bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential expression of argininosuccinate synthetase in serous and non‐serous ovarian carcinomas
Authors: Cheon Dong‐Joo , Walts Ann E , Beach Jessica A , Lester Jenny , Bomalaski John S , Walsh Christine S , Ruprecht Wiedemeyer W , Karlan Beth Y , Orsulic Sandra 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe current standard of care for epithelial ovarian cancer does not discriminate between different histologic subtypes (serous, clear cell, endometrioid and mucinous) despite the knowledge that ovarian carcinoma subtypes do not respond uniformly to conventional platinum/taxane‐based chemotherapy. Exploiting addictions and vulnerabilities in cancers with distinguishable molecular features presents an opportunity to develop individualized therapies that may be more effective than the current ‘one size fits all' approach. One such opportunity is arginine depletion therapy with pegylated arginine deiminase, which has shown promise in several cancer types that exhibit low levels of argininosuccinate synthetase including hepatocellular and prostate carcinoma and melanoma. Based on the high levels of argininosuccinate synthetase previously observed in ovarian cancers, these tumours have been considered unlikely candidates for arginine depletion therapy. However, argininosuccinate synthetase levels have not been evaluated in the individual histologic subtypes of ovarian carcinoma. The current study is the first to examine the expression of argininosuccinate synthetase at the mRNA and protein levels in large cohorts of primary and recurrent ovarian carcinomas and ovarian cancer cell lines. We show that the normal fallopian tube fimbria and the majority of primary high‐grade and low‐grade serous ovarian carcinomas express high levels of argininosuccinate synthetase, which tend to further increase in recurrent tumours. In contrast to the serous subtype, non‐serous ovarian carcinoma subtypes (clear cell, endometrioid and mucinous) frequently lack detectable argininosuccinate synthetase expression. The in vitro sensitivity of ovarian cancer cell lines to arginine depletion with pegylated arginine deiminase was inversely correlated with argininosuccinate synthetase expression. Our data suggest that the majority of serous ovarian carcinomas are not susceptible to therapeutic intervention with arginine deiminase while a subset of non‐serous ovarian carcinoma subtypes are auxotrophic for arginine and should be considered for clinical trials with pegylated arginine deiminase.
One‐ versus Two‐Electron Oxidation of Complexed Guanidino‐Functionalized Aromatic Compounds
Authors: Trumm Christine , Hübner Olaf , Walter Petra , Leingang Simone , Wild Ute , Kaifer Elisabeth , Eberle Benjamin , Himmel Hans‐Jörg 
Published: November 2014

AbstractHerein, we report a rational synthetic access to dinuclear CuII complexes with radical monocationic guanidine ligands. The starting point was the first directed synthesis of a dinuclear CuII complex of the redox‐active, neutral guanidino‐functionalized aromatic (GFA) compound 1,2,4,5‐tetrakis(tetramethylguanidino)benzene (1) as ligand by treatment of 1 with Cu(OAc)2. The neutral complex [1{Cu(OAc)2}2] was then oxidized with several oxidizing reagents. With I2 two‐electron oxidation occurred, thus leading to green salts of the dication [1{Cu(OAc)2}2]2+. In contrast, with AgPF6 or AgSbF6 one‐electron oxidation was observed to yield red salts of the monocation [1{Cu(OAc)2}2]+, which is a three‐spin system with one unpaired electron at each copper atom and at the ligand unit. Superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometric measurements confirm a quartet electronic ground state that arises from strong ferromagnetic copper–ligand coupling. Intense charge‐transfer transitions in the visible region (576 and 536 nm) were observed in the electronic absorption spectra and assigned to strong ligand–ligand (1·+←OAc) charge‐transfer (LLCT) excitations. These LLCT bands open up the possibility of photoinduced redox reactions with [1{Cu(OAc)2}2]+ driven by restoration of the aromatic system at the GFA ligand.
A Simple and Highly Sensitive Electrochemically Reduced p‐Nitrobenzoic Acid Film Modified Sensor for Determination of Mercury
Authors: Arulraj A. Daniel , Vijayan M. , Samseya J. , Vasantha V. S. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractHerein, a simple electrochemical sensor was fabricated for sensing Hg2+ ions by using electrochemically reduced p‐nitrobenzoic acid molecules modified (ERpNBA) glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The modified electrode was applied for the determination of Hg2+ ions by using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). Experimental parameters such as concentration of p‐nitrobenzoic acid used for electrode modification, pH, accumulation time and deposition potential used for the determination of Hg2+ ions were optimized. The strong interaction between the Hg2+ ions and the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atoms of ERpNBA molecules leads to highly selective adsorption of Hg2+ ions on the modified electrode. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the sensor showed higher sensitivity and very low detection limit for Hg2+ ions than other metal ions such as Cd2+, Pb2+ and Zn2+ ions. The LOD for Hg2+ ions was 240 pM which is below the guideline value given by the World Health Organization and the earlier reports.
Why care about aquatic insects: Uses, benefits, and services
Authors: Suter Glenn W. , Cormier Susan M. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Aquatic insects are common subjects of ecological research and environmental monitoring and assessment. However, their important role in protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems is often challenged because their benefits and services to humans are not obvious to decision makers or the public. Insects are food for fish, amphibians, and wildlife. They are important contributors to energy and nutrient processing, including capturing nutrients and returning them to terrestrial ecosystems and purifying water. They provide recreation to fishermen and nature lovers and are cultural symbols. Monetary benefits to fishermen can be quantified, but most other benefits have been described qualitatively. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;11:188–194. Published 2014 SETAC. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the USA.
Key Points
Aquatic insects are common endpoints in ecological assessments, but their value and importance often are not understood by decision makers or stakeholders. They are food for many aquatic and terrestrial vertebrates and provide aesthetic, recreational and cultural benefits to humans. They are important contributors to energy and nutrient processing including the retention of nutrients in watersheds. They serve as indicators of ecosystem condition.
Tenax extraction of sediments to estimate desorption and bioavailability of hydrophobic contaminants: A literature review
Authors: Lydy Michael J , Harwood Amanda D , Nutile Samuel A , Landrum Peter F 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Characterizing sediment-associated hydrophobic contaminants is problematic, because assessing the total amount of a compound available for chemical exchange with an organism is difficult. To address this, contaminant concentrations have been normalized for specific sediment characteristics (including organic C content) or the chemical activity has been estimated using passive samplers. Another approach to assess compound availability is to determine the extent of readily desorbed compound using resin extractions of sediment slurries. The present paper reviews the literature that uses Tenax® TA, a 2,6-diphenylene-oxide polymer as an extraction tool to measure bioavailability of hydrophobic organic contaminants in sediment. Some work has assessed the extent of desorption with sequential extractions to characterize the maximum rate and pool sizes for different desorbing fractions of bound contaminant. As such, the rapidly desorbing fraction has been well correlated with the extent of degradation, bioaccumulation, and toxicity of hydrophobic contaminants. A shortcut to measuring the full desorption curve to determine the rapidly desorbing compound is to use a single-point extraction, with 6  h or 24  h extractions being the most common. The Tenax extraction has been shown to be effective with laboratory-spiked sediments, field-collected sediments, laboratory-exposed organisms, field-collected organisms, and studies among laboratories. Furthermore, a literature-based model has described the bioaccumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls from independently measured field-collected sediments. Despite the success of this approach, applying the Tenax method to manage contaminated sediments is limited by the absence of a standard set of conditions to perform the extractions, as well as standard methods for using field sediments. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;11:208–220. © 2014 SETAC
Key Points
The current paper reviews the literature using Tenax TA, a p-2,6-diphenylphyleneoxide polymer. The Tenax extraction has been shown to be effective with laboratory-spiked sediments, field-collected sediments, laboratory-exposed organisms, field-collected organisms and studies among laboratories, and a literature-based model has been developed that described the bioaccumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls from independently measured field-collected sediments. Despite the success of this approach, application of the Tenax method for management of contaminated sediments is limited by the absence of a standard set of conditions for performing the extractions and standard methods for using field sediments.
Comparative attributional life cycle assessment of annual and perennial lignocellulosic feedstocks production under Mediterranean climate for biorefinery framework
Authors: Zucaro Amalia , Forte Annachiara , Fagnano Massimo , Bastianoni Simone , Basosi Riccardo , Fierro Angelo 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Annual fiber sorghum (FS) and perennial giant reed (GR) cultivated in the Mediterranean area are interesting due to their high productivity under drought conditions and their potential use as lignocellulosic feedstock for biorefinery purposes. This study compares environmental constraints related to FS and GR produced on experimental farms (in the Campania region) using an attributional life cycle assessment (LCA) approach through appropriate modeling of the perennial cultivation. For both crops, primary data were available for agricultural management. Direct field emissions (DFEs) were computed, including the potential soil carbon storage (SCS). Giant reed showed the lowest burdens for all impact categories analyzed (most were in the range of 40%–80% of FS values). More apparent were the differences for climate change and freshwater eutrophication (respectively 80% and 81% lower for GR compared to FS). These results are due to the short-term SCS, experimentally detected in the perennial GR crop (about 0.25 ton C ha−1yr−1, with a global warming offsetting potential of about 0.03 ton CO2/tonGR dry biomass). The results are also due to the annual application of triple superphosphate at the sowing fertilization phase for FS, which occurs differently than it does for GR. Phosphorous fertilization was performed only when crops were being established and therefore properly spread along the overall crop lifetime. For both crops, after normalization, terrestrial acidification and particulate matter formation were relevant impact categories, as a consequence of the NH3 DFE by volatilization after urea were spread superficially. Therefore, the results suggest higher environmental benefits of the perennial crop than the annual crop. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;11:397–403. © 2015 SETAC
Key Points
An LCA comparison between Mediterranean annual and perennial feedstocks was conducted to explore their potential use for biorefinery purposes. Environmental constraints of crops fiber sorghum (annual) and giant reed (perennial), which exhibit high productivity under drought conditions, were investigated. Total burdens were largely affected by direct field emissions following fertilizer application. The perennial crop entailed a better environmental performance with reduced input and emissions.
Chemical assessment state of the science: Evaluation of 32 decision-support tools used to screen and prioritize chemicals
Authors: Gauthier Alison M , Fung Mai , Panko Julie , Kingsbury Tony , Perez Angela L , Hitchcock Kristen , Ferracini Tyler , Sahmel Jennifer , Banducci Amber , Jacobsen Megan , Abelmann Anders , Shay Erin 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The last decade has seen an increased focus on evaluating the safety and sustainability of chemicals in consumer and industrial products. In order to effectively and accurately evaluate safety and sustainability, tools are needed to characterize hazard, exposure, and risk pertaining to products and processes. Because many of these tools will be used to identify problematic chemistries, and because many have potential applications in various steps of an alternatives analysis, the limitations and capabilities of available tools should be understood by users so that, ultimately, potential chemical risk is accurately reflected. In our study, we examined 32 chemical characterization tools from government, industry, academia, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The tools we studied were diverse, and varied widely in their scope and assessment. As such, they were separated into five categories for comparison: 1) Screening and Prioritization; 2) Database Utilization; 3) Hazard Assessment; 4) Exposure and Risk Assessment; and 5) Certification and Labeling. Each tool was scored based on our weighted set of criteria, and then compared to other tools in the same category. Ten tools received a high score in one or more categories; 24 tools received a medium score in one or more categories, and five tools received a low score in one or more categories. Although some tools were placed into more than one category, no tool encompassed all five of the assessment categories. Though many of the tools evaluated may be useful for providing guidance for hazards – and, in some cases, exposure – few tools characterize risk. To our knowledge, this study is the first to critically evaluate a large set of chemical assessment tools and provide an understanding of their strengths and limitations. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;11:242–255. © 2014 SETAC
Key Points
There are numerous chemical assessment tools available that purport to aid companies in evaluating the acceptability of chemical ingredients. Each of these tools was created with a specific purpose, and each carry a distinct set of strengths and limitations. Although many tools are useful for providing guidance regarding the hazards and, in some cases, exposure of chemicals, few tools characterize risk. We recommend that greater emphasis be placed on the overall risk of a chemical instead of basing decisions solely on a chemical's hazard profile. As demand for chemical evaluation and transparency increases, so will the proliferation of tools. Moving forward, it will be important to understand how the structure of these tools affects the quality and reliability of the output they provide.
Twenty‐Five Years of Word‐of‐Mouth Studies: A Critical Review of Tourism Research
Authors: Confente Ilenia 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIt has been 25 years that the topic of word of mouth (WOM) related to the tourism industry has been addressed in top‐level marketing journals. However, there has not yet been a thorough synthesis of the articles, nor has there been an analysis of the approach and the direction the research has taken. This article will try to address that deficiency, collecting and analysing 25 five years of research following this stream, utilizing a literature review technique known as the paradigm funnel. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of various catalysts on the monomer reactivity ratios in oxidative copolymerization of styrene and α‐methylstyrene
Authors: Pal Sunirmal , Vaish Avichal , De Priyadarsi 
Published: November 2014

AbstractOxidative copolymerizations of styrene (St) with α‐methylstyrene (AMS) have been studied under 100 psi (690 kPa) oxygen pressure at 50 °C in the presence of various catalysts, namely 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile, cobalt(II) phthalocyanine pyridine complex and cobalt(II) tetraphenylporphyrin pyridine complex. The rates of copolymerization reactions (Rp) are obtained from oxygen consumption versus time plots. The reactivity ratios are computed with the Fineman–Ross and Kelen–Tüdös methods, using copolyperoxide compositions obtained from 1H NMR analysis. The effects of these catalysts on Rp, molecular weight and monomer reactivity ratios have been examined. Using all three catalysts, the comonomer incorporation in the copolyperoxide chain is controllable over a wide range by adjusting the comonomer feed ratios. The reactivity ratio results indicate that incorporation of St or AMS in the copolyperoxides is independent of initiating system. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Modification of the properties of cellulose by means of grafting
Authors: Usmanov Kh. U. , Aǐkhodzhaev B. I. , Azizov U. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractOwing to a combining of the original polymer properties, greatly widening the field of their application, graft copolymers of cellulose are of considerable interest. The graft copolymers may be obtained by chemical action on the initial polymer molecules or by activation of the macromolecules with the aid of physical methods, such as γ‐rays, ultraviolet rays, mechanical rupture of the molecular chains, etc. We have employed both chemical methods and γ‐radiation (Co60). Cotton cellulose was used as starting material. Acrylonitrile and styrene were the monomers employed. Chemical treatment of cellulose was accomplished by the action of ozone‐oxygen mixtures to obtain polyperoxide cellulose compounds. The latter decompose upon heating, with formation in given regions of the cellulose molecule active of macroradicale capable of reacting with monomers to produce the graft copolymers. The grafting of the monomers onto the activated cellulose was carried out in high vacuum at 100°C. In this way graft copolymers of cotton cellulose with acrylonitrile and viscose cord with styrene containing 40% (by weight) of the graftings were obtained. A study of the graft copolymer properties showed the acrylonitrile‐containing compound to dye much better and to be more resistant to microbial action and sun rays than the original material. After grafting polystyrene to viscose cord its adhesion to rubber increased by 75%. Acrylonitrile‐cellulose graft copolymers were also obtained by irradiating mixtures of cellulose and acrylonitrile solutions in various solvents over a wide range of radiation doses and monomer concentrations. The optimal dose for synthesis of graft copolymers was 100,000 r. Preliminary experiments showed that separate irradiation of cellulose with subsequent treatment with the monomer did not lead to the formation of graft copolymers. The formation of cellulose‐acrylonitrile graft copolymers takes place only when the acrylonitrile solvent wets the cellulose well and is sorbed by the latter, thus facilitating the penetration of the former into the intermolecular spaces of the cellulose molecules. This process is not associated with formation of cellulose peroxides, but with another mechanism of activation. In order to demonstrate the formation of graft copolymers under the conditions described, and not simply of cellulose derivatives with the acrylonitrile and styrene groups uniformly distributed over the chain units, we have developed a method for determining the degree of polymerization of the grafted sections. This consisted of hydrolysis of the cellulose graft copolymers in acid media. The graft copolymer, of which the cellulose had broken down to the monosugar, was washed with water and the degree of polymerization of the polystyrene or polyacrylonitrile graftings was determined viscometrically. The degree of polymerization of the grafting was found to vary within the range of 20 to 100.
Severing of a hydrogen bond disrupts amino acid networks in the catalytically active state of the alpha subunit of tryptophan synthase
Authors: Axe Jennifer M. , O'Rourke Kathleen F. , Kerstetter Nicole E. , Yezdimer Eric M. , Chan Yan M. , Chasin Alexander , Boehr David D. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractConformational changes in the β2α2 and β6α6 loops in the alpha subunit of tryptophan synthase (αTS) are important for enzyme catalysis and coordinating substrate channeling with the beta subunit (βTS). It was previously shown that disrupting the hydrogen bond interactions between these loops through the T183V substitution on the β6α6 loop decreases catalytic efficiency and impairs substrate channeling. Results presented here also indicate that the T183V substitution decreases catalytic efficiency in Escherchia coli αTS in the absence of the βTS subunit. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments indicate that the T183V substitution leads to local changes in the structural dynamics of the β2α2 and β6α6 loops. We have also used NMR chemical shift covariance analyses (CHESCA) to map amino acid networks in the presence and absence of the T183V substitution. Under conditions of active catalytic turnover, the T183V substitution disrupts long‐range networks connecting the catalytic residue Glu49 to the αTS‐βTS binding interface, which might be important in the coordination of catalytic activities in the tryptophan synthase complex. The approach that we have developed here will likely find general utility in understanding long‐range impacts on protein structure and dynamics of amino acid substitutions generated through protein engineering and directed evolution approaches, and provide insight into disease and drug‐resistance mutations.
The severity of abortion complications in Malawi
Authors: Kalilani‐Phiri Linda , Gebreselassie Hailemichael , Levandowski Brooke A. , Kuchingale Edgar , Kachale Fannie , Kangaude Godfrey 
Published: November 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the severity of abortion complications in Malawi and to determine associated risk factors.MethodsBetween July 20 and September 13, 2009, a cross‐sectional survey was conducted at 166 facilities providing postabortion care services. Data were collected for all women with an incomplete, inevitable, missed, complete, or septic abortion. Weighted percentages were calculated to obtain national estimates.ResultsIn total, 2067 women met the inclusion criteria. Estimates suggest that 80.9% of women who presented for postabortion care in Malawi in 2009 were married and 64.8% were from rural areas. One‐quarter (27.4%) presented with severe or moderate morbidity. Sepsis (13.7%), retained products of conception (12.7%), and fever (12.3%) were the most common complications. The case fatality rate was 387 deaths per 100 000 postabortion care procedures. Women with severe or moderate complications were significantly more likely to be from rural areas than from urban areas; to have reported interfering with their pregnancy; and to be separated, divorced, or widowed than to be single.ConclusionIn 2009, many women seeking postabortion care in Malawi presented with complications. Advocacy is needed to influence policies that will allow expanded access to safe abortion services for women of all ages and in all areas.