bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Generalized model of the linear theory of electromigration and its application to electrokinetic chromatography: Theory and software PeakMaster 6—Next Generation
Authors: Malý Michal , Dovhunová Magda , Dvořák Martin , Gerlero Gabriel S. , Kler Pablo A. , Hruška Vlastimil , Dubský Pavel 
Published: December 2018

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

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

AbstractDuring the last glacial cycle an intriguing feature of the British‐Irish Ice Sheet was the North Sea Lobe (NSL); fed from the Firth of Forth and which flowed south and parallel to the English east coast. The controls on the formation and behaviour of the NSL have long been debated, but in the southern North Sea recent work suggests the NSL formed a dynamic, oscillating terrestrial margin operating over a deforming bed. Further north, however, little is known of the behaviour of the NSL or under what conditions it operated. This paper analyses new acoustic, sedimentary and geomorphic data in order to evaluate the glacial landsystem imprint and deglacial history of the NSL offshore from NE England.Subglacial tills (AF2/3) form a discontinuous mosaic interspersed with bedrock outcrops across the seafloor, with the partial excavation and advection of subglacial sediment during both advance and retreat producing mega‐scale glacial lineations and grounding zone wedges. The resultant ‘mixed‐bed’ glacial landsystem is the product of a dynamic switch from a terrestrial piedmont‐lobe margin with a net surplus of sediment to a partially erosive, quasi‐stable, marine‐terminating, ice stream lobe as the NSL withdrew northwards.Glaciomarine sediments (AF4) drape the underlying subglacial mixed‐bed imprint and point to a switch to tidewater conditions between 19.9 and 16.5 ka cal BP as the North Sea became inundated. The dominant controls on NSL recession during this period were changing ice flux through the Firth of Forth ice stream onset zone and water depths at the grounding line; the development of the mixed‐bed landsystem being a response to grounding line instability. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between treatment delays and oncologic outcome in patients treated with surgery and radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Tumati Vasu , Hoang Lawrence , Sumer Baran D. , Truelson John M. , Myers Larry L. , Khan Saad , Hughes Randall S. , Nedzi Lucien , Sher David J. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundThis study sought to determine the oncologic impact of delays to surgery, radiotherapy, and completion of therapy in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.MethodsThe impact of biopsy to surgery (BTS) time, surgery to start of radiation time (STSR), and radiation treatment time (RTT) on locoregional recurrence (LRR), distant metastases (DMs), and cancer‐specific mortality (CSM) was examined. The cumulative incidences (CI) of LRR, DMs, and CSM were examined using Fine–Gray testing.ResultsA total of 277 patients treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy were analyzed. On multivariable testing, BTS >50 days was associated with DM (P = .03), whereas RTT and STSR were not. RTT >43 days was associated with LRR (P = .02) in patients with non‐p16‐positive‐oropharynx cancer.ConclusionsAn increase in DM appears to be the mechanism by which prolonged time to treatment initiation leads to worse overall survival. Prolonged RTT has the greatest impact on patients with non‐p16 positive oropharynx cancers.
Plasma metabolite profiling and chemometric analyses of tobacco snuff dippers and patients with oral cancer: Relationship between metabolic signatures
Authors: Shahid Najia , Iqbal Ayesha , Siddiqui Amna Jabbar , Shoaib Muhammad , Musharraf Syed Ghulam 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundCancer of oral cavity is a seriously growing problem in many parts of the world. In Indian subcontinent, most of these cases have been attributed to the use of tobacco‐related products. This study is focused on the identification of distinguishing metabolites of oral cancer in comparison with tobacco snuff dippers and healthy controls.MethodsA total of 234 plasma samples including 62 healthy controls, 81 tobacco snuff dippers, and 91 oral cancer samples were analyzed using mass spectrometry.ResultsTwenty‐nine of 3326 metabolites were found to distinguish among oral cancer, tobacco snuff dippers, and healthy controls using P‐value ≤.001 and fold change ≥3. Prediction model was generated with an overall accuracy of 89.3%. Two metabolites, that is, stearyl alcohol and sucrose, can be used as predictive biomarkers showing progression of tobacco snuff dippers toward oral cancer.ConclusionThe unique metabolite profile gives evidence of a strong correlation between tobacco snuff dipping and oral cancer.
Detection of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐encoded microRNAs in plasma of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Gao Wei , Wong Thian‐Sze , Lv Ke‐Xing , Zhang Min‐Juan , Tsang Raymond King‐Yin , Chan Jimmy Yu‐Wai 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundNasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) latently infected by Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) expresses 40 EBV BART microRNAs (miRNAs). Difference in diagnostic efficacy of these miRNAs on NPC detection was observed. Here, we performed a comprehensive evaluation on the efficacy of these miRNAs.MethodsQuantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed on plasma nucleic acid isolated from patients with NPC and noncancer donors.ResultsFor primary NPC, BART2‐5P, BART6‐3P, BART7‐3P, BART7‐5P, BART9‐5P, BART11‐3P, BART17‐5P, and BART19‐5P were significantly elevated. For recurrent NPC, plasma levels of BART2‐3P, BART2‐5P, BART5‐3P, BART5‐5P, BART6‐3P, BART8‐3P, BART9‐5P, BART17‐5P, BART19‐3P, and BART20‐3P were significantly increased. Area under curve (AUC) analysis showed that BART19‐5P had the best performance to identify NPC which was serologically EBV DNA undetectable. For recurrent NPC, BART8‐3P and BART10‐3P had highest AUC value for identifying cancer in EBV DNA undetectable plasma.ConclusionOur data supported the use of circulating EBV miRNAs in NPC and recurrent NPC detection.
Nucleation and Crystal Formation in Lithium Disilicate‐Apatite Glass‐Ceramic from a Combined Use of X‐Ray Diffraction, Solid‐State NMR, and Microscopy
Authors: Liao Wei‐Chih , Rampf Markus , Dittmer Marc , Copéret Christophe , Höland Wolfram 
Published: December 2018

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

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

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

AbstractPurposeMarred by complex internal and external pressures, Pakistan's education system struggles to move ahead. This paper uses system dynamics (SD) to analyze this complexity and identifies leverage points and intervention strategies for change.MethodologyAn SD approach suggests that meaningful understanding comes from building up a big picture of phenomena. Causal loop diagrams (CLDs) are utilized to describe and explain the present system and helps to suggest actions that can be taken in the present that will impact the long term.FindingsThree factors are identified in terms of having the greatest impact in this area. We conclude that in order to reduce dependence on the military and foreign aid, it is imperative for Pakistan to turn its attention to its education sector.Practical implicationsThe implementation of the suggested strategies could arrest the vicious cycles occurring at present within the education sector. Consequently, the education sector could gradually be mended, inducing positive knock‐on effects on the economy and the country as a whole.OriginalityEach of the factors that have been identified have been examined separately in their role in advancing the education system; however, by utilizing this methodology, this paper attempts to bring a “system understanding” to a long‐standing problem.
No lanthanides‐based catalysis in eukaryotes
Authors: De Simone Giovanna , Polticelli Fabio , Aime Silvio , Ascenzi Paolo 
Published: December 2018

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

AbstractThe aim is to explore the treatment effect of coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension on plasma levels of renalase activity and also the possible association of renalase rs10887800 gene polymorphism with CAD and hypertension. A total of 286 patients who received coronary angiography were included in the study. Subjects were divided into four groups including (1) hypertensive with no CAD (H‐Tens, n = 60); (2) CAD with hypertension (CAD + H‐Tens, n = 71); (3) CAD with no hypertension (CAD, n = 61); and (4) nonhypertensive with no CAD as a control group (Con, n = 69). The plasma renalase activity was measured using the Amplex Red Monoamine Oxidase Assay Kit. Renalase rs10887800 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method. Atorvastatin (P = 0.005), losartan (P < 0.001), and captopril (P = 0.001) were administered significantly more in case groups compared with the Con group. Significant higher and lower levels of renalase activity were observed in H‐Tens and CAD patients compared with control subjects (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). Furthermore, no significant differences were obtained in the risk or protective effects of renalase rs10887800 SNP against hypertension and/or CAD in both recessive and dominant genetic models (P > 0.05). According to the findings of the present study, atorvastatin and losartan therapy assumes considerable significance in alleviating hypertension, but not CAD, by increasing the renalase activity. Furthermore, it was found that renalase rs10887800 is less likely a predisposing factor for susceptibility to hypertension and/or CAD in an Iranian southeast population.
microRNA‐107 protects against inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress of vascular endothelial cells via KRT1‐dependent Notch signaling pathway in a mouse model of coronary atherosclerosis
Authors: Gao Zhi‐Feng , Ji Xiao‐Lin , Gu Jie , Wang Xiao‐Yu , Ding Lin , Zhang Huan 
Published: December 2018

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

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

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

AbstractA signed circuit is a minimal signed graph (with respect to inclusion) that admits a nowhere‐zero flow. We show that each flow‐admissible signed graph on edges can be covered by signed circuits of total length at most , improving a recent result of Cheng et al. To obtain this improvement, we prove several results on signed circuit covers of trees of Eulerian graphs, which are connected signed graphs such that removing all bridges results in a collection of Eulerian graphs.