bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robot‐assisted sialolithotomy with sialendoscopy for the management of large submandibular gland stones
Authors: Razavi Christopher , Pascheles Celine , Samara Ghassan , Marzouk Mark 
Published: May 2015

Objectives/HypothesisThe objectives of this study were to describe robot‐assisted sialolithotomy with sialendoscopy (RASS) for the management of large palpable hilar submandibular gland (SMG) stones and analyze procedural success and lingual nerve damage following RASS in comparison to the combined transoral sialendoscopic approach.Study DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed on patients with large palpable hilar SMG stones managed with RASS following institutional review board approval. Large stones were defined as ≥5 mm, the upper limit that can be removed via sialendoscopy. Twenty‐two patients between January 2012 and June 2014, with mean stone size of 12.3 mm, were identified. Data collected included symptoms of recurrence, postoperative lingual nerve function, and patient satisfaction at a mean follow‐up of 14 months. Procedural success was defined as absence of symptom recurrence in conjunction with gland preservation.These measures were compared with the combined approach (CA) outcomes reported in the English literature.ResultsProcedural success was 100% (22/22) for our cohort. No patients reported symptoms of lingual nerve damage at follow‐up, whereas four patients reported transient lingual nerve paresthesia (mean duration, 2.5 weeks). Mean patient satisfaction was 9.9 out of 10. Literature review identified 135 patients in the CA cohort. Procedural success rate for these patients was 75%, and lingual nerve damage was reported in 2% of patients.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of RASS in the management of large SMG sialoliths. We attribute this preliminary success of RASS to the enhanced visualization, magnification, and technical advantages of the procedure.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 126:345–351, 2016
Polyaspartamide–Polylactide Graft Copolymers with Tunable Properties for the Realization of Fluorescent Nanoparticles for Imaging
Authors: Craparo Emanuela Fabiola , Porsio Barbara , Mauro Nicolò , Giammona Gaetano , Cavallaro Gennara 
Published: May 2015

Here, the synthesis and the characterization of novel amphiphilic graft copolymers with tunable properties, useful in obtaining polymeric fluorescent nanoparticles for application in imaging, are described. These copolymers are obtained by chemical conjugation of rhodamine B (RhB) moieties, polylactic acid (PLA), and O‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐O′‐methyl poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) on α,β‐poly(N‐2‐hydroxyethyl)‐d,l‐aspartamide (PHEA). In particular, PHEA is first functionalized with RhB to obtain PHEA–RhB with a derivatization degree in RhB (DDRhB) equal to 0.55 mol%. By varying the reaction conditions, different amounts of PLA are grafted on PHEA–RhB to obtain PHEA‐RhB‐PLA with DDPLA equal to 1.9, 4.0, and 6.2 mol%. Then, PEG chains are grafted on PHEA‐RhB‐PLA derivatives to obtain PHEA‐RhB‐PLA‐PEG graft copolymers. The preparation of polymeric fluorescent nanoparticles with tunable properties and spherical shape is described by using PHEA‐RhB‐PLA‐PEG with DD in PLA and PEG equal to 4.0 and 4.9 mol%, by following easily scaling up processes, such as emulsion‐solvent evaporation and high pressure homogenization (HPH)‐solvent evaporation techniques.
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Lasers for Optogenetics and Multimodal Microscopy
Authors: Arrigoni Marco 
Published: May 2015

AbstractA new type of short‐pulse ultrafast laser sources provides extremely wide (680 – 1300 nm) wavelength tunability of the primary output as well as simultaneous high power (1.5 watts) output at 1040 nm. This combination makes lasers such as the Chameleon Discovery ideal for demanding multiphoton excitation applications in optogenetics, multimodal imaging, and other microscopy applications that need two independent wavelengths. In this article we will see why these applications benefit from this performance.
Custom Designed Fabrication
Authors: Bähr Jochen 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe silver sodium ion exchange process is a versatile and flexible technique for realizing high quality refractive microoptical elements with a high degree of freedom in design. An accurate mask technique allows for implementing a huge variety of optical functions, such as micro lens arrays with 100 % filling factor, custom designed micro lenses with different optical parameters (i. e. focal length, Numerical Aperture, sphericity, etc.) within the same array or beam shaping elements such as vortex elements. The article shows actual results and applications of these elements.
Polymer Planar Bragg Gratings
Authors: Rosenberger Manuel , Schmauss Bernhard , Hellmann Ralf 
Published: May 2015

AbstractCombining the advantageous properties of cyclo olefin copolymers (COC) with a rapid UV laser based fabrication process, we highlight the generation of planar waveguide Bragg gratings suitable for multi‐axial strain sensing (Fig. 1). Bragg gratings are optical filters reflecting a small wavelength band, which is determined by the spatial grating period and the effective refractive index. As both determining factors depend, e. g., on mechanical load conditions and temperature, measuring the reflected Bragg wavelength facilitates optical sensing of these conditions.
miRNAs dysregulated in association with Gleason grade regulate extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton and androgen receptor pathways
Authors: Lichner Zsuzsanna , Ding Qiang , Samaan Sara , Saleh Carol , Nasser Aurfan , Al‐Haddad Sahar , Samuel Joseph N , Fleshner Neil E , Stephan Carsten , Jung Klaus , Yousef George M 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe Gleason grading system is an important determinant of treatment decisions and prognosis in prostate cancer. It has a number of limitations, including significant inter‐observer variability, creating a need for biological parameters to accurately assess the Gleason grade. The objective of this study was to determine the molecular correlates of the different Gleason grades. Global miRNA expression was analysed in pure regions of each Gleason grade. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict miRNA‐mediated signalling. We experimentally validated the effect of miRNAs on target gene expression and cellular functions using cell line models. We also examined the correlation of miRNAs with biochemical failure, metastasis and prognosis. We identified miRNAs that are differentially expressed between grades 3 and 5, and the top biological processes associated with Gleason grade transition were extracellular matrix (ECM)‐mediated signalling, focal adhesion kinase‐ and mitogen‐activated kinase pathways. Transfection with miR‐29c, miR‐34a and miR‐141 repressed genes involved in ECM‐mediated pathways, such as SRC, PRKCA, COL1A1, ITGB1 and MAPK13, and decreased cell proliferation and migration. Furthermore, miR‐29c and miR‐34a influenced downstream pathways that affect actin cytoskeleton organization and androgen receptor localization. Finally, miR‐29c, miR‐34a, miR‐141 and miR‐148a showed inverse correlations with biochemical recurrence, but were independent of other clinical parameters. Our results demonstrate the potential role of miRNAs as independent prognostic markers and pave the road for a biological‐based reclassification of the Gleason grading system. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnostic value of ultrasonographic combining biochemical markers for Down syndrome screening in first trimester: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Yang , Ye Xingguang , Zhang Na. , Zhang Baohuan , Guo Congcong , Huang Weihuang , Jing Lipeng , Wang Man , Yang Guang , Wei Xiangcai , Jing Chunxia 
Published: May 2015

What's already known about this topic?

Different combinations of MA and NT and NB and free β‐hCG and PAPP‐A have been used in the first trimester to screen for Down syndrome; however, the sensitivity and specificity of these screening tests varied among studies.
What does this study add?

This is the first meta‐analysis that analyzes the diagnostic value of four different combining tests by MA and NT and NB and PAPP‐A and free β‐hCG for Down syndrome. It shows that the combination of NT and PAPP and free β‐hCG is a cost‐effective diagnostic tool for Down syndrome.
© 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of super dye adsorbent hydrogels based on acrylic acid and acryloyl tetrasodium thiacalix[4]arene tetrasulfonate
Authors: Narimani Farhad , Mansour Lakouraj Moslem 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAcryloyl tetrasodium thiacalix[4]arene tetrasulfonate (ACSTCA) was synthesized via fictionalization of tetrasodium thiacalix[4]arene tetrasulfonate (STCA). Hydrogels based on acrylic acid (AA) (20–70 mol%) and ACSTCA (30–80 mol%) were prepared by solution copolymerization in water using methylene bisacrylamide and ammonium persulfate as crosslinker and initiator, respectively. The gels obtained exhibited a good ability for absorbing water. Swelling of the gels was improved with increase in ACSTCA content in the gel feed. Characterization of the synthesized monomer (ACSTCA) was performed using mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopies and the synthesized gels were characterized by FTIR. The thermal and mechanical properties of these copolymers were also studied using TGA and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The glass transition temperature and storage modulus of the copolymer were increased with increasing content of ACSTCA in the gel. Thermal stability was improved with increasing ACSTCA content in the structure of the copolymer. The results showed that the synthesized copolymer (ACSTCA‐AA) can effectively remove dye from wastewater. The dye removal capacity of the gels was investigated with a UV−visible spectrophotometer. In addition, the effect of key operation parameters such as the ACSTCA content in the structure of the copolymer, contact time, adsorbent dosage, pH of the solution and temperature on dye removal from aqueous solution was experimentally studied. The equilibrium data were analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The Freundlich isotherms provided a better fit to the data. Results from the kinetic studies revealed that the adsorption of malachite green onto the hydrogels followed a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Electrical characteristics of vapor deposited amorphous MoS2 two‐terminal structures and back gate thin film transistors with Al, Au, Cu and Ni‐Au contacts
Authors: Kouvatsos Dimitrios N. , Papadimitropoulos George , Spiliotis Thanassis , Vasilopoulou Maria , Barreca Davide , Gasparotto Alberto , Davazoglou Dimitris 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAmorphous molybdenum sulphide (a‐MoS2) thin films were deposited at near room temperature on oxidized silicon substrates and were electrically characterized with the use of two‐terminal structures and of back‐gated thin film transistors utilizing the substrate silicon as gate. Current‐voltage characteristics were extracted for various metals used as pads, showing significant current variations attributable to different metal‐sulphide interface properties and contact resistances, while the effect of a forming gas anneal was determined. With the use of heavily doped silicon substrates and aluminum backside deposition, thin film transistor (TFT) structures with the a‐MoS2 film as active layer were fabricated and characterized. Transfer characteristics showing a gate field effect, despite a leakage often present, were extracted for these devices, indicating that high mobility devices can be fabricated. SEM and EDXA measurements were also performed in an attempt to clarify issues related to material properties and fabrication procedures, so as to achieve a reliable and optimized a‐MoS2 TFT fabrication process. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Aspects of surface scanning by direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry employing plasma glow visualization
Authors: Chernetsova Elena S. , Morlock Gertrud E. 
Published: May 2015

RationaleVisual monitoring of the Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) gas impact region during sampling was demonstrated via its metastable plasma glow. It is known that adding neon into helium for DART leads to plasma glow, but this effect has not been used in practice and discussed in the literature so far.MethodsA single quadrupole mass spectrometer with a DART SVPA ion source was used for recording of DART mass spectra from different surfaces, using galangin and p‐coumaric acid as model analytes. In specific cases, the composition of the mass spectra was clarified using an Orbitrap mass spectrometer.ResultsPlasma glow visualization made it possible to track the metastable gas distributions during surface scanning. The influence on the composition of the mass spectra was studied for different carrier gases, i.e. pure helium versus a helium–neon mixture, and for the vacuum pumping rate. The spatial resolution was substantially improved via a DART cap with a narrowed internal diameter, but impaired by a decreased sensitivity. Comparably low signal intensities were obtained for analytes on porous layers due to analyte penetration and metastable gas scattering.ConclusionsVisualization through the plasma glow enables the optimal selection of the coordinates for DART‐MS analysis and thus it will support scanning and imaging MS on surfaces, including porous planar chromatographic separation materials. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CD38 Is Required for Neural Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells by Modulating Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Wei Wenjie , Lu Yingying , Hao Baixia , Zhang Kehui , Wang Qian , Miller Andrew L. , Zhang Liang-Ren , Zhang Li-He , Yue Jianbo 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
CD38 is a multifunctional membrane enzyme and the main mammalian ADP-ribosyl cyclase, which catalyzes the synthesis and hydrolysis of cADPR, a potent endogenous Ca2+ mobilizing messenger. Here, we explored the role of CD38 in the neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). We found that the expression of CD38 was decreased during the differentiation of mouse ESCs initiated by adherent monoculture. Perturbing the CD38/cADPR signaling by either CD38 knockdown or treatment of cADPR antagonists inhibited the neural commitment of mouse ESCs, whereas overexpression of CD38 promoted it. Moreover, CD38 knockdown dampened reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during neural differentiation of ESCs by inhibiting NADPH oxidase activity, while CD38 overexpression enhanced it. Similarly, application of hydrogen peroxide mitigated the inhibitory effects of CD38 knockdown on neural differentiation of ESCs. Taken together, our data indicate that the CD38 signaling pathway is required for neural differentiation of mouse ESCs by modulating ROS production. Stem Cells 2015;33:2664–2673
Combined use of GAP and AOX1 promoters and optimization of culture conditions to enhance expression of Rhizomucor miehei lipase
Authors: He Dong , Luo Wen , Wang Zhiyuan , Lv Pengmei , Yuan Zhenhong 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Rhizo mucor miehei lipase (RML) is an industrially important enzyme, but its application is limited due to its high cost. In this study, a series of measures such as codon optimization, propeptide addition, combined use of GAP and AOX1 promoters, and optimization of culture conditions were employed to increase the expression of RML. Three transformants of the constitutive-inducible combined Pichia pastoris strains were generated by transforming the pGAPZαA-rml vector into the pPIC9K-rml/GS115 strain, which resulted in high-expression yields of RML. Using the shake flask method, highest enzyme activity corresponding to 140 U/mL was observed in the strain 3-17, which was about sixfold higher than that of pPIC9K-rml/GS115 or pGAPZαA-rml/GS115. After optimization of culture conditions by response surface methodology, the lipolytic activity of strain 3-17 reached 175 U/mL in shake flasks. An increase in the copy number simultaneously with the synergistic effect provided by two promoters led to enhanced degree of protein expression.
Monetizing the police: Corruption vectors in agency-managed off-duty work
Authors: O’Hara Patrick , A. Sainato Vincenzo 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Police departments in the United States have been increasingly involved in placing their sworn officers in off-duty jobs. Individual officers, commanders or union representatives in a number of police agencies earn commissions by brokering off-duty jobs for fellow officers, a practice the US Department of Jus tice characterized as an “artery of corruption” in the New Orleans Police Department. In response to actual or potential corruption by entrepreneurial officers and unions acting as employment brokers, many police agencies now directly place officers in off-duty jobs. Corruption has tainted agency-managed officer placements as well, leading to corruption charges against Pittsburgh's Police Chief and bringing into stark relief how departments generate business and account for commissions earned by placing fully uniformed officers in private employment via “police details”—as the practice is commonly called. This paper looks at “police details” in terms of the realized and potential types of corruption they engender, and the kinds of off-duty employment activities that pose integrity threats, both for the individuals involved and for their law enforcement agencies. The paper concludes by discussing public policy questions raised when police agencies and officers monetize taxpayer-funded training, symbols of office and equipment in order to command premium wages in off-duty employment.
Birth of two volcanic islands in the southern Red Sea
Authors: Xu Wenbin , Ruch Joël , Jónsson Sigurjón 
Published: May 2015

AbstractSubmarine eruptions that lead to the formation of new volcanic islands are rare and far from being fully understood; only a few such eruptions have been witnessed since Surtsey Island emerged to the south of Iceland in the 1960s. Here we report on two new volcanic islands that were formed in the Zubair archipelago of the southern Red Sea in 2011–2013. Using high-resolution optical satellite images, we find that the new islands grew rapidly during their initial eruptive phases and that coastal erosion significantly modified their shapes within months. Satellite radar data indicate that two north–south-oriented dykes, much longer than the small islands might suggest, fed the eruptions. These events occurred contemporaneously with several local earthquake swarms of the type that typically accompany magma intrusions. Earthquake activity has been affecting the southern Red Sea for decades, suggesting the presence of a magmatically active zone that has previously escaped notice.
Chemical synthesis of a two-photon-activatable chemokine and photon-guided lymphocyte migration in vivo
Authors: Chen Xin , Tang Shan , Zheng Ji-Shen , Zhao Ruozhu , Wang Zhi-Peng , Shao Wen , Chang Hao-Nan , Cheng Jing-Yuan , Zhao Hui , Liu Lei , Qi Hai 
Published: May 2015

AbstractChemokine-guided lymphocyte positioning in tissues is crucial for normal operation of the immune system. Direct, real-time manipulation and measurement of single-cell responses to chemokines is highly desired for investigating the cell biology of lymphocyte migration in vivo. Here we report the development of the first two-photon-activatable chemokine CCL5 through efficient one-pot total chemical synthesis in milligram scale. By spatiotemporally controlled photoactivation, we show at the single-cell level that T cells perceive the directional cue without relying on PI3K activities, which are nonetheless required for persistent migration over an extended period of time. By intravital imaging, we demonstrate artificial T-cell positioning in cutaneous tissues and lymph nodes. This work establishes a general strategy to develop high-quality photo-activatable protein agents through tailor-designed caging of multiple residues and highlights the potential of photo-activatable chemokines for understanding and potential therapeutic manipulation of cell positioning and position-controlled cell behaviours in vivo.
Community quorum sensing signalling and quenching: microbial granular biofilm assembly
Authors: Tan Chuan Hao , Koh Kai Shyang , Xie Chao , Zhang Joela , Tan Xiao Hui , Lee Guo Ping , Zhou Yan , Ng Wun Jern , Rice Scott A , Kjelleberg Staffan 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Background:
Recent reports exploring the role of gradients of quorum sensing (QS) signals in functional activated sludge have raised the question of whether shared systems of signalling synthesis and degradation, or quorum quenching (QQ), across the community inform of the means by which QS biology regulate floccular and granular biofilm assembly.

Aims:
In this study, we aimed to explore the species origin and interactive role of QS and QQ activities in such highly diverse microbial biofilm communities.

Methods:
Here, such aims were addressed systematically by a comprehensive multi-pronged RNA-sequencing, microbiological and analytical chemistry experimental approach, using two related but independently evolved floccular and granular sludge communities.

Results:
Our data revealed a distinct difference between the QS and QQ potentials of the two communities, with different species largely displaying either QS or QQ functions. The floccular sludge community showed a high rate of QQ activity, and this rate was dependent on the acyl chain length demonstrating specificity of degradation. When the floccular biomass was transformed into the granular sludge, the QQ activity of the community was reduced by 30%. N-acyl homoserine lactones with four to eight carbons on the acyl chain accumulated at the granular stage, and their concentrations were at least threefold higher than those of the floccular stage. These findings corroborated meta-community analysis where a major shift in the dominant species from potential signal quenchers to producers was observed during the transition from flocs to granules, indicating the role of species composition and associated signalling activities in coordinating community behaviours.

Conclusions:
This study suggests that QQ has an important function in regulating community level QS signalling, and provides a mechanistic insight into the role of QS biology in complex community assembly.
A database for the monitoring of thermal anomalies over the Amazon forest and adjacent intertropical oceans
Authors: Jiménez-Muñoz Juan C. , Mattar Cristian , Sobrino José A. , Malhi Yadvinder 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAdvances in information technologies and accessibility to climate and satellite data in recent years have favored the development of web-based tools with user-friendly interfaces in order to facilitate the dissemination of geo/biophysical products. These products are useful for the analysis of the impact of global warming over different biomes. In particular, the study of the Amazon forest responses to drought have recently received attention by the scientific community due to the occurrence of two extreme droughts and sustained warming over the last decade. Thermal Amazoni@ is a web-based platform for the visualization and download of surface thermal anomalies products over the Amazon forest and adjacent intertropical oceans using Google Earth as a baseline graphical interface (http://ipl.uv.es/thamazon/web). This platform is currently operational at the servers of the University of Valencia (Spain), and it includes both satellite (MODIS) and climatic (ERA-Interim) datasets. Thermal Amazoni@ is composed of the viewer system and the web and ftp sites with ancillary information and access to product download.