bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Two‐Electron Bimetallic Cu–Ag and Cu–Au Clusters by using [Cu13(S2CNnBu2)6(C≡CPh)4]+ as a Template
Authors: Silalahi Rhone P. Brocha , Chakrahari Kiran Kumarvarma , Liao Jian‐Hong , Kahlal Samia , Liu Yu‐Chiao , Chiang Ming‐Hsi , Saillard Jean‐Yves , Liu C. W. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAtomically precise Cu‐rich bimetallic superatom clusters have been synthesized by adopting a galvanic exchange strategy. [Cu@Cu12(S2CNnBu2)6(C≡CPh)4][CuCl2] (1) was used as a template to generate compositionally uniform clusters [M@Cu12(S2CNnBu2)6 (C≡CPh)4][CuCl2], where M=Ag (2), Au (3). Structures of 1, 2 and 3 were determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction and the results were supported by ESI‐MS. The anatomies of clusters 1–3 are very similar, with a centred cuboctahedral cationic core that is surrounded by six di‐butyldithiocarbamate (dtc) and four phenylacetylide ligands. The doped Ag and Au atoms were found to preferentially occupy the centre of the 13‐atom cuboctahedral core. Experimental and theoretical analyses of the synthesized clusters revealed that both Ag and Au doping result in significant changes in cluster stability, optical characteristics and enhancement in luminescence properties.
Hedgehog Antagonist Pyrimidine–Indole Hybrid Molecule Inhibits Ciliogenesis through Microtubule Destabilisation
Authors: Khatra Harleen , Khan Pragya Paramita , Pattanayak Sankha , Bhadra Jhuma , Rather Bilal , Chakrabarti Saikat , Saha Taniya , Sinha Surajit 
Published: January 2018

AbstractOne of the crucial regulators of embryonic patterning and tissue development is the Hedgehog‐glioma (Hh‐Gli) signalling pathway; its uncontrolled activation has been implicated in different types of cancer in adult tissues. Primary cilium is one of the important factors required for the activation of Hh signalling, as it brings the critical components together for key protein–protein interactions required for Hh pathway regulation. Most of the synthetic and natural small molecule modulators of the pathway primarily antagonise Smoothened (Smo) or other effectors like Hh ligand or Gli. Here, we report a previously described Hh antagonist, with a pyrimidine–indole hybrid (PIH) core structure, as an inhibitor of ciliogenesis. The compound is unique in its mode of action, as it shows perturbation of microtubule dynamics in both cell‐based assays and in vivo systems (zebrafish embryos). Further studies revealed that the probable targets are α‐tubulin and its acetylated form, found in the cytoplasm and primary cilia. PIH also showed axonal defasiculation in developing zebrafish embryos. We thus propose that PIH antagonises Hh signalling by repressing cilia biogenesis and disassembling α‐tubulin from its stabilised form.
Resident murine macrophage migration and phagocytosis are modulated by growth hormone
Authors: dos Santos Reis Maria Danielma , dos Santos Yngrid Mickaelli Oliveira , de Menezes Clarice Agudo , Borbely Karen Steponavicius Cruz , Smaniotto Salete 
Published: January 2018

AbstractGrowth hormone (GH) plays a physiological role in the immune system. In macrophages, GH enhances the production of hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anions, nitric oxide, cytokines, and chemokines, including interferon‐γ and macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α. However, some of the effects of GH stimulation on the biological functions of macrophages remain to be elucidated. Herein, we showed that in vivo GH treatment resulted in decreased expression of VLA‐5 and VLA‐6 integrins on the macrophage surface, accompanied by a reduction in macrophage adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) ligands, fibronectin, and laminin. Additionally, a decrease in macrophage adhesion to laminin was observed when the cells were treated in vitro with GH. In transwell migration assays, GH‐treated macrophages showed increased migration after 6 h. Although in vitro GH treatment did not influence the phagocytic activity of macrophages, when the treatment was performed in vivo, peritoneal macrophages from GH‐treated mice showed a higher percentage of phagocytosis and higher phagocytic capacity than cells from control animals. These results led us to analyse the role of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), a GH stimulated factor, on macrophage phagocytosis. We observed an increase in phagocytic activity when J774 murine macrophages were treated with IGF‐1 for 24 h. Our results revealed an important role for GH in resident macrophage migration and phagocytic activity. Specifically, we demonstrate that IGF‐1 may be the GH stimulated factor that induces macrophage phagocytosis in vivo.
Bioinspired 3 D Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Substrates for Surface Plasmon Driven Photoxidation Reactions: Role of Catalyst and Substrate in Controlling the Selectivity of Product Formation
Authors: Sharma Vipul , Balaji Ramachandran , Kumar Ajay , Kumari Nisha , Krishnan Venkata 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHighly sensitive bioinspired surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrates comprising a 3 D plasmonic surface were fabricated and employed for photocatalysis. Specifically, the fabricated surfaces were utilized in the surface plasmon resonance driven photooxidation of p‐aminothiophenol, for which the selectivity of product formation could be controlled by the choice of catalyst deposited on to the bioinspired 3 D plasmonic surface.
Surface/Interfacial Catalysis of (Metal)/Oxide System: Structure and Performance Control
Authors: Jiang Wu , Ji Weijie , Au Chak‐Tong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSurface/interfacial catalysis on a series of oxide substrates and metal/oxide interfaces has been reviewed. Special attention has been paid to those systems in which the oxide substrates are structurally defined with certain exposed facets, and the metal assembling is well controlled with desired particle size and narrow particle size distribution. The distinct catalytic behaviors over the selected systems have been discussed in line with their specific surface/interfacial structure features as well as other surface properties. The tactics and cations how to build up the novel metal/oxide interfacial structures are provided, and the guideline for extended reaction exploration is also suggested. Success in structure and performance control on these important systems is highly valuable for designing more selective and efficient catalyst in practical applications.
Experimental Studies of a Petlyuk Column and Validation of a Non‐Equilibrium Stage Model
Authors: Egger Torben , Hiller Christoph , Fieg Georg 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntegrated distillation equipment like the Petlyuk column offers enormous energy‐saving potential. However, high complexity and few available experimental data lead to high uncertainty. An integrated approach to reduce this risk is proposed. The first study on the influence of relative volatilities on the process behavior is presented. Comprehensive pilot‐plant experiments are displayed for three different component systems of linear alcohols. The experiments are carried out for a wide range of operating conditions. Results show a stable operation and high product purities. Based on the experimental data, a predictive non‐equilibrium stage model for column design is validated. Experiment and simulation indicate good agreement.
N−C Axially Chiral Anilines: Electronic Effect on Barrier to Rotation and A Remote Proton Brake
Authors: Iwasaki Yumiko , Morisawa Ryuichi , Yokojima Satoshi , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Roussel Christian , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Caytan Elsa , Kitagawa Osamu 
Published: January 2018

AbstractN‐Aryl‐N‐methyl‐2‐tert‐butyl‐6‐methylaniline derivatives exhibit a rotationally stable N−C axially chiral structure and the rotational barriers around an N−C chiral axis increased with the increase in electron‐withdrawing character of para‐substituent on the aryl group. X‐ray crystal structural analysis and the DFT calculation suggested that the considerable change of the rotational barriers by the electron effect of para‐substituents is due to the disappearance of resonance stabilization energy caused by the twisting of para‐substituted phenyl group in the transition state. This structural property of the N−C axially chiral anilines was employed to reveal a new acid‐decelerated molecular rotor caused by the protonation at the remote position (remote proton brake).
Tumour cell expression of interleukin 6 receptor α is associated with response rates in patients treated with sunitinib for metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Pilskog Martin , Bostad Leif , Edelmann Reidunn J , Akslen Lars A , Beisland Christian , Straume Oddbjørn 
Published: January 2018

AbstractClear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common type of renal cell carcinoma, and anti‐angiogenic treatment is currently first line therapy for metastatic ccRCC (mccRCC). Response rates and duration of response show considerable variation, and adverse events have a major influence on patient quality of life. The need for predictive biomarkers to select responders to receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors upfront is urgent. We investigated the predictive value of immunohistochemical biomarkers associated with angiogenesis and systemic inflammation in mccRCC. Forty‐six patients with metastatic or non‐resectable ccRCC treated with sunitinib were included. Metastatic and/or primary tumour tissue was stained by immunohistochemistry for selected markers related to angiogenesis [vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A), VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), platelet‐derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ), and heat shock protein 27 (HSP27)] and immune responses [Interleukin 6 receptor α (IL6Rα), interleukin‐6 (IL6), and jagged1 (JAG1)]. The predictive potential of the candidate markers was assessed by correlations with response rates (RECIST). In addition, progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analysed. Low tumour cell expression of IL6Rα was significantly associated with improved response to sunitinib (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.03), but not with PFS or OS. Median/high expression of IL6Rα showed significant association with median/high expression of VEGF‐A and HSP27. Furthermore, low expression of IL6 was significantly associated with improved PFS, but not OS or response rates. High expression of IL6 was significantly associated with high expression of JAG1, VEGF‐A, VEGFR2, and PDGFRβ. Loss of tumour cell expression of IL6Rα in mccRCC patients treated with sunitinib predicts improved treatment response, and might represent a candidate predictive marker.
Growth differentiation factor 15 is associated with left atrial/left atrial appendage thrombus in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Hu Xiao Feng , Zhan Rui , Xu Shanhu , Wang Junjun , Wu Jiong , Liu Xiaoli , Li Yaguo , Chen Linhui 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundThere is evidence suggesting that growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF‐15) appears to be associated with stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). AF‐related thromboembolic stroke is predominantly attributed to the thrombus from the left atrium (LA) or left atrial appendage (LAA).HypothesisGDF‐15 is related to LA/LAA thrombus in nonvalvular AF (NVAF) patients.MethodsA total of 894 patients with NVAF without anticoagulation therapy were included in this study. All patients routinely underwent transesophageal echocardiography for detection of LA/LAA thrombus. GDF‐15 was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Logistic regression models were used to test for association.ResultsLA/LAA thrombus was detected by transesophageal echocardiography in 69 (7.72%) patients with AF. The GDF‐15 levels in the patients with LA/LAA thrombus were significantly higher than those without LA/LAA thrombus (log10 GDF‐15: 2.989 ± 0.023 ng/L vs 2.831 ± 0.007 ng/L; P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that GDF‐15 was an independent risk factor for LA/LAA thrombus (odds ratio [per quarter]: 1.799, 95% confidence interval: 1.381‐2.344, P < 0.001) after adjusting for potential clinical risk factors. The optimal cutoff point for GDF‐15 predicting LA/LAA thrombus was 809.9 ng/L (sensitivity, 75.3%; specificity, 61.5%), determined by ROC curve. The area under the curve was 0.709 (95% confidence interval: 0.644‐0.770, P < 0.001).ConclusionsElevated GDF‐15 indicated a significantly increased risk for LA/LAA thrombus in NVAF patients. Thus, GDF‐15 might be a potentially useful adjunct in discriminating LA/LAA thrombus in NVAF patients.
Long‐term impacts of hemodialysis on the right ventricle: Assessment via 3‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography
Authors: Sun Minmin , Cao Xuesen , Guo Yao , Tan Xiao , Dong Lili , Pan Cuizhen , Shu Xianhong 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundRight ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a major cause of death in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). We used 3‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) to evaluate long‐term impacts of MHD on RV function.HypothesisIn this study, RV dysfunction in MHD patients will be revealed and studied in depth by 3DSTE.MethodsEchocardiography was performed on 110 consecutively enrolled individuals: 30 controls and 80 patients with MHD. Conventional echocardiographic parameters and 3DSTE parameters were obtained and compared between groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis identified independent predictors of intradialytic hypotension (IDH).ResultsCompared with the control group, RV end‐diastolic volume (RVEDV) was markedly enlarged (46.1 ± 11.8 mL/m2 vs 42.3 ± 8.6 mL/m2; P = 0.047), whereas RV ejection fraction (RVEF) was significantly lower in the MHD group (50.6% ± 5.8% vs 55.2% ± 3.7%; P < 0.001). RV global, septal, and lateral wall longitudinal strains were also decreased in the MHD group (−18.2 ± 3.6 vs −22.6 ± 4.3%; −13.1 ± 3.8 vs −17.5 ± 5.5%; and −23.4 ± 4.7 vs −27.7 ± 4.0%, respectively; all P < 0.001). RVEF (odds ratio [OR]: 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51 to 1.01, P = 0.038) and history of diabetes (OR: 11.14, 95% CI: 1.16 to 106.71, P = 0.036) were 2 independent predictors of IDH. Ultrafiltration rate was an independent factor associated with RVEF (β = −0.01, 95% CI: −0.019 to 0.001, P = 0.039).ConclusionsRVEF by 3DSTE could be an important predictor of IDH in MHD patients, and lower ultrafiltration rate was protective for RVEF. 3DSTE may have potential in RV evaluation and risk stratification in MHD patients.
Cooperative and out‐of‐core execution of the irregular wavefront propagation pattern on hybrid machines with Intel® Xeon Phi™
Authors: Gomes Jeremias , de Melo Alba C. M. A. , Kong Jun , Kurc Tahsin , Saltz Joel H. , Teodoro George 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe Irregular Wavefront Propagation Pattern (IWPP) is a core computing structure in several image analysis operations. Efficient implementation of IWPP on the Intel Xeon Phi is difficult because of the irregular data access and computation characteristics. The traditional IWPP algorithm relies on atomic instructions, which are not available in the SIMD set of the Intel Phi. To overcome this limitation, we have proposed a new IWPP algorithm that can take advantage of non‐atomic SIMD instructions supported on the Intel Xeon Phi. We have also developed and evaluated methods to use CPU and Intel Phi cooperatively for parallel execution of the IWPP algorithms. Our new cooperative IWPP version is also able to handle large out‐of‐core images that would not fit into the memory of the accelerator. The new IWPP algorithm is used to implement the Morphological Reconstruction and Fill Holes operations, which are operations commonly found in image analysis applications. The vectorization implemented with the new IWPP has attained improvements of up to about 5× on top of the original IWPP and significant gains as compared to state‐of‐the‐art the CPU and GPU versions. The new version running on an Intel Phi is 6.21× and 3.14× faster than running on a 16‐core CPU and on a GPU, respectively. Finally, the cooperative execution using two Intel Phi devices and a multi‐core CPU has reached performance gains of 2.14× as compared to the execution using a single Intel Xeon Phi.
A case series of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for reducing symptom interference in functional neurological disorders
Authors: Graham Christopher D. , O'Hara Daniel J. , Kemp Steven 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThere is limited high‐quality evidence supporting psychological treatments for functional neurological disorders (FNDs), and what evidence exists suggests that the impact of such treatments could be improved. One way to increase effectiveness is to utilize approaches that can have impact across heterogeneous FND presentations. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) targets a transdiagnostic process called psychological flexibility and is used effectively to integrate multidisciplinary treatments in other clinical contexts. Here, we present a consecutive case series (N = 8) of a relatively brief (6 to 10 sessions) ACT intervention, delivered face to face by a clinical psychologist in an outpatient neuropsychology service. Treatment aimed to reduce symptom interference and improve mood via improvements in psychological flexibility. Service users presented with a range of FND symptoms (e.g., syncope, limb paralysis, and paraesthesia). Following treatment, 5 participants showed reliable improvements in symptom interference (Work and Social Adjustment Scale), 2 to the extent of clinical significance; 4 had reliable improvements in mood (Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation—10), and 2 within the range of clinical significance. There were no reliable deteriorations in symptom interference or mood. Marked variation was apparent on the measure of psychological flexibility (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II), with 4 reliable improvements, 3 within the range of clinical significance, and also 2 reliable deteriorations. These promising results suggest that further investigation of an ACT approach to FND is warranted. Future studies should include measures of psychological flexibility with greater comprehensibility.
The Context in Mining Projects Influences the Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy to Earn a Social Licence to Operate: A Case Study in Peru
Authors: Saenz Cesar 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to understand how the context in mining projects influences the corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy to earn a social licence to operate (SLO). This paper also presents a comparative case study analysis of four mining operations in Peru. This analysis was qualitative in nature and is complemented with insights from supplementary key informant interviews and the emerging literature on SLO and CSR. The findings show that mining projects with a complex‐unstable context take considerable effort and a longer process to earn an SLO. In this situation, it is not recommended that companies use either a defensive strategy or compliance. Instead, the company must use strategic and managerial strategies to reduce social conflicts. Also, when the context is low or of moderate uncertainty, it is preferable to use strategic and managerial strategies in order to gain an SLO. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
A novel active‐clamp zero‐voltage‐switching buck‐boost converter
Authors: Hieu Pham Phu , Hsieh Yao‐Ching , Lin Jing‐Yuan , Huang Bing‐Siang , Chiu Huang‐Jen 
Published: January 2018

SummaryAn active‐clamp zero‐voltage‐switching (ZVS) buck‐boost converter is proposed in this paper to improve the performance of converter in light load condition. By employing a small resonant inductor, the ZVS range of switches could be adjusted to very light load condition. Moreover, 2 clamping capacitors are added in the converter to eliminate the voltage spike on the switches during transition. The operating principle of the proposed converter is analyzed, and the optimal design guide for full range ZVS is also provided. A 60‐W output prototype is experimentally built and tested in laboratory to verify the feasibility of proposed converter. The measured results show the critical ZVS operation of power switches at 1 and 0.7‐W output power for buck and boost mode, respectively. The peak conversion efficiency is up to 92.3%.
Magnetoencephalographic study of event‐related fields and cortical oscillatory changes during cutaneous warmth processing
Authors: An Kyung‐min , Lim Sanghyun , Lee Hyun Joon , Kwon Hyukchan , Kim Min‐Young , Gohel Bakul , Kim Ji‐Eun , Kim Kiwoong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThermoreception is an important cutaneous sense, which plays a role in the maintenance of our body temperature and in the detection of potential noxious heat stimulation. In this study, we investigated event‐related fields (ERFs) and neural oscillatory activities, which were modulated by warmth stimulation. We developed a warmth stimulator that could elicit a warmth sensation, without pain or tactile sensation, by using a deep‐penetrating 980‐nm diode laser. The index finger of each participant (n = 24) was irradiated with the laser warmth stimulus, and the cortical responses were measured using magnetoencephalography (MEG). The ERFs and oscillatory responses had late latencies (∼1.3 s and 1.0–1.5 s for ERFs and oscillatory responses, respectively), which could be explained by a slow conduction velocity of warmth‐specific C‐fibers. Cortical sources of warmth‐related ERFs were seen in the bilateral primary and secondary somatosensory cortices (SI and SII), posterior part of the anterior cingulate cortex (pACC), ipsilateral primary motor, and premotor cortex. Thus, we suggested that SI, SII, and pACC play a role in processing the warmth sensation. Time–frequency analysis demonstrated the suppression of the alpha (8–13 Hz) and beta (18–23 Hz) band power in the bilateral sensorimotor cortex. We proposed that the suppressions in alpha and beta band power are involved in the automatic response to the input of warmth stimulation and sensorimotor interactions. The delta band power (1–4 Hz) increased in the frontal, temporal, and cingulate cortices. The power changes in delta band might be related with the attentional processes during the warmth stimulation.
Learning and memory performance following acute intranasal insulin administration in abstinent smokers
Authors: Hamidovic Ajna , Candelaria Lionel , Rodriguez Ihsan , Yamada Mikiko , Nawarskas James , Burge Mark R. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe highest incidence of relapse to smoking occurs within the first 2 weeks of a cessation attempt. In addition to enhanced nicotine craving, this phase of smoking cessation is also marked by learning and memory dysfunction. Many smokers are not able to overcome these symptoms, and they relapse to smoking shortly after trying to quit. In two clinical studies, we evaluated intranasal insulin for efficacy in improving learning and memory function during nicotine withdrawal. Our first study was a crossover evaluation (N = 19) following 20 hr of smoking abstinence. Study 2 was a parallel design study (N = 50) following 16 hr of abstinence. Intranasal insulin (60 IU) dose was administered in both studies and cognitive function was measured using California Verbal Learning Test‐II. Intranasal insulin did not improve learning over the 5 verbal learning trials. In addition, intranasal insulin did not improve either short‐ or long‐delay recall in either study. In summary, the one‐time administration of intranasal insulin does not improve verbal learning and memory in smokers. Whether longer administration schedules may be of benefit should be evaluated in future studies.