bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surface‐activated chemical ionization–electrospray ionization source improves biomarker discovery with mass spectrometry
Authors: Sogno Ilaria , Conti Matteo , Consonni Paolo , Noonan Douglas M. , Albini Adriana 
Published: April 2012

RATIONALEMass spectrometry (MS) is increasingly employed for the discovery of clinical biomarkers. However, due to sensitivity limitations related to in‐source ionization yield, many potential biomarkers are not detected by standard mass spectrometers. Therefore, more efficient ion‐source technologies are needed to improve MS applications in biomarker discovery.METHODSAmong novel ion‐source technologies, Surface‐Activated Chemical Ionization (SACI), although endowed with high sensitivity linked to its ability to reduce chemical noise in mass spectra, has seen limited application in biomarker discovery to date, due to its selectivity for highly polar compounds. However, in combination with an Electrospray Ionization (ESI) source, SACI selectivity can be enlarged in the range of less polar compounds. To validate the new SACI‐ESI approach in biomarker discovery, we applied it to a translational setting in oncology. We performed MS profiles of 101 human serum samples from a male population, aged 40 or older, coming to the clinic for prostate cancer evaluation based on multiple PSA exams, digital rectal examination and echography. The SACI‐ESI MS spectra were analyzed and classified with an innovative bioinformatic approach based on the MS‐search freeware developed in house.RESULTSHere we demonstrate that the SACI‐ESI combination can produce MS spectra with greater sensitivity and lower noise than those obtained with the common ESI alone. We found that the SACI‐ESI combination increased the number of detectable compounds and produced better quality of profiles in liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with MS (LC/MS) analysis of human serum samples, improving disease prediction potential.CONCLUSIONSSACI‐ESI can facilitate MS‐based discovery of potential biomarkers in human serum. Combined with the proposed bioinformatic approach (based on XCMS and NIST data elaboration) for the analysis of the MS spectra obtained, the potential for developing biomarkers with diagnostic capabilities are demonstrated in a prostate cancer diagnosis clinical setting. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new calibrant for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight‐time‐of‐flight post‐source decay tandem mass spectrometry of non‐digested proteins for top‐down proteomic analysis
Authors: Fagerquist Clifton K. , Sultan Omar 
Published: April 2012

RATIONALEMatrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time‐of‐flight‐time‐of‐flight (TOF‐TOF) post‐source decay (PSD) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has seen increasing use for analysis of non‐digested protein ions for top‐down proteomic identification. However, there is no commonly accepted calibrant for this purpose beyond the use of peptide calibrants whose fragment ions span a lower mass‐to‐charge (m/z) range.METHODSWe have used the PSD‐generated fragment ions of disulfide‐reduced/alkylated thioredoxin (AlkTrx) for TOF‐TOF calibration in reflectron mode for the purpose of PSD‐MS/MS analysis. The average m/z values of AlkTrx fragment ions were used for calibration. The quality of the calibration was assessed from the observed fragment ion mass error of MS/MS of the YahO protein from an unfractionated bacterial cell lysate of Escherichia coli O157:H7 as well as from MS/MS of bovine ubiquitin. The fragment ion mass errors of these two analytes were also used to assess instrument calibration using the monoisotopic fragment ions of [Glu1]‐fibrinopeptide B (GluFib).RESULTSA general improvement in fragment ion mass accuracy was observed using the AlkTrx calibration compared to the GluFib calibration which resulted in a more significant top‐down proteomic identification of these analyte proteins.CONCLUSIONSOur results suggest that AlkTrx may be useful as a calibrant for MALDI‐TOF‐TOF‐PSD‐MS/MS of small and modest‐sized protein ions. The uniform fragmentation efficiency of YahO across its sequence suggests that it may be useful as a post‐calibration standard to assess PSD‐MS/MS instrument performance as well as establishing appropriate top‐down proteomic fragment ion tolerances. Published 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
A ultra‐pressure liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry method for the analysis of 13 eicosanoids in human urine and quantitative 24 hour values in healthy volunteers in a controlled constant diet
Authors: Medina S. , Domínguez‐Perles R. , Gil J. I. , Ferreres F. , García‐Viguera C. , Martínez‐Sanz J. M. , Gil‐Izquierdo A. 
Published: April 2012

RATIONALEIsoprostanes (IsoPs) are a series of prostaglandin (PG)‐like compounds formed non‐enzymatically through free‐radical‐induced peroxidation of arachidonic acid. They are considered as 'gold‐standard' biomarkers for oxidative stress, in general, and lipid peroxidation, in particular.METHODSA new qualitative and quantitative analytical method for the determination of 13 eicosanoids in human urine using solid‐phase extraction (SPE) and ultra‐pressure liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS/MS) has been developed. The SPE was optimized by comparison of the extraction efficiency and recoveries of three distinct cartridges: Strata X‐AW, C18 Sep‐Pak, and Oasis HLB. The UPLC/MS/MS approach in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was developed using negative electrospray ionization (ESI).RESULTSThe validated method provides a high‐throughput assay with an adequate linearity from 0.16 to 330 ng mL–1. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for each analyte showed low intervals (0.021–0.64 ng mL–1 and 0.042–1.28 ng mL–1, respectively). Urinary IsoPs were determined in 24 healthy volunteers and ranged from 685 to 3480 ng 24 h–1 and from 864 to 7511 ng 24 h–1 in urine from women and men, respectively.CONCLUSIONSThis analytical method could constitute a useful tool for the determination of oxidative stress biomarkers in clinical studies in which IsoPs may evidence early pathological conditions, as suggested by the determination of the baseline IsoPs content in human urine, since it improves upon the detection capacity of previously described methods. The quantity of IsoPs excreted in urine was higher than that found in previous reports due to the total hydrolysis of the conjugated forms. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cohesive software measurement planning framework using ISO standards: a case study from logistics service sector
Authors: Kurtel Kaan , Ozemre Murat 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYThe objective of this paper is to present a cohesive measurement planning framework based on our successful practices during the implementation of a measurement process in a leading custom software development company in the logistics service sector in Turkey. The framework established is the result of the process of understanding how to plan software maintenance measurement that conforms to existing ISO/IEC standards, including ISO/IEC 9126, ISO/IEC 14598, and ISO/IEC 15939, and also combining the theoretical aspects of these standards with the realities of the software maintenance process in order to develop a software application. The main contributions of the article include the presentation of a practical solution in ISO‐based software measurement methodology and the elimination of the unnecessary and redundant ISO/IEC 9126 quality characteristics or sub‐characteristics for the purpose of application of quality model to the company, and identification of the suitable base and derived measurement sets for satisfying the company's information needs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
School‐based prevention of bullying and relational aggression in adolescence: The fairplayer.manual
Authors: Scheithauer Herbert , Hess Markus , Schultze‐Krumbholz Anja , Bull Heike Dele 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe fairplayer.manual is a school‐based program to prevent bullying. The program consists of fifteen to seventeen consecutive ninety‐minute lessons using cognitive‐behavioral methods, methods targeting group norms and group dynamics, and discussions on moral dilemmas. Following a two‐day training session, teachers, together with skilled fairplayer.teamers, implement fairplayer.manual in the classroom during regular school lessons. This chapter offers a summary of the program's conception and underlying prevention theory and summarizes the results from two evaluation studies. Standardized questionnaires showed a positive impact of the intervention program on several outcome variables.
ViSC Social Competence Program
Authors: Strohmeier Dagmar , Hoffmann Christine , Schiller Eva‐Maria , Stefanek Elisabeth , Spiel Christiane 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe ViSC Social Competence Program has been implemented in Austrian schools within the scope of a national strategy plan, Together Against Violence. The program is a primary preventive program designed for grades 5 to 8. The prevention of aggression and bullying is defined as a school development task, and the initial implementation of the program lasts one school year. The program consists of universal and specific actions that are implemented through in‐school teacher training and a class project for students. The program was evaluated with a randomized intervention control group design. Data were collected from teachers and students. Results suggest that the program reduces aggression in schools.
Black hawk down?: Establishing helicopter parenting as a distinct construct from other forms of parental control during emerging adulthood
Authors: Padilla‐Walker Laura M. , Nelson Larry J. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the current study was to establish a measure of helicopter parenting that was distinct from other forms of parental control, and to examine parental and behavioral correlates of helicopter parenting. Participants included 438 undergraduate students from four universities in the United States (Mage = 19.65, SD = 2.00, range = 18–29; 320 women, 118 men), and at least one of their parents. Analyses revealed that helicopter parenting loaded on a separate factor from both behavioral and psychological control, and that helicopter parenting was positively associated with behavioral and psychological control, but not at levels suggesting complete overlap. Results also revealed that helicopter parenting was positively associated with parental involvement and with other positive aspects of the parent–child relationship; but negatively associated with parental autonomy granting and school engagement. Discussion focuses on the implications of helicopter parenting for healthy development during emerging adulthood.
Identity and intimacy during adolescence: Connections among identity styles, romantic attachment and identity commitment
Authors: Kerpelman Jennifer L. , Pittman Joe F. , Saint‐Eloi Cadely Hans , Tuggle Felicia J. , Harrell‐Levy Marinda K. , Adler‐Baeder Francesca M. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTIntegration of adult attachment and psychosocial development theories suggests that adolescence is a time when capacities for romantic intimacy and identity formation are co‐evolving. The current study addressed direct, indirect and moderated associations among identity and romantic attachment constructs with a diverse sample of 2178 middle adolescents. Identity styles were found to have unique and direct associations with identity commitment. Attachment anxiety showed only indirect associations and attachment avoidance had both direct and indirect associations with identity commitment. Tests of moderation revealed that gender, race and relationship status had no influence on the direct associations of identity styles or romantic attachment with identity commitment. Few differences in association strength among identity styles and romantic attachment emerged for gender or race. However, the differences found for relationship status suggested that relationship experiences adolescents bring to their exploration of identity and intimacy matter for how these two areas of development articulate.
Symmetry breaking cilia-driven flow in the zebrafish embryo
Authors: Smith Andrew A. , Johnson Thomas D. , Smith David J. , Blake John R. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractFluid mechanics plays a vital role in early vertebrate embryo development, an example being the establishment of left–right asymmetry. Following the dorsal–ventral and anterior–posterior axes, the left–right axis is the last to be established; in several species it has been shown that an important process involved with this is the production of a left–right asymmetric flow driven by ‘whirling’ cilia. It has previously been established in experimental and mathematical models of the mouse ventral node that the combination of a consistent rotational direction and posterior tilt creates left–right asymmetric flow. The zebrafish organizing structure, Kupffer’s vesicle, has a more complex internal arrangement of cilia than the mouse ventral node; experimental studies show that the flow exhibits an anticlockwise rotational motion when viewing the embryo from the dorsal roof, looking in the ventral direction. Reports of the arrangement and configuration of cilia suggest two possible mechanisms for the generation of this flow from existing axis information: (a) posterior tilt combined with increased cilia density on the dorsal roof; and (b) dorsal tilt of ‘equatorial’ cilia. We develop a mathematical model of symmetry breaking cilia-driven flow in Kupffer’s vesicle using the regularized Stokeslet boundary element method. Computations of the flow produced by tilted whirling cilia in an enclosed domain suggest that a possible mechanism capable of producing the flow field with qualitative and quantitative features closest to those observed experimentally is a combination of posteriorly tilted roof and floor cilia, and dorsally tilted equatorial cilia.
Relevant associations of the glucokinase regulatory protein/glucokinase gene variation with TAG concentrations in a high-cardiovascular risk population: modulation by the Mediterranean diet
Authors: Sotos-Prieto Mercedes , Guillén Marisa , Vicente Sorli Jose , Portolés Olga , Guillem-Saiz Patricia , Ignacio Gonzalez Jose , Qi Lu , Corella Dolores 
Published: April 2012

The SNP rs1260326 (P446L) and rs1799884 ( − 30G>A) for the glucokinase regulatory protein (GCKR) and glucokinase (GCK) genes, respectively, have been associated with opposing effects on TAG and glucose concentrations. However, their genetic modulation by diet (dietary patterns or foods) remains to be investigated. We studied 945 high-cardiovascular risk subjects aged 67 (sd 6) years who participated in the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea-Valencia Study. Demographic, clinical, biochemical and genetic data were obtained. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and food intake were measured by validated questionnaires. Carriers of the L allele of GKCR had significantly higher TAG concentrations (PP: 1·34 (sd 0·05) mmol/l v. PL+LL: 1·54 (sd 0·03) mmol/l; P= 0·014) and LL carriers had lower glucose concentrations (PL+PP: 6·85 (sd 0·08) mmol/l v. LL: 6·40 (sd 0·16) mmol/l; P= 0·032) after multivariate adjustment. Conversely, homozygous subjects for the variant allele (A) in the GCK gene had significantly lower TAG (GG+GA: 1·48 (sd 0·03) mmol/l v. AA: 1·17 (sd 0·18) mmol/l; P= 0·033) and a higher risk of diabetes (OR 3·3, 95 % CI 1·2, 9·2). Combined effects for both SNP increased TAG concentrations by 37 % (P= 0·033). Adherence to the MD modulated the effects of GCKR polymorphism on TAG: subjects with genetic risk had lower TAG (L-allele carriers; PP: 1·48 (sd 0·14) mmol/l v. PL+LL: 1·51 (sd 0·08) mmol/l; P= 0·917) compared with those with a higher adherence. Analysis of the joint effects of the GCKR and individual food items identified significant associations (olive oil (P= 0·035), vegetables (P= 0·012), red meat (P= 0·017), butter (P= 0·039), sweetened carbonated beverages (P= 0·036) and nuts (P= 0·038)). In conclusion, we found that rs1260326 (GCKR) is significantly associated with higher TAG concentrations, but is modulated by adherence to the MD.
Maslinic acid inhibits the metastatic capacity of DU145 human prostate cancer cells: possible mediation via hypoxia-inducible factor-1α signalling
Authors: Park So Young , Nho Chu Won , Kwon Dae Young , Kang Young-Hee , Lee Ki Won , Park Jung Han Yoon 
Published: April 2012

Maslinic acid is found in various natural sources, most notably in pomace olive oil, and exerts pro-apoptotic activities in various cancer cells in vitro. In the present study, DU145 human prostate cancer cells were cultured with 0–25 μm-maslinic acid to examine the effects of maslinic acid on the metastatic capacity of prostate cancer cells. Maslinic acid significantly (P <0·05) inhibited the basal and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced migration (27–64 %), invasion (23–60 %) and adhesion (8–40 %) of DU145 cells. Maslinic acid significantly (P <0·05) down-regulated both basal and EGF-stimulated secretion of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 (25–67 %), MMP-2 (50–86 %), urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA, about 100 %), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, 98–100 %) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1, as well as expression of uPA receptor (uPAR), intercellular adhesion molecules (22–33 %), vascular cell adhesion molecules (23–46 %) and E-cadherin, whereas it increased TIMP-2 secretion. Maslinic acid dramatically reduced the levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein and mRNA; the reduction was accompanied by reduced stability, nuclear levels and transcriptional activity of HIF-1α. The levels of phospho-Akt and phospho-extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) were reduced in cells treated with maslinic acid, and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 and the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor PD98059 reduced HIF-1α levels and VEGF secretion. The results show that maslinic acid markedly inhibited the migration, invasion and adhesion of DU145 prostate cancer cells. Suppressing HIF-1α activation by inhibiting Akt and ERK activation may be part of the mechanism by which maslinic acid inhibited uPAR, E-cadherin, VEGF and MMP expression in DU145 cells.
Influence of progressive fluid restriction on mood and physiological markers of dehydration in women
Authors: Pross Nathalie , Demazières Agnès , Girard Nicolas , Barnouin Romain , Santoro Francine , Chevillotte Emmanuel , Klein Alexis , Le Bellego Laurent 
Published: April 2012

The present study evaluated, using a well-controlled dehydration protocol, the effects of 24 h fluid deprivation (FD) on selected mood and physiological parameters. In the present cross-over study, twenty healthy women (age 25 (se 0·78) years) participated in two randomised sessions: FD-induced dehydration v. a fully hydrated control condition. In the FD period, the last water intake was between 18.00 and 19.00 hours and no beverages were allowed until 18.00 hours on the next day (23–24 h). Water intake was only permitted at fixed periods during the control condition. Physiological parameters in the urine, blood and saliva (osmolality) as well as mood and sensations (headache and thirst) were compared across the experimental conditions. Safety was monitored throughout the study. The FD protocol was effective as indicated by a significant reduction in urine output. No clinical abnormalities of biological parameters or vital signs were observed, although heart rate was increased by FD. Increased urine specific gravity, darker urine colour and increased thirst were early markers of dehydration. Interestingly, dehydration also induced a significant increase in saliva osmolality at the end of the 24 h FD period but plasma osmolality remained unchanged. The significant effects of FD on mood included decreased alertness and increased sleepiness, fatigue and confusion. The most consistent effects of mild dehydration on mood are on sleep/wake parameters. Urine specific gravity appears to be the best physiological measure of hydration status in subjects with a normal level of activity; saliva osmolality is another reliable and non-invasive method for assessing hydration status.
Evaluation of three grass growth models to predict grass growth in Ireland
Authors: HURTADO-URIA C. , HENNESSY D. , SHALLOO L. , SCHULTE R. P. O. , DELABY L. , O'CONNOR D. 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYGrass growth in temperate regions is highly seasonal and difficult to predict. A model that can predict grass growth from week to week would offer a valuable management and budgeting tool for grassland farmers. Many grass growth models have been developed, varying from simple empirical to complex mechanistic models. Three published grass growth models developed for perennial ryegrass swards in temperate climates were selected for evaluation: Johnson & Thornley (1983) (J&T model), Jouvenet al.(2006) (J model) and Breretonet al.(1996) (B model). The models were evaluated using meteorological data and grass growth data from Teagasc Moorepark as a framework for further refinement for Irish conditions. The accuracy of prediction by the models was assessed using root mean square error (RMSE) and mean square prediction error (MSPE). The J&T model over-predicted grass growth in all 5 years examined and predicted a high primary grass growth peak, while the J and B models predicted grass growth closer to that measured. Overall, the J model had the smallest RMSE in 3 of the 5 years and the B model in 2 of the 5 years. In spring (February–April), the B model had the lowest RMSE and MSPE. In mid-season (April–August), the B model had the closest prediction to measured data (lowest RMSE), while in autumn (August–October) the J model had the closest prediction. The models with the greatest potential for grass growth prediction in Ireland, albeit with some modifications, are the J model and the B model.
EXPLORING KNOWLEDGE AND HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR RELATED TO SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AMONG THE TRIBAL POPULATION OF MADHYA PRADESH, CENTRAL INDIA
Authors: RAO V. G. , SAHA K. B. , BHAT J. , TIWARY B. K. , ABBAD A. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryThis community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the tribal population of randomly selected villages of Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh, central India. A total of 200 married men and women aged 15–49 years were interviewed to explore their knowledge, experience and health-seeking behaviour related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Though 91% of respondents were aware of STIs, the sexual route was mentioned by only 19% as the route of transmission. Around 18% reported a need for social isolation from persons with STIs. Though 88% of the respondents felt modern medicine was the best remedy for STIs, only a few of them used medical treatment while suffering from an STI. Twenty-seven per cent of respondents resorted to traditional healers, and 30% utilized home remedies for STI treatment. The study highlights a need for generating STI awareness amongst the tribal population of the region through a needs-based behaviour change communication (BCC) strategy.