bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A sensitive HPLC–MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of anemoside B4, anemoside A3 and 23‐hydroxybetulinic acid: Application to the pharmacokinetics and liver distribution of Pulsatilla chinensis saponins
Authors: Guo Xiaozhen , Xie Yang , Lian Shan , Li Zhixiong , Gao Yu , Xu Zhou , Hu Pei , Chen Mingcang , Sun Zhaolin , Tian Xiaoting , Huang Chenggang 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPulsatilla chinensis saponins, the major active components in the herb, have drawn great attention as potential hepatitis B virus infection and hepatoma treatments. Here, a sensitive and accurate HPLC–MS/MS method was established for simultaneous determination of three saponins – anemoside B4, anemoside A3 and 23‐hydroxybetulinic acid – in rat plasma and liver, and fully validated. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetics and liver distribution study of P. chinensis saponins. Consequently, 23‐hydroxybetulinic acid, with an extremely low content in the P. chinensis saponins, exhibited the highest exposure in the liver and in sites before and after hepatic disposition, namely, in the portal vein plasma and systemic plasma, followed by anemoside B4, which showed the highest content in the herb, whereas anemoside A3 displayed quite limited exposure. The hepatic first‐pass effects were 71% for 23‐hydroxybetulinic acid, 27% for anemoside B4 and 37% for anemoside A3, corresponding to their different extents of liver distribution. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation on the liver first‐pass effect and distribution of P. chinensis saponins to date. These results also provide valuable information for the understanding of the pharmacological effect of P. chinensis saponins on liver diseases.
Progression‐free survival at 2 years post‐autologous transplant: a surrogate end point for overall survival in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Jiménez‐Ubieto Ana , Grande Carlos , Caballero Dolores , Yáñez Lucrecia , Novelli Silvana , Hernández Miguel T. , Manzanares María , Arranz Reyes , Ferreiro José Javier , Bobillo Sabela , Mercadal Santiago , Galego Andrea , Jiménez Javier López , Moraleda José María , Vallejo Carlos , Albo Carmen , Pérez Elena , Marrero Carmen , Magnano Laura , Palomera Luis , Jarque Isidro , Coria Erika , Rodriguez Antonia , Martín Alejandro , López‐Guillermo Armando , Salar Antonio , Lahuerta Juan José ,   the GELTAMO (Grupo Español de Linfomas y Trasplantes de Médula Ósea) cooperative study group
Published: October 2017

AbstractOverall survival (OS) is the gold‐standard end point for studies evaluating autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in follicular lymphoma (FL), but assessment may be elusive due to the lengthy disease course. We analyzed the validity of two earlier end points, proposed in the setting of first‐line chemo‐/immunotherapy, as surrogates for OS—progression‐free survival (PFS) status at 24 months (PFS24) and complete response at 30 months (CR30) post‐ASCT. We also have investigated the clinical features of patients with early progression after ASCT. Data were available for 626 chemosensitive FL patients who received ASCT between 1989 and 2007. Median follow‐up was 12.2 years from ASCT. In the PFS24 analysis, 153 (24%) patients progressed within 24 months and 447 were alive and progression‐free at 24 months post‐ASCT (26 who died without disease progressions within 24 months were excluded). Early progression was associated with shorter OS (hazard ratio [HR], 6.8; P = 0.00001). In the subgroup of patients who received an ASCT in the setting or relapse after being exposed to rituximab, the HR was 11.3 (95% CI, 3.9–30.2; P < 0.00001). In the CR30 analysis, 183 of 596 (31%) response‐evaluable patients progressed/died with 30 months post‐ASCT. The absence of CR30 was associated with shorter OS (HR, 7.8; P < 0.00001), including in patients with prior rituximab (HR, 8.2). PFS24 and CR30 post‐ASCT are associated with poor outcomes and should be primary end points. Further research is needed to identify this population to be offered alternative treatments.
Chemical Approach to Biological Safety: Molecular‐Level Control of an Integrated Zinc Finger Nuclease
Authors: Németh Eszter , Asaka Masamitsu N. , Kato Kohsuke , Fábián Zita , Oostenbrink Chris , Christensen Hans E. M. , Nagata Kyosuke , Gyurcsik Béla 
Published: October 2017

AbstractApplication of artificial nucleases (ANs) in genome editing is still hindered by their cytotoxicity related to off‐target cleavages. This problem can be targeted by regulation of the nuclease domain. Here, we provide an experimental survey of computationally designed integrated zinc finger nucleases, constructed by linking the inactivated catalytic centre and the allosteric activator sequence of the colicin E7 nuclease domain to the two opposite termini of a zinc finger array. DNA specificity and metal binding were confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays, synchrotron radiation circular dichroism spectroscopy, and nano‐electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry. In situ intramolecular activation of the nuclease domain was observed, resulting in specific cleavage of DNA with moderate activity. This study represents a new approach to AN design through integrated nucleases consisting of three (regulator, DNA‐binding, and nuclease) units, rather than simple chimera. The optimisation of such ANs could lead to safe gene editing enzymes.
Ultrasensitive DNAzyme‐Based Ca2+ Detection Boosted by Ethanol and a Solvent‐Compatible Scaffold for Aptazyme Design
Authors: Yu Tianmeng , Zhou Wenhu , Liu Juewen 
Published: October 2017

AbstractFunctional DNA includes aptamers and DNAzymes, and metal ions are often important for achieving the chemical functions of such DNA. Biosensors based on functional DNA have mainly been tested in aqueous buffers. By introducing organic solvents with much lower dielectric constants, the interaction between metal ions and DNA can be significantly enhanced, and this might affect the performance of DNA‐based biosensors. In this work, the effect of ethanol on the activity of the EtNa DNAzyme was studied for Ca2+ detection. With 30 % ethanol, the sensor has a detection limit of 1.4 μm Ca2+, which is a 16‐fold improvement relative to that in water. This EtNa DNAzyme is unique because other tested DNAzymes are all inhibited by 50 % ethanol. Finally, by using the EtNa DNAzyme as a scaffold, the adenosine monophosphate (AMP) aptamer was inserted to construct an aptazyme, which allowed the measurement of AMP in ethanol. In summary, this study has reported the most sensitive DNA‐based sensor for Ca2+, and its sensitivity and selectivity can approach those of proteins or small‐molecule ligands. This work also provides a way to measure aptamer binding in organic solvents.
Polymeric Ionic Liquid‐poly(ethylene glycol) Composite Polymer Electrolytes for High‐Temperature Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Sijian , Zhang Zhengxi , Yang Kaihua , Yang Li 
Published: October 2017

AbstractA new family of composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) is developed by blending pyrrolidinium‐based polymeric ionic liquid [P(DADMA)TFSI], poly(ethylene glycol) [PEG800], and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI). The structure, thermal behavior, electrochemical properties of these CPEs, as well as their potential application in high‐temperature lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are studied. The FTIR result reveals the interactions among P(DADMA)TFSI, PEG800, and Li+ cations. X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry measurements show that the as‐prepared CPEs have amorphous structures. Furthermore, CPEs exhibit satisfactory ionic conductivity, as well as high thermal and electrochemical stabilities. In addition, Li/LiFePO4 cells with the as‐prepared CPE at 0.2C rate can achieve a discharge capacity of about 150 mA h g−1 at 80oC, with good capacity retention. These findings indicate that the as‐obtained CPEs have great potential for applications as safe electrolytes in high‐temperature LIBs.
Mesoporous Silica Nanocarriers with Cyclic Peptide Gatekeeper: Specific Targeting of Aminopeptidase N and Triggered Drug Release by Stimuli‐Responsive Conformational Transformation
Authors: Lee Jeonghun , Oh Eun‐Taex , Han Yeji , Kim Ha Gyeong , Park Heon Joo , Kim Chulhee 
Published: October 2017

AbstractUtilizing stimuli‐responsive conformational transformation of a cyclic peptide as a gatekeeper for mesoporous nanocarriers has several advantages such as facile introduction of targeting capabilities, low enzymatic degradation during blood circulation and enhanced specific binding to selected cells. In this report, a Asn‐Gly‐Arg (NGR)‐containing dual‐functional cyclic peptide gatekeeper on the surface of mesoporous nanocarrier is prepared not only for active targeting of the aminopeptidase N (APN) expressed on cancer cells but also stimuli‐responsive intracellular drug release triggered by a glutathione (GSH)‐induced conformational transformation of the peptide gatekeeper. The peptide gatekeeper on the surface of nanocarriers exhibits on–off gatekeeping by conformational transformation triggered by intracellular glutathione of the cancer cells. H1299 cells (high APN expression) showed greater uptake of the nanocarrier by endocytosis and higher apoptosis than A549 cells (low APN expression).
Appending Diverse π‐Extended Acceptors with Tetrathiafulvalene/Dithiafulvalene Donors: Multistate Redox Properties, Radical Ion Generation, and Mid‐IR‐Absorbing Mixed‐Valence States
Authors: Keshri Sudhir Kumar , Asthana Deepak , Chorol Sonam , Kumar Yogendra , Mukhopadhyay Pritam 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThree classes of donor–acceptor (D–A) π‐extended chromophores (1–12) were synthesized through a phosphite‐mediated cross‐coupling reaction, in which the anhydride‐ or imide‐based π‐As and number of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)/dithiafulvalene (DTF) Ds were systematically changed. Large π rings, such as benzoperylene and coronene, were integrated into the TTF/DTF unit, for the first time, to overcome their high insolubility. The anhydride and imide groups in the π acceptors can significantly alter the frontier orbitals and influence the optoelectronic properties. The D moieties allow the formation of radical cations (D.+) and the π‐extended A moieties aid the formation of radical anions (A.−) by oxidation/reduction under ambient conditions. The molecules revealed UV/Vis/near‐IR absorption, fluorescence extending into the near‐IR region, and amphoteric electrochemical properties. Chromophores 10 and 12 show solvatochromism in a wide range of solvents. The π‐As with anhydride functionality allow easier electron uptake, relative to the imide groups, whereas the increasing number of D TTF/DTF units make them easy to oxidize. Interestingly, the trans‐TTF‐fused molecules (1, 6, and 11) exhibited a mixed‐valence state in the mid‐IR region (
=5130–4000 cm−1). Moderate electron coupling between the redox centers is inferred to the compounds being of Robin–Day class II. The multistate redox activity along with panchromism and near‐/mid‐IR optical absorption of these systems can be attractive towards advanced switchable materials.
Cellulose transformation into methyl glucosides catalyzed by H3PW12O40: Enhancement of ionic liquid pretreatment
Authors: Zheng Weizhong , Cui Yanjin , Xu Zhimei , Zhao Ling , Sun Weizhen 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe efficient alcoholysis of cellulose to monosaccharide is of great importance to produce fuels and fine chemicals from renewable feedstocks. In this work, the conversion of cellulose into methyl glucosides was investigated by combining the pretreatment process of the ionic liquid 1‐allyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([Amim]Cl) and the subsequent alcoholysis catalyzed by the heteropolyacid H3PW12O40. The X‐ray diffraction characterization of [Amim]Cl‐pretreated cellulose shows that the pretreatment process could transform cellulose I to cellulose II resulting in the loss of crystalline structure. The subsequent alcoholysis of the pretreated cellulose catalyzed by H3PW12O40 proves to be a highly efficient way to convert cellulose to methyl glucosides in the medium of methanol. Under the optimized conditions of the [Amim]Cl pretreatment and alcoholysis reaction, the highest yield of methyl glucosides reaches up to 70.2 mass%, which is much higher than those previously published without pretreatment process.
Linear operator‐based statistical analysis: A useful paradigm for big data
Authors: Li Bing 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn this article we lay out some basic structures, technical machineries, and key applications, of Linear Operator‐Based Statistical Analysis, and organize them toward a unified paradigm. This paradigm can play an important role in analyzing big data due to the nature of linear operators: they process large number of functions in batches. The system accommodates at least four statistical settings: multivariate data analysis, functional data analysis, nonlinear multivariate data analysis via kernel learning, and nonlinear functional data analysis via kernel learning. We develop five linear operators within each statistical setting: the covariance operator, the correlation operator, the conditional covariance operator, the regression operator, and the partial correlation operator, which provide us with a powerful means to study the interconnections between random variables or random functions in a nonparametric and comprehensive way. We present a case study tracing the development of sufficient dimension reduction, and describe in detail how these linear operators play increasingly critical roles in its recent development. We also present a coordinate mapping method which can be systematically applied to implement these operators at the sample level. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 46: 79–103; 2018 © 2017 Statistical Society of Canada
Nonlinear Stability of Expanding Star Solutions of the Radially Symmetric Mass‐Critical Euler‐Poisson System
Authors: Hadžić Mahir , Jang Juhi 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWe prove nonlinear stability of compactly supported expanding star solutions of the mass‐critical gravitational Euler‐Poisson system. These special solutions were discovered by Goldreich and Weber in 1980. The expansion rate of such solutions can be either self‐similar or non‐self‐similar (linear), and we treat both types. An important outcome of our stability results is the existence of a new class of global‐in‐time radially symmetric solutions, which are not homologous and therefore not encompassed by the existing works. Using Lagrangian coordinates we reformulate the associated free‐boundary problem as a degenerate quasilinear wave equation on a compact spatial domain. The problem is mass‐critical with respect to an invariant rescaling and the analysis is carried out in similarity variables. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Property‐based token attestation in mobile computing
Authors: Vinh Thinh Le , Cagnon Hervé , Bouzefrane Samia , Banerjee Soumya 
Published: October 2017

SummaryThe surge of the presence of personal mobile devices in multi‐environment makes a significant attention to the mobile cloud computing (MCC). Along with this concern, security issues also appear as a barrier to prevent the propagation of this trend. This paper focuses on an important feature in many security protocols and application, which is the device attestation in the MCC. The existing remote attestation mechanisms are currently used in trusted computing environment such as binary attestation and property‐based attestation. In this paper, by taking advantage of the combination of technologies and trends, such as trusted platform module, cloud computing, and bring your own device, we introduce property‐based token attestation to secure the mobile user in the enterprise cloud environment. In order to accomplish a secure MCC environment, security threats need to be studied and acted accordingly, and therefore, we first represent the common threats and then explain a novel attestation schema for addressing these threats by providing security proofs. In addition, Scyther is in use to verify the correctness of our protocol.
SeShare: Secure cloud data sharing based on blockchain and public auditing
Authors: Huang Longxia , Zhang Gongxuan , Yu Shui , Fu Anmin , Yearwood John 
Published: October 2017

SummaryIn a data sharing group, each user can upload, modify, and access group files and a user is required to generate a new signature for the modified file after modification. There is a situation that two or more users modify the same file at almost the same time, which should be avoided as it gives rise to a signature conflict. However, the existing schemes do not take it into consideration. In this paper, we proposed a new mechanism SeShare for data storing based on blockchain to realize signature uniqueness, which solves the problem of generating signatures for the same file meanwhile by different group users. Specifically, we record every signature of a file in a blockchain in chronological order, and only one user is allowed to add new signature at the end of the blockchain when modification conflicts occur. On the other hand, to provide a secure data sharing service, SeShare introduces an efficient public auditing scheme for file integrity verification when a group user leaves the group. We also prove the security of the proposed scheme and evaluate the performance at the end of this paper. Our experimental results demonstrate the efficiency of public auditing for user leaving.
Putative periodontopathic bacteria and herpes viruses interactions in the subgingival plaque of patients with aggressive periodontitis and healthy controls
Authors: Elamin Amal , Ali Raouf Wahab , Bakken Vidar 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe microbial profile of aggressive periodontitis patients is considered to be complex with variations among populations in different geographical areas. The aim of this study was to assess the presences of 4 putative periodontopathic bacteria (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola) and 2 periodontal herpes viruses (Epstein–Barr virus type 1 [EBV‐1] and human cytomegalovirus [HMCV]) in subgingival plaque of Sudanese subjects with aggressive periodontitis and healthy controls. The study group consisted of 34 subjects, 17 aggressive periodontitis patients and 17 periodontally healthy controls (14–19 years of age). Pooled subgingival plaque samples were collected and analyzed for detection of bacteria and viruses using loop‐mediated isothermal amplification. Prevalence of subgingival A. actinomycetemcomitans, HCMV, and P. gingivalis were significantly higher among aggressive periodontitis patients than periodontally healthy controls. Coinfection with A. actinomycetemcomitans, HCMV, and/or EBV‐1 was restricted to the cases. Increased risk of aggressive periodontitis was the highest when A. actinomycetemcomitans was detected together with EBV‐1 (OD 49.0, 95% CI [2.5, 948.7], p = .01) and HCMV (OD 39.1, 95% CI [2.0, 754.6], p = .02). In Sudanese patients, A. actinomycetemcomitans and HCMV were the most associated test pathogens with aggressive periodontitis.
How Corporate Social Responsibility Helps MNEs to Improve their Reputation. The Moderating Effects of Geographical Diversification and Operating in Developing Regions
Authors: Aguilera‐Caracuel Javier , Guerrero‐Villegas Jaime 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMultinational enterprises (MNEs) can enhance their reputations through advanced social initiatives and management practices. These firms often locate facilities in developing countries to benefit from lax environmental and social regulations, and to reduce their operating costs. MNEs can, however, also contribute positively to the development of those countries through corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. This paper argues that MNEs operating in developing regions can enhance their level of corporate reputation through the implementation of CSR initiatives that meet specific stakeholders' expectations of the firm's activities in these areas. In addition, we argue that MNEs with units based in different regions strengthen the impact of corporate social performance on corporate reputation. Based on a sample of 113 US MNEs from the chemical, energy, and industrial machinery industries over the period 2005–2010, our findings show that CSR has a positive effect on corporate reputation. In addition, MNEs' operations in developing regions intensify the positive relationship between corporate social performance and reputation, although geographical diversification does not necessarily enhance MNEs' reputation through corporate social performance. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Gastroprotective effect of calealactone B: Lack of involvement of prostaglandins, nitric oxide and sulfhydryls
Authors: Sánchez‐Mendoza María Elena , López‐Lorenzo Yaraset , Matus‐Meza Audifás‐Salvador , Arrieta Jesús 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Hit, Lead & Candidate Discovery

The gastroprotective effect of calealactone B, isolated from Calea urticifolia was assessed in an ethanol‐induced model of gastric lesioning. The possible involvement of prostaglandins, nitric oxide (NO) and sulfhydryl groups in the mechanism of action of calealactone B was also assessed. Calealactone B inhibited ethanol‐induced gastric injuries with a maximal effect (95.3 ± 2.6%) at 30 mg kg−1. A similar value was obtained at 10 mg kg−1 (83.5 ± 7.7%). Meanwhile, the reference anti‐ulcer drug, carbenoxolone, an 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β‐HSD) inhibitor administered at 30 mg kg−1 showed 63.5 ± 9.4% gastroprotection. Hence, calealactone B was more potent than carbenoxolone. Pretreatment with indomethacin, L‐NAME or NEM did not reverse the effects of calealactone B, indicating that prostaglandins, NO and sulfhydryl compounds do not participate in its mechanism of action.