bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Engineering of CHO cells for the production of vertebrate recombinant sialyltransferases
Authors: Houeix Benoit , Cairns Michael T. 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundSialyltransferases (SIATs) are a family of enzymes that transfer sialic acid (Sia) to glycan chains on glycoproteins, glycolipids, and oligosaccharides. They play key roles in determining cell–cell and cell-matrix interactions and are important in neuronal development, immune regulation, protein stability and clearance. Most fully characterized SIATs are of mammalian origin and these have been used for in vitro and in vivo modification of glycans. Additional versatility could be achieved by the use of animal SIATs from other species that live in much more variable environments. Our aim was to generate a panel of stable CHO cell lines expressing a range of vertebrate SIATs with different physicochemical and functional properties.MethodsThe soluble forms of various animal ST6Gal and ST3Gal enzymes were stably expressed from a Gateway-modified secretion vector in CHO cells. The secreted proteins were IMAC-purified from serum-free media. Functionality of the protein was initially assessed by lectin binding to the host CHO cells. Activity of purified proteins was determined by a number of approaches that included a phosphate-linked sialyltransferase assay, HILIC-HPLC identification of sialyllactose products and enzyme-linked lectin assay (ELLA).ResultsA range of sialyltransferase from mammals, birds and fish were stably expressed in CHO Flp-In cells. The stable cell lines expressing ST6Gal1 modify the glycans on the surface of the CHO cells as detected by fluorescently labelled lectin microscopy. The catalytic domains, as isolated by Ni Sepharose from culture media, have enzymatic activities comparable to commercial enzymes. Sialyllactoses were identified by HILIC-HPLC on incubation of the enzymes from lactose or whey permeate. The enzymes also increased SNA-I labelling of asialofetuin when incubated in a plate format.ConclusionStable cell lines are available that may provide options for the in vivo sialylation of glycoproteins. Proteins are active and should display a variety of biological and physicochemical properties based on the animal source of the enzyme.
Tracking reveals behavioural coordination driven by environmental constraints in the Black‐vented Shearwater Puffinus opisthomelas
Authors: Soldatini Cecilia , Albores‐Barajas Yuri V. , Ramos‐Rodriguez Alejandro , Munguia‐Vega Adrian , González‐Rodríguez Eduardo , Catoni Carlo , Dell'Omo Giacomo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDuring the breeding season, seabird foraging trips are constrained by nest attendance schedule and are necessarily colony centred. Oceanographic cues play a major role in the choice of foraging areas to minimize the time spent away from the nest. Here, we analysed the foraging tracks of Black‐vented Shearwaters Puffinus opisthomelas during the incubation and chick‐rearing periods of 2016 and 2017 at Isla Natividad (Mexico). We applied expectation‐maximization binary clustering to track data to clusterize different behaviour patterns during foraging flights. We then applied binary generalized linear mixed models to characterize of foraging areas based on of environmental variables. We finally used kernel estimation techniques to describe main foraging areas. In 2016, breeding shearwaters used two core areas for foraging and resting on the water; the core area delineated by males was located northward from the colony in the Vizcaino Bay and the core area for females was located southward from the colony at the entrance of San Ignacio Lagoon. In 2017, males and females used the same areas with no evident segregation. Our study provided the first information on Black‐vented Shearwater foraging areas during the breeding season and indicated that sexual segregation within coastal waters off the central Baja California Peninsula might be a foraging strategy during years of warmer ocean, likely less productive regimes. Factors including ocean‐climate‐mediated sexual segregation at sea, leading to interannual variation in foraging areas, should be considered when evaluating management actions intended to protect critical foraging habitats for Black‐vented Shearwaters.
Timing of Abatacept Before Elective Arthroplasty and Risk of Postoperative Outcomes
Authors: George Michael D. , Baker Joshua F. , Winthrop Kevin , Alemao Evo , Chen Lang , Connolly Sean , Hsu Jesse Y. , Simon Teresa A. , Wu Qufei , Xie Fenglong , Yang Shuo , Curtis Jeffrey R. 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveGuidelines recommend withholding biologic therapies before hip and knee arthroplasty, yet evidence to inform optimal timing is limited. The aim of this study was to determine whether withholding abatacept infusions is associated with lower risk of adverse postoperative outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study, which used US Medicare and Truven MarketScan administrative data from January 2006 to September 2015, evaluated adults with rheumatoid arthritis who received intravenous abatacept (precisely dated in claims data) within 6 months of elective primary or revision hip or knee arthroplasty. Propensity weighted analyses using inverse probability weights compared the risk of 30‐day hospitalized infection and 1‐year prosthetic joint infection (PJI) between patients with different abatacept stop timing (time between last infusion and surgery). Secondary analyses evaluated nonurinary hospitalized infections and 30‐day readmissions.ResultsAfter 1,939 surgeries among 1,780 patients, there were 175 hospitalized infections (9.0%), 115 nonurinary hospitalized infections (5.9%), 39 PJIs (2.4/100 person‐years), and 114/1,815 30‐day readmissions (6.3%). There were no significant differences in outcomes with abatacept stop timing <4 weeks (1 dosing interval) versus 4–8 weeks (hospitalized infection odds ratio [OR] 0.93 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.65–1.34]; nonurinary hospitalized infection OR 0.93 [95% CI 0.60–1.44]; PJI hazard ratio 1.29 [95% CI 0.62–2.69]; 30‐day readmission OR 1.00 [95% CI 0.65–1.54]). Similarly, there were no significant differences in outcomes with abatacept stop timing <4 weeks versus ≥8 weeks. Glucocorticoid use >7.5 mg/day was associated with greater risk of hospitalized infection (OR 2.19 [95% CI 1.28–3.77]) and nonurinary hospitalized infection (OR 2.38 [95% CI 1.22–4.64]).ConclusionCompared to continuing intravenous abatacept, withholding abatacept for ≥4 weeks (one dosing interval) before surgery was not associated with a lower risk of hospitalized infection, nonurinary hospitalized infection, PJI, or 30‐day readmission.
Automated Text Message–Enhanced Monitoring Versus Routine Monitoring in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Kuusalo Laura , Sokka‐Isler Tuulikki , Kautiainen Hannu , Ekman Päivi , Kauppi Markku J. , Pirilä Laura , Rannio Tuomas , Uutela Toini , Yli‐Kerttula Timo , Puolakka Kari ,   for the SandRA Study Group
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveFrequent monitoring of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is required for achieving good outcomes. This study was undertaken to investigate the influence of text message (SMS)–enhanced monitoring on early RA outcomes.MethodsWe randomized 166 patients with early, disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug–naive RA to receive SMS‐enhanced follow‐up or routine care. All patients attended visits at 0, 3, and 6 months, and a follow‐up visit at 12 months. Treatment was at the physicians’ discretion. The intervention included 13 SMSs during weeks 0–24 with questions concerning medication problems (yes/no) and disease activity (patient global assessment [PtGA], scale 0–10). Patients were contacted if response SMSs indicated medication problems or PtGA exceeded predefined thresholds. Primary outcome was 6‐month Boolean remission (no swollen or tender joints and normal C‐reactive protein levels). Quality of life (QoL; measured by the Short Form 36 survey) and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) were assessed.ResultsSix and 12‐month follow‐up data were available for 162 and 157 patients, respectively. In the intervention group, 46% of the patients (38 of 82) reported medication problems and 49% (40 of 82) reported text message PtGAs above the alarm limit. Remission rates at 6 months (P = 0.34) were 51% in the intervention group and 42% in the control group. These rates were 57% and 43% at 12 months (P = 0.17) in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The respective mean ± SD DAS28 scores for the intervention and control groups were 1.92 ± 1.12 and 2.22 ± 1.11 at 6 months (P = 0.09); and 1.79 ± 0.91 and 2.08 ± 1.22 at 12 months (P = 0.28). No differences in QoL were observed.ConclusionThe study did not meet the primary outcome despite a trend favoring the intervention group. This may be explained by the notably high overall remission rates.
Three Quality Improvement Initiatives and Performance of Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Measures in Electronic Health Records: Results From an Interrupted Time Series Study
Authors: Gandrup Julie , Li Jing , Izadi Zara , Gianfrancesco Milena , Ellingsen Torkell , Yazdany Jinoos , Schmajuk Gabriela 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveApplying treat‐to‐target strategies in the care of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is critical for improving outcomes, yet electronic health records (EHRs) have few features to facilitate this goal. We undertook this study to evaluate the effect of 3 health information technology (health‐IT) initiatives on the performance of RA disease activity measures and outcomes in an academic rheumatology clinic.MethodsWe implemented the 3 following initiatives designed to facilitate performance of the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI): an EHR flowsheet to input scores, peer performance reports, and an EHR SmartForm including a CDAI calculator. We performed an interrupted time‐series trial to assess effects on the proportion of RA visits with a documented CDAI. Mean CDAI scores before and after the last initiative were compared using t‐tests. Additionally, we measured physician satisfaction with the initiatives.ResultsWe included data from 995 patients with 8,040 encounters between 2012 and 2017. Over this period, electronic capture of CDAI scores increased from 0% to 64%. Performance remained stable after peer reporting and the SmartForm were introduced. We observed no meaningful changes in disease activity levels. However, physician satisfaction increased after SmartForm implementation.ConclusionModifications to the EHR, provider culture, and clinical workflows effectively improved capture of RA disease activity scores and physician satisfaction, but parallel gains in disease activity levels were missing. This study illustrates how a series of health‐IT initiatives can evolve to enable sustained changes in practice. However, capture of RA outcomes alone may not be sufficient to improve levels of disease activity without a comprehensive treat‐to‐target program.
Scalable Production of Graphene Inks via Wet‐Jet Milling Exfoliation for Screen‐Printed Micro‐Supercapacitors
Authors: Bellani Sebastiano , Petroni Elisa , Del Rio Castillo Antonio Esau , Curreli Nicola , Martín‐García Beatriz , Oropesa‐Nuñez Reinier , Prato Mirko , Bonaccorso Francesco 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe miniaturization of energy storage units is pivotal for the development of next‐generation portable electronic devices. Micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs) hold great potential to work as on‐chip micro‐power sources and energy storage units complementing batteries and energy harvester systems. Scalable production of supercapacitor materials with cost‐effective and high‐throughput processing methods is crucial for the widespread application of MSCs. Here, wet‐jet milling exfoliation of graphite is reported to scale up the production of graphene as a supercapacitor material. The formulation of aqueous/alcohol‐based graphene inks allows metal‐free, flexible MSCs to be screen‐printed. These MSCs exhibit areal capacitance (Careal) values up to 1.324 mF cm−2 (5.296 mF cm−2 for a single electrode), corresponding to an outstanding volumetric capacitance (Cvol) of 0.490 F cm−3 (1.961 F cm−3 for a single electrode). The screen‐printed MSCs can operate up to a power density above 20 mW cm−2 at an energy density of 0.064 µWh cm−2. The devices exhibit excellent cycling stability over charge–discharge cycling (10 000 cycles), bending cycling (100 cycles at a bending radius of 1 cm) and folding (up to angles of 180°). Moreover, ethylene vinyl acetate‐encapsulated MSCs retain their electrochemical properties after a home‐laundry cycle, providing waterproof and washable properties for prospective application in wearable electronics.
Encapsulation of Noble Metal Nanoparticles through Seeded Emulsion Polymerization as Highly Stable Plasmonic Systems
Authors: Scarabelli Leonardo , Schumacher Marius , Jimenez de Aberasturi Dorleta , Merkl Jan‐Philip , Henriksen‐Lacey Malou , Milagres de Oliveira Thais , Janschel Marcus , Schmidtke Christian , Bals Sara , Weller Horst , Liz‐Marzán Luis M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe implementation of plasmonic nanoparticles in vivo remains hindered by important limitations such as biocompatibility, solubility in biological fluids, and physiological stability. A general and versatile protocol is presented, based on seeded emulsion polymerization, for the controlled encapsulation of gold and silver nanoparticles. This procedure enables the encapsulation of single nanoparticles as well as nanoparticle clusters inside a protecting polymer shell. Specifically, the efficient coating of nanoparticles of both metals is demonstrated, with final dimensions ranging between 50 and 200 nm, i.e., sizes of interest for bio‐applications. Such hybrid nanocomposites display extraordinary stability in high ionic strength and oxidizing environments, along with high cellular uptake, and low cytotoxicity. Overall, the prepared nanostructures are promising candidates for plasmonic applications under biologically relevant conditions.
Encapsulation of Printable Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cells Enables High Temperature and Long‐Term Outdoor Stability
Authors: Fu Zhengyang , Xu Mi , Sheng Yusong , Yan Zhibing , Meng Jun , Tong Changheng , Li Da , Wan Zhining , Ming Yue , Mei Anyi , Hu Yue , Rong Yaoguang , Han Hongwei 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPerovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved high power conversion efficiency on the lab scale, rivaling the other commercialized photovoltaic technologies. However, stability issues have made it difficult for PSCs to achieve comparable or practical lifetimes in outdoor applications. Here, three different types of hot melt films (polyurethane, PU; polyolefin, POE; and ethylene vinyl acetate, EVA) together with glass sheets are employed to encapsulate printable PSCs. The influence of thermal stress and the encapsulation (lamination) process on cell performance is investigated. It is found that POE and EVA, which are the typical encapsulants for silicon and thin film solar cells, are not suitable for the encapsulation of PSCs due to a high laminating temperature (>130 °C) or corrosion of the perovskite absorber. By contrast, encapsulation with PU can be carried out at a relatively mild temperature of 80 °C, and significantly enhance the thermal stability of the cells. When this encapsulation method is applied to large‐area (substrate area 100 cm2) printable PSC submodules, the submodules can maintain 97.52% of the initial efficiency after 2136 h under outdoor conditions (location: 39°19′48″N 114°37′26″E). This work demonstrates the potential of industrially relevant encapsulation techniques to enable the commercial viability of PSCs.
Extraordinary Sensitivity of Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of Molecules on MoS2 (WS2) Nanodomes/Graphene van der Waals Heterostructure Substrates
Authors: Ghopry Samar A. , Alamri Mohammed A. , Goul Ryan , Sakidja Ridwan , Wu Judy Z. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTwo‐dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs)/graphene van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures integrate the superior light–solid interaction in TMDs and charge mobility in graphene, and therefore are promising for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Herein, a novel TMD (MoS2 and WS2) nanodome/graphene vdW heterostructure SERS substrate, on which an extraordinary SERS sensitivity is achieved, is reported. Using fluorescent Rhodamine 6G (R6G) as probe molecules, the SERS sensitivity is in the range of 10−11 to 10−12 m on the TMD nanodomes/graphene vdW heterostructure substrates using 532 nm Raman excitation, which is comparable to the best sensitivity reported so far using plasmonic metal nanostructures/graphene SERS substrates, and is more than three orders of magnitude higher than that on single‐layer TMD and graphene substrates. Density functional theory simulation reveals enhanced electric dipole moments and dipole–dipole interaction at the TMD/graphene vdW interface, yielding an effective means to facilitate an external electrostatic perturbation on the graphene surface and charge transfer. This not only promotes chemical enhancement on SERS, but also enables electromagnetic enhancement of SERS through the excitation of localized surface plasmonic resonance on the TMD nanodomes. This TMD nanodome/graphene vdW heterostructure is therefore promising for commercial applications in high‐performance optoelectronics and sensing.
Manipulation of Bi3+/In3+ Transmutation and Mn2+‐Doping Effect on the Structure and Optical Properties of Double Perovskite Cs2NaBi1‐xInxCl6
Authors: Zhou Jun , Rong Ximing , Zhang Peng , Molokeev Maxim S. , Wei Peijia , Liu Quanlin , Zhang Xiuwen , Xia Zhiguo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe halide double perovskite family represented by A2(B+,B3+)X6 can overcome the lead toxicity and enable generally large band gap engineering via B/B sites' transmutation or exotic dopants to fulfill the emerging applications in the optoelectronic fields. Herein, the design and the experimental synthesis of a new family of Mn2+‐doped Cs2NaBi1‐xInxCl6 crystals with an intense orange‐yellow emission band are reported, and the phase formation stability is discussed via a combined experimental–theoretical approach. Depending on the manipulation of Bi3+/In3+ combination, the band gap increases with In3+ content, and a subsequent evolution from indirect to direct band gap is verified. First‐principles calculations and parity analyses indicate a parity forbidden effect on Cs2NaInCl6, and a combination effect of absorption on Cs2NaBi1‐xInxCl6 from both Cs2NaBiCl6 and Cs2NaInCl6. The associated Mn2+‐doped photoluminescence depending on the Bi3+/In3+ substitution is also addressed from the variation of the different Mn–Cl environment and neighboring‐cation effect.
Efficient Direct Synthesis of Aziridine‐Containing Chiral Tridentate Ligands by the Iminium‐Mediated Self‐Ring Opening Reaction of Enantiopure Aziridines and Salicylaldehydes
Authors: Chen Xingpeng , Lin Chao , Du Hongguang , Xu Jiaxi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAn efficient method for the direct synthesis of aziridine‐containing chiral tridentate ligands was developed from enantiopure aziridines and salicylaldehydes. The method achieved the regiospecific cleavage of more substituted C−N bonds of aziridines through an iminium‐mediated self‐ring opening reaction of aziridines with up to 95% yield and complete inversion of configuration. The (S)‐2‐alkylaziridine‐derived tridentate ligands displayed excellent activity and stereoselectivity in the zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate‐catalyzed asymmetric aldol reactions of acetone and aromatic aldehydes.magnified image
Latest Advances in Cryogel Technology for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Memic Adnan , Colombani Thibault , Eggermont Loek J. , Rezaeeyazdi Mahboobeh , Steingold Joseph , Rogers Zach J. , Navare Kasturi Joshi , Mohammed Halimatu S. , Bencherif Sidi A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThere exists a technological need for advanced materials with improved properties for emerging biomedical applications. Recent developments in macroporous materials have demonstrated their applicability as indispensable tools in biomedical research. Cryogels, which are materials with a macroporous 3D structure, are produced as a result of controlled freezing during polymerization with a highly interconnected polymer network. Cryogels’ interest lies in their ability to address some of the limitations of their hydrogel analogues. In this review, hydrogel and cryogel basic concepts are discussed as a short primer for readers unfamiliar with the cryogels literature. Next, a general overview of the methods for synthesis and characterization of cryogels is provided, highlighting key concepts relevant to cryogels and explaining their unique properties. Finally an in‐depth overview of specific technologies and fields where cryogels have been applied is given. It is argued that the latest advances in cryogel technologies are able to address challenges in bioseparation, tissue engineering, and other emerging bioengineering disciplines.
Toward the Application of High Frequency Electromagnetic Wave Absorption by Carbon Nanostructures
Authors: Li Qi , Zhang Zheng , Qi Luping , Liao Qingliang , Kang Zhuo , Zhang Yue 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWith the booming development of electronic information technology, the problems caused by electromagnetic (EMs) waves have gradually become serious, and EM wave absorption materials are playing an essential role in daily life. Carbon nanostructures stand out for their unique structures and properties compared with the other absorption materials. Graphene, carbon nanotubes, and other special carbon nanostructures have become especially significant as EM wave absorption materials in the high‐frequency range. Moreover, various nanocomposites based on carbon nanostructures and other lossy materials can be modified as high‐performance absorption materials. Here, the EM wave absorption theories of carbon nanostructures are introduced and recent advances of carbon nanostructures for high‐frequency EM wave absorption are summarized. Meanwhile, the shortcomings, challenges, and prospects of carbon nanostructures for high‐frequency EM wave absorption are presented. Carbon nanostructures are typical EM wave absorption materials being lightweight and having broadband properties. Carbon nanostructures and related nanocomposites represent the developing orientation of high‐performance EM wave absorption materials.
Next‐Generation Additive Manufacturing of Complete Standalone Sodium‐Ion Energy Storage Architectures
Authors: Down Michael P. , Martínez‐Periñán Emiliano , Foster Christopher W. , Lorenzo Encarnación , Smith G. C. , Banks Craig E. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe first entirely AM/3D‐printed sodium‐ion (full‐cell) battery is reported herein, presenting a paradigm shift in the design and prototyping of energy‐storage architectures. AM/3D‐printing compatible composite materials are developed for the first time, integrating the active materials NaMnO2 and TiO2 within a porous supporting material, before being AM/3D‐printed into a proof‐of‐concept model based upon the basic geometry of commercially existing AA battery designs. The freestanding and completely AM/3D‐fabricated device demonstrates a respectable performance of 84.3 mAh g−1 with a current density of 8.43 mA g−1; note that the structure is typically comprised of 80% thermoplastic, but yet, still works and functions as an energy‐storage platform. The AM/3D‐fabricated device is critically benchmarked against a battery developed using the same active materials, but fabricated via a traditional manufacturing method utilizing an ink‐based/doctor‐bladed methodology, which is found to exhibit a specific capacity of 98.9 mAh m−2 (116.35 mAh g−1). The fabrication of fully AM/3D‐printed energy‐storage architectures compares favorably with traditional approaches, with the former providing a new direction in battery manufacturing. This work represents a paradigm shift in the technological and design considerations in battery and energy‐storage architectures.