bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractNanosphere 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

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to characterize trends in turbinate reduction procedures from 2000 to 2015.MethodsAnnual 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.ResultsFrom 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.ConclusionThe 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

AbstractBackgroundThe 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultsProgrammed 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.ConclusionOur 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

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

AbstractAcid‐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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractA 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

AbstractSynthetic 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

AbstractEcologists 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

AbstractNegative 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

SummaryAmong 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

AbstractValue 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

AbstractAdult 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.