bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrocatalytic Oxidation of 4‐Aminophenol Molecules at the Surface of an FeS2/Carbon Nanotube Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Ahmed Jahir , Rakib Riad H. , Rahman Mohammed M. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Siddiquey Iqbal A. , Islam Saiful S. M. , Hasnat Mohammad A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractFeS2/carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites were synthesized and immobilized on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in order to investigate the electrocatalytic conversion of 4‐aminophenol (4‐AP) into p‐quinone in an aqueous medium. The reformed electronic properties (in terms of lowering of band‐gap energy and charge‐transfer resistance), as well as improved surface area, result in an enhanced redox reaction of 4‐AP in the presence of FeS2‐CNT NCs compared to that with FeS2 alone. The 4‐AP molecules undergo coupled two‐proton and two‐electron transfer quasi‐reversible redox reactions with a symmetry factor of 0.55 and standard rate constant (k°) of 0.8 cm s−1. Here, quinone imine is generated as an intermediate which is later converted into quinone in an irreversible hydrolysis reaction. The best catalytic performance can be obtained at the pH value of 7.0.
Anastrozole Aromatase Inhibitor Plasma Drug Concentration Genome‐Wide Association Study: Functional Epistatic Interaction Between SLC38A7 and ALPPL2
Authors: Dudenkov Tanda M. , Liu Duan , Cairns Junmei , Devarajan Sandhya , Zhuang Yongxian , Ingle James N. , Buzdar Aman U. , Robson Mark E. , Kubo Michiaki , Batzler Anthony , Barman Poulami , Jenkins Gregory D. , Carlson Erin E. , Goetz Matthew P. , Northfelt Donald W. , Moreno‐Aspitia Alvaro , Desta Zeruesenay , Reid Joel M. , Kalari Krishna R. , Wang Liewei , Weinshilboum Richard M. 
Published: January 2019

Anastrozole is a widely prescribed aromatase inhibitor for the therapy of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer. We performed a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) for plasma anastrozole concentrations in 687 postmenopausal women with ER+ breast cancer. The top single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) signal mapped across SLC38A7 (rs11648166, P = 2.3E‐08), which we showed to encode an anastrozole influx transporter. The second most significant signal (rs28845026, P = 5.4E‐08) mapped near ALPPL2 and displayed epistasis with the SLC38A7 signal. Both of these SNPs were cis expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL)s for these genes, and patients homozygous for variant genotypes for both SNPs had the highest drug concentrations, the highest SLC38A7 expression, and the lowest ALPPL2 expression. In summary, our GWAS identified a novel gene encoding an anastrozole transporter, SLC38A7, as well as epistatic interaction between SNPs in that gene and SNPs near ALPPL2 that influenced both the expression of the transporter and anastrozole plasma concentrations.
Cytological diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma with tall cells on ThinPrep liquid‐based cytology
Authors: Baum Jordan E. , Soong Lauren , Scognamiglio Theresa , Margolskee Elizabeth M. , Hoda Rana S. , Rao Rema 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundThe tall cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC‐TC) has been associated with aggressive features including extrathyroidal extension, higher rate of lymph node and distant metastases, and higher recurrence rate. We aimed to evaluate the cytomorphologic features of PTC‐TC on ThinPrep (TP) along with its diagnostic efficacy to detect PTC‐TC.MethodsPreoperative cytology samples from 30 cases of histologically‐proven PTC‐TC and 30 classical PTC controls were selected for this study. TP preparations were evaluated for varying architectural and cytomorphologic features.ResultsTall cells were present in the majority of PTC‐TC cases and were located at the periphery of cell clusters and as single cells. Cytoplasmic cuff along the periphery of cell clusters and soap‐bubble pseudoinclusions were very specific features of PTC‐TC, when present. PTC‐TC cases were more likely to show abundant oncocytic cytoplasm and distinct cell borders. Cytoplasmic tails were more likely to be present and more numerous in PTC‐TC. The presence of nuclear grooves, papillary architecture, and giant cells were not reliable distinguishing features of PTC‐TC vs controls.ConclusionOur results indicate that tall cell cytomorphologic and architectural features in PTC are identifiable on TP.
Messy eaters: Swabbing prey DNA from the exterior of inconspicuous predators when foraging cannot be observed
Authors: Bourbour Ryan P. , Martinico Breanna L. , Crane Megan M. , Hull Angus C. , Hull Joshua M. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractComplex coevolutionary relationships among competitors, predators, and prey have shaped taxa diversity, life history strategies, and even the avian migratory patterns we see today. Consequently, accurate documentation of prey selection is often critical for understanding these ecological and evolutionary processes. Conventional diet study methods lack the ability to document the diet of inconspicuous or difficult‐to‐study predators, such as those with large home ranges and those that move vast distances over short amounts of time, leaving gaps in our knowledge of trophic interactions in many systems. Migratory raptors represent one such group of predators where detailed diet studies have been logistically challenging. To address knowledge gaps in the foraging ecology of migrant raptors and provide a broadly applicable tool for the study of enigmatic predators, we developed a minimally invasive method to collect dietary information by swabbing beaks and talons of raptors to collect trace prey DNA. Using previously published COI primers, we were able to isolate and reference gene sequences in an open‐access barcode database to identify prey to species. This method creates a novel avenue to use trace molecular evidence to study prey selection of migrating raptors and will ultimately lead to a better understanding of raptor migration ecology. In addition, this technique has broad applicability and can be used with any wildlife species where even trace amounts of prey debris remain on the exterior of the predator after feeding.
Experiments reveal limited top‐down control of key herbivores in southern California kelp forests
Authors: Dunn Robert P. , Hovel Kevin A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPredator responses to gradients in prey density have important implications for population regulation and are a potential structuring force for subtidal marine communities, particularly on rocky reefs where herbivorous sea urchins can drive community state shifts. On rocky reefs in southern California where predatory sea otters have been extirpated, top‐down control of sea urchins by alternative predators has been hypothesized but rarely tested experimentally. In laboratory feeding assays, predatory spiny lobsters (Panulirus interruptus) demonstrated a saturating functional response to urchin prey, whereby urchin proportional mortality was inversely density‐dependent. In field experiments on rocky reefs near San Diego, California, predators (primarily the labrid fish California sheephead, Semicossyphus pulcher) inflicted highly variable mortality on purple urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) prey across all density levels. However, at low to moderate densities commonly observed within kelp forests, purple urchin mortality increased to a peak at a density of ~11 urchins/m2. Above that level, at densities typical of urchin barrens, purple urchin mortality was density‐independent. When larger red urchins (Mesocentrotus franciscanus) were offered to predators simultaneously with purple urchins, mortality was density‐independent. Underwater videography revealed a positive relationship between purple urchin density and both the number and richness of fish predators, but these correlations were not observed when red urchins were present. Our results demonstrate highly variable mortality rates across prey densities in this system and suggest that top‐down control of urchins can occur only under limited circumstances. Our findings provide insight into the dynamics of alternate community states observed on rocky reefs.
Aortic pulse wave velocity in children with Cushing syndrome: A window into a marker of early cardiovascular disease
Authors: Blain Hailey , Sinaii Ninet , Zeltser Deena , Lyssikatos Charalampos , Belyavskaya Elena , Keil Margaret , Bluemke David A. , Stratakis Constantine , Bandettini Wiphada Patricia , Lodish Maya 
Published: January 2019

SummaryObjectiveTo investigate early signs of cardiovascular arterial remodelling in paediatric patients with Cushing syndrome (CS) in comparison with normative values from healthy children.Study DesignThe metrics used to assess cardiac health were from thoracic aorta and carotid MRI. Scans were performed on 18 children with CS (mean: 12.5 ± 3.1 years, range: 6.0‐16.8 years, 10 female). Pulse wave velocity (PWV), aortic distensibility (AD) and carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT), well‐validated measurements of cardiac compromise, were measured from the images and compared to normative age‐matched values where available.ResultsPatients with CS had significantly higher PWV compared to age‐adjusted normal median control values (4.0 ± 0.7 m/s vs. 3.4 ± 0.2 m/s, respectively, P = 0.0115). PWV was positively correlated with midnight plasma cortisol (r = 0.56, P = 0.02). Internal and common cIMT were negatively correlated with ascending AD (r = −0.75, P = 0.0022, r = −0.69, P = 0.0068, respectively).ConclusionPulse wave velocity data indicate that paediatric patients with CS have early evidence of cardiovascular remodelling. The results suggest the opportunity for monitoring as these changes begin in childhood.
Biotransformation of the Fluorinated Nonsteroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Pharmaceutical Flurbiprofen in Activated Sludge Results in Accumulation of a Recalcitrant Fluorinated Aromatic Metabolite
Authors: Yanaç Kadir , Murdoch Robert W. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractFlurbiprofen is a fluorinated, nonsteroidal, anti‐inflammatory pharmaceutical with potential application in a wide range of maladies. Currently, there is no information regarding its environmental fate. To address this, flurbiprofen is spiked at 500 and 50 ppm into activated sewage sludge taken from the municipal treatment plant of Ankara, Turkey. Flurbiprofen is partially degraded after 80 days, with removal proportion varying from 33% to 48%. Isolation of organisms able to use flurbiprofen as a sole carbon and energy source is unsuccessful. A transient, acid‐labile yellow coloration appears in supernatants after addition of flurbiprofen. During disappearance, a novel potential metabolite is detected by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses, a chemical that does not appear in killed controls or in nonflurbiprofen‐amended controls. Mass spectra of the novel chemical obtained at low and high collision energies are consistent with 4‐(1‐carboxyethyl)‐2‐fluorobenzoic acid, suggesting the application of a canonical metabolic paradigm for halogenated biphenyl metabolism by bacteria in which the nonhalogenated ring is metabolized by dioxygenation and metacleavage, leaving the halogenated aromatic ring behind. This metabolite shows no signs of disappearance after the 80‐day monitoring period, implying that the environmental release of flurbiprofen might be of concern.
Factors Affecting the Study of Chemistry in Different Countries Around the World: Findings from an International Survey
Authors: Blonder Ron , Mamlok‐Naaman Rachel 
Published: January 2019

AbstractImproving teaching and student learning in chemistry classrooms is an important goal that is constantly researched. Several comparative studies of science teaching have been carried out on different parameters, e. g. misconceptions which science teachers and students may have regarding the scientific concepts they learn and teach. Here we describe science teaching in general, and chemistry teaching in particular, in 12 countries including Israel. Different parameters are compared, including the hours that are devoted to science, the subjects included, the pedagogy, and teachers′ salaries. The survey covers all school levels: elementary school, secondary school and high school. At the high‐school level, the comparison focused on chemistry studies. In this study the variances variables, such as the hours that are allocated for science teaching, did not show an appreciable effect on students′ achievements. It was also found that, in countries where chemistry studies at the high‐school level are not mandatory, innovative pedagogies are more likely to replace the traditional chemistry teaching methods where chemistry is taught according to the structure of the subject based on basic concepts that underlie the curriculum. The study provided an additional support to the importance of the professional development of science and chemistry teachers and suggest that the autonomy that is given to them could influence the quality of science teaching and students′ achievements.
Heterogeneity in risk aversion and risk sharing regressions
Authors: Asdrubali Pierfederico , Tedeschi Simone , Ventura Luigi 
Published: January 2019

SummaryHeterogeneity in risk attitudes, if not properly accounted for, may induce a bias on the income coefficient of standard consumption insurance regressions. We show that, extending the theoretical analysis and empirical findings in Schulhofer‐Wohl (Journal of Political Economy, 2011, 119, 925–958), the sign of the bias is ambiguous, and depends on cycle‐related variables and on the covariances of both aggregate and idiosyncratic risk with individual risk aversion.
Aptamer‐integrated α‐Gal liposomes as bispecific agents to trigger immune response for killing tumor cells
Authors: Hong Shanni , Ding Pi , Luo Yu , Gao Tian , Zhang Ye , Pei Renjun 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA novel bispecific α‐Gal liposome was constructed by self‐assembling AS1411 aptamers into the α‐Gal containing liposomes. The α‐Gal liposomes were prepared using cell membranes of red blood cells from rabbit, which are composed of cholesterol, phospholipids, and α‐Gal glycolipids. AS1411 is a DNA aptamer with high specificity and affinity for nucleolin and could integrate into liposomes by the modification of cholesterol. The bispecific α‐Gal liposomes surface‐functionalized by α‐Gal and AS1411 aptamer could recognize anti‐Gal antibodies and nucleolin overexpressed by tumor cells simultaneously, followed by activating the immune system to attack the tumor cells, resulting in the lysis of the tumor cells by antibody dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity. Under simulated tumor environment, the lysis rate of MCF‐7 cells treated by the AS1411 modified α‐Gal liposomes drastically increased compared to the liposomes without AS1411 aptamer. This study suggests that the AS1411 modified α‐Gal liposomes can recognize nucleolin‐overexpressing tumor cells selectively, subsequently improve the effect of the immunotherapy with high specificity. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1176–1183, 2019.
High prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease among healthy male blood donors of urban India
Authors: Duseja Ajay , Najmy Shaneez , Sachdev Suchet , Pal Arnab , Sharma Rati Ram , Marwah Neelam , Chawla Yogesh 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundThere is limited data on the community prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The present study evaluated the prevalence of NAFLD in a large number of healthy male blood donors of urban north India.MethodologyIn a prospective study performed over 18 months, voluntary blood donors fulfilling the requisite blood donation criteria and consenting to participate in the study were evaluated. The study received the approval of the institute's ethics committee. Diagnosis of NAFLD was made by excluding significant alcohol intake, ultrasound showing hepatic steatosis, and exclusion of transfusion associated infections. Subjects were also evaluated for various metabolic risk factors and the presence of metabolic syndrome.ResultsOf 1388 subjects who consented for participation, 386 did not come for evaluation. Three females, nine (0.9%) HBsAg‐positive, and four (0.4%) anti‐HCV positive subjects were excluded. Of the 986 males evaluated with hepatobiliary ultrasound, 543(55.1%) had fatty liver on ultrasonography [15 (1.5%) alcoholic fatty liver and 528 (53.5%) NAFLD]. Among those with NAFLD, 469 (88.8%), 54 (10.2%), and 5 (0.9%) had mild, moderate, and severe hepatic steatosis, respectively. Subjects with NAFLD, when compared to those without NAFLD, had significantly higher age, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, total cholesterol and triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein, and fasting plasma glucose. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated age, BMI, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and number of metabolic syndrome criteria as independent predictors of NAFLD.ConclusionsUrban Indian healthy male blood donors have a high prevalence of NAFLD.
Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Combined With Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced Perfusion MRI of Early Cervical Carcinoma: Correlations Between Multimodal Parameters and HIF‐1α Expression
Authors: Li Xiangsheng , Wu Shandong , Li Dechang , Yu Tao , Zhu Hongxian , Song Yunlong , Meng Limin , Fan Hongxia , Xie Lizhi 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundThe identification of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF‐1α) expression is helpful for the quantitative assessment of tumor hypoxia. The application of multimodal imaging techniques may play a part in the assessment of HIF‐1α expression of cervical carcinoma.PurposeTo investigate the correlations between multiple imaging parameters and HIF‐1α expression of early cervical carcinoma and to determine whether tumor hypoxia can be predicted using multisequence imaging parameters.Study TypeProspective observational.PopulationOne hundred patients with early cervical carcinoma.Field Strength/Sequences3.0 T MRI including intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) perfusion MRI sequences.AssessmentDCE‐MRI and IVIM DWI were performed for all patients. The imaging parameters included volume transfer constant (Ktrans), rate constant (Kep), extravascular extracellular volume fraction (Ve), D, D*, and f.Statistical TestsThe comparisons of imaging parameters between two independent groups were performed using the Mann–Whitney U‐test. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the correlation between multiple imaging parameters and HIF‐1α expression. The diagnostic ability of DCE‐MRI, IVIM DWI, and the combination of two techniques for discriminating high‐expression and low‐expression groups were analyzed.ResultsThe high‐expression group had a lower Ktrans or Kep value than the low‐expression group (P = 0.03; 0.02), while the high‐expression group had a higher Ve value than the low‐expression group (P = 0.03). The high‐expression group had a higher D or f value than the low‐expression group (P = 0.02; 0.02). Ktrans, Kep, D, Ve, and f values were independently correlated with HIF‐1α expression. The sensitivity or accuracy of a combined method was higher than that of DCE‐MRI or IVIM DWI individually (P = 0.03, 0.02; 0.04, 0.03).Data ConclusionThe combination of DCE‐MRI and IVIM DWI can improve the diagnostic ability of discriminating different HIF‐1α expression levels for early cervical tumors.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy Stage: 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:918–929.
Diagnostic performance of MR for hepatocellular carcinoma based on LI‐RADS v2018, compared with v2017
Authors: Ren A‐Hong , Zhao Peng‐Fei , Yang Da‐Wei , Du Jing‐Bo , Wang Zhen‐Chang , Yang Zheng‐Han 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundThe Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI‐RADS) is widely adopted for noninvasive diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It's updated to version 2018 recently, with some major changes compared with v2017. However, the diagnostic performance of LI‐RADS v2018 and its difference with v2017 are yet to be validated.PurposeTo compare the diagnostic performances of LI‐RADS on MR for diagnosing HCC between v2017 and v2018.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsIn all, 181 patients with 217 hepatic observations (146 HCCs, 16 non‐HCC malignancies and 55 benign lesions) with liver MRI and pathological or follow‐up imaging diagnoses.Field Strength/Sequence1.5 T or 3 T MRI. Dual‐echo T1WI, T2WI, diffusion‐weighted imaging, and a liver acquisition with volume acceleration.AssessmentImages were independently interpreted by three radiologists, and then in consensus for observations with different LR categories, according to LI‐RADS v2017 and v2018, separately.Statistical TestsSensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (+LR), and Youden index.ResultsWhen adopting LR‐5 as a predictor of HCC, the sensitivity (80.8% vs. 71.2%), NPV (69.6% vs. 60.7%), and accuracy (83.9% vs. 77.9%) were all increased for LI‐RADS v2018 compared with v2017, with a greater Youden index (0.709 vs. 0.627). However, the diagnostic performances of MRI for diagnosing HCC were not changed while adopting LR‐4/5 as a predictor. The threshold growths of 76% (19/25) observations in v2017 were revised to subthreshold growth in v2018, and 16 LR‐4 observations in v2017 were changed to LR‐5 based on v2018.Data ConclusionThe diagnostic performance of LI‐RADS v2018 for diagnosing HCC is superior to v2017, with a greater sensitivity, NPV, and accuracy. The revisions in v2018 mainly affect the categorization when adopting LR‐5 as a predictor of HCC.Level of Evidence: 4Technical Efficacy Stage: 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:746–755.