bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural characterizations, thermal behavior, and electrical measurements of the amidosulfonic acid catalyzed thermal ring‐opening polymerization of substituted cyclotriphosphazene in 1,2,4‐trichlorobenzene solution
Authors: Koran Kenan , Görgülü Ahmet Orhan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn this study, we aimed to design and synthesize poly[3,3,5,5‐tetrachloro‐1,1‐bis{spiro(2′,2″‐dioxy‐1′‐1″‐biphenylyl)}phosphazene] (3) in order to obtain a polymer which is resistant to moisture and hydrolysis and also contains chlorine atoms within its structure. For this reason, the polymerization experiments of polymer 3 were performed using ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of 3,3,5,5‐tetrachloro‐1,1‐bis[spiro(2′,2″‐dioxy‐1′,1″‐biphenylyl)]cyclotriphosphazene (2) at different time and temperature. In particular, ROP of 2 was successful in 1,2,4‐trichlorobenzene solution in the presence amidosulfonic acid and promoter (CaSO4.2H2O) in sealed glass tubes under vacuum for 60, 72, and 96 hr at 220°C. The changes in molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of the polymer 3 were noted as a function of polymerization reaction time. The structure of polymer 3 was approved by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), FT‐IR, NMR spectroscopy (31P, 1H, 13C), and elemental analysis. The glass transition temperature (Tg) and thermal stability of polymer 3 were determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. Dielectric properties of 3 were determined as a function of frequency at five different temperatures by an impedance analyzer. The activation energy of polymer 3 was calculated using Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (F–W–O) integral method.
Current status of immunotherapy against gastrointestinal cancers and its biomarkers: Perspective for precision immunotherapy
Authors: Hazama Shoichi , Tamada Koji , Yamaguchi Yoshiyuki , Kawakami Yutaka , Nagano Hiroaki 
Published: June 2018

AbstractImmunotherapy has shown encouraging results for some types of tumor. Although enormous efforts have been made toward the development of specific immunotherapeutic strategies against gastrointestinal cancers, such as adoptive T‐cell transfer, peptide vaccines, or dendritic cell vaccines, the efficacy of immunotherapies prior to the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors was not substantial. This article reviews immunotherapy for gastrointestinal malignancies, including cell therapy, peptide vaccine, and immune checkpoint inhibitors, and attempts to resolve the immunosuppressive conditions surrounding the tumor microenvironment, and to construct novel combination immunotherapies beyond immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Obesity and recurrence‐free survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after achieving sustained virological response to interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Shinkawa Hiroji , Tanaka Shogo , Takemura Shigekazu , Ito Tokuji , Aota Takanori , Koda Masaki , Miyazaki Toru , Yamamoto Takatsugu , Kubo Shoji 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimSome patients who achieve a sustained virological response (SVR) to interferon (IFN) treatment for chronic hepatitis C prior to hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) experience postoperative recurrence. This study investigated the relationship between obesity and postoperative HCC recurrence in SVR patients.MethodsFifty‐nine patients who had achieved SVR before hepatic resection were evaluated. Patients had a solitary tumor ≤5 cm in diameter or ≤3 lesions each ≤3 cm in size with no macroscopic vascular invasion (Milan criteria). Patient characteristics potentially associated with recurrence risk were investigated.ResultsThree‐, 5‐, and 7‐year recurrence‐free survival after surgery were 65%, 44%, and 41%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that obesity (P < .01), hypertension (P = .038), and non‐anatomical resection (P = .022) were significantly associated with a lower recurrence‐free survival rate. In a multivariate analysis, obesity (hazard ratio, 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3‐6.1; P < .01) and non‐anatomical resection (hazard ratio, 2.7; 95% CI 1.1‐6.2; P = .025) were independently associated with postoperative recurrence. Three‐, 5‐, and 7‐year overall survival rates after surgery were 100%, 80%, and 64% in obese patients and 100%, 92%, and 82% in non‐obese patients, respectively (P = .014). However, other variables showed no significant difference in the overall survival rate.ConclusionsObesity and non‐anatomical resection were independent risk factors for HCC recurrence after hepatic resection and successful IFN therapy. Obesity is an important clinical problem to consider to improve postoperative outcomes in such patients.
Shared Communities: A Multinational Qualitative Study of Immigrant and Receiving Community Members
Authors: Buckingham Sara L. , Brodsky Anne E. , Rochira Alessia , Fedi Angela , Mannarini Terri , Emery Lindsay , Godsay Surbhi , Miglietta Anna , Gattino Silvia 
Published: June 2018

AbstractCommunity psychology is central to understanding how immigrants and more established residents of their new settings join together to develop a shared sense of community and membership. In our present study, we explored how newer (i.e., first‐ and second‐generation immigrants) and more established community members form multiple positive psychological sense of community (PSOC) with one another. We conducted a multinational, qualitative study of PSOC through interviews with 201 first‐ and second‐generation immigrants and third generation or more “receiving community members” in three contexts (Baltimore‐Washington corridor of the U.S.; Torino, Italy; Lecce, Italy). Results indicated numerous similarities among the ways in which participants constructed PSOC in shared and nonshared communities, regardless of immigration/citizenship status, length of community residence, city, country, age, or gender. Small, proximal, and salient communities were often particularly important to building positive PSOC, which was formed around diverse membership boundaries. As intersectional beings, members converged and diverged on many characteristics, providing multiple opportunities for members to bring diversity to their communities while sharing other characteristics deemed essential to membership. Nonetheless, findings point to significant, structural challenges rooted in power and privilege that must be confronted to bridge the community‐diversity dialectic and build strong, shared sense of community.
Enzymatic Thioamide Formation in a Bacterial Antimetabolite Pathway
Authors: Litomska Agnieszka , Ishida Keishi , Dunbar Kyle L. , Boettger Marco , Coyne Sébastien , Hertweck Christian 
Published: June 2018

Abstract6‐Thioguanine (6TG) is a DNA‐targeting therapeutic used in the treatment of various cancers. While 6TG was rationally designed as a proof of concept for antimetabolite therapy, it is also a rare thioamide‐bearing bacterial natural product and critical virulence factor of Erwinia amylovorans, plant pathogens that cause fire blight. Through gene expression, biochemical assays, and mutational analyses, we identified a specialized bipartite enzyme system, consisting of an ATP‐dependent sulfur transferase (YcfA) and a sulfur‐mobilizing enzyme (YcfC), that is responsible for the peculiar oxygen‐by‐sulfur substitution found in the biosynthesis of 6TG. Mechanistic and phylogenetic studies revealed that YcfA‐mediated 6TG biosynthesis evolved from ancient tRNA modifications that support translational fidelity. The successful in vitro reconstitution of 6TG thioamidation showed that YcfA employs a specialized sulfur shuttle that markedly differs from universal RNA‐related systems. This study sheds light on underexplored enzymatic C−S bond formation in natural product biosynthesis.
Creating Zipper‐Like van der Waals Gap Discontinuity in Low‐Temperature‐Processed Nanostructured PbBi2nTe1+3n: Enhanced Phonon Scattering and Improved Thermoelectric Performance
Authors: Xu Biao , Feng Tianli , Li Zhe , Zhou Lin , Pantelides Sokrates T. , Wu Yue 
Published: June 2018

AbstractNanoengineered materials can embody distinct atomic structures which deviate from that of the bulk‐grain counterpart and induce significantly modified electronic structures and physical/chemical properties. The phonon structure and thermal properties, which can also be potentially modulated by the modified atomic structure in nanostructured materials, however, are seldom investigated. Employed here is a mild approach to fabricate nanostructured PbBi2nTe1+3n using a solution‐synthesized PbTe‐Bi2Te3 nano‐heterostructure as a precursor. The as‐obtained monoliths have unprecedented atomic structure, differing from that of the bulk counterpart, especially the zipper‐like van der Waals gap discontinuity and the random arrangement of septuple‐quintuple layers. These structural motifs break the lattice periodicity and coherence of phonon transport, leading to ultralow thermal conductivity and excellent thermoelectric z T.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Amination of Silyloxyarenes through C–O Bond Activation
Authors: Wiensch Eric M. , Montgomery John 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSilyloxyarenes were utilized as electrophilic coupling partners with amines in the synthesis of aniline derivatives. A diverse range of amine substrates were used, including cyclic or acyclic secondary amines, secondary anilines, and sterically hindered primary anilines. Additionally, a range of sterically hindered and unhindered primary aliphatic amines were employed, which have previously been challenging with other classes of aryl ether electrophiles. Orthogonal couplings of silyloxyarenes with aryl methyl ethers are illustrated, where selectivity between the two C−O electrophiles is determined by ligand control, thereby allowing complementary and selective late‐stage diversification of either electrophile. Finally, a sequential coupling displays the utility of this amination method along with the reversal in intrinsic reactivity between aryl methyl ethers and silyloxyarenes.
Nickel–Iron Layered Double Hydroxide Hollow Polyhedrons as a Superior Sulfur Host for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhang Jintao , Li Zhen , Chen Ye , Gao Shuyan , Lou Xiong Wen (David) 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWe have designed and synthesized novel hollow Ni/Fe layered double hydroxide (LDH) polyhedrons as an advanced sulfur host for enhancing the performance of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. The Ni/Fe LDH host shows multiple advantages. First, the Ni/Fe LDH shells can provide sufficient sulfiphilic sites for chemically bonding with polysulfides. Second, the hollow architecture can provide sufficient inner space for both loading a large amount of sulfur and accommodating its large volumetric expansion. Moreover, once the active material is confined within the host, the shells could easily restrict the outward diffusion of polysulfides, guaranteeing prolonged cycle life even with high sulfur loading. As a result, the S@Ni/Fe LDH cathode has successfully solved the main issues related to sulfur electrodes, and it exhibits significantly improved electrochemical performances with prolonged life over 1000 cycles and excellent rate properties.
Tuning the Electronic Properties and Acid‐Response Behavior of N‐Heteroacene‐Based π‐Conjugated Liquids by Changing the Number of π‐Conjugated Substituents
Authors: Sato Yuika , Mutoh Yuichiro , Matsukuma Daisuke , Nakagawa Makoto , Kawai Takeshi , Isoda Kyosuke 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWe have designed and synthesized two room‐temperature‐fluorescent π‐conjugated liquids based on the N‐heteroacene framework (1 and 2). These two π‐conjugated liquids, which contained one and two thiophene rings, respectively, exhibited different electronic properties and rheology behaviors. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis of dithiophene‐appended compound 4 revealed that two thiophene rings hindered the interactions of the imino N atoms with acids through the formation of interactions between the S atoms of the thiophene rings and the imino N atoms of the pyrazine group. On the other hand, monothiophene‐appended molecules 1 and 3 each contained an unhindered imino N atom on the opposite site to the thiophene ring. Upon dissolving various acids with different pKa values in compounds 1 and 2, these slight structural differences gave rise to marked differences in their acid‐response behaviors, thereby resulting in the emission of variously colored fluorescence in the liquid state. Furthermore, when acids with lower pKa values was dissolved in compounds 1 and 2, phase transition occurred from an isotropic liquid state to a self‐organized liquid‐crystalline phase.
Autism throughout genetics: Perusal of the implication of ion channels
Authors: Daghsni Marwa , Rima Mohamad , Fajloun Ziad , Ronjat Michel , Brusés Juan L. , M'rad Ridha , De Waard Michel 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders characterized by deficits in social interactions, interpersonal communication, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors and may be associated with intellectual disabilities. The description of ASD as a synaptopathology highlights the importance of the synapse and the implication of ion channels in the etiology of these disorders.MethodsA narrative and critical review of the relevant papers from 1982 to 2017 known by the authors was conducted.ResultsGenome‐wide linkages, association studies, and genetic analyses of patients with ASD have led to the identification of several candidate genes and mutations linked to ASD. Many of the candidate genes encode for proteins involved in neuronal development and regulation of synaptic function including ion channels and actors implicated in synapse formation. The involvement of ion channels in ASD is of great interest as they represent attractive therapeutic targets. In agreement with this view, recent findings have shown that drugs modulating ion channel function are effective for the treatment of certain types of patients with ASD.ConclusionThis review describes the genetic aspects of ASD with a focus on genes encoding ion channels and highlights the therapeutic implications of ion channels in the treatment of ASD.
Steric and Electronic Factors Affecting the Conformation of Bimetallic CuI Complexes: Effect of the Aliphatic Spacer of Tetracoordinating Schiff‐Base Ligands
Authors: Díaz Daniel E. , Llanos Leonel , Arce Pablo , Lorca Romina , Guerrero Juan , Costamagna Juan , Aravena Daniel , Ferraudi Guillermo , Oliver Allen , Lappin A. Graham , Lemus Luis 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA family of six homoleptic [CuI(Ln)]2(ClO4)2 and six heteroleptic [CuI(Ln)(PPh3)2]2(ClO4)2 bimetallic complexes, in which Ln are bis‐Schiff base ligands with alkyl spacers of variable length (n=2–7 −CH2−), were prepared to evaluate the role of the spacer on the formation of helicates or mesocates. In the homoleptic series, spectroscopic and theoretical studies indicate that preferences for a conformation are based on energetic parameters, mainly, the establishment of noncovalent interactions. The odd–even nature of the spacers preconditions the superposition of the aromatic rings to allow the juxtaposition necessary for noncovalent interactions, whereas the increase of the length reduces the strength of such interactions. Consequently, complexes with even‐spacers of short length were identified as helicates in solution, [CuI(Ln)]22+ (n=2, 4). Complexes [CuI(Ln)]22+ (n=3–7) dissociate in solution to produce the monometallic complexes in equilibrium, [CuI(Ln)]+. The stability of the bimetallic species is discussed in terms of their conformations. The set of heteroleptic complexes was prepared to evaluate the reach of the “odd–even rule” in the solid, which is based on the “zig–zag” arrangements of the spacers. Based on crystallographic information, “S‐” and “C”‐type conformations of Ln are related to even and odd spacers, respectively. This trend is considered in addition to other factors to explain preferences for either a mesocate or helicate conformation in the homoleptic series.
Experimental investigation on pressure drop of a laboratory‐scale random packing column under roll and heave motion
Authors: Huang Yi , Di Xiaoning , Ma Jun , Chen Shujie , Wang Wenhua 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe effects of tilt, roll, and heave ship motion on pressure drop were investigated in a laboratory‐scale random packing, which was located at a six degree of freedom (6DoF) motion parallel platform. The water‐air system was adopted, and various operating condition (liquid load and F‐factor) as well as sea states were tested. In tilted states, the pressure drop was decreased as the tilted angle increased, which was associated with the reduction in liquid hold‐up. Under a roll and heave motion, it was found that the pressure drop fluctuated around the value of vertical state. Subsequently, the relative change in pressure drop was introduced to reflect the influence of sea state. It was found that the relative change in pressure drop monotonously decreased as the heave motion frequency decreased, but it could inversely increase under a low‐frequency roll motion, particularly under high liquid load with a large size Pall ring.
The role and outcome of cardiac rehabilitation program in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Younis Arwa , Shaviv Ella , Nof Eyal , Israel Ariel , Berkovitch Anat , Goldenberg Ilan , Glikson Michael , Klempfner Robert , Beinart Roy 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with diminished cardiac function, and exercise tolerance.HypothesisWe sought to investigate the role of cardiac rehabilitation program (CR) in patients with AF.MethodsThe study included 2165 consecutive patients that participated in our CR program between the years 2009 to 2015. All were evaluated by a standard exercise stress test (EST) at baseline, and upon completion of at least 3 months of training. Participants were dichotomized according to baseline fitness and the degree of functional improvement. The combined primary end point was cardiac related hospitalization or all‐cause mortality.ResultsA total of 292 patients had history of AF, with a mean age of 68 ± 9 years old, 76% of which were males. The median predicted baseline fitness of AF patients was significantly lower compared to non‐AF patients (103% vs 122%, P < 0.001, respectively). Prominent improvement was achieved in the majority of the patients in both groups (64% among AF patients and 63% among those without AF). Median improvement in fitness between stress tests was significantly higher in patients with AF (124% vs 110%, P < 0.001, respectively). Among AF patients, high baseline fitness was associated with a lower event rates (HR 0.40; 95%CI 0.23‐0.70; P = 0.001). Moreover, prominent improvement during CR showed a protective effect (HR 0.83; 95% CI 0.69‐0.99; P = 0.04).ConclusionIn patients with AF participating in CR program, low fitness levels at baseline EST are associated with increased risk of total mortality or cardiovascular hospitalization during long‐term follow‐up. Improvement on follow‐up EST diminishes the risk.
Impact of pacemaker longevity on expected device replacement rates: Results from computer simulations based on a multicenter registry (ESSENTIAL)
Authors: Boriani Giuseppe , Bertini Matteo , Saporito Davide , Belotti Giuseppina , Quartieri Fabio , Tomasi Corrado , Pucci Angelo , Boggian Giulio , Mazzocca Gian Franco , Giorgi Davide , Diotallevi Paolo , Sassone Biagio , Grassini Diego , Gargaro Alessio , Biffi Mauro ,   on the behalf of ESSENTIAL Investigators
Published: June 2018

BackgroundThe rate of device replacement in pacemaker recipients has not been investigated in detail.HypothesisCurrent pacemakers with automatic management of atrial and ventricular pacing output provide sufficient longevity to minimize replacement rate.MethodsWe considered a cohort of 542 pacemaker patients (age 78 ± 9 years, 60% male, 71% de‐novo implants) and combined 1‐month projected device longevity with survival data and late complication rate in a 3‐state Markov model tested in several Monte Carlo computer simulations. Predetermined subgroups were: age < or ≥ 70; gender; primary indication to cardiac pacing.ResultsAt the 1‐month follow‐up the reported projected device longevity was 153 ± 45 months. With these values the proportion of patients expected to undergo a device replacement due to battery depletion was higher in patients aged <70 (49.9%, range 32.1%‐61.9%) than in age ≥70 (24.5%, range 19.9%‐28.8%); in women (39.9%, range 30.8%‐48.1%) than in men (32.0%, range 24.7%‐37.5%); in sinus node dysfunction (41.5%, range 30.2%‐53.0%) than in atrio‐ventricular block (33.5%, range 27.1‐38.8%) or atrial fibrillation with bradycardia (27.9%, range 18.5%‐37.0%). The expected replacement rate was inversely related to the assumed device longevity and depended on age class: a 50% increase in battery longevity implied a 5% reduction of replacement rates in patients aged ≥80.ConclusionsWith current device technology 1/4 of pacemaker recipients aged ≥70 are expected to receive a second device in their life. Replacement rate depends on age, gender, and primary indication owing to differences in patients' survival expectancy. Additional improvements in device service time may modestly impact expected replacement rates especially in patients ≥80 years.
Screening of seized cocaine samples using electrophoresis microchips with integrated contactless conductivity detection
Authors: Moreira Roger Cardoso , Costa Brenda M. C. , Marra Mariana C. , Santana Mario H. P. , Maldaner Adriano O. , Botelho Élvio D. , Paixão Thiago R. L. C. , Richter Eduardo Mathias , Coltro Wendell K. T. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis study describes the development of a new analytical method for the separation and detection of cocaine (COC) and its adulterants, or cutting agents, using microchip electrophoresis (ME) devices coupled with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D). All the experiments were carried out using a glass commercial ME device containing two pairs of integrated sensing electrodes. The running buffer composed of 20 mmol/L amino‐2‐(hydroxymethyl) propane‐1,3‐diol and 10 mmol/L 3,4‐dimethoxycinnamic acid provided the best separation conditions for COC and its adulterants with baseline resolution (R > 1.6), separation efficiencies ranging from (2.9 ± 0.1) to (3.2 ± 0.2) × 105 plates/m, and estimated LOD values between 40 and 150 μmol/L. The quantification of COC was successfully performed in four samples seized by the Brazilian Federal Police Department and all predicted values agree with values estimated by the reference method. Some other interfering species were detected in the seized samples during the screening procedure on ME–C4D devices. While lidocaine was detected in sample 3, the presence of levamisole was observed in samples 2 and 4. However, their concentrations were estimated to be below the LOQ. ME–C4D devices have proved to be quite efficient for the identification and quantification of COC with errors lower than 10% when compared to the data obtained by a reference method. The approach herein reported offers great potential to be used for on‐site COC screening in seized samples.