bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association study between the polymorphisms of angiogenesis‐related genes and cervical cancer susceptibility in Chinese Uygur population
Authors: Han Lili , Husaiyin Sulaiya , Ma Chunhua , Niyazi Mayinuer 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundCervical cancer is the second most common malignant tumor in women, and its invasion and metastasis are regulated by tumor angiogenic growth factors and their cognate receptors. In this study, we explored the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of angiogenesis‐related genes (VEGF‐C, VEGFR‐2, and VEGFR‐3) and the risk of cervical cancer in Chinese Uygur population.MethodsWe investigated four single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 342 cervical cancer cases and 498 controls to evaluate their association with the risk of cervical cancer. Their correlations were evaluated by chi‐squared test, Fisher's exact test, t test, and genetic model analyses. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression.ResultsWe observed that rs12646659 in VEGF‐C was associated with a lower cervical cancer risk in allele, dominant, and log‐additive models (allele: p = .017; dominant: p = .018; log‐additive: p = .018). For the individuals older than 43, rs4604006 (VEGF‐C) was related to an increased cervical cancer risk under codominant model (p = .035), and rs12646659 was significantly associated with a reduced cervical cancer risk in allele, dominant, log‐additive models (allele: p = .028; codominant: p = .037; log‐additive: p = .037) However, there were no significant correlation of rs1000611 (VEGFR‐2) and rs1195571 (VEGFR‐3) with cervical cancer risk in Chinese Uygur population.ConclusionOur study firstly provided evidence that rs4604006 and rs12646659 of VEGF‐C gene were related to the susceptibility of cervical cancer in Chinese Uygur population.
Whole‐exome sequencing identifies a donor splice‐site variant in SMPX that causes rare X‐linked congenital deafness
Authors: Lv Yuan , Gu Jia , Qiu Hao , Li Huan , Zhang Zhitao , Yin Shaowei , Mao Yan , Kong Lingyin , Liang Bo , Jiang Hongkun , Liu Caixia 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundX‐linked deafness‐4 (DFNX4) caused by functional loss of SMPX is a nonsyndromic form of progressive hearing loss with post‐lingual onset. Herein, we describe a male neonate from an ethnic Han Chinese family who presented with congenital deafness.MethodsThe proband and the family members were subjected to comprehensively hearing screen. Genetic testing was carried out using whole‐exome sequencing (WES). The result was verified by Sanger sequencing. Functional characterization of the identified variant was completed by reverse transcription PCR (RT‐PCR), Sanger sequencing, and fluorogenic quantitative PCR (qPCR).ResultsThe proband was diagnosed with progressive sensorineural hearing loss. The proband's mother showed normal hearing at present. The proband's maternal grandmother exhibited mild HL since the age of 50. Using whole‐exome sequencing (WES), we identified a donor splice‐site variant (NM_014332.2: c.132 + 1G>A) in the SMPX gene in the proband. The mother and maternal grandmother were both carriers, which suggested a X‐linked inheritance of the condition in the family. RT‐PCR and Sanger sequencing revealed that four alternative splice pairs within intron 3 have led to four aberrant RNAs transcripts, including two non‐canonical splice‐pairs (GC‐AG and CT‐AG). The variant generated a novel frameshift variant, creating a premature termination codon (PTC) upstream of a newly formed splice site (p.Met45Glyfs*16). SMPX mRNA expression assay showed that the PTC has caused degradation of mRNA via nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay (NMD).ConclusionThis is the first study to report a SMPX (DFNX4) splicing variant in a Chinese family. These findings, especially congenital deafness, contributed to existing knowledge regarding the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of SMPX‐associated hearing loss.
On predicting foldability of a protein from its sequence
Authors: Mezei Mihaly 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSeveral properties of amino acid sequences corresponding to proteins that are known to fold are compared to those of randomly generated sequences and to sequences of intrinsically disordered proteins in order to find properties that distinguish folding sequences from the rest. The properties studied included helix and sheet propensities from secondary structure prediction, adjacency correlations, directionality correlations, as well as propensities of all possible triplets and quadruplets. Small differences between known folded and random sequences were observed for the adjacency and directional correlations, and significant differences were seen on the triplet and especially on the quadruplet propensities. Based on the differences in the adjacency, triplet or quadruplet propensities folding scores were defined and used to test the accuracy of foldability prediction based on these statistics. The best predictions were obtained from the quadruplet propensities.
The Synthesis of SiO2@AuAg@CeO2 Sandwich Structures with Enhanced Catalytic Performance Towards CO Oxidation
Authors: Yang Hongxiao , Liu Wei , Wang Zhaohui , Sun Guoxin 
Published: September 2019

AbstractNovel sandwich structure SiO2@AuAg@CeO2 nanospheres (SACs), as low‐temperature CO oxidation catalysts, were designed and prepared in this work. The SACs include SiO2 nanosphere support, embedded bimetallic AuAg nanoparticles, and CeO2 shell. The transmission electron microscope (TEM), elemental mapping images, and ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) spectroscopy indicated the successful fabrication of the SACs sandwich structure. The catalytic performance of SACs varies with the AuAg composition and achieves the best catalytic activity when Au/Ag atomic ratio is 2:1. The strong synergistic effect of AuAg alloy remarkably promotes the CO oxidation through facilitating the adsorption of CO and O2 on the AuAg nanoparticles. The CeO2 non‐compact shell not only provides effective protection for AuAg nanoparticles from aggregation but also gives CO full access to the catalysts. With unique sandwich structure and specific chemical composition, the SiO2@Au2Ag1@CeO2 nanospheres with CeO2 shell thickness of 5 nm present excellent low‐temperature catalytic activity and high‐temperature thermal stability.
Room‐Temperature Self‐Assembled Preparation of Porous ZnFe2O4/MIL‐100(Fe) Nanocomposites and Their Visible‐Light Derived Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: Hu Pengfei , Chen Changchun , Wang Yifeng , Pan Lin , Lu Chunhua 
Published: September 2019

AbstractHerein, a facile self‐assembly synthesis of magnetic porous ZnFe2O4/MIL‐100(Fe) composites by slowly oxidizing Fe2+ to Fe3+ was reported. By this method, ZnFe2O4/MIL‐100(Fe) composites with a particle size of about 300 nm can be obtained at room temperature and pressure. The efficacy of the products was evaluated for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. It was found that the introduction of MIL‐100(Fe) can not only significantly improve the adsorption capacity of composites and provide more active sites for the degradation process, but also form heterojunctions with ZnFe2O4 particles to efficiently promote separation of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs. Moreover, the existence of ZnFe2O4 provides good magnetic recovery property and photochemical stability to composite samples. These results indicate that ZnFe2O4/MIL‐100(Fe) has obvious application potential in photocatalytic wastewater treatment.
Microwave Assisted Three Component One‐pot Synthesis of Bis(aminoazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines) and Bis(aminoazino[1,2‐a]benzimidazoles) Bearing Thiazole Moiety
Authors: Mekky Ahmed E. M. , Sanad Sherif M. H. , Ahmed Ahmed A. M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractNovel bis[(thiazol‐2‐yl)acetonitrile] derivatives were prepared in good yields by the cyclocondensation of bis(bromoacetyl) derivatives with two equivalents of 2‐cyanothioacetamide in dioxane at reflux. The bis[(thiazol‐2‐yl)acetonitrile] derivatives were taken as synthetic precursors for the synthesis of novel bis(aminoazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines), bearing thiazole moiety. The target molecules were prepared by the three component one pot reaction of bis[(thiazol‐2‐yl)acetonitrile] derivatives, dimethylformamide‐dimethylacetal and several of 3‐aminopyrazoles in pyridine under microwave irradiation at 140 °C for 2 h. Using the same protocol, novel bis(aminotriazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines), bis(aminopyrimido[1,2‐a]benzimidazoles) and bis(aminopyrido[1,2‐a]benzimidazoles), incorporating thiazole moieties, were prepared by using the appropriate heterocyclic amine or 2‐(1H‐benzoimidazol‐2‐yl)acetonitrile instead of 3‐aminopyrazoles. The structure of the newly prepared thiazoles was confirmed via considering their elemental analyses and spectral data.
Profiling of Exosomal Biomarkers for Accurate Cancer Identification: Combining DNA‐PAINT with Machine‐ Learning‐Based Classification
Authors: Chen Chen , Zong Shenfei , Liu Yun , Wang Zhuyuan , Zhang Yizhi , Chen Baoan , Cui Yiping 
Published: September 2019

AbstractExosomes are endosome‐derived vesicles enriched in body fluids such as urine, blood, and saliva. So far, they have been recognized as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnostics. However, the present single‐variate analysis of exosomes has greatly limited the accuracy and specificity of diagnoses. Besides, most diagnostic approaches focus on bulk analysis using lots of exosomes and tend to be less accurate because they are vulnerable to impure extraction and concentration differences of exosomes. To address these challenges, a quantitative analysis platform is developed to implement a sequential quantification analysis of multiple exosomal surface biomarkers at the single‐exosome level, which utilizes DNA‐PAINT and a machine learning algorithm to automatically analyze the results. As a proof of concept, the profiling of four exosomal surface biomarkers (HER2, GPC‐1, EpCAM, EGFR) is developed to identify exosomes from cancer‐derived blood samples. Then, this technique is further applied to detect pancreatic cancer and breast cancer from unknown samples with 100% accuracy.
Cranial osteology of the Middle Jurassic (Callovian) Martillichthys renwickae (Neopterygii, Pachycormiformes) with comments on the evolution and ecology of edentulous pachycormiforms
Authors: Dobson Claire , Giles Sam , Johanson Zerina , Liston Jeff , Friedman Matt 
Published: September 2019

AbstractOur understanding of the ecology and phylogenetic relationships of Pachycormiformes, a group of Mesozoic stem teleosts including the iconic Leedsichthys, has often been hindered by a lack of comprehensive morphological information. Micro‐CT scanning of an articulated, although flattened, cranium of the edentulous Martillichthys renwickae from the Middle Jurassic (Callovian) Oxford Clay of the UK reveals previously unknown internal details of the most complete suspension‐feeding pachycormiform skull known, including the palate, braincase and branchial skeleton. The latter preserves gill rakers with elongate, pointed projections similar to those of Asthenocormus, in contrast to the finer fimbriations associated with Leedsichthys. We also reinterpret some previously described features, including dermal bone patterns of the snout, skull roof and lower jaw, and the morphology of the ventral hyoid arch. These new anatomical data reinforce the phylogenetic placement of Martillichthys as part of the Jurassic clade of edentulous pachycormiforms. The elongate skull geometry of these Jurassic taxa is strikingly similar to that of Ohmdenia, the sister taxon to edentulous pachycormiforms, but contrasts sharply with the morphology of the Late Cretaceous edentulous pachycormiform Bonnerichthys, raising questions over the phylogenetic relationships among these taxa. Most significantly, Martillichthys shows specialized characters with a restricted phylogenetic distribution among suspension‐feeding pachycormiforms, including the distinctive gill rakers and a greatly extended occipital stalk. Our analysis of Martillichthys supports past interpretations of a close relationship with Asthenocormus, and provides a model for interpreting the less complete remains of other members of this enigmatic group of fishes.
A perspective on systems thinking, architecting, and art
Authors: McDermott Tom , Salado Alejandro 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSystems architecture has been considered as both an art and a science. The systems architect uses heuristics, stories, and models to communicate complex architectural concepts to stakeholders. Since the earliest times, master building architects have developed their skills broadly across the technical, business, and fine art domains. Why should engineering be different? Principles and practices of systems architecture are exhibited in the creation of film scores, fine arts, and building architecture. Why not teach art as a core skill of the systems architect? In this work, we explore a formal competency model linking art, systems thinking, and systems architecture. We associate competencies across these domains with the concept of elegant design. We explore formal education in the arts as a way to bridge the communication problems that technical architects have with their stakeholders. The goal is to improve the competencies of systems architects and systems thinkers by bringing the methods of the art studio class to systems education.
Phylogenetic reconstruction of the genus Tephrocactus (Cactaceae) based on molecular, morphological, and cytogenetical data
Authors: Las Peñas M. Laura , Kiesling Roberto , Bernardello Gabriel 
Published: September 2019

AbstractTephrocactus comprises species mainly endemic to Argentina. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of all proposed species of the genus as well as classical (chromosome number, karyotype) and molecular cytogenetical techniques (DNA content, heterochromatin amount, rDNA genes) were conducted. Sequence data of two plastid DNA markers of Tephrocactus taxa were analyzed. Evolution of character states of cytogenetical and morphological (growth form, presence of leaves, glochids and tepal spiny mucrons, flower color) traits were reconstructed. Species show x = 11 with different ploidy levels (2n = 22, 44, 66, 77, 242, 319), small chromosomes, and symmetrical karyotypes. Tephrocactus was recovered as monophyletic with three main clades including 12 species, using molecular and morphological data. Tephrocactus geometricus, T. halophilus, and T. paediophilus are recognized as distinct species. Banding patterns showed CMA+/DAPI− constitutive heterochromatin associated with nuclear organized regions. Heterochromatin amount ranged from 2.99% to 6.50%. The 18S‐5.8S‐26S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sites coincided with the CMA+/DAPI− signals. The 5S sites varied with ploidy levels of the taxa. DNA content (2C = 1.99–24.50 pg) had a significant and positive correlation with ploidy level and the number of rDNA genes. The ancestor is reconstructed to have been a dwarf shrub with strong articulation, glochids, and deciduous leaves, white, pink or pearly tepals without spiny mucrons, 2n = 22, low DNA content, and one pair of each rDNA gene followed by three polyploidization events. Tephrocactus diversification has been associated with polyploidy and few cumulative small cryptic chromosomal changes.
Impact of low‐dose aspirin on adverse perinatal outcome: meta‐analysis and meta‐regression
Authors: Turner J. M. , Robertson N. T. , Hartel G. , Kumar S. 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo perform a meta‐analysis and meta‐regression of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the impact of low‐dose aspirin (LDA) on perinatal outcome, independent of its effect on pre‐eclampsia (PE), preterm birth and low birth weight.MethodsAn electronic search of EMBASE, PubMed, CENTRAL, PROSPERO and Google Scholar databases was performed to identify RCTs assessing the impact of LDA in pregnancy, published in English prior to May 2019, which reported perinatal outcomes of interest (placental abruption, delivery mode, low 5‐min Apgar score, neonatal acidosis, neonatal intensive care unit admission, periventricular hemorrhage and perinatal death). Risk ratios (RR) and 95% CI were calculated and pooled for analysis. Analysis was stratified according to gestational age at commencement of treatment (≤ 16 weeks vs > 16 weeks) and subgroup analysis was performed to assess the impact of aspirin dose (< 100 mg vs ≥ 100 mg). Meta‐regression was used to assess the impact of LDA on perinatal outcome, independent of the reduction in PE, preterm birth and low birth weight.ResultsForty studies involving 34 807 participants were included. When LDA was commenced ≤ 16 weeks' gestation, it was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of perinatal death (RR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.25–0.88; P = 0.02; number needed to treat, 92); however, this risk reduction was only seen when a daily dose of ≥ 100 mg was administered. If commenced > 16 weeks' gestation, LDA was associated with a significant reduction in 5‐min Apgar score < 7 (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.58–0.96; P = 0.02) and periventricular hemorrhage (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.47–0.99; P = 0.04), but a trend towards an increase in the risk of placental abruption (RR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.00–1.46; P = 0.06) was also noted. LDA was not associated with any significant increase in adverse events if commenced ≤ 16 weeks gestation. LDA had no effect on delivery mode, irrespective of the gestational age at which it was started. Meta‐regression confirmed that the effect of LDA on perinatal death, when treatment was started ≤ 16 weeks' gestation, was independent of any reduction in the rate of PE and preterm birth.ConclusionLDA improves some important perinatal outcomes, without increasing adverse events such as placental abruption or periventricular hemorrhage, and its utility, if commenced prior to 16 weeks' gestation, may be considered in a wider context beyond the prevention of PE or fetal growth restriction. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
An analytical solution for nonlinear dynamic response and vibration of FG‐CNT reinforced nanocomposite elliptical cylindrical shells resting on elastic foundations
Authors: Dat Ngo Dinh , Khoa Nguyen Dinh , Nguyen Pham Dinh , Duc Nguyen Dinh 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe present study deals with the nonlinear dynamic response and vibration of functionally graded carbon nanotubes (FG‐CNT) reinforced composite elliptical cylindrical shells resting on elastic foundations in thermal environments using an analytical solution. The nanocomposite elliptical cylindrical shells are reinforced by single‐walled carbon nanotubes. Based on the classical shell theory with the geometrical nonlinearity in von Kármán and the nonlinear dynamic response and vibration results are obtained by using the Airy stress function, Galerkin method, and Runge‐Kutta method. In numerical results, the effect of geometrical parameters, initial geometric imperfection, Winkler and Pasternak elastic foundations and volume fractions and types of distribution of CNTs on the nonlinear dynamic response and vibration of FG‐CNT reinforced composite elliptical cylindrical shells are investigated.
The optical microscopic observation of frictional interface between high strength gels and a glass ball by ball-on-disk method
Authors: Yamada Naoya , Wada Masato , Kawakami Masaru , Furukawa Hidemitsu 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe polymer gels with the properties of high strength and low friction show promise as the ideal materials for a living body-like soft robot joint. To date, the relationship between contact area and friction behavior of hydrogels has been revealed from the observation of flat frictional surface. Here, we designed the microscopic observation system for the friction surface of soft materials under deformation condition. A specially arranged ball-on-disk measuring part was combined with inverted microscope to observe the frictional interface during the friction. Both of transparent glass ball and moving glass stage were employed in this instrument and the microscope camera was thereby able to take the moving picture of frictional interface imaged by the refractive index differences between a soda-lime glass ball, transparent hydrogels and air. By using this customized measuring instrument, when water was not rich on the friction surface, the moving pictures of the frictional interface between glass ball and transparent polymer gels were observed while measuring the frictional force. The visualized frictional contact area due to the differences of refractive index and the frictional measurement data indicated that the local deformation by adhesion between gels and counter sample cause high friction resistant as a static friction coefficient.
Longitudinal PET Imaging to Monitor Treatment Efficacy by Liposomal Irinotecan in Orthotopic Patient-Derived Pancreatic Tumor Models of High and Low Hypoxia
Authors: Ventura Manuela , Bernards Nicholas , De Souza Raquel , Fricke Inga B. , Hendriks Bart S. , Fitzgerald Jonathan B. , Lee Helen , Klinz Stephan G. , Zheng Jinzi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPurposeHypoxia is linked to aggressiveness, resistance to therapy, and poor prognosis of pancreatic tumors. Liposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI, ONIVYDE®) has shown potential in reducing hypoxia in the HT29 colorectal cancer model, and here, we investigate its therapeutic activity and ability to modulate hypoxia in patient-derived orthotopic tumor models of pancreatic cancer.ProceduresMice were randomized into nal-IRI treated and untreated controls. Magnetic resonance imaging was used for monitoring treatment efficacy, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with F-18-labelled fluoroazomycinarabinoside ([18F]FAZA) for tumor hypoxia quantification, and F-18-labelled fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT) for tumor cell proliferation.ResultsThe highly hypoxic OCIP51 tumors showed significant response following nal-IRI treatment compared with the less hypoxic OCIP19 tumors. [18F]FAZA-PET detected significant hypoxia reduction in treated OCIP51 tumors, 8 days before significant changes in tumor volume. OCIP19 tumors also responded to therapy, although tumor volume control was not accompanied by any reduction in [18F]FAZA uptake. In both models, no differences were observable in [18F]FLT uptake in treated tumors compared with control mice.ConclusionsHypoxia modulation may play a role in nal-IRI’s mechanism of action. Nal-IRI demonstrated greater anti-tumor activity in the more aggressive and hypoxic tumor model. Furthermore, hypoxia imaging provided early prediction of treatment response.
THE PROBLEM OF FREE WILL AND DETERMINISM: AN ABDUCTIVE APPROACH
Authors: Mickelson Kristin M. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract:This essay begins by dividing the traditional problem of free will and determinism into a “correlation” problem and an “explanation” problem. I then focus on the explanation problem, and argue that a standard form of abductive reasoning (that is, inference to the best explanation) may be useful in solving it. To demonstrate the fruitfulness of the abductive approach, I apply it to three standard accounts of free will. While each account implies the same solution to the correlation problem, each implies a unique solution to the explanationproblem. For example, all libertarian-friendly accounts of free will imply that it is impossible to act freely when determinism is true. However, only a narrow subset of libertarians have the theoretical resources to defend the incompatibilist claim that deterministic laws (qua deterministic) undermine free will, while other libertarians must reject this traditional incompatibilist view.