bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of genetic variants in inflammatory-related genes on prostate cancer risk among men of African Descent: a case control study
Authors: Jones Dominique Z , Ragin Camille , Kidd Nayla C , Flores-Obando Rafael E , Jackson Maria , McFarlane-Anderson Norma , Tulloch-Reid Marshall , Kimbro Kevin S , Kidd LaCreis R 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Purpose
Although case–control studies have evaluated the role of variant inflammatory-related loci in prostate cancer, their impact is virtually unknown among men of African descent. To address this, we evaluated the impact of inflammatory cytokine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on prostate cancer risk for men of African descent.

Methods
Forty-four SNPs in inflammatory cytokine-associated genes were evaluated among 814 African-American and Jamaican men (279 prostate cancer cases and 535 controls) using Illumina’s Golden gate genotyping system. Individual SNP effects were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.

Results
Four SNPs were modestly associated with prostate cancer after adjusting for age. In the total population, inheritance of the IL1R2 rs11886877 AA, IL8RB rs11574752 AA, TNF rs1800629 GA + AA, and TNF rs673 GA genotypes modestly increased prostate cancer risk by 1.45 to 11.7-fold relative to the referent genotype. Among U.S. men, age-adjusted dominant, recessive and additive genetic models for the IL1R2 rs11886877 locus were linked to an increase in prostate cancer susceptibility. However, these main effects did not persist after adjusting for multiple hypothesis testing.

Conclusion
Our preliminary data does not strongly support the hypothesis that inflammatory-related sequence variants influence prostate cancer risk among men of African descent. However, further evaluation is needed to assess whether other variant inflammatory-related genes may contribute to prostate cancer risk and disease progression in larger and ethnically diverse multi-center studies.
Acidosis induces reprogramming of cellular metabolism to mitigate oxidative stress
Authors: LaMonte Gregory , Tang Xiaohu , Chen Julia Ling-Yu , Wu Jianli , Ding Chien-Kuang Cornelia , Keenan Melissa M , Sangokoya Carolyn , Kung Hsiu-Ni , Ilkayeva Olga , Boros László G , Newgard Christopher B , Chi Jen-Tsan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundA variety of oncogenic and environmental factors alter tumor metabolism to serve the distinct cellular biosynthetic and bioenergetic needs present during oncogenesis. Extracellular acidosis is a common microenvironmental stress in solid tumors, but little is known about its metabolic influence, particularly when present in the absence of hypoxia. In order to characterize the extent of tumor cell metabolic adaptations to acidosis, we employed stable isotope tracers to examine how acidosis impacts glucose, glutamine, and palmitate metabolism in breast cancer cells exposed to extracellular acidosis.ResultsAcidosis increased both glutaminolysis and fatty acid β-oxidation, which contribute metabolic intermediates to drive the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) and ATP generation. Acidosis also led to a decoupling of glutaminolysis and novel glutathione (GSH) synthesis by repressingGCLC/GCLMexpression. We further found that acidosis redirects glucose away from lactate production and towards the oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). These changes all serve to increase nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) production and counter the increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) present under acidosis. The reduced novel GSH synthesis under acidosis may explain the increased demand for NADPH to recycle existing pools of GSH. Interestingly, acidosis also disconnected novel ribose synthesis from the oxidative PPP, seemingly to reroute PPP metabolites to the TCA cycle. Finally, we found that acidosis activates p53, which contributes to both the enhanced PPP and increased glutaminolysis, at least in part, through the induction ofG6PDandGLS2genes.ConclusionsAcidosis alters the cellular metabolism of several major metabolites, which induces a significant degree of metabolic inflexibility. Cells exposed to acidosis largely rely upon mitochondrial metabolism for energy generation to the extent that metabolic intermediates are redirected away from several other critical metabolic processes, including ribose and glutathione synthesis. These alterations lead to both a decrease in cellular proliferation and increased sensitivity to ROS. Collectively, these data reveal a role for p53 in cellular metabolic reprogramming under acidosis, in order to permit increased bioenergetic capacity and ROS neutralization. Understanding the metabolic adaptations that cancer cells make under acidosis may present opportunities to generate anti-tumor therapeutic agents that are more tumor-specific.
Informality and exclusion: evidence from matched employer-employee data for Lebanon and Syria
Authors: Alloush Mohamad , Chartouni Carole , Gatti Roberta , Silva Joana 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Abstract
Informality, measured as the share of the employed who do not have access to social security, is high in Lebanon and the Syrian Arab Republic. This paper uses new data from the 2010 Lebanon and Syria matched employer-employee surveys, which include modules that directly test for ability (Raven’s progressive matrices) and self-reported personality characteristics in addition to a detailed section on job quality. The analysis of differentials in earning, self-reported attitudes toward jobs, working conditions, and self-rated satisfaction across formal and informal jobs shows that, even after controlling for measured ability and personality traits, there is a significant formality premium. Moreover, in Lebanon, informal workers are significantly more likely than formal workers to want to change jobs. These findings suggest that much of the observed informality in these two countries might not be due to individual choice but more likely to exclusion from formal markets.

JEL codes
H53, H55, J23, J24, J31, J32, J42, J71, J81, K31, M51, O53
Application of Hypothetical Cathepsin-like Protein from Nematostella vectensis and Its Mutant Silicatein-like Cathepsin for Biosilica Production
Authors: Ki Mi-Ran , Min Ki Ha , Pack Seung Pil 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTSilicatein is general catalyst for synthesis of silica structure in siliceous sponges. However, the advent of biomimetic silicification by this recombinant version is limited by its poor yield. To overcome this limitation, we employed a cathepsin L as an alternative to silicatein. Cathepsin L has high sequence identity and similarity with silicatein alpha except cysteine other than serine residues at the active site. Here, we expressed recombinant hypothetical cathepsin-like protein (CAT) from Nematostella vectensis, displaying not only protease activity but also silica condensing activity. To increase the silica forming activity, some residues including cysteine in active site were changed into silicatein conserved residues. The mutant silicatein-like cathepsin (SLC) revealed increased protein stability in comparison with that of CAT when expressed in E. coli. The silica forming activity of SLC was comparable to that of SIL. SLC produced silica particles of size less than 50 nm which were increased to 200∼300 nm in the presence of a structure-directing agent, Triton X-100. Protein immobilization by SLC-mediated silicification was performed using bovine carbonic anhydrase under ambient conditions. Immobilized protein retained its enzymatic activity for a longer time and was reused up to several times. In conclusion, CAT from Nematostella vectensis was evolved to a more soluble and available biosilica forming protein that can be applied for various silica-based materials.
First Evidence of Singlet Oxygen Species Mechanism in Silicate Clay for Antimicrobial Behavior
Authors: Wei Jiun-Chiou , Wang Yi-Ting , Lin Jiang-Jen 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTThin silicate nanoplatelets, derived from the exfoliation of natural Sodium montmorillonite (Na+-MMT) clays, show an unexpected antimicrobial property. A physical trapping mechanism has been proposed because the clay nanoplatelets can indiscriminately inhibit the growth of a broad spectrum of bacteria, including drug-resistant species such as methicillin-resistance S. aureus (MRSA) and silver ion-resistant E. coli. The ability to generate singlet oxygen species was first observed for the clay platelets that showed a high-aspect-ratio geometric shape and the presence of surface ionic charges. By comparison, the pristine clay with a multilayered structure failed to generate any singlet oxygen species. The ability to emit singlet oxygen species provides direct evidence for the antimicrobial ability of clay through a non-chemical mechanism, which opens the potential for medical use.
Relationship between grain size and the degrees of orientation in a twinned ErBa2Cu3Oy superconductor oriented in modulated rotating magnetic fields
Authors: Horii Shigeru , Okuhira Shota , Yamaki Momoko , Haruta Masakazu , Shimoyama Jun-ichi 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTWe report the dependences of the degrees of tri- or bi-axial orientation on strength of applied magnetic fields of modulated rotating field (MRF) for twinned ErBa2Cu3Oy (Er123) powder samples oriented in epoxy resin under various MRF conditions. Introduction of a pulverization process in the Er123 powders improved the degrees of inplane orientations, and is effective for enhancing the inplane magnetic anisotropy of Er123 grains with twin microstructure. Formation of inhomogeneous domain structure is a dominant factor of the enhancement, and the present study indicates possibility of tri- or bi-axial orientation of the twinned Er123 grains even under relatively low MRF conditions around 1 T.
Catalytic Activity of Ceria-Based Complex Metal Oxides in Alkaline and Acidic Environments
Authors: Schrandt Matthew C , Kolla Praveen , Smirnova A. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTPt catalysts are the leading catalysts for use in ORR. However, Pt is an expensive catalyst and with limited supply can not be considered a sustainable material for feasible application that is scalable in the economy. This calls for new solutions for catalyst materials that either mitigate the amount of Pt used in catalysts by developing hybrid catalysts, or to replace Pt altogether with a material with similar or better catalytic activity. Perovskite LSCF and Fluorite GDC materials with proven catalytic activity in solid oxide fuel cells are herein explored for their catalytic reduction of oxygen for use at low temperatures. Since the materials lack electronic conductivity at low temperatures, we have improved their conductivity with graphene. The resulting materials are compared to Pt in their ORR catalytic capabilities and electronic conductivity.
Breakdown in ALD-processed oxide based thin film structures
Authors: Spahr Holger , Bülow Tim , Nowak Christine , Hirschberg Felix , Reinker Johannes , Hamwi Sami , Johannes Hans-Hermann , Kowalsky Wolfgang 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTWe report on the continuous increase of the breakdown electric field, also known as disruptive strength, of an ultra thin layer based on Al2O3 prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) by reducing its thickness from 90 nm down to 3 nm. By calculating the disruptive strength for lower thicknesses, we demonstrate that our observations are in agreement with recent reports. Additionally, the disruptive strength increases to lower thicknesses as the pinhole density rises. The pinholes, referred to as morphological defects, are detected by Cu electroplating and result in a lower permittivity of the dielectric. As a conclusion, the dielectric breakdown is predominantly attributed to intrinsic, meaning stoichiometric defects. Thus, morphological defects, consisting of pinholes generated by agglomerative growth of the dielectric, surprisingly do not have a negative influence on the dielectric breakdown of ALD-processed ultra thin dielectric layers.
Contact Resistance Study of Pt, Ni and Au on La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO)/Si for Heterojunction Device Applications
Authors: Nori Rajashree , Kumbhare Pankaj , Paramahans Prashanth , Kale S. N. , Pinto R. , Rao V. Ramgopal 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTAchieving low resistance ohmic contacts for heavily doped devices is critical towards ensuring that contact resistance does not dominate the device performance. Here, we report contact resistance studies done on Pt/LSMO, Ni/LSMO and Au/LSMO metal-semiconductor interfaces. Phase-pure LSMO thin films deposited on n+ Si substrates were lithographically patterned and metallized to produce circular transfer length method (CTLM) based specific contact resistivity (ρc) and transfer length (LT) evaluation structures. Based on the electrical performance, interfacial reactivity and mechanical stability of the three metal junctions, the lowest ρc and LT metal for LSMO films on Si is identified for device applications.
ZBTB16 Induces Osteogenic Differentiation Marker Genes in Dental Follicle Cells Independent From RUNX2
Authors: Felthaus Oliver , Gosau Martin , Morsczeck Christian 
Published: December 2013

Background: Dental follicle cells (DFCs) are neural crest cell–derived cells and the genuine precursor cells of cementoblast and alveolar osteoblasts. After osteogenic differentiation, expression levels of the transcription factor zinc factor and BTB domain containing 16 (ZBTB16) were significantly increased. ZBTB16 is associated with the process of osteogenic differentiation in bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells and crucial for the expression of the osteogenic transcription factor runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). It is proposed that ZBTB16 plays also a crucial role for the differentiation of DFCs into osteoblasts.Methods: In this study, the differentiation of DFCs by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity measurement, alizarin red staining, and electron‐dispersive x‐ray spectrometry (EDX) analysis is investigated. The expression of ZBTB16 during osteogenic differentiation and the expression of osteogenic differentiation markers were assessed by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Glucocorticoid stimulation was inhibited using RU486 (11β‐[p‐(Dimethylamino)phenyl]‐17β‐hydroxy‐17‐(1‐propynyl)estra‐4,9‐dien‐3‐one), and ZBTB16 was overexpressed via transient transfection of an expression vector.Results: After the initiation of osteogenic differentiation, ZBTB16 levels were increased highly in DFCs, whereas RUNX2 was expressed constitutively only. An EDX analysis verified the differentiation of DFCs into osteoblast‐like cells because clusters of mineralization consisted of hydroxyapatite. ZBTB16 induced the expression of nuclear receptor subfamily 4, group A, member 3; osteocalcin; and stanniocalcin 1 (STC1) but not of RUNX2 and ALP in DFCs. STC1 was upregulated in DFCs downstream of ZBTB16 and after the osteogenic differentiation. The overexpression of STC1 in DFCs increased the expression of ZBTB16 and specific markers for biomineralization.Conclusions: The present study shows that ZBTB16 induced the expression of osteogenic differentiation markers independently of RUNX2. Moreover, STC1 is a new candidate for the evaluation of late mechanisms of osteogenic differentiation downstream of ZBTB16.
A quantum version of the classical Szilard engine
Authors: Bracken Paul 
Published: December 2013

AbstractA reinvention of the classical Maxwel demon was proposed by Szilard around the time quantum mechanics was developed. His model continues to attract great interest, especially quantum versions of it. A quantum formulation of the Szilard engine is introduced and investigated here. It is made to operate through specified cycles in such a way that all thermodynamic quantities which pertain to the system can be evaluated exactly in closed form along each sequence of steps through a cycle. It is shown that as a result of the structure of the model, it is possible to calculate and compare various thermodynamic quantities as the engine proceeds around a well defined specific cycle.
CD44 and CD24 cannot act as cancer stem cell markers in human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549
Authors: Roudi Raheleh , Madjd Zahra , Ebrahimi Marzieh , Samani Fazel , Samadikuchaksaraei Ali 
Published: December 2013

AbstractCancer stem cells (CSCs) are subpopulations of tumor cells that are responsible for tumor initiation, maintenance and metastasis. Recent studies suggested that lung cancer arises from CSCs. In this study, the expression of potential CSC markers in cell line A549 was evaluated. We applied flow cytometry to assess the expression of putative stem cell markers, including aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1), CD24, CD44, CD133 and ABCG2. Cells were then sorted according to the expression of CD44 and CD24 markers by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) Aria II and characterized using their clonogenic and sphere-forming capacity. A549 cells expressed the CSC markers CD44 and CD24 at 68.16% and 54.46%, respectively. The expression of the putative CSC marker ALDH1 was 4.20%, whereas the expression of ABCG2 and CD133 was 0.93%. Double-positive CD44/133 populations were rare. CD44+/24+ and CD44+/CD24−/low subpopulations respectively exhibited 64% and 27.92% expression. The colony-forming potentials in the CD44+/CD24+ and CD44+/CD24−/low subpopulations were 84.37 ± 2.86% and 90 ± 3.06%, respectively, while the parental A549 cells yielded 56.65 ± 2.33% using the colony-formation assay. Both isolated subpopulations formed spheres in serumfree medium supplemented with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). CD44 and CD24 cannot be considered potential markers for isolating lung CSCs in cell line A549, but further investigation using in vivo assays is required.
Effect of sintering temperature on the magnetic properties and charge density distribution of nano-NiO
Authors: Saravanakumar Subramanian , Saravanan Ramachandran , Sasikumar Subramanian 
Published: December 2013

AbstractPhase pure nano nickel oxide was synthesized by the chemical precipitation method and sintered at 200°C, 400°C and 600°C, respectively, to study the effect of sintering on the charge distribution and magnetism. The samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction for electron density distribution studies, vibrating sample magnetometry for magnetic behavior and by UV-VIS spectrophotometry for optical characteristics. Rearrangement of charge density distribution with respect to sintering temperature was analyzed through the maximum entropy method employed using powder X-ray diffraction data. The observed magnetic transition with respect to the temperature/size effect was analyzed and correlated with electron density distribution studies.
Effect of extraction method on phenolic content and antioxidant activity of mistletoe extracts from Viscum album subsp. abietis
Authors: Pietrzak Wioleta , Nowak Renata , Olech Marta 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe total content of polyphenols and flavonoids determined in the same plant and their corresponding antioxidant activities may vary widely, depending on the extraction conditions applied. This study was conducted to optimise the extraction conditions of phenolics and flavonoids from the mistletoe plant. Various extraction methods, i.e. ultrasound-assisted extraction technology, maceration, maceration with stirring, accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), and extraction under reflux were evaluated for their percentage extraction of polyphenols (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) from Viscum album subsp. abietis. In addition, the anti-radical activity of extracts was analysed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method. The effects of temperature, solvent type, and concentration on the phenolic extraction efficiency and antioxidant activity were studied using chemometric and statistical methods. The results showed that the extracts of V. album subsp. abietis contained large amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids (up to 57.673 mg g−1 and 9.955 mg g−1 of dry extract, respectively) and exhibited potent antioxidant activity, hence representing promising sources of powerful antioxidants. Due to its high extraction efficiency and considerable saving of time and solvent, ASE was more effective than the other extraction techniques. Extracts prepared with water-polar solvent mixtures displayed the highest TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity, while organic polar solvents were the least efficient extractants.
Exosomal ITGA3 interferes with non‐cancerous prostate cell functions and is increased in urine exosomes of metastatic prostate cancer patients
Authors: Bijnsdorp Irene V. , Geldof Albert A. , Lavaei Mehrdad , Piersma Sander R. , van Moorselaar R. Jeroen A. , Jimenez Connie R. 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundCancer cells are able to change the protein expression and behavior of non‐cancerous surrounding cells. Exosomes, secreted by prostate cancer (PCa) cells, may have a functional role in cancer metastasis and present a promising source for protein biomarkers. The aim of the present study was to identify which proteins in exosomes can influence non‐cancerous cells, and to determine whether we can use urine exosomal proteins to identify high‐risk PCa patients.MethodExosomes were isolated by ultracentrifugation. Migration and invasion were studied by the transwell (invasion) assay. Proteomics was performed by LC‐MS/MS and identified proteins were validated by Western blotting. Cellular uptake of fluorescent labeled PKH67‐exosomes was measured by FACS.ResultsBased on comparative protein profiling by mass spectrometry‐based proteomics of LNCaP‐ and PC3‐exosomes, we selected ITGA3 and ITGB1, involved in migration/invasion, for further analyses. Inhibition of exosomal ITGA3 reduced the migration and invasion of non‐cancerous prostate epithelial cells (prEC) almost completely. Cellular uptake of exosomes by prEC was higher with PC3‐exosomes compared to LNCaP exosomes. Finally, ITGA3 and ITGB1 were more abundant in urine exosomes of metastatic patients (p<0.05), compared to benign prostate hyperplasia or PCa.ConclusionThese data indicate exosomal ITGA3 and ITGB1 may play a role in manipulating non‐cancerous surrounding cells and that measurement of ITGA3 and ITGB1 in urine exosomes has the potential to identify patients with metastatic PCa in a non‐invasive manner.
Five new aquatic dance flies of the genusHemerodromiaMeigen (Diptera: Empididae: Hemerodromiinae) from Puerto Rico*
Authors: Harper P.P. , Masteller E.C. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSystematic emergence trapping in two streams in the Luquillo Mountains Experimental Rainforest in Puerto Rico from 1989 to 1992 produced fivenew speciesof aquatic dance flies (Diptera: Empididae: Hemerodromiinae). They are described and illustrated asHemerodromia marciMastellernew species,Hemerodromia melissaMastellernew species,Hemerodromia oncillaMastellernew species,Hemerodromia prietaHarpernew species, andHemerodromia simonisHarpernew species.
Deterioro Cognitivo y Enfermedad de Alzheimer: Presentación de dos Casos
Authors: Donoso S. Archibaldo , Vásquez V. Carolina 
Published: December 2013

Se presentan dos casos de adultos mayores que consultaron por fallas de memoria.Ambos cumplían los criterios diagnósticos del deterioro cognitivo leve. El primero fué seguido por 5 años, y sólo en la última consulta pudo sospecharse una enfermedad de Alzheimer inicial. El segundo paciente tuvo un curso más rápido y a los dos años se hizo el diagnóstico clínico de enfermedad de Alzheimer; falleció cuatro años después.El deterioro cognitivo leve es una entidad cuyos límites no son claros, y aparece como una etapa intermedia entre el envejecimiento normal y la demencia. Permite sospechar una enfermedad de Alzheimer sin que exista demencia. El seguimiento de casos sometidos a evaluación neuropsicológica seriada y luego a autopsia ha demostrado que puede existir una enfermedad de Alzheimer preclínica, sin deterioro cognitivo. Algunos de los factores del riesgo de sufrir una demencia dependen del estilo de vida, y podríamos influir sobre ellos.