bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic alterations of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in iodine‐rich and iodine‐deficient countries
Authors: Vuong Huy Gia , Kondo Tetsuo , Oishi Naoki , Nakazawa Tadao , Mochizuki Kunio , Inoue Tomohiro , Tahara Ippei , Kasai Kazunari , Hirokawa Mitsuyoshi , Tran Thong Minh , Katoh Ryohei 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBRAF V600E mutation, RET rearrangements, and RAS mutations are the common genetic alterations in differentiated thyroid carcinomas derived from follicular thyroid cells. However, the relationship between these alterations and iodine intake is still controversial. To clarify the influence of iodine intake on the occurrence of differentiated thyroid carcinomas, we performed molecular analyses for two differentiated carcinomas, papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) and follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs), from an iodine‐rich country (Japan) and an iodine‐deficient country (Vietnam). We examined 120 PTCs (67 Japanese and 53 Vietnamese) and 74 FTCs (51 Japanese and 23 Vietnamese). We carried out allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (AS‐PCR) for BRAF V600E, PCR and direct sequencing for RAS mutations (codon 12, 13, and 61 in NRAS, HRAS, and KRAS), and RT‐PCR for RET/PTC1 and RET/PTC3. BRAF V600E was present in 55/67 (82.1%) Japanese PTCs and 44/53 (83%) Vietnamese PTCs. RET/PTC1 was identified in only one PTC from each country, and no samples had RET/PTC3. NRAS mutation was found in 17/51 (33.3%) Japanese FTCs and 4/23 (17.4%) Vietnamese FTCs. NRAS mutation was cited in codon 61 (20 cases) and codon 12 (one case). None of FTCs had KRAS or HRAS mutations. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of BRAF V600E, RET/PTC, or RAS mutations between the two countries. Our study showed no differences in genetic alterations of thyroid cancers from iodine‐rich and iodine‐deficient countries, possibly suggesting that iodine intake might not affect the genetic alterations of differentiated thyroid cancer.
Tracking Protein S‐Fatty Acylation with Proteomics
Authors: Birner‐Gruenberger Ruth , Breinbauer Rolf 
Published: June 2016

AbstractRecently, Hang and co‐workers developed “acyl‐PEG exchange” (APE), which allows the investigation of protein S‐fatty acylation with mass‐tag labelling and gel electrophoresis, methods that are accessible to any biochemistry laboratory.
Synthesis of Vinyl Carboxylic Acids using Carbon Dioxide as a Carbon Source by Iron‐Catalyzed Hydromagnesiation
Authors: Santhoshkumar Rajagopal , Hong Ya‐Chun , Luo Ching‐Zong , Wu Yun‐Ching , Hung Chen‐Hsun , Hwang Kuen‐Yuan , Tu An‐Pang , Cheng Chien‐Hong 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAn iron‐catalyzed synthesis of α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids from alkynes and carbon dioxide was developed. This reaction proceeds through hydromagnesiation of alkynes followed by carbon dioxide insertion under atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature in the presence of iron and a Grignard reagent as a catalyst and hydride source, respectively. Several symmetrical and unsymmetrical alkynes were transformed into the corresponding acids in good to excellent yields. The methodology provides an efficient route to the synthesis of vinyl carboxylic acids.
On the Availability of Active Sites for the Hydrogen Peroxide and Oxygen Reduction Reactions on Highly Dispersed Platinum Nanoparticles
Authors: Timperman Laure , Luo Yun , Alonso‐Vante Nicolas 
Published: June 2016

AbstractCarbon‐supported platinum nanoparticles (Pt/C) were synthesized by the carbonyl chemical route. The obtained Pt/C catalysts with different Pt mass loadings, varying from 5 to 50 wt %, showed constant morphology with particle sizes of about 2 nm and a dispersion of around 50 %. The electrochemical surface area, determined from CO stripping and hydrogen underpotential deposition, increased with the Pt mass loading, which confirmed that agglomeration was negligible. The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) half‐wave potential was positively shifted with an increase in the Pt mass loading, and the ORR kinetic current was (40±10) μA cm−2Pt. The data collected on a rotating ring‐disk electrode for the ORR pathway revealed a two‐electron serial mechanism (hydrogen peroxide), instead of the four‐electron transfer (water). The determined turnover frequency factor indicated good selectivity of the Pt active sites for the ORR with 1 or 2 mm H2O2 in the electrolyte for samples with mass loadings ranging from 15 to 40 wt %. The ORR was markedly affected by the mass loading (5–10 wt % Pt/C) in the presence of 2 mm H2O2.
Designed Formation of MnO2@NiO/NiMoO4 Nanowires@Nanosheets Hierarchical Structures with Enhanced Pseudocapacitive Properties
Authors: Chu Yanting , Xiong Shenglin , Li Baosong , Qian Yitai , Xi Baojuan 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAlthough the preparation of hierarchical structures of transition‐metal oxides (TMOs) has been intensively studied in recent years, it is still a great challenge to synthesize hierarchical multicomponent TMOs. Herein, we report a versatile method to fabricate three‐component TMOs, namely MnO2@NiO/NiMoO4 nanowires@nanosheets hierarchical porous composite structures (HPCSs). Through a combination of a chemical‐solution‐based route and subsequent calcination, the as‐prepared MnOOH@NiMo precursor is topotactically transformed to MnO2@NiO/NiMoO4 HPCSs without notable structural variation. Ultrathin NiO/NiMoO4 nanosheets become interconnected into a honeycomb analogue with plentiful mesopores. Comparative results demonstrate the vital role of hexamethylenetetramine (HMT), and the solvent system in the formation of the MnOOH@NiMo precursor. When examined as electrode materials for electrochemical capacitors, MnO2@NiO/NiMoO4 HPCSs, with an areal mass loading as high as 5 mg cm−2, deliver a specific capacitance of 918 F g−1 at a current density of 1.0 A g−1 and maintain good cycling stability, which displays better electrochemical performance than electrodes composed of a single component. Note that a high‐voltage asymmetric supercapacitor is configured with MnO2@NiO/NiMoO4 HPCSs (still as high as 2 mg cm−2) against activated carbon, and exhibits outstanding cycling stability with a high energy density of 26.5 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 401 W kg−1. These analytical and experimental results clearly confirm the advantages of distinctive 3D multicomponent hierarchical architectures for engineering high‐performance electrochemical capacitors.
Electrochemically Prepared Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxy‐ thiophene)/Polypyrrole Films with Hollow Micro‐/Nanohorn Arrays as High‐Efficiency Counter Electrodes for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Bai Yang , Xu Youlong , Wang Jie , Gao Mingqi , Zhu Jianbo , Rehman Wasif ur 
Published: June 2016

AbstractA two‐step approach is employed for quick and controllable electropolymerization of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)/polypyrrole (PPy) hollow micro‐/nanohorns on fluorinated tin oxide (FTO) glass substrates as counter electrodes (CEs) for Pt‐free dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs). PPy films with hollow micro‐/nanohorn arrays are grown on FTO glasses by a modified pulse potentiostatic method in the first step. Then PEDOT is potentiostatically polymerized onto them as the CEs. Owing to the relatively high catalytic activity of PEDOT and the high specific surface area of hollow micro‐/nanohorn PPy (hPPy), the compound film shows electrocatalytic activity for I3− reduction similar to that of Pt. Therefore, DSCs assembled with this CE exhibit comparable power conversion efficiency (7.08 %) to DSCs with Pt CEs (6.88 %). The PEDOT/PPy film with hollow micro‐/nanohorn arrays can be considered to be a promising alternative CE material for Pt‐free DSCs.
The Nature and Impact of Side Reactions in Glyme‐based Sodium–Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Black Robert , Shyamsunder Abhinandan , Adeli Parvin , Kundu Dipan , Murphy Graham K. , Nazar Linda F. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAlthough Na–O2 batteries have a low overpotential and good capacity retention, degradation reactions of glyme‐based electrolytes are the primary reason for inefficiency in cell performance. The discharge capacity is accounted for through analysis of the side‐products. Although sodium superoxide is the primary product (90 % theoretical), quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the side‐products (using 1H NMR, iodometric titration, and on‐line mass spectrometry) shows the presence of sodium acetate (∼3.5 %), and three‐fold less sodium formate, methoxy (oxo)acetic anhydride, and sodium carbonate. Our reaction mechanism proposes two paths for their formation. Because the side‐products are not fully removed during oxidation, they accumulate on the cathode upon cycling. Resting the cell at open circuit potential during discharge results in consumption of the superoxide through the reaction with diglyme, which greatly increases the fraction of side products, as also confirmed by ex situ reaction studies. These findings have implications in the search for more stable electrolytes.
Modeling of Sustainable Base Production by Microbial Electrolysis Cell
Authors: Blatter Maxime , Sugnaux Marc , Comninellis Christos , Nealson Kenneth , Fischer Fabian 
Published: June 2016

AbstractA predictive model for the microbial/electrochemical base formation from wastewater was established and compared to experimental conditions within a microbial electrolysis cell. A Na2SO4/K2SO4 anolyte showed that model prediction matched experimental results. Using Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1, a strong base (pH≈13) was generated using applied voltages between 0.3 and 1.1 V. Due to the use of bicarbonate, the pH value in the anolyte remained unchanged, which is required to maintain microbial activity.
Optimized automated data analysis for the cytokinesis‐block micronucleus assay using imaging flow cytometry for high throughput radiation biodosimetry
Authors: Rodrigues M. A. , Probst C. E. , Beaton‐Green L. A. , Wilkins R. C. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe cytokinesis‐block micronucleus (CBMN) assay is a well‐established technique that can be employed in triage radiation biodosimetry to estimate whole body doses of radiation to potentially exposed individuals through quantitation of the frequency of micronuclei (MN) in binucleated lymphocyte cells (BNCs). The assay has been partially automated using traditional microscope‐based methods and most recently has been modified for application on the ImageStreamX (ISX) imaging flow cytometer. This modification has allowed for a similar number of BNCs to be automatically scored as compared to traditional microscopy in a much shorter time period. However, the MN frequency measured was much lower than both manual and automated slide‐based methods of performing the assay. This work describes the optimized analysis template which implements newly developed functions in the IDEAS® data analysis software for the ISX that enhances specificity for BNCs and increases the frequency of scored MN. A new dose response calibration curve is presented in which the average rate of MN per BNC is of similar magnitude to those presented in the literature using automated CBMN slide scoring methods. In addition, dose estimates were generated for nine irradiated, blinded samples and were found to be within ±0.5 Gy of the delivered dose. Results demonstrate that the improved identification accuracy for MN and BNCs in the ISX‐based version of the CBMN assay will translate to increased accuracy when estimating unknown radiation doses received by exposed individuals following large‐scale radiological or nuclear emergencies. © 2016 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of ISAC
Multiple squamous cells in thyroid fine needle aspiration: Friends or foes?
Authors: Gage Heather , Hubbard Elizabeth , Nodit Laurentia 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundAbundant squamous cells are rarely encountered in thyroid FNA with only few case reports noted in the literature. Their presence and cytologic features may pose a diagnostic dilemma and challenges for proper classification and follow‐up. We intend to gain more insight into the frequency of this finding and its clinical significance.DesignOur electronic records were searched over 16 years to reveal 15 thyroid FNAs with abundant squamous cells. The available cytology and surgical resection slides were reviewed and radiologic records and clinical follow‐up was documented.ResultsOnly 15 out of 8811 thyroid FNAs from our department contained predominantly squamous cells (0.17%) of which two were interpreted as nondiagnostic, four as atypical, eight as benign, and one malignant. Surgical follow‐up was available in eight cases only with benign lesions representing the majority of the cases (squamous metaplasia in Hashimoto thyroiditis, benign epidermoid/branchial cleft or thyroglossal duct cysts, and one case squamous cell carcinoma). The cases without surgical resection were stable on subsequent ultrasound studies.ConclusionThyroid aspirates with predominance of squamous cells cannot be classified in the current Bethesda categories. Even when interpreted as atypical or equivocal, the squamous cells present in our small case series were mostly benign. The only malignant case was easily identified cytologically because of its higher degree of differentiation. The most common pitfall for atypical squamous cells in these aspirates was squamous metaplasia in the setting of Hashimoto thyroiditis and degenerative changes. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:676–681. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gap junctional signaling in pattern regulation: Physiological network connectivity instructs growth and form
Authors: Mathews Juanita , Levin Michael 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTGap junctions (GJs) are aqueous channels that allow cells to communicate via physiological signals directly. The role of gap junctional connectivity in determining single‐cell functions has long been recognized. However, GJs have another important role: the regulation of large‐scale anatomical pattern. GJs are not only versatile computational elements that allow cells to control which small molecule signals they receive and emit, but also establish connectivity patterns within large groups of cells. By dynamically regulating the topology of bioelectric networks in vivo, GJs underlie the ability of many tissues to implement complex morphogenesis. Here, a review of recent data on patterning roles of GJs in growth of the zebrafish fin, the establishment of left‐right patterning, the developmental dysregulation known as cancer, and the control of large‐scale head‐tail polarity, and head shape in planarian regeneration has been reported. A perspective in which GJs are not only molecular features functioning in single cells, but also enable global neural‐like dynamics in non‐neural somatic tissues has been proposed. This view suggests a rich program of future work which capitalizes on the rapid advances in the biophysics of GJs to exploit GJ‐mediated global dynamics for applications in birth defects, regenerative medicine, and morphogenetic bioengineering. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 643–673, 2017
A stochastic model for landscape patterns of biodiversity
Authors: Prevedello Jayme A. , Gotelli Nicholas J. , Metzger Jean Paul 
Published: June 2016

AbstractMany factors have been proposed to affect biodiversity patterns across landscapes, including patch area, patch isolation, edge distances, and matrix quality, but existing models emphasize only one or two of these factors at a time. Here we introduce a synthetic but simple individual‐based model that generates realistic patterns of species richness and density as a function of landscape structure. In this model, we simulated the stochastic placement of home ranges in landscapes, thus combining features of existing random placement and mid‐domain effect models. As such, the model allows investigation of whether and how geometric constraints on home range placement of individuals scale up to affect species abundance and richness in landscapes. The model encompassed a gradient of possible landscapes, from a strictly homogeneous landscape to an archipelago of discrete patches. The model incorporated only variation in home range size of individuals of different species, with a simple suitability index that controlled home range spread into areas of habitat and areas of inter‐habitat matrix. Demographic details of birth, death, and migration, as well as effects of species interactions were not included. Nevertheless, this simple model generated realistic patterns of biodiversity, including species–area curves and increases in diversity and abundance with decreasing isolation and increasing distance from patch edges. Species–area slopes (z values) generated by the model fell within the range observed in empirical studies on both true islands and habitat patches. Isolation and edge effects were stronger when the matrix was unsuitable, and became progressively weaker as matrix suitability increased, again in accordance with many empirical studies. When applied to a real data set on the abundance of 20 small mammal species sampled in forest patches in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, the model predicted increases in abundance and richness with increasing patch size, consistent with the general pattern observed with field data. The ability of this simple model to reproduce realistic qualitative patterns of biodiversity suggests that such patterns may be driven, at least in part, by geometric constraints acting on the placement of individual ranges, which ultimately affect biodiversity patterns at the landscape level.
Spatial patterns and controls on burned area for two contrasting fire regimes in Southern California
Authors: Faivre N. R. , Jin Y. , Goulden M. L. , Randerson J. T. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAn improved understanding of the mechanisms that regulate wildfire risk at local to regional scales is needed for the design of effective fire and ecosystem management. We investigated the spatial distribution of burned area in Southern California during 1960–2009 using five different data‐driven methods: multiple linear regression, generalized additive models (GAMs),GAMs with spatial autocorrelation, non‐linear multiplicative models, and random forest models. We used each method to separately develop burned area risk maps for Southern California's two distinct wildfire regimes: Santa Ana (SAfires), which occur during high wind events mostly in autumn, and non‐Santa Ana fires (non‐SAfires), which occur mostly during the hot and dry Mediterranean‐climate summer. The different methods explained 38–63% of the spatial variance in burned area forSAfires and 21–48% for non‐SAfires. The two fire regimes had contrasting drivers, with Fosberg fire weather index, relative humidity, minimum temperature, and distance to housing most important forSAfires, and shrub cover, road density, and distance to minor and major roads most important for non‐SAfires. Our modeling framework carries implications for the strategic placement of fire suppression resources, and for prevention planning in areas facing increasing human and climate pressures.
The role of local and regional processes on population synchrony along the gradients of habitat specialization
Authors: Pandit Shubha N. , Cottenie Karl , Enders Eva C. , Kolasa Jurek 
Published: June 2016

AbstractMetacommunity perspective highlights the role of space as a factor contributing to local community structure and dynamics. Often tests of metacommunity models rely on snapshot patterns of species distribution and abundance. Such patterns may introduce biases because they overlook differences in responses of constituent species to changing environmental conditions, particularly when such responses override patterns predicted from dispersal and biotic interactions alone. This applies, for example, to habitat generalists, whose responses to environmental variations differ from those of habitat specialists, resulting in different snapshot patterns at different times. Synchronized (i.e., correlated among sites) environmental variation is perhaps the most obvious case of environmental variation that could generate regular differences among species of different specialization. We hypothesized that synchronized environmental variation synchronizes local populations of habitat specialists to a greater degree than it does for habitat generalists as experiments have shown that habitat generalists are less sensitive to changing environmental conditions. To test this in an empirical system, we used time series data (nine annual surveys) on an invertebrate metacommunity of 49 rock pools on the coast of Jamaica. We found that population synchrony of a significant portion of 24 species sharing these rock pools increased with habitat specialization in response to environmental synchrony (represented by synchrony of environment). However, distance among rock pools, which may affect dispersal or shared perturbations, was negatively correlated with population synchrony of individual species, irrespective of their specialization. As only habitat specialists showed increasing synchrony with environmental synchrony, and both generalist and specialist synchrony were negatively correlated with distance, we infer that habitat generalists must be synchronized more by space‐related processes while habitat specialists by a combination of environmental forcing and dispersal. Overall, the study suggests that species of different habitat specialization show consistent differences with respect to local processes involving environmental variations but show fewer differences with respect to regional processes involving distance, at least when long‐term dynamics are concerned. Furthermore, the study identifies a rarely recognized link between variation in space and its consequences for variation in time—a link much more expressed among spatially restricted species such as habitat specialists.
Partitioning scleractinian coral diversity across reef sites and regions in the Western Indian Ocean
Authors: Ateweberhan Mebrahtu , McClanahan Timothy R. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractUnderstanding how diversity is organized is essential for inference about appropriate scales for natural resource research and management. In this study, we investigated variation in scleractinian coral taxonomic richness and community diversity in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) at different spatial scales. We sampled corals in 331 sites across nine countries. Sites were pooled into 11 distinct subregions based on previous investigations on coral community structure and between closures and reefs open to fishing for five regions with sufficient closure replication. We analyzed similarities in coral communities and compared differences in mean richness and Shannon diversity. Significant differences in alpha and beta components of diversity were tested at multiple spatial scales and between management types against a random distribution null model. Rarefaction was used to investigate significant difference in total taxonomic richness among regions. Coral communities were mainly structured along Acropora and massive Porites dominance lines. Highest dissimilarity among coral communities was found at the regional level and within‐ and between‐subregion variations accounted for most of the coral diversity. Beta components were responsible for higher proportions of taxonomic richness of which a large part was explained by the site‐region interaction. Alpha diversity contributed most to Shannon diversity and site level richness and Shannon diversity had similar relationships with latitude, peaking at about 10°S. Alpha diversity also showed significant relationship with water temperature variability, peaking at a sea surface temperature standard deviation of about 1.4 °C, corresponding to the same 10°S latitude. Relatively higher alpha and beta components contributed to high richness and Shannon diversity in three regions: southern Kenya–northern Tanzania, southern Tanzania–northern Mozambique and northwestern Madagascar–Mayotte. Consequently, the findings support the proposal for delineating these locations as a regional priority for biodiversity conservation.