bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical and biological relevance of genetic alterations in pediatric T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Taiwan
Authors: Yeh Ting‐Chi , Liang Der‐Cherng , Liu Hsi‐Che , Jaing Tang‐Her , Chen Shih‐Hsiang , Hou Jen‐Yin , Yang Chao‐Ping , Huang Ying‐Jung , Yao Hsien‐Wen , Huang Ting‐Yu , Lin Tung‐Huei , Shih Lee‐Yung 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe leukemogenesis of T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) involves multistep processes of genetic alterations. We aimed to determine the genetic alterations including common fusion transcripts, overexpression of T‐cell transcription factor oncogenes, and deletion or mutation of targeted genes in pediatric T‐ALL in Taiwan as well as their impact on outcomes in those treated with the Taiwan Pediatric Oncology Group‐ALL‐2002 protocol.ProcedureBetween 1995 and 2015, bone marrow samples obtained from 102 children aged <18 years consecutively diagnosed with T‐ALL were examined. Thirty‐two genetic alterations were examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays—PCR‐based assays—followed by direct sequencing, real time quantitative PCR with TaqMan assays, or multiplex ligase probe amplification.ResultsTAL1 overexpression, CDKN2A/2B deletions, and NOTCH1 mutation were the most frequent aberrations while none had NF1, SUZ12 deletion, JAK1 or JAK2 mutations, or NUP214‐ABL1 fusion in our cohort. The most frequent cooperating occurrence of genetic alterations included CDKN2A/2B and MTAP, MTAP and CDKN2B, LEF1 and PTPN2, and HOX11L2 and PHF6 mutation/deletion. NOTCH1 mutations conferred a favorable overall survival, whereas SIL‐TAL1 fusion, TAL overexpression, LEF1 deletion, and PHF6 deletion/mutation were associated with an inferior outcome. By multivariate analysis, PHF6 mutation/deletion was the only independent predictor for inferior overall survival.ConclusionsThe present study showed that the frequencies of genetic alterations in Taiwanese children with T‐ALL differed considerably from those reported in Western countries. PHF6 mutation/deletion was an independently adverse predictor.
A new UHPLC‐MS/MS method for the direct determination of strigolactones in root exudates and extracts
Authors: Rial Carlos , Varela Rosa M. , Molinillo José M.G. , López‐Ráez Juan A. , Macías Francisco A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntroductionStrigolactones (SLs) are the most representative germination stimulants for seeds of root parasitic plants, and they show activity even at concentrations below 10−10 M. The low amounts of stimulants produced by the host and their rapid degradability make it crucial to develop analytical methods with very low limits of quantification.ObjectiveTo develop a sensitive and validated analytical method for the simultaneous quantification of seven SLs [7‐oxoorobanchyl acetate (1), solanacol (2), orobanchol (4), strigol (5), fabacyl acetate (6), orobanchyl acetate (7), and 5‐deoxystrigol (8)].MethodsSLs were analysed using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS/MS), with (±)‐GR24 (3) employed as internal standard (IS). Validation was based on selectivity, linearity, precision of the peak areas (repeatability and intermediate precision), detection and quantification limits, and stability.ResultsA simple, rapid and reliable UHPLC‐MS/MS method has been validated for the routine analysis of seven SLs and has been successfully applied to quantify them in exudates and extracts from tomato roots (Solanum lycopersicum). The limits of quantifications range from 0.05 μg/L for 5‐deoxystrigol to 0.96 μg/L for solanacol.ConclusionThe method provides a useful tool for research in all the fields related to SLs, both for studies related to their function as hormones, and signalling molecules in the rhizosphere, without sample preparation required for extracts and root exudates in less than 11 minutes.
Self‐assembly of β‐turn motif‐connected tandem repeats of Aβ16‐22 and its aromatic analogs
Authors: Datta Debika , Harikrishna Adicherla , Nagaraj Ramakrishnan , Chaudhary Nitin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSelf‐assembly of peptides and proteins into aggregates with a signature of cross‐β conformation is a hallmark of amyloids. Short peptides have provided important insights in understanding the various interactions that drive self‐assembly as well as the molecular architecture of the self‐assembled structures. The short amyloidogenic‐stretch of β‐amyloid, Aβ16‐22 (Ac‐KLVFFAE‐am), is a good model peptide to study the aspects of β‐amyloid fibril formation. In order to investigate how a turn‐supporting sequence could modulate the interaction of the Ac‐KLVXZAE‐am chains, where X and Z are the aromatic amino acids, Phe, Tyr, or Trp, we investigated the self‐assembly of Ac‐KLVFFAE‐am, Ac‐KLVFYAE‐am, Ac‐KLVYYAE‐am, and Ac‐KLVWWAE‐am separated by turn‐inducing dipeptide motifs, Asn‐Gly, DPro‐Gly, and Aib‐DPro. The peptides harboring β‐turn‐inducing motifs aggregate rapidly causing large enhancements in thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence compared to control, β‐turn motif lacking peptides. The morphology of fibrils strongly depends on the type of β‐turn. Ac‐KLVFYAE‐am repeats separated by Aib‐DPro and DPro‐Gly have the highest aggregation propensity among all the peptides studied; they caused very large enhancement in ThT fluorescence. Ac‐KLVYYAE‐am is largely non‐amyloidogenic; the DPro‐Gly and Aib‐DPro connected repeats, however, resulted in distinct fibrils that bind ThT. The study indicates that β‐turn motifs can be exploited to modulate and control the aggregation propensity of peptides and the morphology of aggregates.
Controllable immobilization of proteins in quenched spherical polyelectrolyte brushes as observed by fluorescence spectroscopy and small angle X‐ray scattering
Authors: Ye Zhishuang , Li Li , Zhao Fang , Han Haoya , Tian Yuchuan , Wang Yunwei , Yang Qingsong , Fan Wenting , Guo Xuhong 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTThe immobilization of lysozymes (pI = 11) onto anionic spherical polyelectrolyte brushes (SPB) which consist of a solid polystyrene core and a densely grafted poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) shell was systematically studied by fluorescence spectroscopy and small angle X‐ray scattering. Results show that the capture of lysozyme by PSS brush is a dynamic process, which involves a quick agglomeration stage and a slow rearrangement one. And lysozyme inclines to immobilize in the inner layer of the brush, and saturation of lysozyme adsorption onto the SPB is gradually reached as the protein concentration increases, proceeding from the inside to the outside of the brush layers. As increasing the pH and ionic strength, the lysozyme previously adsorbed will be partially released and migrate from the inner to the outer layer of SPB. Last competitive adsorption tests between lysozyme and BSA or β‐glucosidase were performed, indicating that besides electrostatic interaction counterion release force also plays an important role in protein adsorption. SPB was proved to be ideal candidate for controllable immobilization of protein, which can be extended into various applications, such as drug delivery and protein separation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 1577–1588
Knowledge about risk factors for falls and practice about fall prevention in older adults among physiotherapists in Nigeria
Authors: Kalu Michael E. , Vlachantoni Athina , Norman Kathleen E. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveFalling is a major health concern that has contributed significantly to older people's injury and loss of life worldwide, warranting the development of fall‐prevention strategies, the success of which has been attributed to the levels of knowledge and practice about fall prevention among physiotherapists and other health professionals. The objective of this study was to determine the self‐reported levels of knowledge on risk factors of fall and practices about fall prevention in older adults among physiotherapists in Nigeria.MethodsPhysiotherapists (N = 237) recruited from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria completed a three‐part structured questionnaire that asked questions about risk factors for fall and common practices for fall prevention using a 5‐point‐rated Likert scale. Data were analysed using descriptive analysis, chi‐square, and Kruskal–Wallis tests.ResultsAmong physiotherapists in Nigeria, 89% rated their level of knowledge about preventing falls among older adults as high, and 64% of them rated their level of practice on this topic as high. Among the individual items that measured knowledge, 40% of the participants reported a moderate level of knowledge about multiple medications as a risk factor for falls. Fifty percent of the participants reported a low level of practice of referral to other health care professionals, whereas 40% and 41% reported a moderate level of practice on documenting risk factors and treatment plans, respectively. There was no association between age, gender, or years of practice with levels of knowledge or practice.ConclusionThis study suggests that physiotherapists in Nigeria have adequate knowledge and practice for fall prevention in older adults. However, there are potential gaps in knowledge of risk factors, documentation, and referrals to other professions that may be addressed through developing context‐specific fall‐prevention clinical guidelines for practice in Nigeria.
Truck‐mounted area‐wide applications of larvicides and adulticides for extended suppression of adult Aedes albopictus
Authors: Unlu Isik , Faraji Ary , Williams Gregory M , Marcombe Sebastien , Fonseca Dina M , Gaugler Randy 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDGiven the lack of vaccines for most vector‐borne diseases, vector control is often the primary option for disease control. Aedes albopictus are difficult to control because the immatures primarily develop in containers ubiquitous in residential properties. Conventional adulticide campaigns often result in brief, rebounding population declines, so incorporating new techniques into an integrated pest management program is imperative. We performed combined area‐wide applications of the larvicides Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis and pyriproxyfen with the adulticide sumithrin and prallethrin to achieve extended suppression of Ae. albopictus populations in Trenton, NJ, USA. We deployed bioassay cups to assess the spatial penetration and efficacy of the applications.RESULTSInhibition of adult emergence was significantly higher in the treatment bioassay cups than in laboratory controls (z = 4.65, P < 0.0001) and field control bioassay cups (z = 8.93, P < 0.0001). We observed a lower trend in adult numbers following season‐long combined application of pyriproxyfen and adulticide, with numbers of adult Ae. albopictus at the treatment site up to five times lower than at the control site.CONCLUSIONPyriproxyfen is a powerful mosquito larvicide and pupacide with low mammalian toxicity that shows promise for area‐wide vehicle‐mounted (either ground or airborne) applications. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of copper and lead in tequila by conventional matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and partial least squares regression
Authors: Garcia Manuel Mendez , Wrobel Kazimierz , Barrientos Eunice Yanez , Escobosa Alma Rosa Corrales , Serrano Oracio , Donis Israel Enciso , Wrobel Katarzyna 
Published: October 2018

RationaleQuantification of small molecules by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOFMS) is challenging yet attractive, due to micro‐scale procedural simplicity, high throughput and lack of memory effects. Since these features are important while analyzing trace elements in quality control schemes, MALDI‐TOFMS was used for the determination of copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) in tequila with quantification carried out by partial least squares regression (PLS2) and by univariate calibration (UC).MethodsIn the proposed procedure, Bi(III) was added as internal standard (IS), diethyldithiocarbamate complexes were formed (pH 7.4) and extracted into chloroform; after solvent evaporation and re‐constitution in acetonitrile, the sample was co‐crystallized with α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid on a steel target. From the acquired mass spectra, UC was performed using IS‐normalized signals of the monoisotopic ions of analytes, and the m/z range 350–513 was used for PLS2. Accuracy was tested by recovery experiments and by inductively coupled plasma (ICP)‐MS analysis.ResultsWhen compared with direct analyte signal measurements, application of IS yielded enhanced analytical performance using either UC or PLS2; the method quantification limits were: 11.1 μg L−1, 23.4 μg L−1 for Cu and 89.8 μg L−1, 97.1 μg L−1 for Pb, respectively. In tequila, MALDI‐TOFMS and ICP‐MS provided consistent results for Cu (165–2599 μg L−1); Pb was not detected in any sample by MALDI‐TOFMS, yet recoveries obtained after standard addition were indicative of acceptable accuracy (400 μg L−1 Pb added; recoveries: 91.2–108% for UC and 98.8–120% for PLS2).ConclusionsNew experimental evidence has been provided supporting the inclusion of trace metals quantification within a range of MALDI‐TOFMS applications. Slightly better results were obtained for UC as compared with PLS2 yet both methods can be recommended for testing the compliance of Cu and Pb levels with Official Mexican Norm. Of note, while using PLS2, there is no need for signal integration nor for IS normalization.
Self‐beliefs in organic chemistry: Evaluation of a reciprocal causation, cross‐lagged model
Authors: Gibbons Rebecca E. , Raker Jeffrey R. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study is designed to test a reciprocal causation, cross‐lagged model of self‐concept, self‐efficacy, and achievement in a postsecondary STEM course. Both self‐efficacy and self‐concept are known to be related to achievement; however, there is a need to untangle the relationship between the two constructs as well as their association to achievement across time to best direct future research efforts. To achieve this research interest, a longitudinal measurement strategy was used to measure chemistry self‐concept and self‐efficacy for learning and performance before and after achievement measures (i.e., two term examinations) in a postsecondary organic chemistry course context. A reciprocal causation, cross‐lagged model best fits the data as a representation of the relationships between these three measures over time as compared to autoregressive, performance effects, and self‐belief effects models. Significant paths in the reciprocal causation, cross‐lagged model include the first self‐concept measure to the first achievement measure as well as from the second self‐concept measure to the third self‐efficacy measure. Relationships from achievement to each subsequent self‐belief measure were also significant. This study demonstrates the ability of longitudinal measurements of multiple constructs in postsecondary STEM educational research to collect nuanced information that is overlooked when pre‐measure designs of single constructs are used. In the classroom, an initial measure of self‐concept can inform instructors of the likelihood of students to succeed on an initial achievement measure, at which point they may choose to implement some of the targeted intervention strategies from literature.
“I don't think it's science:” African American girls and the figured world of school science
Authors: Wade‐Jaimes Katherine , Schwartz Renee 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study explores how the figured world of school science is influenced by macro level discourses of science, education, race, and gender that are circulated in society and perpetuated through schooling. It also examines how the figured world of school science defines limited means of recognition, both positive and negative, for African American girls. As part of a larger critical ethnography, data was collected over 2 years in one middle school and in one seventh grade science class. We present an analysis of the figured world of school science present in the study, a description of how the macro level discourses at the school impacted that figured world, and a description of the Discourses (ways of saying, doing, and being that are recognized as certain types of people) available to students in the figured world. Our results reveal a limited, and inherently unjust, set of Discourses are available to students in this figured world. In addition, Discourses that would support learning and development in science were noticeably absent. This leads to a world in which African American girls gain positive recognition as good science students for being quiet, polite, passive, and fast workers. We argue that this not only unfairly marginalizes many students from school science, in fails to prepare any students for meaningful engagement with science. We conclude with implications for both teaching and research, calling for ways to allow African American girls to self‐define with respect to science and research to better understand the larger contextual factors influence on teachers and other settings.
Application of Adomian‐type method to solve rectangular laminated thick plates in bending
Authors: Lisbôa Tales de Vargas , Marczak Rogério José 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis paper aims the use of Adomian Decomposition Method along with the pb‐2 Rayleigh‐Ritz Method to obtain the response of thick laminated plates. The Mindlin Plate Theory and the equivalent single layer concept are utilised. The differential operator is decomposed accordingly to a hierarchic constitutive scheme, resulting in a superposition of isotropic and anisotropic constitutive tensors at lamina's level. This implies the superposition of isotropic and a remainder plate stiffness with the latter grouping the anisotropic influence of each lamina at plate's level. By the Adomian Decomposition Method, an isotropic plate solution (related to the isotropic stiffness) is recursively enhanced by the laminae influence (remainder stiffness). Convergence criteria and numeric results are presented, discussed and compared with those found in the literature.
Strong cosmic censorship: taking the rough with the smooth
Authors: Dias Oscar J. C. , Reall Harvey S. , Santos Jorge E. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIt has been argued that the strong cosmic censorship conjecture is violated by Reissner-Nordström-de Sitter black holes: for near-extremal black holes, generic scalar field perturbations arising from smooth initial data have finite energy at the Cauchy horizon even though they are not continuously differentiable there. In this paper, we consider the analogous problem for coupled gravitational and electromagnetic perturbations. We find that such perturbations exhibit a much worse violation of strong cosmic censorship: for a sufficiently large near-extremal black hole, perturbations arising from smooth initial data can be extended through the Cauchy horizon in an arbitrarily smooth way. This is in apparent contradiction with an old argument in favour of strong cosmic censorship. We resolve this contradiction by showing that this old argument is valid only for initial data that is not smooth. This is in agreement with the recent proposal that, to recover strong cosmic censorship, one must allow rough initial data.
Natural products from anaerobes
Authors: Li Jeffrey S , Barber Colin Charles , Zhang Wenjun 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Natural product discovery in the microbial world has historically been biased toward aerobes. Recent in silico analysis demonstrates that genomes of anaerobes encode unexpected biosynthetic potential for natural products, however, chemical data on natural products from the anaerobic world are extremely limited. Here, we review the current body of work on natural products isolated from strictly anaerobic microbes, including recent genome mining efforts to discover polyketides and non-ribosomal peptides from anaerobes. These known natural products of anaerobes have demonstrated interesting molecular scaffolds, biosynthetic logic, and/or biological activities, making anaerobes a promising reservoir for future natural product discovery.
High Altitude Illness: Knowledge, Practice, and Attitudes of Porters in Nepal
Authors: Koirala Pranawa , Wolpin Seth E. , Peterson Janet T. 
Published: October 2018

Introduction Porters working at high altitude face a number of preventable health risks ranging from frostbite to potentially fatal high-altitude pulmonary and cerebral edema. Porters are often recruited from impoverished low-altitude areas, poorly equipped in terms of protective clothing, and tasked with carrying loads that equal or exceed their body mass to high elevations. Despite a large population of porters working throughout mountainous parts of the world, there is little documentation regarding knowledge levels, attitudes, and practices related to the prevention of altitude illness in this population. Much of the literature focuses on biomechanics of load carrying for porters or altitude issues for trekkers. Methods A cross-sectional survey was developed using a modified Delphi technique. The survey was administered to a convenience sample of porters (n=146) from diverse cultural groups between Lukla (2774 m) and Everest Base Camp (5361 m). Results Many of the porters started at a young age, carried heavy loads, and had difficulty identifying symptoms of high altitude illness, and less than 20% correctly identified preventive measures for high-altitude illness. Conclusions Porters in the Khumbu region continue to face hazards in their working environment. Future research and health education campaigns should address knowledge deficits and help with the design of tailored interventions.
Chronic Neurological Disease Due to Methylmercury Poisoning
Authors: Jackson Alan C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractOrganic mercury, especially methylmercury, poisoning causes chronic neurological disease predominantly affecting the brain. There have been documented exposures from eating fish from contaminated waters in Japan and in northwestern Ontario and in Iraq from eating bread made from seed wheat treated with methylmercuric fungicide. The neurological disease is called Minamata disease in Japan. Visual field constriction due to involvement of the calcarine cortex, sensory disturbance due to involvement of the somatosensory cortex, and cerebellar ataxia due to involvement of granule cell neurons of the cerebellum are common and characteristic features due to methylmercury poisoning. Other neurological features include dysarthria, postural and action tremor, cognitive impairment, and hearing loss and dysequilibrium. In contrast, peripheral nerve disease is more characteristic of inorganic mercury intoxication. Similarly, psychosis is more typical of exposure to inorganic mercury, which has been documented in the felt hat industry (“mad hatter”). Laboratory tests (e.g., on blood and hair and toenail samples) are of limited value in the assessment of chronic neurological disease due to mercury poisoning because they may not reflect remote neuronal injury due to mercury. Methylmercury also causes injury to fetal brains during development. There is no effective treatment.