bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Diversity‐Oriented Library of Fluorophore‐Modified Receptors Constructed from a Chemical Library of Synthetic Fluorophores
Authors: Nakano Shun , Tamura Tomoki , Das Raj Kumar , Nakata Eiji , Chang Young‐Tae , Morii Takashi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe practical application of biosensors can be determined by evaluating the sensing ability of fluorophore‐modified derivatives of a receptor with appropriate recognition characteristics for target molecules. One of the key determinants for successfully obtaining a useful biosensor is wide variation in the fluorophores attached to a given receptor. Thus, using a larger fluorophore‐modified receptor library provides a higher probability of obtaining a practically useful biosensor. However, no effective method has yet been developed for constructing such a diverse library of fluorophore‐modified receptors. Herein, we report a method for constructing fluorophore‐modified receptors by using a chemical library of synthetic fluorophores with a thiol‐reactive group. This library was converted into a library of fluorophore‐modified adenosine‐binding ribonucleopeptide (RNP) receptors by introducing the fluorophores to the Rev peptide of the RNP complex by alkylation of the thiol group. This method enabled the construction of 263 fluorophore‐modified ATP‐binding RNP receptors and allowed the selection of suitable receptor‐based fluorescent sensors that target ATP.
Induction of autophagy by an oleanolic acid derivative, SZC017, promotes ROS‐dependent apoptosis through Akt and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in human lung cancer cells
Authors: Song Yanlin , Kong Lingqi , Sun Bin , Gao Lei , Chu Peng , Ahsan Anil , Qaed Eskandar , Lin Yuan , Peng Jinyong , Ma Xiaodong , Zhang Jianbin , Wang Shisheng , Tang Zeyao 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway is a common feature in many solid tumors including non‐small cell lung cancer, whereas current therapies usually fail to treat this disease in majority of cases. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effect and the underlying mechanisms of SZC017, an oleanolic acid derivative, on human lung cancer cells. Cell viability was significantly decreased in SZC017‐treated lung cancer cells. Mechanistically, SZC017 reduced A549 cell viability by activating both apoptosis and autophagy pathways. SZC017 was able to inhibit the phosphorylation of Akt, JAK2, and STAT3 in A549 cells, resulting in the inactivation of Akt and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways. In addition, SZC017 could induce ROS generation and Ca2+ release. Pretreatment with N‐Acetyl L‐Cysteine, a ROS scavenger, could fully reverse SZC017‐induced ROS and increase the expression of Akt, p‐STAT3, and procaspase‐3, while decrease the ratio of LC3‐II/I and the expression of Beclin‐1. In summary, our study provides pharmacological evidence that SZC017 exhibits potential use in the treatment of lung cancer.
Versatile Method for the Site‐Specific Modification of DNA with Boron Clusters: Anti‐Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Antisense Oligonucleotide Case
Authors: Ebenryter‐Olbińska Katarzyna , Kaniowski Damian , Sobczak Milena , Wojtczak Błażej A. , Janczak Sławomir , Wielgus Ewelina , Nawrot Barbara , Leśnikowski Zbigniew J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA general and convenient approach for the incorporation of different types of boron clusters into specific locations of the DNA‐oligonucleotide chain based on the automated phosphoramidite method of oligonucleotide synthesis and post‐synthetic “click chemistry” modification has been developed. Pronounced effects of boron‐cluster modification on the physico‐ and biochemical properties of the antisense oligonucleotides were observed. The silencing activity of antisense oligonucleotides bearing a single boron cluster modification in the middle of the oligonucleotide chain was substantially higher than that of unmodified oligonucleotides. This finding may be of importance for the design of therapeutic nucleic acids with improved properties. The proposed synthetic methodology broadens the availability of nucleic acid–boron cluster conjugates and opens up new avenues for their potential practical use.
Carbon‐Rich Monolayers on ITO as Highly Sensitive Platforms for Detecting Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Water: The Case of Pyrene
Authors: Muñoz Jose , Crivillers Núria , Mas‐Torrent Marta 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water at low levels is a current challenge given their great impact on the health and safety of the public. Here, a novel pyrene‐based self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) platform is exploited as an electrochemical sensing recognition device. Interestingly, the formation of π–π sandwich complexes between PAHs and the recognition element switches the surface electron transfer capability. The unique supramolecular interaction between identical aromatic molecules provides a highly sensitive and selective sensor for pyrene in the order of part per trillion. Accordingly, and using pyrene as a proof‐of‐concept, this work presents the basis for an “at‐point‐of‐use” impedimetric sensor focused on a highly sensitive carbon‐rich SAM for PAHs determination in water at ultra‐trace levels.
Functional Hyper‐Crosslinkers
Authors: Zhou Ning , Cao Zeyuan , Xu Bing 
Published: September 2017

AbstractCrosslinking is an essential architecture for polymers to improve mechanical and thermal properties and to form three‐dimensional (3D) structures. Although conventional synthetic crosslinkers usually only serve as bridges between different polymeric chains, biological crosslinkers are multifunctional. Recently, crosslinkers with active functionality after polymerization are promising a new dimension of molecular design for generating smart materials as they may exhibit dramatic changes in structures and properties in response to external stimuli. This concept article introduces several different designs of hyper‐crosslinkers (i.e., multifunctional crosslinkers that provide three or more sites for generating networks) and their applications in tailoring stimuli‐responsive and self‐healing soft materials. Particularly, the polymeric materials that contain functional hyper‐crosslinkers are exhibiting anti‐intuitive redox or thermal‐pH responses. The goal of this article is to illustrate the concept that functional hyper‐crosslinkers not only improve the physical and chemical performance of the polymers, but more importantly, may introduce new architectures and functionalities for soft materials.
WNK Signaling Inhibitors as Potential Antihypertensive Drugs
Authors: AlAmri Mubarak A. , Kadri Hachemi , Dhiani Binar A. , Mahmood Shumail , Elzwawi Abdulrahman , Mehellou Youcef 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSince the discovery of WNK mutations that cause an inherited form of hypertension in humans, there has been increasing interest in targeting WNK signaling as a novel strategy for modulating blood pressure. This notion is now supported by numerous mouse models with impaired WNK signaling that exhibit reduced blood pressure. Biochemical analyses of the various protein components that make up this signaling pathway have identified a number of plausible molecular targets that are amenable to targeting by small molecules. To date, a selection of small‐molecule WNK signaling inhibitors have been identified and have shown promise in suppressing the activity of WNK signaling in cells and in animals. In this Minireview, we briefly discuss the WNK signaling pathway and provide an overview of the various druggable targets within this cascade, as well as the different WNK signaling inhibitors discovered to date.
Muscle mass at the time of diagnosis of nonmetastatic colon cancer and early discontinuation of chemotherapy, delays, and dose reductions on adjuvant FOLFOX: The C‐SCANS study
Authors: Cespedes Feliciano Elizabeth M. , Lee Valerie S. , Prado Carla M. , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Alexeeff Stacey , Kroenke Candyce H. , Xiao Jingjie , Castillo Adrienne L. , Caan Bette J. 
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUNDFor many chemotherapy regimens dosed based on body surface area (BSA), patients experience dose reductions or delays or discontinue treatment, thereby reducing survival. Consideration of body composition may be useful in individualizing chemotherapy dosing, but to the authors' knowledge few studies to date have examined the association of body composition with chemotherapy tolerance in patients with colon cancer.METHODSThe authors identified patients with nonmetastatic colon cancer who were diagnosed from 2006 through 2011 at Kaiser Permanente and who received leucovorin calcium/calcium folinate, 5‐fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) as initial adjuvant chemotherapy (533 patients). Patients' muscle mass was quantified using clinically acquired computed tomography scans. The authors quantified chemotherapy doses, treatment dates, and related toxicities using the electronic medical record. In logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex, and American Joint Committee on Cancer stage of disease, the authors examined associations of muscle tertiles with early treatment discontinuation (<6 cycles), treatment delay (>3 days off schedule for ≥3 times), and/or dose reduction (relative dose intensity ≤ 0.70, based on planned treatment).RESULTSThe average age of the patients at the time of diagnosis was 58.7 years; BSA was 1.9 m2 and body mass index was 28.7 kg/m2. Compared with the highest sex‐specific tertile of muscle mass, patients in the lowest tertile were more likely to experience toxicities and had twice the risk of adverse outcomes while receiving FOLFOX; for early discontinuation, the odds ratio (OR) was 2.34 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.04‐5.24; P for trend = .03), whereas the ORs were 2.24 (95% CI, 1.37‐3.66; P for trend = .002) for treatment delay and 2.28 (95% CI, 1.19‐4.36; P for trend = .01) for dose reduction.CONCLUSIONSLower muscle mass is associated with greater toxicity and poor chemotherapy adherence among patients receiving FOLFOX. Many chemotherapy drugs are dosed based on BSA, but treatment may be better individualized if muscle mass is considered. Cancer 2017;123:4868‐77. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Improvement in sexual function after ovarian cancer: Effects of sexual therapy and rehabilitation after treatment for ovarian cancer
Authors: Bober Sharon L. , Recklitis Christopher J. , Michaud Alexis L. , Wright Alexi A. 
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUNDSexual dysfunction is a distressing long‐term effect after gynecological cancer and affects the majority of survivors for years after the completion of therapy. Despite its prevalence, treatment‐related sexual dysfunction is underrecognized and undertreated for survivors. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop and test a brief psychoeducational intervention for managing sexual dysfunction for women who have undergone treatment for ovarian cancer (OC).METHODSForty‐six OC survivors with documented, treatment‐related sexual dysfunction received a single half‐day group intervention that included sexual health education and rehabilitation training, relaxation and cognitive behavioral therapy skills to address sexual symptoms, and a single tailored booster telephone call 4 weeks after the group. Assessment measures were completed at the baseline (baseline 1), after an 8‐week no‐treatment run‐in period (baseline 2), and then again 2 and 6 months after the intervention. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess sexual functioning, and the Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (BSI‐18) was used to capture psychological distress.RESULTSBetween baseline 1 and baseline 2, there were no significant changes in the study measures, and this indicated no natural improvement during the run‐in period. In contrast, the total FSFI scores improved significantly from baseline 1 to the 2‐ (n = 45; P < .0005) and 6‐month time points (n = 42; P < .05). The BSI‐18 scores were also significantly improved at the 2‐ (P < .005) and 6‐month time points (P < .01) in comparison with baseline 1.CONCLUSIONSThis brief behavioral intervention led to significant improvements in overall sexual functioning and psychological distress that were maintained at the 6‐month follow‐up. The results demonstrate the feasibility of this brief, low‐intensity behavioral intervention and support the development of a larger randomized controlled trial. Cancer 2018;124:176‐82. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Trends in major upper abdominal surgery for cancer in octogenarians: Has there been a change in patient selection?
Authors: Neuwirth Madalyn G. , Bierema Christine , Sinnamon Andrew J. , Fraker Douglas L. , Kelz Rachel R. , Roses Robert E. , Karakousis Giorgos C. 
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUNDAlthough there is a general perception that, as the older population grows in number, more are undergoing surgery, there are few data on trends in major resections for cancer and short‐term outcomes in this group.METHODSThe Nationwide Inpatient Sample was (NIS) used to estimate the national trends of major upper abdominal resections (esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas) for cancer in octogenarians (aged ≥80 years) from 2001 to 2011. Resection rates performed per year were incidence‐adjusted within this age group for each cancer type as determined by the NIS database. Joinpoint regression was used to calculate average annual percentage changes (AAPC) when evaluating trends over time.RESULTSDuring the study period, octogenarians underwent an estimated 30,356 upper abdominal organ resections for cancer in the United States, representing 3.8% of all cancer admissions among octogenarians. Resection rates in octogenarians increased significantly over time (AAPC, 2.54; P < .001) secondary to increasing trends in pancreatic (AAPC, 11.52; P < .001) and hepatic (AAPC, 6.67; P < .001) resections. Elixhauser comorbidity index scores increased from a mean of 3.61 to 4.20 (AAPC, 1.31; P < .001), whereas inpatient mortality during this time decreased from 13.6% to 8.2% (AAPC, 5.58; P < .001).CONCLUSIONSOverall rates of major upper abdominal cancer resections in octogenarians are increasing over time, driven by increases in liver and pancreatic resections. These increases were observed despite a less favorable patient morbidity profile over time. These patterns may suggest shifting selection criteria for octogenarians undergoing major abdominal surgery over time in the context of diminishing postoperative mortality. Cancer 2018;124:125‐35. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Investigation on the Interface Modification of TiO2 Surfaces by Functional Co‐Adsorbents for High‐Efficiency Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Chandiran Aravind Kumar , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Humphry‐Baker Robin , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Grätzel Michael , Sauvage Frédéric 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe influence of interface modification of sensitized TiO2 surfaces by co‐adsorbents on photovoltaic performance is detailed. We investigated different functional groups of co‐adsorbents, such as carboxylic (4‐guanidino butyric acid, chenodeoxycholic acid), phosphinic (dineohexyl phosphinic acid), and phosphonic (dodecyl phosphonic acid), to better highlight their influence on the device performance and accurately classify them into de‐aggregating agents or agents with both de‐aggregating and co‐adsorbing properties. By optimizing the type of co‐adsorbent and its concentration in the dye solution, we reached an efficiency of 11.0 % using 4‐guanidino butyric acid or dineohexyl phosphinic acid, compared to 10.6 % when the benchmark chenodeoxycholic acid was used. The presence of co‐adsorbents on the TiO2 surface was studied using ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy. The role of these co‐adsorbents on the band edge shift versus the recombination resistance is discussed.
Hydrogen Bond versus Halogen Bond in Cation–Cation Complexes: Effect of the Solvent
Authors: Chalanchi Saber Mohammadi , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero Jose , Quiñonero David 
Published: September 2017

AbstractCompetition between hydrogen‐ (HB) and halogen‐bonded (XB) 4‐ammoniumpyridine and halogenammonium (NHnF3−nX+;n=0–3; X=F, Cl, Br, and I) cation–cation complexes are explored by means of DFT calculations. HB and XB minima structures are found for all systems in the gas phase. As the number of fluorine atoms increases, the HB complexes are more favored than those of XB. Proton transfer is generally observed in complexes with two, three, or four halogen atoms. The XB complexes evolve from traditional halogen bonds, to halogen‐shared complexes, and to ionic complexes as the number of fluorine atoms increases. The dissociation transition states and their corresponding barriers are also characterized; the barriers increase as the number of fluorine atoms increases. The results if solvent effects are considered indicate that, even in an apolar solvent, such asn‐hexane, most of the complexes have favorable binding energies. Atoms‐in‐molecules theory is used to analyze the complexes, and results in good correlations between electron density and total electron energy density (Η) values with the intermolecular bond length. According to theΗvalues obtained, the covalency of these interactions starts to manifest at distances around 72–74 % the sum of the van der Waals radii of the interacting atoms.
Anatase TiO2 as a Cheap and Sustainable Buffering Filler for Silicon Nanoparticles in Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Maroni Fabio , Carbonari Gilberto , Croce Fausto , Tossici Roberto , Nobili Francesco 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe design of effective supporting matrices to efficiently cycle Si nanoparticles is often difficult to achieve and requires complex preparation strategies. In this work, we present a simple synthesis of low‐cost and environmentally benign aAnatase TiO2 nanoparticles as buffering filler for Si nanoparticles (Si@TiO2). The average anatase TiO2 crystallite size was approximately 5 nm. A complete structural, morphological, and electrochemical characterization was performed. Electrochemical test results show very good specific capacity values of up to 1000 mAh g−1 and cycling at several specific currents, ranging from 500 to 2000 mA g−1, demonstrating a very good tolerance to high cycling rates. Postmortem morphological analysis shows very good electrode integrity after 100 cycles at 500 mA g−1 specific current.
Space‐time block coded spatial modulation with labeling diversity
Authors: Govindasamy Kyle , Xu HongJun , Pillay Narushan 
Published: September 2017

SummarySpace‐time block coded spatial modulation (STBC‐SM) exploits the advantages of both spatial modulation and the Alamouti space‐time block code. Meanwhile, space‐time labeling diversity has demonstrated an improved bit error rate (BER) performance in comparison to the latter. Hence, in this paper, we extend the application of labeling diversity to STBC‐SM, which is termed STBC‐SM‐LD. Under identical channel assumptions, STBC‐SM‐LD exhibits superior BER performance compared to STBC‐SM. For example, with 4 × 4, 64‐quadrature amplitude modulation (64‐QAM), STBC‐SM‐LD has a BER performance gain of approximately 2.6 dB over STBC‐SM. Moreover, an asymptotic bound is presented to quantify the average BER performance of M‐ary QAM STBC‐SM‐LD over independent and identically distributed Rayleigh frequency‐flat fading channels. Monte Carlo simulations for STBC‐SM‐LD agree well with the analytical framework. In addition to the above, low‐complexity (LC) near‐maximum‐likelihood detectors for space‐time labeling diversity and STBC‐SM‐LD are presented. Complexity analysis of the proposed LC detectors shows a substantial reduction in computational complexity compared to their ML detector counterparts. For example, the proposed detector for STBC‐SM‐LD achieves a 91.9% drop in computational complexity for a 4 × 4, 64‐QAM system. The simulations further validate the near‐maximum‐likelihood performance of the LC detectors.
A new algorithm for cluster head selection in LEACH protocol for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Al‐Baz Ahmed , El‐Sayed Ayman 
Published: September 2017

SummaryIn wireless sensor network, a large number of sensor nodes are distributed to cover a certain area. Sensor node is little in size with restricted processing power, memory, and limited battery life. Because of restricted battery power, wireless sensor network needs to broaden the system lifetime by reducing the energy consumption. A clustering‐based protocols adapt the use of energy by giving a balance to all nodes to become a cluster head. In this paper, we concentrate on a recent hierarchical routing protocols, which are depending on LEACH protocol to enhance its performance and increase the lifetime of wireless sensor network. So our enhanced protocol called Node Ranked–LEACH is proposed. Our proposed protocol improves the total network lifetime based on node rank algorithm. Node rank algorithm depends on both path cost and number of links between nodes to select the cluster head of each cluster. This enhancement reflects the real weight of specific node to success and can be represented as a cluster head. The proposed algorithm overcomes the random process selection, which leads to unexpected fail for some cluster heads in other LEACH versions, and it gives a good performance in the network lifetime and energy consumption comparing with previous version of LEACH protocols.
Roadside drug testing: An evaluation of the Alere DDS®2 mobile test system
Authors: Rohrig Timothy P. , Moore Christine M. , Stephens Kimberly , Cooper Kelsey , Coulter Cynthia , Baird Tyson , Garnier Margaux , Miller Samuel , Tuyay James , Osawa Kei , Chou Joshua , Nuss Carson , Collier Jeff , Wittman Karen Cudlin 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe number of drivers using drugs has increased over the last few years, and is likely to continue its upward trend. Testing drivers for alcohol use is routine and standardized, but the same is not true for the identification of driving under the influence of drugs (DUID). The Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP) was developed to train police officers to recognize the signs and symptoms of recent drug use and remains an invaluable program; however, there are insufficient numbers of these highly trained drug recognition experts (DREs) available to attend every potential drug involved traffic incident. While blood and urine samples are used to test for drugs in a driver, both have disadvantages, particularly as they pertain to the length of time required after a traffic stop to sample collection. Therefore, the development of oral fluid testing devices which can be operated at the roadside and have the potential to assist officers in the identification of drug use is a major advancement in DUID cases. This project evaluated the performance of one instrumental oral fluid roadside testing device (Alere DDS®2) compared to DRE opinion, oral fluid laboratory‐based analysis, and routine blood testing. The results showed that there was a good correlation with DRE observations and the device performance was >80% in all drug categories compared to laboratory‐based analytical testing, both in oral fluid and blood, with few exceptions. The instrument can be considered a useful tool to assist law enforcement in identifying a drugged driver. Because the device does not test for all potentially impairing drugs, the opinion of the police officer regarding the condition of the driver should still be considered the most important aspect for arrest and further action.