bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
USE AMINOMETHYLTERPENOPHENOLS IN EPOXY RESINS
Authors: Vaseneva Irina N. , Sitnikov Petr A. , Belykh Anna G. , Chukicheva Irina Yu. , Buravlev Evgeniy V. , Kutchin Aleksandr V.
Published: July 2018

Aminomethylterpenophenols differing in the position of the amino group and its alkyl substituents have been studied as catalysts in the preparation of epoxy resins and stabilizers for their thermal degradation to produce materials with high physicomechanical and thermo-oxidative characteristics. The heat effects of anionic polymerization of an epoxy oligomer in the presence of 2,4,6-tris (dimethylaminomethyl) phenol (UP-606/2), 2-dibutylaminomethyl-6-isobornyl-4-methylphenol (I), 2-isobornyl-4-dimethylaminomethyl-6-methylphenol (II), 2-dimethylaminomethyl-6-isobornyl-4-methylphenol (III), 2,6-diisobornyl-4-dimethylaminomethylphenol (IV) were studied using DSC method. The DSC curves exhibit exothermic peaks, which relate to the polymerization of the oligomer. It is shown that terpenophenols with a dimethylaminomethyl group in the para position relative to the OH group have the highest activity. Heat effects were studied in the polycondensation of an epoxy oligomer with iso-MTHPA in the presence of aminomethylterpenophenols as catalysts. It has been shown that compounds II and IV reduce the temperature of the onset of the reaction by 62 and 8 °C, respectively, compared with the commercially available UP-606/2, and in addition the exothermic effect (Q) is increased by 10 J/g and the energy activation (Ea) by 21 kJ/mol of polycondensation reaction with compound II. Aminomethylterpenephenols improve the resistance of the epoxy resin to thermal aging, in which a reduction in strength from 9 to 23% is observed, in the case of UP-606/2, the strength is reduced by 30%. It has been established that the activation energies of the thermooxidative degradation of resins obtained by introducing compounds II and IV are higher by 10 and 40%, respectively, than when using UP-606/2. Strength characteristics of a polymer matrix containing para-dimethylaminomethyl terpenophenol are higher by 25% than with the use of an industrial analogue - UP-606/2 (2,4,6-tris (dimethylaminomethyl) phenol). It was found that the resins obtained with the use of the catalysts 2-isobornyl-4-dimethylaminomethyl-6-methylphenol and 2,6-diisobornyl-4-dimethylaminomethylphenol have the greatest resistance to thermal oxidation.For citation:Vaseneva I.N., Sitnikov P.A., Belykh A.G., Chukicheva I.Yu., Buravlev E.V., Kutchin A.V. Use aminomethylterpenophenols in epoxy resins. Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol. 2018. V. 61. N 7. P. 113-120
SYNTHESIS OF POLYMERS BASED ON STEARYL METHACRYLATE AND THEIR USE AS ADDITIVES FOR DIESEL FUEL
Authors: Simanskaya Ksenia Yu. , Grishin Ivan D. , Grishin Dmitry F.
Published: July 2018

In this article the features of controlled radical polymerization of stearyl methacrylate in the presence of copper-based compounds in combination with nitrogen-containing ligands such as tris[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine and tris[(2-pyridyl)methyl]amine were studied. The ethyl 2-bromoisobutyrate was used as the initiator of the polymerization process. The synthesized polymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography and MALDI-TOF time-of-flight mass spectrometry. It was found that the proposed catalytic systems allow conducting controlled radical polymerization of stearyl methacrylate according to the Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization mechanism at relatively mild temperature conditions. It was revealed that the nature of the organic ligand has a significant effect on the rate of polymerization and the molecular-weight characteristics of the synthesized samples. Using the copper(I) bromide catalytic system in combination with tris[(2-pyridyl)methyl]amine as a ligand at reagents molar ratio of 1:4, the polymerization of stearyl methacrylate proceeded with high reaction rate to deep conversions in a wide range of molecular weights. The observed linear growth of the molecular weight of the polymer with increasing conversion and low polydispersity index of the synthesized polymers being at the level of 1.19-1.29, considered as an evidence of the controlled mode of polymerization. The influence of the molecular weight characteristics of polymers based on stearyl methacrylate on the low-temperature properties of  diesel fuel of specification24-2000 produced by OOO «LUKOIL-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez» was evaluated using a low-temperature analyzer MX-700 (PE-7200I) in accordance with the requirements of Russian (GOST 5066-91 and GOST 20287-91) and the international (ISO-3016) standards for the quality of petroleum products. It was established that the synthesized polymers can be used as additives that reduce the temperature range of solidification of environmentally clean diesel fuels, while the molecular weight of polystearyl methacrylate has a significant effect on the depressor properties of the fuel.Forcitation:Simanskaya K.Yu., Grishin I.D., Grishin D.F. Synthesis of polymers based on stearyl methacrylate and their use as additives for diesel fuel. Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol. 2018. V. 61. N 7. P. 82-89
Multi-year pair-bonding in Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii)
Authors: Couch Alan J , Dyer Fiona J , Lintermans Mark
Published: July 2018

Mating strategies in fishes are known to include polygyny, polyandry and monogamy and provide valuable insights regarding powerful evolutionary forces such as sexual selection. Monogamy is a complex of mating systems that has been relatively neglected. Previous work on mating strategies in fishes has often been based on observation and focused on marine species rather than freshwater fishes. SNPs are increasingly being used as a molecular ecology tool in non-model organisms, and methods of probabilistic genetic analysis of such datasets are becoming available for use in the absence of parental genotypes. This approach can be used to infer mating strategies. The long-term pair bonding seen in mammals, reptiles and birds has not been recorded in freshwater fishes – in every other respect an extremely diverse group. This study shows that multi-year pair bonding occurs in an Australian Percichthyid fish. Using SNPs full sibling pairs of larvae were found over multiple years in a three-year study. Stable isotope signatures of the larvae support the genetic inference that full sibling pairs shared a common mother, the ultimate source of that isotopic signature during oogenesis. Spatial clustering also suggests that the full sibling larvae are unlikely to be false positive identifications of the probabilistic identification of siblings. For the first time, we show multi-year pair bonding in a freshwater fish. This will have important conservation and management implications for the species. This approach could provide insights into many behavioural, ecological and evolutionary questions, particularly if this is not a unique case. Our findings are likely to initiate interest in seeking more examples of monogamy and alternative mating strategies in freshwater fishes, particularly as others improve methods of analysis of SNP data for identification of siblings in the absence of parental genotypes.
Highly multiplexed immunofluorescence imaging of human tissues and tumors using t-CyCIF and conventional optical microscopes
Authors: Lin Jia-Ren , Izar Benjamin , Wang Shu , Yapp Clarence , Mei Shaolin , Shah Parin M , Santagata Sandro , Sorger Peter K
Published: July 2018

The architecture of normal and diseased tissues strongly influences the development and progression of disease as well as responsiveness and resistance to therapy. We describe a tissue-based cyclic immunofluorescence (t-CyCIF) method for highly multiplexed immuno-fluorescence imaging of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens mounted on glass slides, the most widely used specimens for histopathological diagnosis of cancer and other diseases. t-CyCIF generates up to 60-plex images using an iterative process (a cycle) in which conventional low-plex fluorescence images are repeatedly collected from the same sample and then assembled into a high-dimensional representation. t-CyCIF requires no specialized instruments or reagents and is compatible with super-resolution imaging; we demonstrate its application to quantifying signal transduction cascades, tumor antigens and immune markers in diverse tissues and tumors. The simplicity and adaptability of t-CyCIF makes it an effective method for pre-clinical and clinical research and a natural complement to single-cell genomics.
Embryonic hematopoiesis modulates the inflammatory response and larval hematopoiesis in Drosophila
Authors: Bazzi Wael , Cattenoz Pierre B , Delaporte Claude , Dasari Vasanthi , Sakr Rosy , Yuasa Yoshihiro , Giangrande Angela
Published: July 2018

Recent lineage tracing analyses have significantly improved our understanding of immune system development and highlighted the importance of the different hematopoietic waves. The current challenge is to understand whether these waves interact and whether this affects the function of the immune system. Here we report a molecular pathway regulating the immune response and involving the communication between embryonic and larval hematopoietic waves in Drosophila. Down-regulating the transcription factor Gcm specific to embryonic hematopoiesis enhances the larval phenotypes induced by over-expressing the pro-inflammatory Jak/Stat pathway or by wasp infestation. Gcm works by modulating the transduction of the Upd cytokines to the site of larval hematopoiesis and hence the response to chronic (Jak/Stat over-expression) and acute (wasp infestation) immune challenges. Thus, homeostatic interactions control the function of the immune system in physiology and pathology. Our data also indicate that a transiently expressed developmental pathway has a long-lasting effect on the immune response.
From Mouth Pipetting to Microfluidics: The Evolution of Technologies for Picking Healthy Single Cells
Authors: Geng Shuang , Huang Yanyi
Published: July 2018

Although single‐cell omics studies have gained high popularity in recent years, isolation of healthy single cells from primary samples remains challenging and, in many cases, the critical step for a successful experiment. The virtues and limitations of conventional cell sorting strategies, such as manual picking and flow cytometric sorting, are briefly analyzed here and the unique opportunities for microfluidics from the technological perspective are discussed. It is being reasoned that, by combining assessment of healthy features and high‐throughput sorting of single cells, microfluidics will play an important role in retrieving specific single cells for highly accurate and precise omics analyses. With further incorporation of functional features, such as microenvironmental stimulations and response readouts at the single‐cell level, microfluidics will become an integrative research tool that brings many new possibilities in biomedical studies at the finest resolution.
Microfluidics Fabrication of Soft Microtissues and Bottom‐Up Assembly
Authors: Ma Shaohua , Mukherjee Nobina
Published: July 2018

Soft microtissues comprising living cells and supportive matrices have attracted the attention of researchers for their potential as in vitro organ models that represent the patient's tissue heterogeneity, as well as building blocks for artificial organs or regenerative tissues. Microfluidics is known for its capability to produce monodisperse microstructures in high‐throughput. This review summarizes the progress on microfluidics fabrication of hydrogel‐based microstructures and soft microtissues, and the challenges faced by this field. It mainly focuses on the strengths and limitations of microfluidics fabrication of extracellular matrix (ECM)‐based microtissues as in vitro tissue mimics. ECM‐based microtissues hold promise to alter the course of regenerative and precision medicine.
Rational Design of Redox‐Responsive and P‐gp‐Inhibitory Lipid Nanoparticles with High Entrapment of Paclitaxel for Tumor Therapy
Authors: Chen Shao‐Qing , Wang Cheng , Tao Shan , Wang Yun‐Xin , Hu Fu‐Qiang , Yuan Hong
Published: July 2018

An insufficient drug concentration at the target site and drug efflux resulting in poor efficacy is recognized as important obstacles in tumor treatment. Herein, novel lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) with redox‐responsive properties based on disulfide bond‐contained, quercetin (Qu)‐grafted glyceryl caprylate‐caprate (Gcc) are introduced (Qu‐SS‐Gcc LNPs). Qu‐SS‐Gcc LNPs show good entrapment of paclitaxel (PTX) due to π–π stacking between the aromatic rings of Qu and PTX. In vitro experiments indicate that Qu‐SS‐Gcc LNPs can selectively respond to high levels of reducing substances by breakdown of disulfide bonds, thus achieving rapid and efficient drug release, and only dissociate rapidly in tumor cells rather than in normal cells. Meanwhile, the Qu released concomitantly with the breakdown of disulfide bonds combines with P‐gp and inhibits the drug efflux triggered by P‐gp. Using an orthotopic 4T1 mouse mammary tumor model in BALB/c mice, PTX/Qu‐SS‐Gcc LNPs exhibit superior antitumor efficacy compared to Taxol, in addition better biosafety and inhibition of chemotherapy‐triggered P‐gp overexpression are achieved. Taken together, this work designs and implements redox‐responsive drug release and drug efflux inhibition in tumor cells via modified LNPs, which not only leads to efficient drug release but also solves the problem of drug efflux that exists in stimulus‐responsive systems.
Plasma‐Etched Nanosphere Conductivity‐Inverted Lithography (PENCIL): A Facile Fabrication of Size‐Tunable Gold Disc Array on ITO‐Coated Glass
Authors: Ngamaroonchote Aroonsri , Muangnapoh Tanyakorn , Aroonyadet Noppadol , Kumnorkaew Pisist , Laocharoensuk Rawiwan
Published: July 2018

Nanosphere lithography is employed to simply fabricate metallic hexagonal nanohole array based on metal deposition within interstices of the nanospheres. In contrast, fabrication of nanodisc array (inverted pattern of nanohole array) unavoidably includes an additional step of creating a patterned resist layer or the use of high‐resolution lithography techniques. In this work, a facile method named “plasma‐etched nanosphere conductivity‐inverted lithography (PENCIL)” is developed to fabricate gold disc arrays on indium tin oxide (ITO)‐coated glass by simply incorporating plasma etching of nanosphere lithographic mask and electrodeposition of metal. The hexagonal close‐packed polystyrene (PS) spheres are served as mask for blocking an interaction of oxygen plasma and ITO surface. Topographic images and current mappings reveal different thicknesses and conductivities of plasma‐etched ITO surface. The exposed surface (gap area) exhibits higher resistivity compare with the area protected by spheres. As a result, site‐selective electrodeposition of gold is produced on patterned substrate. The microdiscs size, as well as the size and density of nanoparticles situated within the disc area can be tuned via etching and electrodeposition conditions. This suggests a simple, low‐cost, and high‐throughput technique, which potentially facilitate the expansive use of metal disc array in studying the structural dependent properties of nanomaterials.
Trends in inferior turbinate surgery: analysis of patients using the Medicare database
Authors: Anderson Mitchell , Liang Jonathan
Published: July 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to characterize trends in turbinate reduction procedures from 2000 to 2015.

Methods

Annual procedure data were obtained for the period 2000–2015 and detailed Medicare provider and payment data were obtained for 2012–2015. Turbinate procedures analyzed included turbinate soft tissue mucosal ablation (TMA), turbinate soft tissue submucosal ablation (TSMA), turbinate excision (TE), and turbinate submucous resection (TSR). TMA and TSMA were grouped as turbinate soft tissue ablation (TA) for analysis. From 2012 to 2015, the type and location—facility (F) or nonfacility (NF)—of the providers performing the procedures were assessed.

Results

From 2000 to 2015, the total number of turbinate reduction procedures increased by an average of 3.8% annually. TSR had the highest annual increase at 5.4%. TE is the only procedure to show a decrease, by an average of −2.3% annually. From 2012 to 2015, the number of turbinate reduction procedures changed by −1.6% and 107.7% at F and NF locations, respectively. NF TSMA and TSR had the largest increases at 121.6% and 260.1%, respectively. Of the NF TA procedures, there was an average annual increase of 50% by non‐otolaryngologists. For TA, the average F charge was 78.0% more than the NF charge, and the average NF otolaryngologist charge 11.5% more than the non‐otolaryngologist charge.

Conclusion

The number of turbinate reduction procedures increased steadily between 2000 and 2015, with the majority being TSRs. This is consistent with previous studies demonstrating that TSR leads to better outcomes. There has been a significant increase in turbinate reduction procedures performed in outpatient/ambulatory settings by otolaryngologists, non‐otolaryngologists, and midlevel providers.
Deubiquitination and stabilization of programmed cell death ligand 1 by ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 9, X‐linked in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jingjing Wu , Wenzheng Guo , Donghua Wen , Guangyu Hou , Aiping Zhou , Wenjuan Wu
Published: July 2018

Background

The immune checkpoint protein programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) binds to PD1 to promote tumor cell escape from the killing effect of the immune system. However, there are few studies on the regulatory mechanisms of PD‐L1 in tumors. Although PD‐L1 has been reported to undergo ubiquitination in some cancers, its regulatory mechanisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate this phenomenon.

Methods

We examined the expression and function of USP9X and PD‐L1 in human oral keratinocytes (HOK) and OSCC cell lines (HN4 and HN30) as the control and relevant cancer cells using western blotting, immunoprecipitation, immunohistochemistry (IHC), T‐cell‐mediated tumor cell killing assay, and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry.

Results

Programmed cell death ligand 1 was highly expressed in OSCC by the regulation of the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway. Furthermore, we discovered that ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 9, X‐linked (USP9X) could be combined with PD‐L1 to induce its deubiquitination and stabilize its protein expression in OSCC.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that USP9X deubiquitinates and stabilizes PD‐L1. Suppressing the expression of USP9X blocks tumor cell growth. The results provide a theoretical basis for USP9X as a therapeutic target.
Association between serum levels of insulin‐like growth factor‐1, bioavailable testosterone, and pathologic Gleason score
Authors: Kim Myong , Kim Jong Won , Kim Jong Keun , Lee Sang Mi , Song Cheryn , Jeong In Gab , Hong Jun Hyuk , Kim Choung‐Soo , Ahn Hanjong
Published: July 2018

Background

We evaluated the association between serum levels of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), bioavailable testosterone, and surgical Gleason score (GS).

Methods

We analyzed 793 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy and 272 men with negative prostate biopsy. Serum levels of IGF‐1 and testosterone were measured before surgery or biopsy.

Results

The mean IGF‐1 levels of prostate cancer patients and men with a negative biopsy were 143.8 and 118.9 ng/mL, respectively (P < 0.001). Men with high serum IGF‐1 were more likely to have prostate cancer (highest vs lowest quartile, odds ratio [OR] = 3.35; Ptrend < 0.001). However, among men with prostate cancer, the mean IGF‐1 levels of those with low (GS ≤ 6), intermediate (GS = 7), and high surgical GS (GS ≥8) were 151.7, 144.1, and 132.9 ng/mL, respectively (P < 0.001). Using quartile analysis, high serum IGF‐1 levels were shown to be associated with a low risk of high surgical GS (OR = 0.464; Ptrend = 0.006). Serum bioavailable testosterone concentration was positively correlated with serum IGF‐1 level (r = 0.157, P < 0.001). High bioavailable testosterone level was also associated with a low risk of high surgical GS in patients without diabetes mellitus (OR = 0.569; Ptrend = 0.040). Among men with biopsy GS ≤ 3 + 4 (n = 460), upgrading to high surgical GS was more frequent in patients with low IGF‐1 level (≤116.0 ng/mL; 9.9%) or low bioavailable testosterone level (≤0.85 ng/mL; 9.3%) than in patients with normal IGF‐1 and bioavailable testosterone levels (2.6%; P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Serum levels of IGF‐1 and bioavailable testosterone show inverse associations with high surgical GS. This suggests that high‐grade prostate cancer develops independently of these two substances.
A case of antithyroid drug‐induced agranulocytosis from a second antithyroid drugs (ATD) administration in a relapsed Graves' disease patient who was tolerant to the first ATD treatment
Authors: Kim Hyunsam , Lee Jeongmin , Ha Jeonghoon
Published: July 2018

Key Clinical Message

Agranulocytosis is a rare side effect of antithyroid drugs (ATD) that usually develops within the first 3‐6 months after starting treatment. We present a 64‐year‐old patient who developed agranulocytosis after starting ATD to treat relapsed Graves' disease. This patient had tolerated the first course of ATD for 72 months. This was an unusual case in which a serious side effect developed during a second ATD course. It is essential that clinicians remain vigilant to the fact that antithyroid drugs can induce agranulocytosis several years after initiated.
Acid‐modified Halloysite Nanotubes as a Stereoselective Catalyst for Synthesis of 2H‐Chromene Derivatives by the Reaction of Isopulegol with Aldehydes
Authors: Sidorenko Alexander Yu. , Kravtsova Anna V. , Aho Atte , Heinmaa Ivo , Volcho Konstantin P. , Salakhutdinov Nariman F. , Agabekov Vladimir E. , Yu. Murzin Dmitry
Published: July 2018

Acid‐modified halloysite nanotubes were used for the first time as a stereoselective catalyst for synthesis of oxygen‐containing heterocycles applying of allyl alcohol (−)‐isopulegol condensation with aldehydes to the octahydro‐2H‐chromenol (4R‐ and 4S‐diastereomers) as an example. The catalysts were characterized by XRF, XRD, N2‐adsorption, FTIR with pyridine and MAS NMR methods. A high ratio of 4R/4S diastereomers (7.6–14.5) under mild conditions in cyclohexane was considerably exceeding previously reported results. Unprecedented selectivity (79–83 %) to 4R isomer of thiophenyl‐substituted chromenol exhibiting high analgesic activity was achieved. An increase in stereoselectivity with a decrease in the halloysite drying temperature and catalyst acidity clearly indicates formation of 4R diastereomer on the weak Brønsted sites. This work is an example that control of the stereoselectivity of acid‐catalyzed organic reactions can be effectively carried out by varying water content on the aluminosilicate surface. Modified halloysite nanotubes can be considered as extremely promising catalysts for stereoselective synthesis of heterocyclic compounds.
Slow Magnetic Relaxation in Lanthanoid Crown Ether Complexes: Interplay of Raman and Anomalous Phonon Bottleneck Processes
Authors: Rousset Elodie , Piccardo Matteo , Boulon Marie‐Emmanuelle , Gable Robert W. , Soncini Alessandro , Sorace Lorenzo , Boskovic Colette
Published: July 2018

The combination of lanthanoid nitrates with 18‐crown‐6 (18‐c‐6) and tetrahalocatecholate (X4Cat2−, X=Cl, Br) ligands has afforded two compound series [Ln(18‐c‐6)(X4Cat)(NO3)]⋅MeCN (X=Cl, 1‐Ln; X=Br, 2‐Ln; Ln=La, Ce, Nd, Gd, Tb, Dy). The 18‐c‐6 ligands occupy equatorial positions of a distorted sphenocorona geometry, whereas the charged ligands occupy the axial positions. The analogues of both series with Ln=Ce, Nd, Tb and Dy exhibit out‐of‐phase ac magnetic susceptibility signals in the presence of an applied magnetic field, indicative of slow magnetization relaxation. When diluted into a diamagnetic La host to reduce dipolar interactions, the Dy analogue exhibits slow relaxation up to 20 K in the absence of an applied dc field. Concerted magnetic measurements, EPR spectroscopy, and ab initio calculations have allowed elucidation of the mechanisms responsible for slow magnetic relaxation. A consistent approach has been applied to quantitatively model the relaxation data for different lanthanoid analogues, suggesting that the spin dynamics are governed by Raman processes at higher temperatures, transitioning to a dominant phonon bottleneck process as the temperature is decreased, with an observed T−6 rather than the usual T−2 dependence (T is temperature). This anomalous thermal dependence of the phonon bottleneck relaxation is consistent with anharmonic effects in the lattice dynamics, which was predicted by Van Vleck more than 70 years ago.
Direct Enantio‐ and Diastereoselective Oxidative Homocoupling of Aldehydes
Authors: Næsborg Line , Leth Lars A. , Reyes‐Rodríguez Gabriel J. , Palazzo Teresa A. , Corti Vasco , Jørgensen Karl Anker
Published: July 2018

A novel strategy for the direct enantioselective oxidative homocoupling of α‐branched aldehydes is presented. The methodology employs open‐shell intermediates for the construction of chiral 1,4‐dialdehydes by forming a carbon–carbon bond connecting two quaternary stereogenic centers in good yields and excellent stereoselectivities for electron‐rich aromatic aldehydes. The 1,4‐dialdehydes were transformed into synthetically valuable chiral pyrrolidines. Experimental mechanistic investigations based on competition experiments combined with computational studies indicate that the reaction proceeds through a radical cation intermediate and that reactivity and stereoselectivity follow different trends.
Use of Lipid‐Lowering Drugs and the Risk of Cataract: A Population‐Based Nested Case‐Control Study
Authors: Bezin Julien , Mansiaux Yohann , Noize Pernelle , Salvo Francesco , Bégaud Bernard , Pariente Antoine
Published: July 2018

Eye lens membrane cells require high cholesterol concentrations that might be counteracted by lipid‐lowering drugs. Using a nationwide database, we conducted a nested case‐control study to evaluate the risk of cataract development associated with the use of lipid‐lowering drugs. Patients aged 45 years and over with first cataract surgery in 2014 (cases) and up to four controls matched on age, gender, diabetes, hypothyroidism, glucocorticoid use, cardiovascular risk, and area of residence were included in the study. Among the 2,811 cases and 11,106 matched controls included, analyses showed a significantly increased risk of cataract surgery for a cumulative exposure to fibrates exceeding 5 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.58; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17–2.15), unlike cumulative exposure to statins, whatever the dose or duration of treatment (aORs from 1.00–1.08, none being significant). This study highlighted an increased risk of cataract surgery with prolonged use of fibrates but not of statins.
Screening, quantification, and confirmation of synthetic cannabinoid metabolites in urine by UHPLC–QTOF–MS
Authors: Gundersen Per Ole M. , Spigset Olav , Josefsson Martin
Published: July 2018

Synthetic cannabinoids are one of the most significant groups within the category new psychoactive substances (NPS) and in recent years new compounds have continuously been introduced to the market of recreational drugs. A sensitive and quantitative screening method in urine with metabolites of frequently seized compounds in Norway (AB‐FUBINACA, AB‐PINACA, AB‐CHMINACA, AM‐2201, AKB48, 5F‐AKB48, BB‐22, JWH‐018, JWH‐073, JWH‐081, JWH‐122, JWH‐203, JWH‐250, PB‐22, 5F‐PB‐22, RCS‐4, THJ‐2201, and UR‐144) using ultra‐high pressure liquid chromatography–quadrupole time of flight–mass spectrometry (UHPLC–QTOF–MS) has been developed. The samples were treated with ß‐glucuronidase prior to extraction and solid‐phase extraction was used. Liquid handling was automated using a robot. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a C18‐column and a gradient of water and acetonitrile, both with 0.1% formic acid. Each sample was initially screened for identification and quantification followed by a second injection for confirmation. The concentrations by which the compounds could be confirmed varied between 0.1 and 12 ng/mL. Overall the validation showed that the method fulfilled the set criteria and requirements for matrix effect, extraction recovery, linearity, precision, accuracy, specificity, and stability. One thousand urine samples from subjects in drug withdrawal programs were analyzed using the presented method. The metabolite AB‐FUBINACA M3, hydroxylated metabolite of 5F‐AKB48, hydroxylated metabolite of AKB48, AKB48 N‐pentanoic acid, 5F‐PB‐22 3‐carboxyindole, BB‐22 3‐carboxyindole, JWH‐018 N‐(5‐hydroxypentyl), JWH‐018 N‐pentanoic acid, and JWH‐073 N‐butanoic acid were quantified and confirmed in 2.3% of the samples. The method was proven to be sensitive, selective and robust for routine use for the investigated metabolites.
Litter identity affects assimilation of carbon and nitrogen by a shredding caddisfly
Authors: Siders Adam C. , Compson Zacchaeus G. , Hungate Bruce A. , Dijkstra Paul , Koch George W. , Wymore Adam S. , Grandy A. Stuart , Marks Jane C.
Published: July 2018

Ecologists often equate litter quality with decomposition rate. In soil and sediments, litter that is rapidly decomposed by microbes often has low concentrations of tannin and lignin and low C:N ratios. Do these same traits also favor element transfer to higher trophic levels in streams, where many insects depend on litter as their primary food source? We test the hypothesis that slow decomposition rates promote element transfer from litter to insects, whereas rapid decomposition favors microbes. We measured carbon and nitrogen fluxes from four plant species to a leaf‐shredding caddisfly using isotopically labeled litter. Caddisflies assimilated a higher percentage of litter carbon and nitrogen lost from slowly decomposing litters (Platanus wrightii and Quercus gambelii). In contrast, rapidly decomposing litters (Fraxinus velutina and Populus fremontii) supported higher microbial biomass. These results challenge the view that rapidly decomposing litter is higher quality by demonstrating that slowly decomposing litters provide a critical resource for insects.
Multiple stressors: modeling the effect of pollution, climate, and predation on viability of a sub‐arctic marine bird
Authors: Bårdsen Bård‐Jørgen , Hanssen Sveinn Are , Bustnes Jan Ove
Published: July 2018

Negative effects of long‐transported pollutants, such as many persistent organic pollutants (POPs), on seabirds and other top predators have been documented for decades. Yet, the concentrations, and hence, the negative impacts of many POPs have recently declined in the Northern Hemisphere. However, organisms are exposed to multiple stressors and the impacts of pollution act in concert with both natural and other anthropogenic stressors. In theory, this means that even sub‐lethal POP concentrations may cause adverse effects if they co‐occur with increased levels of other stressors. We tested the multiple stress hypothesis on common eiders, a marine duck with a northern geographical distribution, by assessing the relative importance of pollution, climate (winter sea surface temperature; SSTw), and egg predation on population dynamics and viability (i.e., extinction risk) using Leslie‐matrix population models. The model was parametrized by estimating reproduction and apparent adult survival using long‐term data from a common eider population in sub‐arctic Europe. Average annual adult survival was 0.80 (coefficient of variation [CV] = 22.00%) and showed a negative, both direct and delayed, relationship with SSTw. Average clutch size was 4.41 eggs (CV = 5.12%) and varied in time showing periods of both positive and negative trends, but showed no relationship with SSTw. We based immature survival on estimates from literature: 0.52 and 0.68 for juveniles and yearlings, respectively. Our model supported the multiple stress hypothesis as changes in a single stressor did not induce extinctions, unless the magnitude of our manipulations was extreme except for egg predation. The effect of pollution was, however, increasingly negative when it co‐occurred with a warming climate and egg predation—and population viability was lowest when all the stressors occurred simultaneously.
Harmfulness and corrosiveness of thermal decomposition products produced by halocarbon clean agents as the fire size in small space
Authors: Lee Changwoo , Yoo Juyoul , Seo Sanghoun
Published: July 2018

Among various gaseous fire extinguishing agents, the halocarbon clean agent is known as an environment‐friendly nontoxic fire extinguishing agent having a low environmental influence and harmfulness. However, as researches on the influence of the halogenated compound clean fire extinguishing agent on thermal decomposition products (hydrogen fluoride (HF), carbonyl fluoride (COF2)) make progress, the harmfulness and the secondary damages caused by the corrosiveness of HF. In this research, the quantity/tendency of thermal decomposition products produced by halocarbon clean agents (HFC‐125, HFC‐227ea, FK‐5‐1‐12) was measured to analyze their harmfulness to life as well as their corrosiveness. According to the analyzed results, highly corrosive HF increased as the size of the fire increased, and corrosiveness of the metal samples increased as well. However, the concentration level of HF and COF2 indicated different tendencies depending on the fire extinguishing agent. In particular, for the case of HFC‐125, approximately 1000 ppm of COF2 indicating a toxicity level higher than that indicated by HF was produced as the fire size, and this proves that this agent is very harmful to life. Accordingly, it is necessary to conduct a number of researches for thermal decomposition products on harmfulness of HF and on COF2 as well.
The physiochemical properties and shelf‐life of orange‐fleshed sweet potato puree composite bread
Authors: Wanjuu Cecilia , Abong George , Mbogo Daniel , Heck Simon , Low Jan , Muzhingi Tawanda
Published: July 2018

Value addition of orange‐fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) increases diversified utilization of this crop, which is rich in provitamin A carotenoids. OFSP bread, in which 30%–45% of wheat flour is replaced with OFSP puree, has been successfully commercialized in Kenya. However, the effect of this substitution on the bread's physiochemical properties and its shelf‐life are currently unknown. This study was designed to determine the physiochemical properties and shelf‐life of OFSP puree‐wheat flour composite bread (30% puree), compared to standard, 100% wheat flour, bread. Freshly baked bread samples were stored at 7, 20, 25, and 30°C, and monitored for moisture content, water activity, color, texture, volume, carotenoids, and microbial load. The moisture content, β‐carotene content, and color of bread significantly decreased with increase in storage temperature and time (p < 0.05). Bread made with OFSP puree had a longer shelf‐life, showing spoilage on day six compared with the white bread, which spoiled on the fourth day. This is attributed to the significantly higher water activity in white bread than in the OFSP bread. The substitution of wheat with OFSP puree resulted in reduced extensibility of gluten, thus, specific volume of white bread was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that in OFSP puree bread. Refrigeration increased crumb firmness, chewiness and cohesiveness in both types of bread. In conclusion, OFSP puree increases the water binding capacity of the bread, which reduces water activity and increases its shelf‐life.
Genetic inactivation of synaptosomal‐associated protein 25 (SNAP‐25) in adult hippocampal neural progenitors impairs pattern discrimination learning but not survival or structural maturation of newborn dentate granule cells
Authors: Gustus Kymberly C. , Li Lu , Chander Praveen , Weick Jason P. , Wilson Michael C. , Cunningham Lee Anna
Published: July 2018

Adult neurogenesis is necessary for proper cognition and behavior, however, the mechanisms that underlie the integration and maturation of newborn neurons into the pre‐existing hippocampal circuit are not entirely known. In this study, we sought to determine the role of action potential (AP)‐dependent synaptic transmission by adult‐generated dentate granule cells (DGCs) in their survival and function within the existing circuitry. We used a triple transgenic mouse (NestinCreERT2:Snap25fl/fl: tdTomato) to inducibly inactivate AP‐dependent synaptic transmission within adult hippocampal progenitors and their progeny. Behavioral testing in a hippocampal‐dependent A/B contextual fear‐discrimination task revealed impaired discrimination learning in mice harboring SNAP‐25‐deficient adult‐generated dentate granule cells (DGCs). Despite poor performance on this neurogenesis‐dependent task, the production and survival of newborn DGCs was quantitatively unaltered in tamoxifen‐treated NestinCreERT2:Snap25fl/fl: tdTomato SNAP compared to tamoxifen‐treated NestinCreERT2:Snap25wt/wt: tdTomato control mice. Although SNAP‐25‐deficient adult DGCs displayed a small but statistically significant enhancement in proximal dendritic branching, their overall dendritic length and distal branching complexity was unchanged. SNAP‐25‐deficient newborn DGCs also displayed robust efferent mossy fiber output to CA3, with normal linear density of large mossy fiber terminals (LMTs). These studies suggest that AP‐dependent neurotransmitter release by newborn DGCs is not essential for their survival or rudimentary structural maturation within the adult hippocampus.
Efficacy and safety of everolimus plus exemestane in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor‐positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2‐negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer: Results of the single‐arm, phase IIIB 4EVER trial
Authors: Tesch Hans , Stoetzer Oliver , Decker Thomas , Kurbacher Christian M. , Marmé Frederik , Schneeweiss Andreas , Mundhenke Christoph , Distelrath Andrea , Fasching Peter A. , Lux Michael P. , Lüftner Diana , Hadji Peyman , Janni Wolfgang , Muth Mathias , Kreuzeder Julia , Quiering Claudia , Taran Florin‐Andrei
Published: July 2018

In BOLERO‐2, adding everolimus to exemestane resulted in a twofold increase in median progression‐free survival (PFS) vs exemestane in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor‐positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2‐negative (HER2−) advanced breast cancer (aBC) after progression on a non‐steroidal aromatase inhibitor (NSAI). Here, we report on the open‐label, single‐arm, phase IIIB 4EVER trial (NCT01626222). This trial evaluated the clinical effectiveness of everolimus plus exemestane in postmenopausal women with HR+, HER2− aBC who had progressed on or after an NSAI, but with no restrictions on the time of progression after NSAI, prior chemotherapy for advanced disease or previous exemestane. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR; i.e. the percentage of patients with a best overall response of complete or partial response per RECIST 1.1) within the first 24 weeks of treatment. Secondary endpoints included PFS, overall survival, safety and health‐related quality of life. Between June 2012 and November 2013, 299 patients were enrolled at 82 German centers: 281 patients were evaluable for efficacy and 299 for safety. The ORR was 8.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.8–12.9%). Median PFS was 5.6 months (95% CI: 5.4–6.0 months). The most frequent grade 3/4 adverse events were stomatitis (8.4%), general physical health deterioration (6.7%), dyspnea (4.7%) and anemia (4.3%). The ORR in 4EVER was lower than in BOLERO‐2, likely due to inclusion of patients with more advanced disease and extensive pretreatment. These data confirm the clinical benefits and known safety profile of everolimus plus exemestane in postmenopausal women with HR+, HER2− aBC.
Rising rates of bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction following neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Pollom Erqi L. , Qian Yushen , Chin Alexander L. , Dirbas Frederick M. , Asch Steven M. , Kurian Allison W. , Horst Kathleen C. , Tsai C.Jillian
Published: July 2018

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is used to allow more limited breast surgery without compromising local control. We sought to evaluate nationwide surgical trends in patients with operable breast cancer treated with NAC and factors associated with surgical type. We used the National Cancer Database to identify 235,339 women with unilateral T1‐3 N0‐3 M0 breast cancer diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 and treated with surgery and chemotherapy. Of these, 59,568 patients (25.3%) were treated with NAC. Rates of pathological complete response (pCR) to NAC increased from 33.3% at the start of the study period in 2010 to 46.3% at the end of the period in 2014 (p = 0.02). Rates of breast‐conserving surgery (BSC) changed little, from 37.0 to 40.8% (p = 0.22). Although rates of unilateral mastectomy decreased from 43.3 to 34.7% (p = 0.02) and rates of bilateral mastectomy without immediate reconstruction remained similar (11.7–11.5%; p = 0.82), rates of bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction rose from 8.0 to 13.1% (p = 0.02). Patients who were younger, with private/managed care insurance, and diagnosed in more recent years were more likely to achieve pCR; however, these same characteristics were associated with receipt of bilateral mastectomy (vs. BCS). In addition, non‐Hispanic white ethnic and higher area education attainment were both associated with bilateral mastectomy. These findings did not differ by age or molecular subtype. Further study of nonclinical factors that influence selection of more extensive surgery despite excellent response to NAC is warranted.
Allelopathic activity of the bloom‐forming picocyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. on the coexisting microalgae: The role of eutrophication
Authors: Śliwińska‐Wilczewska Sylwia , Latała Adam
Published: July 2018

Allelopathic picocyanobacteria have been responsible for harmful incidents with severe ecological impacts in many parts of the world. The allelopathic interactions that have been shown to be implied in the dominance of various species of phytoplankton, forming massive blooms, are influenced by environmental factors such as nutrient concentration. This study aims to determine in what extent the allelopathic activity of the bloom‐forming picocyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. is impacted by water stoichiometry. We measured the allelopathic activity of Synechococcus sp. on growth, chlorophyll fluorescence, and photosynthetic performance of green algae Chlorella vulgaris and Oocystis submarina and diatoms Bacillaria paxillifer and Skeletonema marinoi by addition of cell‐free filtrate obtained from cultures growing in nutrient‐sufficient (NP), nitrogen‐deficient (−N), or phosphorus‐deficient (−P) culture medium. These studies indicated that sufficient amounts of nutrients affected the picocyanobacterium increasing its production of allelochemicals. Conversely, the weakest allelopathic activity was recorded after the addition of a filtrate obtained from Synechococcus sp. grown at −N medium. The highest decline in growth, the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry (Fv/Fm) and the photosynthetic capacity (Pm) were observed for diatom S. marinoi. On the other hand, Synechococcus sp. filtrate had no allelopathic effects on O. submarina. While confirming the allelopathic activity of Synechococcus sp. these findings show that production of allelopathic substances is influenced by the availability of nutrients.
Sex‐dependent effects of maternal stress: Stressed moms invest less in sons than daughters
Authors: Owen D. A. S. , Sheriff M. J. , Engler H. I. , Langkilde T.
Published: July 2018

Multigenerational effects can have important and sex‐dependent effects on offspring. Sex allocation theory predicts that females should differentially invest in sons and daughters depending on sex‐specific fitness returns and costs of investment. Maternal stress‐relevant (glucocorticoid) hormones may be one mechanism driving this effect. We investigated how maternal stress hormones differentially affected sons and daughters by manipulating levels of the glucocorticoid, corticosterone (CORT), in gravid female eastern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus) and quantifying reproductive investment and sex ratio of resulting clutches, and the mass, snout‐vent length, and body condition of sons versus daughters at hatching. We found no effect of maternal CORT‐treatment on the number or size of eggs laid or on the sex ratio of resulting offspring, but sons of CORT‐treated mothers were shorter, lighter, and of poorer body condition at hatching than were sons of control mothers. We found no difference in size or condition of daughters with maternal treatment. Our results suggest that maternal stress, mediated by elevations in maternal CORT concentrations, can have sex‐specific effects on offspring manifesting as lower investment in sons.
Silk structure rather than tensile mechanics explains web performance in the moth‐specialized spider, Cyrtarachne
Authors: Diaz Candido , Tanikawa Akio , Miyashita Tadashi , Dhinojwala Ali , Blackledge Todd A.
Published: July 2018

Orb webs intercept and retain prey so spiders may subdue them. Orb webs are composed of sticky, compliant spirals of capture silk spun across strong, stiff major ampullate silk threads. Interplay between differences in the mechanical properties of these silks is crucial for prey capture. Most orb webs depend upon insects contacting several radial and capture threads for successful retention. Moths, however, escape quickly from most orb webs due to the sacrificial scales covering their bodies. Cyrtarachne orb webs are unusual as they contain a reduced number of capture threads and moths stick unusually well to single threads. We aimed to determine how the tensile properties of the capture spiral and radial threads spun by Cyrtarachne operate in retention of moth prey. A NanoBionix UTM was used to quantify the material properties of flagelliform and major ampullate threads to test if Cyrtarachne's reduced web architecture is accompanied by improvements in tensile performance of its silk. Silk threads showed tensile properties typical of less‐specialized orb‐weavers, with the exception of high extensibility in radial threads. Radial thread diameters were 62.5% smaller than flagelliform threads, where commonly the two are roughly similar. We utilized our tensile data to create a finite element model of Cyrtarachne's web to investigate energy dissipation during prey impact. Large cross‐sectional area of the flagelliform threads played a key role in enabling single capture threads to withstand prey impact. Rather than extraordinary silk, Cyrtarachne utilizes structural changes in the size and attachment of silk threads to facilitate web function.