bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunogenicity of a Fully Synthetic MUC1 Glycopeptide Antitumor Vaccine Enhanced by Poly(I:C) as a TLR3‐Activating Adjuvant
Authors: Glaffig Markus , Stergiou Natascha , Schmitt Edgar , Kunz Horst 
Published: April 2017

AbstractFully synthetic MUC1 glycopeptide antitumor vaccines have a precisely specified structure and induce a targeted immune response without suppression of the immune response when using an immunogenic carrier protein. However, tumor‐associated aberrantly glycosylated MUC1 glycopeptides are endogenous structures, “self‐antigens”, that exhibit only low immunogenicity. To overcome this obstacle, a fully synthetic MUC1 glycopeptide antitumor vaccine was combined with poly(inosinic acid:cytidylic acid), poly(I:C), as a structurally defined Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3)‐activating adjuvant. This vaccine preparation elicited extraordinary titers of IgG antibodies which strongly bound human breast cancer cells expressing tumor‐associated MUC1. Beside the humoral response, the poly(I:C) glycopeptide vaccine induced a pro‐inflammatory environment, very important to overcome the immune‐suppressive mechanisms, and elicited a strong cellular immune response crucial for tumor elimination.
Triple‐modality treatment in patients with advanced stage tonsil cancer
Authors: Roden Dylan F. , Schreiber David , Givi Babak 
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUNDConcurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) and upfront surgery followed by adjuvant therapy both are recommended treatment options for patients with advanced stage squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tonsil. To the authors' knowledge, the question of whether surgical‐based treatments can achieve better survival compared with CCRT has never been compared in a clinical trial. The authors analyzed the National Cancer Data Base to measure the impact of different treatment modalities on overall survival (OS).METHODSAll patients aged ≤70 years diagnosed with clinical stage III to IVB (excluding T4B) SCC of the tonsil from 1998 through 2011 were selected. Analysis was limited to patients receiving CCRT, surgery plus CCRT, or surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). OS was compared using the Kaplan‐Meier method and log‐rank test. Univariable and multivariable hazards analyses were performed to identify factors significant for survival. Propensity score matching was performed.RESULTSThere were 16,891 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The most common treatment was CCRT (8123 patients; 48.1%), followed by surgery plus CCRT (5249; 31.1%) and surgery plus RT (3519 patients; 20.8%). Patients treated with surgery plus CCRT were found to have the highest 3‐year OS rate (88.5%) followed by those treated with surgery plus RT (84%) and CCRT (74.2%) (P<.0001). In a propensity score‐matched subpopulation of 4962 patients, the 3‐year OS rate was 90.2% for those treated with surgery plus CCRT, 84.9% for those treated with surgery plus RT, and 82.1% for those treated with definitive CCRT (P<.0001).CONCLUSIONSPatients with advanced stage SCC of the tonsil who underwent surgery followed by CCRT had the greatest OS. Patients undergoing upfront surgery may avoid chemotherapy without jeopardizing survival. Triple‐modality therapy may provide a survival benefit for a subset of patients with advanced stage tonsil cancer. Cancer 2017;123:3269‐76. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Micronuclei and nuclear buds: Highlighting overlooked indicators of chromosomal damage in thyroid aspiration smears
Authors: Kokenek‐Unal Tuba Dilay , Coban Ipek 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to examine the diagnostic utility of micronuclei (MN) and nuclear buds (NBs) in aspiration smears of the well‐differentiated epithelial lesions of thyroid.MethodsOne hundred five cases composed of 34 follicular nodular disease (FND), 31 Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), and 40 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) were compiled retrospectively. May‐ Grünwald Giemsa (MGG) stained smears of each case were selected to count cells with nuclear protrusions (NPs) per 1000 cells. The frequency of cells with NPs (MN&NBs) was compared by using Mann‐Whitney U test and Kruskal‐Wallis tests when appropriate. Post‐Hoc Tukey test was used for pairwise comparison of different diagnostic categories. By running a ROC curve analysis, diagnostic usefulness of the frequency of cells with NPs (MN&NBs) and their cut‐off values to predict malignant behavior were calculated. P < 0.05 was regarded as significant.ResultsNPs (MN&NBs) were significantly more frequent in malignant cases than benign ones. NBs were more frequent in conventional PTC compared to FV of PTC, but the frequency of MN did not significantly differ between these. ROC curve analysis revealed that evaluation of the frequency of cells with NPs (MN&NBs) was a highly specific, sensitive, and diagnostically useful method to identify malignant behavior.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in the literature to evaluate the frequency of cells with NPs (MN&NBs) in human thyroid aspiration smears. Our results show that evaluation of NPs (MN&NBs) may be a useful diagnostic tool to detect PTC in thyroid aspiration smears. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:673–680. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Little association of biological trait values with environmental variables in invasive alien round goby (Neogobius melanostomus)
Authors: Cerwenka Alexander F. , Pagnotta Alfredo , Böker Carolin , Brandner Joerg , Geist Juergen , Schliewen Ulrich K. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe relative importance of species‐specific biological trait characteristics and environmental factors in invasions of nonindigenous species remains controversial because both have mostly been studied independently. Thus, the main objective of this study was to examine the correlation of biological traits with environmental variation in the globally invasive round goby Neogobius melanostomus from the upper Danube River. Based on a sample of 653 specimens along a continuous 200 km river pathway, links between nine environmental factors (substrate‐type, six water measurements, and the communities of fishes and macroinvertebrates) and seven biological traits (nutritional and energetic status, trade‐offs of parasite resistance and resource allocation, and three growth proxies) were analyzed. Biological trait values of N. melanostomus hardly correlated with the environment, could not explain invasion progress and imply a general low overall importance for invasion success. Instead, alternative individual life‐history trajectories appear to determine invasion success. This is in line with up to 15% of all specimens having outlying biological trait values of potential adaptive value, suggesting a considerable importance of adaptive trait variation among single individuals for the whole invasion progress. This “individual trait utility hypothesis” gives an alternative explanation for success of invasive species by single individuals carrying particular traits, and it should be specifically targeted and analyzed at currently invaded sites.
Conceptualising the interactive effects of climate change and biological invasions on subarctic freshwater fish
Authors: Rolls Robert J. , Hayden Brian , Kahilainen Kimmo K. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractClimate change and species invasions represent key threats to global biodiversity. Subarctic freshwaters are sentinels for understanding both stressors because the effects of climate change are disproportionately strong at high latitudes and invasion of temperate species is prevalent. Here, we summarize the environmental effects of climate change and illustrate the ecological responses of freshwater fishes to these effects, spanning individual, population, community and ecosystem levels. Climate change is modifying hydrological cycles across atmospheric, terrestrial and aquatic components of subarctic ecosystems, causing increases in ambient water temperature and nutrient availability. These changes affect the individual behavior, habitat use, growth and metabolism, alter population spawning and recruitment dynamics, leading to changes in species abundance and distribution, modify food web structure, trophic interactions and energy flow within communities and change the sources, quantity and quality of energy and nutrients in ecosystems. Increases in temperature and its variability in aquatic environments underpin many ecological responses; however, altered hydrological regimes, increasing nutrient inputs and shortened ice cover are also important drivers of climate change effects and likely contribute to context‐dependent responses. Species invasions are a complex aspect of the ecology of climate change because the phenomena of invasion are both an effect and a driver of the ecological consequences of climate change. Using subarctic freshwaters as an example, we illustrate how climate change can alter three distinct aspects of species invasions: (1) the vulnerability of ecosystems to be invaded, (2) the potential for species to spread and invade new habitats, and (3) the subsequent ecological effects of invaders. We identify three fundamental knowledge gaps focused on the need to determine (1) how environmental and landscape characteristics influence the ecological impact of climate change, (2) the separate and combined effects of climate and non‐native invading species and (3) the underlying ecological processes or mechanisms responsible for changes in patterns of biodiversity.
Diverse and just? The role of quota‐based selection policies on organizational outcomes
Authors: Shaughnessy Brooke , Braun Susanne , Hentschel Tanja , Peus Claudia V. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractQuota‐based selection systems are viewed as a way to overcome biases; however, they may produce negative effects on the individuals as well as on the organizations that enact said procedures. To date, the processes underlying these negative effects have been relatively neglected in the literature and thus warrant further investigation. The current paper specifically seeks to address the process through which quota‐based selection policies influence applicant evaluations of the organization and ultimately their decision to pursue employment. We demonstrate that quota‐based selection policies negatively impact procedural justice perceptions, which in turn influenced perceptions of anticipated organizational support, organizational prestige, and organizational attractiveness. Ultimately, these organizational evaluations worked together to predict job pursuit intentions. The findings suggest that organizations need to carefully consider how they present their selection policies to applicant pools as they may harm organizational attractiveness and job pursuit intentions. The present study comes at a timely point in the discussion and implementation of quotas in Europe, and specifically in Germany, and provides some initial insights into how organizations are likely to be affected by such policies.
The association between actual and perceived ethnic diversity: The moderating role of authoritarianism and implications for outgroup threat, anxiety, and mistrust
Authors: Van Assche Jasper , Roets Arne , Dhont Kristof , Van Hiel Alain 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe present study investigated the role of authoritarianism in the association between the actual proportion of ethnic minorities (objective diversity) within a neighborhood and majority members' subjective perception thereof (perceived diversity). Additionally, we tested how authoritarianism affects the direct and indirect relationships between objective diversity and outgroup threat, anxiety, and mistrust. Analyses in a nationally stratified sample of Dutch citizens (N = 848) without migration background from 706 different neighborhoods showed that higher levels of authoritarianism have a dual effect on the relationship between objective diversity and negativity towards outgroups. In particular, authoritarianism (i) boosts the indirect relationship between objective diversity and greater outgroup negativity through perceived diversity, and (ii) curbs the direct association of objective diversity with reduced outgroup negativity. These findings shed light on how majority members with different levels of authoritarianism differentially perceive diversity in their neighborhood, and how this relates to their responses to ethnic minorities.
Development of LC‐QTOF‐MS method for human lung tissue fingerprinting. A preliminary application to nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Ciborowski Michal , Kisluk Joanna , Pietrowska Karolina , Samczuk Paulina , Parfieniuk Ewa , Kowalczyk Tomasz , Kozlowski Miroslaw , Kretowski Adam , Niklinski Jacek 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe major histologic subtypes of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) include adenocarcinoma (ADC), squamous cell lung carcinoma (SCC), and large‐cell carcinoma (LCC). Clinical trials of targeted agents and newer chemotherapy agents yielded differences in outcomes according to histologic subgroups providing a rationale for histology‐based treatment in NSCLC. Currently, NSCLC subtyping is performed based on histopathological examinations and immunohistochemistry. However available methods leave about 10% of NSCLC cases as not otherwise specified. The purpose of this study was development of an LC‐QTOF‐MS method for human lung tissue metabolic fingerprinting that could discriminate NSCLC histological subtypes and propose biomarkers candidates that could support proper NSCLC diagnosis. Metabolites were extracted with acetonitrile or methanol/ethanol and different chromatographic conditions were tested. In the final method 10 mg of lung tissue was homogenized with 50% methanol and metabolites were extracted with acetonitrile. Metabolites were separated on C8‐RP and HILIC columns. About 3500 and 2000 of metabolic features (in both ion modes) were detected with good repeatability (CV < 20%) by RP and HILIC methods, respectively. Lung tumor and control tissue samples obtained from NSCLC patients were analyzed with developed methodology. Acylcarnitines, fatty acids, phospholipids, and amino acids were found more abundant in tumor as compared to control tissue. Acylcarnitines, lysophospholipids, creatinine, creatine, and alanine were identified as potential targets enabling classification of NSCLC subtypes.
Development and characterization of bioactive alginate microcapsules with cedarwood essential oil
Authors: Ferrandiz Marcela , López Ainhoa , Franco Esther , Garcia‐Garcia Daniel , Fenollar David , Balart Rafael 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn this work, sodium alginate microcapsules containing cedarwood essential oil (CWO) for uses in anti‐acne tonic were prepared by ionic gelification of alginate with calcium chloride (CaCl2) and subsequent addition of glutaraldehyde to improve the crosslinking degree. Alginate microcapsules with cedarwood essential oil were obtained in an encapsulator with a 600 μm nozzle using different alginate concentrations (1, 3 and 4% w/v) , and different compositions of the coagulation solution with CaCl2 concentrations of 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 M, and addition of glutaraldehyde at two concentrations: 12.5% and 50% (0.1 g L−1 and 10 g L−1, respectively). The effect of alginate concentration was followed by viscosimetry and the influence of the CaCl2 concentration and presence of glutaraldehyde on the microcapsules' shape as well as the total content on encapsulated cedarwood essential oil were evaluated by means of stereoscopic magnifying glass, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV–vis spectrophotometry. Results show that proper shape formation is obtained for an alginate concentration of 3% w/v. With regard to the total encapsulated cedarwood oil, as the CaCl2 concentration in the gelifying‐coagulating solution increases the efficiency of the encapsulated oil. Best results in terms of micro‐bead shape and total amount of encapsulated oil were obtained for a CaCl2 concentration of 0.5 M without glutaraldehyde with a maximum encapsulation of 177.2 mg per gram of microcapsule.
A synthesis of deuterated methyleugenol via transition metal‐catalyzed coupling of substituted deuterated benzyl chloride with vinylmagnesium bromide
Authors: Bouges Hélène , Antoniotti Sylvain 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMethyleugenol monodeuterated on the benzylic position, 4‐(1‐deuteroprop‐2‐enyl)‐1,2‐dimethoxybenzene, was synthesised in > 87% isotopic enrichment and in three steps from veratraldehyde. Key steps involved the reduction of veratraldehyde by LiAlD4 to install a single deuterium atom at the benzylic position and a Pd‐ or Ni‐catalyzed coupling of the corresponding monodeuterobenzyl chloride with vinyl magnesium bromide.
Development of a SOFC Power Generator for the Indian Market
Authors: Pfeifer T. , Chakradeo A. , Ahire N. , Baade J. , Barthel M. , Dosch C. , Näke R. , Hartmann M. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractContracted by the company h2e Power Systems Pvt. Ltd. based in Pune, India, Fraunhofer IKTS has developed a 1 kW(el) solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power generator during a three year system engineering and technology transfer project. The fuel cell system is based on the CFY stack technology by Plansee SE and IKTS, which incorporates state‐of‐the‐art ESC with Scandia‐doped Zirconia electrolytes. For the SOFC power generator, a chromium based interconnects (CFY) stack was integrated with a pre‐reformer, a tail‐gas oxidizer and heat exchangers into a HotBox‐module following a novel concept for least‐space‐demanding reactor integration and flow distribution. The applied system concept aimed at a very compact and robust, yet highly efficient power generator with optional heat extraction. Two major design decisions have been introduced in the process layout, i.e., a rated fuel utilization in the stack of 85% as well as a POX‐air pre‐heater for reducing the reformer air flow to lowest possible values. This approach lead to a waterless SOFC system with a net electrical efficiency above 40%.Two proof‐of‐concept (PoC) prototype systems were commissioned and tested for system concept validation. Based on the operating experience, three improved prototype units were built at IKTS and shipped to India for initial demonstration projects and field trials at the customer's site. At the same time, the technology transfer to the customer was initiated, in order to enable for a local manufacturing and deployment of SOFC systems in India.This paper outlines the system development approach and major technical achievements demonstrated on PoC prototype level.
The impact of the Affordable Care Act on self‐employment
Authors: Heim Bradley T. , Yang Lang Kate 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis paper estimates the impact of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2014 on the decision to be self‐employed. Using data from the Current Population Survey, we employ two identification strategies. Utilizing prereform variation in state nongroup health insurance market regulations, we find that the ACA did not increase self‐employment overall in states that lacked similar provisions in their nongroup markets prior to 2014. In specifications that utilize variation across individuals in characteristics that could make it harder for them to purchase insurance if they left their current employer, we also do not find that the ACA differentially increased self‐employment. However, in states that lacked the ACA nongroup market provisions, we do find a statistically significant increase in the second year of implementation (when individuals had more time to adjust behavior and the exchanges functioned properly) among individuals eligible for insurance subsidies, suggesting that a combination of time to adjust, low uncertainty and low insurance costs may be necessary for nongroup health insurance reforms to impact self‐employment.
Frailty index: Intensive care unit complications in head and neck oncologic regional and free flap reconstruction
Authors: Abt Nicholas B. , Xie Yanjun , Puram Sidharth V. , Richmon Jeremy D. , Varvares Mark A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundHead and neck extirpations requiring reconstruction are challenging surgeries with high postoperative complication risk.MethodsRegional and free flap reconstructions of head and neck defects were collected from the 2006‐2013 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS‐NSQIP) database. The modified frailty index was made of 15 variables, with increasing index scores indicative of frailer patients. Intensive care unit (ICU)‐level complications were defined by Clavien‐Dindo classification IV and analyzed with multivariable logistic regression.ResultsThere were 266 flap reconstructions (126 regional and 140 free) with 86 (7.2%) Clavien‐Dindo classification IV complications. As modified frailty index increased, a moderate correlation was demonstrated for Clavien‐Dindo classification IV complications (R2 = 0.30). Increasing modified frailty index score was correlated on linear regression with free versus regional flaps: Clavien‐Dindo classification IV (R2 = 0.09; 0.60), morbidity (R2 = 0.04; 0.59), and mortality (R2 = 0.07; 0.46), respectively. On multivariable analysis, the modified frailty index was associated with Clavien‐Dindo classification IV complications for all flaps (odds ratio [OR] 4.38; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33‐14.48) and free flaps (OR 6.60; 95%CI 1.02‐42.52), but not regional flaps (OR 9.05; 95%CI 0.60‐137.10).ConclusionThe modified frailty index score is predictive of critical care support in head and neck resections necessitating reconstruction, specifically for free flaps.
Complex modulation by stress of the effect of seizures on long term potentiation in mouse hippocampal slices
Authors: Maggio Nicola , Shavit Stein Efrat , Segal Menahem 
Published: April 2017

AbstractStress has a profound effect on ability to express neuronal plasticity, learning, and memory. Likewise, epileptic seizures lead to massive changes in brain connectivity, and in ability to undergo long term changes in reactivity to afferent stimulation. In this study, we analyzed possible long lasting interactions between a stressful experience and reactivity to pilocarpine, on the ability to produce long term potentiation (LTP) in a mouse hippocampus. Pilocarpine lowers paired pulse potentiation as well as LTP in CA1 region of the mouse hippocampal slice. When stress experience precedes exposure to pilocarpine, it protects the brain from the lasting effect of pilocarpine. When stress follows pilocarpine, it exacerbates the effect of the drug, to produce a long lasting reduction in LTP. These changes are accompanied by a parallel change in blood corticosterone level. A single exposure to selective mineralo‐ or gluco‐corticosterone (MR and GR, respectively) agonists and antagonists can mimic the stress effects, indicating that GR's underlie the lasting detrimental effects of stress whereas MRs are instrumental in counteracting the effects of stress. These studies open a new avenue of understanding of the interactive effects of stress and epileptic seizures on brain plasticity.