bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endovascular Metal Devices for the Treatment of Cerebrovascular Diseases
Authors: Zhu Yueqi , Zhang Hongbo , Zhang Yiran , Wu Huayin , Wei Liming , Zhou Gen , Zhang Yuezhou , Deng Lianfu , Cheng Yingsheng , Li Minghua , Santos Hélder A. , Cui Wenguo
Published: December 2018

Cerebrovascular disease involves various medical disorders that obstruct brain blood vessels or deteriorate cerebral circulation, resulting in ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Nowadays, platinum coils with or without biological modification have become routine embolization devices to reduce the risk of cerebral aneurysm bleeding. Additionally, many intracranial stents, flow diverters, and stent retrievers have been invented with uniquely designed structures. To accelerate the translation of these devices into clinical usage, an in‐depth understanding of the mechanical and material performance of these metal‐based devices is critical. However, considering the more distal location and tortuous anatomic characteristics of cerebral arteries, present devices still risk failing to arrive at target lesions. Consequently, more flexible endovascular devices and novel designs are under urgent demand to overcome the deficiencies of existing devices. Herein, the pros and cons of the current structural designs are discussed when these devices are applied to the treatment of diseases ranging broadly from hemorrhages to ischemic strokes, in order to encourage further development of such kind of devices and investigation of their use in the clinic. Moreover, novel biodegradable materials and drug elution techniques, and the design, safety, and efficacy of personalized devices for further clinical applications in cerebral vasculature are discussed.
A Biomimetic Non‐Antibiotic Approach to Eradicate Drug‐Resistant Infections
Authors: Zhao Yu , Guo Qianqian , Dai Xiaomei , Wei Xiaosong , Yu Yunjian , Chen Xuelei , Li Chaoxing , Cao Zhiqiang , Zhang Xinge
Published: December 2018

The chronic infections by pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) remain to be properly addressed. In particular, for drug‐resistant strains, limited medication is available. An in vivo pneumonia model induced by a clinically isolated aminoglycoside resistant strain of P. aeruginosa is developed. Tobramycin clinically treating P. aeruginosa infections is found to be ineffective to inhibit or eliminate this drug‐resistant strain. Here, a newly developed non‐antibiotics based nanoformulation plus near‐infrared (NIR) photothermal treatment shows a remarkable antibacterial efficacy in treating this drug‐resistant pneumonia. The novel formulation contains 50–100 nm long nanorods decorated with two types of glycomimetic polymers to specifically block bacterial LecA and LecB lectins, respectively, which are essential for bacterial biofilm development. Such a 3D display of heteromultivalent glycomimetics on a large scale is inspired by the natural strengthening mechanism for the carbohydrate–lectin interaction that occurs when bacteria initially infects the host. This novel formulation shows the most efficient bacteria inhabitation and killing against P. aeruginosa infection, through lectin blocking and the near‐infrared‐light‐induced photothermal effect of gold nanorods, respectively. Collectively, the novel biomimetic design combined with the photothermal killing capability is expected to be an alternative treatment strategy against the ever‐threatening drug‐resistant infectious diseases when known antibiotics have failed.
Rationally Designed 3D Hydrogels Model Invasive Lung Diseases Enabling High‐Content Drug Screening
Authors: Tam Roger Y. , Yockell‐Lelièvre Julien , Smith Laura J. , Julian Lisa M. , Baker Alexander E. G. , Choey Chandarong , Hasim Mohamed S. , Dimitroulakos Jim , Stanford William L. , Shoichet Molly S.
Published: December 2018

Cell behavior is highly dependent upon microenvironment. Thus, to identify drugs targeting metastatic cancer, screens need to be performed in tissue mimetic substrates that allow cell invasion and matrix remodeling. A novel biomimetic 3D hydrogel platform that enables quantitative analysis of cell invasion and viability at the individual cell level is developed using automated data acquisition methods with an invasive lung disease (lymphangioleiomyomatosis, LAM) characterized by hyperactive mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling as a model. To test the lung‐mimetic hydrogel platform, a kinase inhibitor screen is performed using tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2) hypomorphic cells, identifying Cdk2 inhibition as a putative LAM therapeutic. The 3D hydrogels mimic the native niche, enable multiple modes of invasion, and delineate phenotypic differences between healthy and diseased cells, all of which are critical to effective drug screens of highly invasive diseases including lung cancer.
Atomic Fe Dispersed on N‐Doped Carbon Hollow Nanospheres for High‐Efficiency Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Chen Yifan , Li Zhijuan , Zhu Yanbo , Sun Dongmei , Liu Xien , Xu Lin , Tang Yawen
Published: December 2018

Exploration of high‐efficiency, economical, and ultrastable electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to substitute precious Pt is of great significance in electrochemical energy conversion devices. Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have sparked tremendous interest for their maximum atom‐utilization efficiency and fascinating properties. Therefore, the development of effective synthetic methodology toward SACs becomes highly imperative yet still remains greatly challenging. Herein, a reliable SiO2‐templated strategy is elaborately designed to synthesize atomically dispersed Fe atoms anchored on N‐doped carbon nanospheres (denoted as Fe–N–C HNSs) using the cheap and sustainable biomaterial of histidine (His) as the N and C precursor. By virtue of the numerous atomically dispersed Fe–N4 moieties and unique spherical hollow architecture, the as‐fabricated Fe–N–C HNSs exhibit excellent ORR performance in alkaline medium with outstanding activity, high long‐term stability, and superior tolerance to methanol crossover, exceeding the commercial Pt/C catalyst and most previously reported non‐precious‐metal catalysts. This present synthetic strategy will provide new inspiration to the fabrication of various high‐efficiency single‐atom catalysts for diverse applications.
Advances in Solution‐Processed Multijunction Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Di Carlo Rasi Dario , Janssen René A. J.
Published: December 2018

The efficiency of organic solar cells can benefit from multijunction device architectures, in which energy losses are substantially reduced. Herein, recent developments in the field of solution‐processed multijunction organic solar cells are described. Recently, various strategies have been investigated and implemented to improve the performance of these devices. Next to developing new materials and processing methods for the photoactive and interconnecting layers, specific layers or stacks are designed to increase light absorption and improve the photocurrent by utilizing optical interference effects. These activities have resulted in power conversion efficiencies that approach those of modern thin film photovoltaic technologies. Multijunction cells require more elaborate and intricate characterization procedures to establish their efficiency correctly and a critical view on the results and new insights in this matter are discussed. Application of multijunction cells in photoelectrochemical water splitting and upscaling toward a commercial technology is briefly addressed.
Cluster‐Assembled Nanocomposites: Functional Properties by Design
Authors: Benel Cahit , Reisinger Thomas , Kruk Robert , Hahn Horst
Published: December 2018

The unique functional properties of nanocomposites meet many of the material requirements sought after in numerous applications of today's high‐tech industry. This, in turn, inspires material scientists to devise new methods that can further expand the palette of available nanocomposites. Precise control over the chemistry, morphology, and microstructure of nanocomposites' constituents promises the eventual ability to design any composite material for any specific requirement. However, today's synthesis methods still lack the ability to simultaneously control all chemical, morphological, and microstructural features of nanocomposites in a one‐step process. Here, an alternative approach to fabricate fully tailorable nanocomposites under well‐defined conditions is described. In particular, this progress report focuses on the combination of cluster ion beam and thin‐film deposition technologies to fabricate cluster‐assembled nanocomposites via codeposition of cluster ions and matrix materials. Emphasis is given to the state‐of‐the‐art cluster deposition system, designed and built by our research group, as well as to its unique abilities. Moreover, case studies on two cluster‐assembled nanocomposite material systems (Fe/Agm and Fe/Crm) prepared with this method are presented. Finally, an outlook on research directions for cluster‐assembled nanocomposites is discussed.
Two‐Terminal Multibit Optical Memory via van der Waals Heterostructure
Authors: Tran Minh Dao , Kim Hyun , Kim Jun Suk , Doan Manh Ha , Chau Tuan Khanh , Vu Quoc An , Kim Ji‐Hee , Lee Young Hee
Published: December 2018

2D van der Waals (vdWs) heterostructures exhibit intriguing optoelectronic properties in photodetectors, solar cells, and light‐emitting diodes. In addition, these materials have the potential to be further extended to optical memories with promising broadband applications for image sensing, logic gates, and synaptic devices for neuromorphic computing. In particular, high programming voltage, high off‐power consumption, and circuital complexity in integration are primary concerns in the development of three‐terminal optical memory devices. This study describes a multilevel nonvolatile optical memory device with a two‐terminal floating‐gate field‐effect transistor with a MoS2/hexagonal boron nitride/graphene heterostructure. The device exhibits an extremely low off‐current of ≈10−14 A and high optical switching on/off current ratio of over ≈106, allowing 18 distinct current levels corresponding to more than four‐bit information storage. Furthermore, it demonstrates an extended endurance of over ≈104 program–erase cycles and a long retention time exceeding 3.6 × 104 s with a low programming voltage of −10 V. This device paves the way for miniaturization and high‐density integration of future optical memories with vdWs heterostructures.
Multistable Thermal Actuators Via Multimaterial 4D Printing
Authors: Jeong Hoon Yeub , Lee Eunseo , Ha Sangho , Kim Namhun , Jun Young Chul
Published: December 2018

3D printing of smart materials, called “four‐dimensional” (4D) printing, adds active, responsive functions to 3D‐printed structures. Shape memory polymers (SMPs) can be employed as an active material in 4D printing, and this could be useful for a wide range of potential applications. New design for 4D printing is presented here by introducing SMPs into rotational multistable structures. Two different digital SMPs are employed to enable large‐angle, thermal actuation in a controlled manner. It is started with bistable structures and then extending them to quadristable ones. In this design, by adjusting the thickness of SMP beams, a balance is controlled between the energy barrier and shape memory force, and this can enable controlled thermal actuation. Especially, one can control the activation time for thermal actuation. Multistable structures can simplify actuation and motion control without complicated control systems. Therefore, by adopting multistable structures in 4D printing, one can potentially enable precisely controlled, large‐magnitude, rapid actuation beyond the material capability of SMPs. These multistable structures do not require heating in the programming stage and this significantly simplifies the actuation procedure. This work provides new physical insights into 3D‐printable, active structures, and could be useful for various smart actuators responding to the environmental stimuli.
Visible Light‐Mediated Synthesis of Enantiopure γ‐Cyclobutane Amino and 3‐(Aminomethyl)‐5‐phenylpentanoic Acids
Authors: Kerres Sabine , Plut Eva , Malcherek Simon , Rehbein Julia , Reiser Oliver
Published: December 2018

A visible light‐mediated [2+2] photocycloaddition of amide‐linked dienes using [Ir(dtb‐bpy)(dF(CF3)ppy)2]PF6 as triplet sensitizer was applied to generate a variety of N‐tert‐butyl, N‐benzyl‐ and N‐tert‐butoxycarbonyl‐protected 3‐azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan‐2‐ones in good yields and with good diastereoselectivity. Density functional theory calculations shed light on the conformational prerequisites for the [2+2] photocycloaddition. The bicyclic key structures could be readily transformed into γ‐cyclobutane amino acids.

For the obtained racemic 3‐phenyl‐2‐aminocyclobutane‐1‐carboxylic acid the resolution with chiral oxazolidin‐2‐one is demonstrated to allow access to both enantiomers. Alternatively, a chiral auxiliary approach led as well to the enantiomerically pure target compound. Finally, the synthesis of either enantiomer of 3‐(aminomethyl)‐5‐phenylpentanoic acid, the racemate being described as an anticonvulsant, is described.

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A Straightforward Homologation of Carbon Dioxide with Magnesium Carbenoids en Route to α‐Halocarboxylic Acids
Authors: Monticelli Serena , Urban Ernst , Langer Thierry , Holzer Wolfgang , Pace Vittorio
Published: December 2018

The homologation of carbon dioxide with stable, (enantiopure) magnesium carbenoids constitutes a valuable method for preparing α‐halo acid derivatives. The tactic features a high level of chemocontrol, thus enabling the synthesis of variously functionalized analogues. The flexibility to generate magnesium carbenoids through sulfoxide‐, halogen‐ or proton‐ Mg exchange accounts for the wide scope of the reaction.

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Programmable Vanishing Multifunctional Optics
Authors: Cai Xiaoqing , Zhou Zhitao , Tao Tiger H.
Published: December 2018

Physically transient optics, a form of optics that can physically disappear with precisely controlled degradation behaviors, has widespread applications including information security, drug release, and degradable implants. Here, a set of silk‐based programmable vanishing, biologically functional, multichromatic diffractive optical elements (MC‐DOEs) is reported. Silk proteins produced by silkworms and spiders are mechanically robust, biocompatible, biodegradable, and importantly, optically transparent, which open up new opportunities for a set of fully degradable transient optical devices with no need of metallic or semiconductor components. Compared with monochromatic DOEs, MC‐DOEs carry out richer information for more practical applications such as encryption and decryption of multilevel information, quantitative sensing/monitoring of chemical/biological cascade reactions, and effective treatment of infections caused by multiple pathogens.
One‐Step In Situ Formation of N‐doped Carbon Nanosheet 3D Porous Networks/TiO2 Hybrids with Ultrafast Sodium Storage
Authors: Li Baosong , Xi Baojuan , Wu Fangfang , Mao Hongzhi , Liu Jing , Feng Jinkui , Xiong Shenglin
Published: December 2018

In spite of the satisfactory advancement in preparing TiO2‐based hybrid structures, most methods rely on additional template‐based multistep reactions for engineering the given structure. Herein, a unique self‐template and in situ recrystallization strategy is explored to synthesize uniform flowerlike multicompositional structures of nitrogen‐doped porous carbon nanosheet networks immobilizing TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2∩NPCSs) via a self‐prepared single precursor and subsequent thermal treatment. Depending on the unique coordination ability of 2,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid with metal ions under alkaline conditions to form a flowerlike network, a self‐produced single precursor can be achieved. Careful investigations of the self‐prepared precursor reveal a high practicability of the present synthetic scheme. Because of the novel structural and compositional features, these TiO2∩NCSN flowers indicate superior sodium storage properties when evaluated as anodes for sodium‐ion batteries. Impressively, the TiO2∩NCSN flowers deliver high reversible capacities of 152 mAh g−1 at 2C for 3000 cycles and 114 mAh g−1 at 10C for 10000 cycles, as well as an ultrahigh rate capability up to 50C with a capacity of 101 mAh g−1. The facile method could stimulate further capability in precise construction of complex architectures with complicated compositions for different device applications.
The Rationality of Irrationality in the Monty Hall Problem
Authors: Enßlin Torsten , Westerkamp Margret
Published: December 2018

The rational solution of the Monty Hall problem unsettles many people. Most people, including the authors, think it feels wrong to switch the initial choice of one of the three doors, despite having fully accepted the mathematical proof for its superiority. Many people think the chances are 50‐50 between their options, but still strongly prefer to stay with their initial choice. Is there some sense behind these irrational feelings? Here, the possibility is entertained that intuition solves the problem of how to behave in a real game show and not the abstract textbook version. A real showmaster sometimes plays evil, either to make the show more interesting, to save money, or because he is in a bad mood. A moody showmaster erases any information advantage the guest could extract by him opening other doors which drives the chance of the car being behind the chosen door toward 50%. Furthermore, the showmaster could try to read or manipulate the guest's strategy to the guest's disadvantage. Given this, the preference to stay with the initial choice turns out to be a very rational defense strategy of the show's guest against the threat of being manipulated by its host.
The Avogadro Constant for the Definition and Realization of the Mole
Authors: Güttler Bernd , Rienitz Olaf , Pramann Axel
Published: December 2018

The International System of Units’ (SI) base unit of the quantity “amount of substance” is the mole (symbol: mol). After the revision of the SI to be implemented in 2019, when all SI units will be based solely on constants, the mole will be defined through a fixed value of the Avogadro constant NA. One mole contains exactly 6.02214076 × 1023 elementary entities, meaning the mole will no longer be linked to the kilogram. Currently, the mole is defined via the mass of exactly 0.012 kg of the 12C isotope which links it to the kilogram prototype. The history, changes, and implications of the revised definition of the mole are discussed here from the chemist's point of view. The ability to count entities such as atoms or molecules (precisely enough to enable a revision of the SI and preserve consistency of previous and future measurements) is crucial. This is achieved with the realization (Mise en Pratique) based on the X‐ray‐crystal density (XRCD) method (counting the atoms in a silicon sphere). The determination of NA, focusing on the measurement of the molar mass of silicon highly enriched in the 28Si isotope, with the lowest uncertainty so far, is presented.
The Boltzmann Constant for the Definition and Realization of the Kelvin
Authors: Fischer Joachim
Published: December 2018

In November 2018, the four base units, kilogram, ampere, kelvin, and mole, of the International System of Units (SI) are redefined in terms of fundamental physical constants. The redefinition comes into force on World Metrology Day, 20 May 2019. The kelvin, the base unit of thermodynamic temperature, from then is to be founded on a fixed numerical value of the Boltzmann constant. Herein, the change in the definition of the kelvin and the consequences for practical temperature measurement are explained. The primary thermometry methods applied to determine the numerical value of the Boltzmann constant for the redefinition are reviewed. The prospects for the future application of these methods are outlined.
Intrinsic Relations of Bipartite Quantum Resources in Tripartite Systems
Authors: Sun Wen‐Yang , Wang Dong , Fang Bao‐Long , Ding Zhi‐Yong , Yang Huan , Ming Fei , Ye Liu
Published: December 2018

Quantum resources play crucial roles for displaying superiority in many quantum communication and computation tasks. To reveal the intrinsic relations hidden in these quantum resources, many efforts have been made in recent years. In this work, the correlations of the tripartite W‐type states based on bipartite quantum resources are investigated. The inter‐relations among the degree of coherence, concurrence, Bell nonlocality, and purity are presented. Considering Bell nonlocal and Bell local (satisfied the Clauser–Horne–Shimony–Holt inequality) states for the two‐qubit subsystems derived from the tripartite W‐type states, exact lower and upper boundaries of the degree of coherence versus concurrence are obtained. Interestingly, exact relation among the degree of coherence, concurrence, and purity is obtained. Moreover, coherence is also closely related to entanglement in two specific scenarios: the tripartite W‐type state under decoherence and a practical system for a renormalized spin‐1/2 Heisenberg model.
Novel acyl thiourea derivatives: Synthesis, antifungal activity, gene toxicity, drug‐like and molecular docking screening
Authors: Antypenko Lyudmyla , Meyer Fatuma , Kholodniak Olena , Sadykova Zhanar , Jirásková Tereza , Troianova Anastasiia , Buhaiova Vladlena , Cao Surui , Kovalenko Sergiy , Garbe Leif‐Alexander , Steffens Karl G.
Published: December 2018

Nine novel acyl thioureas were synthesized. Their identities and purities were confirmed by LC‐MS spectra; each structure was elucidated by elemental analysis, IR, 1Н and 13C NMR spectra. Applying an in vitro screening of their antifungal potential, three substances (3, 5, and 6) could be selected as showing high activity against 11 fungi and 3 Phytophthora strains of phytopathogenic significance. Analysis of gene toxicity with the Salmonella reverse mutagenicity test, as an assessment of drug likeness, lipophilicity, and calculations of frontier molecular orbitals assign a low toxicity profile to these compounds. Molecular docking studies point to 14α‐demethylase (CYP51) and N‐myristoyltransferase (NMT) as possible fungal targets for growth inhibition. The findings are discussed with respect to structure–activity relationship (SAR).
Photoinduced Electron Transfer‐Regulated Protein Labeling With a Coumarin‐Based Multifunctional Photocrosslinker
Authors: Hotta Yusuke , Kaneko Tsukasa , Hayashi Ryuji , Yamamoto Akito , Morimoto Shota , Chiba Junya , Tomohiro Takenori
Published: December 2018

We developed a novel diazirine‐based photolabeling agent having a (coumarin‐4‐yl)methyl ester scaffold, which exhibited multiple photochemical properties of crosslinking, fluorogenicity and cleavage. These properties can be kinetically regulated via photoinduced electron transfer between diazirine and coumarin moieties. The C−O bond of (coumarin‐4‐yl)methyl ester can be cleaved via photochemical excitation of coumarin moiety, that function has been initially quenched by the diazirine moiety. Upon diazirine photolysis with 365‐nm light, interacting protein was stably captured with photoactivatable ligand probe. Then, the unlocked cleavage function was activated with 313 nm light, and the reaction was accelerated in a weakly‐basic solution. The crosslinked protein could be selectively isolated with attachment of a small coumarin tag on the surface. This multi‐functional labeling agent has a great potential to facilitate LC‐MS/MS‐based protein identification.
Limb body wall complex: Its delineation and relationship with amniotic bands using clustering methods
Authors: Rittler Monica , Campaña Hebe , Poletta Fernando A. , Santos Maria Rita , Gili Juan A. , Pawluk Mariela S. , Cosentino Viviana R. , Gimenez Lucas , Lopez‐Camelo Jorge S.
Published: December 2018

Background

Despite the numerous reports on the limb body wall complex (LBWC), this association has never been adequately defined. Amniotic bands (AB) are frequently present but their role remains unclear. Since most reports were based on clinical and often subjective diagnoses, the aim of this work was to define LBWC and the role of AB, minimizing subjectivity.

Methods

Data were obtained from the ECLAMC maternity hospitals network database. A total of 450 live and stillborn infants, born during 1967–2013, with AB or the LBWC were selected. A hierarchical cluster analysis was used to classify cases into homogeneous groups (sharing similar associated defects); robustness of the classification was confirmed with a discriminant analysis. The frequency of associated defects was compared among groups; those whose frequency differed significantly were included in a logistic regression to establish their association within each group.

Results

The cluster analysis identified two groups: a body wall defect (BWD) predominating in one, AB in the other. These groups were further divided into: BWD (cases with only BWD), AB (with only AB), BWD + AB, and NONE (with neither). Association with caudal defects and lower limb amelia was observed for BWD, with cephalic defects and upper limb amputations for BWD + AB.

Conclusions

The results, obtained with the least possible subjectivity, indicated that BWD and BWD + AB are different conditions. Since BWD specifically associates with amelia, we propose that this defect and not any limb deficiency should be considered as inclusion criterium and that it should be included in the BWD acronym as LBWC.
The changing landscape of data monitoring committees—Perspectives from regulators, members, and sponsors
Authors: Bhattacharyya Amit , Gallo Paul , Crisp Adam , LaVange Lisa , Molenberghs Geert , Pétavy Frank , Seltzer Jonathan
Published: December 2018

Data Monitoring Committees (DMCs) are an integral part of clinical drug development. Their use has evolved along with changing study designs and regulatory expectations, which has associated statistical and ethical implications. Although there is guidance from the different regulatory agencies, there are opportunities to bring more consistency to address practical issues of establishing and operating a DMC. Challenging issues include defining the scope of DMC decisions, the regulatory requirements and expectations, the perceived independence of DMCs, the specific focus primarily on safety, etc. Wider use of adaptive clinical trial designs in recent years introduce additional challenges in terms of trial governance and the complexity of DMC activities. A panel comprised of clinical and statistical experts from across academia, industry, and regulatory agencies shared their experience and thoughts on the importance of these aspects and offered perspectives on the future of the DMCs. This paper documents the thinking from the panel session at the CEN‐ISBS conference held in Vienna, Austria, 2017.
Ethical considerations in global surgery
Authors: Steyn E , Edge J
Published: December 2018

Six key principles, seven sins
Price‐premium effects of business and community green certifications: The case of the Costa Rican hotel industry
Authors: Rivera Jorge , Roeschmann Juan
Published: December 2018

This study examines whether community‐level green certification strengthens or weakens firm‐level environmental certification performance's effect on Costa Rican hotel room prices. Identifying how different types of environmental (green) certifications complement or substitute one another in their influence on economic benefits is essential for understanding how self‐regulations programs can promote win–win green business strategies that contribute to sustainable development. Relying on a propensity score‐matching approach, we analyze participation in two voluntary environmental certification programs for the entire population of Costa Rican hotels and beach communities between 2001 and 2008. Our findings suggest that for hotels with low to medium environmental certification performance, community‐level green certification acts as a substitute weakening the positive effect of hotel environmental certification performance on price premiums. Alternatively, for hotels with superior environmental certification performance, green community certification acts as a complement strengthening the positive effect of hotel environmental certification performance on price premiums.
Intraprocedural direct left atrial and wedge pressure correlation during transcatheter mitral valve repair: Results from a single center registry
Authors: Chen Lily , Mantri Neha , Eng Maia L. , Wung William , Smith Thomas W. R. , Stripe Benjamin R. , Fan Dali , Boyd Walter D. , Low Reginald I. , Rogers Jason H. , Singh Gagan D.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

This study investigates the correlation of occlusive wedge pressure (WP) with direct left atrial (LA) pressure in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) with MitraClip.

Background

There is interest in acquiring objective hemodynamic parameters for intraprocedural guidance in patients undergoing MitraClip.

Methods

The study included 94 patients with severe MR at prohibitive surgical risk who underwent MitraClip at the University of California Davis Medical Center between 2014 and 2016.

Results

An average of 1.8 ± 0.7 clips were used to achieve MR grade of 2+ or less in 99% of patients. Correlation analysis of all (n = 236) pre‐clip, inter‐clip, and final‐clip WP and LA pressures yielded a Pearson's R (r) of 0.85 and 0.79 for mean WP vs mean LA and WP V vs LA V, respectively. Median LA V to mean LA ratio (LAV:mLA) was 1.75 (IQR 1.5–1.9). 79% (n = 74) of patients had LAV:mLA ratio ≥ 1.5 with associated WP V vs LA V correlation (r) of 0.83. In patients with LAV:mLA ratio < 1.5, the correlation (r) was 0.69. Baseline characteristics were not significantly different between patients with LAV:mLA ratio ≥ 1.5 and patients with LAV:mLA ratio < 1.5. Post‐procedure, median LA V: mean LA ratio decreased from 1.75 to 1.4, P = 0.0001.

Conclusions

Correlation between WP and direct LA pressure in patients with severe MR undergoing Mitraclip is modest. Caution is advised when using WP to approximate LA pressure intraprocedurally, especially in patients with baseline low LAV:mLA ratios.
Restrictive ventilatory impairment improved by laminoplasty for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
Authors: Nishida Takashi , Ishiguro Takashi , Ota Chie , Takaku Yotaro , Kagiyama Naho , Kurashima Kazuyoshi , Takayanagi Noboru
Published: December 2018

Key Clinical Message

We report a woman with severe restrictive ventilatory impairment because of respiratory muscle paralysis caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Laminoplasty improved her respiratory function and quality of life. Cervical myelopathy including OPLL should be considered as an important differential diagnosis in patients with respiratory dysfunction.
Extracranial metastases in glioblastoma—Two case stories
Authors: Schou Nørøxe Dorte , Regner Michaelsen Signe , Broholm Helle , Møller Søren , Skovgaard Poulsen Hans , Lassen Ulrik
Published: December 2018

Key Clinical Message

The clinician should always consider extracranial metastases in glioblastoma. Increased risk factors are young age at diagnosis, histology of gliosarcoma, and prior intracranial tumor surgery. Clinical guidelines are needed for this rare event, including consideration for prophylactic intervention.
Decorated PtRu Electrocatalyst for Concentrated Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Luo Fang , Zhang Quan , Qu Konggang , Guo Long , Hu Hao , Yang Zehui , Cai Weiwei , Cheng Hansong
Published: December 2018

Increment in methanol concentration can logically improve the fuel cell performance of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) to address the sluggish methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). Thus, development in anodic electrocatalyst for concentrated methanol oxidation becomes highly important. Here, we report a facile method to promote the PtRu electrocatalyst's catalytic activity in concentrated methanol by polymer coating, which affords a higher CO tolerance and thus leads to a better MOR activity. As a consequence, the fuel cell performance is 2.5 times higher relative to benchmark CB/PtRu if 4 M methanol is used. Superior stability and CO tolerance are simultaneously achieved thanks to the PBI coating. Thus, the polymer decorated PtRu electrocatalyst can potentially utilized as anodic electrocatalyst for concentrated DMFC application.
Synthesis and Preliminary Evaluation of 11C‐Labeled VU0467485/AZ13713945 and Its Analogues for Imaging Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Subtype 4
Authors: Deng Xiaoyun , Hatori Akiko , Chen Zhen , Kumata Katsushi , Shao Tuo , Zhang Xiaofei , Yamasaki Tomoteru , Hu Kuan , Yu Qingzhen , Ma Longle , Wang Gangqiang , Wang Lu , Shao Yihan , Josephson Lee , Sun Shaofa , Zhang Ming‐Rong , Liang Steven
Published: December 2018

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) have five distinct subunits (M1–M5) and are involved in the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the central and peripheral nervous system. Attributed to the promising clinical efficacy of xanomeline, an M1/M4‐preferring agonist, in patients of schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease, M1‐ or M4‐selective mAChR modulators have been developed that target the topographically distinct allosteric sites. Herein we report the synthesis and preliminary evaluation of 11C‐labeled positron emission tomography (PET) ligands based on a validated M4R positive allosteric modulator VU0467485 (AZ13713945) to facilitate drug discovery. [11C]VU0467485 and two other ligands were prepared in high radiochemical yields (>30 %, decay‐corrected) with high radiochemical purity (>99 %) and high molar activity (>74 GBq μmol−1). In vitro autoradiography studies indicated that these three ligands possess moderate‐to‐high in vitro specific binding to M4R. Nevertheless, further physiochemical property optimization is necessary to overcome the challenges associated with limited brain permeability.
A cylindrical basis set for shim coil design in magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Phair Andrew , Brideson Michael , Forbes Lawrence K.
Published: December 2018

Shim coils used in magnetic resonance imaging and NMR to produce magnetic fields are commonly designed to generate spherical harmonics, and thus achieve accuracy over a spherical region. Herein a cylindrical basis set is presented as an alternative to spherical harmonics, so as to better suit the cylindrical coil geometry and, in cases where it more closely matches a cylinder, the imaging region of interest. Example coil winding patterns for a selection of functions in this new set are derived using the target field method. A computational approach is taken to determine their accuracy, and it is found the basis functions are generated with high accuracy over cylindrical imaging regions within the coil. The basis set is also applied to a double‐coil configuration with active shielding, which results in slightly reduced accuracy within the coil but highly effective field nullification beyond the coil radius.
A low‐cost multi‐channel software‐defined radio‐based NMR spectrometer and ultra‐affordable digital pulse programmer
Authors: Michal Carl A.
Published: December 2018

In recent years, a new generation of software‐defined radio (SDR) products has emerged that are well suited for adaptation for NMR instrumentation. The software and hardware of a new NMR spectrometer console based upon an inexpensive SDR product are described. This device is provided with open‐source firmware and drivers which have allowed the customization of its behavior and optimization for use in NMR. In particular, these low‐level modifications have allowed for straightforward synchronization of multiple SDR boards with each other and with other devices. Control of other devices is facilitated by a new digital pulse programmer constructed using an inexpensive open‐source, widely available microcontroller platform. The strategy used for precise, reproducible synchronization of the different components is described in detail. Representative spectra are presented demonstrating both high‐resolution and wide‐line spectroscopy with spectral widths up to 50 MHz.
Biocatalytic Production of Amino Carbohydrates through Oxidoreductase and Transaminase Cascades
Authors: Aumala Ville , Mollerup Filip , Jurak Edita , Blume Fabian , Karppi Johanna , Koistinen Antti E. , Schuiten Eva , Voß Moritz , Bornscheuer Uwe , Deska Jan , Master Emma R.
Published: December 2018

Plant‐derived carbohydrates are an abundant renewable resource. Transformation of carbohydrates into new products, including amine‐functionalized building blocks for biomaterials applications, can lower reliance on fossil resources. Herein, biocatalytic production routes to amino carbohydrates, including oligosaccharides, are demonstrated. In each case, two‐step biocatalysis was performed to functionalize d‐galactose‐containing carbohydrates by employing the galactose oxidase from Fusarium graminearum or a pyranose dehydrogenase from Agaricus bisporus followed by the ω‐transaminase from Chromobacterium violaceum (Cvi‐ω‐TA). Formation of 6‐amino‐6‐deoxy‐d‐galactose, 2‐amino‐2‐deoxy‐d‐galactose, and 2‐amino‐2‐deoxy‐6‐aldo‐d‐galactose was confirmed by mass spectrometry. The activity of Cvi‐ω‐TA was highest towards 6‐aldo‐d‐galactose, for which the highest yield of 6‐amino‐6‐deoxy‐d‐galactose (67 %) was achieved in reactions permitting simultaneous oxidation of d‐galactose and transamination of the resulting 6‐aldo‐d‐galactose.
Telecytology implementation: Deployment of telecytology for rapid on‐site evaluations at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Monaco Sara E. , Koah Amber E. , Xing Juan , Ahmed Ishtiaque , Cuda Jackie , Cunningham Jayna , Metahri Djamila , Progar Abbigal , Pantanowitz Liron
Published: December 2018

Introduction

There are limited publications that address technical and practical informatics considerations when implementing telecytology for rapid on‐site evaluation (ROSE). Our aim was to share the experience of deploying telecytology for ROSE at our institution.

Materials and methods

Key informatics issues relevant to adopting telecytology for ROSE at our institution were appraised including workflow, information technology (IT), validation, training, and quality assurance (QA).

Results

A dynamic telemicroscopy solution was selected that required trained cytotechnologists to attend on‐site procedures for ROSE. For validation 60 cases were reviewed using the first camera at each facility, but only 20 cases to validate subsequent cameras. A concordance rate of >90% between ROSE interpretation performed digitally to original interpretations was required for clinical validation. After reviewing 440 cases from two comparable time periods before and after implementation, employing telecytology was shown to decrease cytopathologists’ work time per ROSE case from an average of 20.95 min per case to 2.91 min per case (86% time savings). The non‐diagnostic rate for traditional ROSE was 7.7% compared with 4.1% after the implementation of telecytology, and the deferral rate went from 43.6% for traditional ROSE to 44.1% with telecytology. Traditional ROSE diagnoses correlated with final diagnoses in 91.8% cases, compared to 95.5% with telecytology.

Conclusions

Challenges when implementing telecytology for ROSE included technical issues, workflow concerns, and incorporating trainees into daily practice. The end result of our implementation was the adoption of an innovative way to deliver a ROSE service that maximised efficiency for cytopathologists without compromising diagnostic performance.
An ultrasensitive spintronic strain‐gauge sensor and a spin‐MEMS microphone
Authors: Fuji Yoshihiko , Hara Michiko , Higashi Yoshihiro , Kaji Shiori , Masunishi Kei , Nagata Tomohiko , Yuzawa Akiko , Otsu Kenji , Okamoto Kazuaki , Baba Shotaro , Ono Tomio , Hori Akio , Fukuzawa Hideaki
Published: December 2018

This review provides the spintronic strain‐gauge sensor (Spin‐SGS) based on a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) with a high gauge factor in excess of 5000, which was realized by adopting a novel amorphous Fe‐B‐based sensing layer with high magnetostriction and low coercivity in a high magnetoresistance Mg‐O barrier MTJ. This review also provides a demonstration of novel “Spintronic MEMS (Spin‐MEMS) microphone,” in which a series of Spin‐SGSs are integrated onto a bulk micromachined diaphragm. The Spin‐MEMS microphone exhibits a signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of 57 dB(A) due to the high strain sensitivity of the Spin‐SGSs.
Analyzing the Relation between Structure and Aggregation Induced Emission (AIE) Properties of Iridium(III) Complexes through Modification of Non‐Chromophoric Ancillary Ligands
Authors: Galán Laura Abad , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Jacquemin Denis , Ogden Mark I. , Massi Massimiliano , Zysman‐Colman Eli
Published: December 2018

Invited for the cover of this issue is Eli Zysman‐Colman from the University of St. Andrews, Fife, UK. The cover image shows the structures of the iridium complexes against a background of the light they emit in the solid state, emphasizing the relationship between structural modifications and photophysical properties.
Natural gas and electricity: Two perspective technologies of substituting coal‐burning stoves for rural heating and cooking in Hebei Province of China
Authors: Zhao Nan , Zhang Yixiang , Li Bowen , Hao Jiong , Chen Deying , Zhou Yuguang , Dong Renjie
Published: December 2018

Coal not only powers the household, social and global economy development but also emits large pollutants. Natural gas and electricity can be promising solutions to the energy supply and environmental pollution dilemma in Hebei Province of China. Currently, this coal‐dependent province has launched the Hebei Air Pollution Prevention and Control Program to curb air pollution by replacing residential coal consumption with natural gas and electricity for space heating in winter. Approximately 2.53 million households have completed the switch from coal‐burning stoves to natural gas or electricity stoves in rural areas surrounding Beijing and Tianjin since 2017. However, the contribution of this clean heating replacement on provincial emission reduction remains unclear. This study aimed to determine emission factors, energy efficiency, and economic profits of traditional coal‐burning stoves, as well as cleaner natural gas and electricity stoves by laboratory simulation and field tests. The results indicated a significant reduction after clean replacement for PM2.5, CO, CO2, NOX, SO2, CH4, and 16 types of U.S. EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The emission of PM2.5 can be reduced by 99% and 95% for natural gas and electricity switch. Toxic equivalent quantity value of PAHs was also decreased from 4.89 (coal) to 0.03 (natural gas) and 0.07 μg/MJnet (electricity). When comprehensively considering the upstream pollutants emissions from power plant, natural gas switching performed better than coal‐fired electricity. Moreover, the government supported the clean heating replacement project with extensive financial subsidy for purchasing clean stoves and using clean energy within 3 years in rural areas. A relatively cheaper price on an energy basic of natural gas and electricity use can be obtained after this subsidy compared to coal.
Lower and upper Cretaceous paleosols in the western Sichuan Basin, China: Implications for regional paleoclimate
Authors: Li Jun , Wen Xingyue , Huang Chengmin
Published: December 2018

Pedogenic features of paleosols preserved in the lower and upper Cretaceous sedimentary strata of the western Sichuan Basin, China, were described and examined in terms of their macromorphology and micromorphology, mineralogy, and geochemistry. These Cretaceous paleosols (entisols, inceptisols, and aridisols) are analogous to modern soil orders based on soil taxonomy (Soil Survey Staff, 2014). A quantitative reconstruction of paleoclimates inferred from the geochemical composition of paleosol horizons, depth to carbonate nodules, and the stable oxygen isotopic composition of pedogenic carbonates in paleosols indicates that a cool‐arid climate associated with short‐term subhumid fluctuations prevailed in the early Cretaceous (Hauterivian) and a cool‐arid climate regime existed in the late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) of the Sichuan Basin. Atmospheric CO2 concentrations estimated from the paleosol barometer indicated values between 156 ± 138 and 753 ± 339 ppmv for the Hauterivian and between 110 ± 71 and 235 ± 77 ppmv for the middle–late Maastrichtian. An overall coupling between atmospheric pCO2 and paleotemperature occurred in the Sichuan Basin, while the covariations are likely linked to global cooling events in the Maastrichtian and/or are likely associated with the Faraoni oceanic anoxic event (F‐OAE) during the late Hauterivian. Paleoclimate variations in the Sichuan Basin were controlled by regional paleogeography, the prevalence of subtropical high‐pressure systems, monsoonal circulation, and the atmospheric CO2 level in the early and late Cretaceous.
Neurocognitive and psychiatric comorbidities of posttraumatic stress disorder among older veterans: A systematic review
Authors: Kang Bada , Xu Hanzhang , McConnell Eleanor S.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with neurocognitive and psychiatric comorbidities, and older adults experience comorbid illnesses disproportionately. Little is known about the comorbidities of PTSD among older veterans. This systematic review examines the prevalence, incidence, and patterns of neurocognitive and psychiatric comorbidities of PTSD among older veterans and explores the factors associated with these comorbidities.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed using PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases. The search was limited to peer‐reviewed articles published in English from January 1980 to October 2018. Eligible studies examined the comorbid neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders of PTSD among veterans aged 60 and older.

Results

Twenty‐four studies met the criteria for inclusion. The risk for dementia was higher in veterans with PTSD than those without PTSD; hazard ratios ranged from 1.21 to 1.77. Depressive disorder was the most prevalent psychiatric comorbidity with estimates ranging from 33% to 52.3%, followed by generalized anxiety disorder (14%‐15%) and substance use disorders (1.9%‐11.3%). Factors consistently associated with PTSD comorbidities included age, combat‐related exposures, clinical conditions, and health‐related and psychosocial outcomes.

Conclusions

Despite heterogeneity in research designs and methodological limitations, this review highlights the need to consider comorbid neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders among older veterans with PTSD in order to individualize care approaches. Future research should incorporate factors associated with neurocognitive and psychiatric comorbidities of PTSD into study designs that can help improve prediction of comorbidity and generate evidence for developing and implementing tailored treatments in older veterans.