bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient‐reported outcome measures among breast cancer survivors: A cross‐sectional comparison between Malaysia and high‐income countries
Authors: Rajaram Nadia , Lim Zhi Ying , Song Chin Vern , Kaur Ranjit , Mohd Taib Nur Aishah , Muhamad Mazanah , Ong Wee Loon , Schouwenburg Maartje , See Mee Hoong , Teo Soo‐Hwang , Saunders Christobel , Yip Cheng Har 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectivesPatient‐reported outcomes (PROs) in high‐income countries (HICs) suggest that physical, emotional, and psychological needs are important in cancer care. To date, there have been few inconsistent descriptions of PROs in low‐income and middle‐income Asian countries. Using a standard questionnaire developed by the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM), we compared the perceived importance of PROs between patients in Malaysia and those in HICs and between clusters of Malaysian women.MethodsBreast cancer patients were recruited from three Malaysian hospitals between June and November 2017. We compared the proportion of patients who rated PROs as very important (scored 7‐9 on a 9‐point Likert scale) between Malaysian patients and data collected from patients in HICs via the ICHOM questionnaire development process, using logistic regression. A two‐step cluster analysis explored differences in PROs among Malaysian patients.ResultsThe most important PROs for both cohorts were survival, overall well‐being, and physical functioning. Compared with HIC patients (n = 1177), Malaysian patients (n = 969) were less likely to rate emotional (78% vs 90%), cognitive (76% vs 84%), social (72% vs 81%), and sexual (30% vs 56%) functioning as very important outcomes (P < 0.001). Cluster analysis suggests that older, parous, Malaysian women, who were less likely to have received breast reconstructive surgery, were more likely to rate body image and satisfaction with the breast as very important outcomes.ConclusionTaking into account the differences in PROs by cultural and socioeconomic settings could improve patient expectation of services and refine the assessment of cancer care outcomes.
Crystal structure of AdoMet radical enzyme 7‐carboxy‐7‐deazaguanine synthase from Escherichia coli suggests how modifications near [4Fe–4S] cluster engender flavodoxin specificity
Authors: Grell Tsehai A.J. , Bell Benjamin N. , Nguyen Chi , Dowling Daniel P. , Bruender Nathan A. , Bandarian Vahe , Drennan Catherine L. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract7‐Carboxy‐7‐deazaguanine synthase, QueE, catalyzes the radical mediated ring contraction of 6‐carboxy‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydropterin, forming the characteristic pyrrolopyrimidine core of all 7‐deazaguanine natural products. QueE is a member of the S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine (AdoMet) radical enzyme superfamily, which harnesses the reactivity of radical intermediates to perform challenging chemical reactions. Members of the AdoMet radical enzyme superfamily utilize a canonical binding motif, a CX3CXϕC motif, to bind a [4Fe‐4S] cluster, and a partial (β/α)6 TIM barrel fold for the arrangement of AdoMet and substrates for catalysis. Although variations to both the cluster‐binding motif and the core fold have been observed, visualization of drastic variations in the structure of QueE from Burkholderia multivorans called into question whether a re‐haul of the defining characteristics of this superfamily was in order. Surprisingly, the structure of QueE from Bacillus subtilis revealed an architecture more reminiscent of the classical AdoMet radical enzyme. With these two QueE structures revealing varying degrees of alterations to the classical AdoMet fold, a new question arises: what is the purpose of these alterations? Here, we present the structure of a third QueE enzyme from Escherichia coli, which establishes the middle range of the spectrum of variation observed in these homologs. With these three homologs, we compare and contrast the structural architecture and make hypotheses about the role of these structural variations in binding and recognizing the biological reductant, flavodoxin.Broader impact statement: We know more about how enzymes are tailored for catalytic activity than about how enzymes are tailored to react with a physiological reductant. Here, we consider structural differences between three 7‐carboxy‐7‐deazaguanine synthases and how these differences may be related to the interaction between these enzymes and their biological reductant, flavodoxin.
Methods to identify the substrates of thiol‐disulfide oxidoreductases
Authors: Fujimoto Takushi , Inaba Kenji , Kadokura Hiroshi 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe formation of a disulfide bond is a critical step in the folding of numerous secretory and membrane proteins and catalyzed in vivo. A variety of mechanisms and protein structures have evolved to catalyze oxidative protein folding. Those enzymes that directly interact with a folding protein to accelerate its oxidative folding are mostly thiol‐disulfide oxidoreductases that belong to the thioredoxin superfamily. The enzymes of this class often use a CXXC active‐site motif embedded in their thioredoxin‐like fold to promote formation, isomerization, and reduction of a disulfide bond in their target proteins. Over the past decade or so, an increasing number of substrates of the thiol‐disulfide oxidoreductases that are present in the ER of mammalian cells have been discovered, revealing that the enzymes play unexpectedly diverse physiological functions. However, functions of some of these enzymes still remain unclear due to the lack of information on their substrates. Here, we review the methods used by researchers to identify the substrates of these enzymes and provide data that show the importance of using trichloroacetic acid in sample preparation for the substrate identification, hoping to aid future studies. We particularly focus on successful studies that have uncovered physiological substrates and functions of the enzymes in the periplasm of Gram‐negative bacteria and the endoplasmic reticulum of mammalian cells. Similar approaches should be applicable to enzymes in other cellular compartments or in other organisms.
MicroRNAs as prognostic markers in prostate cancer
Authors: Suer Ilknur , Guzel Esra , Karatas Omer F. , Creighton Chad J. , Ittmann Michael , Ozen Mustafa 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in men who are especially over the age of 50 years in the western countries. Currently used therapeutic modalities mostly fail to give positive clinical outcomes and nearly 30% of the PCa patients eventually develop clinical recurrence. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms of PCa progression is of paramount importance to help determining the course of disease. In this study, we aimed at profiling the differentially expressed microRNAs in recurrent PCa samples.MethodsWe profiled the microRNA expression of 20 recurrent and 20 non‐recurrent PCa patients with microRNA microarray, and validated the differential expression of significantly deregulated microRNAs in 40 recurrent and 39 non‐recurrent PCa specimens using quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR). Data were statistically analyzed using two‐sided Student's t‐test, Pearson Correlation test, Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.ResultsOur results demonstrated that a total of 682 probes were significantly deregulated in recurrent versus non‐recurrent PCa specimen comparison. Among those, we confirmed the significant downregulation of miR‐424 and upregulation of miR‐572 with further qRT‐PCR analysis in a larger sample set. Further ROC analysis showed that these microRNAs have enough power to distinguish recurrent specimens from non‐recurrent ones on their own.ConclusionsHere, we report that differential expression of miR‐424 and miR‐572 in recurrent PCa specimens can serve as novel biomarkers for prediction of PCa progression.
The antitumour growth and antiangiogenesis effects of xanthatin in murine glioma dynamically evaluated by dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Bi Si‐Xing , Li Xiao‐Hu , Wei Chuan‐Sheng , Xiang Hui‐Hui , Shen Yu‐Xian , Yu Yong‐Qiang 
Published: October 2018

To investigate the suppressive effects of xanthatin on glioma growth in a nude mouse xenograft model and rat orthotopic implantation model using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to dynamically monitor the antitumour growth and antiangiogenesis effects of xanthatin. The nude mouse xenograft tumour model and rat orthotopic implantation model were established to observe the antitumour effects of xanthatin in vivo. In the rat orthotopic implanted tumour model, MRI scanning was used to dynamically monitor the antitumour growth effect and evaluate the antiangiogenesis effect of xanthatin. We found that xanthatin at a dose of 0.4 mg/10 g dramatically decreased the growth of xenograft tumours in nude mice. The antiangiogenesis effect of xanthatin C6 glioma was evaluated by dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI via comparison of the volume transfer constant (Ktrans) value, a parameter that reflects vessel permeability. We found that xanthatin at the doses of 8 and 16 mg/kg significantly decreased the Ktrans value, which suggests that xanthatin has antiangiogenesis effects. These data demonstrate the suppressive effects of xanthatin on C6 glioma occur via antiangiogenesis. Meanwhile, this study also provides evidence for the application of quantitative parameters of DCE‐MRI for dynamically evaluating the growth and angiogenesis of intracranial tumours and for experimental and clinical research.
Phytochemical information and pharmacological activities of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus): A literature‐based review
Authors: Islam Muhammad Torequl 
Published: October 2018

This review aimed at summarizing phytochemical reports and biological activities of Abelmoschus esculentus L. from the database sources. For this, an up‐to‐date search was made in the PubMed, Science Direct, MedLine, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The findings suggest that A. esculentus contains various nutrients and important phytochemicals. It possesses a number of important biological activities, including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory, antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, organ protective, and neuropharmacological activities. Moreover, the plant also has lipid‐lowering, trypsin inhibitory, hemagglutinating, antiadhesive, and antifatigue activities. The fruit and seeds are well tolerated in humans and other animals. In conclusion, A. esculentus may be one of the best sources of pharmacologically active lead compounds. More research is necessary on its toxicogenetic effects in animals.
Monitoring the ratio of two normal variables using variable sampling interval exponentially weighted moving average control charts
Authors: Nguyen Huu Du , Tran Kim Phuc , Heuchenne Cédric 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe investigate in this paper a new type of control chart called VSI EWMA‐RZ by integrating the variable sampling interval feature (VSI) with the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) scheme to monitor the ratio of two normal random variables. Because the distribution of the ratio is skewed, we suggest designing two separated one‐sided charts instead of one two‐sided chart. A new coefficient is introduced allowing us to be free to choose a sampling interval provided that it optimizes the performance of the control chart. We also make a direct comparison between the VSI EWMA‐RZ charts and standard EWMA‐RZ control charts. The numerical simulations show that the proposed charts outperform the standard EWMA charts in detecting process shifts. An application is illustrated for the implementation of the VSI EWMA‐RZ control charts in the food industry.
Finite‐horizon fault estimation under imperfect measurements and stochastic communication protocol: Dealing with finite‐time boundedness
Authors: Dong Hongli , Hou Nan , Wang Zidong , Liu Hongjian 
Published: October 2018

SummaryIn this paper, we analyze the finite‐horizon fault estimation issue for a kind of time‐varying nonlinear systems with imperfect measurement signals under the stochastic communication protocol (SCP). The imperfect measurements result from randomly occurring sensor nonlinearities obeying sensor‐wise Bernoulli distributions. The Markov‐chain‐driven SCP is introduced to regulate the signal transmission to alleviate the communication congestion. The aim of the considered issue is to propose the design algorithm of a group of time‐varying fault estimators such that the estimation error dynamics satisfies both the H∞ and the finite‐time boundedness (FTB) performance requirements. First, sufficient conditions are set up to guarantee the existence of the satisfactory H∞ FTB fault estimators through intensive stochastic analyses and matrix operations. Then, the gains of such fault estimators are explicitly parameterized by resorting to the solution to recursive linear matrix inequalities. Finally, the correctness of the devised fault estimation approach is demonstrated by a numerical example.
More Than Just Word of the Day: Vocabulary Apps for English Learners
Authors: Northrop Laura , Andrei Elena 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe authors present a tool that teachers can use to evaluate the rigor of vocabulary apps for their English learners. The tool asks about effective instructional practices, types of instructional activities, and technology features. The authors used the evaluation tool to examine 53 vocabulary apps for English learners and found overall app quality to be poor. Although most apps included narration (58%), additional features that would benefit students learning English, such as automatic translation to another language or visuals, were largely absent. Finally, the authors present ways that, despite their limitations, vocabulary apps can be used to support English learners’ vocabulary development.
On-drug and drug-free remission by baseline symptom duration: abatacept with methotrexate in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Bykerk Vivian P. , Burmester Gerd R. , Combe Bernard G. , Furst Daniel E. , Huizinga Tom W. J. , Ahmad Harris A. , Emery Paul 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Clinical outcomes in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were assessed by baseline symptom duration in the Assessing Very Early Rheumatoid arthritis Treatment trial (ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT01142726). Patients with early, active RA were randomized to subcutaneous (SC) abatacept 125 mg/week plus methotrexate (MTX), SC abatacept alone, or MTX monotherapy for 12 months. All RA treatments were withdrawn after 12 months in patients with Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (C-reactive protein; DAS28-CRP) < 3.2. In this post hoc analysis, the proportion of patients achieving protocol-defined remission (DAS28-CRP < 2.6) or improvement in physical function at 12 and at both 12 and 18 months was assessed according to symptom duration (≤ 3 months, > 3 to ≤ 6 months, or > 6 months) and treatment group. No clinically significant differences were seen in baseline demographics or characteristics across symptom duration groups. Irrespective of baseline symptom duration, a numerically higher proportion of abatacept plus MTX-treated patients achieved DAS-defined remission at month 12 and sustained remission at month 18 compared with MTX monotherapy. A numerically higher proportion of abatacept plus MTX-treated patients with symptom duration ≤ 3 months maintained DAS-defined remission after complete treatment withdrawal from 12 to 18 months compared with longer symptom duration groups. This subgroup also had the fastest onset of clinical response (DAS28-CRP < 2.6) after initiation of treatment. Health Assessment Questionnaire–Disability Index response was similar regardless of baseline symptom duration. Overall, symptom duration of ≤ 3 months was associated with a faster onset of clinical response and higher rates of drug-free remission following treatment with abatacept plus MTX.
Simulation and application of cooperative driving sense systems using prescan software
Authors: Wang Chia-Sui , Liu Ding-Yu , Hsu Kuei-Shu 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe PreScan was used to construct and test environmental simulation sections for a vehicle sensor. It was employed to build simulation road sections or import real road sections and build virtual infrastructures, streets, and scenes, where vehicles, unexpected road incidents, traffic signals, human factors, light sources, and simulated weather changes were considered, which served as the basis for testing the vehicle sensor value using PreScan. The built-in PreScan vehicle modules were imported to the built virtual road sections and scenes, and cameras were installed at appropriate positions to measure the perspective of a moving vehicle. Furthermore, Simulink was used to model the vehicle sensors to be tested. Globally, tens of thousands of people have died in traffic accidents wherein more than half of the deaths were caused by drivers’ negligence. Therefore, traffic safety-related Advanced Driver Assistance Systems or autopilot systems have received increasing attention from vehicle manufacturers, with vehicle sensor performance being the key to safety. Previously, physical vehicles were mostly employed to test the vehicle sensors, which entailed high costs and risks. However, by employing PreScan in the tests, highly reliable real physical data can be obtained and high costs and risks associated with the use of physical vehicles could be avoided.
Multisite study of the relationships between antemortem [11C]PIB‐PET Centiloid values and postmortem measures of Alzheimer's disease neuropathology
Authors: La Joie Renaud , Ayakta Nagehan , Seeley William W. , Borys Ewa , Boxer Adam L. , DeCarli Charles , Doré Vincent , Grinberg Lea T. , Huang Eric , Hwang Ji‐Hye , Ikonomovic Milos D. , Jack Clifford , Jagust William J. , Jin Lee‐Way , Klunk William E. , Kofler Julia , Lesman‐Segev Orit H. , Lockhart Samuel N. , Lowe Val J. , Masters Colin L. , Mathis Chester A. , McLean Catriona L. , Miller Bruce L. , Mungas Daniel , O'Neil James P. , Olichney John M. , Parisi Joseph E. , Petersen Ronald C. , Rosen Howard J. , Rowe Christopher C. , Spina Salvatore , Vemuri Prashanthi , Villemagne Victor L. , Murray Melissa E. , Rabinovici Gil D. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntroductionWe sought to establish the relationships between standard postmortem measures of AD neuropathology and antemortem [11C]PIB–positron emission tomography ([11C]PIB‐PET) analyzed with the Centiloid (CL) method, a standardized scale for Aβ‐PET quantification.MethodsFour centers contributed 179 participants encompassing a broad range of clinical diagnoses, PET data, and autopsy findings.ResultsCL values increased with each CERAD neuritic plaque score increment (median −3 CL for no plaques and 92 CL for frequent plaques) and nonlinearly with Thal Aβ phases (increases were detected starting at phase 2) with overlap between scores/phases. PET‐pathology associations were comparable across sites and unchanged when restricting the analyses to the 56 patients who died within 2 years of PET. A threshold of 12.2 CL detected CERAD moderate‐to‐frequent neuritic plaques (area under the curve = 0.910, sensitivity = 89.2%, specificity = 86.4%), whereas 24.4 CL identified intermediate‐to‐high AD neuropathological changes (area under the curve = 0.894, sensitivity = 84.1%, specificity = 87.9%).DiscussionOur study demonstrated the robustness of a multisite Centiloid [11C]PIB‐PET study and established a range of pathology‐based CL thresholds.
Posterior Vertebral Endplate Fractures: A Retrospective Study on a Rare Etiology of Back Pain in Youth and Young Adults
Authors: Conlee Erin M. , Driscoll Sherilyn W. , Coleman Wood Krista A. , McIntosh Amy L. , Dekutoski Mark L. , Brandenburg Joline E. 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundPosterior lumbar vertebral endplate fracture occurs with avulsion of the ring apophysis from the posterior vertebral body. Although this has been described in adolescents and young adults, proper diagnosis is often delayed or missed entirely. Surgery may be curative.ObjectiveTo determine the common clinical features and treatment outcomes in youth and young adults with posterior lumbar vertebral endplate fractures.DesignRetrospective case series.SettingAcademic medical institution.PatientsPatients 10 to 25 years old from 2000 through 2012 with posterior vertebral endplate fracture diagnosis.Main Outcome MeasurementsDemographic characteristics, diagnostic studies, interventions, and change in symptoms postoperatively.ResultsA total of 16 patients had posterior vertebral endplate fractures (8 male patients; mean age, 15.2 years)—8.3% of 192 patients with inclusion age range undergoing spinal surgery for causes unrelated to trauma, scoliosis, or malignancy. The most common signs and symptoms were low back and radiating leg pain, positive straight leg raise, hamstring contracture, and abnormal gait. Cause was sports related for 12 patients (75%). Mean (range) time to diagnosis was 13.0 (3.0‐63.0) months. Diagnosis was most commonly made with lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (n = 6). Most fractures occurred at L5 (n = 8, 50%) and L4 (n = 5, 31.3%). Conservative measures were trialed before surgery. Nine patients had “complete relief” following surgery and seven “improved.”ConclusionsPosterior vertebral endplate fracture should be considered in differential diagnosis of a youth or young adult with back pain, radiating leg pain, and limited knee extension, regardless of symptom onset. For patients in whom conservative management fails, consultation with an experienced physician whose practice specializes in spine medicine is recommended.Level of EvidenceIV
Two Faces of Foreign Affairs Federalism and What They Mean for Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: Galbraith Jean 
Published: October 2018

President Trump has done the impossible: he has made the international community enthusiastic about U.S. federalism. Even as they express dismay at Trump's plan to abandon the Paris Agreement, foreign leaders and internationalists have praised the efforts of U.S. states and cities to combat climate change mitigation in accordance with the Agreement's goals. These leaders are responding to what I will call the outer face of foreign affairs federalism—the direct international engagement undertaken by U.S. states and cities. This outer face has gained visibility in recent years, spurred on not only by the exigencies of climate but also by developments in legal practice. Less noticed internationally but of great practical importance is the inner face of foreign affairs federalism—the ways in which U.S. states and cities interact with the federal government. In this contribution, I first describe these two faces of foreign affairs federalism as they relate to climate and then suggest some ways in which foreign leaders and internationalists could expand the outer face and respond to the inner face.