bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
F‐box protein FBXO16 functions as a tumor suppressor by attenuating nuclear β‐catenin function
Authors: Paul Debasish , Islam Sehbanul , Manne Rajesh Kumar , Dinesh US , Malonia Sunil K , Maity Biswanath , Boppana Ramanamurthy , Rapole Srikanth , Shetty Praveen Kumar , Santra Manas Kumar 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAberrant activation of β‐catenin has been implicated in a variety of human diseases, including cancer. In spite of significant progress, the regulation of active Wnt/β‐catenin‐signaling pathways is still poorly understood. In this study, we show that F‐box protein 16 (FBXO16) is a putative tumor suppressor. It is a component of the SCF (SKP1‐Cullin1‐F‐box protein) complex, which targets the nuclear β‐catenin protein to facilitate proteasomal degradation through the 26S proteasome. FBXO16 interacts physically with the C‐terminal domain of β‐catenin and promotes its lysine 48‐linked polyubiquitination. In addition, it inhibits epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) by attenuating the level of β‐catenin. Therefore, depletion of FBXO16 leads to increased levels of β‐catenin, which then promotes cell invasion, tumor growth, and EMT of cancer cells. Furthermore, FBXO16 and β‐catenin share an inverse correlation of cellular expression in clinical breast cancer patient samples. In summary, we propose that FBXO16 functions as a putative tumor suppressor by forming an SCFFBXO16 complex that targets nuclear β‐catenin in a unique manner for ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation to prevent malignancy. This work suggests a novel therapeutic strategy against human cancers related to aberrant β‐catenin activation. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Zinc promotes prostate cancer cell chemosensitivity to paclitaxel by inhibiting epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and inducing apoptosis
Authors: Xue Ya‐Nan , Yu Bing‐Bing , Liu Ya‐Nan , Guo Rui , Li Jiu‐Ling , Zhang Li‐Chao , Su Jing , Sun Lian‐Kun , Li Yang 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundPaclitaxel (PTX) is a first‐line chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of prostate cancer. However, most patients develop resistance and metastasis, and thus new therapeutic approaches are urgently required. Recent studies have identified widespread anti‐tumor effects of zinc (Zn) in various tumor cell lines, especially prostate cancer cells. In this study, we examined the effects of Zn as an adjuvant to PTX in prostate cancer cells.MethodsPC3 and DU145 cells were treated with different concentrations of Zn and/or PTX. MTT assay was used to detect cell viability. Real‐time cell analysis (RTCA) and microscopy were used to observe morphological changes in cells. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related proteins. qPCR (reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction) was used to examine changes in TWIST1 mRNA levels. Cell invasion and migration were detected by scratch and transwell assays. shRNA against TWIST1 was used to knockdown TWIST1. Colony formation assay was used to detect cell proliferation, while Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) staining was used to detect cell apoptosis.ResultsZn and PTX increased proliferation inhibition in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner in prostate cancer cells, while Zn increased prostate cancer cell chemosensitivity to PTX. Combined Zn and PTX inhibited prostate cancer cell invasion and migration by downregulating the expression of TWIST1. Furthermore, knockdown of TWIST1 increased the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to PTX. In addition, Zn and PTX reduced cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells.ConclusionsOur results demonstrated that Zn and PTX combined therapy inhibits EMT by reducing the expression of TWIST1, which reduces the invasion and migration of prostate cancer cells. SiTWIST1 increased the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to PTX. In addition, with prolonged treatment, Zn and PTX inhibited proliferation and led to prostate cancer cell apoptosis. Therefore, Zn may be a potential adjuvant of PTX in treating prostate cancer and combined treatment may offer a promising therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer.
Statistical analysis of disease‐causing and neutral mutations in human membrane proteins
Authors: Kulandaisamy A. , Priya S. Binny , Sakthivel R. , Frishman Dmitrij , Gromiha M. Michael 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMutations in transmembrane proteins (TMPs) have diverse effects on their structure and functions, which may lead to various diseases. In this present study, we have investigated variations in human membrane proteins and found that negatively charged to positively charged/polar and nonpolar to nonpolar changes are dominant in disease‐causing and neutral mutations, respectively. Further, we analyzed the top 10 preferred mutations in 14 different disease classes and found that each class has at least two Arg mutations. Moreover, in cardiovascular diseases and congenital disorders of metabolism, Cys mutations occur more frequently in single‐pass proteins, whereas Arg and nonpolar residues are more frequently substituted in multi‐pass membrane proteins. The immune system diseases are enriched in C → R and C → Y mutations in inside and outside regions. On the other hand, in the membrane region, E → K and R → Q mutations are prevalent. The comparison of mutations in topologically similar regions of globular and membrane proteins showed that Ser and Thr mutations cause deleterious effects in membrane regions, whereas Cys and charged residues, Asp and Arg are prevalent in the buried regions of globular proteins. Our comprehensive analysis of disease‐associated mutations in transmembrane proteins will be useful for developing prediction tools.
Maximum vs minimum harmonization: what to expect from the institutional and legal battles in the EU on gene editing technologies
Authors: Purnhagen Kai P , Wesseler Justus HH 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNew plant‐breeding technologies (NPBTs), including gene editing, are widely used and drive the development of new crops. However, these new technologies are disputed, creating uncertainty in how their application for agricultural and food uses will be regulated. While in North America regulatory systems respond with a differentiated approach to NPBTs, the Court of Justice of the European Union (EU) has in effect made most if not all NPBT subject to the same regulatory regime as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This paper discusses from a law and economics point of view different options that are available for the EU's multi‐level legal order. Using an ex‐ante regulation versus ex‐post liability framework allows the economic implications of different options to be addressed. The results show that under current conditions, some options are more expensive than others. The least costly option encompasses regulating new crops derived from NPBTs similar to those used in ‘conventional’ breeding. The current regulatory situation in the EU, namely making the use of NPBTs subject to the same conditions as GMOs, is the most costly option. © 2019 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus on glycemic status and on endothelial damage markers in dysglicemic patients
Authors: Derosa Giuseppe , Cicero Arrigo F.G. , D'Angelo Angela , Maffioli Pamela 
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate a nutraceutical combination containing polyphenols extracted from Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus and chromium picolinate on glyemic status; secondary outcomes were considered the changes on endothelial markers. We randomized 65 dysglycemic patients to placebo or the nutraceutical agent for 6 months. We evaluated fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), HbA1c, fasting plasma insulin, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index, high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (Hs‐CRP), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and adhesion molecules. At baseline and at 3 and 6 months, all patients underwent an oral glucose tolerance test. We recorded a reduction of HbA1c, FPG, PPG, and HOMA‐IR compared with placebo (p < 0.05). After 6 months, 18.2% of patients retuned to a normal glycemic status in the nutraceutical group versus 0 patients in placebo group (p < 0.05); 69.7% were classified as impaired fasting glycemia and 12.1% as impaired glucose tolerance in the nutraceutical group versus 17.2% and 82.8 in placebo group (p < 0.01) for both. A reduction of Hs‐CRP and TNF‐α was recorded with the nutraceutical. The administration of a nutraceutical combination containing A. nodosum and F. vesiculosus can be helpful in improving insulin sensitivity and glycemic status. Larger randomized studies are required to confirm the positive effects of these agents.
Local predictive ability of analyst recommendations
Authors: Karadas Serkan , Papakroni Jorida 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis article shows that locally aggregated analyst recommendations at the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA‐) or state‐level predict future locally aggregated excess returns. The results hold even after controlling for macroeconomic variables, industry and market returns, as well as investor sentiment. We also show that the local predictive ability of analyst recommendations is stronger for geographically concentrated firms. Additional analysis at the state‐level for the geographically concentrated firms reveals that locally aggregated analyst recommendations predict future local economic fundamentals. Overall, our findings suggest that analyst recommendations contain information at the MSA‐ and state‐level, and that local information content is richer for geographically concentrated firms.
In‐Plane Isotropic/Anisotropic 2D van der Waals Heterostructures for Future Devices
Authors: Neupane Guru Prakash , Zhou Kai , Chen Songsong , Yildirim Tanju , Zhang Peixin , Lu Yuerui 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMono‐ to few‐layers of 2D semiconducting materials have uniquely inherent optical, electronic, and magnetic properties that make them ideal for probing fundamental scientific phenomena up to the 2D quantum limit and exploring their emerging technological applications. This Review focuses on the fundamental optoelectronic studies and potential applications of in‐plane isotropic/anisotropic 2D semiconducting heterostructures. Strong light–matter interaction, reduced dimensionality, and dielectric screening in mono‐ to few‐layers of 2D semiconducting materials result in strong many‐body interactions, leading to the formation of robust quasiparticles such as excitons, trions, and biexcitons. An in‐plane isotropic nature leads to the quasi‐2D particles, whereas, an anisotropic nature leads to quasi‐1D particles. Hence, in‐plane isotropic/anisotropic 2D heterostructures lead to the formation of quasi‐1D/2D particle systems allowing for the manipulation of high binding energy quasi‐1D particle populations for use in a wide variety of applications. This Review emphasizes an exciting 1D–2D particles dynamic in such heterostructures and their potential for high‐performance photoemitters and exciton–polariton lasers. Moreover, their scopes are also broadened in thermoelectricity, piezoelectricity, photostriction, energy storage, hydrogen evolution reactions, and chemical sensor fields. The unique in‐plane isotropic/anisotropic 2D heterostructures may open the possibility of engineering smart devices in the nanodomain with complex opto‐electromechanical functions.
3D Hollow α‐MnO2 Framework as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Lithium–Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Bi Ran , Liu Guoxue , Zeng Cheng , Wang Xinping , Zhang Lei , Qiao Shi‐Zhang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractLithium–oxygen (Li–O2) batteries are attracting more attention owing to their superior theoretical energy density compared to conventional Li‐ion battery systems. With regards to the catalytically electrochemical reaction on a cathode, the electrocatalyst plays a key role in determining the performance of Li–O2 batteries. Herein, a new 3D hollow α‐MnO2 framework (3D α‐MnO2) with porous wall assembled by hierarchical α‐MnO2 nanowires is prepared by a template‐induced hydrothermal reaction and subsequent annealing treatment. Such a distinctive structure provides some essential properties for Li–O2 batteries including the intrinsic high catalytic activity of α‐MnO2, more catalytic active sites of hierarchical α‐MnO2 nanowires on 3D framework, continuous hollow network and rich porosity for the storage of discharge product aggregations, and oxygen diffusion. As a consequence, 3D α‐MnO2 achieves a high specific capacity of 8583 mA h g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1, a superior rate capacity of 6311 mA h g−1 at 300 mA g−1, and a very good cycling stability of 170 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g−1 with a fixed capacity of 1000 mA h g−1. Importantly, the presented design strategy of 3D hollow framework in this work could be extended to other catalytic cathode design for Li–O2 batteries.
Trace Pt Clusters Dispersed on SAPO‐11 Promoting the Synergy of Metal Sites with Acid Sites for High‐Effective Hydroisomerization of n‐Alkanes
Authors: Wang Dongxu , Liu Jiancong , Cheng Xusheng , Kang Xin , Wu Aiping , Tian Chungui , Fu Honggang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe significant increase of catalytic efficiency while remaining low Pt usage is constantly pursued, but remains a challenge. Here, a “vacuum‐assisted” (VA) process toward Pt clusters dispersed on SAPO‐11 (S‐11) is shown for a high‐effective hydroisomerization of n‐C16. The VA can make effective trapping of the Pt precursor on S‐11 due to intensive capillary action, being conductive to stabilize and disperse Pt cluster (≈1 nm) on S‐11 (V‐Pt/S‐11) for promoting synergy of Pt sites and acid sites on S‐11. The test indicates excellent catalytic activity and stability of trace Pt clusters (0.15 wt%, even lower, 0.035 wt%) on S‐11 (≈94.4% isomer selectivity at 94.3% conversion), much superior to I‐0.15 wt% Pt/S‐11 from traditional impregnation routes (≈88% selectivity at 90% conversion) and ever reported catalysts. The V‐Pt/S‐11 is also superior for the hydroisomerization of catalytic diesel oil with a decrease of freezing point up to 40 °C after hydroisomerization. The superior performance is attributed to the exposure of high acid density due to little coverage of Pt cluster on S‐11, high dispersion of Pt leading to form more metal–acid bifunctional sites, and enhanced (de)hydrogenation ability of Pt clusters. All of them can promote the effective synergy of metal sites (Pt) and acid sites.
An optics inspired optimization method for optimal design of truss structures
Authors: Jalili Shahin , Husseinzadeh Kashan Ali 
Published: February 2019

SummaryThis paper presents optics inspired optimization (OIO) as a new optimization technique for optimum design of truss structures with continuous variables. In OIO, the physical laws that govern the image formation in spherical mirrors are artificially modeled to develop a new metaheuristic method. In OIO, the surface of the objective function to be minimized is considered as the reflecting wavy mirror consisting of peaks and valleys. In the reflecting surface, each peak is assumed to reflect as a convex mirror and each valley to reflect as a concave one. By assuming each solution candidate as an artificial object (or light point) that is artificially glittered ray is reflected back by the function surface, the artificial image (new solution) is formed based on the governing equations in physics of optics. Compared with the other existing optimization techniques, OIO seems to be a promising alternative approach for solving truss optimum design problems.
Impact of Body Composition on Surgical Outcome in Rectal Cancer Patients, a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Heus C. , Bakker N. , Verduin W. M. , Doodeman H. J. , Houdijk A. P. J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundObesity is becoming a bigger health problem every year. Current research shows that the obesity‐related metabolic problems are strongly associated with visceral fat and not subcutaneous fat. Visceral obesity (VO) is associated with a worse postoperative outcome in multiple fields of abdominal surgery. On the other hand, muscle mass is related to better postoperative outcome. In rectal cancer patients, we studied the influence of visceral obesity and muscle mass on postoperative complications.MethodsThe visceral fat area (VFA) and skeletal muscle area (SMA) were determined on preoperative CT scans in 406 patients. The preoperative comorbidity, per‐operative outcome and postoperative complications were extracted retrospectively from the patient files. VO was defined as a VFA > 100 cm2. Correlations between body composition, postoperative complications and LOS were studied.ResultsIn our study, 67% of the patients were classified as visceral obese. Mean body mass index (BMI) was higher in the VO group (26.6 ± 3.5 vs 23.5 ± 2.8; p < 0.001). Visceral obese patients had a higher prevalence of cardiac comorbidity (29% vs 13% p = 0.001), hypertension (36% vs 20% p = 0.002) and diabetes mellitus (16% vs 5% p = 0.002). In addition, VO patients had more operative blood loss (431 vs 310 mL; p = 0.008), longer operating time (166 vs 149 min p = 0.003) and more wound infections (14% vs 8% p = 0.048). Visceral obesity was associated with more complications (OR: 1.63 p = 0.043) and longer LOS (risk estimate: 1.18 p = 0.009).ConclusionVO patients more often had a history of cardiac disease, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Visceral obesity correlated with a worse outcome after surgery for rectal cancer.
Health‐Related Quality of Life Associated with Barrett’s Esophagus and Cancer
Authors: Bulamu Norma B. , Chen Gang , Ratcliffe Julie , Schloite Ann , Bright Tim , Watson David I. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundResearch assessing health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) which can be applied to economic evaluation in Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and esophageal cancer is limited. This study derived health state utilities for various ‘stages’ of BE and Cancer.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was conducted, including patients with non‐dysplastic BE, low‐grade dysplasia, high‐grade dysplasia, or esophageal adenocarcinoma. HRQoL was assessed using generic instruments—EQ‐5D‐5L and SF‐36, and a cancer‐specific instrument—EORTC QLQ‐C30. Outcomes were compared for health states following different treatments. Correlations and agreements for the three instruments were investigated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient (r) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsA total of 97 respondents (80% male, mean age 68 years) returned questionnaires. The mean (standard deviation) health state utilities for the total sample were 0.79 (0.24) for the EQ‐5D‐5L, 0.57 (0.29) for the SF‐6D (derived from SF‐36) and 0.73 (0.20) for the QLU‐C10D (derived from EORTC QLQ‐C30). There were strong correlations (r > 0.80) and absolute agreement (except EQ‐5D‐5L and SF‐6D with an ICC of 0.69) among the three instruments. No significant differences were observed for different stages of BE or interventions. However, following surgery for cancer patients reported better psychological well‐being than those under surveillance or following endoscopic treatments.ConclusionHRQoL for BE surveillance and following cancer treatment was similar. Esophagectomy was associated with better psychological functioning, and this might be attributed to a reduction in the perceived risk of cancer. The correlation between the EORTC QLU‐C10D and the other health state utility instruments supports the validity of this new instrument.
On packet scheduling with adversarial jamming and speedup
Authors: Böhm Martin , Jeż Łukasz , Sgall Jiří , Veselý Pavel 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn Packet Scheduling with Adversarial Jamming, packets of arbitrary sizes arrive over time to be transmitted over a channel in which instantaneous jamming errors occur at times chosen by the adversary and not known to the algorithm. The transmission taking place at the time of jamming is corrupt, and the algorithm learns this fact immediately. An online algorithm maximizes the total size of packets it successfully transmits and the goal is to develop an algorithm with the lowest possible asymptotic competitive ratio, where the additive constant may depend on packet sizes. Our main contribution is a universal algorithm that works for any speedup and packet sizes and, unlike previous algorithms for the problem, it does not need to know these parameters in advance. We show that this algorithm guarantees 1-competitiveness with speedup 4, making it the first known algorithm to maintain 1-competitiveness with a moderate speedup in the general setting of arbitrary packet sizes. We also prove a lower bound of $$\phi +1\approx 2.618$$

ϕ
+
1
≈
2.618

on the speedup of any 1-competitive deterministic algorithm, showing that our algorithm is close to the optimum. Additionally, we formulate a general framework for analyzing our algorithm locally and use it to show upper bounds on its competitive ratio for speedups in [1, 4) and for several special cases, recovering some previously known results, each of which had a dedicated proof. In particular, our algorithm is 3-competitive without speedup, matching both the (worst-case) performance of the algorithm by Jurdzinski et al. (Proceedings of the 12th workshop on approximation and online algorithms (WAOA), LNCS 8952, pp 193–206, 2015. http://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-18263-6_17) and the lower bound by Anta et al. (J Sched 19(2):135–152, 2016. http://doi.org/10.1007/s10951-015-0451-z).
Vietnam
Authors: Vasavakul Thaveeporn 
Published: February 2019

This is a study of Vietnam's socialist transition and state transformation, generally known as đổi mới. It examines the drivers of socialist-regime change, the nature of the đổi mới state, and the basis of regime legitimacy in Vietnam. The Element argues that despite its 'one-party rule' label, the party-state apparatus that channels said rule has become fragmented. State-building during the đổi mới period involved negotiations and bargaining that redefine authority and power relations within the state apparatus. The party-state's accountability projects are designed to target the specific self-aggrandizing tendencies of the state apparatus, its policies, and abuse of state power. At the leadership level, patterns of resource allocation underlying the đổi mới growth model as well as the VCP's cadre rotation approach have accommodated central and sub-national state elites across sectors and levels, helping shore up the legitimacy of the đổi mới state in the eyes of the state elite. The combination of sustained economic growth, expansion of political space, accountability, and tolerance of small-scale public protests have been factors in strengthening regime-society legitimization.
PRESIDENTIALIZATION AND PROCEDURAL RULES CHANGE: THE CASE OF THE SOUTH KOREAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Authors: Lee Hojun 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe common assumption of legislative politics is that the majority party structures procedural rules to suit its interests. In a presidentialized context, however, presidential electoral incentives prevail over majority party's incentives when voting on procedural rules changes and the threat of punishing majority-party defectors is not credible when those defectors vote with the presidential candidate. To test these claims, I analyze the case of the procedural reform in the South Korean National Assembly. The case study reveals that 1) the leading presidential candidate of the ruling majority Saenuri Party compromised on the procedural reform bill that imposes restrictions on the majority party's cartel arrangement due to presidential electoral incentives; 2) a significant number of Saenuri Party members defected from the majority of their co-partisans to vote with the presidential candidate; and 3) career advancement ratio and re-nomination ratios demonstrate that those defectors were not punished afterwards.