bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Promotion effects of mono‐2‐ethyhexyl phthalate (MEHP) on migration and invasion of human melanoma cells via activation of TGF‐β signals
Authors: Fan Pengju , Li Zhen , Zuo Chenchen , Fang Man 
Published: October 2019

Malignant melanoma is one of the most leading forms of skin cancer associated with a low patient survival rate. There is an urgent need to illustrate risk factors that can trigger the motility of melanoma cancer cells. Our present study revealed that mono‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP) exposure can significantly increase the in vitro migration and invasion of WM983A and A375 cells. Among the tested cytokines, MEHP can increase the expression of transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β). Inhibition of TGF‐β via its neutralization antibody can attenuate MEHP‐induced cell migration and invasion. Further, upregulation of TGF‐β mediated MEHP‐induced activation of Smad signals and upregulation of Snail in melanoma cells. Blocking the TGF‐β/Smad signal pathway can attenuate MEHP‐induced cell migration. Estrogen receptor α (ERα) was essential for MEHP‐induced expression of TGF‐β. In addition, MEHP can increase the expression of ERα in melanoma cells. Collectively, our study found that MEHP can stimulate the progression of melanoma via TGF‐β signals.SignificanceMono‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP) is the active and most toxic metabolite of di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP). Our present study revealed that MEHP can trigger the in vitro migration and invasion of melanoma cells via upregulation of TGF‐β/Snail signals. It revealed that daily exposure to MEHP might be a risk factor for melanoma patients.
Benign posterior mediastinal schwannoma—Multiple diagnostic imaging modalities
Authors: Song Yeo‐Jeong , Seol Sang‐Hoon , Kim Seunghwan , Kim Dong‐Kie , Kim Ki‐Hun , Kim Doo‐Il , Kang Do‐Kyun , Kim Ji Yeon 
Published: October 2019

AbstractSchwannoma is usually benign, encapsulated spindle cell tumor which arises from schwann cells of nerve sheath, and is the most common of the neurogenic mediastinal tumors. Various imaging modalities can be applied to assess posterior mediastinal mass which is often found incidentally without symptom and frequently misdiagnosed for other benign conditions both clinically and radiologically in which clinicians should be aware of.
Water Splitting Performance Enhancement of the TiO2 Nanorod Array Electrode with Ultrathin Black Phosphorus Nanosheets
Authors: Xu Yuanmei , Wang Xin , Jin Mingliang , Kempa Krzysztof , Shui Lingling 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMetal free two‐dimensional (2D) semiconductor nanomaterial black phosphorus (BP) is a promising photocatalyst for solar H2 evolution. Here, ultrathin BP nanosheets were prepared through organic salt sodium citrate assisted exfoliation of bulk BP. Further, an efficient photoelectrode for photoelectrochemical water splitting was developed based on TiO2 nanorod arrays, coated with ultrathin black phosphorus nanosheets. Compared to the pure TiO2 nanorod arrays, this structure exhibits reduced photoluminescent emission, longer carrier lifetime, and a strong photocurrent density enhancement of about 140 %. The high photoelectrochemical performance indicated the formed 2D‐1D BP/TiO2 heterostructure facilitates the charge separation and transfer. The interfacial interactions between black phosphorus and TiO2 were thoroughly investigated with XPS and FTIR spectroscopy.
Carbon Tunneling in the Automerization of Cyclo[18]carbon
Authors: Nandi Ashim , Solel Ephrath , Kozuch Sebastian 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCyclo[18]carbon (C18), a recently synthesized carbon allotrope, was found to have a polyynic ground‐state structure with D9h symmetry and formally alternating single and triple bonds. Yet, under less influencing experimental conditions this molecule might undergo an automerization reaction between its two degenerate geometries through a cumulenic (non‐alternating, adjacent double bonds) D18h transition state. Herein, we discuss the role of quantum mechanical tunneling (QMT) in this degenerate reaction. Our computations predict that at the experimental temperature (5 K) the reaction in the gas phase is completely driven by an extremely rapid heavy atom tunneling (k=2.1×108 s−1). Even when approaching room temperature, the QMT rate is still an order of magnitude faster than the semi‐classical one. We propose an experimental test to support our prediction, by measuring a characteristic tunneling energy splitting within the radio wave region. Additionally, we examine the role of QMT in other hypothetical C4n+2 carbon clusters.
Modelling of solid formation by heterogeneous reactions through a multicomponent transport model of diluted ionic species: Simulation of barite fouling in a geothermal heat exchanger
Authors: Cazenave Florian , Bernada Philippe , Couture Frédéric , Serin Jean‐Paul 
Published: October 2019

AbstractA general model is proposed in order to describe the growth of a deposit by heterogeneous reactions. The hydrodynamics in the fluid is described by a multicomponent transport model for ionic species diluted in a solvent and heat transfer is taken into account in both liquid and solid domains. The boundary condition at the interface where the reaction takes place is described thoroughly. It involves the reaction kinetics and gives access to the velocity of the interface, ie, the mass rate of the solid deposit. The model is then applied to the case of barite crystallization in a heat exchanger. The liquid phase is therefore composed of two ionic species Ba2+ and SO42− diluted in water. The solid phase is modelled as a homogeneous barite deposit. The fully dynamic CFD simulation of the model is made using Comsol Multiphysics, in a cylindrical pipe. The solid growth is analyzed over time and space in terms of the relevant variables of the model.
Ligand‐ and Structure‐Based Approaches of Escherichia coli FabI Inhibition by Triclosan Derivatives: From Chemical Similarity to Protein Dynamics Influence
Authors: Kronenberger Thales , de Oliveira Fernades Philipe , Drumond Franco Isabella , Poso Antti , Gonçalves Maltarollo Vinícius 
Published: October 2019

AbstractEnoyl‐acyl carrier protein reductase (FabI) is the limiting step to complete the elongation cycle in type II fatty acid synthase (FAS) systems and is a relevant target for antibacterial drugs. E. coli FabI has been employed as a model to develop new inhibitors against FAS, especially triclosan and diphenyl ether derivatives. Chemical similarity models (CSM) were used to understand which features were relevant for FabI inhibition. Exhaustive screening of different CSM parameter combinations featured chemical groups, such as the hydroxy group, as relevant to distinguish between active/decoy compounds. Those chemical features can interact with the catalytic Tyr156. Further molecular dynamics simulation of FabI revealed the ionization state as a relevant for ligand stability. Also, our models point the balance between potency and the occupancy of the hydrophobic pocket. This work discusses the strengths and weak points of each technique, highlighting the importance of complementarity among approaches to elucidate EcFabI inhibitor's binding mode and offers insights for future drug discovery.
Poly[N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide]‐Modified Magnetic γ‐F2O3 Nanoparticles Conjugated with Doxorubicin for Glioblastoma Treatment
Authors: Plichta Zdeněk , Horák Daniel , Mareková Dana , Turnovcová Karolína , Kaiser Radek , Jendelová Pavla 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWith the aim to develop a new anticancer agent, we prepared poly[N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide‐co‐methyl 2‐methacrylamidoacetate] [P(HP‐MMAA)], which was reacted with hydrazine to poly[N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide‐co‐N‐(2‐hydrazinyl‐2‐oxoethyl)methacrylamide] [P(HP‐MAH)] to conjugate doxorubicin (Dox) via hydrazone bond. The resulting P(HP‐MAH)‐Dox conjugate was used as a coating of magnetic γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles obtained by the coprecipitation method. In vitro toxicity of various concentrations of Dox, P(HP‐MAH)‐Dox, and γ‐Fe2O3@P(HP‐MAH)‐Dox nanoparticles was determined on somatic healthy cells (human bone marrow stromal cells hMSC), human glioblastoma line (GaMG), and primary human glioblastoma (GBM) cells isolated from GBM patients both at a short and prolonged exposition time (up to 7 days). Due to hydrolysis of the hydrazone bond in acid milieu of tumor cells and Dox release, the γ‐Fe2O3@P(HP‐MAH)‐Dox nanoparticles significantly decreased the GaMG and GBM cell growth compared to free Dox and P(HP‐MAH)‐Dox in low concentration (10 nM), whereas in hMSCs it remained without effect. γ‐F2O3@PHP nanoparticles alone did not affect the viability of any of the tested cells.
Dual Farnesoid X Receptor/Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Modulators Derived from Zafirlukast
Authors: Schierle Simone , Helmstädter Moritz , Schmidt Jurema , Hartmann Markus , Horz Maximiliane , Kaiser Astrid , Weizel Lilia , Heitel Pascal , Proschak Anna , Hernandez‐Olmos Victor , Proschak Ewgenij , Merk Daniel 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the enzyme soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) are validated molecular targets to treat metabolic disorders such as non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Their simultaneous modulation in vivo has demonstrated a triad of anti‐NASH effects and thus may generate synergistic efficacy. Here we report dual FXR activators/sEH inhibitors derived from the anti‐asthma drug Zafirlukast. Systematic structural optimization of the scaffold has produced favorable dual potency on FXR and sEH while depleting the original cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonism of the lead drug. The resulting polypharmacological activity profile holds promise in the treatment of liver‐related metabolic diseases.
A novel ultra‐dense and low‐power structure for fault‐tolerant three‐input majority gate in QCA technology
Authors: Ahmadpour Seyed‐Sajad , Mosleh Mohammad 
Published: October 2019

SummaryQuantum‐dot cellular automata (QCA) is a very interesting nanoscale technology. Ultradense structure and ultralow power consumption are the most important features of QCA compared to CMOS. QCA circuits often suffer from various types of manufacturing defects and are therefore prone to fault. Hence, the design of fault‐tolerant circuits in QCA technology is considered a necessity. In this paper, a novel fault‐tolerant three‐input majority gate is presented using 12 simple and rotated cells in QCA technology. The proposed structure is investigated against all kinds of cell omission, extra‐cell deposition, and cell displacement defects. The simulation results are verified by QCADesigner 2.0.3, and it showed 100%, 89.29%, and 100% tolerance against single‐cell omission, double‐cell omission, and extra‐cell deposition, respectively. In addition, the proposed structure is robust against cell displacement defects. Finally, using the proposed structure, a novel coplanar full adder is presented. The results were compared and indicated that the proposed designs are more reliable than the existing designs. Furthermore, QCAPro power estimator tool was employed to estimate the energy dissipation of the proposed structure.
An energy‐efficient and balanced clustering approach for improving throughput of wireless sensor networks
Authors: Karmaker Amit , Alam Mohammad Shah , Hasan Md. Mahedee , Craig Andrew 
Published: October 2019

SummaryMaximizing the lifespan of wireless sensor networks is currently drawing a lot of attention in the research community. In order to reduce energy consumption, sensor nodes that are far from the base station avoid sending data directly. As a result, several disjoint clusters are formed, and nodes within a cluster send their data through the cluster head to avoid long transmissions. However, several parameters related to transmission cost need to be considered when selecting a cluster head. While most of the existing research work considers energy and distance as the most stringent parameters to reduce energy consumption, these approaches fail to create a fair and balanced cluster. Consequently, unbalanced clusters are formed, resulting in the degradation of overall performance. In this research work, a cluster head selection algorithm is proposed that covers all parts of the sensing area in a balanced manner, saving a significant amount of energy. Furthermore, a capture effect–based intracluster communication mechanism is proposed that efficiently utilizes the time slot under various traffic conditions. A Näive Bayes classifier is used to adapt the window size dynamically according to the traffic pattern. Finally, a simulation model using OMNeT++ is developed to compare the proposed approach with the pioneer clustering approach, LEACH, and the contemporary LEACH‐MAC protocol in terms of performance. The results of the simulation indicate that the proposed approach improves the overall performance in terms of network lifetime, energy efficiency, and throughput.
A lightweight efficient chaos‐based cryptosystem for constrained‐node networks
Authors: Senouci Mustapha Reda , Sadoudi Said , Djamaa Badis , Senouci Mohamed Abdelkrim 
Published: October 2019

SummaryInterconnected sensor and actuator objects creating Constrained‐Node Networks (CNN) are among the most prominent technologies of the Internet of things. Deployed to monitor our lives, surroundings, and critical infrastructure, CNN communications must be strongly secured in order to prevent devastating unauthorized access to critical information. This, however, faces severe challenges imposed by CNN constraints in terms of energy, memory, and computational power. To address such conflicting requirements, this paper presents a chaos‐based efficient lightweight secure communication system for CNNs. The proposed cryptosystem performs optimized confusion‐diffusion operations at the byte level allowing it to be fully implemented on an 8‐bit microcontroller. Obtained results from extensive experiments at both statistical and implementation levels confirm the robustness of the proposed cryptosystem against a multitude of attacks. Additionally, the evaluated encryption/decryption speeds along with the low memory and energy consumption grant the proposed cryptosystem attractive lightweight aspects enabling its deployment in very constrained CNN applications having soft real‐time requirements.
Muscle fatigability in patients with type 2 diabetes: relation with long‐term complications
Authors: Orlando Giorgio , Sacchetti Massimo , D'Errico Valeria , Haxhi Jonida , Rapisarda Gianvito , Pugliese Giuseppe , Balducci Stefano 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimsIt is unclear whether long‐term complications play a role in muscle fatigue characteristic of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between muscle fatigability and microvascular and macrovascular complications in patients with T2DM.MethodsOne‐hundred forty‐six patients with T2DM (80 males, 66 females, aged 66.9 ± 7.9 years) were recruited. Maximal voluntary contraction (MCV) and endurance time (ET, 50% of the MVC) were assessed at the knee extensor muscles with an isometric dynamometer. Univariate and multivariate correlations of ET values with diabetic complications, a wide range of surrogate measures of these sequelae, and cardiovascular risk factors were examined.ResultsA higher muscle fatigability was detected in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN, ET: −32.4%), cardiovascular disease (CVD, ET: −32.1%), retinopathy (ET: −35.8%), and nephropathy (ET: −30.4%). At univariate analysis, muscle fatigability was associated with age, physical activity level, diabetes duration, HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, albuminuria, eGFR, and several parameters of nervous and vascular function. Multivariate analysis showed that, after adjusting for covariates, ET was independently associated with sensory nerve conduction velocity, vibration perception threshold at malleolus, and ankle‐brachial index. In addition, ET values were independently associated with the presence of DPN, CVD, and retinopathy.ConclusionsIn T2DM, muscle fatigability is associated with presence of DPN, CVD, and retinopathy. Such defect appears to be mediated predominantly by sensory nerve and peripheral vascular dysfunction.
In vivo thromboxane‐dependent platelet activation is persistently enhanced in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Santilli Francesca , Zaccardi Francesco , Liani Rossella , Petrucci Giovanna , Simeone Paola , Pitocco Dario , Tripaldi Romina , Rizzi Alessandro , Formoso Gloria , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Angelucci Ermanno , Pagliaccia Francesca , Golato Maria , De Leva Francesca , Vitacolonna Ester , Rocca Bianca , Consoli Agostino , Patrono Carlo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundImpaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Enhanced thromboxane (TX)‐dependent platelet activation plays a pivotal role in atherothrombosis and characterizes type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Whether this also pertains to IGT is currently unknown.We investigated whether TXA2‐dependent platelet activation, as reflected by 11‐dehydro‐TXB2 (TXM) urinary excretion, is comparably abnormal in IGT as in DM, is persistent over long‐term follow‐up, changes as a function of metabolic disease progression, and is influenced by food intake.MethodsWe prospectively investigated subjects with IGT (n = 48) and two control groups with DM diagnosed either less than 12 months (n = 60) or 12 months or more (n = 58).ResultsBaseline TXM excretion was comparable between subjects with IGT and DM, with no evidence of a circadian variation. During a 36‐month follow‐up, urinary TXM excretion was stable over time in the DM groups, while tended to increase in subjects with IGT. Increasing urinary TXM excretion over time was observed in the subjects who progressed to diabetes vs nonprogressors.ConclusionsWe conclude that TXA2‐dependent platelet activation was at least as high in IGT as in patients with DM and further increased over time, especially in those who progressed to overt diabetes.
Synthesis and identification of deschloroketamine metabolites in rats' urine and a quantification method for deschloroketamine and metabolites in rats' serum and brain tissue using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Hájková Kateřina , Jurásek Bronislav , Čejka Jan , Štefková Kristýna , Páleníček Tomáš , Sýkora David , Kuchař Martin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractDeschloroketamine (2‐(methylamino)‐2‐phenyl‐cyclohexanone) is a ketamine analog belonging to a group of dissociative anesthetics, which have been distributed within the illicit market since 2015. However, it was also being sold as ‘ketamine' misleading people to believe that they were getting genuine ketamine. Dissociative anesthetics have also come to the attention of the psychiatric field due to their potential properties in the treatment of depression. At present, there is a dearth of information on deschloroketamine related to its metabolism, biodistribution, and its mechanism of action. We have therefore carried out a metabolomics study for deschloroketamine via non‐targeted screening of urine samples employing liquid chromatography combined with high‐resolution mass spectrometry. We developed and validated a multiple reaction monitoring method using a triple quadrupole instrument to track metabolites of deschloroketamine. Furthermore, significant metabolites of deschloroketamine, (trans‐dihydrodeschloroketamine, cis‐ and trans‐dihydronordeschloroketamine, and nordeschloroketamine), were synthesized in‐house. The prepared standards were utilized in the developed multiple reaction monitoring method. The quantification method for serum samples provided intra‐day accuracy ranging from 86% to 112% with precision of 3% on average. The concentrations of cis/trans‐dihydronordeschloroketamines and trans‐dihydrodeschloroketamine were lower than 10 ng/mL, nordeschloroketamine and deschloroketamine ranged from 0.5 to 860 ng/mL in real samples. The quantification method for brain tissue provided intra‐day accuracy ranging from 80% to 125% with precision of 7% on average. The concentrations of cis/trans‐dihydronordeschloroketamines and trans‐dihydrodeschloroketamine ranged from 0.5 to 70 ng/g, nordeschloroketamine and deschloroketamine varied from 0.5 to 4700 ng/g in real samples.
Disparities in DSM‐5 defined eating disorders by sexual orientation among U.S. adults
Authors: Kamody Rebecca C. , Grilo Carlos M. , Udo Tomoko 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe increased occurrence of disordered eating behaviors among sexual minorities is well established; however, few studies have examined disparities in eating disorder diagnoses among this population. This study sought to examine lifetime prevalence estimates of DSM‐5 defined EDs, including anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge‐eating disorder (BED) as a function of sexual orientation. We then compared prevalence of EDs based on experiences with perceived discrimination.MethodA nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (N = 35,995) participating in the 2012–2013 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions‐III completed structured diagnostic interviews.ResultsPrevalence rates were significantly higher among sexual minorities than heterosexual respondents for all EDs: AN = 1.71% (SE = 0.50) versus 0.77% (SE = 0.07), BN = 1.25% (SE = 0.37) versus 0.24% (SE = 0.03), BED = 2.17% (SE = 0.52) versus 0.81% (SE = 0.05). Odds of lifetime diagnosis were significantly greater among sexual minorities for AN (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.93), BN (AOR = 3.69), and BED (AOR = 2.32), after adjusting for sociodemographic variables. Sexual minorities reporting experiences with perceived discrimination had significantly higher prevalence of AN than those not endorsing perceived discrimination: 3.78% (SE = 1.43) versus 0.82% (SE = 0.33); AOR = 5.06. There were no significant differences in prevalence of BN or BED by perceived discrimination.DiscussionFindings indicate that sexual minorities are disproportionately affected by EDs. Further research is needed to better understand mechanisms contributing to these disparities and heightened risk for EDs.