bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cartilage quantitative T2 relaxation time 2–4 years following isolated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Wang Xinyang , Wrigley Tim V. , Bennell Kim L. , Wang Yuanyuan , Fortin Karine , Cicuttini Flavia M. , Lloyd David G. , Bryant Adam L.
Published: December 2017

Cartilage T2 relaxation time in isolated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) without concomitant meniscal pathology and their changes over time remain unclear. The purpose of this exploratory study was to: (i) compare cartilage T2 relaxation time (T2 values) in people with isolated ACLR at 2–3 years post‐surgery (baseline) and matched healthy controls and; (ii) evaluate the subsequent 2‐year change in T2 values in people with ACLR. Twenty‐eight participants with isolated ACLR and nine healthy volunteers underwent knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline; 16 ACLR participants were re‐imaged 2 years later. Cartilage T2 values in full thickness, superficial layers, and deep layers were quantified in the tibia, femur, trochlear, and patella. Between‐group comparisons at baseline were performed using analysis of covariance adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index. Changes over time in the ACLR group were evaluated using paired sample t‐tests. ACLR participants showed significantly higher (p = 0.03) T2 values in the deep layer of medial femoral condyle at baseline compared to controls (mean difference 4.4 ms [13%], 95%CI 0.4, 8.3 ms). Over 2 years, ACLR participants showed a significant reduction (p = 0.04) in T2 value in the deep layer of lateral tibia (mean change 1.4 ms [−7%], 95%CI 0.04, 2.8 ms). The decrease in T2 values suggests improvement in cartilage composition in the lateral tibia (deep layer) of ACLR participants. Further research with larger ACLR cohorts divided according to meniscal status and matched healthy cohorts are needed to further understand cartilage changes post‐ACLR. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2022–2029, 2018.
Molecular sensitivity of metal nanoparticles decorated graphene‐family nanomaterials as surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) platforms
Authors: Gupta S. , Banaszak A. , Smith T. , Dimakis N.
Published: December 2017

Graphene‐mediated surface enhanced Raman scattering is a recent phenomenon that produces clean and reproducible signals from chemical analytes. In this work, we report on the development of graphene‐family nanomaterials (graphene oxide; GO, reduced GO; rGO, and multilayer graphene; MLG) decorated with physisorbed silver (AgNP) and gold (AuNP) nanoparticles and as layered architectures for detection of methylene blue and rhodamine 6G dyes in view of optical and biological significance. The experimental results illustrate four orders of magnitude graphene‐mediated surface enhanced Raman scattering enhancement in the order rGO/AgNP > GO/AgNP > MLG/AgNP for physisorbed and cascade amplified signal on multilayer architectures, larger than those only on graphene and metal nanoparticles, which is achieved at optimal size of Ag (30 nm) and Au (40 nm) on rGO. Moreover, highly‐sensitive graphene‐decorated nanoparticle are capable of molecular detection over a broad concentration range 10 pM–100 μM. The findings are discussed in terms of (a) strong graphene‐metal nanoparticle coupling leading to local interfacial hybridization and polarization, (b) molecular structural symmetry of analytes in relation to nanoparticle‐graphene functionalities, and (c) effective charge transfer and exchange or sharing of charges between analyte and nanoparticles decorated graphene. Optimized metal nanoparticle‐graphene geometries and electronic properties are determined from density functional theory calculations. They identify preferred metal nanoparticle adsorption sites and long‐range electrostatic interactions and determine relative resonant charge transfer population (alternatively, chemical enhancement mechanism) values derived from the Mulliken population thus gaining insights into effective enhancement factors. These findings will help to design advanced SERS platforms for ultrasensitive detection of chemicals and biological molecules useful in bio‐nanotechnology.
Separation of enantiomers of new psychoactive substances by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Kadkhodaei Kian , Forcher Lisa , Schmid Martin G.
Published: December 2017

New psychoactive substances are defined as compounds with consciousness‐changing effects and have been developed simultaneously with classical drugs. They arise through structural modifications of illegal substances and are mainly produced to circumvent laws. Availability is simple, since new psychoactive substances can be purchased from the Internet. Among them many chemical drug compound classes are chiral and thus the two resulting enantiomers can differ in their effects. The aim of this study is to develop a suitable chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography separation method for a broad spectrum of new psychoactive substances using cellulose tris(3,5‐dichlorophenylcarbamate) as a chiral selector. Experiments were performed by high‐performance liquid chromatography in normal‐phase mode under isocratic conditions using ultraviolet detection. Direct separation was carried out on a high‐performance liquid chromatography column (Lux® i‐Cellulose‐5, 3.5 μm, Phenomenex®), available since 2016. Excellent separation results were obtained for cathinones. After further optimization, even 47 instead of 39 out of 52 cathinones showed baseline separation. For amphetamine derivatives, satisfactory results were not achieved. Further, new psychoactive substances from other compound classes such as benzofuranes, thiophenes, phenidines, phenidates, morpholines, and ketamines were partially resolved, depending on the polarity and degree of substitution. All analytes, which were mainly purchased from the Internet, were proven to be traded as racemates.
Relationship Between Cavum Septi Pellucidi Measurements and Fetal Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome or Dextro‐Transposition of the Great Arteries
Authors: Saadeh Michael , Zhao Yili , Galadima Hadiza , Chaoui Rabih , Sinkovskaya Elena , Abuhamad Alfred
Published: December 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the size and position of the cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) in fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) or dextro‐transposition of the great arteries (d‐TGA) with healthy fetuses.

Methods

The CSP length, CSP width, and frontal lobe length were measured in 185 healthy fetuses (404 scans), 11 fetuses with HLHS (16 scans), and 11 fetuses with d‐TGA (12 scans) between January 2005 and April 2016. Each measurement was compared between healthy fetuses and those with HLHS or d‐TGA, controlling for the biparietal diameter.

Results

Positive correlations were noted between biparietal diameter and CSP length, CSP width, and frontal lobe length (adjusted R2 = 0.811, 0.821, and 0.878, respectively). An increased CSP length was found in both fetuses with HLHS and those with d‐TGA (P < .0001). The CSP width was only increased in fetuses with d‐TGA (P = .0466). No difference in the frontal lobe length was noted.

Conclusions

In fetuses with HLHS, the CSP is increased in length. In fetuses with d‐TGA, the CSP is increased in both length and width.
Complications and Radiologic Features of Breast Augmentation via Injection of Aquafilling Gel
Authors: Son Min Ji , Ko Kyung Hee , Jung Hae Kyoung , Koh Ji Eun , Park Ah Young
Published: December 2017

Many attempts have been made to augment breasts using injectable materials; however, various complications are associated with these materials. Aquafilling gel (Aquafilling, Poděbrady, Czech Republic) is a new soft tissue filler that has been used as an implant material for the face and lip and recently for breast augmentation. This article describes 3 cases of augmentation mammoplasty using Aquafilling gel, focusing on their complications and radiologic features.
“Y Sign” at the Level of the 3‐Vessel and Trachea View: An Effective Fetal Marker of Aortic Dextroposition Anomalies in the First Trimester
Authors: Pasternok Marcin , Nocun Agnieszka , Knafel Anna , Grzesiak Mariusz , Orzechowski Maciej , Konarska Katarzyna , Ludwin Artur , Ludwin Inga , Zymroz Piotr , Parzynska Anna , Wiechec Marcin
Published: December 2017

Objectives

The “Y sign” at the level of the 3‐vessel and trachea view corresponds to thinning of main pulmonary artery and arterial duct and a dilated transverse aortic arch. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Y sign for the diagnosis of aortic dextroposition anomalies at the time of the first‐trimester scan and to assess the screening performance of only the Y sign, only abnormal left axis deviation (axis sign), and their combination for the diagnosis of aortic dextroposition anomalies.

Methods

A prospective evaluation of 6025 pregnant women undergoing first‐trimester ultrasonography was conducted. The cardiac axis was measured in all examined patients and considered abnormal (positive axis sign) at greater than 57 °. The frequency of the Y sign and the axis sign was assessed for this population, and their screening performance for the diagnosis of aortic dextroposition anomalies was calculated.

Results

A total of 5775 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Aortic dextroposition anomalies were diagnosed in 17 cases (tetralogy of Fallot in 8 and Fallot‐like double‐outlet right ventricle in 9). The Y sign was found in 18 of 5775 (0.3%) fetuses examined, of which 7 of 18 were confirmed with tetralogy of Fallot, 9 of 18 with a Fallot‐like double‐outlet right ventricle, and 2 of 18 with pulmonary stenosis. A positive axis sign of greater than 57 ° was found in 20 fetuses, including 4 with normal heart anatomy. The sensitivity values of the Y sign, the axis sign, and their combination were 94%, 76%, and 94%, respectively.

Conclusions

Visualization of the Y sign should increase the suspicion of aortic dextroposition anomalies in the late first trimester. The screening performance of the Y sign alone and in combination with an abnormal cardiac axis was high and may aid in the early diagnosis of aortic dextroposition anomalies in the fetus.
TSR2 Induces laryngeal cancer cell apoptosis through inhibiting NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: He Hong‐Jiang , Bing Han , Liu Guijun
Published: December 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a malignancy that was discovered originally in the epithelial tissue of laryngeal mucosa. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is still not clear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential molecular mechanisms of TSR2 in the LSCC cell apoptosis.

Study Design

The expression of TSR2 was first analyzed in LSCC tissues. Then functional effects of TSR2 on Hep‐2 and AMC‐HN‐8 cell lines were performed by overexpression pcDNA3.1‐TSR2.

Methods

We investigated the expression level of TSR2 in LSCC tissues and cells by performing quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The pcDNA3.1‐TSR2 was constructed to explore the effect of overexpressing TSR2 in Hep‐2 cells and AMC‐HN‐8 cells. We further investigated the effect of overexpressing TSR2 on cell apoptosis‐related protein and nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) p65 nuclear translocation through Western blot and terminal dUTP nick end‐labeling assays.

Results

We found that TSR2 was downregulated in LSSC tissues and cells compared with the controls, and the overexpression of TSR2 in Hep‐2 and AMC‐HN‐8 cells could promote cell apoptosis and related apoptosis proteins. The Western blot/qRT‐PCR data further indicated that overexpression of TSR2 in Hep‐2 and AMC‐HN‐8 cells could lead to a block of NF‐κB signaling pathway via decreasing nuclear NF‐κB p65 and increasing cytoplasm NF‐κB p65. Moreover, overexpression of TSR2 significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of IκBα and IKKα/β.

Conclusions

The results indicated that TSR2‐induced apoptosis was mediated by inhibiting the NF‐κB signaling pathway, which may provide an effective target in gene therapy for LSCC.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:E130–E134, 2018
Aggregating the symptoms of superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome
Authors: Naert Laura , Van de Berg Raymond , Van de Heyning Paul , Bisdorff Alexandre , Sharon Jeffrey D. , Ward Bryan K. , Van Rompaey Vincent
Published: December 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To aggregate symptoms reported by patients with superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) and to develop an evidence‐based symptom set by performing a systematic review of the literature.

Study Design

Database search and critical assessment of research studies.

Methods

Medline and PubMed databases were searched for articles that reported the preoperative symptoms of adult and pediatric patients with unilateral and bilateral SCDS. Articles were excluded if they reported on associated diseases or did not report symptoms.

Results

Of the 397 articles retrieved, 66 were retained for quantitative analysis. Among 431 patients with SCDS, 91 symptom terms were reported. After combining synonymous terms, 22 symptoms were derived by consensus. Of the raw total number of reported symptoms, 92.5% can be attributed to five common symptoms: spontaneous dizziness (51%), autophony (42.5%), pressure‐induced vertigo (37.4%), hearing loss (39.9%), and sound‐induced vertigo (42.7%).

Conclusions

This systematic review of symptoms reported by patients with SCDS identified a 22‐item common symptom set. These items can be used to create an evidence‐based patient‐reported outcome measure to evaluate health‐related quality of life in SCDS.Laryngoscope, 1932–1938, 2018
Down syndrome and pediatric obstructive sleep apnea surgery: A national cohort
Authors: Ong Adrian A. , Atwood Carlyn M. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Teufel Ronald J. , Lal Chitra , LaRosa Angela C. , White David R.
Published: December 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To analyze the trend of sleep surgeries in pediatric patients with Down syndrome (DS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and to compare this to nonsyndromic (NS) children with OSA.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort database analysis.

Methods

Analysis of the 1997 to 2012 editions of the Kid's Inpatient Database was conducted. Using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes, all patients with OSA were identified, and subsequently, subgroups of NS children and children with DS were identified. Trends of the number and types of sleep surgeries were analyzed.

Results

A total of 48,301 and 2,991 sleep surgeries were identified in the NS and DS groups, respectively, during the study period. Tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy was the most common procedure in both groups, but the proportion of tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy decreased over time (P < .01). The proportion of palatal surgery and tracheostomy also decreased significantly, whereas there was an increase in the proportion of lingual tonsillectomies, tongue‐base reduction procedures, and supraglottoplasties performed in both groups over time. The relative rates of change in these procedures were higher in the DS population.

Conclusions

Tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy remains the most commonly performed procedure, although there was a significant increase in other sleep surgeries performed (lingual tonsillectomy, tongue‐base reduction, and supraglottoplasty) between the two study periods, especially in children with DS.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 1963–1969, 2018
Tongue motion variability with changes of upper airway stimulation electrode configuration and effects on treatment outcomes
Authors: Steffen Armin , Kilic Ayse , König Inke R. , Suurna Maria V. , Hofauer Benedikt , Heiser Clemens
Published: December 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Upper airway stimulation (UAS) is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Previous data have demonstrated a correlation between the phenotype of tongue motion and therapy response. Closed loop hypoglossal nerve stimulation implant offers five different electrode configuration settings which may result in different tongue motion.

Study Design

Two‐center, prospective consecutive trial in a university hospital setting.

Methods

Clinical outcomes of 35 patients were analyzed after at least 12 months of device use. Tongue motion was assessed at various electrode configuration settings. Correlation between the tongue motion and treatment response was evaluated.

Results

OSA severity was significantly reduced with the use of UAS therapy (P < .001). Changes in tongue motion patterns were frequently observed (58.8%) with different electrode configuration settings. Most of the patients alternated between right and bilateral protrusion (73.5%), which are considered to be the optimal phenotypes for selective UAS responses. Different voltage settings were required to achieve functional stimulation levels when changing between the electrode settings.

Conclusions

UAS is highly effective for OSA treatment in selected patients with an apnea‐hypopnea index between 15 and 65 events per hour and higher body mass index. Attention should be given to patients with shifting tongue movement in response to change of electrode configuration. The intraoperative cuff placement should be reassessed when tongue movement shifting is observed.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 1970–1976, 2018
Silent aspiration: Who is at risk?
Authors: Velayutham Priatharisiny , Irace Alexandria L. , Kawai Kosuke , Dodrill Pamela , Perez Jennifer , Londahl Monica , Mundy Lauren , Dombrowski Natasha D. , Rahbar Reza
Published: December 2017

Objective

To determine the prevalence of silent aspiration in pediatric patients and identify which diagnoses may be associated with this finding.

Methods

An institutional review board‐approved retrospective review was conducted for all patients under the age of 18 who underwent modified barium swallow (MBS) studies at a tertiary children's hospital in 2015. Speech‐language pathologists reviewed MBS studies to identify aspiration/silent aspiration on each fluid consistency tested. Charts were reviewed to collect demographic information and the otolaryngologic, neurologic, genetic, and syndromic diagnoses of each patient.

Results

Among 1,286 patients who underwent MBS, 440 (34%) demonstrated aspiration. Within the aspiration group, 393 (89%) specifically demonstrated silent aspiration. Thin fluids were silently aspirated in 81% of these patients. Of children aged <6 months, 41% were found to aspirate and, of those, 95% silently aspirated. Median age at which patients demonstrated silent aspiration was 1.1 years. Silent aspiration was documented in 41% of patients with laryngeal cleft, 41% of patients with laryngomalacia, and 54% of patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Laryngeal cleft, laryngomalacia, unilateral vocal fold paralysis, developmental delay, epilepsy/seizures, syndrome, and congenital heart disease were all associated with silent aspiration.

Conclusion

Silent aspiration may be associated with a number of underlying conditions and is more common than previously described. Caregivers and clinicians should be aware that the absence of cough does not eliminate the possibility of aspiration. Modified barium swallow studies can reveal silent aspiration, which is difficult to detect on clinical feeding evaluation. Modified barium swallow findings can guide feeding therapy and the overall management of aspiration.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 1952–1957, 2018
Structural Evolution of UHMWPE Fibers during Prestretching Far and Near Melting Temperature: An In Situ Synchrotron Radiation Small‐ and Wide‐Angle X‐Ray Scattering Study
Authors: Cao Tian , Chen Xiaowei , Lin Yuanfei , Meng Lingpu , Wan Caixia , Lv Fei , Li Liangbin
Published: December 2017

Combining a homemade extension apparatus and the in situ synchrotron radiation small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering methods for measurement, the structural evolutions of gel‐spun ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers during prestretching at temperatures of 25 and 100 °C are investigated, respectively. Lamellar rotation toward the stretching direction occurs before strain hardening, while the folded‐chain crystal destruction and extended‐chain fibril formation processes occur in the strain hardening zone at 25 °C. While at 100 °C, stretching induced crystal melting before the stress plateau region and formation of fibrous crystals at the onset of the stress plateau are observed. Further stretching results in shear displacement of crystal blocks and, finally, destruction of the folded‐chain crystals and formation of extended‐chain fibrils. Prestretching UHMWPE fibers at 100 °C within a certain strain range can produce highly oriented fibrous crystals, which may provide an ideal precursor structure for the poststretching process.
Phosphorus‐Containing Polymer Flame Retardants for Aliphatic Polyesters
Authors: Schwarzer Madeleine , Korwitz Andreas , Komber Hartmut , Häußler Liane , Dittrich Bettina , Schartel Bernhard , Pospiech Doris
Published: December 2017

Polyesters with 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxy‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide‐containing comonomers are synthesized aiming to improve the flame retardancy of aliphatic polyesters such as poly(butylene succinate) and poly(butylene sebacate). The influence of the chemical structure on the thermal decomposition and pyrolysis is examined using a combination of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), TGA‐Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, pyrolysis‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and microscale combustion flow calorimetry. Thermal decomposition pathways are derived and used to select suitable candidates as flame retardants for PBS. The fire behavior of the selected polymers is evaluated by forced‐flaming combustion in a cone calorimeter. The materials show two modes of action for flame retardancy: strong flame inhibition due to the release of a variety of molecules combined with charring in the solid state.
Effect of hay supplementation timing on rumen microbiota in suckling calves
Authors: Lin Xueyan , Wang jian , Hou Qiuling , Wang Yun , Hu Zhiyong , Shi Kerong , Yan Zhengui , Wang Zhonghua
Published: December 2017

An animal feeding trial was conducted on 18 seven‐day‐old Holstein dairy bull calves weighing 42 ± 3 kg each. Calves were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 6 each). The dietary treatments were as follows: (1) milk and starter for the control group (MS), (2) supplementation of oat hay from week 2 on the basis of milk and starter (MSO2), and (3) supplementation of oat hay from week 6 on the basis of milk and starter (MSO6). All animals were fed starter and oat hay ad libitum. The major phyla in the different groups of rumen fluid included Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Euryarchaeota. The major genera were identified, and major genera proportions in the three groups were as follows: Methanobrevibacter (Euryarchaeota), 2.1%, 1.7%, and 2.1%; Olsenella (Actinobacteria), 23.9%, 17.7%, and 12.8%; Prevotella (Bacteroidetes), 10.5%, 16.5%, and 19.2%; Dialister (Firmicutes), 3.3%, 4.1%, and 2.8%; Succiniclasticum (Firmicutes), 3.8%, 4.7%, and 9.2%; and Sharpea (Firmicutes), 0.4%, 2.5%, and 0.2%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the various phyla among the three groups (p > .05). The results showed that calves hay supplementation time did not affect the diversity of the rumen microbiota in the suckling calves. However, the hay supplementation altered the proportion of the various microbial populations, supplementation of oat hay from week 2 on the basis of milk and starter could improve calves rumen pH.
Is it Useful to Classify Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration as Different Disorders? No
Authors: Höglinger Günter U.
Published: December 2017

View Supplementary Video 1
3,4‐diaminopyridine base effectively treats the weakness of Lambert‐Eaton myasthenia
Authors: Sanders Donald B. , Juel Vern C. , Harati Yadollah , Smith A. Gordon , Peltier Amanda C. , Marburger Tessa , Lou Jau‐Shin , Pascuzzi Robert M. , Richman David P. , Xie Tai , Demmel Valentin , Jacobus Laura R. , Aleš Kathy L. , Jacobus David P. ,   The Dapper Study Team
Published: December 2017

Introduction: 3,4‐diaminopyridine has been used to treat Lambert‐Eaton myasthenia (LEM) for 30 years despite the lack of conclusive evidence of efficacy.Methods: We conducted a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled withdrawal study in patients with LEM who had been on stable regimens of 3,4‐diaminopyridine base (3,4‐DAP) for ≥ 3 months. The primary efficacy endpoint was >30% deterioration in triple timed up‐and‐go (3TUG) times during tapered drug withdrawal. The secondary endpoint was self‐assessment of LEM–related weakness (W‐SAS).Results: Thirty‐two participants were randomized to continuous 3,4‐DAP or placebo groups. None of the 14 participants who received continuous 3,4‐DAP had > 30% deterioration in 3TUG time versus 72% of the 18 who tapered to placebo (P < 0.0001). W‐SAS similarly demonstrated an advantage for continuous treatment over placebo (P < 0.0001). Requirement for rescue and adverse events were more common in the placebo group.Discussion: This trial provides significant evidence of efficacy of 3,4‐DAP in the maintenance of strength in LEM.Muscle Nerve57: 561–568, 2018
On matched active redundancy allocation for coherent systems with statistically dependent component lifetimes
Authors: Fang Rui , Li Xiaohu
Published: December 2017

This study addresses the allocation of matched active redundancy components to coherent systems with base components having statistically dependent lifetimes. We consider base component lifetimes and redundancy component lifetimes which are both stochastic arrangement monotone with respect to a pair of components given the lifetimes of the other components. In this context, allocating a more reliable redundancy component to the weaker base component is shown to incur a stochastically larger system lifetime. Numerical examples are presented as an illustration of the theoretical results.
Optimization of mechanical properties of glass‐spheres‐filled polypropylene composites for extrusion‐based additive manufacturing
Authors: Spoerk Martin , Savandaiah Chethan , Arbeiter Florian , Sapkota Janak , Holzer Clemens
Published: December 2017

Polypropylene (PP) parts produced by extrusion‐based additive manufacturing (EB‐AM) suffer from warpage issues due to their high degree of crystallinity and orientations introduced during printing. These issues can be overcome by the addition of spherical fillers. However, the low aspect ratio of the filler and high filling degrees necessary for preventing warpage downgrade the mechanical properties, especially the toughness. This study aims at optimizing a PP‐compound containing spherical glass microspheres for the application in EB‐AM by maximizing the matrix–filler compatibility and therefore the printability, tensile properties and toughness, while still counteracting dimensional inaccuracies. A detailed study on the tensile, fracture, thermal, rheological, and impact properties of various compounds containing different glass types was conducted. It was shown that for EB‐AM applications, PP compounds based on borosilicate glass spheres outperform compounds filled with the conventionally used inorganic soda lime glass. The proposed optimized composite exhibits an exceptional interfacial adhesion between the microspheres and the matrix and a homogeneous filler distribution. It offers an improved processability and tensile properties up to the yield point comparable to those of neat PP. In a concluding impact test on printed composites, the optimized system exhibited impact energies 80% higher than compounds containing the conventionally used glass. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:638–651, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
An effective non‐covalent grafting approach to functionalize carbon fiber with polyethyleneimine in supercritical fluid to enhance the interfacial strength of carbon fiber/epoxy composites
Authors: Ma Lichun , Wu Guangshun , Zhu Yingying , Li Xiaoru , Han Ping , Wang Gang , Song Guojun
Published: December 2017

A facile and effective approach to functionalize carbon fiber (CF) by non‐covalent grafting branched polyethyleneimine (PEI) in conventional and supercritical methods was proposed. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic contact angle analysis (DCA), and single fiber tensile testing were carried out to characterize the CF reinforcements. Interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and transmission electron microscopy were performed to investigate the composites interfacial properties. Experimental results indicated that the non‐covalent grafting polyethyleneimine on CF–COOH increased the polarity, wettability, and roughness of carbon fiber surface. The interfacial shear strength improved significantly using the two methods, especially in supercritical methanol, which further confirmed the previous study. Single fiber tensile strength did not deteriorate owing to the green modification. Moreover, this convenient project was believed to have widely potential applications in high performance composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E2381–E2389, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Changes Related to Age and Calorie Restriction in Rat Liver Tissue
Authors: Kim YounAh , Kwon Oh Kwang , Chae Sehyun , Jung Hee‐Jung , Ahn Sanghyun , Jeon Ju Mi , Sung Eunji , Kim SunJoo , Ki Sung Hwan , Chung Ki Wung , Chung Hae Young , Jung Young Suk , Hwang Dae Hee , Lee Sangkyu
Published: December 2017

Calorie restriction (CR) is the most frequently studied mechanism for increasing longevity, protecting against stress, and delaying age‐associated diseases. Most studies have initiated CR in young animals to determine the protective effects against aging. Although aging phenomena are well‐documented, the molecular mechanisms of aging and CR remain unclear. In this study, we observe changes in hepatic proteins upon age‐related and diet‐restricted changes in the rat liver using quantitative proteomics. Quantitative proteomes are measured using tandem mass tag labeling followed by LC‐MS/MS. We compare protein levels in livers from young (6 months old) and old (25 months old) rats with 40% calorie‐restricted (YCR and OCR, respectively) or ad libitum diets. In total, 44 279 peptides and 3134 proteins are identified and 260 differentially expressed proteins are found. Functional enrichment analysis show that these proteins are mainly involved in glucose and fatty acid metabolism‐related processes, consistent with the theory that energy metabolism regulation is dependent on age‐related and calorie‐restricted changes in liver tissue. In addition, proteins mediating inflammation and gluconeogenesis are increased in OCR livers, but not YCR livers. These results show that CR in old rats might not have antiaging benefits because liver inflammation is increased.
Characterization of the Proteome of Theobroma cacao Beans by Nano‐UHPLC‐ESI MS/MS
Authors: Scollo Emanuele , Neville David , Oruna‐Concha M. Jose , Trotin Martine , Cramer Rainer
Published: December 2017

Cocoa seed storage proteins play an important role in flavour development as aroma precursors are formed from their degradation during fermentation. Major proteins in the beans of Theobroma cacao are the storage proteins belonging to the vicilin and albumin classes. Although both these classes of proteins have been extensively characterized, there is still limited information on the expression and abundance of other proteins present in cocoa beans. This work is the first attempt to characterize the whole cocoa bean proteome by nano‐UHPLC‐ESI MS/MS analysis using tryptic digests of cocoa bean protein extracts. The results of this analysis show that >1000 proteins could be identified using a species‐specific Theobroma cacao database. The majority of the identified proteins were involved with metabolism and energy. Additionally, a significant number of the identified proteins were linked to protein synthesis and processing. Several proteins were also involved with plant response to stress conditions and defence. Albumin and vicilin storage proteins showed the highest intensity values among all detected proteins, although only seven entries were identified as storage proteins. A comparison of MS/MS data searches carried out against larger non‐specific databases confirmed that using a species‐specific database can increase the number of identified proteins, and at the same time reduce the number of false positives. The results of this work will be useful in developing tools that can allow the comparison of the proteomic profile of cocoa beans from different genotypes and geographic origins. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD005586.
Synthesis and properties of ultralow dielectric porous polyimide films containing adamantane
Authors: Lv Pengxia , Dong Zhixin , Dai Xuemin , Wang Hanfu , Qiu Xuepeng
Published: December 2017

A series of novel ultralow dielectric porous polyimide (PI) films containing adamantane groups was prepared via the thermolysis of polyethylene glycol (PEG) oligomers mixed into PI matrix. Scanning electron microscopy results indicated that the porous PI films showed closed pores with an average diameter of 120 ± 10 nm. Good thermal properties with 5% weight loss temperature of 499 °C in air atmosphere and glass transition temperature in excess of 310 °C were shown for porous PI films. Notably, the ultralow dielectric constant of porous PI films with 1.85 at 1 MHz was obtained and revealed via broadband dielectric spectroscopy. The effects of the chemical structure of the PI matrix and PEG content on the decomposition behavior of PEG and the performance of porous films were investigated. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction results indicated that the PI matrix with large d‐spacing generated weaker interactions between the PEG and PI backbone than those of PI matrix with small d‐spacing. As a result, the PEG for the PI matrix with large d‐spacing was completely decomposed. As indicated by the broadband dielectric spectroscopy results, lower dielectric porous PI films were prepared when the PEG contents in the PI matrix increased from 0 to 20 wt %. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 549–559
Polydispersed Powders (Nd3+:YVO4) for Ultra Efficient Random Lasers
Authors: Wetter Niklaus U. , Giehl Julia M. , Butzbach Felix , Anacleto Danilo , Jiménez‐Villar Ernesto
Published: December 2017

Random lasers hold the potential for cheap, coherent light sources that can be miniaturized and molded into any shape with several other added benefits such as speckle‐free imaging; however, they require improvements specifically in terms of efficiency. This paper details for the first time a strategy for increasing the efficiency of a random laser that consists in using smaller particles, trapped between large particles to serve as absorption and gain centers whereas the large particles control mainly the light diffusion into the sample. Measurements of backscattering cone, sample absorption, reflection, and laser emission are used to determine the samples' transport mean free path, fill fractions, laser efficiency, and the average photon path lengths inside the scattering medium for backscattered pump photons. A record slope efficiency of 50% is reached by optimizing pump photon diffusion and absorption in a powder pellet composed by a polydispersed particle size distribution (smaller particles between bigger ones) from a grinded and sieved 1.33 mol% yttrium vanadate doped with neodymium crystal with mean particle size of 54 µm.
A Palladium‐Doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheet with High Peroxidase‐Like Activity: Preparation, Characterization, and Application in Glucose Detection
Authors: Jin Xin , Zhong Yingying , Chen Lian , Xu Liangjun , Wu Yongning , Fu FengFu
Published: December 2017

Herein, a novel palladium‐doped graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet (g‐C3N4‐PdNPs) is reported. The prepared g‐C3N4‐PdNPs has a 6.7 and 14.0 times higher peroxidase‐like activity in comparison with pure Pd nanoparticles (PdNPs) and graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) nanosheets respectively, and can be stably stored for 3 months. The high peroxidase‐like activity make g‐C3N4‐PdNPs effectively catalyze H2O2‐mediation oxidization of 3,3,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine to generate a color change from colorless to blue under lower concentration level and shorter time. The g‐C3N4‐PdNPs can be used as peroxidase mimetic to develop sensitive and specific colorimetric method for the rapid detection of glucose in the serum, and to fabricate a simple and cheap portable test kit for instrument‐free visual detection of glucose in serum. The portable test kit possesses obvious advantages such as low‐cost, short detection time, tiny sample consumption, excellent specificity, and higher visual sensitivity. The visual detection limit of portable test kit is lower than the glucose concentration in the serum of a diabetic. Using portable test kit, the glucose in serum can be visually detected by bare eye observation within 30 min with only 30 µL serum consumption. The success of this study provided a potential approach for low‐cost and instrument‐free “see” diabetes in clinical early diagnosis.
Overcoming the Interfacial Lattice Mismatch: Geometry Control of Gold–Nickel Bimetallic Heteronanostructures
Authors: Li Guangfang Grace , Blom Douglas A. , Pandey Shubham , Koch Robert J. , Misture Scott T. , Phillpot Simon R. , Wang Hui
Published: December 2017

Seed‐mediated heteroepitaxial growth provides a versatile synthetic approach to a diverse set of geometrically distinct bimetallic heteronanostructures. In bimetallic nanocrystal systems, interfacial heteroepitaxial growth typically occurs between structurally similar metals with lattice mismatch below 5%, whereas controlled epitaxial growth of bimetallic nanocrystals comprising metals with larger lattice mismatches or even dissimilar crystalline structures has long been challenging. Here, the epitaxial growth of both face‐centered cubic (fcc) and hexagonal close‐packed (hcp) Ni on fcc Au nanocrystal seeds in polyol solvents is systematically investigated, to shed light on the complex mechanisms underpinning the intriguing geometric evolution of lattice‐mismatched bimetallic nanocrystals during seed‐mediated heteroepitaxial overgrowth. The success in geometry‐controlled syntheses of a series of Au–Ni bimetallic heteronanostructures, such as conformal core–shell nanoparticles, asymmetric heterodimers, and multibranched core–satellite nanocrystals, represents a significant step toward the extension of nanoscale interfacial heteroepitaxy from lattice‐matched bimetallic systems to the ones exhibiting large lattice mismatches and even dissimilar crystalline structures. The insights gained from this work serve as a central design principle that guides the development of new synthetic approaches to architecturally sophisticated and compositionally diverse multimetallic heteronanostructures.
High‐Performance Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysis Enabled by 3D PdNi Nanocorals with Hierarchical Porosity
Authors: Liu Zhenyuan , Yang Xiaoyu , Cui Lirui , Shi Zhaoping , Lu Bingqing , Guo Xiaomeng , Zhang Jubing , Xu Lin , Tang Yawen , Xiang Yan
Published: December 2017

Cost‐effective electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) play pivotal roles in energy conversion and storage processes. Designing a 3D networked bimetallic nanostructure with hierarchical porosity represents a reliable and effective strategy for the advancement of electrocatalysts with greatly improved activity and stability. However, it still remains a tremendous challenge in fabricating such fantastic nanostructure via a feasible and economical approach. Herein, a facile cyanogel‐bridged synthetic strategy is demonstrated to fabricate PdNi 3D nanocorals with hierarchical porosity. The elaborate integration of electronic and geometric effects endows the as‐fabricated PdNi 3D nanocorals with substantially enhanced activity and durability toward the ORR, as compared with the monometallic counterparts (pure Ni and Pd), PdNi nanoparticles, and commercial Pd black catalyst. More importantly, even after 5000 cycles of accelerated durability tests, the PdNi nanocorals can still maintain well in the catalytic activities, composition, and architectural features. It is believed that the as‐synthesized PdNi nanocorals may hold great promise in practical fuel cells and industrial applications. Furthermore, due to its simplicity and scale‐up production capability, the present cyanogel‐bridged synthetic strategy provides an attractive method for achieving other bi/trimetallic nanoalloys with both structural and compositional advantages for diverse electrochemical applications and beyond.
The Impact of the Glomerular Filtration Rate on the Human Plasma Proteome
Authors: Christensson Anders , Ash Jessica A. , DeLisle Robert K. , Gaspar Fraser W. , Ostroff Rachel , Grubb Anders , Lindström Veronica , Bruun Laila , Williams Steve A.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The application of proteomics in chronic kidney disease (CKD) can potentially uncover biomarkers and pathways that are predictive of disease.

Experimental design

Within this context, this study examines the relationship between the human plasma proteome and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) as measured by iohexol clearance in a cohort from Sweden (n = 389; GFR range: 8–100 mL min–1/1.73 m2). A total of 2893 proteins are quantified using a modified aptamer assay.

Results

A large proportion of the proteome is associated with GFR, reinforcing the concept that CKD affects multiple physiological systems (individual protein–GFR correlations listed here). Of these, cystatin C shows the most significant correlation with GFR (rho = –0.85, p = 1.2 × 10−97), establishing strong validation for the use of this biomarker in CKD diagnostics. Among the other highly significant protein markers are insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 6, neuroblastoma suppressor of tumorigenicity 1, follistatin‐related protein 3, trefoil factor 3, and beta‐2 microglobulin. These proteins may indicate an imbalance in homeostasis across a variety of cellular processes, which may be underlying renal dysfunction.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Overall, this study represents the most extensive characterization of the plasma proteome and its relation to GFR to date, and suggests the diagnostic and prognostic value of proteomics for CKD across all stages.
Impact of Cascade Number on the Thermal Properties of Broad‐Area Quantum Cascade Lasers
Authors: Aleksandrova Anna , Flores Yuri V. , Kurlov Sergii S. , Semtsiv Mykhaylo P. , Masselink W. Ted
Published: December 2017

In this article the operation and thermal conductance of a series of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) emitting at 4.6 μm grown with between 5 and 30 cascades in the active region is analyzed. A reduced number of cascades, but with fixed active region design, results in larger threshold current density but lower threshold power density. An analysis of the temperature gradient in the active region implies that for continuous‐wave QCL operation, using fewer than 15 cascades in the active region is advantageous, especially for broad‐area structures. We demonstrate a QCL with 10 cascades operating in continuous‐wave mode at room temperature emitting 0.9 W from a 4 mm × 30 μm stripe.
Microstructure Characterization of Multilayer Thin Coatings ZrN/Si3N4 by X‐Ray Diffraction Using Noncoplanar Measurement Geometry
Authors: Vlasenko Svetlana , Benediktovitch Andrei , Ulyanenkov Alex , Uglov Vladimir , Abadias Grégory , O'Connell Jacques , van Vuuren Arno Janse
Published: December 2017

The structural characterization of multilayer thin coatings is performed by X‐ray diffraction using a noncoplanar measurement geometry. The application of such a measurement geometry enables a reliable and comprehensive microstructural analysis of the material comparing to other measurement geometries due to the accessibility to a larger number of measured Bragg reflections. The important advantage of noncoplanar geometry is a measurement setup without tilting and rotating the sample. A set of profiles for different Bragg reflections is measured for several multilayer coatings with different thicknesses of individual layers; the obtained profiles are combined into a single scan for the simultaneous fittingby a theoretical curve. The broadening of the diffraction profiles is considered to be affected by a small grain size and instrumental effects, with the grains being modeled by ellipsoidal shape with two equal in‐plane axes. Based on the proposed fitting procedure, the microstructural parameters of multilayer coatings are evaluated, including the grains size in parallel and normal to the surface directions. The dependence of evaluated grains size on the measurement direction confirms the validity of the selected grains model. The microstructural parameters evaluated from noncoplanar X‐ray diffraction show a good agreement with those obtained from HRTEM and STEM techniques.
Improved Coercivity of Solvothermally Grown Hematite (α‐Fe2O3) and Hematite/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites (α‐Fe2O3/GO) at Low Temperature
Authors: Satheesh M. , Paloly Abdul Rasheed , Krishna Sagar C. K. , Suresh K. G. , Bushiri M. Junaid
Published: December 2017

α‐Fe2O3 and α‐Fe2O3/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites are synthesized by solvothermal method in acetonitrile medium at 200 °C. XRD studies reveals the formation of α‐Fe2O3 and α‐Fe2O3/GO nanocomposites. Raman studies indicate that GO in α‐Fe2O3/GO system was more disordered than GO. The enhanced low temperature magnetic saturation and coercivity in α‐Fe2O3 and α‐Fe2O3/GO are related to frozen canted spins. Blocking temperature of α‐Fe2O3/GO is 348 K, which also shows higher coercivity of the order of about 3064 Oe at 5 K. The α‐Fe2O3/GO composite exhibits thermal hysteresis at Morin transition (ΔTM = 11 K).
Production and Characterization of Magnesium‐Doped Copper Chromite Fibers
Authors: Kaya Ismail C. , Akyildiz Hasan
Published: December 2017

In this study, Mg‐doped CuCr1−xMgxO2 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05) fibers are synthesized via electrospinning process followed by a two‐step heat treatment in air and Ar atmospheres. The produced samples are all crystalline with a fiber diameter ranging from 120 to 140 nm. The effect of Mg2+ substitution for Cr3+ on the structural, morphological, and optical properties of CuCrO2 fibers is investigated systematically. Structural characterizations indicate that the solubility limit of Mg2+ is around 3 at.% and beyond this concentration the formation of MgO phase is observed. This also leads to the formation of Cu cations with (+2) oxidation state. In addition, the incorporation of Mg into the CuCrO2 lattice hinders the formation of perfect hexagonal‐shaped isolated grains and contribute to the preservation of fiber morphology after the final sintering step. Further, the optical transmittance in the visible range decreases with increasing Mg‐doping ratio. The corresponding optical band gaps are determined to be 3.53, 3.47, 3.30, and 3.22 eV, respectively, for x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05.