bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phase 2 study of sunitinib in patients with metastatic mucosal or acral melanoma
Authors: Buchbinder Elizabeth I. , Sosman Jeffrey A. , Lawrence Donald P. , McDermott David F. , Ramaiya Nikhil H. , Van den Abbeele Annick D. , Linette Gerald P. , Giobbie‐Hurder Anita , Hodi F. Stephen 
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUNDPatients with mucosal and acral melanomas have limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. Mutations of the KIT oncogene in these melanoma subtypes provide a potential therapeutic target.METHODSA multicenter phase 2 trial of sunitinib was conducted in patients with unresectable stage III or IV melanoma of a mucosal or acral primary origin. Patients were treated in 2 cohorts: cohort A received sunitinib at a dose of 50 mg daily for 4 weeks of a 6‐week cycle, and cohort B received sunitinib at a dose of 37.5 mg daily on a continuous basis. Dose reductions were permitted for treatment‐related toxicities, and tumor assessments were performed every 2 months.RESULTSFifty‐two patients were enrolled: 21 in cohort A and 31 in cohort B. Four patients had confirmed partial responses, which lasted 5 to 10 months (1 with a KIT mutation). In both cohorts, the proportion of patients alive and progression‐free at 2 months was 52% (95% confidence interval, 38%‐66%); this was significantly larger than the hypothesized null of 5%. There was no significant difference in response or overall survival between the 25% of patients with a KIT mutation and those without one (response rate, 7.7% vs 9.7%; overall survival, 6.4 vs 8.6 months). The overall disease control rate was 44%, and a high rate of toxicity was associated with the treatment.CONCLUSIONSSunitinib showed activity in the treatment of mucosal and acral melanoma that was not dependent on the presence of a KIT mutation. However, the medication was poorly tolerated, and there were no prolonged responses. Cancer 2015;121:4007–4015. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Acyclic Amido‐Containing Silanechalcogenones
Authors: Chan Yuk‐Chi , Li Yongxin , Ganguly Rakesh , So Cheuk‐Wai 
Published: August 2015

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue is the group of Cheuk‐Wai So at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. The cover image shows the isolation of the first stable four‐coordinate silanechalcogenones comprising an acyclic amido substituent by a straightforward oxidation of the amidinato silicon(II) bis(trimethylsilyl)amide with chalcogens.
Merging of DHT‐based logical networks in MANETs
Authors: Abid Shahbaz Akhtar , Othman Mazliza , Shah Nadir , Sabir Osama , Khan Atta ur Rehman , Ali Mazhar , Shafi Jawad , Ullah Saleem 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWe study the challenging problem of the network partitioning and merging in context with the mismatch problem and the resilience of the logical structure in distributed hash table (DHT)‐based routing protocols for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). The existing DHT‐based approaches for routing in MANETs do not consider the merging of logical networks, which occurs because of limited transmission range and mobility of nodes. In this paper, we identify that the mismatch problem is aggravated when logical networks are merged, which directly depends upon the shape of the logical structure in which nodes are arranged according to their logical identifier. To address this problem, we first propose a leader‐based approach (LA) to detect and merge logical networks. In addition, we discuss the effectiveness of a three‐dimensional logical space and three‐dimensional logical structure when logical networks are merged. In three‐dimensional logical space and three‐dimensional logical structure, we take into account the physical intra‐neighbour relationship of a node and interpret that relationship in terms of logical identifiers. Simulation results show that the proposed DHT‐based protocol along with LA outperforms the existing DHT‐based routing protocol in terms routing overhead, end‐to‐end delay, path‐stretch values and packet delivery ratio. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Foreign Direct Investment, Employment and Wages in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Coniglio Nicola D. , Prota Francesco , Seric Adnan 
Published: August 2015

AbstractJob creation is one of the main challenges for developing countries. The aim of this paper is to analyse the relation between foreign ownership and employment using an original firm‐level dataset that covers 19 sub‐Saharan African countries. Our results show that although foreign firms are generally larger than local ones, the employment they generate is relatively more unskilled labour intensive compared with that generated by domestic firms. We discover substantial differences between foreign investors from the north and the south, in terms of both skill intensity and wage premiums. We also find that, ceteris paribus, Chinese firms employ more workers (mostly blue‐collar workers) and pay lower wages for both skilled and unskilled workers compared with both domestic firms and other foreign investors. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation and elimination of pyrraline in the Maillard reaction in a saccharide–lysine model system
Authors: Liang Zhili , Li Lin , Fu Quanyi , Zhang Xia , Xu Zhenbo , Li Bing 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDPyrraline, a causative factor for various kinds of disease, is also used as a food contaminant to evaluate the formation of advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) in diet foods. In this study, model systems consisting of lysine and different saccharides were heated at different times, temperatures and initial molar ratios of saccharide to lysine under microwave heating conditions in order to investigate the formation of pyrraline.RESULTSIncrease in initial molar ratio of saccharide to lysine could significantly promote the formation of pyrraline. Specifically, the pyrraline formation rate was influenced by the structure of saccharides involved in the reaction, and decreased in the following order: lactose > fructose > glucose > sucrose; the highest pyrraline was generated in lactose–lysine models. The maximum pyrraline was formed at 140 °C. Moreover, saccharides and lysine had different effects on the stability of pyrraline. Among the reactants, lysine was the major factor for the instability of pyrraline; a dipyrraline and a crosslink by pyrraline reacting with lysine could be formed.CONCLUSIONPyrraline formation by the saccharide–lysine model system was a dynamic reaction, consisting not only of the pyrraline formation, but also pyrraline elimination with some formation of crosslinks. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
T‐cell immunoglobulin mucin‐3 expression in bladder urothelial carcinoma: Clinicopathologic correlations and association with survival
Authors: Yang Meng , Yu Qinchao , Liu Jing , Fu Weiwei , Cao Yanwei , Yu Lun , Shao Shixiu , Wang Xinsheng , Niu Haitao , Wang Yonghua 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundT cell immunoglobulin mucin‐3 (Tim‐3) was initially recognized as a pivotal immune checkpoint inhibitor that maintains immune homeostasis and tolerance. Recently, Tim‐3 has been demonstrated to play an important role in tumor‐associated immune suppression and aberrant Tim‐3 expression has been reported in several human malignancies. However, the role of Tim‐3 in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) remains largely unknown. The present study aims to investigate Tim‐3 expression in BUC and analyze correlations with clinicopathologic outcomes and postoperative survival.MethodsTim‐3 protein expressions were detected in paraffin embedded sections from 100 patients with BUC by immunohistochemistry. Expressions were correlated with clinicopathologic outcomes and postoperative survival.ResultsTim‐3 protein was over‐expressed in bladder cancer cells, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and endothelial cells from patients with BUC. The expression levels of Tim‐3 were significantly correlated with advanced pathological grade and T stage. Moreover, another immune checkpoint molecule programmed death receptor‐1(PD‐1) was also over‐ expressed in BUC tissues and had a significant correlation with Tim‐3. Multivariate analysis showed that Tim‐3 expression, as well as PD‐1 expression was both independent predictors of disease‐free survival and overall survival in patients with BUC.ConclusionTim‐3 over‐expression implies adverse clinical outcomes for BUC, which suggests it is a potential prognostic biomarker and a novel therapeutic target in BUC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015; 112:430–435. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Miniature optical fiber current sensor based on a graphene membrane
Authors: Zheng Bi‐Cai , Yan Shao‐Cheng , Chen Jin‐Hui , Cui Guo‐Xin , Xu Fei , Lu Yan‐Qing 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe unique electronic and mechanical properties, of graphene make it an ideal material for nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) applications. Here, a miniature optical fiber current sensor based on a quasistatic graphene NEMS with a graphene membrane covering the hole on a pre‐etched fiber tip and two gold electrodes on opposite sides of the tip has been demonstrated. The sensor overcomes the shortcomings of conventional optical fiber current sensors based on thermal effects, such as relatively low sensitivity, long response time, and huge device size; it has simultaneously a high sensitivity of 2.2 × 105 nm/A2, a short response time of ∼0.25 s and a compact device size of ∼15 μm, and has found practical application. Using a smaller graphene membrane with better quality can reduce the response time to submillisecond levels with a more precise measurement system. The sensor presented in this paper may pave the way for the practical usage of optical fiber current sensors based on thermal effects.
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Active immunization therapies for Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy
Authors: Schneeberger Achim , Tierney Lanay , Mandler Markus 
Published: August 2015

AbstractVaccination is increasingly being investigated as a potential treatment for synucleinopathies, a group of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and dementia with Lewy bodies associated with α‐synuclein pathology. All lack a causal therapy. Development of novel, disease‐altering treatment strategies is urgently needed. Vaccination has positioned itself as a prime strategy for addressing these diseases because it is broadly applicable, requires infrequent administration, and maintains low production costs for treating a large population or as a preventive measure. Current evidence points to a causal role of misfolded α‐synuclein in the development and progression of synucleinopathies. In the past decade, significant progress in active immunization against α‐synuclein has been shown both in preclinical animal models and in early clinical development. In this review, we describe the state‐of‐the‐art in active immunization approaches to synucleinopathies, with a focus on advances in Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple‐system atrophy (MSA). We first review preclinical animal models, highlighting their progress in translation to the clinical setting. We then discuss current clinical applications, stressing different approaches taken to address α‐synuclein pathology. Finally, we address challenges, trends, and future perspectives of current vaccination programs. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Comparing measures of overall and central obesity in relation to cardiometabolic risk factors among US Hispanic/Latino adults
Authors: Qi Qibin , Strizich Garrett , Hanna David B. , Giacinto Rebeca E. , Castañeda Sheila F. , Sotres‐Alvarez Daniela , Pirzada Amber , Llabre Maria M. , Schneiderman Neil , Avilés‐Santa Larissa M. , Kaplan Robert C. 
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveUS Hispanics/Latinos have high prevalence of obesity and related comorbidities. We compared overall and central obesity measures in associations with cardiometabolic outcomes among US Hispanics/Latinos.MethodsMultivariable regression assessed cross‐sectional relationships of six obesity measures with cardiometabolic outcomes among 16,415 Hispanics/Latinos aged 18–74 years.ResultsBMI was moderately correlated with waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR; women, r = 0.37; men, r = 0.58) and highly correlated with other obesity measures (r ≥ 0.87) (P < 0.0001). All measures of obesity were correlated with unfavorable levels of glycemic traits, blood pressure, and lipids, with similar r‐estimates for each obesity measure (P < 0.05). Multivariable‐adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) for diabetes (women, 6.7 [3.9, 11.5]; men, 3.9 [2.2, 6.9]), hypertension (women, 2.4 [1.9, 3.1]; men, 2.5 [1.9, 3.4]), and dyslipidemia (women, 2.1 [1.8, 2.4]; men, 2.2 [1.9, 2.6]) were highest for individuals characterized as overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) and with abnormal WHR (women ≥0.85; men, ≥0.90), compared with those with normal BMI and WHR (P < 0.0001). Among normal‐weight individuals, abnormal WHR was associated with increased cardiometabolic condition prevalence (P < 0.05), particularly diabetes (women, PR = 4.0 [2.2, 7.1]; men, PR = 3.0 [1.6, 5.7]).ConclusionsObesity measures were associated with cardiometabolic risk factors to a similar degree in US Hispanics/Latinos. WHR is useful to identify individuals with normal BMI at increased cardiometabolic risk.
Grafting a lubricious coating onto photo‐crosslinked poly(trimethylene carbonate)
Authors: van Bochove Bas , Rongen Jan J. , Hannink Gerjon , van Tienen Tony G. , Buma Pieter , Grijpma Dirk W. 
Published: August 2015

For biomaterial applications that involve moving parts such as artificial joints, lubricity is an essential property. Poly(trimethylene carbonate) networks are relatively hydrophobic. To create a lubricious layer, methacrylated poly(ethylene glycol) and methoxy‐poly(ethylene glycol) were grafted onto poly(trimethylene carbonate) networks by photo‐crosslinking.After conditioning for 24 h in water, no delamination was observed, showing that the grafted hydrophilic layers were covalently attached to the poly(trimethylene carbonate) network. The lubricating properties were assessed by means of friction experiments, and the friction coefficients with relevant biomaterials were determined. It was shown that the grafting results in a significant decrease of the friction coefficients. These results show the potential of this approach to obtain lubricious materials for application in biomedical engineering. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative metabolism of tussilagone in rat and human liver microsomes using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution LTQ‐Orbitrap mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Xin‐Shi , Ren Wei , Bian Bao‐Lin , Zhao Hai‐Yu , Wang Shu 
Published: August 2015

RationaleTussilagone is a major component in Tussilago farfara that has been widely used as an anti‐tussive herbal medicine for the treatment of bronchitis, cough and asthmatic disorders in the clinic. However, its metabolism has been poorly investigated. In order to clarify its in vitro metabolism, a comparative analysis of its metabolic profile in rat liver microsomes (RLMs) and human liver microsomes (HLMs) was carried out. Further, the cytochrome P450 isoforms (CYPs) involved in the metabolism were investigated.MethodsIn this work, the biotransformation of tussilagone in RLMs and HLMs was compared using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution LTQ‐Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC/HRMS) and the CYPs involved in the metabolism were further investigated by recombinant human CYP enzymes.ResultsTotally, nine metabolites of tussilagone were identified in RLMs and HLMs based on the proposed MS/MS fragmentation pathways of tussilagone and the accurate MS/MS spectra. Among them, one metabolite (M9) was detected in both RLMs and HLMs while the other eight metabolites were only detected in HLMs. Three hydroxylation metabolites (M6, M7 and M8) were detected in the assay with individual recombinant P450s incubation. M6 was detected in all CYPs except CYP2A6 while M7 and M8 were only observed in CYP3A4.ConclusionsThe HR‐ESI‐MS/MS fragmentation behavior of tussilagone and its metabolic profile in RLMs and HLMs were investigated for the first time. The results demonstrated that the biotransformation of tussilagone involved hydrolysis of ester bonds at C‐14 and hydroxylation in the side chains at C‐12, C‐5' or C‐6'. Among the CYPs, CYP3A4 played an important role in the hydroxylation reaction of tussilagone in vitro. Furthermore, the results indicated a species‐related difference in the metabolism of tussilagone between RLMs and HLMs. This work provided basic information for the metabolism of tussilagone in RLMs and HLMs, which would help to better understand the pharmacological activities of tussilagone. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Breaking down Captcha using edge corners and fuzzy logic segmentation/recognition technique
Authors: Nachar Rabih Al. , Inaty Elie , Bonnin Patrick J. , Alayli Yasser 
Published: August 2015

AbstractCAPTCHA is a security technique to allow a computer application to distinguish between computer and human access. Most of now a day CAPTCHA words have their characters connected together which makes them very difficult to be segmented and recognized. In this paper we present an efficient technique that first benefits from the intersections between characters in a word and then segment it based on the recognition of each segmented character. Edge corners (ECs) are used in both segmentation and recognition phases. A novel fuzzy logic‐based scheme is proposed to match characters using their ECs. Experimental results show the efficiency of the proposed scheme in terms of success rate using a large set of CAPTCHA's words. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A systematic review of the association between family meals and adolescent risk outcomes
Authors: Goldfarb Samantha S. , Tarver Will L. , Locher Julie L. , Preskitt Julie , Sen Bisakha 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review of the literature examining the relationship between family meals and adolescent health risk outcomes.MethodsWe performed a systematic search of original empirical studies published between January 1990 and September 2013. Based on data from selected studies, we conducted logistic regression models to examine the correlates of reporting a protective association between frequent family meals and adolescent outcomes.ResultsOf the 254 analyses from 26 selected studies, most reported a significant association between family meals and the adolescent risk outcome‐of‐interest. However, model analyses which controlled for family connectedness variables, or used advanced empirical methods to account for family‐level confounders, were less likely than unadjusted models to report significant relationships.ConclusionsThe type of analysis conducted was significantly associated with the likelihood of finding a protective relationship between family meals and the adolescent outcome‐of‐interest, yet very few studies are using such methods in the literature.
A Discussion of Some Aspects of the Regimes for the Regulation of Insider Dealing in South Africa and the United States of America
Authors: Kawadza Herbert 
Published: August 2015

AbstractGlobal regulators acknowledge the negative economic impact linked to insider dealing and have devised diverse regulatory frameworks aimed at minimizing its prevalence. Although their strategies differ, policy-makers realise that, with the inevitable internationalization of securities markets, the probability of cross-border insider trading escalates. With a view to providing a platform for regulatory re-examination and reform, this article discusses the divergent approaches that the United States and South Africa have adopted to counter the challenge of pervasive insider dealing. A paradox manifested with the US experience is that, while its theoretical prohibition of insider dealing is widely criticized as inadequate and inconsistent, robust enforcement has nonetheless led to strong institutions and a superior financial markets regime. The article concludes that the attainment of safer financial markets does not depend on the mere existence of superior proscriptions. Rather, it is the effective supervision of the sector and robust enforcement of those laws that enhance deterrence and ensure compliance.
Exposure of bivalve shellfish to titania nanoparticles under an environmental-spill scenario: Encounter, ingestion and egestion
Authors: Doyle John J. , Ward J. Evan , Mason Robert 
Published: August 2015

Nanoparticles have applications in a diverse range of products including medications, detergents, cosmetics, paint, sunscreen and electronics, with an economic worth projected to reach $2.5 trillion dollars in 2015. Research into the effects of manufactured nanomaterials on the environment, however, has failed to keep pace with the high volume of commercial production. Whereas a number of studies have examined the effects of nanoparticles on aquatic species, little work has focused on the way in which benthic marine species encounter, ingest and depurate these materials. The purpose of this study was to examine the ingestion and depuration of titania nanoparticles (anatase) by the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) and the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) during a spill scenario (an acute exposure to elevated concentrations). Bivalves were exposed to nanoparticles either incorporated into marine snow, an environmentally relevant medium for pollutants, or added directly to seawater at a concentration of 4.5 mg L−1 for 2 h. After feeding, the animals were transferred to filtered seawater and allowed to depurate. Faeces and tissues were collected at 0, 6, 24, 72 and 120 h, post-exposure, and analysed for concentrations of titanium by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Results indicated that the capture and ingestion of titania nanoparticles by both species was not dependent on the method of delivery (incorporated into marine snow or freely suspended). Additionally, greater than 90% of the titania nanoparticles, on average, were eliminated from the tissues after 6 h, and only trace amounts remained after 72 h. These data demonstrate that mussels and oysters readily ingest titania nanoparticles, but rapidly depurate the material within hours of an acute exposure suggesting that little would be transferred to secondary consumers including humans. Further research is required to determine if other species of suspension-feeders handle titania nanoparticles in a manner similar to bivalves.