bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Platform technology to generate broadly cross‐reactive antibodies to α‐helical epitopes in hemagglutinin proteins from influenza A viruses
Authors: Jiang Ziqing , Gera Lajos , Mant Colin T. , Hirsch Brooke , Yan Zhe , Shortt Jonathan A. , Pollock David D. , Qian Zhaohui , Holmes Kathryn V. , Hodges Robert S. 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTWe have utilized a de novo designed two‐stranded α‐helical coiled‐coil template to display conserved α‐helical epitopes from the stem region of hemagglutinin (HA) glycoproteins of influenza A. The immunogens have all the surface‐exposed residues of the native α‐helix in the native HA protein of interest displayed on the surface of the two‐stranded α‐helical coiled‐coil template. This template when used as an immunogen elicits polyclonal antibodies which bind to the α‐helix in the native protein. We investigated the highly conserved sequence region 421–476 of HA by inserting 21 or 28 residue sequences from this region into our template. The cross‐reactivity of the resulting rabbit polyclonal antibodies prepared to these immunogens was determined using a series of HA proteins from H1N1, H2N2, H3N2, H5N1, H7N7, and H7N9 virus strains which are representative of Group 1 and Group 2 virus subtypes of influenza A. Antibodies from region 449–476 were Group 1 specific. Antibodies to region 421–448 showed the greatest degree of cross‐reactivity to Group 1 and Group 2 and suggested that this region has a great potential as a “universal” synthetic peptide vaccine for influenza A. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 144–159, 2016.
The outcomes of newly diagnosed elderly multiple myeloma patients treated at a single U.S. institution
Authors: Bonomo Lauren , Lue Jerry , Jagannath Sundar , Chari Ajai 
Published: January 2016

AbstractImprovements in the outcomes of elderly multiple myeloma (MM) patients have lagged behind those of transplant‐eligible patients, likely due in part to the use of less efficacious melphalan‐containing regimens. To date, there are very limited data for the outcomes of elderly MM patients in the United States (US), particularly for novel agent‐containing triplet regimens. In this retrospective study at a single U.S. institution, the outcomes of 117 consecutive newly diagnosed, symptomatic MM patients over the age of 70 were evaluated. The median age was 75 years (range 70–95) with significant baseline comorbidities including 36% cardiac and 20% renal (CrCl < 30 mL/min). The median follow‐up was 43 months and the median number of lines of therapy during the study period was 2 (1–7). Eighty‐six patients (83%) received non‐melphalan doublet, triplet, or quadruplet initial therapy, most with significant planned dose attenuations. For those treated with dose‐attenuated RVD (n = 34), the outcomes were particularly impressive with overall response rate (ORR), complete remission and very good partial remission (CR + VGPR), and progression‐free survival (PFS) of 94%, 65%, and 36 months, respectively, and overall survival (OS) not reached. The PFS with RVD was significantly greater than that of all other regimens (P = 0.030), including RD.
Family history of breast cancer and its association with disease severity and mortality
Authors: Melvin Jennifer C. , Wulaningsih Wahyu , Hana Zac , Purushotham Arnie D. , Pinder Sarah E. , Fentiman Ian , Gillett Cheryl , Mera Anca , Holmberg Lars , Van Hemelrijck Mieke 
Published: January 2016

AbstractA family history (FH) of breast cancer (BC) is known to increase an individual's risk of disease onset. However, its role in disease severity and mortality is less clear. We aimed to ascertain associations between FH of BC, severity and BC‐specific mortality in a hospital‐based cohort of 5354 women with prospective information on FH. We included women diagnosed at Guy's and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust between 1975 and 2012 (n = 5354). BC severity was defined and categorized as good, moderate, and poor prognosis. Data on BC‐specific mortality was obtained from the National Cancer Registry and medical records. Associations between FH and disease severity or BC‐specific mortality were evaluated using proportional odds models and Cox proportional hazard regression models, respectively. Available data allowed adjustment for potential confounders (e.g., treatment, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity). FH of any degree was not associated with disease severity at time of diagnosis (adjusted proportional OR: 1.00 [95% CI: 0.85 to 1.17]), which remained true also after stratification by period of diagnosis. FH of BC was not associated with BC‐mortality HR: 0.99 (95% CI: 0.93 to 1.05). We did not find evidence to support an association between FH of BC and severity and BC‐specific mortality. Our results indicate that clinical management should not differ between women with and without FH, when the underlying mutation is unknown.
Gal‐3 does not suppress cisplatin‐induced apoptosis in A‐375 melanoma cells
Authors: Pokrywka Małgorzata , Bubka Monika , Janik Marcelina , Pocheć Ewa , Hoja‐Łukowicz Dorota , Lityńska Anna 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMelanoma is the most aggressive of all skin cancers and is exceptionally resistant to therapies. During melanoma progression, cancer cells reprogram their proliferation and survival pathways and achieve resistance to treatment‐induced apoptosis. Galectin‐3 (gal‐3) is a member of the lectin family and is involved in such biological processes as cell adhesion, growth and differentiation, the cell cycle, and apoptosis. Gal‐3 also plays an important role in tumor development and metastasis. The relationship between gal‐3 expression and these processes is specific to the tumor type and the stage of cancer progression. The biological functions of gal‐3 depend on its localization in the cell. In the present study, human metastatic melanoma A‐375 cells, characterized by weak endogenous expression of gal‐3, were transfected with gal‐3 cDNA and cisplatin‐induced apoptosis was measured. Data from AnnexinV and mitochondrial membrane potential analysis revealed that gal‐3 did not protect the A‐375 melanoma cells against cisplatin. This result probably is associated with its nuclear localization in the cells.
Gender diversity within the workforce in the microfinance industry in Africa: Economic performance and sustainability
Authors: Augustine Darline , Wheat Christopher O. , Jones Kisha S. , Baraldi Monica , Malgwi Charles A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis study examines the relationship of gender diversity within the workforce and the sustainability of economic performance within the microfinance industry in Africa as compared to the rest of the world. Measuring economic performance helps to demonstrate whether resources are effectively utilized to achieve social performance objectives. We use ROA—the most common measure of profit for financial institutions—to capture financial performance, and OpEx—the most widely used indicator of efficiency—to capture operating efficiency. We measure gender diversity within the microfinance workforce at two hierarchical levels. Our analysis of a data set of 1,389 observations in 1,053 firms suggests that gender diversity enhances economic performance, especially in Africa. We propose that policymakers and practitioners consider these results to determine how to best deploy women within the microfinance workforce to deliver sustainable economic performance. Copyright © 2016 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global gray‐level thresholding based on object size
Authors: Ranefall Petter , Wählby Carolina 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn this article, we propose a fast and robust global gray‐level thresholding method based on object size, where the selection of threshold level is based on recall and maximum precision with regard to objects within a given size interval. The method relies on the component tree representation, which can be computed in quasi‐linear time. Feature‐based segmentation is especially suitable for biomedical microscopy applications where objects often vary in number, but have limited variation in size. We show that for real images of cell nuclei and synthetic data sets mimicking fluorescent spots the proposed method is more robust than all standard global thresholding methods available for microscopy applications in ImageJ and CellProfiler. The proposed method, provided as ImageJ and CellProfiler plugins, is simple to use and the only required input is an interval of the expected object sizes. © 2016 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Chondroid syringoma of the axilla: An unusual tumor diagnosed by fine needle aspiration
Authors: Rogers Robert , Zhou Fang , Grunes Dianne , Shapiro Richard L. , Bannan Michael , Simsir Aylin , Leung Allen 
Published: January 2016

Chondroid syringoma (CS) is a rare benign adnexal tumor of the skin with a resemblance to pleomorphic adenoma of salivary gland, most commonly involving the head and neck region. In the present literature, reports of the cytologic appearance of CS are scarce as it is rarely encountered by fine needle aspiration (FNA). A 67‐year‐old woman presented with a 1 year history of a 1 cm subcutaneous nodule in the right axilla. FNA biopsy was performed revealing an epithelial–mesenchymal biphasic neoplasm suggesting CS. Surgical excision confirmed the diagnosis and demonstrated extensive ossification, an extremely rare feature, with only seven reported cases, all located on the head. CS is a rare benign adnexal tumor of the skin, often overlooked due to its unremarkable clinical presentation. FNA is a reliable tool for the diagnosis of CS and helps guide optimal surgical management. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:342–346. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HER 2 immunohistochemistry for breast cancer cell blocks can be used in the same way as that used for histological specimens
Authors: Nishimura Rieko , Okamoto Nami , Satou Masakazu , Kojima Kenta , Tanaka Shinichi 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundHuman epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) testing of samples from recurrent or metastatic breast cancer is recommended by the 2013 update of the American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists guidelines. Although cytological analysis can be applied to several types of metastatic lesions, the practical method for HER2 testing of cytological specimens is yet to be resolved. We conducted immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for HER2 in breast cancer cell blocks (CBs) and compared the results with those from the corresponding histological specimens. In cases of discrepancy between the two types of specimen, the bright‐field HER2 dual in situ hybridization (DISH) assay was performed.MethodsCBs were prepared from 54 surgically excised breast cancers. The cells were fixed in 10% buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin. A Ventana BenchMark ULTRA (Roche Diagnostics) with anti‐HER‐2/neu (4B5) rabbit monoclonal primary antibody and INFORM HER2/neu Dual ISH DNA Probe Cocktail was used for the assays.ResultsSuccessful results were obtained in 52 of 54 CBs. Forty cases showed agreement between CBs and the histological specimens. No discrepancy was observed between the two types of specimens in cases where HER2 expression was positive. IHC results of CB in 12 discrepant cases were HER2 intermediate or negative. The DISH results of 11 of these cases were negative.ConclusionIHC staining of HER2 for breast cancer CBs can be used in the same way as that used for histological specimens, although the number of equivocal cases in CBs is greater than that in histological specimens. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:274–279. © 2016 The Authors Diagnostic Cytopathology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developmental aspects of fear: Comparing the acquisition and generalization of conditioned fear in children and adults
Authors: Schiele Miriam A. , Reinhard Julia , Reif Andreas , Domschke Katharina , Romanos Marcel , Deckert Jürgen , Pauli Paul 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTMost research on human fear conditioning and its generalization has focused on adults whereas only little is known about these processes in children. Direct comparisons between child and adult populations are needed to determine developmental risk markers of fear and anxiety. We compared 267 children and 285 adults in a differential fear conditioning paradigm and generalization test. Skin conductance responses (SCR) and ratings of valence and arousal were obtained to indicate fear learning. Both groups displayed robust and similar differential conditioning on subjective and physiological levels. However, children showed heightened fear generalization compared to adults as indexed by higher arousal ratings and SCR to the generalization stimuli. Results indicate overgeneralization of conditioned fear as a developmental correlate of fear learning. The developmental change from a shallow to a steeper generalization gradient is likely related to the maturation of brain structures that modulate efficient discrimination between danger and (ambiguous) safety cues. © 2016 The Authors. Developmental Psychobiology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 58: 471–481, 2016.
Accounting for size‐specific predation improves our ability to predict the strength of a trophic cascade
Authors: Stevenson Christine F. , Demes Kyle W. , Salomon Anne K. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPredation can influence the magnitude of herbivory that grazers exert on primary producers by altering both grazer abundance and their per capita consumption rates via changes in behavior, density‐dependent effects, and size. Therefore, models based solely on changes in abundance may miss key components of grazing pressure. We estimated shifts in grazing pressure associated with changes in the abundance and per capita consumption rates of sea urchins triggered by size‐selective predation by sea otters (Enhydra lutris). Field surveys suggest that sea otters dramatically decreased the abundance and median size of sea urchins. Furthermore, laboratory experiments revealed that kelp consumption by sea urchins varied nonlinearly as a function of urchin size such that consumption rates increased to the 0.56 and 0.68 power of biomass for red and green urchins, respectively. This reveals that shifts in urchin size structure due to size‐selective predation by sea otters alter sea urchin per capita grazing rates. Comparison of two quantitative models estimating total consumptive capacity revealed that a model incorporating shifts in urchin abundance while neglecting urchin size structure overestimated grazing pressure compared to a model that incorporated size. Consequently, incorporating shifts in urchin size better predicted field estimates of kelp abundance compared to equivalent models based on urchin abundance alone. We provide strong evidence that incorporating size‐specific parameters increases our ability to describe and predict trophic interactions.
Population genomics of divergence among extreme and intermediate color forms in a polymorphic insect
Authors: Lozier Jeffrey D. , Jackson Jason M. , Dillon Michael E. , Strange James P. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractGeographic variation in insect coloration is among the most intriguing examples of rapid phenotypic evolution and provides opportunities to study mechanisms of phenotypic change and diversification in closely related lineages. The bumble bee Bombus bifarius comprises two geographically disparate color groups characterized by red‐banded and black‐banded abdominal pigmentation, but with a range of spatially and phenotypically intermediate populations across western North America. Microsatellite analyses have revealed that B. bifarius in the USA are structured into two major groups concordant with geography and color pattern, but also suggest ongoing gene flow among regional populations. In this study, we better resolve the relationships among major color groups to better understand evolutionary mechanisms promoting and maintaining such polymorphism. We analyze >90,000 and >25,000 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms derived from transcriptome (RNAseq) and double digest restriction site associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD), respectively, in representative samples from spatial and color pattern extremes in B. bifarius as well as phenotypic and geographic intermediates. Both ddRAD and RNAseq data illustrate substantial genome‐wide differentiation of the red‐banded (eastern) color form from both black‐banded (western) and intermediate (central) phenotypes and negligible differentiation among the latter populations, with no obvious admixture among bees from the two major lineages. Results thus indicate much stronger background differentiation among B. bifarius lineages than expected, highlighting potential challenges for revealing loci underlying color polymorphism from population genetic data alone. These findings will have significance for resolving taxonomic confusion in this species and in future efforts to investigate color‐pattern evolution in B. bifarius and other polymorphic bumble bee species.
Abnormal N‐Heterocyclic‐Carbene‐Mediated Fixation of CO2 and N2O, and the Activation of Tetrahydro­furan and Tetrahydrothiophene under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Thakur Arunabha , Vardhanapu Pavan K. , Vijaykumar Gonela , Kumar Hota Pradip , Mandal Swadhin K. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractA strong σ‐donor abnormal N‐heterocyclic carbene (aNHC), 1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐2,4‐diphenylimidazol‐5‐ylidene (L1), reacted with B(C6F5)3 in the presence of CO2 and N2O to form the adducts [aNHC·CO2·B(C6F5)3] (1) and [aNHC·N2O·B(C6F5)3] (2), respectively, in high yields at room temperature within a very short period of time. Furthermore, this aNHC/B(C6F5)3 reagent system was found to be very efficient for the ring‐opening of tetrahydrofuran (thf) and tetrahydrothiophene (tht), affording 3 and 4, respectively, within 5–10 min at room temperature in good yields. Interestingly, this aNHC forms the air‐stable Lewis acid/base adduct [aNHC·B(C6F5)3] (5) with B(C6F5)3 in the absence of any suitable substrate upon keeping this mixture in solution. DFT calculations showed that the Lewis acid/base adduct 5 is energetically less stable than compounds 1–4, and this may be the driving force for the formation of compounds 1–4 in the presence of small molecules such as CO2, N2O, thf and tht. All the new compounds were characterized spectroscopically (1H, 13C, 19F and 11B NMR, IR spectroscopy) in solution and the solid‐state structures were unambiguously established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis.
Controlled Synthesis of Pnicogen–Chalcogen Polycations in Ionic Li­quids
Authors: Groh Matthias F. , Isaeva Anna , Müller Ulrike , Gebauer Paul , Knies Maximilian , Ruck Michael 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThree new pnicogen–chalcogen polycations were synthesized under specific conditions in the Lewis‐acidic ionic liquids (ILs) [EMIm]X·nAlX3 and [BMIm]X·nAlX3 (X = Cl, Br; [EMIm]: 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium, [BMIm]: 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) and crystallized as their tetrahalogenidoaluminate salts. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction revealed the new polycation [Bi6Te4Br2]4+ in triclinic [Bi6Te4Br2](AlBr4)4 as the reaction product of bismuth, tellurium, and bismuth tribromide. Substitution of the elements with Bi2Te3 yielded the heterocubane [Bi4Te4]4+ in tetragonal [Bi4Te4](AlBr4)4, which crystallizes isotypically to its known chlorine counterpart. The latter is also accessible from ILs. The interactions between cations and anions were evaluated by quantum‐chemical calculations. Bi2S3, which is insoluble in most media, readily dissolves in the employed IL and forms the new augmented heterocubane [Bi3S4AlCl]3+, which crystallizes with the complex anion [S(AlCl3)3]2– as triclinic [Bi3S4AlCl][S(AlCl3)3]AlCl4. Quantum‐chemical calculations support the assignment of elements in this compound. The monoclinic crystal structure of [Sb13Se16](AlCl4)6(Al2Cl7) contains a new member of the small family of pnicogen–chalcogen spiro‐heterocubanes.
Biphenyl Bis(amino alcohol) Oxalamide Gelators: Complex Gelation Involving Coupled Equilibria, Central‐to‐Axial Chirality Transfer, Dia­stereoisomer Interconversion, and Self‐Sorting
Authors: Portada Tomislav , Molčanov Krešimir , Šijaković Vujičić Nataša , Žinić Mladen 
Published: January 2016

AbstractChiral gelators 3 and 4, with two valinol‐ or leucinol‐oxalamido arms attached to the 2,2′‐positions of the proatropisomeric biphenyl group, were prepared, and their gels were studied. Compound (R,R)‐3 in the solution and gel states forms a mixture of major [(R,aR,R)‐3] and minor [(R,aS,R)‐3] diastereomers due to central‐to‐axial chirality transfer. 1H NMR studies of its toluene gel provide evidence of diastereomer interconversion and self‐sorting, which results in exclusive incorporation of (R,aR,R)‐3 into the gel network. Gels formed in the 10–3 M concentration range show an irregular Tg/concentration dependence, which is in contrast to those formed in the 10–2 M concentration range. The peculiar properties of the former gels may be explained by kinetic effects due to the presence of coupled equilibria comprising diastereomer interconversion and (R,aR,R)‐3 self‐assembly where the rate of gelation becomes dependent on the rate of formation of the gelling (R,aR,R)‐3 from the nongelling (R,aS,R)‐3.
I2‐Promoted Condensation/Cyclization of Aryl Methyl Ketones with Anilines for Facile Synthesis of 1,2,4‐Triarylpyrroles
Authors: Xu Hui , Wang Fang‐Jian , Xin Ming , Zhang Ze 
Published: January 2016

AbstractA novel iodine‐mediated cascade condensation‐cyclization of aryl methyl ketones with anilines has been successfully developed. According to this strategy, a variety of 1,2,4‐triarylpyrroles were straightforwardly synthesized in moderate to good yields from very simple and readily available starting materials. A tentative reaction mechanism is presented.
Simultaneous heat shock and in situ adsorption enhance plumbagin production in Plumbago indica root cultures
Authors: Jaisi Amit , Panichayupakaranant Pharkphoom 
Published: January 2016

Plumbago indica L. is an important source of plumbagin, a commercially valuable bioactive compound. However, the uses of plumbagin are limited due to its low supply as well as low yields and slow growth of the plant sources. This study evaluated the use of a simple, easy, and low‐cost approach using heat shock (HS) and ultrasound (US), and an in situ adsorption using a nonpolar copolymer adsorbent styrene‐divynilbenzene resin (Diaion® HP‐20) to enhance plumbagin production in Plumbago indica root cultures. Treatment with HS (60°C) for 10 min significantly increased the production of plumbagin (5.51 mg/g DW) by up to five‐fold, compared to the level in untreated root cultures (1.14 mg/g DW). In contrast, treatments with US alone or with HS treatment produced no satisfactory increase of plumbagin production. However, combined treatment of a 20‐day‐old root culture with HS (60°C, for 10 min) in the presence of Diaion® HP‐20 (10 g/L) markedly increased the production up to 20.28 mg/g DW of plumbagin that was almost 14‐fold higher, compared to the level in an untreated root culture. Such an increase would be sufficient for commercial applications of this method to produce plumbagin.