Comparing School Free or Reduced Price Lunch with Community Measures
Authors: Nicholson Lisa M. , Slater Sandy J. , Chriqui Jamie F. , Chaloupka Frank 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
The use of free or reduced price lunch (FRL), as a measure of socioeconomic status (SES), has received mixed reviews in the literature. This study expands on the limited research on the validity of FRL as a measure of SES by examining the relationship between FRL and a series of community-based SES measures to determine whether FRL is an adequate proxy for adolescent SES. Data are from a nationally representative sample of 154 public high schools in 2010 from Bridging the Gap with corresponding school level data from the National Center for Education Statistics’ (NCES) Common Core of Data (CCD) to obtain a measure of percent of students receiving FRL and using ArcGIS 9 software with the ACS 05–09, matched at the census block group level to construct measures of community SES. School zone level SES measures obtained include: median household income, percent of families in poverty, percent of families with children younger than 18 years in poverty, and the percent of all households in poverty. Data collected through community observations were used to construct a physical disorder scale. Percent FRL was strongly and significantly associated with the percent of families in poverty (r=0.67), percent of families with children younger than 18 years (r=0.67), percent of households in poverty (r=0.66), median household income (r=−0.60), and physical disorder (r=0.56) in the expected directions. Additionally, all community based measures of socioeconomic status were highly correlated with each other. The validity and limitations of FRL as a proxy for adolescent SES are discussed.
Endocrine Function Impairment After Distal Pancreatectomy: Incidence and Related Factors
Authors: Kang Jae Seung , Jang Jin‐Young , Kang Mee Joo , Kim Eunjung , Jung Woohyun , Chang Jihoon , Shin Youngchan , Han Youngmin , Kim Sun‐Whe 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackground and aimLittle is known about the incidence of and risk factors for glucose intolerance after distal pancreatectomy. This study investigated the clinicopathologic factors associated with the development of glucose intolerance or overt diabetes mellitus (DM) after distal pancreatectomy, and the correlation between resected pancreas volume and endocrine function impairment.MethodsAfter excluding patients with preoperative DM, 101 patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy with a minimum of 1‐year postoperative follow‐up were enrolled in this prospective cohort. Patients were assessed preoperatively and 1 week and 12 months postoperatively by oral glucose tolerance tests and by measures of HbA1c and pancreatic volume.ResultsMean patient age was 54.1 years, mean body mass index (BMI) was 23.3 kg/m2, and the male‐to‐female ratio was 1:1.8. Of the 101 patients, 21 (20.8 %) had pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The median percent resected pancreas volume was 28.0 % (range 5.0–71.3 %). One year after distal pancreatectomy, 51 patients (50.5 %) had glucose intolerance, including 26 with impaired fasting glucose and 25 with DM. ROC curve analysis showed that a resected pancreas volume of 25 % showed maximum diagnostic value for development of glucose intolerance. Univariate analysis showed that female sex (58.5 vs. 36.1 %, P = 0.031), BMI (24.1 vs. 22.5 kg/m2, P = 0.010), larger resected volume (36.5 vs. 28.0 %, P = 0.026), and lower remnant volume relative to BMI (1.7 × 10−3 vs. 2.1 × 10−3 m5/kg, P = 0.021) were risk factors for postoperative endocrine function impairment. Multivariate analysis revealed that female sex (odds ratio [OR] 5.818, P = 0.003), higher BMI (OR 10.556, P = 0.006), and resected pancreatic volume (OR 3.192, P = 0.035) were independent risk factors for endocrine impairment.ConclusionsAbout 50 % of patients without preoperative DM developed impaired glucose tolerance or overt DM following distal pancreatectomy. Female sex, higher BMI, and resection of pancreatic volume >25 % were risk factors for endocrine function impairment, indicating the need for preoperative evaluation and careful perioperative glucose monitoring in these patients.
A Novel von Hippel Lindau Gene Intronic Variant and Its Reclassification from VUS to Pathogenic: the Impact on a Large Family
Authors: Sexton A. , Rawlings L. , McKavanagh G. , Simons K. , Winship I. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWe present a case where a variant of uncertain significance in the von Hippel Lindau syndrome gene (VHL) was identified in a proband with haemangioblastoma, and in a second degree relative with phaeochromocytoma. Initial uncertainty due to the unclear nature of the variant created psychosocial challenges for this family, in which four other genetic conditions were also present. Subsequent RNA studies confirmed this as a novel pathogenic mutation affecting splicing of exon 2. A third relative has since been diagnosed with haemangioblastoma. We suggest that this mutation possibly has reduced penetrance as there was no history of haemangioblastoma, renal tumours (apart from small cysts) or other VHL tumours among five mutation positive and seven untested adult relatives at 50 % risk of the VHL mutation (average age 46 years, range 18–70 years). This case presents a novel VHL splicing mutation and highlights the psychosocial and medical value of additional laboratory studies on uncertain variants for individuals, their families and for the health professionals providing advice and counseling.
Living With Genetic Vulnerability: a Life Course Perspective
Authors: Hamilton Rebekah J. , Innella Nancy A. , Bounds Dawn T. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis is the second article of a two part series about utilizing the life course perspective (LCP) in genetic counseling. Secondary data analysis was conducted on a grounded theory, longitudinal study which provided a wide focus on living with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) risk. The aim of this analysis was to explore the longitudinal data for both the temporal and social context of living with BRCA mutation genetic test results. Sixteen women from two previous studies were interviewed on multiple occasions over an 8 year time period. The LCP was used to direct a thematic analysis of the data. Families experience the consequences of knowing they carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation long after the initial diagnosis. These women's experiences across time reflect the concepts of the LCP and show how life is changed when families know they live with a genetic vulnerability to an adult‐onset and potentially life‐threatening disease. Different emphases on concepts from the LCP were evident across the different age groups. For example, the group of 40–50 year old women emphasized the concept of linked lives, those in their 30's focused on human agency and women in their 20's were more focused on timing of events. This study helps give direction to healthcare providers counseling women living with a BRCA mutation.
Patterns of relationship and sexual behaviors in Mexican adolescents and associations with well‐being: A latent class approach
Authors: Espinosa‐Hernández Graciela , Vasilenko Sara A. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractTo broaden our understanding of romance and sexuality during adolescence in Latin American countries, we used a person‐oriented approach (latent class analysis) to examine classes marked by different patterns of romantic and sexual behaviors in Mexican adolescents. We found 5 classes: Inactive (8.53%), Early stage (37.8%), Waiting class (27.5%), Physical (8.4%) and Committed (17.9%); but no group dating class. We also explored how these classes were associated with adolescents' mental health and school performance. Middle school adolescents in the Committed class (high in romantic and sexual behaviors) had the highest level of depressive symptoms. Girls in the Inactive class and boys in the Physical class had the lowest level of symptoms. Adolescents in the Committed class also reported less academic motivation and achievement, whereas adolescents in the Inactive class reported higher motivation. This study expands our knowledge of adolescent romantic and sexual development in Mexico.
Adaptive Livelihood Strategies in Conservation-Induced Displacement: The Case of the Baka of East Cameroon
Authors: Awuh Harrison Esam 
Published: September 2015

Abstract:This article utilizes the Actor‒Network Theory (ANT) to guide thinking about the relationship between nature and society and how this relationship is severed by conservation-induced displacement. ANT’s view of interconnectivity between networks is used to argue that a network is only stable as long as actors remain faithful to it. In the case of the displaced Baka people of the Dja Reserve area in East Cameroon, resistance to conservation through adaptive practices following displacement can reverse or disrupt the socially predetermined order of a network, which in this case would be marginalization of the displaced. However, the marginal scale of their adaptation to change raises doubts over the sustainability of adaptation to post-displacement livelihoods.
Negotiating Love and Marriage in Contemporary Senegal: A Good Man Is Hard to Find
Authors: Hannaford Dinah , Foley Ellen E. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract:In Senegal, love, respect, and compatibility have historically figured into marital calculations, yet prospective husbands must also provide material support. After decades of stagnant economic growth, good providers are hard to find. In this article we examine two strategies that women employ in an attempt to achieve economic security: nonmarital sex and transnational marriage. Though recent anthropological literature proposes a global transition toward companionate marriage, evidence from Dakar suggests that Senegalese women are prioritizing short-term material gain over longer-term projects of social reproduction. Transnational marriage and nonmarital sexual relationships illuminate women’s new strategies to stabilize their social positions in increasingly precarious times.
Predictors of posttraumatic stress and preferred sources of social support among Canadian paramedics
Authors: Donnelly Elizabeth A. , Bradford Paul , Davis Matthew , Hedges Cathie , Klingel Michelle 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectiveEmergency medical service (EMS) providers are exposed to a variety of stressors endemic to the profession. These exposures may contribute to stress reactions, including posttraumatic stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between work-related stressors and posttraumatic stress. The secondary objective was to determine paramedics’ preferred sources of support for managing work-related stress.Methods269 paramedics in a county-based EMS service were invited to complete an online survey. Respondents reported their demographic characteristics, levels of chronic stress, critical incident stress, posttraumatic stress symptomatology (PTSS), and preferred sources of support for managing work-related stress.ResultsA total of 145 paramedics completed the survey. PTSS was significantly correlated with operational stress (p<0.001), organizational stress (p<0.001), and critical incident stress (p<0.001). Regression models revealed that chronic operational stress was a significant independent predictor of PTSS (p<0.001) and in combination with critical incident stress (p<0.01). Paramedics reported a higher preference for receiving support from a work partner, friend, or family member than from other sources (p<0.001).ConclusionBoth chronic and critical incident stressors appear to be significant predictors of PTSS. Our findings suggests that holistic health and wellness initiatives that address the impact of both critical incident stress and the chronic stressors associated with day-to-day operations may help mitigate PTSS. Our findings also provide preliminary evidence that interventions may benefit from a focus on peer support and on friends and family members who can support the affected paramedic.
A Digital Video System for Observing and Recording Occultations
Authors: Barry M. A. (Tony) , Gault Dave , Pavlov Hristo , Hanna William , McEwan Alistair , Filipović Miroslav D. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractStellar occultations by asteroids and outer solar system bodies can offer ground based observers with modest telescopes and camera equipment the opportunity to probe the shape, size, atmosphere, and attendant moons or rings of these distant objects. The essential requirements of the camera and recording equipment are: good quantum efficiency and low noise; minimal dead time between images; good horological faithfulness of the image timestamps; robustness of the recording to unexpected failure; and low cost. We describe an occultation observing and recording system which attempts to fulfil these requirements and compare the system with other reported camera and recorder systems. Five systems have been built, deployed, and tested over the past three years, and we report on three representative occultation observations: one being a 9 ± 1.5 s occultation of the trans-Neptunian object 28978 Ixion (mv =15.2) at 3 seconds per frame; one being a 1.51 ± 0.017 s occultation of Deimos, the 12 km diameter satellite of Mars, at 30 frames per second; and one being a 11.04 ± 0.4 s occultation, recorded at 7.5 frames per second, of the main belt asteroid 361 Havnia, representing a low magnitude drop (Δmv = ~0.4) occultation.
The comprehension and production of verbal passives by Italian preschool-age children
Authors: VOLPATO FRANCESCA , VERIN LAURA , CARDINALETTI ANNA 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates the comprehension and the production of passive sentences in Italian-speaking children (aged 3 years, 4 months to 6 years, 2 months) analyzing both the variables observed in previous studies on other languages (verb type and presence of the by-phrase) versus an Italian-specific variable: the use of auxiliary venire “to come.” Because Italian venire is only possible in verbal passives, this property is crucial to determine whether children have full competence of the (verbal) passive structure. The high percentage of accuracy in the comprehension of sentences containing venire suggests that the eventive passive interpretation is fully available in child language, even in 3- to 4-year-old children. Moreover, young children produce passive sentences with either auxiliary venire or essere “to be,” also adding the by-phrase, thus proving unambiguously that children control verbal passive sentences from very early on.
Lexical restructuring in preliterate children: Evidence from novel measures of phonological representation
Authors: AINSWORTH STEPHANIE , WELBOURNE STEPHEN , HESKETH ANNE 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTThere is substantial debate in the literature surrounding the development of children's phonological representations (PRs). Although infant studies have shown children's representations to contain fine phonetic detail, a consensus is yet to be reached about how and when phonemic categories emerge. This study used novel implicit PR measures with preschool children (n= 38, aged 3 years, 6 months to 4 years, 6 months) to test predictions made by these competing accounts of PR development. The measures were designed to probe PR segmentation at the phoneme (rather than the phone) level without requiring an explicit awareness of phonemes. The results provide evidence in support of vocabulary driven restructuring, with PR segmentation found to be related to vocabulary when controlling for age.
Operation Protective Edge – A Unique Challenge for a Civilian EMS Agency
Authors: Jaffe Eli , Strugo Refael , Wacht Oren 
Published: September 2015

AbstractDuring July through August 2014, Operation Protective Edge, a military conflict between Israel and the Hamas regime in Gaza, dramatically affected both populations. Magen David Adom (MDA), the Israeli national Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and a member of the Red Cross, faced a unique challenge during the conflict: to continue providing crucial service to the entire civilian population of Israel, which was under constant missile threat. This challenge included not only providing immediate care for routine EMS calls under missile threat, but also preparing and delivering immediate care to civilians injured in attacks on major cities, as well as small communities, in Israel. This task is a challenge for a civilian EMS agency that normally operates in a non-military environment, yet, in an instant, must enhance its capability to respond to a considerable threat to its population. During Operation Protective Edge, MDA provided care for 842 wounded civilians and utilized a significant amount of its resources. Providing EMS services for a civilian population in a mixed civilian/military scenario is a challenging task on a national level for an EMS system, especially when the threat lasts for weeks. This report describes MDA’s preparedness and operations during Operation Protective Edge, and the unique EMS challenges and dilemmas the agency faced.JaffeE, WachtO, StrugoR. Operation Protective Edge – a unique challenge for a civilian EMS agency. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(5):539–542.