bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thin PEGylated Carbon Nitrides: Water‐Dispersible Organic Nanodots as Bioimaging Probes
Authors: Kim Jin Kwan , Park Sunghee , Yoo Ran Ji , Jeong Hyeon Jin , Oh Junghoon , Lee Yong Jin , Park Sungjin , Kim Dong Wook 
Published: December 2017

AbstractFluorescent materials are being used for the optical/fluorescence imaging of living cells and animal models. As such, the development of heavy‐metal‐free, water‐dispersible, and biocompatible imaging probes is still important. Carbon nitride (C3N4) is used as a bioimaging probe due to its suitable optical properties, thus enhancing its biocompatibility and dispersibility in aqueous media is required. In this study, we incorporated short‐chain polyethylene glycol (PEG) groups onto a carbon nitride network by the simple N‐alkylation of hexaethylene glycolic mesylate with nucleophilic nitrogen atoms on oxidized carbon nitride (OCN). The PEGylated OCN (PEG‐OCN) was well dispersed in water as nanodots with a lateral dimension of approximately 30 nm and a thickness of 0.5–1.2 nm and showed strong photoluminescence in the visible region. Cell‐viability testing confirmed that these “heavy‐metal‐free” organic nanodots were highly biocompatible and noncytotoxic. In particular, the developed nanodots could provide clear confocal images of RAW 264.7 cells without weakening cell activity and displaying any aggregation in a range of concentrations (25–100 μg mL−1) with bright‐green emission in the cytoplasm.
Supramolecular Approach for Enhancing Single‐Molecule Magnet Properties of Terbium(III)‐Phthalocyaninato Double‐Decker Complexes with Crown Moieties
Authors: Horii Yoji , Kishiue Shuhei , Damjanović Marko , Katoh Keiichi , Breedlove Brian K. , Enders Markus , Yamashita Masahiro 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA TbIII‐phthalocyaninato double‐decker ([1]0) single‐molecule magnet (SMM) having four 15‐crown‐5 moieties in one of the ligands was synthesized, and its dimerization and magnetic properties were studied in an attempt to utilize the supramolecular aggregation for enhancing the SMM properties. Aggregation of [1]0 to form [12K4]4+ in the presence of K+ ions was studied by using UV/Vis‐NIR absorption and NMR spectroscopies. For the magnetic measurements, [1]0 and [12K4]4+ were dispersed in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). UV/Vis‐NIR absorption measurements on the PMMA dispersed samples were used to track the formation of [12K4]4+. Direct current (DC) magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed that there were ferromagnetic Tb–Tb interactions in [12K4]4+, whereas there was no indication of ferromagnetic interactions in [1]0. Upon the formation of [12K4]4+ from [1]0 and K+ ions, the temperature at which the magnetic hysteresis occurred increased from 7 to 15 K. In addition, the area of magnetic hysteresis became larger for [12K4]4+, meaning that SMM properties of [12K4]4+ are superior to those of [1]0. Alternating current (AC) magnetic measurements were used to confirm this observation. Magnetic relaxation times at 2 K increased 1000‐fold upon dimerization of [1]0 to [12K4]4+, demonstrating the effectiveness of using K+ ions to induce dimer formation for the improvement of the SMM properties.
Response to “Covalent Bonding and Charge Shift Bonds: Comment on ‘The Carbon–Nitrogen Bonds in Ammonium Compounds Are Charge Shift Bonds’”
Authors: Chen Peter , Gershoni‐Poranne Renana 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA response to the comment by Gernot Frenking, outlining common ground, as well as differences, with regard to a recent paper on charge‐shift bonding in quaternary ammonium cations.
Phase 2 and biomarker study of trebananib, an angiopoietin‐blocking peptibody, with and without bevacizumab for patients with recurrent glioblastoma
Authors: Reardon David A. , Lassman Andrew B. , Schiff David , Yunus Shakeeb A. , Gerstner Elizabeth R. , Cloughesy Timothy F. , Lee Eudocia Quant , Gaffey Sarah C. , Barrs Jennifer , Bruno Jennifer , Muzikansky Alona , Duda Daniel G. , Jain Rakesh K. , Wen Patrick Y. 
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUNDAngiopoietins contribute to tumor angiogenesis and may be upregulated as a compensatory factor after vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) blockade. The authors performed a phase 2 and biomarker study to evaluate trebananib, an angiopoietin 1 and angiopoietin 2 blocking peptibody, with and without bevacizumab in patients with recurrent glioblastoma.METHODSForty‐eight patients who had bevacizumab‐naive, recurrent glioblastoma were treated with trebananib (30 mg/kg weekly) as single agent (n = 11) or combined with bevacizumab (n = 37). The primary endpoint was 6‐month progression‐free survival rate as determined by investigator review. Circulating biomarker levels were assessed before and after study therapy.RESULTSTrebananib was well tolerated as monotherapy and did not enhance bevacizumab‐associated toxicity. Trebananib had no single‐agent activity, and all treated patients exhibited progressive disease within 2 months. The 6‐month progression‐free survival rate for trebananib plus bevacizumab was 24.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.1%‐38.8%); whereas the median overall survival was 9.5 months (95% CI, 7.5‐4.7 months), and the 12‐month overall survival rate was 37.8% (95% CI, 22.6%‐53.0%). Baseline and post‐treatment changes in circulating vascular VEGF and interleukin‐8 levels were correlated with survival among patients who received trebananib plus bevacizumab.CONCLUSIONSAngiopoietin 1 and angiopoietin 2 inhibition with trebananib was ineffective as monotherapy and did not enhance the ability of VEGF blockade with bevacizumab to improve the outcomes of patients with recurrent glioblastoma. Cancer 2018;124:1438‐48. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Bone mineral density in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Inaba Hiroto , Cao Xueyuan , Han Alice Q. , Panetta John C. , Ness Kirsten K. , Metzger Monika L. , Rubnitz Jeffrey E. , Ribeiro Raul C. , Sandlund John T. , Jeha Sima , Cheng Cheng , Pui Ching‐Hon , Relling Mary V. , Kaste Sue C. 
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUNDChildren with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) can develop reduced bone mineral density (BMD). However, data from patients who received treatment on a frontline regimen without cranial irradiation are limited, and no genome‐wide analysis has been reported.METHODSLumbar BMD was evaluated by quantitative computed tomography at diagnosis, after 120 weeks of continuation therapy, and after 2 years off therapy in pediatric patients with ALL (ages 2‐18 years at diagnosis) who were treated on the St. Jude Total XV Protocol. Clinical, pharmacokinetic, and genetic risk factors associated with decreased BMD Z‐scores were evaluated.RESULTSThe median BMD Z‐score in 363 patients was 0.06 at diagnosis, declined to −1.08 at week 120, but partly recovered to −0.72 after 2 years off therapy; BMD in patients with low BMD Z‐scores at diagnosis remained low after therapy. Older age (≥10 years vs 2‐9.9 years at diagnosis; P < .001), a higher BMD Z‐score at diagnosis (P = .001), and a greater area under the plasma drug concentration‐time curve for dexamethasone in weeks 7 and 8 of continuation therapy (P = .001) were associated with a greater decrease in BMD Z‐score from diagnosis to week 120. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in 2 genes important in osteogenesis and bone mineralization (COL11A1 [reference single‐nucleotide polymorphism rs2622849]; P = 2.39 × 10−7] and NELL1 [rs11025915]; P = 4.07 × 10−6]) were associated with a decreased BMD Z‐score. NELL1 (P = .003) also was associated with a greater dexamethasone area under the plasma drug concentration‐time curve.CONCLUSIONSBMD Z‐scores decreased during therapy, especially in patients who had clinical, pharmacokinetic, and genetic risk factors. Early recognition of BMD changes and strategies to optimize bone health are essential. Cancer 2018;124:1025‐35. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
The diagnostic value of FNA biopsy in grading pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Laskiewicz Lisa , Jamshed Sarah , Gong Yuna , Ainechi Sanaz , LaFemina Jennifer , Wang Xiaofei 
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUNDThere has been much controversy regarding the accuracy of grading pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) on fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. The objectives of this study were to evaluate whether grading according to the fraction of Ki‐67–positive tumor cells (the Ki‐67 proliferation index) on material from endoscopic ultrasound‐guided FNA biopsies correlated with grading on surgical resection specimens and to evaluate the minimum amount of FNA material needed.METHODSA case series of 27 PNETs with FNA biopsies and corresponding surgical resection specimens at the authors’ institution were evaluated. Tumors were graded on FNA and surgical specimens with an evaluation of Ki‐67 index according to 2010 World Health Organization criteria. Chart reviews were conducted to evaluate recurrence or clinical progression in patients who were being managed conservatively with observation.RESULTSThe evaluation of grading between FNA and tumor resection specimens revealed that 22 of 26 FNA specimens (84.6%) had Ki‐67 results comparable to those in the corresponding surgical resection specimens, thus allowing for accurate grading. Correct FNA diagnosis with the ability to distinguish between grade 1 and 2 tumors had a positive predictive value of 88.9%, with 72.7% sensitivity, 93.3% specificity, and a P value of .00081. In addition, 24 of 26 cases contained less than 2000 cells, of which 20 were correctly graded on FNA material. Seven of 26 FNA samples had less than 1000 cells, of which 6 were correctly graded, including 2 that had only 50 cells.CONCLUSIONSThe current results exhibit good correlation between FNA grade and final grade on surgical resection specimens using Ki‐67 index, even in samples with less than the recommended total cell count. Therefore, grading of PNETs on FNA with the Ki‐67 proliferation index should be assessed and is a practical parameter to report to clinicians. Cancer Cytopathol 2018;126:170‐8. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Multi‐level hp‐finite cell method for embedded interface problems with application in biomechanics
Authors: Elhaddad Mohamed , Zander Nils , Bog Tino , Kudela László , Kollmannsberger Stefan , Kirschke Jan , Baum Thomas , Ruess Martin , Rank Ernst 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis work presents a numerical discretization technique for solving 3‐dimensional material interface problems involving complex geometry without conforming mesh generation. The finite cell method (FCM), which is a high‐order fictitious domain approach, is used for the numerical approximation of the solution without a boundary‐conforming mesh. Weak discontinuities at material interfaces are resolved by using separate FCM meshes for each material sub‐domain and weakly enforcing the interface conditions between the different meshes. Additionally, a recently developed hierarchical hp‐refinement scheme is used to locally refine the FCM meshes to resolve singularities and local solution features at the interfaces. Thereby, higher convergence rates are achievable for nonsmooth problems. A series of numerical experiments with 2‐ and 3‐dimensional benchmark problems is presented, showing that the proposed hp‐refinement scheme in conjunction with the weak enforcement of the interface conditions leads to a significant improvement of the convergence rates, even in the presence of singularities. Finally, the proposed technique is applied to simulate a vertebra‐implant model. The application showcases the method's potential as an accurate simulation tool for biomechanical problems involving complex geometry, and it demonstrates its flexibility in dealing with different types of geometric description.
Compressive tracking combined with sample weights and adaptive learning factor
Authors: Jin Yong , Li Hong‐ying , Zhang Dan‐dan , Wu Jing , Li Maozhen 
Published: December 2017

SummaryThe compressive tracking algorithm introduces a compressive sensing theory into the target tracking field and produces good real‐time performance. However, the original compressive tracking algorithm ignores the fact that individual samples make different contributions to the target and that the learning factor is an empirical value that remains constant when the template is updated. Therefore, adverse factors (such as noise) and errors can infiltrate into the parametric model during the updating of the model when the object is obscured or receives interference from external factors, which will lead to tracking drift. In view of these problems, the weights of samples are given according to the distance between the sample and the target when training the Naive Bayesian classifier; hence, the stability of the tracking is improved. While the introduction of the Bhattacharyya coefficient is utilized to adjust the learning factor, this can help parameters to self‐adapt effectively. Experimental results show that the improved tracking algorithm has a better adaption to the target appearance variations, illumination changes, occlusion, and so on, and has better robustness than the original algorithm.
An efficient three factor–based authentication scheme in multiserver environment using ECC
Authors: Ali Rifaqat , Pal Arup Kumar 
Published: December 2017

SummaryRecently, Li et al have developed a smartcard‐based remote user authentication scheme in multiserver environment. They have claimed that their scheme is secured against some possible cryptographic attacks. However, we have analyzed that the scheme of Li et al cannot preserve all the proclaimed security goals, which are given as follows: (1) It is not withstanding password‐guessing, user impersonation, insider, and smartcard theft attacks, and (2) it fails to facilitate user anonymity property. To remedy these above‐mentioned security flaws, we have proposed an efficient three factor–based authentication scheme in a multiserver environment using elliptic curve cryptography. The Burrows‐Abadi‐Needham logic is used to confirm the security validation of our scheme, which ensures that it provides mutual‐authentication and session‐key agreement securely. Then, the random oracle model is also considered to analyze the proposed scheme, and it shows that the backbone parameters, ie, identity, password, biometrics, and the session key, are secure from an adversary. Further, the informal security analysis confirms that the suggested scheme can withstand against some possible mentioned attacks. Later, the Automated Validation of Internet Security Protocols and Applications tool is incorporated to ensure its security against passive and active attacks. Finally, the performance comparison of the scheme is furnished to confirm its enhanced security with other relevant schemes.
Physicochemical and sensory qualities of complemenatry meal made from sprouted and unsprouted sorghum, Irish potato and groundnut
Authors: Adegbanke Omolara R. , Dada Toluwase A. , Akinola Stephen A. , Akintuyi Temitope 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWeaning food was produced from the blends of sprouted and unsprouted sorghum–Irish potato, and groundnut flour. In the developed weaning foods, moisture content ranged from 8.44% to 12.70%, crude protein (7.40%–14.53%) crude ash (1.53%–1.77%), crude fiber (6.65%–6.88%), crude fat (3.31%–3.73%) and carbohydrate content (65.10%–69.15%). Sprouting and protein supplementation with groundnut improved the protein content of the formulated meals with values comparable to commercial sample (cereals). Mineral content reduced with sprouting, whereas the addition of Irish potato and groundnut increased the mineral content. Calcium ranged from 91.00% to 121.33% and potassium (487.33%–956.67%). Sample NSIG2 had the highest potassium. Tannin ranged from 0.11 to 0.64 mg/100 g; phytate (4.98–7.42 mg/100 g); and oxalate (0.36–0.98 mg/100 g). Peak viscosity ranged from 43.08 to 23.57 RVU, trough (41.08–22.50 RVU), breakdown viscosity (61–14), final viscosity (84.33–52.53 RVU), setback viscosity (41.33–89.00 RVU), and peak time (5.07–7.00) in both the sprouted and unsprouted sorghum–irish potato–groundnut flour, respectively. The pasting temperature of the weaning food blends ranged between 87.25 and 89.60°C with SIG0 and NSIG2 having the lowest and highest values, respectively. The study showed that complementary food products formulated from this locally available food commodities is a promising food and has good nutritive value.
Design, Synthesis, and In Vitro Antileishmanial and Antitumor Activities of New Tetrahydroquinolines
Authors: Madkour Hassan Mohamed Fawzy , El‐Hashash Maher Abd El‐Aziz Mahmoud , Salem Marwa Sayed , Mahmoud Al‐Shimaa Omar Ali , Al kahraman Yasser M. S. A. 
Published: December 2017

A novel series of tetrahydroquinolines containing acetohydrazide, oxopyrazole, oxothioxodihydropyrazole, and thioxotriazole have been synthesized. Antileishmanial, antitumor, and cytotoxicity activities of synthesized compounds were evaluated in vitro. Antileishmanial activity of the most synthesized compounds showed tremendous activity towards Leishmania major. Most of the test compounds exhibited significant level of tumor inhibition. The tetrahydropyrano[2,3‐b]quinolin‐2‐one 6 and 4‐oxo‐4H‐pyrazol‐3‐yloxytetrahydroquinoline‐3‐carbonitrile derivatives 18 showed 100% tumor inhibition comparable with standard drug vincristine (100% tumor inhibition). Tetrahydroquinolines under investigation showed cytotoxicity with LD50 values in the range 0.56–3.01 μg/mL compared with standard drug MS‐222 with LD50 value of 4.30 μg/mL. The presence of a pyrazole ring markedly improved the activity profiles of tetrahydroquinoline. All newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, and MS.
Sodium chloride inhibits IFN-γ, but not IL-4, production by invariant NKT cells
Authors: Jeong Dongjin , Kim Hye Young , Chung Doo Hyun 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells are a distinct subset of T cells that exert Janus-like functions in vivo by producing IFN-γ and IL-4. Sodium chloride modulates the functions of various immune cells, including conventional CD4+ T cells and macrophages. However, it is not known whether sodium chloride affects iNKT cell function, so we addressed this issue. Sodium chloride inhibited IFN-γ, but not IL-4, production by iNKT cells upon TCR or TCR-independent (IL-12 and IL-18) stimulation in a dose-dependent manner. Consistently, sodium chloride reduced the expression level of tbx21, but not gata-3, in iNKT cells stimulated with TCR engagement or IL-12 + IL-18. Sodium chloride increased phosphorylated p38 expression in iNKT cells and inhibitors of p38, NFAT5, SGK1, and TCF-1 restored IFN-γ production by iNKT cells stimulated with sodium chloride and TCR engagement. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of iNKT cells pretreated with sodium chloride restored antibody-induced joint inflammation to a lesser extent than for untreated iNKT cells in Jα18 knockout mice. These findings suggest that sodium chloride inhibits IFN-γ production by iNKT cells in TCR-dependent and TCR-independent manners, which is dependent on p38, NFAT5, SGK1, and TCF-1. These findings highlight the functional role of sodium chloride in iNKT cell-mediated inflammatory diseases.
Preparation of polystyrene/MWCNT‐Valine composites: Investigation of optical, morphological, thermal, and electrical conductivity properties
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Nezamzadeh Ezhieh Ahmadreza 
Published: December 2017

The attempt of this research was to examine the effect of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐Valine as efficient fillers on the thermal, optical, and electrical behaviors of polystyrene (PS). To reduce aggregation and obtain uniform spreading of fillers into the PS, at first, MWCNTs' surfaces were modified by Valine amino acid. Then, different contents of MWCNT‐Valine (0.5, 1, and 2 wt%) were added to PS by ultrasonication processes. The field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results showed a uniform distribution of modified MWCNTs into the matrix. The thermal properties of nanocomposites were improved by increasing nanofiller content. In addition, embedding of MWCNT‐Valine into the PS matrix increased the electrical conductivity of nanocomposites in comparison with pure PS.
Using agile methods for the development of green and sustainable software: Success factors for GSD vendors
Authors: Rashid Nasir , Khan Siffat Ullah 
Published: December 2017

AbstractOver the last decade, the use of agile methods has grown dramatically for software development. Agile methods guarantee to accelerate the delivery of remarkable software with increased user satisfaction and reduced cost. However, in recent years, due to the emergence of green software engineering, software developers are compelled to focus more on green and sustainable aspects of software. Green software engineering aims to design, develop, and use the software with confined energy and computing resources. Recently, software engineers in global software development have adapted agile methods for quick, interactive, and environment‐friendly software development.In this study, we have identified 16 success factors, through systematic literature review (SLR) and applied contrived search criteria derived from the research questions; 80 relevant papers were identified and reviewed. Findings of the SLR study were then empirically validated through questionnaire survey in global software development industry, in which 106 experts from 25 different countries participated.The findings of our industrial survey are mostly in coherence with the SLR findings. However, there is a difference in ranks of the various success factors across the 2 data sets (SLR and industrial survey).
Scanning Probe Microscopy Applied to Organic–Inorganic Halide Perovskite Materials and Solar Cells
Authors: Hieulle Jeremy , Stecker Collin , Ohmann Robin , Ono Luis K. , Qi Yabing 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTo meet the increasing energy demands of the growing society, environmentally friendly and renewable energy sources are needed. Organic–inorganic halide perovskites are a promising class of materials for building solar cells due to their easy fabrication, flexibility, and bandgap tunability. The highest efficiency achieved with these materials in the lab is comparable to conventional silicon solar cells currently on the market. However, their commercialization is hampered by certain challenges, such as stability, lead toxicity, and reproducibility. Inhomogeneities in the perovskite material at the atomic scale are identified as a possible cause of these issues. To study this further, scanning probe microscopy offer a unique real‐space visualization of the sample topography down to the atomic level. Simultaneously, the sample morphology can be correlated to its electronic, chemical, and optoelectronic properties. Here, the latest studies on organic–inorganic halide perovskites using scanning probe microscopy methods such as atomic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, and scanning near field optical microscopy are reviewed. A comparison of each technique and their specific use in the field of perovskite photovoltaics is provided. Particular focus is given to unraveling specific properties that are relevant for a fundamental understanding of perovskite materials and solar cells.