bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis on secretion level of CDNF regulated by two key α‐helices in CDNF protein
Authors: Liu Hao , Zhong Lin , Zhao Chunling , Tang Xiaolei , Yang Jun , Gong Lei
Published: December 2018

Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) has been considered as potent candidates for the therapy of Parkinson's disease (PD) for which can promote the survival of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. In addition to secret out from cells like other classical neurotrophic factors (NTFs), CDNF can locate in the endoplasmatic reticulum (ER), where they can function as ER stress response protein to regulate ER stress. In our previous studies, we have found two helices, α1 and α7, which can regulate the intracellular trafficking and secretion of CDNF. α1 distruction can significantly retain CDNF protein in the ER, but α7 distruction induce most CDNF protein secreting out the cells. Then α1 and α7 regulate protein trafficking and secretion in opposite side. However, the exact secretion level of CDNF affected by α1 or α7 have not been sensitively quantified. In this study, we used nanoluciferase to quantify the secretion level of CDNF protein so that we could evaluate the impact of α1 and α7 on CDNF secretion or function.
Evaluation of Operational Cycles for Long‐Term Run of a Tar Removal Catalytic System
Authors: Quitete Cristina P. B. , Ximenes Vitor L. , Steele Andrew M. , Souza Mariana M. V. M.
Published: December 2018

Biomass gasification experiments on pilot/demo scales have some issues related to the early deactivation of catalysts during the tar removal step. To avoid this problem, a method was developed in a bench‐scale micro activity unit using toluene as tar model compound in order to suppress this effect. The runs were performed with a commercial Pt catalyst supported on Ce‐Zr‐Al, alternating periods of regeneration and reactivation steps with steam, nitrogen, and hydrogen. The toluene steam reforming using operational cycles in order to reach a long‐term run provided useful information for pilot plant studies, mainly reactivation and regeneration procedures. The main concern on tar removal studies by steam reforming is the catalyst deactivation due to the presence of polyaromatic and olefinic compounds on the material pores, which is produced during biomass gasification.
Single and Binary Adsorption of Food Dyes on Chitosan/Activated Carbon Hydrogels
Authors: Gonçalves Janaína Oliveira , da Silva Keli Arruda , Rios Estéfani Cardillo , Crispim Marselle Martins , Dotto Guilherme Luiz , de Almeida Pinto Luiz Antonio
Published: December 2018

The removal of dye contaminants from water is an important issue and different adsorbents have been developed for this purpose. Here, chitosan hydrogel, scaffold‐chitosan hydrogel, and scaffold‐chitosan hydrogel with activated carbon were developed and used in the adsorption of food blue 2 and food red 17, from single and binary aqueous systems. The adsorbents presented good mechanical properties, high efficiency, high adsorption capacity, and fast kinetics for single and binary systems. Chitosan hydrogel presented excellent reusability capacity and can be reused for five cycles. The use of these hydrogels enables the application of adsorbent materials with three‐dimensional frameworks for dye adsorption in single or binary systems.
A novel modelling method for plate heat exchanger to predict the outlet cooling water temperature
Authors: Guo Yuming , Wang Fuli , Jia Mingxing , Niu Dapeng
Published: December 2018

In this paper, a modelling method for a plate heat exchanger (PHE) is proposed to predict the outlet cooling water temperature. First, the mechanistic model of PHE is developed based on the theory of heat and mass transfer. The unknown parameters in the model are identified by solving an optimization model with the sequential quadratic programming (SQP) method. Then, to improve the output precision, a data‐driven model based on the kernel partial least squares (KPLS) algorithm is developed and added to the mechanistic model in parallel to compensate the deviations between the mechanistic model outputs and the real values of outlet cooling water temperature. With the PHE running, its performance deteriorates due to the aging of the device, fouling on the plates, and other unknown factors. Therefore, a performance assessment for the model is performed, and the model updating is carried out according to the assessment results. Finally, the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed modelling method are validated by application to the PHE in a circulating cooling water system. The established model lays an important foundation for the energy‐saving optimization of the circulating cooling water system.
The effects of urbanization and land use on ragweed distribution
Authors: Urbanowicz Christine , Hutyra Lucy R. , Stinson Kristina A.
Published: December 2018

Quantifying the spatial distribution of allergenic plants within landscapes could help target management efforts and predict human exposure to allergens at a scale relevant to human activity. We analyzed the combined effects of urbanization (proxied by surrounding impervious surface area) and land use on the distribution of common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Asteraceae), a major contributor to hay fever and asthma through its production of allergenic pollen. Along urban‐to‐rural transects in three regions of the northeastern United States, we recorded the presence of ragweed in 308 plots with different land uses: agriculture, developed, and forest. We also analyzed the effects of plot‐level soil moisture, soil carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio, and canopy cover on ragweed occurrence. Ragweed varied among land uses, but the effect of land use depended on the level of urbanization. The probability of ragweed occurrence was highest in urban forests, rural developed areas, and agricultural areas. Plot‐level abiotic variables were not related to ragweed occurrence. Our results suggest that ragweed distributions are influenced to a greater extent by landscape‐scale processes, such as propagule pressure and disturbance, than by macro‐environmental effects of urbanization. From a human health perspective, our results suggest that ragweed pollen levels vary within and between urban and non‐urban landscapes, which current pollen monitoring and forecasting efforts do not capture.
Copper‐Catalyzed Synthesis of 2‐Aminocarbazoles through Cascade C–C and C–N Bond Formation and Aromatization
Authors: Liu Xinlei , Huang Jiangkun , Xu Huibei , Zhang Dandan , Sun Qiu , He Ling
Published: December 2018

A novel transformation of 1‐(1H‐indole‐3‐yl)pentan‐3‐one into 2‐aminocarbazoles in moderate yields using ammonium carbonate as a nitrogen source was achieved by copper catalysis. The method uses easily prepared starting materials with low cost and less toxic reagents. The reaction proceeds in a one‐pot manner, giving rise to the homogeneous cleavage of C–H bonds, the formation of intramolecular C–C bonds, intermolecular C–N bonds, and aromatization.
Generalized model of the linear theory of electromigration and its application to electrokinetic chromatography: Theory and software PeakMaster 6—Next Generation
Authors: Malý Michal , Dovhunová Magda , Dvořák Martin , Gerlero Gabriel S. , Kler Pablo A. , Hruška Vlastimil , Dubský Pavel
Published: December 2018

The linear theory of electromigration, including the first‐order nonlinear approximation, is generalized to systems with any equilibria fast enough to be considered instantaneous in comparison with the timescale of peak movement. For example, this theory is practically applied in the electrokinetic chromatography (EKC) mode of the CZE. The model enables the calculation of positions and shapes of analyte and system peaks without restricting the number of selectors, the complexation stoichiometry, or simultaneous acid–base equilibria. The latest version of our PeakMaster software, PeakMaster 6—Next Generation, implements the theory in a user‐friendly way. It is a free and open‐source software that performs all calculations and shows the properties of the background electrolyte and the expected electropherogram within a few seconds. In this paper, we mathematically derive the model, discuss its applicability to EKC systems, and introduce the PeakMaster 6 software.
Preparation of a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes hybrid monolith via a single‐step ring‐opening polymerization for pressurized capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Wang Jun , Sun Haoran , Lyu Haixia , Xie Zenghong
Published: December 2018

An organic‐silica hybrid monolith was prepared by a single‐step ring‐opening polymerization of octaglycidyldimethylsilyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS‐epoxy), polyethylenimine (PEI), and β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) in a ternary porogenic solvent consisting of polyethylene glycol, 1,4‐butanediol, and 1‐propanol. The framework of POSS‐PEI hybrid monolith could offer well‐defined 3D skeleton, while β‐CD with the ability of forming a host‐guest inclusion complexes with a variety of compounds could show an ability of specific selection. The obtained hybrid monoliths were successfully applied for separation of phenols, benzoic acids, and nucleobases. Especially due to the introduction of β‐CD, positional isomers including hydroquinone and resorcinol, o‐nitrophenol and p‐nitrophenol, as well as p‐chlorophenol and o‐chlorophenol were baseline separated and the column efficiency reached 82 300 plates/m for hydroquinone.
The mixed‐bed glacial landform imprint of the North Sea Lobe in the western North Sea
Authors: Roberts David H. , Grimoldi Elena , Callard Louise , Evans David J.A. , Clark Chris D. , Stewart Heather A. , Dove Dayton , Saher Margot , Ó Cofaigh Colm , Chiverrell Richard C. , Bateman Mark D. , Moreton Steven G. , Bradwell Tom , Fabel Derek , Medialdea Alicia
Published: December 2018

During the last glacial cycle an intriguing feature of the British‐Irish Ice Sheet was the North Sea Lobe (NSL); fed from the Firth of Forth and which flowed south and parallel to the English east coast. The controls on the formation and behaviour of the NSL have long been debated, but in the southern North Sea recent work suggests the NSL formed a dynamic, oscillating terrestrial margin operating over a deforming bed. Further north, however, little is known of the behaviour of the NSL or under what conditions it operated. This paper analyses new acoustic, sedimentary and geomorphic data in order to evaluate the glacial landsystem imprint and deglacial history of the NSL offshore from NE England.

Subglacial tills (AF2/3) form a discontinuous mosaic interspersed with bedrock outcrops across the seafloor, with the partial excavation and advection of subglacial sediment during both advance and retreat producing mega‐scale glacial lineations and grounding zone wedges. The resultant ‘mixed‐bed’ glacial landsystem is the product of a dynamic switch from a terrestrial piedmont‐lobe margin with a net surplus of sediment to a partially erosive, quasi‐stable, marine‐terminating, ice stream lobe as the NSL withdrew northwards.

Glaciomarine sediments (AF4) drape the underlying subglacial mixed‐bed imprint and point to a switch to tidewater conditions between 19.9 and 16.5 ka cal BP as the North Sea became inundated. The dominant controls on NSL recession during this period were changing ice flux through the Firth of Forth ice stream onset zone and water depths at the grounding line; the development of the mixed‐bed landsystem being a response to grounding line instability. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between treatment delays and oncologic outcome in patients treated with surgery and radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Tumati Vasu , Hoang Lawrence , Sumer Baran D. , Truelson John M. , Myers Larry L. , Khan Saad , Hughes Randall S. , Nedzi Lucien , Sher David J.
Published: December 2018

Background

This study sought to determine the oncologic impact of delays to surgery, radiotherapy, and completion of therapy in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

The impact of biopsy to surgery (BTS) time, surgery to start of radiation time (STSR), and radiation treatment time (RTT) on locoregional recurrence (LRR), distant metastases (DMs), and cancer‐specific mortality (CSM) was examined. The cumulative incidences (CI) of LRR, DMs, and CSM were examined using Fine–Gray testing.

Results

A total of 277 patients treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy were analyzed. On multivariable testing, BTS >50 days was associated with DM (P = .03), whereas RTT and STSR were not. RTT >43 days was associated with LRR (P = .02) in patients with non‐p16‐positive‐oropharynx cancer.

Conclusions

An increase in DM appears to be the mechanism by which prolonged time to treatment initiation leads to worse overall survival. Prolonged RTT has the greatest impact on patients with non‐p16 positive oropharynx cancers.
Plasma metabolite profiling and chemometric analyses of tobacco snuff dippers and patients with oral cancer: Relationship between metabolic signatures
Authors: Shahid Najia , Iqbal Ayesha , Siddiqui Amna Jabbar , Shoaib Muhammad , Musharraf Syed Ghulam
Published: December 2018

Background

Cancer of oral cavity is a seriously growing problem in many parts of the world. In Indian subcontinent, most of these cases have been attributed to the use of tobacco‐related products. This study is focused on the identification of distinguishing metabolites of oral cancer in comparison with tobacco snuff dippers and healthy controls.

Methods

A total of 234 plasma samples including 62 healthy controls, 81 tobacco snuff dippers, and 91 oral cancer samples were analyzed using mass spectrometry.

Results

Twenty‐nine of 3326 metabolites were found to distinguish among oral cancer, tobacco snuff dippers, and healthy controls using P‐value ≤.001 and fold change ≥3. Prediction model was generated with an overall accuracy of 89.3%. Two metabolites, that is, stearyl alcohol and sucrose, can be used as predictive biomarkers showing progression of tobacco snuff dippers toward oral cancer.

Conclusion

The unique metabolite profile gives evidence of a strong correlation between tobacco snuff dipping and oral cancer.
Detection of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐encoded microRNAs in plasma of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Gao Wei , Wong Thian‐Sze , Lv Ke‐Xing , Zhang Min‐Juan , Tsang Raymond King‐Yin , Chan Jimmy Yu‐Wai
Published: December 2018

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) latently infected by Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) expresses 40 EBV BART microRNAs (miRNAs). Difference in diagnostic efficacy of these miRNAs on NPC detection was observed. Here, we performed a comprehensive evaluation on the efficacy of these miRNAs.

Methods

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed on plasma nucleic acid isolated from patients with NPC and noncancer donors.

Results

For primary NPC, BART2‐5P, BART6‐3P, BART7‐3P, BART7‐5P, BART9‐5P, BART11‐3P, BART17‐5P, and BART19‐5P were significantly elevated. For recurrent NPC, plasma levels of BART2‐3P, BART2‐5P, BART5‐3P, BART5‐5P, BART6‐3P, BART8‐3P, BART9‐5P, BART17‐5P, BART19‐3P, and BART20‐3P were significantly increased. Area under curve (AUC) analysis showed that BART19‐5P had the best performance to identify NPC which was serologically EBV DNA undetectable. For recurrent NPC, BART8‐3P and BART10‐3P had highest AUC value for identifying cancer in EBV DNA undetectable plasma.

Conclusion

Our data supported the use of circulating EBV miRNAs in NPC and recurrent NPC detection.
Nucleation and Crystal Formation in Lithium Disilicate‐Apatite Glass‐Ceramic from a Combined Use of X‐Ray Diffraction, Solid‐State NMR, and Microscopy
Authors: Liao Wei‐Chih , Rampf Markus , Dittmer Marc , Copéret Christophe , Höland Wolfram
Published: December 2018

Glass‐ceramics are multi‐phase materials that are comprised of one amorphous phase and at least one crystalline phase. Their versatile performance and properties can be engineered by alterations of the three fundamental steps – formulation and production of the amorphous base glass, nucleation, and crystallization. Efforts have been made on syntheses of glass‐ceramics with different components, yet little is known about the details of nucleation and crystallization processes that are essential for tailoring glass‐ceramic properties. Herein, we investigate the nucleation and crystallization mechanisms of a multi‐component, that is SiO2‐Al2O3‐CaO‐Li2O‐K2O‐P2O5‐F, glass‐ceramic system by a combined use of powder X‐ray diffraction (pXRD), solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and electron microscopic (EM) techniques. The role of P2O5 in the nucleation and crystallization processes is particularly studied. We show that the formation of lithium silicate crystals being independent of the P2O5‐associated crystals, and the separation of P2O5 phases into individual growth domains of lithium orthophosphate and fluorapatite. We also observe the non‐uniform distribution of fluorapatite particles that explains the opalescence effect of this glass‐ceramic.
Synthesis and Properties of Porphyrin Nanotubes
Authors: Haver Renée , Anderson Harry L.
Published: December 2018

Discrete π‐conjugated zinc porphyrin nanotubes are investigated as molecular analogues of carbon nanotubes. These porphyrin nanotubes have a diameter of 2.4 nm (Zn–Zn distance) and lengths of up to 3.6 nm, measured to the van der Waals surfaces of the outer β‐pyrrole hydrogen atoms, or 4.5 nm measured to the para hydrogen atoms of the aryl groups. We explore three different strategies for synthesizing these nanotubes. The first two strategies use a template to achieve direct or sequential stave‐joining, respectively, and proceed via linear oligomers that pre‐define the length of the nanotube. These strategies are applied to synthesize porphyrin nanotubes containing 12‐ or 18‐porphyrin subunits, with ethynylene (C2) or butadiynylene (C4) links between the 6‐porphyrin nanorings. The third strategy involves the covalent stacking of pre‐formed 6‐porphyrin nanorings to form a 12‐porphyrin nanotube, without using a template to guide this coupling reaction. The nanotubes show strongly red‐shifted absorption spectra and low fluorescence quantum yields, indicating structural rigidity and extensive π‐conjugation.
Kaolinite Clay Mineral Reactivity Improvement through Ionic Liquid Functionalization
Authors: Dedzo Gustave Kenne
Published: December 2018

Since the intercalation of 1‐ethylpyridinium chloride in the interlayer space of kaolinite in 2005, several other ionic liquids (ILs) have been successfully intercalated. Unlike other clay minerals that display charged structural units, kaolinite is almost neutral. ILs intercalation in kaolinite results in both the cation and the anion in the interlayer space. The confinement of ILs in this two‐dimensional polarized space is of numerous interests, with certainly the most important to be discovered. Moreover, kaolinite interlayer space is decorated by a dense network of hydroxyl functions that can be easily functionalized. Recent study demonstrates that it is possible to synthesize ILs from simple organic molecules whose cations can be permanently grafted into the interlayer space of kaolinite. This review presents the results obtained in kaolinite functionalization by ILs, by focusing on the synthesis, applications and potential perspectives offered by these new nanohybrid materials.
A system dynamics study of Pakistan's education system: Consequences for governance
Authors: Richter Shahper
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Marred by complex internal and external pressures, Pakistan's education system struggles to move ahead. This paper uses system dynamics (SD) to analyze this complexity and identifies leverage points and intervention strategies for change.

Methodology

An SD approach suggests that meaningful understanding comes from building up a big picture of phenomena. Causal loop diagrams (CLDs) are utilized to describe and explain the present system and helps to suggest actions that can be taken in the present that will impact the long term.

Findings

Three factors are identified in terms of having the greatest impact in this area. We conclude that in order to reduce dependence on the military and foreign aid, it is imperative for Pakistan to turn its attention to its education sector.

Practical implications

The implementation of the suggested strategies could arrest the vicious cycles occurring at present within the education sector. Consequently, the education sector could gradually be mended, inducing positive knock‐on effects on the economy and the country as a whole.

Originality

Each of the factors that have been identified have been examined separately in their role in advancing the education system; however, by utilizing this methodology, this paper attempts to bring a “system understanding” to a long‐standing problem.
No lanthanides‐based catalysis in eukaryotes
Authors: De Simone Giovanna , Polticelli Fabio , Aime Silvio , Ascenzi Paolo
Published: December 2018

In the “Hypothesis” paper entitled “Lanthanides‐Based Catalysis in Eukaryotes” (IUBMB Life 2018 Nov;70(11):1067–1075), we analyzed the possibility that Ce3+‐dependent methanol dehydrogenases (MDHs) could be found not only in archaea and bacteria but also in eukaryotic organisms. This hypothesis was based on the observation that MDHs protein sequences carrying the signature of Ce3+‐based active sites could be found in genome‐derived proteomes of the eukaryotes Plasmodium yoelii yoelii, Nephila clavipes, Hyalella azteca, Pantholops hodgsonii, and Homo sapiens. Data were analyzed following standard procedures employed in the study of phylogenetic relationships among members of protein families and their occurrence in diverse organisms. Furthermore, the study relied on current annotations of protein sequences in the nonredundant protein sequences database, which we did not have any element to doubt about. After the publication of this hypothesis, following analyses carried out by Prof. Huub Op den Camp (Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands), evidence has emerged that the sequences of the putative eukaryotic homologs of bacterial lanthanide‐dependent MDHs, identified in our work, either derive from wrong annotation in GenBank or from undetected and pervasive bacterial contamination of the corresponding genomes. Thus, even though our study was technically correct, we were induced to support the initial hypothesis due to annotation errors and undetected bacterial contamination of the relevant genomes in the nucleotide sequences database. Therefore, at present, the hypothesis put forward in our article is not backed up by the currently available data. On a different note, this issue calls for a much higher attention on the integrity/correctness of the data deposited in the sequence databases, a need already highlighted in the literature also for the opposite problem, that is, human contamination of genomic data of other organisms. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(3):398–399, 2019
Atorvastatin and losartan may upregulate renalase activity in hypertension but not coronary artery diseases: The role of gene polymorphism
Authors: Akbari Hamed , Asadikaram Gholamreza , Vakili Sina , Masoumi Mohammad
Published: December 2018

The aim is to explore the treatment effect of coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension on plasma levels of renalase activity and also the possible association of renalase rs10887800 gene polymorphism with CAD and hypertension. A total of 286 patients who received coronary angiography were included in the study. Subjects were divided into four groups including (1) hypertensive with no CAD (H‐Tens, n = 60); (2) CAD with hypertension (CAD + H‐Tens, n = 71); (3) CAD with no hypertension (CAD, n = 61); and (4) nonhypertensive with no CAD as a control group (Con, n = 69). The plasma renalase activity was measured using the Amplex Red Monoamine Oxidase Assay Kit. Renalase rs10887800 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method. Atorvastatin (P = 0.005), losartan (P < 0.001), and captopril (P = 0.001) were administered significantly more in case groups compared with the Con group. Significant higher and lower levels of renalase activity were observed in H‐Tens and CAD patients compared with control subjects (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). Furthermore, no significant differences were obtained in the risk or protective effects of renalase rs10887800 SNP against hypertension and/or CAD in both recessive and dominant genetic models (P > 0.05). According to the findings of the present study, atorvastatin and losartan therapy assumes considerable significance in alleviating hypertension, but not CAD, by increasing the renalase activity. Furthermore, it was found that renalase rs10887800 is less likely a predisposing factor for susceptibility to hypertension and/or CAD in an Iranian southeast population.
Nano‐Fe3O4@SiO2‐SO3H: A magnetic, reusable solid‐acid catalyst for solvent‐free reduction of oximes to amines with the NaBH3CN/ZrCl4 system
Authors: Sadighnia Leila , Zeynizadeh Behzad , Karami Shiva , Abdollahi Mohammad
Published: December 2018

In this study, the immobilization of sulfonic acid on silica‐layered magnetite was carried out by the reaction of ClSO3H with silica‐layered magnetite. The prepared magnetic nanoparticles of Fe3O4@SiO2‐SO3H were then characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and transmission electron microscopy. The sulfonated nanocomposite exhibited excellent catalytic activity and reusability in the reduction of various aldoximes and ketoximes with NaBH3CN in the presence of ZrCl4. All reactions were carried out under solvent‐free conditions (r.t. or 75–80°C) within 3–70 min to afford amines in high to excellent yields.
microRNA‐107 protects against inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress of vascular endothelial cells via KRT1‐dependent Notch signaling pathway in a mouse model of coronary atherosclerosis
Authors: Gao Zhi‐Feng , Ji Xiao‐Lin , Gu Jie , Wang Xiao‐Yu , Ding Lin , Zhang Huan
Published: December 2018

Coronary atherosclerosis is a long‐term, sustained, and evolving inflammatory disease manifested with the remodeling of the coronary arteries. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential role of microRNA‐107 (miR‐107) in vascular endothelial cells (VECs) in coronary atherosclerosis by regulating the KRT1 gene and the Notch signaling pathway. A mouse model of coronary atherosclerosis was established. The relationship between miR‐107 and KRT1 was analyzed and verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. The functional role of miR‐107 in coronary atherosclerosis was determined using ectopic expression and depletion. Blood lipid levels and atherosclerotic index (AI) were measured in atherosclerotic mice. Expression pattern of miR‐107, KRT1, Notch signaling pathway, inflammatory/anti‐inflammatory factors, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐related genes was evaluated by means of reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Meanwhile, cell‐cycle distribution and cell apoptosis in VECs were assessed by flow cytometry. Atherosclerotic mice exhibited higher blood lipid levels, AI, apoptotic index, and KRT1‐positive expression as well as inhibited Notch signaling pathway when compared with normal mice. The miR‐107 was revealed to bind to KRT1; miR‐107 upregulation or KRT1 silencing resulted in reductions in blood lipid levels and AI, inhibition in cell apoptosis, inflammation, and ER stress. Restored miR‐107 or downregulated KRT1 activated the Notch signaling pathway. These results supported the notion that miR‐107‐targeted KRT1 inhibition activated the Notch pathway, thereby, protecting against the coronary atherosclerosis. Findings in this study might provide a novel biomarker for the coronary atherosclerosis treatment.
Role of MDM2 309T>G (rs2279744) and I/D (rs3730485) polymorphisms and haplotypes in risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma, tumor stage, tumor size, and early onset of tumor: A case control study
Authors: Maruei‐Milan Rostam , Heidari Zahra , Salimi Saeedeh
Published: December 2018

Murine double minute clone 2 (MDM2) protein plays an important role in the regulation of p53 tumor suppressor. Genetic polymorphisms of the MDM2 gene are the candidate variants in susceptibility to various cancers. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the possible effects of
MDM2 309T>G (rs2279744) and I/D (rs3730485) polymorphisms on papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) susceptibility and clinical or pathological features of the disease. A case control study was carried out involving in a total of 131 patients with PTC and 144 healthy controls. Both cases and controls were genotyped for
MDM2 309T>G and I/D polymorphisms. There was no significant difference regarding
MDM2 309T>G and I/D genotypes between patients with PTC and controls in neither dominant nor recessive and allelic models. The frequency of G‐D haplotype was higher in patients with PTC and this haplotype was associated with a 1.7‐fold increased risk of PTC. The
MDM2 309T>G polymorphism was associated with a higher risk of III–IV stages in patients with PTC. The
MDM2 ID genotype was significantly higher in patients with PTC less than 40 years and associated with larger tumor size (≥1 cm). In conclusion, the G‐D haplotype but not
MDM2 309T>G and I/D polymorphisms were associated with higher risk of PTC.
MDM2 309T>G polymorphism was associated with a higher incidence of III–IV stages, however, I/D polymorphism was associated with larger tumor size and a lower age of disease occurrence.
Targeting of mTORC1/2 by dihydroevocarpine induces cytotoxicity in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zhang Silin , Xiong Yunhe , Zhang Yixian , Zhao Hongmei
Published: December 2018

Interactions between the tumor cells and bone marrow (BM) microenvironment promote survival, growth, and chemoresistance of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The mTOR pathway plays a key role in mediating the AML‐BM microenvironment interactions. Here, we report the anti‐AML activity of a natural monomer extracted from the Chinese medicinal herb Evodia rutaecarpa, dihydroevocarpine. Our results showed that dihydroevocarpine‐induced cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and G0/G1 arrest in AML cells, and inhibited the tumor growth in an AML xenograft model. Importantly, our study revealed that the dihydroevocarpine treatment inhibited the mTOR pathway via suppressing the mTORC1/2 activity, and thus overcame the protective effect of the BM microenvironment on AML cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that dihydroevocarpine could be used as a potential anti‐AML agent alone or a therapeutic adjunct in AML therapy, particularly in the presence of the BM microenvironment.
Shorter signed circuit covers of graphs
Authors: Kaiser Tomáš , Lukot’ka Robert , Máčajová Edita , Rollová Edita
Published: December 2018

A signed circuit is a minimal signed graph (with respect to inclusion) that admits a nowhere‐zero flow. We show that each flow‐admissible signed graph on edges can be covered by signed circuits of total length at most , improving a recent result of Cheng et al. To obtain this improvement, we prove several results on signed circuit covers of trees of Eulerian graphs, which are connected signed graphs such that removing all bridges results in a collection of Eulerian graphs.
Regulatory B cells and advances in transplantation
Authors: Li Jinfeng , Luo Yongsheng , Wang Xu , Feng Guiwen
Published: December 2018

The effects of B cell subsets with regulatory activity on the immune response to an allograft have evoked increasing interest. Here, we summarize the function and signaling of regulatory B cells (Bregs) and their potential effects on transplantation. These cells are able to suppress the immune system directly via ligand–receptor interactions and indirectly by secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines, particularly IL-10. In experimental animal models, the extensively studied IL-10-producing B cells have shown unique therapeutic advantages in the transplant field. In addition, adoptive transfer of B cell subsets with regulatory activity may reveal a new approach to prolonging allograft survival. Recent clinical observations on currently available therapies targeting B cells have revealed that Bregs play an important role in immune tolerance and that these cells are expected to become a new target of immunotherapy for transplant-related diseases.
Production and characterization of β‐cyclodextrin glucanotransferase fromBacillus sp. ND1
Authors: Upadhyay Dhwani , Sharma Sonika , Shrivastava Divya , Kulshreshtha Niha M.
Published: December 2018

A potent β‐CGTase producing bacterium ND1 has been isolated from sugarcane field soil in India. The biochemical, physiologicaland phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene suggest that the isolate belongs toBacillus cereusgroup. The enzyme β‐CGTase produced from isolate ND1 catalyzes production of β‐cyclodextrin utilizing starch as a substrate which has diverse applications in various fields. The enzyme production parameters pH, temperature, and substrate concentration were optimized using Central Composite Design (CCD) of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and were found to be 8.9, 30.55 °C, and 1.88%, respectively for optimal enzyme activity. The crude enzyme was partially purified (29‐fold) using ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by ion exchange chromatography. The specific activity of the purified enzyme was found to be 63.53 U mg−1. The enzyme is monomeric in nature with a molecular weight of 97.4 kD as determined by SDS–PAGE. It is stable in a wide range of pH (6–10) and temperature (40–60 °C) values. The maximum CGTase activity was observed at pH 9 and temperature 50 °C. TheKmvalue was found to be 2.613 ± 0.5 andVmaxwas 0.309 ± 0.05 µg min−1indicating high substrate specificity. Together; these results suggest that the enzyme may be of wide commercial value in various industrial processes.
Effect of ENSO phase on the contribution of environmental variables to tropical cyclone genesis in the western North Pacific
Authors: Ta‐Huu Chinh , Sato Tomonori
Published: December 2018

Changes in large‐scale environmental variables between ENSO phases cause shifts in tropical cyclone (TC) features (genesis location and frequency) in the western North Pacific (WNP). This study examines the sensitivity of the interannual variation of TC genesis to individual environmental variables, including 600‐hPa relative humidity (RH600), sea surface temperature (SST), 850‐hPa relative vorticity (RV850), and vertical wind shear (VWS). An axisymmetric model was used to simulate TC genesis in 16 selected ENSO years during 1970–2015. The control experiment revealed that the axisymmetric model can capture a contrasting pattern of TC genesis between conventional ENSO phases in the northwest and southeast sectors of the WNP. The sensitivity experiments revealed that RH600 and RV850 play a dominant role in regulating ENSO‐related TC genesis anomalies in the northwest and southeast sectors, respectively. Meanwhile SST and VWS have negligible impact on TC genesis anomalies.
The effect of diabetes on tooth loss caused by periodontal disease: A nationwide population‐based cohort study in South Korea
Authors: Yoo Jin‐Joo , Kim Dong‐Wook , Kim Man‐Yong , Kim Young‐Taek , Yoon Joon‐Ho
Published: December 2018

Background

Our purpose was to compare the risk of tooth loss caused by periodontal disease between diabetic and nondiabetic individuals and to estimate the relative risk of tooth loss according to the severity and control of diabetes.

Methods

We selected 10,215 individuals who were diagnosed as diabetics in the Korean National Health Insurance Service—National Sample Cohort (NHIS‐NSC) database in 2003 and the same number of individuals who had never been diagnosed with diabetes during the period covered by the NHIS‐NSC (2002‐2013) with propensity score matching. Diabetic individuals were divided into two groups according to the treatment modality. We counted the number of teeth lost in each group to determine the difference in the risk of tooth loss among groups and used the Cox proportional hazards model to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) of tooth loss caused by periodontitis.

Results

Diabetic individuals had a higher risk of tooth loss than nondiabetic individuals (HR = 1.298, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.233 ≤ HR ≤ 1.366; P < 0.01). The severer the degree of diabetes, the higher the risk of tooth loss. As the number of dental visits increased, the risk of tooth loss declined (HR = 0.998, 95% CI: 0.996 ≤ HR ≤ 0.999; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Within the limits of this retrospective cohort study, the risk of tooth loss among diabetic individuals was higher than that among nondiabetic individuals. The risk of tooth loss declined with increasing numbers of dental visits and increased with the severity of diabetes.
Cracking and fracture properties of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers and their relation to dry matter, starch, and mineral distribution
Authors: Koch Mirjam , Naumann Marcel , Pawelzik Elke
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Potato disorders lead to a significant reduction in the yield and quality of marketable tubers. Thumbnail cracks are physiological tuber skin disorders that can significantly affect the tuber's appearance and, hence, the overall quality. The aim of this study was to characterize fracture properties of the tuber skin. Knowledge of the physiological reasons that influence the resistance of potato tubers to mechanical impacts and thus to cracking and fracturing is limited. Tuber dry matter (DM) and starch content were found to correlate with the rheological properties of tubers, which, in turn, could affect the resistance of the tubers to cracking and fracturing. Moreover, divalent cations, such as calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), and their distribution in the tuber can affect the tuber's resistance to mechanical impacts via cell‐wall stabilizing properties.

RESULTS

Tubers with higher DM, starch, and Ca concentrations exhibited the highest resistance to mechanical impacts.

CONCLUSIONS

The reason for the increased resistance of tubers with higher DM and starch concentrations to mechanical impacts is assumed to be related to a certain cell structure of these tubers, which is why considerable force is needed to damage the cell structures. The relation between higher Ca concentrations and an improved resistance of tubers to mechanical impacts is assumed to be connected with the role of Ca in linking cell‐wall polymers and thus stabilizing the cell wall. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Enzyme‐assisted development of biofunctional polyphenol‐enriched buckwheat protein: physicochemical properties, in vitro digestibility, and antioxidant activity
Authors: Chen Xiao‐Wei , Chen Ya‐Jun , Li Jin‐Yu , Wang Yong‐Hui , Yang Xiao‐Quan
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

During the last decade buckwheat was reported to have positive health effects. The present study investigated a high‐polyphenol buckwheat protein (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) prepared by enzyme‐assisted processing, together with its physicochemical properties, in vitro digestibility, and antioxidant activity.

RESULTS

Buckwheat protein prepared from the synergistic enzymatic action of α‐amylase and amyloglucosidase (E‐BWP) had much higher polyphenol content than buckwheat protein prepared by isoelectric precipitation (I‐BWP) or salt extraction (S‐BWP). Rutin degraded during the process, giving quercetin. The protein constituents and amino acid composition of E‐BWP were very similar to those of native buckwheat and were able to meet the WHO/FAO requirements for both children and adults. During in vitro digestion, E‐BWP showed anti‐digestive behavior with a nitrogen release that was lower than that of I‐BWP or S‐BWP. The positive effect of the polyphenol content of E‐BWP resulted in a higher 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) content and greater reducing activity.

CONCLUSION

Buckwheat protein with high polyphenol content was successfully developed by enzyme‐assisted processing. It had a well‐balanced amino acid profile, antidigestive behavior, and high antioxidant activities. The results suggest that enzyme‐assisted processing is promising in the production of polyphenol‐enriched cereal protein, contributing higher functionality with good nutritional and antioxidant properties. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Association Between Muscle Strength and Modeling Estimates of Muscle Tissue Heterogeneity in Young and Old Adults
Authors: Harris‐Love Michael O. , Gonzales Tomas I. , Wei Qi , Ismail Catheeja , Zabal Johannah , Woletz Paula , DiPietro Loretta , Blackman Marc R.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Assessing aging muscle through estimates of muscle heterogeneity may overcome some of the limitations of grayscale analyses. The objectives of this study included determining statistical model parameters that characterize muscle echogenicity and are associated with strength in younger and older participants.

Methods

Thirty‐three community‐dwelling participants were assigned to younger and older groups. Quantitative B‐mode ultrasound scanning of the rectus femoris and isometric grip strength testing were completed. Shape or dispersion parameters from negative binomial distribution, Nakagami, gamma, and gamma mixture models were fitted to the grayscale histograms.

Results

The mean ages ± SDs of the younger and older groups were 24.0 ± 2.3 and 65.1 ± 6.5 years, respectively. Statistical model shape and dispersion parameters for the grayscale histograms significantly differed between the younger and older participants (P = .002–.006). Among all of the statistical models considered, the gamma mixture model showed the best fit with the grayscale histograms (χ2 goodness of fit = 62), whereas the Nakagami distribution displayed the poorest fit (χ2 goodness of fit = 2595). Grayscale values were significantly associated with peak grip strength force in younger adult participants (R2 = 0.36; P < .008). However, the negative binomial dispersion parameter k (adjusted R2 = 0.70; P < .001) and gamma shape parameter α (adjusted R2 = 0.68; P < .01) showed the highest associations with peak grip strength force in older adult participants.

Conclusions

The negative binomial dispersion parameter k and the gamma shape parameter α have clinical relevance for the assessment of age‐related muscle changes. Statistical models of muscle heterogeneity may characterize the association between muscle tissue composition estimates and strength better than grayscale measures in samples of community‐dwelling older adults.
Hepatocyte Injury Induced by Contrast‐Enhanced Diagnostic Ultrasound
Authors: Miller Douglas L. , Lu Xiaofang , Fabiilli Mario , Dou Chunyan
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Contrast‐enhanced diagnostic ultrasound (US) has a potential to induce localized biological effects. The potential for contrast‐enhanced diagnostic US bioeffects in liver were researched, with guidance from a report by Yang et al (Ultrasonics 2012; 52:1065–1071).

Methods

Contact and standoff scanning was performed for 10 minutes with a diagnostic US phased array at 1.6 MHz during bolus injection or infusion of a contrast agent at a high dose. The impact of the imaging on rat liver was investigated by measuring enzyme release, microvascular leakage, and staining of injured hepatocytes.

Results

The results showed liver enzyme release at 30 minutes, indicating liver injury, and elevated extraction of Evans blue dye, indicating microvascular leakage. In addition, Evans blue and trypan blue vital‐staining methods revealed scattered stained cells within the US scan plane. For the Evans blue method, fluorescent cell counts in frozen sections were greatest for standoff exposure with contrast infusion. The count decreased strongly with depth for bolus injection, which was probably reflective of the high attenuation noted for this agent delivery method.

Conclusions

The results qualitatively confirmed the report by Yang et al and additionally showed hepatocyte vital staining. Research is needed to determine the threshold for the effects and the contrast agent dose response.
Vocal fold botulinum toxin injection for refractory paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder
Authors: deSilva Brad , Crenshaw Drew , Matrka Laura , Forrest L. Arick
Published: December 2018

Objective

Demonstrate efficacy of vocal fold botulinum toxin injection for treatment of refractory paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder (PVFMD).

Methods

A retrospective review was completed of patients diagnosed with PVFMD who underwent vocal fold botulinum toxin injection for dyspnea symptoms that persisted despite laryngeal control therapy, medical management, and biofeedback therapy. Outcomes measured included overall improvement and resolution of dyspnea symptoms, number of botulinum toxin injections and dose range, change in dyspnea severity index (DSI) scores, and adverse effects of injection therapy.

Results

Thirteen patients (9 female/4 male) underwent vocal fold botulinum toxin injection for refractory PVFMD. The average dose was 2.55 units per vocal fold (range 1.75–5.5 units). The average number of injections was 3.85 (range 1–12 injections). Eleven of 13 (84.6%) patients experienced improvement in dyspnea symptoms, with two of 11 (18.2%) having complete resolution of symptoms. There was a statistically significant improvement in DSI scores because the mean preinjection DSI was 30.43 and improved to 17.43 postinjection (P = 0.017). Temporary breathy voice quality was experienced by all patients with no other adverse side effects.

Conclusion

Vocal fold botulinum toxin injection is a safe and effective treatment option for PVFMD and should be considered in patients with refractory dyspnea symptoms following appropriate medical therapy and respiratory retraining protocols.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 129:808–811, 2019
Three‐dimensional‐printed vaginal applicators for electronic brachytherapy of endometrial cancers
Authors: Lee Ju Hyuk , Kim Hyun Nam , Lim Hyung San , Cho Sung Oh
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Vaginal applicators for a novel miniature x‐ray tube were developed using three‐dimensional (3D) printing to be used in brachytherapy of endometrial cancers.

Methods

Cylindrical vaginal applicators with various diameters, lengths, and infill percentages (IFPs) were fabricated using a 3D printer. X‐ray dose distributions and depth‐dose profiles were calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation. The performances of the applicators were evaluated by measuring and analyzing the dosimetric characteristics of x rays generated from the miniature x‐ray tube equipped with the applicators.

Results

Quite uniform dose distributions around the applicators were achieved by optimizing the dwell positions and the dwell times of the miniature x‐ray tube inside the applicators. In addition, identical absolute dose and depth‐dose profiles were obtained through the control of the IFP values even though different‐sized applicators are used.

Conclusion

The presented 3D printing technique provides an efficient approach to provide vaginal applicators with optimal IFPs that allow consistent treatment time for patients of varying vaginal canal size.